bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
R&D Intensity: Peran Board Size, Board Independence, dan Board Participation
Authors: Zulkarnain Zulkarnain , Fitriyani Trisa Inna
Published: November 2023

Indonesia's innovation rate is still low and industry participation in innovation is less than 20%. In a company, the board of directors play an important role in innovation with the greatest power to select R&D projects and to evaluate their effectiveness. Nevertheless, the uncertainty of expected R&D results is a consideration for directors to implement innovation in the company. Then this study aims to examine R&D intensity, and how board size, board independence, and board participation affect it. The manufacturing industry listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the 2017-2019 period were the subject of the study. The sample selection used purposive sampling with the sample used in this study were 48 companies and 144 observation data. The results of this study indicated that board size, board independence, and board participation had no effect on R&D intensity. This showed that the board of directors were not the only party that made decisions related to R&D, its role as an agent made the decisions taken and the policies determined in line with the interests of shareholders.
ANALISIS KEBIJAKAN INSENTIF PAJAK PENGHASILAN FINAL UMKM DITANGGUNG PEMERINTAH PADA KPP PRATAMA SAWAH BESAR DUA
Authors: Oktavia Nisa , Saroh Maya , Astuti Murti Marga , Arifin Antoni Ludfi
Published: November 2023

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has an impact on all lines of life, especially in the economic sector in Indonesia, including Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) players who have also experienced a decline in sales turnover. In response to this, the government issued a policy of incentive provision in the form of Government-Borne MSME Final Income Tax as a stimulus to taxpayers affected by Covid-19. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the incentive provision policy at the Primary Tax Office of Sawah Besar Dua in 2020. A qualitative method was used in this study with a descriptive approach. Data was collected through interviews, documentation and observation. This study uses the Policy Implementation Theory of Van Meter and Van Horn. The results of the study indicate that the Government-Borne MSME Final Income Tax policy has been implemented by tax officials. This incentive program has been utilized by 25% of taxpayers. This means that the policy has not been maximized. This is due to several issues such as the lack of campaign to taxpayers so that there are still many of them who are not aware of the tax incentive policy.
Peluang Investasi Saham di Era Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Fridagustina Adnantara Komang
Published: November 2023

Covid-19 was announced to enter Indonesia for the first time in early 2020. This immediately had an impact for the Indonesian capital market which fall in various sectors. This can be seen from the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) which reached its lowest point at 3,912. However, entering 2021 as the second year of the pandemic era, the IHSG actually increased 10.08% compared to the previous year. This study aims to find out which industrial sectors and stocks have opportunities in the Covid-19 pandemic era throughout 2020 and 2021 in terms of market capitalization. The method used in this research is a literature study. The results of the analysis show that the industrial sector in the capital market that has investment opportunities in the Covid-19 pandemic era, seen from its market capitalization, are companies in the financial industry sector (BBCA, BBRI, BMRI, and BBNI), the consumer goods industry sector (UNVR, HMSP, and ICBP), as well as the telecommunications industry sector (TLKM).
Manajemen Pendidikan Islam Dalam Keluarga Jama’ah Tabligh di Semurup Kecamatan Air Hangat Barat Kabupaten Kerinci
Authors: Fidya Yatti , Daflaini Daflaini
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui bagaimana manajemen pendidikan Islam dalam keluarga Jama’ah Tabligh di Desa Semurup Kecematan Air Hangat Barat. Secara spesifik penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana peran orang tua dalam mengatur, memenuhi tanggung jawab pendidikan dan cara mengetahui bagaimana pola pendidikan yang diterapkan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif pendekatan deskriptif. Informan penelitian adalah seluruh anggota Jama’ah Tabligh yang berada di Semurup kecamatan Air Hangat Barat kabupaten Kerinci yang dijadikan subjek penelitian dengan kriteria, yaitu keluarga yang keduanya (suami-istri) aktif dalam Jama’ah Tabligh. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Sumber data penelitian ini menggunakan sumber data primer berupa metode wawancara yang mendalam terhadap informan dan melakukan observasi/pengamatan langsung. Teknik analisis data menggunakan reduksi data, penyajian data, verifikasi, dan kesimpulan. Teknik keabsahan data menggunakan triangulasi sumber data dan waktu. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Jama’ah Tabligh desa Semurup melakukan manajemen pada keluarga itu sudah sangat baik tetapi tanggung jawab dan pola pendidikan yang berbeda dikarenakan berbedanya pendidikan orang tua. Adapun kesamaan yang dimiliki dalam pelaksanaan pendidikan agama salah satunya adalah menjadikan Al-Qur’an salah satu materi yang diberikan kepada anak, seperti menghafal surat-surat pendek, selain Al-Qur’an Jama’ah Tabligh juga menjadikan buku fadilah amal sebagai materi pendidikan.
Coevolution-induced stabilizing and destabilizing selection shapes species richness in clade co-diversification
Authors: Zeng Yichao , Hembry David
Published: November 2023

Coevolution can occur as a result of species interactions. However, it remains poorly understood how coevolution shapes the accumulation of species richness over macroevolutionary timescales. Assuming speciation occurs in a metacommunity as a result of genetic differentiation across communities due to dispersal limitation, we examine the effects of coevolution-induced stabilizing and destabilizing selection of a single quantitative trait on species diversification. We propose and test two hypotheses. (1) Stabilizing selection within communities enhances species diversification through strengthened dispersal limitation. (2) Destabilizing selection within communities impedes species diversification through weakened dispersal limitation. Here, we simulate clade co-diversification using an individual-based model, considering scenarios where phenotypic evolution is shaped by neutral dynamics, mutualistic coevolution, or antagonistic coevolution, where coevolution operates through trait matching or trait difference, and where the strength of coevolutionary selection is symmetrical or asymmetrical. Our assumption that interactions occur between an independent party (whose individuals can establish or persist in a community independently, e.g. hosts) and a dependent party (whose individuals cannot establish or persist in a community without the independent party, e.g. parasites or obligate mutualists) yields two contrasting results. Stabilizing selection within communities enhances species diversification in the dependent clade but not in the independent clade. Conversely, destabilizing selection within communities impedes species diversification in the independent clade but not in the dependent clade. These results are partially corroborated by empirical dispersal data, suggesting that these mechanisms might explain the diversification of some of the most species-rich clades in the Tree of Life.
otb: an Automated HiC/HiFi Pipeline Assembles the
Authors: Molik David , Stahlke Amanda , Sharma Sharu , Simmonds Tyler , Corpuz Renee , Kauwe Angela , Schrader Jeremy , Mason Charles , Sim Sheina , Geib Scott
Published: November 2023

The implementation of a new genomic assembly pipeline named Only The Best (otb) has effectively addressed various challenges associated with data management during the development and storage of genome assemblies. otb, which incorporates a comprehensive pipeline involving a setup layer, quality checks, templating, and the integration of Nextflow and Singularity. The primary objective of otb is to streamline the process of creating a HiFi/HiC genome, aiming to minimize the manual intervention required in the genome assembly process. The Two-lined spittlebug Prosapia bicincta, (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), a true bug insect herbivore, serves as a practical test case for evaluating otb. This insect is a significant threat to grasslands and pastures, leading to wilting and phytotoxemia when feeding, ultimately resulting in plant mortality. Its presence in tropical and subtropical regions around the world poses a long-term threat to the composition of plant communities in grassland landscapes, impacting rangelands, and posing a substantial risk to cattle production. The two-lined spittlebug is both a crucial agricultural pest and a genomically understudied insect belonging to the order Hemiptera.
Nitrogen fixation rates increase with diazotroph richness in the global ocean
Authors: Eriksson Dominic , Gruber Nicolas , Benedetti Fabio , Righetti Damiano , Paoli Lucas , Salazar Guillem , Sunagawa Shinichi , Vogt Meike
Published: November 2023

Marine diazotrophs, a highly specialized group of marine prokaryotes, convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into bioavailable forms of nitrogen and are thus critical to maintain the fertility of the ocean. However, little is known about the link between global-scale diazotroph diversity and marine N2 fixation rates. Here, we address this question by integrating more than 22’000 DNA sequencing and microscopy-based observations for 14 diazotroph species into species distribution models. We identify distinct biogeographic patterns for the major known taxa of diazotrophs, including colony- forming, unicellular, symbiotic, and non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs. Non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs show a higher annual mean number of presences in upwelling regions compared to their cyanobacterial counterparts. In addition, the identified biogeographic patterns reveal a strong latitudinal gradient in diazotroph species richness, which is highest in tropical and subtropical regions and declines towards the poles. Temperature and nutrient-related parameters rank as the most important predictors of the biogeography explaining up to 36% of the variance in the data for specific taxa. We find diazotroph richness to be positively correlated with independently estimated nitrogen fixation rates, suggesting efficient resource partitioning rather than competitive exclusion as the dominant driver of the observed biodiversity patterns. Our work reveals that important biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships associated with global biogeochemical cycling exist in the marine plankton, and suggests that global nitrogen fixation rates and diazotroph diversity are likely to increase in a warming ocean.
Tautology in Action: A Study Investigating Arabic Tautological Expressions with Reference to their Translations into English
Authors: Balhouq Hana , Ethelb Hamza
Published: November 2023

This research explores the way Arabic tautological expressions are used and translated into English. It aims to highlight the linguistic intricacies underlying their usage in cross-cultural contexts. The data of the study was qualitatively collected by analyzing the translation, structure (syntactically) and meaning (semantically) of 11 Arabic tautological expressions. Those expressions were collected by using a systematic search method to identify posts and comments containing tautological expressions in several social media platforms known for their active Arabic-speaking user base. The findings of the analysis reveal that those tautological expressions in Arabic follow the verb-adverb structure where the verb is followed by an adverb with the same root as the verb in action. Furthermore, translating those expressions depends on various factors, including the specific context, target audience, and desired effect to convey the intended message and cultural implications. The translators need to consider the linguistic and cultural nuances to ensure that the translated expression captures the intended meaning in English.
Technical Feasibility Study of Trans Metro Dewata Bus Operation Plan for Corridor 5
Authors: Hermawati Putu , Aryawan I Gede Made Oka , Moi Fransiska
Published: November 2023

The high mobility in the urban area of Sarbagita, Bali, has led to an increased need for transportation options. The BRT Trans Metro Dewata public transportation system has been operated since 2020, aiming to reduce private vehicle usage. The plan to implement corridor 5 (Kuta Central Parking- PNB Campus -Titi Banda) starting from May 2023 aims to expand service coverage and increase the load factor. A technical feasibility study was conducted involving passenger surveys, questionnaires, and interviews to analyze demand and supply. Passenger characteristics reveal a majority aged 16-30, with bachelor's and high school education levels, employed in the private sector, with incomes ranging from 4-8 million IDR per month. They include "Choice users" who could use private vehicles but choose public transportation. The potential demand averages 27,194 passengers per month, peaking at 29,060 passengers in June, with a load factor of 28.88%. The low passenger growth rate (1-2%) estimates around 29,438 passengers per month in five years. Optimal operation by the operator involves 16 bus fleets while maintaining minimal standards. Eliminating subsidies requires substantial growth, reaching 16,339 passengers daily.
Analisis Efektifitas Inception-EfficientNet Architecture untuk Klasifikasi Identitas Kartu Tanda Mahasiswa dengan Pendekatan OCR dan Faster R-CNN
Authors: Richo
Published: November 2023

Kartu Tanda Mahasiswa (KTM) memiliki peran penting sebagai alat identifikasi individu dalam lingkungan perguruan tinggi. KTM sering kali menjadi sarana utama dalam proses verifikasi identitas mahasiswa untuk mengakses fasilitas kampus, seperti layanan perpustakaan. Namun, saat ini sistem akses ke perpustakaan masih mengandalkan metode manual yang melibatkan petugas dalam memasukkan data secara manual ke dalam komputer yang rentan terhadap kesalahan pengetikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan merancang sebuah sistem pengenalan identitas pada KTM dengan menggabungkan metode OCR dan melibatkan arsitektur Inception-EfficientNet pada model Faster R-CNN dalam mengklasifikasikan karakter teks dan foto yang terdapat pada KTM. Arsitektur Inception-EfficientNet dirancang dengan 5 lapisan konvolusi dan 2 lapisan maxpooling, serta melibatkan RPN (Region Proposal Network) dan ROI Pooling yang telah dirancang peneliti sebagai unsur penting dalam pembentukan metode Faster R-CNN. Data yang terkumpul mencakup tiga kelas yaitu hafizh, richo, dan vandy. Hasil pengujian metode OCR dalam mengenali identitas berdasarkan karakter teks menunjukkan tingkat akurasi yang tinggi yaitu sebesar 98,35%. Di sisi lain, metode Faster R-CNN mampu mengklasifikasikan foto dengan performa yang sangat baik yang mencapai akurasi keberhasilan sebesar 91,83%. Berdasarkan pengujian keseluruhan sistem yang menggabungkan metode OCR dan metode Faster R-CNN, dilakukan pengujian pada 10 sampel data yang berbeda, dan berhasil mencapai tingkat akurasi keberhasilan sebesar 90%. Hasil temuan ini memberi penekanan pada fakta bahwa pendekatan kolaboratif antara metode OCR dan arsitektur Inception-EfficientNet pada model Faster R-CNN memiliki potensi untuk meningkatkan aksesibilitas dan keandalan dalam pengenalan identitas KTM. Potensi ini diharapkan dapat mendukung efisiensi akses terhadap fasilitas kampus, seperti layanan perpustakaan.
Techno-economic Analysis and Optimization of Renewable Energy Forecasting at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani
Authors: Iskandar Handoko , Nurfatah Azhar , Daelami Ahmad , Taryana Een
Published: November 2023

The availability of electrical energy ensures operational sustainability in everyday life, including the educational environment. The possibility of easier renewable energy installation encourages the goal of growing the installation to be affordable. Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani is one of the campuses that has the capacity to use renewable energy and has a role in environmental awareness in accordance with the university's future vision. In light of this, a hybrid photovoltaic (PV), diesel, and battery plant design is presented as an alternative power plant to supplement conventional energy sources. However, it is critical to examine the long-term capital and profit estimations that must be considered. The hybrid plant is proposed in two configurations, grid-connected and off-grid. In this paper, modeling and simulation are performed using Net Present Cost (NPC) prices from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) rooftop PV installation planning guidelines and inflation estimations from the Republic of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance. Furthermore, until the contribution of energy generated in the simulation is displayed, the production and consumption of electrical energy required for the selected building instances are generated. Hybrid plant modeling has been completed at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology (FHST) and Rectorate buildings. According to the simulation results, the NPC cost for the next 25 years is anticipated to be Rp 1,047,534,000, with a total electrical energy production of 729,807 kWh/year and a renewable energy contribution >91.4%. Furthermore, from a technological and economic standpoint, a grid-connected hybrid generation system is advocated
Long-term outcome after autologous BCR::ABL1-negative peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in adults with Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a comparative study
Authors: Caillot Leo , Leclerc Mathieu , Sleiman Emmanuel Jacques Raphael , Sloma Ivan , Wagner-Ballon Orianne , Claudel Alexis , Beckerich Florence , Redjoul Rabah , Robin Christine , Parinet Vincent , Pautas Cecile , Menouche Dehbia , Bouledroua Selwa , Cabanne Ludovic , Nait-Sidenas Yakout , Gautier Eric , Rouard Helene , Lafon Ingrid , Chalandon Yves , Boissel Nicolas , Caillot Denis , Maury Sebastien
Published: November 2023

Not available.
ДОМАШНЄ НАСИЛЬСТВО СТОСОВНО ЖІНОК І ПРИНЦИП НЕДИСКРИМІНАЦІЇ: АНАЛІЗ ПРАКТИКИ ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОГО СУДУ З ПРАВ ЛЮДИНИ
Authors: Білько І. П.
Published: November 2023

У статті проаналізовано релевантну практику Європейського суду з прав людини у справах про домашнє насильство стосовно жінок на предмет пошуку рішень, у яких встановлено порушення статті 14 Конвенції про захист прав людини і основоположних свобод. Надано характеристику основним тенденціям у розгляді Європейським судом з прав людини цієї категорії справ. Охарактеризовано випадки, коли дії та загальна політика державних органів у цих справах визнавались дискримінаційними стосовно жінок.

Криміналізація домашнього насильства в Україні здійснювалась на фоні як загального розуміння про актуальність такої криміналізації у вітчизняних наукових колах, так і стрімкого розвитку антидискримінаційних міжнародних документів, а також враховуючи значну кількість відповідних рішень Європейського суду з прав людини. Саме останній трохи більше десятка років тому почав досліджувати у своїх рішеннях обставини справ про домашнє насильство стосовно жінок на відповідність принципам рівності і недискримінації, які, власне, втілені у статті 14 Конвенції про захист прав людини і основоположних свобод. Як показано у статті, у цій практиці Європейський суд з прав людини наголошує на недопущенні дискримінації щодо жінок, коли держава застосовує правові механізми захисту жінок від домашнього насильства.

Враховуючи вищевикладене, автор розкриває особливості застосування принципу рівності і недискримінації Європейським судом з прав людини у контексті домашнього насильства стосовно жінок. Разом з тим наводить приклад розуміння цього принципу, зокрема Конституційним Судом України. Крім того, автором описано загальні умови визнання домашнього насильства стосовно жінок, зокрема формою дискримінації щодо жінок Європейським судом з прав людини. Автор дійшов висновку, що Європейський суд з прав людини, якщо мало місце порушення, наприклад, 2-ї чи 3-ї статті Конвенції про захист прав людини і основоположних свобод, не в усіх випадках визнавав порушення Договірною Державою також і статті 14 Конвенції.

Аналізуючи правову позицію Європейського суду з прав людини у рішенні по справі «Володіна проти Росії», автор вказав, що саме в цьому рішенні Суд, окрім дій правоохоронних органів щодо заявниці, вказав на недоліки законодавства у сфері протидії домашньому насильству однієї із Договірних Держав Конвенції про захист прав людини і основоположних свобод. На підставі наведеного автор робить висновок, що повне ігнорування проблеми домашнього насильства стосовно жінок органами влади, яке може проявлятися, зокрема, у відсутності законодавства щодо боротьби з цим видом насильства, буде своєрідною запорукою для встановлення Європейським судом з прав людини порушення статті 14 Конвенції.
Re-imagining the Ambivalent: The Political Trajectory of Lungi from Pre-Colonial East Bangla to Post-Independent Bangladesh
Authors: Mahbub Rifat
Published: November 2023

Lungi, Bangladeshi men’s most common informal clothing, occupies an ambivalent position in the country’s sartorial culture because of its inherent status of being anti-modern and anti-formal. Bangladeshi postcolonial poet Kaiser Haq’s (2007) ground-breaking poem, “Ode on the Lungi '' and the growing body of academic papers focusing on the poem have already constructed lungi as a discursive symbol to challenge and decentralise the colonial construction of cultural hierarchies that underpinned such a postcolonial legacy of sartorial discrimination. Important as they are, these studies do not engage with lungi’s actual historical trajectories of resistance and struggle where men in lungi participated as active agents to challenge authoritative power regimes. By investigating the key episodes of “politics of the people'' (Guha, 1988, p. 40) from pre-colonial east Bangla to present-day Bangladesh, the paper reclaims lungi’s active yet metaphorical performative at each stage of collective struggles that ultimately led to the 1971 War of Independence (Muktijuddho), where lungi was the main attire of the male freedom fighters (Muktijoddhas). This paper argues that the national/cultural ambivalence around lungi in Bangladesh is rooted in its simultaneous trope of being a clothing of people who are at the edges of political power, yet their collective resistance can be subversive. This is one of the reasons why a ban on lungi in contemporary Bangladesh, although more common than before, often becomes a topic of heated debates and discussions among the educated, middle-class communities.
Spectrum, Volume 17, June 2022: 47-65
Morphological studies of fly puparia (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the soil from a Joseon Dynasty grave in Korea
Authors: Lee In-Yong , Kim Ju Yeong , Park Jung-Min , Seo Ji Ho , Jeon Bo-Young , Yong Tai-Soon , Seo Min
Published: November 2023

Archaeoentomological investigations were conducted on soil contents from a grave belonging to the Joseon Dynasty as part of the Urban Environment Maintenance Project (UEMP) in Cheongjin 12–16 dong (districts), Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea, from December 01, 2008 to February 19, 2011. A total of 28 insect puparia with hard shells of the common green bottle fly Lucilia sericata were identified in the soil. Evidence suggested that the corpse was placed outside for some days instead of being buried immediately after death. This is the first report of fly puparia in soil samples from a tomb of the Joseon Dynasty during 16–17 AD in Korea. Our findings may help determine the timeframe of burial and offer archaeological insights into the funerary customs of the period.
Genetic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 and antifolate-resistant genes in Plasmodium falciparum from Mali and Niger
Authors: Lamine Mahaman Moustapha , Maman Rabia , Maiga Abdoul Aziz , Laminou Ibrahim Maman
Published: November 2023

Since 2015, countries in the Sahel region have implemented large-scale seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). However, the mass use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) plus amodiaquine impacts the genetic diversity of malaria parasites and their sensitivity to antimalarials. This study aimed to describe and compare the genetic diversity and SP resistance of Plasmodium falciparum strains in Mali and Niger. We collected 400 blood samples in Mali and Niger from children aged 3–59 months suspected of malaria. Of them, 201 tested positive (Niger, 111, 55.2%; Mali, 90, 44.8%). Polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1) genetic marker showed 201 allotypes. The frequency of the RO33 allotype was significantly higher in Niger (63.6%) than in Mali (39.3%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of the K1 and MAD20 allotypes between the 2 countries. The multiplicity of infection was 2 allotypes per patient in Mali and one allotype per patient in Niger. The prevalence of strains with the triple mutants Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps436A/F/H and Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps437G was 18.1% and 30.2%, respectively, and 7.7% carried the quadruple mutant Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps436A/F/H/Pfdhps437G. Despite the significant genetic diversity of parasite populations, the level of SP resistance was comparable between Mali and Niger. The frequency of mutations conferring resistance to SP still allows its effective use in intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women and in SMC.
Efficacy of recombinant enolase as a candidate vaccine against Haemaphysalis longicornis tick infestation in mice
Authors: Haque Md. Samiul , Islam Mohammad Saiful , You Myung-Jo
Published: November 2023

Tick infestation causes a significant threat to human and animal health, requiring effective immunological control methods. This study aimed to investigate the potential of recombinant Haemaphysalis longicornis enolase protein for tick vaccine development. The exact mechanism of the recently identified enolase protein from the H. longicornis Jeju strain remains poorly understood. Enolase plays a crucial role in glycolysis, the metabolic process that converts glucose into energy, and is essential for the motility, adhesion, invasion, growth, and differentiation of ticks. In this study, mice were immunized with recombinant enolase, and polyclonal antibodies were generated. Western blot analysis confirmed the specific recognition of enolase by the antiserum. The effects of immunization on tick feeding and attachment were assessed. Adult ticks attached to the recombinant enolase-immunized mice demonstrated longer attachment time, increased blood-sucking abilities, and lower engorgement weight than the controls. The nymphs and larvae had a reduced attachment rate and low engorgement rate compared to the controls. Mice immunized with recombinant enolase expressed in Escherichia coli displayed 90% efficacy in preventing tick infestation. The glycolytic nature of enolase and its involvement in crucial physiological processes makes it an attractive target for disrupting tick survival and disease transmission. Polyclonal antibodies recognize enolase and significantly reduce attachment rates, tick feeding, and engorgement. Our findings indicate that recombinant enolase may be a valuable vaccine candidate for H. longicornis infection in experimental murine model.
Phagocytosis-associated genes in Acanthamoeba castellanii feeding on Escherichia coli
Authors: Kim Min-Jeong , Moon Eun-Kyung , Jo Hye-Jeong , Quan Fu-Shi , Kong Hyun-Hee
Published: November 2023

Acanthamoeba species are free-living amoebae those are widely distributed in the environment. They feed on various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae. Although majority of the microbes phagocytosed by Acanthamoeba spp. are digested, some pathogenic bacteria thrive within them. Here, we identified the roles of 3 phagocytosis-associated genes (ACA1_077100, ACA1_175060, and AFD36229.1) in A. castellanii. These 3 genes were upregulated after the ingestion of Escherichia coli. However, after the ingestion of Legionella pneumophila, the expression of these 3 genes was not altered after the consumption of L. pneumophila. Furthermore, A. castellanii transfected with small interfering RNS (siRNA) targeting the 3 phagocytosis-associated genes failed to digest phagocytized E. coli. Silencing of ACA1_077100 disabled phagosome formation in the E. coli-ingesting A. castellanii. Alternatively, silencing of ACA1_175060 enabled phagosome formation; however, phagolysosome formation was inhibited. Moreover, suppression of AFD36229.1 expression prevented E. coli digestion and consequently led to the rupturing of A. castellanii. Our results demonstrated that the ACA1_077100, ACA1_175060, and AFD36229.1 genes of Acanthamoeba played crucial roles not only in the formation of phagosome and phagolysosome but also in the digestion of E. coli.
Involvement of NOX2-derived ROS in human hepatoma HepG2 cell death induced by Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Lee Young Ah , Shin Myeong Heon
Published: November 2023

Entamoeba histolytica is an enteric tissue-invasive protozoan parasite causing amoebic colitis and liver abscesses in humans. Amoebic contact with host cells activates intracellular signaling pathways that lead to host cell death via generation of caspase-3, calpain, Ca2+ elevation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). We previously reported that various NADPH oxidases (NOXs) are responsible for ROS-dependent death of various host cells induced by amoeba. In the present study, we investigated the specific NOX isoform involved in ROS-dependent death of hepatocytes induced by amoebas. Co-incubation of hepatoma HepG2 cells with live amoebic trophozoites resulted in remarkably increased DNA fragmentation compared to cells incubated with medium alone. HepG2 cells that adhered to amoebic trophozoites showed strong dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) fluorescence, suggesting intracellular ROS accumulation within host cells stimulated by amoebic trophozoites. Pretreatment of HepG2 cells with the general NOX inhibitor DPI or NOX2-specific inhibitor GSK 2795039 reduced Entamoeba-induced ROS generation. Similarly, Entamoeba-induced LDH release from HepG2 cells was effectively inhibited by pretreatment with DPI or GSK 2795039. In NOX2-silenced HepG2 cells, Entamoeba-induced LDH release was also significantly inhibited compared with controls. Taken together, the results support an important role of NOX2-derived ROS in hepatocyte death induced by E. histolytica.
Pengaruh Media Pembelajaran Berbantukan Aplikasi Geogebra Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa pada Materi Bangun Ruang Sisi Datar
Authors: Maisunnajakh
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pengaruh media pembelajaran berbantukan aplikasi GeoGebra terhadap hasil belajar siswa pada materi bangun ruang sisi datar. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan jenis penelitian eksperimen. Rancangan penelitian ini yaitu Quasi-Experimental Design bentuk Posttest-Only Control Design. Subjek penelitian ini adalah 30 siswa di kelas eksperimen dan 27 siswa di kelas kontrol. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah dua soal tes berbentuk uraian. Analisis data menggunakan statistik deskriptif dan inferensial. Sebelum dilakukan uji hipotesis yaitu uji-t, terlebih dahulu dilakukan uji normalitas data menggunakan uji Kolmogorov-smirnov dan uji homogenitas data pada taraf signifikan . Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai rata-rata hasil belajar matematika siswa pada kelas eksperimen (78,83) lebih tinggi dari rata-rata hasil belajar matematika pada kelas kontrol (58,70). Sedangkan hasil pengujian hipotesis pada taraf signifikan menunjukkan bahwa . Artinya media pembelajaran aplikasi GeoGebra berpengaruh terhadap hasil belajar matematika siswa pada materi bangun ruang sisi datar.
The Development Of Animation Interactive Media Based On Articulate Storyline To Improve Student Learning On IPS Materials
Authors: Rizkiyah Riza , Nuruddin Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Learning activities with the lecture method through the help of textbooks need changes so that students become more enthusiastic and active in learning. One way to make changes is through development that follows the electronic digital era. The media developed is in the form of Articulate Storyline-based learning. It aims to make it easier for students to learn, both guided and independent learning. This type of research uses development research with the ADDIE type of research model developed by Tegeh (2014:42). In this type of ADDIE there are 5 stages, namely the analysis stage, planning stage, development stage, implementation stage and evaluation stage. The results of research conducted on Articulate Storyline-based learning media are very suitable for use for learning activities. This can be seen based on the assessment that has been carried out on the results of the instrument expert validator by getting a percentage of 84.3%. The results of the material expert validator with a score of 85%. The results of the media expert validator's assessment got a percentage of 91.25%. For the results of the questionnaire, the students' responses got a percentage of 90%. From the results of the research obtained, it is in the very good category and is suitable for.

Keywords: ADDIE Model Development, Articulate Storyline, The Uniqueness of the Area I Live in.
Varicocele and testicular cord torsion: immune testicular microenvironment imbalance
Authors: Guazzone Vanesa A. , Lustig Livia
Published: November 2023

The main functions of the testis, steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, depend on the endocrine axis and systemic and local tolerance mechanisms. Infectious or non-infectious diseases may disturb testicular immune regulation causing infertility. Literature has illustrated that bacterial and viral infections lead to autoimmune infertility: either sperm antibodies or autoimmune epidydimo-orchitis. However, little is known about the association between non-infectious testicular pathologic diseases and autoimmunity. Here we review the novel aspect of varicocele and testicular cord torsion pathology linked to inflammation and discuss how immune factors could contribute to or modulate autoimmunity in ipsi- and contralateral testis.
Crosstalk of nervous and immune systems in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Huang Fei-Fei , Cui Wen-Hui , Ma Lan-Yue , Chen Qi , Liu Yang
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor known for its extremely low survival rate. The combination of genetic disorders within pancreatic cells and the tumor microenvironment contributes to the emergence and progression of this devastating disease. Extensive research has shed light on the nature of the microenvironmental cells surrounding the pancreatic cancer, including peripheral nerves and immune cells. Peripheral nerves release neuropeptides that directly target pancreatic cancer cells in a paracrine manner, while immune cells play a crucial role in eliminating cancer cells that have not evaded the immune response. Recent studies have revealed the intricate interplay between the nervous and immune systems in homeostatic condition as well as in cancer development. In this review, we aim to summarize the function of nerves in pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the significance to investigate the neural-immune crosstalk during the advancement of this malignant cancer.
Case Report: Transcatheter treatment of aortic coarctation in a 58-year-old patient with LACHT syndrome and left lung agenesis
Authors: Tu Qingxian , Huang Nanqu , Guo Fujia , Luo Minhong , Xu Min , Liu Jiaji , Yuan Zhengqiang , Jiang Qianfeng
Published: November 2023

LACHT (Lung Agenesis, Congenital Heart, and Thumb anomalies) syndrome is an extremely rare congenital anomaly and presents significant challenges in adults due to its poor survival rates. Herein, we report a case of late diagnosis and successful transcatheter treatment of aortic coarctation in a 58-year-old male patient with LACHT syndrome, medically resistant arterial hypertension, and left lung agenesis. Baseline CT angiography showed isthmic aortic coarctation and left lung agenesis, with compensatory right pulmonary artery and vein thickenings. The patient underwent balloon dilation and subsequent implantation of a covered NuMED 45 mm 8-ZIG CP stent with satisfactory outcomes. The pressure gradient decreased from 43 to 23 mmHg. The arterial pressures normalized during the follow-up with fewer medications. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous mutation (c.6583C > T) in the FBN2, supporting the diagnosis of variant Marfan syndrome.
Off-pump vs. on-pump bypass surgery grafting in diabetic patients with three-vessel disease: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Song Yu , Wang Chen , Tang Chuanbin , Huang Xiaofan , Wang Dashuai , Li Rui , Luo Jingjing , Tuerxun Yisilamujiang , Li Yuanming , Liu Baoqing , Wu Long , Du Xinling
Published: November 2023

Background

Controversy exists regarding the advantages and risks of off-pump vs. on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with diabetes. We therefore compare the early clinical outcomes of off-pump vs. on-pump procedures for diabetic patients with three-vessel disease.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data obtained from 548 diabetic patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent isolated CABG between January 2016 and June 2020. To adjust the differences of baseline characteristics between the off-pump CABG (OPCAB) and on-pump CABG (ONCAB) groups, propensity score matching (PSM) was used. Following 1:1 matching, we selected 187 pairs of patients for further comparison of outcomes within the first 30 days after surgery.

Results

The preoperative characteristics of the patients between the two groups were clinically comparable after PSM. The OPCAB group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of incomplete revascularization (27.3% vs. 14.4%; P = 0.002) compared with the ONCAB group. No differences were seen in mortality within 30 days between the matched groups (1.1% vs. 3.7%; P = 0.174). Notably, the OPCAB group had a lower risk of respiratory failure or infection (2.1% vs. 7.0%; P = 0.025), less postoperative stroke (1.1% vs. 4.8%; P = 0.032), and reduced postoperative ventilator assistance time (35.8 ± 33.7 vs. 50.9 ± 64.8; P = 0.005).

Conclusion

OPCAB in diabetic patients with three-vessel disease is a safe procedure with reduced early stroke and respiratory complications and similar mortality rate, myocardial infarction, and renal failure requiring dialysis to conventional on-pump revascularization.
Compressed SENSE accelerated 3D single-breath-hold late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance with isotropic resolution: clinical evaluation
Authors: Gertz Roman Johannes , Wagner Anton , Sokolowski Marcel , Lennartz Simon , Gietzen Carsten , Grunz Jan-Peter , Goertz Lukas , Kaya Kenan , ten Freyhaus Henrik , Persigehl Thorsten , Bunck Alexander Christian , Doerner Jonas , Naehle Claas Philip , Maintz David , Weiss Kilian , Katemann Christoph , Pennig Lenhard
Published: November 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical application of Compressed SENSE accelerated single-breath-hold LGE with 3D isotropic resolution compared to conventional LGE imaging acquired in multiple breath-holds.

Material & Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center study including 105 examinations of 101 patients (48.2 ± 16.8 years, 47 females). All patients underwent conventional breath-hold and 3D single-breath-hold (0.96 × 0.96 × 1.1 mm3 reconstructed voxel size, Compressed SENSE factor 6.5) LGE sequences at 1.5 T in clinical routine for the evaluation of ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. Two radiologists independently evaluated the left ventricle (LV) for the presence of hyperenhancing lesions in each sequence, including localization and transmural extent, while assessing their scar edge sharpness (SES). Confidence of LGE assessment, image quality (IQ), and artifacts were also rated. The impact of LV ejection fraction (LVEF), heart rate, body mass index (BMI), and gender as possible confounders on IQ, artifacts, and confidence of LGE assessment was evaluated employing ordinal logistic regression analysis.

Results

Using 3D single-breath-hold LGE readers detected more hyperenhancing lesions compared to conventional breath-hold LGE (n = 246 vs. n = 216 of 1,785 analyzed segments, 13.8% vs. 12.1%; p < 0.0001), pronounced at subendocardial, midmyocardial, and subepicardial localizations and for 1%–50% of transmural extent. SES was rated superior in 3D single-breath-hold LGE (4.1 ± 0.8 vs. 3.3 ± 0.8; p < 0.001). 3D single-breath-hold LGE yielded more artifacts (3.8 ± 1.0 vs. 4.0 ± 3.8; p = 0.002) whereas IQ (4.1 ± 1.0 vs. 4.2 ± 0.9; p = 0.122) and confidence of LGE assessment (4.3 ± 0.9 vs. 4.3 ± 0.8; p = 0.374) were comparable between both techniques. Female gender negatively influenced artifacts in 3D single-breath-hold LGE (p = 0.0028) while increased heart rate led to decreased IQ in conventional breath-hold LGE (p = 0.0029).

Conclusions

In clinical routine, Compressed SENSE accelerated 3D single-breath-hold LGE yields image quality and confidence of LGE assessment comparable to conventional breath-hold LGE while providing improved delineation of smaller LGE lesions with superior scar edge sharpness. Given the fast acquisition of 3D single-breath-hold LGE, the technique holds potential to drastically reduce the examination time of CMR.
Quality and quantity of data used by Health Canada in approving new drugs
Authors: Lexchin Joel
Published: November 2023

Background

This study examined multiple aspects about the approval of new drugs: the characteristics of the drugs, the quality and quantity of information that Health Canada discloses about the demographics of patients enrolled in clinical trials, the characteristics of the trial, and the type of review that it uses. It examines whether there have been changes in these measures between 1 September 2012 and 31 March 2022.

Methods

A list of all new drugs approved, type of review used, and drug characteristics was generated from Health Canada annual reports. Therapeutic categories were identified from the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Drugs Statistics Methodology. The Summary Basis of Decision documents of Health Canada were used to identify patient demographics in clinical trials and clinical trial characteristics.

Results

Health Canada approved 326 new drugs for 407 indications. The percent of orphan drugs approved increased from 35.6 to 51.3%. The number of indications per drug decreased (p = 0.0817) as did the number of pivotal trials per drug (p = 0.0091). The percent of Phase 3 trials dropped from 76.3% in 2012–2015 to 64.8% in 2019–2022 (p = 0.005). There was also a statistically significant decrease in the percent of trials that were randomized, controlled, and blinded. The clinical trial characteristics of orphan drugs and the type of review used were both significantly different compared with non-orphan drugs. The percent of trials which had information about the number of patients enrolled, the percent of trials that provided the age of the patients, and the sex breakdown all significantly increased.

Conclusion

The results show that there has been a change in regulatory standards that may be due to them becoming less rigorous, because of an adaptation to the number of orphan drugs being submitted or a combination of both reasons. At the same time, there has been some improvement in the transparency of data. Health Canada has recently embarked on a series of reforms in drug regulation and clinical trial management. These changes need to be closely evaluated to be sure that they enhance the efficacy and safety of new drugs.
Kratosvirus quantuckense: the history and novelty of an algal bloom disrupting virus and a model for giant virus research
Authors: Truchon Alexander R. , Chase Emily E. , Gann Eric R. , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Creasey Brooke A. , Aylward Frank O. , Xiao Chuan , Gobler Christopher J. , Wilhelm Steven W.
Published: November 2023

Since the discovery of the first “giant virus,” particular attention has been paid toward isolating and culturing these large DNA viruses through Acanthamoeba spp. bait systems. While this method has allowed for the discovery of plenty novel viruses in the Nucleocytoviricota, environmental -omics-based analyses have shown that there is a wealth of diversity among this phylum, particularly in marine datasets. The prevalence of these viruses in metatranscriptomes points toward their ecological importance in nutrient turnover in our oceans and as such, in depth study into non-amoebal Nucleocytoviricota should be considered a focal point in viral ecology. In this review, we report on Kratosvirus quantuckense (née Aureococcus anophagefferens Virus), an algae-infecting virus of the Imitervirales. Current systems for study in the Nucleocytoviricota differ significantly from this virus and its relatives, and a litany of trade-offs within physiology, coding potential, and ecology compared to these other viruses reveal the importance of K. quantuckense. Herein, we review the research that has been performed on this virus as well as its potential as a model system for algal-virus interactions.
Insights into the composition and assembly mechanism of microbial communities on intertidal microsand grains
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhao Kun , Li Xuan , Xie Bin-Bin
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Marine microorganisms are essential in marine ecosystems and have always been of interest. Currently, most marine microbial communities are studied at the bulk scale (millimeters to centimeters), and the composition, function and underlying assembly mechanism of microbial communities at the microscale (sub-100 micrometers) are unclear.

Methods

The microbial communities on microsand grains (40–100 µm, n = 150) from marine sediment were investigated and compared with those on macrosand grains (400–1000 µm, n = 60) and bulk sediments (n = 5) using amplicon sequencing technology.

Results

The results revealed a significant difference between microsand grains and macrosand grains. Microsand grains had lower numbers of operational taxonomic units (OTUs(97%)) and predicted functional genes than macrosand grains and bulk-scale samples. Microsand grains also showed greater intersample differences in the community composition and predicted functional genes than macrosand grains, suggesting a high level of heterogeneity of microbial communities at the microscale. Analyses based on ecological models indicated that stochastic processes dominated the assembly of microbial communities on sand grains. Consistently, cooccurrence network analyses showed that most microbial cooccurrence associations on sand grains were highly unstable. Metagenomic sequencing and further genome-scale metabolic modeling revealed that only a small number (1.3%) of microbe pairs showed high cooperative potential.

Discussion

This study explored the microbial community of marine sediments at the sub-100 µm scale, broadening the knowledge of the structure and assembly mechanism of marine microbial communities.