bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pembinaan Perilaku Sosial melalui Pengajian Rutin Kitab Akhlaq di Lingkungan RT 01 RW 12 Mimbaan Panji Situbondo
Authors: Fachri Moh.
Published: January 2021

People in RT01 RW02 Mimbaan Panji Situbondo and arounds as those who lived in urban area have got an impacts of modernisation and globalisation or—mostly known—‘modern sickness’. In their daily life, they have lack of attention into goodness or kind conducts, specially, based on religious values. Furthermore, moral teaching through daily recitation of kitab akhlak at RT01 RW02 Mimbaan Panji Situbondo intensively with  using some attractive methods and daily illustration is necessary and has an impact on the ways they are involved with that moral teaching.Keywords: RT01 RW02 Mimbaan Situbondo, Social Behavior, Daily Recitation
PKM Pemanfaatan Batang Tembakau (Nicotiana Tabacum) sebagai Biopestisida di Bucor Wetan Pakuniran Probolinggo
Authors: Khotimah Husnul
Published: January 2021

Tobacco is one of the important agricultural commodities in Bucor Wetan Village, Pakuniran District, Probolinggo Regency. However, tobacco stems (nicotiana tobacum) are often considered as agricultural waste, since a lack of effective treatment is given to them. This community service activity is to utilize tobacco stem waste to be useful by making it a biopesticide to treat pests and diseases in plants. To achieve these goals, this program is by counseling and training to farmer groups on how to make biopesticides from tobacco stems. The results of this activity were: a) the participants’ enthusiasm is more considerable, especially the Farmer Group, to involve with the training, and b) their knowledge of using tobacco stems is more increased, since they have highly today’s economic value.
KKM Refungsionalisasi Masjid: Optimalisasi Fungsi dan Peran Masjid Al-Ikhlas Dusun Glundengan Desa Suci Kecamatan Panti Kabupaten Jember
Authors: Wahidah Finadatul , Sholeh Abdul , Hayati Putri Nur
Published: January 2021

This community service is to optimize the position and function of the mosque as not merely a location for worship rituals, but also a place of education, such as religious education (Madrasah Diniyah), tutoring (Bimbingan Belajar), Al-Quran education park (Taman Pendidikan Al-Quran). Since some of the Suci people at the Glundengan village are very busy with work and other activities, they have lack of attention on their religious affairs. By announcing the five prayer at the Al-Ikhlash Mosque, this community service which is based on PAR (Participatory Action Research) approach as a methodological approach is to arouse the community's enthusiasm to pray in the Mosque, and we provide an example to enliven the congregation at the mosque. The most of Glundengan people have lower educational level, which can be seen from the lack of undergraduate graduates, and this situation has caused any migration to town. The program of ‘refunctionalizing’ mosque is important, since there is also Christian religious worship in Glundengan, a church located in RT 2, which is not far from the mosque.
WGEVIA: A Graph Level Embedding Method for Microcircuit Data
Authors: Wu Xiaomin , Bhattacharyya Shuvra S. , Chen Rong
Published: January 2021

Functional microcircuits are useful for studying interactions among neural dynamics of neighboring neurons during cognition and emotion. A functional microcircuit is a group of neurons that are spatially close, and that exhibit synchronized neural activities. For computational analysis, functional microcircuits are represented by graphs, which pose special challenges when applied as input to machine learning algorithms. Graph embedding, which involves the conversion of graph data into low dimensional vector spaces, is a general method for addressing these challenges. In this paper, we discuss limitations of conventional graph embedding methods that make them ill-suited to the study of functional microcircuits. We then develop a novel graph embedding framework, called Weighted Graph Embedding with Vertex Identity Awareness (WGEVIA), that overcomes these limitations. Additionally, we introduce a dataset, called the five vertices dataset, that helps in assessing how well graph embedding methods are suited to functional microcircuit analysis. We demonstrate the utility of WGEVIA through extensive experiments involving real and simulated microcircuit data.
Cortical Thickness in Migraine: A Coordinate-Based Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sheng LiQin , Ma HaiRong , Shi YuanYuan , Dai ZhenYu , Zhong JianGuo , Chen Fei , Pan PingLei
Published: January 2021

Cortical thickness (CTh) via surface-based morphometry analysis is a popular method to characterize brain morphometry. Many studies have been performed to investigate CTh abnormalities in migraine. However, the results from these studies were not consistent and even conflicting. These divergent results hinder us to obtain a clear picture of brain morphometry regarding CTh alterations in migraine. Coordinate-based meta-analysis (CBMA) is a promising technique to quantitatively pool individual neuroimaging studies to identify consistent brain areas involved. Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and SinoMed) and other sources (bioRxiv and reference lists of relevant articles and reviews) were systematically searched for studies that compared regional CTh differences between patients with migraine and healthy controls (HCs) up to May 15, 2020. A CBMA was performed using the Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images approach. In total, we identified 16 studies with 17 datasets reported that were eligible for the CBMA. The 17 datasets included 872 patients with migraine (average sample size 51.3, mean age 39.6 years, 721 females) and 949 HCs (average sample size 59.3, mean age 44.2 years, 680 females). The CBMA detected no statistically significant consistency of CTh alterations in patients with migraine relative to HCs. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis verified this result to be robust. Metaregression analyses revealed that this CBMA result was not confounded by age, gender, aura, attack frequency per month, and illness duration. Our CBMA adds to the evidence of the replication crisis in neuroimaging research that is increasingly recognized. Many potential confounders, such as underpowered sample size, heterogeneous patient selection criteria, and differences in imaging collection and methodology, may contribute to the inconsistencies of CTh alterations in migraine, which merit attention before planning future research on this topic.
The Significance of Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidant Defense System in Plants: A Concise Overview
Authors: Dumanović Jelena , Nepovimova Eugenie , Natić Maja , Kuča Kamil , Jaćević Vesna
Published: January 2021

In plants, there is a complex and multilevel network of the antioxidative system (AOS) operating to counteract harmful reactive species (RS), the foremost important of which are reactive oxygen species (ROS), and maintain homeostasis within the cell. Specific AOSs for plant cells are, first and foremost, enzymes of the glutathione-ascorbate cycle (Asc-GSH), followed by phenolic compounds and lipophilic antioxidants like carotenoids and tocopherols. Evidence that plant cells have excellent antioxidative defense systems is their ability to survive at H2O2concentrations incompatible with animal cell life. For the survival of stressed plants, it is of particular importance that AOS cooperate and participate in redox reactions, therefore, providing better protection and regeneration of the active reduced forms. Considering that plants abound in antioxidant compounds, and humans are not predisposed to synthesize the majority of them, new fields of research have emerged. Antioxidant potential of plant compounds has been exploited for anti-aging formulations preparation, food fortification and preservation but also in designing new therapies for diseases with oxidative stress implicated in etiology.
Validation of the Weight Bias Internalization Scale for Mainland Chinese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Chen Hao , Ye Yi-duo
Published: January 2021

Weight stigma internalization among adolescents across weight categories leads to adverse psychological consequences. This study aims to adapt and validate a Chinese version of the Weight Bias Internalization Scale for Mainland Chinese children and adolescents(C-WBIS). A total of 464 individuals aged 9 to 15 years participated in the present study. Based on item response theory (IRT) and classical test theory (CTT), we selected the items for the C-WBIS and evaluated its reliability and validity. The item response theory yields support for the one-dimensional factor mode. All item parameters fit the IRT model (albeit within an adequate range), eight items were adopted. No evidence of significant differential item functioning (DIF) was found for gender and age groups. The C-WBIS was correlated with the Core Self-Evaluation Scale (CSES) and two subscales of the Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SAS), which indicated an acceptable criterion-related validity. The C-WBIS is a reliable and valid measure that can be used as a psychometrically sound and informative tool to assess weight bias internalization among children and adolescents.
Getting in Front of Chronic Wasting Disease: Model-Informed Proactive Approach for Managing an Emerging Wildlife Disease
Authors: Belsare Aniruddha V. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Mason J. R. , Sumners Jason , Viljugrein Hildegunn , Mysterud Atle
Published: January 2021

Continuing geographic spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) poses a serious threat to the sustainable future of cervids and hunting in North America. Moreover, CWD has been detected in captive cervids in South Korea and, in recent years, in free-ranging reindeer in Europe (Norway). Management of this disease is limited by logistical, financial, and sociopolitical considerations, and current strategies primarily focus on reducing host densities through hunter harvest and targeted culling. The success of such strategies in mitigating the spread and prevalence of CWD only upon detection is questionable. Here, we propose a proactive approach that emphasizes pre-emptive management through purposeful integration of virtual experiments (simulating alternate interventions as model scenarios) with the aim of evaluating their effectiveness. Here, we have used a published agent-based model that links white-tailed deer demography and behavior with CWD transmission dynamics to first derive a CWD outbreak trajectory and then use the trajectory to highlight issues associated with different phases of the CWD outbreak (pre-establishment/transition/endemic). Specifically, we highlight the practical constraints on surveillance in the pre-establishment phase and recommend that agencies use a realistic detection threshold for their CWD surveillance programs. We further demonstrate that many disease introductions are “dead ends” not leading to a full epidemic due to high stochasticity and harvesting in the pre-establishment phase of CWD. Model evaluated pre-emptive (pre-detection) harvest strategies could increase the resilience of the deer population to CWD spread and establishment. We conclude it is important to adaptively position CWD management ahead of, rather than behind, the CWD front.
A DCM Single-Controlled Three-Phase SEPIC-Type Rectifier
Authors: Freitas Tiara , Caliman João , Menegáz Paulo , dos Santos Walbermark , Simonetti Domingos
Published: January 2021

A discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) three-phase single-ended primary-inductor converter (SEPIC) is presented in this article. The analyzed converter operates as a high-power factor stage in AC–DC conversion systems. As its main features, it presents three controlled switches and a single control signal with simple implementation and low-current harmonic distortion. The converter topology, its design equations, and its operation modes are presented as well as a simulation analysis considering a 3 kW–220 V three-phase input to 400 V DC output converter. The experimental results are included, considering as an application the rectifier stage in low-power wind energy conversion systems (WECS) based on a 1 kW permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) with variable voltage frequencies. From the analysis performed in the paper and the simulation and experimental results revealed, it is concluded that the converter is indicated to be employed in any AC–DC low-power conversion system, such as DC distribution systems, and distributed generation or hybrid systems containing variable-frequency generation.
On the Correlation between the Geometrical Features and Thermal Efficiency of Flat-Plate Solar Collectors
Authors: Kuczynski Waldemar , Kaminski Kazimierz , Znaczko Pawel , Chamier-Gliszczynski Norbert , Piatkowski Piotr
Published: January 2021

This article presents the results of numerical and experimental studies on the impacts of the selected geometrical features of liquid solar collectors on their thermal efficiency. The experiments were carried out while meeting the requirements of the ISO 9806:2017 standard. Selected changes in the geometrical features were analysed by using fully functional prototypes of modified solar collectors. The correlations between the design and performance properties of the solar collectors were determined in accordance with the changes in the shape of the thermal efficiency η(T*m) curve.
Ultrasonic Delignification and Microstructural Characterization of Switchgrass
Authors: Onu Olughu Onu , Tabil Lope G. , Dumonceaux Tim
Published: January 2021

This present study was undertaken to investigate the ultrasonic delignification of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and the effects of ultrasonic irradiation on the molecular and microstructure of switchgrass. We investigated this question using response surface methodology (RSM) featuring a four-factor, three-level Box–Behnken experimental design with acoustic power (120, 180, and 240 W), solid–solvent ratio (1/25, 1/20, and 1/15 g/mL), hammer mill screen size (1.6, 3.2, and 6.4 mm), and sonication time (10, 30, and 50 min) as factors, while delignification (%) was the response variable. The native and treated switchgrass samples were further characterized through crystallinity measurements and electron microscopy. The results of lignin analysis show that the percent delignification ranged between 1.86% and 20.11%. The multivariate quadratic regression model developed was statistically significant at p < 0.05. SEM and TEM micrographs of the treated switchgrass grinds resulted in cell wall disruption at the micro- and nano-scales. XRD analysis revealed a reduction in the mean crystallite size and crystallinity index from 15.39 to 13.13 Å and 48.86% to 47.49%, respectively, while no significant change occurred in the d-spacings. The results of this investigation show that ultrasonic irradiation induces chemical and structural changes in switchgrass, which could enhance its use for biofuel and bioproducts applications.
Highly Accurate Experimental Heave Decay Tests with a Floating Sphere: A Public Benchmark Dataset for Model Validation of Fluid–Structure Interaction
Authors: Kramer Morten Bech , Andersen Jacob , Thomas Sarah , Bendixen Flemming Buus , Bingham Harry , Read Robert , Holk Nikolaj , Ransley Edward , Brown Scott , Yu Yi-Hsiang , Tran Thanh Toan , Davidson Josh , Horvath Csaba , Janson Carl-Erik , Nielsen Kim , Eskilsson Claes
Published: January 2021

Highly accurate and precise heave decay tests on a sphere with a diameter of 300 mm were completed in a meticulously designed test setup in the wave basin in the Ocean and Coastal Engineering Laboratory at Aalborg University, Denmark. The tests were dedicated to providing a rigorous benchmark dataset for numerical model validation. The sphere was ballasted to half submergence, thereby floating with the waterline at the equator when at rest in calm water. Heave decay tests were conducted, wherein the sphere was held stationary and dropped from three drop heights: a small drop height, which can be considered a linear case, a moderately nonlinear case, and a highly nonlinear case with a drop height from a position where the whole sphere was initially above the water. The precision of the heave decay time series was calculated from random and systematic standard uncertainties. At a 95% confidence level, uncertainties were found to be very low—on average only about 0.3% of the respective drop heights. Physical parameters of the test setup and associated uncertainties were quantified. A test case was formulated that closely represents the physical tests, enabling the reader to do his/her own numerical tests. The paper includes a comparison of the physical test results to the results from several independent numerical models based on linear potential flow, fully nonlinear potential flow, and the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations. A high correlation between physical and numerical test results is shown. The physical test results are very suitable for numerical model validation and are public as a benchmark dataset.
Estimating Downward Shortwave Solar Radiation on Clear-Sky Days in Heterogeneous Surface Using LM-BP Neural Network
Authors: Wang Weizhen , Feng Jiaojiao , Xu Feinan
Published: January 2021

Downward surface shortwave radiation (DSSR) plays an important role in the energy balance of the earth’s surface. Accurate estimate of DSSR is of great significance for the rational and effective use of solar energy. Some parameterization schemes were proposed to estimate DSSR using meteorological measurements given ground-based radiation observation sites are scare and uneven. With the development of remote sensing technique, remotely sensed data can be applied to obtain continuous DSSR in space. Commonly, the spatial resolution of most radiation products is relatively low and cannot meet the needs of certain fields. Moreover, some retrieval algorithms based on the radiation transfer models are complicated for non-professionals. In this study, a back-propagation (BP) neural network method with Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm (hereafter referred to as LM-BP) was applied to predict DSSR by building the relationship between measured DSSR and high-resolution remote sensing data from the Advanced Space-borne Thermal Emission Reflectance Radiometer (ASTER). The DSSR observations from the four-component radiation sensor installed at the land covered by vegetable, village, maize, orchard, Gobi, sandy desert, desert steppe, and wetland were used to validate the model estimates. The results showed that the estimates of DSSR from LM-BP agreed well with the site measurements, with the root mean square error (RMSE) and the mean bias error (MBE) values of 27.34 W/m2 and −1.59 W/m2, respectively. This indicates that by combining the LM-BP network model and ASTER images can obtain precise DSSR in heterogenous surface. The DSSR results of this study can provide accurate high-spatial resolution input data for hydrological, evapotranspiration, and crop models.
A New Impedance-Based Main and Backup Protection Scheme for Active Distribution Lines in AC Microgrids
Authors: Nobakhti Seyyed Mohammad , Ketabi Abbas , Shafie-khah Miadreza
Published: January 2021

Microgrids active characteristics such as grid-connected or islanded operation mode, the distributed generators with an intermittent nature, and bidirectional power flow in active distribution lines lead to malfunction of traditional protection schemes. In this article, an impedance-based fault detection scheme is proposed as the main protection of microgrids by applying the proposed equivalent circuits for doubly-fed lines. In this scheme, relay location data and positive sequence voltage absolute value of the other end of the line are used. It can detect even high impedance faults in grid-connected and islanded modes. It is robust against load and generation uncertainties and network reconfigurations. Low sampling rate and minimum data exchange are among the advantages of the proposed scheme. Moreover, a backup protection scheme based on the conductance variations is suggested. No requirement for the communication link is a distinguished advantage of the proposed backup protection scheme. The proposed schemes have been simulated using PSCAD and MATLAB software and the results confirmed their validity.
The Effect of Salt on Stability of Aqueous Foams
Authors: Obisesan Oyindamola , Ahmed Ramadan , Amani Mahmood
Published: January 2021

The properties of foams are often affected by environmental variables such as salt contamination. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of salt on the drainage behavior of aqueous foams. To accomplish this objective, drainage experiments were conducted on aqueous foams. Test variables were foam quality (40–65%), and salt content (0% to 18%), and type. To investigate drainage, the foam was generated in a flow loop and trapped in a vertical test section. Then, the pressure profile in the foam column was measured using ten pressure sensors. Foam drainage is determined as a function of time using measured pressure profiles. The results show that the drainage of NaCl-containing foams decreased with foam quality, whereas the CaCl2-containing foams did not exhibit a clear trend with foam quality. The effect of salt content on foam rheology was minimal.
Fungi Associated with Horse-Chestnut Leaf Miner Moth Cameraria ohridella Mortality
Authors: Nedveckytė Irena , Pečiulytė Dalė , Būda Vincas
Published: January 2021

The total mortality of the leaf-miner horse-chestnut pest, Cameraria ohridella, collected in nature, and the mortality associated with mycoses were assessed under laboratory conditions in stages: for eggs mortality rates of 9.78% and 61.97% were found, respectively; for caterpillars, 45.25% and 5.59%, respectively; and for pupae 21.22% and 100%, respectively. At the egg stage, Cladosporus cladosporioides caused mycosis most often (27% of all mycoses); at the caterpillar stage there was no pronounced predominant fungus species; at the pupal stage both Cordyceps fumosorosea and Beauveria bassiana (32% and 31%, respectively) were most dominant; whereas at the adult stage Lecanicillum aphanocladii (43%) were most dominant. C. ohridella moths remained the most vulnerable during the pupal and caterpillar stages. Maximum diversity of fungi associated with the leaf-miner moth was reached during the period of development inside the chestnut leaf (Shannon–Wiener index—H′ = 2.608 at the caterpillar stage, H′ = 2.619 at the pupal stage), while the minimum was reached in the adult stage (H′ = 1.757). In the caterpillar and pupa stages, saprophytic fungi were most often recorded. Comparative laboratory tests revealed novel properties of the fungus L. aphanocladii, its effectiveness as the leaf-miner moth‘s entomopathogen and its suitability for field application trials while developing environment-friendly methods for horse-chestnut pest control.
Distinct Responses of Arabidopsis Telomeres and Transposable Elements to Zebularine Exposure
Authors: Konečná Klára , Sováková Pavla Polanská , Anteková Karin , Fajkus Jiří , Fojtová Miloslava
Published: January 2021

Involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of telomeres and transposable elements (TEs), genomic regions with the protective and potentially detrimental function, respectively, has been frequently studied. Here, we analyzed telomere lengths in Arabidopsis thaliana plants of Columbia, Landsberg erecta and Wassilevskija ecotypes exposed repeatedly to the hypomethylation drug zebularine during germination. Shorter telomeres were detected in plants growing from seedlings germinated in the presence of zebularine with a progression in telomeric phenotype across generations, relatively high inter-individual variability, and diverse responses among ecotypes. Interestingly, the extent of telomere shortening in zebularine Columbia and Wassilevskija plants corresponded to the transcriptional activation of TEs, suggesting a correlated response of these genomic elements to the zebularine treatment. Changes in lengths of telomeres and levels of TE transcripts in leaves were not always correlated with a hypomethylation of cytosines located in these regions, indicating a cytosine methylation-independent level of their regulation. These observations, including differences among ecotypes together with distinct dynamics of the reversal of the disruption of telomere homeostasis and TEs transcriptional activation, reflect a complex involvement of epigenetic processes in the regulation of crucial genomic regions. Our results further demonstrate the ability of plant cells to cope with these changes without a critical loss of the genome stability.
Apigenin, a Partial Antagonist of the Estrogen Receptor (ER), Inhibits ER-Positive Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation through Akt/FOXM1 Signaling
Authors: Pham Thu Ha , Page Yann Le , Percevault Frédéric , Ferrière François , Flouriot Gilles , Pakdel Farzad
Published: January 2021

Approximately 80% of breast cancer (BC) cases express the estrogen receptor (ER), and 30–40% of these cases acquire resistance to endocrine therapies over time. Hyperactivation of Akt is one of the mechanisms by which endocrine resistance is acquired. Apigenin (Api), a flavone found in several plant foods, has shown beneficial effects in cancer and chronic diseases. Here, we studied the therapeutic potential of Api in the treatment of ER-positive, endocrine therapy-resistant BC. To achieve this objective, we stably overexpressed the constitutively active form of the Akt protein in MCF-7 cells (named the MCF-7/Akt clone). The proliferation of MCF-7/Akt cells is partially independent of estradiol (E2) and exhibits an incomplete response to the anti-estrogen agent 4-hydroxytamoxifen, demonstrating the resistance of these cells to hormone therapy. Api exerts an antiproliferative effect on the MCF-7/Akt clone. Api inhibits the proliferative effect of E2 by inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Importantly, Api inhibits the Akt/FOXM1 signaling pathway by decreasing the expression of FOXM1, a key transcription factor involved in the cell cycle. Api also alters the expression of genes regulated by FOXM1, including cell cycle-related genes, particularly in the MCF-7/Akt clone. Together, our results strengthen the therapeutic potential of Api for the treatment of endocrine-resistant BC.
Molecular Pathogenesis and Treatment Perspectives for Hypereosinophilia and Hypereosinophilic Syndromes
Authors: Stella Stefania , Massimino Michele , Manzella Livia , Pennisi Maria Stella , Tirrò Elena , Romano Chiara , Vitale Silvia Rita , Puma Adriana , Tomarchio Cristina , Gregorio Sandra Di , Palumbo Giuseppe Alberto , Vigneri Paolo
Published: January 2021

Hypereosinophilia (HE) is a heterogeneous condition with a persistent elevated eosinophil count of >350/mm3, which is reported in various (inflammatory, allergic, infectious, or neoplastic) diseases with distinct pathophysiological pathways. HE may be associated with tissue or organ damage and, in this case, the disorder is classified as hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Different studies have allowed for the discovery of two major pathogenetic variants known as myeloid or lymphocytic HES. With the advent of molecular genetic analyses, such as T-cell receptor gene rearrangement assays and Next Generation Sequencing, it is possible to better characterize these syndromes and establish which patients will benefit from pharmacological targeted therapy. In this review, we highlight the molecular alterations that are involved in the pathogenesis of eosinophil disorders and revise possible therapeutic approaches, either implemented in clinical practice or currently under investigation in clinical trials.
Annexin 1 Is a Component of eATP-Induced Cytosolic Calcium Elevation in Arabidopsis thaliana Roots
Authors: Mohammad-Sidik Amirah , Sun Jian , Shin Ryoung , Song Zhizhong , Ning Youzheng , Matthus Elsa , Wilkins Katie A. , Davies Julia M.
Published: January 2021

Extracellular ATP (eATP) has long been established in animals as an important signalling molecule but this is less understood in plants. The identification of Arabidopsis thaliana DORN1 (Does Not Respond to Nucleotides) as the first plant eATP receptor has shown that it is fundamental to the elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) as a possible second messenger. eATP causes other downstream responses such as increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide, plus changes in gene expression. The plasma membrane Ca2+ influx channels involved in eATP-induced [Ca2+]cyt increase remain unknown at the genetic level. Arabidopsis thaliana Annexin 1 has been found to mediate ROS-activated Ca2+ influx in root epidermis, consistent with its operating as a transport pathway. In this study, the loss of function Annexin 1 mutant was found to have impaired [Ca2+]cyt elevation in roots in response to eATP or eADP. Additionally, this annexin was implicated in modulating eATP-induced intracellular ROS accumulation in roots as well as expression of eATP-responsive genes.
Discovery of Antibiofilm Activity of Elasnin against Marine Biofilms and Its Application in the Marine Antifouling Coatings
Authors: Long Lexin , Wang Ruojun , Chiang Ho Yin , Ding Wei , Li Yong-Xin , Chen Feng , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: January 2021

Biofilms are surface-attached multicellular communities that play critical roles in inducing biofouling and biocorrosion in the marine environment. Given the serious economic losses and problems caused by biofouling and biocorrosion, effective biofilm control strategies are highly sought after. In a screening program of antibiofilm compounds against marine biofilms, we discovered the potent biofilm inhibitory activity of elasnin. Elasnin effectively inhibited the biofilm formation of seven strains of bacteria isolated from marine biofilms. With high productivity, elasnin-based coatings were prepared in an easy and cost-effective way, which exhibited great performance in inhibiting the formation of multi-species biofilms and the attachment of large biofouling organisms in the marine environment. The 16S amplicon analysis and anti-larvae assay revealed that elasnin could prevent biofouling by the indirect impact of changed microbial composition of biofilms and direct inhibitory effect on larval settlement with low toxic effects. These findings indicated the potential application of elasnin in biofilm and biofouling control in the marine environment.
The Use of Deep Machine Learning for the Automated Selection of Remote Sensing Data for the Determination of Areas of Arable Land Degradation Processes Distribution
Authors: Rukhovich Dmitry I. , Koroleva Polina V. , Rukhovich Danila D. , Kalinina Natalia V.
Published: January 2021

Soil degradation processes are widespread on agricultural land. Ground-based methods for detecting degradation require a lot of labor and time. Remote methods based on the analysis of vegetation indices can significantly reduce the volume of ground surveys. Currently, machine learning methods are increasingly being used to analyze remote sensing data. In this paper, the task is set to apply deep machine learning methods and methods of vegetation indices calculation to automate the detection of areas of soil degradation development on arable land. In the course of the work, a method was developed for determining the location of degraded areas of soil cover on arable fields. The method is based on the use of multi-temporal remote sensing data. The selection of suitable remote sensing data scenes is based on deep machine learning. Deep machine learning was based on an analysis of 1028 scenes of Landsats 4, 5, 7 and 8 on 530 agricultural fields. Landsat data from 1984 to 2019 was analyzed. Dataset was created manually for each pair of “Landsat scene”/“agricultural field number”(for each agricultural field, the suitability of each Landsat scene was assessed). Areas of soil degradation were calculated based on the frequency of occurrence of low NDVI values over 35 years. Low NDVI values were calculated separately for each suitable fragment of the satellite image within the boundaries of each agricultural field. NDVI values of one-third of the field area and lower than the other two-thirds were considered low. During testing, the method gave 12.5% of type I errors (false positive) and 3.8% of type II errors (false negative). Independent verification of the method was carried out on six agricultural fields on an area of 713.3 hectares. Humus content and thickness of the humus horizon were determined in 42 ground-based points. In arable land degradation areas identified by the proposed method, the probability of detecting soil degradation by field methods was 87.5%. The probability of detecting soil degradation by ground-based methods outside the predicted regions was 3.8%. The results indicate that deep machine learning is feasible for remote sensing data selection based on a binary dataset. This eliminates the need for intermediate filtering systems in the selection of satellite imagery (determination of clouds, shadows from clouds, open soil surface, etc.). Direct selection of Landsat scenes suitable for calculations has been made. It allows automating the process of constructing soil degradation maps.
Imagery Network Fine Registration by Reference Point Cloud Data Based on the Tie Points and Planes
Authors: Eslami Mehrdad , Saadatseresht Mohammad
Published: January 2021

Cameras and laser scanners are complementary tools for a 2D/3D information generation. Systematic and random errors cause the misalignment of the multi-sensor imagery and point cloud data. In this paper, a novel feature-based approach is proposed for imagery and point cloud fine registration. The tie points and its two neighbor pixels are matched in the overlap images, which are intersected in the object space to create the differential tie plane. A preprocessing is applied to the corresponding tie points and non-robust ones are removed. Initial coarse Exterior Orientation Parameters (EOPs), Interior Orientation Parameters (IOPs), and Additional Parameters (APs) are used to transform tie plane points to the object space. Then, the nearest points of the point cloud data to the transformed tie plane points are estimated. These estimated points are used to calculate Directional Vectors (DV) of the differential planes. As a constraint equation along with the collinearity equation, each object space tie point is forced to be located on the point cloud differential plane. Two different indoor and outdoor experimental data are used to assess the proposed approach. Achieved results show about 2.5 pixels errors on checkpoints. Such results demonstrated the robustness and practicality of the proposed approach.
Micro-Fabricated RTD Based Sensor for Breathing Analysis and Monitoring
Authors: Neji Bilel , Ferko Ndricim , Ghandour Raymond , Karar Abdullah S. , Arbess Houssam
Published: January 2021

The design, micro-fabrication, and characterization of a resistance temperature detector (RTD) based micro sensor for minimally invasive breathing analysis and monitoring is presented. Experimental results demonstrate that the change in air temperature while inhaling and exhaling can be transduced into a time varying electrical signal, which is subsequently used to determine the breathing frequency (respiratory rate). The RTD is placed into a Wheatstone bridge to simultaneously reduce the sensor’s output noise and improve overall system accuracy. The proposed design could potentially aid health care providers in the determination of respiratory rates, which is of critical importance during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Mask R-CNN and OBIA Fusion Improves the Segmentation of Scattered Vegetation in Very High-Resolution Optical Sensors
Authors: Guirado Emilio , Blanco-Sacristán Javier , Rodríguez-Caballero Emilio , Tabik Siham , Alcaraz-Segura Domingo , Martínez-Valderrama Jaime , Cabello Javier
Published: January 2021

Vegetation generally appears scattered in drylands. Its structure, composition and spatial patterns are key controls of biotic interactions, water, and nutrient cycles. Applying segmentation methods to very high-resolution images for monitoring changes in vegetation cover can provide relevant information for dryland conservation ecology. For this reason, improving segmentation methods and understanding the effect of spatial resolution on segmentation results is key to improve dryland vegetation monitoring. We explored and analyzed the accuracy of Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) and Mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Networks (Mask R-CNN) and the fusion of both methods in the segmentation of scattered vegetation in a dryland ecosystem. As a case study, we mapped Ziziphus lotus, the dominant shrub of a habitat of conservation priority in one of the driest areas of Europe. Our results show for the first time that the fusion of the results from OBIA and Mask R-CNN increases the accuracy of the segmentation of scattered shrubs up to 25% compared to both methods separately. Hence, by fusing OBIA and Mask R-CNNs on very high-resolution images, the improved segmentation accuracy of vegetation mapping would lead to more precise and sensitive monitoring of changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services in drylands.
Understanding internal migration in Pakistan
Authors: Safi Naila , Haq Zahoor Ul , Iqbal Javed
Published: January 2021

This study estimated the effect of socio-economic factors on internal migration for Pakistan using the Labor Force Survey data, 2013. This study used a sample of 26013 observations. Both bi-variate and multivariate Logistic and Probit analysis were performed. Estimates of Logistic and Probit regressions show that gender has negative and statistically significant effect on migration. Similarly, marriage also has a negative effect on migration indicating as individual gets married, their log-likelihood of migration decreases. Income is statistically significant determinant of migration as analysis exhibited that as income increased, the log-likelihood of internal migration increased too. Education and employment do not determine migration. This study can be used in planning internal migration as for developing countries like Pakistan socioeconomic factors are important determinants of migration. Providing employment and income opportunities can significantly help in reducing the migration. Besides socioeconomic factors, further investigation is required to better understand the perception of individuals with respect to internal migration which this study could not tackle because of nonexistence of such data in the labour force survey.
Socio economic determinants of child labour in selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Begum Nabeela , Iqbal Javed , Hina
Published: January 2021

This study examines the determinants of child labour in Mardan and Nowshera districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Primary data on socioeconomic characteristics of children engaged and did not engage in child labour were obtained from Labour Education Organization Mardan. Age of the children and family size are positively and education is negatively and significantly associated with the probability of children participation in labour market. The probability of child labour is more with the household income although with a very low coefficient value which is contrary to our expectations and may ne indicative that child labour could be a major source of household income. This study suggests that subsidies may be provided to families for their children education. Family size is also positively related to the child labour, therefore steps may be taken towards encouraging small family sizes and thereby reducing the child labour.
Is there any Threshold in the Causal Association of Mother’s Education with Child’s Health? A Case study of Pakistan
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Umar , Naqvi Syed Asif Ali , Huang Shaoan
Published: January 2021

Past studies failed to solve the problem of nonlinearity and threshold in the association of mother education with infants’ health. This research diagnoses and investigates the existence of threshold. Successive eight educational plans during 1955-1998 in Pakistan record a large variation in the educational policies and investment and a great focus on primary schooling. It motivates us to select Pakistan and construct the instrument for purging the coefficients of mother education from endogeneity bias along with the threshold impact. IV regression outcomes disclose that only 11-16 years of mother education has significant impact on infants’ health outcomes, implying a threshold level at 6-10 years schooling. Thus, it is argued that low cognitive capability via lower level of education, poor educational quality, ineffective education for health even in the text books of 6-10 years of education leads to a threshold in the relationship of mother education with child nutrition.
An empirical testing of comparative efficiency of static and dynamic factor models towards stock returns’ predictability in capital market of Pakistan
Authors: Qazi Laila Taskeen , Atta ur Rahman  , Ali Shahid , Alam Sohail
Published: January 2021

Efficient Market Hypothesis has its supporters and critics as it has invited significant attention of research scholarship in recent years. The taxonomy and existence of this hypothesis is widely debated in terms of making economic decisions in the capital markets. Stock returns predictability has galvanized researchers to use forecasting models. Literature shows that forecasting is possible yet it debates problems associated with the techniques used for forecasting from the time series data. The study relies on stock returns for 67 randomly selected companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The static and the dynamic factor models are compared in terms of forecast efficiency. The study also uses eight macroeconomic variables to forecast stock returns by including gold prices, crude oil prices, market capitalization, PSX- 100 index, PSX-100 index turnover, KIBOR 1-month rates, KIBOR 3 years rates and Rupee to Dollar rates. The results of the hit rates and out-of-sample forecasting technique suggest that dynamic factor model is the best multivariate time series forecasting model in the Pakistani context.
Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Proximate Analysis, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of an Algal Species of Hydrodictyon Reticulatum
Authors: Munir Mubashrah , Mahmood Arshad , Qureshi Rahmatullah , Murtaza Sidra , Munazir Mehmooda
Published: January 2021

The freshwater algae grow in a wide range of aquatic habitats across the globe and are rich in secondary metabolites. The present study was designed to conduct the phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of water net (Hydrodictyon reticulatum), an algal weed from Pakistan. The pure and dried algal mass was crushed into a fine powder and four solvent-based extracts were used for phytochemical screening. The results of preliminary qualitative screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, phenols, quinones, steroids, resins, anthraquinones, glycosides, lignin, proteins, saponins, tannins, reducing sugars, alkaloids, terpenoids, fats, and oils, whereas the quantification results revealed the high quantities of total ash, crude proteins, crude fiber, alkaloids, carotenoids, flavonoids, and chlorophyll a. The studied methanolic extracts with maximum concentration (150 μg/ml) showed significantly (p-value ≤ 0.05) higher antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The IC50 values of the crude methanolic extract of water net were found very close to streptomycin (positive control) against both bacterial pathogenic species of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. This study concluded that the crude extracts of water net possessed antibacterial activity at par to streptomycin drug, and requires further detailed study for the separation, identification, and testing of the pure phytochemical compound to be used by the nutraceutical and or pharmaceutical industry.
Evaluation of The Diversity of Durum Wheat Coleoptera (Triticum Durum Desf.) in the Region of Sigus Oum El Bouaghi (Eastern Algeria)
Authors: ASSIA AMOKRANE , HICHEM KHAMMAR , RAMZI HADJAB , MENOUAR SAHEB
Published: January 2021

The Oum El Bouaghi region in Eastern Algeria, long considered as a cereal-growing area is nowadays a durum wheat production region par excellence. Although the damage caused by Coleoptera is very significant, studies on the knowledge of their diversity are few and remain limited for some entomological groups. Our work is the first step to evaluate the diversity of Coleoptera and the long-term impact of taking biological management measures against harmful fauna in favour of more environment friendly agriculture. To assess the beetle community, different sampling methods were combined (Barber trap, coloured traps, mowing net and sight hunting). Evaluation of the results of a single campaign showed that Coleoptera infested with durum wheat vary in abundance and diversity. We identified more than 100 species of Coleoptera belonging to 22 different families for a total number of 5698 individuals belonging mainly to the Carabidae, Curculionidae, Chrysomelidae, Scarabidae and Staphylinidae families. Although the majority of Coleoptera collected are pests of durum wheat crops (47.57%) the case of Tropinota hirta, Notaris sp or Oulema melanopus in particular, there was an interesting presence of predators (28.15%) the case of Carabidae or Staphylinidae in particular even with low relative abundance. The temporal evolution of the Coleoptera showed that the species diversity indicated a peak of abundance at the full tillering stage following an accentuated vegetative development of the host plant, and the presence of weeds. The data collected in this way constitute a basis for a preliminary knowledge of the durum wheat Coleoptera and can thus be used to design pest control strategies.
PENGARUH KOMPETENSI, KOMPENSASI DAN MOTIVASI TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI KPU KABUPATEN BANYUASIN
Authors: Syah Bahrial , Marnisah Luis , Zamzam Fakhry
Published: January 2021

This study aims to analyze how competence, compensation and work motivation jointly affect the performance of KPU employees in Banyuasin Regency. The General Election of Banyuasin Regency used quantitative methods, using a saturated sampling sample in the study of 20 employees. In this study, the types of data used are primary data and secondary data. Data collection techniques using questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentation. Hypothesis testing through t test and F test using SPSS analysis tools. The results of data processing using SPSS 20, using the t test that t counts 4,330> t table 2.003 There is an influence of competence on performance; that t count 4.181> t table 2.003 positive and significant effect of compensation on performance; t count 4.469> t table 2.003 there is a positive and significant influence of motivation on performance; and F count 34.356> F table 4.883 and a significance level of 0.00 <0.05, that there is a positive and significant effect on the competency, compensation and motivation patterns together on performance, with a determination coefficient of 77.5%, the rest is influenced by other variables. The conclusion of the research is that competence, compensation and motivation have a positive and significant effect on performance either partially or simultaneously. Strategies to improve employee performance at the KPU Banyuasin Regency can be done by first increasing employee motivation to increase broad knowledge of knowledge in supporting work implementation, then increase. competence to be consistent in having a good attitude with colleagues.
Sexualidade Humana
Authors: Albuquerque Maria Cicera dos Santos de
Published: January 2021

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