bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum calprotectin as a marker of neonatal sepsis: a hospital-based cross-sectional diagnostic study
Authors: Ramineni Pardha , Kamath Sowmini Padmanabh , Manjrekar Poornima , Kamath Padmanabh , Mithra Prasanna , Kulkarni Vaman
Published: June 2023

Background: Despite significant advances in neonatal care, neonatal sepsis remains a major contributor to mortality, morbidity, and protracted hospitalization. The development of early possible diagnostic indicators for newborn sepsis is critical. Since calprotectin participates in major biological processes, it could be a diagnostic marker for infection/inflammation. This study aimed to estimate serum calprotectin in neonates with clinical sepsis. In addition, we compared serum calprotectin with standard sepsis markers and serum procalcitonin to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional diagnostic study of neonates identified with clinical sepsis using standard criteria was carried out. We compared estimated serum calprotectin levels to serum procalcitonin levels and conventional sepsis markers (leucocyte count, blood culture, immature to total neutrophil ratio, and C- reactive protein). We used SPSS version 25 to analyze the data. To examine diagnostic accuracy and determine a cut-off value for serum calprotectin, we used the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve.

Results: Of the 83 subjects included, 36.5% (30/83) had blood culture positive status, the median value of serum calprotectin being 0.93 ng/ml (0.67 to 1.3). Respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal instabilities were present in 67.5% (56/83), 59% (49/83), and 50.1% (42/83) cases, respectively. The presence of positive and negative blood cultures did not significantly affect sepsis parameters (p=0.09). On ROC, calprotectin was not predictive for blood culture positivity (sensitivity: 50%; specificity: 44% at 0.83 ng/ml of serum calprotectin) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (sensitivity: 57%; specificity: 67% at serum calprotectin levels of 0.89 ng/ml). However, compared with serum procalcitonin, serum calprotectin at 1.2 ng/ml had sensitivity and specificity of 60% and 73%, respectively. 

Conclusions: Serum calprotectin did not show a distinct advantage over the existing sepsis markers. Serum calprotectin level at 1.2 ng/ml had a sensitivity and specificity of 60% and 73%, respectively, compared to serum procalcitonin in detecting neonatal sepsis.
Discordant results among major histocompatibility complex binding affinity prediction tools
Authors: Nguyen Austin , Nellore Abhinav , Thompson Reid F.
Published: June 2023

Background: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles are critical components of the immune system’s ability to recognize and eliminate tumors and infections. A large number of machine learning-based major histocompatibility complex (MHC) binding affinity (BA) prediction tools have been developed and are widely used for both investigational and therapeutic applications, so it is important to explore differences in tool outputs.

Methods: We examined predictions of four popular tools (netMHCpan, HLAthena, MHCflurry, and MHCnuggets) across a range of possible peptide sources (human, viral, and randomly generated) and MHC class I alleles.

Results: We uncovered inconsistencies in predictions of BA, allele promiscuity and the relationship between physical properties of peptides by source and BA predictions, as well as quality of training data. We found amount of training data does not explain inconsistencies between tools and yet for all tools, predicted binding quantities are similar between human and viral proteomes. Lastly, we find peptide physical properties are associated with allele-specific binding predictions.

Conclusions: Our work raises fundamental questions about the fidelity of peptide-MHC binding prediction tools and their real-world implications. The real-world use of these prediction tools for theoretical binding of peptides to alleles is worrying, as the range of allele promiscuity is substantial yet does not differentiate between potential foreign versus self-antigens. Evaluating more viruses – as well as bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens – and linking these analyses with metrics such as evolutionary distance may give greater insight into the relationship between HLA evolution and disease.
Evidence of the Unintended Labor Scheduling Implications of the Minimum Wage
Authors: Yu Qiuping , Mankad Shawn , Shunko Masha
Published: June 2023

Problem definition: The effect of the minimum wage is an important yet controversial topic that has received attention for decades. Our study is the first to take an operational lens and empirically study the impact of the minimum wage on firms’ scheduling practices. Methodology/results: Using a highly granular data set from a chain of fashion retail stores, we estimate that a $1 increase in the minimum wage, although having a negligible impact on the total labor hours used by the stores, leads to a 27.7% increase in the number of workers scheduled per week, but a 19.4% reduction in weekly hours per worker. For an average store in California, these changes translate into four extra workers and five fewer hours per worker per week. Such scheduling adjustment not only reduces the total wage compensation per worker but also reduces workers’ eligibility for benefits. We also show that the minimum wage increase reduces the consistency of weekly and daily schedules for workers. For example, the absolute (relative) deviation in weekly hours worked by each worker increases by up to 32.9% (6.6%) and by up to 9.7% (2.1%) in daily hours, as the minimum wage increases by $1. Managerial implications: Our study empirically identifies and highlights a new operational mechanism through which increasing the minimum wage may negatively impact worker welfare. Our further analysis suggests that the combination of the reduced hours, lower eligibility for benefits, and less consistent schedules (that resulted from the minimum wage increase) may substantially hurt worker welfare, even when the overall employment at the stores stay unchanged. By better understanding the intrinsic tradeoff of firms’ scheduling decisions, policy makers can better design minimum wage policies that will truly benefit workers.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.1212 .
The power of poetry
Authors: Hacking Charlotte
Published: June 2023

In a survey in January this year the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) and Macmillan Children's Books found that poetry is read aloud less than once a week in 93 per cent of primary schools, and in nearly 20 per cent of schools children never hear a poem read aloud. Charlotte Hacking, Learning and Programme director at CLPE shares her tips for using poetry in early years settings as a key vehicle to teach children about language as well as inspire a love of reading.
The Review of Domestic Research on Traditional Korean Medicine for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Nam Hyun seo
Published: June 2023

This study was conducted to examine the current status of traditional korean medicine studies on gastroesophageal reflux disease in Korea, identify deficiencies, and suggest the direction of future medicine research methods to lay the foundation for traditional korean medicine treatment. All domestic papers on the korean traditional treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease were selected among the literature published until August 2022 in six domestic databases. A total of 52 selected research data were classified into experimental research papers, clinical research papers, and review papers. In experimental papers, to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, improvement of esophageal mucosal lesions, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, antioxidant mechanisms, esophageal mucosal protection mechanisms, gastric peristalsis control, and gastric acid secretion inhibition mechanisms were used as evaluation measures. In the clinical research paper, the basis for diagnosis of cases was clinical symptoms through medical history listening and diagnosis through visits to hospitals in the past. The average treatment period was 40.7 days, and the duration of treatment was not significantly affected by the duration of the disease. The most widely used Korean medicine treatment intervention was herbal medicine. There were 3 literature review studies, 3 systematic literature review and meta-analysis studies, 1 comparative review study for clinical trial guideline development, all using Chinese papers. This study included all domestic papers on gastroesophageal reflux disease to identify the research trend of the Korean oriental medicine community, and based on this, it is meaningful to confirm areas that need to be supplemented in future research plans.
Short-Run Market Access and the Construction of Better Transportation Infrastructure in Mexico
Authors: Pérez-Cervantes Fernando , Sandoval-Hernández Aldo
Published: June 2023

We calculate the short-run effect that the construction of the Durango-Mazatlán highway in late 2013 and the Mexico City-Tuxpan highway in early 2014 produced on welfare in every municipality and on market access in every location of Mexico. Our estimates suggest that the former highway produced benefits not only in the region where the new highway is located, but in vast areas in the north of the country. Analogous estimates show that the latter highway mostly benefited regions near Tuxpan, but these focalized benefits were larger than any of the benefits derived from the construction of the Durango-Mazatlán highway. The municipalities in the south of the country have net short-run losses from the infrastructure construction due to losses in competitiveness. Our model is consistent with the observed sectoral growth in Sinaloa, Durango, and Veracruz in 2014. Qualitatively, market access and welfare change in the same direction and magnitudes. We thus recommend using the market access approach for short-run analysis of infrastructure, because it is much less computationally intensive.
Orienting Nietzsche's "Nearest Things" in Kafka's Letters to Felice
Authors: Marsden Jill
Published: June 2023

Franz Kafka's five-year correspondence with Felice Bauer is marked by an unusual fascination with the practice of writing and receiving letters and with the minutiae of the everyday. I suggest that Friedrich Nietzsche's notion of the "nearest things" illuminates Kafka's letter-writing as an embodied style or "orientation" of thought.
Zeno 2.0: A Psychoanalytic Dialogue between Zeno’s Conscience and Portnoy’s Complaint
Authors: Mędrzak Marta
Published: June 2023

This essay compares Italo Svevo’s Zeno’s Conscience and Philip Roth’s Portnoy’s Complaint , focusing on the use of psychoanalysis as a literary stratagem. The many surprising similarities between the two novels, both in terms of plot and narrative technique, strongly suggest that Zeno’s Conscience served Roth if not as a model, at least as an inspiration. The essay also reflects on the differences between Zeno and Portnoy .
The evolution of electrocardiographic abnormalities in the elderly with Chagas disease during 14 years of follow-up: The Bambui Cohort Study of Aging
Authors: Brito Bruno Oliveira Figueiredo , Lima Emilly Malveira , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Silva Eduardo Fernandes , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz Pinho
Published: June 2023

Background

The natural history of Chagas disease (ChD) in older ages is largely unknown, and it is a matter of controversy if the disease continues to progress in the elderly.

Objective

To investigate the evolution of electrocardiographic abnormalities in T. cruzi chronically infected community-dwelling elderly compared to non-infected (NChD) subjects and how it affects this population’s survival in a follow-up of 14 years.

Methods and results

A 12-lead ECG of each individual of the Bambui Cohort Study of Aging was obtained in 1997, 2002, and 2008, and the abnormalities were classified using the Minnesota Code. The influence of ChD on the ECG evolution was assessed by semi-competing risks considering a new ECG abnormality as the primary event and death as the terminal event. A Cox regression model to evaluate the population survival was conducted at a landmark point of 5.5 years. The individuals of both groups were compared according to the following categories: Normal, Maintained, New, and More by the development of ECG major abnormalities between 1997 and 2002. Among the participants, the ChD group had 557 individuals (median age: 68 years) and NChD group had 905 individuals (median age: 67 years). ChD was associated with a higher risk of development of a new ECG abnormality [HR: 2.89 (95% CI 2.28–3.67)]. The development of a new major ECG abnormality increases the risk of death ChD patients compared to those that maintain a normal ECG [HR: 1.93 (95% CI 1.02–3.65)].

Conclusion

ChD is still associated with a higher risk of progression to cardiomyopathy in the elderly. The occurrence of a new major ECG abnormality in ChD patients predicts a higher risk of death.
Masking our emotions: Emotion recognition and perceived intensity differ by race and use of medical masks
Authors: Li Ashley Y. , Rawal Disha P. , Chen Vanessa V. , Hostetler Nathan , Compton Shannon A. H. , Stewart Emma K. , Ritchie Mary B. , Mitchell Derek G. V.
Published: June 2023

Although medical masks have played a key role in decreasing the transmission of communicable disease, they simultaneously reduce the availability of nonverbal cues fundamental to social interaction. In the present study, we determined the collective impact of medical masks on emotional expression recognition and perceived intensity as a function of actor race. Participants completed an emotional expression recognition task involving stimuli with or without medical masks. Across six basic emotional facial expressions, medical masks were associated with significantly more emotional expression recognition errors. Overall, the effects associated with race varied depending on the emotion and appearance of masks. Whereas recognition accuracy was higher for White relative to Black actors for anger and sadness, the opposite pattern was observed for disgust. Medical mask-wearing exacerbated actor-race related recognition differences for anger and surprise, but attenuated these differences for fear. Emotional expression intensity ratings were significantly reduced for all emotions except fear, where masks were associated with increased perceived intensity. Masks further increased already higher intensity ratings for anger in Black versus White actors. In contrast, masks eliminated the tendency to give higher intensity ratings for Black versus White sad and happy facial expressions. Overall, our results suggest that the interaction between actor race and mask wearing status with respect to emotional expression judgements is complex, varying by emotion in both direction and degree. We consider the implications of these results particularly in the context of emotionally charged social contexts, such as in conflict, healthcare, and policing.
PrEP awareness and use among reproductive age women in Miami, Florida
Authors: Nogueira Nicholas Fonseca , Luisi Nicole , Salazar Ana S. , Cherenack Emily M. , Raccamarich Patricia , Klatt Nichole R. , Jones Deborah L. , Alcaide Maria L.
Published: June 2023

Background

Miami, Florida is an epicenter of the HIV epidemic in the US, with 20% of new HIV infections occurring in women. Despite effectiveness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV, only 10% of eligible women benefit from its use.

Setting

This study evaluates PrEP awareness and use, and factors associated with PrEP awareness among sexually active women in Miami, Florida.

Methods

Results reported in this study included cross-sectional data that were collected as part of a baseline visit from a parent study. Cis-gender, HIV-negative, 18-45-year-old, sexually active women were recruited as part of a study evaluating recurrent bacterial vaginosis and HIV risk. Participants completed questionnaires assessing socio-demographics, HIV risk factors, prior history of HIV testing and reproductive tract infections, PrEP awareness and use. Relationships between variables and PrEP awareness were analyzed and multivariable logistic regression identified variables strongly associated with PrEP awareness.

Results

Among the 295 women enrolled, median age was 31 (24–38) years, 49% Black, 39% White, and 34% Hispanic. Of 63% who knew about PrEP, only 5% were on PrEP. Women with income below poverty line (OR = 2.00[1.04,3.87];p = 0.04), more male sexual partners in past month (OR = 1.30[1.01,1.68];p = 0.04), lifetime HIV testing (OR = 6.42[2.83,14.52];p<0.01), and current bacterial vaginosis (OR = 2.28[1.18,4.40];p = 0.01) were more likely to be aware of PrEP. Lower odds of PrEP awareness were associated with being Black (OR = 0.38[0.15,0.96];p = 0.04), Hispanic (OR = 0.18[0.08,0.39];p<0.01), heterosexual (OR = 0.29[0.11,0.77];p<0.01), and reporting inconsistent condom use during vaginal sex (OR = 0.21[0.08,0.56];p<0.01).

Conclusion

PrEP awareness is low among reproductive age women in a high-risk setting. Culturally tailored interventions are needed to increase PrEP awareness and uptake, especially among Black and Hispanic women with inconsistent condom use during vaginal sex with male partners.
Parent and early childhood educator perspectives of unstructured nature play for young children: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Dankiw Kylie A. , Kumar Saravana , Baldock Katherine L. , Tsiros Margarita D.
Published: June 2023

Nature play is growing in popularity, with many early childhood settings transforming their outdoor play environments to incorporate more natural elements. Current research highlights the benefits of engaging in unstructured nature play for children’s health and development; yet little is known about the experiences of key nature play end-users such as parents and early childhood educators, even though they directly impact the application of nature play within early childhood settings. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by exploring parent and early childhood educator (ECE) perspectives to gain an understanding about their experiences with nature play. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, semi-structured in-person and telephone interviews were conducted with 18 ECE and 13 parents across four early childhood centres (from various socio-economic regions) across metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia during 2019–2020. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis identified five main themes; positive affirmations of nature play, factors influencing nature play engagement, defining nature play, outdoor play space design and risky play. Children’s connection to the natural world, learning about sustainability, emotional regulation, and children discovering their own capabilities were perceived advantages of engaging in nature play. Despite the benefits, ECE’s described institutional barriers such as resourcing, adhering to policies and scheduling conflicts, whereas, parents described time, getting dirty and proximity to nature play spaces as barriers to nature play engagement. Parents and ECEs alike described adults as gatekeepers for play, especially when other daily tasks compete for their time, or when faced with weather-imposed barriers (cold, rain, extreme heat in summer). The findings suggest that parents and ECEs may need additional resources and guidance on how to engage with nature play and how to overcome barriers within early childhood settings and the home environment.
Profiling leadership: Attitudes, knowledge and training in the biological sciences
Authors: Brown James A. L.
Published: June 2023

The development and practice of good leadership skills (distinct from management skills) enhances both an individual’s career development, and their organization. However, universities are known to present unique issues around the development, and practice, of good leadership. Good leadership skills should be considered essential for university staff who train (and mentor) staff or students. Currently, there is no clear evidence that staff in the biological (life) sciences undergo formal (routine) leadership skills training (or appraisal). Furthermore, what leadership training this group needs, or wants, is unknown. A questionnaire was designed to explore leadership dimensions (roles, training, perceptions, and attitudes), and incorporated the Leadership Attitudes and Belief scale (LABS) instrument. Including LABS allows evaluation of leadership attitudes as either Systemic (individual responsibility) or Hierarchical (chain-of-command). Self-selecting biological science academics and staff were recruited using an online survey. Analysis focused on academic staff (lecturer/Assistant professor, and above), and explored the relationship of leadership dimensions with key categories (career stage, gender, age, role, and professional experience). Staff were found to be knowledgeable about what leadership is, but strongly desire formal training in leadership skills and practice. Importantly, staff did not have access to specific leadership training (but did have access to management training), but felt strongly that gaining leadership skills would improve their professional skill set. Analysis found that academics in the biological sciences were oriented towards Systemic leadership, a more collective and supportive approach. It was clear that while good leadership skills are highly valued by academic staff, in practice these skills are underprovided in the biological sciences workplace. This work provides a profile, and benchmark, of leadership (current skills, and desired needs) in the biological sciences. These results provide evidence for the need to embed specific leadership skills training into professional development (and teaching) programmes in the biological sciences.
A special satellite-like RNA of a novel hypovirus from Pestalotiopsis fici broadens the definition of fungal satellite
Authors: Han Zhenhao , Liu Jiwen , Kong Linghong , He Yunqiang , Wu Hongqu , Xu Wenxing
Published: June 2023

Satellites associated with plant or animal viruses have been largely detected and characterized, while those from mycoviruses together with their roles remain far less determined. Three dsRNA segments (dsRNA 1 to 3 termed according to their decreasing sizes) were identified in a strain of phytopathogenic fungus Pestalotiopsis fici AH1-1 isolated from a tea leaf. The complete sequences of dsRNAs 1 to 3, with the sizes of 10316, 5511, and 631 bp, were determined by random cloning together with a RACE protocol. Sequence analyses support that dsRNA1 is a genome of a novel hypovirus belonging to genus Alphahypovirus of the family Hypoviridae, tentatively named Pestalotiopsis fici hypovirus 1 (PfHV1); dsRNA2 is a defective RNA (D-RNA) generating from dsRNA1 with septal deletions; and dsRNA3 is the satellite component of PfHV1 since it could be co-precipitated with other dsRNA components in the same sucrose fraction by ultra-centrifuge, suggesting that it is encapsulated together with PfHV1 genomic dsRNAs. Moreover, dsRNA3 shares an identical stretch (170 bp) with dsRNAs 1 and 2 at their 5′ termini and the remaining are heterogenous, which is distinct from a typical satellite that generally has very little or no sequence similarity with helper viruses. More importantly, dsRNA3 lacks a substantial open reading frame (ORF) and a poly (A) tail, which is unlike the known satellite RNAs of hypoviruses, as well as unlike those in association with Totiviridae and Partitiviridae since the latters are encapsidated in coat proteins. As up-regulated expression of RNA3, dsRNA1 was significantly down-regulated, suggesting that dsRNA3 negatively regulates the expression of dsRNA1, whereas dsRNAs 1 to 3 have no obvious impact on the biological traits of the host fungus including morphologies and virulence. This study indicates that PfHV1 dsRNA3 is a special type of satellite-like nucleic acid that has substantial sequence homology with the host viral genome without encapsidation in a coat protein, which broadens the definition of fungal satellite.
Hijab sebagai Self Control terhadap Penetrasi Korean Wave
Authors: Surawan Surawan , Mustika Pertiwi Endah
Published: June 2023

Korean wave merupakan produk budaya sebagai dampak dari globalisasi yang disukai oleh masyarakat dunia, tidak terkecuali di Indonesia. Korean wave hadir dengan berbagai produk budaya yang menarik, salah satunya adalah daya berpakaian. Masalah kemudian muncul akibat tren pakaian korea yang dianggapcenderung lebih modern dan mengaburkan nuansa berpakaian sesuai dengan norma. Terlebih lagi penggunaan hijab di kalangan remaja muslimah. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji persepsi penggunaan hijab sebagai bentuk self control terhadap Korean wave. Penulisan paper ini berupa kajian pustaka (library research) yang bersifat deskriptif. Pengumpulan data berupa dokumentasi yang dimaksud dalam penelitian ini adalah berupa catatan peristiwa yang sudah berlalu, gambar, tulisan, atau karya dari seseorang. Penggunaan hijab dinilai dapat menjadi self control bagi para penggemar sesuai dengan tiga aspek persepsi yaitu perilaku, kognitif, dan pengambilan keputusan.
[The Korean wave is a cultural product because of globalization which is favored by the world community, and Indonesia is no exception. The Korean wave comes with a variety of interestingcultural products, one of which is the power of clothing. Problems then arise due to the trend of Korean clothing which is considered to be more modern and obscures the nuances of dressing according to the norm. Moreover, the use of hijab among Muslim youth. This article aims to examine the perception of wearing the hijab as a form of self-control towards the Korean wave. The writing of this paper is in the form of a descriptive library research. Data collection in the form of documentation referred to in this study is in the form of records of events that have passed, pictures, writings, or the workof someone. The use of the hijab is considered to be self-control for fans according to three aspects of perception, namely behavior, cognitive and decision-making.]
Nadia Lamamra, Morgane Kuehni, Séverine Rey (dir.) – Finalités et usages de la formation professionnelle
Authors: Duemmler Kerstin
Published: June 2023

Recensé : Nadia Lamamra, Morgane Kuehni, Séverine Rey (dir.), Finalités et usages de la formation professionnelle. Apprendre un métier, trouver un emploi, poursuivre ses études, Lausanne, Antipodes (« Existences et Sociétés »), 2021, 295 p.
Kepuasan Pelaku Industri Terhadap Upaya Pembangunan Industri di Kabupaten Temanggung
Authors: Prihestiwi Rosa Calista , Ma'rif Samsul
Published: June 2023

The industrial sector is considered capable of improving the community's economy. Temanggung Regency become superior industrial investment, this can be proven by the increasing number of industries, the contribution of the industrial sector to the economy of Temanggung Regency, and the number of workers in the industrial sector. Various industrial development efforts have been carried out by the Temanggung Regency Government in order to facilitate industrial activities in Temanggung Regency. Efforts that have been made is developing regions, developing industrial resources, developing industrial facilities and infrastructure, and licensing implementation. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to identify the satisfaction of industrial enterpreneur, who utilize industrial development efforts in Temanggung Regency. The data collection method is questionnaire, while the analytical method is the Customer Service Index (CSI) analysis to identify the level of satisfaction of industrial enterpreneur and the gap analysis to identify indicators of industrial development efforts that require improvement. The results of this reseacrh is the satisfaction of industrial enterpreneur on "satisfied" level with a value of 69.74%; but there are still indicators of industrial development that need to be improved, that are the sources of finance, the availability of assistance for industrial activities, and involvement in export assistance and promotion of industrial products.
Kualitas Fasilitas Difabel Kursi Roda Berdasarkan Pengguna Di Taman Kambang Iwak Besak, Palembang
Authors: Rafida Kurniatillah , Nurini Nurini
Published: June 2023

A good urban park should be easily accessible and friendly for people with disabilities because they have the same right in accessing the park. Kambang Iwak Besak Park is the most visited active urban park in Palembang. Besides, Kambang Iwak Besak Park is often visited by wheelchair disabilities people because there are some facilities that are available for them. However, there are some disabilities facilities problems, such as very steep ramps and the size of facilities for the wheelchair disabilities which do not met the standarFds yet. According to this quality problem of the wheelchair disabled facilities, this study aimed to find out the quality of the wheelchair facilities based on the users in Kambang Iwak Besak Park. This research used quantitative approach with descriptive analysis methods. Descriptive analysis was used to see the availability of the facilities wheelchair. The results of this study showed that the quality of wheelchair disabled facilities are still poor. From 6 variables, only 1 variable has good quality, which is the pedestrian path. The 5 variables that are still not good enough are the entrance lane, the parking area, the drinking place, and toilets. It is related to the accessibility of facilities, ease of access, comforts, and safety.
Transformasi Perumahan pada Kawasan Rumah Susun Pekunden di Kota Semarang
Authors: Diovanni Ajeng Puspita , Sunarti Sunarti
Published: June 2023

Kondisi Rusun Pekunden saat ini terlihat kumuh. Perubahan yang terjadi pada unit hunian, sarana dan prasarananya dikhawatirkan dapat memberikan dampak negatif bagi penghuni dan kualitas lingkungan Rusun Pekunden. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis bentuk transformasi perumahan beserta faktor-faktor sosio-ekonomi yang mempengaruhi kecenderungan penghuni dalam melakukan perubahan perumahan di kawasan Rusun Pekunden. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah metode kuantitatif dengan teknik sampling jenuh (sensus), dimana seluruh populasi yaitu 88 pemilik rumah menjadi responden. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data primer dengan kuesioner serta teknik analisis berupa statististik deskriptif dan crosstab. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa bentuk transformasi di kawasan Rusun Pekunden termasuk kedalam kategori minor transformation dengan rata-rata persentase perubahan tiap aspek sebesar 18,15%. Transformasi tersebut dipengaruhi oleh perubahan perilaku penghuni serta beberapa faktor sosio-ekonominya yaitu jumlah anggota keluarga, pendapatan, lama tinggal, status kepemilikan dan tipe hunian. Meskipun transformasinya masih tergolong kecil, namun sudah terdapat tanda-tanda kekumuhan di Kawasan Rusun Pekunden. Oleh karena itu, dibutuhkan pengawasan secara lebih ketat dan berkala oleh lembaga yang sesuai dengan perannya agar dapat mencegah Rusun Pekunden menjadi kumuh kembali dan tetap layak huni.
EVALUASI RUTE BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) BERDASARKAN ASPEK KETERJANGKAUAN (STUDI KASUS: KOTA SEMARANG)
Authors: Kundani Frida Khairunisa , Basuki Yudi
Published: June 2023

The transportation system is affected by activity, movement, and network. If a transportation system is unable to keep up with the activities and movements of the community, there will be various transportation system problems such as networks. One of the problems in meeting the needs of the community movement is the uneven range of BRT services. The results of the analysis conducted by researchers based on the results of analysis of existing BRT service routes obtained that 72% of areas in Semarang city are already served, but based on the results of the analysis of brt service route recommendations obtained that 86% of areas in Semarang city are already served brt routes.. Based on the results of the study, there is 1 BRT route recommendation and 3 feeder route recommendations (PP).
Prioritas Pemilihan Moda transportasi Wisata Menuju Objek Wisata Lawang Sewu, Kota Semarang
Authors: Ramadhan Zasryan , Widjonarko Widjonarko
Published: June 2023

Menurut data dari Disporapar Jateng tahun 2019, sebanyak 7.232.342 wisatawan mengunjungi Kota Semarang. Wisatawan tersebut dibagi menjadi 7.150.343 wisatawan nusantara dan 81.999 wisatawan mancanegara. Dari 7.150.343 wisatawan domestik, sebanyak 3.024.536 wisatawan nusantara mengunjungi Lawang Sewu. Pemerintah Kota Semarang mengeluarkan Surat Keputusan Walikota No. 650/50/1992, memasukkan Lawang Sewu sebagai salah satu dari 102 bangunan kuno atau bersejarah di Kota Semarang yang harus dilindungi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui prioritas moda transportasi wisatawan untuk mencapai objek wisata Lawang Sewu. Melalui metode Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) ditemukan bahwa prioritas wisatawan menggunakan mobil sebesar 50,88%, motor sebesar 31,95%, dan BRT Trans Semarang dengan 17,18% dengan kriteria kenyamanan menjadi kriteria yang paling mempengaruhi dengan 43,54%. Ditambah dengan hasil dari analisis multi kriteria ditemukan bahwa mobil merupakan pilihan utama dengan 49,76%. Menandakan bahwa prioritas penggunaan kendaraan untuk menuju objek wisata Lawang Sewu yaitu kendaraan pribadi lebih tepatnya mobil. Hasil dari AHP dan dikaitkan dengan transportasi yang berkelanjutan didapatkan rekomendasi yaitu memberikan lahan parkir dengan instrument pengendali yaitu tarif parkir yang progresif untuk mengendalikan jumlah kendaraan pribadi secara jangka pendek dan meningkatkan kualitas BRT Trans Semarang dalam hal kenyamanan dan keamanan agar wisatawan mulai pindah menggunakan kendaraan umum dibandingkan kendaraan pribadi.
EVALUASI KETERSEDIAAN PRASARANA PERMUKIMAN DI KELURAHAN WULUNG
Authors: Maharani Tifa Eri , Suwandono Djoko
Published: June 2023

Peningkatan jumlah penduduk berpengaruh terhadap peningkatan aktivitas masyarakat. Peningkatan aktivitas masyarakat perlu diimbangi dengan penyediaan prasarana penunjang yang memadai mengacu pada SNI 03-1733-2004. Sebagai pusat kegiatan lokal di Kecamatan Randublatung, kelurahan wulung dilengkapi prasarana yang cukup lengkap. Tujuan yang ingin dicapai dalam penelitian ini adalah mengevaluasi ketersediaan prasarana permukiman di Kelurahan Wulung berdasarkan SNI dan persepsi masyarakat. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan analisis deskriptif kuantitatif dan komparatif. Analisis deskriptif kuantitatif digunakan untuk identifikasi hasil survei ketersediaan dan kondisi prasarana di lapangan serta hasil kuesioner. Analisis deskriptif komparatif digunakan untuk membandingkan hasil temuan dengan SNI dan persepsi masyarakat. Hasil yang didapat dalam penelitian ini yaitu ketersediaan prasarana permukiman di Kelurahan Wulung telah memenuhi standar dengan kondisi baik, permasalahan terjadi pada jaringan drainase yang mengalami penyumbatan akibat tanaman liar dan sampah, serta pada jaringan persampahan yang masih ditemukan sampah di pinggir jalan dan tepian sungai akibat kurangnya jangkauan pelayanan. Kata kunci: Evaluasi; Prasarana Permukiman; Persepsi Masyarakat;  Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI).
Dampak Kebijakan Penanganan Pandemi Covid 19 Berdasarkan Persepsi Masyarakat Kota Lama Semarang Sebagai Ruang Terbuka Publik
Authors: Aditya Tefi Liring , Wungo Grandy Loranessa
Published: June 2023

The goal to be achieved in this study is to find out how the public's perception of the implementation of the Covid 19 pandemic handling policy in the Kota Lama Semarang as a public space. That will be done by analyzing how the perception of people who are active in the Old City of Semarang after the pandemic handling policy in the Kota Lama Semarang As a public space the research method that will be used in this study is quantitative and qualitative methods, using descriptive analysis and scoring and weighting analysis. Data collection techniques used were questionnaires and interviews with community respondents who visited the Kota Lama Semarang.The results of this study are the results of an analysis that has been carried out in the aspect of an ideal public open space consisting of Comfort, Activities, Accessibility and Sociability which were selected based on the book Public Space by Stepher Carr and Public Space & Urban Spaces by Carmona, which was then carried out after scoring analysis. and supported by the interview results obtained very good results which show that the Kota Lama Semarang has been able to adapt to the existing pandemic conditions.
Allometric scaling of metabolic rate and cardiorespiratory variables in aquatic and terrestrial mammals
Authors: He Rebecca S. , De Ruiter Stacy , Westover Tristan , Somarelli Jason A. , Blawas Ashley M. , Dayanidhi Divya L. , Singh Ana , Steves Benjamin , Driesinga Samantha , Halsey Lewis G. , Fahlman Andreas
Published: June 2023

While basal metabolic rate (BMR) scales proportionally with body mass (Mb), it remains unclear whether the relationship differs between mammals from aquatic and terrestrial habitats. We hypothesized that differences in BMR allometry would be reflected in similar differences in scaling of O2 delivery pathways through the cardiorespiratory system. We performed a comparative analysis of BMR across 63 mammalian species (20 aquatic, 43 terrestrial) with a Mb range from 10 kg to 5318 kg. Our results revealed elevated BMRs in small (>10 kg and <100 kg) aquatic mammals compared to small terrestrial mammals. The results demonstrated that minute ventilation, that is, tidal volume (VT)·breathing frequency (fR), as well as cardiac output, that is, stroke volume·heart rate, do not differ between the two habitats. We found that the “aquatic breathing strategy”, characterized by higher VT and lower fR resulting in a more effective gas exchange, and by elevated blood hemoglobin concentrations resulting in a higher volume of O2 for the same volume of blood, supported elevated metabolic requirements in aquatic mammals. The results from this study provide a possible explanation of how differences in gas exchange may serve energy demands in aquatic versus terrestrial mammals.
Green synthesis of Kickxia elatine-induced silver nanoparticles and their role as anti-acetylcholinesterase in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Huda Noor Ul , Ghneim Hazem K. , Fozia Fozia , Ahmed Mushtaq , Mushtaq Nadia , Sher Naila , Khan Rahmat Ali , Ahmad Ijaz , Al-Sheikh Yazeed A. , Giesy John P. , Aboul-Soud Mourad A. M.
Published: June 2023

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the green method is favored as compared to chemical synthesis due to their appreciable properties of less toxicity and simple synthesis. The current study designed the biosynthesis of AgNPs in one step by using the plant Kickxia elatine (KE) extract and then investigated its inhibiting activity against rat’s brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) ex vivo. Ultraviolet spectrum at 416 nm confirmed the formation of AgNPs. X-ray diffractometer calculated size was reported to be 42.47 nm. The SEM analysis confirmed spherical-shaped AgNPs. FT-IR suggested that the phytochemical groups present in the KE extract and their nanoparticles (NPs) are responsible for the biosynthesized of NPs. EDX analysis presented that Ag was the chief element with 61.67%. Both KE extract and AgNPs showed significant anti-AChE activity at 175 µg·mL−1. Statistical analysis showed that both KE and AgNPs exhibited non-competitive type inhibition against AChE, i.e. V
max decreased (34.17–68.64% and 22.29–62.10%), while K
m values remained constant. It is concluded that KE and AgNPs can be considered an inhibitor of rats’ brain AChE. Furthermore, the synthesis of AgNP-based drugs can be used as a cheaper and alternative option against diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The K+ and Mg2+ decreased the adsorption of soy hull polysaccharides on glycocholic acid in vitro
Authors: Yang Lina , Cao Shufang , Wang Ziyi , Xie Mengxi , Cai Wenqi , Shi Taiyuan
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to explore the effect of ion on the interaction between soy hull polysaccharides (SHP) and glycocholic acid (GCA). The determination of bile acids (BAs) binding rate, FT-IR, and zeta potential revealed that the binding rate of SHP to GCA (fell about 14 %), hydrogen bond peak area (fell about 149), and zeta potential (fell about 13 %) showed a sharp downward trend after K+ and Mg2+ treatment. However, the apparent viscosity increased and the chain structure became closer, as detected by shear rheology and AFM analysis. The root mean square deviation, radius of gyration, and root mean square fluctuation levels were estimated through molecular dynamic simulations, revealing that adding mixed ions decreased the stability of the SHP–GCA complex at 50 ns. Therefore, it was meaningful to study the effect of ion species in the intestinal environment on the binding of dietary fibers to BAs. The findings might guide the selection of other food types during polysaccharide intake.
Optimization of divertor design for Pakistan spherical tokamak
Authors: Alam Ayesha , Ud-Din Khan Shahab , Abdullah Muhammad , Khan Riaz , Ilyas Muhammad , Chaudri Khurram Saleem , Ali Ahmad , Shakir Sehrish , Rehman Zia Ur , Zahid Shahzaib , Ali Rafaqat
Published: June 2023

Handling the power deposition, reducing erosion effects, and plasma configuration are the key factors in the design of a divertor. The design of Pakistan Spherical Tokamak (PST) is based on double-null divertor configuration with actively cooled graphite targets at outer/inner strike point and peak heat flux range capacity of 0.1–0.3 MW/m2. The configuration of PST divertor module is designed with mock-up (used flat type tiles on baffles and dome) and cassette (support PFC and cooling channels) technology. Helium-cooled stage and water-cooled stage are two options for divertor. Therefore, one part of this research is focused on water-cooling system for the divertor. This paper presents the divertor design for PST with cooling channel and material analysis of the divertor, which is carried out in three phases. In the first phase, the plasma edge temperature, density, particle velocity, input power, heat flux, and surface temperature are estimated. In second phase, physics and engineering design of divertor system has been performed. In the third phase, COMSOL simulation has been performed to analyses the material properties, surface temperature rise (∆T °C) at stable heat flux, and thermal hydraulic system for the divertor. It is found from the analysis that the specific heat flux of 0.3 MW/m2 up to 3 s is the safe zone limit. The R & D work ratifies that manufacturing and installation processes are plausible for the proposed divertor design. This design is able to meet the requirement of PST. However, increasing time or specific heat flux beyond these limits would require redesigning of the cooling channel.
Arterial spin labeling for moyamoya angiopathy: A preoperative and postoperative evaluation method
Authors: Yuxue Sun , Yan Wang , Bingqian Xue , Hao Liang , Chaoyue Li
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Studies have shown that arterial spin labeling (ASL) effectively replaces traditional MRI perfusion imaging for detecting cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA). However, there are few reports on the relationship between neovascularization and cerebral perfusion in patients with MMA. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of neovascularization on cerebral perfusion with MMA after bypass surgery.

Methods

We selected patients with MMA in the Department of Neurosurgery between September 2019 and August 2021 and enrolled them based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. ASL imaging was used to monitor the baseline CBF level before surgery and determine the changes in cerebral vessels at postoperative 1 week and 6 months, respectively. The Alberta stroke grade, modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and digital subtraction angiography images were used to evaluate the effect of postoperative CBF status and prognosis. Ninety hemispheres from 51 patients were included in this study. There were no significant differences in the baseline data of the enrolled patients. At 1 week and 6 months post-surgery, the CBF state in the operation area was significantly changed compared with that at baseline (P < 0.05). The preoperative Alberta score (t = 2.714, P = 0.013) and preoperative mRS score (t = 6.678, P < 0.001) correlated with postoperative neovascularization.

Conclusion

ASL is an effective method for detecting CBF and plays an important role in the long-term follow-up of patients with MMA. Combined cerebral revascularization significantly improves CBF in the operation area both in the short and long terms. Patients with lower preoperative Alberta scores and higher mRS scores were more likely to benefit from combined cerebral revascularization surgery. However, regardless of the type of patient, CBF reconstruction can effectively improve prognosis.
A review on advanced research of combine life of polystyrene (hard) and organic polymer (soft) materials: from 2018 to present
Authors: Arif Muhammad
Published: June 2023

The utilization of a combination of soft and hard materials with a core shell morphology (CSM) represents a distinctive approach for harnessing the properties of a single material. This field has garnered significant attention over the past decade. Core shell systems based on polystyrene offer a remarkable amalgamation of a solid component (polystyrene) and a flexible organic polymer, thereby enhancing the potential for catalysis, biological applications, and environmental studies within the core shell system (CSS). Various configurations of polystyrene-based CSS have been extensively documented in existing literature. The structural design of CSS plays a pivotal role in determining its applicability, which is why a specific morphology is depicted for each unique application. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the classification, synthesis, properties, characterization, and applications of polystyrene-based CSS. Additionally, it briefly discusses the recent developments in drug delivery, sensing, environmental studies, and catalysis involving polystyrene-based CSS over the past six years.
How does digital financial inclusion affect green economic development? A perspective from regional competitions
Authors: Song Chengcheng , Qiu Zhenyu , Yang Liuqingqing
Published: June 2023

Digital financial inclusion aims to bring financial services to a wider range of people and businesses at a much lower cost, using big data and cloud computing to capture and share information. At the same time, the Chinese government aims to build a green and sustainable economy. Therefore, this study analyzes the impact of digital financial inclusion on green economic efficiency and identifies the moderating role of regional competition based on the empirical analysis of data from 265 prefecture-level cities in China from 2010 to 2017. Our results indicate that (1) digital financial inclusion promotes the green economy, which has a significant positive spillover effect, (2) regional competition is beneficial for green economy development, but the interaction of digital financial inclusion and regional competition is detrimental, and (3) digital financial services make the largest positive contribution to the green economy, and digital payment services have the largest negative effect.
GH and IGF1 in cancer therapy resistance
Authors: Basu Reetobrata , Kopchick John J
Published: June 2023

Despite landmark advances in cancer treatments over the last 20 years, cancer remains the second highest cause of death worldwide, much ascribed to intrinsic and acquired resistance to the available therapeutic options. In this review, we address this impending issue, by focusing the spotlight on the rapidly emerging role of growth hormone action mediated by two intimately related tumoral growth factors – growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). Here, we not only catalog the scientific evidences relating specifically to cancer therapy resistance inflicted by GH and IGF1 but also discuss the pitfalls, merits, outstanding questions and the future need of exploiting GH–IGF1 inhibition to tackle cancer treatment successfully.