bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vo2Max and Agility to Futsal Dribbling Technique Skills
Authors: Muhamad Anggie Haryesa  , Fatah Nurdin  , Iman Sulaiman
Published: January 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of VO2max and agility on basic futsal technical skills. This study is a regression correlation study on how much influence the VO2max variable and the agility variable have on dribbling skills. The study population was the students who took futsal extracurricular activities at SMP Negeri 9 Malang. The samples were taken by random sampling. The number of samples used was 35 students who took futsal extracurricular activities. The results of this research partially indicate that there is a negative and significant effect (p> 0.05) of VO2max on ball dribbling skills as indicated by the t test results of -8.969 with a regression coefficient of -0.135, and agility towards ball dribbling skills is shown from the t test results of 2,416 with a regression coefficient of 2,333. There is a significant effect (p <0.05) of agility on ball dribbling skills as indicated by the t test results of 2.416 with a regression coefficient of 0.106. Meanwhile, simultaneously (simultaneously) on the ball dribbling skills a significant effect is shown by the F value of 51.477. Based on the results of data analysis in research on VO2max and agility towards ball dribbling skills, it can be concluded that collectively (simultaneously) there is a significant effect on the level of cardiovascular endurance (VO2Max) and Agility on the dribbling skills of futsal extracurricular members of SMP Negeri 9 Malang.
BADMINTON SMASH SKILL TRAINING MODEL FOR HIGH SCHOOL BEGINNERS STUDENTS
Authors: Dahniar Widya Puspita Dewi  , Widiastuti  , Samsudin
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to produce a product form of a badminton smash skill training model for high school beginners students (SMA) and to test the effectiveness of the developed training model. The author uses a development research design that adopts the development design of the ADDIE method (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) by including high school athletes with the criteria and requirements for beginner athletes aged 14-17 years. At the model feasibility stage, 30 subjects were included to apply the model, 3 badminton experts were used as the validity of each model item, while at the effectiveness test stage 90 subjects were included. Data analysis was carried out descriptively qualitatively through documentation, interviews, and observations, while quantitative data to determine the difference in average skills was carried out using a paired sample test which was analyzed using SPSS-26. The correlation coefficient value is 0.331 with a significance value of 0.014, and the significance of the difference in t-count shows = -21.974, db = 43 and p-value = 0.00 < 0.05, meaning that there is a significant difference in athlete skills before and after being given the developed training model. It was concluded that the model could be developed and applied in practicing badminton smash skills; and a model that is made effective to improve the smash skills of beginner athletes at the high school level.
LEARNING MODEL THROWS CATCH IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN OF LOWER GRADE AGE
Authors: Arya Putra Arya Dinata , Widiastuti  , Hernawan
Published: January 2022

This study aims to produce a catch and catch learning model for elementary school students. This study used a research and development method by Borg And Gall by using 10 stages where the subjects in this study were elementary school students of lower class age in the Kepahiang district. This study produced 21 Throw Catch Learning Models which are effective for improving the learning outcomes of catch and catch in elementary school students where this learning model has been validated first by a validation team consisting of one physical education teacher and two physical education teachers, based on the results of the small group test. and the results of the large group test of the learning model developed were declared valid and feasible to be used in catch-catch learning.
DRIBBLING FUTSAL TRAINING MODEL BASED ON GAME FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Authors: Achmad Alfi Suryanata  , Pelana Ramdan , Setiakarnawijaya Yasep
Published: January 2022

The goal to be achieved from this research and development is to produce a model of gameplay futsal dribbling skill-based skill training for senior high school. This research and development are conducted to get information about the development and implementation of the model of game-based futsal dribbling skill training for senior high school and to know the effectiveness of the resulting model. This research uses Research & Development (R & D) method from ADDIE. Subjects in this study were senior high school students who followed extracurricular futsal consisting of 60 children. The steps in this study are: analysis of the product to be created, designing the initial product description, developing a product framework that has been designed, implementing products that have been made with expert validation tests and testing them in large groups, and finally evaluating and testing the effectiveness of the product. The model effectiveness test uses the futsal dribbling skill test which is used to know the level of dribbling ability of the child before and after the treatment of the dribbling skill training model developed. Preliminary tests performed obtained level of dribbling ability of students is 11.3. After given treatment dribbling exercise model obtained the level of dribbling ability of students 10.1. On the significant test the difference with spss 20 obtained mean = 1.16217 shows the difference of pre-test results and post-test results, t-hitung = 18.666 df = 59 and p-value = 0.00 <0.05 which means there is a significant difference between before and after being given a modeling practice of skill futsal dribbling. This model of game-based futsal dribbling skills training for senior high school is effective for improving futsal dribbling skills for senior high school.
THE FUTSAL DEFENSE SYSTEM MODEL FOR 14-16 YEARS OLD
Authors: Lesmanaumar Lesmana , Iman Sulaiman  , Hernawan
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this research is to produce a futsal defense system model for 14-16 years olds and to test the effectiveness of the futsal defense model for 14-16 years olds. The method used in this research is research and development. Data collection techniques used, interviews, tests, and field observations. The results of the product effectiveness test by comparing the two groups. the treatment group using the product development, and the control group using the pretest and posttest designs. The mean score of each group based on the test is that the effectiveness of the experimental group is higher than that of the control group. The improvement of the futsal defense system for ages 14-16 years at the time of the pre-test showed t-count = 22, 219,> t-table = 1.70329, df = 27 and p-value = 0.00 <0.005. Based on the comparison of the test results. the increase in test results for the experimental group increased significantly than that of the control group. The subjects in this study were MC Utama athletes aged 14-16 years. It is hoped that this research can provide benefits for sports practitioners, especially in the sport of futsal.

Key words : Futsal, a futsal defense system model
THE GAME-BASED CRICKET BOWLING SKILL EXERCISE MODEL FOR CHILDREN AGES 12-15 YEARS
Authors: Eduard Edenyce Krismartini , Widiastuti Widiatuti , Lubis Johansyah
Published: January 2022

Abstract. The aim of this study is to produce a game-based cricket bowling skill exercise model by testing the effectiveness of improving bowling skills in children aged 12-15 years. The method used in this study is research and development from Borg and Gall by using 10 stages. The research subjects for group trials and effectiveness are (1) small group trials of 16 children at SD Negeri 15 Pagi Pondok Bambu, (2) large group trials of 25 children at SMP Negeri 2 Kebakkramat, and (3) tests effectiveness of 40 children at Karanganyar Cricket Club.The data collection technique used is the result of expert validation and effectiveness test through an assessment instrument with t-test statistical data analysis. The validity test used by expert justification test, presented 3 experts consisting of: 1 games lecturer, 1 cricket lecturer, and 1 national cricket coach. The final model is produced 15 bowling cricket skill exercise models. The effectiveness test model uses the skills results of cricket bowling. The improvement of bowling cricket skills results showed a significance of t count=14,512, db=39 and p-value=0.00<0.05, which means that there is a significant difference between before and after being given the training model treatment, the pre-test average was 2.23 smaller than the post-test average is 4.47. It can be concluded that the game-based cricket bowling skill training model developed is quite effective for improving bowling skills in children aged 12-15 years.
THE EFFECT OF ANXIETY, CONFIDENCE, AND MOTIVATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL REFEREE PROVINCE OF NORTH SUMATRA
Authors: Marpaung Arie Favian Syahmar , Sudradjat Wiradihardja  , Kurnia Tahki
Published: January 2022

This study aims to determine whether there is a significant effect between the exogenous variables of anxiety, confidence, and motivation with the endogenous variables of the performance of referees on duty in North Sumatra Province. The population in this study is the National Referee of North Sumatra Province. The sampling technique used was the purposive sampling method in which the national referees selected were adjusted to the criteria determined by the researchers as many as 50 national referees from various levels. The research method used is the descriptive quantitative method. The results of the data analysis carried out showed that 1) There was a significant influence between anxiety on the referee's performance of 0.854 or 73.7%, 2) There was a significant influence between self-confidence on the referee's performance of 0.842 or 70.9%, 3) There was a significant effect of a significant difference between motivation on the performance of the referee is 0.744 or 55.3%, 4) There is a significant effect between anxiety on the motivation of 0.841 or 70.8%, 5) There is a significant influence between self-confidence and motivation of 0.851 or 72.5 %, 6) There is a significant effect between anxiety through motivation on referee performance by 0.744 or 55.3%, 7) There is a significant effect between self-confidence through motivation on referee performance by 0.879 or 77.3%. The data collection technique in this study used a questionnaire instrument method in the form of statements on a Likert scale that had been validated by experts. So it can be concluded that several internal and external factors can affect the performance of the referee in leading the match such as anxiety, confidence, and motivation. Suggestions for the referee to be able to optimize the psychological condition before leading the game, to maximize the task of leading the match.
Tolerable Risk for Hydrogen Sulfide in Sewage Treatment Plant- STP
Authors: Ahmed Mohieldeen M. A. , Gaily Mohammed H. M. , Ortashi Khalid M.O. , Ghabshawi Omer M.A. Al , Bashir Nagwa F. , Ali Osman M. M.
Published: January 2022

Hydrogen sulphide is a toxic gas, it can cause a range of physiological responses from simple annoyance to permanent injury and death. There are a number of approaches to deal with the impacts of toxic gases. This study focused on minimizing the hazard exposure for hydrogen sulfide in the different operational zones for activated sludge process in sewage waterplant. Research tools/ approaches conducted were interviews, toxic gas testers, analysis report interpretation & quantitative risk assessment method. The study was conducted on Arabian Peninsula during the period (September 2019- September 2021). The (13) operational locations tested for toxic gas concentrations were inlet chamber, outlet channel, coarse /fine screens, primary sedimentation tank, activated sludge tanks, secondary sedimentation tanks, gas desulfurization unit, disc filters, chlorine dosing unit, sludge dewatering, sludge silos and digester tanks. The study found that the highest concentration for H2S in the inlet chamber/ outlet channel. The severity hazards in the sewage treatment plant using activated sludge process are the asphyxiation by H2S was extremely high can cause harm to public health, followed by the radiation hazard followed by electrical hazard, then (working at height, mechanical, traffic, health, chemical, physical, ergonomic, environmental, microbial and natural). The frequency of hazards occurrence is asphyxiation by H2S was extremely high followed by the radiation hazard and health hazard including the infection with Covid 19 virus followed by mechanical hazard then (electrical, traffic, ergonomic, natural, chemical, physical and natural). Control measures were recommended to minimize the risk of asphyxiation by H2S in the working environment at the STP.
EVALUACIÓN, COMPARACIÓN Y COMPORTAMIENTO DE LOS PRINCIPALES INDICADORES FINANCIEROS DE LAS PYMES DEL SECTOR INMOBILIARIO DE LA ECONOMÍA COLOMBIANA PARA LOS AÑOS 2016 – 2018
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria Republicana, LESMES MIGUEL , OSPINA SHARLEEN
Published: January 2022

Deficiencies in strategic, administrative, productive or financial performance make many organizations more vulnerable to financial imbalance, generally characterized by insolvency and low liquidity. It is therefore necessary for management to have a constant and thorough knowledge of the economic and financial condition of its sector, which allows it to detect errors in time and apply the necessary corrections, predict the future and make better decisions. The financial analysis or diagnosis is the most effective tool to evaluate the economic and financial performance of a company throughout a specific exercise and thus, to compare its results with those of other companies in the same sec- tor and with similar characteristics. The evaluation of the indicators of the SME real estate sector is not carried out, and as a consequence there is no tool that allows an adequate decision making by the top manage- ment of a company. On the other hand, it is possible to evidence that the exogenous variables that affect the real state sector such as the devaluation of the peso against the dollar influence many indicators of the EEFF. The real estate sector in Colombia has had a contraction in the GDP in the order of -2.1% for the years 2017-2018, all this is due to excess supply, a phenomenon that occurs in both high and low income strata; there is a supply that is exceeding demand in the sector and this affects the sector significantly.
Intellectual Capital, Islamicity Performance Index, dan Kinerja Keuangan Bank Syariah di Indonesia (Studi Pada Tahun 2015-2020)
Authors: CAHYA BAYU TRI , Sari Dita Apriliana , Paramitasari Ratih , Hanifah Umi
Published: January 2022

This study aims to determine intellectual capital, Islamicity performance index, and financial performance on Islamic banks in Indonesia for 2015-2020. Islamicity performance index was proxied by a profit-sharing ratio, zakat performance ratio, and Islamic income vs. non-Islamic income, and financial performance was proxied by return on asset (ROA). This study uses causal associative research using a quantitative approach. The population of this study was all Islamic commercial banks in Indonesia for the 2015-2020 period, with a sample of 7 banks. Sampling was done by the purposive sampling method. Data collection uses secondary data, namely the documentation technique, by taking the annual report of each Islamic commercial bank in Indonesia for the 2015-2020 period. Data analysis technique using multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that intellectual capital has a positive and significant effect on return on asset (ROA), profit sharing ratio has a significant negative effect on return on asset (ROA), zakat performance ratio has a positive and significant effect on return on asset (ROA), and Islamic income vs. non-Islamic income has a positive and significant effect on return on asset (ROA).

Keywords: Intellectual Capital; Profit Sharing Ratio; Zakat Performance Ratio Islamic Income vs Non-Islamic Income; and Financial Performance.
Validation of a Human Pose Tracking Algorithm for Measuring Upper Limb Joints: Comparison With Photography-based Goniometry
Authors: Zhu Qingtang , Fan Jingyuan , Gu Fanbin , Lv Lulu , Zhang Zhejin , Zhu Changbing , Qi Jian , Wang Honggang , Liu Xiaolin , Yang Jiantao
Published: January 2022

Background: Range of motion (ROM) measurements are essential for diagnosing and evaluating upper extremity conditions. Clinical goniometry is the most commonly used methods but it is time-consuming and skill-demanding. Recent advances in human tracking algorithm suggest potential for automatic angle measuring from RGB images. It provides an attractive alternative for at-distance measuring. However, the reliability of this method has not been fully established. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if the results of algorithm are as reliable as human raters in upper limb movements.Methods: Thirty healthy young adults (20 males, 10 females) participated in this study. Participants were asked to performed a 6-motion task including movement of shoulder, elbow and wrist. Images of movements were capture by commercial digital camera. Each movement was measured by a pose tracking algorithm and compared with the surgeon-measurement results. The mean differences between the two measurements were compared. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship. Reliability was investigated by the intra-class correlation coefficients.Results: Comparing this algorithm-based method with manual measurement, the mean differences were less than 3 degrees in 5 motions (shoulder abduction: 0.51; shoulder elevation: 2.87; elbow flexion:0.38; elbow extension:0.65; wrist extension: 0.78) except wrist flexion. All the intra-class correlation coefficients were larger than 0.60. The Pearson coefficients also showed high correlations between the two measurements (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our results indicated that pose estimation is a reliable method to measure the shoulder and elbow angles, supporting RGB images for measuring joint ROM. Our results proved the possibility that patients can assess their ROM by photos taken by a digital camera.Trial registration: This study was registered in the Clinical Trials Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (2021-387).
A Discussion on “Pythagorean fuzzy AHP based risk assessment methodology for hazardous material transportation: an application in Istanbul”
Authors: Bhat Shahid , Singh Akanksha
Published: January 2022

Ayyildiz et al. (Environmental Science and Pollution Research (2021), 1-13) pointed out that it is important to identify and minimize the critical risks in the transportation of hazardous material. For the same, Ayyildiz et al. proposed an effective integrated decision-making methodology by combining the Modified Delphi Method (MDM) and Pythagorean fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (PF-AHP). In this integrated methodology, PF-AHP method is utilized to obtain weights of main and sub-risk factors in order to rank these factors. In Step 5 of PF-AHP method an interval valued Pythagorean fuzzy pairwise comparison matrix is transformed into a crisp matrix and then crisp AHP is applied to obtain the normalized weights from the transformed crisp matrix. It is quite evident that the crisp AHP is used only for crisp pairwise comparison matrix. However, after a deep study, it is observed that the transformed crisp matrix, obtained on applying the steps of Ayyildiz et al. methodology, violates the reciprocal propriety of pairwise comparison matrix. Therefore, to apply crisp AHP on the transformed crisp matrix is mathematically incorrect and will lead to problematic decision-making approach. Hence, may result in a heavy loss in any value-added model such as hazardous material transportation problems. Therefore, the Ayyildiz et al. methodology is not valid in its present form and cannot be used to find the solution of such type of real-life problem. Keeping the same in mind, the focus of this discussion is to make the researchers aware about these mathematical incorrect assumptions and the necessary modification is suggested.
Relationships Between Serum Lipoprotein (a) And Sarcopenia In Elderly
Authors: Xu Ling-jie , Zhou Ling-shan , Xiao Qian , Chen Jin-liang , Luo Cheng , Lyu Qiong , Zhao Yu-xing , Sun Yue , Zhou Ting , Zhao Ke-xiang
Published: January 2022

Background: Examine the association of serum Lp(a) with sarcopenia in Chinese elderly.Methods: We conducted this study using 2015–2020 data from hospitalized Chinese people 60 years old and older. Total body fat percentage and appendicular skeletal muscle mass were assessed with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. We classified the participants into four sarcopenia/obesity groups based on both total body fat percentage and appendicular skeletal muscle mass.Results: The analysis included data of 528 participants. the LP(a) level of sarcopenia was significantly higher than no sarcopenia, compared with obese or no obese groups. Furthermore, In the sarcopenic obesity group, the LP(a) level was highest. Correlation analysis showed that ASM/height2 was negatively correlated with LP(a). Logistic regression analysis showed that sarcopenia was positively associated with LP(a).Conclusions: Our study shows that sarcopenia appeared to be significantly associated with Lp(a) no matter the subjects had obesity or not.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas: A Series of 78 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Samanci Yavuz , Ardor Gokce Deniz , Peker Selcuk
Published: January 2022

Background: Outcomes of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) for tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) have not been reported explicitly within any meningioma series. We present the first and largest TSM series with clinical, radiosurgical, and outcome features for 78 consecutive patients managed with GKRS. Methods: Patients who underwent GKRS for TSMs between 2005 and 2021 and had a minimum of 6 months of follow-up were included. Medical records, imaging studies, and follow-up examinations were evaluated retrospectively.Results: A total of 78 patients with a median age of 50.5 years were included. SRS was conducted as an upfront treatment for 38 patients (48.7%). The median target volume was 1.7 cm3 (range, 0.1-14.6). During a median follow-up of 78.5 months, the cumulative PFS rates of the whole cohort at 1, 5, and 10 years by Kaplan-Meier analysis were 100%, 97.9%, and 94.5%, respectively. Of 47 patients with impaired vision, improvement and/or preservation of visual acuity and visual field were achieved in 55.3% and 42.6%, respectively. No new-onset hormonal deficits were observed.Conclusions: Based on our data, SRS represents an effective and safe modality for unresected or recurrent/residual TSMs. SRS should be offered to patients who are not willing or not ideal candidates for surgery.
Prediction of Surface Temperature and CO2 Emission using a novel grey system model
Authors: Singh Pawan Kumar , Pandey Alok Kumar , Chouhan Anushka
Published: January 2022

The increase in surface temperature and CO2 emissions are two of the most important issues in climate studies and global warming. The ‘Global Emissions 2021’ report identifies the six biggest contributors to CO2­ emissions; China, USA, India, Russia, Japan, and Germany. The current study projects the increase in surface temperature and the CO­2 emissions of these six countries by 2028. The EGM (1,1,α,θ) grey model is an even form of the model with a first order differential equation, that has one variable and a weightage background value that contains conformable fractional accumulation. The results show that while the CO2 emissions for Japan, Germany, USA and Russia show a downward projection, they are expected to increase in India and remain nearly constant in China by 2028. The surface temperature has been projected to increase at a significant rate in all these countries. By comparing with the EGM (1,1) grey model, the results show that the EGM (1,1, α, θ) model performs better in both in-sample and out-of-sample forecasting. The paper also puts forward some policy suggestions to mitigate, manage and reduce increases in surface temperature as well as CO2 emissions.
Engaging Youth Voices To Create Supportive School Environments For Healthy Eating And Physical Activity
Authors: Hardy Louise L , Liu Kym Rizzo , Sainsbury Emma , Shah Smita
Published: January 2022

Background: The Students As LifeStyle Activists (SALSA) Program is an effective Australian peer-led leadership program offered to high schools. SALSA Youth Voices (SYV) is a novel extension of the SALSA program, providing SALSA Peer Leaders with an opportunity to further develop leadership skills, and to design and implement an intervention to promote healthy eating and physical activity within their school. The objectives of this study were to 1) measure the acceptability of the SYV program, 2) determine skills gained by peer leaders from participating in SYV, and 3) determine whether peer leaders successfully implemented a student-designed healthy eating/physical activity intervention. Methods: Schools which participated in the SALSA program in 2019 were invited to a Leadership Day workshop (Term 3) where SALSA Peer Leaders identified and planned an activity to promote healthy eating and/or physical activity at their school, and an Action Day (Term 4) where peer leaders presented their interventions to 100 health and education professionals. Peer leaders completed two brief online surveys at the end of the Leadership Day and upon registration at the Action Day. Results: Eighty-four peer leaders (aged 14–15 years) from seven high schools in western Sydney (mean Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) = 951) participated in SYV. Peer leaders reported their involvement with the SYV program as positive, with 68% rating it as “very valuable”. Skills gained by the peer leaders included teamwork (90%), communication (85%), leadership (77%) and confidence (65%). Peer leaders planned and devised interventions included installing water refill stations, improving school gyms, redesigning girls’ sports shorts, and other strategies to engage girls in physical activity. Most peer leaders reported their intervention was successfully implemented and sustainable in their school. Conclusions: SYV provides a unique leadership opportunity for students from socio-economically disadvantaged areas to be effective agents of change to create opportunities for students to participate in physical activity and improve healthy food options at school.
A Comprehensive Methodology to Support Decision-Making Towards Sustainability on Nanocomposite Materials in Additive Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Petrakli Foteini , Gkika Anastasia , Vlysidis Anestis , Karayannis Panagiotis , Koumoulos Elias
Published: January 2022

Innovative nanocomposite materials and resultant additive manufacturing products are necessary to be assessed for their carbon footprint towards top priorities of EU for plastics, including the European Green Deal principles and the Action Plan for Circular Economy. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is widely applied standardized methodology that aims to study potential environmental impacts of novel products. Nano-scale materials (NM) are usually dispersed in polymer to enhance their limited functional properties resulting in a spectrum of end-products for multiple applications. However, little information exists on their environmental impact. Within this context, this study presents a ‘cradle-to-gate plus end-of-life’ LCA approach, studying different types of 3D printing nanocomposite filaments across the supply chain. Three different types of polymer matrixes were examined: polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA), additivated with three different types of nanomaterial additives: multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphene oxide (GO) forms and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), considering lab-scale production. In addition, several different EoL scenarios have been examined for the materials. Finally, LCA findings are coupled with the performance (taken here as conductivity) of these new materials to assist the decision-making process for selecting efficient scenarios with the least environmental impact. The outputs of this examination enable identification of potential sustainability issues for novel nanocomposite materials at an early design stage, while also assisting in the definition of actions to mitigate such issues. Thus, LCA studies can generate knowledge on the environmental impacts of nano-enabled materials, while also serving as a valuable decision support tool towards optimizing material sustainability aspects.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induces Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-like Behavior in Mouse via Non-cell Autonomous Hippocampal Neuronal Death
Authors: Lee Sung Joong , Oh Jun Young , Cho Woo-Hyun , Ellane Barcelon , Kim Kwang Hwan , Hong Jinpyo
Published: January 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is accompanied by chronic neurological sequelae such as cognitive decline and mood disorder, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we explored the possibility that the brain-infiltrating SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contributes to the development of neurological symptoms observed in COVID-19 patients. Our behavioral study showed that administration of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 subunit (S1 protein) to mouse hippocampus induced cognitive deficit and anxiety-like behavior in vivo. These neurological symptoms were accompanied by neuronal cell death in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus as well as glial cell activation. Interestingly, the S1 protein did not directly induce hippocampal cell death in vitro. Rather, it exerted neurotoxicity via glial cell activation, partially through interleukin-1β induction. In conclusion, our data suggest a novel pathogenic mechanism for the COVID-19-associated neurological symptoms that involves glia activation and non-cell autonomous hippocampal neuronal death by the brain-infiltrating S1 protein.
Effects of Land Use Land Cover and Slope Gradients on Soil Fertility at Kori Sub-Watershed, East Wollega, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekana Begna Tesema , Gudeta Tolera Megersa , Chalchisa Fedhasa Benti
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe complex nature of the relationship and interaction between LULC and slope gradients resulted in the decline of soil fertility parameters, which aggravate the reduction of sustainable productivity in Ethiopia in general and the study area in particular. This study was aimed to determine the effects of land use land cover and slope gradients on the physicochemical properties of soil in study area A total of 27 composite soil samples were collected from 0-20cm depth under three dominant adjacent LULC across three slope with three replications. The collected soil samples were analyzed for selected soil physicochemical properties. Two-way ANOVA was used to test the mean differences of the soil fertility parameters. ResultThe mean values of soil physicochemical parameters showed that, SOC, TN, AvP, CEC, exchangeable bases (Ca2+ Mg2+, K+, and Na+), PBS, and percentage of clay contents of cultivated land and steep slope gradient (15-30%) were low and significantly different at (P≤0.05) than forest and grad grassland of the same slope gradient.. The gentle slope (3-8%) gradients of the forest lands had the lowest BD and high TP as compared to the others.Conclusion﻿The overall soil fertility status of the steep slope gradient (15-30%) of cultivated lands is lower than others and cultivating the steep slope is the cause for productivity loss in the study sub-watershed. Therefore, proper land-use planning and the use of integrated soil fertility management strategy give better production and keep the soil fertility status to a better level.
Dapagliflozin Alleviates Myocardial Inflammation by Regulating the Macrophage Polarization and Stat3-related Pathways in Coxsackie Virus B3-induced Acute Viral Myocarditis
Authors: Yan Pengcheng , Song Xiaoning , Tran Joanne , Zhou Runfa , Cao Xinran , Zhao Gang , Yuan Haitao
Published: January 2022

Viral myocarditis (VMC), which is most prevalently caused by Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection, is a serious clinical condition characterized by cardiac inflammation. Dapagliflozin, a kind of sodium glucose co-transporters 2(SGLT-2) inhibitor, exhibited protective effects on plenty of inflammatory diseases, while its effect on viral myocarditis has not been studied. Recently we found the protective effect of dapagliflozin on VMC. After CVB3 infection, dapagliflozin were given orally to Balb/c male mice for 8 days and then the severity of myocarditis was assessed. Our results indicated that dapagliflozin significantly alleviated the severity of viral myocarditis, elevated the survival rate, and ameliorated cardiac function. Besides, dapagliflozin can decrease the level of proinflammatory cytokines included IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α. Furthermore, dapagliflozin can inhibit macrophages differentiate to classically activated macrophages (M1) in cardiac tissue and activate the Stat3 signal pathway which is reported to promote polarization of the alternatively activated macrophage (M2). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that dapagliflozin alleviates myocardial inflammation by regulating the macrophage polarization and Stat3-related pathways in coxsackie virus B3-induced acute viral myocarditis.
Optimization of extraction techniques for processing and utilization of Cyperus Dichrostachus A. Rich Plant as fiber
Authors: Gelaw BELETE BAYE , Tesfaye Tamrat
Published: January 2022

The Textile industry is an important contributor to the GDP of countries worldwide. Both natural and synthetic fibers are the main raw materials for this sector. Environmental concerns, depletion of non-renewable resources, the high price of oil and limited oil reserves with consumer demand is driving research into cheap, biodegradable, sustainable, renewable and abundantly available green materials. Natural fibers are of the good substitute sources for swapping synthetic fibers and reinforcing polymer matrices because of their contributions in maintaining of ecology, nature of disposal, low energy requirement for processing and sustainability. The current research emphases on evaluating and determining the best extraction methods to process and treat cyperus Dichrostachus A.Rich plant in order to make the fiber suitable for variety of applications. Cyperus Dichrostachus A.Rich plant was treated with two conditions (cold and warm conditions) using statistically planned tests. Process conditions were optimised using central composite design methodology with the experimental design. Under optimised conditions, the strength and fiber yield of CDA fibers were significantly compared. The strength and fiber yield of the fiber was at maximized with optimized conditions and use for valorisation applications.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Entamoeba Histolytica Infection Among Schoolchildren From Three Primary Schools In Arsi Town, West Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Roro Geribe Bushura , Hajare Sunil Tulshiram , Al-Hazim Awdah M , Kuddus Mohammed , Eriso Feleke
Published: January 2022

Entamoeba histolytica is one of the major pathogenic intestinal parasites and is amongst the leading causes of diarrheal illness in children. Around 500 million people are infected worldwide, while 75,000 die of the disease annually. E. histolytica is associated with moderate to severe diarrhoea and increased mortality among children in African countries and negatively affects child growth and development. Malnutrition is also an important contributor to the prevalence of E. histolytica in Ethiopia. It is mostly associated with poor hygiene, poverty, illiteracy, lack of access to potable water, and a hot, humid tropical climate. Thus, the present investigation was aimed to assess the prevalence rate and associated factors of E. histolytica among schoolchildren in Arsi Town, West Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1st to May 1st, 2020. A total of 334 students were selected from three governmental elementary schools in the west zone using a systematic sampling method. A structured questionnaire was adopted to identify environmental, socio-demographic, and behavioral factors. Microscopically positive samples for E. histolytica cysts were further characterised using an E. histolytica II antigen detection kit. The statistical analysis of the data was done using SPSS software. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of E. histolytica was 19.8%. Hand washing habits before eating [AOR = 0.32; 95% CI (0.12, 0.84)], hand washing habits after defecation [AOR = 0.396; 95% CI (0.165, 0.946)], and ameba awareness [AOR = 0.35; 95% CI (0.142, 0.889)] were factors associated with parasite prevalence.
Trace elements characterization of soils and rocks in Agricultural areas of Labunwa, Near Idanre, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Asowata Iyobosa Timothy , Adisa A.L.
Published: January 2022

Trace elements (TE) concentrations of subsoil and the underlying parent rocks of Labunwa – Odele area were determined in other to ascertain the enrichment level, distribution and sources of these TEs in the subsoil in the study area. Twenty-one (21) subsoil (at depth of 30 -100 cm) and thirteen (13) rock samples were collected, pulverised and digested using aqua regia for soil samples and near total digestion of HClO4, HF, HCl and HNO3of different proportions for the rocks. The samples were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometry, (ICP-MS). The mean TE concentrations in ppm for subsoil showed Cu (40.0), Pb, (24.2), Zn (56.3), As (0.9) and U (2.7) among other elements as against the mean concentrations of granite gneiss (GGN) with Cu (22.9), Pb (61.4), Zn (64.6), As (1.0), U (2.6) and Pegmatite, (PGM) Cu(128.4), Pb(17.0), Zn(108.8), As (1.1), U (1.3) among other TEs. The relatively low concentrations of the TEs in the subsoil compared to the underlying parent rocks suggests that TEs in the subsoil may have been influenced by geogenic factors, such as weathering of the underlying rocks. TEs source apportionments in the subsoil using Bivariant plots, correlation coefficient, Bi-polar and dendogram analyses showed that these TEs are essentially from the underlying GGN and PGM in the area. Pollution status indices, I-geo, Contamination factor and PLI showed that the study area is practically unpolluted. This suggests that locations with relatively higher concentrations of some TEs are probably due to mineralisation and since most of the subsoil TEs are significantly lower in concentrations compared to the underlying bedrock, the area is safe for agricultural activities.
Hyperbolic Plasmons Propagate through a Nodal Metal
Authors: Shao Yinming , Sternbach Aaron , Kim Brian , Rikhter Andrey , Xu Xinyi , De Giovannini Umberto , Jing Ran , Chae Sang Hoon , Sun Zhiyuan , Zhu Yang Lin , Mao Zhiqiang , Hone James , Queiroz Raquel , Millis Andrew , Schuck P. , Rubio Angel , Fogler Michael , Basov Dimitri
Published: January 2022

Metals are canonical plasmonic media at infrared and optical wavelengths allowing one to guide and manipulate light at sub-diffractional length scales. A special form of optical waveguiding is offered by highly anisotropic crystals revealing different signs of the dielectric function along orthogonal directions. These latter types of media are classified as hyperbolic and many crystalline insulators, semiconductors and artificial metal-based metamaterials belong to that class. Layered anisotropic metals are also anticipated to support hyperbolic waveguiding. Yet this behavior remains elusive primarily because interband processes introduce extreme losses and arrest light propagation. Here, we report on the observation of propagating hyperbolic waves in a prototypical layered nodal-line semimetal ZrSiSe. The unique electronic structure with touching energy bands at nodal points/lines suppresses losses and enables a hyperbolic regime at the telecommunications frequencies. The observed waveguiding in metallic ZrSiSe is a product of polaritonic hybridization between near-infrared light and long-lived nodal-line plasmons. By mapping the energy-momentum dispersion of the nodal-line hyperbolic modes in ZrSiSe we inquired into the role of additional screening associated with the surface states.
Control and Prevent Land Subsidence Caused by Foundation Pit Dewatering in a Coastal Lowland Mega City: Indicator Definition, Numerical Simulation and Regression Analysis
Authors: Wang Jianxiu , Yang Tianliang , Wang Guotao , Liu Xiaotian , Xu Na , Stoumather Esther , Yin Yao , Wang Hanmei , Yan Xuexin , Huang Xinlei
Published: January 2022

Coastal mega cities are often commercial centers because of convenient traffic. Safe elevation above sea level is vital for their sustainable development. Global climate change and sea level rising increase flood risk especially in the lowland subsidence area. Shanghai of China was selected as research background. Although groundwater exploitation had been strictly restrained to control land subsidence and reserve safe elevation, lowering groundwater level during underground excavation cannot be avoided. Foundation pit dewatering (FPD) was intensively performed in underground exploitation during urbanization and city renewal. The FPD settlement accelerated land subsidence. Controlling FPD subsidence was urgent. Normally, the maximum horizontal influence radius of foundation pit excavation was less than three times excavation depth (H), and the 3H settlement was only caused by the FPD. The 3H maximum settlement was defined as the evaluating indicator of FPD land subsidence, and the corresponding 3H drawdown was defined as the control indicator of land subsidence. The FPD conceptual models were established on the basis of estimation and investigation of foundation pit information, including pit area, pit shape, pit depth, and curtain depth. Numerical models were established and a total of 5650 FPD numerical simulations were performed to investigate the land subsidence and FPD drawdown. Multi-factor regression analysis was conducted to obtain relations between land subsidence and FPD drawdown. Regression models were established between the 3H drawdown and the shape, area, depth, and curtain depth of foundation pit on the basis of the numerical simulations. A typical example introduced to verify the regression models. The regression models were used to manage the FPD land subsidence by controlling the 3H FPD drawdown. The results can provide reference for the land subsidence control in a coastal lowland city.
Associations between sarcopenia with asthmatic prevalence, lung function and comorbidity
Authors: Hu Zhigang , Tian Yufeng , Song Xinyu , Zeng Fanjun , Yang Ailan
Published: January 2022

Background

Sarcopenia was listed as a treatment trait in behavioral/risk factors of severe asthma, but studies between asthma and sarcopenia were scant. This study plans to determine the associations between sarcopenia with asthmatic prevalence, symptoms, lung function and comorbidity.
Methods

15404 individuals from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS) and 10263 individuals from Study on global AGEing and adult health(SAGE) in China were included in this study. Four components of this study were respectively used to assess bidirectional association in the prevalence between sarcopenia with asthma, and estimate the relationships between sarcopenia with asthmatic symptoms, lung function and comorbidity via generalized additive models. The 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale≥12 scores was classified as depression in CHARLS.
Results

In CHARLS and SAGE, the prevalence of sarcopenia in asthmatics was higher than those without asthma. Asthmatics with sarcopenia had a significantly increased prevalence of severe shortness of breath(sarcopenia yes vs no, adjusted OR=3.71, 95%CI: 1.43-9.60) and airway obstruction in SAGE(sarcopenia yes vs no, adjusted OR=6.82, 95%CI: 2.54-18.34) and an obvious reduction of PEF in CHARLS and SAGE(sarcopenia yes vs no, adjusted RR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.82-0.91) compared to asthmatics without sacropenia. The presence of sarcopenia was positively associated with the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(sarcopenia yes vs no, adjusted OR=5.76, 95%CI:2.01-16.5) and depression(sarcopenia yes vs no, adjusted OR=1.87, 95%CI:1.11-3.14) in asthmatics.
Conclusions

Our findings indicated that sarcopenia partakes in the development of asthma by affecting lung function and comorbidity and maybe considered a treatable trait of asthma management.
Research on lncRNA Related to Drought Resistance of Shanlan Upland Rice
Authors: Yang Xinsen , Liu Caiyue , Niu Xiaoling , Wang Liu , Li Laiyi , Yuan Qianhua , Pei Xinwu
Published: January 2022

Background

Drought has become the major abiotic stress that causes losses in rice yields and consequently is one of the main environmental factors threatening food security. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is known to play an important role in plant response to drought stress, while the mechanisms of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in drought resistance in upland rice have been rarely reported.
Results

In our study, a total of 191 lncRNAs, 2115 mRNAs and 32 miRNAs (microRNAs) were found by strand-specific sequencing and small RNA sequencing to be differentially expressed in drought-stressed rice. Functional analysis of results indicate that they play important roles in hormone signal transduction, chlorophyll synthesis, protein synthesis and other pathways. Construction of a ceRNA network revealed that MSTRG.28732.3 may interact with miR171 in the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway and affect the ability of plants to withstand drought stress by regulating Os02g0662700, Os02g0663100 and Os06g0105350. The accuracy of the regulatory network was verified by qRT-PCR.
Conclusion

Our results provide a theoretical basis for future studies on the potential function of lncRNA in plant drought resistance, and they provide new genetic resources for drought-resistant rice breeding.
Halogenated Greenhouse Gases Made Global Warming Primarily
Authors: Lu Qing-Bin
Published: January 2022

Time-series observations of global lower stratospheric temperature (GLST), global land surface air temperature (LSAT), global mean surface temperature (GMST), sea ice extent (SIE) and snow cover extent (SCE), together with observations reported in Paper I, combined with theoretical calculations of GLSTs and GMSTs, have provided strong evidence that ozone depletion and global climate changes are dominantly caused by human-made halogen-containing ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) and greenhouse gases (GHGs) respectively. Both GLST and SCE have become constant since the mid-1990s and GMST/LSAT has reached a peak since the mid-2000s, while regional continued warmings at the Arctic coasts (particularly Russia and Alaska) in winter and spring and at some areas of Antarctica are observed and can be well explained by a sea-ice-loss warming amplification mechanism. The calculated GMSTs by the parameter-free warming theory of halogenated GHGs show an excellent agreement with the observed GMSTs after the natural El Niño southern oscillation (ENSO) and volcanic effects are removed. These results provide a convincing mechanism of global climate change and will make profound changes in our understanding of atmospheric processes. This study also emphasizes the critical importance of continued international efforts in phasing out all anthropogenic halogenated ODSs and GHGs.