bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Disparities in Air Conditioning Ownership in Florida, United States
Authors: Ahn Yoonjung , Uejio Christopher K. , Wong Sandy , Powell Emily , Holmes Tisha
Published: February 2022

Background Air conditioning usage is the most effective intervention to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. However, limited geographic coverage and outdated information on air conditioning (AC) availability limit extreme heat risk mapping and prevention efforts. Methods This paper contributes to this research gap by using updated AC availability data to detect areas in Florida, U.S., with significant AC needs and to assess the factors associated with AC ownership. Leveraging property databases, this study first identified Florida, U.S. census tracts by applying Moran’s I and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) and applied Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) to investigate the relationship between AC ownership and sociodemographic characteristics. Results Clusters of significantly high and low values (p < 0.05) of AC ownership were found across Florida. High-high clusters of AC ownership were found in the northern and eastern coasts, including large metropolitan areas such as Jacksonville, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, and Daytona Beach. Clusters with no AC were located in the interior of Florida. We closely looked at AC prevalence clusters in Duval County which contains the city of Jacksonville. Clusters of households with low to no AC availability were found in the urban core, where there is high poverty, poor housing conditions, and low education levels. SDM results showed a significant association between AC ownership and socioeconomic and urbanicity (urban and rural) variables. In particular, we found that a higher proportion of households without an AC are located in predominantly Black or African American neighborhoods, indicating racial disparities in AC ownership. Conclusions Our results can be used to target neighborhoods that are in great need of heat prevention measures. For instance, part of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program offers financial assistance to families with low incomes for energy bills initiated to provide AC units. The result of this study can be used to support this policy. Trial registration Not applicable
A Study of Effect of Covid-19 on Students and Teachers with Special Reference to E-Learning (Online Learning)
Authors: Jainani Kirti
Published: February 2022

Education is the backbone of any country and its development is based on the learning outcomes of the students. During the pandemic and post covid education sector is entirely transformed. This research paper is an attempt to analyse the impact of online learning and teaching on youth and educators. As youth has been considered future managers and nation builders. Novelty of this paper is that it’s a comparative study to analyse the satisfaction level and challenges faced by both the groups (instructor and students) with special reference to higher education. Descriptive statistics and SPSS software has been used to analyse the data of 200 educators and students of Jaipur City. Implications of the study is to overcome the challenges faced by student’s community and instructors. Also many academic institute and universities may formulate the strategies accordingly in this new post pandemic era to satisfy their employees and students too.
Ethnobotanical study of Wild edible fruits in eastern Bhutan
Authors: Yangdon Pema , Araki Tetsuya , Rahayu Yen Yen Sally , Norbu Kunzang
Published: February 2022

BackgroundIn the past, wild edible fruits (WEFs) were a significant source of food and nutrition in Bhutan. These nutrient-rich species can enhance food security and poverty alleviation in the country. However, recent developments like the introduction of improved fruit varieties, changes in dietary choices, and infrastructure developments are expected to influence indigenous knowledge and consumption of WEFs. We sought to document the species diversity of WEFs and their uses in eastern Bhutan and examine how the knowledge and consumption of WEFs vary with socio-demographic factors. MethodsA total of 97 households in two districts were randomly selected to participate in the survey. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview a randomly selected adult in each household. Comparative analysis of indigenous knowledge and consumption of WEFs among the socio-demographic factors was performed using the one-way ANOVA and chi-square test in R software.ResultsThe present study reported 52 species of WEFs from 35 families. The prevalence of WEF consumption was found to be 42%. WEF consumption differed significantly between districts, age groups, and indigenous knowledge levels. Similarly, indigenous knowledge of WEFs was significantly associated with districts and age groups.ConclusionsThe eastern region of Bhutan has a rich diversity of WEFs, but their consumption has decreased. Recent agricultural and infrastructure developments may have impacted the region's consumption and indigenous knowledge of WEFs. Thus, domestication and agro-processing should become a major focus in Bhutan to utilize their nutritional value and potential economic benefits to enhance food security in the country. Additionally, incorporating WEF-related knowledge in the school curriculum is essential to educate younger generations on WEFs.
Sorafenib Plus Drug-eluting Bead Transarterial Chemoembolization for Early Intrahepatic Stage-progressed Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Refractory to Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Fan Wenzhe , Zhu Bowen , Yue Shufan , Lu Mingjian , Fan Huishang , Qiao Liangliang , Li Fuliang , Yuan Guosheng , Wu Yanqin , Zheng Xinlin , Zou Xinhua , Wang Hongyu , Xue Miao , Li Jiaping
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of the combination of sorafenib and drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in the treatment of early intrahepatic stage-progressed advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (ISPA-HCC).Methods: This study was approved by the ethics committees of six tertiary medical centers in China. Between October 2017 and October 2020, 213 patients with advanced HCC received either sorafenib combined with on-demand DEB-TACE (DTS group, n = 103) or sorafenib monotherapy (S group, n = 110). Overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP), local tumor response, and adverse events (AEs) were compared between the two groups.Results: The AEs of patients were similar between the DTS and S groups. The post-treatment partial response, objective response, and disease control rates were significantly higher in the DTS group than in the S group (51.5% vs. 23.6%; 56.3% vs. 25.5%; 77.7% vs. 56.4%, respectively). The median OS was significantly longer in the DTS group than in the S group (16.3 vs. 10.0 months; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.43; P < 0.001), as was the TTP (6.7 vs. 4.3 months; HR = 0.60; P = 0.001). In the DTS group, patients who received ≥2 sessions of DEB-TACE benefited more than those who received two sessions of DEB-TACE. Multivariate analysis revealed that the α-fetoprotein level and treatment allocation were independent predictors of OS and TTP.Conclusion: The combination of sorafenib and DEB-TACE is safe and effective for the treatment of early ISPA-HCC.
Intention to seek emergency medical services during community overdose events in British Columbia, Canada: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Kievit Brad , Xavier Jessica , Ferguson Max , Palis Heather , Moallef Soroush , Slaunwhite Amanda , Gillis Terri , Virk Rajmeet , Buxton Jane A
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Canada and the United States continue to experience increasing overdose deaths attributed to highly toxic illicit substances. Many bystanders report being hesitant to call 9-1-1 at an overdose due to fears around police presence and arrests. In Canada, a federal law was enacted in 2017, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA), to provide protection from simple drug possession and related charges when 9-1-1 is called to an overdose. There is limited evidence, however, that the GSDOA has improved rates of 9-1-1-calling at overdose events. We therefore sought to examine intent to call 9-1-1 among persons who received GSDOA education and were at risk of witnessing an overdose.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with people at risk of witnessing an overdose recruited at 19 Take Home Naloxone (THN) program sites across British Columbia as well as online through Foundry from October 2020 to April 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to examine intention to call 9-1-1 at future overdoses. Multivariable logistic regression models were built in hierarchical fashion to examine factors associated with intention to call 9-1-1.Results: Overall, 89.6% (n = 404) of the eligible sample reported intention to call 9-1-1. In the multivariable model, factors positively associated with intention to call 9-1-1 included identifying as a cisgender woman (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.37; 95% CI: 1.19-9.50) and having previous GSDOA awareness ([AOR]: 4.16; 95% CI: 1.62-10.70). Having experienced a stimulant overdose in the past 6 months was negatively associated with intention to call 9-1-1 ([AOR]: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.09-0.65).Conclusion: A small proportion of the respondents reported that the GSDOA did not affect their intention to call 9-1-1. Our findings reveal that some people who use drugs continue to face barriers to calling 9-1-1, suggesting that participants perceived that the GSDOA offers limited legal protections. Increasing GSDOA awareness and/or additional interventions to support the aims of the GSDOA, such as implementing broader decriminalization of drug possession, could address ongoing barriers to emergency medical care for people who use drugs.
Injection Laryngoplasty of Human Adipose-derived Stem Cell Spheroids With Hyaluronic Acid-based Hydrogel Improves the Morphological and Functional Characteristics of Geriatric Larynx
Authors: Lee Doh Young , Choi Young Hwan , Choi Ji Suk , Eom Min Rye , Kwon Seong Keun
Published: February 2022

Aim: As the geriatric population increased, the need of treatment for laryngeal atrophy and dysfunction increased. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of injection of human adipose-derived stem cell (hASC) spheroid-loaded catechol-conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA-CA) hydrogel on therapeutic rejuvenation of the geriatric larynx. Methods: Stem cell spheroids with hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel were injected into the laryngeal muscles of 18-month-old Sprague–Dawley rats. The effects of hASC spheroids were examined in the following four groups: SHAM, injected with PBS; GEL, injected with HA-CA hydrogel; MONO, injected with single hASCs in HA-CA hydrogel; and SP, injected with hASCs spheroids in HA-CA hydrogel. The rejuvenation efficacy in geriatric laryngeal muscle tissues at 12 weeks postinjection was evaluated and compared by histology, immunofluorescence staining, and functionality analysis. Results: Total myofiber cross-sectional area and myofiber number/density, evaluated by detection of myosin heavy chain with antibodies against laminin and fast myosin heavy chain, were significantly higher in the SP group than in the other groups. The lamina propria of the larynx was evaluated by alcian blue staining, which showed that the HA was increased significantly in the SP group compared to the other groups. In functional analysis, the glottal gap area was significantly reduced in the SP group compared to the other groups. The phase difference in the vocal fold during vibration was also smaller in the SP group than in the other groups, but the difference did not reach statistical significance.Conclusion: Injection of hASC spheroids with hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel improves the morphological and functional characteristics of geriatric larynx
Factors affecting mortality of hospitalized facial trauma patients in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al-Ali Mohamed A. , Alao David O. , Abu-Zidan Fikri M.
Published: February 2022

Background: Facial injuries affect one third of severely injured patients. These injuries have devastating long-term negative impact on quality of life. We aimed to study the epidemiology of facial injuries and factors affecting mortality of hospitalized facial trauma patients in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected data from Al-Ain Hospital Trauma Registry. All patients with facial injury who were hospitalized for more than 24 hours or who died after arrival at the hospital during the period from January 2014 to December 2017 were studied. Univariate analysis was used to compare patients who died and those who survived. Significant factors were then entered into a backward logistic regression model to define factors affecting mortality. Results: 408 patients having a mean age of 31.9 years were studied, 87.3% were males. The main mechanisms of injury were road traffic collisions (45.1%) and fall from height (11.3%). 289 (70.8%) patients had associated injuries which were mainly in the head and chest. The backward logistic regression model showed that GCS was the only factor that predicted mortality, p<0.0001 with the best cut-off point of 7.5 having a sensitivity of 0.972 and a specificity of 0.8. The ROC had an area under the curve of 0.924.Conclusions: Majority of facial injury patients in our setting are young males who were involved in road traffic collsions or falls from height. The most important factor prediciting mortality of these patients was the low GCS. Those having GCS of 8 and more had a better chance for survival. This information is very important when counselling patients or their relatives for facial surgery.
Optimized Dose Selective HDAC Inhibitor Tucidinostat Overcomes Anti-PD-L1 Antibody Resistance in Experimental Solid Tumors
Authors: Zhang Pei , Du Yang , Bai Hua , Wang Zhijie , Duan Jianchun , Wang Xin , Zhong Jia , Wan Rui , Xu Jiachen , He Xiran , Wang Di , Fei Kailun , Yu Ruofei , Tian Jie , Wang Jie
Published: February 2022

Background: Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have influenced the treatment paradigm for multiple solid tumors, increasing evidence suggests that primary and adaptive resistance may limit the long-term efficacy of ICIs. New therapeutic strategies with other drug combinations are hence warranted to enhance the antitumor efficacy of ICIs. As a novel tumor suppressor, histone deacetylase inhibitor tucidinostat has been successfully confirmed to act against hematological malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms of action for tucidinostat and whether it can manipulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) in solid tumors remain unclear. Methods: Three murine tumor models were developed to define the significant role of different doses of tucidinostat in TME. The immunotherapeutic effect of tucidinostat combined with anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 antibody (aPD-L1) was demonstrated. Furthermore, the effect of tucidinostat on phenotypic characteristics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from lung cancer patients was investigated.Results: With an optimized dose, tucidinostat could alter TME and promote the migration and infiltration of CD8+ T cells into tumors, partially by increasing the activity of C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 via NF-κB signaling. Moreover, tucidinostat significantly promoted M1 polarization of macrophages and increased the in vivo antitumor efficacy of aPD-L1. Tucidinostat also enhanced the expression of the costimulatory molecules on human monocytes, suggesting a novel and improved antigen-presenting function.Conclusions: A combination regimen of tucidinostat and aPD-L1 may work synergistically to reduce tumor burden in patients with cancer by enhancing the immune function and provided a promising treatment strategy to overcome ICI treatment resistance.
Antimicrobial Efficacy And Cryogenic Conservation of Solanum Villosum Grown Under In Vitro Environment
Authors: Shibli Rida A. , Qudah Tamara S. Al- , Zatimeh Ahmad , Tahtamouni Reham W. , Mallouh Saida Abu
Published: February 2022

Solanum villosum is a wild distinguished medicinal herb that has few studies describing its medicinal properties with no sustainable production and conservation studies. In this study, in vitro cultures of microshoots and callus of Solanum villosum were multiplied in vitro on Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with different growth regulators. The MS media that have 2,4 Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and Kinetin at the levels of (2.0, 1.2 mg/L; respectively) were used for the induction and multiplication of callus that yielded the highest fresh weight of (6.03 ± 0.15) g. Cryopreservation was applied successfully to seeds, while microshoots and callus were cryopreserved via v-cryoplate technique. The highest regrowth rate was obtained in callus (95± 0.13) after pre-culturing callus on 0.3 M sucrose for 5 days. The most inhibited bacteria strains by microshoots extracts were, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus epidermidis (30±0.25 and 25±0.17 mm; respectively) using the disk diffusion assay. In MIC method; The extract obtained from microshoots achieved best results of MIC values (9.77 and 39.06 (µg/ml) against (Micrococcus luteus and Klebsiella pneumonia; respectively). A sustainable protocol of callus culture and cryopreservation protocol for in vitro Solanum villosum has been set for the first time which makes this research novel. Furthermore, promising results of antimicrobial activity for both in vitro and wild Solanum villosum were obtained.
Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sahile Addisu T , Gizaw Girma Demissie , Mgutshini Tennyson , Gebremariam Zewdu Minwuyelet , Bekele Getabalew Endazenaw
Published: February 2022

Background
The Coronavirus Disease-2019 pandemic impacted the everyday lives of the global population whereas a considerable proportion of people are offhand of taking the vaccine. And hence this study assessed the overall level of vaccine acceptance in Ethiopia.
Methods
Database search for articles was made systematically across Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Hinari, EMBASE, Boolean operator, and PubMed. Selection, screening, reviewing, and data extraction was made by two reviewers independently using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS) and the Joanna Briggs Institute prevalence critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of evidence. All studies conducted in Ethiopia, reporting vaccine acceptance were incorporated. The extracted data were imported into the Comprehensive meta-analysis version3.0 for further analysis. Publication bias was checked by using Beggs and Eggers tests. Heterogeneity was checked by Higgins’s method. A random-effects meta-analysis model with a 95% confidence interval was computed to estimate the pooled effect size (prevalence). Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on the study area and sample size was done
A Finite Element Method for the Equations of Motion Arising in Oldroyd Model of Order One with Grad-div Stabilization
Authors: Bir Bikram , Goswami Deepjyoti
Published: February 2022

In this paper, an inf-sup stable Galerkin mixed finite element method, for the equations of motion arising in the 2D Oldroyd model of order one, with a grad-div stabilization is discussed and an error analysis is carried out. Optimal error estimates for the velocity in L ∞(L 2 )-norm and for the pressure in L 2 (L 2 )-norm are established in the semidiscrete case. Then, based on backward Euler method, a completely discrete scheme is analyzed, and optimal error estimates are derived. This grad-div stabilization scheme, which adds a stabilization term to the momentum equation, is known to be suitable for high Reynolds number. In conformation with this, the error estimates, in both semi and fully discrete cases, are obtained with constants independent of inverse of viscosity. Finally, we present some numerical results to validate our theoretical results.
The cardiovascular benefits of GLP1-RAs are related to their positive effect on glycemic control: A meta-regression analysis
Authors: GHOSAL SAMIT , Sinha Binayak
Published: February 2022

Backgrounds and Aims:Glucagon-like-peptides 1 receptor analogues (GLP1-RAs) have gained primacy in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) as their use is associated with significant metabolic benefits as well as positive macrovascular outcomes, as evidenced by several cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOT). However, in contrast to the CVOT conducted with sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 Inhibitor (DPP-IVi), there was a significant reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in some of the CVOT with GLP1RA. The aim of this analysis is to explore the possible association between cardiovascular outcome benefits with GLP1-RAs and HbA1c reductionMethods:With the use of the Cochrane library a web search was conducted using keywords and 9 citations were selected for analysis. The analysis was performed using the comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software version 3 (Biostat Inc., Englewood, NJ, USA). A meta-regression analysis was performed using HbA1c, weight, and systolic blood pressure reduction as moderators explaining the variance in true effects across the citations. Result:The meta-regression analysis was conducted on a pooled population of 64,236 patients. There was a significant heterogeneity associated with the MACE benefits (Q=16.88, I2: 52.59, df=7, p=0.03). Among the moderators selected to explain the variance in true effects, HbA1c reduction was significant (Q=7.00, P=<0.001, R2:1.0), with the regression model indicating a 21.86% reduction in MACE per 1% reduction in HbA1c. (Fig 1) Additional meta-regression analysis using 0.9% reduction of HbA1c from baseline indicated a significant association with MACE benefit (95% CI -0.23 to -0.02, P=0.01, R2: 0.98). Conclusion: The MACE benefits associated with GLP1-RAs are dependent on the reduction of HbA1c levels.
Quantum Design for Advanced Qubits
Authors: Lu Chao-Yang , Liu Feng-Ming , Chen Mingcheng , Wang Can , Li Shaowei , Shang Zhong-Xia , Ying Chong , Wang Jian-Wen , Peng Cheng-Zhi , Zhu Xiaobo , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: February 2022

The past half century has witnessed the rapid development of integrated circuits from several to billions of electronic components, where a crucial enabling method was the electronic computer-aided design. Similarly, simulations of the quantum electrocircuits will play a key role in designing advanced quantum computers. While these simulations could be done classically on a small scale, the resources required for the classical simulations will grow exponentially with the complexity of the strongly-correlated quantum hardwares. Here, we demonstrate quantum computer-aided design of a new high-performance superconducting qubit based on variational quantum simulations. The discovered new qubits intrinsically have important features superior to the widely used transmons qubits, because the new design eliminates the charge noise but without sacrificing anharmonicity and thus has a larger anharmonicity than the transmons. The new qubit - which we call “plasmonium” - is compatible with the control technologies in the transmon, exhibits long coherence time, and can bring in a number of practical advantages, including shrinking physical sizes, improving gate and readout fidelity, reducing state leakage, and alleviating frequency crowding in multi-qubit devices.
Application of the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle for managing immune-related adverse events
Authors: Hibi Satoshi , Shirokawa Yuko , Nanya Kengo , Kato Yuko , Ito Nobuto , Kataoka Takae , Yoshida Takashi , Marumo Yoshiaki , Kayukawa Satoshi , Yuasa Shu , Ina Kenji
Published: February 2022

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) sometimes cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs), the timing of occurrence of which is difficult to predict. We created a system to safely manage the patients treated with ICIs who visit hospital during an emergency.MethodsWe utilized the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle method to improve the quality of countermeasures for irAEs in the emergency room. First, an icon showing the patients treated with ICIs was developed for inclusion in electronic medical records. Second, ICI-specified urgent sets of clinical laboratory tests were prepared to cover the spectrum of irAEs. Third, a direct call system to either the attending physician or the chemotherapy team was established. A flow chart for managing irAEs has been prepared since September 2018. We retrospectively analyzed the electronic medical records from September 2018 to December 2020 to determine the effectiveness of the developed system.ResultsIn the first cycle of PDCA, 24 patients administered ICIs were retrospectively surveyed and seven visited the emergency room. Six cases were examined according to the flow chart, whereas the other patient complaining of grade 2 diarrhea were not examined because of incomplete knowledge regarding ICIs and irAEs. As part of the “Act” step, we reminded the doctors of the flow chart and gave a lecture to the residents on how to manage irAEs. During the second and seventh cycle, no cases were observed without consulting the flow chart.ConclusionsQuality improvement activities for the management of irAEs were conducted using the PDCA cycle methodology. Patients on ICIs are now being continuously monitored to further improve management quality.
Apple Grower Research and Extension Needs for Craft Cider
Authors: Ostrom Marcia R. , Conner David S. , Tambet Heleene , Selting Smith Katherine , Sirrine J. Robert , Howard Philip H. , Miller Michelle
Published: February 2022

Hard cider is an important and growing part of the U.S. beverage market. Previous research suggests there is an opportunity for growers interested in selling locally grown cider-specific apple (Malus domestica) varieties. However, cider apple growers face production, distribution, and marketing challenges. This article fills a gap in the literature using survey data from four states. We find that growers are interested in expanding cider apple production to supply local craft cider makers, but may be constrained by gaps in current production information, such as how to grow cider varieties. Uncertainty about the regional suitability of different varieties, disease management, and the willingness of cider makers to pay a premium for cider apple production constitute significant concerns. Survey respondents most commonly requested information on horticultural qualities of varieties and disease management. Top marketing needs include the ability to garner premium prices. A regional “terroir” approach to cider marketing holds promise.
Postharvest Spoilage Incidence and Prestorage Treatment in Chinese Chestnut and Complex Hybrid Cultivars
Authors: Webber J. Bryan , Gordon Darcy , Rosati Adolfo , Meier Nicholas , Gold Michael , Revord Ronald
Published: February 2022

U.S. chestnut (Castanea sp.) production is expanding as knowledge of seedling cultivation and germplasm advances. Chestnuts have high starch and water content, making them highly perishable; therefore, they require cold storage immediately following harvest. Postharvest spoilage remains a significant area for improvement. Several postharvest fungi (including Fusarium sp. and Penicillium sp.) can infect chestnuts during storage, leading to spoilage and nonsellable nuts. The annual crop losses can reach up to 10%, thereby affecting trees differently. Our research objectives were to 1) evaluate spoilage incidence on the interior (i.e., pellicle, kernel) and exterior (i.e., nutshell) of the nut over the course of 200 days of cold storage on eight cultivars and 2) assess the impact of food contact-approved chlorine solution and 2% peracetic acid (PAA) with 27% hydrogen peroxide prestorage treatments for spoilage suppression on ‘Qing’ nuts. Fourteen timepoints were observed during the study period, each with four replications of 16 nuts. An additional four replicates of 16 ‘Qing’ nuts were treated prestorage and observed over seven time points. The incidence of spoilage was reported as the percentage of nonsellable nuts for each treatment and cultivar at four timepoints. The nut interior showed the highest spoilage incidence after 200 days, with four cultivars having >30% nonsellable nuts. Overall, the cultivars had an average of 10% nonsellable nuts from interior spoilage after 60 days in storage. ‘Hong Kong’ had the highest percentage of nonsellable nuts by the end of the study at 60%, whereas ‘Qing’ and ‘Mossbarger’ had the lowest rates, with only 14% nonsellable nuts. Spoilage of the exterior, although less frequent, is visible to buyers and impacts nut marketability. ‘Kohr’ had the highest percentage of nonsellable nuts because of exterior spoilage (35.9%). ‘Mossbarger’ had the lowest percentage of nonsellable nuts because of exterior spoilage (3.1%). ‘Qing’ nuts treated with 500 ppm chlorine and 100/200 ppm PAA demonstrated reduced exterior spoilage with longer storage times. Prestorage treatment did not show efficacy for reducing interior spoilage. This study provides a preliminary report of evidence that cultivar differences influence the spoilage incidence and supports taking nuts to market within 60 days of harvesting. These preliminary data also inform breeding parent combinations and studies of inheritance for postharvest spoilage tolerance at the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry breeding program.
THE IMPLEMENTATION INTERNAL CONTROL OF ACCOUNT RECEIVABLE IN KUD TANI WILIS SENDANG TULUNGAGUNG
Authors: Ni'mah Annisaa Miftahul , Khoiriawati Novi
Published: February 2022

The background to this research is that the KUD Tani Wilis Sendang Savings and Credit Unit is one of the cooperatives that provide debt and credit services to help the economy of the surrounding community. In its operational activities, the Savings and Credit Unit of Tani Wilis has an internal control of receivables which is a process or a plan implemented by the management to support the success of the company. Internal control is very important, where if one of its components is not respected, there will be a synchrony between the objectives of the company and the reality. The objectives of this study are (1) to assess the application of internal control of receivables based on the COSO framework, (2) to describe the obstacles to the implementation of internal control of receivables in the Savings and Credit Unit by KUD Tani Wilis Sendang, and (3) describe solutions to overcome obstacles to the implementation of internal control over receivables. The method of this study uses a qualitative approach. The data sources obtained are primary and secondary data. Data were collected through interviews, observations and questionnaires. The data analysis technique used is triangulation. The results showed that (1) the implementation of internal control of receivables at the KUD Tani Wilis Sendang Credit and Savings Unit had been implemented with a score of 70.8%. (2) The obstacles encountered by the Savings and Loans Unit of KUD Tani Wilis Sendang are non-performing debts caused by customers who do not want to pay their debts. (3) The solutions given to overcome the obstacles are customer analysis and the imposition of fines and forfeiture of collateral. The results of this study are expected to provide information and input to KUD Savings and Credit Unit Tani Wilis Sendang to optimize the implementation of internal debt control
THE EFFECT OF PRODUCTION COSTS, OPERATIONAL COSTS, MARKETING COSTS AND PROMOTIONAL COSTS ON NET PROFIT WITH SALES VOLUME AS INTERVENING VARIABLES IN PT GUDANG GARAM TBK 2015-2019
Authors: Suselo Dedi , Rohmah Miftahur
Published: February 2022

Net income is a component for measuring the success of a company. Several factors that affect net income are the amount of production costs, operational costs, marketing costs and promotional costs incurred by the company. The purpose of this study is to discuss the effect of independent variables on production costs, operational costs, marketing costs and promotional costs on net income through sales volume as an intervening variable with the research object at PT Gudang Garam Tbk for the period 2015 to 2019. Analysis of the data used in This study uses the classical assumption test, multiple linear regression, path analysis test and for the hypothesis the t test and F test are used. The results show that partially production costs, operational costs, marketing costs and promotional costs have a significant effect on net income. Simultaneously production costs, operational costs, marketing costs, promotion costs and sales volume have a significant effect on net income. Sales volume is able to mediate between production costs, operational costs, marketing costs and promotion costs on net income. Suggestions for further researchers are to add variables related to the level of net income such as long-term debt or can use intervening variables other than sales volume in increasing net income such as selling prices
Return and volatility spillover between India, UK, USA and European stock markets: The Brexit impact
Authors: G Nagarakatte Sangeetha , Natchimuthu Natchimuthu
Published: February 2022

The 2016 Brexit referendum created potential turmoil in financial markets. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the Brexit referendum on the return and volatility spillover between the EU, the UK, and the USA stock markets and the Indian stock market during the pre- and post-Brexit referendum period. The VAR and bivariate GARCH BEKK models were employed. The study results suggest that before the Brexit referendum, Indian stock market returns made no significant return spillover on the other markets. On the contrary, following the referendum, Indian stock returns significantly spilled over to France, Germany, the UK, and the USA stock market returns. The study results also identified a substantial increase in the bidirectional volatility spillover between India-France, India-UK, and India-USA during the post-Brexit referendum period. Therefore, the investors’ opportunity to invest simultaneously in India, UK, EU, and US stock markets for portfolio diversification is limited. India was affected mainly by its own past shocks before the Brexit referendum. However, after the Brexit referendum, Indian markets are getting more and more integrated with other markets. In order to reap the diversification benefits, a prudent investment strategy will need to be developed in the future, especially during times of economic and political uncertainty and market crisis.
ATIVIDADE ANTI-ALZHEIMER DE SUBSTÂNCIAS ORIUNDAS DE PRODUTOS NATURAIS E DE ORIGEM SINTÉTICA: ALGUNS EXEMPLOS IMPORTANTES DOS ÚLTIMOS 20 ANOS
Authors: Vellosa Ana , Lima Valdinei , Soares Breno , Nascimento-Júnior Nailton
Published: February 2022

ANTI-ALZHEIMER ACTIVITY OF SUBSTANCES FROM NATURAL PRODUCTS AND OF SYNTHETIC ORIGIN: SOME IMPORTANT EXAMPLES OF THE LAST 20 YEARS. Alzheimer’s disease has about 9.9 million new cases annually, according to World Health Organization. Due to the increasing incidence of people affected by AD and the absence of an efficient treatment or cure so far, many researchers worldwide are involved in the search for novel promising drugs candidates, through several targets, exploring distinct structural patterns. In this context, we describe herein, focusing the last 20 years, strategic examples of substances with targets related to Alzheimer’s disease derived from natural products, such as alkaloids, chalcones, coumarins and flavonoids, in addition to carbamates and heterocyclic compounds. Furthermore, some cases are discussed where computational chemistry is used to better understand protein-ligand interactions.
Avrupa ülkelerinin D vitamini ortalama düzeyleri ile COVID-19 vaka ve mortalite oranları arasındaki ilişki
Authors: KARCIOĞLU Lütfiye , ÇÖKLÜ Zeynep Hatice
Published: February 2022

Amaç: Dünya Sağlık Örgütü (DSÖ)’nün Koronavirüs Hastalığı-2019 (COVID-19) verileri incelendiğinde Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enfeksiyonuna bağlı vaka ve mortalite oranları bazı ülkelerde daha yüksektir. Son araştırma verileri bu duruma yaşlı nüfus oranı, kronik hastalığa sahip olma gibi çeşitli etkenlerin yanı sıra popülasyonlarda farklı düzeylerde bulunan D vitamini eksikliğinin de etkili olabileceğini göstermiştir. İmmün ve solunum sistemleri fonksiyonları üzerinde etkili olduğu bilinen D vitaminini, COVID-19 pandemisi sürecinde özellikle risk grubundaki yaşlı ve kronik hastaların vitamin takviyesi olarak kullanmaları ve besinlerle desteklenmeleri önerilmektedir. Bu çalışma 20 Avrupa ülkesi (İzlanda, İsveç, Finlandiya, Norveç, Danimarka, Çekya, İngiltere, İrlanda, İtalya, Hollanda, Belçika, Almanya, Fransa, İsviçre, İspanya, Estonya, Slovakya, Macaristan, Portekiz ve Türkiye) ortalama D vitamini düzeylerini belirlemek ve her ülkedeki bir milyon nüfus başına düşen COVID-19 vaka ve mortalite oranları arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemek amacıyla yapılmıştır.Yöntemler: 20 Avrupa ülkesinin ortalama serum 25(OH)D seviyelerini belirlemek için literatür taraması yapıldı. DSÖ’nün yayınlamış olduğu 22 Kasım 2020 ve 3 Ocak 2021 tarihlerine ait bir milyon nüfus başına düşen COVID-19 vaka ve mortalite oranları kullanılarak istatiksel olarak değerlendirildi.Bulgular: Araştırmaya dahil edilen ülkelerin ortalama D vitamini seviyeleri ve COVID-19 vakaları arasında anlamlı bir ilişki yokken (p=0,08), 2020 yılına ait COVID-19 mortalite oranları arasında ise negatif yönde, düşük düzeyde (p=0,05) anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu bulunmuştur.Sonuç: Avrupa ülkeleri arasında 2020 yılı COVID-19 mortalite oranlarının %19’u D vitamini düzeylerinin düşüklüğü ile açıklanabilmektedir.
HIV/AIDS hastalarında yaşam kalitesinin değerlendirilmesi
Authors: EROĞLU Esma , SAYAR Merve Sefa
Published: February 2022

Amaç: Çalışmamızda insan immün yetmezlik virüsü (HIV) / kazanılmış bağışıklık yetmezliği sendromu (AIDS) hastaları ile sağlıklı gönüllüler karşılaştırılarak yaşam kalitesi skorlarının değerlendirilmesi hedeflendi.Yöntemler: Çalışmaya Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji polikliniğinde takipli 20 HIV/AIDS ve 40 sağlıklı gönüllü olmak üzere 60 kişi dahil edildi. Tüm bireylere yaşam kalitesi değerlendirilmesi amacıyla “short form -36” (SF-36) anketi yapıldı.Bulgular: HIV/AIDS hastalarının yaş ortalaması 35,9±8,9 ve sağlıklı kontrol grubunun ise 34,5±8 idi. HIV/AIDS grubunun 18’i (%90) erkek 2’si (%10) kadın, ve sağlıklı gönüllülerin 16’sı (%40) erkek, 24’ü (%60) kadın idi. HIV ile enfekte hastalar ile sağlıklı gönüllüler arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark elde edilmedi. Kadınların fiziksel yaşam kalitesi açısından daha avantajlı olduğu, genel sağlık durumu değerlendirildiğinde ise erkek cinsiyetin daha avantajlı olduğu saptanmıştır. Evlilerin sadece mental sağlık parametresinin daha yüksek olduğu saptandı.Sonuç: HIV/AIDS hastaları gibi kronik hastalığı olan hastaların sağlıkla ilişkili yaşam kaliteleri sıklıkla fiziksel, mental ve sosyal alanlara sahip olarak kavramsallaştırılmaktadır ve bağımsızlık, maneviyat ve çevresel faktörlerle önemli ölçüde etkilenebileceği kabul edilmektedir. Fakat çalışmamızda HIV/AIDS hastalarında yaşam kalitesi skorları toplum ile benzer çıkmıştır. Bununla beraber bilinmektedir ki birçok kronik hastalıkta gerekli durumlarda bu hastalar psikiyatri klinikleri tarafından desteklenmelidir. Bu şekilde multidisipliner yaklaşım ile hastaların yaşam kalitelerinin artırılması sağlanmalıdır.
Cytotoxicity of 3D Printed Materials for Potential Dental Applications: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Al Mortadi Noor A. , Al Husein Belal A. , Alzoubi Karem H. , Khabour Omar F. , Eggbeer Dominic
Published: February 2022

Aim of the Study:

This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity of different stereolithographic 3D printed materials and the polyetheretherketone for varying time intervals using MTT assay and by application of these materials for intra-oral usage.

Materials and Methods:

Three groups of disc specimens (5 mm diameter, 2 mm thick) were manufactured by either selective laser melting (PA6 nylon, fiber reinforced PA6 nylon) or milling (PEEK). The cytotoxicity of these materials was tested by culturing the samples on human fibroblast cell lines prior to MTT assays (3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, a yellow tetrazole). MTT assays were completed at 3, 6, and 10 days. Cell grown in normal medium without experimental material served as control. The total cell number and viability of cells pre-incubated with PA6 nylon, fiber-reinforced PA6 nylon, and PEEK were comparable to the control samples. Differences between the growth inhibitory effects of the samples in the MTT assay were below 0.05%.

Results:

Both nylon and fiber-reinforced nylon reduced the proliferation of normal human fibroblasts up to 6 days of treatment. PEEK had better biocompatibility than PA6 nylon and fiber-reinforced nylon. Both PA6 nylon and fiber-reinforced are 3DPrinted materials that showed cytotoxicity at 10 days. However, soaking the nylon materials for 6 days made them safe on normal human cells.

Conclusion:

PEEK material can be considered for intraoral usage as the material is biocompatible. Both PA6 nylon and fiber-reinforced PA6 nylon materials showed increased in-vitro cell death at 10 days, suggesting that they are non-biocompatible for intraoral usage beyond 6 days.
PREFERENCE PATTERNS & DEMAND ANALYSIS OF TRADITIONAL FOOD USING LOGISTIC REGRESSION AND ALMOST IDEAL DEMAND SYSTEM APPROACH
Authors:   Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Grahadita Melda , Suharno Suharno ,   Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Gunawan Diah Setyorini ,   Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Published: February 2022

Garut has many famous traditional foods. These traditional foods continue to exist despite the changing times and changes in people's consumption patterns. Consumers' preferences for traditional foods such as dodol, skin crackers, wajit, rengginang, and processed bananas thoughted to reflect the various patterns of demand for these traditional foods. This study aims to analyze the effect of price, income, education, taste, and promotion as people's preferences for traditional Garut food and analyze people's demand for traditional Garut food, using primary data with a sample of 100 respondents determined based on accidental sampling. The analysis used was logistic regression and the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS). This research offers novelty in the form of promotional variables, and demand analysis through the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) approach analyzes the demand for traditional Garut food. The study results are (1) Price has a significant positive effect on people's preferences for traditional food. Income and education do not affect people's preferences for traditional food. Food taste and promotion have a significant positive effect on people's preferences for traditional food. (2) The highest demand for traditional food is dodol. The price changes have not influenced the demand for traditional food or inelastic elasticity. The price elasticity itself is positive inelastic, while most of the cross elasticity is positive, which means that traditional foods replace one another (substitutions).
THE MAKING OF RICE BRAN FLOUR-BASED SOURDOUGH BREAD
Authors:   Universitas Surabaya, Dewi Ardhia Deasy Rosita , Tjahjono Arnold ,   Universitas Surabaya
Published: February 2022

Sourdough is a bread made with the involvement of Lactobacillus bacteria and yeast that are naturally present in wheat flour. This study used rice bran and milk kefir grains to speed up the preparation of starters. Rice bran is used to reduce gluten content in bread as well as add nutritional value to bread. This research aims to determine the impact of the concentration of rice bran flour (0, 25, and 50% w/w of total flour) on the physical, chemical, and organoleptic parameters of sourdough. An increase in the rice bran flour concentration leads to an increase in the pH, hardness and brittleness of the bread. Besides, it also causes a decrease in lactic acid levels and bread expansion volume which makes the bread taste less sour. The results of the organoleptic analysis showed that sourdough with a concentration of 25% rice bran flour was the most preferred bread, as it is less sweet, without sour and bitter taste and a little bit salty. Moreover, it has a less unpleasant aftertaste, non-sour aroma, brown colour and it is not too soft in texture.
EFFECTIVENESS TEST OF NEEM GUM (Azadirachta indica) SOLUTION AGAINST THE VIABILITY OF Escherichia coli AND Salmonella Typhimurium (IN VITRO)
Authors:   Universitas Jember, Suntari Debi , Siswadi Dominica Diana ,   Universitas Jember, Hamzah Zahreni ,   Universitas Jember, Handayani Ari Tri Wanodyo ,   Universitas Jember, Setyowati Dyah Indartin ,   Universitas Jember
Published: February 2022

Neem gum is an exudate from hardened neem plant (Azadirachta indica). Neem gum contains many active compounds especially heteropolysaccharides. It composes monosaccharides namely L-arabinose, L-fucose, D-galactose, D-glucuronic acid, D-xylose, glucose, and mannose. In addition, there are other compounds of neem gum such as NaCl, KCl, salvadora, salvadorin, saponin, phenol, and tannin have the potential to reduce the viability of pathogens. Heteropolysaccharides are water soluble non-starch carbohydrates. Heteropolysaccharides are known unable to be degraded by digestive enzymes but have potential as substrates for commensal bacteria that can benefit the host. One of the requirements for functional food ingredient is also to reduce the viability of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherecia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium. The MTT test method was used to calculate bacterial viability. The viability of two bacteria exposed to neem gum solution decreased as the concentration increased, according to the results of this study.
EVALUATION OF CASSAVA CHIPS DRAINING, FINAL PRODUCT HANDLING, AND PACKAGING IN CASSAVA CHIP “OJO LALI”, LAMPUNG TIMUR
Authors:   Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Sari Yuliana , Rahayu Wahidah Mahanani ,   Universitas Ahmad Dahlan
Published: February 2022

Lampung is one of main cassava producer in Indonesia. One of its popular products is cassava chips, produced by many small enterprises with manual draining, product handling, and packaging. The purpose of this study was to analyze the evaluation of the handling cassava chips final product and to evaluate the packaging process of cassava chips based on package material used in Cassava Chip “Ojo Lali” East Lampung. Evaluation was conducted through direct observation on processing, packaging, and quantification of drained cooking oil. The result of this study showed that final product handling of cassava was not optimal indicated by low drained oil. Cassava chips were packed manually in polypropylene plastic by employees whom some of them were not careful, causing defect on most of the chips. Utilization of stapler to seal the packages need to be replaced for its potential hazard for consumers.