bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRATEGY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BRAND MANAGEMENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISE
Authors: Vodyakhina Margarita , Chekmasova Irina
Published: February 2023

The article studies the strategy of international brand management of an industrial enterprise. The state of the Ukrainian industry is analyzed. It was revealed that in a crisis, enterprises should make more efforts to maintain their positions in the market. In this case, it is advisable to develop the company's brand. The segment of consumers is separated by such industries as metallurgy, energy, mining and processing, engineering, petrochemical, papermaking and food. When forming a brand strategy, it should be borne in mind that the activities of enterprises in industrial markets usually take place on the basis of B2B sales. The brand in the B2B market performs the functions of "quality assurance", "reliability", "long-term relationship". Also, an important feature of this approach is that companies do not work for the end consumer, but for other legal entities in various fields and industries. Promotion of industrial products through advertising is ineffective, and it is advisable to use public relations and direct marketing. When performing the work, the following methods were used: structural and functional analysis - to study the relationship between the main factors of the B2B market and the formation of branding, statistical analysis - to study the dynamics of the main indicators of the enterprise, financial analysis - to assess the financial condition of the enterprise, comparative analysis - to compare brands of competitors with this enterprise. A brand management strategy for an international company is proposed, taking into account the peculiarities of the functioning of industrial markets. The implementation of the recommendations presented in the work will create a strong brand and, as a result, create a reputation as a reliable supplier, strengthen relationships with existing customers and increase the number of end consumers. The calculated budget of the promotion program and the assessment of the effectiveness of the proposed strategy indicate that the introduction of the brand at the enterprise will allow receiving additional income in the next year. Therefore, based on the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that the proposed brand strategy for an industrial enterprise is effective and is necessary for the enterprise for further development and financial seurity.
CURRENT STATE OF SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE UKRAINIAN DISABLED LABOR MARKET
Authors: Pererva Petro , Paimash Anna
Published: February 2023

The formation and development of the modern labor market is very important for the further development of Ukraine as a legal, democratic and socially oriented state. This presupposes the creation of clear, understandable forms, mechanisms and systems of access to this market. Among them, a special place belongs to the system of formation and use of additional opportunities (guarantees) of employment for persons with disabilities. The share of the employed among people with disabilities is less than among the population as a whole. In 2020, the employment rate for people with disabilities was 67 percent, compared with 77 percent for the general population. The conducted studies indicate that disability in Ukraine is explained by the poor state of the national health care system of citizens, the low level of safety and labor protection at enterprises, the unsatisfactory state of environmental culture, manifestations of various disasters in our country, in particular, military, natural, environmental, consequences Chernobyl disaster, hostilities in Afghanistan and in the Donbass region. The formation and development of the modern labor market, which is very important for the further development of Ukraine as a legal, democratic and socially oriented state, presupposes the creation of clear, understandable forms, mechanisms and systems of access to this market. Among them, a special place belongs to the system of formation and use of additional opportunities (guarantees) of employment for persons with disabilities. Despite the existence of state-guaranteed rights, legislative support for the employment of workers with limited labor opportunities, their involvement in productive work remains a weak point in our state. As practice shows, due to limited health opportunities, workers with limited labor opportunities do not have the opportunity to compete on equal terms with other citizens in the labor market, as a result, their rights to work are violated, the process of displacement from the sphere of labor activity continues, the level of unemployment and the depth of poverty. In this regard, the analysis of foreign experience in promoting the employment of workers with disabilities and determining the possibilities of its application in Ukraine becomes relevant.
THEORETICAL BASIS FOR FORMING ACCOUNTING AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT FOR LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT AND PAYMENT CAPACITY OF THE ENTERPRISE
Authors: Yakimenko-Tereschenko Natalia , Zhadan Tetiana , Lakalin Serhii , Znaichenko Vitalii
Published: February 2023

The article substantiates the need to form accounting and analytical support for liquidity and solvency risk management of the enterprise, which is associated with a high degree of variability of external and internal factors, deteriorating financial condition of domestic enterprises. The key task of accounting and analytical support is to form an information base on the existing and potential risks of the enterprise, aimed at justifying management decisions, removing uncertainty in the process of their preparation and adoption. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the theoretical foundations of the formation of accounting and analytical support for liquidity risk management and solvency of the enterprise. According to the results of critical analysis of the interpretations of the concepts "risk", "liquidity risk" and "accounting and analytical support" in the scientific economic literature, a number of approaches to understanding their economic essence are identified, their key features and content are revealed. The author's definition of "accounting and analytical support" is proposed, which means a set of processes for collecting, processing, accumulating and transmitting reliable and relevant information about existing and potential risks of the enterprise, based on accounting, analysis and control data and serves as an information base for preparation and management decisions. The existing classifications of risks are generalized and systematized, their main advantages and disadvantages are identified, which allows to simplify the process of their identification, analysis and assessment. It is proved that the most dangerous for the company are internal financial risks, in particular, risks of liquidity and solvency (financial stability). The place of accounting and analytical support in the risk management system of the enterprise is determined. The main goal is formulated, the range of tasks is revealed, the list of subjects and objects of enterprise risk management. The main functions, principles and methods of enterprise risk management are described. It is argued that the leading role in the system of enterprise risk management functions belongs to accounting, analysis and control.
ANALYSIS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL RISK ASSESSMENT METHODS
Authors: Bilotserkivskyi Oleksandr
Published: February 2023

The article analyzes the essence of entrepreneurial risk and methods of its assessment. During the economic, political and social crisis, economic, production or commercial activities of Ukrainian entrepreneurs are impossible without risks. Therefore, the issue of reliable assessment of entrepreneurial risk is relevant and vital for entrepreneurs, which can be solved only by the right choice of appropriate methods. The purpose of the article is to analyze the qualitative and quantitative methods of assessing entrepreneurial risk, to identify their advantages and disadvantages, and to choose the most optimal method. It is noted that the entrepreneurial risk can be interpreted as the probability of income loss in doing business. It is determined that the methods of entrepreneurial risk assessment can be devided into two groups, i.e. qualitative and quantitative. There were considered the following main qualitative metods of entrepreneurial risk assessment, including brainstorming, method of expert estimations, method of associations, method of analogy, and Delphi method. It is concluded that qualitative methods can be used only as an aid in combination with quantitative methods to stimulate creative activity, to generate new ideas and proposals, to use the experience and opinions of experts. It is noted that the problem of quantitative risk assessment is one of the main in business, especially for choosing investment options. It is determined that it is possible to assess the risk in absolute and relative terms by using of quantitative methods. There exist differencies between such terms as costs, losses, and damages. There were considered the following main quantitative metods of entrepreneurial risk assessment, including calculation and analytical method, statistical method, methods of game theory, decision tree method, sensitivity analysis (vulnerability), and simulation methods. It is concluded that the most universal methods for entrepreneurial risk assessment are simulation methods, as they have advantages over other methods, such as the method of analogies, sensitivity analysis (vulnerability), and decision tree method. Also they include some of them, such as the statistical method.
The Development of Pre-service English Teachers’ Ability of Teaching Reflection
Authors: Mengyuan Wang
Published: February 2023

During the practicum period, pre-service English teachers are assigned to different schools in groups. Peers provide various ways to help pre-service English teachers in the process of practicum and promote pre-service English teachers’ professional development and reflection level. This study aimed to explore the pre-service English teachers’ reflective ability after the practicum and how peer assistance affects pre-service English teachers’ reflective competence during the practicum.  It is found that pre-service English teachers’ reflective ability is generally in the middle and low level, with a higher level in meta-cognitive and practical, and lower in cognitive, emotional and critical levels. After the internship, pre-service English teachers have improved in practice, cognitive, meta-cognitive and emotional levels.
The state and prospects of the hematological service of the subjects Central Federal District of the Russian Federation
Authors:   National Medical Research Center for Hematology., Maloletkina E. S. , Lazareva O. V. ,   National Medical Research Center for Hematology., Tsyba N. N. ,   National Medical Research Center for Hematology., Shvets D. A. ,   National Medical Research Center for Hematology., Dvirnyk V. N. ,   National Medical Research Center for Hematology., Parovichnikova E. N. ,   National Medical Research Center for Hematology.
Published: February 2023

Improving the quality of medical care is one of the priority objectives of the state policy, for the solution of which the resources of the national project «Healthcare» and its constituent federal projects are used. Purpose of the study is the development of high-cost, resource-intensive and socially significant healthcare industry, such as the Hematology service. The aim of this study was to assess the organization and state of the Hematology service in the Central Federal District (CFD) of Russia – the leader both in terms of population and in terms of the number of subjects included in it – which is necessary to develop organizational and methodological measures aimed at its improvement. Materials and methods. Official statistical data and analytical materials of Federal State Statistics Service, the Cancer Registry, open sources of information, data from check-out work of the National Medical Research Center for Hematology in СFD. Statistical data analyzed with the Excel‑2007 package. The main research methods: study and generalization of the available information, informationanalytical, statistical, bibliographic. Results. The analysis of the performance indicators of Hematology in the CFD identified its main components, taken together of which it is possible to assess the quality of the organization of the provision of specialized medical care with subsequent rating, and made it possible to identify key points for further improvement of the hematological service. Conclusions. The results of the study indicate the need for constant monitoring of the main indicators of the Hematology service (staffing, bed fund, availability of specialized high-tech research methods for the blood system diseases), taking into account certain directions and the course of the state policy pursued in this direction.
Uji Ketahanan Galur Jambu Mete Terhadap Hama Helopeltis sp. (Hemiptera: Miridae)
Authors: Haryudin Wawan , Rostiana Otih , Rizal Molide , Holid Idam , Sukandi Kanda
Published: February 2023

One of the causes of low cashew productivity in production centers is the attacks by pest, especially the mosquito bug Helopeltis sp. (Hemiptera: Miridae). Control efforts can be done by using the resistant varieties. The study was conducted at Cikampek Experimental Farm, from January–December 2018. This study aims to determine the level of resistance of crossbred cashew (F1) against Helopeltis sp. using the free-choice test method. The study was arranged in a Randomized Group Design and repeated 2 times. Total of 50 crossbred cashew strains propagated by grafting were placed in cages in a circular position. The number of plants in each cage was 23 strains. A total of 5 pairs adult of Helopeltis sp. that had been fed for 2 hours were introduced and placed in the center of the cage. The observation began 2 days after Helopeltis sp. infested which repeated every 3 days for 1 month or stopped if the insects died. Parameters observed included the number of eggs laid, number of eggs hatched, number of Helopeltis sp. perched, attack intensity, number of shoots, number of leaves grown and length of recovery period. The results showed that 23 strains were tolerant to Helopeltis sp., namely numbers: 2.1, 5.3, 6.4, 7.1, 7.3, 8.1, 9.1, 10.3, 11.4, 13.3, 13.4, 14.1, 15.1, 17.1, 18.1, 19.1, 19.3, 21.1, 21.3, 22.3, 22.4, 24.1, and 25.4. The attack intensity was 10-87.5 %. At the time of recovery, shoot growth reached 1-4 shoots and leave growth reached 2-11 leaves. The recovery period occurred for 10-14 days. The yield of the tolerant strains obtained required for further testing in the field.
The Influence of Drying Method on the Anthocyanin Character of Duwet Fruit Qualitatively and Quantitatively
Authors: Hidayat Lalu Husnul , Wirasisya Dyke Gita , Muliasari Handa
Published: February 2023

The fruit of duwet (Syzygium cumini L.) has anthocyanin compounds with some pharmacological effects.  Several factors, such as the drying method, determined anthocyanin levels.  This study aimed to compare the drying method's effect on anthocyanins' qualitative and quantitative characteristics in duwet fruit.  The drying methods tested were (1) fresh fruit (without drying), (2) freeze drying, and (3) sun drying.  The sample was macerated with 96% alcohol and 3% citric acid (6:1) and concentrated using a rotary evaporator.  The extracts were then qualitatively analyzed with color and TLC tests.  Anthocyanin levels were analyzed by the UV-Vis spectrophotometer.  The red and green colors of each sample indicated the presence of anthocyanins.  Rf values of 0.25; 0.375; 0.5 indicated anthocyanin type, which was cyanidin 3-ramnosil glucoside 5-glucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, and petunidin 3,7 diglucoside.  The average anthocyanin content in the freeze-drying and sun-drying method were successively 305.406 mg.l-1 and 99.0244 mg.l-1.  The freeze-drying method showed stronger color intensity and higher anthocyanin levels (p<0.05) than sun drying.
Kacang Tanah dengan Asam Oleat Tinggi: Keunggulan dan Status Pemuliaannya
Authors: Nuryati Nuryati , Nugrahaeni Novita , Baliadi Yuliantoro
Published: February 2023

Perbaikan kandungan nutrisi, daya simpan biji, dan produk olahannya menjadi tujuan perakitan varietas kacang tanah dalam tiga dekade terakhir. Salah satu diantaranya adalah kacang tanah dengan kandungan asam oleat tinggi, yakni rasio oleat/linoleat (O/L) >10 karena produknya memiliki daya simpan 10 kali lebih lama daripada kacang tanah dengan asam oleat normal (rasio O/L <3).  Konsumsi kacang tanah tersebut atau produk olahannya juga mampu mengurangi risiko terkena penyakit kardiovaskuler. Seiring dengan meningkatnya kesadaran masyarakat akan pangan sehat dan keperluan untuk bahan baku industri pangan, maka varietas kacang tanah dengan rasio O/L tinggi prospektif untuk dikembangkan di Indonesia. Secara genetik, karakter kandungan asam oleat tinggi dikendalikan oleh dua gen resesif ol1 (AhFad2A) dan ol2 (AhFad2B). Ketersediaan sumber gen asam oleat tinggi yang terbatas, proses perakitan yang tidak mudah, serta biaya yang tidak sedikit menjadi penyebab belum tersedianya varietas tersebut di Indonesia.  Oleh karena itu identifikasi dan karakterisasi profil asam lemak aksesi sumber daya genetik kacang tanah, penciptaan keragaman baik melalui persilangan, mutagenesis, maupun pemanfaatan marka molekuler, serta pertukaran materi melalui kerjasama internasional merupakan upaya yang dapat dilakukan dalam perakitan varietas tersebut. Perbedaan kacang tanah berkadar asam oleat tinggi dengan kacang tanah biasa, manfaatnya bagi kesehatan, pewarisan sifat, status, upaya dan prospek pemuliaannya di Indonesia dibahas dalam tulisan ini.
Teknik Matriconditioning dan Aplikasi Pupuk Hayati Untuk Peningkatan Mutu Benih dan Hasil Biji Kedelai
Authors: Sucahyono Didik , Harnowo Didik
Published: February 2023

Menanam kedelai dengan benih bermutu rendah dapat menyebabkan populasi tanaman di lapangan tidak optimal dan hasilnya rendah. Mutu benih tersebut dapat diperbaiki dengan Matriconditioning, yaitu teknik invigorasi untuk meningkatkan mutu benih yang sudah rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh matriconditioning terhadap peningkatan daya tumbuh benih kedelai dan pengaruh perlakuan pupuk hayati yang diintegrasikan bersama matriconditionong terhadap pertumbuhan tanaman dan hasil biji tiga varietas kedelai. Penelitian dilaksanakan di rumah kaca Balitkabi Malang dan di Ngawi Jawa Timur  pada MK I tahun 2015 menggunakan rancangan petak terpisah tiga ulangan. Petak utama adalah varietas kedelai yang terdiri atas: 1) Grobogan, 2) Wilis, dan 3) Tanggamus. Anak petak adalah perlakuan matriconditioning benih, yang terdiri atas : 1) Tanpa matriconditioning dan tanpa pupuk hayati, 2) Matriconditioning, 3) Pupuk hayati Iletrisoy, 4) Pupuk hayati Iletrisoy + pelarut P, 5) Matriconditioning + Iletrisoy + pelarut P. Setiap perlakuan ditanam pada petak berukuran 4 m x 5 m, jarak tanam 40 x 15 cm, dua tanaman per lubang. Matrikondisioning benih menggunakan serbuk arang lembab dengan perbandingan 9 benih : 6 serbuk arang : 7 air, selama 12 jam, baik dilakukan sendiri maupun bersamaan dengan pupuk hayati (Iletrisoy). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tidak terdapat interaksi antara varietas dan teknik matriconditioning pada semua peubah yang diamati. Matriconditioning mampu meningkatkan daya tumbuh benih kedelai  berukuran biji kecil, sedang, maupun besar dari 76% menjadi 84% bila disertai dengan penggunaan pupuk hayati Iletrisoy dan bakteri pelarut P. Pupuk hayati Iletrisoy yang dicampur dengan bakteri pelarut P dan diaplikasikan bersamaan dengan matriconditioning pada benih kedelai dapat memperbaiki pertumbuhan tanaman di lapangan, tetapi belum mampu meningkatkan hasil kedelai dibanding tanpa matriconditioning. Pupuk hayati Iletrisoy dan bakteri pelarut P dapat diaplikasikan secara bersamaan dengan matriconditioning.
Deteksi dan Distribusi Virus pada Kacang Tanah (Arachis hypogaea L.) di Sulawesi Selatan
Authors: Kasim Niken Nur , Damayanti Tri Asmira , Hidayat Sri Hendrastuti , Santoso Sugeng
Published: February 2023

Sulawesi Selatan merupakan salah satu sentra produksi kacang tanah di Indonesia. Data infeksi virus pada kacang tanah, prevalensi dan penyebarannya di Sulawesi Selatan masih terbatas. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mendapatkan informasi jenis virus, prevalensi dan sebarannya pada kacang tanah di Sulawesi Selatan. Sebanyak 747 sampel bergejala terinfeksi virus diambil dari delapan kabupaten di Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan. Frekuensi virus ditentukan secara serologi dengan metode Dot Blot Immunobinding Assay (DIBA) menggunakan enam antisera spesifik dan dikonfirmasi dengan Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Gejala infeksi virus yang ditemukan bervariasi seperti gejala mosaik, belang (mottle dan stripe), pemucatan tulang daun, klorosis interveinal, serta klorosis dengan penebalan tulang daun disertai malformasi daun. Berdasarkan hasil DIBA menunjukkan bahwa Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) dan Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) merupakan virus dengan prevalensi tersebar di semua lokasi dengan frekuensi virus berturut-turut dari Kabupaten Bantaeng, Barru, Bone, Gowa, Maros, Sinjai, Soppeng dan Wajo berkisar 35–100% dan 30-100%. RT-PCR dengan primer spesifik mengonfirmasi keberadaan BCMV dan CMV, serta Polerovirus dari tanaman bergejala klorosis interveinal, dan klorosis dengan penebalan tulang daun disertai malformasi daun. Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV), Peanut mottle virus (PeMoV), Peanut stunt virus (PSV) dan Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) terdeteksi positif secara serologi, namun terdeteksi negatif dengan RT-PCR. Terdeteksinya ketiga virus yang menginfeksi tanaman kacang tanah secara alami menjadi temuan baru di Sulawesi Selatan
Pengelolaan Lahan dan Tanaman Padi di Lahan Salin
Authors: Masganti Masganti , Abduh Andin Muhammad , Rina D. Yanti , Alwi Muhammad , Noor Muhammad , Agustina Rusmila
Published: February 2023

ABSTRAK

Kebutuhan beras di Indonesia terus meningkat disebabkan jumlah penduduk  terus bertambah, kebutuhan energi individu  meningkat, dan keinginan menjadi lumbung pangan dunia. Sementara terjadi kompetisi penggunaan lahan dan penurunan kualitas lahan.  Perubahan iklim global menyebabkan meluasnya daerah yang terimbas intrusi air laut, sehingga terjadi penurunan produktivitas padi, dan biaya input produksi lebih tinggi. Tanah salin adalah tanah yang mempunyai kandungan natrium berada di atas ambang batas kritis atau ambang batas toleransi tanaman. Berdasarkan nilai daya hantar listrik (DHL), dan kadar natrium (Na) dalam tanah,  tanah salin dibagi menjadi 5 (lima) kategori, yakni (1) sangat rendah, (2) rendah, (3) sedang, (4) tinggi, dan (5) sangat tinggi. Peningkatan salinitas terjadi pada musim kemarau  untuk kondisi daerah dengan curah hujan rendah, dekat pantai, input air irigasi yang mengandung garam, evaporasi dan evapotranspirasi lebih tinggi dibandingkan presipitasi/curah hujan, lahan sawah yang air irigasinya tercemar limbah pabrik berkadar garam tinggi, keadaan topografi, kerapatan irigasi aktif, bencana alam seperti tsunami, dan tanah yang bahan induknya tersusun dari deposit garam. Padi merupakan tanaman yang sensitif terhadap salinitas, tetapi termasuk tanaman yang direkomendasikan untuk dibudidayakan di lahan salin. Salinitas menurunkan kapasitas produksi tanaman akibat (a) tekanan osmotik tanaman yang rendah, (b) kandungan hara N, P, K, dan Ca yang rendah, (c) kandungan Na dan pH yang tinggi, (d) keracunan Al dan Fe, dan (e) degradasi khlorofil. Respon tanaman terhadap salinitas dipengaruhi oleh lingkungan tumbuh dan indeks toleransi tanaman. Pemanfaatan lahan salin untuk peningkatan produksi padi memerlukan teknologi pengelolaan hara dan tanaman. Teknologi pengelolaan hara meliputi (1) ameliorasi menggunakan kapur pertanian, pupuk kandang, kompos, dan bahan organik, dan (2) penggunaan bahan pembenah tanah seperti mulsa, gipsum, SP-50, fosfat alam, dan abu sekam padi. Sedangkan pengelolaan tanaman yang diperlukan adalah (a) penggunaan padi varietas unggul toleran salin, dan (2) pengaturan waktu tanam.

 
THE EFFECT OF CORPORATE TAX POLICY ON FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM ASIAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Lesmana Adi
Published: February 2023

The phenomenon of Corporate Tax Rate (CTR) reduction to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been an interesting subject given the lack of consensus from empirical studies. This study aims to provide empirical evidence on the relationship between CTR and FDI, and examine factors that influence FDI inflows. Using data for 28 Asian countries from 1999 to 2014, we find that CTR has a significant negative effect on FDI inflows. FDI inflows increase by 4.38% due to a 1% CTR reduction. We also find that other economic factors, such as economic openness, market size, and exchange rates play an important role in attracting FDI inflows.
ANALYZING COLLATERAL REPO HAIRCUTS IN ASIAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Gunadi Iman , Sasongko Aryo , Sari Dian Fitriarni
Published: February 2023

We study repo haircut determinants and develop the haircut calculation model. Collateral securities are government and corporate fixed-incomes, and we examine the determinants in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Implementing the Generalized AutoRegressive-Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) process, we find that the changes in long-memory returns, liquidities, and currency influence haircuts. Then, we introduce the haircut model using the historical and parametric Value-at-Risk (VaR), burdening the borrower as much as the α-percentile collateral loss. When borrowers default, lenders get the collaterals and haircuts to compensate for the collateral-price change.
Prensa musical en línea. El impacto de las suscripciones digitales y los muros de pago en la cobertura periodística sobre música: el caso Rockdelux (2020-2021)
Authors: Alayo Orbegozo Fernando
Published: February 2023

En los últimos años, la prensa musical ha recurrido a la digitalización de contenidos para subsistir en la era de Internet. Es el caso de la revista española Rockdelux, que en 2020 cerró su edición impresa para convertirse en una plataforma en línea con suscripciones digitales. El objetivo de la presente investigación es definir las características de la cobertura periodística que desarrolló este medio en su renovado sitio web Rockdelux.com. Para ello, se analizaron más de 1300 artículos publicados durante la transición del papel a lo digital, y se elaboró una metodología para comparar las preferencias editoriales sobre determinados géneros musicales y periodísticos. Así se concluyó que la nueva Rockdelux con muro de pago ha priorizado la redacción de artículos sobre la música en tendencia, como el reggaetón y el hip hop; además de haber incrementado la publicación de textos breves e inmediatos, como reseñas y noticias.
Diseño y validación de la escala de pensamiento pseudocientífico
Authors: Jaimes Álvarez Freddy , García-Belaunde Velarde Víctor , López De Pomar Fabrizio
Published: February 2023

El objetivo de esta investigación fue diseñar y validar una escala de pensamiento pseudocientífico. El estudio es de tipo instrumental y su muestra estuvo compuesta por 686 participantes adultos peruanos (42 % mujeres). Para la validez de constructo se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y confirmatorio (AFC); y para la evidencia de confiabilidad, se utilizó el coeficiente omega de McDonald. Los resultados del AFE evidenciaron un modelo unidimensional de 8 ítems. El AFC presentó un ajuste adecuado, c2(20) = 35,5, CFI = ,995, RMSEA = ,047, SRMR = ,026, TLI = ,994 confirmándose de este modo la estructural unidimensional con cargas factoriales entre los valores de l = ,68 y l = ,86 (w = ,92). Finalmente, se discute las implicancias académicas y sociales de este nuevo instrumento psicométrico.
María Colón de Marcos Yauri Montero: memoria, escritura y migrancia
Authors: Salazar Mejía Nécker , Alcántara Silva Ynés
Published: February 2023

Marcos Yauri Montero (1930) es un escritor que pertenece a la narrativa andina peruana. Una de sus novelas es María Colón (1980), que trata acerca de la refundación del pueblo de Uco luego de un aluvión que causó su destrucción. El objetivo del artículo es analizar el estatuto de los principales personajes de la familia Colón, de acuerdo con los elementos que los definen en el curso de la novela. Para tal fin, se realiza una lectura crítica de la novela mediante la utilización de aportes referidos a la memoria, la letra y la migrancia. Así, María Colón busca recuperar la memoria de Uco y refunda el pueblo; Cayetano Colón escribe un manuscrito que narra la historia de Uco desde la visión de los vencidos; y Zeferino Colón y Manuel Colón experimentan diferentes grados de migrancia, que tienen finalmente como destino el regreso a la tierra natal. El trabajo concluye que la novela de Yauri Montero aborda líneas temáticas que son claves para comprender el contenido de la narrativa andina contemporánea.
Implementation of Radar Signal Sorting Based on K-means Clustering and Cuckoo Search Methods
Authors: Deng Lianwen , Kong Yinsong , Jiang Ying , Zhang Pin , Liao Congwei , Huang Shengxiang , Qiu LeiLei
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a fusion clustering radar signal sorting algorithm is proposed to overcome the shortcoming of the traditional K-means clustering sorting algorithm, which is sensitive to the initial clustering center and easy to fall into a local optimal solution. The improved algorithm combines K-means clustering algorithm and cuckoo search, to reduce the dependence on the initial clustering center and avoid falling into local optimum. Further, a new definition method of fitness function and a new adjustment mechanism of discovery probability are proposed, and sine and cosine guidance are introduced in the process of location updating. The number of clusters is proposed to be adjusted adaptively according to the distance between classes, and the initial cluster center is determined by the data field. Implementation results show that the sorting accuracy of the new algorithm is 96.6%, which is 54% higher than that of the traditional K-means clustering. Compared with PSO-Kmeans, the accuracy is improved by 22%, and the convergence time is reduced by 10 seconds on average.
Novel Designs of Cytotoxic T Cell Assays for Point-of-Care and Laboratory measurements of related Host specific Adaptive Responses to Pathogens and Vaccines
Authors: WAYENGERA Misaki
Published: February 2023

Background
The rapid evolution of the global COVID19 pandemic motivated a fast-tracked emergency authorization of vaccines. Majority studies of the efficacy of COVID19 vaccines have only utilized host-specific B cell (antibody) immune responses as the surrogate marker. This, because existing assays for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses are costly, complex and rigorous to standardize and perform. The commonest T cell assays (ELISPOT) focuses on quantifying T cell specific responses (mediated via cytokine and interferon mediators) to the target pathogen. Hypothetically, however, the elementary outcome and thereby functional surrogate biomarker of a desirable effective host T cell response, should be the clonal expansion of pathogen specific T cytotoxic cells. This study aims to describe the design of novel Cytotoxic T cell assays for point-of-care (POC) and laboratory measurements of host specific CTL responses to pathogens and vaccines.
Methods
Theoretical modelling and design
Results
Using severe acute respiratory syndrome type II (SARS-CoV2), two design-models of novel for the qualitative and quantitative measurement of host specific cytotoxic T cell responses to the same are presented: (a) a microfluidic lateral flow immunochromatography test (LFT) qualitative assay, and (ii) a quantitative enzyme immono-adsorbent assay (ELISA).
Conclusion
Qualitative and quantitative assay of host-specific T cytotoxic cells to a pathogen using these novel assays offers us affordable, simple and easy to use POC and laboratory alternatives for assessing the natural or vaccine induced T cytotoxic cell competency to fight off pathogens.
Efficacy and safety of Tongdutiaoshen acupuncture on insomnia in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: Wang Pei , Wang Zheng , Li Zhong-xin , Ma Si-hui , Li Yan , Li Huan , Yang Chao , Yu Man , Wang Jiao , An Yan-chen , Li Min
Published: February 2023

Background
Patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) frequently complain of insomnia. Poor sleep quality impairs their quality of life and adversely affects long-term outcome. Presently, the treatment for insomnia in MHD patients is mainly based on medication, though they have severe side effects and poor compliance in patients. It is a hot spot, therefore, to find complementary and alternative therapies with higher efficacy. This research aims to explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Tongdutiaoshen acupuncture on insomnia in MHD patients.
Methods
This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be performed at the Beijing Luhe Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University in China. The Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture 2010 will be strictly adhered to. A total of 110 MHD patients with insomnia will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to drug control (DC) group or Tongdutiaoshen acupuncture (TA) group. Patients in the control group will be administered with eszolam tablets (1mg/d) for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow up. On the basis of a background therapy as provided for the DC group, TA group will be given to the interventional cohort with 3 times a week for 4 weeks in a row, followed by a 4-week follow up. Primary endpoints will include Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), TCM Insomnia Syndrome Score and clinical response rate, which will be evaluated on day 0, 14, 28 and 56 respectively. Secondary endpoints will include sleep data monitoring and its related laboratory indexes, which will be evaluated on day 0, 28 and 56 respectively.
Discussion
The study is designed based on a rigorous methodology to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tongdutiaoshen acupuncture on insomnia in hemodialysis patients. The finding from this trial will be published in peer-reviewed journals as reliable evidence.
Trial registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200061967. Registered on 07 July 2022.
Self-synchronization of reinjected droplets for high-efficiency droplet pairing and merging
Authors: Shum Ho Cheung (Anderson) , Nan Lang , Mao Tianjiao
Published: February 2023

Droplet merging serves as a powerful tool to add reagents to moving droplets for biological and chemical reactions. However, unsynchronized droplet pairing impedes high-efficiency merging. Here, we develop a microfluidic design for self-synchronization of reinjected droplets. Periodical increase of hydrodynamic resistance caused by the droplet blocking in the T-junction enables automatic pairing of droplets. Through further spacing, the paired droplets are merged downstream under electric field. The blockage-based design can achieve a 100% synchronization efficiency even when the mismatch rate of droplet frequencies reaches 10%. Over 98% of the droplets can still be synchronized at non-uniform droplet sizes and fluctuated reinjection flow rates. Moreover, the droplet pairing ratio can be adjusted flexibly for on-demand sample addition. Using this system, we merge two groups of droplets encapsulating enzyme/substrate, demonstrating its capacity to conduct multi-step reactions. We also combine droplet sorting and merging to co-encapsulate single cells and single beads, providing basis for high-efficiency single-cell sequencing. We expect that this system can be integrated with other droplet manipulation systems for broad ranges of chemical and biological applications.
A link criticality approach for pedestrian network design to promote walking
Authors: Ukkusuri Satish , Verma Rajat
Published: February 2023

Measures of walkability generally do not provide a detailed quantitative assessment of pedestrian infrastructure development prioritization. In this study, a link-based composite measure of walkability and walking is introduced to overcome this limitation. This measure, called 'pednet score', is based on a weighted pedestrian network ('pednet') made of sidewalks and crosswalks whose edge weights are descriptive of their popularity. Edge popularity is derived from home-based walk trip assignment derived from simulated pedestrian demand. Properties of the pednet score are studied using three hypothetical variants of the pednet in three North American cities, each involving the addition of candidate sidewalk and/or crosswalk segments. It is shown that a strategic selection of these segments based on pednet score can substantially increase walking trips, in some cases up to 236%, and reduce current mean pedestrian trip distances by up to 340 m. A mixed development approach involving both sidewalks and crosswalks also shows considerably higher improvement than those segments considered alone. Results from marginal benefit curves strongly indicate the utility of the pednet score as a measure of link criticality for segment prioritization in pedestrian network design.
The Double-Protonation of Dihapto-Coordinated Benzene Complexes:
An Enabling Strategy for Dearomatization Using Aromatic Nucleophiles
Authors: Smith Jacob , Weatherford-Pratt Justin , Bloch Jeremy , Ericson Megan , Myers Jeffrey , Westendorff Karl , Dickie Diane , Harman Walter
Published: February 2023

Friedel Crafts Arylation (the Scholl reaction) is the coupling of two aromatic rings with the aid of a strong Lewis or Bronsted acid. This historically significant C-C bond forming reaction normally leads to aromatic products, often as oligomeric mixtures, dictated by the large stabilization gained upon their rearomatization. In this preliminary communication, we demonstrate how the pre-coordination of benzene by tungsten disrupts the natural course of this reaction sequence, allowing for Friedel-Crafts Arylation without rearomatization or oligomerization. Subsequent addition of a nucleophile to the coupled intermediate leads to functionalized cyclohexenes. The key feature of this reaction is a tungsten complex bound through two carbons, which enables a rarely observed double protonation of the bound benzene, and subsequent coupling to the second arene without the need of precious metal or Lewis acid catalysts.
Satisfaction of Lecturers and Undergraduate Students of Medical Faculties in Indonesia towards Online Anatomy Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Liem Isabella Kurnia , Fatril Ayu Eka , Husna Firda Asma’ul
Published: February 2023

COVID-19 has caused serious impacts on many sectors of life, including education. To reduce coronavirus transmission, education activities that used to be held offline are transformed into online classes. Changing face-to-face learning to online learning has influence on the learning strategies, which ultimately might impact the achievement of learning objectives. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire to evaluate the perspectives of human anatomy lecturers and undergraduate medical students in Indonesia about the implementation of online anatomy learning. We also explored their expectations and preferred learning methods after COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, 467 respondents were recruited, which consisted of 66 lecturers from 41 universities in 6 islands (Java, Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara and Papua) and 401 students from 19 universities in 4 islands (Java, Sumatera, Kalimantan, Papua). The majority of the respondents agreed that in online learning, materials were well delivered and understandable, the time could be allocated sufficiently and is manageable; however, the implementation of practical sessions was still problematic. Respondents had different perspectives on whether there were issues during online classes, improvement of student’s motivation, and good interaction between lecturers and students. The majority of the respondents preferred the use of blended learning after the pandemic (new normal era) and expected to continue the cadaveric practical sessions.
Comparison of Methods for Detecting Protein Extracted from Excess Activated Sludge
Authors: Yan Yixin , Zhang Mengnan , Gao Jianlei , Qin Lei , Fu Xi , Wan Junfeng
Published: February 2023

Currently, the protein content of hydrolyzed sludge supernatant is commonly determined by the Kjeldahl method, but this method suffers from complicated operation, a long time requirement and large chemical consumption. In this paper, the Lowry, bicinchoninic acid (BCA) and Bradfordmethods were used to test the precision and spiked recovery of protein from sludge supernatant hydrolyzed by alkaline-thermal hydrolysis (ATH), enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis (UEH), and the results were compared with those obtained with the Kjeldahl method. For all the hydrolysis processes, the sludge protein values determined from the three tested methods were within 0.05 of each other, meeting the experimental requirements for accuracy. Both the Lowry and BCA methods had a recovery rate of 95%-105%, while the Bradford method showed a large deviation and was not highly reliable. The three protein determination methods had significant differences from the Kjeldahl method (P<0.05). However, the relative deviation between the Kjeldahl and BCA methods was the smallest (3%-5%), followed by those between the Kjeldahl and the Lowry (11%-21%) and Bradford methods (21%-90%), and the causes of the deviation were analyzed according to the protein hydrolysate components and the mechanisms of the different detection methods. On the basis of the above results, the BCA method was chosen as the most appropriate quantification method for use in sludge protein extraction, and it was used to analyze the protein content extracted from residual sludge from two sewage treatment plants. The reliability of the method was verified, which lays a foundation for the extraction and reclamation of sludge protein.
Enhanced attenuation of chikungunya vaccines expressing antiviral cytokines
Authors: Weger-Lucarelli James , Chuong Christina , Cereghino Chelsea , Rai Pallavi , Bates Tyler , Oberer Megan
Published: February 2023

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging virus responsible for millions of infections globally within the last 15 years and has the potential to become endemic in the US. CHIK disease is characterized by severe febrile illness, with 30–60% of cases leading to debilitating chronic joint pain. No licensed treatments are available to protect against CHIK disease; thus, there is a tremendous need to generate a safe and effective vaccine. Live-attenuated vaccines (LAVs) are an appealing immunization strategy because they typically generate long-term protection from a single dose. However, LAVs often cause post-vaccination side effects and produce systemic viral replication, which can potentially lead to reversion to a pathogenic phenotype or transmission to mosquitoes; thus, safer LAV platforms are needed. To that end, we sought to improve the traditional LAV platform by combining attenuating strategies; as a vaccine backbone, we used a previously developed chimera of CHIKV and the closely related Semliki Forest virus (SFV) where we replaced the E2 domain C region of CHIKV with the corresponding domain from SFV (CHIKV-SFV/DomC) that was highly attenuated in mice and mosquitoes. To further attenuate the backbone, we inserted IFN-γ or IL-21, important antiviral cytokine genes, into the viral genome. The IFN-γ- and IL-21-expressing candidates were significantly attenuated post-vaccination, generating reduced footpad swelling with minimal systemic replication and dissemination capacity compared to the parental vaccine. Additionally, these candidates provided complete protection to mice challenged with WT CHIKV. This novel dual attenuation strategy combining an attenuated chimeric backbone and an antiviral cytokine has the possibility to be applied for the attenuation of any RNA virus.
Accelerated Antarctic ice loss through ocean forced changes in subglacial hydrology
Authors: Pinter Sophia , Piccione Gavin , Blackburn Terrence , Tulaczyk Slawek
Published: February 2023

Recent changes in Southern Ocean temperature have been linked with catchment-wide Antarctic ice acceleration and loss. The ice sheet models producing future sea level projections, however, rely on controversial mechanisms to match this rapid response, possibly due to the omission of feedbacks between subglacial water pressure and ice velocity. While modern remote sensing data tie increased subglacial water pressure to ice acceleration, there exists no record of subglacial hydrology long enough to evaluate this feedback on timescales relevant to climate and sea level change. Here we present a ten-thousand-year record of subglacial water dynamics and chemistry from ~110 ka East Antarctic calcite and sediment-bearing subglacial precipitates. Time series of sediment frequency and grain size indicate that changes in subglacial water dynamics correlate with Southern Ocean temperature. Similarly, shifts in calcite composition record climate-driven changes in subglacial water provenance. The synchronized changes in subglacial hydrology with climate support subglacial water drainage systems as having a key role in transferring the climate forcing acting on ice sheet margins, deep into ice sheet interior. The demonstrated coupling between subglacial water and climate clarifies the current rapid ice response to climate change in Antarctica, and underscores a need and means to heighten the sensitivity of ice sheet models.
MRBEE: A novel bias-corrected multivariable Mendelian Randomization method
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Lorincz-Comi Noah , Yang Yihe , Li Gen
Published: February 2023

Mendelian Randomization (MR) has been widely applied to infer causality of exposures on outcomes in the genome wide association (GWAS) era. Existing approaches are often subject to biases from multiple sources including weak instruments, sample overlap, and measurement error. We introduce MRBEE, a computationally efficient multivariable MR method that can correct for all known biases simultaneously, which is demonstrated in theory, simulations, and real data analysis. In comparison, all existing MR methods are biased. In two independent real data analyses, we observed that the causal effect of BMI on coronary artery disease risk is completely mediated by blood pressure, and that existing MR methods drastically underestimate the causal effect of cannabis use disorder on schizophrenia risk compared to MRBEE. We demonstrate that MRBEE can be a useful tool in studying causality between multiple risk factors and a disease outcome, especially as more GWAS summary statistics are being made publicly available.