bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Auditory, Intellectually, Repetition (Air) terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika Siswa
Authors: Luthfiana Maria , Wahyuni Reny
Published: February 2020

This study aims to determine the completeness of mathematics learning outcomes of VIII grade students of SMP Negeri Selangit after applying the Auditory, Intellectually, Repetition (AIR) learning model. The research method, is a quantitative research with quasi-experimental research design (quasi experiment). The sample in this study was grade VIII.4 students consisting of 30 students. Data collection was carried out using test techniques. The test data collected was analyzed using t-test. The results of the study, based on t-test analysis with a significant level α = 0.05, obtained an average test score before the application of the Auditory, Intellectually, Repetition (AIR) learning model was 22.15 and after the application of the Auditory learning model, Intellectually, Repetition (AIR) obtained an average test score of 73.94 with tcount> ttable (2,821)> (1,699). Conclusion, student mathematics learning outcomes after VIII SMP Negeri Selangit after the application of the Auditory, Intellectually, Repitition (AIR) model are significantly completed.

Keywords: Auditory, Learning Outcomes, Intellectually, Repetition
Efektivitas Pembelajaran Matematika Menggunakan Media Berbasis E-Learning
Authors: Lutfiyah Lutfiyah , Sulisawati Dwi Noviani
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to see the effectiveness of the use of e-learning based media in mathematics learning at the Raudlatuth Thalabah Vocational School. Research methods, namely quantitative research with descriptive research designs where data collection uses the test, observation, and questionnaire methods. Data analysis was performed descriptively quantitatively involving 25 students of class X-A. The results of the research and analysis of the data obtained obtained information that each aspect of the ability to manage the learning process, and student activities during learning, learning outcomes of students and the responses students have after participating in learning are good criteria. It can be concluded that mathematics learning using e-learning based media is significantly effective.

Keywords: Effectiveness, E-learning Media, Mathematics Learning
Pengembangan Lembar Kerja Siswa (LKS) Menggunakan Pendekatan Matematika Realistik Indonesia Berbasis Konteks Sumatera Selatan
Authors: Adha Idul , Refianti Rani
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to produce student worksheets (LKS) that are validity and practical, and have potential effects on student learning outcomes. The method in this study uses the modified Dick and Carey development method. LKS developed valid based on expert and practical response questionnaires based on student response questionnaires. The potential effects of LKS developed can be seen from the activities of students in working on the questions on the LKS, where students more easily understand the mathematical concepts contained in the LKS and use the concepts appropriately in solving the problems given. The results of the study Of the 23 students who were the subjects of the study obtained 11 people were in the excellent category or around 47.82%. Whereas there are 5 people in katerogy or around 21.73%, enough categories are obtained by 4 people or around 17.39% and the poor category is obtained by 3 people or around 13.04%. It can be concluded that LKS designed using a realistic Indonesian mathematical approach based on the context of South Sumatra has a potential effect on student learning outcomes.

Keywords: PMRI, Student worksheet, Development
Identifikasi Konsep Matematika Melalui Aktivitas Etnomatematika Petani Sawah
Authors: Aulia Laksmi , Rista Lia
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the mathematical concepts through ethnomatematics activities of rice farmers in the community in Blang Jrun village, North Aceh. This research is a type of qualitative research with an ethnographic approach. The subjects of this study were 8 people who work as farmers in Blang Jruen Village, North Aceh Regency. Data collection methods used were interviews, documentation and observation. The results showed that community farmers in Blang Jruen Village indirectly used ethnomatematics activities in rice farming. Ethnomatematic activities used include counting, counting and measuring activities. The most common activity in rice farmers is counting activity. In counting activities many mathematical concepts emerge by the farmers. Like addition; reduction; multiplication; division; worth comparison; and the comparison turned value. Whereas the spelling activity only appears in the mention of the vast rice fields. Measuring activity arises when estimating the distance between one crop and another and estimating the size of rice fields and yields. Conclusion, there are a lot of ethnomatematics activities in farming activities carried out by the Blang Jruen Village community in North Aceh Regency. Ethnomatematics activities include counting, counting and measuring activities. These concepts can be used as inspiration and contextual learning reference material.

Keywords: Ethnomatematics Activities, Mathematical Concepts, Rice Farmers
Pengembangan Lembar Kerja Siswa (LKS) Menggunakan Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) Berbasis Kota Lubuklinggau
Authors: Refianti Rani , Marisa Z Marisa Z , Mandasari Novianti
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop student worksheets (LKS) using the Lubuklinggau city-based Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) on the set material in class VII according to the 2013 curriculum and find out the quality of worksheets developed from the validity, practicality and potential effects of using LKS. The research method used is Research and Development (R&D) research. Development of worksheets using a 4-D model that was modified to a 3-D model. This model consists of 3 stages, namely: the stage of defining (Define), design (Development) and development (Develop) without including the spread (Disseminate) due to time constraints. The results of the study are based on the assessment analysis by the three experts namely: linguists, material experts, and media experts showing that the worksheet fulfills valid criteria with an average score of 3.12. While the results of the analysis of student response questionnaire assessments obtained that the student worksheets meet practical criteria with an average score of 3.55 and have a potential effect of 27 students (84.37%) whose grades reach mastery learning, while 5 students (15.63%) not reached mastery learning. In conclusion, the development of student worksheets using the contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) based on the city of Lubuklinggau is declared valid, practical and has a potential effect on students' mastery learning.

Keywords: Contextual Teaching and Learning, Student Worksheet
Pengembangan LKS Berbasis PMRI Menggunakan Konteks Etnomatematika pada Materi SPLDV
Authors: Prabawati Rini , Yanto Yufitri , Mandasari Novianti
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop a realistic worksheet using the Ethnomatematics on SPLDV material and to determine the quality of worksheets in terms of validity and practicality. The method used in this study is the Research and Dependency (R&D) method which is a developmental study referring to the 4-D development model, namely define, design, develop, and disseminate modified to 3-D. The instruments used to measure the quality of worksheets that were developed include validation sheets, and practicality questionnaires. The product of this research is a realistic worksheet using ethnomatematics context on SPLDV material with the advice of eighth grade students of junior high school. The results showed that: (1) the quality of worksheets seen from the validity aspects included in the valid category with an overall average score of 3.06; and (2) the quality of worksheets seen from the practical aspect is categorized very practical with an overall average score of 3.5. Conclusion, the development of PMRI-based worksheets in the context of ethnomatematics in SPLDV material was declared valid and practically used by students.

Keywords: Ethnomatematics worksheet, PMRI, SPLDV
COOPERATIVE LEARNING DESIGN IN WEB MEDIA: CONCEPTUAL REVIEW
Authors: Sjafei Irna , Muslim Suyitno , Soekardjo Moch.
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes the conceptual feasibility of designing cooperative learning on web media. Web-based cooperative learning is done by incorporating elements of cooperative learning on the web. Various cooperative learning studies are used as a basis for building cooperative learning steps designed. Preparation before implementing cooperative learning on a website plays an important role. The initial process of preparing cooperative learning on the web: 1) Preparing data about students, 2) Developing an activity plan including objectives, 3) Determining teaching materials, 4) Organizing groups of students, 5) Planning weight values, 6) Determining action instruments (observation sheets, learning outcomes test, questionnaire about learning responses).

The results of the study formulate cooperative learning steps on the web using forum chat facilities: 1) Present goals and instruction sets; 2) Arrange students to become learning teams; 3) Helping team work and learning; 4) Test material; 5) Give recognition.
Perioperative pain management in elderly patients with а proximal femoral fracture: evidence review
Authors: Romanenko Anastasiia , Кучин Юрій , Бєлка Катерина , Токар Ігор
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this article is to compare different methods of analgesia during perioperative period in elderly patients with а proximal femoral fracture. The incidence of hip fracture is high and also rises with the age, for example, In Great Britain, number of patients with a hip fracture will be approximately 100 000 in 2033, and it’s also associated with significant healthcare financing. Nevertheless, effective pain management is a big challenge for clinicians because of considerable problems in geriatric patients, including age, physiological changes in the elderly, preexisting comorbidities, cognitive impairment, high risk of delirium, problems with rehabilitation and probability of an independent life [12].   Opioids are still the main option for hip fracture pain management, despite differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in elderly patients, which are correlated with high frequency of side effects. Opioid-related adverse drug events are associated with worse patient outcomes such as morbidity, mortality and length of stay increase. Therefore, peripheral nerve blocks as part of multimodal analgesic technique can provide more effective pain control after hip fracture. Comprehensive literature searches focus on the use of peripheral nerves blocks as preoperative analgesia, as postoperative analgesia or as a supplement to general anesthesia for hip fracture surgery.
Itching as the onset of pain (part 1)
Authors: Kushnir Valerii , Dmytrenko Svitlana , Katilov Oleksandr , Kushnir Nataliia
Published: February 2020

PAIN is a psychophysiological reaction of an organism that occurs with severe irritation of the sensitive nerve endings embedded in organs and tissues. And also pain is the body’s protective reaction. It is signaling about a discomfort and triggers an appropriate response by the body to eliminate the cause of the pain. Pain is one of the earliest symptoms of some diseases [84]. ITCHING – an unpleasant sensation of irritation, heartburn and tingling in any area of the skin caused by various factors (exposure to chemicals, bacteria, parasites). This feeling is often manifested by the urgent need to rub or scratch some areas of the skin (or mucous membrane) [85]. When considering the pathogenesis of these concepts, a sufficiently large resemblance to the realization of mechanisms of origin, or a certain identity thereof is revealed. The question naturally arises whether itching is an early manifestation of pain, especially in those groups of diseases that are not characterized by pain. Pathology of the hematopoietic system is not accompanied by a symptom such as pain. But for conditions such as iron overload, iron deficiency or polycythemia, itching is a clear symptom. The unknown etiology of chronic itching of the skin is indicative of histological examination of the skin in order to exclude skin lymphoma. One of the least understood mechanisms of itching is itching associated with malignant solid tumors. What pain that itching is a subjective sensation that can have an acute or chronic course, a clear intensity and a very significant impact on quality of life, especially in the case of comorbidity. In addition, the question arises whether itching is an early manifestation of pain, especially in those groups of diseases that are not characterized by pain. How can a doctor manage itching effectively to prevent complications? To these and other questions, we have attempted to systematize the manifestations of itching in pathologies of organs and systems that are not traditionally accompanied by pain.
Approaches to Text Analysis
Authors: Perkins Mark
Published: February 2020

Text Analysis is a broad term that covers many approaches and technologies. Those initially stemming from the academic sphere have come to enter the commercial, and today there is a wide interplay between the two. A further dichotomy is that between natural language and computational approaches. Over time, approaches have come to draw upon each other, although there are still clear dividing lines and practitioners tend to rely mainly on one approach or the other. This paper seeks to draw out these approaches and give an account of them over time. It also points to future developments where artificial intelligence is increasingly used.
The Echoes of Conscience: Study of Lord of the Flies based on Ghazalian Nafs-e-Lawwama and Freudian Superego
Authors: Qadir Samina Amin , Mazhar Shumaila , Malghani Mehwish
Published: February 2020

The current study aims at exploring the working of Ghazalian nafs e Lawwama and Freudian superego in Lord of the Flies. This study, in the parameters of psychoanalytical interpretation, explicitly describes the profound impact of nafs e lawwama / superego on the major characters of the novel, as they cross the limitations of morality, get tortured by remorse, and finally struggle to compensate for it. The study finds out that Ghazalian nafse-lawwama and Freudian superego impose constraints on the instant fulfillment of pleasures of id / nafs-e-ammara and reproaches ego / aql for its negligence of the voice of conscience. This study provides an exciting opportunity to advance our knowledge of literary analysis and contributes to this growing area of research by probing into the depth of the human psyche
Outcome-Based Assessment and Saudi National Qualifications Framework: An Evaluation of English-Major’s Summative Examinations
Authors: Umer Muhammad , Soomro Abdul Fattah
Published: February 2020

Aligning assessment practices with instructional and learning strategies trigger deep learning. However, research confirms that some language teaching contexts do not moderate a positive association between assessment methods and course learning outcomes (CLOs). This research attempted to examine the congruence between assessment task designs and CLOs of an English-major program in a Saudi public university and evaluate the authenticity of the tasks. To seek answers for the research questions, final examination marked papers of nine randomly selected courses were evaluated. The study used a documentary research method. The question papers underwent both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The results evinced inconsistencies in assessment task designing and marking styles across the courses. The tasks were invalid and unauthentic, and they did not match CLOs. Therefore, suggestions are presented that the assessment practices should be revisited to stop assessment tempering in the interest of observable and sustainable academic achievements.
Doctrine of Fana and Baqa of Sufism in Shafaks The Forty Rules of Love: A Content Analysis
Authors: Bugti Nayab Aziz , Khan Fouzia Rehman
Published: February 2020

The study aims to find aspects of the Doctrine of Fana and Baqa from Sufism in different characters of Shafaks novel The Forty Rules of Love. For this purpose qualitative mode of inquiry is adopted. The technique of content analysis is used for data analysis underpinned with Junayds theoretical framework of Sufism. The study finds that Shafak portrayed Fana as foundation and Baqa as a goal in Sufism through love as an inspirational tool, and concludes that Shafak has focused on Universal Love and spirituality but parallel to the emotions, experiences of Fana are revealed through the portrayal of characters.
Phonology, Morphology, and Syntax Interfaces in Pakistani Languages
Authors: Kamran Umaima , Saghir Samra
Published: February 2020

This paper is about language variation i.e. lexical variation caused by the interfaces of Phonology, Morphology and Syntax in Pakistani languages. According to Shackle (2014) Urdu, Punjabi and Seraiki languages belong to the Indo-Aryan language family. However, there are found many lexical differences significant enough to make these languages quite different from one another. The study focuses on these lexical variations based on three types of interfaces, i.e. Phonology/Morphology, Phonology/Syntax, and Morphology/Syntax. The data has been collected from the native speakers of Urdu, Punjabi, and Seraiki. The analysis of the data includes finding out the three types of interfaces, making derivations and notations (Chomsky and Halle; 1968), and formulating the rules. Then a comparison of all these rules and lexical variations have been discussed. Results have shown that these interfaces play an important role to cause lexical variation among Urdu, Punjabi and Seraiki; the languages with common ancestry
Sherman Alexies Environmental Racism in The Summer of Black Widows
Authors: Murtaza Ghulam , Bhatti Shaheena Ayub , Rose Shazia
Published: February 2020

Relationship with the environment is rooted in the epistemology of a community. The white worldview favors hierarchy of the chain of being. Environment being at the lowest rung deserves only one response from mankind: subjugation and destruction which entail white dominance for ecocide of the Native American environment. Alexies incorporation of Nature is not an escapist stance; it comes from the understanding that no venture into future is possible without understanding the past. The Native American epistemology is land based in which geography, events, myth and history cohere with mutually supporting brotherhood of humans and non-humans. Alexie is an environmental racist who believes that the Euroamericans are responsible for the breach of the Native American ecological balance. Dislocations of the Natives and the destruction of their environment meant the annihilation of their civilization. Alexies poetry imaginatively recovers the Native American relationship with the environment destroyed by EuroAmerican colonization
Assimilating Gender Subversion into Counter Hegemony: A Journey from Personal to Societal Disruption in a Fairy Tale
Authors: Khan Faria Saeed , Mazhar Zainab , Khan Fouzia Rehman
Published: February 2020

The fairy tales depict dissatisfied characters, whose individual potential and capabilities are limited under specific gender categories and societal hegemony. Thus, the characters, thus, rebel against the conventions, through gender subversion, and countering the hegemony forces. Thus, the paper is built on the theoretical frameworks of gender subversion, by Judith Butler (1990) and counter-hegemony by Antonio Gramsci (1971). The qualitative research thematically analyzed the character of Alex Bailey from, The Enchantress Returns by Chris Colfer (2013). The findings revealed that subverting gender gives confidence at the personal level, to counter-hegemonic forms at the social level. The findings also revealed that Alex was criticized, tormented, and discouraged for the subversion of the gender rules and norms, but, she encountered the prevailing hegemony and transformed at the societal level. The transformations are not necessarily massive, but, are sufficient enough to affect Alex and her actions.
Marriage and the Exploitation of Women: A Case-Study of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Authors: Imtiaz Maryam , Khan Muhammad Asif , Shaheen Aamer
Published: February 2020

The present is a case study with a special focus on the institution of marriage which is inflicted upon women for their exploitation as represented in the selected text. This objective has been realized through a text-based exploration of the exploitation of female members of the society in the name of marriage. The selected text has been analyzed in light of feminist ideology. The research highlights the exploitation of women in the 1950s. The institution of marriage has been viewed as a hard chain that restricts female members of American society from flourishing as individual beings. The outcome of this exploitation has been seen in the negation of this institution by the protagonist and her negative impression of this institution. The study has consulted the perspectives of feminists such as Josephine Donovan, Kate Millet and Sheila Cronan to critically evaluate the suffering and its consequences for the protagonist
Agha Shahid Ali: Hyphenated Identities as a Tool for Understanding the Diasporic Sensibility
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Kazim , Zeeshan Mahwish , Houswitschka Christoph
Published: February 2020

The question of identity lies at the nucleus of literary theory, as well as socio-political discourse. The classification of ones identity is often used to analyze and better understand the work of many authors and their lives. However, the issue that arises regarding these questions is the urge to simplify identity as linear and monolithic. This proves problematic as such an approach overlooks major aspects of the authors works, especially in the case of diasporic literature. It does not suffice to simply consider the multifaceted identities of these writers when categorizing them. The realization, of how these identities not only inform the writings of these people but also introduce into the English language flavors from other languages and cultures, is essential for the progress of a diasporic sensibility. A basic methodology is developed in this paper regarding multidimensional realities in poetry, with Agha Shahid Ali as a case-study, to elaborate on how a diasporic author can use and introduce novel forms into the English language.
Going Against the grain: An FPDA of The Epic of Gilgamesh
Authors: Zaheer Samreen , Masroor Farzana
Published: February 2020

The aspects of ones identity are positioned within a context prescribed by culture and they are according to cultural expectation. The present study aims to add/explore power dynamics that are embedded in the discourses of Ishtar and Shamhat. This study is concerned with how in The Epic of Gilgamesh, the two female characters: Ishtar and Shamhat are received and perceived by their immediate audience. The present study through feminist Post Structured Discourse Analysis (FPDA) (Baxter, 2003) lens analyzes characters of Ishtar and Shamhat, the focus of the study is to inspect the ways through these characters negotiates their positions, identities and relationships in a society that is dominated by patriarchal traditional discourses. It is concluded that both female characters in their respective discourses are victorious in their persuasion of action and manner of speaking.
Fostering Learner Autonomy through Foreign Language Learning Strategies among Pakistani EFL Learners
Authors: Butt Ayesha , Quraishi Uzma , Bhatti Sameera Ayub
Published: February 2020

Learner autonomy refers to the practical situations and interventions of learning, where individual independence of a learner is given more attention (Smith, 2008). Learner autonomy (LA) can be promoted in foreign language classrooms by using foreign language learning strategies and it can pave the way for successful learning outcomes (Kim, 2013). Foreign language learning strategies (FLLS) are the behaviors, techniques and active engagement of learners (Ellis, 2008). The present study identified the foreign language learning strategies (FLLS), used by the Pakistani students at the tertiary level, where they were found to be unaware of the phenomena. Then a learner-training program based on FLLS was designed and implemented on the sample of 50 EFL students to foster autonomy. The research through an experiment of intervention found the effectiveness of the program with reference to LA development, the enhanced use of FLLS by students and the stimulation of their interest.
Intertextual Elements Highlighting the Postmodernist Features of Tangled (2010)
Authors: Khan Mehwish Ali , Khan Fouzia Rehman
Published: February 2020

The present study focuses on one of the contemporary American fairy tale movies to analyze the postmodernist aspects present in these movies. The researcher has selected the movie Tangled released in 2010 for this purpose, it is a remake of the famous fairy tale Rapunzel recorded by famous fairy tale writers, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. One of the most prominent patterns of analyzing the movies through the lens of postmodernism is the framework by Kevin Paul Smith, in his book The Postmodern Fairytale, Folkloric Intertexts in Contemporary Fiction. He has presented eight elements of intertextuality to examine the intertextual elements of the older fairy tales present in contemporary literature (2007). Analysis reveals these eight elements in Tangled (2010) that are evident in traces of postmodernity in the movie.
Early postoperative MRI and detection of residual adenoma after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery
Authors: Alhilali Lea M. , Little Andrew S. , Yuen Kevin C. J. , Lee Jae , Ho Timothy K. , Fakhran Saeed , White William L.
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE

Current practice guidelines recommend delayed (≥ 3 months after operation) postoperative MRI after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas, although this practice defers obtaining important information, such as the presence of a residual adenoma, that might influence patient management during the perioperative period. In this study, the authors compared detection of residual adenomas by means of early postoperative (EPO) MRI (< 48 hours postsurgery) with both surgeon intraoperative assessment and late postoperative (LPO) MRI at 3 months.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent microscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas with MRI preoperatively, < 48 hours after the operation, 3 months postoperatively, and yearly for 4 years were included. The presence or absence of residual tumor was assessed intraoperatively by a single surgeon and postoperatively by 2 neuroradiologists blinded to the intraoperative assessment and other postoperative imaging studies. The presence of residual tumor was confirmed by reresection, tumor growth on imaging, or hormonal evidence. Interreader reliability was calculated at each imaging time point. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for EPO and LPO imaging and intraoperative assessment were determined.

RESULTS

In total, 102 consecutive patients who underwent microscopic transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary adenoma were included. Eighteen patients (18%) had confirmed residual tumors (12 confirmed by tumor growth, 5 by surgery, and 1 by biochemical evidence of persistent disease). Interreader reliability for detecting residual tumor on EPO MRI was almost perfect (κ = 0.88) and significantly higher than that for LPO MRI (κ = 0.69, p = 0.03). EPO MRI was highly specific for residual tumor (98%), a finding similar to that for intraoperative assessment (99%, p = 0.60) and significantly higher than that for LPO MRI (81%, p < 0.001). Notably, EPO MRI was significantly more sensitive for residual tumor (100%) than both intraoperative assessment (78%, p = 0.04) and LPO MRI (78%, p = 0.04). EPO MRI had a 100% negative predictive value and was used to find 4 residual tumors that were not identified intraoperatively. Residual tumors found on EPO MRI allowed for reresection during the same hospitalization for 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

EPO MRI after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery can be reliably interpreted and has greater sensitivity for detecting residual tumor than intraoperative assessment and LPO MRI. This result challenges current guidelines stating that delayed postoperative imaging is preferable to early imaging. Pituitary surgeons should consider performing EPO MRI either in addition to or instead of delayed imaging.
Cranial flap fixation in sheep using a resorbable bone adhesive
Authors: Foley Kevin T. , Woodard Eric J. , Slotkin Jonathan R. , Mayotte Cassandra K. , Baldwin Abigail C. , Brown Michael C. , Hess Brian J.
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE

The authors’ goal in this study was to investigate the use of a novel, bioresorbable, osteoconductive, wet-field mineral-organic bone adhesive composed of tetracalcium phosphate and phosphoserine (TTCP-PS) for cranial bone flap fixation and compare it with conventional low-profile titanium plates and self-drilling screws.

METHODS

An ovine craniotomy surgical model was used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TTCP-PS over 2 years. Bilateral cranial defects were created in 41 sheep and were replaced in their original position. The gaps (kerfs) were completely filled with TTCP-PS (T1 group), half-filled with TTCP-PS (T2 group), or left empty and the flaps fixated by plates and screws as a control (C group). At 12 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years following surgery, the extent of bone healing, local tissue effects, and remodeling of the TTCP-PS were analyzed using macroscopic observations and histopathological and histomorphometric analyses. Flap fixation strength was evaluated by biomechanical testing at 12 weeks and 1 year postoperatively.

RESULTS

No adverse local tissue effects were observed in any group. At 12 weeks, the bone flap fixation strengths in test group 1 (1689 ± 574 N) and test group 2 (1611 ± 501 N) were both statistically greater (p = 0.01) than that in the control group (663 ± 385 N). From 12 weeks to 1 year, the bone flap fixation strengths increased significantly (p < 0.05) for all groups. At 1 year, the flap fixation strength in test group 1 (3240 ± 423 N) and test group 2 (3212 ± 662 N) were both statistically greater (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively) than that in the control group (2418 ± 1463 N); however, there was no statistically significant difference in the strengths when comparing the test groups at both timepoints. Test group 1 had the best overall performance based on histomorphometric evaluation and biomechanical testing. At 2 years postoperatively, the kerfs filled with TTCP-PS had histological evidence of osteoconduction and replacement of TTCP-PS by bone with nearly complete osteointegration.

CONCLUSIONS

TTCP-PS was demonstrated to be safe and effective for cranial flap fixation in an ovine model. In this study, the bioresorbable, osteoconductive bone adhesive appeared to have multiple advantages over standard plate-and-screw bone flap fixation, including biomechanical superiority, more complete and faster bony healing across the flap kerfs without fibrosis, and the minimization of bone flap and/or hardware migration and loosening. These properties of TTCP-PS may improve human cranial bone flap fixation and cranioplasty.
Objective quantification of contrast enhancement of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a high-resolution vessel wall imaging validation study
Authors: Roa Jorge A. , Zanaty Mario , Osorno-Cruz Carlos , Ishii Daizo , Bathla Girish , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Hasan David M. , Samaniego Edgar A.
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE

High-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) has emerged as a valuable tool in assessing unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). There is no standardized method to quantify contrast enhancement of the aneurysm wall. Contrast enhancement can be objectively measured as signal intensity (SI) or subjectively adjudicated. In this study, the authors compared the different methods to quantify wall enhancement of UIAs and determined the sensitivity and specificity of each method as a surrogate of aneurysm instability. They also compared SI quantification between scanners from different manufacturers.

METHODS

The University of Iowa HR-VWI Project database was analyzed. This database compiles patients with UIAs who prospectively underwent HR-VWI using a 3T MRI scanner. The mean and maximal SI values of the aneurysm wall, pituitary stalk, and genu of the corpus callosum were used to compare 3 different measurement methods: 1) aneurysm enhancement ratio AER = (SIwall post − SIwall pre)/SIwall pre; 2) aneurysm-to–pituitary stalk contrast ratio CRstalk = SIwall post/SIstalk post; and 3) aneurysm enhancement index AEI = ([SIwall post/SIbrain post] − [SIwall pre/SIbrain pre])/(SIwall pre/SIbrain pre) (where “pre” indicates precontrast images and “post” indicates postcontrast images). Size ≥ 7 mm was used as a surrogate of aneurysm instability for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. To determine if the objective quantification of SI varies among scanners from different manufacturers, 9 UIAs underwent the same HR-VWI protocol using a 3T General Electric (GE) scanner and a 3T Siemens scanner. Three UIAs also underwent a third scanning procedure on a unit with a different magnet strength (7T GE).

RESULTS

Eighty patients with 102 UIAs were included in the study. The mean age was 64.5 ± 12.2 years, and 64 (80%) patients were women. UIAs ≥ 7 mm had significantly higher SIs than smaller UIAs (< 7 mm): AER = 0.82 vs 0.49, p < 0.001; CRstalk = 0.84 vs 0.61, p < 0.001; and AEI = 0.81 vs 0.48, p < 0.001. ROC curves demonstrated optimal sensitivity of 81.5% for CRstalk ≥ 0.60, 75.9% for AEI ≥ 0.50, and 74.1% for AER ≥ 0.49. Intermanufacturer correlation between 3T GE and 3T Siemens MRI scanners for CRstalk using mean and maximal SI values was excellent (Pearson coefficients > 0.80, p < 0.001). A similar correlation was identified among the 3 UIAs that underwent 7T imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

CRstalk using maximal SI values was the most reliable objective method to quantify enhancement of UIAs on HR-VWI. The same ratios were obtained between different manufacturers and on scans obtained using magnets of different strengths.
Fracture and Permeability Properties of Artificial Fly Ash and Slag aggregate Concretes at Different Water-to-Cement Ratios
Authors: Samadar Salim
Published: February 2020

This study presents an experimental investigation on the effect of artificial aggregate utilization fracture and permeability properties of concretes. For this, two types of artificial aggregates, namely, artificial fly ash aggregate (AFA) from cold bonding agglomeration process of fly ash and Portland cement and artificial slag aggregate (ASA) from cold bonding agglomeration process of ground granulated blast furnace slag and Portland cement, were replaced with natural aggregate to coarse aggregate. Moreover, to investigate the influence of water-to-cement ratio, three different water-tocement ratios of 0.35, 0.45, and 0.55 were considered in the concrete production. The concretes were tested for the mechanical property in terms of as compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and splitting, net flexural strength, and fracture energy and also permeability property such as water sorptivity, water penetration, gas permeability, and resistance to chloride ion penetration. The test results were also analyzed by means of statistical technique, namely, GLM-ANOVA. It was found that the use of cold bonded fly ash and slag aggregates were very effective on the performance characteristics of concretes depending on w/c ratio.
Metrological support of methods of rate and throughput measurements in packet data networks: problems and development prospects
Authors: Aprelev A.V. , Belyaev V.S. , Malay I.M. , Shorin V.N.
Published: February 2020

The main problems of metrological support of speed and throughput measurements in digital packet data networks are considered. The measures for performing data rate measurements are listed. Various ways of ensuring traceability of digital information transmission rate meters are proposed, such as modernization of the existing GET 200-2012, development of the primary reference method of speed measurements and creation of a local verification scheme for digital information transmission rate measurements. Recommendations on the implementation of the chosen method of ensuring traceability of data rate meters and throughput of communication channels are given. The proposed approaches can be applied in the Metrology of digital communication systems.
Computational design of ancestral and consensus sequence of apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) of Plasmodium spp
Authors: Nurdiansyah Rizky , Kemal Rahmat Azhari
Published: February 2020

Background: It is important to design a malaria vaccine targeting all human malaria parasites as well as non-human primate parasites to eradicate malaria and prevent zoonotic malaria. Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) protein is shared by human-infecting Plasmodium species. Ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR) and consensus sequence construction on AMA1 might be able to overcome the antigenic distinction between those species.  

Objective: We aimed to computationally design the ancestral and consensus sequence of Plasmodium AMA1 protein and analyze the sequences for its putative immunogenicity.

Methods: We utilized bioinformatics software to computationally design ancestral and consensus sequences of AMA1 protein. AMA1 protein sequences of human-infecting Plasmodium and non-human primate Plasmodium were retrieved from PlasmoDB. ASR was designed using MEGA X while consensus was inferred using UGENE. Phylogenetic tree consisting of existing Plasmodium sequences and the ancestral sequence was constructed using IQTREE webserver and visualized with FigTree.

Results: Phylogenetic analysis showed that Plasmodium spp. were divided into 2 major groups, P. falciparum (Clade F) and non-falciparum (Clade NF) thus three ancestral and consensus sequences were designed based on each clade and both clades at once. Reconstructed ancestral sequences were located as sister branch for naturally occurring strains. On the contrary, consensus sequences are located within the branch of corresponding naturally occurring strains. Sequence analysis showed the presence of CD8+ T cell epitope in all computationally-designed sequences.

Conclusion: Ancestral and consensus AMA1 sequences are potential for further studies as a malaria vaccine candidate.
Role of malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with breast cancer diseases
Authors: Yerizel Eti , Astria Niki , Khambri Daan
Published: February 2020

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers as well as one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Cancer risk potentially continues to increase because of the many sources of exposure to carcinogenic chemical compounds. Carcinogenic compounds can contribute to free radical formation which might further interact and damage biomolecules such as lipids. Lipid peroxidation will increase malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, triggering gene mutations that leads to cancer.  

Objective: The purpose of this research was to measure and compare MDA levels between breast cancer patients and control.

Methods: This research was observational research using a cross-sectional comparative design of 30 breast cancer patients and 30 healthy controls. The place of this research is in Ropanasuri specialized surgery hospital and biochemical laboratory,  Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, Padang. This research was conducted from August to September 2019. The MDA was measured using a spectrophotometer and an independent T-test was done.

Results: The result of this research showed the mean MDA level of breast cancer patients was 3.98 ± 0.35 nmol/ml, higher than controls was 3.04 ± 0.36 nmol/ml with p-value = 0.001.

Conclusion: There were significant differences in MDA levels among breast cancer patients and control in Ropanasuri specialized surgery hospital, Padang.
Alanine amino transferase (ALT) specific activities in long term systemic hypoxic rat brain tissues
Authors: Ramadhani Rizka , Prijanti Ani Retno
Published: February 2020

Background: Brain as a very aerobic organ is sensitive to hypoxia. Energy scarcities must be overcome by gluconeogenesis, which uses alanine or lactate as starting material.  The reaction is catalyzed by alanine amino transaminase (ALAT or ALT), also known as glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT).  

Objective: To investigate whether the specific activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased in hypoxic rat brain.

Methods: This experimental study used rats exposed to systemic normobaric hypoxia during 14 days. A group of 5 rats was sacrificed in days 1, 3, 7 and 14. The specific activities of ALT were analyzed in their brains using a reaction coupled with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities.

Results: The ALT specific activities in rat brain were very low. There was no significant increase of specific activities during long term hypoxia (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The rat brain ALT has no role in gluconeogenesis.
Análise comparativa do sono em idosos praticantes de Pilates e hidroginástica: um estudo transversal
Authors: De Souza Ana Jessica Ferreira , Dos Santos Juliana Pereira , Santos Júnior Francisco Fleury Uchoa
Published: February 2020

A população idosa vem crescendo significativamente ao longo dos anos e, com ela, as alterações do processo de envelhecimento que acompanham esses indiví­duos, como distúrbios do sono e diminuição da qualidade de vida. Nesse sentido, este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o sono em idosos praticantes de Pilates e hidroginástica. Tratou-se de um estudo transversal, tendo como instrumento de coleta a aplicação de três questionários, Mini Exame de Estado Mental (MEEM), Escala de Sonolência de Epworth (ESE) e Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh (PSQI). A amostra compreendeu 13 idosos a partir de 60 anos praticantes do método Pilates (n = 5) ou hidroginástica (n = 8). Quando comparados entre si, não houve diferença estatí­stica na cognição, sonolência e qualidade do sono entre os grupos analisados.
Comparação das variáveis cardiovasculares em idosos ativos em diferentes modalidades fí­sicas
Authors: Sant'Ana Leandro de Oliveira , Scartoni Fabiana Rodrigues , Portilho Luiz Felipe , Scudese Estêvão , De Oliveira Cristiano Queiroz , Senna Gilmar Weber
Published: February 2020

Introdução: Com o avanço da idade, dentre as modificações nas diversas funcionalidades influenciadas pelo envelhecimento, destacam-se alterações na capacidade funcional e no sistema cardiovascular. Objetivo: Verificar as variáveis cardiovasculares de idosos inseridos em diferentes modalidades fí­sicas. Métodos: 40 idosos, sendo 20 homens e 20 mulheres (68,8 ± 7,0 anos, 77,9 ± 12,6 kg, 1,67 ± 0,09 m e IMC 27,78 ± 4,2 kg/m²), subdivididos em 4 grupos: Grupo Caminhada, Grupo Hidroginástica, Grupo Musculação e Grupo Controle, em que ambos os grupos foram compostos por 5 homens e 5 mulheres. Verificou-se (10 minutos em repouso) a frequência cardí­aca, variabilidade da frequência cardí­aca, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, e o duplo produto. Resultados: Nenhuma diferença significativa entre os dados investigados foi encontrada, demonstrando assim um comportamento igualitário das variáveis cardiovasculares entre os grupos, em patamares adequados e aceitáveis. Conclusão: Não verificamos diferenças no repouso, entre os grupos de exercí­cio e em relação ao controle.
Estereologia e morfometria do tecido muscular-esquelético de animais submetidos a um programa de treinamento de força e suplementação de creatina durante 9 semanas
Authors: Fernandes Victor Augusto Ramos , Belozo Felipe Lovaglio , Conte Marcelo , Caldeira Eduardo José
Published: February 2020

A creatina pode promover efeitos ergogênicos na prática do exercí­cio fí­sico de alta intensidade, entretanto, são encontradas poucas evidências que relatam a respeito dos efeitos morfométricos e estereológicos da associação desses componentes em modelos experimentais. Para isso, foram selecionados 24 ratos Wistar que se encontravam com idade de 15 semanas e estavam sob condições de alimentação e hidratação controladas. Para verificar as modificações morfométricas e estereológicas foi feita a classificação dos animais em quatro grupos: o controle, suplementado, treinamento, e treinamento e suplementado. Os animais dos grupos com suplementação de creatina foram suplementados (via gavagem) nas dosagens de 300 mg/kg de massa corporal durante nove semanas, sendo o perí­odo igual de treinamento que os animais que foram treinados estiveram submetidos, com o programa de treinamento baseado nos estudos de Honenberg & Farrar. Após o perí­odo de experimentação, os animais repousaram por 48 horas e foram feitas as excisões dos músculos latí­ssimo do dorso e bí­ceps braquial, que posteriormente foram submetidos ao protocolo de cortes histológicos em criostato, seguido da coloração em hematoxilina e eosina. Os resultados morfométricos indicaram poucas modificações da área nuclear para os grupos do experimento, apresentando diferença estatí­stica apenas no grupo treinado e suplementado em relação aos outros grupos do estudo. A perimetria sarcoplasmática foi mais evidente também no grupo submetido a ambos tratamentos. A análise estereológica verificou a presença de alguns fagócitos mononucleares no tecido muscular, sem, entretanto, apresentar condições de inflamação tecidual severa. Conclui-se, portanto, que a creatina apresenta efeitos morfométricos mais evidentes quando associada ao treinamento de força.
Efeito do treinamento de força com restrição de fluxo sanguí­neo sobre a composição corporal de jovens jogadores de futebol
Authors: Pereira-Neto Ezequias , Alves Ragami Chaves , De Souza-Junior Tácito Pessoa , Schmitzhaus Vanessa Marques , Da Silva-Grigoletto Marzo Edir , De Almeida Marcos Bezerra
Published: February 2020

Introdução: A composição corporal é um fator de grande influência no desempenho esportivo de atletas. De maneira acessória o treinamento de força (TF) tem o papel de auxiliar na manutenção e desenvolvimento de valências fí­sicas fundamentais aos atletas. Dentre os modelos de TF, o TF associado a restrição de fluxo sanguí­neo (RFS) torna-se uma alternativa capaz de auxiliar na preservação da boa composição corporal dos atletas. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos do treinamento de força sem e com restrição do fluxo sanguí­neo sobre a composição corporal em futebolistas. Métodos: Fizeram parte da amostra 18 jogadores de futebol da categoria sub 20, divididos em grupo treinamento de força tradicional (GTT; n = 09) e treinamento de força com restrição de fluxo sanguí­neo (GRF; n = 09) e treinados por 4 semanas. Resultados: Ambos os grupos não alteraram a composição corporal (p â‰¥ 0,05). Contudo, a inferência baseada em magnitude aponta uma tendência de melhora no percentual de gordura e massa adiposa no GRF com D = -4,9% para percentual de gordura e D = -5,7% para massa adiposa. Conclusão: Os protocolos realizados por 4 semanas não se mostraram eficazes na melhora da composição corporal.