bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial Universities: The Role of Knowledge Service Innovation
Authors: Yazdani Shahram , Majidi Firouzeh , Bayazidi Snoor , Dehnavi Hamed
Published: October 2022

The complexity of today's world is constantly creating new challenges for higher education institutions, and they must continually be consistent and accountable to maintain standards of excellence and compete in international education markets. Being or becoming an entrepreneurial higher education institution is a response to these challenges. There is no "unique" approach, but there are different ways in which higher education institutions behave in an entrepreneurial and creative way. The purpose of this article was to explain how universities can become more entrepreneurial by changing how they provide knowledge. This article is based on the results of a literature review in the fall and winter of 2020 and is in line with the doctoral dissertation that is currently being done in the "Virtual School, Medical Education and Management, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences." After 1989, a review of the limited, focused literature on service innovation, with an emphasis on knowledge-based service innovation, was done. Service innovation is multidimensional and interactive in nature and can be examined from both technological (information and communication technology developments) and non-technological (organizational innovations) aspects. Accordingly, knowledge-based services include services based on professional knowledge and technology knowledge. Universities need to focus on innovation in both aspects of knowledge-based services. If universities are to become entrepreneurial universities, it is important to explain the comprehensive model of entrepreneurial universities by focusing on the dimensions, concepts, opportunities, challenges, and requirements for knowledge service innovation and then apply it to medical universities to fits their needs.
Project-Based Learning in Online Medical Classes: The Walkway to Learn the Medical English Language Efficiently
Authors: Hekmati Nargess
Published: October 2022

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, online education has gained more momentum. Despite its advantages, virtual learning has some drawbacks. To compensate for these shortcomings, the application of some innovative approaches has obtained more importance; one of them is Project-Based Learning (PBL). The present study aimed to investigate the effect of PBL on students' performance in a general English course. The participants were 55 Iranian freshmen medical students who registered in the General English Course at the Birjand University of Medical Sciences. They were selected based on convenience sampling. The classes were held virtually twice a week for 24 sessions during the spring semester of 2020. All the students in the class were asked to do a term project in the form of making English language videos about a medical topic. The recorded classes, observations, and semi-structured interviews with the students about the advantages of doing projects were the sources of data. The collected data were analyzed through thematic analysis and validated through member checking. The data analyses resulted in five main themes about the advantages of PBL in the areas of students' "autonomy," "engagement," "learning," "motivation," and "evaluation." PBL helped the students to be more autonomous and improved their engagement. Furthermore, it helped them learn new words about the diseases and improve their knowledge of their major. It also made the students more motivated and helped the teacher figure out how well they did during the term instead of just relying on the final exam.
Bilateral Simultaneous Atypical Femoral Fracture: A Case Report
Authors: Ghaffari Salman , Razavipour Mehran , Fateh Soroosh
Published: October 2022

We report a rare case of bilateral subtrochanteric femoral fracture related to prolonged treatment with Alendronate.
Introduction: Bisphosphonates are the most common drugs used for treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. Atypical femoral fractures (AFF) have been reported in patients who have been on long term treatment with bisphosphonates especially Alendronate. 
Case Report: our case was a 68- year- old woman who sustained bilateral subtrochanteric femoral fracture after a simple falling down. She had a past medical history of osteoporosis and had been on treatment with alendronate for 5 years. Radiographs showed bilateral fractures in femur subtrochanteric area. We decided to use double plating technique and we used angled blade plate and locking plate (LCP). Alendronate was discontinued and Teriparatide was started.
Discussion: Careful evaluation of hip or thigh pain in patients who are on prolonged courses of bisphosphonates is essential. Our method of fixation with double plating can be used in patients with poor bone quality.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Genetic Variant is Associated with In-Stent Restenosis after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Asgarbeik Saeedeh , Vahidi Aida , Hasanzad Mandana , Asadi Mojgan , Amoli Mahsa M.
Published: October 2022

Background: In-stent restenosis (ISR) is an inevitable complication of percutaneous coronary intervention, with genetic factors thought to play a role in its pathogenesis. The VEGF gene can have an inhibitory effect on ISR development. Accordingly, in the present study, we investigated the role of −2549 VEGF (insertion/deletion [I/D]) variants in ISR formation.
Methods: Patients with ISR (ISR+) (n=53) and patients without ISR (ISR-) (n=67) were enrolled in this case-control study based on follow-up angiography 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention between 2019 and 2020. The clinical characteristics of the patients were evaluated, and the frequencies of the alleles and genotypes of −2549 VEGF (I/D) variants were determined using polymerase chain reaction. The χ2 test was performed for the calculation of genotypes and alleles. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered the level of significance.
Results: This study recruited 120 individuals at a mean age of 61.43±8.91 years in the ISR+ group and 62.09±7.94 years in the ISR- group. Women and men, respectively, comprised 26.4% and 73.6% of the ISR+ group and 43.3% and 56.7% of the ISR- group. A significant association was observed between the VEGF −2549 genotype frequency and ISR. The frequency of the insertion/insertion (I/I) allele was significantly higher in the ISR+ group than in the ISR- group, while the frequency of the D/D allele was higher in the latter group.
Conclusion: Regarding ISR development, the I/I allele may be a risk allele and the D/D allele a protective allele.
Accidental Penetrating Thoracic Injury with a Screwdriver in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Kumari Usha , Abbas Fakhar , Shirazi Zara , Hafeez Nosheen , Sarmad Syed Fozail , Bangash Sohail
Published: October 2022

Accidental penetrating injuries are common among children, either with a sharp or a blunt object. The screwdriver is an uncommon weapon; therefore, injuries caused by it represent an even rarer subset. Inadvertent injuries in the chest with a screwdriver as a stabbing weapon are extremely unusual. Penetrating chest injuries can be fatal if they cause wounds in the cardiac chambers or major thoracic vessels. We describe a 9-year-old child with an unintentional penetrating thoracic injury caused by a screwdriver. An explorative left anterior thoracotomy showed that the tip of the implanted screwdriver was lying near the left subclavian vessels and the apex of the lung, but it did not perforate any of those. The screwdriver was dislodged, and the wound was closed. The patient had an event-free 1-week hospital stay.
Determinants of Leverage in Manufacturing Companies: An Empirical Study in Indonesia
Authors: Suwarti Titiek , Sudiyatno Bambang
Published: October 2022

This study aims to examine the determinants of leverage in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The investigation was carried out using panel data on manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2019-2021 period. The leverage variable in this study uses the debt-to-equity ratio (DER) as the dependent variable. The independent variable is profitability as measured by return on assets (ROA), liquidity is measured by the current ratio (CR) and operating assets is measured by operating assets turnover (OATO), while company size as a control variable is measured by the natural log of total assets. The data collection method used purposive sampling method to select data that met certain criteria according to research needs. Panel data analysis using eviews software with multiple regression analysis model. The results of the analysis show that liquidity and operating assets have a negative effect on leverage, while return on assets and firm size have no effect, so firm size does not act as a controlling variable.
Strain Waves in Two Physically Nonlinear Fluid-Filled Coaxial Shells Featuring Structural Damping and Interacting with the Surrounding Medium
Authors: Mogilevich L.I. , Blinkov Yu.A. , Ivanov S.V. , Popov V.S. , Kondratov D.V.
Published: October 2022

The paper investigates longitudinal strain waves in physically nonlinear coaxial elastic shells containing a viscous incompressible fluid situated both between the shells and within the inner shell. The study takes into account the effects that the following factors have upon the magnitude and velocity of the wave: viscosity, fluid motion inertia, the medium surrounding the outer shell, and structural damping in the shell material. As it is impossible to evaluate the strain wave models proposed via qualitative analysis methods, using numerical methods is necessary. We numerically investigated the model presented using a specific difference scheme to represent its equations, one similar to the Crank --- Nicolson scheme for the thermal conductivity equation. We show that the velocities and amplitudes of strain waves in the shells do not change when disregarding the following factors: the fluid inside the shell, structural damping in the shell material, and the influence of the surrounding elastic medium. The waves evolve in the positive direction of the abscissa axis. At the same time, taking nonlinearity into account leads to increased wave velocity as compared to the linear case, when the wave propagation velocity equals the speed of sound, which means the waves become supersonic. We performed a numerical study of this case and obtained results matching the exact solution. If we take into account the effect that the fluid motion inertia within the inner shell has upon the wave velocity, then a decrease in the strain wave velocity is observed. Taking into account the presence of an elastic medium surrounding the outer shell leads to an increase in velocity. Considering the viscous properties of the fluid within the inner shell and the damping properties of the shell material results in decreased strain wave magnitudes. The models proposed can form the basis for designing modern non-destructive testing devices
Method for Calculating the Instrument Function of a Medical Hyperspectrometer
Authors: Zavarzin V.I.
Published: October 2022

Hyperspectral imaging technology offers great opportunities in noninvasive disease diagnostics and scientific research. Medical hyperspectrometer operation is based on the light ability to be reflected from biological tissue and depends on how strongly the tissue absorbs/reflects the light. Knowledge of the reflected and scattered light from tissues makes it possible to accurately interpret the state of health of a patient. Hyperspectrometer was considered consisting of projection lens that takes a picture of the patient's body from the finite distance, imaging spectrometer, as well as of calibrated radiation sources to illuminate the areas under study. Image decomposition into spectrum was implemented in the scheme of a classical spectrometer, which entrance slit was the exposure slit of the imaging lens. To ensure scanning, it was supposed to use displacement either of the spectrometer or of the patients under examination on a conveyor belt. A technique is proposed for determining the instrument function of a medical hyperspectrometer taking into account the scattering function influence of optical system, slit, optical radiation receiver, image displacement relative to the slit and electronics. By analyzing the instrument function, it becomes possible to implement various methods for assessing the optical image quality, such as modulation transfer function and spatial and spectral resolution, which is required for correct use of the device and image interpretation. The instrument design process involves optimization of the main circuit and design solutions according to the criterion of their influence on the instrument function and the generated image quality. An example of instrument design was considered involving optimization of the basic circuitry and design solutions
Principles of Designing and Ensuring Reliability of Parachute Systems for Foreign Manned Spacecraft
Authors: Ploskov S.Yu.
Published: October 2022

The article considers the basic principles of designing and ensuring reliability of foreign manned spacecraft parachute systems. The operation algorithms of the parachute systems of American space descent vehicles are described. Using the method of block diagrams, the features of the constructing and functioning of the descent vehicle parachute systems of the "Gemini" and "Apollo" spacecraft, as well as the most modern ones, such as Crew Return Vehicle (CRV), "Orion" and "Manned Dragon" are analyzed. It is found that the design reliability of parachute systems of space descent vehicles should be at least 0.99996. It is determined that the service life and the number of applications of current space descent vehicles can be increased if designing the stability of any system to two joint failures is ensured. This principle of designing is being applied to aviation systems, is provided by their 3- and 4-fold redundancy, and it is used for the most important spacecraft systems. The reliability of modern parachute systems of the parafoil type has been studied
Simulation Modeling Production Processes of Various Types of Machine-Building Enterprises
Authors: Grigoriev S.N. , Dolgov V.A. , Nikishechkin P.A. , Ivashin S.S. , Dolgov N.V.
Published: October 2022

The article considers the main methods of simulation modeling, their applicability and approaches to simulation modeling production processes of manufacture and logistics systems of machine-building enterprises. The types of manufacture and logistics systems of machine-building enterprises are described. Their main classification features are pointed out such as the number of operations performed at one workplace, the variety of nomenclature as well as types of production processes. The features of simulation modeling production processes in mass and serial production are determined. The prospects for the use of operational scheduling systems in conjunction with simulation systems for machine-building enterprises of a serial type are shown. The main differences are considered in the use of simulation modeling and operational scheduling systems for assessing the feasibility of a production program. The existing software solutions for simulation modeling production processes of various machine-building enterprises are analyzed and the potential advantages of their use in conjunction with operational scheduling systems are described. An approach to the formation of simulation models of manufacture and logistics systems with a combined type of production is proposed, the use of which allows increasing the adequacy of modeling manufacture and logistics systems with various types of production.
Kaktus in statu nascendi. Włodzimierz Scisłowski and the satirical magazine Kaktus [Cactus] in the censorship documents of People’s Poland (Part 2. Censors’ interventions)
Authors: Wiśniewska-Grabarczyk Anna
Published: October 2022

The article aims to discuss the censorship strategies applied to works by Włodzimierz Scisłowski submitted for publication in the satirical magazine Kaktus [Cactus] in 1957–1960. The source material is a collection of cryptotexts, i.e. confidential documents evaluating articles from the weekly, created at Wojewódzki Urząd Kontroli Prasy, Publikacji i Widowisk w Poznaniu [WUKPPiW, Voivodship Office for the Control of the Press, Publications and Public Performances in Poznan]. Censors interfered with Scislowski’s satirical works – epigrams, poems, ballads, accusing the author of negative and exaggerated depictions of the political and social reality of the country. Some of the works were released after introducing changes imposed by the censorship office; some were not allowed for publication.
Pengaruh POS terhadap Service Oriented-Organizational Citizenship Behavior yang Dimediasi Oleh OC pada Karyawan Bidang Pelayanan BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Se-Jawa Timur
Authors: Khairunnisa Shafira , Yulianti Praptini
Published: October 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of POS on SOCB with the mediating role of OC. This study uses a quantitative approach with the analytical technique used is partial least square with 108 respondents in the service sector employees throughout East Java at BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. The dependent variable used is the service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior, the independent variable is the POS, and the mediating variable is the POS. The results of the study indicate that  perceived  organizational  support  can  affect  the  behavior  of  service-oriented organizational citizenship of service employees with positive and significant results. Perceived organizational support also shows a positive and significant impact on service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior mediated by OC.
„Młody Technik” jako przykład czasopisma popularnonaukowego w Polsce
Authors: Lewandowski Robert
Published: October 2022

W artykule przedstawiono analizę porównawczą dwóch roczników „Młodego Technika” z najbardziej przełomowych okresów w historii pisma — z roku 1956 (początek tak zwanej odwilży gomułkowskiej), a także z roku 2011 — w którym ukazało się pierwsze internetowe wydanie miesięcznika. Analiza została przeprowadzona na następujących płaszczyznach: tła społeczno-kulturowego, struktury formalnej wydań rocznych, tematyki poruszanej w numerach, języka i stylu przekazu, dodatków, które ukazywały się przy okazji wydań miesięcznika. W podsumowaniu przedstawiono podobieństwa i różnice między tymi wydaniami, a także wizję dotyczącą przyszłości, przed którą stoi czasopismo.
The efficiency of public spending on education: Lower and higher secondary education
Authors: Gałecka Małgorzata , Kuropka Ireneusz , Szabela-Pasierbińska Ewa
Published: October 2022

Research on the efficiency of public spending on the education sector hardly addresses the territorial distribution of educational attainment. This paper tries to fill in the gap by verifying whether the analysis of spatial differentiation of educational attainment could provide crucial information on the financial policy in this sphere and assess the impact of the socio-economic factors upon the education level evaluated through school tests. Our article aims to identify the relationship between spending on public education and the degree of educational attainment and inter-regional inequality in Poland. The research results showed that the spatial approach should not be ignored when assessing the relationship between public education expenditure and the degree of educational achievement. We note that the applied public financing of second-level education in Poland does not reduce regional disparities in education but maintains them at a constant level.
Celebração do Obon em uma família okinawana em São Paulo
Authors: Gushiken Gabriela Tamy
Published: October 2022

Durante a minha infância e adolescência, minha avó paterna guiava os rituais de Culto aos Antepassados em minha família. Com o seu falecimento, passei a me interessar mais profundamente por este nebuloso universo particular, quando a organização dos rituais se tornou responsabilidade das demais mulheres da família.
Tecendo a vida em preto e branco
Authors: Venancio Vinícius
Published: October 2022

Todos os dias, Beto de Brito acorda cedo, cuida dos seus animais e logo se dirige ao andar superior da sua casa para dar início à tecelagem do panu di terra. Em Santiago, Cabo Verde, Beto de Brito é reconhecido como um dos maiores nomes no ofício do panu di terra. Em meio a um ambiente de concentração total, ouve-se apenas o som do tear imbrincado ao do seu rádio, que atualiza os ouvintes com as notícias mais recentes de Cabo Verde e do mundo, assim como embala o trançar dos fios com músicas que vêm de todo o Atlântico.
Captura de movimento (entrevista)
Authors: Eshun Kodwo , Paterniani Stella Zagatto
Published: October 2022

Tradução de “Motion Capture (Interview)”, excertos de entrevistas com Kodwo Eshun.
Radiomics in sarcoma trials: a complement to RECIST for patient assessment
Authors: Geady Caryn , Shultz David B. , Razak Albiruni R. Abdul , Schuetze Scott , Haibe-Kains Benjamin
Published: October 2022

Radiological imaging has a critical role in the diagnosis of sarcomas and in evaluating therapy response assessment. The current gold standard for response assessment in solid tumors is the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, which evaluates changes in tumor size as a surrogate endpoint for therapeutic efficacy. However, tumors may undergo necrosis, changes in vascularization or become cystic in response to therapy, with no significant volume changes; thus, size assessments alone may not be adequate. Such morphological changes may give rise to radiographic phenotypes that are not easily detected by human operators. Fortunately, recent advances in high-performance computing and machine learning algorithms have enabled deep analysis of radiological images to extract features that can provide richer information about intensity, shape, size or volume, and texture of tumor phenotypes. There is growing evidence to suggest that these image-derived or “radiomic features” are sensitive to biological processes such as necrosis and glucose metabolism. Thus, radiomics could prove to be a critical tool for assessing treatment response and may present an integral complement to existing response criteria, opening new avenues for patient assessment in sarcoma trials.
Evaluation of the distribution of spray deposits within a vine canopy from measurements on artificial targets and real leaves
Authors: Cheraiet Anice , Naud Olivier , Carra Mathilde , Codis Sébastien , Taylor James
Published: October 2022

Understanding the distribution of intercepted spray deposits is important for the study of the dose-response relationship of spraying a targeted pathogen and for the optimisation of the spraying process. However, carrying out exhaustive measurements of canopy spray deposits is difficult, particularly in production situations. This new experimental method for use in commercial vineyards was based on the installation of artificial targets (PVC collectors) within the canopy. To evaluate the quality of this experimental method for estimating the statistical distribution of deposition it was compared to an intensive manual method of foliar deposition measurements on real leaves. Intercepted deposition data on the real leaves and artificial targets were collected in a regular grid pattern within 12 non-contiguous vegetation sections. The results showed that although the means were similar, the variance in deposition appeared to differ between the distributions on artificial targets and real foliage, with CV values of between 37.4-52.7 % and 69.4-80.5 % respectively. Therefore, any central statistics must be supplemented with a statistical distribution analysis to account for the dispersion of deposition values within the vegetation. The results from comparisons between the cumulative distributions of intercepted deposition on the real leaves and on the PVC collector sections showed that the deposition estimates averaged over three-vine sections gave relevant, repeatable estimates for both approaches. The results also showed that for low deposition values, the experimental method led to a correct estimation of deposition on real leaves. However, above 230 ng dm² per 1 g/ha, the experimental method underestimated the deposition on real leaves by 13.6 %. Using these methodological results, it may be possible to develop models capable of predicting the distribution of deposition within the plant canopy. It would thereby be possible to develop an approach for variable-rate sprayer control that takes into account the phytosanitary risk and the site-specific variable structure of the vegetation during the season.
A Survey of the Practices, Procedures, and Techniques in Senior Secondary School Chemistry Teaching Laboratories
Authors: Pareek Ram Babu
Published: October 2022

A survey was conducted in various senior secondary schools of Rajasthan State  that teach chemistry at senior secondary level and conducts chemistry practicals in  laboratories in the India. The data include results from over 27 schools, describes the current practices, procedures and techniques used   at these schools, and discusses the statistical results such as the adaptability of  laboratories performed, the chemical techniques applied, the instrumentation/chemicals available, the laboratory equipment used, the chemistry practicals covered, the way they conducted and performed . The results provide a “snapshot” of the current state of the senior secondary school laboratory teaching chemistry practicals.
evaluation of proposed General Chemistry learning modules by experts and teachers
Authors: Dela Mines Remedel , Cajucom Elsa
Published: October 2022

This research endeavored to assess developed and validated a proposed learning module in General Chemistry during the Second Semester, Academic Year 2021-2022 in public secondary schools in Bulacan, Philippines. Teachers play an essential role in validating and evaluation of instructional materials. As facilitators of learning, they must ensure that instructional materials serve their purpose of upholding an effective teaching and learning process. The study aimed to evaluate the proposed Grade 12 General Chemistry learning modules as perceived by Chemistry Experts and Science Teachers in the 12 public secondary schools offering STEM strand in the Division of Bulacan, Philippines. The modules are evaluated based on :(1) content, (2) format, (3) presentation and organization, (4) learning activities, (5) evaluation activities and (6) accuracy and up-to-datedness of information. The demographic profile of 11 Chemistry experts showed that the majority are female, BSED graduates in Physical Science with a doctoral degree in Development Education and 1-12 years teaching General Chemistry subject. Grade 12 Chemistry teachers are mostly females who have bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences, with master’s units and 1-5 years of teaching Grade 12 General Chemistry in the K to 12 Curriculum. Chemistry experts and science teachers assessed the five modules using descriptive survey method employing quantitative analysis. They both evaluated the proposed learning modules satisfactory in the six dimensions. They did, however, make several suggestions for improving the proposed learning module.
A probable Australian White Ibis Threskiornis moluccus × Straw-necked Ibis T. spinicollis hybrid
Authors:   Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New  South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia, Callaghan Corey , Ryall Sharon ,   Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New  South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia, Kingsford Richard ,   1 Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New  South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
Published: October 2022

We observed a probable juvenile Australian White Ibis Threskiornis moluccus × Straw-necked Ibis T. spinicollis hybrid on the Lachlan River catchment, New South Wales, in November 2016. Photographs, combined with observations, demonstrate phenotypic characteristics of both these ibis species. The bird had a pattern on the wing similar to the Australian White Ibis but coloration on the body similar to the Straw-necked Ibis. To our knowledge, this is only the second report of a probable hybrid between these two species in the wild, and the first report documented with photographs
Invasive Eurasian Tree Sparrows Passer montanus on Troughton Island in the North Kimberley of Western Australia: A cyclone-induced colonisation attempt?
Authors:   Department of Parks and Wildlife, 17 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington WA 6151, Australia, Tucker Anton , Johnstone Ron ,   Western Australian Museum, 49 Kew Street, Welshpool WA 6106, Australia, Loyn Richard n ,   Eco Insights, 4 Roderick Close, Viewbank VIC 3084, Australia, Vinnicombe Tracey ,   Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia, Durack Drive, Kununurra WA 6743, Australia, Newman Brad ,   Mungalalu Truscott Airbase, P.O. Box 1795, Palmerston NT 0831, Australia, Newman Heather ,   Mungalalu Truscott Airbase, P.O. Box 1795, Palmerston NT 0831, Australia, Veal Heather ,   Mungalalu Truscott Airbase, P.O. Box 1795, Palmerston NT 0831, Australia, Bentley Blair ,   School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley WA 6009, Australia, Williams Desmond ,   Uunguu Rangers, Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation, PMB 16, Kalumburu via Wyndham WA  6740, Australia
Published: October 2022

Four Eurasian Tree Sparrows Passer montanus were recorded on Troughton Island, north-western Western Australia, on 6–8 August 2016. Reports indicate that these were the remaining birds (or progeny) from a group of 17 birds that arrived after a storm in c. 2011; the population then dwindled despite apparently breeding over the next 5 years. This represents the first documented colonisation by this species of a near-shore location in Australia with little or no likelihood of ship assistance.
The Eukaryotic Last Common Ancestor Was Bifunctional for Hopanoid and Sterol Production
Authors: Francis Warren
Published: October 2022

Steroid and hopanoid biomarkers can be found in ancient rocks and may give a glimpse of what life was present at that time. Sterols and hopanoids are produced by two related enzymes, though the evolutionary history of this protein family is complicated by losses and horizontal gene transfers, and appears to be widely misinterpreted. Here, I have added sequences from additional species, and re-analysis of the phylogeny of SHC and OSC indicates a single origin of both enzymes among eukaryotes. This pattern is best explained by endosymbiotic acquisition of both enzymes from a bacterial ancestor, followed by widespread loss of SHC, and two subsequent HGT events to ferns and ascomycetes. Thus, the last common ancestor of eukaryotes would have been bifunctional for both sterol and hopanoid production. Later enzymatic innovations allowed diversification of sterols in eukaryotes. Contrary to previous interpretations, the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) potentially would have been able to produce hopanoids as a substitute for sterols in anaerobic conditions. Without invoking any other metabolic demand, the LECA could have been a facultative aerobe, living in unstable conditions with respect to oxygen level.
Logical Analysis of Response of Health Officials’ Worldwide, to Cost-Effective Early Remedies for COVID19
Authors: Wimalawansa Sunil J. , Polonowita Athula K
Published: October 2022

With the advent of COVID19, the attitude of health authorities around the world, led mainly by the West, demanded a level of proof as evidence for cheap, non-patented remedies while promoting expensive, patented, and untested remedies by using emergency use authorization and special provisions afforded to the status of a pandemic emergency. Western science has neither a tested nor a valid historical basis of a logical system that informs to authenticate scientific practices. Here we use a logical heuristic derived from ancient Buddhist logic, which is consistent with the conduct of modern science. We applied the heuristic to show that enough evidence was available for using cost-effective early therapies such as vitamin D supplementation as a public health measure during the first half of 2020. Strong supporting evidence has since accumulated. Apart from political and financial decisions incompatible with science and other conflicts of interest, a critical barrier to evaluating and approving early therapies appears to be the fallacy that the randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the superior proof method in medical hypotheses, including those for nutrients. Logically, no reason exists why properly designed retrospective, ecological, and naturalistic studies with adequate sample sizes and applied appropriate statistical methods would not be as valid as RCTs, especially when elucidating a causative factor instead of treatment. That assertion is particularly true for nutrient deficiencies, interventions, and other cost-effective therapies. Leading health authorities’ failure or refusal to consider other study types (because of either poor logic or vested interest) probably contributed to the spread of misinformation, symptomatic disease, complications, and deaths from COVID19. Partial immunity derived from vaccines and the later development of more contagious variants—and thus a sense of acceptance that SARS-CoV-2 had progressed from a pandemic to an endemic—shows the hollowness of the initial promotions and mandates of vaccines as a cure. Adequate knowledge was available in 2020 to advise that SARS-CoV-2 will continue to mutate, with variants emerging a few times per year, making the vaccine less effective. Emerging evidence confirms that natural immunity better protects against new variants than vaccination against the spike protein. Had vitamin D been adopted as part of the public health measure through a broader supplementation program in 2020 or even today (through sun exposure or as a prophylactic or adjunct therapy early on), the viral spread and symptomatic disease may have been suppressed, with minimal lockdowns and quarantine, and economic harm. The pandemic could have been halted with a significantly reduced need for hospitalization, complications, and deaths, potentially saving millions of lives.
Geographic Range Overlap Rather Than Phylogenetic Distance Explains Rabies Virus Transmission Among Closely Related Bat Species
Authors: Jacquot Maude , Wallace Megan A. , Streicker Daniel G. , Biek Roman
Published: October 2022

Most pathogens are capable of infecting multiple host species and such cross-species transmission (CST) can have dramatic consequences, as highlighted by recent disease emergence events affecting human, animal and plant health. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary factors that constrain or facilitate the ability of disease agents to infect and establish in a novel host is therefore a timely and important research area. Previous work across different pathogens, including rabies virus (RABV), found that increased evolutionary distance between hosts reduces the frequency of cross-species transmission and of permanent host shifts. However, whether this effect of host relatedness still holds for transmission among recently diverged hosts, and the importance of this effect relative to other predictors, is not well understood. We addressed this question by quantifying the CST frequency of RABV between North American bat species within the genus Myotis, using a multi-decade data set containing 128 nucleoprotein (N) sequences from ten host species. For comparison, we also conducted an equivalent analysis of a RABV dataset from North American bat species comprising nine genera. We found that at the within genus scale, host relatedness failed to explain the frequency of CST events. However, CST frequency increased with overlap in species’ host range. Moreover, we found evidence of CST occurring among a higher proportion of species, and CST more frequently resulting in sustained transmission in the novel host in the Myotis dataset compared to the multi-genus dataset. Our results suggest that among recently diverged species, the ability to infect a novel host is no longer restricted by physiological barriers but instead is limited by physical contact. Our results improve predictions of where future CST events for RABV might occur and clarify the relationship between host divergence and pathogen emergence.
Large-Scale Tungsten Fibre-Reinforced Tungsten and Its Mechanical Properties
Authors: Schwalenberg Daniel , Coenen Jan , Riesch Johann , Hoeschen Till , Mao Yiran , Lau Alexander , Giet Hanns , Raumann Leonard , Huber Philipp , Linsmeier Christian , Neu Rudolf
Published: October 2022

Tungsten fibre-reinforced tungsten composites (Wf/W) have been in development to overcome the inherent brittleness of tungsten as one of the most promising candidate for the first wall and divertor armour material in a future fusion power plant. As the development of Wf/W continues, the fracture toughness of the composite is one of the main design drivers. In this contribution the efforts on size upscaling of Wf/W based on Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) is shown together with fracture mechanical tests of two different size samples of Wf/W produced by CVD. Three-point bending tests according to ASTM E399 for brittle materials were used to get a first estimation of the toughness. A provisional fracture toughness value of up to 346MPam1/2 was calculated for the as-fabricated material. As the material does not show a brittle fracture in the as-fabricated state, the J-Integral approach based on the ASTM E1820 was additionally applied for this state. A maximum value of the J-integral of 41kJ/m2 (134,8MPam1/2) was determined for the largest samples. Post mortem investigations were employed to detail the active mechanisms and crack propagation.
The Power of Pleasure Reading: A Narrative Inquiry of Proficient Non-English Learners
Authors: Ovilia Ririn , Asfina Risda
Published: October 2022

Pleasure reading, or termed Extensive Reading (ER) in the context of language learning, is defined as reading for enjoyment, happiness or satisfaction. A considerable number of studies have shed light on the benefits of ER to English language learning in L2 context. However, there has been no study examining the natural process of how pleasure reading naturally builds up language proficiency. Therefore, this study is intended to divulge the obscure process of how ones unconsciously build up English proficiency by doing pleasure reading. The participants in this study are two non-English learners who have done pleasure reading for, at least, 7 years with no purpose of learning English. Nested in a narrative inquiry methodology, this study examined the participants’ personal stories on the problems they tackle in doing pleasure reading, the gradual process they have been through, their motivation which makes them eager to read, and their unintentionally built up English proficiency. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, observation and personal communication. The evidence showed that both participants underwent the language acquisition process in which they were not clued up about the subconscious awareness of language system obtained when reading. They got delectation of reading and achieved language proficiency (vocabulary, reading and listening skills, and grammar) simultaneously. Conclusively, pleasure reading or extensive reading works on improving language proficiency of not only language learners who intentionally read for learning but also those who read only for pleasure.
Pengaruh Citra Merek, Fitur, Dan Persepsi Harga Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian (Studi Kasus Pada Konsumen Smartphone Xiaomi) di Kabupaten Lamongan
Authors: Ah’sani Ahmad Firhan , Purnomo Hadi
Published: October 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of brand image, features, and price perceptions on purchasing decisions with a case study on Xiaomi smartphone consumers in Lamongan Regency. The research method used is a quantitative method with primary data through questionnaires distributed to respondents. The sampling technique in this study is the Accidental Sampling technique, which is a sampling technique based on coincidence, namely consumers who coincidentally/incidentally meet with researchers in the population, which then obtained 96 samples. The results obtained from the research conducted indicate that brand image has a negative effect on purchasing decisions, this is inversely proportional to other results that features have a positive effect on purchasing decisions, price perceptions have a positive effect on purchasing decisions. price perception has a positive effect on purchasing decisions. This study aims to determine the effect of brand image,
Analisis Gaya Kepemimpinan Kepala Bidang Pengelolaan Daerah Sungai Dan Hutan Lindung (PDASHL) Dinas Kehutanan Provinsi Sumatera Barat
Authors: Putri Haifa Nilau , Arief Hafidh Al , Harits Abdul , Fahrezy Jesica Anggia
Published: October 2022

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana penerapan gaya kepemimpinan di bidang Pengelolaan Daerah Aliran Sungai dan Hutan Lindung (PDASHL). Dinas Kehutanan Sumatera Barat merupakan salah satu instansi pemerintah yang bergerak di bidang kehutanan meliputi pengelolaan hutan, konservasi sumber daya alam, dan pengelolaan daerah aliran sungai. Bidang PDASHL ini bertugas melaksanakan kebijakan di bidang peningkatan daya dukung daerah aliran sungai dan hutan lindung. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif. Metode ini menggambarkan atau menjelaskan permasalahan yang ada dengan memberikan jawaban atas permasalahan yang dikemukakan. teknik yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data yaitu wawancara dan observasi yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui penerapan gaya kepemimpinan pada organisasi pemerintah daerah. Dalam penelitian ini menggunakan sampel yang berjumlah dua orang yang bekerja di bidang PDASHL. Dapat disimpulkan berdasarkan hasil penelitian terdapat empat jenis gaya kepemimpinan yang diterapkan dalam bidang PDASHL, yaitu gaya kepemimpinan direktif, gaya kepemimpinan suportif, gaya kepemimpinan partisipatif, dan gaya kepemimpinan berorientasi prestasi. namun dari keempat jenis gaya kepemimpinan tersebut, ada satu gaya kepemimpinan yang paling menonjol yaitu gaya kepemimpinan partisipatif.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PERMAINAN “FLOODING MOCKUP” UNTUK MENGENALKAN SAMPAH DAN BANJIR PADA ANAK USIA DINI
Authors: Safira Ajeng Rizki , Suyanto Slamet , Tiara Dinda Rizki , Mahbubah Nur Aini
Published: October 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) mengembangkan media Flooding Mockup yang layak dengan tujuan mengenalkan sampah serta banjir untuk anak usia dini dan (2) mengembangkan media Flooding Mockup yang efektif untuk mengenalkan sampah serta banjir untuk anak usia dini. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian pengembangan menggunakan model Borg dan Gall. Pengumpulan data dengan wawancara, angket, penilaian kemampuan anak, dan observasi. Teknik analisis data terdiri dari penembangan produk dan analisis penilaian pembelajaran. Hasil penelitian adalah (1) media Flooding Mockup ditinjau dari aspek materi serta media dinilai oleh ahli ialah layak digunakan mengenalkan "sampah serta banjir pada anak usia dini, dan (2) permainan media Flooding Mockup efektif untuk mengenal sampah serta banjir untuk anak usia dini. Hal ini ditunjukkan dari hasil independent t test posttest yaitu p lebih kecil dari 0.05 yaitu 0.000 ≤ maka dinyatakan bahwa dapat meningkatkan dengan signifikan kemampuan anak mengenal sampah serta banjir.
Isolation, differentiation and polarization of porcine monocyte derived-macrophages.
Authors: Fresneda Maria Pulido , Pérez Verónica Álvarez , Muñóz María de los Ángeles de Pedro , López Ana María Marchena , Nieto Esther López
Published: October 2022

Monocytes can be isolated from the peripheral blood of pigs. The protocol begins with a Ficoll density gradient centrifugation to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from whole blood, followed by a culture in porcine serum pre-treated plates. Non-adherent cells were washed away after at least 3 h of culture. After 24 h, adherent cells were differentiated to M1- and M2- macrophages adding to the medium hGM-CSF and hM-CSF, respectively. On day 7 of culture, surface receptor expression and gene expression were measured by flow cytometry and qPCR in response to 24 h of LPS + IFNg (M1) or IL-4 (M2) stimulation. Porcine M1-polarized macrophages presented ‘fried-egg’ like shape morphology, and higher SLA-II and TNFa expression, whereas porcine M2-polarized macrophages displayed the ‘spindle’ like morphology, higher CD206 expression, and higher IL-10, and Arg-1 expression.
Feasibility of a Heterogeneous Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Fenton Process for the Removal of Glyphosate from Water
Authors: Ahmed Naveed , Vione Davide , Rivoira Luca , Castiglioni Michele , Beldean-Galea Mihail Simion , Bruzzoniti Maria Concetta
Published: October 2022

Glyphosate is a widespread herbicide, and it is an important environmental pollutant that could have some adverse effects on human health. Therefore, remediation and reclamation of contaminated streams and aqueous environments polluted by glyphosate is currently a worldwide priority. Here we show that the heterogeneous nZVI-Fenton process (nZVI + H2O2; nZVI = nanoscale Zero Valent Iron) can achieve effective removal of glyphosate, under different operational conditions. Removal of glyphosate by excess ZVI, without H2O2, also takes place, but the use of ZVI alone to remove glyphosate from water matrices would be very costly. Glyphosate removal by nZVI-Fenton was thoroughly investigated in the pH range 3–6, with different H2O2 concentrations and nZVI loadings. We observed significant removal of glyphosate at pH 3 and 4; however, due to loss in efficiency of Fenton systems with increasing pH, glyphosate removal was no longer effective at pH 5 or 6. Glyphosate removal also occurred at pH 3 and 4 in a real-world water matrix (tap water), despite the occurrence of several potentially interfering inorganic ions. Considering that the operational conditions, used here to remove glyphosate, have already been shown to effectively induce degradation of other emerging contaminants, nZVI-Fenton looks like a promising tool to eliminate glyphosate, together with other biorecalcitrant contaminants, from environmental aqueous matrices.
COVID-19 Impact on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters on Outcomes of Admitted Patients.
Authors: wajahat muhammad , Muhammad Javed , Ali Syed Sarwar , khan Nabeela , saad muhammad
Published: October 2022

COVID-19 an ongoing pandemic with high transmission and mortality rate gets the researchers' attention to the disease. The disease burden on the health care system focuses on the COVID-19 impacts on the hematological and biochemical parameters. This study aimed to focus on the laboratory indicators that fluctuate in COVID-19. The single-center cross-sectional study in the pathology department of POF hospital Wah Cantt from August 2021 to December 2021. Three hundred positive COVID-19 patients were included in the study. The138 (46%) were males and 162 (54%) females and the mean age was 58 ± 15.06 (range 5 – 86). The biochemical indicator raised in COVID-19 included CPK (191.25 ± 507.39), CRP (68.81 ± 70.95), LDH (429.48 ± 246.96), and ALT (46.50 ± 43.23). In hematological parameters, only neutrophils elevated (70.00 ± 13.52) lymphocytes decreased. Laboratory parameters measured were similar values in recovered and death cases. The findings suggest the raised level of CRP, LDH, CPK, ALT, ferritin, D-Dimer, and neutrophils predict the early diagnosis and prompt treatment.