bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public open space as unifying aspect of society: San Francisco City case
Authors: Azhar H M , Hardilla D , Kurniawan P
Published: June 2021

In the context of society, the aspects of social, culture economy, politic, are bound together and have a crucial role. Those aspects are the important factors on regional planning considerations, including in terms of architectural such as urban space organization, buildings orientation, public open space availability, impact activities, routines, and behaviour that exist within the society. By the existence of public open spaces, the people within the city will have bigger chance to fulfill their social needs. The development of public open spaces which based on the social needs and city instruments oriented will help to raise the effectiveness of society routines. The relation between public open space and city instruments are impacting one another, along with the environment. San Francisco has an attractive amount of public open space, which has regularity and space’s harmony to affect social life of citizens. This paper investigates paradigm of public open space as unifying aspect of society in develop quality of life. With present paper we aim to increase the awareness of public open space in urban planning and design.
Study of city public open space elements as an urban tourism (case study of public open space in Yogyakarta City)
Authors: Muhamad M , Faradisa S R N
Published: June 2021

Alun-alun (Javanese) or lawn square is one of public open spaces that serves as a forum for social activities. Apart from its social functions, Alun-alun also has other functions, an ecological and economical. The ecological function aims to maintain the quality of the environment. Meanwhile the economical functions aims to improve the economical aspect. Considering the important existence of Alun-alun in an urban area, a public open space must be designed by considering the elements of urban space in order to function properly. The existence of a Alun-alun in Yogyakarta becomes the center of social activities for its society However, in reality, the social activities taking place in Alun-alun are still relatively low. This study aims to examine the elements forming urban space in Alun-alun Yogyakarta using descriptive qualitative methods. The results describe that the social activities occuring in Alun-alun Yogyakarta due to the elements which form the urban space in it.
A pandemic response to the issues of inclusivity and accessibility in green open spaces
Authors: Hariyani D S , Pratama A R
Published: June 2021

Urban areas in the world often disregard the importance of social and environmental aspects in the process of rapid growth. The principle of inclusiveness in urban design which bears the meaning of “space for all” ensures the fulfillment of this aspect. Inclusiveness is one of the indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the same principles applies to Indonesia through the Decree of the Minister of Public Works number 5 year 2008, which includes the provision of green open spaces in order to launch Indonesian citizens’ livelihood towards an ideal quality. This research focuses on accessibility can be applied to achieve inclusiveness during the Covid-19 pandemic era. To answer the question, this research employs three different open green spaces as the case studies, which are Martha Tiahahu Park, Ayodya Park, and Puring Park, to observe how inclusiveness and accessibility were implemented. The accessibility factor is infused in the inclusiveness principle, which is accessibility for all residents to their rights in enjoying affordable open green spaces. However, the implementation of accessibility during the pandemic cannot be worked thoroughly, mainly due to rules of physical distancing and the Covid-19 operational standards. But still we can use the several key aspects for a pandemic respond is engineering and designing on the use of space and time at public green open spaces, such as innovative design on its elements (bench, pathway, jog track, etc.).
Typology of workplaces in the informal settlement Semarang
Authors: Kurniawati W , Dewi S P , Islamey T Z
Published: June 2021

Informal settlements are considered as a problem in urban area, and viewed as inappropriate and unsupportive compared to city settlements. However, these kampongs play a role in social networks and significant economic activities in cities, and accommodates the needs of inhabitants. Jurnatan Kampong is an old kampong in the Semarang City, located at the edge of Semarang River, with a residential situation adjusted to the need to the workplace. This settlement functions as a dwelling area and a hub of trade and service, and the river border area is utilized for work functions. Therefore, this study aims to recognize the use pattern of economic space in the Jurnatan Kampong along Semarang River. The method used is direct observation of the border area between Semarang River and Jurnatan Kampong. The result showed residential areas on the kampong along this Inspections Street was used for various economic activities, in the form of stalls, shops, wood processing and warehouses.
Post-occupancy evaluation based on occupant behavior aspect
Authors: Kustiani  , Khidmat R P
Published: June 2021

Building performance can be improved by investigating and evaluating previews of occupant behavior. Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is a design analysis method used to direct and evaluate the physical and social elements of inhabited buildings. In recent years, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing grants student dormitory building to several Indonesian universities. In 2017, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA) Bandar Lampung Indonesia has been granted two of those student facilities. The building has been operated for three years. The student dormitory considered has one type of building that has a high capacity occupation. This research aims to measure user satisfaction and evaluate building facility and its implication to student learning effectively using the POE method, specifically human behavior aspects. During this time, POE is more focused on building physical behavior that includes energy and thermal aspects. In this study, the author tries to raise aspects of human behavior as an essential element supporting the sustainability of the building. The survey conducted using eight variables: territoriality, privacy, interaction, perception, crowdedness, adaptability, durability, and comfortability. This research focuses on measuring only female student dormitories. One hundred eighty-two respondents were involved in the survey. The result shows that the majority of respondents feel quite satisfied with all the variable measure. This finding can be a reference to improve the design consideration for future student dormitory design.
Strengthening green building policies in Indonesia
Authors: Sahid S , Sumiyati Y , Purisari R
Published: June 2021

Currently, Indonesia has several regulations governing the implementation of green buildings. The primary reference for implementing green buildings is the regulation of the Minister of Public Works no 2 of 2015 concerning Green Buildings. Several rules at the regional level are Governor and Mayor Regulations. This study aims to determine the completeness of green building policy in Indonesia. This study will examine the existing regulations and financial support in Indonesia relevant to green buildings’ implementation. Regulatory tracing is carried out using the online method by searching various ministry websites and various online sites documenting regulations issued by the Republic of Indonesia’s government. The collected data were then analyzed by comparing it with the green building concept from diverse literature. The results show that there are still a few regulations available to support green building policy. This condition will affect the intensity of the green building implementation directly and also will affect directly to the quality of green building in Indonesia.
Development of data on river bank space as an effort to improve resilience to flood and fire disasters in Banjarmasin City
Authors: Muchamad B N , Aufa N , Heldiansyah J C
Published: June 2021

This research has a long-term objective to regulate the use of riverbank space in urban areas and increase the city’s resilience to disasters. This is based on the importance of rivers for human life and the impact of disasters that arise if they are not managed properly. At present, attention to rivers is still very low and even tends to be neglected so that it often causes disasters, especially floods and fires due to uncontrolled use of riverbanks. This research was conducted in three stages. The first is to formulate a database indicator for riverbank space and the concept of data provision. Second, the development of a Database Sheet to measure the total value of the riverbank space data indicators. Third, conversion of the total value of the database indicators in the Database Sheet into spatial chart format. The database indicator includes 7 components, namely: Physical space-riverbanks, river flows, building closure, infrastructure, public facilities, vegetation, and zoning. The concept of providing data is by collecting field data every period or depending on changes that occur in the field using a database sheet. The Database Sheet is prepared in 2 formats, namely manual format and digital format using G-Form. The results of data collection are then processed using weighting formulas and weight calculations to obtain the total value of disaster risk from the riverbank space data indicator. The criteria for the calculation results seen from the level of risk are divided into 3, namely Low Risk, Medium Risk, and High Risk. The results of the calculation based on the probability of a disaster are divided into 3, namely: Often, Sometimes, Rarely. The results of the calculation of the riverbank space indicators from the Database Sheet are then converted into a graphic format according to the riverbanks in Banjarmasin City. The results of the conversion of indicator values along with the interpretation of disaster risk produce a risk map for disaster resilience. Furthermore, from the risk map of disaster resilience and database sheets, actions to reduce the threat of flood or fire can be analyzed based on the conditions of the components that affect it. The development of this spatial database is directly beneficial to the government as the basis for policy making and decisions in the preparation of Spatial Planning and Zoning Regulations because this spatial database can then be developed into an application that can be applied in urban planning (Level 6 Technology Readiness Level). The direct benefit for the community is the creation of a comfortable and safe residential environment from the threat of floods and fires.
Community self-organization system: Paradigm shift and strategy in preserving city history
Authors: Sutrisno M , Syuaib M , Nuryuningsih  , Yudhitya A G
Published: June 2021

The ideology applied by local governments often conflicts with the community in assessing the importance of cultural heritage areas. Some people think that protecting cultural heritage and cultural heritage areas is very important. This phenomenon is supported by the existence of legal regulations and even global level consensus on the topic of the historical urban landscape. This study aims to examine the paradigm, discussion activities of the community in the preservation of the cultural heritage area in the middle room (lalebbata) of the old city of Palopo. This study uses an ethnomethodology method. The data were collected qualitatively by applying the semiotic paradigm. The results showed the significance of the role of the community in preserving cultural heritage areas. The boundaries of the city space in the form of rivers and cultural markers in the form of sites are identified through regular and focused discussion studies. Three communities are active in thinking about ideas and ideas and implementing a ‘self-organizing system’. Community strength is supported by professional associations. The community forms a community power system which consists of idealistic practitioners and activists, academics, and people who love history, and place culture above all communities and social control systems.
Conservation of tropical peatlands and regeneration of Banjarese urban areas: A case study of town planning in the Central and South Kalimantan
Authors: Zohrah L , Handjayanti S
Published: June 2021

The Central Kalimantan has demanded to be separated from South Kalimantan during the 1950s due to the struggle of the Dayaks movement on the historical claim over their resources and territories. This separation also changed the system of characteristics of the way of living in and around indigenous Banjarese and Dayaks particularly in coastal urban areas while some parts of historical districts have still remained. Exploitation through deforestation, drainage, and human settlements along the coastal zones has created vast areas of degraded wetlands. This paper discusses the relations between action plan projects of tourism municipal government and needs alternative land use options for upgrading the wetland environment in the context of urban regeneration and reducing of CO2 emission. The simulation of fifteen fundamental properties model shows that the characteristic nature both South and Central Kalimantan by regenerate configuration and preserves the structure of the previous wholeness such as activating rice and urban farm would maintain the integrity and viability of the natural system. The result shows a strong center is the lowest properties for fundamental dimensions, not separateness for tangible and intangible of rivers network asset dimension, deep interlock and ambiguity property is the engagement among tribes.
Acoustics standards comparison between performing arts centre
Authors: Dewi P A R K , Kridarso E R , Iskandar J
Published: June 2021

A Performing Arts Centre is a venue that needs optimum acoustic. Many art performances generate high intensity sounds that auditoriums in the building are installed with acoustic systems. Acoustic system is used to reduce the intensity of sounds, for the purpose of giving the audience and performers an ease in listening and producing sounds. Other factors that could affect the ease of audio are the design of the auditorium, the materials that are used to cover the walls and ceiling of the auditorium and the capacity of the auditorium. The research aims to analyze acoustic systems that are optimal to use in an auditorium for performing arts with qualitative methods by using secondary data from case studies and literature related to acoustic systems in performing arts centre by comparing the design of the auditorium alongside the capacity of the hall and the materials that are used to cover the surfaces of the performing arts centre according to acoustic standards referred in Acoustics of Multi-use Performing Arts Centres and Building Physics 2. It is concluded that Benjamin and Marian Schsuter Performing Arts Centre has the optimal acoustic system.
The crops influence on the nutrients content in the soil dynamics in the crop rotation links
Authors: Novikov A A
Published: June 2021

The article discusses the issues of the crop rotations productivity increasing due to the selection of high-ranking agricultural crops and the green manure crops use as independent and stubble crops. The input into the soil of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium biologically related substances with organic matter of crop residues in different links of the crop rotation were analyzed. It is shown that the largest mass of organic matter enters the soil after winter wheat (12.4 … 12.6 t / ha). In Sarepta mustard cultivated for green manure, the total mass of organic matter entering the soil is up to 11.6 t/ha in stubble crops after winter wheat, and up to 12.6 t/ha in spring crops. The increased application of organic matter to the soil in the amount of 24.1 t/ha was ensured by green manure - Sarepta mustard, cultivated in the intermediate crops of the first and second fields of the crop rotation third link. The cultivation of Sarepta mustard as a siderate in the crop rotation led to the increase in the content of the main elements of plant nutrition in the soil.
Estimation obtaining instrumental means based on nonlinear dynamics methods
Authors: Kumratova A M
Published: June 2021

This article presents the results of the adapted complex methodology operation for the time series dynamics estimating, its features are in the joint use of both classical and new “nonlinear” statistics. The methods proposed and tested by the author are presented in the form of a pre-estimating and estimating model for assessing the grain yields time series trend stability in the Volgograd region (1930–2019) and obtaining a forecasting. The following methods of nonlinear dynamics were tested: the Hurst normalized range method, phase-plane analysis, and a linear cellular automaton. The results of analysis and forecasting on real yield data are presented in the form of the agro-economic system modeling lower level values, which in turn are input data for models of the upper level - the agro-economic system management level.
Substantiation of the composition of concepts for fuzzy cognitive modeling of food security level in the context of import substitution
Authors: Rogachev A
Published: June 2021

In the national security system of the Russian Federation, food security (FS) is also one of the important tasks, since without a reliable food supply, it is impossible to avoid dependence on other States. Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 20 of January 21, 2020 “On the Approval of the Food Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation” approved a new FS Doctrine. The doctrine considers the FS as a multi-component system that includes, as components, the availability of food, its economic, social and physical availability, stability over a long period of time, as well as food issues. To provide cognitive modeling, we can represent the FS support system as a weighted directed graph, whose points correspond to the elements of the set, and whose arcs correspond to the non-zero elements of the W relation. The ratio W can be represented as a matrix of dimension n*n, where n is the number of factors, which can be considered as the adjacency matrix of the graph. The dynamics of the evolution of the simulated socio-economic system and the forecast of its development were obtained by summing increments. The components of the vector of predicted increments of the FCM calculated using the adjacency matrix are calculated at consecutive points in time. It is shown that the following concepts should be taken as key concepts in cognitive modeling of the level of FS: production, consumption, stocks and imports of food, as well as a number of additional ones that characterize the ecological and economic infrastructure for ensuring PB. Modeling has shown that the fluctuating nature of changes in the indicators of all concepts during the transition period forms 3 groups: increasing (FS level, Production, Crop production), stagnating (Consumption) and falling indicators (Import, Irrigation reclamation, Economy, Ecology). The identified trends in the evolution of the main concepts of the level of food security in the context of import substitution should be taken into account when developing programs to ensure FS by subjects of various levels.
Management of the technological process of irrigation of garden plants
Authors: Dubenok N N , Mayer A V
Published: June 2021

Irrigated agriculture has played a very important role in the history of mankind. In many respects, the irrigation technique was highly dependent on local natural conditions, and its development was the process of adapting local plant and water resources to the needs of farmers. The use of land reclamation in modern conditions must be environmentally and energetically justified. Comparing various irrigation technologies for the cultivation of garden plantings, we proposed the introduction of the agrotechnical technique “slitting” into the irrigation technology of garden plantings. Reclamation reception of soil crevice is carried out with a trailed modified unit of the “Slot cutter 2-140” brand, for cutting narrow slots of 3…4 mm, with a chisel located at the end of the cutting body of the slot, for cutting focal reservoirs, followed by accumulation of irrigation water. The research presents a method of cutting slits directed parallel and perpendicular to the aisles of garden plantings. After cutting the cracks, the soil is formed inside the soil - a natural water-intercepting and transporting network of focal reservoirs stretched along and across the entire perimeter of the garden irrigation module. The proposed cutting unit is mounted on a reinforced slot cutter frame on both sides. The distance between the two cutting tools is exactly 2 meters. Such a distance between the working bodies of the slot is dictated by the scheme for planting garden plantings. Irrigation of the garden is carried out by a surface method, i.e. flooding, an irrigation rate calculated for the complete saturation of the soil of the entire area of the garden plot with the lowest moisture capacity up to 100% of the lowest moisture capacity of the calculated meter layer. The proposed technology for irrigation of garden plantations with the obligatory cutting of over narrow slots with focal reservoirs will allow saving water and energy resources spent on the irrigation rate when growing garden plantings.
Intensification of the wastewater treatment process with electrolytic gases
Authors: Novikov A E , Filimonov M I , Golovanchikov A B , Kuznetsov E V
Published: June 2021

High regulatory requirements for the quality of treated water discharged into watercourses and wear and tear of local treatment facilities dictate the need to develop new technological solutions in the field of water treatment systems. In this regard, technologies that implement methods of electrophysical or electrochemical impact on polluting components in the processed liquid have found wide application in the treatment of waste and substandard waters. In this case, on the one hand, in order to increase the efficiency of collecting pollutants, it is necessary to strive to increase the number and decrease the size of electrolytic gas bubbles providing this collection, and on the other hand, it is necessary to optimize the operating modes of the electrode system and the material execution of the electrodes themselves, since the time of their operation depends on this. To solve this compromise problem, the design of an electroflotator has been developed, in which an electrode system is installed in the lower part of the tank, consisting of vertical anodes and cathodes. Each pair of them has the shape of cylinders and is fixed on the side surfaces of the dielectric ring separating them. The height of the ring from above and from below is made greater than the height of the anode and cathode by an amount equal to the annular gap between the adjacent anode and cathode. This design of the spacer ring prevents current leakage from the cathode to the anode and, accordingly, the dissolution of the anode ends. If the height of the ring above and below is executed by an amount less than the annular gap, there is a twofold increase in the density of the anode current at the ends of the anode and cathode, intensifying the dissolution of the anodes and the ingress of dissolution products into the solution and onto the walls of the electrodes, increasing their electrical resistance and reducing the performance of treatment facilities by liquid to be cleaned.
Sampling forests with terrestrial laser scanning
Authors: Boucher Peter B , Paynter Ian , Orwig David A , Valencius Ilan , Schaaf Crystal
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Terrestrial laser scanners (TLSs) have successfully captured various properties of individual trees and have potential to further increase the quality and efficiency of forest surveys. However, TLSs are limited to line of sight observations, and forests are complex structural environments that can occlude TLS beams and thereby cause incomplete TLS samples. We evaluate the prevalence and sources of occlusion that limit line of sight to forest stems for TLS scans, assess the impacts of TLS sample incompleteness, and evaluate sampling strategies and data analysis techniques aimed at improving sample quality and representativeness.

Methods

We use a large number of TLS scans (761), taken across a 255 650-m2 area of forest with detailed field survey data: the Harvard Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) (MA, USA). Sets of TLS returns are matched to stem positions in the field surveys to derive TLS-observed stem sets, which are compared with two additional stem sets derived solely from the field survey data: a set of stems within a fixed range from the TLS and a set of stems based on 2-D modelling of line of sight. Stem counts and densities are compared between the stem sets, and four alternative derivations of area to correct stem densities for the effects of occlusion are evaluated. Representation of diameter at breast height and species, drawn from the field survey data, are also compared between the stem sets.

Key Results

Occlusion from non-stem sources was the major influence on TLS line of sight. Transect and point TLS samples demonstrated better representativeness of some stem properties than did plots. Deriving sampled area from TLS scans improved estimates of stem density.

Conclusions

TLS sampling efforts should consider alternative sampling strategies and move towards in-progress assessment of sample quality and dynamic adaptation of sampling.
DeepIPs: comprehensive assessment and computational identification of phosphorylation sites of SARS-CoV-2 infection using a deep learning-based approach
Authors: Lv Hao , Dao Fu-Ying , Zulfiqar Hasan , Lin Hao
Published: June 2021

The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection around the globe has caused a massive health and socioeconomic crisis. Identification of phosphorylation sites is an important step for understanding the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the changes within the host cells pathways. In this study, we present DeepIPs, a first specific deep-learning architecture to identify phosphorylation sites in host cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. DeepIPs consists of the most popular word embedding method and convolutional neural network-long short-term memory network architecture to make the final prediction. The independent test demonstrates that DeepIPs improves the prediction performance compared with other existing tools for general phosphorylation sites prediction. Based on the proposed model, a web-server called DeepIPs was established and is freely accessible at http://lin-group.cn/server/DeepIPs. The source code of DeepIPs is freely available at the repository https://github.com/linDing-group/DeepIPs.
Porpoise: a new approach for accurate prediction of RNA pseudouridine sites
Authors: Li Fuyi , Guo Xudong , Jin Peipei , Chen Jinxiang , Xiang Dongxu , Song Jiangning , Coin Lachlan J M
Published: June 2021

Pseudouridine is a ubiquitous RNA modification type present in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, which plays a vital role in various biological processes. Almost all kinds of RNAs are subject to this modification. However, it remains a great challenge to identify pseudouridine sites via experimental approaches, requiring expensive and time-consuming experimental research. Therefore, computational approaches that can be used to perform accurate in silico identification of pseudouridine sites from the large amount of RNA sequence data are highly desirable and can aid in the functional elucidation of this critical modification. Here, we propose a new computational approach, termed Porpoise, to accurately identify pseudouridine sites from RNA sequence data. Porpoise builds upon a comprehensive evaluation of 18 frequently used feature encoding schemes based on the selection of four types of features, including binary features, pseudo k-tuple composition, nucleotide chemical property and position-specific trinucleotide propensity based on single-strand (PSTNPss). The selected features are fed into the stacked ensemble learning framework to enable the construction of an effective stacked model. Both cross-validation tests on the benchmark dataset and independent tests show that Porpoise achieves superior predictive performance than several state-of-the-art approaches. The application of model interpretation tools demonstrates the importance of PSTNPs for the performance of the trained models. This new method is anticipated to facilitate community-wide efforts to identify putative pseudouridine sites and formulate novel testable biological hypothesis.
The Effect of Neutropenia and Filgrastim (G-CSF) on Cancer Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection
Authors: Zhang Allen W , Morjaria Sejal , Kaltsas Anna , Hohl Tobias M , Parameswaran Rekha , Patel Dhruvkumar , Zhou Wei , Predmore Jacqueline , Perez-Johnston Rocio , Jee Justin , Daniyan Anthony F , Perales Miguel-Angel , Taur Ying
Published: June 2021

Background

Neutropenia is commonly encountered in cancer patients. Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, filgrastim), a cytokine that initiates proliferation and differentiation of mature granulocytes, is widely given to oncology patients to counteract neutropenia, reducing susceptibility to infection. However, the clinical impact of neutropenia and G-CSF use in cancer patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unknown.

Methods

An observational cohort of 379 actively treated cancer patients with COVID-19 was assembled to investigate links between concurrent neutropenia and G-CSF administration on COVID-19-associated respiratory failure and death. These factors were encoded as time-dependent predictors in an extended Cox model, controlling for age and underlying cancer diagnosis. To determine whether the degree of granulocyte response to G-CSF affected outcomes, the degree of response to G-CSF, based on rise in absolute neutrophil count (ANC) 24 hours after growth factor administration, was also incorporated into a similar Cox model.

Results

In the setting of active COVID-19 infection, outpatient receipt of G-CSF led to an increased number of hospitalizations (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–10.0, P value: .017). Furthermore, among inpatients, G-CSF administration was associated with increased need for high levels of oxygen supplementation and death (HR: 3.56, 95% CI: 1.19–10.2, P value: .024). This effect was predominantly seen in patients that exhibited a high response to G-CSF based on their ANC increase post-G-CSF administration (HR: 7.78, 95% CI: 2.05–27.9, P value: .004).

Conclusions

The potential risks versus benefits of G-CSF administration should be considered in neutropenic cancer patients with COVID-19, because G-CSF administration may lead to worsening clinical and respiratory status.
Neonicotinoid Pesticides Cause Mass Fatalities of Native Bumble Bees: A Case Study From Wilsonville, Oregon, United States
Authors: Hatfield Richard G , Strange James P , Koch Jonathan B , Jepsen Sarina , Stapleton Isaak
Published: June 2021

In June of 2013 an application of dinotefuran on an ornamental planting of European linden trees (Tilia cordata Mill. [Malvales: Malvalceae]) in a shopping mall parking lot in Wilsonville, Oregon provoked the largest documented pesticide kill of bumble bees in North America. Based on geographic information systems and population genetic analysis, we estimate that between 45,830 and 107,470 bumble bees originating from between 289 and 596 colonies were killed during this event. Dinotefuran is a neonicotinoid that is highly effective in exterminating and/or harming target pest insects and non-target beneficial insects. Analysis to detect the concentration of pesticides in flowers that received foliar application revealed that the minimum reported dinotefuran concentration of a sampled T. cordata flower was 7.4 ppm, or in excess of 737% above the LC50 of the beneficial pollinator, the honey bee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 [Hymenoptera: Apidae]). Furthermore, sampled Vosnesensky bumble bees (Bombus vosnesenskii Radoskowski, 1862 [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) were found to have an average dinotefuran concentration of 0.92 ppm at the time of death, which exceeds the maximum LC50 of A. mellifera (0.884 ppm). Our study underscores the lethal impact of the neonicotinoid pesticide dinotefuran on pollinating insect populations in a suburban environment. To our knowledge, the documentation and impact of pesticide kills on wild populations of beneficial insects has not been widely reported in the scientific literature. It is likely that the vast majority of mass pesticide kills of beneficial insects across other environments go unnoticed and unreported.
Changing views of English through study abroad as teacher training
Authors: Suzuki Ayako
Published: June 2021

As English has become an essential international language, some universities in countries where students learn the language mainly in the classroom have started to send teachers overseas as part of English teacher training. Study abroad (SA) is perceived as one effective way to improve teachers’ intercultural communication ability in English because it is believed that studying with culturally diverse others using English as a lingua franca (ELF) could help them to develop English proficiency and intercultural understanding. This study focuses on one group of Japanese pre-service English teachers who undertook SA as teacher training and looks into whether this contributed to the development of views of English for intercultural communication. The study found that their changes in ideas about English were brought about by their intricate understanding of ELF communication. This result addresses the need for teachers to learn sociolinguistic aspects of intercultural communication before undertaking SA.
Microalgae as feed ingredients: recent developments on their role in immunomodulation and gut microbiota of aquaculture species
Authors: Sagaram Uma Shankar , Gaikwad Mahadev S , Nandru Rajesh , Dasgupta Santanu
Published: June 2021

Microalgae are rapidly evolving alternative ingredients in food and feed. Desirable nutritional and functional qualities make them high potential sources of feed ingredients. Certain microalgae species are known to accumulate large amounts of protein, containing all essential amino acids while some species contain essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds hence offering several possible health benefits. However, successful inclusion of microalgae-based products in feed requires a clear understanding of physiological responses and microbiota of animals receiving microalgae diets. In this review, key microalgae-based feed ingredients and their effect on gut microbiome and immunomodulatory responses of microalgae fed animals, with a focus on aquatic species will be discussed.
Two-part tariff contract design for a supplier base: a unifying methodology
Authors: Alcívar Espín Roberto Andrés , Chou Yon-Chun , Huang Ching-Chi
Published: June 2021

Conventional contract designs largely aim to coordinate decisions in dyadic relationships. In the new era of network environments and near-zero variable costs for many goods and services, a different approach to contract design is required for two reasons. First, offering a set of contracts to multiple contractors of different objectives, sizes, and business practices will allow each to choose the most suitable contract. Second, given that most previous studies have not considered quasi-fixed costs, it is helpful to understand two-part tariff contracts and their variants for a supplier base, new variants based on quasi-fixed costs, and related decision sequences between the parties in a supply chain. We propose a unifying methodology to set the contract parameters so that the different variants will have comparable performance outcomes. The results and the insights gained suggest that the proposed methodology should improve a retailer’s management of its supplier base and also benefit all parties throughout the supply chain.
Extended-spectrum β-lactamases: an update on their characteristics, epidemiology and detection
Authors: Castanheira Mariana , Simner Patricia J , Bradford Patricia A
Published: June 2021

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative pathogens are a major cause of resistance to expanded-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics. Since their discovery in the early 1980s, they have spread worldwide and an are now endemic in Enterobacterales isolated from both hospital-associated and community-acquired infections. As a result, they are a global public health concern. In the past, TEM- and SHV-type ESBLs were the predominant families of ESBLs. Today CTX-M-type enzymes are the most commonly found ESBL type with the CTX-M-15 variant dominating worldwide, followed in prevalence by CTX-M-14, and CTX-M-27 is emerging in certain parts of the world. The genes encoding ESBLs are often found on plasmids and harboured within transposons or insertion sequences, which has enabled their spread. In addition, the population of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli is dominated globally by a highly virulent and successful clone belonging to ST131. Today, there are many diagnostic tools available to the clinical microbiology laboratory and include both phenotypic and genotypic tests to detect β-lactamases. Unfortunately, when ESBLs are not identified in a timely manner, appropriate antimicrobial therapy is frequently delayed, resulting in poor clinical outcomes. Several analyses of clinical trials have shown mixed results with regards to whether a carbapenem must be used to treat serious infections caused by ESBLs or whether some of the older β-lactam-β-lactamase combinations such as piperacillin/tazobactam are appropriate. Some of the newer combinations such as ceftazidime/avibactam have demonstrated efficacy in patients. ESBL-producing Gram-negative pathogens will continue to be major contributor to antimicrobial resistance worldwide. It is essential that we remain vigilant about identifying them both in patient isolates and through surveillance studies.
Intracellular Ca2+ signaling and ORAI calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 are associated with hepatic lipidosis in dairy cattle
Authors: Li Ming , Yang Wei , Wen Jianan , Loor Juan J , Aboragah Ahmad , Wang Jingjing , Wang Shuang , Li Mingyang , Yu Liyun , Hou Xilin , Xu Chuang , Zhang Bingbing
Published: June 2021

Fatty liver is a common metabolic disorder afflicting dairy cows during the periparturient period and is closely associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The onset of ER stress in humans and mice alters hepatic lipid metabolism, but it is unknown if such event contributes to fatty liver in dairy cows soon after parturition. ORAI calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (ORAI1) is a key component of the store-operated Ca2+ entry mechanism regulating cellular Ca2+ balance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of ORAI1 on hepatic lipidosis via ER stress in dairy cows. Liver tissue biopsies were collected from Holstein cows diagnosed as healthy (n = 6) or with hepatic lipidosis (n = 6). Protein and mRNA abundance of ER stress-related targets, lipogenic targets, or the transcription regulator SREBP1 and ORAI1 were greater in cows with lipidosis. In vitro, hepatocytes were isolated from four healthy female calves and used for culture with a 1.2 mM mixture of fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and palmitoleic acid) for various times (0, 3, 6, 9, or 12 h). As incubation time progressed, increases in concentration of Ca2+ and abundance of protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor-6 (ATF6) protein in response to exogenous fatty acids underscored a mechanistic link among Ca2+, fatty acids, and ER stress. In a subsequent study, hepatocytes were transfected with small interfering RNA (siORAI1) or the ORAI1 inhibitor BTP2 for 48 h or 2 h followed by a challenge with the 1.2 mM mixture of fatty acids for 6 h. Compared with control group, silencing or inhibition of ORAI1 led to decreased abundance of fatty acid synthesis (FASN, SREBP1, and ACACA) and ER stress-related proteins in bovine hepatocytes. Overall, data suggested that NEFA through ORAI1 regulate intracellular Ca2+ signaling, induce ER stress, and lead to lipidosis in isolated hepatocytes.
Comparison of Spectrophotometric Methods for the Determination of Carboxyhemoglobin in Postmortem Blood
Authors: Samuel Jacob M , Kahl Joseph H , Zaney M Elizabeth , Hime George W , Boland Diane M
Published: June 2021

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning presents an interesting challenge for postmortem toxicology laboratories. The discontinuation of the CO-oximeter manufactured by Instrumentation Laboratories has left many forensic laboratories without this simple but reliable choice for the analysis of CO in blood. A comparable alternative that is quick and simple is analysis using a standard ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer, which offers sufficient precision and accuracy for the measurement of percentage carboxyhemoglobin (%COHb) in postmortem blood. The hurdle for laboratories then becomes the selection of an appropriate spectrophotometric method since a variety of procedures have been published over the years. Four methods were evaluated based on literature findings and/or the appropriateness for postmortem testing. These methods are based on (i) relating %COHb to the ratio of COHb and Hb absorbance of a two-component system (two wavelengths), (ii) the multicomponent analysis of all hemoglobin species, (iii) the multicomponent analysis of a two-component system, and (iv) derivative spectroscopy. While all four methods performed similarly in terms of typical validation requirements, the ability to more effectively handle decomposed samples and the ease of sample preparation afforded (v) the multicomponent analysis of a two-component system—the most suitable for routine postmortem testing.
Identification of Gamma-Butyrolactone in JUUL Liquids
Authors: Holt Alaina K , Poklis Justin L , Cobb Caroline O , Peace Michelle R
Published: June 2021

Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), a commonly used industrial solvent, is used recreationally as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and, therefore, is a United States Drug Enforcement Agency List 1 chemical of the Controlled Substances Act. GBL was identified presumptively in the liquid from JUUL Virginia Tobacco flavored pods during routine untargeted screening analysis of e-cigarette products by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Methods for the analysis of GBL were developed for GC–MS and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) in the liquids and the aerosol generated from the liquid. Three flavors of JUUL pods available at the time of analysis were obtained by direct purchase from the manufacturer, purchase from a local vape shop and submission from a third party. The only liquid flavor to contain GBL was Virginia Tobacco, with an average of 0.37 mg/mL of GBL, and it was detected in the aerosol. Studies evaluating the pharmacological effects of inhaling GBL do not exist; however, a case report of chronic oral GBL ingestion indicates acute lung injury. The identification of GBL in an e-cigarette product purportedly compliant with federal regulation continues to demonstrate public health and public safety concerns.
Parent–Adolescent Concordance Regarding Fertility Perspectives and Sperm Banking Attempts in Adolescent Males With Cancer
Authors: Nahata Leena , Olsavsky Anna , Dattilo Taylor M , Lipak Keagan G , Whiteside Stacy , Yeager Nicholas D , Audino Anthony , Rausch Joseph , Klosky James L , O’Brien Sarah H , Quinn Gwendolyn P , Gerhardt Cynthia A
Published: June 2021

Objective

Approximately half of male childhood cancer survivors experience impaired fertility, yet fertility preservation (FP) remains underutilized. Although parent recommendation influences adolescents’ decision-making, parents may be uncertain and/or underrate their sons’ parenthood goals. This study assessed parent–adolescent and family-level concordance regarding adolescent fertility perspectives (i.e., values, goals) and associations with FP attempts.

Methods

A prospective pilot study examined the impact of a family-centered values clarification tool (FAST) on banking attempts among adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer at risk for infertility. The FAST assessed adolescent and parent perceptions of adolescents’ fertility values and goals (i.e., perceived threat of infertility, perceived benefits/barriers to banking). Parent–adolescent concordance and family-level concordance on fertility perspectives were examined, along with associations with banking attempts and salient demographic factors.

Results

Ninety-eight participants (32 adolescents aged 12–20, 37 mothers, 29 fathers) from 32 families completed the FAST before treatment initiation. Parent–adolescent dyads were concordant on approximately one-half of responses. Banking attempts were associated with higher family-level concordance regarding perceived benefits, r(32) = .40, p = .02. Older adolescent age was associated with higher family-level concordance regarding perceived threat, r(31) = .37, p = .04, and benefits, r(32) = .40, p = .03. Fathers’ education was associated with higher family-level concordance regarding barriers, r(21) = .53, p = .01.

Conclusions

When parents were concordant with their son’s fertility values and goals, particularly perceived benefits, adolescents were more likely to attempt FP. Clinicians should facilitate sharing of fertility perspectives within families before cancer treatment, especially with younger adolescents. Psychosocial support for families facing FP decisions is recommended at diagnosis and across the care continuum.
Canine-to-Human Transmission of Mycoplasma canis in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Sidrak Demiana , Green Jack , Nawathe Pooja , Morgan Margie , Soni Priya R
Published: June 2021

Dog bites remain a common occurrence in our society, particularly in toddlers and small children under the age of 2. Injuries to the head and face, more common in younger children, can often lead to significant morbidity. Additionally, there continues to be considerable clinical equipoise for standardized post-dog bite injury management. Here, we present the only reported pediatric case in the literature of Mycoplasma canis-associated central nervous system (CNS) infection in an 11-month-old infant who sustained a dog bite to the calvarium. The prevalence of dog bites during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had interestingly tripled in number after stay-at-home orders in 1 particular pediatric emergency department in Colorado. This observation paired with advances in microbiological identification like MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer) may lead to the identification of future cases of uniquely canine pathogens that play a role in human infection.