bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating multi-omics data reveals function and therapeutic potential of deubiquitinating enzymes
Authors: Doherty Laura M , Mills Caitlin E , Boswell Sarah A , Liu Xiaoxi , Hoyt Charles Tapley , Gyori Benjamin , Buhrlage Sara J , Sorger Peter K
Published: June 2022

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), ~100 of which are found in human cells, are proteases that remove ubiquitin conjugates from proteins, thereby regulating protein turnover. They are involved in a wide range of cellular activities and are emerging therapeutic targets for cancer and other diseases. Drugs targeting USP1 and USP30 are in clinical development for cancer and kidney disease respectively. However, the majority of substrates and pathways regulated by DUBs remain unknown, impeding efforts to prioritize specific enzymes for research and drug development. To assemble a knowledgebase of DUB activities, co-dependent genes, and substrates, we combined targeted experiments using CRISPR libraries and inhibitors with systematic mining of functional genomic databases. Analysis of the Dependency Map, Connectivity Map, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, and multiple protein-protein interaction databases yielded specific hypotheses about DUB function, a subset of which were confirmed in follow-on experiments. The data in this paper are browsable online in a newly developed DUB Portal and promise to improve understanding of DUBs as a family as well as the activities of incompletely characterized DUBs (e.g. USPL1 and USP32) and those already targeted with investigational cancer therapeutics (e.g. USP14, UCHL5, and USP7).
The orphan ligand, activin C, signals through activin receptor-like kinase 7
Authors: Goebel Erich J , Ongaro Luisina , Kappes Emily C , Vestal Kylie , Belcheva Elitza , Castonguay Roselyne , Kumar Ravindra , Bernard Daniel J , Thompson Thomas B
Published: June 2022

Activin ligands are formed from two disulfide-linked inhibin β (Inhβ) subunit chains. They exist as homodimeric proteins, as in the case of activin A (ActA; InhβA/InhβA) or activin C (ActC; InhβC/InhβC), or as heterodimers, as with activin AC (ActAC; InhβA:InhβC). While the biological functions of ActA and activin B (ActB) have been well characterized, little is known about the biological functions of ActC or ActAC. One thought is that the InhβC chain functions to interfere with ActA production by forming less active ActAC heterodimers. Here, we assessed and characterized the signaling capacity of ligands containing the InhβC chain. ActC and ActAC activated SMAD2/3-dependent signaling via the type I receptor, activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7). Relative to ActA and ActB, ActC exhibited lower affinity for the cognate activin type II receptors and was resistant to neutralization by the extracellular antagonist, follistatin. In mature murine adipocytes, which exhibit high ALK7 expression, ActC elicited a SMAD2/3 response similar to ActB, which can also signal via ALK7. Collectively, these results establish that ActC and ActAC are active ligands that exhibit a distinct signaling receptor and antagonist profile compared to other activins.
Filamentation modulates allosteric regulation of PRPS
Authors: Hu Huan-Huan , Lu Guang-Ming , Chang Chia-Chun , Li Yilan , Zhong Jiale , Guo Chen-Jun , Zhou Xian , Yin Boqi , Zhang Tianyi , Liu Ji-Long
Published: June 2022

Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, histidine, tryptophan, and cofactors NAD and NADP. Abnormal regulation of PRPP synthase (PRPS) is associated with human disorders, including Arts syndrome, retinal dystrophy, and gouty arthritis. Recent studies have demonstrated that PRPS can form filamentous cytoophidia in eukaryotes. Here, we show that PRPS forms cytoophidia in prokaryotes both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we solve two distinct filament structures of E. coli PRPS at near-atomic resolution using Cryo-EM. The formation of the two types of filaments is controlled by the binding of different ligands. One filament type is resistant to allosteric inhibition. The structural comparison reveals conformational changes of a regulatory flexible loop, which may regulate the binding of the allosteric inhibitor and the substrate ATP. A noncanonical allosteric AMP/ADP binding site is identified to stabilize the conformation of the regulatory flexible loop. Our findings not only explore a new mechanism of PRPS regulation with structural basis, but also propose an additional layer of cell metabolism through PRPS filamentation.
Fruktbar pederasti
Authors: Myren-Svelstad Per Esben
Published: June 2022

Artikkelen utforskar korleis forfattaren Åsmund Sveen bidrog til propagandaen frå Nasjonal Samling (NS) under andre verdskrigen. Tidlegare forsking på Sveens NS-engasjement har teke utgangspunkt i homofobiske, stereotype førestillingar for å forklåre korleis ein mann som levde i eit homofilt forhold kunne fremja ein homofiendtleg ideologi. I denne artikkelen blir spørsmålet stilt andre vegen: Korleis kunne NS akseptere at Sveen tok med eit homoerotisk dikt i ein propagandaantologi over norsk litteratur? Ved å lesa Sveens propaganda i ljos av vitalistisk estetikk og ein tvitydig maskulinitetskonstruksjon argumenterer eg for at forholdet mellom homoerotikk og nazisme er komplekst i tekstene av Sveen så vel som i moderne kultur som heilskap. Slik kunne ein utopisk maskulinitetsvisjon vera akseptabel innanfor nazistisk ideologi.
A GRU-based traffic situation prediction method in multi-domain software defined network
Authors: Sun Wenwen , Guan Shaopeng
Published: June 2022

With the continuous development and improvement of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), large-scale networks are divided into multiple domains. Each domain, which is managed by a controller, forms multi-domain SDN architecture. In multi-domain SDN, the dynamics and complexity are more significant, bringing great challenges to network management. Comprehensively and accurately predicting traffic situation in multi-domain SDN can better maintain network stability. In this article, we propose a traffic situation prediction method based on the gated recurrent unit (GRU) network in multi-domain SDN. We first analyzed the relevant factors that affect data traffic and control traffic and transformed them into a time series of actual situation values. Then, to enhance the prediction performance of GRU, we used the salp swarm algorithm to optimize the hyperparameters of GRU automatically. Finally, we adopted hyperparameter optimized GRU to achieve traffic situation prediction in multi-domain SDN. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method outperforms other traditional machine learning algorithms in terms of prediction accuracy.
An extended DeLone and McLean’s model to determine the success factors of e-learning platform
Authors: Alotaibi Raed Shujaa , Alshahrani Saeed M.
Published: June 2022

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Saudi universities have adopted e-learning systems to ensure that educational activities continue. Shaqra University adopted a platform called the Shaqra University e-learning platform. This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to the success of that platform in Shaqra University, based on students’ responses. This research has proposed an extension of well-known DeLone and McLean’s Information Systems Success (D&M ISS) model to check and validate the success factors of the Shaqra University platform. The questionnaire was adopted in this study to collect data from students currently enrolled at Shaqra University. One thousand online links to the questionnaire were randomly distributed among current students enrolled in Shaqra University. The results revealed that the instrument adopted in this study was valid and reliable. Also, the results showed that the model was a good fit for the Saudi context. The proposed factors of instructor’s quality, learner quality, and perceived usefulness positively impacted the e-learning platform. On the other hand, the factors information quality, system quality and service quality had no positive impact on the use of the e-learning platform.
Selective effects of exercise on reactive and proactive inhibition in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wang Zhen , Pi Yan-Ling , Wu Yin , Wei Jianing , Li Yuting , Zhang Jian , Wang Zhen
Published: June 2022

Objective

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have an obvious motor inhibition disorder, which is closely related to their motor symptoms. Although previous studies have shown that exercise can improve their inhibition deficits, the effect of exercise on different types of inhibition (proactive and reactive inhibition) has not been addressed.

Methods

We used a behavioral paradigm combined with a series of questionnaires to explore the effect of long-term exercise on different types of motor inhibition in 59 patients with PD aged 55–75 years. According to the intensity and frequency of exercise, the participants were divided into regular-exercise and no-exercise groups. To obtain the average reference value for inhibition ability at the same age, we also recruited 30 healthy elderly people as controls.

Results

The main defect in the motor inhibition of PD is reactive inhibition, while proactive inhibition has no obvious differences compared with healthy controls. Additionally, compared with the non-exercise group, PD in the exercise group showed significantly better reaction speeds and reactive control ability, fewer motor symptoms and negative emotions.

Conclusions

Taken together, the motor inhibition defects of patients with PD affect only reactive inhibition. In addition, PD with exercise reported fewer negative emotions than that of the non-exercise group, indicating that exercise can relieve negative emotions and improve behavioral symptoms and quality of life in PD to a certain extent. We demonstrate for the first time that exercise has and can improve reactive inhibition in PD patients and has no effect on proactive inhibition.
Aboveground carbon of community-managed Chirpine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) forests of Nepal based on stand types and geographic aspects
Authors: Pariyar Shiva , Volkova Liubov , Sharma Ram P. , Sunam Ramesh , Weston Christopher J.
Published: June 2022

On a global scale, about 15.5% of forests are administered through community-based forestry programs that offer the opportunity for enhanced carbon sequestration while maintaining the supply of more traditional goods and services such as cooking fuels, animal fodder and bedding. A challenge in community forest (CF) management is to realize their carbon value without compromising their role in the provision of these traditional goods and services. In this study of CF dominated by Pinus roxburghii in the Phalebas region of Nepal, the impacts of stand composition and geographic aspect on aboveground forest carbon is investigated as a means to optimize CF management for both traditional values and for emerging carbon market values. The aboveground carbon of mixed and monospecific stands of Pinus roxburghii was estimated using a combination of destructive sampling and species-specific allometric equations. On average, monospecific stands contained 106.2 Mg C ha−1 in aboveground tree biomass, significantly more than mixed stands at 73.1 Mg C ha−1 (p = 0.022). Similarly, stands growing on northern aspects (northeast 124.8 Mg C ha−1, northwest 100.9 Mg C ha−1) stored significantly more carbon (p = 0.002) than southern aspects (southeast 75.3 Mg C ha−1, southwest 57.6 Mg C ha−1), reflecting the more favorable growing conditions of northern aspects. These results suggest monospecific stands planted on northern aspects may be best suited for management to achieve carbon benefits, whilst mixed-species stands on southern aspects may be better suited for biodiversity conservation and supporting livelihoods. To maintain and increase carbon value, community forestry may need to implement nutrient return practices to limit the impact of sustained nutrient removals on stand productivity.
Seedling Vigor Testing as Affected by Two Methods of Seed Extraction of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)
Authors: Hadji Amin Mobarak D.
Published: June 2022

This study was conducted to test and compare the seedling vigor performance of dwarf green and dwarf white varieties of tomato as affected by two methods of seed extraction such as fermentation and hydrochloric acid in terms of germination percentage, germination rate, days to seedlings emergence, days to 50% development of true leaves, root length, stem length and shoot length. It was carried using Complete Randomized Design (CRD) in a 2x2 factorial experiment with four treatment combinations with three replications. Dwarf Green variety was affected by seed method extraction with HCl treatment had ideal conditions for seed and seedling quality performance and vigor of tomato such as germination percentage and rate, number of days to seedling emergence, number of days to fifty percent development of true leaves, root, stem and shoot length. Dwarf White performed inferior than Dwarf Green in terms of the parameters investigated.
Quality of Employment Index for the tourism sector in developing countries
Authors: Dolcet Malena , Porto Natalia , Garcia Carolina Inés
Published: June 2022

Although job quality has become an active field of study over the last two decades in developed countries, it still remains an under discussed concept in developing regions such as Latin America, where the incidence of work informality and low wages are particularly high. As quality of employment is a multidimensional concept and not homogeneously defined in the literature, we follow a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to build a Quality of Employment (QoE) Index for salary earners using household survey micro data of Uruguay from 2016-2019. Uruguay leads the Better Jobs Index launched by the Inter American Development Bank in 2017, which constitutes the only index with a macro-approach to measure quantity and quality employment conditions in the region. We consider several aspects of working conditions: employment, earnings, hours worked, occupational safety and social security coverage. We focus on the tourism sector, which presents low job quality characteristics at the same time it accounts for 7.2% of employment in Uruguay. Furthermore, we found a sex-based gap of employment quality against women in tourism, a difference that is not observed in the trade sector. QoE in tourism shows a greater dispersion in the distribution of employees, indicating the presence of more inequalities among these workers compared to those of trade. Other results show that job quality in tourism is lower for those unskilled, but that there are still many skilled workers facing low quality. Finally, if we consider the activities that conform tourism, workers do better in hotels and travel agencies rather than in restaurants and entertainment.
Clinico-pathological Study of Leprosy- A Descriptive Study
Authors: Damle Rajshri Pisaram , Vasaikar Maya Suresh , Bora Smita A
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Leprosy is an age old disease affecting mankind with various clinico-pathological forms. Mycobacterium Leprae causes a chronic infectious disease known as Leprosy or Hansen’s disease. It remained a major public health issue due to associated case load, morbidity and stigma attached to it. Clinical and histopathological examination along with demonstration of lepra bacilli in skin smears by Fite-faraco stain and Bacillary Index (BI) is widely used for proper classification and diagnosis of leprosy. Aim: To study the clinico-pathological features of leprosy in skin biopsies and to categorise it into various types of lesions according to Ridley Jopling classification. Materials and Methods: The descriptive study included clinically diagnosed 183 leprosy cases who underwent skin biopsy for histopathological examination from January 2017 to December 2018 at Shri Bhausaheb Hire Government Medical College Dhule, Maharashtra. All sections were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Fite-faraco stain. Ridley-Jopling classification was done to classify leprosy. Clinical diagnosis was in concordance with that of histopathological diagnosis. Results: A total of 183 skin biopsies were studied from patients in an age group of 11-76 years. Male to female ratio was 1.5:1 and commonest age group affected was 21-40 years. Clinically, 78 cases (42.6%) were diagnosed as Borderline Tuberculoid (BT) leprosy followed by indeterminate leprosy 34 (18.57%). On histopathological examination maximum cases had BT leprosy 64 (82.05%) followed by Tuberculoid (TT) leprosy 13 (81.25%). Fite- faraco stain was done in 71 cases and was found positive in all cases of Borderline Lepromatous (BL) and Lepromatous Leprosy (LL). Also,concordance between Bacillary Index (BI) and histopathology examination was done. The clinico-histopathological concordance was seen in 127 cases (69.39%). Conclusion: Early and accurate diagnosis by clinical and histopathological examination along with special stain is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment of the patient as well as prevention of its complications.
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): A review of graded severity algorithms and national adaptations
Authors: Babor Thomas F. , Robaina Katherine
Published: June 2022

Babor, T., & Robaina, K. (2016). The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): A review of graded severity algorithms and national adaptations. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 5(2), 17-24. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v5i2.222Aims: Since it was first released in 1989, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) has generated a large amount of research to evaluate its psychometric properties. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the literature relevant to applications of the AUDIT in screening, brief intervention, and treatment referral programs, and identify national adaptations of the AUDIT to country-specific health, education, and reimbursement needs.Methods: Methods comprised a search of the world literature published since 2004, combined with review articles published since 1997.Findings: We identified 431 studies of the AUDIT, including 386 articles, 26 review papers, and 11 book chapters since 2004, with a six-fold increase in the last decade. The factor structure of the AUDIT items remains unclear, but the weight of evidence supports a two-factor model. Despite the translation of the AUDIT into numerous languages, the alcohol consumption questions were rarely adapted to suit cultural or national conditions. Although numerous studies have supported the recommended cutoff thresholds for a possible alcohol use disorder, only three studies evaluated the classification accuracy of the AUDIT’s graded severity system.Conclusions: Further development of the AUDIT score’s severity zones is needed to guide intervention selection in clinical settings.
Socio-economic Implications of Emigration on Farmers’ Household in Eastern Zone of Punjab, India
Authors: Kaur Manbir , Kaur Randeep
Published: June 2022

The present study was undertaken to analyse the socio-economic implications of emigration on farmers’ household in the eastern zone of Punjab. The study was based on multi stage random sampling technique. Both primary and secondary data was used to achieve the objectives of the study. Primary data was collected from Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur districts and secondary data were collected from various online portals during the period 2020-21. Multiple linear regression model and simple descriptive tools were used to calculate the results. The value of dependent variable (factors affecting amount of remittances sent back by emigrants) worked out to be 51.9 per cent. Out of 34 explanatory variables, age, education, status before migration-2, visa type-1, visa type-2 and destination country were negatively statistically significant at various probability levels, however, number of children, status before migration-1, visa type-3, factor responsible for migration-1 and factor responsible for migration-2 were positively statistically significant.  The study found that 90.4 per cent migrants were in the age group of 20 to 35 years and 44.8 per cent of migrants emigrated due to unemployment in their country. The study suggested that the central and state governments should come forward to provide employment opportunities to the youngsters in Punjab according to their qualification.
An Empirical Analysis of Monetary Policy Transmission Instruments and Non-oil Real Sector Private Investment in Nigeria
Authors: Uwakaeme O. S.
Published: June 2022

In recent times, the performance of Non-oil real Private investment in Nigeria has remained suboptimal. This has been generally attributed to ineffective monetary policy, among others. This study therefore examines the impact of selected Monetary Policy transmission instruments namely: Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), Cash Reserve Ratio, (CRR) Liquidity Ratio, (LR) and Foreign Exchange Rate (NFXR), on Non-oil Real Sector Private Investment (NRSPI). The time series data is sourced from CBN, spanning through a period of 1981 to 2020. Johansen Co-integration and Error correction model (ECM) econometric analysis was employed.The empirical findings established that in the long run, inverse and significant relationships exist between (NRSPI) and MPR, LR, and CRR while FXR is positively and significantly related. The coefficient of the ECM (-1.16) which measures NRSPI’s speed of equilibrium adjustment to changes in the selected policy instruments, is significant and correctly signed. It suggests that in the long run, NRSPI adjusts slowly to short-run disequilibrium in the selected policy instruments; indicating a lag effect. Overall, the policy instruments do not contribute effectively to NRSPI growth in Nigeria. Therefore, the monetary authorities should lay emphasis on aligning their policy contractionary measures, to reduce adverse effect of these selected instruments, They should maintain optimal lending rate that reflects the overall internal rate of return on investment, with due attention to market fundamentals. Lastly, Policy makers should take into consideration the lag effect, and design policies in line with the magnitude of expected changes.
The Contribution of Aquaculture Sector in Regional Development of West Bandung District, West Java Province
Authors: Annaja Amelia Tahtadi , Rizal Achmad , Liviawaty Evi , Suryana Asep Agus Handaka
Published: June 2022

The aquaculture sector is included in the economic sector that has a role in local economic development. However, it has received less attention from the government and the business world. This study aims to analyze the base and non-base sectors of aquaculture, the contribution of the aquaculture sector and the market power of aquaculture commodities in the development of the West Bandung District area. The methods used in this study were qualitative and quantitative by using purposive sampling method. The data was used as secondary data cross-section and time-series 2018-2020. While the primary data with a total of 31 respondents for the head of the field of aquaculture and cultivators in West Bandung District using interview and questionnaire techniques. The analysis used is Location Quotient, Dynamic Location Quotient, Shift Share, Trade Area Capture and Pull Factor. The results of the analysis of Location Quotient value is 1.81 and Dynamic Location Quotient value is 1.01. This means that the aquaculture sector in West Bandung District is included in the base sector and will remain the base sector in the future. The Shift Share analysis shows that the contribution of the fisheries sector to GRDP has changed; in 2018-2019, it was 511.34, and in 2019-2020 it was -832.24 which resulted in a decrease in production. The results of the analysis of Trade Area Capture and Pull Factor show an average TAC value of 80.717,041> 49.312,14, which means they can capture trade opportunities from other regions. The average PF value is 1.64, which means that aquaculture products produced by West Bandung District can attract customers from the other areas. The development of the West Bandung District area can be optimized by setting the aquaculture sector as a regional development priority that can provide protein food, jobs and foreign exchange.
Soil Acidity Formation and its Amelioration Methods in Ethiopia: A Review
Authors: Cherie Dessie Almaw , Abeje Belaynesh Yayehrad
Published: June 2022

Soil acidification is one of the problems of chemical soil degradation affecting soil productivity in the world. This paper attempts to explain the concept of soil acidification, the causes of soil acidification and the methods to remedy it. Farmers need simple and sustainable techniques to improve acidic soils and increase yields of their chosen crops. Recommendations for reclamation of acid soils need to be adapted to new developments, such as liming, use of acid-tolerant crop varieties, integrated soil fertility management, and application of organic fertilizers. This review addresses the causes and management mechanisms of soil acidification and the resulting effects on soil fertility and crop yield. It also provides important information on management options to address soil acidity and improve overall soil fertility, as well as other organic amendments that can be applied to bring soil acidity to the desired pH and improve soil quality and health. Integrated management of acidic soils increases yield stability and maximizes nutrient use efficiency.
Isolation, Identification and Mode of action of Partially Purified Bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria in Fermented Cassava Grits
Authors: Uzoh C. V. , Orji J. O. , Okeh C. O. , Nworie C. O. , Igwe P. C. , Uwanta L. I. , Ugwuocha C. S. , Okorie P. N.
Published: June 2022

The study on the isolation, identification and mode of action of partially purified bacteriocin from lactic acid bacteria found in fermented cassava grits was carried out. Fermented cassava grits were collected from different garri processing plants and transported with cold box to the laboratory for analysis. The viable microbial count after the partially purified bacteriocin from the various lactic acid bacteria isolates were grown against the food borne bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) ranged from 0.98 x 103 CFU/ml for partially purified bacteriocin from isolate 6 at 8 hrs to 9.2 x103 CFU/ml for isolate 3 at 24 hrs. Similar results were obtained against Bacillus subtilis with microbial counts that ranged from 1.02 x102 CFU/ml for isolate 3 at 8 hrs to 9.2 x 102 CFU/ml at 24 hrs. Isolates 6, 7, 10 and 11 were bactericidal to both Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis while isolate 3 was bacteriostatic. The viable microbial count after the partially purified bacteriocin was grown against the foodborne bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi) ranged from 1.0 x102 CFU/ml for partially purified bacteriocin from isolate 3 at 8 hrs to 7.1 x 102 CFU/ml for partially purified bacteriocin from isolate 6 at 24 hours. The microbial count against Salmonella typhi ranged from 6.50 x 102 CFU/ml for isolate 6 at 8 hrs to 8.5 x 102 CFU/ml for isolate 7 at 24 hrs. Partially purified bacteriocins from isolates 3 and 7 were bacteriostatic while isolates 6, 10 and 11 were bactericidal to Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. This result showed that the partially purified bacteriocins were very efficacious in killing or inhibiting the growth of some foodborne pathogens which can be applied in biopreservation.
Comparison of Pesticide Residue Levels in Tomatoes from Open Fields, Greenhouses, Markets and Consumers in Kirinyaga County, Kenya
Authors: Violet Momanyi Nakhungu , Margaret Keraka Nyanjoka , Deborah Abong’o Atieno , Peterson Warutere, Njogu
Published: June 2022

The study was carried out to determine and compare pesticide residue levels in tomatoes from Mwea Irrigation Scheme. Thirty five tomato samples of Rambo variety randomly collected from open fields, greenhouses, markets and consumers were analyzed using QuEChERS method. Results showed that pesticide residue leve;s from greenhouse tomatoes was higher compared to open fields, markets and consumers. Alpha-cypermethrin level in greenhouse tomatoes (0.0871±0.0087mg/kg) was significantly (p<0.01) higher than from consumers (0.0218±0.0061mg/kg) while difenoconazole from greenhouse tomatoes (0.2597±0.0522 mg/kg) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than from the open field (0.0295±0.0014 mg/kg). Carbendazim level in greenhouse (1.2341±0.1667 mg/kg) tomatoes was significantly (p<0.001) higher than from open fields (0.0596±0.0178 mg/kg), markets (0.1160±0.0490 mg/kg) and consumers (0.0494±0.0155 mg/kg). Imidacloprid in greenhouse tomatoes (0.1446±0.0086 mg/kg) was significantly (p<0.001) higher than from the markets (0.0236±0.0019 mg/kg) and consumers (0.0170±0.0017 mg/kg). High pesticide residue levels in tomatoes are a health concern for consumers. Enforcing the food safety laws, enhancing farmer training on safe use of pesticides and creating awareness on pesticide risks would promote production of uncontaminated crops consumed locally.
Nutritional Quality and Evaluation of Some Microbial Flora of Smoked Fish Sold in Some Public Markets in the City of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Eba Philippe Krou , Kouassi Athanase Kra , Kambou Philippe , Amani Georges N’guessan
Published: June 2022

Objective: The general objective of this work is to evaluate the microbiological quality of some smoked fish sold in the markets of the city of Abidjan.

Methods: The collection of samples for analysis took place in the markets of the communes of Cocody II- Plateaux (Sococe) and Cocody Center, Abobo, Adjamé Williamsville and the big market. Moisture content, lipid content, protein content and ash content were performed. A quantity of 10 samples composed of 5 smoked fish per sample were collected by market in sterile stomascher bags, then transported in a cooler containing ice to the laboratory to perform microbiological analysis. These are inoculation in the mass which took into account the Sabouraud media with chloramphenicol, VRBL, PCA, BEA VRBG and surface inoculation by spreading which took into account the E. coli Rapid 2 and Baird Parker media. . Also, the search for Salmonella was carried out in 4 stages. these are Pre-enrichment, enrichment, isolation and identification.

Results: After various tests, different microbial spoilage flora were found in smoked fish sold in the different markets of Abidjan. These include fungal flora (yeasts/molds), mesophilic aerobic germs and enterobacteria. All samples from the study markets were contaminated with these different microflora. The CFU load/g for mesophilic aerobic germs ranged from 38.106 ± 12 to 65.106 ± 12 CFU/g. For fungal flora, loads ranged from 103 ± 11 to 284 ± 14 CFU/g. Enterobacteria loads ranged from 183± 10 to 418 ± 11 CFU/g. These smoked fish contain potentially pathogenic bacterial species including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with very high respective loads ranging from 51 ± 12 to 86 ± 12 CFU/g and from 125 ± 13 to 437 ± 13 CFU/g. These loads are not in conformity with the criteria set by the standard (10 CFU/g). The smoked fish samples studied contain several nutrients whose average levels vary from one sample to another. Thus, these smoked fish contain water, lipids, proteins and total ash with average values of 10.089 ± 0.11%, 11.24%, 77.5%, 5.255±0.0055 respectively.
Evaluation of Elites Isolates of Bradyrhizobia Nodulating on Groundnut Varieties (Arachis hypogaea L.) at Assosa District of Western Ethiopia
Authors: Anbessa Bakala , Almaw Dessie , Getachew Zerihun
Published: June 2022

A field experiment was conducted on Nitisols of Asossa Agricultural Research Centre during 2017/18 2018/19 cropping season to investigate the response of yield, partial budget analysis of ground nut varieties to bio-fertilizer and inorganic nitrogen. Two locally suitable varieties 4 groundnut rhizobial strains with control and 18 kg N ha-1, totally 12 treatments had combined in factorial RCBD. TSP fertilizer was applied uniformly to all plots at 46 kg P2O5 ha-1. The treatments consists of: two Varieties of groundnut (V1= Muniputer V2= Babile 2) and 4-strains with 18 kg N ha-1 and uninoculated (control) factorial treatment combination were tested. Analysis of variance for two factors randomized complete block design (Table 1) revealed highly significant difference (P < 0.001) due to the main effects of rhizobia and verities for the means of seed yield. On the other hand the interaction effects of rhizobia and varieties had non-significant (p>0.05) for the means of seed yield, nodule dry weight and straw dry weight. The highest (186.5) nodules per plants were recorded from the interaction effect of Dibate moderate and Maniputer variety, while less nodules per plant (76.25) were produced by Dibate moderate with Babile variety. The Dibate 2 rhizobia had the highest net-benefit of 67,655 Ethiopian birr. The lowest net benefit was obtained by the application of the Dibate moderate and none inoculant. The profitability of the study showed that application of Moderate 2 rhizobia which provided the relatively high net benefit (67,655 ETB), was recommended to apply bio fertilizers. The % MRR between any pair of undominated treatments denotes the return per unit of investment in fertilizer expressed as a percentage. Economic analysis revealed that maximum marginal rate of return was recorded with application of Dibate 2 (9257.2%). So we could be recommended Dibate 2 strain for ground nut production in Asossa district. The best recommendation for treatments is not necessarily based on the highest marginal rate of return, rather based on the minimum acceptable marginal rate of return and the treatment with the high net benefit, relatively low variable cost together with an acceptable MRR becomes the tentative recommendation.
Grain Yield and Economic Importance of Bio Fertilizer Rates of Soybean at Begi and Asossa Districts Western Ethiopia
Authors: Anbessa Bakala , Almaw Dessie , Getachew Zerihun
Published: June 2022

A field experiment was conducted on Nitisols of Asossa Agricultural Research Centre during 2017/18 to 2018/2019 cropping season toinvestigate the response of yieldpartial budget analysis  to biofertilizer rates.The N fertilizer treatments considered in the study consisted of six levels (rates) of biofertilizer, one nationally recommended inorganic N and negative control of N.The treatments consists of: 125 g ha-1  (T1), 250 g ha-1  (T2), 500 g ha-1 (T3), 625 g ha-1 (T4), 750 g ha-1 (T5), 900 g ha-1  (T6), negative control (T7) and 18kg N ha-1. The treatments were laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications.The analysis of variance revealed that bio-fertilizer rates significantly (P < 0.01) affected grain yield at Begi district, while non-siginificant (p<0.05) at Asossa district. The maximum (3483.7 kg ha-1 and   1750.9 kg ha-1) grain yield was recorded from 500 g ha-1bio-fertilizer at Begi and Asossa district respectively.  The application of 500 g ha-1biofertilizer had the highest net-benefit of 20850.8 ETB, followed by 125 g ha -1biofertilizer which also had a total of 20196.8 ETB net benefit at Asossa district, while the application of 500 g ha-1biofertilizerhad the highest net-benefit of 41644.4 ETB, followed by 125 g ha-1biofertilizer which also had a total of 38315.6 ETB net benefit at Begi district. The application of 500 g ha-1bio-fertilizer ha-1 had highest net benefit. Therefore, we recommended the treatment 500 g ha-1since it produced high marginal rate of return, high net benefit and relatively small total cost of production, for soybean production in Begi and Asossa area.
Taxonomical Exploration of Arboreal Members of the Family Anacardiaceae in District Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir (India)
Authors: Mughal Rani , Sheikh Muzafer Ahmad , Qazi Fayaz , Qazi Jawerriya
Published: June 2022

The Poonch district is part of the Pir-Panchal region of Jammu and Kashmir, which is home to a distinct landscape and a variety of climates. Even with these significant variations, this region has been able to maintain a high level of biodiversity. There are certain groups of flora that have eluded researchers' attention, including the Anacardiaceae family, which is one of those groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current occurrence as well as taxonomical studies of the arboreal members of the Anacardiaceae family. For several decades, the district has been observing the occurrence of these plant species both in sub-tropical and temperate zones with various ethnobotanical uses. This angiospermic arboreal flora group found at an altitude between 988 and 3004 m is composed of eight species in five genera, including one shrub and seven trees, one evergreen, and seven deciduous species, as well as two indigenous and six exotic species. Among the plant genera, Pistacia and Rhus recorded 2 and 3 species, respectively, while Cotinus, Lannea and Mangifera recorded one species each.
Development of the Counsellor Unconditional Acceptance Tendency Scale and Investigation of its Psychometric Properties
Authors: KELEŞ Anıl , TAGAY Ozlem
Published: June 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı, psikolojik danışmanların koşulsuz kabul eğilimlerini ölçmeye yönelik geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı geliştirmektir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda süreç, madde havuzunun oluşturulması, uzman görüşü alınması, hazırlanan ölçek taslağının uygulanması ve elde edilen verilerin geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışmalarının yapılması şeklinde dört aşamada tamamlanmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grupları Türkiye’nin farklı bölgelerinde yaşayan 622 psikolojik danışmandan oluşturulmuş, uç değerlerle ilgili çıkarma yapıldıktan sonra 613 psikolojik danışmanla analizler yapılmıştır. Ölçeğin yapı geçerliği açımlayıcı ve doğrulayıcı faktör analizi ile incelenmiş, ortaya çıkan tek faktörlü yapının toplam varyansın %49,29’unu açıkladığı görülmüştür. Doğrulayıcı faktör analizi ile tek faktörlü yapının model uyumunun iyi düzeyde olduğu (χ2/sd= 2.18; RMSEA=.074; RMR=.050; SRMR=.049; GFI=.93; AGFI=.90; CFI=.97; IFI=.97; RFI=.93; NFI=.95; NNFI=.96) tespit edilmiştir. Ölçeğin güvenirlik çalışmaları kapsamında iç tutarlık, iki yarı ve test tekrar test güvenirlik analizi yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Analizler sonucunda Cronbach alfa iç tutarlık sayısının .88; Spearman Brown iki yarı güvenirliğinin .87 ve test tekrar test güvenirliğinin .87 olarak gerçekleştiği görülmüştür. Çalışmanın sonuçları bütünsel olarak değerlendirildiğinde, Psikolojik Danışman Koşulsuz Kabul Eğilimi Ölçeği’nin psikometrik açıdan geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı olduğu ortaya koyulmuştur.
Starting a Career in Oncology
Authors: Poterala Johanna E. , Duma Narjust
Published: June 2022

This Viewpoint calls for systemic change in the field of oncology to address gender disparities and to support and retain women oncologists.
Furthering the Adoption of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine Standards in Ophthalmology
Authors: Chen Dinah , Wronka Andrew , Al-Aswad Lama A.
Published: June 2022

This Viewpoint discusses Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine standards in ophthalmology.
Comparison of Objective Measures of Trismus and Salivation With Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Long Sallie M. , Singh Annu , Tin Amy L. , O’Hara Bridget , Cohen Marc A. , Lee Nancy , Pfister David G. , Hung Tony , Wong Richard J. , Vickers Andrew J. , Estilo Cherry L. , Cracchiolo Jennifer R.
Published: June 2022

Importance

Xerostomia and reduced mouth opening are negatively associated with quality of life after radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer. Studies comparing objective measures of function with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have not revealed a clear association.

Objective

To determine how much of the variation in PROs is explained by objective measures of salivary gland and oral cavity functions (salivary flow and maximal interincisal opening).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study at a single academic cancer center evaluated 112 patients who underwent RT for head and neck cancer between January 2016 and March 2021. Measurements of pre-RT and post-RT saliva and a complete PROs scale within 6 months of the post-RT measurement were analyzed using pairwise associations.

Interventions

Three independently scored PRO scales from the validated FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module were evaluated: eating and drinking, eating distress, and salivation. Three objective measures were analyzed: maximal interincisal opening, stimulated salivary flow, and unstimulated salivary flow.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Univariable linear regression models were performed for each PRO against each objective measure, and coefficients of determination (R2) and 95% CIs were reported.

Results

The patient cohort comprised 86 men (77%). Median age was 61 years (IQR, 53-68 years), 89 patients (80%) were White, and 61 patients (54%) were current or former smokers. Unstimulated saliva accounted for only a small portion of variation on the salivation scale (R2 = 14.0%). The remaining associations were even smaller (R2 = 5.0%-10.0%). No upper 95% CI bound included an R2 of 30%, suggesting that objective measurements do not explain a high level of the variation in PROs.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, objective measurements of salivary flow and mouth opening explained only a small fraction of variation in PROs. These findings suggest that factors other than objective function, including patient adaptation, are the dominant influence on PROs in this population. Patient-reported outcomes should be integrated into head and neck cancer clinical care and research. Additional research is required to evaluate which clinicopathological factors influence PROs for salivation, eating and drinking, and eating distress.
The multisided complexity of fairness in recommender systems
Authors: Sonboli Nasim , Burke Robin , Ekstrand Michael , Mehrotra Rishabh
Published: June 2022

Recommender systems are poised at the interface between stakeholders: for example, job applicants and employers in the case of recommendations of employment listings, or artists and listeners in the case of music recommendation. In such multisided platforms, recommender systems play a key role in enabling discovery of products and information at large scales. However, as they have become more and more pervasive in society, the equitable distribution of their benefits and harms have been increasingly under scrutiny, as is the case with machine learning generally. While recommender systems can exhibit many of the biases encountered in other machine learning settings, the intersection of personalization and multisidedness makes the question of fairness in recommender systems manifest itself quite differently. In this article, we discuss recent work in the area of multisided fairness in recommendation, starting with a brief introduction to core ideas in algorithmic fairness and multistakeholder recommendation. We describe techniques for measuring fairness and algorithmic approaches for enhancing fairness in recommendation outputs. We also discuss feedback and popularity effects that can lead to unfair recommendation outcomes. Finally, we introduce several promising directions for future research in this area.
A standardized workflow for respiratory‐gated motion management decision‐making
Authors: Meyers Sandra M. , Kisling Kelly , Atwood Todd F. , Ray Xenia
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Motion management of tumors within the lung and abdomen is challenging because it requires balancing tissue sparing with accuracy of hitting the target, while considering treatment delivery efficiency. Physicists can play an important role in analyzing four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) data to recommend the optimal respiratory gating parameters for a patient. The goal of this work was to develop a standardized procedure for making recommendations regarding gating parameters and planning margins for lung and gastrointestinal stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatments. In doing so, we hoped to simplify decision‐making and analysis, and provide a tool for troubleshooting complex cases.

Methods

Factors that impact gating decisions and planning target volume (PTV) margins were identified. The gating options included gating on exhale with approximately a 50% duty cycle (Gate3070), exhale gating with a reduced duty cycle (Gate4060), and treating for most of respiration, excluding only extreme inhales and exhales (Gate100). A standard operating procedure was developed, as well as a physics consult document to communicate motion management recommendations to other members of the treatment team. This procedure was implemented clinically for 1 year and results are reported below.

Results

Identified factors that impact motion management included the magnitude of motion observed on 4DCT, the regularity of breathing and quality of 4DCT data, and ability to observe the target on fluoroscopy. These were collated into two decision tables—one specific to lung tumors and another for gastrointestinal tumors—such that a physicist could answer a series of questions to determine the optimal gating and PTV margin. The procedure was used clinically for 252 sites from 213 patients treated with respiratory‐gated SBRT and standardized practice across our 12‐member physics team.

Conclusion

Implementation of a standardized procedure for respiratory gating had a positive impact in our clinic, improving efficiency and ease of 4DCT analysis and standardizing gating decision‐making amongst physicists.
Novel heterozygous variants of SLC12A6 in Japanese families with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease
Authors: Ando Masahiro , Higuchi Yujiro , Yuan Junhui , Yoshimura Akiko , Taniguchi Takaki , Takei Jun , Takeuchi Mika , Hiramatsu Yu , Shimizu Fumitaka , Kubota Masaya , Takeshima Akari , Ueda Takehiro , Koh Kishin , Nagaoka Utako , Tokashiki Takashi , Sawai Setsu , Sakiyama Yusuke , Hashiguchi Akihiro , Sato Ryota , Kanda Takashi , Okamoto Yuji , Takashima Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

Background

Recessive mutations in SLC12A6 have been linked to hereditary motor sensory neuropathy with agenesis of the corpus callosum. Patients with early‐onset peripheral neuropathy associated with SLC12A6 heterozygous variants were reported in 2016. Only five families and three variants have been reported to date, and the spectrum is unclear. Here, we aim to describe the clinical and mutation spectra of SLC12A6‐related Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease in Japanese patients.

Methods

We extracted SLC12A6 variants from our DNA microarray and targeted resequencing data obtained from 2598 patients with clinically suspected CMT who were referred to our genetic laboratory by neurological or neuropediatric departments across Japan. And we summarized the clinical and genetic features of these patients.

Results

In seven unrelated families, we identified one previously reported and three novel likely pathogenic SLC12A6 heterozygous variants, as well as two variants of uncertain significance. The mean age of onset for these patients was 17.5 ± 16.1 years. Regarding electrophysiology, the median motor nerve conduction velocity was 39.6 ± 9.5 m/sec. For the first time, we observed intellectual disability in three patients. One patient developed epilepsy, and her brain MRI revealed frontal and temporal lobe atrophy without changes in white matter and corpus callosum.

Conclusions

Screening for the SLC12A6 gene should be considered in patients with CMT, particularly those with central nervous system lesions, such as cognitive impairment and epilepsy, regardless of the CMT subtype.