bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of beef cattle marketing channels under transaction costs in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Dinku A , Abede B , Lemma A , Shako M
Published: July 2021

The study was designed to analyze beef cattle marketing channel choice under transaction costs. Multistage sampling technique was used to acquire primary data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Multinomial Logit Model. The findings verified that most of the respondents (49%) were selling at the village markets, followed by farm gate and secondary market with 28% and 23%, respectively. The model results revealed that the probability of selling at farm gate and village market versus selling at secondary market increased with season sales, indicating level of market uncertainty. The results affirmed the probability of selling at village market versus selling at secondary market outlet increased with knowledge of buyer and decreased with trust in buyers. Other significant predictors were volume of beef cattle supplied, farmers' experience, and education level. Thus, policies aimed at improving the smallholder farmers’ access to cattle marketing channels should be informed by these factors.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(1): 37-48, June 2021
Problem confrontation of sugarcane farmers in Natore district of Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque MJ , Hossain MI , Sarker MA , Mithun MNAS
Published: July 2021

The present study was conducted to explore the problems of sugarcane farmers in the selected areas of Natore district in Bangladesh. A total of 100 farmers were selected from Lalpur upazila of Natore district by using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through individual interviews during October to November, 2019 by using a structured interview schedule. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. The majority of the sugarcane farmers (80%) had medium problems in sugarcane cultivation. Among twenty problems, difficulty in getting sugarcane setts was identified as the most critical one, followed by low market price of sugarcane. The least important problem faced by the farmers was lack of labour for sugarcane cultivation. Correlation analysis revealed that credit received, input availability, and extension media contact were significantly associated with the problems of sugarcane farmers. The study indicated some opportunities for the policymakers to address the dominant factors i.e. credit received, input availability, and extension media contact for increasing sugarcane production. Moreover, credit facilities, supply of inputs, proper training and access to extension services could play a vital role in lessening problems in sugarcane cultivation.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(1): 101-108, June 2021
A Generalized Dynamic Conductance Model for High Intensity Discharge Lamps and its Prospective Application to Design Dimmable Electronic Ballast
Authors: Bakshi Biswadeep Gupta , Roy Biswanath
Published: July 2021

A generalized model for high intensity discharge (HID) lamp is developed based on the Francis-Damelincourt dynamic conductance model of electric discharge by replacing the model constants A, B, C, D with four experimentally determined coefficient functions of rated lamp power and root mean square supply voltage. Experimental validation of this model is done, which shows a maximum deviation of about 5 %. Moreover, sensitivity analysis for the model coefficients is also performed, results of which conform to the physical behaviour of high pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide (MH) lamps. This model is capable to simulate electrical characteristics of HPS and MH lamps of wide range of commercially available rated power (70–400) W fed by a wide range of supply voltage (180–250) V, 50 Hz. As a prospective application, the model is applied to design dimmable low frequency square wave electronic ballast for HID lamps. A design algorithm is proposed for this purpose. Performance analysis of the designed ballast is conducted in Matlab-Simulink environment, which shows fairly good performance of the circuit in terms of dimming accuracy (maximum deviation 2.64 %), lamp power factor (≥ 0.993), and lamp current crest factor (equal to 1.0). The model can also be utilized for designing electronic ballasts of other topologies.
Design and Analysis of High-Efficient Driver Model for LED Luminaires
Authors: Akalp Onur , Ozbay Harun , Efe Serhat Berat
Published: July 2021

LED luminaires need a driver circuit for working properly. Most of the drivers have disadvantages such as losses during operation. This issue becomes more important while supplying with limited sources such as renewables. To overcome the problem, this study proposes a novel energy efficient driver for LED luminaires based on zero voltage switching (ZVS) single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) technology. Driver and hence luminaires were designed to be fed from photovoltaic (PV) panels. In addition, an adaptive MPPT algorithm was developed to obtain optimum efficiency from supply system. SEPIC approach was preferred for MPPT application due to its advantages such as non-reversing polarity. This feature allows energy efficiency in corporation with ZVS. Proposed model was designed under PSIM platform with all components; PV panels, ZVS, SEPIC, and LED luminaires. A detailed analysis was performed by using system graphs under various operating conditions as different irradiance levels. Results show that proposed model is energy efficient and modular because of its low-volume structure. Therefore the model can lead smaller driver circuits with minimum losses.
THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE ADOPTION OF DIGITAL PAYMENT SERVICES USING TRUST AS MEDIATING VARIABLE
Authors: Kurniasari Florentina
Published: July 2021

The advance of technology development today brings an innovation in the financial industries, especially in the sector of payment. The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of personal innovativeness, security concerns and perceived enjoyment into customer adoption of digital payment services using trust as mediating variable. As a quantitative research, the study distributed questionnaires to 186 respondents who are customers who used digital payment platform in settling their business transactions. The data collection was furthered processed statistically using Structural Equation Method (SEM). The study showed that the customer decision to using the digital payment services had significantly influenced by trust variable, in which security concerns had the highest influence in creating the borrower’s trust.
BRAND IMAGE, CUSTOMER TRUST, AND CUSTOMER LOYALTY TOWARDS WILLINGNESS TO PAY OF SPORTS APPAREL DURING PANDEMIC COVID-19 IN INDONESIA
Authors: Tamara Dr. Dewi , Hartanto Michael , Rizky M. Tubagus , Cahyaputra Ivan
Published: July 2021

As an effort to identify the underlying determinants of willingness to pay, this study seeks to examine brand image, customer trust, and customer loyalty that impacts directly on willingness to pay during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic time frame. This study also seeks to identify the impact of customer trust and brand image towards willingness to pay though customer loyalty and to identify the indirect impact of customer trust and brand image towards willingness to pay during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic time frame.

Using a convenient sampling method, someone who ever bought some sports apparel during this COVID-19 pandemic were selected as the sample. Out of 230 distributed, 171 useful questionnaires were returned. Confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis were conducted using partial least square equation modelling.

The results of this study showed that the willingness to pay of sports apparel during the pandemic covid 19 in Indonesia was influenced by the customer trust and customer loyalty but not significantly influenced by the brand image.

This study has a different research originality by researching the relationship between brand image, customer trust, customer loyalty and willingness to pay of any sports apparel during a specific time frame of the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, also the impact of brand image and customer trust towards willingness to pay were a rare relation of a research.
EFEKTIVITAS SENAM OTAK TERHADAP KONSENTRASI BELAJAR PADA SISWA KELAS V DI YAYASAN PENDIDIKAN ISLAM ISTIQOMAH MEDAN TAHUN 2020
Authors: Hayati Nila
Published: July 2021

Brain exercise is a series of simple movements that help optimize the function of all kinds of centers in the human brain. The brain exercise method focuses on the use of movemment activities to draw out all one’s potential so that it is expected to facilitate blood flow and stretch nerves due to fatigue and stress of learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of brain exercise on learning concentration in grade V students at the Istiqomah Medan Islamic Education Foundation. This study used a quasi experimental research design with one group pretest-posttest designs. Analysis of data using the wilcoxon test. Population of 42 students, the sampling technique used a total population of 42 students. The results of data processing using the wilcoxon test obtained a p value of 0,000 < 0,05 then Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted. The conclusion is that there is the effectiveness of brain exercise on learning concentration in grade V students at the Istiqomah Medan Islamic Education Foundation. The suggestion from the reseacher is to recommend the teacher to intruct students to do brain exercises to increase learning concentration.
RANCANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI ANEMIA PADA PLATFORM ONLINE “SRIKANDI HEALTH” BERBASIS PROGRESSIVE WEB APPS
Authors: Putri Puji Handayani
Published: July 2021

Anemia is one of the nutritional problems that has the potential to hinder the development of the quality of Indonesian human resources. The support of science and information technology in the form of a website application can be a solution to facilitate education, monitoring and management of anemia so as to accelerate the handling of anemia. This study aims to design an anemia information system in the form of an online platform with the name "Srikandi Health" based on Progressive Web Apps to support the prevention of anemia in Indonesia in Indonesia. This research was conducted in December 2020 in Bantul, Yogyakarta. This study uses the prototype method. The stages of the prototype method start from gathering requirements, building prototyping, and evaluating protoptyping. The result of this research is the prototype of the online application "Srikandi Health" based on Progressive Web Apps. Conclusion Srikandi Health prototype is designed to meet the needs analysis of the system, namely to facilitate monitoring and prevention of anemia in adolescents.The suggestion of this research is the implementation of the system so that the system becomes more complete and can be applied to the wider community.
RISIKO PAJANAN BAHAN PENCEMAR TERHADAP PEKERJA PENGECATAN MOBIL DI PT.STEELINDO MOTOR KOTA PADANG
Authors: Erdinur Erdinur , Muslim Burhan , Zicof Erick
Published: July 2021

Car painting work is one of the jobs that are at great risk of impaired lung function. Paint particles consist of hazardous chemicals such as cadmium, chromium, plumbum, mercury, acrylic resin, isocyanate, and toluene solvents. These materials when proven to enter the respiratory tract can cause lung function disorders. The purpose of this study is to identify hazards, analyze dose-response, analyze exposure and analyze the risk characterization of pollutants. This research is descriptive by analyzing environmental health risks to pollutants around the work environment. The population is all sanding, picking, and painting workers totaling 21 people which become sample. The instruments used in this study were low volume air sampler (LVAS), thermo hygrometers, anemometers, scales, and checklists for observing activity patterns. Data analysis uses stages in environmental risk analysis. Respondents smoke at work as much as 47.6%, and do not use APD 71.4%. Pollutants that exceed the quality standard are dust (0.1538 μg / m3), and Cd (0.0025 μg / m3). RQ value (life time) > 1 for all exposure materials, which means that agent risk is not safe after 30 years of work. Management needs to manage risks such as reducing concentration, exposure time, and frequency of exposure to safe limits by managing risk through a technological approach, socioeconomic approach, and an institutional approach.
RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM PEMUTUS ARUS SEBAGAI PENGAMAN TEMPERATUR BERLEBIH PADA INKUBATOR BAYI
Authors: Handayani Indah Nursyamsi , Kristianti Wike , Mamurotun Mamurotun , Sambiono Andy
Published: July 2021

Several countries in the world, including Indonesia, have reported baby-care accidents in the baby incubator due to the failure of the temperature control system to maintain a stable temperature. Therefore, this study reports the design of an circuit breaker system as an over-temperature safety in a baby incubator. Experimentally, the prototype consists of hardware design, software design, and testing system design. The hardware design has four main part, sensing layer using PT1000 as a temperature sensor, data processing layer using an ESP32 microcontroller, a circuit breaker system using a solid-state relay as an electronic switching, and LCD as a display. System testing has been done by evaluating the temperature readings on a prototype against the HTC-02 digital thermometer instrument and carried out in the electromedical engineering laboratory. The results show the accuracy of the temperature parameter is 99% and the circuit breaker system is able to cut the current from the power supply to the appliance when the temperature is more than 39°C which is indicated by an incandescent lamp "off" where this is equivalent to a heater at the baby incubator is in the "off" condition. From the results of this test, it can be concluded that the circuit breaker system as a safety over temperature in the baby incubator has functioned according to the design.Recommended the development of this prototype needs to be followed up by testing on low-tech baby incubators available at basic health care facilities so as to improve technology readiness to be effective in the community.
PERSEPSI KARYAWAN TERHADAP SISTEM PELAPORAN KECELAKAAN KERJA DAN POTENSI BAHAYA DI PERTAMBANGAN BATUBARA PT. PUTRA KAJANG KALIMANTAN TIMUR
Authors: Sultan Muhammad
Published: July 2021

Work accidents in coal mining still occur frequently, so an accident reporting system is needed as an effort to prevent work accidents. This study aims to explain the perceptions of coal mining employees on the reporting system for work accidents and potential hazards. The research design was descriptive with a sample size of 55 people. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed descriptively. As many as 67.3 % of employees have positive perceptions and 32.7 % of employees have negative perceptions of the work accident reporting system and potential hazards. There are 72.7% of employees consider it important to report accidents and potential hazards. It was found that 30.9 % of employees had experienced work accidents and only 5.4 % of them reported accidents. Employees consider a good accident reporting system, among others, digitally 84.6 % and manually 9.1 %. As many as 90.9 % of employees agree and 81.8 % of employees are willing to report accidents and potential hazards if the company implements a digital-based reporting system. There are still employees who have negative perceptions of the work accident reporting system and potential hazards in coal mining. Therefore, efforts are needed to increase employee perceptions from negative to positive perceptions of the work accident reporting system and potential hazards in coal mining companies.
FAKTOR - FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI MOTIVASI KERJA PERAWAT PELAKSANA DALAM MERAWAT PASIEN COVID-19 DI RS X, BANTEN
Authors: Wihardja Hany , Arif Yustina Kristine , Lina Rosa Nora
Published: July 2021

Nurse work motivation is defined as an internal and external encouragement for nurses who makes her willing and able to do their jobs. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 which attacks the human respiratory tract and can spread rapidly, with a mortality rate of 5.3%. This quantitative study aims to determine the factors that affect the work motivation of the nurses in caring for COVID-19 patients. This study using a descriptive correlation design with a cross sectional approach. This study involves 58 associate nurse who caring for COVID-19 patients at X Hospital with a total population sampling technique. Nurses' work motivation in caring for COVID-19 patients at RS X is in the moderate category (62-75) using a questionnaire based on Herzberg's motivation theory. Data analysis used the Spearman Rank test, where the results obtained were the influence of age (p value 0.023), marital status (p value 0.028) and work environment (p value 0.011) with work motivation.The conclusion of this study is the motivation of nurses while caring COVID-19 patients are influenced by factors of age, marital status and work environment such as the availability of policies and personal protective equipment. Recommendation that can be given to increase the work motivation of nurses at X Hospital by disseminating information about hospital policies in handling nurses infected with COVID-19, COVID-19 management, modes of transmission and other actual information so as to reduce nurse anxiety.
HUBUNGAN ASUPAN BESI HEME DAN NON-HEME KADAR FERRITIN PADA CALON PENGANTIN PEREMPUAN DI KOTA PADANG
Authors: Fasrini Ulya Uti - , Audina Wiyola , Defrin Defrin , Desmawati Desmawati , Karmia Hudila Rifa , Abdiana Abdiana
Published: July 2021

Women of childbearing age are prone to anemia, especially iron-deficiency anemia. The outcome might be seen in the high maternal mortality rate in the Padang city (16 cases. Serum ferritin can be used as an initial indicator to determine iron deficiency. A decrease in serum ferritin levels can be influenced by iron intake. This study aimed to determine the relationship between heme and non-heme iron intake with ferritin serum concentration in women’s bride candidates in Padang City. This analytical study with a cross-sectional design  involved 30 bride candidates, 20-30 years old. Iron intake were collected using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), and serum ferritin levels were measured using the Enhanced ChemiLuminescence Immuno Assay (ECLIA) method. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient test. The results showed the mean of heme and non-heme iron intake was 2.76 ± 0.90 mg/day and 3.83 ± 0.97 mg/day, respectively, and the mean of serum ferritin levels was 46.27 ± 27.61 ng/ml. The test showed no significant correlation between heme (r=0.094, p=0.622) and non-heme iron (r=-0.179, p=0.345) intake with serum ferritin levels. This study concludes that there is no relationship between heme and non-heme iron intake with serum ferritin levels on bride candidates in Padang City. Therefore, to prevent the incidence of anemia during pregnancy, it is highly recommended for the brides to increase their iron intake from both animal and vegetable sources.
Quantity in Quantum Mechanics and the Quantity of Quantum Information
Authors: Penchev Vasil
Published: July 2021

The paper interprets the concept “operator in the separable complex Hilbert space” (particalry, “Hermitian operator” as “quantity” is defined in the “classical” quantum mechanics) by that of “quantum information”. As far as wave function is the characteristic function of the probability (density) distribution for all possible values of a certain quantity to be measured, the definition of quantity in quantum mechanics means any unitary change of the probability (density) distribution. It can be represented as a particular case of “unitary” qubits. The converse interpretation of any qubits as referring to a certain physical quantity implies its generalization to non-Hermitian operators, thus neither unitary, nor conserving energy. Their physical sense, speaking loosely, consists in exchanging temporal moments therefore being implemented out of the space-time “screen”. “Dark matter” and “dark energy” can be explained by the same generalization of “quantity” to non-Hermitian operators only secondarily projected on the pseudo-Riemannian space-time.
Impact Evaluation of Government Asistance on the Improvement of Quality of Vocational Education
Authors: Suprayitno Aziz Wahyu
Published: July 2021

This study evaluates the impact evaluation of Government Assistance on the improvement of Quality of Vocational Education. This study using the Difference in Difference (DID) method to estimate the effects of Government Assistance allocation by comparing the changes in outcome {quality of Vocational Education measured by School Quality Report (Rapor Mutu Sekolah) that contains a number with scale 1 – 7} between the Vocational High School that get Government Assistance (intervention/treatment group) and the Vocational High School that did not (control group), using regression model by testing parallel trend assumption first. Secondary data consists of Government Assistance and Vocational High School Quality Report for 2013 – 2018 from the Directorate of Vocational Education, Ministry of Education and Culture. Government Assistance data selected is only Assistance for facilities/infrastructure and Assistance for rehabilitation/construction of buildings using a purposive sampling technique. The results showed that the average value of the Vocational High Schools that received Government Assistance was higher by 0.0373 compared to Vocational High Schools that did not receive Government Assistance, after the intervention of Government Assistance from 2016 - 2018. That results indicates that Government Assistance has a positive impact on improving the Quality of Vocational Education.

Keywords : impact evaluation, DID, quality of vocational education, government assistance.
PAJAK KARBON SEBAGAI SUMBER PENERIMAAN NEGARA DAN SISTEM PEMUNGUTANNYA
Authors: Saputra Agustinus Imam
Published: July 2021

The study aims to elaborate on carbon taxes as a potential source of state revenue. This study also provides an overview of the imposition of excise rates that can be applied in Indonesia. Besides, this study tries to look deeper into the procedures for reporting and monitoring excise tax paid by taxpayers. This research uses descriptive qualitative research methods. A review of documents and regulations related to carbon emissions in Indonesia and other countries is an important source. The study was conducted by comparing best practices in several countries with Indonesia regarding government policies regarding carbon tax policies. The study results show that there is potential for state revenue from carbon taxes. On the other hand, the collection of carbon taxes requires a system-integrated procedure between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Therefore, digitizing the system and establishing a data warehouse is important to support the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGCE) as the excise collection authority. An important finding in this study's conclusion is the urgent need for regulations to implement a carbon tax in Indonesia. In the future, this research is expected to trigger further research on carbon taxes and their effects on national economic growth.
Bayesian Belief Networks for Integrating Scientific and Stakeholders’ Knowledge to Support Nature-Based Solution Implementation
Authors: Scrieciu Albert , Pagano Alessandro , Coletta Virginia Rosa , Fratino Umberto , Giordano Raffaele
Published: July 2021

There is a growing interest worldwide on the potential of nature-based solutions (NBSs) as measures for dealing with water-related risks while producing multiple co-benefits that can contribute to several societal challenges and many of the sustainable development goals. However, several barriers still hamper their wider implementation, such as mainly the lack of stakeholders’ engagement and the limited integration of stakeholders’ knowledge throughout the phases of NBS design and implementation. This is a crucial aspect to guarantee that the multidimensional implications of NBSs are adequately understood and considered by decision-makers. Innovative methods and tools for improving NBS design and supporting decision-makers in overcoming the main barriers to implementation, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness, are therefore needed. The present work proposes a combined approach based on the integration of fuzzy cognitive maps, hydraulic modeling, and participatory Bayesian belief networks aiming to facilitate the stakeholders’ engagement and the knowledge integration process in NBS design and assessment. The approach was developed and implemented within the NAIAD project in the Lower Danube demo site, specifically oriented to support the process of the Potelu Wetland restoration. First, fuzzy cognitive maps are adopted as a problem structuring method for eliciting stakeholders’ risk perception and problem understanding, and for constructing a causal model describing the system as a whole, with specific attention to the expected role of the NBS in reducing flood risk and addressing the key local challenges. Second, hydraulic modeling is used to analyze the effect of extreme floods starting from the retrospective analysis of a specific event and to model the potential benefits of risk reduction measures. Last, a Bayesian belief network is used to support the model integration process and a scenario analysis with a user-friendly tool. The whole process can be replicated in other areas and is particularly suitable to support an active engagement of stakeholders (both institutional and not) in the process of NBS design and assessment.
Circular RNA Circ_0067934 Attenuates Ferroptosis of Thyroid Cancer Cells by miR-545-3p/SLC7A11 Signaling
Authors: Wang Hui-Hui , Ma Jia-Ni , Zhan Xiao-Rong
Published: July 2021

Ferroptosis is an emerging programmed cell death distinguished from apoptosis and autophagy and plays essential roles in tumorigenesis. Thyroid cancer is a prevalent endocrine tumor, but the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis during thyroid cancer development remains unclear. Here, we identified the critical function of circular RNA circ_0067934 in repressing ferroptosis of thyroid cancer cells. Our data showed that the ferroptosis activator erastin decreased thyroid cancer cell viabilities, while the circ_0067934 shRNA further attenuated erastin-inhibited cell viabilities. The silencing of circ_0067934 enhanced the levels of ferroptosis-related markers, including Fe2+, iron, and ROS in the cells. The knockdown of circ_0067934 induced thyroid cancer cell apoptosis and repressed thyroid cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Circ_0067934 upregulated the expression of the ferroptosis-negative regulator SLC7A11 by sponging and inhibiting miR-545-3p in thyroid cancer cells. The overexpression of SLC7A11 or the inhibitor of miR-545-3p reversed circ_0067934 silencing-regulated thyroid cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, we concluded that Circ_0067934 attenuated ferroptosis of thyroid cancer cells by miR-545-3p/SLC7A11 signaling. Circ_0067934 may serve as a potential therapeutic target by regulating ferroptosis for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
An Autonomous Cannabinoid System in Islets of Langerhans
Authors: Aseer Kanikkai Raja , Egan Josephine M.
Published: July 2021

While endocannabinoids (ECs) and cannabis were primarily studied for their nervous system effects, it is now clear that ECs are also produced in the periphery where they regulate several physiological processes, including energy storage, glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin secretion and synthesis, and hepatocyte function. Within islet of Langerhans there is an autonomous EC system (ECS). Beta (β)-cells contain all the enzymes necessary for EC synthesis and degradation; ECs are generated in response to cellular depolarization; their paracrine influence on β-cells is mostly through the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) that is present on all β-cells; they modulate basal and glucose- and incretin-induced insulin secretion, and β-cell responses to various stressors. Furthermore, there is now accumulating evidence from preclinical studies that the autonomous islet ECS is a key player in obesity-induced inflammation in islets, and β-cell damage and apoptosis from many causes can be mitigated by CB1R blockers. We will thoroughly review the literature relevant to the effects of ECs and their receptors on β-cells and the other cell types within islets. Therapeutic potential of agents targeting EC/CB1R and CB2R is highly relevant because the receptors belong to the druggable G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Present research in the ECS must be considered preliminary, especially with regards to human islet physiology, and further research is needed in order to translate basic cellular findings into clinical practice and the use of safe, clinically approved CBR modulators with and without glucose lowering combinations presently in therapeutic use for diabetes and obesity needs to be studied.
Keratinocyte-Immune Cell Crosstalk in a STAT1-Mediated Pathway: Novel Insights Into Rosacea Pathogenesis
Authors: Deng Zhili , Liu Fangfen , Chen Mengting , Huang Chuchu , Xiao Wenqin , Gao Sini , Jian Dan , Ouyang Yuyan , Xu San , Li Jinmao , Shi Qian , Xie Hongfu , Zhang Guohong , Li Ji
Published: July 2021

Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory condition that mainly affects the central face. However, the molecular background of the normal central face and the transcriptional profiling and immune cell composition of rosacea lesions remain largely unknown. Here, we performed whole-skin and epidermal RNA-seq of central facial skin from healthy individuals, lesions and matched normal skin from rosacea patients. From whole-skin RNA-seq, the site-specific gene signatures for central facial skin were mainly enriched in epithelial cell differentiation, with upregulation of the activator protein-1 (AP1) transcription factor (TF). We identified the common upregulated inflammatory signatures and diminished keratinization signature for rosacea lesions. Gene ontology, pathway, TF enrichment and immunohistochemistry results suggested that STAT1 was the potential core of the critical TF networks connecting the epithelial–immune crosstalk in rosacea lesions. Epidermal RNA-seq and immunohistochemistry analysis further validated the epithelial-derived STAT1 signature in rosacea lesions. The epidermal STAT1/IRF1 signature was observed across ETR, PPR, and PhR subtypes. Immune cell composition revealed that macrophages were common in all 3 subtypes. Finally, we described subtype-specific gene signatures and immune cell composition correlated with phenotypes. These findings reveal the specific epithelial differentiation in normal central facial skin, and epithelial–immune crosstalk in lesions providing insight into an initial keratinocyte pattern in the pathogenesis of rosacea.
Kelp-Associated Microbes Facilitate Spatial Subsidy in a Detrital-Based Food Web in a Shoreline Ecosystem
Authors: Singh Charu Lata , Huggett Megan J. , Lavery Paul S. , Säwström Christin , Hyndes Glenn A.
Published: July 2021

Microbes are ubiquitous but our knowledge of their effects on consumers is limited in benthic marine systems. Shorelines often form hotspots of microbial and detritivore activity due to the large amounts of detrital macrophytes that are exported from other coastal ecosystems, such as kelp forests, and accumulate in these systems. Shoreline ecosystems therefore provide a useful model system to examine microbial-detritivore interactions. We experimentally test whether bacteria in the biofilm of kelp provide a bottom-up influence on growth and reproductive output of detritivores in shorelines where detrital kelp accumulates, by manipulating the bacterial abundances on kelp (Ecklonia radiata). The growth rates for both male and female amphipods (Allorchestes compressa) were greater in treatments containing bacteria than those in which bacteria were reduced through antibiotic treatment, and this effect was greater for males offered aged kelp. The proportions of ovigerous females were greater when reared on kelp with intact bacteria, indicating a more rapid reproductive development in the presence of more bacteria. Bacterial abundance had little to no influence on nutrient content and palatability of kelp, based on tissue toughness, nitrogen and carbon content and C:N ratio. Thus, the most likely pathway for a microbial effect on detritivores was through feeding on kelp-associated bacteria. Regardless of the pathway, kelp-associated microbes have a strong influence on the fitness of a highly abundant detritivore that feeds preferentially on E. radiata in shoreline systems, and therefore form a hidden trophic step in this “brown” food web and a hotspot of secondary production.
Experimental Study on the Compaction and Deformation of Filling Gangue by Reducing Waste Gangue for Filling Mining
Authors: Dong Yue , Zhang Xinguo , Lin Jia , Zhao Jinhai , Meng Zixuan
Published: July 2021

The coal mining technology of fully mechanized solid filling is an efficient and green mining method that integrates “sediment reduction” and “emission reduction.” However, the discharge of wasted gangue and surface subsidence are controlled by the amount of wasted gangue used in filling mining and the compaction rate of gangue filled into a goaf, respectively. To increase the consumption of wasted gangue and reduce surface subsidence, mixed gangue composed of equal-quality washed gangue and crushed gangue is proposed as a raw material for solid filling on the basis of gradation theory. Next, a screening experiment was performed to analyze the grain gradation of different specimens, and a compression experiment was executed to compare and analyze the compression characteristics. The results show that the nonuniformity coefficient of mixed gangue is 55.2 and the curvature coefficient is 1.53, which significantly improve the grain gradation of washed gangue. The degree of relative compaction of mixed gangue is 1.226, which is significantly lower than that of washed gangue, which is 1.33. The deformation modulus of mixed gangue is 23–135 MPa, which is better than that of washed gangue (26–100 MPa), indicating that the compressive resistance of mixed gangue is significantly improved. The case study of the Tangkou mine suggests that mixed gangue greatly promotes the consumption of wasted gangue and can effectively control the surface deformation.
18F-PEG1-Vinyl Sulfone-Labeled Red Blood Cells as Positron Emission Tomography Agent to Image Intra-Abdominal Bleeding
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Wang Li , Fu Wenhui , Feng Yue , Zeng Chengrun , Zhou Liu , Zhang Tao , Xu Tingting , Cao Jianpeng , Li Zibo , Chen Yue
Published: July 2021

18F-Labeled blood pool agents (BPAs) have attracted great attention for identifying bleeding sites. However, many BPAs are not sufficiently evaluated partially due to the limitations of labeling methods. In our previous work, we noticed that 18F-PEG1-vinyl sulfone (18F-VS) could efficiently label red blood cells (RBCs) ex vivo and in situ. However, its application as BPA is not fully evaluated. In this study, we systematically explored the feasibility of using 18F-VS-labeled RBCs as a positron emission tomography (PET) BPA for intra-abdominal bleeding diagnosis. In brief, we first optimized the labeling conditions, which lead to an 80% labeling yield of RBCs after incubating with 18F-VS in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C for 20 min. 18F-VS-labeled RBCs were found to be stable in vitro, which could simplify its transportation/storage for in vivo applications. In normal rat PET study, the cardiovascular system could be clearly imaged up to 5 h post injection (p.i.). An intra-abdominal hemorrhage rat model demonstrated that the 18F-VS-labeled RBCs clearly showed the dynamic changes of extravascular radioactivity due to intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Validation in the model of gastrointestinal bleeding clearly demonstrated the great potential of using 18F-VS-labeled RBCs as a BPA, which could be further evaluated in future studies.
Downregulation of Light-Harvesting Complex II Induces ROS-Mediated Defense Against Turnip Mosaic Virus Infection in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Qiu Shiyou , Chen Xuwei , Zhai Yushan , Cui Weijun , Ai Xuhong , Rao Shaofei , Chen Jianping , Yan Fei
Published: July 2021

The light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b complex protein 3 (LHCB3) of photosystem II plays important roles distributing the excitation energy and modulating the rate of state transition and stomatal response to abscisic acid. However, the functions of LHCB3 in plant immunity have not been well investigated. Here, we show that the expression of LHCB3 in Nicotiana benthamiana (NbLHCB3) was down-regulated by turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) infection. When NbLHCB3 was silenced by tobacco rattle virus-induced gene silencing, systemic infection of TuMV was inhibited. H2O2 was over-accumulated in NbLHCB3-silenced plants. Chemical treatment to inhibit or eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) impaired the resistance of the NbLHCB3-silenced plants to TuMV infection. Co-silencing of NbLHCB3 with genes involved in ROS production compromised the resistance of plants to TuMV but co-silencing of NbLHCB3 with genes in the ROS scavenging pathway increased resistance to the virus. Transgenic plants overexpressing NbLHCB3 were more susceptible to TuMV. These results indicate that downregulation of NbLHCB3 is involved in defense against TuMV by inducing ROS production.
Tunicothrix halophila n. sp., a Secondarily Oligomerized Parabirojimid Hypotrich (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea) From Hypersaline Costal Water in Korea
Authors: Omar Atef , Moon Ji Hye , Nam Seung Won , Jung Jae-Ho
Published: July 2021

Tunicothrix halophila n. sp. was discovered in a hypersaline marine sample from Jeju Island, Korea. It is characterized by the highly reduced number of dorsal bristles. In addition, the main character of the genus Tunicothrix (e.g., alveolar layer) is absent/indistinct. To figure out its identity and phylogenetic relationship, we examined the new species based on modern morphological methods and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Since the parabirojimids are of basal position to core hypotrichs and a smaller data set could show incorrect phylogenetic relationships among the hypotrichs, we used a huge data set composed of 1,460 DNA sequences to infer the phylogenetic tree. The reduction of dorsal bristles is very likely a secondarily evolved character in hypotrichs, resulting in the independent phenotypic adaptation in the hypersaline ecosystems as shown in other hypersaline hypotrichs. Furthermore, the so-called right marginal row 1 in other congeners is found to produce a pretransverse and transverse cirrus and thus we recommend using the term frontoventral row. Based on our data, we can justify Tunicothrix halophila n. sp. as a new species; however, despite the phenotypic distinctiveness, we refrain to establish a new genus because of the missing data and the non-monophyly of Tunicothrix.
In silico Screening of Natural Phytocompounds Towards Identification of Potential Lead Compounds to Treat COVID-19
Authors: Sankar Muthumanickam , Ramachandran Balajee , Pandi Boomi , Mutharasappan Nachiappan , Ramasamy Vidhyavathi , Prabu Poorani Gurumallesh , Shanmugaraj Gowrishankar , Wang Yao , Muniyandai Brintha , Rathinasamy Subaskumar , Chandrasekaran Balakumar , Bayan Mohammad F. , Jeyaraman Jeyakanthan , Halliah Gurumallesh Prabu , Ebenezer Solomon King
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 is one of the members of the coronavirus family that can easily assail humans. As of now, 10 million people are infected and above two million people have died from COVID-19 globally. Over the past year, several researchers have made essential advances in discovering potential drugs. Up to now, no efficient drugs are available on the market. The present study aims to identify the potent phytocompounds from different medicinal plants (Zingiber officinale,Cuminum cyminum,Piper nigrum,Curcuma longa, andAllium sativum). In total, 227 phytocompounds were identified and screened against the proteins S-ACE2 and Mprothrough structure-based virtual screening approaches. Based on the binding affinity score, 30 active phytocompounds were selected. Amongst, the binding affinity for beta-sitosterol and beta-elemene against S-ACE2 showed −12.0 and −10.9 kcal/mol, respectively. Meanwhile, the binding affinity for beta-sitosterol and beta-chlorogenin against Mprowas found to be −9.7 and −8.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Further, the selected compounds proceeded with molecular dynamics simulation, prime MM-GBSA analysis, and ADME/T property checks to understand the stability, interaction, conformational changes, binding free energy, and pharmaceutical relevant parameters. Moreover, the hotspot residues such as Lys31 and Lys353 for S-ACE2 and catalytic dyad His41 and Cys145 for Mprowere actively involved in the inhibition of viral entry. From the in silico analyses, we anticipate that this work could be valuable to ongoing novel drug discovery with potential treatment for COVID-19.
Post-Translational Modifications Modulate Proteinopathies of TDP-43, FUS and hnRNP-A/B in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Farina Stefania , Esposito Francesca , Battistoni Martina , Biamonti Giuseppe , Francia Sofia
Published: July 2021

It has been shown that protein low-sequence complexity domains (LCDs) induce liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which is responsible for the formation of membrane-less organelles including P-granules, stress granules and Cajal bodies. Proteins harbouring LCDs are widely represented among RNA binding proteins often mutated in ALS. Indeed, LCDs predispose proteins to a prion-like behaviour due to their tendency to form amyloid-like structures typical of proteinopathies. Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) can influence phase transition through two main events: i) destabilizing or augmenting multivalent interactions between phase-separating macromolecules; ii) recruiting or excluding other proteins and/or nucleic acids into/from the condensate. In this manuscript we summarize the existing evidence describing how PTM can modulate LLPS thus favouring or counteracting proteinopathies at the base of neurodegeneration in ALS.
Diagnostic Performance of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Differentiating Malignant From Benign Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Fan , Liang Yingying , Guo Wei , Liang Zhiping , Li Liqi , Xiong Yuchao , Ye Guoxi , Zeng Xuwen
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in predicting the malignant potential in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas.

Methods

A systematic search of articles investigating the diagnostic performance of DWI for prediction of malignant potential in IPMNs was conducted from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1997 to 10 February 2020. QUADAS-2 tool was used to evaluate the study quality. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), positive likelihood ratios (PLR), negative likelihood ratios (NLR), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was then plotted, and meta-regression was also performed to explore the heterogeneity.

Results

Five articles with 307 patients were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of DWI were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.82) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.99), in evaluating the malignant potential of IPMNs. The PLR was 13.5 (95% CI: 3.1, 58.7), the NLR was 0.27 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.37), and DOR was 50.0 (95% CI: 11.0, 224.0). The area under the curve (AUC) of SROC curve was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.80, 0.87). The meta-regression showed that the slice thickness of DWI (p = 0.02) and DWI parameter (p= 0.01) were significant factors affecting the heterogeneity.

Conclusions

DWI is an effective modality for the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant IPMNs. The slice thickness of DWI and DWI parameter were the main factors influencing diagnostic specificity.
Association of Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonist Use With Changes in Psoriasis Severity in Adult Population: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Pan Ke-Ting , Li I-Hsun , Kao Hui-Han , Chen Yi-Hsien , Zhong Pei-Xun , Kao Li-Ting
Published: July 2021

To date, it remains uncertain whether benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) are aggravating factors even though these drugs can elevate the levels of biomarkers associated with the development of psoriasis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of BZRA use with changes in psoriasis severity. All data were sourced from the National Health Insurance system in Taiwan. We conducted a population-based retrospective cross-sectional study of 15,727 psoriasis patients who received BZRAs (BZRA users), and 18,856 psoriasis patients who did not receive BZRAs (nonusers). At least a 1-year washout period without any BZRA prescriptions was required. The main outcome was the change in psoriasis severity between before and after BZRA exposure. This study detected the exacerbation of psoriasis severity in mild psoriasis population by using a logistic model. Then, this study carried another logistic model among those patients who had severe psoriasis to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for the improvement of the psoriasis severity. Among patients with mild psoriasis, BZRA users had a significantly higher probability of psoriasis severity exacerbation (IPTW-adjusted OR = 1.46). Mild psoriasis patients who received high and low doses of BZRAs had 1.70- and 1.39-fold higher probabilities of psoriasis severity exacerbation, respectively, than the non-users. Furthermore, in the severe psoriasis population, more low-dose BZRA users improved psoriasis severity than non-users. In conclusion, this study provided clinical evidence of the effects of BZRA use on patients with psoriasis severity. Among patients with mild psoriasis, high-dose BZRA users may be associated with the changes in psoriasis severity. However, low-dose BZRA exposure only slightly exacerbated disease severity among patients with mild psoriasis. Accordingly, clinicians should evaluate the risks and benefits of the BZRA usage.