bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agromorphological Traits and Comparative Performance For Boosting Yields in Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Germplasm and Cluster Analysis
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Sajjad , Kamran Muhammad , Akbar Muhammad , Inamullah -
Published: March 2022

In the present study forty nine wheat collections characterized agromorphologically revealed high magnitude of genetic variability in 19 traits. Descriptive statistics demonstrated number of tillers was high from 3.90 - 8.26 with Mean ± SE 5.67 ± 0.13 and SD 0.92. Iqbal 2002 was the early maturing variety with 176 days following Bahawalpur 79 took 191 days to mature. Potohar 70 produced highest yield/plant (19.05 g) while lowest by Iqbal 2002 (8.05 g). Selection could be made per plant yield for promising plants for breeding purposes. Analysis of variance showed that 16 quantitative traits were significant except 02 while six qualitative traits were also significant excluding 02. Two distinct clusters were formed based on Euclidean distances for dissimilarities. Two varieties Potohar 70 and ANZA+2NS were found to be best performer for yield and yield related traits hence are recommended for crop improvement programs.
Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(1): 23-28, 2022 (March)
Effects of Foliar Application of Micronutrients On Growth, Yield and Quality of Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis (L.) Osbeck)
Authors: Nandita Kumari , Kundu Manoj , Rakshit Rajiv , Nahakpam Sareeta
Published: March 2022

Calcareous and alkaline nature of soil hinders smooth up take of micronutrient from soil. Hence, the impact of foliar feeding of micronutrients (Zn, Fe, B, Cu) in different combinations on growth, yield and quality of sweet orange cv. Mosambi in a non-conventional citrus growing area was evaluated. Results revealed that treatment combination of Zn @ 0.5% + Fe @ 0.2% + B @ 0.3% + Cu @ 0.1% (T9) followed by B @ 0.3% + Fe @ 0.2% (T6) and Zn @ 0.5% + B @ 0.3% (T7) was most effective for improving growth of Mosambi plants in terms of shoot length, leaf number, leaf area as well as photosynthetic efficiency of the plant. The yield per plant was also obtained maximum in T9 (14.94 kg). Further, fruit quality attributes in terms of TSS, total sugar, flavonoids, ascorbic acid content as well as antioxidant capacity of the fruit were recorded maximum in T9 with at par result in T6. Therefore, three foliar spray of Zn @ 0.5% + Fe @ 0.2% + B @ 0.3% + Cu @ 0.1% from May-July can be recommended to get maximum yield with better fruit quality from mosambi orchard under non-conventional track having calcareous and alkaline nature of soil.
Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(1): 57-63, 2022 (March)
Pearl Millet and Cluster Bean Intercropping for Enhancing Fodder Productivity, Profitability and Land Use Efficiency
Authors: Arif Mohd , Kumar Arvind , Pourouchottamane R
Published: March 2022

An experiment was conducted to find out the suitable intercropping combination for pearl millet and cluster bean for higher fodder productivity, land use efficiency and profitability under Yamuna ravines of Uttar Pradesh, India. Nine treatments were evaluated which includes two treatment of sole crop (pearl millet and cluster bean) and seven intercropping combinations of pearl millet + cluster bean viz. 1 : 1, 2 : 1, 1 : 2, 2 : 2, 3 : 1, 1 : 3 and 3 : 3. Maximum value of total green fodder yield was obtained with intercropping of 3 : 1 row ratio; however, it was statistically at par with 2:1 row ratio. Further, maximum value of phosphorus and potassium uptake; LER, MAI, net return and benefit cost ratio was recorded with intercropping 2 : 1 row ratio. Thus, it was found that two row pearl millet + one row cluster bean (2 : 1) intercropping combination performed best in terms of yield, land use efficiency and profitability of fodder pearl millet and cluster bean.
Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(1): 103-112, 2022 (March)
Pre-operative MRI Findings in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) Patients Who Underwent Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration (ONSF) with Postoperative Visual Improvement: Observational Findings
Authors: Chowdhury Forhad Hossain , Rahman Muhammad Mukhlesur , Haque Mohammod Raziul , Sarker Mainul Haque
Published: March 2022

Background: Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is commonly used in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) with visual deterioration and visual improvement is observed post operatively in these patients.

Objective: Retrospective evaluation of MRI observations in IIH patients who underwent optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) with postoperative visual improvement.

Materials and method: Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) was done in twenty four (24) patients with IIH having severe visual impairment. Post operatively all patients improved in their visual functions. The recorded pre operative MRI (of brain and orbit) of patients were reviewed and evaluated retrospectively.

Results: Total number of MRI studied was 24. Male female ratio was 1:11. Posterior globe flattening was found in all 24 (100%) cases. Other findings were horizontal tortuosity of optic nerve (92%), optic nerve head protrusion (87.5%), optic nerve sheath distension (87%), and vertical buckling (62.5%). Ventricular size was normal in 92% cases and slit ventricle was found only in 8% cases. On magnetic resonance venogram (MRV) one sided transverse sinus abnormality was found in 25% cases. There was empty sella in 79% cases, more marked in three cases.

Conclusion: The MRI findings in IIH patients with positive post ONSF result are of variable degree and prevalence except posterior globe flattening which was found in all cases.

Delta Med Col J. Jul 2020 8(1): 21-27
Analisis Daya Saing Pengembangan Lembaga Pendidikan Di Sdi Al-Huda Kota Kediri
Authors: Nasikhah Khafidhotun , Zaenul Fitri Agus
Published: March 2022

This study aims to determine the management strategy used in the development of SDI Al Huda, Kediri City. Al Huda can experience fairly rapid development in the last 2 periods by implementing total quality management. This is based on the strength of the team work to carry out continuous renewal by improving the quality of service both from the internal and external side of the institution. This is evidenced by the fact that in the last 2 periods, Al Huda has been increasing the number of extracurricular activities offered to the community, excelling, having quotas that have increased even beyond capacity, and starting this year, they have been given the mandate to become a driving school. Researchers used qualitative research and phenomenological approaches. The finding of the success of Al-Huda's development competitiveness is by implementing strategic management by reviewing 2 sides, namely internally and externally of the institution, with the application of TQM. The target of the quality of institutional services in the competitiveness of institutional development through two sides, namely: first, internally in the form of: a.) Quality system within the institution by implementing quality assurance; b.) Quality services between education personnel in schools; c.) Quality services between teachers and students; second, externally in the form of: a.) Quality services between schools and parents; b.) Quality service between school and community.

[Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui manajemen strategik yang digunakan dalam pengembangan di SDI Al Huda Kota Kediri. Al Huda mengalami perkembangan cukup pesat dalam 2 periode terakhir dengan menerapkan total quality management dengan dilandasi kuatnya team work bagian dari kekuatan internal untuk melakukan pembaharuan dan meningkatkan kualitas mutu layanan. Hal tersebut dibuktikan dalam penambahan beberapa kegiatan ekstrakurikuler, pencapaian prestasi, penerimaan peserta didik yang senantiasa meningkat hingga melebihi kapasitas, dan tahun 2022 diberi amanah menjadi sekolah penggerak. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian kualitatif dan pendekatan fenomenologi. Temuan keberhasilan daya saing pengembangan Al-Huda yakni dengan menerapkan managemen strategik dengan meninjau 2 sisi, yakni secara internal dan eksternal lembaga, dengan penerapan TQM. Sasaran mutu layanan lembaga dalam daya saing pengembangan lembaga melalui dua sisi, yakni: pertama, secara internal berupa: a.) Sistem mutu dalam lembaga dengan menerapkan penjaminan mutu; b.) Layanan mutu antara tenaga kependidikan di sekolah; c.) Layanan mutu antara guru dan peserta didik; kedua, secara eksternal berupa: a.) Layanan mutu antara sekolah dan orangtua; b.) Layanan mutu antara sekolah dan masyarakat]
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INVENTORY INFORMATION SYSTEM IN PUTRA MARIYO TRADING BUSINESS
Authors: Harisnur Alvian , Gunawan Dedi
Published: March 2022

Technological advancement in information technology applications allows the data recording process to become easier. Putra Mariyo Trading Business is a business institution that sells wood as a building material in various types and sizes. Data processing of incoming and outgoing goods in this business is performed only by writing goods data into a specific book. Consequently, some problems such as the loss of data and miss calculation in processing transactions usually occur. Therefore, in this research, we design a system to address the problems. The system is developed by following the Waterfall software development method. To build the system, we opt to use PHP programming language, CodeIgniter framework, and MySQL as the database server. To determine system reliability, this information system testing uses black box testing which focuses on the functional requirements of the system.  To evaluate the performance of the system two testing steps i.e., black-box testing and System Usability Scales (SUS) are adopted.  Black-box testing results show that the error percentage of our system is 0%. The SUS testing is conducted to obtain responses from users and the SUS score obtained is 70.1 indicating that the system is at the "good" level and reliable to use.
READINESS TECHNOLOGY AND SUCCESS MODEL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN IMPLEMENTATION BETWEEN SMEs IN JAKARTA
Authors: Sani Asrul , Aisyah Siti , Budiyantara Agus , Doharma Rouly , Hindardjo Anton , Frieyadie Frieyadie
Published: March 2022

In general, the use of information technology plays an important role in organizational development. Similarly, if the advancement of information technology can be applied to the financial sector, small and medium enterprises, and so on, the sector's selling value will increase. This study was carried out to determine the level of readiness of the SMEs sector in carrying out information technology implementation projects in business management. In this case, the researcher is developing a research model by combining and adapting a technology readiness model and a success model in the development of information technology to the development of SMEs in Jakarta. This quantitative study included 226 SMEs workers and managers. The data was processed and analyzed using the PLS-SEM method and SmartPLS 3.0 software, with descriptive data being entered into a spreadsheet application. The study also describes the findings of the readiness factor, which has a significant impact on the success of information technology development in Jakarta SMEs
Kudoa hypoepicardialis and associated cardiac lesions in invasive red lionfish Pterois volitans in Grenada, West Indies
Authors: Woodyard ET , Bierman AE , Edwards JJ , Finney JC , Rosser TG , Griffin MJ , Marancik DP
Published: March 2022

Invasive red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) represent an ongoing ecological threat within temperate and tropical waters. Relatively little is known regarding the overall health of P. volitans and their potential for spreading pathogens in non-native regions. Lionfish collected from inshore reefs of Grenada, West Indies, in 2019 and 2021 were identified as P. volitans based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 barcoding. Gross and microscopic examination of tissues revealed myxozoan plasmodia in the hearts of 24/76 (31.6%) lionfish by histopathology or wet mount cytology. Further histopathologic examination revealed severe granulomatous inflammation and myofiber necrosis associated with developing plasmodia and presporogonic life stages. Fresh myxospores were morphologically and molecularly consistent with Kudoa hypoepicardialis, being quadrate in apical view with 4 valves and 4 equal polar capsules. The spore body was 5.1-7.9 (mean: 6.0) µm long, 8.1-9.8 (8.7) µm wide, and 6.9-8.5 (7.7) µm thick. Polar capsules were 2.3-2.7 (2.5) µm long and 0.9-1.6 (1.3) µm wide. 18S small subunit rDNA sequences were 99.81-99.87% similar to sequence data from the original description of the species. Novel 28S large subunit rDNA and elongation factor 2 data, which did not match any previously reported species, were provided. This is the first account of a myxozoan parasite of P. volitans, a new host record and locality for K. hypoepicardialis, and one of few reports describing pathogen-associated lesions in invasive lionfish.
A Computer-Based Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue (CFM-100) Test in Pilots’ Medical Assessments
Authors: Zhang Yinjuan , Ma Jin , Cheng Shan , Hu Wendong
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effectiveness and identified the cutoff values of the computer-based Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue (CFM-100) test for screening color vision deficiencies in the pre-employment examination of civil aviators in China.METHODS: Firstly,
subjects were stratified into normal, color weakness, and color blindness with the Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plate test (IPPT) by two ophthalmologists. Then they randomly completed CFM-100 and Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue (FM-100) tests. Total error scores (TES) and the time taken for the
CFM-100 and FM-100 were analyzed and the cutoff values for the CFM-100 were determined.RESULTS: Of 218 subjects, 159 were normal while 59 were diagnosed with dyschromatopsia. The TES of the CFM-100 were congruent with those of the FM-100 (20.0 ± 18.8 vs. 20.6 ± 17.7,
160.9 ± 66.0 vs. 151.1 ± 66.4). The testing time for the CFM-100, however, was less than the FM-100 (10.3 ± 2.8 min vs. 12.9 ± 2.9 min, 7.8 ± 2.5 min vs. 12.6 ± 3.3 min). The correlation coefficient R was 0.93 and Cohen’s kappa was 0.89 for the
two methods. Further analyses defined 34 as the cutoff value to differentiate excellent from fair color discrimination (sensitivity 58.0%, specificity 94.7%) and 101 as the cutoff value to judge fair vs. poor (sensitivity and specificity both 98.8%) for the CFM-100. The cut-off value was 72
for distinguishing normal from defective color vision (sensitivity 96.6%, specificity 98.7%) and 110 was for distinguishing color weakness from color blindness (sensitivity 97.6%, specificity 97.7%) for the CFM-100.CONCLUSIONS: The CFM-100 is an effective method for the diagnosis
of dyschromatopsia with high sensitivity in screening airline pilots.Zhang Y, Ma J, Cheng S, Hu W. A computer-based Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue (CFM-100) test in pilots’ medical assessments. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(4):362–367.
Medically Disqualifying Conditions Among Aircrew Candidates
Authors: Groner Orr , Frenkel-Nir Yael , Erlich-Shoham Yifat , Shoval Gal , Gordon Barak
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Medical selection criteria for Israeli Air Force (IAF) Flight Academy candidates are strict due to the extreme physiological stressors during military flight. In various air forces the causes for medical disqualification of Flight Academy candidates are different,
mainly due to differences in the selection process and criteria. In the present study, we examined the medical conditions leading to disqualification of candidates for the IAF Flight Academy.METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 3281 military Flight Academy candidates who
underwent medical evaluation in the IAF Aeromedical Center between June 2016 and March 2018. For each disqualified candidate, we examined the cause or causes for disqualification divided into categories.RESULTS: Out of 3281 Flight Academy candidates, 519 candidates (15.8%) were
disqualified. The most prevalent cause for disqualification were ophthalmological conditions, which constituted more than half of the disqualifications (55.0%). Among the ophthalmological conditions, nonsatisfactory visual acuity constituted more than half (57.4%). The following most prevalent
causes were asthma (7.9%), allergic rhinitis (7.3%), renal and urinary conditions, and otolaryngologic conditions (5.2% each).DISCUSSION: The leading cause for disqualification of Flight Academy candidates was ophthalmological conditions, similar to other air forces. Our findings
warrant an ongoing review of criteria for disqualification.Groner O, Frenkel-Nir Y, Erlich-Shoham Y, Shoval G, Gordon B. Medically disqualifying conditions among aircrew candidates. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(4):384–389.
Efektivitas Intervensi Ultrasound (US) dan Stretching Exercise untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Fungsional Tangan pada Pasien Carpal Tunnel Syndrome di RSUD Mandau Duri
Authors: Muawanah Siti , Yulianti Ranika , Ismaningsih Ismaningsih
Published: March 2022

Carpal Tunnel syndrome  (CTS) merupakan  syndrome penjepitan saraf dengan bentuk cedera tekanan berulang pada nervus medianus akibat dari aktivitas yang terus menerus dan penggunaan tangan yang secara intensif seperti menggenggam, memutar, atau menekuk. Aktivitas tersebut akan memperparah keadaan dan menimbulkan keluhan berupa nyeri dan kesemutan diantaranya jari-jari tangan I sampai setengah jari IV bagian telapak tangan, numbness, nyeri, dan kelemahan otot sehingga menyebabkan penurunan aktifitas kemampuan Fungsional Tangan. . Tujuan Penelitian ini untuk Mendeskripsikan Efektivitas intervensi Ultrasound (Us) Dan Stretching Exercise Untuk Meningkatkan kemampuan Fungsional Tangan Pada Pasien Carpal Tunnel Syndrome  Di Rsud Mandau Duri. Metode penelitian ini adalah Eksperimental murni dengan randomized pre-test and post- test group design. Sampel penelitian pasien Poli Fisioterapi Rumah Sakit Mandau 13 pasien dalam I kelompok diberi ultrasound (Us) Dan Stretching Exercises sebanyak 6 kali selama 2 minggu. Dilakukan pemeriksaan spesifik fisioterapi dengan phalen’s test dan pengukuran dengan wrist-hand disability index (WHDI). Hasil uji menunjukkan terjadi peningkatan aktivitas fungsional tangan dengan intervensi ultrasound (US) dan stretching exercise sebelum dan sesudah pada satu kelompok dengan uji normalitas dengan shapiro-wilk test dengan nilai sebelum  P = 0,074 (P>0,05) dengan nilai rerata 44.62±10.50 dan  nilai sesudah P = 0,015 (P>0,05) dengan rerata 17.69±7.25 maka nilai normalitas data  berdistribusi normal jadi Uji hipotesis penelitian menggunakan uji t berpasangan (paired samples test) dengan hasil yang signifikan P = 0,000 (P<0,05) dengan nilai rerata 26.92±15.48. Kesimpulan hal tersebut bermakna sehingga dapat disimpulkan pemberian ultrasoud dan stretching exercises pada pergelangan tangan dapat meningkatkan kemampuan fungsional tangan pada pasien carpal tunnel syndrome di RSUD Mandau  Duri.
Entrepreneurial Intention to Business Start-Up: Evidence from Asia
Authors: Mohammad Osman Gani  , Yoshi Takahashi  , Anisur R. Faroque
Published: March 2022

The purpose of the study is to explore the relationships between perceptual variables and entrepreneurial intention among 13 Asian economies, and to depict the differences in the relationships among three types of Asian economies (factor-driven, efficiency-driven, and innovation-driven). Data were drawn from the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Adult Population Survey (GEM APS) data set. Based on the cognitive theory, relevant research questions were developed, and the data were analysed through the logistic regression model. For the case of 13 Asian countries (full sample), except social status and respect, all perceptual variables are significantly related to entrepreneurial intention, and fear of fail found a negative and significant relationship. In sub-sample analysis, we have observed that regarding risk-taking, career choice, and social status, there are some significant differences among the three types of economies. The study contributes as the first attempt on Asian samples (full) from the GEM dataset and it is also the first attempt where three types of Asian economies were analysed.
Organisational Learning Capability: Measurement, Validation, and Application in Malaysia
Authors: Tay Lee Chin  , Tan Fee Yean  , Hon-Wei Leow
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to validate the measurement of organisational learning capability originally developed by Chiva et al. (2007) in the Malaysian context. This organisational learning capability scale comprises 14 items grouped into five dimensions, namely experimentation, risk-taking, interaction with the external environment, dialogue, and participative decision-making. An analysis of the scale’s content validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity was conducted using a total of 251 valid survey responses obtained from Grade 7 construction companies in Malaysia. The findings showed that the five dimensions of organisational learning capability are highly suited for measuring organisational learning capability in the Malaysian context. The validation of the organisational learning capability measurement provides useful insights to organisations wishing to develop a learning culture or enhance their learning capability. This study also enriches the literature by proving that the organisational learning capability measurement is a valid and consistent scale that can be applied at the organisational level and across different cultures and sectors.
Applying Social Capital Theory on Conservation Policies of Protected Areas: A Case Study of Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Teik Aun Wong  , Mohammad Reevany Bustami  , Sazlina Md Salleh
Published: March 2022

Environmental conservation efforts internationally and in Malaysia are focused on the establishment, maintenance and conservation of Protected Areas. The phenomenon of Protected Areas is justified by both biological considerations and social considerations. Biological considerations are commonly articulated. This research attempts to balance the narrative by focusing on social considerations, specific on the component of social capital, as derived from Social Capital Theory. Social capital is not commonly employed in the discourse on conservation policies of Protected Areas. However, social capital is postulated to have a tangible influence, as witnessed by its successful application in other contexts such as housing policy and social development. To explore the applicability of social capital towards Protected Areas, a case study of Penang in Malaysia is utilized. Document analysis and field observations are adopted as the research methodology and the data is analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that social capital has a tangible effect on the conservation policies of Protected Areas. Subsequently, public policy recommendations are proposed in light of the findings.
Determinants of Tax Revenue: A Comparison Between ASEAN-7 Plus China And 8- European Countries
Authors: Lien Nguyen-Phuong  , Nhung Nguyen Thi Phuong  , Hang Dang Thi Thu
Published: March 2022

The aim of this paper is analyzing the level ratio of tax revenue and GDP depending on different consumer behaviors between two groups of countries: ASEAN-7 plus China (called the Eastern) and eight European countries (called the Western). The study applied the Feasible Generalized Least Square model to confirm the robustness of the Panel Corrected Standard Errors model, and the results indicate that all countries have a positive association between tax revenue with the human capital and FDI variables. In addition, in the Eastern, forest area and broad money has a statistically significantly positive impact on tax revenue while gross savings has a negative one. Further, the Western witnessed the positive impact with gross savings while broad money variables lead to a decrease in tax revenue. The major results indicate that in the East, the Governments should focus on how to improve their taxation by promoting the broad money - M2 and expanding the forest area as well as support their consumers spending more instead of saving. In contrast, European countries try to reduce the M2, encouraging their consumers to save more. The Eastern and Western governments may control natural and demographic determinants aimed to support taxation and sustainable economic growth.
Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Supply Chain Traceability System Implementation for Shark and Ray Products in Pahang, Malaysia: Insights from Key Informant Interviews
Authors: Roba’a Yusof  , Ahmad Shuib  , Sridar Ramachandran  , Ahmad Ali  , Illisriyani Ismail
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study is to obtain experts’ opinions in identifying factors influencing the implementation of supply chain traceability for shark and ray products in Pahang, Malaysia. The information was obtained through structured key informant interviews (KIIs), which were conducted one-to-one and face-to-face with relevant experts from government agencies and Malaysia’s National Plan of Action (NPOA-Shark) committee members. From the text discourse analysis, the study has identified seven indicators that need to be improved and explored before developing the full implementation of the supply chain traceability system in Pahang. The indicators are as follows: (i) policy and strategic management; (ii) acts and regulations; (iii) shark and ray resources; (iv) manpower and capability; (v) infrastructure and management information system; (vi) collaboration efforts; and (vii) buy-ins from stakeholders. It is recommended that the government reviews the current policy, acts, regulations, and strategic initiatives to increase the commitment from all relevant stakeholders to ensure sustainable utilisation of shark and ray species.
Earnings Management in Small Listed Firms in Malaysia Using Quantile Regression
Authors: Shamsul Nahar Abdullah
Published: March 2022

This study examines the role of board independence and audit committee expertise in accounting on earnings management in small listed firms in Malaysia, which have been neglected in corporate governance research. Due to their small size, the listing requirements imposed on them by Bursa Malaysia are less stringent. Hence, these firms are predicted to have a higher tendency to manage earnings compared to large listed firms. All firms listed on the Bursa Malaysia ACE Market during the financial years 2012 to 2014 inclusive were selected. The data were analysed using quantile regression to enable the determination of the effects of the corporate governance variables across the quantiles in the conditional distribution of discretionary accruals. The results show that small listed firms have a very high propensity for accrual management compared to large listed firms. The study also reveals that board independence is not associated with either the incidence of accrual management or the direction of discretionary accruals. It also shows that audit committee expertise can mitigate the propensity for discretionary accruals and if discretionary accruals are present, the objective was to reduce the firm’s earnings. However, this evidence only holds in firms where the utilization of discretionary accruals is pervasive.
Fitness Trainers’ Physical Attractiveness and Gym Goers’ Exercise Intention
Authors: Soekmawati  , Robert Jeyakumar Nathan  , Pei-Kian Tan  , Vijay Victor
Published: March 2022

In line with the law of attraction, physical attractiveness has been widely used in marketing as well as advertising due to its potency in persuading consumers to take action. However, would physical attractiveness of a fitness trainer influence gym goers’ intention to exercise? This question motivated this research. Based on recent literature reviews, several research constructs were identified to form a research framework to investigate the physical attractiveness phenomena in the fitness industry. Hypothetically, the impact of the physical attractiveness of a fitness trainer on gym goers’ exercise intention is postulated to be mediated by trainer’s perceived expertise, trustworthiness, likeability and perceived health. Questionnaires were administered among gym-goers from 10 randomly selected fitness centres across three districts of Melaka State in Malaysia, and 192 final sample data were obtained. Data analysis reveals fitness trainer’s perceived expertise and likeability significantly mediates the relationship between the physical attractiveness of fitness trainers and gym goers’ exercise intention. Physical attractiveness of fitness trainers does impact the exercise intention of gym goers indirectly. Implications of the findings to theory and practice are also discussed in this paper, as well as suggestions for future studies.
Dealing With Uncertainty: An Analysis of VRIN Resources for SME’s Business Survival
Authors: Nik Hazimah Nik Mat  , Syuhaida Mohamed@Jaafar  , Aina Syuhaila Mohamad
Published: March 2022

Extant research suggests the application of resource-based view (RBV) in exploring the issue of firm growth and innovation. Crucial elements of RBV assume that valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable (VRIN) resources are necessary for an organisation to gain competitive advantage, especially in an uncertain business environment. This study focuses on employees’ performance and the implementation of human resource management practices as important tools for survival in a challenging time. A content analysis is employed based on interviews data of managers of small and medium hotels in three popular islands in Malaysia. The analytical results are contradictory to the assumptions of VRIN resources. Island hotels are found to own a uniqueness in its characteristics that influence the hotels’ strategy to survive. Findings of this study call for future exploration of tourism industry sustainability planning, mainly to address the many challenges of uncertain business environments through effective resources management.
SELEKSI PROSES EKSTRAKSI DAUN SIRIH PADA PRA RANCANGAN PABRIK HAND SANITIZER DAUN SIRIH DENGAN KAPASITAS PRODUKSI 480 TON/TAHUN
Authors: Yulinar Farah , Suharti Profiyanti Hermien
Published: March 2022

Penggunaan hand sanitizer oleh masyarakat di era pandemi Covid-19 semakin meningkat sebagai salah satu  protokol Covid-19 pengganti cuci tangan. Zat antiseptik yang ada pada kandungan Hand sanitizer membantu  mengatasi berbagai virus yang menempel pada permukaan tangan yang mempunyai kandungan alkohol dan  berwujud gel. Penggunaan alkohol yang terlalu sering akan menyebabkan kulit menjadi kering. Daun sirih hijau  memiliki sifat antiseptik karena memiliki minyak atsiri yang mengandung +30% fenol. Tujuan penelitian ini  adalah untuk menentukan proses terbaik yang akan digunakan dalam masing-masing tahapan pembuatan hand  sanitizer gel tersebut. Tujuan dari seleksi itu sendiri adalah untuk mendapatkan proses yang terbaik dari dua  pilihan alternatif proses yang mungkin dari segi teknis dan ekonomis. Seleksi proses ekstraksi daun sirih pada  proses pembuatan hand sanitizer ini mencakup serangkaian jenis proses produksi dengan membandingkan  penggunaan metode maserasi dan soxhletasi. Soxhletasi adalah teknik ekstraksi secara berkesinambungan  dengan alat soxhletasi menggunakan pelarut organik pada suhu didih. Metode soxhletasi dilakukan dengan  cara melarutkan sampel dalam pelarut soxhletasi yang telah dipanaskan, sehingga semua komponen yang  diinginkan dalam sampel dapat terisolasi dengan sempurna. Proses ekstraksi yang dipilih yaitu metode  soxhletasi dengan produk yang dihasilkan berupa minyak atsiri. Waktu proses ekstraksi adalah 4 sampai 6 jam  untuk mencapai sirkulasi dengan suhu ekstraksi 60-80°C.
Genetic Variability for Early Growth Traits in Second Season Sunflower
Authors: Lamichhane Jay Ram , Wojciechowski Alexandre , Bourgeois Clémentine , Debaeke Philippe
Published: March 2022

Sowing a second season crop following the harvest of a first crop (hereafter referred to as double cropping) is a practice that allows for temporal diversification of cropping systems to increase the efficiency of land use and yield per unit area while improving the ecosystem services. Sunflower is particularly suitable for double cropping, especially under the current context of Southern Europe. However, planting sunflower in double cropping may result in poor establishment as the crop is very demanding in terms of seedbed preparations. In addition, most sunflower varieties available to date belong to late maturity groups (MGs), which were bred for conventional cropping. Planting these varieties in double cropping may further exacerbate the risk of crop establishment failure. Here, we performed laboratory and growth chamber phenotyping of 11 hybrid oilseed sunflower varieties with contrasting MGs and assessed their field performance for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021). We measured the variables, such as seed germination, seedling emergence dynamics and final rates, and post-emergence damage, as these characteristics are important for a uniform and robust crop establishment. Under laboratory conditions, we found statistically significant effect of varieties on cardinal temperatures and water potential for germination. Under growth chamber conditions, the maximum heterotrophic growth of the hypocotyl was higher (i.e., 85 mm) compared to that of the radicle (i.e., 80 mm). The seedling mortality rates under soil aggregates ranged from 0 to 12%, depending on the size and spatial distribution of soil aggregates in the seedbed. Under field conditions, the final rates of seed germination ranged from 87 to 98% and from 99 to 100%, while those of the seedling emergence ranged from 58 to 87% and from 78 to 94%, in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The average final rates of postemergence damage ranged from 13 to 44% and from 3 to 18% in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Bird damage was the main cause of pre- and postemergence losses. We found that a good sunflower establishment in double cropping is possible in the southwestern conditions of France, provided that there is no water stress in the seedbed. An optimal seedbed moisture ensures a rapid crop emergence and limits pre-and postemergence damage due to birds, by reducing the duration of the crop establishment phase, which is highly vulnerable to bird damage.
The Necessity to Seal the Re-Entry Tears of Aortic Dissection After TEVAR: A Hemodynamic Indicator
Authors: Li Zhenfeng , Xu Huanming , Armour Chlöe Harriet , Guo Yuze , Xiong Jiang , Xu Xiaoyun , Chen Duanduan
Published: March 2022

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a common treatment for Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD). However, re-entry tears might be found distal to the stented region which transports blood between the true and false lumens. Sealing the re-entry tears, especially for the thoracic tears, could further reduce blood perfusion to the false lumen; however, it might also bring risks by re-intervention or surgery. Wise determination of the necessity to seal the re-entry tears is needed. In this study, patient-specific models of TBAD were reconstructed, and the modified models were established by virtually excluding the thoracic re-entries. Computational hemodynamics was investigated, and the variation of the functional index and first balance position (FBP) of the luminal pressure difference, due to the sealing of the re-entries, was reported. The results showed that the direction of the net flow through the unstented thoracic re-entries varied among cases. Excluding the re-entries with the net flow toward the false lumen may induce the FBP moving distally and the relative particle residence time increasing in the false lumen. This study preliminarily demonstrated that the hemodynamic status of the re-entry tears might serve as an indicator to the necessity of sealing. By quantifying the through-tear flow exchange and shift of FBP, one can predict the hemodynamic benefit by sealing the thoracic re-entries and thus wisely determine the necessity of further interventional management.
Lipid Perfluorohexane Nanoemulsion Hybrid for MRI-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy of Tumors
Authors: Liu Sitong , Hou Xiuqi , Zhu Wenjian , Zhang Fang , Chen Weiling , Yang Binjian , Luo Xin , Wu Dalin , Cao Zhong
Published: March 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRI-guided HIFU) is a non-invasive strategy of diagnosis and treatment that is applicable in tumor ablation. Here, we prepared a multifunctional nanotheranostic agent (SSPN) by loading perfluorohexane (PFH) and superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIOs) in silica lipid for MRI-guided HIFU ablation of tumors. PFH was introduced to improve the ablation effect of HIFU and the ultrasound (US) contrast performance. Due to its liquid-to-gas transition characteristic, it is sensitive to temperature. SPIOs were used as an MRI contrast agent. Silica lipid was selected because it is a more stable carrier material compared with normal lipid. Previous studies have shown that SSPNs have good biocompatibility, stability, imaging, and therapeutic effects. Therefore, this system is expected to develop an important therapeutic agent for MRI-guided HIFU therapy against tumors.
Construction and Validation of a 15-Top-prognostic-gene-based Signature to Indicate the Dichotomized Clinical Outcome and Response to Targeted Therapy for Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Gu Hongbing , Liang Chaozhao
Published: March 2022

The clinical outcome of heterogeneous bladder cancer (BCa) is impacted by varying molecular characteristics and clinical features, and new molecular classification is necessary to recognize patients with dichotomized prognosis. We enrolled a total of 568 BCa patients from the TCGA-BLCA and GSE13507 cohorts. A total of 107 candidate genes, which were mostly involved in the extracellular matrix-associated pathway, were first selected through the consensus value of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Furthermore, absolute shrinkage and selection operation regression analysis was implemented to reveal the 15 genes and establish the prognostic signature. The newly defined prognostic signature could precisely separate BCa patients into subgroups with favorable and poor prognosis in the training TCGA-BLCA cohort (p < 0.001, HR = 2.41, and 95% CI: 1.76–3.29), as well as the testing GSE13507 cohort (p < 0.001, HR = 7.32, and 95% CI: 1.76–3.29) and external validation E-MTAB-4321 cohort (p < 0.001, HR = 10.56, 95% CI: 3.208–34.731). Multivariate Cox analysis involving the signature and clinical features indicated that the signature is an independent factor for the prediction of BCa prognosis. We also explored potential targeted therapy for BCa patients with high- or low-risk scores and found that patients with high risk were more suitable for chemotherapy with gemcitabine, doxorubicin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, and vinblastine (all p < 0.05), but anti-PD-L1 therapy was useless. We knocked down HEYL with siRNAs in T24 and 5,637 cells, and observed the decreased protein level of HEYL, and inhibited cell viability and cell invasion. In summary, we proposed and validated a 15-top-prognostic gene-based signature to indicate the dichotomized prognosis and response to targeted therapy.
Lipid Metabolic Process Involved in Oocyte Maturation During Folliculogenesis
Authors: Liu Tao , Qu Jiangxue , Tian Mengyuan , Yang Rui , Song Xueling , Li Rong , Yan Jie , Qiao Jie
Published: March 2022

Oocyte maturation is a complex and dynamic process regulated by the coordination of ovarian cells and numerous extraovarian signals. From mammal studies, it is learnt that lipid metabolism provides sufficient energy for morphological and cellular events during folliculogenesis, and numerous lipid metabolites, including cholesterol, lipoproteins, and 14-demethyl-14-dehydrolanosterol, act as steroid hormone precursors and meiotic resumption regulators. Endogenous and exogenous signals, such as gonadotropins, insulin, and cortisol, are the upstream regulators in follicular lipid metabolic homeostasis, forming a complex and dynamic network in which the key factor or pathway that plays the central role is still a mystery. Though lipid metabolites are indispensable, long-term exposure to a high-fat environment will induce irreversible damage to follicular cells and oocyte meiosis. This review specifically describes the transcriptional expression patterns of several lipid metabolism–related genes in human oocytes and granulosa cells during folliculogenesis, illustrating the spatiotemporal lipid metabolic changes in follicles and the role of lipid metabolism in female reproductive capacity. This study aims to elaborate the impact of lipid metabolism on folliculogenesis, thus providing guidance for improving the fertility of obese women and the clinical outcome of assisted reproduction.
Gutmann’s Donor and Acceptor Numbers for Ionic Liquids and Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Sanchez Bruno , Campodónico Paola R. , Contreras Renato
Published: March 2022

An experimental and computational methodology for the analysis of the Lewis acid/base responses of ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DES) is proposed. It is based on the donor and acceptor of the electronic charge ability of Lewis acid and bases concepts (donicity and acceptor numbers, DN and AN, respectively) proposed by Viktor Gutmann. The binding enthalpy between the IL/DES with the probe antimony pentachloride (SbCl5) in dichloroethane displays good correlations with experimental data. This approach could serve as a first approximation to predict the responses to H-bonding abilities of new IL or DES. Although useful, the problems encountered to model the electron AN of these solvents limit the usefulness of the approach to completely describe their polarity properties. The experimental data were recorded using UV–Vis spectroscopy for a wide range of ILs and a couple of DES. Two reactions were used as benchmarks to test the reliability of the DN model to discuss the reactivity of real systems in these neoteric solvents.
Relationships Between Diurnal Changes of Tongue Coating Microbiota and Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Guo Xiao-jing , Jiang Tao , Ma Xu-xiang , Hu Xiao-juan , Huang Jing-bin , Cui Long-tao , Cui Ji , Yao Xing-hua , Shi Yu-lin , Li Jun , Guo Zhi-ling , Lou Jin-di , Liang Meng-chen , Fu Hong-yuan , Yuan Pei , Liu Jia-yi , Tu Li-ping , Xu Jia-tuo
Published: March 2022

The oral cavity and the intestine are the main distribution locations of human digestive bacteria. Exploring the relationships between the tongue coating and gut microbiota, the influence of the diurnal variations of the tongue coating microbiota on the intestinal microbiota can provide a reference for the development of the disease diagnosis and monitoring, as well as the medication time. In this work, a total of 39 healthy college students were recruited. We collected their tongue coating microbiota which was collected before and after sleep and fecal microbiota. The diurnal variations of tongue coating microbiota are mainly manifested on the changes in diversity and relative abundance. There are commensal bacteria in the tongue coating and intestines, especially Prevotella which has the higher proportion in both sites. The relative abundance of Prevotella in the tongue coating before sleep has a positive correlation with intestinal Prevotella; the r is 0.322 (p < 0.05). Bacteroides in the intestine had the most bacteria associated with the tongue coating and had the highest correlation coefficient with Veillonella in the oral cavity, which was 0.468 (p < 0.01). These results suggest that the abundance of the same flora in the two sites may have a common change trend. The SourceTracker results show that the proportion of intestinal bacteria sourced from tongue coating is less than 1%. It indicates that oral flora is difficult to colonize in the intestine in healthy people. This will provide a reference for the study on the oral and intestinal microbiota in diseases.
An Atypical Case of Monomicrobial Clostridioides difficile Septicemia With No Gastrointestinal Manifestations
Authors: Wang Liqian , Li Danyang , Chen Zixi , He Liuqing , Wang Xianjun , Tao Liang
Published: March 2022

An uncommon case of monomicrobial Clostridioides difficile septicemia in a 63-year-old man was reported in Zhejiang, China. Once diagnosed, vancomycin treatment cleared the infections. The patient had no remarkable medical history, and the inspection showed no overt gastrointestinal symptoms, though C. difficile was detected in his stool samples. However, we later defined that the C. difficile strain isolated from the blood sample was different from the one isolated from his stool using the whole genome sequencing analysis. By retrospective analysis of his medical record, we noticed that the man had a recent tooth extraction thus the bacterium may have invaded through the root canal. Therefore, we suggest that oral C. difficile colonization may be a potential risk factor for severe C. difficile septicemia, which could be clinically alarming.
Assessing the Impact of Road and Land Use on Species Diversity of Trees, Shrubs, Herbs and Grasses in the Mountain Landscape in Southern Africa
Authors: Lisboa Sá Nogueira , Domingos Francisco , Vallius Elisa , Lensu Anssi , Macamo Ernesto , Sitoe Almeida
Published: March 2022

Mountain landscape, described as a global biodiversity hotspot due to high endemism, is threatened by land-use change, including management and modification of vegetation. However, there is little knowledge about how road and land use affect plant diversity in mountains landscapes, particularly in southern Africa. Previous studies have studied the impact of the road or land use on plant species diversity separately and have concentrated on a single plant species. Here we compare the plant diversity of regenerated trees, shrubs, herbaceous plant, and grasses among Forest, Fallow, Agriculture, and Road in the Moribane Forest Reserve (MFR), in Eastern Chimanimani Mountain landscape in Mozambique. To assess how land-use change affects plant diversity, we conducted 45 transects along the roadside and randomly established 24 quadrats in the Agriculture fields and Fallow and 26 quadrats in the pristine Forest. In each transect and quadrats, we recorded the occurrence of four plant life forms (regenerated trees, shrubs, herbaceous, and grass species) to determine the alpha and beta-diversity across land-uses, and we assessed the invasiveness of each species. Species composition varied significantly among the land-uses types. Roadside had higher species diversity and the highest number of invasive species (138 total species of all plant life forms; 31 invasive species), following Agriculture (72; 30), Fallow (81; 20), and Forest (78; 19). There was no similarity in species between roadsides and other land-uses. Furthermore, roadside recorded the highest average species turnover for all plant life forms following Agriculture, Forest, and Fallow. Among the plants, the most important life form was herbaceous with 143 species, following grass with 86 species, shrubs with 86, and regenerated trees with 65 species. The land-use pattern makes the landscape more diversified in the study area and, as a result, increase the plant species richness and diversity by species replacement. This study is unique in collecting and analyzing data on different plant life forms on roadsides linked with a range of different land-use types within a small region of a mountain landscape in southern Africa.