bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of the Performance of Electroencephalogram Parameters for Monitoring the Depth of Sedation During Remimazolam Target-Controlled Infusion
Authors: Bae Myung Il , Bae Jayyoung , Song Young , Kim Minjae , Han Dong Woo
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

The changes in hypnotic indicators in remimazolam sedation remain unclear. We investigated the correlation of the electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters with the effect-site remimazolam concentration and the depth of sedation in patients receiving a target-controlled infusion of remimazolam.

METHODS:

This prospective observational study enrolled 35 patients (32 analyzed) who underwent lower extremity varicose vein surgery or lower extremity orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia. We administered remimazolam by target-controlled infusion using the pharmacokinetic model introduced by Schüttler et al. The EEG data were continuously recorded, including the bispectral index (BIS), patient state index (PSI), spectral edge frequency (SEF), and raw EEG signals. The relative beta ratio (RBR), defined as log (spectral power [30–47 Hz]/spectral power [11–20 Hz]), was obtained by analyzing raw EEG. The level of sedation corresponding to each effect-site remimazolam concentration was assessed using the Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S). The prediction probability (Pk) and Spearman’s correlation coefficients (R) were calculated between effect-site remimazolam concentration, MOAA/S, and EEG parameters.

RESULTS:

BIS and PSI showed significantly higher Pk for effect-site remimazolam concentration (Pk = 0.76 [0.72–0.79], P < .001 for BIS; Pk = 0.76 [0.73–0.79], P < .001 for PSI) compared to RBR (Pk = 0.71 [0.68–0.74], P < .001) and SEF (Pk = 0.58 [0.53–0.63], P = .002). BIS, PSI, and RBR showed significantly higher correlation coefficients for effect-site remimazolam concentration (R = −0.70 [−0.78 to −0.63], P < .001 for BIS; R = −0.72 [−0.79 to −0.66], P < .001 for PSI; R = −0.61 [−0.69 to −0.54], P < .001 for RBR) compared to SEF (R = −0.22 [−0.36 to −0.08], P = .002). BIS and PSI also had significantly higher Pk and correlation coefficients for MOAA/S (Pk = 0.81 [0.79–0.83], P < .001; R = 0.84 [0.81–0.88], P < .001 for BIS) (Pk = 0.80 [0.78–0.83], P < .001; R = 0.82 [0.78–0.87], P < .001 for PSI) compared to RBR (Pk = 0.74 [0.72–0.77], P < .001; R = 0.72 [0.65–0.78], P < .001) and SEF (Pk = 0.55 [0.50–0.59], P = .041; R = 0.13 [−0.01 to 0.27], P = .067).

CONCLUSIONS:

BIS, PSI, and RBR showed an acceptable correlation with the effect-site remimazolam concentration and depth of sedation in this study, suggesting that these EEG-derived parameters are potentially reliable hypnotic indicators during remimazolam sedation. BIS and PSI showed superior performance as hypnotic indicators to RBR and SEF in patients receiving target-controlled infusion of remimazolam.
Physiological stress improves stem cell modeling of dystrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fullenkamp Dominic E. , Willis Alexander B. , Curtin Jodi L. , Amaral Ansel P. , Dittloff Kyle T. , Harris Sloane I. , Chychula Ivana A. , Holgren Cory W. , Burridge Paul W. , Russell Brenda , Demonbreun Alexis R. , McNally Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2023

Heart failure contributes to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which arises from mutations that ablate dystrophin, rendering the plasma membrane prone to disruption. Cardiomyocyte membrane breakdown in patients with DMD yields a serum injury profile similar to other types of myocardial injury with the release of creatine kinase and troponin isoforms. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are highly useful but can be improved. We generated hiPSC-CMs from a patient with DMD and subjected these cells to equibiaxial mechanical strain to mimic in vivo stress. Compared to healthy cells, DMD hiPSC-CMs demonstrated greater susceptibility to equibiaxial strain after 2 h at 10% strain. We generated an aptamer-based profile of proteins released from hiPSC-CMs both at rest and subjected to strain and identified a strong correlation in the mechanical stress-induced proteome from hiPSC-CMs and serum from patients with DMD. We exposed hiPSC-CMs to recombinant annexin A6, a protein resealing agent, and found reduced biomarker release in DMD and control hiPSC-CMs subjected to strain. Thus, the application of mechanical strain to hiPSC-CMs produces a model that reflects an in vivo injury profile, providing a platform to assess pharmacologic intervention.
Making History in 1-Hour: How Sex, Aging, Technology, and Elevation Effect the Cycling Hour Record
Authors: Harnish Christopher R. , Swinand Gregory P. , Fisher Anna E.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purposes of this paper were to analyze more than a century of cycling hour records (CHR) to examine the effects of sex, age, and altitude on cycling performance. Our hypotheses were that men’s performance (distance) would exceed those of women by more than 10% but would decline at similar rates with aging and that altitude would have a small benefit which might reach a maximum.

Methods

Data were cultivated from the Facebook World Hour Record Discussion Group’s crowd-sourced database of more than 600 known hour records and verified through extensive online research and/or personal communication. Regression and statistical modelling were produced using STATA v15.0. R2 values were used to ascertain model quality with four distinct models being produced for comparisons. Alpha was set at 0.05 significance for all tests.

Results

R2 values ranged from 65% - 74.9%. Women’s distances were 10.8% shorter (p < 0.001) than those of men, but the difference was narrower than either the historical elite women’s difference of 14.2% or the current record difference of 13.3%. Age-related decline modeling indicates performance declines significantly past age 40 at a rate of 1.08% per year. Altitude had a significant (p < 0.001) marginal improvement up to 1000 m before declining. The marginal benefits of altitude were small, but this is consistent with the finding benefits reach a maximum at a moderate altitude with ‘benefits’ becoming ambiguous starting at ~1000 m. Technological advancement was estimated to be a small but significant (p < 0.001) improvement of ~0.18% per year.

Conclusions

Across decades of CHR data in well-trained endurance cyclists, men are only ~11% faster, and this difference remains stable until at least age 80. CHR attempts above 500 m likely offer at best a small advantage. Despite small year-on-year improvements, the CHR has likely improved more than 10-km due to technological advancements.
Acutely Normalizing Walking Speed Does Not Normalize Gait Biomechanics Post-Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Buck Ashley N. , Lisee Caroline , Bjornsen Elizabeth , Büttner Christin , Birchmeier Thomas , Nilius Alexandra , Favoreto Natalia , Spang Jeffrey , Blackburn Troy , Pietrosimone Brian
Published: December 2023

Aberrant gait biomechanics in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are linked to posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) development, indicating a need to normalize gait biomechanics to prevent PTOA. ACLR individuals walk slower than uninjured controls and slower speeds are associated with aberrant gait biomechanics. Yet, it is unclear if increasing walking speed normalizes gait biomechanics post-ACLR.

Purpose

To determine the effect of acutely increasing walking speed on gait biomechanics in ACLR individuals compared to their habitual speed and uninjured matched-controls.

Methods

Gait biomechanics were collected on 30 ACLR individuals (20 females, age: 22.0 ± 4.2 years, BMI: 24.0 ± 3.0 kg·m-2) at their habitual speed and at 1.3 m·s-1, a speed similar to controls, and 30 uninjured matched-controls (age: 21.9 ± 3.8, BMI: 23.6 ± 2.5) at their habitual speed. Functional waveform analyses compared biomechanics between:i) walking at habitual speed vs 1.3 m·s-1in ACLR individuals; andii) ACLR individuals at 1.3 m·s-1vs controls.

Results

In the ACLR group, there were no statistically significant biomechanical differences between walking at habitual speed (1.18 ± 0.12 m·s-1) and 1.3 m·s-1(1.29 ± 0.05 m·s-1). Compared with controls (habitual speed: 1.34 ± 0.12 m·s-1), the ACLR group while walking at 1.3 m·s-1exhibited smaller vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) during early and late stance (13-28, 78-90% stance phase), greater midstance vGRF (47-61%), smaller early-to-midstance knee flexion angle (KFA; 1-44%), greater mid-to-late stance KFA (68-73, 96-101%), greater internal knee abduction moment (69-101%), and smaller internal knee extension moment (4-51, 88-96%).

Conclusions

Increasing walking speed to a speed similar to uninjured controls did not elicit significant changes to gait biomechanics, and ACLR individuals continued to demonstrate biomechanical profiles that are associated with PTOA development and differ from controls.
Biological Sex Does Not Influence Core Temperature Change and Sweating of Children Exercising in a Warm Environment
Authors: Topham Thomas H. , Smallcombe James W. , Brown Harry A. , Clark Brad , Woodward Andrew P. , Telford Richard D. , Jay Ollie , Périard Julien D.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To investigate the associations of biological sex and aerobic fitness (i.e., V̇O2peak) on the change in gastro-intestinal temperature (∆Tgi) and whole-body sweat rate (WBSR) of children exercising in warm conditions.

Methods

Thirty-eight children (17 boys (mean [SD]; 13.7 [1.2] years); 21 girls (13.6 [1.8] years)) walked for 45 min at a fixed rate of metabolic heat production (8 W·kg-1) in 30 °C and 40% relative humidity. Biological sex and relative V̇O2peak were entered as predictors into a Bayesian hierarchical general additive model (HGAM) for Tgi. For a subsample of 13 girls with measured body composition, body fat percent was entered into a separate HGAM for Tgi. Sex, V̇O2peak and the evaporative requirement for heat balance (Ereq) were entered into a Bayesian hierarchical linear regression for WBSR.

Results

Mean ∆Tgi for boys was 0.71 °C [90% credible intervals: 0.60, 0.82] and for girls 0.78 °C [0.68, 0.88]. A predicted 20 mL·kg-1·min-1 higher V̇O2peak resulted in a 0.19 °C [-0.03, 0.43] and 0.24 °C [0.07, 0.40] lower ∆Tgi in boys and girls respectively. A predicted ~13% lower body fat in the subsample of girls resulted in a 0.15 °C [-0.12, 0.45] lower ∆Tgi. When Ereq was standardized to the grand mean, the difference in WBSR between boys and girls was -0.00 L·h-1 [-0.06, 0.06] and a 20 mL·kg-1·min-1 higher predicted V̇O2peak resulted in a mean difference in WBSR of -0.07 L·h-1 [-0.15, 0.00].

Conclusions

Biological sex did not independently influence ∆Tgi and WBSR in children. However, a higher predicted V̇O2peak resulted in a lower ∆Tgi of children, which was not associated with a greater WBSR, but may be related to differences in body fat percent between high and low fitness individuals.
Bolsonaro’s Brazil: A democracy under stress
Authors: Couto Cláudio Gonçalves
Published: December 2023

The social resentment expressed in the June 2013 Journeys, resulting from frustrated expectations of ascending social sectors (who saw their progress stalled) and of higher layers in the social stratification (who lost their distinction), gave rise to anti-political affections. These, in turn, have fueled anti-party and anti-system sentiment conducive to the electoral success of outsiders and marginal politicians. In this context, several outsiders became mayors in the 2016 municipal elections, and Jair Bolsonaro won the presidency in 2018. His movement-government was characterized by extremist populism with a religious, exclusionary, and anti-pluralist background. This populism mobilized support for an abnormal government, which defies conventional institutionalist analysis as it undermines the existing framework instead of accepting it as given. This approach led to institutional stress, as the repeated attack on other branches of power (especially the Judiciary) triggered hyperactivity within the institutions, generating a populist trap that undermined the legitimacy of institutions.
Giant cell tumor of soft tissue: GCT arising from periosteum of tibia
Authors: Ahmed Syed Kamran , Shehzad Muhammad Nirman
Published: December 2023

Primary Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue (GCT-ST) is a rare disease, a neoplasm with low potential for malignancy. It belongs to the group of Fibrohistiocytic tumors with borderline malignancy. Most commonly it presents as a painless, slow-growing mass in a superficial location. It is associated with lower local recurrence rate as compared to GCT of bone but has a higher rate for metastasis and mortality. A case of rare GCT-ST with suspicion of lung metastasis is being reported here. The lesion per-operatively appeared to be growing from the periosteum of the bone (tibia in our case). After excisional biopsy it proved to be GCT-ST which has never been reported previously in literature.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8959

How to cite this: Ahmed SK, Shehzad MN. Giant cell tumor of soft tissue: GCT arising from periosteum of tibia. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(2):S97-S99. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8959

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Exploring the potential of blockchain technology for citizen engagement in smart governance
Authors: Testi Niccolò , Marconi Rebecca , Pasher Edna
Published: December 2023

This review article explores the potential of blockchain technology (BCT) as a key enabler for fostering transparency, trust, and citizen engagement in smart governance within smart cities. By examining the benefits of BCT in various aspects of smart city systems, such as data security and privacy, the paper highlights the advantages of implementing consortium blockchain architecture and the Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus algorithm and discusses the challenges of scalability and security concerns. Based on the literature showed in this article, we believe that the use of BCT in smart governance could significantly enhance citizen participation and help manage and deliver public services, paving the way for more effective decision-making processes and improved quality of life for citizens.
Beyond adaptive practices: physical education for all
Authors: Petrie Kirsten , Kernaghan Kate , Frawley Patsie
Published: December 2023

Legislation and policy internationally are underpinned by the expectation that educators remove barriers to learning, emphasize inclusion, and improve access for all learners. Extensive investment has provided support to assist teachers to adopt inclusive education approaches. And yet, as evidenced in international literature, the lived experiences of many young people in physical education (PE) classes, and particularly those who are identified, or who self-identify, as in need of special support, indicate that PE is anything but inclusive and equitable, and may in many cases result in learning outcomes counter to what is desired. We contend that, while much of the rhetoric of PE speaks to inclusion, institutional systems, the traditional framing of PE as curriculum policy, ‘classroom’ practice’, professional development offerings, and how research publications and or guidelines present PE leads to diagnostically driven and deficit-focused adaptative PE offerings for students in need of support. Moreover, PE as it is often presented curtails opportunities for equitable outcomes and inclusive approaches, and instead has the potential to reinforce and perpetuate ableist agendas. Accordingly, we argue that the adoption of a Universal Design for Learning approach that aims for ‘education for all’ by designing flexible curriculum that is focused on learner-centred, barrier-free education, is a vital step toward a more equitable, engaging, meaningful, and relevant PE experience. The foundational principles using this approach are that difference is valued, celebrated, and accounted for in all aspects of education. Implementing such a change requires that normative assumptions and practices are challenged by re-evaluating definitions of (physical) educational success and considering how teachers/schools can transcend traditional curriculum programmes to better meet the needs of all learners. We conclude with a call for a transformative shift in PE programming and practices to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reap the benefits of PE.
The genome sequence of a caddisfly, Limnephilus auricula (Curtis, 1834)
Authors: McCulloch James ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Limnephilus auricula (a caddisfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Trichoptera; Limnephilidae). The genome sequence is 971.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 18.29 kilobases in length.
Competencias demandas en los nuevos economistas
Authors: Periáñez Cañadillas Iñaki , Luengo Valderrey María Jesús , Pando García Julián , Peña García Joseba Iñaki De La , Villaba Merlo Francisco Javier
Published: December 2023

El proceso de Bolonia ha supuesto un cambio en la concepción tradicional de los estudios universitarios entre los que se encuentra la formación del economista. Las nuevas titulaciones se desarrollarán a partir de la adquisición de competencias por parte del estudiante. La mayoría de informes sobre inserción laboral se centran en valorar la satisfacción del empleador con la formación recibida por el recién egresado. Este trabajo define cómo debe ser el economista desde la perspectiva del empleador. Los resultados deben servir de base y reflexión para tener un conocimiento más cercano de la preparación que deben recibir los futuros profesionales de la economía, para satisfacer a los empleadores como parte de la sociedad. Será posible establecer, dentro de las metodologías docentes y de las competencias específicas de las materias que más se adecuen al desempeño de la profesión, las habilidades, las actitudes y los valores más destacados.
Las bases económicas urbanas de los hospitales de Sevilla a finales de la Edad Media.
Authors: Pérez González Silvia María , Arboleda Goldaracena Juan Carlos
Published: December 2023

Durante la Baja Edad Media la red de hospitales en la Europa occidental alcanzó un extraordinario desarrollo. En el caso de Sevilla esta expansión fue muy destacada, pues a finales del XV contaba con más de un centenar de centros. En este estudio nos enfocaremos en el análisis de algunos recursos económicos en los que se apoyaban estas instituciones en el desempeño de las funciones para las que fueron fundadas. Lo hacemos a través de la documentación notarial, que permite conocer cómo estaban insertas en el seno de la sociedad de la que formaban parte. De esta forma queremos realizar una aportación relevante en la indagación de los orígenes medievales y premodernos de la cultura europea de carácter sanitario.
Niveles de vida, pautas de consumo y promoción social en las ciudades y villas riojanas (siglos XV-XVI).
Authors: Goicolea Julián Francisco Javier
Published: December 2023

En este artículo se estudian los niveles de vida, las pautas de consumo y las posibilidades de promoción social de varias familias e individuos pertenecientes a los sectores sociales intermedios de las ciudades y villas riojanas. Para ello se ha elegido un marco cronológico que abarca los siglos XV y XVI, aunque sea esta última centuria la mejor documentada. A través del análisis de una selección de inventarios de bienes post mortem, junto a otra documentación de interés procedente, sobre todo, de los Protocolos Notariales de varios escribanos riojanos y de otros fondos archivísticos, se pretenden estudiar varias cuestiones. Sobre todo, aquellas relativas a la posición económica, nivel de vida, cultura material y pautas de consumo de esas familias e individuos a lo largo del periodo de tiempo elegido. Se tratará de comprobar si hubo cambios y diferencias en relación con los niveles de vida, gustos materiales y formas de consumir de labradores, artesanos o profesionales liberales de las ciudades y villas, y si el nivel económico de algunos de ellos les permitió imitar los gustos consumistas de las élites urbanas, así como participar en la vida política local.
Apuntes sobre un pintor sevillano contemporáneo. Antonio Maestre Vicario y el Convento de los Capuchinos de Sevilla.
Authors: Báñez Simón José
Published: December 2023

En este artículo aportamos unas primeras notas sobre el pintor sevillano Antonio Maestre Vicario, en el contexto del realismo figurativo que se desarrolla a partir de 1940 y del estudio de varias obras investigadas en el Convento de los Capuchinos de Sevilla.
Cechy krakowskie w XIV-XVI wieku
Authors: Król Mateusz
Published: December 2023

Kiedy przed blisko stu laty Roman Grodecki (1889–1964) przygotowywał dla słuchaczy studiów historycznych w Uniwersytecie Jagiellońskim wykład o dziejach cechów w średniowiecznej Polsce, pisał, że „w życiu potocznym mało się słyszy o cechach. […] Ich istnienie formalne to tylko objaw tradycjonalizmu, objaw przywiązania do dawnych form, pietyzmu dla tego, co nam się wydaje w przeszłości pięknym i dobrym i symbolizuje jakiekolwiek sympatyczne nam idee czy pojęcia”. Ów stan rzeczy nie uległ zmianom właściwie do dziś. Wpisane w strukturę miasta jako instytucji prawa niemieckiego i stanowiące obok kolegiów samorządowych swoistą kwintesencję dawnego korporacjonizmu swój rozkwit przeżywały w stuleciach XIV–XVI. Temu właśnie okresowi poświęcona jest książka Mateusza Króla, odsłaniająca tajniki funkcjonowania organizacji cechowej (w ujęciu historyczno-prawnym) w głównej aglomeracji miejskiej dawnego Królestwa Polskiego (Kraków – Kazimierz – Kleparz). Jak wyglądała ścieżka kariery (od ucznia do mistrza), w tym obowiązki i powinności rzemieślników? Czy dochodziło do konfliktów między czeladzią a jej pracodawcami? Ile zarabiano, a ile wydawano? Jak walczono z tymi, którzy uprawiali rzemiosło poza cechem? W jaki wreszcie sposób cech czuwał nad moralnością swoich członków?
Proibicionismo-racismo na política brasileira sobre drogas a partir do encarceramento
Authors: Sobral de Lima Leandro , Pinheiro Montenegro Dan
Published: December 2023

Neste trabalho problematizamos os determinantes que configuram a atual política brasileira sobre drogas enquanto um dispositivo estratégico de reprodução do racismo institucional e estrutural, sistema este que dá forma e particulariza a questão racial no país, tendo como uma de suas principais expressões o encarceramento e o genocídio em massa de pessoas negras. Para tanto, analisamos o funcionamento binômico do proibicionismo-racismo no âmbito da “questão das drogas” a partir de aspectos históricos e de dados atuais sobre o encarceramento no Brasil.

 

Neste trabalho problematizamos os determinantes que configuram a atual política brasileira sobre drogas enquanto um dispositivo estratégico de reprodução do racismo institucional e estrutural, sistema este que dá forma e particulariza a questão racial no país, tendo como uma de suas principais expressões o encarceramento e o genocídio em massa de pessoas negras. Para tanto, analisamos o funcionamento binômico do proibicionismo-racismo no âmbito da “questão das drogas” a partir de aspectos históricos e de dados atuais sobre o encarceramento no Brasil.

Palavras-Chave: drogas; proibicionismo; racismo.
Comunidades Terapêuticas: incongruências na implementação de uma política de Estado
Authors: Nascimento Fernandes Marianna , De Oliveira Andréia
Published: December 2023

O objeto deste artigo são as Comunidades Terapêuticas no processo de contrarreforma e privatização da Política Nacional de Saúde Mental, Álcool e outras Drogas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), bem como sua funcionalidade na manutenção da ofensiva capitalista contra a universalização do direito à saúde como um dever do Estado. O objetivo é refletir sobre o amparo legal e as motivações subjacentes que impulsionam o fomento do Estado a tais instituições, que, além de não possuírem respaldo técnico-científico, têm seu modo de intervenção pautado na disciplina-trabalho-espiritualidade. Deriva de uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa do tipo descritiva e exploratória, realizada por meio de análise documental. Os resultados apontam que no cenário de acirramento das medidas neoconservadoras e de contrarreformas o Estado brasileiro priorizou a implementação e fortalecimento de uma política pública na contramão de uma racionalidade sanitária, dos princípios do SUS e da Reforma Psiquiátrica (RP).

 

Palavras-Chave: Comunidades Terapêuticas; Política de Álcool e outras Drogas; contrarreforma psiquiátrica; Estado.
Políticas de Saúde Mental na Argentina: 40 anos de reformas na província de Santa Fé
Authors: Alberdi Jose María , Mutazzi Eduardo Cesar
Published: December 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir criticamente sobre os processos de desmanicomalização e desinstitucionalização da saúde mental após o retorno da democracia, enfocando a singularidade do processo na província de Santa Fé (Argentina). De forma esquemática, analisa quatro décadas deste processo, destacando os progressos e os obstáculos enfrentados por todos os intervenientes no domínio da saúde mental. O texto está composto por três partes, uma primeira que resume as três primeiras décadas de reformas em saúde mental, uma segunda que enfoca a trajetória na província de Santa Fé e fecha o texto com conclusões que nos permitem pensar sobre os desafios de uma política de saúde mental que está por vir.

 

Palavras-Chave: Saúde Mental; Políticas Públicas; Desinstitucionalização.
Pemrosesan Limbah Kotoran Ternak Sapi Menjadi Pupuk Organik Ramah Lingkungan di Desa Slumbung, Kecamatan Gandusari, Kabupaten Blitar
Authors: Astuti Fahmi , Fatimah Iim , Silvia Linda , Purwaningsih Sri Yani , Cahyono Yoyok
Published: December 2023

Slumbung merupakan salah satu desa di Kabupaten Blitar yang sebagian besar masyarakatnya memiliki profesi sebagai peternak sapi, sehingga dari sekian banyak sapi yang dipelihara mengakibatkan penumpukan limbah kotoran sapi. Apabila limbah kotoran sapi tidak ditangani akan berdampak buruk bagi lingkungan sekitar, sehingga diperlukan upaya untuk pengolahan limbah kotoran sapi untuk mencegah pencemaran lingkungan. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat bertajuk pemrosesan limbah kotoran ternak sapi menjadi pupuk organik ramah lingkungan di Desa Slumbung, Kecamatan Gandusari, Kabupaten Blitar telah dilaksanakan oleh tim dari Departemen Fisika, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember. Proses fermentasi selama 2 minggu dilakukan dengan mencampurkan kotoran ternak sapi, EM4 (Effective Microorganism 4), molase (tetes tebu), dan trico G. Dari proses fermentasi didapatkan pupuk organik yang tidak basah dan tidak berbau. Pupuk organik yang telah dihasilkan dapat dimanfaatkan untuk kegiatan pertanian dan dapat dijadikan produk lokal desa yang tentunya sangat berdampak positif pada masyarakat yang tinggal di sekitar lokasi.
The Role of the Author in Literary Understanding
Authors: Tevdoradze Nino
Published: December 2023

Abstract: The prevailing anti-authorial trend in contemporary mainstream literary theory and aesthetic anti-intentionalism produces different versions of "the death of the author" concept. Conversely, different forms of intentionalism in the analytic tradition strongly defend the relevance of authorial intentions. Although I agree with classic intentionalism on some key points, I find it untenable to believe that the meaning of a literary work is wholly dependent on the intentions of its creator. Rather I consider authorial meaning as one variety of literary meaning. My explanation of the part the author plays in literary understanding is consistent with Anders Pettersson's theory.
Middleman: Homer's Philosophical Rhapsody
Authors: Glouberman Mark
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Although the Iliad is typically approached as a version of, say, Catch-22 , the epic is not about armed conflict and its horrors. The war at Troy serves the poet as a metaphor for life. Advanced in the hexameters is an account of the genesis, and a defense, of the humanist view that men and women occupy an autonomous place midway between clods and gods. Plato's harsh criticism of Homer's work comes into focus once Achilles's transformation is interpreted along these philosophical lines. Homer is rejecting what Plato, who flattens human reality and calls it justice, endorses.
All-optical high-order subharmonic mixer with a high signal-to-noise ratio and stable performance
Authors: Chen Hao , Chan Erwin H. W.
Published: December 2023

A photonics-based high-order subharmonic mixer, which enables a low-frequency LO source to be used for high-frequency RF signal frequency downconversion, is presented. It is based on an optically injected semiconductor laser, which is oscillated in the period-one state, sandwiched between two optical phase modulators. It has the advantages of a simple and compact structure, wide bandwidth, absence of electrical components, reconfigurable subharmonic mixing operation, stable output IF signal performance, high signal-to-noise ratio, infinite LO-to-RF port isolation, and high LO-to-IF port isolation. Furthermore, it is suitable for use in remote antenna applications. We set up a proof-of-concept experiment that demonstrates a reconfigurable second-, fourth-, sixth-, and eighth-order subharmonic mixing operation for different input RF signal frequencies and powers. The experimental results also demonstrate that the proposed structure exhibits a stable output IF signal performance, which overcomes the IF signal phase stability problem in the reported high-order subharmonic mixers.
Algorithms to retrieve the spectral diffuse attenuation coefficient of light in the ocean from remote sensing
Authors: Begouen Demeaux Charlotte , Boss Emmanuel , Tan Jing , Frouin Robert
Published: December 2023

We recently found a significant bias between spectral diffuse attenuation coefficient (K
d
(λ)) retrievals by common ocean color algorithms and measurements from profiling floats [Remote. Sens. 14, 4500 (2022)10.3390/rs14184500]. Here we show, using a multi-satellite match-up dataset, that the bias is markedly reduced by simple "tuning" of the algorithm’s empirical coefficients. However, while the float dataset encompasses a larger proportion of the ocean’s variability than previously used datasets, it does not cover the whole range of variability of observed remote sensing reflectance (R
rs
). Thus, using algorithms tuned to this more comprehensive dataset may still result in a temporal and/or geographical bias in global application. To address this generalization issue, we evaluated a variety of analytical algorithms based on radiative transfer theory and settled on a specific one. This algorithm computes K
d
(λ) from inherent optical properties (IOPs) obtained from an R
rs
inversion and information about the angular distribution of the radiance transmitted through the air/ocean interface. The resulting K
d
(λ) estimates at 412 and 490 nm were not appreciably biased against the float measurements. Evaluation using other in-situ datasets and radiative transfer simulations was also satisfactory. Statistical performance was good in both clear and turbid waters. Further work should be conducted to examine whether the tuned algorithms and/or the new analytical algorithm demonstrate adequate hyperspectral performance.
Optimization of parameters for a fringe projection measurement system by use of an improved differential evolution method
Authors: Wu Zebo , Tao Wei , Lv Na , Zhao Hui
Published: December 2023

Fringe projection 3D measurement is widely used for object surface reconstruction. While improving measurement accuracy is a crucial task. Measurement accuracy is profoundly affected by various optical structural parameters. However, the current practice of system construction lacks theoretical guidelines and often relies on the experience of the operator, inevitably leading to unpredictable error. This paper investigates a theoretical optimization model and proposes an automatic optimization method for qualitatively determining the multiple optimal optical structural parameters in fringe projection measurement system. The aim is to enhance measurement accuracy conducting a rational comprehensive optimal structural parameters design prior to the system construction. Firstly, the mathematical model of the measurement system is established based on the principle of optical triangulation, and the phase sensitivity criterion is defined as the optimization norm. Within the full measurement range, the optimization merit function is formulated by combing three positions: the center position, the left and right boundary of the CCD. The imaging effectiveness criteria and sensor geometric dimensions are taken into account as the constraint boundaries. Subsequently, a combined improved differential evolution and Levy flight optimization algorithm is applied to search for the optimal parameters. The optimal structural parameters of the system were designed based on the optimization process. Experimental results validated the improvement in measurement accuracy achieved by the optimized structural parameters.
Grid composite meta-surface absorber with thermal isolation structure for terahertz detection
Authors: Zhu Hailiang , Wang Gengchen , Wang Kai , Liu Ganyu , Zhou Yuxin , Xie Shenglin , Di Yujie , Xu Jiankai , Zhou Huairen , Mou Jinchao , Ding Can
Published: December 2023

This paper specifically focuses on the absorber, the critical component responsible for the detector's response performance. The meta-surface absorber combines two resonant structures and achieves over 80% absorptance around 210 GHz, resulting in a broad operating frequency range. FR-4 is selected as the dielectric layer to be compatible with standard printed circuit board (PCB) technology, which reduces the overall fabrication time and cost. The absorbing unit and array layout are symmetrically designed, providing stable absorptance performance even under incident waves of different polarization angles. The polarization-insensitive absorptance characteristic further enhances the compatibility between the absorber and the detector in the application scenario. Furthermore, the thermal insulation performance of the absorber is ensured by introducing thermal insulation gaps. After completing fabrication through PCB technology, testing revealed that the absorber maintained excellent absorptance performance within its primary operating frequency range. This performance consistency closely matched the simulation results.
Association between pregnancy planning or intention and early child development: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Delgado-Ron Jorge Andrés , Janus Magdalena
Published: December 2023

The Sustainable Development Goals have a specific target to “ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development” by 2030. There is sparse literature regarding the impact of pregnancy intention (wantedness and timing) or planning on child development. We aimed to summarize the evidence measuring the association between unintended or unplanned pregnancy and child development for children aged 3 to 5. We included studies that compared developmental outcomes of children from unwanted, unplanned, or mistimed pregnancies to those of children from wanted or planned pregnancies. In April 2022, we searched Ovid MEDLINE (from 1946), EMBASE (from 1974), and SCOPUS (from inception) without language restrictions. One reviewer tabulated data on country and year of study, population, sample and sampling method, age of participants, exposure, date of exposure retrieval, developmental outcome(s), assessment (direct or through third parties), statistical methods (including covariate selection methods), and effect estimates into bespoken data tables. Our scoping review identified 12 published studies reporting on 8 “cohorts” (range: 1963–2016) with information on approximately 39,000 children born mostly in developed countries. Overall, unwanted/unplanned pregnancies seemed to be associated with poorer child development when compared with wanted/planned pregnancies. Mistimed or delayed pregnancies correlated with weaker effects in the same direction. We concluded that achieving the target for SDG 4, related to child development, might entail policies that create environments supportive of wanted conception and access to safe abortion.
Impact of active case-finding for tuberculosis on case-notifications in Blantyre, Malawi: A community-based cluster-randomised trial (SCALE)
Authors: Feasey Helena R. A. , Khundi McEwen , Soko Rebecca Nzawa , Bottomley Christian , Chiume Lingstone , Burchett Helen E. D. , Nliwasa Marriott , Twabi Hussein H. , Mpunga James A. , MacPherson Peter , Corbett Elizabeth L.
Published: December 2023

Active case-finding (ACF) for tuberculosis can help find the “missing millions” with undiagnosed tuberculosis. In a cluster-randomised trial, we investigated impact of ACF on case-notifications in Blantyre, Malawi, where ACF has been intensively implemented following 2014 estimates of ~1,000 per 100,000 adults with undiagnosed TB. Following a pre-intervention prevalence survey (May 2019 to March 2020), constrained randomisation allocated neighbourhoods to either door-to-door ACF (sputum microscopy for reported cough >2 weeks) or standard-of-care (SOC). Implementation was interrupted by COVID-19. Cluster-level bacteriologically-confirmed case-notification rate (CNR) ratio within 91 days of ACF was our redefined primary outcome; comparison between arms used Poisson regression with random effects. Secondary outcomes were 91-day CNR ratios comparing all tuberculosis registrations and all non-ACF registrations. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis of CNRs in the SOC arm examined prevalence survey impact. (ISRCTN11400592). 72 clusters served by 10 study-supported tuberculosis registration centres were randomised to ACF (261,244 adults, 58,944 person-years follow-up) or SOC (256,713 adults, 52,805 person-years). Of 1,192 ACF participants, 13 (1.09%) were smear-positive. Within 91 days, 113 (42 bacteriologically-confirmed) and 108 (33 bacteriologically-confirmed) tuberculosis patients were identified as ACF or SOC cluster residents, respectively. There was no difference by arm, with adjusted 91-day CNR ratios 1.12 (95% CI: 0.61–2.07) for bacteriologically-confirmed tuberculosis; 0.93 (95% CI: 0.68–1.28) for all tuberculosis registrations; and 0.86 (95%CI: 0.63–1.16) for non-ACF (routinely) diagnosed. Of 7,905 ACF and 7,992 SOC pre-intervention survey participants, 12 (0.15%) and 17 (0.21%), respectively, had culture/Xpert-confirmed tuberculosis. ITS analysis showed no survey impact on SOC CNRs. Despite residual undiagnosed tuberculosis of 150 per 100,000 population, there was no increase in tuberculosis notifications from this previously successful approach targeting symptomatic disease, likely due to previous TB ACF and rapid declines in TB burden. In such settings, future ACF should focus on targeted outreach and demand creation, alongside optimised facility-based screening.

Trial Registration: ISRCTN11400592.
Factors associated with HIV-positive status awareness among adults with long term HIV infection in four countries in the East and Southern Africa region: A multilevel approach
Authors: Nkambule Bongi Siyabonga , Sambo Grace , Aydin Halide Z. , Yildiz Nadire Gülçin , Aydin Kemal , Yildiz Hatice , Santri Ichtiarini Nurullita , Wardani Yuniar , Isni Khoiriyah , Mwamlima Bwanalori , Phiri Yohane Vincent Abero
Published: December 2023

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) appropriately and regularly used decreases the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load in the bloodstream, preventing HIV-infected people from spreading the infection to others. Disparities in ART adoption persists in East and Southern Africa, with low HIV-positive status knowledge being the primary factor. We investigated individual and household characteristics of HIV-positive status awareness among adults with long-term HIV infection in four East and Southern African countries: Eswatini, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The study analyzed data from surveys conducted in Eswatini, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe in 2015–2016. Only individuals who tested positive for HIV through rapid tests were included in the analysis. Those who already knew they were HIV-positive were categorized as aware, while those who reported being negative, never tested, or didn’t know their status were categorized as unaware. Statistical models were used to examine various factors related to HIV awareness. Pooled and country-specific odds ratios were computed. The percentage of people who knew they had HIV ranged from 58% (Tanzania and Malawi) to 87% (Eswatini). After adjusting for other variables, young persons in all countries were less likely to be aware of their HIV-positive status. Gender, marital status, education, working status, household wealth, and urbanization level of households were also associated with HIV-positive status awareness but inconsistent across countries. HIV-positive status awareness in these four East and Southern African nations remained unsatisfactory as compared to the United Nations’ 95% guideline, indicating that testing and knowledge of HIV testing in this region still has a lot of potential for improvement. The observed variations among nations may be attributable to differences in HIV pandemic culture and policies. The findings of this study will assist governments determining which subpopulations to target to boost adoption of HIV testing services, as well as in designing and development of policies.
Ryegrass mottle virus complete genome determination and development of infectious cDNA by combining two methods– 3′ RACE and RNA-Seq
Authors: Balke Ina , Silamikelis Ivars , Radovica-Spalvina Ilze , Zeltina Vilija , Resevica Gunta , Fridmanis Davids , Zeltins Andris
Published: December 2023

Ryegrass mottle virus (RGMoV; genus:Sobemovirus) is a single-stranded positive RNA virus with a 30 nm viral particle size. It exhibitsT = 3symmetry with 180 coat protein (CP) subunits forming a viral structure. The RGMoV genome comprises five open reading frames that encode P1, Px, a membrane-anchored 3C-like serine protease, a viral genome-linked protein, P16, an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and CP. The RGMoV genome size varies, ranging from 4175 nt (MW411579.1) to 4253 nt (MW411579.1) in the deposited sequences. An earlier deposited RGMoV complete genome sequence of 4212 nt length (EF091714.1) was used to develop an infectious complementary DNA (icDNA) construct forin vitrogRNA transcription from theT7promoter. However, viral infection was not induced when the transcribed gRNA was introduced into oat plants, indicating the potential absence of certain sequences in either the 5’ or 3’ untranslated regions (UTR) or both. The complete sequence of the 3’ UTR was determined through 3’ end RACE, while the 5’ UTR was identified using high-throughput sequencing (HTS)-RNA-Seq to resolve the potential absences. Only the icDNA vector containing the newly identified UTR sequences proved infectious, resulting in typical viral infection symptoms and subsequent propagation of progeny viruses, exhibiting the ability to cause repeated infections in oat plants after at least one passage. The successful generation of icDNA highlighted the synergistic potential of utilizing both methods when a single approach failed. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the reliability of HTS as a method for determining the complete genome sequence of viral genomes.
Sedentary lifestyle of university students is detrimental to the thoracic spine in men and to the lumbar spine in women
Authors: Cepková Alena , Zemková Erika , Šooš Ľubomír , Uvaček Marián , Muyor José M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Sitting for long periods of time and lack of physical activity in young adults can cause postural deterioration leading to rapid onset of fatigue and increase the risk of back pain. We were interested in whether there are gender differences in spinal curvature among university students with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle.

Methods

20 sedentary female (age 20 ± 0.73 years) and 39 sedentary male university students (age 20 ± 1.08 years) participated in this study. Their thoracic and lumbar curvatures were assessed while standing and sitting using a Spinal Mouse.

Results

In standing, 80.0% of the females and 69.2% of the males had a neutral position of the thoracic spine (33.25° and 35.33°, respectively). However, more males, 30.8%, than females, 10.0%, had hyperkyphosis (54.27° and 47.0°, respectively). Hypokyphosis was found in 10.0% of the females (18.50°) and none in the males. Similarly, 90.0% of the females and 97.4% of the males had neutral position of the lumbar spine (-33.11° and -29.76°, respectively). Increased hyperlordosis was found in 10.0% of the females and 2.6% of the males (-41.0° and -50.0°, respectively). Hypolordosis was not detected in either females or males. In sitting, on the other hand, 70.0% of the females and only 33.3% of the males had a neutral position of the thoracic spine (30.20° and 30.62°, respectively). Increased hyperkyphosis was found in 46.2% of the males (59.76°) and none of the females. 30.0% of the females and 23.1% of the males had light hypokyphosis (47.50° and 46.67°, respectively). Similarly, 70.0% of the females and only 38.5% of the males had a neutral position of the lumbar spine (7.0° and 6.6°, respectively). 35.9% of the males and only 5.0% of the females had a light hypokyphosis (16.14° and 16.0°, respectively). Slightly increased hyperkyphosis was identified in 25.6% of the males and 25.0% of the females (23.9° and 22.5°, respectively).

Conclusion

There are significant gender differences in spinal curvature. While in the thoracic spine it was to the detriment of the males when both standing and sitting, in the lumbar spine it is related to the females only when standing. It is therefore necessary to eliminate these spinal deviations in young adults induced by prolonged sitting during university courses by appropriate recovery modalities.
Functional conservation of specialized ribosomes bearing genome-encoded variant rRNAs in Vibrio species
Authors: Choi Younkyung , Shin Eunkyoung , Lee Minho , Yeom Ji-Hyun , Lee Kangseok
Published: December 2023

Heterogeneity of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences has recently emerged as a mechanism that can lead to subpopulations of specialized ribosomes. Our previous study showed that ribosomes containing highly divergent rRNAs expressed from the rrnI operon (I-ribosomes) can preferentially translate a subset of mRNAs such as hspA and tpiA in the Vibrio vulnificus CMCP6 strain. Here, we explored the functional conservation of I-ribosomes across Vibrio species. Exogenous expression of the rrnI operon in another V. vulnificus strain, MO6-24/O, and in another Vibrio species, V. fischeri (strain MJ11), decreased heat shock susceptibility by upregulating HspA expression. In addition, we provide direct evidence for the preferential synthesis of HspA by I-ribosomes in the V. vulnificus MO6-24/O strain. Furthermore, exogenous expression of rrnI in V. vulnificus MO6-24/O cells led to higher mortality of infected mice when compared to the wild-type (WT) strain and a strain expressing exogenous rrnG, a redundant rRNA gene in the V. vulnificus CMCP6 strain. Our findings suggest that specialized ribosomes bearing heterogeneous rRNAs play a conserved role in translational regulation among Vibrio species. This study shows the functional importance of rRNA heterogeneity in gene expression control by preferential translation of specific mRNAs, providing another layer of specialized ribosome system.