bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KONTEKSTUAL DALAM MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR BAHASA INDONESIA SISWA SMK
Authors: Nissa Hairun
Published: September 2021

Abstrak:Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap pengaruh model pembelajaran kontekstual terhadap hasil belajar bahasa Indonesia. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitaif komparatif dengan metode eksperimen. Kelompok eksperimen menggunakan model pembelajaran kontekstual sedangkan kelompok kontrol menggunakan model pembelajaran ekspositori. Penelitian dilaksanakan di SMK Negeri 17 Jakarta pada bulan September â€“ November 2013. Sampel dari penelitian ini adalah siswa SMK kelas XI jurusan Administrasi Perkantoran sebanyak 36 siswa. Pemilihan kelompok dilakukan secara acak sederhana. Hasil perhitungan rata-rata hasil belajar Bahasa Indonesia pada kelas eksperimen sebesar 21,06, sedangkan pada kelas kontrol sebesar 18,72. Hasil pengujian normalitas data dengan dengan uji Liliefors diperoleh data kedua kelompok berdistribusi normal. Hasil pengujian homogenitas menggunakan uji Bartlett diperoleh data kedua kelompok homogen. Uji hipotesis dilakukan dengan menggunakan Uji t dengan taraf signifikan Ã¡ = 0,05. Dari hasil pengujian diperoleh nilai th = 1,75 > t (0,05, 34) = 1,69, thitung > ttabel, sehingga diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa penerapan model pembelajaran kontekstual terbukti lebih efektif dalam meningkatkan hasil belajar bahasa Indonesia siswa SMK.Kata kunci: model pembelajaran, kontekstual, ekspositori, bahasa IndonesiaAbstract:This research aims to reveal about the impact of contextual learning models towards learning achievement in Indonesian Language. This research uses quantitative comparative approach with experimental method. Contextual teaching and learning (CTL) model was implemented for experimental group and expository model teaching and learning was implemented for control group. The research was conducted at the Vocational School (SMK) 17 Jakarta on September- November 2013. Samples from this study were 36 vocational school students class XI majoring in Office Administration. Sample selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected using learning output test. The result of the study was analyzed with t-test. Calculations showed average score for experiment class were 21,06, while the control class is 18,72. Both data were normally distributed and had homogeny variances. Hypotesis test using ttest at significance level Ã¡ = 0,05 in t value 1,75 which was higher than F table 1,69, so it is concluded that contextual learning model had proven to be effective in improving learning outcomes of Indonesian Language. To determine the learning model that will be used in the classroom, teachers also need to consider the student characteristics and competence..Keywords: learning model, contextual, expository, bahasa.
The Relationship Between COVID-19-induced Death and Chronic Diseases
Authors:   Department of Government Management, Rafsanjan University of Medical Science, Rafsanjan, Iran., Alinejad Hasan , Vazirinejad Reza ,   Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Science, Rafsanjan, Iran., Sayadi Ahmadreza ,   Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran., Hajaliakbari Zeinab ,   Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran., Pakzad Moghadam Seyed Hamid ,   Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran., Ahmadi Milad ,   Department of Biostatistics, Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran., Alinejad Mahdi ,   Department of Accounting, Yazd Branch, Azad Islamic University, Yazd, Iran., Dehghan Menshadi Zinat Sadat ,   Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Emergency Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Science, Rafsanjan, Iran.
Published: September 2021

Background: Morbidity and mortality due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are mainly related to age and comorbidity diseases (hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, malignancies, etc.). These conditions are associated with poorer clinical outcomes and sometimes lead to long-term hospitalization. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19-induced mortality and various chronic diseases in patients admitted to Ali Ibn Abitaleb Hospital in Rafsanjan City, Iran, in 2020. Methods: In this retrospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, patients with COVID-19 referring to Ali Ibn Abitaleb Hospital in Rafsanjan City, Iran, from March 2020 to September 2020 were assessed. The required data were collected using patients’ records and telephone calls by a researcher-made checklist and analyzed by Independent Samples t-test, Chi-squared test, Fisher’s Exact test, Kaplan-Meier plots, and multivariate regression analysis in SPSS v. 20. Results: This study assessed 238 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The risk of death was significantly higher in patients aged over 75 years; they were 5.5 times more prone to expire, compared to the youngest age group (P<0.001). Chronic diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, lung disease, and various cancers were more prevalent in patients who expired, compared to those who survived (P≤0.05). Of the patients who died, 73.8% were transferred to the Intensive U (ICU), while only 7.5% of surviving patients were transferred to the ICU (P<0.001). Longer hospitalization was associated with an increased risk of death among patients with underlying diseases and hypertension (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study identified the role of chronic diseases and other important indicators in the survival of patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to a hospital in Rafsanjan. It is recommended that nurses and healthcare staff consider these findings in the care of patients with COVID-19.
The Role of Self-compassion and Hope in the Relationship Between Psychological Wellbeing, Maladaptive Schemas, Resilience, and Social Support in Women With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors:   Department of Psychology, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran., Hassani Seyedeh Fatemeh , Tizdast Taher ,   Department of Psychology, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran., Zarbakhsh Mohammad Reza ,   Department of Psychology, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran.
Published: September 2021

Background: Psychological disorders often threaten the mental health of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Higher levels of psychological wellbeing and life satisfaction provide these patients with better social relationships and greater biopsychological health. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological wellbeing, early maladaptive schemas, resilience and perceived social support mediated by self-compassion and hope in women with MS. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted from August to October 2019. The study population consisted of all female patients with MS who were admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Milad Hospital, and Charity Foundation for Special Diseases in Tehran City, Iran. Using the stratification convenience sampling method, 300 patients were recruited as the study sample. The research instruments included the Self-Compassion Scale, Early Maladaptive Schema Questionnaire-Short Form, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, Ryff’s Scale of Psychological Wellbeing, and the Adult Hope Scale. The collected data were analyzed by structural equation modeling. SPSS and AMOS were used for analyzing the collected data. Results: There was a positive and significant relationship between self-compassion, hope, resilience, perceived social support, and psychological wellbeing (P<0.01). There was also a negative relationship between early maladaptive schemas and psychological wellbeing in the study participants (P<0.01). The indirect path analysis data indicated that self-compassion and hope played a mediating role in the relationship between perceived social support, resilience, early maladaptive schemas, and psychological wellbeing (P<0.01). Conclusion: The designed model fitted the empirical data very well. Therefore, the research components can help researchers, therapists, and psychiatric nurses to design better procedures to care for patients with MS.
Housing As Social Assistance
Authors: Curtis Shem
Published: September 2021

This Major Research Paper conducted analysis of social housing policies and regulations in Ontario from 1993 to present. It was done to unearth the dominant discourses that informed social housing policies. Through a review of the Literature, a broader perspective will be had on social housing as well as social assistance, of which is deeply intertwined with social housing. The lack of a national strategy on social housing has caused Toronto to adopt a more entrepreneurial approach to housing, using public private partnerships, social mix revitalization initiatives, and other market and third sector influenced development mechanisms.

Social policy has been neoliberalized in Ontario at least since the advent of the ‘Common Sense Revolution’ in 1995, when a Conservative government was elected on a platform of neoliberal reform. Since then social housing has not been given the priority it deserves even with the changing of government and promises to address the lack of affordable housing in Toronto. These findings highlight difficulties on the part of Toronto to develop new affordable housing at a time when the city continues to grow and demand for housing is increasing. The visibility of homelessness across the city suggest policy failures and a need to act, to address the problem of lack of affordable housing post haste.
2D ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF MINERALS’ OCCURRENCES IN UGONEKI, EDO STATE, SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA
Authors: Onifade Y. S. , Olaseni V. B. , Baoku I. G. , Eravwodoke C.
Published: September 2021

Geophysical investigation using the 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was carried out to assess the subsurface of Ugoneki and its environs in order to investigate for minerals. A total of six (6) traverses, 200 m long each, three (3) transverse lines were in the North-South direction and the other three (3) traverses in the West-East direction using the Wenner electrode configuration. 2D Wenner resistivity data were acquired along each traverse. The data were inverted to reveal a spatially continuous resistivity distribution in 2D within the study area. The 2D results reveal a depth of 39.6 m across each traverse. Resistivity values vary from 87.1 – 3423 Ωm in the entire study area. From the standard resistivity table, the following solid and non-metallic type of minerals can be delineated in the study area which is representative of sandy clay, lateritic clay sand, sandstone and limestone with resistivity values that range from 87.1 – 89.9 Ωm, 1201 – 1462 Ωm, 2069 – 3423 Ωm, and 2069 – 3423 Ωm respectively. The implication of this research is to know the type and the particular location where these non-metallic solid minerals are located in the subsurface for future exploration. The results of resistivity values are compared with those in the literature and are found to be in good agreement. In order to quantify these minerals, it is also recommended to use higher dimension (3D) of resistivity method (ERT) in the study area.
Performance Assessment of Integrating SMES and Battery Storage Systems with Renewable DC-bus Microgrids: A Comparison
Authors: Kotb Kotb M. , Elmorshedy Mahmoud F. , Dán András
Published: September 2021

The presence of renewable energy sources in hybrid renewable energy systems is considered a significant challenge since the generation mainly depends on meteorological conditions. Hence, employing a robust and flexible energy storage system is, therefore, a crucial solution in such circumstances. This paper investigates the performance evaluation of both batteries and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems integrated with hybrid solar-wind DC-bus microgrid. The study focuses on enhancing the system stability using both storage technologies during normal and extreme renewables instabilities like wind gusts and shadows, and sudden load variations. Moreover, the load voltage/frequency were preserved constant during the distinct instabilities using the inverter control system. Productive findings showed the superior performance of utilizing the SMES over the batteries and its potential to enhance the system power-quality.
Çalışma Mekanı Olarak Ev: Küresel Salgın Dönemi’nde Yaşam Denge Algısı’nın Dışavurumu
Authors: Vatansever Çiğdem , Sezer Meltem , Ünsever Ayça
Published: September 2021

Küresel salgın döneminde yeni çalışma mekanı olarak “ev”e nasıl ve ne ölçüde uyum sağlandığı, iş ve iş dışı yaşam dengesinin nasıl deneyimlendiği bu araştırmanın temel sorularıdır. Fiziksel ve sosyal çevreden etkilenen ve aynı zamanda psikolojik çevreye ilişkin algılarımızı da etkileyen “bireysel yaşam alanları” olarak çalışma mekanlarının, sağlığımız ve esenliğimiz üzerindeki etkileri son yıllarda üzerinde durulan konular arasında yer almaktadır. Pandemi ile birlikte; uzaktan çalışma, özellikle ofis çalışanları için dünya çapında bir tür norm haline gelmiştir. Evde çalışmaya geçilmesi ile birlikte, çalışma ile ofis alanları arasındaki çizgiler ve mesafeler giderek bulanıklaşmaya başlamıştır. Bu geçişin bir sonucu olarak, evde özel bir alan yaratmak önemli bir hal almıştır. Çalışmamız, çok disiplinli  bir konu olan “çalışma mekanı olarak ev”i, birey ve çevre ilişkisi bağlamında ele almaktadır. Bunun içinde netnografik yaklaşımla bir sosyal ağ platformu üzerinden, evden çalışmaya ilişkin paylaşımlar içerik analiziyle değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular; paylaşımlarla ilgili zaman aralığı, cinsiyet, iş-meslek gibi verilerin, demografik ve  çalışma alanının düzenlenmesi, kurumsallık, yaşam dengesi gibi göstergelerle içerik analizi sonucu oluşan temalar üzerinden sunulmuştur. Bulgular konuyla ilgili paylaşımların çoğunlukla olumlu olduğunu, paylaşım yapanların büyük oranda kadın olduğunu ve salgının başladığı andan itibaren, evde günlük rutinin düzenlenmesi ile bir çalışma alanı oluşturulmasının öncelikli konular olduğunu göstermektedir.
Risk of Death from Hypertension among Chernobyl Accident Liquidators – Nuclear Industry Workers
Authors:   State Research Center – Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russian Federation, Tukov A.R. , Shafranskiy I.L. ,   State Research Center – Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russian Federation, Prokhorova O.N. ,   State Research Center – Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kalinina M.V. ,   State Research Center – Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the radiation risk of death from hypertension in liquidators of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident consequences — workers of the nuclear industry — using doses from various types of irradiation. Materials and methods of the study. The study was conducted using data from the Industry Register of Persons exposed to radiation as a result of the Chernobyl accident — workers of the nuclear power industry. Information on 12659 liquidators (all male) was included in the analysis. 1327 of them got occupational radiation doses. Crude relative risks of death from hypertension were estimated for five dose groups using internal controls. Based on the stratified data file, a Poisson regression procedure was performed using the AMFIT module of Epicure program and the excess relative risk of death from hypertension was calculated and the nature of the dose-dependent excess relative mortality was investigated. Results of the study and their analysis. Direct estimates of radiogenic risk of death from hypertension were obtained. No increase in mortality from hypertensive disease per unit dose was found for both the doses received during the liquidation of the Chernobyl accident consequences and for the total doses. The results of the study can be used in the development of radiation safety regulations for persons working with sources of ionizing radiation.
Methodological Issues of Small Business analysis: Heterogeneity of its Structure and Sustainability of Development
Authors:   CEMI Russian Academy of Sciences, Yegorova Yegorova N.Ye. , Koroleva E.A. ,   CEMI Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: September 2021

The article is devoted to system analysis of small business. The paper presents quantitative indicators of the development of subjects of Russian small business contained in various statistical databases (Rosstat, Federal Tax Service), reveals the incompatibility of the data, which complicates the analysis of the considered sector of the national economy. It is concluded that the scale of development of small business is insufficient, which does not allow for the full implementation of its inherent functions. The necessity of supplementing the quantitative approach with a qualitative analysis of small business as a mesoscale system has been substantiated. The concept of heterogeneity of its structure is introduced, characterized by the presence of a triad of categories («kids», «genetic dwarfs», «transformers») and a triad of subcategories («travelers», «reorganizers», «imago») that determine the composition of «transformers». Their system functions have been studied and it was concluded that the relationship between them, on one hand, determines the systemic stability of small business, and on the other hand, creates a «portrait» of small business in a particular state. Based on the proposed methodological principles, the specificity of the Russian small business model has been formulated, namely that the SME sector is currently not able to be the basis of a market economy, and the model itself is structurally unbalanced. Its distinguishing features include a low share of innovative oriented enterprises comprising “kids” and “dwarfs”, a significant number of small firms working in economic symbiosis with large enterprises, a relatively short life cycle of all categories of small businesses, a high share of imago and retiring due to the loss-making of small enterprises, etc. The specifics of the implementation of micro-level development strategies of various categories of small enterprises – the use of credit resources of banks, increasing the stability of their functioning (including increasing their life cycle) have been considered. The necessity of a differentiated approach to the implementation of the mesoscale strategy of state support of small businesses has been substantiated. The conclusion has drawn on the importance of transforming the existing infrastructure to support Russian small business, and, in particular, the importance of the role of state aid in times of crisis. Supporting measures for small enterprises in the context of the coronavirus pandemic in Russia and in foreign countries have been considered.
Baseline Assessments of Wildlife Biodiversity Within Selected Areas of Central Visayas, Philippines
Authors: Jose RP , Aureo WA , Narido CI , Reyes Jr TD , Sarnowski MB
Published: September 2021

A comprehensive inventory of faunal biodiversity was conducted within three Key Biodiversity Areas of Central Visayas. Mt. Bandilaan Natural Park (MBNP), Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (BTLNP), and Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL). Three primary wildlife groups were surveyed: bats, birds and amphibians. Species diversity and population trends were then analyzed to assess areas of biodiversity importance. RSPL generally had the highest species richness and diversity index while MBNP consistently had the lowest. When pooled. The surveyed areas resulted in a high diversity index and rate of endemicity showing the importance of multiple areas of protection. These findings can be utilized to prioritize habitat protection as well as to serve as a baseline information for future biodiversity inventories.
J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2020, 6(2): 27-34
Social Capital, Institutional Rules, and Constitutional Amendment Rates
Authors: Blake William , Cozza Joseph , Friesen Amanda
Published: September 2021

Why are some constitutions amended more frequently than others? Despite the importance of this question to political science and legal theory, there is little consensus regarding the forces that shape constitutional amendments. Some scholars only focus on institutional factors, while others emphasize variations in culture. This paper makes a contribution to both literatures by examining how social capital reduces the transaction costs imposed by amendment rules. We conduct cross-sectional analyses of amendment rates for democratic constitutions globally and time-series analyses of efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution. The results indicate amendment frequency is a product of amendment rules, group membership, civic activism, and levels of social and political trust, but these effects vary across contexts based on the corresponding transaction costs. Our findings suggest social capital can have beneficial effects on social movements that demand constitutional amendments and the political elites and voters who supply them.
Good Democratic Governance Can Combat COVID-19-Excess Mortality Analysis
Authors: Annaka Susumu
Published: September 2021

Some scholars argue that democratic countries are in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic and authoritarian countries tend to combat COVID-19. However, these studies are usually based on reported data susceptible to manipulation and often overlook successful cases such as New Zealand and Taiwan, which are considered to have higher levels of government effectiveness. Using excess mortality data from 78 countries, this study analyzed the impact of government effectiveness and its relationship with political regimes. The results revealed that democratic countries with higher government effectiveness can reduce COVID-19 excess mortality. This study suggests that democratic countries need not give up freedom and need to improve government effectiveness to combat COVID-19.
Organizational Vs Individual Efforts to Help Manage Stress and Burnout in Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Rosenstein Alan H
Published: September 2021

Stress and burnout continue to impact the thoughts, behaviors, and careers of healthcare professionals. Solutions will require a multidimensional approach that focuses on both individual and organizational efforts geared to build resilience and help providers better adjust to the pressures of medical practice. Individual efforts can only go so far. Since most of the issues are system related, solutions will require an empathetic pro-active approach form the affiliated organizations in which staff practice to provide effective resources and support to help them succeed. The article outlines a series of suggested strategies designed to help staff better adjust to the pressures of medical practice.
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Footpad Dermatitis in Canadian Turkeys
Authors: Leishman Emily M. , van Staaveren Nienke , Osborne Vern R. , Wood Benjamin J. , Baes Christine F. , Harlander-Matauschek Alexandra
Published: September 2021

Footpad dermatitis (FPD) can be a prevalent issue in commercial turkey production. This study aimed to identify the bird, housing, and management-related factors associated with the prevalence of FPD in the Canadian turkey flocks. A questionnaire and flock health scoring system were developed and disseminated to ~500 commercial turkey farmers across Canada. Farmers were asked to score FPD on a subset of 30 birds within their flock using a 0–2 scoring scale based on severity. The prevalence of FPD in the flock was calculated as the percentage of affected birds (score 1 or 2). A multivariate linear regression modeling was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of FPD. Four variables were included in the final model and accounted for 26.7% of the variation in FPD prevalence among the flocks. FPD prevalence was higher with increasing bird weight (3.6 ± 1.13), higher in flocks bedded with straw (12.1 ± 7.9), higher in flocks where birds were picked up less frequently during daily inspections (11.6 ± 8.10), and higher in flocks that used feed/water additives to reduce litter moisture (20.5 ± 10.59). These findings are a preliminary exploratory assessment of risk factors related to FPD prevalence on Canadian turkey farms. While these findings emphasize the importance of litter management and the stockperson, estimates and P-values from this study should be interpreted with caution. Further, longitudinal studies with the identified variables are required to better determine their influence on FPD.
Sex, Age and Stature Affects Neck Biomechanical Responses in Frontal and Rear Impacts Assessed Using Finite Element Head and Neck Models
Authors: Corrales M. A , Cronin D. S
Published: September 2021

The increased incidence of injury demonstrated in epidemiological data for the elderly population, and females compared to males, has not been fully understood in the context of the biomechanical response to impact. A contributing factor to these differences in injury risk could be the variation in geometry between young and aged persons and between males and females. In this study, a new methodology, coupling a CAD and a repositioning software, was developed to reposture an existing Finite element neck while retaining a high level of mesh quality. A 5th percentile female aged neck model (F0575YO) and a 50th percentile male aged neck model (M5075YO) were developed from existing young (F0526YO and M5026YO) neck models (Global Human Body Models Consortium v5.1). The aged neck models included an increased cervical lordosis and an increase in the facet joint angles, as reported in the literature. The young and the aged models were simulated in frontal (2, 8, and 15 g) and rear (3, 7, and 10 g) impacts. The responses were compared using head and relative facet joint kinematics, and nominal intervertebral disc shear strain. In general, the aged models predicted higher tissue deformations, although the head kinematics were similar for all models. In the frontal impact, only the M5075YO model predicted hard tissue failure, attributed to the combined effect of the more anteriorly located head with age, when compared to the M5026YO, and greater neck length relative to the female models. In the rear impacts, the F0575YO model predicted higher relative facet joint shear compared to the F0526YO, and higher relative facet joint rotation and nominal intervertebral disc strain compared to the M5075YO. When comparing the male models, the relative facet joint kinematics predicted by the M5026YO and M5075YO were similar. The contrast in response between the male and female models in the rear impacts was attributed to the higher lordosis and facet angle in females compared to males. Epidemiological data reported that females were more likely to sustain Whiplash Associated Disorders in rear impacts compared to males, and that injury risk increases with age, in agreement with the findings in the present study. This study demonstrated that, although the increased lordosis and facet angle did not affect the head kinematics, changes at the tissue level were considerable (e.g., 26% higher relative facet shear in the female neck compared to the male, for rear impact) and relatable to the epidemiology. Future work will investigate tissue damage and failure through the incorporation of aged material properties and muscle activation.
Effects of Biochar Application on Enzyme Activities in Tea Garden Soil
Authors: Jiang Yunli , Wang Xiangjun , Zhao Yaming , Zhang Changai , Jin Zewen , Shan Shengdao , Ping Lifeng
Published: September 2021

Animal-manure biochar used as a sustainable amendment to garden soil has been widely applied, and the animal-manure pyrolysis temperatures would also have a regulatory effect on soil functions because of their affections on biochar physio-chemical properties. Here we studied the effects of different dosages of swine-manure biochar on tea garden soil functions, with the swine-manure pyrolysis temperature differed at 350 and 500°C. The results showed that the improvement of soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen and enzyme activities was closely related to the addition of 0.5–2% (biochar wt/soil wt) swine-manure biochar. Under different conditions of different carbon application rates and carbon type, the addition of 2% swine-manure biochar pyrolyzed at 350°C showed the best effects on soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen contents. Compared to the control, after the addition of 2% swine-manure biochar, sucrase, phosphatase, catalase, and urease activities increased by 63.3, 23.2, 50.3, and 27.9%, respectively. Microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen contents also increased by 36.4 and 34.3%, respectively. Our study indicated that the effectiveness of using animal-manure swine-manure biochar as a sustainable amendment to soil would provide evidence of tea garden soil improvement and the environmental response to the usage of biochars.
Application of Bioactive Hydrogels for Functional Treatment of Intrauterine Adhesion
Authors: Wang Jingying , Yang Chao , Xie Yuxin , Chen Xiaoxu , Jiang Ting , Tian Jing , Hu Sihui , Lu Yingli
Published: September 2021

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a common endometrial disease and one of the main causes of infertility in women of childbearing age. Current treatment strategies, such as hysteroscopic adhesion resection, hysteroscopic transcervical resection of adhesion (TCRA), the use of local hormone drugs, and anti-adhesion scaffold implantation, do not provide a satisfactory pregnancy outcome for moderate-severe IUA, which presents a great challenge in reproductive medicine. With the development of material engineering, various bioactive and functional hydrogels have been developed using natural and synthetic biomaterials. These hydrogels are not only used as barely physical barriers but are also designed as vectors of hormone drugs, growth factors, and stem cells. These characteristics give bioactive hydrogels potentially important roles in the prevention and treatment of IUA. However, there is still no systematic review or consensus on the current advances and future research direction in this field. Herein, we review recent advances in bioactive hydrogels as physical anti-adhesion barriers, in situ drug delivery systems, and 3D cell delivery and culture systems for seeded cells in IUA treatment. In addition, current limitations and future perspectives are presented for further research guidance, which may provide a comprehensive understanding of the application of bioactive hydrogels in intrauterine adhesion treatment.
Analysis and Application of Verifiable Computation Techniques in Blockchain Systems for the Energy Sector
Authors: Zeiselmair Andreas , Steinkopf Bernd , Gallersdörfer Ulrich , Bogensperger Alexander , Matthes Florian
Published: September 2021

The energy system is becoming increasingly decentralized. This development requires integrating and coordinating a rising number of actors and small units in a complex system. Blockchain could provide a base infrastructure for new tools and platforms that address these tasks in various aspects—ranging from dispatch optimization or dynamic load adaption to (local) market mechanisms. Many of these applications are currently in development and subject to research projects. In decentralized energy markets especially, the optimized allocation of energy products demands complex computation. Combining these with distributed ledger technologies leads to bottlenecks and challenges regarding privacy requirements and performance due to limited storage and computational resources. Verifiable computation techniques promise a solution to these issues. This paper presents an overview of verifiable computation technologies, including trusted oracles, zkSNARKs, and multi-party computation. We further analyze their application in blockchain environments with a focus on energy-related applications. Applied to a distinct optimization problem of renewable energy certificates, we have evaluated these solution approaches and finally demonstrate an implementation of a Simplex-Optimization using zkSNARKs as a case study. We conclude with an assessment of the applicability of the described verifiable computation techniques and address limitations for large-scale deployment, followed by an outlook on current development trends.
miR-27a-5p—Abundant Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Epimedium-Preconditioned Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells Stimulate Osteogenesis by Targeting Atg4B-Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Li Xiaoyun , Chen Rumeng , Li Yunchuan , Wang Panpan , Cui Yan , Yang Li , Zhu Xiaofeng , Zhang Ronghua
Published: September 2021

Osteoporosis (OP) is a disease affecting the elderly and is characterized by incremental fractures and bone fragility. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells have been demonstrated to possess potent regeneration potential. In this study, we evaluated the osteogenesis effects of sEVs derived from Epimedium-preconditioned bone mesenchymal stem cells (EPI-sEV) from osteoblasts and ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The underlying mechanism of EPI-sEV-induced osteogenesis was explored by RNA-sequencing and verified by transfection with the corresponding mimic and inhibitor. EPI-sEV stimulated osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts and moderated both bone mass and microstructure in OVX rats. Sequencing identified a unique enrichment of a set of microRNAs (miRNAs) in EPI-sEV. Overexpression or inhibition in vitro demonstrated that the osteogenesis-inducing potential was primarily attributed to miR-27a-5p, one of the most abundant miRNAs in the EPI-sEV fraction. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-27a-5p promoted osteogenesis through direct suppression of Atg4B by targeting its 3′ untranslated region. Additional experiments showed that miR-27a-5p suppressed autophagy that was activated in OVX rats. Moreover, osteogenic differentiation was ablated by the intervention with rapamycin in osteoblasts. These data report the regenerative potential of EPI-sEV to induce osteogenic differentiation of osteoblast cells leading to bone formation. This process is achieved by delivering sEV-miR-27a-5p to target Atg4B for further autophagy stimulation.
Macrophage-Mediated Bone Formation in Scaffolds Modified With MSC-Derived Extracellular Matrix Is Dependent on the Migration Inhibitory Factor Signaling Pathway
Authors: Deng Moyuan , Tan Jiulin , Dai Qijie , Luo Fei , Xu Jianzhong
Published: September 2021

The positive role of macrophages in the osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been a recent research focus. On the other hand, MSCs could carefully regulate the paracrine molecules derived from macrophages. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) can reduce the secretion of inflammatory factors from macrophages to improve injury healing. hucMSC-derived extracellular matrix (hucMSC-ECM) has the similar effect to hucMSCs, which could combat the inflammatory response of macrophages. Additionally, MSC-derived extracellular matrix also enhanced bone regeneration by inhibiting osteoclastic differentiation of monocyte/macrophage lineage. However, whether hucMSC-ECM could improve bone formation by guiding macrophage-induced osteogenic differentiation of MSCs is unknown. Here, we present decalcified bone scaffolds modified by hucMSC-derived extracellular matrix (DBM-ECM), which maintained multiple soluble cytokines from hucMSCs, including macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Compared with DBM, the DBM-ECM scaffolds induced bone formation in an improved heterotopic ossification model of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice in a macrophage-dependent manner. Macrophages cocultured with DBM-ECM expressed four osteoinductive cytokines (BMP2, FGF2, TGFβ3 and OSM), which were screened out by RNA sequencing and measured by qPCR and western blot. The conditioned medium from macrophages cocultured with DBM-ECM improved the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Furthermore, DBM-ECM activated CD74/CD44 (the typical MIF receptors) signal transduction in macrophages, including phosphorylation of P38 and dephosphorylation of c-jun. On the other side, the inhibitory effects of the DBM-ECM scaffolds with a deficient of MIF on osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo revealed that macrophage-mediated osteogenesis depended on MIF/CD74 signal transduction. The results of this study indicate that the coordinated crosstalk of macrophages and MSCs plays a key role on bone regeneration, with an emphasis on hucMSC-ECM constructing a macrophage-derived osteoinductive microenvironment.
LncRNA RNA Component of Mitochondrial RNA-Processing Endoribonuclease Promotes AKT-Dependent Breast Cancer Growth and Migration by Trapping MicroRNA-206
Authors: Huang Yingdan , Xie Bangxiang , Cao Mingming , Lu Hua , Wu Xiaohua , Hao Qian , Zhou Xiang
Published: September 2021

The RNA component of mitochondrial RNA-processing endoribonuclease (RMRP) was recently shown to play a role in cancer development. However, the function and mechanism of RMRP during cancer progression remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that RMRP is amplified and highly expressed in various malignant cancers, and the high level of RMRP is significantly associated with their poor prognosis, including breast cancer. Consistent with this, ectopic RMRP promotes proliferation and migration ofTP53-mutated breast cancer cells, whereas depletion of RMRP leads to inhibition of their proliferation and migration. RNA-seq analysis reveals AKT as a downstream target of RMRP. Interestingly, RMRP indirectly elevates AKT expression by preventing AKT mRNA from miR-206-mediated targeting via a competitive sequestering mechanism. Remarkably, RMRP endorses breast cancer progression in an AKT-dependent fashion, as knockdown of AKT completely abolishes RMRP-induced cancer cell growth and migration. Altogether, our results unveil a novel role of the RMRP-miR-206-AKT axis in breast cancer development, providing a potential new target for developing an anti-breast cancer therapy.
Direct Evidence of Endothelial Dysfunction and Glycocalyx Loss in Dermal Biopsies of Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Their Association With Markers of Volume Overload
Authors: Koch Josephine , Hijmans Ryanne S. , Ossa Builes Manuela , Dam Wendy A. , Pol Robert A. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Pas Hendri H. , Franssen Casper F. M. , van den Born Jacob
Published: September 2021

Cardiovascular morbidity is a major problem in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and endothelial dysfunction (ED) is involved in its development. The luminal side of the vascular endothelium is covered by a protective endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) and indirect evidence indicates eGC loss in CKD patients. We aimed to investigate potential eGC loss and ED in skin biopsies of CKD patients and their association with inflammation and volume overload. During living kidney transplantation procedure, abdominal skin biopsies were taken from 11 patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 of whom 4 were treated with hemodialysis and 7 did not receive dialysis treatment. Nine healthy kidney donors served as controls. Biopsies were stained and quantified for the eGC marker Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA1) and the endothelial markers vascular endothelial growth factor-2 (VEGFR2) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) after double staining and normalization for the pan-endothelial marker cluster of differentiation 31. We also studied associations between quantified log-transformed dermal endothelial markers and plasma markers of inflammation and hydration status. Compared to healthy subjects, there was severe loss of the eGC marker UEA1 (P < 0.01) while VEGFR2 was increased in CKD patients, especially in those on dialysis (P = 0.01). For vWF, results were comparable between CKD patients and controls. Skin water content was identical in the three groups, which excluded dermal edema as an underlying cause in patients with CKD. The dermal eGC/ED markers UEA1, VEGFR2, and vWF all associated with plasma levels of NT-proBNP and sodium (all R2 > 0.29 and P < 0.01), except for vWF that only associated with plasma NT-proBNP. This study is the first to show direct histopathological evidence of dermal glycocalyx loss and ED in patients with CKD. In line with previous research, our results show that ED associates with markers of volume overload arguing for strict volume control in CKD patients.
Beyond Neurons: Long Distance Communication in Development and Cancer
Authors: McMillen Patrick , Oudin Madeleine J. , Levin Michael , Payne Samantha L.
Published: September 2021

Cellular communication is important in all aspects of tissue and organism functioning, from the level of single cells, two discreet populations, and distant tissues of the body. Long distance communication networks integrate individual cells into tissues to maintain a complex organism during development, but when communication between cells goes awry, disease states such as cancer emerge. Herein we discuss the growing body of evidence suggesting that communication methods known to be employed by neurons, also exist in other cell types. We identify three major areas of long-distance communication: bioelectric signaling, tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), and macrophage modulation of networks, and draw comparisons about how these systems operate in the context of development and cancer. Bioelectric signaling occurs between cells through exchange of ions and tissue-level electric fields, leading to changes in biochemical gradients and molecular signaling pathways to control normal development and tumor growth and invasion in cancer. TNTs transport key morphogens and other cargo long distances, mediating electrical coupling, tissue patterning, and malignancy of cancer cells. Lastly macrophages maintain long distance signaling networks through trafficking of vesicles during development, providing communication relays and priming favorable microenvironments for cancer metastasis. By drawing comparisons between non-neural long distance signaling in the context of development and cancer we aim to encourage crosstalk between the two fields to cultivate new hypotheses and potential therapeutic strategies.
Opa1 Prevents Apoptosis and Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity in Murine Cochleae
Authors: Dong Tingting , Zhang Xuejie , Liu Yiqing , Xu Shan , Chang Haishuang , Chen Fengqiu , Pan Lulu , Hu Shaoru , Wang Min , Lu Min
Published: September 2021

Optic atrophy1 (OPA1) is crucial for inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) fusion and essential for maintaining crista structure and mitochondrial morphology. Optic atrophy and hearing impairment are the most prevalent clinical features associated with mutations in the OPA1 gene, but the function of OPA1 in hearing is still unknown. In this study, we examined the ability of Opa1 to protect against cisplatin-induced cochlear cell death in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that knockdown of Opa1 affects mitochondrial function in HEI-OC1 and Neuro 2a cells, as evidenced by an elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. The dysfunctional mitochondria release cytochrome c, which triggers apoptosis. Opa1 expression was found to be significantly reduced after cell exposed to cisplatin in HEI-OC1 and Neuro 2a cells. Loss of Opa1 aggravated the apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by cisplatin treatment, whereas overexpression of Opa1 alleviated cisplatin-induced cochlear cell death in vitro and in explant. Our results demonstrate that overexpression of Opa1 prevented cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, suggesting that Opa1 may play a vital role in ototoxicity and/or mitochondria-associated cochlear damage.
Procedures for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Murine Microbiome Studies
Authors: Bokoliya Suresh C. , Dorsett Yair , Panier Hunter , Zhou Yanjiao
Published: September 2021

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been widely recognized as an approach to determine the microbiome’s causal role in gut dysbiosis-related disease models and as a novel disease-modifying therapy. Despite potential beneficial FMT results in various disease models, there is a variation and complexity in procedural agreement among research groups for performing FMT. The viability of the microbiome in feces and its successful transfer depends on various aspects of donors, recipients, and lab settings. This review focuses on the technical practices of FMT in animal studies. We first document crucial factors required for collecting, handling, and processing donor fecal microbiota for FMT. Then, we detail the description of gut microbiota depletion methods, FMT dosages, and routes of FMT administrations in recipients. In the end, we describe assessments of success rates of FMT with sustainability. It is critical to work under the anaerobic condition to preserve as much of the viability of bacteria. Utilization of germ- free mice or depletion of recipient gut microbiota by antibiotics or polyethylene glycol are two common recipient preparation approaches to achieve better engraftment. Oral-gastric gavage preferred by most researchers for fast and effective administration of FMT in mice. Overall, this review highlights various methods that may lead to developing the standard and reproducible protocol for FMT.
Permission to Say “Capitalism”: Principles for Critical Social Science Engagement With GGR Research
Authors: Hall Stephen , Davis Mark
Published: September 2021

The grand scale of GGR deployment now necessary to avoid dangerous climate change warrants the use of grand interpretive theories of how the global economy operates. We argue that critical social science should be able to name the global economy as “capitalism”; and instead of speaking about “transforming the global economy” as a necessary precondition for limiting climate change, instead speak about transforming, or even transcending,capitalism. We propose three principles are helpful for critical social science researchers willing to name and analyse the structural features of capitalism and their relation to greenhouse gas removal technology, policy, and governance. These principles are: (1)Greenhouse Gas Removal technologies are likely to emerge within capitalism, which is crisis prone, growth dependent, market expanding, We use a broad Marxist corpus to justify this principle. (2)There are different varieties of capitalism and this will affect the feasibility of different GGR policies and supports in different nations. We draw on varieties of capitalism and comparative political economy literature to justify this principle. (3)Capitalism is more than an economic system, it is ideologically and culturally maintained. Globally-significant issues such as fundamentalism, institutional mistrust, precarity, and populism, cannot be divorced from our thinking about globally significant deployment of greenhouse gas removal technologies. We use a broad Critical Theory body of work to explore the ideational project of maintaining capitalism and its relation to GGR governance and policy.