bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of ecologically-friendly products in small businesses
Authors: Chupina Irina Pavlovna , Simachkova Natal'ya Nikolaevna
Published: August 2021

The Institute of Organic Agriculture has outlined the prospects for an increase in organic products on the world market. Now its share is almost one percent. But these prospects were planned back in 2018, before the start of the coronavirus pandemic. At the moment, the increase in organic products of domestic origin is progressing at a rather slow pace. Such a prospect can be realized only with the effective support of the state for farmers and private farms, as well as the adoption of a regulatory framework for the development of organic products. The difficulty also lies in the fact that Russia's regions have a fairly moderate climate. The yields of agricultural products can not be called bad, but the transition to organic farming will significantly reduce the yield of products. Therefore, it is necessary to build up experience and organize training courses for farmers for the production of ecologically-friendly products. Currently, agriculture is based on a public-private partnership. But this system has certain shortcomings, such as corruption and inefficient management of the existing agricultural resources. Peasant (farmer) farms and personal subsidiary farms can rightfully be considered as a promising form of farming in rural areas. But large enterprises can also increase the volume of their products due to contractual relations with small businesses. This can also be cattle fattening, or poultry farming, when handing over finished products from farms and personal subsidiary farms. Moreover, farms and private subsidiary farms always need suppliers. 
AGRARIAN SOCIOLOGY: THE MAIN TRENDS
Authors: Zhuravleva Lyudmila Anatol'evna , Zarubina Elena Vasil'evna
Published: August 2021

The article highlights and briefly analyzes the main directions of agrarian sociology in Russia, and shows that agricultural sociology is only evolving today. Theoretical research methods were used: a systematic approach, a comparative historical method, as well as quantitative and qualitative methods of applied sociological research: questionnaires, analysis of documents and work in a focus group. The research allows identifying the main directions of modern agrarian sociology in Russia. These include: 1. Sociological research of ecological culture and consumer culture. 2. The sociology of nutrition. 3. Sociological studies of farming as a special social group. Based on the results of the study, the authors identify the trend directions of modern agricultural sociology in Russia which are currently being formed and waiting for research by the joint efforts of sociologists, economists, lawyers, philosophers and representatives of agricultural sciences. Solving these problems will help attract young people to work in farms, including the organization of their own family farm. The first group of problems is the loss of traditions of family farming as a way of life and the related underestimation of farm labor and farming as a social community. The second group of problems is related to the insufficient use of innovative technologies, including digital ones, in family farming and everyday life, as well as the insufficiently developed social infrastructure in rural areas.
Problems of work motivation at agricultural enterprises
Authors: Zarubina Elena Vasil'evna , Simachkova Natal'ya Nikolaevna
Published: August 2021

The article considers the work motivation of employees at the enterprises of the agroindustrial complex. The main problems with the work motivation of personnel at agricultural enterprises are identified, and the ways to solve these problems are outlined. The article states that effective motivation of employees in organizations of the agroindustrial complex gives the following advantages:1. Increases the level of employee efficiency. Employee engagement will lead to the increased productivity, reduced costs and increased overall efficiency of the company.2. Activates human resources. To achieve the company's goals, physical, financial and human resources are required. It is thanks to motivation that human resources can be used in full. This can be done by forming the willingness of employees to work. This will help organizations to ensure the efficient use of resources.3. Creates a favorable atmosphere in the team. Work occupies a significant part of a person's life, so many people want the atmosphere at work to be comfortable. The effectiveness of the collective work of employees and interpersonal communications directly depends on the psychological climate in the team. For many employees, good relationships with colleagues and positive emotions are more important than career prospects and greater material remuneration for work.4. Leads to the achievement of the organization's goals. An effective employee incentive program at the organization helps to achieve maximum results, increase the productivity of employees of the company, and increase the competitiveness of the organization.
Reconsideration of the author’s established world perception and its cognition
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: August 2021

This discusses a relevant topic of perception of the world and reality, which are usually characterized as complex and ambiguous. The author, who graduated from Moscow Methodological Circle (MMC) and mentored by its founder G. P. Shchedrovitsky, reconsiders his views upon the interpretation of the topic at hand. Analysis is conducted on comprehension of the activity by G. P. Shchedrovitsky, the task of overcoming the naturalistic approach towards reasoning formulated by him, and the transformation of views within the MMC (transition from the concept of reasoning towards the theory of activity, and later on, mental activity). The article provides the authorial representations on reasoning acquired in the course of research, which are substantiated by a range of factors – history, culture, language, identity, concepts, and sociality. Based on the examples from the history of philosophy and science, the author explores the key stages in the formation of ideal objects and the role played by various factors, including reasoning and activity, as well as the peculiarities of shaping understanding and worldviews. In the current context the author demonstrates why it is difficult to comprehend the “world order”. The main reasons include dual transition (end of modernism and establishment of the “future culture”; project nature of innovations; imperfection of methodology, namely incomplete empirical generalizations. The author indicates that his goal was not the criticism of G. P. Shchedrovitsky and his successors, but overcoming own representations, which allow developing creativity as the foundation of modern mentality.
Quantitative control of noise in mammalian gene expression by dynamic histone regulation
Authors: Tan Deng , Chen Rui , Mo Yuejian , Gu Shu , Ma Jiao , Xu Wei , Lu Xibin , He Huiyu , Jiang Fan , Fan Weimin , Wang Yili , Chen Xi , Huang Wei
Published: August 2021

Fluctuation ('noise') in gene expression is critical for mammalian cellular processes. Numerous mechanisms contribute to its origins, yet the mechanisms behind large fluctuations that are induced by single transcriptional activators remain elusive. Here, we probed putative mechanisms by studying the dynamic regulation of transcriptional activator binding, histone regulator inhibitors, chromatin accessibility, and levels of mRNAs and proteins in single cells. Using a light-induced expression system, we showed that the transcriptional activator could form an interplay with dual functional co-activator/histone acetyltransferases CBP/p300. This interplay resulted in substantial heterogeneity in H3K27ac, chromatin accessibility, and transcription. Simultaneous attenuation of CBP/p300 and HDAC4/5 reduced heterogeneity in the expression of endogenous genes, suggesting that this mechanism is universal. We further found that the noise was reduced by pulse-wide modulation of transcriptional activator binding possibly as a result of alternating the epigenetic states. Our findings suggest a mechanism for the modulation of noise in synthetic and endogenous gene expression systems.
A bone-specific adipogenesis pathway in fat-free mice defines key origins and adaptations of bone marrow adipocytes with age and disease
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Robles Hero , Magee Kristann L , Lorenz Madelyn R , Wang Zhaohua , Harris Charles A , Craft Clarissa S , Scheller Erica L
Published: August 2021

Bone marrow adipocytes accumulate with age and in diverse disease states. However, their origins and adaptations in these conditions remain unclear, impairing our understanding of their context-specific endocrine functions and relationship with surrounding tissues. In this study, by analyzing bone and adipose tissues in the lipodystrophic ‘fat-free’ mouse, we define a novel, secondary adipogenesis pathway that relies on the recruitment of adiponectin-negative stromal progenitors. This pathway is unique to the bone marrow and is activated with age and in states of metabolic stress in the fat-free mouse model, resulting in the expansion of bone marrow adipocytes specialized for lipid storage with compromised lipid mobilization and cytokine expression within regions traditionally devoted to hematopoiesis. This finding further distinguishes bone marrow from peripheral adipocytes and contributes to our understanding of bone marrow adipocyte origins, adaptations, and relationships with surrounding tissues with age and disease.
Pricked by the Virus for good? Real Estate Bubbles and the Grand European Shutdown
Authors: Malović Marko , Roganović Miloš , Özer Mustafa
Published: August 2021

Research Question: The objective of this particular piece of research was to evaluate the condition of the real estate market in the period preceding the pandemic outbreak. Motivation: Our goal was to determine whether real estate has been overpriced, i.e., whether and when speculative bubbles began to form and whether there were indications of their bursting. This paper brings together the need for discussing theories that can potentially explain the real estate market bubbles and boom-bust cycles (Gleaser &Nathanson, 2014) and the new approach which proved promising to detect the exuberance of economic and financial activities (Phillips, Shi &Yu, 2015). Potential collapse of real estate prices would have devastating effects and would likely cause a collapse of the financial system. Idea: The core idea of this paper was to evaluate whether speculative bubbles could be detected in the real estate market over the period immediately before the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, and whether the pandemic or the financial crisis arising from it led to bursting of bubbles in this market and consequently brought their economies into even deeper crises. Data: Quarterly price movements were analyzed in the real estate market in six countries: Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia in the period Q1 1980 - Q4 2019 for Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom; Q1 2002 - Q4 2019 for Serbia and Croatia and Q1 2007 - Q4 2019 for Slovenia. Tools: Empirical analysis has been performed by utilizing generalized sub-augmented Dickey-Fuller (GSADF) test of unit roots for the detection and data stamping of bubbles in the real estate market in time series at hand. Findings: In conclusion, grand European shutdown and COVID pandemic apparently did not prick multiplicity of previously formed real estate bubbles, at least not for the time being. Moreover, in several developing countries with stunted financial markets, the virus may have somewhat paradoxically solidified real estate prices and even sustained a build-up of rational real estate bubbles. Contribution: This paper expands previous research on real estate bubbles and provides new insights into the initial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Influence of Flexible Work Arrangement on Employee Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Gašić Dimitrije , Berber Nemanja
Published: August 2021

Research Question: The authors investigate the impact of Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) on employee behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Serbia. The main question is whether FWA and in which manner influences employees’ behavior, especially turnover intentions and employees’ engagement. Motivation: Based on the study results of Azar et al. (2018), Masuda et al. (2011), and Laurel et al. (2009), the author planned to identify the relations between FWA and the behavior of employees in terms of Engagement and Turnover intention in the Covid - 19 pandemic era. Idea: The research is created by considering the changes in the way of operating in almost all business activities caused by this pandemic. Having in mind the pandemic, and spreading of the virus after that, there is a gradual shift of work from the company's office to FWAs, especially "work from home" and teleworking. Data: The research was conducted during 2020/21, on a sample of 219 employees on whom this pandemic had a great impact and brought changes in the way of working, which became quite different from that before. Data collection is performed via an electronic survey Google-Forms, where respondents were able to answer the questions asked in the questionnaire via their electronic devices at any time. Tools: To analyze the data collected by completing the questionnaire, the author used Smart PLS 3 software to make the data analysis relevant. During the analysis of data in Smart PLS, an independent variable was formed that refers to "Flexible Work Arrangements", while the dependent variables are "Engagement" and "Turnover intentions". Findings: Based on the conducted research, we conclude that "FWAs" have a positive impact on the Engagements of employees in the Republic of Serbia and a negative impact on Turnover intentions. All hypotheses are confirmed. Contribution: The paper contributes to the literature by empirically testing how certain factors affect the behavior of employees in the Republic of Serbia during the COVID - 19 pandemic.
Consumer Lifestyle Forming Under the Influence of National Culture
Authors: Šapić Srđan , Lazarević Jovana , Marinković Veljko
Published: August 2021

Research Question: This paper examines the influence of femininity and collectivism as a dimension of Serbian national culture on activities, interests and opinions, i.e., consumer lifestyle components. Motivation: Consumer lifestyle is largely shaped by the effects of the culture to which consumers belong. Starting from the relevant Kotler & Keller (2017) consumer behaviour model that demonstrates the previously given fact, as well as identified research gap related to investigating the influence of Hofstede's national culture dimensions on activities, interests and opinions as lifestyle components, the study gives useful insights into the importance of knowing and respecting cultural differences when defining marketing strategies that aim to shape or influence a particular consumer lifestyle. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing a new idea for developing a research framework that could be used in cross-cultural or consumer behaviour studies. Idea: The basic idea of this study is to empirically test the relationship between national culture dimensions and consumer lifestyle components. The study was conducted using collectivism and femininity as independent variables, and activities, interest and opinions, i.e., lifestyle components as dependent variables. Data: Empirical research was conducted on a sample of 251 consumers from central Serbia using a survey method during July and August 2020. Tools: Processing of primary data was performed using statistical software SPSS 20 and AMOS 20 utilizing descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Findings: The study first confirms the presence of collectivism and femininity as Serbian national culture dimensions, and then indicates the existence of a statistically significant effect of observed national culture dimensions on consumer lifestyle components. Related to this, results indicate the existence of a statistically significant effect of femininity on activities and opinions, while collectivism determines only activities as a lifestyle component. Contribution: The paper provides an analysis of national culture influence on lifestyle as an important sociological determinant of consumer behaviour and also provides practical implications for marketers.
Morphometric and microsatellite-based comparative genetic diversity analysis inBubalus bubalisfrom North India
Authors: Vohra Vikas , Singh Narendra Pratap , Chhotaray Supriya , Raina Varinder Singh , Chopra Alka , Kataria Ranjit Singh
Published: August 2021

To understand the similarities and dissimilarities of a breed structure among different buffalo breeds of North India, it is essential to capture their morphometric variation, genetic diversity, and effective population size. In the present study, diversity among three important breeds, namely, Murrah, Nili-Ravi and Gojri were studied using a parallel approach of morphometric characterization and molecular diversity. Morphology was characterized using 13 biometric traits, and molecular diversity through a panel of 22 microsatellite DNA markers recommended by FAO, Advisory Group on Animal Genetic Diversity, for diversity studies in buffaloes. Canonical discriminate analysis of biometric traits revealed different clusters suggesting distinct genetic entities among the three studied populations. Analysis of molecular variance revealed 81.8% of genetic variance was found within breeds, while 18.2% of the genetic variation was found between breeds. Effective population sizes estimated based on linkage disequilibrium were 142, 75 and 556 in Gojri, Nili-Ravi and Murrah populations, respectively, indicated the presence of sufficient genetic variation and absence of intense selection among three breeds. The Bayesian approach of STRUCTURE analysis (atK= 3) assigned all populations into three clusters with a degree of genetic admixture in the Murrah and Nili-Ravi buffalo populations. Admixture analysis reveals introgression among Murrah and Nili-Ravi breeds while identified the Gojri as unique buffalo germplasm, indicating that there might be a common origin of Murrah and Nili-Ravi buffaloes. The study provides important insights on buffalo breeds of North India that could be utilized in designing an effective breeding strategy, with an appropriate choice of breeds for upgrading local non-descript buffaloes along with conservation of unique germplasm.
Effect of storage conditions on SARS-CoV-2 RNA quantification in wastewater solids
Authors: Simpson Adrian , Topol Aaron , White Bradley J. , Wolfe Marlene K. , Wigginton Krista R. , Boehm Alexandria B.
Published: August 2021

SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater settled solids is associated with COVID-19 incidence in sewersheds and therefore, there is a strong interest in using these measurements to augment traditional disease surveillance methods. A wastewater surveillance program should provide rapid turn around for sample measurements (ideally within 24 hours), but storage of samples is necessary for a variety of reasons including biobanking. Here we investigate how storage of wastewater solids at 4 °C, −20 °C, and −80 °C affects measured concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. We find that short term (7 or 8 d) storage of raw solids at 4 °C has little effect on measured concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, whereas longer term storage at 4 °C (35–122 d) or freezing reduces measurements by 60%, on average. We show that normalizing SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations by concentrations of pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) RNA, an endogenous wastewater virus, can correct for changes during storage as storage can have a similar effect on PMMoV RNA as on SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The reductions in SARS-CoV-2 RNA in solids during freeze thaws is less than those reported for the same target in liquid influent by several authors.
Analysis of Competitiveness in the Field of Brackish Water Aquaculture in Indonesia
Authors: Sabila Afifah , Suryana Asep Agus Handaka , Iskandar .
Published: August 2021

This study was conducted from August 2020 to July 2021. Competitiveness can be interpreted as the ability of a region to make it excel in producing a commodity more than any other region. The competitiveness, especially in the field of brackish water aquaculture can be known through several indicators, i.e. human resources, infrastructure, production and science and technology. This study aims as an effort to realizing fisheries development in Indonesia by knowing the competitiveness profile of brackish water aquaculture in Indonesia through qualitative descriptive analysis method. The research procedure was conducted in several stages, the first of which was the collection of secondary data at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The second stage is to analyze the primary data in the form of expert opinions or competent people in their fields. Then the last stage is to analyze the data that has been obtained during the research. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the competitiveness profile of brackish water aquaculture in Indonesia was outperformed by south Sulawesi province with a final value of 17.03, while the region with the lowest competitiveness value was Riau Islands Province with a final value of 0.05.
Examining the Androgenic Effect of Different Imperata Cylindrica Extracts on Diabetic Wistar Rats
Authors: Nwokike M. O. , Ghasi S. I. , Ogbonna A. O. , Anusiem C. A. , Ofor C. C. , Ogbuagu E. C. , Ezenwaeze M. N. , Ajirioghene Akpotu E.
Published: August 2021

This was an experimental study that evaluated the effect of aqueous, methanol and chloroform root extracts of Imperata cylindrica on serum levels of testosterone in male Wistar rats. Shade dried Imperata cylindrica roots were pounded and crude extracts prepared using distilled water, methanol and chloroform. Diabetes mellitus was induced with alloxan monohydrate and the diabetic rats were divided into six groups (n=8) and kept in separate cages. Group A rats were Non-Diabetic Rats Treated With Distilled Water. In Group B were placed Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats Treated with Distilled Water. Groups C, D and E contained Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats Treated with 200 mg/Kg body weight water, chloroform and methanol Imperata cylindrica root extracts in the given order. Group F was the Positive Control with Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats Treated with Glibenclamide [0.5 mg/kg body weight]. This treatment was carried out for 28 days sequentially. An analysis of the serum obtained from the rats after 28 days indicate that the extracts increased testosterone levels to varying degrees with the methanol extract producing the highest activity of 27.42 percent. This increase is from 3.23±0.04 ng/ml at baseline to 4.45±0.11 ng/ml after 28 days (p 0.0001). The increase due to aqueous extract was equally very statistically significant (p 0.0001) as the baseline concentration of testosterone, 3.35±0.08 ng/ml was increased by 23.70% to 4.39±0.32 ng/ml. The chloroform extract proved to be the least active of the extracts as it only increased the testosterone level by 11.76% from 3.15±0.19 ng/ml at baseline to 3.57±0.09 ng/ml after 28 days (p=0.0213). This was about two and half times lower than the methanol extract that elicited highest activity among the extracts and about four times less than the effect produced by the Group F rats treated with 0.5 mg/kg body weight of glibenclamide. The testosterone levels of Group F rats after 28 days increased to the levels seen in the normal control group that did not receive alloxan, from 3.17±0.12 to 5.51±0.25 ng/ml, a 42.47% change. This result indicates that methanol is the best extractant of the three solvents analyzed.
Comparative Studies on Phytochemicals and Physicochemical Compositions of Chrysophyllum albidum G: Don Seeds Oil and Edible Commercial Oil
Authors: Rafiu Basirat O. , Agboadediran Opeyemi A. , Babalola Yetunde O. , Lawal Ibraheem O.
Published: August 2021

Aims: This study was designed to compare the extractable yield of Chrysophyllum albidum seed oil, the phytoconstituents, and physicochemical parameters with the commercially available vegetable oil, to ascertain their suitability for human consumption and industrial uses.

Place and Duration of Study: Biomedicinal Research Centre, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, between October, 2018 to July, 2019.

Methodology: The seeds were collected from two locations (a parent tree in the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) and as well procured at Akesan market in Oyo town (Oyo) all in Oyo State, Nigeria. The experiments were executed adopting the standard procedures. The air-dried powdered C. albidum seed was cold macerated with analytical grade N-Hexane. The oils were purified using activated charcoal and qualitatively screened to ascertain the phytochemicals in them. Physico-chemical parameters were quantitatively determined following AOAC guidelines.

Results: The results revealed that C. albidum is a low oil yielding seed especially when cold maceration was employed. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides in all the oils. Saponins were found only in the oil from the FRIN source. While tannins and flavonoids were absent in all the oils. The physico-chemical parameters revealed the ranges of 0.90 - 9.45 mgKOH/g (Acid value), 101.90 - 356.60 mgKOH/g (saponification value), 65.30 - 78.00 mg/g (iodine value), 101.00 - 348.50 (ester value), 2.93 - 6.21 (PH value), 0.787 - 0.900g/cm3 (Relative density) and 1.4590 - 1.6560 (Refractive index @280C).

Conclusion: It can be deduced that there are disparities in the yield, phytoconstituents and the physico-chemicals of the oils used for this study. Further research is needed on the C. albidum oil to validate its edibility and affirm its medicinal uses.
Cultural Control: A Sustainable Method of Pest and Disease Control
Authors: Shimada Belmiro Saburo , Simon Marcos Vinícius , Cunha Letícia do Socorro
Published: August 2021

Agriculture is composed of many factors that alter its production, are of an environmental and management nature, and in terms of management, pests and diseases are of great importance, as they cause a lot of damage to the crop, at different times, and the control of these is essential. pests and diseases to ensure that the plant can reach its production potential. With the concern for a more sustainable production, agriculture has diversified through transformations in the technological and information scopes, which helped to increase the production of production systems. However, only biological and plant-based controls did not guarantee such a large control of pests and diseases, and to complement the control, and to reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture, cultural control was used. This cultural control, together with its sustainable management of pests and diseases, using biological control methods and the base of plant origin, brought new forms of pest and disease control, helping in management, and providing a more sustainable production environment. In addition to these benefits, cultural control is of great importance in the control of pests and diseases, as its control comes as a preventive practice, providing a diversity of the system, and a better control of pests and diseases by breaking cycles, culture, pests and diseases.
Association Analysis of MBL1 Gene SNPs, Genotype and Haplotypes with Clinical Mastitis in Murrah Buffaloes
Authors: Shergojry Shahid Ahmad , Verma Archana , Gupta I. D. , Mir Nazir Ahmad
Published: August 2021

Mannose-binding lectins (MBL1) gene a most important constituent of immune response system of an organism, the primary role of this gene in the classical and lectin-activation pathways is to provide protection against various dieases or bacterial pathogens. In this study, eight novel SNPs identified in the promoter region of MBL1 gene were 154C>T, 235G>A, 252A>T, 265C>A, 268T>C, 282G>A, 431G>A and 551C>G, when compared to reference sequence of Bubalus bubalis  (NCBI accession number KC415281). Genomic DNA isolated from 200 lactating Murrah buffaloes was amplified for the targeted sequence of MBL1. PCR products were custom sequenced, edited and used for further analysis. The results indicated that only 551C>G polymorphism locus met Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (c2 (2df) = 4.4: P=0.11). Pair linkage disequilibrium analysis and haplotype construction of MBL1 gene were performed using SHEsis software. Pair linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed moderate to strong linkage disequilibrium between the eight SNPs loci A total of 17 haplotypes were generated from eight SNPs in promoter region of MBL1 gene. Association between eight SNPs of MBL1 gene in Murrah buffalo has been analyzed and relative risks of the alleles for clinical mastitis were estimated with an odds ratio. Allelic association analysis showed that T allele of 154C>T, A allele of 235G>A,  A allele of 252A>T,  A allele of 265C>A , T allele of 268T>C, A allele of 282G>A , A allele of 431G>A  and  G allele of 551C>G had significant association with increased risk of clinical mastitis (P< 0.01). Haplotype analysis showed that Hap15 (CAAATAAG) and Hap16 (TAAATAAG) i.e. the haplotypes containing all 8 “at-risk” alleles, were significantly associated with clinical mastitis (P< 0.01). Hap6 (CGAATAAC) and Hap8 (CGTCCGGC) were significantly associated with a lower risk of clinical mastitis in Murrah buffaloes (P< 0.01).On the other hand, the Hap6 (CGAATAAC) and Hap8 (CGTCCGGC) which are unrepresented in affected group and without “at-risk” alleles were significantly associated with a lower risk for clinical mastitis (P<0.01).These findings indicated a MBL1 gene polymorphism could be used as genetic marker for mastitis resistance in Murrah buffaloes.
Assessment of Healthcare Institutions and Socio-Economic Welfare: A Survey of Secondary and Tertiary Hospitals in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ewubare Dennis B. , Nnamdi Kelechi C.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this paper is to access healthcare institutions and the welfare experience of patients and workers in public Secondary and Tertiary Hospitals in Rivers State, with ownership across Federal Government, State Government and the Military. From a stratified sampling technique, a representative survey sample of 90 respondents was involved. Our findings shows that Tertiary hospitals in Rivers state relies on funding by Federal Government, State Government, internally generated funds and grants, in their decending order. Budgetary cut on health institution is perceived to reduce service delivery and health workers motivation, though a cut in funding is expected by few, as a result of the prevalent fall in global oil price. The analysis also shows that the price of health services and medicines have increased in recent times, but we could not establish the symptom of inflation on the prices of healthcare consumption. It was established that the level of qualified health workers without gainful employment has slightly increased, owing to low absorptive capacity of government owned hospital, low renumeration from non-public-owned hospitals. The study found that the populace prefers public hospitals over private hospitals, mainly because of affordability and availability of specialists. Although there is evidence of inadequate workforce, bureaucratic holdup and poor ambience. The study concludes that the government is the provider of very affordable and quality healthcare in Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that there should be proper accountability by the hospital management on the proceeds and expenses. Efforts should be made to strenghten internally generated revenue, while a public-private partnership, improved efficiency and quality of service delivery will attract funds.
Denoising Autoencoder based Noise Reduction Technique for Raman Spectrometers for Standoff Detection of Chemical Warfare Agents
Authors: Lee Chang Sik , Yu Hyeong-Geun , Park Jae-Hyeon , Kim Whimin , Park Dong-Jo , Chang Dong Eui , Nam Hyunwoo
Published: August 2021

Raman spectrometers are studied and developed for the military purposes because of their nondestructive inspection capability to capture unique spectral features induced by molecular structures of colorless and odorless chemical warfare agents(CWAs) in any phase. Raman spectrometers often suffer from random noise caused by their detector inherent noise, background signal, etc. Thus, reducing the random noise in a measured Raman spectrum can help detection algorithms to find spectral features of CWAs and effectively detect them. In this paper, we propose a denoising autoencoder for Raman spectra with a loss function for sample efficient learning using noisy dataset. We conduct experiments to compare its effect on the measured spectra and detection performance with several existing noise reduction algorithms. The experimental results show that the denoising autoencoder is the most effective noise reduction algorithm among existing noise reduction algorithms for Raman spectrum based standoff detection of CWAs.
A Study on the Optimal Allocation of Maintenance Personnel in the Military Emergency Maintenance System Considering the Property of Impatience
Authors: Kim Sungwoo
Published: August 2021

Impatience characteristics are an important factor to be considered in the defense field, which is sensitive to time, but there are not many cases applied. In addition, due to the difficulty of analysis that must consider various probabilistic factors (breakdown/maintenance distribution, impatience characteristics, etc.), military decision makers consider only simple data (number of occurrences per year, maintenance time, etc.) Therefore, in this study, a model capable of analyzing the performance of the emergency maintenance system for determining the appropriate size and organization of military and civilian maintenance personnel was presented in consideration of impatience characteristics and probabilistic factors. And through numerical analysis, the appropriate size of the military and civilian emergency maintenance teams was analyzed. This study is significant in that it can improve readiness of operational power and prevent waste of defense budget through efficient operation of the military's emergency maintenance system.
The Transcription Factor SUB1 Is a Master Regulator of the Macrophage TLR Response in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Huang Rongzhong , Hu Zicheng , Chen Xiaorui , Cao Yu , Li Hongrong , Zhang Hong , Li Yongyong , Liang Liwen , Feng Yuxing , Wang Ying , Su Wenhua , Kong Zerui , Melgiri ND , Jiang Lihong , Li Xingsheng , Du Jianlin , Chen Yunqing
Published: August 2021

Toll‐like receptor 2 and 4 (TLR2, TLR4) signaling is implicated in atherosclerotic plaque formation. The two‐stage master regulator Virtual Inference of Protein‐activity by Enriched Regulon (VIPER) analysis of macrophage TLR2 and TLR4 signature genes integrated with coexpression network genes derived from 371 patient‐derived carotid specimens identifies activated RNA polymerase II transcriptional coactivator p15 (SUB1/Sub1, PC4) as a master regulon in the atherogenic TLR response. It is found that TLR2 and TLR4 signaling is proinflammatory and proatherosclerotic in chow‐fed apolipoprotein E‐deficient (ApoE−/−) mice. Through transgenic myeloid‐specific Sub1 knockout in ApoE−/− mice, it is discovered that these proatherosclerotic effects of TLR2 and TLR4 signaling are mediated by Sub1. Sub1 knockout in macrophages enhances anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization and cholesterol efflux. Irradiated low density lipoprotein receptor‐deficient (Ldlr−/−) mice transplanted with Sub1−/− murine bone marrow display reduced atherosclerosis. Promoter analysis reveals Sub1‐dependent activation of interferon regulatory factor 1 (Irf1) transcription in a casein kinase 2 (Ck2)‐dependent manner, and Sub1‐knockout macrophages display decreased Irf1 expression. Artificial Irf1 overexpression in Sub1‐knockout macrophages enhances proinflammatory M1 skewing and lowers cholesterol clearance. In conclusion, the TLR master regulon Sub1, and its downstream effect on the transcription factor Irf1, promotes a proinflammatory M1 macrophage phenotype and enhances atherosclerotic burden in vivo.
Chromatin Remodeling of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis is Mediated by an HGF‐PU.1‐DPP4 Axis
Authors: Wang Lihua , Wang Ergang , Prado Balcazar Jorge , Wu Zhenzhen , Xiang Kun , Wang Yi , Huang Qiang , Negrete Marcos , Chen Kai‐Yuan , Li Wei , Fu Yujie , Dohlman Anders , Mines Robert , Zhang Liwen , Kobayashi Yoshihiko , Chen Tianyi , Shi Guizhi , Shen John Paul , Kopetz Scott , Tata Purushothama Rao , Moreno Victor , Gersbach Charles , Crawford Gregory , Hsu David , Huang Emina , Bu Pengcheng , Shen Xiling
Published: August 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasizes mainly to the liver, which accounts for the majority of CRC‐related deaths. Here it is shown that metastatic cells undergo specific chromatin remodeling in the liver. Hepatic growth factor (HGF) induces phosphorylation of PU.1, a pioneer factor, which in turn binds and opens chromatin regions of downstream effector genes. PU.1 increases histone acetylation at the DPP4 locus. Precise epigenetic silencing by CRISPR/dCas9KRAB or CRISPR/dCas9HDAC revealed that individual PU.1‐remodeled regulatory elements collectively modulate DPP4 expression and liver metastasis growth. Genetic silencing or pharmacological inhibition of each factor along this chromatin remodeling axis strongly suppressed liver metastasis. Therefore, microenvironment‐induced epimutation is an important mechanism for metastatic tumor cells to grow in their new niche. This study presents a potential strategy to target chromatin remodeling in metastatic cancer and the promise of repurposing drugs to treat metastasis.
Naïve orangutans (Pongo abelii and Pongo pygmaeus) individually acquire nut‐cracking using hammer tools
Authors: Bandini Elisa , Grossmann Johannes , Funk Martina , Albiach‐Serrano Anna , Tennie Claudio
Published: August 2021

Nut‐cracking with hammer tools (henceforth: nut‐cracking) has been argued to be one of the most complex tool‐use behaviors observed in nonhuman animals. So far, only chimpanzees, capuchins, and macaques have been observed using tools to crack nuts in the wild (Boesch and Boesch, 1990; Gumert et al., 2009; Mannu and Ottoni, 2009). However, the learning mechanisms behind this behavior, and the extent of nut‐cracking in other primate species are still unknown. The aim of this study was two‐fold. First, we investigated whether another great ape species would develop nut‐cracking when provided with all the tools and appropriate conditions to do so. Second, we examined the mechanisms behind the emergence of nut‐cracking by testing a naïve sample. Orangutans (Pongo abelii and Pongo pygmaeus) have the second most extensive tool‐use repertoire among the great apes (after chimpanzees) and show flexible problem‐solving capacities. Orangutans have not been observed cracking nuts in the wild, however, perhaps because their arboreal habits provide limited opportunities for nut‐cracking. Therefore, orangutans are a valid candidate species for the investigation of the development of this behavior. Four nut‐cracking‐naïve orangutans at Leipzig zoo (P. abelii; Mage = 16; age range = 10–19; 4F; at the time of testing) were provided with nuts and hammers but were not demonstrated the nut‐cracking behavioral form. Additionally, we report data from a previously unpublished study by one of the authors (Martina Funk) with eight orangutans housed at Zürich zoo (six P. abelii and two P. pygmaeus; Mage = 14; age range = 2–30; 5F; at the time of testing) that followed a similar testing paradigm. Out of the twelve orangutans tested, at least four individuals, one from Leipzig (P. abelii) and three from Zürich (P. abelii and P. pygmaeus), spontaneously expressed nut‐cracking using wooden hammers. These results demonstrate that nut‐cracking can emerge in orangutans through individual learning and certain types of non‐copying social learning.
Saucer[n]arenes: Synthesis, Structure, Complexation, and Guest‐Induced Circularly Polarized Luminescence Property
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou He‐Ye , Han Ying , Chen Chuan‐Feng
Published: August 2021

Macrocycles denoted as saucer[n]arenes (n=4,5) were easily synthesized by the one‐pot condensation of 2,7‐dimethoxynaphthalene (2,7‐DMN) and paraformaldehyde in the presence of TFA or catalytic BF3⋅OEt2. With 1,1‐dimethylpiperidin‐1‐ium as the template, saucer[4]arene was selectively obtained. Crystal structures show that saucer[n]arenes are all composed of 2,7‐DMN moiety bridged by the methylene groups at 1,6‐positions: all of the 7‐methoxy groups lie on one face, and all of the 2‐methoxy groups lie on the other. Saucer[n]arenes exhibit strong fluorescence properties with the quantum yields of 19.6 % and 23.4 %. They form 1:1 complexes with ammonium salts in both solution and solid state (association constant up to 105 M−1 in CDCl3). Chiral quaternary ammonium salts can induce the chirality of the dynamically racemic inherently chiral saucer[n]arenes in solution, and thus show mirror‐imaged circular dichroism signals and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) properties.
Identification of RNA Base Pairs and Complete Assignment of Nucleobase Resonances by Proton‐Detected Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy at 100 kHz MAS
Authors: Aguion Philipp Innig , Kirkpatrick John , Carlomagno Teresa , Marchanka Alexander
Published: August 2021

Knowledge of RNA structure, either in isolation or in complex, is fundamental to understand the mechanism of cellular processes. Solid‐state NMR (ssNMR) is applicable to high molecular‐weight complexes and does not require crystallization; thus, it is well‐suited to study RNA as part of large multicomponent assemblies. Recently, we solved the first structures of both RNA and an RNA‐protein complex by ssNMR using conventional 13C‐ and 15N‐detection. This approach is limited by the severe overlap of the RNA peaks together with the low sensitivity of multidimensional experiments. Here, we overcome the limitations in sensitivity and resolution by using 1H‐detection at fast MAS rates. We develop experiments that allow the identification of complete nucleobase spin‐systems together with their site‐specific base pair pattern using sub‐milligram quantities of one uniformly labelled RNA sample. These experiments provide rapid access to RNA secondary structure by ssNMR in protein‐RNA complexes of any size.
The Dimethylbismuth Cation: Entry Into Dative Bi−Bi Bonding and Unconventional Methyl Exchange
Authors: Ramler Jacqueline , Fantuzzi Felipe , Geist Felix , Hanft Anna , Braunschweig Holger , Engels Bernd , Lichtenberg Crispin
Published: August 2021

The isolation of simple, fundamentally important, and highly reactive organometallic compounds remains among the most challenging tasks in synthetic chemistry. The detailed characterization of such compounds is key to the discovery of novel bonding scenarios and reactivity. The dimethylbismuth cation, [BiMe2(SbF6)] (1), has been isolated and characterized. Its reaction with BiMe3 gives access to an unprecedented dative bond, a Bi→Bi donor–acceptor interaction. The exchange of methyl groups (arguably the simplest hydrocarbon moiety) between different metal atoms is among the most principal types of reactions in organometallic chemistry. The reaction of 1 with BiMe3 enables an SE2(back)‐type methyl exchange, which is, for the first time, investigated in detail for isolable, (pseudo‐)homoleptic main‐group compounds.
Preparation and evaluation of bioactive bilayer composite membrane PHB/β‐TCP with ciprofloxacin and vitamin D3 delivery for regenerative damaged tissue in periodontal disease
Authors: Tayebi Maryam , Parham Shokoh , Abbastabbar Ahangar Hossein , Zargar Kharazi Anousheh
Published: August 2021

Periodontal tissue engineering has made a tremendous change in the treatment of periodontal disease. In this study, electrophoresed poly‐hydroxy‐butyrate (PHB) scaffold, beta‐three calcium phosphate (β‐TCP) nano powder in 3, 5 and 7% wt, ciprofloxacin antibiotics, and vitamin D3 as the major materials along with electrospinning method are selected for remaking the scaffold. The fibers are smooth and beads‐free and have a good diameter (around 700 nm) and porosity (above 80%) indicates ideal conditions for the treatment of damaged tissue. The membrane with 5% ceramic has been selected as ideal membrane. The mention membrane has suitable mechanical properties. Studies have shown that adding ciprofloxacin to the membrane increases the rate of hydrophilicity. The addition of β‐TCP nano powder increased the bioactivity of this membrane. In terms of the drug release of ciprofloxacin and vitamin D3, 45% and 60% of drugs released within the first 24 h which in turn it shows the ability of the drugs controlled deliveration by the membrane. Accordingly, it could be concluded that this bilayer composite membrane with high bioactivity, high hydrophilicity, suitable mechanical properties, suitable morphology, and appropriate porosity has the ideal conditions for increased bone growth as well as proliferation and treatment the periodontal disease.
Feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth model for autism diagnostic evaluations in children, adolescents, and adults
Authors: Matthews Nicole L. , Skepnek Erica , Mammen Micah A. , James Jessica S. , Malligo Amanda , Lyon Audrey , Mitchell Melissa , Kiefer Sarah L. , Smith Christopher J.
Published: August 2021

This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth diagnostic model deployed at an autism center in the southwestern United States to safely provide autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic evaluations to children, adolescents, and adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants included all clients for whom a telehealth diagnostic evaluation was scheduled at the diagnostic clinic (n = 121) over a 6‐month period. Of 121 scheduled clients, 102 (84%) completed the telehealth evaluation. A diagnostic determination was made for 91% of clients (93 out of 102) using only telehealth procedures. Nine participants (two females; ages 3 to 11 years) required an in‐person evaluation. Responses from psychologist and parent acceptability surveys indicated the model was acceptable for most clients. Psychologist ratings suggested that telehealth modalities used in the current study may be less acceptable for evaluating school‐aged children with subtle presentations compared to children in the early developmental period, adolescents, and adults. Parents of females reported higher acceptability than parents of males. Findings contribute to the small but growing literature on feasibility and acceptability of telehealth evaluations for ASD and have implications for improving access to care during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Lay Summary

This study described telehealth methods for evaluating children, adolescents, and adults for autism spectrum disorder. Telehealth methods were generally acceptable to psychologists conducting the evaluations and parents of diagnostic clients. Psychologists reported the methods to be less acceptable for school‐aged children and parents of males found the methods less acceptable than parents of females. The telehealth methods described may help to increase access to diagnostic professionals and reduce wait times for evaluations during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic.