bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visegrad Cooperation: Search of New Forms amidst Ukrainian Crisis
Authors: Ofitserov-Bel'skiy D.
Published: February 2021

The article discusses the evolution of the Visegrad partnership. It never had integrative capacity, but in recent years accumulated the integration potential in regional relations. The common position formation principles in international policy are being carried out by the Visegrad Four. Notable is the emergence of really important issues and explicit politicization of the agenda. The defense theme, the problem of energy security, coordination of positions on the EU budget etc. were included into discussions. At the same time, exacerbated contradictions exist in these areas. Key factors currently affecting the development of the Visegrad Group are: the confrontation of great powers in the region, the inert nature of relationship between the Visegrad countries and the United States, the anarchy in European policy, the prevalence of extra-regional conditions and incentives, the lack of specific regional rules and the void of its institutionalization. The Ukrainian crisis once again emphasizes the importance of the regional policy external actors – the U.S., Germany, Russia and the Brussels EU bureaucracy. It was the cause of the schism emerging in East European politics, and slowed down the process of the intra-regional incentives formation as well as of the communications concentration. It is forcing the Visegrad countries to grasp their limitrophe position. A perspective of the Visegrad partnership is unclear, but it is noteworthy that regional relations become increasingly important for their participants.
Efektifitas Pelatihan Kebersyukuran Untuk Meningkatkan Kualitas Hidup pada Pasien Hipertensi
Authors: Sulistyarini Indahria
Published: February 2021

Gratitude training is one of the Islamic intervention that is able to improve quality of life in hypertension patients. It applied quasy experimental design with pretest-posttest with control group design. Participants consist of 23 hypertension patients and at least diagnosed for 1 year. The result showed that gratitude training able to improved quality of life in hypertension patients. This indicated by increasing the score of quality of life in experiment group (MD = -18.833, p = 0.000 on pretest to posttest; MD = -28.417, p = 0.000 on pretest to follow up). MD’s negative value indicates that the mean score of the quality of life during posttest and follow up was higher than the mean score during pretest. It means gratitude training can be used to improve quality of life in hypertension patients. So it can also a companion to medical intervention.
Membangun Body Image Melalui Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) pada Pasien Kanker Payudara
Authors: Rizki Utami Ria , Iswinarti Iswinarti , Djudiah Djudiah
Published: February 2021

Post-treatment for cancer patients have an impact on psychological discomfort, changes in lifestyle, fear and anxiety. One effect that often arises in breast cancer patients is a negative assessment of post-masectomy appearance such as breast removal. Development of body image problems related to low self acceptance in cancer patients. Interventions used to build a positive body image through acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in breast cancer patients. The design of study used a pretest-post-test control group design and the subjects involved in this study were breast cancer patients who were undergoing treatment at the age range of 30-50 years and had low score on body image scale. The data analysis method uses non-parametric analysis (Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney test) with SPSS. The results showed that ACT had an influence on body image in breast cancer patients. That is, ACT is able to build a positive body image in breast cancer patients
Impact of Climate Change Hazard: Carbon Risk on Stock Returns and Asset Pricing
Authors: Akbar Ume Salma , Bhutto Niaz Ahmed , Oad Rajput Suresh Kumar
Published: February 2021

In this study, I extend the Fama and French five-factor asset pricing model with a sixth factor, namely, carbon risk, to investigate its impact on equity returns. To measure carbon risk, a new factor ‘pollutant minus green,’ is developed using the difference between the weighted average returns of pollutant and green firms across 51 developed and emerging countries across four categories—North America, Europe, Emerging Markets, and the Asia Pacific. The results reveal that North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific markets have a carbon risk premium that gets eliminated in small-cap firms. The carbon risk factor is further tested in left-hand side (LHS) test asset portfolios and found to be more pronounced with size-effect anomaly; specifically, small stock firms report greater declining average returns because of more exposure than the mega-cap stocks to carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, size-effect anomaly prevails with profitability and investment factors across firms. Therefore, high profitability, as well as high investment small firms, show a greater decline than the big stock firms in average returns when their carbon dioxide emissions increase. The asset pricing model evaluation is carried out through the Gibbons, Ross, and Shanken test. The six-factor model directed at capturing carbon risk patterns in average equity returns performs better than the three-factor and five-factor models of Fama and French (1993 and 2015) in the majority of categories under 3x3 sorting and compete with both Fama and French model under 2x4x4 sorted LHS portfolios. The finding of this study offers various useful applications for investors, policymakers, brokers, corporations, governmental pollution abatement institutions, and other stakeholders who wish to obtain carbon risk premium.
PENINGKATAN BANDWIDTH DAN GAIN ANTENA MIKTROSTRIP PATCH LINGKARAN DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN PARASITIK SUBSTRAT PADA FREKUENSI 3 GHZ
Authors: Iqbal Muhamad wahyu , Efri Sandi  , Aodah Diamah
Published: February 2021

Penelitian yang berjudul “Peningkatan Bandwidth Dan Gain Antena Miktrostrip Patch Lingkaran Dengan Menggunakan Parasitik Substrat Pada Frekuensi 3 Ghz” bertujuan untuk membandingkan performa pada tahap simulasi dan pengukuran antena mikrostrip konvensional dan antena dengan penambahan parasitik substrat yang bekerja pada frekuensi 3 GHz. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Laboratorium Telekomunikasi Fakultas Teknik Universitas Negeri Jakarta pada bulan Agustus 2018 sampai dengan Februari 2019. Pengujian terhadap antena mikrostip dengan penambahan parasitik substrat dilakukan dengan dua tahap, yaitu saat simulasi dan setelah fabrikasi. Terdapat dua yang dibandingkan yaitu sebuah antena mikrostip konvensional dan antena mikrostrip dengan penambahan parasitik substrat. Simulasi dilakukan dengan menggunakan software CST Microwave Studio Suite 2014 dan antena yang telah difabrikasi diukur dengan Network Analyzer Anritsu tipe S223E. Penambahan parasitik substrat pada tahap simulasi dengan menggunakan bahan substrat FR-4 dengan konstanta dielektrik sebesar 4,3 berhasil meningkatkan gain sebesar 2,61 db, meningkatkan bandwidth sebesar 31 MHz dan menambah tinggi dari 1,6 mm menjadi 34 mm. Hasil pengukuran antena mikrostrip dengan penambahan parasitik substrat meningkatkan bandwidth sebesar 23 MHz dan menambah tinggi antena dari 1,6 menjadi 34 mm
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN TRAINER BASIC DIGITAL
Authors: Wahyudi Ibnu hary , Rusmono  , Jusuf Bintoro
Published: February 2021

Penelitian yang dikembangkan bertujuan untuk mengembangkan media pembelajaran trainer dan modul bahan praktikum sebagai media pembelajaran kelas X Teknik Audio Video pada matapelajaran pemprograman, mikroprosesor, dan mikrokontroller khusus pembahasan dasar-dasar teknik digital di SMK Negeri 7 Bekasi. Penelitian yang dikembangkan menggunakan metode pengembangan yang diadaptasi dengan model pengembangan ASSURE (Analyze learner, State standards and objectives, Select strategis technology, media and materials, Utilize technology, media and materials, Requaire learner participation, Evaluate and rivise), namun penelitian dibatasi hanya sampai tahap Requaire learner participation. Tahap pengembangan meliputi: 1) Analisis Pembelajaran, 2) Merumuskan Standard dan Tujuan, 3) Memilih Strategi,Teknologi, Media, dan Materi, 4) Menggunakan Teknologi, Mediam dan Bahan Ajar, 5) Mengharuskan Partisipasi Peserta didik. Media trainer basic digital divalidasi dan dinyatakana kelayakannya dengan menggunakan kuesioner/angket oleh 1 ahli materi, 1 ahli media, dan 35 respon peserta didik kelas X Teknik Audio Video di SMK Negeri 7 Bekasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan presentase kelayakan media diperoleh sebesar 87% dari ahli media, 86% dari ahli materi, dan 84% hasil ujicoba penggunaan trainer dari peserta didik. Dari ketiga perolehan tersebut, media pembelajaran trainer basic digital masuk dalam kategori sangat layak untuk digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran pada mata pelajaran pemprograman, mikroprosesor, dan mikrokontroller di Jurusan Teknik Audio Video SMK Negeri 7 Bekasi.
ANALISIS KINERJA WI-FI CHANNEL 1, 3, 6 DAN 11 DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN BANDWIDTH 20 MHz DAN 40 MHz PADA FREKUENSI WI-FI 2.4 GHz SPESIFIKASI 802.11n
Authors: Fajriati Nur , Sandi Efri , Maruddani Baso
Published: February 2021

Abstrak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kinerja Wi-Fi channel 1, 3, 6, dan 11 dalam bandwidth (channel width) 20 MHz dan 40 MHz yang sesuai dengan protokol IEEE 802.11n. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian eksperimen dengan desain eksperimen Pre-Experimental. Pengukuran yang dilakukan dengan melihat parameter Quality of Service yaitu delay, throughput dan packet loss dengan mempertimbangkan hasil dari pengamatan Spurious Emission. Dengan melakukan transmisi data menggunakan Iperf3 dan perintah Ping (CMD). Berdasarkan hasil akhir dari analisis dapat disimpulkan bahwa pada bandwidth (channel width) 20 MHz, channel yang bagus untuk digunakan adalah channel 1, 6, dan 11. Sedangkan untuk bandwidth (channel width) 40 MHz, channel yang bagus untuk digunakan adalah channel 3 dan 11. Spurious Emission yang dihasilkan juga masih termasuk sesuai dengan yang direkomendasikan oleh Rec. ITU-R SM.329-7 Spurious Emissions.
PENGEMBANGAN ANIMASI 3D BERBASIS VIRTUAL REALITY PADA MEDIA PROMOSI PERUMAHAN CLUSTER GREEN BIDURI
Authors: Anita Soraya  , Hamidiilah Ajie  , Vina Oktaviani
Published: February 2021

Green Biduri merupakan sebuah perumahan dengan sistem cluster yang terdapat di daerah Kranggan, Bekasi. Dalam melakukan pemasaran, Green Biduri mempunyai beberapa kendala. Salah satu kendala utama yang dihadapi adalah keterbatasan media promosi yang dapat menggambarkan secara jelas atau nyata mengenai produk perumahan yang dipromosikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan animasi 3D berbasis virtual reality sebagai media promosi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah Metode Rekayasa Teknik dengan model MDLC (Multimedia Development Life Cycle). Tahapan penelitian yang dilakukan terdiri dari:1) konsep; 2) desain; 3) pengumpulan bahan; 4) pembuatan; 5) uji coba. Data yang digunakan didapatkan dari hasil observasi dan wawancara. Pengujian dilakukan kepada ahli materi, ahli media dan responden dengan melakukan validasi instrumen terlebih dahulu. Hasil pengujian dengan ahli materi 1. Kemudian hasil pengujian oleh ahli media 0.47 dan hasil pengujian responden 84%. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian yang telah dilakukan, maka media promosi dapat dikategorikan “sangat efektif”.
ANALISIS QUALITY OF SERVICE (QOS) PADA JARINGAN INTERNET SMK NEGERI 7 JAKARTA
Authors: Aprianto Budiman  , M. Ficky Duskarnaen  , Hamidillah Ajie
Published: February 2021

Hampir semua kegiatan di SMK Negeri 7 Jakarta memanfaatkan fasilitas Internet. Baik itu untuk proses kegiatan belajar mengajar, maupun pada bagian staff tata usaha. Untuk mendukung semua kegiatan tersebut diperlukan kinerja jaringan yang baik dan handal. Koneksi jaringan yang buruk pastinya akan menggagu proses kegiatan tersebut. Penerapan Quality of Service (QoS) merupakan sebuah solusi dari masalah diatas Quality of Service (QoS) merupakan teknik untuk mengelola bandwidth, delay, packet loss dan jitter untuk aliran dalam jaringan. Tujuan dari mekanisme QoS adalah   mempengaruhi setidaknya satu diantara empat parameter dasar QoS yang telah ditentukan. Untuk mengetahui seberapa besar nilai QoS pada jaringan Internet SMK Negeri 7 Jakarta, maka harus dilakukan sebuah analisis parameter QoS. Analisis Quality of Service pada jaringan Internet SMK Negeri 7 Jakarta menekankan proses monitoring dan pengukuran parameter QoS yaitu throughput, delay, packet loss dan jitter. Tools yang digunakan untuk pengukuran parameter QoS adalah Axence Net Tools Pro 5.0 dan bandwidth monitor speedtest apps. Hasil akhir yang didapatkan setelah melakukan pengukuran QoS adalah jaringan Internet SMK Negeri 7 Jakarta masuk pada kategori sedang berdasarkan standarisasi TIPHON dengan nilai indeks 2,14.
The Laughter of Other Places
Authors: Novaković Nikola
Published: February 2021

The paper employs Michel Foucault’s ideas on heterotopias, outlined in his essay Of Other Spaces (1984), to analyse the interaction of humour and spaces in Edward Gorey’s works, with special emphasis on the book The Evil Garden (1966). Foucault’s theory of heterotopias is used to provide an understanding of Gorey’s fusion of sombre places and macabre tales with his characteristically dry humour and to examine what Gorey’s heterotopias can tell us about the problem of the categorisation of Gorey as an author of children’s literature. In the reading of The Evil Garden, the paper illustrates how Gorey’s disturbing heterotopias achieve a hybridity of spaces, genres, tones, and reader roles in order to encourage polyvalent readings. Gorey plays with the juxtaposition of various heterotopias, destabilising the reader’s position through recurring motifs and intertextual allusions, but the one element that is represented in all those “other” places is invariably humour in all its different forms. It is precisely at the intersection of the various spaces which collide in heterotopias that Gorey’s dark humour emerges and performs its subversive function.
Desarrollo de un programa de educación acuática en la escuela indígena de la comunidad seri
Authors: Costa Urrutia Paula , Becerra Viviana , Becerra Fabián , González Osiris , Ratti Carolina , Fernández Sebastián , Chaparro Manríquez Jesús Antonio , Hernández Acevedo Haide , Santana Meza Haide Yoselin , Ramírez Cruz Alejandro , Pérez Raymundo , Rodríguez-Arellano Eunice , Granados Julio , Argüelles Diaz-González Antonio , Álvarez Fariña Rafael
Published: February 2021

Antecedentes: Las prácticas acuáticas contribuyen al desarrollo motriz y disminuyen la probabilidad de ahogamientos. Su implementación es particularmente importante en comunidades costeras, dada la relación de sus integrantes con el entorno marino.

Objetivos: Por lo que se llevó a cabo una escuela de verano que tuvo como objetivo la adaptación, de la comunidad indígena Seri de Punta Checa, norte de México, al medio acuático en un entorno natural.

Método: Las actividades fueron retos motores para desarrollar habilidades y destrezas de supervivencia en el ambiente acuático; estaciones de habilidades de juego grupal; y enseñanza de técnica.

Resultados: Participaron 48 niños en total, con un promedio de asistencia de dos días por semana. Ninguno de los participantes sabía nadar antes del programa y todos adquirieron habilidades de supervivencia básicas.  Los niños mayores de 8 años desarrollaron habilidades motrices y lograron completar circuitos con estaciones cuyas distintas los obligaban a poner en práctica estas habilidades. Los niños de 6 a 8 años alcanzaron una fase preliminar de desarrollo, puesto que fueron capaces de realizar algunas actividades en lugares poco profundos. Por medio de dibujos, los niños expresaron sus intereses, y la natación estuvo entre sus actividades preferidas.

Conclusiones: Los niños, las familias, los docentes y las autoridades educativas consideraron que el programa había tenido resultados positivos, lo cual resalta la importancia de incluir la adaptación al medio acuático en el plan de estudios. Esto, contribuiría a la seguridad acuática y el desarrollo de la competencia motriz de los niños, sino también a una mayor disposición al aprendizaje curricular.
Influencia de la interacción práctica entre padres e hijos en el proceso de adquisición de habilidades acuáticas.
Authors: Dos Santos Bruna F. , De Freitas Edson T. , Dos S. Mineiro Aurea , Madureira Fabrício
Published: February 2021

Antecedentes: Teniendo en cuenta, las limitadas experiencias de interacción entre padres e hijos, en el actual contexto tecnológico, trabajos que se profundicen en identificar los posibles efectos de experiencias que maximizan el acercamiento de la familia con actividades físicas deben ser incentivados.

Objetivos: Analizar los efectos de un programa de interacción práctica entre padres e hijos en el proceso de adquisición de habilidades acuáticas (HA).

Método: El estudio se compuso de 16 sesiones de 50' cada uno, con 17 niños de 5 (± 1,2) años, divididos en GE (donde los padres participaron en las clases de natación) y GC (donde los padres no participaron en las clases). El análisis del aprendizaje de las HAs fue realizado a través de un checklist, compuesto por 18 ítems.

Resultados: Después del análisis de los datos se puede observar que el GE presentó inicialmente un 79% de aprovechamiento en el boletín de evaluación y después del programa presentó una mejora de 93%. El GC presentó inicialmente 72% de aprovechamiento y después un 84%. Con respecto a la comparación de los momentos pre y post para las tareas cuantitativas siendo ellas: control de esfuerzo por tiempo prolongado, reflejado en la distancia total recorrida en 5' de nado continuo; el metraje total nadado en 45'; el tiempo de apnea estática, se puede identificar diferencia estadística significativa para ambos grupos.

Conclusiones: A pesar de la mejora de los dos grupos el GE presentó resultados más significativos en 3 tareas que involucra mayor demanda de complejidad y motivación.
Revisión bibliográfica de las prácticas acuáticas escolares en argentina. propuesta de intervención
Authors: Albarracín Pérez Apolonia , Rocha Daniela
Published: February 2021

Antecedentes: Las prácticas acuáticas en la educación física escolar permiten a los niños, niñas y adolescentes experimentar y disfrutar junto a otros diversas y amplias posibilidades de movimiento en un medio diferente al habitual. Es por ello, que se considera necesario indagar en el sistema educativo argentino, en busca de propuestas y normativas que promuevan la enseñanza en el medio acuático.

Objetivos: Identificar los marcos normativos y curriculares de Argentina que regulen la enseñanza de actividades acuáticas escolares, y contribuir a la implementación de propuestas en el medio acuático, a partir de la construcción de orientaciones didácticas.

Método: Se ha realizado una revisión bibliográfica de diferentes documentos y estudios de Argentina en búsqueda de antecedentes e información sobre las prácticas acuáticas escolares en la Educación Secundaria.

Resultados: Se analizaron artículos y documentos que presentan antecedentes de estudios referidos a prácticas acuáticas escolares en Argentina, así como también se realizó un análisis de los documentos oficiales a nivel jurisdiccional, vinculados a la enseñanza de las actividades acuáticas en la educación física escolar en Argentina. Por último, se elabora una propuesta práctica de intervención centrada en orientaciones didácticas que puedan ser de utilidad para la elaboración de diferentes propuestas que promuevan aprendizajes significativos en el medio acuático.

Conclusiones: Se destaca el valor de la enseñanza de prácticas acuáticas, para que sea promovida desde el Estado dentro del sistema educativo en Argentina, y se pondera el lugar protagonista de la escuela y los profesores de educación física. Resulta significativo el alcance de este estudio al analizar veintidós de veinticuatro jurisdicciones del territorio nacional, e identificar que dieciocho de ellas proponen contenidos vinculados a las prácticas acuáticas en el área de educación física.
Development and validation of a ferroptosis-related prognostic model in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Qiu Chen-jie , Wang Xue-bing , Zheng Zi-ruo , Yang Chao-zhi , Lin Kai , Zhang Kai , Tu Min , Jiang Kui-rong , Gao Wen-Tao
Published: February 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) associated with the prognosis of pancreatic cancer and to construct a prognostic model based on FRGs. Methods: Based on pancreatic cancer data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we established the prognostic model from 232 FRGs. A nomogram was constructed by combining the prognostic model and clinicopathological features. Gene Expression Omnibus datasets and tissue samples obtained from our center were utilized to validate the model. Relationship between risk score and immune cell infiltration was explored by CIBERSORT and TIMER.Results: The prognostic model was established based on four FRGs (ENPP2, ATG4D, SLC2A1 and MAP3K5) and can be an independent risk factor in pancreatic cancer (HR 1.648, 95% CI 1.335-2.035, p < 0.001). Based on the median risk score, patients were divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group. The prognosis of the low-risk group was significantly better than that of the high-risk group. In the high-risk group, patients treated with chemotherapy had a better prognosis. The nomogram showed that the model was the most important element. Gene set enrichment analysis identified three key pathways, namely, TGFβ signaling, HIF signaling pathway and adherens junction. The prognostic model can also affect the immune cell infiltration, such as macrophages M0, M1, CD4+T cell and CD8+T cell. Conclusion: A ferroptosis-related prognostic model can be employed to predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Ferroptosis can be an important marker and immunotherapy can be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Prediction of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases using Genetic Risk Score in Asian populations
Authors: Abedian Shifteh , Wong Sunny H , Sommeren Suzanne Van , Takahashi Atsushi , Cheon Jae Hee , Sood Ajit , Vahedi Homayoon , Yamazaki Keiko , Kim Won Ho , K Thelma B , Daryani Nasser E , Kubo Michiaki , Yang Suk-Kyun , Banerjee Rupa , Malekzadeh Reza , Weersma Rinse K. , Ng Siew C. , Alizadeh Behrooz Z.
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims:

The incidence of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC), is rising in Asian populations. We undertook a cross-population study to explore whether genetic risk scores (GRS) of IBD, CD and UC could explain their occurrence, and whether they can be used to predict disease occurrence in general populations from East Asia (EA) and Central Asia (CA).
Methods

We studied 9,698 subjects – 4,733 IBD patients (2,003 CD; 2,730 UC) and 4,965 matched controls – who had been genotyped using Immunochip. The subjects were from three East Asian (Japan, South Korea and China) and two Central Asian populations (India and Iran). We generated GRS for each population by combining information from up to 201 genome-wide significant IBD-associated variants to summarize the total load of genetic risk for each phenotype. We then estimated the explained variance and predictability of IBD using the GRS.
Results

IBD GRS could explain up to 4.40% and 4.14% of IBD variance at a significant level in East Asian and Central Asian populations, respectively, but, given a prevalence of 0.01% and 0.04% for IBD, these yield limited predictive probability. GRS for CD and UC separately proved less significant than GRS for IBD.
Conclusion

GRS alone can explain only a limited percentage of disease occurrence (< 5% of disease susceptibility) and cannot be used to predict IBD in Asian populations at this time. Our results highlight the significant missing heritability, which may be due to genetic epistasis, gene-environment interactions, or rare variants.
Resonant tunneling driven metal-insulator transition in double quantum-well structures of strongly correlated oxide
Authors: Yukawa Ryu , Kobayashi Masaki , Shiga Daisuke , Yoshimatsu Kohei , Ishibashi Shoji , Minohara Makoto , Kitamura Miho , Horiba Koji , Santander-Syro Andres , Kumigashira Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

The metal-insulator transition (MIT), a fascinating phenomenon occurring in some strongly correlated materials, is of central interest in modern condensed-matter physics. Controlling the MIT by external stimuli is a key technological goal for applications in future electronic devices. However, the standard control by means of the field effect, which works extremely well for semiconductor transistors, faces severe difficulties when applied to the MIT. Hence, a radically different approach is needed. Here, we report an MIT induced by resonant tunneling (RT) in double quantum well (QW) structures of strongly correlated oxides. In our structures, two layers of the strongly correlated conductive oxide SrVO3 (SVO) sandwich a barrier layer of the band insulator SrTiO3 (STO). The top QW is a marginal Mott-insulating SVO layer, while the bottom QW is a metallic SVO layer. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments reveal that the top QW layer becomes metallized when the thickness of the tunneling barrier layer is reduced. An analysis based on band structure calculations indicates that RT between the quantized states of the double QW induces the MIT. Our work opens avenues for realizing the Mott-transistor based on the wave-function engineering of strongly correlated electrons.
Empirical Analysis of Socio-Economic Determinants of Maternal Health Services Utilisation in Burundi
Authors: Habonimana Desire , Batura Neha
Published: February 2021

BackgroundTimely and appropriate health care during pregnancy and childbirth are the pillars of better maternal health outcomes. However, factors such as poverty and low education levels, long distance to a health facility, and high costs of health services may present barriers to timely access and utilisation of maternal health services. Despite prenatal, childbirth and postanal care being free at the point of use in Burundi, utilisation of these services remains low: between 2011 and 2017, only 49% of pregnant women attended at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits. This study explores the socio-economic determinants that affect utilisation of maternal health services in Burundi.MethodsWe use data from the 2017 Burundian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) collected from 8,941 women who reported a live birth in the five years preceding the survey. We use multiple regression analysis to explore the factors that determine the likelihood of seeking ANC services from a trained health professional, the number of ANC visits made and the choice of assisted childbirth. ResultsOccupation, marital status and wealth increase the likelihood of seeking ANC services from a trained health professional. The likelihood that a woman consults a trained health professional for ANC services is 18 times and 16 times more for married women and women living in partnership, respectively. More educated women and those who currently live a union or partnership attend more ANC visits than others. At higher birth orders, women tend to not attend ANC visits. The more ANC visits attended, and the wealthier women are; the more likely they are assisted during childbirth. Women who complete four or more ANC visits are 14 times more likely to have an assisted childbirth. ConclusionsIn Burundi, utilisation of maternal health services is low. There is inequality in services utilisation among women based on wealth, parity, religion, and occupation. ANC is an important determinant of subsequent delivery care. There is a gap between married and unmarried women. This has a strong health policy implication to improve access to maternal health services for unmarried women.
Optimization of an Autonomous robotic drilling system for the Machining of Aluminum Aerospace Alloys
Authors: Pereira Benjamin , Griffiths Christian Andrew , Birch Benjamin , Rees Andrew
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to identify the capability of a highly flexible industrial robot modified with a high-speed machine spindle for drilling of Aluminum 6061-T6. With a focus on drilling feedrate, spindle speed and pecking cycle, the hole surface roughness and exit burr heights were investigated using the Taguchi design methodology. A state of the art condition monitoring system was used to identify the vibrations experienced during drilling operation and to establish which robot pose had increased stiffness, and thus the optimum workspace for drilling. When benchmarked against a CNC machine the results show that the CNC was capable of producing the best surface finish and the lowest burr heights. However, the robot system matched and outperformed the CNC in several experiments and there is much scope for further optimization of the process. Overall the proposed drilling system is far more flexible than a CNC milling machine and when considering the optimized drilling of aerospace aluminum this robotic solution has the potential to drastically improve productivity.
Effects of Different Vegetable Rotations on the Bacterial Community Structure and Tomato Growth in a Continuous Tomato Cropping Substrate
Authors: Jin Li , Yu Jihua , Jin Ning , Xie Jianming , Wu Yue , Zhang Guobin , Feng Zhi , Tang Zhongqi , Liu Zeci , Luo Shilei , Lyu Jian
Published: February 2021

Purpose In this study, MiSeq pyrosequencing was used to analyze the effects of different vegetable rotations on the bacterial diversity and community structure in a substrate that was used for continuous tomato cropping (CK). Methods The vegetable rotations tested were cabbage/tomato (B), kidney bean/tomato (D), and celery/tomato (Q). Results The results revealed that the substrate bacterial diversity and richness of each crop rotation were higher than those of CK. The highest bacterial diversity was found in the B substrate, followed by the Q and D substrates. Further comparison showed that the bacterial community structure of Q substrate was significantly different to that of CK. Compared with the CK, the Q substrate had a significantly higher relative abundance of several dominant microflora, such as Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes. Additionally, the Q rotation significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Actinobacteria_unclassified and Anaerolineaceae_unclassified. A redundancy analysis showed that Most dominant bacteria correlated positively with the substrate pH, total N, and alkali-hydrolyzable N but negatively with the available P, available K, total P, total K, and organic matter contents and substrate EC. The substrates after crop rotation improved the growth and physiological condition of the subsequent tomato plants, among which those from the Q rotation performed the best. Conclusion Therefore, celery rotation not only increased the richness and diversity of bacterial communities in the substrate but also significantly increased the richness of the beneficial bacterial communities, allowing better maintenance of the substrate microenvironment for the healthy growth of crops.
A stochastic model explains the periodicity phenomenon of influenza on network
Authors: Yang Hong , Jin Zhen
Published: February 2021

Influenza is an infectious disease with obvious periodic changes over time. It is of great practical significance to explore the non-environment-related factors that cause this regularity for influenza control and individual protection. In this paper, based on the randomness of population number and the heterogeneity of population contact, we have established a stochastic infectious disease model about influenza based on the degree of the network, and obtained the power spectral density function by using the van Kampen expansion method of the master equation. The relevant parameters are obtained by fitting the influenza data of sentinel hospitals. The results of the numerical analysis show that: (1) for the infected, the infection period of patients who go to the sentinel hospitals is particularly different from the others who do not; (2) for all the infected, there is an obvious nonlinear relationship between their infection period and the visiting rate of the influenza sentinel hospitals, the infection rate and the degree. Among them, only the infection period of patients who do not go to the sentinel hospitals decreased monotonously with the infection rate (increased monotonously with the visiting rate), while the rest had a non-monotonic relationship.
Plant Community Analysis along Environmental Gradients in Moist Afromontane Forest of Gerba Dima, South-western Ethiopia
Authors: Hundie Abyot Dibaba , Urgessa Teshome Soromessa , Dullo Bikila Warkineh
Published: February 2021

Background: This study was carried out in Gerba Dima Forest, South-Western Ethiopia, to determine the floristic composition, species diversity and community types along environmental gradients. Ninety sample plots having a size of 25 X 25m (625m2) were laid by employing stratified random sampling. Nested plots were used to sample plants of different sizes and different environmental variables. All woody plant species with Diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 2.5 cm and height ≥ 1.5m were recorded in 25 m X 25 m plots. Hierarchical (agglomerative) cluster analysis was performed using the free statistical software R version 3.6.1 using package cluster to classify the vegetation into plant community types. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) ordination was used in describing the pattern of plant communities along an environmental gradient. Result: One hundred and eighty plant species belonging to 145 genera, 69 families and comprising of 15 endemic species were recorded. Of these, 52 species (28.9%) were trees, 6 species (3.33%) were Trees/shrubs, 31 species (17.22%) were shrubs, 76 species (42.22%) were herbs, and 15 species (8.33%) were Lianas. Rubiaceae, Acanthaceae and Asteraceae were the richest family each represented by 11 genera and 11 species (6.11%), 9 genera and 11 species (6.11%), 6 genera and 11 species (6.11%), respectively of total floristic composition. Cluster analysis resulted in five different plant communities and this result was supported by the ordination result. RDA result showed altitude was the main environmental variable in determining the plant communities. The ANOVA test indicated that the five community types differ significantly from each other with regard to Electrical Conductivity and Potassium. Conclusions: Description of floristic diversity of species in Gerba Dima forest revealed the presence of high species diversity and richness. The presence of endemic plant species in the study forest shows the potential of the area for biodiversity conservation.
The effect of Sennoside A on the improvement of lipopolysaccharide -associated encephalopathy through gut microbiota
Authors: Li Suyan , Zhang Fenyan , Lin Yiguang , Niu Xiaoli , Lv Jian , Hua Ranliang , Zhao Qian , Zhang Liru , Guo Hui
Published: February 2021

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that the intestinal flora is involved in many neurodegenerative diseases. Sepsis can lead to severe intestinal flora imbalance and brain dysfunction. In this study, we investigated Sennoside A may relieve lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-associated encephalopathy via its effect on the gut microbiota in rats.
Methods

Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and germ free (GF) rats were used. The ordinary and germ free SD rats were adopted as a LPS-associated encephalopathy model with or without Sennoside A administration. We investigated gut microbiota diversity and structure, conducted electroencephalograms (EEG) and measured the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the cortexes of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with or without Sennoside A administration. Horizontal fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and germ-free rats were used to confirm the important roles of gut microbiota in the mitigation of LPS-associated encephalopathy in rats after Sennoside A supplementation.
Results

We found that Sennoside A treatment markedly improved brain function in septic rats including decreased ratios of abnormal EEG and lowered levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the rat cortexes. While the gut microbiota changed in septic SD rats, Sennoside A improved gut microbial composition, which might mediate its brain protective effects in sepsis. Sennoside A also reduced inflammation in the cortexes of septic rats via gut microbiota improvement. In germ-free rats that received lipopolysaccharide(LPS),Sennoside A could not lower the ratios of abnormal EEG, and could not alleviate TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in the rats’ cortexes. FMT lowered the ratios of abnormal EEG and alleviate TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in rats’ cortexes, which confirmed our hypothesis that the effect of Sennoside A on the improvement of LPS-associated encephalopathy through gut microbiota.
Conclusion

Our data confirm our hypothesis that Sennoside A likely exerts its brain protective effects through gut microbiota alteration.
Stability and dynamic analysis of a grid-connected environmentally-friendly photovoltaic energy system
Authors: Nasri Shohreh , Zamanifar Mehran , Naderipour Amirreza , Nowdeh Saber Arabi , Kamyab Hesam , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain
Published: February 2021

Photovoltaic (PV) system are the cleanest form of electricity generation and it is the only form with no effect on the environment at all. However, some environmental challenges persist, which must be overcome before solar energy may be used to represent a source of truly clean energy. This paper aims to study the stability and dynamic behavior of a grid-connected environmentally-friendly photovoltaic energy system using the bifurcation theory. This theory introduces a systematic method for stability analysis of dynamic systems, under changes in the system parameters. To produce bifurcation diagrams based on the bifurcation theory, a parameter is constantly changed in each step, using MATLAB and AUTO, and eigenvalues are monitored simultaneously. Considering how the eigenvalues approach the system’s imaginary axis in accordance with the changes in the targeted parameter, the occurred saddle-node and Hopf bifurcations of the grid-connected PV system are extracted. Using the obtained bifurcations, the system’s dynamic stability limits against changes in controlled (controller coefficients) and systematic parameters (such as Thevenin impedance network) are found
Thrombopoietin receptor agonist eltrombopag alleviates cognitive impairment via NRG1/ErbB4 signaling
Authors: wang jian , liu leping , wang xuebao , yu he , chen baihui , feng shuya , zhuge qichuan , Ding Saidan
Published: February 2021

Background

Patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) show mild cognitive impairments. Thrombopoietin (TPO) has been shown to be neuroprotective. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of Thrombopoietin receptor agonist eltrombopag (ELT) on MHE and the involvement of NRG1 signaling using primary rat neurons and a MHE rat model.
Methods

We explored the effects of ELT stimulation on NRG1/ErbB4 signaling and synapse formation in the primary rat neurons. Furthermore, we explored the cerebral TPO expression level and the effect of TPO replacement therapy in an MHE rat model.
Results

The results showed that ELT stimulation activated NRG1/ErbB4 signaling and enhanced synaptic protein expression in the primary rat neurons via sirtuin 1. An anti-NRG1 antibody, ErbB4 inhibitor, or knockdown of NRG1 or ErbB4 could significantly abolish ELT-induced upregulation of synaptic protein expression in the primary rat neurons. MHE rats had significantly decreased cerebral ELT expression compared with normal rats. ELT activated NRG1/ErbB4 signaling in MHE rat brains. Administration or overexpression of ELT or TPO promoted synapse formation and alleviated cognitive impairments in MHE rats.
Conclusions

These data suggest that ELT promotes synapse formation in vitro and in vivo via activating NRG1/ErbB4 signaling, serving as a promising therapeutic agent for MHE treatment.
Arterio-venous differences in glutamate concentration predict clinical outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Zhan Fan , Cheng Haipeng , Shao Min , Qiu Yujia , Bao Xingwen , Huang Yanhong , Zhou Yan , Luo Zi-qiang
Published: February 2021

Background

We aimed to explore whether the arterio-venous (A-V) differences in amino acids are useful for diagnosing and predicting acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) outcomes, thereby guiding clinical therapy. The enrolled subjects included 36 adult patients with ARDS admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 38 age- and sex-matched controls. Patients with ARDS were further divided into mild, moderate, and severe categories, and into survivor and non-survivor subgroups. Serum samples from the radial artery and jugular vein were collected on the first day following ICU admission, and the serum concentrations of 15 amino acids from the arterial and venous blood were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on the LC-10DVP system.
Results

We found that the arteriovenous (A-V) differences in glutamate (Glu) concentration in patients with ARDS were significantly greater than those in controls. Although no significant A-V differences were found in other amino acids between controls and patients with ARDS, surprisingly, survivors showed greater A-V differences in Glu concentration than non-survivors. Particularly, non-survivors who died within 2 weeks following ICU admission showed significantly less A-V differences in Glu concentration compared to those of survivors.
Conclusions

A-V differences in Glu concentration may be a biological marker for ARDS, with a significant association with mortality.
Dietitian-led supportive care for postoperative nutritional achievement: A secondary analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ho Chiou Yi , Ibrahim Zuriati , Zaid Zalina Abu , Daud Zulfitri 'Azuan Mat , Yu Nor Baizura Md , Abas Mohd Norazam Mohd , Omar Jamil
Published: February 2021

Sufficient postoperative dietary intake is crucial for promoting wound healing and ensuring better surgical outcomes. This study aimed to determine the postoperative nutritional achievement and predictors of postoperative dietary intake among gynecologic cancer patients. A total of 118 participants were included in this secondary analysis. Postoperative dietary data were pooled and re-classified into early postoperative dietary intake achievement (EDIA) (daily energy intake (DEI) ≥ 75% from the estimated energy requirement (EER)) and delay dietary intake achievement (DDIA) (DEI < 75% EER) There was a significant difference in postoperative changes in weight (p = 0.002), muscle mass (p = 0.018), and handgrip strength (p = 0.010) between the groups. Postoperative daily energy and protein intake in the EDIA was significantly greater than DDIA from operation day to discharged (p = 0.000 and p = 0.036). Four significant independent postoperative dietary intake predictors were found: preoperative whey protein-infused carbohydrate loading (p = 0.000), postoperative nausea vomiting (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.010), and time to tolerate clear fluid (p = 0.016). The multilinear regression model significantly predicted postoperative dietary intake, F (4,116) = 68.013, p = 0.000, adj. R2 = 0.698. With the recognition of four predictors, the integration of more specific and comprehensive dietitian-led supportive care with individualized nutrition intervention into the multidisciplinary Enhanced Recovery After Surgery approach should be considered to promote functional recovery.
Long-term Hippocampal and Amydalar Dendritic Spine Alterations after Adolescence Psychosocial Stress
Authors: vafadari behnam , mitra shiladitya , Kaczmarek Leszek
Published: February 2021

Stress, in particularly adolescence stress has been shown to result in long-term changes in brain and behavior of humans and rodents as well as predisposing individuals to multiple neuropsychiatric disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Stress-resulting in behavioral changes are often associated with structural changes of the neuronal dendritic spines, especially of the limbic system. Thus, analyzing alterations in structure of the dendritic spines in animals, which were subjected to adolescence stress, might provide useful information on pathogenesis of mental disorders. Herein, we analyzed the length, head width and area of dendritic spines of neurons from the hippocampal CA3, the central amygdala and the basolateral amygdala (BLA) regions in mature C57BL/6 mice, which were subjected to adolescent psychosocial stress. Results showed that stressed animals had longer spines in the hippocampus, larger spines in the BLA and shorter, smaller spines in the central amygdala (CeA). The latter finding is particularly intriguing, as it has been shown that central amygdala is not just the relay center for signals from the BLA in fear response, but is involved in antagonistic and inhibitory function to the BLA and active in appetitive and reward pathways.
Comparative Analysis of Pressure Sensors Based on Two-dimensional Photonic Crystals Using Si and GaAs
Authors: Dinodiya Sapna , Bhargava A.
Published: February 2021

A pressure sensor based on two dimensional photonic crystal structure is presented. The structure considered for sensing is a lattice of air holes surrounded by semiconductor material. A waveguide with central microcavity is formed by filling air holes with semiconductor material. The sensing principle depends upon the shifting of central wavelength of peak towards higher wavelength region when the pressure is raised. The proposed pressure sensor can work in the range 0-5 GPa. Using this structure, two semiconductors, Si and GaAs, have been taken for analysis. It is found that shifting of resonance wavelength with pressure is more pronounced in GaAs than Si. In the dynamic range 0-5 GPa, sensitivity for sensor with Si is estimated as 1.674 nm/GPa while it is 17.00 nm/GPa for sensor with GaAs. The quality factor and figure of merit (FOM) is also found to be higher for GaAs sensor.
Insights Into Antioxidant Activities and Anti-Skin-Aging Potential of Callus Extract From Centella Asiatica (L.)
Authors: Buranasudja Visarut , Rani Dolly , Malla Ashwini , Kobtrakul Khwanlada , Vimolmangkang Sornkanok
Published: February 2021

Formation of oxidative stress in dermal fibroblasts plays crucial roles in aging processes of skin. The use of phytochemicals that can promote capacity of fibroblasts to combat oxidative stress is an attractive strategy to prevent skin aging and promote skin beauty. Callus culture offers a powerful platform for sustainable, rapid and large-scale production of phytochemicals to serve extensive demands of pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries. Here, we demonstrated the application of callus culture of Centella asiatica to produce bioactive metabolites. The 50% ethanolic extract of callus culture has distinctive features of chemical compositions and biological profiles. Results from TLC and HPLC analysis showed that callus extract has unique chemical components, compared with those isolated from authentic plant. Moreover, callus extract possesses promising antioxidant and anti-skin-aging activities. Pre-treatment with callus extract attenuated H2O2-induced-cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblasts. The results from RT-qPCR clearly suggested that the upregulation of cellular antioxidant enzymes appeared to be major contributor for the protective effects of callus extract against oxidative stress. Moreover, supplementation with callus extract inhibited induction of matrix metalloprotease-9 following H2O2 exposure, suggesting its potential anti-skin-aging activity. Our results demonstrate the potential utility of C. asiatica callus extract as anti-skin-aging agent in cosmeceutical preparations.