bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transaksi Non Tunai sebagai Determinan Efisiensi Belanja Pemerintah Daerah Provinsi Riau
Authors: Weldison Tia , Tampubolon Dahlan , Iyan Ritayani
Published: May 2022

This study analyzes the influence of non-cash transactions, regional own revenue, and the ratio of fiscal decentralization on the efficiency of regional expenditure. The research was conducted in Riau Province using secondary data such as regional expenditure, non-cash transactions, and regional own revenues of Riau Province in 2010-2019. Multiple regression analysis is used to examine the influence of non-cash transactions, fiscal decentralization ratios, and local revenue on the efficiency of regional spending. The study results show that non-cash transactions and regional own revenue have a significant and negative effect on the efficiency of regional expenditure in Riau Province. Fiscal decentralization has had a significant and positive influence on the efficiency of regional expenditure in Riau Province in 2010-2019. The non-cash transaction variable is the variable that most influences the efficiency of regional expenditure.
Multicultural Educational Practice: Ethnography Study at SMP Tumbuh Yogyakarta Indonesia
Authors: Nafian Zidni Ilma , Hasanah Enung
Published: May 2022

Multicultural problems from the perspective of the Indonesian people, whose sources are from the diversity of the archipelago, are occurred for so many years. Multicultural awareness must be instilled and become a part of human consciousness in various aspects of life. One of the roles of education is to foster multicultural awareness as an effort to minimize the problems of school-age children. Multicultural education is an alternative to learning in the educational process that helps individuals grow and develop according to their cultural context and environment so that the learning process does not deprive individuals of the experience of everyday life. The purpose of this study was to explore multicultural education practices to foster a sense of respect for differences. The results showed some practice that influence the study were as follow: 1) Multicultural education emerged from the idealism of educators; 2) multiculturalism education in growing schools carried out through namely; 3) the contribution approach, the additive approach, the transformation approach, and the social action approach.
Analysis of Personality Types among Female offenders in Lang’ata Women Prison in Kenya
Authors: Ndung’u Jane W. , Lunjalu Pamela Musira , Wamalwa Dennis Nyongesa
Published: May 2022

The world is faced with emerging and urgent issues regarding gender, one of them being the involvement of women in criminal activities. The main purpose of this study was to establish the influence of personality types on criminal tendencies amongst female offenders. The study was conducted in Lang’ata Women’s Prison, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design, where a sample size of 240 inmates and 3 prison staff (respondents) were selected using simple random sampling procedure. Personality types were measured by use of the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI) which is a self-test standardized psychometric test questionnaire for offenders while the relevance of personality type knowledge was measured by a self-administered structured interview questionnaire for prison staff. The study instruments proved reliable with Cronbach's Alpha above 0.7 across all dimensions while content validity was used from the expert view of the supervisors for validation. The collected quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 while qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis by use of verbatim. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic information as well, to measure the personality types of women offenders in Lang’ata Women’s Prison. Analyzed quantitative data was then presented using percentages and summarized in tables and figures. Openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism were found satisfactory in explaining criminal tendencies in female offenders in Kenya. The study recommends the use of personality psychometric tests in the criminal justice system to aid in increasing the awareness of offenders’ personality types to promote informed decision making and effective treatment of criminals through offenders tailored rehabilitation programs
The Correlation between The Principle Innovation and Work Motivation toward Mathematics Teacher Performance at Junior High School
Authors: Handayani Yenny , Rohiat Rohiat , Sumarsih Sumarsih
Published: May 2022

The research aims to analyze the correlation between principal innovation and motivation toward the performance of mathematics teachers at State Junior High School in Bengkulu City. This research was correlation research with a quantitative approach. The sampling technique was proportionate random sampling. The sample in this study was a mathematics teacher at Junior High School in Bengkulu city, totaling 53 people. Data collection instruments were used in the form of a questionnaire with data analysis techniques using the statistical correlation test. The results showed that: (1) There was a positive correlation between school principal innovation and teacher performance in mathematics learning, it was 0.590 (2) There was a positive relationship between motivation and teacher performance in mathematics learning, it was 0.606. it was a strong and positive criterion. (3) There was a joint correlation between school principal innovation and work motivation toward teacher performance at State Junior High School in Bengkulu City.
Constructivism Approach through Learning Cycle Model of Biology to Improve Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Sartika Mutia
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to increase student activity and improve student learning outcomes in learning Biology by using a constructivism approach through a learning cycle model. This research was a classroom action research which was conducted in 2 cycles. The subjects of this study were teachers and students of class VII SMPN 18 Bengkulu City. The research instrument used was the observation sheet and the test sheet. From the data analysis, it shows that in the first cycle, the classical learning completeness percentage is 70.58% for the potential for understanding the concept with incomplete criteria. In the second cycle it was obtained percentage of classical learning completeness 91.17% with complete criteria. On the teacher observation sheet cycle I obtained an average value of 34 with good criteria and cycle II obtained an average of 35 with good criteria. On the observation sheet, students in cycle I obtained an average value of 32.5 with good criteria and in cycle II an average value of 34.5 was obtained with good criteria. From the results of data analysis, it shows that learning biology by applying the constructivism approach through the learning cycle model can increase teacher and student activity and improve student learning outcomes of class VII SMP Negeri 18 Bengkulu City.
The Effects of Climate and Work Motivation on Junior High School Teachers' Work Performance in the Losari Sub-District of Brebes Regency
Authors: Dekawati Ipong , Hermawati Nani , Senjaya Aan Juhana
Published: May 2022

Teacher performance is a critical factor in obtaining the desired level of educational quality, meaning meeting national requirements. Various factors, such as the climate and job motivation, have an impact on teacher performance. As a result, the primary goal of this research is to identify and investigate the effects of climate and job motivation on teacher performance. The descriptive method with a quantitative approach was employed in this study. The research sample was determined proportionately random sampling of 155 respondents from a population of 262. Questionnaires, interview techniques, observation, and documentation are all used to collect data. The regression and correlation analysis approaches were used in the data analysis. The findings of this study show that: (1) Workplace atmosphere has a favorable and significant impact on teacher performance; (2) Work motivation has a favorable impact on teacher performance; (3) Both the work climate and job motivation have a good and considerable impact on teacher performance. Based on these circumstances, the authors propose that: (1) Work atmosphere and motivation have an impact on teacher performance, according to research findings. Meanwhile, teacher performance, particularly in terms of planning and implementing learning, remains a source of worry. As a result, the principle should assist teachers on how to create a proper learning implementation plan and conduct supervision so that learning is better implemented; (2) To improve teacher performance through improving the work environment, clear regulations and more support for a smooth learning process should be prioritized. Meanwhile, to improve teacher performance through work motivation, an emphasis on negative motivation should be implemented, with appropriate rewards and punishments.
PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT MENGENAI PEMILIHAN KEPALA DESA DENGAN METODE E-VOTING DI DESA SURODADI KECAMATAN TUGUMULO KABUPATEN MUSI RAWAS
Authors: Franta Zulyan Putra
Published: May 2022

This research was to find out the public’s perception on village head election of surodadi village by using e-voting at Tugumulyo district of Musi Rawas regency in 2016. This research used descriptive quantitative, and additional instrument was intervew to the subjects. Techniques for collecting the data in this research were questionnare, observation, interview and documentation. In this research, the researcher used probability sampling, stratified randomly. And the total sample were 100 citizen. In this reserach, the researcher used one variable (public’ perspective at Surodadi on election of the headman  by using e-voting). In conclusion, this research used univariat analysis (descriptive statistic) in analysing the data. The findings showed that 1) The publics’  perception were positive about the village head election at Surodadi by using e-voting. In shortly, the citizen agreed the headman’s election by using e-voting. The data showed that there were 66.33% great cognitive aspect, 70.75% great afective aspect and great conative aspect 72.83%. It means more the citizen agreed to use e-voting. 2) The highest perspective was in the question to witness the election. It show that 89 citizen agreed. In the lowest rank was the question about the commitee has good communication, In additions, the commitee were courtesy and friendly. It showed that there were 44 citizen agreed
PERAN STAKEHOLDER UNTUK MEWUJUDKAN AKUNTABILITAS DAN TRASPARANSI DALAM PENGELOLAAN ALOKASI DANA DESA	(Studi Kasus di Desa Tunggang Kabupaten Mukomuko)
Authors: Majid A , Yogopriyatno Jatmiko
Published: May 2022

The management of the allocation of village funds in terms of transparency has not been carried out properly, the problem is that there is no announcement board regarding the amount of expenditure and income for managing village funds. In the context of accountability, the capacity of village government apparatus is still low in mastering technology, management and providing services to the community. There is a delay in the distribution of village funds from the center which occurs at the beginning of every year. Not only that, the lack of community participation in supporting and implementing the program is very influential. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative, the informant selection technique uses key informant techniques, while the data collection techniques use interviews, observation and documentation. Data analysis used data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the research on the role of stakeholders in Tunggang village have not been good, this indicates that the findings of transparency research have not been fully carried out, mastery of technology in reporting is still low, lack of stakeholder services to the community, low community participation in implementing village fund programs, delays in making village reports. It is necessary to install billboards, bulletin boards, stakeholder training, socialization of village fund programs.
Strategi Komunikasi Partai Solidaritas Indonesia Dalam Membangun Brand Awareness Masyarakat Kota Bengkulu
Authors: Fitri Puput Ika , Widiastuti Wahyu
Published: May 2022

Penelitian mengenai “Strategi Komunikasi Partai Solidaritas Indonesia (PSI) dalam Membangun Brand Awareness Masyarakat Kota Bengkulu” ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui strategi komunikasi Partai Solidaritas Indonesia (PSI) dalam membangun Brand Awareness masyarakat kota Bengkulu, menggunakan teori Political Branding dengan teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini diantaranya yaitu data primer yang meliputi wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Kemudian data sekunder yang meliputi buku-buku, jurnal-jurnal yang berkaitan dengan brand awareness dan political branding. Data penelitian ini diperoleh dari informan kunci dan informan pokok dengaan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif deskriptif, peneliti menggambarkan bagaimana strategi membangun brand awareness yang dilakukan PSI. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah strategi Brand Awareness PSI sudah sesuai, terutama menurut model Political Branding yang dikemukakan Hughes dan Dann yaitu atribut, nilai, promise benefit, dan brand personality .Kemudian dari beberapa strategi Brand Awareness yang dilakukan oleh PSI dari data yang di dapati dari informan kunci dan informan pokok bahwa kebanyakan pemuda bengkulu sudah mengetahui Partai Solidaritas Indonesia
Identifikasi Pneumonia Pada Citra X-Ray Paru-Paru Menggunakan Metode Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Berdasarkan Ekstraksi Fitur Sobel
Authors: Yopento Jopa , Ernawati Ernawati , Coastera Funny Farady
Published: May 2022

Pneumonia merupakan peradangan yang terjadi pada jaringan parenkim paru-paru yang sebagian besar disebabkan oleh mikroorganisme patogen dan sebagian kecil disebabkan oleh hal lain. Pneumonia sendiri masih menjadi penyebab tertinggi kematian balita maupun bayi baru lahir. Salah satu tindakan untuk mengetahui pasien terjangkit pneumonia adalah dengan melihat rougten atau citra CT-Scan paru-paru penderita. Sejauh ini para tenaga medis melakukan analisa secara langsung dengan melihat hasil rougten paru-paru pasien. Salah satu metode yang digunakan dalam melakukan klasifikasi terhadap citra adalah metode Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). CNN sendiri merupakan jenis Deep Learning yang popuker digunakan saat ini. Pada penelitian sebelumnya dalam mengidentifikasi pneumonia didapatkan hasil akurasi diatas 75%, namun terkendala dengan nilai akurasi yang masih dibawah 85% sehingga masih harus dilakkukan penelitian kembali untuk meningkatkan nilai akurasi dari model ini. Salah satu ekstraksi fitur yang biasa digunakan pada CNN yaitu ekstraksi fitur sobel guna meningkatkan akurasi pada mesin learning ini. Pada penelitian ini didapatkan hasil berupa Precision sebesar 91%, Recall sebesar 92.8% dan Accurasy sebesar 91.54%. tingkat akurasi yang didapatkan berdasarkan nilai epoch sebesar 50, learning rate sebesar 0.0001 dan nilai batch sebesar 20.
Aplikasi Pengenalan dan Pembelajaran Alat Berat Pada Siswa Teknik Alat Berat SMK Negeri 2 Kota Bengkulu Dengan Mengimplementasikan Metode Markerless User Defined Target Pada Augmented Reality (AR)
Authors: Akbar Avindho Fattah , Andreswari Desi , Setiawan Yudi
Published: May 2022

Berdasarkan instruksi presiden nomor 9 tahun 2016 tentang Revitalisasi Pendidikan Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Dalam Rangka Peningkatan Kualitas dan Daya Saing Sumber Daya Manusia Indonesia mendorong SMK/MAK untuk menghasilkan lulusan yang kompeten dan berdaya saing. Dari instruksi tersebut maka diperlukan peningkatan mutu pendidikan. Berdasarkan hasil survei awal dengan siswa Teknik Alat Berat SMK Negeri 2 Kota Bengkulu menggunakan kuesioner, didapatkan bahwa siswa sangat setuju dengan persentase 80% bahwa mereka mengalami kesulitan dalam memahami materi yang ada pada Teknik Alat Berat jika hanya sekedar menampilkan tulisan pada pembelajaran, dan siswa setuju dengan persentase 64% bahwa dengan menggunakan sumber belajar buku dan LKS mereka kurang dapat memahami materi yang ada di dalamnya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk membangun aplikasi Augmented Reality (AR) sebagai media pengenalan dan pembelajaran alat berat, yang di dalamnya terdapat konten-konten visual sehingga dapat mempermudah siswa dalam memahami sebuah materi dan mengimplementasikan metode Markerless User defined target. Aplikasi ini dibuat dengan menggunakan software Unity 3D dengan bahasa pemrograman C#, Vuforia sebagai SDK dan objek 3D dibuat menggunakan software Blender. Hasil dari penelitian ini berupa aplikasi Augmented Reality (AR) sebagai media pengenalan dan pembelajaran alat berat. Pengujian software menggunakan metode White Box (Basis Path Testing) dan Black box. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian tersebut, secara fungsional aplikasi sudah sesuai, layak, dan dapat digunakan sebagai media pengenalan dan pembelajaran alat berat. Dan berdasarkan uji kelayakan sistem, semua variabel mendapatkan hasil penilaian dengan kategori “Baik”, dengan masing-masing persentase yaitu dari segi variabel tampilan aplikasi dengan persentase sebesar 80.6%, kemudian untuk variabel kemudahan sistem didapatkan hasil persentase sebesar 77.8%, dan dari segi variabel kinerja sistem didapatkan hasil persentase sebesar 77.2%.
Video Animasi 3D Sebagai Konten Promosi Pada Perusahaan Air Mineral Tebo PDAM Tirta Ratu Samban Menggunakan Teknik Pemodelan Sketchup dan Lumion
Authors: Hariyani Merti Sri , Sunardi Dandi
Published: May 2022

Peranan media promosi digital melalui media 3D Perusahaan Air Minum (PDAM) memberi kontribusi kemudahan pada konsumen untuk mendapat informasi produk yang akan meningkatkan minat daya beli. Tujuan penelitian membuat rancang bangun video animasi 3D sebagai media promosi Pada Perusahaan Air Mineral Tebo PDAM Tirta Ratu Samban. Metode Penelitian melalui model pengembangan sistem multimedia menggunakan Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) Luther Sutopo. Penelitian dilaksanakan sebagai media promosi melalui rancang Bangun Video animasi 3D dengan menggunakan aplikasi sketchup dan lumion. Hasil Penelitian sebanyak 40 responden didapati hasil kelayakan uji bangun video 3D sebesar 87,9 % dengan hasil kategori sangat layak sebagai media promosi, artinya video rancang bangun video 3D dimensi berhasil dibuat dengan menggunakan aplikasi sketchup dan lumion. Simpulan rancang bangun Video animasi 3D sangat Layak dijadikan media promosi produk air minum PDAM Tirta Ratu Samban.Kata Kunci: Animasi 3D, Perusahaan Air Minum (PDAM), Media Promosi, Sketchup, Lumion
Pengelompokan Potensi Kelulusan Mahasiswa Fakultas Teknik Unib Menggunakan Algoritme K-Means (Studi Kasus: Fakultas Teknik Universitas Bengkulu)
Authors: Virtusena Viryandra , Johar Asahar , Wijanarko Andang
Published: May 2022

Ketepatan waktu kelulusan merupakan permasalahan umum bagi pihak akademik maupun mahasiswa, karena kedua pihak tersebut sama-sama tidak dapat mengetahui ketepatan waktu kelulusan mahasiswa. Dengan adanya masalah ini perlu menciptakan suatu sistem yang dapat mengetahui ketepatan waktu kelulusan mahasiswa. Teknik clustering dapat memecahkan masalah ini dengan menggunakan metode algoritma K-Means. Metode algoritma K-Means merupakan metode yang mempartisipasi data ke dalam cluster sehingga data yang memiliki karakteristik yang sama  dikelompokkan ke dalam cluster yang sama dan data yang mempunyai karateistik yang berbeda dikelompokkan ke dalam cluster yang lain dalam penelitian ini membagi menjadi dua kelompok cluster yaitu lulus tepat waktu dan tidak tepat waktu. Hasil dari proses pengelompokkan cluster ditampilkan dalam bentuk website dengan metode pengembangan sistem yag digunakan adalah waterfall dengan bahasa pemogramman PHP yang menggunakan Frame work Code Ignitor.Kata Kunci : Kelulusan, Clustering, Algoritma K-Means
Ticari Dışa Açıklık-Doğrudan Yabancı Yatırımlar-Ekonomik Büyüme İlişkisi: BRICS-T Ülkeleri Örneği
Authors: KARACA Tuğba , GÜNEY Nermin , HOPOĞLU Sertaç
Published: May 2022

Küreselleşme ile birlikte tüm dünyada sınırlararası hareket eden malların ve sermayenin hacmi artmıştır. Bu artıştan faydalanmak için ihracat odaklı büyüme ve doğrudan yabancı yatırımların girişini kolaylaştıran politikalar uygulayan ülkeler yüksek bir ekonomik büyüme hızı yakalayabilmektedirler. Bu çalışma BRICS-T (Brezilya, Rusya, Hindistan, Çin, Güney Afrika ve Türkiye) olarak adlandırılan yükselen piyasa ekonomilerinde ticari açıklığın ve doğrudan yabancı yatırım ve büyüme ilişkisini 1992-2019 dönemi için panel veri analizi yöntemleri ile inceleyerek literatüre katkı sağlamayı amaçlamaktadır. Analiz sonucunda, BRICS-T ülkelerinden oluşan panel için çalışma döneminde ticari açıklık ve büyüme arasında çift yönlü bir nedensellik ilişkisi ve büyümeden doğrudan yabancı yatırımlara doğru tek yönlü nedensellik ilişkisi bulunmuştur. Bununla birlikte, sadece Hindistan ve Güney Afrika için ticari açıklık ve doğrudan yabancı yatırımlar arasında nedensellik ilişkilerine rastlanmıştır. Türkiye için büyümeden ticari açıklığa ve büyümeden doğrudan yabancı yatırımlara doğru tek yönlü nedensellik ilişkileri bulunmuştur. Çalışmanın bulguları panel için ticari dışa açıklığın doğrudan yabancı yatırımları dolaylı olarak büyüme üzerinden etkileyebileceğine işaret etmektedir.
Starvation Effect on the Fatty Acids Mobilization From Internal Fat in Rams
Authors: Guseinova E.
Published: May 2022

In the presented article, the results of observations in 9 rams of the Karadolag line of the Karabakh breed were examined. They studied the effect of starvation on the mobilization of fatty acids from internal fat. It has been established that the fasting process enhances the mobilization of fatty acids from internal fat. The most active mobilization is observed for oleic acid.
Influence of Surface Roughness on a Highly Loaded Axial Compressor Stage Performance at Low Reynolds Number
Authors:   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Cheng Hongzhi , Wang Mingyang ,   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhou Chuangxin ,   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhao Shengfeng ,   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lu Xingen ,   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhu Junqiang ,   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2022

In the present study, a numerical simulation was conducted to investigate the influence of surface roughness on the aerodynamic performance of a 1.5-stage highly loaded axial compressor at low Reynolds number. It was especially considered how the roughness Reynolds number(k+) affected the change of the inlet and outlet conditions, the growth of the separation bubble (LSB), the status of the limiting streamline, the patterns of the wake. Regarding the roughness settings, five roughness magnitudes were mainly studied. The results showed that at low Re, surface roughness mainly improved the stage performance by reducing the length and width of the LSB, delaying the occurrence of three-dimensional flow separation, and increasing the turbulence level near the wall. However, it also aggravated the incoordination between the subsequent stages to a certain extent, which limited further improvement of the overall aerodynamic performance. Generally, with k+ increasing, the compressor aerodynamic performance improved, and achieved the best at k+= 137.8. The maximum increases in the total pressure ratio, peak efficiency, and chocked mass flow rate were approximately 4.01%, 5.34%, and 2.24% respectively.
Introduction Of An Improved Axial Compressor Profile Shape Modelling Approach For Increased Flexibility In Transonic Profile Design
Authors:   Institute of Jet Propulsion and Turbomachinery, TU Braunschweig, Seidler Marcel , Friedrichs Jens ,   Institute of Jet Propulsion and Turbomachinery, TU Braunschweig
Published: May 2022

With the goal to reduce carbon emissions of future aircraft engines the concept of shape adaptive rotor blading for transonic fan and compressor applications is researched within the Excellence Cluster SE2A. As the aerodynamic design point is shifted by the morphing of the blade shape, the transonic profile design plays a major role in keeping the respective operation point efficiency close to the initial design point efficiency. To increase flexibility and accuracy in transonic profile design, an improved profile modelling approach is presented. To keep the number of modelling parameters to a minimum, a superposition of a generalized parabolic arc camber with a CSM (Class Function / Shape Function) thickness distribution is applied. As the CSM methodology offers an extension of the modelling parameters, the number of parameters is successively increased within this research to enable a better representation of transonic profile shapes. Additionally, the impact of leading edge design and suction side curvature on the blade-shock interaction is explored by specifically manipulating the CSM thickness distribution in the leading edge area. The proposed modelling approach is then applied to a redesign of the tip area of the NASA rotor 67 and evaluated through Q3D RANS simulations in Ansys CFX.
Diabetes Distress and Self-Reported Health in a Sample of Alabama Medicaid-Covered Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Amerson Alesha C. , Juarez Lucia D. , Howell Carrie R. , Levitan Emily B. , Agne April A. , Presley Caroline A. , Cherrington Andrea L.
Published: May 2022

Temporary closures of outpatient health facilities and transitions to virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the care of millions of patients with diabetes contributing to worsening psychosocial factors and enhanced difficulty in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. We explored associations between COVID time period and self-reported diabetes distress on self-reported health among a sample of Alabama Medicaid-covered adults with diabetes pre-COVID (2017-2019) and during-COVID (2020-2021).

Method

In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed a population-based sample of adults with type 2 diabetes covered by the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Participants were dichotomized into pre-COVID (March 2017 to October 2019) vs during-COVID (October 2020 to May 2021) groups. Participants with missing data were removed from analyses. We assessed diabetes related stress by the Diabetes Distress Scale. We measured self-reported health using a single item with a 5-point Likert scale. We ran logistic regressions modeling COVID time period on self-reported poor health controlling for demographics, severity of diabetes, and diabetes distress.

Results

In this sample of 1822 individuals, median age was 54, 74.5% were female and 59.4% were Black. Compared to pre-COVID participants, participants surveyed during COVID were younger, more likely to be Black (64.1% VS 58.2%, p=0.01) and female (81.8% VS 72.5%, p<0.001). This group also had fewer individuals from rural areas (29.2% VS 38.4%, p<0.001), and shorter diabetes duration (7 years VS 9 years, p<0.001). During COVID individuals reported modestly lower levels of diabetes distress (1.2 VS 1.4, p<0.001) when compared to the pre-COVID group. After adjusting for demographic differences, diabetes severity, and diabetes distress, participants responding during COVID had increased odds of reporting poor health (Odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.11-1.80).

Discussion

We found respondents were more likely to report poorer health during COVID compared to pre-COVID. These results suggest that increased outreach may be needed to address diabetes management for vulnerable groups, many of whom were already at high risk for poor outcomes prior to the pandemic.
Safeguarding Lysosomal Homeostasis by DNAJC5/CSPα-Mediated Unconventional Protein Secretion and Endosomal Microautophagy
Authors: Lee Juhyung , Xu Yue , Ye Yihong
Published: May 2022

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a collection of genetically inherited neurological disorders characterized by vision loss, seizure, brain death, and premature lethality. At the cellular level, a key pathologic hallmark of NCL is the build-up of autofluorescent storage materials (AFSM) in lysosomes of both neurons and non-neuronal cells. Molecular dissection of the genetic lesions underlying NCLs has shed significant insights into how disruption of lysosomal homeostasis may lead to lipofuscin accumulation and NCLs. Intriguingly, recent studies on DNAJC5/CSPα, a membrane associated HSC70 co-chaperone, have unexpectedly linked lipofuscin accumulation to two intimately coupled protein quality control processes at endolysosomes. This review discusses how deregulation of unconventional protein secretion and endosomal microautophagy (eMI) contributes to lipofuscin accumulation and neurodegeneration.
A Multi-Omics Study on the Effect of Helicobacter Pylori-Related Genes in the Tumor Immunity on Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Xinrui , Jian Aiwen , Tang Haidan , Liu Wangrui , Liu Fengyuan , Liu Shifan , Wu Huiqun
Published: May 2022

Background

Helicobacter pylori (HP), a gram-negative spiral-shaped microaerophilic bacterium, colonizes the stomach of approximately 50% of the world’s population, which is considered a risk factor for gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and other malignancies. HP is also considered carcinogenic since it involves the mutation and damage of multiple HP-related genes. Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is a common stom5ach cancer with a poor prognosis and high risk of metastasis in the advanced stage. Therefore, an early diagnosis and targeted therapies are needed to ensure a better prognosis. In this study, a scoring system was constructed based on three HP infection–related candidate genes to enable a more accurate prediction of tumor progression and metastasis and response to immunotherapies.

Methods

HP infection–induced mutation patterns of STAD samples from six cohorts were comprehensively assessed based on 73 HP-related genes, which were then correlated with the immune cell–infiltrating characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The risk signature was constructed to quantify the influence of HP infection on individual tumors. Subsequently, an accurate nomogram was generated to improve the clinical applicability of the risk signature. We conducted immunohistochemical experiments and used the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities (AHYMUN) cohort data set with survival information to further verify the clinical value of this risk signature.

Results

Two distinct HP-related mutation patterns with different immune cell–infiltrating characteristics (ICIC) and survival possibility were identified. We demonstrated that the evaluation of HP infection–induced mutation patterns of tumor could assist the prediction of stages, phenotypes, stromal activity, genetic diversity, and patient prognosis. A low risk score involved an increased mutation burden and activation of immune responses, with a higher 5-year survival rate and enhanced response to anti-PD-1/L1 immunotherapy, while a high risk score involved stromal activation and poorer survival. The efficiency of the risk signature was further evidenced by the nomogram.

Conclusions

STAD patients with a low risk score demonstrated significant therapeutic advantages and clinical benefits. HP infection–induced mutations play a nonnegligible role in STAD development. Quantifying the HP-related mutation patterns of individual tumors will contribute to phenotype classification, guide more effective targeted and personalized therapies, and enable more accurate predictions of metastasis and prognosis.
Rapid and Accurate Identification of SARS-CoV-2 Variants Using Real Time PCR Assays
Authors: Borillo Gwynngelle A. , Kagan Ron M. , Marlowe Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Genomic surveillance efforts for SARS-CoV-2 are needed to understand the epidemiology of the COVID-19 pandemic. Viral variants may impact routine diagnostic testing, increase viral transmissibility, cause differences in disease severity, have decreased susceptibility to therapeutics, and/or confer the ability to evade host immunity. While viral whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has played a leading role in surveillance programs, many laboratories lack the expertise and resources for performing WGS. This study describes the performance of multiplexed real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays for identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Methods

SARS-CoV-2 specimens were tested for spike-gene variants using a combination of allele-specific primer and allele-specific detection technology (PlexPrime® and PlexZyme®). Targeted detection of spike gene mutations by RT-PCR was compared to variant detection in positive specimens by WGS, including the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

Results

A total of 398 SAR-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive and 39 negative specimens previously tested by WGS were re-tested by RT-PCR genotyping. PCR detection of spike gene mutations N501Y, E484K, and S982A correlated 100% with WGS for the 29 lineages represented, including Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), and Gamma (P.1). Incorporating the P681R spike gene mutation also allowed screening for the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2 and AY sublineages). Further sampling of 664 specimens that were screened by WGS between June and August 2021 and then re-tested by RT-PCR showed strong agreement for Delta variant positivity: 34.5% for WGS vs 32.9% for RT-PCR in June; 100% vs 97.8% in August. In a blinded panel of 16 Omicron and 16 Delta specimens, results of RT-PCR were 100% concordant with WGS results.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that multiplexed real-time RT-PCR genotyping has strong agreement with WGS and may provide additional SARS-CoV-2 variant screening capabilities when WGS is unavailable or cost-prohibitive. RT-PCR genotyping assays may also supplement existing sequencing efforts while providing rapid results at or near the time of diagnosis to help guide patient management.
Case Report: Giant Congenital Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm Presenting With Acute Massive Cerebral Infarction and Refractory Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Li Rui , Ma Fei , Guan Han Xiong , Pan Yue Ying , Liu Li Gang , Wang Dao Wen , Wang Hong
Published: May 2022

Background

Congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm (LAAA) is a rare cardiac anomaly with a variety of presentations, from being asymptomatic to potentially serious complications such as systemic thromboembolism and atrial tachyarrhythmia.

Case Presentation

We report a case of congenital giant LAAA in a 35-year-old man presenting with acute massive cerebral infarction and atrial fibrillation (AF) with rapid ventricular rate. The AF was refractory to conventional antiarrhythmic agents, such as amiodarone and electrical cardioversion, but restored and maintained sinus rhythm after surgical resection of LAAA. The patient remained free of events and was in sinus rhythm during half-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Giant LAAA has the potential causing serious complications and should be managed surgically in most cases.
Analysis of the Thermogenic Gas Source of Natural Gas Hydrates Over the Dongsha Waters in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Feng Changmao , Zhong Guangjian , Sun Ming , Lei Zhenyu , Yi Hai , Zhao Zhongquan
Published: May 2022

Gas hydrates were newly discovered in the Dongsha Waters of the South China Sea by drilling in 2013 and 2019. The drilling results show that the hydrates consist of microbial gas and thermogenic gas, but the source layers of the thermogenic gas are not clear. The Chaoshan depression is the largest relict Mesozoic basin under the Dongsha Waters where thick T3—K strata, up to 5000 m, have developed under thin Cenozoic sediments. The T3—J1 and J3 bear the two main layers of hydrocarbon source rocks rich in II2-III type organic matter, mainly in the western sag, the middle low bulge, and the eastern sag. The T3—J1 developed bathyal - neritic mud rocks, generally greater than 400 m in thickness. The J3 mainly developed closed and semi-closed bay type mud, also II2-III type. Nowadays these two layers are in their mature - over mature stages, thus potentially high-producing. There have developed deep faults cutting through the Mesozoic strata and distributing fractures within the Cenozoic sediments. Analysis of geochemical and geological samples dredged from the seabed indicates a significant oil and gas leakage activity well correlated spatially with the Mesozoic-associated faults. The association of fault-fractures can act as good channels for the thermogenic gas to move upward and diffuse into the temperature pressure stabilization zone of the hydrate. Thus, sufficient gas from the Mesozoic production layers is deemed the main source of thermogenic gas. The area where the Mesozoic faults are activated is the main leakage area of thermogenic gas, thus the main target for future hydrate exploration.
Sleep Behavior and Self-Reported Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Among U.S. Women
Authors: Liang Zhu , Liu Jianqiao
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigate the associations between sleep behaviors and female infertility.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study composed of 2175 U.S. women 18-44 years of age from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2015-2018). Bedtime/waketime and sleep duration were extracted from the sleep disorder questionnaire. Self-reported infertility was defined as a binary variable based on the participants’ response to the question, “Have you ever attempted to become pregnant over a period of at least a year without becoming pregnant?”. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to explore the relationship between sleep behaviors and female infertility.

Results

Bedtime (OR=1.24; 95% CI, 1.10-1.40, P = 0.001) and waketime (OR=1.14; 95% CI, 1.01-1.28, P = 0.037) were associated with infertility. Waketime of 08:00 was the inflection point, above which the probability of infertility increased rapidly (OR=1.41; 95% CI, 1.11-1.79, P = 0.004). Sleep-wake behavior was significantly associated with infertility (OR=1.34; 95% CI, 1.16-1.53, P < 0.001) and participants with early-bed/early-rise behavior had the lowest risk.

Conclusions

Among U.S. women 18-44 years of age, bedtime and waketime were significantly linearly and non-linearly correlated with infertility, respectively. Early-bed/early-rise behavior was associated with the lowest infertility rate. Further study is needed because the timing of sleep behaviors are modifiable factors and could be a novel strategy to cope with infertility.
Correlation Between Thyroid Hormone Concentrations and Ultrasound Thyroid Volume in Preterm Infants Born Before 33 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Mikołajczak Aleksandra , Kufel Katarzyna , Bokiniec Renata
Published: May 2022

Objective

Thyroid disorders are commonly concomitant with premature birth; however, indications to start therapy remain unclear due to a lack of gestational age (GA)-specific reference ranges. We aimed to evaluate the age-specific thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) levels and the correlation between TSH and FT4 serum levels and ultrasound thyroid volume in preterm infants.

Materials and Methods

This was an observational, prospective, single-center study of 98 preterm infants born before 33 weeks GA. The infants were divided into the 24-28 weeks and 29-32 weeks GA groups. TSH and FT4 serum levels were measured at two time points: at postnatal age (PNA) 2 weeks and at postmenstrual age (PMA) 32 weeks; the results were compared between groups at two consecutive time points.

Results

There was a statistically significant between-group difference in FT4 concentration. There was a positive correlation between FT4 and GA at both screening times. FT4 in the 24-28 weeks GA group was significantly lower than in the 29-32 weeks GA group. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) FT4 at PNA 2 weeks was 11.72 ± 2.16 pmol/l for the 24-28 weeks GA group vs. 13.33 ± 1.80 pmol/l for the 29-32 weeks GA group (p<0.001). The mean (SD) FT4 at PMA 32 weeks was 11.96 ± 1.98 pmo/l for the 24-28 weeks GA group vs. 13.33 ± 1.80 pmol/l for the 29-32 weeks GA group (p=0.001). Our results reflect a slow and gradual upward trend of FT4 in the 24-28 weeks GA. It is of interest that the correlation between thyroid volume and FT4 was statistically significant (rho=0.25, p=0.019) for all studied preterm infants. The correlation between thyroid volume and weight was statistically significant for the entire study group (rho=0.37, p<0.001). We did not find statistically significant differences in TSH and FT4 values between consecutive time points at 24-28 weeks GA. The thyroid volume was not significantly different between both groups. The total thyroid volume was 0.26 vs. 0.27 ml for the 24-28 and 29-32 weeks GA groups, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that preterm infants require lower FT4 values depending on GA. Moreover, ultrasound thyroid imaging may facilitate the evaluation of questionable thyroid disorders.
The Emerging Roles and Therapeutic Implications of Epigenetic Modifications in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wang Yu , Huang Zhao , Li Bowen , Liu Lin , Huang Canhua
Published: May 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies globally. In spite of positive responses to initial therapy, the overall survival rates of OC patients remain poor due to the development of drug resistance and consequent cancer recurrence. Indeed, intensive studies have been conducted to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying OC therapeutic resistance. Besides, emerging evidence suggests a crucial role for epigenetic modifications, namely, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation, in the drug resistance of OC. These epigenetic modifications contribute to chemoresistance through various mechanisms, namely, upregulating the expression of multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs), remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, and deregulated immune response. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the role of epigenetic mechanisms in clinical therapeutic resistance may improve the outcome of OC patients. In this review, we will discuss the epigenetic regulation of OC drug resistance and propose the potential clinical implications of epigenetic therapies to prevent or reverse OC drug resistance, which may inspire novel treatment options by targeting resistance mechanisms for drug-resistant OC patients.
Quantitative Method for Security Situation of the Power Information Network Based on the Evolutionary Neural Network
Authors: Yuan Quande , Pi Yuzhen , Kou Lei , Zhang Fangfang , Ye Bo
Published: May 2022

Cybersecurity is the security cornerstone of digital transformation of the power grid and construction of new power systems. The traditional network security situation quantification method only analyzes from the perspective of network performance, ignoring the impact of various power application services on the security situation, so the quantification results cannot fully reflect the power information network risk state. This study proposes a method for quantifying security situation of the power information network based on the evolutionary neural network. First, the security posture system architecture is designed by analyzing the business characteristics of power information network applications. Second, combining the importance of power application business, the spatial element index system of coupled interconnection is established from three dimensions of network reliability, threat, and vulnerability. Then, the BP neural network optimized by the genetic evolutionary algorithm is incorporated into the element index calculation process, and the quantitative model of security posture of the power information network based on the evolutionary neural network is constructed. Finally, a simulation experiment environment is built according to a power sector network topology, and the effectiveness and robustness of the method proposed in the study are verified.
Does ESG Disclosure Help Improve Intangible Capital? Evidence From A-Share Listed Companies
Authors: Jun Wu , Shiyong Zheng , Yi Tang
Published: May 2022

With the disclosure of ESG, the investment related to ESG disclosure has increased, and the trend of changes in intangible capital has shown an “inverted S-shaped” curve. The research shows that, in the initial stage of investment in ESG construction, new ESG investments increase intangible capital. With the increase in ESG investment and the advancement of time, the positive effect of the increase in ESG scores on intangible capital begins to appear and gradually offsets the cost of ESG investment. However, when the ESG score of a company is raised to a certain level, the marginal effect of continuing to increase ESG investment will reduce the increase in intangible capital.
Hsa_circ_0062270 Promotes Tumorigenesis of Melanoma by Stabilizing the Linear Transcript Cell Division Cycle Protein 45
Authors: Wei Cuie , Sun Wentao , Liu Changhai , Meng Fanjun , Sun Lele , Ding Xiangsheng
Published: May 2022

Background: To elucidate the potential biological function of hsa_circ_0062270 in the malignant process of melanoma and its potential target.

Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to examine relative level of hsa_circ_0062270 in melanoma tissues and normal skin tissues. The diagnostic and prognostic potentials of hsa_circ_0062270 in melanoma were evaluated. The regulatory effect of hsa_circ_0062270 on the expression of linear transcript Cell division cycle protein 45 (CDC45) was also examined.

Results: Hsa_circ_0062270 was up-regulated in melanoma samples and cell lines, which displayed certain diagnostic and prognostic potentials in melanoma. Inhibition of hsa_circ_0062270 attenuated the proliferative, migratory and invasive functions. Hsa_circ_0062270 could stabilize the expression of linear transcript CDC45, and thus participated in the malignant process of melanoma.

Conclusion: Hsa_circ_0062270 promotes proliferative, migratory and invasive functions of melanoma cells via stabilizing the linear transcript CDC45. Hsa_circ_0062270 can be used to diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.