bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disease-Course Adapting Machine Learning Prognostication Models in Elderly Patients Critically Ill With COVID-19: Multicenter Cohort Study With External Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Jung Christian , Mamandipoor Behrooz , Fjølner Jesper , Bruno Raphael Romano , Wernly Bernhard , Artigas Antonio , Bollen Pinto Bernardo , Schefold Joerg C , Wolff Georg , Kelm Malte , Beil Michael , Sviri Sigal , van Heerden Peter V , Szczeklik Wojciech , Czuczwar Miroslaw , Elhadi Muhammed , Joannidis Michael , Oeyen Sandra , Zafeiridis Tilemachos , Marsh Brian , Andersen Finn H , Moreno Rui , Cecconi Maurizio , Leaver Susannah , De Lange Dylan W , Guidet Bertrand , Flaatten Hans , Osmani Venet
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is challenging health care systems globally. The disease disproportionately affects the elderly population, both in terms of disease severity and mortality risk.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate machine learning–based prognostication models for critically ill elderly COVID-19 patients, which dynamically incorporated multifaceted clinical information on evolution of the disease.

METHODS

This multicenter cohort study (COVIP study) obtained patient data from 151 intensive care units (ICUs) from 26 countries. Different models based on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) were derived as baseline models that included admission variables only. We subsequently included clinical events and time-to-event as additional variables to derive the final models using the same algorithms and compared their performance with that of the baseline group. Furthermore, we derived baseline and final models on a European patient cohort, which were externally validated on a non-European cohort that included Asian, African, and US patients.

RESULTS

In total, 1432 elderly (≥70 years old) COVID-19–positive patients admitted to an ICU were included for analysis. Of these, 809 (56.49%) patients survived up to 30 days after admission. The average length of stay was 21.6 (SD 18.2) days. Final models that incorporated clinical events and time-to-event information provided superior performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81; 95% CI 0.804-0.811), with respect to both the baseline models that used admission variables only and conventional ICU prediction models (SOFA score, P<.001). The average precision increased from 0.65 (95% CI 0.650-0.655) to 0.77 (95% CI 0.759-0.770).

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating important clinical events and time-to-event information led to a superior accuracy of 30-day mortality prediction compared with models based on the admission information and conventional ICU prediction models. This study shows that machine-learning models provide additional information and may support complex decision-making in critically ill elderly COVID-19 patients.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04321265; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04321265
Web-based Gaming Approach to Decrease HIV-related Stigma among Chinese University Students: Serious Game Development and Effect Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Lai Erman
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in China hasn’t declined over the past few years, and people living with HIV (PLWH) are, to a large extent, ostracized by the public. The stigma coming with it adds difficulties to the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Decreasing this stigma is no less urgent than behavioral interventions. Serious games are increasingly adopted as an intervention method to control HIV/AIDS in the global community. Yet, the development and evaluation of such games in China are far from adequate.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to help decrease HIV-related stigma in China via the development and evaluation of a serious game, and propose the Participatory Serious Game Development Model (PSGDM) to promote gamification for health.

METHODS

This research developed a serious game named The Second Kind of Life with HIV, and conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the game’s effect on HIV-related stigma. 167 university students with an average age of 20 joined the trial, and were randomly assigned to four groups: female-game group, male-game group, female-control group, and male-control group. Each subject filled in the HIV-related stigma measurement questionnaire, after playing the game or accessing the material of control groups.

RESULTS

The Second Kind of Life with HIV was launched in 2019. As a free-of-charge webpage game available both on computer and smartphone, its main target subjects are Chinese youngsters. In this research, HIV-related stigma is measured in three dimensions: morality, everyday contact and intimacy, with the intimacy dimension being the most severe type of stigma. The game group shows an advantage in decreasing moral stigma (mean game=1.35, mean control=1.52, P=.03) and intimacy stigma (mean game=2.41, mean control=2.74, P=.04) compared with the control group, yet no significant difference in deceasing everyday contact stigma (P=.49). Females are more tolerant in moral stigma (mean female=1.34, mean male=1.52, P=.02) and everyday contact stigma (mean female=1.29, mean male =1.49, P=.04) than males, while both genders are conservative in intimacy stigma (P=.52). The interactions are not significant in all three dimensions of HIV-related stigma, indicating that the effect of media interventions will not vary with gender.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV/AIDS education should adopt the appropriate media interventions to break different dimensions of HIV-related stigma, especially using games in decreasing intimacy stigma which is the hardest to break. It is anticipated that the PSGDM, as proposed in this research, can promote the development of more HIV/AIDS educational games. Moreover, interdisciplinary effort and collaboration is needed for HIV/AIDS intervention, and more people can be engaged and share the responsibility of promoting health.
Correction: Gender-Specific Impact of Self-Monitoring and Social Norm Information on Walking Behavior Among Chinese College Students Assessed Using WeChat: Longitudinal Tracking Study (Preprint)
Authors: Xu Yuepei , Yue Ling-Zi , Wang Wei , Wu Xiao-Ju , Liang Zhu-Yuan
Published: March 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

not applicable
The Perceptions of US Medical Students on Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Mixed-Methods National Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Liu David Shalom , Sawyer Jake , Luna Alexander , Aoun Jihad , Wang Janet , Boachie Lord , Halabi Safwan , Cheng Xi , Joe Bina
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Given the rapidity with which artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining momentum in clinical medicine, current physician leaders have called for more incorporation of AI topics into undergraduate medical education. This is to prepare future physicians to better work together with AI technology. However, the first step to curriculum development is to survey the needs of the end-users. There has not been a study to determine which mediums and which topics are most preferred by US medical students to learn about the topic of AI in medicine.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to survey US medical students on the need and means to incorporate AI in undergraduate medical education to assist with future education initiatives.

METHODS

A mixed-methods survey was sent through Qualtrics to US medical students in May 2021. Likert scale questions first assessed various perceptions regarding AI in medicine. We also asked how many hours they would like to spend per week to learn about AI. Then, we asked respondents to choose which learning format and which AI topics they would be most interested in. Finally, we used a free-response section to capture any remaining thoughts.

RESULTS

A total of 390 US medical students (average age: 26±3) from 17 different medical programs were surveyed (estimated response rate: 3.5%). A majority (92%) of respondents agreed that training in AI concepts during medical school is useful for their future career, but 91% reported of receiving no formal education related to AI. While 79% are excited to use AI technologies, 91% reported that their medical schools did not offer resources. Short lectures (68%), formal electives (48%), and Q&A panels (44%) were identified as preferred formats, while fundamental concepts of AI (65%), when to use AI in medicine (60%) and pros and cons of using AI (59%) were the most preferred topics for enhancing their training. Responses for the preferred formats and topics significantly differed between respondents who answered they wanted to spend ≤2 hours vs. ≥3 hours per month to learn about AI.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that current US medical students recognize the importance of AI in medicine, current formal education, and resources to learn AI-related topics are limited in most U.S. medical schools. Respondents indicated that a hybrid formal/ flexible format would be most appropriate for incorporating AI as a topic in US medical schools. Furthermore, multiple learning objectives for different groups of learners according to their future goals with AI (users or innovators) might be necessary.
Fat Analysis of House Rat (Rattus tanezumi) in Meatball Using Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Combined with Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Salamah Nina , Guntarti Any , Lestari Putri Ayu , Gandjar Ibnu Gholib
Published: March 2022

Counterfeit food products are starting to become a new problem around the people of Indonesia. Problems that are getting special attention especially the concern of contamination of food products by non-halal meat. This research aim was to analyze the fatty acids contained in house rat. The method that used was GC-MS method combined with Principle Component Analysis (PCA). Method of extraction grease was using oven at 90ºC - 100ºC for approximately one hour. After that, the derivatization process changed the fat into a methyl esters that easily evaporated. The derivatization process were using NaOCH3 and BF3. Methyl Esther compounds were injected into the chromatography instrument system GC-MS. GC-MS analysis results shows that the composition of fatty acid compounds from house rat fat with SI values > 90. Composition of fatty acids of house rat fats include: Myristate (0,19±0,03)%, Palmitoleat (2,40±0,29)%, Methyl Palmitate (27,65±0,32)%, oleate (45,81±3,25)%, and Stearate (4,65±0,28)%. Total content of house rat fatty acids was as high as 48.21% of unsaturated fatty acid and 31.49% of saturated fatty acids. The GC-MS method combined with PCA can post the fat of house rat. House rat fatty acids based on PCA's chemetrics demonstrate the resemblance of chemical physical properties with chicken fatty acids.
The Influence of Implementation of Health Promotion Model Precede-Proceed Towards Growing Child, Nutritional Status, and Quality of Life of Children
Authors: Wahyuningsih Heni Puji , Murti Bhisma , Lestari Eny , Reviono Reviono , Margono Margono , Putri Diani Fadmi
Published: March 2022

Quality of life (QoL) is a broader concept than merely measuring morbidity and mortality. The quality of life of the child is an important factor in determining the human resources (HR) in the future and requires serious attention. District worthy of children is a comprehensive structure based on the study that PRECEDE-PROCEED model principle to assess health needs to design, implement, and evacuate health promotion programs. This research aims to determine the influence of implementation health promotion model PRECEDE-PROCEED towards growing children, nutritional status, and quality of life in children's. This research is a quantitative observational study using research design of retrospective cohort studies. The target population is all toddlers aged 2-4 years. The study of the population of this study is all toddlers aged 2-4 years old who reside in the village worthy of children (districts exposed) and ordinary villages (groups not exposed) in the region of Sleman regency. Sampling using multistage random sampling techniques, 350 respondent were district exposed and not exposed. The results showed that the quality of life of the children was directly affected by growth children (b=0.043;SE=0.092;p<0.001), nutritional status (b=0.01;SE=0.126;p<0.001), mother's education (b=0.112;SE=0.031;p<0.001), Number of siblings (b=0.043;SE:0.058,p<0.001), and family consultation center (b=0.261;SE=0.058;p<0.001). Conclusion of this study is QoL of the children is directly affected by growth children, nutritional status, mother's education, number of siblings, and family consultation center.
Budget Impact Analysis of Sacubitril Valsartan in the Treatment of Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) in Indonesia Setting
Authors: Kristin Erna , Endarti Dwi , Febrinasari Ratih Puspita , Nugrahaningsih Dwi Aris Agung , Pratiwi Woro Rukmi
Published: March 2022

Based on PARADIGM-HF Clinical Trials, LCZ696 a dual-acting sodium supramolecular complex currently known as sacubitril/valsartan was superior to enalapril in reducing the risks of death and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This analysis aimed to estimate the budget impact of sacubitril/valsartan in the treatment of HFrEF in Indonesia setting. A budget impact model estimated the impact with and without use of sacubitril/valsartan for a 5-year horizon (2020 – 2024). The local data inputted in the model were including age prevalence rates, drugs costs, HF hospitalization cost, and adverse events costs. The drug cost calculation of sacubitril/valsartan was from regular price, while drugs costs of standard care were mostly coming from e-catalogue price which was reimbursement cost. The budget impact was estimated from the difference budget in which the target population is treated with the current therapy (without sacubitril/valsartan) and the future scenario in which the target population is treated with sacubitril/valsartan based on a market penetration rate of 6%, 12%, 18%, 24%, and 31% in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth years, respectively. Given the number of patients eligible for treatment was estimated as 86,594 in the first year and assumption of annual increase of HF prevalence was 1.1% based on population growth, about 1,350 deaths and 3,512 hospitalizations may be avoided over 5 years. The scenario of implementing sacubitril/valsartan for HF treatment had an impact of additional budget of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% over 5-year horizon compared to current therapy strategy and cumulative budget impact as IDR 735 Billion over 5 years. This analysis provides an estimation of the impact of sacubitril/valsartan application in the treatment of patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction as input for Indonesia healthcare payer in implementing the strategy for HF treatment.
Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm- Forming Activity of Secondary Metabolites from Sansevieria trifasciata- Leaves Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Dewatisari Whika
Published: March 2022

Sansevieria trifasciata is a herbaceous plant frequently used in traditional medicine with antibacterial potency against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa is a known bacterial pathogen that often becomes resistant to traditional antibiotics due to its ability to form biofilms. The objective of this research was to determine whether the ethanolic extract of S. trifasciata has any antibacterial or anti-biofilm-forming activity against P. aeruginosa. Bacterial cell damage with a potential fraction of S. trifasciata ethanolic extract treatment was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An Anti-biofilm assay was perfomed in 96 wells with crystal violet stain. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results revealed that at a concentration of 4 mg/mL, the potential fraction of S. trifasciata ethanolic could inhibit bacterial growth. At this concentration, the potential fraction of S. trifasciata ethanolic extract could inhibit the biofilm by 60%. The identification of compounds using gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed that Neophytadiene was the main active component in the extract. These compounds have the potential to be used as therapeutic agents in the prevention of bacterial biofilms and virulence-related infectious illnesses
Effect of Isolation Method on Characteristics of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Brown Seaweed Sargassum vulgare
Authors: Amir Husni , Siti Ari Budhiyanti
Published: March 2022

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has been reported to be purely derived from depolymerized cellulose which forms crystals. Therefore, this study aims to determine the characteristics of MCC samples which were in form of powder and alginate residues of Sargassum vulgare, hydrolyzed with acid and enzymes. The observed characteristics included yield, water content, ash content, pH, solubility, functional groups, and crystallinity index. Furthermore, the results showed that the MCC from acid-hydrolyzed seaweed powder and alginate residue, as well as enzymatically hydrolyzed seaweed powder and alginate residue each, had a yield of 3.83±2.74%, 5.66±1.52%, 10.03±2.58%, and 17.17±3.50%, crystallinity index of 91.37%, 80.26%, 84.67%, and 81.90%, water content of 4.92±1.85%, 4.92±1.11%, 3.88±2.01%, and 3.58±0.40%, ash content of 13.88±0.12%, 3.49±0.13%, 9.86±0.17%, and 7.43±0.09%, pH of 5.13±0.38, 5±0.1; 5.7±0.17, and 5.97±0.06, and solubility of 22.82±1.20%, 23.73±1.09%, 19.12±3.55%, and 21.10±1.48%, respectively. The functional group analysis showed that there were similarities with the standard Avicel PH101. Also, water content and pH meet the requirements according to the Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, while solubility and ash content does not meet these requirements. However, the results of enzymatic hydrolysis were better than acid hydrolysis, and samples from alginate residues had better results than seaweed powder. Considering these results, the best MCC was obtained from enzymatically hydrolyzed alginate residue with a yield, water content, ash content, pH, solubility, and crystallinity index of 17.17±3.50%, 3.58±0.40, 7.43±0.09, 5.97±0.06, 21.10±1.48, and 81.90%.
Utilization of UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics for differentiation of Indonesian tea: an exploratory study
Authors: Hastuti Agustina Ari Murti Budi
Published: March 2022

Ultraviolet (UV)-visible and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy are two of the most popular and readily available laboratory instruments. Fingerprinting analysis of the UV-visible and FTIR spectra has been applied for food classification and authentication studies. In this study, the UV-visible and FTIR spectra of brewed tea, and their data fusion data sets, were used to build models for the classification of tea based on tea types and origins. The study included black and green tea samples from several provinces in Sumatra and Java Islands (Indonesia). Chemometric models of principal component analysis (PCA), k-nearest neighbor (kNN), and logistic regression were developed for classification purposes. All PCA models were able to well-separate the tea groups. kNN and logistic regression models based on UV-visible spectra successfully classified green and black tea with >0.8 classification accuracy. The kNN model of FTIR spectra had good accuracy (0.903) for classifying tea based on its origin. ReliefF algorithm was employed to select the best features among the data fusion data sets of UV-visible and FTIR spectra. The data fusion data sets of UV-visible and FTIR spectra demonstrated good separation of tea types and origins with a high area under the ROC curve (>0.8) and moderate accuracy (0.548). Therefore, UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy may provide complementary information for tea classification based on tea types and origins.
Revenge Through Haunting: Expression of Women’s Anger in the Movies, Tookaidoo Yotsuya Kaidan and Sundel Bolong
Authors: Pasaribu Rouli Esther , Ananda Meilia Widya
Published: March 2022

Tookaidoo Yotsuya Kaidan (1959) and Sundel Bolong (1981) are horror movies from Japan and Indonesia, respectively, about women who are oppressed by men and subsequently take revenge on them after their deaths. The key similarity between these two movies is that they have central female characters who turn into ghosts in order to express their anger towards their male oppressors. This study aimed to see how women's anger is depicted in Tookaidoo Yotsuya Kaidan and Sundel Bolong, using verbal and visual text analysis and the concept of power by Heilbrun, male gaze by Mulvey, and monstrous-feminine by Creed to read the meaning behind woman’s anger as it is expressed in the form of a ghost in these movies. The research found that these women cannot express their anger in the real world, which is controlled by the patriarchal order. Life after death is the only space where they can express their anger. Both movies can consequently be interpreted as cultural texts that internalize patriarchal ideology in Japanese and Indonesian society.
IZAZOVI I POTEŠKOĆE U RADU SA DECOM U OBLASTIMA MENTALNOG ZDRAVLJA ZA VREME PANDEMIJE
Authors: Ljubomirović Nataša , Bogdanović Jasmina
Published: March 2022

Mentalno zdravlje dece i mladih je često veoma ugroženo. Pandemija Korona virusa 2019 (COVID-19) dovela je do velikih promena poput ograničenja kretanja, zabrane putovanja i sprovođenja striktinih preventivnih mera (izolacija, socijalno distanciranje, nošenje zaštitne opreme). Sve navedeno dovodi do značajnih promena u životima dece, mladih i njihovih porodica. Ustanovljeno je da 2,2 milijarde dece i adolescenata sa problemima mentalnog zdravlja predstavljaju blizu jedne trećine populacije u svetu. Traumatsko iskustvo ostavlja traga na pojedinca, ali je traumatsko iskustvo za svakoga individualno. Što za jednu osobu predstavlja traumatsko iskustvo za drugu to ne mora biti. Dakle, ono je individualno i definiše se kao subjektivni doživljaj objektivne stvarnosti. Cilj ovog rada je da pokaže rad psihijatra sa decom u vreme iznenadne krize koja je prouzrokovana pandemijom COVID-19. Metod rada: Ilustrativni prikazi pacijenata koji su se javljali u Institutu za mentalno zdravlje tokom pandemije. Zaključak: U kriznim i konfliktnim situacijama postoji verovatnoća da će biti neophodno da se organizuju preventivni i interventni programi istovremeno. Deci je potrebna pomoć kako bi se ublažile akutne posledice krizne situacije, a preventivni programi su potrebni da spreče dodatne prateće posledice kao što je slabija briga i nega dece, usled zauzetosti roditelja poslom, stariijim članom porodice, obolelim članom i sl. Roditelje treba podsticati da se podučavaju o načinima na koji se deca mogu zaštiti od nepovoljnih uticaja.
Prevalence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and its Associated SCCmec Types among Healthcare workers and Patient Visitors from Western Maharashtra, India
Authors: Parthasarathy Arun Kumar , R Dinesh Babu , Chougale Roma A.
Published: March 2022

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major pathogen causing infections in human ranging from mild to severe life-threatening conditions. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important nosocomial pathogen with high morbidity and mortality in both hospital and community settings. Total 600 nasal swabs were collected from patient visitors and Healthcare workers. Of these, 184 S.aureus (30.66%) were isolated. All S.aureus isolates screened for MRSA and 73 (39.67%) isolates showed MRSA by Cefoxitin disc diffusion method and PCR. 21 (28.76%) isolates detected pvl gene of the 73 isolated MRSA i.e., CA-MRSA. All MRSA isolates were typed into SCCmec element (I to V). Of these SCCmec type III was found more prevalent than other SCCmec types and 3 isolates were not typeable. MRSA still remains a significant problem in public Healthcare settings. Screening of MRSA among Healthcare Workers and patient visitors is mandatory to prevent the spread of CA-MRSA in hospitals.
Costing and Estimation of Earthquake Resisting Structure: A Review
Authors: Sharma Desh Deepak , Singh Kajal , Kumar Dileep
Published: March 2022

Abstract: This review report is the analysis of costing and estimation of different earthquake resistance structure and which method will me most economical and efficient method for the construction of any structure which is under the effect or lies in the region of the high seismic zones of the earth . To prevent structure from the earthquake excitation , nowadays several techniques are used such as Dampers , Base Isolation, TMD etc… this paper is a detailed report carried out by the various researchers on various engineering structure by professors from all over the world and the results.
Implementation of Cloud Computing Technology for M-Ticket Booking
Authors: Goude Rabba Gundu Devender , J Dr. Bhuvana
Published: March 2022

Abstract: The current railway or bus ticket booking system is human dependent and tedious with regards to the ticket booking process. The core objective of our project is to develop the web-application which will serve as a medium for students/employees/anyone to book the tickets to travel through trains or bus. The principle motive force of this web-application is to ease the process of ticket booking by avoiding the hectic and boisterous process to stand in a queue and book the ticket for the short distance for travelling in the trains. Several applications are available in the market which gives information about the travelling destinations and their fares. However, none of these applications incorporate the ticket booking process coordinated for both train and bus. Our application contrasts from such a lot of existing applications as it would book the ticket as well as save the ticket in the cloud database for both train and bus. This website is for railway and bus ticket booking and one can easily validate those booked tickets using mobile. Ticket can be bought with the help of smart phone, laptop using the web-application where your railway tickets can be carried in your phone. The ticketing information of the user is securely stored in the cloud database. Additionally, the ticket checker is given the checker application which is utilized for the approval of the ticket appeared by the user. This framework gives the ticket checker web-application to look for the user's ticket with the ticket number or other appropriate information in the cloud database for checking purposes. Consider that the user's display is being damaged and not able to show the ticket due to other reasons like battery failure we have another safeguard alternative to check the ticket by searching in the ticket database with the ticket number or user’s other relevant information for validation purpose. Keywords: Ticket Booking, Railway, Mobile, Cloud Database, Ticket Checker.
Design and Fabrication of Groundnut Sheller
Authors: Patil Manthan , Raut Chirag , Raut Rahul , Vartak Anish , Mansuri Iqbal
Published: March 2022

Abstract: In a developing countries like India groundnuts is grown on small scale, so there is a lack of lack of groundnut sheller machine which are affordable. The average price of peanut is approximately twice the price of pod. There are some groundnut sheller machines are available in market but the cost is not affordable and also they are large in size so they are not suitable for domestic applications they are suitable for mass production like industrial applications. Hence it is essential to design and fabricate a portable groundnut sheller machine for domestic applications. The performance of the machine was evaluated in terms of overall capacity, shelling and material efficiency and mechanical damage. This paper describes about the working, result and conclusion of the groundnut shelling machine. Overall, this project involves processes like design, analysis, fabrication and assembling of different components.
A Review: Impact of Nanotechnology on Human life
Authors: Jain Deepti , Agrawal R. K.
Published: March 2022

Abstract: No aspects of life are untouched without technology. Recently, the field of nanotechnology becomes most commercial technology due to its wide range of applications in daily life. The nanostructured materials e.g. nanoparticles, nanopowders, nanowires, nanotubes, nanorods, nanofibers, dendrimers, nanocluster, nanocrystal are globally produced in large quantities due to their wide range potential such as health and skin care, electronics, photonics, biotechnology, drug delivery, agriculture etc. This technology seems to be remedy of environmental and water pollution problems which the world is facing. Apart from vast usefulness of nanotechnology, the nanomaterials have detrimental effects on human life which cannot be neglected and needs proper attention to be paid . Certain nanoparticles can enter the body through breathing may cause damage to lung tissue and chronic breathing problems while some particle enter the body through lungs or other organs via food, drink and medicine and affect different organ and tissues like kidney, liver, brain etc. and may cause cytotoxic effects. The toxic effect and interaction with biological system of nano-particle largely depends upon the shape, size, concentration, solubility and stability. So it becomes necessary while adopting new technology to understand its risk and cost of resulting damage. Therefore, it is necessary to study the various nanostructure materials and their human exposure for the safety of the society. This review gives a brief summary of application & possible impacts of Ag & TiO2 nanoparticles on human life & environment with focus on their utility and toxicity. Keywords: Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles, Environmental pollution, Toxicity.
THE ROLE OF EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP IN ENHANCING THE ADAPTIVE PERFORMANCE OF EMPLOYEES
Authors: Saleh Jinan
Published: March 2022

The main objective of this research is to explore the effect relationship of two main variables: (empowering leadership and adaptive performance of employees), by surveying the opinions of a number of employees at Al-Iraqia University – Baghdad Governorate. The researcher used the simple random sample method and distributed the questionnaire to a sample of employees amounting to their number is (148) in the various departments and sections of the faculties. After sorting and checking the questionnaires, the number of valid questionnaires for statistical analysis reached (141) out of the number of (143) retrieved questionnaires. Statistical analysis of the collected data was carried out using the program (SPSS v.22). The research reached to accept the main hypothesis, and concluded that the principals at Al-Iraqia University in the study sample are interested and have a great orientation towards empowering leadership, which in turn enhances the adaptive performance of employees. The results of the current research are, to the best of the researcher's knowledge, a first attempt in the context of reducing or bridging the knowledge gap between the variables of empowering leadership and adaptive performance.
MINIMIZING OF RISKS IN THE WORKPLACE USING SIMULATION SOFTWARE
Authors: Marticek Matus , Knapcikova Lucia
Published: March 2022

The purpose of risk assessment is to provide information for decision-making. It compares the resulting risk obtained from the analysis with the risk criteria based on the legislation. If the level of risk is undesirable, the organization must take measures under the legislation to reduce or eliminate the risk. There are also cases where the risk assessment leads the company to a repeated analysis and the decision to terminate the investigation due to negligible, resulting risk. The paper focuses on using simulation as a supportive tool to minimize the risk in the workplace of injection moulding plants. It was eliminated bottlenecks and designed suitable injection moulding arrangements to ensure the safety and health of workers at work.
The Christmas Lectures: extending the experience outside the lecture theatre
Authors: Little Hannah , Fogg-Rogers Laura , Sardo Ana Margarida
Published: March 2022

Traditionally, the Royal Institution's Christmas Lectures have always adopted a deficit model for communication, with one or two invited scientists giving lectures to an audience present at the Royal Institution (Ri) and, since 1936, an audience watching the lectures on television at home. As trends in public engagement have tended towards more dialogue or participatory models, the Ri has made efforts to create a programme of events around the lectures: extending the experience outside of the lecture theatre and giving audiences more opportunities to experience live events and participate in discourse. In this paper, we explore data collected as part of an 18 month evaluation of the Christmas Lectures and their associated events. We focus on data collected at events designed to create live and interactive experiences beyond the lectures and evaluate these participatory approaches. The paper shares this learning to enhance the extension of traditional science communication towards science participation.
Look before you leap: assessing community readiness for action on science and health policy issues
Authors: Standerfer Christina , Loker Emily , Lochmann Jason
Published: March 2022

This practice insight focuses on lessons learned while completing a research project designed to compare the relative effectiveness of three communication strategies in rural communities relative to motivating citizens to take action on a public health issue, specifically Type 2 diabetes. Our main arguments are: 1) Engaging citizens in any type of communication related to public health or science action requires first assessing a community's readiness for that action; and 2) Community readiness — rather than communication methodology — is the better predictor of citizens' participation in collective or individual actions on public health and science issues.
Analisis kausalitas pertumbuhan ekonomi terhadap ketimpangan distribusi pendapatan di Indonesia (1999-2019) Granger Causality
Authors: Enggar Wishartama Rizky , Zulgani Zulgani , Rosmeli Rosmeli
Published: March 2022

The theory of economic growth states that an increase in economic growth will increase per capita income, decrease inequality in income distribution, and will have an impact on reducing the number of poor people, but an increase in economic growth also has an impact on an increase in the poor population, and an increase in income distribution inequality. So that the purpose of this study is to analyze the causality of economic growth and inequality of income distribution in Indonesia. The data that will be used in this research is secondary data which is time series from 1998-2019 obtained from the World Bank and the Central Bureau of Statistics. The analysis model used is the Granger Causality Test analysis. The variables that will be used in this research are GDP Indonesian at constant prices and the Gini ratio. Based on the results of this study, the development of Indonesia's gross domestic product based on the results of the Granger causality tends to affect the Gini Rato variable longer than the other way around.
Analisis ketimpangan pembangunan wilayah antar provinsi di Pulau Sumatera
Authors: Ridho Muhammad , Zulgani Zulgani , Achmad Erni
Published: March 2022

Regional development inequality is a strategic issue that is currently being discussed. Sumatra Island has the highest development value when compared to other islands in Indonesia, so this purpose is to measure and analyze development assessments between provinces on Sumatra Island. As well as the influence of government participation, support, investment, labor and GRDP on regional development between provinces on the island of Sumatra. The research method used in this research is descriptive- quantitative analysis method. The value of regional development between provinces on the island of Sumatra from 2010 - 2019 has decreased every year. The results of panel data regression analysis using the Fixed Effect Model (FEM) approach, the results show that the variables of government expenditure, investment and labor have a negative and significant effect on KPW. While the GRDP variable has a positive and significant effect on KPW.
The Basics of Quantum Computing for Chemists
Authors: Claudino Daniel
Published: March 2022

The rapid and successful strides in quantum chemistry in the past
decades can be largely credited to a conspicuous synergy between
theoretical and computational advancements. However, the architectural
computer archetype that enabled such a progress is approaching a state
of more stagnant development. One of the most promising technological
avenues for the continuing progress of quantum chemistry is the emerging
quantum computing paradigm. This revolutionary proposal comes with
several challenges, which span a wide array of disciplines. In
chemistry, it implies, among other things, a need to reformulate some of
its long established cornerstones in order to adjust to the operational
demands and constraints of quantum computers. Due to its relatively
recent emergence, much of quantum computing may still seem fairly
nebulous and largely unknown to most chemists. It is in this context
that here we review and illustrate the basic aspects of quantum
information and their relation to quantum computing insofar as enabling
simulations of quantum chemistry. We consider some of the most relevant
developments in light of these aspects and discuss the current landscape
when of relevance to quantum chemical simulations in quantum computers.
Scalable purification of single stranded DNA scaffolds for biomanufacturing DNA-origami nanostructures: exploring anion-exchange and multimodal chromatography
Authors: Silva-Santos Ana Rita , Paulo Pedro , Prazeres Miguel
Published: March 2022

DNA-origami biomanufacturing relies in many cases on the use of
asymmetric PCR (aPCR) to generate 500-3500 base, object-specific,
single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) scaffolds. Each scaffold is usually purified
by agarose gel extraction, a technique that is laborious, limited, not
scalable, presents low recovery yields and a low-quality product.
Alternatively, we present a chromatography-based method to purify ssDNA
scaffolds from aPCR mixtures, which can be used in the context of
DNA-origami techniques. aPCR was performed to generate single and
double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) from the M13mp18 genome. To isolate the
target ssDNA from dsDNA and other PCR impurities, anion-exchange
(Q-ligand) and multimodal chromatography (CaptoTM adhere ImpRes) were
explored using stepwise gradients with increasing NaCl concentrations.
In anion exchange chromatography, the less-charged ssDNA eluted before
the dsDNA. In multimodal chromatography, however, the elution pattern
was reversed, highlighting the importance played by hydrophobicity. In
either case, collected ssDNA-containing fractions were homogeneous and
impurity free. Finally, 8.4 μg of a 1000-nt ssDNA fragment were purified
and used alongside with site-specific short oligonucleotides (staples)
to assemble 63-bp edge length tetrahedrons. Gel electrophoresis showed
high assembly yield and purity, whereas fluorescence correlation
spectroscopy confirmed that the tetrahedrons had a diffusion coefficient
(26.7 μm s) consistent with the
expected size (20 nm).
Spinal Ectopic Recurrence of Craniopharyngioma in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Steed Tanner , Indelicato Daniel , Souster Jenny , Landeghem Frank Van , Mehta Vivek , Chafe Susan , Patel Samir
Published: March 2022

Craniopharyngiomas are rare, benign lesions that can be treated with
surgery, radiation therapy or a combination of these modalities. They
have a propensity for local recurrence but there have also been rare
cases reported of ectopic recurrence. Here we present the case of a
12-year-old girl with a recurrence of craniopharyngioma in the spine,
which is the second-ever reported case of recurrence outside of the
brain in a pediatric patient, and review the 19 reported cases of
ectopic recurrence in pediatric patients due to cerebrospinal fluid
dissemination.
A Malignant Hepatoblastoma Mimicking a Benign Mesenchymal Hamartoma: Lessons Learned
Authors: Singh Anuradha , Wong Kaitlyn , Sayed Blayne , Nathan Paul , Shaikh Furqan , Ngan Bo-Yee , Doria Andrea
Published: March 2022

Differentiating hepatoblastomas (HB) from other congenital benign
hepatic tumours prior to surgical management decisions is key. We,
herein, present an unusual case of an antenatally diagnosed liver lesion
assessed in the neonatal period. Because of its predominantly cystic
ultrasound/MRI appearance and borderline alpha-fetoprotein serum levels,
the diagnosis of mesenchymal hamartoma was favoured and protocol-based
tumor resection was performed. Due to the intra-operative diagnosis of
fetal subtype HB with positive resection margins the child had to
undergo a second laparotomy. This report raises awareness to an unusual
appearance of HB and discusses non-invasive imaging clues to consider
atypical appearances of HB pre-operatively as they can have profound
implications in patient management.
Comment on Bohmann et al. Strategies for sample labelling and library preparation in DNA metabarcoding studies
Authors: Hamback Peter , Sargac Jasmina , Grudzinska-Sterno Magdalena
Published: March 2022

DNA metabarcoding necessitates labelling amplicons in order to connect
sequencing reads with samples, but labelling protocols may cause errors
where indexes are incorrectly assembled during PCR due to tag-jumping. A
recent paper by Bohmann et al (2021) reviews the main labelling methods
and point out that library building using PCR’s on tagged amplicons may
be particularly problematic. Due to unforeseen problems in two
sequencing projects, we had to use a second PCR on tagged amplicons to
salvage two large data sets. This test showed that the problems with
tag-jumping errors were acceptable and could be accounted for during
analysis, if handled properly when designing the indexing strategy.
DYNAMIC TRANSITIONS AND TURING PATTERNS OF THE BRUSSELATOR MODEL
Authors: MUNTARI UMAR FARUK , Sengul Taylan
Published: March 2022

The dynamic transitions of the Brusselator model has been recently
analyzed in Y. Choi et’al (2021) and T. Ma, S. Wang (2011). Our aim in
this paper is to address the relation between the pattern formation and
dynamic transition results left open in those papers. We consider the
problem in the setting of a 2D rectangular box where an instability of
the homogeneous steady state occurs due to the perturbations in the
direction of several modes becoming critical simultaneously. Our main
results are two folds: (1) a rigorous characterization of the types and
structure of the dynamic transitions of the model from basic homogeneous
states and (2) the relation between the dynamic transitions and the
pattern formations. We observe that the Brusselator model exhibits
different transition types and patterns depending on the nonlinear
interactions of the pattern of the critical modes.
Does biosphere structure determine the ecological severity of a mass extinction event?
Authors: Dick Daniel , Darroch Simon , Gottshall Philip , Laflamme Marc
Published: March 2022

Many authors have noted the apparent “decoupling” of the taxonomic and
ecological severity of mass extinction events, with no widely accepted
mechanistic explanation for this pattern having been offered. Here we
test between two key factors that potentially influence ecological
severity: biosphere entropy (a measure of functional redundancy), and
the degree of functional selectivity (in terms of deviation from a
pattern of random extinction with respect to functional entities). Our
results demonstrate that while the Shannon entropy of the biosphere
prior to a mass extinction event determines the expected outcome
following a major perturbation of a given magnitude, variation in
biosphere structure between major extinction intervals is insufficient
to explain the observed variation in ecological severity. Within this
information-theoretic framework, we show that it is the degree of
functional selectivity which is expected to primarily determine the
ecological impact of a given perturbation when biosphere entropy is not
substantially different.
Hypoglycemic effect and Experimental Validation of Scutellariae Radix based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Li Chunyan , Chen Qijian , Xiao Xian , Xue Jintao
Published: March 2022

Objective: The relationships of ‘ingredient-target-pathway’ and
hypoglycemic effect of Scutellariae Radix (SD) in the treatment of
diabetes were explored using network pharmacology, molecular docking and
animal experiments. Methods: SD and its targets were identified using
network analysis followed by experimental validation. First, the Tcmsp
and Drugbank databases were mined for the targets of SD and diabetes,
and the intersection target genes were screened. The key targets and
enriched pathways were examined by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment
analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway
enrichment analysis. SD main active components, target genes and KEGG
networks were created by Cytoscape software. The correspondence between
SD components and targets was verified by molecular docking. Finally,
animal experiments were carried out to confirm the hypoglycemic effect
of SD. Results: The 22 intersection targets were confirmed for the
hypoglycemic effect of SD. GO analysis showed that 18 biological
processes, 9 cellular components and 15 molecular functions were
identified (P ≤ 0.01). Eighteen related signaling pathways were
identified by KEGG analysis (P ≤ 0.05). Molecular docking results
indicated that the targets of diabetes bound strongly to the main
components of SD. Animal experiments showed that SD could decrease the
blood sugar of diabetic rats to normal level. Conclusion: The present
study explored the potential targets and signaling pathways of SD on
diabetes. The results may help to illustrate the hypoglycemic mechanism
(s) of SD.
Impact of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) on sexual activity and function in women with advanced stages of pelvic organ prolapse (POP): A 5-year prospective study.
Authors: Najib Bernard , Rusavy Zdenek , Abdallah wael , Abdelkhalek Yara , Giraud Nathalie , Deval Bruno
Published: March 2022

Objective: To compare patients undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy
for pelvic organ prolapse POP, in terms of sexual function and surgical
anatomical outcomes more than 5-years follow up period. Design: This is
a cohort study of prospectively collected data that includes all women
who underwent LSC between July 2005 and December 2021 at a tertiary care
center. Setting: Improvement in sexual function is an acknowledged goal
for women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse repair. The impact of POP
surgeries on sexual activity and function is very controversial, with
some studies showing improvement, while others showed no differences or
worsening in sexuality after the surgery Population: 228 women were
enrolled in this study. Methods: Patients completed the validated
quality of life questionnaires and were evaluated using the POP-Q, the
PFDI-20, PFIQ-7 and the PISQ-12 scores. Patients were divided
preoperatively according to their sexual activity and postoperatively
according to the sexual improvement after POP surgery. Main Outcomes: To
compare the PISQ-12 score pre and postoperatively and to assess
anatomical and sexual improvement after surgery. Results: There was a
statistically significant improvement in the PFDI, PFIQ and POPQ-score
score. There was no significant improvement in the PISQ-12 score with
more than 5 years follow-up. 76.1% of patients who were not sexually
active preoperatively resumed their sexual activity after the surgery.
Conclusions: The anatomical correction of a pelvic organ prolapses and
pelvic floor disorders by laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy may improve sexual
function but did not change significantly the sexuality score. Funding:
No funding. Keywords: prolapse, sacrocolpopexy, laparoscopy, sexuality.