bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hubungan place dependence terhadap keinginan alih fungsi lahan di Kecamatan Pandaan
Authors: Prayitno Gunawan , Rusmi Safira Aulia , Dinanti Dian
Published: January 2021

Alih fungsi lahan karena adanya pertambahan penduduk merupakan hal yang tidak dapat dielakkan dalam pengembangan wilayah. Perubahan penggunaan lahan dari lahan pertanian menjadi penggunaan lain misalnya permukiman, sarana perdagangan dan jasa, industry umumnya terjadi. Kecamatan Pandaan yang merupakan suatu kecamatan yang menghubungkan antara Kota Malang dan Kota Surabaya serta dilewati toll trans Jawa juga mengalami fenomena alih fungsi lahan pertanian ke non pertanian. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana kondisi sosial masyarakat selain kondisi ekonomi dapat mempengaruhi keputusan masyarakat untuk melakukan alih fungsi lahan. Place dependence yang merupakan hubungan fungsional berdasarkan koneksi fisik individu dengan lingkungan dapat mempengaruhi keputusan alih fungsi lahan. Kami menggunakan analisa cross tabulasi untuk mengetahui hubungan place dependence dengan faktor pendorong aktivitas dalam sebuah tempat (lingkungan dimana tinggal). Place dependence digambarkan dengan pertanyaan dalam kuesioner sedangkan faktor pendorong aktivitas digambarkan dengan tingkat pendapatan, tempat beraktivitas dan kepemilikan lahan. Hasil analisa cross tabulasi menunjukkan bahwa hubungan place dependence dengan keputusan untuk mengubah lahan memiliki nilai signifikansi adalah 0,039 (<0,05). Dengan demikian nilai tersebut menunjukkan bahwa place dependence memiliki hubungan dengan keputusan melakukan alih fungsi lahan.
Pola Perdagangan Global pada Perusahaan-Perusahaan Berteknologi Tinggi
Authors: Sari Dyah Wulan , Restikasari Wenny
Published: January 2021

This study deals with firm level data of Indonesian high-tech manufacturing industries to determine firm’s production, especially among global trade variables, such as export intensity, vertical trade integration, and two-way trade. This study employs a generalized method of moments (GMM) approach to examine the most important factors of a global trade phenomenon. In the full-sample, the result demonstrates that vertical trade integration and two-way trade are significant determinants on firm’s production while export intensity is not. In ordinary trader sub-sample, export intensity is a significant determinant of firm’s production, whereas in vertical trader sub-sample export intensity is not. ........................................... Penelitian ini menggunakan data tingkat perusahaan pada industri manufaktur berteknologi tinggi di Indonesia untuk menentukan kemampuan produksi suatu perusahaan, dari berbagai variabel perdagangan global, seperti intensitas ekspor, perdagangan vertikal yang terintegrasi, dan perdagangan dua arah terhadap. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan generalized method of moment (GMM) untuk menguji faktor terpenting dari fenomena perdagangan global. Pada sampel penuh, hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perdagangan vertikal yang terintegrasi dan perdagangan dua arah merupakan faktor penentu yang signifikan terhadap kemampuan produksi perusahaan sedangkan intensitas ekspor tidak. Pada sub-sampel pedagang biasa, intensitas ekspor merupakan faktor penentu yang signifikan terhadap kemampuan produksi perusahaan, sedangkan pada sub-sampel pedagang vertikal intensitas ekspor bukan merupaka faktor penentu.
Ragam Storyboard Untuk Produksi Media Pembelajaran
Authors: Kunto Imbar , Ariani Diana , Widyaningrum Retno , Syahyani Regita
Published: January 2021

The media producer must be able to design the message and then simultaneously visualize the idea of the message before continuing it at the next production stage of various media formats that may be developed for learning. As for seeing the needs of the Education Technology study program students related to the production of learning media, the researcher determined the purpose of this study was to produce a variety of storyboards for the production of instructional media. The ADDIE development framework is used in this development research, while the procedures in this model are carried out linearly or a work process will occur continuously. The following are the steps that will be carried out in this research: Analysis (Analyze.), Design (Design), Development (Implementation), Implementation (Implementation), Evaluation (Evaluation). The output in the form of a storyboard for digital media production is the result of this development, which consists of two storyboard template formats based on linear and non-linear presentation flows.

Mahasiswa sebagai media developer harus mampu mendesain pesan kemudian secara simultan melakukan visualisasi ide dari pesan tersebut sebelum melanjutkannya pada tahap produksi selanjutnya dari beragam format media yang mungkin dikembangkan untuk pembelajaran. Adapun melihat kebutuhan dari para mahasiswa terkait produksi media-media pembelajaran, maka dengan ini peneliti menentukan tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menghasilkan ragam storyboard untuk produksi media pembelajaran. Model pengembangan yang digunakan pada penelitian pengembangan ini adalah dengan menggunakan framework ADDIE, adapun pada ADDIE ini dilakukan secara linear atau akan terjadi proses kerja yang dilakukan secara kontinyu prosesnya. Berikut langkah-langkah yang akan dilakukan dalam penelitian ini: Analisis (Analyze.), Desain (Design), Pengembangan (Development), Implementasi (Implementation), Evaluasi (Evaluation). Hasil dari penelitian pengembangan ini adalah produk berupa storyboard untuk produksi media digital berdasarkan alur penyajian yang terdiri dari dua format template storyboard linear dan non-linear.
An investigation into in-lecture digital tools for engagement: a feasibility study
Authors: Detyna Michael , Dommett Eleanor J.
Published: January 2021

Evidence suggests that lectures are of most value in Higher Education when they are interactive and support active learning. Using novel approaches within lectures can help go beyond the traditional university experience. Educational technologies offer several options for supporting this including: audience response systems, backchannel communication, mirroring and use of video. However, given the range available and the cost of implementation, it is important to ensure that the right technologies are adopted. The aims of this study were to i) investigate the feasibility of small group sessions to evaluate the use of specific technologies for lectures and ii) to better understand the potential uses of different technologies for lectures. Staff and students participated in a novel approach with hands-on interactive demonstration sessions before taking part in a focus group to give their views on a variety of technologies.  The current study found that these small-scale interactive demonstrations were an effective way to evaluate technologies and that most of the technologies presented could be used to either i) enhance current lecture practice or ii) support new practice, provided they do not overwhelm or distract students. However, they must also be simple for staff and students to use.
Case study: Using a codesign process as an opportunity and to increase assessment literacy and integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into learning and teaching.
Authors: Bartlett Debbie
Published: January 2021

Abstract: This article first describes the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals to learning and teaching, both specifically for SDG 4 Quality Education, and the relevance of all 17 SDGs across subject areas.  It then describes how these became the focus to increase assessment literacy and engagement with feedback using Level 5 BSc Environmental Science and Geography students taking the Environmental Management module.  The benefits and challenges of using curriculum and assessment co-design are presented and the benefits for student engagement and assessment literacy evaluated.
Budaya Hukum Malu Sebagai Nilai Vital Terwujudnya Kesadaran Hukum Masyarakat
Authors: Muttaqin Faizal Amrul , Saputra Wahyu
Published: January 2021

Tulisan ini berusaha untuk merumuskan kembali bagaimana nilai-nilai yang terkandung dalam budaya malu mampu memengaruhi tingkat kesadaran hukum masyarakat. Hal ini penting untuk dilakukan karena hakikat malu sebagai alat pengendali tingkah laku telah mengalami pergeseran makna dari makna aslinya. Pendekatan antropologi digunakan penulis untuk menggali data tentang manusia dengan kebudayaannya dan manusia dengan hukum dan tatanan kehidupannya. Teori kesadaran hukum Soerjono Soekanto digunakan sebagai parameter untuk menguji bagaimana nilai dalam budaya malu mendorong tingkat kesadaran hukum masyarakat. Kesimpulan dari studi ini adalah nilai dalam budaya malu dapat mendorong seseorang untuk memiliki pengetahuan hukum (law awareness), pemahaman hukum (law acquaintance), sikap hukum (legal attitude), dan pola perilaku hukum (legal behavior).
UṢŪL AL-FIQH SEBAGAI METODE PENGGALI HUKUM SYARAK
Authors: Suminto Ahmad , Sisminawati Sisminawati
Published: January 2021

ABSTRAK : Berkembangnya dunia kontemporer ke arah modernitas memunculkan berbagai persoalan baru yang belum pernah ada sebelumnya. Maka dalam rangka merespon hal tersebut para pengkaji hukum Islam memecahkan dan mencari solusi, antara lain melakukan kajian mendalam dan berijtihaddalam rangka reinterpretasi terhadap sumber-sumber tekstual. Namun, sebagai implikasinya muncul pertanyaan tentang kompetensi para pengkaji hukum Islam saat ini untuk melakukan istinbat hukum, apakah mereka memiliki kapasitas untuk melakukan ijtihad tersebut. Kompetensi dan kapasitas para pengkaji hukum Islam dapat dikaji melalui usul al-fiqh sebagai metode penggali sumber hukum syarak. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan dan menjelaskan usul al-fiqh sebagai metode penggali hukum syarak, yang dimulai dari pembahasan latar belakang dan tantangan ilmiah kelahiran ilmu, manfaat mempelajari, tugas dan tujuan usul al-fiqh, urgensi usul al-fiqh, kemudian pembahasan-pembahasan (objek) usul al-fiqh sebagai metode penggali hukum syarak. Metode penulisan dalam penelitian ini adalah studi kepustakaan dengan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif-analitik. Hasil penelitian ini menujukkan bahwa secara spesifik, usul al-fiqh dicetuskan untuk menerapkan kaidah dan pembahasannya pada dalil-dalil yang detail untuk diambil hukum syaraknya. Tujuan dari usul al-fiqh adalah dengan kaidah dan pembahasannya itu dapat dikeluarkan suatu hukum yang tidak memiliki nass dengan cara qiyas, istihsan, istishab, dan lainnya dapat benar-benar dipahami hukum yang telah dikeluarkan oleh imam-imam mujtahid, dapat dijadikan penimbang (sebab-terjadinya) perbedaan madhab di antara mereka terhadap satu bentuk kejadian. Objek kajian dari usul al-fiqh adalah sumber umum hukum syarak itu sendiri dan hukum umum yang diperoleh dari sumber umum hukum syarak. Adapun pokok pembahasan usul al-fiqh adalah mengenai metodologi penetapan hukum-hukum tersebut. Usul al-fiqh meninjau dari segi metode penetapan hukum, klasifikasi argumentasi, serta situasi dan kondisi yang melatarbelakangi dalil-dalil tersebut. Dalam hal ini objek pembahasan usul al-fiqh adalah segala sesuatu yang berhubungan dengan metodologi yang dipergunakan oleh ahli fikih di dalam menggali hukum syarak.
HISTORISITAS DAN TUJUAN POLIGAMI: PERSPEKTIF INDONESIA DAN NEGARA MUSLIM MODERN
Authors: FUAD FAHIMUL
Published: January 2021

ABSTRAK : Pembahasan poligami kerap memunculkan perdebatan. Pasalnya, dalam sumber pokok ajaran Islam, poligami hadir dalam bingkai teks hukum yang tidak seragam. Penafsiran dan pemahaman terhadap sumber-sumber teks tersebut pada perkembangannya diberbagai negara muslim juga beragam, tidak terkecuali di Indonesia. Kajian ini bertujuan mengulas tentang pengaturan poligami yang tertuang dalam dinamika perundang-undangan, dengan melihat fakta dan latar sejarah serta tujuan yang hendak dicapai dengan menggunakan pendekatan riset pustaka (library research). Metodologi yang dipakai adalah deskripstif-komparatif, yaitu menggambarkan aturan poligami, baik dari fikih klasik maupun perundang-undangan modern. Konteks perundangan-undangan yang dimaksud adalah undang-undang Indonesia dan membandingkannya dengan undang-undang Negara muslim lainnya. Penelitian ini diharapakan mampu memberikan pemahaman tentang makna poligami yang lebih berkeadilan, di mana dalam konteks Negara modern, diwujudkan melalui aturan hukum yang bersifat legal dan memiliki daya ikat hukum.  Dari hasil kajian yang dilakukan, dapat ditarik benang merah sebagai kesimpulan, Pertama, Poligami dalam fikih dihukumi boleh, dengan jumlah istri maksimal empat orang. Secara normatif, syarat untuk mampu berlaku adil juga diberlakukan dalam perkawinan poligami. Kedua, Seiring perjalanan waktu dan dinamika kehidupan di dalamnya, muncul tuntutan dari kalangan wanita untuk membuat aturan tentang perkawinan, termasuk poligami yang lebih memberi kepastian hukum dan jaminan perlindungan harkat dan martabat kaum wanita. Dari sini, lahirlah UU perkawinan dimana tercakup di dalamnya masalah poligami. Regulasi ini juga mengatur poligami yang harus melalui institusi negara, dimana di dalamnya diterapkan syarat kebolehan poligami yang cukup ketat. Hal yang sama juga diterapkan di beberapa negara muslim modern, seperti Yordania, Mesir, dan Malaysia. Bahkan, Tunisia dan Turki melangkah lebih berani dengan menetapkan larangan poligami. Ketiga, Tujuan adanya aturan poligami dalam bingkai Undang-undang adalah untuk memberikan kepastian hukum, memberikan penghargaan kepada Kaum wanita, dan dalam rangka mengkontekstualisasikan aturan hukum dengan kondisi kekinian, sehingga lebih relevan dan mampu mewujudkan kemaslahatan.
SINKRONISASI HUKUM PERKAWINAN BEDA AGAMA DI INDONESIA
Authors: Nahrowi Nahrowi
Published: January 2021

ABSTRAK : Semenjak Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 1974 tentang Perkawinan berlaku, hukum perkawinan beda agama mengalami kesulitan kepastian hukum. Dalam undang-undang ini, pengertian perkawinan beda agama tidak diatur dalam pasal-pasalnya bahkan tidak diartikan ke dalam perkawinan campuran. Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2006 tentang Administrasi Kependudukan, yang dalam salah satu pasalnya diatur bahwa perkawinan beda agama dapat dicatatkan di Kantor Catatan Sipil setelah mendapat penetapan Pengadilan Negeri untuk hal itu, dalam hal ini seperti terjadi ketidakserasian. Penelitian yang dilakukan dalam pembahasan masalah ini menggunakan pendekatan hukum normatif atau pendekatan perundang-undangan terhadap taraf singkronisasi hukum. Teori yang digunakan oleh peneliti adalah teori sistem hukum dan teori hierarki peraturan perundang-undangan. Teori ini berfungsi untuk menguatkan analisis singkronisasi antarperaturan hukum. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk melakukan sinkronisasi hukum yang berkaitan dengan hukum perkawinan beda agama sehingga terlihat taraf sinkronisasi hukum perkawinan beda agama. Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2006 tentang Administrasi Kependudukan hanya mengatur tempat pencatatan perkawinan beda agama bila diizinkan pengadilan. Aturan  keabsahan perkawinan dikembalikan kepada Undang-Undang No. 1 Tahun 1974. Secara vertikal kecenderung antar peraturan saling terjadi ketidaksesuaian (tidak serasi). Perkawinan beda agama memiliki beberapa akibat hukum yaitu salah satunya tidak sahnya perkawinan tersebut.
Extensive Well-Testing Operations Provide Insight Into Khuff Reservoirs
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: January 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 203441, “Lessons Learned From Extensive Well-Testing Operations in Khuff Formations Offshore Abu Dhabi,” by Florian Hollaender, SPE, Schlumberger, and Mahmoud Basioni and Ahmed Yahya Al Blooshi, ADNOC, et al., prepared for the 2020 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, held virtually from 9-12 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

An extensive appraisal campaign was performed in the Khuff reservoirs offshore Abu Dhabi, with multiple appraisal wells drilled in different fields. Those wells were evaluated using detailed logging campaigns and then subjected to well tests, usually through drillstem testing for targeted intervals. The interpretation of well tests, combined with advanced petrophysical analysis, formation-test data, and production logs, provided insight into the nature of the Khuff reservoirs. A wide range of responses was observed, from tight to highly productive, but not necessarily with clear previous indications of deliverability or inflow intervals.

Overview of the Khuff Formations

The key characteristics of the Khuff formations offshore Abu Dhabi have been well-documented in previous work and can be summarized by the following:

Low porosity and permeability carbonate reservoirs, where natural fractures are critical contributors to flow

Properties vary widely laterally, with significant uncertainty regarding connectivity

Variations in stress and petrophysical properties can be significant and affected by diagenetic and tectonic history

These reservoirs present significant challenges for development planning. Previous studies have shown that it can be difficult to relate production performance to standard petrophysical analysis directly and that the presence of fractures - in particular, critically stressed fractures - in the vicinity of the wellbore is an essential factor for production performance. Productivity also was found to vary by several orders of magnitude within the same reservoir depending on the field and lateral location of a given well.

The presence of natural fractures has been recognized as a major contributor to flow in tight gas reservoirs; however, this raises several questions related to assessing formation potential. First, the nature of the fractures must be evaluated. Some will contribute to production, while others will remain sealed. Equally importantly, identifying zones with promising porosity developments is not a solid indicator of production expectations.

Well-Test Observations

With more than 20 drillstem tests performed in the Khuff reservoirs during a 4-year period, the first observation is the wide range of reservoir responses encountered, with an apparent lack of consistency within a given reservoir or field.
Guest Editorial: Three Pathways to Relevance and Profitability
Authors: Satapathy Manas , Wilczynski Herve
Published: January 2021

For most of the past 160 years, the exploration and production (E&P) sector earned outsized economic rent for finding new oil and gas (O&G) resources and making them economically viable for production. This was possible because of the perceived scarcity of such resources; demand expectations for hydrocarbon products far exceeded their likely supply.

During that period, E&P companies focused on building functional expertise to enable growth and operate assets safely. Exploration and appraisal capabilities were particularly revered as key drivers of value. Other areas of the value chain such as field production management, logistics, or even marketing were not seen as critically differentiating. Understandably, building expertise in those areas was never made the primary focus.

What a difference a decade makes.

Perpetual Disruption Is the New Normal

Today, we live in a completely different world. The challenges facing upstream companies simply did not exist 10 years ago. Six compressive forces, in particular, are bringing about a sea change in the industry.

Earlier this year, COVID-19 brought with it a sharp and palpable drop in demand for transportation-related crude. With the dramatic structural changes we have made to the ways we live and work in response to the pandemic, low crude demand is expected to continue. This will only exacerbate resource holders’ concerns about supply overabundance. E&P companies that hold hydrocarbon resources were already worried that the resources they own could go unmonetized. Now, that threat is stronger than ever. So is the incentive to monetize their resources as quickly as possible. Ironically, their actions to do so will make the oversupply situation worse.

Beyond the issues of supply and demand, the industry’s general economic climate is wreaking havoc. O&G companies typically focus on half-cycle economics or lifting costs when making production decisions. That is because land acquisition and development costs are considered sunk. If oil prices stay in the $40-50/bbl range, many asset classes will simply be uneconomical from a full-cycle standpoint.
Reuse of Produced Water Grows in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Feder Judy
Published: January 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Judy Feder, contains highlights of paper SPE 199498, “Reuse of Produced Water in the Oil and Gas Industry,” by Madeleine Gray, International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association, prepared for the 2020 SPE International Conference and Exhibition on Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainability, originally scheduled to be held in Bogota, Colombia, 28-30 July. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The onshore oil and gas industry investigates new and improved ways to manage the supply and disposal of produced water continually. Within oil and gas operations, produced water increasingly is being recycled and reused for enhanced oil recovery, drilling, and well stimulation. The growing global demand for water resources also is creating interest in reusing produced water outside oil and gas operations. The complete paper focuses on sources of produced water from conventional and unconventional onshore oil and gas operations and addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with reusing the produced water.

Introduction

Produced water is water that is brought to surface during oil and natural-gas production. It includes formation, flowback, and condensation water. Produced water varies in composition and volume from one formation to another and is often managed as a waste material requiring disposal. In recent years, increased demand for, and regional variability of, available water resources, along with sustainable water-supply planning, have driven interest in reusing produced water with or without treatment to meet requirements within the industry or by external users.

Reuse of produced water can provide important economic, social, and environmental benefits, particularly in water-scarce regions. It can be used for hydraulic fracturing, waterflooding, and enhanced oil recovery, decreasing the demand for other sources of water. However, reuse for offsite, non-oilfield applications such as crop irrigation, wildlife and livestock consumption, industrial processes, and power generation, is subject to a variety of constraints and risks. Practical considerations for offsite reuse include supply and demand and regulatory, infrastructural, economic, legal, social, and environmental factors.

Sources, Chemical Properties, and Management of Produced Water

The information contained in the paper is based on an internal survey conducted by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) of 14 of its member companies, interviews with selected external stakeholders covering a range of sectors and geographic regions, and a literature review of readily available information. The external stakeholders were identified from the membership survey as well as from IPIECA and consultant experience.

Sources and Volumes. Onshore oil and gas operations generate millions of barrels of produced water each day world-wide. The composition and flow of produced water can differ dramatically from one source to another.
Pathogenic convergence of CNVs in genes functionally associated to a severe neuromotor developmental delay syndrome
Authors: García-Hernández Juan L. , Corchete Luis A. , Marcos-Alcalde Íñigo , Gómez-Puertas Paulino , Fons Carmen , Lazo Pedro A.
Published: January 2021

Background: Complex developmental encephalopathy syndromes might be the consequence of unknown genetic alterations are likely to contribute to the full neurological phenotype as a consequence of pathogenic gene combinations. Methods: To identify the additional genetic contribution to the neurological phenotype, we studied as a test case a boy, with a KCNQ2 exon-7 partial duplication, by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray to detect copy-number variations (CNVs). Results: The proband presented a cerebral palsy like syndrome with a severe motor and developmental encephalopathy. The SNP array analysis detected in the proband several de novo CNVs, nine partial gene losses (LRRC55, PCDH9, NALCN, RYR3, ELAVL2, CDH13, ATP1A2, SLC17A5, ANO3), and two partial gene duplications (PCDH19, EFNA5). The biological functions of these genes are associated with ion channels such as calcium, chloride, sodium, and potassium; and with several membrane proteins implicated in neural cell-cell interactions, synaptic transmission and axon guidance. Pathogenically, these functions can be associated to cerebral palsy, seizures, dystonia, epileptic crisis, and motor neuron dysfunction, all present in the patient. Conclusions: Severe motor and developmental encephalopathy syndromes of unknown origin can be the result of a phenotypic convergence by combination of several genetic alterations in genes whose physiological function contributes to the neurological pathogenic mechanism.
Novel weapon to conquer human glioblastoma: G-quadruplexes and neuro-inducers
Authors: Pavlova Galina , Kolesnikova Varvara , Samoylenkova Nadezhda , Drozd Sergey , Revishchin Alexander , Usachev Dmitry , Kopylov Alexey
Published: January 2021

Cancer cell reprogramming based on aptamers with antiproliferative properties in combination with small molecules that are used for conversion iPSCs into neurons represents a new approach to reduce the probability of glioblastoma recurrence and tumor resistance to therapy. In this research we tested several combinations of factors on whole cell cultures, derived from tumor tissue after surgical resection, and on cell cultures divided in CD133 enriched and depleted populations, as CD133 marker is believed to be characteristic for glioblastoma stem cells. We showed that CD133+ and CD133- cells have a different response to tested combinations of factors and CD133-positive cells are more stable and possess stemness properties. Thus, affecting these cells will lead to decrease of therapy resistance. Moreover, we found a combination of factors that is able to inhibit proliferation of both CD133+ and CD133- cells. Our results reveal a promising strategy to improve treatment of patients with glioblastoma.
Ceramide Kinase Regulates TNF-α-induced Immune Responses in Human Monocytic Cells
Authors: Al-Rashed Fatema , Ahmad Zunair , Snider Ashley J , Thomas Reeby , Kochumon Shihab , Melhem Motasem , Sindhu Sardar , Obeid Lina M , Al-Mulla Fahd , Hannun Yusuf A , Ahmad Rasheed
Published: January 2021

Ceramide kinase (CERK) phosphorylates ceramide to produce ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), which is involved in the development of metabolic inflammation. TNF-α modulates inflammatory responses in monocytes associated with various inflammatory disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms remain not fully understood. Here, we investigated the role of CERK in TNF-α-induced inflammatory responses in monocytes. Our results show that disruption of CERK activity in monocytes either by the chemical inhibitor NVP- 231 or by small interfering RNA (siRNA) results in the defective expression of inflammatory markers including CD11c, CD11b and HLA-DR in response to TNF-α. Our data show that TNF-α upregulates ceramide phosphorylation. Inhibition of CERK in monocytes significantly reduced the secretion of IL-1β and MCP-1. Similar results were observed in CERK deficient cells. Phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and NF-κB resulting from TNF-α stimulation was reduced by inhibition of CERK. Additionally, NF-κB/AP-1 activity was suppressed by the inhibition of CERK. Clinically, obese individuals had higher levels of CERK expression in PBMCs compared to lean individuals, which correlated with TNF-α levels. Taken together, these results suggest that CERK plays a key role in regulating inflammatory responses in human monocytes during TNF-α stimulation. CERK may be a relevant target for developing novel therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases.
Relative risk factors of nerve root sedimentation sign (Sedsign) in patients with severe central lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS)
Authors: YU Haiming , HAN Yunfeng , ZHANG Rui , SUN Chu , WANG Mingda , YUE Bo , CHOU Kaiping , LI Bin , ZHANG Nan
Published: January 2021

Here we evaluated the incidence of positive nerve root sedimentation sign (Sedsign) and its correlation with MRI parameters in patients with severe lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) to explore its pathogenesis. Among 209 patients with severe LSS, there were 290 levels with intervertebral narrowing, among which 248 had a positive Sedsign (a prevalence of 85.52%). We then analyzed those levels with a positive Sedsign relative to those with a negative Sedsign (42 levels). There was no significant difference between the two groups for the minimum cross-sectional area (CSA) of the dural sac or the minimum posteroanterior diameter (PAD) of the spinal canal. In contrast, there was a significant difference between the groups for the grade of degenerative facet joint (DFJ) (p < 0.05), the maximum thickness of ligamentum flavum (TLF) (p < 0.01), and the maximum cross-sectional area difference (CSAD) of the dural sac (p < 0.01). In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify associated factors. The area under the ROC curve for PAD was 0.608 (95%CI: 0.55−0.665, p < 0.05), for DFJ was 0.634 (95%CI: 0.576−0.69, p < 0.05), for TLF was 0.74 (95%CI: 0.742−0.839, p < 0.01), and for CSAD was 0.911 (95%CI: 0.875−0.943, p < 0.01). In summary, a positive Sedsign has notable advantages in assisting with the diagnosis of severe LSS. Compression of the dural sac from the rear may be the main cause of a positive Sedsign, and the TLF and DFJ parameters were the main relative risk factors.
Clinical and Ultrasonographic Features of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Located in the Isthmus
Authors: Fan Jinfang , Zhou Wei , Zhan Weiwei , Tao Lingling , Li Weiwei , Kuang Lijun
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the clinical and ultrasonographic features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in the isthmus.Methods: A total of 823 patients with 823 PTCs including 133 in the isthmus and 690 in the lateral lobe were included in our study. All patients were confirmed by post-operative pathology. The clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed.Results: Multi-factor analyses showed that PTC in the isthmus was significantly different from PTC originating from the lateral lobe in aspect ratio, microcalcification, extrathyroid extension, lymph node metastasis（LNM）, lymph node density（LND） (P < 0.05, for all). There were no significant differences in age, gender, tumor size, margin, halo, echogenicity and homogeneity (P > 0.05, for all).Conclusions: The sonographic appearance of PTC in the isthmus was not typical, however, it had a higher incidence of extrathyroidal extension, central lymph node involvement and a tendency of higher lymph node density. Therefore, more careful ultrasound evaluation should be performed for these nodules.
Nutritional Status Among Orphans and Vulnerable Children Aged 6 to 59 Months in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Berr Nina , Nigatu Yemisrach , Dereje Nebiyu
Published: January 2021

Background: Childhood malnutrition is a global problem contributing to more than a third of under-five mortality. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) fare worse than children living with their parents. However, the nutritional and healthcare needs of OVC are under-recognized in Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross sectional study was conducted among OVC aged 6 to 59 months. Multi-stage sampling technique was applied to select the households and eligible children included in the study (n=584). An interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were carried out. The proportions of stunting, wasting and underweight were determined based on the WHO Z-score cut-off. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with stunting. Results: The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 35.1% (95% CI; 31.3% - 39.1%), 4.7% (95% CI; 3.2% - 6.7%) and 12.0% (95% CI; 9.6% - 14.9%), respectively. Stunting was significantly associated with initiation of complementary feeding after 12 months of age (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI 1.16 - 14.11), household food insecurity (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.10 - 3.17), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.03 - 3.42), age ≥ 2 years (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI 1.25 - 2.67), caretaker’s age ≤25 years (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.03 - 2.16) and employment of the caretaker (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.03 - 2.26). Conclusion: The prevalence of all forms of malnutrition among OVC was significantly higher than the national estimate. Most importantly, this study uncovers that the positive health statistics which point towards decreases in under nutrition as evidenced by consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) data do not accurately reflect the condition of the many underprivileged children living in the society. These findings of the study underscore the need for interventions to enhance household food security and caretaker’s awareness on child feeding particularly addressing the OVC.
Effects of Acute Benzo[a]pyrene Exposure on Blood Clam Tegillarca Granosa: Histological Changes, Oxidative Stress, Neurotoxicity and DNA Hypomethylation
Authors: Guo Baoying , Feng Dan , Qi Pengzhi , Liao Zhi , Yan Xiaojun
Published: January 2021

The blood clam is being developed into a model bivalve molluscs for assessing and monitoring marine pollution on the offshore seabed. However, the information on the response of blood clam to PAHs, an organic pollutant usually deposited in submarine sediment, remains limited. Herein, we employed multiple biomarkers, including histological changes, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and global DNA methylation, to investigate the effects of Bap exposure under laboratory conditions on blood clams and its potential mechanisms. Acute Bap exposure can induce significant morphological abnormalities in gills as shown through hematoxylin-eosin (H.E) staining, providing an intuitive understanding on the effects of Bap on the structural organization of blood clams. Meanwhile, the oxidative stress was significantly elevated as manifested by the increase of antioxidants activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST), lipid peroxidation (LPO) level and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) content. The neurotoxicity was also strengthened by Bap toxicity manifested as inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities. In addition, the global DNA methylation level was investigated, and a significant DNA hypomethylation was observed in Bap exposed blood clams. The correlation analysis showed that the global DNA methylation was negatively correlated with antioxidants (SOD, CAT and POD) activities, but positively correlated choline enzymes (AChE and ChAT) activities. These results collectively suggested that acute Bap exposure can cause damage in gills structures in blood clams possibly by generating oxidative stress and neurotoxicity, and the global DNA methylation was inhibited to increase the transcriptional expression level of antioxidants genes and consequently elevate antioxidants activities against Bap toxicity. These results are hoped to shed some new light on the study of ecotoxicology effect of PAHs on marine bivalves.
Novel starter cultures Virgibacillus spp. selected from grasshopper sub shrimp paste to inhibit biogenic amines accumulation
Authors: Zhao Yirui , Sang Xue , Hao Hongshun , Bi Jingran , Zhang Gongliang , Hou Hongman
Published: January 2021

Controlling the content of biogenic amines (BAs) is critical to guarantee the safety of fermented aquatic products. The degradation characteristics and application potential of amine-negative starter cultures (Virgibacillus halodenitrificans CGMCC 1.18601: G25, Virgibacillus pantothenticus CGMCC 1.18602: G38) screened from grasshopper sub shrimp paste (Gssp) were studied. The enzymes of the two strains G25 and G38 that degrade BAs were amine oxidases (AOs) located on their respective cell membranes. The conditions that promoted the AO activity of Virgibacillus spp. were NaCl concentrations 5–10%, temperature 37°C, pH 7.0 and ethanol concentrations 0–2%. Safety assessments (antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm activity and hemolytic activity) indicated that Virgibacillus spp. do not present a risk to human health, and this isolate can be confidently recommended as safe starter cultures for the food industry. Then, the two strains were cultured separately as starters and applied to the Gssp to analyze their influence on the flavor and quality of the product. As far as the bad flavors in Gssp such as sulfur-organic and sulf-chlor were concerned, the response values in the starter groups by G25 and G38 were significantly reduced by 39% and 65%, respectively. For the ability of strains to degrade BAs in Gssp, G25 degraded 11.1% of histamine, 11.3% of tyramine, 15.5% of putrescine and 4.1% of cadaverine; G38 significantly degraded 10.1% of histamine, 21.8% of tyramine, 18.1% of putrescine and 5.0% of cadaverine. These results indicated that the selected species could be used as starter cultures for the control of BA accumulation and degradation in Gssp.
Improving the integrated pastoral resource management of SAPARM information system using Landsat NDVI value for mobility decision making in Lege-Hidha district; Bale lowlands, Southeast Ethiopia
Authors: Meshageria Sintayehu , Alemu Mersha , Legesse Behailu
Published: January 2021

Availability of pasture and water are essential factors determine time and direction of pastorals movement. In Ethiopian pastorals mobility is a common coping strategy for dealing drought and its induced risks. Helping pastoralists more informed on decisions to manage their resource reduces response costs and livelihood losses. Matching scientiﬁc systems with traditional knowledge can lead to the successful resource managements. The aim of this study is improving the Integrated Pastoral Resource Management of SAPARM Information System using Landsat NDVI Value for Mobility Decision Making. The study was conducted on pastorals and agro-pastorals livelihood zones where livestock production is common. Data was collected in Lege-Hidha district using FGD, key informant interviews, community mapping and spatial satellite images from USGS. The spatial data was analysed using GIS/RS spatial data analysis tools. The data analysis on improving the integrated pastoral resource management (SAPARM and traditional system) using Landsat NDVI value is derived from USGS; Landsat at Path 166/167 and Row 54/55 (study area location found between 166/54, 166/55 and 167/54, 167/55) that verified and visualized using ArcGIS 10.3 and Google earth in order to compare Landsat8 NDVI values of 30m2 resolutions with SAPARM information from Meteosat NDVI at 10km2. Landsat8 analysis confirmed that areas where mobility is conducted have better and detailed vegetation (greenness) of enhanced reflectance than SAPARM. This was due to Landsat resolution capacity provides visible and detailed images of the invisible reflectance area on SAPARM, which improves pastoral mobility and decisions based on distances, direction, greenness, classification and allow knowing immediately specific places. Integration systems in this study attempted to apply traditional resource management with satellite assisted information using images of better resolution capacity enables to clarify and detailed reflectance. The improvement using NDVI values of Landsat ensure images with intensive areas of vegetation cover than Meteosat images of SAPARM.
The Effect of MS strength, pH and Sucrose Concentrations on In vitro Propagation of Okra (A belmoschus esculentus L.) from Shoot Tip Explants .
Authors: Woldeyes Girma Gebrehiwot , Senbeta Tileye Feyissa , Adugna Alelegne Yeshamebel , Abegaz Agegnehu Wasse
Published: January 2021

BackgroundOkra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is belongs to the family Malvaceae and genus Hibiscus. Conventional propagation of okra in a large scale is limited due to bacterial, fungal, viral disease and seed dormancy. Hence, micropropagation offers great potential to increasing the commercial availability of okra. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MS strength, sucrose concentration, and pH on the in vitro propagation of A. esculentus from shoot tips. ResultsOkra seeds were sterilized with 70% alcohol, 30% (v/v) Berekina and 0.13% HgCl2 (w/v) for 5, 40 and 10 minutes respectively. The shoots were excised from in vitro germinated seedlings and transferred to full strength MS liquid medium containing 1mg/L BAP. The in vitro initiated shoot tips were transferred to different MS strength (1, ½, ⅓, ¼) medium, sucrose concentration (30 g/L, 20 g/L, 15 g/L, 10 g/L) and pH level (pH 6.6, 6.2, 5.8, 5.4, 5.0) that contained 1.5 mg/L BAP and 200 mg/L activated charcoal. For rooting, different MS strength (full, ½, ⅓, ¼), sucrose (30 g/L, 20 g/L, 15 g/L and 10 g/L) and pH (6.6, 6.2, 5.8, 5.4, 5.0) that contained 1mg/L IBA with 200 mg/L activated charcoal were used. Full strength MS medium containing 30 g/L sucrose at pH 5.8 produced the highest mean shoot number (7.93), mean leaf number (14.37) and mean length (6.4 cm) per explant. Similarly, at pH 6.2 and 6.6 maximum shoot mean number (6.53, 5.80), leaf number (12.77, 10.43) and shoot length (6.32, 5.82 cm) were produced respectively. Maximum mean root number (15.73) and root length (6.05 cm) were recorded at ½ MS strength. At pH 5.8, 6.2 and 6.6 maximum mean root number (1.77, 1.47, 1.80) and root length (1.38, 1.25, 1.39 cm) were obtained. After acclimatization, 86% of plants survived in greenhouse. ConclusionDecreasing the MS strength, sucrose concentration and pH level had an inhibiting effect on both shoot multiplication and root formation of okra. Besides increasing pH value showed inhibiting effect on shoot multiplication.
MicroSEC: Sequence error filtering pipeline for formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples
Authors: Ikegami Masachika , Kohsaka Shinji , Hirose Takeshi , Ueno Toshihide , Kanomata Naoki , Yamauchi Hideko , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Tanaka Sakae , Mano Hiroyuki
Published: January 2021

The clinical sequencing of tumors is usually performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples and results in many sequencing errors. Most of these errors are detected in chimeric reads caused by single-strand DNA molecules with microhomology. Our filtering pipeline, MicroSEC, focuses on the uneven distribution of mutations in each read and removes the sequencing errors in FFPE samples without eliminating the true mutations that are also detected in fresh frozen samples.
HPV16 E6-178G/E7-647G Promotes Proliferation and Inhibits Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer C33A Cells
Authors: Zhe Xiangyi , Zhang Chunhe , Xin Huizhen , Pan Zhenzhen , Li Dongmei , Li Hongtao , Jin Fuyuan , Long Haichen , Zheng Weinan , Shao Renfu , Pan Zemin
Published: January 2021

BackgroundHPV16 is the main cause of cervical cancer. In our study, we aimed to investigate the role of HPV mutants HPV16 E6-178G/E7-647G in the proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer C33A cells. MethodsPlasmids encoding the HPV16 E7 prototype (E7-647A)-GV144, E7 mutant (E7-647G)-GV144, HPV16 E6/E7 prototype (E6-178T/E7-647A)-GV144, and E6/E7 mutant (E6-178G/E7-647G)-GV144 were stably transfected into cervical cancer C33A cells. Western blot analysis, CCK8 proliferation assay, cell cloning assay and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of the different polymorphism sites in HPV16 on cell proliferation and apoptosis. ResultsHPV16 mutations promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of cervical cancer C33A cells, and the effect of the E6-178G/E7-647G co-mutation was significantly greater than that of the single E7-647G mutant (P<0.05). ConclusionsHPV16 E6-178G/E7-647G can thus promote the proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Importance: HPV16 is the most common type and the main cause of cervical cancer. It is a fatal threat to the health of millions of women. The genetic differences among HPV16 sub-types may be related to their carcinogenic potential. HPV mutations can differ in biology and etiology, leading to differences in tumor development and behavior. However, little is known about the carcinogenic potential of the HPV16 variant in Asian women compared to many studies in European and American populations.
The Surface Antigen 1(SAG1) of Toxoplasma Gondii Interacts With RACK1 Inducing Autophagy and Maintaining The Viability of Host Cells
Authors: An Ni , Li Bing , Liu Yu-ming , Zhang Zhi-xuan , Su Rongjian , Liu Xiao-gang
Published: January 2021

BackgroundIt has been well known that the surface antigen 1(SAG 1) of T.gondii plays an important role in the invasion of Tachyzoite into host cells. However whether it also play a role in the intracellular parasitism of T.gondii remains unclear. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of SAG1 on host cells and investigate the underlying mechanism. MethodsSAG1 was overexpressed in human embryonic kidney cell 293(HEK) by transfection. Autophagy was determined by fluorescent microscope and flow cytometry (FCM) in HEK293 cells co-transfected with Flag-SAG1 and EGFP-LC3. The interaction of SAG1 and RACK1 was measured by co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP), GST pulldown and fluorescent microscope. The expression of cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12 was determined by qRT-PCR. The expression of LC3, Ki67 and RACK1 was detected by Western blot. Cellular senescence was measured by β-galactosidase staining.ResultsWe found that overexpression of SAG1 in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) induces non-canonical autophagy and inhibition of autophagy using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) significantly decreases the cell viability of HEK293 cells. Mechanically, we identified RACK1, an intracellular multifunctional protein as a binding partner of SAG1. Depletion of RACK1 inhibited SAG1 induces non-autophagy and decreases the enhanced expression of cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α in SAG1 overexpressing cells. ConclusionThese data showed that SAG1 could induce non-canonical autophagy and facilitate the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α by interacting with RACK1, maintaining the viability of host cells. Our results suggests a new contribution of SAG1 in the intracellular parasitism.