bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Dynamics of Bridges Under the Coupling Effect of Windmills and Bridges
Authors: Huang Guoqing , Ren Na , Zheng Hengbin
Published: May 2023

To analyze the coupled dynamics effects of existing railroad frame bridge structures under the action of traffic, a coupled train-ballast track-suspension bridge girder-soil dynamics model is established based on railroad large system dynamics and finite element theory. The joint ABAQUS-MATLAB simulation, time-varying coupling, and multi-step dynamic iterative solution strategies are introduced to numerically simulate the mechanical properties of existing railroad structures under the coupled effects of wind loads and traffic action. Specifically, (1) a dichotomous method is proposed to investigate the static behavior of the bridge in the bridge-forming state, and the maximum upper arch of the stiffened girder is 3.67 cm, which occurs at about 1/4 and 3/4 positions of the main span, and the lower deflection of the side span is larger, and the maximum lower deflection occurs at 11.04 cm in the span of the 110 m side span. The vertical acceleration in the span increases immediately with the maximum peak of 30 cm/s2, while the lateral acceleration is maintained within 20 cm/s22. (2) The effects of the stiffness of the rail fasteners and the bridge plate support stiffness on the dynamics were studied. (3) The results of the time-domain analysis are in general agreement with the simulation data, except for the error of the ambient vibration background existing at the peak. The correctness of the simulation model is verified.
Inconsistencies in Darknet Researches
Authors: Platzer Florian , Lux Alexandra
Published: May 2023

The darknet terminology is not used consistently among scientific research papers. This can lead to difficulties in regards to the applicability and the significance of the results and also facilitates misinterpretation of them. As a consequence, comparisons of the different works are complicated.
In this paper, we conduct a review of previous darknet research papers in order to elaborate the distribution of the inconsistent usage of the darknet terminology. Overall, inconsistencies in darknet terminology in 63 out of 97 papers were observed. The most common statement indicated that the dark web is a part of the deep web. 19 papers equate the terms darknet and dark web. Others do not distinguish between dark web and deep web, or between deep web and darknet.
Effect of fruits storage conditions on the yield and the quality of Pistacia lentiscus oil
Authors: Mezni Faten , Slama Awatef , Ayari Faten , Smirani Khaoula , Khaldi Abdelhamid
Published: May 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of fruit storage conditions on the yield and quality of Pistacia lentiscus oil. Fruits were harvested in North Tunisia, and oil was extracted using the pressing method. Three storage conditions were tested; fruit is frozen at -20°C, fruit storage in a cold room at 4°C, and air-dried fruits at 25°C.  Oil yield, free fatty acids, peroxide value, and total polyphenolic content were determined after 30, 60, and 90 days of storage. During the first 30 days, the highest yield was reached by fruits stored in a cold room (15%). Oil acidity from freshly harvested lentisk fruits was around 6% and then increased during storage. With increasing storage time, the oil peroxide value and the total polyphenolic content decreased in the fruits from all treatments. The peroxide value reached the respective values of 8, 5, and 23 meq O2/kg oil for Frozen, Cold Room, and Air Drying treatments. The total polyphenolic content varied from 0.5 EGA/g oil for air drying and frozen treatments to 0.8 EGA/g oil for the cold room. This study allowed the determination of the optimal conditions of storage of Pistacia lentiscus oil. These results are important to preserve the oil's quality and chemical and medicinal properties.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ternary Composite g-C3N4-MoO3/rGO for Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Waheed Zainab , Ghazanfar Sadia , Usman Muhammad , Mahmood Kalid , Hussain Ajaz , Ud din Muhammad Siraj , Tariq Muhammad
Published: May 2023

The present research prepared a ternary composite g-C3N4-MoO3/rGO using the ultrasonic-assisted wet impregnation method. The prepared photocatalyst was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and EDX(Energy dispersive X-ray) techniques.  The structure and morphology of pure MoO3, g-C3N4, binary composite g-C3N4-MoO3, and ternary composite g-C3N4-MoO3/rGO have been studied in their photocatalytic performance in the degradation of  Rhodamine B (Rh-B) was tested and compared. The ternary composite g-C3N4-MoO3/rGO exhibited better degradation efficiency of 80% than pure and binary composite. The synergistic effect of the three components resulted in enhanced light-capturing ability, high charge separation, and low recombination rate of electron-hole pair. 
Phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and acute toxicity of methanolic extracts of Annickia affinis (Exell) Versteegh & Sosef leaves stem bark and roots
Authors: Mbosso Teinkela Jean Emmanuel , Ali Zouleha , Ngoule Charles Christian , Tsakem Bienvenu , Assob Nguedia Jules Clement , Meva Eya’ane Francois , Siwe Noundou Xavier
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to determine the phytochemical profile, acute toxicity, and antioxidant activity of leaves, stem bark, and roots of methanolic extracts of Annickia affinis. Phytochemical screening was done to highlight the secondary metabolites present in the plant. The in vitro antioxidant activity was carried out using the DPPH free radical trapping method based on our extracts' reduction of the DPPH radical. This was evaluated by measuring the absorbance of all concentrations of extracts tested at 517 nm. Whereas the total phenol content was quantified using the reagent of “Folin-Ciocalteu,” measurable using a spectrophotometer at 765 nm. The in vivo acute toxicity study was conducted according to guideline 423 of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) protocol at a fixed dose in Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening of the different extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, triterpenoids, anthraquinones, anthocyanins, and coumarins. The extracts of the leaves, stem bark, and roots showed good DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 0.34 µg/mL, 0.37 µg/mL, and 0.22 µg/mL, respectively; these values were very close to that recorded for the standard, Butyl hydroxytoluène (BHT) (0.14 µg/mL). The total phenolic contents were 122.11 µgEqGA/g for the leaves, 47.11 µgEqGA/g for the stem bark, and 109.95 µgEqGA/g for the roots. An oral administration of all extracts did not cause an abnormal variation of the physiological parameters in female Wistar laboratory rats at doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight up to 14 days after administration. The methanolic extracts of the leaves, stem bark, and roots of A. affinis are thus non-toxic at a dose as high as 5000 mg/kg body weight. They all have good antioxidant activity, the best activity recorded for the roots. It would be beneficial to suggest A. affinis to local populations against pathologies linked to oxidative stress after the preclinical and clinical tests.
Anterior and posterior imaging with hyperparallel OCT
Authors: Frisken Steve , Anderson Trevor , Segref Armin , Lorenser Dirk , Frisken Grant
Published: May 2023

Hyperparallel OCT (HP-OCT) is a parallel spectral domain imaging technology particularly well-suited to the anterior segment. It uses a 2-dimensional grid of 1008 beams to simultaneously image across a wide area of the eye. In this paper we demonstrate that sparsely sampled volumes captured at 300 Hz can be registered without the need for active eye tracking to produce 3-dimensional (3D) volumes free from motion artefacts. The anterior volume provides complete 3D biometric information, including lens position, curvature, epithelial thickness, tilt, and axial length. We further demonstrate that, with the change of a detachable lens, we can capture high resolution anterior volumes and importantly, posterior volume images for preoperative assessment of the posterior segment. Advantageously, the retinal volumes have the same 11.2 mm Nyquist range as the anterior imaging mode.
Star map matching method for optical circular rotation imaging based on graph neural networks
Authors: Xu Tingting , Yang Xiubin , Fu Zongqiang , Jin Ge , Chen Wei , Huang Miaoran , Lu Guoyu
Published: May 2023

This paper focuses on a dynamic star image acquisition and matching method for space situational awareness, which can quickly search for widely distributed resident space objects. First, the optical circular rotation imaging method performed by a single space camera is proposed to obtain a series of star images. And then, the image matching method based on graph neural networks is proposed for generating a wide observation star image. Experiment results show that compared with baseline matching algorithms, the matching accuracy and matching precision of the proposed algorithm are improved significantly.
Forel-Ule index extraction and spatiotemporal variation from MODIS imagery in the Bohai Sea of China
Authors: Wang Lin , Meng Qinghui , Wang Xiang , Chen Yanlong , Zhao Sufang , Wang Xinxin
Published: May 2023

In large-scale water quality evaluation, traditional field-measured data lack spatial-temporal representativeness, and the role of conventional remote sensing parameters (SST, Chla, TSM, etc.) is controversial. By calculating and grading the hue angle of a water body, a Forel-Ule index (FUI) can be obtained, which provides a comprehensive statement of water condition. Using MODIS imagery, hue angles are extracted with better accuracy than the literature's method. It is found that FUI changes in the Bohai Sea have correlated consistently with water quality. The decreasing trend of non-excellent water quality areas in the Bohai Sea was highly correlated with FUI (R2 = 0.701) during the government-dominated land-based pollution reduction program (2012-2021). FUI can monitor and evaluate seawater quality.
Capillary-based fluorescent antenna for visible light communications
Authors: He Cuiwei , Collins Steve , Murata Hideyuki
Published: May 2023

The use of fluorescent optical antennas in visible light communications (VLC) systems can enhance their performance by selectively absorbing light from the transmitter and concentrating the resulting fluorescence, whilst preserving a wide field of view. In this paper, we introduce a new and flexible way of creating fluorescent optical antennas. This new antenna structure is a glass capillary which is filled with a mixture of epoxy and a fluorophore before the epoxy is cured. Using this structure, an antenna can be easily and efficiently coupled to a typical photodiode. Consequently, the leakage of photons from the antenna can be significantly reduced when compared to previous antennas created using microscope slides. Moreover, the process of creating the antenna is simple enough for the performance of antennas containing different fluorophores to be compared. In particular, this flexibility has been used to compare VLC systems that incorporate optical antennas containing three different organic fluorescent materials, Coumarin 504 (Cm504), Coumarin 6 (Cm6), and 4-(Dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran (DCM), when a white light-emitting diode (LED) is used as the transmitter. Results show that, since it only absorbs light emitted from the gallium nitride (GaN) LED, a fluorophore that hasn’t previously been used in a VLC system, Cm504, can result in a significantly higher modulation bandwidth. In addition, the bit error rate (BER) performance at different orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) data rates of antennas containing different fluorophores is reported. These experiments show for the first time that the best choice of fluorophore depends on the illuminance at the receiver. In particular, when the illuminance is low, the overall performance of the system is dominated by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Under these conditions, the fluorophore with the highest signal gain is the best choice. In contrast, when the illuminance is high, the achievable data rate is determined by the bandwidth of the system and therefore the fluorophore that results in the highest bandwidth is the best choice.
Data-driven optical method for full-field stress measurements
Authors: Yao Chenyu , Ma Xueyi , Ma Rongyu , Zhao Dong , Zhao Jian
Published: May 2023

We demonstrate an optical method to directly determine full-field stress by combining a data-driven method with digital image correlation (DIC) strain data. In order to obtain the full-field stress distribution, the full-field strain measured by 2D-DIC and an isotropic ideal elastoplastic material stress–strain dataset are used. The proposed data-driven full-field stress measurement method determines the full-field stress components by performing iterative calculations using the dataset and a distance-functional-based data-driven algorithm without assuming any constitutive equations. The proposed method is implemented in an experiment-in-loop simulation and a practical application. The stress fields of uniaxial tensile and compact tensile processes are determined by the developed algorithm. The results show that the proposed data-driven method can obtain accurate full-field stress using an already established material stress–strain dataset. Furthermore, the proposed method satisfies the equilibrium and compatibility constraints and therefore allows the correction of erroneous strain results from DIC calculations, resulting in more accurately calculated full-field strain and stress values.
An integrated model for predicting KRAS dependency
Authors: Tsai Yihsuan S. , Chareddy Yogitha S. , Price Brandon A. , Parker Joel S. , Pecot Chad V.
Published: May 2023

The clinical approvals of KRAS G12C inhibitors have been a revolutionary advance in precision oncology, but response rates are often modest. To improve patient selection, we developed an integrated model to predict KRAS dependency. By integrating molecular profiles of a large panel of cell lines from the DEMETER2 dataset, we built a binary classifier to predict a tumor’s KRAS dependency. Monte Carlo cross validation via ElasticNet within the training set was used to compare model performance and to tune parameters α and λ. The final model was then applied to the validation set. We validated the model with genetic depletion assays and an external dataset of lung cancer cells treated with a G12C inhibitor. We then applied the model to several Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. The final “K20” model contains 20 features, including expression of 19 genes and KRAS mutation status. In the validation cohort, K20 had an AUC of 0.94 and accurately predicted KRAS dependency in both mutant and KRAS wild-type cell lines following genetic depletion. It was also highly predictive across an external dataset of lung cancer lines treated with KRAS G12C inhibition. When applied to TCGA datasets, specific subpopulations such as the invasive subtype in colorectal cancer and copy number high pancreatic adenocarcinoma were predicted to have higher KRAS dependency. The K20 model has simple yet robust predictive capabilities that may provide a useful tool to select patients with KRAS mutant tumors that are most likely to respond to direct KRAS inhibitors.
With equity in mind: Evaluating an interactive hybrid global surgery course for cross-site interdisciplinary learners
Authors: Alayande Barnabas Tobi , Hughes Zoe , Fitzgerald Tamara N. , Riviello Robert , Bekele Abebe , Rice Henry E.
Published: May 2023

There is limited understanding of the role of transcultural, cross-site educational partnerships for global surgery training between high- and low- or middle-income country (LMIC) institutions. We describe the development, delivery, and appraisal of a hybrid, synchronous, semester-long Global Surgical Care course by global health collaborators from widely different contexts, and evaluate the equity of the collaboration. The course was collaboratively modified by surgical educators and public health professionals with emphasis on collaboration ethics. Faculty from high-income and LMICs were paired to deliver lectures. To collaborate internationally, students and faculty participated either onsite or online. Perceptions and knowledge gained were quantitatively evaluated through participant and faculty cross-sectional surveys, using Likert scales, prioritization rankings, and free text responses analysed qualitatively. Equity was assessed using the Fair Trade Learning rubric and additional probes. Thirty-five learners from six institutions participated. Teams produced mock National, Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plans (NSOAPs) for selected LMICs, and reported a 9% to 65% increase in self-reported global health competencies following the course. Online learners had favourable perceptions of learning, but experienced connectivity challenges. Barriers to effective group work included time differences and logistics of communication for dispersed team members. Individuals taking the course for academic credit scored significantly higher than other learners in peer assessments of participation (8.56±1.53 versus 5.03±3.14; p<0.001). Using the Fair Trade Rubric, 60% of equity indicators were ideal, and no respondents perceived neo-colonialism in the partnership. Blended, synchronous, interdisciplinary global surgery courses based on “North-South” partnerships with a focus on equity in design and delivery are feasible but require careful and deliberate planning to minimize epistemic injustice. Such programs should address surgical systems strengthening, and not create dependency. Equity in such engagements should be evaluated and monitored in an ongoing fashion to stimulate discussion and continuous improvement.
Understanding factors responsible for the slow decline of soil-transmitted helminthiasis following seven rounds of annual mass drug administration (2012–2018) among school children in endemic counties of Kenya: A mixed method study
Authors: Masaku Janet , Okoyo Collins , Araka Sylvie , Musuva Rosemary , Njambi Elizabeth , Njomo Doris W. , Mwandawiro Charles , Njenga Sammy M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) continue to be a significant health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa especially among school children. In Kenya, treatment of over five million children has been conducted annually in 28 endemic counties since the year 2012. However, the latest monitoring and evaluation (M&E) results indicated a slow decline of prevalence and intensity of STH in some counties after the seven rounds of annual mass drug administration (MDA). The current study sought to determine the factors associated with the slow decline in prevalence and intensity of STH among school children participating in the school deworming programme.

Methodology

Mixed methods cross-sectional study was conducted in three endemic counties of Kenya. For quantitative technique, simple random sampling was used to select 1,874 school children from six purposively selected primary schools. The school children were interviewed, and a single stool collected and analysed using Kato-Katz technique. While for qualitative methods, 15 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with purposively selected parents/guardians of school children. Data was collected through voice records using FGD and analyzed using NVIVO.

Findings

Prevalence of any STH infection was 30.8% (95%CI: 28.7–32.9), with the highest prevalence observed in Vihiga County (40.7%; 95%CI: 37.4–44.4). Multivariable analysis revealed that geographical location (OR = 3.78, (95%CI: 1.81–7.88) p<0.001), and not washing hands after defecation (OR = 1.91, (95%CI: 1.13–3.20) p = 0.015) were significantly associated with any STH infection. For qualitative analysis, majority of the parents/guardians of SAC felt that poor water sanitation and hygiene practices (WASH) both in school and household level could be a cause of continued STH infection. Also failing to include the rest of the community members in the MDAs were mentioned as possible contributors to observed slow decline of STH.

Conclusions

There was moderate STH prevalence and mean intensity despite the seven rounds of repeated annual MDA. The study recommends a revamped awareness creation on WASH and community wide treatment.
Efficacy of home-based inspiratory muscle training in patients post-covid-19: Protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gonçalo Silva Gabriely Azevêdo , Nogueira Ivan Daniel Bezerra , da Silva Chiappa Gaspar Rogério , Nogueira Patrícia Angélica de Miranda Silva
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Current evidence suggests the emergence of a novel syndrome (long COVID syndrome) due to sequels and persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Respiratory muscle training improves respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, diaphragm thickness, and dyspnea, especially in patients with decreased respiratory muscle strength. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a protocol for home-based inspiratory muscle training to improve respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and quality of life of patients post-COVID-19.

Methods and analyses

This randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial will be conducted at the Instituto de Medicina Tropical of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil). Sample size will be determined using maximal inspiratory pressure after a pilot study with five patients per group (total of 10 patients). Patients included in the study will be evaluated in three moments: pre-training (initial), post-training (three weeks), and retention (24 weeks). The sample will be randomized in two groups: active (IMT using 30% of IMT and load increase of 10% of initial IMT every week. Patients will perform 30 repetitions, twice a day (morning and afternoon), for seven consecutive days, and six weeks) and SHAM (IMT without load). The following measurements will be assessed: anthropometry, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary volume and capacity, dyspnea, perception of effort and lower limb fatigue, handgrip strength, functional capacity, anxiety, depression, and functional status. After initial evaluation, all patients will receive a POWERbreathe® (POWERbreathe®, HaB Ltd, Southam, UK) device to perform the training. Normality will be verified using Shapiro-Wilk or Kolmogorov-Smirnov, according to the number of patients included. Variables presenting nonparametric distribution will be compared using Wilcoxon (intragroup analysis) and Mann-Whitney test (intergroup analysis), whereas repeated measures two-way ANOVA will be performed in case of parametric distribution. Dunn’s post hoc test will be used to identify significant differences in the two-way ANOVA test.

Primary outcomes

Respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and quality of life of post-COVID-19 patients.

Second outcomes

Pulmonary function, dyspnea, exercise tolerance, handgrip strength, anxiety, depression, and functional status.

Trial registration

Trial register number NCT05077241.
Strategies for data normalization and missing data imputation and consequences for potential diagnostic microRNA biomarkers in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Lopacinska-Jørgensen Joanna , Petersen Patrick H. D. , Oliveira Douglas V. N. P. , Høgdall Claus K. , Høgdall Estrid V.
Published: May 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules regulating gene expression with diagnostic potential in different diseases, including epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOC). As only a few studies have been published on the identification of stable endogenous miRNA in EOC, there is no consensus which miRNAs should be used aiming standardization. Currently, U6-snRNA is widely adopted as a normalization control in RT-qPCR when investigating miRNAs in EOC; despite its variable expression across cancers being reported. Therefore, our goal was to compare different missing data and normalization approaches to investigate their impact on the choice of stable endogenous controls and subsequent survival analysis while performing expression analysis of miRNAs by RT-qPCR in most frequent subtype of EOC: high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). 40 miRNAs were included based on their potential as stable endogenous controls or as biomarkers in EOC. Following RNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissues from 63 HGSC patients, RT-qPCR was performed with a custom panel covering 40 target miRNAs and 8 controls. The raw data was analyzed by applying various strategies regarding choosing stable endogenous controls (geNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder, the comparative ΔCt method and RefFinder), missing data (single/multiple imputation), and normalization (endogenous miRNA controls, U6-snRNA or global mean). Based on our study, we propose hsa-miR-23a-3p and hsa-miR-193a-5p, but not U6-snRNA as endogenous controls in HGSC patients. Our findings are validated in two external cohorts retrieved from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus database. We present that the outcome of stability analysis depends on the histological composition of the cohort, and it might suggest unique pattern of miRNA stability profiles for each subtype of EOC. Moreover, our data demonstrates the challenge of miRNA data analysis by presenting various outcomes from normalization and missing data imputation strategies on survival analysis.
Reconstructing archaeological palaeolandscapes using geophysical and geomatic survey techniques: An example from Red Lily Lagoon, Arnhem Land, Australia
Authors: Kowlessar Jarrad , Moffat Ian , Wesley Daryl , Willis Mark , Wrigglesworth Shay , Jones Tristen , Nayinggul Alfred ,   the Njanjma Rangers
Published: May 2023

Arnhem Land is a key region for understanding the Pleistocene colonisation of Australia, due to the presence of the oldest sites in the continent. Despite this, conventional archaeological survey has not been effective at locating additional pre-Holocene sites in the region due to a complex distribution of geomorphic units caused by sea level rise and coastal aggradation. This research uses geophysical and geomatic techniques to map the subsurface distribution of the geomorphic units in the Red Lily Lagoon region in eastern Arnhem Land. This reveals a complex Pleistocene landscape, which offers the potential to locate additional archaeological sites and so reveal more about the lifeways of the earliest Australians.
Research and design of an intelligent fish tank system
Authors: Fu Shaohua , Xing Wenjing , Wu Juncheng , Chen Jiangang , Liu Shuangjiao
Published: May 2023

In order to improve the hardware configuration and interaction mode of the fish tank system and realize the diversification of client functions, the purpose of real-time remote monitoring and management is achieved. A set of IoT intelligent fish tank system composed of sensor unit, signal processing unit and wireless transmission unit was designed. The system improves the algorithm of the data collected by the sensor, and proposes an improved first-order lag average filtering algorithm. The system uses composite collection information, intelligent processing, chart data analysis and other methods to transmit the processed data to the cloud server through the WIFI communication module. An APP is designed on the remote monitoring and control end, and a visual data interface of the smart fish tank is made, and the user can modify the environmental parameters conducive to the biological survival inside the fish tank through the APP, it brings great convenience to the family fish tank, and the test shows that the system network is stable and fast in response, and the overall purpose of the intelligent fish tank system is achieved.
Transcriptomics of ivermectin response in Caenorhabditis elegans: Integrating abamectin quantitative trait loci and comparison to the Ivermectin-exposed DA1316 strain
Authors: Dube Faruk , Hinas Andrea , Delhomme Nicolas , Åbrink Magnus , Svärd Staffan , Tydén Eva
Published: May 2023

Parasitic nematodes pose a significant threat to human and animal health, as well as cause economic losses in the agricultural sector. The use of anthelmintic drugs, such as Ivermectin (IVM), to control these parasites has led to widespread drug resistance. Identifying genetic markers of resistance in parasitic nematodes can be challenging, but the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans provides a suitable model. In this study, we aimed to analyze the transcriptomes of adult C. elegans worms of the N2 strain exposed to the anthelmintic drug Ivermectin (IVM), and compare them to those of the resistant strain DA1316 and the recently identified Abamectin Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) on chromosome V. We exposed pools of 300 adult N2 worms to IVM (10−7 and 10−8 M) for 4 hours at 20°C, extracted total RNA and sequenced it on the Illumina NovaSeq6000 platform. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined using an in-house pipeline. The DEGs were compared to genes from a previous microarray study on IVM-resistant C. elegans and Abamectin-QTL. Our results revealed 615 DEGs (183 up-regulated and 432 down-regulated genes) from diverse gene families in the N2 C. elegans strain. Of these DEGs, 31 overlapped with genes from IVM-exposed adult worms of the DA1316 strain. We identified 19 genes, including the folate transporter (folt-2) and the transmembrane transporter (T22F3.11), which exhibited an opposite expression in N2 and the DA1316 strain and were deemed potential candidates. Additionally, we compiled a list of potential candidates for further research including T-type calcium channel (cca-1), potassium chloride cotransporter (kcc-2), as well as other genes such as glutamate-gated channel (glc-1) that mapped to the Abamectin-QTL.
Device-measured sitting time and musculoskeletal pain in adults with normal glucose metabolism, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes–The Maastricht Study
Authors: Dzakpasu Francis Q. S. , Koster Annemarie , Owen Neville , Galan Bastiaan E. de , Carver Alison , Brakenridge Christian J. , Boonen Annelies , Bosma Hans , Dagnelie Pieter C. , Eussen Simone J. P. M. , Sethi Parneet , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Schaper Nicolaas C. , Dunstan David W.
Published: May 2023

Background

Detrimental associations of sedentary behaviour (time spent sitting) with musculoskeletal pain (MSP) conditions have been observed. However, findings on those with, or at risk of, type 2 diabetes (T2D) have not been reported. We examined the linear and non-linear associations of device-measured daily sitting time with MSP outcomes according to glucose metabolism status (GMS).

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 2827 participants aged 40–75 years in the Maastricht Study (1728 with normal glucose metabolism (NGM); 441 with prediabetes; 658 with T2D), for whom valid data were available on activPAL-derived daily sitting time, MSP [neck, shoulder, low back, and knee pain], and GMS. Associations were examined by logistic regression analyses, adjusted serially for relevant confounders, including moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and body mass index (BMI). Restricted cubic splines were used to further examine non-linear relationships.

Results

The fully adjusted model (including BMI, MVPA, and history of cardiovascular disease) showed daily sitting time to be significantly associated with knee pain in the overall sample (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.01–1.12) and in those with T2D (OR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.00–1.22); this was not statistically significant in those with prediabetes (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.91–1.18) or NGM (OR = 1.05, 95%CI: 0.98–1.13). There were no statistically significant associations between daily sitting time and neck, shoulder, or low back pain in any of the models. Furthermore, the non-linear relationships were statistically non-significant.

Conclusion

Among middle-aged and older adults with T2D, daily sitting time was significantly associated with higher odds of knee pain, but not with neck, shoulder, or low back pain. No significant association was observed in those without T2D for neck, shoulder, low back, or knee pain. Future studies, preferably those utilising prospective designs, could examine additional attributes of daily sitting (e.g., sitting bouts and domain-specific sitting time) and the potential relationships of knee pain with mobility limitations.
Association between car driving and successful ageing. A cross sectional study on the "S.AGES" cohort
Authors: Baudouin Edouard , Zitoun Sarah , Corruble Emmanuelle , Vidal Jean-Sébastien , Becquemont Laurent , Duron Emmanuelle
Published: May 2023

Background

Assessing successful ageing (SA) is essential to identify modifiable factors in order to enforce health promotion and prevention actions. SA comprises 3 dimensions: an active engagement with life, a low probability of disease and disease-related disability, and a high cognitive and physical functional capacity. Driving seems to be linked to SA as it is a mean to preserve social interactions and requires preserved functional and cognitive status. This study aims to investigate whether driving status can be considered a proxy of SA, by describing determinants associated with driving status in the 65+.

Methods

This cross-sectional study is ancillary to the S.AGES (Sujets AGÉS—Aged Subjects) study, an observational prospective cohort study which included patients suffering from chronic pain, type-2 diabetes mellitus or atrial fibrillation from 2009 to 2014. SA was defined by the success of three dimensions: physiological comprised of comorbidity and autonomy scores, psychological comprised of cognitive status and emotional state, and a social dimension.

Results

2,098 patients were included of whom 1,226 (58.4%) reported being drivers. 351/2,092 (16.7%) were classified as successful agers: 292/1,266 (23.8%) in the driver group vs. 59/872 (6.8%) in the non-driver group; p < .001. In the final logistic model, after adjustment for relevant variables, SA was associated with driver status OR 1.94 [1.36–2.77].

Conclusion

Driving may be considered as a proxy to SA: it reflects elders’ independence, cognitive ability and a means to maintain social interactions. To preserve their mobility and enable them to achieve SA, regular screening of driving skills, specific rehabilitation programs are needed. Moreover development and communication on special transports services, communal rides or even driverless car to avoid apprehension around older adults driving could be solutions.
Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocyte co-culture with the monocyte cell line THP-1 does not trigger production of soluble factors reducing brain microvascular barrier function
Authors: Storm Janet , Camarda Grazia , Haley Michael J. , Brough David , Couper Kevin N. , Craig Alister G.
Published: May 2023

Monocytes contribute to the pro-inflammatory immune response during the blood stage of aPlasmodium falciparuminfection, but their precise role in malaria pathology is not clear. Besides phagocytosis, monocytes are activated by products fromP.falciparuminfected erythrocytes (IE) and one of the activation pathways is potentially the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a multi-protein complex that leads to the production of interleukin (IL)-1β. In cerebral malaria cases, monocytes accumulate at IE sequestration sites in the brain microvascular and the locally produced IL-1β, or other secreted molecules, could contribute to leakage of the blood-brain barrier. To study the activation of monocytes by IE within the brain microvasculature in anin vitromodel, we co-cultured IT4var14 IE and the monocyte cell line THP-1 for 24 hours and determined whether generated soluble molecules affect barrier function of human brain microvascular endothelial cells, measured by real time trans-endothelial electrical resistance. The medium produced after co-culture did not affect endothelial barrier function and similarly no effect was measured after inducing oxidative stress by adding xanthine oxidase to the co-culture. While IL-1β does decrease barrier function, barely any IL-1β was produced in the co- cultures, indicative of a lack of or incomplete THP-1 activation by IE in this co-culture model.
AIDS Drug Assistance Program disenrollment is associated with loss of viral suppression beyond differences in homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorders: An evaluation in Washington state 2017–2019
Authors: Erly Steven J. , Khosropour Christine M. , Hajat Anjum , Sharma Monisha , Reuer Jennifer R. , Dombrowski Julia C.
Published: May 2023

AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) are state-administered programs that pay for medical care for people living with HIV in the US. Maintaining enrollment in the programs is challenging, and a large proportion of clients in Washington state (WA) fail to recertify and are disenrolled. In this study we sought to quantify the impact of disenrollment from ADAPs on viral suppression. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the 5238 clients in WA ADAP from 2017 to 2019 and estimated the risk difference (RD) of viral suppression before and after disenrollment. We performed a quantitative bias analysis (QBA) to assess the effect of unmeasured confounders, as the factors that contribute to disenrollment and medication discontinuation may overlap. Of the 1336 ADAP clients who disenrolled ≥1 time, 83% were virally suppressed before disenrollment versus 69% after (RD 12%, 95%CI 9–15%). The RD was highest among clients with dual Medicaid-Medicare insurance (RD 22%, 95%CI 9–35%) and lowest among privately insured individuals (RD 8%, 95%CI 5–12%). The results of the QBA suggest that unmeasured confounders do not negate the overall RD. The ADAP recertification procedures negatively impact the care of clients who struggle to stay in the program; alternative procedures may reduce this impact.
The Impact of the Mongol Conquests on Earthen Cities in Central Asia
Authors: Campbell Katie
Published: May 2023

This article discusses the uses of mud in Central Asian cities with specific reference to this building material’s role in views on the Mongols’ westward conquests from 1219 to the 1250s. Outlining the patterns of construction, maintenance, and reconstruction of earthen architecture, I consider how the Mongol conquests would have impacted the urban occupation of cities that relied on this building material with a focus on examples from Merv, Turkmenistan, and Otrar, Kazakhstan. Given the need for continuous maintenance to mud-brick architecture to prevent decay, and the difficulties of reversing this process once it has begun, I argue that depopulation resulting from the Mongol conquest campaigns would have impacted the urban fabric more significantly than any deliberate demolition by invading Mongol armies. Based on archaeological analysis, I discuss the practicalities and difficulties of reusing mud as a building material to show that the abandonment of buildings and cities can be a conscious, pragmatic response to erosion or a shifting water supply rather than a catastrophic event. I conclude that thirteenth-century accounts describing the urban devastation and demolition of Central Asian cities should be reconsidered to include the collateral impact of the flight of populations and environmental change, as evidenced in the archaeological record.
The Effect of Auditor Competence, Audit Complexity, and Auditor Time Budget Pressure on Audit Quality with The Information System Understanding as Moderating Variable
Authors: Risya Khaerun Nisa Risya Khaerun Nisa
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The progress of a company can be seen from the position of its financial statements. Therefore the financial statements must be audited by a qualified Public Accountant or Auditor to show that the financial statements are presented fairly. The auditor must perform a quality audit to provide reliable and trustworthy information. This study aims to determine the effect of auditor competence, audit complexity, and auditor time budget pressure on audit quality with the information systems understanding as moderating variable.

Methodology: This study conducted on auditors working at the Public Accounting Firm of DKI Jakarta recorded in the directory of Indonesian Institute of Accountants. The samples of this study consists of 20 Public Accounting Firm. Data collection technique used primary data. Primary data obtained through the survey by distributing questionnaires to respondents. The questionnaires were distributed directly to the auditors at 20 Public Accounting Firm. Data analysis technique used moderated regression analysis (MRA).       

Findings: The result of the research shows that: Auditor competence has a positive effect on audit quality, audit complexity does not effect audit quality, and auditor time budget pressure has negative effect on audit quality. The interaction of information system understanding between auditor competence with audit quality is an independent variable. The interaction of information system understanding between audit complexity with audit quality is not a moderation variable. Meanwhile, the interaction of information system understanding between auditor time budget pressure with audit quality is a quasi moderator.

Novelty: This paper uses auditor competence that distinguishes it from previous studies.

Keywords:  auditor competence, audit complexity, auditor time budget pressure, audit quality,

information system understanding
Review Artikel : Aktivitas Antimikroba Genus Ipomoea
Authors: Utami Fransiska Ria Oktasari Putri , Abdurachim Henna Rya , Utami Widyaningrum
Published: May 2023

Banyaknya kasus resistensi obat antimikroba mendorong para peneliti untuk mencari dan menemukan senyawa lainnya yang berpotensi dapat diformulasikan menjadi obat antimikroba. Diketahui ekstrak dari beberapa spesies tumbuhan genus Ipomoea menunjukan adanya aktivitas antimikroba. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui macam-macam kandungan senyawa metabolit sekunder pada genus Ipomoea yang berfungsi sebagai antimikroba serta mengetahui mekanisme aktivitas antimikrobanya. Pencarian literatur menggunakan database Science Direct dan PubMed dengan kata kunci “Antimicrobial” AND “Activity” AND “Ipomoea”. Data menunjukan bahwa senyawa metabolit sekunder pada genus Ipomoea yang berfungsi sebagai antimikroba yaitu linalool, β-pinene, kumarin, asam p-hidroksibenzoat, serta alkaloid. Genus Ipomoea yang terbukti dapat dijadikan sebagai agen antimikroba yaitu spesies I. pes-caprae, I. procumbens Mart. & Choisy, I. tuba, I. alba, I. bolusiana Schinz, dan I. batatas L. Sedangkan I. carnea Jacq. dan I. crossipes menunjukan hasil yang negatif. Ekstrak herba Ipomoea batatas L. menunjukan aktivitas antimikroba paling kuat terhadap bakteri gram positif maupun bakteri gram negatif berdasarkan metode uji difusi maupun dilusi.
Uji Aktivitas Penyembuhan Luka Ekstrak Etanol Herba Meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) pada Kelinci Jantan (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Mufidah Nabila , Sunarsih Endang Sri , Dini Intan Rahmania Eka
Published: May 2023

Luka merupakan kondisi patologi yang terjadi pada jaringan kulit dan membran mukosa jaringan lain. Tanaman meniran mengandung senyawa yang bermanfaat sebagai obat, khususnya untuk penyembuhan luka. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui aktivitas penyembuhan luka sayat ekstrak etanol 96% herba meniran dan mengetahui kadar ekstrak etanol 96% herba meniran yang efektif di antara kadar 3%, 6%, dan 9% (b/v) dalam penyembuhan luka sayat pada kelinci jantan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimental dengan pengamatan selama 14 hari dengan pemberian obat 2 kali sehari. Uji statistika menggunakan uji Kruskal Wallis dan Uji Post-Hoc. Rata-rata waktu penyembuhan kelompok kontrol positif dengan ekstrak etanol 96% herba meniran kadar 3%, 6%, dan 9% tidak memiliki perbedaan signifikan karena memiliki hasil sig 1,00 (P > 0,05), sedangkan hasil rata-rata skor kriteria Nagaoka seluruh kelompok perlakuan tidak menunjukkan adanya perbedaan. Ekstrak etanol 96% herba meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) memiliki aktivitas penyembuhan luka sayat pada kelinci dan hasil statistika tidak menunjukkan perbedaan variasi kadar esktrak etanol 96% herba meniran untuk waktu penyembuhan dan total skor Nagaoka.
Gambaran Kepatuhan Pelaksanaan Protokol Kesehatan Pencegahan COVID-19 pada Masyarakat Pasca Vaksinasi
Authors: Ayuniati Ni Luh Ketut , Dewi Ni Luh Putu Thrisna , Pramesti Theresia Anita
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) has experienced an increase in the number of cases in the world and in Indonesia in particular. Vaccination efforts are carried out by the government to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 transmission, reduce morbidity and death rates and achieve herd immunity. The problem in the field is that people who have been vaccinated have begun to neglect the implementation of health protocols. Limited study explored compliance to implement COVID-19 health protocols post vaccination. The purpose of this study was to determine the description of compliance with the implementation of the COVID-19 preventive health protocol in the post-vaccination community in the Unit Pelaksana Teknis Daerah (UPTD) work area of Rumah Sakit Umum (RSU) Payangan. Methods: the research method was descriptive research. The research sample were 268 people who had met the criteria of completed vaccinated, be able to use Whatsapp and aged 20-70 years old with the Simple Random Sampling sample technique. Data was collected with questionnaires, namely questionnaires to identify the characteristics of respondents and questionnaires to assess community compliance with implementing COVID-19 prevention health protocols and analysed by statistical test. Results: the results were obtained from 268 respondents, most of the people were obedient in using masks (83.2%), obediently washing hands (93.3%), obedient in maintaining distance (60.4%) and obedient in maintaining health (83, 2%). Conclusion: compliance in maintaining distance is the lowest compliance, the number of traditional and cultural activities in the community, economic demands and fulfilment of needs causes people to gather. It is very important to increase public supervision in implementing Health protocols and providing facilities and facilities.
Pengetahuan Ibu Primigravida tentang Preeklamsia di Nusa Tenggara Barat
Authors: Novyanti Baiq Mira , Kristina Tri Nur , Sudarmiati Sari
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Preeclampsia causes of the most maternal mortality rate in Indonesia. One of factors that lead to high rates of preeclampsia is the lack of knowledge of the mother. Low knowledge can result in mothers not being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia early. The study of maternal knowledge about preeclampsia in Eastern Indonesia is limited, so this study aims to determine the knowledge of primigravida mothers about preeclampsia in Eastern Indonesia.Methods: This research is quantitative descriptive. Respondents in this study were 90 primigravida mothers who did examinations at the Pratama Asy-Syfa clinic and the Ampenan health center in Mataram City. The sampling method used purposive sampling, data collection with questionnaires that had been tested for validity and reliability, and distributed through Whatsapp groups using google form.Results: The knowledge score with the knowledge level classification was good as many as 19 people (31.7%), 33 people (55%), and 8 people lacking (13,3%).Conclusion: Most of the primigravida mothers have sufficient knowledge but there are still those who have less knowledge, so efforts are needed to increase the knowledge of primigravida mothers about preeclampsia. Keywords: Pregnant Women, Knowledge, Attitude.