bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Cell Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals the Potential Mechanism of Heterogeneity in Immunoregulatory Function Between Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Cai Siyu , Fan Chuiqin , Xie Lichun , Zhong Huifeng , Li Aijia , Lv Siyu , Liao Maochuan , Yang Xixi , Su Xing , Wang Yue , Wang Hongwu , Wang Manna , Huang Peng , Liu Yulin , Wang Yu , Liu Yufeng , Wang Tianyou , Zhong Yong , Ma Lian
Published: August 2021

Background: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) could be applied for the treatment of immune-related diseases. However, some studies have found there is enormous heterogeneity in immunomodulatory function of MSCs isolated from different tissue. At present, the underlying mechanism of heterogeneity in immunoregulatory function is still unclear. Methods: In this study, the foreskin mesenchymal stromal cells (FSMSCs) and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (HuMSCs) were isolated and cultured to the 3rd passage. Cell types were confirmed according to the standard of International Association for Cell Therapy. Then, FSMSCs and HuMSCs were co-cultured with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in viro respectively. And the supernatant was sampled for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to investigate the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and TGF-β. Finally, single cell transcriptome sequencing was performed in order to elucidate the mechanism for the difference of immunomodulatory function.Results: FSMSCs and HuMSCs are successfully identified as MSCs. When co-cultured with LPS pre-treated PBMC, FSMSCs and HuMSCs could effectively reduce the secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α. But FSMSCs were able to stimulate the PBMC to secrete more IL-10, TGF-β and IL-6. Furthermore, 4 MSCs subsets in integrated data were identified, including Proliferative MSCs , Pericyte, Immune MSCs and Progenitor Proliferative MSCs. Among them, the proportions of Immune MSCs in FSMSCs and HUMSCs were 56% and 10% respectively. Varieties of immune-related genes, gene sets and regulons were enriched in Immune MSCs. And Immune MSCs with powful transcriptional activity were found to be near to Pericyte at the degree of differentiation and closed to other cell subsets. Finally, the foreskin tissue might be an ideal source of isolating Immune MSCs when comparing the subset composition of MSCs derived from adipose tissue and bone marrow from public database. Conclusions: Immune MSCs may play a key role in the heterogeneity of immunoregulatory function. It is a new insight that Immune MSCs could be isolated and better applied for the treatment of immune-related diseases without being limited by the heterogeneity of immunomodulatory function derived from different tissues.
Study of Ionized Magnesium and Calcium Levels in a Cohort of Patients with Septic Shock Treated with Standard Therapy and Antioxidants
Authors: Aisa-Álvarez Alfredo , Soto María Elena , Camarena-Alejo Gilberto , Franco-Granillo Juvenal , Soto Randall Cruz , Pérez-Torres Israel , Gómez Claudia Huesca , Torres-Paz Yazmín Estela , Fuentevilla-Álvarez Giovanny , Gamboa Ricardo
Published: August 2021

Background: Septic shock is the most serious form of sepsis and can be due to several factors, such as hypovolemia, vascular hyporesponsiveness, myocardial dysfunction, or dysfunction of the circulation. Likewise, electrolyte levels have been associated with septic shock in intensive care units, although it has been underdiagnosed. Based on this, the purpose of the present work was to evaluate plasma ionic levels in patients with septic shock before and after treatment with different antioxidants. Methods: Plasma ionic levels were measured (Na+, K+, Cl- and ionized Ca2+ and Mg2+) in 194 subjects, 129 healthy control patients, 14 patients with septic shock without treatment and 51 patients with septic shock under treatment with 4 different antioxidants (N-acetyl cysteine, melatonin, vitamin C and vitamin E). Results: We found important differences when comparing the plasma ionic levels of K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ between the control group versus in both groups with sepsis at the time of hospital admission. In patients with septic shock, there is a decrease in the serum levels of ionized Na+, K+, Cl- and Ca2+ and Mg2+. Antioxidant treatment as an adjunct to the standard management of patients with septic shock increases the electrolyte deficit. The correction of the magnesium deficit also leads to an increase in serum calcium and potassium levels. Conclusion: The management of antioxidant therapy in patients with septic shock within the first hours of admission can help to improve their ionic levels of Ca2+ and Mg2+, mainly in patients with lung damage.Clinical Trial gov registration: NCT03557229. Registered june 14, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NTC03557229?term=aISA+ALFREDO&draw=2&rank=1
Non-Linear And Cross-Interaction Analyses of SOFA Subscores As Predictive Markers For Sepsis: A Nationwide Retrospective Study
Authors: Umemura Yutaka , Yamakawa Kazuma , Murao Shuhei , Mitsuyama Yumi , Ogura Hiroshi , Fujimi Satoshi
Published: August 2021

Background: The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score is predominantly used to assess the severity of organ dysfunction in sepsis and is definitely proved to be associated with mortality. However, differences in prognostic value between SOFA subscores have not been sufficiently evaluated so far, and detailed evaluation of subscores is required to verify the clinical significance of the SOFA score. The present study aimed to evaluate the non-linear prognostic association of SOFA subscores and the cross-interaction effects on mortality when SOFA subscores were simultaneously increased.Methods: This retrospective observational study used a part of a large-scale database containing about 30 million patients. Among them, we included all adult patients requiring unplanned hospital admission and were diagnosed as having sepsis by Sepsis-3 criteria from February 2006 to December 2019. A proven/suspected infection was defined as having any of the ICD-10 codes for infection. Associations between the SOFA components and in-hospital mortality were examined using linear and non-linear logistic regression analyses. We also evaluated two-way interaction effects on mortality between an increase of one SOFA subscore and another.Results: The final study cohort included 38,869 patients with sepsis. Restricted cubic spline analyses showed that an increase in total SOFA score was sharply and linearly associated with increased mortality. However, the prognostic association of SOFA subscores was non-linear and varied widely by biomarker: platelet count showed a J-shaped association, creatinine showed an inverted J-shaped association, and bilirubin showed only a weak association with mortality. The mortality odds ratios of SOFA scores were synergistically increased when another SOFA subscore was higher than 2 points, and the effect modifications were statistically significant in almost all subgroups. Especially in patients with cardiovascular or hepatic subscores of ≥ 2 points, odds ratios of the other SOFA subscores were remarkably increased (double to triple) compared to those in the whole study population.Conclusion: Despite the widely varied prognostic associations of SOFA subscores, total SOFA score was sharply and almost linearly associated with increased mortality. Cross-interactions between subscores synergistically enhanced its prognostic associations and might be responsible for the high prognostic accuracy of the total SOFA score.
Identifying the critically ill cirrhotics who benefit the most from nutrition therapy: The mNUTRIC score study
Authors: Tripathi Harshita , Benjamin Jaya , Maiwall Rakhi , Puri Puneet , Kapoor Puja Bhatia , Shasthry Varsha , Saluja Vandana , Agrawal Prashant , Kumar Guresh , Joshi Yogendra Kumar , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: August 2021

Background

Malnutrition increases risk of mortality in critically ill cirrhotics. Modified Nutrition Risk in Critically ill (mNUTRIC) score is a validated tool to identify patients at nutrition risk that may benefit the most from goal directed nutrition therapy. We aimed to study the association between mNUTRIC score and 28-day mortality and its modulation by nutritional adequacy in critically ill cirrhotics.
Methods

A prospective study in critically ill adult cirrhotics was designed with collection of baseline and follow-up data pertaining to mNUTRIC score, clinical, hemodynamic, biochemical, nutritional parameters, use of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of ICU stay, and development of new onset infection (NOI). Daily nutritional adequacy was calculated as percentage of prescribed energy and protein received.
Results

150 cirrhotics [(males-83%, age-51 ± 12.1 years, BMI-24 ± 4.7kg/m2; median LOS 6 (2–24 days)] were enrolled. At ICU admission 116 (77%) had high NUTRIC Score (HNS) and 34 (23%) low NUTRIC score (LNS). Patients with HNS had significantly higher mortality [54% vs. 10%; p = 0.008; OR(95%CI) adjusted 3.0(1.39,6.9;p = 0.006)] for etiology and blood sugar ; longer MV days [5(2–24) vs. 3(1–24) ; p = 0.02]; and high incidence of NOI [32% vs. 2.6%; p = 0.002; OR(95% CI:7(2,24.5)] compared to LNS. A logistic regression analysis for interaction of nutritional adequacy and 28 day survival revealed that the probability of survival increases with increase in nutritional adequacy (p < 0.01) in patients with HNS.
Conclusion

mNUTRIC score is a useful tool in recognizing nutrition risk in critically ill cirrhotics and goal directed nutrition therapy; especially in patients with high mNUTRIC score can significantly improve survival.
Representing Uncertainty in Group Decision Making Through the Hesitant Information Set Approach
Authors: Agarwal Manish
Published: August 2021

In multi attribute group decision making (MAGDM), different types of un- certainties co-exist on account of hesitancy, vagueness, and incompleteness besides the diversity in evaluations. To cater to this problem of represent- ing such uncertain evaluations in their original form, new datastructures have been proposed. In this regard, the concept of hesitant information set (HIS) [Applied Soft Computing, 2018] is of great significance. To add to its usefulness in the representation of vague evaluations, it is extended to the continuous and interval-valued domains. A number of illustrative examples are included to show their worth in the real world group decision-making. The basic operations for them, along with their properties, are investigated. A real case-study is included.
Vitiligo-like Leukoderma as an Indicator of Clinical Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Late-stage Melanoma Patients
Authors: Verkhovskaia Sofia , Pietro Francesca Romana Di , Mastroeni Simona , Carbone Maria Luigia , Abeni Damiano , Morese Roberto , Morelli Francesca Maria , D’Atri Stefania , Marchetti Paolo , De Galitiis Federica , Failla Cristina M. , Fortes Cristina
Published: August 2021

Purpose. Although development of immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma, more than a half of treated patients experience disease progression during therapy. Cases of spontaneous vitiligo-like leukoderma have been described in melanoma patients and have been associated with a favorable outcome. This vitiligo-like leukoderma can also appear in melanoma patients undergoing immune therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, no consensus exists about the relationship between vitiligo-like leukoderma onset and improved overall survival. Our study investigates the possible association between the onset of vitiligo-like leukoderma during immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment and a better prognosis.Methods. A non-concurrent cohort study was conducted by identifying retrospectively 280 patients who had inoperable or metastatic melanoma and had undergone immune therapy with checkpoint inhibitors in any line of treatment. Toxicities developed during therapy were evaluated. Results. Among the 280 study participants, 50% developed at least one type of toxicity, and vitiligo-like leukoderma was observed in 43 patients (15.4%). In the multivariate Cox model, a protective effect for mortality was observed for patients with vitiligo-like leukoderma development (HR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.11-0.44, p <0.0001). In a sub-group analysis comprising only cutaneous melanoma in first line of treatment (N=153), occurrence of vitiligo-like leukoderma was also an independent predictor factor for duration of clinical benefits measured by time to the next treatment (HR:0.17; 95% CI:0.06-0.44). Conclusion. Our findings indicate that onset of vitiligo-like leukoderma during melanoma treatment could be a marker of favorable outcome in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Mutations that adapt SARS-CoV-2 to mustelid hosts do not increase fitness in the human airway.
Authors: Zhou Jie , Peacock Thomas , Brown Jonathan , Goldhill Daniel , Elrefaey Ahmed , Penrice-Randal Rebekah , Cowton Vanessa , De Lorenzo Giuditta , Furnon Wilhelm , Harvey William , Kugathasan Ruthiran , Frise Rebecca , Baillon Laury , Lassauniere Ria , Thakur Nazia , Gallo Giulia , Goldswain Hannah , Donovan-Banfield I'ah , Dong Xiaofeng , Randle Nadine , Sweeney Fiachra , Glynn Martha , Quantrill Jessica , McKay Paul , Patel Arvind , Palmarini Massimo , Hiscox Julian , Bailey Dalan , Barclay Wendy
Published: August 2021

SARS-CoV-2 has a broad mammalian species tropism infecting humans, cats, dogs and farmed mink. Since the start of the 2019 pandemic several reverse zoonotic outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 have occurred in mink, one of which reinfected humans and caused a cluster of infections in Denmark. Here we investigate the molecular basis of mink and ferret adaptation and demonstrate the spike mutations Y453F, F486L, and N501T all specifically adapt SARS-CoV-2 to use mustelid ACE2. Furthermore, we risk assess these mutations and conclude mink-adapted viruses are unlikely to pose an increased threat to humans, as Y453F attenuates the virus replication in human cells and all 3 mink-adaptations have minimal antigenic impact. Finally, we show that certain SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging from circulation in humans may naturally have a greater propensity to infect mustelid hosts and therefore these species should continue to be surveyed for reverse zoonotic infections.
The Impact of Cancer Concealment on Postoperative Esophageal Cancer Patients in Stage T3: A Propensity Scores Matching Analysis
Authors: Yu Minhao , Long Zhiquan
Published: August 2021

Background
Esophageal cancer has a poor prognosis and high mortality rate, and the overall five-year survival rate is pretty low. In addition to medical factors, some psychological and sociological factors can also contribute to it.
Methods
We selected postoperative T3 esophageal cancer patients hospitalized from June 2015 to December 2016 as research subjects, and divided them into a cancer-awareness group and a cancer-concealment group. Several variables are allowed for evaluating 36-month progress-free survival of the two groups. Propensity Scores Matching analysis were used to adjust selection bias.
Results
There were 72 patients enrolled in the study. Sex and cancer concealment were significantly predicted poor survival while stage, pathological differentiation, education background and age were not (P = 0.017, 0.020, 0.302, 0.177, 0.068, 0.054, respectively). Cox multivariate regression analysis shows sex and cancer concealment were independent predictors of progress-free survival of esophageal cancer at postoperative T3 stage (harzard ratio = 0.264, 95% confidence interval: 0.099–0.703, P = 0.008; harzard ratio = 2.823, 95% confidence interval: 1.360–5.861, P = 0.005, respectively).
Conclusions
Cancer concealment is an important negative predictors of postoperative esophageal cancer patients' progress-free survival.
The contribution of galenics to patients’ sensory perception of nasal sprays after nasal surgery – data from a prospective randomized, controlled, double-blind, cross-over, multi-centre study
Authors: Bergmann Christoph , Lander Jennifer , Radtke Lea , England Laura , Singh Jaswinder , Moesges Ralph
Published: August 2021

Introduction:Postoperative care after nasal surgery is commonly achieved with nasal sprays. The current study compared two decongesting, wound healing nasal sprays in patients after nasal surgery in order to investigate their sensoric perception. One of the sprays presented a new galenic formulation (nasic® neo, Cassella-med GmbH & Co. KG).Methods:Using a cross-over design, patients who had undergone nasal surgery applied two different nasal sprays during two treatment periods of 4 days each, interrupted by 3 days wash out period. Sensoric perception of the nasal sprays was assessed with the nasal-spray-sensoric-scale. Throughout the study, nasal obstruction was evaluated by patients, and physical examinations, measurements of vital parameters and rhinoscopic examinations were carried out by investigators. Adverse events were documented during the entire study, and following treatment, patients judged the overall preference, efficacy and tolerability of both products.Results:Overall, no significant differences in sum scores of the assessments of the nasal-spray-sensoric-scale were observed between treatments. Significant periodic effect observed during the cross-over study limited the overall analysis. Nevertheless, it could be shown that significantly more patients preferred the new galenics nasal spray compared to the comparator spray (57.1% vs. 34.7%; p=0.031). Further, 10% more patients rated the efficacy of new galenics as ‘good’ to ‘very good’ compared to the comparator. Importantly, a subgroup population of patients with more pronounced signs of inflammation present at screening evaluated the sensoric perception of new galenics significantly better (p=0.033) compared to the comparator. Within this subgroup, no periodic effect was observed. The application of both nasal sprays was shown to be safe and well-tolerated.Conclusion:The current study showed that the overall sensoric perception of both nasal sprays was evaluated comparably well in patients after nasal surgery and that overall, the application of the new galenics nasal spray was preferred by significantly more patients compared to the comparator nasal spray. Patients with marked nasal abnormalities may have a greater benefit from the contribution of galenics as significant differences in the sensoric evaluation by the nasal-spray-sensoric-scale in favour of the new galenics product were shown for this subgroup.Trial registration: The current study was registered in the EU Clinical Trials Register with the EudraCT No: 2019-004936-52.
Heart Rate Variability Predicts Treatment Efficacy in Patients with Chronic Migraine: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Chuang Chun-Hsiang , Lai Kuan-Lin , Li Jhe-Yu , King Jung-Tai , Chen Wei-Ta , Chen Shih-Pin , Wang Yen-Feng , Liu Hung-Yu , Hsiao Fu-Jung , Pan Li-Ling Hope , Wang Shuu-Jiun
Published: August 2021

Background : Chronic migraine (CM) is a disabling headache disorder. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) disturbance, as evidenced from heart rate variability (HRV) studies, has been documented in patients with episodic migraine and other pain disorders but not specifically in patients with CM. This study aimed to explore whether the HRV in patients with CM was impaired and whether it could be used to predict treatment outcomes.Methods : Patients with CM were recruited, along with age- and gender-matched healthy controls (CTLs). The time-domain, frequency-domain, and nonlinear metrics of HRV were calculated to evaluate the sympathetic and parasympathetic aspects of ANS function in patients with CM before and after 3-month (12 weeks) treatment with flunarizine as well as in CTLs. The patients were asked to keep a headache diary throughout the study period to determine the treatment efficacy.Results : A total of 81 patients with CM and 58 CTLs completed the study. Most HRV values in patients with CM were significantly lower than those in CTLs, suggesting decreased overall autonomic modulation and parasympathetic hypofunction but not sympathetic dysfunction. By unsupervised clustering analysis, patients with CM were divided into two cluster groups with high and low HRV at baseline. Patients with high baseline HRV, which was comparable to that of CTLs, showed significantly higher absolute and relative reductions in averaged monthly headache days across a 3-month preventive treatment compared with patients with low baseline HRV (-9.1 days vs. -6.4 days or -43.2% vs. -30.1%, both p < 0.05). The HRV increased after preventive treatment in the low-HRV group but not in the high-HRV group.Conclusions : HRV could distinguish patients with CM from CTLs, indicating the involvement of ANS dysfunction. Moreover, patients with CM having a near-normal baseline HRV, indicating a preserved parasympathetic function and overall ANS modulation reservoir, predicted a better outcome to preventive treatment with flunarizine than those with low HRV.Trial registration: Neurologic Signatures of Chronic Pain Disorders, NCT02747940.Registered 22 April 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02747940
Regulatory reform of private equity : the AIFMD and its implications
Authors:   , Rajczewski Robert K.
Published: August 2021

Private equity has grown remarkably in the last 30 years. Given its rise to prominence, exceptional profitability and a more prolific and publicly visible buyout activity, regulation in the private equity space seemed inevitable. The 2007 global financial crisis furnished an opportunity to doubt the industry’s role and magnify the key concerns, providing momentum for calls to regulate the industry more aggressively. Ultimately, the regulatory change came from the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD), which has been described as one of the most rigorously debated and controversial pieces of financial regulation to ever emerge from the European Union (EU). The AIFMD is unique and unprecedented, yet there has been very little written about it in the context of private equity. Therefore, this thesis makes a contribution to this area of research by examining the implications of AIFMD for private equity and arguing that this EU Directive has a re-shaping effect on the industry that inevitably marks the end of the light-touch regulation in this area. Whilst the desire of policymakers to act and intervene decisively during market downturns is understandable, there is a risk that the response may not be appropriate and result in a crisis-induced over-reaction. This thesis demonstrates, amongst other things, that the AIFMD has created a particularly complex regulatory regime which for the hitherto unregulated or lightly regulated fund managers has had a significant effect in the EU and beyond. Examples of the most impactful provisions relate to authorisation, marketing, depositaries, acquisition of control, remuneration, and transparency and disclosure. The implication are wide-ranging, and there is a clear conflict between the opportunities (e.g. EU passport, AIFMD as a global brand) and threats (e.g. excessive compliance costs, exodus of fund managers from the EU), which depend on a firm’s size, domicile and the gap needed to be aligned between the pre- and post-AIFMD regime. Although there will be no stark triumph of one position over another in the assessment of the AIFMD until all of its elements are fully implemented, overall the impact of the Directive has been material, requiring substantial work to comply with (or adapt to) the requirements, which in some cases are not only particularly onerous and costly, but also a bit misguided, discouraging, or fairly irrelevant.
Penyesuaian Metode Penanganan Proyek dan Desain Arsitektur pada Masa Pandemi
Authors: Gunawan Gede Arista
Published: August 2021

Title: Adjustments of Project Handling and Architecture Design Method at Pandemic Time:

Case Studies:  Painter House and Villa Nabu Projects by Bale Design

 

Architects have methods in project handling and architecture design. Physical interaction is an important part of the method, between architect and his client or his design or construction team. The pandemic has changed the design and construction process, because of the limitation of physical interaction between parties on a project. Physical interaction has been replaced with online interaction. The writer doing case studies to project handling of ongoing works, Painter House in Bali and Villa Nabu in Lombok. The architect has adjusted the method of the design process and design approach. Architect feels benefits from online interactions, like some technical practicalities in communication to many parties on the project. But architect also feels the downside of online interaction like the decreasing of psychological quality in communication, especially in convincing people because of the decreasing persuasive personal approaches which usually built from analyzing facial and body gestures in the physical interaction. The architect profession is much related to services, which needs to convinced many parties on the project. Architect has tried to improve the lack of psychological quality in online communication by increasing the number of online interactions, while also limiting the content of the communication and allowing enough time lags for other parties to be able to absorb the given information properly before responding back to it. Other factors also have increased the complexity of communication, like the position of the clients in foreign countries, the location of the project on a different island from the architect, the location of the developer on a different island from the architect, and the early phase of the projects where architect need to work in collaboration with a foreign architect on another country.
Inovasi Adaptif Pembelajaran Sekolah Arsitektur dalam Tatanan Baru
Authors: Silitonga Shanty
Published: August 2021

Title: Adaptive Innovation of Architecture Learning in New Normal

 

The current conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic have brought many changes in the order of our society, including changes in the learning system. The lecturer is expected to adjust learning, starting from the process, curriculum, and even the output. Architecture Study Program in Santo Thomas Catholic University was established approximately thirty-six years ago. Over the last few years, the study program's condition has decreased from several aspects, including a drastic decrease in the number of students. The Covid-19 pandemic condition has made things worse, and adaptive innovations are needed that can be applied in this new normal situation. There are many obstacles during this pandemic. In this new condition, the creativity of lecturers is demanded even more. Variations in media, teaching methods, and teaching materials are aligned with the characteristics of students who are 'z' generations. One of the innovations that are being carried out is curriculum relaxation, in which some courses revise the output of lectures into simpler objects but still fulfill basic competencies.
Kreativitas serta Tradisi dan Inovasi dalam Pendidikan Arsitektur
Authors: Hatmoko Adi Utomo
Published: August 2021

Title: Creativity with Tradition and Innovation in Architectural Education

 

Our undergraduate architecture education is generally oriented towards professional education and not academic education. This professional education originated from the tradition of workshops and skills, in addition to being heavily influenced by the world of art and culture. Therefore, many are characterized by the existence of trial and error caused because the problem is wicked rather than tame. Professional education with a touch of art that is wild will really need a very close interaction between the master and apprentice. Because of this system, the transfer of skills and knowledge will move effectively. The quality of the design can basically be improved by studying precedents (architectural works that already exist and are considered successful) and a further understanding of the principles underlying the architectural work (principles, ideas about aspects that make architectural works successful). Regarding the implications of use and image for the architectural work). Like other creative artists, architects use some strategies that they are accustomed to from time to time. They learn through experience, absorbing lessons from each design case so that later works will be influenced by previous works. Redrawing and imitating the master's work consciously is an important step here. After observing and imitating, it is hoped that the beginner can consciously discover the principles that underlie the work of the expert. In the end, it is hoped that the beginner will someday be able to work with a strategy that is more in line with his abilities and wishes. Now, our challenge is how these things can be done well, while the interaction of lecturers and students, apprentices and apprentices, is limited due to the pandemic.
Adaptasi Pelaksanaan Mata Kuliah Studio Perancangan Arsitektur dan Desain Interior di Perguruan Tinggi Indonesia pada Masa Pandemi
Authors: Kurniati Feni , Haristianti Vika , Sabatini Stefani Natalia
Published: August 2021

Title: Adaptation on the Implementation of Architecture and Interior Design Studio from the Universities in Indonesia

 

The pandemic has caused a change in the implementation of Studio courses in the Architecture and Interior Design Study Program. Currently, the online studio implementation in the odd semester of 2019-2020 has been going on for four months. This study aims to identify changes in the implementation of the Design Studio Course in the Interior Design and Architecture Study Program during the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on learning outcomes at the end of the semester. The analytical method used is quantitative analysis. Data collection was carried out by distributing online questionnaires to class lecturers of the Design Studio Course at Indonesian Universities. The sampling was done using a non-random or purposive sample type. The results of the analysis showed that of the 82 samples obtained, the majority used the blended learning method (synchronous and asynchronous). At the end of the design studio lecture, it was found that students experienced several significant changes in achievement related to understanding and awareness of space and digital capabilities, and insignificant changes related to presentation skills, and design constructability, while in the creative skills, students do not experience any significant changes. Furthermore, these findings may be used as the basis to create future adjustments in the setting of architectural online learning.
Merdeka Belajar pada Perubahan Bentuk STARS YKPN Yogyakarta di Era Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Rusmana Yunanta Arief
Published: August 2021

Title: Merdeka Belajar on the Changes in the Form of STARS YKPN Yogyakarta in the Covid 19 Pandemic Era

 

Currently in all fields in the world have entered the era of revolution 4.0, with the advancement of science and technology and information technology in particular, universities are required to welcome and prepare themselves to face it. The current adjustment of the "Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka" curriculum has resulted from reviews for the curriculum, especially for the higher level of education in architecture. At the same time as the Covid 19 pandemic that hit Indonesia and affected all fields, including the world of education, especially the Sekolah Tinggi Arsitektur (STARS) YKPN Yogyakarta. STARS YKPN which is a change in the form of the Akademi Teknik (AT) YKPN, in carrying out its role as an educational institution cannot be separated from this situation. In addition to this, the existence of the Architects Law, and many new policies and regulations from the Ministry of Education and Culture, require institutions to change shape. AT YKPN which initially only had a 3 years Diploma Architectural Drawing Study Program, after the change of form to STARS YKPN, currently has 2 study programs, namely 3 years Diploma Architectural Drawing and Bachelor of Architecture. With these changes, it is necessary to change the curriculum and learning methods, both in the 3 years Diploma Architectural Drawing Study Program and the Bachelor of Architecture Study Program. This article aims to provide an overview of how various changes occur, especially the curriculum and learning methods.
Tekanan Psikologis Mahasiswa Saat Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh Selama Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Kristiyani Titik
Published: August 2021

Title: Psychological Pressure of Students While Distance Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

This study aims to describe psychological stress, factors affecting psychological stress, and the dynamic of psychological stress of undergraduate students in long-distance learning during pandemic COVID-19. Respondents of this study are 548 undergraduate students from many universities in Yogyakarta. This study uses a qualitative design with qualitative content analysis. The open-ended questionnaire is used to gain the data. Results of this study are : (1) psychological stress experienced by undergraduate students are anxiety, panic, feeling overwhelmed, bored, lonely, not confidence and have an impact on decreasing motivation to learn; (2) undergraduate students psychological stress is affected by some factors, namely students and lecturer input, learning atmosphere, socialization need, facilities of long-distance learning, and financial support; (3) the dynamics of psychological stress can be explained as follows: the factor that directly affects psychological stress is the low of self-efficacy that is triggered by learning delivery and learning evaluation disorganized. This condition arises due to a combination of competency factors and lecturers' work ethic, academic competence, and student soft skills, as well as inadequate distance learning facilities.
Hydraulic performance of riverbank filtration: case study West Sohag, Egypt
Authors: Shebl Ahmed , Abdel Wahaab Rifaat , Elazizy Iman , Hagras Mona
Published: August 2021

Riverbank Filtration (RBF) Technology has been found to be a safe, renewable, sustainable, and cost-effective drinking water treatment or pretreatment technology. The Egyptian government has recently turned to riverbank filtration to conserve drinking and industrial water at a lower cost and higher efficiency. The study aims to assess the hydraulic performance of the riverbank filtration system in west Sohag, Egypt. MODFLOW and MODPATH 10.2.3 were used under the platform of Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) to construct a hydraulic groundwater flow model to simulate the flow of the riverbank filtration system. Six pumping rates with two scenarios were conducted to investigate the system's hydraulic performance. Water samples were collected from the Nile River, abstraction wells, and groundwater to characterize the water quality. The results indicated that the application of riverbank filtration is promising due to the significant hydraulic connection between the Nile and the aquifer. However, the system hydraulic aspects should be taken into consideration during the design phase as they may affect the RBF hydraulic performance and its efficiency. It became apparent how effective RBF is at eliminating pathogens and suspended solids. Infiltrated water, on the other hand, has higher iron and manganese amounts than the Nile water.
Experimental and numerical study of bed roughness effect on longitudinal dispersion
Authors: Nasrabadi Mohsen , Omid Mohammad Hossein , Mazdeh Ali Mahdavi
Published: August 2021

The effects of bed roughness on the longitudinal dispersion coefficient (DL) were experimentally and numerically investigated in the present study. The tracer experiments were first carried out in a circular flume with a diameter of 1.6 m over both smooth and rough beds (coarse sand) with four sizes (ks = d65) of 1.04, 2.09, 3.01, and 4.24 mm. In addition, the one-dimensional advection–dispersion equation was numerically solved. The longitudinal dispersion coefficient was calculated by comparing the numerical and experimental breakthrough curves. The results showed that by increasing the bed roughness height (from zero to 4.24 mm), the longitudinal dispersion coefficient increased by 34%. In addition, the longitudinal dispersivity (λ = DL/V) increased with increasing relative roughness (ks/h), so that the range of longitudinal dispersivities in smooth bed experiments were 0.037–0.049 m and for rough bed (ks = 4.24 mm) were 0.07–0.084 m. In other words, with increasing the bed roughness height from zero (smooth bed) to 4.24 mm, the longitudinal dispersivities increased from 0.037 to 0.077 m, indicating an increase of about 108%. Furthermore, a relationship was developed using non-dimensional longitudinal dispersion (DL/(Vh)) as a function of relative roughness (ks/h). It can be concluded that taking into consideration bed roughness as the driving force of shear dispersion would improve predictive equations of the longitudinal dispersion in the rivers. As the bottom of all natural rivers has roughness elements with different sizes, the results of this study will definitely be useful in estimating the longitudinal dispersion coefficient in natural rivers and quantifying the effect of roughness in the longitudinal dispersion coefficient equations.
Discurso y prácticas culturales en jóvenes mujeres indígenas en el norte de México
Authors: González-Machado Emilia Cristina , Santillán-Anguiano Ernesto Israel
Published: August 2021

El presente trabajo aborda la experiencia de cuatro jóvenes mujeres de la comunidad indígena cucapá en el poblado de El Mayor, en el estado de Baja California en el noroeste de México. A partir de una metodología basada en el análisis crítico del discurso, se presenta un estudio de siete condiciones estructurales asociadas a la vulnerabilidad social y su manifestación como prácticas culturales. Se asume que las prácticas culturales son un reflejo de la relación entre las condiciones objetivas y las manifestaciones simbólicas, toda vez que en cada experiencia de vida de las jóvenes puede observarse el papel de la desigualdad. También se pone de manifiesto que el caso particular del pueblo cucapá presenta similitudes con otros pueblos originarios en América Latina.
Enseñanza de la discontinuidad de la materia a través de la estrategia de Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas
Authors: Restrepo-Millán Luis Eduardo , Candela-Rodríguez Boris Fernando
Published: August 2021

Este estudio tuvo como propósito ayudar a mejorar la comprensión del fenómeno de la discontinuidad de la materia en estudiantes de grado séptimo de una I.E. del municipio de Trujillo, Valle del Cauca, a través de la orientación de enseñanza del Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas (ABP). Tomando como referencia el problema, los objetivos y el marco teórico que subyace a esta investigación, se decidió hacer uso de un diseño metodológico de perspectiva mixta por estudio de casos, donde los elementos cualitativos tuvieron un papel clave. La base empírica se recogió a través de las siguientes fuentes documentales: pre y pos-test, observación participante, entrevista semiestructurada y trabajo de los estudiantes. La información de naturaleza cuantitativa se analizó mediante el estadístico de ganancia de aprendizaje, en tanto que la cualitativa se interpretó a través de la teoría fundamentada, la cual permitió inducir tres generalizaciones naturalísticas cuyo desarrollo teórico fue triangulado con el análisis cuantitativo. Finalmente, la orientación de enseñanza ABP no solo ayudó a mediar la comprensión del fenómeno de la discontinuidad de la materia en los estudiantes, sino también le permitió al profesor en ejercicio potencializar sus razonamientos y acciones pedagógicas que posiblemente informarán la enseñanza de las futuras lecciones.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis Caused by Arab Soap: A Case Report
Authors: FİDAN Cihan , KARATAŞ Arzu
Published: August 2021

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is a condition caused by chemicals that damage skin structures in a direct non-allergic way. Dermatologic findings may present in a broad spectrum due to frequency and route of exposure and individual susceptibility. The most critical point in the diagnosis and treatment of ICD is to determine the irritant since its cessation is the best treatment. Specifically, in geriatric patients, questioning about any irritant exposure should be done carefully. In this report, we present a 71-year-old woman with ICD that was caused by exposure to potassium hydrochloride in Arab soap and exaggerated amid the coronavirus pandemic.
PROFITABILITY AND CONSTRAINTS OF IFAD/VCD RICE PROJECT AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN NIGER STATE OF NIGERIA
Authors: Sadiq Sanusi Mohammed , Singh P I , Ahmad M M , Yunnusa B J , Egba M S
Published: August 2021

Failure to sustain most of the rural poor and food security programmes in Nigeria after their life span is due to poor productivity of the capital investment of a project to generate a remunerative income to sustain a typical agrarian farming household in Nigeria. Thus, to critically investigate this hypothetical proposition, this research aimed at evaluating the viability of the IFAD rice project among the beneficiaries in Niger State of Nigeria. Undated data of the 2018 rainfed cropping season was elicited from 111 farmers through a multi-stage sampling technique and the information were collected viaa structured questionnaire complemented with an interview schedule. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected. The empirical results showed that the rice project in the study area is likely not to be sustained after the stipulated time frame for the programme as inspite of the programme aim of doubling farmers’ income viz. value chain. The capital investment is not productive to sustain an average farming household composed of 8 persons having an operational holding of less than two hectares. Therefore, the study recommends provision of consumption credit in addition to the production credit advanced to the farmers in order to make the capital investment viable so that its turnover after each production season will be consistently re-invested into the rice project and possibility of a farmer taken-up additional activities along the chain, thus keeping the business going concern viable and sustainable.
COVID-19 Infection in a Patient with Common Variable Immunodeficiency: Experience with Favipiravir and Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Authors: Emre Emre , Tazegül Gökhan
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT Data regarding COVID-19 infection in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) are limited. Herein, we present a 28-year-old male patient with CVID admitted for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement with myalgia and a productive cough. A nasopharyngeal swab for the SARS CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction assay was positive. Chest computed tomography was consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia. The patient refused hospitalization and the applicable treatment for COVID-19. Although he was prescribed IVIG, he had a lapse in IVIG replacement due to supply problems. The patient was later brought to the emergency room due to the deterioration of his general condition with dyspnea, tachypnea, shortness of breath, cough, and fever five days after the initial presentation. He was treated with favipiravir and IVIG and had a positive outcome. Results of COVID-19 infection in CVID patients are diverse, possibly due to underlying genetic defects. Although our patient had an increased risk for severe disease due to CVID, a lapse in IVIG replacement, and obesity, he did not require intensive care or intubation. Further studies are needed to determine and develop treatment strategies for COVID-19 infection in patients diagnosed with CVID. Keywords: COVID-19, common variable immunodeficiency disorders, immunodeficiencies, immunoglobulin, convalescent plasma
Challenges and Opportunities of Teaching Literature in Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Authors: Mohammed Saman Ali , Hussein Shamal Abu Baker , Sayer Inaad Mutlib
Published: August 2021

This study aims to investigate the challenges literature teachers in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) face and the factors underlying the challenges while teaching literature. This paper is based on a questionnaire which consists of twenty items; 17 items are statements that require the participants’ responses on a five-point scale and the other three items are open-answer questions about literature in general. The study implemented a mixed approach: a quantitative approach to analyse the responses of the participants to the 17 on a five-point scale and a qualitative approach to analyse the responses to the remaining three open-answer questions. The results of the study showed that method of teaching is the most challenging component of literature teaching. The material taught is the second highest contributing factor to literature teaching challenges in KRI. Then, the external factors and the students are medium challenges respectively. Teachers are the least contributing factors in this regard. Analysis of the open-answer questions revealed that teaching literature is rewarding intellectually, philosophically, aesthetically and socially. It also exposed the concerns of a few respondents on how a literature class should be if they are given a choice to be in one.
BAĞIMSIZ DENETİM SÜRECİNİN İÇ ve DIŞ DENETÇİ İŞ BİRLİĞİ AÇISINDAN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: AKÇAKANAT Özen , ÇARIKÇI Oğuzhan
Published: August 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışmada, iç ve dış denetçiler arasındaki iş birliğine ve dış denetçilerin iç denetim çalışmasına olan güvenine özellikle vurgu yaparak, iç ve dış denetçiler arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemek amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında ayrıca bu iş birliği algılamalarının çeşitli demografik değişkenlere göre farklılık gösterip göstermediği de ortaya konulmaya çalışılmıştır.Yöntem: Araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulmuş on maddelik anket formu kullanılarak, elektronik ortamda 93 bağımsız denetçiden araştırmanın verileri toplanmıştır.Bulgular: Çalışmada öncelikle, oluşturulan Denetçiler Arası İş Birliği Ölçeğinin geçerlilik ve güvenilirliği sınanmış ve başarılı bulunmuştur. Çalışma kapsamında geliştirilen hipotezlerden iki tanesi desteklenmiştir. Bu kapsamda bağımsız denetçilerin iş birliği algılamalarının yaş ve tecrübe değişkenlerine göre anlamlı bir farklılık gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Buna göre yaş ve tecrübesi daha fazla olan grubun iş birliği algılamaları, daha düşük olanlara nazaran anlamlı şekilde düşük gerçekleşmiştir.Sonuç: Çalışmada bağımsız denetçilerin, denetçiler arası iş birliği seviyesine yönelik algılamalarının tam orta düzeyde olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Study of Acoustical and Physico-chemical Properties for the Ternary Mixture of (Toluene+ Chlorobenzene + Cyclohexane) at 298.15 K Temperature
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, D. B. S. (P. G.) College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand (India), DWIVEDI SONU
Published: August 2021

Ultrasonic velocity (U), density (ρ) for the ternary mixture of (Toluene + Chlorobenzene + Cyclohexane) in the various range of composition has been carried out at 298.15K. The observed data have been utilized to calculate various acoustical parameters like Isentropic compressibility (KS), Intermolecular free length (Lf) and acoustic impedance (Z). The various excess properties like excess ultrasonic velocity(UE ), excess acoustic impedance (ZE ), excess Isentropic compressibility (KS E ) and excess Inter molecular free length (Lf E ) have been calculated and using standard relations to the Redlich-Kister equation. The trend of acoustical and physicochemical parameters confirm the dynamics of molecules at temperature and the magnitude of intermolecular interactions among the constituents of the mixture always reflects the nature of substance. The variations in sign and values of these parameters are help us to know the interaction between component molecules and structural arrangement of the liquid mixture.