bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The person with schizophrenia in conflict according to the criminal law in Indonesia
Authors: Suno Tati , Fransiska Asmin
Published: February 2022

Indonesia recognizes the grounds of pardon in criminal law as stipulated in Article 44 of the Criminal Code (KUHP). One of the conditions that may be subjected to grounds of pardon is when the perpetrator of a criminal act is a person with a mental disorder, including schizophrenia. The consequence of this situation is that the perpetrator of a criminal act must be declared irresponsible for his actions and released from all criminal charges. However, in practice, the panel of judges would find the defendant with schizophrenia remain guilty since the judge would disregard the medical records or statements from psychiatric experts as evidence at trial. This article analyzes 2 Supreme Court Decisions, namely Supreme Court Decision No. 46 PK/Pid.Sus/2010 and Decision No. 94-K/PM.II-09/AD/V/2016. This research uses a normative juridical method. This research discusses the implementation of criminal sentences for persons with schizophrenia by confronting between field practices that remain sentencing persons with schizophrenia. Legal protections that able to be carried out by the state include terminating the prosecution, utilizing psychiatrists' statements as the basis for decisions, and deciding on defendants with acquittal decisions which in practice are not often found. This research concludes that legal protection for people with schizophrenia in Indonesia stays incongruent with the principles of criminal law and violates the principle of protecting the rights of the defendant. Law enforcement officials are remaining disregarding Article 44 of the Criminal Code by continuing to sentence, even executing people with schizophrenia who commit criminal acts even though there is a statement from a psychiatrist as valid evidence.
Posibilidades de nanocompuestos madera-plástico en el diseño de productos
Authors: Montes-Villagrán Alejandra , Martel-Estrada Santos Adriana
Published: February 2022

Los compuestos de madera-plástico han sido objeto de interés por parte de investigadores por sus propiedades mejoradas, en comparación con los productos basados únicamente en plástico o madera. Sin embargo, durante algunos años se han estudiado los efectos de algunos nanorrellenos sobre estos compuestos. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo la revisión de las investigaciones más relevantes en trabajos publicados en revistas científicas sobre los efectos de los nanorrellenos en los compuestos de madera y plástico. El material bibliográfico consultado se encuentra entre los años 2011 y 2021. En este estudio se discuten los beneficios ambientales, la limitación de las aplicaciones y los efectos de algunas nanopartículas en estos compuestos con plástico virgen y reciclado. Se concluye que los nanocompuestos de madera-plástico son una excelente opción de material con aplicaciones potenciales. No obstante, se sugiere visualizar las alternativas que existen para el uso de nanocompuestos madera-plástico en el diseño de producto.
Effect of Economic Value Added, Market Value Added, Earning per Share and Net Profit Margin on Stock Returns in Metal Companies Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange
Authors: Handayani Silvia , Sriyono Sriyono
Published: February 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of Economic Value Added (EVA), Market Value Added (MVA), Earning Per Share (EPS) and Net Profit Margin (NPM) on Stock Returns in metal sub-sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). . The research method uses a quantitative approach. Data analysis used a regression model with Eviews 9 software. The sample of this study was 49 metal sub-sector companies listed on the IDX in 2013-2019. The results showed that Economic Value Added, Market Value Added, Earning Per Share, and Net Profit Margin together had no effect on stock returns. Partially Economic Value Added has no effect on stock returns, Market Value Added has a significant and positive effect on stock returns, Earning Per Share has no effect on stock returns, and Net Profit Margin has no effect on stock returns.
The Effect of Tax Knowledge, Quality of Fiscal Service, and Implementation of Taxpayer E-Filling on Taxpayer Compliance
Authors: Varis Zia Vawzia Lazul , Ernandi Herman
Published: February 2022

Tax compliance is an attitude of submission or obedience in which the taxpayer fulfills all obligations and exercises rights in taxation. This study aims to examine what are the factors that influence taxpayer compliance by using the variables of tax knowledge, quality of tax service, and the application of taxpayer e-filing. Collecting data in this study using a questionnaire. The regression model used in this study is a multiple linear regression model with the help of the SPSS program. The research sample was selected using a simple random sampling method as many as 50 taxpayers. The results showed that only the tax knowledge factor and the quality of tax service quality had a positive and significant effect on taxpayer compliance, while the e-filling implementation factor had a negative and insignificant effect on taxpayer compliance.
Analysis of Revenue Accounting Information Systems at PT. Pusaka Sunny Jaya
Authors: Wicaksana Ferry Prima , Widodo Heri
Published: February 2022

This study aims to analyze the income accounting information system that has been applied at PT. Sunny Jaya's heritage is in accordance with the theory of accounting information systems which in the future can be used as material for improving company systems. The method used in this research is descriptive method. Data collection methods used are observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis technique used is to analyze the income accounting information system at PT. Sunny Jaya's heirloom. Accounting information system at PT. In practice, the Sunny Jaya heritage has been going well because each part has been managed by each staff so that there is very little cheating that can be done. The use of the system in the company here as a whole has helped to meet reporting needs so that reports and inputs can be updated, besides that the use of programs/systems has provided good internal control.
Effect of ROA (Return On Assets), ROE (Return On Equity), NPM (Net Profit Margin), and EPS (Earning Per Share) on Stock Prices
Authors: Sholikah Inggit Faridatus , Nurasik Nurasik
Published: February 2022

Property business is currently one of the business prospects whose business characteristics tend to increase every year because land prices tend to increase every year. This research aims to determine whether stock prices can be influenced by the return on assets ratio (ROA), return on equity ratio (ROE), net income ratio (NPM) and earnings per share ratio (EPS). The entire property real estate sector is the population taken in this study, with a criterion sampling technique or purposive sampling so that a sample of 31 companies with observations for 3 years so that a total of 93 observations of financial statements from 31 selected samples are then calculated. research and tabulated and processed with the SPSS version 25 application, with a series of tests to strengthen the results of the hypothesis. In this research, the results of the study conclude that the first is that there is no effect of the return on assets ratio (ROA) on stock prices, secondly there is the effect of the ratio of return on equity (ROE) to stock prices, thirdly there is no effect of the ratio of net income (NPM) on the stock price. stock prices and the effect of earnings per share (EPS) on stock prices studied in the property sector Bura Efek Indonesia 2017 to 2019
The Effect of Institutional Ownership, Company Size, Research And Development (R&D) on Extent Intellectual Capital Disclosure
Authors: Alfariza Nourma Ninil , Hermawan Sigit
Published: February 2022

This study aims to determine the Effect of Institutional Ownership, Company Size, Research And Development (R&D) on Extent Intellectual Capital Disclosure (Studies on High IC Intensive manufacturing companies listed on the IDX in 2015-2018). The sampling method used is purposive sampling method. The number of companies sampled in this study are 12 High IC Intensive Manufacturing Companies Listed on the IDX for the 2015-2018 period. The data used is secondary data. The data analysis method used in this research is Multiple Linear Regression. The results of this study indicate that institutional ownership has an effect on Extent Intellectual Capital Disclosure. Firm size has an effect on Extent Intellectual Capital Disclosure. Influential R&D Extent Intellectual Capital Disclosure. Institutional ownership, company size, research and development affect the Extent Intellectual Capital Disclosure.
Favouritism Behaviours of School Administrators: Teachers’ Perceptions of the Secondary Schools in Turkey
Authors: Dağlı Abidin , Akyol Zühal
Published: February 2022

This study aims to determine favouritism behaviors of school administrators according to public secondary school teachers’ perceptions in terms of some variables. The sample of the study consisted of 22 schools selected randomly from the population and 376 teachers employed in these schools. “Favoritism in the School Management Scale" was used in this research. In the study, teachers stated that favouritism behaviors in their schools are at the "sometimes" level. According to perceptions of teachers, the highest three items in the favouritism scale are: "(1) In the preparation of teachers' weekly lesson plan ( =3,30; Sometimes)", "(2) In the planning of lesson distribution ( =3,12; Sometimes)", "(3) Taking into consideration the complaints of teachers ( =3,08; Sometimes)". The lowest three items in the favouritism scale are: (1) Among the teachers in their hometowns ( =2,14; Rarely); (2) Related to the branches of the teachers ( =2,38; Rarely) and (3) Related to the gender of the teachers ( =2,43; Rarely). No significant difference was detected with respect to the teachers' educational background, gender, marital status, professional experience, and union on the perceptions of favouritism behaviours. Nevertheless, a significant difference was found in all dimensions and throughout the whole scale of favouritism regarding to school size (the number of teachers) variable.
Exploring Saudi College Students' Attitudes toward Using English Dictionaries at Albaha University
Authors: Khalifa Elsadig Mohamed
Published: February 2022

The present paper addresses the attitudes of Saudi students toward using English dictionaries at Albaha University. A sample of 64 English majors in the College of Science and Arts in Almandaq took part in this study. A descriptive quantitative approach was implemented in this study. A 24-item questionnaire was applied in this study to collect the data. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS. Findings revealed that while most of the participants used bilingual dictionaries, few of them used monolingual dictionaries. Also, the findings showed that there was a lack of awareness among the students in using dictionary entries. Furthermore, a majority of students believe in the importance of using dictionaries for language learning. Integrating lexicography in the English course program is the main recommended implication to be taught. Teachers should implement activities related to dictionary skills in their English classes, such as using dictionary entries, including pronunciation, collocation, parts of speech, abbreviations, etc. Finally, students should be trained to use monolingual dictionaries in their language learning. These implications can be used to overcome the students’ difficulties in using dictionaries.
Santri’s Humility in the Salafiyyah Islamic Boarding School
Authors: Rahmatullah Azam Syukur , Azhar Muhammad , Fatwa Ahmad Fajruddin
Published: February 2022

This research belongs to qualitative research, which explored the tawadhu' (humility) in the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School, Kediri. Tawadhu' in Islamic boarding school is traditional, rooted, and has become a positive character. Thus, it deserves to be explored and later can be used as a "role model" for other educational institutions to implement, develop and produce individuals with this character. The method used was field research with an ethnomethodological approach, a cluster of qualitative research that focused on reality with practical interpretation. Research results showed that the notion of tawadhu', according to the kyai's perspective at the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School, Kediri, was an effort to transfer values and morality to the santri. Thus, they would possess polite behavior, obey goodness and virtue, will be kind to others. Second, tawadhu' had several foundational factors at the Salafiyyah Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School, East Java, including (a) spiritual foundations, (b) struggling mental foundations, (c) prosocial foundations. The objectives of tawadhu' for the santri at the Salafiyyah Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School, East Java, were: (a) growing value education in the students, (b) Preventing self-deception and misdirection to others, (c) building and instilling muhsin's personality to the students. Creating the teachings of tawadhu' at the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School, Kediri was influenced by several factors: (a) the kyai's charisma, (b) the continuous book learning, and kaffah internalization to students. Many teachings have educated students in the books studied to be humble, obedient, and glorify others.
Challenges In Using WhatsApp as An Online Arabic Learning Center
Authors: Robbani A Syahid , Wahidah Zulfa Amalia , Haqqy Ahmad Muzayyan
Published: February 2022

This study aims to examine the challenges and obstacles faced in using WhatsApp as an online Arabic learning center and efforts to overcome them. The data from this qualitative study were obtained from observations of 71 students and 2 Arabic language teachers. The data was then validated and strengthened by interviews with 5 students and 2 Arabic language teachers. The results of this study show that the challenges and obstacles in using WhatsApp as an online Arabic learning center do not only come from students, student guardians, and teachers but can also come from the limitations of the WhatsApp application itself such as the maximum file size limit that can be sent and the record button prone to be canceled. In overcoming the existing obstacles, the teacher converts the files to be sent first, lowers the level of questions in assignments, pays attention to the accuracy of students' answers in doing assignments, and collaborates the use of WhatsApp with Google Drive and Instagram. Finally, by looking at the role of the WhatsApp application in the current learning process, the researcher hopes that the WhatsApp application developer will consider to provide WhatsApp for Education like WhatsApp for Business which has existed for a long time.
La borrasca Filomena: características y estimación de daños en el arbolado de Madrid mediante imágenes de satélite
Authors: Pérez González María Eugenia , García Alvarado José María , García Rodríguez María del Pilar
Published: February 2022

Las características de la borrasca Filomena y su impacto en el arbolado del Madrid se han analizado mediante mapas sinópticos, datos centenarios de nevadas e imágenes de satélite a diferentes escalas (Terra MODIS, Landsat 8 y Sentinel 2). Esta nevada histórica se extendió en enero de 2021 sobre la mitad de la superficie de la Península Ibérica, aunque sus consecuencias se agravaron ante la persistencia de la situación anticiclónica posterior, que mantuvo temperaturas superficiales en Madrid entre -13 ºC y -2,5 ºC. El impacto en el arbolado, medido a través de imágenes de cambios en el NDVI, ha afectado al 11 % de la cobertura vegetal invernal del municipio, con daños muy notables en Pinus pinea, P. halepensis y Quercus Ilex, tanto del viario urbano, como de los múltiples parques, jardines y espacios forestales de la ciudad.
Resilience in the West Bank: Impact evaluation of the ‘From Emergency Food Security to Durable Livelihoods: Building Resilience in the Occupied Palestinian Territory’ project
Authors: Pretari Alexia
Published: February 2022

The ‘From Emergency Food Security to Durable Livelihoods: Building Resilience in the Occupied Palestinian Territories’ project was implemented in the West Bank, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, between November 2015 and January 2018 by Oxfam, together with two partners: the Land Research Centre (LRC) and the Palestinian Livestock Development Centre (PLDC). The project, funded by the Belgian Cooperation, through Oxfam Italy, focused on improving protection around three key areas at community level to build resilience: supporting animal health, rehabilitating protected rangelands and strengthening community-based legal protection mechanisms. The combination of these key areas is the focus of this Effectiveness Review: the evaluation assesses the impact of this cross-sectorial approach on the resilience capacities of male and female members of Bedouin communities in the West Bank, at risk of displacement. It combines a quantitative quasi-experimental design with a questionnaire with community leaders. Find out more by reading the full report now.
Physicians’ perceptions on decision-making about withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in paediatric patients: A systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Zhong Yajing , Cavolo Alice , Labarque Veerle , Gastmans Chris
Published: February 2022

Background: With paediatric patients, deciding whether to withhold/withdraw life-sustaining treatments (LST) at the end of life is difficult and ethically sensitive. Little is understood about how and why physicians decide on withholding/withdrawing LST at the end of life in paediatric patients. In this study, we aimed to synthesise results from the literature on physicians’ perceptions about decision-making when dealing with withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in paediatric patients.Methods: We conducted a systematic review of empirical qualitative studies. Five electronic databases (Pubmed, Cinahl®, Embase®, Scopus®, Web of Science™️) were exhaustively searched in order to identify articles published in English from inception through March 17, 2021. Analysis and synthesis were guided by the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven.Results: Thirty publications met our criteria and were included for analysis. Overall, we found that physicians agreed to involve parents, and to a lesser extent, children in the decision-making process about withholding/withdrawing LST. Our analysis to identify conceptual schemes revealed that physicians divided their decision-making into three stages: (1) early preparation via advance care planning, (2) information giving and receiving, and (3) arriving at the final decision. Physicians considered advocating for the best interests of the child and of the parents as their major focus. We also identified moderating factors of decision-making, such as facilitators and barriers, specifically those related to physicians and parents that influenced physicians’ decision-making.Conclusions: By focusing on stakeholders, structure of the decision-making process, ethical values, and influencing factors, our analysis showed that physicians generally agreed to share the decision-making with parents and the child, especially for adolescents. Approaches for evaluating young children’s capacity for making EOL decisions are still unclear and need to be explored further. Further research is required to better understand how to minimise the negative impact of barriers on the decision-making process (e.g., difficult involvement of children, lack of paediatric palliative care expertise, conflict with parents).
Students’ Perspective And Experience Of The Skills Course And Learning Management System In A Reformed System-Based Curriculum
Authors: Khan Shakir , Alshara Mohammed Ali
Published: February 2022

Background: The reformation of medical education system and getting up-to-date with novel technologies to understand the learning concepts is a biggest challenge.Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the Saudi students’ perspective and experience of learning skills (LS) course and learning management system included in their medical curriculum. Materials and methods: Courses can be improved significantly if students provide meaningful feedback. The course evaluation survey is the most widespread indirect method of assessing courses. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) introduced dynamic Blackboard (Bb) in LS course nearly 7-8 years in the first semester of the first year medical curriculum. The College of Medicine, IMSIU, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 306 students who had successfully completed their preparatory year from the academic year 2019-2020 were enrolled. Results: Out of 306 participants, 241 (53.9% males and 46% females) responded and agreed that the LS course has improved their learning process. The LS course has enhanced students’ overall communication (65.6% males and 66.9% females) and time management (75.4% males and 64.9% females) skills. The LS course helped in students’ understanding of problem and team -based learning methods (72.3% males and 61.3% females), and also assisted in learning of other learning techniques (67.7% males and 64.9 females). Likewise, ~72.2% students agreed that the LS course aided in managing of psychological conditions of stress and anxiety. Most of the students (78.5% males and 74.8% females) revealed that the training of the LS course has tremendously improved their knowledge (p=0.04).Conclusions: The majority the students were convinced about the utility of the LS course. The present study warrants the practice of Bb as a new educational instructional learning technique. This is the very first report exploring the Saudi students’ experience and opinion about the effects of the LS course and learning management system on their academic achievements, coping techniques and career advancements since its implementation in IMSIU’s medical curriculum.
CXCR4 and RAC2 as Biomarkers of Periodontitis and Their Potential Influence on Macrophage Infiltration
Authors: Tian Xiufen , Zheng Juan , Wang Jing , Song Da , Luo Yuanyuan , Wang Dawei , Chen Yunzhen
Published: February 2022

Objective Chronic periodontitis is an incurable infectious disease characterized by complex inflammatory immune response. This study aimed was to screen and identify effective biomarkers correlated with macrophage in chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods Periodontitis datasets obtained from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs by GO and KEGG revealed multiple biological processes and signaling pathways related to immune response. Further analysis was performed on two immune-related gene databases, ImmPort and innateDB, to identify DEGs related to immune cells infiltration in chronic periodontitis. Subsequently, Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were established to reveal hub genes with MCC algorithm using CytoHubba tool. Enrichment analysis in DisGeNet showed that immune-related DEGs were enriched in periodontitis. Next, CIBERSORTx tool was analyzed to investigate immune cells infiltration in GSE10334 dataset. Results The results demonstrated differential macrophage infiltration in periodontitis. Notably, RAC2 and CXCR4 were identified as biomarkers correlated with M2 macrophages in chronic periodontitis. Finally, receiver operating curve (ROC) was plotted to determine the diagnostic value of identified hub genes which was then validated using relevant datasets of macrophages. Conclusion RAC2 and CXCR4 are potential biomarker of chronic periodontitis correlated with M2 macrophages infiltration. Further experiments are needed to more deeply explore the roles of CXCR4 and RAC2 in the molecular mechanism of M2 macrophages in periodontitis microenvironment.
Antimicrobial Resistance Among GLASS Pathogens In Morocco: An Epidemiological Scoping Review
Authors: Nejjari Chakib , Achhab Youness El , Benaouda Amina , Abdelfattah Chakib
Published: February 2022

Background: Monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is of great importance due to the frequency of strains becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. This review, using a public health focused approach, aimed to understand and describe the current status of AMR in Morocco in relation to WHO priority pathogens and treatment guidelines.Methods: PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar Databases and grey literature were searched published articles on antimicrobial drug resistance data for GLASS priority pathogens isolated from Morocco between January 2011 and December 2021. Articles were screened using strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. AMR data was extracted with medians and IQR of resistance rates.Results: Forty-nine articles were included in the final analysis. The most reported bacterium was Escherichia coli with median resistance rates of 90.9%, 64.0%, 56.0%, 47.8%, 34.4%, 34.0%, and 23.0% for amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, co-trimoxazole, nalidixic acid, ceftriaxone, fluoroquinolones, and gentamicin, respectively. Colistin had the lowest median resistance with 0.1% (range 0.0-11.9).Conclusions: Whilst resistance rates are high for most of GLASS pathogens, there were deficient data to draw vigorous conclusions about the current status AMR in Morocco. The recently join to the GLASS system surveillance will begin to address this data gap.
Understanding coalescence of phase separated droplets and verification via growing a single suspended crystal
Authors: Wu Zi-Qing , Liu Yong-Ming , Cheng Qing-Di , Li Chen-Yuan , Chen Liang-Liang , Liu Ya-Li , Ge Wan-Yi , Falke Sven , Brognaro Hevila , Chen Jing-Jie , Zhao Feng-Zhu , Zhou Huan , Zhang Chen-Yan , Deng Xu-Dong , Ye Ya-Jing , Lin Wen-Juan , Guo Wei-Hong , Shang Peng , He Jian-Hua , Betzel Christian , Yin Da-Chuan
Published: February 2022

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a ubiquitous process found in a variety of fields. It is of particular importance in biological sciences since it plays essential and vital roles in a number of physiological and pathological processes in biological systems. After LLPS, the dense droplets can grow in size via incorporating solutes from surrounding environment and in some cases coalescing with other droplets. Interestingly, the size of the dense droplets seems to have an upper limit but the mechanism remains to be explored. Since the droplet size can be essential for biological functioning, it is important to understand the size evolution of the phase separated droplets. Here we propose a physical mechanism with consideration of impurities on the surface of the dense liquid droplets. The theoretical predictions can be used to explain the observations on the size evolution. Based on the coalescence mechanism, we succeeded for the first time performing a challenging task, i.e., growing a single suspended protein crystal via merging phase-separated droplets in a fully non-contact manner. The mechanism observed may be considered as a basic model for researches in much broader fields involving phase separation, such as in biology, materials science, physics, chemistry, and meteorology.
Rapid range expansion of an invasive flatworm, Kontikia andersoni, on subantarctic Macquarie Island
Authors: Houghton Melissa Jane , Terauds Aleks , Shaw Justine D
Published: February 2022

Spanning the Southern Ocean high latitudes, subantarctic islands are protected areas with high conservation values. Despite the remoteness of these islands, invasive species threaten their native species and ecosystem function. The most ubiquitous and speciose group of invasive species are invertebrates. Due to their cryptic habits and ambiguous establishment history, the impacts of invasive invertebrates on native species and ecosystems in the region remains largely unknown. Understanding how invasive invertebrate species are transported, disperse, establish and colonise new habitats is key to understanding their existing and future impacts. This knowledge is also fundamental to improving biosecurity practise and informing future management of Southern Ocean islands. We undertook invertebrate surveys on Macquarie Island to determine the current status of four non-native macro-invertebrates - Kontikia andersoni and Arthurdendyus vegrandis (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae), Styloniscus otakensis (Isopoda: Styloniscidae) and Puhuruhuru patersoni (Amphipoda: Talitridae). We found A. vergrandis, S. otakensis and P. patersoni had not markedly expanded their range. In contrast, K. andersoni has more than doubled its previously mapped area and expanded at a rate of ~500m−yr since 2004. We discuss the possible underlying mechanisms for the dramatic range expansion of K. andersoni and consider the implications for the future management of Macquarie Island.
Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Interventions In The Management of Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Espinel Eugenia , Azancot Maria Antonia , Gomez Alba , Beneria Anna , Caraben Anna , Andurell Laura , Delgado Pilar , Castañé Helena , Joven Jorge , Seron Daniel
Published: February 2022

Resistant hypertension renders patients refractory to pharmacological treatment and is closely associated with excess weight and high cardiovascular risk. Resistant hypertension and obesity-associated hypertension share highly interrelated and interacting pathogenic mechanisms exacerbated by adiposity that propagate end organ damage including chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Perhaps it is time to contemplate in the overall management of hypertension, invasive procedures focused on weight loss. Lifestyle interventions improved results from pharmacotherapy alone in a cohort of patients with resistant hypertension. After 6 months of intensive multidisciplinary care, we found significant reductions in blood pressure, body mass index, and antihypertensive medication burden with improvement in cardiovascular disease biomarkers. Increased physical activity and weight loss appeared to be significant factors. Weight-loss drugs are generally ineffective but the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in another cohort of patients with obesity grade 3 and hypertension, was relevant with hypertension remission in more than 50% of cases and significant reductions in blood pressure and medication burden in those who remained hypertensive. Our results suggest the need to define in future studies and selected patients the potential role of combining medical multidisciplinary care with surgical interventions in the management of patients with resistant hypertension and high cardiovascular risk.
Self-medication practices and their characteristics among Iran university students
Authors: Rahimisadegh Rohaneh , Sharifi Nader , Jahromi Vahid Kohpeima , Zahedi Razieh , Rostayee Zahra , Asadi Razieh
Published: February 2022

Background: Self-medication in students as educated people is one of the most important health issues. It is known that inappropriate self-medication is harmful for individuals due to some potential risks and also harmful to the government because disrupts the drug market and increases the per capita financial drug consumption. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the habits related to rational use of drug (RUD) and the prevalence of self-medication practices among students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 at Jahrom universities/Iran using an electronic “Self-medication practices and medication habits” questionnaire. The 848 students from four healthcare and non-healthcare faculties participated in the study. Results: The prevalence of self-medication among students was 44.8%. The most common medicines on self-medication were cold remedies and sedatives in about 33%. About 47% of students had used antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. The internet and social networks were the source of information about the RUD in about 40% of students. There was no difference in RUD between medical and non-medical students (OR = 0.865, 95% CI: 659-1.134). RUD in students with underlying disease was higher than students without underlying disease (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.39-5.60). Conclusions: Self-medication was high prevalence in students. The best strategy in this high level of self-medication is to raise students' awareness and knowledge by colleges about potential risk of self-medication practices.
The First Horse Gut Microbiome Gene Catalog Reveals That Rare Microbiome Ensures Better Cardiovascular Fitness During Endurance Racing
Authors: Mach Núria , Midoux Cédric , Leclercq Sébastien , Pennarun Samuel , Moyec Laurence Le , Rué Olivier , Robert Céline , Sallé Guillaume , Barrey Eric
Published: February 2022

Emerging evidence indicates that the gut microbiome contributes to endurance exercise performance, but the extent of their functional and metabolic potential remains unknown. Using elite endurance horses as a model system for exercise responsiveness, we built the first equine gut microbial gene catalog comprising more than 25 million non-redundant genes representing 4,696 genera spanning 95 phyla. The unprecedented resolution unrevealed functional pathways relevant for both the structure of the microbiome and the host health and recovered 369 novel metagenome-assembled bacterial genomes, providing useful reference for future studies. Integration of microbial and host omic datasets suggested that microbiomes harboring rare species were functionally dissimilar from those enriched in Lachnospiraceae taxa. Moreover, they offered expanded metabolic pathways to fine-tune the cardiovascular capacity through mitochondria-mediated mechanisms. The results identify an associative link between horse endurance capability and its microbiome gene function, laying the basis for nutritional interventions that could benefit endurance athletes.
High-sensitivity temperature sensor based on microstructured fiber outside coated with gold and PDMS films
Authors: feng yuhui , LI HONGYU , MENG XIAOJIAN , LI MENGQIANG , LI SHUGUANG
Published: February 2022

A high-sensitivity temperature sensor based on microstructured fiber (MSF) outside coated with gold and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films has been presented in this paper. The gold film is coated outside the fiber cladding, wich is used to excite the surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and PDMS is a kind of substance with high thermo-optical coefficient and easy to be cured, the temperature response has been effectively improved by depositing PDMS film outside the gold film. The influences of the parameters on the sensing characteristics are investigated by using the finite element method (FEM). Simulation results show that the average temperature sensitivity is up to 9.287nm/℃ in the range of -20℃-40℃. Moreover, compared with other designs, the fully coated structure on the outside of MSF enables temperature-sensitive medium to be in direct contact with the environment, which reduces the difficulty of internal coating and filling in the air-holes of MSF. The optimized process of structure in this study provides an effective method, and the temperature sensor based on MSF has good application prospects in the fields such as medical treatment, biochemical detection, and intelligent monitoring.
Sexuality and Psychological Well-being in Different Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Phenotypes Compared with Healthy Controls: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bahadori Fatemeh , Sadatmahalleh Shahideh Jahanian , Montazeri Ali , Nasiri Malihe
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The present study aimed to compare the women with different PCOS phenotypes with the healty group in terms of sexual function, depression, anxiety and quality of life scale.Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 192 infertile women with PCOS (classified on the basis of Rotterdam criteria into four categories) and 50 healthy controls. All participants were asked to fill out the valid and reliable questionnaires of FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), HADS (Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale) and SF-12.Results: In the HADS questionnaire, phenotype B achieved the highest mean score in anxiety and depression domains, whereas, phenotype B had the lowest mean score in the FSFI and SF-12 quassionnaires. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the women with PCOS phenotypes and the control grroup in arousal, lubrication, pain, and mean total score of FSFI (P<0.05). In regression logistic analysis, age, infertility and depression were predictors of sexual dysfunction (P<0.05).Conclusion: The results indicated significant differences in terms of sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety and quality of life in the women suffering from different phenotypes of PCOS compared with the healthy group. These results provide evidence that care and recommendations for improving women’s QoL and sexual function should be considered according to the relevant PCOS phenotypes.
Hadrosauroid eggs and embryos from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) of Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Xing Lida , Niu Kecheng , Yang Tzu-Ruei , Wang Donghao , Miyashita Tetsuto , Mallon Jordan C.
Published: February 2022

Background: Dinosaur eggs containing embryos are rare, limiting our understanding of dinosaur development. Recently, a clutch of subspherical dinosaur eggs was discovered while blasting for a construction project in the Upper Cretaceous red beds (Hekou Formation) of the Ganzhou basin, Jiangxi Province, China. At least two of the eggs contain identifiable hadrosauroid embryos, described here for the first time.Results: The eggs, attributable to Spheroolithidae indet., are thick-walled but small (~660 mL) compared to those of Lambeosaurinae. Based on the distinctive shape of the squamosal, the embryos compare favourably with Nanningosaurus dashiensis, otherwise known from incomplete skeletal material from Upper Cretaceous red beds elsewhere in southern China.Conclusion: The small size of the eggs and embryos, similar to those of Hadrosaurinae, indicates that the larger eggs and hatchlings of typical Lambeosaurinae are evolutionarily derived.
Wearable Technology for Health Monitoring During Pregnancy: an Observational Cross-sectional Survey Study
Authors: Wakefield Colin , Yao Lena , Self Steve , Frasch Martin G.
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To evaluate how pregnant women perceive the use of remote fetal ECG monitoring technologies. Telemedicine has advanced to the forefront of healthcare delivery, including maternal-fetal medicine. Smart wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) devices can enable pregnant women to monitor their health and that of their fetuses. Such technology would be a logical extension of the telemedicine ecosystem.Methods: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study via online surveying in the United States. Study participants were recruited using the SurveyMonkey Audience Polling system and responded virtually. In all, the sample consisted of 507 women, aged 18-45 from 45 states, who are expecting to become pregnant in the next five years. Women were asked to identify their willingness to use a wearable ECG device the size of a patch-sized large band-aid on their abdomen. Ten binary or multiple-choice questions were used to gauge population interest and related demographics towards the usage of a wearable ECG device. Results: Of the 507 participants, 461 (91%) women expressed an acceptance of wearable ECG technology throughout the pregnancy as a mechanism for increased frequency of monitoring of maternal and fetal health outside the hospital. 395 (78%) women demonstrated a willingness to wear devices day and night or at least during sleep and 213 (42%) of the women would spend up to $200 on such a device. Conclusion: Even though conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this study clearly indicates a high degree of readiness of prospective pregnant women for telemedicine with continuous health monitoring of the mother-fetus dyad.
Patient-Controlled Sedation in Port Implantation (PACSPI 1) – a Feasibility Trial
Authors: Seifert Stefanie , Taxbro Knut , Hammarskjöld Fredrik
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Central venous access is essential for the administration of chemotherapy and frequent blood sampling in patients with cancer. The subcutaneous venous port (SVP) is commonly used for this purpose. SVP implantation is a minor surgical procedure; however, it can provoke pain and anxiety in these vulnerable patients. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and safety of patient-controlled sedation (PCS) with propofol and alfentanil as an adjunct to local anesthesia during SVP implantation.Methods: We prospectively studied 40 patients scheduled for SVP implantation between April 14, 2021, and October 15, 2021, at a 500-bed secondary level hospital in Sweden. Anesthesiologists performed SVP implantation with PCS using propofol and alfentanil. We determined pain perception (primary outcome), patient satisfaction, sedation score, and key safety measures.Results: Of the 40 patients with cancer, 80% reported a pain score ≤3 on an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) during SVP implantation. Overall satisfaction with pain management and operating conditions was graded as 10 of 10 on the NRS. Four patients (10%) had bradypnea (<8 breaths/min) without oxygen desaturation to ≤90%. Rescue sedation was administered to one patient (2.5%). Conclusion: PCS with propofol and alfentanil during SVP implantation is feasible, safe, and well accepted. Its efficacy must be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial to provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance for choosing the optimal perioperative strategy for SVP implantation.Trial registration number at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04631393 before study commencement.
Effect of Taurine Supplement on Aerobic and Anaerobic Outcomes: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Buzdağlı Yusuf , Eyipınar Cemre Didem , Tekin Aslıhan , Şıktar Erdinç , Zydecka Karolina Skonieczna
Published: February 2022

Background: Taurine is a well-known free amino acid that has gained prominence in recent years despite its little or no role in protein formation. Few studies on the ergogenic effect of taurine exist with inconsistent results. The question on whether performance markers show the benefit from the taurine remains open. This study aimed to reach a consensus about whether taurine supplementation is effective on aerobic (time to exhaustion, VO2max, and rating of perceived exertion) and anaerobic (jumping, blood lactate level) performance outputs. Methods: Google Scholar, Pubmed databases, clinical trial websites, and grey literature were reviewed until November 2021. Mean differences (MDs) were pooled using random or fixed-effects models according to the heterogeneity degree of related outcomes. Although 17 studies were detected for the meta-analysis between 2001-2021, 15 studies were grouped. Only randomized controlled trials (single or double-blind) were considered. Results: Taurine supplementation had a significant effect on vertical (MD =3.60; 95% CI 2.32 to 4.89, p <0.00001) and countermovement (MD = 8.50; 95% CI 4.78 to 12.22, p <0.00001) jump performance when compared to a placebo group. Taurine supplementation had no significant effect on VO2max level and rate of perceived exertion (respectively, MD = −0.54 ml/kg/min; 95% CI −6.84 to 5.75, p=0.87; MD = −0.24; 95% CI −0.74 to 0.27, p=0.35) when compared to a placebo group. Conclusion: Taurine improves potentially jumping performance and time to exhaustion.
TIMP1, CLCA1 and KLF4 are the Prognostic Biomarkers for the Development of Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Li Bing , Xu Xuejie , Wu Weidan , Zheng Linlin
Published: February 2022

Objective: Colon cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignant diseases that poses a serious threat to human health. The aim of this study was to identify critical biomarkers or features that may be used as potential targets for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring of CC. Methods: Two microarray datasets of colorectal cancer were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The transcriptome and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The method of robust rank aggregation was adopted to integrate differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed using the STRING platform, and hub genes were identified using the Cytoscape plugin cytoHubba. The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed using DAVID online tool. Kaplan Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic value of the hub genes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic value of the genes. Pearson’s correlation analysis was utilized to detect the relationship between the prognostic genes and infiltrated immune cells. The human protein atlas (HPA) database was used to verify the protein expression of the prognostic genes. Results: A total of 501 robust DEGs were obtained by integrating datasets from GEO and TCGA. Fifty genes were screened as hub genes using Cytoscape. Functional analysis revealed that the hub genes were mainly involved in the chemical carcinogenesis, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, tight junction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. Six of the hub genes were associated with prognosis in CC, including TIMP1, VEGFA, KLF4, GCG, CXCL8, and CLCA1. All the 6 genes have high diagnostic value for CC identification, and were involved in some immune cells infiltration. Among the above 6 genes, the expression of TIMP1, KLF4, and CLCA1 in HPA database were mostly corresponding with gene expression profile. Conclusions: TIMP1, CLCA1 and KLF4 were the key genes that associated with the development of CC, and may act as effective biomarkers that indicate the prognosis of CC.
Combination Technique Using Patchwork and Partial Softening to Determine the Collision Toughness and Intrusion Prevention in Side Crash Simulation
Authors: Lee Min-Sik , Jin Chul-Kyu , Lim Ok-Dong , Suh Jun-Ho
Published: February 2022

Various techniques have been applied to center pillar to enhance collision characteristics during side crash. Among these techniques, the patchwork (PW) was welded to center pillar to strengthen the stiffness and partial softening (PS) was applied to provide ductility. Side crash test was conducted by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to evaluate collision resistance. But it is hard to evaluate collision toughness and energy distribution flow for each automobile component. In this study, the side crash simulation was performed along with IIHS instruction. The effect of Hot Press Forming (HPF) center pillar with the combination techniques of PW and PS on collision toughness and energy distribution flow was investigated. As a results, the role of PW and PS techniques were verified during side crash. The strain energy and intrusion displacement by PW were improved 10, 7.5% respectively and the plastic deformation energy and intrusion displacement by PS were improved 10%. When PW and PS were applied to the HPF center pillar simultaneously, the synergy effect of PW and PS occurred.