bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seaweed and its role in enhancing yield and antioxidant properties in sweet corn
Authors: Das Anindita , Murmu Kanu , Bandopadhyay Pintoo , Roy Moupiya
Published: April 2022

Nutrient management plays a crucial role in the yield and quality of sweet corn. A field experiment was conducted during the years 2018 and 2019 to investigate the effect of organic and standard sources of fertilizer on the yield and quality of sweet corn within the new soil of West Bengal, India. The organic sources (OS) of fertilizer were vermicompost (VC), (Ascophyllum nodosum) Soligro granular (OS1), Bioenzyme liquid (OS2), and Opteine (Ascophyllum nodosum) filtrate (OS3). The traditional input was chemical fertilizer (CF) applied at the recommended dose of 150:75:75 kg ha-1 of N: P2O5:K2O for the sweet corn. The organic source VC was wont to supply 100% N recommendation as one source or 50% N recommendation when combined with CF or organic sources. Maximum fruit yield was recorded when recommended dose of Fertilizer (RDF) CF was applied at full dose, which was on a par with 50% recommended dose of chemical fertilizer together with 50% recommended dose of vermicompost on a nitrogen equivalent basis and VC at the total recommendation. A better percentage of large-size cob (> 25 cm) was obtained in VC-based treatments compared with CF treatment. Vermicompost at full dose increased antioxidant, carotenoid, and phenol content compared with its half dose together with other sources. The potential exists to enhance sweet corn cob quality through better nutrient management, whether or not it's conventional, organic, or a mix of both.
A novel necroptosis-related genes signature for predicting the prognosis of thyroid cancer
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Zhiyuan , Wu Pu , Shi Jinyuan , Ji Xiaoyu , Zhang Hao
Published: April 2022

Background: Necroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, has been implicated in a variety of cancer-related biological processes. However, the roles of necroptosis-related genes in thyroid cancer yet remain unknown.Methods: A necroptosis-related gene signature was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and Cox regression analysis. The predictive value of the prognostic signature was validated in an internal cohort. Additionally, the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to examine the relationships between necroptosis and immune cells, immunological functions, and immune checkpoints. Finally, the modeled gene expression was validated in clinical tumor and normal tissue samples.Results: In this study, the risk signature of seven necroptosis-related genes was created to predict the prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients, and all patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Patients in the high-risk group fared worse in terms of overall survival than those in the low-risk group. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves proved the predictive capability of created signature. The risk score was found to be an independent risk factor for prognosis in multivariate Cox analysis. The low-risk group showed increased immune cell infiltration and immunological activity, implying that they might respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitor medication. Finally, GEO database and qRT-PCR were used to validate the expression of the seven modeled genes in PTCs, and the results were compatible with TCGA database.Conclusions: The created necroptosis-related risk signature may have an effective predictive in the and prognosis of PTC. The findings of this study could pave the way for further research into the link between necroptosis and tumor immunotherapy.
N-doped TiO 2–carbon composites derived from NH 2 -MIL-125(Ti) for electrochemical determination of tert-butyl hydroquinone
Authors: Tang Jing , Li Jie , Liu Tianna , Tang Wenjing , Li Nali , Zheng Shengbiao , Guo Jiahao , Song Changchun
Published: April 2022

Electrochemical determination of tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) is vital to food safety due to negative health effects, however, bare electrode of traditional electrochemical sensors generally have narrow linear range and low sensitivity, limiting their practical application. Accordingly, a nano-architecture fabricated with N-doped TiO2–carbon nano-composites (TiO2/NC) based on the thermolysis of NH2 functionalized MIL-125 (Ti) Metal Organic Framework (NH2-MIL-125(Ti)) is firstly developed as an electrochemical material for electrochemical determination of TBHQ. The TiO2/NC composites with the highly porous structure, excellent conductivity and electron transportation, large surface area showed remarkable electrochemical oxidation ability for TBHQ. Under optimal conditions, TiO2/NC composites modified electrode presents a broader linear response to TBHQ concentration of 0.05–100 µM with the detection limit as low as 4 nM (S/N = 3). Finally, the sensor platform is implemented directly to determine TBHQ in edible oil for evaluation of its practical application. TiO2/NC composites sensor fabricated performs larger linear range with high sensitivity and anti-interference properties, providing a potential strategy for electrochemical determination of TBHQ.
Early introduction of the multi-disciplinary team through student Schwartz Rounds: a mixed methodology study
Authors: Abnett Harry , Tuckwell Robert , Evans Lucy
Published: April 2022

Background Medical education has changed continually throughout the covid-19 pandemic, creating additional stress for medical students. Personal reflection can empower an individual to adapt to new challenges, and reflection has gradually become incorporated into medical student training. Schwartz Rounds (SR) offer a compassionate group reflective forum for healthcare staff. SRs have been extensively introduced throughout the NHS, however medical student rounds are yet to be widely adopted. Entirely unresearched is how the multi-disciplinary team impacts a medical student SR.This study aims to compare medical student experience of a single-discipline and a multi-discipline SR. MethodsTwo virtual SRs were run at an NHS district general hospital, using the existing structure of the Trust’s rounds. The first round included only medical students on placement at the hospital, whereas the second round also involved other student health disciplines. Following each round Likert scale questionnaires were collected, and focus groups were held with a small number of participants. Quantitative analysis of the questionnaires was performed using averages and a paired T-test. Qualitative data from the focus groups underwent thematic analysis. ResultsThe quantitative data showed a positive response to both styles of student SRs, with over 87% of participants at both rounds stating they intended to attend further rounds. Direct comparison between the two rounds showed higher feedback scores for the single-discipline round, with a paired t-test p value of 0.007. Qualitative analysis showed strong student interest in further group reflection, noting the value of SRs in improving workplace culture and inter-professional relationships. The analysis also highlighted frustrations with the existing SR structure, namely large group sizes and scripted panellists. Conclusions Both data sets showed a strong positive response to SRs, and a desire to attend again. There is some evidence to suggest the addition of multiple student disciplines at SRs impaired medical student reflection. Changes to the format of the round could result in even greater success in student rounds.
Key informant perspectives on policy- and service-level challenges and opportunities for delivering adolescent and youth- friendly health services in public health facilities in a Nigerian setting
Authors: Arije Olujide , Hlungwani Tintswalo , Madan Jason
Published: April 2022

Background: Integrating the care of adolescents into existing public health facilities requires deliberate efforts. This study assessed key informant perspectives on policy and service-level challenges and opportunities for delivering adolescent and youth-friendly health services (AYFHS) in public health facilities in a Nigerian setting.Methods: Seventeen key informants were interviewed including members of the ASRH Technical Working Group (TWG), program managers of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), and State and local level health officials in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.Result: Findings from this study indicate that health workers continue to have a negative attitude towards adolescent and young people’s sexual and reproductive health. There was some level of inclusion of AYPs living with disabilities in ASTH programming which is welcome and extremely important. The coordination of activities of donors/partners working in the adolescent health space was said to be insufficient. Also, there was missed opportunity to strengthen policy implementation with research. Participants in this research expressed the need for increased focus on mental health, substance use, and other aspects of adolescent and young people’s health. Conclusion: This study provided the context of the implementation of a strategic framework for adolescent reproductive health in a Nigerian setting from the perspectives of policy and service-level stakeholders. The findings indicate the need for continued implementation of adolescent-responsive contraceptive services, expanding the reach of programs to include adolescents living with disabilities, stronger coordination among partners, and leveraging new sources of funding. Opportunities for improving program delivery identified include ensuring research-based policy implementation and seeking program sustainability through tapping into internal fundings such as the Basic Health Care Provisions Funds (BHCPF).
Minimally invasive surgery for Sanders type II–III calcaneal fractures with external fixator- assisted poking reduction and percutaneous screw fixation: a 2–5 years clinical and radiographic retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Jin-Chang , Lu Hai-Bo , Tang Jun-Jun , Zhang Jian , Wu Ke-Jian , Chen Hua , Shi Yong-Jing , Wang Guang-Lin
Published: April 2022

Background: For intra-articular calcaneal fractures of Sanders type II and above, open reduction and internal fixation could obtain anatomic reduction and firm fixation, however, there are high complications associated with surgery, such as incision infection and subtalar joint stiffness. As another treatment method, poking reduction and percutaneous fixation can reduce the complications. In this study, we introduce a new technique for external fixator-assisted reduction and computer-assisted preoperative design of the poking reduction and percutaneous screw fixation.Methods: Patients with calcaneal fractures who met the inclusion criteria were treated with external fixator-assisted poking reduction and percutaneous screw fixation at our hospital from March 2017 to September 2019, and the clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated.Results: A total of 31 patients were followed up, 10 cases of Sanders type II, and 21 cases of Sanders type III calcaneal fracture. The mean time from injury to operation was 3.2±1.9 days; the mean hospital stay was 7.3±3.1 days; the mean operation time was 87.74±30.30 min; and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 41.45±34.16 ml. Two patients underwent a change of surgical procedure and one underwent a second operation. Postoperative follow-up radiography showed good reduction of calcaneus length, height, width, Böhler angle, and Gissane angle. Postoperative follow-up CT showed good reduction of the subtalar articular surface in 83.6% of patients. At the last follow-up, the AOFAS score was 93.84±7.92, of which 24 cases were excellent, six cases were good, and one case was acceptable. The average range of motion of flexion and extension of the ankle joint on the injured side was 64.35±1.38°, which was not statistically different from that of the healthy side. The average range of motion of the subtalar joint was 29.27±1.63°, which was 88.6% of the healthy side, and two patients developed subtalar traumatic arthritis.Conclusion: External fixator-assisted poking reduction and percutaneous screw fixation is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgery for intra-articular calcaneal fractures, which has a lower incidence of postoperative complications and can reduce the impact on subtalar joint mobility, and increase the clinical effect. Trial registration: Retrospective cohort study.
Same-sex marriage legalization and employment outcomes among sexual minority adults in the U.S. Medical Expenditures Panel Survey
Authors: Samnaliev Mihail , Shanshan Liu , Agénor Madina , Austin S. Bryn
Published: April 2022

Background
Social science theories suggest that the legalization of same-sex marriage may lead to improved economic opportunities among sexual minorities. However, empirical evidence pertaining to this issue is scarce. We examined the association between state-level same-sex marriage legalization between 2004 and 2014 and employment outcomes among sexual minority men and women aged 18 years or older (N = 274) in 2015 using the U.S. Medical Expenditures Panel Survey.
Results
Legalization of same-sex marriage in the U.S. was associated with increased odds of employment among sexual minorities in regression models adjusting for individual-level sociodemographic factors, household–level characteristics, county-level economic and demographic factors, and state-level public attitudes towards sexual minorities. In addition, there was some evidence that the legalization of same-sex marriage may be associated with greater earnings and income among sexual minorities. There were no significant positive associations between same-sex legalization and any of the outcomes when the same analyses were repeated among heterosexual individuals (N = 10,330).
Conclusions
Our findings provide partial evidence that the legalization of same-sex marriage may have improved socioeconomic outcomes among U.S. sexual minorities.
Additional value of a triggerlist as selection criterion in identifying patients at high risk of medication-related hospital admission
Authors: Linkens Aimée , Janssen Myrthe , Nie Noémi van , Peeters Luc , Winkens Bjorn , Milosevic Vanja , Spaetgens Bart , Hurkens Kim , Kuy Hugo van der
Published: April 2022

Background 10-30% of the hospital admissions in older patients are medication-related. To increase the identification of medication-related hospital admissions in older patients a triggerlist is published in the Dutch guideline for Polypharmacy. Aim To assess whether the triggerlist has value (added to age and polypharmacy) as selection criterion to identify patients at high risk of medication-related hospital admissions. Method This sub-study was carried out in 100 older (≥ 60 years) patients with polypharmacy and having two triggers from the triggerlist. The admissions were assessed as either possibly or unlikely medication-related according to the Assessment Tool for identifying Hospital Admissions Related to Medications (AT-HARM10). Results 48% of the admissions were possibly medication-related. Conclusion The high prevalence of medication-related hospital admissions, suggests the triggerlist has added value as selection criterion in a cohort of older patients with polypharmacy and can be used to improve the identification of a population at high risk of medication-related hospital admissions.
Redox-dependent Structural Origin of the Temperature Threshold and Sensitivity in the TRPV3 Thermometer
Authors: Wang Guangyu
Published: April 2022

The DNA hairpin with a limited size is sensitive to temperature. However, it is unclear if thermosensitive TRP channels also use temperature-dependent hairpin sizes to govern their activation temperature thresholds and sensitivity. Here, graph theory, together with redox- and state-dependent cryo-electron microscopy structures of TRPV3 with or without an agonist at different temperatures, was to test this hypothesis. The results showed that the largest hairpin topological loop size and a change in the total hairpin sizes along the channel gating pathway control the temperature threshold and sensitivity, respectively. This size-dependent hairpin thermodynamics may mediate the thermal activity of biological macromolecules.
Neutrophils activated by cancer cells and M2 macrophages promote gastric cancer progression during PD-1 antibody-based immunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Chenfei , Yang Hui , Guo Liting , Cai Qu , Xi Wenqi , Liu Jing , Yuan Fei , Zhang Huan , Yan Chao , Zhu Zhenggang , Zhang Jun , Huang Lei , Shi Yan
Published: April 2022

Biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) are under investigation. In present study, correlation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and efficacy of ICIs treatment in AGC patients as well as its underlying mechanisms were investigated based on clinical cases and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis. NLRs early after treatment were correlated with disease progression and poor progression-free survival (PFS) of AGC patients. Neutrophil cluster1 (NE-C1) divided by scRNA-seq was the major cluster in peripheral blood samples and its proportion increased after PD-1 antibody treatment. NE-C1 had a neutrophil activation phenotype with high expression of MMP9, S100A8, S100A9, PORK2, and TGF-β1. Subclusters of malignant epithelial cells (EP-C4) and M2 macrophages (MF-C1, MF-C2) showed high neutrophil activating phenotypes. Strong interactions among NE-C1, EP-C4, MF-C1 and MF-C2 were identified. In summary, posttreatment NLR can be an early prognostic biomarker of AGC patients treated by PD-1 antibody-based therapy. Neutrophils activated by both tumor cells and M2 macrophages participate in promoting gastric cancer progression during PD-1 antibody-based treatment.
Obolodiplosis robiniae Will Infect All Black Locust In Eurasia Under Climate Change
Authors: Zhao Jiaqiang , Gao Tai , Du Jingjing , Shi Juan
Published: April 2022

Obolodiplosis robiniae was discovered in Eurasia at the beginning of the 21st century and was then spread at an explosive rate. Here, we explore the current and future (in years 2050 and 2070) trends in the potential distribution of O. robiniae in Eurasia under diverse climate change scenarios based on a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. Our results showed that the current potential distribution area of O. robiniae is within the range of 21.58°-65.66°N in the Eurasian continent. The total current potential distribution (CPD) area of O. robiniae in Eurasia was 10,896,309.16 km2, with suitable areas covering a substantial section of Europe. The Annual Mean Temperature (Bio1), Annual Precipitation (Bio12), and the Precipitation of the Driest Month (Bio14) are the most important bioclimatic variables determining the potential distribution of O. robiniae. The future area suitable for habitat of O. robiniae is characterized by a large-scale northward expansion trend with temperature elevation. The marginally suitable and highly suitable areas would thus increase, whereas the southern appropriate areas would shrink. Under the SSP585 scenario, in 2070, the suitable area of O. robiniae would be the largest, up to 14,696,253.77 km2, which is 34.87% more than the current suitable area. This information would facilitate the provision of early warning on the potential distribution areas of O. robiniae issued by the forestry quarantine departments of Asian and European countries and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of O. robiniae spread and outbreaks.
Mechanical and corrosion characteristics of 6061-T6 Aluminum alloy samples reinforced with alumina micro and nanoparticles fabricated by Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Karami Ramin , Abdollahi Mir Ali Asghar
Published: April 2022

The present study investigates the mechanical and corrosion properties of reinforced 6061TT6 Aluminum samples after friction stir processing. Three different composites are fabricated: one without any powder and the others with micrometer and nanometer alumina powder (h) as reinforcing particles. The hardness, tensile, and Potentiodynamic polarization tests are performed to compare the new samples with the base metal. The results show that friction stir processing has increased the tensile and ultimate strength of the composites by an average of 181 % compared to the base metal. The strength of the composites with additives is significantly affected by the size of the particles. The hardness of the processed samples has also increased compared to the base metal by 200 %. Despite these enhancements, corrosion resistance of new samples has decreased, which can be due to the numerous dislocations in the stress-induced stir zone, creating lattice deformations and causing the breakdown of the passive protective layer. The analysis of fracture surface topography through a Fractography method revealed a specific anaglyph consisting of dimples of various shapes, sizes, and dispersion and further confirmed the tensile test results.
Media Contributions to a Chesapeake Bay Watershed Collective Identity:A Tale of Three Cities
Authors: Cui Zheng , Dillard James , Pinto Juliet , High Andrew , Cruz J.J. De La , Mainzer Stephen , Cole Charles
Published: April 2022

Although collective action is needed to address many environmental challenges, it cannot proceed in the absence of collective identity. The current study sought to address the question of whether or not a collective identity exists among residents of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and, if so, what it might look like. The raw data were news stories drawn from local papers published in municipalities located at the headwaters of the Susquehanna River, midway down the Susquehanna, and where the river meets the bay. Computerized content analysis assessed the frequency with which the Chesapeake Bay and watershed were mentioned alongside a set of keywords thought to represent different facets of identity (e.g, agriculture, fishing, swimming). The results showed substantial variation in frequency across time and place, but, low absolute levels of coverage of the bay and the watershed. Multidimensional scaling revealed different structures to collective identity as a function of place. These differences in content may be attributable to varying demographic and environmental characteristics. Proximity to the bay may partially explain some of these differences, but, to the extent that a collective watershed identity exists at all, it is complex and heterogeneous.
The influence of information on residents' green housing purchasing behavior: different information contents and providers
Authors: He Chenchen , Liu Xuan , Li Jiaxin
Published: April 2022

Consumers' purchasing intention is the reaction to the external information stimulation. Therefore, information is one of the leading factors affecting consumers' behavior. To promote consumers to buy green housing, the paper tries to find the effect of information on consumers' green housing purchasing behavior. Instead of analyzing the overall influence of information, it discusses how different information contents improve consumers’ purchasing intention, especially for customers with different environmental protection attitudes. Moreover, it further analyzes the influences of different information providers, including developers, the government, and other green housing users. The results show that: 1) Consumers' age and environmental protection attitude have a significant impact on their purchasing behavior, while consumers' gender and monthly income have no significant impact; 2) Different information has different effects on residents' purchasing behavior. Specifically, consumers are more affected by information relating to the economy and indoor air quality. The detailed order of influence is as follows: information on loan at concessionary rates > cost saving in usage phase > indoor air quality > waste classification > investment benefit > carbon emission reduction > thermal comfort > acoustic environment > greening rate > luminous environment; 3) Consumers with higher environmental awareness care more about the information on living environment and carbon emission. Whereas, those with low awareness of environmental protection are more affected by information on economic benefits. 4) Regarding different information providers, the consumers are mostly impacted by government, while the information from developers could induce limited effects.
Cloning of Nine Glucocorticoid Receptor Isoforms from the Slender African lungfish (Protopterus dolloi)
Authors: Katsu Yoshinao , Oana Shin , Lin Xiaozhi , Hyodo Susumu , Bianchetti Laurent , Baker Michael E.
Published: April 2022

We wanted to clone the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) from slender African lungfish (Protopterus dolloi) for comparison to P. dolloi MR, which we had cloned and were characterizing, as well as for comparison to the GRs from humans, elephant shark and zebrafish. However, although sequencing of the genome of the Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri), as well as, that of the West African lungfish (Protopterus annectens) were reported in the first three months of 2021, we could not retrieve a GR sequence with a BLAST search of GenBank, when we submitted our research for publication in July 2021. Moreover, we were unsuccessful in cloning the GR from slender African lungfish using a cDNA from the ovary of P. dolloi and PCR primers that had successfully cloned a GR from elephant shark, sturgeon and gar GRs. On October 21, 2021 the nucleotide sequence of West African lungfish (P. annectens) GR was deposited in GenBank. We used this GR sequence to construct PCR primers that successfully cloned the GR from the slender spotted lungfish. Here, we report the sequences of nine P. dolloi GR isoforms and explain the basis for the previous failure to clone a GR from slender African lungfish using PCR primers that cloned the GR from elephant shark, sturgeon and gar. Studies are underway to determine corticosteroid activation of these slender African lungfish GRs.
Diagnostic value and safety of medical thoracoscopy under local anesthesia for unexplained diffuse interstitial lung disease: a pilot study
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xie Tian , Zhang Bingli , Fu Yihui , Ding Yipeng , Wu Haihong
Published: April 2022

Objective: We aimed to explore the safety and diagnostic value of medical thoracoscopic lung biopsy in patients with unexplained diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) in a single center pilot study. Method: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and pathological diagnostic data from 52 patients with diffuse ILD undergoing medical thoracoscopic lung biopsy. Results: Forty-four cases of diffuse ILD were confirmed pathologically, giving a diagnostic rate of 84.6%. Among these 44 patients, 11 patients were diagnosed with cancer, including 8 patients with lung adenocarcinoma, 3 patients with metastases; 2 from a gastrointestinal malignancy, and 1 from a granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. There were 17 cases of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, including 9 cases of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), 4 cases of non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), 3 cases of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), and 1 case of acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP). There were 12 cases of rare interstitial pneumonias, which included 6 cases of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, 1 case each of pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis, 2 cases of nodular sarcoidosis, and 2 cases of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. We recorded various complications, including bleeding, infection, and pneumothorax. A total of 28 patients (53.8%) experienced at least one of the above complications, but there were no deaths associated with biopsy. Conclusions: Medical thoracoscopic lung biopsy appears a safe and effective method for diagnosing diffuse ILD of unknown cause but further prospective studies, with larger numbers, including comparison with other established techniques are required.
Insect peptide COPA3 supplementation reduces the risk of heat stressed fibroblasts function
Authors: Siddiqui Sharif Hasan , Khan Mousumee , Park Jinryong , Lee Jeongeun , Choe Ho Sung , Kang Darae , Shim Kwanseob
Published: April 2022

Background
Heat stress inhibits cellular proliferation and differentiation through the production of reactive oxygen species. Under stress conditions, antioxidant drugs promote stable cellular function by reducing the stress level. We sought to demonstrate COPA3 supplementation stabilizes fibroblast proliferation and differentiation even under heat stress conditions.
Methods
In our study, fibroblasts were assigned to two different groups based on the temperature (control and heat stress) treatment. Each group was subdivided into two groups depending upon COPA3 treatment.
Results
Heat stress was observed to decrease the fibroblast viability and function and resulted in alterations in the fibroblast shape and cytoskeleton structure. In contrast, COPA3 stabilized the fibroblast viability, shape, and function. Moreover, heat stress and COPA3 were found to have contradictory actions with respect to energy production, which facilitates the stabilization of cellular functions by increasing the heat tolerance capacity. The gene expression levels of antioxidant and heat shock proteins were higher after heat stress. Additionally, heat stress promotes the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ extracellular signal-regulated kinase–nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (MAPK/ERK-Nrf2).
Conclusions
COPA3 maintained the MAPK/ERK-Nrf2 gene expression that promote stable fibroblast proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. These findings suggest that COPA3 supplementation increases the heat tolerance capacity, viability, and functional activity of fibroblasts.
Dirac Equation Redux by Direct Quantization of the 4-Momentum Vector
Authors: Andoni S.
Published: April 2022

The Dirac equation (DE) is a cornerstone of quantum physics. We prove that direct quantization of the 4-momentum vector p with modulus equal to the rest energy m (c = 0) yields a coordinate-free and manifestly covariant equation. In coordinate representation, this is equivalent to DE with spacetime frame vectors xu replacing Dirac’s gamma-matrices. Recall that standard DE is not manifestly covariant. Adding an independent Hermitian vector x5 to the spacetime basis a allows accommodating the momentum operator in a real vector space with a complex structure arising alone from vectors and multivectors. The real vector space generated from the action of the Clifford or geometric product onto the quintet {x0, x1, x2, x3, x5} has dimension 32, the same as the equivalent real dimension for the space of Dirac matrices. x5 proves defining for the combined CPT symmetry, distinction of axial vs. polar vectors, left and right handed rotors & spinors, etc. Therefore, we name it reflector and {x0, x1, x2, x3, x5} a basis for spacetime-reflection (STR). The pentavector I = x05123 commutes with all elements of STR and depicts the pseudoscalar in STR. We develop the formalism by deriving all essential results from the novel STR DE: spin ½ magnetic angular momentum, conserved probability currents, symmetries and nonrelativistic approximation. In simple terms, we demonstrate how Dirac matrices are a redundant representation of spacetime-reflection frame vectors.
On clustering for cell phenotyping in multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and multiplexed ion beam imaging (MIBI) Data
Authors: Seal Souvik , Wrobel Julia , Johnson Amber M. , Nemenoff Raphael A. , Schenk Erin L. , Bitler Benjamin G. , Jordan Kimberly R. , Ghosh Debashis
Published: April 2022

Objective: Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and multiplexed ion beam imaging (MIBI) images are usually phenotyped using a manual thresholding process. The thresholding is prone to biases, especially when examining multiple images with high cellularity. Results: Unsupervised cell phenotyping methods including PhenoGraph, flowMeans, and SamSPECTRAL, primarily used in flow cytometry data, often perform poorly or need elaborate tuning to perform well in the context of mIHC and MIBI data. We show that, instead, semi-supervised cell clustering using Random Forests, linear and quadratic discriminant analysis are superior. We test the performance of the methods on two mIHC datasets from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a publicly available MIBI dataset. Each dataset contains numerous highly complex images.
The Potency of Corn (Zea Mays) Cob Waste as a Prebiotic Candidate to Support the Growth of Bifidobacterium longum: a Preliminary Study
Authors: Aprilia Ariestanti Catarina , Ananda Sejati1 Ribka , Thea Setyaratri Fransiska , Angel Meliana Florencia
Published: April 2022

Corn cob is one of the most common agricultural wastes in Indonesia with high content of xylan. Xylan can be used to produce xylitol which cannot be digested by human digestive enzymes thus, make it a potential candidate of prebiotic. This preliminary research aimed to study the potency of corn cob in supporting the growth of Bifidobacterium longum. Corn cob was produced into powder and used as the carbon source in the growth medium of B. longum. Total plate count method was done to count the growth of B. longum in various concentrations of bacteria solution. The result showed that crude corn cob powder can support the growth of B. longum from bacterial enumeration with the value of 2.01 x 106 CFU/mL. The study indicated that corn cob has a potential to be used as prebiotic.
Ownership and occupation contestations in South Africa: the case of state housing in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape
Authors:   , Msindo Esteri Makotore
Published: April 2022

This thesis examines contestations around access to state-provided housing or simply state housing in South Africa, using a case study of two sites in Buffalo City Municipality, and with a particular focus on occupation without ownership through informal and illegal means. While the South African state, based on an official human rights discourse and regime, seeks to provide state housing to the urban poor, massive housing backlogs continue to exist within urban spaces. As a result, the urban poor turn to self-provisioning through the construction of informal settlements or backyard shacks, waiting at times indefinitely to be allocated a state house via the official housing waiting lists. To overcome this problem, some amongst the urban poor opt to circumvent the process by invading and illegally occupying state houses, leading to occupation without ownership. In doing so, they draw upon their own moral rights-claims to justify their actions. The thesis examines the multiple causes for occupation and ownership contestations in the two research sites as well as the different forms that these contestations take. The study is framed theoretically in terms of a sociology of human rights, identifying and analysing how moral claims to rights amongst ordinary people often come into conflict with a legal-institutional conception of rights adopted by the state. The study also draws on a diverse array of theorists whose work speaks to the manner in which ordinary citizens develop their own ways of acting contrary to state officialdom. Using interpretive sociology, the study considers the views and practices of those illegally occupying houses without ownership and those who feel victimised by these informal actions. It considers these intra-community dynamics in light of the machinations of local state powerholders at municipal level. As with interpretive sociology, then, the thesis privileges social realms of meanings, interpretations, experiences and practices of human agents. Informal state housing occupations in the Buffalo City Municipality are caused by a number of factors related to state incapacity, weak policies and poor planning, corruption, resource constraints and so on. The study vividly demonstrates the tensions arising and existing between the South African state’s legal human rights regime and locally-constructed moral-rights regimes amongst the urban poor. This tension is seen in the interrelated phenomena of ‘occupation without ownership’ and ‘ownership without occupation’, as the poor draw upon and use ordinary logics of rights for recourse. The thesis shows how diverse rights regimes lead to intra-community conflict, in particular along generational and racial lines.
Impact of simulation-based education on the performance assessment, knowledge retention and mentality of nursing students: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Xu Yun , XU YUE , WANG QING , DU SHIZHENG , JIANG XING , XU GUIHUA
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Simulation-based education is a new type of teaching method that is suitable for clinic-related majors.

OBJECTIVE

To determine its impact on clinical skill assessment, performance maintenance, and mentality of nursing students.

METHODS

After searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EBSCO database, we conducted a systematic collection of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the impact of simulation-based education on performance evaluation and mentality of nursing students. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to March 12, 2021. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4 software, and two researchers used ROB2.0 software to evaluate the risk of bias in the included literature. The quality evaluation of the outcome indicators was performed using GRADEpro. A standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used in estimating the pooled effects of RCTs.

RESULTS

A total of 21 RCTs were performed, including 1683 nursing students. The results of meta-analysis showed that simulation-based education significantly improved the assessment scores of nursing students (SMD = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.90, P < 0.00001), self-confidence (SMD = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.48 to 1.90, P = 0.001), satisfaction (SMD = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.13 to 1.60, P = 0.02), and knowledge retention (SMD = 1.89, 95% CI = 0.76 to 2.87, P = 0.0008), and the difference was statistically significant. The results of subgroup analysis showed that long-term intervention (MD = 1.44, 95% CI = 0.62, 2.26, P = 0.0006) and short-term intervention (MD = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.95, 1.97, P < 0.00001) improved the performance assessment of nursing students, and the difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Simulation-based education can significantly improve the assessment scores, self-confidence, and satisfaction of the nursing students, and the scores can be effectively retained for a period of time. Limited by the quality of the number of included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified by high-quality studies.
Smartcity : Model Ketahanan Siber Untuk Usaha Kecil Dan Menengah
Authors: Putranti Ika Riswanti , Amaliyah Anita , Windiani Reni
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT This article placed an example of a cyber resilience model for smartcity in the context of smart-economy which was currently vulnerable to various cyber attacks. On the other hand SMEs were very limited in access to the development of networks and resources in building cyber resilience that ensured sustainability and increased the competitiveness of their businesses. Furthermore, this research identified the best practices of other countries, analyzed the readiness of legal instruments in Indonesia, identified the actors involved and analyzed the factors of obstacles in building a model of cyber resilience for SMEs. The result of this study was that security policy was a big theme with strategic principles in the security strategy of both actors and policies. This could help organizations such as MSMEs to identified, assessed and reduced threats in the cyber world.ABSTRAKArtikel ini meletakan contoh model ketahanan siber bagi smartcity dalam konteks smart-economy yang saat ini rentan terhadap berbagai serangan siber. Di sisi lain pelaku UKM sangat terbatas dalam akses pengembangan networking dan sumberdaya dalam membangun ketahanan siber yang menjamin keberlanjutan dan meningkatkan daya saing usahanya.Selanjutnya penelitian ini mengidentifikasi praktik terbaik negara-negara lain, menganalisis kesiapan perangkat hukum di Indonesia, mengidentifikasi aktor yang terlibat dan menganalisis faktor-faktor hambatan dalam membangun suatu model ketahanan siber bagi UKM.Hasil dalam pembahasan kajian ini adalah bahwasanya keamanan siber merupakan sebuah tema besar dengan prinsip-prinsip strategis dalam strategi keamanan baik berupa aktor maupun kebijakan. Hal ini dapat membantu organisasi seperti UMKM untuk mengidentifikasi, menilai, dan mengurangi ancaman dalam dunia siber.
Implementasi Sikap Bela Negara Guna Mewujudkan Ketahanan Pribadi (Studi di KB-TKIT Bintang Qur’an di Boyolali)
Authors: Rachmadany Halimah
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT The success of state defense education at an early age is crucial for the formation of personal resilience.Problems that appear (1) how is the implementation of state defense education for early childhood in kindergarten?;(2) what are the factors that support and hinder the educational process of defending the state in kindergarten?;dan (3) what is the effectiveness of state defense education to realize personal resilience?. The location of theresearch was carried out at TKIT Bintang Qur’an Boyolali using descriptive qualitative research methods withHuberman analysis techniques. The results showed that the implementation of state defense education for childernaged 5-6 years at TKIT Bintang Qur’an has been running systematically and realistically in accordance with theinstitution’s goals, namely to create a generation that faithful, pious, has noble character, has good character andhas personal resilience. In the implementation of state defense education, there are supporting and inhibiting factors,child development abilities, environment, facilities and infrastucture, exemplary attitudes of educators as well ascollaboration programs with parents and the learning strategies used. The effectiveness of state defense educationcan be seen from the characteer of the students at TKIT Bintang Qur’an who have a sense of love for the homelandas evidences by implementing behavior in accordanc with Pancasila, childern are able to sing national and regionalsongs, like various cultures that exist in Indonesia. Has empathy and tolerance, is accustomed to doing activitiescooperatively and mutual cooperation, has self confidence and the spirit of a leade
Una introducción a la Electrónica Orgánica
Authors: Garcias-Morales Cesar , Estrada Flores Susana Lucia , Mirón Velázquez Ricardo Sebastián , Pérez Berumen Catalina M. , De la Cruz Duran Fabiola Noemí
Published: April 2022

En este documento se da a conocer la importancia de los semiconductores orgánicos en la fabricación de dispositivos optoelectrónicos, se abordan algunos conceptos fundamentales acerca de la estructura molecular los cuales deben ser considerados en el diseño de la molécula semiconductora. Se resaltan, ventajas y desventajas de los semiconductores orgánicos frente a los semiconductores inorgánicos. Para comprender la relación estructura-propiedades de este tipo de moléculas se presentan los conceptos básicos acerca de la electrónica orgánica, la importancia de la ingeniería del band gap (Eg); así como el funcionamiento, características fisicoquímicas, propiedades optoelectrónicas y aplicaciones de celdas solares orgánicas (OPVs y DSSC), Diodos Orgánicos Emisores de Luz (OLEDs) y Transistores Orgánicos de Efecto de Campo (OFETs).
Evaluación de la presencia de perros (Canis lupus familiaris) en el Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones y su posible amenaza a los mamíferos nativos
Authors: García López Andrea , Castillo Guajardo Derik , Chavez Cuauhtémoc
Published: April 2022

Resumen
Las áreas naturales protegidas enfrentan diversos problemas que afectan la conservación de la vida silvestre. Uno de los más importantes es la presencia de animales introducidos, entre ellos los perros; los cuales se pueden encontrar en casi todas las regiones del mundo debido a su relación con los humanos. Estos pueden actuar como depredadores, transmisores de enfermedades o competir por alimento y espacio con otros carnívoros y mamíferos en general. El objetivo de este trabajo fue documentar el impacto de los perros hacia los mamíferos que habitan en el Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones (PNDL). Para la obtención de datos se recolectaron excrementos de perros en dos zonas del PNDL y se aplicaron encuestas a turistas y vendedores que se encontraban dentro del parque. De los 24 excrementos recolectados el 12.5% contenía restos de musaraña de orejillas mínima (Cryptotis alticola) y el 4.2% restos del ratón de la malinche (Peromyscus levipes), lo que indica la existencia de depredación. De acuerdo con las encuestas, la presencia de perros en el parque se debe en mayor medida a que los turistas los llevan como animales de compañía. Es necesaria la implementación de estrategias que permitan un mejor control de los perros durante su estancia en el parque.
Palabras clave: Canis lupus familiaris, Ciudad de México, Desierto de los Leones, mamíferos, Parque Nacional, perros.
Prevención de depredación de yaguareté (Panthera onca) a ganado vacuno mediante cercas electrificadas en Misiones, Argentina
Authors: Lodeiro-Ocampo Nicolás , G. Gantchoff Mariela , A. Nigro Norberto , Palaia Julián Y. , Gnatiuk Daniel G.
Published: April 2022

Resumen
El yaguareté está en peligro crítico de extinción en Argentina. Una de las principales causas de la disminución de sus poblaciones es su cacería como represalia de los ganaderos ante eventos de depredación. En el presente estudio reportamos los resultados de la implementación de un corral electrificado anti-depredación, durante cuatro años, en un potrero ganadero que colinda con un área selvática en Argentina. Describimos el sistema del alambrado eléctrico, y comparamos dos potreros adyacentes, con y sin corrales electrificados. El alambrado fue 100% efectivo en prevenir ataques de yaguareté. Una combinación de corrales electrificados con otras estrategias como el apoyo logístico y monetario para los ganaderos, y la difusión de potenciales consecuencias legales de la cacería de yaguaretés, han facilitado la convivencia entre estos felinos y la ganadería. Esto ha sido fundamental para facilitar las acciones de conservación con actividades económicas. 
Palabras clave: carnívoros, conflicto, convivencia, depredación, felinos, ganaderos, mitigación, yaguareté.
Posible caso de depredación de un mapache (Procyon lotor) a una víbora de cascabel yucateca (Crotalus tzabcan) en el sur de Quintana Roo, México.
Authors: Cedeño-Vázquez José Rogelio , Beutelspacher-García Pablo M. , Köhler Gunther , Nieto-Toscano Luis Francisco
Published: April 2022

Resumen
Las carreteras y el tránsito vehicular tienen impactos negativos de diversa índole en la fauna silvestre. Aquí reportamos un posible intento de depredación de una víbora de cascabel yucateca (Crotalus tzabcan) por un mapache (Procyon lotor). Esta observación se realizó durante un estudio de monitoreo de serpientes atropelladas en Quintana Roo, México.
Palabras clave: Carreteras, cascabel yucateca, depredación, mapache.
Chairless Chair with Kneumatic
Authors: Faisal Ansari , Nehal Ansari , Matlook Shaikh , Taaj Shaikh , Shaikh Pro Sajid
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The exoskeleton based hydraulic support is basically a “chair” which is worn like an exoskeleton, allowing users to walk or run with the device while they work.this chair helps users to rest their leg muscles by directing their body weight towards a variable damper attached to the frame and directs the weight to the ground. It consists of two identical "chairs", one strapped to each of the wearer's legs. To use, simply bend your knees to a comfortable stance to activate its damper that supports your body weight. This exoskeleton based support would be useful to people whose current job requires them to stand for long hours. This new and modernized “chair” will ease the aches in the thighs and back. It is especially of great use to the elderly , workers in assembly line , trekkers and military who don‟t always have the option of pulling a chair to rest themselves on the go ! It keeps your back straight and can reduce the occurrence of bad postures for both healthy workers and those recovering from muscle related injuries.