bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Mathematics Problem-Solving Ability With Problem-Based Learning in V Grade Students
Authors: Saputra Hardika
Published: November 2022

Nowadays, the ability of students in solving problems is very important. The teacher as a facilitator must present learning that is interesting and easy to understand. One alternative that can be done is to apply a problem-based learning model. This study aims to determine whether there is a significant improvement in the mathematical problem-solving ability of fifth-grade students of Aisyiyah Metro Elementary School after problem-based learning is applied. This research was conducted using a quantitative research method with the type of experimental research and using a quasi-experimental design in the form of a non-equivalent control group design. The sample in this study was the fifth-grade students of Aisyiyah Metro Elementary School with a total of 37 students divided into 2 classes, namely the experimental and the control class. Data collection techniques in this study used three methods, namely: observation, problem-solving ability tests, and documentation. The results of the study concluded that there was a significant increase in mathematical problem-solving ability in classes using problem-based learning compared to classes using conventional learning.
Landscape architecture of manor complexes in Central Chernozem region
Authors:   Voronezh State Agrarian University named after Emperor Peter the Great, Kruglyak V.V.
Published: November 2022

Manor complexes in the Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk and Tambov regions of the Central Chernozem region are presented. The chronology of the visits made by Emperor Peter I to the city of Voronezh in the period from 1696 to 1722 is outlined. Manor complexes of the Voronezh region are characterized by the date of their occurrence. The data on the historical cities of the Voronezh region with the date of their foundation are given. The reigning periods of some Voronezh governors, governors-general, governors, vice-governors, provincial commissars, provincial comrades are analyzed. The structure of the soil cover in the park territory of the sanatorium named after A.D. Tsyurupa, Liskinsky district, Voronezh region is outlined. 10 color characteristics of flowers are recommended for estate complexes of the Central Chernozem region. The balance of the territory of the museum-estate «Ivanovka» by S.V. Rachmaninov, Uvarovsky district, Tambov region is identified. The balance of the territory of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise — the dendrological park «LOSS» in the Stanovlyansky district of the Lipetsk region has been established.
The state of greenhouse gases and their assimilation in nature. A review
Authors:   BMSTU (Mytishchi branch), Ivankin A.N.
Published: November 2022

A brief review of the state and influence of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, on possible changes in climatic parameters is presented. It was noted that the main greenhouse gases are water pore, the amount of which in the total mass can be from 36 to 72 %, as well as carbon dioxide (9...26 %), methane (4...9 %) and ozone (3...7 %). The main sources of formation of the concentration of carbon dioxide, which attracts the attention of researchers, as a result of anthropogenic impact as a result of industrial development, as well as significant natural factors, such as the consequences of volcanic activity, are described. Concentration changes in the content of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in the historical period are discussed. A certain contribution of individual economies to the total volume of greenhouse gas emissions on the planet is shown and it is noted that in annual terms the amount of carbon dioxide formed as a result of human activity can reach 35–40 billion tons of CO2. It is noted that in recent years the concentration of CO2 has consistently exceeded 400 ppm and this level is, apparently, the highest in the history of observations. The most significant sources of greenhouse gases are described — industry, transport and volcanoes. An assessment was made of the contribution of volcanic activity to the increase in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, which can be at the level of 60...250 million tons of CO2 per year, and according to some estimates, reach 0,5 billion tons of CO2. The potential influence of the most significant factors of absorption of excess CO2 — the world’s oceans and forests on the possibility of removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere is shown. An assessment is given of the assumption that the world ocean absorbs up to 2,6 billion tons of CO2 per year. It is believed that its absorption capacity is much higher. Consideration of the protective role of forests and vegetation cover in carbon dioxide sequestration shows that, under certain conditions, existing forest areas are likely to be able to absorb at least most of the anthropogenic emissions. The assessment made of the contribution of individual countries to the necessary negative carbon balance shows the groundlessness of claims against the Russian Federation on this issue. A certain forecast of the prospects for climate change is presented in relation to geographical and economic factors.
Betula pendula L. wood delignification by mycodestruction and sulfite alkafide process
Authors:   Udmurt State University, Zagrebin E.A. , Vedernikov K.E. ,   Udmurt State University
Published: November 2022

The results of a study on the delignification of birch wood (Betula pendula L.) by cultivating mushrooms from the genus Pleurotus in laboratory conditions for three time intervals are presented. The results of extraction of lignin from wood by chemical treatment with sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfite in different concentrations, as well as at different processing times, are presented. Difficulties in washing raw materials using highly concentrated solutions have been identified. Data on the study of changes in the content of the main structural and non-structural components of wood, as well as the density of wood in the process of delignification are presented.
Recovery features of disturbed plant communities in Komi Republic north
Authors:   Russian Research Institute of Game Management and Fur Farming named after Professor B.M. Zhitkov, Bushueva Yu.O. , Egoshina T.L. ,   Russian Research Institute of Game Management and Fur Farming named after Professor B.M. Zhitkov, Gudovskikh Yu.V. ,   Russian Research Institute of Game Management and Fur Farming named after Professor B.M. Zhitkov, Yaroslavtsev A.V. ,   Russian Research Institute of Game Management and Fur Farming named after Professor B.M. Zhitkov, Luginina E.A. ,   Russian Research Institute of Game Management and Fur Farming named after Professor B.M. Zhitkov
Published: November 2022

The paper presents the studied conducted in 17 plant communities with different stages of recovery in northern taiga ecosystems in Usinsk district of the Komi Republic. Habitats of rare and protected orchid species — Dactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soó were marked. Stages of phytocoenoses recovery and level of human disturbance were defined. To estimate the communities’ resilience towards human impact, hemeroby index was determined and hemeroby spectra for each studied community compiled.
Nickel levels in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) organs under pollution conditions in Lipetsk city
Authors:   Ufa Institute of Biology, Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Zaitsev G.A. , Dubrovina O.A. ,   Bunin Yelets State University, Masina T.A. ,   Bunin Yelets State University
Published: November 2022

In the city of Lipetsk, the peculiarities of nickel accumulation in the above-ground organs of Scots pine have been determined. The research was conducted in pine stands ranging in age from 40 to 50 years. Sampling and research were carried out in the vegetation dynamics for two years (2019 and 2020). The nickel content in the needles and shoots of the first, second and third years of growth was determined by atomic absorption method. The nickel levels in pine needles and shoots were higher under contaminated conditions than in the control. The critical nickel levels for most plants in the aboveground part are 3,0 mg/kg and in our research, the nickel concentration in needles and shoots over the growing season did not exceed that level. Despite higher nickel levels in needles and shoots (relative to controls), there was no significant reduction in the needle and shoot growth during the first year of development under polluting conditions.
Retrospective analysis of landscape-ecological approach for disturbed landscapes recultivation
Authors:   Ufa Institute of Biology, Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kulagin A.Yu.
Published: November 2022

Conducting a retrospective analysis of a landscape-ecological approach to the recultivation of disturbed lands showed that the recultivation technologies have developed from an agricultural direction to a landscape-ecological one, taking into account natural and climatic features and the focus on reducing environmental risks. The forest-oriented recultivation seems to be a promising way to eliminate the accumulated environmental damage formed during the development of mineral deposits. It is shown that successful forest recultivation of disturbed lands has local feautures and is associated with the restoration of the structural and functional integrity of landscape and ecological complexes. Pilot work on reforestation on dumps is recommended to be carried out with minimal costs for the technical stage of recultivation. It has been determined that woody plants deposit toxic chemical elements and reduce the level of secondary environmental pollution. The preference for forest reclamation of anthropogenic landscapes is associated with the restoration of their biological productivity and restrictions on the agricultural use of disturbed lands.
Pollen viability of some woody plants species in Donetsk agglomeration
Authors:   Donetsk National University, Mirnenko N.S.
Published: November 2022

Data on the sterility and viability of woody plants pollen grains in the Donetsk urban agglomeration are presented. The study object was pollen samples of woody plant species used in landscaping in Donetsk such as black poplar (Populus nigra L.), white willow (Salix alba L.), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). On the studied sites, it has been established that the sterility of pollen grains ranges from 16 to 44 %, and the viability ranges from 49 to 96%, which is a critical indicator indicating the inability to restore reproductive function in some of the studied species. It is statistically determined that the correlation of the studied parameters (selection points, sterility, viability) characterizes the Donetsk agglomeration as an unfavorable environment for plant life. The data obtained indicate a high degree of adaptation and resistance of tree species to technogenic impact. Indicative signs of atmospheric air pollution are determined, which are typical for the Donetsk agglomeration. Under conditions of intense technogenic load, a pattern appears in the quality change of pollen grains forming pollen anomalies. An indicator that characterizes the anatomical and morphological structure of pollen grains can be used in Donetsk conditions as a complement to other characteristics when a significant level of environmental pollution is detected.
Morphostructural variability parameters of different age generations in pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) populations under constant excessive soil moisture in northern taiga of Arkhangelsk region
Authors:   N.P. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tarkhanov S.N. , Pinaevskaya E.A. ,   N.P. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pakhov A.S. ,   N.P. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: November 2022

The data is presented for studying the variability of morphostructural parameters of different age (g1 and g2) pine populations under conditions of constant excessive soil moisture of the northern taiga of the Arkhangelsk region. The frequency of occurrence distribution of the age and morphostructural parameters (size of the trunk and crown, self-pruning, length of coarse bark, size and number of side shoots, length and life span of needles) of trees is shown. It has been established that pine trees with smaller trunk and crown sizes, worse self-pruning are more common. Greater height and diameter of the trunk, length and diameter of the crown, better self-pruning, a greater length of the coarse bark is observed in the older generation (g2). This is due to the older age of the trees. It has been established that the relationship between the height of the trunk and the age of the trees is higher in the samples of young generative trees. It was revealed that the young generation (g1) has a significantly greater length and mass of cones, the length, width and height of the apophysis of seed scales compared to the older generation (g2).
Appositions: The Future in Solarpunk and Post-Apocalyptic Fiction
Authors: Więckowska Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

The essay discusses images of the future in solarpunk and post-apocalyptic fiction, focusing on their distinct approach to the narratives of progress, science, and individualism. The dystopian perspective of post-apocalyptic fiction is juxtaposed with the hopeful stance of solarpunk stories in order to outline the attempts to move beyond environmental pessimism and to imagine a liveable future. A reading of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road (2006), Erik M. Conway and Naomi Oreskes’s The Collapse of Western Civilization (2014), and Omar El Akkad’s American War (2017) provides an overview of early 21st-century dystopian motifs and visions, while the ideas and development of solarpunk fiction are discussed on the basis of three anthologies of short stories: Sunvault: Stories of Solarpunk and Ecospeculation (2017), Glass and Gardens: Solarpunk Summers (2018), and Multispecies Cities: Solarpunk Urban Futures (2021). The aim of the essay is to argue that apocalyptic and solarpunk fiction stand in a relationship of apposition to one another, representing dominant and emergent structures of feeling.
Gobernando los Andes : Francisco de Toledo virrey del Perú (1569-1581)
Authors: Merluzzi Manfredi
Published: November 2022

En Gobernando los Andes, Manfredi Merluzzi nos presenta el gobierno (1569-1581) de Francisco de Toledo, quizás el virrey más controvertido de la historia colonial, como parte del esfuerzo que la España de Felipe II hizo por centralizar el poder sobre todos sus dominios, tanto americanos como europeos. Toledo se preocupó por establecer formas regulares de obtención de recursos para la metrópoli y vio claramente que, para lograr su propósito, debía poner bajo el más estricto control a la elite nativa, así como reestructurar los patrones poblacionales andinos y la misma organización social indígena. Se formalizaron así tanto las reducciones pueblos concentraciones de indios que facilitaban la exacción del tributo y el desarrollo de la evangelización como la mita prestaciones obligatorias de trabajo por turnos, que en el ámbito minero fueron decisivos para garantizar la provisión de metales preciosos a España. Junto con su preocupación por controlar la «república de indios», Toledo hizo grandes esfuerzos por ordenar la «república de españoles» en un virreinato que en las décadas anteriores había sido escenario de los más violentos enfrentamientos, tanto entre conquistadores como entre los conquistadores y la Corona.
Vida digital : la tecnología en el centro de lo cotidiano
Authors: Villanueva Mansilla Eduardo
Published: November 2022

¿Qué es la vida digital? Desde nuestra experiencia diaria en el uso de aparatos diversos, hasta la manera como nuestro trabajo y nuestro ocio dependen de las redes y los servicios digitales, la presencia de la tecnología redefine y potencia nuestra cotidianeidad; nos abre puertas y nos señala posibilidades que van más allá de la tecnología, para abarcar desafíos culturales, de identidad y comunicacionales, que nos cuestionan y desconciertan. Vida digital: la tecnología en el centro de lo cotidiano de Eduardo Villanueva Mansilla, es un libro que busca mostrar las rutas que estas innovaciones nos proponen y los retos que habremos de enfrentar en el futuro, no solo como individuos, sino también como peruanos: un ensayo tentativo, exploratorio, que plantea de manera asequible algunas rutas de exploración que la presencia de la internet, las distintas tecnologías de información y comunicación y en general las nuevas formas de comunicación, plantean a las personas y a las sociedades. Sus fuentes académicas vienen de dos grandes vertientes: los estudios de comunicación, tanto social como interpersonal, y la bibliotecología; aportes desde el derecho, el análisis social de redes y la informática aparecen en varios puntos. Su autor dice de este trabajo “no es un ejercicio académico mayor, sino una aproximación algo populista, que espera motivar una conversación más amplia y, al mismo tiempo, más intensa, sobre los temas aquí discutidos”.
Derecho en contexto
Authors: Zolezzi Ibárcena Lorenzo
Published: November 2022

Este libro permite ver las ricas posibilidades que se abren al jurista cuando comprende que si bien su actividad tiene una gran influencia en la sociedad, también las manifestaciones culturales influyen en el derecho. De este modo, los artículos que componen este volumen vinculan al derecho con la literatura, la realidad social, la psicología, la resolución de conflictos y la enseñanza misma del derecho.
Influencia del liderazgo y la cultura organizacional en la satisfacción laboral en las empresas medianas en Lima Metropolitana
Authors:   ,   Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Santamaria Cruz Fidel Victor Manuel
Published: November 2022

Se efectuó una investigación cuyo propósito fue determinar la influencia de los estilos de liderazgo y los rasgos de la cultura organizacional en la satisfacción laboral en las empresas medianas del sector servicios en Lima Metropolitana. Se aplicó un instrumento autoadministrado de manera presencial a 589 trabajadores de 43 empresas medianas del sector servicios en Lima Metropolitana, utilizándose el Cuestionario Multifactorial de Liderazgo (MLQ), la Encuesta de Cultura Organizacional de Denison (DOCS) y el Cuestionario de Satisfacción Laboral Meliá & Peiró S 10/12. Se realizó el análisis factorial confirmatorio a través del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) utilizando el método de mínimos cuadrados parciales empleando el software SmartPLS. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el liderazgo transaccional desarrollador y los rasgos de cultura organizacional misión e implicación tienen influencia en la satisfacción laboral, así mismo, el liderazgo transformacional y el rasgo de cultura organizacional misión son los de mayor predominancia. Por otro lado, los estilos de liderazgo transformacional y pasivo evasivo, así como los rasgos de cultura organizacional adaptabilidad y consistencia no tienen influencia en la satisfacción laboral. Los hallazgos realizados revelan que los trabajadores valoran el tener claramente establecido cuales son las metas y objetivos por lograr. El presente estudio contribuye al conocimiento al determinar cuáles son los indicadores que constituyen el estilo de liderazgo transaccional desarrollador y cuáles son los componentes de los rasgos de cultura organizacional que influyen en la satisfacción laboral en las empresas medianas del sector servicios en Lima Metropolitana; en consecuencia, será de utilidad para que las empresas mejoren los procesos de gestión de personas.
Does Cannabidiol (CBD) in Food Supplements Pose a Serious Health Risk? Consequences of the EFSA Clock Stop Regarding Novel Food Authorisation
Authors: Lachenmeier Dirk W. , Sproll Constanze , Golombek Patricia , Walch Stephan G.
Published: November 2022

In the European Union (EU), cannabidiol products require pre-marketing authorisation under the novel food regulation. Currently, 19 CBD applications are under assessment at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). During the initial assessment of the application files, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) located several knowledge gaps in their 07 June 2022 statement on safety of cannabidiol as a novel food that need to be addressed before the evaluation of CBD can be concluded. Namely, the effect of CBD on the liver, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, nervous system, psychological function, and reproductive system needs to be clarified. Nevertheless, the available literature allows a benchmark dose (BMD)-response modelling of several bioassays, resulting in a BMD lower confidence limit (BMDL) of 20 mg/kg bw/day for liver toxicity in rats. Human data in healthy volunteers found increases in the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in a study at 4.3 mg/kg bw/day, which was defined by EFSA NDA panel as a lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL). The EFSA NDA panel currently concluded that the safety of CBD as a novel food cannot be evaluated, leading to a so-called clock stop of the applications until the applicants provide the required data. Meanwhile, the authors suggest that CBD products still available as food supplements on the EU market despite the lack of authorisation must be considered as “unsafe”. Products exceeding a health-based guidance value of 10 mg/day must be considered as being “unfit for consumption” (Article 14(1) and (2) (b) of Regulation No 178/2002), while the ones in exceedance of the human LOAEL must be considered “injurious to health” (Article 14(1) and (2) (a) of Regulation No 178/2002).
EEG in Neurorehabilitation can have Several Uses other than BCI: Biomarkers to Predict/Monitor Recovery
Authors: Tsiamalou Athanasia , Dardiotis Efthimios , Paterakis Konstantinos , Fotakopoulos George , Liampas Ioannis , Sgantzos Markos , Siokas Vasileios , Brotis Alexandros G
Published: November 2022

Background: There is an increasing interest in the role of EEG in neurorehabilitation. We primarily aimed to identify the knowledge base through highly influential studies. Our secondary aims were to imprint the relevant thematic hotspots, research trends, and social networks within the scientific community. Methods: We performed an electronic search in Scopus looking for studies reporting on rehabilitation in patients with neurological disabilities. The most influential papers outlined the knowledge base, while a word co-occurrence analysis imprinted the research hotspots. Likewise, co-citation analyses highlighted collaboration networks between Universities, authors, and countries. The results were presented in summary tables, burst detection plots, and geospatial maps. Finally, a content review based on the top-20 most cited articles completed our study. Results: Our current bibliometric study was based on 874 records from 420 sources. There was a vivid research interest in EEG use for neurorehabilitation, with an annual growth rate as high as 14.3%. The most influential paper was the study titled "Brain-computer interfaces, a review" by Nicolas-Alfonso LF and Gomez-Gill J, with 997 citations, followed by "Brain-computer interfaces in neurological rehabilitation" by Daly J. and Wolpaw JR (708 citations). The USA, Italy, and Germany were among the most productive countries. The research hotspots shifted with time from the use of “functional magnetic imaging” to EEG-based “brain-machine interface”, “motor imagery”, and “deep learning”. Conclusions: EEG constitutes the most significant input in brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and can be successfully used in the neurorehabilitation of patients with stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and traumatic brain and spinal injury. EEG-based BCI facilitates training, communication, and control of wheelchair and exoskeletons. However, research is limited to specific scientific groups from developed countries. Evidence is expected to change with the broader availability of BCI and improvement in EEG filtering algorithms.
‘It’s not God I’m joking about’: Religion, stand-up comedy, dark comedy, and public sphere
Authors: Hawari Muhammad Farhan , Haganta Karunia , Arrasy Firas
Published: November 2022

This article tries to look at the social aspects of dark comedy used in stand-up comedy. Dark comedy is seen as problematic because it is in a vortex of humor, subjectivity, and the public. To capture and analyze these various phenomena, the authors use socio-anthropological perspective with the play theory from Sastramidjaja’s dissertation (2016) which is complemented by publicness from Sasono’s PhD theses (2019). This research is qualitative, using data collection methods in the form of semi-structured interviews with several main questions which are deepened by still referring to the main questions, especially to know the process of preparing jokes and stand-up comedy performances.This research was conducted in the Stand Up Indo Bekasi community and the Stand Up University Bhayangkara Jaya (UBJ) Bekasi with three comedians who often used dark joke material consisting of Bilal (Muslim), Ahmad (Muslim), and James (son of a Christian priest). This paper reveals the finding that dark comedy does not only come from the comedians, but also involves the public sphere as a form of grievances. The authors see that dark comedy is born from concerns that include comedian subjectivity in viewing various symbols – including religious symbols or those related to religion, reversing them, and contextualizing them in an incongruity.
The role of social media towards fomenting radicalization among youth in Bangladesh
Authors: Talukder Purnata , Tanvir Sakin
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the study is to identify the role of social media in spreading radicalization among Bangladeshi youth and the factors behind them. The concepts of radicalization and violent extremism have become increasingly prevalent in global politics and development programming during the last few decades and the youths are getting involved through social media from the contents published by the extremist groups. The authors have used qualitative method to understand and scrutinize the findings of the study. In these processes, they have chosen secondary data analysis from articles, journals, books, newspaper etc. in order to collect and analyze data. Finally, they have tried to find out the factors behind the involvement of youths in radicalization and extremist acts through social media, the preventive measures taken by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and further possible initiative to boost up the preventive techniques to safeguard the youths. In the consequences, the authors assumed that lack of religious knowledge, adventurous nature, economic factors, cultural factors and identity crisis could be the reasons behind the vulnerability of youths involving in radicalization in Bangladesh.
Performance of biological sand-fixing materials before and after inoculation on sandy desert surface
Authors: Tao Ling , Ren Hanru , Jun Ren
Published: November 2022

Aims Desert biocrust played an important role for the control of desertification. Artificial inoculation can promote the formation of biocrusts. The physiological and growth responses of the inoculated biological sand-fixing materials need to be clarified, and the results are of great significance for the artificial reproduction of desert biocrusts.
Methods The chlorophyll-a, thickness and fresh weight of biological sand-fixing materials surface were investigated in order to assess the effecting of mixture ratio, cultivation and inoculation times, and water supply under laboratory conditions.
Results The biological sand-sixing material mixed with cultivated algae crust and polymeric composites in 1:1 ratio demonstrated the best performance. Attapulgite clay could significantly promote the growth capacity and chlorophyll-a production of biological sand-fixing materials. The optimal biological sand-fixing material evidently accelerated the most accumulation of chlorophyll-a in 0.55 mg/kg, increase in 3.06 mm and growth of fresh biomass in 0.69 g/cm2, was the most beneficial to formation and development of artificial biocrust. The more water supply always significantly promoted the survival and growth of biological sand-fixing materials.
Conclusion The optimally proportioned biological sand-fixing material obviously promoted the most growth and accumulation of chlorophyll-a and biomass under artificial cultivation and inoculation treatments. The most water supply always produced the most chlorophyll-a, thickness and fresh weight, so incubating biocrusts always provided more production of chlorophyll-a, higher thickness and more biomass under more water supply.
Increased Expression of p-STAT3/IL-17 in Muscle Tissues of Patients with dermatomyositis and anti-synthetase syndrome Is Correlated with Disease Activity
Authors: Li Dongmei , Qin Kaixin , Hao Yiqun , Wang Kai , Luo DongPing , Yang Jie , Yang Bo , Jia Wen , Zhou Luyao , Fu Zili
Published: November 2022

Objective: To explore the roles of phosphorylated signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) and interleukin (IL)-17 expression of muscle in the disease activity of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM).
Methods: Twenty-eight patients with IIM (20 with dermatomyositis [DM] and 8 with anti-synthetase syndrome [ASS]) and 12 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in the study. The expression levels of p-STAT3 and IL-17 in muscle tissues were examined using Western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses.
Results: The expressions of pSTAT3 were detected in atrophic and necrotic muscle cells around muscle fibers and in infiltrating inflammatory cells around blood vessels in DM patients and in mononuclear cells surrounding myocytes in ASS patients. The expressions of IL-17 were detected in muscle fibers and in infiltrating inflammatory cells around blood vessels in DM and ASS patients. However, they were not detected in the muscle tissue in HCs. Thus, the expression levels of p-STAT3 and IL-17 were significantly greater in the patients with IIM than in the HCs (P<0.05). Additionally, the p-STAT3 was positively correlated with the levels of IL-17in the muscle tissue ( r = 0.418, p = 0.027), IL-6 in the serum (r = 0.579, p = 0.001) , MYOACT score (r = 0.585, p = 0.001) , and the levels of AST (r =0.622, p < 0.001) , CK (r =0.714, p < 0.001) , LDH (r = 0.590, p = 0.001) , and HBD (r = 0.555, p = 0.003).
Conclusion: The STAT3/IL-17 pathway is over-activated in patients with PM/ASS and plays a significant role in the disease activity.
Fusion of Invasive Tumor Cells with Infiltrating Macrophages Fuels Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Adaptive Immune Evasion
Authors: Shao Rong , Han Xiao , Zhu Bowen , Luo Jing , Zhang Xuemei , Chen Hui , Brown Christine , Burnside Amy , Fu Guohui , Zhao Faxue , Chen Hongzhuan , Oh Dennis , Schwartz Lawrence M , Liu Yingbin
Published: November 2022

Heterotypic interaction between tumor cells and adjacent stromal cells mediates tumor development. However, how tumor heterogeneity commits tumors to the malignant transformation and evasion of immunity against metastasis is poorly understood. Here, we have investigated the fusogenicity of human invasive glioblastoma, triple negative breast cancer and gallbladder cancer cells that are all characterized by mesenchymal cell plasticity. These cells displayed the rigorous ability to fuse with macrophages and augment epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), transforming the fused cells into highly invasive hybrids. YKL-40 (Chitinase-3-like-1), known to promote inflammation and serve as an EMT marker, was essential and sufficient for both cell fusion and the invasiveness of tumor cells that express EMT and tumor-associated macrophage markers. Intriguingly, differential gene profiling of single clones from the hybrids demonstrated that YKL-40 and immune checkpoint protein B7-2 (CD86) were elevated and functioned to independently suppress anti-tumor immune factor levels of CD8+-cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL); thus resulting in escape of immune surveillance. YKL-40 and B7-2 dual shRNA abrogated YKL-40-mediated cell fusion and restored CTL anti-tumor immunity, compromising tumor development in xenografts. Clinically, we found tumor hybrids were present in mesenchymal types of glioblastomas, gallbladder cancer and breast cancer. In addition, YKL-40 expression in glioblastoma was correlated with decreased disease-free survival in patients. Collectively, these data offer novel cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning immune evasion and tumor malignancy, and suggest a new immunotherapeutic intervention strategy by targeting both YKL-40 and B7-2 in cancer.
Targeting Behavioral Interventions Based on Baseline Motivation Increases Vaccine Uptake
Authors: Brody Ilana , Dai Hengchen , Saccardo Silvia , Milkman Katherine , Duckworth Angela , Patel Mitesh , Gromet Dena
Published: November 2022

Behavioral interventions applied to policy problems often yield varying degrees of success in different sub-populations. Understanding and planning for heterogeneous treatment effects is critical to developing nuanced theories of human behavior and offering more useful guidance to policymakers. In this research, we identify one source of heterogeneity in the effectiveness of behavioral interventions: individuals’ baseline motivation to adopt the encouraged activity. Previous studies suggest that people may not take up an activity either because (1) they have no intentions to adopt it or (2) they fail to follow through despite intending to do so. In a series of preregistered experiments (two online and one in the field; total N = 17,362), we tested two approaches to encouraging influenza vaccination, aiming to either change intentions or facilitate follow-through. The information intervention, designed to enhance intentions by targeting misconceptions, increased vaccination intentions and uptake only among those with relatively low baseline motivation. The follow-through intervention, designed to enhance the salience and convenience of getting vaccinated, increased vaccine uptake only among those with relatively high baseline motivation. This work highlights the importance of aligning the mechanisms targeted by an intervention with individuals’ baseline motivation as a fruitful way to customize behavior change interventions.
Methanol-Supplemented Hierarchical Porous Breath Figure Structure
Authors: Khalid Salman , Hassan Ali
Published: November 2022

Honeycomb-shaped, hierarchical porous structure is fabricated using the breath figure method. Different solvents are used to fabricate porous membranes with five different concentrations using spin coating. The diameter of the pores is controlled by the polymer concentration as well as different solvents. Using methanol as an additive solvent a homogeneous porous film is achieved. Furthermore, the effect of different solvents on the titania nanoparticles on the breath figure porous structure shows how titania particles are confined in the polymer matrix. So, using methanol as an additional solvent would be far more practical for synthesizing homogeneous films with different pore sizes than the standard procedure for fabricating the breath figure structure.
Slowly declining growth rates and dynamic reporting delays characterise the Monkeypox epidemic in the UK over May-August 2022
Authors: Panovska-Griffiths Jasmina , Hinch Robert , Park Josie , Ward Thomas , Charlett Andre , Cumming Fergus , Watkins Nicholas , Fraser Christophe
Published: November 2022

The monkeypox epidemic in the UK began in May 2022, and subsequently and rather quickly, rates of new cases have declined during August 2022. Identifying the causes of this decline requires accurate estimates of the time-varying epidemic growth rate r(t), which in turn depend upon the reporting delays (defined as the time from onset of symptoms to presenting to healthcare). Using a custom nowcasting method which allows for time-varying delays (EpiLine), we show that the reporting delay for Monkeypox in the UK decreased from an average of 22 days in early May 2022 to 10 days by early June and 7 days in August 2022. Accounting for these dynamic delays shows that the time-varying r(t) declined gradually in the UK over this period. Not accounting for varying time delays would have incorrectly characterised r(t) by a sharp increase followed by a rapid drop. We discuss the importance of this gradual decline, which helps identify the potential mechanisms responsible for the decline in the rate of spread of Monkeypox, which was gradual and started well before vaccines were widely used.
Application of a Novel Local Dynamic Weakening Model Coupled with Smooth-joint Contact in the Simulation of Fault Ruptures and Laboratory Earthquakes
Authors: Ye Sheng Hua , Lui Semechah K. Y. , Young R Paul
Published: November 2022

Discrete-element-method (DEM) codes were developed in the field of rock mechanics. Compared to continuum codes, it has many advantages such as allowing larger grain displacements, detachment of grains, and simulation of discrete fractures. However, the disadvantage of DEM codes in the simulation of higher confining pressure triaxial tests were not previously discussed. In this study, we explored how the non-Dirac-delta distribution of contact forces controls the fault rupture initiation, and its impact on fault rupture propagation under high confining pressure. Based on the above study, a novel local dynamic weakening model was proposed and incorporated into the smooth-joint (SJ) contact model. The dynamic weakening model is tested with simulations of experiments conducted under high confining pressures. It is shown to be successful at reproducing realistic fault rupture behaviors, and the synthetic acoustic emission (AE) characteristics including magnitude-frequency relationships and fractal dimensions match those in the experiment.
Mardin ili Dytiscidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) Faunasına Katkılar
Authors: AYKUT Medeni
Published: November 2022

Dytiscidae (Yırtıcı dalgıç böcekleri) familyasına ait türlerin belirlenmesine yönelik yapılan bu çalışma Nisan-2017 ile Eylül-2018 tarihleri arasında Mardin ili sınırları dâhilinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu çalışma kapsamında Mardin ilinin 34 farklı lokalitesinden Dytiscidae familyasına ait toplam 1414 birey toplanıp teşhis edilmiştir. Çalışma ile Dytiscidae familyasının 14 cinsine ait 28 tür tespit edilmiştir. Tespit edilen türlerin hepsi Mardin ili için yeni kayıt özelliği göstermektedir.
Estimation of hydraulic conductivity of porous media using data-driven techniques
Authors: Thakur Divya , Chandel Abhishish , Shankar Vijay
Published: November 2022

Knowledge of hydraulic conductivity (K) is inevitable for sub-surface flow and aquifer studies. Hydrologists and groundwater researchers are employing data-driven techniques to indirectly evaluate K using porous media characteristics as an alternative to direct measurement. The study examines the ability of the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to predict the K of porous media using two membership functions (MFs), i.e., triangular and Gaussian, and support vector machine (SVM) via four kernel functions, i.e., linear, quadratic, cubic, and Gaussian. The techniques used easily measurable parameters namely effective and mean grain size, uniformity coefficient, and porosity as input variables. A 70 and 30% dataset is used for the training and testing of models, respectively. The correlation coefficient (R) and root mean square error (RMSE) were used to evaluate the models. The Gaussian MF-based ANFIS model outperformed the triangular model having R and RMSE values of 0.9661 & 0.0010 and 0.9532 & 0.0015, respectively, whereas the quadratic kernel-based SVM model with R and RMSE values of 0.9520 and 0.0015 performs better than the other SVM models. Based on the evaluation of ANFIS and SVM models, the study establishes the efficacy of the Gaussian MF-based ANFIS model in estimating the K of porous media.
Modified Golden percentage for an Anterior Aesthetic -A Morphometric Analysis
Authors: Zarbah Mohammad A. , Alasmari Fawziah A. , Alharthi Asma A. , Alahmari Rawabi Y. , Chaturvedi Saurabh , Alsubaiy Ebrahim F. , Alqahtani Nasser M.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Golden Proportion, Preston’s Proportion, RED Proportion, and Golden Percentage are the most common theories suggested in the literature to be used for smile analysis and design.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of these four dental aesthetic proportions in a Saudi sample and alternatively propose a modified method for anterior teeth analysis.

Materials and Methods:

The Standardized frontal image of the dentition of 200 selected students was taken. The proportions (Golden Proportion, Preston’s Proportion, RED Proportion, and Golden Percentage) of the maxillary anterior teeth photographs were analyzed using Adobe Photoshop software. One-sample t-test was used and the p-value was taken significantly when less than 0.05 [p<0.05] and a confidence interval of 95%.

Results:

The assessed Golden Proportion values showed a statistically significant difference from the standard value (62%; p-value < 0.05), Preston’s Proportion showed an insignificant difference from the standard values (p-value > 0.05), Golden Percentage, showed that as much as 77% of 12 teeth and 77.5% of 22 teeth conformed to it. The average mathematically rounded percentages found in this study are as follows: 13%, 15%, 22%, 23%, 15%, and 12%, respectively. No complete matching to RED Proportion was found in any sample.

Conclusion:

All tested proportions except Golden Percentage did not conform to standard values and thus have limited application in anterior teeth analysis in the studied population. The proposed modified Golden Percentages in this study are more representative and recommended for smile design for the Saudi population.
Perancangan Sistem Pakar Untuk Menilai Kinerja Irigasi
Authors:   Universitas Gunadarma, Hoerudin Hoerudin , Santosa Budi ,   Universitas Gunadarma
Published: November 2022

Irrigation is a supporting infrastructure for water distribution in agriculture. Its role is vital, especially for agricultural areas which are not rain-fed, meaning that to irrigate agricultural areas the irrigation infrastructure is needed. It is important for all parties involved in agriculture and irrigation management institutions to find out and ensure the condition and performance of an irrigation network, whether its function is still as planned or even vice versa. So far, the performance evaluation of irrigation networks is still carried out conventionally and only reaches a form of Maintenance Operation report, not specific to its performance. So based on these conditions, this research will build an expert system that can be used to assess the performance of irrigation networks. The design begins by determining the logic of assessment that will be used as a way of thinking from the expert system that will be built. The indicators used by the system to assess irrigation performance are as stated in the regulation of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing No. 12 of 2015. After designing the expert system, the next step is to simulate it using the data available in the operation and maintenance reports of some irrigation networks that are used as samples. Then the simulation results are analyzed so that it can be known whether the system can work as planned or not. The system simulation results show a mismatch between the two indicators namely the performance of infrastructure and water services. While other assessment indicators have logical results.
Identifikasi Penyedia Jasa Konstruksi Sebagai Aplikator Building Information Modeling di Indonesia
Authors:   Universitas Gadjah Mada, Herumanta Bambang , Nugroho Agus ,   Universitas Gadjah Mada
Published: November 2022

The Indonesian government through the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Regulation number 22/2018 has required the use of BIM in the construction of state buildings with criteria above 2000 square meters and over two floors. These regulations are binding on stakeholders such as owners, consultants, and contractors. This study aims to identify construction service business entities related to the use of Digital Building Information Modeling technology. The research steps included: preparing the object of research in the form of a list of contractors and consultants in Indonesia. The various data collection methods used to find and complete the data required in this research process were: preparation of data search tools in the form of questionnaires, interviews with contractors and consultants, Submitting questionnaires to contractors and consultants. Processing and analysis of the data that has been obtained is then processed and analyzed for the preparation of the final research report. Data processing was carried out using statistical software tools. The results showed that the companies that implemented BIM the longest, namely> 5 years were 28%, the 1-2 years time span was 17%, the 3-4 years time span was 22%, and those <1 years were 33%. Companies that apply BIM> 5 years according to our data are state-owned companies (State-Owned Enterprises), while those with less than one year of experience are private companies. Reduction of time for contractors and / or consultants, for KW10-15 by 17%, KW15-30 by 17%, KW30-40 by 22%, and for K40-50 by 44%. In terms of time, the effect of implementing BIM in companies can be said to reduce the amount of time and the most dominant is the reduction of time by 40% - 50%. Cost reduction for contractors and / or consulting companies, for KB5-15 by 50%, KB15-25 by 16%, KB25-30 by 17%, and for KB30-40 by 17%. In terms of costs, as a result of implementing BIM in companies, it can be said that it reduces the amount of costs and the most dominant is the cost reduction of between 5% - 15%.
Analisis Potensi Likuifaksi di Area PLTU Pacitan
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Ariefin Mesra Surya , Munawir As'ad ,   Universitas Brawijaya, Rachmansyah Arief ,   Universitas Brawijaya
Published: November 2022

One of Indonesia's regions, Pacitan, is an earthquake-prone area where one of the consequences of the earthquake is the phenomenon of soil liquefaction. Soil liquefaction is the process of changing or transforming the form from a solid to a liquid form. The purpose of this study was to analyze the potential for liquefaction based on field data at the finite element PLTU Sudimoro Pacitan or FEM method. There are three location plans for the liquefaction potential analysis point, namely C-36, S-58, and TC-32 based on earthquake data. Point C-36 has the possibility of liquefaction. For the point S-58 has conditions that will definitely experience liquefaction. Meanwhile, Point TC-32 has the possibility of liquefaction. The subsidence that occurs due to the earthquake load has a large enough impact on land subsidence, namely at point C-36