bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perencanaan Pembelajaran Thinking Skills di Pesantren Kuliyyatul Mu’allimin Al-Islamiyah (KMI)
Authors: M.Pd.I Yuliana , Hasanah Aan , Erihadiana Mohamad , Arifin Bambang Samsul
Published: May 2022

AbstractCurrent learning tends to be focused a lot on developing memory for the content of information, not yet on efforts to train students' thinking skills to find solutions in solving a problem or making a decision. A learning process like this requires planning which is a form of teacher preparation before teaching. This study aims to identify learning planning at the Darussalam Kunir Subang Islamic Boarding School which combines the education system and teaching of the pesantrenan (salaf / traditional) with modern education. The qualitative approach with descriptive method was used to identify, describe, and analyze information needs regarding learning planning in the pesantren under study. Data collection was carried out by interview, observation, and documentation. Data analysis includes data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results revealed that the lesson planning at the Pondok Pesantren Darussalam Kunir Subang was in the form of i'dad tadris which is a teaching preparation prepared by Asatidz. The implementation of this educational institution is based on the Ministry of Religion for the administration of Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) and Madrasah Aliyah (MA) education units. In addition, this pesantren also has a distinctive curriculum that adopts the Kuliyyatul Mu'allimin Al-Islamiyah (KMI) system from the Gontor Modern Islamic Boarding School.AbstrakPembelajaran saat ini cenderung masih banyak difokuskan pada pengembangan daya ingat terhadap isi informasi, belum sampai pada upaya melatih keterampilan berpikir peserta didik untuk mencari solusi dalam memecahkan suatu masalah atau mengambil suatu keputusan. Proses pembelajaran seperti ini memerlukan perencanaan yang merupakan bentuk persiapan pendidik sebelum mengajar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi perencanaan pembelajaran di Pondok Pesantren Darussalam Kunir Subang yang memadukan sistem metodologi pendidikan dan pengajaran kepesantrenan (salaf/tradisional) dengan pendidikan modern. Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif untuk mengidentifikasi, mendeskripsikan, dan menganalisis kebutuhan informasi mengenai perencanaan pembelajaran di pesantren yang diteliti. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data meliputi reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perencanaan pembelajaran di Pondok Pesantren Darussalam Kunir Subang berupa i’dad tadris yang merupakan persiapan mengajar yang disiapkan oleh asatidz. Penyelenggaraan lembaga pendidikan ini menginduk ke Kementerian Agama untuk penyelenggaran unit pendidikan Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) dan Madrasah Aliyah (MA). Selain menginduk kepada institusi tersebut, pesantren ini juga memiliki kurikulum khas yang mengadopsi sistem Kuliyyatul Mu’allimin Al-Islamiyah (KMI) dari Pondok Pesantren Modern Gontor.
Kemampuan Manusia (Qudratul Insan) dalam Pendidikan Islam
Authors: Amaly Abdul Mun'im , Ahmad Nurwadjah , Suhartini Andewi
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe current pandemic phenomenon demands further education to be able to develop and innovate one of them with educational technology, but there are still many education users, namely teachers who have not responded to educational technology, especially Islamic Education teachers, therefore researchers intend to reveal and describe Teacher Skills. PAI in Optimizing Educational Technology-Based Learning. Researchers used descriptive qualitative methods with data collection techniques interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of this study indicate that Islamic Education teachers at SMA Darul Falah Cihampelas can use and even optimize educational technology properly, seen from the learning process that can be integrated with various other technologies either with hardware such as computers/laptops or smartphones, both with software such as self-made applications. or open source applications. Optimization is also carried out among the ways, namely Understanding Learning Material Content, Adjusting the Scope of Learning Strategies, and Developing Knowledge Insights.  AbstrakPerkembangan dunia pendidikan khususnya pendidikan Islam dewasa ini terlihat stagnan dan lambat berkembang terutama di masa pandemi covid-19, padahal seharusnya sebagai objek dan subjek pendidikan manusia berusaha untuk berkembang maju dalam berbagai situasi kondisi apapun, karena sejatinya manusia telah dianugerahi oleh Allah kemampuan (Qudratul) tersebut dengan berbagai potensi yang dimiliki. Tujuan dari penelitian dan pengkajian ini untuk mengungkap kemampuan manusia (Qudratul insan) dan potensi yang dimilikinya berkenaan dengan pendidikan Islam, dengan menggunakan metode metode  Library Research, selanjutnya dilakukan analisis bacaan dengan menggunakan metode Contect Analyisis. Hasil dari pengkajian menunjukkan bahwa manusia diberikan kemampuan (Qudratul) oleh Allah SWT dengan berbagai potensi, yakni potensi akan untuk berpikir dengan benar, jasmani  meliputi seluruh indra yang dimiliki untuk menangkap berbagai fenomena, dan potensi hati yakni intuisi yang mengarahkan mana positif dan negatif, dengan adanya potensi tersebut manusia mampu untuk berkembang dan mengembangkan pendidikan Islam agar berkembang maju yang merupakan salah satu fungsinya sebagai khalifah di muka bumi untuk memelihara, mengembangkan dan memakmurkannya. Begitu juga sebaliknya manusia perlu dikembangkan berdasarkan potensinya agar dapat menjalannya peranannya sebagai khalifah di muka bumi
Nilai-Nilai Prososial dalam Film Jembatan Pensil dan Relevansinya dalam Meningkatkan Perilaku Penerapan Asmaul Husna Ar-Rahman pada Anak Usia Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Hakim Lukman , Sariyasin Mugita
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study aims to determine the prosocial values contained in the Pencil Bridge Film directed by Hasto Broto, and determine the relevance of the prosocial values in the Pencil Bridge Film to improve the behavior of the application of Asmaul Husna Ar-Rahman in elementary school age children. This type of research is library research, using data collection techniques in the form of documentation and interviews. Documentation data was obtained from the Pencil Bridge Film scene, while some secondary data was obtained from interviews with the screenwriter and director of the Pencil Bridge Film. The data analysis technique used is content analysis technique. The results of this study are that there are prosocial values contained in the Pencil Bridge Film, including the attitude of helping, sharing, cooperation, honesty, giving, friendship, saving, and sacrifice. In addition, prosocial values have relevance to Asmaul Husna Ar-Rahman. Both are relevant because they have an element of empathy. The author tries to improve prosocial behavior and Asmaul Husna Ar-Rahman in elementary school age children through the Pencil Bridge Film. Because the two are related, it is hoped that when prosocial values can be increased, it can indirectly increase the behavior of applying Asmaul Husna Ar-Rahman. Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui nilai-nilai prososial yang terdapat dalam Film Jembatan Pensil yang disutradarai oleh Hasto Broto, dan   mengetahui relevansi dari nilai-nilai prososial dalam Film Jembatan Pensil untuk meningkatkan perilaku penerapan Asmaul Husna Ar-Rahman pada anak usia Sekolah Dasar. Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kepustakaan (library research), dengan menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data berupa dokumentasi dan wawancara. Data dokumentasi diperoleh dari adegan Film Jembatan Pensil, sedangkan beberapa data sekunder diperoleh dari wawancara penulis skenario dan sutradara Film Jembatan Pensil. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah teknik analisis isi. Adapun hasil penelitian ini yaitu terdapat nilai-nilai prososial yang terdapat dalam Film Jembatan Pensil diantaranya yaitu sikap tolong menolong, berbagi, kerjasama, jujur, berderma, persahabatan, menyelamatkan, dan pengorbanan. Selain itu nilai-nilai prososial memiliki relevansi dengan Asmaul Husna Ar-Rahman. Keduanya relevan karena memiliki unsur empati. Penulis mencoba meningkatkan perilaku prososial dan Asmaul Husna Ar-Rahman pada anak usia sekolah dasar melalui Film Jembatan Pensil. Dikarenakan keduanya memiliki keterkaitan, diharapkan ketika nilai-nilai prososial dapat ditingkatkan
Predictors of Psychological Help Seeking Intentions among the University Students in Tanzania
Authors: Daudi Emmanuel , Lyakurwa Suitbert Emil , Amani Jaquiline
Published: May 2022

Worldwide, students’ in higher learning institutions face psycho-social challenges. Some of the challenges require psychological help services offered by the universities. Despite the prevalence of the challenges and availability of psychological help services, studies reported that utilization of such services is very low. The existing literature provides limited information about the university students’ help seeking intentions in Tanzania. Therefore, this study assessed the extent to which attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control influence the university students’ intentions to seek psychological help. A total of 740 students from two public universities in Tanzania participated in the study. The data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Results from the multiple regression analysis indicated that all three variables statistically significantly predicted the university students’ intention to seek psychological help. Creation of awareness about the benefits of psychological help services can help to increase university students’ utilization of psychological help services. The implications of the results, limitation and direction for future studies are provided.
Nutrients digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation parameters of sheep fed on Sesbania Sesban and Reed Plants
Authors: Farghaly Mohsen , Mousa Soliman M. , El-Monaime Mohamed A. Abd , Suliman Abdelraheem I. , Hamdon Hatem. A.
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding sesbania sesban and reed forage on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retained, ruminal protozoa count and rumen fermentation in sheep. Twelve mature native rams (50.25 kg body weight) were used in three digestibility trials The animals in group one were fed a basic diet consisting of a 700 g concentrate mixture with fresh Alfalfa ad libitum, which was kept as a control. The second group (T1) was fed 700 g concentrates with fresh Sesban ad libitum and the last one (T2) was fed 700 g concentrates with fresh Reed forage ad libitum. The rams were fed 60% of their daily requirements as a concentrate mixture based on NRC recommendations, while the rest was covered from green fodder. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in nutrient digestibility among groups. The digestibility of most nutrients in reed forage group tended to be lower than the control and sesban groups. However, the digestibility rate of NDF and ADF were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of control and sesban groups. The digestible crude protein (DCP) of the control and Sesbania groups was significantly (P˂0.05) higher than the reed one. However, the feeding value expressed as total digestible nutrient (TDN) and a starch value (SV) did not differ among groups. The nitrogen retained was improved (P < 0.05) of rams fed on alfalfa and Sesbania groups. Moreover, no significant differences were found among the treatments for ruminal pH, NH3-N, TVFA’s and total protozoa count. However, the ruminal NH3-N and TVFA’s concentrations tended to be lower in reed forage group than other groups. Concerning the effect of sampling time on the rumen liquor parameters, the mean values of pH were significantly (P < 0.05) higher before feeding time, then decreased at 4 hrs. after feeding. However, all of NH3-N and TVFA’s concentrations were lower before feeding and increased after feeding to reach the peak at 4 hrs. post feeding. In conclusion, the nutrient digestibility of sesban and reed forage were near to alfalfa or higher than it. Also, the rumen fermentation activates and the total protozoa count was improved by feeding sesban and reed forages to rams. Therefore, it can be recommended to use these forages as alternative sources of alfalfa in the diets of sheep.
The effect of particle size and water content on XRF measurements of phosphate slurry
Authors: Amar Ismail Ben , Roudjane Mourad , Griguer Hafid , Miled Amine , Messaddeq Younes
Published: May 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Closing the Loop of a Global Supply Chain through a Robust Optimal Decentralized Decision Support System
Authors: Golpîra Hêriş
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes an original risk-based robust mixed-integer linear programming to global closed-loop supply chain network design based on a novel, uncertain, bi-level programming model. The results show that using the proposed approach significantly improves the solution robustness so that the standard deviation of profit, income, and cost is reduced by about 28%, 34%, and 36% on average. However, a more conservative DM, compared to an optimistic DM, faces more income cuts to achieve greater robustness. As far as the managerial implications are concerned, this research can assist the DM in identifying essential trade-offs among risk, cost, profit, income, robustness, and leanness regarding its attitude toward risk. Because a similar change in the level of risk-taking of the DM does not necessarily have the same economic consequences for pessimistic and optimistic DMs. In addition, the proposed decentralized structure dramatically improves the leanness of the network, especially for a pessimistic DM.
Effect of Iron Fortification on Anaemia and Risk of Malaria among Ghanaian Pre-School Children with Haemoglobinopathies and Different ABO Blood Groups
Authors: Tchum Samuel Kofi , Sakyi Samuel Asamoah , Arthur Fareed , Adu Bright , Abubakar Latifatu Alhassan , Oppong Felix Boakye , Dzabeng Francis , Amoani Benjamin , Gyan Thomas , Asante Kwaku Poku
Published: May 2022

BackgroundHaemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disorder and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency as well as differences in ABO blood groups have been shown to influence the risk of malaria and/or anaemia in malaria-endemic areas. This study assessed how iron fortification in addition to weaning meals affects anaemia and the risk of malaria in Ghanaian pre-school children with haemoglobinopathies and different ABO blood groups.MethodsThis study was a double-blind, randomly clustered trial conducted within six months among infants and young children aged 6 to 35 months in rural Ghana (775 clusters, n = 860). Participants were randomly selected into clusters to receive daily semiliquid home-prepared meals mixed with either micronutrient powder without iron (noniron group) or with iron (iron group; 12.5mg of iron daily) for 5 months. Malaria infection was detected by microscopy, blood haemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured with a HemoCue Hb analyser, the reversed ABO blood grouping microtube assay was performed, and genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of G6PD deficiency in hemizygous males (8.5%) was higher than that in homozygous females (2.7%) but was similar (p=0.668). The prevalence rates of sickle cell traits (HbAS and HbSC) and sickle cell disorder (HbSS) were 17.5% and 0.5%, respectively. Blood group O was dominant (41.4%), followed by blood group A (29.6%) and blood group B (23.3%), while blood group AB (5.7%) was the rarest among the study participants. This study observed that children on an iron supplement with HbAS had significantly moderate anaemia at the endline (EL) compared to the baseline level (BL) (p = 0.004). However, subjects with HbAS and HbAC and blood groups A and O in the iron group had a significantly increased number of malaria episodes at EL than at BL (p < 0.05). Furthermore, children in the iron group with HbSS (p < 0.001) and the noniron group with HbCC (p = 0.010) were significantly less likely to develop malaria.ConclusionsIron supplementation increased anaemia in children with HbAS genotypes but provided less protection against malaria in children with HbAC and AS and blood groups A and O.TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01001871. Registered 27/10/2009, http://www. ClinicalTrials.gov/ NCT01001871.Registration number: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01001871.
Natural Hazards Fatalities in Brazil, 1979–2019
Authors: Couto Gabriela , Sanchez Alber , NOBRE CARLOS AFONSO , Alvalá Regina
Published: May 2022

The impact of natural hazards on nations and societies is a global challenge and concern. Studies worldwide have been conducted within and among countries, to examine the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of fatalities and their consequences in societies. In Brazil, no studies have comprehensively identified fatalities associated with all natural hazards and their singularities by decade, region, sex, age, and other victim characteristics. This study develops a deep analysis on the Brazilian Data Mortality of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, from 1979 to 2019, identifying the natural hazards that kill the greatest number of people in Brazil and its surrounding particularities. Lightning is the deadliest natural hazard in Brazil during this period, with a gradual decrease in the number of fatal victims. Hydrogeological fatalities increases from 2000, and the most fatalities develop from 2010 to 2019. Despite Brazil being a tropical country affected by severe droughts, extreme heat had the lowest number of fatalities, almost irrelevant when compared with that of other natural hazards. The period from December to March is with the higher number of fatalities, and the Southeast region is the most populous regions were the most are fatally affected. The number of male victims is double that of female victims, of all ages, and unmarried victims died the most. Thus, it is fundamental to recognize and make public the knowledge of different natural hazards’ impacts on communities and societies, namely people and their livelihoods, to evaluate challenges and recognize opportunities to reduce natural hazards’ impacts on Brazil.
Thermoplastic Natural Rubber Based on Polyester Blends: Influence of Different Types of Natural Rubber and Polyesters on Cure, Mechanical, Rheological, Morphological, Thermal, Relaxation Properties and Biodegradation
Authors: Pichaiyut Sakulrat , Faibunchan Parisa , Kummerlöwe Cladia , Vennemann Norbert , Nakason Charoen
Published: May 2022

Novel green biodegradable thermoplastic natural rubber (GB-TPNR) based on natural rubber and polyester blends was prepared by dynamic vulcanization. The main objective was to improve mechanical and rheological properties, thermal stability and biodegradability of the natural rubber/polyester thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). Three types of natural rubber: unmodified NR, and epoxidized natural rubbers with 25 and 50 mole % epoxide (i.e., ENR-25 and ENR-50); and two polyester types: polybutylene succinate (PBS) and poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA) were used as blend components. It was found that the dynamically cured ENR-50/PBS blends exhibited superior mechanical, rheological, thermal and stress relaxation properties relative to ENR-25/PBS and unmodified NR/PBS TPVs. This is attributed to stronger chemical interactions between the polar functional groups of ENR-50 and PBS, which caused strong interfacial adhesion and hence the smallest vulcanized rubber domains dispersed in the PBS matrix. Furthermore, stress relaxation, thermal resistance, mechanical strength and degree of crystallinity of PBS phase increased with epoxide content in the modified rubber. Moreover, the dynamically blended ENR-50/PBSA showed larger vulcanized rubber domains along with poorer mechanical, relaxation and thermal properties but easier biodegradation than the ENR-50/PBS blend.
RETRACTED: SNSMiner_COVAC: Analyzing COVID-19 vaccination for safety surveillance
Authors: Lee Seunghee , Roh Gyun-Ho , Song Mi-Hwa , Kim Jong-Yeup , Lee Suehyun
Published: May 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Multi-objects Optimization in Μ - Edm Using Alcrni Coated Tungsten Carbide Electrode for Ti-6al-4v
Authors: Phan Phan Huu , T. Muthuramalingam , Van Dong Pham , Shirguppikar Shailesh , Tien Dung Hoang , Van Thien Nguyen , Trong Ly Nguyen
Published: May 2022

Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) is widely used in a number of fields such as medical, aeronautical and nuclear fields. Since the surface finish should be enhanced as much possible in efficient way, the micro EDM process can be used for machining such materials. The process mechanism can be enhanced by utilizing the coated electrode in the process. In the present study, an effort was made to investigate the effects of process parameters on drilling titanium alloy with AlNiCr coated aluminium electrode in micro EDM process. An optimization approach was also implemented using Taguchi-DEAR approach. From the experimental interpretation, the conclusions were made as follow. The AlNiCr coated aluminium electrode can enhance the machinability of micro EDM process. The optimal combination of voltage (140V), capacitance (10nF), and Tool rotation (200RPM) could provide better quality measures among the chosen variables. The moderate voltage and capacitance can remove the material effectively with lower overcut, since the electrical conductivity can effectively enhance the conductivity of the plasma energy column. The coated electrode can create the tiny craters with uniform energy distribution.
Molecular investigations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains circulating in four regions of Eswatini
Authors: Dlamini Talent C. , Mkhize Brenda T. , Sydney Clive , Manningi Nontuthuko E. , Pasipanodya Jotam G. , Malinga Lesibana A.
Published: May 2022

Background: The tuberculosis (TB) epidemic remains a major global health problem and has high in Eswatini. Our study aimed to investigate the circulating genotypes in Eswatini and to determine genotype changes of susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains when they develop into Multidrug resistant (MDR)-TB strains during treatment.Methods: Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method, and patient who met the inclusion criteria, were included in this quantitative descriptive cohort study (n=103). A total of 206 Mtb strains at baseline and at follow-up detected by GeneXpert® MTB/RIF assay (Cephied, USA) and microscopy respectively. The decontaminated specimens were processed on the BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960 Mycobacteria Culture System (Becton Dickinson, USA), for culture drug sensitivity testing. DNA was extracted for spoligotyping, using GenoLyse (Hain LifeScience). The study results were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 software and STATA.Results: Resistance to at least one first line drug was detected higher in baseline compared to follow-up specimens with most of them developed into MDR-TB. A total of 82.5% (170/206) strains had valid spoligotyping patterns, with four lineages and eighteen sublineages. The distribution of the lineages varied among the different regions in Eswatini. The Euro-American lineage was the most prevalent with 57.6% (98/170) followed by the East Asian with 28.8% (49/170); Indo-Oceanic at 11.2% (19/170) and Central Asian at 2.4% (4/170). Furthermore, a high proportion of the Beijing sublineage at 28.8% (49/170) and S sublineage at 20.0% (34/170) were detected. The Beijing sublineage strain was predominant found in follow-up strains of the Manzini region with 48.9% (23/47) which was significant (p=0.001). A significant proportion of follow-up specimens developed MDR-TB (p=0.001) with Beijing genotype being the major sublineage in most follow-up specimens (p<0.000).Conclusion: Eswatini has a high Mtb genotypic diversity. A significant proportion of the TB infected participants had the Beijing sublineage associated with MDR-TB in follow up specimens and thus indicate community wide transmission.
Validation of SNP markers for selection of semi-dwarf and peduncle extension in barley
Authors: Baraibar Silvina , Iriarte Wanda , de León Wilmar , Bonnecarrere Victoria
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to validate the use of two SNP markers associated to a sdw1 allele identified previously in a short barley genotype (ND23049) with an adequate peduncle extension which reduces predisposition to fungal disease development. First, the GBS SNP were converted in a KASP marker but only one of them, named TP4712, correctly amplified all allelic variations and had a mendelian segregation in a F2 population. To corroborate the association between TP4712 allele with plant height and peduncle extension a total of 842 genotypes were genotyped and evaluated for both traits. Out of the 842 genotypes, 199 were F4 lines, 79 were a diverse panel and 564 were a complete breeding cohort of stage 1 yield trials. To corroborate the association between the sdw1 allele and the short plant height with adequate peduncle extension, contingency tables were created, grouping the 1954 data points into categories. Based on the contingency analysis it was demonstrated that the higher proportion of short plants with adequate peduncle extension were present in genotypes carrying the SNP allele present in ND23049 regardless the population and the sowing date. This study develops a marker assisted selection tool to accelerate the introgression of favourable alleles for plant height and peduncle extension in adapted germplasm.
Petrographic characterization and durability of carbonate stones used in UNESCO World Heritage sites in northeastern Italy
Authors: Salvini Silvia , Coletti Chiara , Maritan Lara , Massironi Matteo , Pieropan Alberto , Spiess Richard , Mazzoli Claudio
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the petrographic and textural characterization of some ornamental limestones widely used in UNESCO World Heritage sites in northeastern Italy, and the assessment of the main decay factors present in the environment where they are employed. Eleven carbonate building materials have been here considered, all commonly present in the built environment of northeastern Italy: two different varieties of Vicenza Stone (Nanto and Costozza), of Verona Stone (Red and Brown Verona), of Asiago Stone (Pink and White Asiago), and of Chiampo Stone (Ondagata and Paglierino), the Istria Stone (Orsera), the Aurisina Stone, and the Botticino Stone. The Carrara marble is also considered, and used as a reference material for the determination of the grain-size distribution. Stone durability was measured by accelerated ageing tests which reproduced freeze-thaw and salt crystallization cycles, among the main causes of deterioration in the region. Petrographic and textural features of these carbonate rocks as well as their porosity resulted to strongly influence their deterioration rate, and their knowledge is therefore essential when trying to predict stone decay as a function of the local environmental forcings.
A Protocol for Creating and Modifying the Outlier Detection System's General Framework
Authors: Divya D , Bhasi M. , Santoshkumar M. B.
Published: May 2022

Early detection of outliers has major applications in various industrial domains such as machine failure detection, patient monitoring systems and early warning systems of natural disasters. Although many machine learning and deep learning techniques have developed in the last few years, training of these algorithms requires a large amount of labelled dataset. However, generation of hand labelled training dataset is time consuming and has less accuracy. Likewise, the artificial dataset should follow the characteristics of real time data. Hence, generation of a time series dataset following the rules of data generation aids data scientists to develop and evaluate different supervised models. This generated data can help experts to develop a general framework for outlier detection. Hyper parameter optimisation performed in this base model ensures maximum efficiency of the generated model. Once the base model is ready, experts from various domains can utilise the framework for outlier detection in their specific application by applying domain specific heuristics. A case analysis using atmospheric dataset is conducted in this paper that act as a guideline for adding domain specific heuristics into the base model.
Using dual-layer detector spectral computed tomography to predict lymph node metastasis and identify differentiation degree of gastric cancer
Authors: Pan Xinmeng , Fu Lanqi , He Bo , Hu Jihong , Zhao Wei , Yang Yaying
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To investigate the value of spectral computed tomography (CT) in evaluating the differentiation degree of gastric cancer and predicting lymph node (LN) metastasis. Methods: Enhanced spectral CT images of 51 gastric cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed. Effective atomic number (Zeff), normalized effective atomic number (nZeff), iodine density (ID), and normalized ID (nID) of the gastric cancer were measured at the venous stage. Zeff, nZeff, ID and nID of the study groups (poorly and moderately-highly differentiated groups; LN metastasis and no LN metastasis groups) were statistically compared using independent t-tests. Sex, age, location, and thickness of gastric cancer were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance or independent t-test. Correlations were assessed using Spearman rank correlation. The optimal diagnostic cutoff value with sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Results: Zeff, nZeff, ID and nID of gastric cancer were higher in the poorly differentiated group than in the moderately-highly differentiated group (P<0.05), and AUCs for evaluating the degree of differentiation were 0.909, 0.888, 0.905, and 0.916, respectively. There were no significant differences in Zeff, nZeff, ID and nID regarding age, sex, tumor thickness, or tumor location (P>0.05). Zeff, nZeff, ID and nID were higher in the LNM group than in the no LNM group (P<0.05), and AUCs for predicting LNM were 0.888, 0.824, 0.828 and 0.892, respectively. Conclusions: Zeff, nZeff, ID and nID values of spectral CT predicted the degree of differentiation of gastric cancer and LNM and were positively correlated with N stage.
Coregulation of VEGF-A And PLGF in Vascular Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Rashdan Nabil A. , Lovern Pamela C.
Published: May 2022

Placental growth factor (PLGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) are important regulators of both physiological and pathological vascular remodeling. We previously reported that in monoculture human coronary EC primarily expresses PLGF, while human coronary smooth muscle cells (SMC) primarily express VEGF-A. However, in the vasculature, EC and SMC are in close proximity. Thus, in this study we sought to 1) determine whether this cell-specific expression pattern is maintained when EC and SMC are cocultured, and 2) test the hypothesis that EC and SMC co-regulate the expression of VEGF-A and PLGF. EC and SMC were cultured on either side of a porous Transwell insert and media PLGF and VEGF-A levels were measured by ELISA. We confirmed that the cell type-specific expression of PLGF and VEGF-A we observed in monocultures remains evident in the coculture model. Interestingly, coculture of EC and SMC increased media PLGF relative to EC monoculture, but decreased media VEGF-A compared to SMC monoculture. Coculture conditions also increased VEGFR2 levels on the surface of EC but decreased VEGFR1 levels on the surface of SMC. Inhibition of VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase activity decreased PLGF and increased VEGF in both EC and cocultures but not in SMC monocultures. We conclude that PLGF and VEGF-A exert both paracrine and autocrine regulatory effects on each other and that these effects are mediated by VEGFR2 (in EC) and VEGFR1 (in SMC). Based on these results, we recommend that researchers investigating VEGFR signaling consider the use of coculture models when designing studies.
Yishengukang Decoction Could Target Osteoclasts to Inhibit Bone Metastasis by CaN/NFAT Pathway
Authors: Wang Yaohan , Chang Jinyuan , Chen Jiayang , Feng Li
Published: May 2022

Background: Bone metastasis was one of the common complications in advanced cancer. There was about 80% advanced cancer patients with bone metastasis, nearly 40%~58% of bone metastasis patients suffered once skeletal related events (SRE) at least, and the quality of life and even the overall survival were influced by SRE seriously. Chinese medicine could significantly reduce SRE, improve the quality of life and even prolong the survival. Yishengukang decoction(YSGK) could relieve bone metastasis patients’ bone cancer pain and improve the quality of life. And the researches showed YSGK had the inhibitory effect on osteoblasts in vitro. And whether the YSGK could inhibit bone metastasis and the mechanism were unclear. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of Yishegukang decoction (YSGK) on inducing osteoclasts by CCK-8 and TRAP staining in vitro, used Micro CT to observe the bone lesions by establishing the tibial bone metastasis animal model, and studied the mechanism of YSGK extractive on inhibiting bone metastasis by western blot analysis, ELISA assay and RT-PCR. Results: YSGK extractive could inhibit osteoclast maturation and the IC50 was 10.71mg/ml in vitro. The research indicated that high does and low does of YSGK extractive reduced bone lesions, improved the BV/TV and the BMD, but only high does of YSGK extractive could inhibit osteoclasts maturation in vivo. And the further research showed that high does of YSGK could inhibit activity of CaN/NFAT pathway by inhibiting on mRNA level of NFAT. Conclusions: Our data showed that high does of YSGK extractive could target osteoclasts to inhibit bone metastasis by suppressing CaN/NFAT pathway. These results indicated that Chinese medicine played important roles in bone metastasis and exploring YSGK potential role and the effect on tumor cells were our work in future.
Gemini curcumin inhibits 4T1 cancer cell proliferation and modulates the expression of apoptotic and metastatic genes on Balb/c Mice model
Authors: Zaker Behzad Zaker , Hesari Farzam Sheikhzadeh , Babaei Esmaeil
Published: May 2022

Background/aim:
Despite the attractive anticancer effects, poor solubility and low bioavailability have restricted the clinical application of curcumin. Recent findings show that gemini nano-curcumin (Gemini-Cur) significantly improves cellular uptake of curcumin and its anticancer effect in tumor cells. Here, we aimed to assess the suppressive effect of Gemini-Cur on 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitro and, subsequentlly on BALB/c mouse models.
Materials and methods
Fluorescence microscopy was employed to visualize cellular uptake and morphological changes of 4T1 cells during treatement with Gemini-Cur and void curcumin. MTT and annexin V/FITC assays were performed to study the toxic effect of Gemini-Cur on mouse cancer cells. For in vivo studies, BALB/c tumor-bearing mice were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Gemini-Cur in comparison with mice receiving free curcumin and nanoparticles.
Results
Our data showed that Gemini-Cur enters the cells and inhibits proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Annexin V/FITC confirmed apoptotic effect on 4T1 cells. In vivo studies also illustrated that tumor growth is suppressed in Gemini-Cur treated mice rather than controls. Expression studies demonstrated the modulation of apoptotic and metastatic genes including Bax, Bcl-2, MMP-9, VEGF and COX-2 in treated mice.
Discussion
Taken together, these data demonstrate the promising anticancer properties of Gemini-Cur on mice models. However, further studies in molecular and cellular levels are required to conclude this therapeutic advantage.
Mitochondrial COI sequences revealed shallow but significant divergences among Amphioctopus aegina (Octopoda, Octopodidae) populations in coastal waters of China
Authors: Sun Chenlian , Hou Long , Zhao Shijie , Muhammad Faiz , Liu Liqin , Gong Li , Liu Bingjian , Lü Zhenming
Published: May 2022

Background Amphioctopus aegina
is an important fishery resource distributed in the coastal waters of China. However, the genetic variation and population genetic structure of it have never been investigated, to date.
Methods
In the present study, the genetic diversity and population genetic structure among the four A. aegina populations across its full distributional range in China were assessed based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase1 (COI) sequences.
Results
The results revealed a remarkably low genetic diversity (Hd: 0.2842–0.6670; pi: 0.0007–0.0015) in A. aegina populations. The neighbour-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree and the haplotype networks constructed, as well as the results of molecular variance (AMOVA) analyses, indicated a shallow phylogeographic structure among the four populations. However, pairwise genetic differentiation coefficient (ΦST) statistics and genetic distance analyses revealed significant (p < 0.01) genetic differentiation among Qinzhou and the rest three populations of Zhanjiang, Huizhou, and Dongshan. The demographic history analyses indicated a population expansion in A. aegina, and the role of Leizhou peninsula isolation in shaping the population differentiation.
Conclusion
These results would largely enhance our understanding of the genetic structure and promote the scientific management of A. aegina fishery resources in coastal waters of China.
Fasting plasma lactate: A diagnosis and staging biomarker with superior performance in adult nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Xin Nie , Jianfei E , He He , Fei Ding , Haolan Song , Qianhui Liu , Mengting Yin , Yong He , Guixing Li
Published: May 2022

Purpose: For the assessment and staging of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), fasting plasma lactate (FPL) has been a useful marker. However, it has never been used to evaluate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Since NAFLD is one of the significant metabolic syndromes, we investigated whether FPL can be used as a biomarker for diagnosing and staging NAFLD. Methods: A total of 102 patients who were diagnosed with NAFLD and 100 healthy control between October 2018 and September 2019 were enrolled in our study. We determined the levels of FPL, total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin(FINS), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We performedreceiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate their diagnostic performance. Results: In NAFLD patients, we found FPL, ALT, AST, TG, FPG, FINS, and HOMA-IR levels to be elevated while HDL-C level was reduced (P < 0.05). FPL, FPG, FINS, and HOMA-IR levels were higher in mild NAFLD patients than moderate to severe ones (P < 0.05). For NAFLD diagnosis and staging, the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of FPL were 0.973 and 0.999, making it clearly (P < 0.05) superior to other biomarkers.For diagnosing and staging NAFLD, the cutoff value of1.285 mmol/L and 2.370 mmol/L for FPL had the highest validity, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, negative likelihood ratio (LR-), and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) were 87.25%, 98.00%, 0.13, and 43.63 for the diagnosis cutoff value and. 92.19%, 97.37%, 0.08, and 35.05 for staging, respectively.In addition, for NAFLD patients, FPL positively correlated with TG, FPG, FINS, and HOMA-IR (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Thus, in adult NAFLD, FPL can be used as a diagnosis and staging biomarker with superior performance.
The role of political devotion in sharing partisan misinformation
Authors: Pretus Clara , Servin-Barthet Camila , Harris Elizabeth , Brady William , Vilarroya Oscar , Bavel Jay Van
Published: May 2022

Online misinformation poses a significant threat to global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Misinformation is disproportionality shared by people with extreme political attitudes, especially among the far right. To understand the psychological and neurocognitive processes that underlie misinformation sharing among extremists, we conducted a pre-registered, cross-cultural experiment with conservatives and far-right supporters in the US and Spain (N = 1,609) and a neuroimaging study with far-right supporters in Spain (N = 36). Individuals who felt their personal identity was fused with their political group were more likely to share misinformation, especially when the misinformation was related to issues that involve sacred moral values (e.g., immigration and nationalism). Analytical thinking was unrelated to misinformation sharing when the misinformation involved sacred values (vs. non-sacred values) and fact-checks had little or no effect in this sample, especially among hyper-partisans. Far-right supporters also showed increased activity in brain regions associated with theory of mind in response to posts with sacred values, highlighting the social dimension of misinformation sharing. These results suggest that political devotion plays a key role in misinformation sharing and that identity-based interventions may help curb misinformation for specific groups.
DNA Repair Activation and Cell Death Suppression by Plant Polyphenols in Keratinocytes Exposed to UV-irradiation
Authors: Potapovich A. I. , Kostyuk T. V. , Shman T. V. , Ermilova T. I. , Kostyuk V. A.
Published: May 2022

The work investigated effects of plant polyphenolic compounds (PPs) on responses of cultured human HaCaT keratinocytes to ultraviolet radiation in the C range (UV-C). The experimental data obtained indicate a cytoprotective effect of the PPs added immediately after UV-C exposure. The efficiency of PPs was lowered in the order: acacetin ≥ silybin > quercetin. Using the comet-assay and gamma H2AX staining followed by fluorescence microscopy it has been established that PPs accelerated H2AX phosphorylation and reduced and the number of single-strand DNA breaks in the nuclei of keratinocytes exposed to UV-C radiation. It is concluded that the PPs can diminish the destructive effect of UV radiation on the skin cells, activating the process of repairing genetic damage.
Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Six Polygonatum Species (Asparagaceae)
Authors: Zhang Dongjuan , Ren Jing , Jiang Hui , Wanga Vincent Okelo , Dong Xiang , Hu Guangwan
Published: May 2022

Background: Polygonatum Miller is the largest genus in the tribe Polygonateae of Asparagaceae, and the horizontal creeping fleshy roots of several species in this genus serve as traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies have been concerned mainly with the size and gene contents of the plastome, no intensive plastid genomic comparative analysis of this genus has been conducted, and there are still some species whose chloroplast genome information has not been reported. Results: In this study, the complete plastomes of six Polygonatum were sequenced and assembled, among which, the chloroplast genome of P. campanulatum and P. franchetii were reported for the first time. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses were then conducted with the published plastomes of three related species. Results indicated that the whole plastome length of the Polygonatum species ranged from 154, 565 bp (P. multiflorum) to 156, 028 bp (P. stenophyllum) having a quadripartite structure of LSC and SSC separated by two IR regions. A total of 113 unique genes were detected in each of the species. Comparative analysis revealed that gene content, protein-coding genes and total GC content in these species were highly identical. No significant contraction or expansion was observed in the IR boundaries among all the species except P. sibiricum, in which the rps19 gene was pseudogenized owing to incomplete duplication. Abundant long dispersed repeats and SSRs were detected in each genome. There were eight remarkably variable regions and 14 positively selected genes were identified among Polygonatum and Heteropolygonatum. Phylogenetic results based on chloroplast genome illustrated that P. campanulatum with alternate leaves were strongly supported locating in sect. Verticillata, a group characterized by whorled leaves. Moreover, P. verticillatum and P. cyrtonema were displayed as paraphyletic. Conclusions: This study revealed that the characters of plastomes in Polygonatum and Heteropolygonautm maintained a high similarity. Eight highly variable regions were found to be potential specific DNA barcodes in Polygonatum. Phylogenetic results suggested that leaf arrangement was not suitable as a basis for delimitation of subgeneric groups in Polygonatum and the definitions of P. cyrtonema and P. verticillatum require further study.
Multiple indicators of violence against female sex workers in Ghana: analysis of the prevalence and the associated factors
Authors: Ayamah P , Atuahene KS , Annang DA , Nartey DT , Amuasi SA , Abrefa-Gyan T , Aheto Justice Moses K.
Published: May 2022

Background: Violence against female sex workers (FSWs) is a widespread phenomenon primarily because of the pervasive worldview that sex work is a contravention of morality. Violence against FSWs deters them from accessing services and heightens their risk of STIs including HIV infection. Consequently, it is expedient to understand the prevalence and the underlying factors that influence the multiple indicators of violence against FSWs to inform the design and implementation of effective remedial interventions.Objective: This study sought to assess the prevalence and associated factors of physical and sexual violence against FSWs in Ghana.Method: The study used secondary data from the 2015 Integrated Bio-Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) among FSWs and their non-paying partners conducted by Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC). Bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses were done to establish factors associated with physical and sexual violence against FSWs. Statistical significance was set at a p-value<0.05.Results: The study established the prevalence of physical and sexual violence as 10.1% and 24.8% respectively. Physical violence was perpetrated mainly by first-time paying clients (50.6%) and regular paying clients (31.0%). A similar trend was reported for sexual violence. As established by the study, the predictors of physical violence are type of FSW (p-value<0.01), current age of FSW (p-value=0.02), (geographical) region of residence (p-value<0.01), whether FSW had ever used drugs in the past one year (<0.01) and whether FSW had ever used alcohol before sex in the past six months preceding the survey (p-value<0.01). Sexual violence on the other hand was predicted by current age of FSW (p-value=0.02), marital status (p-value<0.01), number of living children (p-value=0.04), where FSWs take clients for sex (p-value <0.01), (geographical) region of residence (p-value<0.01), history of drug use (p-value <0.01), and history of alcohol use (p-value<0.01). Both physical and sexual violence had negative consequences on consistency of condom use and condom failure among FSWs.Conclusion: Physical and sexual violence against FSWs is pervasive in Ghana and it is influenced by many factors. There is the need for tailored interventions to address the menace in order to enhance FSWs’ ability to access health care services and to use condoms consistently.