bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ability of Human Resources in Compiling Financial Reports at the Ministry of Religion Office of Sabang City
Authors: Eddi Fahmi  , Ismail  , T. Syarifuddin
Published: March 2022

Enhancement ability human resources of service officers at The Ministry of Religion Office of Sabang City has so far been carried out in two ways, namely through education and training. Then also carried out an increase in ASN discipline in the preparation of financial reports so that employees doing their duties in a timely manner, with the right quality and comply with applicable regulations. The purpose of this research are to find out and analyze the improvement of ASN's ability in compiling financial reports at the Ministry of Religion Office of Sabang City and to find out and analyze the improvement of ASN discipline in the compiling financial reports at the Ministry of Religion Office of Sabang City. Researchers used qualitative methods in order to collect data with the technique of determining the informants was done by purposive sampling. The results showed that ASN ability still low, especially with regard to the level of education and training. Then civil servant discipline at the Ministry of Religion Office of Sabang City is still low, especially regarding getting to the office on time, this is still often not appropriate, as well as with the right quality because it is not on time then automatically it is not of the right quality, but employees obey the applicable rules. The conclusion of the study shows that Education is an important factor in improving human resources at the Ministry of Religion Office of Sabang City, but higher education is not a guarantee for someone to be placed in a structural position by the head. Then related to the training attended by the employees of the Ministry of Religion of Sabang City, they participated in various trainings and usually one training lasted for four days. Employees at the Ministry of Religion Office of Sabang City are still not disciplined in their work because they enter the office not on time, and return home not on time so that the results are not of the right quality but other rules are obeyed and obeyed. In terms of responsibility, they are still low, but they have a good attitude at work.
Evaluation of genetic variability and trait association for yield improvement of Lentil
Authors: Khanam M , Kabiraj MS , Rashid MM , Raffi SA
Published: March 2022

Lentil is a nutritious food and one of the world's oldest domesticated legumes. The present studyevaluatedthe nature and magnitude of variability, heritability, genetic advance and association among the yield and yield contributing traits in 24 lentils (Lens culinaris M.) genotypes. From the 13 traits considered, phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were found higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) which indicates less effect of the environment for the expression of traits studied. Seed weight per plants demonstrated the highest PCV and GCV (60.26 & 59.87) followed by number of seeds per plant (49.14 & 48.97) and number of pods per plant (48.58 & 47.95, respectively). Most of the traits showed high heritability as days to maturity exhibited the highest heritability (99.96%) followed by number of seeds per plant (99.33%). Genetic advance as percent of mean was higher for seed weight per plant (122.58%) and number of seeds per plant (100.56%). Among the traits, number of seeds per plant (0.95& 0.94) and number of pods per plant (0.94 & 0.92) showed positive and significant correlation with seed weight per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic correlation. Consequently, path analysis revealed positive and direct effect of number of pods per plant (0.310&372) and number of seeds per plant (0.770&0.659) on seed weight per plant in both genotypic and phenotypic level, respectively.  Based on the genetic analysis of 13 characters, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant,1000-seed weight and seed weight per plant were found as the most superior traits can be used in hybridization program for the development of high yielding lentil genotypes.

Progressive Agriculture 32 (2): 107-116, 2021
Boron-mediated aluminium stress tolerance under aluminium toxicity at germination and early seedling stages of wheat
Authors: Shovon MH , Sagar A , Mia MA , Rakhi FR , Tajkia JE , Kabir MH , Shabi TH , Dhar M , Hossain AKMZ
Published: March 2022

Aluminium stress is one of the major problems of wheat production that significantly reduces the growth and development. Al toxicity can be recovered by exogenous application of different growth inducing nutrient elements. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the ameliaration effect of B under Al toxicity. Therefore, a petri dish and hydroponic culture experiment of wheat was conducted at Crop Physiology Laboratory, Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from January 2016 to February 2017 to investigate the effect of boron on amelioration of aluminium toxicity in germination and seedling stage. Both the experiments were designed in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The experiments were comprised of four levels of boron and aluminium concentrations viz., 0 µM B + 0 µM Al (control), 0 µM Al + 40 µM B, 200 µM Al + 40 µM B and 0 µM B + 200 µM Al and five wheat varieties viz; BARI Gom-23, BARI Gom-24, BARI Gom-28, BARI Gom-27 and BARI Gom-30. Results indicated that germination percentage, radicle and plumule length, root and shoot length, leaf length, fresh and dry mass   plant-1 were greater in 0 µM Al + 40 µM B treated plants than 0 µM B + 200 µM Al induced conditions. It indicates that wheat seedlings are susceptible to aluminium and boron can ameliorate aluminium toxicity. However, among the studied varieties, the reduction of dry mass under aluminium stress was minimum in BARI Gom-28 followed by BARI Gom-23 indicating BARI Gom-28 was more tolerant to aluminium stress than the other varieties. On the contrary, the varieties, BARI Gom-27 and BARI Gom-24 were more susceptible to aluminium stress. So it indicates that aluminium stress severely affects the growth and developments especially in the sensitive varieties and tolerant varieties have the self-ability to grow and develop even under aluminium stress condition.

Progressive Agriculture 32 (2): 127-139, 2021
De novo reefs: Fish habitat provision by oyster aquaculture varies with farming method
Authors: Martínez-Baena F , Lanham BS , McLeod I , Taylor MD , McOrrie S , Bishop MJ
Published: March 2022

Aquaculture industries have the capacity to produce positive ecosystem service benefits, such as the provision of habitat to wild animals. Oyster cultivation is the oldest and largest aquaculture industry in south-eastern Australia. Oyster spat are grown to marketable size in rack-and-rail (‘racks’) or longline-and-basket (‘baskets’) configurations, which add structure to estuarine waters. This study assessed: (1) how the fish communities associated with oyster farms vary with production method; (2) how communities of fish utilise oyster infrastructure, as compared to adjacent natural habitats; and (3) whether oyster infrastructure can serve as de facto oyster reefs by supporting similar fish communities. Remote underwater video surveys, conducted during summer and winter of 2 study years, revealed that fish observations and species richness were generally greater for rack than basket cultivation. Both types of oyster farms supported at least as many species of fish as adjacent natural habitats, including oyster reef, seagrass, mangrove and bare sediment. Fish communities were, in general, most similar between racks and baskets and most dissimilar between racks and bare sediments. Oyster farms supported species of fish otherwise limited to habitats with wild oysters, and unique harvested fish species were observed more frequently at racks. Fish use of oyster-growing infrastructure for foraging and shelter mirrored use of natural biogenic habitats. Overall, this study suggests that the oyster aquaculture infrastructure can support fish communities with species composition similar to those of natural biogenic habitats, although this service is dependent on farming method. Ecosystem services provided by aquaculture should be considered in estuarine habitat enhancement, conservation and restoration.
Bioenergetic model and specific growth rates of jellyfish Aurelia spp
Authors: Riisgård HU , Larsen PS
Published: March 2022

The common jellyfish Aurelia spp. often appears in large numbers in coastal regions around the world, having a considerable predation impact on zooplankton. To better understand and quantify this phenomenon, several laboratory and field studies have determined growth rates by recording umbrella diameter and/or dry weight versus time. However, there appears to be no model describing such data. Here, we use a bioenergetic model for growth of Aurelia spp. dry mass (W) based on ingested food minus respiration, leading to the weight-specific growth rate μ (1/W) dW/dt = aWb, where the constant a depends on prey concentration and the exponent is b = -0.2. The model is tested against Aurelia spp. data in several examples, some of which represent well-fed conditions that show fair agreement with the model (b = -0.2 to -0.4), while others depart increasingly from the model (b < -0.4) with increasing W, likely due to suboptimal and fluctuating prey concentrations. Based on the model and available data, it is suggested that for a given size W, the specific growth rate increases linearly with prey concentration up to about 5 to 6 Artemia sp. l-1, where a maximal growth rate (μmax) is reached which is not exceeded for higher prey concentrations.
Plataforma da precarização: os conflitos na regulação jurídica do trabalho dos entregadores de aplicativo
Authors: Ito de Souza Helena Sayuri
Published: March 2022

O presente artigo busca analisar a forma como a Justiça do Trabalho tem deliberado sobre os conflitos judiciais envolvendo entregadores e empresas de aplicativo. Para tanto, os resultados de um levantamento de decisões judiciais do TRT-10, que têm como partes entregadores e as principais empresas de aplicativo atuantes no Brasil, são confrontadas a partir de três frentes: o enfrentamento do argumento de que a relação entre entregadores e empresas é regida por flexibilidade e autonomia; a aproximação entre o trabalho por plataformas digitais e a terceirização; e o desligamento imotivado de contas de entregadores nas plataformas. Em seguida, o artigo aborda o discurso do ineditismo tecnológico das plataformas digitais, que permeia a retórica empresarial e que figura como marcador relevante nas decisões judiciais. A crítica a essa noção é situada no contexto brasileiro de informalidades históricas, de gestão dos meios de sobrevivência da juventude negra e marginalizada e de um processo anterior de precarização. Por fim, considera-se o papel das instituições de regulação do trabalho, em especial a Justiça do Trabalho, na salvaguarda dos direitos desses trabalhadores e na aplicação de limites legais a essa modalidade de trabalho.
Informalidade e espaço urbano: notas sobre a articulação coletiva dos trabalhadores informais
Authors: Lima Vasconcelos Tom
Published: March 2022

Este artigo pretende centrar análise nas formas de articulação coletiva dos trabalhadores informais, especificamente os trabalhadores de rua e vendedores ambulantes, distantes de uma relação de assalariamento que os aproxime da experiência da cidadania regulada. Para tanto, se objetiva analisar a constituição do mercado de trabalho no Brasil, marcado pela desigualdade e pela informalidade; em seguida, pretende-se investigar os limites da regulação social do trabalho em relação ao trabalho informal; e, por fim, tomando como referência a experiência dos trabalhadores informais em Salvador-BA, se pretende refletir sobre onde se encontram os trabalhadores informais, de modo a demonstrar a centralidade da relação entre o trabalho e o espaço urbano, e como a construção da identidade coletiva se dá na articulação em torno das disputas por territórios de trabalho e na luta por moradia.
A desconstrução das garantias em segurança e saúde do trabalho com a Reforma Trabalhista de 2017
Authors: Olival Feitosa Cid , Carvalho Leandro de Andrade
Published: March 2022

Segurança e saúde são condições indispensáveis para o trabalho digno e, minimamente, sustentável. O presente artigo analisa de forma critica a desregulamentação daquelas garantias laborais a partir dos desdobramentos da grave crise econômica e política que culminaram na ampliação da terceirização, bem como da Reforma Trabalhista, ambas de 2017. Tais mudanças estão alinhadas a uma agenda neoliberal desregulamentadora que precariza as relações laborais, inclusive as relacionadas à segurança e saúde. Também inserem princípios e conceitos alienígenas à proteção do trabalho, muitas vezes até contraditórios, na estrutura normativa vigente de um país que ainda mutila, adoece e mata milhares de trabalhadores.
Transitional Justice Process: A Study of the Truth and Dignity Commission in Tunisia
Authors: Babatunde* Ibrahim, Rasheed , Ayatullah Nasirudeen, Ismail
Published: March 2022

Transitional justice is an attempt to rise and advance from periods of state-led abuses towards instituting the supremacy of law. Tunisia has a marked history of gross human rights violations. To investigate and proffer solutions to these violations, the country’s Transitional Justice Law, which gave birth to the momentous Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD), was passed in. The Commission was an exceptional transitional justice inaugurated to investigate and expose the truth about gross human rights violations committed from 1955 to 2013. With a focus on the victims of torture, this research examines the extent of the implementation of the TARR model of transitional justice by the Commission. Results revealed that the Commission has succeeded to a considerable extent in revealing the truth about the violations victims of torture have endured. The study, therefore, recommends the demonstration of a stronger political will by the upcoming government for ultimate success.
CERRAHİ HASTALIKLARI HEMŞİRELİĞİ DERSİ ALAN ÖĞRENCİLERİN KENDİ KENDİNE ÖĞRENME, KLİNİK KARAR VERME VE YANSITICI DÜŞÜNME DÜZEYLERİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: KARACABAY Kevser , SAVCI Ayşegül , ÖZTÜRK Betül
Published: March 2022

Araştırma, cerrahi dersi alan hemşirelik öğrencilerinin kendi kendine öğrenmeye hazır oluş, klinik karar verme ve yansıtıcı düşünme düzeylerinin incelenmesi amacı ile yapılmıştır. Araştırma Ege bölgesinde bir üniversitede “Cerrahi Hastalıkları Hemşireliği” dersi alan 141 öğrenci ile gerçekleştirildi. Veriler; Tanıtıcı Özellikler Formu, Kendi Kendine Öğrenmeye Hazıroluş Ölçeği, Hemşirelikte Klinik Karar Verme Ölçeği ve Yansıtıcı Düşünme Düzeyini Belirleme Ölçeği ile toplanmıştır. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde sayı, yüzde, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskall Wallis ve Spearman Korelasyon analizleri kullanılmıştır. Öğrencilerin yaş ortalamaları 20.39±1.69 olup %71.6’si (n=101) kızdır. Öğrencilerin puan ortalamaları, Kendi Kendine Öğrenmeye Hazıroluş Ölçeği 154.34±16.61, Hemşirelikte Klinik Karar Verme Ölçeği 145.90±11.90 ve Yansıtıcı Düşünme Düzeyini Belirleme Ölçeği 57.02±8.13’dir. Öğrencilerin %70’inin not ortalaması 2.00 ile 3.00 arasındadır. Öğrencilerin klinik karar verme ile kendi kendine öğrenmeye hazıroluşluk (r=0.360) ve yansıtıcı düşünme düzeyi (r=0.212), kendi kendine öğrenmeye hazıroluşluk ile yansıtıcı düşünme düzeyi (r=0.346) arasında düşük düzeyde pozitif yönde anlamlı ilişki saptanmıştır (p<0.05). Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, öğrencilerin tüm ölçeklerden aldıkları puan ortalamaları ortalamanın üzerindedir. Öğrencilerin kendi kendilerine öğrenmeye hazır oldukları, klinik karar verme becerilerinin geliştiği ve bu süreçte yansıtıcı düşünmeyi kullanabildikleri görülmüştür. Bu beceriler arasındaki ilişkiyi güçlendirebilmek için kavram haritaları ve yansıtıcı düşünme uygulamalarının uygulamalı derslerde etkin kullanılabileceği önerilmektedir.
ANALISIS KELAYAKAN FINANSIAL USAHA BUDIDAYA RUMPUT LAUT (EUCHEUMA DENTICULATUM) MENGGUNAKAN METODE LONGNET (STUDI KASUS DI PANTAI LAKEBA KECAMATAN BETOAMBARI KOTA BAUBAU)
Authors: Hariyanti Wa Ode , Kasim Ma'ruf , Nurdiana -
Published: March 2022

ABSTRAK Eucheuma denticulatum termasuk salah satu jenis rumput laut yang telah dibudidayakan oleh sebagian masyarakat pesisir atau sebagian petani atau nelayan pembudidaya rumput laut. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui kelayakan finansial usaha budidaya rumput laut (E. denticulatum) mengunakan metode Longnet di Pantai Lakeba, Kecamatan Betoambari, Kota Baubau. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode studi kasus pada kelayakan finansial usaha budidaya rumput laut menggunakan longnet. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah pembudidaya rumput laut yang menggunakan metode longnet di Pantai Lakeba sejumlah 1 responden. Data diperoleh melalui wawancara menggunakan kuesioner, observasi dan dokumentasi. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif kuantitatif berdasarkan kriteria Net Present Value (NPV), R/C (Revenue/Cost) ratio, Payback Period (PBP), danInternal Rate of Return (IRR). Hasil analisis kelayakan ditunjukkan dengan tingkat bunga 12,5% diperoleh nilai NPV positif 487.690.580; R/C Ratio >1 (1,06); PBP selama 3,62 tahun; nilai IRR 41%. Berdasarkan hasil kelayakan menunjukkan bahwa usaha budidaya rumput laut menggunakan metode longnet di Pantai Lakeba, Kecamatan Betoambari, Kota Baubau secara finansial menguntungkan dan layak dikembangkan. Kata Kunci: Kelayakan Finansial, Metode Longnet, Rumput Laut
HUBUNGAN UMUR DAN TINGKAT PENDIDIKAN TERHADAP PERSEPSI WISATAWAN PADA KAWASAN EKOWISATA MANGROVE DI DESA LINSOWU KECAMATAN KULISUSU KABUPATEN BUTON UTARA
Authors: Yanti Indri , Budiyanto - , Rosmawati -
Published: March 2022

ABSTRAK Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan antara umur dan tingkat pendidikan dengan persepsi pengunjung. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada priode Maret sampai dengan April 2020, di Ekowisata Mangrove Desa Linsowu Kecamatan Kulisusu Kabupaten Buton Utara Provinsi Sulawesi Tengara. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah semua pengunjung pada ekowisata mangrove. Pengambilan sampel mengunakan metode accidental sampling. Jumlah sampel yang di pilih sebanyak 50 wisatawan yang berumur produktif 15 tahun sampe 49 tahun. Analisis data menggunakan analisis korelasi person. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabel umur dengan persepsi pengunjung ekowisata mangrove memiliki nilai koefisien korelasi sebesar 0,95 artinya variabel umur dengan persepsi pengunjung memiliki hubungan yang sangat kuat. Nilai koefisien korelasi variabel tingkat pendidikan dengan persepsi pengunjung ekowisata mangrove sebesar 0,99 artinya variabel tingkat pendidikan dengan persepsi pengunjung memiliki hubungan yang sangat kuat.Kata Kunci: ekowisata mangrove; persepsi; umur; tingkat pendidikan
ANALISIS PENDAPATAN KELOMPOK NELAYAN MELALUI PROGRAM BANTUAN KAPAL PENANGKAPAN IKAN DI DESA TOOLAWAWO KECAMATAN LALONGGASUMEETO KABUPATEN KONAWE
Authors: Destriani Restu , Yusuf Sarini , Riani Irdam
Published: March 2022

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dampak dari program bantuan kapal penangkapan ikan terhadap pendapatan nelayan di DesaToolawawo Kecamatan Lalonggasumeeto Kabupaten Konawe. Salah satu program bantuan fasilitas penangkapan ikan adalah kapal 3 GT yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data sejak bulan Januari-Mei 2020, yang diberikan kepada 4 orang nelayan sebagai responden. Teknik penarikan sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah total sampling. Data diperoleh melalui wawancara dengan menggunakan kuesioner dan dianalisis dengan metode kuantitatif menggunakan rumus pendapatan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pendapatan nelayan sebelum menerima bantuan kapal sebesar Rp1.067.750/trip atau Rp3.203.250/bulan dan setelah menerima bantuan pendapatan meningkat sebesar Rp2.611.550/trip atau Rp7.834.650/bulan. Artinya program bantuan kapal 3 GT mampu meningkatkan pendapatan nelayan sebesar 40,9%. Kata Kunci : Nelayan, Program Bantuan Kapal, Pendapatan
Effect of STEM Designed Activities on Academic Achievement of 7th Grade Elementary School Students in Force and Energy Unit
Authors:   Elementary Science Teacher, National Ministry of Education, Mus, Turkey, Sayılgan Ercan , Akkuş Adem ,   Department of Science Education, Education Faculty, Mus Alparslan University, Mus, Turkey, Yıldırım Bekir ,   Department of Science Education, Education Faculty, Mus Alparslan University, Mus, Turkey
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of STEM designed activities on academic achievement of 7th grade elementary school students in work and energy unit. For that purpose, four STEM activities were chosen to be implemented in the work and energy unit. Semi-experimental research design was utilized for the research. Two different classrooms were chosen randomly as control and STEM group. 19 students were in the control group and 21 students in the STEM group. Both classrooms were instructed by the same teacher with the same instruction time. The only difference between the groups was the STEM integrated activities. Initial analyzes revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of academic knowledge level prior the study. After implementing the STEM activities for the STEM group, statistical analyzes revealed that there was a statistical positive difference in favor of the STEM group. After a month, posttest was administered to STEM group in order to determine the retention level of the students. Analyzes revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between control group and STEM group. Analyzes revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between boys and girls in STEM group. It was concluded by the study that in the long-term STEM integrated curricula would benefit elementary science students and would decrease the gender gap in STEM related areas.
Scientific Argumentation The Level of Scientific Argumentation Skills in Chemistry Subject among Grade 11th Students: The Role of Logical Thinking
Authors:   Chemistry Teacher, Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman, AL-Ajmi Batoul , Ambusaidi Abdullah ,   Sultan Qaboos University and Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman
Published: March 2022

This study aimed at identifying the level of scientific argumentation skills in chemistry subject among Omani Grade 11th students and the effects of their logical thinking skills and gender on this level. The study sample consisted of (400) male and female students selected purposely from one educational region in Oman. The study’s instruments consisted of “Scientific Argumentation Skills Test” and “Logical Thinking Test.” The study results revealed that the level of grade 11th students was moderate in argumentation skills and was low in logical thinking. In addition, there were statistically significant differences at (ρ < 0.05) in scientific argumentation skills level due to gender in favor of female students. It also showed significant differences in logical thinking variable in favor of students with abstract thinking, and in the interaction between gender and logical thinking in argumentation level in favor of female abstract thinking. The study is important for Omani chemistry teachers because it gives an overview of the level of scientific argumentation skills and logical thinking skills among their students, which then helps the teachers in determining the next steps of the learning process by adopting appropriate teaching strategies.
Impact of Remote Monitoring Technologies for Assisting Patients With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bertini Ayleen , Gárate Bárbara , Pardo Fabián , Pelicand Julie , Sobrevia Luis , Torres Romina , Chabert Steren , Salas Rodrigo
Published: March 2022

Introduction: In Chile, 1 in 8 pregnant women of middle socioeconomic level has gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and in general, 5–10% of women with GDM develop type 2 diabetes after giving birth. Recently, various technological tools have emerged to assist patients with GDM to meet glycemic goals and facilitate constant glucose monitoring, making these tasks more straightforward and comfortable.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of remote monitoring technologies in assisting patients with GDM to achieve glycemic goals, and know the respective advantages and disadvantages when it comes to reducing risk during pregnancy, both for the mother and her child.

Methods: A total of 188 articles were obtained with the keywords “gestational diabetes mellitus,” “GDM,” “gestational diabetes,” added to the evaluation levels associated with “glucose level,” “glycemia,” “glycemic index,” “blood sugar,” and the technological proposal to evaluate with “glucometerm” “mobile application,” “mobile applications,” “technological tools,” “telemedicine,” “technovigilance,” “wearable” published during the period 2016–2021, excluding postpartum studies, from three scientific databases: PUBMED, Scopus and Web of Science. These were managed in the Mendeley platform and classified using the PRISMA method.

Results: A total of 28 articles were selected after elimination according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The main measurement was glycemia and 4 medical devices were found (glucometer: conventional, with an infrared port, with Bluetooth, Smart type and continuous glucose monitor), which together with digital technology allow specific functions through 2 identified digital platforms (mobile applications and online systems). In four articles, the postprandial glucose was lower in the Tele-GDM groups than in the control group. Benefits such as improved glycemic control, increased satisfaction and acceptability, maternal confidence, decreased gestational weight gain, knowledge of GDM, and other relevant aspects were observed. There were also positive comments regarding the optimization of the medical team’s time.

Conclusion: The present review offers the opportunity to know about the respective advantages and disadvantages of remote monitoring technologies when it comes to reducing risk during pregnancy. GDM centered technology may help to evaluate outcomes and tailor personalized solutions to contribute to women’s health. More studies are needed to know the impact on a healthcare system.
The Added Value of the “Co” in Co-Culture Systems in Research on Osteoarthritis Pathology and Treatment Development
Authors: Muenzebrock Katrin Agnes , Kersten Valerie , Alblas Jacqueline , Garcia Joao Pedro , Creemers Laura B.
Published: March 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent disease and a major health burden. Its development and progression are influenced by factors such as age, obesity or joint overuse. As a whole organ disease OA affects not only cartilage, bone and synovium but also ligaments, fatty or nervous tissue surrounding the joint. These joint tissues interact with each other and understanding this interaction is important in developing novel treatments. To incorporate and study these interactions in OA research, several co-culture models have evolved. They combine two or more cell types or tissues and investigate the influence of amongst others inflammatory or degenerative stimuli seen in OA. This review focuses on co-cultures and the differential processes occurring in a given tissue or cell as a consequence of being combined with another joint cell type or tissue, and/or the extent to which a co-culture mimics the in vivo processes. Most co-culture models depart from synovial lining and cartilage culture, but also fat pad and bone have been included. Not all of the models appear to reflect the postulated in vivo OA pathophysiology, although some of the discrepancies may indicate current assumptions on this process are not entirely valid. Systematic analysis of the mutual influence the separate compartments in a given model exert on each other and validation against in vivo or ex vivo observation is still largely lacking and would increase their added value as in vitro OA models.
A Comprehensive Study of the Trends and Analysis of Distributed Ledger Technology and Blockchain Technology in the Healthcare Industry
Authors: Thakur Anusha
Published: March 2022

In today’s scenario, it is essential for the healthcare sector to focus on balancing patient care records with information relevant to completeness, accessibility, and privacy concerns. Advancements in information technology and health infrastructure exponentially bolster transformative changes in the healthcare industry. Incorporation of blockchain along with distributed ledger technology (DLT) owes the potentiality to cater to the interoperability restraints in health IT systems and enables medical researchers, healthcare entities, and healthcare providers to share electronic health data in a secured and well-mannered system. In addition to these, such technologies also propose and offer latest models for health statistics exchange by making the records more secure and efficient. However, successful implementation of blockchain technology and DLT necessitates efficient infrastructure, connectivity, and other factors. Hence, there poses to be several challenges restraining the mainstream usage of blockchain technology in the healthcare sector. The article illustrates different generations of blockchain, issues in healthcare data, and network structures as well as the solutions offered by the sector to cater to such problems. In addition to these, the article also emphasizes on the different application areas of blockchain and DLT in healthcare infrastructure. This article further discusses latest trends and factors driving the need for the incorporation of blockchain and distributed ledger technology in the healthcare sector and the future scenario for the same.
Atorvastatin Induces Mitochondria-Dependent Ferroptosis via the Modulation of Nrf2-xCT/GPx4 Axis
Authors: Zhang Qi , Qu Hang , Chen Yinghui , Luo Xueyang , Chen Chong , Xiao Bing , Ding Xiaowei , Zhao Pengjun , Lu Yanan , Chen Alex F. , Yu Yu
Published: March 2022

As one of the cornerstones of clinical cardiovascular disease treatment, statins have an extensive range of applications. However, statins commonly used have side reactions, especially muscle-related symptoms (SAMS), such as muscle weakness, pain, cramps, and severe condition of rhabdomyolysis. This undesirable muscular effect is one of the chief reasons for statin non-adherence and/or discontinuation, contributing to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of muscle cell damage is still unclear. Here, we discovered that ferroptosis, a programmed iron-dependent cell death, serves as a mechanism in statin-induced myopathy. Among four candidates including atorvastatin, lovastatin, rosuvastatin, and pravastatin, only atorvastatin could lead to ferroptosis in human cardiomyocytes (HCM) and murine skeletal muscle cells (C2C12), instead of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). Atorvastatin inhibits HCM and C2C12 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, accompanying with significant augmentation in intracellular iron ions, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation. A noteworthy investigation found that those alterations particularly occurred in mitochondria and resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction. Biomarkers of myocardial injury increase significantly during atorvastatin intervention. However, all of the aforementioned enhancement could be restrained by ferroptosis inhibitors. Mechanistically, GSH depletion and the decrease in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), and xCT cystine–glutamate antiporter (the main component is SLC7A11) are involved in atorvastatin-induced muscular cell ferroptosis and damage. The downregulation of GPx4 in mitochondria-mediated ferroptosis signaling may be the core of it. In conclusion, our findings explore an innovative underlying pathophysiological mechanism of atorvastatin-induced myopathy and highlight that targeting ferroptosis serves as a protective strategy for clinical application.
Siglec Receptors Modulate Dendritic Cell Activation and Antigen Presentation to T Cells in Cancer
Authors: Wang Jinyu , Manni Michela , Bärenwaldt Anne , Wieboldt Ronja , Kirchhammer Nicole , Ivanek Robert , Stanczak Michal , Zippelius Alfred , König David , Rodrigues Manutano Natalia , Läubli Heinz
Published: March 2022

Interactions between sialylated glycans and sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec) receptors have been recently described as potential new immune checkpoint that can be targeted to improve anticancer immunity. Myeloid cells have been reported to express a wide range of different Siglecs; however, their expression and functions on cancer-associated dendritic cells (DCs) were not fully characterized. We found that classical conventional DCs (cDCs) from cancer patient samples have a high expression of several inhibitory Siglecs including Siglec-7, Siglec-9, and Siglec-10. In subcutaneous murine tumor models, we also found an upregulation of the inhibitory Siglec-E receptor on cancer-associated cDCs. DC lines and bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) with expression of these inhibitory Siglecs showed impaired maturation states on transcriptome and protein level. Furthermore, ablation of these inhibitory Siglecs from DCs enhanced their capability to prime antigen-specific T cells and induce proliferation. Our work provides a deeper understanding of the influence of inhibitory Siglecs on DCs and reveals a potential new target to improve cancer immunotherapy.
Studying Kidney Diseases Using Organoid Models
Authors: Liu Meng , Cardilla Angelysia , Ngeow Joanne , Gong Ximing , Xia Yun
Published: March 2022

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rapidly increasing over the last few decades, owing to the global increase in diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Dialysis greatly compromises the life quality of patients, while demand for transplantable kidney cannot be met, underscoring the need to develop novel therapeutic approaches to stop or reverse CKD progression. Our understanding of kidney disease is primarily derived from studies using animal models and cell culture. While cross-species differences made it challenging to fully translate findings from animal models into clinical practice, primary patient cells quickly lose the original phenotypes during in vitro culture. Over the last decade, remarkable achievements have been made for generating 3-dimensional (3D) miniature organs (organoids) by exposing stem cells to culture conditions that mimic the signaling cues required for the development of a particular organ or tissue. 3D kidney organoids have been successfully generated from different types of source cells, including human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), adult/fetal renal tissues, and kidney cancer biopsy. Alongside gene editing tools, hPSC-derived kidney organoids are being harnessed to model genetic kidney diseases. In comparison, adult kidney-derived tubuloids and kidney cancer-derived tumoroids are still in their infancy. Herein, we first summarize the currently available kidney organoid models. Next, we discuss recent advances in kidney disease modelling using organoid models. Finally, we consider the major challenges that have hindered the application of kidney organoids in disease modelling and drug evaluation and propose prospective solutions.
Microtubule Anchoring: Attaching Dynamic Polymers to Cellular Structures
Authors: Vineethakumari Chithran , Lüders Jens
Published: March 2022

Microtubules are dynamic, filamentous polymers composed of α- and β-tubulin. Arrays of microtubules that have a specific polarity and distribution mediate essential processes such as intracellular transport and mitotic chromosome segregation. Microtubule arrays are generated with the help of microtubule organizing centers (MTOC). MTOCs typically combine two principal activities, the de novo formation of microtubules, termed nucleation, and the immobilization of one of the two ends of microtubules, termed anchoring. Nucleation is mediated by the γ-tubulin ring complex (γTuRC), which, in cooperation with its recruitment and activation factors, provides a template for α- and β-tubulin assembly, facilitating formation of microtubule polymer. In contrast, the molecules and mechanisms that anchor newly formed microtubules at MTOCs are less well characterized. Here we discuss the mechanistic challenges underlying microtubule anchoring, how this is linked with the molecular activities of known and proposed anchoring factors, and what consequences defective microtubule anchoring has at the cellular and organismal level.
Microemulsions: Breakthrough Electrolytes for Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Barth Brian A. , Imel Adam , Nelms K. McKensie , Goenaga Gabriel A. , Zawodzinski Thomas
Published: March 2022

Aqueous and non-aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs) have limited energy and current densities, respectively, due to the nature of the electrolytes. New approaches to electrolyte design are needed to improve the performance of RFBs. In this work, we combined a highly conductive aqueous phase and an organic redox-active phase in a microemulsion to formulate a novel RFB electrolyte. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate an RFB using this microemulsion electrolyte with maximum current density of 17.5 mA·cm−2 with a 0.19 M posolyte and 0.09 M negolyte at a flow rate of only ∼2.5 ml·min−1, comparable to early vanadium electrolyte RFBs at similar flow rates on a per molar basis. The novel active negolyte component is an inexpensive oil-soluble vitamin (K3). By combining aqueous and organic phases, the solvent potential window and energy density may be increased without sacrificing current density and new redox couples may be accessed. Microemulsion electrolytes show great promise for improved performance and increased energy densities in aqueous RFBs but the path forward is complex. We end with discussion of areas that need work to achieve the potential of these electrolytes.
Glycopolymer-Wrapped Carbon Nanotubes Show Distinct Interaction of Carbohydrates With Lectins
Authors: DiLillo Ana M. , Chan Ka Keung , Sun Xue-Long , Ao Geyou
Published: March 2022

Glyconanomaterials with unique nanoscale property and carbohydrate functionality show vast potential in biological and biomedical applications. We investigated the interactions of noncovalent complexes of single-wall carbon nanotubes that are wrapped by disaccharide lactose-containing glycopolymers with the specific carbohydrate-binding proteins. The terminal galactose (Gal) of glycopolymers binds to the specific lectin as expected. Interestingly, an increased aggregation of nanotubes was also observed when interacting with a glucose (Glc) specific lectin, likely due to the removal of Glc groups from the surface of nanotubes resulting from the potential binding of the lectin to the Glc in the glycopolymers. This result indicates that the wrapping conformation of glycopolymers on the surface of nanotubes potentially allows improved accessibility of the Glc for specific lectins. Furthermore, it shows that the interaction between Glc groups in the glycopolymers and nanotubes play a key role in stabilizing the nanocomplexes. Overall, our results demonstrate that nanostructures can enable conformation-dependent interactions of glycopolymers and proteins and can potentially lead to the creation of versatile optical sensors for detecting carbohydrate-protein interactions with enhanced specificity and sensitivity.
The Influence of Risk, Location, and Relationship on Refusing an Event Invitation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bostwick Eryn , Dunbar Norah E. , Johnson Amy Janan
Published: March 2022

Viewed through the lens of the Revelation Risk Model (RRM), we examined whether the perceived riskiness of an activity, relationship type (family, romantic, or friends), and location in the US (California, Oklahoma, or Ohio) influenced whether and how people communicated with close others when refusing an event invitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we examined how these factors affected their likelihood of attending an event, their likelihood of refusing an invitation, and their anticipation of the effect of the disclosure of their refusal on future interactions. States varied widely in their response to the pandemic and our results suggest this affected participants' responses to the activity scenarios we presented. People from Ohio and California reported less likelihood of attending the event in the high-risk condition than people from Oklahoma. Participants were more likely to make up false excuses for low-risk events to avoid conflict. A three-way interaction between riskiness of the scenario, closeness of the relationship type, and location predicted the effect on future interactions. Implications for the effects of refusals on relationships are discussed.
Experiential Learning to Teach User Experience in Higher Education in Past 20 Years: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kang Jin , Roestel Noemi M. E. , Girouard Audrey
Published: March 2022

Experiential learning is an effective method to teach User Experience (UX) to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) students. Despite its popularity, there seems to be no comprehensive overview on (1) the current use of experiential learning in UX education at universities and (2) student learning outcomes and benefits resulting from the use of experiential learning. Hence, we conducted a scoping review to provide such overview. We analyzed 45 articles published from 2000 to 2021 and we found 12 types of experiential learning employed by HCI educators: applied research project, industry/community research project, hands-on activity, role-play, interactive workshops, guest speakers, in-house work placement, internship, flipped classroom, field project, lab, and design hackathon, from most to least frequent. Twenty-six articles reported student learning outcomes and benefits: (1) enhanced UX technical knowledge, (2) applied textbook knowledge into practice, (3) acquired soft skills, (4) student satisfaction, (5) increased awareness of user diversity, and (6) increased job marketability. Overall, we advance current HCI teaching practices by providing HCI educators with a list of experiential learning types that they can adopt in their classes to teach UX.
Development and Validation of a Machine Learning-Based Radiomics Model on Cardiac Computed Tomography of Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Predicting Characteristics and Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Yang Min , Cao Qiqi , Xu Zhihan , Ge Yingqian , Li Shujiao , Yan Fuhua , Yang Wenjie
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of differentiating the atrial fibrillation (AF) subtype and preliminary explore the prognostic value of AF recurrence after ablation using radiomics models based on epicardial adipose tissue around the left atrium (LA-EAT) of cardiac CT images.

Method

The cardiac CT images of 314 patients were collected wherein 251 and 63 cases were randomly enrolled in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Mutual information and the random forest algorithm were used to screen for the radiomic features and construct the radiomics signature. Radiomics models reflecting the features of LA-EAT were built to differentiate the AF subtype, and the multivariable logistic regression model was adopted to integrate the radiomics signature and volume information. The same methodology and algorithm were applied to the radiomic features to explore the ability for predicting AF recurrence.

Results

The predictive model constructed by integrating the radiomic features and volume information using a radiomics nomogram showed the best ability in differentiating AF subtype in the training [AUC, 0.915; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.880–0.951] and validation (AUC, 0.853; 95% CI, 0.755–0.951) cohorts. The radiomic features have shown convincible predictive ability of AF recurrence in both training (AUC, 0.808; 95% CI, 0.750–0.866) and validation (AUC, 0.793; 95% CI, 0.654–0.931) cohorts.

Conclusions

The LA-EAT radiomic signatures are a promising tool in the differentiation of AF subtype and prediction of AF recurrence, which may have clinical implications in the early diagnosis of AF subtype and disease management.
Dose Reduction of Dynamic Computed Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging by Tube Voltage Change: Investigation in a Swine Model
Authors: Geng Wenlei , Gao Yang , Zhao Na , Yan Hankun , Ma Wei , An Yunqiang , Jia Liujun , Lu Bin
Published: March 2022

Background

It is unclear whether tube voltage influences the measurement of perfusion parameters. The present study sought to evaluate the influence of tube voltage change on myocardial blood flow (MBF) measurements in dynamic computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (CTP).

Methods and Results

Seven swine [mean weight 55.8 kg ± 1.6 (standard deviation)] underwent rest and stress dynamic CTP with tube voltages of 100 and 70 kV. The image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), radiation dose and MBF value were compared. The 70 kV images had higher CT attenuation and higher image noise (27.9 ± 2.4 vs. 21.5 ± 1.9, P < 0.001) than the 100 kV images, resulting in a higher SNR (20.5 ± 1.6 vs. 15.6 ± 1.8, P < 0.001) and CNR (17.6 ± 1.5 vs. 12.4 ± 1.7, P < 0.001). Compared to the use of conventional 100 kV, 70 kV yielded an approximately 64.6% radiation dose reduction while generating comparable MBF values, both at rest (88.3 ± 14.9 ml/100 g/min vs. 85.6 ± 17.4 ml/100 g/min, P = 0.21) and stress (101.4 ± 21.5 ml/100 g/min vs. 99.6 ± 21.4 ml/100 g/min, P = 0.58) states.

Conclusion

Dynamic CTP using 70 kV instead of 100 kV does not substantially influence the MBF value but significantly reduces the radiation dose. Additional research is required to investigate the clinical significance of this change.
Feasibility Investigation on the N2 Injection Process to Control Water Coning in Edge Water Heavy Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Zheng Wei , Feng Yabin , Tan Xianhong , Yang Renfeng , Liu Huiqing , Xie Haojun , Wang Taichao
Published: March 2022

N2 injection process is a potential technique to control the water coning behavior in heavy oil reservoirs. In this paper, by using the methods of experiment and numerical simulation, the N2 injection process for controlling the edge water coning behavior is investigated. First, through a visual fluid flow experimental device, the flow behavior of N2-water in porous media is discussed. Also, the effects of temperature, pressure, and injection rate were studied. Then, based on the experimental results, aiming at an actual edge water heavy oil reservoir, a reservoir simulation model is developed. Thus, the water coning behavior of edge aquifer is systematically studied. Also, two novel indicators are proposed to evaluate the water coning behavior. Then, a series of numerical models are developed to investigate the performance of N2 injection process in edge water heavy oil reservoirs after water coning, and the adaptability and the optimal operation parameters are analyzed. Results indicate that under the effect of porous media, N2 can cut into a series of small gas bubbles. It is a typical dispersed phase and can effectively plug the water coning path. Compared with pressure and injection rate, temperature is a more sensitive factor to affect the plugging performance of N2. From the simulation results, it is observed that the permeability, water/oil ratio, and distance between well and aquifer can significantly affect the performance of water coning behavior. N2 injection process can effectively control the edge water coning and improve the CSS performance. Furthermore, from the simulation results, it is found that the optimal operation parameters for a N2 injection process is that the total N2 injection volume should be higher than 6,000 m3 within one operation cycle and the optimal N2 injection rate should be lower than 700 m3/day. This investigation further clarifies the mechanisms of N2 injection process to control the water coning behavior in heavy oil reservoirs. It can provide a useful reference for the EOR process of the heavy oil reservoirs with edge water.