bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEMAKZULAN PRESIDEN DI INDONESIA SEBELUM DAN SESUDAH AMANDEMEN SERTA PERBANDINGANNYA DENGAN BEBERAPA NEGARA
Authors: Marlina Tat , Meidizon Meidizon
Published: May 2023

Sistem ketatanegaraan yang dibangun di dalam negara yang satu tidak selalu sama dengan sistem ketatanegaraan yang dibangun di negara lainnya, bahkan dalam batas tertentu perbedaan tersebut sering bersifat diametral antara satu dengan lainnya. Pada titik inilah perbandingan hukum tata negara menjadi suatu metode penelitian yang sangat penting. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pemakzulan presiden di Indonesia sebelum dan sesudah amandemen Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945 serta perbandingan (persamaan dan perbedaan) pemakzulan presiden di Indonesia dengan beberapa negara lainnya dengan menggunakan metode penelitian hukum normatif, yaitu dengan hanya menggunakan data sekunder. Pemakzulan presiden di Indonesia sebelum dilakukan amandemen Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945 adalah tidak mengatur bagaimana mekanisme impeachment dapat dilakukan dan alasan apa yang dapat membenarkan impeachment boleh dilakukan. Perbandingan (persamaan dan perbedaan) pemakzulan presiden di Indonesia dengan beberapa negara lainnya adalah pejabat negara yang dapat di-impeach di Indonesia menurut UUD setelah perubahan hanyalah Presiden dan/atau Wakil Presiden. Hal ini berbeda dengan Amerika Serikat, yaitu Presiden dan Wakil Presiden serta Pejabat Tinggi Negara adalah objek yang dapat dikenakan tuntutan impeachment sehingga dapat diberhentikan. Bagi negara-negara yang memiliki 2 lembaga pemegang kekuasaan yudikatif, yaitu Mahkamah Agung dan Mahkamah Konstitusi, maka besar kecenderungan bahwa Mahkamah Konstitusi-lah yang terlibat dalam proses mekanisme impeachment tersebut. Di Indonesia, kata akhir proses impeachment berada dalam proses politik di parlemen hal ini sama halnya dengan Negara Lithuania. Hal ini berbeda dengan Negara Korea Selatan yang mengatur ketentuan bahwa Mahkamah Konstitusi sebagai benteng terakhir dari proses impeachment.
ANALISIS HUKUM TERHADAP TINDAK PIDANA PENCEMARAN NAMA BAIK MELALUI JARINGAN SOSIAL
Authors: Hasibuan Syamsir , Mediheryanto Mediheryanto
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini untuk menganalisis tentang penegakan hukum yang dilakukan oleh Direktorat Reserse Kriminal Khusus Polda Kepulauan Riau terhadap pelaku tindak pidana pencemaran nama baik melalui jaringan sosial, serta juga diuraikan tentang mekanisme penyidikan oleh penyidik Direktorat Reserse Kriminal Khusus Polda Kepulauan Riau. Dan diketahui bahwa pengaturan pang mengatur mengenai tindak pidana pencemaran nama baik melalui situs jaringan sosial adalah pasal 27 ayat (3)  dengan ketentuan pidana diatur dalam Pasal 45 ayat (1) Undang-undang Nomor 11 Tahun 2008 Tentang Informasi dan Transaksi Elektronik.
PELAKSANAAN UPAYA PAKSA TERHADAP ORANG YANG MENOLAK PANGGILAN SEBAGAI SAKSI
Authors: Hutasoit Ispandir , Rahmanidar Rahmanidar
Published: May 2023

Pelaksanaan upaya paksa terhadap orang yang menolak panggilan sebagai saksi di Polsek Sagulung sesuai dengan Perkap Nomor 14 Tahun 2012 tentang Manajemen Penyidikan Tindak Pidana dimaksud dalam memenuhi asas pelayanan ini diatur dalam KUHAPidana  mengatur upaya paksa dalam bagian penyidikan. Pemberlakuan upaya paksa sebagai kewajiban yang harus dilakukan agar terpenuhinya ketentuan syarat terhadap pemenuhan alat bukti juga agar dapat menyelesaikan perkara sesuai dengan tujuan dari penyidikan berdasarkan keterangan-keterangan saksi. Hak Dan Perlindungan Terhadap Saksi Berdasarkan Undang-Undang No 13 Tahun 2006 Tentang Perlindungan Terhadap Saksi Dan Korban. Bentuk-bentuk perlindungan yang diberikan LPSK kepada saksi dan korban dapat dikategorikan sebagai berikut perlindungan fisik,  psikis, pengamanan dan  pengawalan,penempatan di rumah aman, mendapat identitas baru, bantuan medis dan pemberian kesaksian tanpa hadir langsung di pengadilan, bantuan rehabilitasi psiko-sosial, perlindungan hukum, keringanan hukuman, dan saksi dan korban serta pelapor tidak dapat dituntut secara hukum (Pasal 10 Undang - Undang Nomor 13 Tahun 2006), pemenuhan hak prosedural saksi. Pendampingan, mendapat penerjemah, mendapat informasi mengenai perkembangan kasus, penggantian biaya transportasi, mendapat nasihat hukum, bantuan biaya hidup sementara sampai batas waktu perlindungan dan lain sebagainya sesuai ketentuan Pasal 5 Undang - Undang Nomor 13 Tahun 2006 tentang Perlindungan Saksi dan Korban.
Reflexões e desafios da assistência pré-natal à gravidez na adolescência frente à pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Martins Ana Paula Alves , Machado Karen Lorrany Sousa , Ribeiro Melissa Dias Leal , Nunes Maria das Dores Sousa
Published: May 2023

A gravidez por si só é um processo de construção e adaptação, mas nos casos das adolescentes esse desafio é ainda maior. Aliado a toda essa problemática, surgiu em Wuhan, em 2019, a Covid-19, uma infecção viral transmitida pelo SARS-COV-2. A infecção foi declarada pandemia pela Organização Mundial de Saúde em 2020, desde então, os sistemas de saúde estão sendo desafiados e sofrendo inúmeras mudanças, com isso, os direitos ao parto e os padrões de assistência vêm se alterando e em muitos casos, tendo perdas significativas. Essa pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar como se deu a assistência pré-natal da gestante adolescente no período pandêmico da Covid-19. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva exploratória de natureza quantitativa, retrospectiva com 263 prontuários de adolescentes gestantes admitidas em uma maternidade pública de Teresina/PI, posteriormente os dados foram analisados e foi realizado a estatística descritiva simples e frequências percentuais. Os resultados desse estudo evidenciaram que as adolescentes gestantes possuíam idade entre 10 a 19 anos, 165 (62,7%) adolescentes realizaram 6 ou mais consultas, 195 (74,1%) realizaram exames de rotina no 1º trimestre, 113 (42,9%) das gestantes adolescentes apresentaram alguma complicação gestacional, 121 (46%) apresentaram um pré-natal de alto risco, 219 gestantes não tiveram acompanhamento com médico obstetra, 209 tinham o calendário de vacina atualizado. Estratégias intervencionistas devem ser desenvolvidas de forma mais contundente, com o intuito de minimizar os efeitos devastadores na vida dos adolescentes, pois são muitas as consequências vivenciadas durante e após o período gestacional.
Perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos pacientes infectados pela COVID-19 em um município no sul do Brasil
Authors: Fernandes Rafael Tortato , Wensing Iuri Arent , Marcon Chaiana Esmeraldino Mendes , Fernandes Thaelis Tortato , Lopes Fernanda Souza Schiefler
Published: May 2023

Objetivos: Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos pacientes infectados pela COVID-19 em um município no Sul do Brasil no período de 2020 a 2022. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo do tipo observacional com delineamento transversal, retrospectivo, descritivo, quantitativo, realizado com indivíduos infectados com o SARS-CoV-2 com notificação registrada no banco de dados de um serviço de saúde do Sul de Santa Catarina. Infecção esta, confirmada através de exames laboratoriais (RT-PCR e/ou testagem de antígeno). Resultados: O sexo feminino foi o mais acometido (54,4%), a idade média foi de 42,21 anos, sendo a faixa etária mais prevalente a de 30-39 anos (25,9%). O medicamento mais utilizado foi a azitromicina (13,2%). 27% apresentavam alguma comorbidade preexistente, sendo a hipertensão arterial sistêmica a condição subjacente com maior percentual (12,4%). Os sintomas mais prevalentes foram cefaleia (47,1%), mialgia (43,9%) e tosse (43,8%). 7,8% necessitaram de hospitalização, 2,2% precisaram de Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, 98,4% apresentaram cura e 1,6% foram a óbito. Conclusão: No presente estudo, a maioria dos pacientes infectados pela COVID-19 era do sexo feminino, com idade entre 30-39 anos. O sexo masculino com comorbidades preexistentes, dentro da faixa etária 50-59 anos, foi mais prevalente entre os hospitalizados, internação em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e óbitos.
Rice commodity agribusiness development strategy in improving food security after the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia: Case study in Tulang Bawang Regency
Authors: Anthoni Anthoni , Yulianto Yulianto
Published: May 2023

Attention to food problems in Indonesia is considered very important, because food is the largest expenditure in the household. there are 104,242 heads of households who depend on rice farming and horticulture, and 137,309 elderly people aged 18–60 years who work as registered farmers in Tulang Bawang district. The rice commodity agribusiness development strategy is prepared based on external results and an internal evaluation matrix. This research aimed to determining the appropriate strategy for the development of rice commodity agribusiness in Tulang Bawang Regency in increasing food security after the Covid-19 pandemic. The methodology uses the location of the research was carried out in the Tulang Bawang Regency. The type of data used is primary and secondary data. The methodology is, using the EFE (External Factor Evaluation) and IFE (Internal Factor Evaluation) matrices. After that, a SWOT (Strength Weakness Opportunities Threats) QSPM (Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix) analysis was carried out. Alternative the market penetration and development strategy undertaken is the intensification of rice farming; synergy between farmers, entrepreneurs and the government; strengthening regional food policies that are pro-farmers; revitalization of agricultural facilities and infrastructure.
Rancang Bangun Alat Pelindung Jemuran Berbasis Arduino Dengan Sensor Hujan Dan Sensor Cahaya
Authors: Harianto Akhmad Dicky , Sudaryanto Aris , Kridoyono Agung , Sidqon Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Salah satu bagian yang cukup merepotkan dalam proses mencuci pakaian adalah menjemur. Mencuci dan membilas saat ini dapat dilakukan secara otomatis menggunakan mesin cuci, namun tidak dengan menjemur, harus dilakukan secara manual, lalu ditunggu sampai kering, itupun keringnya tergantung kondisi cuaca sedang panas atau tidak. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut peneliti berinisiatif untuk membuat rancangan alat pelindung jemuran berbasis arduino dengan sensor hujan dan sensor cahaya. Sistem menggunakan Arduino Uno untuk mengendalikan sensor cahaya dalam melihat intensitas sinar matahari, sensor hujan dalam mengetahui apakah kondisi sedang hujan, serta mengendalikan motor servo untuk membuka atau menutup atap pelindung jemuran. Untuk lebih meningkatkan akurasi, maka pada penelitian ini memakai sensor hujan sebanyak tiga buah, yang diletakkan pada bagian kiri, kanan, dan bagian atas alat. Berdasarkan pengujian yang dilakukan, tingkat keberhasilan alat mencapai 80%.
Perancangan Alat Pendingin Susu Sapi Menggunakan Solar Panel
Authors: Sulistiyanto Sulistiyanto , Bahar Syaiful , Hidaytullah Aditya Arif
Published: May 2023

Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid has or has a solar power plant (PLTS) where the plant is still unknown the angle of slope of current and power. By analyzing solar power plants using avometers to find out current and power while arc to find out the angle of tilt on the appearance of solar panels. In the retrieval of data on solar power plants by modifying the angle of tilt at the appearance from 0Âº to 45Âº. Where in analyzing solar panels to take current and power data released on photofoltaic is done repeatedly at a predetermined slope and clock. To measure the current and power released by the photofoltaic at the specified slope and clock, use the avometer and calculate the results of the analysis with a predefined formula (Pout = V. I).
Sistem Keamanan Sepeda Motor Menggunakan Jaringan Global System ForMobile Communication (GSM) Dan GPS Melacak Secara Live Tracking Terintegrasi smartphone Android
Authors: Wahyudi Riyan Setia , Sulistiyanto
Published: May 2023

Kasus pencurian sepeda motor sangat banyak terjadi di Indonesia, kususnya di probolinggo paiton.Tujuan dari pembuatan alat yang bernama â€œSistem Keamanan Sepeda Motor menggunakan jaringan gsm dan gps untuk pelacakan langsung yang Â dibangun di smartphone Androidâ€ adalah untuk mengamankan sepeda motor sehingga orang-orang secara acak tidak memiliki hak kepemilikan sepeda untuk meminimalkan penculikan orang-orang yang ingin mencuri agar tidak ada hal â€“ hal yang tidak diinginkan. Sistem yang dirancang terdiri dari beberapa bagian yaitu: sistem kontrol, rangkaian mekanik dan program. Catu daya adalah catu daya untuk mengoperasikan seluruh sistem termasuk tegangan. Sistem kendali berupa rangkaian elektronik dirancang agar dapat berperan sebagai pengolah data dengan mikrokontroler sebagai pusat kendali dan aplikasi sebagai kendaraan komando. Berikut adalah rangkaian mekanisme yang digunakan untuk mengirimkan lokasi jika sepeda dicuri ke sistem keamanan ini. Bagian terakhir adalah program yang mengatur mikrokontroler agar dapat beroperasi sesuai dengan fitur yang dikerjakan. Cara kerjanya adalah Anda dapat mematikan sepeda motor hanya dengan ponsel Anda melalui aplikasi yang terhubung ke pengontrol sistem.
Can low input dairy systems be economically and environmentally sustainable? Results from a farmlet study.
Authors: Kok Jacobus Christiaan , Chapman Penelope , Hague Helen , Curtis Jeffery , Al-Marashdeh Omar , Beukes Pierre , Amer Peter , Bryant Racheal
Published: May 2023

A two-year dairy study was conducted under irrigation at Lincoln, Canterbury, comparing 1. Moderate stocking rate (MSR, 3.9 cows/ha; comparative stocking rate (CSR) of 89 kg live weight (LWT)/t DM (dry matter) offered; 150 kg nitrogen (N) fertiliser/ha/year; grain supplementation of 0.55 t DM/cow/year; wintering cows off- farm); or 2. Low stocking rate (LSR, 2.9 cows/ha; CSR of 91 kg LWT/t DM offered; grazing diverse pasture (Italian ryegrass, plantain, red- and white clover); 103 kg N fertiliser/ha/year; wintering cows on-farm). The Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF; 3.4 cows/ha; CSR of 76 kg LWT/t DM offered; 169 kg N fertiliser/ha/year) was the benchmark. Milk yield, pasture production and quality data were modelled in FARMAX and OverseerFM to estimate financial and environmental performance of each farm. Performance was similar for MSR and LUDF. LSR gave the best environmental outcome across 2018/19 and 2019/20, leaching approximately 31% less N compared with MSR and LUDF. However, annual milk solids per ha were 28% less for LSR relative to MSR and LUDF. Correspondingly, the annual operating profit per ha was 35% less for LSR compared with LUDF. These financial losses can be mitigated in an LSR system if the farmer adopts more complex pasture management.
Good Governance Dalam Pelayanan Terpadu Satu Pintu di Kecamatan Alang-Alang Lebar Pada Masa Covid-19
Authors: Debora Agriva Yoan , Kariem Muhammad Qur'anul , Febriyanti Doris
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji good government governance dalam mewujudkan pelayanan Terpadu Satu Pintu, dan mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi pelayanan Terpadu Satu Pintu dalam mewujudkan good government governnace di Kecamatan Alang-alang Lebar. Metode pengumpulan data adalah observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Observasi dilakukan dengan mengamati secara langsung obyek yang diperlukan, dengan memperhatikan: (1) isi pengamatan, (2) mencatat pengamatan: kapan waktu pencatatan dan kapan mengamati obyek penelitian, (3) menjalin hubungan antara pengamat, daftar pedoman observasi yang dibuat disesuaikan dengan observasi umum di lokasi penelitian yaitu Kecamatan Alang-alang Lebar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Tata Kelola Pemerintahan yang baik dapat dilihat melalui program Pelayanan Terpadu Satu Pintu yang optimal. Dan dapat disimpulkan bahwa pelayanan yang baik juga bisa menjadi salah satu kunci terciptanya Tata Kelola Pemerintahan yang baik. Sehingga Pelayanan Terpadu Satu Pintu yang diterapkan di Kecamatan Alang-alang Lebar dikatakan baik dalam menciptakan good government governance.
INOVASI PELAYANAN PUBLIK PADA SISTEM PEMBAYARAN BANK INDONESIA BANTEN
Authors: Tyas Anisa Ayuning , Nafiah Idhotun , Prasetyo Eko
Published: May 2023

Inovasi pelayanan sektor publik merupakan tuntutan sekaligus kebutuhan, karena setiap negara mendorong lahirnya inovasi agar tetap kompetitif. Indonesia dengan indeks inovasi globalnya berada pada peringkat 87 dari 132 negara, membutuhkan lompatan yang tajam agar kinerja inovasi mampu meningkatkan daya saingnya. Termasuk di dalamnya adalah Bank Indonesia yang merupakan bagian dari sektor publik, melahirkan berbagai inovasi dalam sistem pembayaran ritel, salah satunya adalah BI FAST dan QRIS. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tipologi inovasi sektor publik dari inovasi Bank Indonesia berupa BI FAST dan QRIS. Selain itu, penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji persepsi pengguna terhadap BI FAST dan QRIS dari aspek perolehan informasi, manfaat, masalah yang dihadapi dan tingkat kepuasan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif dengan informan berasal dari Bank Indonesia dan para pengguna BI FAST dan QRIS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa berdasarkan konsep tipologi inovasi yang dikemukakan oleh Chen dkk, maka inovasi yang dilakukan oleh Bank Indonesia melalui BI FAST dan QRIS termasuk dalam tipologi inovasi kebijakan. Selain itu, penelitian memberikan gambaran bahwa persepsi pengguna terhadap BI FAST dan QRIS sebagai produk inovasi adalah sangat positif.
Pengaruh Perlakuan Lama Uap Panas dan Tingkat Kematangan Buah terhadap Mutu Fisik dan Kimia Mangga Gedong Gincu (Mangifera indica L.) Dalam Penyimpanan
Authors: Ropai Mohamad , Wiradinata Rochanda , Suciaty Tetty
Published: May 2023

Masalah yang membatasi perdagangan internasional buah mangga adalah selain daya simpannya yang relatif singkat juga karena besarnya variasi tingkat kematangan sehingga mutunya tidak seragam. Ketidakseragaman buah mangga sering terjadi karena kurangnya kendali dalam proses penanganan pascapanen.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui : (1) pengaruh interaksi antara perlakuan lama uap panas dan tingkat kematangan buah terhadap mutu fisik dan kimia mangga gedong gincu, dan (2) perlakuan lama uap panas dan tingkat kematangan buah yang mempunyai pengaruh terbaik terhadap mutu fisik dan kimia mangga gedong gincu. PenelitianÂ  dilaksanakan di Balai Besar Peramalan Organisme Pengganggu Tumbuhan (BBOPT) Jatisari Karawang, dari bulan Oktober sampai dengan bulan Nopember 2011.Metode yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode eksperimen. Rancangan percobaan yang digunakan adalah Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL), pola faktorial. Penelitian terdiri dari dua faktor perlakuan, yaitu lama uap panas dan tingkat kematangan buah yang diulang 3 kali. Faktor pertama yaitu lama uap panas (S) terdiri dari empat taraf perlakuan yaitu : s0 (0 menit), s1 (10 menit), s2 (20 menit), dan s3 (30 menit). Faktor kedua yaitu tingkat kematangan buah (T) terdiri dari tiga taraf yaitu : t1 (75% atau umur 100 hsbm), t2 (85% atau umur 108 hsbm), danÂ  t3 (95% atau umur 116 hsbm).Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa : (1) terjadi interaksi antara perlakuan lama uap panas dan tingkat kematangan terhadapÂ  kadar Vitamin C dan lama simpan. Perlakuan lama uap panas dan tingkat kematangan secara mandiri berpengaruh nyata terhadap kekerasan dan total padatan terlarut, tetapi tidak berpengaruh nyata terhadap warna buah mangga gedong gincu. dan (2) perlakuan lama uap panas 20 menit pada tingkat kematangan 95% memberikan pengaruh baik terhadap kadar vitamin C buah mangga gedong gincu tertinggi yaitu sebesar 17,27 mg dan perlakuan lama uap panas 20 menit pada tingkat kematangan 75% memberikan lama simpan buah mangga gedong gincu yang lama yaitu sebesar 21,21 hari (21 hari 5 jam).
Gothic Realism, or Reading is Believing in Dracula
Authors: Fox Renée
Published: May 2023

This essay explores the ways Bram Stoker brings eighteenth-century affective gothic reading practices to bear on Victorian fiction’s investments in realism. By investigating modes of affective reading in Dracula, the essay develops a definition of ‘gothic realism’ to describe an affective experience of the real that gothic fiction offers in place of verisimilitude and representations of everyday life. Beginning by tracing the explicit and implicit histories of this term through both literary criticism and the gothic tradition, the essay turns to Dracula to discover an alternative definition of ‘gothic realism’ that bridges a longstanding divide between the colonial fractures intrinsic to nineteenth-century Irish literature and the claims to coherent representational reality usually aligned with the Victorian novel. ‘Gothic realism’ becomes a term, and a reading practice, for newly understanding how the gothic entwines with realism across both British and Irish nineteenth-century fiction, not as its critical antithesis, or as its hidden secret, but as an affective mode through which we can see nineteenth-century Irish novels representing the realities of the world around them.
On Meeting a Pooka: Five Poems
Authors: Madden Ed
Published: May 2023

Ed Madden’s contribution to this special issue is a creative response to themes of the Irish gothic, including four poems from his most recent book, A pooka in Arkansas (Word Works, 2023) and a new poem written explicitly for this volume. The poems offer a creative engagement with themes that animate Irish gothic representation (otherness, repression, authenticity, sexuality, threat) in relation to both sexual and ethnic identity, as well as a specific focus on the folkloric figure of the pooka/púca.
Failed Heterotopias: The Postcolonial Gothic in Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things, J. M. Coetzee’s Disgrace, and Anna Burns’s Milkman
Authors: McMann Mindi
Published: May 2023

‘Failed Heterotopias’ reads three contemporary postcolonial gothic novels, Anna Burns's Milkman (2019), J. M. Coetzee’s Disgrace (1999), and Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things (1997) using Michel Foucault’s understanding of heterotopias alongside Homi Bhabha’s term unhomeliness. What emerges is an understanding of how the ‘post’ in postcolonial literature belies the way power continues to function in these societies. These readings reveal how histories of oppression persist even after the end of colonialism. The structures that emerge to take their place continue to buttress imperial standards that often result in the containment and enclosure of threatening forces. For this essay, those threats are women who attempt to imagine an alternative way of being in the world – through literary escapes, communal living, and forbidden love affairs. Such moments suggest that the heterotopic possibilities presented by these characters are foreclosed through patriarchal, racist, classist, and sexist forces at work in the texts. By reading these scenarios across a range of Anglophone novels, this essay uncovers patterns of oppression that, while varying across time and space, show the ways in which power, no matter who holds it, continues to push those most oppressed further from the centres of power.
‘Will it flood? Are you even listening to me?’ Eco-Gothic and the Climate Crisis in Kevin Barry’s ‘Fjord of Killary’
Authors: Flynn Deirdre
Published: May 2023

Kevin Barry’s short story ‘Fjord of Killary’ combines contemporary dystopian and ecological concerns, through the gothic, in order to critique Irish neoliberal ideologies. Engaging the eco-gothic, Barry explores Irish cultural anxieties around climate change and the 2008 economic collapse. The ecological crisis at Killary, and the response to the flood, offer an insight into the fears and the possible futures of the looming climate crisis. This essay investigates why contemporary climate fiction is turning to speculative, gothic dystopias to investigate the eco consequences of global warming.
Impact of Puccinia punctiformis on Cirsium arvense performance in a simulated crop sequence
Authors: Chichinsky Daniel , Larson Christian , Eberly Jed , Menalled Fabian D. , Seipel Tim
Published: May 2023

Cirsium arvense (Canada thistle) is a perennial weed that causes significant economic losses in agriculture. An extensive rhizomatous root system makes C. arvense difficult to manage, particularly in agricultural systems that use tillage as a primary management tool. There is a need for the development of integrated weed management toolsets that include C. arvense biological controls. Puccinia punctiformis (thistle rust) is an autoecious fungal pathogen that systemically infects C. arvense, with the potential to reduce host vigor over time. The goal of this study was to integrate the P. punctiformis biocontrol with a simulated annual cropping sequence in a greenhouse environment and evaluate C. arvense’s above-and belowground biomass production, and its competitive ability. Repeated P. punctiformis inoculations produced systemically infected C. arvense stems in greenhouse pots over time. Cirsium arvense that was inoculated with P. punctiformis had 1.6 grams/pot (p = 0.0019) less aboveground biomass and 5.6 grams/pot (p< 0.001) less belowground biomass, compared to the non-inoculated (control). Puccinia punctiformis and crop competition interacted additively to lower aboveground (p<0.001) and belowground (p<0.001) C. arvense biomass more than individual use of either the biocontrol or competition alone. The aboveground competition intensity of C. arvense in a mixed crop sequence, relative to non-inoculated C. arvense grown in a monoculture, was moderately impacted by the P. punctiformis biocontrol (p = 0.0987). These results indicate that systemic infection can reduce biomass production and the competitive ability of C. arvense. Overall, P. punctiformis can be integrated into competitive annual cropping sequences with the potential to reduce C. arvense vigor over time.
Actor groups influencing and shaping sustainable microalgae value chains in Europe
Authors: Schrammel Maria , Seebacher Lisa M. , Feichtinger Judith
Published: May 2023

Microalgae are an evolving field to produce sustainable nutritious food with low environmental impact. To shape the emerging European value chain in a sustainable way, all actors and processes need to be considered. This article builds on the results of multi-stakeholder scenario workshops organised within the EC-H2020-funded project ProFuture. It investigates the roles different actors along the microalgae value chain hold to shape it. A qualitative analysis identified three actor groups: (1) microalgae producers and processors, and researchers who work with microalgae and their development, (2) policy makers, and large industrial players, who influence the political and economic possibilities of the microalgae value chain and (3) consumers, who play a key role in order to root sustainable microalgae food products in the market. The paper shows how these groups interlink and draws conclusions about their roles for shaping the European microalgae value chain.
Phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms: potential promoters of agricultural and environmental engineering
Authors: Wang Chengdong , Pan Guojun , Lu Xin , Qi Weicong
Published: May 2023

Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) are known as bacteria or fungi that make insoluble phosphorus in soil available to plants. To date, as beneficial microbes, studies on PSMs indicated they have potential applications in agriculture, environmental engineering, bioremediation, and biotechnology. Currently high cost and competition from local microbe are the most important factors hindering PSMs commercialization and application as for instance biofertilizer, soil conditioner or remediation agent, etc. There are several technical strategies can be engaged to approach the solutions of these issues, for instance mass production, advance soil preparation, genetic engineering, etc. On the other hand, further studies are needed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of PSMs in solubilizing phosphates, promoting plant growth, soil remediation preferably. Hopefully, PSMs are going to be developed into ecofriendly tools for sustainable agriculture, environment protection and management in the future.
Treatment of patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression using an enhanced recovery after surgery program
Authors: Lei Mingxing , Zheng Wenjing , Cao Yuncen , Cao Xuyong , Shi Xiaolin , Su Xiuyun , Liu Yaosheng
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The aims of this study were to introduce a new medical, pathway based on the concept of “enhanced recovery after surgery” (ERAS) for patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC), and to test whether the ERAS program could improve clinical metrics among such patients.

Methods: Data from patients with MESCC (n = 98), collected between December 2016 and December 2019 (Non-ERAS cohort), and from 86 patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression collected between January 2020 and December 2022 (ERAS cohort), were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were treated by decompressive surgery combined with transpedicular screw implantation and internal fixation. Patient baseline clinical characteristics were collected and compared between the two cohorts. Surgical outcomes analyzed included operation time; intraoperative blood loss; postoperative length of hospital stay; time to ambulation, regular diet, urinary catheter removal, and radiation therapy; perioperative complications; anxiety; depression; and satisfaction with treatment.

Results: No significant differences in clinical characteristics were found between the non-ERAS and enhanced recovery after surgery cohorts (all p > 0.050), indicating that the two cohorts were comparable. Regarding surgical outcomes, the enhanced recovery after surgery cohort had significantly less intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.001); shorter length of postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.001); shorter time to ambulation (p < 0.001), regular diet (p < 0.001), urinary catheter removal (p < 0.001), radiation administration (p < 0.001), and systemic internal therapy (p < 0.001); lower perioperative complication rate (p = 0.024); less postoperative anxiety (p = 0.041); and higher score for satisfaction with treatment (p < 0.001); whereas operation time (p = 0.524) and postoperative depression (p = 0.415) were similar between the two cohorts. Compliance analysis demonstrated that ERAS interventions were successfully conducted in the vast majority of patients.

Conclusion: The enhanced recovery after surgery intervention is beneficial to patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression, according to data on intraoperative blood loss; length of hospital stay; time to ambulation, regular diet, urinary catheter removal, radiation exposure, and systemic internal therapy; perioperative complication; alleviation of anxiety; and improvement of satisfaction. However, clinical trials to investigate the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery are needed in the future.
Early peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in predicting the severity of influenza B virus pneumonia in children
Authors: Ma Lu , Yan Jingli , Song Wenliang , Wu Bo , Wang Zeyu , Xu Wei
Published: May 2023

Background

Children with influenza B virus infection have a higher susceptibility and higher severity of illness. The activation and disorder of immune function play an important role in the severity of influenza virus infection. This study aims to investigate whether early lymphocyte count and cytokines can provide predictive value for the progression in children with influenza B virus pneumonia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of children with influenza B virus pneumonia from December 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, in the National Children’s Regional Medical Center (Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University). According to the severity of the disease, the children were divided into a mild group and a severe group, and the clinical characteristics, routine laboratory examination, lymphocyte subsets, and cytokines were compared.

Results

A total of 93 children with influenza B virus pneumonia were enrolled, including 70 cases in the mild group and 23 cases in the severe group. Univariate analysis showed that drowsiness, dyspnea, white blood cell (WBC), lymphocytes, monocytes, procalcitonin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), fibrinogen (FIB), Immunoglobulin M (IgM), lung consolidation, total T cell count, CD4+ T cell count, CD8+ T cell count, NK cell count, NK cell % and B cell % had statistical differences between the mild and severe groups (P<0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, reduced ALT (OR = 1.016), FIB (OR = 0.233), CD8+ T cell count (OR = 0.993) and NK cell count (OR = 0.987) were independently associated with the development of severe influenza B virus pneumonia.

Conclusions

The levels of T lymphocytes and NK cells were related to the progression of influenza B virus pneumonia in children, and the reduction of CD8+ T cell count and NK cell count can be used as independent risk factors for predicting the severity of influenza B virus pneumonia.
FloodSafeHome: evaluating financial benefits and savings of freeboard for improved decision-making in flood risk mitigation
Authors: Friedland Carol J. , Lee Yong-Cheol , Mostafiz Rubayet Bin , Lee Jiyoung , Mithila Shifat P. , Rohli Robert V. , Rahim Md Adilur , Gnan Ehab , Farris Monica Teets
Published: May 2023

Freeboard—elevation of a structure above the base flood elevation (BFE)—is a critical component in mitigating or avoiding flood losses. However, the unrevealed benefits and savings of freeboard installation have prevented communities from adopting this approach. To improve decision-making for residents, prospective residents, and other stakeholders in flood-vulnerable communities and enhance flood risk mitigation strategies, this study presents the methodology underlying a new webtool, FloodSafeHome, that estimates comprehensively the economic benefits and savings of freeboard installation for new construction of residential buildings. Specifically, the proposed evaluation framework has been designed to calculate monthly savings for individual buildings by assessing freeboard cost, insurance savings per year, and expected annual flood loss. This new evaluation method is built into a web-based, decision-making tool for use by the public and community leaders in three southeastern Louisiana parishes (i.e., counties), to identify expected future benefits of building residences with freeboard and enhance their decision-making processes with interactive risk/benefit analysis features. For example, results indicate the levels of freeboard that optimize the cost-benefit ratio for flood-insured homes in the study area. This approach is expected to improve long-term flood resilience and provide cost-efficient flood mitigation strategies, particularly in disaster vulnerable regions.
The effects of plasma to red blood cells transfusion ratio on in-hospital mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Yao Run , Yan Danyang , Fu Xiangjie , Deng Ying , Xie Xi , Li Ning
Published: May 2023

Background

Blood transfusion is a frequent and necessary practice in acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) patients, but the effect of plasma/red blood cells (RBCs) ratio on mortality remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between plasma/RBCs transfusion ratio and in-hospital mortality in patients with AAAD.

Methods

Patients were admitted to Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2021. Clinical parameters were recorded. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the association between transfusion and in-hospital mortality. We used the smooth curve fitting and segmented regression model to assess the threshold effect between plasma/RBCs transfusion ratio and in-hospital mortality in patients with AAAD.

Results

The volumes of RBCs [14.00 (10.12–20.50) unit] and plasma [19.25 (14.72–28.15) unit] transfused in non-survivors were significantly higher than in survivors [RBCs: 8.00 (5.50–12.00) unit]; plasma: [10.35 (6.50–15.22) unit]. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed plasma transfusion was an independent risk factor of in-hospital mortality. Adjusted HR was 1.03 (95% CI: 0.96–1.11) for RBCs transfusion and 1.08 (95% CI: 1.03–1.13) for plasma transfusion. In the spline smoothing plot, mortality risk increased with plasma/RBCs transfusion ratio leveling up to the turning point 1. Optimal plasma/RBCs transfusion ratio with least mortality risk was 1. When the plasma/RBCs ratio was <1 (adjusted HR per 0.1 ratio: 0.28, 95% CI per 0.1 ratio: 0.17–0.45), mortality risk decreased with the increase of ratio. When the plasma/RBCs ratio was 1–1.5 (adjusted HR per 0.1 ratio: 2.73, 95% CI per 0.1 ratio:1.13–6.62), mortality risk increased rapidly with the increase of ratio. When the plasma/RBCs ratio was >1.5 (adjusted HR per 0.1 ratio: 1.09, 95% CI per 0.1 ratio:0.97–1.23), mortality risk tended to reach saturation, and increased non-significantly with the increase of ratio.

Conclusion

A 1:1 plasma/RBCs ratio was associated with the lowest mortality in the patients with AAAD. And non-linear relationship existed between plasma/RBCs ratio and mortality.
Individualized QT interval (QTi) is a powerful diagnostic tool in long QT syndrome: results from a large validation study
Authors: Robyns Tomas , Nuyens Dieter , Vandenberk Bert , Haemers Peter , Breckpot Jeroen , Garweg Christophe , Ector Joris , Willems Rik
Published: May 2023

Aims

Diagnosis of Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is based on prolongation of the QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) on surface ECG and genotyping. However, up to 25% of genotype positive patients have a normal QTc interval. We recently showed that individualized QT interval (QTi) derived from 24 h holter data and defined as the QT value at the intersection of an RR interval of 1,000 ms with the linear regression line fitted through QT-RR data points of each individual patient was superior over QTc to predict mutation status in LQTS families. This study aimed to confirm the diagnostic value of QTi, fine-tune its cut-off value and evaluate intra-individual variability in patients with LQTS.

Methods

From the Telemetric and Holter ECG Warehouse, 201 recordings from control individuals and 393 recordings from 254 LQTS patients were analysed. Cut-off values were obtained from ROC curves and validated against an in house LQTS and control cohort.

Results

ROC curves indicated very good discrimination between controls and LQTS patients with QTi, both in females (AUC 0.96) and males (AUC 0.97). Using a gender dependent cut-off of 445 ms in females and 430 ms in males, a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 96% were achieved, which was confirmed in the validation cohort. No significant intra-individual variability in QTi was observed in 76 LQTS patients for whom at least two holter recordings were available (483 ± 36 ms vs. 489 ± 42 ms, p = 0.11).

Conclusions

This study confirms our initial findings and supports the use of QTi in the evaluation of LQTS families. Using the novel gender dependent cut-off values, a high diagnostic accuracy was achieved.
Evaluating heart rate variability with 10 second multichannel electrocardiograms in a large population-based sample
Authors: Krause Elischa , Vollmer Marcus , Wittfeld Katharina , Weihs Antoine , Frenzel Stefan , Dörr Marcus , Kaderali Lars , Felix Stephan B. , Stubbe Beate , Ewert Ralf , Völzke Henry , Grabe Hans J.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Heart rate variability (HRV), defined as the variability of consecutive heart beats, is an important biomarker for dysregulations of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and is associated with the development, course, and outcome of a variety of mental and physical health problems. While guidelines recommend using 5 min electrocardiograms (ECG), recent studies showed that 10 s might be sufficient for deriving vagal-mediated HRV. However, the validity and applicability of this approach for risk prediction in epidemiological studies is currently unclear to be used.

Methods

This study evaluates vagal-mediated HRV with ultra-short HRV (usHRV) based on 10 s multichannel ECG recordings of N = 4,245 and N = 2,392 participants of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) from two waves of the SHIP-TREND cohort, additionally divided into a healthy and health-impaired subgroup. Association of usHRV with HRV derived from long-term ECG recordings (polysomnography: 5 min before falling asleep [N = 1,041]; orthostatic testing: 5 min of rest before probing an orthostatic reaction [N = 1,676]) and their validity with respect to demographic variables and depressive symptoms were investigated.

Results

High correlations (r = .52–.75) were revealed between usHRV and HRV. While controlling for covariates, usHRV was the strongest predictor for HRV. Furthermore, the associations of usHRV and HRV with age, sex, obesity, and depressive symptoms were similar.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that usHRV derived from 10 s ECG might function as a proxy of vagal-mediated HRV with similar characteristics. This allows the investigation of ANS dysregulation with ECGs that are routinely performed in epidemiological studies to identify protective and risk factors for various mental and physical health problems.
Potential favorable action of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on sudden cardiac death: a brief overview
Authors: Sato Tatsuya , Kouzu Hidemichi , Yano Toshiyuki , Sakuma Ichiro , Furuhashi Masato , Tohse Noritsugu
Published: May 2023

The primary pharmacological action of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors is to inhibit the reabsorption of glucose and sodium ions from the proximal tubules of the kidney and to promote urinary glucose excretion. Notably, several clinical trials have recently demonstrated potent protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure (HF) or chronic kidney disease (CKD), regardless of the presence or absence of diabetes. However, the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on sudden cardiac death (SCD) or fatal ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), the pathophysiology of which is partly similar to that of HF and CKD, remains undetermined. The cardiorenal protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors have been reported to include hemodynamic improvement, reverse remodeling of the failing heart, amelioration of sympathetic hyperactivity, correction of anemia and impaired iron metabolism, antioxidative effects, correction of serum electrolyte abnormalities, and antifibrotic effects, which may lead to prevent SCD and/or VAs. Recently, as possible direct cardiac effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, not only inhibition of Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) activity, but also suppression of late Na+ current have been focused on. In addition to the indirect cardioprotective mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors, suppression of aberrantly increased late Na+ current may contribute to preventing SCD and/or VAs via restoration of the prolonged repolarization phase in the failing heart. This review summarizes the results of previous clinical trials of SGLT2 inhibitors for prevention of SCD, their impact on the indices of electrocardiogram, and the possible molecular mechanisms of their anti-arrhythmic effects.
Big data analytics and smart cities: applications, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Cesario Eugenio
Published: May 2023

Urban environments continuously generate larger and larger volumes of data, whose analysis can provide descriptive and predictive models as valuable support to inspire and develop data-driven Smart City applications. To this aim, Big data analysis and machine learning algorithms can play a fundamental role to bring improvements in city policies and urban issues. This paper introduces how Big Data analysis can be exploited to design and develop data-driven smart city services, and provides an overview on the most important Smart City applications, grouped in several categories. Then, it presents three real-case studies showing how data analysis methodologies can provide innovative solutions to deal with smart city issues. The first one is an approach for spatio-temporal crime forecasting (tested on Chicago crime data), the second one is methodology to discover mobility hotsposts and trajectory patterns from GPS data (tested on Beijing taxi traces), the third one is an approach to discover predictive epidemic patterns from mobility and infection data (tested on real COVID-19 data). The presented real-world cases prove that data analytics models can effectively support city managers in tackling smart city challenges and improving urban applications.
Introduction of an EdTech intervention to support learning of foundational skills in Sierra Leone: policy, teacher, and community perspectives
Authors: Lurvink Anne-Fleur , Pitchford Nicola J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Like many other countries, Sierra Leone faces significant challenges with primary education resulting in many children leaving primary school without acquiring basic foundational skills. To address these challenges, an educational technology (EdTech) intervention was implemented in 20 primary schools located in two marginalized districts in Sierra Leone. While this EdTech intervention has been shown to raise learning outcomes, little is known about the impacts on the broader education ecosystem. This paper investigates how this EdTech intervention might address some the challenges faced with primary education in Sierra Leone, by examining policy, teacher, and community perspectives.

Method

A mixed methods approach was employed which included a policy mapping exercise, a survey of teachers training needs in supporting the development of foundational skills with grade 1 learners, an interview with teachers after they had delivered the EdTech intervention to garner their perceptions and experiences of using the technology in their class, and focus groups with teachers and other community members to gain insights into how the EdTech intervention had been received.

Results

Findings from the policy mapping exercise and quantitative data from the survey of teacher training needs were triangulated with qualitative data from the interviews and focus groups. Four key themes emerged relating to the effective and sustained use of this EdTech intervention to support the acquisition of foundational skills by primary school children in Sierra Leone: (1) the need for continued teacher professional development, (2) the use of English as the language of instruction, (3) access to the technology by children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and (4) the importance of active community engagement in supporting the intervention.

Discussion

Collectively, results indicated that the EdTech intervention employed in this study aligned well to the education policy in Sierra Leone. Enhanced teacher training is needed, especially in using English as the language of instruction, and continued community engagement is essential for scaling the intervention effectively and ensuring that all children, including those with SEND, access the technology at primary school. These results have implications for other EdTech intervention deployed in resource-poor settings to enhance learning of foundational skills.