bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENURUNAN NILAI BILANGAN PEROKSIDA DAN WARNA PADA VARIASI MINYAK GORENG MENGGUNAKAN KARBON AKTIF BATOK KELAPA
Authors: Ety Ety Jumiati
Published: July 2024

ABSTRAK
 
Minyak goreng adalah kebutuhan pangan yang dibutuhkan masyarakat untuk menggoreng makanan. Minyak goreng yang bermutu adalah  minyak goreng berwarna bening kekuningan yang terbuat dari tumbuh-tumbuhan dan hewan yang dibuat secara sintetik. . Tujuan penelitian ini adalah meningkatkan mutu minyak goreng dengan menurunkan bilangan peroksida menggunakan karbon aktif batok kelapa. Sampel minyak goreng yang digunakan ada 3 jenis, yaitu minyak goreng curah (sampel A), minyak goreng jelantah dari pedagang ayam penyet (sampel B), dan minyak goreng jelantah dari pedagang gorengan (sampel C). Perbandingan massa minyak goreng dan karbon aktif batok kelapa sebesar 3 : 1 atau 75 gram : 25 gram. Hasil mutu karbon aktif batok kelapa menghasilkan nilai kadar air = 13,2 %, kadar abu = 2,1 %, kadar zat menguap = 17,9 % dan kadar karbon = 80,0 % yang telah memenuhi SNI 06-3730-1995. Hasil mutu minyak goreng setelah proses pemurnian minyak goreng telah memenuhi SNI 7709:2019 karena memperoleh memperoleh bilangan peroksida pada sampel A, B, dan C masing-masing adalah  5,32 meq/kg; 13,84 meq/kg dan 23,50 meq/kg. Pengaruh penurunan bilangan peroksida pada ketiga sampel menunjukkan warna normal dengan nilai di bawah standar maksimum yang dipersyaratkan SNI 7709:2019 dengan standar nilai bilangan peroksida sebesar maksimum 10 meq/kg dan warna dalam keadaan normal.
 
Kata  kunci: minyak goreng curah, minyak goreng jelantah dan karbon aktif batok kelapa.
 
ABSTRACT
 
Cooking oil is a food necessity required by the community for frying food. High-quality cooking oil is a clear yellowish oil made from plants and animals that are synthetically produced. The aim of this research is to improve the quality of cooking oil by reducing the peroxide number using coconut shell activated carbon. There are three types of cooking oil samples used, namely bulk cooking oil (sample A), used cooking oil from fried chicken vendors (sample B), and used cooking oil from fried food vendors (sample C). The ratio of cooking oil mass to coconut shell activated carbon is 3:1 or 75 grams: 25 grams. The quality result of coconut shell activated carbon produces values of moisture content = 13.2%, ash content = 2.1%, volatile matter content = 17.9%, and carbon content = 80.0%, which have met the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 06-3730-1995. The quality result of cooking oil after the cooking oil purification process has met SNI 7709:2019 standards as it obtained peroxide numbers in samples A, B, and C respectively, which are 5.32 meq/kg; 13.84 meq/kg, and 23.50 meq/kg. The influence of reducing the peroxide number in the three samples shows normal color with values below the maximum standard required by SNI 7709:2019 with a maximum peroxide number standard of 10 meq/kg and the color is normal.
 
Keywords: bulk cooking oil, used cooking oil, and coconut shell activated carbon.
Konstruksi Kecantikan : Makna Cantik Oleh Mahasiswi Pengguna Skincare Korea
Authors: - Chintya Koestri Ayuningrum , Harmona Daulay
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengeksplorasi konstruksi cantik yang berkembang di kalangan mahasiswi yang menggunakan produk skincare Korea di Kota Medan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan metode pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa definisi cantik sangat bervariasi di era globalisasi saat ini. Pada mahasiswi pengguna skincare Korea di Kota Medan, konstruksi realitas cantik terjadi melalui tiga tahap simultan: eksternalisasi, objektivasi, dan internalisasi. Pada tahap eksternalisasi, cantik diartikan sebagai penampilan fisik. Tahap objektivasi mengungkapkan pengetahuan informan tentang konsep cantik kian beragam. Pada tahap internalisasi, cantik didefinisikan sebagai kombinasi kecantikan fisik yang terlihat dan kecantikan dari dalam (inner beauty), yang
Studi Kebijakan Penanggulangan Pengemis Di Kota Bengkulu
Authors: Suprapti Anni , Wardaya Sulistya
Published: July 2024

Studi tentang pengemis dalam perspektif sosiologi sangat menarik untuk dikaji secara ilmiah, disatu sisi keberadaan pengemis menjadi tanggung jawab pemerintah sesuai amanat UUD 45 pasal 34 ayat (1) tentang fakir miskin dan anak terlantar dipelihara negara, ayat (2) negara mengembangkan sistem jaminan sosial bagi seluruh rakyat dan memberdayakan masyarakat yang lemah dan tidak mampu sesuai dengan martabat kemanusiaan, disisi lain pengemis dianggap melanggar ketertiban umum berdasarkan KUHP pasal 504 dan 505. Benturan antara amanat UUD 1945 dan tata aturan hukum membuat pemerintah daerah Kota Bengkulu ragu-ragu melaksanakan Perda No 7 Tahun 2017 tentang gelandangan dan pengemis, maka untuk mencari jalan keluarnya perlu dilakukan penelitian. Adapun rumusan masalahnya “dengan melakukan studi kebijakan penanggulangan pengemis diharapkan bisa menemukan jalan keluar yang terbaik untuk menyelesaikan masalah pengemis di Kota Bengkulu” dan metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif yang memiliki keunggulan bisa mengungkap fenomena sosial yang masih terselimuti kabut misteri yang belum diketahui atau tidak bisa dibaca dan dikenali lewat sederet angka atau statistik. Hasil penelitian dapat membuktikan ada perbedaan pemahaman, fakir miskin menurut Undang-Undang No. 24 Tahun 2004, adalah kondisi sosial ekonomi seseorang atau sekelompok orang yang tidak terpenuhi hak-hak dasarnya untuk mempertahankan dan mengembangkan kehidupan yang bermartabat maka layak mendapat perlindungan dari pemerintah sedangkan pengemis adalah pekerja yang melanggar ketertiban umum berdasarkan KUHP Pasal 504 dan 505 sah untuk ditangkap dan dituntut kepengadilan
Analisis Perilaku Pengendara Kendaraan Roda Dua dan Impikasinya Terhadap Keselamatan Berkendara di Kota Balikpapan dengan Pendekatan Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Dewanti Lintang Nataniela , Herliansyah Riki , Muqimuddin Muqimuddin , Karim Abdul Alimul
Published: July 2024

Angka kecelakaan lalu lintas yang terkait dengan kendaraan sepeda motor terus meningkat setiap tahun di Kota Balikpapan. Upaya untuk meningkatkan kesadaran pengendara sepeda motor salah satunya dengan menerapkan perilaku keselamatan berkendara. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui model Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) dengan pendekatan Partial Least Square (PLS) yang fit (sesuai) serta mengetahui variabel yang berpengaruh signifikan dalam menentukan pengaruh perilaku pengendara sepeda motor terhadap keselamatan berkendara di Kota Balikpapan. Data yang digunakan merupakan data primer dari 322 pengendara sepeda motor di Kota Balikpapan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa model Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) dengan pendekatan Partial Least Square dinyatakan fit (sesuai) dan terdapat dua variabel yang berpengaruh signifikan yaitu variabel persepsi risiko dan perilaku agresif.
Analisis Sentimen Masyarakat terhadap Keamanan Penggunaan E-Commerce B2C Menggunakan Pendekatan Naïve Bayes Berbasis Text Mining untuk Mencegah Penipuan
Authors: Galena Marcelena Vicky , Sadikin Adnan Syawal Adilaha , Prastyaningrum Aprilia , Nugroho Reza Febrian , Mardianto M. Fariz Fadillah
Published: July 2024

Perkembangan teknologi di Era Society 5.0 telah mengubah interaksi pemasaran dari tatap muka menjadi interaksi melalui layar, seperti belanja online menggunakan e-commerce. Menurut Statista Market Insights, jumlah pengguna e-commerce di Indonesia mencapai 178,94 juta orang pada tahun 2022, dengan nilai transaksi sebesar Rp476,3 triliun. Namun, e-commerce rentan terhadap cybercrime. Ditipideksus Polri menerima 16.845 laporan kejahatan siber antara 2017 dan 2020. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis sentimen masyarakat mengenai keamanan e-commerce melalui komentar di Play Store dan App Store menggunakan pendekatan Naïve Bayes yang sederhana, tetapi memiliki tingkat akurasi yang tinggi. Hasil analisis menunjukkan model Naïve Bayes memiliki akurasi 80% di Play Store dan 87% di App Store, dengan AUC masing-masing 0,864 dan 0,942, menunjukkan kinerja yang sangat baik dalam klasifikasi sentimen. Diharapkan penelitian ini dapat membantu e-commerce B2C untuk meningkatkan keamanan, seperti implementasi teknologi keamanan yang lebih kuat, edukasi pengguna, serta transparansi terhadap insiden keamanan guna meningkatkan kepercayaan pengguna.
Legal Children Protection as Victim of Psychological Violence in Surakarta
Authors: Oktaviary Adinda Rizky , Kurnianingsih Marisa , Andi Intan Purnamasari
Published: July 2024

This study aims to reveal how Surakarta government faces legal protection. Also, constraints in providing fulfillment of the rights of child victims of psychological violence committed in the family environment. This study uses an empirical juridical method interview and examine the legal provisions that apply in society. It focuses on violence against children committed by their parents, which has an impact on the child's psychology with valid data sourced from the authorities. Although violence against children is a violation of human rights, without realizing it, there are still many people who are willing to commit acts of psychological violence against children. It is because the child is unlikely to rebel when they receive improper treatment from adults, including within the scope of their own family, even though this treatment will have an impact on the child's psychology in the future. The results revealed that illustrate the psychological violence is only considered an internal family problem, and not many people realize it as an act of violence. Surakarta government has actually made efforts to prevent and reduce the number of violence against children, such as by providing an understanding of the importance of giving good parenting, being more able to control emotions, and being sensitive to the conditions and needs of children. This study concludes that the Surakarta government, through DP3AP2KB, has made various efforts to deal with cases of violence that can have an impact on children's psychology. However, these efforts are not fully supported by the public due to the lack of understanding and awareness of the dangers of violence against children, so the number of child abuse in Surakarta has not been a significant change.
Spatiotemporal modelling of northern shrimp Pandalus borealis distribution patterns throughout Canada’s subarctic and arctic regions
Authors: Baker KD , Mullowney DRJ , Fulton S
Published: July 2024

Northern shrimp Pandalus borealis occur throughout Canada’s Atlantic Ocean, where they are thought to form a single population spanning from Baffin Bay to the tail of the Grand Bank. Here, they play an important role in the ecosystem as prey for many taxa and have been targeted by a lucrative large-scale fishery since the 1970s. Yet, we still understand little about which (and how) ecosystem and environmental factors influence their distribution and abundance. We used survey data collected over 29 yr throughout 23 degrees of latitude to develop a spatiotemporal model predicting northern shrimp density. We confirmed that both top-down drivers (e.g. predation pressure), as well as bottom-up drivers (e.g. bottom temperature) play important roles in determining both the presence and abundance of northern shrimp. The model was used to predict the density of northern shrimp throughout the entire study area from 2005 to 2022. Our results highlight the importance of understanding ecosystem and environmental dynamics in relation to northern shrimp population patterns and trends within resource assessments.
Analisa Pengaruh Variasi Temperatur Tuang Pada Proses Pengecoran Alumunium Kaleng Bekas Terhadap Sifat Kekerasan Dan Struktur Mikro
Authors: Togubu Sukirman A , Tjiroso Bambang , Karim Ivan Junaidy Abd
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of casting temperature variations on the hardness and microstructure of used aluminium cans. The casting method used in this research is the Lost Foam Casting method with a cast temperature variation of 670°C, 700°C and 730°C. Vickers hardness testing was carried out to determine the effect of temperature variations on hardness, microstructure observations were made to see what phenomena occurred. The results show that the hardness value with the lowest temperature of 670°C has a higher average hardness value in the Vickers test compared to the high temperature of 730°C. This shows that the pouring temperature rate of metal castings is more effective in metal recycling at 670°C for the hardness value in the Vickers test. Porosity decreases with increasing pouring temperature, seen at 670°C with a microstructure magnification of 100x the porosity is rather round and large on the surface of the castings. While at a temperature of 730°C with a magnification of 100x microstructure, it can be seen that the porosity is getting smaller in the form of dots scattered on the surface of the castings.
Analisis Faktor Kejadian Stunting Pada Balita : Berbasis Transcultural Nursing
Authors: Weti  , Nunik Andari Fatsiwi , Kosvianti Emi , Febriawati Henni
Published: July 2024

Masalah gizi pada periode balita dengan atau tanpa sakit yang berulang akan berdampak pada kondisi fisik tubuh anak (stunting). Malnutrisi pada balita dapat terjadi disebabkan oleh faktor budaya, kebiasaan dan sosial masyarakat. Masyarakat di wilayah operasional Puskesmas Betungan dikenal sebagai masyarakat patriarki yang sangat menghargai budaya sebagai salah satu penentu perilaku, khususnya perilaku kesehatan terkait makanan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis faktor kejadian stunting pada balita berbasis Transcultural Nursing. Studi ini menggunakan rancangan kuantitatif dengan pendekatan cross-sectional. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh ibu yang mempunyai balita, sampel diambil dengan teknik simple random sampling. Data yang terkumpul dianalisis univariat dan bivariat. Hasil : Terdapat hubungan antara kejadian stunting pada balita dengan variabel teknologi (p=0.045), faktor dukungan keluarga dan sosial (p=0.048), nilai budaya dan gaya hidup (p=0.013), serta faktor ekonomi ( p = 0,034). Kesimpulan : Meskipun tidak ada korelasi antara karakteristik pendidikan dengan terjadinya stunting, namun tingkat pendidikan yang dimiliki seorang perempuan merupakan salah satu komponen mendasar yang berkontribusi terhadap permasalahan gizi, khususnya stunting.
Pengaruh Perawatan Luka Modern Dressing Terhadap Derajat Luka Ulkus Diabetikum
Authors: Sartika Andry , Ferasinta Ferasinta , Novitasari Selvia , Rozani Leni
Published: July 2024

Ulkus Diabetikum merupakan luka yang membutuhkan perawatan khusus, penatalaksanaan untuk mengatasi luka ulkus diabetik, yaitu dengan metode Modern Dressing. Luka kaki diabetes disebabkan oleh beberapa faktor yaitu neuropati, trauma, deformitas kaki, tekanan tinggi pada telapak tangan kaki dan penyakit vaskuler perifer. Pemeriksaan dan klasifikasi ulkus diabetes yang menyeluruh dan sistemik dapat membantu memberikan dan arahan perawatan yang adekuat. Tujuan pada penelitian ini untuk Mengetahui pengaruh perawatan luka menggunakan metode modern dressing terhadap derajat luka ulkus diabetikum. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode quasi-eksperimental dengan pendekatan pre-post test two group design yaitu suatu metode penelitian yang dilakukan dengan observasional. Hasil Penelitian didapatkan Rata-rata nilai perawatan luka dengan metode modern dressing yaitu nilai rata-rata sebelum yaitu (17.53) dan rata-rata sesudah intervensi (8.93). sehingga dikatakan Ada pengaruh modern dressing terhadap derajat luka ulkus diabetikum.
Skrining Kesehatan Jiwa pada Ibu Hamil sudahkah diimplementasikan?
Authors: Damayani Ayi diah , Harindra  , Auronita Puspa Pertiwi  , Akhiat  , Intaglia Harsanti
Published: July 2024

Asuhan kebidanan pada ibu hamil dilakukan berdasarkan standar yang telah di tetapkan oleh pemerintah dalam Permenkes no 21 tahun 2021, sebagai salah satu strategi dalam menurunkan Angka Kematian Ibu. Standar pelayanan antenatal yang meliputi 10 T yaitu pengukuran berat badan dan tinggi badan,  pengukuran tekanan darah, pengukuran lingkar lengan atas, pengukuran fundus uteri, presentasi janin serta penentuan denyut jantung janin, pemeriksaan dan pemberian vaksinasi tetanus, pemberian tablet tambah darah, tes laboratorium, tata laksana dan temu wicara serta penilaian kesehatan jiwa. Tujuan: Menganalisis pelaksanaan standar ANC 10 T di provinsi Bangka Belitung. Metode: Penelitian kualitatif, dilakukan pengambilan data  dengan melakukan wawancara terhadap 10 orang responden dan pengisian kuesioner  kepada 124 ibu hamil dan 41 bidan. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan september – oktober 2023. Hasil: Dari 124 responden, sebanyak 57,3% orang menyatakan pelayanan ANC  sesuai standar, sebanyak 10,5% cukup sesuai dan 32,3%  sangat sesuai. Dari 41 responden bidan,  48,8% menyatakan  pelayanan ANC sangat sesuai, 34,1% menyatakan baik dan 14,6% menyatakan  sedang, dan 2,4%  merasa kurang sesuai dalam melaksanakan ANC. Simpulan : Standar pelayanan ANC 10 T telah dilakukan di semua pelayanan kesehatan primer (Puskesmas) akan tetapi petunjuk teknis / skrining terkait pelayanan anc yang berhubungan dengan kesehatan jiwa belum optimal dilakukan. Diperlukan koordinasi lintas sektor untuk meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan 10 T.
The Corralation between Knowledge and Satisfaction Level with the High Referral of Patients Participating in the National Health Insurance (NHI) at First Level Health Facilities (FLHF)
Authors: Werdana Andi , Rendita Dwibarto  , Siswanto
Published: July 2024

A health service that regulates the delegation of duties and responsibilities for health services that cannot be implemented at the basic (primary) service level due to limited infrastructure, medical personnel and the presence of anamnesis that requires patients to receive further health services such as specialist services. The still high number of patient referrals shows that community health centers are not yet able to provide optimal health services as gatekeepers of health services in the community. The aim of the research is to analyze factors related to patient referrals for National Health Insurance (JKN) participants at First Level Health Facilities (FKTP). The research design used was analytical survey research with a cross sectional approach. The sample was 109 patients participating in National Health Insurance (JKN) who received services at the Gerunggang Community Health Center, Pangkalpinang City. The research results show a relationship between Knowledge and Referrals from JKN Participant Patients, namely p value = 0.000 < ? = 0.05 and there is a relationship between Satisfaction Level and Referrals from JKN Participant Patients, namely p value = 0.018 < ? = 0.05. The research conclusion is that there is a relationship between knowledge and the level of patient satisfaction with patient referrals for JKN participants at the Gerunggang Community Health Center. It is hoped that health workers at Community Health Centers, both medical and non-medical personnel, will always improve services and prioritize patient needs, especially in providing referral information to patients.
Environmentally sensitive fluorescence of the topical retinoid adapalene
Authors: Soler-Orenes Juan A. , Monari Antonio , Miranda Miguel A. , Hernández-Gil Javier , Lhiaubet-Vallet Virginie
Published: July 2024

Intrinsic fluorescence of drugs brings valuable information on their localization in the organism and their interaction with key biomolecules. In this work, we investigate the absorption and emission properties of the topical retinoid adapalene in different solvents and biological media. While the UVA/UVB absorption band does not exhibit any significant solvent-dependent behavior, a strong positive solvatochromism is observed for the emission. These results are in line with molecular modeling and simulations that show the presence of two quasi-degenerate states, i.e., a local π-π* and an intermolecular charge-transfer (ICT) state. However, molecular modeling also revealed that, whatever the solvent, at the corresponding equilibrium geometry the lowest and emissive excited state is the local π-π*. Finally, the potential of adapalene to act as a biological probe is demonstrated using albumin, DNA and micelles.
Investigating the role of palladium electrical contacts in interactions with carbyne nanomaterial solid matter
Authors: Aleksandrova Mariya
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Traps at the interface between carbyne and palladium nanocoatings, produced at different growth conditions, are explored by current-voltage characteristics, scanning electron microscopy and thermal stimulation of charges for evaluation of their nature. It was found that the Pd films can form an Ohmic contact with the carbyne at certain deposition conditions and such deviated from the Ohmic behavior according to the RF sputtering voltage. This growth parameter was found to affect the interfacial traps formation on the carbyne surface, which is important feature for the charge trapping and releasing properties for hydrogen isotopes in the context of the energy release applications.

Methods, Results and Discussion: The sputtering voltages of 0.5 kV and 0.7 kV were found unsuitable for controlled trap formation. Based on the currentvoltage and thermally stimulated current (TSC) measurements, a sputtering voltage of 0.9 kV appeared to be more favorable compared to 0.5 kV and 0.7 kV. At 0.9 kV thermal activation of charge carriers are enabled at lower thermal energies, showing a distinct change in TSC behavior correlated to trap activation.
Quantifying dose uncertainties resulting from cardiorespiratory motion in intensity-modulated proton therapy for cardiac stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Wei Weige , Li Zhibin , Xiao Qing , Wang Guangyu , He Haiping , Luo Dashuang , Chen Li , Li Jing , Zhang Xiangyu , Qin Taolin , Song Ying , Li Guangjun , Bai Sen
Published: July 2024

Background

Cardiac stereotactic body radiotherapy (CSBRT) with photons efficaciously and safely treats cardiovascular arrhythmias. Proton therapy, with its unique physical and radiobiological properties, can offer advantages over traditional photon-based therapies in certain clinical scenarios, particularly pediatric tumors and those in anatomically challenging areas. However, dose uncertainties induced by cardiorespiratory motion are unknown.

Objective

This study investigated the effect of cardiorespiratory motion on intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and the effectiveness of motion-encompassing methods.

Methods

We retrospectively included 12 patients with refractory arrhythmia who underwent CSBRT with four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) and 4D cardiac CT (4DcCT). Proton plans were simulated using an IBA accelerator based on the 4D average CT. The prescription was 25 Gy in a single fraction, with all plans normalized to ensure that 95% of the target volume received the prescribed dose. 4D dose reconstruction was performed to generate 4D accumulated and dynamic doses. Furthermore, dose uncertainties due to the interplay effect of the substrate target and organs at risk (OARs) were assessed. The differences between internal organs at risk volume (IRV) and OARreal (manually contoured on average CT) were compared. In 4D dynamic dose, meeting prescription requirements entails V25 and D95 reaching 95% and 25 Gy, respectively.

Results

The 4D dynamic dose significantly differed from the 3D static dose. The mean V25 and D95 were 89.23% and 24.69 Gy, respectively, in 4DCT and 94.35% and 24.99 Gy, respectively, in 4DcCT. Eleven patients in 4DCT and six in 4DcCT failed to meet the prescription requirements. Critical organs showed varying dose increases. All metrics, except for Dmean and D50, significantly changed in 4DCT; in 4DcCT, only D50 remained unchanged with regards to the target dose uncertainties induced by the interplay effect. The interplay effect was only significant for the Dmax values of several OARs. Generally, respiratory motion caused a more pronounced interplay effect than cardiac pulsation. Neither IRV nor OARreal effectively evaluated the dose discrepancies of the OARs.

Conclusions

Complex cardiorespiratory motion can introduce dose uncertainties during IMPT. Motion-encompassing techniques may mitigate but cannot entirely compensate for the dose discrepancies. Individualized 4D dose assessments are recommended to verify the effectiveness and safety of CSBRT.
A qualitative enquiry on the impact of mental illness stigma on caregiving role and experiences in Singapore
Authors: Ong Wei Jie , Goh Chong Min Janrius , Tan Gregory Tee Hng , Shahwan Shazana , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Given that mental illness stigma is a common occurrence amongst people with mental illness and caregivers (CGs) can be a potential victim of stigma themselves, there is a need to examine caregivers’ perspective on the phenomenon. This study is part of a larger study which aims to qualitatively examine the concept of mental illness stigma amongst different stakeholders in Singapore.

Methods

Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted amongst 21 informal caregivers to explore the experience of stigma encountered by them and their care recipients, and how it may implicate their caregiving experience. Both inductive and deductive thematic analyses were employed to analyze the data.

Results

Three overarching themes of stigma encounters that may have implication on caregiving experience were identified: 1) Stigma within the family; 2) Structural stigma; and 3) Stigma by association. Experience of stigma within family (e.g., social exclusion and lack of understanding) limits the caregiving supports available to CGs. CGs also took up a mediating role between their care recipients and other family who may hold stigmatizing views. Witnessing their care recipients being subjected to structural disadvantages (e.g., employment, school, and mandatory conscription) can induce emotional stresses amongst CGs and motivate them to protest and seek redress on their behalf. Furthermore, encounters of stigma themselves (e.g., being judged or blamed for their loved one’s condition) also led to feelings of guilt and self-blame amongst the CGs.

Discussion

These findings can aid the formulation of interventions in informing CGs on what to expect on their caregiving journey and supporting them in dealing with issues relating to stigma and highlight the importance of anti-stigma efforts in organizational settings such as schools, corporations, and government agencies.
Continuous Recognition of Teachers’ Hand Signals for Students with Attention Deficits
Authors: Chen Ivane Delos Santos , Yang Chieh-Ming , Wu Shang-Shu , Yang Chih-Kang , Chen Mei-Juan , Yeh Chia-Hung , Lin Yuan-Hong
Published: July 2024

In the era of inclusive education, students with attention deficits are integrated into the general classroom. To ensure a seamless transition of students’ focus towards the teacher’s instruction throughout the course and to align with the teaching pace, this paper proposes a continuous recognition algorithm for capturing teachers’ dynamic gesture signals. This algorithm aims to offer instructional attention cues for students with attention deficits. According to the body landmarks of the teacher’s skeleton by using vision and machine learning-based MediaPipe BlazePose, the proposed method uses simple rules to detect the teacher’s hand signals dynamically and provides three kinds of attention cues (Pointing to left, Pointing to right, and Non-pointing) during the class. Experimental results show the average accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1 score achieved 88.31%, 91.03%, 93.99%, 86.32%, and 88.03%, respectively. By analyzing non-verbal behavior, our method of competent performance can replace verbal reminders from the teacher and be helpful for students with attention deficits in inclusive education.
Fly-around-the-World Near-Space Picosatellite for Cost-Effective School Space Projects
Authors: Techavijit Pirada , Sukchalerm Polkit , Wongphuangfuthaworn Natthapong , Kiyapaet Sureepon
Published: July 2024

This research presents the design and development of a near-space picosatellite platform intended to operate at high altitudes between 20–40 km above sea level. These picosatellites function similarly to orbital satellites but float and travel with the wind in the atmosphere instead of orbiting the Earth. The platform utilizes a super-pressure balloon to provide buoyancy, allowing the picosatellite to remain airborne and operational for several days to months, capable of flying around the world multiple times. This study focuses on the cost-effective design of high-altitude platforms, telecommunication systems, and energy consumption for the picosatellite, enabling it to communicate with ground stations from anywhere in the world while consuming low power. The use of common COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) equipment aims to enhance accessibility for educational applications. This research gathered data from our previous studies for over 20 high-altitude platform flights, analyzed the necessary factors for whole system design, and developed a new prototype that has been successfully built and tested.
Enhancing Broiler Welfare and Foot Pad Quality through the Use of Medicinal Plant-Based Pellets as Bedding Material
Authors: Damaziak Krzysztof , Gontar Łukasz , Łukasiewicz-Mierzejewska Monika , Kochański Maksymilian , Riedel Julia , Wójcik Wojciech , Gozdowski Dariusz , Niemiec Jan
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different bedding materials on both production performance and foot quality, assessed through the incidence, severity, and microbiological quality of foot pad dermatitis (FPD). A total of 2400 Ross 308 chickens were raised over 42 days, distributed across eight bedding material types (eight groups × four treatments × 75 chickens each). These pellets either lacked medicinal plant components or included 30% of plant parts, such as oregano (Origanum vulgare), summer savory (Satureja hortensis), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), salvia (Salvia officinalis), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Production performance controls included body weight (BW) at 42 days of age, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality. The severity of FPD was evaluated at 28, 35, and 42 days using a scale ranging from S0 to S3. A microbiological analysis of the feet was based on the FPD score. Broilers raised on straw chaff (bedding: 24% oregano and 6% summer savory, 18% oregano and 12% summer savory, and 24% oregano and 6% thyme) exhibited the highest BW. Straw chaff-reared broilers demonstrated the lowest FCR. The highest mortality occurred on 18% oregano and 12% summer savory bedding, which may have been caused by the high share of summer savory, which could be toxic. At 35 and 42 days, broilers in the 24% oregano and 6% summer savory group exhibited the best foot quality, while those on straw chaff and 18% oregano and 12% summer savory had the worst one. The influence of medicinal plants in the pellets was particularly notable in reducing Listeria sp. This reduction was likely due to the presence of carvacrol from summer savory, quercetin from lemon balm, and thymol from thyme. Based on our research, the best bedding materials for foot quality are 24% oregano with 6% summer savory and 18% summer savory with 12% salvia, while 18% summer savory with 12% lemon balm and 18% summer savory with 12% thymus were the most effective in limiting Listeria sp.
Oil-Coated Ammonium Sulfate Improves Maize Nutrient Uptake and Regulates Nitrogen Leaching Rates in Sandy Soil
Authors: Yan Shuangdui , Dong Xinyu , Jiang Huishu , Liu Yu , Han Ying , Guo Tanwen , Zhang Yanhui , Li Juan , Yan Qiuyan
Published: July 2024

Ammonium sulfate (AS) has been utilized in agriculture; however, there is a dearth of research on its application in maize cultivation subsequent to the implementation of nitrification inhibitors or coating treatments. This study aimed to analyze the impacts of various combinations of AS fertilizers on soil nutrients, plant nutrient uptake, yield, and fertilizer utilization efficiency in maize cultivation to establish an optimal and stabilized disposal method for AS. A completely randomized design was employed with five treatments (AU, the control using urea; AS, treatment using ammonium sulfate; ASN, treatment using ammonium sulfate with a nitrification inhibitor; ASG, treatment using oil-coated ammonium sulfate; and ASD, treatment using oil–humic acid-coated ammonium sulfate). The results show the following: (1) Compared with AU and AS, ASN, ASG, and ASD decreased the leaching rates of total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), and more residual N had accumulated in the soil. The first-order kinetic equation Nt = N0(1 − e−kt) could better fit the process of N accumulation and release, and the N-release rate constant was in the order of AU > CK > AS > ASG > ASN > ASD. (2) Compared with the AU and AS treatments, the plant dry weight, grain dry weight, spike width, spike length, and yields of maize increased by 8.85–11.08%, 12.98–14.15%, 2.95–3.52%, 5.50–5.65%, and 43.21–51.10%, respectively, under the ASG treatment. A path analysis revealed the main decision coefficient of the effective spike number on the maize yield. Furthermore, the accumulation levels of N, P, and K within above-ground plants significantly increased under the ASG treatment compared with those under the AU and AS treatments. N, P, and K partial factor productivity under the ASG treatment increased by 47.12%, 47.15%, and 73.40% on average, while grain N, P, and K balance increased by 50.45%, 47.10%, 55.61% on average, compared with the AU and AS treatments. Therefore, the ASG treatment exhibited the optimal slow-release effect on nutrients and achieved excellent performance in enhancing the production and efficiency of maize.
Spring Abundance, Migration Patterns and Damaging Period of Aleyrodes proletella in the Czech Republic
Authors: Holý Kamil , Kovaříková Kateřina
Published: July 2024

The cabbage whitefly has become an important pest on brassica vegetables in Central Europe. It does not destroy the affected plants, but the product becomes unmarketable, causing considerable economic losses. The pest is also difficult to control due to its way of life and because it develops resistance to some of the active components of insecticides. In organic farming systems, insecticides are strictly restricted, but neither predators nor whitefly parasitoids are able to keep the pest at a tolerable level. It is, therefore, necessary to become familiar with the whitefly’s life cycle and habits, including mass migration from winter hosts to vegetables. We inspected 44 rapeseed fields across the republic in the period 2014–2021 in order to find the connection between the presence of oilseed rape fields near vegetable growing areas (VGAs) and the abundance of the overwintering cabbage whiteflies. We also conducted regular weekly monitoring of whitefly occurrence in the main cultivation area of the Czech Republic (Polabí) with the aim of specifying critical data important for the successful control of this pest. We found that the cabbage whitefly incidences were many times higher in rapeseed fields close to VGAs compared to areas where the crops are not adjacent. The average number of whiteflies was 0.59 individuals per plant in VGA-1 (oilseed rape grown inside this area or up to 1 km far), 0.052 in VGA-2 (distance 3–10 km from vegetable fields) and 0.014 in VGA-3 (more than 20 km). In the extremely warm year 2016, the difference was up to sixty times. The first CW eggs laid on cruciferous vegetables were usually found around 20 May. The period of mass migration of CW adults to cruciferous vegetables was between 6 June and 2 August. At this time, vegetables are most vulnerable to damage. Successful control of the cabbage whitefly requires the use of fabric netting, combined with an insecticide as needed and trap plants as needed; the latter have to be destroyed before adult whiteflies hatch—typically in early July.
Are Users Good Assessors of Social Dominance in Domestic Horses?
Authors: Jastrzębska Ewa , Siemieniuch Marta , Bizio Adriana , Pietruszka Julia , Górecka-Bruzda Aleksandra
Published: July 2024

Horse users and caretakers must be aware of the risks of mixing social groups. The current study investigated whether eight equine practitioners can assess the social dominance rank of 20 horses. The horses’ feeding time and agonistic/aggressive and submissive behaviours were observed during the feed confrontation test, and the dominance index (DI) was calculated. Kendal’s W, Spearman correlations and factor analysis were applied to test the raters’ agreement, the relationship between dominance ranks and the behavioural variables, and to determine the clustered behaviours. The agreement between all raters in the classification of dominance order ranged from moderate to perfect. The ranking by every rater was strongly and negatively correlated with the time of eating in feed confrontation tests and with the DI, evidencing shorter feeding times for more submissive horses. The withdrawal of the horse when threatened was the behavioural variable that was most often correlated with raters’ ranking. The current study confirmed the abilities of practitioners to categorise the horses under their care according to their social interactions. Additionally, rolling when denied access to feed was proposed as frustration-releasing (redirected) behaviour.
Excessive Replacement of Fish Meal by Soy Protein Concentrate Resulted in Inhibition of Growth, Nutrient Metabolism, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Capacity, and Intestinal Development in Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Liang Hualiang , Ren Mingchun , Zhang Lu , Mi Haifeng , Yu Heng , Huang Dongyu , Gu Jiaze , Teng Tao
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the effects of replacing 0% (SPC0), 25% (SPC25), 50% (SPC50), 75% (SPC75), and 100% (SPC100) of fish meal (FM) with soy protein concentrate (SPC) on the growth, nutritional metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory factors in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (17.03 ± 0.01 g). After 56 days of culturing, various growth parameters including FW, WGR, and SGR were not significantly different among SPC0, SPC25, and SPC50 groups; however, they were significantly higher than those in SPC75 and SPC100 groups. Conversely, significantly lower FCR were determined for the SPC0, SPC25, and SPC50 groups compared with that for the SPC100 group; specifically, no significant difference among SPC0, SPC25, and SPC50 groups was found. Moreover, compared with SPC75 and SPC100 groups, a significantly higher FI was observed in the SPC0 group, whereas a significantly lower SR was observed in SPC100 compared with that in SPC0 and SPC25 groups. Compared with the SPC0 group, significantly lower mRNA levels of tor, rps6, 4ebp1, pparγ, and fas were found in SPC75 and SPC100. Additionally, the mRNA levels of cpt were significantly higher in SPC0, SPC25, and SPC50 groups than in SPC75 and SPC100 groups. Moreover, the mRNA levels of scd and acc remained unchanged for all the groups. Replacement of FM with SPC did not significantly affect the mRNA levels of gk, pk, and pepck. Compared with the SPC0 group, significantly decreased activities of CAT were observed in the SPC50, SPC75, and SPC100 groups, and significantly decreased activities of GSH-Px were observed in the SPC75 and SPC100 groups. In addition, significantly lower activity of SOD was observed in SPC100 compared with the other groups. Moreover, compared with the other groups, the SPC75 and SPC100 groups had significantly decreased and increased contents of GSH and MDA, respectively, while significantly lower mRNA levels of nrf2, cat, sod, and gsh-px were found in SPC50, SPC75, and SPC100; however, significantly higher mRNA levels of keap1 were observed in SPC75 and SPC100 groups. Additionally, significantly higher mRNA levels of il-8 and nf-κb were found in the SPC50, SPC75, and SPC100 groups compared with the SPC0 group. Conversely, significantly lower mRNA levels of il-10 and significantly higher mRNA levels of tnf-α were found in the SPC75 and SPC100 groups compared with the other groups. Compared with the SPC0 group, mucosal thickness and villus height were significantly decreased in the SPC75 and SPC100 groups. Collectively, SPC replacing 50% FM did not affect its growth of juvenile largemouth bass. However, SPC replacing 50% or more FM might inhibit antioxidant capacity and immune capacity to even threaten the SR, resulting in impaired intestinal development in replacing FM level of 75% or more.
Mitochondria of Porcine Oocytes Synthesize Melatonin, Which Improves Their In Vitro Maturation and Embryonic Development
Authors: Zhu Tianqi , Yan Laiqing , Deng Shoulong , Ma Wenkui , Xia Fan , Wang Likai , Ma Xiao , Li Guangdong , Shen Zixia , Wang Yiwei , Fu Yao , Ji Pengyun , Wang Bingyuan , Zhang Lu , Liu Guoshi
Published: July 2024

The in vitro maturation efficiency of porcine oocytes is relatively low, and this limits the production of in vitro porcine embryos. Since melatonin is involved in mammalian reproductive physiology, in this study, we have explored whether endogenously produced melatonin can help in porcine oocyte in vitro maturation. We have found, for the first time in the literature, that mitochondria are the major sites for melatonin biosynthesis in porcine oocytes. This mitochondrially originated melatonin reduces ROS production and increases the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory electron transport chain, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP production. Therefore, melatonin improves the quality of oocytes and their in vitro maturation. In contrast, the reduced melatonin level caused by siRNA to knockdown AANAT (siAANAT) is associated with the abnormal distribution of mitochondria, decreasing the ATP level of porcine oocytes and inhibiting their in vitro maturation. These abnormalities can be rescued by melatonin supplementation. In addition, we found that siAANAT switches the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, a Warburg effect. This metabolic alteration can also be corrected by melatonin supplementation. All these activities of melatonin appear to be mediated by its membrane receptors since the non-selective melatonin receptor antagonist Luzindole can blunt the effects of melatonin. Taken together, the mitochondria of porcine oocytes can synthesize melatonin and improve the quality of oocyte maturation. These results provide an insight from a novel aspect to study oocyte maturation under in vitro conditions.
Dietary Protease Supplementation Improved Growth Performance and Nutrients Digestion via Modulating Intestine Barrier, Immunological Response, and Microbiota Composition in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Liu Tao , Ma Wen , Wang Jun , Wei Yulong , Wang Yibo , Luo Zheng , Zhang Ying , Zeng Xiangfang , Guan Wutai , Shao Dan , Chen Fang
Published: July 2024

Despite mounting evidence for dietary protease benefits, the mechanisms beyond enhanced protein degradation are poorly understood. This study aims to thoroughly investigate the impact of protease addition on the growth performance, intestinal function, and microbial composition of weaned piglets. Ninety 28-day-old weaned pigs were randomly assigned to the following three experimental diets based on their initial body weight for a 28-day experiment: (1) control (CC), a basic diet with composite enzymes without protease; (2) negative control (NC), a diet with no enzymes; and (3) dietary protease (PR), a control diet with protease. The results show that dietary proteases significantly enhanced growth performance and boosted antioxidant capacity, increasing the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels (p < 0.05) while reducing malonaldehyde levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, protease addition reduced serum levels of inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p < 0.05), suppressed mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors in the jejunum (p < 0.01), and inhibited MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, protease-supplemented diets improved intestinal morphology and barrier integrity, including zonula occludens protein 1(ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1 (p < 0.05). Microbiota compositions were also significantly altered by protease addition with increased abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001) (p < 0.05) and reduced harmful Terrisporobacter (p < 0.05). Further correlation analysis revealed a positive link between beneficial bacteria and growth performance and a negative association with inflammatory factors and intestinal permeability. In summary, dietary protease addition enhanced growth performance in weaned piglets, beneficial effects which were associated with improved intestinal barrier integrity, immunological response, and microbiota composition.
The Roles of White Adipose Tissue and Liver NADPH in Dietary Restriction-Induced Longevity
Authors: Jamerson Leah E. , Bradshaw Patrick C.
Published: July 2024

Dietary restriction (DR) protocols frequently employ intermittent fasting. Following a period of fasting, meal consumption increases lipogenic gene expression, including that of NADPH-generating enzymes that fuel lipogenesis in white adipose tissue (WAT) through the induction of transcriptional regulators SREBP-1c and CHREBP. SREBP-1c knockout mice, unlike controls, did not show an extended lifespan on the DR diet. WAT cytoplasmic NADPH is generated by both malic enzyme 1 (ME1) and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), while liver cytoplasmic NADPH is primarily synthesized by folate cycle enzymes provided one-carbon units through serine catabolism. During the daily fasting period of the DR diet, fatty acids are released from WAT and are transported to peripheral tissues, where they are used for beta-oxidation and for phospholipid and lipid droplet synthesis, where monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) may activate Nrf1 and inhibit ferroptosis to promote longevity. Decreased WAT NADPH from PPP gene knockout stimulated the browning of WAT and protected from a high-fat diet, while high levels of NADPH-generating enzymes in WAT and macrophages are linked to obesity. But oscillations in WAT [NADPH]/[NADP+] from feeding and fasting cycles may play an important role in maintaining metabolic plasticity to drive longevity. Studies measuring the WAT malate/pyruvate as a proxy for the cytoplasmic [NADPH]/[NADP+], as well as studies using fluorescent biosensors expressed in the WAT of animal models to monitor the changes in cytoplasmic [NADPH]/[NADP+], are needed during ad libitum and DR diets to determine the changes that are associated with longevity.
Dynamic Modeling and Observer-Based Fixed-Time Backstepping Control for a Hypersonic Morphing Waverider
Authors: Fang Zheng , Li Zheng , Jia Zhenyue , Li Jiaxun , Yu Jianqiao
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a fixed-time backstepping control method based on a disturbance observer for a hypersonic morphing waverider (HMW). Firstly, considering the disturbance of attitude channels, a dynamic model of a variable-span-wing HMW considering additional forces and moments is established, and an aerodynamic model of the aircraft is constructed using the polynomial fitting method. Secondly, the fixed-time stability theory and backstepping control method are combined to design an HMW fixed-time attitude controller. Based on the fixed-time convergence theory, a fixed-time disturbance observer is designed to achieve an accurate online estimation of disturbance and to compensate for the control law. In order to solve the problem of the “explosion of terms”, a nonlinear first-order filter is used instead of a traditional linear first-order filter to obtain the differential signal, ensuring the overall fixed-time stability of the system. The fixed-time stability of the closed-loop system is strictly proven via Lyapunov analysis. The simulation results show that the proposed method has good adaptability under different initial conditions, morphing speeds, and asymmetric morphing rates of the HMW.