bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISA RASIO KEUANGAN UNTUK MENILAI KINERJA KEUANGAN PADA KOPERASI ALBASIKO II KECAMATAN KINALI KABUPATEN PASAMAN BARAT
Authors: Mardahleni Mardahleni
Published: November 2021

Cooperatives as a legal entity also need to look the development financial performance. Thus the cooperative can be found out how their abilities and how the efficiency should be carried out to maintain financial conditions to keep increasing over time. The purpose of this study was to know how the company's financial performance in the Cooperative Albasiko II during 2013-2015 using financial ratios. Cooperative performance Albasiko II in districts Kinali West Pasaman based on the liquidity ratio was not stable. Where the calculation of the ratio in 2013-2015 have increased and decreased. Based on the solvency ratio was not good than in 2013-2015 due to the cooperative debt increased every year. Pursuant to the profitability ratio was pretty good. From 2013 to 2014 increased quite high namely NPM by 22% to 31%. Although in 2015 dropped to 30%, which was not so significant.

Keywords: Financial Performance, Liquidity, Solvency and Profitability
ANALISIS RASIO PROFITABILITAS DALAM MENILAI KINERJA KEUANGAN PADA PT. HANJAYA MANADALA SAMPOERNA, TBK
Authors: Mardahleni Mardahleni
Published: November 2021

Financial evaluation is a very fundamental thing for a company, with a reasonable evaluation of the company's financial statements it will get information about the company's financial performance on a certain period. The purpose of this research is to know how financial performance of PTHanjaya mandala sampoernatbk, seen from profitability ratio analysis. The source of this research data is documentation in the form of financial statements consisting of balance sheet and income statement compiled by PT. Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna TBK during 2012 until 2016. The method of analysis used in this study is a quantitative analysis of data analysis by performing a comparison of the results of financial ratio analysis (profitability ratios) for the period to be studied. The result of analysis shows that from the ratio of Gross Profit Margin (GPM) and Net Profit Margin (NPM) the company's financial performance is considered not good because the average rate is below the industry average. While from the analysis of return on equity (ROE) and return on investment (ROI) performance of the company is considered good because the average rate is above the industry average rate.
PENGARUH KOMPETENSI TENAGA PENJUALAN, KUALITAS HUBUNGAN DAN SISTEM KONTROL TERHADAP KINERJA TENAGA PENJUALAN (STUDI KASUS PADA PT. BRI CABANG SOLOK)
Authors: Usvita Mega
Published: November 2021

This research is intended to see how the influence of sales force competence, relationship quality and control system to salesperson performance (case study at PT BRI, Branch Solok). The population and sample in this study used a saturated sample in which all employees account officers (AO), amounting to 60 people. From the result of this research, it can be found that sales competence variable (X1), quality of relationship (X2) and control system (X3) have positive and significant salesperson performance (Y) with significant level is 0,000. The magnitude of the influence of sales force competence (X1), relationship quality (X2) and control system (X3) on salesperson performance (Y) is 0,307 (R2 = 30,7%).
KEBIJAKAN PENGEMBANGAN OBJEK WISATA PEMANDIAN LUBUK TAMPURUNG DIKELURAHAN KURANJI KECAMATAN KURANJI KOTA PADANG PROVINSI SUMATERA BARAT
Authors: Helmawati Helmawati
Published: November 2021

The only tourism attraction with waterfall based located closest to the center of Padang city administration.isPemandianLubukTampuruang. This attraction is still natural, had not been built and managed by local government as well as the private sector in the Belimbing sub district, The district of Belimbing, Padang,West Sumatra province. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to formulate appropriate policies to be applied in the development of tourism attractions that can improve Micro, Small, Medium EnterpriseS (UMKM) in the area. This research employed SWOT analysis, by analyzing the strengths and weaknesses (internal), opportunities and threats (external) in the tourism object Pemandian LubukTampuruang. The data used are primary data and secondary data. Based on this research, its main strength is that it is the only waterfall tourist attraction in the city that is easy to be reached, while the weakness is inadequate infrastructure.The opportunitiesof this attraction is it has the potential to be a good quality tourism attraction while the threats to be anticipated is a sudden natural disaster that would have a negative impact and impede the development of the attraction. Suggested strategy in developing Pemandian LubukTampuruang Baths is SO strategy (Strengths Opportunitis) which is a strategy to maximize the existing strengths in the location to seize opportunities that will make this attraction even better than before.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI ORANG TUA DALAM PENGAMBILAN KEPUTUSAN MEMILIH SEKOLAH DASAR ISLAM AL-AZHAR 32 PADANG
Authors: Rosha Zeshasina , Wati Linda , Dharma Surya
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of: teaching quality, teacher quality, school location, religion, school facilities, school image, school fees, school environment, and school security towards decision making parents in choosing Islamic primary school Al-Azhar 32 Padang. The population of this study are parents of students of Islamic Elementary School Al-Azhar 32 Padang registered academic year 2017/2018. The sampling technique is purposive sampling. The primary data was collected by using questionnaires given to 260 parents of students who became respondents. Hypothesis testing is done by using Multiple Linear Regression and Partial Test (t-Test). The results showed that the factors that significantly influence the parents in decision making choose SDIA 32 Padang are the quality of teaching, religion, school image, and school fees. Other factors such as teacher quality, school location, school facilities, school environment, and school security have no significant effect.

Keywords: Decisions Making, The Factors that Influence The Decision
ANALISIS KINERJA PEDAGANG PASAR ALAI DAN FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHINYA
Authors: Trianita Mery , Yuhelmi Yuhelmi
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted to determine how the influence of the initial capital, long effort and hours of work on the performance of the market traders alai Padang. The respondents are all traders who sell in the market of alai which has shops , a variety of types of businesses and turnover are almost the same. Sampling done by the census where all the population into the sample in this study as many as 56 people traders. To test the hypothesis, this research uses multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the analysis obtained that the initial capital and long efforts has a significant influence on the Performance of the market traders alai. While working Hours have no effect on the performance of the market traders Alai.

Keywords : Initial Capital, Long Effort and Hours of Work
PENGARUH FAKTOR PRIBADI, ORGANISASI DAN NON ORGANISASI TERHADAP KOMITMEN ORGANISASI KARYAWAN PADA PT. PLN AREA BUKITTINGGI
Authors: Rahmad Rahmad , Sabri Sabri , Nasfi Nasfi
Published: November 2021

Organizational commitment is an interesting focus to be discussed at PT. PLN (persero) Bukittinggi area, this has led to the growing development of organizational commitment in an employee, will be able to reduce the emergence of negative work that appears in the organization, such as employee work strikes, employee demonstrations, work absenteeism numbers, feeling unlucky at work and turnover.Regarding the purpose of this study to analyze and prove personal factors on organizational commitment, analyze and prove organizational factors on commitment, analyze and prove non-organizational factors on organizational commitment and analyze and prove together personal factors, organizational factors and non-organizational factors towards organizational commitment to PT. PLN (persero) Bukitinggi Area.The population in this study were all employees and employees of PT. PLN (persero) Bukittinggi Area consisting of permanent employees and freelancers exceeding company leadership totaling more than 63 people in which the research sample used the census method for each employee in the PT. PLN (persero) Bukittinggi Area consists of 63 employees. Analysis of research data using multiple linear regression methods.The results of this study are personal factors (X1) significant to organizational commitment (Y) at PT. PLN (persero) Bukitinggi Area of 0.638 with a significance value of 0,000, organizational factors (X2) significantly influence organizational commitment (Y) at PT.PLN (persero) Bukitinggi Area of 0.091 with a significance value of 0.018, non-organizational factors (X3) significantly influence organizational commitment (Y) at PT. PLN (persero) Bukitinggi Area of 0.448 with a significance value of 0.007 and personal factors (X1), organizational factors (X2) and non-organizational factors (X3) significantly influence organizational commitment (Y) at PT. PLN (persero) Bukitinggi Area with an F value of 32,653 with α 0,000. Keywords : personal factors (X1), organizational factors (X2), non-organizational factors (X3), organizational commitment (Y)
A Network Pharmacology Study to Explore Mechanism of the Drug Pair of Astragalus-Saposhnikoviae Radix in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Lu Chen , Ma Limin , Wang Haozhen , Huang Xiuting , Zhang Xiujin , Lu Ziyin , Lu Xiuli
Published: November 2021

Allergic rhinitis (AR) has now become one of the major diseases affecting people’s lives, and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) always has good efficacy in clinical treatment. In the present study, we analyzed the most frequently used drug pair of Astragalus-Saposhnikoviae Radix (SR) in prescriptions for the treatment of allergic rhinitis by network pharmacology to reveal the modern pharmacological mechanisms of drug prevention and treatment of the disease. Firstly, the 38 active ingredients with good ADME properties from the Astragalus-SR drug pair were collected from the database, and the collated drug targets of Astragalus and SR and the targets of allergic rhinitis were mapped against each other by the network visualization software Cytoscape, followed by the establishment of a “drug active ingredient-target-disease” network diagram and the construction of a high-confidence protein-protein interaction network. Then, the common targets obtained from the disease and drug active ingredients were imported by R language for GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The KEGG pathways associated with the targets of Astragalus and SR for the treatment of allergic rhinitis obtained from R enrichment analysis were imported into Cytoscape, and the CytoNCA plug-in was loaded to construct a “target-pathway” network map, and the core target wogonin (FN1) was screened. These evidences suggest that the drug pair of Astragalus-SR works in a multi-component, multi-target and integrated modulation manner for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, which provides an important basis for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Rhetorical Structure of Ghanaian Tourist Destination E-Brochures
Authors: Duut James Kofi , Kyei Emmanuel
Published: November 2021

Currently, Ghana‘s economy seems to be relying on income generated from the tourism industry to support national growth. However, interest in tourism appears unattractive as compared to developed countries. It is in the light of this that this research focused on conducting an investigation into one of the main means of persuading potential tourists. This research, therefore, used purposive sampling to select 20 Ghanaian tourist destination e-brochures from the website of the Ghana Tourism Authority. The texts were analyzed using the English for Specific Purposes (ESP), Swales' (1990) genre analysis approach. The purpose was to explore the rhetorical structure of the tourist destination brochures. The results showed that the Ghanaian tourist destination e-brochure could be constructed with seven different communicative functions which constitute its Moves (Identifying Tourist destination, Providing Background Information, Detailing Tourist Destination, Providing Service Information, Soliciting Response, Providing Extra Information, and Urging Action). However, their frequency of occurrence showed that only three of the Moves (Identifying Tourist Destination, Providing Background Information, Providing Service Information) occurred in all the texts. The first four Moves constituted the commonest sequencing pattern of the texts. In terms of length of the texts or textual space given to the Moves, the second Move occupied the largest space of the tourist e-brochures studied. This research has implications for the Ghana tourism industry in improving the rhetorical structure of its brochures and also academic research.
Peranan Guru Bimbingan dan Konseling dalam Pelayanan kepada Peserta Didik pada Masa Pendemi Covid-19 di SMP N 7 Muaro Jambi
Authors: Ariati Parida
Published: November 2021

Guidance and Counseling (BK) teachers should be able to become a mediator to build effective communication and pay attention to students. During the pandemic, counseling teachers can use various media and communication platforms that are familiar to students, but do not ignore the humanist value of the counselor profession. The purpose of this study was to determine the efforts of Guidance and Counseling teacher services, student responses, as well as obstacles or obstacles to Guidance and Counseling services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research method used is descriptive phenomenology. The results of the study were that the Guidance and Counseling services provided during the COVID-19 pandemic at SMPN 7 Muaro Jambi used classical guidance services. The responses or feelings of students in the Guidance and Counseling teacher services during the COVID-19 pandemic were different for each research subject, and the obstacles or obstacles were that there were some students who did not have cellphones, insufficient costs for data packages, and networks. telephone is slow so that students become distracted in learning. Suggestions for parents should be to spend time, support, and love their children in the home environment, because children usually need the attention and support of each parent. Suggestions for the community if we have a disaster or disaster should be responded to patiently and sincerely to accept it, of course also pay attention to the regulations made by the government so that the COVID-19 pandemic can end. Suggestions for researchers for further research must be considered and prepared what is needed in research.
Efektivitas Pemberian Umpan Balik (Feedback) Melalui Aplikasi Google Classroom dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Menulis Texk Deskriptif pada Siswa Kelas VIII MTS Negeri 1 Wawotobi
Authors: Hartati Hartati
Published: November 2021

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efektivitas pemberian umpan balik melalui aplikasi Google classroom dalam meningkatkan kemampuan menulis teks deskriptif siswa pada siswa kelas VIII MTS Negeri 1 Wawotobi. Penelitian ini tergolong penelitian pra-eksperimen yang menggunakan one group pre-test dan post-test. Dalam one group pre-test and post-test design, satu kelompok diukur atau diamati tidak hanya setelah diberi perlakuan, tetapi juga sebelum diberi perlakuan. Data penelitian ini dianalisis dengan menggunakan Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS, versi 24.0) dimana data penelitian ini meliputi data kuantitatif yaitu keterampilan berbicara siswa pada pre-test dan post-test. Oleh karena itu, data dianalisis dengan menggunakan statistik deskriptif, sedangkan untuk menguji hipotesis peneliti menggunakan Paired Sample t-test untuk menarik kesimpulan diterima atau tidak. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa ada perbedaan yang signifikan dalam nilai tes siswa antara mereka yang menghadiri kelas Google sebagai media dan mereka yang mengalami pembelajaran konvensional p (.000) <0,05. Mengingat semua temuan ini, umpan balik melalui aplikasi google classroom secara signifikan mempengaruhi kemampuan menulis siswa.
Perkembangan Motorik Kasar Anak Usia Dini pada Permainan Melempar dan Menendang Bola TK B 5-6 Tahun di Taman Kanak- Kanak Pembina Kabupaten Merangin
Authors: Monika Lola
Published: November 2021

Penelitian ini berlokasi di TK Negeri Pembina Kabupaten Merangin, yang di latarbelakangi oleh masalah Perkembangan Motorik Kasar Anak Pada Permainan Melempar dan Menendang Bola. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan penentuan subjek penelitian menggunakan teknik snowball sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan teknik observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi.Teknik analisis data meliputi reduksi data, penyajian data, dan verifikasi/penarikan kesimpulan, sedangkan uji keterpecayaan data dilakukan dengan perpanjang keikutsertaan, ketelitian pengamatan, trianggulasi dan melakukan konsultasi pembimbing. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada beberapa anak di TK Negeri Pembina Kabupaten Merangin tidak mau mengikuti kegiatan pembelajaran tentang motorik kasar pada permainan melempar dan menendang bola, kendalanya anak terlalu pendiam tidak mau bersosialisasi pada teman-temannya, dan juga anak lebih senang bermain sendiri dibandingkan ikut bermain bola bersama temannya. Dan juga orang tua si anak pun tidak ingin anaknya ikut dalam kegiatan pembelajaran permainan melempar dan menedang bola dikarenakan orang tua takut jika anaknya terkena pukulan bola.
Analysis of commercial and marketing risks: the theoretical aspect
Authors: Luchko M. , Hryhoruk A. , Lytvyn L.
Published: November 2021

Theoretical issues of analysis of a separate group of financial risks, such as, commercial and marketing, are investigated. The systematic approach as one of the main methods of scientific research, the classical method of hypotheses and other general methods of scientific research are used and applied in this paper. The theoretical and conceptual principles of risk as one of the complex categories of the economy, which is inherent in all phases of the business life cycle and analysis of commercial and marketing risks on the basis of a separate group of indicators that most completely characterize them are investigated in this paper. The presented research problem, the need to test the hypotheses adopted in the investigation, the need to develop theoretical foundations determined the division of the research process into specific stages and the choice of appropriate methods in each of them. It is noted that profound general and professional knowledge prevail in risk management, and thus the ability to make independent decisions, rational use of time, economic and human potential. It is proved that in order to achieve the management goal, the knowledge acquisition is constant and continuous process in time, where human labor acquires the features of creative work. The peculiarities of risk as an economic category, classification features, its assessment, influencing factors, the purpose of control, identification and verification in the theory of decision making are investigated. Proposals for the calculation of its individual indicators of commercial and marketing risks and the decision-making matrix in terms of these risks are given. Risk consideration is important while making business decisions. The main results of the investigation are substantiation and development of theoretical principles of commercial and marketing risk, analysis of their indicators in the process of making management decisions. The practical value of theoretical results is in their production orientation.The implementation of these proposals in economic activity will significantly increase the level of management of commercial and marketing activities and will significantly reduce the negative impact of risk on financial results.
Pension reform in france as a balance between adequacy and stability
Authors: Zelenko N. , Zelenko V.
Published: November 2021

In this paper the authors analyze the main aspects and problems of reforming the French pension system. Most EU member states have been forced to review their system due to the coronavirus crisis, at least to make temporary adjustments. Given European aging population, declining birth rates and increased life expectancy, the associated increase in the age dependency ratio is creating tensions for underfunded defined benefit pension systems. This implicit pension debt has important macroeconomic implications. In France, the structure of the pension system provides for the existence of solidarity component, occupational pension schemes, as well as personal (which are not popular in this country). Sometimes there are significant differences in pension benefits between public and private sector workers with the same earnings, although this difference is much lower than in many other EU member states. Starting from July 1, 2017, no new pension reforms have been implemented in France, as the project proposed by the government and President Macron has received significant opposition from both trade unions and a large part of the population, as the creation of the so-called “Universal pension scheme” provides significant reduction in the rights of future retirees. In general, the choice of restrictive rules that reflect trends in wages, employment and life expectancy is critical for the proper updated system management. Preservation of the French pension system in the near future provides the increase in retirement age or extension of insurance to receive full pension benefits. The results of scientific research indicate the need to apply the adjusted strategy for further reforms, compared to their original versions. The reform proposed by the government and the president is aimed mostly at achieving long-term financial stability of the pension system. As for the adequacy of pension benefits, for some categories of citizens it can be decreased. Therefore, the reform envisages new configurations between the financial stability of the pension system along with ensuring the adequacy of the pension benefits amount.
Математична модель системи «Вібросепаратор – сипка сировина»
Authors: Ребот Д.П. , Топільницький В.Г.
Published: November 2021

Побудовано розрахункову схему та математичну модель руху довільної точки системи “вібросепаратор - сипка сировина” в процесі сепарації, за умови вертикального коливання сита вібраційного сепаратора. Створена математична модель дає можливість моделювати різного типу нестаціонарні режими, які виникають під час роботи вібраційного сепаратора та провести дослідження впливу змінних параметрів його роботи і характеристик сипкої сировини на ефективність та інтенсивність процесу сепарації, для можливості їх подальшого коригування
Підвищення енергоефективності житлових будівель
Authors: Мелконова І.В. , Романченко Ю.А.
Published: November 2021

На сьогоднішній день завдання підвищення енергоефективності є однією з найважливіших для всіх галузей виробництва і життєдіяльності людини. Однією з провідних галузей виробництва в сучасному світі виступає сфера будівництва. Проблема створення і експлуатації сучасної будівлі полягає в тому, що в більшості випадків при його проектуванні не враховується зовсім або враховується з недостатнім ступенем фактор енергозбереження. Проектування енергоефективних будівель - це складна комплексна робота багатьох фахівців, робота яких заснована на принципах максимального забезпечення енергоефективності, екологічності та економічної ефективності будівлі. У будівлі середньої поверховості, в багатоквартирному будинку забезпечити такі критерії представляється часом більш можливим, ніж в малоповерховому будинку. З огляду на те, що власники квартир як спільнота спільно управляють будинком, можливий більш раціональний і вигідний для всіх витрата енергії, води і так далі. Тому в статті розглянуті основні аспекти, та досвід європейських країн, щодо енергоефективності житлових будинків.
Ohjauksen mahdollisuuksien tajua
Authors: Vanhalakka-Ruoho Marjatta
Published: November 2021

Jussi Onnismaa, Heikki Pasanen, Timo Spangar (toim.) Ohjaus ammattina ja tieteenalana osa 1, Ohjauksen lähestymistavat ja ohjaustutkimus. ISBN 952-451-016-2osa 2, Ohjauksen toimintakentät. ISBN 952-451-017-0Jyväskylä: PS-Kustannus, 2000.
Muodonmuutoksia ilman kotilokehtoa
Authors: Nurmi Heli
Published: November 2021

Karin FilanderKehittämistyö murroksessa : sitoutuminen, sopeutuminen, ja vastarinta julkisella sektorilla 1990-luvulla. (Acta Universitatis Tamperensis 777) Väitöskirja. Tampereen yliopisto, 2000. ISBN 951-44-4946-0
Sociolinguistic Diversity Can Boost Cognitive Functions
Authors: Chang Yin Jue
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the link between sociolinguistic diversity and executive functions. 127 healthy adults from Malaysia were recruited to complete three cognitive tasks and the Contextual Linguistic Profile Questionnaire (CLiP-Q). A sociolinguistic diversity score was derived for each participant, with a higher score reflecting a greater exposure and use of diverse languages both at the individual and the societal level. The results demonstrated a sociolinguistic diversity advantage in cognitive functions. Higher sociolinguistic diversity scores were associated with lesser interference in the Flanker task and better accuracy in the 2-back task. Additionally, a significant interaction between sociolinguistic diversity and socioeconomic status was found for the set-shifting task, showing that sociolinguistic diversity could reduce mixing costs and improve set-shifting task accuracy for low socioeconomic status participants who are usually disadvantaged in cognitive control. Thus, it is important for research in the multilingualism field to take sociolinguistic diversity context into account.
Comprehensive In Silico Characterization and Expression Profiling of TCP Gene Family in Rapeseed
Authors: Wen Yunfei , Raza Ali , Chu Wen , Zou Xiling , Cheng Hongtao , Hu Qiong , Liu Jia , Wei Wenliang
Published: November 2021

TCP proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that have multipurpose roles in plant developmental procedures and stress responses. Therefore, a genome-wide analysis was performed to categorize the TCP genes in the rapeseed genome. In this study, a total of 80 BnTCP genes were identified in the rapeseed genome and grouped into two main classes (PCF and CYC/TB1) according to phylogenetic analysis. The universal evolutionary analysis uncovered that BnTCP genes had experienced segmental duplications and positive selection pressure. Gene structure and conserved motif examination presented that Class I and Class II have diverse intron-exon patterns and motifs numbers. Overall, nine conserved motifs were identified and varied from 2 to 7 in all TCP genes; and some of them were gene-specific. Mainly, Class II (PCF and CYC/TB1) possessed diverse structures compared to Class I. We identified four hormone- and four stress-related responsive cis-elements in the promoter regions. Moreover, 32 bna-miRNAs from 14 families were found to be targeting 21 BnTCPs genes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis presented that the BnTCP genes were primarily related to RNA/DNA binding, metabolic processes, transcriptional regulatory activities, etc. Transcriptome-based tissue-specific expression analysis showed that only a few genes (mainly BnTCP9, BnTCP22, BnTCP25, BnTCP48, BnTCP52, BnTCP60, BnTCP66, and BnTCP74) presented higher expression in root, stem, leaf, flower, seeds, and silique among all tested tissues. Likewise, qRT-PCR-based expression analysis exhibited that BnTCP36, BnTCP39, BnTCP53, BnTCP59, and BnTCP60 showed higher expression at certain time points under various hormones and abiotic stress conditions but not by drought and MeJA. Our results opened the new groundwork for future understanding of the intricate mechanisms of BnTCP in various developmental processes and abiotic stress signaling pathways in rapeseed.
Collagen 1a1 Expression by Airway Macrophages Increases In Fibrotic ILDs and Is Associated With FVC Decline and Increased Mortality
Authors: Tsitoura Eliza , Trachalaki Athina , Vasarmidi Eirini , Mastrodemou Semeli , Margaritopoulos George A. , Kokosi Maria , Fanidis Dionysios , Galaris Apostolos , Aidinis Vassilis , Renzoni Elizabeth , Tzanakis Nikos , Wells Athol U. , Antoniou Katerina M.
Published: November 2021

Within the Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD), patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and a subset of those with non-IPF fibrotic ILD have a distinct clinical phenotype of progression despite management. This group of patients has been collectively termed the progressive fibrotic phenotype (PFP). Their early recognition may facilitate access to antifibrotic therapies to prevent or slow progression. Macrophages/monocytes within the lung orchestrate the progression and maintenance of fibrosis. A novel role for monocyte-derived macrophages during tissue damage and wound healing is the expression of collagens. We examined Collagen 1a1 expression in airway macrophages from ILD patients at diagnosis. COL1A1 mRNA levels from BAL cells were elevated in IPF and Non-IPF patients. The presence of a UIP pattern and a subsequent progressive phenotype were significantly associated with the higher BAL COL1A1 levels. In Non-IPF patients, higher COL1A1 levels were associated with a more than twofold increase in mortality. The intracellular localisation of COL1A1 in airway macrophages was demonstrated by confocal microscopy in CD45 and CD163 co-staining assays. Additionally, airway macrophages co-expressed COL1A1 with the profibrotic SPP1 gene product osteopontin. The levels of SPP1 mRNA and OPN in the BAL were significantly higher in IPF and Non-IPF patients relative to healthy. Our results suggest that profibrotic airway macrophages are increased in the BAL of patients with IPF and other ILDs and co-express COL1A1 and OPN. Importantly, COL1A1 expression by pro-fibrotic airway macrophages could be a marker of disease progression and poor survival in ILDs.
End-to-End Estimation of Hand- and Wrist Forces From Raw Intramuscular EMG Signals Using LSTM Networks
Authors: Olsson Alexander E. , Malešević Nebojša , Björkman Anders , Antfolk Christian
Published: November 2021

Processing myoelectrical activity in the forearm has for long been considered a promising framework to allow transradial amputees to control motorized prostheses. In spite of expectations, contemporary muscle–computer interfaces built for this purpose typically fail to satisfy one or more important desiderata, such as accuracy, robustness, and/or naturalness of control, in part due to difficulties in acquiring high-quality signals continuously outside laboratory conditions. In light of such problems, surgically implanted electrodes have been made a viable option that allows for long-term acquisition of intramuscular electromyography (iEMG) measurements of spatially precise origin. As it stands, the question of how information embedded in such signals is best extracted and combined across multiple channels remains open. This study presents and evaluates an approach to this end that uses deep neural networks based on the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTMs) architecture to regress forces exerted by multiple degrees of freedom (DoFs) from multichannel iEMG. Three deep learning models, representing three distinct regression strategies, were evaluated: (I) One-to-One, wherein each DoF is separately estimated by an LSTM model processing a single iEMG channel, (II) All-to-One, wherein each DoF is separately estimated by an LSTM model processing all iEMG channels, and (III) All-to-All, wherein a single LSTM model with access to all iEMG channels estimates all DoFs simultaneously. All models operate on raw iEMG, with no preliminary feature extraction required. When evaluated on a dataset comprising six iEMG channels with concurrent force measurements acquired from 14 subjects, all LSTM strategies were found to significantly outperform a baseline feature-based linear control regression method. This finding indicates that recurrent neural networks can learn to transform raw forearm iEMG signals directly into representations that correlate with forces exerted at the level of the hand to a greater degree than simple features do. Furthermore, the All-to-All and All-to-One strategies were found to exhibit better performance than the One-to-One strategy. This finding suggests that, in spite of the spatially local nature of signals, iEMG from muscles not directly actuating the relevant DoF can provide contextual information that aid in decoding motor intent.
Acupressure and Cognitive Training Can Improve Cognitive Functions of Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sun Jingxian , Zeng Hui , Pan Lu , Wang Xiaosong , Liu Mengjiao
Published: November 2021

Background: Given the limited effectiveness of pharmacological treatments in mitigating cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), there is a pressing need for developing effective non-pharmacological intervention programs to counteract MCI-related cognitive decline. Acupressure and cognitive training are safe and cost-effective; however, evidence of the effect of acupressure or the combined effect of acupressure and cognitive training on cognitive functions of older adults with MCI is limited.

Objective: To evaluate both the individual and combined effects of acupressure and cognitive training on cognitive functions of older adults with MCI.

Methods: One hundred and eighty older adults with MCI were recruited and randomly assigned to combined acupressure and cognitive training group (n = 45), acupressure group (n = 45), cognitive training group (n = 45), or control group (n = 45). Participants in the experimental groups received self-administered and group-based training sessions, while those in the control group received routine community education. The intervention lasted for 6 months. The cognitive functions of all the participants were assessed at multiple stages, including pre-intervention, at the end of the third and sixth months.

Results: One hundred and fifty-one participants completed the study, and all participants analyzed in intervention groups completed at least 85% of all practice sessions recommended. Repeated measures analysis of variance of the scores of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at different time points among the four groups revealed that the group effect, time effect, and interaction effect were all significant (p < 0.01). Pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction showed that the scores of MMSE and MoCA in acupressure group, cognitive training group, and combined group were significantly raised compared with control group (p < 0.01). Compared with acupressure or cognitive training groups, the scores of MMSE and MoCA in combined group were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The scores of MMSE and MoCA in acupressure group had no significant differences with those in cognitive training group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Acupressure and cognitive training both could improve the cognitive functions of older adults with MCI, and when used together, the effects were enhanced.

Clinical Trial Registration: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No.ChiCTR2100049955).
Case Report: Unexpected Remission From Extreme and Enduring Bulimia Nervosa With Repeated Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Authors: Ragnhildstveit Anya , Jackson Laura Kate , Cunningham Sarah , Good Linda , Tanner Quinn , Roughan Matthew , Henrie-Barrus Patricia
Published: November 2021

Background: Bulimia nervosa is a disabling psychiatric disorder that considerably impairs physical health, disrupts psychosocial functioning, and reduces overall quality of life. Despite available treatment, less than half of sufferers achieve recovery and approximately a third become chronically ill. Extreme and enduring cases are particularly resistant to first-line treatment, namely antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy, and have the highest rate of premature mortality. Here, we demonstrate that in such cases, repeated sessions of ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is an effective treatment alternative for improving symptoms.

Case Presentation: A 21-year-old woman presented with extreme and enduring bulimia nervosa. She reported recurrent binge-eating and purging by self-induced vomiting 40 episodes per day, which proved refractory to both pharmacological and behavioral treatment at the outpatient, residential, and inpatient level. Provided this, her physician recommended repeated KAP as an exploratory and off-label intervention for her eating disorder. The patient underwent three courses of KAP over 3 months, with each course consisting of six sessions scheduled twice weekly. She showed dramatic reductions in binge-eating and purging following the first course of treatment that continued with the second and third. Complete cessation of behavioral symptoms was achieved 3 months post-treatment. Her remission has sustained for over 1 year to date.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of repeated KAP used to treat bulimia nervosa that led to complete and sustained remission, a rare outcome for severe and enduring cases, let alone extreme ones. Additionally, it highlights the degree to which KAP can be tailored at the individual level based on symptom severity and treatment response. While its mechanism of action is unclear, repeated KAP is a promising intervention for bulimia nervosa that warrants future research and clinical practice consideration.
Generic Pharmaceuticals as a Source of Diuretic Contamination in Athletes Subject to Sport Drug Testing
Authors: Eichner Amy , Lewis Laura A. , Leonard Bridget , Wagoner Ryan M. Van , Eichner Daniel , Fedoruk Matthew N.
Published: November 2021

This paper describes nine instances of positive anti-doping tests that could be accounted for by the use of permitted generic prescription drugs contaminated with diuretics, which are prohibited in sport at all times under the WADA Prohibited List. The contamination levels found in the medications are reported and were below FDA limits for manufacturers that are based primarily on safety considerations. These cases demonstrate that great care must be taken to identify the source of low-level anti-doping positives for diuretics reported by WADA-accredited laboratories, and possibly other prohibited substances as well, in order to avoid sanctioning innocent athletes. An evaluation of the cases in this paper supports an approach which establishes a laboratory minimum reporting level (MRL) for diuretics found most commonly in medications. A global consensus after extensive review of similar anti-doping cases has resulted in implementation of a recently announced solution regarding potential diuretic contamination cases.
External Negative Pressure Drainage of the Pancreatic Duct in Pancreatogastrostomy Following Pylorus-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy—Feasibility and Technique
Authors: Albrecht H. C. , Amling C. , Menenakos C. , Gretschel S.
Published: November 2021

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a major cause of morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy. There is no consensus on the best technique to protect the pancreato-enteric anastomosis and reduce the rate of POPF. This study investigated the feasibility and efficiency of external suction drainage of the pancreatic duct to improve the healing of pancreaticogastrostomy.

Methods: Between July 2019 and June 2021, 21 consecutive patients undergoing elective pancreaticoduodenectomy were included. In all patients we performed a pancreaticogastrostomy and inserted a negative pressure drainage into the pancreatic duct. The length and diameter of the pancreatic duct were measured and the texture of the pancreas was evaluated. The daily secretion volume and the lipase value via pancreatic duct drainage were documented. The occurrence of POPF was evaluated.

Results: None of the patients had drainage-related complications. In 4 patients we registered a dislocation of the drainage from the pancreas duct into the stomach. 17/21 Patients showed no signs of POPF. A biochemical leak was measured in one patient. Furthermore, 2 patients had a POPF grade B. In one patient, POPF grade C required reoperation and resection of the remnant pancreas. All 4 cases of POPF met the risk criteria soft pancreas, high volume and high lipase value in the duct drainage.

Conclusion: The insertion of the pancreatic duct drainage was feasible and caused no drainage-related morbidity. POPF-rate was moderate in the risk population of soft pancreas and small duct.
Radioligands Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP)
Authors: Lindner Thomas , Giesel Frederik L. , Kratochwil Clemens , Serfling Sebastian E.
Published: November 2021

Targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) has attracted significant attention in nuclear medicine. Since these cells are present in most cancerous tissues and FAP is rarely expressed in healthy tissues, anti-FAP tracers have a potential as pan-tumor agents. Compared to the standard tumor tracer [18F]FDG, these tracers show better tumor-to-background ratios (TBR) in many indications. Unlike [18F]FDG, FAP-targeted tracers do not require exhausting preparations, such as dietary restrictions on the part of the patient, and offer the possibility of radioligand therapy (RLT) in a theragnostic approach. Although a radiolabeled antibody was clinically investigated as early as the 1990s, the breakthrough event for FAP-targeting in nuclear medicine was the introduction and clinical application of the so-called FAPI-tracers in 2018. From then, the development and application of FAP-targeted tracers became hot topics for the radiopharmaceutical and nuclear medicine community, and attracted the interest of pharmaceutical companies. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the development of FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals and their application in nuclear medicine.
Effects of Experimental Parameters on Condensation Heat Transfer in Plate Fin Heat Exchanger
Authors: Seol Sung-Hoon , Lee Sun-Geun , Son Chang-Hyo , Yoon Ji-Hoon , Eom In-Seob , Park Young-Min , Yoon Jung-In
Published: November 2021

This study aims to provide an experimental investigation and comparison of the condensation heat transfer characteristics in a plate–fin heat exchanger (PFHE). The heat flux, mass flux, and saturation pressure were adjusted as experimental parameters to verify the effects on the condensation heat transfer. In addition, condensation heat transfer correlation of two-stream PFHEs was provided based on the experimental data for utilization as a design reference for the heat exchanger. The turbulence is the most influential in heat transfer. One of the ways to foster turbulence is to increase shear stress. The higher flow velocity results in the higher shear stress. That was why increasing mass flux or the flow with higher vapor quality showed the higher heat transfer coefficient (HTC). Refrigerant properties such as viscosity and specific volume of vapor changed according to the saturation pressure. It is expected they affect the degree of turbulence too in similar manners. The mass flux was more influential than the heat flux and saturation pressure. Thus, the equivalent mass flux of the refrigerant is dominant in the derived correlation model. The average difference between experimental and calculated HTC from correlations was about 6.5%. Multi-stream PFHE comprises an additional heat transfer surface, which implies a more active droplet formation. The average pressure drop in the multi-stream is 15% larger than that of the two-stream.
Multi-Criteria Studies and Assessment Supporting the Selection of Locations and Technologies Used in CO2-EGS Systems
Authors: Pająk Leszek , Sowiżdżał Anna , Gładysz Paweł , Tomaszewska Barbara , Miecznik Maciej , Andresen Trond , Frengstad Bjørn S. , Chmielowska Anna
Published: November 2021

The paper describes application of the cross-impact method in the process of selecting locations and technologies used in a geothermal system based on energy accumulated in a dry rock formation, where CO2 is used as the working medium. The survey is based on the opinion of a group of 20 experts representing different fields of earth and technical sciences. They represent Norway and Poland, where the location of such a system is considered. Based on experts’ experience and opinions, all factors that seem to be significant were classified into the following groups: targets, key factors, results, determiners, motor and brakes, regulating factors, external factors, auxiliary factors, and autonomous factors. Direct influences between variables were indicated. Due to major differences in geological conditions in Poland and Norway, the factor of on- or offshore technology was pointed out as the primary determiner. Among key factors, the system operation’s long-term safety and level of technological readiness were indicated. As a target factor, an interest of local authority was pointed out. Among the variables that are important when selecting locations for this type of system, nine are essential: (1) Formal constraints related to local nature protection areas—this variable is essential in the case of an onshore system; (2) Availability of CO2 sources; (3) Level of geological recognition; (4) The distance of the CO2-EGS from a thermal energy user and electricity grid; (5) Existing wells and other infrastructure; (6) Depth of the EGS system; (7) Water depth if offshore, this variable is only important when offshore systems are involved; (8) Physical parameters of reservoir rocks; (9) Reservoir temperature.
Recurrence of Sub-Synchronous Oscillation Accident of Hornsea Wind Farm in UK and Its Suppression Strategy
Authors: Yan Xiangwu , Chang Wenfei , Cui Sen , Rasool Aazim , Jia Jiaoxin , Sun Ying
Published: November 2021

A large-scale power system breakdown in the United Kingdom caused blackouts in several important cities, losing about 3.2 percent of the load and affecting nearly 1 million power users on 9 August 2019. On the basis of the accident investigation report provided by the UK National Grid, the specific reasons for the sub-synchronous oscillation of Hornsea wind farm were analyzed. The Hornsea wind power system model was established by MATLAB simulation software to reproduce the accident. To solve this problem, based on the positive and negative sequence decomposition, the control strategy of grid-side converter of doubly-fed induction generator is improved to control the positive sequence voltage of the generator terminal, which can quickly recover the voltage by compensating the reactive power at the grid side. Consequently, the influence of the fault is weakened on the Hornsea wind farm system, and the sub-synchronous oscillation of the system is suppressed. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy in suppressing the sub-synchronous oscillation of weak AC wind power system after being applied to doubly-fed induction generator, which serves as a reference for studying similar problems of offshore wind power.