bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of students learning interest in biology subject matter of viruses in grade X senior high school
Authors: Amin Muhammad Taufik , Harahap Risma Delima
Published: July 2023

Virus concept biology subjects whose material is abstract in nature can generally reduce students' interest in learning. Students' interest in learning affects their learning outcomes both academically and non-academically. This study aims to analyze the learning interests of students at SMA Negeri 2 Bilah Hilir in the subject of virus concept biology. The samples in this study were students in class X MIA-1 and X MIA-2 with a total of 65 people. This type of research is qualitative research. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire of students' learning interest, and interviews as supporting data. The results showed that the indicators of students' feelings of pleasure in participating in learning were as large as and the involvement of students in learning received the "most" category, while the indicators of students' attention to the lesson and students' interest in learning received the "almost all" category. Based on the results of questionnaires and interviews it was concluded that the media, methods, and supporting facilities in schools in an integrated manner affect students' learning interest.Abstrak Mata pelajaran biologi konsep virus yang materinya bersifat abstrak umumnya dapat menurunkan minat belajar peserta didik. Minat belajar peserta didik mempengaruhi hasil belajarnya baik secara akademik maupun non akademik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis minat belajar peserta didik di SMA Negeri 2 Bilah Hilir pada mata pelajaran biologi konsep virus. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah peserta didik kelas X MIA-1 dan X MIA-2 dengan total sebanyak 65 orang. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan angket minat belajar peserta didik, dan wawancara sebagai data pendukung. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan indikator perasaan senang peserta didik dalam mengikuti pembelajaran sebesar dan keterlibatan peserta didik terhadap pembelajaran memperoleh kategori “sebagian besar”, sedangkan indikator perhatian peserta didik terhadap pelajaran dan ketertarikan peserta didik terhadap pembelajaran memperoleh kategori “hampir seluruhnya”. Berdasarkan hasil angket dan wawancara disimpulkan bahwa media, metode, dan sarana pendukung di sekolah secara terintegrasi mempengaruhi minat belajar peserta didik.
Development of an e-module based on virtual practicum integrated with local potential in invertebrate material
Authors: Herditiya Herditiya , Sari Mustika , Koriaty Sri
Published: July 2023

Invertebrate learning is integrated with practicum activities, while the learning outcomes are directly identifying and analyzing the general characteristics of species. The electronic module (e-module) illustrates the innovative use of technology in education, which helps limited facilities and infrastructure, to carry out actual practicum in invertebrate learning activities. This study aims to determine the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of using e-modules based on virtual practicum on invertebrate material. This research method is Research and Development (RnD) adapted from Borg and Gall. The application used to develop e-modules is PubHTML5. This study produced an e-module practicum systematized invertebrate based on virtual practicum integrated with local potential, with a very valid level of validity, a practical result of 92.87%, and the effectiveness of the N-Gain value of 0.97 in the high category. So that the e-module based on virtual practicum integrated with local potential that is developed is feasible and practical to use in invertebrate practicum activities, and effectively improves student learning outcomes. With e-modules based on virtual practicum integrated with local potential, hampered laboratory activities can be carried out efficiently.Abstrak Pembelajaran avertebrata terintegrasi dengan kegiatan praktikum, adapun capaian pembelajarannya ialah mengidentifikasi dan menganalisis ciri-ciri umum spesies secara langsung. Modul elektronik (e-modul) merupakan gambaran pemanfaatan inovatif teknologi dibidang pendidikan yang membantu keterbatasan sarana dan prasarana, untuk melakukan praktikum riil pada kegiatan pembelajaran avertebrata. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui validitas, kepraktisan, dan keefektifan penggunaan e-modul berbasis virtual praktikum pada materi avertebrata. Metode penelitian ini adalah Research and Development (RnD) yang diadaptasi dari Borg dan Gall, Aplikasi yang digunakan untuk mengembangkan e-modul ialah PubHTML5. Penelitian ini menghasilkan e-modul praktikum sistematika avertebrata berbasis virtual praktikum terintegrasi potensi lokal, dengan tingkat kevalidan sangat valid, hasil kepraktisan sebesar 92,87%, dan kefektifan dari nilai N-Gain sebesar 0,97 dengan kategori tinggi. Sehingga e-modul berbasis virtual praktikum terintegrasi potensi lokal yang dikembangkan layak dan praktis digunakan dalam kegiatan praktikum avertebrata, serta efektif meningkatkan hasil belajar mahasiswa. Adanya e-modul berbasis virtual praktikum terintegrasi potensi lokal, kegiatan laboratorium yang terhambat dapat dilakasanakan dengan mudah.
Analysis of problem-based digestive system interactive e-module needs to improve students' critical thinking
Authors: Yuliani Yuyun , Retnowati Rita , Djarot Prasetyorini
Published: July 2023

The learning process in schools still experiences several problems, including in helping students to have critical thinking skills. Critical thinking skills can be optimized with the development of learning resources. This research aims to develop learning resources in the form of problem-based teaching materials. The research method uses R&D (Research and Development) with a qualitative descriptive approach. Research data collection instruments in the form of interview sheets for teacher needs analysis and student needs analysis questionnaires, as well as students' critical thinking skills. The results of the needs analysis of 60 grade XI science students found that 66.7% had a handbook for learning biology, but 96.7% only had a handbook in the form of daily material, the majority of which were difficult for students to understand. So according to 78.3% of students the handbook used is inadequate as a learning resource, 86.6% of students need other learning resources to support learning activities, and 86.7% of students need other learning resources that can be understood independently. The results of the critical thinking test analysis of 50 grade XI science students were obtained 15.73%, which is included in the very low category. These results show the need to develop teaching materials in the form of problem-based digestive system interactive E-modules.Abstrak Proses pembelajaran di sekolah masih mengalami beberapa permasalahan, diantaranya dalam membantu peserta didik untuk memiliki keterampilan berpikir kritis. Keterampilan berpikir kritis dapat dioptimalkan dengan pengembangan sumber belajar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan sumber belajar berupa bahan ajar berbasis masalah. Metode penelitian menggunakan R&D (Research and Development) dengan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif. Instrumen pengumpulan data penelitian berupa lembar wawancara untuk analisis kebutuhan guru dan angket analisis kebutuhan siswa, serta keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa. Hasil analisis kebutuhan dari 60 siswa kelas XI IPA diperoleh 66,7% memiliki buku pegangan untuk pembelajaran biologi, namun 96,7% hanya memiliki buku pegangan berupa materi sehari-hari yang mayoritas sulit dipahami oleh siswa. Sehingga menurut 78,3% siswa buku pegangan yang digunakan kurang memadai sebagai sumber belajar, 86,6% siswa membutuhkan sumber belajar lain untuk mendukung kegiatan pembelajaran, dan 86,7% siswa membutuhkan sumber belajar lain yang dapat dipahami secara mandiri. Hasil analisis tes berpikir kritis 50 siswa kelas XI IPA diperoleh 15,73%, dimana hal tersebut termasuk kategori sangat rendah. Hasil tersebut menunjukkan perlunya mengembangkan bahan ajar berupa E-module interaktif sistem pencernaan berbasis masalah.
Student science literacy ability in Basidiomycota material content aspect
Authors: Rezeqi Salwa , Gultom Novayanti
Published: July 2023

This research was conducted in relation to the demands of the 21st century, namely the ability to solve every problem encountered, with the measurement of scientific literacy skills in content aspects can overcome problems in everyday life for students. The research aims to determine scientific literacy skills in aspects of student content on the Basidiomycota topic. This research was conducted at the Biology Department, FMIPA, Medan State University. The population of this study were all 122 students of the Biology Study Program class of 2021 at Medan State University. The sample of this research is 31 people using purposive sampling technique. The research design is quantitative descriptive. The results of research on scientific literacy abilities on aspects of student content on the Basidiomycota topic are in the conceptual science literacy category with an average percentage of 78.02%. The results of this study indicate that the conceptual scientific literacy category of students is still at the stage of understanding the Basidiomycota topic conceptually or in general and does not yet have a specific understanding. These results can be improved by looking for accurate references to journals and books in order to better understand the Basidiomycota topic so that their scientific literacy skills reach the category of multidimensional scientific literacy.Abstrak Penelitian ini dilakukan berkaitan dengan tuntutan abad 21 yaitu kemampuan untuk menyelesaikan setiap permasalahan yang dihadapi, dengan adanya pengukuran kemampuan literasi sains pada aspek konten dapat mengatasi permasalahan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari bagi mahasiswa. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui kemampuan literasi sains pada aspek konten mahasiswa pada topik Basidiomycota. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Jurusan Biologi FMIPA Universitas Negeri Medan. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh mahasiswa Program Studi Biologi angkatan 2021 Universitas Negeri Medan yang berjumlah 122 orang. Sampel penelitian ini berjumlah 31 orang dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Desain penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian kemampuan literasi sains pada aspek konten mahasiswa topik Basidiomycota dalam kategori literasi sains konseptual dengan persentase rata-rata 78,02%. Hasil penelitian tersebut menunjukkan kategori literasi sains konseptual mahasiswa masih pada tahap mengerti topik Basidiomycota secara konsep atau secara umum dan belum memiliki pemahaman secara spesifik. Hasil tersebut dapat ditingkatkan dengan mencari referensi jurnal dan buku yang akurat agar semakin memahami topik Basidiomycota sehingga kemampuan literasi sainsnya mencapai kategori literasi sains multidimensi.
Effectiveness of popular scientific books about the diversity of ornamental plants to train high school students' critical thinking skills
Authors: Rusmana Janita , Zaini Muhammad , Winarti Atiek
Published: July 2023

No research has been conducted in the Pagat tourist area which has various types of ornamental plants that can be processed as teaching materials in the form of popular scientific books based on local potential to train high school students' critical thinking skills. The purpose of this study was to describe the effectiveness of popular scientific books. The research method uses formative evaluation based on Tessmer's design which consists of self-evaluation, expert validation (3 lecturers), individual test (3 students), small group test (5 students) and field test (10 students). The results of the research on the effectiveness of the BIP as a result of the development found that the criteria were very good for use by high school students because they had been fulfilled, which meant that the BIP was easy to use. This is supported by the positive response from students towards learning using the developed BIP. Students' critical thinking skills are included in the medium category with an average N-Gain of 0.5 so that they can be implemented in learning. In conclusion, the development of BIP development results is effectively used in an effort to train students' critical thinking skills.Abstrak Belum ada dilakukan penelitian di Kawasan objek wisata Pagat yang memiliki berbagai macam jenis tanaman hias yang dapat diolah sebagai bahan ajar berbentuk buku ilmiah popular berbasis potensi lokal untuk melatih kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa SMA. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mendeskripsikan keefektifan buku ilmiah popular. Metode penelitian menggunakan evaluasi formatif berdasarkan desain Tessmer yang terdiri dari evaluasi diri, validasi ahli (3 dosen), uji perorangan (3 siswa), uji kelompok kecil (5 siswa) dan uji lapangan (10 siswa). Hasil penelitian keefektifan BIP hasil pengembangan mendapatkan kriteria sangat baik digunakan oleh siswa SMA karena telah terpenuhi yang artinya BIP mudah untuk digunakan. Hal ini didukung oleh respon positif dari siswa terhadap pembelajaran menggunakan BIP hasil pengembangan. Kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa termasuk kategori sedang dengan rata-rata N-Gain sebesar 0,5 sehingga dapat diimplementasikan dalam pembelajaran. Kesimpulannya pengembangan BIP hasil pengembangan efektif digunakan dalam upaya melatih kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa.
Improved method of constructing two-sided boundaries of reliability indicators of information and communication network equipment with limited output information
Authors: Gyrenko Igor , Kononova Iryna , Shchyhol Yurii
Published: July 2023

When researching issues of ensuring the specified reliability of information and communication network equipment, an important direction is the development of effective methods for assessing the intensity of failures and their impact on the processes of network functioning. Solving the problems of assessment and ensuring reliability may face the uncertainty of the source information due to the limited possibility of obtaining a large number of studies of random variables that determine the reliability, maintainability and process of system functioning, which are necessary to assess the degree of coincidence of theoretical and statistical distributions. Usually, only the mathematical expectation and variance of the random variable can be accurately determined from test results or operational data.The purpose of the study is to develop an improved method for assessing the reliability of information and communication network equipment in conditions where individual distribution functions of the initial random variables are unknown, and only their first and second initial moments are determined. The article presents an improved analytical method, which is used to obtain calculation ratios necessary for the creation of two-way evaluations of the reliability indicators of the communication equipment of the information and communication network. In this method, persistent disruption and failures under conditions of a priori uncertainty are taken into account. The main idea of the proposed improved method is to single out typical functionals that reflect the main reliability indicators of communication equipment with time and (or) structural redundancy. These functionals will be calculated on the complete initial information and further used to obtain accurate lower and upper bounds at known initial moments of the distribution of initial random variables at the first stage. At the second stage, bilateral estimates of reliability indicators will be obtained by applying the limit values of the corresponding functionals. It has been found that failures can significantly degrade reliability performance, even when structural and temporal redundancy is used.
Development of antenna system of a new generation tropospheric communication station
Authors: Mazor Serhiі , Vasylenko Serhii , Kuzmenko Vitalіі , Stefanyshyn Yaroslav , Khranovska Tetyana
Published: July 2023

Today, means of tropospheric communication play an important role in the organization of communication at distances significantly greater than the distance of direct visibility. The peculiarities of the construction of such lines, in contrast to line-of-sight radio lines, are related to the peculiarities of the propagation of ultrashort waves and their reflection from the inhomogeneities of the troposphere. At the same time, the use of tropospheric stations makes it possible to provide high-quality multi-channel communication at an interval of 150–250 km, while significantly reducing the time for deploying long-distance lines. Along with the advantages, tropospheric means of communication have rather bulky antenna devices and require a significant energy resource. In connection with this, the task of increasing energy efficiency due to the development of antenna systems of tropospheric communication stations that will meet the set requirements arises. In order to solve the problem, a parabolic antenna (a mirror with a diameter of 1.5 m) and two types of irradiators (a linear polarization irradiator and an array of 8 elementary circular polarization irradiators) were proposed as antenna systems for tropospheric communication stations. Verification of the adequacy of the proposed antennas and the possibility of their use on real means of tropospheric communication was carried out in a collimator chamber. In order to confirm the results of the inspection, field tests of the developed antenna system of the tropospheric station were conducted at an interval of 155 km. At the same time, the combined use of the proposed antenna systems for the 80 W transmitter allows for the necessary energy of the tropospheric communication line in the frequency range of 4.5-4.7 GHz.
A Unified Approach to Sustainable Hospital Supply Chain Management in the Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Islam Md Shaiful , Habib Md. Mamun
Published: July 2023

Sustainable Hospital Supply Chain Management (SHSCM) has become crucial in the post-pandemic era, balancing economic, environmental, and social dimensions of healthcare. This paper proposes an integrated approach to SHSCM, combining four core elements, particularly Hospital Infrastructure Development (HID), Collaboration and Information Flow (CIF), Forecasting and Planning Management (FPM), and Technology Supply Chain Application (TSCA). This approach addresses the complexities and challenges in healthcare supply chains, promoting resilience, efficiency, and sustainability. The authors present potential applications from two different healthcare systems scenarios to demonstrate the application and effectiveness of the proposed approach. The findings of this study suggest that the integration of HID, CIF, FPM, and TSCA provides a comprehensive and systematic way to enhance SHSCM, with implications for research and practice in this important field.
Designing Scalable, Affordable, and Efficient Microgrids
Authors: Romero Cecilia , Joshi Sanjeev , Jones Jr. Erick
Published: July 2023

The production and use of electricity are currently facing two major concerns; reliability and sustainability of energy. Modern society simply cannot function without electricity, yet there are many factors that pose a threat to staying connected to the grid. Events like natural disasters or unexpected power outages can put our world on pause when our connection to the grid is compromised or cut off. With regard to energy sustainability, our current energy production is heavily reliant on fossil fuels; a source guaranteed to run out. Despite the fact that fossil fuel reserves will be depleted within the century, about 60 percent of our 2022 energy production here in the United States was still from the burning of natural gas and coal.
Epigenetics of cancer drug resistance
Authors: Mukherjee Sayandeep , Dey Ronit , Guha Subhabrata , Murmu Nabendu , Das Gaurav
Published: July 2023

One of the major causes due to cancer-related death is metastasis. The major factors contributing to metastasis of cancer cells are epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells. There are multiple evidences which suggest that malfunction of epigenetic regulation in functioning of a gene is directly related to the development of cancer. The capability to change or reprogram the landscape of epigenetics in the epigenome of cancer is the most promising and guaranteed targeted therapy that leads to the reversibility of drug resistance and new modalities of treatment in cancer. This review clearly focuses on various epigenetic modifications which leads to antitumor drug resistance and how epigenetic modifiers can reverse drug resistance.
An Improved Seismic Fault Interpretation in a Structurally Complex Geologic Setting Using a Pretrained CNN Model and Seismic Attributes: An Example from the Browse Basin, Australia
Authors: Islam Md Mahmodul , Elsaadany Mohamed , Babikir Ismailalwali , Elkurdy Sami , Siddiqui Numair Ahmed
Published: July 2023

Fault detection is an important step for subsurface interpretation and reservoir characterization from 3D seismic images. Due to the numerous and complicated faulting structures of seismic images, manual seismic interpretation is time taking and need intensive work. To overcome this problem, geoscientists are coming up with productive computer-aided techniques for assisting in interpreter science for many years. However, in this paper, we used a pre-trained CNN model to predict faults from the 3D seismic volume of the Poseidon field of Browse Basin, Australia. Basically, this field is highly structured with complex normal faulting throughout the targeted Plover Formations. So, our motivation for this work in this field is to compare machine learning-based fault prediction to user interpreted faults identification with supported by seismic variance attribute. We found very satisfying result using DL with having an improved fault probability volume that outperform variance technology. Therefore, we propose that this workflow could reduce time and able to predict fault quite accurately in any field area.
Inoculum of a Native Microbial Starter Cocktail to Optimize Fine Aroma Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Bean Fermentation
Authors: Falconí César E. , Yánez-Mendizábal Viviana R. , Haro Roberto J , Claudio Darwin R.
Published: July 2023

Fine aroma cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is one of Ecuador's most iconic export products, representing 63% of world production; however, few advances have been made in fermentation processes that greatly influence the development of chocolate´s organoleptic characteristics. The study of starter cultures has been investigated in other countries, which seek to improve organoleptic properties or decrease fermentation time. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a native microbial consortium based on two yeasts (Torulaspora delbrueckii and Hanseniaspora uvarum), a lactic acid bacterium (LAB) (Lactobacillus plantarum) and an acetic acid bacterium (AAB) (Acetobacter ghanensis) inoculated at the beginning of the fermentative process, on physical and biochemical variables, microbial population dynamics, and percentage of almond fermentation. The started culture caused changes in sugar and acid content, which in turn generated temperature and pH changes in the dough, resulting in the dynamics of yeast, AAB, and mesophilic microorganisms remaining higher than those of the control throughout the fermentation process; a decrease of filamentous fungi that affect the flavor and quality of beans due to the production of acetic acid or secondary metabolites from yeasts and LAB; and optimized fermentation percentage by 24% higher than spontaneous fermentation in only 96 hours.
The heterogeneity of diabetes, a silent pandemic: the essence of one health approach and precision medicine in the fight against diabetes
Authors: Marshall Kenneth , Bu Su
Published: July 2023

Life is supported by metabolism, a vital physiological activity. It guarantees enough energy available to power every cellular activity. The primary cellular substrate, glucose, is where the majority of the energy needed by the cell to support all other life activities and the growth of living creatures is derived. The quality of life is greatly impacted by any disease or flaw that alters the metabolism of glucose. There is no known cure for the metabolic illness known as diabetes. As diabetes is so varied, the only effective treatments would be based on precision medicine and a molecular strategy. This review covers a wide range of topics, including the ability to recognize the various forms of diabetes, the anthropogenic and genetic influence of the cause of diabetes, the severity of the various forms of diabetes, its potential existential risk, the disease burden, and clinical methods for diagnosing them. The most recent research goes on to recommend ways to ameliorate the disease, including diet-based management, biotherapies, and other individual lifestyle choices. Futuristic therapy using molecular biology approach was suggested. Recent research found a direct correlation between an individual's lifestyle and the rate of gene mutation in diabetes. There is an existential risk associated with the sickness as the rate of the spread of the disease among population globally is faster than the world's population growth rate. It is possible to think of diabetes as a silent pandemic.
Monitoring and Expertise of Sections with a Sudden Change in Railway Track Stiffness—Transition Zones of Bridges
Authors: Hodas Stanislav , Vrchovsky Erik , Pultznerova Alzbeta
Published: July 2023

The subject of the research is the investigation of the behavior of railway tracks in locations with a significant change in the stiffness of the track. These locations can be designed from various structural elements and their materials, and this mainly results in a height change of the track level during its operation. These transition zones are monitored and expertly examined in order to detect undesirable deformations of the geometrical position of the track caused by the trains running. The transition zones are at the points where the fixed track transitions to the classic track bed, in our case it is their combination with bridge structures, especially at their supports. In Slovakia, under the conditions of the Railways of the Slovak Republic, the issue is topical within the framework of the modernization of trans-European railway corridors. The results of experimental measurements and their analysis will provide relevant data for subsequent research solutions for their new numerical modeling, which will ensure a smooth passage through these points of change without height fluctuations, vibrations, and shocks from the wheels of train sets.
First Nighttime Light Spectra by Satellite—by EnMAP
Authors: Bachmann Martin , Storch Tobias
Published: July 2023

For the first time VIS/NIR-SWIR (visible and near infrared – shortwave infrared) nighttime spectra of a satellite mission are analyzed, using the EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program) high-resolution imaging spectrometer. The focus of this article is set on the spectral characteristics. First, the spectral calibration of EnMAP is checked based on sodium emissions of lighting. Here, applying a realized novel general method, shifts of +0.3nm for VIS/NIR and −0.2nm for SWIR are identified with uncertainties analyzed to be in the range of [−0.4nm,+0.2nm] for VIS/NIR and [−1.2nm,+1.0nm] for SWIR. These results emphasize the high accuracy of the spectral calibration of EnMAP and illustrate the feasibility of methods based on nighttime Earth observations for the spectral calibration of future nighttime satellite missions. Second, applying a realized simple general method, the dominant lighting types of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, and thermal emissions are identified per pixel and the consistency of the outcomes is considered. These results illustrate the feasibility of the precise identification of lighting types and thermal emissions based on nighttime high-resolution imaging spectroscopy satellite products and support the specification of, in particular, spectral characteristics of future nighttime missions.
Complementary Use of a Next-Generation Emollient Plus and Pimecrolimus in Atopic Dermatitis: A Case Report
Authors: Torres Tiago
Published: July 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease marked by inflammation, erythema, dryness and pruritic lesions. Due to the intermittent nature of the disease, management strategies for AD focus on flare prevention following remission. A 24-year-old patient with mild-to-moderate AD lesions, previously non-responsive to topical corticosteroids (TCS), was treated with pimecrolimus for 12 days and emollient plus cream (EC) every day. After the initial 12-day treatment course, the patient was advised to use pimecrolimus if his symptoms reoccured. AD symptoms improved substantially between Weeks 0 and 12 with daily use of EC. However, by Week 12, his symptoms had relapsed, necessitating retreatment with pimecrolimus. Overall, the patient experienced flare-free periods between Weeks 3 and 12 and between Weeks 13 and 16. No tolerability issues were reported. This case report demonstrates the use of a complementary approach of daily administration of maintenance EC and intermittent application of pimecrolimus for flare management, which was effective for treating a patient with mild-to-moderate AD resistant to TCS.
Genetic polymorphisms and tumoral mutational profile over survival in advanced colorectal cancer patients: an exploratory study
Authors: Cayún Juan Pablo , Cerpa Leslie Carol , Colombo Alicia , Cáceres Dante Daniel , Leal José Luis , Reyes Felipe , Gutierrez Carolina , Calfunao Susan , Varela Nelson Miguel , Quiñones Luis Abel
Published: July 2023

Colorectal cancer is a common disease, both in Chile and worldwide. The most widely used chemotherapy schemes are based on 5-fluorouracil (5FU) as the foundational drug. Genetic polymorphisms have emerged as potential predictive biomarkers of response to chemotherapy, but conclusive evidence is lacking. Additionally, the interplay between hereditary variations and acquired mutations in the EGFR pathway remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of genetic variants associated with 5FU-based chemotherapy on therapeutic effectiveness, considering their interaction with the EGFR pathway mutations. In a retrospective cohort of 63 patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, a multivariate analysis revealed that liver metastases, DPYD, ABCB1 and MTHFR polymorphisms are independent indicators of a poor prognostic, irrespective of EGFR pathway mutations. BRAF V600E wild-type status and high-risk drug-metabolism polymorphisms correlated with a poor prognosis in this Chilean cohort. Additionally, findings from the genomics of drug sensitivity (GDSC) project demonstrated that cell lines with wild-type BRAF have higher IC50 values for 5-FU compared to BRAF-mutated cell lines. In conclusion, the genetic polymorphisms DPYD rs1801265, ABCB1 rs1045642 and MTHFR rs180113 may serve as useful biomarkers for predicting a poor prognosis in patients undergoing 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy, regardless of EGFR pathway mutations.
Calcium leaching of 3D printed cement paste exposed to ammonium chloride solutions
Authors: Yang Huashan
Published: July 2023

The research on calcium leaching of 3D printed cement pastes (3DPC) exposed in aggressive water is limited, and the mechanism underlying its effect needs to be better understood. The performance anisotropy of degraded 3DPC due to calcium leaching is investigated in this paper. Samples with aggregate micro fines (AMF) and fly ash (FA) were prepared. A 6 mol/L NH4Cl solution was used in the accelerated experiment. At specific leaching durations, performances were tested on the samples in different leaching directions. Results show that the performances of 3DPC in aggressive water have a significant anisotropic behavior. The evolution of pore defects and hydration products mainly governs the performance anisotropy of degraded 3DPC. The remaining hydration products of the surface of 3DPC leached in the Z direction are less than the other two directions because calcium ions leached in the Z direction are difficult to be compensated through weak interfaces between layers.
The Dual Role of Necroptosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Giansante Valentina , Stati Gianmarco , Sancilio Silvia , Guerra Emanuela , Alberti Saverio , Di Pietro Roberta
Published: July 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related death. PC incidence has con-tinued to increase by about 1% each year in both men and women. Although the 5‐year relative survival rate of PC has increased from 3% to 12%, it is still the lowest among cancers. Hence, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Challenges in PC-targeted therapeutic strate-gies stem from the high PC heterogeneity and from the poorly understood interplay between cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment. Signaling pathways that drive PC cell growth have been the subject of intense scrutiny and interest has been attracted by necroptosis, a distinct type of programmed cell death. In this review, we provide a historical background on necroptosis and a detailed analysis of the ongoing debate on the role of necroptosis in PC malignant progression.
Towards a Sustainable and Safe Future: Mapping Bike Accidents in Urbanized Context
Authors: Jaber Ahmed , Csonka Bálint
Published: July 2023

This manuscript presents a study on the spatial relationships between bike accidents, the built environment, land use, and transportation network characteristics in Budapest, Hungary using Geographic Weighted Regression (GWR). The sample period included bike crash data between 2017 and 2022. The findings provide insights into the spatial distribution of bike crashes and their severity, which can be useful for designing targeted interventions to improve bike safety in Budapest and be useful for policymakers and city planners in developing effective strategies to reduce the severity of bike crashes in urban areas. The study reveals that the built environment features, such as traffic signals, road crossings, and bus stops, are positively correlated with the bike crashes index, particularly in the inner areas of the city. However, traffic signals have a negative correlation with the bike crash index in the suburbs, where they may contribute to making roads safer for cyclists. The study also shows that commercial activity and PT stops have a higher impact on bike crashes in the northern and western districts. The GWR analysis further suggests that one-way roads and higher speed limits are associated with more severe bike crashes, while green and recreational areas are generally safer for cyclists. Future research should be focused on the traffic volume and bikes trips’ effects on the severity index.
Can We Predict Prostate Cancer Clinical Metastasis Based on Biomarkers? Where Are We Now?
Authors: San Francisco Ignacio F , Rojas Pablo A , Bravo Juan C , Díaz Jorge , Ebel Luis , Urrutia Sebastián , Prieto Benajmín , Cerda-Infante Javier
Published: July 2023

Background:
The incidence of prostate cancer (PC) has been risen annually. Despite the diagnosis is made mainly with non-metastatic PC, mortality is explained by the metastatic disease (mPC). Without a doubt there is an intermediate scenario in which patients have no mPC but will have initiated a metastatic cascade through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. There is indeed a need for more and better tools to predict what patients will progress in the future to non-localized clinical disease or already have micrometastatic disease, and therefore, will clinically progress after primary treatment. Biomarkers for predicting mPC are still under development; there are few studies and not much evidence of their usefulness.

Summary:
This review is focused on tissue-based genomic biomarkers (TBGB) for predicting metastatic disease. We developed four main research questions that will attempt to answer according to the current evidence. Why is important to predict metastatic disease? Which tests are available to predict metastatic disease? What impact should there be on clinical guidelines and clinical practice in predicting metastatic disease? What are current prostate cancer treatments?

Key Messages:
Knowing useful predict tools could help determine which patients may need multimodal or adjuvant treatment even with a localized disease, and in consequence, what patients do not need more than a single modality of treatment. The importance of predicting metastasis is fundamental, given that once metastasis is diagnosed, the quality of life (QoL) and survival drop dramatically.
Cuban Policosanol (Raydel®) Exhibited Potent Anti-inflammatory Activity in the Liver and Protection of the Ovary and Testis with an Improvement of Blood Lipid Profile by 12 Weeks Supplementation in Hyperlipidemic Zebrafish: Comparison Study of Efficacy with Three Chinese Policosanols
Authors: Cho Kyung-Hyun , Kim Ji-Eun , Baek Seung Hee
Published: July 2023

Although many policosanols from different sources, such as sugar cane, rice bran, and insects, have been marketed worldwide, there has been no comparative study of the in vivo efficacy using a hyperlipidemic animal model. This study compared the efficacy of treating dyslipidemia with four different policosanols, including one sugar cane wax alcohol from Cuba (Raydel®) and three policosanols from China (Xi’an Natural sugar cane, Xi’an Realin sugar cane, and Shaanxi rice bran) in hyperlipidemic zebrafish. After 12 weeks of consumption of each policosanol (final 0.1% in diet, wt/wt) and high cholesterol diet (HCD, final 4%, wt/wt) in a tetrabit, the Raydel policosanol group and Xi’an Natural policosanol group showed the highest survivability of approximately 81%, whereas the Xi’an Realin policosanol group and Shaanxi policosanol group showed 57% and 67% survivability, respectively. Among five HCD groups, the Raydel policosanol group showed the lowest serum total cholesterol (TC, p<0.001 versus HCD control) and triglyceride (TG, p<0.001 versus HCD control) with the highest percentage of high-density lipoproteins (HDL)-C in TC. The Raydel policosanol group also showed the lowest serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels with the least infiltration of inflammatory cells and interleukin-6 production in hepatocytes. In the ovary, the Raydel policosanol group also showed the highest contents of mature vitellogenic oocytes with the lowest production of reactive oxygen species and cellular apoptosis in ovarian cells. In the testis, the Raydel policosanol group also showed the healthiest morphology for spermatogenesis with the least interstitial area and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in testicular cells. In conclusion, 12 weeks of Raydel policosanol consumption resulted in remarkable improvement of the blood lipid profile, amelioration of inflammation in the liver, and enhancement of the cell morphology in the ovary and testis with the highest survivability under the HCD.
Anesthetic Management and Complications of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Gaucher Disease: A Control-matched Retrospective-Cohort Study
Authors: Grass Ariel , Riemer Eyal , Zimran Ari , Revel-Vilk Shoshana , Freundlich Andres , Lebel Ehud , Ioscovich Alexander
Published: July 2023

Gaucher Disease's (GD) pathophysiology generates anesthetic concerns in Total Hip joint Arthroplasty (THA), and due to its rareness, data on perioperative risks is scarce. This 22-year study at a large reference center addresses anesthetic management and perioperative outcomes in GD. This retrospective-cohort study assessed anesthetic success and safety in 30 THA patients, comparing them with a control-matched group. Data on clinical characteristics, perioperative events, and outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was difficult anesthesia-initiation incidence. Secondary outcomes were difficult intraoperative course and hemodynamic management, and the development of postoperative-complications. The age, sex, weight, body mass index, primary-to-revision hip arthroplasty ratio were similar in both groups. The mean age was 48±13 years. Ten arthroplasties were revision while twenty were primary. There was no significant difference at all-type anesthesia first initiation attempt success. No particular preference by staff anesthetists for general anesthesia or neuraxial procedures was observed. The GD group showed significantly higher mean intraoperative packed red blood cell units administered (0.73 vs 0.18);(p= 0.038)), higher intraoperative and postoperative platelet transfusion incidence (5/30 [16.7%] vs. 0/56 [0.00%];p=0.004) and (3/30 [10%] vs 0/56 [0%];p=0.040) and longer mean recovery-room length-of-stay (426±412 vs 175±140;p=0.004). Postoperative complications were not significantly different.
Inverse Analysis Investigation by Gaussian Processes Optimisation of a Historical Concrete Bridge Relying on Dynamic Modal Measurements
Authors: Garbowski Tomasz , Cocchetti Giuseppe , Cornaggia Aram , Ferrari Rosalba , Rizzi Egidio
Published: July 2023

In the broad field of Inverse Analysis and Structural Identification, it is nowadays of a large interest the study of Gaussian Processes, as a reliable and efficient optimisation method, particularly helpful toward the identification of a global optimum point, under the conditions of complicated functions to be optimised. In the present contribution, a specific case study is considered, focusing on a historical road reinforced concrete arched bridge, located in Northern Italy, employing dynamic modal properties, deciphered from in-situ measurements, previously acquired under operational traffic conditions, by a standard wired accelerometer system, placed at the deck level. Aiming at the identification and diagnosis of the bridge structure, three main methodological steps are herein considered: the adoption of a FEM model of the structure (in the linear dynamic framework), the definition of an appropriate discrepancy function, based on measured and numerically computed quantities (natural frequencies and mode shapes of the bridge), and the investigation of such a discrepancy function, toward a consistent selection of an optimisation strategy for the identification of sought parameters (Young’s moduli and mass densities of diverse elements of the structure). The presented developments, within the framework of methodological optimisation approach by Gaussian Processes, and achieved results display a rather efficient perspective, with reference to the considered case study, toward inverse analysis for structural diagnosis, in the context of strategic (historical) infrastructures.
Rapid-Test Kit Creation of Cardiac Troponin I, A Reliable Biosensor for Naked-Eye Detection Method in Daily Usage and Pharmacokinetic Studies for myocardial Infarction, Systemic Amyloidosis, and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Fang , Lin Kuan-Jiuh
Published: July 2023

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious cardiovascular disease that can lead to death. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a biomarker of MI in the circulation system. For detection cTnI protein, many method suffer the same problem, time-consuming. Main drawbacks are time consuming, have tedious operation, require an expensive reader for translating signals, and require non-accessible reagents. Our goal is to create a kit for cTnI protein testing, that the result can easily be read by color difference. The main breakthrough is, the resolution between different concentration can be told by eyes. The result will be future used to create a commercial, potable, convenient, daily-used rapid-test kit. In this study, a cTnI biosensor is proposed that can be read by the naked eye, performs diagnosis based on the pattern color, does not require a reader machine, is easy to operate, and is portable. Our work proposed a device that shortens the diagnosis time, has a quantitative analysis range of 0.32 –200 ng/mL in the human serum matrix, has a 0.32 ng/mL limit of detection (LOD), and shows many advantages comparing to traditional cTnI ELISA plate.
Korelasi Antara Ukuran Tubuh dan Karakteristik Ambing Terhadap Produksi Susu Kambing Saanen di Daerah Tropis
Authors: Albert Ardiansyah Elly , Yuni Suranindyah Yustina , Maharani Dyah , Arif Darmawan Muhammad
Published: July 2023

The aim of this research was to determine the correlation between udder and body size of Saanen goats on milk production in BBPTU-HPT Baturraden. Total of 61 lactating Saanen goats were used in this study. The size of the udder was measured including the width and length of the udder, the inner and outer circusmference of the udder, the shape and volume of the udder, the length, circumference and direction of the nipple. Body measurements were measured including chest circumference, ear length and width, and body length and height. Body and udder characteristics were assessed once before milking while milk production was measured each milking. Data were analyzed using regression analysis. The correlation between body length, chest circumference, height, ear length, ear width, and neck wattle with milk production were 1.0%, 0.0%, 4.1%, 5.1%, 2.1 %, and 0.0% respectively. The correlation between udder volume, udder outer circumference, udder inner circumference, udder width, udder length, nipple circumference, and nipple length with milk production were 54.5%, 49.4%, 41.4%, 55.9,%, 10.9%, 24.2%, and 28.4% respectively. Saanen goat milk production had a correlation with udder characteristics but had no correlation with body size.
Pengaruh Variasi Minyak Daun Jeruk Purut Terhadap Sediaan Lotion Mengandung Gelatin Tulang Ayam dan Uji Aktivitas Antibakteri Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Utami Diyah Tri , Sari Diah Ayu Mustika
Published: July 2023

Indonesia has a tropical climate, and it causes skin diseases such as acne. One of the bacteria causes acne is Staphylococcus aureus. Acne is caused by clogged skin pores so that oil secretion becomes clogged and then enlarges and dries. Antibacterial agents can be applied to the skin with the help of topical preparations, one of which is lotion. Lotion with kaffir lime leaf oil as the main ingredient contains high flavonoid compounds that have an antibacterial activity that can prevent acne, and chicken leg bone gelatin, contains collagen which can moisturize the skin. This research is experimental laboratory research. Lotion is made with different concentrations of kaffir lime leaf oil 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% w/v. The lotion was tested for physical (organoleptic, homogeneity, spreadability, adhesion, viscosity) and chemical (pH) properties. Antibacterial activity test was carried out by well diffusion method. The research data were processed using SPSS 21 with the Kruskal Wallis Test. The test results showed that the lotion preparation with the strongest antibacterial activity was the preparation with 1.5% kaffir lime leaf oil, with a yield of 11.26 mm. The more composition of kaffir lime leaf oil, the stronger the antibacterial inhibition. The more composition of kaffir lime leaf oil causes the viscosity to decrease, the pH to increase, the adhesive power to decrease, the dispersion power to increase, and the bacterial inhibitory power to increase.