bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapas emocionales de la intersexualidad
Authors: López González de Orduña Helena
Published: July 2022

En este artículo propongo un examen de la relación entre emociones y representaciones culturales de la intersexualidad. Me centraré tanto en El libro intersexual de la artista mexicana Adiós al futuro, al que dedicaré especial atención, como en otros materiales culturales -dos películas, un discurso escrito y un poema- para activar una lectura de los cuerpos intersexuales comprometida con la atención a las energías emocionales que están en juego. A partir de esta premisa, la principal pregunta que guía este artículo podría formularse como sigue: ¿Qué podemos saber de la representación de los cuerpos intersexuales si nos enfocamos no tanto en sus estrategias estilísticas de formalización sino en sus estrategias emocionales?
Frontera e hibridación en dos novelas cortas del norte de México
Authors: Velasco Raquel
Published: July 2022

En El último lector (2004) de David Toscana y El mal de la taiga (2012) de Cristina Rivera Garza es posible apreciar la aparición de algunos espejos discursivos dispuestos para propiciar la hibridación de contenidos, a través de su aparición fractal en un género como la novela corta. Con base en el análisis de dicha disposición semántica, este artículo pretende indagar en la idea de frontera, no sólo por la cercanía de sus autores con la narrativa del norte de México, sino con la finalidad de revisar su articulación en torno a algunas estrategias de la literatura de detectives y problematizar la configuración formal de las obras.
Efforts to Improve the Development of Naturalistic Intelligence through Outbound Methods at RA Muslimat NU XVII Keser Tunjungan District, Blora Regency
Authors: Mufid Abdul , Fatimah Siti , Abdullahi Umar Jamilu , Mawere Daniel
Published: July 2022

The naturalistic intelligence of early childhood is very important to be stimulated because at an early age child are faster to receive stimuli and apply the knowledge or knowledge they have acquired. One way to stimulate is through the outbound method. The naturalistic intelligence of grade B children at RA Muslimat NU XVII Keser, Tunjungan, and Blora has not yet been achieved and developed. Therefore, this study analyzes efforts to improve children's naturalistic intelligence through the outbound method. The type of method used by the researcher is qualitative, namely using analysis of interview data and in-depth observations in the field. From the data sources that the researchers got from the field, the researchers were able to formulate a problem statement on how to apply increasing naturalistic intelligence through the outbound method at RA Muslimat NU XVII Keser, Kec. Tunjungan, Blora? to increase naturalistic intelligence in children. The results of this study indicate an increase in the naturalistic intelligence of class B children RA Muslimat NU XVII Keser, Tunjungan, and Blora.
Need Analysis for English Reading Teaching Materials in Vocational School Based on Digital Applications
Authors: Oktariyani  , Yumna Rasyid  , Ratna Dewanti  , Hyunbim Im  , Larra Semyanov
Published: July 2022

This study aims to determine the need for English reading teaching materials for Vocational High School students majoring in Fashion Design, and to determine the need for English reading skills in the world of work. Data were obtained from questionnaires and interviews. The subjects studied were students of SMK Rahmatutoyibah Gunung Kaler, grade X majoring in Fashion Design, and grade X English teaching materials for SMK. This research was conducted with a mixed-method design. The data were collected through questionnaires and structured interviews. This questionnaire is based on the SMK English learning curriculum. The results of this study indicate that Vocational High School students majoring in fashion need teaching materials that are by their majors, namely reading materials related to the fashion department as well as material that introduces a lot of the industrial world and can support the field they are engaged in. Furthermore, Grade X Vocational School students majoring in Fashion Design need English reading learning media to encourage easy understanding of English reading material, namely media in the form of interesting and contemporary digital applications. Furthermore, the need for the world of work for their English reading skills requires skilled workers who have good English reading skills, which include the ability to read manual books, the ability to read company regulations, the ability to read travel documents, the ability to read English messages, the ability to reading notes, the ability to read e-mails, the ability to read employment contracts, and the ability to read cooperation agreements.
The Employee Welfare Program in PT. Royal Coconut Gorontalo District
Authors: Karim Dian Fitriani
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the employee welfare program in PT. Royal Coconut Gorontalo district. The method used was qualitative, data was collected through observation, interviews and literature studies. The number of informants was 20 people. The data obtained relates to the welfare of the employees of PT. Royal Coconut, Gorontalo District, which was then analyzed through categorization and data reduction. The results showed that the theory put forward by Hasibuan about the types of welfare programs when compared with the welfare programs implemented at PT. Most of Royal Coconut is still not in accordance with what is happening in the field due to the fact in the research location that the employee welfare program has not been maximally implemented in terms of economics such as pension, food and transport fees. In terms of facilities such as arts, education funds, and cooperative activities and in terms of services such as pickups, babysitting, legal assistance, financial advisors, insurance and home loans, as well as free health clinic services in companies, they still tend to be limited due to insufficient supply of medicines and doctors and nurses who are often not in the clinic during employee working hours. From the results of the study concluded that the employee welfare is not good because PT. Royal Coconut has not implemented maximum employee welfare services in terms of economy, facilities, and welfare services.
Korelasi Performa Akademik Mahasiswa Dengan Aktivitas Fisik Dan Indeks Massa Tubuh Selama Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Saputro Arnaz Anggoro
Published: July 2022

Performa akademik pada mahasiswa merupakan hal yang sangat penting dikaji dikarenakan ada halhal yang menjadi faktor pemicu keberhasilan performa akademik pada mahasiswa. Dalam masa pandemi Covid-19, permasalahan penurunan tingkat aktivitas fisik yang memicu peningkatan berat badan rentan terjadi, hal tersebut dapat berpengaruh pada performa akademik mahasiswa serta Mengetahui hubungan indeks massa tubuh dan aktivitas fisik dengan performa akademik mahasiswa selama pandemi Covid-19. Indeks massa tubuh diperoleh dari pengukuran menggunakan timbangan dan microtoize. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa tidak ada hubungan antara indeks massa tubuh dengan prestasi akademik. Penelitian ini juga menunjukkan bahwa tidak ada hubungan antara aktivitas fisik dan prestasi akademik. Distribusi indeks massa tubuh pada siswa didominasi oleh mahasiswa dengan indeks massa tubuh normal ditinjau dari aktivitas fisik, didominasi oleh siswa dengan aktivitas fisik sedang, dan didominasi oleh siswa dengan prestasi akademik yang buruk. Dalam penelitian ini tidak ada hubungan antara indeks massa tubuh  mahasiswa dengan prestasi akademik, namun tidak ada hubungan antara aktivitas fisik mahasiswa dengan prestasi akademik.
DETERMINANTS OF ORGANIC FOOD PURCHASE BEHAVIOR: A MEDIATION ANALYSIS
Authors: Hussain Anum , Aslam Sara
Published: July 2022

The adoption of sustainable practices is an imperative and urgent need for economies. The food manufacturing processes and the consumption patterns have an impact on the individuals and the atmosphere. This study has been conducted with the aim to understand the determinants of organic food purchase behavior. For that purpose, this study hypothesized the mediation effects of attitudes towards buying organic food between organic food purchase behavior and four consumers’ personal factors, green marketing practices and price barriers. The research was carried out in the developing economy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Convenience Sampling was used as the sampling technique. For this research, the respondents were 260 consumers of organic foods from the city of Lahore, Pakistan. The technique applied on this study was Process Hayes. The results of the data suggested that attitude towards buying organic food has positive significant mediations between organic food purchase behavior and all of the dependent variables. Keywords: Environmental Concerns; Organic Food Purchase Behavior; Green Marketing
Pengaruh Latihan Range of Motion Aktif Terhadap Nyeri Dan Rentang Gerak Sendi Lutut Pada Lansia Dengan Osteoarthritis Di Puskesmas Doda Sulawesi Tengah
Authors: Heiwer Matongka Yulian , Astrid Maria , Priyo Hastono Sutanto
Published: July 2022

Osteoarthritis adalah jenis arthritis yang paling umum yang berhubungan dengan degenerasi progresif dari tulang rawan artikular dalam sendi sinovial. Masalah utama osteoarthritis yaitu rasa nyeri, kekakuan sendi sehingga menyebabkan rentang gerak sendi terbatas. Tujuan penelitian ini menganalisis pengaruh latihan Range of Motion aktif terhadap nyeri dan rentang gerak sendi lutut pada lansia dengan osteoarthritis di Puskesmas Doda Sulawesi Tengah. Penelitian dilakukan pada April-Mei 2020 dengan rancangan quasy experimental pretest-posttest control group. Responden dipilih dengan teknik simple random sampling dibagi dalam kelompok intervensi (n=22) yang menerima latihan Range of Motion selama 4 minggu (5xseminggu) dilakukan 8 kali dengan repetisi atau pengulangan 3 kali dan kelompok kontrol (n=68) tidak dilakukan intervensi oleh peneliti. Intensitas nyeri diukur menggunakan VAS & rentang gerak sendi diukur menggunakan alat goniometer. Hasil penelitian mayoritas intensitas nyeri sebelum dilakukan latihan Range of Motion kelompok intervensi nyeri sedang (4-6) = 60,0% sesudah intervensi nyeri ringan (1-3) = 33,3%, sedangkan kelompok kontrol sebelum dan sesudah penelitian tetap mayoritas nyeri sedang (4-6). Rentang gerak sendi lutut sebelum dilakukan intervensi 24,4% dan sesudah intervensi 92,2%, sedangkan kelompok kontrol sebelum dan sesudah penelitian 4.55%. Hasil analisis uji paired sampel t-tes ada perbedaan penurunan nyeri dan rentang gerak sendi lutut sebelum dengan sesudah intervensi Range Of Motion (p=0,000 ; <0,05). Hasil uji regresi linear berganda menunjukkan bahwa intervensi Range of Motion berpengaruh terhadap nyeri (p=0,000) & rentang gerak sendi lutut (p=0,000). Penelitian ini merekomendasikan latihan Range of Motion sebagai salah satu jenis terapi yang mudah dilakukan oleh Lansia dengan osteoarthritis untuk menurunkan nyeri sendi dan meningkatkan rentang gerak sendi lutut. Di sarankan agar latihan ini dapat dilakukan oleh Lansia secara rutin dan teratur.
Pengaruh Terapi Musik Klasik Terhadap Tingkat Kecemasan dan Hemodinamik Pasien Coronary Angiography dan Percutaneous Coronary Intervention di RS Jantung Diagram Cinere
Authors: Ellys Ellys , Luh Widani Ni , Hary Susilo Wilhelmus
Published: July 2022

Coronary Angiography dan Percutaneous Coronary Intervention merupakan tindakan invasif dapat menimbulkan kecemasan pada pasien. Tujuan penelitian untuk menganalisis pengaruh terapi musik klasik terhadap tingkat kecemasan dan hemodinamik pasien Coronary Angiography dan Percutaneous Coronary Intervention di RS Jantung Diagram Cinere. Penelitian dilakukan bulan April- Juni 2020 dengan rancangan quasi eksperimen pre test-post test control group. Sampel  sebanyak 83 responden dengan tehnik consecutive sampling, kelompok intervensi (n = 62) yang mendapatkan terapi musik klasik selama 30 menit sebelum, saat dan sesudah prosedur Coronary Angiography dan Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, dan kelompok kontrol (n = 21). Tingkat kecemasan diukur menggunakan VAS Skala Numerik 100mm dan status hemodinamik diukur menggunakan monitor. Hasil univariat pre-test mayoritas cemas berat 20 responden (32,3%) dan post-test mayoritas cemas sedang 22 responden (35,5%). Status hemodinamik tekanan darah pre test mayoritas hipertensi stadium I 28 responden (45,2%) dan post-test mayoritas normal 34 responden (54,8%). Heart rate pre-post mayoritas normal 43 responden (69,4%), saturasi O2 mayoritas pre-post test normal 60 responden (96,8%). Analisis uji bivariat Wilcoxon ada perbedaan tekanan darah sebelum dan sesudah terapi musik klasik (p=0,00<0,05). Hasil analisis uji bivariat Mann-Whiteney terdapat perbedaan tingkat kecemasan antara kelompok intervensi dan kelompok kontrol (p=0,03<0,05). Hasil uji regresi logistik ordinal menunjukkan bahwa terapi musik klasik berpengaruh secara signifikan dengan nilai p=0,03< 0,05 terhadap heart rate dan tingkat kecemasan.. Kesimpulan penelitian ini merekomendasikan bahwa terapi musik klasik dapat menjadi salah satu terapi komplementer untuk mengurangi tingkat kecemasan yang dapat mempengaruhi status hemodinamik.
Faktor Risiko Kejadian Bayi Berat Lahir Rendah (BBLR) di RSUD Lakipadada Kabupaten Tana Toraja
Authors: Mapandin Adriana , Yetti R Erni , Wulan Handayani Sri
Published: July 2022

Saat ini Bayi Berat Lahir Rendah (BBLR) masih tetap menjadi masalah dunia khususnya di negara-negara berkembang. Penelitian ini bertujuan menetapkan besarnya risiko (anemia, paritas, frekuensi kunjungan ANC, keterpaparan asap rokok, stres kehamila) terhadap kejadian BBLR. Penelitian ini mengunakan desain case control study. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan unit observasi yang terdiri atas kelompok kasus dan kelompok kontrol. Sampel penelitian ini adalah ibu yang melahirkan di RSUD Lakipadada sebayak 92 orang yang terdiri atas 46 orang kelompok kasus dan sebanyak 46 orang kelompok kontrol. Penarikan sampel dilakukan secara random. Data dianalisis secara univariat dan bivariat dengan uji odds ratio (OR) dan analisis multivariat dengan regresi logistik. Hasil penelitian menemukan dari lima variabel berisiko terhadap kejadian BBLR, variabel-variabel (anemia OR= 1,294, p=0,005, frekuensi kunjungan ANC OR= 2,715, p=0,000, keterpaparan asap rokok OR=1,471, p=0,002, stres kehamilan OR=1,262, p=0,000 dengan tingkat signifikan masing-masing p<0,05) terbukti berisiko terhadap BBLR.
Cost Burden Impacts Cancer Patient Service Utilization Behavior in a US Commercial Plan
Authors: Bowers Anne , Karvetski Colleen H. , Needs Priya
Published: July 2022

Objectives: The burden of affording high-cost medical treatment (eg, cancer therapy) may impact whether some patients choose to access other needed health services within US commercial plans. However, deferring needed care for a mental or behavioral health (M/BH) condition could
result in preventable hospital utilization. This research investigates how income level and total out-of-pocket costs (OOPC) interact to influence the service utilization behavior of insured adult cancer patients with a comorbid M/BH diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective
analysis was performed using medical service claims (July 2017-June 2018) and administrative data from eligible members of a large US commercial health benefits plan ( N =5,054). Nonparametric tests were used to examine variation in mean utilization by patient income level and OOPC
decile. Negative binomial regression modeling was performed to analyze independent variable effects on count outcomes for outpatient behavioral visits and emergency department (ED) visits. Results: There was significant variation in patient service utilization by income level and total
OOPC. Overall, as OOPC increased patients used less outpatient behavioral care ( p <.000). Compared to average and higher incomes, those with lower incomes (<$50,000/year) utilized significantly fewer outpatient visits ( p <.000) and significantly more ED visits
( p <.001) relative to increasing OOPC. Conclusions: The interaction of income level and OOPC (ie, cost burden) could inhibit patients' decision to access supportive behavioral care in the commercial plan. The cumulative cost burden from cancer treatment may promote underutilization
of outpatient services and greater ED reliance, particularly among lower income plan members.
Research and Development of Smart LED Lighting System
Authors: Avotiņš Ansis
Published: July 2022

The Thesis describes the main parameters of lighting quality evaluation and comparison of light output efficiency of different light sources, development of three LED street luminaires, and light output and LED power supply efficiency analysis. A classification of street lighting systems has been developed. The developed new lighting systems have been experimentally tested in real conditions at several test sites. As a result, a control system for lighting systems and LED luminaires has been developed that is adaptive to traffic intensity, using motion sensor data and dynamically recalculating the required lighting class, thus achieving maximum energy efficiency and ensuring the required traffic safety.
Improvement of Methods for Evaluation of Anthropometric Fit and Ergonomics of Clothing
Authors: Lapkovska Eva
Published: July 2022

The Doctoral Thesis presents the developed method – algorithm for assessing the anthropometric fit and ergonomics of clothing. Based on the performed research and the author's experience in the implementation of practical research on clothing sizing problems, a method for assessing the anthropometric fit and ergonomics of clothing has been developed with the aim to promote the efficiency of appropriate clothing selection processes. The concept of this method is outlined, its implementation and operation are described, specifying the structure and elements of the algorithm – parts of the process. The approbation of the method is described, and the results of validation experiments with evaluation are included.
Lidojuma drošības informācijas bāzes sistēmu teorētisko un metodisko pieeju izstrāde
Authors: Bitiņš Aleksandrs
Published: July 2022

Promocijas darbā izstrādāta teorētiskā un metodiskā pieeja, lai izveidotu informācijas datubāzi aviācijas drošības sistēmai, ieskaitot riska faktoru identificēšanu, apkopošanu un apstrādi. Izveidots informācijas datubāzes modelis, kas ļauj laikus identificēt, apstrādāt un sniegt objektīvu informāciju aviokompānijas struktūrvienībām un lēmumu pieņēmējiem.
Individuālās mobilitātes transportlīdzekļu akumulatoru bateriju un to balansēšanas metožu izstrāde un izpēte
Authors: Vītols Kristaps
Published: July 2022

Promocijas darbs veltīts litija jonu bateriju un to galvanisko elementu balansēšanas risinājumu izstrādei un izpētei individuālās mobilitātes transportlīdzekļiem. Tajā analizēti gan tirgū pieejamie transportlīdzekļi, gan bateriju pārvaldības sistēmas un bateriju elementu balansēšanas zinātniskā literatūra. Darba gaitā izveidotas vairākas baterijas, kas izmantojamas elektriskajam kartingam un ratiņkrēslam. Izstrādāta un eksperimentāli verificēta jauna divpakāpju balansēšanas sistēma, kas apvieno dažādas balansēšanas metodes.
Research of Aircraft Ground Path Control Devices and Optimization at Takeoff and Landing Stages
Authors: Suharevs Artūrs
Published: July 2022

This Thesis presents a universal method for determining the airplane braking and takeoff paths using the output data from the inertial navigation system and auxiliary systems. The result is a designed and assembled electronic device, based on the algorithm that determines how many meters are left to safely stop the aircraft or to the point of separation from ground in the case of takeoff. The device is designed to facilitate the work of an aircrew, increase the safety of flights, as well as to more efficiently use the resources of the aircraft.
Development of Internet Service Quality Assessment and Monitoring Methodology
Authors: Vagale Inga
Published: July 2022

In the Doctoral Thesis the framework for monitoring and promoting quality and development of broadband Internet has been evaluated, as well as related shortcomings and problems of its actual applicability have been identified. An assessment of end-user's centric internet quality indicators has been performed, and based on mathematical analysis, a concept for determining and reflecting the actual internet service quality values has been developed. Special emphasis is placed on determination of the objective methods for the evaluation of connection speed indicators and definition of measurement principles. The Thesis provides suggestions of determining the areas of insufficient broadband internet coverage, based on the information obtained within the geographical survey, which, in turn, can be used to plan the deployment of broadband networks, thus facilitating the availability of universal service in the country. Study results related to the quality of broadband internet services have been summarised in this Thesis. In addition, it contains suggestions for the implementation of a practical methodology that evaluates the quality of the internet service that is being provided.
Prospects for the administration of parafiscalities on the example of port fees
Authors: Galchun Ekaterina Andreevna , Kezlya Daniil Anatolevich , Novichkov Ilya Vyacheslavovich
Published: July 2022

On February 28, 2020, at a meeting of the Prime Minister of Russia with members of the Council of the Chamber of the Parliament, the problem of non-tax payments and the need to finalize and submit to the State Duma of the Russian Federation the draft law on mandatory payments having a quasi-tax character was again raised. To date, there are 167 types of non–tax payments paid by business entities, both credited to budgets of all levels, the so-called fiscal and parafiscal payments. This article is devoted to the study of the problems of regulation. Authors' goal is to evaluate possible solutions to the problem of administering parafiscal payments and identify the most optimal one. First of all, the paper notes the similarity of parafiscalities with taxes and fees on a number of grounds, and provides their comparative analysis. It is argued that the essential differences are non-access to the budget system, as well as the possibility of establishing at the subordinate level that the essence of the features are purely legal and do not affect the external perception on the part of payers. It is concluded that for the economic entities the current system is seen as double taxation of their activities. However, the paper criticizes not the very existence of parafiscalities, but the disunity of their regulation, the lack of unified mechanisms of state control, and the actual decodification of tax legislation. According to the author, it is necessary to strengthen state intervention in this area, as well as the creation of a separate federal law that would operate in parallel with the Tax Code. These measures will create new guarantees of the rights of taxpayers of parafiscalities, increase transparency and predictability of state regulation.
Pedagogical conditions for the implementation of distance learning (using the example of online platforms Zoom and Microsoft Teams)
Authors: Taraskina Iaroslava , Orbodoeva Larisa Matveevna
Published: July 2022

Distance learning has become an integral part of modern life. In the conditions of the coronavirus pandemic, in which many countries are still today, online platforms have been and remain one of the most important means of organizing the learning process. In our country, education using distance learning technologies has been implemented in educational institutions. The subject of the study is the study of pedagogical conditions for the implementation of distance learning based on the online platforms Zoom and Microsoft Teams. In order to identify the optimal conditions for the organization of distance learning, a written survey in the form of a questionnaire was conducted within the framework of the study. The main research methods include: review of scientific literature, observation, survey.   Currently, the problems of integrating various training courses in synchronous and asynchronous formats, developing scientific and methodological support in the form of manuals, recommendations for working with online platforms are becoming increasingly relevant. The novelty of the research lies in the study of optimal pedagogical conditions for the implementation of distance learning based on online platforms. The authors come to the conclusion that learning based on distance learning technologies contributes to the implementation of modern educational paradigms such as personality-oriented education, individualization of the trajectory of educational activity, competence approach, self-education and self-development of students, project and research training.
Cellular Automata Model for Traffic Flow with Optimised Stochastic Noise Parameter
Authors: LIU Sheng , KONG Dewen , SUN SettingsLishan
Published: July 2022

Based on the existing safe distance cellular automata model, an improved cellular automata model based on realistic human reactions is proposed in this paper, which aims to reproduce the characteristics of congested traffic flow. In the proposed model, the stochastic noise param-eter is optimised by considering driving behavioural dif-ference. The relative speed, gap and acceleration of the front vehicle are introduced into the optimised stochastic noise parameter oriented to describing the asymmetric acceleration behaviour of drivers in congestion. The sim-ulation results show that an uneven distribution of accel-eration trajectories of vehicles experiencing congestion exhibited on the spatial-temporal diagram of the pro-posed model is reproduced. Based on the analysis of the NGSIM, compared with the model with traditional sto-chastic noise parameter, the vehicles that move accord-ing to the proposed model can follow more easily and more realistically. Then the actual gap of vehicles can be better reflected by the proposed model and the change of vehicle speed is more stable. Additionally, the traffic efficiency from two aspects of flow and speed shows that the proposed model can significantly improve the traffic efficiency in the medium high density region.
The Management of Metatarsalgia in Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Simple Insoles: An Effective Concurrent Treatment to Drug Therapy
Authors: Bartolo Danine , Galea Anne Marie , Formosa Cynthia , Gatt Alfred
Published: July 2022

Background: Metatarsalgia is a common affliction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), often requiring aggressive pharmacologic treatment that carries associated adverse effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether simple insoles would have a beneficial effect on forefoot pain, disability, and functional limitation in participants with RA experiencing forefoot pain.

Method: A prospective, quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest trial was performed at a rheumatology outpatient clinic. Participants were supplied with a simple insole comprising a valgus pad and a plantar metatarsal pad and covered with a cushioning material. The Foot Function Index (FFI) was self-administered before and 3 months after insole use.

Results: Reductions in forefoot pain (from 56.78 to 42.97) and total (from 41.64 to 33.54) FFI scores were noted. Statistical significance for this reduction was achieved following the t test (P = .002 and P = .0085, respectively). However, although reductions in mean disability and activity limitation scores were recorded (from 50 to 44.85 and from 18 to 14.57, respectively), these did not reach significance (P = .151 and P = .092, respectively)

Conclusions: Simple insoles have been shown to be effective in reducing total and forefoot pain FFI scores in patients with RA experiencing metatarsalgia. This treatment offers advantages because these devices can be fabricated simply and cheaply, thus initiating the patient on an effective orthosis therapy immediately in the clinic without having to wait for prolonged periods until custom orthotic devices can be supplied.
The E3 ligase Thin controls homeostatic plasticity through neurotransmitter release repression
Authors: Baccino-Calace Martin , Schmidt Katharina , Müller Martin
Published: July 2022

Synaptic proteins and synaptic transmission are under homeostatic control, but the relationship between these two processes remains enigmatic. Here, we systematically investigated the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases, key regulators of protein degradation-mediated proteostasis, in presynaptic homeostatic plasticity (PHP). An electrophysiology-based genetic screen of 157 E3 ligase-encoding genes at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction identified thin, an ortholog of human tripartite motif-containing 32 (TRIM32), a gene implicated in several neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. We demonstrate that thin functions presynaptically during rapid and sustained PHP. Presynaptic thin negatively regulates neurotransmitter release under baseline conditions by limiting the number of release-ready vesicles, largely independent of gross morphological defects. We provide genetic evidence that thin controls release through dysbindin, a schizophrenia-susceptibility gene required for PHP. Thin and Dysbindin localize in proximity within presynaptic boutons, and Thin degrades Dysbindin in vitro. Thus, the E3 ligase Thin links protein degradation-dependent proteostasis of Dysbindin to homeostatic regulation of neurotransmitter release.
An entropic safety catch controls hepatitis C virus entry and antibody resistance
Authors: Stejskal Lenka , Kalemera Mphatso D , Lewis Charlotte B , Palor Machaela , Walker Lucas , Daviter Tina , Lees William D , Moss David S , Kremyda-Vlachou Myrto , Kozlakidis Zisis , Gallo Giulia , Bailey Dalan , Rosenberg William , Illingworth Christopher JR , Shepherd Adrian J , Grove Joe
Published: July 2022

E1 and E2 (E1E2), the fusion proteins of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), are unlike that of any other virus yet described, and the detailed molecular mechanisms of HCV entry/fusion remain unknown. Hypervariable region-1 (HVR-1) of E2 is a putative intrinsically disordered protein tail. Here, we demonstrate that HVR-1 has an autoinhibitory function that suppresses the activity of E1E2 on free virions; this is dependent on its conformational entropy. Thus, HVR-1 is akin to a safety catch that prevents premature triggering of E1E2 activity. Crucially, this mechanism is turned off by host receptor interactions at the cell surface to allow entry. Mutations that reduce conformational entropy in HVR-1, or genetic deletion of HVR-1, turn off the safety catch to generate hyper-reactive HCV that exhibits enhanced virus entry but is thermally unstable and acutely sensitive to neutralising antibodies. Therefore, the HVR-1 safety catch controls the efficiency of virus entry and maintains resistance to neutralising antibodies. This discovery provides an explanation for the ability of HCV to persist in the face of continual immune assault and represents a novel regulatory mechanism that is likely to be found in other viral fusion machinery.
Morphogenetic forces planar polarize LGN/Pins in the embryonic head during Drosophila gastrulation
Authors: Camuglia Jaclyn , Chanet Soline , Martin Adam C
Published: July 2022

Spindle orientation is often achieved by a complex of Partner of Inscuteable (Pins)/LGN, Mushroom Body Defect (Mud)/Nuclear Mitotic Apparatus (NuMa), Gαi, and Dynein, which interacts with astral microtubules to rotate the spindle. Cortical Pins/LGN recruitment serves as a critical step in this process. Here, we identify Pins-mediated planar cell polarized divisions in several of the mitotic domains of the early Drosophila embryo. We found that neither planar cell polarity pathways nor planar polarized myosin localization determined division orientation; instead, our findings strongly suggest that Pins planar polarity and force generated from mesoderm invagination are important. Disrupting Pins polarity via overexpression of a myristoylated version of Pins caused randomized division angles. We found that disrupting forces through chemical inhibitors, depletion of an adherens junction protein, or blocking mesoderm invagination disrupted Pins planar polarity and spindle orientation. Furthermore, directional ablations that separated mesoderm from mitotic domains disrupted spindle orientation, suggesting that forces transmitted from mesoderm to mitotic domains can polarize Pins and orient division during gastrulation. To our knowledge, this is the first in vivo example where mechanical force has been shown to polarize Pins to mediate division orientation.
Bioinformatics Analysis of LDLR Gene Mutation that Shed a New Light on Red Yeast Rice Monacolin K Treatment – Systematic Review
Authors: Darwish Hassan Sadek , Almamri Hajer , Barazie Ray , Mustafa Mohammed
Published: July 2022

Background: Hypercholesteremia is the major cause of cardiovascular diseases. It results from elevated cholesterol levels in the blood. LDL cholesterol is removed from the circulation by using the LDL receptor. Red mold rice or red yeast rice is produced by fermentation of the Monascus Purpureus yeast on rice. Many researchers suggest that the active component in Red Yeast Rice (monacolin k) serves as a treatment for hypercholesteremic patients.

Methods: By using NCBI databases, specifically GenBank to analyze DNA sequence and mRNA sequence of LDLR gene. GenBank file format was helpful to extract an accession number of the gene, number of amino acids, exons, and length of nucleotides. FASTA format was also useful to retrieve the nucleotide sequence and get the function of the protein. BLAST was used to compare the protein product of the LDLR gene between humans and pan paniscus (pygmy chimpanzee).

Results: In accession number NC_000019, the number of amino acids in protein product is 44389 bp, and the number of exons found is 18. On the other hand, the gene is located in chromosome 19. The function of LDLR gene is to control the production of LDL receptor where the low-density lipoprotein particles attach to it and are taken into the cell ending up in the lysosome where the protein is degraded and cholesterol is made which will inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase that controls the production of cholesterol. Finally, many organisms have the same gene like dogs, cows, mice, rats, zebrafish, and frogs.

Conclusion: Mutation in the LDLR gene causing high level of cholesterol in the blood especially LDL (Low-density Lipoprotein). Monacolin k that found in red yeast rice (RYR) is safe and natural alternative treatment for hypercholesteremic patients by lowering the cholesterol level in the blood.
Identification of New Sources of Resistance to Rice Gall Midge Biotype 3 (GMB 3) Prevailing in Jagtial, Telangana, India
Authors: Kumar Anil , Suresh J. , Srinivas B. , Reddy C. Narendra , Omprakash S.
Published: July 2022

Aim: To screen different rice entries against rice gall midge, (Orseolia oryzae) biotype 3 under field conditions.

Place and Duration of Study: A total of 84 rice germplasm lines along with resistant and susceptible checks were evaluated against rice the gall midge, (Orseolia oryzae) biotype 3. These studies were conducted during Kharif season (2021) under field conditions at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Jagtial.

Methodology: Data on the total number of plants and plants with silver shoots including the number of silver shoots per plant were also recorded on 30 and 50 days after transplantation. Gall midge incidence as silver shoot scored according to the standard evaluation system, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for gall midge [1].

Results: Six entries viz., KAKAI, SINNA SIVAPPU, PTB-12, WGL-1145, WGL-1147 and WGL-1127 had shown high resistant (score 0) to gall midge. Four entries viz., IR72476-B-P-9-3-1-1, RP-5332-54-11-8-2-13, WGL-1143 and SUDD HONDARAWALA were found resistant (score 1) against gall midge.

Conclusion: The entries KAKAI, SINNA SIVAPPU, PTB-12, WGL-1145, WGL-1147 and WGL-1127 exhibited the high resistance against gall midge. Hence, they can be developed as varieties or can be used in breeding programme as a source of gall midge resistance.
Awareness of Women on VAWC (RA 9262): Basis for Information Dissemination on Women’s Rights Program
Authors: Caban Reymarie M.
Published: July 2022

The study aims to determine the awareness of women on Republic Act 9262, the Anti -Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004. It also aims to describe the profile of the respondents in terms of: age, civil status, number of children, educational attainment, present work, monthly family income and sources of IEC; the level of awareness on intimate partner violence in RA 9262; the relationship between the sources of IEC materials and level of awareness of the respondents; the relationship between the profile and level of awareness on intimate partner violence in RA 9262; the perceived seminar and training need to alleviate their condition; and the perception on government agencies needed to provide help and support.

The methodology was quantitative. Purposive sampling was used to identify 202 respondents who were at least 18 years old and living with a partner or husband. The majority of respondents were 25-65 years old, married, with 0-3 children, a high school degree, and a monthly salary of 5,001- 10,000.00. The respondents stated that they learned about intimate partner abuse by watching television. The majority of respondents were aware of RA 9262's reference to intimate relationship abuse. On RA 9262, there was a strong association between the respondents' forms of information, education, and communication (IEC), civil status, number of children, educational achievement, and degree of awareness. This study shows that comprehensive knowledge of RA 9262 through IEC modalities is required to ensure the safety of women and children. Training program on women’s rights, seminar on child protection and livelihood training are the top three perceived training needs of the respondents in which the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DOH) and State Universities and Colleges (SUC) are the government agencies needed to provide the trainings needs of the respondents.
Correlations between Quality of Vision, Higher Order Aberrations and Non-Invasive Keratographic Tear Film Break-Up Time in Pseudophakic Eyes after Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification
Authors: Hutauruk Johan , Gondhowiardjo Tjahjono D. , Suhardjo . , Sasongko Muhammad Bayu
Published: July 2022

Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate the intercorrelations between tear film break up time, measured non-invasively using non-invasive keratographic break-up time (NIKBUT), higher order aberrations (HOA) and quality of vision (QoV) in pseudophakic patients.

Study Design: Cross-sectional.

Methods: Thirty-five pseudophakic aged patients aged 50 years or older, and 35 control phakic patients aged 17 to 23 years with corrected visual acuity of 20/20 were included in this study. All subjects underwent similar examination including QoV questionnaire, aberrometry to measure HOA, and NIKBUT. HOA was measured with the OPD-Scan/ ARK 10000 corneal analyzer (Nidek CO. Ltd), expressed as Root Mean Square (RMS) HOA and NIKBUT was assessed using non-invasive TF-Scan module Keratograph 5M (K5M), equipped with modified tear film scanning function (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). Statistical analysis was performed to find the correlation between NIKBUT, HOA and QoV.

Results: Patients in the pseudophakic group were significantly older (median age 66 vs. 20 years; P<0.01), had shorter NIKBUT (10.5 vs. 17.2; P<0.01), lower QoV score (1.63 vs. 0.68; P=0.04), and higher RMS HOA (0.5 vs. 0.26; P<0.01) compared to control group. NIKBUT was inversely correlated with RMS HOA (r = -0.19; p = 0.03) and RMS HOA was significantly correlated with QoV, even after adjustment for age and gender (r = -0.21; P0.04). NIKBUT <9.93s was correlated with lower QoV. The area under the curve was 0.81 (95% CI = 0.67 – 0.95, p = 0.012), and had 100% sensitivity and 61% specificity.

Conclusion: Shorter NIKBUT was correlated with greater HOA and greater HOA was correlated with lower QoV. NIKBUT value of shorter than 9.93s could potentially predict pseudophakic patients who will likely experience visual symptoms leading to decreased QoV; thus, the use of artificial tears might be beneficial.
Bacteria Associated with Students’ Mobile Phones-Caritas University, Enugu State
Authors: Ezemba C. C. , Oli P. E. , Kehinde S. O. , Ezemba A. S. , Ezejiofor C. C. , Amadi E. C.
Published: July 2022

Microorganisms are ubiquitous, they are found everywhere. Mobile phones are not an exception. Mobile phones, also referred to as palmtops act as fomites, a source  of infection because the palms used to handle mobile phones are often times in contact with surfaces which may have been pre-infected; nevertheless, their potential role in transmission of infections is of great concern. A cross-sectional study (male and female) was done from June to August 2018 at Caritas University, Amorji-Nike, Enugu State, in order to investigate the prevalence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones of students. Swab samples were collected from 50 mobile phones of Caritas University students. These were tested for bacterial contamination in the Microbiology laboratory. Quantification of bacteria was performed using standard streak plate technique. Isolated bacteria were identified using standard microbiological methods which include: cultural and morphological characterization and biochemical test. Antimicrobial susceptibility was also done. The microorganism isolated from students’ mobile phones and their percentage frequency of occurrence were: E. coli (31.9%), S. aureus (40.4%), P. aeruginosa (8.5%), K. pneumonia (4.3%) and Streptococcus sp. (14.9%). The result showed that Staphylococcus sp. has the highest percentage of occurrence. The antibiotic sensitivity test indicated the varied resistance of isolated bacteria to antibiotics used in this study, although most isolated bacteria were sensitive to erythromycin and chloramphenicol except the isolates of E. coli which were the most resistant to the antibiotics used. The high prevalence of bacterial agents isolated from students’ mobile phones was attributed to poor hygiene and sanitary practices. It is recommended that students should wash their hands after using mobile phones, before eating or undertaking any venture requiring sepsis.
Plant-Based and Ketogenic Diets As Diverging Paths to Address Cancer
Authors: Shah Urvi A. , Iyengar Neil M.
Published: July 2022

Importance

As the incidence of cancer and metabolic disorders, such as obesity, concurrently rise, there has been increasing awareness of the pervasive effect of nutrition. The whole foods plant-based diet (WFPBD) and ketogenic diet (KD) have gained popularity in oncology, and this topic is increasingly permeating clinical dialogue.

Observations

Dietary intake is associated with multiple pathways involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Consumption of a plant-enriched diet is associated with reduced cancer incidence and is recommended by dietary guidelines for cancer prevention. Despite a starkly different nutrient composition, a WFPBD and KD can be associated with weight loss, decreased inflammation, and decreased insulin levels. In addition, a WFPBD is associated with increased fiber, phytochemicals, and butyrate levels and decreased insulin-like growth factor 1 levels, whereas a KD exerts potential anticancer effects by increasing β hydroxybutyrate levels. A KD may be of interest in select, less common settings, such as tumors treated with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors, which induce hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia. Completed interventional trials have focused on increasing fruit and vegetable intake or reducing fat intake but have not specifically tested WFPBD or KD for cancer prevention or treatment. Currently available data support plant-based diets as opposed to KD as part of a lifestyle associated with reduced cancer risk. In the postdiagnosis setting, there are currently no rigorously tested approaches that support the recommendation of any diet to treat cancer.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this review suggest that the collective evidence supports plant-enriched diets vs KD for the reduction of cancer risk and the improvement of metabolic disorders in survivors. Additional prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to encourage use of dietary modification across the cancer continuum. Rigorous trial designs that adapt classical oncologic end points may identify populations that are likely to benefit from starkly contrasting diets. Current data support prioritization of plant-based diets, and future data could further personalize dietary recommendations in cancer populations.
Associations between job and workplace factors, health and physical factors, personal factors, and presenteeism among general employees in Japan: A longitudinal study
Authors: Goto Eiko , Ishikawa Hirono , Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Okada Hiroko , Tsunezumi Aiko , Kagawa Yumi , Fujino Yoshihisa , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: July 2022

Objective

Presenteeism is gaining attention as an occupational health issue in Japan. However, few studies have longitudinally examined the associations between work- and health-related factors and presenteeism using validated instruments in Japan. Drawing on a theoretical framework, we aimed to examine longitudinal associations between job and workplace factors, health and physical factors, personal factors, and presenteeism among Japanese general employees. We also aimed to use the findings to identify educational factors to reduce presenteeism in the Japanese occupational field.

Methods

We conducted two surveys (T1: conducted 2019; T2: conducted 2020) in a Japanese food-related company using a self-administered questionnaire. Presenteeism was assessed using a work functioning impairment scale (WFun). We used multiple linear regression analysis to examine the associations between each factor at T1 and presenteeism at T2.

Results

A total of 2914 employees completed the T1 survey (response rate: 55.7%) and 1467 completed the T2 survey. Thus, we analyzed data for 1467 employees. Of these, 1038 (70.8%) were men and 886 (60.4%) were aged over 40 years at T1. The mean presenteeism score at T2 was 15.06 (standard deviation: 6.22). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that job demands, self-rated health status, dietary choices, and health literacy were associated with presenteeism after 1 year.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that job demands, self-rated health status, dietary habits, and health literacy were associated with higher degree of presenteeism in future. Further intervention studies focusing on these factors are needed to develop and examine effective interventions to reduce presenteeism in Japan.