bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODELING OF PHYSICAL PROCESSES OF ENERGY CONVERSION IN SMALL-SIZED VORTEX ENERGY SEPARATORS
Authors: Kulik Anatoliy , Pasichnik Sergey , Sokol Dmytro
Published: March 2021

The object of study in the article is the vortex effect of temperature separation in a rotating gas flow, which is realized in small-sized vortex energy separators. The subject matter is the models that describe the physical processes of energy conversion in small-sized vortex energy separators as objects of automatic control. The goal is to obtain models of a vortex energy separator reflecting its static and dynamic properties as an automatic control object. The tasks to be solved are: to develop a three-dimensional computer model of a small-sized vortex energy separator which will allow analyzing the parameters of the gas flow and physical processes of energy conversion directly inside the object and obtaining its static characteristics. A linearization method of static characteristics on the interval of input and output values is proposed which will expand the operating range without loss of linearization accuracy. A method of structural-parametric identification based on experimental logarithmic magnitude-frequency characteristics is proposed which will allow for the same set of experimental points to select the structure of the mathematical model of varying complexity depending on the specified accuracy. As a result of the work, the scheme for modeling the automatic control object was formed, consisting of the drive unit, sensor unit, and vortex energy separator, with the reflection of all the obtained operating modes. The methods used are the method of graphic linearization, Laplace transform, structural-parametric identification. The following results were obtained: a computer and linearized mathematical model of the small-sized vortex energy separator as an automatic control object reflecting its properties in the time and frequency domains was obtained. A comparative analysis of the reactions of the model and the real object to the same input action was carried out. Conclusions. The scientific novelty of the results obtained is as follows: 1) multiple graphic linearizations of one static characteristic to use the full range of the operation mode of vortex energy separator, which distinguishes it from the known;2) mathematical model structural-parametric identification for vortex energy separator with the help of known points of the Bode magnitude plots by using the interpolation polynomial and its derivatives graphs.
Diseminasi dan Publikasi Karya Tulis Berbasis Media Baru
Authors: Alkhajar Eka Nada Shofa , Luthfia Agusniar Rizka
Published: March 2021

Pengabdian kepada masyarakat berbentuk workshop ini bertujuan untuk memberikan informasi mengenai cara mendiseminasikan dan mempublikasikan karya tulis fiksi dari mitra kegiatan. Kegiatan pengabdian ini dilaksanakan berdasarkan analisis situasi yang dilakukan tim pengabdian di mana mitra kegiatan memerlukan workshop berkaitan dengan hal tersebut. Kegiatan pengabdian ini diselenggarakan dalam dua sesi. Sesi pertama dikonsentrasi untuk pemaparan materi mengenai diseminasi dan publikasi. Sementara, sesi kedua difokuskan kepada pembuatan weblog. Kedua sesi tersebut diselenggarakan dengan metode ceramah, diskusi dan pendampingan. Mitra kegiatan mengikuti workshop dengan ketertarikan yang besar. Adapun hasil yang dicapai dari kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah mitra kegiatan memiliki pengetahuan dan keterampilan untuk mendiseminasikan dan mempublikasikan karya tulis fiksinya dengan cara yang tepat.
PEMBELAJARAN GEOMETRI BIDANG DAN RUANG BERBASIS ETNIS TIMOR
Authors: Fernandez Michael , Djong Kristoforus Djawa , Dosinaeng Wilfridus B. N. , Uskono Irmina V , Fernandez Aloysius Joakim , Lakapu Meryani
Published: March 2021

Etnomatematika mengacu pada bentuk-bentuk matematika yang bervariasi sebagai konsekuensi yang tertanam dalam kegiatan budaya. Etnomatematika juga mengacu pada konsep-konsep matematika tertanam dalam praktek-praktek budaya. Etnomatematika mengacu pada bentuk-bentuk matematika yang bervariasi sebagai konsekuensi yang tertanam dalam kegiatan budaya.

Geometri sebagai salah satu mata pelajaran yang diajarkan di tingkat Sekolah Dasar dan Sekolah menengah. Pembelajaran geometri berbasis etnis budaya Timor. Siswa dapat mengamati dan menghitung banyaknya bentuk geometri dalam LOPO.

Implementasi bentuk-bentuk Geometri (bidang datar dan ruang) dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran  Geometri berbasis etnis budaya Timor menjadi suatu metode yang tepat. Siswa dapat mengamati dan mengkaji Geometri dalam rumah adat LOPO.

Kelompok sasaran dalam kegiatan Pengabdian ini yaitu sekolah-sekolah yang siswanya kebanyakan berasal dari suku dawan (TTU dan TTS serta Kabupaten Kupang). Kelompok sasarannya adalah siswa-siswi SMPN 10.

 Agar dapat mengimplementasi bentuk-bentuk geometri dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran Geometri berbasis etnis budaya Timor, maka dapat dilakukan dengan cara membuat miniatur LOPO yang dibawa ke depan kelas saat kegiatan pembelajaran Geometri. Namun demikian disarankan agar sekolah itu dapat membuat LOPO yang sebenarnya, sehingga  LOPO itu menjadi sumber belajar bagi siswa yang belajar tentang geometri bidang datar dan geometri ruang.
PELATIHAN PENGEMBANGAN ALAT PERAGA BANGUN DATAR BAGI GURU-GURU SDK St. ARNOLDUS PENFUI-KUPANG
Authors: Dominikus Wara Sabon , Nenohai Juliana M.H. , Samo Damianus Dao , Udil Patrisius A
Published: March 2021

Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat dalam bentuk pelatihan pengembangan alat peraga bangun datar bagi guru-guru SDK St. Arnoldus Penfui Kupang ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan guru dalam: (1) membuat dan mengembangkan alat peraga matematika khususnya alat peraga bangun datar untuk pembelajaran matematika SD; (2) menggunakan alat peraga matematika khususnya alat peraga bangun datar dalam pembelajaran matematika SD; (3) mendesain dan melaksanakan pembelajaran matematika yang konkret dan relevan bagi siswa SD. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini dilakukan dalam bentuk workshop. Metode yang digunakan dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan ini antara lain seminar, presentasi materi, tanya jawab, diskusi, pelatihan, dan demonstrasi. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan melalui dua tahapan tahapan yaitu tahap persiapan dan tahap pelaksanaan. Masing-masing tahap mencakup beberapa aktivitas. Kegiatan ini berjalan dan terlaksana dengan baik dan lancar sesuai dengan yang telah direncanakan. Hasil kegiatan ini menunjukkan keterlibatan dan partisipasi aktif guru-guru SDK St. Arnoldus Penfui Kupang. Selain itu, kegiatan ini juga dapat meningkatkan kemampuan guru-guru SDK St. Arnoldus Penfui Kupang untuk membuat, mengembangkan, dan menggunakan alat peraga bangun datar. Lebih lanjut, kegiatan ini juga menghasilkan beberapa jenis alat peraga bangun datar yang dibuat dan dikembangkan oleh guru-guru SDK St. Arnoldus Penfui Kupang.
EDUKASI PEMBUATAN MASKER TANPA MESIN JAHIT SEBAGAI CARA PENCEGAHAN ADANYA WABAH VIRUS CORONA BAGI IBU DASA WISMA DESA KUTASARI BATURRADEN BANYUMAS
Authors: Rakhmawati Desty , Yuliawan Cahya Giwangkara , Armanda Rizki Nur
Published: March 2021

Pada akhir tahun 2019, di Indonesia mulai muncul wabah virus corona. Virus corona adalah virus yang dapat menular ke manusia, baik bayi, anak- anak, orang dewasa, lansia, bahkan ibu hamil dan menyesui dapat terinfeksi virus corona. Ada beberapa aturan yang harus di patuhi dalam pencegahan virus corona. Salah satunya adalah wajib menggunakan masker ketika keluar dari rumah. Akan tetapi ada beberapa warga di Desa Kutasari Kecamatan Baturraden Kabupaten Banyumas, ketika keluar rumah tidak menggunakan masker. Sehingga tujuan dari pengabdian ini, adalah memberikan edukasi terkait virus corona dan cara membuat masker tanpa menggunakan mesin jahit. Sasaran pengabdian ini adalah Ibu Dasa Wisma di Desa Kutasari Kecamatan Baturraden Kabupaten Banyumas Jawa Tengah. Metode yang digunakan adalah memberikan edukasi dan juga memberikan pelatihan membuat masker tanpa menggunakan mesin jahit. Edukasi ini disampaikan melalui media online, yaitu dengan membuatkan video pembuatan masker tanpa mesin jahit yang kemudian di bagikan ke grup WhatsApp Dasa Wisma. Hal ini dikarenakan ketika ada wabah virus corona, ada larangan untuk melakukan kerumunan. Sehingga pengabdian ini dilakukan secara online. Hasil dari program pengabdian ini diantaranya adalah ibu- ibu dapat membuat masker sendiri tanpa menggunakan mesin jahit dan ketika keluar rumah mematuhi protokol kesehatan melalui penggunaan masker.
THE EFFECT OF BOILING TIME AGINT THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES, CHEMICAL PROPERTIES, AND ORGANOLEPTIK OF PORK SKIN CRAKERS
Authors: Sabtu Bastari , Lobo Lay Imanuel Hermanus , Armadianto Heri
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of boiling time on the chemical, organoleptic properties of pork skin crackers. The materials used in this study were pork skin, lime solution, seasonings and cooking oil. The design used was a completely randomized design consisting of 4 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were boiling for 5 minutes (R0), boiling time for 10 minutes (R1), boiling time for 15 minutes (R2), and boiling time for 20 minutes (R3). The results showed that the treatment had no significant effect (P> 0.05) on protein content, fat content, collagen, and organoleptic tests which included color, taste, crispness, level of preference, and shape of pork skin crackers. In conclusion, boiling can be done for 5 - 20 minutes, but to produce optimal skin crackers, boiling can be done for 15-20 minutes.
KORELASI ANTARA PEKERJAAN SUAMI DENGAN KEHARMONISAN KELUARGA PADA KARYAWAN PERUSAHAAN PT. ASMIN KOALINDO TUHUP DI KELURAHAN MUARA TUHUP
Authors: Mitra Mitra , Sanawiah Sanawiah
Published: March 2021

Keluarga yang bahagia dan harmonis merupakan dambaan bagi setiap orang, keluarga yang harmonis dikenal juga di masyarakat dengan sebutan sakinah, mawaddah, warahmah, sebagaimana disebutkan dalam pasal 45 Undang-Undang No 1 Tahun 1974 tentang perkawinan menyebutkan tujuan perkawinan adalah membentuk keluarga (rumah tangga) yang bahagia dan kekal berdasarkan Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa, sedangkan pada pasal 3 dalam Kompilasi Hukum Islam menyebutkan bahwa perkawinan bertujuan untuk mewujudkan kehidupan rumah tangga yang sakinah, mawaddah dan rahmah, hal ini perlu kita peroleh dan dilakukan dalam setiap kehidupan berkeluarga. Keberhasilan keharmonisan keluarga bisa saja disebabkan oleh pekerjaan suami, penelitian yang berjudul “Korelasi Antara Pekerjaan Suami Dengan Keharmonisan Keluarga Pada Karyawan Perusahaan PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup di Kelurahan Muara Tuhup”. Ada dua permasalahan dalam penelitian ini yaitu: (1) bagaimana keharmonisan keluarga karyawan perusahaan PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup di Kelurahan Muara Tuhup; (2) bagaimana hubungan pekerjaan suami karyawan perusahaan PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup di Kelurahan Muara Tuhup dengan keharmonisan keluarga?. Tujuan penulisan ini untuk menggali lebih dalam faktor-faktor apa saja yang mempengaruhi keharmonisan keluarganya, mengukur relevansi antara pekerjaan suami sebagai karyawan perusahaan PT Asmin KoalindoTuhup dengan keharmonisan keluarga. Pendekatan penelitian dalam penelitian ini adalah menggunakan penelitian kuantitatif, dengan jumlah sampel karyawan dan istrinya sebanyak 22 orang. Penggalian data menggunakan angket. Analisis data menggunakan teknik korelasi Product Moment dengan langkah-langkah editing, coding, tabulating, analizing dan interpretating. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa posisi/bidang pekerjaan di PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup antara lain Administrative Office, supervisor, Driver, security, dan cleaning service. Adapun keharmonisan keluarga pada pasangan suami istri menunjukkan tingkat harmonis sebanyak 1 sampel, cukup harmonis 8 sampel dan kurang harmonis 2 sampel. Berdasarkan uji statistik analisis korelasi dan diuji dengan perhitungan uji t serta dihitung dengan rumus Koefisien Determinasi menunjukkan terdapat korelasi antara pekerjaan suami dengan keharmonisan keluarga, pekerjaan suami memberi pengaruh yang cukup kuat terhadap keharmonisan keluarga hal ini berarti hipotesis dalam penelitian ini Ha diterima dan Ho ditolak.
Mathematical model for forecasting the process of electric power generation by photoelectric stations
Authors: Batsala Ya. V. , Hlad I. V. , Yaremak I. I. , Kiianiuk O. I.
Published: March 2021

Purpose. Improving the efficiency of photovoltaic power plants in power systems by creating a model for forecasting the amount of electricity produced in the form of a harmonic function and determining the prospects for using the selected mathematical software to develop software applications. Methodology. To determine the amount of electricity generated by photovoltaic plants per day and year, statistical methods are applied using the harmonic function which allows taking into account the main meteorological factors of power change of photomodules. A technique is proposed for taking into account the level of generation by photovoltaic stations to track changes in voltage levels in the connection nodes. Findings. Mathematical models for forecasting the electricity generation of photovoltaic stations for different time ranges are built. The influence of weather factors, the length of daylight and the structure of the local generation system on the level of electricity generated by photovoltaic plants is investigated. Necessity is conditioned to use a harmonic function for forecasting the amount of electricity produced, which improves the efficiency of calculations for new and existing power plants. Originality. The factors of the influence of daylight hours and cloudiness on the level of electricity generation by photovoltaic stations are taken into account, as well as meteorological data that make it possible to predict the value of the amount of electricity generated for a certain period of time. The dependences of the amount of generated electricity by photovoltaic stations are obtained in the form of a harmonious function with reference to a coefficient that takes into account the cloud level for predicting generation volumes. Practical value. Created mathematical models of forecasting by means of harmonic function and analysis of voltage change in nodes of local networks allow increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic stations, simplify calculation of change of levels of voltages in a electric network, the forecasted values of the generated electric power on the day ahead system on the basis of duration of the light day, meteorological data and other external factors at commissioning of photovoltaic stations.
Percepción del uso de dióxido de cloro y grado de conocimiento sobre la COVID-19 en estudiantes de Medicina de una universidad peruana
Authors: Copaja Corzo Cesar , Céspedes Hernández Luis A.
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Determinar la percepción del uso de dióxido de cloro (CDS) y el grado de conocimiento sobre la COVID-19 en estudiantes de Medicina de una universidad peruana. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional de corte transversal. Se realizó una encuesta virtual a 158 estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann, del 15 al 18 de agosto del 2020. El instrumento utilizado se dividió en tres secciones: características sociodemográficas, nivel de conocimientos sobre la COVID-19 y actitudes frente al uso del CDS. El análisis bivariado se realizó utilizando la prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados: De los 158 estudiantes de Medicina encuestados, el 53 % fueron mujeres, la edad media fue de 21 (RIC: 19-23) años. El 22 % considera que si un médico o personal de salud recomienda el uso de dióxido de cloro, es porque tiene alguna utilidad para tratar la COVID-19, y el 39 % tiene un conocimiento bajo sobre la enfermedad. Existe diferencia entre la percepción frente al uso de dióxido de cloro y el nivel de conocimientos sobre la COVID-19 (p<0,05). Conclusión: Casi un cuarto de los estudiantes considera útil el uso de dióxido de cloro para tratar la COVID-19 si lo recomienda un médico o si la terapia médica convencional no surtiera efecto. Lo mencionado puede deberse a un nivel de conocimiento bajo sobre la enfermedad.
Incidencia de sobrepeso y obesidad según índice de masa corporal y perfil lipídico en estudiantes de Farmacia y Bioquímica de la Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann de Tacna, 2016
Authors: Rivera Benavente Orlando Agustín , Chipana Flores Mónica Karina , Maquera Flores Gleny Betzabé , Romero Guillen Adrian Alexis , Quispe Pari José Luis
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia de sobrepeso y obesidad según índice de masa corporal y perfil lipídico en estudiantes de Farmacia y Bioquímica de la Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann de Tacna. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y correlacional. Se realizó toma de muestra de sangre en ayunas para análisis de laboratorio de perfíl lipídico y glicemia, y se evaluó peso y talla con cálculo de índice de masa corporal a una muestra no probabilíticas de 38 estudiantes de Farmacia y Bioquímica de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Los datos fueron recolectados en una ficha y procesados en el software estadístico SPSS versión 19, para el análisis se utilizó estadística descriptiva y para establecer la relación entre las variables se utilizó la prueba Chi cuadrado con un nivel de confianza de 95 % y significancia asintótica de <0,05. Resultados: Los estudiantes presentaron edad de 18 a 26 años, con un promedio de 20,7 años, peso de 62,3 Kg y talla de 1,61 m. Presentaron sobrepeso el 26,7 % de mujeres y el 25 % de varones. Según perfil lipídico: el 5,3 % presentaron colesterol total alto y riesgo moderado 18,4 %, todos HDL colesterol normal, 26,3 % LDL colesterol alto, 5,3 % presentaron valores altos de trigliceridos y 31,6 % hipoglicemia leve. Todos los varones n presentaron valores normales de colesterol total, HDL y LDL; y todas las mujeres presentaron triglicéridos normales. En cuanto a actividad física, el 26,3 % realiza poca actividad física y el 18,4 % no realiza ninguna actividad física. No se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre sexo femenino y masculino (p>0,05). Conclusión: La incidencia de sobrepeso y obesidad es más frecuente en mujeres, y en su perfil lipídico presentan valores altos de colesterol total, LDL colesterol y trigliceridos.
Tumor del saco vitelino de testículo en un niño de dos años de edad con criptorquidia izquierda: reporte de un caso
Authors: Carcasi Laura Edgar Alfredo , Quiispe Montesinos Víctor Hugo , Carpio Cornejo Juan José
Published: March 2021

El cáncer de testículo es un tumor maligno muy raro en prepúberes menores de 15 años de edad con una incidencia de 1/1 000 000. El tumor del saco vitelino de testículo, es el tipo de tumor de células germinales de testículo (TCGT) más frecuente en niños menores de 2 años de edad. Caso clínico: Niño de 2 años y 5  meses de edad con criptorquidia izquierda, que presentó, desde hace seis meses, aumento progresivo de una tumoración ubicada en toda la ingle izquierda; caracterizada por ser de consistencia dura, indolora y no mostrar cambios de coloración en la piel supra yacente. En los exámenes auxiliares, la ecografía muestra: gran masa sólida, ovoide, de ecogenicidad heterogénea y múltiples cavidades anecoicas. El único marcador tumoral que presentó aumento fue la Alfafetoproteína (AFP): 12 845,00 ng/mL. El diagnóstico presuntivo fue de tumor maligno de testículo hasta que se demuestre lo contrario. Se le realiza orquiectomía inguinal radical con evolución postquirúrgica satisfactoria. Conclusión: el tumor testicular maligno en varones prepúberes menores de 15 años es muy raro, y el tipo de TCGT más frecuente en niños menores de dos años es el tumor del saco vitelino.
Saliva: control nervioso, composición y función
Authors: Ticona Vidal Regis André , Maquera Quispe Luis Fernando , Tuyo Aduviri Deysi Marianella , Huiza Cutipa Larissa Xiomara , Barreda Palacios Paola Pierina , Ramirez Alanoca Esperanza Evelyn , Mamani Barrueta Alejandro Javier , Velarde Quispe Rubí Eliam , Velarde Quispe Anthony Alvaro
Published: March 2021

El control nervioso de la secreción salival es exclusivo del sistema nervioso autónomo, el cual tiene una parte simpática, que se origina de segmentos torácicos; y una parasimpática, que se da por medio de señales nerviosas provenientes de los núcleos salivales. El control nervioso inicia al estar frente a estímulos gustativos, que es mediado por el NCV3 (tercera rama del nervio trigémino), el NC VII (nervio facial) y el NCIX (nervio glosofaríngeo). Además, el recorrido que sigue la estimulación para la secreción salival es: fibras preganglionares → ganglio → fibras posganglionares parasimpáticas. La saliva está compuesta por un 95 a 99 % de agua y el porcentaje restante corresponde a los sólidos que se subdividen en orgánicos, donde se encuentran compuestos proteicos como enzimas e inmunoglobulinas; no proteicos como la urea e inorgánicos que se comportan como electrolitos. Asimismo, por su composición cumple funciones tanto alimentarias como relacionadas a la salud bucal y a la fonación.
İBN ḲUTEYBE’NİN EDEBÜ’L-KĀTİB MUKADDİMESİ’NDE DÖNEMİNİN İLMÎ ÇEVRELERİNE DAİR YAPTIĞI ELEŞTİRİLERİN TAHLİLİ
Authors: AKSOY Soner
Published: March 2021

İslamî ilimlerin hemen her alanında kendisini yetiştiren İbn Ḳuteybe (ö. 276/889), Arap dilinde edebî ve dilsel geleneğin gelişmesi ve ilerlemesinde büyük payı olan âlimlerin başında gelir. Bu bağlamda İbn Ḳuteybe’nin devlet hizmetinde görevli olan kâtipler için kaleme aldığı dil, imlâ ve kompozisyon esaslarıyla ilgili bilgileri içeren Edebü’l-kātib isimli eseri oldukça önemlidir. Öyle ki bu eser üzerine hicri dördüncü asırdan itibaren birçok şerh yazılmıştır. Daha çok dinî metinlerin özellikle Kur’an ve hadislerin doğru anlaşılması çerçevesinde döneminin ilmî çevrelerine dair eleştirileri içeren kısa bir Mukaddime ile başlaması, Edebü’l-kātib’i farklı kılan temel noktalardan birisidir. Bu Mukaddime’nin öneminden olsa gerek İbnü’s-Sîd el-Baṭalyevsî (ö. 521/1127), eser üzerine yazmış olduğu el-İḳtiḍāb fî şerḥi Edebi’l-Küttāb isimli üç ciltlik şerhinde Mukaddime bölümüne bir cilt ayırmıştır. Dolayısıyla yapılacak olan bu araştırmanın kapsamını bu Mukaddime oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmanın temel amacı ise Mukaddime’de yapılan eleştirilerin İbn Ḳuteybe’nin düşünce dünyası ve dönemin fikirsel hareketliliği açısından değerlendirilmesidir. Bu şekilde gerek İbn Ḳuteybe’nin düşünce dünyası gerekse de dönemin fikirsel hareketliliği açısından yapılan eleştirilerin arka planını ve nereye oturduğunu görme imkânı olacaktır.
Association of Circulating Cathepsin S and Cardiovascular Disease Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study
Authors: Jing Yu , Shi Jie , Lu Bin , Zhang Weiwei , Yang Yehong , Wen Jie , Hu Renming , Yang Zhen , Wang Xuanchun
Published: March 2021

Background

Cathepsin S, as an adipokine, was reported to play a critical role in various disease, including atherosclerosis and diabetes. The present study aims to elucidate the relationship between circulating cathepsin S and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 339 type 2 diabetes individuals were enrolled in this cross-sectional community-based study. Basic information, medical and laboratory data were collected. Serum cathepsin S levels were assessed by ELISA.

Results

Compared to the CVD (−) group, levels of serum cathepsin S were significantly higher in the CVD (+) group, with the median 23.68 ng/ml (18.54–28.02) and 26.81 ng/ml (21.19–37.69) respectively (P < 0.001). Moreover, patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) had substantially higher levels of serum cathepsin S than those with stable angina pectoris (SAP), with the median 34.65 ng/ml (24.33–42.83) and 25.52 ng/ml (20.53–31.47) respectively (P < 0.01). The spearman correlation analysis showed that circulating cathepsin S was correlated with several cardiovascular risk factors. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that circulating cathepsin S was an independent risk factor for CVD (all P < 0.001) after adjustment for potential confounders. Restricted cubic spline analysis showed circulating cathepsin S had a linearity association with CVD. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that the area under curve (AUC) values of cathepsin S was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75–0.84, P < 0.001), with the optimal cutoff value of cathepsin 26.28 ng/ml.

Conclusion

Circulating cathepsin S was significantly higher in the CVD (+) group than that in the CVD (−) one among type 2 diabetes. The increased serum cathepsin S levels were associated with increased risks of CVD, even after adjusting for potential confounders. Thus, cathepsin S might be a potential diagnostic biomarker for CVD.
Ecosystem Services Becoming Political: How Ecological Processes Shape Local Resource-Management Networks
Authors: Kuslits Béla , Vári Ágnes , Tanács Eszter , Aszalós Réka , Drasovean Anghel , Buchriegler Regina , Laufer Zsanett , Krsic Damir , Milanovic Ranko , Arany Ildikó
Published: March 2021

While a landscape usually provides a wide range of benefits, the ecological and spatial entanglement of the processes behind ecosystem services does not allow maximizing benefits from all services at the same time. Different stakeholders relying on different services might therefore prefer different policies and management for the wider area where they operate. Trade-offs, disagreements and mutual interests are rooted in ecological processes but are manifested in the social sphere. Social networks were shown to have a significant impact on the management of ecosystem services. In this paper we show that ecosystem services also influence the structure of management-networks and power-relations among stakeholders, thus ecological factors set the stage for (local-regional) political discourse. We used social network analysis (SNA) to show how ecological processes become agents of social-ecological systems (SES), this method is also useful for finding those players who can adopt a mediator role in the social sphere, having a special position in the web of competing interests. Our research shows how mutual influence between social and ecological elements shapes management strategies in five protected areas in Central and Eastern Europe. The most voluminous and profitable ecosystem services (primarily timber production in our cases) define which stakeholders are the most powerful in management networks—this eminent position allows these players to make decisions unilaterally. Other, smaller players tend to negotiate with a diverse set of counterparts with whom they share and co-manage often multiple services. Power relations that emerge as a consequence of production differences among ecosystem services often do not allow participatory management methods. These situations lead to over-utilization of natural resources with a narrow interpretation of sustainability which decreases resilience for the whole social-ecological system. Our results contribute to the theoretical understanding of political discourses in SES and showcase how SNA can be applied as a tool to facilitate participatory landscape-management. We show how ecological factors co-create the social sphere where decisions are made about sustainable land-use.
Active Vision for Robot Manipulators Using the Free Energy Principle
Authors: Van de Maele Toon , Verbelen Tim , Çatal Ozan , De Boom Cedric , Dhoedt Bart
Published: March 2021

Occlusions, restricted field of view and limited resolution all constrain a robot's ability to sense its environment from a single observation. In these cases, the robot first needs to actively query multiple observations and accumulate information before it can complete a task. In this paper, we cast this problem of active vision as active inference, which states that an intelligent agent maintains a generative model of its environment and acts in order to minimize its surprise, or expected free energy according to this model. We apply this to an object-reaching task for a 7-DOF robotic manipulator with an in-hand camera to scan the workspace. A novel generative model using deep neural networks is proposed that is able to fuse multiple views into an abstract representation and is trained from data by minimizing variational free energy. We validate our approach experimentally for a reaching task in simulation in which a robotic agent starts without any knowledge about its workspace. Each step, the next view pose is chosen by evaluating the expected free energy. We find that by minimizing the expected free energy, exploratory behavior emerges when the target object to reach is not in view, and the end effector is moved to the correct reach position once the target is located. Similar to an owl scavenging for prey, the robot naturally prefers higher ground for exploring, approaching its target once located.
Integrating Non-spiking Interneurons in Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Strohmer Beck , Stagsted Rasmus Karnøe , Manoonpong Poramate , Larsen Leon Bonde
Published: March 2021

Researchers working with neural networks have historically focused on either non-spiking neurons tractable for running on computers or more biologically plausible spiking neurons typically requiring special hardware. However, in nature homogeneous networks of neurons do not exist. Instead, spiking and non-spiking neurons cooperate, each bringing a different set of advantages. A well-researched biological example of such a mixed network is a sensorimotor pathway, responsible for mapping sensory inputs to behavioral changes. This type of pathway is also well-researched in robotics where it is applied to achieve closed-loop operation of legged robots by adapting amplitude, frequency, and phase of the motor output. In this paper we investigate how spiking and non-spiking neurons can be combined to create a sensorimotor neuron pathway capable of shaping network output based on analog input. We propose sub-threshold operation of an existing spiking neuron model to create a non-spiking neuron able to interpret analog information and communicate with spiking neurons. The validity of this methodology is confirmed through a simulation of a closed-loop amplitude regulating network inspired by the internal feedback loops found in insects for posturing. Additionally, we show that non-spiking neurons can effectively manipulate post-synaptic spiking neurons in an event-based architecture. The ability to work with mixed networks provides an opportunity for researchers to investigate new network architectures for adaptive controllers, potentially improving locomotion strategies of legged robots.
The Prognostic Value of Radiomics Features Extracted From Computed Tomography in Patients With Localized Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma After Nephrectomy
Authors: Tang Xin , Pang Tong , Yan Wei-feng , Qian Wen-lei , Gong You-ling , Yang Zhi-gang
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

Radiomics is an emerging field of quantitative imaging. The prognostic value of radiomics analysis in patients with localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) after nephrectomy remains unknown.

Methods

Computed tomography images of 167 eligible cases were obtained from the Cancer Imaging Archive database. Radiomics features were extracted from the region of interest contoured manually for each patient. Hierarchical clustering was performed to divide patients into distinct groups. Prognostic assessments were performed by Kaplan–Meier curves, COX regression, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator COX regression. Besides, transcriptome mRNA data were also included in the prognostic analyses. Endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Concordance index (C-index), decision curve analysis and calibration curves with 1,000 bootstrapping replications were used for model’s validation.

Results

Hierarchical clustering groups from nephrographic features and mRNA can divide patients into different prognostic groups while clustering groups from corticomedullary or unenhanced phase couldn’t distinguish patients’ prognosis. In multivariate analyses, 11 OS-predicting and eight DFS-predicting features were identified in nephrographic phase. Similarly, seven OS-predictors and seven DFS-predictors were confirmed in mRNA data. In contrast, limited prognostic features were found in corticomedullary (two OS-predictor and two DFS-predictors) and unenhanced phase (one OS-predictors and two DFS-predictors). Prognostic models combining both nephrographic features and mRNA showed improved C-index than any model alone (C-index: 0.927 and 0.879 for OS- and DFS-predicting, respectively). In addition, decision curves and calibration curves also revealed the great performance of the novel models.

Conclusion

We firstly investigated the prognostic significance of preoperative radiomics signatures in ccRCC patients. Radiomics features obtained from nephrographic phase had stronger predictive ability than features from corticomedullary or unenhanced phase. Multi-omics models combining radiomics and transcriptome data could further increase the predictive accuracy.
Ultrasound Combined With Microbubbles Loading BDNF Retrovirus to Open Blood–Brain Barrier for Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Feng , Wei Xi-Xi , Chang Lian-Sheng , Dong Lei , Wang Yong-Ling , Li Na-Na
Published: March 2021

Background: Brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF) is a promising effective target for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). BDNF, which has a high molecular weight, has difficulty in crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The study aimed to prepare microbubbles loading brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF) retrovirus (MpLXSN-BDNF), to verify the characteristics of the microbubbles, and to study the therapeutic effect of the microbubbles combined with ultrasound on the opening of the blood–brain barrier in an AD rat model.

Methods: 32 adult male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, ultrasound + pLXSN-EGFP microbubble group (U + MpLXSN-BDNF), ultrasound + pLXSN-BDNF microbubble group, and ultrasound + microbubble + pLXSN-BDNF virus group (U + MpLXSN-BDNF), with eight rats in each group. At the same time, the left hippocampus of rats was irradiated with low-frequency focused ultrasound guided by MRI to open the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The effects of BDNF overexpression on AD rats were evaluated behaviorally before and 1 month after the treatment. The number of acetylcholinesterase (ChAT)-positive cells and the content of acetylcholine (ACh) in brain tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. IF staining of synaptic spines and Western blot of synaptophysin presented herein detected synaptic density recovery.

Results: Signal intensity enhancement at the BBB disruption sites could be observed on the MR images. The behavioral evaluation showed that the times of crossing the original platform in the U + MpLXSN-BDNF group increased significantly after treatment. Immunohistochemistry and HPLC revealed that the number of ChAT-positive neurons and the contents of ACh in the brain were significantly decreased in the treated groups compared with the controls. IF staining of synaptic spines and Western blot data of synaptophysin showed that the U + MpLXSN-BDNF group can recover the synaptic loss better by BDNF supplementation than the other treatment groups.

Conclusion: Ultrasound combined with viral microbubbles carrying BDNF can increase the transfection efficiency of brain neurons, promote the high expression of exogenous gene BDNF, and play a therapeutic role in the AD model rats.
Delivering Difficult News: Simulation-Enhanced Training Improves Psychiatry Residents' Clinical Communication Skills
Authors: Amsalem Doron , Martin Andrés , Mosheva Mariela , Soul Omer , Korotkin Liran , Ziv Amitai , Gothelf Doron , Gross Raz
Published: March 2021

Background: Delivering difficult news to individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders and their family members can be challenging. The use of simulated patients (SP) is an effective teaching method to enhance clinical skills, particularly those around communication. We developed, implemented, and evaluated the effectiveness of an SP-based training module to improve psychiatric residents' clinical communication skills in delivering difficult news.

Methods: We conducted 5-h workshops consisting of 3 components: (1) a high-fidelity simulation session with a professional actor; (2) a 30-min lecture; and (3) role-playing of 3 short scenarios, during which residents rotated taking on different roles (as psychiatrist, patient, or family member). We observed through a 1-way mirror and videotaped each resident's simulation session and followed it with personalized debriefing. Following the workshop, each resident received the full-length video of their simulated interview, together with a list of questions as a take-home assignment. Two months after the workshop, the residents were invited to a second SP-based session, during which 2 independent evaluators, each a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in medical simulation, evaluated the participants' communication skills using a previously validated instrument. To avoid observation bias, the 2 evaluators rated the videotapes blind to the timing of the simulation (pre- vs. post-training). Participants completed self-report questionnaires on satisfaction and self-confidence, before, after, and 2 months following the workshop.

Findings: Of the 28 psychiatric residents who participated in the training day, 24 (86%) completed the post-workshop evaluation. Mean communication score increased from 24.9 to 27.8 (paired t-test: 5.6, p < 0.001). The mean score for the self-confidence questionnaire, calculated on a 1 to 5 Likert scale, increased from 3.4 to 4.0 after the training day, and remained unchanged (4.2) 2 months later (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: An SP-based training module proved useful in improving the objectively measured communication skills of psychiatric residents delivering difficult news. The training further enhanced participants' subjective sense of confidence in those clinical skills.
Multilevel Factors Affecting Healthcare Workers’ Perceived Stress and Risk of Infection During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chua Gilbert T. , Tung Keith T. S. , Kwan Mike Yat Wah , Wong Rosa S. , Chui Celine S. L. , Li Xue , Wong Wilfred H. S. , Tso Winnie W. Y. , Fu King Wa , Chan Ko Ling , Wing Yun Kwok , Chen Eric Yu Hai , Chun Lee Tatia Mei , Rao Nirmala , Chan Godfrey C. F. , Hon Ellis K. L. , Hung Ivan Fan Ngai , Lau Kui Kai , Ho Marco H. K. , Wong Kirstie , Xiong Xiaoli , Chi Shuiqing , Tang Shao-tao , Tam Paul K. H. , Wong Ian C. K. , Ip Patrick
Published: March 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to identify key factors affecting Healthcare workers (HCWs) perceived stress and risk of contracting COVID-19 among themselves and their family members during the pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire study was conducted between 19 March and April 5, 2020 in Hong Kong. HCWs from public hospitals and private dentists, and their family members participated.

Results: A total of 747 HCWs and 245 family members participated. Higher perceived stress in HCWs was associated with more negative changes in family relationship (p = 0.025). The HCWs’ perceived stress, however, was positively associated with family cohesion (p = 0.033) and stress levels of family members (p < 0.001). The level of HCWs’ satisfaction toward the hospital policies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak was associated with lower levels of perceived stress and risk of themselves or their family members contracting COVID-19. HCWs’ previous frontline experience of SARS was significantly associated with less perceived risk of themselves or their family members contracting COVID-19.

Conclusion: Hospital policies addressing HCWs’ needs, frontline experience of SARS, and family relationship influenced psychological wellbeing of HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Study of the Direct CO2 Carboxylation Reaction on Supported Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Drault Fabien , Snoussi Youssef , Thuriot-Roukos Joëlle , Itabaiana Ivaldo , Paul Sébastien , Wojcieszak Robert
Published: March 2021

2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) is a biomass derivate of high importance that is used as a building block in the synthesis of green polymers such as poly(ethylene furandicarboxylate) (PEF). PEF is presumed to be an ideal substitute for the predominant polymer in industry, the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Current routes for 2,5-FDCA synthesis require 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as a reactant, which generates undesirable co-products due to the complicated oxidation step. Therefore, direct CO2 carboxylation of furoic acid salts (FA, produced from furfural, derivate of inedible lignocellulosic biomass) to 2,5-FDCA is potentially a good alternative. Herein, we present the primary results obtained on the carboxylation reaction of potassium 2-furoate (K2F) to synthesize 2,5-FDCA, using heterogeneous catalysts. An experimental setup was firstly validated, and then several operation conditions were optimized, using heterogeneous catalysts instead of the semi-heterogeneous counterparts (molten salts). Ag/SiO2 catalyst showed interesting results regarding the K2F conversion and space–time yield of 2,5-FDCA.
Kinetics and Selectivity Study of Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis to C5+ Hydrocarbons: A Review
Authors: Teimouri Zahra , Abatzoglou Nicolas , Dalai Ajay K.
Published: March 2021

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is considered as one of the non-oil-based alternatives for liquid fuel production. This gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology converts syngas to a wide range of hydrocarbons using metal (Fe and Co) unsupported and supported catalysts. Effective design of the catalyst plays a significant role in enhancing syngas conversion, selectivity towards C5+ hydrocarbons, and decreasing selectivity towards methane. This work presents a review on catalyst design and the most employed support materials in FTS to synthesize heavier hydrocarbons. Furthermore, in this report, the recent achievements on mechanisms of this reaction will be discussed. Catalyst deactivation is one of the most important challenges during FTS, which will be covered in this work. The selectivity of FTS can be tuned by operational conditions, nature of the catalyst, support, and reactor configuration. The effects of all these parameters will be analyzed within this report. Moreover, zeolites can be employed as a support material of an FTS-based catalyst to direct synthesis of liquid fuels, and the specific character of zeolites will be elaborated further. Furthermore, this paper also includes a review of some of the most employed characterization techniques for Fe- and Co-based FTS catalysts. Kinetic study plays an important role in optimization and simulation of this industrial process. In this review, the recent developed reaction rate models are critically discussed.
Plant Diversity in Sardinian Mountain Rangelands: Analysis of Its Relationships with Grazing, Land Management, and Pastoral Value
Authors: Lozano Vanessa , Vacca Gabriella , Camarda Ignazio , Brundu Giuseppe , Sanna Federico , Caredda Salvatore , Re Giovanni Antonio
Published: March 2021

In this study, we analyzed the effects of grazing on native and endemic plant diversity, as well as its relationship with pastoral value along a gradient of abiotic and biotic factors and types of land management in a mountainous area of central-eastern Sardinia, Italy. Plant diversity was estimated by conducting a floristic survey within plots. In total, 231 plant species were recorded in 63 plots distributed within the study area, and this total number included 20 endemic species. Species richness was mainly affected by the type of management, soil attributes, altitude, and bioclimate. Pastoral value was strongly affected by nutrient availability and bioclimate. Our results suggest that the cover of endemic species increases with altitude. Finally, in Sardinian rangelands, a negative effect of grazing pressure on endemic species was observed.
Impact of Different Types of Physical Activity in Green Urban Space on Adult Health and Behaviors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Grigoletto Alessia , Mauro Mario , Maietta Latessa Pasqualino , Iannuzzi Vincenzo , Gori Davide , Campa Francesco , Greco Gianpiero , Toselli Stefania
Published: March 2021

This systematic review aimed to investigate the type of physical activity carried out in green urban spaces by the adult population and to value its impact on the population’s health. Additionally, another purpose was to examine if the presence of outdoor gyms in green urban spaces can promote participation in physical activity among adults. Searches of electronic databases, with no time restrictions and up to June 2020, resulted in 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. A quantitative assessment is reported as effect size. Many people practiced walking activity as a workout, which showed improvements in health. Walking is the most popular type of training due to its easy accessibility and it not requiring equipment or special skills. Outdoor fitness equipment has been installed in an increasing number of parks and has become very popular worldwide. Further, outdoor fitness equipment provides free access to fitness training and seems to promote physical activity in healthy adults. However, other studies about outdoor fitness equipment efficiency are needed. People living near to equipped areas are more likely to perform outdoor fitness than those who live further away. The most common training programs performed in green urban spaces included exercises with free and easy access, able to promote physical health and perception.
Precision Medicine Treatment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Is Not a Dream
Authors: Testa Ugo , Pelosi Elvira , Castelli Germana
Published: March 2021

The development of molecular studies to define the somatic genetic alterations has revolutionized the diagnostic and therapeutic management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is a highly heterogenous disease that includes many molecular subtypes; each subtype is heterogeneous both for the presence of variable co-mutations and complex combinations of clones and subclones, changing during disease evolution and in response to treatment. The treatment of AML is changing from standardized schemes of induction and consolidation chemotherapy to tailored approaches according to molecular and genetic profiles and to targeted therapy. Several molecularly targeted therapies have been approved for the treatment of some AML patients, including mutation-specific targeted drugs such as FLT3, IDH1 and IDH2 inhibitors, mutation-independent targeted drugs such as the Bcl2 inhibitor venetoclax, the hedgehog inhibitor glasdegib and the CD33-targeted drug gemtuzumab ozogamicin. Furthermore, recent studies have shown the feasibility of a personalized medicine approach for the treatment of AML patients, where the therapy decisions are guided by the results of genomic studies.