bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selected Skill Sets as Building Blocks for High School-to-Medical School Bridge: Longitudinal Study Among Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Alsuwaidi Laila , Otaki Farah , Hassan Khamis Amar , AlGurg Reem , Lakhtakia Ritu
Published: February 2023

Background

The high school–to–medical school education transition is a significant milestone in the students’ academic journey, which is characterized by multiple stressors. Although this crucial transition has been repetitively explored, the concept of proactively intervening to support this transition is still novel.

Objective

In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a web-based multidimensional resilience building intervention in developing selected soft skills that are believed to drive the learner’s success in any learning setting. The association between the students' academic performance over time and their proficiency in selected modules addressing skill sets, including Time Management, Memory and Study, Listening and Taking Notes, and College Transition, was also assessed to test the impact of the intervention on the students’ learning.

Methods

A longitudinal study was conducted on 1 cohort of students of a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program (MBBS). The medical students were offered a learning intervention around 4 skill sets during the first year of the 6-year program. Quantitative analyses were conducted using deidentified data, relating to the students' proficiency in the 4 skill sets and to the students’ academic performance: grade point average (GPA). Descriptive analyses constituted computing an overall score of skill sets’ proficiency (of all 4 selected skill sets). The mean and SD (and percentage of the mean) were also calculated for each skill set component, independently, and for the overall score of skill sets’ proficiency. Bivariate Pearson correlations were used to assess the extent to which the academic performance of the students can be explained by the corresponding students’ level of proficiency in each skill set component and by all 4 sets together.

Results

Out of the 63 admitted students, 28 participated in the offered intervention. The means and SDs of the annual GPA of the students for years 1 and 2 (GPA range 1-4) were 2.83 (SD 0.74) and 2.83 (SD 0.99), respectively. The mean and SD of the cumulative GPA toward the end of year 2 was 2.92 (SD 0.70). Correlation analysis showed that the overall score of skill sets proficiency was significantly associated with the annual GPA of year 1 (r=0.44; P=.02) but was not associated with their annual GPA of year 2. The cumulative GPA (toward the end of year 2) appeared to be significantly associated with the overall score (r=0.438; P=.02).

Conclusions

Developing purposefully selected skill sets among medical students holds the potential of facilitating the high school–to–medical school education transition and is likely to improve their academic performance. As the medical student progresses, the acquired skills need to be continuously reinforced and effectively built upon.
Investigation of the Trajectory of Muscle and Body Mass as a Prognostic Factor in Patients With Colorectal Cancer: Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Seo Dongjin , Kim Han Sang , Ahn Joong Bae , Park Yu Rang
Published: February 2023

Background

Skeletal muscle and BMI are essential prognostic factors for survival in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there is a lack of understanding due to scarce studies on the continuous aspects of these variables.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of the initial status and trajectories of muscle and BMI on overall survival (OS) and assess whether these 4 profiles within 1 year can represent the profiles 6 years later.

Methods

We analyzed 4056 newly diagnosed patients with CRC between 2010 to 2020. The volume of the muscle with 5-mm thickness at the third lumbar spine level was measured using a pretrained deep learning algorithm. The skeletal muscle volume index (SMVI) was defined as the muscle volume divided by the square of the height. The correlation between BMI status at the first, third, and sixth years of diagnosis was analyzed and assessed similarly for muscle profiles. Prognostic significances of baseline BMI and SMVI and their 1-year trajectories for OS were evaluated by restricted cubic spline analysis and survival analysis. Patients were categorized based on these 4 dimensions, and prognostic risks were predicted and demonstrated using heat maps.

Results

Trajectories of SMVI were categorized as decreased (812/4056, 20%), steady (2014/4056, 49.7%), or increased (1230/4056, 30.3%). Similarly, BMI trajectories were categorized as decreased (792/4056, 19.5%), steady (2253/4056, 55.5%), or increased (1011/4056, 24.9%). BMI and SMVI values in the first year after diagnosis showed a statistically significant correlation with those in the third and sixth years (P<.001). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between baseline BMI and SMVI change ratio and OS; BMI, in particular, showed a U-shaped correlation. According to survival analysis, increased BMI (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83; P=.02), high baseline SMVI (HR 0.82; P=.04), and obesity stage 1 (HR 0.80; P=.02) showed a favorable impact, whereas decreased SMVI trajectory (HR 1.31; P=.001), decreased BMI (HR 1.23; P=.02), and initial underweight (HR 1.38; P=.02) or obesity stages 2-3 (HR 1.79; P=.01) were negative prognostic factors for OS. Considered simultaneously, BMI >30 kg/m2 with a low SMVI at the time of diagnosis resulted in the highest mortality risk. We observed improved survival in patients with increased muscle mass without BMI loss compared to those with steady muscle mass and BMI.

Conclusions

Profiles within 1 year of both BMI and muscle were surrogate indicators for predicting the later profiles. Continuous trajectories of body and muscle mass are independent prognostic factors of patients with CRC. An automatic algorithm provides a unique opportunity to conduct longitudinal evaluations of body compositions. Further studies to understand the complicated natural courses of muscularity and adiposity are necessary for clinical application.
State and Federal Legislators’ Responses on Social Media to the Mental Health and Burnout of Health Care Workers Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: Natural Language Processing and Sentiment Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Abrams Matthew P , Pelullo Arthur P , Meisel Zachary F , Merchant Raina M , Purtle Jonathan , Agarwal Anish K
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Burnout and the mental health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionately impacted health care workers. The links between state policies, federal regulations, COVID-19 case counts, strains on health care systems, and the mental health of health care workers continue to evolve. The language used by state and federal legislators in public-facing venues such as social media is important, as it impacts public opinion and behavior, and it also reflects current policy-leader opinions and planned legislation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine legislators’ social media content on Twitter and Facebook throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to thematically characterize policy makers’ attitudes and perspectives related to mental health and burnout in the health care workforce.

METHODS

Legislators’ social media posts about mental health and burnout in the health care workforce were collected from January 2020 to November 2021 using Quorum, a digital database of policy-related documents. The total number of relevant social media posts per state legislator per calendar month was calculated and compared with COVID-19 case volume. Differences between themes expressed in Democratic and Republican posts were estimated using the Pearson chi-square test. Words within social media posts most associated with each political party were determined. Machine-learning was used to evaluate naturally occurring themes in the burnout- and mental health–related social media posts.

RESULTS

A total of 4165 social media posts (1400 tweets and 2765 Facebook posts) were generated by 2047 unique state and federal legislators and 38 government entities. The majority of posts (n=2319, 55.68%) were generated by Democrats, followed by Republicans (n=1600, 40.34%). Among both parties, the volume of burnout-related posts was greatest during the initial COVID-19 surge. However, there was significant variation in the themes expressed by the 2 major political parties. Themes most correlated with Democratic posts were (1) frontline care and burnout, (2) vaccines, (3) COVID-19 outbreaks, and (4) mental health services. Themes most correlated with Republican social media posts were (1) legislation, (2) call for local action, (3) government support, and (4) health care worker testing and mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

State and federal legislators use social media to share opinions and thoughts on key topics, including burnout and mental health strain among health care workers. Variations in the volume of posts indicated that a focus on burnout and the mental health of the health care workforce existed early in the pandemic but has waned. Significant differences emerged in the content posted by the 2 major US political parties, underscoring how each prioritized different aspects of the crisis.
Perspectives on supporting physical activity using e-health in primary care by health care professionals and individuals with pre-and type 2 diabetes: A qualitative study (Preprint)
Authors: Woldamanuel Sr Yohannes
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

The trend of an exponential increase in pre- and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is projected to continue rising worldwide. Physical activity could help prevent type 2 diabetes and the progression and complications of the disease. Therefore, we need to create opportunities for individuals to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to self-management their chronic condition through physical activity. Electronic health (e-health) is a potential resource that could facilitate self-management and thus improve population health. However, there is limited research on users’ perception of e-health in supporting self-management of physical activity in primary care settings.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to explore the perspectives of health care professionals and individuals with pre- or type 2 diabetes on e-health as a support system for self-management of physical activity.

METHODS

A qualitative approach was applied using focus group discussions in individuals with pre- or type 2 diabetes (14 participants in four groups) and health care professionals (10 participants in two groups). The discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used inductively to code the data.

RESULTS

Three main categories emerged : utility, adoption process and accountability. The utility of e-health was described as a motivational, entertaining, and stimulating tool. Registration of daily medical measurements and lifestyle parameters in a cohesive digital platform was recognized as a potential resource for strengthening self-management skills. The adoption process includes e-health to increase accessibility of care and personalize the support for self-management of physical activity. However, participants stated that digital technology might not suit everyone and could increase health care providers' administrative burden. Accountability requires the necessary knowledge and skills to optimize e-health and ensure data integrity and security.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying e-health technology to improve self-management of physical activity in primary care settings seems feasible. People with pre- and type 2 diabetes and health care professionals proposed that a cohesive platform for personal metrics, goal setting and social support could improve self-management of physical activity. A supportive environment including technical expertise and continuous education is needed to upgrade the skills and to adopt e-health in daily clinical practice.
Reliable Internet of Things for Health Care Technologies (Preprint)
Authors: Dilip Ballal Kalpit , Dittmann Lars , Ruepp Sarah , Dinesen Birthe
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Several at-home monitoring devices are being introduced in the market, which can help individuals, fitness enthusiasts, etc, monitor their health anytime they want. This allows individuals to monitor and collect their health data, reflect upon it, and take necessary action. Such technologies can help enhance the user’s quality of life by motivating and empowering them to improve their health actively. Unfortunately, there are still several challenges to making this transition from in-hospital monitoring to home monitoring smoother. Some of these challenges may include technology readiness and acceptance by patients and their family members, lack of proper privacy measures, security, and lack of reliable internet and communication technology infrastructure.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to use wireless communication networks to remotely transfer data from various body sensors measuring different vital parameters. Wireless sensors (electrocardiogram monitors, sleep sensors, etc) and Internet of Things devices can allow real-time and relatively cheap at-home health monitoring to provide critical health updates over the internet.

METHODS

The study will be conducted by means of designing multiple experiments in which data from different sensors will be collected, packaged, and sent to a remote server using the internet. Along with the patient data, different network performance parameters such as delay, information loss, etc, will be calculated to understand and evaluate network performance.

RESULTS

The results from the experiment will focus on evaluating network performance parameters such as latency, delay, packet drop, etc, in various indoor as well as outdoor environments.

CONCLUSIONS

We hope the results obtained from these experiment can be used for making various technological design choices and serve as a good starting point while building Internet of Things health care technologies.
One Year of COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation on Twitter: Longitudinal Study (Preprint)
Authors: Pierri Francesco , DeVerna Matthew R , Yang Kai-Cheng , Axelrod David , Bryden John , Menczer Filippo
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Vaccinations play a critical role in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and other diseases. Past research has linked misinformation to increased hesitancy and lower vaccination rates. Gaps remain in our knowledge about the main drivers of vaccine misinformation on social media and effective ways to intervene.

OBJECTIVE

Our longitudinal study had two primary objectives: (1) to investigate the patterns of prevalence and contagion of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on Twitter in 2021, and (2) to identify the main spreaders of vaccine misinformation. Given our initial results, we further considered the likely drivers of misinformation and its spread, providing insights for potential interventions.

METHODS

We collected almost 300 million English-language tweets related to COVID-19 vaccines using a list of over 80 relevant keywords over a period of 12 months. We then extracted and labeled news articles at the source level based on third-party lists of low-credibility and mainstream news sources, and measured the prevalence of different kinds of information. We also considered suspicious YouTube videos shared on Twitter. We focused our analysis of vaccine misinformation spreaders on verified and automated Twitter accounts.

RESULTS

Our findings showed a relatively low prevalence of low-credibility information compared to the entirety of mainstream news. However, the most popular low-credibility sources had reshare volumes comparable to those of many mainstream sources, and had larger volumes than those of authoritative sources such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Throughout the year, we observed an increasing trend in the prevalence of low-credibility news about vaccines. We also observed a considerable amount of suspicious YouTube videos shared on Twitter. Tweets by a small group of approximately 800 “superspreaders” verified by Twitter accounted for approximately 35% of all reshares of misinformation on an average day, with the top superspreader (@RobertKennedyJr) responsible for over 13% of retweets. Finally, low-credibility news and suspicious YouTube videos were more likely to be shared by automated accounts.

CONCLUSIONS

The wide spread of misinformation around COVID-19 vaccines on Twitter during 2021 shows that there was an audience for this type of content. Our findings are also consistent with the hypothesis that superspreaders are driven by financial incentives that allow them to profit from health misinformation. Despite high-profile cases of deplatformed misinformation superspreaders, our results show that in 2021, a few individuals still played an outsized role in the spread of low-credibility vaccine content. As a result, social media moderation efforts would be better served by focusing on reducing the online visibility of repeat spreaders of harmful content, especially during public health crises.
Perspectives on Challenges and Opportunities for Interoperability: Findings From Key Informant Interviews With Stakeholders in Ohio (Preprint)
Authors: Walker Daniel M , Tarver Willi L , Jonnalagadda Pallavi , Ranbom Lorin , Ford Eric W , Rahurkar Saurabh
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Interoperability—the exchange and integration of data across the health care system—remains a challenge despite ongoing policy efforts aimed at promoting interoperability.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify current challenges and opportunities to advancing interoperability across stakeholders.

METHODS

Primary data were collected through qualitative, semistructured interviews with stakeholders (n=24) in Ohio from July to October 2021. Interviewees were sampled using a stratified purposive sample of key informants from 4 representative groups as follows: acute care and children’s hospital leaders, primary care providers, behavioral health providers, and regional health information exchange networks. Interviews focused on key informant perspectives on electronic health record implementation, the alignment of public policy with organizational strategy, interoperability implementation challenges, and opportunities for health information technology. The interviews were transcribed verbatim followed by rigorous qualitative analysis using directed content analysis.

RESULTS

The findings illuminate themes related to challenges and opportunities for interoperability that align with technological (ie, implementation challenges, mismatches in interoperability capabilities across stakeholders, and opportunities to leverage new technology and integrate social determinants of health data), organizational (ie, facilitators of interoperability and strategic alignment of participation in value-based payment programs with interoperability), and environmental (ie, policy) domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Interoperability, although technically feasible for most providers, remains challenging for technological, organizational, and environmental reasons. Our findings suggest that the incorporation of end user considerations into health information technology development, implementation, policy, and standard deployment may support interoperability advancement.
The common data element for chronic kidney disease: Remarks on the smart management system (Preprint)
Authors: Kang Eunjeong , Kim Kyeongmin , Ku Hosuk , Kim Hyeong-Joon , Kim Ju Han , Park Jin In , Cha Jin Joo
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

As the importance of electrical personal health records (ePHR)-based platform for chronic disease management is emphasized, common data elements (CDE) developed to collect data with standardized protocols are emerging. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the diseases that continuity of care and long-term follow-up are important. Self-engagement and management using ePHR can be useful in improving CKD related outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to identify and characterize the CDE for non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

METHODS

Consensus recommendations for CKD-CDE were developed by reviewing previously established articles, existing registries for non-dialysis CKD, and consensus on various variables that nephrologists check when treating CKD patients. For the compliance method with a standard model for the CKD-CDE, we used the ASTM continuity of care record and ISO/IEC 11179. The created metadata of the CDE-CKD was changed into the database upon being verified according to the ASTM CCR/XML schema. This DialysisNET-CKD (DNET-CKD) was created as an iPad application.

RESULTS

The CKD-CDE was categorized as patient-level and healthcare provider-level data elements. Especially, patient-level data included self-check elements, which need patients’ self-reports, and elements that can be automatically using wearable monitoring devices and electronic personal health records. CKD-CDEs from this study were implemented in the DNET-CKD with a focus on visualization, graphics, images, statistics, and database so that both patients and physicians can easily find them.

CONCLUSIONS

The recommended variables of DialysisNET-CKD have been compiled from a wide range of history, demographics, laboratory tests, and outcomes. We hope that these developed CDEs will facilitate the integration and manage data from both patients and hospitals, and help patients' awareness and providers' decision-making.
Untapped Potential of Unobtrusive Observation for Studying Health Behaviors (Preprint)
Authors: Benton Jack S , French David P
Published: February 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

Improving the environment is an important upstream intervention to promote population health by influencing health behaviors such as physical activity, smoking, and social distancing. Examples of promising environmental interventions include creating high-quality green spaces, building active transport infrastructure, and implementing urban planning regulations. However, there is little robust evidence to inform policy and decision makers about what kinds of environmental interventions are effective and for which populations. In this viewpoint, we make the case that this evidence gap exists partly because health behavior research is dominated by obtrusive methods that focus on studying individual behavior and that are less suitable for understanding environmental influences. In contrast, unobtrusive observation can assess how behavior varies in different environmental contexts. It thereby provides valuable data relating to how environments affect the behavior of populations, which is often useful knowledge for effectively and equitably tackling population health challenges such as obesity and noncommunicable diseases. Yet despite a long history, unobtrusive observation methods are currently underused in health behavior research. We discuss how developing the use of video technology and automated computer vision techniques can offer a scalable solution for assessing health behaviors, facilitating a more thorough investigation of how environments influence health behaviors. We also reflect on the important ethical challenges associated with unobtrusive observation and the use of these emerging video technologies. By increasing the use of unobtrusive observation alongside other methods, we strongly believe this will improve our understanding of the influences of the environment on health behaviors.
Opportunistic infections in people with II–IV clinical stage of immunodeficiency
Authors: Andrushchak M.O. , Sokolenko M.O. , Davydenko O.M. , Balaniuk I.V. , Syrota B.V.
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, opportunistic infections are a serious medical and social problem due to their spread and significant impact on the quality of life of HIV-infected people. Due to the significant spread of HIV infection, the importance of opportunistic infections is increasing, and diseases that did not play a significant role before are gaining fundamental importance. Therefore, the issue of detection and timely treatment of opportunistic infections is very relevant. Increasing depletion of the CD4+ subpopulation is characteristic of HIV infection, which should be considered as a manifestation of the increasing destruction of the immune system and its morphological structures. This disease is transmitted through blood, sexually and from HIV-infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. A person living with HIV can feel well for many years and not know that he is infected, and later he becomes vulnerable to pathogens of infectious diseases and seeks medical help already at the late stage of the disease — the fourth. The only way to detect the presence of HIV in the body is to conduct a special blood test for HIV. The world is trying to stop the HIV epidemic. At the regular session of the UN General Assembly, the participating countries agreed to do everything possible so that by 2030 the disease stopped spreading, and people living with HIV were not discriminated against.
Safety of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Patients with CKD and Type 2 Diabetes: Population-Based US Cohort Study
Authors: Fu Edouard L. , D'Andrea Elvira , Wexler Deborah J. , Patorno Elisabetta , Paik Julie M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Limited information exists regarding the safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with CKD treated in routine care. We evaluated the safety of SGLT2i in patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes treated in US routine practice.

Methods

Using claims data from Medicare and two large US commercial databases (April 2013–December 2021), we included 96,128 adults with CKD stages 3–4 and type 2 diabetes who newly filled prescriptions for SGLT2i versus glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA). Safety outcomes included diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), lower limb amputations, nonvertebral fractures, genital infections, hypovolemia, AKI, hypoglycemia, and severe urinary tract infections (UTIs). Hazard ratios (HRs) and incidence rate differences per 1000 person-years were estimated after 1:1 propensity score matching, adjusted for >120 baseline characteristics.

Results

Compared with GLP-1RA, SGLT2i initiators had a higher risk of nonvertebral fractures (HR, 1.30 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03 to 1.65]; incidence rate difference, 2.13 [95% CI, 0.28 to 3.97]), lower limb amputations (HR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.22 to 2.23]; incidence rate difference, 2.46 [95% CI, 1.00 to 3.92]), and genital infections (HR, 3.08 [95% CI, 2.73 to 3.48]; incidence rate difference, 41.26 [95% CI, 37.06 to 45.46]). Similar risks of DKA (HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.74 to 1.54]; incidence rate difference, 0.29 [95% CI, −0.89 to 1.46]), hypovolemia (HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.86 to 1.14]; incidence rate difference, 0.20 [95% CI, −2.85 to 3.25]), hypoglycemia (HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.92 to 1.26]; incidence rate difference, 1.46 [95% CI, −1.31 to 4.23]), and severe UTI (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.87 to 1.19]; incidence rate difference, 0.35 [95% CI, −2.51 to 3.21]) were observed. SGLT2i had lower risk for AKI (HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.87 to 0.99]; incidence rate difference, −6.75 [95% CI, −13.69 to 0.20]).

Conclusions

In US patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes receiving routine care, SGLT2i use was associated with higher risks of genital infections and potentially lower limb amputations and nonvertebral fractures.
The Linguistic Characteristics of English Translation of Business Contracts under Functional Equivalence Translation Theory
Authors: Xiao Wenfeng
Published: February 2023

With the continuous acceleration of the globalization process and the continuous improvement of China’s international status, an open China holding high the banner of win-win cooperation is actively participating in international economic and trade activities. Business contracts provide guarantees for maintaining business relationships and conducting business activities. Therefore, drafting, negotiating and signing commercial contracts have become an indispensable link. English business contracts have their own unique stylistic characteristics - contract body, which belongs to legal texts. Accurate translation of business contracts is the key to reducing trade risks, reducing legal disputes, and ensuring that property and other interests are not infringed. In short, the translator needs to consider the problem mainly from the perspective of communicative function in the translation process. From the perspective of “functional parity” translation theory, this thesis analyzes the linguistic characteristics of English-Chinese business contracts, combines the examples of English business contract Chinese translation, discusses the guiding significance and specific application of “functional parity” translation theory in business contract translation activities, and on this basis, puts forward translation strategies of English business contract translation, in order to provide reference for the accuracy and professionalism of English business contract translation.
merancang aplikasi penjualan hid Rancang Bangun Aplikasi Penjualan Hidroponik Berbasis Website Desa Rengel Kabupaten Tuban
Authors: Hidyatullah M. Isnainur , Nuryasin Ilyas , Marthasari Gita Indah
Published: February 2023

Budidaya tanaman tanpa media tanah (hidroponik) merupakan cara menanam tanaman dengan menggunakan media tanam air yang bernutrisi, sehingga memiliki kelebihan yaitu kebersihan yang terjaga karena tidak menggunakan media tanah. Umumnya, tanah berfungsi sebagai penyedia unsur hara (nutrisi) dan penopang, namun pada hidroponik, peran tanah sebagai penyedia unsur hara diperoleh dari larutan nutrisi AB mix dan media tanam lainnya seperti rockwool atau cocopeat (olahan sabut kelapa) sebagai penopangnya. Petani sayuran sering menggunakan metode ini untuk menghasilkan produk dengan kuantitas dan kualitas terjamin, khususnya sayuran yang aman untuk dikonsumsi karena tidak menggunakan pestisida. Namun, petani hidroponik mengalami permasalahan utama yaitu kurangnya akses kepada pembeli sehingga harus menjual hasil kebunnya dengan harga rendah kepada pengepul atau tengkulak. Permasalahan lainnya adalah banyak petani yang tidak memiliki kendaraan pengangkut sendiri sehingga harus mengeluarkan uang tambahan untuk menyewa kendaraan. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut, diperlukan rancangan aplikasi hidroponik yang bertujuan untuk mempermudah komunikasi antara petani dan pembeli serta memungkinkan petani untuk menjual hasil panen dengan harga lebih pantas tanpa campur tangan tengkulak atau pengepul. Aplikasi ini juga dilengkapi dengan fitur transporter yang biayanya akan dibebankan kepada pembeli. Aplikasi ini dibuat dengan menggunakan metode RAD (Rapid Application Development) dan diuji dengan menggunakan metode Blackbox Testing dan kuisioner sampel 5 orang pengguna. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi hidroponik ini dapat mempermudah komunikasi antara petani dan pembeli serta membantu petani untuk menjual hasil panen dengan harga yang pantas.
Impact of habitat fragmentation on genetic structure of Capparis spinosa populations revealed by ISSR markers
Authors: Nosrati Houshang , Akbarian Hanife
Published: February 2023

The results from empirical studies on the impact of habitat fragmentation on genetic variation of populations are controversial, ranging from negative to positive effects. This contradiction has been attributed to either species characteristics (e.g. plant life history) or environmental components (e.g. the scale of habitat fragmentation). To examine the role of DNA marker types on these effects, we carried out a comparative study of seven populations of Capparis spinosa L. (caper, Capparaceae) using ISSR markers and compared these results with those obtained previously using RAPD markers. Although both ISSR and RAPD markers showed high consistency and indicated that genetic variation in populations was not correlated with either geographical distance (P ≥ 0.47, P ≥ 0.83; for ISSR and RAPD, respectively) or altitude (P ≥ 0.535, P ≥ 0.419; for ISSR and RAPD respectively), the levels of variation were related to population size. ISSR analysis showed that genetic variation did not significantly differ between small and large populations (P ≥ 0.4149), while RAPD analysis indicated significant effect of population size on this variation (P ≤ 0.002). This may suggest that, in addition to species and environmental components, types of DNA markers used for assessing population genetic variations affect results on the impact of fragmentation on genetic variation.
Agricultura de precisión y su carácter capitalista: la no neutralidad de la tecnología
Authors: Foladori Guillermo
Published: February 2023

Uno de los aspectos más importantes del capitalismo actual es la tecnología y su rápido desarrollo. Es el pilar de los estudios sobre innovación, y se debate la posibilidad de que países en desarrollo den saltos cualitativos si consiguen embarcarse en las nuevas tecnologías que surgen con el pasar de los años (p. ej.: biotecnología, nanotecnología, internet de las cosas, big data, etc.). Se habla de la industria 4.0 como una nueva revolución tecnológica, aunque ella engloba una variedad de tecnologías. El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar el tema ampliamente discutido de la neutralidad de la tecnología, el cual se hizo con relación a una de las tecnologías de punta que forma parte del movimiento de la industria 4.0: la agricultura de precisión. A partir de una revisión bibliográfica sobre la agricultura de precisión, y utilizando el método de análisis de la economía política crítica, se llegó a conclusiones teórico-metodológicas, no siempre advertidas en la polémica sobre la neutralidad de la tecnología, al detectar tendencias objetivas, y no solo causas circunstanciales de origen político-subjetivo, que es lo común en la literatura de los estudios sociales de la ciencia y la tecnología.
«Para un desarrollo inclusivo y sustentable hace falta tener alguna idea contrahegemónica»
Authors: Chiavassa Ferreyra Antonio , Thomas Hernán
Published: February 2023

Hernán Thomas, referente en el campo CTS en América Latina, conversa acerca de su trayectoria académica y algunos de los interrogantes que motorizan su investigación. En esta entrevista, relata su incorporación al campo CTS, marcado por la aspiración de construir un espacio de reflexión e intervención en torno a la tecnología apenas perfilado en la academia latinoamericana. Ante la pregunta ¿cómo construir senderos de desarrollo con tecnologías para la inclusión social en Latinoamérica?, Thomas responde con una perspectiva amplia. Relaciona la persistencia de un pensamiento hegemónico que reproduce los modelos de dependencia, con su manifestación en sistemas de evaluación científica centrados en la publicación en revistas internacionales. Se estimula, por lo tanto, la creación de un campo científico alineado con las agendas de investigación de los países centrales, mientras se construyen sistemas sociotécnicos que desvinculan a los tecnólogos de las problemáticas locales. Ante este diagnóstico, Thomas sostiene que la teoría es necesaria, pero no suficiente; se deben articular estrategias y planificaciones que integren la producción y los artefactos con sus macroestructuras tecnoeconómicas. Construir un sendero de desarrollo tecnológico inclusivo demanda una visión contrahegemónica que permita pensar futuros más igualitarios y libres para el sur global.
«Formar un campo implica inventarse una tradición»
Authors: Maldonado Castañeda Óscar Javier , Restrepo Forero Olga
Published: February 2023

En esta entrevista, la profesora Olga Restrepo Forero habla sobre los orígenes, desarrollo, particularidades y perspectivas de los estudios sociales de la ciencia y la tecnología (ESCT) en Colombia. Según ella, este campo en Colombia se ha caracterizado por tener una orientación cosmopolita; en ese sentido, su historia en Colombia se ha caracterizado por una ambivalencia frente a la tradición. Restrepo Forero explica que los orígenes y el proceso de institucionalización del campo en el país no implicaron necesariamente rupturas o continuidades con escuelas de pensamiento precedentes. Se abordan hitos clave en su desarrollo, en los que destaca la importancia de los proyectos editoriales que han servido, tanto para dar a conocer el campo en otros espacios académicos, como para atraer a académicos con sensibilidades cercanas a los estudios de ciencia y tecnología. Al reflexionar sobre el futuro del campo en Colombia, observa que, en gran medida, la nueva generación de estudiantes busca, no solo entender los fenómenos asociados con el desarrollo de la ciencia y la tecnología, sino que tienen vocación por cambiar el estado de cosas en el mundo.
How Lipid Metabolism Reprograms and Promotes Tumorigenicity in EBV, HPV or KSHV Infected Cells
Authors: Luo Bing , Gong Zhiyuan , Yan Zhiyong , Liu Wen
Published: February 2023

Tumor cells meet the drastic energy requirements for cell survival and
unlimited proliferation through metabolic reprogramming, and one of the
important aspects of metabolic reprogramming is changes in lipid
metabolism. Increasing evidence suggests that, like tumor cells in
general, host cells infected with onco-viruses significantly alter
metabolic requirements and generate substances for viral replication and
virion production by altering the metabolism of host cells. HPV, EBV and
KSHV are the three important contributors to virus-related tumors that
appear in people before the age of 50. On the basis of reviewing the
changes of lipid metabolism in tumor cells, this review summarizes the
interesting association between HPV, EBV or KSHV and lipid metabolism
from these three major tumor viruses in order to provide new insight
into the treatment of virus-related tumors.
Variability in high-voltage impedance: an exploratory case study on human specimens
Authors: Stuijt Willeke van der , Kooiman Kirsten M. , Smeding Lonneke , Knops Reinoud E.
Published: February 2023

We aimed to evaluate the effect of defibrillator component positioning
on high-voltage impedance. In two human specimens with BMI 19.1 kg/m
and 31.4 kg/m , shocks were
administered with a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
(S-ICD) and an automated external defibrillator placed in various
positions. High-voltage impedance increased with more fat tissue between
the defibrillator components, or with air in the subcutaneous pocket of
the S-ICD. High-voltage impedance was lowest when defibrillator
components were placed anteriorly, but due to adjacent positioning, the
electrical current will not be transmitted through the myocardium and
effective defibrillation is unlikely. In conclusion, positioning of
defibrillator components greatly affects high-voltage impedance, but the
course of the current should always be considered.
A hypothesis about the origin of Závis’s cross (or about a lost Serbian reliquary)
Authors: Komatina Ivana
Published: February 2023

The documents testifying to the conflict between Serbian king Stefan Uros I
(1242/1243-1276) and Hungarian king Bela IV (1235-1270) from the 1260s also
bring news about the Serbian king?s reliquary that was seized at the time.
Following the destiny and specificities of Zavis?s cross, we indicate the
possibility of this being the same precious item.
The two last encounters between Broz and Berlinguer - the epilogue of an alliance
Authors: Zivkovic Bogdan
Published: February 2023

Based on unpublished historical sources from the archives of the communist
parties of Yugoslavia and Italy (Archives of Yugoslavia, Belgrade;
Fondazione Istituto Gramsci, Archivio del Partito comunista Italiano, Rome),
this paper analyzes the two last meetings of the leaders of the two parties,
Josip Broz Tito and Enrico Berlinguer. The topics are Berlinguer?s two
visits to Yugoslavia, in October 1977 and October 1978, which took place at
the height of the inter-party alliance, after the Berlin Conference of the
Communist Parties of Europe held in June 1976. The aforementioned two visits
are viewed in this paper as case studies that testify to the nature of the
alliance between the two parties, and illuminate the key similarities and
differences between these two political actors.
Experimental studies of wood chips charactristics influence on boiler performance and pollutant emissions
Authors: Obradovic Marko , Karlicic Nikola , Todorovic Dusan , Radic Dejan , Jovovic Aleksandar
Published: February 2023

Wood chips are often used as solid fuel in modern biomass boilers.
Experiments were conducted on 22 boilers located in Serbia burning wood
chips as fuel. The influence of wood chips characteristics is analyzed in
relation to the flue gas losses and the thermal efficiency of the boiler.
Measured useful heat output of the tested boilers was 460-2585 kW. Moisture
content of the wood chips was 19.21-38.23% with a net calorific value of
10177-14139 kJ/kg and ash content of 0.84-3.59%. Thermal efficiency of the
boilers was 88.78-94.06%, flue gas losses 5.84-11.13% and flue gas
temperature 121.83-188.44?C. Experimental research and analysis of the
results showed that an increase in moisture content of wood chips lead to a
decrease of net calorific value i.e., decrease in flue gas temperature.
Moisture content of wood chips has an influence on both useful heat output
and boiler thermal efficiency. The experimental results showed that for a
given boiler construction, this impact is not negative. Based on regression
analysis, mathematical expressions were derived for the calculation of
thermal efficiency and flue gas losses. Throughout the experiments,
pollutant emissions were measured, NOx, CO, and particulate matter.
Thermodynamics of bacteria-phage interactions T4 and Lambda bacteriophages, and E. coli can coexist in natural ecosystems due to the ratio of their Gibbs energies of biosynthesis
Authors: Popovic Marko
Published: February 2023

The model of T4 phage, Lambda phage, and E. coli is often used in research on virus-host interactions. This paper reports for the first time the thermodynamic driving force of biosynthesis, catabolism and metabolism for the three organisms, on the M9 medium. Moreover, the influence of activities of nutrients and metabolic products is analyzed. All three organisms were found to have very similar Gibbs energies of metabolism. Moreover, since they share the same catabolism, their Gibbs energies of catabolism are identical. However, Gibbs energies of biosynthesis differ. The calculated thermodynamic properties have been used to explain the coexistence of both bacteria and phages in a dynamic equilibrium in natural ecosystems.
Glucagon Acting at the GLP-1 Receptor Contributes to β-Cell Regeneration Induced by Glucagon Receptor Antagonism in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Wei Tianjiao , Cui Xiaona , Jiang Yafei , Wang Kangli , Wang Dandan , Li Fei , Lin Xiafang , Gu Liangbiao , Yang Kun , Yang Jin , Hong Tianpei , Wei Rui
Published: February 2023

Dysfunction of glucagon-secreting α-cells participates in the progression of diabetes, and glucagon receptor (GCGR) antagonism is regarded as a novel strategy for diabetes therapy. GCGR antagonism upregulates glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, and notably promotes β-cell regeneration in diabetic mice. Here, we aimed to clarify the role of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activated by glucagon and/or GLP-1 in the GCGR antagonism-induced β-cell regeneration. We showed that in db/db mice and type 1 diabetic wild-type or Flox/cre mice, GCGR monoclonal antibody (mAb) improved glucose control, upregulated plasma insulin level, and increased β-cell area. Notably, blockage of systemic or pancreatic GLP-1R signaling by exendin 9-39 (Ex9) or Glp1r knockout diminished the above effects of GCGR mAb. Furthermore, glucagon neutralizing antibody (nAb), which prevents activation of GLP-1R by glucagon, also attenuated the GCGR mAb-induced insulinotropic effect and β-cell regeneration. In cultured primary mouse islets isolated from normal mice and db/db mice, GCGR mAb action to increase insulin release, and to upregulate β-cell specific marker expression, was reduced by a glucagon nAb, or by the GLP-1R antagonist Ex9, or by a pancreas-specific Glp1r knockout. These findings suggest that activation of GLP-1R by glucagon participates in β-cell regeneration induced by GCGR antagonism in diabetic mice.
Toisen asteen ammatillisessa koulutuksessa opiskelevien nuorten terveys ja terveyttä uhkaavat tekijät: systemaattinen kirjallisuuskatsaus
Authors: Salakari Minna , Lindegren Johanna , Vaihekoski Anu
Published: February 2023

Nuorten terveyserot ovat kytköksissä koulutusryhmään: terveysvajeet ja -riskit koskettavat erityisesti toisen asteen ammatillisessa koulutuksessa opiskelevia nuoria. Myös sosioekonomisella asemalla ja koulutustasolla on merkitystä. Terveys on selkeästi heikointa niillä nuorilla, jotka jäävät kokonaan toisen asteen koulutuksen ulkopuolelle. Nuoruuden terveys ja terveyskäyttäytyminen vaikuttavat terveyteen vielä aikuisuudessa.
Tämän systemaattisen kirjallisuuskatsauksen tavoitteena oli kuvata ammattiin opiskelevien nuorten terveyttä ja terveyttä uhkaavia tekijöitä. Katsaus toteutettiin Finkin mallin mukaisesti. Tiedonhakuun käytettiin Medic-, Julkari-, Cinahl Complete-, Google Scholar- ja PubMed-tietokantoja. Haut rajattiin koko tekstin saatavuuteen, suomen- tai englanninkielisiin sekä enintään 10 vuotta vanhoihin julkaisuihin. Lopulliseen katsaukseen hyväksyttiin kaikkiaan 13 tutkimusta.
Tulosten mukaan terveyden koulutusryhmittäisiä eroja ilmenee erityisesti elintavoissa, terveysosaamisessa ja arjenhallinnassa. Ympäristöllä, perheellä ja vertaisilla on selkeä vaikutus nuorten terveyskäyttäytymiseen. Vaikka nuoret harjoittelevat itsenäistymistä ja omien valintojen tekemistä, he ovat edelleen erityisen riippuvaisia kasvuympäristöstään usealla terveyden ulottuvuudella.
Terveyteen liittyvät heikkoudet korostuvat ammattiin opiskelevien nuorten ryhmässä. Tutkimusten mukaan terveyden riskit myös siirtyvät herkästi sukupolvelta toiselle. Terveyttä edistävien toimien kohdentaminen ja pyrkiminen huono-osaisuuden ylisukupolvisen kierteen katkaisemiseen ovat perusteltuja erityisesti kansanterveydellisestä näkökulmasta. Oikea-aikaisilla, tarveperustaisilla ja toiminnallisilla, sekä nuorten arkiympäristöihin, kuten kouluun, sijoittuvilla interventioilla voidaan tutkitusti vaikuttaa nuorten terveyskäyttäytymiseen ja terveyteen. Tutkimustiedon pohjalta voidaan kehittää ammattiin opiskelevien nuorten tiedonsaannin ja terveyden edistämisen menetelmiä niin alueellisesti kuin kansallisestikin.
Influence of Maturity Stages on Physicochemical Properties and Shelf-Life of Different Varieties of Mangoes under Ambient Storage Conditions
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Shawkat H. , Hoque Md. Ahizizul , Hossain Md. Mofazzal , Zakaria Mohammad , Ahiduzzaman Md.
Published: February 2023

The present investigation was carried out in the laboratory of the Department of Horticulture and Department of Agro-Preocessing, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur from May 2021 to July 2021 with three mango varieties viz. Langra, Amropali and Ashwina were harvested at different maturity stages to observe their storability under ambient conditions. The experiment was set up following a completely randomized design with three replications. Results revealed that the studied varieties had significant differences in physical characteristics such as fruit weight and chemical properties like total soluble solids, total sugar, and reducing sugar. Only the pH changes in the varietal and maturity stages were non-significant in this regard.  In the case of variety at 12 days after storage, the total soluble solid content ranged from 17.54 to 20.04%. Total sugar content decreased but pH and reducing sugar increased as storage day increased in case of variety and maturity stage. Change of vitamin-C in maturity stage II and III at 4, 8, and 12 days after storage had no significant differences among them. The highest dry matter (19.72%) content was found on Amrapali (19.08%); on the other hand, maturity stage III had the highest (19.08%) value at 12 days after storage in this respect.