bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Survival Analysis to Identify Populations of Learners at Risk of Withdrawal: Conceptualization and Impact of Demographics
Authors: Martínez-Carrascal Juan Antonio , Hlosta Martin , Sancho-Vinuesa Teresa
Published: February 2023

High dropout rates constitute a major concern for higher education institutions, due to their economic and academic impact. The problem is particularly relevant for institutions offering online courses, where withdrawal ratios are reported to be higher. Both the impact and these high rates motivate the implementation of interventions oriented to reduce course withdrawal and overall institutional dropout. In this paper, we address the identification of populations of learners at risk of withdrawing from higher education online courses. This identification is oriented to design interventions and is carried out using survival analysis. We demonstrate that the method’s longitudinal approach is particularly suited for this purpose and provides a clear view of risk differences among learner populations. Additionally, the method quantifies the impact of underlying factors, either alone or in combination. Our practical implementation used an open dataset provided by The Open University. It includes data from more than 30,000 students enrolled in different courses. We conclude that low-income students and those who report a disability comprise risk groups and are thus feasible intervention targets. The survival curves also reveal differences among courses and show the detrimental effect of early dropout on low-income students, worsened throughout the course for disabled students. Intervention strategies are proposed as a result of these findings. Extending the entire refund period and giving greater academic support to students who report disability are two proposed strategies for reducing course withdrawal.
A BOARD GAME DEVELOPMENT ON CELL MEMBRANE TRANSPORT MATERIAL
Authors: Majid Qonita , Ramli Murni , Maridi Maridi
Published: February 2023

Board games are one of the supporting tools for understanding complex material and abstract scientific concepts This study aims to develop a board game with cell membrane transport material and test the board game response by experts. This study is research and development. This board game was developed for class XI science students using learning progression. The research design used was adopted by Arnel A. Gutierrez's research. The steps used in this study include the preparation stage, game development, and response testing by experts. Test responses are carried out by distributing questionnaires to validators /experts using Google Form. The questionnaire assesses the content, instructions, appearance, and design of the media. Analysis of the validity of the instrument with five options using a Likert scale, given four choices between ranges of disagreeing, disagree, agree, and strongly agree. The results of data analysis using a ranking scale Rasch model may indicate that the validity of the score of the selected respondents indicated that the average value of observations shows a significant difference starting from logit -0.32 for selection score of 1 (disagree), and 0.96 for the selection quite agree, 2.58 for the agreeable choice and 5.69 for the strongly agree choice. Between these options, there is an increase in logit, which indicates that the scale on the questionnaire used is good. The Andrich Threshold average value starts from the value of none, negative -3.54 to positive 4.17 indicating that the answer option from the respondent is valid, which means the board game can be used.
Distal- to- proximal sequential ICG injection technique (DOPSIT) for lymphatic vessels mapping
Authors: Chen Wei F , Pandey Sonia Kukreja
Published: February 2023

Supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) is the most sought-after procedure among lymphedema patients. However, the same enthusiasm is currently not shared among lymphedema surgeons due to the lackluster results of LVA. The common unfavorable experience with this famed procedure is at least partially caused by the difficulty in finding the lymph vessels. We share our time-tested indocyanine green-based lymph vessel mapping technique, which has helped us establish LVA as our procedure for all fluid-predominant lymphedema.
Desentralisasi Dan Kekhususan Pelaksanaan Otonomi Daerah Otorita Ibu Kota Nusantara
Authors: Nurdin M. Rizki
Published: February 2023

This study discusses decentralization and the specificity of implementing regional autonomy as the authority for the capital city of Nusantara. The purpose of this research is to identify the decentralization and the specificity of implementing regional autonomy as the authority for the capital city of Nusantara. This research uses normative juridical methods. The materials used are primary and secondary legal materials obtained from literature studies and qualitative analysis. Based on the results of the research, this study concludes that: Law Number 3 of 2022 is the legal basis for the establishment of a regional government specifically for the capital city of Nusantara. The legal basis regulates the peculiarities of Nusantara, namely the authorities, rights, obligations, duties and responsibilities in administering government in the national capital. The capital city of the Nusantara is a regional government, therefore the administration of government continues to apply regional autonomy and co-administration with the principle of broadest autonomy. However, there are several concepts of decentralization and regional autonomy that are inconsistent with practice in the archipelago capital city authority areas, namely the Institutional Authority Board of the Capital City of Nusantara, the appointment of the Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority by the President and the abolition of the Regional House of Representative institution in the Nusantara Capital City.
Perlindungan Hukum bagi Pemberi Pinjaman terhadap Klausula Baku dalam Perjanjian Layanan Peer-to-Peer Lending (Studi Kasus Layanan Peer to Peer Lending Asetku)
Authors: Annisa Ira
Published: February 2023

The advance in financial technology has altered the payment system, which originally can only be done face-to-face, now can be done by remote transactions and in a short amount of time, one of which is through the Peer-to-Peer Lending (P2PL). This study aims to determine legal protection for lenders against standard clauses in peer-to-peer lending service agreements and risk mitigation for providers of peer-to-peer lending services. This research is a normative legal research that uses a statutory approach. The results of this study conclude that first, the inclusion of standard clauses in the P2PL service agreement has not provided legal protection for lenders because it is not in accordance with the provisions in the Consumer Protection Act and Financial Services Authority Regulations. Prohibitions and requirements regarding the use of standard clauses are intended to place consumers in an equal position with business actors based on the principle of freedom of contract and prevent the possibility of actions that are detrimental to consumers due to ignorance, unequal position, and so on that may be exploited by business actors to gain profits. Second, peer-to-peer lending service providers make efforts to mitigate risk in P2PL services in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Services Authority Regulation which require identification, measurement, and monitoring and control of credit risk and operational risk arising from all P2PL services which aim to preventing and mitigating credit risk and operational risk.
Peranan APBN Dalam Program Jaring Pengaman Sosial Sebagai Instrumen Penanganan Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Fadillah Nor
Published: February 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia has broadly impacted the lives of the people. Based on the Central Statistics Agency which stated that the rate of economic growth in the 1st Quarter from January to March 2020 only grew by 2.97%. This figure slowed down from 4.79% in the fourth quarter of 2019. The government increased the budget for the Social Safety Net Program as a response to handling Covid by using the state budget as an instrument for recovery due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This study discusses the role of the State Budget and Expenditure Revenue in the form of distribution for the Social Safety Net Program in the perspective of state financial law using normative research methods. The results of the study concluded that the Covid-19 pandemic as a state of emergency has altered the state budget. In the perspective of state financial law, the government's action to increase the state management budget in the Social Safety Net Program is permitted in accordance with the constitution, namely based on Law Number 17 of 2003 and Law Number 2 of 2020, in which the government has the authority to make expenditures for which the budget is not yet available and obtain approval from the DPR at the end of the current budget year. The role of the State Budget in the Social Safety Net program is very important as an instrument for handling the Covid-19 pandemic.
Acoso y hostigamiento sexual en universitarias: emociones ante estas formas de violencia de género y su afrontamiento
Authors: Rodríguez Hernández Karla , Rodríguez Barraza Adriana , Agoff Boileau María
Published: February 2023

Stalking and sexual harassment, as expressions of gender violence in the field of higher education, are very pressing problems as they have been exhibited by the protest movements that have arisen in Higher Education Institutions. The objective of this work is to analyze the narratives of university women who experienced stalking and/or sexual harassment in Higher Education Institutions in the municipalities of Tampico and Ciudad Madero in the state of Tamaulipas. The purpose was to learn about their experiences and their way of dealing with these forms of gender violence, using qualitative research and a phenomenological design. The technique used for data collection was the semi-structured interview. The selection of the informants was based on intentional sampling and the number of cases examined was guided by the saturation criterion, the total number of participants being thirteen. The analysis of the interviews shows that acts of stalking and sexual harassment provoke various emotions in women that can shed light on the problem of violence from the perspective of the victims, instead of considering only their own explanations, which are often rationalized or consistent with socially legitimized meanings. In sum, the study of emotions allows us to conclude that women within the university context suffer from a psychophysical discomfort that does not allow them to live a full university life.
Multicultural Islamic Education for Ex-Terrorists: Paradigms, Orientations, and Approaches
Authors: Ikmal Hepi , Maskuri Maskuri , Tamrin Dahlan
Published: February 2023

Terrorism is a problem that has not been fully resolved in Indonesia. This group still exists and continues to conduct cadres in several areas of this country. This study, therefore, aims to reveal the strategy carried out by the Lingkar Perdamaian Foundation (YLP) in Lamongan in providing guidance to former terrorists and breaking the chain of radical ideology in Indonesia. Qualitative data were obtained from interviews and direct observations with former terrorist actors through qualitative methods. This study succeeded in finding that in the process, YLP convincingly applied the values of multicultural Islamic education oriented to changing the ideology and personality of former terrorists. On the other hand, in the process, education for ex-terrorists was conducted based on an extraordinary paradigm, namely divinity (rabbaniyah), humanity (insaniyah), and nationality (wathaniyah). Islamic education was also conducted using a rational, psychosocial, and life skills approach. This research also contributes to building an Islamic education model designed explicitly for ex-terrorists with three orientations at once: ideological change, self-change, and encouraging them to socialize again with the broader community.
Construction of an Islamic Studies Curriculum Based on Religious Moderation in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Ahmadi Ahmadi , Syukur Fatah , Shodiq Shodiq , Rahman Taufiqur
Published: February 2023

This study aims to explain the Islamic studies curriculum based on religious moderation in higher education institutions (HEIs). In developing an Islamic studies curriculum, it is necessary to have an integrated concept between goals, materials, strategies, and evaluation. Curriculum development also needs to pay attention to supervision and cooperation with the Ministry of Religion and partnerships with religious leaders. The focus of Islamic studies based on religious moderation in HEIs is the Islamic religious education course. This literature research used primary data from books on the HEIs curriculum and learning Islam in HEIs. Meanwhile, secondary data sources came from books and articles related to the Islamic studies curriculum in HEIs. The findings revealed that for the measurable construction of Islamic studies curriculum in HEIs, it should fulfill at least three aspects: (1) normative curriculum construction, (2) current facts curriculum construction, and (3) curriculum reconstruction (rearrangement). This research further contributes to HEIs in compiling Islamic studies curricula to create students with a moderate attitude.

 
Peran Pengamalan Zikir Tarekat Syadziliyah terhadap Kesejahteraan Spiritual
Authors: Mulyati Sri , Cahyandari Rinova , Niko Puti Febrina
Published: February 2023

This research focuses on the Syadziliyah congregation. This study aims to determine the practice of the Syadziliyah Order taught by KH. Subhan and how the practice of the Tarekat can affect the spiritual well-being of the students who run it. This research was conducted at the Islamic boarding school Sabilurosyad. This research is a type of qualitative phenomenological research using interviews, observation, and documentation. Sources of data in this study include the leadership of the Islamic boarding school and the students of Sabilurosyad as well as various other literary sources. The results showed that the practice in the Syadziliyah order taught by KH. Subhan consists of bai'at, khataman, manaqiban, general recitation and haul akbar, uzlah, rabitoh (relationships between tarekat followers and tarekat mursyids as well as relationships among tarekat followers), remembrance (jahr and sirri), and chanting remembrance of blessings and istighfar. These various practices of remembrance have a positive effect on spiritual well-being, which is manifested through increasing faith in Allah SWT, improvement of meaning of life in the form of awareness of the meaning of amar ma'ruf nahi munkar, and improvement of life goals that become clearer and more positive, as well as the realization of harmony with the environment.
Analysis of Zakat Literacy in Kudus Regency, Central Java Province: A Mixed-Method Approach
Authors: Azzah Farah Nailal , Santosa Purbayu Budi , Santosa Purbayu Budi
Published: February 2023

Assessing zakat literacy is needed for zakat institutions to examine zakat collection policies and evaluate zakat education and socialization programs. This study aims to map the level of zakat literacy in the Kudus Regency using the Zakat Literacy Index and unearth the factors which influence people's behavior in paying zakat. This study uses a mixed method with a sequential explanatory design. The results showed that the level of zakat literacy in the Kudus Regency was in the moderate category, with a Zakat Literacy Index score of 77.39. This study also shows that trust in scholars, peer influence, and education factors have influenced people's behavior and zakat understanding level. This paper also proffers implications to optimize the role of the zakat collector unit in order to increase the zakat knowledge of the community and the urgency of innovative and sustainable distribution programs.
Payment Social Charity from the Muslim Community in Jayapura with an Explanatory Research
Authors: Fachrudin Fiqri Affandy Fachrudin Fiqri , Baharuddin Jukri , Fauziah Yeubun Shimah , Eka Pratiwi Ira
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to investigate why Muslim communities prefer to pay social charity to private non-profit institutions during natural and humanitarian disasters. This is quantitative research with an explanatory analysis method. The population in this study was the entire Muslim population of Jayapura City, Papua Province. Pre-observational research found that only 11% (22 respondents) of 200 respondents paid social charity to official government-owned institutions, while 89% (178 respondents) paid social charity to private non-profit institutions. Therefore, we obtained data using a questionnaire from 178 respondents who paid social charity to private non-profit organizations. The results show that three important variables can explain why people prefer to pay Islamic social finance to private non-profit institutions: channeling effectiveness, ease of access, and social influence. This study makes implications for private non-profit organizations on how to keep contributors' trust by paying attention to how donors' money is distributed, how accurately donations are distributed, and how the organization is perceived. The example set by private nonprofit organizations should be followed by government-owned private nonprofit organizations to improve their donor services.
Estrategias de marketing digital y nivel de ventas de la empresa Indecor bienes y servicios generales EIRL, distrito de Santiago de Surco (Lima-Perú), 2021
Authors:   , Huaman Luna Silvia Anali , Medina Torre Ruth
Published: February 2023

En este artículo tratamos de averiguar la relación entre la estrategia de marketing digital y el nivel de ventas de la empresa INDECOR Bienes y Servicios Generales EIRL, distrito de Santiago de Surco (Lima-Perú), 2021. Dicha investigación se desarrolló basado en un enfoque cuantitativo, de un tipo de estudio correlacional, empleando la investigación del diseño no experimental. Se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado y la muestra censal estuvo conformada por 30 clientes del INDECOR. Además, en cuanto a la recolección de información, se utilizó la herramienta cuestionario escala Likert, lo cual estuvo conformado por 27 preguntas cerradas, las cuales fueron validadas mediante el juicio de expertos. Es necesario mencionar que la prueba de confiabilidad arrojó 0.903 para la primera variable y 0.876 para la segunda (utilizando el coeficiente de alfa de Cronbach), indicando la fiabilidad del instrumento. Los resultados muestran una relación directa entre estas variables, resultando un Rho de Spearman positivo de 0.470, al nivel de significación de la prueba (p=.000 < α=0.05). Aceptando la hipótesis alternativa, concluimos una correlación moderadamente positiva entre las estrategias de marketing digital y el nivel de ventas de INDECOR Bienes y Servicios Generales EIRL, Distrito de Santiago de Surco (Lima-Perú) 2021.
Dynamic Analysis of a Downhole Regulator for Drilling in Interbedded Formations
Authors: Aribowo Arviandy G. , Wildemans Roeland , Detournay Emmanuel , van de Wouw Nathan
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we investigate the effect of a downhole passive regulator [anti-stall tool (AST)] on the dynamics of rotary drilling systems in interbedded formations. Drilling in interbedded formations can significantly affect the vibrational signature of these systems and the associated drilling performance. Hence, models to assess the impact of drilling in such formations are needed. Here, we construct a dynamic model of the drillstring system which incorporates the bit/rock interface laws for the transitional phase of bit motion between rock layers with distinct mechanical properties. In the model, the axial and torsional dynamics of the drillstring systems are coupled by these interface laws and cast in the form of discontinuous (state-dependent) delay differential equations. Next, we include the AST in the dynamic model to enable the assessment of the influence of this downhole tool on drilling performance, in particular in terms of rate-of-penetration (ROP) and drilling efficiency. Furthermore, we also investigate the mechanical specific energy (MSE) and steady-state power losses at the bit (due to frictional torque) for different operational conditions and rock layer thicknesses. The analysis reveals that an increased drilling efficiency and lower MSE are obtained by incorporating the downhole tool in the drillstring, resulting in a higher ROP and a lower frictional contact between the bit and rock in interbedded formations.
Transient Flow Performance of a Vertical Well With Multiple Varying Conductivity Fractures in a Tight Oil Reservoir
Authors: Xing Guoqiang , Dou Xiangji , Liu Xianyong , Guo Wenmin , Wang Mingxian , Tang Ying
Published: February 2023

Due to uneven proppant distribution and varied proppant sizes during hydraulic fracturing, artificial fractures of varying length, asymmetry, and varying conductivity are easily formed near the wellbore. The principal focus of this work is to investigate the pressure transient performance of a vertical well penetrated by multiple asymmetrical fractures with varying lengths and varying conductivities in a tight oil reservoir. A novel fracture flow equation was developed specifically to describe the flow behavior inside the complex artificial fractures mentioned above. By combining with the point source solution of the tight oil reservoir, a semianalytical solution was further obtained to analyze the pressure transient behavior of a vertical well with multiple varying-conductivity fractures in a tight oil reservoir. The accuracy and reliability of the newly-developed solution were verified by comparing with the result of a numerical model. With this new solution, fracture flux distribution for different conductivity modes, namely, linearly declining mode, exponentially declining mode, and elliptically declining mode, shows that the near-wellbore fracture flux of the exponential mode is greater than that of the other two modes, but the flux distribution near the fracture tips is on the contrary. Meanwhile, the transient flow characteristics under the above varying conductivity modes indicate that the exponentially varying conductivity has a significant influence on the early linear flow regimes, while the linear and elliptical mode only has a slight influence on the bilinear flow regime under high conductivity. Parameter sensitivity analysis reveals that the obvious inversion point occurring in the pressure derivative curves of uniform conductivity fractures disappears on the pressure derivative curves of varying conductivity fractures, and a weaker asymmetry, a greater adjacent fracture angle, and a larger fracture number and fracture length ratio are conducive to improve the fracturing stimulation effect. This study deepens our understanding of the transient flow performance of vertically fractured wells and helps to estimate artificial fracture properties and evaluate hydraulic fracturing performance.
Performance improvements for small-cells with cooperative diversity in Rayleigh/Rice fading environment
Authors: Delibasic Maja
Published: February 2023

The evolution of wireless and mobile networks is moving towards increased number of user devices, higher data rates, lower latency, higher energy efficiency and reliable connectivity. Sensor network nodes, infrastructure-based relays, femto-cell relays, cooperative diversity, etc. are already recognized as relatively simple, but important part of wireless networks that assist in signal transmission and provide improved quality of service. This paper studies performance improvements of two-hop cooperative relay system employing polarization diversity at infrastructure relay station. The obtained results are compared with the basic cooperative relay system, so the level of the achieved improvements can be measured.
Investigating the comparative effectiveness of place-based and scatter-site permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic: protocols for a mixed-methods, prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Henwood Benjamin F. , Kuhn Randall , Padwa Howard , Ijadi-Maghsoodi Roya , Corletto Gisele , Lawton Alex , Chien Jessie , Bluthenthal Ricky , Cousineau Michael , Chinchilla Melissa , Smith Bikki Tran , Vickery Katherine D. , Darby Anna , Harris Taylor , Patanwala Maria , Akabike Whitney N. , Gelberg Lillian
Published: February 2023

Background: Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is an evidence-based practice to address homelessness. This paper describes the protocols for a mixed-methods comparative effectiveness study of two distinct approaches to implementing PSH and patient-centered quality of life, health care utilization, and health behaviors that reduce COVID-19 risk.
Methods: People experiencing homelessness who are placed in either (a) single-site (place-based) PSH or (b) scatter-site PSH completed 6 monthly surveys after move-in using smartphones provided by the study team. A subsample of participants completed three qualitative interviews at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Two stakeholder advisory groups, including one featuring people with lived experience of homelessness, helped guide study decisions and interpretations of findings.
Discussion: Recruitment during the pandemic was challenging given that in-person contact was not permitted at times either by the recruitment sites or research institutions during COVID-19 surges and high community transmission, which particularly affected homelessness programs. To overcome these challenges, flexible strategies were employed that included extending the recruitment period and distribution of cell phones with paid data plans.
Trial registration: NCT04769349
High expression of circular clock gene NPAS2 is associated with progression and poor prognosis of gastric cancer
Authors: Cao Xiaomeng , Kang Wendi , Xia Tianhong , Yuan Shaobin , Guo Changan , Wang Wenjie , Liu Hongbin
Published: February 2023

Objective: To explore the relationship between the circular clock gene NPAS2 (neural PAS domain protein 2) and the survival prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) patients and clarify its role in evaluating GC prognosis.
Methods: The tumor tissues and clinical data of 101 patients with GC were collected retrospectively. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) was used to detect the expression of NPAS2 protein in GC and adjacent tissues. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent prognostic factors of GC, and a nomogram prediction model was established. The ROC curve, the ROC area under the curve (AUC), the calibration curve, and C-index were used to evaluate the predictive effectiveness of the model. Kaplan Meier analysiswas used to compare the risk stratification of subgroups according to the median score in the nomogram model of each patient.
Results: Microarray IHC analysis showed that the positive rate of NPAS2 protein expression in GC tissues was 65.35%, which was significantly higher than 30.69% in adjacent tissues. The high expression of NPAS2 was correlated with TNM stage (P<0.05), pN stage (P<0.05), metastasis (P<0.05), venous invasion (P<0.05), lymphatic invasion (P<0.05), and lymph node positive (P<0.05) of GC. Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed that the 3-year overall survival (OS) of patients with high NPAS2 expression was significantly shortened (P<0.0001). Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis showed that TNM stage (P=0.009), metastasis (P=0.009), and NPAS2 expression (P=0.020) were independent prognostic factors of OS in GC patients for 3 years. The nomogram prediction model based on independent prognostic factors has a C-Index of 0.740 (95% CI: 0.713-0.767). Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that the 3-year OS time of the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: NPAS2 is highly expressed in GC tissues and is closely related to worse OS in patients. Therefore, the evaluation of NPAS2 expression may be a potential marker for GC prognosis evaluation. Notably, the nomogram model based on NPAS2 can improve the accuracy of GC prognosis prediction and assist clinicians in postoperative patient management and decision-making.
Item-specific memory reactivation supports overnight memory consolidation
Authors: Liu Jing , Xia Tao , Chen Danni , Yao Ziqing , Zhu Minrui , Antony James , Lee Tatia M.C. , Hu Xiaoqing
Published: February 2023

Understanding how individual memory traces are reactivated during sleep is instrumental to the theorizing of memory consolidation, a process during which newly acquired information becomes stabilized and long-lasting. Via targeted memory reactivation (TMR), a technique that unobtrusively delivers learning-related memory cues to sleeping participants, we examined the reactivation of individual memories during slow-wave sleep and how canonical neural oscillations support item-specific memory reactivation. Furthermore, we investigated how pre-sleep testing, which presumably induces fast consolidation before sleep, would modulate sleep-mediated memory reactivation. Applying multivariate representational similarity analysis (RSA) to the cue-elicited electroencephalogram (EEG), we identified significant item-specific representations in two post-cue time windows (620-1350 ms and 2270-3190 ms) for post-sleep remembered items, with only the later item-specific representations contributing to memory consolidation. Untested items (i.e., items that were not tested pre-sleep), but not tested items, elicited higher spindles that predicted stronger item-specific representations and post-sleep memories. Notably, for untested items, the strengths of memory reactivation and spindles were temporally coupled to the up-state of the slow oscillation activity. Together, our results unveiled how item-specific memory reactivation and its link with neural oscillations during sleep contributed to memory consolidation. This knowledge will benefit future research aiming to perturb specific memory episodes during sleep.
Simultaneous determination for 12 kinds of heavy metal elements in high salt foods by solid phase extraction-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: LU Yi-na , XU Zhen-lin , ZHANG Lin-tian , LI ZHI-Xiong , Wu Libo , Li Xuchun
Published: February 2023

In this paper,the method of solid phase extraction-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was established for the determination of 12 kinds of heavy metal elements, including Alum(V), manganese(Mn), iron(Fe), cobalt(Co), nickel(Ni), copper(Cu), zinc(Zn), gallium(Ga), cadmium(Cd), tin(Sn), lead(Pb) and uranium(U) in high-salt foods. After the sample was digested by microwave and acid drived out, the pH value of digestion solution was adjusted with 1.0 mol/L ammonium acetate buffer solution.The interfering salts of Na and K were removed but the heavy metal elements were adsorbed on the extraction column filled with resin.Then the 12 kinds of heavy metal elements were eluted by 2 mol/L nitric acid and enter the ICP-MS for measurement. The method established in this study can reduce the interference of salt on the detection. It has accurate quantification and good repeatability and it is suitable for the determination of 12 kinds of heavy metal elements in high-salt foods.
Temperature-compensated calibration of cross-style hotwire anemometers
Authors: Finke Colton , White Edward B.
Published: February 2023

Velocity measurements collected using constant-temperature hotwire anemometers are sensitive to variation in the ambient temperature. This research defines a methodology for calibrating cross-style hotwires from which temperature-compensated estimates of the streamwise and spanwise components of velocity are obtained. Four calibration sweeps are conducted that account for the effects of ambient temperature, flow angularity, and velocity magnitude. A freestream calibration verification experiment establishes that the relative calibration error is less than 2% of the velocity components for flow angles up to ±20°. The corresponding flow-angle uncertainty is less than ±1.0°.
Ultrafast Bragg Coherent Diffraction Imaging of Epitaxial Thin Films using Deep Complex-valued Neural Networks
Authors: Yu Xi , Wu Longlong , Lin Yuewei , Diao Jiecheng , Liu Jialun , Hallmann Jörg , Boesenberg Ulrike , Liu Wei , Möller Johannes , Scholz Markus , Zozulya Alexey , Madsen Anders , Assefa Tadesse , Bozin Emil , Cao Yue , You Hoydoo , Sheyfer Dina , Rosenkranz Stephan , Marks Samuel , Evans Paul , Keen David , He Xi , Božović Ivan , Dean Mark , Yoo Shinjae , Robinson Ian
Published: February 2023

Domain wall structures form spontaneously due to epitaxial misfit during thin film growth. Imaging the dynamics of domains and domain walls at ultrafast timescales can provide fundamental clues to features that impact electrical transport in electronic devices. Recently, deep learning-based methods showed promising phase retrieval (PR) performance, allowing intensity-only measurements to be transformed into snapshot real space images. While the Fourier imaging model involves complex-valued quantities, most existing deep learning-based methods solve the PR problem with real-valued-based models, where the connection between amplitude and phase is ignored. To this end, we involve complex numbers operation in the neural network to preserve the amplitude and phase connection. Therefore, we employ the complex-valued neural network for solving the PR problem and evaluate it on Bragg coherent diffraction data streams collected from an epitaxial La2-xSrxCuO4 (LSCO) thin film using an X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL). Our proposed complex-valued neural network-based approach outperforms the traditional real-valued neural network methods in both supervised and unsupervised learning manner. Phase domains are also observed from the LSCO thin film at an ultrafast timescale using the complex-valued neural network.
Strontium-substituted phosphate-based glass exhibits improved and optimized bioactive in vitro and in vivo responses
Authors: Ryu Jeong-Hyun , Lee Myung-Jin , Mangal Utkarsh , Seo Ji-Yeong , Jeong Il Jun , Park Jin-Young , Na Ji-Yeong , Lee Kee-Joon , Yu Hyung-Seog , Cha Jae-Kook , Kwon Jae-Sung , Choi Sung-Hwan
Published: February 2023

Background
Phosphate-based glass (PBG) is an attractive bioactive material for promoting the cellular regenerative response. PBG consists of glass network which contains phosphate as the main component and can be substituted into various therapeutic ions. Strontium (Sr) can stimulate osteogenic activity and inhibit the pro-inflammatory response. However, there are limited studies on the characterization and biological performance Sr-substituted PBG (PSr). In this study, PSr was characterized and its of immuno-osteogenic response potential was investigated for substituting Ca with Sr. Considering a priority for cellular activity, we compared the optimized PSr against the benchmark 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) for its effect on cellular bioactive response and regenerative hard tissue.
Methods
PSr groups were fabricated by a melt-quenching method; subsequently, they were characterized and their biological performance was investigated for the preference of PSr. Considering the clinically used BG as the benchmark, PSr was evaluated based on the cytotoxicity assay, osteogenic activity, pro-inflammatory response, and implantation of calvaria bone defect.
Results
PSr groups exhibited a glass structure and phosphate network similar to that of PBG. However, the results of ion release analysis showed that PSr6 was stable in accordance with Ca/P, Ca/Sr, and P/Sr ratios. Based on these results, the cellular response of PSr6 was the highest, which increased for the early osteogenic marker and inhibited the inflammatory response. Compared to the clinically used BG as the benchmark, PSr6 promoted osteogenic activity and suppressed inflammatory response. The results of in vivo study indicated that the new bone formation in the PSr6 was similar to that in benchmark BG. However, the limitation of this study was the four weeks of implantation. However, the results of our study suggest that PSr6 is promising for enhancing the immuno-osteogenic response and regenerating hard tissue with the optimized glass structure having Ca/Sr ratio of 2:1.
Conclusions
The developed PSr6 demonstrated stable physical properties, favorable cytocompatibility, and immune-osteogenic response. Compared with benchmark BG, PSr6 exhibited enhanced immuno-osteogenic response and regeneration of new bone and connective tissues. Therefore, PSr6 is a potential bone grafting material for regenerative hard tissue.
The Mediating Role of Perceptions of Municipal government Performance on the Relationship between Good Governance and Citizens’ Trust
Authors: Abdi Ahmed-Nor Mohamed
Published: February 2023

The study examined whether elements of good governance affect citizens’ trust through citizens’ perceptions of municipal government performance. 357 cross-sectional data were collected from residents of Mogadishu Municipality, Somalia. SmartPLS 4 was used to analyze the data. The study found that perceived elements of good governance positively and directly affect both citizens’ trust and perceptions of municipal government performance. Also, perceptions of municipal government performance partially mediate both variables. The study concludes that municipality officials need to recognize the importance of good governance and citizens’ perceptions of municipal government performance if they want citizens to trust the municipality.
Number of healthy teeth can predict the response of rectal cancer to chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Nakao Toshihiro , Shimada Mitsuo , Yoshikawa Kozo , Tokunaga Takuya , Nishi Masaaki , Kashihara Hideya , Takasu Chie , Wada Yuma , Yoshimoto Toshiaki
Published: February 2023

Background: It has been reported that the oral and gut microbiomes are associated with the prognosis in patients who undergo surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for colorectal cancer. This study is the first to identify a correlation between the number of healthy teeth, which is an oral health indicator, and the efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy for rectal cancer.
Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 30 patients who underwent radical surgery after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) between December 2013 and June 2021. The relationship between number of teeth before CRT and the efficacy of CRT, CRT-related adverse events, postoperative complications, and long-term postoperative outcomes was examined.
Results: The number of healthy teeth was significantly greater in patients with downstaging of their disease than in those without downstaging (p=0.027) and in patients with a complete response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors than in those who did not have a complete response (p=0.014). Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had ≥15 teeth or ≤14 teeth. There was no significant between-group difference in CRT-related adverse events. The incidence of all postoperative complications and grade II postoperative complications tended to be higher in patients with ≥15 teeth (p=0.071 and p=0.092, respectively), as did the 5-year overall survival rate (p=0.083) and the 5-year disease-free rate (p=0.007).
Conclusions: The number of healthy teeth predicted the response to preoperative CRT, postoperative complications, and the outcome of subsequent surgery in patients with rectal cancer.
LiangxueJiedu Formula improves psoriatic dermatitis by regulating the circadian clock to inhibit IL-17-producing Th17 and γδT cells
Authors: Xie Xinran , Zhang Lei , Lin Yan , Liu Xin , Han Xuyang , Li Ping
Published: February 2023

Background
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. The circadian clock influence immune cells and control the skin’s inflammatory response. In this study, we observed the effect of LiangxueJiedu Formula (LXJDF) on imiquimod-induced per2-knockout mice to explore the mechanism of Chinese medicinal herbs in improving skin inflammation via the circadian clock.
Methods
The per2−/− mice were randomly divided into the model group, the LXJDF group, and the positive drug group (dexamethasone). The dorsal skin of mice was smeared with imiquimod at 9:00 AM (ZT1), and the corresponding drugs were given at 10:00AM (ZT2) and 10:00 PM (ZT14), respectively. The wild-type (WT) mice were smeared vaseline as the control group. The skin lesions were observed and PASI was performed for six consecutive days. The pathological morphology of the skin was determined by HE and immunofluorescence (Ki67, loricrin, and IL-17A) staining, and the epidermis thickness was measured. The spleen weight and index were calculated, and the splenocyte subtypes and serum cytokine levels were detected by flow cytometry. The serum melatonin levels were detected by ELISA. The gene expressions of inflammatory cytokines in the skin were determined by qPCR. The gene and protein expressions of circadian clock-related genes (CLOCK, BMAL1, REV-ERBα, NFIL3, and RORγt) in the skin were determined by qPCR and western blot.
Results
LXJDF could significantly improve the psoriasiform skin lesions, including the reduction of PASI, thinning of epidermal thickness, inhibition of keratinocytes proliferation, and parakeratosis at two-time points (ZT2 and ZT14). LXJDF could reduce the spleen weight and index and inhibit the number of Th17 cells, γδT cells, and the serum inflammatory factors levels of IL-17A, IL-17F, TNF-α, IL-22, IL-6. In addition, LXJDF could significantly down-regulate the mRNA expressions of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23, and IL-6 in the skin. LXJDF significantly increased the expressions of BMAL1 and REV-ERBα, and decreased NFIL3 and RORγt.
Conclusions
LXJDF ameliorates psoriatic dermatitis by regulating the circadian clock to inhibit IL-17-producing Th17 and γδT cells.
Optimization of multi-objective reliability redundancy allocation problem with non-homogeneous components using mixed redundancy strategy under uncertainty conditions
Authors: Noormohammadi Gholamreza , najafi esmaeil , Safari Jalal , sobhani farzad Movahedi
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we introduce a new multi-objective model and solution method for the reliability-redundancy allocation problem (RRAP) in a series-parallel system to maximize system reliability and minimize total cost. Most studies on RRAP assume the components are homogeneous, the reliability of components is predefined, and redundancy strategies in each subsystem are considered cold-standby or active. Each of the above assumptions serves as a constraint that doesn’t broaden solution regions. In the proposed multi-objective model, the components are heterogeneous, and the reliability of components is uncertain. In addition, mixed strategies (cold-standby and active redundancies) can be used in each subsystem. The proposed optimization problem is an NP-hard problem and cannot be solved by exact algorithms. Therefore, it is necessary to use meta-heuristic algorithms to solve this problem. Since the proposed model is a multi-objective model, a multiple evolutionary algorithm called NSGA-II will be used to solve the problem. Lastly, the performance of the proposed mathematical model is assessed by a well-known problem-testing method. The optimization results show the effectiveness of the proposed model and prove that the proposed method outperforms the previous ones.
Reconsideration of ileocoecal pouch as a neobladder post cystectomy with proximal urethra sparing: extended evaluation of continence and morbidity in 97 patients
Authors: Nassar Omaya
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To reconsider safety and functional sufficiency of ileocoecal pouch (IC) as a neobladder post urethral sparing cystectomy (USC) in a prolonged series. Secondary aim is male to female voiding control.
Materials and methods: (2000-2016), 97 participants (36 females) with bladder and uterine cervix cancer underwent cystectomy / anterior pelvic resection. Entirely open IC was used with modifications to add urethral length. Continence progress and morbidity were evaluated over 68 month (m).Pad-free candidate in-between voiding times beside candidates’ satisfaction were a real continence.
Results: Male total 24 hour control was (36, 59, 73& 70%) after 6, 12 & 24- m and 5-years respectively. Ladies continence was (0, 12.5, 33 & 30%) for the similar time. Stress incontinence was 84% (grade II&III) at 2-m decreased to 49% (grade I) after 5-years. Capacities and voiding volumes significantly elevated 6 - 12 m; but residual volume & compliance didn’t. Females had lower bladder neck and urethral pressures than males even USC and day& night continence were delayed significantly. Female sex and comorbidity were the main factors to delay continence while age & USC were non-significant.
Early complications (20%) were mostly Clavien-grade I & II with 2-mortality and 3-reoperation. Leak was less for USC. Late complications (17.5%) were grade II&III including 4-reoperation without rediversion.
Conclusions: IC is still a safe straightforward technique with adequate compliance and offers consistent rising continence rates with average morbidity and renal preservation. Females may not benefit control for this diversion as males and USC has no significant impact.
Amenable-like and Connes Amenable-like Propertiesof Certain Matrix Algebras
Authors: Shariati Seyedeh Fatemeh , Rostami Mehdi , Sahami Amir
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study some amenability like properties for certain matrix algebras called anti-symmetric matrix algebras, say $AS_I(\Bbb C)$, where the index set $I$ is a totally ordered set which posses a smallest element. We show that anti-symmetric matrix algebra is biprojective and weakly amenable. We prove that $AS_I(\Bbb C)$ is pseudo-contractible if and only if $I$ is singleton. In the second part of the paper we investigate some amenability like properties for a class of $\ell^{2}$-Munn algebras. As a dual Banach algebra, we study some Connes homological properties of these algebras like Connes biprojectivity and approximate Connes amenability.
Improved Mathematical Models of Parkinson's Disease with Hopf Bifurcation and Huntington's Disease with Chaos
Authors: Elfouly Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Studying mathematical models for Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease by using delay differential equations is important to clarify the importance of synchronization between different basal ganglia loops. We used the delay circuit RLC (resistor, inductor, capacitor) model to illustrate excitation and inhibition of the motor cortex from the direct pathway and the indirect pathway in the basal ganglia. A term has been added to the mathematical model without time delay in the case of the hyperdirect pathway. It is proposed to add a non-linear term to adjust the synchronization. We studied Hopf bifurcation conditions for the proposed models. The desynchronization of response times between the direct pathway and the indirect pathway leads to different symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Tremor occurs when the time delay in the dopaminergic pathway is increased by the indirect pathway. The simulation confirmed that tremor occurs and the motor cortex is in an inhibited state. If the time delay in the dopaminergic pathway is increased by the direct pathway, this leads to a critical increase in the activity of the motor cortex. The activity of the motor cortex is regulated by the hyperdirect pathway. The simulation showed bradykinesia occurs when we switch from one movement to another that is less exciting for the motor cortex. A decrease of GABA in the striatum or delayed excitation of the substantia nigra from the subthalamus may be a major cause of Parkinson's disease. An increase in the response time delay in one of the pathways results in the chaotic movement characteristic of Huntington's disease.