bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dampak Penyalahgunaan Mobil Dinas oleh Oknum ASN dari Perspektif Etika Birokrasi Darwin 1999
Authors: Wulandari Septi - , Hapsari Nyiratih Haruming Ayu
Published: July 2022

Abstract— This paper describes the impact of misuse of official cars by ASN in the perspective of Darwin 1999 bureaucratic ethics. The research method used in this research is descriptive qualitative, while the approach used is Darwin 1999 bureaucratic ethics theory approach. Darwin 1999 means that bureaucratic ethics is a all forms of the function of bureaucratic ethics, namely acting as a guide for public administration in carrying out their duties and authorities so that actions in the bureaucracy as a standard for assessing whether the nature, behavior, and actions of the public bureaucracy are considered good, bad, blameworthy, and commendable. Ethical violations committed by ASN elements, in the form of abuse of authority related to official cars, have their own impact on ASN and create a negative image of ASN. The use of official cars for personal purposes is an ethical and legal violation. The author uses the theory of bureaucratic ethics to see government control in dealing with unscrupulous ASN actors for non-ethical behavior. One form of government control in regulating ASN disciplinary actions is regulated in PP No. 53 of 2010.
Keywords : Abuse; Official Car; Bureaucratic Ethical Theory
Efektivitas Penerapan Aplikasi Edmodo Untuk Meningkatkan Literasi Digital Mahasiswa
Authors: Hasnawati Hasnawati , Tarmizi Pebrian , Anggraini Dwi
Published: July 2022

This study aims to describe the effectiveness of implementing the Edmodo application and digital literacy for 5A semester students at the PGSD FKIP Study Program, Bengkulu University, for the Basic Concept of Dance. The research method used is action research conducted in 2 cycles. Data collection techniques are cognitive learning outcomes tests and digital literacy observations. Data analysis is using the classical absorption formula to analyze the effectiveness of learning and percentage techniques to analyze digital literacy. The results in this study were the classical absorption in cycle 1 was 73.75% and increased in cycle 2 by 85%. Digital literacy in cycle 1 is in the moderate category of 14.29%, good 63.64%, and very good 18.18%, increasing in cycle 2, namely 18.18% good category and 81.82% very good. Based on this, it can be concluded that the application of the Edmodo application is effective and can improve students' digital literacy.
Pengembangan Alat Praktikum Kesetimbangan Kimia Untuk Siswa SMA di Pontianak
Authors: Susanti Leni , Fadhilah Raudhatul , Kurniati Tuti
Published: July 2022

The practicum method in chemistry subjects, especially in chemical equilibrium material, is still rare and has never been carried out in schools due to the unavailability of adequate practicum tools. Therefore, a practical tool is needed to make it more straightforward for understudies to comprehend the idea of equilibrium shift. This study aims to develop  a chemical equilibrium practicum tool on the sub-material of equilibrium shift that is legitimate, commonsense and powerful. This sort of exploration is Innovative work (Research and development) model ADDIE (Investigation, Plan, Improvement, Execution, Assessment). The research subjec  was 33 students from two private schools in Pontianak, with 15 and 18 students, respectively. The results showed that the chemical equilibrium practicum instrument created from the material and media viewpoints was pronounced substantial with a typical legitimacy worth of 0.87 and 0.9 with both extremely legitimate rules. The consequences of the reasonableness test got extremely down to earth models with a worth of 98.23%. The part of viability by involving the N-Gain esteem in field preliminaries, the N-Gain esteem is 0.8 with extremely high measures. In this manner the synthetic balance practicum instrument created is doable to be utilized as a learning medium in the sub-material of equilibrium shift.
Studi Respon Siswa Terhadap Pengembangan Multimedia Interaktif Berbasis Chemo-Entrepreneurship Berbentuk Aplikasi Android
Authors: Kurnia M. Riyo Agung , Haryanto Haryanto , Sanova Aulia , Dewi Citra Ayu
Published: July 2022

Chemistry subject is a science that focuses students 1on understanding the principles, theories, concepts and laws of chemistry and their application in real life. Chemo-Entrepreneurship4(CEP) is an approach that links chemistry with real objects. With this approach, students8are expected to be able to learn how to process a material into a valuable and useful product and be able to foster an entrepreneurial spirit. This study aims to develop interactive multimedia based on Chemo-Entrepreneurship in the form of an android application. The design of this study used the Lee & Owens model and involved 10 students of SMA Negeri 10 Tanjung6Jabung Timur. The research instrument used in this study was a questionnaire with analytical techniques in the form of qualitative data analysis and quantitative data analysis. The results of this study include: 1) interactive multimedia developed is declared feasible by media experts and material experts, with a percentage score of 87.2% and 88.57% respectively, 2) interactive multimedia is declared feasible based on the teacher's assessment with a percentage a score of 91.4%, 3) get a percentage of student responses of 94% with a very good category. Thus, it can be concluded that the student response is very positive to the chemo-entrepreneurship-based interactive multimedia that has been developed.
Da viabilidade de fabrico de vidro com resíduos de mineração
Authors: Ramos Kerollan da Silva , Luz José Aurélio Medeiros da , Milhomem Felipe de Orquiza
Published: July 2022

Os resíduos gerados pela mineração tem sido majoritariamente estocados em barragens ou pilhas, gerando altos custos para sua gestão. O presente trabalho teve o intuito de, primeiramente, verificar a adequação de resíduos de mineração como matéria-prima para produção de vidro e avaliar economicamente o seu emprego, citando as principais características do fabrico do vidro, e simulando a implantação de uma fábrica de vidro, no âmbito de políticas públicas de aproveitamento de resíduos sólidos. Num primeiro estágio, ensaios prospectórios de laboratório, com base na revisão da literatura, mostraram a exequibilidade técnica do emprego de resíduos de mineração da região de Ouro Preto (MG, Brasil) para o fabrico de vidro. A seguir foi feita uma orçamentação expedita de fábrica de elaboração de vidro sílica-cal-soda para dois cenário produtivos, a saber: de 15 t/dia e 400 t/dia. Conclui-se pela viabilidade econômica desse tipo de empreendimento, que, entretanto, exige grande investimento de capital, demonstrando ser muito valioso o apoio de órgãos de fomento governamentais para a sua implantação.
Depressão e dor em idosos residentes em um município do norte do Brasil durante a pandemia COVID-19
Authors: Risello Juliany Reichembach , Marrone Luiz Carlos Porcello , Martins Maria Isabel Morgan
Published: July 2022

O envelhecimento da população brasileira vem ocorrendo nas últimas décadas. Em função da pandemia COVID-19 e das medidas de isolamento impostas, os idosos apresentaram muitas modificações em seu cotidiano, perdendo muito da interação social e reduzindo sua atividade física. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o nível de depressão e de queixas álgicas em idosos no município de Redenção-PA. Foram investigados 73 idosos com média de idade de 69,8 ± 6,4 anos, sendo 58,9% do sexo feminino. Os resultados encontrados evidenciaram que 5,5% dos idosos apresentam sintomas depressivos (sendo esses mais comuns em idosos que já tiveram AVC ou que sejam viúvos). Em relação à presença de dor, 41 dos 73 idosos relataram dores crônicas, sendo essas mais comuns entre mulheres. Poucos estudos avaliam a população idosa do norte do Brasil. A busca de dados epidemiológicos dessa população é fundamental para definir estratégias que visam melhorar a qualidade de vida nesta região.
Sobrevida e fatores relacionados ao óbito de pacientes com câncer de cabeça em pescoço
Authors: Mahl Claudiane , Vaez Andreia Centenaro , Freitas Carla Kalline Alves Cartaxo , Kameo Simone Yuriko , Vasconcellos Sara Juliana de Abreu de , Silva Beatriz Santana , Martins Filho Paulo Ricardo Saquete
Published: July 2022

Introdução: O câncer de cabeça e pescoço é considerado um dos cânceres mais agressivos, com baixa sobrevida e impacto negativo na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Objetivos: Avaliar a sobrevida e os fatores relacionados ao óbito de pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço no Estado de Sergipe. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal com pacientes diagnosticados com câncer de cabeça e pescoço no período de agosto de 2017 a junho de 2020. O tamanho amostral mínimo foi estimado em 47 pacientes, baseado em análise de sobrevivência não-paramétrica de uma amostra. Os dados foram examinados quanto a perda de seguimento, outliers, normalidade e linearidade. A sobrevida foi calculada por meio do estimador produto limite Kaplan-Meier, os fatores relacionados ao óbito por regressão de Cox. Resultados: Dos 79 pacientes acompanhados, a maioria era homem, média de 55 anos, residentes do interior do estado, baixa renda e escolaridade, tabagistas e diagnosticados com lesões em estágio avançado. A sobrevida global em 12 e 24 meses de acompanhamento foi de 50.6% e 39.4%, respectivamente. O sexo masculino e não possuir companheiro, esteve associado ao óbito. Conclusão: Pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço em Sergipe apresentam baixa sobrevida em 24 meses e maior risco de morte entre indivíduos do sexo masculino e solteiros, divorciados e viúvos.
Hábitos alimentares de crianças e adolescentes e repercussões no decurso da pandemia do Covid-19
Authors: Lima Caroline Teixeira , Abreu Diogo Rafael Vieira Santana de , Bezerra Keila Cristiane Batista , Landim Liejy Agnes dos Santos Raposo , Santos Livia Cristina Lima dos
Published: July 2022

Objetivo: este trabalho tem o intuito verificar na literatura publicações sobre os hábitos alimentares de crianças durante a pandemia do Covid-19. Metodologia: constitui-se de um estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura, de natureza qualitativa e exploratória, com abordagem teórica. No qual foi empregado, o recorte temporal de dois anos para a seleção de artigos originais em português e inglês. Resultados: os impactos causados pela pandemia do Covid-19 nos hábitos alimentares de crianças e adolescentes, implicam em maiores alterações negativas do que positivas no âmbito da saúde.  Conclusão: os estudos catalogados denotaram elevação do peso corporal, aumento do consumo de alimentos de alta densidade energética, reduzida prática de atividade física, maior tempo de uso de celular, computador, televisão e tablet, desencadeando piora na postura e má qualidade de sono de crianças e adolescentes durante o isolamento social. Consideramos imprescindível executar novos estudos de intervenção para combater a problemática do excesso e peso e obesidade, tendo em vista, que as consequências de um curto espaço de tempo da pandemia, não são os causadores dessas problemáticas de  saúde, distúrbios recorrentes antes da pandemia.
Dificuldades enfrentadas pelos pais no tratamento de crianças com transtorno do espectro autista
Authors: Barros Álida Adrielly Teles de Sousa , Bezerra Aryane Shelldury Lima , Macêdo Ellen Socorro Feitosa , Brandão Jeniffer Tamyris de Oliveira , Carvalho Layanne Pereira Alves Medina de , Carvalho Lylian Fernanda Lopes de , Silva Maurienne Castelo Branco Pontes , Melo Rebeca Oliveira , Barbosa Liana Dantas da Costa e Silva
Published: July 2022

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar as dificuldades enfrentadas por pais no tratamento de crianças com transtorno do espectro autista. Realizou-se buscas nas bases de periódicos Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde - BVS fazendo uso de uma combinação de palavras-chave, e os resultados reportados foram tabulados e analisados. Verificou-se que os primeiros datam de 2017. A metodologia empregada se constituiu de uma revisão integrativa. Dessa forma, observou-se que a maioria dos pais de crianças autistas tendem a passar por dificuldades. Os resultados principais foram: impactos na saúde mental dos pais de crianças com TEA; fatores desencadeadores dos problemas de saúde mental durante o tratamento e as estratégias para encarar os desafios durante o tratamento. Conclui-se que o autismo desencadeia uma sobrecarga física e mental, ou seja, afeta a família como um todo, assim como alteração na rotina, na dinâmica e nas relações familiares. Portanto, a família precisa estar inserida no tratamento da criança, prezar por profissionais de apoio que respondam às necessidades dos filhos, e reconhecer a importância do diagnóstico precoce e o estímulo do convívio saudável, tanto familiar, quanto social. Nesse âmbito, inicialmente, expressam uma fase de descrença antes de aceitar e lidar com o diagnóstico, outras conseguem lidar melhor, porém se preocupam com os tratamentos e desafios de inclusão dos filhos na sociedade.
Contaminação do solo por hidrocarbonetos: uma avaliação no desenvolvimento do arroz
Authors: Lisboa Lucas Aparecido Manzani , Mota Augusto Costa
Published: July 2022

Os hidrocarbonetos atingem direta ou indiretamente as plantas provocando efeitos adversos nos processos fisiológicos das plantas. Esse trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar o desenvolvimento inicial da cultura do arroz em solo contaminado por hidrocarbonetos. O trabalho foi realizado em Agosto de 2021, nas Faculdades Integradas Stella Maris de Andradina (FISMA), localizada no município de Andradina, estado de São Paulo. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2x5, sendo dois hidrocarbonetos, gasolina comum e querosene; interagindo com cinco doses aplicadas no solo, sendo elas: zero (controle); um; dois; quatro e oito mL dm-3 de solo e com quatro repetições, totalizando 40 parcelas. Não é indicado o arroz para a fitorremediação de solos contaminados com gasolina e querosene. O arroz apresenta resposta negativa quando exposto a solos contaminados por hidrocarbonetos. O querosene provocou maiores danos no desenvolvimento do arroz quando comparada com a gasolina.
TINDAK TUTUR DIREKTIF PADA RUBRIK LAPORAN MANG SRIPO: SUARA PEMBACA SURAT KABAR SRIWIJAYA POST
Authors: Indah Sari Ayu Puspita , Septiansyah Ilham
Published: July 2022

This study aims to find out the forms of directive speech acts that exist in the reader's voice in the Mang Sripo Report rubric of the Sriwijaya Post newspaper. Data analysis was carried out in research since the data collection process. From the results of the analysis, it was found that the form of directive speech acts contained in the Mang Sripo Report Rubric: the voices of readers of the Sriwijaya Post newspaper which the author found had twelve data consisting of the form of asking for seven utterances; ask as many as four utterances, and prohibit as many as one utterances; Of the three forms that have been found, the form that is most commonly found in the form of asking.
COMMUNITY WITH A SHARED FUTURE FOR MANKIND, AND HOW THIS CONCEPT IS RELATED TO THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE
Authors: I. A. CHUVILOV , J. I. MALEVICH
Published: July 2022

China’s foreign policy initiatives have been influential in the evolution of the present world order and multipolar system of
international relations. In the second decade of the 21st century, China put forward the concept of a community with a shared
future (later succeeded by the notion of a community with a shared future for mankind) and announced its Belt and road initiative. In this study we examine how both are related, and intersect in the humanitarian sphere. We propose an interpretation
of a community with a shared future for mankind as a notion that informs China’s present foreign policy. We also explain how
it is related to the Belt and road initiative.
A Bibliometric analaysis: Public Health Services in Singapore and Thailand
Authors: Alrizal Jihan Fadhilah , Nurmandi Achmad , Kasiwi Aulia Nur
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study is to ascertain the extent to which public services in the health sector are provided in Singapore and Thailand. Research methods include qualitative research techniques in conjunction with a literature review methodology. This study uses data collection techniques with research objects derived from papers published from 2017-2022 in the Scopus database. The hospital service system in the two countries has differences, namely, Singapore only has hospitals managed by the government with good and fast services, while in Thailand there are two hospital service systems, namely those managed by hospitals managed by foreigners and hospitals managed by foreigners. by the government. These two countries have made health sector services as health tourism. The public sector is reinventing its business model in response to the need to improve service delivery efficiency. The application of digital technology in the delivery of public services can assist in the paradigm transition from reactive to citizen demands to be proactive
LITERASI FASILITAS UMUM BERBASIS GENDER DI SUPERMALL UNTUK KEAMANAN PENGUNJUNG DARI BENCANA
Authors: Alyani Neni , Hidayat Enjang
Published: July 2022

Penelitian ini tentang fasilitas umum berbasis gender untuk keamanan pengunjung dari bencana di 3 obyek wisata perbelanjaan super mall di Jawa Barat. Super mall ini memiliki rata-rata pengunjung 50.000 sampai dengan 80.0000 di setiap akhir pekan dengan jumlah toko antara 100 sampai dengan 200 dan lahan parkir dengan kapasitas 500 kendaraan.Kendaraan yang masuk membawa Pengunjung yang beragam termasuk lansia, disabilitas dan anak-anak, selain itu pengunjung pun banyak yang berjalan kaki menuju mall.Tetapi Super mall ini masih belum melengkapi aspek kesetaraan dan keadilan bagi pengunjung agar mereka dapat memperoleh akses yang sama menuju mall, partisipasi menikmati mall, mampu melakukan kontrol pada pelayanan mall serta mendapatkan manfaat dari adanya super mall ini akibatnya masih terdapat pengunjung yang terjebak di lift yang rusak, anak yang hilang di mall, toilet yang mengurung pengunjung hingga tidak bisa keluar sampai dengan kematian karena terjatuh di ketinggian mall padahal keberadaan mall bagi masyarakat untuk meningkatan penyerapan tenaga kerja, tempat berbisnis serta pemenuhan separuh kebutuhan hidup ada di mall. Penelitian ini deskriptif dengan menggunakan wawancara dan observasi. Solusi penelitian dengan gender analisis pathway terhadap 60 aspek fasilitas yang seharusnya ada di mall. Hasil penelitian menunjukan baru 31 % aspek fasilitas umum yang disediakan mall dan dapat dimanfaatkan oleh pengunjung Kata kunci: Fasilitas umum, kesetaraan dan keadilan, pengunjung mall, gender analisis pathywa
Possible Effect of the use of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review
Authors: Tamouza Ryad , Volt Fernanda , Richard Jean-Romain , Wu Ching-Lien , Bouassida Jihène , Boukouaci Wahid , Lansiaux Pauline , Cappelli Barbara , Scigliuolo Graziana Maria , Rafii Hanadi , Kenzey Chantal , Mezouad Esma , Naamoune Soumia , Chami Leila , Lejuste Florian , Farge Dominique , Gluckman Eliane
Published: July 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions defined by impaired social interactions and repetitive behaviors. The number of reported cases has increased over the past decades, and ASD is now a major public health burden. So far, only treatments to alleviate symptoms are available, with still unmet need for an effective disease treatment to reduce ASD core symptoms. Genetic predisposition alone can only explain a small fraction of the ASD cases. It has been reported that environmental factors interacting with specific inter-individual genetic background may induce immune dysfunctions and contribute to the incidence of ASD. Such dysfunctions can be observed at the central level, with increased microglial cells and activation in ASD brains or in the peripheral blood, as reflected by high circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, abnormal activation of T-cell subsets, presence of auto-antibodies and of dysregulated microbiota profiles. Altogether, the dysfunction of immune processes may result from immunogenetically-determined inefficient immune responses against a given challenge followed by chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. In this context, immunomodulatory therapies might offer a valid therapeutic option. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) immunoregulatory and immunosuppressive properties constitute a strong rationale for their use to improve ASD clinical symptoms. In vitro studies and pre-clinical models have shown that MSC can induce synapse formation and enhance synaptic function with consequent improvement of ASD-like symptoms in mice. In addition, two preliminary human trials based on the infusion of cord blood-derived MSC showed the safety and tolerability of the procedure in children with ASD and reported promising clinical improvement of core symptoms. We review herein the immune dysfunctions associated with ASD provided, the rationale for using MSC to treat patients with ASD and summarize the current available studies addressing this subject.
Amelioration of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis by Atractylodes macrocephala Polysaccharide, Chlorogenic Acid, and Geniposide Combination Is Associated With Reducing Endotoxin Gut Leakage
Authors: Leng Jing , Tian Hua-jie , Fang Yi , Hu Yi-yang , Peng Jing-hua
Published: July 2022

Gut-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leaking through the dysfunctional intestinal barrier contributes to the onset of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by triggering inflammation in the liver. In the present study, a combination consisting of Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide (A), chlorogenic acid (C), and geniposide (G) (together, ACG), was shown to ameliorate NASH in mice and reduce hepatic LPS signaling and endotoxemia without decreasing the abundance of identified Gram-negative bacteria through restoring the intestinal tight junctions. Our data indicated that inhibition of LPS gut leakage by the ACG combination contributed to its amelioration of NASH.
Docking-Based Virtual Screening Enables Prioritizing Protein Kinase Inhibitors With In Vitro Phenotypic Activity Against Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Moreira Bernardo Pereira , Batista Izabella Cristina Andrade , Tavares Naiara Clemente , Armstrong Tom , Gava Sandra Grossi , Torres Gabriella Parreiras , Mourão Marina Moraes , Falcone Franco H.
Published: July 2022

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic neglected disease with praziquantel (PZQ) utilized as the main drug for treatment, despite its low effectiveness against early stages of the worm. To aid in the search for new drugs to tackle schistosomiasis, computer-aided drug design has been proved a helpful tool to enhance the search and initial identification of schistosomicidal compounds, allowing fast and cost-efficient progress in drug discovery. The combination of high-throughput in silico data followed by in vitro phenotypic screening assays allows the assessment of a vast library of compounds with the potential to inhibit a single or even several biological targets in a more time- and cost-saving manner. Here, we describe the molecular docking for in silico screening of predicted homology models of five protein kinases (JNK, p38, ERK1, ERK2, and FES) of Schistosoma mansoni against approximately 85,000 molecules from the Managed Chemical Compounds Collection (MCCC) of the University of Nottingham (UK). We selected 169 molecules predicted to bind to SmERK1, SmERK2, SmFES, SmJNK, and/or Smp38 for in vitro screening assays using schistosomula and adult worms. In total, 89 (52.6%) molecules were considered active in at least one of the assays. This approach shows a much higher efficiency when compared to using only traditional high-throughput in vitro screening assays, where initial positive hits are retrieved from testing thousands of molecules. Additionally, when we focused on compound promiscuity over selectivity, we were able to efficiently detect active compounds that are predicted to target all kinases at the same time. This approach reinforces the concept of polypharmacology aiming for “one drug-multiple targets”. Moreover, at least 17 active compounds presented satisfactory drug-like properties score when compared to PZQ, which allows for optimization before further in vivo screening assays. In conclusion, our data support the use of computer-aided drug design methodologies in conjunction with high-throughput screening approach.
The Damage of the Crayfish (Procambarus Clarkii) Digestive Organs Caused by Citrobacter Freundii Is Associated With the Disturbance of Intestinal Microbiota and Disruption of Intestinal-Liver Axis Homeostasis
Authors: Li Minghao , Wang Jincheng , Deng Huiling , Li Liangyu , Huang Xiaoli , Chen Defang , Ouyang Ping , Geng Yi , Yang Shiyong , Yin Lizi , Luo Wei , Jiang Jun
Published: July 2022

As a common conditional pathogenic bacterium in nature, C. freundii has posed a threat to crayfish culture and may infect humans through consumption. However, the pathogenic mechanism of C. freundii in crayfish remains unknown, which poses difficulties for the prevention and control of the bacterium. In this study, the effects of C. freundii on the digestive organs, intestine and hepatopancreas, of crayfish were investigated by high-throughput sequencing technology combined with histological analysis and flow cytometry. The findings suggested that C. freundii caused disruption of the intestinal microbiota, leading to intestinal inflammation and disrupting intestinal integrity. Meanwhile, C. freundii infection stimulates bile acid biosynthesis in the intestinal microbiota. Transcriptomic results showed significant upregulation of hepatopancreatic lipid degradation pathway and cytochrome P450-related pathways. Follow-up experiments confirmed a decrease in intracellular lipids and an increase in ROS and apoptosis. All the results indicated the disruption of intestinal-liver axis homeostasis due to disturbed intestinal microbiota may as a potential basis for C. freundii pathopoiesis in crayfish. These results provide new insights into the pathogenic molecular mechanisms of C. freundii in the infection of crayfish.
Plantwide Decentralized Controller Design for Hybrid Solar Thermal Power Plant
Authors: Kannaiyan Surender , Bhartiya Sharad , Bhushan Mani
Published: July 2022

Solar Thermal Power (STP) plants are promising avenues for solar energy assisted power generation. However, they face operational challenges due to diurnal and seasonal variations in available solar radiation, and varying atmospheric conditions in terms of cloud cover, dust levels, etc. Thus, to operate an STP plant at high efficiency and to meet the electricity demand, optimization and control strategies are critical. This paper focuses on designing decentralized controllers to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a hybrid STP which was designed and commissioned a few years ago (Nayak et al., Current Science, 2015, 109, 1445–1457). The STP is hybrid as it uses two different technologies for solar power collection, namely Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) for heating oil and a Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) for generating direct steam. Superheated steam, generated using heat exchangers, subsequently drives the turbine generator block to generate electricity. In the current work, we develop decentralized controllers which ensure safe operation while meeting the production target of the hybrid STP. Towards this end, key control loops in the plant are identified. Continuous transfer function models are identified for these control loops using step tests. PID controllers are then obtained for these loops based on the resulting transfer function models. Wherever relevant, the feedback action of PID controllers is supplemented by a feedforward control action that reacts to the disturbances. Override control action is also implemented to ensure safe operation. The utility of the proposed plantwide decentralized control scheme is demonstrated via simulation studies by comparing the performance of the hybrid STP under open-loop and closed-loop in presence of disturbances and significant dynamic variability in the plant operation via two case studies. Results indicate significantly superior performance of closed-loop operation across various performance metrics.
Effect of Maternal Antidepressant Use During the Pre-pregnancy/Early Pregnancy Period on Congenital Heart Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study in Central China
Authors: Sun Mengting , Zhang Senmao , Li Yihuan , Chen Letao , Diao Jingyi , Li Jinqi , Wei Jianhui , Song Xinli , Liu Yiping , Shu Jing , Wang Tingting , Huang Peng , Qin Jiabi
Published: July 2022

Background

With the increase in maternal antidepressant prescribing before/during pregnancy, concerns about the safety of antidepressants have come into focus. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between maternal antidepressant use before pregnancy/in early pregnancy and the risk of congenital heart disease (CHD) in children, and to provide a scientific basis for clinical safety of antidepressant use.

Methods

The prospective cohort study ultimately included 34,104 singleton pregnancies. Modified Poisson regression model with robust error variances was used to evaluate RRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of CHD in offspring exposed to maternal antidepressant in the 3 months before pregnancy and early pregnancy. In addition, sensitivity analysis was further performed to explore the robustness of the results.

Results

In this study, the maternal antidepressant exposure rate was 2.83% in the 3 months before pregnancy, 2.42% in early pregnancy, and the incidence of CHD was 8.973 per 1,000 live births. We found that maternal antidepressant use in the 3 months before pregnancy and early pregnancy were all associated with an increased risk of CHD, ~2.54 times and 2.87 times, respectively, of non-use of antidepressants after adjusting for potential confounders. This association was also found in CHD specific phenotypic analysis. Of these, offspring whose mothers were exposed to antidepressants in the 3 months before pregnancy had the highest risk of transposition of the great arteries (aOR = 5.50, 95% CI: 1.91–15.88). The offspring of mothers exposed to antidepressants in early pregnancy had the highest risk of developing ventricular septal defect (aOR = 4.80, 95% CI: 2.50–9.24). Sensitivity analysis verified the stability of the results.

Conclusions

Maternal antidepressant use in the 3 months before pregnancy and early pregnancy were all associated with an increased risk of CHD in their offspring. In order to reduce the risk of teratogenesis, we recommend that pregnant women prepare for pregnancy after their condition improves or receive the minimum effective dose of medication.
Micro Plant Remains Reveal the Function of Grooved Pottery Vessels From the Late Neolithic Meishan Site in Central China
Authors: Wang Tao , Zang Yafan , Ma Zhikun , Yang Jishuai , Yuan Guangkuo , Yang Xiaoyan
Published: July 2022

From 6,000 calendar years before the present (cal BP) onward, grooved pottery vessels occurred in the lower and middle reaches of the Yangtze River in succession. After a thousand years, it was introduced into central China and became popularized there around 4,000 years ago. It has been proposed that the function of the grooved vessels was to process plant foods, replacing the previously used stone slabs and rollers in terms of ethnographic investigation, but there is a lack of solid and direct evidence although little evidence of starches has been provided. Here we report our study on the sherds of grooved vessels from the Meishan site in central China (late Longshan and Erlitou period). The combined starch and phytolith analyses were first used together to examine the residues on the sherds. Starches from geophytes, millets (Setaria italica and Panicum miliaceum), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and phytoliths from the glumes and leaves of these crops plus rice (Oryza sativa), seem to suggest that the grooved pottery vessels were likely to be used to grind geophytes and dehusk grain seeds. But, incorporating the extremely low proportion of grooved vessels to entire pottery tools at the site, we hypothesize that the invention of grooved vessels may have been related to the success of rice domestication and may have been used as tools to pound by-products of crops, leaves, and husks somehow.
Cross-Talk Between Gut Microbiota and Adipose Tissues in Obesity and Related Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Wu Dan , Wang Huiying , Xie Lijun , Hu Fang
Published: July 2022

The rapid increase of obesity and associated diseases has become a major global health problem. Adipose tissues are critical for whole-body homeostasis. The gut microbiota has been recognized as a significant environmental factor in the maintenance of energy homeostasis and host immunity. A growing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiota regulates host metabolism through a close cross-talk with adipose tissues. It modulates energy expenditure and alleviates obesity by promoting energy expenditure, but it also produces specific metabolites and structural components that may act as the central factors in the pathogenesis of inflammation, insulin resistance, and obesity. Understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and adipose tissues may provide potential intervention strategies to treat obesity and associated diseases. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the gut microbiota and its actions on adipose tissues and highlight the joint actions of the gut microbiota and adipose tissue with each other in the regulation of energy metabolism.
A Novel and Effective Model to Predict Skip Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Based on a Support Vector Machine
Authors: Zhu Shuting , Wang Qingxuan , Zheng Danni , Zhu Lei , Zhou Zheng , Xu Shiying , Shi Binbin , Jin Cong , Zheng Guowan , Cai Yefeng
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Skip metastasis, referred to as lymph node metastases to the lateral neck compartment without involvement of the central compartment, is generally unpredictable in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This study aims to establish an effective predictive model for skip metastasis in PTC.

Meterials and Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed of clinical samples from 18192 patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 2016 to 2020. The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. The lateral lymph node metastasis was occureed in the training set (630 PTC patients) and validation set (189 PTC patients). The univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect the predictors of skip metastasis and the support vector machine (SVM) was used to establish a model to predict skip metastasis.

Results

The rate of skip metastasis was 13.3% (84/631). Tumor size (≤10 mm), upper location, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, extrathyroidal extension, absence of BRAFV600E mutation, and less number of central lymph node dissection were considered as independent predictors of skip metastasis in PTC. For the training set, these predictors performed with 91.7% accuracy, 86.4% sensitivity, 92.2% specificity, 45.2% positive predictive value (PPV), and 98.9% negative predictive value (NPV) in the model. Meanwhile, these predictors showed 91.5% accuracy,71.4% sensitivity, 93.1% specificity, 45.5% PPV, and 97.6% NPV in validation set.

Conclusion

This study screened the predictors of the skip lateral lymph node metastasis and to establish an effective and economic predictive model for skip metastasis in PTC. The model can accurately distinguish the skip metastasis in PTC using a simple and affordable method, which may have potential for daily clinical application in the future.
Electroacupuncture Attenuates Post-Inflammatory IBS-Associated Visceral and Somatic Hypersensitivity and Correlates With the Regulatory Mechanism of Epac1–Piezo2 Axis
Authors: Guo Jing , Chen Lu , Wang Yu-hang , Song Ya-fang , Zhao Zhan-hao , Zhao Ting-ting , Lin Zhi-ying , Gu Dong-mei , Liu Yun-qi , Peng Yong-jun , Pei Li-xia , Sun Jian-hua
Published: July 2022

Electroacupuncture (EA) is considered to have a therapeutic effect in the relief of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-associated visceral hypersensitivity via the reduction of the level of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and 5-HT3 receptors (5-HT3R). However, whether Epac1/Piezo2, as the upstream of 5-HT, is involved in this process remains unclear. We investigated whether EA at the ST36 and ST37 acupoints alleviated visceral and somatic hypersensitivity in a post-inflammatory IBS (PI-IBS) model mice via the Epac1-Piezo2 axis. In this study, we used 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced PI-IBS as a mouse model. Visceral sensitivity was assessed by the abdominal withdrawal reflex test. Somatic sensitivity was evaluated by the hind paw withdrawal threshold. Quantitative real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining, ELISA, and Western blotting were performed to examine the expressions of Epac1, Piezo2, 5-HT, and 5-HT3R from the mouse distal colon/L5–S2 dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Our results showed that EA improved the increased visceral sensation and peripheral mechanical hyperalgesia in PI-IBS model mice, and the effects of EA were superior to the sham EA. EA significantly decreased the protein and mRNA levels of Epac1 and Piezo2, and reduced 5-HT and 5-HT3R expressions in the distal colon. Knockdown of colonic Piezo2 eliminated the effect of EA on somatic hypersensitivity. Combined knockdown of colonic Epac1 and Piezo2 synergized with EA in relieving visceral hypersensitivity and blocked the effect of EA on somatic hypersensitivity. Additionally, protein levels of Epac1 and Piezo2 were also found to be decreased in the L5–S2 DRGs after EA treatment. Taken together, our study suggested that EA at ST36 and ST37 can alleviate visceral and somatic hypersensitivity in PI-IBS model mice, which is closely related to the regulation of the Epac1–Piezo2 axis.
Innovation and Recycling—Drivers of Circular Economy in EU
Authors: Platon Victor , Pavelescu Florin Marius , Antonescu Daniela , Frone Simona , Constantinescu Andreea , Popa Florina
Published: July 2022

In our days, a growing attention is paid to explain the influence of innovation on recycling. While many studies on this subject have been carried out, it's still needed for more investigations on measuring the effect of innovation on recycling. This paper is dedicated to measuring the intensity of the innovation influence on the recycling within EU member states. The methodology follows the next steps: visualization of data used, determining the stationarity of the time series analyzed, developing a panel model for 28 countries, applying specific statistical tests in case of the two indicators selected. After analyzing the models that resulted and applying Hausman test, the authors concluded that the regression panel with fixed effects is appropriate for our research. Thus, it is possible to show that the influence of the innovation on recycling is moderate and not instantaneous because there is manifested a lag of 2 years. In addition, the Fixed Effects model allows highlighting the heterogeneity that is present among member states. In addition, the authors concluded that the membership of the Euro Area has a positive influence on recycling and on circular economy as well. The article has several originality aspects: it took into account criteria that are not discussed very often as membership of Euro area; it has developed a model that brings quantitative aspects to describe the influence of innovation on recycling, it highlighted the heterogeneity existing among EU member states. Future research direction would be to consider including in the model some other variables as eco-investment.
Response of Sheet Erosion to the Characteristics of Physical Soil Crusts for Loessial Soils
Authors: Liu June , Qi Xiaoqian , Ma Chunyan , Wang Zhanli , Li Haohong
Published: July 2022

The influences and quantifications of soil crust traits on the infiltration, hydrodynamic of runoff, and erosion rate of sheet erosion under the combined effects of raindrop impact and sheet flow scouring need further study. Loessial soil from the Loess Plateau was tested to produce different antecedent crusts under simulated rainfall intensities (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm/min, typical storm intensity in the area), and then the effects of antecedent crusts on sheet erosion processes were quantified at a rainfall intensity of 1.5 mm/min. The results showed that the bulk density and hardness of antecedent crusts were higher than those of soil. Particle sizes of crusts were smaller than those of soil at light rain intensity but larger under heavy rain intensity. The bulk density, hardness, and particle size D50 of the antecedent crust were all positively correlated with rainfall intensity, being well described by linear equations (R2 > 0.87), while the thickness was negatively linearly correlated with rainfall intensity (R2 = 0.88). Although the existence of antecedent crusts could decrease the infiltration and increase the runoff, resulting in the high flow velocity and stream power, antecedent crusts could still effectively reduce sheet erosion. The reductions in the average infiltration rate and average erosion rate and the increases of average flow velocity and stream power all increased with the increment of bulk density of antecedent crust. Relationships could be all well described by linear positive correlations (R2 > 0.79). When the bulk density of crust was enhanced by 27∼29%, the flow velocity and stream power could be increased by 8∼29% and 15∼70%, and the sheet erosion could be reduced by 61∼73%. The existence of crust could effectively reduce sheet erosion. These results could help understand the mechanism of the erosion process in the presence of physical crusts.
Understanding Community Perceptions of the St. Kitts’ “Monkey Problem” by Adapting Harm Reduction Concepts and Methods
Authors: Gallagher Christa A. , Hervé-Claude Luis Pablo , Cruz-Martinez Luis , Stephen Craig
Published: July 2022

Wicked problems in One Health are associated with dynamicity and uncertainty that require experts, authorities and community members to reach for innovative means of collective inquiry, and collaborative interventions to address the deep social issues at the root of interspecies problems. In this study we explore the value of harm reduction concepts to understand a hundreds of year old issue, the St. Kitts’ “monkey problem,” which involves the invasive African green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus) as the cause of deleterious effects on agriculture, but concurrent positive effects on tourism and biomedical research. The harm reduction approach, a systems and settings-based approach with decades of success in public health, can serve as a framework to produce action on persistent societal problems. Harm reduction concepts and methods and participatory epidemiology were used to uncover local perceptions about human-monkey interactions and “meet people where they are” by asking the research question: Are there commonalities in perceptions and values linked to the St. Kitts’ “monkey problem” that are shared across diverse representatives of society that can act as a common starting place to launch collaborative responses to this invasive species? Through a series of focus group activities and interviews we found that the Kittitian “monkey problem” is a contentious and dichotomous problem pervasive in most of society that has no single stakeholders nor one solution. Harm reduction helped to map the island’s human-monkey system and elucidated an entry point toward tackling this problem through the identification of shared values, and also provided a model for incremental gains that may be achieved. Likening the St. Kitts “monkey problem” to a wicked problem enabled stakeholders to seek more options to manage the problem rather than to conclusively solve it. Frequently mentioned shared values including the protection of farmer crops and backyard harvests likely represent strong entry points to this problem and a jumping-off point to begin collective action toward future improvements.
Decadal Trends in the Migration Phenology of Diadromous Fishes Native to the Burrishoole Catchment, Ireland
Authors: de Eyto Elvira , Kelly Seán , Rogan Ger , French Andrew , Cooney Joe , Murphy Michael , Nixon Pat , Hughes Pat , Sweeney David , McGinnity Phil , Dillane Mary , Poole Russell
Published: July 2022

Migration is an important ecological trait that allows animals to exploit resources in different habitats, obtaining extra energy for growth and reproduction. The phenology (or timing) of migration is a highly heritable trait, but is also controlled by environmental factors. Numerous studies have reported the advancement of species life-events with climate change, but the rate and significance of such advancement is likely to be species specific, spatially variable and dependent on interactions with population and ecosystem changes. This is particularly true for diadromous fishes which are sentinels of change in both freshwater and marine domains, and are subject to considerable multiple stressors including overfishing and habitat degradation. Here, we describe trends in the migration phenology of three native Irish migratory fishes over half a century, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), brown trout (Salmo trutta) and European eel (Anguilla anguilla). The trends were derived from daily counts of 745,263 fish moving upstream and downstream through the fish traps of the Burrishoole catchment, an internationally important monitoring infrastructure allowing a full census of migrating fish. We found that the start of the seaward migration of eel has advanced by one month since 1970. The commencement of the salmon smolt migration has advanced by one week, although the rest of the migration, and the entirety of the trout smolt run has remained stable. The beginning of the upstream migration of trout to freshwater has advanced by 20 days, while the end of the run is more than one month later than in the 1970’s. The greatest phenological shift has been in the upstream migration of adult salmon, with at least half of migrating fish returning between one and two months earlier from the marine environment compared to the 1970’s. The earlier return of these salmon is coincident with reduced marine survival and decreasing body size, indicating considerable oceanic challenges for this species. Our results demonstrate that the impacts of climate change on the phenology of diadromous fish are context-dependent and may interact with other factors. The mobilization of long-term datasets are crucial to parse the ecological impacts of climate change from other anthropogenic stresses.
The Fits and Starts of Indian Rice Domestication: How the Movement of Rice Across Northwest India Impacted Domestication Pathways and Agricultural Stories
Authors: Bates Jennifer
Published: July 2022

Rice is currently the staple food for over 3.5 billion people and is arguably the most important crop exploited by humans. Understanding how we came to the point where a single crop dominates the lives of almost half of the Earth’s population has major significance for our future, even more so given the climatic instability we face today, as rice is a cereal that is dependent on water to an extreme degree. In this study, the nature of early rice agriculture in South Asia is explored, looking at how this critical crop may have begun to be exploited, cultivated, and then brought under agricultural regimes during the long span between c.6500 and 1500 BC. There is now clear evidence for early Holocene cultivation of rice in the Middle Gangetic plains of northern India, but there is still considerable debate about the timing of when this cultivation began and whether it involved domestication of rice. By 3200 BC, however, rice agriculture was present outside the Ganges in the Indus Civilization. The data show accelerated domestication in the Indus environment and agricultural systems that played a part in later hybridization with the arrival of Chinese rice. Understanding how this move from its place of origin to a new environment may have become entangled in the domestication pathways of South Asia rice prior to the arrival of Chinese rice c.1500 BC are important to the overall rice story, as they play into modern concerns relating to biodiversity and different ways of growing and watering rice.