bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of MASP2 gene polymorphism and gene-tea drinking interaction on susceptibility to tuberculosis
Authors: Li Zihao , Wang Mian , Zhong Hua , Huang Xin , Wu Xinyin , Zhang Xian , Wang Jing , Deng Jing , Chen Mengshi , Chen Lizhang , Tan Hongzhuan
Published: March 2021

Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) has been reported to play an important role as a key enzyme in the lectin pathway of the complement system. The objectives of our study were to determine whether the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of MASP2 and the gene-tea drinking interaction were associated with the susceptibility to TB. In total, 503 patients and 494 healthy controls were contained. Three SNPs (rs12142107, rs12711521, and rs7548659) were genotyped. The association between the SNPs and susceptibility to TB were investigated by conducting multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis. The gene-tea drinking interactions were analyzed by the additive model of marginal structural linear odds models. Both genotype AC + AA at rs12711521 of MASP2 genes and genotype GT + GG at rs7548659 of MASP2 genes were more prevalent in the TB patient group than the healthy control group (OR: 1.423 and 1.439, respectively, P < 0.05). In addition, The relative excess risk of interaction (RERI) between tea drinking and rs12142107, rs12711521, and rs7548659 of MASP2 genes was found to suggest negative interactions, which reached − 0.2311 (95% confidence interval (CI): − 0.4736, − 0.0113), − 0.7080 (95% CI − 1.3998, − 0.0163), and − 0.5140 (95% CI − 0.8988, − 0.1291), respectively (P < 0.05). Our finding indicated that the SNPs (rs12711521 and rs7548659) of MASP2 were associated with the susceptibility to TB. Furthermore, there were negative interactions between tea drinking and rs12142107, rs12711521, and rs75548659 of MASP2 gene, respectively. Our research provides a basis for studying the pathogenesis and prevention of tuberculosis.
Underlying neurological mechanisms associated with symptomatic convergence insufficiency
Authors: Alvarez Tara L. , Scheiman Mitchell , Morales Cristian , Gohel Suril , Sangoi Ayushi , Santos Elio M. , Yaramothu Chang , d’Antonio-Bertagnolli John Vito , Li Xiaobo , Biswal Bharat B.
Published: March 2021

Convergence insufficiency (CI) is the most common binocular vision problem, associated with blurred/double vision, headaches, and sore eyes that are exacerbated when doing prolonged near work, such as reading. The Convergence Insufficiency Neuro-mechanism Adult Population Study (NCT03593031) investigates the mechanistic neural differences between 50 binocularly normal controls (BNC) and 50 symptomatic CI participants by examining the fast and slow fusional disparity vergence systems. The fast fusional system is preprogrammed and is assessed with convergence peak velocity. The slow fusional system optimizes vergence effort and is assessed by measuring the phoria adaptation magnitude and rate. For the fast fusional system, significant differences are observed between the BNC and CI groups for convergence peak velocity, final position amplitude, and functional imaging activity within the secondary visual cortex, right cuneus, and oculomotor vermis. For the slow fusional system, the phoria adaptation magnitude and rate, and the medial cuneus functional activity, are significantly different between the groups. Significant correlations are observed between vergence peak velocity and right cuneus functional activity (p = 0.002) and the rate of phoria adaptation and medial cuneus functional activity (p = 0.02). These results map the brain-behavior of vergence. Future therapeutic interventions may consider implementing procedures that increase cuneus activity for this debilitating disorder.
Damage-free light-induced assembly of intestinal bacteria with a bubble-mimetic substrate
Authors: Hayashi Kota , Yamamoto Yasuyuki , Tamura Mamoru , Tokonami Shiho , Iida Takuya
Published: March 2021

Rapid evaluation of functions in densely assembled bacteria is a crucial issue in the efficient study of symbiotic mechanisms. If the interaction between many living microbes can be controlled and accelerated via remote assembly, a cultivation process requiring a few days can be ommitted, thus leading to a reduction in the time needed to analyze the bacterial functions. Here, we show the rapid, damage-free, and extremely dense light-induced assembly of microbes over a submillimeter area with the “bubble-mimetic substrate (BMS)”. In particular, we successfully assembled 104–105 cells of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus casei), achieving a survival rate higher than 95% within a few minutes without cultivation process. This type of light-induced assembly on substrates like BMS, with the maintenance of the inherent functions of various biological samples, can pave the way for the development of innovative methods for rapid and highly efficient analysis of functions in a variety of microbes.
A simple fluorescence-based lateral flow test platform for rapid influenza B virus screening
Authors: Wiriyachaiporn Natpapas , Sirikaew Siriwan , Bamrungsap Suwussa , Limcharoen Thanchanok , Polkankosit Pannarai , Roeksrungruang Pimporn , Ponlamuangdee Kanyawan
Published: March 2021

A simple and rapid fluorescence-based screening platform for influenza B virus using a one-step Cy5-SiNPs–mAb bioconjugation on lateral flow-based technique.
Characterizing change in students' self-assessments of understanding when engaged in instructional activities
Authors: Tashiro Jenna , Parga Daniela , Pollard John , Talanquer Vicente
Published: March 2021

Students’ abilities to self-assess their understanding can influence their learning and academic performance. Different factors, such as performance level, have been shown to relate to student self-assessment. In this study, hierarchical linear modeling was used to identify factors and quantify their effects on the changes observed in chemistry students’ self-assessed understanding when engaging in instructional activity. This study replicates and expands on previous findings regarding performance by showing that the worse students performed on a task, the more likely they were to lower their self-assessed understanding after that activity. Task difficulty was found to be a significant effect on change in students' self assessments with students being more likely to lower their self-assessed understanding after a more difficult task and raise it following an easier task independent of performance. Perceived comparative understanding (how students thought they compared to their surrounding peers) was also found to be a significant effect. Students who later reported their understanding to be lower than their peers, as compared to those who later reported their understanding to be about the same as their peers, were observed to have lowered their self-assessed understanding. Actual comparative performance (difference in performance of the student to their surrounding peers), gender, and feedback were not found to be significant effects on change in students’ self-assessed understanding. The results of this investigation may inform instructors on how their instructional decisions differentially impact changes in students’ judgements about their understanding.
Self-healing and shape memory functions exhibited by supramolecular liquid-crystalline networks formed by combination of hydrogen bonding interactions and coordination bonding
Authors: Uchida Junya , Yoshio Masafumi , Kato Takashi
Published: March 2021

New supramolecular hybrid liquid-crystalline networks exhibiting self-healing and shape memory properties are developed by self-assembly of small components through hydrogen bonding interactions and coordination bonding.
Electronic structure study of divanadium complexes with rigid covalent coordination: potential molecular qubits with slow spin relaxation
Authors: Sproules Stephen
Published: March 2021

The potential of long spin relaxation times in vanadyl-based molecular qubits with a rigidly covalent, all-sulfur ligand shell.
Direct amidation of acid fluorides using germanium amides
Authors: Hayatifar Ardalan , Elifritz Emily A. , Bloom Molly B. , Pixley Kaitlyn M. , Fennell Christopher J. , Weinert Charles S.
Published: March 2021

Germanium amides serve as useful reagents for the direct conversion of acid fluorides to amides by a Sigma bond metathesis process.
Defect-free-induced Na+ disordering in electrode materials
Authors: Peng Jian , Ou Mingyang , Yi Haocong , Sun Xueping , Zhang Yuanpeng , Zhang Bao , Ding Yu , Wang Feng , Gu Songqi , López Carlos Alberto , Zhang Wang , Liu Yi , Fang Ju , Wei Peng , Li Yuyu , Miao Ling , Jiang Jianjun , Fang Chun , Li Qing , Fernández-Díaz María Teresa , Alonso José Antonio , Chou Shulei , Han Jiantao
Published: March 2021

The guest-ion disordered and quasi-zero-strain nonequilibrium solid–solution reaction mechanism provides an effective guarantee for realizing long-cycle life and high-rate capability electrode materials.
Dissection of the potential pharmacological function of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone – a food additive – byin vivosubstances profiling and network pharmacology
Authors: Zhang Feng-Xiang , Yuan Yu-Lin-Lan , Cui Shuang-Shuang , Li Min , Tan Xuan , Qiu Zuo-Cheng , Li Rui-Man
Published: March 2021

Food additives are widely used in our daily life, and the side-effects caused by them have gained extensive attention around the world.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of positron emission tomography/fluorescence dual imaging probes for targeting facilitated glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1)
Authors: Yuen Richard , Wagner Michael , Richter Susan , Dufour Jennifer , Wuest Melinda , West Frederick G. , Wuest Frank
Published: March 2021

We describe the synthesis and analysis of novel different glucose-based dual probes for tandem PET and fluorescent imaging of facilitated hexose transporter GLUT1 in breast cancer cells.
Hexaarylbenzene based high-performance p-channel molecules for electronic applications
Authors: Devibala Panneerselvam , Balambiga Balu , Noureen Shana , Nagarajan Samuthira
Published: March 2021

The latest progress on semiconducting applications of hexaarylbenzene is reviewed, including a fundamental overview of geometry, synthetic methods, structure-property relationship, design strategies and electronic applications in OFET, OLED and OPV.
A novel two-dimensional metal–organic framework as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the dehydrogenative oxidation of alcohol and the N-arylation of azole compounds
Authors: Liu Chengxin , Cui Jin , Wang Yufang , Zhang Mingjie
Published: March 2021

A novel metal–organic framework (MOF) with two-dimensional (2D) crystal structure was developed using Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and 2,2′,5,5′-tetramethoxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid.
Three-membered cyclic digermylenes stabilised by an N-heterocyclic carbene
Authors: Dong Zhaowen , Winkler Jan Mathis , Schmidtmann Marc , Müller Thomas
Published: March 2021

The reaction of silole dianions with NHC stabilised germanium dichloride affords 3-sila-1l3,2l3-digermiranes, three-membered ring compounds that are directly interconnected digermylenes.
Research progress on the interfaces of solid-state lithium metal batteries
Authors: Sun Yan-Yun , Li Feng , Hou Pei-Yu
Published: March 2021

The main interfacial obstacles and relative optimization strategies of SSLMBs from the perspectives of cathode, anode, and electrolyte are summarized based on two aspects: physical and chemical/electrochemical stability.
Strong intermolecular polarization to boost polysulfide conversion kinetics for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Hu Yin , Hu Anjun , Wang Jianwei , Niu Xiaobin , Zhou Mingjie , Chen Wei , Lei Tianyu , Huang Jianwen , Li Yaoyao , Xue Lanxin , Fan Yuxin , Wang Xianfu , Xiong Jie
Published: March 2021

In situ Raman analysis decoupling the polysulfides conversion kinetics reveals that the rate-limiting process of Li2S4 reduction is eliminated due to the CoIn2S4 induced intermolecular polarization.
Significantly tailored energy-storage performances in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–SrTiO3-based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics by introducing bismuth layer-structured relaxor BaBi2Nb2O9 for capacitor application
Authors: Zheng Liang , Sun Peicong , Zheng Peng , Bai Wangfeng , Li Lili , Wen Fei , Zhang Jingji , Wang Ningning , Zhang Yang
Published: March 2021

An innovative strategy was designed to improve the energy storage properties of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–SrTiO3 (BNT–ST)-based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics, in which the bismuth layer-structured relaxor BaBi2Nb2O9 (BBN) was adopted as the modifier.
Full non–LTE spectral line formation
Authors: Paletou F. , Peymirat C.
Published: March 2021

Radiative transfer out of local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) has been increasingly adressed, mostly numerically, for about six decades now. However, the standard NLTE problem most often refers to the only deviation of the distribution of photons from their equilibrium, that is to say a Planckian distribution. Hereafter we revisit after Oxenius (1986, Kinetic theory of particles and Photons – Theoretical Foundations of non–LTE Plasma Spectroscopy, Springer) the so-called full NLTE problem, which considers coupling and therefore solving self–consistently for deviations from equilibrium distributions of photons as well as for massive particles constituting the atmospheric plasma.
Intestinal microbiota mediates the beneficial effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids during dietary obesity,
Authors: Bellenger Jérôme , Bellenger Sandrine , Bourragat Amina , Escoula Quentin , Weill Pierre , Narce Michel
Published: March 2021

Obesity, now considered as a real worldwide epidemic affecting more than 650 million people, is complex and mainly associated with excessive energy intake and changes in eating habits favoring the consumption of diets rich in saturated fat and sugar. This multifactorial pathology is linked to chronic low grade systemic inflammation. Indeed, a high fat diet (HFD) leads to intestinal microbiota dysbiosis increasing gut permeability (partly attributed to a downregulation of genes encoding tight junction proteins) leading to an increase in bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) levels so-called metabolic endotoxemia. Studies have shown that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are involved in the prevention of obesity and insulin resistance partly through synthesis of lipid mediators. While studies suggest that n-3 PUFAs are able to modulate the gut microbiota, others show no effect of n-3 treatments on intestinal homeostasis. In the present work, we showed that when fed a hypercaloric and obsogenic diet, compared with wild-type (WT) mice, fat-1 mice (with constitutive production of n-3 PUFAs) resist to dietary obesity and associated metabolic disorders, maintain an effective gut barrier function and exhibit greater phylogenic diversity. Moreover, fecal microbiota transplantation from fat-1 to WT mice reversed body weight gain, normalized glucose tolerance and intestinal permeability in association with prevention of alteration of the colon mucus layer. We can conclude that the n-3 PUFA-mediated alterations of gut microbiota contribute to the prevention of metabolic syndrome in fat-1 mice and may represent a promising strategy to prevent metabolic disease and preserve a lean phenotype.
Zur Konzeption und Praxis der Substituierend Dialogisch-Kooperativen Handlungs-Therapie
Authors: Feuser Georg
Published: March 2021

Fälschlicherweise werden manche Klienten als „austherapiert” oder „gemeinschaftsunfähig” etikettiert. Um ihnen Teilhabe zu ermöglichen und sie vor der Isolation zu bewahren, entwickelte unser Autor vor fast 50 Jahren die Substituierend Dialogisch-Kooperative Handlungs-Therapie. Sie orientiert sich am Möglichen, das im Wirklichen (noch) nicht sichtbar ist. Wie die Klienten hierdurch neue Lebensperspektiven aufbauen und in ihren Lebensplan überführen können, schildert er hier.
Ethnopharmacology in the History of Traditional Midwifery and Obstetrics in Inland Croatia
Authors: Habek Dubravko
Published: March 2021

Our review of the history of midwifery, obstetrics and gynecology in inland and coastal areas in northeast Croatia revealed a rich body of data on the use of ethnopharmacology in folklore traditional and approbated midwifery and obstetrics from the 18th to the 20th century. In this study, 42 plants, 4 animal preparations and 1 mineral preparation were presented in an approach to women's health during the history of obstetrics and midwifery.
Erhöht bed-sharing das Risiko für Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? – Ein Review der Studienlage und offizieller Empfehlungen einzelner EU – Länder
Authors: Stahn Dörthe , Leinweber Julia
Published: March 2021

Einleitung In Europa verstarben im Jahr 2015 insgesamt 726 Säuglinge am Sudden Infant Death Syndrom (SIDS). Bed sharing wird häufig als mögliche Ursache für SIDS diskutiert. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht die Studienlage zum Einfluss von bed sharing auf das SIDS-Risiko und betrachtet die offiziellen Empfehlungen einzelner EU-Länder zum sicheren Babyschlaf.

Methode Es wurde ein integratives Literatur Review durchgeführt. In den Datenbanken Cochrane Libary, Pubmed, CINAHL, MIDRIS, wurde mit den Schlagworten „Sudden Infant Death Syndrome“, „SIDS“, „bed sharing“, „breastfeeding“ and „baby sleep“ nach Artikeln in deutscher oder englischer Sprache gesucht, die zwischen 2012 und Februar 2019 erschienen sind. In einem zweiten Schritt wurden offizielle Empfehlungen für sicheren Babyschlaf aus 6 EU-Ländern analysiert.

Ergebnisse Das Risiko für SIDS im bed sharing ist bei Säuglingen die mindestens 3 Monate alt sind nicht erhöht, sofern keine Risikofaktoren vorliegen. Ergebnisse zu bed sharing und SIDS in den ersten 3 Lebensmonaten sind heterogen. Nicht alle betrachteten EU Länder Empfehlungen zur SIDS Prävention differenzieren zwischen Säuglingen, die älter als 3 Monate sind und Säuglingen die jünger als 3 Monate alt sind.

Konklusion Eltern und Gesundheitspersonal brauchen evidenzbasierte Informationen, um Schlafumgebungen des Neugeborenen optimal gestalten zu können. Offizielle Empfehlungen zum Thema sicherer Babyschlaf sollten Aussagen zum Thema bed sharing im Hinblick auf ihre Übereinstimmung mit dem aktuellen Forschungsstand prüfen.
A comparison of spleen size measured by ultrasound in a random population sample and a matched sample of patients at a university hospital, and the determination of normal values and influencing factors
Authors: Schranz Theresa , Klaus Jochen , Kratzer Wolfgang , Schmidberger Julian , Güthle Melanie
Published: March 2021

Objectives This study aimed to compare spleen sizes in a hospital and a population sample using ultrasound and define normal values and factors influencing spleen size.

Methods Both samples’ spleen sizes (n = 1520) were measured using ultrasound under the same conditions. Blood counts and other laboratory parameters were determined under the same conditions in both samples.

Results In the hospital sample (n = 760), the mean spleen size was 114.7 mm, and in the population sample (n = 760), it was 99.1 mm. In both, spleen size in men was significantly higher than in women (p < 0.0001) and influenced by body height, weight, and BMI (body mass index) (p < 0.0001). In the hospital sample, there was a correlation with higher values for ALT (p = 0.0160), AST (p = 0.0394), AP (p = 0.0482), and ferritin (p = 0.0008) and lower values for HDL (p = 0.0091) and thrombocytes (p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, higher values for AP (p = 0.0059) and lower values for hemoglobin (p = 0.0014) and thrombocytes (p = 0.0001) were found. Stratified for sex (men, women), spleen size increased with higher values for ALT (p = 0.0116, p = 0.0113), AST (p = 0.0014, p = 0.0113), and AP (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0012), and with lower values of hemoglobin (p = 0.0057, p = 0.0016), thrombocytes (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0003), and albumin (p = 0.0029, p = 0.0432). In women, there was a discordant correlation with red blood cells (p = 0.0005) and a concordant correlation with GGT (p = 0.0241), and in men discordant correlations with cholesterol (p = 0.0010) and HDL (p = 0.0404).

Conclusions The already proven impact of anthropometric data on spleen size was confirmed. The role of laboratory values should be further analyzed.
A ressonância magnética do joelho usando a bobina de corpo é equivalente à TC na medição da distância TT-ST: Removendo o viés sistemático
Authors: Aivazoglou Laís Uyeda , Toma Mariana Kei , Arruda Pedro Henrique Coelho , Ormond Filho Alipio Gomes , Guimarães Julio Brandão , Silva Flávio Duarte
Published: March 2021

Objetivo Comparar a ressonância magnética (RM) usando uma bobina corporal e tomografia computadorizada (TC) na medição da distância tubérculo tibial-sulco troclear (TT-ST) e as distâncias tendão patelar-sulco troclear cartilaginoso (TP-STC), e avaliar a confiabilidade interavaliador.

Métodos O grupo de estudo consistiu em 34 joelhos de 17 indivíduos assintomáticos sem história de patologia, trauma ou cirurgia no joelho. Uma tomografia computadorizada (TC) de baixa dose e uma sequência axial de RM ponderada em T1 dos joelhos foram realizadas com padronização rigorosa do posicionamento com extensão total dos joelhos e pés paralelos. Dois radiologistas musculoesqueléticos realizaram as medidas de forma independente. A confiabilidade das distâncias TT-ST e TP-STC na TC (17,1 ± 4,2 mm e 17,3 ± 4,2 mm) e RM (16,2 ± 3,7 mm e 16,5 ± 4,1 mm), foi avaliada pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI [2,1)]) e gráficos Bland-Altman, bem como a confiabilidade entre avaliadores para ambos os métodos.

Resultados Boa confiabilidade e concordância foram observadas entre as medidas de TC e RM para TT-ST e TP-STC com um CCI de 0,774 (p < 0,001) e 0,743 (p < 0,001), respectivamente, e nenhum viés sistemático foi observado. A confiabilidade entre avaliadores foi excelente para todas as medições em ambos os métodos de imagem.

Conclusão Este foi o primeiro estudo que comparou a RM usando bobina de corpo com a TC na medição da distância TT-ST, com a implicação clínica potencial de que a TC neste cenário clínico poderia ser evitada.
Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Functional Skills in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Yaşar Burak , Atıcı Emine , Razaei Derya Azim , Saldıran Tülay Çevik
Published: March 2021

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on motor functions, spasticity status, balance, and functionality in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 26 patients who were diagnosed with CP (diplegic, with gross motor function classification system [GMFCS] levels of 2–5) and who regularly participated in a rehabilitation program were recruited in the study after obtaining approval from their parents. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 (n = 13) received conventional physical therapy (65 minutes, 2 days/week × 8) and group 2 (n = 13) received 25 minutes of RAGT (RoboGait) in addition to conventional therapy (CT; 40 minutes, 2 days/week × 8). GMFCS was used to evaluate motor functions and the Modified Ashworth Scale was used to evaluate spasticity. The pediatric Berg balance scale, pediatric functional independence measure, and timed up and go tests were employed to assess balance and functional status. The evaluations were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks of therapy. Both rehabilitation methods led to a statistically significant decrease in spasticity (p < 0.05); however, there was no difference in this improvement of spasticity between the groups (p > 0.05). Both groups exhibited significant improvements in functional independence, balance, and performance at the end of therapy (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The results of this study show that addition of RAGT to CT for 8 weeks is not superior to CT alone in children with CP.
Lithium niobate phononic crystal resonators show promise for quantum acoustic applications
Authors: McConnon Aili
Published: March 2021

Phononic crystal resonators made of lithium niobate are ideal for quantum acoustics applications, and the losses in these devices help characterize a broad class of hybrid quantum devices.
Multimagneto-inductive sensor array could help detect unexploded landmines
Authors: Johnson-Groh Mara
Published: March 2021

Landmines cost thousands of lives annually, but a magnetic sensor might be able to improve the detection of unexploded ordnances before they blow up.
Second harmonic generation in amorphous silicon-on-silica metamaterial
Authors: Xu Jie , Plum Eric , Savinov Vassili , Zheludev Nikolay I.
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate second harmonic generation by using an amorphous silicon metamaterial fabricated on the tip of an optical fiber that collects the generated light. The metamaterial is a double-chevron array that supports a closed-mode resonance for the fundamental wavelength at 1510 nm with a quality factor of 30. The normalized resonant second harmonic conversion efficiency calculated per intensity and square of interaction length is ∼10−11 W−1, which exceeds the previously achieved value for a silicon metamaterial by two orders of magnitude.
A new designed method for evaluating the repairability of a newly developed 5Cr5MoV cold working die steel
Authors: Liang Yan , Wang Qiang , Song Yulai , Liu Yaohui
Published: March 2021

Casting defects seriously affect the service life of a cold working die for the automobile industry. For the newly developed cold working die steel, its repairability is a very important scientific and technical issue, especially how to evaluate its repairability is of great engineering value. In this work, the repairability of the newly developed 5Cr5MoV cold working die steel is investigated in detail by a newly designed method, defined as the round pit evaluation method. Experimental results show that the dimension of the round pit significantly influences the microstructure evolution and microhardness distribution in the repaired zone, i.e., the control of round pit dimension can regulate and control the performance matching between the repaired zone and the matrix. When the diameter of the round pit is controlled at about 20 mm, a better matching performance can be obtained. Finally, the round pit evaluation method was established based on a newly developed model of which a microhardness fluctuation coefficient was proposed and used to evaluate the repair effect.
The welfare of ewes on stud and meat farms in southern Brazil
Authors: Stamm F. O. , Leite L. O. , Stamm M. J. , Molento C. F. M.
Published: March 2021

Context Brazilian sheep production chain includes farms that raise sheep to produce breeding rams and ewes, i.e. stud farms, and farms that raise sheep to breed lambs for meat. However, there are few studies on sheep welfare in Brazil. Aims To assess the welfare of sheep in Brazil, comparing ewes on stud and meat farms. Methods Seven stud (S) and 10 meat (M) farms were assessed in the metropolitan regions of Curitiba and Castro, State of Parana, using the Animal Welfare Indicators protocol for sheep. Results of both groups were compared using Fisher’s exact test for yes or no questions, Mann–Whitney test for non-normal data and linear mixed models to check each indicator, with significance level at 0.05. Key results Main characteristics that reduce sheep welfare were low body condition scores (40.6% on both groups), lesions to the legs (S = 45.9%, M = 56.0%), and pain induced by tail docking, with most ewes having a short tail length (S = 79.1%, M = 85.6%). Comparing both groups, ewes from stud farms presented less light faecal soiling (S = 1.3%, M = 27.0%), less faecal soiling and dags (S = 0%, M = 15.7%), better fleece cleanliness (S = 64.8%, M = 19.8%), fewer lesions to the head and neck (S = 3.2%, M = 12.3%), and higher frequency of panting (S = 28.0%, M = 1.5%). Conclusions We were able to identify the main welfare restrictions in both stud and meat farms, and the hypothesis that welfare is higher on stud farms was not confirmed. Implications The identification of on-farm welfare concerns as well as the differences between stud and meat farms allows for readily applicable recommendations, tailored to improve welfare within the prevalent sheep-rearing systems in southern Brazil. This experience with the Animal Welfare Indicators protocol for sheep in the Brazilian context may facilitate further studies and implementation of permanent welfare monitoring and action plans.
δ
Authors: Capoccioni F. , Leone C. , Giustini F. , Brilli M. , Buttazzoni L. , Hanel R. , Ciccotti E.
Published: March 2021

The European eel, a catadromous endangered species, displays plasticity in phenotypic traits and in trophic behaviour, features that can eventually affect growth. The aim of this study was to compare variation in carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes in muscle tissue of the adult eel life stages (i.e. yellow and silver eel), as function of growth. Eel samples were obtained from nine sites across the Mediterranean region, that included seven coastal lagoons of different size and ecological structure, and two freshwater habitats corresponding to one river and one lake. A large variability was found in both δ13C and δ15N values, suggesting that eels fed over a broad range of potential food sources. Eels from each location showed specific range values of δ13C, in most sites irrespective of stage, reflecting lagoon- or freshwater-specific carbon sources. A positive correlation was found between individual δ15N values and annual growth rates, suggesting that eels generally seem to feed on prey of higher δ15N values among the trophic resources available in each foraging habitat. This allows individuals to grow faster and to attain earlier the pre-spawning phase (i.e. the silver stage). A better understanding of eel trophic ecology across different life stages and different habitats is one of the prerequisites for the effective management of local stocks.
Geographic distribution, population and conservation status of
Authors: Supsup Christian E. , Asis Augusto A. , Carestia Uldarico V. , Puna Nevong M. , Avanceña Jack B.
Published: March 2021

The Philippine mouse deer (Tragulus nigricans) is an endangered ungulate species, endemic to the Balabac Islands in the Palawan Faunal Region of the western Philippines. Despite its conservation importance, it has received little attention from local authorities and conservation biologists, with limited studies conducted on the species. Here we provide a preliminary report on the species distribution, population and conservation status, based on our recently completed surveys. We used a combination of line transect distance sampling, opportunistic searching on targeted habitats, and informal community interviews to assess the species’ status. We recorded a total of 25 sightings of mouse deer during our transect surveys. All records, including recent sightings of mouse deer, were from two islands, mainland Balabac and Bugsuk. No mouse deer were recorded on other islands that we surveyed, suggesting that the populations have been markedly reduced due to a nearly complete conversion of natural habitat, such as Ramos Island, or perhaps some islands are too small to permanently support populations. Our analyses revealed that the species occurs at low density (0.219 ± 0.084/ha), particularly on Balabac. The mean population estimate based on Bayesian analysis is 2525 (95% Highest Density Interval, 1635–3461). However, this number is highly uncertain because of the low probability, highlighting the need for more information on the species’ population. Several conservation efforts are being implemented now, but more intensive in situ conservation programs would benefit the species, along with other threatened endemics found in the region.
A Bayesian approach to the classification of Tungusic languages
Authors: Oskolskaya Sofia , Koile Ezequiel , Robbeets Martine
Published: March 2021

The Tungusic language family is comprised of languages spoken in Siberia, the Russian Far East, Northeast China and
Xinjiang. There is a general consensus that these languages are genealogically related and descend from a common ancestral language.
Nevertheless, there is considerable disagreement with regard to the internal structure of the Tungusic family and the time depth of its
separation into daughter languages. Here we use computational Bayesian phylogenetic methods to generate a phylogeny of Tungusic languages
and estimate the time-depth of the family. Our analysis is based on the recently introduced Leipzig-Jakarta-Jena list, a dataset of 254
basic vocabulary items collected for 21 Tungusic doculects. Our results are consistent with two basic classifications previously proposed in
the literature, notably a Manchu-Tungusic classification, in which the break-up of Jurchenic constitutes the first split in the tree, as
well as a North-South classification, which includes a Jurchenic-Nanaic and an Orochic-Ewenic branch. In addition, we obtain a time-depth
for the age of Proto-Tungusic between the 8th century BC and the 12th century AD (95% highest posterior density interval). Previous
classifications of Tungusic were based on both classical historical comparative linguistic and lexicostatistic approaches, but the
application of Bayesian phylogenetic methods to the Tungusic languages has not so far been attempted. In contrast to previous approaches,
our Bayesian analysis adds an understanding of the statistical robustness of the proposed branches and infers absolute divergence dates,
allowing variation of rates of change across branches and cognate sets. In this way, our research provides a reliable quantitative basis for
previous estimates based on classical historical linguistic and lexicostatistic approaches.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of pure Mg after spiral equal-channel extrusion
Authors: Li Jinghui , Li Fuguo , Liang Shan , Huang Zhenyi , Zhang Mingya
Published: March 2021

One of the severe plastic deformation techniques, elliptical cross-sectioned spiral equal-channel extrusion (ECSEE) was successfully applied to the pure Mg processed at 200°C and the microstructure and properties were studied. The observation shows that the grains are refined to 2.1 µm after 2-pass deformation. The proportion of high-angle grain boundary increases to 49.4% after 6-pass. The minimum time of grain boundary rotating 30° is about 0.847 ms, and the maximum time is 2.34 ms. TEM observation illustrates the grain morphology evolves from shear bands to recrystallised grains. There was a significant increase in strength to ∼180 MPa but a decrease in the ductility (∼12%) of pure Mg after 6-pass ECSEE. The refinement mechanism is mainly divided into mechanical and physical refinement.
Pharmacists’ Stigma Toward Patients Engaged in Opioid Misuse: When “Social Distance” does not Mean Disease Prevention
Authors: Werremeyer Amy , Mosher Sydney , Eukel Heidi , Skoy Elizabeth , Steig Jayme , Frenzel Oliver , Strand Mark A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Health professionals may stigmatize and prefer social distance from patients with opioid misuse, leading to poorer quality of care provided. The degree to which pharmacists prefer social distance from patients with opioid misuse and opioid use disorder (OUD) is not known.

Methods

Pharmacists ( n = 187) completed a survey comprised of demographics, attitudinal, and Social Distance Scale (SDS) questions based on a vignette patient who displayed opioid misuse. SDS question responses and total scores (maximum of 30; higher scores representing great preference for social distance) were tallied and associations with attitudes and demographics were examined.

Results

Mean SDS total score was 16.32 (range 9–23). More than 59% of respondents had an SDS score >15, indicating overall lack of willingness to interact with the vignette patient. Females had a higher mean SDS score vs male pharmacists (16.58 vs. 15.36, respectively; p = 0.023). Pharmacists were more likely to prefer social distance from the vignette patient in personal situations (i.e. renting a room) than work-related interactions (i.e. providing patient education). Pharmacists with >10 years of experience, those without personal experience with a substance use disorder, those who strongly agreed that patients with OUD require excessive time and effort, and those who agreed that some people lack self-discipline to use prescription pain medication without becoming addicted had significantly higher SDS scores than pharmacists without these characteristics.

Conclusions

Pharmacists expressed significant preference for social distance indicating stigmatization of patients with opioid misuse. Pharmacists were comfortable performing pharmacy tasks with patients with opioid misuse, but were less comfortable forming therapeutic relationships, an important tenet of patient-centered care. Efforts are needed to examine contributions to social distance preferences and implement measures to reduce them. Targeting of pharmacists with >10 years’ experience and without personal experience with OUD may also be most beneficial.
Two populations of LIGO-Virgo black holes
Authors: Hütsi Gert , Raidal Martti , Vaskonen Ville , Veermäe Hardi
Published: March 2021

We analyse the LIGO-Virgo data, including the recently
released GWTC-2dataset, to test a hypothesis that the data contains
more than one population of black holes. We perform a maximum
likelihood analysis including a population of astrophysical black
holes with a truncated power-law mass function whose merger rate
follows from star formation rate, and a population of primordial
black holes for which we consider log-normal and critical collapse
mass functions. We find that primordial black holes alone are
strongly disfavoured by the data, while the best fit is obtained for
the template combining astrophysical and primordial merger
rates. Alternatively, the data may hint towards two different
astrophysical black hole populations. We also update the constraints
on primordial black hole abundance from LIGO-Virgo observations
finding that in the 2–400 mass range they must
comprise less than 0.2% of dark matter.
K-dynamics: well-posed 1+1 evolutions in K-essence
Authors: Bezares Miguel , Crisostomi Marco , Palenzuela Carlos , Barausse Enrico
Published: March 2021

We study the vacuum Cauchy problem for K-essence, i.e. cosmologically relevant scalar-tensor theories that involve
first-order derivative self-interactions,
and which pass all existing gravitational wave bounds.
We restrict to spherical symmetry and show that there exists a large class of theories for which no breakdown of the Cauchy problem
occurs outside apparent black hole horizons, even in the presence of scalar shocks/caustics, except for a small set of initial data sufficiently close to critical black hole collapse.
We characterise these problematic initial data, and show that they lead to large or even diverging (coordinate) speeds for the characteristic curves.
We discuss the physical relevance of this problem and propose ways to overcome it.
Effectiveness of Application of Tissue Culture Textbook Based on Research on the Critical Thinking Skills of Biology Students at Universitas Negeri Medan
Authors: Pinem M D , Harahap F , Diningrat D S
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the application of research-based tissue culture textbooks based on the critical thinking skills of students at Universitas Negeri Medan. This type of research was a quasi-experimental study using a pre-test and post-test control group design. The population of this study were all students of the Department of Biology class of 2015. The research sample consisted of two randomly selected classes. In the experimental class, the learning used a research-based tissue culture textbook and the control class used conventional textbooks. The results showed that the research-based tissue culture textbook that had been developed was effective based on critical thinking skills (Z = 1.301 and P = 0.000). The improvement of students’ critical thinking skills (N-Gain score) was 0.47 in the moderate improvement category. Therefore, it can be concluded that the research-based tissue culture textbooks were developed effectively based on students’ critical thinking skills.
Building Learning Paths of Students’ Creative Thinking Circle Topics by Applying The Scaffolding Metacognition Approach
Authors: Fauzi K M A , Hia Yasifati
Published: March 2021

Mathematics is knowledge which generally has prerequisite material that students must have to understand new material. This means that to understand a material in mathematics learning trajectory is needed. Prior knowledge is the most crucial thing that makes students able to connect all existing information so that they can construct new knowledge through the process of assimilation or accommodation. This study aims to: (1) build student learning trajectories in solving problems about circles, (2) find out how students’ creative thinking abilities with learning paths are designed that apply the Scaffolding metacognition approach. This type of research is Design Research to improve the quality of learning. In this study the researchers gave 3 items about the ability to think creatively. Two trials were conducted, the first trial was conducted in class A and the second trial was conducted in class B. The results of the study indicate (1) There are 3 phases in the learning trajectory of students’ creative thinking abilities, namely: 1. Analysing, including determining information from questions, selecting important information, and choosing the right strategy in solving it; 2. Identifying, including determining the adequacy of the elements in the problem, making mathematical models, and can describe the problem; 3. Evaluating, including finding and detecting important matters in the problem and drawing appropriate conclusions. (2) The results of students’ creative thinking ability tests in trial 1 shows that students have not been able to solve problems optimally. Students’ lack of understanding of the concept of a circle and determining the circumference of a circle make it difficult for students to solve problems regarding the length of the tangent circle. By developing the previous learning trajectory, in trial 2 there was an increase in students’ creative thinking abilities. The design of a correct learning trajectory is also very influential in increasing the ability of students. And make the learning process fun and meaningful so that students will remember knowledge in long-term memory.
Prediction of the number of Women Population in Medan City 2025 by using The Leslie Matrix
Authors: Mulyono  , Mansyur A , Marpaug F
Published: March 2021

The Leslie matrix model is a model used to predict the number and rate of female population growth. This study aims to determine the number and rate of female population growth in the city of Medan in 2025 based on data on birth rates and life expectancy. The eigenvector is used to determine the number of female populations at each age interval, while the eigenvalues are used to determine the population growth rate. To determine the number of female populations from each age interval, a positive eigenvalue is sought. Based on positive eigenvalues, three cases occur, namely: 1) the population will tend to increase if; 2) the population will tend to decline if; 3) the population will tend to be stable if. Based on the research results, the eigenvalues were obtained λ = 1,3673 which means the number of the female population in the city ofMedan tends to increase
Genetic Analysis of White Leafhopper Cofana spectra (Distant) from Samosir Island, Indonesia Based on DNA Barcode
Authors: Manurung B , Hasairin A , Daulae A H
Published: March 2021

White leafhopper Cofana spectra is a pest of paddy and could act as a vector of pathogenic viruses on rice. This research aims to find out its genetic data, namely its identification, nucleotide composition and its phylogenetic based on DNA barcode-mtCOI gene. The researchmethods included leafhopper sampling in rice field, DNA isolation, PCR, electrophoresis, sequencing and blasting. The software Mega X was used to analyze the genetic data. The mtCOI DNA gene sequence obtained was 333 bp in size and blasting result showed that leafhopper belongto white leafhopper Cofana spectra (Distant) species. The dendrogram from the sequence showed that white leafhopper species from Samosir island had the closest relationship with species from Kerala, India. The frequency of nucleotide of T (U), C, A and G of leafhopper were 41.96, 15.47, 28.57 and 13.98%, respectively. Therefore, this mtCOI gene sequence was rich in A/T (70.53%), while G/C was 29.45%. The information obtained from this study stated that the identification of the white leafhopper C.spectra based on molecular character using mtCOI DNA gene sequence confirmed the identification result based on the morphological traits and can be used to control and in monitoring the spread of the white leafhopper.
The Effect of Problem Based Learning Based on Multiple Representations to the Students’ Science Conceptual Understanding
Authors: Simanjuntak MP , Marpaung N , Sinaga L , Siregar Nurdin
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to determine the effect of implementing problem based learning (PBL) model based on multiple representations to the science conceptual understanding of junior high school students in temperature and heat. This study was conducted by using experimental research method with pre-test-post-test design at one of the state junior high schools in Medan. The sampling technique was using cluster random sampling. The participants of this study consisted of two classes. The first was an experimental class which was treated by implementing PBL based onmultiplerepresentations and the second was control class which was treated by implementing traditional learning, 38 seventh grade students of each. The research instrument was multiple choices, 40 items with 4 optionswhich measured students’ conceptual understanding in temperature and heat. Pretest and posttest data were respectively31.71 and60.72 for control class, whereas for experimental class were 30.26and 74.01 respectively. Data were analyzed by using t-test. Based on the results of hypothesis testing, it was found that the application of PBL based on multiplerepresentations had an effect on students’ understanding of the science concept in temperature and heat. The percentage of increasing N-gain conceptual understanding was respectively 42 and 63 for control and experimental class. Both were in the moderate category.
Development of Learning Media for E-Learning Schoology Research Methodology Subjects for Students of the Department of Electrical Engineering Education Faculty of Engineering Universitas Negeri Medan
Authors: Sibuea A M , Amin M , Rambey J S
Published: March 2021

E-learning Schoology learning is one of the Learning Management Systems (LMS) of several existing LMS. The use of Schoology aims to show the effectiveness of e-learning Schoology in improving student learning outcomes. This can be achieved if the learning outcomes of students who use e-learning Schoology can achieve value following the provisions, process skills and student activity are better than learning, not e-learning Schoology. The research subjects were students of the Department of Electrical Engineering Education, Faculty of Engineering, State University of Medan. The sampling technique used is purposive random sampling technique. The research instrument consists of test questions and questionnaires. The research hypothesis was tested by t-test. Research data obtained from questionnaires that have been filled out by media experts, design experts, material experts and students are formulated into scores, which are then interpreted into assessment criteria consisting of Bad, Poor, Doubtful, Good, and Very Good. The result of this research showed that the students who used e-learning schoology media in the Research Methodology course in the Department of Electrical Engineering Education, had higher achievement than those who did not.