bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for emerging intraocular inflammation after intravitreal brolucizumab injection for age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Mukai Ryo , Matsumoto Hidetaka , Akiyama Hideo
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To analyze the risk factors associated with emerging intraocular inflammation (IOI) after intravitreal brolucizumab injection (IVBr) to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

This study included 93 eyes of 90 patients. The incidence of emerging IOI was analyzed. The patients were classified into IOI or non-IOI groups, and background clinical characteristics in each group were compared.

Results

IOI occurred in 14 eyes of 14 cases (16%; five women, nine men [5:9]; IOI group) after IVBr; contrastingly, no IOI occurred in 76 patients (10 women, 66 men [10:66]; non-IOI group). The mean ages in IOI and non-IOI groups were 79.4 ± 8.1 and 73.8 ± 8.9 years old, respectively, and the average age in the IOI group was significantly higher than that in the non-IOI group (P = 0.0425). In addition, the percentages of females in the IOI and non-IOI groups were 43% and 13%, respectively, and IOI occurred predominantly in females (odds ratio: 4.95, P = 0.0076). Moreover, the prevalence of diabetes in the IOI and non-IOI groups was 64% and 32%, respectively, with a significant difference (odds ratio: 3.90, P = 0.0196). In contrast, the prevalence of hypertension in the IOI and non-IOI groups was 36% and 57%, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.15).

Conclusion

The comparison of clinical profiles of IOI or non-IOI cases in IVBr treatment for AMD suggests that the risk factors for IOI are old age, female sex, and history of diabetes; however, IOI with vasculitis or vascular occlusion in this cohort does not seem to cause severe visual impairment. Further studies are required to investigate potential risk factors for IOI.
Budesonide promotes airway epithelial barrier integrity following double-stranded RNA challenge
Authors: Rimmer Clara , Hetelekides Savas , Eliseeva Sophia I. , Georas Steve N. , Veazey Janelle M.
Published: December 2021

Airway epithelial barrier dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a key feature of asthma and other lung diseases. Respiratory viruses are responsible for a large fraction of asthma exacerbations, and are particularly potent at disrupting epithelial barrier function through pattern recognition receptor engagement leading to tight junction dysfunction. Although different mechanisms of barrier dysfunction have been described, relatively little is known about whether barrier integrity can be promoted to limit disease. Here, we tested three classes of drugs commonly prescribed to treat asthma for their ability to promote barrier function using a cell culture model of virus-induced airway epithelial barrier disruption. Specifically, we studied the corticosteroid budesonide, the long acting beta-agonist formoterol, and the leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast for their ability to promote barrier integrity of a monolayer of human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) before exposure to the viral mimetic double-stranded RNA. Of the three, only budesonide treatment limited transepithelial electrical resistance and small molecule permeability (4 kDa FITC-dextran flux). Next, we used a mouse model of acute dsRNA challenge that induces transient epithelial barrier disruption in vivo, and studied the effects budesonide when administered prophylactically or therapeutically. We found that budesonide similarly protected against dsRNA-induced airway barrier disruption in the lung, independently of its effects on airway inflammation. Taken together, these data suggest that an under-appreciated effect of inhaled budesonide is to maintain or promote airway epithelial barrier integrity during respiratory viral infections.
A type VII secretion system in Group B Streptococcus mediates cytotoxicity and virulence
Authors: Spencer Brady L. , Tak Uday , Mendonça Jéssica C. , Nagao Prescilla E. , Niederweis Michael , Doran Kelly S.
Published: December 2021

Type VII secretion systems (T7SS) have been identified in Actinobacteria and Firmicutes and have been shown to secrete effector proteins with functions in virulence, host toxicity, and/or interbacterial killing in a few genera. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that isolates of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) encode at least four distinct subtypes of T7SS machinery, three of which encode adjacent putative T7SS effectors with WXG and LXG motifs. However, the function of T7SS in GBS pathogenesis is unknown. Here we assessed the role of the most abundant GBS T7SS subtype during GBS pathogenesis. In a murine model of hematogenous meningitis, mice infected with GBS lacking a functional T7SS or lacking the secreted WXG100 effector EsxA exhibited less mortality, lower bacterial burdens in tissues, and decreased inflammation in the brain compared to mice infected with the parental GBS strain. We further showed that this T7SS induces cytotoxicity in brain endothelium and that EsxA contributes to these cytotoxicity phenotypes in a WXG motif-dependent manner. Finally, we determined that EsxA is a pore-forming protein, thus demonstrating the first role for a non-mycobacterial EsxA homolog in pore formation. This work reveals the importance of a T7SS in host–GBS interactions and has implications for T7SS effector function in other Gram-positive bacteria.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Screening of Some
Organotin Complexes Derived from Salicyl Hydrazide Schiff Bases
Authors: Priyanka  , Singh Tuli Hardeep , Aggarwal Pallvi , Kumar Manoj
Published: December 2021

A series of new organotin(IV) compounds [Me2SnL], [Et2SnL], [Bu2SnL] and [Ph2SnL], where L =
2-hydroxy-N-(1-(4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-oxo-2H-pyran-3-yl)ethylidene)benzohydrazide has been
synthesized by refluxing methyl salicylate hydrazide hydrate with dehydroacetic acid (DHA) with the
corresponding organotin(IV) chlorides. All the compounds were characterized by elemental analyses,
FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 119Sn NMR and mass spectrometry. The synthesized complexes found to
have wide therapeutic potential.
Silver Doped Polyaniline-Graphene Based Barium Ferrite
Composite as Humidity Sensor and Photocatalyst
Authors: Vinay K. , Ravikiran Y.T. , Revanasiddappa M. , Kumar A. Naveen , Veena K. , Ravikumar C.R. , Ananda Murthy H.C.
Published: December 2021

In this work, the response of humidity sensing and dielectric properties of PANI/Ag/graphene/BaFe12O19
(PAGB) composite prepared by chemical interfacial oxidative polymerization method using the
ammonium peroxydisulfate as an oxidant is presented. The synthesized PAGB composite was
characterized by using FT-IR, XRD, SEM and EDAX techniques. The measured dielectric constant
and dielectric tangent loss values were found to decrease with increase in logarithmic frequency. The
electrical resistance of the composite was also found to decrease from 2500 MΩ to 7 MΩ, on exposure
to a wide range of relative humidity (RH) varying between 10% and 97% RH. This observed decrease
is due to capillary condensation of water molecules which cause the changes in electrical conductivity
of composite. The synthesized PAGB-50% composite displayed a high sensitivity at low humidity
ranging from 20% to 60% RH. The composite has been proved to be a better candidate in the design
of humidity sensors. In addition, PAGB composite exhibited efficiency towards the degradation of
organic anionic dye, acid orange-8, with high potential of reusability.
Supplementation of cryoprotective extender with resveratrol decreases apoptosis index and reactive oxygen species levels in post-thaw dog sperm
Authors: Bang Seonggyu , Tanga Bereket Molla , Qamar Ahmad Yar , Fang Xun , Seong Gyeonghwan , Nabeel Abdelbagi Hamad Talha , Yu Iljeoung , Cho Jongki
Published: December 2021

Resveratrol (RSV, 3,5,4′-trihydroxytrans-stilbene) protects sperm from cryo-induced damage in various animal and human species. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of dog sperm cryoprotective extender containing RSV on the quality of post-thaw dog sperm. Sperm were collected from 4 Beagles and supplemented with different concentrations of RSV (0, 100, 200, and 400 µM). After thawing, apoptosis index, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed to determine post-thaw sperm quality. Dog sperm cryopreserved with 400 µM RSV showed significant improvement in post-thaw sperm quality with lower apoptosis index and ROS levels (p < 0.05). Our results showed that the supplementation of dog sperm cryoprotective extender with RSV at a concentration of 400 µM improved the post-thaw dog sperm quality in the term of sperm ROS production and apoptosis. In addition, we emphasize the necessity of testing the ROS levels and apoptosis index using flow cytometry to determine the quality of post-thaw semen.
Entre la integridad académica y el plagio estudiantil ¿qué dicen las universidades públicas mexicanas en su normatividad?
Authors: Morales Montes Mitzi Danae , Vilchis Ivonne Lujano
Published: December 2021

Esta investigación documental busca contribuir al estudio del plagio estudiantil mediante el análisis de la normatividad de 33 universidades públicas mexicanas. El propósito es reconocer tanto las fortalezas como los desafíos de los marcos legales institucionales e identificar cómo promueven la integridad académica y enfrentan conductas deshonestas como el plagio. El análisis se organiza en tres categorías. La primera es axiológica y analiza los valores expresados en las leyes orgánicas y códigos de ética. La segunda es operativa y examina reglamentos escolares, de titulación y de posgrado. La tercera identifica las nociones de plagio y los recursos institucionales para prevenirlo e identificarlo. Se presentan los alcances y limitaciones de las normatividades y se observa que las universidades declaran valores idóneos para promover la integridad académica entre sus estudiantes. Dichos principios están desarticulados de la reglamentación específica que dirige sus actividades cotidianas pues la regulación en torno al respeto a la propiedad intelectual es escasa y ambigua. Se observa que las iniciativas legales acertadas para empezar a combatir el plagio son insuficientes para considerarlas como la única estrategia institucional que permitirá enfrentar este desafío, por el contrario, son el fundamento para diseñar acciones y destinar recursos diversos que permitan erradicarlo.
Analisis Karakteristik dan Potensi Tingkat Erosi Daerah Aliran Sungai Blorong Kabupaten Kendal Tahun 2013 dan 2018 Menggunakan Sistem Informasi Geografis dan Pendekatan Universal Soil Lost Equation (USLE)
Authors: Robbany Achmad Zakky , Setyorini Dhea Sarah , Riski Aldino Maulana , Widyastuti Santhi
Published: December 2021

Peningkatan penduduk yang pesat mengakibatkan suatu daerah terus berkembang, salah satunya yaitu berada di Daerah Aliran Sungai (DAS) Blorong. DAS Blorong dengan luas area 208,20 km2 merupakan salah satu sub DAS bagian timur dari DAS Bodri-Kuto yang berada di kabupaten Semarang dan kabupaten Kendal. Penelitian memiliki tujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik dan tingkat erosi di DAS Blorong. Metode yang digunakan untuk menghitung tingkat erosi di DAS Blorong yaitu menggunakan USLE (Universal Soil Loss Equation). Metode USLE yang dilakukan dengan Sistem Informasi Geografis (SIG) dengan mencari faktor-faktor untuk mendapatkan nilai USLE tersebut,  beserta menganalisa karakteristik DAS dari data digital elevation model (DEM), peta tata guna lahan, peta geologi, dan curah hujan (tahun 2013 dan 2018). Pada DAS Blorong ditentukan karaktersitiknya berdasarkan hulu dan hilir dari DAS tersebut. Tingkat erosi yang terdapat pada DAS Blorong ditinjau dari tata guna lahan di DAS tersebut. Tingkat erosi di DAS Blorong pada tahun 2013 hingga 2018 terjadi peningkatan sebesar 10,78%, dari 852,236,26 ton/Ha/tahun menjadi 944.037,79 ton/Ha/tahun. Berdasarkan identifikasi dan perhitungan, menunjukkan bahwa curah hujan dan perubahan lahan pemukiman, agrikultur, dan ladang merupakan penyumbang terbesar erosi. Rekomendasi yang dapat dilakukan untuk meminimalisir potensi erosi adalah berupa upaya konservasi pada wilayah ini.
The Characteristics Of Shoreface Deposits And The Reservoir Implication Of Seulimum Formation, Aceh Besar
Authors: Putra Hidayat Syah , Rifqan Rifqan , Muhni Akmal , Sartika Dewi
Published: December 2021

The shoreface deposits study commonly conducted to characterize the reservoir's physical properties carried out by surface geological data. The physical properties focused on pore space conditions controlled by sedimentary process and tectonic settings in Seulimum Formation. The method used as descriptive analysis and previous study of the area interested. The geological data showed shoreface environmental deposits that can be divided into two types of environmental deposits they are middle shoreface and upper shoreface deposits. These environmental deposits are proven by some features such as bioturbation with an abundant presence of Ophiomorpha in the second stop sites (total 5 stop sites). The first stop site indicates two kinds of environmental deposits by coarse sandstones and mudstones dominated facies presence in the specific beds. Mudclast and hummocky structures also present in the field observation that concludes complex environmental deposits during the quaternary period the formation. Based on characteristics of facies could suggest those sediment products deposited on shallow marine. These wave-dominated coasts generally have an excellent reservoir potential effect on shoreface sands that are laterally continuous and were orientated parallel to the shoreline.
Penilaian Kualitas Airtanah untuk Air Minum dan Air Irigasi di Kota Banjarbaru dan Sekitarnya
Authors: Zahra Firza Syarifa , Putranto Thomas Triadi , Muhammad Fuad
Published: December 2021

Airtanah merupakan salah satu sumber air bersih bagi masyarakat Kota Banjarbaru dan sekitarnya. Jumlah air bersih yang semakin terbatas dan kualitas airtanah yang semakin buruk menjadi isu yang mengkhawatirkan saat ini. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kualitas airtanah untuk air minum dan air irigasi bagi masyarakat kota banjarbaru dan sekitarnya. Dalam penelitian ini diambil 10 sampel airtanah untuk mengetahui sifat fisik dan sifat kimia airtanah. Penilaian kualitas airtanah untuk air minum menggunakan WQI, sedangkan penilaian kualitas airtanah untuk air irigasi menggunakan SAR, Na%, dan RSC. Hasil analisis WQI menunjukkan terdapat 60% airtanah dengan kualitas sangat baik yang masih dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai air minum dan 40% kualitas buruk hingga tidak layak minum. Hasil SAR menunjukkan airtanah di lokasi penelitian sangat baik untuk irigasi. Analisis Na% menunjukkan bahwa 20% airtanah sangat baik untuk irigasi, 20% baik untuk irigasi, 40% diperbolehkan untuk keperluan irigasi, dan sisanya 20% meragukan untuk air irigasi. Analisis RSC menunjukkan bahwa 90% airtanah baik untuk air irigasi, dan 10% sisanya tidak cocok untuk air irigasi. Secara umum, airtanah untuk keperluan irigasi sekitar 80% dapat dimanfaatkan, sedangkan 20% sisanya tidak cocok untuk irigasi atau hanya dapat digunakan untuk tanaman-tanaman tertentu yang memiliki sifat tolerah terhadap kandungan garam yang tinggi. Pemanfaatan airtanah harus tepat sesuai dengan kualitasnya agar memperoleh manfaat yang maksimal dan tidak menimbulkan bahaya baik bagi kesehatan manusia mapun bagi pertanian.
Nanofosil Gampingan Formasi Ofu Berumur Neogen Di Pulau Rote
Authors: Widiatama Angga Jati , Santy Lauti Dwita , An Nahar Rikza Nur Faqih , Damanik Adrianus , Putri Winda Eka Mandiri , Zulfiah Zulfiah
Published: December 2021

Formasi Ofu merupakan bagian paling muda dari sikuen Kolbano yang litologinya didominasi batugamping pelagik. Belum adanya penelitian tentang diversitas dan zonasi umur nanofosil gampingan menjadikan riset ini penting dilakukan. Riset ini berhasil mengidentifikasi tujuh famili dan 19 spesies nanofosil gampingan. Nanofosil gampingan didominasi genus Discoaster, Dictyococcites, dan Reticulofenestra yang dapat dibagi menjadi tiga zonasi, dan satu zona transisi Pliosen-Pleistosen. Permulaan Miosen, Burdigalian-Tortonian (zona NN 2-NN 10) ditandai pemunculan awal Helicosphaera kamptnerihingga pemunculan awal Discoaster quinqueramus. Zona NN11 yang berumur Tortonian-Messinian ditandai pemunculan awal hingga pemunculan akhir Discoaster quinqueramus. Zona NN12-NN15 (Messinian-Zanclean) ditandai pemunculan awal hingga pemunculan akhir Discoaster pansus. Transisi Pliosen-Pleistosen (NN 16-NN 21) ditandai dengan pemunculan akhir dari Discoaster pansus hingga pemunculan akhir Dictyococcites productus dan Helicosphaera princei. Tingginya diversitas nanofosil mengindikasikan kondisi upwelling. Melimpahnya genus Helicosphaera serta genus Calcidiscus merupakan indikasi daerah upwelling yang dipengaruhi oleh pertemuan arus hangat dan arus dingin.
Analisis Ground Motion di Selatan Gunung Api Ungaran Berdasarkan Mikrozonasi Metode Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR)
Authors: Amrullah Muhammad Khemal , Aditama Maulana Rizki , Laksono Fx Anjar Tri , Widagdo Asmoro
Published: December 2021

Salah satu mitigasi bencana yang dapat dilakukan untuk mengidentifikasi daerah yang berpotensi mengalami pergerakan tanah adalah analisis mikrotremor dengan metode Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) yang menghasilkan parameter frekuensi dominan dan amplifikasi. Kedua data tersebut digunakan untuk mencari nilai indeks kerentanan seismik, ketebalan lapisan sedimen, dan peak ground acceleration yang dijadikan sebagai parameter untuk dianalisis dalam mengidentifikasi daerah yang berpotensi mengalami pergerakan tanah. Pada daerah penelitian nilai indeks kerentanan seismik terendah 0,15 s2/cm dan tertinggi 33,74 s2/cm, ketebalan sedimen paling tipis pada Vs 175 m/s adalah 3,24 m dan ketebalan lapisan sedimen paling tebal adalah 33,71 m, sedangkan pada Vs 350 m/s ketebalan paling tipis adalah 6,48 m dan ketebalan sedimen paling tebal adalah 67,43 m, serta nilai peak ground acceleration paling tinggi  adalah 48,48 gal dan paling rendah adalah adalah 14,91 gal. Berdasarkan analisis data microtremor, nilai indeks kerentanan seismik, lapisan sedimen, depth of boundary, dan peak ground acceleration, daerah yang memiliki potensi pergerakan tanah yang relatif tinggi berada di titik MS12, MS14, MS15, MS20, MS21, dan MS23.
Pengelolaan Limbah Alat Pelindung Diri (APD) di Daerah Jakarta Barat Berbasis Smart Infectious Waste Bank (SIWAB)
Authors: Rahmalia Intan , Oktiviani Namira Yostya , Kahalnashiri Fifik Samhun , Ulhasanah Nova , Suryawan I Wayan Koko
Published: December 2021

Pandemi COVID-19 yang melanda dunia mengharuskan masyarakat untuk melindungi diri dari penularan penyakit melalui penggunaan alat pelindung diri (APD). APD dari COVID-19 seperti masker bedah (surgery mask), sarung tangan, pakaian dekontaminasi (hazardous material suit), dan pelindung wajah (face shield) sebagian besar terbuat dari plastik dan kebutuhannya meningkat tajam. Namun, limbah APD tidak dipahami masyarakat sebagai limbah B3 infeksius sehingga sering dicampur pembuangannya bersama dengan limbah domestik. Kondisi tersebut dapat ditemukan pada seluruh lokasi di Indonesia, terutama Daerah Khusus Ibukota (DKI) Jakarta. Berdasarkan laporan Dinas Lingkungan Hidup DKI Jakarta, penghasil limbah APD domestik tertinggi berada di daerah Jakarta Barat. Melalui penelitian dilakukan pengelolaan limbah APD di daerah Jakarta Barat berbasis Smart Infectious Waste Bank (SIWAB). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh timbulan limbah APD yang berasal dari rumah tangga dan merancang bank sampah yang didukung oleh teknologi digital (aplikasi) sebagai sarana pengelolaan limbah APD. Penelitian diawali dengan studi pendahuluan timbulan limbah APD beserta karakteristiknya dan dilanjutkan dengan perancangan SIWAB. Hasil penelitian berupa aplikasi SIWAB yang terintegrasi dengan smartphone. Penelitian ini akan memberikan kontribusi besar kepada pemerintah Jakarta Barat dalam pengelolaan limbah B3 infeksius khususnya dan Indonesia umumnya.ABSTRACTThe COVID-19 pandemic that surge the world, requires people to protect themselves from the transmission of disease by using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The COVID-19 PPE, such as surgery masks, gloves, hazardous material suits, and face shields, are mostly made of plastic and the need for procurement is increasing. However, the community does not understand the PPE waste as infectious hazardous waste, so often it mixed with domestic waste. This condition can be found in all regions of Indonesia, especially the Special Capital Region of Jakarta. Based on a report from the Jakarta Environment Agency, the highest producer of domestic PPE waste is in the West Jakarta. Through this research, PPE waste management was carried out in the West Jakarta area based on the smart infectious waste bank (SIWAB). This study aims to obtain PPE waste generation from household and to design a waste bank that is supported by digital technology (application) as a means of PPE waste management. The research begins with a preliminary study of the generation of PPE waste and its characteristics and next designing an SIWAB application. The research result is a SIWAB application that is integrated with smartphone. This research will make a major contribution to the West Jakarta government in managing Toxic and Hazardous Materials (THM) infectious waste and Indonesia in general.
Applying natural language processing to automatically assess student conceptual understanding from textual responses
Authors: Somers Rick , Cunningham-Nelson Samuel , Boles Wageeh
Published: December 2021

In this study, we applied natural language processing (NLP) techniques, within an educational environment, to evaluate their usefulness for automated assessment of students’ conceptual understanding from their short answer responses. Assessing understanding provides insight into and feedback on students’ conceptual understanding, which is often overlooked in automated grading. Students and educators benefit from automated formative assessment, especially in online education and large cohorts, by providing insights into conceptual understanding as and when required. We selected the ELECTRA-small, RoBERTa-base, XLNet-base and ALBERT-base-v2 NLP machine learning models to determine the free-text validity of students’ justification and the level of confidence in their responses. These two pieces of information provide key insights into students’ conceptual understanding and the nature of their understanding. We developed a free-text validity ensemble using high performance NLP models to assess the validity of students’ justification with accuracies ranging from 91.46% to 98.66%. In addition, we proposed a general, non-question-specific confidence-in-response model that can categorise a response as high or low confidence with accuracies ranging from 93.07% to 99.46%. With the strong performance of these models being applicable to small data sets, there is a great opportunity for educators to implement these techniques within their own classes.
Implications for practice or policy:

Students’ conceptual understanding can be accurately and automatically extracted from their short answer responses using NLP to assess the level and nature of their understanding.
Educators and students can receive feedback on conceptual understanding as and when required through the automated assessment of conceptual understanding, without the overhead of traditional formative assessment.
Educators can implement accurate automated assessment of conceptual understanding models with fewer than 100 student responses for their short response questions.
From pandemic to endemic: Examining transitions in blended learning in teacher education
Authors: Thilarajah Shamini , Nasendran Renuka
Published: December 2021

One year ago, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that COVID-19 was a pandemic. Twelve months on, we reflect on the educational change in Singapore and embrace the need to constantly re-imagine blended learning for living and learning with COVID-19. Using Dr Roger Greenaway’s four F's of active reviewing - Facts, Feelings, Findings & Future as the structure, this paper first presents the study of the transitions in blended learning of higher education pre-, during and post-pandemic lockdown. This review placed a spotlight on many gaps. Hence, this paper discusses pertinent issues following the review, particularly COVID-19 accelerated remote teaching, the ‘Blended Learning@NIE’ policy, and the policy-making process. This paper also reports the preliminary result of the policy implementation through the end-of-semester evaluation. The result is congruent with the feelings to develop digital fluency as teacher intuition for designing, developing and facilitating more meaningful blended learning experiences.
The role of the lecture in post pandemic IHLs: Possibilities and implications from a Singapore case study
Authors: Viswanathan Ganthi , O'Neill Marnie
Published: December 2021

As one of the earliest instructional methods in formal education, lectures are primarily designed for students to learn through acquisition (Laurillard, 2012). Bligh’s seminal work (2000) concluded with evidence that lectures are as effective, but not more effective, than other methods in transmitting simple information. Although large, didactic, ‘sage on the stage’ (King, 1993) lectures have been much criticised over the past few decades, evolution to ‘guide by the side’, facilitated approaches has been slow.
Creating an inclusive educational environment for vocational learning: A tale of two cities
Authors: Turnbull Darren , Chugh Ritesh , Luck Jo
Published: December 2021

One of the significant challenges facing vocational training institutions is the conundrum of providing the best possible learning outcomes to a diverse range of people using pedagogical practices and materials that by design demand uniformity in delivery approaches. In this paper, we examined a snapshot of perspectives from teachers and students in two distinctly different vocational training institutions, one in China and the other in Australia. Comments from participants revealed that flexible approaches to course delivery, the provision of a range of different types of learning materials, and institutional support in teacher training and curriculum design are vital elements in implementing an inclusive learning space for students. This paper proposes that a triad of interrelated elements, consisting of pedagogy, learning materials and institutions, are bound together by learning management systems that facilitate the creation of multi-modal course delivery approaches. We further contend that teaching practices that pigeonhole people as belonging to immutable categories of learning styles are outmoded and detract from creating inclusive learning environments. The findings from this study indicate that best practice approaches for developing truly engaging educational environments are rooted in the facilitation of individual autonomy in the learning process. The creation of opportunities for constructive interaction between learners is needed.
Exploring industry-university partnerships in the creation of short courses and micro-credentials
Authors: Fitzgerald Rachel , Huijser Henk
Published: December 2021

This paper explores industry-university partnerships in the creation of short courses and microcredentials. It is a position paper that precedes a pilot study. We scan the higher education environment for current practices and begin to explore the notion of a more consistent and strategic approach. Partnerships refer to both industry as partners in course development, and industry as partners in developing meaningful learning experiences in the context of professional and career development. The pilot study that this paper is connected to aligns with national and international frameworks and explores university-industry partnerships, to ensure such partnerships can be leveraged to offer better value to learners with regards to workplace and lifelong learning.
Complete consistency for the estimator of nonparametric regression model based on m-END errors
Authors: Zhang Shui-Li , Hou Tiantian , Qu Cong
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we study the complete consistency for the estimator of nonparametric regression model based on m-END errors and obtain the convergence rates of the complete consistency under more general conditions. Finally, some simulations are illustrated to verify the validity of our results.
FKBP51 in the Oval Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Regulates Anxiety-Like Behavior
Authors: Engelhardt Clara , Tang Fiona , Elkhateib Radwa , Bordes Joeri , Brix Lea Maria , van Doeselaar Lotte , Häusl Alexander S. , Pöhlmann Max L. , Schraut Karla , Yang Huanqing , Chen Alon , Deussing Jan M. , Schmidt Mathias V.
Published: December 2021

The cochaperone FKBP51, encoded by theFkbp5gene, has been identified as central risk factor for anxiety-related disorders and stress system dysregulation. In the brain, the oval bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (ovBNST) has been implicated in stress-induced anxiety. However, the role ofFkbp5in the ovBNST and its impact on anxiety-like behavior have remained unknown. Here, we show in mice thatFkbp5in the ovBNST is reactive to acute stress and coexpressed with the stress-regulated neuropeptidesTac2andCrh. Subsequently, results obtained from viral-mediated manipulation indicate thatFkbp5overexpression (OE) in the ovBNST results in an anxiolytic-like tendency regarding behavior and endocrinology, whereas aFkbp5knock-out (KO) exposed a clear anxiogenic phenotype, indicating that native ovBNST expression and regulation is necessary for normal anxiety-related behavior. Notably, our data suggests that a stress-induced increase ofFkbp5in the ovBNST may in fact have a protective role, leading to a transient decrease in anxiety and suppression of a future stress-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation. Together, our findings provide a first insight into the previously unknown relationship and effects ofFkbp5and the ovBNST on anxiety-like behavior and HPA axis functioning.
Enacted Extraversion as a Well-Being Enhancing Strategy in Everyday Life: Testing Across Three, Week-Long Interventions
Authors: van Allen Zack M. , Walker Deanna L. , Streiner Tamir , Zelenski John M.
Published: December 2021

Lab-based experiments and observational data have consistently shown that extraverted behavior is associated with elevated levels of positive affect. This association typically holds regardless of one’s dispositional level of trait extraversion, and individuals who enact extraverted behaviors in laboratory settings do not demonstrate costs associated with acting counter-dispositionally. Inspired by these findings, we sought to test the efficacy of week-long ‘enacted extraversion’ interventions. In three studies, participants engaged in fifteen minutes of assigned behaviors in their daily life for five consecutive days. Studies 1 and 2 compared the effect of adding more introverted or extraverted behavior (or a control task). Study 3 compared the effect of adding social extraverted behavior or non-social extraverted behavior (or a control task). We assessed positive affect and several indicators of well-being during pretest (day 1) and post-test (day 7), as well as ‘in-the-moment’ (days 2-6). Participants who engaged in extraverted behavior reported greater levels of positive affect ‘in-the-moment’ when compared to introverted and control behaviors. We did not observe strong evidence to suggest that this effect was more pronounced for dispositional extraverts. The current research explores the effects of extraverted behavior on other indicators of well-being and examines the effectiveness of acting extraverted (both socially and non-socially) as a well-being strategy.
European expert consensus on practical management of specific aspects of parathyroid disorders in adults and in pregnancy: recommendations of the ESE Educational Program of Parathyroid Disorders (PARAT 2021)
Authors: Bollerslev Jens , Rejnmark Lars , Zahn Alexandra , Heck Ansgar , Appelman-Dijkstra Natasha M , Cardoso Luis , Hannan Fadil M , Cetani Filomena , Sikjaer Tanja , Formenti Anna Maria , Björnsdottir Sigridur , Schalin-Jäntti Camilla , Belaya Zhanna , Gibb Fraser , Lapauw Bruno , Amrein Karin , Wicke Corinna , Grasemann Corinna , Krebs Michael , Ryhänen Eeva , Makay Özer , Minisola Salvatore , Gaujoux Sébastien , Bertocchio Jean-Philippe , Hassan-Smith Zaki , Linglart Agnès , Winter Elizabeth M , Kollmann Martina , Zmierczak Hans-Georg , Tsourdi Elena , Pilz Stefan , Siggelkow Heide , Gittoes Neil , Marcocci Claudio , Kamenický Peter , _ _ , Carola Zillikens , Morten Frost , Lars Rolighed , Antonio Sitges-Serra , Sabrina Corbetta , Brigitte Decallonne , Iuliana Gherlan , Laura Gianotti , Daniel Grigorie , Elif Hindié , Mairead Kiely , Kirsten Lindner , Polyzois Makras , Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch , Fastino R Perez-Lopez , Mikkel Pretorius , Federica Saponaro , Christian Trummer , Kyriakos Vamvakidis , Natia Vashakmadze , Maria P Yavropoulou
Published: December 2021

This European expert consensus statement provides recommendations for the diagnosis and management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), chronic hypoparathyroidism in adults (HypoPT), and parathyroid disorders in relation to pregnancy and lactation. Specified areas of interest and unmet needs identified by experts at the second ESE Educational Program of Parathyroid Disorders in 2019 were discussed during two virtual workshops in 2021 and subsequently developed by working groups with interest in the specified areas. PHPT is a common endocrine disease. However, its differential diagnosis of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), the definition and clinical course of normocalcemic PHPT, and the optimal management of its recurrence after surgery represents areas of uncertainty requiring clarifications. HypoPT is an orphan disease characterized by low calcium concentrations due to insufficient PTH secretion, most often secondary to neck surgery. Prevention and prediction of surgical injury to the parathyroid glands are essential to limit the disease-related burden. Long-term treatment modalities including the place for PTH replacement therapy and the optimal biochemical monitoring and imaging surveillance for complications to treatment in chronic HypoPT need to be refined. The physiological changes in calcium metabolism occurring during pregnancy and lactation modify the clinical presentation and management of parathyroid disorders in these periods of life. Modern interdisciplinary approaches to PHPT and HypoPT in pregnant and lactating women and their newborn children are proposed. The recommendations on clinical management presented here will serve as background for further educational material aimed at a broader clinical audience and were developed with the focus on endocrinologists in training.
A primary effect of palmitic acid on mouse oocytes is the disruption of the structure of the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Wang Yisu , Pope Iestyn , Brennan-Craddock Henry , Poole Emma , Langbein Wolfgang , Borri Paola , Swann Karl
Published: December 2021

Exposure of mouse oocytes to saturated fatty acids (FAs) such as palmitic acid (PA) has been shown to increase lipid content and cause an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and changes in the mitochondrial redox state. PA can also disrupt Ca2+ stores in other cell types. The links between these intracellular changes, or whether they are prevented by mono-unsaturated FAs such as oleic acid (OA), is unclear. Here, we have investigated the effects of FAs on mouse oocytes, that are maturated in vitro, using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and two-photon fluorescence microscopy. When oocytes were matured in the presence of PA, there were changes in the aggregation pattern and size of lipid droplets that were mitigated by co-incubation in OA. Maturation in PA alone also caused a distinctive disruption of the ER structure. This effect was prevented by incubation of OA with PA. In contrast, maturation of mouse oocytes in medium containing PA was not associated with any significant change in the redox state of mitochondria or the Ca2+ content of intracellular stores. These data suggest that a primary effect of saturated FAs such as PA on oocytes is to disrupt the structure of the ER and this is not due to an effect on the mitochondria or Ca2+ stores.
Effects of different media on the growth and yield of Swiss chard (Beta vulgarisvar. cicla) grown in hydroponics
Authors: A Hlophe Phumelele , A Nxumalo Kwanele , O Oseni Taudjeen , Masarirambi Michael T , Wahome Paul K , Shongwe Victor D
Published: December 2021

Decline in the availability of suitable land and good fertile soil for vegetable production due to climate change, urbanisation and increasing population has resulted in studies to find alternative media that can be used to grow high value crops such as Swiss chard. The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Department Greenhouses of the University of Eswatini, Luyengo Campus to determine the growth and yield of Swiss chard using different growing media. The treatments were laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated four times. The media treatments consisted of sand, sawdust and mixture of sand and vermiculite (1:1). The results showed that Swiss chard grown in sawdust performed better than those in the other growing media and gave significantly (P<0.05) higher fresh yield (227.7 g/plant), root length (25 cm/plant) and the highest chlorophyll content (48.9µmol m2). Plants grown using sand had the lowest fresh yield (58.3 g/plant), root length (11.9 cm/plant) and the chlorophyll content (17.49 µmol m2). The results showed that Swiss chard production in hydroponics using sawdust resulted in higher yields and therefore should be recommended to farmers for use. Not only is it the best in production of Swiss chard but it is also readily available at low cost and re-usable provided it is treated. Keywords: Growing media, hydroponics, Swiss chard, food and nutritional security, sustainable development goals (SDGs), climate-smart agriculture
Genesis of noble metal mineralization (Ag, Au, PGE) on the example of pechenga structure (Kola peninsula)
Authors: P Skuf’in
Published: December 2021

The problem of the genesis of noble metal (Ag, Au, PGE) mineralization in the Norther Pechenga zone is discussed, where these ores are associated with the classical Cu-Ni deposits of Pechenga Ore Field. This mineralization is based on three main factors: subalkaline magmatism under conditions of compression, feeding of platform depressions with carbonaceous matter and basalt-silica splitting of magmas under conditions of liquid immiscibility. Considered geochemical aspects of this process. Briefly characterized vein deposits of noble metals in the Souther Pechenga zone. The purpose of the article. The purpose of the article is to draw the attention of geologists to a possibly wide range of deposits of noble metals and diamonds, the genesis of which is associated with basalt-silica splitting under conditions of liquid immiscibility. Eruptive breccias of such deposits are often described by geologists as terrigenous rocks and conglomerates.
A novel practical approach to calculate measurement uncertainty in clinical pathology laboratories using quality control data with the use of biological variation where applicable
Authors: Mina Ashraf , Banukumar Shanmugam , Vazquez Santiago
Published: December 2021

Background: Measurement Uncertainty (MU) can assist the interpretation and comparison of the laboratory results against international diagnostic protocols, facilitate a reduction in health care costs and also help protect laboratories against legal challenges. Determination of MU for quantitative testing in clinical pathology laboratories is also a requirement for ISO 15189. Methods: A practical and simple to use statistical model has been designed to make use of data readily available in a clinical laboratory to assess and establish MU for quantitative assays based on internal quality control data to calculate Random Error and external quality assurance scheme results to calculate Systematic Error. The model explained in this article has also been compared and verified against quality specifications based on Biological Variation. Results: Examples that explain and detail MU calculations for the proposed model are given where different components of MU are calculated with tabulated results. Conclusions: The designed model is cost-effective because it utilises readily available data in a clinical pathology laboratory. Data obtained from internal quality control programs and external quality assurance schemes are used to calculate the MU using a practical and convenient approach that will not require resources beyond what is available. Such information can additionally be useful not only in establishing limits for MU to satisfy ISO 15189 but also in selecting and/or improving methods and instruments in use. MU can as well play an important role in reducing health care costs as shown by examples in the article.
Daily improvement of blood glucose profile by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
Authors: Bando Hiroshi , Kato Yoshikane , Kanazawa Setsuko , Tanaka Mayumi , Sueki Etsuko , Kanagawa Hiroe , Kawata Takafumi , Kawahito Atsuko , Aihara Aya
Published: December 2021

Background: The problem of glucose variability has been in focus for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on insulin treatment. Daily profile of blood glucose was studied on Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) using Free Style Libre. Case presentation and results: Patient is 54 year-old T1DM female, with HbA1c 7.8%. The blood glucose variability was measured by Free Style Libre. Insulin therapy included multiple daily insulin injection (MDI) of Insulin Glargin and Aspart. The result revealed unstable blood glucose profile in day 1 and 2. After that, the level and fluctuation of blood glucose gradually decreased from day 3 to 14. Average blood glucose in a day was 174mg/dL, 159mg/dL, 138mg/dL, 125mg/dL and 110mg/dL, in day 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, respectively. There was a discrepancy of HbA1c between 7.8% by laboratory measurement and 6.3% presumed value by Free Style Libre. Discussion and Conclusion: Free Style Libre showed satisfactory results as CGM. There was lower HbA1c value by presumed calculation, which would be possibly due to every 15minutes measurement and difficulty in checking abrupt glucose surges. CGM application would probably bring diabetic subjects behavioral change of life style, leading to better diabetic control. These results would become reference data in CGM study for future research.
Urban waters in São Paulo
Authors: Mota Carlos Guilherme , Sumner Anne Marie
Published: December 2021

The reflection and projects exposed here can be seen as a catalyst, restricted to our perceptions and traits in order to better understand the city. These are projects for São Paulo’s urban waters that should be developed with an interdisciplinary approach. And assume for Architecture, the understanding of its time and nature that vary so much.
The historical archaeology of black people and their descendants in cauca, Colombia
Authors: Patiño C Diógenes , Hernández Martha C
Published: December 2021

This historic-archaeological study examines the settlements of Africans and their descendants in Cauca during the Colonial and Republican periods. Given that this line of research has never really been pursued by archaeologists, we have tried to address Afro-Colombian issues by examining the abundant archival resources; Afro-Colombian archaeological sites in both urban and rural contexts; and oral tradition in territories occupied historically. This information has been used to analyse the slave trade, daily life, servitude, resistance, emancipation and ancestry, an approach suggesting great cultural affinity between these communities and their ethnic African roots. Studies of this kind in Colombia are scarce by comparison with Brazil, the United States, Argentina and the Caribbean region. We have focused on studies of African descendants connected with social movements for the restitution of rights, memories, traditions and cultural heritage within the African diaspora in the context of Colombian and Latin American society. Examples will be presented from Popayán, a colonial centre of slavery, as well as from the Afro-Colombian past in northern Cauca.
Various ester derivatives from esterification reaction of secondary metabolite compounds: a review
Authors: Aminah Nanik Siti , Rosyda Mila , Kristanti Alfinda Novi
Published: December 2021

Secondary metabolite compounds have a very diverse structure that is widely used as a source of new drug discovery because they have a variety of bioactivity. But in its development, there are several problems related to these compounds including low bioavailability, low solubility and instability in the metabolic process. Modification of the structure of secondary metabolites is used to answer all these problems. One of the processed was by synthesising the ester derivative compounds through the chemical and enzymatic esterification reaction. Esters derivatives of secondary metabolite compounds can increase the diversity of structures, allow for increased biological activity and even new biological activity of these compounds. This review will discuss various processes of modification of the structure of secondary metabolite compounds through chemical and enzymatic esterification reactions that have been reported from 1994-2019.
Comorbidities and indications for total hip arthroplasty at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hetaimish Bandar M , Alakkas Eyad A , Alharbi Khalid F , M Alradadi Abdulrahman , Aletani Habib Y , Baslaim Abdullah M , Alturkistany Ahmed Q
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most effective orthopedic interventions for the treatment of patients with advanced‑ stage hip disease. However, reports regarding indications for primary THA in Saudi Arabia are limited. We aimed to evaluate primary indications for THA and identify associated chronic diseases and postoperative complications in THA patients at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. These are important to provide knowledge on types of hip diseases and variables that may affect the outcome of this intervention in the Saudi population. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of THA cases performed between 2010 and 2019 at a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved data include patients’ ages at the time of surgery, chronic diseases, presurgical diagnosis, site and duration of surgery, and postoperative complications. Results: We identified 83 patients who had undergone primary THA; in regard to comorbidities, 32.5% and 30.1% had hypertension and diabetes mellitus, respectively. The most common indication for THA was degenerative hip osteoarthritis (50.6%), followed by post-traumatic arthritis (22.9%) and hip avascular necrosis (20.5%). Conclusion: Despite the high rate of trauma and accidents in Saudi Arabia, degenerative osteoarthritis remains the most common indication for primary THA. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is identified as the second major indication for THA.
Proposed use of shared decision making (SDM) to facilitate informed patient choice in the management of cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)
Authors: Henderson MD Cassandra E , Rezai Shadi , Giovane Richard A
Published: December 2021

Despite a paucity of data that intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a risk for unexplained term fetal demise, active management to achieve delivery between 36 0/7 and 37 0/7 weeks remains standard clinical practice. This practice continues despite conflicting evidence associating ICP with increased stillbirth risk, disregarding the simultaneous presence of voluminous data attesting to the perinatal and pediatric hazards associated with late preterm and early-term deliveries. This clinical risk correlation between possible antenatal death versus the potential long-term consequences for iatrogenic late preterm or early term infant born from an ICP affected pregnancy warrants inclusion of shared decision making to elicit the patient’s values and preferences during the ICP management option informed consent process.