bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Ciprofol Injectable in Chinese Subjects with Normal or Impaired Renal Function
Authors: Tao Jun , Liu Shuaibing , Zhao Yingying , Qi Lei , Yan Pangke , Wu Nan , Liu Xiao , Wang Xu , Liu Dongwei , Zhang Xiaojian , Tian Xin
Published: March 2023

Purpose
The study was designed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and safety of ciprofol injection in healthy subjects and patients with mild and moderate renal impairment, to provide a reference for the dosage adjustment in these populations.
Methods
A total of 24 subjects were enrolled in this study. An initial loading dose of ciprofol was 0.4 mg/kg for 1 min, followed by maintenance infusion at a rate of 0.4 mg/kg/h for 30 min were administered to subjects. To evaluate the PK of ciprofol and its metabolite M4, plasma and urine samples were collected. PD was evaluated using a modified observer’s alertness/sedation scale (MOAA/S) in combination with bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. Safety assessments were conducted throughout the trial process.
Results
The area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of ciprofol in plasma for patients with renal impairment were only slightly higher (0.9- to 1.2-fold) than those subjects in with normal renal function. For the metabolite M4, AUC values were 1.3- and 2.1-fold greater in patients with mild and moderate renal impairment, respectively, than healthy controls. However, increased exposure to M4 in participants with renal impairment may not be clinically significant, as this metabolite is pharmacologically inactive. There was no obvious effect of renal impairment on the PD parameters. The study found that ciprofol injection was well-tolerated, with all AEs reported being mild or moderate in severity.
Conclusion
No dosage adjustment of ciprofol is necessary for patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment who receive the injection.
Clinical trial registration:
NCT04142970(October, 2019).
Recent postoperative radiotherapy for left-sided breast cancer does not increase mortality of heart disease in Asians or Pacific islanders: SEER database analysis
Authors: Jingu Keiichi , Umezawa Rei , Yamamoto Takaya , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Suzuki Yu , Kishida Keita , Omata So , Ogawa Hiroaki , Sato Yuta , Harada Hinako , Seki Yasuhiro
Published: March 2023

Background
Radiation-induced heart damage has recently attracted attention, and serious heart damage due to radiation has been reported in patients with breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of radiotherapy on mortality from heart disease in Asians or Pacific islanders with breast cancer using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.
Methods
Asians or Pacific islanders with stage 0 or I (AJCC 6th ) breast cancer between 2000 and 2015 were analyzed. The impact of radiotherapy for mortality from heart disease after treatment was evaluated by comparing patients who received radiotherapy for left-sided breast cancer, patients who received radiotherapy for right-sided breast cancer and patients who did not receive radiotherapy
Results
In 25,684 Asians or Pacific islanders, the incidence of cardiac death was higher in patients who did not receive radiotherapy than in patients who received radiotherapy. Among patients who received external beam irradiation, the incidences of cardiac death were 2.00% for patients with left-sided breast cancer and 1.69% for patients with right-sided breast cancer, with no significant difference (chi-square test, p = 0.427). In the period from 2000 to 2008, there was no significant difference between the cumulative heart-related death rates in patients who received radiotherapy and in patients who did not receive radiotherapy (Tarone-Ware test, p = 0.406); however, in 2009–2015, the cumulative heart-related death rate in patients who did not receive radiotherapy was significantly higher than that in patients who received radiotherapy (log-rank test, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Heart-related death after treatment for breast cancer is relatively rare in Asians or Pacific islanders. Since at least 2000, the cardiac impact of postoperative radiotherapy has not been significant.
Exercise from home improves physical performance：A study conducted specifically for COVID-19
Authors: Wang Hsin-Huan , Tsai Wei-Chi , Tu Jui-Hung , Wu Bo-Han , Chen Chia-Hsiang
Published: March 2023

Purpose
COVID-19 has rampaged the world. Nowaday, a lot of people in Taiwan still experiencing working from home, as well as exercising from home (EFH) to maintain their physical health. This study aimed to investigate the difference in training efficacy by joining online workout courses and coach supervision.
Methods
Twenty participants were recruited in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into coach supervision and online training groups. A pre-test was first conducted, followed by a post-test after 8 weeks of training intervention. The tests were to measure the participant’s muscle hypertrophy and sports performance, with the former including InBody body composition analysis, and the latter including the assessment of jumping ability, 20-metre sprint, bench press, and squat performances. The two-way mixed design measures ANOVA was applied for statistical measurement. If the correlation between the two factors was significant, the Bonferroni post hoc test will be applied to determine the main effects. (α = 0.05).
Results
There was no significant difference between the two training groups. However, substantial differences were observed between the jumping ability, bench press performance, and squat performance of the pre- and post-tests in both groups, with the participants generally performing better in the latter case. In terms of body composition and muscle circumference, no significant changes were found between both tests.
Conclusion
Participating online training courses at home is recommended when exercising outdoor is forbidden. Moreover, online training not only reduces the transmission of coronavirus, but also helps improve the immunity in a safe environment.
Image Super-Resolution Based on Gated Residual and Gated Convolution Networks
Authors: Zhang Xiaoang , Peng Yali , Wang Wenan , Liu Shigang
Published: March 2023

Single image super-resolution based on deep neural network has been a hot topic in recent years. In this paper, we propose a gated residual and gated convolution network (GRGCN) to deal with super-resolution reconstruction. Gated residual (GR) and gated convolution (GC) are the products of introducing attention mechanism (AM) into deep neural network. Specifically, GR enables the network to focus on more important residual channel information and GC allows the network to pay attention on more important feature extraction regions. Meanwhile, we propose multi-level residual connection, which includes long connection, secondary connection and short connection. Three different levels of residual connection correspond to three scales of feature extraction module, namely residual cluster, residual group and residual block. By fusing the feature information on different scales, the convolution layer can efficiently extract the feature information. Experiments on benchmark datasets demonstrate that our proposed GRGCN has better performance and visual effects than state-of-the-art methods.
DFT and IQA study of substituent effect on the structure, stability, and bonding properties of CX2 singlet and triplet carbenes
Authors: Emami-meibodi Zahrasadat , Tavakol Hossein , Eskandari Kiamars
Published: March 2023

During this study, 6 carbenes with various substitutions (hydrogen, deuterium, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and methyl) and 24 carbenoids (Li, Na, Be, and Mg) were designed to obtain extensive and comprehensive information about their structures, stabilities, atomic specifications, and bonding properties using MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. Moreover, the PBEPBE DFT method was used for IQA analyses. The calculated molecular parameters showed both electronegativity and size of the ligand are effective on the studied structures, and the electronegativity effect is more intense than the size. Atomic hybridizations results showed the p indexes of carbon in triplet carbenes are also smaller than those in singlet carbenes, but this difference in halogen-containing carbenes is smaller than the other carbenes. In population analyses, except for sodium-based carbenoids, all carbenoids have higher Eg values than the carbenes. By considering the α-elimination as a method of preparation of these carbenes, the order of carbenes’ stabilities was obtained as f>c>b>m>h, which is the same as the order of electronegativities of the connected ligands. IQA analyses was performed to evaluate the relative stability of carbenes. It was found that the classical interaction in C-F is attractive (negative) unlike the other mentioned bonds energy for carbenes. This electrostatic term in C-F is larger in the singlet state than the triplet state, which leads to the singlet state of CF2 being more stable and consequently more favorable than its triplet state.
Metal(loid) pollution of agricultural soils downstream of a lead-zinc mine in southwest China: comprehensive evaluation of risks to food production and human health
Authors: Zhang Peiyu , Wang Wenyong , Li Xinyang , Gao Ting , Liu Benle , Longhua Wu , Tan Changyin , Christie Peter
Published: March 2023

It is very important to quantify accurately the risks from potentially toxic metal(loid)s to soils, the environment and human health in agricultural areas impacted by metal mining activities. Here, a total of 2184 surface soil samples (0-20 cm depth), 211 soil profile samples (0-100 cm depth) and samples of 11 plant species were collected from five agricultural areas downstream of a typical lead-zinc mine. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn and As were determined. Amethod based on soil-plant and human health risks was used to evaluate the contamination. The result shows that there was significant soil contamination with Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu and As which exceeded the Risk Screening Values (RSV) in surface soil samples. Metal(loid) concentrations decreased with increasing distance from the water source of the irrigation area. Metal(loid) contents decreased with increasing soil depth and the contents of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu and As exceeded the RSV values in the soils from depths 0 to 100 cm. The result of the evaluation indicated that there was no pollution with Cr or Ni, but there was contamination with Cd, Pb, Zn, As and Cu. And Cd should be the priority control element followed by Pb and As, and Cu and Zn should also be strictly regulated elements in future pollution remediation and policy development in the region studied. It is necessary to strengthen the supervision of pollutant outputs from mining areas, especially in contaminated surface water run-off.
Impact of presarcopenic dysphagia on 1-year mortality after videofluoroscopic swallowing study in patients with cancer
Authors: Moriyama Toshiyuki , Hachisuka Akiko , Matushima Yasuyuki , Tokunaga Mizuki , Hori Ryoko , Tashima Hiroyuki , Onishi Atuto , Inoue Sumire , Ito Hideaki , Ochi Mituhiro , Saeki Satoru
Published: March 2023

Purpose
Sarcopenic dysphagia is dysphagia due to low skeletal muscle mass and leads to increased pharyngeal residues. Presarcopenia is typified by low muscle mass without decreased muscle strength and physical function, unlike sarcopenia, and can also develop into dysphagia due to low skeletal muscle mass. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of presarcopenic dysphagia on one-year mortality in patients with cancer who underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study because of dysphagia.
Methods
An operational definition of presarcopenic dysphagia based on presarcopenia and pharyngeal residues was adopted. The psoas muscle mass index (cm2/height2 (m2)), calculated by the psoas muscle area at the L3 vertebra via abdominal computed tomography and related to height, was used to assess presarcopenia with cut-off levels of 4.62 for males and 2.66 for females. Pharyngeal residues were assessed using a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Patients' medical charts were analyzed to investigate one-year mortality after a videofluoroscopic swallowing study.
Results
Out of 111 consecutive cancer patients, 53 (47.7%) were defined as having presarcopenic dysphagia. In a forward-stepwise Cox proportional regression analysis, presarcopenic dysphagia (HR 2.599; 95% CI 1.158–5.834) was significantly associated with one-year mortality after a videofluoroscopic swallowing study, even after adjusting for the factors of operation, Functional Oral Intake Scale at discharge, and modified Barthel Index scores at discharge.
Conclusion
Presarcopenic dysphagia, defined as computed tomography-based presarcopenia and pharyngeal residues observed during a videofluoroscopic swallowing study, is associated with increased one-year mortality in patients with cancer and dysphagia.
Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy without Bevacizumab versus Intravenous Chemotherapy plus Bevacizumab as Frontline Therapy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ting Wan-Hua , Wang Hsiao-Feng , Chen Hui-Hua , Sun Hsu-Dong , Wei Ming-Chow , Lin Ho-Hsiung , Hsiao Sheng-Mou
Published: March 2023

Objectives
To compare the clinical outcomes between intravenous carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy plus bevacizumab versus intraperitoneal cisplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy without bevacizumab as the frontline treatment in women with advanced ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer.
Methods
All consecutive women with stage II~IV cancer treated with either frontline intraperitoneal cisplatin/paclitaxel without bevacizumab (IP group) or intravenous carboplatin/paclitaxel with bevacizumab (IVB group) at a tertiary referral center were reviewed.
Results
A total of 59 women (IP group, n=44; IVB group, n=15) were reviewed. There was no significant difference in the progression-free survival (median: 33.6 versus 14.8 months, p=0.13). However, overall survival (OS) was significantly higher in the IP group, compared with the IVB group (median: not reached versus 31.7 months, p=0.02; adjusted hazard ratio (HR)=0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.10 to 1.07, p=0.065). Additional predictors for OS include cancer stage and the number of chemotherapy cycles. Besides, the standard dose of 100 mg/m2 cisplatin was a predictor for OS, compared with other intraperitoneal regimens (adjusted HR=0.14, 95% CI=0.02 to 0.87, p=0.03).
Conclusions
Intraperitoneal cisplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy without bevacizumab seems to be better in OS, compared to intravenous carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy with bevacizumab in the frontline treatment of women with advanced ovarian cancer.
A CNN model for predicting soil properties using VIS-NIR spectral data
Authors: Hosseinpour-Zarnaq Mohammad , Omid Mahmoud , Sarmadian Fereydoon , Ghasemi-Mobtaker Hassan
Published: March 2023

This research aims to develop a novel deep learning-based model for predicting soil properties based on visible and near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectroscopy data. Soil samples were collected from the European topsoil dataset provided by the LUCAS project provides various soil physicochemical properties analyzed within 28 EU countries (including sand, silt, clay, pH, organic carbon, calcium carbonates (CaCO3), and N). In this study, one-dimensional (1D) convolutional neural network (CNN) models were developed using absorbance spectral data. The performance of feature learning from discrete wavelet transform as a powerful preprocessing method was tested. Moreover, the results of the proposed CNN model were compared with partial least squares regression (PLSR) with raw absorbance and optimum classical preprocessing (Savitzky-Golay smoothing with first-order derivative). The ratio of percent deviation (RPD) of CNN with absorbance data for prediction of OC, CaCO3, pH, N, sand, silt, and clay content were 4.02, 3.89, 2.82, 3.02, 1.63, 1.43, and 2.16, respectively. While the RPD of PLSR with optimal preprocessing of absorbance data for predicting the mentioned parameters were 2.89, 3.00, 2.79, 2.50, 1.37, 1.27, and 1.84, respectively. The study demonstrated the feasibility of using deep learning-based models and VIS-NIR spectral data as a rapid nondestructive tool for the assessment of important soil properties.
Responses of Trifolium repens L. root structure and function to shading and phosphorus shortage: limits to adaptative plasticity during establishment?
Authors: Gatti Maria Laura , Cornaglia Patricia Susana , Re Paula
Published: March 2023

Shading and low soil phosphorus availability may limit root growth of forage species in humid-temperate silvopastoral systems. However, plants are able to cope with such constraints by modifying root structure to improve the establishment and survival. The aim of this work was to evaluate the plasticity of different types of roots of Trifolium repens L. and its functional impact in the first two years of the species. A pot trial designed in 3 randomized complete block was carried out in sub-subdivided plots: main plot was the shading treatment (4 levels: full sun = 0% and 30%, 60% and 90% of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) reduction), sub-plots were 2 cultivars of large-leafed (cv. Junín and cv. El Lucero) and sub-sub-plots were 2 phosphorous conditions (without P- and with added P+). Whole plants were harvested and the root system was divided into seminal taproot and fibrous roots: coarse roots (1 to ≤ 2 mm of diameter) and fine roots (≤ 1 mm of diameter). Even under 60% of shading, both cultivars were able to maintain root soil penetration and water and nutrients acquisition, regardless of the level of P. These functions were associated with the length and taproot diameter, specific taproot length and fine root biomass during establishment. Instead 90% of shading was a clear limit to plasticity and survival of the plants during the second year. Under mean PAR radiation > 212 µmol m− 2.s− 1 and P shortage, it is expected that the enrichment with large-leafed cultivars could be successful in these systems.
A novel subclonal rearrangement of the STRN3::PDGFRB genes in de novo acute myeloid leukemia with NPM1 mutation and its leukemogenic effects
Authors: Mi Yingchang , Wang Zhe , Liu Ting , Liu Wenbing , Gao Xin , Wan Li , Qiu Shaowei , Song Yang , Gu Runxia , Tian Zheng , Wang Min , Wang Jianxiang , Wei Shuning
Published: March 2023

Chromosome translocations in the 5q31-33 region are associated with a range of hematologic malignancies, some of which involve the platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) gene. We report a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a mutation in the NPM1 gene (NPM1-mut AML) and a subclonal gene rearrangement involving the PDGFRB gene. We identified a novel fusion gene, STRN3::PDGFRB, resulting from t(5;14) (q32;q12) chromosomal rearrangement. Sequential FISH confirmed that approximately 15% of leukemic cells carried the PDGFRB gene rearrangement, which suggests that STRN3::PDGFRB is a previously unreported fusion gene in a subclone. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Sanger sequencing confirmed that the fusion gene consisted of STRN3 exon 7 fused to PDGFRB exon 11, resulting in a chimeric protein containing the coiled-coil domain of striatin-3 and the transmembrane and intracellular tyrosine kinase domains of the PDGFRB. The new protein exhibited distinct cytoplasmic localization and had leukemogenic effects, as demonstrated by its ability to transform Ba/F3 cells to growth factor independence and cause a fatal myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN)-like disease in mice, which then transformant to T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in secondary recipients. Ba/F3 cells expressing STRN3::PDGFRB or ETV6::PDGFRB were sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and selinexor, but in virto experiments showed that the combination of imatinib and selinexor had a marked synergistic effect, although only the imatinib alone group could prolong the survival of T-cell blast transformation recipient mice. Our findings demonstrate the leukemogenic effects of the novel fusion gene and provide insights into the clone evolution of AML, which can be influenced by therapy selection. Furthermore, our results provide insight into the potential therapeutic options for patients with this type of mutation, as well as the need for careful consideration of treatment selection to prevent undesirable side effects.
The association between environmental cadmium exposure and parathyroid hormone levels
Authors: Tang Hongye , Wang Jiangchuan , Wang Rongzhou , Hu Nandong , Wei Zicheng , Zhu Guoying , Jin Taiyi , Chen Xiao
Published: March 2023

Cadmium exposure is associated with renal dysfunction and bone damage. Chronic kidney disease and bone loss are also related to parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, whether cadmium exposure affect PTH level is not completely understood. In this study, we observed the association between environmental cadmium exposure and parathyroid hormone levels in a Chinese population. A ChinaCd study was performed in China in 1990s which included 790 subjects living in heavily, moderately and low cadmium polluted area. 354 of them (121men and 233 women) also had the data of serum PTH. The cadmium levels in blood (BCd) and urine (UCd) were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum PTH was detected by immunoradiometric assay. Renal function was assessed based on urinary N-acetyl-βd-glucosaminidase (UNAG) and urinary albumin (UALB). The median BCd and UCd levels were 4.69 µg/L and 5.50 µg/g creatinine. The BCd, UCd, UNAG and UALB levels in subjects with low PTH (< 5.0 ng/L) were significantly higher than those with PTH ≥ 5.0 ng/L (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Spearman correlation analysis also showed that UCd level was negatively correlated to PTH levels (r = -0.17, p = 0.008). A weak correlation was also observed between BCd and PTH level (r = -0.11, p = 0.09). Univariable and mutivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that high BCd (> 10 µg/L) (odds ratio (OR) = 2.26, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.10–4.63; OR = 2.36, 95%CI: 1.11–5.05) and UCd level (> 20 µg/g cr) (OR = 2.84, 95%CI:1.32–6.10; OR = 2.97, 95%CI: 1.25–7.05) were associated with high risk of low PTH. Our data showed that environmental cadmium exposure was associated with low PTH level.
Putting conservation gardening into practice
Authors: Munschek Marius , Witt Reinhard , Kaltofen Katrin , Segar Josiane , Wirth Christian , Weigelt Alexandra , Engelmann Rolf A. , Staude Ingmar R.
Published: March 2023

Conservation gardening (CG) is the widespread planting of urban green spaces with declining native plant species and the transformation of the gardening industry into a socio-ecological conservation tool. However, information on which plants are amenable, what conditions they require, and where they can be purchased remains scarce and not readily available. Using Germany as an example, we demonstrate a workflow that synthesizes such data. We synthesized the Red Lists of all 16 federal states in Germany, and text-mined a comprehensive platform for garden plants, as well as multiple German producers of native plants. We summarize all available data via a user-friendly app (https://conservation-gardening.shinyapps.io/app-en/), allowing gardeners to retrieve region-specific lists of CG plants, as well as corresponding planting and purchasing advice. We found that a median of 845 plant species are red-listed across federal states (ranging from 515 to 1,123), with a median of 41% of species amenable to CG (ranging from 29–53%), totalling in 988 CG species. 650 (66%) of these are already available for purchase. We found that many CG plants are drought-tolerant and require less fertilizer on average, with implications for long-term urban planning and climate adaptation. Together with gardening experts, we present purchasable CG balcony plants for each federal state, highlighting that CG can happen now and also for people without gardens. Our analysis suggests plant extinction risk could potentially be reduced by a median of 29% across Germany if CG were widely implemented. Our study highlights a considerable potential for CG to initiate transformative change to help bend the curve of biodiversity loss.
The Impact of Exports and FDI on Economic Growth : Evidence from Nine European Union Member States
Authors: Yeboah Evans , Baffour Alexander Amo
Published: March 2023

Exports and FDI are part of the macroeconomic variables which some researchers have studied through a cross-country approach to assessing the dynamic in economic growth. This study investigates the significance of exports and FDI in some selected European Union member states including Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. The study used data from the World Bank from 1995 to 2021 and analyzed it through a panel model estimation. The econometrics test employed includes the pooled model, stationarity test, panel specification, and Fixed effect model. The stationarity test indicated that the variables(exports, GDP, and FDI) were non-stationarity at a level and integrated with the first-order difference. The panel specification test showed that the fixed effect model was the most adequate over the pooled and random effect models. The results from the fixed effect model indicated that exports and FDI positively stimulate economic growth in these selected countries. The results further show that Poland’s economy enjoyed more impacts from exports and FDI, followed by Romania, whereas Estonia’s economy witnessed the lowest impact. The findings revealed that exports support economic development in these EU countries more than FDI. The study recommends that policymakers implement sound investment policies to attract more FDI inflows.
Development of fishing boat collision models in extreme weather using computer simulation
Authors: Sunardi  , Choiron Moch. Agus , Sugiarto  , Setyarini Putu Hadi
Published: March 2023

The incidence of fishing boat accidents in Indonesia is very worrying, with 342 people dying during 2018–2020. Based on this, it is crucial to investigate the construction strength of fishing vessels against the possibility of a collision. In this study, the fishing boat due to the impact load was investigated in extreme weather conditions using Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis. Traditional fishing boat was constructed by measuring the thickness of the hull, deck, keel, frames, and longitudinal structure of the fishing boat. The collision model is carried out with an impactor in the form of a mooring pole during extreme weather with a wave height of 6 meters and wind speeds 30 knots. Variations in velocity and frame spacing as in actual conditions are modeled to obtain differences in deformation, absorption energy values, and plasticity of boat construction due to collisions. The collision speed of 30 and 20 knots are set on the extreme weather conditions, while the collision speed of 7 knots is set on operating speed. Frame spacing of 0.5 and 0.6 meters is built according to the boat's frame spacing in the field. Computer simulation is carried out using application software ANSYS Research License. The fishing boat material used is mahogany wood with tested by using impact test with a toughness value of 39.1 kJ/m2. Based on the simulations results, the impact velocity has an effect deformation wider crash area and hull stress value. The speed of the ship collision was 7 knots, the collision did not damage the hull, but the construction failed at speeds of 20 and 30 knots. The closer of frame spacing, the higher collision performance of structure to withstand impact are indicated by the higher energy absorption. At a ship collision speed of 30 knots, the absorption energy of the construction at 0.5-meter frame spacing is 49.8 kJ, greater than 0.6-meter frame spacing with a value of 29.6 kJ
Development of simple kits (SK) refraction of light using photodiode sensors for student understanding
Authors: Wibowo Firmanul Catur , Maemunah Ade Nur , Nasbey Hadi , Costu Bayram , Prahani Binar Kurnia , Permana Niki Dian , Darman Dina Rahmi , Samsudin Achmad
Published: March 2023

Students' understanding to learn science on the concept of light refraction is experiencing serious problems because of the unobservable of light particles. The research object to be resolved in this study is to improve the concept of light refraction using a photodiode sensor. The problem to be solved in this research is to develop a Simple Kit (SK) Refraction of Light (RoL) using a photodiode sensor for students' understanding of concepts. The research method for making SK RoL using photodiode sensors using ADDIE, which consists of the first stage, analysis by analyzing the needs of SK RoL products using photodiode sensors to be developed. Second, the SK RoL design uses a photodiode sensor. Third, Development is developing SK RoL Using Photodiode Sensors. Implementation of the Fourth RoL Decree Using Photodiode Sensors to see student understanding of 74 students from tertiary institutions in one of the provinces in Indonesia. Fifth, Evaluation by revising the product at each stage of SK RoL development. SK RoL product research results include Green Laser, Photodiode sensor, Angle Arc, Display Module and Displayed Data, Arduino Uno R3 Atmega 328, Medium Container and Programs Using Arduino Software. The characteristics of the SK ROL results show that the SK RoL based on the Photodiode Sensor developed can be used as a physics learning medium because it can visualize the unobservable concept of light refraction and increase students' understanding of the concept of light refraction because of the nature of the particles which are difficult to understand by using a green laser which is passed through a photodiode sensor medium and Arduino can be visualized in a real way. SK RoL can work optimally in a room where the light is not too bright or requires a room that is a bit dark so it is possible to observe the laser beam. SK RoL, as a physics learning medium, can be used to increase students' understanding of the concept of light refraction. The implications of developing SK RoL can be used as a learning medium to attract students' interest in learning, support the learning process, and help make it easier for students to understand abstract physics concepts
Development of mesoporous activated carbons derived from brewed coffee waste for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Putra Negara Dewa Ngakan Ketut , Widiyarta I Made , Suriadi I Gusti Agung Kade , Dwijana I Gusti Komang , Budiana Penindra I Made Dwi , Tenaya I Gusti Ngurah Putu , Sukadana I Gusti Ketut , Ferdinand Anton Saladin
Published: March 2023

The primary cause of rising CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere is the use of fossil fuels in motor vehicles and factory activities in industry. CO2 levels in the atmosphere can be controlled and reduced by using low-carbon energy and capturing and storing CO2. One widely used way for CO2 capture and storage is adsorption method. This method necessitates the use of an adsorbent, one of which is activated carbon. In this study, brewed coffee waste was converted into activated carbons, characterized, and tested for carbon dioxide adsorption. Brewed coffee waste was dehydrated at 105 ºC for an hour before being carbonized at 550 °C and activated at 670, 700, and 730 °C, with a 200-ml/min nitrogen injection during activation. Activated carbons with activation temperatures of 670, 700, and 730 °C were denoted as AC-670, AC-700, and AC-730, respectively. A series of TGA, SEM, and adsorption isotherm tests were used to determine the proximate components, surface morphology, and surface structure of the activated carbons produced. To assess the adsorption capacities of activated carbon on CO2, the gravimetric CO2 adsorption isotherm method was used. According to the findings of the study, increasing activation temperatures cause variable properties in activated carbon. When using an activation temperature of 700 °C, the most appropriate properties of activated carbon can be obtained. It has 425.843 m2/g specific surface area, 0.345 cm3/g pore volume, 3.423 nm pore diameter, 235.628 cm3/g nitrogen adsorption capacity, and 4.183 mmol/g CO2 adsorption performance. This study provided a simple way converting brewed coffee waste into activated carbon with excellent performance for CO2 adsorption
Evidence for abundant organic matter in a Neoarchean banded iron formation
Authors: Peng Zidong , Nan Jingbo , Zhang Lianchang , Poulton Simon W. , Zhou Junlie , Yuan Yuan , Ta Kaiwen , Wang Changle , Zhai Mingguo
Published: March 2023

Microbial Fe(II) oxidation has been proposed as a major source of Fe minerals during deposition of banded iron formations (BIFs) in the Archean and Proterozoic Eons. The conspicuous absence of organic matter or graphitic carbon from BIFs, however, has given rise to divergent views on the importance of such a biologically mediated iron cycle. Here, we present mineral associations, major element concentrations, total carbon contents and carbon isotope compositions for a set of lower amphibolite-facies BIF samples from the Neoarchean Zhalanzhangzi BIF in the Qinglonghe supracrustal sequence, Eastern Hebei, China. Graphite grains with crystallization temperatures (~470 °C) that are comparable to that predicted for the regional metamorphic grade are widely distributed, despite highly variable iron (12.9 to 54.0 wt%) and total organic carbon (0.19 to 1.10 wt%) contents. The crystalline graphite is interpreted to represent the metamorphosed product of syngenetic bio-mass, based on its co-occurrence with apatite rosettes and negative bulk rock δ13Corganic values (–23.8 to –15.4‰). Moreover, the crystalline graphite is unevenly distributed between iron- and silica-rich bands. In the iron-rich bands, abundant graphite relicts are closely associated with magnetite and/or are preserved within carbonate minerals (i.e., siderite, ankerite, and calcite) with highly negative bulk rock δ13Ccarb values (–16.73 to –6.33‰), indicating incomplete reduction of primary ferric (oxyhydr) oxides by organic matter. By comparison, only minor graphite grains are observed in the silica-rich bands. Normally, these grains are preserved within quartz or silicate minerals and thus did not undergo oxidation by Fe(III). In addition, the close association of graphite with iron-bearing phases indicates that ferric (oxyhydr)oxides may have exerted a first order control on the abundance of organic matter. Combined, the biological oxidation of Fe(II) in the oceanic photic zone and subsequent burial of ferric (oxyhydr)oxides and biomass in sediments to form BIFs, suggests that a BIF-dependent carbon cycle was important in the Archean Eon. Although significant re-adsorption of phosphorus to ferric (oxyhydr)oxides and the formation of authigenic phosphate minerals at the sediment-water interface would be expected, oxidation of biomass in BIFs may have recycled at least a portion of the P (and other nutrients) released from reactions between organic matter and ferric (oxyhydr)oxides to the overlying water column, potentially promoting further primary productivity.
Low-temperature electron mobility in doped semiconductors with high dielectric constant
Authors: Nazaryan Khachatur G. , Feigel'man Mikhail
Published: March 2023

We propose and study theoretically a new mechanism of
electron-impurity scattering in doped seminconductors with large
dielectric constant. It is based upon the idea of vector character of
deformations caused in the crystalline lattice by any point defects
siting asymmetrically in the unit cell. In result, local lattice
compression due to the elastic deformations decay as
1/r2
with distance from impurity. Electron scattering (due to standard
deformation potential) on such defects leads to low-temperature mobility
μ(n)
scaling with electron density n
of the form μ(n)∝n−2/3
that is close to experimental observations on a number of relevant
materials.
Greedy optimization of the geometry of Majorana Josephson junctions
Authors: Melo André , Tanev Tanko , Akhmerov Anton R.
Published: March 2023

Josephson junctions in a two-dimensional electron gas with spin-orbit
coupling are a promising candidate to realize topological
superconductivity. While it is known that the geometry of the junction
strongly influences the size of the topological gap, the question of how
to construct optimal geometries remains unexplored. We introduce a
greedy numerical algorithm to optimize the shape of Majorana junctions.
The core of the algorithm relies on perturbation theory and is
embarrassingly parallel, which allows it to explore the design space
efficiently. By introducing stochastic variations in the junction
Hamiltonian, we avoid overfitting geometries to specific system
parameters. Furthermore, we constrain the optimizer to produce smooth
geometries by applying image filtering and fabrication resolution
constraints. We run the algorithm in various setups and find that it
reliably produces geometries with increased topological gaps over large
parameter ranges. The results are robust to variations in the
optimization starting point and the presence of disorder, which suggests
the optimizer is capable of finding global maxima.
Assessment of a hybrid technology for liquid fuel dimethyl aminoethyl azide wastewater treatment
Authors: Aqaei Mohadeseh , Pakdehi Shahram G.
Published: March 2023

Dimethyl aminoethyl azide (DMAZ) is a liquid fuel in the space industry. Although this fuel is non-carcinogenic, its wastewater suffers from some hazardous pollutants, such as sodium azide (NaN3). A hybrid process of coagulation–flocculation and chemical reaction with nitrous acid was applied for the wastewater treatment. The Taguchi method was used for the process optimization. Coagulant concentration, rapid mixing intensity, duration time, CAMP number and settlement time were found to be effective parameters for the efficiency of the former process. Turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) of the wastewater were used to track the removal efficiency in the first stage. The complete removal efficiency was achieved. In the latter process, NaN3 was removed using a reaction with nitrous acid. pH of the wastewater was optimized as the controlling factor in the second process. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NaN3 removals of 98.9, 98.2 and 96.3% were obtained under the optimum conditions, respectively. As a result, a reduction of 91.9% in turbidity, 98.5% in TSS, 98.5% in BOD, 98.1% in COD and 96.7% in NaN3 concentration were observed in the output of the wastewater.
Violências curriculares
Authors: Bolonha Fabíola Jundurian , Oliveira Aldo Gonçalves de
Published: March 2023

O presente estudo se insere nas discussões sobre formação médica, e de modo específico, sobre currículo médico e as dimensões de corpo, gênero e sexualidade. Da conexão entre esses temas, o presente trabalho objetivou analisar como o corpo, gênero e sexualidade são acionados no Projeto Político Pedagógico (PPC) do curso de medicina da Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Vida — UACV/CFP/UFCG (Campus de Cajazeiras). Para dar conta dessa proposta de investigação, fundamentamos o referencial teórico-metodológico nos estudos pós-críticos sobre currículo. Tomamos como objeto de análise documental as DCN de 2001 para o curso de graduação em medicina e o PPC do curso em questão. Argumentamos ser múltiplas as formações discursivas — das normativas e diretrizes oficiais, científicas, biológicas/biomédicas, sociais, pedagógicos — que entram em disputa na composição curricular para a abordagem de saberes sobre gênero e sexualidade.
Exploring the indigenous structure of Vietnamese personality traits: A psycho-lexical approach
Authors: Mai Nhu Thi Quynh , Church A. Timothy
Published: March 2023

The goals of this study were to explore the structure of the Vietnamese personality lexicon and to relate emic Vietnamese personality dimensions to proposed etic (universal) personality models. A set of 2,129 person-descriptive terms were culled from a Vietnamese-English Dictionary, classified into the categories of a person-description taxonomy developed for the German language, and rated for their clarity, familiarity, and relevance for personality description. The classification and evaluation of the terms led to a reduced set of 668 trait terms, which were administered to 850 participants to collect self-ratings. After eliminating 140 participants who responded carelessly or omitted many items, the self-ratings of the remaining 710 participants were factor analyzed using principal components analyses with varimax rotations. One- to eight-factor solutions were examined, and correlated with marker scales for etic models of personality structure, including the Big One, the Big Two, the Big Three, the Big Five, the Big Six, and the Multi-Language Seven (ML7) models. The Vietnamese factor structure showed moderate to strong support for the cross-cultural replicability of the Big One, the Big Two, and the Big Three models. The Big Five, Big Six, and ML7 models were not well replicated. An eight-factor solution provided the most interpretable structure, with five of its factors corresponding well with dimensions of the Big Six model: Vietnamese Warmheartedness-Virtue with Agreeableness, Vietnamese Talented-Intellect with Intellect, Vietnamese Orderly-Industriousness with Conscientiousness, Vietnamese Courage with Emotional Stability (inversely), and Vietnamese Vivaciousness with Extraversion. The three remaining indigenous factors – Modesty, Straightforward-Genuineness, and Trustworthiness – showed modest to moderate relationships with Big Six Honesty-Humility. Gender differences on the Vietnamese dimensions were generally modest but provided initial validity evidence for the dimensions. Theoretical and applied implications, as well as strengths, limitations, and future research recommendations are discussed.
The Effect of Activity Participation in Middle-Aged and Older People on the Trajectory of Depression in Later Life: National Cohort Study
Authors: Gao Yan , Jia Zhihao , Zhao Liangyu , Han Suyue
Published: March 2023

Background

More activity participation is an important means of handling depression and promoting positive aging, but the impact of changes in activity participation on the developmental trajectory of depression has not been fully studied.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to study the relationship between current activity participation and depression in middle-aged and older people (≥45 years old) and the relationship between activity participation and the developmental trajectory of depression in later life in China.

Methods

This study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) across 7 years and included a total of 4818 middle-aged and older people (≥45 years old). Controlling for relevant control variables, the latent growth curve model and the cross-lag model were used to assess the effect of changes in activity participation on the depression trajectory in later life and the main lag relationship between activity participation and depression. Activity participation as well as depression were measured using the self-reported activity and health status based on the CHARLS questionnaire.

Results

Among the 4818 respondents, the mean values of physical activity participation, social leisure activity participation, and depression ranged from 76.98 (SD 15.16) to 83.95 (SD 5.72), from 7.43 (SD 8.67) to 9.25 (SD 10.16), and from 7.61 (SD 5.72) to 8.82 (SD 6.51), respectively. Our findings revealed that activity participation could be related to depression. Physical activity participation predicted initial depression (β=–0.631, P<.001) and its trajectory (β=0.461, P<.001). However, social leisure activity participation predicted initial depression (β=–0.223, P<.001) but did not predict its trajectory (β=0.067, P=.159). Finally, cross-lag regression analysis further demonstrated the predictive effect of activity participation on depression.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the prediction of activity participation for future depression in the Chinese middle-aged and older populations. The data showed that activity participation is significantly associated with changes in depression and future depression among middle-aged and older people in China. The Chinese government should encourage middle-aged and older people to participate in various activities, which can effectively prevent the aggravation of depression and also have a positive significance for positive aging.
Secure Messaging for Diabetes Management: Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Robinson Stephanie A , Zocchi Mark , Purington Carolyn , Am Linda , DeLaughter Kathryn , Vimalananda Varsha G , Netherton Dane , Ash Arlene S , Hogan Timothy P , Shimada Stephanie L
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Secure messaging use is associated with improved diabetes-related outcomes. However, it is less clear how secure messaging supports diabetes management.

OBJECTIVE

We examined secure message topics between patients and clinical team members in a national sample of veterans with type 2 diabetes to understand use of secure messaging for diabetes management and potential associations with glycemic control.

METHODS

We surveyed and analyzed the content of secure messages between 448 US Veterans Health Administration patients with type 2 diabetes and their clinical teams. We also explored the relationship between secure messaging content and glycemic control.

RESULTS

Explicit diabetes-related content was the most frequent topic (72.1% of participants), followed by blood pressure (31.7% of participants). Among diabetes-related conversations, 90.7% of patients discussed medication renewals or refills. More patients with good glycemic control engaged in 1 or more threads about blood pressure compared to those with poor control (37.5% vs 27.2%, P=.02). More patients with good glycemic control engaged in 1 more threads intended to share information with their clinical team about an aspect of their diabetes management compared to those with poor control (23.7% vs 12.4%, P=.009).

CONCLUSIONS

There were few differences in secure messaging topics between patients in good versus poor glycemic control. Those in good control were more likely to engage in informational messages to their team and send messages related to blood pressure. It may be that the specific topic content of the secure messages may not be that important for glycemic control. Simply making it easier for patients to communicate with their clinical teams may be the driving influence between associations previously reported in the literature between secure messaging and positive clinical outcomes in diabetes.