bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Angle Closure Glaucoma in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease
Authors: Alvarez-Guzman Carlos , Valdez-Garcia Jorge E. , Ruiz-Lozano Raul E. , Rodriguez-Garcia Alejandro , Navas-Villar Carlos F. , Hartleben-Matkin Curt , Pedroza-Seres Miguel
Published: June 2021

Background: This study aims to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and mechanisms of secondary glaucoma in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. We performed a retrospective, observational, and longitudinal study in VKH patients seen from 2001 to 2019. Demographic data, disease stage, glaucoma development, visual outcome, and management were analyzed. Results: A total of 305 eyes from 155 VKH patients, including 114 (74.4%) females and 39 (25.6%) males with a mean age of 38.8± 12.8 years, were analyzed. The median follow-up time was 22 months (range 7-60 months). Secondary glaucoma developed in 67 (22.0%) eyes, most of which had chronic recurrent VKH disease at presentation 43 eyes (62.4 %). Angle-closure was the most observed mechanism of glaucoma in 55 (82.1%) eyes, as shown by the development of peripheral anterior synechiae in 58 (86.6%) eyes and posterior synechiae in 51 eyes (76.1%). The combination of pupillary block and posterior synechiae resulted in iris bombé in 17 (25.4%) eyes with glaucoma. Forty-one (61.2%) eyes with glaucoma required either a laser or surgical procedure to control the intraocular pressure. At the last visit, visual acuity was significantly worse in eyes with glaucoma (p<0.001).Conclusions: As evidenced by the development of anterior and posterior synechiae, the angle-closure disease is a significant cause of secondary glaucoma in eyes with VKH. Eyes with glaucoma are more likely to present in the chronic recurrent stage of the disease. Most of the eyes with glaucoma required a surgical procedure to control intraocular pressure.
The use of Real-Time PCR Assay for Screening Chickpea Genotypes Resistant to Ascochyta Rabiei
Authors: Özer Göksel , Palacıoğlu Gülsüm , Aydoğan Abdulkadir , Bayraktar Harun
Published: June 2021

Ascochyta blight, caused by Ascochyta rabiei is a devastating disease of chickpea worldwide. Breeding for host resistance is an efficient means to reduce the damage by this pathogen. This study evaluated the utility of Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for screening chickpea genotypes for resistant to blight disease. Eight days after inoculation, the resistance level of 84 chickpea genotypes was quantified by Real-time PCR technique using a standard curve constructed by amplifying different known amounts of target DNA and compared with disease scores based on visual assessment. A significant variation was statistically found among chickpea genotypes with respect to disease reactions. The quantity of target DNA in infected samples varied from 0.004–83.37 ng. The results demonstrated a strong relationship between visual scoring of disease severity and quantification of the target DNA in chickpea genotypes. Tüb-35, Tüb-47, Tüb-26, Tüb-82, Tüb-65 and Tüb-69 genotypes were found highly resistant to Ascochyta blight based on the results of both assays utilized for screening chickpea genotypes for resistance. The real-time PCR assay could be used for quantifying disease progression in plant tissues and screening chickpea genotypes as a potential alternative to visual scoring in plant resistance breeding programs.
Classication of Electrocardiogram Signals With Waveform Morphological Analysis and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Li Hongqiang , An Zhixuan , Zuo Shasha , Zhu Wei , Cao Lu , Mu Yuxin , Song Wenchao , Mao Quanhua , Zhang Zhen , Li Enbang , García Juan Daniel Prades
Published: June 2021

Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) indicates the occurrence of various cardiac diseases, and the accurate classification of ECG signals is important for the automatic diagnosis of arrhythmia. Methods: This paper presents a novel classification method based on multifeatures by combining waveform morphology and frequency-domain statistical analysis, which offer a better classification accuracy and minimise the time spent for classifying signals. A wavelet packet is used to decompose a de-noised ECG signal, and the singular value, maximum value and standard deviation of the decomposed wavelet packet coefficients are calculated to obtain the frequency domain feature space. The slope threshold method is applied to detect R peak and calculate RR intervals, and the first two RR intervals are extracted as time-domain features. The fusion feature space is composed of time-domain and frequency-domain features. Results: A combination of support vector machine (SVM) with the help of grid search and waveform morphological analysis is applied to complete nine types of ECG signal classification. Computer simulations show that the accuracy of the proposed algorithm on multiple types of arrhythmia databases can reach 96.67%.Conclusions: The proposed approach classified the arrhythmias of ECG signals with promising results. The experimental results reveal that classification accuracy can reach 96.67% when the penalty factor C is 9.1896, and the kernel function parameter g is 0.10882.
A Window into the Breeding Ecology and Molt of the Eastern Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis)
Authors: Hand Christine E. , Gabel Wray , DiPetto Gabriella R. , Bonafilia Rachel E. , Znidersic Elizabeth
Published: June 2021

Knowledge of the ecology and behavior of the Eastern Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis) has remained nearly as elusive as the rail itself. Camera trapping methods facilitated the first study of breeding phenology and chick development (n = 33 broods), flightless molt phenology and duration (n = 10 adults in molt), and courtship and brood rearing behaviors. In addition, behavioral observations combined with phenology data provided evidence of pairs raising two or more broods during a breeding season. Conservation and management efforts for the Eastern Black Rail should take into consideration periods of vulnerability such as incubation, brood rearing and flightless molt, which coincide with increasingly severe and frequent coastal flooding events and hurricanes. To effectively develop conservation strategies to ensure the persistence of the Eastern Black Rail, it is necessary to understand factors key to the fecundity and survival of the subspecies.
A network pharmacology approach to explore and validate the potential targets underlying the effect of Ginsenoside on Osteoporosis
Authors: Zhen Qingliu , Guo Ling , Zhen Xiaoyue , Cui Zhaoyang , Jiang Chao , Zhang Qiang , Gao Kun , Luan Deheng , Zhou Xuanchen
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study aim to investigate the potential targets involving the effect of ginsenoside on osteoporosis using a network pharmacology approach.
Methods

Ginsenoside and its drug targets associated to osteoporosis (OP) were identified by using network analysis. First, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), DrugBank database, Pharmmapper database and Cytoscape software were used to mine information relevant to Ginsenoside ingredients and Ginsenoside -related targets. Second, the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of ginsenoside-target gene and ginsenoside-OP target gene were performed in String, Phenopedia, DisGeNET database and Metascape software. Eventually, the protein to protein interaction (PPI) of key ginsenoside-OP targets were created by String database and Cytoscape software. The validation of the binding of ginsenoside to target proteins was plotted by utilizing SwissDock tool, UCSF Chimera and Pymol software.
Results

A total of 8 important active ingredients of ginsenosides were obtained in the TCMSP. Eighty potential targets of ginsenoside and 1304 related targets involved in OP were subjected to network analysis, and the 17 intersection targets were indicated to be linked to ginsenoside treating OP. GO and KEGG analysis showed the top 10 items of biological processes, cellular components, molecular functions and signaling pathways in the 80 targets of ginsenoside. Then, 14 key targets were determined to be the most crucial genes by protein to protein interaction (PPI) analysis. In the 14 intersection potential targets, 10 signaling pathways were defined by Metascape software. Validation plots of four target proteins IL1B, TNF, IFNG, NFKBIA binding to ginsenoside rh2 was drew, lastly.
Conclusion

This study investigated the potential targets and signaling pathways of ginsenoside during the treatment of OP, which might be beneficial to elucidate the mechanism concerned to the action of ginsenoside and might supply a better understanding of its anti-OP effects.
A comparative study of a class of direct estimators for domain mean with a direct ratio estimator for domain mean using auxiliary character
Authors: Khare Brij Behari , Ashutosh  , Rai Piyush Kant
Published: June 2021

Estimation techniques for a domain parameter play a very significant role in the theory of sample surveys. In the recent years many advanced methodologies have been developed for domain estimation. In particular, direct and synthetic estimators are applied for the estimation of domain mean in the government and private sectors under certain assumptions as to the size of the samples relating to particular domains. The findings demonstrate that the direct estimator fails to perform more efficiently as compared to the synthetic estimator when reliable units are not directly accessible in the studied domains. Moreover, due to the fact that small units belong to the sample of the studied domain, the direct estimator produces an unacceptably large standard error. In contrast, if a sufficient number of units are available in the studied domain, the direct estimator produces effective results. This paper presents the theoretical aspects of the proposed class of direct estimators for domain mean with the use of a single auxiliary character, compared with an existing direct ratio estimator for domain mean (given in section 3.2). In addition, an empirical study has been provided to support the validity of the proposed estimators. The findings prove that the proposed estimators outperform the direct ratio estimator for domain mean using a single auxiliary character in the case of two studied populations and their analysed domains considered from Sarndal et al. (1992).
Obesity as a Poor Prognostic Factor in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Mikhailov Evgenii Sergeevich , Salogub G.N. , Bessmeltsev S.S.
Published: June 2021

Aim. To assess the impact of obesity and overweight on the outcomes of multiple myeloma (MM) treatment. Materials & Methods. The present retrospective study enrolled 214 patients with newly diagnosed MM. The median age was 59 years (range 29-89 years), male patients accounted for 40.2 %. The analysis focused on complication incidence, overall survival, and time to the second-line therapy depending on body mass index (BMI) at disease onset. Results. In the groups of patients with BMI > 35 kg/m2 and BMI < 35 kg/m2 the median overall survival was 42 and 95 months, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 0.17; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.08-0.37; p < 0.05). In the group of patients with obesity > grade 2 the median time to the second-line therapy was 25 months, being less than in the group of patients with BMI < 35 kg/m2 (43 months; HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.31-0.99; p < 0.05). As a result of therapy, the incidence of corticosteroid-associated hyperglycemia and infectious complications as well as the rate of delayed initiation of the next cycle and dose reduction of anticancer drugs were significantly higher in patients with BMI > 35 kg/m2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Obesity > grade 2 is a poor prognostic factor for complications and is associated with diminishing outcomes of ММ treatment. Accompanying morbid obesity leads to a higher incidence of therapy complications, longer intervals between chemotherapy courses and drug dose reduction.
Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of R-DA-EPOCH and R-mNHL-BFM-90 Combination Immunochemotherapy in Patients with Prognostically Unfavorable Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma within Randomized Multi-Center Clinical Trial DLBCL-2015
Authors: Bagova Madina Olegovna , Magomedova A.U. , Kravchenko S.K. , Yagudina R.I. , Serpik V.G. , Kulikov S.M. , Chabaeva Yu.A.
Published: June 2021

Aim. Pharmacoeconomic analysis of R-DA-EPOCH and R-mNHL-BFM-90 combination immunochemotherapy in patients with prognostically unfavorable diffuse large B-cell lymphoma within randomized multi-center clinical trial DLB-CL-2015. Materials & Methods. The pharmacoeconomic analysis conducted between September 2018 and February 2020 was based on the treatment data of 22 patients enrolled in the DLBCL-2015 randomized multi-center clinical trial. This paper deals with the estimation of treatment outcomes in only one center, i.e., the National Research Center for Hematology. The R-DA-EPOCH induction therapy was administered to 14 out of 22 patients, 8 patients received the R-mN-HL-BFM-90 block treatment. Within the R-DA-EPOCH group the second-line therapy was administered subsequently to 5 (36 %) out of 14 patients with partial remission or disease progression. The R-mNHL-BFM-90 treatment resulted in no need to assign second-line regimens. At the first stage, the efficacy of the compared induction therapy regimens was assessed. The next stage of the pharmacoeconomic study sought to analyze only the direct medical costs associated with the whole chemotherapy process. Further, the cost-effectiveness analysis was carried out, which allowed to estimate the financial resources necessary to achieve 1 case of complete remission (CR). A pharmacoeconomic decision-tree model was developed. Results. CR was achieved in all 8 patients (100 %) who received the R-mNHL-BFM-90 block treatment. In the R-DA-EPOCH group CR was achieved only in 9 (64 %) out of 14 patients. The total mean cost of achieving 1 CR case per patient at all stages of diagnosis and chemotherapy with account for bed turnover (induction, second-line therapy, total supportive care) using R-mNHL-BFM-90 was 1,640,757 rubles, whereas in the R-DA-EPOCH group it was 1,469,878 rubles per patient. However, cumulative treatment costs of R-DA-EPOCH including chemotherapy of the second and further lines and supportive care were 2,896,519 rubles which exceeded those in the R-mNHL-BFM-90 group. Due to its higher efficacy the R-mNHL-BFM-90 immunochemotherapy precludes additional costs associated with both chemotherapy of the second and further lines and supportive care. Conclusion. R-mNHL-BFM-90 as intensive induction block immunochemotherapy for DLBCL patients with poor prognosis is more effective than R-DA-EPOCH and allows to considerably reduce cumulative costs. It is possible due to complete preclusion of the costs of second-line chemotherapy and supportive care including blood component transfusions.
Methodological aspects of regional metallogenic analysis
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Efim Semenovich KONTAR
Published: June 2021

Relevance and purpose of the work are due to the need to formulate the conceptual base and essence that determine the methodology of regional metallogenic analysis. Results. The fundamental provisions that make up the methodological and conceptual-semantic basis of the regional metallogenic analysis have been determined and concretized. The conceptual basis of regional metallogenic analysis is the provision that the ore (deposit) is included as a natural component in certain structural-material associations (or complexes), i.e., in certain formations of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. They are objectively existing and actually mapped geological bodies, which are expressed both in the form of stratified (series, formations, strata, packs, horizons) and intrusive (massifs) formations. On their basis, structural-formation (structuralmetallogenic) zoning is carried out. An important feature of magmatic, sedimentary and ore formations is their recurrence in the geological history of mobile belts, which confirms the concept of the conservatism of metallogenic processes in the geological history of the Earth. At the same time, along with repetitive ones, there are magmatic, sedimentary and ore formations formed in the geological history of the Earth only once. Lateral and vertical rows of rock and ore paragenetic associations are characterized. Examples of Caledonian and Hercynian lateral ore-formation series of the Urals are given. The main provisions of the quantitative assessment of the predicted resources of the predicted types of minerals are formulated. Conclusions. The regional metallogenic analysis consists of the following components: petro-lithoformational analysis, structural-formational zoning which is adequate to structural-metallogenic zoning, paragenetic analysis of mineral associations and geological-industrial typification of various-scale occurrences of a mineral, and quantitative assessment of expected mineralization predicted resources.
An analysis of geochemical features of crystallization of emeralds as an approach to determine the deposit of them
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Мikhail Petrovich POPOV , Vladimir Ivanovich SOLOMONOV ,   Institute of Electrophysics of the Ural Branch of RAS, Аl’fiya Vilikovna SPIRINA ,   Institute of Electrophysics of the Ural Branch of RAS, Мikhail Alekseevich IVANOV ,   Military Unit 68240, Victoria Vadimovna KUPTSOVA ,   Military Unit 68240, Аnatoliy Germanovich NIKOLAEV ,   Kazan (Volga region) Federal University
Published: June 2021

Relevance. It is known that minerals differ in morphology, features of the internal structure of crystals, chemical composition, etc., depending on the conditions of their formation and existence. These geochemical features of the gems crystallization are an important criterion for determining their deposit. In this paper, the impurity composition of the samples of emeralds from the deposits of Brazil, China, Zambia, Russia, Afghanistan, Colombia, and Tanzania was investigated by X-ray fluorescent analysis. The study of the impurity composition of emeralds by a non-destructive method and the construction of analytical dependences can be used as an additional way for determining the deposit of emeralds. Purpose of the work is the study of chemical composition of emeralds by X-ray fluorescent analysis to establish the relationship between the content of the main impurity elements and the deposit. Results. The data on the impurity composition of emeralds obtained by X-ray fluorescent analysis show that the content of impurities of Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Fe, V, Cr differs from one deposit to another. The content of impurities of alkali metals and magnesium is higher in the samples from the shale-type deposits compared to the samples from deposits of the Colombian type. Thus, at the first stage, the type of deposit can be assumed. Further, the dependences plotted in the coordinate planes {Cr, V}, {Cs, Cr}, {Fe, Cr} show separate areas, delimited by the impurity ratios, which are typical for the samples from deposits in China, Colombia, Zambia, Afghanistan, and Tanzania. Conclusion. X-ray fluorescent analysis, as a non-destructive method for studying emeralds, is considered to be a promising approach to identifying their deposit, but as an additional method.
Legal support for the restoration of lands disturbed by mining operations: Experience in the Russian Federation
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Margarita Nikolaevna IGNAT’EVA
Published: June 2021

The effectiveness of the restoration of lands disturbed by mining operations largely depends on the perfection of the legislation regulating this process. The purpose of the study is to identify evolutionary changes in the legal framework for reclamation and bottlenecks that require the improvement of legal acts. Research methods – scientific generalization, comparisons, analogy method, comparative and evolutionary analysis. Результаты. The relevance of reclamation in modern conditions has been substantiated, which is confirmed by the basic requirements of sustainable subsoil use and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The information concerning the legal support of reclamation is generalized and analyzed, the stages of this process are determined; setting back by a decade in the formation of legal support for reclamation in Russia of the Soviet period from foreign countries is identified. In Russia, the initial stage is attributed to the period of the 1950s– 1970s, when legislative documents were sporadic and did not practised on such a systematic basis. The period of the 1970s–1980s was defined as the main one, during which there was the approval of the “Basic provisions on the reclamation of lands disturbed during the development of mineral deposits and peat, conducting geological exploration, construction and other works” (1977), which have been successfully used for almost 20 years. At the same time, GOSTs and standards regulating reclamation began to operate. The following were subject to regulation: financing, accounting for the costs of reclamation work, compensation for any damage caused by the recipient, transfer of reclamation lands to land users, etc. Since the 1990s, there has been a certain decline in research focused on reclamation, although this period is characterized by the approval of quite important legislative acts, including the “Basic Provisions on Land Reclamation, removal, conservation and rational use of the fertile soil layer” (1995). Reclamation provisions are reflected in a number of federal laws and strategic documents. The highly anticipated government act defining the procedure for land reclamation and conservation was adopted in 2018. Deficiencies in the existing legislation regulating reclamation were identified, requiring amendments and additions to the latter. First of all, this concerns the Federal Law called “On Subsoil”, as well as the regulation of the financing of reclamation. Conclusion. Improving the legal framework for reclamation work will undoubtedly help to increase the efficiency of this process.
Features of the material composition and possible technologies of pyrite cinders processing
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Anatoly Borisovich MAKAROV , Gul’nara Gabdulbarievna KHASANOVA ,   Ural State Mining University, Mikhail Sergeevich GLUKHOV ,   Kazan (Volga region) Federal University, Maksim Andreevich PAN’SHIN ,   JSC “Uralelectromed”
Published: June 2021

Relevance of research is determined by the need to study for subsequent rational processing of technogenic mineral raw materials – pyrite cinders formed during firing pyritic concentrates for the production of sulfuric acid. Topical issues here are the determination of their chemical and mineral composition, morphology of particles, which predetermine possible technologies of their processing. Purpose of research – study of the material composition of pyrite cinders of the dumps of the Kirovgrad coppersmelting plant, features identification of the composition of different-age dumps. Methods of research. In the selected samples of pyrite cinders, their chemical composition was determined, the morphology of particles was studied by photographing them using the Philips XL-30 electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and possible processing technologies were analyzed. Results. It was found that pyrite cinder of the old dump (no. 1) is characterized by low SO3 contents and low values of losses when firing relative to dump no. 2, which is determined by the oxidation of residual pyrite, as well as CaO and higher Fe2 O3 contents. The study of the morphology of pyrite cinders microparticles showed that they have an irregular shape, globule shape and spherical size from 40 μm to 2 mm. Some known technologies of purple ore processing are considered. Conclusion. The morphology of pyrite cinders particles and their chemical composition were determined as a result of the research. Taking into account the research results and morphostructural characteristics of cinders material, in particular, it is obvious that a number of technologies can be chosen for their complex processing; at the same time this determines further directions of their research, for example, the study of valuable impurity elements in them and their behavior in the process of changing the material of the dumps.
History of prospecting and development of deposits of quartz raw materials in the Urals and the prospect of their further use
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Yuriy Alekseevich POLENOV , Vitaliy Nikolaevich OGORODNIKOV ,   The Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of the Ural Branch of RAS, Aleksandr Yur’evich KISIN ,   The Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of the Ural Branch of RAS
Published: June 2021

Relevance of the work. For 60 years of hard work of quartz workers in the geological industry, Soviet geologists have fully provided the USSR industry for many years to come with piezoquartz and high-grade, highly pure quartz for the production of all types of quartz products. Much has changed over the years; and it became necessary to analyze the existing raw material base of Russia for quartz for smelting. Purpose of the work: analysis of the existing raw material base of Russia for quartz raw materials and the role of the deposits of quartz raw materials in the Ural region in solving this problem. Research methodology. The history of the use of quartz material as an industrial raw material and its application by the most developed countries of Europe is briefly outlined. It is shown that in the presence of various genetic types of quartz in the territory of Russia, the main deposits of highly pure quartz are located within the Ural region. The history of the complex and multiple reorganization of geological units that carried out prospecting, exploration, production and processing of all types of quartz raw materials from the Urals deposits is considered in detail. With the aim of centralization of exploration, mining operations, the production of industrial products from quartz and gemstones, scientific and project construction works in the Urals, the production association Uralkvartssamotsvety has been established since November 1, 1977. In terms of its technological equipment, the level of technology and organization of production, the achieved technical and economic indicators and allocations, the Uralkvartszamotsvety association was the flagship among the related associations of the USSR Ministry of Geology. Conclusions. Nowadays, the severe issue of the raw material base of quartz in Russia is the provision of the domestic industry with raw materials for the fusion of special transparent quartz glasses used primarily in microelectronics, fiber optics, and the production of high-intensity light sources. Ural had been and could continue to be the main supplier of raw materials and especially pure quartz. The reserves of these types of raw materials are significant, and the deposits are located in favorable economic and geographical areas.
Treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction with jaw functional orthopedics: a retrospective study
Authors: Santiago Júnior Orlando , Lucas Ferreira Marcus Vinicius , Huebner Rudolf
Published: June 2021

What are my chances of getting better?” And “How long will it take for the discomfort to improve?” are the two basic questions asked by individuals after they know about the influence of the stomatognathic system (SS) on their discomfort. Despite the biological unpredictability and variation, these individuals need some information. When searching in MEDLINE, some parameters may be found, but there are none about Jaw Functional Orthopedics (JFO). This study sample was composed of 146 patients with TMD and/or headache/neck pains, who were treated with JFO and divided into three groups. Group 1 exclusively with TMD; Group 2 with head and/or neck pain without symptoms of TMD (pain on palpation or movement); and Group 3 with TMD and head/neck pain. The symptoms monitored were arthralgia, and myalgia of the temporal, masseter or suprahyoid muscles, neck pain on movement or palpation, headache and cervicalgia reported. Odontogenic pain and headache originating from other sources (sinusitis, flu, pre-menstrual period, photophobia, hangover, etc.) were excluded from the study. The sample was aligned with the literature relative to prevalence of age and sex. Results showed that JFO treatment was effective in patients of the three groups. There was no statistical difference in mean time for remission among the groups. The results and conclusions should be analyzed with caution since there was no control group, and long term follow up is needed to check the behavior of the symptoms. However, the data from this study suggested that JFO was an efficient tool for treatment of patients with occlusal and biomechanical alterations of the SS, with chronic TMD, head and/or neck pain in a short period of time.
Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Doxycycline and Rifampicin Combination
Loaded in Nanoparticles against Intracellular Brucella abortus
Authors: Dawre Shilpa , Devarajan Padma V. , Samad Abdul
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is prevalent in livestock animals.
The bacteria reside inside the macrophage cells of the host. The WHO has endorseda combination
treatment therapy for brucellosis against the conventional monotherapy to avoid relapse and resistance.
Therefore, we developed nanoparticles incorporating doxycycline and rifampicin in combination.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to develop polymeric nanoparticles incorporating doxycycline as well
as rifampicin and investigate the antibacterial activity of nanoparticles in U937 human macrophage
cells infected with B. abortus.

Methods:

Polymeric nanoparticles were developed by the emulsion-solvent diffusion method, and
characterization was performed.

Results:

The nanoparticles with high entrapment efficiency of both the drugs were developed successfully.
Scanning electron microscopy revealed a spherical morphology with a size ranging
~450nm, which can be easily engulfed by the macrophages. Zeta potential confirmed the colloidal
stability. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction suggested amorphization of doxycycline
and rifampicin in nanoparticles. Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy could not confirm
the interaction of drugs with AOT. In vitro haemolysis study confirmed the safety of nanoparticles
(<10%) for IV administration. Further, nanoparticles revealed the sustained release of both drugs,
which followed diffusion kinetics. Nanoparticles were found stable for 6 months as per WHO
guidelines. The internalization study revealed nanoparticles could be easily uptaken by U-937 human
macrophage cells. The efficacy study demonstrated significantly high antibacterial activity of
nanoparticles as compared to free drug solution in U937 human macrophages cells infected with
Brucella abortus.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that the developed nanoparticles entrapping doxycycline and rifampicin
combination can be considered as a promising delivery system for enhancing the antibacterial
activity against Brucella abortus.
Physical Properties Investigation on Sunscreens with Colloidal Gold and Moringa oleifera Extract
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Universitas Ma Chung, Febriana Kesuma Ruth , Monica Eva ,   Department of Chemistry, Universitas Ma Chung, Alfanaar Rokiy ,   Department of Chemistry, Universitas Ma Chung
Published: June 2021

Botanicals were known as active ingredients in sunscreens due to their dermal protecting. Gold in colloidal form has a completely unique property for the reason that it may be used as photoaging material. The exposure of UV radiation to skin can cause erythema and skin cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the physical properties of the sunscreens made from Au/ZnO and antioxidant from Moringa oleifera extract such as the sun protection factor (SPF), pH, spreadability, and adhesion. The Moringa oleifera were extracted by maceration. Maceration with 70% ethanol of dried leaves exhibited DPPH scavenging activity (EC50 235.01 μg/mL). Diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectra of ZnO and Au/ZnO revealed absorption at λex of 385 nm which were equivalent to a bandgap energy of 3.22 eV. Au/ZnO posed a localized state at λex of 385 (3.65 eV). The sunscreens with formulations F1, F2, F3, and F4 showed high SPF number of 20.1479, 21.0008, 22.3872, and18.4631. Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences between sunscreen formulations.
Pelaksanaan program gerakan literasi sekolah (GLS) di SD Muhammadiyah Sokonandi
Authors: Septiary Denggan , Sidabutar Monika
Published: June 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) mendeskripsikan pelaksanaan program Gerakan Literasi Sekolah (GLS) di SD Muhammadiyah Sokonandi; (2) mendeskripsikan faktor yang mendukung dan menghambat dalam pelaksanaan program Gerakan Literasi Sekolah (GLS) di SD Muhammadiyah Sokonandi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskripstif kualitatif dengan subjek kepala sekolah pendidik serta peserta didik. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik observasi, teknik wawancara, dan studi dokumentasi. Teknik keabsahan data yang digunakan teknik triangulasi sumber dan teknik triangulasi metode. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) dalam pelaksanaan program Gerakan Literasi Sekolah (GLS) mengikuti panduan yang diterbitkan Kemendikbud, namun dilakukan pengembangan secara mandiri sesuai visi dan misi karena sekolah ini merupakan sekolah berbasis agama islam. Proses pelaksanaan program GLS terbagi dalam (a) perencanaa, (b) pelaksanaan, dan (c) evaluasi; (2) faktor pendukung yang ditemukan dalam proses pelaksanaan program GLS yaitu: (a) sarana dan prasarana yang memadai yaitu: 2 unit perpustakaan, pojok baca, laboraturium komputer, lingkungan yang literat (b) alokasi dana yang memadai (c) terjalin kerja sama dengan beberapa lembaga (d) pemanfaatan media. (3) faktor penghambat yang ditemukan dalam proses pelaksanaan program GLS yaitu: (a) perbedaan kemampuan dan inisiatif SDM (b) kurangnya strategi pemusatan perhatian literasi terhadap peserta didik (c) penyelenggaran kegiatan pendukung literasi yang tidak sesuai penjadwalan.
Multimedia pembelajaran anti korupsi untuk menanamkan nilai kejujuran dan kesederhanaan pada siswa sekolah dasar di Yogyakarta
Authors: Rahmadonna Sisca
Published: June 2021

Penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk mengembangkan multimedia interaktif pendidikan anti korupsi untuk menanamkan nilai kejujuran dan kesederhanaan pada siswa sekolah dasar di Yogyakarta. Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam keseluruhan penelitianini adalah Research and Developmet (R  D). Subjek penelitian adalah para siswa sekolah dasar di Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini menggunakan angket, observasi, wawancara, dan studi dokumentasi, yang didukung focus group discussion (FGD) serta bukucatatan lapangan/logbook sebagai teknik pengumpulan data. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis secara deskriptif kuantitatif dankualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa guru membutuhkan alternative pembelajaran yang dapat menanamkan nilai-nilai integritas pada siswa dan multimedia pembelajaran anti korupsi yang dikembangkan melalui dua tahap pengembangan (Pengembangan media dan pengembangan materi) dan telah divalidasi ini dapat dijadikan alternatif pembelajaran untuk menanamkan nilai integritas, khususnya kejujuran dan kesederhanaan.
Teaching Indonesian as a foreign language through Small Private Online Course (SPOC): investigating learners' multidimensional anxiety in online learning
Authors: Darmawansah Darmawansah
Published: June 2021

One of the foreign language learners challenges is the anxious level they mostly face while learning a new language. Even though Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) has been analyzed for decades to foresee language learners' challenges in the learning process, the previous results only focus on single language skills and the offline learning environment. In consideration, learning a foreign language is supposed to be a multidimensional analysis and forced to be online due to the current pandemic. Thus, this study investigates how Taiwanese learners face FLA when learning Indonesian as A Foreign Language (IFL) through Small Private Online Course (SPOC). Participants were assessed by  Multimedimensional Language Anxiety Scale (MLAS) at the end of their six-months course. The results showed that writing was the highest anxiety while reading was the lowest anxiety. The psychology domain that showed the learners tension during learning IFL through SPOC revealed the most highly anxious. Surprisingly, nearly two-thirds of learners were considered overall moderate-level anxiety by using SPOC as a learning platform. In further investigation, male learners dominated each foreign language skills and domains' anxiety level compared to female learners. The correlations among language skills and domains are presented and critically discussed. Finally, it opens more opportunities to explore SPOC and another online learning platform to reduce learners' FLAs
Evaluasi model explore-apply-present dengan english audiopedia untuk pembelajaran bahasa inggris SMP
Authors: Suparti Suparti
Published: June 2021

EVALUASI MODEL EXPLORE-APPLY-PRESENT DENGAN ENGLISH AUDIOPEDIA UNTUK PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INGGRIS SMP Abstrak Pengembangan model Explore-Apply-Present (EAP) dengan English Audiopedia perlu dievaluasi untuk mendapatkan rekomendasi terkait degan pengambilan keputusan tentang keberlangsungan proyek yang sedang dikembangkan.  Penelitian evaluatif ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Oktober-Desember 2019 dengan responden 30 guru Bahasa Inggris SMP dan 420 peserta didik SMP dari empat lokasi yaitu Tangerang, Bandung, Surakarta, dan Surabaya. Instrumen yang diguunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu angket, panduan wawancara, dan diskusi kelompok terfokus. Hasil evaluasi menunjukkan bahwa model EAP dengan pendekatan saintifik dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai alternatif dalam pembelajaran menyimak. Ditinjau dari tingkat kelayakan, English Audiopedia layak digunakan sebagai alternatif sumber belajar karena baik dari sisi materi, teknis maupun kemediaan telah memenuhi standar produksi dengan melibatkan ahli di bidangnya. Model ini layak untuk dikembangkan sebagai alternatif pembelajaran listening dan alternatif dalam mememuhi keterbatasan sumber belajar listening yang sering dikeluhkan guru. Namun model ini perlu diperbaiki baik dari sisi format sajian, konten, maupun kemasan agar lebih menarik dan tepat sasaran.Kata Kunci: EAP, English Audiopedia, menyimak, evaluasi EVALUATION OF THE EXPLORE-APPLY-PRESENT MODEL WITH ENGLISH AUDIOPEDIA FOR ENGLISH LEARNING IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLSAbstractThe development of the Explore-Apply-Present (EAP) model with English Audiopedia needs to be evaluated to obtain recommendations related to decision making regarding the sustainability of the project being developed. This evaluative research was conducted in October-December 2019 with 30 junior high school English teachers and 420 junior high school students as respondents taken from four locations, namely Tangerang, Bandung, Surakarta, and Surabaya. The instruments used in this study were questionnaires, interview guides, and focused group discussion. The results of the evaluation showed that the EAP model with a scientific approach can be used as an alternative in teaching listening. Judging from the feasibility level, English Audiopedia was suitable for use as an alternative source of learning English because both material and technical aspects have met the standards in the development and production process by involving experts in their fields. This model was feasible to be developed as an alternative to teaching listening and as an alternative in meeting the limitations of English audio resources that teachers often complained about. However, this model needs to be improved both in terms of presentation format, content, and packaging to make it more attractive and suitable with the users.Keywords: EAP, English Audiopedia, listening, evaluation
Problem-Based Learning Implementation: Improvement in Learning Process and Results in Vocational Higher Education
Authors: Nurtanto Muhammad , Nurhaji Soffan , Baser Jamil Abd , Yadin Yadin
Published: June 2021

Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a learning method considered to be capable of changing the students’ perception in facing the challenges of the 21st century. This study was aimed to improve soft skills in the form of critical thinking, motivation, and group dynamics and hard skills in the form of psychomotor ability by applying PBL. This study was designed with an action research design. The research subjects were 30 students at the age of 19 to 22 years old. Data were collected with performance appraisal, observation sheet and questionnaires. The results indicated that (1) the students’ critical thinking works effectively during problem identification and problem hypothesis, (2) increasing motivational ability indicated by time discipline, and (3) improved group dynamics skills during group discussions and groups activities. The results for psychomotor ability showed an increase of 16.6 or 17%. This confirmed that PBL improved the students’ soft skills and hard skills reflected in positive and effective group activities.
Analysis of Vocational High School Teachers’ Competency Profiles
Authors: Lolo Yatwawan , Sudira Putu
Published: June 2021

Educators serving in Vocational High Schools have not met the competency standards. This study aimed to describe: (1) pedagogy, professional, personality, and social competence of teachers in vocational high schools, and (2) the performance of teachers in vocational high schools. This descriptive study was conducted at four vocational high schools in North Morowali that have been nationally accredited. The respondents consisted of 23 principals, vice principals, heads of the study program, and 178 student. The data were collected using documentation and questionnaire.  It were further analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results showed that:  (1) 66.76% of the teachers have the competence of the teacher's pedagogy with high category, 77.92% of the teachers have the professional competence with high category; 78.66% of the teachers have the personality competence with high category; 79.82% of the teachers have social competence with high category, (2) 75.35% of the teachers have the performance with high category.
A Virtual Laboratory Application for Vocational Productive Learning Using Augmented Reality
Authors: Herlandy Pratama Benny , Al Amien Januar , Pahmi Pahmi , Satria Agus
Published: June 2021

The objectives of this study were (1) to produce a virtual laboratory application for vocational productive learning by applying Augmented Reality technology; (2) to examine the validity of the developed application from the aspects of media development and productive learning materials. The method used in this study was research and development with the waterfall model. The stages of development included needs analysis, design, implementation, and system testing. The result of the development was the learning application called AugWare operated using an Android smartphone. The application was equipped with the features of learning materials, simulation and evaluation. The results of validation by media experts through an assessment questionnaire consisting of 32 items revealed that the average final score was 84 categorized as very appropriate. In the assessment of material experts, the results of the validator's assessment through a questionnaire with the 30 items showed that the final score was very appropriate with the score of 89.
The Effect of Problem-Based Learning Model and Blended Learning Model to Metacognitive Awareness as a Reflection Towards a New Normal Era
Authors: Yuan Kris , Aftoni Aftoni , Çobanoğlu Ömer
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to determine differences in the level of metacognitive awareness and learning outcomes of students who learn through problem-based learning model-assisted blended learning on technical drawing material as a reflection towards new normal era education. This study used a test instrument and metacognitive questionnaire with the results of a validity level of 92.58% and the Alpha Cronbach reliability coefficient was categorized as high with a score of 0.876. The research sample was carried out at the state of vocational high school in two classes. Experimental classes learned with a problem-based model were aided by blended learning and a control class learned through a problem-based model. The results showed a significant difference in cognitive domain learning outcomes in the experimental class and metacognitive awareness of students in the two research classes so that this learning model could be used as a reflection in the learning activities of the new normal era.
Usability Evaluation of a Tablet-Based Intervention to Prevent Intradialytic Hypotension in Dialysis Patients During In-Clinic Dialysis: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Willis Matthew , Brand Hein Leah , Hu Zhaoxian , Saran Rajiv , Argentina Marissa , Bragg-Gresham Jennifer , Krein Sarah L , Gillespie Brenda , Zheng Kai , Veinot Tiffany C
Published: June 2021

Background

Patients on hemodialysis receive dialysis thrice weekly for about 4 hours per session. Intradialytic hypotension (IDH)—low blood pressure during hemodialysis—is a serious but common complication of hemodialysis. Although patients on dialysis already participate in their care, activating patients toward IDH prevention may reduce their risk of IDH. Interactive, technology-based interventions hold promise as a platform for patient activation. However, little is known about the usability challenges that patients undergoing hemodialysis may face when using tablet-based informatics interventions, especially while dialyzing.

Objective

This study aims to test the usability of a patient-facing, tablet-based intervention that includes theory-informed educational modules and motivational interviewing–based mentoring from patient peers via videoconferencing.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed methods usability evaluation of the tablet-based intervention by using think-aloud methods, field notes, and structured observations. These qualitative data were evaluated by trained researchers using a structured data collection instrument to capture objective observational data. We calculated descriptive statistics for the quantitative data and conducted inductive content analysis using the qualitative data.

Results

Findings from 14 patients cluster around general constraints such as the use of one arm, dexterity issues, impaired vision, and lack of experience with touch screen devices. Our task-by-task usability results showed that specific sections with the greatest difficulty for users were logging into the intervention (difficulty score: 2.08), interacting with the quizzes (difficulty score: 1.92), goal setting (difficulty score: 2.28), and entering and exiting videoconference rooms (difficulty score: 2.07) that are used to engage with peers during motivational interviewing sessions.

Conclusions

In this paper, we present implications for designing informatics interventions for patients on dialysis and detail resulting changes to be implemented in the next version of this intervention. We frame these implications first through the context of the role the patients’ physical body plays when interacting with the intervention and then through the digital considerations for software and interface interaction.