bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth and Plant Nutrient Uptake by Terung Asam (Solanum lasiocarpum Dunal)
Authors: Chubo John Keen , Shahudin Muhammad Akmal , Ong Kian Huat , Simol Carlina Freddie
Published: December 2021

Terung asam (Solanum lasiocarpum Dunal) is a native fruit vegetable that is gaining interest as a commercial crop in Sarawak and Malaysia. Malaysia is covered by soils that are highly weathered, acidic, and low in fertility and depend on chemical fertilisers to promote good plant growth. Alternative means to reduce dependency on chemical fertiliser, for example arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF), must be sourced. Very few research on terung asam has been documented particularly on nutrients uptake. The objectives of this research were to investigate the effect of indigenous and non-indigenous AMF on nutrient uptake by terung asam. A greenhouse experiment was conducted consisting of three treatments namely control (T1), indigenous AMF (T2), non-indigenous AMF (T3). The treatments were arranged in a complete randomised design with four subsamples and four replicates. Thirty-day-old seedlings were transplanted and measured for their heights and stem diameters for 90 days. Fresh and dry shoot and root weights were taken during harvesting. Plant nutrient analyses were conducted using Kjeldahl method for total N, single ashing for P and single ashing and double acid for K, Ca and Mg. The results revealed the addition of AMF spores at 200 spores per pot, increased plant height by 13 to 33% and stem diameter by 5 to 25% and more leaves were retained by T3 plants at harvesting. T3 recorded higher fresh shoot (11.27%) and dry shoot (14.98%) as well as fresh root (23.67%) and dry root (22.77%) weights than T1 plants. Addition of AMF in treatments T2 and T3 promoted better nutrient uptake by aboveground and belowground biomasses particularly for K, Ca and Mg. T3 was superior in terms of the nutrient uptake for most nutrients. AMF used in T3 showed better results as the AMF spores were proven effective in promoting plant growth while AMF used in T2 were obtained from the field and untested. The findings of this study showed the potential of indigenous and non-indigenous AMF in promoting growth and nutrient uptake by terung asam plants.
The Growth and Morphological Characterization Of Tropical Thermophilic Bacterium Parageobacillus caldoxylosilyticus ER4B
Authors: Wong Clemente Michael Vui Ling , Ching Xin Jie , Cheah Yoke Kqueen , Najimuddin Nazalan
Published: December 2021

Parageobacillus caldoxylosilyticus is a rod-shaped thermophilic bacterium that can grow optimally at high temperatures. The thermophilicity of the bacterium is expected to be largely accounted for by the production of thermostable enzymes which has valuable applications in many fields. However, the species is poorly studied, hence, the growth conditions at high temperatures remained unclear until today. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the growth characterization of P. caldoxylosilyticus, including growth media preferences, optimal growth temperature, as well as minimum and maximum growth temperature. P. caldoxylosilyticus strain ER4B isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunch compost was used in this study. The bacterial strain was first identified using 16S rRNA sequencing, and the subsequent BLAST result showed that it is closest to P. caldoxylosilyticus strain UTM6. It is found that ER4B grew best in LB as compared to R2A, TSB, and NB medium. Further temperature tests determined the optimum growth temperature of the strain to be at 64°C Besides, the bacterium forms mucoid circular punctiform colonies that are yellowish in color on an agar plate, and the colony is usually 2 mm to 4 mm in diameter. The microscopic analysis also revealed that strain ER4B is a Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium that has a length ranging from 3 µm to 6 µm, with a diameter of around 0.5 µm.
Factors Affecting Fishers’ Attitude and Willingness to use Cage Aquaculture as an Alternative Livelihood for Reducing Fishing Pressure in Haor Areas, Bangladesh
Authors: Bhuiya Shahidul Islam , Munir Mohammad Bodrul , Alam AKM Nowsad , Kabeer Fozlul , Hossain Md. Jamal , Hannan Md. Abdul
Published: December 2021

Inland capture fisheries are providing cost of livings of about 1.2 million BDT in Bangladesh. However, overexploitation causes the declination of the abundance of native fish species which adversely affects the livelihoods of haor dwellers. The present study was conducted in two haor villages (Sutarpara and Changnoagaon) of Kishoreganj, Bangladesh to explore the factors (economic and non-economic) affecting fishers’ attitude and willingness about cage aquaculture considered as livelihood alternative for reducing fishing pressure. The methodologies applied to do this study were semi-structured face-to-face interview, key informants and questionnaire survey using Likert scale (LS), focus group discussions (FGD). The result revealed that willingness to switch from traditional way of fishing to cage aquaculture activities was significantly (p<0.05) higher in those fishers’ groups that had more inclination in fishing activities. Simultaneously, non-economic factors like powerful traders and fishers, traditional belief, taking risk, launching period of cage aquaculture venture and investment duration played vital role in decisions on whether to fish or not. The economic factors were fewer in number than non-economic factors. This comparative research is significantly important for future social aquaculture researchers as well as the country policy makers for giving emphasis to gather data based on the prevailing economic and non-economic factors to innovate alternative livelihood activity concurrently.
SUNGKIA: RITUAL KELAHIRAN BAYI PADA MASYARAKAT BUTON CIA-CIA DI DESA GERAK MAKMUR KECAMATAN SAMPOLAWA KABUPATEN BUTON SELATAN
Authors: Aco La Ode , Sifatu Wa Ode , Raemon Raemon
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini dilakukan di Desa Gerak Makmur, Kecamatan Sampolawa, Kabupaten Buton Selatan. Teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah teori penafsiran simbol Victor Turner. Sedangkan metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini ialah metode deskripsi kualitatif. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah : (1) Untuk menjelaskan proses pelaksanaan ritual Sungkia pada masyarakat Buton di Desa Gerak Makmur Kecamatan Sampolawa Kabupaten Buton Selatan, (2) Untuk menjelskanmaknasimbolik yang terkandung dalam ritual Sungkia pada masyarakat Buton di Desa Gerak Makmur Kecamatan Sampolawa Kabupaten Buton Selatan. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa Ritual sungkia merupakan tradisi yang diwariskan secara turun temurun oleh para leluhur kepada masyarakat Gerak Makmur, yang sebagai syarat wajib ibu dan sang bayi agar terbebas dari masa-masa kampua. Rangkaian pelaksanaan ritual, ketika masa kampua ibu telah genap selama empat puluh hari.Pewarisan ritual sungkia oleh para leluhur memberikah harapan yang baik bagi masyarakat sehingga ritual hingga sampai saat ini masih tetap tradisikan. Terutama diperuntukan bagi setiap ibu yang lepas dari masa-masa pengurunga (kampua).Tradisi ritual sungkia dalam tanggapan masyarakat Buton cia-cia yang ada di desa Gerak Makmur bahwa sungkia sudah menjadi kebiasaan masyarakat setiap kelahirang berlangsung selama empat puluh hari. Masyarakat juga menganggap ritual dapat memberikan kehidupan yang baik bagi sang anak agar terhindar dari marah bahaya dan senantiasan tetap berada dalam kebaikan.
PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT MUNA TERHADAP REKONSTRUKSI BENTENG WUNA
Authors: Langaja Amin , Jalil Abdul
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan mendeskripsikan persepsi masyarakat Muna terhadap rekonstruksi Beteng Wuna di Desa Unit Pemukiman Wuna Kecamatan Tongkuno Kabupaten Muna. Penelitian Ini menggunakan teori budaya sebagai sistem kognitif oleh Ward Goodenough dengan menggunakan metode etnografi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa persepsi masyarakata muna terhadap benteng wuna mempengaruhi tingkah laku mereka, karena dengan diadakanya rekonstruksi benteng tesebut sehingga pemeritah kabupaten munamembuat sebuah peraturan desa untuk menghidupkan kemali benten dan menjalankan beberapa huku yang perna berlaku di dalam kawasan benteng. Selain itu juga masyarakat desa Unit Pemukiman Wuna juga masih menjalankan beberapa tradisi yang ada sejak zaman kerajaan muna masih Berjaya disana hingga sekarang.
KERAJINAN TRADISIONAL BERBAHAN PAKU HATA (NENTU) PADA MASYARAKAT MUNA (STUDI DI DESA KORIHI KECAMATAN LOHIA KABUPATEN MUNA
Authors: Anita Desi , Hapsah Wa Ode Sitti
Published: December 2021

Kerajinan anyaman dari Paku Hata (Nentu) adalah suatu kerajinan tangan yang berbentuk anyaman dengan bahan dasar batang tanaman merambat. Masyarakat Muna biasa menyebutnya dengan kata “Nentu”. Tanaman yang sifatnya merambat ini bisa dijumpai pada tempat yang disekelilingnya terdapat pohon rendah maupun tinggi yang bisa dijadikan wadah untuk melilitkan diri. Batang Nentu yang digunakan dalam membuat anyaman yaitu batang yang sudah tua.Tujuan dalam penelitian ini untuk mengetahui dan mendeskripsikan proses pembuatan kerajinan, untuk menjelaskan strategi dalam mempertahankan kerajinan, dan mengetahui pemasaran hasil produk kerajinan tradisional berbahan Paku Hata (Nentu) pada masyarakat di Desa Korihi Kecamatan Lohia Kabupaten Muna. Teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu teori sistem teknologi oleh Koentjaraningrat, Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah dengan cara melalui pengamatan terlibat dan wawabcara mendalam. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa proses pembuatan kerajinan tradisional berbahan Paku Hata (Nentu) terdapat tiga proses utama yaitu: (1) persiapan bahan baku, dalam persiapan bahan baku bagian yang paling utama yang harus disiapkan terlebih dahulu yaitu tenaga kerja, kemudian bahan baku dan alat pembuatan kerajinan. (2) pembuatan pola dasar, dalam pembuatannya dibutuhkan jari-jari tangan yang kuat sebagai tumpuan untuk memegang batang Rotan yang dililitkan batang Nentu. (3) kreativitas pengembangan bentuk anyaman, dalam membuat kreativitas dapat menghasilkan berbagai jenis perabotan tradisional seperti Talang Besar, Bosara, Talang Pengalas Gelas, Alas Piring , Dan Tempat Tisu. Adapun strategi masyarakat dalam mempertahankan kerajinan tradisional yaitu dengan menghadirkan instruktur ke kelompok pengrajin dan mengikuti event-event kerajinan. Dalam pemasarannya masyarakat membawa hasil kerajinannya di Kota Raha, Kendari, Dekranas Tingkat I, dan di Jakarta untuk diperjual belikan.
PERGESERAN NILAI-NILAI BUDAYA POKADULU PADA MASYARAKAT MUNA DI DESA LANGKU-LANGKU KECAMATAN TIWORO TENGAH KABUPATEN MUNA BARAT
Authors: Jumiati Jumiati
Published: December 2021

Budaya pokadulu merupakan kegiatan masyarakat dalam bekerja untuk saling membantu satu sama lain yang dilakukan secara bergilir dan bergotong-royong. Konsep Pokadulu selalu ditanamkan dalam diri setiap individu mulai dari generasi muda samapai dengan orang tua.Tujuan dalam penelitian ini untuk mengetahui dan mendeskripsikan bentuk-bentuk pokadulu pada masyarakat Muna di Desa Langku-Langku Kecamatan Tiworo Tengah Kabupaten Muna Barat dan Mendeskripsikan atau mengetahui pergeseran nilai-nilai budaya pokadulu pada masyarakat Muna di Desa Langku-Langku Kecamatan Tiworo Tengah Kabupaten Muna Barat. Teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu teori evolusioner oleh Talcott Parsons Menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan tiga cara trigulasi yakni melakukan pengamatan terlibat langsung dilapangan, wawancara terhadap informan dan catatan lapangan untuk memperoleh data sebanyak-banyaknya. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang telah dilakukan,bentuk-bentuk pokadulu terdapat tiga macam yaitu pokadulu dalam pesta perkawinan, pokadulu dalam kegiatan pertanian, dan pokadulu dalam kegiatan sosial kemasyarakatan. Yang memiliki  enam (6) nilai-nilai positif (1) nilai kebersamaan, (2) nilai persatuan, (3) nilai tolong menolong, (4) nilai sosialisasi dan (5) nilai rela berkorban. Yang keseluruhan berubah dan bergeser akibat dua faktor yakni (1) faktor teknologi yang semakin berkembang dan (2) faktor ekonomi.
PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT DALAM PENGELOLAAN DESTINASI WISATA DI DESA NAMU KECAMATAN LAONTI KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN
Authors: Sarlina Sarlina , Zainal Zainal
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui partisipasi masyarakat dalam pengelolaan destinasi wisata di Desa Namu Kecamatan Laonti Kabupaten Konawe Selatan dan untuk mengetahui dampak pengelolaan objek wisata Desa Namu terhadap kehidupan sosial budaya masyarakat. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik purposive sampling dalam pemilihan informan, pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode observasi dan wawancara mendalam. Data yang telah terkumpul berupa hasil pengamatan dan hasil wawancara dianalisis dengan menggunakan teori partisipasi menurut Cohen dan Uphoff (1977). Hasil penelitan ini menunjukan bahwa, sesuai dengan teori yang dikemukakan oleh Cohen dan Uphoff (1997), terdapat 4 jenis partisipasi yang telah melibatkan masyarakat Desa Namu dalam pengelolaan destinasi wisata. Partisipasi pertama adalah pembuatan keputusan yang dilakukan dalam bentuk musyawarah penyaluran pendapat dan masukan terkait keputusan program pengelolaan Desa Namu sebagai objek wisata. Kedua, partisipasi pengelolaan dengan mendirikan kelompok sadar wisata, menyediakan sarana dan prasarana serta pengadaan aksebilitas. Ketiga, partisipasi dalam menerima manfaat dengan meningkatnya perekonomian keluarga serta menikmati hasil pembangunan yang telah dilakukan. Keempat, partisipasi dalam evaluasi, beberapa perwakilan anggota masyarakat dilibatkan dalam pengawasan pembangunan serta hasilnya yang juga dilakukan oleh Pemerintah Desa. Dampak pengelolaan objek wisata terhadap kehidupan sosial budaya, masyarakat menjadi lebih interaktif, tingkat interaksi sosial dengan orang baru meningkat dan memiliki kesiapan terhadap masuknya budaya baru tanpa menghilangkan budaya lokal. Dengan adanya dampak positif objek wisata terhadap kehidupan sosial budaya masyarakat, diharapkan dapat menjadi sarana pengenalan dan pengembangan keunikan wisata berbasis lokal yang telah ada dan dapat mengembangkan usaha pelestarian keanekaragaman hayati Desa Namu.
BOM IKAN DAN NELAYAN BAGAN
Authors: Rimang Rimang , Sifatu Wa Ode
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini melihat nelayan menyembunyikan informasi keberadaan bom ikan kepada Polisi dan mereka yang tidak berkepentingan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mendeskripsikan cara menyembunyikan informasi, proses memperoleh bahan baku, cara menggunakan bom sebagai pelengkap alat tangkap. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode etnografi. Fokus penelitian adalah nelayan  pengguna bom sebagai alat bantu tangkap di Desa Labuan Beropa  Kabupaten Konawe Selatan. Data yang dibutuhkan adalah data kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data melalui pengamatan terlibat  dan wawancara mendalam. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian, pengguna memahami bom membahayakan  keberlanjutan ekosistem laut dan jiwa manusia, namun telah menjadi candu karena menguntungkan secara ekonomi semasa. Nelayan telah memiliki tuntunan dan pengetahuan  tentang cara agar  pengguna bom terhindar dari bahaya saat bom diledakkan. Nelayan bagan mempersepsikan bahwa ekonomi nelayan dapat meningkat jika menggunakan bom sebagai alat bantu. Nelayan bagan masih menggunakan bom ikan sebagai alat bantu penangkapan, bom ikan merusak ekosistem perairan dan dapat membahayakan jiwa penggunanya. Implikasi teoritis: Teori Geertz (1973) tentang  From the native of view bekerja pada nelayan bagan pengguna bom ikan. Etos, pandangan dunia menuntun mereka agar terhindar dari marabahaya. Rekomendasi: diharapkan pemerintah dan instansi terkait melakukan pendekatan secara persuasif dan duduk bersama untuk mencari solusi sebagai jalan keluar.
RITUAL CUCURA(PESTA PANEN) SEBAGAI UNGKAPAN RASA SYUKUR PADA SANGIA DI DESA LANGERE KECAMATAN BONEGUNU KABUPATEN BUTON UTARA
Authors: Firna Firna , Ashmarita Ashmarita
Published: December 2021

Tujuan dalam penelitian ini untuk mengetahui proses ritual Cucura (pasta panen) sebagai ungkapan rasa syukur pada sangia di Desa Langere Kecamatan Bonegunu Kabupaten Buton Utara dan untuk mengetahui fungsi ritual cucura (pesta panen) sebagai ungkapan rasa syukur pada sangia penelitian ini menggunakan teori Sruktural Fungsionalme oleh Radcliffe Brown. Adapun metode peneltian menggunakan deskriptif kualitatif dan pengumpulan data di lakukan melalui pengamatan (observasi), dan wawancara mendalam (Indepth Interview). Adapun  hasil penelitian ini yaitu: Ritual ini masih dilaksanakan karena masyarakat percaya kepada Laode Pepago dan masyarakat meyakini ia sebagai tokoh yang dianggap sebagai sangia. Menurut kepercayaan setempat dia adalah sangia yang dipercayai sebagai penguasa kampung oleh karena itu, diadakanlah ritual, dimana didalam ritual tersebut ada persembahan atau sesajen yang disimpan diatas loteng agar terhindar dari penyakit yaitu haroa di rumah sangia yaitu diruang tamu dan pengerahan sesajen diatas loteng (Monsurako) makanan diatas loteng dimaknai sebagai penawar/obat untuk masyarakat, yang memakan ketupat  terhindar dari sesuatu yang menyebabkan terjadinya gangguan pada mahluk hidup seperti  penyakit menular. Haroa ini di tunjukan kepada sangia serta semua masyarakat Desa Langere sebagai wujud rasa syukur terhdap penguasa kampung yang telah memberikan kesuburan lahan, rezki, kesehatan, dan amalan supaya kampung diberkati atau keselamatan kampung. Fungsi ritual cucura ada tiga poin yaitu fungsi meminta keberkahan dan meminta kesehatan, fungsi mempererat keakakraban saling silahtuhrahmi, dan fungsi untuk keselamatan kampung.
TARIAN SAJOMOANE
Authors: Sarifudin Sarifudin , Janu La , Jalil Abdul
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan mendeskripsikan makna simbolik dan nili-nilai yang terkandung didalam tarian sajomoane.Untuk menganalisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan teori interpretasi simbolik Clifford Geertz. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah teknik penelitian lapangan (field work) dengan menggunakan dua (2) metode yaitu pengamatan (observation) dan wawancara mendalam (indeepth interview). Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dan menggunakan metode etnografi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Tarian sajomoane adalah tarian “sakral” dan merupakan tarian perang olehnya itu tarian ini dimainkan oleh kaum laki-laki yang sehat bugar dan tubuhnya kuat dan kekar.Tarian ini merupakan penjemputan yaitu diperuntukan atau dipersembahkan untuk menjemput tamu-tamu terhormat atau tamu-tamu kerajaan. Adapun makna simbol yang terkandung dalam tarian sajomoane seperti gerakan persiapan pasukan sebagai gerakan awal dalam tarian bermakna menggambarkan keadaan dan kesiapan pasukan untuk melakukan pengintaian terhadap musuh. Selanjutnya gerakan pengintaian musuh oleh pasukan gerakan yang dilakukan yaitu penari masuki area atau lapangan dengan berlari-lari, dan mengancungkan parang keatas dan membentuk formasi barisan empat banjar yang diiringi oleh tabuhan gong bemakna menggambarkan pasukan yang telah melaksanakan pengintaian dan bersiap melaporkan hasil pengintaian tesebut kepada komandan atau pimpinan pasukan utama. Nilai dalam tarian sajomoane yaitu nilai estetika, nilai budaya, dan nilai pendidikan.
Determinants, Barriers and Strategies of Digital Transformation Adoption in a Developing Country Covid-19 era
Authors: Ofosu-Ampong Kingsley
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants and strategies of digital transformation adoption (DTA) in a developing country context through the lens of price value, hedonic motivation, inherent innovativeness and technology readiness. The study also investigates the impact of COVID-19 on banks in Ghana from the managers' perspectives and provide possible solutions for banks' successful transitioning and uptake of digital transformation in a post COVID-19 era. The study was carried out using a mixed-method approach from banks in Ghana. The findings of the study revealed that customers' technology acceptance and adoption of innovation is fraught with challenges. At the same time, employees/banks struggled to adjust to new technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, the findings indicate that price value, inherent innovativeness and technology readiness were the significant factors in DTA. Conversely, hedonic motivation was an insignificant factor in a developing country context. The paper concludes with a conceptual model for emergency digital transformation to respond to future pandemics.
Chromosomally Located fosA7 in Salmonella Isolates From China
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Yan , Wang Zhen-Yu , Wu Han , Mei Cai-Yue , Shen Peng-Cheng , Pan Zhi-Ming , Jiao Xinan
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fosfomycin fosA7 in Salmonella enterica isolates from food animals and retail meat products in China and the impact of fosA7 on bacterial fitness. A total of 360 Salmonella isolates collected from 11 provinces and cities in China were detected for fosA7. All fosA7-positive Salmonella isolates were determined minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and sequenced by Illumina Hiseq. The fosA7 gene of S. Derby isolate HA2-WA5 was knocked out. The full length of fosA7 was cloned into vector pBR322 and then transformed into various hosts. MICs of fosfomycin, growth curves, stability, and fitness of fosA7 were evaluated. The fosA7 gene was identified in S. Derby (ST40, n = 30) and S. Reading (ST1628, n = 5). MICs to fosfomycin of 35 fosA7-positive isolates were 1 to 32 mg/L. All fosA7 were located on chromosomes of Salmonella. The deletion of fosA7 in HA2-WA5 decreased fosfomycin MIC by 16-fold and slightly affected its fitness. The acquisition of plasmid-borne fosA7 enhanced MICs of fosfomycin in Salmonella (1,024-fold) and Escherichia coli (16-fold). The recombinant plasmid pBR322-fosA7 was stable in Salmonella Typhimurium, S. Pullorum, S. Derby, and E. coli, except for Salmonella Enteritidis, and barely affected on the growth of them but significantly increased biological fitness in Salmonella. The spread of specific Salmonella serovars such as S. Derby ST40 will facilitate the dissemination of fosA7. fosA7 can confer high-level fosfomycin resistance and enhance bacterial fitness in Salmonella if transferred on plasmids; thus, it has the potential to be a reservoir of the mobilized fosfomycin resistance gene.
Interpretation of Frequency Channel-Based CNN on Depression Identification
Authors: Ke Hengjin , Cai Cang , Wang Fengqin , Hu Fang , Tang Jiawei , Shi Yuxin
Published: December 2021

Online end-to-end electroencephalogram (EEG) classification with high performance can assess the brain status of patients with Major Depression Disabled (MDD) and track their development status in time with minimizing the risk of falling into danger and suicide. However, it remains a grand research challenge due to (1) the embedded intensive noises and the intrinsic non-stationarity determined by the evolution of brain states, (2) the lack of effective decoupling of the complex relationship between neural network and brain state during the attack of brain diseases. This study designs a Frequency Channel-based convolutional neural network (CNN), namely FCCNN, to accurately and quickly identify depression, which fuses the brain rhythm to the attention mechanism of the classifier with aiming at focusing the most important parts of data and improving the classification performance. Furthermore, to understand the complexity of the classifier, this study proposes a calculation method of information entropy based on the affinity propagation (AP) clustering partition to measure the complexity of the classifier acting on each channel or brain region. We perform experiments on depression evaluation to identify healthy and MDD. Results report that the proposed solution can identify MDD with an accuracy of 99±0.08%, the sensitivity of 99.07±0.05%, and specificity of 98.90±0.14%. Furthermore, the experiments on the quantitative interpretation of FCCNN illustrate significant differences between the frontal, left, and right temporal lobes of depression patients and the healthy control group.
Adaptive Feedback Control in Human Reaching Adaptation to Force Fields
Authors: Mathew James , Crevecoeur Frédéric
Published: December 2021

Sensorimotor adaptation is a central function of the nervous system, as it allows humans and other animals to flexibly anticipate their interaction with the environment. In the context of human reaching adaptation to force fields, studies have traditionally separated feedforward (FF) and feedback (FB) processes involved in the improvement of behavior. Here, we review computational models of FF adaptation to force fields and discuss them in light of recent evidence highlighting a clear involvement of feedback control. Instead of a model in which FF and FB mechanisms adapt in parallel, we discuss how online adaptation in the feedback control system can explain both trial-by-trial adaptation and improvements in online motor corrections. Importantly, this computational model combines sensorimotor control and short-term adaptation in a single framework, offering novel perspectives for our understanding of human reaching adaptation and control.
Low Doses of Sucralose Alter Fecal Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Zhang Minchun , Chen Jie , Yang Minglan , Qian Cheng , Liu Yu , Qi Yicheng , Feng Rilu , Yang Mei , Liu Wei , Ma Jing
Published: December 2021

Artificial sweeteners (AS) have been widely used as sugar substitutes to reduce calorie intake. However, it was reported that high doses of AS induced glucose intolerance via modulating gut microbiota. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of lower doses of sucralose on fecal microbiota in obesity. Eight weeks after high-fat diet (HFD), the male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (6 in each group) and administrated by a daily gavage of 2 ml normal saline (CON), 0.54 mM sucralose (N054), 0.78 mM sucralose (N078), and 324 mM sucrose (S324), respectively. After 4 weeks, fecal samples were obtained and analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The richness and diversity of fecal microbiota were not changed by sucralose or sucrose. Both 0.54 mM (0.43 mg) and 0.78 mM (0.62 mg) sucralose tended to reduce the beneficial bacteria, Lactobacillaceae and Akkermansiaceae. The relative abundance of family Acidaminoccaceae and its genus Phascolarctobacteriam were increased after 0.54 mM sucralose. In functional prediction, 0.54 mM sucralose increased profiles of carbohydrate metabolism, whereas 0.78 mM sucralose enhanced those of amino acid metabolism. The lower doses of sucralose might alter the compositions of fecal microbiota. The effects of sucralose in different dosages should be considered in the future study.
Linkage Between Inclusive Digital Finance and High-Tech Enterprise Innovation Performance: Role of Debt and Equity Financing
Authors: Han Huiyuan , Gu Xiaomin
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the relationship between digital financial inclusion, external financing, and the innovation performance of high-tech enterprises in China. The choice of corporate financing methods is an important part of organizational behavioral psychology, and different financing models will have a certain effect on organizational performance, especially in the digital economy environment. Therefore, based on resource dependence theory and financing constraint theory, the present study utilizes the panel data collected from the China Stock Market & Accounting Research (CSMAR) database from 2011 to 2020 of 112 companies in the Yangtze River Delta region and the “The Peking University Digital Financial Inclusion Index of China (PKU-DFIIC)” released by the Peking University Digital Finance Research Center and Ant Financial Group. The results show that the Digital Financial Inclusion Index (DFIIC) has a significant positive correlation with the innovation performance of high-tech enterprises. The higher the level of debt financing, the stronger the role of digital financial inclusion in promoting innovation performance. Investigating the DFIIC in terms of coverage breadth and usage depth, we find that usage depth does not significantly encourage innovation performance. The effect of the interaction between coverage breadth and external financing is consistent with the results for the DFIIC. The study suggests that equity financing promotes the usage depth of the DFIIC in state-owned enterprises. In contrast, debt financing promotes the coverage breadth of non-state-owned enterprises. Finally, we propose relevant policy recommendations based on the research results. It includes in-depth popularization of inclusive finance in the daily operations of enterprises at the technical level, refinement of external financing policy incentives for enterprises based on the characteristics of ownership, and strengthening the research of technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing. The paper presents a range of theoretical and practical implications for practitioners and academics relevant to high-tech enterprises.
Parallel Computing of Edwards—Anderson Model
Authors: Padalko Mikhail Alexandrovich , Shevchenko Yuriy Andreevich , Kapitan Vitalii Yurievich , Nefedev Konstantin Valentinovich
Published: December 2021

A scheme for parallel computation of the two-dimensional Edwards—Anderson model based on the transfer matrix approach is proposed. Free boundary conditions are considered. The method may find application in calculations related to spin glasses and in quantum simulators. Performance data are given. The scheme of parallelisation for various numbers of threads is tested. Application to a quantum computer simulator is considered in detail. In particular, a parallelisation scheme of work of quantum computer simulator.
Analysis of Aircraft Operation System Regarding Readiness—Case Study
Authors: Żyluk Andrzej , Cur Krzysztof , Tomaszewska Justyna , Czerwiński Tomasz
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study was to develop a model of the readiness and reliability of an aircraft to perform an air task. The applied research method uses quantitative statistical methods and Markov processes in order to create a mathematical algorithm to exploit a selected aircraft type. The paper presents a case study of the TS-11 “Iskra” aircraft. The results show that even if the probability of being on stand-by is low, the tasks can be completed by operating the entire fleet properly.
Variations in HIF-1α Contributed to High Altitude Hypoxia Adaptation via Affected Oxygen Metabolism in Tibetan Sheep
Authors: Zhao Pengfei , He Zhaohua , Xi Qiming , Sun Hongxian , Luo Yuzhu , Wang Jiqing , Liu Xiu , Zhao Zhidong , Li Shaobin
Published: December 2021

The Tibetan sheep is an indigenous species of the Tibetan plateau and has been well adapted to high-altitude hypoxia. In comparison to lowland sheep breeds, the blood gas indicators have changed and the HIFs signaling pathway is activated in Tibetan sheep. These phenotypic and genetic alterations in Tibetan sheep are thought to be an important basis for adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia and variation in genes encoding the subunits that make up HIFs, such as HIF-1α can affect blood gas indicators. In this study, exons 9, 10, 12 of the HIF-1α gene were sequenced to find variations and 3 SNPs were detected, and these 3 SNPs were genotyped by KASP in 341 Hu sheep and 391 Tibetan sheep. In addition, 197 Hu sheep, 160 Tibetan sheep and 12 Gansu alpine merino sheep were used for blood gas indicators analysis. The results showed significant differences between the blood gas indicators of high-altitude breeds (Tibetan sheep and Gansu alpine merino sheep) and low-altitude breeds (Hu sheep), implying that the differences in blood gas indicators are mainly caused by differences in altitude. The haplotype combinations H2H3 and H1H3 were more frequent in the Tibetan sheep population, H2H3 increases O2 carrying capacity by increasing hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations; H1H3 makes O2 dissociate more readily from oxyhemoglobin by decreasing partial pressure of oxygen and oxygen saturation. These results suggest that variants at the HIF-1α promote the ability of oxygen utilization in Tibetan sheep, which may underpin the survival and reproduction of Tibetan sheep on the Tibetan plateau.
Pharmacokinetic Developability and Disposition Profiles of Bispecific Antibodies: A Case Study with Two Molecules
Authors: Datta-Mannan Amita , Brown Robin , Key Stephanie , Cain Paul , Feng Yiqing
Published: December 2021

Bispecific antibodies (BsAb) that engage multiple pathways are a promising therapeutic strategy to improve and prolong the efficacy of biologics in complex diseases. In the early stages of discovery, BsAbs often exhibit a broad range of pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior. Optimization of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) interactions and removal of undesirable physiochemical properties have been used to improve the ‘pharmacokinetic developability’ for various monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics, yet there is a sparsity of such information for BsAbs. The present work evaluated the influence of FcRn interactions and inherent physiochemical properties on the PK of two related single chain variable fragment (scFv)-based BsAbs. Despite their close relation, the two BsAbs exhibit disparate PK in cynomolgus monkeys with BsAb-1 having an aberrant clearance of ~2 mL/h/kg and BsAb-2 displaying a an ~10-fold slower clearance (~0.2 mL/h/kg). Evaluation of the physiochemical characteristics of the molecules, including charge, non-specific binding, thermal stability, and hydrophobic properties, as well as FcRn interactions showed some differences. In-depth drug disposition results revealed that a substantial disparity in the complete release from FcRn at a neutral pH is a primary factor contributing to the rapid clearance of the BsAb-1 while other biophysical characteristics were largely comparable between molecules.
Impact of Extended and Restricted Antibiotic Deescalation on Mortality
Authors: Teh Hwei Lin , Abdullah Sarimah , Ghazali Anis Kausar , Khan Rahela Ambaras , Ramadas Anitha , Leong Chee Loon
Published: December 2021

Background: More data are needed about the safety of antibiotic de-escalation in specific clinical situations as a strategy to reduce exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics. This study aims to compare the survival curve of patient de-escalated (early or late) against those not de-escalated on antibiotics, to determine the association of patient related, clinical related, and pressure sore/device related characteristics on all-cause 30-day mortality and determine the impact of early and late antibiotic de-escalation on 30-day all-cause mortality. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study on patients in medical ward Hospital Kuala Lumpur, admitted between January 2016 and June 2019. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve and Fleming–Harrington test were used to compare the overall survival rates between early, late, and those not de-escalated on antibiotics while multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine prognostic factors associated with mortality and the impact of de-escalation on 30-day all-cause mortality. Results: Overall mortality rates were not significantly different when patients were not de-escalated on extended or restricted antibiotics, compared to those de-escalated early or later (p = 0.760). Variables associated with 30-day all-cause mortality were a Sequential Organ Function Assessment (SOFA) score on the day of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) intervention and Charlson’s comorbidity score (CCS). After controlling for confounders, early and late antibiotics were not associated with an increased risk of mortality. Conclusion: The results of this study reinforce that restricted or extended antibiotic de-escalation in patients does not significantly affect 30-day all-cause mortality compared to continuation with extended and restricted antibiotics.
Protein Oxidation in Muscle Foods: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Domínguez Rubén , Pateiro Mirian , Munekata Paulo E. S. , Zhang Wangang , Garcia-Oliveira Paula , Carpena Maria , Prieto Miguel A. , Bohrer Benjamin , Lorenzo José M.
Published: December 2021

Muscle foods and their products are a fundamental part of the human diet. The high protein content found in muscle foods, as well as the high content of essential amino acids, provides an appropriate composition to complete the nutritional requirements of humans. However, due to their special composition, they are susceptible to oxidative degradation. In this sense, proteins are highly susceptible to oxidative reactions. However, in contrast to lipid oxidation, which has been studied in depth for decades, protein oxidation of muscle foods has been investigated much less. Moreover, these reactions have an important influence on the quality of muscle foods, from physico-chemical, techno-functional, and nutritional perspectives. In this regard, the loss of essential nutrients, the impairment of texture, water-holding capacity, color and flavor, and the formation of toxic substances are some of the direct consequences of protein oxidation. The loss of quality for muscle foods results in consumer rejection and substantial levels of economic losses, and thus the control of oxidative processes is of vital importance for the food industry. Nonetheless, the complexity of the reactions involved in protein oxidation and the many different factors that influence these reactions make the mechanisms of protein oxidation difficult to fully understand. Therefore, the present manuscript reviews the fundamental mechanisms of protein oxidation, the most important oxidative reactions, the main factors that influence protein oxidation, and the currently available analytical methods to quantify compounds derived from protein oxidation reactions. Finally, the main effects of protein oxidation on the quality of muscle foods, both from physico-chemical and nutritional points of view, are also discussed.
SKP-SC-EVs Mitigate Denervated Muscle Atrophy by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation and Improving Microcirculation
Authors: Wang Wei , Shen Dingding , Zhang Lilei , Ji Yanan , Xu Lai , Chen Zehao , Shen Yuntian , Gong Leilei , Zhang Qi , Shen Mi , Gu Xiaosong , Sun Hualin
Published: December 2021

Denervated muscle atrophy is a common clinical disease that has no effective treatments. Our previous studies have found that oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in the process of denervated muscle atrophy. Extracellular vesicles derived from skin precursor-derived Schwann cells (SKP-SC-EVs) contain a large amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory factors. This study explored whether SKP-SC-EVs alleviate denervated muscle atrophy by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. In vitro studies have found that SKP-SC-EVs can be internalized and caught by myoblasts to promote the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. Nutrient deprivation can cause myotube atrophy, accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation. However, SKP-SC-EVs can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation caused by nutritional deprivation and subsequently relieve myotube atrophy. Moreover, there is a remarkable dose-effect relationship. In vivo studies have found that SKP-SC-EVs can significantly inhibit a denervation-induced decrease in the wet weight ratio and myofiber cross-sectional area of target muscles. Furthermore, SKP-SC-EVs can dramatically inhibit highly expressed Muscle RING Finger 1 and Muscle Atrophy F-box in target muscles under denervation and reduce the degradation of the myotube heavy chain. SKP-SC-EVs may reduce mitochondrial vacuolar degeneration and autophagy in denervated muscles by inhibiting autophagy-related proteins (i.e., PINK1, BNIP3, LC3B, and ATG7). Moreover, SKP-SC-EVs may improve microvessels and blood perfusion in denervated skeletal muscles by enhancing the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. SKP-SC-EVs can also significantly inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in target muscles after denervation, which indicates that SKP-SC-EVs elicit their role by upregulating Nrf2 and downregulating ROS production-related factors (Nox2 and Nox4). In addition, SKP-SC-EVs can significantly reduce the levels of interleukin 1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor α in target muscles. To conclude, SKP-SC-EVs may alleviate the decrease of target muscle blood perfusion and passivate the activities of ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy-lysosome systems by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response, then reduce skeletal muscle atrophy caused by denervation. This study not only enriches the molecular regulation mechanism of denervated muscle atrophy, but also provides a scientific basis for SKP-SC-EVs as a protective drug to prevent and treat muscle atrophy.
Comparison of the Conventional Approach and Augmented Reality on the Purchase and Selection of Food Products
Authors: Valdec Dean , Bernik Andrija , Hajdek Krunoslav , Budimir Ivan
Published: December 2021

Packaging is seen as an integral part of the product and it has an important role in attracting consumers’ attention. The role of packaging is to create an expected reaction from the consumers, which affects their perception and choice of products in the buying process. The motivation for the research and writing of this paper was to find out which factors influence the purchase of chocolate the most. The research was done with the purpose of showing whether the same food products have a certain advantage in the process of choosing when presented to a potential consumer on two different media (analog and digital). The paper presents research on how the selected attributes and packaging elements, as well as the application of augmented reality (AR), affect the selection and purchase of one of the most popular food products. According to the obtained results, “Packaging appearance”, “Product Price”, “Brand preference” and “Product advertising” have the strongest influence on customers. The conclusion is that, in the process of choosing the chocolate packaging presented in this research, there is not much difference that depends on the medium those chocolates are presented on.
Robot-Assisted Upper Limb Training for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: An Evidence-Based Review of Clinical Applications and Effectiveness
Authors: Straudi Sofia , Tramontano Marco , Russo Emanuele Francesco , Perrero Luca , Agostini Michela , Gandolfi Marialuisa , Aprile Irene , Paci Matteo , Casanova Emanuela , Marino Dario , La Rosa Giuseppe , Bressi Federica , Sterzi Silvia , Giansanti Daniele , Battistini Alberto , Miccinilli Sandra , Filoni Serena , Sicari Monica , Petrozzino Salvatore , Solaro Claudio Marcello , Gargano Stefano , Benanti Paolo , Boldrini Paolo , Bonaiuti Donatella , Castelli Enrico , Draicchio Francesco , Falabella Vincenzo , Galeri Silvia , Gimigliano Francesca , Grigioni Mauro , Mazzoleni Stefano , Mazzon Stefano , Molteni Franco , Petrarca Maurizio , Picelli Alessandro , Posteraro Federico , Senatore Michele , Turchetti Giuseppe , Morone Giovanni ,   Working Group Upper Limb “CICERONE” Italian Consensus Conference on Robotic Rehabilitation
Published: December 2021

Upper extremities limitation is a common functional impairment in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Novel technological devices are increasingly used in neurorehabilitation to support motor function improvement and the quantitative assessment of motor performance during training in patients with neurological diseases. In this review, we systematically report the evidence on clinical applications and robotic-assisted arm training (RAT) in functional recovery in PwMS. PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) databases were systematically searched from inception to March 2021. The 10-item PEDro scale assessed the study quality for the RCT, and the AMSTAR-2 was used to assess the quality of the systematic review. The 5-item Oxford CEBM scale was used to rate the level of evidence. A total of 10 studies (161 subjects) were included. The selected studies included one systematic review, four RCTs, one randomized crossover, and four case series. The RCTs were scored as high-quality studies, while the systematic review was determined to be of low quality. Shoulder range of motion, handgrip strength, and proximal arm impairment improved after RAT. Manual dexterity, arm function, and use in daily life also ameliorated arm function. The high clinical heterogeneity of treatment programs and the variety of robot devices affects the generalizability of the study results; therefore, we emphasize the need to standardize the intervention type in future studies that evaluate the role of robotic-assisted training in PwMS. Robot-assisted treatment seems safe and useful to increase manual dexterity and the quality of movement execution in PwMS with moderate to severe disability. Additional studies with an adequate sample size and methodological rigour are warranted to drive definite conclusions.
A Framework for Reversible Data Embedding into Base45 and Other Non-Base64 Encoded Strings
Authors: Botta Marco , Cavagnino Davide
Published: December 2021

Printable string encodings are widely used in several applications that cannot deal with binary data, the most known example being the mail system. In this paper, we investigate the potential of some of the proposed encodings to hide and carry extra information. We describe a framework for reversibly embedding data in printable string encodings, like Base45. The method leverages the characteristic of some encodings that are not surjective by using illegal configurations to embed one bit of information. With the assumption of uniformly distributed binary input data, an estimation of the expected payload can be computed easily. Results are reported for Base45 and Base85 encodings.
Experimental Study of Mitigation of Wind-Induced Vibration in Asymmetric Cable-Stayed Bridge Using Sharp Wind Fairings
Authors: Zhao Guohui , Wang Zhichao , Zhu Shuo , Hao Jianming , Wang Jun
Published: December 2021

This paper investigated the aerodynamic response features of an asymmetric cable-stayed bridge. The wind resistance design parameters for judging the response were first determined, afterwards the bridge dynamic characteristics were analyzed for subsequent aerodynamic analysis. The vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) and flutter response at various wind fairing angles were then examined by using a 1:50 sectional model in the wind tunnel test. Finally, a 1:150 full bridge aeroelastic model was employed to explore the aerodynamic stability and characteristics of the whole asymmetric bridge under different wind attack angles in various flow fields. The results show that the sharp wind fairings could reduce the VIV amplitude of the steel box girder cable-stayed bridge to some extent, and the example bridge has examined to have enough flutter stability through sectional and full bridge aeroelastic model wind tunnel tests. Unlike symmetric bridges, the bridge’s maximum displacement of first torsion mode shape is at the closure rather than the mid-span, which is the essential reason to lead this unique vibration feature. The results from the present study could highlight the important effect of structural asymmetry and fairing shape to the wind-induced bridge vibration and hence may facilitate more appropriate wind design of asymmetric cable-stayed bridges.