bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Pemberian Pupuk Organik Cair Hasil Fermentasi Buah Maja dan Pupuk Organik Cair NASA Terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Tomat (Lycopersicum esculentum)
Authors: Kamilia Wardah , Laili Saimul , Tito Sama'iradat
Published: September 2023

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) is a multipurpose and multifunctional fruit vegetable that can be cultivated in lowland or highland land. One of the factors that greatly affect the yield of tomato plants is fertilization. Liquid organic fertilizer fermented maja fruit is a simple fertilizer extracted from maja fruit, liquid organic fertilizer fermented maja fruit can provide additional organic matter in the form of nutrients needed by plants. NASA liquid organic fertilizer is a liquid organic fertilizer which is an extraordinary invention in the world of agriculture and can provide nutrients to plants. This research was conducted in the garden of Jalan Joyo Suryo, Merjosari, Kec. Lowokwaru, Malang City in June â€“ August 2021. The results showed that the best in the study was the administration of NASA liquid organic fertilizer with a concentration of 20 ml due to the availability of macro and micro nutrients which were more complete and easily absorbed than the liquid organic fertilizer fermented by maja fruit. which also has lower effectiveness at 5ml concentration.
Keywords: Maja Fermentation liquid organic fertilizer, NASA liquid organic fertilizer, Tomato
ABSTRAK 
Tomat (Lycopersicum esculentum) tergolong sayuran buah multiguna dan multifungsi yang dapat dibudidayakan di lahan dataran rendah ataupun lahan dataran tinggi. Salah satu faktor yang sangat mempengaruhi hasil tanaman tomat adalah pemupukan. Pupuk organik cair hasil fermentasi buah maja merupakan pupuk sederhana yang diekstraksi dari buah maja, pupuk organik cair hasil fermentasi buah maja dapat memberi tambahan bahan organik berupa unsur hara yang diperlukan tanaman. Pupuk organik cair NASA adalah pupuk organik cair yang merupakan penemuan yang luar biasa dalam dunia pertanian serta dapat memenuhi nutrisi pada tanaman. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di kebun Jalan Joyo Suryo, Merjosari, Kec. Lowokwaru, Kota Malang pada bulan Juni – Agustus 2021. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan yang terbaik dalam penelitian yaitu pada pemberian pupuk organik cair NASA konsentrasi 20ml karena ketersediaan unsur hara makro dan mikro yang lebih lengkap dan mudah terserap dengan baik dibanding pupuk organik cair hasil fermentasi buah maja yang juga memiliki efektivitas lebih rendah dengan konsentrasi 5ml.
Kata kunci: POC Maja, POC NASA, Tomat
Privatisasi Agama di Kalangan Muda Muslim Pada Era Disrupsi
Authors: Alauddin Abdurrahman , Safitri Lale Yomi , Jubba Hasse
Published: September 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengeksplorasi privatisasi yang terjadi di kalangan pemuda muslim di era disrupsi. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah mix methode atau metode campuran. Data yang digunakan sebagai dasar analisis menggunakan data primer dan sekunder. Data primer diperoleh dengan menyebarkan kuesioner berupa pertanyaan tertutup dan terbuka kepada 100 responden. Data sekunder dalam penelitian ini dari literatur yang berasal dari jurnal-jurnal penelitian sebelumnya, website resmi serta buku-buku yang terkait. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa privatisasi keagamaan kaum muda di era disrupsi diwujudkan dalam tiga bentuk identitas keagamaan: eksklusivisme, partikularisme, dan primordialisme. Manifestasi ini disebabkan akutnya akses media sosial bagi pemuda Muslim dan kebenaran konten media yang mereka akses tidak dapat dipertanggungjawabkan, sehingga mereka memiliki pemikiran sendiri tentang paham keagamaan, dan privatisasi ini dapat memicu intoleransi dan radikalisme beragama.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING AND STEM ON THE HOTS ABILITY OF HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENTS IN SURABAYA
Authors: Chamidah Amalia
Published: September 2023

Problem-based learning (PBL) is one of the innovative learning models that provides learning opportunities for students to be directly involved in learning processes the real life reality. This study to determine the significance of the application of STEM-based PBL on the HOTS ability of Hang Tuah 4 High School students Surabaya. The sample of this research is 17 students of class X SMA Hang Tuah 4 Surabaya in the academic year 2021-2022. Data were collected through tests and documentation conducted by the researcher together with the mathematics teacher when teaching SPLDV. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 for windows. The result is that the application of STEM-based PBL has an influence on the HOTS ability of students at Hang Tuah 4 High School Surabaya. For this reason, it is recommended for mathematics teachers to apply STEM-based PBL to familiarize students with HOTS thinking.
THE CRITICAL THINKING ABILITY OF STUDENT WITH LOW PRIOR KNOWLEDGE WHO LEARN USING PROBLEM BASED LEARNING
Authors: Kertiyani Ni Made Intan , Sarjana Ketut , Lu'luilmaknun Ulfa
Published: September 2023

In the twenty-first century, having an ability for thinking critically is essential. Students, including those with low prior knowledge in mathematics, are expected to have this ability. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate students' critical thinking abilities when they first start using PBL (Problem Based Learning). This study uses a qualitative approach. The research subjects consisted of two mathematics education students who were repeating lectures. The research instrument consisted of tests of critical thinking skills and interviews. The results obtained are indicators of critical thinking skills that appear well in students with low initial abilities is the interpretation of the indicators. As for the analysis of indicators, applying the solutions obtained, making inferences and concluding the results appear at an unfavorable level. These results indicate that students with low prior knowledge who study using PBL still have a low level of critical thinking.
La literatura áurea en el entorno digital (2017-2020): balance, metodologías y diagnósticos
Authors: Martos Pérez María D.
Published: September 2023

El objetivo de este art.culo es ofrecer una visi.n panor.mica de las principales líneas de investigaci.n sobre humanidades digitales aplicadas a los estudios del Siglo de Oro en el trienio que va de 2018 a 2020.
Perspectivas coloniales de la medicina novohispana en el "Tratado breve de medicina de Agustín Farfán (1592)"
Authors: Zinni Mariana C.
Published: September 2023

El Tratado breve de medicina y de todas las enfermedades que a cada paso se ofrecen (1592), publicado por Agustín de Farfán, posee un fuerte anclaje colonial en sus supuestos epistemológicos. El compendio abreva en la experiencia médica prehispánica, y está dirigido a aquellos que viven en ámbitos rurales o alejados de los centros urbanos y de la atención médica. Farfán somete la medicina a un doble proceso de hibridación y mestizaje que deriva en una profunda transculturación del saber médico, una fusión del arte de curar con elementos nativos y una política colonial del cuerpo y el discurso médico anclado en una «hibridez controlada».
HERBIS ET VERBIS. Plantas medicinales chilenas en la Literatura de los siglos XVI y XVII
Authors: Sartori Matteo
Published: September 2023

El propósito general de la investigación es estudiar las dinámicas históricas de los saberes acerca de las hierbas sanadoras chilenas a través de las obras literarias de los siglos +,& y +,&&, desde la perspectiva de la historia del conocimiento y como procesos de hibridismo cultural. El análisis permitirá, además, aclarar, por un lado, que las plantas dibujadas por el jesuita Alonso de Ovalle (1646) son las que gozaban de una mayor relevancia social. Por otro lado, se mostrará la importancia de estudiar las fuentes cientícas junto a las literarias para considerar también la ignorancia como un aspecto clave en la formación y circulación del conocimiento.
Hvordan tilrettelegge for læring av yrkesteori?
Authors: Schøn Eldbjørg Marie , Hellne-Halvorsen Ellen Beate
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate how teachers facilitate the training in vocational theory that can motivate students for learning in the Restaurant and Food Science (RM) education programme. By using focus group interviews of vocational teachers and a survey of students, the study seeks both teachers’ and students’ experiences of teaching and learning vocational theory respectively. Students who choose vocational education expect a lot of practice in the education and may therefore experience challenges when the training consists of theory. This can have consequences for the students’ motivation for learning and for completing the education. The results from the interviews show that the vocational teachers emphasize teaching theory in a classroom context before the theory is translated into practical work. When the teachers link theory to practical tasks, vocational guidance and differentiation are prominent, but no specific methods are presented for the preparation of vocational theory. The results from these interviews are compared with results from the survey of students and what they think motivates them for learning occupational theory. The students’ experiences mainly coincide with the teachers’ statements, but the students’ answers also refer to specific teaching methods that motivate them to learn.
Developing a welfare assessment protocol for Australian lot-fed cattle
Authors: Taylor Emily , Dunston-Clarke Emma , Brookes Daniel , Jongman Ellen , Linn Benjamin , Barnes Anne , Miller David , Fisher Andrew , Collins Teresa
Published: September 2023

Lot feeding of cattle has gained momentum in recent years to improve efficiency in meeting market demands for high quality protein. Concurrently, societal concern for the welfare of animals raised in intensive farming systems has increased. Thus, the reporting of animal health and welfare measures is a key goal for the Australian cattle lot-fed industry. Although feedlots vary in location, climate, capacity, cattle genotype, and feeding programs, many welfare concerns are applicable across the industry. Despite this, no recognised standardised animal welfare assessment protocol exists for the Australian lot-fed industry. This study aimed to identify relevant measures to develop an assessment protocol, by identifying key welfare issues and their relevant measures, considering the validity, reliability, and practicality of each when applied to the feedlot context. An advisory model was derived after reviewing the relevant literature and five international protocols for the assessment of beef cattle (Welfare Quality®, AssureWel, US Beef Quality Assurance assessment tool, Canadian Feedlot Animal Care Assessment program, and an Australian Live Export industry protocol), followed by stakeholder consultation. A total of 109 measures were evaluated, with 99 environmental-, management-, resource- and animal-based measures being proposed. Piloting of the protocol on commercial feedlots will enable further refinement and validation, to provide an evidence-based, practical protocol to facilitate standardised monitoring of cattle welfare. Such a protocol could promote continued advances in animal welfare at a feedlot level and support a sustainable industry by addressing societal concerns.
Continuous bioreactor production of polyhydroxyalkanoates in Haloferax mediterranei
Authors: Parroquin-Gonzalez Mariana , Winterburn James
Published: September 2023

In this work, the viability of continuous poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) production with controlled composition in Haloferax mediterranei when fed volatile fatty acids is demonstrated. Continuous fermentations showed to greatly outperform batch fermentations with continuous feeding. Operating the bioreactor continuously allowed for PHBV productivity normalised by cell density to increase from 0.29 to 0.38 mg L−1 h−1, in previous continuously fed-fed batch fermentations, to 0.87 and 1.43 mg L−1 h−1 in a continuous mode of operation for 0.1 and 0.25 M carbon concentrations in the media respectively. Continuous bioreactor experiments were carried out for 100 h, maintaining control over the copolymer composition at around 30 mol% 3-hydroxyvalerate 3HV. This work presents the first continuous production of PHBV in Haloferax mediterranei which continuously delivers polymer at a higher productivity, compared to fed-batch modes of operation. Operating bioreactors continuously whilst maintaining control over copolymer composition brings new processing opportunities for increasing biopolymer production capacity, a crucial step towards the wider industrialisation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs).
A 3D printed plastic frame deeply impacts yeast cell growth
Authors: Molina-Menor Esther , Vidal-Verdú Àngela , Gomis-Olcina Carlos , Peretó Juli , Porcar Manuel
Published: September 2023

Solid State Fermentation (SSF) processes have been explored for yeast growth and protein and metabolites production. However, most of these processes lack standardization. In this work, we present a polylactic acid (PLA) 3D printed matrix that dramatically enhances yeast growth when embedded in liquid media compared to equivalent static cultures, and changes yeast expression patterns at the proteome level (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD043759). Moreover, differences in sugar assimilation and ethanol production, as the main product of alcoholic fermentation, are observed. Our results suggest that these matrixes may be useful for a vast range of biotechnological applications based on yeast fermentation.
Cancer stem cells are prevalent in the basal-like 2 and mesenchymal triple-negative breast cancer subtypes in vitro
Authors: Olsson Maxim , Larsson Peter , Johansson Junko , Sah Vasu R. , Parris Toshima Z.
Published: September 2023

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with the most unfavorable clinical outcomes, in part due to tumor heterogeneity, treatment resistance, and tumor relapse. The TNBC subtypes [basal-like 1 (BL1), basal-like 2 (BL2), mesenchymal (M), and luminal androgen receptor (LAR)] are biologically and clinically distinct entities that respond differently to local and systemic therapies. Therefore, we need to have a better understanding of cancer stemness relating to drug-resistant populations in the TNBC subtypes.

Methods: Breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) distribution was investigated using an integrated flow cytometry approach with the ALDEFLUOR™ assay (ALDH) and CD24/CD44 antibodies. In total, 27 commercially available cell lines derived from normal and malignant mammary tissue were characterized into differentiated tumor cells and/or BCSC subpopulations (ALDH−CD44+CD24-/low enriched mesenchymal-like BCSCs, ALDH+non-CD44+CD24−/low enriched epithelial-like BCSCs, and highly purified ALDH+CD44+CD24−/low BCSCs).

Results: BCSCs were not only enriched in estrogen receptor (ER) negative (mean, 49.6% versus 6.9% in ER+) and TNBC cell lines (51.3% versus 2.1% in Luminal A), but certain BCSC subpopulations (e.g., enriched mesenchymal-like BCSCs) were also significantly more common in the M (64.0% versus 6.2% in BL1; 64.0% versus 0% in LAR) and BL2 (77.4% versus 6.2% in BL1; 77.4% versus 0% in LAR; 77.4% versus 10.4% in TNBC UNS) TNBC subtypes. In contrast, ALDH status alone was not indicative of ER status or BC subtype.

Conclusion: Taken together, these findings demonstrate the enrichment of potentially treatment-resistant BCSC subpopulations in the M and BL2 triple-negative breast cancer subtypes.
Fast ortho-to-para conversion of molecular hydrogen in chemisorption and matrix-isolation systems
Authors: Ueta Hirokazu , Fukutani Katsuyuki , Yamakawa Koichiro
Published: September 2023

Molecular hydrogen has two nuclear-spin modifications called ortho and para. Because of the symmetry restriction with respect to permutation of the two protons, the ortho and para isomers take only odd and even values of the rotational quantum number, respectively. The ortho-to-para conversion is promoted in condensed systems, to which the excess rotational energy and spin angular momentum are transferred. We review recent studies on fast ortho-to-para conversion of hydrogen in molecular chemisorption and matrix isolation systems, discussing the conversion mechanism as well as rotational-relaxation pathways.
Front-end AI vs. Back-end AI: new framework for securing truth in communication during the generative AI era
Authors: Kim Donggyu , Kong Jungwon
Published: September 2023

The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital platforms has complicated the concept of truth in communication studies. The article presents the dichotomic framework of Front-end AI and Back-end AI to tackle the complexity of distinguishing truth. Front-end AI refers to AI technology used up-front, often as the face of a product or service, challenging the authenticity and truthfulness of content. In contrast, Back-end AI refers to AI technology used behind the scenes, which can generate misleading or biased content without disclosing its AI-generated nature. Addressing these challenges requires different approaches, such as verification and ethical guidelines for Front-end AI and algorithmic transparency, bias detection, and human oversight for Back-end AI.
Establishment of hypertension risk nomograms based on physical fitness parameters for men and women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Yining , Shi Zhiyong , Sun Dong , Munivrana Goran , Liang Minjun , István Bíró , Radak Zsolt , Baker Julien S. , Gu Yaodong
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aims to establish hypertension risk nomograms for Chinese male and female adults, respectively.

Method

A series of questionnaire surveys, physical assessments, and biochemical indicator tests were performed on 18,367 adult participants in China. The optimization of variable selection was conducted by running cyclic coordinate descent with 10-fold cross-validation through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The nomograms were built by including the predictors selected through multivariable logistic regression. Calibration plots, receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), decision curve analysis (DCA), clinical impact curves (CIC), and net reduction curve plots (NRC) were used to validate the models.

Results

Out of a total of 18 variables, 5 predictors—namely age, body mass index, waistline, hipline, and resting heart rate—were identified for the hypertension risk predictive model for men with an area under the ROC of 0.693 in the training set and 0.707 in the validation set. Seven predictors—namely age, body mass index, body weight, cardiovascular disease history, waistline, resting heart rate, and daily activity level—were identified for the hypertension risk predictive model for women with an area under the ROC of 0.720 in the training set and 0.748 in the validation set. The nomograms for both men and women were externally well-validated.

Conclusion

Gender differences may induce heterogeneity in hypertension risk prediction between men and women. Besides basic demographic and anthropometric parameters, information related to the functional status of the cardiovascular system and physical activity appears to be necessary.
Serial echocardiographic evaluation of COVID-19 patients without prior history of structural heart disease: a 1-year follow-up CRACoV-HHS study
Authors: Olszanecka Agnieszka , Wojciechowska Wiktoria , Bednarek Agnieszka , Kusak Piotr , Wizner Barbara , Terlecki Michał , Stolarz-Skrzypek Katarzyna , Klocek Marek , Drożdż Tomasz , Sładek Krzysztof , Bociąga-Jasik Monika , Garlicki Aleksander , Rewiuk Krzysztof , Matyja Andrzej , Małecki Maciej , Sydor Wojciech , Krzanowski Marcin , Grodzicki Tomasz , Rajzer Marek
Published: September 2023

Background

It is a well-known fact that COVID-19 affects the cardiovascular system by exacerbating heart failure in patients with preexisting conditions. However, there is a poor insight into the cardiovascular involvement and sequelae in patients without preexisting conditions. The aim of the study is to analyse the influence of COVID-19 on cardiac performance in patients without prior history of structural heart disease. The study is part of the CRACoV project, which includes a prospective design and a 12-month follow-up period.

Material and methods

The study included 229 patients hospitalised with a diagnosis of COVID-19 (median age of 59 years, 81 were women). A standard clinical assessment and laboratory tests were performed in all participants. An extended echocardiographic image acquisition was performed at baseline and at a 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. All analyses were performed off-line. A series of echocardiographic parameters was compared using repeated measures or Friedman analysis of variance.

Results

In all subjects, the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction at baseline was preserved [63.0%; Q1:Q3 (60.0–66.0)]. Elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T were detected in 21.3% of the patients, and elevated NT-proBNP levels were detected in 55.8%. At the 1-year follow-up, no significant changes were observed in the LV diameter and volume (LV 48.0 ± 5.2 vs. 47.8 ± 4.8 mm, p = 0.08), while a significant improvement of the parameters in the biventricular strain was observed (LV −19.1 ± 3.3% vs. −19.7 ± 2.5%, p = 0.01, and right ventricular −19.9 ± 4.5% vs. −23.2 ± 4.9%, p = 0.002). In addition, a decrease in the LV wall thickness was also observed (interventricular septum 10.4 ± 1.6 vs. 9.7 ± 2.0 mm, p < 0.001; LV posterior wall 9.8 ± 1.4 vs. 9.1 ± 1.5 mm, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In an acute phase of COVID-19, the elevation of cardiac biomarkers in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction is a frequent occurrence; however, it does not translate into clinically significant cardiac dysfunction after 1 year. The serial echocardiographic evaluations conducted in patients without preexisting structural heart disease demonstrate an overall trend towards an improved cardiac function and a reduced myocardial thickening at 1-year follow-up. This suggests that the acute cardiac consequences of COVID-19 are associated with systemic inflammation and haemodynamic stress in patients without preexisting conditions.
Emerging pharmaceutical contaminants in key aquatic environments of the Philippines
Authors: Mariano Shyrill Mae F. , Angeles Luisa F. , Aga Diana S. , Villanoy Cesar L. , Jaraula Caroline Marie B.
Published: September 2023

Pharmaceuticals in natural waters are considered emerging pollutants due to their low concentrations and the negative effects they pose to the environment. Common sources of such pollutants include untreated wastewater from hospitals, residential, industrial, and agricultural sources. Many wastewater treatment methods only remove a subset of all pharmaceuticals from the wastewater; remaining pharmaceuticals are discharged into natural waters, and ultimately drain into coastal areas. Regions without proper wastewater treatment are especially susceptible to such contamination. This study deals with the distribution, sources, and seasonal variability of pharmaceuticals in key aquatic systems in the Philippines. Two watershed continuums (Davao Gulf, Davao City; Macajalar Bay, Cagayan de Oro City); two tourist areas (Boracay Island, Aklan; Mabini, Batangas); and one pristine atoll (Tubbataha Reefs, Palawan)—all with varied prevailing human population pressures—were studied. Samples of hospital wastewater as well as groundwater, surface and bottom water samples from rivers and coastal seas collected during dry and wet seasons were analyzed using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Thirty-four target pharmaceutical residues and antibiotics were extracted and quantified. Acetaminophen was detected at concentrations of up to 289.17 ppb in freshwater samples, and at concentrations of up to 253.39 ppb in seawater samples. Ubiquitous to all the sites was caffeine, reaching 1848.57 ppb. Sulfamethazine, a commonly used veterinary antibiotic, was detected at 764.91 ppb in a river site in Cagayan de Oro. Untreated hospital wastewater contained metformin, iopamidol, sulfamethoxazole, acetylsulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin, but these pharmaceuticals were not detected in other river and coastal waters. Samples collected during the dry season exhibited higher concentrations than those from the wet season, which appears to be related to increase in transient populations from tourism activities as well as dilution. The presence of pharmaceutical residues and antibiotics in these areas and the potential impact on the environment indicate the need for stricter wastewater management measures, particularly in communities located near water bodies. As the results of this study show, such measures might be most beneficial and effective if imposed during dry season and in areas open to tourism.
Use of wearable devices in the teaching-learning process: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Glasserman-Morales Leonardo David , Carlos-Arroyo Martina , Ruiz-Ramirez Jessica Alejandra , Alcantar-Nieblas Carolina
Published: September 2023

Multimodal learning analytics (MMLA) has emerged as an encompassing approach to data collection, facilitating the analysis of student interactions across a variety of resources. MMLA capitalizes on data gleaned from diverse interactions, utilizing wearable devices to track physiological responses. This yields deeper insights into factors such as cognitive load, stress levels, interest, and other stimuli pivotal to the learning process. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the theoretical and practical challenges underpinning the integration of wearable devices into learning experiences, both in academic settings and in everyday life activities. A systematic review of the literature (SLR) was conducted to identify the characteristics of studies that incorporate wearable devices into teaching-learning process analyses. The outcomes enabled us to discern key attributes such as participant descriptions, the activities implemented for data collection, and a broad spectrum of biometric indicators, with electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate (HR) among the most commonly employed methodologies in data analysis. Future endeavors should be centered on the formation of interdisciplinary teams. The objective is to devise novel methodologies for multimodal data collection and analysis that can discern performance variables, thereby enhancing learning in a manner conducive to more fluid, reflective educational experiences for all participants in the teaching-learning process.
The State Change Per Cycle Map: a novel system-theoretic analysis tool for periodically-driven ReRAM cells
Authors: Ascoli A. , Schmitt N. , Messaris I. , Demirkol A. S. , Tetzlaff R. , Chua L. O.
Published: September 2023

Memristive devices are the subject of extensive studies nowadays. While the Dynamic Route Map is a powerful tool for analyzing the response of first-order memristors under DC stimuli, the development of an equivalent tool for investigating the response of these devices to AC stimuli is still an open question. Recently, Pershin and Slipko introduced a graphic method, which we name Time Average State Dynamic Route (TA-SDR), applicable to study first-order memristors subject to periodic rectangular pulse train-based stimuli. In this paper we introduce an alternative investigation tool, referred to as State Change Per Cycle Map (SCPCM), which is applicable in these very same scenarios. The novel analysis technique, inspired by the work of the French mathematician Henri Poincaré, reduces the investigation of a first-order non-autonomous continuous-time system to a simpler study of a first-order discrete-time map. A State Change Per Cycle Map defines precisely how the stimulus modulates each of the admissible device memory states over one input cycle. It is derivable either by means of numerical simulations, where a model for the ReRAM cell is available, or experimentally, in the case where the device memory state is accessible. While the predictive capability of a TA-SDR is limited to those case studies, where the AC periodic voltage signal applied across the device induces negligible changes in the respective memory state over each cycle, the conclusions drawn by analyzing a SCPCM have general validity, irrespective of the properties of the stimulus. The advantages of the novel analysis method for periodically driven ReRAM cells over the classical TA-SDR tool are highlighted through a number of case studies, some of which reveal the interesting capability of the ReRAM cell to display multiple oscillatory operating modes upon periodic stimulation via trains with a suitable number of SET and RESET pulses per period.
Anticipated correlation between lean body mass to visceral fat mass ratio and insulin resistance: NHANES 2011-2018
Authors: Shao Ya , Li Longti , Zhong Huiqin , Wang Xiaojun , Hua Yu , Zhou Xu
Published: September 2023

Objective

The relationship between body composition and insulin resistance (IR) is controversial. This study aimed to thoroughly examine the correlation between adipose tissue, lean body mass, and IR as evaluated by the Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2011 and 2018. Our study included 4981 subjects, and we employed multiple linear regression, smoothed curve fitting, threshold, and saturation effect analysis to investigate the relationship between lean body mass, visceral fat mass, and IR. Also, we used the lean body mass to visceral fat ratio (Log LM/VFM) as a proxy variable to analyze its association with IR alone.

Results

The study discovered a negative link between lean body mass and IR, but the visceral fat mass was positively correlated after correcting for covariates. A negative correlation was observed when the alternative variable Log LM/VFM was analyzed separately for its association with IR. This association was present regardless of whether the exposure variables were analyzed as continuous or categorical. The data analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship between Log LM/VFM and IR, as evidenced by the generalized additive model. In addition, a threshold effect with a critical value of 1.80 and a saturation effect with a critical point of 2.5 were also observed. Further subgroup analysis for sex, age, BMI, active levels, hypertension, and diabetes showed considerable robustness between the relationship of Log LM/VFM and IR.

Conclusion

Maintaining a proper ratio of lean body mass and visceral fat is beneficial for decreasing IR.
Assessment of common risk factors of diabetes and chronic kidney disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Shuwu , Li Yiming , Su Chen
Published: September 2023

Background

The increasing prevalence of diabetes and its significant impact on mortality and morbidity rates worldwide has led to a growing interest in understanding its common risk factors, particularly in relation to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This research article aims to investigate the shared risk factors between type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and CKD using a Mendelian randomization (MR) design.

Methods

The study utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets for T1D, T2D, and CKD from the FinnGen research project. GWAS summary statistics datasets for 118 exposure traits were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS database. MR analyses were conducted to examine the causal relationships between exposure traits and each of the three outcomes. Multiple methods, including inverse-variance weighted, weighted median, and MR-Egger, were employed for the MR studies.

Results

Phenome-wide MR analyses revealed that eosinophil percentage exhibited a significant and suggestive causal association with T1D and CKD, respectively, suggesting its potential as a shared risk factor for T1D and CKD. For T2D, 34 traits demonstrated significant associations. Among these 34 traits, 14 were also significantly associated with CKD, indicating the presence of common risk factors between T2D and CKD, primarily related to obesity, height, blood lipids and sex hormone binding globulin, blood pressure, and walking pace.

Conclusion

This research has uncovered the eosinophil percentage as a potential common risk factor for both T1D and CKD, while also identifying several traits, such as obesity and blood lipids, as shared risk factors for T2D and CKD. This study contributes to the understanding of the common risk factors between diabetes and CKD, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to reduce the risk of these diseases.
RETRACTED: Optimizing electric vehicle charging schedules and energy management in smart grids using an integrated GA-GRU-RL approach
Authors: Zhao Xinhui , Liang Guojun
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Smart grid technology is a crucial direction for the future development of power systems, with electric vehicles, especially new energy vehicles, serving as important carriers for smart grids. However, the main challenge faced by smart grids is the efficient scheduling of electric vehicle charging and effective energy management within the grid.

Methods: To address this issue, we propose a novel approach for intelligent grid electric vehicle charging scheduling and energy management, integrating three powerful technologies: Genetic Algorithm (GA), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) neural network, and Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithm. This integrated approach enables global search, sequence prediction, and intelligent decision-making to optimize electric vehicle charging scheduling and energy management. Firstly, the Genetic Algorithm optimizes electric vehicle charging demands while minimizing peak grid loads. Secondly, the GRU model accurately predicts electric vehicle charging demands and grid load conditions, facilitating the optimization of electric vehicle charging schedules. Lastly, the Reinforcement Learning algorithm focuses on energy management, aiming to minimize grid energy costs while meeting electric vehicle charging demands.

Results and discussion: Experimental results demonstrate that the method achieves prediction accuracy and recall rates of 97.56% and 95.17%, respectively, with parameters (M) and triggers (G) at 210.04 M and 115.65G, significantly outperforming traditional models. The approach significantly reduces peak grid loads and energy costs while ensuring the fulfilment of electric vehicle charging demands and promoting the adoption of green energy in smart city environments.
Community-driven research and capacity building to address environmental justice concerns with industrial air pollution in Curtis Bay, South Baltimore
Authors: Aubourg Matthew A. , Sawtell Greg , Deanes Lauren , Fabricant Nicole , Thomas Meleny , Spicer Kristoffer , Wagar Caila , Campbell Shashawnda , Ulman Abigail , Heaney Christopher D.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Curtis Bay (CB) is an environmental justice (EJ) community in South Baltimore. With a high concentration of industrial polluters and compounding non-chemical stressors, CB has experienced socioeconomic, quality of life, and health burdens for over 100 years. Today, these polluters include the open-air CSX Coal Terminal, waste-to-energy incinerators, and heavy diesel traffic through residential areas. The Community of Curtis Bay Association, Free Your Voice, and South Baltimore Community Land Trust are local organizations enacting a vision for equitable, healthy, and community-led development without industrial encroachment. In response to community-identified EJ concerns and an explosion at the CSX Coal Terminal, CB community groups partnered with academic researchers to develop a community-driven hyperlocal air monitoring and capacity building approach. This paper describes this approach to characterizing hyperlocal air quality in CB, building bridges between community residents and regulatory agencies, and nurturing a cohesive and effective community-academic partnership toward EJ.

Methods

Using hyperlocal air monitoring, we are collecting real-time air pollution (particulate matter, black carbon, and ground-level gas species) and meteorological data from 15 low-cost sensors in residential and industrial areas of CB. We also use trail cameras to record activities at the CSX Coal Terminal. We merge air pollution and industrial activity data to evaluate the following: overall air quality in CB, multi-air pollutant profiles of elevated events, spatiotemporal changes in air quality in the community, patterns of industrial activity, and potential correlations between air quality and observed industrial activity. Members of our partnership also lead a high school course educating students about the history and ongoing efforts of the EJ movement in their community. Students in this course learn how to employ qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods to bring scientific support to community EJ concerns.

Results and Discussion

Our hyperlocal air monitoring network and community-academic partnership are continuing to evolve and have already demonstrated the ability to respond to community-identified EJ issues with real-time data while developing future EJ leaders. Our reflections can assist other community and academic groups in developing strong and fruitful partnerships to address similar EJ issues.
Evaluating the impact of sickle cell disease on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity: a retrospective cohort study based on electronic health record
Authors: Luo Jiajun , Powell Johnny , Ross Sage , Johnson Julie , Olopade Christopher O. , Pinto Jayant , Kim Karen , Ahsan Habibul , Aschebrook-Kilfoy Briseis
Published: September 2023

Background

Sickle cell trait/disease (SCT/SCD) are enriched among Black people and associated with various comorbidities. The overrepresentation of these characteristics prevents traditional regression approach obtaining convincing evidence for the independent effect of SCT/SCD on other health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the association between SCT/SCD and COVID-19-related outcomes using causal inference approaches that balance the covariate.

Methods

We leveraged electronic health record (EHR) data from the University of Chicago Medicine between March 2020 and December 2021. Demographic characteristics were retrieved. Medical conditions were identified using ICD-10 codes. Five approaches, including two traditional regression approaches (unadjusted and adjusted) and three causal inference approaches [covariate balancing propensity score (CBPS) matching, CBPS weighting, and CBPS adjustment], were employed.

Results

A total of 112,334 patients were included in the study, among which 504 had SCT and 388 SCD. Patients with SCT/SCD were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black people, younger, female, non-smokers, and had a diagnosis of diabetes, heart failure, asthma, and cerebral infarction. Causal inference approaches achieved a balanced distribution of these covariates while traditional approaches failed. Across these approaches, SCD was consistently associated with COVID-19-related pneumonia (odds ratios (OR) estimates, 3.23 (95% CI: 2.13–4.89) to 2.57 (95% CI: 1.10–6.00)) and pain (OR estimates, 6.51 (95% CI: 4.68–9.06) to 2.47 (95% CI: 1.35–4.49)). While CBPS matching suggested an association between SCD and COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 0.97–4.17), this association was significant in other approaches (OR estimates, 2.96 (95% CI: 1.69–5.18) to 2.50 (95% CI: 1.43–4.37)). No association was observed between SCT and COVID-19-related outcomes in causal inference approaches.

Conclusion

Using causal inference approaches, we provide comprehensive evidence for the link between SCT/SCD and COVID-19-related outcomes.
Vulnerability of northern rocky mountain forests under future drought, fire, and harvest
Authors: Stenzel Jeffrey E. , Kolden Crystal A. , Buotte Polly C. , Bartowitz Kristina J. , Walsh Eric W. , Hudiburg Tara W.
Published: September 2023

Novel climate and disturbance regimes in the 21st century threaten to increase the vulnerability of some western U.S. forests to loss of biomass and function. However, the timing and magnitude of forest vulnerabilities are uncertain and will be highly variable across the complex biophysical landscape of the region. Assessing future forest trajectories and potential management impacts under novel conditions requires place-specific and mechanistic model projections. Stakeholders in the high-carbon density forests of the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains (NRM) currently seek to understand and mitigate climate risks to these diverse conifer forests, which experienced profound 20th century disturbance from the 1910 “Big Burn” and timber harvest. Present forest management plan revisions consider approaches including increases in timber harvest that are intended to shift species compositions and increase forest stress tolerance. We utilize CLM-FATES, a dynamic vegetation model (DVM) coupled to an Earth Systems Model (ESM), to model shifting NRM forest carbon stocks and cover, production, and disturbance through 2100 under unprecedented climate and management. Across all 21st century scenarios, domain forest C-stocks and canopy cover face decline after 2090 due to the interaction of intermittent drought and fire mortality with declining Net Primary Production (NPP) and post-disturbance recovery. However, mid-century increases in forest vulnerability to fire and drought impacts are not consistently projected across climate models due to increases in precipitation that buffer warming impacts. Under all climate scenarios, increased harvest regimes diminish forest carbon stocks and increase period mortality over business-as-usual, despite some late-century reductions in forest stress. Results indicate that existing forest carbon stocks and functions are moderately persistent and that increased near-term removals may be mistimed for effectively increasing resilience.
Morchella esculenta cultivation in fallow paddy fields and drylands affects the diversity of soil bacteria and soil chemical properties
Authors: Duan Mingzheng , Yang Chengcui , Bao Liuyuan , Han Duo , Wang Huaizheng , Zhang Yongzhi , Liu Honggao , Yang Shunqiang
Published: September 2023

The properties of paddy field (DT) and dry land (HD) soil and food production can be enhanced by the cultivation of Morchella esculenta (ME) during the fallow period. However, whether ME cultivation affects the soil health and microbial diversity of paddy fields and drylands during the cultivation period remains unclear, and this has greatly limited the wider use of this cultivation model. Here, we analyzed the soil chemical properties and bacterial diversity (via metabarcoding sequencing) of DT and HD soils following ME cultivation. Our findings indicated that ME cultivation could enhance soil health. The content of soil phosphorus and potassium (K) was increased in DT soil under ME cultivation, and the K content was significantly higher in HD soil than in DT soil under ME cultivation. ME cultivation had a weak effect on alpha diversity, and ME cultivation affected the abundance of some genera of soil bacteria. The cultivation of ME might reduce the methane production capacity of DT soil and enhance the nitrogen cycling process of HD soil based on the results of functional annotation analysis. Network analysis and correlation analysis showed that Gemmatimonas, Bryobacter, and Anaeromyxobacter were the key bacterial genera regulating soil chemical properties in DT soil under ME cultivation, and Bryobacter, Bacillus, Streptomyces, and Paenarthrobacter were the key taxa associated with the accumulation of K in HD soil. The results of our study will aid future efforts to further improve this cultivation model.
15-month post-COVID syndrome in outpatients: Attributes, risk factors, outcomes, and vaccination status - longitudinal, observational, case-control study
Authors: Augustin Max , Stecher Melanie , Wüstenberg Hauke , Di Cristanziano Veronica , Sandaradura de Silva Ute , Picard Lea Katharina , Pracht Elisabeth , Rauschning Dominic , Gruell Henning , Klein Florian , Wenisch Christoph , Hallek Michael , Schommers Philipp , Lehmann Clara
Published: September 2023

Background

While the short-term symptoms of post-COVID syndromes (PCS) are well-known, the long-term clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of PCS remain unclear. Moreover, there is ongoing discussion about the effectiveness of post-infection vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to aid in PCS recovery.

Methods

In this longitudinal and observational case-control study we aimed at identifying long-term PCS courses and evaluating the effects of post-infection vaccinations on PCS recovery. Individuals with initial mild COVID-19 were followed for a period of 15 months after primary infection. We assessed PCS outcomes, distinct symptom clusters (SC), and SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in patients who received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, as well as those who did not. To identify potential associating factors with PCS, we used binomial regression models and reported the results as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

Results

Out of 958 patients, follow-up data at 15 month after infection was obtained for 222 (23.2%) outpatients. Of those individuals, 36.5% (81/222) and 31.1% (69/222) were identified to have PCS at month 10 and 15, respectively. Fatigue and dyspnea (SC2) rather than anosmia and ageusia (SC1) constituted PCS at month 15. SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were equally distributed over time among age groups, sex, and absence/presence of PCS. Of the 222 patients, 77.0% (171/222) were vaccinated between 10- and 15-months post-infection, but vaccination did not affect PCS recovery at month 15. 26.3% of unvaccinated and 25.8% of vaccinated outpatients improved from PCS (p= .9646). Baseline headache (SC4) and diarrhoea (SC5) were risk factors for PCS at months 10 and 15 (SC4: OR 1.85 (95%CI 1.04-3.26), p=.0390; SC5: OR 3.27(95%CI 1.54-6.64), p=.0009).

Conclusion

Based on the specific symptoms of PCS our findings show a shift in the pattern of recovery. We found no effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on PCS recovery and recommend further studies to identify predicting biomarkers and targeted PCS therapeutics.