bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulasi 3D Pertumbuhan Kedelai Pada Pemberian Variasi Dosis Formula Pupuk Organik Cair Dan Urea Menggunakan Anfis Berbasis XL System
Authors: Frayudha Angga Debby , Suhartono Suhartono , Suyono Suyono
Published: April 2020

Kedelai  Glycine max (L.) Merrill var. Willis merupakan salah satu tanaman pangan dan sudah menjadi kebutuhan pokok di indonesia. Dengan berkembangnya teknologi sekarang ini tanaman kedelai mulai disimulasikan dalam bentuk 3D menggunakan aplikasi Groimp yang berbasis XL System, untuk membuktikan simulasi pertumbuhan dilakukan penelitian, menggunakan pupuk organik dan pupuk urea pada perlakuan yang berbeda. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemupukan dengan pupuk organik cair terhadap produktivitas tanaman. Perlakuan dosis pemupukan yaitu : P1 (3 ml pupuk organik/1 liter air/Sore), P2 (3 ml pupuk organik/1 liter air/Pagi), P3 (2 gr pupuk urea/1 liter air/Sore), P4 (2 gr pupuk urea/1 liter air/Pagi). Parameter yang diamati yaitu tinggi tanaman, panjang batang, jumlah cabang, jumlah daun. Data yang diperoleh dimasukan dan dihitung menggunakan ANFIS setelah proses training didapat error terkecil dan dari situlah pemilihan tanaman akan disimulasikan dalam bentuk 3D. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemupukan dengan pupuk urea dapat meningkatkan produktivitas tanaman kedelai dibandingkan dengan menggunakan pupuk Organik Cair. Pada penelitian didapat  tumbuhan mengalami etiolasi, tanaman dipindah ke tempat yang lebih lapang pada hari ke 28 ternyata tidak memberi pengaruh signifikan terhadap tanaman yang semestinya umur kedelai sudah berbunga pada umur ke 35-40 hari ternyata belum berbunga, sehingga diharapkan tanaman musim memang harus ditanam pada musimnya agar hasilnya maksimal serta kondisi lingkungan harus diperhatikan.
Analisis Kebutuhan Sistem Informasi Geografis Lahan Pertanian Sayuran dan Buah-buahan di Kota Batu
Authors: Supriyono Supriyono , Maharani Faldadinda Farin
Published: April 2020

Kota Batu sangat terkenal dengan kota pariwisata, namun pertanian masih berperan penting dalam meningkatkan perekonomiannya. Agar perekonomian yang bersumber dari bidang pertanian dapat optimal diperlukan sebuah pengembangan di bidang pertanian. Tujuan dibuat analisis kebutuhan sistem agar petani di Kota Batu dapat memanfaatkan teknologi sehingga pekerjaan lebih optimal.Tanah di Kota Batu dapat ditanami berbagai jenis tanaman pertanian. Gabungan Banyak jenis tanaman pertanian yang bisa kita temukan di Kota Batu yaitu tanaman Hortikultura. Tanaman Holtikultura merupakan tanaman yang paling dominan di Kota batu. Selain tanaman Hortikultura Kota Batu juga menghasilkan tanaman padi. Tidak banyak daerah di Kota Batu yang ditanami padi. Menurut Departemen pertanian dan Kehutanan Kota Batu, Tanah tanaman padi hanya ditanami padi sekali atau dua kali yang harusnya dilakukan 3 kali setahun. Hal itu terjadi karena petani belum mengetahui kecocokan lahan untuk menanam padi.  Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah output analisis kebutuhan berupa usecase diagram.
Pendekatan Box - Whisker Plot dan Regresi Liniear untuk Prediksi User Upgrade pada Start Up ayocpns
Authors: Basid Puspa Miladin Nuraida Safitri A , Rohman Hariri Fajar
Published: April 2020

Munculnya banyak start up di indonesia mulai menjadi bagian penting dari perekonomian sebuah negara. Dalam pelaksanaanya perusahaan rintisan seperti ini masih berkembang dan membutuhkan banyak pendanaan untuk operasionalnya. Sehingga para perusahaan rintisan ini perlu memikirkan langkah untuk berkembang lagi. Selain melalui investor, merka juga melakukan langkah promosi untuk menarik user. Untuk melakukan promosi itu sendiri, perusahaan rintisan ini perlu memperhatikan bagaimana dampak dari promosi yang telah dilakukan. Sudah cukup atau belum, hal tersebut dapat di lihat dari jumlah user perharinya. Selain itu memprediksi user yang akan upgrade accont premium juga perlu dilakukan. Penelitian ini telah menghasilkan persamaan untuk melakukan prediksi tersebut dengan menggunakan metode regresi linier dan Box-Whisker Plot.
Quantifier les dimensions des houppiers à l’aide d’images aériennes à haute résolution pour estimer l’accroissement diamétrique des arbres dans les forêts d’Afrique centrale
Authors: Ndamiyehe Ncutirakiza Jean-Baptiste , Lejeune Philippe , Gourlet-Fleury Sylvie , Fayolle Adeline , Ndjele Mianda-Bungi Léopold , Ligot Gauthier
Published: April 2020

Caractériser la dynamique d’une forêt est essentiel pour la gestion forestière. Les houppiers des arbres forment un élément clé de cette dynamique ; mais, en forêt tropicale, les mesurer n’est pas simple. Cette étude teste l’utilisation d’images aériennes à haute résolution pour estimer la croissance diamétrique des arbres, en intégrant des mesures fines des houppiers détectés. Des ortho-images de 10 cm/pixel de résolution ont été obtenues à l’aide d’un drone à aile fixe sur une parcelle de 9 ha, installée dans la forêt de Yoko en République démocratique du Congo. Les inventaires menés sur les arbres de DHP ≥ 10 cm en 2008 et en 2016 ont permis d’avoir accès à différentes caractéristiques dendrométriques individuelles, dont le diamètre des arbres et leur tempérament, et de calculer des accroissements diamétriques. Des modèles linéaires mixtes ont été calibrés pour prédire l’accroissement de 163 arbres identifiés à la fois sur le terrain et sur les ortho-images en utilisant les variables quantifiées uniquement sur le terrain et/ou à partir de variables mesurées sur les ortho-images. Les images aériennes ont permis de détecter 23,4 % des arbres de DHP ≥ 10 cm inventoriés au sol, et représentant 75,1 % de la biomasse aérienne du peuplement. La probabilité de détection des arbres a varié en fonction de leur DHP : de 0,09 pour les arbres de DHP < 30 cm à 0,97 pour les arbres de DHP ≥ 60 cm. Les variables quantifiées par télédétection ajoutées aux variables de terrain ont permis d’améliorer significativement la prédiction de l’accroissement diamétrique. Les meilleurs modèles d’estimation des accroissements diamétriques contiennent notamment un terme caractérisant la dimension du houppier des arbres qui n’a pu être mesuré que par télédétection. Parmi les variables déterminées par télédétection, la superficie convexe du houppier est apparue la plus performante dans les modèles, et s’avère ainsi être la mesure la plus intéressante pour décrire la compétition entre les houppiers. Ces résultats ouvrent des perspectives pour construire de nouveaux outils d’acquisition de données au service de l’aménagement forestier.
One method, two worlds
Authors: Sansfaçon Annie Pullen , Roy Valérie , Ward Dave
Published: April 2020

Looking at practices in different locations is beneficial since it helps challenge assumptions that we may take for granted. Groupwork, as a method of social work, is specifically interesting to explore in the light of different contexts since, like social work, it may or may not translate well across cultures. This paper draws from data collected in the context of a research project that aimed to describe the current state of social work with groups in Quebec and to explore trends within social work with groups elsewhere in the world. Specifically, it focuses on the exploration of practices in Quebec and discusses them in relationship to those found in the USA, as a counterpoint. Our findings highlight some differences and similarities between Quebec and the USA with regard to groupwork, which leads us to discuss a range of factors that may impact on groupwork in the different contexts. Of these, the differences of organisational context and organisation of services have emerged as particularly noteworthy, which echoes findings in general social work literature with regard to the importance of local contexts on the definition of practice itself.
Estudo da política de educação profissional na Bahia orientada para a inclusão social
Authors: Silva Rosemary Lopes Soares da
Published: April 2020

Explicitar as técnicas e procedimentos, os conceitos e categorias com as quais a interpretação dos documentos relativos a Política da Educação Profissional Técnica de Nível Médio –,  implementada na Bahia / Brasil, especificamente, a partir da abordagem quadripolar que conferiu a densidade teórico-metodológica para o estudo do objeto na relação com os polos epistemológicos, teóricos, técnicos e morfológicos. Nesta perspectiva,  a realização de uma pesquisa não é o cumprimento de “ritualismo metodológico” com um “modismo teórico” para não repetir o que comumente acontece nas pesquisas em educação, de maneira progressivamente mais intensa, de tentativas ecléticas que juntam aleatoriamente técnicas, métodos e referenciais teóricos sem uma clara compreensão dos fundamentos epistemológicos dos diversos caminhos do conhecimento.
MANAJEMEN PEMBENIHAN IKAN MAS (Cyprinus carpio) MARWANA DI SATUAN PELAYANAN KONSERVASI PERAIRAN DAERAH, PURWAKARTA, JAWA BARAT
Authors: Akbarurrasyid Muhammad , Nurazizah Siti , Rohman Furqon Saepul
Published: April 2020

Peningkatan produksi ikan mas (Cyprinus carpio) tidak terlepas dari ketersediaan bibit ikan mas. Maka diperlukan keberlanjutan bibit ikan mas, salah satu nya adalah bibit ikan mas marwana. Keberlanjutan bibit ikan mas marwana dapat dilakukan dengan menerapakan system manajemen dalam kegiatan produksi bibit ikan mas marwana. Penerapan system manajemen pembenihan dapat dimulai dari proses perencanaan, pelaksanaan dan pengawasan. Analisis data menggunakan analisis deskriptif kualitatif yang berasal dari data hasil pengamatan, observasi, wawancara dan partisipasi langsung dan kemudian di deskripsikan dalam bentuk uraian singkat. Kegiatan pembenihan ikan mas marwana harus dilakukan dengan manajemen pembenihan yang tepat dan sesuai untuk menunjang keberhasilan pembenihan. Pembenihan dapat dimulai dengan perencanaan pemeliharaan induk, manajemen pakan induk dan seleksi induk. Selain itu penerapan system pelaksanaan persiapan pemijahan, proses pemijahan, pasca pemijahan, penetasan telur dan pemeliharaan larva. Penerapan system perencanaan dan pelaksanaan dikontrol dengan menerapkan system pengawasan pembenihan yang bertujuan untuk mengambil tindakan pembetulan yang diperlukan melalui upaya pengendalian. Upaya pengendalian dalam system pengawasan terdiri dari pengendalian terhadap hambatan dan gangguan.
The Urgency of Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities for Indonesia
Authors: Permatasari Yunita
Published: April 2020

The rapid increase in the use and exploration of outer space raises concerns about its sustainability in a sustainable manner. Countries seek multilateral solutions through the guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities (LTSOSA) which was adopted in June 2019 in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) forum. Indonesia as a country that organizes the use and exploration of outer space has an interest in ensuring the security of the implementation of outer space in a sustainable manner. Thus, it is necessary for the mapping of Indonesia’s interest in implementing the LTSOSA guidelines. The interest mapping will illustrate the urgency of the LTSOSA guidelines for Indonesia's national security particularly outer space security. The analysis shows that the LTSOSA guidelines contain items related to outer space security which are of vital national importance to Indonesia. This article is expected to become input for Indonesia's attitude and position towards the implementation of the LTSOSA guidelines.Keywords: Indonesia, long term sustainability of outer space activities, outer space security Penggunaan dan eksplorasi antariksa yang semakin pesat menimbulkan kekhawatiran terhadap kelestariannya secara berkelanjutan. Negara-negara mencari solusi secara multilateral melalui pedoman kegiatan antariksa berkelanjutan jangka panjang atau dikenal guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer outer space activities (LTSOSA) yang disahkan pada Juni 2019 dalam forum United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Outer space (UNCOPUOS). Indonesia sebagai negara yang menyelenggarakan penggunaan dan eksplorasi antariksa berkepentingan untuk menjamin keamanan penyelenggaraan keantariksaannya secara berkelanjutan. Dengan demikian, perlu adanya pemetaan kepentingan Indonesia dalam mengimplementasikan guidelines LTSOSA. Pemetaan kepentingan akan menggambarkan mengenai urgensi guidelines LTSOSA bagi keamanan nasional Indonesia khususnya bidang keantariksaan. Tulisan ini menemukan bahwa guidelines LTSOSA memuat butir-butir terkait keamanan keantariksaan yang menjadi kepentingan nasional vital bagi Indonesia. Artikel ini diharapkan menjadi bahan masukan sikap dan posisi Indonesia terhadap implementasi guidelines LTSOSA. Kata-kata kunci: Indonesia, keamanan keantariksaan, keberlanjutan kegiatan luar angkasa dalam jangka panjang
Élevage, filières et territoires en régions chaudes
Authors: POCCARD-CHAPUIS R. , BONAUDO T. , TOURRAND J.F. , LOSSOUARN J.
Published: April 2020

L’article analyse les interactions filières animales/territoires dans les régions chaudes, dans l’objectif de mettre en évidence les contributions de ce secteur d’activité à la durabilité du développement. L’analyse est structurée autour du modèle systémique Forces motrices-Impacts-Réponses, adaptés du modèle DPSIR de l’OCDE. Après la définition des concepts, la deuxième partie de l’article décrit le fonctionnement générique de ce système, expliquant ses principaux éléments à l’échelle globale. Dans une troisième partie il est appliqué à quatre exemples précis d’interactions filières animales/territoires : Rio Verde, cluster agroindustriel au centre du Brésil, São Félix do Xingú, front pionnier de déforestation amazonien, la zone cotonnière du Mali où les territoires villageois intègrent élevage et agriculture, et les bassins laitiers périurbains des principales villes maliennes. L’article montre l’intérêt d’un modèle de type Pression-Réponse pour analyser ce fonctionnement du système filières/territoires dans ces situations. Il souligne le risque que les filières font peser actuellement sur les territoires d’élevage, soit en les marginalisant soit en les spécialisant jusqu’à les rendre vulnérables. Malgré cela, ces deux systèmes présentent de véritables leviers pour mieux promouvoir le développement durable, mis en évidence dans les exemples. Cela n’exclut pas la réglementation dans d’autres sphères, notamment nationales et internationales.
Alimentation, fertilité et bien-être des oiseaux reproducteurs domestiques : des liens complexes
Authors: BRIERE S. , BRILLARD J.P. , PANHELEUX M. , FROMENT P.
Published: April 2020

Chez les oiseaux, comme toutes autres espèces, la nutrition et plus particulièrement le métabolisme énergétique influence la fonction de reproduction. Les modèles d’oiseaux hyperphagiques ont permis de montrer l’effet négatif dans les deux sexes d’une suralimentation, alors qu’une restriction alimentaire pendant leur croissance augmente les taux de ponte et la durée de la période fertile. Cependant les mécanismes qui sous-tendent les relations entre la nutrition, le métabolisme énergétique et la fonction de reproduction sont mal connus. Ces changements du statut nutritionnel et métabolique peuvent être transmis à l’axe de la reproduction (hypothalamus, hypophyse et gonades) aussi bien par les modifications des concentrations hormonales en insuline, adipocytokines, etc., que par celles des substrats énergétiques eux mêmes : glucose, acides gras et acides aminés. Nous rappellerons brièvement ici les effets des différents composants présents dans l’alimentation et les conséquences sur la reproduction. Les propositions d’utiliser un rationnement qualitatif seront également abordées : existe-t-il des méthodes alternatives impliquant une restriction qualitative plutôt que quantitative.
Gérer l’alimentation pour contribuer au bien-être des poulets de chair
Authors: MAGNIN M. , BOUVAREL I.
Published: April 2020

La conduite alimentaire peut être impliquée dans l’apparition de troubles locomoteurs, digestifs et métaboliques susceptibles d’altérer le bien-être des poulets de chair. L’objectif de cette revue est de faire le point sur les différentes approches alimentaires et nutritionnelles permettant d’éviter l’apparition de ces désordres et donc d’évaluer la contribution de la gestion de l’alimentation au bien-être des poulets. Un pré-requis concernant l’alimentation des volailles est que les animaux reçoivent un aliment accessible, sain et équilibré, sachant qu’il n’est pas aisé de définir un besoin nutritionnel appliqué à un troupeau, avec des poulets sélectionnés sur la vitesse de croissance, cette sélection s’accompagnant d’effets qui peuvent paraître délétères vis-à-vis du bien-être animal avec une consommation d’aliment excessive et une faible activité. Différentes solutions alimentaires, parfois antagonistes, sont proposées pour améliorer le bien-être du poulet : adapter la composition et la présentation physique de l’aliment et enfin, jouer sur les modalités de distribution de l’aliment, permettant dans certains cas, d’enrichir leur milieu de vie.
Néanmoins, au regard du bien-être animal, la conduite alimentaire n’est qu’un levier comme le sont la gestion de l’ambiance et le choix du génotype. S’il est clair que l’alimentation s’adapte à l’évolution de la génétique, son effet en matière de bien-être animal semble limité et une réflexion devrait porter sur une amélioration des capacités d’adaptation des poulets.
La sélection génétique pour la maîtrise des strongyloses gastro-intestinales des petits ruminants
Authors: DE LA CHEVROTIÈRE C. , MORENO C. , JAQUIET P. , MANDONNET N.
Published: April 2020

La durabilité des systèmes d'élevage tropicaux et tempérés extensifs est à rechercher dans l'équilibre entre le milieu et les productions, animales et végétales. Ainsi, il est judicieux de choisir les animaux pour leur adaptation aux contraintes du milieu, plutôt que de chercher à les en soustraire. Dans ce contexte, les strongyloses gastro-intestinales représentent une contrainte pathologique majeure des petits ruminants, particulièrement en zone tropicale humide. Depuis quelques années, la stratégie d'éradication des parasites a évolué vers une logique de manipulation des équilibres hôtes-parasites dans les systèmes pâturés par combinaison de diverses stratégies. La résistance génétique aux strongles gastro-intestinaux s'inscrit dans cette nouvelle démarche et y tient un rôle majeur. L'objectif de cette synthèse est de souligner les apports de la génétique et de la génomique à la compréhension et à l'exploitation de différences entre individus pour la résistance aux strongyloses gastro-intestinales. Les races locales se révèlent dans la plupart des cas les plus résistantes et les plus productives dans leur milieu. Que ce soit chez des races de milieu tropical ou tempéré, une variabilité génétique intra-race a pu être observée chez les ovins et les caprins. Des critères de résistance exploitables en sélection sont connus chez les ovins comme chez les caprins avec un contrôle génétique comparable. Enfin, la composante immunitaire (complexe majeur d'histocompatibilité notamment) de la résistance est clairement impliquée dans les mécanismes. Cependant, du fait de comportements alimentaires différents, les mécanismes sous jacents pourraient être plus simples et moins efficients chez les caprins. L'information génomique s'accumule mais reste encore difficilement valorisable par les professionnels.
Serological Test is an Efficient Supplement for Detecting RNA to Confirm SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Xia Ning-Shao , Wang Gui-Qiang , Gong Wen-Feng
Published: April 2020

To date, viral RNA detection is almost the only way to confirm SARS-CoV-2infectionin practice.However, variousreasons can cause low sensitivity for RNA detection, and thisposes aserious challenge to disease control. We tested the performance of detecting total antibody(Ab) and IgM levels in serum by the methods of chemiluminescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and colloidal golddetection. The datashowed that the sensitivity and specificity for detecting total Ab and IgM levels were high by all three methods, and the sensitivity was higher for detecting total Ab than for detecting IgM. Evidence from studieshas shown thatviral RNA testingcombinedwith serological testing could increase the diagnostic sensitivity while maintaining a high specificity. Specific serology testsfor SARS-CoV-2 havegreat value for clinical practice and public health.
Guidelines for a Standardized File Structure for Scientific Data
Authors: Spreckelsen Florian , Rüchardt Baltasar , Lebert Jan , Luther Stefan , Parlitz Ulrich , Schlemmer Alexander
Published: April 2020

Storing scientific data on the file system in a meaningful and transparent way is no trivial task. In particular when the data have to be accessed after their originator has left the lab the importance of a standardized file structure cannot be underestimated. It is desirable to have a structure that allows for the unique categorization of all kinds of data from experimental results to publications. It has to be accessible to a broad variety of workflows, e.g., via graphical user interface as well as via command line, in order to find widespread acceptance. Furthermore, the inclusion of already existing data has to be as simple as possible. We propose a three-level structure to organize and store scientific data that incorporates the full chain of scientific data management from data acquisition to analysis to publications. Metadata are saved in a standardized way and connect original data to analyses and publication as well as to their originators. A simple software tool to check a file structure for compliance with the proposed structure is presented.
The Conceptual Framework for SARS-CoV-2 Related Lymphopenia
Authors: Rahimmanesh Ilnaz , Kouhpayeh Shirin , Khanahmad Hossein
Published: April 2020

The emerging of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates globally. One of the most prominent characteristics of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is lymphopenia which is in contrast to other viral infections. This controversy might be explained by the evaluation of impaired innate and adaptive immune responses during the SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the innate immune response, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) hyperactivated due to virus entry and extensive DNA damage sequentially leading to NAD+ depletion, ATP depletion and finally cell death. In contrast to the immune response against viral infections, cytotoxic T lymphocytes decline sharply in SARS-CoV-2 infection which might be due to infiltration and trapping in the lower respiratory tract. In addition, there are more factors proposed to involve in lymphopenia in COVID-19 infection like the role of CD38 which functions as NADase and intensifies NAD depletion which in turn affects NAD+ dependent Sirtuin proteins, as the regulators of cell death and viability. Lung tissue sequestration following cytokine storm supposed to be another reason for lymphopenia in COVID-19 patients. Protein 7a as one of the virus-encoded proteins induces apoptosis in various organ-derived cell lines. These mechanisms proposed to induce lymphopenia, although there are still more studies needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms for lymphopenia in COVID-19 patients.
Forests and Emerging Infectious Diseases: Unleashing the Beast Within
Authors: Guegan Jean-Francois , Ayouba Ahidjo , Cappelle Julien , de Thoisy Benoit
Published: April 2020

Deforestation and associated changing landscapes are major components of environmental changes, with important implications for ecosystem functioning and biodiversity conservation. Tropical forests are hot spots of biodiversity and provide multiple goods and ecosystem services which benefit people in many ways Forest also play an important role in health-related legends, myths, and fairy tales from all over the world, and are important sources of new potential emerging microbial threats to human. Although plausibly numerous abundant microbial forms with a forest origin may exist, our systematic literature review shows that forest-derived infection studies are relatively unexplored, and both taxonomically and geographically biased. Since biodiversity has been associated with emergence of novel infectious diseases at macro-scale, we describe the main biogeographical patterns in the emerging infection-biodiversity-forest loss nexus. Then, we illustrate four fine-scale case studies to decipher the underlying processes of increased infection risk in changing forest clearing landscapes. Finally, we identify scientific challenges and regional management measures required to mitigate these important new emerging threats.
Excess Mortality from COVID-19: Lessons Learned from the Italian Experience
Authors: Pasquariello Paolo , Stranges Saverio
Published: April 2020

There is much discussion among clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts about why case fatality rate from COVID-19 in Italy (at 12.1% as of April 2, 2020, versus a global case fatality rate of 5.2%) is considerably higher than estimates from other countries (especially China, South Korea, and Germany). In this article, we propose several potential explanations for these differences. We suggest that Italy’s overall and relative case fatality rate, as reported by public health authorities, is likely to be inflated by such factors as heterogeneous reporting of coronavirus-related fatalities across countries and the iceberg effect of under-testing, yielding a distorted view of the global severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also acknowledge that deaths from COVID-19 in Italy are still likely to be higher than in other equally affected nations due to its unique demographic and socio-economic profile. Lastly, we discuss the important role of the stress imparted by the epidemic on the Italian healthcare system, which weakened its capacity to adequately respond to the sudden influx of COVID-19 patients in the most affected areas of the country, especially in the Lombardy region.
A Comparative Study of Different Wind Speed Distribution Models for Accurate Evaluation of Onshore Wind Energy Potential: A Case Study on the Southern Coasts of Iran
Authors: Filom Siyavash , Radfar Soheil , Panahi Roozbeh
Published: April 2020

Wind power output is highly dependent on the wind speed at the selected site, therefore wind-speed distribution modeling is the most important step in the assessment of wind energy potential. This study aims at accurate evaluation of onshore wind energy potential in seven coastal cities in the south of Iran. Six Probability Distribution Functions (PDFs) were examined over representative stations. It has been deduced that the Weibull function, which was the most used PDF in similar studies, was only applicable to one station. Here, Gamma offered the best fit for three stations and for the other ones, Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) performed better. Considering the ranking of six examined PDFs and the simplicity of Gamma, it was identified as the effective function in the southern coasts of Iran bearing in mind the geographic distribution of stations. Besides, six turbine power curve functions were contributed to investigate the capacity factor. That was very important, as using only one function could cause under- or over-estimation. Then, stations were classified based on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory system. Last but not least, examining a range of wind turbines enabled scholars to extend this study into the practice and prioritize development of stations considering budget limits.
Discovery of Multi-Target-Directed Ligands against SARS-CoV-2 through Targeting the Structurally Conserved Main Protease
Authors: Jagdale Shounak , Bansode Sneha , Shankar S. Shiva , Tellis Meenakshi , Pandya Vaibhav Kumar , Kulkarni Mahesh , Joshi Rakesh
Published: April 2020

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from the Coronaviridae family. The disease has infected more than 1 million individuals worldwide with a mortality rate ranging from 5 to 10 %. It has also imposed extreme challenges on global health, economy, and social behavior. Due to the unavailability of therapeutics, several efforts are going on in the drug discovery to control the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. The main protease (MPro) plays a critical role in viral replication and maturation, thus can serve as the primary drug target. To understand the structural evolution of MPro, we have performed phylogenetic and SSN analysis, that depicted divergence of Coronaviridae MPro in five clusters specific to viral hosts. This clustering was also corroborated with the structural comparison of MPro structures. Furthermore, it has been observed that backbone and binding site conformations are conserved despite variation in some of the residues. This conservation can be exploited to repurpose available viral protease inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 MPro. In agreement with this, we performed screening of the custom-made library of ~ 7000 molecules including active ingredients present in the Ayurvedic anti-tussive medicines, anti-viral phytochemicals and synthetic anti-virals against SARS-CoV-2 MPro as the primary target. It has been observed that natural molecules like d-Viniferin, Myricitrin, Taiwanhomoflavone A, Lactucopicrin 15-oxalate, Nympholide A, Biorobin, Phyllaemblicin B and other several molecules show strong binding with the SARS-CoV-2 MPro. Most of the predicted lead molecules are from Vitis vinifera, also reported for anti-tussive and/or antiviral activities. These molecules also showed strong binding with other main targets RdRp and hACE-2. We anticipate that our approach for identification of multi-target-directed ligand will provide new avenues for drug discovery against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
SEIR Modeling of the Italian Epidemic of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Godio Alberto , Pace Francesca , Vergnano Andrea
Published: April 2020

We applied a generalized SEIR epidemiological model to the recent SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the world, with a focus on Italy and its Lombardia, Piemonte, and Veneto regions. We focus on the application of a stochastic approach in fitting the model numerous parameters, to improve the reliability of predictions in the medium term (30 days). We analyze the official data and the predicted evolution of the epidemic in the Italian regions, and we compare their results also with data and predictions of Spain and South Korea. We discuss the effectiveness of policies taken by different regions and countries and how they have an impact on past and future infection scenarios.
Intra-specific comparison of mitochondrial genomes reveals host gene fragment exchange via intron mobility in Tremella fuciformis
Authors: Deng Youjin , Zhang Xunxiao , Xie Baogui , Lin Longji , Hsiang Tom , Lin Xiangzhi , Lin Yiying , Zhang Xingtan , Ma Yanhong , Ming Ray , Miao Wenjing
Published: April 2020

Background Mitochondrial genomic sequences are known to be variable. Comparative analyses of mitochondrial genomes can reveal the nature and extent of their variation. Results Draft mitochondrial genomes of 16 Tremella fuciformis isolates (TF01-TF16) were assembled from Illumina and PacBio sequencing data. Mitochondrial DNA contigs were extracted and assembled into complete circular molecules, ranging from 35,104 bp to 49,044 bp in size. All mtDNAs contained the same set of 41 conserved genes with identical gene order. Comparative analyses revealed that introns and intergenic regions were variable, whereas genic regions (including coding sequences, tRNA, and rRNA genes) were conserved. Among 24 introns detected, 11 were in protein-coding genes, 3 in tRNA genes, and the other 10 in rRNA genes. In addition, two mobile fragments were found in intergenic regions. Interestingly, six introns containing N-terminal duplication of the host genes were found in five conserved protein-coding gene sequences. Comparison of genes with and without these introns gave rise to the following proposed model: gene fragment exchange with other species can occur via gain or loss of introns with N-terminal duplication of the host genes. Conclusions Our findings suggest a novel mechanism of fungal mitochondrial gene evolution: partial foreign gene replacement though intron mobility.
Sensor-based Characterization of Daily Walking: A New Paradigm in Pre-frailty/Frailty Assessment
Authors: Kumar Danya Pradeep , Toosizadeh Nima , Mohler Jane , Ehsani Hossein , Mannier Cassidy , Laksari Kaveh
Published: April 2020

Background : Frailty is a highly recognized geriatric syndrome resulting in decline in reserve across multiple physiological systems. Impaired physical function is one of the major indicators of frailty. The goal of this study was to evaluate an algorithm that discriminates between frailty groups (non-frail and pre-frail/frail) based on gait performance parameters derived from unsupervised daily physical activity (DPA).
Methods : DPA was acquired for 48 hours from older adults (≥65 years) using a tri-axial accelerometer motion-sensor. Continuous bouts of walking for 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s without pauses were identified from acceleration data. These were then used to extract qualitative measures (gait variability, gait asymmetry, and gait irregularity) and quantitative measures (total continuous walking duration and maximum number of continuous steps) to characterize gait performance. Association between frailty and gait performance parameters was assessed using multinomial logistic models with frailty as the dependent variable, and gait performance parameters along with demographic parameters as independent variables.
Results : 126 older adults (44 non-frail, 60 pre-frail, and 22 frail, based on the Fried index) were recruited. Step- and stride-times, frequency domain gait variability, and continuous walking quantitative measures were significantly different between non-frail and pre-frail/frail groups ( p <0.05). Among the five different durations (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s), gait performance parameters extracted from 60s continuous walks provided the best frailty assessment results. Using the 60s gait performance parameters in the logistic model, pre-frail/frail group (vs. non-frail) was identified with 76.8% sensitivity and 80% specificity.
Discussion : Everyday walking characteristics were found to be associated with frailty. Along with quantitative measures of physical activity, qualitative measures are critical elements representing the early stages of frailty. In-home gait assessment offers an opportunity to screen for and monitor frailty.
Tongue fissure visualization by using deep learning – an example of the application of artificial intelligence in traditional medicine
Authors: Chang Wen-Hsien , Wu Han-Kuei , Lo Lun-chien , Hsiao William W. L. , Chu Hsueh-Ting , Chang Hen-Hong
Published: April 2020

Background
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) describes physiological and pathological changes inside and outside the human body by the application of four methods of diagnosis. One of the four methods, tongue diagnosis, is widely used by TCM physicians, since it allows direct observations that prevent discrepancies in the patient’s history and, as such, provides clinically important, objective evidence. The clinical significance of tongue features has been explored in both TCM and modern medicine. However, TCM physicians may have different interpretations of the features displayed by the same tongue, and therefore intra- and inter-observer agreements are relatively low. If an automated interpretation system could be developed, more consistent results could be obtained, and learning could also be more efficient. This study will apply a recently developed deep learning method to the classification of tongue features, and indicate the regions where the features are located.
Methods
A large number of tongue photographs with labeled fissures were used. Transfer learning was conducted using the ImageNet-pretrained ResNet50 model to determine whether tongue fissures were identified on a tongue photograph. Often, the neural network model lacks interpretability, and users cannot understand how the model determines the presence of tongue fissures. Therefore, Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) was also applied to directly mark the tongue features on the tongue image.
Results
Only 6 epochs were trained in this study and no graphics processing units (GPUs) were used. It took less than 4 minutes for each epoch to be trained. The correct rate for the test set was approximately 70%. After the model training was completed, Grad-CAM was applied to localize tongue fissures in each image. The neural network model not only determined whether tongue fissures existed, but also allowed users to learn about the tongue fissure regions.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated how to apply transfer learning using the ImageNet-pretrained ResNet50 model for the identification and localization of tongue fissures and regions. The neural network model built in this study provided interpretability and intuitiveness, (often lacking in general neural network models), and improved the feasibility for clinical application.
Oil supplementation with a special combination of n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids does not protect for exercise induced asthma. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Authors: Dreßler Melanie , Fussbroich Daniela , Böhler Lisa , Herrmann Eva , Benker Nicole , Tytyk Markus , Schulze Johannes , Schubert Ralf , Beermann Christopher , Zielen Stefan
Published: April 2020

Background Many patients suffering from exercise-induced asthma (EIA) have normal lung function at rest and show symptoms and a decline in FEV 1 when they do sports or during exercise-challenge. It has been described that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) could exert a protective effect on EIA. Methods In this study the protective effect of supplementation with a special combination of n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA (sc-LCPUFA) (total 1.19 g/ day) were investigated in an EIA cold air provocation model. Primary outcome measure: Decrease in FEV 1 after exercise challenge and secondary outcome measure: anti-inflammatory effects monitored by exhaled NO (eNO) before and after sc-LCPUFA supplementation versus placebo. Results 99 patients with exercise-induced symptoms aged 10 to 45 were screened by a standardized exercise challenge in a cold air chamber at 4 °C. 73 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of a FEV 1 decrease >15% and were treated double-blind placebo-controlled for four weeks either with sc-LCPUFA or placebo. 32 patients in each group completed the study. Mean FEV 1 decrease after cold air exercise challenge and eNO were unchanged after four weeks sc-LCPUFA supplementation. Conclusion Supplementation with sc-LCPUFA at a dose of 1.19 g/d did not have any broncho-protective ant anti-inflammatory effects on EIA.
Gut Microbial Dysbiosis in Individuals with Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Mendez Roberto , Watane Arjun , Farhangi Monika , Cavuoto Kara M. , Leith Tom , Budree Shrish , Galor Anat , Banerjee Santanu
Published: April 2020

Background: Autoimmune diseases have been associated with changes in the gut microbiome. In this study, the gut microbiome was evaluated in individuals with dry eye and bacterial compositions were correlated to dry eye (DE) measures. We prospectively included 13 individuals with who met full criteria for Sjögren’s (SDE) and 8 individuals with features of Sjögren’s but who did not meet full criteria (NDE) for a total of 21 cases as compared to 21 healthy controls. Stool was analyzed by 16S pyrosequencing, and associations between bacterial classes and DE symptoms and signs were examined. Results: Results showed that Firmicutes was the dominant phylum in the gut, comprising 40-60% of all phyla. On a phyla level, subjects with DE (SDE and NDE) had depletion of Firmicutes (1.1-fold) and an expansion of Proteobacteria (3.0-fold), Actinobacteria (1.7-fold), and Bacteroidetes (1.3-fold) compared to controls. Shannon’s diversity index showed no differences between groups with respect to the numbers of different operational taxonomic units (OTUs) encountered (diversity) and the instances these unique OTUs were sampled (evenness). On the other hand, Faith’s phylogenetic diversity showed increased diversity in cases vs controls, which reached significance when comparing SDE and controls (13.57 ± 0.89 and 10.96 ± 0.76, p=0.02). Using Principle Co-ordinate Analysis, qualitative differences in microbial composition were noted with differential clustering of cases and controls. Dimensionality reduction and clustering of complex microbial data further showed differences between the three groups, with regard to microbial composition, association and clustering. Finally, differences in certain classes of bacteria were associated with DE symptoms and signs. Conclusions: In conclusion, individuals with DE had gut microbiome alterations as compared to healthy controls. Certain classes of bacteria were associated with DE measures.
First report of Lihan Tick virus (Phlebovirus, Phenuiviridae) in ticks, Colombia
Authors: Lopez Yesica , Miranda Jorge , Mattar Salim , Gonzalez Marco , Rovnak Joel
Published: April 2020

Background: Tick-borne phenuivirus (TBPVs) comprise human and animal viruses that can cause a variety of clinical syndromes ranging from self-limiting febrile illness to fatal haemorrhagic fevers. Objective: Detect Phlebovirus (Family Phenuiviridae) in ticks collected from domestic animals in Córdoba, Colombia. Methods: We collected 2,365 ticks from domestic animals in three municipalities of the Department of Cordoba, Colombia in 2016. Ticks were identified and pooled by species for RNA extraction. A nested real-time PCR with specific primers for Phlebovirus and a specific probe for Heartland virus (HRTV) formerly a Phlebovirus, now a Banyangvirus were performed. Also, a conventional nested PCR, with the same specific primers was used to detect other Phleboviruses , with positive reactions indicated by an amplified cDNA fragment of approximately 244 bp determined by gel electrophoresis. These bands were gel-purified and sequenced by the Sanger method. Results: Using real-time RT-PCR, no positive results for HRTV were found. However, using conventional nested PCR 2.2% (5/229 pools) yielded a product of 244 bp. One positive sample was detected in a pool of Dermacentor nitens ticks collected from a horse, and the four remaining positive pools were from Rhipicephalus microplus collected from cattle. The five positive nucleotide sequences had identities of 93 to 96% compared to a section of the L-segment of Lihan Tick virus , a Phlebovirus originally detected in R. microplus ticks in China. The strongest identity (96 -99%) was with Lihan Tick virus detected in R. microplus ticks from Brazil. Conclusions: This is the first report of viral detection in ticks in Colombia. We detected a Colombian strain of Lihan Tick virus . We recommend expanding the sampling area and carrying out more eco-epidemiological studies related to epidemiological surveillance of viruses on ticks in Colombia.
DL-3-n-butylphthalide improves cerebral hypoperfusion in patients with large cerebral atherosclerotic stenosis. A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Authors: Chen Dawei , Yin Yanwei , Shi Jin , Yang Fen , Wang Kehua , Zhao Faguo , Li Wenping , Li Bin
Published: April 2020

Background: DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) was demonstrated to increase the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the animal models, but there are no clinic studies to verify this. We aimed to explore the effect of NBP on improving cerebral hypoperfusion caused by cerebral large-vessel stenosis.
Methods: In this single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 120 patients with severe carotid atherosclerotic stenosis and cerebral hypoperfusion in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) were included and randomly assigned into NBP or placebo group as 1:1 radio. Patients in NBP or placebo group received 200mg or 20mg of NBP capsules three times daily for four weeks respectively. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to assess regional CBF (rCBF) in four regions of interest (ROIs) corresponding to MCA before and 12 weeks after the treatment. After therapy, the rCBF change for every ROI and the whole CBF change in MCA territory for every patient were classified into amelioration, stabilization and deterioration respectively.
Results: 48 NBP patients (6 with bilateral stenosis) and 46 placebo patients (8 with bilateral stenosis) completed the trial. Overall, both groups had 54 stenotic carotid arteries and 216 ROIs for rCBF change analysis. After therapy, the rCBF in ROIs increased in NBP group (83.5%±11.4% vs. 85.8%±12.5%, p=0.000), whereas no change was found in placebo group (86.9%±11.6% vs. 87.8%±11.7%, p=0.331). Besides, there was higher percentages of ROIs with rCBF amelioration and stabilization in NBP group than in placebo group (93.1% vs. 79.2%, p=0.000). Furthermore, ordinal regression analysis showed that compared with placebo, NBP independently made more patients to have whole CBF amelioration in ipsilateral MCA (Wald-χ2=5.247, OR=3.31, p=0.022).
Conclusions: NBP might improve the cerebral hypoperfusion in the patients with carotid artery atherosclerotic stenosis.
Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900028005, registered December 8th 2019- Retrospectively registered ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx ).
Social, Economic, and Legislative Factors and Global Road Traffic Fatalities
Authors: Haghighi Mohammad Reza Rahmanian , Sayari Mohammad , Ghahramani Sulmaz , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri
Published: April 2020

Background: Road traffic fatalities (RTF) is the 8th cause of mortality around the world. At the end of the Decade of Action, it would be of utmost importance to revisit our knowledge on the determinants of RTF.Methods: We used Road Safety Development Index (RSDI) which accounts for the interactions between system, human and products to assess the RTF in 115 and 113 countries in 2013 and 2016, respectively. To analyze data, three statistical procedures (linear regression, Classification and Regression Trees (CART), and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS)) were employed. Results: CART has the best performance amongst all others followed by MARS for 2013 and 2016 data set with an R 2 around 0.83. Results show that any increase in human development index (HDI) was associated with RTF reduction. Comparing RTF data of 2013 and 2016, 8 countries experienced a change of more than 30%. RTF change in these countries showed significant relationship with GINI index. Considering the three components of HDI, it is revealed that education explained most of RTF variation in CART model followed by income and life expectancy. Conclusion: Policy makers can make provisions to reduce RTF in the long run by focusing on enhancing the three components of HDI, mainly education. However, there is a need to investigate the correlation among these three components with RTF with different time-trend procedures.