bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY MASTERY AND WRITING DESCRIPTIVE TEXT ABILITY AT SMPN 1 TEBING TINGGI
Authors: Maghvira Fita , Eliwarti Eliwarti , Syarfi Muhammad
Published: August 2023

This paper discusses the correlation between two variables, namely vocabulary mastery and writing descriptive text ability of the first-year students, at SMPN 1 Tebing Tinggi. The researcher used a quantitative research method as the data approach. The population was the first-year students with a total of 124 students. The researcher used a simple random sampling technique and selected 32 students from all classes. The instruments used with two types of tests were multiple choice and written tests. To analyze the data, the researcher used SPSS Statistics 25. The research result indicates that the first-year students of SMPN 1 Tebing Tinggi achieved a good level of vocabulary mastery and a mediocre level of writing descriptive text ability. The result indicates that there is a correlation between vocabulary mastery and writing descriptive text ability. The Rxy distribution of the coefficient correlation was 0.408. It means there was a correlation between vocabulary mastery and writing descriptive text ability of the first-year students at SMPN 1 Tebing Tinggi that was at the fair level. Thus, the null hypothesis (Ho) was rejected and the alternative hypothesis (Hα) was accepted.
STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF QUIZIZZ USES AS ENGLISH LEARNING MEDIA
Authors: Sari Fitriana Kartika , Nisa Elsara Khairun , Listyanto M. Erwin Dwi , Iskandar Khalid
Published: August 2023

The development of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) considerably influences all aspects of human life, including education. With the development of ICT, the lecturer must also be able to follow its development by adapting ICT into the learning process, for example in learning media. In Indonesia, the application of ICT as a learning media is the newest trend. The research in this paper aims to discover the students’ perceptions regarding the use of Quizizz as English learning media. The research design is survey research. The research subject involved 15 Agribusiness students at Universitas Muhadi Setiabudi. The questionnaire in the form of Google Forms is used to process the data collection and subsequently analyzed by using the Likert Scale. The research result indicates that students’ perception of the use of Quizizz is highly positive with a questionnaire result of 750. It means they strongly agree that Quizizz is highly useful and suitable to use as a learning medium in English subjects. In addition, they agree that Quizizz can create a fun English learning atmosphere.
IMPROVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ COMPETENCE THROUGH THE NUMBERED HEAD TOGETHER METHOD AT SD OF TAMBANG SUB-DISTRICTS IN KAMPAR
Authors: Purwanti Endang
Published: August 2023

This paper reports the improvement of teacher competence in a teacher work programme at Sub-Districts Tambang elementary school in Kampar through numbered head together method based on the background of the problem. Hence, the formulation of the problem is "Can the numbered head together method increase elementary school teacher competence at SD Tambang Sub-Districts in Kampar?". The research is a school action research (SAR). The Kemmis and Mc. Taggart’s model is a spiral from one to another further cycle. The research subjects were teachers at an elementary school in the Tambang sub-district of Kampar. The number of classroom teachers who were the subjects of the research was 12 school principals who were at SD Tambang sub-districts in Kampar. Based on the results of the analysis and discussion, it can be concluded that the numbered head-together method can improve teacher competence. Through numbered head-together method, teachers’ activity becomes more active and teachers tend to be positive to follow the teaching and learning process conducted by the researcher or in the implementation. In cycle I, it can be seen that the teachers’ teaching competence was still relatively good with an average score of 70.29. While the results in cycle II, teachers’ teaching competence reached an average score of 79.52, which was classified as very good.
ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE PKN LEARNING OUTCOMES OF FIRST-GRADE STUDENTS THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING MODELS TWO STAY TWO STRAY AT SDN 008 BANDUR PICAK IN KAMPAR
Authors: Nurhasniati Nurhasniati
Published: August 2023

This paper discusses the improvement of Civic Education learning outcomes of the first-grade students by applying Two Stay Two Stray as a cooperative learning model at SDN 008 Bandur Picak in Kampar, which was conducted for 1 month. The research subjects were 22 first-grade students. The type of research is classroom action research. Based on the results of the analysis and discussion, it can be concluded that the implementation of the Two Stay Two Stray cooperative learning model type can improve the first-grade students’ learning outcomes in the Civic Education learning subject at SDN 008 Bandur Picak in Kampar. It can be seen from changes in students’ learning outcomes in cycle 1 and cycle 2. In cycle 1, the average score of students’ learning outcomes was 70.9 incomplete category and increased in cycle 2 to 82.5 in the complete category. Based on the performance indicators, the research is considered to be successful if learning completeness reaches 75% of all students. It is because applying the Two Stay Two Stray provides opportunities for students to exchange experiences and knowledge. Hence, students understanding of the subject matter increases and can improve their learning outcomes in turn which the researchers so far have never applied the Two Stay Two Stray cooperative learning model.
IMPROVING THE SECOND-GRADE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS’ LEARNING OUTCOMES ON THE SUBJECT MATTER OF MULTIPLICATION USING DORAEMON POCKET MEDIA
Authors: Winta Utami Fadilla Diah , Rukmi Asri Susetyo , Dewi Catur Agustina Candra
Published: August 2023

This paper discusses the improvement of the second-grade students’ learning outcomes at SDN Lakarsantri I/472 Surabaya in Mathematics learning subject on multiplication and division using Doraemon Pocket media. The research method used was classroom action research (CAR) in the form of cycles, which consist of action plans, implementation of actions, observation, and reflection. Data were collected by using instruments in the form of test sheets to measure students’ achievement. The analysis results indicate that there is increasing activity and learning achievement in mathematics about multiplication in class II students at SDN Lakarsantri I/472 Surabaya. It is evidenced by the results of research data processing that indicate increasing students’ activity and learning achievement in cycle 2. In the pre-cycle, students' percentage scores reached 58%. After conducting treatment by applying Doraemon Pocket in cycle 1, it increased to 82%. And in cycle 2, it increased to 92%. Thus, it can be concluded that Doraemon Pocket media can improve the students’ learning achievement in class II on the subject matter of multiplication.
CONTRIBUTION OF CAMPUS TEACHING PROGRAMS IN IMPROVING THE STUDENTS’ NUMERACY LITERACY COMPETENCE IN PARTNER SCHOOL
Authors: Musliman Acep , Damayanti Fitri
Published: August 2023

The research in this paper was conducted on Campus Teaching 5 (KM5) activities as a form of Independent Learning Campus Merdeka (MBKM) in partner schools. It aims to provide opportunities for students to carry out activities outside the lecture class as a self-development experience. The research aims to determine the effectiveness of increasing literacy, numeracy, and students’ character as a result of the transformation conducted by students in campus teaching activities toward the quality improvement of learning services in partner schools. The expected transformation is an increase in literacy, numeracy, and students’ character competencies through a learning process that is innovative, creative, and fun. The research was conducted by using mixed methods between quantitative and qualitative descriptive methods. The research data were obtained from weekly reports of students’ activities at the assisted school as a partner school, namely Perti Islamic Private Elementary School in West Jakarta. Two types of data are weekly reports, which are qualitative and quantitative data based on the results of the Pretest and Posttest Minimum Competency Assessment (AKM). Based on the results of qualitative data analysis of weekly reports, the transformation process has an impact on improvement changes in literacy, numeracy, and students’ character competencies. It is also shown from the results of the AKM, there is a positive difference in the mean score of pre-test and post-test. It means that there is a competence improvement in literacy, numeracy, and students’ character. Hence, it can be said that the Teaching Campus is effective in improving students' literacy, numeracy, and students’ character competencies.
CHARACTERISTICS OF VISUAL LITERACY-BASED BIOLOGY LEARNING MODULE VALIDITY ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS LEARNING MATERIALS
Authors: Nida Diini Fitrahtun , Fadilah Muhyiatul , Ardi Ardi , Fajrina Suci
Published: August 2023

Visual literacy is the skill to interpret and give meaning to information in the form of images or visuals. Visual literacy is included in the list of 21st-century skills. The observation results indicate that most of the students have not mastered visual literacy well. One of the efforts that can be made to improve visual literacy is the provision of appropriate and right teaching materials. The research is an R&D (Research and Development) using a 4-D model, which is modified to 3-D (define, design, develop). The instruments used were content analysis sheets and validation questionnaires. The results of the research imply that there are three characteristics of the validity of the developed module. First, visual literacy produces students’ critical thinking and communication skills by building their own meaning or conclusions regarding the given image object. Second, visual literacy produces students' creative thinking by recreating it in the form of images or other visual objects from the provided visual information. Third, visual literacy produces students' critical thinking skills by connecting visual objects or images that are distributed to them. The module is considered to be very valid (feasible) to use with a percentage of 94.23%.
Penerapan Kompres Hangat Pada Nyeri Kepala Pasien Dengan Hipertensi
Authors: Kusumaningrum Chantika Natalia , Retnaningsih Dwi
Published: August 2023

Hipertensi mulai tahun 2015 hingga tahun 2020 ada sebanyak 1,3 miliar yang menderita hipertensi di dunia, berarti ada 1 dari 3 orang terdiagnosa hipertensi. Setiap tahun angka hipertensi di dunia selalu meningkat, hingga diperkirakan ada 1,5 miliar individu yang akan mengalami hipertensi pada tahun 2025, serta diperkirakan bahwa 9,4 juta individu akan meninggal karena terjadinya komplikasi dari hipertensi setiap tahunnya. Hipertensi dapat menimbulkan rasa nyeri di kepala. Tujuan dilakukan studi kasus adalah untuk melakukan penerapan kompres hangat pada nyeri kepala pasien dengan hipertensi. Aplikasi studi kasus pada penderita hipertensi dengan nyeri kepala dengan metode rancangan pretest – posttest yaitu diukur skala nyeri sebelum dan sesudah dilakukan penerapan kompres hangat. Subyek dari studi kasus adalah 2 pasien hipertensi dengan nyeri kepala sedang dengan metode pemberian kompres hangat dengan suhu 40-450 C selama 15 menit dalam kurun waktu 3 hari. Subyek sesuai dengan kriteria inklusi yang sebelumnya telah diberikan lembar persetujuan. Hasil studi kasus didapatkan terjadi penurunan skala nyeri pada kedua subjek, dimana terjadi perbedaan skala nyeri sebelum dan sesudah dilakukan kompres hangat. Skala nyeri pada kedua subyek terjadi penurunan yang awalnya nyeri sedang menjadi nyeri ringan. Maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa dengan pemberian kompres hangat dapat menurunkan nyeri kepala pasien hipertensi.
Hubungan Peran Orang Tua Dengan Motivasi Belajar Siswa Pada Pembelajaran Daring Masa Pandemi
Authors: Boediarsih Boediarsih
Published: August 2023

Peran orang tua juga sangat diperlukan utuk memberikan edukasi kepada anak–anaknya yang masih belum bisa memahami tentang pandemi yang sedang mewabah untuk tetap berdiam diri dirumah agar tidak terlular dan menularkan wabah pandemi ini. Motivasi belajar peserta didik yang rendah akan berakibat pada proses pembelajaran dan prestasi belajar peserta didik, selain itu dapat juga berpengaruh terhadap perilaku peserta didik. mengetahui hubungan peran orang tua dengan motivasi belajar siswa pada pembelajaran daring masa pandemi. Jenis penelitian ini adalah korelasional dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Populasi dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 76 responden dengan teknik pengambilan sampling adalah random sampling. Peran orang tua sebagian besar adalah kurang baik dan Motivasi belajar siswa sebagian besar adalah rendah. Hasil uji statistic menggunakan Chi Square Ada hubungan searah antara peran orang tua dengan motivasi belajar siswa dengan nilai P Value 0,023 < 0,05Ada hubungan antara peran orang tua dengan motivasi belajar siswa.
Breve nota sobre a regressão socioeconômica e o setor externo brasileiro entre 2015 e 2021
Authors: Carvalho Miguel , Carneiro Vinícius
Published: August 2023

O objetivo desta nota é indicar resumidamente o sentido mais geral das principais tendências internas e externas observadas para a economia brasileira após a crise econômica iniciada em 2015 até 2021. Argumenta-se que esta crise econômica é a mais profunda e longa da história republicana do Brasil, o que se traduziu na regressão generalizada dos indicadores socioeconômicos do país durante o período. Por outro lado, externamente, assinalamos que não foi observado entre 2015 e 2021 correspondente redução da capacidade de importação ou a deterioração dos indicadores de solvência externa do Brasil, fatores que poderiam justificar a extensão da crise experimentada pelo país nestes anos.
Establishing phosphorus critical values for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fertilization with phosphate fertilizers on the Sudan savanna soils using three soil phosphorus extraction methods and field experimentation in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Yahaya Mohammad , Madukwe Donald Kelechi , Kebede Fassil
Published: August 2023

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production, as it stimulates root growth by improving water use efficiency and nutrient uptake. It also helps control the metabolic processes of ATP (energy), sugars, and nucleic acids. Therefore, it is imperative to effectively manage the phosphorus requirements of tomatoes to bolster their productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three different soil P testing methods that are suitable for the soils of Kano State, Nigeria, and to develop a critical P-value for fertilizer recommendations for tomatoes. Accordingly, sixty topsoil samples were collected for soil available P testing according to the Bray II, Mehlich 3, and Olsen methods. Moreover, to establish the phosphorus critical value (Pc) for tomatoes, a field experiment was conducted with seven different rates of P using triple super phosphate fertilizer (TSP), viz., 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 kg P/ha, laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications on 15 experimental sites representing the various agroecological zones of the state. Phosphorus fertilizer was applied and incorporated into the soil 1 week before tomato transplanting. Then, soil samples from 0 to 20 cm depth were taken 3 weeks after transplanting from all the plots across the experimental sites for separate Mehlich 3, Bray II, and Olsen extractable P analysis to determine the critical soil P (Pc) test. The study revealed that available P was varied and increased in the order of Olsen (2.19 ppm)< Mehlich 3 (5.37 ppm)< Bray II (5.44 ppm), and the Mehlich 3 and Bray II extraction methods were strongly correlated, whereas Olsen underestimated the available P, showing a weak correlation with both Mehlich 3 and Bray II. Furthermore, the study showed that phosphorus critical (Pc) values were 17.00, 14.00, and 4 ppm for Mehlich 3, Bray II, and Olsen respectively. Finally, Bray II was a more reliable method for estimating the available P on moderately acid soils as it showed the highest correlation r = 0.83 with the relative yield of the tomatoes and, therefore, was the most effective method for developing the equation for the soil test-based phosphatic fertilizer recommendation for maximizing tomato production in the soils of Kano State. Hence, the equation developed for the P fertilizer recommendation (Pr) for tomatoes in Kano State was found to be “Pr (kg P2O5ha−1) = (14.0 − Pi) × 9.02”.
Finite element study of sagittal fracture location on thoracolumbar fracture treatment
Authors: Cui Xilong , Zhu Junjun , Yang Wanmei , Sun Yuxiang , Huang Xiuling , Wang Xiumei , Yu Haiyang , Liang Chengmin , Hua Zikai
Published: August 2023

Background: Posterior internal fixation is the main method used for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. Fractures often occur in the upper 1/3 of the vertebral body. However, they can also occur in the middle or lower 1/3 of the vertebral body. At present, there is no report discussing the potential effects of sagittal location on instrument biomechanics or surgical strategy. The object of this study was to investigate the effect of the sagittal location of the fracture region of the vertebral body on the biomechanics of the internal fixation system and surgical strategy.

Methods: A finite element model of the T11-L3 thoracolumbar segment was established based on a healthy person’s CT scan. Different sagittal fracture location finite element models were created by resection of the upper 1/3, middle 1/3, and lower 1/3 of the L1 vertebral body. Three surgical strategies were utilized in this study, namely, proximal 1 level and distal 1 level (P1-D1), proximal 2 level and distal 1 level (P2-D1), and proximal 1 level and distal 2 levels (P1-D2). Nine fixation finite element models were created by combining fracture location and fixation strategies. Range of motion, von Mises stress, and stress distribution were analyzed to evaluate the effects on the instrument biomechanics and the selection of surgical strategy.

Results: In all three different fixation strategies, the maximum von Mises stress location on the screw did not change with the sagittal location of the fracture site; nevertheless, the maximum von Mises stress differed. The maximum rod stress was located at the fracture site, with its value and location changed slightly. In the same fixation strategy, a limited effect of sagittal location on the range of motion was observed. P2D1 resulted in a shorter range of motion and lower screw stress for all sagittal locations of the fracture compared with the other strategies; however, rod stress was similar between strategies.

Conclusion: The sagittal location of a fracture may affect the intensity and distribution of stress on the fixation system but does not influence the selection of surgical strategy.
Hybrid and adaptive control of functional electrical stimulation to correct hemiplegic gait for patients after stroke
Authors: Dong Yiqun , Wang Kangling , He Ruxin , Zheng Kai , Wang Xiaohong , Huang Guozhi , Song Rong
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Gait, as a fundamental human movement, necessitates the coordination of muscles across swing and stance phases. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the tibialis anterior (TA) has been widely applied to foot drop correction for patients with post-stroke during the swing phase. Although the gastrocnemius (GAS) during the stance phase is also affected, the Functional electrical stimulation of the gastrocnemius received less attention.

Methods: To address this limitation, a timing- and intensity-adaptive Functional electrical stimulation control strategy was developed for both the TA and GAS. Each channel incorporates a speed-adaptive (SA) module to control stimulation timing and an iterative learning control (ILC) module to regulate the stimulation intensity. These modules rely on real-time kinematic or kinetic data during the swing or stance phase, respectively. The orthotic effects of the system were evaluated on eight patients with post-stroke foot drop. Gait kinematics and kinetics were assessed under three conditions: no stimulation (NS), Functional electrical stimulation to the ankle dorsiflexor tibialis anterior (SA-ILC DS) and FES to the tibialis anterior and the ankle plantarflexor gastrocnemius (SA-ILC DPS).

Results: The ankle plantarflexion angle, the knee flexion angle, and the anterior ground reaction force (AGRF) in the SA-ILC DPS condition were significantly larger than those in the NS and SA-ILC DS conditions (p < 0.05). The maximum dorsiflexion angle during the swing phase in the SA-ILC DPS condition was similar to that in the SA-ILC DS condition, with both being significantly larger than the angle observed in the NS condition (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the angle error and force error relative to the set targets were minimized in the SA-ILC DPS condition.

Discussion: The observed improvements can be ascribed to the appropriate stimulation timing and intensity provided by the SA-ILC DPS strategy. This study demonstrates that the hybrid and adaptive control strategy of functional electrical stimulation system offers a significant orthotic effect, and has considerable potential for future clinical application.
Preparation and structural analysis of fucomannogalactan and β-1,6-glucan from Grifola frondosa mycelium
Authors: Geng Jie , Wang Guining , Guo Jiao , Han Xiao , Qu Yunhe , Zhou Yifa , Tai Guihua , Sun Lin , Cheng Hairong
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Polysaccharides, key components present in Grifola frondosa, can be divided into those derived from fruiting bodies, mycelium, and fermentation broth based on their source. The structure of G. frondosa fruiting body-derived polysaccharides has been fully characterized. However, the structure of G. frondosa mycelium-derived polysaccharides remains to be elucidated.

Methods: In this study, we obtained mycelia from G. frondosa by liquid fermentation and extracted them with water and alkaline solution. Then, the mycelia were isolated and purified to obtain homogeneity and systematically characterized by methylation and FT infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Results and discussion: Structural analysis showed that two neutral fractions (WGFP-N-a and AGFP-N-a1) have a common backbone composed of α-1,6-D-Me-Galp and α-1,6-D-Galp that were substituted at O-2 by 1,2-Manp, α-1,3-L-Fucp, and α-T-D-Manp and thus are identified as fucomannogalactans. WGFP-A-a, AGFP-A-b, and AGFP-A-c are β-1,6-glucans with different molecular weights and are branched with β-1,3-D-Glcp and T-D-Glcp at the O-3 of Glc. Our results provide important structural information about G. frondosa mycelium-derived polysaccharides and provide the basis for their further development and application.
An unprecedented palladium-arsenic catalytic cycle for nitriles hydration
Authors: Cirri Damiano , Marzo Tiziano , Pratesi Alessandro
Published: August 2023

An unprecedented palladium/arsenic-based catalytic cycle for the hydration of nitriles to the corresponding amides is here described. It occurs in exceptionally mild conditions such as neutral pH and moderate temperature (60°C). The versatility of this new catalytic cycle was tested on various nitriles from aliphatic to aromatic. Also, the effect of ring substitution with electron withdrawing and electron donating groups was investigated in the cases of aromatic nitriles, as well as the effect of potentially interferent functional groups such as hydroxy group or pyridinic nitrogen. Furthermore, a pilot study on the potential suitability of this approach for its scale-up is presented, revealing that the catalytic cycle could be potentially and quickly scaled up.
The value of LH maximum level in predicting optimal oocyte yield following GnRH agonist trigger
Authors: Lee William Hao-Yu , Lin Kuan-Ting , Hsieh Yun-Chiao , Kao Tzu-Ching , Huang Ting-Chi , Chao Kuang-Han , Chen Mei-Jou , Yang Jehn-Hsiahn , Chen Shee-Uan
Published: August 2023

Background

Risk factors associated with a suboptimal response to Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists include a high or low body mass index (BMI), prolonged use of oral contraceptive pills, and low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels on either the start or trigger days of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). However, this approach may increase the need for a dual trigger and may also result in a higher incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in hyper-responders. We aimed to investigate whether the maximum LH level during stimulation can serve as a predictive factor for achieving an optimal oocyte yield using the GnRH agonist trigger alone.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all antagonist protocols or progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocols triggered with GnRH agonist only between May 2012 and December 2022. Subjects were divided into three groups, depending on basal LH level and LH maximum level. The freeze-all strategy was implemented in all cycles: Group 1, consistently low LH levels throughout COS; Group 2, low basal LH level with high LH max level during COS; Group 3, consistently high LH levels throughout COS. The primary outcome was the oocyte yield rate. The secondary outcome includes the number of collected oocytes, suboptimal response to GnRH agonist trigger, oocyte maturity rate, fertilized rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, and live birth rate. The pregnancy outcomes were calculated for the first FET cycle.

Results

Following confounder adjustment, multivariable regression analysis showed that Group 1 (cycles with consistently low LH levels throughout COS) remains an independent predictor of suboptimal response (OR: 6.99; 95% CI 1.035–47.274). Group 1 (b = −12.72; 95% CI −20.9 to −4.55) and BMI (b = −0.25; 95% CI −0.5 to −0.004) were negatively associated with oocyte yield rate. Patients with low basal LH but high LH max levels had similar clinical outcomes compared to those with high LH max levels through COS.

Conclusions

The maximum LH level during COS may serve as an indicator of LH reserve and could be a more reliable predictor of achieving an optimal oocyte yield when compared to relying solely on the basal LH level. In the case of hyper-responders where trigger agents (agonist-only or dual trigger) are being considered, we propose a novel strategy that incorporates the maximum LH level, rather than just the basal or trigger-day LH level, as a reference for assessing LH reserve. This approach aims to minimize the risk of obtaining suboptimal oocyte yield and improve overall treatment outcomes.
Bacterial abundance and pH associate with eDNA degradation in water from various aquatic ecosystems in a laboratory setting
Authors: Zhao Beilun , van Bodegom Peter M. , Trimbos Krijn Baptist
Published: August 2023

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has been widely used in biomonitoring and has major advantages compared to traditional methods such as counting observations. However, the persistence of eDNA within an ecosystem can lead to false-positive results on the presence of organisms. To improve the accuracy of the interpretation of eDNA results, the present study aimed to enhance the understanding of the connection between environmental factors and eDNA persistence. Here, we set up tank experiments using freshwater from 16 field locations involving four ecosystem types and Milli-Q water as control to cultivate zebrafish, and monitor eDNA degradation over time after removing the organisms. Bacterial abundance, nitrate, phosphate, dissolved oxygen and pH were analyzed to evaluate their impacts on eDNA degradation. We found that bacterial abundance and pH were positively related to eDNA degradation. The eDNA at the size range of 1.2–5 μm (extracellular but intro-mitochondrial) decreased faster than at the >5 μm (intracellular) size range, leading to changes in the eDNA particle size proportion (PSP) with degradation. eDNA particle size proportion in the field water was different from in Milli-Q water. In conclusion, our findings help understand how eDNA persistence is connected with both abiotic and biotic environmental factors, and thereby will improve the accuracy of eDNA methods in aquatic biomonitoring.
Examining impacts of policy, technology, and climate extremes on thermoelectric power production and river thermal pollution in the Midwest and Northeast of the United States
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Chen Mengye , Gao Shang , Li Zhi , Vörösmarty Charles J. , Fekete Balazs , Miara Ariel , Hong Yang
Published: August 2023

As one of the components comprising food-energy-water systems (FEWS), the energy sector, especially electricity production, is intimately connected to water. Climate extremes-related impacts on water resources will directly affect the interdependence of water, food, and energy. A better understanding of the extent of climate impacts on energy sector and the options to improve water-energy security are needed for planning an overall resilient FEWS. Therefore, we are motivated to examine the climate stress on the thermoelectric power supply using the Water Balance Model coupled with Thermoelectric Power & Thermal Pollution Model (WBM-TP2M), which can simulate water-energy linkages at the power plant, river reach, and regional scales. Using the Midwest (MW) and Northeast (NE) regions as our study area, we design a group of single- and multi-factor experiments both for historical climate period (1980–2019) and a case where we create a series of intensified extremes (2010–2019). The results show that power generation over the two regions features a gradually increasing trend in the past four decades, while, in contrast, thermal pollution has been decreasing steadily since 2005. Heat waves created temporary dips in the generation of electricity and peaks of heavily thermal-polluted stream length. The experiments reveal the significant role of cooling towers in reducing thermal pollution without losing much capacity to generate power, one important measure of resilience against climate extremes. Constraints placed on effluent temperature from the Clean Water Act lead to interrupted operations, which reduces (up to 20%) power generation, increases sensitivity to climatic extremes, but only show a small reduction in thermal pollution. Coal, as a fuel source, is subject to low thermal efficiency and high-water demand, which results in clearly decreased power generation. Overall, our findings suggest that replacing a less thermal-efficient fuel mix and environmentally destructive once-through cooling can move the energy sector towards several beneficial outcomes. Chief among these is a more efficient power production system that uses less water and does so while fostering clean, less carbon-intense technologies (e.g., combined gas cycle turbines, cooling towers, renewable energy), thus linking positive outcomes that simultaneously and positively impact aquatic ecosystems, regional airsheds and human health.
Precipitation explains GRACE water storage variability over large endorheic basins in the 21st century
Authors: Petch Samantha , Dong Bo , Quaife Tristan , King Robert P. , Haines Keith
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Seasonal—interannual variations in surface water storage revealed by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites have received less attention than storage trends in the literature. We focus on six large endorheic basins and develop variability attribution diagnostics against independent precipitation and evapotranspiration (hereafter P and E) datasets.

Methods: We generate a flux-inferred storage (FIS), representing the integral of the component flux anomalies into and out of a region, enabling a comparison between the P and E contributions to GRACE water storage anomalies on seasonal to interannual timescales. Additionally, a monthly budget closure approach is applied, giving self-consistent coupled water and energy exchanges from 2002 to 2020.

Results: On seasonal timescales, P and E data show insufficient cancellation, implying over-large seasonal variations in surface storage. In most basins, P drives the seasonal storage cycle with E dampening storage amplitudes, although in the Caspian Basin, seasonal storage is driven by E, with P remaining seasonally constant when integrated over the whole drainage basin. Budget closure mostly adjusts E, which has larger uncertainties, in fitting the GRACE data. On year-to-year and multi-year timescales, there is a strong correlation between P-driven storage and the observed GRACE variability, which ranges between 0.55 and 0.88 across all basins, and this is maintained after budget closure. However, storage changes driven by P alone from GPCP are too large compared to GRACE, with E data from FLUXCOM generally having only very weakly compensating interannual variations. After budget closure, interannual E variability is substantially increased. Closed energy budgets often show interannual amplitudes, partly driven by radiation and partly by water budget variation through shared latent heat losses, although these have not been independently verified.

Discussion: Although water flux trends cannot be detected with significance due to the large interannual variability, the strong agreement between multi-annual GRACE storage and precipitation variations, especially over the Caspian basin, lends no support to the suggestion that E changes driven by climate change are responsible for water storage trends seen by GRACE.
Prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria having extended-spectrum β-lactamase phenotypes in polluted irrigation-purpose wastewaters from Indian agro-ecosystems
Authors: Avatsingh Achhada Ujalkaur , Sharma Shilpa , Kour Shilippreet , Arora Yukta , Sharma Sheetal , Joshi Divya , Chaudhary Prem Prashant , Perveen Kahkashan , Kamal Mohab Amin , Singh Nasib
Published: August 2023

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria has emerged as a serious public health threat worldwide. Aquatic environments including irrigation-purpose wastewaters facilitate the emergence and transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes leading to detrimental effects on human health and environment sustainability. Considering the paramount threat of ever-increasing antibiotic resistance to human health, there is an urgent need for continuous environmental monitoring of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater being used for irrigation in Indian agro-ecosystems. In this study, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from irrigation-purpose wastewater samples from Sirmaur and Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh was determined. Bacterial isolates of genera Escherichia, Enterobacter, Hafnia, Shigella, Citrobacter, and Klebsiella obtained from 11 different geographical locations were found to exhibit resistance against ampicillin, amoxyclav, cefotaxime, co-trimoxazole, tobramycin, cefpodoxime and ceftazidime. However, all the isolates were sensitive to aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin. Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia coli showed predominance among all the isolates. Multidrug-resistance phenotype was observed with isolate AUK-06 (Enterobacter sp.) which exhibited resistant to five antibiotics. Isolate AUK-02 and AUK-09, both E. coli strains showed resistant phenotypes to four antibiotics each. Phenotypic detection revealed that six isolates were positive for extended-spectrum β-lactamases which includes two isolates from Enterobacter spp. and E. coli each and one each from Shigella sp. and Citrobacter sp. Overall, the findings revealed the occurrence of antibiotic resistant and ESBL-positive bacterial isolates in wastewaters utilized for irrigation purpose in the study area and necessitate continuous monitoring and precautionary interventions. The outcomes of the study would be of significant clinical, epidemiological, and agro-environmental importance in designing effective wastewater management and environmental pollution control strategies.
Prognostic nomogram for predicting lower extremity deep venous thrombosis in ruptured intracranial aneurysm patients who underwent endovascular treatment
Authors: Zhang Chengwei , Zhu Jiaqian , Zhang Minghong , Yuan Ziru , Wang Xiaoxiong , Ye Chengxing , Jiang Haojie , Ye Xiong
Published: August 2023

Background

Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one of the major postoperative complications in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIA) who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT). However, patient-specific predictive models are still lacking. This study aimed to construct and validate a nomogram model for estimating the risk of lower extremity DVT for RIA patients who underwent EVT.

Methods

This cohort study enrolled 471 RIA patients who received EVT in our institution between 1 January 2020 to 4 February 2022. Perioperative information on participants is collected to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting lower extremity DVT in RIA patients after EVT. Predictive accuracy, discriminatory capability, and clinical effectiveness were evaluated by concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.

Result

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, albumin, D-dimer, GCS score, middle cerebral artery aneurysm, and delayed cerebral ischemia were independent predictors for lower extremity DVT. The nomogram for assessing individual risk of lower extremity DVT indicated good predictive accuracy in the primary cohort (c-index, 0.92) and the validation cohort (c-index, 0.85), with a wide threshold probability range (4–82%) and superior net benefit.

Conclusion

The present study provided a reliable and convenient nomogram model developed with six optimal predictors to assess postoperative lower extremity DVT in RIA patients, which may benefit to strengthen the awareness of lower extremity DVT control and supply appropriate resources to forecast patients at high risk of RIA-related lower extremity DVT.
Distinct roles of theta and alpha oscillations in the process of contingent attentional capture
Authors: Zhong Chupeng , Ding Yulong , Qu Zhe
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Visual spatial attention can be captured by a salient color singleton that is contingent on the target feature. A previous study reported that theta (4–7 Hz) and alpha (8–14 Hz) oscillations were related to contingent attentional capture, but the corresponding attentional mechanisms of these oscillations remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the electroencephalogram data of our previous study to investigate the roles of capture-related theta and alpha oscillation activities. Different from the previous study that used color-changed placeholders as irrelevant cues, the present study adopted abrupt onsets of color singleton cues which tend to elicit phase-locked neural activities. In Experiment 1, participants completed a peripheral visual search task in which spatially uninformative color singleton cues were inside the spatial attentional window and a central rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) task in which the same cues were outside the spatial attentional window. In Experiment 2, participants completed a color RSVP task and a size RSVP task in which the peripheral color singleton cues were contingent and not contingent on target feature, respectively.

Results

In Experiment 1, spatially uninformative color singleton cues elicited lateralized theta activities when they were contingent on target feature, irrespective of whether they were inside or outside the spatial attentional window. In contrast, the same color singleton cues elicited alpha lateralization only when they were inside the spatial attentional window. In Experiment 2, we further found that theta lateralization vanished if the color singleton cues were not contingent on target feature.

Discussion

These results suggest distinct roles of theta and alpha oscillations in the process of contingent attentional capture initiated by abrupt onsets of singleton cues. Theta activities may reflect global enhancement of target feature, while alpha activities may be related to attentional engagement to spatially relevant singleton cues. These lateralized neural oscillations, together with the distractor-elicited N2pc component, might consist of multiple stages of attentional processes during contingent attentional capture.
Characterization of High-Gamma Activity in Electrocorticographic Signals
Authors: Gruenwald Johannes , Sieghartsleitner Sebastian , Kapeller Christoph , Scharinger Josef , Kamada Kyousuke , Brunner Peter , Guger Christoph
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Electrocorticographic (ECoG) high-gamma activity (HGA) is a widely recognized and robust neural correlate of cognition and behavior. However, fundamental signal properties of HGA, such as the high-gamma frequency band or temporal dynamics of HGA, have never been systematically characterized. As a result, HGA estimators are often poorly adjusted, such that they miss valuable physiological information.

Methods

To address these issues, we conducted a thorough qualitative and quantitative characterization of HGA in ECoG signals. Our study is based on ECoG signals recorded from 18 epilepsy patients while performing motor control, listening, and visual perception tasks. In this study, we first categorize HGA into HGA types based on the cognitive/behavioral task. For each HGA type, we then systematically quantify three fundamental signal properties of HGA: the high-gamma frequency band, the HGA bandwidth, and the temporal dynamics of HGA.

Results

The high-gamma frequency band strongly varies across subjects and across cognitive/behavioral tasks. In addition, HGA time courses have lowpass character, with transients limited to 10 Hz. The task-related rise time and duration of these HGA time courses depend on the individual subject and cognitive/behavioral task. Task-related HGA amplitudes are comparable across the investigated tasks.

Discussion

This study is of high practical relevance because it provides a systematic basis for optimizing experiment design, ECoG acquisition and processing, and HGA estimation. Our results reveal previously unknown characteristics of HGA, the physiological principles of which need to be investigated in further studies.
High intake of sweet foods and low life satisfaction can act as risk factors for acute coronary syndrome through synergistic interaction
Authors: So Jisun , Chung Kyong-Mee , Seo Jihyeon , Kim Byungmi , Chun Hyejin , Han Sung Nim , Chung Ick-Mo
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Dietary and psychological status contributes to the development of coronary artery disease. However, these lifestyle factors may vary depending on ethnic and environmental background, and secondary prevention programs dealing with these factors in a specific population are not well-established. We aimed to assess dietary and psychological characteristics in Korean patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and analyze their interactions as independent risk factors for ACS.

Methods

Ninety-two patients with ACS (29 acute myocardial infarction and 63 unstable angina) and 69 controls were subjected to dietary and psychological analyses. Dietary intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Psychological depression and perceived stress were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Perceived Stress Scale, respectively. Eight domains of life satisfaction (marital/love relationship, leisure, standard of living, job, health, family life, sex life, and self) were assessed using the Domain Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ).

Results

The ACS group had a higher consumption of sweets and fish/seafood, as well as higher levels of depressive symptoms. Additionally, they had lower DSQ scores in total, and all eight individual domains compared with the control group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, sweet intake (OR 4.57, 95% CI: 1.94–11.40) and total DSQ scores (OR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14–0.81) were identified as independent risk factors for ACS. Furthermore, these factors, which displayed a significant inverse correlation (ρ = −0.23, p = 0.01), were determined as having a synergistic contribution to the development of ACS.

Conclusion

High sweet food intake and low life satisfaction can act as risk factors for ACS through a synergistic interaction, which emphasizes a demand for a more comprehensive approach to secondary prevention of ACS. In addition, these data highlight the role of positive psychological wellbeing factors in cardiovascular health.
Effect of QT interval-prolonging drugs taken in pregnancy on the neonatal QT interval
Authors: Michel Holger , Potapow Antonia , Dechant Markus-Johann , Brandstetter Susanne , Wellmann Sven , Köninger Angela , Melter Michael , Apfelbacher Christian , Kabesch Michael , Gerling Stephan ,   the KUNO-Kids study group
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Acquired QT interval prolongations due to drug side effects can result in detrimental arrhythmia. Maternal use of placenta-permeable drugs may lead to fetal exposure, thus leading to an increased risk of neonatal QT prolongation and arrhythmia.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of maternal QT-prolonging medication on the neonatal QT interval.

Methods: In the prospective KUNO-Kids health study, an ongoing population-based birth cohort, we classified maternal medications according to the known risk of QT interval prolongation. Effects on the neonatal QT interval were tested by linear regression analyses, correcting for perinatal confounders (birth weight, gestational age, birth mode, and age at ECG recording). Subgroup analyses were performed for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, and antihistamine dimenhydrinate. Logistic regression analysis was performed using a QTc of 450 ms as the cut-off value.

Results: A total of 2,550 pregnant women received a total of 3,990 medications, of which 315 were known to increase the risk of QT prolongation, resulting in 105 (4.1%) neonates exposed in the last month of pregnancy. Overall, the mean age of the neonates at ECG was 1.9 days and the mean QTc (Bazett) was 414 ms. Univariate (regression coefficient −2.62, p = 0.288) and multivariate (regression coefficient −3.55, p = 0.146) regression analyses showed no significant effect of fetal medication exposure on the neonatal QT interval, neither in the overall nor in the subgroup analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed no association of exposure to maternal medication with an increased risk of neonatal QT interval prolongation (OR (odds ratio) 0.34, p = 0.14).

Conclusion: The currently used maternal medication results in a relevant number of fetuses exposed to QT interval-prolonging drugs. In our cohort, exposure was found to have no effect on the neonatal QT interval.
Erianin: A phytoestrogen with therapeutic potential
Authors: Li Gangmin , Zhang Huiqiong , Lai Hui , Liang Gang , Huang Jiang , Zhao Fulan , Xie Xiaofang , Peng Cheng
Published: August 2023

Erianin, a phytoestrogen with therapeutic potential, is one of the major active components of Dendrobll caulis. Erianin has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic retinopathy, anti-psoriasis, and antibacterial effects. Especially, in regard to the anti-tumor effect of erianin, the underlying molecular mechanism has been partly clarified. In fact, the numerous pharmacological actions of erianin are complex and interrelated, mainly including ERK1/2, PI3K/Akt, JAK2/STAT3, HIF-1α/PD-L1, PPT1/mTOR, JNK/c-Jun, and p38 MAPK signal pathway. However, on account of the poor water solubility and the low bioavailability of erianin, greatly affected and limited its further development and application. And it is worthwhile and meaningful to explore more extensive pharmacological effects and mechanisms, clarify pharmacokinetics, and synthesize the derivatives of erianin. Conclusively, in this paper, the pharmacological effects of erianin and its mechanism, pharmacokinetics, and derivatives studies were reviewed, in order to provide a reference for the development and application of erianin.