bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Expression of Key Floral Initiation Genes in Response to Plant Growth Regulator Application and Alternate Bearing in Pecan
Authors: Thompson Marisa Y. , Randall Jennifer J. , VanLeeuwen Dawn , Heerema Richard J.
Published: May 2021

Regarding pecan (Carya illinoinensis), alternate bearing, which is a biennial fluctuation of crop yield, is a major hindrance for the pecan industry. Little is known about the internal cues that trigger pecan shoots to become reproductive. This 2-year study approached the mysteries of alternate bearing of pecan by determining whether pecan homologs of three genes known to control floral initiation in other species are expressed differently at various times of the growing season or in distinct plant tissues, and whether expression of these genes can be manipulated by plant growth regulator (PGR) application when compared with an untreated control group. The flowering genes of interest were pecan homologs of leafy (CpLFY), apetala1 (CpAP1), and flowering locus t (CpFT). During year 1 (2014), PGRs ethephon and gibberellin GA3 were applied at the shoot level 1 week before each of three tissue sampling dates (13 June, 3 July, 29 July). During the following year (2015), two more PGRs were added to the study [a second double rate (2X) of gibberellin GA3 and ethylene inhibitor aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG)] for a total of four PGRs (applied on 10 June, 1 July, and 23 July) plus the untreated control. Experimental leaf and bud tissues were sampled from fruiting and nonfruiting shoots on mature ‘Western’ pecan trees and analyzed separately. Normalized expression levels of CpLFY and CpAP1 were significantly higher in buds than in leaves. Normalized expression of CpLFY in bud tissues differed statistically based on the sampling date in 2014, with the earliest date (13 June) having higher expression than the two later dates that year. In 2015, a treatment × date interaction revealed that, compared with the untreated control, CpLFY expression was significantly lower in shoots treated with both gibberellin GA3 dosages on 1 July. A few weeks later (23 July), CpLFY expression was lower in the 2X GA3 treatment group and higher in samples treated with AVG. In 2014, CpAP1 expression in buds was significant, with a treatment × date interaction in which ethephon increased CpAP1 expression, but only on one date (29 July). In 2015, bud CpAP1 expression was significantly higher in fruiting than in nonfruiting shoots; however, again, only on one date. The results reveal differential expression of these key flowering genes based on tissue type, sampling date, and fruiting status of the shoot and PGR treatment. Results suggest that more research of the effects of PGRs is necessary for understanding the flowering behavior of pecan and mitigating the intensity of alternate bearing.
RAPPROCHEMENT BETWEEN SUNNISM AND SHIISM IN INDONESIA
Authors: Widiyanto Asfa
Published: May 2021

Throughout Islamic history, we observe enmity and conflicts between Sunnism and Shiism, nonetheless there has been also reconciliation between these sects. This article examines the opportunities and challenges of Sunni-Shia convergence in Indonesia. Such a picture will reveal a better understanding of the features of Sunni-Shia convergence in the country and their relationship with the notion of ‘Indonesian Islam’. The hostility between Shiism and Sunnism in Indonesia is triggered by misunderstandings between these sects, politicisation of Shiism, as well as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These constitute the challenges of Sunni-Shia convergence. One may also observe the ventures of Sunni-Shia convergence which have been undertaken by the scholars of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, and other Islamic civil society organisations. Grounding on these enterprises and the enduring elaboration of ‘Indonesian Islam’, the opportunities of and the prospects for Sunni-Shia rapprochement in the country are envisaged.
The Pavlov University experience in medical assistance for patients with the novel coronavirus infection: first results and lessons
Authors: Bagnenko, S. F. , Polushin Yu. S. , Shlyk I. V. , Teplov V. M. , Karpova E. A. , Gavrilova E G. , Afanasyev A. A. , Khryapa A. A. , Bovkun I. V. , Kalmanson L. M. , Malinina D. A. , Skvortsova R. D. , Korobenkov E. A.
Published: May 2021

The constant mutation of the virus and the complicated epidemiological situation in other countries keep the probability of a third wave of the pandemic in the Russian Federation fairly high. It is important to summarize the gained experience as fast as possible to use it appropriately once it is needed.

The objective: to analyze the specific parameters of care for critically ill patients with the novel coronavirus infection in Pavlov Multidisciplinary Medical Center.

Subjects and methods. This is a result-based report on the work performed by the Infection Center, which was deployed twice in Pavlov Multidisciplinary Medical Center (from 28.04.2020 to 03.08.2020 and from 01.11.2020 to 15.03.2021). Totally, 3,830 patients with SARS-CoV-2 were managed (1,680 patients during the first deployment and 2,150 patients during the second one). In the preparatory period, the operation of the emergency department based on the inpatient emergency medical department (EMD) had been simulated to clarify its staff structure and the procedure for admission, examination, and treatment of patients. Here we compare the organizational approaches during the first and second waves of the pandemic and present the characteristics of the demographic data of the treated patients, the incidence of certain complications, and outcomes.

Results. The overall lethality in the Center made 6.2%. Despite the experience gained in the first wave, the results of treatment during the second wave (autumn-winter) did not improve (5.7% died in the first wave and 6.7% in the second one). Lethality in ICU and EMD was 40.0% and 49.6%, in ICU only – 38.5% and 46.9% respectively. A moderate lethality increase in ICU was due to the concentration of critically ill and most critically ill patients. There were 51.4% of patients with comorbidities and 53.5% were above 65 years of age. Refinement and differentiation of tasks performed by departments, simulation of the operation of the Center before opening made it possible to increase the throughput of the medical unit avoiding rush during admission and deterioration the quality of treatment.

Conclusion. Certain aspects of the organization of medical care affect the performance of a multidisciplinary medical institution transformed into an infectious diseases hospital. The experience gained under such circumstances can be useful in other emergencies with a large number of victims and patients.
Synergy between Experimental and Theoretical Investigations Reveals the Anti‑Corrosion Efficiency of Imine-Chalcones
Authors: Carlos Mariana , Xavier Jr. Neubi , da Silva Jr. Antônio , Neves Marcelo , Echevarria Aurea , Bauerfeldt Glauco
Published: May 2021

The inhibitory action of three imine-chalcones on carbon steel corrosion in HCl was investigated by theoretical and experimental methods. Quantum descriptors were calculated at the conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM)-Becke-3 Parameter-Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP)‑D3/def2-TZVPP level allowing the prediction of efficiency inhibition ranking. Electrochemical techniques and mass loss experiments were employed to determine inhibition efficiencies and related experimental parameters. Scanning electron microscopy was employed for metal surface analysis. The N-[(1Z,2E)-1,3-diphenylprop-2-in-1-ylidene]-1-phenethylamine (IM‑F) was pointed out as the most efficient inhibitor in this group, with 96% of corrosion inhibition. Moreover, theoretical results obtained from periodic calculations for the adsorption on the Fe(110) surface corroborated the highest efficacy of IM‑F.
DATE CORRECTION OF OMAR BIN KHATTAB’S DEATH IN AN ASTRONOMICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Nadirin Akhmad , Ni'am M. Ihtirozun
Published: May 2021

Omar bin Khattab was a companions of Prophet Muhammad SAW who had the title as Amīr al-Mu’minīn. He led Islam for about 10 years before being stabbed by Abu Lu'luah when he was in the morning prayer at the end of the 23rd H year until death.  There are many opinions in Islamic historical literature about the death of Omar bin Khattab.  Some experts say that 3, 4 or 7 days left in Dzulhijjah 23 H or the Sunday of Muharram 24 H. This study is intended for the first, knowing why there is a difference in the death data. Second, answering the problems of correction Omar bin Khattab’s death data in an astronomical perspective. These problems are discussed with a qualitative research in the form of library research.  The primary sources used in this study are Tārikh al-Thabari Tārikh al-Umam wa al-Mulūk, Ashāb al-Futuyā , al-Kāmil fī al-Tārikh, Siyar A’lam al-Nubulā, al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah. Furthermore, the data obtained is converted into days and dates then it is cohered with the appropriate data. The result of this study shows that there is the difference of Omar bin Khattab’s death data. It is caused by the difference theories of the data. Thus, based on the astronomical calculation, the date of Omar bin Khatab’s death was on Wednesday, 26th Dzulhijjah 23 H / 3rd of November 644 M (3 days left in the month Dzulhijjah 23 H).
QIBLA DIRECTIONS THROUGH ULAMA’S FATWA : Comparative Study between Qibla Direction Fatwa of Indonesian Ulama Council and Dar Al-Ifta Al-Misriyyah
Authors: Mustafa Ahsin Dinal
Published: May 2021

Qibla direction is one of the important things in Islam. Especially in the prayer worship. Al-Quran and Hadith have explained about the direction of qibla during the lifetime of the Prophet. The Problems begun  when Muslims spread all  the world as it is today. Muslims who are far from Mecca can not see the Ka’bah, so it is difficult to determine the "ainul  Ka'bah". But now the rapid development of technology makes it easy for Muslims to determine the direction of the Qibla appropriately. In this case, however, the ulama' do ijtihad with their fatwa regarding how precisely facing the Qibla is permissible for those who cannot see the Ka'bah. This study aims to explain how 'Indonesian' ulama in this case the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) and 'Egyptian' ulama (Dar al-Ifta 'al-Misriyyah) resolve the problem and explain what lies behind the views of both. This study is a comparative normative study using a qualitative approach. The study data was taken from the MUI fatwas and Dar al-Ifta 'al-Misriyyah. The results of the study showed that the MUI fatwa initially decided the direction of the qibla of Indonesian Muslims to face westward, but then a new fatwa emerged afterwards which decided the qibla of Indonesian Muslims to face northwest with varying positions according to the location of their respective regions. In contrast to the MUI fatwa, the fatwa from Dar al-Ifta 'al-Misriyyah shows that for those who cannot see the Kaaba it is permissible to deviate slightly from the actual qibla direction with a 45 degree limit in the right or left direction.
THE SCIENCE OF FALAK ON VIRTUAL REALITY
Authors: Mulyadi Achmad Didik
Published: May 2021

In the era of the industrial revolution 4.0, astronomers as well as modern society in general cannot turn away from the reality of virtual life. People get information, read and study any knowledge is very easy because everything is available in their hands. Faced with this condition, what about astronomy scholarship? Amid the assumption that astronomy and experts are very rare. So astronomers are demanded to be able to adapt and develop themselves with 'literacy' technology to be able to package the astronomy knowledge and present its content to the public easily and to construct it in digital form. Why does this virtual reality have to be faced and how to deal with it? Associated with efforts to answer the needs of the public about astronomical scholarship in virtual reality, various innovations and creativity of astronomers emerged in the form of digitizing material, books (books) and astronomical applications. This variety of innovations will increase the interest of millennial students to learn and master it. Through this paper,-some of the digitization pattern-, the author will study it with the content analysis method and describe it descriptively-interpretatively. From the results of studies, the author has led to a conclusion that; the first, found a number of patterns of celestial scientific digitalization; from the side of the content, the digital astronomical material consists of the calculation of qibla direction, prayer time, the beginning of the month and eclipse and the practice of its determination, from the media aspect, the astronomy knowledge is presented through social media, such as facebook, instagram, whatsApp and youtube; through website-based media, such as bimasislam.kemenag.go.id, and if.walisongo.ac.id., in the form of smartphone applications, such as digital falak, mizwandroid, qiblat, usholli and so on. While the design of the presentation is varied, in the form of text, video, images and pdf. The second, each of these patterns has made a valuable contribution to the virtual learning of astronomy for millennial society in the current era of the industrial revolution 4.0.
Characterisation of low-Reynolds number flow through an orifice: CFD results vs. laboratory data
Authors: Martins Nuno M. C. , Covas Dídia I. C. , Meniconi Silvia , Capponi Caterina , Brunone Bruno
Published: May 2021

Pressurised pipe systems transport fluids daily over long distances and sediment deposits are responsible for narrowing the cross-sectional area of the pipe. This reduces the carrying capacity in gravity pipes and increases the energy consumption in rising mains. As partial blockages do not give rise to any external evidence, they are considered the most insidious fault occurring in pipe systems. Thus, the refinement of reliable techniques for detecting partial blockages at an early stage is of great interest to water utilities. This paper presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based analysis of the steady-state flow through a sharp-edged orifice which corresponds to the most straightforward partial blockage feature in a pipe. The main motivation is the fact that the interaction between pressure waves and a partial blockage – on which Transient Test-Based Techniques for fault detection are based – is strongly influenced by the pre-transient conditions at the partial blockage. The refined CFD model has been validated by considering experimental data selected from the literature. The comparison of obtained results demonstrates good performance of the numerical model. This authorised exploring in detail the features of the flow through the orifice as a necessary premise to its use within the successive transient analysis.
Hypertension among coal mining workers associated with parental hypertension in Indonesia
Authors:   Faculty of Public Health, Jember University, Jl. Kalimantan No.42, Krajan Timur, Sumbersari, Kec. Sumbersari, Jember Regency, East Java 68121 Indonesia, Akbar Kurnia Ardiansyah
Published: May 2021

Hypertension is a chronic disease with its prevalence increasing from 2013 to 2018 among population of Indonesia. In 2013 the prevalence of hypertension was 25.8%, and in 2018 it increased to 34.1%. Therefore, the participation of all related parties, both doctors and health professionals from various fields of hypertension specialization, government, the private sector, and the public, is needed to control hypertension. One of the private parties that has the authority to participate in the prevention of hypertension in Indonesia is business. One sector that has a large workforce is the coal mining sector. This study aimed to look at the influence exerted by hypertension in parents’ case history on risks of incidence withhypertension among coal mining workers. This study is a cross-sectional one with two variables, namely hypertension in parents’ case histories and hypertension among coal mining workers performed on a sampling including 360 coal mining workers. The results showed that if a father had hypertension in his case history the risk of incidence with hypertension among coal mining workers was 3.143 times higher because OR = 3.143; 95% CI (1.568 <OR <6.229), while if a mother had hypertension in her case history the risk of incidence with hypertension among coal mining workers is 6.519 times higher because OR = 6.519; 95% CI (3,267 <OR <13,008) and if parents have hypertension in their case history, the risk of incidence with hypertension among coal mine workers is 6.061 times higher because OR = 6.061; 95% CI (2,910 <OR <12,625). The Conclusion is enough to prove that hereditary or genetic factors play a role in the increased risk of hypertension in coal mining workers.
Combination of HLA-DRB1 alleles as a factor causing risks of sporadic congenital heart defects and congenital malformations without chromosome diseases
Authors:   Scientific Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, 6 Sosnovyi Blvd., Kemerovo, 650002, Russian Federation, Shabaldin A.V. ,   Kemerovo State Medical University, 22a Voroshilova Str., Kemerovo, 650056, Russian Federation, Tsepokina A.V. ,   Scientific Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, 6 Sosnovyi Blvd., Kemerovo, 650002, Russian Federation, Dolgikh O.V. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Shabaldina E.V. ,   Kemerovo State Medical University, 22a Voroshilova Str., Kemerovo, 650056, Russian Federation, Ponasenko A.V. ,   Scientific Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, 6 Sosnovyi Blvd., Kemerovo, 650002, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

Congenital heart defects are anomalies that are becoming more and more frequent every year. Their specific weight is the highest among all the defects and malformations in fetus. Besides, children with sporadic congenital heart defects and malformations are still born rather frequently. We made an assumption that congenital heart defects (CHD) and congenital malformations (CM) were formed due to inflammatory process decompensation within «mother – fetus» system occurring in case of a conflict as per HLA between a semi-allogenic fetus and its mother’s microenvironment. A risk of such a conflict might be associated with certain HLA combinations in parents’ genotypes. Our research goal was to reveal peculiarities of HLA-DRB1 alleles combinations in married couples who had children with sporadic CHD and CM without any chromosome diseases and to determine whether such peculiarities could cause risks of congenital anomalies. We determined frequency of 14 alleles in HLA-DRB1 gene in all people who took part in the research. Our research allowed establishing that parents whose children suffered from CHD more frequently had common HLA-DRB104, female HLA-DRB107 with male HLA-DRB113, HLA-DRB117 and female HLA-DRB113 with male HLA-DRB114. Children who suffered from CM more frequently had parents who were homologous as per HLA-DRB112, as well as with female HLA-DRB112 and male HLA-DRB101, HLA-DRB104, HLA-DRB113, and HLA-DRB115; this greater frequency was statistically significant. We also detected an authentic increase in frequency of HLA-DRB112 allele in children against their parents. Children with CM also had HLA-DRB112 allele statistically significantly more frequently than healthy children. Peculiarities related to HLA-DRB1 alleles combination are genetic predictors of CHD and CM occurrence; their determination will allow minimizing risks of such disorders due to early diagnostics and timely prevention.
CLASSES SOCIAIS E ESTRATIFICAÇÃO EM “OLHAIS OS LÍRIOS DO CAMPO”
Authors: Souza Arthur Arantes
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo analisa o romance “Olhai os lírios do campo” de Érico Veríssimo a partir da teoria de classe de Karl Marx e da estratificação social de Max Weber. Discute, a partir das relações do protagonista, Eugênio Fontes, como conceitos como ideologia, para Marx, e estamento, para Weber, operam no mundo do romance. Apesar das diferenças destas teorias, elas possibilitam acompanhar coisas como a resignação dos pais com a pobreza e o desconforto de Eugênio na interação com as rodas da elite.

 

Palavras-chave: Olhai os lírios do campo. Romance. Classes Sociais. Estratificação Social.
Can Mindfulness Practice Improve Short-term Retention in a Science Course
Authors: Reuter Peter , Silevis Rob , Weiss Valerie
Published: May 2021

Brief periods of wakeful resting have a positive effect on memory consolidation. To test the impact of mindful breathing exercises on the retention of new knowledge in a science class, we assigned lab sessions of Anatomy and Physiology I and II randomly to the intervention group or control group. During teaching periods, the intervention group lab sessions integrated mindfulness breaks by having students participate in guided breathing exercises every 25-30 minutes. With one exception, the average scores on the weekly retention quizzes taken at the end of the lab sessions were higher for the intervention group compared with the control group for all quizzes in both Anatomy and Physiology I and II. However, there was no significant difference in the average score between the intervention and control groups on formal quizzes and exams. Future studies should evaluate whether mindfulness techniques, such as mindful breathing exercises, used before exams lead to improved exam scores.
Cardiovascular Changes in Human Diving Reflex Based on Student-Collected Data in a Physiology Lab Course
Authors: Liu He , Vagula Mary
Published: May 2021

In this study, we analyzed data of heart rate and pulse amplitude collected by undergraduate students in a physiology lab course during and after the diving reflex. On average, heart rate was reduced 21% at 15 seconds and 29% at 30 seconds during diving. Pulse amplitude generally decreased but with greater individual variation. There is no difference in the heart rate decrease seen between male and female subjects. Athletes started with slightly lower heart rate but showed the same response as non-athletes during diving. This study provides some variations on the typical diving reflex laboratory activity that could be used with students studying the physiological regulation of cardiac function.
In Silico Drug Design: Development of New Pyrimidine-based Benzothiazole Derivatives, Selective for CDK2
Authors: Kasmi Rania , Elmchichi Larbi , El Aissouq Abdellah , Bouachrine Mohammed , Ouammou Abdelkrim
Published: May 2021

Backgroud:

Kinases are proteins that control many biological functions. They are involved
in cellular regulation, and many of them are deregulated in cancer proliferation. The evidence of this
deregulation in many pathologies served as the origin of kinases as a therapeutic class and constitutes
the motive that leads numerous teams to search for inhibitors of these targets.

Objective:

Based on 3D-QSAR studies and the molecular docking approach, we have developed new
potential inhibitors that could be optimized and transformed into colon cancer drugs.

Methods:

To design new bioactive molecules and study their interactions with the cyclin-dependent
kinase type 2 (CDK2) enzyme, we used two virtual screening methods: 3D-QSAR modeling and molecular
docking on a series of 28 pyrimidine-based benzothiazole derivatives.

Results:

To develop the model (3D QSAR), we used CoMFA and CoMSIA techniques using SYBYLX2.0
molecular modeling software. The statistical parameters reveal that the good CoMFA model displays
Q² = 0.587 and R²= 0.895 and CoMSIA displays Q² = 0.552 and R² = 0.768), which are considered
to be very good internal prediction values, while an external validation of a test series of 5 compounds
not included in the model development series gives R² test values of 0.56 for CoMFA and R² t
est values of 0.51 for CoMSIA. The molecular docking approach with AutoDock Tools-1.5.6 is introduced
in this work to enrich the interpretations extracted from the CoMFA and CoMSIA contour maps
and to provide an in silico research method for the most favorable mode of interaction of an inhibitor
within its receptor (CDK2).

Conclusion:

We have constructed and validated a quantitative 3D model of structure-activity relationships
of pyrimidine-based benzothiazole derivatives as CDK2 inhibitors. This model allows us to identify
the nature and position of the groups that enhance the activity, giving us directions to discover new,
more powerful molecules in a limited time.
Epigenetics in Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Nair Jayasree , Maheshwari Akhil
Published: May 2021

Epigenetic alterations in our genetic material can lead to heritable changes in the risk, clinical manifestations, course, and outcomes of many diseases. Understanding these epigenetic mechanisms can help in identifying potential therapeutic targets. This is especially important in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), where prenatal as well as postnatal factors impact susceptibility to this devastating condition, but our therapeutic options are limited. Developmental factors affecting intestinal structure and function, our immune system, gut microbiome, and postnatal enteral nutrition are all thought to play a prominent role in this disease. In this manuscript, we have reviewed the epigenetic mechanisms involved in NEC. These include key developmental changes in DNA methylation in the immature intestine, the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in maintaining intestinal barrier function, epigenetic influences of prenatal inflammation on immunological pathways in NEC pathogenesis such as Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and epigenetic changes associated with enteral feeding causing upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes. We have assimilated research findings from our own laboratory with an extensive review of the literature utilizing key terms in multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Science Direct.
Exploring Diabetes Educators’ Core Competencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharbi Talal , McLelland Gayle , Thomacos Nikos
Published: May 2021

Background:

Diabetes education provided by qualified and competent diabetes educators
(DEs) is effective in reducing risks of diabetes complications. Globally, the DE workforce comprises
a mixture of professions, with the majority being nurses. It is necessary to regularly assess
DEs’ competence and knowledge to ensure that quality diabetes education is being delivered.

Objective:

This study explored the self-perceived competence and the diabetes knowledge of DEs
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods:

This study explored the self-perceived competence and the diabetes knowledge of DEs
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey, administered
at 20 diabetes centres. A total of 368 DEs were invited to participate in the study.

Results:

Surveys were completed by 324 DEs (response rate = 88%), 84% (n=271) were nurses.
From a possible overall range between 63-252, the mean (M) was 168.59 and standard deviation (SD)
was (35.6) hence perceived competence of the DEs was low, Of a maximum possible score of
45 for the diabetes knowledge test, response scores ranged from 9 to 40, with M = 26.2 (6.0). Perceived
competence and diabetes knowledge varied depending on age, nationality, educational qualification,
primary profession, and whether or not the DE held a specialised diabetes qualification.

Conclusion:

DEs in the KSA need to develop and enhance their competence and knowledge in order
to provide quality diabetes care and education. The low perceived competence and scores in the
knowledge test show that intervention measures are needed to regularly assess and improve the
core competencies of DEs. Further research is required to identify DEs’ barriers to having sufficient
competencies and knowledge.
Predicting Interactions Between Pathogen and Human Proteins Based on the Relation Between Sequence Length and Amino Acid Composition
Authors: Alguwaizani Saud , Ren Shulei , Huang De-Shuang , Han Kyungsook
Published: May 2021

Aim:

Both bacterial infection and viral infection involve a large number of protein-protein
interactions (PPIs) between a pathogen and its target host.

Background:

So far, many computational methods have focused on predicting PPIs within the same
species rather than PPIs across different species.

Methods:

From the extensive analysis of PPIs between Yersinia pestis bacteria and humans, we recently
discovered an interesting relation; a linear relation between amino acid composition and sequence
length was observed in many proteins involved in PPIs. We have built a support vector machine (SVM)
model, which predicts PPIs between human and bacteria using two feature types derived from the relation.
The two feature types used in the SVM are the amino acid composition group (AACG) and the
difference in amino acid composition between host and pathogen proteins.

Result:

The SVM model achieved high performance in predicting bacteria-human PPIs. The model
showed an accuracy of 96%, sensitivity of 94%, and specificity of 98% in predicting PPIs between humans
and Yersinia pestis, in which there is a strong relation between amino acid composition and sequence
length. The SVM model was also tested in predicting PPIs between human and viruses, which
include Ebola, HCV, and SARS-CoV-2, and showed a good performance.

Conclusion:

The feature types identified in our study are simple yet powerful in predicting pathogenhuman
PPIs. Although preliminary, our method will be useful for finding unknown target host proteins
or pathogen proteins and designing in vitro or in vivo experiments.
Deoxycholic and Ursodeoxycholic Acid Differentially Impact Cellular Steatosis
and Lipid Peroxidation in Cultured Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Vergani Laura , Baldini Francesca , Khalil Mohamad , Serale Nadia , Baj Jacek , Di Ciaula Agostino , Portincasa Piero
Published: May 2021

Background:

Bile acids (BAs) are the major lipid components of bile. They are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. BAs have gained attention as drug candidates to control obesity and/or diabetic condition due to their role in lipid and glucose metabolism.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the antisteatotic and antioxidant potential of deoxycholic ac-id (DCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), two BAs with opposite physico-chemical features.

Methods:

Different concentrations of DCA and UDCA in the micromolar range were tested on cul-tured hepatoma cells after loading with an excess of fatty acids to mimic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in vitro. Experimental analyses included cell viability, lipid accumulation and li-pid peroxidation in steatotic hepatocytes before and after exposure to either DCA or UDCA.

Results:

Both UDCA and DCA improved lipid dysmetabolism and oxidative stress conditions in the steatotic hepatocytes. However, while UDCA was more effective as lipid lowering agent, DCA showed a greater antioxidant effect.

Conclusions:

UDCA seems to have better protective and beneficial potential than DCA, as it is able to both alleviate lipid accumulation in the steatotic liver cells, but also to play antioxidant effect.
Effect of corporate governance and earnings management on expense stickiness
Authors: Allolinggi Theresia Ratte , Saraswati Erwin , Ghofar Abdul
Published: May 2021

This study aims to examine and analyze the effect of corporate governance and earnings management on expense stickiness. By defining small positive earnings or small earnings increases as the proxy of earnings management and divides the sample into earnings management (upward earnings management) and non-earnings management. This study uses a broad measure of corporate governance by extracting the main factors of corporate governance. The sample obtained is 251 company samples for earnings management samples and 133 companies for corporate governance samples and processed using the Multiple Linear Regression method using the regression model from the research of Xue and Hong (2016). The results showed that corporate governance can reduce the level of expense stickiness. However, the results of this study cannot prove that earnings management can reduce the level of expense stickiness, but this research proves that companies that do not indicate earning management influence the existence of expense stickiness.
Effect of corporate governance on expropriation practices with family ownership as moderation variable
Authors: Rettob Gladys Bella Novenna , Subekti Imam , Mardiati Endang
Published: May 2021

The practice of expropriation is one of the accounting frauds committed by controlling shareholders because of their control rights that exceed cash flow rights. This study aims to examine and analyze the effect of corporate governance on the practice of expropriation and the existence of family ownership as a moderating variable. This research was conducted at companies in all sectors of the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Based on the purposive sampling method, the sample of this study was 78 companies with 312 observations. The research data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that the practice of expropriation in Indonesia can be minimized by implementing adequate corporate governance. The results of this study also prove that companies whose shareholding structures are dominated by the family will maintain control in the company through their management so that they have an impact on limiting governance practices in reducing expropriation practices.
Foreign Direct Investment and Wage Spillovers in Indonesia
Authors: Sultoni Sultoni
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the effect of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows on wage level paid by private domestic firms in Indonesia’s manufacturing sector. The previous literature focuses on horizontal linkages only. We develop this study by examining the spillover through horizontal and vertical channels. We find that there is strong evidence of horizontal and vertical wage spillovers from foreign to local firms in Indonesian manufacturing. However, after controlling for some firm characteristics, which are technology intensity level and firm size, we find that although vertical wage spillovers exist irrespective of the firm characteristics, horizontal spillovers show different results. This spillover is not present in relatively low technology level firms.
Hubungan Antara Pelatihan, Kepuasan Kerja dan Kinerja Tempat Kerja pada Organisasi Pelayanan Publik Studi pada Satuan Polisi Pamong Praja dan Pemadam Kebakaran Kabupaten Semarang
Authors: Arisadewi Firdania Rarastiti
Published: May 2021

Human resources in an organization is an important and influential aspect in the organization's activities and productivity. Good human resources will produce good employee performance which will then have an impact on producing good workplace performance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether training and job satisfaction affect workplace performance at the Civil Service Police Unit and Semarang Fire Department. The sampling technique in this study used simple random sampling, where 126 people were taken from the entire population. The research method uses multiple linear regression analysis, t test, F test and path analysis. The results showed that training had no positive and significant effect on job satisfaction, training had no positive and significant effect on workplace performance and job satisfaction had a positive and significant effect on workplace performance. With the path analtsis it is known that the job satisfaction variable does not meet the requirements to be an interverning variable.
Evaluasi Kebijakan Penanggulangan Bencana (Studi Pada BPBD Kabupaten Kediri)
Authors: Fitrianto Mochamad Rizki
Published: May 2021

Kediri Regency is one of the regions in the province of East Java with various potential natural disasters except tsunami. Some potential natural disasters in Kediri Regency are volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, nipples, earthquakes. Referring to the IRB (Disaster Risk Index) released by BNPB in 2013, shows that Kediri regency is included in one of the administrative areas in East Java that has a high disaster index. The policy on disaster relief in Kediri Regency has been arranged in regional regulation No. 2 year 2015 which governs the Organization and administration of BPBD (Regional disaster management Agency). The policy has been running for almost 5 years, therefore seeing the various potential disasters owned by Kediri district, researchers want to examine the extent to which the policy has been implemented and observe about readiness in the face of various potential future threats in the future. The findings in the field indicate that in implementing a disaster policy there are currently some indicators in the evaluation (Dunn, 1999) that has not been achieved optimally.
Influencing Factors on Intention to Receive Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Mothers of Elementary School Girls: Focusing on the Mediating Effects of Self-efficacy
Authors: Nam Kyung Ah , Lee Young Eun
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To provide basic data for the development of a nursing intervention program in order to improve intention to receive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intention of mothers of elementary school girls by confirming the mediating effect of self-efficacy in the relationship between knowledge of HPV vaccine, attitude towards vaccination, subjective norm, and intention to receive vaccination.Methods: The subjects of this study are 171 mothers of elementary school students in grades 5–6 in Yangsan city. The health teacher delivered the questionnaire to the mothers via the female elementary school students in the classroom, the mothers filled out the questionnaire by self-filling, and the questionnaires were collected through the health teacher.Results: The fully mediating effect of self-efficacy in the relationship between the knowledge of the HPV vaccine and the intention of the mothers of female elementary school students to receive vaccination. The partial mediating effect of self-efficacy was confirmed in the relationship between attitude towards HPV vaccination and the intention to receive vaccination. The partial mediating effect of self-efficacy was confirmed in the relationship between the subjective norm for HPV vaccination and the intention to receive vaccination.Conclusion: It is necessary to develop an HPV vaccine vaccination promotion program that can enhance the level of knowledge, attitudes towards vaccination, and subjective norm of HPV vaccine for female elementary school mothers and to strengthen their sense of self-efficacy.
Intervention for Married Immigrant Women in Korea: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Soo Jin , Jin Xianglan , Lee Sujin
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to review the intervention programs designed for married immigrant women living in Korea.Methods: A total of 39 articles published from 2010 to 2020 were selected and analyzed using domestic and international web-based academic databases according to a systematic literature review procedure. The selected studies were evaluated for quality according to RoB (Risk of Bias) and RoBANS (Risk of Bias for Non-randomized studies). Additionally, intervention programs and outcome variables were based on the Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC) and Nursing Outcome Classification (NOC) system.Results: According to the NIC categories, 69.2% of the interventions were in the behavioral domain, and 23.1% were in the family domain. The outcome variables primarily measured in NOC categories were psychological well-being (45.8%), health knowledge (11.0%), and health belief (10.2%). The quality of the selected studies was low overall in random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel, and blinding of outcome data in randomized controlled trials (RCT) studies and confounding variables, blinding of outcome data, and incomplete outcome bias in non-RCT studies.Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, future studies will have to consider the characteristics of the subjects, life cycle, daily life, or language limitations. In addition, it is necessary to develop high-quality programs through continuous research on currently and frequently used interventions and outcome variables and on other various mediations and to verify the outcome variables.
Understanding Behavioral Intentions Toward COVID-19 Vaccines: Theory-Based Content Analysis of Tweets
Authors: Liu Siru , Liu Jialin
Published: May 2021

Background

Acceptance rates of COVID-19 vaccines have still not reached the required threshold to achieve herd immunity. Understanding why some people are willing to be vaccinated and others are not is a critical step to develop efficient implementation strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccines.

Objective

We conducted a theory-based content analysis based on the capability, opportunity, motivation–behavior (COM-B) model to characterize the factors influencing behavioral intentions toward COVID-19 vaccines mentioned on the Twitter platform.

Methods

We collected tweets posted in English from November 1-22, 2020, using a combination of relevant keywords and hashtags. After excluding retweets, we randomly selected 5000 tweets for manual coding and content analysis. We performed a content analysis informed by the adapted COM-B model.

Results

Of the 5000 COVID-19 vaccine–related tweets that were coded, 4796 (95.9%) were posted by unique users. A total of 97 tweets carried positive behavioral intent, while 182 tweets contained negative behavioral intent. Of these, 28 tweets were mapped to capability factors, 155 tweets were related to motivation, 23 tweets were related to opportunities, and 74 tweets did not contain any useful information about the reasons for their behavioral intentions (κ=0.73). Some tweets mentioned two or more constructs at the same time. Tweets that were mapped to capability (P<.001), motivation (P<.001), and opportunity (P=.03) factors were more likely to indicate negative behavioral intentions.

Conclusions

Most behavioral intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccines were related to the motivation construct. The themes identified in this study could be used to inform theory-based and evidence-based interventions to improve acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.
Norms and Social Network–Centric Behavior Change Intervention (Nam Nalavazhvu) for Improved Toilet Usage in Peri-Urban Communities of Tamil Nadu: Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Ashraf Sania , Bicchieri Cristina , Delea Maryann G , Das Upasak , Chauhan Kavita , Kuang Jinyi , Shpenev Alex , Thulin Erik
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Inconsistent toilet usage is a continuing challenge in India. Despite the impact of social expectations on toilet usage, few programs and studies have developed theoretically grounded norm-centric behavior change interventions to increase toilet use in low-income settings.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this paper is to detail the rationale and design of an ex ante, parallel cluster-randomized trial evaluating the impact of a demand-side, norm-centric behavior change intervention on exclusive toilet use and maintenance in peri-urban Tamil Nadu, India.

METHODS

Following formative research, we developed an evidence-based norm-centric behavior change intervention called Nam Nalavazhvu (Tamil for “our well-being”). The multilevel intervention aims to improve toilet usage by shifting empirical expectations or beliefs about other relevant people’s sanitation practices. It also provides action-oriented information to aid individuals to set goals and overcome barriers to own, consistently use, and maintain their toilets. This trial includes 76 wards in the Pudukkottai and Karur districts, where half were randomly assigned to receive the intervention and the remaining served as counterfactuals.

RESULTS

We enrolled wards and conducted a baseline survey among randomly selected individuals in all 76 wards. The 1-year behavior change intervention is currently ongoing. At the endline, we will collect relevant data and compare results between study arms to determine the impacts of the Nam Nalavazhvu intervention on sanitation-related behavioral, health, and well-being outcomes and potential moderators. This study is powered to detect differences in the prevalence of exclusive toilet use between study arms. We are also conducting a process evaluation to understand the extent to which the intervention was implemented as designed, given the special pandemic context.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this trial will inform norm-centric behavior change strategies to improve exclusive toilet usage.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04269824; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04269824

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/24407
A Conversational Artificial Intelligence Agent for a Mental Health Care App: Evaluation Study of Its Participatory Design (Preprint)
Authors: Danieli Morena , Ciulli Tommaso , Mousavi Seyed Mahed , Riccardi Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Mobile apps for mental health are available on the market. Although they seem to be promising for improving the accessibility of mental health care, little is known about their acceptance, design methodology, evaluation, and integration into psychotherapy protocols. This makes it difficult for health care professionals to judge whether these apps may help them and their patients.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim is to describe and evaluate a protocol for the participatory design of mobile apps for mental health. In this study, participants and psychotherapists are engaged in the early phases of the design and development of the app empowered by conversational artificial intelligence (AI). The app supports interventions for stress management training based on cognitive behavioral theory.

METHODS

A total of 21 participants aged 33-61 years with mild to moderate levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (assessed by administering the Italian versions of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, Occupational Stress Indicator, and Perceived Stress Scale) were assigned randomly to 2 groups, A and B. Both groups received stress management training sessions along with cognitive behavioral treatment, but only participants assigned to group A received support through a mobile personal health care agent, designed for mental care and empowered by AI techniques. Psychopathological outcomes were assessed at baseline (T1), after 8 weeks of treatment (T2), and 3 months after treatment (T3). Focus groups with psychotherapists who administered the therapy were held after treatment to collect their impressions and suggestions.

RESULTS

Although the intergroup statistical analysis showed that group B participants could rely on better coping strategies, group A participants reported significant improvements in obsessivity and compulsivity and positive distress symptom assessment. The psychotherapists’ acceptance of the protocol was good. In particular, they were in favor of integrating an AI-based mental health app into their practice because they could appreciate the increased engagement of patients in pursuing their therapy goals.

CONCLUSIONS

The integration into practice of an AI-based mobile app for mental health was shown to be acceptable to both mental health professionals and users. Although it was not possible in this experiment to show that the integration of AI-based conversational technologies into traditional remote psychotherapy significantly decreased the participants’ levels of stress and anxiety, the experimental results showed significant trends of reduction of symptoms in group A and their persistence over time. The mental health professionals involved in the experiment reported interest in, and acceptance of, the proposed technology as a promising tool to be included in a blended model of psychotherapy.

CLINICALTRIAL