bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TINGKAT KEPUASAN PASIEN RAWAT INAP TERHADAP PELAYANAN KONSELING GIZI DI RUMAH SAKIT PUSAT OTAK NASIONAL
Authors: Marlina Yessi , Ramadhani Asti
Published: January 2022

Background : Nutrition counseling is a two-way communication process between counselor and client to help clients recognize and overcome nutritional problems. Patients are entitled to receive a good quality nutrition counseling since that is an integral part in accelerating the patient's healing process. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of satisfaction of patients with nutrition counseling services at the Rumah Sakit Pusat Otak Nasional. Methods : This research was a descriptive study with cross sectional design. The sample technique used accidental sampling with total samples were 30 patients from second and third-grade room. The level of satisfaction included counseling service time, attitudes and characteristics of counselor, materials of counseling and media of counseling. Response options were based on a five-point Likert scale from “strongly satisfied” to “strongly unsatisfied”. Results : The results showed that the satisfaction rate with counseling service time was 77,06% (satisfied), attitudes and characteristics of counselor was 84,26% (very satisfied), counseling material was 78,13% (satisfied), and the use of media during the nutritional counseling process was 65,86% (satisfied). Conclusion : The satisfaction rate with nutritional counseling services at the Rumah Sakit Pusat Otak Nasional is satisfied (73,33%).
PENGARUH PEMBERIAN PRODUK BERBAHAN KACANG KEDELAI (Glycine max) TERHADAP PENURUNAN TEKANAN DARAH
Authors: Triandini Gina Edya , Suhaema Suhaema , Wahyuningsih Retno , Luthfiyah Fifi
Published: January 2022

Background : The prevalence of hypertension in West Nusa Tenggara in 2013 was 24.3%, this figure increased in 2018 to 27.8%. Treatment of hypertension can be done in two ways, namely, pharmacology and non pharmacology. Non-pharmacological treatment can be done with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and consuming functional foods, one of which is soybeans. Soybeans contain isoflavones and the amino acid tryptophan which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, one of which is hypertension. Objectives : Objectives in this literature study is to examine the effect of giving soybean based products on reducing blood pressure from various literature sources.Methods : The literature search in this literature study uses three databases, namely Google Scholar, Microsoft Academia, and Garuda Portal. The keywords used in the literature search were "soybean products and blood pressure", "product soybean and blood pressure", "product soybean and hypertension".Results : From 10 journals that have been reviewed, it is found that all of them stated that soy products can reduce blood pressure. The average reduction in blood pressure after the intervention of soybean-based products was 10,84/7,57 mmHg. Conclusion : From 10 journals that have been reviewed, it can be concluded that the provision of soy products can reduce blood pressure.
EFEKTIVITAS PEMBELAJARAN DARING PADA MAHASISWA PRODI BIOLOGI, MATEMATIKA DAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI UNIMOR DI BENTANG ALAM LAHAN KERING
Authors: Blegur Willem Amu , Tey Seran Krisantus Jumarto , Blegur Fried Markus Allung
Published: January 2022

Pandemi Covid-19 telah mengubah banyak aspek dan aktivitas di masyarakat termasuk pendidikan tinggi seperti di Universitas Timor yang terletak di daerah dengan ciri kawasan lahan kering. Mahasiswa yang ada di Program Studi Biologi, Matematika dan Teknologi Informasi juga mengalami hal tersebut. Tujuan penelitian untuk mempelajari penerapan sistem pembelajaran dalam jaringan (daring) atau online pada ketiga program studi tersebut dan mengkaji kendala dan /atau keunggulan yang dihadapi baik oleh mahasiswa dan para dosen saat menerapkan pembelajaran daring. Metode untuk mencuplik data adalah dengan penyebaran kuesioner melalui google form dan wawancara baik secara online dan wawancara langsung dengan responden mahasiswa Biologi (24), TI (83), Matematika (31) dan para dosen pengampu mata kuliah (9 orang). Hasil yang diperoleh bahwa hampir semua responden menyetujui pembelajaran daring oleh sebab sebagai bagian dari pencegahan penyebaran Covid-19 (Biologi: 23, TI: 81, Matematika: 30, dosen: 9 orang). Untuk pembelian paket data internet bahwa mayoritas mahasiswa membeli paket seharga Rp50.000 – Rp100.000 (Biologi: 12, TI: 47, Matematika: 15 orang). Mahasiswa dan dosen memilih untuk menggunakan media belajar daring pada ketiga prodi dengan preferensi pada googleclassroom, googlemeeting, zoommeeting, WA grup dan juga gabungan keempatnya. Para dosen dan mahasiswa masih tetap dapat melaksanakan praktikum dengan mengoptimalkan laboratorium dan alat yang ada (Biologi: 23, TI: 75, Matematika: 21 orang). Proses pembelajaran masih tetap memberikan pemahaman atas materi ajar dan masih dengan nilai yang baik yaitu IPK yang masih mengalami peningkatan (Biologi: 14, TI: 45, Matematika: 20 orang). Akan tetapi, untuk pilihan pembelajaran daring ini, mahasiswa Biologi dan Matematika merasa kesulitan dan lebih memilih pembelajaran tatap muka, sedangkan mahasiswa TI masih menyetujui pembelajaran daring.
The Effect of Electronic Words of Mouth and the Attributes of Tourism Products on Visiting Interest and Decision
Authors: Jamilah Nurjamilah , Suryanto  , Chan Arianis
Published: January 2022

This study aims to analyze the effect of electronic words of mouth, the attributes of tourism products on visiting decisions through an interest in visiting Dago Dreampark tourism. This research uses a quantitative approach with descriptive and verification designs. The sample used is 384 respondents who are Dago Dreampark visitors and social media users. Analysis of research data using the method of Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The results showed that the path coefficient was positive and indicated that electronic word-of-mouth and the attributes of tourism products had a positive and significant effect on visiting interest. The results of the R-squared value generated in this study are included in the standard model of the strength of visit interest, which has a positive effect on visiting decisions, and the path coefficient value is positive, and the results of the R-square value generated in this study are included in the strong standard model.
The role of ESG in default early warnings
Authors: Grygiel-Tomaszewska Anna , Turek Jolanta
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this article is to verify whether there is a research gap referring to the potential application of ESG-related information in bankruptcy early warning signals. There is a problem of a strong information asymmetry in the enterprise-investor relationship, with the issuer being the privileged party. The problem is so urgent that, undoubtedly, the global effect of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will be a sharp increase in the number of economic entities threatened with insolvency and bankruptcy. The question then arises – can environmental, social and governmental (ESG) criteria be used as elements of the bankruptcy early warning system? The study covers the time period beginning January 2016 through June 2021 and includes scientific indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection database provided by Clarivate Analytics. The following research hypothesis guides this study: There is a research gap referring to the role of ESG-related information in bankruptcy early-warning systems. To verify the hypothesis (H0) the model was built, based on the concept of citations count regression (Staszkiewicz, 2019). The study confirmed the existence of a research gap indicated in the research hypothesis. Possible legal obligation referring to the disclosure of certain ESG-related, standardized information sets would be helpful to diminish the market information asymmetry. Research shows, that strong regulatory activities support the ESG-compliant performance of a business venture (Ortas et al., 2019). Also, standardization of ESG rating criteria and evaluation process would be helpful in this matter and would endure comparability of sourcing data and outcome.
Rancang Bangun Sistem Informasi Pengolahan Nilai Rapor Berbasis Web Pada SMK Negeri 1 Kotaraja
Authors: Dwi Utami Putra Desak Made , Ariansidi Mohamad
Published: January 2022

Assessment is the technique of evaluating students as the result of a learning achievement. Final assessment at SMK Negeri 1 Kotaraja is a report or student’s learning outcomes sheets. The process of calculating values at SMK Negeri 1 Kotaraja has been used still the conventional method process by using a list of score that given by teachers that have the possibility lost, tucked, and scattered. Even it will easily human error and quite complicated because there are many scores that have to calculated, such as daily test scores and assignment scores that have to be calculated each average score, steps used are very complicated so it takes about 7 days to process its, That is why the distribution of report cards to the students becomes delayed. Based on the problem above, it is aimed to create an information system of scoring processing report on web based that could helped teacher of SMK Negeri 1 Kotaraja in more effective and efficient processed. The results of blackbox testing that has been done stated that information system of scoring processing report that helped could teacher performance and help students esier in accessing online report.
Cost analysis of extended half-life recombinant factor IX products in the treatment of haemophilia B in Italy: an update
Authors: Aiello Andrea , Mancuso Maria E. , Leone Serena , Rossi Letizia , Cioni Lorenzo , Teruzzi Cristina
Published: January 2022

Haemophilia B (HB) is a rare disease which may lead to chronic disabling arthropathy, resulting in a significant clinical, social and economic impact. In recent years, new extended half-life (EHL) factor IX concentrates produced by recombinant technology (rFIX) have been developed. They have shown significantly prolonged half-life as compared to other rFIX products and improved bleeding control when used as prophylaxis. To date, EHL rFIX products reimbursed in Italy are a recombinant coagulation factor IX produced with Fc technology (rFIXFc) and a recombinant fusion protein containing rFIX fused with recombinant albumin (rIX-FP). The results of extension studies with injection intervals with a median of almost every 14 days for the complete individualized interval prophylaxis (IP) group on rFIXFc and 21 days for a selected subgroup of patients on rIX-FP have recently been published.The aim of this analysis was to estimate the cost of prophylactic treatment with rFIXFc and rIX-FP in adult patients, in the light of new clinical evidence and current average prices in Italy.The cost of therapy was estimated on the basis of the results of extension studies, the average prices reported in regional drug tenders and assuming an average patient weight of 70 kg.The analysis estimated a cost per patient/year between €224,407 and €230,355 for rFIXFc and between €242,259 and €368,587 for rIX-FP. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results.The use of rFIXFc over rIX-FP proves to be the least expensive choice for the treatment of HB in Italy.
Az inzulin: alfa és ómega
Authors: Kis János Tibor , Balogh Bernadett , Kiss Zsófia , Schandl László
Published: January 2022

Az 1-es típusú cukorbetegséget az inzulint termelő β-sejtek autoimmun pusztulása okoz­za. A folyamat hátterében az elsődleges antigén (ha az elsődleges antigén teóriája helytálló) nagy valószínűséggel maga az in­zulin vagy a proinzulin. Ugyanakkor az 1-es típusú cukorbetegség kezelése gyakorlatilag egyet jelent az inzulinkezeléssel. Minél korábban ismerjük fel és kezdjük kezelni az 1-es típusú cukorbetegséget, és minél jobb glykaemiás eredményeket érünk el, annál na­­gyobb a valószínűsége annak, hogy a β-sejt-állomány tovább marad műkö­dő­képes. Az inzulin az 1-es típusú cukorbetegség kialakulásának immunpatogenezisében és kezelésében is alapvető szerepet játszik, tehát az alfa és ómega ebben a betegségben.
Európában a Covid-19 halálozási rátája az egykori vasfüggöny mögötti országokban a legmagasabb
Authors: Rihmer Zoltán
Published: January 2022

A legmagasabb Covid-19-halálozást jelentő első 15 európai ország közül 11 posztszocialista ország (73%), és a 16–46. helyen lévő 31 ország közül csak 9 (29%) posztszocialista. A Covid-19-pandémia kezdetétől regisztrált legnagyobb többlethalálozást mutató 17 európai ország kivétel nélkül mind volt szocialista ország (100%), az első 20 közül pedig 19 (95%) az. A magas és alacsony Covid-19-halálozású országok között húzódó választóvonal a korábbi vasfüggöny lefutásának felel meg. Mindezeken túl, az adatot szolgáltató 43 európai országból a legalacsonyabb vakcinációs rátát jelentő 18 ország kivétel nélkül (100%) posztszocialista ország. Feltételezhető, hogy az európai Covid-19-halálozásbeli különbségek legfontosabb oka a volt szocialista országok lakosainak tradicionálisan előnytelen fizikai és mentális állapota, de a kérdés további, elmélyültebb vizsgálatokat igényel.
The Elements of e-Government Success in Public Services at Bekasi Regency Using the “SP4N LAPOR”
Authors: Gumilar Gun Gun , Delistiana Dhea Desita , Purnamasari Hanny
Published: January 2022

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian lanjutan dari penelitian Delistiana dkk mengenai pengelolaan SP4N LAPOR di Kabupaten Bekasi. Penelitian ini menarik karena masih adanya permasalahan dalam penerapan aplikasi LAPOR di Kapupaten Bekasi meliputi masih kurangnya sarana prasarana, SDM pengelola, kurangnya sosialisasi, dan aksesibilitas. Peneliti mencoba menggunakan sudut pandang pengukuran yang berbeda dalam pencapaian tujuan penelitian “sejauh mana keberhasilan program SP4N LAPOR  di Kabupaten Bekasi”. Pendekatan penelitian masih tetap menggunakan analisis deskriptif, akan tetapi pisau analisis menggunakan analisis elemen sukses e-government yang dikemukaan oleh Indrajid, dimana sebelumnya menggunakan teori manajemen yang dikemukakan George R Terry.  Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa SP4N LAPOR di Kabupaten Bekasi belum berhasil diterapkan secara maksimal dikarenakan pengukuran dari ketiga elemen suksesnya penerapan e-government mulai dari support, capacity dan Value menunjukkan hasil yang kurang.  Adapun saran dari penelitian ini antara lain perlunya percepatan penerapan SP4N LAPOR pada seluruh instansi di Kabupaten Bekasi, peningkatan kompetensi SDM para pelaksana SP4N LAPOR, pemerataan dan peningkatan intensifitas sosialisasi terhadap masyarakat.
Implementasi Kebijakan Pengelolaan Sampah di Kabupaten Bengkulu Selatan
Authors: Hastuti Bella Dwi , Anwar Faizal , Titi Titi Darmi
Published: January 2022

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui ImplementasiiKebijakan Pengelolaan Sampah  dan mengetahui apa yang menjadi faktor penghambat  dalam Implementasi Kebijakan Pengelolaan  Sampah di Kabupaten Bengkulu Selatan. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kualitatif yang bersifat deskriptif.Informan penelitian ditetapkan dengan teknik purposive sampling yakni sebanyak 7 informan. Dataadikumpulkan dengan caraaobservasi, wawancara, danndokumentasi.  Sedangkan analisis data digunakan dalam model interaktif dari Miles and Huberman. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ImplementasikKebijakan  Perda No. 01 Tahun 2017 Tentang PengelolaannSampah di Kabupaten Bengkulu Selatan sudah berjalan sesuai standar dan prosedur yang telah ditetapkan namun dalam pelaksanaannya belum sepenuhnya terealisasi sesuai dengan isi kebijakan, serta masih ada ketidaksesuaian yang didapat dari hasil pelaksanaan kebijakan. Adapun  beberapa faktor yang menjadi penghambat dalam implementasi kebijakan pengelolaan sampah adalah : pertama, Komunikasi : kurangnya anggaran biaya untuk melakukan sosialisasi. Kedua Sumber daya : terbatasnya SDM yang ahli di bidang persampahan, kurangnya  fasilitas baik, TPS, TPS 3R serta kurangnya armada pengangkut sampah dan terbatasnya anggaran biaya. Ketiga, Disposisi : masih ada aparat yang melaksanakan tupoksi di luar peraturan yang ada. keempat, Struktur  birokrasi : masih petugas/pelksana yang menjalankan tupoksi tidak sesuai dengan SOP yang telah ditetapkan
Transcriptional Control of Hypoxic Hyphal Growth in the Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Henry Manon , Burgain Anaïs , Tebbji Faiza , Sellam Adnane
Published: January 2022

The ability of Candida albicans, an important human fungal pathogen, to develop filamentous forms is a crucial determinant for host invasion and virulence. While hypoxia is one of the predominant host cues that promote C. albicans filamentous growth, the regulatory circuits that link oxygen availability to filamentation remain poorly characterized. We have undertaken a genetic screen and identified the two transcription factors Ahr1 and Tye7 as central regulators of the hypoxic filamentation. Both ahr1 and tye7 mutants exhibited a hyperfilamentous phenotype specifically under an oxygen-depleted environment suggesting that these transcription factors act as negative regulators of hypoxic filamentation. By combining microarray and ChIP-chip analyses, we have characterized the set of genes that are directly modulated by Ahr1 and Tye7. We found that both Ahr1 and Tye7 modulate a distinct set of genes and biological processes. Our genetic epistasis analysis supports our genomic finding and suggests that Ahr1 and Tye7 act independently to modulate hyphal growth in response to hypoxia. Furthermore, our genetic interaction experiments uncovered that Ahr1 and Tye7 repress the hypoxic filamentation via the Efg1 and Ras1/Cyr1 pathways, respectively. This study yielded a new and an unprecedented insight into the oxygen-sensitive regulatory circuit that control morphogenesis in a fungal pathogen.
Language Use in Deaf Children With Early-Signing Versus Late-Signing Deaf Parents
Authors: Sümer Beyza , Özyürek Aslı
Published: January 2022

Previous research has shown that spatial language is sensitive to the effects of delayed language exposure. Locative encodings of late-signing deaf adults varied from those of early-signing deaf adults in the preferred types of linguistic forms. In the current study, we investigated whether such differences would be found in spatial language use of deaf children with deaf parents who are either early or late signers of Turkish Sign Language (TİD). We analyzed locative encodings elicited from these two groups of deaf children for the use of different linguistic forms and the types of classifier handshapes. Our findings revealed differences between these two groups of deaf children in their preferred types of linguistic forms, which showed parallels to differences between late versus early deaf adult signers as reported by earlier studies. Deaf children in the current study, however, were similar to each other in the type of classifier handshapes that they used in their classifier constructions. Our findings have implications for expanding current knowledge on to what extent variation in language input (i.e., from early vs. late deaf signers) is reflected in children’s productions as well as the role of linguistic input on language development in general.
New Forms of Electrospun Nanofibers Applied in Cardiovascular Field
Authors: Huang Weimin , Huo Mengen , Cheng Nan , Wang Rong
Published: January 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and the development of new materials have become the focus of attention this field, and electrospinning technology to prepare nanofibrous materials for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases has attracted people's attention. Unlike previous reviews, this research enumerates the experimental methods and applications of electrospinning technology combined with nanofibrous materials in the directions of myocardial infarction repair, artificial heart valves, artificial blood vessels and cardiovascular patches from the perspective of cardiovascular surgery. In the end, this review also summarizes the limitations, unresolved technical challenges, and possible future directions of this technology for cardiovascular disease applications.
A Review of the Global Polygonal Faults: Are They Playing a Big Role in Fluid Migration?
Authors: Xia Ying , Yang Jinxiu , Chen Yong , Lu Shuangfang , Wang Min , Deng Shaogui , Yao Zhiguang , Lu Mingyue
Published: January 2022

Polygonal faults (PFs) have been widely found in over 100 sedimentary basins worldwide, mainly in marine setting on continental margins and intracratonic sedimentary basins. PFs are characterized by layer-bound minor normal faults arranged in polygonal patterns and multi-direction strikes, most of which were developed in fine-grained sediments rich in claystone. The genesis mechanisms of PFs have been recognized as non-tectonic, mainly including shear failure, syneresis, density inversion, low coefficients of friction and gravity sliding theory. Previous studies often regarded PFs as conduits playing a role in favouring fluid migration, which were also regarded as fluid source expelled during PF generation. However, some researchers proposed that the PF-bearing layer is generally impermeable and may act as a seal. To better understand the role of PFs in fluid migration and their contrition to the shallower hydrocarbon accumulation, a geophysical review of global PFs case studies is conducted in this paper. A comprehensive analysis is carried out based on abundant case studies, with key parameters analyzed including the PFs characteristics (e.g., buried depth, lithology, size, etc.), formation mechanisms of PFs, tectonic-sedimentary setting, and the spatial relationship of PFs, nearby major fluid migration pathways and high amplitude anomalies. The compilation of global PF case studies of shows that hydrocarbon fluids from the deep is more likely to migrate upward through normal big faults, gas chimneys or unconformities surface around PFs. In most cases, PFs play limited roles in fluid migration, such as in South China Sea where hydrocarbon accumulations have been observed under the PFs and the PF-bearing layer may act as a seal trapping the free gas underneath. Generally, the role of PFs in fluid migration should be determined through a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of PFs, surrounding amplitude anomalies, hydrocarbon distribution, and even the sealing ability of PFs which needs further study. It is more likely that the PFs play a limited role in vertical fluid migration and related shallower hydrocarbon accumulation and distribution.
Pipe Insulation Evaluation for Low-Temperature District Heating Implementation in South Korea
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Kim Yong Ki
Published: January 2022

Future energy systems will comprise 100% renewable energy and involve high integration of energy systems. District heating (DH) and cooling systems will be an undeniable part of future energy systems, as they facilitate high-efficiency, low-cost, and clean production. Low-temperature district heating (LTDH) is one of the candidates for future district heating systems, where the supply temperature is 60°C or below. Reducing heat losses from the pipe network in DH systems is challenging. Improving the insulation standards in DH pipes can decrease heat and temperature losses in the pipe networks. This study employs computational fluid dynamics to evaluate the optimum insulation thickness based on the material and digging costs in South Korea. A micro hybrid DH system with natural gas run fuel cell, heat pump and solar thermal is proposed in this study. An evaluation of the system with a 500 m pipe network system supplying hot water at 60°C with polyethylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, and polyurethane as insulation materials using ANSYS Fluent 17.2 shows that the heat losses are minimal when using PU foams. A cost estimation analysis showed that 32 mm was the optimum insulation thickness for achieving heat losses below 20 W/m and minimum material and digging costs when burring the pipeline network in the ground.
Thermoeconomic Analysis in Advanced Cogeneration Systems in Buildings
Authors: Picallo-Perez A. , Sala-Lizarraga J. M. , Escudero-Revilla C. , Hidalgo-Betanzos J. M. , Ruiz de Vergara I.
Published: January 2022

In this work thermoeconomics is applied to a central thermal system covering three buildings that consists of a cogeneration engine, an aerothermal heat pump and a natural gas condensing boiler. Cogeneration systems integrated with renewable energy technologies are very attractive solutions in the building sector. Nevertheless, the use of cogeneration systems together with active envelope solutions, such as the one encountered in this work, are scarce and the efforts to enhance the synergies between both systems are even scarcer. A heat pump is connected to a so-called solar wall to provide hot air and a renewable photovoltaic system supplies the electricity consumed by the heat pump. Thermoeconomics is applied to evaluate the cost of flows based on its energy-quality. Hence, this innovative and complex system can be analysed and diagnosed by this methodology. As a result, thermoeconomics is presented as an effective tool for the detailed study of the energy cost distribution and the key to enhancing energy efficiency.
Serum Cortisol Is Associated With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease-Related Brain Changes and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Qiu Qianwen , Zhou Xirui , Wu Lingshan , Zhang Yi , Yu Zhiyuan , Wang Minghuan , Huang Hao , Luo Xiang , Pan Dengji
Published: January 2022

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between serum cortisol, cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) neuroimaging markers, and cognitive performance.

Methods

We recruited patients over 50 years old who attended our hospital for physical examination between November 2020 and July 2021. All participants were subject to brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), serum cortisol examination, and the Montreal cognitive function assessment (MoCA). On brain MRI, we scored the presence of each marker of CSVD, including white matter hyperintensity (WMH), lacunes, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS). One point was awarded for the presence of each marker, producing a score between 0 and 4.

Results

In total, 158 participants were included in this study with a mean age of 60.5 (56.0–66.3) years; 55.1% were male. In the multivariable analyses, serum cortisol level was an independent predictor of WMH severity, the presence of lacunes/CMBs, moderate-severe EPVS and total CSVD burden after adjusting for confounding factors. Serum cortisol level had positive associations with periventricular/deep Fazekas score, burdens of lacunes/CMBs, moderate-severe EPVS, and total CSVD burden in dose-dependent manner, and was an independent predictor of cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.745 with 64.1% sensitivity and 82.5% specificity, and an AUC of 0.705 with 52.1% sensitivity and 85.5 specificity of cortisol in detecting patients with high CSVD burden and MCI, respectively.

Conclusions

Serum cortisol level is independently associated with each CSVD MRI markers, total CSVD burden and cognitive impairment. These findings provide clues for pathological mechanisms and suggest serum cortisol as a promising biomarker associated with CSVD.
Sepsis-Exacerbated Brain Dysfunction After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Lin Jie , Tan Binbin , Li Yuhong , Feng Hua , Chen Yujie
Published: January 2022

Sepsis susceptibility is significantly increased in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), owing to immunosuppression and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. To date, ICH with sepsis occurrence is still difficult for clinicians to deal with, and the mortality, as well as long-term cognitive disability, is still increasing. Actually, intracerebral hemorrhage and sepsis are mutually exacerbatedviasimilar pathophysiological mechanisms, mainly consisting of systemic inflammation and circulatory dysfunction. The main consequence of these two processes is neural dysfunction and multiple organ damages, notably,viaoxidative stress and neurotoxic mediation under the mediation of central nervous system activation and blood-brain barrier disruption. Besides, the comorbidity-induced multiple organ damages will produce numerous damage-associated molecular patterns and consequently exacerbate the severity of the disease. At present, the prospective views are about operating artificial restriction for the peripheral immune system and achieving cross-tolerance among organsviaaltering immune cell composition to reduce inflammatory damage.
An Exploratory Study of the Role of Dietary Proteins in the Regulation of Intestinal Glucose Absorption
Authors: Dugardin Camille , Fleury Léa , Touche Véronique , Ahdach Farah , Lesage Jean , Tenenbaum Mathie , Everaert Nadia , Briand Olivier , Lestavel Sophie , Ravallec Rozenn , Cudennec Benoit
Published: January 2022

Several studies have demonstrated that high protein diets improve glucose homeostasis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain elusive. This exploratory study aims to screen and compare the acute effects of dietary proteins from different sources on intestinal glucose absorption. Six dietary proteins from various sources were thus selected and digested thanks to the INFOGEST static gastrointestinal digestion protocol. The digested proteins were able to decrease intestinal glucose absorption in vitro and ex vivo. Moreover, acute ingestion of casein and fish gelatin led to improved glucose tolerance in Wistar rats without significant effect on insulin secretion. In parallel, GLUT2 mRNA expression in enterocytes was decreased following short-term incubation with some of the digested proteins. These results strengthen the evidence that digested protein-derived peptides and amino acids are key regulators of glucose homeostasis and highlight their role in intestinal glucose absorption.
Targeting Oxidative Stress as a Therapeutic Approach for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Estornut Cristina , Milara Javier , Bayarri María Amparo , Belhadj Nada , Cortijo Julio
Published: January 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease characterized by an abnormal reepithelialisation, an excessive tissue remodelling and a progressive fibrosis within the alveolar wall that are not due to infection or cancer. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a key molecular process in pulmonary fibrosis development and different components of the redox system are altered in the cellular actors participating in lung fibrosis. To this respect, several activators of the antioxidant machinery and inhibitors of the oxidant species and pathways have been assayed in preclinicalin vitroandin vivomodels and in different clinical trials. This review discusses the role of oxidative stress in the development and progression of IPF and its underlying mechanisms as well as the evidence of oxidative stress in human IPF. Finally, we analyze the mechanism of action, the efficacy and the current status of different drugs developed to inhibit the oxidative stress as anti-fibrotic therapy in IPF.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha -308G/A Gene Polymorphisms Combined with Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts the Efficacy and Safety of Anti-TNF-α Therapy in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Psoriasis Arthritis
Authors: Wang Ziran , Kong Lingjun , Zhang Han , Sun Fengchun , Guo Zijian , Zhang Rui , Dou Yaling
Published: January 2022

Background: TNF-α has been reported to be closely associated with autoimmune inflammatory diseases. This study aims to investigate the role of TNF-α -308(rs1800629) G/A gene polymorphisms as well as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting the efficacy and safety of TNF inhibitors (TNFi) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriasis arthritis (PsA).

Methods: A total of 515 subjects (181 AS, 144 RA, 48 PsA, 10 hyperbilirubinemia, 10 hyperlipidemia and 122 healthy control) were recruited in this study. The accuracy of RT-PCR methods for identifying individual TNF-α -308 genotypes was assessed using sequencing as the gold standard. Baseline NLR and PLR of patients with AS, RA and PsA and healthy controls (HC) were calculated and compared. Meanwhile, differences between responders and non-responders to TNFi treatment as well as between individuals with and without adverse effects (AE) among responders were compared.

Results: The RT-PCR method is stable and reliable for TNF-α -308G/A gene polymorphism analysis, independent of sample status. The GG genotype was overwhelmingly represented, with relatively few GA genotype, whilst the AA genotype was not detected in this study. There was no observed association between TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism and susceptibility in AS, RA or PsA patients. Patients with AS, RA, and PsA had a higher NLR, compared to the HC group. Apart from PsA patients, AS and RA patients had a higher PLR, compared to the HC group. NLR was positively correlated with PLR. Furthermore, a lack of response was more frequently observed in AS and RA patients that carrying the GA genotype than the GG genotype. AS and RA patients with AE had higher NLR and PLR, compared with the non-AE group.

Conclusion: Our study preliminarily shown that combining TNF-α -308G/A polymorphisms with NLR and PLR can predict the responsiveness and safety of anti-TNF therapy in patients with AS or RA.
Towards Sustainable North American Wood Product Value Chains, Part I: Computer Vision Identification of Diffuse Porous Hardwoods
Authors: Ravindran Prabu , Owens Frank C. , Wade Adam C. , Shmulsky Rubin , Wiedenhoeft Alex C.
Published: January 2022

Availability of and access to wood identification expertise or technology is a critical component for the design and implementation of practical, enforceable strategies for effective promotion, monitoring and incentivisation of sustainable practices and conservation efforts in the forest products value chain. To address this need in the context of the multi-billion-dollar North American wood products industry 22-class, image-based, deep learning models for the macroscopic identification of North American diffuse porous hardwoods were trained for deployment on the open-source, field-deployable XyloTron platform using transverse surface images of specimens from three different xylaria and evaluated on specimens from a fourth xylarium that did not contribute training data. Analysis of the model performance, in the context of the anatomy of the woods considered, demonstrates immediate readiness of the technology developed herein for field testing in a human-in-the-loop monitoring scenario. Also proposed are strategies for training, evaluating, and advancing the state-of-the-art for developing an expansive, continental scale model for all the North American hardwoods.
What Is Wrong With the Current Evaluative Bibliometrics?
Authors: Põder Endel
Published: January 2022

Bibliometric data are relatively simple and describe objective processes of publishing articles and citing others. It seems quite straightforward to define reasonable measures of a researcher's productivity, research quality, or overall performance based on these data. Why do we still have no acceptable bibliometric measures of scientific performance? Instead, there are hundreds of indicators with nobody knowing how to use them. At the same time, an increasing number of researchers and some research fields have been excluded from the standard bibliometric analysis to avoid manifestly contradictive conclusions. I argue that the current biggest problem is the inadequate rule of credit allocation for multiple authored articles in mainstream bibliometrics. Clinging to this historical choice excludes any systematic and logically consistent bibliometrics-based evaluation of researchers, research groups, and institutions. During the last 50 years, several authors have called for a change. Apparently, there are no serious methodologically justified or evidence-based arguments in the favor of the present system. However, there are intractable social, psychological, and economical issues that make adoption of a logically sound counting system almost impossible.
Designing Persuasive Food Conversational Recommender Systems With Nudging and Socially-Aware Conversational Strategies
Authors: Pecune Florian , Callebert Lucile , Marsella Stacy
Published: January 2022

Unhealthy eating behavior is a major public health issue with serious repercussions on an individual’s health. One potential solution to overcome this problem, and help people change their eating behavior, is to develop conversational systems able to recommend healthy recipes. One challenge for such systems is to deliver personalized recommendations matching users’ needs and preferences. Beyond the intrinsic quality of the recommendation itself, various factors might also influence users’ perception of a recommendation. In this paper, we present Cora, a conversational system that recommends recipes aligned with its users’ eating habits and current preferences. Users can interact with Cora in two different ways. They can select pre-defined answers by clicking on buttons to talk to Cora or write text in natural language. Additionally, Cora can engage users through a social dialogue, or go straight to the point. Cora is also able to propose different alternatives and to justify its recipes recommendation by explaining the trade-off between them. We conduct two experiments. In the first one, we evaluate the impact of Cora’s conversational skills and users’ interaction mode on users’ perception and intention to cook the recommended recipes. Our results show that a conversational recommendation system that engages its users through a rapport-building dialogue improves users’ perception of the interaction as well as their perception of the system. In the second evaluation, we evaluate the influence of Cora’s explanations and recommendation comparisons on users’ perception. Our results show that explanations positively influence users’ perception of a recommender system. However, comparing healthy recipes with a decoy is a double-edged sword. Although such comparison is perceived as significantly more useful compared to one single healthy recommendation, explaining the difference between the decoy and the healthy recipe would actually make people less likely to use the system.
Development of a Roadmap for the Implementation of a Sustainable Mobility Action Plan in University Campuses of Emerging Countries
Authors: Tormo-Lancero María Teresa , Valero-Mora Pedro , Sanmartin Jaime , Sánchez-García Mar , Papantoniou Panagiotis , Yannis George , Alonso Francisco , Campos-Díaz Eva
Published: January 2022

Universities are centers of knowledge and their Campuses are like small cities, thus making them the ideal place to develop, apply and evaluate policies and tools for innovative mobility solutions that can subsequently be extended to other contexts. A review of mobility measures in different European Universities has revealed that many of them apply policies to promote sustainable mobility, but there is a significant lack of standardized mobility plans and roadmaps for their successful implementation. The objective of the present work is to develop a successful roadmap, which is necessary for the smooth implementation of a mobility plan, as it has been found through a thorough review of good practices in Universities. Within this framework, a customizable standardized Roadmap design is proposed, which consists of two documents: a tactical document that provides a global and sequential vision of the entire plan, and an operational document that details the actions for each strategic line. This roadmap is accompanied by a catalog of objectives, measures, and cost and impact indicators. We consider this design instructive for universities because of its universal characteristics in Emerging Countries. To ensure this, it is necessary to apply this roadmap and carry out the corresponding evaluation.
Plant Growth on a Mediterranean Green Roof: A Pilot Study on Influence of Substrate Depth, Substrate Composition, and Type of Green Roof
Authors: Marouli Christina , Savvidou Pinelopi , Koutsokali Maria , Papadopoulou Paraskevi , Misseyanni Anastasia , Tsiliki Georgia , Georgas Dimitris
Published: January 2022

Green roofs have been proposed as a significant method of “renaturing” the city, mitigating the urban heat island effect and controlling storm water movement. Plant growth on green roofs affects the environmental performance of the roof. Thus, it is important to examine which parameters influence this growth. Green roofs in the Mediterranean region, due to the climatic specificities of the area, have been a challenge. What types of plants are appropriate, how green roofs should be constructed and other related topics have concerned scientists in the recent years. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the growth of five plants—Sedum sediforme, Drosanthemum floribundum and Lampranthus spectabilis, Medicago arborea, and Lavandula angustifolia—on a pilot Mediterranean green roof in relation to substrate depth, organic content of substrate and type of green roof (open and modular). Data were analyzed using multiple regression with Analysis of Variance. The results indicated that substrate depth, type of green roof and substrate organic content are not significantly important parameters affecting the growth of plants and cannot predict plant performance by themselves. A main insight arising from this study is that plant communities and interspecies relations should be examined more closely in future green roof research as they may affect the impact of selected parameters on plant growth on Mediterranean green roofs. Furthermore, although the type of the green roof—open or modular—could not be directly associated with plant performance, it may be worth examining its impact on plant community performance in future studies.
Design Considerations for Supporting Mindfulness in Virtual Reality
Authors: Kelly Ryan M. , Seabrook Elizabeth M. , Foley Fiona , Thomas Neil , Nedeljkovic Maja , Wadley Greg
Published: January 2022

Mindfulness practice involves bringing one’s attention to the present moment and noticing events as they unfold with a non-judgmental attitude of acceptance. Although mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health, it can be challenging to learn mindfulness techniques. Recent years have seen an interest in using virtual reality (VR) to help people learn mindfulness by immersing users in virtual settings that support an external focus of attention and reduce everyday environmental distraction. However, the literature currently lacks an understanding of how VR should be designed to support mindfulness. In this paper we describe the iterative design and evaluation of Place, a VR app that supports mindfulness practice by situating the user in a virtual forest environment. We present findings from our design process in which prospective users trialled Place and provided feedback on the design in focus groups. Our findings draw attention to factors that influenced the user experience and acceptance of VR for mindfulness, and we describe how the design was altered to address these factors. We end by discussing key design choices that designers should consider when creating VR for mindfulness. Our contributions include insight into the importance of following an iterative design process when creating a VR mindfulness app, and a framework that can be used to inform the design of future VR apps for mindfulness practice.
Exosomes in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Aqil Farrukh , Gupta Ramesh C.
Published: January 2022

Exosomes or small extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural nanoparticles and known to play essential roles in intercellular communications, carrying a cargo of a broad variety of lipids, proteins, metabolites, RNAs (mRNA, miRNA, tRNA, long non-coding RNA), and DNAs (mtDNA, ssDNA, dsDNA) [...]
Strategic Decoy Peptides Interfere with MSI1/AGO2 Interaction to Elicit Tumor Suppression Effects
Authors: Yang Yi-Ping , Lee Andy Chi-Lung , Lin Liang-Ting , Chen Yi-Wei , Huang Pin-I , Ma Hsin-I , Chen Yi-Chen , Lo Wen-Liang , Lan Yuan-Tzu , Fang Wen-Liang , Wang Chien-Ying , Liu Yung-Yang , Hsu Po-Kuei , Lin Wen-Chang , Li Chung-Pin , Chen Ming-Teh , Chien Chian-Shiu , Wang Mong-Lien
Published: January 2022

Peptide drugs that target protein–protein interactions have attracted mounting research efforts towards clinical developments over the past decades. Increasing reports have indicated that expression of Musashi 1 (MSI1) is tightly correlated to high grade of cancers as well as enrichment of cancer stem cells. Treatment failure in malignant tumors glioblastoma multiform (GBM) had also been correlated to CSC-regulating properties of MSI1. It is thus imperative to develop new therapeutics that could effectively improve current regimens used in clinics. MSI1 and AGO2 are two emerging oncogenic molecules that both contribute to GBM tumorigenesis through mRNA regulation of targets involved in apoptosis and cell cycle. In this study, we designed peptide arrays covering the C-terminus of MSI1 and identified two peptides (Pep#11 and Pep#26) that could specifically interfere with the binding with AGO2. Our Biacore analyses ascertained binding between the identified peptides and AGO2. Recombinant reporter system Gaussian luciferase and fluorescent bioconjugate techniques were employed to determine biological functions and pharmacokinetic characteristics of these two peptides. Our data suggested that Pep#11 and Pep#26 could function as decoy peptides by mimicking the interaction function of MSI1 with its binding partner AGO2 in vitro and in vivo. Further experiments using GMB animal models corroborated the ability of Pep#11 and Pep#26 in disrupting MSI1/AGO2 interaction and consequently anti-tumorigenicity and prolonged survival rates. These striking therapeutic efficacies orchestrated by the synthetic peptides were attributed to the decoy function to C-terminal MSI1, especially in malignant brain tumors and glioblastoma.
Preneoplastic Low-Risk Mammary Ductal Lesions (Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia and Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Spectrum): Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Khoury Thaer
Published: January 2022

Intraepithelial mammary ductal neoplasia is a spectrum of disease that varies from atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), low-grade (LG), intermediate-grade (IG), to high-grade (HG) ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). While ADH has the lowest prognostic significance, HG-DCIS carries the highest risk. Due to widely used screening mammography, the number of intraepithelial mammary ductal neoplastic lesions has increased. The consequence of this practice is the increase in the number of patients who are overdiagnosed and, therefore, overtreated. The active surveillance (AS) trials are initiated to separate lesions that require active treatment from those that can be safely monitored and only be treated when they develop a change in the clinical/radiologic characteristics. At the same time, the natural history of these lesions can be evaluated. This review aims to evaluate ADH/DCIS as a spectrum of intraductal neoplastic disease (risk and histomorphology); examine the controversies of distinguishing ADH vs. DCIS and the grading of DCIS; review the upgrading for both ADH and DCIS with emphasis on the variation of methods of detection and the definitions of upgrading; and evaluate the impact of all these variables on the AS trials.