bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pendidikan Agama Kristen dalam Keluarga di Era Digital Membangun Remaja Bijak Menggunakan Media Sosial
Authors: Meilani Meilani , Fernando Andreas
Published: March 2023

The presence of social media as one of the technological advances has changed the way the world communicates and shares information. The development of this technology accelerates and facilitates human access from any part of the world in communicating, but also brings negative impacts and dangers to its users, especially teenagers as the highest users of social media. Teenagers who are unstable individuals, will be very easily affected by the bad influence of the content displayed on social media. The purpose of this writing is to examine the phenomenon that arises in teenagers due to social media, also explaining that the Christian family plays a role to build teenagers to be wise in using social media. Research methods are literature studies with qualitative approaches. The result of this study is that first, parents must be the role models in using the social media so that adolescents see real wise actions in using the internet.  Second, directed surveillance of adolescent activities in cyberspace must be carried out by parents to protect and build their level of vigilance when accessing social media.  Third, parents are obliged to direct teenagers to become social media as a tool to strengthen their faith in trust and love for God.AbstrakKehadiran media sosial sebagai salah satu kemajuan teknologi telah mengubah cara dunia berkomunikasi dan berbagi informasi. Perkembangan teknologi ini mempercepat dan mempermudah akses manusia dari belahan dunia manapun dalam berkomunikasi, tetapi juga membawa dampak negatif dan bahaya bagi para penggunanya terutama remaja sebagai pengguna tertinggi media sosial. Remaja sebagai pribadi yang masih labil, akan dengan mudah terdampak pengaruh buruk dari konten yang ditampilkan media sosial. Tujuan penulisan ini adalah untuk meneliti fenomena yang timbul pada remaja akibat media sosial, juga menjelaskan peran PAK keluarga dalam membangun remaja menjadi bijak menggunakan media sosial yang ada. Metode penelitian ini adalah melalui studi pustaka dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil dari penelitian ini pertama, orangtua harus menjadi panutan dalam menggunakan media sosial agar remaja melihat tindakan bijak yang nyata dalam menggunakan internet.  Kedua, pengawasan terarah terhadap aktivitas remaja di dunia maya harus dilakukan oleh orangtua untuk melindungi mereka dari kejahatan di dunia maya ketika mengakses media sosial.  Ketiga, orangtua wajib mengarahkan remaja untuk menggunakan media sosial sebagai alat untuk tujuan membangun kerohanian, memperkuat iman dan kasih mereka kepada Allah.
Peran Gereja Membela Kemanusian Anak Marjinal: Upaya Teologi Transformasi Pelayanan Holistik
Authors: Lado Gatsper A.
Published: March 2023

The marginal impact of poverty is an indicator of a beginning to lead to other social problems. One of the social problems caused by poverty is the rampant phenomenon of street children. This economic powerlessness causes children to be forced to join in looking for money by taking to the streets. From this, there are many incidents that make marginal children experience things that are not in accordance with values and laws. So the author describes the role of the church as a goal in strengthening believers in defending the humanity of marginalized children as an effort to transform Holistic ministry of theology. Using descriptive qualitative research methods, it can be concluded that the role starts with believers or churches practicing the values of humanity that must be humanized, because it is a principle of Humanism in biblical teaching that must be done sincerely for fellow humans. Furthermore, there are efforts by the Church and the Humanity of Marginal Children in Holistic service for Others to do good and be a light to the world.AbstrakMarginal akibat dari kemiskinan menjadi indikator dari sebuah awal untuk mengarahkan kepada permasalahan sosial lainnya. Salah satu masalah sosial akibat kemiskinan adalah maraknya fenomena anak jalanan. Ketidakberdayaan ekonomi tersebut menyebabkan anak terpaksa ikut mencari uang dengan cara turun ke jalan. Dari hal tersebut banyak kejaidan yang membuat anak marginal mengalami hal yang tidak sesuai dnegan nilai dan hukum. Maka penulis mendeskripsikan peran gereja sebagai tujuan dalam menguatkan orang percaya dalam membela Kemanusian anak marjinal sebagai upaya Teologi transformasi pelayanan holistik. Mengunakan metode penelitian kualitatif deskritif maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa peran tersebut dimulai dari orang percaya atau gereja mengamalkan nilai dari kemanusiaan yang harus dimanusiakan, sebab hal itu sebagai prinsip Humanisme dalam pengajaran Alkitabiah yang harus di kerjakan dengan tulus bagi sesama manusia. Selanjutnya adanya upaya Gereja dan kemanusiaan anak marginal dalam pelayanan Holistik bagi Sesama untuk mengerjakan kebaikan dan menjadi terang bagi dunia.
Peran Keluarga Dan Masyarakat dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Marampa Elieser R , Dethan Erni
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to see the extent of the role of the family and society in improving the welfare of early childhood. To obtain research data, the author uses a descriptive qualitative research approach with a literature review method. The results of this study show that, first, the role of the family in improving the welfare of early childhood is very important, so parents as the main actors in this case need to carry out their responsibilities and fulfill their obligations to children in the family. Both societies have an important role to play in improving early childhood well-being. The community needs to actively participate in the implementation of child protection by involving community organizations, academics, and also child observers so that cases of crimes against children can be minimized.AbstrakTujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk melihat sejauhmana peran keluarga dan masayarakat dalam meningkatkan kesejahteraan anak usia dini. Untuk memperoleh data penelitian penulis menggunakan pendekatan penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dengan metode kajian pustaka. Adapun hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa, pertama peran keluarga dalam meningkatkan kesejahteraan anak usia dini sangatlah penting, maka orang tua sebagai pemeran utama dalam hal ini perlu melaksanakan tanggung jawab dan memenuhi kewajibannya terhadap anak dalam keluarga. Kedua masyarakat memiliki peran penting dalam meningkatkan kesejahteraan anak usia dini. Masyarakat perlu berpartisipasi secara aktif dalam penyelenggaraan perlindungan anak dengan melibatkan organisasi kemasyarakatan, akademisi, dan juga pemerhati anak sehingga kasus-kasus kejahatan terhadap anak dapat diminimalisir.
Pandangan Gereja Tentang Perceraian Hidup dan Poligami di Tengah Berbagai Pandangan Etika Kristen
Authors: Zakaria Zakaria , Urbanus Urbanus
Published: March 2023

The Church's View on Divorce and Polygamy Amidst Various Views of Christian Ethics must be a serious concern so that Divorce and Polygamy can be understood properly and no problems occur in the future. The emergence of various Christian ethical views on divorce and polygamy has advanced Christians to be able to make wise decisions regarding divorce and polygamy that often occur among Christians. The method used in this study is a qualitative method, which means the author analyzes data from books or other literature. The results or conclusions of this research are First, Christian marriage is once for a lifetime, second, the Church's Teachings Should be Realistic and Biblical, specifically on Divorce and Polygamy, third, the longevity of marriage is a big and new challenge for all couples, and fourth, Marriage in Christian teachings is a Christian ceremony that must be respected because God has united and blessed them.AbstrakPadangan Gereja tentang perceraian hidup dan Poligami ditengah berbagai pandangan Etika Kristen harus menjadi perhatian yang serius supaya Perceraian hidup dan Poligami dapat dipahami dengan baik serta tidak terjadi masalah dikemudian hari. Munculnya berbagai pandangan etika Kristen tentang perceraian dan poligami memaju orang Kristen untuk dapat mengambil keputusan yang bijak terhadap perceraian hidup dan Poligami yang sering terjadi di kalangan orang Kristen. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif, yang artinya penulis menganalisis data dari buku atau kepustakaan lainya. Sebagai hasil atau kesimpulan dari Penelitian ini adalah pertama, Perkawinan Kristen adalah sekali untuk seumur hidup, kedua, Ajaran Gereja Semestinya Realistis dan Alkitabiah secara khusus terhadap Perceraian dan Poligami, ketiga, lama keberlangsungan penikahan merupakan tantangan besar dan baru untuk semua pasangan, dan keempat, Pernikahan dalam ajaran Kristen merupakan upacara Masehi yang harus dihormati karena Allah yang telah mempersatukan serta memberkatinya.
Deskriptif Jalan Sempit Dalam Matius 7:13-14: Suatu Refleksi Teologi Bagi Kekristenan
Authors: Nugroho Eko , Trisnaningtyas Vendyah , Umboh Steven Tommy Dalekes
Published: March 2023

This article aims to explore the meaning of Refection which means “Mirror/Reflection”, provide an analysis of it and provide a description of the function of Reflection in Christian life. In writing this scientific paper, the researcher uses a qualitative descriptive method by collecting data from books, journal articles, and from the author's observations while serving the family and work community. The description in this article shows that there is power in doing Reflection on the Christian life in a real way by being doers of God's Word. The conclusion is found that it is biblically stated that reflection is exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ himself in parables in each of his sermons and is also carried out by biblical figures in determining the choice of a way of life that is in accordance with God's Word. Reflection proves that the power of God's Word is able to bring people to introspect themselves by understanding God's will in every journey of life, so that they get results or fruit that are beyond human expectations, because it is written that what is sown is what is reaped. In other words, reflection is a part of life's reflection in doing according to the will of God's Word and living it, the Holy Spirit who enables understanding and faith that makes miracles happen when reflection is done with high self-awareness.AbstrakArtikel ini bertujuan mendalami makna dari reflection yang berarti “cermin/pantulan”, memberikan analisis terhadapnya dan memberikan deskripsi fungsi dari Reflection dalam kehidupan Kekristenan. Dalam penulisan karya ilmiah ini, peneliti menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan pegumpulan data dari buku, artikel jurnal, dan dari pengamatan penulis selama melayani komunitas keluarga dan pekerjaan. Uraian pada artikel ini menunjukkan ada kekuatan dalam melakukan reflection (cermin/pantulan) pada kehidupan Kekristenan secara nyata dengan menjadi pelaku Firman Tuhan. Hasil simpulan ditemukan bahwa secara Alkitabiah menyatakan bahwa reflection dicontohkan oleh Tuhan Yesus Kristus sendiri dalam perumpamaan dalam setiap kotbah-Nya dan dilakukan pula oleh para tokoh Alkitab dalam menetapkan pilihan jalan hidup yang sesuai dengan Firman Tuhan. Reflection membuktikan bahwa kekuatan Firman Allah mampu membawa manusia menginstrospeksi diri dengan cara memahami kehendak Tuhan dalam setiap perjalanan hidup, sehingga memperoleh hasil atau buah yang diluar ekspektasi manusia itu sendiri, karena ada tertulis apa yang di tabur itulah yang dituai. Dengan kata lain reflection merupakan bagian cerminan hidup dalam melakukan sesuai kehendak Firman Allah dan menghidupinya, Roh Kudus yang memampukan untuk memahami dan iman yang membuat mujizat terjadi saat reflection dilakukan dengan kesadaran diri yang tinggi.
New Citizen Forms of Solidarity in Zimbabwe’s Crisis-Stricken Context
Authors:   SIVIO Institute, Jowah Eddah , Moyo Bhekinkosi ,   University of Witwatersrand,   CAPSI
Published: March 2023

The real effectiveness of foreign aid or overseas development assistance is evident in the improvement of the livelihoods of the recipients for the better. There have been numerous debates and discussions around the extent to which foreign aid brings about true development for countries in the global south. In the case of Zimbabwe, foreign aid and its reduction have been linked to the political standoff between the country and the west, particularly after the implementation of the controversial land reform program. Coupled with a protracted economic crisis that has stretched for over 20 years, the expectation was for the country to completely collapse. However, this has not been the case. Citizens found ways or alternatives to continue with their lives and develop mechanisms of resilience and solidarity that allowed them to keep on going even amid the political and economic crises of the last 22 years. How did they do this and what role can this play in advancing a more inclusive society and approach to development This paper explores this question.
Difference of serum tumor markers in different clinical stages of elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer and evaluation of diagnostic value
Authors: Qin Wen , Wang Ping , Ding CuiMin , Peng Fei
Published: March 2023

Background: To explore the difference and diagnostic value evaluation of serum tumor markers in different clinical stages of elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods: Select 100 elderly NSCLC patients admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to June 2021, collect the general data, pathology data and imaging data of the patients, and the patients were divided into I-IV clinical stages according to the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) 8th edition lung cancer TNM staging standard. Detect the subjects' peripheral serum tumor markers, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin fragment 21-1 (CYFRA21-1), squamous cell carcinoma-associated antigen (SCCA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and sugar Class antigen 199 (CA199). Compare the differences of serum CEA, CYFRA21-1, SCCA, CA125, CA199 levels in different clinical stages of elderly NSCLC patients, and the diagnostic value of the above indicators for elderly NSCLC patients was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) and area under the curve (AUC). Results: The smoking history, differentiation degree, lymph node metastasis and tumor diameter of elderly NSCLC patients with different clinical stages are significantly different; with the increase of NSCLC disease progression, the levels of serum CEA, CYFRA21-1, SCCA, CA125, and CA199 continue to increase, in serum. There is a significant correlation between the markers; serum CEA, CYFRA21-1, SCCA, CA125, CA199 have diagnostic value for the clinical staging of elderly NSCLC patients. Conclusion: The elevation of serum CEA, CYFRA21-1, SCCA, CA125 and CA199 in elderly NSCLC patients is positively correlated with the degree of tumor malignancy. The detection of the above indicators is of great value for the early diagnosis and disease monitoring of elderly NSCLC.
Influence of maize hybrids and seed size after processing on the physical characteristics of the seeds, germination and races growth
Authors: Đokić Dragoslav , Todorović Goran , Tabaković Marijenka , Perić Vesna , Poštić Dobrivoj , Štrbanović Ratibor , Stanisavljević Rade
Published: March 2023

In these studies, the physical and physiological seed properties and seedling's vigour properties in five ZP maize hybrids (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, ZP4 and ZP5) were investigated. Hybrid seed was divided into small (SF) and large fractions (LF) The hybrid combination and seed size did not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) affect seed germination. Width, thickness, length, seed weight, dead seeds, abnormal seedling, stem and root growth and fresh seedling weight were significantly influenced by hybrid and seed fraction LF produced higher stems by 1.18 cm, longer roots by 2.94 cm and higher seedling weight by 0.032 g (the hybrid average) as compared to SF. The influence of hybrids on stem growth differed by 1.9 cm on SF seed and 1.7 cm on LF seed. Significant and positive dependence (p ≥ 0.001) between seed germination was determined with the growth of stem, root and seedling weight, as well as with the 1000 seed weight (p ≥ 0.01) and with a thickness (TS) (p ≥ 0.05). Seed germination with abnormal seedlings achieved a negative (p ≥ 0.01) significant correlation.
Pathological gambling: Addiction or impulse control disorder?
Authors: Čomić Maša , Knežević Vladimir , Dickov Aleksandra , Ratković Dragana , Abazović Minja
Published: March 2023

Pathological gambling is the most widespread and severe form of non-chemical addiction. It is challenging to categorize pathological gambling into just one category, ie. into a disorder characterized by impulsivity or into behavioral addiction, since there are obvious overlaps. With the above in mind, the changes within the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) are not surprising. Although not listed in the diagnostic criteria, impulsivity and neuropsychological deficits are an integral part of gambling disorder. For this reason, they are essential for a more complete understanding of the profile of pathological gamblers. The strongest arguments in favor of the reclassification of pathological gambling under the category of addiction are: similarities with the diagnostic characteristics of addiction to psychoactive substances (PAS); high degree of comorbidity between these two disorders; their common features including aspects related to the reward system; findings that the same brain structures are involved in both disorders. There are similarities in the way gambling disorders are reclassified within DSM-5 and ICD-11. As in DSM-5, pathological gambling is recognized as a form of addiction. In ICD-11, it was renamed gambling disorder and classified as behavioral addictions. The latest revisions of both classifications (DSM and ICD) have the same development path and essentially the same foundations, and a change in the perception of gambling within diagnostics is clearly visible. Pathological gambling is a very complex disease that is accompanied by neuropsychological deficits and impulsive behavior, both characteristic of addicts and people with impulse control disorders. Reclassification is significant for several reasons. First, there are similarities with the diagnostic characteristics of chemical addiction. Second, there is a high degree of comorbidity between impulse control disorders and addiction. Third, both involve the reward system and activate the same parts of the brain. It is assumed that these similarities led to the reclassification in both DSM-5 and ICD-11. It is still not entirely clear how this change in the perception of gambling within diagnostics will affect the actual treatment of pathological gambling.
High Entropy Alloys as a New Alternative to Corrosion-Resistant Alloys For Marine Applications
Authors: Paredes Marcelo
Published: March 2023

A recent paradigm shift in physical metallurgy has enabled the exploration of multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) or high entropy alloys (HEAs) with as-yet-unknown superior properties which have turned attractive to various engineering applications and industry sectors. In particular, the O&G industry, on daily basis, faces technical challenges to overcome the deleterious effects of corrosion processes affecting critical infrastructure such as pipeline networks, refineries, subsea equipment, etc. The purpose of this work is to briefly review some key aspects of this new type of material as an alternative to the existing conventional alloys widely used by the shipbuilding and energy industries including the O&G sector. The review begins with some generalities about the future tendency of the steel-consuming industry and the growing dependency on metallic alloys despite the rising of emerging technologies in the area of manufacturing and smart materials which seek to be substitute goods. Then, a short summary of corrosion processes and some protection methods used by the industry are discussed. Finally, a succinct comparative analysis between HEAs and conventional steel alloys is carried out by highlighting the pros and cons of these latest technological advances in corrosion-resistant alloy development based on the multi-principal element alloy principle.
Nanos zdravilnih učinkovin na biokompatibilne podlage z metodo 2D tiskanja za izdelavo farmacevtskih oblik, prilagojenih bolnikom
Authors: Sterle Zorec Barbara , Dreu Rok
Published: March 2023

Pomen personaliziranega načina zdravljenja se iz leta v leto povečuje, saj je zavedanje, da ljudje nismo popolnoma enaki in da vsak organizem potrebuje sebi lastno terapijo, vedno večje. Poznavanje genetike in njenega vpliva na izvor in potek nekaterih bolezni pomen personaliziranega zdravljenja še povečuje. Zato se trenutne raziskave v farmacevtski stroki vedno bolj nagibajo k razvoju in optimizaciji zdravil, ki bi omogočala tak način zdravljenja. V ta namen je dandanes vedno več raziskovalcev, usmerjenih v razvoj nanosa zdravilnih učinkovin (ZU) na podlage z metodo 2D tiskanja, ki zaradi svoje priročnosti, možnosti široke uporabe in enostavnega prilagajanja odmerkov iz dneva v dan pridobiva na vrednosti. Princip tiskanja poteka na enak način kot tiskanje besedilnih dokumentov, le da črnila zamenjamo z disperzijo ZU, medtem ko namesto listov papirja uporabimo različne biološko kompatibilne podlage, ki skupaj z natisnjeno zdravilno učinkovino služijo kot per oralna farmacevtska oblika. Pri tiskanju ZU lahko uporabimo različne vrste tiskalnikov, pri čemer pa vsak izmed njih za uspešno tiskanje zahteva izpolnitev določenih specifikacijskih zahtev. Prednosti, ki jih nanos ZU z metodo 2D tiskanja prinaša, so poleg hitre izdelave personalizirane farmacevtske oblike (FO) z natančnim odmerjanjem tudi hkratno tiskanje in s tem združevanje več ZU hkrati v eno samo FO. Kljub vsemu omenjenemu pa na tem področju še vedno obstaja veliko izzivov, s katerimi se bo potrebno spopasti, preden bo tak način izdelave in odmerjanja zdravil dosegel trg in bil na voljo pacientom.
Dendrochronological record of soil creep and landslide activity – the comparison of tree-ring eccentricity and compression wood (examples from the Kamienne Mts., Poland)
Authors: Sitko Katarzyna , Wistuba Małgorzata , Malik Ireneusz , Krąpiec Marek , Yu Ruide , Zhang Haiyan
Published: March 2023

Forested mountain slopes can be simultaneously affected by soil creep and landslide activity, both of which cause the tilting of tree stems, with the result that their dendrochronological record of tree-ring eccentricity and compression wood is potentially similar. There is a need to identify similarities and differences in these records and thus our research aimed to compare patterns of eccentricity and compression wood developed by trees under the impact of soil creep and landslides. We sampled trees growing on a landslide and creeping slopes in the Kamienne Mts., with 21 Norway spruce trees were sampled on each site. We found several main differences between the dendrochronological record of landslide activity and soil creep. On the landslide we found larger number of dendrochronological events, stronger and more variable eccentricity and a similar number of upslope and downslope events. On creeping slopes, upslope eccentricity events predominate, and the number of eccentricity events dated in all trees increases in time. We also compared the utility of eccentricity and compression wood for dating mass movements. They differ in their sensitivity to stem tilting. Thus, in analyses of landslide activity and soil creep activity, it is recommended to include both wood anatomy features.
Timeline of changes in spike conformational dynamics in emergent SARS-CoV-2 variants reveal progressive stabilization of trimer stalk with altered NTD dynamics
Authors: Braet Sean M , Buckley Theresa SC , Venkatakrishnan Varun , Dam Kim-Marie A , Bjorkman Pamela J , Anand Ganesh S
Published: March 2023

SARS-CoV-2 emergent variants are characterized by increased viral fitness and each shows multiple mutations predominantly localized to the spike (S) protein. Here, amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry has been applied to track changes in S dynamics from multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our results highlight large differences across variants at two loci with impacts on S dynamics and stability. A significant enhancement in stabilization first occurred with the emergence of D614G S followed by smaller, progressive stabilization in subsequent variants. Stabilization preceded altered dynamics in the N-terminal domain, wherein Omicron BA.1 S showed the largest magnitude increases relative to other preceding variants. Changes in stabilization and dynamics resulting from S mutations detail the evolutionary trajectory of S in emerging variants. These carry major implications for SARS-CoV-2 viral fitness and offer new insights into variant-specific therapeutic development.
Media og Sannhets- og forsoningskommisjonen: Forsoning mellom hvem?
Authors: Olsen Kjell
Published: March 2023

Artikkel i publikasjonen Om den norske sannhets- og forsoningskommisjonen: foreløpige funn.
Sagt om kommisjonen: intervjudata og foreløpige funn
Authors: Broderstad Else Grete , Josefsen Eva
Published: March 2023

Artikkel i publikasjonen Om den norske sannhets- og forsoningskommisjonen: foreløpige funn.
“In the light of evolution:” keratins as exceptional tumor biomarkers
Authors: Takan Işıl , Karakülah Gökhan , Louka Aikaterini , Pavlopoulou Athanasia
Published: March 2023

Keratins (KRTs) are the intermediate filament-forming proteins of epithelial cells, classified, according to their physicochemical properties, into “soft” and “hard” keratins. They have a key role in several aspects of cancer pathophysiology, including cancer cell invasion and metastasis, and several members of the KRT family serve as diagnostic or prognostic markers. The human genome contains both, functional KRT genes and non-functional KRT pseudogenes, arranged in two uninterrupted clusters on chromosomes 12 and 17. This characteristic renders KRTs ideal for evolutionary studies. Herein, comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of KRT homologous proteins in the genomes of major taxonomic divisions were performed, so as to fill a gap in knowledge regarding the functional implications of keratins in cancer biology among tumor-bearing species. The differential expression profiles of KRTs in diverse types of cancers were investigated by analyzing high-throughput data, as well. Several KRT genes, including the phylogenetically conserved ones, were found to be deregulated across several cancer types and to participate in a common protein-protein interaction network. This indicates that, at least in cancer-bearing species, these genes might have been under similar evolutionary pressure, perhaps to support the same important function(s). In addition, semantic relations between KRTs and cancer were detected through extensive text mining. Therefore, by applying an integrative in silico pipeline, the evolutionary history of KRTs was reconstructed in the context of cancer, and the potential of using non-mammalian species as model organisms in functional studies on human cancer-associated KRT genes was uncovered.
Coronavirus Pandemic and Financial Soundness of Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited: Evidence from 2019 and 2020 Financials
Authors: Wahua Lawrence , Mkombo Alfred Lameck , Okai Eric , Acquah-Yalley James Nana
Published: March 2023

The Wuhan COVID19 disease in China turned a worldwide pandemic in 2020. It disrupted normal ways of life; caused collateral damage across the globe; and altered traditional banking model due to multiple lockdowns, movement restrictions, border closures, and other protocols put in place by governments to control the spread of the disease. Ghana was not an exception to all of these challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic. Riding on the new-normal theoretical underpin, this study empirically quantified the effect of COVID19 on financial soundness of Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited. CAMEL indicators measured financial soundness. Using secondary data analysis technique, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), descriptive statistics, and SPSS software, the research established that: (i) the bank performed better in all the aforementioned indicators in 2020 than in 2019; and (ii) there was no statistical difference between the performance of the bank in 2019 and 2020 (except in liquidity). Theoretically, the new normal theory proved to be relevant in this study as the bank performed better in 2020 (when banking halls were mostly closed) than in 2019 due to its increased investments in financial technology (FinTech), digital technology (DigTech), and big-data technology (BigTech). The study offered far-reaching results-backed recommendations.
Study of Physico-chemical and Nutrient Status of the Soil in Chiraigaon Block, Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Diwakar Anand Kumar , Yadav Janardan , Patel Kuldeep , Prajapati Sunil Kumar , Vandana V. J. , Soni Ram Lakhan
Published: March 2023

A study was conducted to evaluate the soil fertility and their quality parameters of Chiraigaon Block of Varanasi district Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) which is located at Latitude 25.3°N, and Longitude is 82.9°E and at elevation of 81m above mean sea level (AMSL) in the centre of Gangatic plain of Northern India. A total of 54 soil samples were collected from the farmland of six different villages of Chiraigaon Block. Physico-chemical property analyses showed average bulk density and particle density of 1.22 and 2.37 mg/m3 respectively whereas water holding capacity ranged from 29.80 to 51.70 %, pH ranged from 7.1 to 8.3, EC ranged from 0.18 to 1.68 dSm-1 and organic carbon content ranged from 0.21 to 0.76 % with low organic carbon content in 70.37% of the soil samples. Macronutrient analysis showed low to medium range for nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur with average values of 244.15 Kg/ha, 14.78 kg/ha and 10.60 mg/kg respectively whereas medium to high range of potassium (481.7 kg/ha) and high range of exchangeable calcium (11.82 mEq/100g) and magnesium (9.89 mEq/100g) were found. Micro-nutrient analysis showed low to high range for manganese and zinc with values ranging from 3.08 to 56.1 mg/kg and 0.58 to 19.62 mg/kg respectively, with iron in the medium to high range (5.1 to 72 mg/kg) while available copper (2.2 to 4.08 mg/kg) was in the high range in the tested samples. The current study is expected to help the farmers of the study location in providing guidelines required for long-term soil fertility management and to improve soil quality and for developing suitable crop varieties that can grow without any yield reduction.
Utilisation of Fishtail Palm (Caryota urens L.) in Tribal Area of Andhra Pradesh – Present Status and Scope
Authors: Vengaiah P. C. , Kumari B. V. , Murthy G. N. , Prasad K. R.
Published: March 2023

Fishtail palm (Caryota urens) are well known landscaping plants today and is widespread in peninsular India and Sri Lanka. They are multipurpose species with a variety of applications and thus very heavily utilized. Caryota urens, known as Jirika in Andhra Pradesh and Giraka in Telangana states, is a native rainforest species of tropical Asia. It is also one of the most common trees in the perennial forest gardens of high altitude areas of southern India. Also called as fishtail palm or sago palm and is traditionally tapped for sap from which alcoholic beverages are prepared. Tapping palms is the domain of tribal people in local area of Andhra Pradesh who are traditionally involved in tapping and utilisation. This paper focuses on the traditional knowledge from tappers pertaining to management of palm, its uses and tapping activities. The potential economic value of fishtail palm is assessed. The ecological and economic importance of developing markets for fishtail or sago palm.

Fishtail palm will yield throughout the year like coconut palms, but during periods of high humidity and rain, the supply of sap increases noticeably. Tribal men used to climb the palms for tapping, and women process for cleaning and transfer into vessels for transport and sells the toddy at nearby huts and road side. Each tribal family gets an income of 30000 to 50000 per year from each palm which is considered as family tree for tribal community in agency area.
A time of change
Authors: Lawson John A , Saville Alan , Engl Rob , Bicket Andrew , Bishop Rosie , Dean Valerie , Hastie Mhairi
Published: March 2023

In 1995 small-scale excavations undertaken at Cramond, Edinburgh revealed a number of pit and post hole features related to temporary or intermittent Mesolithic occupation. These features and associated deposits produced sizeable assemblages of charred plant remains and lithic material.

Cramond appears to be the first of an increasing number of securely dated narrow-blade microlithic sites excavated in recent times along the Forth Littoral. Together with substantial house sites such as Echline Fields, East Barns and Howick, Cramond produced a narrow-blade microlithic industry associated with occupation during the mid-9th millennium BC. As such it remains the earliest narrow-blade type assemblage yet discovered in Britain and provides a jumping off point for the discussion of Mesolithic responses to a rapidly changing environment in terms of population movement and technological change.
Clinical-epidemiological profile of hospitalized patients with the new coronavirus that evolved to death in hospital of infectious diseases / Perfil clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes internados com o novo coronavírus que evoluíram para óbito em hospital de doenças infecciosas
Authors: Guimarães Gomes Campos Regina Kelly , Pinheiro Angélica Barreira , Nascimento Karleandro Pereira do , Maniva Samia Jardelle Costa de Freitas , Freitas Consuelo Helena Aires de , Pinheiro Patricia Neyva da Costa
Published: March 2023

Objetivo:descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes internados com o novo coronavírus, que evoluíram para óbito, em hospital de referência em doenças infecciosas. Método:estudo transversal, realizado em um hospital público do Estado do Ceará,Brasil. Resultados:a caracterização sociodemográfica evidenciou um público formado por homens, com idade igual ou maior a 60 anos,casado/união estável,aposentado,residente na capital, com hipertensão e diabetes associadas,que foi a óbito em março e junho, em enfermaria. Além disto,os principais sinais e sintomas na internação foram saturação de oxigênio em ar ambiente menor que 92%,dispneia,síndrome respiratória aguda grave e febre;a principal indicação clínica para internação foi a insuficiência respiratória; e o principal esquema terapêutico utilizado foi uma combinação de outros antibióticos,anticoagulantes, azitromicina, corticoide e cloroquina/hidroxicloroquina.Conclusão:o perfil clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes internados com o novo coronavírus revela um público de homens,com mais de 60 anos de idade com dupla carga de doença crônica não transmissível.
Cost-effectiveness of Dental Workforce Expansion Through the National Health Service Corps and Its Association With Oral Health Outcomes Among US Children
Authors: Choi Sung Eun , Shen Ye , Wright Davene R.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Despite considerable efforts to improve oral health for all, large disparities remain among US children. A dental professional shortage is thought to be among the determinants associated with oral health disparities, particularly for those residing in underserved communities.

Objective

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of expanding the dental workforce through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and associations with oral health outcomes among US children.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to estimate changes in total costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) produced by increasing the NHSC funding for dental practitioners by 5% to 30% during a 10-year period. A microsimulation model of oral health outcomes using a decision analytic framework was constructed based on oral health and dental care utilization data of US children from 0 to 19 years old. Data from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2011-2016) were linked to county-level dentist supply and oral health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) information. Changes in prevalence and cumulative incidence of dental caries were also estimated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of results to variation in model input parameters. Data analysis was conducted from August 1, 2021, to November 1, 2022.

Exposures

Expanding dental workforce through the NHSC program.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Changes in total QALYs, costs, and dental caries prevalence and cumulative incidence.

Results

This simulation model informed by NHANES data of 10 780 participants (mean [SD] age, 9.6 [0.1] years; 5326 [48.8%] female; 3337 [weighted percentage, 57.9%] non-Hispanic White individuals) found that when funding for the NHSC program increased by 10%, dental caries prevalence and total number of decayed teeth were estimated to decrease by 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82-1.00) percentage points and by 0.70 (95% CI, 0.62-0.79) million cases, respectively. When funding for the NHSC program increased between 5% and 30%, the estimated decreases in number of decayed teeth ranged from 0.35 (95% CI, 0.27-0.44) to 2.11 (95% CI, 2.03-2.20) million cases, total QALY gains ranged from 75.76 (95% CI, 59.44-92.08) to 450.50 (95% CI, 434.30-466.69) thousand QALYs, and total cost savings ranged from $105.53 (95% CI, $70.14-$140.83) to $508.23 (95% CI, $598.91-$669.22) million among children residing in dental HPSAs from a health care perspective. Benefits of the intervention accrued most substantially among Hispanic children and children in low-income households.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cost-effectiveness analysis using a decision analytic model suggests that expanding the dental workforce through the NHSC program would be associated with cost savings and a reduced risk of dental caries among children living in HPSAs.
Effects of Time-Restricted Eating on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wei Xueyun , Lin Bingquan , Huang Yan , Yang Shunyu , Huang Chensihan , Shi Linna , Liu Deying , Zhang Peizhen , Lin Jiayang , Xu Bingyan , Guo Dan , Li Changwei , He Hua , Liu Shiqun , Xue Yaoming , Xu Yikai , Zhang Huijie
Published: March 2023

Importance

The efficacy and safety of time-restricted eating (TRE) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain uncertain.

Objective

To compare the effects of TRE vs daily calorie restriction (DCR) on intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content and metabolic risk factors among patients with obesity and NAFLD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This 12-month randomized clinical trial including participants with obesity and NAFLD was conducted at the Nanfang Hospital in Guangzhou, China, between April 9, 2019, and August 28, 2021.

Interventions

Participants with obesity and NAFLD were randomly assigned to TRE (eating only between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm) or DCR (habitual meal timing). All participants were instructed to maintain a diet of 1500 to 1800 kcal/d for men and 1200 to 1500 kcal/d for women for 12 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was change in IHTG content measured by magnetic resonance imaging; secondary outcomes were changes in body weight, waist circumference, body fat, and metabolic risk factors. Intention-to-treat analysis was used.

Results

A total of 88 eligible patients with obesity and NAFLD (mean [SD] age, 32.0 [9.5] years; 49 men [56%]; and mean [SD] body mass index, 32.2 [3.3]) were randomly assigned to the TRE (n = 45) or DCR (n = 43) group. The IHTG content was reduced by 8.3% (95% CI, −10.0% to −6.6%) in the TRE group and 8.1% (95% CI, −9.8% to −6.4%) in the DCR group at the 6-month assessment. The IHTG content was reduced by 6.9% (95% CI, −8.8% to −5.1%) in the TRE group and 7.9% (95% CI, −9.7% to −6.2%) in the DCR group at the 12-month assessment. Changes in IHTG content were comparable between the 2 groups at 6 months (percentage point difference: −0.2; 95% CI, −2.7 to 2.2; P = .86) and 12 months (percentage point difference: 1.0; 95% CI, −1.6 to 3.5; P = .45). In addition, liver stiffness, body weight, and metabolic risk factors were significantly and comparably reduced in both groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

Among adults with obesity and NAFLD, TRE did not produce additional benefits for reducing IHTG content, body fat, and metabolic risk factors compared with DCR. These findings support the importance of caloric intake restriction when adhering to a regimen of TRE for the management of NAFLD.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT03786523 and NCT04988230
Origin of Hole‐Trapping States in Solution‐Processed Copper(I) Thiocyanate and Defect‐Healing by I2 Doping
Authors: Worakajit Pimpisut , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Thanasarnsurapong Thanasee , Waiprasoet Saran , Nakajima Hideki , Sudyoadsuk Taweesak , Promarak Vinich , Boonchun Adisak , Pattanasattayavong Pichaya
Published: March 2023

Solution‐processed copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) typically exhibits low crystallinity with short‐range order; the defects result in a high density of trap states that limit the device's performance. Despite the extensive electronic applications of CuSCN, its defect properties are not understood in detail. Through X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, pristine CuSCN prepared from the standard diethyl sulfide‐based recipe is found to contain under‐coordinated Cu atoms, pointing to the presence of SCN− vacancies. A defect passivation strategy is introduced by adding solid I2 to the processing solution. At small concentrations, the iodine is found to exist as I− which can substitute for the missing SCN− ligand, effectively healing the defective sites and restoring the coordination around Cu. Computational study results also verify this point. Applying I2‐doped CuSCN as a p‐channel in thin‐film transistors shows that the hole mobility increases by more than five times at the optimal doping concentration of 0.5 mol.%. Importantly, the on/off current ratio and the subthreshold characteristics also improve as the I2 doping method leads to the defect‐healing effect while avoiding the creation of detrimental impurity states. An analysis of the capacitance‐voltage characteristics corroborates that the trap state density is reduced upon I2 addition.
Skin‐Mountable Vibrotactile Stimulator Based on Laterally Multilayered Dielectric Elastomer Actuators
Authors: Son Jonghyun , Lee Siyoung , Bae Geun Yeol , Lee Giwon , Duduta Mihai , Cho Kilwon
Published: March 2023

Skin‐stimulation technology has attracted intense attention for virtual/augmented reality applications and tactile‐feedback systems. However, bulky, heavy, and stiff characteristics of existing skin‐stimulating devices limit their wearability and comfort, thus disturbing the immersive experience of users. This study presents a new type of thin and lightweight dielectric elastomer actuator for developing a skin‐mountable vibrotactile stimulator. A new methodology is suggested to enhance the operating efficiency of dielectric elastomer actuators based on a laterally aligned dielectric multilayer structure (≈900 layer) with short dielectric distance (≈10 µm) and a soft elastomer/ionic liquid composite with low modulus and high dielectric constant. With the improved structural/material properties, the flexible actuator exhibits high displacements at low operating voltage (<200 V) over a wide frequency range (≈800 Hz). Therefore, the finger‐band type vibrotactile stimulator based on the laterally multilayered dielectric elastomer actuators can exert indentations that have the ability of stimulating all mechanoreceptors in human skin over the full perception frequency/amplitude range. In addition, the actuator shows a high electromechanical stability for long‐term operation due to time‐efficient and precise fabrication process using sophisticated photolithography and secondary sputtering. Therefore, this vibrotactile stimulator shows high promise for use in tactile‐assistive devices, tactile communications, haptic feedback, and beyond.
A Bioinspired Capillary Force‐Induced Driving Strategy for Constructing Ultra‐Low‐Pressure Separation Membranes
Authors: Yang Jing , Lin Ligang , Tang Fengling , Zhang Zixu , Liu Zitian , Xu Meina , Yang Xu , Wang Qiying , He Aishan , Cheng Qi , Wang Chunhong
Published: March 2023

The development of low‐pressure or pressureless self‐driven membranes is important for saving energy and overcoming the critical trade‐off effect in membrane separation processes. However, conventional self‐driven membranes rely on gravity, which is effective in the separation of large‐sized materials but is still ineffective in the fine separation of small molecules. Herein, inspired by the capillary effect that exists in nature, a capillary force‐induced membrane‐driving strategy for fine separation at ultra‐low pressures is demonstrated. Hydrophilic nanoparticles are prepared by a cross‐linking reaction between tannic acid and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and then introduce them into membrane pores to simulate sand accumulation with an aim to generate the capillary force. The membrane is then used in ultra‐low pressure membrane separation. Interestingly, it is found that the membrane has excellent performance in the separation of dye/salt mixtures (dye rejection > 99%, salt rejection < 10%) and a high permeate flux (160 L m−2 h−1) under near “zero pressure” conditions. Moreover, the structural stability of the membrane is verified. Introducing capillary forces into membranes as an autonomous driving force can be a promising universal approach that can be added up to the toolbox for the efficient preparation of separation membranes.
MXene Functionalized, Highly Breathable and Sensitive Pressure Sensors with Multi‐Layered Porous Structure
Authors: Zheng Xianhong , Zhang Songlin , Zhou Mengjuan , Lu Haibo , Guo Shuai , Zhang Yaoxin , Li Changlong , Tan Swee Ching
Published: March 2023

Breathable, flexible, and highly sensitive pressure sensors have drawn increasing attention due to their potential in wearable electronics for body‐motion monitoring, human‐machine interfaces, etc. However, current pressure sensors are usually assembled with polymer substrates or encapsulation layers, thus causing discomfort during wearing (i.e., low air/vapor permeability, mechanical mismatch) and restricting their applications. A breathable and flexible pressure sensor is reported with nonwoven fabrics as both the electrode (printed with MXene interdigitated electrode) and sensing (coated with MXene/silver nanowires) layers via a scalable screen‐printing approach. Benefiting from the multi‐layered porous structure, the sensor demonstrates good air permeability with high sensitivity (770.86–1434.89 kPa−1), a wide sensing range (0–100 kPa), fast response/recovery time (70/81 ms), and low detection limit (≈1 Pa). Particularly, this sensor can detect full‐scale human motion (i.e., small‐scale pulse beating and large‐scale walking/running) with high sensitivity, excellent cycling stability, and puncture resistance. Additionally, the sensing layer of the pressure sensor also displays superior sensitivity to humidity changes, which is verified by successfully monitoring human breathing and spoken words while wearing a sensor‐embedded mask. Given the outstanding features, this breathable sensor shows promise in the wearable electronic field for body health monitoring, sports activity detection, and disease diagnosis.