bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress-induced reactions of mosses to periodic short-term and long-term drying depending on the water regime of their habitats
Authors:   Institute of Ecology of the Carpathians, NAS of Ukraine, Lobachevska O.
Published: November 2022

Bryophytes are poikilohydric higher plants and their water content as well as metabolic activity depend on the water regime of the environment. The aim of the study was to establish the features of stress-induced reactions of mosses under controlled conditions of short-term and long-term drying depending on the water regime of their habitats. A culture of shoots of the same age from agar mediums the same level of relative humidity was used to study the effect of periodic drying. Dehydration was carried out within 24 hours, removing the polyethylene cover from the pots with moss culture. Plant watering was carried out twice a week in the variant of the experiment with short-term drying: immediately after dehydration and on the third day after drying. In the variant with long-term drying plants were watered once a week – on the third day after 24-hour dehydration. Control plants were sprayed twice a week. A significant decrease in the size of shoots, leaves and an increase in the density of moss turf under the influence of short-term and long-term drying have been established, based on the analysis of morphometric parameters of Barbula unguiculata Hedw. and Physcomitrella patens (Hedw.) Bruch & Schimp. In the moss Weissia longifolia Mitt. long-term drying caused a slight increase in leaf size and elongation of shoots, comparing with control and short-term drying, and at the same time activated the formation of chloronеmal dendroids, which proved its greatest adaptability and ability to adapt to perio­dic changes in humidity. A higher sensitivity of the pigment system of B. unguiculata and P. patens to drying compared to W. longifolia was established. It was found that in the pigment system of the hygromesophytic moss P. patens the significant role belongs to chlorophyll b and pheophytin b, functioning of the assimilation complex of the xeromesophytic moss Barbula unguiculata depends on chlorophyll a and pheophytin a, in xerophytic moss W. longifolia – due to the stability of chlorophyll a and the strength of the bound of carotenoids with protein complexes of the pigment system. The dependence of the component composition of the pigment apparatus, the strength of the bond of pigment-protein complexes (PPC), the activity of chlorophyllase, and the total carbohydrate content of the studied mosses on the duration of drying and their species characteristics was determined.
Animal key species of the ecosystems of western Ukraine
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Andriishyn B. , Balandiukh N. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Hnatyna O. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Dykyy I. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ivanets O. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Koltun I. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Lesiv K. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Liesnik V. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Martsiv M. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Nazaruk K. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Reshetylo O. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Skyrpan I. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Khamar I. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Tsaryk I. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Tsaryk Y. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Shydlovskyy I. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv
Published: November 2022

The attention in the article is paid to the key species research importance. Their classification was discussed in our article published in “Studia Biologica” (Y. Tsaryk, O. Reshetylo, I. Tsaryk, Biol. Stud. 2019: 13(1); 161–168). The main emphasis was made on ecological key species, while other categories were analyzed as well (protective, social etc.). A row of potential key species in different ecosystems was proposed based on the original field research. So, such phytophagous insects like the alder leaf beetles Agelastica alni, Linaeidea aenea, and the mother of pearl moth Patania ruralis are proposed to be the key species in forest ecosystems. Altogether in terrestrial ecosystems such species as the common carder bee Bombus pascuorum and the buff-tailed bumblebee B. terrestris are tend to be the key species among the pollinators (excluding European honey bee Apis mellifera). Ants are important invertebrate key species as well: Formica – in forest ecosystems, Lasius, Myrmica and Tetramorium – shrub and meadow ones. Almost the same we can say about some species of amphibians (the common toad Bufo bufo, the common frog Rana temporaria, and the edible frog Pelophylax esculentus). Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius, the great tit Parus major, and woodpeckers, the great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major in particular, are among the birds’ key species on our minds. European otter Lutra lutra is the possible key species in freshwater ecosystems. Zooplankton as a whole community might be considered a key “species” too. The great pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis is the key species among freshwater mollusks. The fish of Barbatula, Cobitis, Sabanejewia, Misgurnus genera, and Eudontomyzon representatives are the key species in streams and rivers. European beaver Castor fiber, European otter L. lutra, the white stork Ciconia ciconia, and reed warblers are thought to be the key species in semiaquatic ecosystems. The presented data about the key species need further research on their population and consortive organizations, as well as their functional role in the support of ecosystem stability under the environmental stochasticity, has to be clarified.
Development of oxidative stress in laboratory rats with alcohol intoxication
Authors:   Odesa National Mechnykov University, Kika V. , Makarenko O. ,   State Establishment «The Institute of Stomatology and Maxillo-Facial  Surgery National Academy of Medical Science of Ukraine»
Published: November 2022

Introduction: the imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of cells to neutralize them is characterized as oxidative stress and occurs in almost any pathological condition. Reactions to convert ethanol to acetic acid are accompanied by an increase in ROS production. Given the prevalence of alcohol abuse and the contribution of oxidative stress to the development of pathological conditions, we formulated the aim of our work: to assess the impact of chronic alcohol intoxication on the development of oxidative stress in the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, liver, serum and bone of laboratory rats. Materials and Methods: the experiment was performed on 2-month-old rats of both sexes. The method of alcoholization is “semi-voluntary”. The experimental groups were given ethanol with 5 % drinking water at the beginning of the experiment and gradually increased to 15 %. The duration of the experiment is 108 days. Catalase activity (a marker of the antioxidant system) and malonic dialdehyde content (an indicator of the degree of lipid peroxidation) were determined in the serum, liver, jaw bone, mucous membranes of the mouth, stomach, small intestine, and colon of rats. The antioxidant-prooxidant index was calculated from the values ​​of these indicators. Results: prolonged consumption of alcohol by males and females led to a decrease in catalase activity in the tissues of the digestive tract from 16.0 % in the large intestinal to 25.0 % in the small intestinal mucosa, and, conversely, to increase in the jaws. the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and liver increased by 1.2–38.6 %. Chronic alcohol consumption increased the concentration of malonic dialdehyde in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract by 20.3–96.6 %, in serum – by 20.4–33.3 %, bone tissue – by 44.8–58.7 %. The balance between antioxidants and prooxidants in tissues most clearly reflects the antioxidant-prooxidant index. Alcohol consumption contributed to the reduction of antioxidant-prooxidant index in the tissues of the digestive tract by 37.6–65.0 %, in the liver by 24.7 %, in serum by 38.3 %, in the jaws by 4.2–15.9 %. In the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, this figure increased by 6.0–10.0 %. Conclusions: According to the results of our study, oxidative stress induced by ethanol developed to a greater extent in the mucous membrane of the small intestine, and to a lesser extent – in the mucous membrane of the mouth and jaw bone. Female tissues are more resistant to the development of oxidative stress due to prolonged alcohol consumption.
VARIABILITAS KONSENTRASI KLOROFIL-a DI PERAIRAN KALIMANTAN BARAT MENGGUNAKAN DATA MODIS AQUA
Authors: Merdekawati Dewi , Fatimah Yunita Nurul , Usman Muhammad
Published: November 2022

Chlorophyll-a is one of the important parameters in determining the amount of primary productivity in a waters. The purpose of this study was to examine the variability of chlorophyll-a in the waters of West Kalimantan. The data used is monthly and annual level 3 data for 5 years from 2016 – 2020 taken from the Aqua MODIS (Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) satellite. The distribution of chlorophyll-a in the waters of West Kalimantan shows that the highest concentration value is found in coastal areas and the lowest in offshore waters. Meanwhile, the monthly distribution of chlorophyll-a showed that the highest concentration of chlorophyll-a was in August at 28.93 mg/m3 and the lowest was in December at 19.42 mg/m3.
PERKEMBANGAN EMBRIO DAN PERFORMA AWAL LARVA IKAN TENGADAK (Barbonymus schwanennfeldii)
Authors: Yani Fitra , W Cahyanti
Published: November 2022

This experiment was conducted from May 2021 – September 2021 at the Freshwater Fishery Germplasm Research Installation in Cijeruk, Bogor, West Java. This study aimed to determine the stages of embryonic development and early larval performance that occurred in Tengadak fish (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii). This experimental study used two female fish, two male fish, and anaesthetic drugs. Parameters observed included observation of embryos and early performance of squirrelfish larvae. The embryo data were analyzed in a qualitative descriptive manner with pictures of each egg development phase and then data on egg hatching time. The results showed that the early development of the embryo in trout generally includes cleavage stages, morula, blastula (blastoderm formation), gastrula (closure of the yolk sac), segmentation and hatching. The initial performance of the scorpion fish larvae reared at a temperature of 28oC showed an abnormality value of 5.7±2.5%. The average diameter of the egg yolks of the tee-fish was 39.42±4.41 µm, and the average initial length of the trout larvae was 18.46±1.32 µm.
Fetal Autopsy: Improving Clinicians’ Knowledge to Increase Parents’ Acceptance. A Prospective Questionnaire-Based Study
Authors: Avagliano Laura , Martini Elisa , Antuono Monica , Bulfamante Gaetano
Published: November 2022

Background: Knowing the cause of stillbirth is of paramount importance for bereaved parents and fetal autopsy is one of the key investigations aimed at providing explanation about the fetal death. However, parents often manifest concerns in autopsy acceptance. Barriers against fetal autopsy can be related to caregivers’ disinformation and misconceptions. Our aim was to investigate the knowledge about fetal autopsy in a third level Italian University care Center. Methods: We investigated the knowledge of caregivers (n = 60) about fetal autopsy collecting data from an on-line anonymous questionnaire. We investigated about dismemberment, disfigurement and whether the parents can see their baby after the autopsy. Results: We obtained 34/60 (56.7%) answers, highlighting the discomfort of health care providers about addressing this issue. Only half of the responders knows that the baby will not be dismembered during the autopsy and only one third of caregivers knows that the baby will not be disfigured after the autopsy and parents can see their baby after the post-mortem investigation if they wish. More than 30% of health care providers reported that they did not know technical details about the autopsy procedures, and they did not know answers to some common questions about autopsy such as whether the fetus would be disfigured or dismembers and whether the remains could be viewed following completion of the autopsy. Conclusions: To overcome some barriers about fetal autopsy, it is of paramount importance that both caregivers and parents are aware that the baby will not be dismembered, and the face, hands, feet, and limbs of the baby are untouched during the full autopsy investigation. Deleting caregivers’ misconceptions is a crucial point for improving parents’ autopsy acceptance.
Preliminary Analysis of the Presence of Bacterial Azurin Coding Gene in CRC Patients and Correlation with the Microbiota Composition
Authors: Iozzo Marta , Vitali Francesco , Chiellini Carolina , Gammuto Leandro , Taddei Antonio , Amedei Amedeo , Fani Renato
Published: November 2022

Background: Azurin, a bacterial cupredoxin firstly isolated from the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is considered a potential alternative therapeutic tool against different types of cancer. Aims: In this work we have explored the relationship possibly existing between azurin and colorectal cancer (CRC), in light of the evidence that microbial imbalance can lead to CRC progression. Methodology/Results: To this aim, the presence of azurin coding gene in the DNA extracted from saliva, stool, and biopsy samples of 10 CRC patients and 10 healthy controls was evaluated by real-time PCR using primers specifically designed to target the azurin coding gene from different bacterial groups. The correlation of the previously obtained microbiota data with real-time PCR results evidenced a “preferential” enrichment of seven bacterial groups in some samples than in others, even though no statistical significance was detected between controls and CRC. The subset of azurin gene-harbouring bacterial groups was representative of the entire community. Conclusions: Despite the lack of statistical significance between healthy and diseased patients, HTS data analysis highlighted a kind of “preferential” enrichment of seven bacterial groups harbouring the azurin gene in some samples than in others.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Emerging Principles of Precision Medicine across Basic Science to Clinical Practice
Authors: Kelly Neil J. , Chan Stephen Y.
Published: November 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an enigmatic and deadly vascular disease with no known cure. Recent years have seen rapid advances in our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of PAH, with an expanding knowledge of the molecular, cellular, and systems-level drivers of disease that are being translated into novel therapeutic modalities. Simultaneous advances in clinical technology have led to a growing list of tools with potential application to diagnosis and phenotyping. Guided by fundamental biology, these developments hold the potential to usher in a new era of personalized medicine in PAH with broad implications for patient management and great promise for improved outcomes.
Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries: A Puzzle in Search of a Solution
Authors: Scagliola Riccardo , Senes Jacopo , Balbi Manrico
Published: November 2022

Background: The term myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), defines a puzzling event occurring in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease on coronary angiography and without an overt potential cause. However, a practical diagnostic work-up is often difficult, due to the heterogeneous etiologies and pathophysiology of MINOCA. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview focusing on epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for subjects with MINOCA, in order to provide a prompt and accurate diagnostic work-up and an adequate therapeutic approach in this subset population. Methods: This educational review was carried out by following the standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and the PRISMA statement. The terms “MINOCA” OR (“myocardial infarction” AND (“non-obstructive” OR “non-obstructive”)) were searched in PubMed and Embase databases (in Title and/or Abstract) from 1st January 2003 until 31st May 2022. Results: Etiologic findings, clinical presentation and the degree of hemodynamic impairment play a pivotal role in defining the patient’s natural history and prognostic outcome, and may significantly impact on the decision-making strategies and therapeutic approaches. Conclusions: Despite further advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, MINOCA remains a challenging conundrum in clinical practice. Clinicians should be aware of the different potential etiologies and pathogenic mechanisms of MINOCA, in order to carry out a comprehensive diagnostic work-up and implement a tailored therapeutic approach.
PCSK9 Inhibitor: Safe Alternative to Fill the Treatment Gap in Statin-Limited Conditions?
Authors: Xiao Ying , Ba Zhengqing , Pang Shurui , Liu Dong , Wang Hao , Liang Hanyang , Wang Yong , Yuan Jiansong
Published: November 2022

Lipid-lowering therapy is of great importance in reducing the burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Statins act as first-line therapy in the current lipid management guidelines. However, statin use is limited in (1) statin-induced adverse events, including statin-associated muscle symptoms, new-onset diabetes mellitus, drug-induced liver injuries, acute kidney injuries, cognitive effects, hemorrhagic strokes, and cataracts; (2) special populations, including pregnant and lactating patients, patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and patients on dialysis; (3) coadministration with statin-interactive drugs, such as anti-human immunodeficiency virus drugs, anti-hepatitis C virus drugs, and immunosuppressive drugs. These considerable statin-limited groups are in urgent need of safer alternative lipid-lowering options. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are attracting widespread attention for their documented safety in general populations and superior lipid-lowering properties. Therefore, questions have been raised whether PCSK9 inhibitors could be a safe alternative in patients who are intolerant to statin therapy. In this review, we discuss the safety of PCSK9 inhibitors in statin-limited conditions. We conclude that PCSK9 inhibitors are a safe alternative lipid-lowering therapy in various statin-limited conditions. Furthermore, we identify several limitations in the current literature and suggest future directions, for the refinement of lipid management regimens.
Current Evidence and Future Perspectives of the Best Supplements for Cardioprotection: Have We Reached the Final Chapter for Vitamins?
Authors: Yasmin Farah , Ali Syed Hasan , Naeem Aisha , Savul Subhan , Afridi Muhammad Sohaib Iqbal , Kamran Neha , Fazal Fawwad , Khawer Shehryar , Savul Ilma Saleh , Najeeb Hala , Asim Hamdoon Suharwardy , Nausherwan Marium , Asghar Muhammad Sohaib
Published: November 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a broad-spectrum term comprising coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, and heart failure, presents as one of the most significant strains on global healthcare systems. Coronary artery disease, caused by atherosclerosis, has various modifiable risk factors such as dietary changes and exercise. Since these risk factors are found to be linked to oxidative stress and inflammations, the dietary supplementation with vitamins’ role in treating and preventing the diseases has been of much debate. With various vitamins having anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, studies have explored their correlation with cardiovascular health. Therefore, this narrative review explores and evaluates the benefits and risks of all vitamin supplementations in patients with CVD and provides future recommendations.
Decisions among shifting choice alternatives reveal option-general representations of evidence
Authors: Kvam Peter D. , Sokratous Konstantina , Fitch Anderson K.
Published: November 2022

Dynamic models of choice typically describe the decision-making process in terms of the degree or balance of support for available response options. However, these alternative-specific representations of support are liable to fail when the available options change during the course of a decision. We suggest that people may use alternative-general representations, where stimulus feature information -- rather than option-specific support -- is accumulated over time and mapped onto support for available options as they appear. We tested alternative-specific and alternative-general models of choice in two perceptual experiments where the available options could change during a trial. In the first study, we showed that changing the choice options partway through a trial resulted in no substantial difference in performance relative to a condition where the final options were always onscreen. This was supported by a quantitative model comparison that strongly favored an alternative-general (geometric) model over two alternative-specific models (diffusion and racing accumulator models). In the second study, the stimulus primed specific unavailable responses to test whether irrelevant support for unavailable options was integrated into the decision process. This study elicited a pattern of accuracy that could not have occurred unless participants accumulated support for options that were not yet available. Together, these experiments and modeling results indicate that the majority of participants rely on alternative-general representations of evidence during dynamic decisions among options that can change over time. Future work on decision behavior and its neural antecedents should explore the predictions of these alternative-general theories of choice.
Pure alexia: An introspective account and proposal for a model of reading
Authors: Starrfelt Randi , Hansen Klaus
Published: November 2022

In a previous paper, we described the first person experience of the first author (K.H.) with debut and partial remission of pure alexia following a stroke in the left posterior cerebral artery. In addition, we presented neuropsychological data on reading and visual recognition over a number of years following his stroke. Here, we present an outline of a model of reading and visual word recognition, developed by K.H. in an attempt to understand his reading problems and their development over time. K.H. had no knowledge of reading models before his stroke, but was familiar with computer science and models for computer vision. His model of reading was developed based on introspective observation of his loss and re-learning of reading, and aims to explain both the breakdown of his reading process and the partial remission. In closing, we discuss K.H.’s proposed model in relation to published cognitive models of reading, with a particular focus on visual word recognition.Some of the similarities between K.H.’s introspective model and textbook models of reading are striking and intriguing. In particular, K.H. suggests that i) visual word recognition may be accomplished by different routes, and ii) fast and fluent word recognition is likely to be accomplished by a specialized module that is damaged in pure alexia, and iii) visual letter and word recognition is achieved through the computation of abstract letter representations independent of size and font.
Edit blindness is not related to immersion and presence in Hollywood movies
Authors: Huff Markus , Jacobsen Christine , Papenmeier Frank
Published: November 2022

The concept of presence describes participants’ feelings of “being there” – in a mediated setting such as a virtual environment or a Hollywood movie. Consistently, it has been reported that higher levels of immersion (i.e. providing richer information) are related to higher presence levels. Immersion and presence are measured, asking participants to report their state of mind. The present study links presence to edit blindness – a concept also known as being sensitive to the richness of information (filmic cut detection is impaired for films with a soundtrack compared to films without a soundtrack). We investigated whether edit blindness might be considered a behavioral correlate of presence or immersion. Participants watched short excerpts of Hollywood movies (with vs. without a soundtrack) in two experimental sessions; they were asked (1) to detect filmic cuts in one session and (2) to rate experienced immersion and presence after each clip in another session. While audiovisual films elicited a reduced cut detection performance, longer cut detection times, and higher presence ratings, the behavioral measures of edit blindness were related neither with immersion nor presence ratings. We thus conclude that the self-reported and the behavioral measures of media reception are not readily equivalent.
Moral Panics on Social Media are Fueled by Signals of Virality
Authors: Puryear Curtis , Vandello Joseph , Gray Kurt
Published: November 2022

Moral panics have regularly erupted in society, but they appear to occur almost daily on social media. We propose that social media helps to fuel moral panics by combining societal threats with a powerful signal of social amplification—virality. Ten studies with multiple methods test a social amplification model of moral panics, in which virality amplifies the perception of threat posed by deviant behavior and ideas, prompting moral outrage expression. Naturalistic studies of Twitter (N=237,230) reveal that virality predicts moral outrage in response to tweets about controversial issues, even when controlling for specific tweet content. Multiple experiments (N=1,184) reveal the causal impact of virality on outrage expression and show that feelings of danger mediate this effect. Correlational surveys (N=1,302) show that social media users who pay attention to virality metrics perceive more dangerous extremists in society, report more psychological distress, and report expressing more outrage. This work connects classic ideas about moral panics with ongoing research on social media and provides a perspective on the nature of moral outrage.
Housing aspirations of precariously housed older Australians
Authors: James Amity , Crowe Adam , Tually Selina , Sharam Andrea , Faulkner Debbie , Cebulla Andreas , Hodgson Helen , Webb Eileen , Coram Veronica , Singh Ranjodh , Barrie Helen , Bevin Kirsten
Published: November 2022

This research investigates lower income older households’ preferences for a range of alternative housing models and examines which of these would best meet their needs, as well as identifying ways to support households deciding their housing options. The findings of this project provide key evidence for consideration in developing a market for alternative housing options. Seven alternative housing models were presented to a nationally representative sample of older people. These composite models—each with a unique combination of tenure, construction, location, social composition, shared space and technology characteristics—included a mixed use apartment building option; a cooperative housing option; a communal housing option; a transportable home option; a shared equity home ownership option; a dual key property option; and a village-style housing option. The shared equity home ownership model; cooperative housing model; and transportable home model were substantially preferred by lower income housed older Australians. All three alternative housing models met the short and long-term housing needs of the respondents and would also deliver benefits in terms of people’s non-shelter aspirations for home including independence, privacy, security of tenure, ability to have companion animals, and room for friends, family or a carer to stay.Survey respondents expressed a strong liking for rights of ownership (84%)—through the dual key housing option and the shared equity housing option—and a long lease option (83%). Housing options that included other tenure arrangements, such as shared governance and management (59%) and land owned and retained by government (68%), were considered less desirable.
Racial and income inequalities in access to health in Brazilian cities
Authors: Tomasiello Diego Bogado , Pereira Rafael H. M. , Bazzo Vieira João Pedro , Parga João Pedro Figueira Amorim , Servo Luciana Mendes Santos
Published: November 2022

People’s access to public health services can importantly contribute to reducing the prevalence of diseases and increasing life expectancy. Despite the advances of Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), the country faces a permanent challenge in improving the coverage and equity of health services to reduce racial, spatial, and income inequalities in access to health. Several studies have explored the spatial dimension of socioeconomic inequalities in access to health services in Brazil, but few analyze such inequalities within cities and bring evidence on racial inequalities. This paper presents the first large-scale study in Brazil examining the social and racial inequalities of access to health services at a high spatial resolution. The analysis covers access to public services of primary care and high complexity by public transport, automobile, and walking for the 20 largest cities in Brazil in 2019. The results show that the low-income population, regardless of race, has greater accessibility to primary care services in general. In contrast, the high-income population, mostly white, has substantially better accessibility to high-complexity health services. Yet, we find that racial inequalities in access to health become much smaller when controlling for income. The results contribute to a better understanding of the geographical dimension of inequalities in access to health in major Brazilian cities, showing how access to healthcare is strongly conditioned by social, economic, and transport-related factors.
PRINCIPAL’S LEADERSHIP IN IMPLEMENTING ONLINE LEARNING DURING THE PANDEMIC: A CASE STUDY AT SMP INDONESIAN CREATIVE SCHOOL (ICS)
Authors: Alfikheir Corry Monesty , Mustafa M. Nur , Daud Afrianto
Published: November 2022

This research's objective is to describe the principal's strategy for online learning and how the principal innovates to reach effectiveness in learning during the COVID-19 pandemic at SMP Indonesian Creative School (ICS) Pekanbaru. This qualitative research employs a case study design. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, observation, and documentation techniques. The results showed that the principal of SMP ICS Pekanbaru carried out several strategies to improve effective learning during the pandemic. The strategies include setting the right curriculum, choosing online learning platforms, strengthening teacher capacity (capacity building), implementing routine monitoring, implementing learning evaluations, strengthening collaboration with parents, and strengthening student motivation. From the innovation aspect, the principal facilitates the existence of teaching stations and the Learning Management System (LMS) application in managing integrated, structured, and effective learning. Thus, we can conclude that the principal performed well in managing the school with all the limitations during the pandemic.
STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS ON THE USE OF GOOGLE CLASSROOM ON LISTENING COMPREHENSION SUBJECT AT ENGLISH STUDY PROGRAM OF UNIVERSITAS RIAU
Authors: Asyiqin Nurul , Jismulatif Jismulatif , Dahnilsyah Dahnilsyah
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to find out the students' perceptions on the use of Google Classroom on listening comprehension subjects during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic. In this study, the method was quantitative research and the instrument used was a questionnaire designed by Chyntia (2018) and Shaharanee et al. (2016). There were 20 items in the questionnaire. Eighty-five students from the English Study Program at Universitas Riau participated in this study. The data were analyzed using frequency and mean. The findings indicate that the students positively perceive the use of Google Classroom on listening comprehension subjects. The results show that the Google Classroom used in listening comprehension subjects was efficient because the application became an alternative way to conduct learning activities from home. The students agree that Google Classroom is an efficient, comfortable, and economical application for listening comprehension subjects.
Design and Implementation Six-Steps Inverter Using Fuzzy Sugeno in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines
Authors: Reza Sarwo Widagdo  , Santoso  , Izzah Aula Wardah
Published: November 2022

Controlling the speed of the permanent magnet synchronous machines plays an essential role in the industrial process and keeps the permanent magnet synchronous machines running quickly and efficiently. Even if the load changes, the rate speed of the permanent magnet synchronous machines should be adjusted to a constant speed. An excellent permanent magnet synchronous machines speed control system must respond quickly and accurately. However, in practice, rarely find a permanent magnet synchronous machines controlled to achieve a certain speed. This research presents an analysis of fuzzy logic control using seven membership functions for speed control of permanent magnet synchronous machines. Rotor speed control is performed on the rotor voltage by changing the duty cycle value. This voltage change affects the torque of the engine. Adjust the speed by changing the input voltage of the permanent magnet synchronous machines with the six-steps inverter. In the open-loop test (without control), the system cannot reach the desired setting and will only run after input from the throttle. In a closed loop (using fuzzy logic control), the system can achieve the desired setting in 90 seconds even if the setpoint is changed and can move to the setpoint.
Risk Factors Associated with Ninety Day Readmission in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pant P. , Joshi A.
Published: November 2022

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation is a leading cause of frequent hospital admission. Globally, several studies have reported potential risk factors associated with COPD exacerbations which are largely unknown in Nepalese health care setting.

Objective To identify the risk factors associated with hospital readmission within ninety days of discharge in acute COPD exacerbation.

Method This is a hospital based retrospective cohort study conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. COPD patients admitted in respiratory ward from August 2019 to November 2019 were followed up till 90 days after discharge. Logistic regression analysis was performed at 95% Confidence Interval (CI) to identify risk factors for readmission in COPD exacerbation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0.

Result Of total 86 patients hospitalized for COPD, 42 (48.8%) had at least one subsequent readmission during post-discharge follow-up period of 90 days. Mean age of patients was 70.55±10.98 years. There were 45 (52.3%) males. Logistic regression analysis revealed preadmission domiciliary oxygen use (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.93; 95% CI 1.195- 7.202; p=0.019), admission in intensive care unit (ICU) (OR 3.060; 95% CI 1.145- 8.179; p=0.026), previous hospital admission for COPD exacerbation (OR 3.230; 95% CI 1.219-8.556; p=0.018), age (OR 0.946; 95% CI 0.905-0.988; p=0.012) and duration of hospital stay (OR 0.901; 95% CI 0.819-0.992; p=0.034) were independently associated with ninety day readmission in COPD patients.

Conclusion Five clinical factors were found to be independently associated with COPD readmission in this study. Large multi-centre study at various health care levels is recommended to validate the potential risk factors in different populations and health care settings in Nepal.
Effect of Breastfeeding on Relieving Pain during Immunization in Infant
Authors: Bhurtel R. , Yadav U. , Chaudhary R. , Shah S. , Poudel P. , Pokhrel R. P. , Sharma S.
Published: November 2022

Background Advantages due to immunization are numerous and cannot be avoided but at the same time pain inflicted on babies needs to be addressed when possible. Pain associated with immunization injections has often been overlooked when remedies are available.

Objective To find out the effect of breastfeeding on relieving pain during immunization injection in infants.

Method An experimental study was conducted at Immunization clinic of B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS). Total 124 subjects were divided randomly into two groups. Experimental subjects were allowed to breastfeed for 5-10 minutes before immunization while control group was immunized without breastfeeding. Interview Questionnaire was used to obtain demographic variables and measurements were obtained. Measures of pain was recorded using duration of cry and Modified Behavior Pain Scale, by Taddio et al. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 20.0 where variables were assessed with frequency tables, Pearson’s Chi-Square test, independent t test and Mann Whitney U test.

Result The mean pain score in experimental group was 7.10 and in control group 7.56 which was statistically significant (p=0.001). The median duration of cry was significantly shorter in experimental group i.e. 25 seconds (IQR: 20-30) than control group 42.5 seconds (IQR: 30-61.5) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Breastfeeding before immunization is effective in reducing pain in infants.
Use of MTT Assay for Proliferation of U937 Cell Line and its Inter-rater Reliability - Best Taken with a Grain of Salt
Authors: Wakode S. , Trushna T. , Wakode N. , Thakare A. , Bharshankar R. , Manjunatha S.
Published: November 2022

Background Biomedical research frequently employs immortal human cell lines to study various physiological and pathological topics of interest. An important problem that is often ignored is the question of reliability of observations made while using a particular assay on cell lines, especially MTT Assay. Recent studies have questioned its reliability by highlighting the diverse intracellular environmental factors that affect accuracy of MTT assay results.

Objective To assess the inter-rater reliability of MTT assay while observing the differential effect of addition of fetal bovine serum to the culture medium on proliferation of U937 cell line using Intraclass correlation coefficient.

Method U937 cell suspension prepared by the tutor to maintain uniformity of immortalized cell line was used. Four trainee investigators who participated in the study underwent rigorous training in pipetting and plating methods for four consecutive days prior to start of the experiment. Each trainee investigator followed the same protocol and all procedures were conducted simultaneously. At the end of the experiment, inter observer reliability was calculated.

Result Interrater reliability calculated by using intra class correlation coefficient with two way mixed effect model was found to be poor (p = 0.173). For growth with 10% fetal bovine serum, inter-rater reliability was 0.258 for each item and 0.58 for the average of the triplicates, whereas for 0% fetal bovine serum it was 0.374 for each item and 0.70 for average of the values (p=0.104).

Conclusion Though MTT assay is considered the gold standard test for assessment of cell proliferation and viability, the inter-rater reliability of this assay might be poor and needs further investigation.
El valor de las estadÃ­sticas de bibliotecas pÃºblicas
Authors: Arroyo-VÃ¡zquez Natalia , JuÃ¡rez-Urquijo Fernando
Published: November 2022

Partiendo de la importancia de las estadÃ­sticas de bibliotecas pÃºblicas que se recogen en EspaÃ±a, analizamos en este texto su valor y utilidad, desde distintos puntos de vista en los que los autores nos hemos visto implicados en nuestra trayectoria profesional: el de los bibliotecarios, las asociaciones de bibliotecas y los investigadores. Finalmente, concluimos que son necesarias una serie de mejoras para aumentar la calidad de los datos, ponerlos en valor y lograr el compromiso de todos los implicados en la recogida, publicaciÃ³n y anÃ¡lisis de los datos.
Experiences and Challenges of Adapting to Online Learning during Covid -19 Induced Lockdown: The Case of Gweru Urban Tertiary Students in Zimbabwe
Authors: NYİKA Richard , MODİSE Alfred
Published: November 2022

The novel Corona virus resulted in lockdown measures being put in place in order to curb the spread of the virus. This led to the closure of all schools and tertiary institutions. In Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development (MHEISTD) announced the suspension of face-to-face teaching and learning and indicated that learning would continue online. This was an unexpected new experience for tertiary students. This study sought to explore the experiences and challenges faced by tertiary students in Gweru in adapting to online learning during the lockdown induced by COVID-19. The study was a netnographic study in which a cybercommunity of fifty tertiary students from five different tertiary institutions in Gweru was created. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select the students who participated in a WhatsApp group. The students participated in text discussions, voice calls, and group discussions and responded to questions probed by the researcher. The results showed that online learning was a new frontier in their learning experiences, and they faced several challenges in adapting to its use. The study concluded that tertiary institutions should embrace blended learning in order to adequately prepare for online learning by both lecturers and students in times of disasters and pandemics like COVID-19, which restrict face-to-face learning. The study recommended that tertiary institutions equip students and lecturers with the skills to adapt to online teaching and learning. Students should be provided with the requisite online learning tools in order to effectively participate in online teaching and learning activities.
Ict Competencies of a Teacher as an Element of Psycho-Logical Security of the Educational Environment
Authors: Minakov Aleksandr Igorevich
Published: November 2022

The ICT competence of a teacher is one of the key elements of the psychological security of the educational environment due to his authority in the eyes of students. Informatization of education carries both positive and negative effects, with which every modern teacher should be well acquainted. He must also have the ability to transform negative effects into positive ones or protect the student from them
Imperative Model of Use Information Technologies for Development of Students’ Personal Potential in the Process of University Education
Authors: Shutenko Elena Nikolaevna , Shutenko Andrey Ivanovich
Published: November 2022

In the model proposed in the article presents a psychological-pedagogical construct of information technologies introduction in university training. The construct is aimed at implementing the principles of using these technologies (targeting, accessibility, redundancy, diversity, dialogueness, sensitivity, synergy, updateability, systematicity, scientificity, etc.), adherence to which makes it possible to deploy a full-fledged educational communications that ensure the development of students' personal potential.
Epigenetic Modification In Relation To Some Common Cancers
Authors: Adelola Oluwatoyosi Naomi , Olayemi Rotimi David , adedoyin Owolade John-Joy , Opeyemi Oladeru Fortunate , Ado Musa Abba , Sheriff Agbaje Tunde , Seun Ibrahim John , Muinat Zubair Fehintola , Opeyemi Bello Ridwan , Adejo Oche Samuel , Nwankwo Ogbonnaya Daniel
Published: November 2022

Epigenetic modification is a process that regulates DNA sequences without altering the original structure of the DNA sequences. The distortion of DNA by epigenetic modification can turn gene expression off or on. Several scientific pieces of evidence have shown that the regular occurrence of a genetic mutation governed by epigenetic changes can subsequently usher in the onset of many diseases, including Cancer. DNA methylation and histone modifications, such as acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination, which are well known to influence gene expression, are among the most frequent epigenetic changes. In this review, we ostensibly review epigenetic modifications and their relation to cancer development. We observed that many epigenetic changes in gene expression are actively linked to Cancer, and it remains one of the most potential areas in cancer research. Many epigenetic mutations are repeatedly detected in cancer research, and reversing these mutations in cancer cells can lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches and cancer biomarkers.
Peduli Covid 19 Melalui Pembagian Masker Diwilayah Kota Mataram
Authors: Fitriani Eka , Mahsup Mahsup
Published: November 2022

Abstract:  The purpose of this devotional activity is to know the benefits of using masks in preventing the transmission of covid 19 in mataram city area. The devotional approach used is a qualitative approach. While the method of devotion with descriptive methods. Community service activities are conducted in Mataram City and activities are carried out for one day. The source of data in the service activities is the community in the mataram city area. The data collected in this devotional activity is field record data. The result of community service activities that with the distribution of masks is very useful in anticipating the transmission of covid 19 contained in the saliva splash of a sick person when he sneezes, coughs or even while talking.Abstrak. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah untuk mengetahui manfaat menggunakan masker dalam mencegah penularan covid 19 diwilayah kota Mataram. Pendekatan Pengabdian yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif. Sedangkan metode pengabdianya dengan metode deskriptif. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat dilakukan di Kota Mataram dan kegiatan dilakukan selama satu hari. Sumber data dalam kegiatan pengabdian adalah masyarakat yang ada diwilayah Kota Mataram. Data yang dikumpulkan dalam kegiatan pengabdian ini berupa data catatan lapangan. Hasil kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat bahwa dengan pembagian masker sangat bermanfaat dalam mengantisipasi penularan covid 19 yang terdapat pada percikan air liur orang yang sakit ketika dia bersin, batuk atau bahkan saat berbicara.