bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Counseling on Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) In Adolescents
Authors: Yunita Fresthy Astrika , - Hardiningsih - , Yuneta Agus Eka Nurma
Published: January 2022

Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is the most common health problem reported by adolescents. The main contributing factors of PMS are due to the imbalance of work of the hormones estrogen and progesterone’s as well as changes in serotonin levels. Approximately 30-80% of women experience mood or somatic disorders (or both) that occur during the menstrual cycle. The WHO (World Health Organization) report explains that PMS symptoms are experienced in 65.7 of young women. Due to lack of knowledge can decrease the quality of life of adolescents. So the knowledge about PMS is needed for young women to be ready to face the PMS.

Purpose: Improving young women's knowledge of PMS.

Method: The provision of PMS material was done by lecture method and leaflet giving. The object of devotion was young women. Before the counseling being given, young women took pre-tests, later conducted post-tests to evaluate the knowledge related to PMS.

 Result: Counseling on PMS had been conducted. There was an increased in young women's knowledge of Premenstrual Syndrome. T-test results obtained significance value of 0.000 (p<0.005).

Conclusions and Suggestions: Counseling has a positive effect on young women's knowledge, especially about PMS. Pkd Wonorejo midwives should be able to provide regular counseling for young women.  For the young women, after the counseling obtained results that can increase knowledge about PMS thus that it is expected to be better prepared to face the PMS

 
Effect Of Progressive Muscle Relaxation On Anxiety
Authors: Cahyanto Erindra Budi , Suratih Kanthi
Published: January 2022

Background : Teenagers need support to get through the musical period, let alone living with their parents. In the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the stressors experienced are even greater. Adolescents need non-pharmacological support to stay healthy. This study aims to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on adolescent anxiety in orphanages.

Subjects and Methods: This type of research is quasi-experimental. This research was conducted at the Mardhatillah Sukoharjo Orphanage, Central Java. The subjects were 42 people, divided into the control group (27 people) and the intervention group (15 people). Measurements were made before and before the intervention. The intervention group received the usual treatment plus progressive muscle relaxation for 4 weeks, while the control group was given the usual treatment. The measuring instrument uses HARS. Data were analyzed by paired t test not using the SPSS 21 program.

Results: There was a significant difference between the treatment and control groups with a mean of 7.80 and 10.48 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Advanced muscle relaxation can reduce the anxiety of adolescents living in the Mardhatillah orphanage, Sukoharjo, Central Java.

Keywords: Progressive muscle relaxation; teenager; orphanage, anxiety
Osteopenia in Scaphoid Fracture: An Indicator of Good Prognosis or Is it Cause for Concern?
Authors: Singh Chander Mohan , Prasad Manish , Thakur Kamparsh , Vig Varun
Published: January 2022

Case:

A 32-year-old man sustained a scaphoid waist fracture and was managed nonoperatively in a short-arm cast. Radiographic follow-up at 6 weeks showed marked loss of radiodensity of the whole scaphoid, although the fracture was clinically united. Patchy ossification at 3 months was followed by the complete restoration of radiodensity and trabecular pattern by 20 weeks. The patient had an uneventful and full functional recovery.

Conclusion:

This, perhaps unreported, finding seems to be an indicator of preserved vascularity in scaphoid fractures. Further research/reporting of this radiological pattern in these fractures will help improve their understanding and management.
Repair of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Lateral Femoral Condyle by a Trochlea Osteochondral Autograft
Authors: Ogawa Hiroyasu , Matsumoto Kazu , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: January 2022

Case:

A 17-year-old adolescent boy with large deep osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the right lateral femoral condyle was treated with ipsilateral trochlea osteochondral autograft transplantation combined with iliac cancellous bone grafting to the donor site of the lateral trochlea. Both autografts were fused 3 months after surgery. It was radiographically confirmed that the OCD lesion was successfully reconstructed.

Conclusion:

This procedure is an alternative surgical option for large and deep OCDs. It offers sufficient loading strength to the joint and adequate reconstruction of the congruent joint surface and can be performed at any regular facility.
Sistema de pesaje automatizado que facilita el manejo de cuyes (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Barco-Jiménez J. , Martínez M. , Solarte A.L.
Published: January 2022

La base de la economía de miles de familias Nariñenses se fundamenta en el desarrollo de actividades de cría de pequeñas especies, como los cuyes (Cavia porcellus). En cifras, se estima que existen 20,000 criaderos pequeños de cuyes en Nariño que generan transacciones mensuales por trescientos mil dólares, un sector que tiene una tendencia constante de crecimiento. No obstante, la producción de cuyes se realiza de forma artesanal debido a la falta de tecnificación de este sector. Una problemática identificada en la cría de estos animales es la pérdida de peso, afectando su salud, debido a lesiones causadas en el pesaje de forma tradicional. En este proceso, el animal es inmovilizando y llevado manualmente hacia la báscula, lo que puede ocasionar lesiones, variaciones de peso, reducción de movilidad y hasta la muerte. Conscientes que dichas problemáticas podrían solucionarse a través de la tecnología, en este artículo se presenta un sistema de pesaje e identificación automatizado que permita a los productores realizar el proceso de pesaje sin intervención humana, facilitando el manejo de cuyes, con la posibilidad de mantener el estado de salud del animal, registrar información de su crecimiento y facilitar el proceso de toma de decisiones sobre la venta. Se presenta el diseño propuesto desde un punto de vista estructural y operativo, y resultados experimentales obtenidos en un escenario real.
Peso al nacimiento de abejas reina de la raza Apis mellifera iberiensis
Authors: Padilla F. , Cabanes I. , Montilla I. , Flores J.M.
Published: January 2022

En el mundo apícola se acepta que la producción de una determinada colonia de abejas se encuentra directamente relacionada con la calidad de la reina. De todas las posibles variables relacionadas con dicha calidad, el peso al nacimiento se considera una de las más útiles. En nuestro trabajo hemos estudiado el efecto de la colonia criadora de la subespecie local de abejas (Apis melífera iberiensis Engel), sobre el peso al nacimiento de las nuevas reinas, y de las celdillas en las que fueron criadas. Para realizar la cría hemos utilizado el método Doolittle; este procedimiento se encuentra ampliamente difundido y es empleado de forma habitual por los productores. Entre los meses de marzo y mayo de 2019 criamos 140 reinas, realizando ocho ciclos de cría y utilizado cuatro colmenas criadoras diferentes. El peso medio de las reinas al nacimiento fue de 194 ± 26 mg (x ± SD), y el de las celdillas de cría 604 ± 125 (x± SD). Los resultados obtenidos no mostraron diferencias significativas entre las colmenas criadoras, para la variable peso de las reinas al nacimiento, pero si para la variable peso de las celdillas reales.
Análise genética de curvas de crescimento de suínos: um estudo de simulação
Authors: Marques D.B.D. , Silva F.F. , Veroneze R. , Lopes P.S. , Guimarães S.E.F.
Published: January 2022

Objetivamos estimar parâmetros genéticos para os parâmetros da curva de crescimento não-linear de Gompertz com base no método em duas etapas e em dados simulados de uma população de suínos. Dados de valores genéticos reais, dos parâmetros da curva de crescimento (a, b e k) e dos pesos corporais aos 1, 90, 210, 360 e 540 dias de idade foram simulados para 1700 indivíduos. Posteriormente, na primeira etapa do método em duas etapas, as curvas de Gompertz foram ajustadas para cada animal e os parâmetros da curva de crescimento foram estimados. Na segunda etapa, considerando os parâmetros estimados como fenótipos, os valores genéticos dos animais foram preditos por análises multicaracterísticas. Os processos de simulação e de duas etapas foram replicados 10 vezes. Para cada réplica, os parâmetros genéticos, acurácias e vieses foram calculados. Herdabilidades médias moderadas a altas para os parâmetros da curva [0,62 (0,04), 0,56 (0,04) e 0,57 (0,04) para a, b e k, respectivamente] mostram a possibilidade de seleção eficaz de animais com base nesses parâmetros. Correlações genéticas médias altas e favoráveis, especialmente entre os parâmetros mais importantes da curva de crescimento [a e k, 0,93 (0,01)], mostram que a seleção para o aumento do peso à maturidade (a) também aumentará a taxa de maturação (k). Acurácias médias altas [0,84 (0,02), 0,82 (0,02) e 0,83 (0,02)] e vieses médios baixos [0,06 (0,06), 0,06 (0,06) e 0,07 (0,07) para a, b e k, respectivamente] indicam que a abordagem em duas etapas é viável para predizer valores genéticos para os parâmetros da curva de crescimento e para trabalhar com medidas longitudinais de peso corporal.
Metadiscurso e escrita acadêmica: o papel dos recursos interacionais na construção do discurso das disciplinas de Ciências Políticas e Linguística
Authors: Gil Beatriz
Published: January 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar (i) como o metadiscurso aparece na constituição da escrita acadêmica em disciplinas de Humanidades, em língua inglesa e (ii) se é possível notar algum padrão de semelhança e/ou diferença nas recorrências do metadiscurso entre as disciplinas. Para tanto, foi analisado um corpus de 48 abstracts de artigos de pesquisa publicados em língua inglesa em revistas internacionais Qualis A1 e retirados de quatro periódicos das áreas de Ciência Política e Linguística. Ambos os periódicos de Ciência Política apresentam maior recorrência de hedges e boosters quando comparados com os periódicos de Linguística. Esse dado pode ser explicado à luz das fronteiras disciplinares, uma vez que os primeiros estão em contato mais direto com características e crenças do fazer pesquisa das Ciências Humanas, enquanto os dois últimos com aquelas presentes em Ciências Biológicas e em áreas da Saúde.
A telecolaboração como contexto para a formação de professores
Authors: Garcia Daniela Nogueira de Moraes
Published: January 2022

Tecnologias, globalização e internacionalização revelam perspectivas promissoras no cenário das línguas estrangeiras. O presente trabalho aborda a telecolaboração no ensino superior no contexto das línguas e formação de professores. O teletandem viabiliza parcerias para a realização de sessões bilíngues de conversação. Considerando que, também, oportuniza um espaço profícuo para a expansão dos conteúdos, a autonomia e postura crítico-reflexiva, reconhecemos a relevância de professores pré-serviço integrarem as sessões de teletandem. Sob um olhar qualitativo de cunho interpretativista, apresentamos um recorte de dados de estudantes de Letras para observar o uso e impacto das tecnologias em sua formação e a participação na telecolaboração. Os resultados apontam para o potencial das tecnologias e ações de intercâmbio virtual para incrementar a atuação futura dos professores pré-serviço.
A pipa sem varetas no estado de São Paulo: variação diatópica
Authors: Alencar Beatriz Aparecida
Published: January 2022

Os jogos e as diversões são elementos presentes nas diferentes culturas e o modo de nomear esses objetos acabam por refletir a relação entre o homem, o brinquedo e a sociedade. Desse modo, este estudo examina as denominações cartografadas para a pipa sem varetas na tese O Léxico de Brinquedos e Brincadeiras infantis no estado de São Paulo (ALENCAR, 2018), com vistas a delimitar geograficamente os registros de capucheta, denominação mais produtiva, buscando comprovar sua presença como uma marca paulista no léxico dos brinquedos. Com esse propósito, se discutem as denominações obtidas para esse brinquedo em comparação com outros trabalhos. A tese base para o estudo foi produzida a partir de dados do Projeto ALiB e contou com uma rede de 47 localidades nos estados de SP, PR, MG, MS, RJ totalizando na análise de 188 inquéritos. O estudo pautou-se em pressupostos da Dialetologia, da Lexicologia e da Etnolinguística.
Insubordinação: uma proposta funcionalista para o estudo de (des)articulação de cláusulas
Authors: Baroni Gabriela do Couto , Rodrigues Violeta Virginia
Published: January 2022

A possibilidade de cláusulas “subordinadas” se materializarem de forma independente recebe tratamento diferenciado em diversas línguas. Em Português, essa materialização envolve dois fenômenos distintos – o desgarramento e a insubordinação. O termo “insubordinação”, cunhado por Evans (2007), refere-se ao fenômeno pelo qual cláusulas estruturalmente idênticas às subordinadas são usadas de forma independente, sem a presença de uma principal. A proposta do linguista despertou o interesse de diversos estudiosos que, desde então, têm oferecido diferentes contribuições sobre o tema, como Mithun (2008), Cristofaro (2016), Heine, Kuteva e Kaltenbök (2016) e D’Hertefelt (2018), para citar alguns. No Brasil, Hirata-Vale, Oliveira e Silva (2017), Hirata-Vale (2020) e Rodrigues (2021) também têm se dedicado a analisar o fenômeno. Baseadas no funcionalismo, as pesquisas acerca de cláusulas insubordinadas utilizam como corpus dados reais de fala ou escrita, que podem ser investigados tanto sincronicamente quanto diacronicamente. Além de mostrarmos um panorama a respeito dos estudos sobre insubordinação, assumimos aqui, com base em Cristofaro (2016), que o desengajamento clausal é um subtipo de insubordinação, que sabemos envolver padrões distintos. Como exemplos de insubordinação em português brasileiro, utilizamos dados de pesquisas que temos realizado sobre o tema e que ainda estão em andamento.
O uso variável de artigo definido diante de pronome possessivo na variedade urbana do Português de São Tomé
Authors: Kely Gomes Danielle , Cordeiro Livia Rodrigues
Published: January 2022

Neste artigo investiga-se o comportamento do artigo definido diante de pronomes possessivos na variedade urbana do Português de São Tomé (PST). Para tanto, utilizam-se dados recolhidos em 17 entrevistas, realizadas em 2009 na capital do arquipélago de São Tomé e Príncipe. Os inquéritos pertencem ao corpus Variedades do Português (VAPOR), do Centro de Linguística da Universidade de Lisboa. Toma-se como base o aporte teórico-metodológico da Teoria da Variação e Mudança (WEINREICH; LABOV; HERZOG, 2006 [1968]), com o intuito de identificar os condicionamentos linguísticos e sociais que concorrem para a ausência do artigo definido na variedade analisada. Os resultados revelam que, na variedade urbana do PST a presença do artigo diante de pronomes possessivos é um fenômeno produtivo (54%), sendo a ausência nesse contexto condicionada por restrições vinculadas à natureza do sintagma em que figura o pronome possessivo, à função sintática do sintagma em que figura o pronome possessivo, ao tipo de posse e à escolaridade do informante. A análise multivariável indicou que os dados não são sensíveis à influência da frequência de uso do crioulo Forro, o que contraria a hipótese inicialmente formulada.
Real-Time 3D Analysis During Tomographic Experiments using tomviz
Authors: Hovden Robert , Schwartz Jonathan , Harris Chris , Pietryga Jacob , Zheng Huihuo , Kumar Prashant , Visheratina Anastasiia , Kotov Nicholas , Major Brianna , Avery Patrick , Ercius Peter , Ayachit Utkarsh , Geveci Berk , Muller David , Genova Alessandro , Jiang Yi , Hanwell Marcus
Published: January 2022

The demand for high-throughput electron tomography is rapidly increasing in biological and material sciences. However, this 3D imaging technique is computationally bottlenecked by alignment and reconstruction which runs from hours to days. We demonstrate real-time tomography with dynamic 3D tomographic visualization to enable rapid interpretation of specimen structure immediately as data is collected on an electron microscope. We show volumetric interpretation can begin in less than 10 minutes and a high-quality tomogram is available within 30 minutes. Real-time tomography is integrated into tomviz, an open-source and cross-platform 3D data analysis tool that contains intuitive graphical user interfaces (GUI), to enable any scientist to characterize biological and material structure in 3D.
Natural Radioactivity in Building Materials, Indoor Radon Measurements and Assessment of the Associated Risk Indicators in Some Localities of the Centre-region, Cameroon
Authors: II Joseph Emmanuel Ndjana Nkoulou , MANGA André , - Saïdou , GERMAN Olga , SAINZ-FERNANDEZ Carlos , Njock Moïse Godfroy Kwato
Published: January 2022

The objective of the current study is to investigate natural radioactivity of some building materials, the resulting long-term external and internal effective dose equivalents (EEDE and IEDE) analysis followed by indoor radon measurements as well as the assessment of some radiological risk indicators associated with radon exposure. A total of 37 samples of building materials were analyzed with a sodium iodide detector (NaI (Tl)) and the computer code RESRAD-BUILD was used for the analysis of the EEDE and IEDE of the structural elements of the houses (walls and floor). For indoor radon measurements, 140 houses were selected and in each of them was placed 01 RADTRAK dosimeter. Inhalation dose, total dose and some radiological risk indicators were calculated. The specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K for the overall sampled building materials were found to vary between 10±2–52±7, 10±1–95±10 and 31±1– 673±20 Bq kg-1 respectively. The dwelling types with bare brick walls, cement mortar plastered walls and concrete floors show EEDE and IEDE values well below the recommended limits. The corresponding dwelling types contributions to the measured average indoor radon concentration (42±12 Bq m-3) are 22%, 13% and 16% respectively. Inhalation dose resulting from the measured indoor radon concentrations varies from 0.35 to 3.24 mSv y-1 with a mean value of 0.96±0.55 mSv y-1, which represents about 65% of the total dose simulated (1.49±0.88 mSv y-1) by the RESRAD-BUILD code. The overall analysis of indoor radon-related radiological risk indicators shows low levels of risk relative to permissible limits.
Homelessness by Chris Gartner In The Pursuit Of Happiness Movie: Individual Psychological Approach
Authors: Choirudin Fachriza Mukhlis , Nugroho Abdillah
Published: January 2022

The Pursuit of Happiness is a movie that tell about the struggles and obstacles of life. It is based on true sotry by Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith) before he get his dream job that would absolutely give him and his son (played by Jayden, Smith's son) a better financial and will allow them to walk on normal lives like the people middle class in America. The film focuses on the challenges Chris Gardner faces in achieving his goal and how he was able to achieve it. This research aims to describe about the homelessness that happened to Chris Gardner and how he can survive it until he got success. The method for this research is qualitative with descriptive approach. The main source for this research The Pursuit of Happiness movie. The data in this study is script that consist of dialogue on the movie. The result of this research show the illustrate of homelessness portrayed by Gardner.
Microsatellite analysis and polymorphic marker development based on the full-length transcriptome of Camellia chekiangoleosa
Authors: Tian Qianqian , Huang Bin , Huang Jianjian , Dong Le , Yin Xin , Wen Qiang
Published: January 2022

Camellia chekiangoleosa is a popular variety of oil-tea camellia and has high oil production and ornamental value. Microsatellite (SSR) markers are the preferred tool for the molecular marker-assisted breeding of C. chekiangoleosa. By focusing on the problems of the low development efficiency of polymorphic SSR markers and lack of available functional markers in oil-tea camellia, we identified 97510 SSR loci based on the full-length transcriptome sequence of C. chekiangoleosa. An analysis of microsatellite characteristics showed that mononucleotide (51.29%) and dinucleotide (34.36%) SSRs were the main repeat types. The main SSR distribution areas based on proportion covered were ordered as follows: 5'UTR > 3'UTR > CDS. By comparing our data with that in databases such as GO and KEGG, we obtained functional annotations of unigene sequences containing SSR sites. The data showed that the amplification efficiency of the SSR primers was 51.72%, and the development efficiency of polymorphic SSR primers was 26.72%. Experiments verified that dinucleotide and pentanucleotide SSRs located in UTR regions could produce more polymorphic markers. An investigation into the genetic diversity of several C. chekiangoleosa populations also suggested that the developed SSR markers had higher levels of polymorphism. This study will provide a reference and high-quality markers for the large-scale development of functional SSR markers and genetic research in oil-tea camellia.
Evaluation of a Web-Based Resource to Improve Menstrual Health Literacy and Self- Management in Young Women
Authors: Armour Mike , Parry Kelly , Curry Christina , Ferfolja Tania , Parker Melissa , Farooqi Toobah , MacMillan Freya , Smith Caroline A , Holmes Kathryn
Published: January 2022

Menstrual cycle-related conditions, such as dysmenorrhea and heavy bleeding, are common amongst those under 25. Despite having significant impact on work, education, and social activities, most do not seek medical advice, preferring to self-manage their symptoms. We aimed to determine if access to a web-based resource could improve health literacy, reduce menstrual symptoms, and encourage health-seeking behaviour in those at risk of conditions such as endometriosis. People were eligible to participate if they were currently living in Australia, aged 14-25 yrs and had menstruated for at least 12 months. Access to the resource was for three menstrual cycles. Seventy-five participants with a mean age of 20.4 years enrolled to use the web-based resource. Forty-three percent visited their doctor regarding their menstrual symptoms during the study period, with 84% indicating that they made the appointment due to the resource; over half (56%) who visited their doctor received a referral to a gynaecologist. There were clinically relevant improvements in health literacy reflecting improved confidence of participants regarding having adequate information and skills to manage their symptoms. A low-cost, web-based resource can improve health literacy, provide effective options for self-management of menstrual cycle-related conditions, and motivate young people to see medical advice.
The Immune Microenvironment Features and Response to Immunotherapy in EBV-associated Lymphoepithelioma-like Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Nai-Jung Chiang , Hou Ya-Chin , Tan Kien Thiam , Tsai Hung-Wen , Lin Yih-Jyh , Yeh Yi-Chen , Chen Li-Tzong , Hou Ya-Fu , Chen Ming-Huang , Shan Yan-Shen
Published: January 2022

Background & Aims Limited data are available for tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (EBV-LELCC), a rare subtype of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC). We aimed to investigate TIME features in EBV-LELCC and the correlation between the components of TIME and the clinical outcomes. Methods Tumor tissues from Five EBV-LELCC cases confirmed through EBER in situ hybridization and five stage-matched conventional IHCC (non-EBV IHCC) cases were collected. These samples were used to evaluate genetic alterations, TIME composition, and PD-L1 expression through ion AmpliSeq comprehensive cancer panel, PanCancer immune profiling panel, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. The correlation between clinical outcomes and TIME components was analyzed in the two EBV-LELCC cases receiving anti-PD-1 treatment.Results The genetic mutations identified in EBV-LELCC were BARD1, CD19, CD79B, EPHA5, KDM5A, MUC6, MUC16, PTEN, RECQL4, TET1, and TNFAIP3. PD-L1 was highly expressed in tumor-infiltrating immune cells, especially the T cells and macrophages. The TIME of EBV-LELCC displayed abundant immune cell infiltration with a stronger adaptive immune response. Increased Th1 cells, NK CD56dim cells, and M1 macrophages, decreased M2 macrophages, exhausted CD8 T cell infiltration, and increased T cell activation signatures in TIME were associated with longer survival. Two patients with metastatic EBV-LELCC had good disease control after anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. A significantly larger TIME component made EBV-LELCCs more sensitive to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Conclusion A better understanding of the composition of TIME in EBV-LELCC is critical for predicting the clinical outcomes of ICB treatment.
Meta-Heuristic Optimizer Inspired by the Philosophy of Yi Jing
Authors: Tang Ho-Kin , Cai Qing , Goh Sim Kuan
Published: January 2022

Drawing inspiration from the philosophy of Yi Jing, the Yin-Yang pair optimization (YYPO) algorithm has been shown to achieve competitive performance in single objective optimizations, in addition to the advantage of low time complexity when compared to other population-based meta-heuristics. Building upon Yi Jing, we propose the novel Yi optimization (YI) algorithm. Specifically, we enhance the Yin-Yang pair in YYPO with a proposed Yi-point, in which we use Cauchy flight to update the solution, by implementing both the harmony and reversal concept of Yi Jing. The proposed Yi-point balances both the effort of exploration and exploitation in the optimization process. To examine YI, we use the IEEE CEC 2017 benchmarks and compare YI against the dynamical YYPO, CV1.0 optimizer, and four classical optimizers, i.e., the differential evolution, the genetic algorithm, the particle swarm optimization, and the simulated annealing. According to the experimental results, YI shows highly competitive performance while keeping the low time complexity. The results of this work have implications for enhancing a meta-heuristic optimizer using the philosophy of Yi Jing.
Human Infection with a Reassortant Swine-Origin Influenza A(H1N2)v Virus in Taiwan, 2021
Authors: Yang Ji-Rong , Kuo Chuan-Yi , Yu I-Ling , Kung Fang-Yen , Wu Fang-Tzy , Lin Jen-Shiou , Liu Ming-Tsan
Published: January 2022

Background: Influenza A virus infections occur in different species, causing mild-to-severe symptoms that lead to a heavy disease burden. H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 are major subtypes of swine influenza A viruses in pigs and occasionally infect humans.Methods: A case infected by novel influenza virus was found through laboratory surveillance system for influenza viruses. Clinical specimens were tested by virus culture and/or real-time RT–PCR. The virus was identified and characterized by gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysisResults: In 2021, for the first time in Taiwan, an influenza A(H1N2)v virus was isolated from a 5-year old girl who was suffering from fever, runny nose and cough. The isolated virus was designated A/Taiwan/1/2021(H1N2)v. Full-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed that A/Taiwan/1/2021(H1N2)v is a novel reassortant virus containing hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) gene segments derived from swine influenza A(H1N2) viruses that may have been circulating in Taiwan for decades, and the other 6 internal genes (PB2, PB2, PA, NP, M and NS) are from human A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses.Conclusion: Notably, the HA and NA genes of A/Taiwan/1/2021(H1N2)v separately belong to specific clades that are unique for Taiwanese swine and were proposed to be introduced from humans in different time periods. Bidirectional transmission between humans and swine contributes to influenza virus diversity and poses the next pandemic threat.
Direct production of polyhydroxybutyrate and alginate from nitrogen-free waste/crude glycerol by Azotobacter vinelandii under atmospheric nitrogen conditions
Authors: Yoshida Nobuhiro , Takase Ryuichi , Sugahara Yoshimi , Nambu Yuko , Hashimoto Wataru
Published: January 2022

While biodiesel fuel is drawing attention as an environmentally friendly fuel, use of waste/crude glycerol, a byproduct of the fuel production process, has increasingly become an essential subject to be solved. Here we show the development of a low-cost fermentation technology using an atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacterium to recycle waste/crude glycerol into functional biopolymers. Azotobacter vinelandii showed significant growth on tap water-diluted waste/crude glycerol without any pretreatment. Cell number of viable A. vinelandii increased over 1,000-fold under the optimal growth conditions. Most glycerol (~0.2%) in the waste/crude glycerol medium was completely depleted within 48 h of cultivation. The production of useful polymers, such as polyhydroxybutyrate and alginate, was also observed. Alginate productivity was increased 10-fold by blocking polyhydroxybutyrate synthesis pathway. Although there are few examples of using waste/crude glycerol directly as a carbon source for microbial fermentation, there are no reports on the use of waste/crude glycerol without adding nitrogen source. This study indicates that it is possible to develop a technology to produce industrially useful polymers from waste/crude glycerol by energy-saving and energy-efficient fermentation using atmospheric nitrogen-fixing A. vinelandii.
Development of a Point-of-Care Immunochromatographic Test Based on Rhoptry Protein 14 for Serological Detection of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Swine
Authors: Yang Yimin , Huang Yechuan , Zhao XianFeng , Lin Mi , Chen Lulu , Zhao Mingxiu , Chen Xueqiu , Yang Yi , Ma Guangxu , Yao Chaoqun , Huang Siyang , Du Aifang
Published: January 2022

Background: Toxoplasma gondii, a worldwide distributed apicomplexan protozoan, can infect almost all warm-blooded animals and may cause toxoplasmosis. Globally, the prevalence of T. gondii in pigs varies between 10% and 60%. Therefore, the detection and prevention of swine toxoplasmosis is essential for agriculture and public health. In order to provide a point-of-care detection method for T. gondii infection in swine, an immunochromatographic test (ICT) was established. Methods: A sequence corresponding to amino acids 619-1061 of T. gondii rhoptry protein 14 (TgROP14) was cloned from T. gondii cDNA and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against TgROP14 were prepared by immunizing BalB/c mice with the recombinant TgROP14 (rTgROP14), and the specificity, subtype, titer and concentration of the mAb were analysed. An immunochromatographic strip (ICT) based on purified rTgROP14, recombinant protein A and mAb against TgROP14 was developed. The specificity, sensitivity, and stability of this new ICT were evaluated. Finally, 436 porcine sera sampled from Zhejiang province in China were tested using the new ICT and a commercial IHA kit to assess the relative sensitivity and specificity.Results: rTgROP14 could be specifically recognized by positive serum of T. gondii but not negative serum. The mAb TgROP14-5D5 shows higher specific recognition of T. gondii antigens and was therefore selected for subsequent colloidal gold strip construction. The new ICT based on TgROP14 exhibited good diagnostic performance with high specificity (89.6%) and sensitivity (100%). Among 436 field porcine sera, ICT and IHA each detected 134 (30.7%) and 99 (87.5%) positive samples, respectively. The relative agreement was 87.5%.Conclusions: This new ICT based on TgROP14 is a candidate for routine testing of T. gondii in the field.
Measured distribution of cloud chamber tracks from radioactive decay: a new empirical approach to investigating the quantum measurement problem
Authors: Schonfeld Jonathan
Published: January 2022

Using publicly available video of a diffusion cloud chamber with a very small radioactive source, I measure the spatial distribution of where tracks start, and consider possible implications. This is directly relevant to the quantum measurement problem and its possible resolution, and appears never to have been done before. The raw data are relatively uncontrolled, leading to caveats that should guide future, more tailored experiments. Aspects of the results may suggest a modification to Born’s rule at very small wavefunction, with possibly profound implications for the detection of extremely rare events such as proton decay, but other explanations are not ruled out. Speculatively, I introduce two candidate small-wavefunction Born rule modifications, a hard cutoff, and an offset model with a stronger underlying physical rationale. Track distributions from decays in cloud chambers represent a previously unappreciated way to probe the foundations of quantum mechanics, and a novel case of wavefunctions with macroscopic signatures.
Temporal and spatial characterisation of protein liquid-liquid phase separation using NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Bramham Jack , Golovanov Alexander
Published: January 2022

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of protein solutions is increasingly recognised as an important phenomenon in cell biology and biotechnology. However, opalescence and concentration fluctuations render LLPS difficult to study, particularly when characterising the kinetics of the phase transition and layer separation. Here, we demonstrate the use of a probe molecule trifluoroethanol (TFE) to characterise the kinetics of protein LLPS by NMR spectroscopy. The chemical shift and linewidth of the probe molecule are sensitive to local protein concentration, with this sensitivity resulting in different characteristic signals arising from the dense and lean phases. Monitoring of these probe signals by conventional bulk-detection 19F NMR reports on the formation and evolution of both phases throughout the sample, including their concentrations and volumes. Meanwhile, spatially-selective 19F NMR, in which spectra are recorded from smaller slices of the sample, was used to track the distribution of the different phases during layer separation. This experimental strategy enables comprehensive characterisation of the process and kinetics of LLPS, and may be useful to study phase separation in protein systems as a function of their environment.
REA: Resource Exergy Analysis - A basic guideline for application focusing on energy systems evaluation
Authors: Jentsch Andrej
Published: January 2022

Evaluating energy systems using Resource Exergy Analysis (REA) is key to ensure that climate targets are reached in time.The reason for this effect is wastefulness. Wastefulness in otherwise GHG-free energy systems increases the amount of GHG-free energy supply required to cover a considered demand. That means that less GHG-free energy converters are available for the rest of the energy system and overall fossil fuel use is increased.REA allows to assess wastefulness comprehensively and thus obtain a key indicator in addition to GHG emissions, that is grounded in science, namely Resource Consumption. This publication provides a basic guideline to the application of Resource Exergy Analysis (REA) with a focus on energy systems evaluation. REA is a well-tested application of exergy analysis to the field of technology comparison that can replace the less comprehensive Primary Energy Analysis and reduce the risk of suboptimal decisions.
Investigations of the automatic design and optimisation of beam transport lines in particle accelerators with dedicated imaging properties
Authors:   , Reimann Stephan
Published: January 2022

The first part of this work addresses the automatic online tuning of transfer lines in particle accelerator facilities. In the second part the focus lies on the automatic construction and optimisation of such transport lines. It can be shown that genetic algorithms can be used very well for optimisation in both cases. Automatic online tuning can be performed very efficiently at accelerators under certain boundary conditions and is particularly well suited for initial beam commissioning with low intensity pilot beams. The construction of transfer lines can also be formulated and solved as an minimisation problem with an adopted parameterisation. Thereby, both the imaging properties of the beam transport and the robustness against error studies can be optimised at the same time.
Airborne LiDAR-assisted deep learning methodology for riparian land cover classification using aerial photographs and its application for flood modelling
Authors: Yoshida Keisuke , Pan Shijun , Taniguchi Junichi , Nishiyama Satoshi , Kojima Takashi , Islam Md. Touhidul
Published: January 2022

In response to challenges in land cover classification (LCC), many researchers have experimented recently with classification methods based on artificial intelligence techniques. For LCC mapping of the vegetated Asahi River in Japan, the current study uses deep learning (DL)-based DeepLabV3+ module for image segmentation of aerial photographs. We modified the existing model by concatenating data on its resultant output port to access the airborne laser bathymetry (ALB) dataset, including voxel-based laser points and vegetation height (i.e. digital surface model data minus digital terrain model data). Findings revealed that the modified approach improved the accuracy of LCC greatly compared to our earlier unsupervised ALB-based method, with 25 and 35% improvement, respectively, in overall accuracy and the macro F1-score for November 2017 dataset (no–leaf condition). Finally, by estimating flow-resistance parameters in flood modelling using LCC mapping-derived data, we conclude that the upgraded DL methodology produces better fit between numerically analyzed and observed peak water levels.
Approaches for estimating mixing time in a water storage tank
Authors: Zhang Jie
Published: January 2022

The mixing performance of a water storage tank is important to ensure good drinking water quality in a distribution system. A tracer study is a commonly used approach for mixing performance evaluation but has limitations, such as limited sampling points and inability to be applied to the full scale at design stage. In practice, mixing time is usually estimated by the tracer curve measured by a probe sensor in a physical tracer study. However, the probe tracer concentration curve can be affected by many factors in the tracer release approach (e.g., instantaneous pouring or quill injecting), such as pouring volume, vertical penetration, and injecting time, making the estimated mixing time inaccurate. Coefficient of variation (CoV) decay curve is an alternative for determining mixing time. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were developed to study mixing in a cylindrical water tank. Mixing times were estimated from both probe tracer curve and CoV decay curve. Results show that the mixing time estimated from a probe tracer curve only represents local mixing, while that estimated from a CoV decay curve is a more appropriate index for global mixing, suggesting that the CoV decay curve should be used for mixing performance analysis in a water tank.
Alpha-solanine Anti-tumor Effects in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Through Regulating the Energy Metabolism Pathway
Authors: Zou Tao , Gu Li , Yang Liqiong , Wei Junsong , Zhao Yueshui , Shen Jing , Li Mingxing , Wu Xu , Du Fukuan , Chen Yu , Ye Yun , Xiao Zhangang , Wu Zhigui
Published: January 2022

Background:

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with a high incidence in China, especially
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the main threat to human life, with terrible morbidity
and mortality. The research on the treatment and mechanism of NSCLC has been the forefront
and hotspot of research. Recent patents show that alpha-solanine (α-solanine) exhibits the
best anti-cancer activity, although its target and related mechanism remain to be elucidated.

Objective:

This study aims to explore the possible targets and mechanisms of α-solanine in the
treatment of NSCLC through network pharmacology and experimental verification.

Methods:

Network pharmacology was applied to screen the possible targets of α-solanine on NSCLC,
construct core networks, and perform GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis to predict
the mechanism of α-solanine against NSCLC. Experiments were implemented to verify the results
of network pharmacology in vitro. The A549 and PC-9 cells were exposed to α-solanine to assess
the anti-tumor effect. Cell apoptosis was determined by the Annexin-V/PI assay. Targeted energy
metabolomics was used to validate the network pharmacology results, and energy metabolism pathway-
related proteins were detected by immunofluorescence and western blot.

Results:

Network pharmacology showed that there were 130 potential targets of α-solanine and NSCLC.
GO, and KEGG analysis showed that the energy metabolism pathway is the main pathway
for α-solanine to exert anti-tumor effects on NSCLC. Experimental results showed that α-solanine
inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted cell apoptosis. At the same time, after
α-solanine treatment, the energy metabolism pathway-related proteins, including GPI, ALDOA,
TPI1, PKLR, LDHA, and ALDH3, were expressed reduced. In addition, α-solanine also affects the
amino acid metabolism of A549 and PC-9 cells.

Conclusion:

Based on a combination of network pharmacological prediction and experimental verification,
α-solanine may exert anti-NSCLC effects by regulating the energy metabolism pathway.
Mapping of Betawi indigenous knowledge in collections at the Setu Babakan Museum
Authors: Sukaesih Sukaesih , Nurislaminingsih Rizki , Winoto Yunus
Published: January 2022

Betawi has philosophical values, belief systems, customs, principles of living in society and harmony with nature. This cultural diversity is proof that Betawi has unique knowledge. Examples of Betawi cultural products are stored in the Setu Babakan Museum. It has the most complete collection of Betawi ethnicity in Indonesia. These collections store the variety of their indigenous knowledge. This study aims to find out what kinds of Betawi indigenous knowledge are stored in the collections. This study uses a qualitative design with a museum studies approach to explore the social realities contained in artifacts. The data collection method is direct observation to the museum and gallery analysis. We examined the collections one by one then took photos of the collections that represented indigenous knowledge of Betawi. We analyzed documents (museum collections), texts on artifact labels, literature, and websites. The results of this analysis are presented in a narrative. The results show that behind the collections there is indigenous knowledge of the Betawi people on how to make batik, food, drinks, clay potteries, bamboo crafts, and weapons. Other indigenous knowledge is about the supernatural, carving arts, bridal costumes, wedding supplies, martial arts, and rhymes.
Killing Fields: Environment, Agency, and the Fascist Conquest of Colonial Libya
Authors: Pergher Roberta
Published: January 2022

The article seeks to reflect on the question of "nature’s agency" in histories of violence. It thus revisits the choices and outcomes of Fascist policy in Libya by foregrounding the colony’s ecology. The determination to win a war on inhospitable terrain led to the regime’s decision to set up concentration camps for Bedouin tribes and their herds in the desert-like and semiarid areas of Cyrenaica, which in turn had a murderous effect on humans and animals. From there, the article moves on to the second phase of Italian conquest, when the defeat of the anticolonial resistance turned into a "conquest of nature", with the agricultural reclamation of the highlands of Cyrenaica for Italian settlers. These agricultural centers and their people, which might at first sight seem bucolic and benign, were just as injurious to the Bedouin ecology predating the Italian occupation as were the concentration camps. The conclusion ponders the moral imperatives in writing histories of Fascist violence and the openings for environmental history.
User Experiences With an SMS Text Messaging Program for Smoking Cessation: Qualitative Study
Authors: Budenz Alexandra , Coa Kisha , Grenen Emily , Keefe Brian , Sanders Amy , Wiseman Kara P , Roditis Maria
Published: January 2022

Background

Mobile health strategies for smoking cessation (eg, SMS text messaging–based interventions) have been shown to be effective in helping smokers quit. However, further research is needed to better understand user experiences with these platforms.

Objective

This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences of real-world users of a publicly available smoking cessation program (SmokefreeTXT).

Methods

Semistructured phone interviews were conducted with 36 SmokefreeTXT users between March and July 2014. Of these 36 participants, 50% (18/36) of participants completed the SmokefreeTXT program (ie, did not opt out of the program before the 6- to 8-week completion period), and 50% (18/36) did not complete the program (ie, requested to opt out of the program before the completion period). Interview questions focused on smoking behaviors, quitting history, opinions on the program’s content and structure, answering assessment questions, using keywords, reasons for opting out, and perceived usefulness of the program for quitting smoking. A thematic content analysis was conducted, with a focus on themes to increase program engagement and optimization.

Results

The findings highlighted features of the program that participants found beneficial, as well as some elements that showed opportunities for improvement to boost program retention and successful cessation. Specifically, most participants found the SmokefreeTXT program to be convenient and supportive of cessation; however, some found the messages to be repetitive and reported a desire for more flexibility based on their readiness to quit and cessation progress. We also found that program completion did not necessarily indicate successful smoking cessation and that program opt out, which might be interpreted as a less positive outcome, may occur because of successful cessation. Finally, several participants reported using SmokefreeTXT together with other evidence-based cessation methods or non–evidence-based strategies.

Conclusions

Qualitative interviews with real-world SmokefreeTXT users showed high program acceptability, engagement with program features, and perceived utility for smoking cessation. Our findings directly informed several program updates, such as adding an adaptive quit date feature and offering supplemental information on live support services for users who prefer human interaction during the cessation process. The study has implications for other digital tobacco cessation interventions and highlights important topics that warrant future research, such as the relationship between program engagement (eg, opt out and retention) and successful cessation.