bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El Papel Fundamental de la Biología Activista y las Interacciones entre el Museo Nacional, Política y Construcción de Nación en Brasil
Authors: Bedoya Roqueme Edwin De Jesús
Published: May 2020

Book Review:

Regina Horta Duarte, Activist Biology: The National Museum, Politics, and Nation Building in Brazil (Tucson, Arizona: University of Arizona Pres, 2016).
The Imperial Mind and Biodiversity Conservation: Historical perspective on current debates in biodiversity conservation
Authors: Wright Angus
Published: May 2020

Biodiversity conservation debates have recently been summarized in the phrase, “land-sparing versus land-sharing.” In the land sparing camp are those who seek policies to put as much of the earth’s surface as possible into “protected areas” in which agriculture would be virtually excluded. In order to assure adequate food production, land outside protected areas would be farmed with maximum intensity through techniques that would largely exclude or exterminate wild populations of flora and fauna. In contrast, those who advocate land sharing policies argue for a combination of protected areas alongside agricultural landscapes that would use techniques tending to favor the maintenance of wild populations within a complex matrix of land uses.

Here, I contend that the attempt to settle the debate through studies that seek quantification of agricultural production data and promotion of wild species populations in existing landscapes uses is of limited value because of the inability to control properly for both temporal and spatial variation. The more fundamental problem in quantitative evaluation, the one explored at length in this paper, is that the two policy positions in fact disguise profoundly different philosophical world views that can best be understood through historical analysis of the formation of colonial and post-colonial conservation ideas and practice. I argue that the essential problem with the land-sparing perspective can be summarized in two related points: first, land-sparing strategies assume that protected areas are more protective of a broad range of species than they are; and, second, they assume that the negative effect of industrial agriculture on biodiversity is minimal and can remain so even under strategies to increase production on a smaller land base. Both of these assumptions rest on a historically derived idea of control over landscape and habitat processes that is, from the land-sharing perspective, illusory. This false sense of control over human life and ecological processes arises at least partially from a way of thinking shaped by imperialism. I lay out here a historical perspective on contemporary conservation policy debates, with emphasis on the development of conservation policy in Brazil, Meso-America, and the United States.
Efektywność i produktywność administracji szkolnictwa wyższego
Authors: Brzezicki Łukasz
Published: May 2020

Celem artykułu jest pomiar za pomocą metody DEA oraz indeksu Malmquista efektywności oraz produktywności administracji publicznego szkolnictwa wyższego. Do badania przyjęto 58 szkół wyższych podlegających Ministerstwu Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego w latach 2014-2017. Uzyskane wyniki efektywności oscylują wokół 70%. Najbardziej efektywne okazały się uczelnie pedagogiczne, a najmniej rolnicze. Natomiast największy wzrost produktywności odnotowano w roku akademickim 2015/2016 w uczelniach technicznych.
Development of Boccia Cerebral Palsy's National Athlete Achievement in the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee
Authors: Haris Mustafa Al , Doewes Muchsin , Liskustyawati Hanik
Published: May 2020

Achievement is the goal for all sports development achievements, the coaching process will affect the results that will be generated. In Indonesia, NPCI is the only organization that facilitates sports with special needs at the international level. Same with normal sports, sports with special needs also have many benefits for each athlete. Boccia is a sport with special needs for children with cerebral palsy in the world. Boccia is a precision sport that anyone can do. Disorders included such as ataxia, hypertonus, atetosis, and limitations in coordination become eligible criteria for boccia sports. The purpose of this research is to find out the fostering of the achievement of the boccia cerebral palsy national altet in the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee. This study uses a qualitative method which was carried out in two places, namely at the NPCI headquarters and the Indonesian national athlete's Boccia Cerebral Palsy Sports Hall in March 2020. Data collection techniques used interviews, observation, and documents. The technique of taking research subjects with purposive sampling with a sample of five people. The results of this study are that the fostering of the achievement of the boccia cerebral palsy national altet in the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee is already in the good enough category but it is still not perfect.
Effect of Slam Waves Battle rope Exercise and Up down Waves Battle rope Exercise to Arm Strength And Arm Endurance (Study of boxing exstracurriculer at senior high school 3 Kediri)
Authors: Wijaya Dhayu Briyan , Wijono Wijono , Widodo Acmad
Published: May 2020

The most popular extraculiler in kediri High School 3 is boxing, because it can be done and studied by both male and female students. Boxing extraction itself is in demand because it is a well-known sport with weight loss and also for self-defense. Boxing itself requires a hard punch produced from a strong arm and also requires the stability of the hand to be beside the face to support the punch technique that is in boxing.When observing at State High School 3 Kediri, many students had not yet mastered the physical condition of the arm muscle strength or arm muscle endurance. Extraculiler trainers and teachers also said that physical conditions and non-boring forms of training are important to improve student achievement in school and outside school performance. Based on the background description above, the researcher wants to provide alternative exercises to improve physical conditions specifically in increasing arm muscle strength and endurance of arm muscles in male and female extracurricular students of SMAN 3 Kediri. So that researchers are interested in conducting research "Effect of slam waves batlle rope exercise, updown battle rope on arm muscle strength and muscular endurance of students and extracurricular students of SMAN 3 Kediri Boxing"
The Buddhist Real Concept of Peace in Theory and Up Wards (Paṭisotagāmī) Practice Which Towards on Philosophical Revelation
Authors: Wadigala Samitharathana Thero
Published: May 2020

In a fast-changing world different social institutions and organizations have emerged in order to maintain the well-being or the harmonious existence of human beings and much contribution has been done in the maintenance and the promotion of well-being of humanity. However, the modern era with its rapid developments confronted with many challenges such as environmental pollution, serious health issues, population growth and scarcity of food & sheltered specially the direct man-made issues related to the peace and co-existence of humanity. As a result, physical, social, mental and spiritual well-being has been greatly affected and damaged. Buddhist teachings emphasize that peace is dependent on the physical, social, mental and spiritual well-being of individuals living up wards in any society. Thus, it signifies a state of harmony and friendship, calmness and quietness and also the freedom from war and violence.

Hence in the achievement of harmony and peace most significant is the identification and verification of the fundamental issues with impartiality, justice and honesty that lead to the warfare between the nations or countries which is the Buddhist standpoint. In the modern world warfare takes place from many aspects. They have been able to avoid such which is the only fact that humanity can be proud of in this civilized world. However, the situations within some countries are not satisfactory especially in some Asian and Middle East countries where there is divesting warfare between the divided groups who have the underhand support by the powerful.

Such lead to the attitudinal change in the people where as their social consciousness becomes widened and deepened. Thus, the attitudinal change gradually takes place which is the key factor for lasting peace in the sustainable developmental countries. Thus (a) Respect for morality (b) Attitudinal change (c) Widening of social consciousness (d) Establishment of higher ideals are the key elements found in Buddhist teachings in theory and upwards practice.
Persecution of Indian Women: An Analysis on The Most Heinous Cases of Rape and Sexual Abuse of Women
Authors: Umme Habiba
Published: May 2020

At the point when we discuss about atrocities against women, we don't allude to some new happenings yet it is an old phenomenon that has been permitted to go on. All through the ages from one period to another period women have been left to the abominations and carelessness. In all social orders, societies, areas or religious communities’ women have been subject to confront brutality from higher to the lower level and to the present day in India this has come to an alarming extent. The situation of women in Indian culture has been held under continuous dormancy while the exploitation against them is increasing repeatedly. The explanation, most likely, is that woman is considered as more vulnerable sex when contrasted with their contrary sex. This paper explains how women are being exploited in our patriarchal societies. The present paper also discusses about why women are being neglected in our male dominated society. The paper will also focus on various incidences of rape cases that occur in India.
A multi-spectral fluorescence induction and relaxation (FIRe) technique for physiological and taxonomic analysis of phytoplankton communities
Authors: Gorbunov MY , Shirsin E , Nikonova E , Fadeev VV , Falkowski PG
Published: May 2020

Phytoplankton are extraordinarily diverse, comprising 13 phylogenetic groups, with diatoms, dinoflagellates, and haptophytes among the most prominent eukaryotes in the ocean. Development of sensor technologies for rapid taxonomic and physiological analysis of phytoplankton communities is crucial for ecological monitoring programs in the global ocean. We describe a novel, ultra-sensitive, multi-spectral fluorescence induction and relaxation instrument (a mini-FIRe) and examine its analytical capability of rapidly determining phytoplankton taxonomic groups, as well as physiological characteristics and photosynthetic rates. We collected and analyzed the database of spectral and photosynthetic properties of major taxonomic groups of phytoplankton. We revealed that the spectral shape of the functional absorption cross-section of Photosystem II (PSII), sPSII(lex), is remarkably constrained within each major phylogenetic group of eukaryotic phytoplankton, including diatoms, haptophytes, dinoflagellates, and chlorophytes. Variability in sPSII(lex) within each group was significantly smaller than the difference between groups. We also examined the classical excitation spectra of chl a fluorescence yields, Fm(lex). Our comparative analysis revealed that sPSII(lex) is a better and more specific proxy for taxonomic analysis. For instance, our developed sPSII-based algorithm correctly identified 90% of experimental data, compared to 77% identified by the Fm-based algorithm. Our results suggest that the multi-color variable fluorescence analysis offers a tool for combined physiological and taxonomic analysis, including identification of major phyla within the ‘red’ lineage of eukaryotic phytoplankton.
Global DNA methylation in rats´ liver is not affected by hypercholesterolemic diet
Authors: Jurcikova-Novotna L. , Mrazova L. , Micova K. , Friedecky D. , Hubacek J.A. , Poledne R.
Published: May 2020

Increased plasma cholesterol levels are listed between the major atherosclerosis risk factors. The final plasma cholesterol levels result from the interplay between the genetic and environmental (diet, physical activity) factors. Little is known, how dietary factors influence epigenetics. We have analyzed, if an over-generation feeding of rat with cholesterol influences total liver-DNA methylation, and if total liver-DNA methylation differ between the different rat strains (Prague hereditary hypercholesterolemic rats, Prague hereditary hypertriglyceridemic rats and Wistar Kyoto rats). The animals were feed with high fat (additional 5 % over normal capacity) high cholesterol (2 %) diet for 14 days. DNA methylation in the liver tissue in different generations was analyzed using the liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. We have not observed any significant changes in total liver-DNA methylation over the 9 generations of animals feed by fat/cholesterol enriched diet. Additionally, there were no differences in DNA methylation between different rat strains. In animal model, the dietary changes (hypercholesterolemic diet) not significantly influence the total DNA methylation status within the liver.
ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT AMOUNT OF PLATE, DIAMETER PORT, AND WIDTH OF COMPRESSION ON INTERCOOLER PERFORMANCE IN PT INDONESIA POWER
Authors: Prastyo Elli
Published: May 2020

This analysis to determine the performance of the intercooler based on actual data, and the intercooler's performance against design specifications changes using the NTU method. Variable design specifications in the study are the number of plates, compressed area, and port diameter values from intercooler specifications provided by the company. The results of the inter-device performance analysis of compatibility with the specifications required by the company amounted to 99.40%. The results of the first trial of the tool specifications point the compatibility value to increase to 99.98% by increasing the number of plates from 79 to 150 plates, reducing the compressed area value from 0.47 to 0.2 m and increasing the port diameter value from 0.2 to 0,5 m. The results of the trial 2 tool specification showed a decrease to 86.51% due to changes in variable variables, by the number of plates to 25, raising the compressed plate width to 0.5 meters and increasing the port diameter to 0.6 m. The highest overall heat transfer value on May 23-24 is 346.225,37 Â based on actual data calculation of Intercooler effectiveness. The lowest overall heat transfer value is 346.213,29 Â based on data calculation it occurred on 22 May 2019.
The Analysis of Production and Income of Milkfish Cultivation in North Konawe District
Authors: Limi Muhammad Aswar
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to determine how much production and income earned by farmers in cultivating milkfish in North Konawe District. Research on the analysis of production and income of milkfish cultivation was carried out in Motui Sub-District, North Konawe District. The population was farmers who manage milkfish cultivation as many as 130 milkfish farming businesses so that the total sample was 56 milkfish farming businesses. The sample in this study was determined by simple random sampling. The data obtained were analyzed using the analysis of production, revenue, and income. The results of this research found that milkfish cultivation has an average production of 525kg/ha and an average income of IDR6,629,945 but has a higher RC ratio of 5.8 because farmers relied on natural food as the main source of milkfish so that production costs can be minimized. The production of milkfish farming can be increased by improving the cultivation system from traditional system to intensive system
Detecting Ghostlike Neutrinos: Tiny Messengers From the Universe
Authors: Diwan Milind Vaman , McNulty Walsh Karen
Published: May 2020

Neutrinos are tiny, subatomic particles. Billions of them pass through us every second—mostly coming from our sun. But unlike the sunlight we can easily see, neutrinos are very hard to detect. To “see” them, we have to build really big detectors and block out signals from any other particles. Scientists do that by building neutrino detectors deep underground. In this article you will learn how these giant detectors can help decode the “messages” these ghostlike particles deliver about the makeup and history of the stars, galaxies, and the universe.
A Novel Hybrid Metaheuristic Algorithm for Optimization of Construction Management Site Layout Planning
Authors: Prayogo Doddy , Cheng Min-Yuan , Wu Yu-Wei , Redi A. A. N. Perwira , Yu Vincent F. , Persada Satria Fadil , Nadlifatin Reny
Published: May 2020

Symbiotic organisms search (SOS) is a promising metaheuristic algorithm that has been studied recently by numerous researchers due to its capability to solve various hard and complex optimization problems. SOS is a powerful optimization technique that mimics the simulation of the typical symbiotic interactions among organisms in an ecosystem. This study presents a new SOS-based hybrid algorithm for solving the challenging construction site layout planning (CSLP) discrete problems. A new algorithm called the hybrid symbiotic organisms search with local operators (HSOS-LO) represents a combination of the canonical SOS and several local search mechanisms aimed at increasing the searching capability in discrete-based solution space. In this study, three CSLP problems that consist of single and multi-floor facility layout problems are tested, and the obtained results were compared with other widely used metaheuristic algorithms. The results indicate the robust performance of the HSOS-LO algorithm in handling discrete-based CSLP problems.
Attitude in Radiographic Post-Operative Assessment of Dental Implants among Italian Dentists: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Di Murro Bianca , Papi Piero , Passarelli Pier Carmine , D’Addona Antonio , Pompa Giorgio
Published: May 2020

There is a lack of evidence in the attitude and prescribing practice of implantologists in dental implant post-operative assessment; therefore, the aims of this cross-sectional study were to investigate these habits and the knowledge about radiographic aspect of retrograde peri-implantitis (RPI) among Italian implantologists. A questionnaire was sent via email to dentists randomly selected from the register of implantology and oral surgery societies. It included three questions: the preferred X-ray after implant placement, the timing of post-operative assessment and the knowledge of the RPI radiographic representation. A final sample of 434 implantologists was included in the study. The majority of them (84.3%) perform a periapical X-ray as control radiograph and picked the correct radiographic representation of RPI (74.3%), without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) for sex, age, years of working practice and number of implants placed per year. Just 47.7% of dentists perform a control radiograph at prostheses delivery, to establish a proper baseline. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was detectable only for the number of implants placed per year, with dentists placing > 80 implants selecting the correct choice. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to report data on attitude of implantologists in radiographic imaging after implant placement.
The Causal Connection of Natural Resources and Globalization with Energy Consumption in Top Asian Countries: Evidence from a Nonparametric Causality-in-Quantile Approach
Authors: Hussain Hafezali Iqbal , Haseeb Muhammad , Tvaronavičienė Manuela , Mihardjo Leonardus W. W. , Jermsittiparsert Kittisak
Published: May 2020

Given the significance of energy conservation as a prime objective of environmental sustainability, countries all around the world are keen to identify significant factors that lead to the augmentation of energy utilization. Considering the rising emphasis of economies in utilizing natural resources to attain higher levels of globalization, the current research was aimed at investigating how the returns of natural resources and globalization affect energy consumption in top Asian economies. In doing so, the study emphasized the nonlinear relationship among the variables and applied the novel nonparametric method of causality in quantile to identify the quantile-based causal connection of natural resources and globalization on the returns and volatility of energy utilization in selected Asian countries. Moreover, the presence of nonlinearity in the variables was tested by the Brock- Dechert-Scheinkman test (BDS test), which confirmed that all variables showed nonlinear behavior. Furthermore, the findings of quantile cointegration confirmed a nonlinear long-run relationship of natural resources and globalization with energy utilization. The prime findings of causality in quantile revealed that the returns of natural resources and globalization had a significant causal effect on the returns of energy consumption in all countries. On the other hand, the volatility in energy consumption concluded no causal association with the returns of natural resources and globalization in any of the studied Asian countries. The findings are beneficial for the policymakers to formulate policies that will help to reduce the level of energy consumption.
Genome-Wide Identification, Evolutionary Patterns, and Expression Analysis of bZIP Gene Family in Olive (Olea europaea L.)
Authors: Rong Siyu , Wu Zhiyang , Cheng Zizhang , Zhang Shan , Liu Huan , Huang Qianming
Published: May 2020

Olive (Olea europaea.L) is an economically important oleaginous crop and its fruit cold-pressed oil is used for edible oil all over the world. The basic region-leucine zipper (bZIP) family is one of the largest transcription factors families among eukaryotic organisms; its members play vital roles in environmental signaling, stress response, plant growth, seed maturation, and fruit development. However, a comprehensive report on the bZIP gene family in olive is lacking. In this study, 103 OebZIP genes from the olive genome were identified and divided into 12 subfamilies according to their genetic relationship with 78 bZIPs of A. thaliana. Most OebZIP genes are clustered in the subgroup that has a similar gene structure and conserved motif distribution. According to the characteristics of the leucine zipper region, the dimerization characteristics of 103 OebZIP proteins were predicted. Gene duplication analyses revealed that 22 OebZIP genes were involved in the expansion of the bZIP family. To evaluate the expression patterns of OebZIP genes, RNA-seq data available in public databases were analyzed. The highly expressed OebZIP genes and several lipid synthesis genes (LPGs) in fruits of two varieties with different oil contents during the fast oil accumulation stage were examined via qRT-PCR. By comparing the dynamic changes of oil accumulation, OebZIP1, OebZIP7, OebZIP22, and OebZIP99 were shown to have a close relationship with fruit development and lipid synthesis. Additionally, some OebZIP had a significant positive correlation with various LPG genes. This study gives insights into the structural features, evolutionary patterns, and expression analysis, laying a foundation to further reveal the function of the 103 OebZIP genes in olive.
Water Use and Yield Responses of Chile Pepper Cultivars Irrigated with Brackish Groundwater and Reverse Osmosis Concentrate
Authors: Baath Gurjinder S. , K. Shukla Manoj , Bosland Paul W. , Walker Stephanie J. , Saini Rupinder K. , Shaw Randall
Published: May 2020

Freshwater availability is declining in most of semi-arid and arid regions across the world, including the southwestern United States. The use of marginal quality groundwater has been increasing for sustaining agriculture in these arid regions. Reverse Osmosis (RO) can treat brackish groundwater, but the possibility of using an RO concentrate for irrigation needs further exploration. This greenhouse study evaluates the water use and yield responses of five selected chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars irrigated with natural brackish groundwater and RO concentrate. The four saline water treatments used for irrigation were tap water with an electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.6 dS m−1 (control), groundwater with EC 3 and 5 dS m−1, and an RO concentrate with EC 8 dS m−1. The evapotranspiration (ET) of all chile pepper cultivars decreased and the leaching fraction (LF) increased, particularly in the 5 dS m−1 and 8 dS m−1 irrigation treatments. Based on the water use efficiency (WUE) of the selected chile pepper cultivars, brackish water with an EC ≤ 3 dS/m could be used for irrigation in scarce freshwater areas while maintaining the appropriate LFs. A piecewise linear function resulted in a threshold soil electrical conductivity (ECe) ranging between 1.0–1.3 dS m−1 for the tested chile pepper cultivars. Both piecewise linear and sigmoid non-linear functions suggested that the yield reductions in chile peppers irrigated with Ca2+ rich brackish groundwater were less than those reported in studies using an NaCl-dominant saline solution. Further research is needed to understand the role of supplementary calcium in improving the salt tolerance of chile peppers.
Concentrations of Particulate Matter and PM-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Released during Combustion of Various Types of Materials and Possible Toxicological Potential of the Emissions: The Results of Preliminary Studies
Authors: Bralewska Karolina , Rakowska Joanna
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to compare the concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and PM-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the combustion of various types of materials (i.e., oak, beech, and pine wood, polypropylene, polyurethane, paper, cotton, and oriented strand board (OSB)), and to compare the carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic potential of the emissions during the burning of these materials. Personal portable sampling devices were used to collect samples and to determine concentrations of PM4, total suspended particles (TSPs), PM-bound PAHs. The samples were collected during controlled fires under laboratory conditions. The highest PM concentration was recorded during the burning of polyurethane (PM4-1818 mg/m3, TSP-2800 mg/m3), while the highest concentration of PAH mixture was recorded when burning OSB (628.5 µg/m3 PM4-bound; 791.2 µg/m3 TSP-bound PAHs). Thus, the highest carcinogenic (85.5 µg/m3), mutagenic (68.2 µg/m3) and toxic equivalents (26.4 ng/m3) of the PAH mixture were noted during OSB combustion. Carcinogenic potential (CP) of PAH group was determined mainly by phenanthrene (CP on average 21.6%) and pyrene concentrations (13.3%). The results of the study express possible adverse effects from PM-bound PAHs released during combustion for firefighters and other people staying near a fire site.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Therapeutic Programs on Improving Cognitive Function and Depression among Older Adults Living with Dementia in Korea
Authors: Yoo Jaeeon , Lee Sunhee
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect size of programs for enhancing cognition and alleviating depression in older adults with dementia. This study selected 45 cognition and 37 depression programs, which conducted pre- and post-tests and had a treatment group and a control group comprising older adults living in Korea. This study conducted a meta-regression analysis to examine the moderating effect of the program location, number of sessions, intervals, group activities, and curriculum on cognition and depression. Most programs improved cognitive function and lowered depression symptoms. The heterogeneity of the effect size was large. The effect size of the number of sessions on a cognitive function significantly increased with an increasing number of sessions. The effect size of the group activity program on cognitive function was higher. The effect of healthcare institutions on depression was lower compared to other locations. To make more effective interventions for cognition and depression, long-term and group activity programs following a comprehensive curriculum will be required. The programs of healthcare institutions are encouraged to accept the advantages of other institutions and apply them to improve the effects of the programs on depression. Future studies shall focus on establishing concrete measures to enable healthcare institutions to connect older adults with dementia with various other institutions that offer long-term group programs.
A Qualitative Study to Explore Perception of Impacts of Preemption of Tobacco Regulation on Counties in Appalachian Tennessee
Authors: Mamudu Hadii M. , Osedeme Fenose , Robertson Crystal , Littleton Mary Ann , Owusu Daniel , Wang Liang , Studlar Donley T.
Published: May 2020

Bottom-up processes, starting at the local government level, are valuable for more-stringent tobacco control measures. The existence of industry-backed state-level tobacco control preemption in states has impeded policy progress within the state and localities/communities. A national public health goal under Healthy People 2020 is to eliminate state-level preemption across the United States. This study explored individual-level perceptions of the impact of state-level preemption in Appalachian Tennessee—a high-smoking, low-income region. During 2015–2016, a community-engagement project to develop a Population Health Improvement Plan (PHIP) involving over 200 stakeholders and 90 organizations was conducted in Appalachian Tennessee to identify policies/programs to address tobacco use. Using a multifaceted framework approach that focused on prevention, protection, and cessation, interviews and meeting discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analysis using NVivo 11 was conducted to generate themes. Although the central focus of the PHIP was not preemption, the issue emerged naturally in the discussions as a major concern among participants. Cultural and normative factors in Appalachian Tennessee were identified as key rationales for participants’ aversion to state preemption. Thus, repealing preemption would facilitate culturally tailored and region-specific policies/programs to the high tobacco use among Appalachian Tennessee communities where statewide/nationwide policies/programs have not had the intended impacts.
The Association of Problematic Internet Shopping with Dissociation among South Korean Internet Users
Authors: Ko Young-Mi , Roh Sungwon , Lee Tae Kyung
Published: May 2020

Background: This study examined patterns of problematic shopping behavior by South Korean internet users to investigate the association between problematic internet shopping (PIS) and dissociative experiences.; Methods: Five hundred and ninety eight participants from 20–69 years old were recruited through an online panel survey. We gathered information about sociodemographic characteristics, alcohol use, caffeine intake, and online shopping behaviors. Psychopathological assessments included Korean version of dissociative experience scale (DES-K), Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI-K), the modified Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF), the Barratt Impulsive Scale-11-Revised (BIS-K). We used multiple logistic regression analysis with the Richmond compulsive buying scale (RCBS-K) as the dependent variable.; Results: The prevalence of shoppers with internet-based problem shopping was 12.5%. The amount of time spent on online shopping was correlated with PIS severity (OR = 1.008, p < 0.01). The risk of PIS was related to an increased tendency toward dissociation (OR = 1.044, p < 0.001) and impulsivity (OR = 1.046, p < 0.05). Conclusions: PIS participants with dissociation showed higher levels of perceived stress, gambling problems, and impulsivity than did PIS participants without dissociation. This study suggests that dissociation was associated with a higher burden of PIS as it was connected to poor mental health problems.
Individual Fit Testing of Hearing-Protection Devices Based on Microphones in Real Ears among Workers in Industries with High-Noise-Level Manufacturing
Authors: Chiu Chien-Chen , Wan Terng-Jou
Published: May 2020

Hearing-protection devices (HPDs) are particularly important in protecting the hearing of workers. The aim of this study was to prevent hearing damage in workplaces in Taiwan. It was conducted to determine the actual sound attenuation of the personal attenuation rating (PAR) values when wearing HPDs via measurements from field microphones in workers’ real ears (F-MIRE). Across 105 measurement trials for the Classic™ roll-down foam earplug HPDs worn by the workers, there were 23 cases of ineffective protection (including caution and fail); the proportion was 20% (including the first measurement and re-wear of HPDs after education and training). In addition, re-education and training in how to wear the HPDs was provided, improving wearing skills. A total of 29 testees wearing the Classic™ roll-down foam earplug HPDs failed to meet the pass standard for the first PAR test, and 6 of them improved and subsequently passed the PAR test. The improvement rate was 20%. These 23 testees switched to another HPD, namely Kneading-Free Push-Ins™ earplugs. From this group, 16 effective sound attenuation values were obtained, with an improvement rate of 70%. However, seven testees failed to pass the PAR test, and after education, training, and replacement of HPDs with different types, they still could not pass the PAR test. At that time, even if the UltraFit™ pre-molded earplugs were adopted again for wear and replacement, they were still unable to pass the PAR test. This HPD was eventually replaced with the PELTOR X4A Earmuff HPD and then tested again, with these HPDs finally passing the PAR test. In Taiwan, the use of fit testing has been increasing but it is not a common practice, and few studies on hearing-protection fit testing have been conducted in this country. The goal of this study was to gain more insight into the current hearing protection situation, including field attenuation of HPDs obtained by workers, the effects of training on improving the attenuation of HPDs after F-MIRE measurements, and the awareness of hearing health and motivation on the use of HPDs in a high-noise-level environment.
Over-Expressing TaSPA-B Reduces Prolamin and Starch Accumulation in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grains
Authors: Guo Dandan , Hou Qiling , Zhang Runqi , Lou Hongyao , Li Yinghui , Zhang Yufeng , You Mingshan , Xie Chaojie , Liang Rongqi , Li Baoyun
Published: May 2020

Starch and prolamin composition and content are important indexes for determining the processing and nutritional quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains. Several transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression during starch and protein biosynthesis in wheat. Storage protein activator (TaSPA), a member of the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family, has been reported to activate glutenin genes and is correlated to starch synthesis related genes. In this study, we generated TaSPA-B overexpressing (OE) transgenic wheat lines. Compared with wild-type (WT) plants, the starch content was slightly reduced and starch granules exhibited a more polarized distribution in the TaSPA-B OE lines. Moreover, glutenin and ω- gliadin contents were significantly reduced, with lower expression levels of related genes (e.g., By15, Dx2, and ω-1,2 gliadin gene). RNA-seq analysis identified 2023 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The low expression of some DEGs (e.g., SUSase, ADPase, Pho1, Waxy, SBE, SSI, and SS II a) might explain the reduction of starch contents. Some TFs involved in glutenin and starch synthesis might be regulated by TaSPA-B, for example, TaPBF was reduced in TaSPA-B OE-3 lines. In addition, dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that both TaSPA-B and TaPBF could transactivate the promoter of ω-1,2 gliadin gene. These results suggest that TaSPA-B regulates a complex gene network and plays an important role in starch and protein biosynthesis in wheat.
Suppression of the Reactive Oxygen Response Alleviates Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis in Mice
Authors: Hsu Sheng-Min , Yang Chang-Hao , Teng Yu-Ti , Tsai Hsien-Yang , Lin Chieh-Yu , Lin Chia-Jhen , Shieh Chi-Chang , Chen Shun-Hua
Published: May 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by host phagocytes and play an important role in antimicrobial actions against various pathogens. Autoimmune uveitis causes blindness and severe visual impairment in humans at all ages worldwide. However, the role of ROS in autoimmune uveitis remains unclear. We used ROS-deficient (Ncf1−/−) mice to investigate the role of ROS in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). Besides, we also used the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment to evaluate the effect of suppression of ROS on EAU in mice. The EAU disease scores of Ncf1−/− mice were significantly lower than those of wild-type mice. EAU induction increased the levels of cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) and chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1) in the retinas of wild-type mice but not in those of Ncf1−/− mice. EAU induction enhanced the level of NF-κB activity in wild-type mice. However, the level of NF-κB activity in Ncf1−/− mice with EAU induction was low. Treatment with the antioxidant NAC also decreased the severity of EAU in mice with reduced levels of oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, and NF-κB activation in the retina. We successfully revealed a novel role of ROS in the pathogenesis of EAU and suggest a potential antioxidant role for the treatment of autoimmune uveitis in the future.
Designer Biopolymers: Self-Assembling Proteins and Nucleic Acids
Authors: Sugawara-Narutaki Ayae , Kamiya Yukiko
Published: May 2020

Nature has evolved sequence-controlled polymers such as DNA and proteins over its long history [...]
Identification and Annotation of Potential Function of Regulatory Antisense Long Non-Coding RNAs Related to Feed Efficiency in Bos taurus Bulls
Authors: Nolte Wietje , Weikard Rosemarie , Brunner Ronald M. , Albrecht Elke , Hammon Harald M. , Reverter Antonio , Kühn Christa
Published: May 2020

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can influence transcriptional and translational processes in mammalian cells and are associated with various developmental, physiological and phenotypic conditions. However, they remain poorly understood and annotated in livestock species. We combined phenotypic, metabolomics and liver transcriptomic data of bulls divergent for residual feed intake (RFI) and fat accretion. Based on a project-specific transcriptome annotation for the bovine reference genome ARS-UCD.1.2 and multiple-tissue total RNA sequencing data, we predicted 3590 loci to be lncRNAs. To identify lncRNAs with potential regulatory influence on phenotype and gene expression, we applied the regulatory impact factor algorithm on a functionally prioritized set of loci (n = 4666). Applying the algorithm of partial correlation and information theory, significant and independent pairwise correlations were calculated and co-expression networks were established, including plasma metabolites correlated with lncRNAs. The network hub lncRNAs were assessed for potential cis-actions and subjected to biological pathway enrichment analyses. Our results reveal a prevalence of antisense lncRNAs positively correlated with adjacent protein-coding genes and suggest their participation in mitochondrial function, acute phase response signalling, TCA-cycle, fatty acid β-oxidation and presumably gluconeogenesis. These antisense lncRNAs indicate a stabilizing function for their cis-correlated genes and a putative regulatory role in gene expression.
Discrepancy between Jun/Fos Proto-Oncogene mRNA and Protein Expression in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Membrane
Authors: Huber René , Stuhlmüller Bruno , Kunisch Elke , Kinne Raimund W.
Published: May 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and destructive joint disease characterized by overexpression of pro-inflammatory/pro-destructive mediators, whose regulation has been the focus of our previous studies. Since the expression of these proteins commonly depends on AP-1, the expression of the AP-1-forming subunits cJun, JunB, JunD, and cFos was assessed in synovial membrane (SM) samples of RA, osteoarthritis (OA), joint trauma (JT), and normal controls (NC) using ELISA and qRT-PCR. With respect to an observed discrepancy between mRNA and protein levels, the expression of the mRNA stability-modifying factors AU-rich element RNA-binding protein (AUF)-1, tristetraprolin (TTP), and human antigen R (HuR) was measured. JunB and JunD protein expression was significantly higher in RA-SM compared to OA and/or NC. By contrast, jun/fos mRNA expression was significantly (cjun) or numerically decreased (junB, junD, cfos) in RA and OA compared to JT and/or NC. Remarkably, TTP and HuR were also affected by discrepancies between their mRNA and protein levels, since they were significantly decreased at the mRNA level in RA versus NC, but significantly or numerically increased at the protein level when compared to JT and NC. Discrepancies between the mRNA and protein expression for Jun/Fos and TTP/HuR suggest broad alterations of post-transcriptional processes in the RA-SM. In this context, increased levels of mRNA-destabilizing TTP may contribute to the low levels of jun/fos and ttp/hur mRNA, whereas abundant mRNA-stabilizing HuR may augment translation of the remaining mRNA into protein with potential consequences for the composition of the resulting AP-1 complexes and the expression of AP-1-dependent genes in RA.
Elite Athletes and COVID-19 Lockdown: Future Health Concerns for an Entire Sector
Authors: Paoli Antonio , Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

In this editorial, we focused our attention on elite athletes during the COVID-19 lockdown. A high level of physical fitness is required by elite athletes irrespective of the specific type of sport. Generally speaking, elite athletes avoid long periods of rest during and at the end of the competitive season. Normally, elite athletes stop training or reduce training volume and intensity for a period that ranges from two weeks to a maximum of four weeks.
The Determinants of Credit Risk: An Evidence from ASEAN and GCC Islamic Banks
Authors: Misman Faridah Najuna , Bhatti M. Ishaq
Published: May 2020

In less than a decade, the Islamic Banking (IB) industry has become an essential part of the global financial system. During the last ten years, the IB industry has witnessed changes in economic conditions and proved to be resilient during the periods of financial crisis. This paper aims to examine the important issues related to credit risk in selected Islamic banks in nine countries from Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions. It employs the generalized least squares panel data regression, to estimate the ratio of non-performance financing to total financing as dependent variables and bank specific variables (BSV) to determine the credit risk. It uses 12 years of unbalanced panel data from 40 different Islamic banks. The overall findings show that financing quality has a significant positive effect on credit risk. It is observed that the larger IBs owned more assets with lower credit risk compared to smaller banks. The bank’s age is also an important factor influencing the credit risk level. Moreover, regulatory capital significantly reduces the credit risk exposure adherence to the minimum regulatory capital requirements which help IBs to manage their credit risk exposures. It was also observed that IBs were not affected by the global financial crisis due to less credit risk compared to the conventional banks.
Comparison of Lifetime of the PVD Coatings in Laboratory Dynamic Impact Test and Industrial Fine Blanking Process
Authors: Daniel Josef , Žemlička Radek , Grossman Jan , Lümkemann Andreas , Tapp Peter , Galamand Christian , Fořt Tomáš
Published: May 2020

Protective hard PVD coatings are used to improve the endurance of the tools exposed to repeated impact load, e.g., fine blanking punches. During the fine blanking process, a coated punch repeatedly impacts sheet metal. Thus, the coating which protects the punch surface is exposed to the dynamic impact load. On the other hand, the laboratory method of dynamic impact testing is well known and used for the development and optimization of protective coatings. This paper is focused on the comparison of tool life and lifetime of the industrial prepared PVD coatings exposed to repeated dynamic impact load in the industrial fine blanking process and the laboratory dynamic impact testing. Three different types of protective coatings were tested and the results were discussed. It was shown that the lifetime of coated specimens in both the fine blanking and the dynamic impact processes was influenced by similar mechanical properties of the protective coatings. The qualitative comparison shows that the lifetime obtained by the dynamic impact test was the same as the lifetime obtained by the industrial fine blanking process. The laboratory impact test appears to be a suitable alternative for the optimisation and development of protective PVD coatings for punches used in the industrial fine blanking process.
Beyond Body Weight-Loss: Dietary Strategies Targeting Intrahepatic Fat in NAFLD
Authors: Worm Nicolai
Published: May 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most prevalent liver disease in industrialized countries. It is regarded as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) resulting from insulin resistance. Moreover, insulin resistance impairs glycogen synthesis, postprandially diverting a substantial amount of carbohydrates to the liver and storing them there as fat. NAFLD has far-reaching metabolic consequences involving glucose and lipoprotein metabolism disorders and risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. No pharmaceutical options are currently approved for the treatment of NAFLD. Exercise training and dietary interventions remain the cornerstone of NAFLD treatment. Current international guidelines state that the primary goal of nutritional therapy is to reduce energy intake to achieve a 7%–10% reduction in body weight. Meal replacement therapy (formula diets) results in more pronounced weight loss compared to conventional calorie-restricted diets. However, studies have shown that body mass index (BMI) or weight reduction is not obligatory for decreasing hepatic fat content or to restore normal liver function. Recent studies have achieved significant reductions in liver fat with eucaloric diets and without weight loss through macronutrient modifications. Based on this evidence, an integrative nutritional therapeutic concept was formulated that combines the most effective nutrition approaches termed “liver-fasting.” It involves the temporary use of a low calorie diet (total meal replacement with a specific high-protein, high-soluble fiber, lower-carbohydrate formula), followed by stepwise food reintroduction that implements a Mediterranean style low-carb diet as basic nutrition.