bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengenalan Keselamatan Dan Kesehatan Kerja Di PT Cita Rasa Palembang
Authors: Wahyuningsih Utami , Sulistyo Eko , Rusjdi Halim , Alfalah Win , Sudirmanto Sudirmanto , Prabowo Eri
Published: October 2021

Occupational Safety and Health now occupies an important place in the company, especially in industrial work. A sense of security and comfort at work is a demand for companies to be able to fulfill it in order to provide job security for workers. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of K3 in the implementation of work in the small industry of Pempek Belida in PT Cita Rasa Palembang based on SMK3. The study used survey questionnaires and direct interviews in the field, followed by identification of industrial locations, visual surveys in the industry and documentation taking in the field. At PT Cita Rasa Palembang, the implementation of Occupational Safety and Health (K3) has been going quite well, because in this Industry the work organizers have provided personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers and the socialization of K3 has also been carried out by the owners and workers quite understand it but there are still impressive workers who do not care about the Occupational Safety and Health, it can be seen from the results of the questionnaire stated, 100% (Yes) because the work of the food industry has provided personal protective equipment (PPE); 98% know what is meant by Occupational Safety and Health; and 100% of workers claim there is a guarantee of Occupational Safety and Health.
Penerapan Teknologi Tepat Guna Untuk Pengelolaan Sampah KRL Berani Asri Duta Mekar Asri Cileungsi Bogor
Authors: Suparmin Prayudi , Nurhasanah Roswati , Hendri Hendri , Nurchairot Arief Suardi
Published: October 2021

Green Village (KRL) is one of the programs to realize Bogor Green and Clean Regency. KRL Berani Asri RW 15 Cileungsi Kidul was formed to carry out the production, management and utilization independently. Has several problems such as environmentally friendly awareness, not yet optimal waste management, the economic potential of organic and non-organic waste. P2M Mechanical Engineering Study Program IT PLN aims to provide alternative solutions so that KRL Berani Asri is independent in waste management. The method of implementation is socialization, training on waste management, composting, and making plastic chopper machines. The results of the P2M are 67.8% of resident have knowledge about waste management, 61.7% have good waste management behaviour, and 53.8% of residents say that KRL Berani Asri does not yet have waste management infrastructure. The use of appropriate technology has an impact on increasing compost production from 50 bags to 200 bags per week, and the production of plastic that has been sold from 10 kg to 100 kg per week
Pengembangan Aplikasi Perumahan Berbasis Mobile
Authors: Cahyana Rinda , Fadlilah Ahmad
Published: October 2021

Kebutuhan informasi mengenai sebuah rumah hunian menjadi penting karena rumah merupakan kebutuhan penting manusia selain kebutuhan sandang dan pangan. Solusi bagi kebutuhan tersebut di antaranya adalah teknologi informasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan solusi tersebut dalam wujud aplikasi bergerak. Metode yang digunakan untuk mencapai tujuannya adalah Rapid Application Development. Penelitian berhasil mengembangkan aplikasi mobile yang dapat memenuhi kebutuhan informasi perumahan. Penelitian ini melengkapi penelitian sebelumnya yang memberikan solusi bagi kebutuhan tersebut dalam wujud aplikasi web.
El usuario en el diseño de productos y servicios
Authors: Soto Cárdenas Leidy Carolina
Published: October 2021

Cuando se hace referencia al “usuario” se habla de aquella persona que utiliza algún artefacto para una función específica. El término es genérico y se limita en primera instancia a describir la acción de una persona que usa algo. Este artículo se pregunta ¿cómo se debería definir el concepto de usuario para un diseñador? Para ello aborda lo referente a las experiencias y emociones, customer journey, el persotipo y el diseño de experiencia en empaques.
Platform scams: Brazilian workers’ experiences of dishonest and uncertain algorithmic management
Authors: Grohmann Rafael , Pereira Gabriel , Guerra Abel , Abílio Ludmila Costhek , Moreschi Bruno , Jurno Amanda
Published: October 2021

This article discusses how Brazilian platform workers experience and respond to platform scams through three case studies. Drawing from digital ethnographic research, vlogs/interviews of workers, and literature review, we argue for a conceptualization of “platform scam” that focuses on multiple forms of platform dishonesty and uncertainty. We characterize scam as a structuring element of the algorithmic management enacted by platform labor. The first case engages with when platforms scam workers by discussing Uber drivers’ experiences with the illusive surge pricing. The second case discusses when workers (have to) scam platforms by focusing on Amazon Mechanical Turk microworkers’ experiences with faking their identities. The third case presents when platforms lead workers to scam third parties, by engaging with how Brazilian click farm platforms’ workers use bots/fake accounts to engage with social media. Our focus on “platform scams” thus highlights the particular dimensions of faking, fraud, and deception operating in platform labor. This notion of platform scam expands and complexifies the understanding of scam within platform labor studies. Departing from workers' experiences, we engage with the asymmetries and unequal power relations present in the algorithmic management of labor.
KOMPOSISI DAN KELIMPAHAN MIKROPLASTIK BERDASARKAN LAPISAN KEDALAMAN PERAIRAN TELUK KENDARI
Authors: Walyanse Ria Amelia Safitri , Asmadin . , Emiyarti .
Published: October 2021

Komposisi jenis bahan pencemar mikroplastik penting untuk diidentifikasi dan diperhitungkan jumlah dan kelimpahannya pada setiap lapisan kedalaman perairan, karena potensial sebagai ancaman terhadap suatu ekosistem laut. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengidentifikasi komposisi dan kelimpahan mikroplastik sesuai lapisan permukaan, kolom dan dasar perairan Teluk Kendari, Sulawesi Tenggara. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan pompa hidrolik yang disambungkan dengan pipa paralon diameter 30 mm dan panjang sesuai dengan lapisan kedalaman pengambilan sampel. Sampel air laut sebanyak 1 ml digunakan untuk mengidentifikasi partikel mikroplastik di bawah Mikroskop Binokuler dengan perbesaran 4 x 0.10 µ dengan pola pengamatan "zig-zag" dan menghitung jumlahnya. Metode identifikasi jenis mikroplastik menggunakan buku panduan Guide to Microplastics. Analisis kelimpahan mikroplastik diadaptasi dari analisis kelimpahan plankton. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa komposisi jenis mikroplastik yang ditemukan di perairan Teluk Kendari pada kedalaman 0-12 m terdiri dari empat jenis, yaitu film, fiber, fragment dan pellet. Berdasarkan total jumlah pada semua lapisan kedalaman, jenis fragment paling banyak ditemukan 786 partikel, film 762 partikel, fiber 488 partikel dan pellet 25 partikel yang paling sedikit. Jumlah total mikroplastik sebanyak 2061 partikel terdistribusi di seluruh lapisan kedalaman mulai dari permukaan, kolom hingga dasar perairan. Komposisi mikroplastik terbesar hingga terendah diperoleh pada lapisan permukaan 860 partikel, dasar perairan 632 partikel, kolom air 569 partikel. Total kelimpahan mikroplastik dari yang tertinggi ke terendah berkisar antara 72,5-165,0 Partikel/L (lapisan permukaan), 45,5-111,5 Partikel/L (dasar perairan) dan 52,0-91,0 Partikel/L (kolom perairan). Komposisi dan kelimpahan mikroplastik penting untuk meningkatkan penilaian terhadap tingkat pencemaran mikroplastik di suatu perairan estuari.Kata Kunci: Komposisi Jenis Mikroplastik, Kelimpahan, Lapisan kedalaman, Teluk Kendari, Kota Kendari
AKUMULASI LOGAM TIMBAL (Pb) PADA SEDIMEN TELUK STARING SULAWESI TENGGARA
Authors: Efendi Icang , Armid Alrum , Emiyarti .
Published: October 2021

Teluk Staring, terletak di Kecamatan Moramo, Kabupaten Konawe Selatan, merupakan lingkungan perairan laut yang telah lama dijadikan penduduk setempat untuk kegiatan nelayan, pelayaran dan kegiatan wisata. Wilayah daratan dari teluk ini telah dikembangkan untuk kegiatan-kegiatan pertanian, tambak dan penambangan pasir. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui akumulasi logam timbal (Pb) pada sedimen Teluk Staring yang kemungkinan dihasilkan dari residu hasil aktivitas penduduk di sekitar teluk. Sampel sedimen dari 12 titik sampling dalam wilayah teluk dianalisis dengan Spektrofotometer Serapan Atom (SSA). Indeks geoakumulasi digunakan untuk menentukan status pencemaran logam Pb. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa jenis sedimen berfluktuasi dari lempung berdebu dan debu. Konsentrasi logam Pb berada pada interval 5.21-11.68 ppm dengan konsentrasi tertinggi terdapat pada muara Sungai Laonti yang kemungkinan disebabkan oleh buangan limbah dari aktivitas antropogenik di darat yang terjerap pada sedimen dari badan perairan. Hasil perhitungan indeks geoakumulasi menyimpulkan bahwa sedimen dari perairan Teluk Staring belum mengalami pencemaran logam Pb. Monitoring terhadap kualitas perairan Teluk Staring penting dilakukan oleh pemerintah lokal untuk menjamin pemanfaatan kawasan teluk secara aman dan bebas polusi.Kata Kunci: Timbal (Pb), Sedimen, Teluk Staring
KANDUNGAN MIKROPLASTIK PADA KERANG DARAH (ANADARA GRANOSA) DI PERAIRAN TELUK KENDARI
Authors: Isjayanti Wardha , Sara La , Emiyarti .
Published: October 2021

Mikroplastik di perairan dapat mengganggu organisme yang berasosiasi salah satunya kerang darah (Anadara granosa). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kandungan dan jenis mikroplastik yang terdapat pada tubuh kerang darah. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Juni-September 2020. Lokasi pengambilan sampel kerang darah berasal dari stasiun perairan Lapulu, Masjid Al-Alam, dan Muara Sungai Wanggu. Pengambilan sampel dari setiap stasiun dilakukan secara acak. Jumlah sampel masing-masing stasiun tersebut adalah 30 individu. Analisis sampel dilakukan di Laboratorium Unit Produktivitas dan Lingkungan Perairan, Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan, Universitas Halu Oleo. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa jenis mikroplastik yang terdapat dalam tubuh kerang darah terdiri atas 4 jenis, yaitu fiber, film, fragmen dan pellet. Kandungan mikroplastik pada tubuh kerang darah tertinggi terdapat pada stasiun perairan Lapulu yaitu rata-rata 445,8 partikel/individu. Stasiun perairan Lapulu jenis mikroplastik yang tertinggi di dapatkan ialah jenis film 193,7 partikel/individu, Stasiun perairan Masjid Al-Alam jenis fiber 57,9 partikel/individu dan Stasiun perairan muara sungai Wanggu jenis fragmen 85,4 partikel/individuKata Kunci : Mikroplastik, Teluk Kendari, Kerang Darah (Anadara granosa)
The State of the Health (Dis)-Union in the EU: the legacy of austerity under the trial of Covid-19
Authors: Ceron Matilde , Palermo Carlo Maria
Published: October 2021

Covid-19 highlights the inadequacy of EU governance cross-border challenges, especially transnational health challenges, supporting the call for a Health Union. Health policy remains a near-exclusive national competence whose budget was heavily impacted by EU-driven austerity, especially in Southern Europe. The work provides a comprehensive empirical assessment of the pandemic case evidencing the limits of the current governance framework and tabled reform proposals. The analysis contributes an extended understanding of the implications of the lack of an effective EU public health competence. We assess comparatively (austerity-induced) geographic heterogeneities in health-care preparedness, outbreak, crisis management and outcomes, delineating the extent to which inequalities remain in the absence of a Health Union. Findings evidence an empirically grounded case for sovereignty pooling in the core transnational domain of public health while providing a preliminary policy evaluation of the proposal for a Health Union.
Artificial Intelligence Based Prediction of Seawater Level: A Case Study for Bosphorus Strait
Authors: Karsavran Yavuz , Erdik Tarkan
Published: October 2021

Sea level prediction is an important phenomenon for making reliable oceanographic and ship traffic management decisions especially for Bosphorus Strait that has no permanent sea level measurement stations due to high cost. This study presents artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Support Vector Machines (SVM) to predict the seawater level in the Bosphorus Strait. In addition, the Multiple Linear Regression model (MLR) is constructed and employed as a benchmark. The dataset employed in developing the models are wind speed, atmospheric pressure, water surface salinity, and temperature data, which were measured between September 2004 and January 2006. The results reveal that all ANN and SVM models outperform MLR and can predict the water levels quite accurately. ANN has a better performance than SVM for predicting sea level in the Bosphorus by coefficient of correlation (R) = 0.76 and root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.059. Moreover, the influence of the Danube River discharge in the prediction is investigated in the present study. The discharge of the Danube River by the lag time of 70 days yields the highest performance on ANN by increasing R to 0.82 and decreasing RMSE to 0.048.
Bi-Objective Reliability-Cost Interactive Optimization Model for Series-Parallel System
Authors: Garg Harish
Published: October 2021

The paper aims are to determine the bi-objective reliability-cost problem of a series-parallel system by employing an interactive approach. Multi-objective optimization is a design methodology that optimizes a combination of objective functions orderly and concurrently. The fuzzy membership functions have been designated to settle the contrary nature of the objectives. Based on these functions and the moment of the objectives in the form of the weight vector, a crisp optimization design is formed. Lastly, the inherited problem is determined with the aid of the PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) algorithm and confronted with the genetic algorithm. The solution resembling the various choices of the decision-makers towards the evaluation of their decision are listed. A decision-maker can pick an immeasurable one according to his requirement to reach at the aspired goal.
Route Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles under Recharging and Mission Time Constraints
Authors: Phalapanyakoon Kriangsak , Siripongwutikorn Peerapon
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the problem of route planning for rechargeable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) under the mission time constraint in cases where more than one trip per round is required due to limited battery capacities. The goal is to determine the number of UAVs to be deployed and the flying paths that minimize the total mission cost. Unlike previous works, the electric cost incurred by UAV recharging proportional to actual flying distances is incorporated into our model. The problem is formulated as a mixed-integer programming model to minimize the sum of electric charging cost, the UAV usage cost, and the penalty cost from the violation of the mission time constraint. Extensive numerical experiments are conducted to examine the integrity and performance of the proposed model under various model parameters and deployment scenarios in grid areas and a real terrain area. The optimal solutions can be obtained for small-scale problem instances in a reasonable runtime. For large-scale problems, only feasible solutions can be obtained due to limited computational resources.
Selenium and Zinc Oxide Multinutrient Supplementation Enhanced Growth Performance in Zebra Fish by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Growth-Related Gene Expression
Authors: Fasil Dawit Moges , Hamdi Hamida , Al-Barty Amal , Zaid Abeer Abu , Parashar S. K. S. , Das Biswadeep
Published: October 2021

Selenium and zinc are important dietary micronutrients having antimicrobial and antioxidant roles, thereby assisting in normal development, and an enhanced immune system. Supplementation of selenium and zinc for enhancing the growth performance and reproductive capacity in fish was explored in this study. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized by high-energy ball milling (HEBM) using a 10-h dry milling technique at a 10:1 ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) and were premixed with basal feed followed by the administration to adult zebra fish (D. rerio) (2 months old) for 30 days. Growth analysis revealed that zebra fish fed with SeNPs + ZnONPs (2 mg/ kg, equimolar mixture) had significantly higher length and weight than only SeNP (2 mg/ kg) or ZnONP (2 mg/ kg) groups and control zebra fish (p < 0.05). The average length–weight relationships were assessed by estimating the condition factor (C), which was highest in the SeNP + ZnONP group (1.96), followed by a downward trend in SeNP (C = 1.15) and ZnONP (1.11) (p < 0.05). Relative gene expression of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 was significantly high in the SeNP + ZnONP group compared to other groups (p < 0.05), which indicated that combined administration of both the nanoparticles in basal feed enhanced the growth performance of zebra fish. Intracellular ROS generation was low in the combined group, followed by control, SeNP, and ZnONP groups, indicating higher concentrations of both nanoparticles, in particular, ZnONPs induced oxidative stress. Fecundity and the development of fertilized embryos were significantly high in the SeNP + ZnONP–treated zebra fish compared to only the SeNP- or ZnONP-treated group or control (p < 0.05). These findings indicated that supplementation of SeNP + ZnONP in basal feed could considerably improve the growth performance and development of zebra fish which could be exploited for enhancing aquaculture production.
Dissecting the Role of N6-Methylandenosine-Related Long Non-coding RNAs Signature in Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jinguo , Shan Benjie , Lin Lin , Dong Jie , Sun Qingqing , Zhou Qiong , Chen Jian , Han Xinghua
Published: October 2021

Breast cancer (BC) represents a molecularly and clinically heterogeneous disease. Recent progress in immunotherapy has provided a glimmer of hope for several BC subtypes. The relationship between N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) is still largely unexplored in BC. Here, with the intention to dissect the landscape of m6A-related lncRNAs and explore the immunotherapeutic value of the m6A-related lncRNA signature, we identified m6A-related lncRNAs by co-expression analysis from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and stratified BC patients into different subgroups. Furthermore, we generated an m6A-related lncRNA prognostic signature. Four molecular subtypes were identified by consensus clustering. Cluster 3 preferentially had favorable prognosis, upregulated immune checkpoint expression, and high level of immune cell infiltration. Twenty-one m6A-related lncRNAs were applied to construct the m6A-related lncRNA model (m6A-LncRM). Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves further confirmed the prognostic value and prediction performance of m6A-LncRM. Finally, high- and low-risk BC subgroups displayed significantly different clinical features and immune cell infiltration status. Overall, our study systematically explored the prognostic value of the m6A-related LncRNAs and identified a high immunogenicity BC subtype. The proposed m6A-related LncRNA model might serve as a robust prognostic signature and attractive immunotherapeutic targets for BC treatment.
Cell Cycle Entry Control in Naïve and Memory CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Lewis David A. , Ly Tony
Published: October 2021

CD8+ T cells play important roles in immunity and immuno-oncology. Upon antigen recognition and co-stimulation, naïve CD8+ T cells escape from dormancy to engage in a complex programme of cellular growth, cell cycle entry and differentiation, resulting in rapid proliferation cycles that has the net effect of producing clonally expanded, antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). A fraction of activated T cells will re-enter dormancy by differentiating into memory T cells, which have essential roles in adaptive immunity. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of cell cycle entry control in CD8+ T cells and crosstalk between these mechanisms and pathways regulating immunological phenotypes.
TEOA Promotes Autophagic Cell Death via ROS-Mediated Inhibition of mTOR/p70S6k Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Yang Chen , Li Yanchun , Hu Wanye , Wang Xu , Hu Jiayu , Yuan Chen , Zhou Chaoting , Wang Hairui , Du Jing , Wang Ying , Tong Xiangmin
Published: October 2021

Pancreatic cancer is a common malignant tumor with high mortality, and novel therapeutic options have focused on ameliorating its poor prognosis. TEOA, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Our recent study has shown that TEOA inhibits proliferation and induces DNA damage in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells by activating the ROS-mediated p38 MAPK pathway. However, its effects on pancreatic cancer cells remain unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of TEOA on the proliferation, migration of pancreatic cancer cells and explored the possible underlying mechanism of action. We found that TEOA significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, TEOA significantly induced mitochondrial dysfunction in PANC1 and SW1990 cells, as evidenced by the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, exhausted ATP level, and excessive accumulation of intracellular ROS. Notably, our further experiments showed that TEOA induced autophagic cell death in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells by inactivating the ROS-dependent mTOR/p70S6k signaling pathway. More importantly, both pharmacological or genetic blocking of the autophagic flux signal could partly restore the cytotoxicity of TEOA, whereas activation of autophagy by rapamycin or EBSS induced starvation facilitated the cytotoxicity of TEOA. Concomitantly, N-acetylcysteine, a ROS scavenger, abolished the inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway, thus preventing autophagy and restoring cell viability. Taken together, our results reveal that TEOA can lead to ROS-dependent autophagic cell death of pancreatic cancer cells by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, which might be a promising therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer.
Gambogenic Acid Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Colorectal Cancer via the Aurora A Pathway
Authors: Liu Cheng , Xu Jiaxin , Guo Chenxu , Chen Xugang , Qian Chunmei , Zhang Xing , Zhou Pinghong , Yang Yifu
Published: October 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world and has a poor prognosis. In the present research, gambogenic acid (GNA), isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine gamboge, markedly induced apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of CRC in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, GNA triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which subsequently activated inositol-requiring enzyme (IRE) 1α and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 2α pathway. Pretreatment with salubrinal (an eIF2α inhibitor) rescued GNA-induced cell death. Furthermore, GNA downregulated the expression of Aurora A. The Aurora A inhibitor alisertib decreased ER stress. In human colorectal adenocarcinoma tissue, Aurora A was upregulated compared to normal colorectal epithelial nuclei. Furthermore, GNA ameliorated mouse colitis-associated cancer models. Our findings demonstrated that GNA significantly inhibited the proliferation of CRC through activation of ER stress by regulating Aurora A, which indicates the potential of GNA for preventing the progression of CRC.
Drawing-to-Learn: Active and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy for Biology
Authors: Edlund Anna F. , Balgopal Meena M.
Published: October 2021

Students enter biology classrooms with ideas about the natural world already formed. Teachers can help students construct new knowledge by using active, culturally relevant pedagogy and by making space in their lesson for students to reveal, challenge, and/or reconcile their preconceptions with new knowledge. Drawing meets all of these needs. Drawing-to-learn (DTL) allows students to be metacognitive and creative as they generate concrete representations of their abstract conceptions. In this case study of biology classes for Tibetan Buddhist monastic students through the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative, we find that DTL engages students in active learning, allows multi-modal visualization and discourse about mental models, and beyond this, solicits cultural references from both students and teachers.
A Novel Endothelial Damage Inhibitor Reduces Oxidative Stress and Improves Cellular Integrity in Radial Artery Grafts for Coronary Artery Bypass
Authors: Aschacher Thomas , Baranyi Ulrike , Aschacher Olivia , Eichmair Eva , Messner Barbara , Zimpfer Daniel , Moayedifar Roxana , Laufer Guenther , Emmert Maximilian Y. , Sandner Sigrid E.
Published: October 2021

The radial artery (RA) is a frequently used conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Endothelial injury incurred during graft harvesting promotes oxidative damage, which leads to graft disease and graft failure. We evaluated the protective effect of DuraGraft®, an endothelial damage inhibitor (EDI), on RA grafts. We further compared the protective effect of the EDI between RA grafts and saphenous vein grafts (SVG). Samples of RA (n = 10) and SVG (n = 13) from 23 patients undergoing CABG were flushed and preserved with either EDI or heparinized Ringer's lactate solution (RL). The effect of EDI vs. RL on endothelial damage was evaluated ex vivo and in vitro using histological analysis, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, and scanning electron microscopy. EDI-treated RA grafts showed a significant reduction of endothelial and sub-endothelial damage. Lower level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after EDI treatment was correlated with a reduction of hypoxic damage (eNOS and Caveolin-1) and significant increase of oxidation-reduction potential. Additionally, an increased expression of TGFβ, PDGFα/β, and HO-1 which are indicative for vascular protective function were observed after EDI exposure. EDI treatment preserves functionality and integrity of endothelial and intimal cells. Therefore, EDI may have the potential to reduce the occurrence of graft disease and failure in RA grafts in patients undergoing CABG.
Enhanced Reforming of Tar Based on Double-Effect Ni/CaO–Ca12Al14O33 Catalysts: Modified by Ce, Mg, and Fe
Authors: Wang Panlei , Zhang Weidong , Yu Zhenyu , Xie Huaqing , Zhou Mi , Wang Zhengyu
Published: October 2021

The double-effect Ni-based catalysts, modified with Ce, Mg, and Fe and synthesized by the coprecipitation method, were applied into the enhanced steam reforming process of real tar. The effects of the catalysts with different doping mass proportions (3, 6, 9, and 12%) of Ce, Mg, and Fe on the H2 yield, and H2 and CO2 concentrations were studied. The results revealed that the tar reforming efficiency was improved with appropriate proportions of the additives added. The Ce- or Mg-doped catalyst could change the distribution or morphology of the active component Ni. The modified catalyst with 6% Ce or 3% Mg doping showed the best catalytic activity in the reforming experiment, with the H2 yield reaching 86.84% or 85.22%, respectively. The Fe-doped catalyst could form an Ni–Fe alloy and improve the stability of the catalyst, and the better catalytic activity can be obtained at 9 and 12% Fe doping, with the H2 yield reaching 85.54 and 85.80%, respectively.
Identification of Components of the Hippo Pathway in Hydra and Potential Role of YAP in Cell Division and Differentiation
Authors: Unni Manu , Reddy Puli Chandramouli , Pal Mrinmoy , Sagi Irit , Galande Sanjeev
Published: October 2021

The Hippo signaling pathway has been shown to be involved in regulating cellular identity, cell/tissue size maintenance and mechanotransduction. The Hippo pathway consists of a kinase cascade which determines the nucleo-cytoplasmic localization of YAP in the cell. YAP is the effector protein in the Hippo pathway, which acts as a transcriptional cofactor for TEAD. Phosphorylation of YAP upon activation of the Hippo pathway prevents it from entering the nucleus and abrogates its function in the transcription of the target genes. In Cnidaria, the information on the regulatory roles of the Hippo pathway is virtually lacking. Here, we report the existence of a complete set of Hippo pathway core components in Hydra for the first time. By studying their phylogeny and domain organization, we report evolutionary conservation of the components of the Hippo pathway. Protein modelling suggested the conservation of YAP-TEAD interaction inHydra. Further, we characterized the expression pattern of the homologs ofyap, hippo, mobandsavinHydrausing whole-mount RNAin situhybridization and report their possible role in stem cell maintenance. Immunofluorescence assay revealed thatHvul_YAP expressing cells occur in clusters in the body column and are excluded in the terminally differentiated regions. Actively proliferating cells marked by Ki67 exhibit YAP colocalization in their nuclei. Strikingly, a subset of these colocalized cells is actively recruited to the newly developing bud. Disruption of the YAP-TEAD interaction increased the budding rate indicating a critical role of YAP in regulating cell proliferation inHydra.Collectively, we posit that the Hippo pathway is an essential signaling system inHydra; its components are ubiquitously expressed in theHydrabody column and play a crucial role inHydratissue homeostasis.
Survival-Related lncRNA Landscape Analysis Identifies LINC01614 as an Oncogenic lncRNA in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wu Huijie , Zhou Jingyuan , Chen Songda , Zhu Lingyu , Jiang Mengjie , Liu Aiqun
Published: October 2021

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) reportedly play important roles in biomarker and tumorigenesis of gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to determine the potential application of prognostic lncRNA signature and identified the role of LINC01614 in carcinogenesis in GC.

Material and Methods: Data accessed from the Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to construct a lncRNA signature. Joint effect analysis of the signature and clinical parameters was performed to verify the clinical value of the signature. Co-expression analysis was conducted for prognostic lncRNAs and protein-coding genes. Moreover, the relative expression of LINC01614 was validated in GC tissues and cell lines. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to analyze the biological functions of the newly identified gene in GC cells.

Results: A seven-lncRNA (LINC01614, LINC01537, LINC01210, OVAAL, LINC01446, CYMP-AS1, and SCAT8) signature was identified as a promising prognostic signature in GC. Results indicated that the seven-lncRNA was involved in tumorigenesis and progression pathways. LINC01614 expression was identified and found to be upregulated in GC tissues and cells. The study findings revealed that LINC01614 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Knockdown of LINC01614 arrested cell cycle distribution at the G2/M phase. Further, LINC01614 also promoted tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion: We developed an independent seven-lncRNA biomarker for prognostic prediction and identified LINC01614 as an oncogenic lncRNA in GC.
Infections and Multiple Sclerosis: From the World to Sardinia, From Sardinia to the World
Authors: Frau Jessica , Coghe Giancarlo , Lorefice Lorena , Fenu Giuseppe , Cocco Eleonora
Published: October 2021

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Sardinia, an Italian island, is one of the areas with the highest global prevalence of MS. Genetic factors have been widely explored to explain this greater prevalence among some populations; the genetic makeup of the Sardinians appears to make them more likely to develop autoimmune diseases. A strong association between MS and some infections have been reported globally. The most robust evidence indicating the role of infections is MS development concerns the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Anti-EBV antibodies in patients once infected by EBV are associated with the development of MS years later. These features have also been noted in Sardinian patients with MS. Many groups have found an increased expression of the Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) family in patients with MS. A role in pathogenesis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response has been proposed for HERV. A European multi-centre study has shown that their presence was variable among populations, ranging from 59% to 100% of patients, with higher HERV expression noted in Sardinian patients with MS. The mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) DNA and antibodies against MAP2694 protein were found to be associated with MS in Sardinian patients. More recently, this association has also been reported in Japanese patients with MS. In this study, we analysed the role of infectious factors in Sardinian patients with MS and compared it with the findings reported in other populations.
Statistics of Sliding on Periodic and Atomically Flat Surfaces
Authors: Srbulovic Maja , Gkagkas Konstantinos , Gachot Carsten , Vernes András
Published: October 2021

Among the so-called analytical models of friction, the most popular and widely used one, the Prandtl-Tomlinson model in one and two dimensions is considered here to numerically describe the sliding of the tip within an atomic force microscope over a periodic and atomically flat surface. Because in these PT-models, the Newtonian equations of motion for the AFM-tip are Langevin-type coupled stochastic differential equations the resulting friction and reaction forces must be statistically correctly determined and interpreted. For this, it is firstly shown that the friction and reaction forces as averages of the time-resolved ones over the sliding part, are normally (Gaussian) distributed. Then based on this, an efficient numerical scheme is developed and implemented to accurately estimate the means and standard deviations of friction and reaction forces without performing too many repetitions for the same sliding experiments. The used corrugation potential is the simplest one obtained from the Fourier series expansion of the two-dimensional (2D) periodic potential, e.g., for an fcc(111) surface, which permits sliding on both commensurate and incommensurate paths. In this manner, it is proven that the PT-models predict both frictional regimes, namely the structural superlubricity and stick-slip along (in)commensurate sliding paths, if the ratio of mean corrugation and elastic energies is properly set.
Oral Administration of Latilactobacillus sakei ADM14 Improves Lipid Metabolism and Fecal Microbiota Profile Associated With Metabolic Dysfunction in a High-Fat Diet Mouse Model
Authors: Won Sung-Min , Seo Min Ju , Kwon Min Ju , Park Kye Won , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: October 2021

Effects of Latilactobacillus sakei ADM14 on changes in lipid metabolism and fecal microbiota composition were studied in high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model. The mice were divided into three groups: normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HD), and HFD plus L. sakei ADM14 (HDA). Oral administration of L. sakei ADM14 daily for 10weeks decreased body weight gain, fat tissue mass, and liver weight in mice and reduced the size of histologically stained liver adipocytes. In addition, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose decreased significantly. Latilactobacillus sakei ADM14 regulated the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in epididymal adipose tissue and liver and induced changes in the composition of fecal microbiota, thereby improving energy harvests and changing metabolic disorder-related taxa. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio was found in the HDA group compared to the HD group, particularly due to the difference in the relative abundance of the Bacteroidetes between the two groups over 10weeks. Differences in proportions of some taxa reported to have correlation with obesity were also found between HD and HDA groups. These results suggest that L. sakei ADM14 can have a positive effect on metabolic disorders such as obesity and fatty liver through effective regulation of host lipid metabolism and gut microbiota.
The Frequency of DNA Mismatch Repair Deficiency Is Very Low in Surgically Resected Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Yanagawa Naoki , Yamada Noriyuki , Sugimoto Ryo , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Uesugi Noriyuki , Shiono Satoshi , Endoh Makoto , Ogata Shin-ya , Saito Hajime , Maemondo Makoto , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: October 2021

Introduction

DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency leads to changes in the length of nucleotide repeat sequences of tumor DNA. In that situation, DNA replicational errors occur and accumulate during DNA replication. As a result, this mechanism frequently affects the coding regions of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and causes carcinogenesis. Recently, DNA MMR deficiency has been recognized as a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy. The aim of this study is to examine the frequency of DNA MMR deficiency and clinicopathological characteristics in surgically resected lung carcinoma (LC) and their correlation.

Methods

A total of 1153 LCs were examined. Tissue microarrays were constructed. The status of MMR deficiency was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of MMR protein expression (hMLH1, hMSH2, hMSH6, and hPMS2). Microsatellite instability analysis, BRAF mutation, and MLH1 methylation analysis were performed for cases that showed MMR deficiency.

Results

Only 2 of the 1153 cases (0.17%) showed a loss of hMLH1/hPMS2 protein expression. They also had high levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-H), had neither MLH1 promoter methylation nor BRAF mutation, and were male smokers. Histopathologically, one was a squamous cell carcinoma, and the other was combined small cell carcinoma with squamous cell carcinoma. Regarding PD-L1 protein expression, one had high expression, and the other had none.

Conclusion

The frequency of MMR deficiency was very low in LC. However, our two cases were non-adenocarcinoma and differed from previous studies. Because of its very low frequency, MMR deficiency is not a practical biomarker to predict the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors in LC.
Effects of Sodium Ferulate on Cardiac Hypertrophy Are via the CaSR-Mediated Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Panpan , Wen Zhaoqin , Shi Wanlan , Li Zhongli , Chen Xiaoyan , Gao Yang , Xu Shangfu , Gong Qihai , Deng Jiang
Published: October 2021

As a common complication of many cardiovascular diseases, cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by increased cardiac cell volume, reorganization of the cytoskeleton, and the reactivation of fetal genes such as cardiac natriuretic peptide and β-myosin heavy chain. Cardiac hypertrophy is a distinguishing feature of some cardiovascular diseases. Our previous study showed that sodium ferulate (SF) alleviates myocardial hypertrophy induced by coarctation of the abdominal aorta, and these protective effects may be related to the inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. This study investigated the inhibitory effect and mechanism of SF on myocardial hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The effects of SF on cardiac hypertrophy were evaluated using echocardiographic measurement, pathological analysis, and detection of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) expression. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the anti-hypertrophic effects of SF, the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), calcineurin (CaN), nuclear factor of activated T cells 3 (NFAT3), zinc finger transcription factor 4 (GATA4), protein kinase C beta (PKC-β), Raf-1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) were detected by molecular biology techniques. Treatment with SF ameliorated myocardial hypertrophy in 26-week-old SHRs. In addition, it downregulated the levels of ANP, β-MHC, CaSR, CaN, NFAT3, phosphorylated GATA4 (p-GATA4), PKC-β, Raf-1, and p-ERK 1/2; and upregulated the levels of p-NFAT3 and MKP-1. These results suggest that the effects of SF on cardiac hypertrophy are related to regulation of the CaSR-mediated signaling pathway.
Network Pharmacology to Explore the Molecular Mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris for Treating Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Gan Xiao-xiong , Zhong Lin-kun , Shen Fei , Feng Jian-hua , Li Ya-yi , Li Si-jing , Cai Wen-song , Xu Bo
Published: October 2021

Purpose:Prunella vulgaris (PV), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat patients with thyroid disease for centuries in China. The purpose of the present study was to investigate its bioactive ingredients and mechanisms against Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to provide some basis for experimental research.

Methods: Ingredients of the PV formula were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Additionally, HT-related genes were retrieved from the UniProt and GeneCards databases. Cytoscape constructed networks for visualization. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was constructed, and a PPI network was built using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database. These key targets of PV were enriched and analyzed by molecular docking verification, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment.

Results: The compound–target network included 11 compounds and 66 target genes. Key targets contained Jun proto-oncogene (JUN), hsp90aa1.1 (AKI), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), and tumor protein p53 (TP53). The main pathways included the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. The molecular docking results revealed that the main compound identified in the Prunella vulgaris was luteolin, followed by kaempferol, which had a strong affinity for HT.

Conclusion: Molecular docking studies indicated that luteolin and kaempferol were bioactive compounds of PV and might play an essential role in treating HT by regulating multiple signaling pathways.
Secondary Metabolism and Hormone Response Reveal the Molecular Mechanism of Triploid Mulberry (Morus Alba L.) Trees Against Drought
Authors: Liu Hui , Sun Hongmei , Bao Lijun , Han Shuhua , Hui Tian , Zhang Rui , Zhang Minjuan , Su Chao , Qian Yonghua , Jiao Feng
Published: October 2021

The improvement of a plant's tolerance to drought is a major endeavor in agriculture. Polyploid plants often exhibit enhanced stress tolerance relative to their diploid progenitor, but the matching stress tolerance is still little understood. Own-rooted stem cuttings of mulberry (Morus alba L.) cultivar Shinichinose (2n = 2x = 28) and Shaansang-305 (2n = 3x = 42) were used in this study, of which the latter (triploid) has more production and application purposes. The responses of triploid Shaansang-305 and diploid progenitor ShinIchinose under drought stress were compared through an investigation of their physiological traits, RNA-seq, and secondary metabolome analysis. The results showed that the triploid exhibited an augmented abscisic acid (ABA) content and a better stress tolerance phenotype under severe drought stress. Further, in the triploid plant some genes (TSPO, NCED3, and LOC21398866) and ATG gene related to ABA signaling showed significantly upregulated expression. Interestingly, the triploid accumulated higher levels of RWC and SOD activity, as well as more wax on the leaf surface, but with less reductive flavonoid than in diploid. Our results suggest triploid plants may better adapt to with drought events. Furthermore, the flavonoid metabolism involved in drought resistance identified here may be of great value to medicinal usage of mulberry. The findings presented here could have substantial implications for future studies of crop breeding.
Using Stronge Teacher Evaluation System to Assess the Effectiveness Level of Mr. Brown as an EFL Teacher in the Mind Your Language TV Show: An Attempt to Validate a Reflective Tool to Train Preservice EFL Teachers
Authors: Lasekan Olusiji
Published: October 2021

To develop a reflective tool for promoting teacher effectiveness among preservice EFL teachers, this article seeks to investigate the effectiveness degree of an EFL teacher as it is being depicted in a popular TV show. This is conducted using the Stronge teacher evaluation system to assess the main character’s level of effectiveness as an EFL teacher (Mr. Brown) in the Mind Your Language TV show. Drawing upon the intersection of the character’s effectiveness within the framework of characterization, representation, and perceived realism theory, a qualitative research method involving seven performance indicators of the Stronge teacher evaluation system was adopted to assess the main character. The findings showed that the character is a highly effective EFL teacher because his personal and professional characteristics are evidenced in the evaluation system’s seven performance standards. This suggests that the Show can be used as a reflective tool by preservice EFL teachers to construct and enhance their professional identities and instructional practices. This work contributes to the existing knowledge of teachers’ representation in movies and its implication in preservice EFL education by providing the first study on the representation of EFL teachers in a TV show. A future research direction is also presented.
Promoting Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Hybrid, Innovative Approach in Malaysia
Authors: Mat Ruzlin Aimi Nadira , Chen Xin Wee , Yunus Raudah Mohd , Samsudin Ely Zarina , Selamat Mohamad Ikhsan , Ismail Zaliha
Published: October 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had monumental effects on the mental health of populations worldwide. Previous research indicated that programs and interventions using social networks can play a positive role in promoting mental health. Nevertheless, current evidence is largely derived from high-income regions, reflecting an urgent need for more studies in low- and middle-income settings.

Objectives: This paper aims to (a) describe the potential value of a hybrid health carnival in promoting mental health and increasing access to screening services; (b) assess the level of community engagement with the digital platform.

Methods: A mental health carnival was conducted with the theme of “Mind Your Mental Health” (Cakna Kesihatan Mental) in conjunction with the World Mental Health Day in Malaysia. This was a hybrid carnival that combined elements of face-to-face interactions and virtual learning. Free online therapy sessions were offered to high-risk groups identified during the screening process. Social media metrics were utilized to report the levels of community engagement and participants completed pre-and post-assessments to measure the program's impact on their knowledge.

Results: The carnival was attended by 515 participants (78.8% virtual participants). Social media metrics reported more than 5,585 reaches on Facebook for all the activities held throughout the event. Results from pre-and post-assessments showed significant improvement in the mean knowledge scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This digital approach will continue to evolve by releasing new features and tools as a new frontier for high-risk populations and all individuals seeking mental health support and treatment.