bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food and Nutrition Knowledge of Elementary School Teachers in a Region of Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Pedro Andreia , Ferreira-Pêgo Cíntia , Rossoni Carina , Alves Emília
Published: July 2023

Children's eating habits are formed during childhood and are significantly influenced by the school environment, which is why teachers are seen as an example of behavior to imitate. For children to receive accurate information, teachers must have a solid understanding of food and nutrition. This study aimed to assess the level of food and nutrition understanding in elementary school teachers. 81 teachers participated in a cross-sectional observational study. A 9-question survey was built to gauge their level of understanding about food and nutrition, with three levels established: high (≥7 points), moderate (4-6 points), and low (≤3 points). In this research, whereas 79% of instructors taught nutritional principles and 44% had a moderate degree of understanding on food and nutrition, 63% of teachers had poor levels of training in nutrition. The teachers' greatest difficulties were related to the nutritional value of foods, regardless of their years of experience. Teachers who have been teaching for less than five years have a better degree of knowledge in food and nutrition, compared to those who have been teaching for longer (p<0.001). This study supports the idea that elementary school instructors need more dietary education, especially those who have been teaching for more years. Keywords: Food, nutrition, knowledge, elementary school teachers
Kebijakan Vaksinasi COVID-19 di Indonesia: Sebuah Upaya Dalam Meningkatkan Partisipasi Masyarakat Untuk di Vaksin
Authors: Hamdan Hamdan , Putera Roni Ekha
Published: July 2023

The government has started the COVID-19 vaccination program in Indonesia, on January 13, 2021, targeting 70% of Indonesia's population. However, in implementing the COVID-19 vaccination nationally, there are various obstacles, such as many people who are afraid of the side effects of vaccines, halal vaccines and paid vaccinations which are rejected by the community. The low level of public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine is further exacerbated by hoax news about vaccines that are spreading in the community. The purpose of this study is to see how the policies taken by the Indonesian government in increasing public participation for the COVID-19 vaccine. The research method used in this study uses a literature review research method with a qualitative approach. The results of the study show that the Indonesian government's policy in an effort to increase public participation for the COVID-19 vaccine is to apply a COVID-19 vaccine certificate as a requirement in public activities. The use of the COVID-19 vaccine certificate has increased public participation in the vaccine. In addition, the behavior of public officials showing that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe to use after being vaccinated has also increased public participation in the Covid-19 vaccine.
Kontribusi Epigenetik Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Tingkat Tinggi dan Kecerdasan Spiritual Mahasiswa
Authors: Wardhani Irma Yuniar
Published: July 2023

The mechanism of genetic changes that occur due to interactions with the environment in biology is known as epigenetics. Epigenetics has a role in learning and memory formation and storage. This study aims to determine how big the contribution of epigenetics as an independent canonical variable to the higher order thinking skills and spiritual intelligence of education biology students. This type of research is a correlational multivariate with a quantitative approach. The research sample was taken by using stratified random sampling technique. The data collection instrument used a selected response test instrument to measure higher order thinking skills and a questionnaire instrument to obtain epigenetic data and students' spiritual intelligence. The data analysis technique used canonical multivariate analysis with the help of SPSS software. The results of the analysis of interpretation of canonical weights, canonical loads and canonical cross-loads show that nature and nurture (epigenetics) are variables that both contribute and correlate to the canonical dependent variable (HOTs and student spiritual intelligence).
Validitas Modul Interaktif Pembelajaran IPA untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif
Authors: Mawarni Heny , Sholahuddin Arif , Badruzsaufari Badruzsaufari
Published: July 2023

The development of creativity is included in one of the focuses of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 20 of 2003 concerning the National Education System. One way to develop students' creativity is to develop creative thinking skills. This study aims to describe the validity of interactive modules in science learning to improve students' creative thinking skills in junior high schools. This study uses a 4D research and development model design. Data were collected using validity instruments and legibility test questionnaires, then analyzed descriptively. The research subjects consisted of 5 expert validators and 2 students. The results showed (1) the validity of the interactive science learning module met the very valid category with an average result of 86.07. (2) the readability test of the interactive science learning module met the "good enough" category, with an average result of 70.83. The interactive science learning module is declared valid to improve students' creative thinking skills in junior high schools.
Kelayakan Buku Saku Elektronik “Mangifera di Bantaran Sungai Desa Beringin Kencana” sebagai Materi Pengayaan Konsep Keanekaragaman Hayati
Authors: Fauzia Syifa , Hardiansyah Hardiansyah , Mahrudin Mahrudin
Published: July 2023

Research and development is oriented towards field data. The results of the field research were then developed into an HTML 5-based electronic pocket book. The electronic pocket book contains Mangifera diversity on the riverbanks of Beringin Kencana Village as material for enriching the concept of biodiversity. The aim of the study was to describe the feasibility of the electronic pocket book "Mangifera on the Riverbanks of Beringin Kencana Village" as material for enriching the concept of Biodiversity in SMA. Research and development used the Borg and Gall model. The research subjects were 2 expert lecturers and 1 Biology subject teacher (expert validation) and 7 students of class X IPA 1 SMA Negeri 1 Tamban (readability test). The results showed that the electronic pocket book product test was feasible to be used for material enrichment on the concept of biodiversity.
Analysis of Purity and Concentration of DNA Isolated in Dragonfly (Onychogomphus forcipatus)
Authors: Sophian Alfi , Nasir La Ode
Published: July 2023

Analysis of the purity and concentration of DNA isolation results was carried out using samples of dragonflies (Onychogomphus forcipatus) species of insects. This research is important because there are many kinds of research in the molecular field that require good DNA isolation techniques to support the success of the research. The purpose of this paper is to provide information about the quality of the isolated DNA seen using the purity and concentration parameters. The extraction method uses the centrifuge column method. The isolated data were analyzed statistically using the average test. The results of DNA isolation showed that the average concentration value was in the range of 60.10 – 69.95. The analysis of the purity of the isolated DNA read at the A260/A280 ratio was in the range of 1.817 – 1.929, while the purity analysis at the A260/A230 ratio was in the range of 0.760 – 0.822. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the analysis of the purity and concentration of DNA from the isolation of dragonfly samples was in a good category at the A260/A280 ratio, while the purity read at the A260/A230 ratio was below the value categorized as good.
Analisis Validitas Lembar Kerja Peserta Didik Biologi Terkait Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik SMP
Authors: Yana Mili , Zaini Muhammad , Dharmono Dharmono
Published: July 2023

Critical thinking skills are needed in 21st century learning. Learning tools must be prepared by the teacher to improve students' critical thinking skills. Student worksheets (LKPD) are one of the learning tools that can train higher-order thinking skills. LKPD can be used to train all cognitive and experimental aspects, so the development of LKPD needs to be done. LKPD development is carried out using the Tessmer model up to the expert review stage. This study aims to describe the feasibility of product development. Validity was carried out by three experts on the aspects of content feasibility, language, presentation, and graphics. The validity value of LKPD shows a very valid category in all three aspects. The product is feasible to continue in the next test.
Pengetahuan Lokal Sub-Etnis Batak Toba dalam Memanfaatkan Tumbuhan Obat
Authors: Simamora Leimena , Ratnasih Rina , Dwiartama Angga , Irsam Arifin Surya
Published: July 2023

Knowledge of the utility of medicinal plants in sub-ethnicity of Batak Toba has not been widely disclosed. This knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation orally and has very limited documentation so it has the potential to be lost. The result of this study are intended to reveal the local's knowledge of the utilization of medicinal plants by Batak Toba sub-etnicity in Desa Sipagabu. The methods of collecting the data were done by conducting semi-structured interviews and participatory observation with the informant. Descriptive statistics have been used to analyze the collected data. In this study, the informant consisted of 51 natives Batak Toba sub-ethnicity with previous knowledge of the utilization of medicinal plants. Medicinal plants that were used are 115 species which belong to 100 genus and 49 families. The main families of medicinal plants utilized by local comunities are Asteraceae, followed by Fabaceae and Zingiberaceae, and Poaceae.  Medicinal plants were used to cure disease are grouped into natural diseases, supranatural disease, uncommon disease, and certain diseases that are cure using traditional concotion.
Potensi Senyawa Aktif Mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) sebagai Antifungi Candida albicans melalui Pendekatan in Silico
Authors: Istiadi Khaerunissa Anbar , Suryanti Erma , Chusniasih Dewi
Published: July 2023

Candida albicans is a normal microbiota in humans. However, the imbalance and increasing number of C. albicans can cause infections in the vagina, mouth, esophagus, and nails. Sap-3 plays role in the infections especially in the adhesion process, and can used as a therapeutic target for C.albicans. Here an attempt has been made to analyze the potential of the active compounds from noni (Morinda citrifolia) as an antifungal by molecular docking towards Sap-3 protein. Drug-likeness characteristics were analyzed based on the Lipinski Rule of Five. Validation of molecular docking of Sap-3 protein-native ligand was conducted followed by molecular docking of the Sap3 protein-test based on the Lamarckian Genetics Algorithm. The highest binding energy is Beta-sitosterol (-8.77 kcal/mol), followed by Alizarin (-6.47 kcal/mol), Morindone (-6.51 kcal/mol), Quercetin (-5.76 kcal/mol), Pepstatin A (-5.55 kcal/mol), Scopoletin (-5.26 kcal/mol), Kaempferol (-5.13 kcal/mol). Bioactive compounds from noni (Morinda citrifolia) can be an appropriate choice as antifungal and for further experiments through in vitro and in vivo tests.
Phase Field & Monte Carlo Potts Simulation of Grain Growth and Morphology of Vertically Upwards Cast Oxygen Free Copper
Authors:   University of Dundee, Jones Thomas , Strachan Richard ,   University of Dundee, Mackie David ,   University of Dundee, Cooper Mervyn ,   Rautomead Limited, Frame Brian ,   Rautomead Limited, Vorstius Jan ,   University of Dundee
Published: August 2023

A 2-D Phase-Field coupled Monte Carlo-Potts model, using PhasePot of vertically upwards continuous casting (VUCC) of oxygen free copper (OFCu) was investigated to reveal the grain growth morphology and the withdrawal parameters required to produce a high-quality homogeneity within the grain structure. A dynamic moving reference frame was used as an approximation to the complex withdrawal parameters. The simulation results were validated alongside cast rod grain structures produced under the same cast parameters, at Rautomead Ltd on a RS080 VUCC machine.
The Indirect Effects of Vitamin D3 on the Aging Process According to Gender
Authors: Trifan Daniela Florina , Tirla Adrian Gheorghe , Mos Calin , Danciu Adrian , Bodog Florian , Manole Felicia , Ghitea Timea Claudia
Published: August 2023

Background/Aim: Rapid onset of facial ptosis can impact physical appearance and compromise the outcomes of facelift procedures. The level of vitamin D has a potential correlation with collagen formation and its deficiency with inflammatory processes that affect the breakdown of hyaluronic acid. This study aims to investigate the potential relationship between accentuated facial ptosis in women and low levels of vitamin D. Furthermore, it aims to explore preventive measures or strategies to slow down facial ptosis and enhance the longevity of facelift results. Materials and Methods: The study was focused on monitoring the vitamin D levels in women and men with advanced facial ptosis and comparing them with a control group. Results: Notably, a direct association between gender and serum vitamin D levels was observed, indicating less sustainable outcomes in women. Conclusion: Women face additional challenges in the aging process due to hormonal shifts after menopause or premenopausal, which are associated with osteoporosis and lower vitamin D levels.
Independent child mobility in urban planning: geospatial technology in the technical approach and citizens listening
Authors: Moura Ana Clara Mourão , Barros Paula , Rosa Ashiley Adelaide
Published: August 2023

The study proposes planning independent children's mobility through geoinformation technologies for listening to children. This research assumes that children’s values and expectations must be considered in city planning. A bibliographic review identifies 15 indicators which make spaces safe and attractive for children to circulate and play. Thematic maps of the indicators are prepared, integrated by Multicriteria Analysis by Weights of Evidence, according to the hierarchical importance of each variable. The definition of weights considers the opinion of children and technicians. Consultation with children is carried out by Mapping Volunteers (VGI), Consultation on Hierarchy, Geodesign of Ideas for the area and Artistic Workshop. In the technical study, the query applies the Delphi method. It uses the VGI – Volunteered Geographic Information – web-based platform, where children record places of topophilia and topophobia, while technicians map the presence of 15 indicators. The set of information is made available on a web-based platform of SDI – Spatial Data Infrastructure, in which there are resources for a Geodesign workshop when ideas for the area are elaborated through negotiation and co-creation. The product is a transformation design for the area through urban design and parameterisation of uses.
A History and Atlas of the Human CD4+ T Helper Cell
Authors: Crater Jacqueline M. , Dunn Daniel C. , Nixon Douglas F. , Furler O’Brien Robert L.
Published: August 2023

CD4+ T cells orchestrate and regulate immunity within jawed vertebrates, yet our understanding of their evolution, development, and cellular physiology has only begun to be unearthed in the past few decades. Discoveries of genetic diseases that ablate this cellular population have provided insight into their critical functions while transcriptomics, proteomics, and highresolution microscopy have recently revealed new insights into CD4+ T cell anatomy and physiology. This article compiles historical, microscopic, and multi omics data which can be used as a reference atlas to dissect cellular physiology within these influential cells and further understand pathologies like HIV infection that inflict human CD4+ T cells.
A Differential Datalog Interpreter
Authors: Stephenson Matthew
Published: August 2023

The core reasoning task for datalog engines is materialization, the evaluation of a datalog program over a database alongside its phys- ical incorporation into the database itself. The de-facto method of computing it, is through the recursive application of inference rules. Due to it being a costly operation, it is a must for datalog engines to provide incremental materialization, that is, to adjust the computation to new data, instead of restarting from scratch. One of the major caveats, is that deleting data is notoriously more involved than adding, since one has to take into account all possible data that has been entailed from what is being deleted. Differential Dataflow is a computational model that provides efficient incremen- tal maintenance, notoriously with equal performance between ad- ditions and deletions, and work distribution, of iterative dataflows. In this paper we investigate the performance of materialization with three reference datalog implementations, out of which one is built on top of a lightweight relational engine, and the two others are differential-dataflow and non-differential versions of the same rewrite algorithm, with the same optimizations.
Effect of Different Warm-Up Durations on the Plasma Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Following Anaerobic Exercise in Amateur Handball Players
Authors: Koubaa Abdessalem , Koubaa Sirine , Elloumi Mohamed
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of three warm-up durations on post-exercise oxidative stress biomarkers, as well as recovery from the Wingate test in 14 amateur handball players. These players completed the Wingate test three times: after 5-min, after 10-min, and then after 15-min of warm-up, spread over two weeks with an interval of one week between each session. At the end of each session of the Wingate test, blood samples were taken: at rest (PR), after warming up (PWU) and immediately at the end of the test (P0), then after 10-min (P10) and after 20-min (P20) of recovery. The measured parameters are the total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein-bound-carbonyls (PC) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The main findings revealed that anaerobic exercise induces oxidative stress, as evidenced by changes in antioxidant status and significant increases in concentrations of the majority of oxidative stress indicators (p < 0.05). At P20, plasma GPx, SOD, GR, TBARS, and PC contents, are lower and significantly different after a 15-min warm-up than after a 10-min or 5-min warm-up. ANOVA showed a significant ‘‘warm-up×recovery’’ effect on plasma GPx, SOD, GR, TBARS, and PC contents [F(8.104)=3.61; p<0.001; η2p=0.22, F(8.104): from 1.88 to 19.97; η2p: from 0.19 to 0.61: 0.05<p<0.001], respectively. We concluded that a 15-min warm-up was more efficient than the other duration in reducing free radical rise, emphasizing the importance of warm-up length on plasma oxidative stress biomarkers.
Supporting Informed Public Reactions during Shipping Incidents with Oil Spill Potential: The E-S.A.V.E Electronic Platform
Authors: Thanopoulou Helen , Patera Anastasia , Moresis Orestis , Georgoulis Georgios , Lioumi Vicky , Kanavos Athanasios , Papadimitriou Orestis , Zervakis Vassilis , Dagkinis Ioannis
Published: August 2023

The analysis of the 2002 Prestige tanker accident showed how public misinformation can worsen marine pollution incidents, rendering their management suboptimal as these evolve, raising thus the issue of appropriately informing and educating coastal and island populations at risk. Two decades later, developments in electronic platforms, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), in Automatic Identification System (AIS) for ship signal transmission, and in social media, provide a set of means for public monitoring of such incidents, creating the possibility to antagonize effec-tively erroneous, or malevolent information which can hinder efficient actions for containing ma-rine pollution risks even without active training of populations concerned. The authors, in the framework of development of the Marine Coastal Observatory and Risk Management project “AEGIS+”, have developed E-S.A.V.E., an online platform which: a) meets the needs of different users as revealed by a survey run across groups of them, b) uses a suitable Geographic Infor-mation Systems (GIS) environment, c) cooperates with public authorities, for the reliable update of automated systems, and d) employs an artificial intelligence (AI) supported tool for social me-dia monitoring; the platform also provides educational and information national and interna-tional resources on marine environmental protection and sustainable maritime logistics.
Kelleni’s Protocol including Nitazoxanide and NSAIDs to Manage Dengue Virus Disease: A Novel Potential Game-Changer.
Authors: Kelleni Mina
Published: August 2023

The WHO has recently warned that this year, the global dengue fever cases could reach close to record highs. Peru has declared national emergency after a recent dengue virus disease outbreak has flared and the situation is rapidly evolving in other countries including some beyond the historical tropical and subtropical areas of transmission. In this brief report, the author discusses how a recent Egyptian dengue virus disease outbreak involving hundreds of patients of all ages was perfectly managed without a single mortality and how as he originally proved ibuprofen and NSAIDs safe and lifesaving to manage COVID-19, they could, together with the broad spectrum nitazoxanide as integral components of the Kelleni’s immune-modulatory antiviral protocol, show similar effectiveness in early management of dengue virus disease.
Viability of ABO Blood Typing with ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Fernández-González Alfonso , Obaya Álvaro , Chimeno-Trinchet Christian , Fontanil Tania , Badía-Laíño Rosana
Published: August 2023

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), provides valuable biochemical information for biomedical analysis. It aids in identifying cancerous tissues, diagnosing diseases like acute pancreatitis or Alzheimer's, and has applications in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. A combination of FTIR and chemometrics constitute an approach that shows promise in fields like biology, forensics, food quality control, and plant variety identification. The study aims to explore the feasibility of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for identifying ABO-blood types using spectroscopic tools. We employ various classifying algorithms, including Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Naïve Bayes Classifier (NBC), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and combinations of these methods, to detect A and B antigens and determine the ABO blood type. The results show that these algorithms predict the blood type to a greater extent than random selection, although they do not match the precision of biochemical blood typing tools. Additionally, our findings suggest a higher sensitivity of the methodology in identifying B antigens compared to A antigens.
The Late Asymptomatic and Terminal Immunodeficiency Phases in Experimentally FIV-Infected Cats- a Long-Term Study
Authors: Murphy Brian G , Castillo Diego , Cook Sarah Elisabeth , Eckstrand Chrissy , Evans Samantha , Sparger Ellen , Grant Chris
Published: August 2023

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus in the family Retroviridae that infects domestic cats resulting in an immunodeficiency disease featuring a progressive and profound decline in multiple sets of peripheral lymphocytes. Despite compelling evidence of FIV-associated immunopathology, there are conflicting data concerning the clinical effects of FIV infection on host morbidity and mortality. To explore FIV-associated immunopathogenesis and clinical disease, we experimentally inoculated a cohort of 4 specific pathogen free kittens with a biological isolate of FIV clade C and continuously monitored these animals along with 2 uninfected control animals for more than 13 years, from the time of inoculation to the humane euthanasia endpoint. Here we report the results obtained during the late asymptomatic and terminal phases of FIV infection in this group of experimentally FIV-infected cats.
Transfer Learning-Based YOLOv3 Model for Road Dense Object Detection
Authors: Zhu Chunhua , Liang Jiarui , Zhou Fei
Published: August 2023

Stemming from the object overlap and undertraining from the few samples, the road dense object detection is confronted with the poor object identification performance and the inability to recognize edge objects. Based on this, one transfer learning-based YOLOv3 approach for identifying dense objects in the road has been proposed. Firstly, Darknet-53 network structure is adopted to obtain pre-trained YOLOv3 model, then the transfer training is introduced as the output layer for the special dataset of 2000 images containing vehicles; in the proposed model, one random function is adapted to intialize and optimize the weights of the transfer training model, which is seperately designed from the pre-trained YOLOv3; and the object detection classifier replaces the fully connected layer, which further improves the detection effect, the reduced size of the network model can further reduce the training and detection time, and can be better applied to actual scenarios. The experimental results demonstrate that the object detection accuracy of the presented approach is 87.75% for the Pascal VOC 2007 dataset, which is superior to the traditional YOLOv3 and the traditional YOLOv2 by 3.05% and 11.15%, respectively. Besides, the test was carried out using UA-DETRAC, a public road vehicle detection dataset, the object detection accuracy of the presented approach reaches 79.23% in detecting images, which is 4.13% better than the traditional YOLOv3, and compared with the existing relatively new object detection algorithm YOLOv5, the detection accuracy is 1.36% better. Moreover, the detection speed of the proposed YOLOv3 method reaches 31.2 Fps/s in detecting images, which is 7.6 Fps/s faster than the traditional YOLOv3, and compared with the existing relatively new object detection algorithm YOLOv5, the speed is 4.3 Fps/s faster; the proposed YOLOv3 performs 79.38Bn of floating point operations per second in detecting video, which obviously surpasses the traditional YOLOv3 and the newer object detection algorithm YOLOv5.
SARS-CoV-2-Specific CD8+ T Cells in Blood but Not in the Lungs of Vaccinated K18-hACE2 Mice after Infection
Authors: Ferrantelli Flavia , Manfredi Francesco , Chiozzini Chiara , Leone Patrizia , Pugliese Katherina , Spada Massimo , Di Virgilio Antonio , Giovannelli Andrea , Valeri Mauro , Cara Andrea , Michelini Zuleika , Andreotti Mauro , Federico Maurizio
Published: August 2023

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 enters the host by infecting nasal ciliated cells. Then, the virus can spread towards the oropharyngeal cavity and the pulmonary tissues. The antiviral adaptive immunity is promptly induced in response to virus detection, with virus-specific T lymphocytes appearing before antiviral antibodies. Both breadth and potency of the antiviral CD8+ T cell immunity have a key role in containing viral spread and disease severity. Current anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines do not impede the virus replication in the upper respiratory tract, and there is consensus on the fact that the best potency of the antiviral immune response in both blood and upper respiratory tract can be reached upon infection in vaccinees (i.e., breakthrough infection). However, whether the antiviral CD8+ T cells developing in response to the breakthrough infection in the upper respiratory tract diffuse to the lungs also is still largely unknown. To fill the gap, we checked the CD8+ T cell immunity elicited after infection of K18-hACE2 transgenic mice both 3 weeks and 3 months after anti-Spike vaccination. The virus-specific CD8+ T cell immunity was monitored in both blood and the lungs before and after infection. By investigating the de novo generation of CD8+ T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, we found that both membrane (M) and/or nucleocapsid (N)-specific CD8+ T cells were induced at comparable levels in blood of both unvaccinated and vaccinated mice. Conversely, N-specific CD8+ T cells were readily found in the lungs of control mice, but were either rare or absent in those of vaccinated mice. These results support the idea that the hybrid cell immunity developing after asymptomatic/mild breakthrough infection strengthens the antiviral cell immunity at lungs only marginally, implying that the direct exposition of the viral antigens is required for the induction of an efficient antiviral cell immunity in the lungs.
African Swine Fever Shock: China’s Hog Industry Resilience and its Influencing Factors
Authors: Shi Zizhong , Hu Xiangdong
Published: August 2023

African swine fever has damaged the foundation of China’s hog industry, caused a serious decline in hog production, highlighted the contradiction between supply and demand in the pork market, and led to major economic and social impacts. This study measured the industrial resilience of 31 Chinese provinces which faced the African swine fever shock and its spatial and temporal differentiation characteristics from 2018-2021 in terms of the two dimensions of resistance and recoverability. Using Geodetector, the study explored the key factors influencing the resilience of China’s hog industry. The results showed that 2018-2019 and 2020-2021 were the resistance and recovery periods of the hog industry under the African swine fever shock, respectively, with poor resilience characterizing the resistance period and improved resilience exemplifying the recovery period. At the early stage of the African swine fever outbreak, Tianjin, Shanxi, Guangxi and Yunnan had robust resistance in the hog industry, and the slaughter rate, economic level, mortality rate, carcass weight and culling rate showed the highest explanation for the resistance. At the most severe stage of the outbreak, the resistance of the hog industry in all provinces was generally poor, and the slaughter rate, per capita consumption and scale level showed the highest explanation for the resistance. In the period of rapid recovery of hog production, the recoverability of each province was very strong, and the industrial structure, culling rate, economic level and resource carrying capacity showed the highest explanation for the recoverability. In the reasonable adjustment period of hog production capacity, the recoverability based on the breeding sow inventory in 13 provinces, including Henan, Shandong and other large hog breeding provinces, was negative, and the scale level, slaughter rate, per capita consumption and resource carrying showed the highest explanation for the recoverability. It is recommended to take measures to enhance the resilience of the hog industry, strengthen the prevention and control of hog epidemics, improve the monitoring and early warning mechanism, and strive to enhance the ability of the hog industry to cope with major animal epidemics.
Scrub Typhus: Epidemiology, Clinical Presentations, and Diagnostic Approaches
Authors: Pandey Ramendra Pati , Konyak M Beyau , Soni Monika , Saikia Shyamalima , Chang Tochi , Gogoi Indrani , Khongstid Ibakmensi , Sharma Mohan
Published: August 2023

Scrub typhus (ST) is one of the most neglected tropical diseases, a leading cause of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in areas of the ‘tsutsugamushi triangle’, diagnosed frequently in South Asian countries. The bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi is the causative agent of the disease, which enters to human body through the bite of trombiculid mite (Chigger) of the genus Leptotrombidium deliense.The diagnosis of the disease becomes challenging as its early symptoms mimic other febrile illnesses like dengue, influenza, and corona viruses. Lack of rapid, reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic methods further complicates the identification process. Northeast India, a mountainous region with a predominantly rural tribal population, has witnessed a resurgence of scrub typhus cases in recent years. Various ecological factors, including rodent population, habitat characteristics, and climatic conditions, influence its prevalence. Entomological investigations have confirmed the abundance of vector mites, highlighting the importance of understanding their distribution and the probability of transmission of scrub typhus in the region. Proper diagnosis, awareness campaigns, and behavioral interventions are essential for controlling scrub typhus outbreaks and reducing its impact on public health in Northeast India. Further research and community-based studies are necessary to accurately assess the disease burden and implement effective prevention strategies.
Onsite Determination of Soil Organic Carbon Content: A Photocatalytic Approach
Authors: Abu El Haija Karam , Chiang Yi Wai , Santos Rafael M.
Published: August 2023

This research presents a novel approach for estimating soil organic carbon (SOC) content in agricultural soils using a photocatalytic Chemical Oxygen Demand (PeCOD) analyzer integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for spatial analysis. The PeCOD method, which relies on photochemical oxidation of organic carbon, demonstrated an uncanny correlation between its values and SOC content, making it a quick and accurate way to estimate SOC levels. Finer materials, such as clayey soils, demonstrated higher SOC content compared to coarser ones and decreased with increasing soil depth. GIS georeferencing enabled precise mapping of SOC distribution and identification of hotspot areas with high SOC content. This study highlights the significance of soil texture and depth on SOC distribution and emphasizes its significance within geological context when studying soil properties. Research results have practical ramifications for sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation and soil health management - providing farmers and land managers with strategies that increase carbon sequestration while simultaneously improving soil health. Integrating PeCOD analyzer technology with GIS technology offers promising avenues for advanced soil carbon monitoring practices that promote climate-smart agricultural practices.
Characterization and spatiotemporal dynamics of the ichthyofauna of two tidal containment zones on the Brazilian Amazon coast
Authors: Silva Ladilson Rodrigues , Nunes Yago Bruno Silveira , Figueiredo Marina Bezerra , Antonio Ícaro Gomes
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to characterize spatiotemporal variations in the ichthyofauna of two tidal containment zones in Maranhão state, Brazil. Monthly, collections were carried out in the containment zones of São Luís and São José de Ribamar, with samplings performed after the peak of the lowest tide (transition between low tide and high tide).Physicochemical parameters such as water salinity, temperature, transparency, and precipitation were measured monthly. A gill net (25-mm mesh) was used to capture fish. A total of 169 ichthyic individuals were captured and identified in the coastal containment areas of São Luís and São José de Ribamar. The orders Perciformes (41%) and Siluriformes (13.6%) were the most representative in terms of number of species. According to analysis of the t-test, there were significant seasonal and spatial variations in the number of organisms (p < 0.05), with the highest catches in rainy and transitional months. It was possible to identify a variation in niches in both study areas, the influence of physicochemical parameters on ichthyofaunal communities of São Luís and São José de Ribamar, and the effects of the containment structures on fish biomass and diversity, mainly in São Luís.
Pengembangan alat evaluasi pembelajaran berbasis roll spin test pada materi pertumbuhan dan perkembangan tumbuhan
Authors: Cahyati Fitria Nur , Ersita Visdha , Khairunnisa Hanifah , Ayu Rizkia Rinjani
Published: July 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan alat evaluasi pembelajaran berbasis roll spin test pada materi pertumbuhan dan perkembangan tumbuhan. Roll spin test merupakan alat atau media pembelajaran yang dapat menyajikan perangkat pembelajaran seperti soal-soal mengenai materi evaluasi pembelajaran yang terintegrasi dalam satu paket. Media ini dirancang dengan menggunakan model pengembangan 4D yang memiliki 5 tahapan, yaitu pendefinisian, perancangan, pengembangan  dan penyebaran. Alat evaluasi pembelajaran ini divalidasi oleh ahli media dan ahli materi. Setelah media dinyatakan layak, maka dilanjutkan dengan uji kelompok besar untuk melihat respon repon siswa. Validasi alat evaluasi pembelajaran berbasis roll spin test oleh ahli media diperoleh skor sebesar  0,88 (88%) dengan kriteria sangat layak. Kemudian, hasil validasi materi oleh ahli materi diperoleh skor sebesar 0,75 (75%) dengan kriteria layak. Hasil ujicoba kelompok besar dengan jumlah 30 orang mahasiswa pendidikan biologi sebagai responden diperoleh skor sebesar 64,65% dengan kriteria layak. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa alat evaluasi pembelajaran berbasis roll spin test pada materi pertumbuhan dan perkembangan tanaman layak digunakan dalam proses pembelajaran.

Kata kunci: Pendidikan, Media Pembelajaran, Biologi
Replication of the Climbing Post on Mount Arjuno Using Augmented Reality (AR) with the Open Asset Import Library Method
Authors: Fachruddin Muhammad , Dijaya Rohman , Rosid Mochamad Alfan
Published: July 2023

Mount Arjuno is a 3,339meter high cone-shaped volcano located in East Java, Indonesia. At this time, information about climbers that is spread in online media makes it easy, there are many features that can be used to find climbing information on Mount Arjuno. Making this Arjuno augmented reality application uses the Rapid Application Development model with the main goal of producing high quality and quantity. Where this method places more emphasis on working on application software and user feedback in the planner. And testing for the tracking distance of the camera to the marker, to ensure the distance that can be traveled by the camera when scanning objects to targets. By creating an android application that uses the Marker Based Tracking method which can assist climbers in choosing hiking trails on Mount Arjuno so that climbers know the distance of the path traveled when climbing.
Designing a Digital Mini Stage Augmented Reality Catalog Application Using the Loading Package Model Feature
Authors: Syahgita Mico Hari , Dijaya Rohman
Published: July 2023

The street vendor business is one that is growing rapidly in this day and age. Some of these businesses are personal in nature, while others are not. The interest in this research stems from observations made with street vendors, where the service for ordering booths so far only uses photo media without the ability to explore in greater detail, where the service is not optimal if the manual method is still used, and thus it is necessary to develop new services to be able to display products in 3D and explore thoroughly. The author's goal in conducting this research is to develop applications so that partners can increase consumer traffic through digital catalogs using augmented reality (AR) technology and make it easier for buyers to interactively visualize booth models. The results of this study are augmented reality applications for interactive visualization of booth models. The booth is displayed in three dimensions using a 3D developer application. Users can explore booth models i teractively from all sides. This application is a portable digital catalog that provides a more intuitive user experience.
The improvement of motor symptoms in Huntington’s disease during cariprazine treatment
Authors: Csehi Reka , Molnar Viktor , Fedor Mariann , Zsumbera Vivien , Palasti Agnes , Acsai Karoly , Grosz Zoltan , Nemeth Gyorgy , Molnar Maria Judit
Published: August 2023

Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterised by motor disturbances and non-motor (i.e., psychiatric) symptoms. Motor symptoms are the hallmark features of HD and take many forms. Their emergence is related to alterations in striatal dopaminergic (DA) neurotransmission, with increased DA levels in the early, and reduced levels in the later stages of the disease. Such a biphasic change potentially explains the alterations in motor symptoms: increased DA-production induces hyperkinetic movements early in the disease course, while depleted DA storage leads to hypokinetic symptoms in the advanced phase. Dopamine D2-D3 partial agonists could be a promising treatment option in HD, as they have the potential to either elevate or lower the surrounding dopamine levels if the levels are too low or too high, respectively, potentially offering symptom-relief across the illness-course. Therefore, the efficacy of cariprazine, a dopamine D2-D3 partial agonist with high affinity to D3 receptors, was examined in influencing motor symptoms associated with HD.Methods: This was a single-centre, retrospective study where sixteen patients received off-label cariprazine treatment for 12 weeks (1.5-3 mg/day). Motor symptoms were evaluated using the Motor Assessment of the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale. Least Square (LS) Mean Changes from baseline (BL) to Week 8 and Week 12 in the Total Motor Score (TMS) were analysed using the Mixed Model for Repeated Measures. In addition, improvement from BL to Week 8 and 12 was calculated for all motor items.Results: Data of 15 patients were analysed as one patient dropped out due to non-compliance. Significant changes were observed from BL to Week 8 (LS Mean Change: -9.4, p < 0.0001) and to Week 12 (LS Mean Change: -12.8, p < 0.0001) in the TMS. The improvement was captured in the majority of motor functions, excluding bradykinesia and gait. Mild akathisia was the most commonly reported side-effect, affecting 3 patients.Conclusion: This is the first study investigating the effect of a D2-D3 partial agonist, cariprazine, in the treatment of HD. The findings of this study reveal that cariprazine was effective in the treatment of a wide range of motor symptoms associated with HD.
Effect of the switch status of Helicobacter pylori Outer Inflammatory Protein A on gastric diseases
Authors: Oktem-Okullu Sinem , Karaman Tayyip , Akcelik-Deveci Sümeyye , Timucin Emel , Sezerman osman ugur , Ozen Nesteren Mansur , Buyukcolak Yaren , Tiftikci Arzu
Published: August 2023

Helicobacter pylori OipA (Outer Inflammatory Protein A) is an outer membrane protein that takes role in the adherence and colonization to the stomach. oipA gene expression is regulated by the slipped-strand mispairing mechanism through a hypermutable CT dinucleotide repeat motif in the 5΄ region. Alterations in the CT number repeats cause frame-shift mutations to result in phase variation of oipA expression. While a functional “on” status has been recognized as a risk factor for peptic ulcer diseases and gastric cancer in many studies, some controversial findings still exist. To this end, this study compiled the sequence data of oipA from 10 different studies between 2000-2019 and 50 oipA DNA sequences from our own research that examined the relationship between the phase on/off status of oipA and gastric diseases based on CT repeat number. Overall, we have reached 536 oipA DNA sequences from patients. This large collection of oipA sequences first clarified the absolute conservation of the peptide-pentamer of FWLHA for phase-on status, suggesting this pentamer as a superior marker for the determination of oipAstatus than counting the number of CT repeats. Combining the sequence and patient data, we have re-analyzed the association between the ‘‘On’’ status of oipA and gastric diseases. Our results showed a strong association between oipA‘‘On’’ status and gastric cancer supporting previous findings. We also investigated the AlphaFold2 computed structure of OipA that adopts a beta-barrel fold closely resembling to the autotransporter family of H. pylori. Altogether, this study confirms a strong association between OipA ‘‘On’’ statuses and severe gastrointestinal diseases like cancer and provides useful insights into the FWLHA pentamer as an indicator of “on” status of oipA putative autotransporter function rather than CT repeats number.
Microplastic Pollution of Thermal Waters in Kütahya, Türkiye
Authors: ŞENER Harun , GÜNDOĞDU Sedat , KARAKUŞ Hüseyin , GÜLEKÇİ Yakup
Published: August 2023

Microplastics have become ubiquitous pollutants everywhere. However, there is still limited data on the presence of microplastics in some ecosystem compartments. Groundwater resources, particularly thermal waters, are also an environment with little-known microplastic pollution. In this study, the presence of microplastics in thermal water resources used for geothermal applications in Kütahya region was investigated for the first time in Turkey. In the study, 3 liters of sample per location were taken from 21 thermal points in 9 regions in amber glass bottles of 1.5 liters each. The samples were filtered directly through cellulose acetate filters with a 0.45 µm filter paper using a vacuum pump. The filter papers were subjected to microscopic examination and µ-Raman analysis directly. As a result of microscopic examination, a total of 88 microplastic-like particles were detected, and µ-Raman analysis confirmed that 68.11% of them were microplastics. Thus, an average of 0.85 ± 0.71 MPs/L (850 MPs/m3) was detected from all locations. The highest microplastic concentration was found at the ST-8 station with 4.88 ± 2.98 MPs/L. No particles were found in the ST-7, ST-10, and ST-20 stations. Of the particles detected, 50.0% were fiber, 10.2% were film, and 39.8% were fragment types. The µ-Raman analysis confirmed that the polymers found were cellulose, PE, PET, PP, PS, and PET, and the most commonly found polymer was PE at 22.2%. The results obtained from this first-ever study of microplastics in geothermal waters demonstrate that microplastics can be found in low amounts in thermal groundwater resources.
Experimental Investigation of Surface Morpology and Wear Behaviour on Heat Treated TIN PVD Coated A36 Mild Steel
Authors: Nagarajan Pragadish , Srinivasa Ganapathy , M Selvam , S Lakshmanan
Published: August 2023

This experimental research study aimed to investigate the surface properties, wear resistance, and hardness behaviour of A36 mild steel in different conditions. In particular, the study focused on comparing the characteristics of A36 mild steel, normalised heat treated TiN PVD coated A36 mild steel, annealing heat treated TiN PVD coated A36 mild steel, and quenching heat treated TiN PVD coated A36 mild steel. The SEM analysis was performed to evaluate the surface morphology of each type of mild steel, and different topographies were observed in each category. The SEM micrographs revealed that the normalised, annealed and quenched TiN PVD coated A36 mild steels showed a homogeneous surface morphology with fewer cracks and voids compared with the A36 mild steel. Moreover, these TiN PVD coated A36 mild steel specimens showed less pin and disc wear as compared to the A36 mild steel specimen. Thus, it can be inferred that TiN PVD coating can minimize wear rate in the mentioned types of steel. The Vicker hardness test was conducted to examine the hardness behaviour of the mild steel specimens. The results showed that the normalised, annealed, and quenched TiN PVD coated A36 mild steels had a higher Vicker hardness value than A36 mild steel without coating. The maximum hardness was observed in the quenched TiN PVD Coated A36 Mild Steel specimens. Hence, TiN PVD coating enhances the hardness of the mild steel. In conclusion, the experimental investigation shows that TiN PVD coating and heat treatment can significantly enhance the surface morphology, wear resistance, and hardness behaviour of A36 mild steel. The investigated specimens of normalised, annealed, and quenched TiN PVD coated A36 mild steel, show better results than the conventional mild steel in terms of surface morphology, wear resistance and hardness behaviour.