Previous Cycle Research Articles

What determines the economic resilience of Chinese cities amid pandemic crisis: An economic operating state perspective

This paper first further clarifies economic operating state resilience from the concept of regional economic resilience and uses it to explore what factors influence the resilience during the pandemic. We find that the impact of different factors on regional economic resilience and economic operating state resilience is not entirely consistent in the early stages of the pandemic. The results reveal that industry specialization and unrelated diversity have positive effects at different stages, with opposite roles for human capital. High shares of secondary and tertiary industries can impair resilience in the recovery phase. However, the roles of government and diversity are not consistent across stages. Going beyond the determinants of regional economic resilience in previous economic cycles of liquidity crises, this article highlights the role of the public governance and industrial structure at different stages of the pandemic shock and argues that enhancing regional economic resilience in the reshaping of the ‘face-to-face’ pattern of economic activity is a great challenge in the post-pandemic era. This paper provides new insights for policymakers and researchers in responding to major public health events, understanding resilience process and promoting sustainable development in the post-pandemic era.

Enhancing Milk Quality and Antioxidant Status in Lactating Dairy Goats through the Dietary Incorporation of Purple Napier Grass Silage.

Oxidative stress resulting from an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants can cause damage to certain cellular components. Purple Napier grass, a semi-dwarf variety, is characterized by its purple leaves and contains anthocyanins, which provide it with antioxidant properties. This study examined the effects of feeding purple Napier grass ("Prince") silage to lactating dairy goats on blood antioxidant activity, milk yield, and milk quality. Eighteen female Saanen crossbred goats, weighing 52.34 ± 2.86 kg and producing milk for 14 ± 2 days, were systematically divided into three groups based on their lactation period in the previous cycle as follows: early, mid, and late lactation. In a randomized complete block design (RCBD), treatments were randomly allocated to six animals in each block. The dairy goats were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of the three following treatments: control (100% Napier Pakchong 1 grass silage), 50% (a 50% replacement of the control with purple Napier grass silage), and 100% (100% purple Napier grass silage). The results show that goats who were fed a diet including 100% purple Napier grass silage showed higher levels of certain milk contents, especially with regard to lactose, when compared to those who were fed a control diet, as well as a diet with a 50% replacement of purple Napier grass silage. The somatic cell count (SCC) of these goats was reduced. In terms of antioxidant activity, dairy goats who were fed 100% purple Napier grass silage showed higher levels of enzymes in both plasma and milk, including glutathione s-transferase, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, compared to the control group and the 50% replacement group. The plasma and milk of these goats showed lower levels of malondialdehyde. The dairy goats who were fed a 100% purple Napier grass silage diet showed higher concentrations of anthocyanins, including C3G, P3G, Peo3G, M3G, Cya, Pel, and total anthocyanins in milk, when compared to the control group and the 50% replacement group. The increased replacement of purple Napier grass silage led to significant differences in lactose levels, somatic cell count, glutathione S-transferase, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, and the composition of anthocyanins. This study provides evidence to support the use of purple Napier grass silage as a beneficial source of roughage for lactating dairy goats.

(264) Outcome of Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection ICSI with Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) In Patients with High Sperm DNA fragmentation, Hospital Experience

Abstract Introduction Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is considered as an important biomarker in the assessment of male fertility potential with contradictory results regarding its effect on ICSI. In our study we focus on the outcomes of Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in male patients with high SDF using testicular spermatozoa (TESA). Objective To evaluate intra- cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes in male patients with high SDF using testicular spermatozoa and analysis of the cofactors (Age, Smoking, Chemical Exposure and usage of Anti-oxidants agents) Methods Retrospective study, institutional experience. Results In our study, we evaluated 41 men with high-SDF levels who had a previous ICSI cycle from their ejaculates. A subsequent ICSI cycle was performed using spermatozoa retrieved through testicular sperm aspiration. The mean (SD) SDF level is 33.7%. live birth rate was 29.2% (12 out of 41) In addition of that, we analyzed the cofactors of men such as Age, Smoking, Chemical Exposure and usage of Anti-oxidants agents. The mean age is 33 %. Men received anti oxidants agent prior to TESA were 9 out of 12 (75%) Conclusions Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes in male patients with high SDF using testicular spermatozoa has higher clinical pregnancy and higher chance of live-birth. The rate is higher with those who received anti-oxidant supplements for at least 6 moths. Disclosure No.

A novel implicit decision variable classification approach for high-dimensional robust multi-objective optimization in order scheduling

This paper efficiently addresses the high-dimensional robust order scheduling problem. A novel algorithm named dynamic cooperative coevolution based on an implicit decision variable classification approach (DCC/IDVCA) is developed to search for robust order schedules. To significantly reduce the computational resources required for solving the high-dimensional robust order scheduling problem, we propose decomposing the original decision variables through implicit classification methods. First, a novel estimation method is introduced to evaluate the weighted contribution of variables to robustness. This method utilizes historical information, including the variation of the overall mean effective fitness and the frequency of variables being classified into highly robustness-related subcomponents in previous cycles, for evaluating their weighted contribution to robustness. Then, based on the corresponding weighted robustness contributions, the original variables are classified into highly and weakly robustness-related variables. Finally, these two types of variables are decomposed into highly and weakly robustness-related subgroups within a dynamic cooperative coevolution framework and optimized separately. In the experimental section, the proposed algorithm is applied to two practical order scheduling problems in discrete manufacturing industry. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves competitive outcomes compared to state-of-the-art high-dimensional robust multi-objective optimization algorithms.

The administration of long in-vitro fertilization protocol in adenomyosis: case series.

Adenomyosis is a gynaecological condition characterized by the infiltration of endometrial glands and stroma resulting in ectopic intramyometrial, leading to the generalized enlargement of the uterus. Various cyclical regimens are employed globally to assist infertile women with adenomyosis during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment because there is no consensus regarding the best protocol for managing adenomyosis. The authors reported two cases the administration of long IVF protocol in Adenomyosis with pregnancy outcome. In both cases examined were found that the levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were below the 25th percentile. Nevertheless, in both of these cases, the number of oocytes successfully retrieved was more than 5, which may have been influenced by the use of GnRH agonists in previous cycles of long protocol. Both of them were diagnosed with intrauterine pregnancy after transfer embryo. Although there is currently no consensus on the most suitable protocol for adenomyosis cases, the application of a long protocol in both of the aforementioned cases has yielded positive IVF outcomes.

Effect of feeding sows a combination of extra vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid during the first 45 days of gestation on piglet birthweight

The objective of this study was to test whether a high inclusion rate of dietary vitamin B2, B6, B12, and folic acid during the first 45 d of gestation could decrease within-litter variation in piglet birth weight and increase the average birth weight of the litter. Two hundred forty-one multiparous sows (Landrace x Yorkshire) were allotted to either a control or a B vitamin diet from mating to d 45 of gestation. The experimental unit was the sow or the litter. Sows in the control group were fed a standard gestation diet complying with Danish recommendations: 5.11, 3.07, 0.02, and 1.53 mg/kg for vitamin B2, B6, B12, and folic acid, respectively. Sows fed the B vitamin diet were fed the same standard gestation diet including an extra premix providing 232, 210, 1000, and 668 % extra vitamin B2, B6, B12, and folic acid, respectively. From d 46 until farrowing, all sows were fed the standard diet. The backfat thickness of sows was measured at farrowing and weaning in the previous cycle and at d 14, 45, and 112 of gestation. From a subsample of 10 second parity sows per treatment, blood samples were taken using jugular venipuncture into 10 mL EDTA tubes at weaning and d 14, 45, and 112 of gestation. The plasma was analyzed for the concentration of homocysteine. At farrowing, the number of live and stillborn piglets were recorded, and for a subsample of 71 (control) and 66 (B vitamin) sows, the weight, crown-rump length and abdominal circumference of individual piglets in the litters were measured. The plasma concentration of homocysteine at weaning and during gestation was unaffected by dietary treatments. For the overall treatments, there was no difference in live born (Control: 19.5; B vitamin: 19.9) and stillborn (Control: 1.5; B vitamin: 1.6) piglets between treatments. The average birth weight of live born (Control: 1,270 g; B vitamin: 1,245 g) and stillborn (Control: 992 g; B vitamin: 870 g) piglets and the within-litter variation in birth weight (Control: 294 g; B vitamin: 307 g) were unaffected by dietary treatment. The abdominal circumference (Control: 23.3 cm; B vitamin: 22.7 cm) and the crown-rump length (Control: 31.6 cm; B vitamin: 31.0 cm) were greater for piglets born to sows fed the control diet compared to sows fed the B vitamin diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, there was no positive effect of supplementing surplus B vitamins above recommended inclusion rates to sows in early gestation on piglet birth weight.

Rechallenge With High-Dose Methotrexate After Treatment With Glucarpidase in Adult Patients With Lymphoma.

Limited evidence exists regarding methotrexate (MTX) resumption after patients with lymphoma receive glucarpidase for toxic MTX levels and acute kidney injury (AKI). This retrospective review included adults with lymphoma treated with glucarpidase after MTX at Mayo Clinic between January 31, 2020, and October 10, 2022. Descriptive statistics summarize patient characteristics and clinical outcomes. Of 11 patients treated with glucarpidase after MTX, seven (64%) were rechallenged with MTX. Indications for MTX rechallenge included confirmed CNS disease (n = 6, 86%) and intravascular lymphoma (n = 1, 14%). Compared with the nonrechallenged subgroup, before receiving MTX that required glucarpidase rescue, the rechallenged patients had lower median pretreatment serum creatinine (Scr; 0.7 v 1.2 mg/dL), and none had AKI with previous MTX doses, n = 0 (0%) versus n = 2 (50%). During the MTX dose requiring glucarpidase rescue, the rechallenged group had lower median peak Scr (1.26 v 3.32 mg/dL) and lower incidence of AKI stage III (n = 1 [14%] v n = 3 [75%]), and none of the rechallenged patients required renal replacement therapy (RRT; n = 0 [0%] v n = 1 [25%]). At the first rechallenge after glucarpidase administration, the median MTX dose reduction was 56% (range, 46%-75%), and the lowest used dose when prescribed according to each treatment protocol schedule was 1.5 g/m2. Two (29%) patients experienced AKI (n = 1 stage I, n = 1 stage II) after MTX rechallenge. Zero patients required RRT, and zero required another glucarpidase administration. Six (86%) patients completed all recommended MTX doses. In selected adults with lymphoma who required glucarpidase for toxic MTX levels after administration of high-dose MTX, resumption of MTX therapy at lower doses is safe. Patients selected for MTX resumption had experienced less severe AKI during the previous cycle compared with those not selected for MTX resumption.

Improving Students’ English Grammar Through Incorporating Games

This classroom action research aimed to enhance English grammar learning at a junior high school level by incorporating game-based activities, focusing on the simple present tense. The primary objective was to address identified challenges, such as low student enthusiasm and understanding of grammatical concepts. The study used classroom action research, unfolded in three cycles, each refining the game-based approach based on insights from the previous cycle. The methodology involved pre-tests, game-based lessons, observations, and reflective assessments. Results demonstrated sustained improvements, with increased scores and active participation. Key findings indicated enhanced active participation, motivation, concept understanding, collaboration, spontaneous English use, and a deeper understanding of the game-based method's shortcomings. The time required for understanding they were varied, reflecting the effectiveness of scaffolding in the learning environment. Implications of the research suggest the continued integration of game-based approaches, recognizing the diverse learning needs of students. Teachers should tailor scaffolding strategies to individual ZPDs, fostering collaboration and addressing language apprehension. The study contributes to the broader discourse on effective language teaching methodologies, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of theory and practice in the language learning classroom.

The reproductive potential of vitrified-warmed euploid embryos declines following repeated uterine transfers

BackgroundRecurrent implantation failure (RIF) represents a vague clinical condition with an unclear diagnostic challenge that lacks solid scientific underpinning. Although euploid embryos have demonstrated consistent implantation capabilities across various age groups, a unanimous agreement regarding the advantages of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in managing RIF is absent. The ongoing discussion about whether chromosomal aneuploidy in embryos significantly contributes to recurrent implantation failure remains unsettled. Despite active discussions in recent times, a universally accepted characterization of recurrent implantation failure remains elusive. We aimed in this study to measure the reproductive performance of vitrified-warmed euploid embryos transferred to the uterus in successive cycles.MethodsThis observational cohort study included women (n = 387) with an anatomically normal uterus who underwent oocyte retrieval for PGT-A treatment with at least one biopsied blastocyst, between January 2017 and December 2021 at a university-affiliated public fertility center. The procedures involved in this study included ICSI, blastocyst culture, trophectoderm biopsy and comprehensive 24-chromosome analysis of preimplantation embryos using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Women, who failed a vitrified-warmed euploid embryo transfer, had successive blastocyst transfer cycles (FET) for a total of three using remaining cryopreserved euploid blastocysts from the same oocyte retrieval cycle. The primary endpoints were sustained implantation rate (SIR) and live birth rate (LBR) per vitrified-warmed single euploid embryo. The secondary endpoints were mean euploidy rate (m-ER) per cohort of biopsied blastocysts from each patient, as well as pregnancy and miscarriage rates.ResultsThe mean age of the patient population was 33.4 years (95% CI 32.8–33.9). A total of 1,641 embryos derived from the first oocyte retrieval cycle were biopsied and screened. We found no associations between the m-ER and the number of previous failed IVF cycles among different ranges of maternal age at oocyte retrieval (P = 0.45). Pairwise comparisons showed a significant decrease in the sustained implantation rate (44.7% vs. 30%; P = 0.01) and the livebirth rate per single euploid blastocyst (37.1% vs. 25%; P = 0.02) between the 1st and 3rd FET. The cumulative SIR and LBR after up to three successive single embryo transfers were 77.1% and 68.8%, respectively. We found that the live birth rate of the first vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transferred decreased significantly with the increasing number of previously failed IVF attempts by categories (45.3% vs. 35.8% vs. 27.6%; P = 0.04). A comparable decrease in sustained implantation rate was also observed but did not reach statistical significance (50% vs. 44.2 vs. 37.9%; P = NS). Using a logistic regression model, we confirmed the presence of a negative association between the number of previous IVF failed attempts and the live birth rate per embryo transfer cycle (OR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.62–0.94; P = 0.01).ConclusionsThese findings are vital for enhancing patient counseling and refining management strategies for individuals facing recurrent implantation failure. By tailoring interventions based on age and ovarian reserve, healthcare professionals can offer more personalized guidance, potentially improving the overall success rates and patient experiences in fertility treatments.Trial registration numberN/A.

Disinfection of flexible fibre-optic endoscopes out-of-hours: confidential telephone survey of ENT units in England - 20 years on.

Flexible upper aerodigestive endoscopy is often performed in the emergency setting. To prevent nosocomial infection on-call clinicians must have access to decontaminated endoscopes. A telephone survey of 104 ENT units in England replicated previous cycles conducted 10 and 20 years ago. The on-call clinician was asked about decontamination practices, training and cross-cover. Seventy-one clinicians participated of which 68 had an endoscope available out-of-hours. Twenty-five (36.8 per cent) used single-use endoscopes. Twenty-three (51.1 per cent) of the 45 clinicians using re-usable endoscopes decontaminated them themselves, an increase from 43.3 per cent in 2013 and from 35.1 per cent in 2002. Overall 91.2 per cent had safe practices, up from 68.7 per cent in 2013 and 48 per cent in 2002. One hundred per cent had been trained in decontamination, compared to 37.3 per cent in 2013 and 12.1 per cent in 2002. On-call clinicians from the ENT department increased to 91.5 per cent, compared to 63 per cent in 2013. There has been a dramatic increase in patient safety, underpinned by the introduction of single-use endoscopes, increased training and reduced cross-cover.

Examining disparities in common agriculture policy direct payments among farming systems: evidence from Portugal

One of the stated goals of the common agricultural policy reforms has been to provide a fairer distribution of payments across and within member states, but little progress has been accomplished, with about 20% of farmers receiving 80% of the total amount of direct payments. This research aims to investigate the underlying structural factors that contribute to this inequity in Portugal, with a particular focus on farming systems. A logit model was developed using agricultural census data at the commune level, with the percentage of farmers receiving direct payments as the dependent variable. The findings reveal that the local importance of arable crops (cereals) and cattle farming systems, as well as the existence of larger farms and younger farmers, all contributed to farmers' increasing access to direct payments between 2009 and 2019. In traditional Mediterranean farming systems, access to direct payments has been restricted to a smaller proportion of farmers. Nevertheless, it is evident that a certain degree of redistribution took place during the previous programming cycle of the common agricultural policy. This redistribution included a shift in support from larger to smaller farmers, older to younger farmers, and from olives, cereals, and cattle to other farming systems, particularly vineyards.

Accretion and magnetism on young eccentric binaries: DQ Tau and AK Sco

ABSTRACT The accretion and ejection of mass in pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars are key processes in stellar evolution as they shape the stellar angular momentum transport necessary for the stars’ stability. Magnetospheric accretion on to classical T Tauri stars and low-mass PMS stars has been widely studied in the single-star case. This process cannot be directly transferred to PMS binary systems, as tidal and gravitation effects, and/or accretion from a circumbinary disc (with variable separation of the components in the case of eccentric orbits) are in place. This work examines the accretion process of two PMS eccentric binaries, DQ Tau and AK Sco, using high-resolution spectropolarimetric time series. We investigate how magnetospheric accretion can be applied to these systems by studying the accretion-related emission lines and the magnetic field of each system. We discover that both systems are showing signs of magnetospheric accretion, despite their slightly different configurations, and the weak magnetic field of AK Sco. Furthermore, the magnetic topology of DQ Tau A shows a change relative to the previous orbital cycle studied: previously dominated by the poloidal component, it is now dominated by the toroidal component. We also report an increase of the component’s accretion and the absence of an accretion burst at the apastron, suggesting that the component’s magnetic variation might be the cause of the inter-cycle variations of the system’s accretion. We conclude on the presence of magnetospheric accretion for both systems, together with gravitational effects, especially for AK Sco, composed of more massive components.

The National Academy of Kinesiology 2023 Evaluation of Doctoral Programs in Kinesiology

This report documents the fifth National Academy of Kinesiology Doctoral Program Evaluation (DPE) for U.S. doctoral programs in kinesiology. Three years (2020–2022) of data were collected and analyzed from doctoral programs at 35 institutions. Eleven faculty indices and six student indices were used to rank doctoral programs. Total T-scores (unadjusted and adjusted for both faculty size and outlying scores) were calculated to create two rankings. Correlations of indices’ T-scores with total T-score were calculated to inform potential refinement of the National Academy of Kinesiology DPE. Participating programs varied widely in title, disciplinary emphasis/Classification of Instructional Program code, and number (5–37) of faculty. The mean number of doctoral faculty and students increased from the fourth DPE cycle. The correlations of most indices with total program T-score had values similar to those reported in the previous DPE cycles. Demographic data are reported and discussed for ranked and some unranked indices for program benchmarking and consideration for refinement of future DPE cycles.

PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN JIGSAW UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA KELAS IV TEMA SELALU BERHEMAT ENERGI BERDASARKAN TAKSONOMI BLOOM

This research applies classroom action research (PTK) where the action process in implementing learning carries out two cycle stages, namely cycles (scale I and II). Each time it contains the process of preparation, implementation, observation and planning. The research subjects were 20 class IV students at MI Darus Sholihin for the 2022-2023 academic year. Furthermore, the aim of this research is that researchers want to find out whether the application of the jigsaw type learning model can provide a significant increase in changes in students' learning outcomes, teaching materials that always save energy and their use, science subjects. Then, to show curiosity about the results of students' learning achievements, a process of evaluating student learning outcomes based on Bloom's taxonomy is needed. From this review, it is clear that the implementation of the jigsaw type teaching model has experienced an improvement in each cycle, as evidenced by the previous cycle (period I) the students' learning scores only obtained an average of 64.95 with a percentage of 53% and in the cycle (period II) the average score was 80. 1 with a percentage of 94.73%, resulting in an increase in the average score of 15.15 (41.73) students who had completed and met the classification standards (criteria) determined by the researcher.

Multipoint Relay Path for Efficient Topology Maintenance Algorithm in Optimized Link State Routing-Based for VANET

The Optimal Link State Routing (OLSR) protocol employs multipoint relay (MPR) nodes to disseminate topology control (TC) messages, enabling network topology discovery and maintenance. However, this approach increases control overhead and leads to wasted network bandwidth in stable topology scenarios due to fixed flooding periods. To address these challenges, this paper presents an Efficient Topology Maintenance Algorithm (ETM-OLSR) for Enhanced Link-State Routing Protocols. By reducing the number of MPR nodes, TC message generation and forwarding frequency are minimized. Furthermore, the algorithm selects a smaller subset of TC messages based on the changes in the MPR selection set from the previous cycle, adapting to stable and fluctuating network conditions. Additionally, the sending cycle of TC messages is dynamically adjusted in response to network topology changes. Simulation results demonstrate that the ETM-OLSR algorithm effectively reduces network control overhead, minimizes end-to-end delay, and improves network throughput compared to traditional OLSR and HTR-OLSR algorithms.

Stability analysis and porosity inhibition mechanism of oscillating laser-arc hybrid welding process for medium-thick plate TC4 titanium alloy

The influence of oscillating laser frequency and oscillation diameter on the stability and porosity of laser-arc hybrid welding of titanium alloys were investigated. The microstructure and basic mechanical properties of oscillating laser-arc hybrid welded joints were revealed. The results show that the oscillating laser significantly improved the macroscopic morphology of the joints, reducing the porosity from 5.48 % to 0.12 %. In the conventional laser-arc hybrid welding process, the number of keyhole surface closures was more and the time of droplet transition was longer, resulting in poor process stability. When the frequency was 150 Hz and the diameter was 1.5 mm at oscillating laser conditions, the number of keyhole closures within 200 ms was significantly reduced to 5 times compared to the conventional laser-arc hybrid welding (23 times). The droplet transition was stable, which resulted in a more stable hybrid welding process. In addition, after one oscillation cycle, the forward distance of the laser was relatively short, which can reopen the smaller pores generated in the previous cycle, leading to a significant reduction in porosity. When the frequency and diameter of oscillation decreased, the fluctuation for keyhole morphology was greater and the droplet transition was instability, resulting in an increase in porosity; When the oscillation increased, the fluctuation of the keyhole outer diameter was larger and the penetration depth decreased, which was not conducive to the welding of medium-thick plates. In the oscillating laser-arc hybrid welding process, columnar crystals in the middle of the molten pool grew towards the surface, reducing the segregation of impurities in the weld center. As a result, the elongation percentage of the joints was improved by 36.58 % compared to the conventional laser joints.

The Radial Interplanetary Field Strength at Sunspot Minimum as Polar Field Proxy and Solar Cycle Predictor

The minimum value of the geomagnetic aa index has served as a remarkably successful predictor of solar cycle amplitude. This value is reached near or just after sunspot minimum, when both the near-Earth solar wind speed and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength fall to their lowest values. At this time, the heliospheric current sheet is flattened toward the heliographic equator and the dominant source of the IMF is the Sun’s axial dipole moment, which, in turn, has its source in the polar fields. As recognized previously, the success of aamin as solar cycle precursor provides support for dynamo models in which the sunspots of a given cycle are produced by winding up the poloidal field built up during the previous cycle. Because they are highly concentrated toward the poles by the surface meridional flow, the polar fields are difficult to measure reliably. Here we point out that the observed value of the radial IMF strength at solar minimum can be used to constrain the polar field measurements, and that this parameter, which is directly proportional to the Sun’s axial dipole strength, may be an even better solar cycle predictor than geomagnetic activity.

Semi-biological photosystem: harnessing carbon dots and Geobacter sulfurreducens for solar-driven hydrogenation

Abstract Semi-biological photosynthesis utilizes the unique ability of microbial catalysts together with synthetic photosensitizers (semiconductors) to produce high-value chemicals from sustainable feedstocks. In this work, we devise a semi-biological hybrid system consisting of sustainable photosensitizers, carbon dots in the size range of 5–35 nm (CDs) interfaced with bacteria, Geobacter sulfurreducens, to reduce fumarate to succinate as a model hydrogenation reaction. After 7 days of solar irradiation, using quantitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (qNMR), the CD−G. sulfurreducens photosystem produced ∼18 mM of succinate without the need for a redox mediator. Moreover, in reusing the CDs, ∼70% of the succinate (compared to the previous cycle) was recovered. The proposed photobiohybrid system paves a new avenue for sustainable solar-to-chemical conversion in high-value chemical production.

The Meteoritics Trial: efficacy of methotrexate after remission-induction with tocilizumab and glucocorticoids in giant cell arteritis—study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group phase II study

BackgroundGlucocorticoids (GC) are the standard treatment for giant cell arteritis (GCA), even though they are associated with adverse side effects and high relapse rates. Tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, has shown promise in sustaining remission and reducing the cumulative GC dosage, but it increases the risk of infections and is expensive. After discontinuation of TCZ, only about half of patients remain in remission. Additionally, only few studies have been conducted looking at remission maintenance, highlighting the need for alternative strategies to maintain remission in GCA. Methotrexate (MTX) has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of relapse in new-onset GCA and is already a proven safe drug in many rheumatologic diseases.MethodsThis study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MTX in maintaining remission in patients with GCA who have previously been treated with GC and at least 6 months with TCZ. We hypothesize that MTX can maintain remission in GCA patients, who have achieved stable remission after treatment with GC and TCZ, and prevent the occurrence of relapses. The study design is a monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group phase II trial randomizing 40 GCA patients 1:1 into a MTX or placebo arm. Patients will receive 17.5 mg MTX/matching placebo weekly by subcutaneous injection for 12 months, with the possibility of dose reduction if clinically needed. A 6-month follow-up will take place. The primary endpoint is the time to first relapse in the MTX group versus placebo during the 12-month treatment period. Secondary outcomes include patient- and investigator-reported outcomes and laboratory findings, as well as the prevalence of aortitis, number of vasculitic vessels, and change in intima-media thickness during the study.DiscussionThis is the first clinical trial evaluating remission maintenance of GCA with MTX after a previous treatment cycle with TCZ. Following the discontinuation of TCZ in GCA, MTX could be a safe and inexpensive drug.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05623592. Registered on 21 November 2022.EU Clinical Trials Register, 2022-501058-12-00.German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00030571.

IMPROVING OF READING COMPREHENSION FOR STUDENT LEARNING THROUGH THE USE OF SIMULATION MODELS CREATIVE PROCESS OF APPROACH AT CLASS XI MIPA2 OF SMAN 28 BONE.

In general, this research aims to boost reading comprehension study using a narrative approach to the creative process simulation models at class XI MIPA2 . Specifically this study aims to: Increasing the activity of a class XI MIPA 2 for student in the learning SMAN 28 Bone of narrative reading comprehension through the use of process simulation model creative approach. Improve student learning outcomes in teaching reading comprehension through the use of a narrative approach to the creative process simulation models at class XI MIPA2. Based on the analysis of the learning activities of students in reading comprehension in the first cycle, it was concluded that the achievement of the learning activities of students in reading comprehension through the use of process simulation model creative approach average Enough (65.23%). This is evident from the indicator appears, either at the stage of pre-reading, while reading and post-reading stage. Based on the results of the data analysis cycle I do reflection. Reflection on learning to read in understanding had done using a simulation model of the creative process approach. The data indicate that the activity of the teacher and the student learning process needs to be improved. This is consistent with the observation by observation format for teachers and students. Efforts is necessary to motivate teachers so that students are motivated to respond to the learning provided by the teacher. Based on the analysis of the learning activities of students in reading comprehension in the second cycle, it was concluded that the achievement of students in a learning activity descriptions based on the application essay writing process approach to simulation model of creative good average (75.40%). This is evident from the indicator that appears, either at the stage of pre-reading, while reading, and post-reading stage. Based on the results of the second cycle of data analysis done reflection. Reflection made ​​to pemebelajaran reading comprehension using process simulation model creative approach. Efforts are made teacher is need to improve on the current stage of learning reading and post-reading stage. The above data can be explained that the learning outcomes of students reading comprehension class average score 82.43 with 93.33% percentage of mastery learning. The percentages are in excellent qualifications. Data shows that 14 students scored Very Good, 14 students got good grades (good), and 2 students scored Include, the third cycle is no longer there students in categories of less or less once, thus there are only 2 people capable students under either category. Thus there are 2 people or 6.66% of students capable students under either category. Actual outcomes in the learning progress compared with the achievement of results at the previous meeting. Thus the success of data researchers in the learning process, according to the observations through format signs analysis of teaching and learning activities In the third cycle has shown an increase from the previous cycle. Based on the reflection is done, then the acquisition of the data will be displayed in the figure below, which shows the progress of student achievement in reading comprehension learning through the application of process simulation model creative approach on Indonesian subjects who started on pra-action, first cycle, second cycle, and the cycle III