bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARING STUDENTSâ€™ ATTITUDES IN AN ONLINE PEER ASSESSMENT: DOES ANONYMITY MATTER?
Authors: Acai Fanya Evelyn , Purnamaningwulan Rina Astuti
Published: January 2024

Peer assessment is a fundamental activity aiming to involve students to participate actively in their own learning processes. In the context of EFL online learning, the peer assessment was conducted in the online mode as well. This study aimed to: 1) compare studentsâ€™ attitudes in doing an online peer assessment in two different conditions of anonymity, 2) explore studentsâ€™ perceptions of the anonymous and identifiable online peer assessment. Â Seventy students of the English language education department in a private university participated in this study. Assigned to two different conditions, i.e anonymous and identifiable online peer assessment, the students were engaged in a Workshop activity, which was an asynchronous Moodle-based online peer assessment. Each student assessed three peersâ€™ works as well as provide feedback comments. A questionnaire with close-ended and open-ended questions was used to investigate the studentsâ€™ attitudes as well as perceptions of the different peer assessment formats. An independent samples t-test was performed to compare the attitude scores of both groups. The result indicated that students in the anonymous group showed a slightly better attitude compared to those in the identifiable group, yet the difference was not significant (t = 1.164, p > .05). From the questionnaire result, it was also found that the students in the anonymous group had more positive perceptions towards online peer assessment activity. These findings imply that while the anonymous online peer assessment is more favoured by learners, it might not be able to guarantee positive development in studentsâ€™ overall aspects of attitudes.
Studentsâ€™ Attitudes in Experiencing Bilingual Environment in Islamic Boarding Schools
Authors: Lasminiar Putri
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to describe studentsâ€™ attitudes in experiencing a bilingual (English-Arabic) environment placed in their Islamic boarding school. This research employed a survey design. The data was obtained from a five-point scale questionnaire, which consisted of 15 statements, administered to 88 junior high school students of the 2021-2022 academic year. Then, the data was descriptive statistically analyzed The finding showed that students had positive attitudes towards the English-Arabic environment. The students believed that the bilingual environment could assist them to acquire the two languages easily by being used to having the languages with their friends and teachers around their daily lives. Furthermore, the research finding also reveals that the bilingual environment increased studentsâ€™ vocabulary items, made students have better bilingual communication among their friends, and provided circumstances of language learning that influenced bilingual learnersÂ Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan perilaku siswa terhadap lingkungan berbahasa Inggris dan Arab yang terdapat di pondok pesantren mereka. Data dari penelitian ini diperoleh dari kuesioner yang berisi 15 peryataan dengan 5 skala Likert yang diberikan kepada 88 siswa SMP tahun ajaran 2021-2022. Data dianalisa Dengan statistic deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa para siswa menunjukkan perilaku positif tentang keberadaan lingkungan berbahasa Inggris dan Arab di pondok pesantren. Mereka meyakini bahwa lingkungan tersebut dapat membantu mereka dalam mnguasai kedua bahasa tersebut dengan membiasakan diri untuk menggunakan kedua bahasa tersebut dalam berkomunikasi dengan teman dan guru di dalam kehidupan mereka sehari-hari. Selain itu, hasil penelitian juga mengungkapkan bahwa lingkungan dwibahasa tersebut dapat meningkatkan jumlah kosa kata baru, meningkatkan kemampuan komunikasi dwibahasa antar teman, dan menciptakan suasana pembelajaran bahasa bagi siswa dwibahasa
A Mutualism between American and Islamic Values in Rais and Almahendraâ€™s Bulan Terbelah di Langit Amerika
Authors: Kasiyarno Kasiyarno
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the mutualism between Muslims and the American land through a long journey since the very early of American history. In the trend of Islamophobia aftermath 9/11, the bond is analyzed with a new perspective through discourses in the novel Bulan Terbelah di Langit Amerika (2016), written by two Indonesian Muslims authors, Hanum Salsabiela Rais and Rangga Almahendra. It describes the relationship between American values and Islamic teachings in a mutualistic association. The moral lesson of the novel has been clear to show the readers that Islam still contributes significantly to the world and has been in a mutual relationship with American country along history.Â
Tactics of combined/complex treatment of breast cancer patients with isolated metastatic lesion of supraclavicular or parasternal lymph nodes
Authors: Kupriyanov P. I. , Zikiryakhodzhaev A. D. , Reshetov I. V. , Rasskazova E. A. , Khugaeva F. S. , Butova Yu. V. , Duadze I. S.
Published: January 2024

The article presents data on 134 breast cancer patients who were diagnosed with lesions of the parasternal, supraclavicular, subclavian and axillary lymph nodes. The effectiveness of surgical or radiation exposure to the supraclavicular/parasternal lymph nodes in their metastatic lesion was analyzed. The survival assessment showed that after 1 year of follow-up, the values of the indicator were almost the same, amounting to 96.3 and 96.4 %, respectively, in groups 1A (surgical treatment) and 1B (radiation therapy). After 3 years, the indicator value was slightly higher in subgroup 1B – 80.4 %, while in group 1A it was 77.8 %, 5-year survival in group 1A was at the level of 33.3 %, in group 1B the indicator value was higher and amounted to 44.6 %, in group 2–78.4 %. At the same time, there were no statistically significant differences in all the terms of the study. We believe that the results of our study are fully consistent with the current trend in the treatment of breast cancer, which can be defined by the phrase ‘the less surgery, the better’. According to our data, surgical removal of metastatically altered supraclavicular and parasternal lymph nodes is inferior to radiation therapy when comparing 5-year overall survival.
Palliative surgical treatment in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Onofriychuk I. M. , Zikiryahodzhaev A. D. , Khakimova Sh. G. , Saribekyan E. K. , Zapirov G. M. , Khakimova G. G. , Sukhotko A. S.
Published: January 2024

Last many years breast cancer on a leading position in the structure of oncological pathology among the female population. Patients with metastatic breast cancer, as well as with the presence of tumors with incipient decay or bleeding, are currently considered as patients for complex palliative systemic treatment. The question of the expediency of performing an operation in such a pathology occurs quite often in the daily practice of an oncologist-surgeon. Of course, such life-threatening conditions as decaying breast tumors, bleeding from them, do not raise doubts about the urgency of providing palliative surgical treatment, which is often it is sanitation mastectomy. However, the need for a surgical stage of treatment in the complex palliative therapy of metastatic breast cancer raises many questions. The possibilities of treating metastatic breast cancer have expanded significantly due to the development of drug therapy regimens, up to treating it as a chronic disease. The success of drug breast cancer treatment gives a chance to prolong the life of patients for many years. Thus, in the process of long-term treatment of these patients, various situations arise that require an individual solution. Based on the results of studies, the authors conclude that the decision to remove the primary breast lesion in such patients should be individualized and based on the opinion of the oncologist-surgeon, chemotherapist and radiation therapist, taking into account the potential risk, as well as the subsequent quality of life. In addition, as it turned out, the surgical stage of treatment in such patients not only improves the subsequent quality of life, but also improves oncological indicators. This article discusses the indications and contraindications for performing palliative surgical treatment of patients with breast cancer, based on world studies and our own experience and a clinical study.
Neoadjuvant docetaxel/carboplatin/trastuzumab/pertuzumab (TCHP) in patients with HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer
Authors: Minnibaeva A. R. , Artamonova E. V. , Zhulikov Ya. A. , Khoroshilov M. V. , Kovalenko E. I.
Published: January 2024

The widespread use of anti-HER2 drugs has fundamentally changed the fate of patients with both early and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). The results of clinical studies demonstrate a significant increase in the frequency of achieving complete pathological response (pCR) and, as a consequence, improved survival rates when using the combination of docetaxel + carboplatin + trastuzumab + pertuzumab (TCHP) in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for HER2+ breast cancer, which is reflected in modern domestic and international guidelines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the TCHP regimen, as well as to identify independent clinical and morphological factors in achieving pCR. The study included 234 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer of stages II and III who received TCHP regimen in neoadjuvant setting, 233 were operated. The rate of achieving complete pathomorphological response (pCR, RCB 0) was 63 %, in the nonluminal HER2-positive subtype – 76 %, in the luminal HER2-positive subtype – 55 %. Predictors of pCR were the absence of hormonal receptors in the tumor (OR = 1.72; 95 % CI: 1.17–2.54; р = 0,01), as well as a high (>50 %) Ki-67 proliferation index (OR = 1.4; 95 % CI: 1.01–1.98; р = 0,05). The use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor as primary prevention has reduced the risk of febrile neutropenia and mucositis. Further observation of patients will allow us to evaluate the long-term results of neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer using the TCHP regimen in our population.
Expression of AHR-regulated and PD-L1-regulated microRNAs in squamous cell lung cancer
Authors: Kononchuk V. V. , Kalinina T. S. , Akhmetova D. A. , Kozlov V. V. , Gulyaeva L. F.
Published: January 2024

Introduction. Despite modern advances in research into the risk of development, immunological control and treatment options for lung cancer (LC), it is the leading cause of death from cancer. Tobacco smoking remains the predominant risk factor for the development of lung cancer, especially one of its aggressive subtypes, squamous cell lung cancer (SCLC). Benzo[a]pyrene, a component of cigarette smoke, promotes the activation of the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). AhR regulates the expression of many oncogenes, including PD-L1, the positive status of which is an indication for immunotherapy, one of the main treatment strategies for SCLC. However, to improve the effectiveness of treatment of SCLC, further search for new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic markers is necessary. MicroRNAs (miRs), which are highly stable and present in biological fluids, can act as such markers.

Objective. Search for microRNAs that could potentially serve as diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for SCLC. For this purpose, microRNAs were selected whose promoter regions contain AhR binding sites or whose target is PD-L1.

Materials and methods. A biocollection of tumor and conditionally normal lung tissue samples (n = 40) was collected at the thoracic department of the Novosibirsk Clinical Oncology Dispensary. The relative levels of selected miRNAs were examined using real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) technique.

Results. The levels of miR-342 and miR-181a in SCLC tissues were reduced by 3 times relative to conditionally normal tissue. The expression of miR-181a and miR-155 is associated with tumor size (lower levels in tumors larger than 3 cm) and the presence of metastases in the lymph nodes (3- and 2-fold lower levels in cases with metastases). The level of miR-146a decreased by 3 times in patients with metastatic lesions of lymph nodes. A significant relationship between the levels of miR-93, miR-181a and miR-155 and the expression status of PD-L1 was also found.

Conclusions. The expression profile of miR-146a, miR-93, miR-181a and miR-155 differs in SCLC patients depending on PD-L1 status and the presence or absence of lymph node metastases.
Pathogenetic characteristics of endometrioid adenocarcinoma of uterus at present stage
Authors: Moiseenko T. I. , Shatalova S. V. , Nepomnyashchaya E. M. , Bandovkina V. A. , Adamyan M. L.
Published: January 2024

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common cancers with a constantly and steadily growing incidence worldwide. The main reason for EC development, in addition to the female population aging, involves the obesity epidemic and associated hyperinsulinemia. Screening for EC has not been developed. However, endometrial carcinoma (ECa) demonstrates a specific symptomatology and clinical picture, and diagnostic methods are available, sensitive and defined by a certain range of comorbid diseases. These factors allow early ECa diagnosis in 80 %. The methods of treatment are standardized, depending on the stage of RTM and the morphological structure of EC, the age of the patient and allow to achieve 72–76 % of the overall 5-year survival rate. The methods of treatment are standardized, depending on the EC stage, the morphological structure of ECa, and the patient’s age, and allow achieving the 5-year overall survival of 72–76 %. The disease promised a favorable outcome and seemed to be controlled. However, at the end of the last century, researchers started to report the clinical and morphological heterogeneity of ECa, which allowed Ya. V. Bohman to propose a dichotomous division of EC into clinical and pathological variants. Such a division was accepted all over the world and required re-evaluation of the prognostic value of various endometrial adenocarcinoma histotypes depending on the phenotype and hormonogenesis of ECa. Initially, adenosquamous cancer (or endometrioid adenocarcinoma with squamous metaplasia, in the modern classification) was also classified as estrogen-dependent endometrioid adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell endometrial cancer was classified as an unfavorable type with a poor prognosis and without hormonal influence. Interest in the squamous cell component in dimorphic endometrial adenocarcinoma has repeatedly arisen over the past decades due to its unpredictable clinical course. The newest TCGA molecular classification of EC did not clarify the issues, but gave rise to new ones related to the etiology and carcinogenesis of this ECa histotype and its clinical interpretation.
Kajian Literatur Pemanfaatan Kecerdasan Buatan dalam Merespons Prioritas Pembangunan Kota Bandung
Authors: Pohan Muhammad Aria Rajasa
Published: January 2024

Kota Bandung menghadapi beragam tantangan dalam mewujudkan prioritas pembangunan yang meliputi optimalisasi infrastruktur, pelestarian lingkungan, pemerataan ekonomi, pembentukan masyarakat humanis, peningkatan pendidikan dan kesehatan, serta penguatan tata kelola pemerintahan. Kompleksitas permasalahan ini mendorong pencarian solusi inovatif, salah satunya adalah dengan menggunakan teknologi kecerdasan artificial atau sering disebut sebagai AI. Tujuan dari artikel ini adalah untuk mengkaji literatur terkait dengan pemanfaatan AI untuk memberikan solusi inovatif dalam merespons prioritas pembangunan kota Bandung. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan pendekatan studi literatur dengan mengambil sumber-sumber utama dari jurnal ilmiah, laporan pemerintah, dan publikasi terkait AI dan pembangunan kota. Analisis literatur menunjukkan bahwa AI dapat digunakan untuk membantu agar pembangunan prioritas kota Bandung dapat diselesaikan secara lebih optimal. Implementasi AI dalam berbagai aspek pembangunan dapat memberikan manfaat yang signifikan, seperti pengambilan keputusan yang lebih akurat, penghematan waktu dan sumber daya, serta penyediaan layanan yang lebih baik kepada masyarakat. Namun, pemerintah juga harus memperhatikan tantangan dalam mengimplementasikan teknologi AI seperti privasi data, keandalan algoritma, integrasi teknologi dengan kebijakan pemerintah, dan juga partisipasi masyarakat. Maka sangat penting untuk melakukan kolaborasi lintas sektor dan kemitraan dalam mengoptimalkan potensi AI untuk meraih pembangunan yang berkelanjutan. Diharapkan, artikel ini dapat bermanfaat bagi para pembuat kebijakan, praktisi, dan akademisi yang tertarik pada pembangunan kota berkelanjutan. Kontribusi AI dalam merespons prioritas pembangunan kota Bandung dapat membuka jalan agar dapat diperoleh pengambilan keputusan dan solusi yang lebih inovatif dan lebih baik.

Kata Kunci: Kecerdasan Buatan, Pemerintah Kota Bandung, Solusi Perkotaan, Mobilitas, Lingkungan, Pelayanan Publik.
STRATEGI PENCEGAHAN PERSELISIHAN HUBUNGAN INDUSTRIAL ANTARA PEKERJA/BURUH DAN PERUSAHAAN DI KOTA BALIKPAPAN PROVINSI KALIMANTAN TIMUR
Authors: Satyanagara AJisaka Bagas , Wahab Abdul
Published: January 2024

Meningkatnya jumlah perusahaan dan pekerja di Kota Balikpapan berdampak pada kompleksitas hubungan industrial dan tingginya perselisihan. Eksistensi perselisihan hubungan industrial yang masih menyentuh angka yang cukup tinggi dengan keterbatasan tenaga mediator cukup menghambat proses mediasi dan pencegahan perselisihan yang terjadi. Penelitian ini bertujuan unutk menganalisis strategi Dinas Ketenagakerjan dalam pencegahan perseliisihan hubungan industrial dengan mengidentifikasi dan menganalisis faktor internal (kekuatan dan kelemahan) dan eksternal (peluang dan ancaman) dengan Analisis SWOT. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif dengan pengumpulan data dengan teknik wawancara, observasi, dokumentasi, kuesioner SWOT dengan penganalisisan data dengan Analisis Matriks IE, Analisis Grand Strategy, Matriks SWOT serta analisis QSPM. Hasil penelitian berdasarkan analisis QSPM pada 3 tahapan analisis sebelumnya (Matriks IE, Grand Strategy dan Matriks SWOT) ditentukan bahwa strategi penetrasi pasar menjadi strategi yang paling sesuai daripada strategi pengembangan. Adapun, strategi yang dapat diterapkan pada penetrasi pasar Dinas Ketenagakerjaan adalah mempromosikan program-program terkait upaya pencegahan perselisihan hubungan industrial, mengajukan usulan terkait pemenuhan kebutuhan tenaga kerja mediator secara kuantitas maupun kualitas dan peningkatan kapasitas serikat pekerja dan pengusaha melalui penguatan kelembagaan dan sosialisasi.

 

Kata Kunci: Perselisihan Hubungan Industrial, Dinas Ketenagakerjaan, Strategi, SWOT
Impact of seasonal variation on endocrine profile during an estrous cycle in Jersey crossbred dairy cows
Authors: Kumar Harish , Kumar Pravesh , Sharma Akshay , Chahota Rajesh , Sharma Pururava
Published: January 2024

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of season viz., summer, winter, and isothermic (spring and autumn season), on endocrine profile in dairy cows. The daily temperature-humidity index (THI) was recorded using a dry and wet-bulb thermometer to envisage its variation among different seasons. For analysis of endocrine profile, blood samples were collected from thirty dairy cows (n=10 in each season) at 5-day interval i.e. day 0 (day of estrus) to day 20, of the estrouscycle for ELISA based estimation of estradiol-17β, progesterone, and cortisol. In results, the THI varied significantly (p<0.01) indifferent seasons with maximum THI in the summer (72.54),followed by the isothermic (64.7) and lowest in the winter season(54.12). Among the endocrine profile, the plasma cortisol levels had a significant variation (p<0.05) in different seasons with increased levels in the winter followed by the summer season, however, differences were non-significant (p>0.05) in plasmaprogesterone and estradiol-17β. In summary, seasonal variation barely led to significant changes in the reproductive hormones(estrogen and progesterone) but alleviated cortisol levels during summer and winter season had been suggestive of stress and could result in reduced fertility.
Influence of supplementary nickel on feed intake, nutrient utilization and growth performance in Murrah buffalo calves
Authors: P Thamizhan, , Datt Chander , . Shambhvi , Mani Veena , Mondal Goutam , Malik Raman
Published: January 2024

Eighteen male Murrah buffalo calves of about similar age (8.7 months) and body weight (125 kg) were selected from Livestock Research Centre, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India and divided into 3 groups of 6animals using randomised block design to investigate the effect of different levels of nickel (Ni) supplementation on feed intake, nutrient utilization, growth performance and rumen fermentation parameter. All the animals were fed to meet their nutrient requirements ICAR (2013), however, the animals in groups T1, T2and T3 were supplemented with 0, 5 and 10 ppm of Ni, respectively. Daily DM intake and fortnightly body weights were recorded in the morning before offering feed and water. Rumen liquor samples were collected at 0, 60 and 120 days of the experiment to analyze different rumen fermentation variables. Different levels of Ni in the diet did not influence nutrient intake, digestibility of nutrients(DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF and ADF), nitrogen balance, growth rate and feed conversion ratio. The values of various rumen fermentation parameters like pH, total volatile fatty acids, ammonia-N and TCA precipitable-N were similar in the three groups. The urease activity in rumen liquor was the highest(P<0.05) in group T3. The propionate level increased (P<0.05)while that of butyrate decreased in group T3 as compared to groups T1 and T2 showing no significant effect on acetate concentration. Hence, supplementation of Ni upto 10 ppm in the ration did not affect nutrient utiliisation and growth performance in male Murrah buffalo calves, however, urease activity and proportion of propionate increased to a greater extent in calves supplemented with 10 ppm Ni.
Effect of purified waste water intake on physiological, growth and healthparameters in crossbred (Alpine x Beetal) lactating goats
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Kumar Anil , . Ashutosh
Published: January 2024

Present study in goat (Capra hircus) was conductedto examine the effect of purified waste water on the physiologicalresponses, health status and growth parameters in comparisonto the control group goats maintained on fresh water. The studywas carried out in lactating goats maintained at LivestockResearch Centre, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal during November toJanuary 2018-19. The dry matter and water intake of the lactatinggoats non-significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the treatmentgroups as compared to the control group goats provided with fresh water. The different physiological responses (Heart Rate, Respiration Rate and Rectal Temperature) and hematological parameters (TEC, TLC, Hb, PCV, ESR, and DLC) of the goats provided with purified waste water although differed from the control values but the differences were non-significant (p<0.05).The growth parameter which included body weight, remained non-significantly (p<0.05) different in treatment groups as compared to the control groups. Milk yield in the crossbred lactating goats differed non-significantly (p<0.05) in the treatment group as compared to the control group. The parasitological infestation was found to be positive for Moneizia expansa and Giardia sp. some of the faecal samples of both the groups i.e. control as well as treatment groups. Hence, the purified wastewater may be recommended as drinking water to the crossbred lactating goats in the water scarce areas.
Production, survival, and storage study of freeze and spray dried Lactococcuslactis using whey asprotectant
Authors: Kumari Vandna , Kumar Narendra , Mandal Surajit , Hati Subrota
Published: January 2024

The present research was hypothesized that preservation of bacterial cell with higher viability by drying methodologies is a challenging process as L. lactis ssp. lactis, is heat sensitive bacteria. Thus, drying conditions must be mild enough to avoid damaging them but sufficiently efficient to yield a powder with moisture content below 4%, which is desirable for storage stability. To overcome the lack of moisture sweet whey was used as protective medium for freeze and spray drying of L. lactis ssp. lactis. The present study was designed to evaluate the survival and storage stability of freeze and spray dried Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis, using sweet whey as protective medium up to 90 days at -20°C storage temperature. The percent survivability for freeze and spray dried powders of Lactococcuslactis ssp. lactis was found 60% and 36% respectively. A significant decrease of more than one log count for freeze dried culture and two log count decrease in case of spray dried culture powder was observed after 90 days of storage period. The moisture content and storage temperature played a crucial role in storage stability of both the powders, which was observed within the acceptable limit. the present study culminates that storage temperature and moisture content of bacterial powders are the key factors influencing its viability. In addition, higher survivability and storage stability of freeze-dried powder (60%)as compared to spray dried bacterial cells (36%) develops new technological route to improve cell survivability by spray drying and further during storage.
Assessment of bioactive components of essential oils for antimicrobial activity in the dairy food matrix
Authors: Gaare Manju , Grover Chand Ram
Published: January 2024

Essential oils as a whole have been widely investigated for their antimicrobial properties against spoilage microorganisms and pathogens. However limited information is available about the inhibitory activities of components of EO in foods and more specifically in dairy food matrices. The widespread components of common EOs were evaluated for their antibacterial activity in media and skim milk. Amongst the EO components, trans-cinnamaldehyde and eugenol were the most effective on the basis of disk assay and minimum bactericidal concentrations in milk. The MBC of these EOs was unaffected by the conditions of the incubation temperature of milk. However the MBC was decreased in paneer slurry against L.monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 when incubated at 7 °C than37 °C. In the dairy spread, trans-cinnamaldehyde and eugenol were effective in inhibiting TBC, coliform, and yeast & mold count at 0.26 mg/g without affecting sensory properties. The microbial load in paneer made from EO added to milk (10 mg/ml) significantly inhibited microbial growth during storage. In addition eugenol has shown antioxidant activity in milk through ABTS radical scavenging assay.
Performance of dairy processing firms in India- An empirical analysis across size and experience categories
Authors: SS Asha Devi , Chandel BS , Malhothra Ravinder , Dixit AK , Franco Denny
Published: January 2024

The Indian dairy processing sector is characterized by the co-existence of organized and un-organized sectors, while the latter is predominant. For the progressive development of the dairy processing industry, the participation of the organized sector needs to be encouraged. In order to make this industry attractive for investing, its productivity, efficiency, and profitability need to be higher. Keeping these facts in view, this study investigated the profitability of the organized dairy processing sector in India using firm-level secondary data for 1991-2017. Comparative performance analysis was done across different categories of firms according to size and experience. There was a significant increase in profit margin over the period, while it varied significantly across different size categories of firms but not across firms having different years of experience.
Thermal imaging and physiological responses of crossbred goats under different housing system during hot humid season
Authors: Singh SV , Misra AK , Kumar Gaurav , Ukey Apeksha
Published: January 2024

In order to observe the effect of hot humid (July-August) season on physiological responses and skin surface temperature, eighteen adult female crossbred goats were selected divided equally into three groups i.e. Group I (control), Group II(modified shed) and Group III (open environment) based on their body weight. These animals were fed as per the standard feeding schedule followed at NDRI, Karnal. The average respiration rate of group I, II and III was 76.11±1.03, 67.22±0.06 and 70.49±0.61per minute respectively during morning hours. The RR increased significantly during afternoon over morning values in all the groups due to increase of THI. The rectal temperature of goats during morning hours was 38.73±0.02, 38.57±0.03 and38.68±0.03°C in group I, II and III respectively and no significant change in RT was observed during the afternoon. The overall lowest and highest skin temperature were recorded at the lower part of legs and ears respectively in group I and II, whereas ingroup III the highest skin temperatures was found to be at dorsal and lowest at ventral region of the body. The information generated may serve as normal reference values for crossbred goats under different housing conditions and may be useful for predicting the animal welfare and prognosis of diseases.
A influência do timbre instrumental na percepção de melodias tonais
Authors: Meier de Andrade Jessé , Hatsue Vital Otutumi Cristiane
Published: January 2024

Este texto é parte de uma pesquisa de Mestrado em Música, cujo objetivo foi investigar se o timbre do instrumento principal de estudantes de música facilita a percepção melódica (tonal), utilizando como parâmetro a observação do estado de concentração, sob a ótica da Teoria do Fluxo. Com abordagem qualitativa, a pesquisa teve como sujeitos 17 alunos de três conservatórios públicos de música do Paraná. Eles fizeram exercícios de percepção melódica gravados com o seu timbre instrumental (TIP) e com outros timbres (OTI), e preencheram a escala DFS-2, que auxiliou na verificação da relação com a concentração. Os resultados, embora não generalizantes, apontam que o TIP pode gerar facilidade na percepção de melodias tonais e uma maior, melhor e mais contínua concentração na escuta em direção ao Fluxo. As contribuições destes resultados possibilitam estudantes e professores de música a dialogarem com mais embasamento sobre o uso da diversidade timbrística no processo de desenvolvimento da escuta.
FTA-LAMP based biosensor for a rapid in-field detection of Globodera pallida—the pale potato cyst nematode
Authors: Camacho Maria João , Albuquerque Débora C. , Inácio Maria L. , Martins Verónica C. , Mota Manuel , Freitas Paulo P. , de Andrade Eugénia
Published: January 2024

The combination of a sensitive and specific magnetoresistive sensing device with an easy DNA extraction method and a rapid isothermal amplification is presented here targeting the on-site detection of Globodera pallida, a potato endoparasitic nematode. FTA-cards were used for DNA extraction, LAMP was the method developed for DNA amplification and a nanoparticle functionalized magnetic-biosensor was used for the detection. The combinatorial effect of these three emerging technologies has the capacity to detect G. pallida with a detection limit of one juvenile, even when mixed with other related species. This combined system is far more interesting than what a single technology can provide. Magnetic biosensors can be combined with any DNA extraction protocol and LAMP forming a new solution to target G. pallida. The probe designed in this study consistently distinguished G. pallida (∆Vacbinding/Vacsensor above 1%) from other cyst nematodes (∆Vacbinding/Vacsensor below 1%). It was confirmed that DNA either extracted with FTA-cards or Lab extraction Kit was of enough quantity and quality to detect G. pallida whenever present (alone or in mixed samples), ensuring probe specificity and sensitivity. This work provides insights for a new strategy to construct advanced devices for pathogens in-field diagnostics. LAMP runs separately but can be easily integrated into a single device.
Development of a prediction system for precipitation- and wind-causing typhoons affecting the Korean peninsula using observational data
Authors: Kim Minyeong , Won Seonghee , Lee Hyunsoo
Published: January 2024

Introduction: When the forecasted typhoon track differs from the numerical model’s prediction, the estimated precipitation and wind from the model may not be reliable. Typically, forecasters receive numerical model forecasts with a delay of 4 h or more in calculation time. However, a more timely reference of precipitation and wind forecasts is required in an emergency with an approaching typhoon. Analyses of the observational data of typhoon-related characteristics, such as heavy rainfall and strong winds, from 1997 to 2021 revealed that their distribution areas are considerably affected by typhoon tracks. In this study, we developed a precipitation and wind prediction system based on the observational data of the typhoons that affected the Korean Peninsula.

Methods: Typhoon tracks were categorized into west-coast landfalls, southeast landfalls, and those passing the Korea Strait. Each category affects the Korean Peninsula differently in terms of rainfall and wind. We devised a system that predicts these patterns based on incoming typhoon tracks. We can make forecasts by comparing the approaching typhoons to previous instances and analyzing their center, movement direction, and size. Observations from these past typhoons were averaged to produce a forecast grid for each new typhoon.

Results: Our system, validated from 2019 to 2022, showed a wind speed root-mean-square error of 3.37 m/s and a precipitation accuracy index of 0.72. For comparison, traditional numerical models yielded 5.04 m/s and 0.75, respectively. This indicates that our system is comparably efficient and computationally less demanding.

Discussion: Our system’s strength is its ability to offer real-time typhoon forecasts, often faster than numerical models. However, its dependence on historical data limits its predictive power for atypical weather scenarios. It is essential to consider integrating ensemble models with these observations for enhanced accuracy. Since 2022, this system has been operational at the Korea Meteorological Administration, showing consistent reliability in forecasting.
Research on the dynamic characteristics of the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism of a self-driving fault current limiter
Authors: Song Rui , Ding Yujie , Wang Xuebin , Fu Guobin , Si Junjie , Wang Da , Chen Xiaoyue , Ai Shaogui
Published: January 2024

A fault self-driven current limiter is proposed in the paper, which uses a special fault current direct-driven electromagnetic repulsion mechanism to realize the first half-wave of the fault current over the zero point into the current-limiting reactance. The paper analyzes the working principle of the self-driven electromagnetic repulsion mechanism, establishes the equivalent model of the mechanism, and simulates the dynamic characteristics of the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism through the calculation of the double-layer iterative algorithm in time and space. The LC oscillation loop test platform is built, and the stroke–time curve of the prototype is measured. In the test, the prototype is driven by a 3 kA current, and the first half-wave stroke (FHWS) is 3.55 mm past the zero point, which is consistent with the simulation and test results. The effects of structural parameters such as the radius, thickness, and number of turns of the self-driven electromagnetic repulsion mechanism on the dynamic characteristics of the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism are investigated, and it is found that the first half-wave stroke can be significantly improved by increasing the number of turns and outer diameter of the coil. The optimum height of the dynamic repulsion coil is approximately 3 mm.
Service scheduling strategy for microservice and heterogeneous multi-cores-based edge computing apparatus in smart girds with high renewable energy penetration
Authors: Hu Kaiqiang , Qu Jing , Cai Zexiang , Li Xiaohua , Liu Yuanyuan , Zheng Junjie
Published: January 2024

The microservice-based smart grid service (SGS) organization and the heterogeneous multi-cores-based computing resource supply are the development direction of edge computing in smart grid with high penetration of renewable energy sources and high market-oriented. However, their application also challenges the service schedule for edge computing apparatus (ECA), the physical carrier of edge computing. In the traditional scheduling strategy of SGS, an SGS usually corresponds to an independent application or component, and the heterogeneous multi-core computing environment is also not considered, making it difficult to cope with the above challenges. In this paper, we propose an SGS scheduling strategy for the ECA. Specifically, we first present an SGS scheduling framework of ECA and give the essential element of meeting SGS scheduling. Then, considering the deadline and importance attributes of the SGS, a microservice scheduling prioritizing module is proposed. On this basis, the inset-based method is used to allocate the microservice task to the heterogeneous multi-cores to utilize computing resources and reduce the service response time efficiently. Furthermore, we design the scheduling unit dividing module to balance the delay requirement between the service with early arrival time and the service with high importance in high concurrency scenarios. An emergency mechanism (EM) is also presented for the timely completion of urgent SGSs. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed service scheduling strategy is verified in a typical SGS scenario in the smart distribution transformer area.
Diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid human epididymis protein 4 for leptomeningeal metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Chen Kun , Li Jie , Tang Xuemei , Ruan Haoyu , Guan Ming
Published: January 2024

Background

The diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) remains a clinical challenge. Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) functions as a novel tumor biomarker for cancers. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HE4, and combined with CEACAM6, for LUAD LM.

Methods

The CSF HE4 protein level was measured in two independent cohorts by electrochemiluminescence. Test cohort included 58 LUAD LM patients, 22 LUAD patients without LM (Wiot-LM), and 68 normal controls. Validation cohort enrolled 50 LUAD LM patients and 40 normal controls, in parallel with Wiot-LM patients without brain metastases (19 Wiot-LM/BrM patients) or with BrM (26 BrM patients). The CSF level of CEA, CA125, CA153, CA199, CA724, NSE and ProGRP of these samples was measured by electrochemiluminescence, whereas the CSF CEACAM6 level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, the serum level of these biomarkers was detected by same method as CSF.

Results

The level of HE4 or CEACAM6 in CSF samples from LUAD LM patients was significantly higher than those from normal controls and Wiot-LM patients. The HE4 or CEACAM6 level in CSF was higher than that in serum of LM patient. The CSF HE4 or CEACAM6 level for distinguished LM from Wiot-LM showed good performance by receiver-operating characteristic analysis. The better discriminative power for LM was achieved when HE4 was combined with CEACAM6. In addition, the CSF HE4 and CEACAM6 level showed little or no difference between Wiot-LM/BrM and BrM patients, the BrM would not significantly influence the HE4 or CEACAM6 level in CSF. The diagnostic power of CSF CA125, CA153, CA199, CA724, NSE and ProGRP for LUAD LM were not ideal.

Conclusion

The combination with HE4 and CEACAM6 has the promising application for the diagnosis of LUAD LM.
Restored intertidal eelgrass (Z. marina) supports benthic communities taxonomically and functionally similar to natural seagrasses in the Wadden Sea
Authors: Gräfnings Max L. E. , Grimm Ise , Valdez Stephanie R. , Findji India , van der Heide Tjisse , Heusinkveld Jannes H. T. , Meijer Kasper J. , Eriksson Britas Klemens , Smeele Quirin , Govers Laura L.
Published: January 2024

Ecological restoration has become an important management-tool to counteract the widespread losses of seagrass meadows and their associated biodiversity. In the Dutch Wadden Sea, long-term restoration efforts have recently led to the successful restoration of annual eelgrass (Zostera marina) at high densities on a local scale. However, it is yet unknown if restored seagrass plants also lead to improved local biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the intertidal zone. We therefore compared the macrozoobenthos communities of a small-scale restored meadow to 22 naturally occurring intertidal seagrass meadows. Using a taxonomic and trait-based approach we aimed to study 1) how intertidal seagrasses (Zostera marina and Zostera noltii) affect benthic communities and their functional trait distribution and 2) if a restored meadow facilitates benthic communities similar to natural meadows. We found that both natural and restored seagrasses increased abundances of benthic animals and the richness (both taxonomic and functional) of associated benthic communities compared to nearby unvegetated areas. Additionally, the presence of intertidal seagrass shifted benthic community composition both taxonomically and functionally, thus broadening the niche space for species inhabiting tidal flats. Seagrasses especially facilitated epifaunal species and traits associated with these animals. Surprisingly, our results indicate that the mere presence of seagrass aboveground structure is enough to facilitate benthic communities, as neither higher seagrass cover nor biomass increased benthic biodiversity in the intertidal zone. By studying the effect of seagrass restoration on benthic diversity, we found that the restored meadow functioned similarly to the natural meadows after only two years and that the success of our restoration efforts indeed led to local biodiversity enhancements. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the ecological functioning of intertidal seagrasses and can be used to define/refine conservation and restoration goals of these valuable ecosystems.
Investigation of the effect of lubricant properties of carbon nanomaterial in Cu/MWCNT composites on wear
Authors: Pul Muharrem , Yılmazel Rüstem , Erten Mustafa Yasin , Küçüktürk Gökhan , Kaya Duran , Salunkhe Sachin , Zümrüt Yavuz , Cep Robert , Abouel Nasr Emad S.
Published: January 2024

This experimental study investigated the abrasive wear behaviour of pure copper-based and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) doped composites synthesized by the powder metallurgy technique. Composite structures were formed by reinforcing MWCNT at different ratios between 1% and 8% in 99.9% pure copper by powder metallurgy. The microstructures of the nanocomposite samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Then, density and hardness measurements and abrasive wear tests were performed to determine their mechanical properties. The collected data were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy images. It has been determined that copper’s nano-sized carbon reinforcement material has a dry lubricant effect up to a specific ratio, reducing wear losses. On the contrary, wear losses increase as the MWCNT reinforcement ratio increases between 4% and 8%. The best results in lowering wear losses were obtained from the sample with 1% MWCNT reinforcement. Depending on the increase in the amount of nanomaterial reinforcement in the composite structure, it was observed that pore formation enlarges with reinforcement agglomeration. It was concluded that the dense porosity in the composite structure neglects the lubricating properties of the MWCNT reinforcement material and increases the wear losses by having a negative effect.
Clonal and plasmidic dissemination of critical antimicrobial resistance genes through clinically relevant ExPEC and APEC-like lineages (ST) in the dairy cattle population of Québec, Canada
Authors: de Lagarde Maud , Fairbrother John Morris , Archambault Marie , Dufour Simon , Francoz David , Massé Jonathan , Lardé Hélène , Aenishaenslin Cécile , Paradis Marie-Eve , Terrat Yves , Roy Jean-Philippe
Published: January 2024

Antimicrobial resistance can be effectively limited by improving the judicious use of antimicrobials in food production. However, its effect on the spread of AMR genes in animal populations is not well described. In the province of Québec, Canada, a new legislation implemented in 2019 has led to an unprecedented reduction in the use of critical antimicrobials in dairy production. We aimed to investigate the potential link between ESBL/AmpC E. coli isolated before and after legislation and to determine the presence of plasmids carrying genes responsible for critical AMR. We collected fecal samples from calves, cows, and manure pit from 87 Québec dairy farms approximately 2 years before and 2 years after the legislation came into effect. The whole genomes of 183 presumptive ESBL/AmpC E. coli isolated after cefotaxime enrichment were sequenced. Their phylogenetic characteristics (MLST, serogroup, cgMLST) and the presence of virulence and resistance genes and replicons were examined. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). We identified 10 clonal lineages (same cgMLST) and 7 clones (SNPs ≤ 52). Isolates belonging to these clones could be found on different farms before and after the legislation, strongly suggesting a clonal spread of AMR genes in the population during this 4-year period. All isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), with clone 2 being notable for the presence of macrolide, fluoroquinolone, and third-generation cephalosporin resistance genes. We also identified clinically relevant ExPEC (ST10) and APEC-like lineages (ST117, ST58, ST88) associated with the presence of ExPEC and APEC virulence genes, respectively. Our data also suggests the presence of one epidemic plasmid belonging to the IncY incompatibility group and carrying qnrs1 and blaCTX–M–15. We demonstrated that AMR genes spread through farms and can persist over a 4-year period in the dairy cattle population through both plasmids and E. coli clones, despite the restriction of critical antimicrobial use. MDR ExPEC and APEC-like STs are present in the normal microbiota of cattle (more frequently in calves). These data increase our knowledge on gene dissemination dynamics and highlight the fact that biosecurity measures should be enhanced in this industry to limit such dissemination.
Ssu72: a versatile protein with functions in transcription and beyond
Authors: Fidler Emma , Dwyer Katherine , Ansari Athar
Published: January 2024

Eukaryotic transcription is a complex process involving a vast network of protein and RNA factors that influence gene expression. The main player in transcription is the RNA polymerase that synthesizes the RNA from the DNA template. RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcribes all protein coding genes and some noncoding RNAs in eukaryotic cells. The polymerase is aided by interacting partners that shuttle it along the gene for initiation, elongation and termination of transcription. One of the many factors that assist RNAPII in transcription of genes is Ssu72. It is a carboxy-terminal-domain (CTD)-phosphatase that plays pleiotropic roles in the transcription cycle. It is essential for cell viability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the organism in which it was discovered. The homologues of Ssu72 have been identified in humans, mice, plants, flies, and fungi thereby suggesting the evolutionarily conserved nature of the protein. Recent studies have implicated the factor beyond the confines of transcription in homeostasis and diseases.