bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review and Validation of the Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ) – Implications for Citation and Reporting Practice
Authors: Law Effie L.-C. , Brühlmann Florian , Mekler Elisa D
Published: August 2018

Despite lacking a formal peer-reviewed publication, the Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ) is widely applied in games research, which might risk the proliferation of erroneous study implications. This concern motivated us to conduct a systematic literature review of 73 publications, analysing how and why the GEQ and its variants have been employed in current research. Besides inconsistent reporting of psychometric properties, we found that misleading citation practices with regards to the source, rationale and number of items reported were prevalent, which in part seem to stem from confusion over the “manuscript in preparation” status. Additionally, we present the results of a validation study (N = 633), which found no evidence for the originally postulated 7-factor structure of the GEQ. Based on these findings, we discuss the challenges inherent to the “manuscript in preparation” status and provide recommendations for authors, researchers, educators, and reviewers on how to improve reporting, citation and publication practices.
Efektifitas Pemanfaatan Fly Ash Batubara Sebagai Adsorben Dalam Menetralisir Air Asam Tambang pada Settling Pond Penambangan Banko PT. Bukit Asam (Persero), Tbk
Authors: Gobel Alieftiyani Paramita
Published: August 2018

Penanganan AAT yang banyak dilakukan di perusahaan tambang batubara dengan cara pengapuran masih kurang efektif karena penggunaan kapur hanya untuk meningkatkan pH rendah menjadi pH netral, namun tidak dapat menurunkan kandungan logam Fe dan Mn. Aplikasi penggunaan fly ash skala laboratorium dengan volume AAT 250ml menunjukkan bahwa adanya penambahan massa fly ash dan kecepatan pengadukan terjadi peningkatan pH dan penurunan konsentrasi logam Fe dan Mn.  Fly ash batubara mengandung senyawa mineral utama yaitu kuarsa (SiO2) dan mullite (Al6Si2O13) yang berperan pada proses adsorpsi antara logam berat dengan adsorben fly ash dalam larutan mengandung air. Berdasarkan hasil analisis, efektifitas massa fly ash terhadap perubahan kadar pH rata-rata sebesar 63,11%. Selanjutnya efektifitas massa fly ash terhadap perubahan konsentrasi logam Fe rata-rata sebesar 85,95%, sedangkan efektifitas massa fly ash terhadap perubahan konsentrasi logam Mn rata-rata sebesar 81,77%. Oleh karena itu, kapasitas adsorpsi logam Fe lebih besar daripada kapasitas adsorpsi logam Mn yaitu kapasitas adsorpsi logam Fe sebesar 4,938 mg/g sedangkan kapasitas adsorpsi logam Mn sebesar 4,296 mg/g mengikuti model adsorpsi isotherm Freundlich.
Transitional Writing and "Third Space" Learning: Professional Writing Students and the Work Experience
Authors: Wegner Diana
Published: August 2018

This paper is based on a long-term study of professional writing students in an internship, "work experience" course. Building upon work theorizing the problematic gap between classroom instruction and workplace practice, this study extends analysis to explore the role of transitional pedagogy in the learning dynamics that populate the "space between" the classroom and the workplace. It shows how students use both their acquired strategic resourcefulness and tools such as transitionally located scaffolding structures to facilitate workplace participation. The analysis is framed largely by learning community theory and activity theory, with emphasis on the concepts of developmental transfer and consequential transition, which prove productive for elucidating the nature of transformative learning and for assessing the effects of transitional pedagogy. I examine both conventional on-site work placements and the additional challenges that off-site internships present. The evidence here suggests that an effective transitional writing pedagogy should aim to create a transitional community of practice, a "back region" or "third space" where students and mentors can problem-solve and share resources. Findings support recent elaborations of activity theory in contexts of transitional learning and educational reform, and reinforce the need to strengthen weak links in school-employer work experience collaborations.Key words: internship, learning community, activity theory, developmental transfer
Scenes from Graduate School: Playing in the Smooth Spaces of Academic Writing
Authors: Bray Nancy
Published: August 2018

In this essay, I describe how I have experienced difficulties writing in particular academic genres. Finding spaces to play in these genres has helped me to ease these difficulties and negotiate the conflicts and contradictions of the academy. To explore and explain innovative spaces within genres, I extend Deleuze and Guattari’s notion of smooth and striated spaces with work in rhetorical genre studies. I conclude that opening smooth spaces in striated academic genres is not only important for students like me but may also help us better respond to the changing realities of graduate studies and academic work in Canada. I offer some suggestions as to how writing studies scholarship could support these efforts.
Writing in Graduate School: A Found Poem
Authors: Olinger Andrea R
Published: August 2018

The author presents and reflects on a found poem she composed from the final papers of students in her multidisciplinary graduate writing class.
Drawing as a Way of Knowing: Visual Practices as the Route to Becoming Academic
Authors: Abegglen Sandra , Burns Tom , Sinfield Sandra
Published: August 2018

This case study illustrates what happened when we took a playful approach in a first year undergraduate academic skills module and a graduate Facilitating Student Learning module asking our students to “draw to learn.” We found that they not only enjoyed the challenges we set them, but also that they “blossomed” and approached their academic writing with more confidence and joy. Hence we argue for a more ludic approach to learning and teaching in Higher Education to enable Widening Participation students and their tutors to become the academic writers they want to be. In particular “blind drawing” seems to be a powerful tool for diminishing the fear of failure and for fostering deep understanding as well as self-confidence.
Humboldt Meets Bologna: Developments and Debates in Institutional Writing Support in Germany
Authors: Macgilchrist Felicitas , Girgensohn Katrin
Published: August 2018

This article outlines the coming of age of writing pedagogy in German institutions of higher education and explores the role of the ‘Hausarbeit’ in contemporary universities. Traditionally, the 6,000-12,000 word Hausarbeit was the mainstay of academic writing in all university courses in the social sciences and humanities in Germany. This assignment was tied into dominant discourse (‘Humboldt discourse’) in which the main point of higher education was to cultivate future independent scholars. Since 1999, the increasing predominance of ‘Bologna discourse’ has led to the radical restructuring of higher education across Europe. This discourse emphasizes internationalization, transferable skills and key competencies, i.e. the point of higher education is not primarily to cultivate independent scholars but flexible, creative and enterprising future professionals. With indications that the Hausarbeit could disappear in the Bologna process, we argue not only that it can be saved but also that it has a significant role to play in developing the new competencies. This will only happen, however, if students receive institutional writing support, and if writing curricula in Germany rise to the new challenges.Key words: writing centres, discourse, Bologna reforms, writing pedagogy, Hausarbeit
Psychological Interventions for Recurrence Prevention in Adolescent Depression: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jatchavala Chonnakarn Jatchavala , Chan Stella W. Y.
Published: August 2018

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of psychological interventions in depressive adolescents to prevent recurrent depressive episodes.Material and Methods: English databases, including Embase, Medline, Global Health, and PsychINFO, were searched for studies that examined the effectiveness of psychological interventions in preventing recurrent depression. Eight articles were found in the electronic databases and 4 studies were found from a manual search. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool.Results: One quasi-randomized control trial and 11 randomized control trials met the inclusion criteria. A systematic review of the 12 studies was conducted. The studies involved 1,641 participants that represented different effects of recurrence prevention interventions at 6, 9, 12, 24, and 33 months following treatment completion. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group intervention showed effectiveness in recurrence prevention in depressive adolescents in 6-33 months. Supportive psychotherapy and family therapy also prevented recurrent depression at 24-month follow-up, while psychodynamic/psychoanalytic psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy could prevent recurrence in depressive adolescents for 12 months following completion of the intervention.Conclusion: Among the psychological interventions studied in the included articles, CBT group intervention showed the greatest long-term effect since group CBT could prevent recurrent depression in adolescents up to 33 months.
Impacto del sistema gráfico de alertas “semáforo” en consumo de alimentos procesados
Authors: Poveda Guevara Antonio Francisco , Pesantes Burgos Carlos Virgilio
Published: August 2018

El gobierno ecuatoriano exigió a los fabricantes de alimentos procesados la utilización de un sistema gráfico de alertas (MTL) en sus productos. Mediante encuestas a 385 jefes de hogar, se encuentra que la aplicación del sistema influye en la percepción de las familias en cuanto a lo saludable del producto, estimado de calorías, estimado de azúcar y percepción de sabor. No se encuentra diferencia significativa en cuanto a intención de compra, atención a información nutricional o percepción sobre vitaminas.
Open Sourcing Proprietary Application Case Study: KIRI Website
Authors: Nugroho Pascal Alfadian , Natali Vania
Published: August 2018

KIRI, a previously closed source project, is a web-based public transport navigation application that serves Bandung and other cities in Indonesia. It was originally made for commercial purpose, but relatively unsuccessful. Rather than shutting it down, we transformed KIRI to an open source project. In this paper we explain such process of transformation. First, we identified technical infrastructures required by an open source project by literature review. Then, we surveyed various existing open source projects in Indonesia in terms of their completeness in technical infrastructure. Based on findings from literature review and survey, we converted KIRI into an open source project. Finally, we checked final result of this transformation, to ensure everything worked well. There were some problems found after conversion, and had been fixed accordingly. Further research is needed to see if the open sourced KIRI can attract community participation.
Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus From The Diabetic Ulcer
Authors: Lutpiatina Leka , Eriana Nisa Nur Agistni
Published: August 2018

Infections of diabetic ulcers may occur because patients with diabetes mellitus have a weak immune system and the presence of high blood sugar into a strategic place for bacterial growth one of them is Staphylococcus aureus. Increased resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to various antibiotics, causing problems for the treatment of this infection. As by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) This study aims to assess the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at diabetic ulcer patient at Banjarmasin city hospital. This research uses descriptive observational research type. The study sample was patients with grade 2 and three diabetic ulcers with a total of 30 samples. The result of the research found 14 Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis nine, Staphylococcus saprophyticus two and 5 Gram-negative bacteria. Of the 14 samples of Staphylococcus aureus, there were eight samples of cefoxitin-resistant samples. The conclusion was 47% of Staphylococcus aureus in patients with a diabetic ulcer at Banjarmasin City Hospital. There was a 57% Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the isolated Staphylococcus aureus found. Need further research on the resistance of antibiotics oxacillin and cefoxitin to other Staphylococcus sp bacteria derived from patient diabetic ulcers.
FAKTOR RESIKO YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN KANKER SERVIK; STUDI KASUS DI RSUP DR. KARIADI SEMARANG
Authors: Aziyah Aziyah , Sumarni Sri , Ngadiyono Ngadiyono
Published: August 2018

Kanker serviks uteri merupakan salah satu jenis penyakit kanker tidak menular yang diperkirakan meningkat setiap tahunnya. Di RSUP Dr.Kariadi Semarang, kunjungan kanker servik di poliklinik ginekologi dari ke tahun semakin meningkat. Banyak faktor resiko yang mendukung timbulnya penyakit kanker serviks uteri antara lain riwayat hubungan seksual pertama sebelum umur 20 tahun, multiparitas, riwayat KB oral, faktor perilaku tidak sehat, dan faktor keturunan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui faktor resiko kanker servik pada pasien poliklinik ginekologi RSUP Dr. Kariadi Semarang tahun 2016.Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan rancangan penelitian observasional analitik korelatif menggunakan pendekatan cross-sectional. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini total sampling dengan teknik aksidental sampling sebanyak 103 responden, terdiri dari 68 responden kanker serviks dan 35 responden bukan kanker servik.Hasil penelitian adalah ada Â hubungan antara umur pertama kali berhubungan seksual (p-value=0.001, OR 4.56), status paritas (p-value=0.000, OR 0.09), kontrasepsi KB hormonal (p-value=0.008, OR 3.36), riwayat keturunan dengan sakit kanker (p-value=0.006, OR 5.1), dan perilaku vaginal hygiene (p-value=0.000, OR 6.5) dengan kejadian kanker servik di RSUP Dr. Kariadi Semarang tahun 2016.Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  Dari hasil penelitian ini diharapkan Â tenaga kesehatan dapat menginformasikan faktor-faktor yang Â berhubungan dengan kanker servik sehingga masyarakat mengerti dan melakukan tindakan preventif.Â Â Â
ANALISIS FAKTOR RESIKO HIPERTENSI SEKUNDER PADA PENGGUNA KONTRASEPSI AKTIF DI PUSKESMAS TANJUNG AGUNG
Authors: Suryanda Suryanda
Published: August 2018

Abstrak : Analisis Faktor Resiko Hipertensi Sekunder Pada Pengguna Kontrasepsi Aktif Di UPTD Puskesmas Tanjung Agung. Tujuan penelitian menganalisis faktor resiko hipertensi sekunder pada pengguna kontrasepsi Aktif di UPTD Puskesmas Tanjung Agung. Merupakan penelitian deskriptif analitik dengan metode cross-sectional . Populasi adalah wanita pengguna kontrasepsi aktif yang datang ke Poliklinik KIA dan KB Â tahun 2016. Menggunakan tekhnik accidental sampling, didapatkan 45 orang responden. Data dengan kuisioner berbentuk check list dan pertanyaan terbuka. Usia responden pada kisaran 18 tahun hingga 47 tahun, pengguna kontrasepsi aktif dengan kelompok varitas tertinggi adalahÂ  3 â€“ 4 anak 15 responden (33,3 %), kelompok terendah lebih dari 5 anak 3 responden (6,7%). Kelompok terpapar asap rokok 26 reponden (57,7%), kelompok tidak terpapar 19 responden (42,2%). Responden hipertensi 14 responden (31,1%), Â yang tidak hipertensi 31 responden (68,9%). Penggunaaan Kontrasepsi hormonal lebih banyak, yaitu 23 responden (51,1%) dari pada non hormonal, yaitu 22 responden (48,9%). Terdapat Â hubungan bermakna antara pemakaian kontrasepsi hormonal dengan kejadian hipertensi, dengan nilai p.value 0,001. Tidak terdapat hubungan bermakna antara paparan asap rokok pada pengguna kontrasepi dengan kejadian hipertensi, nilai p.value 0,057. Perlunya edukasi Â PHBS terkait paparan asap rokok dan bahaya hipertensi kepada masyarakat.
STUDI PERBANDINGAN JUMLAH PARASIT MALARIA MENGGUNAKAN VARIASI WAKTU PEWARNAAN PADA KONSENTRASI GIEMSA 3 % DI LABORATORIUM RSUD Dr. H. CHASAN BOESOIRIE TERNATE
Authors: Puasa Rony
Published: August 2018

Pemeriksaan malaria yang merupakan Gold Standart adalah dengan menggunakan mikroskop.Sediaan darah malaria sebelum diidentifikasi perlu dilakukan pewarnaan dengan zat pewarnagiemsa. Tujuan dari pewarnaan adalah agar selâ€“sel dari plasmodium dapat terwarnai dan mudahdiidentifikasi. Zat pewarna giemsa sebelum digunakan sebagai pewarna pada sediaan darahmalaria, giemsa tersebut dibuat pengenceran dengan konsentrasi tertentu. Variasi lamanya waktupewarnaan akan berpengaruh terhadap hasil pembacaan sediaan darah malaria tersebut. Variasikonsentrasi yang dianjurkan, baik WHO dan Kementerian Kesehatan adalah 3% dengan lamawaktu pewarnaan 45â€“60 menit. Tujuan penelitian ini bertujuan untuk untuk mengetahuiperbedaan atau kesamaan jumlah parasit malaria dari setiap variasi waktu pewarnaanmenggunakan konsentrasi giemsa 3%. Metode Penelitian yang digunakan yaitu deskriptif denganjenis penelitian Studi Perbandingan (Comparatif Study), hasilnya diuji menggunakan Uji Anova.Ada perbedaan yang signifikan antara lama waktu pewarnaan standar 50 menit dengan variasiwaktu 40, 30, dan 20 menit.
Editorial Volumen 1 Nro. 2 (2016)
Authors: Gómez Oscar R.
Published: August 2018

Les doy la bienvenida a este segundo número. Un excelente equilibrio entre fisiología, política y religión; con artículos atravesados por, o que cuestionan, la visión tántrica de sujeto. Los cuatro trabajos seleccionados sintetizan el espíritu presentado en el primer número: un enfoque multidisciplinario sobre un único objeto de estudio —el Hombre y su relación con el universo en el que se desarrolla—. AbstractWelcome to our second issue, which is an excellent balance between physiology, politics, and religion. All its articles are driven by, or question, the tantric viewpoint of the human subject. The four selected works synthesize the spirit presented in the first issue: a multidisciplinary approach on a single object of study —man and his relationship with the universe where he realizes.
DESEO, SANGRE Y PODER – GEORGES BATAILLE Y EL ESTUDIO DEL TANTRA HINDÚ EN EL NORESTE DE LA INDIA
Authors: Urban Hugh B
Published: August 2018

Este artículo analiza el tantra hindú y la adoración de la diosa en el noreste de la India. Para esto se vale de varias de las ideas de Bataille sobre el erotismo, el sacrificio y la transgresión, al tiempo que las repiensa de manera crítica. Específicamente, analiza la adoración de la diosa Kamakhya y su templo en Assam, que es venerado como uno de los más antiguos «centros de poder» o asientos de la diosa en el sur de Asia y como el centro del órgano sexual de la diosa. En muchos sentidos, el trabajo de Bataille es extremadamente útil para comprender la lógica de la transgresión y el uso de la impureza en esta tradición. Al mismo tiempo, sin embargo, este ejemplo también pone de manifiesto algunas tensiones en el trabajo de Bataille, especialmente, la cuestión de la sexualidad femenina y la representación de las mujeres. En el caso del tantra asamés, la sexualidad femenina juega un papel central e integral en los fenómenos más amplios de la transgresión, los gastos y el éxtasis en la experiencia religiosa. Como tal, se puede poner fructíferamente en diálogo con el trabajo de Bataille para una «teoría de la religión» crítica en la actualidad.Abstract: This article examines Hindu Tantra and goddess worship in northeastern India, by using but also critically rethinking several of Bataille’s insights into eroticism, sacrifice, and transgression. Specifically, the article examines the worship of the goddess Kamakhya and her temple in Assam, which is revered as one of the oldest “power centers” or seats of the goddess in South Asia and as the locus of the goddess’s sexual organ. In many ways, Bataille’s work is extremely useful for understanding the logic of transgression and the use of impurity in this tradition. At the same time, however, this example also highlights some tensions in Bataille’s work, particularly the question of female sexuality and women’s agency. In the case of Assamese Tantra, female sexuality plays a central and integral role in the larger phenomena of transgression, expenditure, and ecstatic religious experience. As such, it can be fruitfully put into dialogue with Bataille’s work for a critical “theory of religion” today.
TANTRA O YOGA. ESTUDIOS CLÍNICOS, 2ª PARTE: TANTRA
Authors: Gómez Oscar R.
Published: August 2018

Varios estudios clínicos realizados muestran cómo las prácticas tántricas así como los ejercicios de las tradiciones védicas, como el yoga, o budistas theravada o mahayana, tienen un impacto psicobiológico significativo. Este estudio busca el correlato neurofisiológico de las prácticas llamadas meditaciones tántricas  y no-tántricas mediante una revisión sistemática cualitativa de los datos recolectados. Se evidenció que las prácticas tántricas producen un aumento en la actividad simpática, del estado de «alerta fásica» y en el rendimiento en tareas cognitivo visuales. Promueven una mayor vigilia y menor propensión al sueño, generan un incremento en la actividad cognitiva y modificaciones metabólicas contrarias a las que se verifican de las no-tántricas como consecuencia del relax inducido por esas prácticas. Las prácticas tántricas producen un estado de calma y claridad mental, con la energía y excitación suficiente para funcionar en el entorno con eficacia en el manejo de la irritabilidad, la tensión y la fatiga, al igual que el manejo del miedo y de la ansiedad. La experiencia espiritual «del despertar» y de la «autorrealización» tienen su correspondencia neurofuncional y anatómica, de modificaciones neuroplásticas que desarrollan un nuevo nivel de sensibilidad, percepción y autopercepción. AbstractSeveral clinical studies show how exercises in Vedic traditions, such as Yoga, or Theravada or Mahayana Buddhisms as well as tantric practices have a significant psychobiological impact. This study seeks the neurophysiological correlate of the practices called tantric and non-tantric meditations through a qualitative systematic review of the data collected. Tantric practices were proved to show increased sympathetic activity, «phasic alertness», and better performance at cognitive visual tasks. They promote greater wakefulness and decresead propensity to sleep, increased cognitive activity and metabolic changes as contrasted with those resulting from non-tantric practices due to the relaxation induced by such practices. Tantric practices create calmness and mental clarity, with enough energy and excitement to function in the environment effectively in managing irritability, stress and fatigue, as well as fear and anxiety management. The spiritual experience of "awakening" and "self-realization" has a neurofunctional and anatomical correlate of neuroplastic modifications that create new levels of sensitivity, perception and self-perception.
Effect of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on growth, yield and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) varieties in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Subedi S , Srivastava A , Sharma MD , Shah SC
Published: August 2018

A study was conducted in Horticulture farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, during November 2015 to February 2016 by using three commercial radish varieties (All Season White, Mino Early Long White and Pyuthane Red) and five nutrient sources combination of organic manure (Poultry and Farm yard manure) and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer (100:80:40 NPK kg ha-1) replicated three times in a factorial RCBD design. Most of the plant growth and yield parameters were found superior in treatments consisting poultry manure (PM) alone and in combinations with inorganic fertilizer. Treatment consisting farm yard manure (FYM) was found inferior in most of the cases. At the time of harvest, significantly higher plant height (37.5 cm), number of leaves per plant (24.77), root diameter (39.01 mm), average leaf length (35.03 cm), average leaf width (12.86 cm) was observed in treatment consisting PM (50%) and RDF (50%). Similarly, root yield (73.98 t ha-1) and shoot yield (62.52 t ha-1) was also found higher in the same treatment. Among the three commercial radish varieties, Mino Early Long White was found superior in most of the growth and yield parameters viz., number of leaves per plant, biological yield, root yield, root length, root diameter, marketable root, smooth root and excellent fleshed root percentage.SAARC J. Agri., 16(1): 61-69 (2018)
Effects of probiotics-encapsulated live feed on growth and survival of juvenile Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) after differential exposure to pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Dey A , Ghosh K , Hazra N
Published: August 2018

Growth and survival of Clarias batrachus juveniles (10-day old) fed probiotic Bacillus cereus (KR809412) encapsulated live feed (chironomid larvae) have been evaluated after differential exposure to the pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila (MTCC 1739). Catfish juveniles were stocked at a density of 30 fish per tank in five experimental groups (T1-T5) along with a control group in triplicate and fed twice @ 5% of body weight day-1 for four weeks. Groups T1 and T2 were fed probiotic-encapsulated (PR) or pathogen-inoculated (PGN) live feed respectively, for initial three weeks. During this period groups T3 (PGN-PR-PR), T4 (PR-PGN-PR), and T5 (PR-PR-PGN) were differentially exposed to the pathogen. Live feed without probiotic and pathogen was offered to the control group throughout the experimental period and all other treatment groups (T1-T5) during the 4th week. Continuous exposure to probiotics in group T1 resulted in significantly higher (P<0.05) specific growth rate (SGR, % d-1) and survivability than other groups, whereas, pathogen exposed and probiotic deprived group (T2) noticed with the lowest SGR and the highest mortality. Among other treatment groups (T3, T4 and T5), group T4 resulted in improved SGR and survivability. The coefficient (r value) of 0.867 along with regression slope suggested a positive correlation (0.01 levels) between RNA: DNA and SGR. The study might suggest protective effects of probiotic B. cereus in pathogen exposed C. batrachus juveniles.SAARC J. Agri., 16(1): 105-113 (2018)
Growth, survival and intactness of green mud crab (Scylla Paramamosain) broodstock under different captive grow out protocols
Authors: Islam M Latiful , Siddiky MNSM , Yahya K
Published: August 2018

Development of broodstock of the green mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) was assessed under three different captive growout protocols viz. in the open fibre glass tanks (T1), in plastic boxes (T2) floating on fibre glass tanks and in plastic drawer/compartment (T3) for a period of 5 months under the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universitiy Sains Malaysia (USM). The male (M) and female (F) mud crab were cultured separately to maintain virginity. Suitability of both the sexes were evaluated considering the weight gain (size), survival and intactness of limbs during harvesting. Result of the present study revealed that, irrespectives of growout protocols, growth of mud crab happened following the sigmoid pattern. A noticeable intersexual weight attainment was observed with significantlyhigher (p<0.05) weight gain for the males. Meanwhile, growth was influenced by the culture protocols for both the sexes with significant (p<0.05) weight gain in outdoor tanks (M= 319.75 g, F= 246.17 g) followed by outdoor floating boxes (M= 250.50 g, F= 198.70 g) and indoor compartment (M= 246.40 g, F= 178.50 g). Survival and the proportion of intact crabs under indoor compartment and outdoor floating boxeswere significantly higher (p<0.05) than out door tank culture system. The result of the present study suggested that, outdoor growout protocol could be followed for faster broodstock development purposes to reduce the dependence on natural broodstock for hatchery operations.SAARC J. Agri., 16(1): 169-180 (2018)
Understanding Employee Innovative Behavior and Thriving at Work: A Chinese Perspective
Authors: Riaz Sidra , Xu Yusen , Hussain Shahid
Published: August 2018

Drawing from the tenets of social cognitive theory, the present study examined the effect of thriving at work on innovation behavior via organizational support of innovation. The data were collected at three points in time from 402 participants occupying a variety of positions in Chinese organizations. Structural equation modeling and multilevel regression analysis results demonstrated that employees’ thriving was positively related to organizational support of innovation, which in turn was positively related to innovative behavior. In addition, moderated mediation results demonstrated that employee external contacts strengthened the relationship between organizational support of innovation and innovative behavior, and enhanced the positive effects of thriving. Our results deepen and go beyond previous research on thriving at work. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
A Single-Stage High-Power Factor Converter with Synchronized Self-Excited Technique for LED Lighting
Authors: Chang Yong-Nong , Chan Shun-Yu , Cheng Hung-Liang
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes a single-stage, high power-factor light-emitting diode (LED) driver with a self-excited control scheme for the power switches. The self-excited mechanism is accomplished by fetching the driving voltages from a center-tapped transformer. The frequency of the driving voltages is exactly the same as the resonant frequency of the resonant converter, thus synchronizing the resonant frequency with the switching frequency and achieving zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and zero-current switching (ZCS) of power switches. The circuit topology is mainly composed of a half-bridge LC resonant converter, along with a boost-type power-factor corrector (PFC) to fulfill the single-stage structure, meaning that the presented LED driver possesses high power-factor features and low switching loss. Finally, a 40 W prototype circuit is implemented and tested, and the experimental results exhibit a satisfactory performance.
Analysis on the Changes of Agro-Meteorological Thermal Indices in Northeast China under RCP4.5 Scenario Using the PRECIS2.1
Authors: Li Xinhua , Xu Yinlong , Meng Chunchun , Zhang Lei , Wang Changgui
Published: August 2018

As a main grain production area in China, Northeast China (NEC) is highly influenced by the higher warming trend than elsewhere in China or even the globe. As the warming trend goes on, scientific understanding of the changes of thermal conditions in NEC will be essential for taking agricultural adaptation measures. In this paper, the high-resolution (25 km) corrected outputs of PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impacts Studies) under the Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) scenario were used to analyze the changes of the agro-climatic thermal resources in NEC. Results showed that accumulated temperature ≥10 °C (AT10) could increase by 300–500 °C·day, 500–900 °C·day, and 750–1000 °C·day in 2011–2040 (2020s), 2041–2070 (2050s), and 2071–2100 (2080s), respectively, relative to the baseline period of 1961–1990. The potential growing season (PGS) would then be prolonged by 11–19 days, 23–35 days, and 25–37 days in 2020s, 2050s and 2080s, respectively, compared to baseline. The spatial features for the changes of thermal indices would show a large increase of AT10 and an extension of PGS and Frost-free period (FFP) in mountainous areas compared to plains; the increment of AT10 would be greater in southern NEC than that in the north, with over 1000 °C·day in the southern parts and 700–800 °C·day in the northern parts in the 2080s. Additionally, the three thermal indices would increase rapidly from 2020s to 2050s compared to the period from 2050s to the 2080s, coincides with the greenhouse gas concentrations peak around the mid-period of the 21st century, and the decline towards the end of the 21st century under RCP4.5 forcing. The results of this paper could act as a guide to taking advantage of increasing thermal resources in NEC, and would be helpful for local practitioners in decision-making.
Improving Spinnability of Hyper-Coal Derived Spinnable Pitch through the Hydrogenation with 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinoline
Authors: Yang Jianxiao , Wu Wei , Zhang Xiaxiang , Shi Kui , Li Xuanke , Yoon Seong-Ho
Published: August 2018

The proper hydrogenation of Hyper-coal (HPC) using 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) was able to decrease the oxygen content and adjust the molecular structure of HPC for preparing the spinnable pitch with high softening point (SP). The spinnable pitch prepared from the THQ-soluble (QS) fraction of HPC as a precursor consisted of more naphthenic carbon groups than that prepared from the 1-methylnaphthalene (1-MN) soluble (MNS) fraction of HPC. The HPC-QS derived spinnable pitch showed excellent spinning performance even though the SP of 260 °C, and the tensile strength of the resultant carbon fiber was increased to 1350 MPa with a diameter around 8 µm under the only carbonization temperature of at 800 °C for 5 min.
Genetics and Expression Profile of the Tubulin Gene Superfamily in Breast Cancer Subtypes and Its Relation to Taxane Resistance
Authors: Nami Babak , Wang Zhixiang
Published: August 2018

Taxanes are a class of chemotherapeutic agents that inhibit cell division by disrupting the mitotic spindle through the stabilization of microtubules. Most breast cancer (BC) tumors show resistance against taxanes partially due to alterations in tubulin genes. In this project we investigated tubulin isoforms in BC to explore any correlation between tubulin alterations and taxane resistance. Genetic alteration and expression profiling of 28 tubulin isoforms in 6714 BC tumor samples from 4205 BC cases were analyzed. Protein-protein, drug-protein and alterations neighbor genes in tubulin pathways were examined in the tumor samples. To study correlation between promoter activity and expression of the tubulin isoforms in BC, we analyzed the ChIP-seq enrichment of active promoter histone mark H3K4me3 and mRNA expression profile of MCF-7, ZR-75-30, SKBR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Potential correlation between tubulin alterations and taxane resistance, were investigated by studying the expression profile of taxane-sensitive and resistant BC tumors also the MDA-MB-231 cells acquired resistance to paclitaxel. All genomic data were obtained from public databases. Results showed that TUBD1 and TUBB3 were the most frequently amplified and deleted tubulin genes in the BC tumors respectively. The interaction analysis showed physical interactions of α-, β- and γ-tubulin isoforms with each other. The most of FDA-approved tubulin inhibitor drugs including taxanes target only β-tubulins. The analysis also revealed sex tubulin-interacting neighbor proteins including ENCCT3, NEK2, PFDN2, PTP4A3, SDCCAG8 and TBCE which were altered in at least 20% of the tumors. Three of them are tubulin-specific chaperons responsible for tubulin protein folding. Expression of tubulin genes in BC cell lines were correlated with H3K4me3 enrichment on their promoter chromatin. Analyzing expression profile of BC tumors and tumor-adjacent normal breast tissues showed upregulation of TUBA1A, TUBA1C, TUBB and TUBB3 and downregulation of TUBB2A, TUBB2B, TUBB6, TUBB7P pseudogene, and TUBGCP2 in the tumor tissues compared to the normal breast tissues. Analyzing taxane-sensitive versus taxane-resistant tumors revealed that expression of TUBB3 and TUBB6 was significantly downregulated in the taxane-resistant tumors. Our results suggest that downregulation of tumor βIII- and βV-tubulins is correlated with taxane resistance in BC. Based on our results, we conclude that aberrant protein folding of tubulins due to mutation and/or dysfunction of tubulin-specific chaperons may be potential mechanisms of taxane resistance. Thus, we propose studying the molecular pathology of tubulin mutations and folding in BC and their impacts on taxane resistance.
The Impact of p53 Dysfunction in ATR Inhibitor Cytotoxicity and Chemo- and Radiosensitisation
Authors: Middleton Fiona , Pollard John , Curtin Nicola
Published: August 2018

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3 related kinase (ATR) signals replication stress and DNA damage to S and G2 arrest and promotes DNA repair. Mutations in p53, critical for G1 checkpoint control, are common in cancer and predicted to confer vulnerability to ATR inhibitors. Reported data on the impact of p53 status are variable possibly because of the use of unmatched cells and surrogate endpoints of survival. The cytotoxicity of VE-821 alone and its ability to potentiate radiation and gemcitabine cytotoxicity was determined in isogenic and unmatched p53 wild-type (wt) and null/mutant cells, as well as immortalised nonmalignant MCF10 (immortalised non-neoplastic) cells, by colony-forming assay. The effect on cell cycle checkpoints was determined by flow cytometry. The isogenic p53 defective cells were not more sensitive to VE-821 alone. Defective p53 consistently conferred greater chemo- and radiosensitisation, particularly at high dose levels in isogenic cells but not unmatched cells. VE-821 did not sensitise MCF10 cells. We conclude that p53 status is just one factor contributing to chemo- and radiosensitisation by ATR inhibition, the lack of chemo- or radiosensitisation in the noncancerous cells suggests an element of tumour-specificity that warrants further investigation. The greater sensitisation at high-dose irradiation suggests that ATR inhibitors may be most effective with hypofractionated radiotherapy.
Sperm Protein 17 Expression by Murine Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells and Its Impact on Tumor Progression
Authors: Gao Qian , Xiang Sue D. , Wilson Kirsty , Madondo Mutsa , Stephens Andrew N. , Plebanski Magdalena
Published: August 2018

The cancer testis antigen sperm protein 17 (Sp17) is a promising antigenic target in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) vaccine development. However, its role in ovarian cancer is unclear. We isolated and expanded Sp17+ and Sp17− clones from the murine EOC cell line ID8, and compared their in-vitro cell growth characteristics and in-vivo tumorigenicity. We also examined the potential co-expression of molecules that may influence cancer cell survival and interaction with immune cells. These include stimulatory and immunosuppressive molecules, such as major histocompatibility class I molecules (MHC I), MHC II, cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), CD73, CD39, tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNFRII), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Whilst the presence of Sp17 was not correlated with the ID8 cell proliferation/growth capacity in vitro, it was critical to enable progressive tumor formation in vivo. Flow cytometry revealed that Sp17+ ID8 cells displayed higher expression of both STAT3 and PD-L1, whilst MHC II expression was lower. Moreover, Sp17high (PD-L1+MHCII−) cell populations showed significantly enhanced resistance to Paclitaxel-induced cell death in vitro compared to Sp17low (PD-L1−MHCII+) cells, which was associated in turn with increased STAT3 expression. Together, the data support Sp17 as a factor associated with in-vivo tumor progression and chemo-resistance, validating it as a suitable target for vaccine development.
Inducible Nitric Oxide Regulates Brush Border Membrane Na-Glucose Co-transport, but Not Na:H Exchange via p38 MAP Kinase in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Manoharan Palanikumar , Sundaram Shanmuga , Singh Soudamani , Sundaram Uma
Published: August 2018

During chronic intestinal inflammation in rabbit intestinal villus cells brush border membrane (BBM) Na-glucose co-transport (SGLT1), but not Na/H exchange (NHE3) is inhibited. The mechanism of inhibition is secondary to a decrease in the number of BBM co-transporters. In the chronic enteritis mucosa, inducible nitric oxide (iNO) and superoxide production are known to be increased and together they produce abundant peroxynitrite (OONO), a potent oxidant. However, whether OONO mediates the SGLT1 and NHE3 changes in intestinal epithelial cells during chronic intestinal inflammation is unknown. Thus, we determined the effect of OONO on SGLT1 and NHE3 in small intestinal epithelial cell (IEC-18) monolayers grown on trans well plates. In cells treated with 100 μM SIN-1 (OONO donor) for 24 h, SGLT1 was inhibited while NHE3 activity was unaltered. SIN-1 treated cells produced 40 times more OONO fluorescence compared to control cells. Uric acid (1mM) a natural scavenger of OONO prevented the OONO mediated SGLT1 inhibition. Na+/K+-ATPase which maintains the favorable trans-cellular Na gradient for Na-dependent absorptive processes was decreased by OONO. Kinetics studies demonstrated that the mechanism of inhibition of SGLT1 by OONO was secondary to reduction in the number of co-transporters (Vmax) without an alteration in the affinity. Western blot analysis showed a significant decrease in SGLT1 protein expression. Further, p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway appeared to mediate the OONO inhibition of SGLT1. Finally, at the level of the co-transporter, 3-Nitrotyrosine formation appears to be the mechanism of inhibition of SGLT1. In conclusion, peroxynitrite inhibited BBM SGLT1, but not NHE3 in intestinal epithelial cells. These changes and the mechanism of SGLT1 inhibition by OONO in IEC-18 cells is identical to that seen in villus cells during chronic enteritis. Thus, these data indicate that peroxynitrite, known to be elevated in the mucosa, may mediate the inhibition of villus cell BBM SGLT1 in vivo in the chronically inflamed intestine.
Apelin Effects Migration and Invasion Abilities of Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Podgórska Marta , Pietraszek-Gremplewicz Katarzyna , Nowak Dorota
Published: August 2018

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancer types. Its positive correlation with general obesity has led to increasing amounts of research focusing on the role of adipokines in colon cancer development. Apelin is a peptide released by adipose tissue that could affect many cellular processes connected with carcinogenesis. In this study, we examined the role of apelin in the motility regulation of colon cancer cells. We showed that the effect of four different apelin peptides increased the ability of cancer cells to migrate and invade examined cells trough influencing migratory protrusions formation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. Additionally, using confocal microscopy, we noticed that apelin stimulated the proteolytic activity of cancer cells, especially increasing the level of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloprotease. Taken together, apelin increased the movement of colon cancer cells through several possible mechanisms. Moreover, better understanding the process through which apelin regulates cancer development is still necessary to the creation of novel anti-cancer therapy.
Preparation and Properties of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Sodium Alginate/Chitosan Composite Film
Authors: Lan Wenting , He Li , Liu Yaowen
Published: August 2018

A sodium alginate/chitosan solution was prepared by dissolving sodium alginate, chitosan, and glycerol in an acetic acid solution. This solution was then combined with a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution and the mixture was cast onto a glass plate and dried at a constant temperature of 60 °C. Then, a carboxymethyl cellulose/sodium alginate/chitosan composite film was obtained by immersing the film in a solution of a cross-linking agent, CaCl2, and air-drying the resulting material. First, the most advantageous contents of the three precursors in the casting solution were determined by a completely random design test method. Thereafter, a comprehensive orthogonal experimental design was applied to select the optimal mass ratio of the three precursors. The composite film obtained with sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and chitosan contents of 1.5%, 0.5%, and 1.5%, respectively, in the casting solution displayed excellent tensile strength, water vapor transmission rate, and elongation after fracture. Moreover, the presence of chitosan successfully inhibited the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. The composite film exhibited antibacterial rates of 95.7% ± 5.4% and 93.4% ± 4.7% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Therefore, the composite film is promising for antibacterial food packaging applications.
High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance of NiAl Intermetallic Formed In Situ by Thermal Spraying
Authors: Jia Qianqian , Li Deyuan , Li Shumei , Zhang Zhuang , Zhang Nannan
Published: August 2018

An Al/Ni composite coating was deposited on the surface of a pure Ti substrate by arc spray technology and plasma spray technology. In order to enable the in-situ reaction between the Al/Ni composite coating and the specimen, they were heated under different conditions. In addition, oxidation testing was conducted to test the oxidation-resistant property of the coating. The phase transition regulation of the coating after heating, the influence of heating at different temperatures and time on the reaction depth, and the correlated theory of the in-situ formation of the NiAl intermetallic compounds were studied and analyzed. The results showed that after the heat treatment, a ragged wave-like morphology was exhibited in the diffusion front of Al, and a small amount of the Ni in the diffusion region did not participate in the reaction. The growth of the NiAl intermetallic layer in the diffusion region of the Al/Ni/Ti specimen was obviously slower compared with the Al/Ni specimen.
Structural Identification of Binary Tetrahydrofuran + O2 and 3-Hydroxytetrahydrofuran + O2 Clathrate Hydrates by Rietveld Analysis with Direct Space Method
Authors: Ahn Yun-Ho , Lee Byeonggwan , Shin Kyuchul
Published: August 2018

The structural determination of clathrate hydrates, nonstoichiometric crystalline host-guest materials, is challenging because of the dynamical disorder and partial cage occupancies of the guest molecules. The application of direct space methods with Rietveld analysis can determine the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns of clathrates. Here, we conducted Rietveld analysis with the direct space method for the structural determination of binary tetrahydrofuran (THF) + O2 and 3-hydroxytetrahydrofuran (3-OH THF) + O2 clathrate hydrates in order to identify the hydroxyl substituent effect on interactions between the host framework and the cyclic ether guest molecules. The refined PXRD results reveal that the hydroxyl groups are hydrogen-bonded to host hexagonal rings of water molecules in the 51264 cage, while any evidences of hydrogen bonding between THF guests and the host framework were not observed from PXRD at 100 K. This guest-host hydrogen bonding is thought to induce slightly larger 512 cages in the 3-OH THF hydrate than those in the THF hydrate. Consequently, the disorder dynamics of the secondary guest molecules also can be affected by the hydrogen bonding of larger guest molecules. The structural information of binary clathrate hydrates reported here can improve the understanding of the host-guest interactions occurring in clathrate hydrates and the specialized methodologies for crystal structure determination of clathrate hydrates.