bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perilaku Komunikasi Petani Cabai Merah di Lahan Pasir Pantai Kecamatan Panjatan, Kabupaten Kulon Progo
Authors: Andriyani Rizki , Padmaningrum Dwiningtyas , Wijianto Arip , Ihsaniyati Hanifah
Published: December 2021

Communication behavior shows the initiative of individuals or communities in adopting related innovations in seeking or disseminating information.This study aims to analyze: (1) attitudes, (2) subjective norms, (3) intentions, (4) communication behavior of farmers regarding the adoption of red chili cultivation in coastal sandy land, (5) the influence of attitudes on intentions, (6) the effect of subjective norm on intention, (7) influence of attitude on communication behavior, (8) influence of farmer's subjective norm on communication behavior, (9) influence of intention on communication behavior, (10) influence of attitude on communication behavior through intention, (11) influence of norm farmer's subjective perception of communication behavior through farmer's intention to adopt red chili in coastal sandy land. The basic research method is quantitative with survey techniques. The research locations were deliberately determined to include: Bugel Village, Pleret Village and Garongan Village, Panjatan District. Sampling using proportional random sampling technique consisted of 100 farmer respondents. Data analysis used path test (path analysis) with SPSS Statistics 22.0 program. The results showed that: (1) attitudes were included in the confident category, (2) subjective norms were included in the caring category, (3) intentions had a high category regarding communication behavior (4) communication behavior had a low category, (5) attitudes had no effect on communication behavior. intention, (6) farmer's subjective norm has no effect on intention, (7) farmer's attitude has no effect on communication behavior, (8) farmer's subjective norm has no effect on communication behavior, (9) farmer's intention has no effect on communication behavior, (10) farmer's attitude has no effect on communication behavior through farmers' intentions, (11) Farmers' subjective norms affect communication behavior through farmers' intentions to adopt red chilies on coastal sandy fields. The suggestion proposed is that there is a need to increase the intensity of gathering in farmer group activities and frequent discussion forums among red chili farmers in coastal sandy areas.
A possible crawling paracomatulid crinoid from the Lower Jurassic of central Italy
Authors: Manni Riccardo , Di Nardo Rolando
Published: December 2021

A new paracomatulid crinoid, Tiburtocrinus toarcensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Lower Jurassic of Tivoli (central Apennines, Italy). This type of stemless crinoids has never previously been recorded in Italy, and this report bridges a significant gap. Morphofunctional analysis of the radial facets suggests that Tiburtocrinus toarcensis gen. et sp. nov. may have been a crawling paracomatulid, very different from other paracomatulids that probably swam.
Analisis Kemampuan Berpikir Logis Siswa Kelas VII pada Tema Pencemaran Lingkungan
Authors: Anggraini Dina , Irawan Edi
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui, 1) kemampuan berpikir logis peserta didik pada mata pelajaran IPA materi pencemaran lingkungan  kelas VII SMP Ma’arif 1 Ponorogo. 2) faktor yang mempengaruhi kemampuan berpikir logis peserta didik pada materi pencemaran lingkungan kelas VII SMP Ma’arif 1 Ponorogo. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini berjenis kualitatif. Teknik analisis yang digunakan  adalah teknik analisis Miles and Haberman. Subjek penelitian ini terdiri enam peserta didik, dengan kriteria dua berkemampuan tinggi, dua berkemampuan sedang, dan dua berkemampuan rendah. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah tes pencemaran lingkungan dengan tiga tahapan berpikir logis yaitu keruntuan berpikir, kemampuan berargumentasi, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Berdasarkan hasil analisis berpikir logis menunjukkan bahwa, 1) Subjek dengan kriteria berkemampuan tinggi menunjukkan kemampuan berpikir logis yang baik. Kemudian subjek dengan kriteria berkemampuan sedang menunjukkan kemampuan berpikir logis yang cukup. Sedangkan subjek dengan kriteria berkemampuan rendah menunjukkan kemampuan berpikir logis yang kurang. 2) Faktor-faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi kemampuan berpikir logis peserta didik di SMP Ma’arif 1 Ponorogo adalah motivasi, kemampuan awal, strategi pembelajaran, dan kondisi fisik.
Efektivitas Model Inkuiri Terbimbing dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Menarik Kesimpulan Peserta Didik
Authors: Ngilmaya Afif Nikmatul Khilma , Irawan Edi , Ifariyah Fitin
Published: December 2021

Keterampilan proses sains mempunyai beberapa sub keterampilan salah satunya menyimpulkan. Model inkuiri merupakan pendekatan yang mengajarkan peserta didik untuk meletakkan dasar maupun mengembangkan pola berpikir secara ilmiah untuk dapat menarik sebuah kesimpulan. Tujuan penelitian ini untukmengetahui apakah model pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing lebih efektif dibandingkan model pembelajaran konvensional dalam meningkatkan kemampuan menarik kesimpulan peserta didik. Jenis penelitian ini yaitu kuantitatifdalam bentuk desain eksperimen, jenis penelitian ini yaitu eksperimen semu (quasi eksperimen). Desain quasi eksperimen dalam penelitian ini yaitu Nonequivalent Control Group Design yang terdiri dari dua kelompok yang tidak dipilih secara acak/random. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada tanggal 23 Februari 2021  di MTs Ma’arif Klego dengan jumlah sampel penelitian ini yaitu seluruh peserta didik kelas VII yang berjumlah 30 peserta didik, yang dibagi menjadi dua kelas yaitu kelas VII A (eksperimen) dan kelas VII B (kontrol). Penelitian ini dilakukan pada tanggal 23 Februari 2021  di MTs Ma’arif Klego. Dari analisis data dapat disimpulkan bahwa penggunaan model inkuiri terbimbing  lebih efektif dibandingkan model pelajaran konvensional dalam kemampuan menarik kesimpulan, hal tersebut dapat diketahui dari nilai estimate for difference sebesar 9,87.
Komparasi Kemampuan Menggali Informasi Menggunakan Model Direct Instruction Berbantuan Video Pembelajaran dan Model Kooperatif Tipe Jigsaw Berbasis Feedback pada Mata Pelajaran IPA
Authors: Kholifah Nur , Irawan Edi
Published: December 2021

Era globalisasi dapat mempengaruhi pendidikan. Pada era globalisasi seperti saat ini siswa diharapkan mampu memilah informasi agar tidak terjerumus pada hal negatif. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah kemampuan menggali informasi peserta didik dengan model direct instruction berbantuan video pembelajaran lebih baik daripada model kooperatif tipe jigsaw berbasis feedback. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif. Populasinya adalah kelas VIII yang terdiri dari 8 kelas. Sampel diambil dengan menggunakan teknik cluster random sampling, diperoleh 2 kelas yaitu kelas VIII G dan VIII H yang masing-masing terdiri dari 32 peserta didik. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan instrumen tes berupa pilihan ganda, dengan teknik analisis data menggunakan uji-t. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kemampuan menggali informasi dengan menggunakan model direct instruction berbantuan video pembelajaran memiliki nilai rata-rata 77,3 sedangkan model kooperatif tipe jigsaw berbasis feedback memiliki nilai rata-rata 70,2. Berdasarkan uji-t diperoleh P-Value sebesar 0,021 ˂ α 0,05 sehingga H0 ditolak. Maka kemampuan menggali informasi peserta didik dengan model direct instruction berbantuan video pembelajaran lebih baik daripada model kooperatif tipe jigsaw berbasis feedback pada kelas VIII di SMPN 1 Jetis. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang diperoleh, maka guru dapat menerapkan model direct instruction berbantuan video pembelajaran secara daring untuk meningkatkan kemampuan menggali informasi peserta didik.
Efektivitas Metode Pembelajaran Jigsaw Daring Dalam Meningkatkan Keterampilan Kolaborasi Siswa SMP
Authors: Indrawan Febrianto Yopi , Irawan Edi , Sayekti Titah , Muna Izza Aliyatul
Published: December 2021

Keterampilan kolaborasi merupakan salah satu keterampilan yang dikembangkan dalam kemampuan abad 21 yang menemukan masalah dalam pengembangannya pada masa pandemi covid 19. Metode jigsaw merupakan salah satu model pembelajaran kooperatif yang bisa meningkatkan keterampilan kolaborasi siswa. Tujuan peneliti ini untuk mengetahui (1) apakah ada perbedaan keterampilan kolaborasi siswa antara kelas jigsaw daring dan video daring, (2) bagaimana keterampilan kolaborasi siswa metode jigsaw daring. Penelitian  dirancang dengan menggunakan rancangan penelitian kuantitatif dengan model eksperimen kelas. Penelitian dilaksanakan di SMPN 4 Ponorogo  menggunakan sampel 60 peserta didik yang dibagi kedalam 2 kelas dipilih secara random dengan metode berbeda, yaitu kelas jigsaw daring dan video daring. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan instrumen post-test yang telah diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis dengan menggunakan uji-t dengan komputasi data perangkat lunak. Berdasarkan analisis data ditemukan jawaban jika (1) Model pembelajaran jigsaw daring lebih baik dari pada kelas video daring dalam meningkatkan keterampilan kolaborasi, (2) Hasil keterampilan kolaborasi siswa dengan metode pembelajaran jigsaw daring peningkatan maksimal pada indikator fleksibilitas (7,812) dan kurang efektif pada indikator tanggung jawab (6,500). Metode jigsaw daring mampu mempengaruhi dan meningkatkan keterampilan kolaborasi. Metode jigsaw daring sangat efektif dalam mengembangkan keterampilan kolaborasi dalam pembelajaran daring.
Analysis of the trends and determinants of credit and saving behavior of households in the Russian regions
Authors: Kadochnikova A. I.
Published: December 2021

Objective: to identify the current trends and factors of credit and savings behavior of the Russian households.

Methods: graphical method, logit model, probit model, maximum likelihood method.

Results: the development of digital services, the acceleration of inflation and the increase in debt burden resulting from the pandemic have changed the model of economic behavior of households. The need to analyze credit and savings behavior has become more acute in order to empirically substantiate the measures of economic, legal and financial support of households by state institutions. The analysis showed an increase in the average loan amount and the proportion of families whose members took a loan; a decrease in the proportion of families who borrowed from individuals, lent money and made savings; a sharp increase in the variation of the amount of credit and savings in 2019; a decrease in the number of commodity loans and an increase in the number of consumer and mortgage loans. A positive effect of the number of people in the household, place of residence, income, availability of a computer, laptop and high-speed Internet access in the household on the probability of attracting credit funds was found; a negative influence of the number of people in the household and place of residence (village) on the probability of savings was confirmed; the impact of having a computer and high-speed Internet access on the probability of savings in the household was not found.

Scientific novelty: the article uses data from the Russian Monitoring of the economic situation and public health of the HSE University for the period from 2010 to 2019 to identify the current trends and factors of credit and savings behavior of the Russian households.

Practical significance: the main conclusions of the article can be used in scientific and practical activities in the development of financial literacy programs, policies and online products to motivate and encourage credit and savings behavior and attract investment.
Survival Rate of Cholangiocarcinoma, Hepatocellular Patients Received Cannabis Treatment
Authors: Phansila Narisara , Wongkongdech Ranee , Sittiwech Chaiyasit
Published: December 2021

Introduction:Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) incidence in Northeastern Thailand is very high, and a major cause of mortality CCA patients typically have a poor prognosis and short-term survival rate, due to late-stage diagnosis. . Thailand is , the first Southeast Asian country to approve medicinal cannabis treatment, especially for palliative care with advanced cancer patients..Patients and methods:A retrospectively cohort comparative study of , survival rates among 491 newly diagnosed advanced CCA patients was carried out between September 2019 and 30 July, 2021; (404 patients in a standard palliative care pain management treatment group (ST), and 87 in a medicinal cannabis treatment group (CT). CCA Patients were recruited from 4 tertiary hospitals and 2 secondary hospitals in five provinces of Northeast Thailand. The cumulative survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and independent prognostic factors were investigated using Cox regression.Results:For ST patients there was a total follow-up time of 790 person-months, with a , mortality rate of 48.35/ 100 person-years. For CT patients the total follow-up time was 476 person-months, with mortality rate of 10.9./ 100 person-years. The median survival time after registration at a palliative clinic was 0.83 months (95%CI: 0.71-0.95) for ST and 5.66 months (95%CI: 1.94-9.38) for CT None of the demographic factors were significantly associated with survival time for either ST or CT. Comparing ST with CT, there was a difference statistically significant in age, sex, cancer treatment and period of diagnosis with advanced CCA,HCC to registration factors (p-value<0.05)Conclusions:The medicinal cannabis group had an increase post CCA diagnosis survival rate.. Our findings support the importance of early access to palliative cannabis clinic before caner’s terminal and accelerating phase close to death.
Dataset-Based Assessment of Heavy Metals Pollution in Taihu Lake Fish and Their Health Risk
Authors: Liu Xiaobo , Lin Congtian , Wu Yangyu , Huang Haining , Zhu Liting , Jiang Ru , Huang Qiansheng
Published: December 2021

The ecological risks and health hazards of heavy metals pollution in Taihu Lake have received widespread concern. This study has developed a nationwide dataset on pollutant loads in species, and the dataset records 55,297 data from 310 articles, covering 778 species and 537 pollutants. In this paper, we extract and systematically integrate data on heavy metals concentrations in Taihu fish from the dataset. The Pi (single pollution index) and MPI (metal pollution index) models were used to assess the level of contamination in fish and the THQ (target hazard quotient) and ILCR (incremental lifetime cancer risk) models were used to assess the health hazards of fish consumption. The contamination levels varied in a feeding habit and living habit dependent manner. The risk of non-cancer health is the highest in omnivorous fish, then in carnivorous fish and herbivorous fish. ILCR model predicted that the values of As and Cd in omnivorous fish for children exceeded the risk threshold limits set by the EPA, and the ILCR values of As in omnivorous fish and Cd in carnivorous fish for adults also exceeded the risk threshold limits. In all, this study provided a comprehensive understanding of the risk of heavy metals in Taihu.
Encoder Hurwitz Integers: The Hurwitz integers that have the ”division with small remainder” property
Authors: Duran Ramazan , Güzeltepe Murat
Published: December 2021

The residue class set of a Hurwitz integer is constructed by modulo function with primitive Hurwitz integer whose norm is a prime integer, i.e. prime Hurwitz integer. In this study, we consider primitive Hurwitz integer whose norm is both a prime integer and not a prime integer. If the norm of each element of the residue class set of a Hurwitz integer is less than the norm of the primitive Hurwitz integer used to construct the residue class set of the Hurwitz integer, then, the Euclid division algorithm works for this primitive Hurwitz integer. The Euclid division algorithm always works for prime Hurwitz integers. In other words, the prime Hurwitz integers and halves-integer primitive Hurwitz integers have the ”division with small remainder” property. However, this property is ignored in some studies that have a constructed Hurwitz residue class set that lies on primitive Hurwitz integers that their norms are not a prime integer and their components are in integers set. In this study, we solve this problem by defining Hurwitz integers that have the ”division with small remainder” property, namely, encoder Hurwitz integers set. Therefore, we can define appropriate metrics for codes over Lipschitz integers. Especially, Euclidean metric. Also, we investigate the performances of Hurwitz signal constellations (the left residue class set) obtained by modulo function with Hurwitz integers, which have the ”division with small remainder” property, over the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel by means of the constellation figure of merit (CFM), average energy, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Generation of nonlinearity in the electrical response of yeast suspensions
Authors: TAMURA Keita , MURAJI Masafumi , Tanaka Kenji , Shirafuji Tatsuru
Published: December 2021

The mechanism through which nonlinearity is generated in the response waveform of the electric current obtained by applying alternating current voltage to yeast suspension has not yet been elucidated. In this paper, we showed that the response waveform depends on the applied voltage and frequency. The results showed that distortion (nonlinearity) in the waveform increases as the applied voltage increases and/or the frequency decreases. We suggest a model for the generation of nonlinearity based on the influx of potassium ions into the cell via potassium ion channels and transporters in the membrane due to the applied voltage. Furthermore, we validated this model by simulating an electrical circuit.
Comprehensive Spatio-temporal Benchmarking of Surface Water Quality of Hindon River, India– a Tributary of River Yamuna, India
Authors: Gupta Anand Kumar , Kumar Ambrish , Maurya Uma Kant , Singh Deepak , Islam Sadikul , Rathore Avinash Chandra , Kumar Parmanand , Singh Ravish , Madhu M
Published: December 2021

The quality of Hindon River, western Uttar Pradesh, India was benchmarked with 19 sampling sites by analysing seventeen water quality parameters and eight heavy metals for pre and post-monsoon seasons to assess the existing quality of water which is a milestone for preparing roadmap for its betterment. Indices associated with water quality and heavy metals were computed to scale the accurate state of risk associated to its use for drinking and irrigation. During the pre and post-monsoon seasons, only four and five sites were found having safe water quality index (WQI) values respectively. The average WQI (2015–2019) for pre and post-monsoon seasons ranged between 8.69–706.47 and 7.20–341.56 respectively. During pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons w.r.t. drinking purpose, heavy metal pollution index ranged between 0.76–4470.78 and 0–1425.31 respectively; heavy metal evaluation index ranged between 0.21–163.11 and 0.00–57.70 respectively; contamination evaluation index ranged between -7.79–155.11 and –8.00 to 49.70 respectively. During pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons w.r.t. irrigation purpose, heavy metal pollution index ranged between 0.82–1492.71and 0.00–300.06 respectively; heavy metal evaluation index ranged between 0.10–20.44and 0.00–5.66 respectively; contamination evaluation index ranged between -15.97–10.03and –17.00 to –6.08 respectively. The heavy metals were positively correlated where highest value observed between Cu and Mn (correlation coefficient value 0.95). For physico-chemical parameters, observed adj-R2 value ranged from 0.50 for pH to 0.98 for total hardness and calcium. PCA analysis achieves three principle components (PCs) for physico-chemical and three PCs for heavy metals that explained 88.67% and 89.68% variability of the original data set, respectively.
Challenges in Providing Health Care Services During COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploration of Providers’ Perspectives in Nepal.
Authors: Karkee Rajendra , Pyakurel Prajjwal , Paudel Deepak , Thapa Parineeta , Dhamala Jiba Nath , Pokharel Bishnu
Published: December 2021

IntroductionThe rapid increase of COVID-19 cases since the beginning of May 2020, imposition of lockdown, and preparation activities to detect, manage and treat COVID-19 in public hospitals have impacted on the provision of non-COVID health care services resulting in increased morbidity and mortality in Nepal. This study aims to explore challenges in providing non-COVID as well as COVID-19 health care services through public hospitals in Eastern Nepal.MethodsA qualitative study with 25 key informants from three public hospitals in Eastern Nepal was conducted. Key informants were health care workers (HCWs) and managers of the hospitals. A thematic analysis was carried out to identify challenges in providing non-COVID and COVID-19 health care services.ResultsWe identified four themes: weak implementation; weak co-ordination and management; low accountability of HCWs and staff; and risk of infection and stigma as the challenges to provide COVID-19 health care services. We identified three themes: maintaining safety measures in hospitals, managing patients, and fear of infection as the challenges in provision of non-COVID health care services. Inadequate resources and HCWs, lengthy procurement process, and poor jobs specification were the main reasons for weak implementation. HCWs stated weak hospital administration while managers and focal persons complained of low accountability of HCWs and staff to manage COVID-19 health care services.ConclusionIn addition to inadequate resources; the risk of infection of COVID-19, maintaining safety measures in hospitals, ensuring clear leadership and governance, and preparing motivated and accountable HCWs and staff to get ‘work done’ are unique challenges observed in the study hospitals; and consequently need to be addressed.
Mixed-methods Process Evaluation of a Residence-based SARS-CoV-2 Testing Participation Pilot on a UK University Campus during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Blake Holly , Carlisle Sophie , Fothergill Lauren , Hassard Juliet , Favier Alex , Corner Jessica , Jonathan K Ball , Denning Chris
Published: December 2021

BackgroundRegular testing for SARS Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an important strategy for controlling virus outbreaks on university campuses during the COVID-19 pandemic but testing participation rates can be low. The Residence-Based Testing Participation Pilot (RB-TPP) was a novel intervention implemented at two student residences on a large UK university campus over four weeks. The aim of the pilot was to increase the frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 saliva testing onsite. This process evaluation aimed to determine whether RB-TPP was implemented as planned and identify implementation barriers and facilitators.MethodsA mixed-methods process evaluation was conducted alongside the RB-TPP. Evaluation participants were students (opting in, or out of RB-TPP) and staff with a role in service provision or student support. Monitoring data were collected from the intervention delivery team and meeting records. Data were collected from students via online survey (n=152) and seven focus groups (n=30), and from staff via individual interviews (n=13). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and qualitative data thematically. Barriers and facilitators to implementation were mapped to the ‘Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behaviour’ (COM-B) behaviour change framework.Results464 students opted to participate in RB-TPP (98% of students living onsite). RB-TPP was implemented broadly as planned but was terminated early due to concerns relating to national escalation of the COVID-19 Delta variant. Most students (97.9%) perceived the relaxing of social distancing regulations within residences positively. The majority engaged in asymptomatic testing (88%); 46% (52% of testers) were fully compliant with pre-determined testing frequency. Implementation was facilitated by convenience and efficiency of testing, reduction in the risk of self-isolation and opportunities for students to socialise. Main barriers to implementation were mixed-messages about the rules, ambivalent attitudes, and lack of adherence to COVID-19 protective measures in the minority.ConclusionsThis process evaluation identifies factors that help or hinder the success of university residence-based outbreak prevention and management strategies. RB-TPP led to increased rates of COVID-19 testing participation among students in university residences. Perceived normalisation of university life significantly enhanced student mental wellbeing. The complexity and challenge generated by multiple lines of communication and rapid adaptions to a changing pandemic context was evident.Trial registration numberUKAS 307727-02-01; Pre-results. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05045989; post-results (first posted, 16/09/21).Ethical ApprovalFMHS 96-0920
Low-concentration Iron Promotes Klebsiella Pneumoniae Biofilm Formation by Suppressing Succinic Acid
Authors: Liu Kexin , Tan Shuang , Ye Weiyuan , Hou Limin , Fang Binghu
Published: December 2021

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is widely distributed in water and plays a major role in both human and animal infections. Many K. pneumoniae strains form biofilms on various surfaces, enhancing their pathogenicity and resistance to antibiotics. New ways of inhibiting biofilm formation are needed. Iron is vital to the growth of microorganisms and the formation of biofilms due to its participation in various metabolic processes and its roles as an enzyme and protein cofactor. It is also present in groundwater. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of iron on K. pneumoniae biofilm formation and any associated metabolic changes.Results: Biofilm formation was enhanced to the greatest extent by the presence of 0.16 mM FeCl2, producing a denser structure under electron microscopy. The number of biofilm-forming and planktonic bacteria did not change, but protein and polysaccharide concentrations in the bacterial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were significantly increased by iron supplementation. To clarify this mechanism, intracellular metabolomic analysis was carried out, showing that the differential, down-regulated metabolites included succinic acid. Addition of succinic acid counteracted the biofilm-forming effect of iron, with no bactericidal side effects.Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of succinic acid and iron in Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms, and provides insight into the formation of K. pneumoniae biofilms and direction for the development of new antibacterial agents.
A Monetary Incentive DTN Routing For Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lin Zhi , Wang Xia , Bie Rongfang , Shi Hongwei
Published: December 2021

The DTN (Delay/Interrupt Tolerant Network) protocol that relies on nodes to handle network interruptions is one of the important components of the wireless sensor network (WSN) routing protocol. However, due to resource consumption, nodes may be unable to unconditionally relay data. To address this issue, several incentive mechanisms have recently been proposed to encourage node participation. However, the existing solutions either do not fully consider the sender’s budget or do not consider the relay cost limitation, which violated the practical incentive mechanism requirements of the DTN protocol. In this paper, we focus on developing a new incentive mechanism for DTN routing that specifically address the challenges brought up by budget and relay cost limitation. Our core idea is to define the payoff functions of the sender and the next hops, then optimize the strategies under the constraints of the sender’s budget and the relay’s cost. Our experimental results demonstrate that the maximized social welfare for all participants can be realized under these constraints.
Berberine Inhibits Glioma Cell Migration and Invasion by Suppressing TGF-β1/COL11A1 Pathway and Enhances Chemosensitivity
Authors: Sun Yuxue , Huang Haiyan , Zhan Zhixin , Gao Haijun , Zhang Chaochao , Lai Jiacheng , Cao Junguo , Li Chaoyue , Chen Yong , Liu Ziqiang
Published: December 2021

Background: The expression of collagen type XI alpha 1 chain (COL11A1) is up-regulated in many cancers, affecting the risk of metastasis, drug resistance, and poor prognosis. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid present in many traditional Chinese medicines and it has been shown to reduce collagen accumulation in pulmonary fibrosis, diabetic nephropathy and arthritis. However, its effect on COL11A1 in glioma needs to be further elucidated.Methods: Western blot was performed to detect the expression level of COL11A1 in several glioma cells, and siCOL11A1 was performed to investigate the effect of COL11A1 on the migration and invasion ability of glioma cells. CCK-8, wound healing experiment and transwell experiment were performed to detect the effect of berberine on the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells. The xenografts experiment in nude mice was performed to test the effect of berberine on inhibiting glioma in vivo.Results: Our results showed that COL11A1 is highly expressed in glioma cell lines and associated with migration, invasion, and chemoresistance of glioma cells. Knocking down COL11A1 caused decreased expression of MMPs, Snail, and MGMT. Berberine could inhibit the migration and invasion of glioma cells by suppressing the TGF-β1/COL11A1 pathway and changes actin cytoskeleton arrangement. In addition, berberine increased the chemosensitivity of glioma cells to temozolomide, which may be related to the down-regulation of Snail and MGMT proteins caused by berberine. High-throughput sequencing of xenografts in nude mice also showed that berberine inhibited the expression of COL11A1 in vivo.Conclusions: Our results suggest that berberine that targets COL11A1 to inhibit glioma migration, invasion and chemoresistance, may serve as a promising candidate for the development of anti-glioma drugs in the future.
Quality of Life and its associated factors amongst Patients with Brain Tumors at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zahid Nida , Martins Russell Seth , Zahid Wajeeha , Azam Iqbal , Hassan Aneesa , Ahmad Khabir , Bhamani Shireen Shehzad , Jabbar Adnan Abdul , Asad Nargis , Shamim Muhammad Shahzad , Khan Rashid Jooma , Javed Gohar , Bari Ehsan , Enam Syed Ather
Published: December 2021

IntroductionDespite quality of life (QoL) being recognized as an important outcome in neuro-oncology, there is a lack of research from Pakistan where sociocultural differences may influence QoL. This study aimed to measure the QoL in patients with primary brain tumors (PBTs), and assess its association with mental health outcomes, resilience, and social support.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among primary brain tumor patients. QoL was measured using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Resilience was assessed by Wagnild and Young's Resilience Scale, mental health outcomes using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and social support using the Enriched Social Support Instrument.ResultsOur study included a total of 250 patients, with median age of 42 years (range 33-54 years). The mean global QoL of the sample was 75.73 ± 14.9. On multivariable linear regression, global QoL was inversely associated with no or low income, having hypertension (-5.77), currently using a urine catheter (-15.33), having low social support (-28.16) suffering from mild (-9.88) or symptomatic (-17.59) depression, or mild anxiety (-7.11), while resilience (0.28) demonstrated a significant positive association. Conclusion The quality of life of patients with primary brain tumors in Pakistan is a function of clinical factors such as comorbid disease and use of a urinary catheter, social factors such a family income and social support, and psychological factors such as mental illness and resilience. Our findings may be of use in the development of QoL-improving interventions within the sociocultural setting of Pakistan.
Nano-Metals Forming Bacteria in Egypt. II. Efficacy towards Some Bacterial Soft Rot/Blackleg Genera ex vivo and Bio-Control in vivo as Eco-Friendly Therapeutic against Dickeya Solani
Authors: Shoeib Alia A. , Ashmawy Nader A. , Kamal Ayman , Zaki Sahar Abd El Fatah
Published: December 2021

The antibacterial activity of Cu, Fe, Co, and ZnNPs which were formed by Enterococcus thailandicus, Pseudomonas putida, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, and P. geniculate sequentially was tested against some soft rot/blackleg genera. The effects of NPs were recorded on bacterial DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates concentration of Pectobacterium carotovorum, Enterobacter cloacae (soft rot), and Dickeya solani (soft rot/blackleg). Treated cells showed degradation in the DNA isolated, and a decrease in proteins, and carbohydrates concentration compared with untreated cells. The treated cells using SEM showed collapsed, and small pits in the cell wall. Internal changes using TEM showed penetration of NPs inside the tested bacterial cells, the appearance of periplasmic space, formation vacuoles, and condensation of cytoplasm. Disease severity ex vivo of tuber infected with tested genera demonstrated that NPs treatment didn't show any rotted tissue compared with untreated. FeNPs were tested to control soft rot/blackleg disease caused by D. solani in comparison with copper pesticide. Present data recorded an increase in shoot and root length, in addition to, increase in dry and fresh weight, compared with either infected or healthy plants. In studying the ability of treated potato (Solanum tuberosum) seedlings with NPs to uptake and accumulate FeNPs from the soil, ICP-OES recorded a small increase in Fe content of treated plants compared with untreated. FeNPs can be used to control soft rot/blackleg disease caused by D. solani instead of copper pesticide and can be considered as a new and alternative approach to traditional disease management methods, and also increase the nutritional value of the plants
Tolerating bad health research: the continuing scandal
Authors: Pirosca Stefania , Shiely Frances , Clarke Mike , Treweek Shaun
Published: December 2021

BackgroundAt the 2015 REWARD/EQUATOR conference on research waste, the late Doug Altman revealed that his only regret about his 1994 BMJ paper ‘The scandal of poor medical research’ was that he used the word ‘poor’ rather than ‘bad’. But how much research is bad? And what would improve things?Main textWe focus on randomised trials and look at scale, participants and cost. We randomly selected up to two quantitative intervention reviews published by all clinical Cochrane Review Groups between May 2020 and April 2021. Data including risk of bias, number of participants, intervention type and country were extracted for all trials included in selected reviews. High risk of bias trials were classed as bad. The cost of high risk of bias trials was estimated using published estimates of trial cost per-participant.We identified 96 reviews authored by 546 reviewers from 49 clinical Cochrane Review Groups that included 1,659 trials done in 84 countries. Of the 1,640 trials providing risk of bias information, 1,013 (62%) were high risk of bias (bad), 494 (30%) unclear and 133 (8%) low risk of bias. Bad trials were spread across all clinical areas and all countries. Well over 220,000 participants (or 56% of all participants) were in bad trials. The low estimate of the cost of bad trials was £726 million; our high estimate was over £8 billion. We have five recommendations: trials should be neither funded (1) or given ethical approval (2) unless they have a statistician and methodologist; trialists should use a risk of bias tool at design (3); more statisticians and methodologists should be trained and supported (4); there should be more funding into applied methodology research and infrastructure (5). ConclusionsMost randomised trials are bad and most trial participants will be in one. The research community has tolerated this for decades. This has to stop: we need to put rigour and methodology where it belongs– at the centre of our science.
Sociodemographic Factors Associated With HPV Awareness/Knowledge and Cervical Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Caregivers in the US
Authors: Kim Jiyeong , Dove Melanie , Dang Julie HT
Published: December 2021

Background. Family caregivers may be at a higher risk for several chronic diseases including cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among U.S. women. Despite family caregivers’ vulnerability, the status of their HPV awareness, knowledge, and preventive health behaviors, including cervical cancer screening, have been understudied. Thus, this study aimed to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with HPV awareness and knowledge, and adherence to the cervical cancer screening guidelines among caregivers in the U.S. Methods. Nationally representative cross-sectional survey data were obtained from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, 2017-2020). Only female caregivers, aged 21-65, were included (N= 834). Weighted multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with HPV awareness, knowledge, and adherence to the United States Preventive Service Task Force cervical cancer screening guidelines (by age, race/ethnicity, education, household income, marital status, employment status, and health insurance type). Results. Caregivers who were older (aged 51-65 vs. 21-50), were less educated (high school graduate or less vs. some college or more) showed lower adherence to the cervical cancer screening guidelines (every 3 years) than their counterparts. Caregivers who were older and less educated showed lower HPV awareness (Heard of HPV).Conclusions. There are caregiving populations whose HPV awareness, knowledge and cervical cancer screening adherence are low. To improve their awareness and knowledge of HPV and support their cervical cancer screening behaviors, we need to consider interventions that target those specific populations.
Comparative Study on Molecular Epidemiology of Measles H1a Outbreak and Sporadic Cases in Shandong Province, 2013-2019
Authors: Wang Suting , Wang Changyin , Liu Xiaodong , Xiong Ping , Liu Yao , Tao Zexin , Chen Meng , Xu Qing , Zhang Li , Xu Aiqiang
Published: December 2021

Background: Measles caused by measles virus (MeV) is a highly contagious viral disease which has also been associated with complications including pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The current study collected33 strains from 2013 to 2019 in 13 cities of Shandong province and separate them into 2 group, outbreak cases and sporadic cases. Comparative of genetic characterization between 15 outbreak strains and 18 sporadic strains was made using nucleotide sequencing of the C-terminal region of the N protein gene(N-450). Results: The results showed that all 33 stains belonged to genotype H1a. The outbreak strains and sporadic strains distribute crossly in phylogenetic tree. Sequences alignment revealed some interesting G and A transversion, which change the amino acids, on sites 1317, 1422, 1543. The nucleotide sequence and amino acid homologies of 15 Shandong outbreak isolates were 98%–100% (0–10 nucleotide variation) and 97.7%–100%, for sporadic isolations, they are 97.3%–100% and 96.6%–100% respectively. The mean evolution rate of 15 outbreak isolations and 18 sporadic isolations was 4.73× 10-3 and 2.068× 10-3 substitutions per site per year separately, which is higher than the study made before 2002. Conclusions: This report compared epidemic and genetic characteristics of outbreak strains and sporadic strains, and raise evolutionary study of sporadic cases may be helpful for discovery of the possibility of outbreak, especially in the stage of measles elimination.
Exploring the Compliance of Resilient High-Caries-Risk Patients Who Reversed Caries Severity
Authors: Wang Ming-Ching , Wu Ching-Yi , Chen Wei-Han , Liu Chieh-Yu , Ho Yi-Ching
Published: December 2021

Background: Behavioural factors, such as compliance and regular dental attendance, have been proven to reverse caries severity. However, these factors have not been explored enough. The aim of this study was to explore the behavioural characteristics of compliant patients who had severe dental caries in primary dentition but whose dental conditions were considerably improved in mixed or permanent dentition.Methods: The 'w and W' criteria were designed to classify patients who had a worse or higher caries risk in primary and mixed or permanent dentition. Resilience, or reversal of caries severity, was thus defined as improvement based on these criteria. Interviews were performed with two groups of participants, including eight resilient children (M/F= 5/3) and their ten caregivers (M/F=2/8) in the patient group and ten paediatric dentists (M/F=6/4; clinical experience mean=26.9 years, minimum=16 years) in the dentist group. Thematic analyses were used to identify main themes.Results: Four themes were identified: (1) dental things/teeth are their priority, (2) normalising, (3) tiger parenting/conscientiousness and (4) trust. These ideas were identically described by both the patient and dentist groups.Conclusions: Resilience is the behavioural characteristic of children who outperform expectations, given their caries history and risk. Resilient patients reverse the fate of their teeth by their compliance with treatment protocols following dental guidelines, changing their dental behaviours, and thus, leading to treatment success. Dentists' suggestions are the priority and provide the norms in resilient patients' daily life. These patients find no excuses for not implementing dentists' advice, not only because they trust their dentists but also because they and their caregivers were conscientious about following dentists’ orders.
Novel Homozygous Mutation in PDZD7 Gene in a Family with Nonsyndromic Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Du Qiang , Sun Qin , Wang Jinchao , Li Weitao , Guo Luo , Li Huawei , Gu Xiaodong
Published: December 2021

Hearing loss is the most common sensory neural disorder in human, and according to WHO estimation, 5.5% (466 million) people worldwide have disabling hearing loss. In this study, a Chinese family with prelingual sensorineural hearing loss was investigated. The affected individuals showed moderately-severe hearing loss at all frequencies. Using target genome enrichment and high-throughput sequencing, a homozygous mutation c.2372delC, p.S791Ffs*17 was identified in PDZD7. The deletion mutation lies in exon 15 of PDZD7 and resultes in a frame shift followed by an early stop codon. Our study expand the mutation spectrum of PDZD7 and strengthens the clinical importance of this gene in patients with moderately-severe hearing loss.
Role of the Arts in the Life and Mental Health of Young People That Participate in Artistic Groups in Colombia: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Gómez-Restrepo Carlos , Casasbuenas Natalia Godoy , Ortiz-Hernández Natalia , Bird Victoria Jane , Acosta María Paula Jassir , Restrepo José Miguel Uribe , Sarmiento Bryan Alexander Murillo , Priebe Stefan
Published: December 2021

Background: Young adults and adolescents are in stage where their mental health is more vulnerable. In Latin América, there are factors that predispose young people towards an increased risk of suffering from mental illness. However more than half of the young people who manifest symptoms of depression and anxiety are able to overcome these episodes approximately one year after the onset of symptoms. This is related to the concept of resilience.Methods: The main objective of the study was to characterize the role of the arts in relation to mental health in young people involved in artistic organizations in Bogota. Six artistic workshops and focus groups were conducted, with 38 participants from two arts organizations in Bogota. The type of artistic workshop varied depending on the type of art taught in each institution. The focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed, coded and analyzed using an inductive analysis methodology.Results: There were five themes that emerged in explaining the role of the arts in relation to the mental health of young people. These themes included i) the management and expression of emotions, ii) the transformation of emotions, iii) the distracting quality of the arts, iv) the arts as a social facilitator and v) the arts as part of the identity and lifestyle of young people.Conclusions: For young people who participate in artistic activities, the arts are a tool for managing emotions perceived as negative, such as stress, anxiety, depression and sadness. Their perception of the arts as a tool for mental health was viewed differently depending on whether it is perceived as a professional vocation versus a hobby. These findings are relevant within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, taking into account that the participants were exposed to various mental health risk factors, such as an extended obligatory quarantine and social distancing.
Side Effects After Vaccination Using the Pfizer-Biontech (Bnt162b2) Against Sars-Cov-2 in the Young Adults
Authors: Krótki Filipina , Jońca Mateusz , Mariankowska Anna , Bębenek Adam , Surówka Anna , Tomasik Przemysław
Published: December 2021

Background: In order to limit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, national immunization programs have started in many countries. Vaccinations are effective in preventing infection and severe clinical form of COVID-19, which affects 15% of patients. Despite the high efficacy of The Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccine, the characterization of side effects in age-stratified populations is still not exhaustive in the literature.Aim: The aim of our study is to determine what side effects affect the population of young adults following vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (BNT162b2).Material and methods: An anonymous survey was conducted. People vaccinated with two doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (BNT162b2) were qualified for the study. The Paired Wilcoxon and Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analysis.Results: The main side effects after the first dose were increased pain, pain and swelling at the injection site. After the 2nd dose, the dominant side effects were weakness, fever and headache. In the case of the 2nd dose, no difference in side effects was observed between those who suffered of COVID-19 and those who had no symptoms of COVID-19 in their past medical history.
SARS-CoV-2 infection and persistence throughout the human body and brain
Authors: Chertow Daniel , Stein Sydney , Ramelli Sabrina , Grazioli Alison , Chung Joon-Yong , Singh Manmeet , Yinda Claude Kwe , Winkler Clayton , Dickey James , Ylaya Kris , Ko Sung Hee , Platt Andrew , Burbelo Peter , Quezado Martha , Pittaluga Stefania , Purcell Madeleine , Munster Vincent , Belinky Frida , Ramos-Benitez Marcos , Boritz Eli , Herr Daniel , Rabin Joseph , Saharia Kapil , Madathil Ronson , Tabatabai Ali , Soherwardi Shahabuddin , McCurdy Michael , Peterson Karin , Cohen Jeffrey , de Wit Emmie , Vannella Kevin , Hewitt Stephen , Kleiner David
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 is known to cause multi-organ dysfunction1-3 in acute infection, with prolonged symptoms experienced by some patients, termed Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC)4-5. However, the burden of infection outside the respiratory tract and time to viral clearance is not well characterized, particularly in the brain3,6-14. We performed complete autopsies on 44 patients with COVID-19 to map and quantify SARS-CoV-2 distribution, replication, and cell-type specificity across the human body, including brain, from acute infection through over seven months following symptom onset. We show that SARS-CoV-2 is widely distributed, even among patients who died with asymptomatic to mild COVID-19, and that virus replication is present in multiple extrapulmonary tissues early in infection. Further, we detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in multiple anatomic sites, including regions throughout the brain, for up to 230 days following symptom onset. Despite extensive distribution of SARS-CoV-2 in the body, we observed a paucity of inflammation or direct viral cytopathology outside of the lungs. Our data prove that SARS-CoV-2 causes systemic infection and can persist in the body for months.