bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problematika Guru dalam Mengajar Materi Aljabar di Era Pandemik Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19)
Authors: Afifaturrohmaniyyah Nur , Malasari Putri Nur
Published: June 2021

Keharusan dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran online yang disebabkan oleh pandemik Covid-19 menimbulkan munculnya masalah-masalah dalam pembelajaran matematika khususnya materi aljabar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui problematika yang dihadapi guru dalam mengajarkan materi aljabar di era pandemik Covid-19. Metode penelitian menggunakan penelitian kualitatif deskriptif. Sumber data berasal dari tujuh guru matematika Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) di Kudus dan Tangerang yang memberikan jawaban atas pertanyaan dalam google form. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan problematika yang dialami guru dalam mengajar materi aljabar di era pandemik Covid-19 adalah keterbatasan alat penunjang pembelajaran sehingga guru sulit menerangkan penerapan operasi hitung aljabar, soal aplikasi aljabar, dan menyederhanakan bentuk aljabar secara online. Terbatasnya ruang dan waktu, jaringan internet yang tidak stabil serta kuota yang tidak memadai mengakibatkan interaksi antara guru dan siswa tidak dapat optimal dilakukan.

 

The necessity of implementing online learning caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has created problems in learning mathematics, especially algebraic material. This study aims to find out the problems faced by teachers in teaching algebra material in the Covid-19 pandemic era. The research method uses descriptive qualitative research. Sources of data came from seven junior high school mathematics teachers (SMP) in Kudus and Tangerang who provided answers to questions in the google form. The results of this study indicate that the problems experienced by teachers in teaching algebra material in the Covid-19 pandemic era are the limitations of learning support tools so that teachers find it difficult to explain the application of algebraic arithmetic operations, algebra application questions, and simplify algebraic forms online. Limited space and time, unstable internet networks, and inadequate quotas have resulted in the interaction between teachers and students not being optimal.
Disease-Specific Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of Weekly US Death Data for 2020
Authors: Zhu Dongshan , Ozaki Akihiko , Virani Salim S.
Published: June 2021

Objectives. To examine the disease-specific excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

Methods. We used weekly death data from the National Center for Health Statistics to analyze the trajectories of excess deaths from specific diseases in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, at the national level and in 4 states, from the first to 52nd week of 2020. We used the average weekly number of deaths in the previous 6 years (2014–2019) as baseline.

Results. Compared with the same week at baseline, the trajectory of number of excess deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) was highly parallel to the trajectory of the number of excess deaths related to COVID-19. The number of excess deaths from diabetes mellitus, influenza and respiratory diseases, and malignant neoplasms remained relatively stable over time.

Conclusions. The parallel trajectory of excess mortality from CVD and COVID-19 over time reflects the fact that essential health services for noncommunicable diseases were reduced or disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the severer the pandemic, the heavier the impact.
An Analytical Model for Fracture Initiation of Radial Drilling-Fracturing in
Shale Formations
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Ding Yunhong , Liang Chong , Bai Yu , Zhu Dawei , Zou Chunmei
Published: June 2021

Radial drilling-fracturing, the combination of radial drilling and hydraulic fracturing, can guide fractures toward the target area and effectively enhance the recovery of the low permeable reservoir. In this paper, based on the stress superposition principle, we establish an analytical model to predict fracture initiation pressure (FIP) and the shale failure mode for radial drilling-fracturing applied in shale formations. In contrast with the former studies, this model can additionally consider the failure from shale beddings and is more applicable in the shale reservoir. The model classifies the shale failure into three modes and, respectively, gives the criterion for each failure mode. Then, a series of sensitivity analyses is conducted by examining effects of various parameters. By analyzing the variation characteristic of the initiation pressures required for three failure modes, the main conclusions are as follows. Firstly, matrix failure and shear failure along bedding tend to take place when the azimuth of radial borehole is moderate. Small and large azimuths are favorable for the occurrence of tensile failure along bedding. Secondly, a high ratio of horizontal in situ stress predisposes shale to generate matrix failure, and bedding tensile failure and bedding shear failure are apt to occur when the ratio of horizontal in situ stress is low. Thirdly, with the increasing intersection angle of the radial borehole wall and bedding plane, the failure mode apt to occur changes from bedding tensile failure to bedding shear failure and then to matrix failure. Fourthly, shale prefers to yield bedding shear failure under a small Biot coefficient and generate the other two failure modes when Biot coefficient is large. Fifthly, permeability coefficient virtually has no influence on the failure mode of shale. The research clarifies the fracture initiation characteristics of radial drilling-fracturing in shale formations and provides a reference for the field application of radial drilling-fracturing.
Diversity in Determining Maturity Age in Indonesian Law: Maqāsid Al-Sharῑah Perspective
Authors: Sodiqin Ali , Al-Robin Al-Robin
Published: June 2021

This article explores the emergence of diversity in determining the age of maturity in Indonesian laws, particularly in civil law, penal law, marriage law, and citizenship law. Maturity is a crucial element in determining a legal act. Therefore, the diversity of its determination can lead to overlap and ambiguity in determining the validity of legal action and legal accountability. This raises the question of why there is a difference in the determination of maturity age and its factors. Analysis of this problem of diversity in maturity age is carried out using the maqāsid al-sharῑah approach, using Jasser Auda’s system theory. The study shows that differences in the determination of maturity age in legislation are caused by differences in legal proficiency required, a legal paradigm used as a basis, and differences in the law's scope. In maqāsid al-sharῑah perspective, maturity age occupies a position as a wasilah or a strategy to achieve legal purposes, thus allows for diversity. The more interests are protected, the higher of age is set. The diversity of maturity ages has an interrelated hierarchy without causing any contradictions between laws. The maturity age difference is intended to fulfill legal authority requirements, proficiency to act, and authority to act, with their specifics.Artikel ini mengeksplorasi keragaman penetapan usia kedewasaan dalam perundang-undangan di Indonesia, khususnya dalam hukum perdata, pidana, perkawinan, dan kewarganegaraan. Kedewasaan merupakan unsur pokok dalam penetapan suatu perbuatan hukum. Terjadinya keragaman penetapannya dapat menimbulkan ambiguitas dan ketidakjelasan dalam penetuan keabsahan tindakan hukum dan pertanggungjawaban hukum. Hal ini menimbulkan pertanyaan mengapa terjadi keragaman dalam penetapan usia kedewasaan dan apa faktor yang melatarbelakanginya. Analisis terhadap masalah keragaman usia kedewasaan ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan pendekatan maqāsid al-sharῑah, dengan memanfaatkan teori sistemnya Jasser Auda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perbedaan penetapan usia kedewasaan dalam perundang-undangan disebabkan oleh perbedaan kecakapan hukum yang dituntut, paradigma hukum yang dijadikan dasar, dan ruang lingkup hukum. Dalam perpsektif maqāsid al-sharῑah, usia kedewasaan menempati posisi sebagai wasilah atau strategi mencapai tujuan hukum, sehingga memungknkan terjadinya keragaman. Semakin banyak kepentingan yang dilindungi maka semakin tinggi usia yang ditetapkan. Keragaman usia kedewasaan memiliki interrelasi hirarkhi, sehingga tidak menimbulkan kontradiksi antar undang-undang. Perbedaan usia kedewasaan ditujukan untuk memenuhi persyaratan kewenangan hukum, kecakapan bertindak, dan kewenangan bertindak yang memiliki kekhususan masing-masing.
The Effects of Inlet Flow Rates and Slenderness Ratio on the Separation Performance of a Horizontal Three-Phase Separator
Authors: Ahmed T. G. , Russell P. A. , Makwashi N. , Hamad F. , Gooneratne S.
Published: June 2021

In the first part of this work, the development of a capital cost optimization model for sizing three-phase separators was described. The developed model uses generalized reduced gradient nonlinear algorithms to determine the minimum cost associated with the construction of horizontal separators subject to four sets of constraints. In the second part, an experimental test rig was designed and used to investigate the effect of gas flow rate, liquid flow rate, and slenderness ratio (L/D) on the separation performance of horizontal three-phase separators. The results indicated an inverse relationship between an increase in gas and liquid flow rate and the separator outlet quality. It also indicated a direct relationship between an increase in slenderness ratio and separator outlet quality. The results also showed that the gradient change of the percentage of water in the oil outlet with respect to slenderness ratio decreased to ratios of 6:1. Hence, the separation rate increased. At ratios greater than 6:1, the separation still increases, but the gradient change in separation drops off, implying that the benefit in terms of separation is diminishing beyond this point. Therefore, the optimal slenderness ratio for technical reasons is 6:1.
Estimating remaining carbon budgets using temperature responses informed by CMIP6
Authors: Rypdal Martin , Boers Niklas , Fredriksen Hege-Beate , Eiselt Kai-Uwe , Johansen Andreas , Martinsen Andreas , Mentzoni Endre Falck , Graversen Rune , Rypdal Kristoffer
Published: June 2021

A remaining carbon budget (RCB) estimates how much CO2 we can emit and still reach a specific temperature target. The RCB concept is attractive since it easily communicates to the public and policymakers, but RCBs are also subject to uncertainties. The expected warming levels for a given carbon budget has a wide uncertainty range, which increases with less ambitious targets, i.e., with higher CO2 emissions and temperatures. Leading causes of RCB uncertainty are the future non-CO2 emissions, Earth system feedbacks, and the spread in the climate sensitivity among climate models. The latter is investigated in this paper, using a simple carbon cycle model and emulators of the temperature responses of the Earth System Models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) ensemble. Driving 41 CMIP6 emulators with 127 different emission scenarios for the 21st century, we find almost perfect linear relationship between maximum global surface air temperature and cumulative carbon emissions, allowing unambiguous estimates of RCB for each CMIP6 model. The range of these estimates over the model ensemble is a measure of the uncertainty in the RCB arising from the range in climate sensitivity over this ensemble, and it is suggested that observational constraints imposed on the transient climate response in the model ensemble can reduce uncertainty in RCB estimates.
Exposure To Lead-Free Frangible Firing Emissions Containing Copper And Ultrafine Particulates Leads To Increased Oxidative Stress In Firing Range Instructors
Authors: McNeilly Ryan J , Schwanekamp Jennifer A , Hyder Logan S , Hatch John P , Edwards Brett T , Kirsh Jacob A , Jackson Jerimiah M , Methner Mark M , Duran Christin M
Published: June 2021

Background: Since the introduction of copper based, lead-free frangible (LFF) ammunition to Air Force small arms firing ranges, instructors have reported symptoms including chest tightness, respiratory irritation, and metallic taste. These symptoms have been reported despite measurements determining that instructor exposure does not exceed established occupational exposure limits (OELs). The disconnect between reported symptoms and exposure limits may be due to a limited understanding of LFF firing byproducts and subsequent health effects. A comprehensive characterization of exposure to instructors was completed, including ventilation system evaluation, personal monitoring, symptom tracking, and biomarker analysis, at both a partially enclosed and fully enclosed range. Results: Instructors reported symptoms more frequently after M4 rifle classes compared to classes firing only the M9 pistol. Ventilation measurements demonstrated that airflow velocities at the firing line were highly variable and often outside established standards at both ranges. Personal breathing zone air monitoring showed exposure to carbon monoxide, ultrafine particulate, and metals. In general, exposure to instructors was higher at the partially enclosed range compared to the fully enclosed range. Copper measured in the breathing zone of instructors, on rare occasions, approached OELs for copper fume (0.1 mg/m³). Peak carbon monoxide concentrations were 4-5 times higher at the partially enclosed range compared to the enclosed range and occasionally exceeded the ceiling limit (125 ppm). Biological monitoring showed that lung function was maintained in instructors despite respiratory symptoms. However, urinary oxidative stress biomarkers and urinary copper measurements were increased in instructors compared to control groups.Conclusions: Consistent with prior work, this study demonstrates that symptoms still occurred despite exposures below OELs. Routine monitoring of symptoms, urinary metals, and oxidative stress biomarkers can help identify instructors who are particularly affected by exposures. These results can assist in assigning alternative work to reduce exposure and protect instructor health. Further, a longitudinal study is needed to determine the long-term health consequences of LFF firing emissions exposure.
The concept of creating thrust based on angular momentum change
Authors: Kupreev Sergei , Razoumny Yury
Published: June 2021

The change in the kinetic moment of a material body is considered regarding to classical and quantum mechanics. The possibility of creating the propulsion system in terms of energy efficiency exceeding the photon engine has been theoretically proved. The proposed new principle of motion is based on the law of conservation of angular momentum and is fully consistent with the basic fundamental laws of physics. It is proposed to use the radiation/absorption of streams of low-energy particles with spin in the direction perpendicular to the movement of the material body. The practical implementation of this idea is confirmed by the presence of promising approaches to solving the problem of quantizing gravity (string theory, loop quantum gravity, etc.) recognized by the world scientific community and by the successful results of experiments conducted by the authors with the motion of bodies in a vacuum chamber. The proposed idea, the examples and experiments has given grounds for the formation of new physical concepts of the speed, mass and inertia of bodies. The obtained results can be used in experiments to search for elementary particles with low energy, to explain a number of physics phenomena and to develop transport of objects based on new physical principles.
Improving Drug Response Prediction Using Dual Similarity Regularization
Authors: Ebadi Ali Reza , Soleimani Ali , Ghaderzadeh Abdulbaghi
Published: June 2021

Anti-cancer medicine for a particular patient has been a personal medical goal. Many computational models have been proposed by researchers to predict drug response. But predictive accuracy still remains a challenge. Base on this concept which “Similar cells have similar responses to drugs”, we developed the basic method of matrix factorization method by adding fines to similarity. So that the distance of latent factors to two cell lines or (drug) should be inversely related to similarity. This means that two similar drugs or similar cell lines should have a short distance, whereas two similar cell lines or non-similar drugs should have a large gap with their latent factors. We proposed a Dual similarity-regularized matrix factorization (DSRMF) model, then generated new data for drug similarity from the two-dimensional three-dimensional chemical structure, which were obtained from the CCLE and GDSC databases. In this research, by using the proposed model, and generating new drug similarity data we achieved the average Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) about 0.96, and average mean square error (RMSE) Root about 0.30, between the observed value and the predicted value for the cell line response to the drug. Our analysis in this research showed, using heterogeneous data, has better results, and can be obtained with the proposed model, using other panels’ cancer cell lines, to calculate similarity between cells. Also, by imposing more restrictions on the similarity between cells, we were able to achieve more accurate prediction for the response of the cell line to the anticancer drug.
A steady-state grouping genetic algorithm for the rainbow spanning tree problem
Authors: Ghoshal Sudishna , sundar shyam
Published: June 2021

Given a connected, undirected and edge-colored graph, the rainbow spanning tree (RSF) problem aims to find a rainbow spanning forest with the minimum number of rainbow trees, where a rainbow tree is a connected acyclic subgraph of the graph whose each edge is associated with a different color. This problem is $NP$-Hard and finds several applications in distinguishing among various types of connections. Being a grouping problem, this paper proposes a steady-state grouping genetic algorithm (SSGGA) for the RSF problem. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work on steady-state grouping genetic algorithm for this problem. While keeping in view of grouping aspects of the problem, each individual, in the proposed SSGGA, is encoded as a group of rainbow trees, and accordingly a problem-specific crossover operator is designed. Moreover, SSGGA uses the idea of two steps in its replacement scheme. All such elements of SSGGA coordinate effectively and overall help in finding high quality solutions. Computational results obtained over a set of benchmark instances show that overall SSGGA, in terms of solution quality, is superior to all other existing approaches in the literature for this problem.
Synthesis of cobalt doping titanium dioxide fiber supported by reduced graphene oxide for photocatalytic degradation of toluene in air
Authors: Chen Shuai , Long Fei , Gao Guilan , Guan Jie , Guo Yaoguang , Zhang Li , Duan Lian
Published: June 2021

Titanium dioxide has been widely used for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in air, while problems like low utilization rate of sunlight and easy recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes are the main drawbacks for its application. In this study, a combination of Co doping and graphene supporting was used to synthesize cobalt doping titanium dioxide fiber supported by reduced graphene oxide (Co-TiO2/RGO) using processes including electrospinning, heating and freeze-drying. The structural and textural features of Co-TiO2/RGO were characterized by different techniques, and toluene was used as a model pollutant to test its photocatalytic performance. Results show that Co-TiO2 is uniformly dispersed in reduced grapheme oxide and the specific surface area of Co-TiO2/RGO is higher than that of TiO2 and Co-TiO2. Further, under the conditions of Co doping amount of 1%, calcination of 600℃ for 4 h, gas residence time of 100 min, relative humidity of 100%, and the Co-TiO2 loading amount of 1 g, the degradation percentage of toluene by Co-TiO2/RGO was the highest, up to 99.1%. This study confirms the possibility of synthesizing Co-TiO2/RGO for the degradation of organic pollutants in air.
Hybrid allele-specific ChIP-Seq analysis links variation in transcription factor binding to traits in maize
Authors: Hartwig Thomas , Banf Michael , Prietsch Gisele , Engelhorn Julia , Yang Jinliang , Wang Zhi-Yong
Published: June 2021

Variation in transcriptional regulation is a major cause of phenotypic diversity. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown that most functional variants reside in non-coding regions, where they potentially affect transcription factor (TF) binding and chromatin accessibility to alter gene expression. Pinpointing such regulatory variations, however, remains challenging. Here, we developed a hybrid allele-specific chromatin binding sequencing (HASCh-seq) approach and identified variations in target binding of the brassinosteroid (BR) responsive transcription factor ZmBZR1 in maize. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) in B73xMo17 F1s identified thousands of target genes of ZmBZR1. Allele-specific ZmBZR1 binding (ASB) was observed for about 14.3% of target genes. It correlated with over 550 loci containing sequence variation in BZR1-binding motifs and over 340 loci with haplotype-specific DNA methylation, linking genetic and epigenetic variations to ZmBZR1 occupancy. Comparison with GWAS data linked hundreds of ASB loci to important yield, growth, and disease-related traits. Our study provides a robust method for analyzing genome-wide variations of transcription factor occupancy and identified genetic and epigenetic variations of the BR response transcription network in maize.
Weight Gains and Economy of Production of Weaner Pigs Fed Diets Containing Fermented Mixture of Cassava Root Pulp and Palm Kernel Cake as Replacement for Maize
Authors: Aladi Nnanyere Okwunna , Ukosa Sylvester Marro , Ogbuewu Ifeanyi Prince , Okoli Ifeanyi Charles , Okeudo Ndukwe James
Published: June 2021

The need to improve the nutritive value of feed materials containing high levels of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) such as lignin, cellulose, mannan among others for monogastric feeding has led to interest in solid state fermentation (SSF) in recent years. In this study, the efficacy of SSF to improve nutritive value of mixture of grated cassava roots and palm kernel cake for pig feeding was evaluated using 40 unsexed crossbred (Large White X Nigerian Indigenous) weaner pigs. The pigs were randomly allotted to five treatment groups and fed experimental diets in which the maize in the control diet was partially (50%) or completely replaced with either solid state fermented mixture of grated cassava root and palm kernel cake (FEMCARPP) or a 1:1 blend of cassava meal and palm kernel cake (CSM-PKC). Data was collected weekly on the live-weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio, and efficiency of protein utilization. The pigs on dietary FEMCARPP consumed significantly (p < 0.05) less feed but had superior weight gain and similar feed conversion ratio when compared to the control pigs fed maize based diets. In addition, pigs fed dietary CSM-PKC consumed significantly (p < 0.05) more feed and were less efficient in utilizing their feed. It is therefore concluded that solid state fermentation improved the nutritive value of mixture of grated cassava roots and palm kernel cake for swine feeding. Further research is however needed to extend the study to growing-finisher phase and to understand the physiological mechanism of the improved performance of the piglets on dietary FERMCAPP.
Super-Resolution Optical Microscopy for Investigations of Defects in Semiconductor Device
Authors: Yadav Nagendra Prasad , Hu Guozhen , Yao Zhengpeng
Published: June 2021

Ripples scattering of sidewall in pattern devices is efficient and necessary for monitoring the semiconductor fabrication process. As a step towards improving the imaging quality in terms of scattering, an attempt has been made to use our recently reported method called Parametric Indirect Microscopic Imaging (PIMI) for the thin layer of pattern devices. The present study demonstrates that the resolving power of PIMI imaging for the sidewall of the pattern devices is better than that of the conventional microscopy techniques. The better resolving power of the present PIMI technique for imaging the sidewalls paves the (new) way for its industrial application for the inspection of the integrated semiconductor circuits. For the demonstration, PIMI images have been compared with AFM, which are very close agreement.
Evaluation of DNA integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential in catfish Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum, induced by exposure to different concentrations of ibuprofen
Authors: Ríos Sara E. Gallego , Peñuela Gustavo A.
Published: June 2021

There are few studies to date that determine the effects of ibuprofen on mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) and DNA integrity in neotropical fish. The objective of this study is to determine if four months’ exposure to ibuprofen in different concentrations (25 and 50 µg/L) produces effects on ΔΨM and alters the integrity of DNA in striped catfish Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum. For this study, the fish were placed in tanks with water at constant concentrations of 0 (control), 25, and 50 µg/L of ibuprofen for four months. Subsequently, blood samples were taken for analysis of ΔΨM and DNA integrity, using a flow cytometer LSRFortessa BD Biosciences. After four months of exposure to ibuprofen at different concentrations, the results showed no increase in Low ΔΨM, indicating that there are no alterations in the mitochondrial membrane potential. On the other hand, the percentages of DNA damage were below 0.39, which indicates that there were no alterations in DNA integrity. It is possible that under the conditions in which this study was conducted (ibuprofen levels, exposure time), they are not sufficient to demonstrate the effects caused by this drug. Higher ibuprofen levels and/or longer exposures may be required to determine alteration in ΔΨM and DNA integrity. Flow cytometric analysis for these types of samples is a fast, specific, and reliable technique, compared to traditional methods.
Salivary pH changes under the effect of stainless steel versus elastomeric ligatures in fixed orthodontic patients: A single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Al-Haifi Hend A. , Ishaq Ramy A. , Al-Hammadi Maged S.
Published: June 2021

BackgroundFluctuations in pH of saliva during a prolonged treatment course influences the enamel demineralization progress, which is one of the complications of fixed orthodontic treatment. This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate and compare the short-term effect of stainless steel (SS) versus elastomeric (EM) ligatures on salivary pH in patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment.MethodsSeventy participants were enrolled in the study (54 females, 16 males) aged 19–36 who met specific inclusion criteria. They were randomly selected and allocated into two equal groups through a computer-generated randomization. All patients received fixed orthodontic treatment using conventional brackets. Two commonly used archwire ligature methods were used: stainless steel and elastomeric modules. An unstimulated (resting) salivary sample was collected before tying of the ligatures at T0 (baseline), 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Salivary pH was measured using a digital pH meter. The level of significance was set at p value < 0.05.ResultsThe salivary pH level was stable between T0 and T1 (6.72 ± 0.14), then significantly and progressively increased from T1 to T2 (6.78 ± 0.13) and from T2 to T3 (6.81 ± 0.14) with (P < 0.05) in the SS group. In the EM group, the salivary pH level was significantly decreased in all follow-up periods; T0 (6.77 ± 0.16), T1 (6.72 ± 0.14), T2 (6.67 ± 0.13) and T3 (6.64 ± 0.13).ConclusionEM ligature showed a significant decrease in salivary pH to an unfavorable level, which increased the risk of enamel demineralization. Therefore, EM as ligature material is not recommended in patients with high caries index or inadequate oral hygiene.Trial RegistrationANZCTR.org. (ACTRN12618001647224). Registration Date: 5/10/2018, “Retrospectively registered”
A Study of Human Attitude, Persuasion And Ethics Towards The Adoptation Of Sustainable Technology Among Malaysian SMEs
Authors: Chatrath Sarvjeet Kaur , TALUKDER MAJHARUL , BAKR FAUZAN ABU , QUAZI ALI
Published: June 2021

This research investigates the impact of human attitudes, human persuasion and human ethics towards the adoption of sustainable technology among the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. There is a lacuna in the literature of the focusing on the human factors (attitudes, persuasions and ethical belief) of adoption of sustainable technology in the SMEs context in emerging economy such as Malaysia. The study develops a comprehensive model of sustainable technology adoption considering the strengths and limitations of the existing models. The main theories utilized this paper include the theory of reasoned action (TRA), theory of planned behavior (TPB), attribution theory (AT), environmental attitudes model and the triple bottom line model. The theoretical framework developed for this study is based on the premise of the above theories. A total of 234 sample taken from 2369 SMEs in Malaysia. The major finding of this research suggest that affective attitudes, cognitive attitudes, reasoned persuasion, sentimental persuasion, anthropocentrism and altruism significantly impact adoption mechanism of sustainable technology in a Malaysian setting. These findings are later highlighted in this paper. The implications, limitations and future research avenue are highlighted in the paper.
Exercise Capacity is Improved by Levosimendan in Heart Failure and Sarcopenia Mice via the Alleviation of Atrophy and Apoptosis of Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Wang Di , Song Ming , Shen Long-fei , Han Lu , Zhu Ping , Jia Xu , Shang Guo-kai , Cao Yuan , Zhang Wei , Zhong Ming , Wang Zhi-hao
Published: June 2021

Background Sarcopenia, a common complication of heart failure (HF), dramatically reduces the benefits of exercise training. Levosimendan is an effective drug for the treatment of heart failure, but its relationship with sarcopenia is still unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of levosimendan on heart failure with sarcopenia and to explore whether levosimendan can enhance skeletal muscle contractibility, improve skeletal muscle atrophy, and thus improve exercise tolerance of individuals with heart failure.Methods C57BL6/J mice were used to establish the heart failure with sarcopenia model by ligating of the left anterior descending branch combined with hindlimb unloading and were injected of levosimendan (3mg/Kg, once a week, four times in total). Mice (n=40) were divided into control group, sham operation group, HF group, HF + solvent group, HF + levosimendan group, HF + sarcopenia group, HF + sarcopenia + solvent group, HF+ sarcopenia + levosimendan group. After the treatment, exercise capacity and cardiac function were evaluated. Serum BNP, LDH, and CK content were measured. Muscle morphology, fiber type, inflammation level, and apoptosis levels were detected by histopathological and molecular biological methods. Mitochondrial function and oxidative stress level were assessed by mitochondrial membrane potential and SOD activity.Result Levosimendan could improve EF and FS in mice with HF and sarcopenia (P<0.001) and increase their forelimb grip strength, hanging impulse, maximum running distance and time (P<0.05). After correcting for EF, the improvement of exercise capacity by levosimendan remained (P<0.05). HE staining showed that levosimendan directly increased the CSA of gastrocnemius in mice with HF and sarcopenia (P<0.001). After levosimendan injection, the proportion of slow muscle fibers increased, but this improvement of muscle fiber typing might be attributed to improved cardiac function (P>0.05). Levosimendan also maintained mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, Bax expression, and increased Bcl2 expression (P<0.05). This effect is independent of improved cardiac function. IL-6, TNF-α expression decreased and SOD activity, GSH/GSSG ratio significantly increased (P<0.05) in skeletal muscle after injection of levosimendan, improved oxidative stress level. The improvement in oxidative stress level was attributed to improved cardiac function (P>0.05).Conclusion Levosimendan reduce the loss of skeletal muscle mitochondrial membrane potential, decrease the apoptosis, alleviate the inflammation and oxidative stress, and ultimately improve the exercise capacity of mice with heart failure and sarcopenia. Therefore, levosimendan may be a potential drug for the treatment of heart failure with sarcopenia.
Reconfigurable 2×1 CPW-Fed Rectangular Slot Antenna Array (RSAA) Based on Graphene For Wireless Communications
Authors: Elsheakh Dalia , Dardeer Osama
Published: June 2021

This article presents a 2×1 CPW ultra wideband rectangular slot antenna array (UWB-RSAA) with modified circular slot shape to support high data rate for wireless communications applications. The proposed antenna array dimensions are 0.7λo×0.8λo×0.064λo at the resonant frequency 1.8 GHz and it is fabricated on a commercially available rogers RO4003 substrate (with εr = 3.5), which is fed by using coplanar waveguide (CPW). A graphene layer is added on the other side of the substrate to achieve frequency reconfigurable and improve the antenna array gain. The -10 dB impedance bandwidth of the RSAA extends from 1.7 GHz to 2.6 GHz, from 3.2 to 3.8 GHz and from 5.2 GHz to 7 GHz with peak gain of 7.5 dBi at 6.5 GHz at 0 Volt bias over the operating band with average gain of 4.5 dBi. When the graphene bias is increased to 20 Volt, the antenna bandwidth extend from 1 GHz to 4 GHz and from 5 to 7 GHz with array peak gain 14 dBi at 3.5 GHz and average gain 7.5 dBi. The proposed array achieved linear polarized behaviour over the operating bands to be suitable for short range UWB wireless communications and object detection. All simulation carried out using 3D high frequency structure simulator (HFSS) Ansys ver. 15.
GpNet: Genomic Prediction Network Using Locally Connected Layers in Korean Native Cattle
Authors: Lee Hyo-Jun , Seo Dong Won , Chung Yoonji , Lee Doo Ho , Kim Yeung Kuk , Lee Jun Heon , Lee Hak Kyo , Gondro Cedric , Kim Young-Kuk , Koh Yeong Jun , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: June 2021

Background: The use of DNA marker information for the prediction of genetic merit in animal and plant breeding, and susceptibility to disease in human medicine has become widespread. Therefore, an increasing number of methods have been proposed for more accurate and efficient genomic prediction. However, most of the commonly used models for genomic prediction only account for additive effects since most of them are designed based on the linear model. Results: Here, we proposed a GpNet, a deep learning network for genomic prediction in Korean beef cattle. With a locally connected layer, GpNet can estimate LD-block effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with adjacent two or more SNPs closer to 3’-end. This operation is quite similar to how the DNA sequence is used in the translation process in which the RNA polymerase interprets DNA sequence by units of codons to downstream (3’ to 5’). GpNet archived a superior performance than previous state-of-arts methods for beef carcass weight with a predictive ability of 0.721%. GpNet also found two significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on the regions (bta 6:38464203–39816133, bta 14:25307116–29987025) for carcass weight. However, GpNet showed less performance than linear methods in backfat thickness and eye-muscle area.Conclusions: GpNet outperformed the previous state-of-arts methods for beef carcass weight. However, GpNet cannot achieve superior performance in backfat thickness and eye-muscle area. We noticed that the lack of ability to estimate distant epistasis and dominance was the weakness of GpNet. Therefore, it remains a future research issue to expand GpNet to resolve these flaws and this further study will accelerate the new phase of the genomic prediction.
One Pot Bio-Synthesis of Palladium Nanoneedles and Its Bioavailability
Authors: Kulal Dnyaneshwar K. , Pansare Shubham V. , Shedge Amol A. , Khairkkar Shhyam , Chhatre Shraddha Y. , Sheikh Mohmad Vasim , Patil Vishwanath R. , Pansare Amol V.
Published: June 2021

Bioinorganic chemistry has achieved great importance by considering environmental and health issues. Here we present anticancer, antioxidant, good protein quencher single pot biosynthesized one dimensional palladium Nanoneedles (PdNNs) as a negative catalyst, where water plays a role of safer solvent. Needle-shaped one-dimensional PdNNs was synthesized using filamentous fungal stain of Aspergillus oryzae (biomass) was successively applied as a suppressant for the growth of human breast, colon and leukemia cancer Cell Lines. Quenching process of bovine serum albumin by PdNNs was spontaneous with hydrogen bonding and hydrophilic interaction. Interaction of protein and PdNNs showed binding constant in the range of 104 M-1 and one binding site. Forster's resonance energy transfer (FRET) theory applied to find out distance between the interaction of PdNNs and protein, where critical distance and energy transfer distance varies with change in concentrations of PdNNs 4.84 x 10−6 M to 9.69 x 10-7 M from 2.9 to 3.7 nm and 3.2 to 5.4 nm respectively. Radical scavenging method was applied to find out an antioxidant activity which of nanoneedles. Needle-shaped palladium nanoparticles and particle size found to be ̴ 3.0 nm using high-resolution transmission electron microscopes.
Low Incidence of Structural Valve Degeneration With the Trifecta Aortic Valve Bioprosthesis.
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Bhuvaneswari , Critchley William R , Devan Nehru , Barnard James , Kadir Issac , Grant Stuart W , Venkateswaran Rajamiyer V
Published: June 2021

Objectives: An ideal bioprosthetic heart valve would have excellent haemodynamic performance and a low rate of Structural Valve Degeneration (SVD). The objective of this study was to investigate the haemodynamic performance and incidence of reintervention due to SVD of the Trifecta aortic valve.Methods:Between 2012 to 2019, 2934 valve surgeries were performed in which 2185 were biological valves. Out of 2185 patients, only 399 patients had undergone Trifecta biological Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR). Three surgeons performed all aortic Trifecta valve surgeries. Operative mortality, incidence of reintervention and overall survival figures was calculated. Results: A total of 399 patients were included of which 260 (65.2%) were male. The mean (± SD) age was 73.4 ± 8.0 with 41 patients (10.3%) aged under 65 with 222 patients (55.6%) had isolated AVR and 176 (44.1%) had AVR combined with coronary artery bypass grafting and a single patient underwent aortic and mitral valve replacement. The mean (±SD) logistic EuroSCORE was 7.4 (±2.7). The median valve size used was 23mm. A total of 21 patients (5.3%) required a permanent pacemaker to be implanted. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.8% (n=11). The rate of structural valve degeneration was 0.3% and median follow-up was 782 days. Neither peak nor mean valve gradients were significantly different between year 1 vs. year 3 (peak gradient: 18.3±8.0 vs. 17.1±8.5, p=0.34; mean gradient: 9.8±4.6 vs. 8.7±4.6, p=0.16). Conclusions: Mid-term echocardiographic data showed a low rate of significant regurgitation and excellent gradients. Larger multicentre studies are required to validate these findings.
A Study on the Expression of mRNAs and lncRNAs in Keloid Fibroblasts Based on GEO Microarray Data Mining
Authors: Liu Zheng , Li Zequan , Xu Shuqia , Han Bing , Zhu Zhaowei , Deng Yu , Zhang Yujing , Liu Xiangxia , Xu Yangbin
Published: June 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to find the coding RNA (messenger RNA, mRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expressed in keloid through the analysis of GEO microarray chip of keloid fibroblasts.
Method:

GEO database GSE7890 database was downloaded with selection of keloids and normal scar group data. The data were analyzed by R language combined with online database. The log2FC > 1, p < 0.01 was chosen as screening criteria, and the differentially expressed mRNAs were screened for GO and KEGG function analysis.
Results

155 mRNA expression in the keloid group was significantly different from that in the normal group, including 31 groups with up-regulated mRNA expression and 124 groups with down-regulated mRNA expression. Meanwhile, eight lncRNAs were changed in the keloid group, including 3 up-regulated (Rp11-420a23.1, Rp11-522b15.3 and Rp11-706j10.1) and 5 down-regulated (LINC00511, LINC00327, Hoxb-as3, Rp11-385n17.1 and Rp3-428l16.2). qPCR analysis of DElncRNAs in keloid fibroblasts showed that the expression of all DElncRNAs except for RP11-385N17.1 was increased in the keloid group compared to the control group. Moreover, the differences in LINC00511 and RP11-706J10.1 were statistically significant.
Conclusion

The non-coding RNA information of GEO chip data can be deeply mined through bioinformatics, and the potential epigenomic mechanism affecting keloid formation can be found from the existing database.
Evaulation of miRNAs as a Non-invasive Blood-Based Marker for Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Fakhry Mohamed , Mohamed Huda , Mohamed Mona , Adel Sara , Tag-Adeen Mohammed , El-Sayed Marwa , Mahfouz Hamdy
Published: June 2021

Backgrounds: Although Colorectal cancer accounts for over 10% of all cancer incidence, it is highly preventable and can be detected at a stage when there are often no symptoms. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy encourages everyone over 50 to be screened for colorectal cancer, but many should start much earlier due to health and family history. Minimally invasive tests will be superior overtime taking into consideration availability, costs, convenience, and patient–clinicians preferences. Methods: 50 patients with known colorectal cancer (CRC) were enrolled based on colonoscopic and histopathological findings and 25 healthy subjects were enrolled as control group. Level of microRNA-21 gene expression was measured in both groups. Results: Level of microRNA-21 gene expression was significantly higher among CRC group in comparison to control group (2.76 ± 0.56 vs. 0.71 ± 0.16 (u/l); P< 0.001). A cut off point > 1.09 u/l, microRNA-21 gene expression had 96% sensitivity and 95% specificity with area under curve was 0.95 for detection of colo-rectal cancer. Level of microRNA-21 gene expression was significantly higher among CRC group in comparison to control group and its level was increasing with those with metastasis.Conclusion: Level of microRNA-21 gene expression is useful biomarker for discriminating CRC patients from healthy people.
The miR-200b-3p/ERG/PTHrP Axis Mediates the Inhibitory Effect of Ethanol on the Differentiation of Rat Fetal Chondrocytes into Articular Cartilage
Authors: Ni Qubo , Chen Haitao , Li Bin , He Hangyuan , Shi Huasong , Zhu Jiayong , Gao Hui , Wang Hui , Chen Liaobin
Published: June 2021

Background

This study aims to further explore cartilage development in prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) offspring at different times to explore the specific time points and mechanism of ethanol-induced fetal cartilage dysplasia.
Methods

On gestational day (GD)14, GD17, and GD20, PEE fetal cartilage was evaluated by morphological analysis. RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of cartilage marker genes and their regulatory factors. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were used to explore the effect of ethanol on the differentiation of chondrocytes. Additionally, we used inhibitors, overexpression plasmids and a luciferase reporter assay on GD17 chondrocytes to verify the mechanism.
Findings:

PEE significantly reduced cartilage matrix content and the expression of marker genes on GD17 and GD20 but had no effect on GD14. The inhibition of chondrogenic differentiation by PEE mainly occurred on GD14-17. Furthermore, the expression of miR-200b-3p was increased, while that of ERG and PTHrP was markedly reduced in PEE fetal cartilage. In vitro, ethanol (30–120 mM) inhibited the differentiation of BMSCs into chondrocytes in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by strong expression of miR-200b-3p and low expression of ERG and PTHrP. Moreover, PTHLH and ERG overexpressed, as well as a miR-200b-3p inhibitor reversed the inhibitory effect of ethanol on the differentiation of fetal chondrocytes. Furthermore, miR-200b-3p could target and negatively regulate ERG.
Interpretation:

PEE can significantly inhibit the development of articular cartilage, especially during articular cartilage formation. The mechanism is related to the decreased differentiation of fetal cartilage into articular cartilage mediated by the miR-200b-3p/ERG/PTHrP axis.
Effect of Dexmedetomidine For Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Song Chengjun , Lu Quan
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The efficacy of dexmedetomidine for thoracoscopic surgery remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the impact of dexmedetomidine for thoracoscopic surgery.Methods: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through September 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of dexmedetomidine on thoracoscopic surgery. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.Results: Six RCTs involving 510 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for thoracoscopic surgery, dexmedetomidine results in significantly reduced pain scores (SMD=-1.50; 95% CI=-2.63 to -0.37; P=0.009), anesthetic consumption (SMD=-3.91; 95% CI=-6.76 to -1.05; P=0.007), mean heart rate (SMD=-0.41; 95% CI=-0.65 to -0.18; P=0.0007), and the number of ICU stay (RR=0.39; 95% CI=0.19 to 0.80; P=0.01), but showed no obvious effect on mean blood pressure (SMD=-0.07; 95% CI=-0.45 to 0.31; P=0.72) or hospital stay (SMD=-0.61; 95% CI=-1.30 to 0.08; P=0.08). Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine supplementation can substantially improve the analgesic efficacy for thoracoscopic surgery.
Multifunctional AIE Iridium (III) Photosensitizer Nanoparticles for Two-Photon-Activated Imaging and Mitochondria Targeting Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Cai Xuzi , Wang Kangnan , Ma Wen , Yang yuanyuan , Chen Gui , Fu Huijiao , Cui Chunhui , Yu Zhiqiang , Wang Xuefeng
Published: June 2021

Developing novel photosensitizers for deep tissue imaging and efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) remains a challengebecause of the poor water solubility, low reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency, serve dark cytotoxicity, and weak absorption in the NIR region of conventional photosensitizers. Herein,cyclometalated iridium (III) complexes(Ir)with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) feature, high photoinduced ROS generation efficiency, two-photonexcitation, and mitochondria-targetingcapability were designed and further encapsulated into biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs).The Ir-NPs can be used to disturb redox homeostasis in vitro, result in mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis. Importantly, invivo experiments demonstrated that theIr-NPs presented obviously tumor-targeting ability, excellent antitumor effect, and low systematic dark-toxicity. Moreover, the Ir-NPs could serve as a two-photon imaging agent for deep tissue bioimaging with a penetration depth of up to 300 μm. This work presents a promising strategy for designing a clinical application of multifunctional Ir-NPs toward bioimaging and PDT.