bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Relationship between Snowmelt Runoff for Different Latitudes and Vegetation Growth Based on an Improved SWAT Model in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Duan Yongchao , Luo Min , Guo Xiufeng , Cai Peng , Li Fu
Published: January 2021

Rivers located in high altitude mountainous areas provide a large number of water resources and are also high-risk areas for seasonal snow melt floods. The accurate calculation and simulation of snow melting processes can provide reliable data for flood disaster prediction. In order to make the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model more suitable for high altitude mountainous areas, the effect of the daily accumulated temperature on the precipitation pattern and snow melting is fully considered. Applying the modified model to three mountain systems with different latitudes in Xinjiang can not only improve our understanding of the characteristics of snowmelt flooding but can also be used to test the applicability of the modified model. Through comparison, it was found that the simulation accuracy of the modified model of the flood peak value was improved by 56.19%. The correlation coefficient between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and snowmelt increased from 0.27 to 0.68. This study provides a new method for accurately understanding the process of snowmelt runoff in the mountainous area and provides new insights into the effects of snowmelt runoff on vegetation growth at different latitudes.
Assessment of Precise Land Levelling on Surface Irrigation Development. Impacts on Maize Water Productivity and Economics
Authors: Miao Qingfeng , Gonçalves José M. , Li Ruiping , Gonçalves Diana , Levita Tiago , Shi Haibin
Published: January 2021

The new technologies of surface irrigation require the adoption of effective Laser-controlled precision land levelling (PLL) to reach the high irrigation performance standards, with significant benefits on water saving, salinity control, crop productivity, and farmer’s income. This study aimed to assess the performance and the impacts of PLL on surface irrigation systems, focusing the maize crop on the irrigation districts Hetao (China) and Lower-Mondego (Portugal). The experimental study at field scale assessed the PLL and evaluated the on-farm irrigation under precise levelled fields and well management practices. PLL operators have been inquired to improve the knowledge about hiring services. The design of surface irrigation scenarios allowed to explain the effects of field size and slope on irrigation and land levelling performance. The best practice to manage the PLL maintenance is an important issue to guarantee a high effectiveness of irrigation performance. The optimization of PLL appeals the application of best soil tillage practices and the monitoring of soil surface elevations with newest information technologies. Efficient operational guidelines to support the PLL planning, schedule, and operation, well trained operators and carefully adjusted equipment, are key factors to the improvement.
Progress and Gaps in Research on Urban Green Space Morphology: A Review
Authors: Zou Hao , Wang Xiaojun
Published: January 2021

Examining urban green space from the perspective of morphology is an important way to perform the current practice of urban green space planning, preserve and restore the function of urban natural habitats, and maintain good spatial patterns of urban ecological environment. Based on the investigation and analysis of relevant scientific literature on urban green space morphology, we discussed the regional and temporal context and the knowledge frame of the relevant research on urban green space morphology. The frontier methods and technologies within the research category were summarized, including studies on urban green space planning, studies on urban green space pattern and urban landscape pattern, and studies on strategies, planning management, and solutions for sustainable development of urban green space. Finally, the existing problems in urban green space morphology research were discussed, and the future research directions and objectives were proposed.
Static and Dynamic Investigations on Leaching/Retention of Nutrients from Raw Poultry Manure Biochars and Amended Agricultural Soil
Authors: Hadroug Samar , Jellali Salah , Jeguirim Mejdi , Kwapinska Marzena , Hamdi Helmi , Leahy James J. , Kwapinski Witold
Published: January 2021

In this study, nutrients release/adsorption from/by raw poultry manure-derived biochar produced at a pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C (RPM-B) was assessed under static and dynamic conditions. Batch sequential leaching experiments of RPM-B for a total contact time of 10 days showed that both phosphorus and potassium were slowly released but with higher amounts compared to various other animal- and lignocellulosic-derived biochars. The cumulated released P and K amounts were assessed to 93.6 and 17.1 mg g−1, which represent about 95% and 43% of their original contents in the RPM-B, respectively. The column combined leaching/adsorption experiments showed that amending an alkaline sandy agricultural soil with two doses of RPM-B (at 5% and 8% w:w) resulted in an efficient retention of NO3-N and NH4-N, and on the contrary, important leached amounts of PO4-P, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ but with relatively slow kinetic release rates for a long period. Even after 40 days of dynamic leaching, these latter nutrients continued to be released with kinetic rates lower than 10 mg kg−1 d−1. Thus, compared to synthetic fertilizers, RPM-B valorization as organic amendment for poor semiarid soils could be considered as an attractive, eco-friendly, and sustainable waste recycling option.
German Labor Emigration in Times of Technological Change: Occupational Characteristics and Geographical Patterns
Authors: Décieux Jean Philippe , Mergener Alexandra
Published: January 2021

Technological change has altered labor market demands within well-developed societies implying global competition for skilled labor and, as a consequence, new forms of labor migration. So far, patterns of this labor migration have been underexplored. Thus, the article analyzes characteristics, geographies and possible underlying drivers of workers migrating from Germany as an exemplary case for a well-developed country. Relying on probability-based and unique data, our findings reveal that, besides demand for people with higher levels of education, performing specific occupational tasks is also in demand in the global competition for talent. Hence, Germans in jobs with a high proportion of analytical non-routine tasks are more likely to emigrate than those with predominantly manual routine tasks. Moreover, the results show that global discrepancies concerning the technological development between the country of origin and the country to which they emigrate are a crucial contextual driver attracting this specifically demanded work force. Workers mainly performing analytical non-routine tasks within their job tend to move to countries which are technologically more developed than Germany while individuals performing jobs with a high share of non-routine manual or interactive tasks tend to emigrate to countries that are less technologically developed than Germany.
A Review of Deep-Learning-Based Medical Image Segmentation Methods
Authors: Liu Xiangbin , Song Liping , Liu Shuai , Zhang Yudong
Published: January 2021

As an emerging biomedical image processing technology, medical image segmentation has made great contributions to sustainable medical care. Now it has become an important research direction in the field of computer vision. With the rapid development of deep learning, medical image processing based on deep convolutional neural networks has become a research hotspot. This paper focuses on the research of medical image segmentation based on deep learning. First, the basic ideas and characteristics of medical image segmentation based on deep learning are introduced. By explaining its research status and summarizing the three main methods of medical image segmentation and their own limitations, the future development direction is expanded. Based on the discussion of different pathological tissues and organs, the specificity between them and their classic segmentation algorithms are summarized. Despite the great achievements of medical image segmentation in recent years, medical image segmentation based on deep learning has still encountered difficulties in research. For example, the segmentation accuracy is not high, the number of medical images in the data set is small and the resolution is low. The inaccurate segmentation results are unable to meet the actual clinical requirements. Aiming at the above problems, a comprehensive review of current medical image segmentation methods based on deep learning is provided to help researchers solve existing problems.
First Insights into the Effect of Mycorrhizae on the Expression of Pathogen Effectors during the Infection of Grapevine with Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Cruz-Silva Ana , Figueiredo Andreia , Sebastiana Mónica
Published: January 2021

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), widely used for berry and wine production, is highly susceptible to the pathogenic oomycete Plasmopara viticola, the etiological agent of grapevine downy mildew disease. The method commonly used to prevent and control P. viticola infection relies on multiple applications of chemical fungicides. However, with European Union goals to lower the usage of such chemicals in viticulture there is a need to develop new and more sustainable strategies. The use of beneficial microorganisms with biocontrol capabilities, such as the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), has been pointed out as a viable alternative. With this study, we intended to investigate the effect of AMF colonization on the expression of P. viticola effectors during infection of grapevine. Grapevine plants were inoculated with the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis and, after mycorrhizae development, plants were infected with P. viticola. The expression of P. viticola RxLR effectors was analyzed by real-time PCR (qPCR) during the first hours of interaction. Results show that pre-mycorrhizal inoculation of grapevine alters the expression of several P. viticola effectors; namely, PvRxLR28, which presented decreased expression in mycorrhizal plants at the two time points post-infection tested. These results suggest that the pre-inoculation of grapevine with AMF could interfere with the pathogen’s ability to infect grapevine by modulation of pathogenicity effectors expression, supporting the hypothesis that AMF can be used to increase plant resistance to pathogens and promote more sustainable agriculture practices, particularly in viticulture.
Behind the Curtain: Workplace Incivility—Individual Actors in Cultural Settings
Authors: Jelavić Sanda Rašić , Aleksić Ana , Braje Ivana Načinović
Published: January 2021

Uncivil behavior at work can have numerous consequences for individuals and the organization. This paper examines the interplay of personality traits and organizational culture as antecedents of workplace incivility. Empirical research on a sample of 251 employees has shown that the perceptions and occurrence of workplace incivility can be significantly related to personality traits and features of organizational culture. When looking at the combined effect of personality and organizational culture, culture determines one’s perception and experience of incivility stronger than personality traits alone. The research showed that personality trait agreeableness and emphasizing values related to clan, market or adhocracy culture could reduce the odds of workplace incivility.
Electronic Origin of Tc in Bulk and Monolayer FeSe
Authors: Acharya Swagata , Pashov Dimitar , Jamet Francois , van Schilfgaarde Mark
Published: January 2021

FeSe is classed as a Hund’s metal, with a multiplicity of d bands near the Fermi level. Correlations in Hund’s metals mostly originate from the exchange parameter J, which can drive a strong orbital selectivity in the correlations. The Fe-chalcogens are the most strongly correlated of the Fe-based superconductors, with dxy the most correlated orbital. Yet little is understood whether and how such correlations directly affect the superconducting instability in Hund’s systems. By applying a recently developed ab initio theory, we show explicitly the connections between correlations in dxy and the superconducting critical temperature Tc. Starting from the ab initio results as a reference, we consider various kinds of excursions in parameter space around the reference to determine what controls Tc. We show small excursions in J can cause colossal changes in Tc. Additionally we consider changes in hopping by varying the Fe-Se bond length in bulk, in the free standing monolayer M-FeSe, and M-FeSe on a SrTiO3 substrate (M-FeSe/STO). The twin conditions of proximity of the dxy state to the Fermi energy, and the strength of J emerge as the primary criteria for incoherent spectral response and enhanced single- and two-particle scattering that in turn controls Tc. Using c-RPA, we show further that FeSe in monolayer form (M-FeSe) provides a natural mechanism to enhance J. We explain why M-FeSe/STO has a high Tc, whereas M-FeSe in isolation should not. Our study opens a paradigm for a unified understanding what controls Tc in bulk, layers, and interfaces of Hund’s metals by hole pocket and electron screening cloud engineering.
Research on Decoupling of Parallel Six-Axis Force/Torque Sensor Based on an Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Liu Lu , Wang Kai , He Jing , Li Zhanxian
Published: January 2021

This study proposes a parallel six-axis force/torque sensor decoupling method based on an independent component analysis (ICA), and the experimental platform is built for experimental exploration. First of all, the structural model and mathematical model of the parallel six-axis force/torque sensor are introduced, which is composed of single-dimensional force sensors with central symmetry. Secondly, the test prototype was developed and a test platform was built to perform online static loading test on the sensor, and the test results were analyzed. Finally, the ICA-based dynamic decoupling study of the sensor is carried out, the effectiveness and rationality of the proposed algorithm are proved. The research results of this paper have certain reference values for the further study of the decoupling of parallel six-axis force/torque sensors.
Extending Friedmann Equations Using Fractional Derivatives Using a Last Step Modification Technique: The Case of a Matter Dominated Accelerated Expanding Universe
Authors: Barrientos Ernesto , Mendoza Sergio , Padilla Pablo
Published: January 2021

We present a toy model for extending the Friedmann equations of relativistic cosmology using fractional derivatives. We do this by replacing the integer derivatives, in a few well-known cosmological results with fractional derivatives leaving their order as a free parameter. All this with the intention to explain the current observed acceleration of the Universe. We apply the Last Step Modification technique of fractional calculus to construct some useful fractional equations of cosmology. The fits of the unknown fractional derivative order and the fractional cosmographic parameters to SN Ia data shows that this simple construction can explain the current accelerated expansion of the Universe without the use of a dark energy component with a MOND-like behaviour using Milgrom’s acceleration constant which sheds light into to the non-necessity of a dark matter component as well.
Lie Symmetry Group for Unsteady Free Convection Boundary-Layer Flow over a Vertical Surface
Authors: Abd-el-Malek Mina B. , Badran Nagwa A. , Amin Amr M. , Hanafy Anood M.
Published: January 2021

The Lie symmetry group transformation method was used to investigate the partial differential equations that model the motion of a natural convective unsteady flow past to a non-isothermal vertical flat surface. The one-parameter Lie group transformation was applied twice consecutively to convert the motion governing equations into a system of ordinary differential equations. The obtained system of ordinary differential equations was solved numerically using the Lobatto IIIA formula (implicit Runge–Kutta method). The effect of the Prandtl number on the temperature and velocity profiles is illustrated graphically.
Solid Particle Erosion Area of Rotor Blades: Application on Small-Size Unmanned Helicopters
Authors: Yao Yongming , Bai Xupeng , Liu Huiying , Li Tianyu , Liu Jianbo , Zhou Guangli
Published: January 2021

Rotor blades play an important role in unmanned helicopters, and it is of great significance to study the erosion of rotor blades. In this study, titanium alloy (Ti-4Al-1.5Mn) was used as the helicopter rotor blades’ surface material. The commercial software Ansys-Fluent 18.0 was mainly used to study the erosion of solid particles on the helicopter rotor blades. The moving mesh method and the discrete phase method (DPM) were used to construct an erosion model of the blades at different speeds (500, 1000, or 2000 rpm), and at different particle mass flow rates (0.5, 1, or 1.5 kg/s). The results show that the erosion of helicopter blades is mainly observed at the leading edge and at the tip of the blades. At different particle mass flow rates, greater particle mass flow rates lead to greater DPM erosion rates. As the blade speed increases, the maximum DPM erosion rate decreases, but the severely eroded area increases. Finally, the values of the severely eroded area of the helicopter rotor blades and the ratios of the severely eroded area growth are obtained through the image processing method.
Probing the Nuclear Equation of State from the Existence of a ∼2.6 M⊙ Neutron Star: The GW190814 Puzzle
Authors: Kanakis-Pegios Alkiviadis , Koliogiannis Polychronis S. , Moustakidis Charalampos C.
Published: January 2021

On 14 August 2019, the LIGO/Virgo collaboration observed a compact object with mass ∼2.59−0.09+0.08M⊙, as a component of a system where the main companion was a black hole with mass ∼23M⊙. A scientific debate initiated concerning the identification of the low mass component, as it falls into the neutron star–black hole mass gap. The understanding of the nature of GW190814 event will offer rich information concerning open issues, the speed of sound and the possible phase transition into other degrees of freedom. In the present work, we made an effort to probe the nuclear equation of state along with the GW190814 event. Firstly, we examine possible constraints on the nuclear equation of state inferred from the consideration that the low mass companion is a slow or rapidly rotating neutron star. In this case, the role of the upper bounds on the speed of sound is revealed, in connection with the dense nuclear matter properties. Secondly, we systematically study the tidal deformability of a possible high mass candidate existing as an individual star or as a component one in a binary neutron star system. As the tidal deformability and radius are quantities very sensitive on the neutron star equation of state, they are excellent counters on dense matter properties. We conjecture that similar isolated neutron stars or systems may exist in the universe and their possible future observation will shed light on the maximum neutron star mass problem.
Solution Behavior Near Very Rough Walls under Axial Symmetry: An Exact Solution for Anisotropic Rigid/Plastic Material
Authors: Alexandrov Sergei , Lyamina Elena , Manach Pierre-Yves
Published: January 2021

Rigid plastic material models are suitable for modeling metal forming processes at large strains where elastic effects are negligible. A distinguished feature of many models of this class is that the velocity field is describable by non-differentiable functions in the vicinity of certain friction surfaces. Such solution behavior causes difficulty with numerical solutions. On the other hand, it is useful for describing some material behavior near the friction surfaces. The exact asymptotic representation of singular solution behavior near the friction surface depends on constitutive equations and certain conditions at the friction surface. The present paper focuses on a particular boundary value problem for anisotropic material obeying Hill’s quadratic yield criterion under axial symmetry. This boundary value problem represents the deformation mode that appears in the vicinity of frictional interfaces in a class of problems. In this respect, the applied aspect of the boundary value problem is not essential, but the exact mathematical analysis can occur without relaxing the original system of equations and boundary conditions. We show that some strain rate and spin components follow an inverse square rule near the friction surface. An essential difference from the available analysis under plane strain conditions is that the system of equations is not hyperbolic.
Impact of Acid-Base Status on Mortality in Patients with Acute Pesticide Poisoning
Authors: Gil Hyo-Wook , Hong Min , Lee HwaMin , Cho Nam-jun , Lee Eun-Young , Park Samel
Published: January 2021

We investigated clinical impacts of various acid-base approaches (physiologic, base excess (BE)-based, and physicochemical) on mortality in patients with acute pesticide intoxication and mutual intercorrelated effects using principal component analysis (PCA). This retrospective study included patients admitted from January 2015 to December 2019 because of pesticide intoxication. We compared parameters assessing the acid-base status between two groups, survivors and non-survivors. Associations between parameters and 30-days mortality were investigated. A total of 797 patients were analyzed. In non-survivors, pH, bicarbonate concentration (HCO3−), total concentration of carbon dioxide (tCO2), BE, and effective strong ion difference (SIDe) were lower and apparent strong ion difference (SIDa), strong ion gap (SIG), total concentration of weak acids, and corrected anion gap (corAG) were higher than in survivors. In the multivariable logistic analysis, BE, corAG, SIDa, and SIDe were associated with mortality. PCA identified four principal components related to mortality. SIDe, HCO3−, tCO2, BE, SIG, and corAG were loaded to principal component 1 (PC1), referred as total buffer bases to receive and handle generated acids. PC1 was an important factor in predicting mortality irrespective of the pesticide category. PC3, loaded mainly with pCO2, suggested respiratory components of the acid-base system. PC3 was associated with 30-days mortality, especially in organophosphate or carbamate poisoning. Our study showed that acid-base abnormalities were associated with mortality in patients with acute pesticide poisoning. We reduced these variables into four PCs, resembling the physicochemical approach, revealed that PCs representing total buffer bases and respiratory components played an important role in acute pesticide poisoning.
Brevisulcenals-A1 and A2, Sulfate Esters of Brevisulcenals, Isolated from the Red Tide Dinoflagellate Karenia brevisulcata
Authors: Satake Masayuki , Irie Raku , Holland Patrick T. , Harwood D Tim , Shi Feng , Itoh Yoshiyuki , Hayashi Fumiaki , Zhang Huiping
Published: January 2021

Two different types of polycyclic ether toxins, namely brevisulcenals (KBTs) and brevisulcatic acids (BSXs), produced by the red tide dinoflagellate Karenia brevisulcata, were the cause of a toxic incident that occurred in New Zealand in 1998. Four major components, KBT-F, -G, -H, and -I, shown to be cytotoxic and lethal in mice, were isolated from cultured K. brevisulcata cells, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. New analogues, brevisulcenal-A1 (KBT-A1) and brevisulcenal-A2 (KBT-A2), toxins of higher polarity than that of known KBTs, were isolated from neutral lipophilic extracts of bulk dinoflagellate culture extracts. The structures of KBT-A1 and KBT-A2 were elucidated as sulfated analogues of KBT-F and KBT-G, respectively, by NMR and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/TOF), and by comparison with the spectra of KBT-F and KBT-G. The cytotoxicities of the sulfate analogues were lower than those of KBT-F and KBT-G.
Comparison of EEJ Longitudinal Variation from Satellite and Ground Measurements over Different Solar Activity Levels
Authors: Ismail Wan Nur Izzaty , Hamid Nurul Shazana Abdul , Abdullah Mardina , Yoshikawa Akimasa , Uozumi Teiji , Radzi Zahira Mohd
Published: January 2021

The longitudinal variability and local time of equatorial electrojet (EEJ) current using simultaneous data recorded by ground and satellite magnetometers at different levels of solar activity were investigated. In this study, we used data from the CHAMP and Swarm satellites to obtain EEJ current measurements around the globe. The ground data were provided by the MAGDAS, INTERMAGNET, and IIG networks. The ground observation was carried out by analyzing magnetometer data in four different sectors: the South American, Indian, African, and Southeast Asian sectors. These ground data were normalized to the dip equator to overcome the latitudinal variation of each station. The analysis for both measurements was performed using quiet day data. Both the ground and satellite data were categorized according to solar activity level; low, moderate, and high. The results revealed that, during the low solar activity, there was a good agreement between the longitudinal profiles of the EEJ measured using the satellite and the ground data. In general, strong correlations were obtained in most of the sectors where ground data were available between 11 and 13 local time (LT). Besides that, our analysis revealed that the different times of maximum EEJ appearances were seasonally dependent only at certain longitude sectors.
Interactions of Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 with the Lung Endothelium: Similarities, Differences, and Implications for Therapy
Authors: Latreille Elyse , Lee Warren L.
Published: January 2021

Respiratory viruses such as influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are a constant threat to public health given their ability to cause global pandemics. Infection with either virus may lead to aberrant host responses, such as excessive immune cell recruitment and activation, dysregulated inflammation, and coagulopathy. These may contribute to the development of lung edema and respiratory failure. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that lung endothelial cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of both viruses. In this review, we discuss how infection with influenza or SARS-CoV-2 may induce endothelial dysfunction. We compare the effects of infection of these two viruses, how they may contribute to pathogenesis, and discuss the implications for potential treatment. Understanding the differences between the effects of these two viruses on lung endothelial cells will provide important insight to guide the development of therapeutics.
Viral Hijack of Filamentous Surface Structures in Archaea and Bacteria
Authors: Tittes Colin , Schwarzer Sabine , Quax Tessa E. F.
Published: January 2021

The bacterial and archaeal cell surface is decorated with filamentous surface structures that are used for different functions, such as motility, DNA exchange and biofilm formation. Viruses hijack these structures and use them to ride to the cell surface for successful entry. In this review, we describe currently known mechanisms for viral attachment, translocation, and entry via filamentous surface structures. We describe the different mechanisms used to exploit various surface structures bacterial and archaeal viruses. This overview highlights the importance of filamentous structures at the cell surface for entry of prokaryotic viruses.
Phenotypical Characterization of the Nuclear Egress of Recombinant Cytomegaloviruses Reveals Defective Replication upon ORF-UL50 Deletion but Not pUL50 Phosphosite Mutation
Authors: Häge Sigrun , Sonntag Eric , Svrlanska Adriana , Borst Eva Maria , Stilp Anne-Charlotte , Horsch Deborah , Müller Regina , Kropff Barbara , Milbradt Jens , Stamminger Thomas , Schlötzer-Schrehardt Ursula , Marschall Manfred
Published: January 2021

Nuclear egress is a common herpesviral process regulating nucleocytoplasmic capsid release. For human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the nuclear egress complex (NEC) is determined by the pUL50-pUL53 core that regulates multicomponent assembly with NEC-associated proteins and capsids. Recently, NEC crystal structures were resolved for α-, β- and γ-herpesviruses, revealing profound structural conservation, which was not mirrored, however, by primary sequence and binding properties. The NEC binding principle is based on hook-into-groove interaction through an N-terminal hook-like pUL53 protrusion that embraces an α-helical pUL50 binding groove. So far, pUL50 has been considered as the major kinase-interacting determinant and massive phosphorylation of pUL50-pUL53 was assigned to NEC formation and functionality. Here, we addressed the question of phenotypical changes of ORF-UL50-mutated HCMVs. Surprisingly, our analyses did not detect a predominant replication defect for most of these viral mutants, concerning parameters of replication kinetics (qPCR), viral protein production (Western blot/CoIP) and capsid egress (confocal imaging/EM). Specifically, only the ORF-UL50 deletion rescue virus showed a block of genome synthesis during late stages of infection, whereas all phosphosite mutants exhibited marginal differences compared to wild-type or revertants. These results (i) emphasize a rate-limiting function of pUL50 for nuclear egress, and (ii) demonstrate that mutations in all mapped pUL50 phosphosites may be largely compensated. A refined mechanistic concept points to a multifaceted nuclear egress regulation, for which the dependence on the expression and phosphorylation of pUL50 is discussed.
Innate Immune Sensing of Viruses and Its Consequences for the Central Nervous System
Authors: Singh Hina , Koury Jeffrey , Kaul Marcus
Published: January 2021

Viral infections remain a global public health concern and cause a severe societal and economic burden. At the organismal level, the innate immune system is essential for the detection of viruses and constitutes the first line of defense. Viral components are sensed by host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). PRRs can be further classified based on their localization into Toll-like receptors (TLRs), C-type lectin receptors (CLR), retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs) and cytosolic DNA sensors (CDS). TLR and RLR signaling results in production of type I interferons (IFNα and -β) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in a cell-specific manner, whereas NLR signaling leads to the production of interleukin-1 family proteins. On the other hand, CLRs are capable of sensing glycans present in viral pathogens, which can induce phagocytic, endocytic, antimicrobial, and pro- inflammatory responses. Peripheral immune sensing of viruses and the ensuing cytokine response can significantly affect the central nervous system (CNS). But viruses can also directly enter the CNS via a multitude of routes, such as the nasal epithelium, along nerve fibers connecting to the periphery and as cargo of infiltrating infected cells passing through the blood brain barrier, triggering innate immune sensing and cytokine responses directly in the CNS. Here, we review mechanisms of viral immune sensing and currently recognized consequences for the CNS of innate immune responses to viruses.
Comparison of Fat Harvested from Flank and Falciform Regions for Stem Cell Therapy in Dogs
Authors: Jifcovici Alexandra , Solano Miguel A. , Fitzpatrick Noel , Findji Laurent , Blunn Gordon , Sanghani-Kerai Anita
Published: January 2021

Background: Adipose tissue has recently gained attention as a source of mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) for applications in treating degenerative joint disease in veterinary patients. This study aimed to quantify the stromal vascular fractions (SVFs) and colony forming units (CFU) of AdMSCs from the falciform and flank regions and compare dogs of different ages and weights. Methods: Fat tissue was harvested from the flank (21 dogs) and falciform regions (17 dogs). The fat tissue was enzymatically digested and the number of nucleated cells in the SVF was counted. The SVF was cultured in vitro and the cell growth was assessed by counting the CFU per gram of fat and the aspect ratio of the cells. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the number of nucleated cells in the SVF from the two sites. The CFU/g of fat from falciform was 378.9 ± 293 g and from flank was 486.8 ± 517 g, and this was also insignificant. Neither age nor weight of the patient had an impact on the SVF or CFU/g. No surgical complications were reported from either of the sites. Harvesting fat for stem cell therapy for intra-articular therapy of degenerative joint disease can be an easy and fast process when obtaining the fat either from the flank or the falciform region, and it is not age or weight dependent. The harvest site for clinical canine patients can be left to the surgeon’s discretion and comfort.
Equity vs. Efficiency and the Human Right to Water
Authors: Prieto Manuel
Published: January 2021

One of the most crucial discussions within water resource management is the debate between those who defend the concept of economic efficiency and those who privilege notions of social equity. This tension is located at the core of binary categories that currently constitute the public debate within comparative water law and policy. These categories are commodity/human right, private property/common property, free-market/state regulation, and market value/community value. This paper explores this tension by studying how neoclassical economics understands efficiency and tracing its rise as a key hegemonic principle for water resource management. I also present equity as a conceptual opposition to efficiency and describe its institutionalization through the human-right-to-water frame. A problematization of both the equity approach and the human-right-to-water frame follows. Finally, I propose a political ecology approach to better understand the tension between efficiency and equity and offer recommendations for informing the water research agenda on efficiency/equity.
From Waste to Biosorbent: Removal of Congo Red from Water by Waste Wood Biomass
Authors: Stjepanović Marija , Velić Natalija , Galić Antonela , Kosović Indira , Jakovljević Tamara , Habuda-Stanić Mirna
Published: January 2021

The aim of the study was to screen the waste wood biomass of 10 wood species as biosorbents for synthetic dye Congo Red (CR) removal from water and to single out the most efficient species for further batch biosorption experiments. Euroamerican poplar (EP), the most efficient species achieving 71.8% CR removal and biosorption capacity of 3.3 mg g−1, was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Different factors affecting the biosorption process were investigated: initial biosorbent concentration (1–10 g dm−3), contact time (5–360 min), initial CR concentration (10–100 mg dm−3), and the initial pH (pH = 4–9). The results showed that CR removal efficiency increased with the increase of biosorbent concentration and contact time. Increase of initial CR concentration led to an increase of the biosorption capacity, but also a decrease of CR removal efficiency. The highest CR removal efficiency was achieved at pH = 4, while at pH = 9 a significant decrease was noticed. The percentage of CR removal from synthetic wastewater was 18.6% higher than from model CR solution. The Langmuir model fitted well the biosorption data, with the maximum biosorption capacity of 8 mg g−1. The kinetics data were found to conform to the pseudo-second-order kinetics model.
MAPKs and HSPs’ Activation of a Natural Daphnia magna Population in a Man-Perturbed Lake: Implications of Ecological Significance
Authors: Demertzioglou Maria , Antonopoulou Efthimia , Voutsa Dimitra , Kozari Argyri , Moustaka-Gouni Maria , Michaloudi Evangelia
Published: January 2021

Natural and anthropogenic pressures in inland waters induce molecular response mechanisms in organisms as a defense against such multiple stressors. We studied, for the first time, the expression of the stress proteins, heat shock proteins (HSP) and mitogen-activated proteins kinase (MAPK), in a Daphnia magna natural population as a response to environmental changes in a heavily modified water body (Lake Koronia, Northern Greece). In parallel, the water physicochemical parameters, nutrients’ concentration and phytoplankton abundance were measured. Our results showed fluctuations of the proteins’ levels (HSP70, HSP90, phospho-p38 MAPK, phospho-p44/42 MAPK) providing evidence of their expression in situ. HSP70 showed an increasing tendency while for HSP90, no tendency was recorded. The MAPKs’ members followed a reverse pattern compared to each other. The differential expression of HSP and MAPK members indicates that D. magna in Lake Koronia experienced stressors such as increasing temperature, salinity and increased nutrient concentrations, high pH values and variations in phytoplankton abundance that triggered their activation. These in situ findings suggest that HSP and MAPK expression patterns have the potential to be used as biomarkers of stress factors in D. magna, for effective biomonitoring and setting ecological restoration targets.
Fishery-Based Ecotourism in Developing Countries Can Enhance the Social-Ecological Resilience of Coastal Fishers—A Case Study of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Muslem , Schneider Petra , Asif Md. Rashedul Islam , Rahman Mohammad Saifur , Arifuzzaman  , Mozumder Mohammad Mojibul Hoque
Published: January 2021

The importance of recreational fishing, in many coastal areas and less developed nations, is increasing rapidly. Connecting fisheries to tourism can create innovative tourism products and provide new income sources. The present study is the first to explore the concept of coastal fishery-based ecotourism (FbE) to enhance the social–ecological resilience of coastal fishing communities in a specific tourist spot in Bangladesh. A combination of primary (quantitative and qualitative) and secondary (literature databases) data sources were used in this study. It applied a social–ecological system (SES) and social–ecological resilience (SER) concept to collect quantitative and qualitative data (120 in-depth individual interviews, four focus group discussions, and strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats-SWOT analyses) and frame their interpretation. The study found that Bangladesh needs to adopt a firm policy to utilize tourism’s potential in national economic development and societal progress. The findings show the considerable potential of the concept that integrates business, education, and an environmental conservation perspective in Bangladesh, specifically for Saint Martin’s Island: 32% of interviewees expressed that increasing employment opportunities and the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) is the primary potential, whereas 31% said it would attract fishing tourists and 23% believed it would develop the local infrastructure and facilities for fishing and tourism. Similarly, most of the respondents (31%) thought that the lack of awareness and promotional activities is the main limitation preventing this initiative from being well accepted. Moreover, based on the findings, specific measures for strengthening the social–ecological resilience of the coastal fishers via FbE at the local level were suggested, including building communal links, developing community infrastructures, revising prevailing rules and regulations, offering alternative means of generating income for fishers during disaster periods, and more active sharing of responsibility between stakeholders and government for the management of FbE. Finally, with its focus on the prospects and challenges of coastal FbE development on Saint Martin’s Island, this article provides a useful reference point for future discourse on similar social and economic strategies. While this study focuses on Bangladesh’s coastal fishing villages, the results are possibly applicable more broadly in similar contexts and developing countries worldwide.
KESELARASAN DISIPLIN, PROMOSI KREATIF DAN KUALITAS LAYANAN MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI KERJA PADA PT ASURANSI BANGUN ASKRIDA JAKARTA
Authors: Utomo Kurniawan Prambudi , Supriyanto Supriyanto , Winardi N Muhammad Aziz
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini menjelaskan tentang pengaruh dan hubungan disiplin dan promosi kreatif dalam meningkatkan motivasi kerja karyawan PT Askrida Jakarta dalam mempertahankan jumlah nasabah dan memperluaskan jangkauan produk, adapun tujuan penelitian untuk menguji pengaruh dan hubungan antara variabel dan nilai korelasinya dengan metode penelitian secara kuantitatif serta jumlah responden sebanyak 100 karyawan dalam jangka waktu enam bulan yaitu Januari hingga Juni 2019, dan hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa antar variabel menunjukan nilai positif dan signifikan, juga untuk uji statistik menjelaskan hasil yang cukup baik sehingga perlu meningkatkan motivasi kerja dengan terus meningkatkan disiplin dan berpromosi secara kreatif di PT Asuransi Bangun Askrida Jakarta agar dapat meningkatkan keuntungan perusahaan dan tetap menjaga kesejahteraan karyawan dan menjaga kepuasan nasabah.

Kata kunci: disiplin, promosi kreatif, motivasi.
ANALISIS PENGARUH RASIO KEUANGAN TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM PADA PERUSAHAAN PERKEBUNAN YANG TERCATAT DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA
Authors: Aranza Naufal Bintang , Sulistyowati Lies
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study to investigate the effect of financial ratio on the stock price of plantation companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange. The research method used the associative method in a casual relationship form. The study used an annual report from 14 plantation companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period 2014 to 2018 as the study sample. Data method analysis in the study used regression data panel analysis with the fixed-effect model. The result shows that the debt to equity ratio has a significant effect on stock price, whereas the current ratio, return on asset, and the price-earnings ratio has an effect but not significant on stock price from plantation companies. The researcher suggested that investors pay attention to the debt to equity ratio before investing in plantation companies because this ratio can show the investment risk of the company.

Keywords: Financial Ratio, Stock Price, Plantation

 

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisa pengaruh dari rasio keuangan terhadap harga saham dari perusahaan perkebunan yang tercatat di Bursa Efek Indonesia. Metode penelitian yang digunakan merupakan metode asosiatif dalam bentuk hubungan kausal. Penelitian menggunakan laporan tahunan dari 14 perusahaan perkebunan yang tercatat di Bursa Efek Indonesia dalam periode 2014-2018 sebagai sampel penelitian. Metode analisa data yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi data panel dengan model fixed effect. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa debt to equity ratio memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap harga saham, sedangkan untuk current ratio, return on asset, dan price earning ratio tidak memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap harga saham dari perusahaan perkebunan. Peneliti menganjurkan kepada investor agar memperhatikan debt to equity ratio sebelum berinvestasi di perusahaan perkebunan karena rasio tersebut dapat memperlihatkan risiko investasi dari perusahaan.

Kata Kunci: Harga Saham, Perkebunan, Rasio Keuangan
FAKTOR MAKROEKONOMI TERHADAP INDEKS HARGA SAHAM SUBSEKTOR KEUANGAN YANG TERDAFTAR DI BEI
Authors: Sari Titis Nistia , Zatira Dhea , Ganika Gerry
Published: January 2021

This article is to examine the effect of the BI Rate, Inflation and Exchange Rates on the stock price indexes of the financial sub-sectors listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the period November 2015 to October 2019. Data analysis techniques used in this study are regression models with quantitative methods. Test results prove that the negative BI Rate for IHSK and H1 is accepted. Negative inflation in FSPI and H2 is accepted. Positive exchange rates on the IHSK and H3 are accepted. The BI Rate, Inflation, and Exchange Rates received simultaneously against IHSK and H4 are accepted. The magnitude of the effect on R squared was 54.6%, while the remaining 45.4% was accepted by other variables not approved in this study.

Keywords: BI Rate, Inflation, Exchange Rates, Financial sub-sector Stock Price Index (FSPI)

 

Artikel ini adalah untuk memeriksa dampak suku bunga BI, nilai inflasi dan nilai tukar, terhadap harga harga dibursa saham pada sub sector keuangan yang terdaftar di bursa saham Indonesia untuk periode November 2015 sampai dengan Oktober 2019, tehnik penganalisaaan data yang digunakan pada studi ini adalah model mundur dengan metode kuantitatif. Hasil tesnya membuktikan bahwa suku bunga negatif BI untuk IHSK dan H1 dapat diterima. Inflasi negatif pada FSPI dan H2, dapat diterima.Nilai tukar yang positif pada IHSK dan H3 dapat diterima. Suku bunga BI, inflasi dan nilai tukar yang diterima secara berkesinambungan terhadap IHSK dan H4 dapat diterima. Daya Tarik dari dampak pada kotak R adalah 54.6% sementara sisanya yang 45.4% diterima oleh variabel lain yang tidak dibahas pada studi ini.

Kata Kunci: Suku Bunga BI, Inflasi, Nilai Tukar, Indeks Harga Saham sub sektor Keuangan (IHSK)
Família e o processo de desenvolvimento da escrita do estudante de língua materna
Authors: Rocha dos Santos Simone , Da Silva Freitas Mirelle
Published: January 2021

Este estudo aborda a interferência da família no processo de desenvolvimento da escrita em língua materna do estudante, buscando evidenciar o papel que a família exerce no processo de construção da habilidade escritora do aprendiz de língua portuguesa. Nesse contexto, buscou-se refletir sobre o papel da família e da escola no desenvolvimento humano do indivíduo para o mundo do trabalho. Para tanto, valeu-se dos estudos teóricos sobre: o desenvolvimento da escrita, esclarecendo como o processo de ensino-aprendizagem da escrita em língua materna acontece; a relação da leitura e escrita, duas vias distintas, porém dependentes; e a distinção entre alfabetização e letramento, visto que ambos remetem às representações e usos da escrita e da leitura na sociedade. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de caráter qualitativo, um estudo de caso interpretativista, mais precisamente uma história de vida, no intuito de evidenciar a influência da família no processo de aquisição da escrita. As ferramentas utilizadas para coleta de dados incluíram: questionário, entrevista e produção de texto da participante (Ludimilla). Os resultados da análise realizada identificaram que, no caso da participante deste estudo, a família influenciou positivamente se destacando como agente motivador no processo de desenvolvimento da escrita. Na escola, por outro lado, a participante teve o primeiro contato formal com a língua culta ensinada pela professora que a instigava a treinar a escrita em casa.
A escrita no contexto universitário:
Authors: Bomfante Záira , Rita de Cassia Cristofoleti
Published: January 2021

Diversos são os trabalhos que têm proposto, no contexto atual, a discussão da leitura e escrita no espaço universitário, buscando compreender o processo de apropriação da palavra de outrem.  Nesse trabalho, agasalhamos concepção de escrita como um processo em que os alunos são formados para a pesquisa, situando-se num processo de agenciamento de escrita de pesquisa em formação. Assim, procuraremos traçar uma contextualização da importância epistemológica da concepção sociossemiótica e da concepção de letramento e suas implicações para o contexto acadêmico. Trazemos uma discussão sobre a escrita no espaço universitário, vinculando a discussão a partir de nossa experiência de ensino e pesquisa desenvolvida em programa institucional de apoio acadêmico à alunos de graduação. Nessa direção, indicamos os projetos de letramento como alternativa para o desenvolvimento de um trabalho contextualizado com os gêneros discursivos.