bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Subjective Well-Being in a Sample of Portuguese Adults
Authors: Andrade Vanda , Jorge Rui , García-Conesa María-Teresa , Philippou Elena , Massaro Marika , Chervenkov Mihail , Ivanova Teodora , Maksimova Viktorija , Smilkov Katarina , Ackova Darinka Gjorgieva , Miloseva Lence , Ruskovska Tatjana , Deligiannidou Georgia Eirini , Kontogiorgis Christos A. , Pinto Paula
Published: December 2020

The Mediterranean diet (MD) and other lifestyle characteristics have been associated with well-being, a broad multiparameter concept that includes individual’s subjective assessment of their own well-being (SWB). Some studies have suggested that diet influences SWB, thus, this work aimed to add novel information on the association of MD and SWB in a sample of Portuguese adults. Data on sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, diet, and SWB were collected through a self-filled online questionnaire. MD adherence was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. Results showed a moderate adherence to the MD in 490 Portuguese adults (mean MEDAS of 7.4 ± 2.1). A higher MD adherence was found to be significantly positively associated with women, employed individuals, a higher number of meals per day, and those with frequent contact with nature (p-value < 0.0025, using Bonferroni adjustment). As a novelty, this study divided the participants into low SWB, medium SWB, and medium to high SWB profiles (3.9 ± 1.0; 6.2 ± 1.0; 8.2 ± 1.3, respectively; p-value < 0.05), which reported significantly increasing MEDAS scores (6.5 ± 2.1; 7.3 ± 2.1; 7.8 ± 1.9; respectively, p-value < 0.05).
Metabolic and Nutritional Issues Associated with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Li Yang-Jean , Chen Tai-Heng , Wu Yan-Zhang , Tseng Yung-Hao
Published: December 2020

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the main genetic cause of infant death, is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, accompanied by muscle wasting. Pathomechanically, SMA is caused by low levels of the survival motor neuron protein (SMN) resulting from the loss of the SMN1 gene. However, emerging research extends the pathogenic effect of SMN deficiency beyond motor neurons. A variety of metabolic abnormalities, especially altered fatty acid metabolism and impaired glucose tolerance, has been described in isolated cases of SMA; therefore, the impact of SMN deficiency in metabolic abnormalities has been speculated. Although the life expectancy of these patients has increased due to novel disease-modifying therapies and standardization of care, understanding of the involvement of metabolism and nutrition in SMA is still limited. Optimal nutrition support and metabolic monitoring are essential for patients with SMA, and a comprehensive nutritional assessment can guide personalized nutritional therapy for this vulnerable population. It has recently been suggested that metabolomics studies before and after the onset of SMA in patients can provide valuable information about the direct or indirect effects of SMN deficiency on metabolic abnormalities. Furthermore, identifying and quantifying the specific metabolites in SMA patients may serve as an authentic biomarker or therapeutic target for SMA. Here, we review the main epidemiological and mechanistic findings that link metabolic changes to SMA and further discuss the principles of metabolomics as a novel approach to seek biomarkers and therapeutic insights in SMA.
Beta-Cell Mass in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, and Its Relation to Pancreas Fat: A Mini-Review
Authors: Inaishi Jun , Saisho Yoshifumi
Published: December 2020

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. Although insulin resistance is assumed to be a main pathophysiological feature of the development of T2DM, recent studies have revealed that a deficit of functional beta-cell mass is an essential factor for the pathophysiology of T2DM. Pancreatic fat contents increase with obesity and are suggested to cause beta-cell dysfunction. Since the beta-cell dysfunction induced by obesity or progressive decline with disease duration results in a worsening glycemic control, and treatment failure, preserving beta-cell mass is an important treatment strategy for T2DM. In this mini-review, we summarize the current knowledge on beta-cell mass, beta-cell function, and pancreas fat in obesity and T2DM, and we discuss treatment strategies for T2DM in relation to beta-cell preservation.
Use of Polyphosphates and Soluble Pyrophosphatase Activity in the Seaweed Ulva pseudorotundata
Authors: Vergara Juan J. , Herrera-Pérez Patricia , Brun Fernando G. , Pérez-Lloréns José Lucas
Published: December 2020

The hydrolytic activity of different types of polyphosphates, and the induction of soluble pyrophosphatase (sPPase; EC 3.6.1.1) activity have been assessed in cell extracts of nutrient limited green seaweed Ulva pseudorotundata Cormaci, Furnari & Alongi subjected to different phosphorus regimes. Following a long period of nutrient limitation, the addition of different types of (poly)phosphates to artificial seawater enhanced growth rates on fresh weight and area, but not on dry weight bases. Chlorophyll and internal P content were affected by P supply. In contrast, internal soluble reactive P was kept low and was little affected by P additions. Soluble protein content increased in all treatments, as ammonium was added to prevent N limitation. The C:N:P atomic ratio revealed great changes depending on the nutrient regime along the experiment. Cell extracts of U. pseudorotundata were capable of hydrolyzing polyphosphates of different chain lengths (pyro, tripoly, trimeta, and polyphosphates) at high rates. The sPPase activity was kept very low in P limited plants. Following N and different kind of P additions, sPPase activity was kept low in the control, but slightly stimulated after 3 days when expressed on a protein basis. The highest activities were found at the end of the experiment under pyro and polyphosphate additions (7 days). The importance of alternative P sources to phosphate and the potential role of internal soluble pyrophosphatases in macroalgae are discussed.
Constraints on CP-Odd ALP Couplings from EDM Limits of Fermions
Authors: V. Kirpichnikov Dmitri , E. Lyubovitskij Valery , S. Zhevlakov Alexey
Published: December 2020

We discuss constraints on soft CP-violating couplings of axion-like particles with photon and fermions by using data on electric dipole moments of standard model particles. In particular, for the axion-like particle (ALP) leptophilic scenario, we derive bounds on CP-odd ALP-photon-photon coupling from data of the ACME collaboration on electron EDM. We also discuss prospects of the storage ring experiment to constrain the ALP–photon–photon coupling from data on proton EDM for the simplified hadrophilic interactions of ALP. The resulting constraints from experimental bounds on the muon and neutron EDMs are weak. We set constraint on the CP-odd ALP coupling with electron and derive bounds on combinations of coupling constants, which involve soft CP-violating terms.
Development of an Improved Model for Prediction of Short-Term Heavy Precipitation Based on GNSS-Derived PWV
Authors: Li Haobo , Wang Xiaoming , Wu Suqin , Zhang Kefei , Chen Xialan , Qiu Cong , Zhang Shaotian , Zhang Jinglei , Xie Mingqiang , Li Li
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have become an effective atmospheric observing technique to remotely sense precipitable water vapor (PWV) mainly due to their high spatiotemporal resolutions. In this study, from an investigation for the relationship between GNSS-derived PWV (GNSS-PWV) and heavy precipitation, it was found that from several hours before heavy precipitation, PWV was probably to start with a noticeable increase followed by a steep drop. Based on this finding, a new model including five predictors for heavy precipitation prediction is proposed. Compared with the existing 3-factor model that uses three predictors derived from the ascending trend of PWV time series (i.e., PWV value, PWV increment and rate of the PWV increment), the new model also includes two new predictors derived from the descending trend: PWV decrement and rate of PWV decrement. The use of the two new predictors for reducing the number of misdiagnosis predictions is proposed for the first time. The optimal set of monthly thresholds for the new five-predictor model in each summer month were determined based on hourly GNSS-PWV time series and precipitation records at three co-located GNSS/weather stations during the 8-year period 2010–2017 in the Hong Kong region. The new model was tested using hourly GNSS-PWV and precipitation records obtained at the above three co-located stations during the summer months in 2018 and 2019. Results showed that 189 of the 198 heavy precipitation events were correctly predicted with a lead time of 5.15 h, and the probability of detection reached 95.5%. Compared with the 3-factor method, the new model reduced the FAR score by 32.9%. The improvements made by the new model have great significance for early detection and predictions of heavy precipitation in near real-time.
Comparison of Thermal Infrared-Derived Maps of Irrigated and Non-Irrigated Vegetation in Urban and Non-Urban Areas of Southern California
Authors: Coleman Red Willow , Stavros Natasha , Hulley Glynn , Parazoo Nicholas
Published: December 2020

It is important to understand the distribution of irrigated and non-irrigated vegetation in rapidly expanding urban areas that are experiencing climate-induced changes in water availability, such as Los Angeles, California. Mapping irrigated vegetation in Los Angeles is necessary for developing sustainable water use practices and accurately accounting for the megacity’s carbon exchange and water balance changes. However, pre-existing maps of irrigated vegetation are largely limited to agricultural regions and are too coarse to resolve heterogeneous urban landscapes. Previous research suggests that irrigation has a strong cooling effect on vegetation, especially in semi-arid environments. The July 2018 launch of the ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) offers an opportunity to test this hypothesis using retrieved land surface temperature (LST) data in complex, heterogeneous urban/non-urban environments. In this study, we leverage Landsat 8 optical imagery and 30 m sharpened afternoon summertime ECOSTRESS LST, then apply very high-resolution (0.6–10 m) vegetation fraction weighting to produce a map of irrigated and non-irrigated vegetation in Los Angeles. This classification was compared to other classifications using different combinations of sensors in order to offer a preliminary accuracy and uncertainty assessment. This approach verifies that ECOSTRESS LST data provides an accurate map (98.2% accuracy) of irrigated urban vegetation in southern California that has the potential to reduce uncertainties in regional carbon and hydrological cycle models.
A Co-Operative Autonomous Offshore System for Target Detection Using Multi-Sensor Technology
Authors: Villa Jose , Aaltonen Jussi , Virta Sauli , Koskinen Kari T.
Published: December 2020

This article studies the design, modeling, and implementation challenges for a target detection algorithm using multi-sensor technology of a co-operative autonomous offshore system, formed by an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). First, the study develops an accurate mathematical model of the USV to be included as a simulation environment for testing the guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithm. Then, a guidance system is addressed based on an underwater coverage path for the AUV, which uses a mechanical imaging sonar as the primary AUV perception sensor and ultra-short baseline (USBL) as a positioning system. Once the target is detected, the AUV sends its location to the USV, which creates a straight-line for path following with obstacle avoidance capabilities, using a LiDAR as the main USV perception sensor. This communication in the co-operative autonomous offshore system includes a decentralized Robot Operating System (ROS) framework with a master node at each vehicle. Additionally, each vehicle uses a modular approach for the GNC architecture, including target detection, path-following, and guidance control modules. Finally, implementation challenges in a field test scenario involving both AUV and USV are addressed to validate the target detection algorithm.
Precipitation Type Classification of Micro Rain Radar Data Using an Improved Doppler Spectral Processing Methodology
Authors: Garcia-Benadi Albert , Bech Joan , Gonzalez Sergi , Udina Mireia , Codina Bernat , Georgis Jean-François
Published: December 2020

This paper describes a methodology for processing spectral raw data from Micro Rain Radar (MRR), a K-band vertically pointing Doppler radar designed to observe precipitation profiles. The objective is to provide a set of radar integral parameters and derived variables, including a precipitation type classification. The methodology first includes an improved noise level determination, peak signal detection and Doppler dealiasing, allowing us to consider the upward movements of precipitation particles. A second step computes for each of the height bin radar moments, such as equivalent reflectivity (Ze), average Doppler vertical speed (W), spectral width (σ), the skewness and kurtosis. A third step performs a precipitation type classification for each bin height, considering snow, drizzle, rain, hail, and mixed (rain and snow or graupel). For liquid precipitation types, additional variables are computed, such as liquid water content (LWC), rain rate (RR), or gamma distribution parameters, such as the liquid water content normalized intercept (Nw) or the mean mass-weighted raindrop diameter (Dm) to classify stratiform or convective rainfall regimes. The methodology is applied to data recorded at the Eastern Pyrenees mountains (NE Spain), first with a detailed case study where results are compared with different instruments and, finally, with a 32-day analysis where the hydrometeor classification is compared with co-located Parsivel disdrometer precipitation-type present weather observations. The hydrometeor classification is evaluated with contingency table scores, including Probability of Detection (POD), False Alarm Rate (FAR), and Odds Ratio Skill Score (ORSS). The results indicate a very good capacity of Method3 to distinguish rainfall and snow (PODs equal or greater than 0.97), satisfactory results for mixed and drizzle (PODs of 0.79 and 0.69) and acceptable for a reduced number of hail cases (0.55), with relatively low rate of false alarms and good skill compared to random chance in all cases (FAR < 0.30, ORSS > 0.70). The methodology is available as a Python language program called RaProM at the public github repository.
Barriers to Tobacco Control in China: A Narrative Review
Authors: Leng Wancong , Mu Rui
Published: December 2020

This research chooses the method of narrative literature review to analyze the barriers in implementing tobacco regulatory policies in China and explore the strategies that can overcome these challenges. China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of tobacco products. Although the prevalence of cigarette smoking declined from 34.5% to 27.7% between 1984 and 2015, the reduction over the 30 years has been slow. Therefore, effective tobacco regulatory policies are necessary. However, as the tobacco industry is one of the major sources of government revenue and an indispensable part of the national economy, the implementation of tobacco regulatory policies faces many challenges. In terms of the institutional dimension, the ambiguous attitude of national institutions and tobacco companies’ development strategies impede the enforcement of tobacco policies. In addition, the primary economic barrier to tobacco control is the unwillingness of the government to raise value-added tax on tobacco. Finally, the social customs of exchanging individual cigarettes and gifting packaged cigarettes among adults and juveniles in China hinder the implementation of tobacco regulatory policies. In this case, a combined strategy of top-down and bottom-up approaches can remove these barriers, such as using the authoritative power to control tobacco use and raising non-smokers’ awareness of smoking risks and public education.
The Climate, Land, Energy, Water and Food Nexus Challenge in a Land Scarce Country: Innovations in the Netherlands
Authors: Janssen Davine N. G. , Ramos Eunice Pereira , Linderhof Vincent , Polman Nico , Laspidou Chrysi , Fokkinga Dennis , de Mesquita e Sousa Duarte
Published: December 2020

The Netherlands has the ambitious target of transitioning to a low-carbon economy by 2050. One factor that may constrain this progress, however, is the large spatial requirements of renewable energy technologies, and resulting competition for land through interlinkages between the Climate (C), Land (L), Energy (E), Water (W) and Food (F) domains—the CLEWF nexus. This study aims at identifying innovations that can improve the performance of the nexus by addressing the land scarcity constraint while supporting the low-carbon economy transition. A framework for the identification of potential innovations applicable in the nexus context was developed and applied. It is derived from a Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) analysis of land scarcity in the Dutch nexus and a stock-taking benchmarking analysis of European countries. An inventory of innovations was prepared based on several classifications of innovations, collecting examples from the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Latvia and Sweden. Three innovations were identified as particularly promising: district heating, Energy Service Companies and peak shaving through water pumping. Furthermore, the DPSIR framework was also used to identify overarching societal elements common to countries that successfully implemented sustainable innovations. These were found to relate to long-term political commitments, geopolitical and economic drivers, and pioneering approaches building from and towards national strengths.
Synergies and Trade-offs among Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of Spain
Authors: de Miguel Ramos Carlos , Laurenti Rafael
Published: December 2020

The United Nations plans have marked global sustainable development for more than two decades. Most of the developed and developing countries have adopted these plans to achieve the Agenda 2030, currently formed by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis of the interactions between the SDGs is a growing area in research and of interest for governments. However, studies on how positive correlations can improve deteriorated goals are scarce for countries to date. This study aims at filling this gap by finding and quantifying the synergies and trade-offs among the SDGs of Spain. During the years 2000–2019, almost 80% of the SDG targets had significant interactions, either positive (synergy) or negative (trade-off). SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 5 (gender Equality) and SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) contained the largest number of positive interactions, more than 60% in all of them. SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing) was strongly linked with indicators from SDG 4 (quality education) and also SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation). Furthermore, indicators from SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) shared a high correlation with the ones from SGD 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 15 (life on land). SDG 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 6 (clean water and sanitation), 8 (decent work and economic growth) and 11 (sustainable cities and communities) had the slowest evolution during the years 2000–2019, showing contractions in some instances. We developed a regression model to assess the influence that selected targets have had on a less evolved target (target 8.6—proportion of youth not in education, employment or training). We managed to clarify high influence from target 1.3 (unemployment compensations), target 8.4 (domestic material consumption) and target 10.5 (non-performing loans) on the dependent variable. Identifying numerical dependencies between the SDGs may help nations to develop a roadmap where targets work as cogwheel towards achieving the Agenda 2030.
Understanding Stakeholder Attitudes, Needs and Trends in Accessible Tourism: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Fuente-Robles Yolanda María De La , Muñoz-de-Dios María Dolores , Mudarra-Fernández Ana Belén , Ricoy-Cano Adrián Jesús
Published: December 2020

The inclusion of people with disabilities (PwD) in tourism is a phenomenon that encompasses various influencing factors, such as accessibility, which must be reviewed for this process to work correctly. Accessible tourism has advantages for both people with disabilities and everyone else. It provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy leisure without barriers. However, there are still factors that limit the proper operation of the sector, which require a review and new strategies for its improvement. The objective of this review is to offer a synthesis of those challenges that must be addressed in order to achieve quality accessible tourism, as well as to present the various emerging trends that can represent an important advance for the future of accessible tourism. To this end, a qualitative study review process has been carried out where the different opinions and perceptions of the various actors involved in the accessible tourism sector are considered. A thematic analysis and synthesis of the information was conducted using the “Thematic Synthesis” procedure. The methodological quality of the studies included in the synthesis was also assessed. The studies reviewed show a need to recognize disabled travelers as autonomous and independent people who seek to escape from their daily routine, and who require certain specific supports to facilitate their tourist experience. Accessible tourism is valued as a good market opportunity, but its proper development requires greater staff awareness to promote co-creation in tourism, as well as the support of technological systems to create individualized tourist profiles detailing the needs of each person.
Ecofriendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Extracts of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Nigella sativa L. Seeds (Black Cumin) and Comparison of Their Antibacterial Potential
Authors: Alkhathlan Alaa H. , AL-Abdulkarim Hessah A. , Khan Mujeeb , Khan Merajuddin , AlDobiy Abdullah , Alkholief Musaed , Alshamsan Aws , Alkhathlan Hamad Z. , Siddiqui M. Rafiq H.
Published: December 2020

Applications of chemical synthetic methods for the preparation of metal nanoparticles involve toxic reagents, which are hazardous to both humans and the environment. On the other hand, ecofriendly plant-based techniques offer rapid, non-toxic, and suitable alternatives to the traditional methods. Herein, we report an eco-friendly method for the preparation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using two different aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Nigella sativa L. seeds (black cumin). Successful preparation of Ag NPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that Nigella sativa L. seed extract (NSE) produced a smaller size of NPs (~8 nm), whereas the ginger extract (GE) led to the formation of slightly larger Ag NPs (~12 nm). In addition, to study the effect of concentration of the extract on the quality of resulting NPs, two different samples were prepared from each extract by increasing the concentrations of the extracts while using a fixed amount of precursor (AgNO3). In both cases, a high concentration of extract delivered less agglomerated and smaller-sized Ag NPs. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of as-prepared Ag NPs were tested against different bacterial strains. Notably, despite the slightly better quality of Ag NPs obtained from NSE (NSE-Ag), NPs prepared by using GE (GE-Ag) demonstrated superior antibacterial properties. In case of the plant-extract-based synthesis of nanoparticles, it is widely reported that during the preparation, the residual phytomolecules remain on the surface of resulting NPs as stabilizing agents. Therefore, in this case, the high antibacterial properties of GE-Ag can be attributed to the contributing or synergetic effect of residual phytomolecules of GE extract on the surface of Ag NPs, since the aqueous extract of GE has been known to possess higher intrinsic bactericidal properties when compared to the aqueous NSE extract.
Multistage Estimation of the Rayleigh Distribution Variance
Authors: Yousef Ali , Amin Ayman A. , Hassan Emad E. , Hamdy Hosny I.
Published: December 2020

In this paper we discuss the multistage sequential estimation of the variance of the Rayleigh distribution using the three-stage procedure that was presented by Hall (Ann. Stat. 9(6):1229–1238, 1981). Since the Rayleigh distribution variance is a linear function of the distribution scale parameter’s square, it suffices to estimate the Rayleigh distribution’s scale parameter’s square. We tackle two estimation problems: first, the minimum risk point estimation problem under a squared-error loss function plus linear sampling cost, and the second is a fixed-width confidence interval estimation, using a unified optimal stopping rule. Such an estimation cannot be performed using fixed-width classical procedures due to the non-existence of a fixed sample size that simultaneously achieves both estimation problems. We find all the asymptotic results that enhanced finding the three-stage regret as well as the three-stage fixed-width confidence interval for the desired parameter. The procedure attains asymptotic second-order efficiency and asymptotic consistency. A series of Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to study the procedure’s performance as the optimal sample size increases. We found that the simulation results agree with the asymptotic results.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Accretion Disks, Jets, Gamma-Ray Bursts and Related Gravitational Waves”
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Banibrata
Published: December 2020

The present Editorial introduces the Special Issue dedicated by the journal Universe to the “Accretion Disks, Jets, Gamma-Ray Bursts and Related Gravitational Waves” [...]
Discovery of Surfactant-Like Peptides from a Phage-Displayed Peptide Library
Authors: Sawada Toshiki , Oyama Rina , Tanaka Michihiro , Serizawa Takeshi
Published: December 2020

Peptides with specific affinities for various materials have been identified in the past three decades and utilized in materials science and engineering. A peptide’s capability to specifically interact with materials is not naturally derived but screened from a biologically constructed peptide library displayed on phages or cells. To date, due to limitations in the screening procedure, the function of screened peptides has been primarily limited to the affinity for target materials. Herein, we demonstrated the screening of surfactant-like peptides from a phage-displayed peptide library. A screened phage clone displaying a peptide showed high activity for accumulating at emulsion surfaces with certain assembled structures, resulting in stable emulsions. The surface tension for the solution of the chemically synthesized peptide decreased with increasing peptide concentration, demonstrating certain surface activity, which corresponded to the ability to decrease the surface tension of liquids (e.g., water), owing to the accumulation of molecules at the air–liquid or liquid–liquid interface. Peptides with a randomized sequence did not lower the surface tension, indicating the essential role of amino acid sequences in surface activity. Our strategy for identifying novel functional peptides from a phage-displayed peptide library can be used to expand the applicability of peptidyl materials and biosurfactants.
Block-And-Lock: New Horizons for a Cure for HIV-1
Authors: Moranguinho Ines , Valente Susana T.
Published: December 2020

HIV-1/AIDS remains a global public health problem. The world health organization (WHO) reported at the end of 2019 that 38 million people were living with HIV-1 worldwide, of which only 67% were accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite great success in the clinical management of HIV-1 infection, ART does not eliminate the virus from the host genome. Instead, HIV-1 remains latent as a viral reservoir in any tissue containing resting memory CD4+ T cells. The elimination of these residual proviruses that can reseed full-blown infection upon treatment interruption remains the major barrier towards curing HIV-1. Novel approaches have recently been developed to excise or disrupt the virus from the host cells (e.g., gene editing with the CRISPR-Cas system) to permanently shut off transcription of the virus (block-and-lock and RNA interference strategies), or to reactivate the virus from cell reservoirs so that it can be eliminated by the immune system or cytopathic effects (shock-and-kill strategy). Here, we will review each of these approaches, with the major focus placed on the block-and-lock strategy.
Relocation of the attTn7 Transgene Insertion Site in Bacmid DNA Enhances Baculovirus Genome Stability and Recombinant Protein Expression in Insect Cells
Authors: Pijlman Gorben P. , Grose Carissa , Hick Tessy A. H. , Breukink Herman E. , van den Braak Robin , Abbo Sandra R. , Geertsema Corinne , van Oers Monique M. , Martens Dirk E. , Esposito Dominic
Published: December 2020

Baculovirus expression vectors are successfully used for the commercial production of complex (glyco)proteins in eukaryotic cells. The genome engineering of single-copy baculovirus infectious clones (bacmids) in E. coli has been valuable in the study of baculovirus biology, but bacmids are not yet widely applied as expression vectors. An important limitation of first-generation bacmids for large-scale protein production is the rapid loss of gene of interest (GOI) expression. The instability is caused by the mini-F replicon in the bacmid backbone, which is non-essential for baculovirus replication in insect cells, and carries the adjacent GOI in between attTn7 transposition sites. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that relocation of the attTn7 transgene insertion site away from the mini-F replicon prevents deletion of the GOI, thereby resulting in higher and prolonged recombinant protein expression levels. We applied lambda red genome engineering combined with SacB counterselection to generate a series of bacmids with relocated attTn7 sites and tested their performance by comparing the relative expression levels of different GOIs. We conclude that GOI expression from the odv-e56 (pif-5) locus results in higher overall expression levels and is more stable over serial passages compared to the original bacmid. Finally, we evaluated this improved next-generation bacmid during a bioreactor scale-up of Sf9 insect cells in suspension to produce enveloped chikungunya virus-like particles as a model vaccine.
Potency of an Inactivated Influenza Vaccine against a Challenge with A/Swine/Missouri/A01727926/2015 (H4N6) in Mice for Pandemic Preparedness
Authors: Hayashi Hirotaka , Isoda Norikazu , Bazarragchaa Enkhbold , Nomura Naoki , Matsuno Keita , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Kida Hiroshi , Sakoda Yoshihiro
Published: December 2020

H4 influenza viruses have been isolated from birds across the world. In recent years, an H4 influenza virus infection has been confirmed in pigs. Pigs play an important role in the transmission of influenza viruses to human hosts. Therefore, it is important to develop a new vaccine in the case of an H4 influenza virus infection in humans, considering that this virus has a different antigenicity from seasonal human influenza viruses. In this study, after selecting vaccine candidate strains based on their antigenic relation to one of the pig isolates, A/swine/Missouri/A01727926/2015 (H4N6) (MO/15), an inactivated whole-particle vaccine was prepared from A/swan/Hokkaido/481102/2017 (H4N6). This vaccine showed high immunogenicity in mice, and the antibody induced by the vaccine showed high cross-reactivity to the MO/15 virus. This vaccine induced sufficient neutralizing antibodies and mitigated the effects of an MO/15 infection in a mouse model. This study is the first to suggest that an inactivated whole-particle vaccine prepared from an influenza virus isolated from wild birds is an effective countermeasure in case of a future influenza pandemic caused by the H4 influenza virus.
Using Soil Water Stable Isotopes to Investigate Soil Water Movement in a Water Conservation Forest in Hani Terrace
Authors: Pu Huimei , Song Weifeng , Wu Jinkui
Published: December 2020

Water conservation forests significantly contribute to the stability of mountain agricultural ecosystems in Hani Terrace. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between the stable isotopic composition of soil water and precipitation to determine the mechanisms of soil water movement in the small watershed of Quanfuzhuang. We observed significant seasonal variations in soil water sources: antecedent precipitation was the dominant supply during the dry season, and current precipitation dominated during the rainy season. The recharge ratio of precipitation to soil water in the grassland was significantly higher than that in the arbor land and shrubland. The influence of water infiltration, old and new soil water mixing, and soil evaporation on the soil water stable isotopes gradually decreased from the surface (0–20 cm) to the deep (60–80 cm) soil. We observed significant seasonal variability in average soil water δ18O in the upper 0–60 cm and lower variability at 60–100 cm. The average soil water δ18O was generally higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. The mixing of old and new water is a continuous and cumulative process that is impacted by soil structure, soil texture, and precipitation events. We therefore identified a significant time delay in soil water supply with increasing soil depth. Moreover, the piston flow of soil water co-occurred with preferential flow, and the latter was the dominant supply during the rainy season.
Organic Matter Decomposition and Ecosystem Metabolism as Tools to Assess the Functional Integrity of Streams and Rivers–A Systematic Review
Authors: Ferreira Verónica , Elosegi Arturo , D. Tiegs Scott , von Schiller Daniel , Young Roger
Published: December 2020

Streams and rivers provide important services to humans, and therefore, their ecological integrity should be a societal goal. Although ecological integrity encompasses structural and functional integrity, stream bioassessment rarely considers ecosystem functioning. Organic matter decomposition and ecosystem metabolism are prime candidate indicators of stream functional integrity, and here we review each of these functions, the methods used for their determination, and their strengths and limitations for bioassessment. We also provide a systematic review of studies that have addressed organic matter decomposition (88 studies) and ecosystem metabolism (50 studies) for stream bioassessment since the year 2000. Most studies were conducted in temperate regions. Bioassessment based on organic matter decomposition mostly used leaf litter in coarse-mesh bags, but fine-mesh bags were also common, and cotton strips and wood were frequent in New Zealand. Ecosystem metabolism was most often based on the open-channel method and used a single-station approach. Organic matter decomposition and ecosystem metabolism performed well at detecting environmental change (≈75% studies), with performances varying between 50 and 100% depending on the type of environmental change; both functions were sensitive to restoration practices in 100% of the studies examined. Finally, we provide examples where functional tools are used to complement the assessments of stream ecological integrity. With this review, we hope to facilitate the widespread incorporation of ecosystem processes into bioassessment programs with the broader aim of more effectively managing stream and river ecosystems.
CRITIC Method and Grey System Theory in the Study of Global Electric Cars
Authors: Nguyen Thi Kim Lien , Le Hoang Nga , Ngo Van Hai , Hoang Bang An
Published: December 2020

Science and technology development is a crucial for the elimination of air pollutants. The electric car industry, for example, contributes to minimizing emissions and climate change. The purpose of this study is to present an overview of electric car sales and its market share in 14 countries, from past to future, by integrating important criteria through the inter-criteria correlation (CRITIC) method in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), grey model first-order one variables (GM(1,1)), and grey relation analysis (GRA) method in grey system theory. First, the GM(1,1) estimates future terms based on historical time-series. Second, the objective weights of each variable, in every year, are determined by the CRITIC method. Finally, the research uses the GRA method for computing grades and ranks. The empirical result then reveals the performance and rank of electric car sales during the time period of 2016–2023. The analysis results thus reveal market share picture and direction of growth in the electric car industry.
KAJIAN KRIMINOLOGI TERHADAP PENELANTARAN ANAK SEBAGAI JENIS KEKERASAN DALAM RUMAH TANGGA
Authors: Putri Pertiwi Erinda Dhayana , Faozi Safik
Published: December 2020

Kekerasan dalam rumah tangga (KDRT) atau biasa disebut kekerasan domestik (domestic violence) merupakan suatu masalah yang sangat khas karena kekerasan dalam rumah tangga terjadi pada semua lapisan masyarakat. Sebagian besar korban kekerasan dalam rumah tangga khususnya penelantaran rumah tangga ini adalah anak. Kedudukan anak dalam rumah tangga lebih lemah, dan lebih rendah dari pada orang dewasa dan masih bergantung pada orang-orang dewasa di sekitarnya. Penelantaran anak merupakan bagian dari bentuk kekerasan terhadap anak, karena ia masuk kedalam kekerasan secara sosial (social abuse), Kekerasan yag bersifat psikis dan sosial (struktural) juga membawa dampak buruk dan permanen terhadap anak.

Berdasarkan uraian diatas, perumusan masalah dalam penulisan skripsi ini yang pertama adalah faktor-faktor apa saja yang menyebabkan terjadinya penelantaran terhadap anak didalam rumah tangga, kedua adalah bagaimana kajian kriminologi terhadap penelantaran anak sebagai jenis kekerasan dalam rumah tangga. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode pendekatan yuridis sosiologis. Untuk mendekati permasalahan dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan spesifikasi penelitian secara deskriptif analitis. Analisis ini yang dipergunakan dalam penulisan skripsi ini adalah kualitatif.

Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa faktor-faktor yang menyebabkan terjadinya penelantaran terhadap anak didalam rumah tangga dapat dijelaskan menggunakan teori kriminologi meliputi teori differential association dan teori sosio-kultural (sosiologi kriminal), adapula faktor-faktor lain yang berkaitan dengan penelantaran terhadap anak, antara lain: faktor perceraian orang tua, faktor kemiskinan, faktor lingkungan dan faktor pendidikan. Kajian Kriminologi Terhadap Pelaku Penelantaran Anak dapat dijelaskan dengan teori kriminologi yaitu differential association terkait dengan perilaku kejahatan yang dipelajari karena faktor eksternal dan yang meliputi teknik dan motifnya. Kajian Penelantaran Anak Sebagai Jenis Kekerasan Dalam Rumah Tangga yaitu berupa penelantaran anak yang dilakukan oleh orang tuanya temasuk dalam jenis kekerasan yang terjadi dalam lingkup rumah tangga yaitu penelentaran dalam rumah tangga yang sesuai menurut Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2004 tentang Penghapusan Kekerasan Dalam Rumah Tangga pada pasal 9 ayat 1.
PERLINDUNGAN ANAK TERHADAP PEMUATAN GAMBAR-GAMBAR PORNO DI MEDIA ONLINE
Authors: Chrisninditya Ellysabeth Chaterin , Faozi Safik
Published: December 2020

Anak adalah bagian yang tidak terpisahkan dari keberlangsungan hidup manusia dan keberlangsungan sebuah bangsa dan negara, setiap anak perlu mendapat kesempatan yang seluas-luasnya untuk tumbuh dan berkembang secara optimal, baik, fisik, mental maupun sosial.Dalam mengupayakan terwujudnya anak Indonesia yang berkualitas berakhlak mulia, dan sejahtera kita tertolong dengan adanya Internet.Sehingga kita juga dapat terhubung dengan pengguna internet diseluruh belahan dunia.Dampak positif yang didapat dari jaringan internet, sebagai media komunikasi, sebagai media pertukaran data dan sebagai media pencari informasi.Tetapi terdapat pula dampak negatif dari penggunaan internet seperti penipuan, perjudian, dan pornografi.Pornografi menjadi perhatian khusus karena anak-anak sekarang dapat mengakses dengan mudah karena kurangnya pengamanan terhadap situs-situs porno itu.

Dari latar belakang tersebut maka, dalam penelitian ini dirumuskan permasalahan sebagai berikut: (1) Bagaimana perlindungan anak terhadap pemuatan gambar-gambar porno di media online? (2) Apakah terdapat perlindungan khusus serta peran dari Negara atau Pemerintah untuk anak-anak dalam mengakses media online? (3) Apa saja hambatan dan penyelesaian dalam perlindungan anak terhadap pemuatan gambar-gambar porno di media online?

Metode pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah yuridis normatif.Dalam pendekatan In Concreto yaitu memberikangambaran peristiwa hukum konkrit yang terjadi serta mengkaji beberapa undang-undang yang berlaku dan membandingkan.Sedangkan analisis yang dipergunakan dalam penulisan skripsi ini kualitatif normatif.

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan (1) Orang tua yang memiliki wewenang dalam memberi batasan penggunaan gadget kepada anak. (2) Negara dan Pemerintah memberikan perlindungan khusus kepada dengan memblokir semua situs-situs porno yang ada di media online. (3) Hambatan yang timbul karena tidak dapat memblokir semua situs porno dengan mudah karena akan terjadi kerusakan dengan situs yang lain. Penyelesaian yang dilakukan dengan memasang internet sehat.
PENEGAKAN HUKUM ADMINISTRASI TERHADAP KEGIATAN YANG TIDAK BERDAMPAK PENTING YANG BELUM MEMILIKI DOKUMEN UKL-UPL (Studi PT. Hadi Putra Makmur Kota Semarang)
Authors: Istiqomah Istiqomah
Published: December 2020

Izin lingkungan adalah izin yang diberikan kepada setiap orang atau pemrakarsa yang ingin melakukan usaha dan/atau kegiatan yang wajib UKL-UPL dalam rangka perlindungan dan pengelolaan lingkungan hidup sebagai syarat memperoleh izin usaha dan/atau kegiatan. Pelanggaran yang dilakukan oleh PT. Hadi Putra Makmur terkait masalah kewajiban dan larangan, khususnya mengenai perizinan, upaya pngelolaan dan pemantauan lingkungan hidup, dengan ini pihak pengawasan dari DLH menegakan dengan cara pemberian sanksi administrasi. Hal tersbut diatas yang menjadi dasar penulis mengambil judul “PENEGAKAN HUKUM ADMINISTRASI TERHADAP KEGIATAN YANG TIDAK BERDAMPAK PENTING YANG BELUM MEMILIKI DOKUMEN UKL-UPL (Studi PT. Hadi putra Makmur Kota Semarang)”.Didalam penelitian ini, penulis mengangkat permasalahan, yaitu: a. Bagaimana penegakan hukum administrasi terhadap kegiatan yang tidak berdampak penting yang belum memiliki dokumen UKL-UPL? b. Bagaimana hambatan yang timbul dalam penegakan hukum administrasi terhadap kegiatan yang tidak berdampak penting yang belum memiliki dokumen UKL-UPL? c. Bagaimana Peran Hukum Administrasi Dalam Penegakan Hukum Lingkungan ?Metode yang digunakan adalah dengan menggunakan tipe penelitian yuridis normatif dengan spesifikasi penelitian deskriptif analitis, sumber data sekunder dengan metode pengumpulan data  melalui studi pustaka dan  wawancara, dan metode penyajian dan metode analisis data menggunakan metode deskriptif analitis.Tujuan penelitian ini menjelaskan penerapan sanksi administrasi terhadap kegiatan yang tidak berdampak penting yang belum memiliki dokumen UKL-UPL. Hambatan yang timbul dalam penegakan sanksi administrasi terhadap kegiatan yang tidak berdampak penting yang belum memiliki dokumen UKL-UPL, dan peran hukum administrasi dalam penegakan hukum lingkungan. Hasil penelitian bahwa PT. Hadi Putra Makmur telah melakukan  pelanggaran mengenai perizinan, upaya pengelolaan dan pemantauan lingkungan hidup, DLH kota Semarang telah memberikan sanksi administrasi berupa paksaan pemerintah sesuai dengan PP no. 37 Tahun 2012 tentang izin lingkungan. Sanksi administrasi merupakan instrumen hukum yang digunakan pertama kali oleh DLHdalam penegakan kasus yang dilakukan olehPT. Hadi Putra Makmur.

Kata kunci : Penegakan Administrasi, Izin Lingkungan, UKL-UPL
PERLINDUNGAN HUKUM BAGI KONSUMEN TERHADAP PRODUK MAKANAN YANG BELUM BERSERTIFIKAT HALAL
Authors: Wulan Putri Hayuning
Published: December 2020

Perkembangan perekonomian di Indonesia dalam bidang perdagangan dan perindustrian telah melahirkan banyak jenis barang dan jasa.Dibantu dengan kemajuan teknologi informasi dan telekomunikasi di Indonesia, mengakibatkan luasnya area transaksi jual beli hingga manca Negara. Sebagai Negara berpenduduk muslim terbesar di dunia, Indonesia memiliki potensi menjadi produsen makanan halal terbesar pula. Pelaku usaha bukan hanya memperhatikan dari sisi komposisi secara medis saja, namun juga perlu makanan yang dikonsumsi halal secara hukum.Sertifikasi terhadap produk makanan sebagai salah satu bentuk perlindungan konsumen terhadap kehalalan suatu produk, bukan hanya untuk melindungi konsumennya saja tetapi juga sebagai benteng untuk meniadakan kesewenang-wenangan yang merugikan pelaku usaha hanya demi kepentingan perlindungan konsumen.Hal tersebut diatas yang menjadi dasar penulis menangambil judul: “PERLINDUNGAN HUKUM BAGI KONSUMEN TERHADAP PRODUK MAKANAN YANG BELUM BERSERTIFIKAT HALAL”.

Permasalahan dalam penelitian ini adalah bagaimana bentuk perlindungan hukum bagi konsumen terhadap produk makanan yang belum bersertifikat halal serta akibat hukum bagi pelaku usaha atas produk makanan yang belum bersertifikat halal.

Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan yuridis normatif.Spesifikasi penelitian yang digunakan bersifat deskriptif analitis.Data penelitian ini yaitu data sekunder yang diperoleh melalui studi kepustakaan yang kemudian dianalisis dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif.

Hasil penelitian yang didapat meskipun telah ada peraturan yang dibuat oleh Pemerintah, dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 8 tentang Perlindungan Konsumen tahun 1999 dan Undang-Undang Nomor 33 tentang Jaminan Produk Halal tahun 2014, bahwa fakta yang terjadi masih terdapat adanya produk makanan yang belum bersertifikat halal. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, perlindungan hukum bagi konsumen terhadap produk makanan yang belum bersertifikat halal diatur dalam Pasal 45 Undang-Undang Perlindungan Konsumen yang mengatur mengenai apabila konsumen di rugikan atas produk, konsumen dapat mengajukan gugatan kepada pelaku usaha sebagai bentuk perlindungan hukum terhadap konsumen. Adapun kewajiban sebagai pelaku usaha untuk memiliki sertifikat halal diatur dalam Pasal 4 Undang-Undang Nomor 33 tahun 2014 tentang Sistem Jaminan Halal, sebagai akibat hukum yang diterima pelaku usaha terhadap beredarnya produk makanan yang belum bersertifikat halal yaitu dengan memberikan sanksi adminitratif dan sanksi pidana yang diatur dalam Pasal 62 Undang-Undang Perlindungan Konsumen.

 

Kata Kunci : Perlindungan Konsumen, Sertifikat Halal, Akibat Hukum