bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PKM TEKNOLOGI MESIN PENGASAP BAGI PENGUSAHA IKAN ASAP DUSUN PALODEM DESA TEMBOKREJO MUNCAR BANYUWANGI
Authors: Afandi Akhmad , Lusi Nuraini , Hilmi Mustofa , Diansah Danang Putra , Hartanto Abdi
Published: May 2022

In general, the smoke fish Processing Society is a society with a lack of knowledge, so that the smoking equipment is not equipped with chimneys because of the expensive production cost, the marination using a simple tool-less Practical and unproductive. So, it is necessary to develop a semi-modern fumigation technology and the community is easy to use. Smoking cabinet utilization as an alternative to environmentally friendly smoking methods is the time to apply in Indonesia. The problem faced by partners in the process of the daily fish smoking worker using the extra power to back the smoked fish, the coal fan and the harmful for the worker is the smoke issued by the fuel so that it can Interfere with the worker's breathing and make sore eyes. By looking at the conditions in the community in processing the smoked fish are done in a traditional and long time, so the need for a more efficient fish-sucking equipment, to help improve the process of smoking fish and reducing air pollution. From the results of this devotion produced a fish smoke machine with a capacity of 10 kg, 60 Watt motor power with an average temperature of 76oC. This smoke machine can reduce the moisture content contained in fish by approximately 10%. Besides, the partners understand the use and maintenance of equipment and with such tools can reduce air pollution.
EDUKASI PERENCANAAN KARIR BAGI SISWA-SISWI SMA DI KECAMATAN LIMO, DEPOK
Authors: Fadlillah Alnisa Min , Ruhjatini Dienni
Published: May 2022

Kegiatan Pengabdian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh banyaknya masalah yang terjadi pada karyawan terutama yang baru masuk kedalam dunia kerja. Mereka kebingungan dalam menentukan jenjang karir mereka. Akibatnya sering ditemukan mereka bekerja pada posisi yang tidak diminati yang membuat karir mereka terhenti. Hal ini dapat mempengaruhi kinerja dan kepuasan kerja mereka sehingga dapat merugikan perusahaan. Oleh karena itu, Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk mengedukasi siswa-siswi SMA mengenai pentingnya perencanaan karir sejak dini. Sasaran kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah siswa-siswi SMA kelas X di Kecamatan Limo, Depok. Kegiatan ini dilakukan dalam dua kali pertemuan. Dalam kegiatan ini digunakan beberapa metode antara lain metode ceramah, metode diskusi dan tanya jawab, serta praktik perencanaan karir hingga pembuatan peta karir. Peserta juga diminta untuk memaparkan hasil perencanaan karir mereka. Evaluasi terhadap 77 siswa secara umum menunjukkan peningkatan pengetahuan mengenai pemahaman diri, persiapan diri, pengenalan dunia kerja, dan perencanaan masa depan.Â
PELATIHAN DESAIN MEREK SEBAGAI SARANA MEMPERKUAT IDENTITAS PRODUK
Authors: Frianto Agus , Tiarawati Monika , Asandimitra Nadia , Artanti Yessy , Widyastuti Widyastuti
Published: May 2022

Trademark as an activity to make a name, symbol or identity to distinguish one product/service from another product/service. Therefore, entrepreneurs/business owners/startup founders need to consider how brands are for products/services that they want to sell. With a brand, the total value of the product is higher so that consumers can see the brand as an important part of the product. Consumers will more easily differentiate company products from competitors through brands. However, the importance of giving brand to the product was not realized by SMEs who were in Ngawen and Randuboto Villages, Sidayu District, Gresik Regency. Their only focus is product sales. Brands can be a long-term investment for business owners. Brands that are well managed by business owners will provide long-term benefits. The purpose of this outreach program is to provide training on how to make a good brand so that it can be easily recognized by the general public. The outputs of this outreach program activity are brand designs that are ready to be printed and pasted on the product packaging of business actors. The results of this outreach program activity show that several business actors have been able to create attractive brands so that they can be easily recognized by consumers and ultimately create an identity for SME products in Sidayu District, Gresik
PENERAPAN TEKNOLOGI TOKO ONLINE UNTUK PEMASARAN PRODUK BAGI IBU-IBU AISYIYAH GUNUNG KIDUL
Authors: Budiarti Gita Indah , Mardhia Murein Miksa , Azhari Ahmad
Published: May 2022

Marketing and promotion are the most important things for product sales. Aisyiyah Gunung Kidul mothers (partners) have products, one of which is snacks from the mokaf. There needs to be innovation in marketing to increase partner sales. This activity aims to create an online shop for partners and then train partners to use it. The method used is training and evaluation. The results of this activity partners are able to use the website and application well. Partners who can upload their products by 63%. Partners are very enthusiastic about this training, and hope that there will be a follow-up to this activity.
MERESPONS KEBUTUHAN MASYARAKAT TERHADAP HUKUM MELALUI PENYULUHAN KEPADA MASYARAKAT DI KELURAHAN JATIMULYA, DEPOK
Authors: Wijaya Endra , Bachri Rifkiyati , Wardani Aprilia , Padayanti Kris
Published: May 2022

Pada kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat di Kelurahan Jatimulya, Cilodong, Depok, Jawa Barat, dapat dicermati bahwa sebagian warga masyarakat masih belum bisa mengakses dan memahami hukum dengan baik. Dampak dari keadaan itu ialah sebagian warga masyarakat belum bisa menyelesaikan problem hukum yang mereka hadapi. Fokus kajian ini ialah mengenai persoalan adanya kesenjangan antara hukum yang tersedia dengan kebutuhan masyarakat terhadap hukum, dan bagaimana institusi fakultas hukum dapat merespons persoalan itu. Metode kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat dilakukan dengan cara penyuluhan hukum secara langsung kepada masyarakat. Kajian ini disusun berdasarkan data yang diperoleh dari kegiatan penyuluhan tersebut, dan dengan menggunakan metode kajian hukum nondoktrinal. Kajian ini menyimpulkan bahwa kesenjangan antara hukum dan kebutuhan masyarakat akan hukum masih terjadi. Untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut, Pemerintah Depok sudah menyediakan beberapa sistem, seperti Depok Single Window. Namun demikian, sinergi dengan pihak perguruan tinggi, terutama fakultas hukum, masih diperlukan untuk terwujudnya akses kepada hukum serta keadilan yang maksimal bagi masyarakat. (There are still a gap between the existing law and the societyâ€™s need to the law indeed. Some people in the society still could not access to the law easily. That condition was captured when a community service activity held at Jatimulya Village, Cilodong, Depok, West Java. The aims of this study are to explain a gap between the law and the societyâ€™s need to it, and also how the higher education institution, especially the faculty of law, responds to such problem. This study is based on information collected by the researchers from a community service activity, which is held in the form of public legal consultation. This study uses non-doctrinal legal research method. This study concludes that there is a gap between the law and the societyâ€™s need to the law. Regarding to that, in Depok City, The Local Government has been establishing systems, such as Depok Single Window, to help its citizen in doing and solving their certain legal problems. Although the system has been established, but that system still need to be synergized with the faculty of law institution to extend and provide such kind of better access to justice mechanism for the society.)
Cardiovascular risk factors and their relationship with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics in nursing students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: de Lima Neto Silva Caroline , Mendes Weslei Natan Santos , Rossi Marina Bertelli , Morais Sheila Coelho Ramalho Vasconcelos , Lopes Camila Takao , de Lima Lopes Juliana
Published: May 2022

Background/Aims

The incidence of cardiovascular risk factors is high among both nurses and university students in general. This study assessed the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors in undergraduate nursing students.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 173 nursing students. Various cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated, including arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, obesity, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnoea, smoking, alcohol use and sedentarism. Associations were then identified between these factors and participants' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, such as age, gender, living situation, lifestyle and presence of other conditions.

Results

The most prevalent risk factors were alcohol use, sedentarism and excessive daytime sleepiness. These were significantly associated with several variables, including smoking, religion, taking medical leave and participation in sporting events.

Conclusions

Nurses and university professors should be aware of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among nursing students so that strategies can be devised to address them.
Current treatment options for feline infectious peritonitis in the UK
Authors: Sorrell Stephanie , Pugalendhi Sneha Joseph , Gunn-Moore Danièlle
Published: May 2022

Until recently, feline infectious peritonitis was an invariably fatal disease that occurs when a ubiquitous enteric coronavirus mutates. This enables it to replicate effectively within macrophages, resulting in immune-mediated phlebitis and serositis. While our understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of feline infectious peritonitis remains unchanged, with the recent availability of legalised antiviral drugs, successful treatment is now a possibility, albeit at a cost. As we approach a new dawn of research into the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, this review summarises current therapeutic options. Please note, some protocols are still being optimised.
Encrypted DNS: The good, the bad and the moot
Authors: Kambourakis Georgios , Karopoulos Georgios
Published: May 2022

Every connection to an Internet service requires a Domain Name System (DNS) lookup. Nevertheless, similar to other protocols used since the early days of the Internet, DNS was not designed with trust and security in mind. From a bird's eye view, the DNS threat model boils down to two types of attackers: off-path ones who can transmit packets but cannot observe the traffic, and on-path who sit either between the client and the recursive resolver, or between the recursive resolver and the DNS servers, and can read or modify packets.
How SMEs can prevent third-party vendor data breaches
Authors: Pinson-Roxburgh Oliver
Published: May 2022

Small businesses are born from passion, personality and a will to grace the world with unique products or services. But in an increasingly digital world, they're built and sustained on practicalities such as having a functional website, providing punctual customer support or efficiently managing finances. Technical skills – and especially security – are unlikely to be one of your core competencies. But if you outsource it, are you really in control?
„Frische Brot, lecker Brot, taze Brot“ – Eigene Muster in der Adjektivverwendung auf einem mehrsprachigen Wochenmarkt
Authors: Schumann Kathleen
Published: May 2022

In this study, I am going to show that speakers at a multilingual urban street market in Berlin established own patterns for the use of attributive adjectives in German. Besides perfectly cano-nical patterns for adjectival inflection and linearization, the data contain instances where uninflected adjectives precede or follow the noun (normal Pide, ‘regular pita bread’; Weintrauben lecker, ‘grapes delicious’) or where adjectives are inflected with a reduction morpheme -e (türkische Mokka, ‘Turkish mocha’). I am showing that these patterns occur highly systematic. Concerning the question of what factors might have influenced the emergence of these patterns, I argue that speakers pick up typological and language-internal tendencies and apply these to new grammatical contexts. The linguistic diversity at the market as the site of these linguistic developments plays a central role for that.
Importance-Performance Analysis in Public Transport Level of Service: A Case Study of The Trans Koetaradja Bus in Banda Aceh
Authors: Mutiawati Cut , Suryani Fitrika Mita , Anggraini Renni
Published: May 2022

Traffic congestion often occurs in many cities, particularly in developing countries, mainly due to excessive private vehicles instead of public transport. To solve the problem, public transport should improve its level of services to attract more people to use it. Therefore, it is essential to observe to what extent people's satisfaction with public transport regarding its operation. This research aims to analyze the satisfaction level of bus passengers in Banda Aceh City concerning the expected satisfaction and observed performance. The passengers' satisfaction level was analyzed using the important performance analysis (quadrant analysis) method. The results showed that people's perception of the level of service of Trans Koetaradja buses was still acceptable. However, the arrival and departure time still needs to be improved. Further, dedicated bus lane planning is essential to avoid traffic jams so that the travel time can be much shorter. The fleet of operating buses is sufficient, and free-of-charge fares still need to be applied.
Potential Aquifer Exploration using Electrical Resistivity Imaging at Rumbio Jaya, Kampar, Riau
Authors: Suryadi Adi , Putra Dewandra Bagus Eka , Kausarian Husnul , Sholeh Abdul Rahman , Tauladani Malik , Adriyadhi Adriyadhi
Published: May 2022

Groundwater sustainability has become a serious issue as a water resource needed by society. Therefore, electrical Resistivity Imaging was carried out at Rumbio Jaya, Kampar, and Riau to study groundwater aquifer's electrical characteristics. The equipment used is a Geocis resistivity meter with (32) multi-electrodes alignment. Wenner configuration electrode was applied in this survey. The 2-D Electrical Resistivity inversion results indicate there are three resistivity zones; (1) Low resistivity value (0.0093 – 4.84 Ωm) representing conductive clay; (2) intermediate resistivity value (1.07 – 171 Ωm) indicate as potential aquifer layer; and (3) a high resistivity value (61 – 4000 Ωm) occupying as bolder of rock. All the zones have different thicknesses and depths, but mostly clay layers dan boulders are shown as lenses in the aquifer of the study area. Meanwhile, the aquifer layer is found easily at a depth of 1 meter up to 30 meters.
Heterodyne spectrometer sensitivity limit for quantum networking
Authors: Chapman Joseph C. , Peters Nicholas A.
Published: May 2022

Optical heterodyne detection-based spectrometers are attractive due to
their relatively simple construction and ultrahigh resolution. Here we
demonstrate a proof-of-principle single-mode optical-fiber-based
heterodyne spectrometer that has picometer resolution and
quantum-limited sensitivity around 1550 nm. Moreover, we report a
generalized quantum limit of detecting broadband
multispectral-temporal-mode light using heterodyne detection, which
provides a sensitivity limit on a heterodyne detection-based optical
spectrometer. We then compare this sensitivity limit to several
spectrometer types and dim light sources of interest such as
spontaneous parametric downconversion, Raman scattering, and
spontaneous four-wave mixing. We calculate that the heterodyne
spectrometer is significantly less sensitive than a single-photon
detector and is unable to detect these dim light sources, except for
the brightest and narrowest-bandwidth examples.
Transversal energy flow of tightly focused off-axis circular polarized vortex beams
Authors: Gong Liping , Wang Xiaolei , Zhu Zhuqing , Lai Shengying , Feng Hongyan , Wang Jun , Gu Bing
Published: May 2022

The transversal energy flow characteristics of tightly focused circular polarized beams carrying off-axis vortices are examined in this research work. The results reveal that the symmetry of the focal fields are destroyed and energy flow is offset by the existence of off-axis vortices. Therefore, the focal field and energy flow distribution of polygons (bar-type-like, triangle-like, and square-like) can be realized by the superposition of multiple off-axis vortices with controllable positions. Furthermore, based on off-axis vortex energy flow characteristics, the force exerted on the metal particles in polygon focal fields is found to rotate the particles clockwise along the outlines of the polygon energy flow. The results will potentially provide new ideas and theoretical guidance to explore focal field and particle control methods.
Antireflective film of porous silica
Authors: Zhang Zuyi
Published: May 2022

We aimed to strengthen the antireflection coating of low refractive index, by using spinodal porous films based on phase separation of sodium borosilicate glass. Coating films were prepared by printing a glass paste onto a silica substrate, and melting at temperatures from 900°C to 1000°C, allowing phase separation at 600°C and finally etching to porosities of

∼

60

%

. Coating with reflections as low as 0.5% was achieved, which consisted of a homogeneous porous layer of several micrometers in thickness and a graded region of up to 400 nm in width at the interface with the substrate. As to the optical property, simulations based on three-layer and two-layer models were carried out, into which was incorporated a term expressing mutual coherence degree between reflections from the surface and interface with coherence length of the light source.
Fluorescence scattering in between excitation and emission as a depolarizing process: a Mueller matrix viewpoint
Authors: Zaffar Mohammad
Published: May 2022

A rigorous model has been proposed to qualify fluorescence scattering through the Mueller matrix viewpoint in terms of absorption/excitation, emission, and the process in between them. The process in between the excitation and emission processes of fluorescence, irrespective of the scattering directions, has been modeled as a depolarization process. The absorption/excitation of the fluorophore molecules gets revealed through the first-row elements while the emission of fluorescence has been observed through the first column elements of the fluorescence Mueller matrix. Information of the transitions between the molecular ground and excited states gets encoded into the diagonal elements following the photon selection rule. The other off-diagonal elements of the fluorescence Mueller matrix also exhibit very small nonzero values due to the anisotropic absorption and phase changes that the ground state of the fluorophore molecules imposes on the incident polarized beam while parallelly governing the emitted beam. The comparison of the current model with the earlier model has been discussed in a detailed way. The modeling of the in-between process as the depolarizing one enables us to qualify the fluorescence detected linear and circular dichroism and luminescence and very effectively overcomes the shortcomings in the earlier model.
Plasmonic mid-infrared photodetector with narrow trenches for reconstructive spectroscopy
Authors: Yasunaga Shun , Kan Tetsuo
Published: May 2022

Reconstructive spectroscopy in the mid-infrared (MIR) range is an attractive method for miniaturizing MIR spectrometers. Although detectors with a sharp responsivity spectrum and a high dynamic range are required, there remains room for improvement. This article reports on a set of MIR photodetectors that satisfy these requirements with aluminum-covered narrow trench gratings. We experimentally found the optimal grating design, by which the responsivity changed 0.75% of the maximum value per nanometer of wavelength, and the minimum/maximum ratio was 8.7% in the wavelength range of 2.5–3.7 µm. A detector set of this optimal design was capable of accurate and robust reconstruction against measurement errors. This simple design structure based on standard materials will assist in realizing miniature MIR spectrometers.
Coupling effects of the sum-frequency process and difference-frequency process on upconversion terahertz-wave detection via a DAST crystal
Authors: Yin Xiaoqin , Fan Shuzhen , Zhang Xingyu , Li Yongfu , Liu Zhaojun , Zhao Xian , Fang Jiaxiong
Published: May 2022

Frequency upconversion technology with good performance including high sensitivity, fast response, and room-temperature operation is a promising method for terahertz-wave detection. The sum-frequency conversion and difference-frequency conversion jointly affect the detection ability for upconversion detection using organic crystals as nonlinear media. The concurrence of both processes has been ignored in past studies, which results in discrepancies between theoretical simulations and experimental results. In this paper, four-wave interaction equations involving two nonlinear conversion processes are proposed, and the effect of the sum-frequency process is analyzed in upconversion terahertz-wave detection via a 4-dimethylamino-N-methyl-4-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST) crystal. The ratio of the sum-frequency signal to the difference-frequency signal varies for different terahertz frequencies and crystal thicknesses. Experiments suggest that theoretical simulations are good at predicting physical processes. Under certain conditions, the detection efficiency can be improved by simultaneously utilizing the two signals. The total signal photon number is not sensitive to the crystal thickness. Furthermore, the theoretical exploration of terahertz single-photon detection provides a noteworthy reference for future experiments.
Feature issue introduction: advanced solid-state lasers
Authors: Bowers Mark S. , Canalias Carlota , Mirov Sergey , Nilsson Johan , Saraceno Clara J. , Schunemann Peter G.
Published: May 2022

This Joint Issue of Optics Express and Optical
Materials Express features 36 state-of-the art articles
written by authors who participated in the international conference
Advanced Solid State Lasers held online from October 3-7, 2021. This
review provides a summary of these articles covering a wide spectrum
of topics around solid-state lasers from materials research to sources
and from design innovation to applications.
CBEA: Competitive balances for taxonomic enrichment analysis
Authors: Nguyen Quang P. , Hoen Anne G. , Frost H. Robert
Published: May 2022

Research in human-associated microbiomes often involves the analysis of taxonomic count tables generated via high-throughput sequencing. It is difficult to apply statistical tools as the data is high-dimensional, sparse, and compositional. An approachable way to alleviate high-dimensionality and sparsity is to aggregate variables into pre-defined sets. Set-based analysis is ubiquitous in the genomics literature and has demonstrable impact on improving interpretability and power of downstream analysis. Unfortunately, there is a lack of sophisticated set-based analysis methods specific to microbiome taxonomic data, where current practice often employs abundance summation as a technique for aggregation. This approach prevents comparison across sets of different sizes, does not preserve inter-sample distances, and amplifies protocol bias. Here, we attempt to fill this gap with a new single-sample taxon enrichment method that uses a novel log-ratio formulation based on the competitive null hypothesis commonly used in the enrichment analysis literature. Our approach, titled competitive balances for taxonomic enrichment analysis (CBEA), generates sample-specific enrichment scores as the scaled log-ratio of the subcomposition defined by taxa within a set and the subcomposition defined by its complement. We provide sample-level significance testing by estimating an empirical null distribution of our test statistic with valid p-values. Herein, we demonstrate, using both real data applications and simulations, that CBEA controls for type I error, even under high sparsity and high inter-taxa correlation scenarios. Additionally, CBEA provides informative scores that can be inputs to downstream analyses such as prediction tasks.
iNOS is essential to maintain a protective Th1/Th2 response and the production of cytokines/chemokines against Schistosoma japonicum infection in rats
Authors: Shen Jia , Yu Si-fei , Peng Mei , Lai De-Hua , Hide Geoff , Wu Zhong-Dao , Lun Zhao-Rong
Published: May 2022

Humans and a wide range of mammals are generally susceptible toSchistosomainfection, while some rodents such asRattusrats andMicrotusspp are not. We previously demonstrated that inherent high expression levels of nitric oxide (NO), produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), plays an important role in blocking the growth and development ofSchistosoma japonicumin wild-type rats. However, the potential regulatory effects of NO on the immune system and immune response toS.japonicuminfection in rats are still unknown. In this study, we used iNOS-knockout (KO) rats to determine the role of iNOS-derived NO in the immune system and immunopathological responses toS.japonicuminfection in rats. Our data showed that iNOS deficiency led to weakened immune activity againstS.japonicuminfection. This was characterized by the impaired T cell responses and a significant decrease inS.japonicum-elicited Th2/Th1 responses and cytokine and chemokine-producing capability in the infected iNOS-KO rats. Unlike iNOS-KO mice, Th1-associated cytokines were also decreased in the absence of iNOS in rats. In addition, a profile of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic cytokines was detected in serum associated with iNOS deficiency. The alterations in immune responses and cytokine patterns were correlated with a slower clearance of parasites, exacerbated granuloma formation, and fibrosis followingS.japonicuminfection in iNOS-KO rats. Furthermore, we have provided direct evidence that high levels of NO in rats can promote the development of pulmonary fibrosis induced by egg antigens ofS.japonicum, but not inflammation, which was negatively correlated with the expression of TGF-β3. These studies are the first description of the immunological and pathological profiles in iNOS-KO rats infected withS.japonicumand demonstrate key differences between the responses found in mice. Our results significantly enhance our understanding of the immunoregulatory effects of NO on defensive and immunopathological responses in rats and the broader nature of resistance to pathogens such asS.japonicum.
COVID-19 heterogeneity in islands chain environment
Authors: Chyba Monique , Kunwar Prateek , Mileyko Yuriy , Tong Alan , Lau Winnie , Koniges Alice
Published: May 2022

Background

It is critical to capture data and modeling from the COVID-19 pandemic to understand as much as possible and prepare for future epidemics and possible pandemics. The Hawaiian Islands provide a unique opportunity to study heterogeneity and demographics in a controlled environment due to the geographically closed borders and mostly uniform pandemic-induced governmental controls and restrictions.

Objective

The goal of the paper is to quantify the differences and similarities in the spread of COVID-19 among different Hawaiian islands as well as several other archipelago and islands, which could potentially help us better understand the effect of differences in social behavior and various mitigation measures. The approach should be robust with respect to the unavoidable differences in time, as the arrival of the virus and promptness of mitigation measures may vary significantly among the chosen locations. At the same time, the comparison should be able to capture differences in the overall pandemic experience.

Methods

We examine available data on the daily cases, positivity rates, mobility, and employ a compartmentalized model fitted to the daily cases to develop appropriate comparison approaches. In particular, we focus on merge trees for the daily cases, normalized positivity rates, and baseline transmission rates of the models.

Results

We observe noticeable differences among different Hawaiian counties and interesting similarities between some Hawaiian counties and other geographic locations. The results suggest that mitigation measures should be more localized, that is, targeting the county level rather than the state level if the counties are reasonably insulated from one another. We also notice that the spread of the disease is very sensitive to unexpected events and certain changes in mitigation measures.

Conclusions

Despite being a part of the same archipelago and having similar protocols for mitigation measures, different Hawaiian counties exhibit quantifiably different dynamics of the spread of the disease. One potential explanation is that not sufficiently targeted mitigation measures are incapable of handling unexpected, localized outbreak events. At a larger-scale view of the general spread of the disease on the Hawaiian island counties, we find very interesting similarities between individual Hawaiian islands and other archipelago and islands.
MOSAIC (MOthers’ AdvocateS In the Community) for pregnant women and mothers of children under 5 with experience of intimate partner violence: A pilot randomized trial study protocol
Authors: Hailemariam Maji , Zlotnick Caron , Taft Angela , Johnson Jennifer E.
Published: May 2022

Background

Pregnancy and motherhood increase the risk for long-term exposure to physical, psychological and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV; sexual or physical violence by current or former partners). Pregnant women and mothers with children under 5 who have experienced IPV exhibit poor physical and mental health and obstetric outcomes. Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are the two most common mental health consequences of IPV. There is good evidence that women with good social support have better mental health and IPV outcomes.

Methods

This study will develop MOthers’ AdvocateS In the Community (MOSAIC) Plus intervention for pregnant women and mothers with children under the age of 5. MOSAIC uses trained mentor mothers and has been found to reduce subsequent IPV. This study will blend the original MOSAIC intervention with principles of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) to address symptoms of depression, PTSD, and prevent subsequent risk of IPV. We will conduct a pilot randomized trial of the MOSAIC Plus intervention compared to the traditional MOSAIC intervention to determine its feasibility and acceptability. Study samples include focus groups (n = 36), open trial (n = 15), and a randomized pilot trial including 40 pregnant women and mothers with children under 5 who report current/recent of IPV and elevated symptoms of maternal depression and/or PTSD. The study’s primary outcome will be changes in maternal depressive and PTSD symptoms. Secondary outcomes will include reduction in subsequent IPV, improvement in functioning, changes in social support and effectiveness in obtaining resources.

Discussion

This is a formative study evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a mentor mother intervention for pregnant women and mothers with children under 5. Promising results of this study will be used for a larger, fully-powered randomized trial evaluating the effectiveness of a mentor mother intervention in preventing subsequent IPV and reducing depressive and PTSD symptoms in this population.
Unexpected cranial sexual dimorphism in the tragulid Dorcatherium naui based on material from the middle to late Miocene localities of Eppelsheim and Hammerschmiede (Germany)
Authors: Hartung Josephina , Böhme Madelaine
Published: May 2022

Tragulids, chevrotains or mouse deer, were common faunal elements during the Miocene. During that time, Dorcatherium was the most abundant genus, with D. naui being the first described species. Besides their abundance, until recently only very limited cranial material was available for investigation. Here we present a redescription of the first complete skull of D. naui from the middle to late Miocene locality of Eppelsheim, Germany, based on micro-computed tomography. Furthermore, we present a description and comparison of two additional, new skulls of D. naui from the late Miocene hominid locality Hammerschmiede, Germany. Within Dorcatherium, so far, only three other complete skulls are known, all belonging to D. crassum. A comparison between the three skulls of D. naui and the already known skulls of D. crassum shows that these two species differ in morphological features of the skull, such as laterally facing orbitae, separation of supraorbital foramen from supraorbital groove by a bony bridge, well-developed parietal plateau, prominent nuchal tubercle, less-developed nuchal crests, and the presence of an occipital crest. Moreover, two different osteological morphotypes are present in the skulls of D. naui that can be interpreted as a previously unknown sexual dimorphism. Very similar features are observed in D. crassum, which can be likewise related to the same dimorphism. However, males of D. naui differ from males of D. crassum by the presence of frontoparietal bulges, which were probably used for sexual display and during male-male combats in males of D. naui. For the first time, sexual dimorphism in Dorcatherium is described based on skull characteristics, which are, so far, unknown from any other fossil or extant tragulid.
Hispanic ethnicity and mortality among critically ill patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ricardo Ana C. , Chen Jinsong , Toth-Manikowski Stephanie M. , Meza Natalie , Joo Min , Gupta Shruti , Lazarous Deepa G. , Leaf David E. , Lash James P. ,   on behalf of the STOP-COVID Investigators
Published: May 2022

Background

Hispanic persons living in the United States (U.S.) are at higher risk of infection and death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared with non-Hispanic persons. Whether this disparity exists among critically ill patients with COVID-19 is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate ethnic disparities in mortality among critically ill adults with COVID-19 enrolled in the Study of the Treatment and Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 (STOP-COVID).

Methods

Multicenter cohort study of adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICU) at 67 U.S. hospitals from March 4 to May 9, 2020. Multilevel logistic regression was used to evaluate 28-day mortality across racial/ethnic groups.

Results

A total of 2153 patients were included (994 [46.2%] Hispanic and 1159 [53.8%] non-Hispanic White). The median (IQR) age was 62 (51–71) years (non-Hispanic White, 66 [57–74] years; Hispanic, 56 [46–67] years), and 1462 (67.9%) were men. Compared with non-Hispanic White patients, Hispanic patients were younger; were less likely to have hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, or heart failure; and had longer duration of symptoms prior to ICU admission. During median (IQR) follow-up of 14 (7–24) days, 785 patients (36.5%) died. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, clinical characteristics, and hospital size, Hispanic patients had higher odds of death compared with non-Hispanic White patients (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.12–1.84).

Conclusions

Among critically ill adults with COVID-19, Hispanic patients were more likely to die than non-Hispanic White patients, even though they were younger and had lower comorbidity burden. This finding highlights the need to provide earlier access to care to Hispanic individuals with COVID-19, especially given our finding of longer duration of symptoms prior to ICU admission among Hispanic patients. In addition, there is a critical need to address ongoing disparities in post hospital discharge care for patients with COVID-19.
Screening for balance in children and adults in a community science education setting: Normative data, influence of age, sex, and body mass index, and feasibility
Authors: Friello Phyllis , Silver Nathan , Sangi-Haghpeykar Haleh , Cohen Helen S.
Published: May 2022

Background

Screening standing and walking balance is useful for people suspected of having vestibular disorders, a variety of neurologic and musculoskeletal disorders, and for screening astronauts returning after exposure to microgravity. Visitors to a community science education center children and adults, aged 4 to 85, were tested on tandem walking with eyes closed and the modified Romberg test on compliant foam. They were then asked about their experience participating in research, many people for the first time.

Methods

Subjects performed 10 steps of tandem walking with eyes closed, and three trials of the modified Romberg, or Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance, with eyes closed, standing on compliant memory foam, with a) head still, b) head shaking in yaw, and c) head nodding in pitch. Afterward, staff queried subjects about the experience of participating in science.

Results

Age-related changes across the life span occurred in both sets of tests. Therefore, look-up tables by age are provided. Body mass index significantly affected tandem walking. Some sex differences were found. The tests were easy to administer in a community setting. Most participants enjoyed the experience and reported that they learned about the process of scientific research.

Discussion

These data support and extend the evidence for age-related changes in balance performance across the lifespan and for an influence of body mass index on some balance skills. Clinicians and sports educators should be cognizant of these differences when they use these tests for screening. The community science education environment provided a useful laboratory in which to collect valid and reliable data, while simultaneously educating participants about the process of science.
Inflammation, underweight, malignancy and a marked catabolic state as predictors for worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients with moderate-to-severe disease admitted to Internal Medicine Unit
Authors: Guglielmi Valeria , Colangeli Luca , Scipione Valeria , Ballacci Simona , Di Stefano Martina , Hauser Lauren , Colella Bisogno Michela , D’Adamo Monica , Medda Emanuela , Sbraccia Paolo
Published: May 2022

Introduction

During COVID-19 pandemic, Internal Medicine Units (IMUs) accounted for about 70% of patients hospitalized. Although a large body of data has been published regarding the so-called first wave of the pandemic, little is known about the characteristics and predictors of worse outcomes of patients managed in IMUs during the second wave.

Methods

We prospectively assessed demographics, comorbidities, treatment and outcomes, including ventilation support (VS) and death, in patients admitted to our IMU for SARS-CoV-2 between October 13th, 2020 and January 21st, 2021. Clinical evolution and biochemical testing 1, 7 and 14 days after COVID-19 diagnosis were recorded.

Results

We studied 120 patients (M/F 56/64, age 71±14.5 years) admitted to our IMU. Most of them had at least one comorbidity (80%). Patients who died were older, more frequently underweight, affected by malignant neoplasms and on statin therapy compared to patients eventually discharged. Both worse outcome groups (VS and death) presented higher neutrophils, ferritin, IL-6 and lower total proteins levels than controls. Age was significantly associated with mortality but not with VS need. The multivariate analysis showed age and gender independent association of mortality with underweight, malignancy and antibiotics use at the admission. With regard to biochemical parameters, both unfavourable outcomes were positively associated with high WBC count, neutrophils, blood urea nitrogen and low serum total proteins.

Conclusions

Our study identified inflammation, underweight, malignancy and a marked catabolic state as the main predictors for worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients admitted to IMU during the so-called second wave of the pandemic.
What is the evidence for efficacy, effectiveness and safety of surgical interventions for plantar fasciopathy? A systematic review
Authors: MacRae C. Sian , Roche Andrew J. , Sinnett Tim J. , O’Connell Neil E.
Published: May 2022

Aims

To systematically review randomised control trials (RCT’s) assessing the effectiveness and safety of surgical interventions in adults with plantar fasciopathy (PF).

Materials and methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, trial registries and references lists. RCT’s comparing surgical interventions with non-surgical or surgical comparisons in adults with PF were included. Primary outcomes were changes in first step pain severity/intensity, and incidence/nature of adverse events. Secondary outcomes included foot and ankle related disability/function, health related quality of life, cost effectiveness, changes in other reported measures of pain and medication use. Data were extracted at short-term (≤3 months post-intervention), medium-term (>3months—≤6 months post-intervention) or long-term (>6 months—≤2 years post-treatment). Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

From 3620 screened records, we included 8 studies comprising 345 patients. Substantial variation across trials precluded meta-analysis, hence a narrative synthesis was conducted. We judged all studies to have high risk of bias. For all outcome comparisons our GRADE judgement for the certainty of the evidence was very low. Three studies compared one type of surgery with another largely showing little to no difference in outcomes for pain, function or quality of life. Five studies compared surgery with non-surgical interventions—three providing very low certainty evidence that surgery may improve pain and function at long-term follow-up compared to non-surgical comparisons, whereas two studies provided no long-term between-group differences. Reporting of adverse events were inadequate, inconsistent or absent across all studies.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of high certainty evidence to support or refute the effectiveness and safety of surgical interventions in the management of PF. We make recommendations for improving the evidence base in this field.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of thiazolidine-2-thione derivatives as novel xanthine oxidase inhibitors
Authors: Wang Mu-Xuan , Qin Hong-Wei , Liu Chao , Lv Shen-Ming , Chen Jia-Shu , Wang Chun-Gu , Chen Ying-Ying , Wang Jia-Wei , Sun Jin-Yue , Liao Zhi-Xin
Published: May 2022

Xanthine oxidase (XO) is a key enzyme in the generation and development of hyperuricemia. Thiazolidine-2-thione, a typical heterocyclic compound, have been widely used in the field of drug synthesis. In this study, a series of novel thiazolidine-2-thione derivatives were synthesized as XO inhibitors, and the XO inhibitory potencies of obtained compounds were evaluated by in vitro enzyme catalysis. The result shown that compound 6k behaved the strongest XO inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 3.56 μmol/L, which was approximately 2.5-fold more potent than allopurinol. The structure-activity relationship revealed that the phenyl-sulfonamide group was indispensable for thiazolidine-2-thione derivatives to produce XO inhibitory activity. The enzyme inhibition kinetics analyses confirmed that compound 6k exerted a mixed-type XO inhibition. Additionally, the molecular docking results suggested that the 4-fluorophenyl-sulfonyl moiety could interact with Gly260 and Ile264 in the innermost part of the active pocket through 2 hydrogen bonds, while the thiazolidinethione moiety could form two hydrogen bonds with Glu263 and Ser347 in hydrophobic pockets. In summary, the results described above suggested that compound 6k could be a valuable lead compound for the treatment of hyperuricemia as a novel XO inhibitor.
"Maybe this is just not the place for me:" Gender harassment and discrimination in the geosciences
Authors: Mattheis Allison , Marín-Spiotta Erika , Nandihalli Sunita , Schneider Blair , Barnes Rebecca T.
Published: May 2022

Rampant gender-based harassment and discrimination are recognized problems that negatively impact efforts to diversify science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. We explored the particularities of this phenomenon in the geosciences, via focus groups conducted at STEM professional society meetings, with the goal of informing interventions specific to the discipline. Using grounded theory analysis, two primary drivers for the persistence and perpetuation of gender-based harassment in the geosciences were identified: a particular history of power dynamics and maintenance of dominant stereotypes, and a pattern of ineffective responses to incidents of harassment and discrimination. Informed by intersectional feminist scholarship by women of color that illustrates how efforts to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM without attending to the overlapping impacts of racism, colonialism, ableism, and classism will not succeed, we view harassment and discrimination as structural problems that require collective solutions. Continuing to recruit individuals into a discipline without changing its fundamental nature can tokenize and isolate them or encourage assimilation and acceptance of deep-seated traditions no matter how damaging. It is the responsibility of those in power, and especially those who hold more privileged status due to their social identities, to contribute to the dismantling of current structures that reinforce inequity. By providing explanatory illustrative examples drawn from first-person accounts we aim to humanize the numbers reported in workplace climate surveys, address gaps in knowledge specific to the geosciences, and identify interventions aligned with an intersectional framework that aim to disrupt discriminatory practices endemic to the geosciences and larger STEM community.
Extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases and carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from fresh produce farms in different governorates of Egypt
Authors: Elshafiee Esraa A. , Kadry Mona , Nader Sara Mohamed , Ahmed Zeinab S.
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim: Fresh produce farms represents a major source of concern since they are becoming increasingly antibiotic resistant. This study aimed to investigate t he occurrence of carbapenemase and extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases (ESBL) - producing genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from fresh produce farms in Egypt, irrigation water, and people working in these fields.

Materials and Methods: One hundred tomatoes from typical farms were collected in plastic bags. The study also included 20 surface-water samples from different irrigation watersheds in fresh produce farms, as well as 50 feces samples from farmworkers. Suspected K. pneumoniae was grown on Eosin Methylene Blue agar for 24 h before being biochemically identified using the RapID ONE test. PCR was used to detect carbapenemase (blaKPC, blaOXA-48, and blaNDM) and ESBL (blaSHV, blaTEM, and blaCTX) expressing genes on isolates.

Results: K. pneumoniae was identified in 30% of water and 10% of worker samples, while only one isolate was found in tomato samples. One of the six irrigation water isolates tested positive for carbapenem-resistant NDM. In contrast, two isolates tested positive for ESBL determinants, one of which was blaSHV and the other having both blaSHV and blaTEM genes. Two of the five K. pneumoniae isolates from farmworkers were positive for blaNDM, with one isolate also testing positive for blaSHV and blaTEM. The blaOXA-48 gene was also discovered in the carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae tomato isolate used in this study.

Conclusion: Carbapenemase- and ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae were found in fresh produce farms, implying that these resistance genes were being passed down to Egyptian consumers.