bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REFORM AGENDA AND EDUCATIONAL POLICY IN KENYA: CIRCA 21st CENTURY
Authors: Ochieng Pamela Atieno
Published: September 2021

This study examined the reform Agenda and the educational policy in Kenya with regard to the secondary school sector in Eldoret municipality. The study was based on the social systems theory as advanced by Newstrom (1993). The research adopted an exploratory survey design. The target population was the principals in secondary schools, the student governing council, teachers and parents. The sample was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling and purposive sampling. Data was collected by use of questionnaires, interview schedules, and observation schedule. Descriptive statistics, (percentages, frequency distribution tables and graphic representations) were used in data analysis and interpretation of data. The significance of the study lies in the fact that reform agenda in education with regard to educational policy is aimed at creating equal opportunity for all learners in Kenya. The study findings revealed that the education opportunities at secondary school level are unevenly distributed, ranking of schools based on performance create discrimination. The admission criteria have created a rift rather than promote unity, and that affirmative action in the education sector has led to inequalities. The study concludes that, the government of Kenya needs to redirect some public resources for education from the wealthiest people to the poor population. Concludes that unless the regional differences are considered educational policies will always replicate social injustices.
Key words: education, policy, social injustices, regional disparity.
Justification of the layout of the working bodies of tillage implements according to the criteria of metal consumption and traction resistance
Authors:   Kostanay branch of Agroengineering SPC, Kazakhstan, Derepaskin A.I. , Komarov A.P. ,   Non-Profit Limited Company ‘A. Baitursynov Kostanay Regional University’, Kazakhstan
Published: September 2021

The results of laboratory and field studies to determine the quantitative characteristics of the change in the traction resistance of the working bodies depending on their operation conditions in the soil environment are provided. The values of the traction resistance of the working bodies operating in different cutting modes have been determined. A method is proposed for a comparative assessment of various process flow sheets of tools according to the criteria of metal consumption and traction resistance.
Assessment of Short-term Outcomes of 10 mg Daily Amitriptyline Therapy in Globus Pharyngeus Patients
Authors: Mahbub Muntasir , Rahman Md Mahbubur
Published: September 2021

Background: Globus pharyngeus or feeling of a lump in the throat is a very common complaint in patients visiting the otolaryngology outpatient department. Pharmacotherapy with low dose amitriptyline has a significant effect in relieving the symptoms, although success rate varies among patients.
Objectives: Aim for this study was to find out the benefits of low dose amitriptyline therapy in the management of Globus pharyngeus on a short term basis.
Materials & Methods: This is an observational study conducted from Jan 2019 to Jan 2020. Total 50 patients were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were – subjective feeling of a lump in the throat persisting for more than 2 months, Clinical oral examination and Upper GI endoscopy revealed normal findings, age between 18–60 years of both sexes. All the patients were prescribed with 10mg Amitriptyline per oral at night for 2 months, and patients were followed during the course of treatment to assess relief of symptoms and to evaluate any side effects.
Results: In this study male to female ratio was 1:4. Mean age of study group was 42.66 (_ 4.78) years. Symptomatic relief occurred in 37 (74%) patients. Increased somnolence was found in 21 patients (42%) during first 2 weeks of treatment, No improvement occurred in 8 patients (16%), and worsening of symptom occurred in 5 patients (10%).
Conclusion: Low dose Amitriptyline is effective in alleviating symptoms of globus pharyngeus in most patients on a short-term basis. Although some minor side effects can occur, these are manageable.
KYAMC Journal.2021;12(02): 75-77
Antithyroid Antibody Status During Pregnancy
Authors: Banik Shyamal Chandra , Alo Kamrunnahar , Ahmed Farjana , Islam Najmul , Towhid Ferdous
Published: September 2021

Background: Gradual alteration of antithyroid antibody level occurs during different trimesters of gestation. The study finds the type of alteration in Bangladeshi population.
Objective: The present study was carried out to find out the alterations of antithyroid antibody levels during each trimester in normal pregnant women in Bangladesh.
Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka from July 2016 to June 2017. Total 90 apparently healthy pregnant women of different trimesters, age ranged from 20 to 35 years were selected as study group (Group I). Again according to gestational age, study group was subdivided into 1st trimester of gestation (Group Ia, n=30), 2nd trimester of gestation (Group Ib, n=30) and 3rd trimester of gestation (Group Ic, n=30) respectively for comparison. For assessment of antithyroid antibody status, serum TPO-Ab and Tg-Ab levels were measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) method in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). The statistical analysis was done by ANOVA test and Bonferroni test.
Results: In this study, mean serum TPO-Ab level was significantly (p≤0.05, p<0.001) lower in 2nd and 3rd trimester in comparison to that of 1st trimester. On the other hand, mean serum Tg-Ab level was significantly (p<0.01, p<0.001) lower in 2nd and 3rd trimester in comparison to that of 1st trimester. Again, this value was significantly (p≤0.05) lower in 3rd trimester than that of 2nd trimester.
Conclusion: Antithyroid antibody titre gradually decreases with the progression of trimesters of gestation.
KYAMC Journal.2021;12(02): 98-100
A patient with atrial septal defect with cyanosis with diagnostic dilemma turned out to be a case of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC)
Authors: Ahsan Mahbub , Rahman Md Lutfar , Islam ASM shariful , Munshi Prokash Chandra , Rahman Md Muzibur , Rahman Md Mezanur
Published: September 2021

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a congenital cyanotic heart disease where all 4 pulmonary veins do not open directly to left atrium. There are 4 types of TAPVC. Supra cardiac type forms a confluence and may open to Innominate vein or SVC. Cardiac type usually opens to coronary sinus. Infracardiac type opens to hepatic veins or other veins. Mixed type is the combination of others. Of these 4 types infracardiac type is most vulnerable and presents with early features of cyanosis, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary vein obstruction. We present the case of an 18 year old lady with atrial septal defect (ASD) with cyanosis. Pre operative echo showed ASD with 3rd chamber behind LA, CT angiogram revealed large ASD, with tongue like extended chamber in posteromedial aspect of RA. Preoperative angiogram report was inconclusive. Despite the diagnostic dilemma, we took the challenge and the patient went for open heart surgery. The patient recovered well and discharged on 10 th post operative day. Post operative echocardiogram is encouraging and she is doing fine.
KYAMC Journal.2021;12(02): 107-110
Pemanfaatan Google Meet, Google Classroom, dan Zoom Untuk Mendukung Kegiatan Belajar dari Rumah
Authors: Arifiyanti Amalia Anjani , F Muhammad Burhanuddin , M Sudewantoro N , A Ananda Lakunti , Rozi M. Rizal Abdullah
Published: September 2021

Abstract: The school from home program implemented by all educational institutions during the COVID 19 pandemic forced all parties to adapt. This school from home program requires information technology as the medium so that the teaching and learning process continues. One of the challenges that arise from this distance learning method is the ability to operate information technology, especially applications used to support the online learning process. One of the activities to answer this challenge is to conduct training that directly practices how to operate an online learning support application. This training program attended by parents and students in the Sukodono District, Sidoarjo Regency. This training is carried out online due to a social restriction policy at the time of the training. The evaluation results and feedback from the training participants stated an increase in understanding of the operation of the applications being taught; besides, the participants indicated that the community needed similar training. However, the participants hope that the next training will be carried out offline to teach the participants step-by-step directly.          Keywords: Google Meet; Google Classroom; school from home; training; Zoom Abstrak: Program belajar dari rumah yang dilaksanakan semua instansi pendidikan selama masa pandemi COVID 19, memaksa semua pihak yang terlibat untuk beradaptasi. Program belajar dari rumah ini membutuhkan teknologi informasi sebagai medianya agar proses belajar mengajar tetap berjalan. Salah satu tantangan yang muncul dari metode belajar jarak jauh ini adalah kemampuan pengoperasian teknologi informasi terutama aplikasi-aplikasi yang digunakan untuk mendukung proses belajar daring. Salah satu kegiatan untuk menjawab       tantangan ini adalah dengan mengadakan pelatihan yang langsung mempraktekkan cara peng-operasian pengoperasian aplikasi pendukung belajar daring. Pelatihan ini diikuti oleh para orang tua dan siswa di wilayah Kecamatan Sukodono, Kabupaten Sidoarjo. Pelatihan ini dilaksanakan secara daring karena adanya kebijakan pem-batasan sosial pada saat pelatihan berlangsung. Hasil evaluasi dan timbal balik dari peserta pelatihan menyatakan bahwa terjadi peningkatan pemahaman terhadap pengoperasian aplikasi yang diajarkan, selain itu peserta menyatakna bahwa pelatihan sejenis dibutuhkan oleh masyarakat. Akan tetapi peserta berharap agar pelatihan selanjutnya dilaksanakan secara luring sehingga instruktur dapat mengajari peserta tahap demi tahap secara langsung.Kata kunci: belajar dari rumah; google meet; Google Classroom; pelatihan; Zoom
Pola Konsumsi Makanan Satwika Pada Bhakta Hare Krishna di Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ashram Denpasar
Authors: Sutana I Gede
Published: September 2021

Makanan merupakan sarana untuk bertahan hidup. Dalam hal makanan, manusia memiliki kebudayaan masing-masing mengenai pola konsumsi makanan. Pada penelitian ini, yang menarik adalah Bhakta Hare Krishna di Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ashram Denpasar memiliki pola konsumsi makanan tersendiri yang berbeda dengan masyarakat pada umumnya. Bhakta Hare Krishna di Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ashram Denpasar tidak mengkonsumsi makanan yang mengandung daging, ikan, dan telur. Pola konsumsi makanan ini disebut dengan pola konsumsi makanan satwika. Adapun pengamatan dalam tulisan ini adalah terkait dengan pola konsumsi makanan satwika pada Bhakta Hare Krishna di Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ashram Denpasar. Dalam pengamatan lebih lanjut teori pilihan rasional dan fungsionalisme struktural menjadi pisau analisis untuk mengungkap pola konsumsi makanan satwika pada Bhakta Hare Krishna di Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ashram Denpasar.

            Secara hasil pengamatan ini diperoleh hal-hal yang mendorong Bhakta Hare Krishna menerapakan pola konsumsi makanan satwika didasari oleh aturan yang berlaku, pilihan rasional bhakta, dan fungsional terhadap kehidupan baik kehidupan jasmani maupun spiritual. Pola konsumsi makanan satwika menunjukkan lima komponen yang berlaku diantaranya (1) cara memperoleh bahan makanan satwika, (2) jenis-jenis bahan makanan satwika, (3) menu makanan satwika, (4) cara mengolah makanan satwika, dan (5) cara menghidangkan makanan satwika. Serta implikasi yang diperoleh dari penerapan pola konsumsi makanan satwika berimplikasi terhadap fisik, mental dan spiritual.

Kata Kunci: Pola Konsumsi Makanan Satwika, Bhakta Hare Krishna, Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ashram Denpasar
Keterkaitan Sisi Negatif Era Milenial Dengan Ramalan Keadaan Kali Yuga
Authors: Darma Permana I Dewa Gede
Published: September 2021

Abstrak

Berbicara mengenai era Milenial saat ini, tak akan bisa lepas dari istilah generasi Milenial sebuah generasi yang berumur produktif dengan ciri khas lahir di dunia dengan perkembangan sains dan teknologi yang sudah semakin pesat. Dalam ajaran Agama Hindu sendiri, kurun waktu sekarang disebut sebagai Kali Yuga sebutan zaman kegelapan yang diperkirakan sudah dimulai sekitar 5000 tahun yang lalu. Di zaman Kali, keadaan dunia sudah tidak lagi menentu, penuh kekacauan, dan penerapan ajaran agama hanya mendapatkan porsi sekadarnya. Sehingga, umat manusia utamanya generasi muda pada zaman ini, mulai melupakan Tuhan karena dianggap tabu. Jika dilihat secara lebih mendalam, kurun waktu era Milenial berjalan beriringan dengan Kali Yuga yang terjadi pada waktu sekarang. Dari kaca mata tersebut, memandang era Milenial untuk memahaminya secara lebih mendalam dari perspetif Veda sebagai pedoman hidup Umat Hindu adalah pokok pembahasan dalam tulisan ini. Hal ini dilakukan dengan cara mencari literatur-literatur yang berkaitan dengan hal tersebut dengan tujuan menemukan keterkaitan antara perkembangan penggunaan teknologi di era Milenial dengan sifat gelap Kali Yuga.

Kata Kunci: Era Milenial, Veda, Kali Yuga
Rancang Bangun Monitoring Kinerja Solar Cell Menggunakan Labview
Authors: Djalal Muhammad Ruswandi , Kadir Nasrun
Published: September 2021

-Pemantauan terhadap parameter keluaran solar panel sangat diperlukan untuk menilai kinerja sebuah solar panel pada perubahan intensitas cahaya matahari. Pemantauan menggunakan software bertujuan agar pemantauan bersifat realtime sehingga dalam pemantauan tidak memerlukan cara manual dengan menggunakan alat ukur yang tidak bersifat realtime. Selain itu dapat juga difungsikan sebagai data logger, yang sewaktu-waktu dapat digunakan untuk keperluan analisis sistem. Maka, diperlukan sistem monitoring yang dapat mengukur, mengakuisisi, menampilkan dan menyimpan data pengukuran atau pemantauan kinerja solar panel. Untuk memenuhi kebutuhan tersebut, perangkat dan sistem monitoring dirancang agar memudahkan dalam kegiatan pemantauan unit pada lokasi yang terpasang. Data pemantauan juga diharapkan dapat diakses oleh pihak terkait dengan lebih mudah dan cepat. Pada penelitian ini, monitoring berguna untuk memberikan hasil pengukuran yang memiliki tingkat ralat atau error sekecil mungkin, mudah diakses secara realtime dan mampu menampilkan grafik hasil pengukuran. Perangkat lunak yang digunakan untuk sistem monitoring pada penelitian ini adalah software Labview yang mampu menujukkan kinerja tinggi dalam berkomunikasi dengan beberapa perangkat secara bersamaan dan kemampuan yang tinggi dalam menampilkan beberapa perilaku variabel dalam satu waktu. Pada penelitian ini, monitoring kinerja solar cell yang akan ditampilkan pada Labview adalah arus, tegangan, daya, debu, suhu dan kelembapan.
Antenna 5.8 GHz dengan Output Perbedaan Fasa 90 Derajat Ganda Menggunakan Jaringan Matriks Butler Feeding
Authors: Mujahidin Irfan , Prasetya Dwi Arman , Arifuddin Rahman , Arinda Putri Surya
Published: September 2021

A complex design of electromagnetic feeding network circuit components is needed for a wireless communication network system, and expensive materials, especially for electromagnetic components at a high frequency of 5.8 GHz with dual 90-degree phase difference output using butler matrix Feeding Network for wireless communication network systems. It is novel in form and has a frequency-free, frequency-free, non-complex configuration of microstrip electromagnetic circuits, and uses inexpensive materials at a frequency of 5.8 GHz. This system is a package consisting of a 5.8 GHz microstrip antenna with a rectangular microstrip antenna array and a Butler matrix of four inputs and outputs to achieve a double 90-degree phase difference. The antenna uses a via hole for the transmission line to the network feeding system, has one band and shallow bandwidth with four ports, and has one working frequency, namely 5.58 GHz under the S criterion -10dB, and uses a via hole for the transmission line to the network feeding system, the radiation pattern is forward, the gain level is 6.83dB, and the feeding impedance is 50 Ohm. S11 -26.19 dB for the 90-degree hybrid coupler, S21 31.65 dB, S51 -26.18 dB, and S61 32.52 dB which means these are all working well, and the overall size of this structure is 80mm x 65mm with FR4 of 4.4 dielectric constant having 50 ohms.
Empirical Modelling of Global Solar Radiation in Hatay (Turkey) Province
Authors: KÜLCÜ Recep , ERSAN Rabia
Published: September 2021

There are many models used in global solar radiation prediction. However, these prediction models vary according to the climate and geographic characteristics of the region involved. When the prediction model determined for a region is used in a different region, the prediction model may not work. In order to gain absolute and stable results from these models, the studies should be either custom-made or tested.
In this study, 7 different models were examined, comparison charts were created and statistical interpretations were made in order to determine the monthly average global solar radiation coming to the horizontal plane taking into account the climatic characteristics of Hatay province, located in the eastern 39.92º latitude and northern longitude 36.16º, covering an area of 5403 km, and has a humid climate with a value of 41.3, based on De Martonne-Gottmann’s drought index and 50.6 based on Erinç's rainfall efficiency index.
Under the scope of this study, the most ideal global solar radiation prediction model was selected by making a statistical evaluation according to the parameters of determination coefficient (R²), mean percentage error (MPE), mean deviation error (MBE), root mean square error (RMSE).
A general assessment of the graphics and statistical parameters of the predictions obtained by using the models and the measured data has indicated Model 4 as the most successful model by an RMSE value of 0.17306, and the least successful model was Model 3 by an RMSE value of 2.11851.
When the models are interpreted according to the determination coefficient, it has been observed that other models are generally successful. However, this situation does not coincide with the comparison charts of the predicted and measured data. For this reason, it was seen that the determination coefficient was not sufficient in the statistical evaluation of the prediction models. In the interpretation of the models, it was observed that the interpretation of root mean square error, mean percentage error and mean deviation error values together gave more accurate results.
In conclusion, it has been suggested that Model 4 should be preferred for the global solar radiation forecast of Hatay province.
Kısıntılı Sulama Koşullarında Yetiştirilen Kıvırcık Marulda Bitki Kök Bölgesindeki Tuzluluk Birikimi
Authors: KAMAN Harun , DEMİR Halil , SÖNMEZ İlker , POLAT Ersin , MOHAMOUD Salahudin Saed , ÜÇOK Zafer
Published: September 2021

Bu çalışmada, kıvırcık marul bitkisi için sulama sezonu başlangıcına kıyasla sulama sezonu bitiminde meydana gelen kök bölgesi içindeki tuz birikimi durumu araştırılmıştır. 2018 yılı ilkbahar yetişme döneminde yay çatılı plastik örtülü bir serada yürütülen çalışmada, bitki materyali olarak Campania kıvırcık marul (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) çeşidi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada, bitki kök bölgesinin her iki tarafının ıslatıldığı geleneksel sulama (GS125, GS100, GS75, GS50) ile birlikte ardışık yarı ıslatmalı sulama (AYIS125, AYIS100, AYIS75, AYIS50) uygulamaları ele alınmıştır. Ardışık yarı ıslatmalı sulama (AYIS) uygulamasında, sırasıyla takip eden sulamalarda ıslak ve kuru kısımlar yer değiştirilmiştir. Diğer bir ifadeyle, AYIS uygulamasında, sulamalar sırasında bitki kök bölgesinin bir yarısı görece olarak ıslatılırken geriye kalan diğer yarısı görece olarak kuru bırakılmış ve bir sonraki sulamada ıslak ve kuru bırakılan kısımlar yer değiştirilmiştir. Bitki kök bölgesi tuzluluk birikimini belirlemek için sulama sezonu başlangıcında üç yinelemeli olarak araziyi temsil edecek şekilde 0-10, 10-20 ve 20-30 cm derinliklerden toprak örneği alınmıştır. Benzer bir şekilde, sulama sezonu bitiminde de, yine üç yinelemeli olarak, her sulama uygulaması altında bitki kök bölgesinden toprak örnekleri alınmıştır. Geleneksel yöntem kullanılarak, laboratuvarda toprak örneklerinden çamur süzükleri elde edilmiş ve tuzluluk ölçümleri yapılmıştır. En düşük tuzluluk değeri GS100 uygulamasında 0.49 dS m-1 olarak ölçülürken, en yüksek tuzluluk değeri ise 1.40 0.49 dS m-1 olarak GS125 uygulamasında kaydedilmiştir. Genel olarak, sezon sonunda en yüksek tuzluluk artışı ilk katman (0-10 cm) için %48, ikinci katman (10-20 cm) için %34 ve üçüncü katman (20-30 cm) için %45 olarak GS125 sulama uygulamasında hesaplanmıştır. Bu artış oranları dikkate alınması gereken değerlerdir. Sonuç olarak, sürdürülebilir bir sulu tarım için yetişme sezonunda iyi bir drenaj sistemi vasıtasıyla, topraktaki tuz birikiminin etkin bir yıkama işlemiyle giderilmesi önerilmektedir.
The Effects of Feeding Frequencıes on The Growth Performance and Life Rate in Electric Yellow Fish Fry (Labidochromıs caeruleus)
Authors: POLAT Cemal , YAĞCILAR Çetin
Published: September 2021

Ornamental fish farming has become an important industry in the world. Ornamental fish are called living gems because of their color, shape and behavior. Modern ornamental fish production requires a nutritionally balanced, cost-effective and sustainable feeding process. Among the operating costs in aquaculture, the cost of feed has a ratio varying between 40% and 60% among the total other expenses. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of meal number on growth performance and survival rate in Electric yellow cichlid fries (Labidochromis caeruleus). 60 Electric yellow cichlid fries were stocked in 12 aquariums of 33 * 35 * 40 cm size established in Tekirdag Namık Kemal University Technical Sciences Vocational School Fisheries Laboratory. The study was carried out in 3 repetitions: 1 meal per day, 3 meals, 5 meals and 1 meal every other day, up to 5% of body weight, by applying 4 different meals to fish. During the study, weight and height measurements were made every 30 days, and the data obtained were evaluated at the end of the study and the effect of growth on the number of meals was investigated. At the end of the trial, body weights were measured as 3.696 ± 1.517 g, 4.757 ± 1.898 g, 3.786 ± 1.539 g and 3.380 ± 1.318 g, and total heights were 5.726 ± 0.675 cm, 6.300 ± 0.530 cm, 5.640 ± 0.776 cm and 4.562 ± 1.952 cm, respectively. No statistical difference was found between the number of meals administered in the study in terms of average body weight gain and specific growth rate. However, according to the results obtained in the length of the fish, a statistical difference was found between feeding 1 meal every other day and the number of other meals. As a result, considering the fish health and feed cost, 3 times daily feeding frequency of the fish was considered sufficient.
Pengaruh Belanja Daerah dan Tenaga Kerja terhadap Output Sektor Swasta di Sumatera Selatan
Authors: Ulum Muhammad Bahrul
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of regional spending namely direct and indirect spending, labor on the private sector in South Sumatra. The data used are secondary data in the form of time series 2006-2017 sourced from the DGT Ministry of Finance and the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) which have been processed. This research uses the Multiple Linear Regression analysis methods with Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method. The results of this study indicate that during 2006-2017 the expenditure variable directly had a positive and significant effect on private-sector output in South Sumatra. The indirect expenditure variable has a positive and significant effect on private-sector output in South Sumatra. Labor variables have a positive and significant effect on private-sector output in South Sumatra. Overall independent variables have a significant effect on the output of the private sector in South Sumatra.

 

Abstrak

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh belnja daerah yakni belanja langsung dan belanja tidak langsung, tenaga kerja terhadap sektor swasta di Sumatera Selatan. Data yang digunakan adalah data sekunder dalam bentuk time series tahun 2006-2017 yang bersumber dari DJPK Kementerian Keuangan  dan Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) yang telah diolah. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode analisis Regresi Linier Berganda dengan metode Ordinary Least Square (OLS). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan hasil bahwa selama tahun 2006-2017 variabel belanja langsung berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap output sektor swasta di Sumatera Selatan. Variabel belanja tidak langsung berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap output sektor swasta di Sumatera Selatan. Variabel tenaga kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap output sektor swasta di Sumatera Selatan. Secara keseluruhan variabel bebas berpengaruh signifikan terhadap output sektor swasta di Sumatera Selatan.

Kata kunci: Belanja Langsung, Belanja Tidak Langsung, Tenaga Kerja, Output Sektor Swasta
Immunobiology of Steroid-Unresponsive Severe Asthma
Authors: Marshall Courtney Lynn , Hasani Kosovare , Mookherjee Neeloffer
Published: September 2021

Asthma is a heterogeneous respiratory disease characterized by airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation. Approximately 10% of asthma patients suffer from uncontrolled severe asthma (SA). A major difference between patients with SA from those with mild-to-moderate asthma is the resistance to common glucocorticoid treatments. Thus, steroid-unresponsive uncontrolled asthma is a hallmark of SA. An impediment in the development of new therapies for SA is a limited understanding of the range of immune responses and molecular networks that can contribute to the disease process. Typically SA is thought to be characterized by a Th2-low and Th17-high immunophenotype, accompanied by neutrophilic airway inflammation. However, Th2-mediated eosinophilic inflammation, as well as mixed Th1/Th17-mediated inflammation, is also described in SA. Thus, existing studies indicate that the immunophenotype of SA is diverse. This review attempts to summarize the interplay of different immune mediators and related mechanisms that are associated with airway inflammation and the immunobiology of SA.
Mutation Edgotype Drives Fitness Effect in Human
Authors: Ghadie Mohamed , Xia Yu
Published: September 2021

Missense mutations are known to perturb protein-protein interaction networks (known as interactome networks) in different ways. However, it remains unknown how different interactome perturbation patterns (“edgotypes”) impact organismal fitness. Here, we estimate the fitness effect of missense mutations with different interactome perturbation patterns in human, by calculating the fractions of neutral and deleterious mutations that do not disrupt PPIs (“quasi-wild-type”), or disrupt PPIs either by disrupting the binding interface (“edgetic”) or by disrupting overall protein stability (“quasi-null”). We first map pathogenic mutations and common non-pathogenic mutations onto homology-based three-dimensional structural models of proteins and protein-protein interactions in human. Next, we perform structure-based calculations to classify each mutation as either quasi-wild-type, edgetic, or quasi-null. Using our predicted as well as experimentally determined interactome perturbation patterns, we estimate that >∼40% of quasi-wild-type mutations are effectively neutral and the remaining are mostly mildly deleterious, that >∼75% of edgetic mutations are only mildly deleterious, and that up to ∼75% of quasi-null mutations may be strongly detrimental. These estimates are the first such estimates of fitness effect for different network perturbation patterns in any interactome. Our results suggest that while mutations that do not disrupt the interactome tend to be effectively neutral, the majority of human PPIs are under strong purifying selection and the stability of most human proteins is essential to human life.
Stimulation of Treg Cells to Inhibit Osteoclastogenesis in Gorham-Stout Disease
Authors: Rossi Michela , Rana Ippolita , Buonuomo Paola Sabrina , Battafarano Giulia , De Martino Viviana , D’Agostini Matteo , Porzio Ottavia , Cipriani Cristiana , Minisola Salvatore , De Vito Rita , Vecchio Davide , Gonfiantini Michaela Veronika , Jenkner Alessandro , Bartuli Andrea , Del Fattore Andrea
Published: September 2021

Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is a very rare syndrome displaying excessive bone erosion and vascular lesion. Due to the rarity of the disease and to the limited studies, its etiopathogenesis is not entirely known. The involvement of immune system in the progressive osteolysis was recently suggested. Indeed, extensive reciprocal interactions between the immune and skeletal systems have been demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate alterations of immune cells in GSD. An increase of CD8+ cells and reduction of CD4+ and CD4+CD25+CD127low cells was revealed in patients. Interestingly, patients’ regulatory T cells maintain the ability to respond to extracellular stimuli and to regulate osteoclastogenesis; GSD cells proliferate under aCD3/CD28 signal reaching similar levels to those observed in control culture and exert their immunomodulatory activity on effector T cells. GSD Treg cells preserved their inhibitory effects on the osteoclastogenesis. These results suggest that stimulation of Treg cells could open the way for the identification and testing of new therapeutic approaches for patients affected by GSD.
Construction and Validation of a Novel Immunosignature for Overall Survival in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Gu Chufeng , Gu Xin , Wang Yujie , Yao Zhixian , Zhou Chuandi
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, and immune infiltration plays a crucial role in the prognosis of UM. This study aimed to generate an immunological marker-based predictive signature for the overall survival (OS) of UM patients.

Methods

Single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to profile immune cell infiltration in 79 patients with UM from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Univariate and multivariate least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regressions were used to determine the prognostic factors for UM and construct the predictive immunosignature. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curves were performed to evaluate the clinical ability and accuracy of the model. In addition, the predictive accuracy was compared between the immunosignature and the Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) staging system of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). We further analyzed the differences in clinical characteristics, immune infiltrates, immune checkpoints, and therapy sensitivity between high- and low-risk groups characterized by the prognostic model.

Results

Higher levels of immune cell infiltration in UM were related to a lower survival rate. Matrix metallopeptidase 12 (MMP12), TCDD inducible poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (TIPARP), and leucine rich repeat neuronal 3 (LRRN3) were identified as prognostic signatures, and an immunological marker-based prognostic signature was constructed with good clinical ability and accuracy. The immunosignature was developed with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.881, which is significantly better than that of the TNM staging system (p< 0.001). We further identified 1,762 genes with upregulated expression and 798 genes with downregulated expression in the high-risk group, and the differences between the high- and low-risk groups were mainly in immune-related processes. In addition, the expression of most of the immune checkpoint-relevant and immune activity-relevant genes was significantly higher in the high-risk group, which was more sensitive to therapy.

Conclusion

We developed a novel immunosignature constructed by MMP12, TIPARP, and LRRN3 that could effectively predict the OS of UM.
O-Glycosylation Landscapes of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Proteins
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhao Wanjun , Mao Yonghong , Chen Yaohui , Zheng Shanshan , Cao Wei , Zhu Jingqiang , Hu Liqiang , Gong Meng , Cheng Jingqiu , Yang Hao
Published: September 2021

The densely glycosylated spike (S) proteins that are highly exposed on the surface of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) facilitate viral attachment, entry, and membrane fusion. We have previously reported all the 22 N-glycosites and site-specific N-glycans in the S protein protomer. Herein, we report the O-glycosylation landscapes of SARS-CoV-2 S proteins, which were characterized through high-resolution mass spectrometry. Following digestion with trypsin and trypsin/Glu-C, and de-N-glycosylation using PNGase F, we determined the GalNAc-type O-glycosylation pattern of S proteins, including O-glycosites and the six most common O-glycans occupying them, via Byonic identification and manual validation. Finally, 255 intact O-glycopeptides composed of 50 peptides sequences and 43 O-glycosites were discovered by higher energy collision-induced dissociation (HCD), and three O-glycosites were confidently identified by electron transfer/higher energy collision-induced dissociation (EThcD) in the insect cell-expressed S protein. Most glycosites were modified by non-sialylated O-glycans such as HexNAc(1) and HexNAc(1)Hex (1). In contrast, in the human cell-expressed S protein S1 subunit, 407 intact O-glycopeptides composed of 34 peptides sequences and 30 O-glycosites were discovered by HCD, and 11 O-glycosites were unambiguously assigned by EThcD. However, the measurement of O-glycosylation occupancy hasn’t been made. Most glycosites were modified by sialylated O-glycans such as HexNAc(1)Hex (1)NeuAc (1) and HexNAc(1)Hex (1)NeuAc (2). Our results reveal that the SARS-CoV-2 S protein is an O-glycoprotein; the O-glycosites and O-glycan compositions vary with the host cell type. These comprehensive O-glycosylation landscapes of the S protein are expected to provide novel insights into the viral binding mechanism and present a strategy for the development of vaccines and targeted drugs.
Targeting N-Terminal Human Maltase-Glucoamylase to Unravel Possible Inhibitors Using Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, and Adaptive Steered Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Zhang Shitao , Wang Yi , Han Lu , Fu Xueqi , Wang Song , Li Wannan , Han Weiwei
Published: September 2021

There are multiple drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, including traditional sulfonylureas biguanides, glinides, thiazolidinediones, α-glucosidase inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. α-Glucosidase inhibitors have been used to control postprandial glucose levels caused by type 2 diabetes since 1990. α-Glucosidases are rather crucial in the human metabolic system and are principally found in families 13 and 31. Maltase-glucoamylase (MGAM) belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 31. The main function of MGAM is to digest terminal starch products left after the enzymatic action of α-amylase; hence, MGAM becomes an efficient drug target for insulin resistance. In order to explore the conformational changes in the active pocket and unbinding pathway for NtMGAM, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and adaptive steered molecular dynamics (ASMD) simulations were performed for two NtMGAM-inhibitor [de-O-sulfonated kotalanol (DSK) and acarbose] complexes. MD simulations indicated that DSK bound to NtMGAM may influence two domains (inserted loop 1 and inserted loop 2) by interfering with the spiralization of residue 497–499. The flexibility of inserted loop 1 and inserted loop 2 can influence the volume of the active pocket of NtMGAM, which can affect the binding progress for DSK to NtMGAM. ASMD simulations showed that compared to acarbose, DSK escaped from NtMGAM easily with lower energy. Asp542 is an important residue on the bottleneck of the active pocket of NtMGAM and could generate hydrogen bonds with DSK continuously. Our theoretical results may provide some useful clues for designing new α-glucosidase inhibitors to treat type 2 diabetes.
Pyrochlore-Supergroup Minerals Nomenclature: An Update
Authors: Atencio Daniel
Published: September 2021

The general formula of the pyrochlore-supergroup minerals is A2B2X6Y. The mineral names are composed of two prefixes and one root name (identical to the name of the group). The first prefix refers to the dominant anion (or cation or H2O or vacancy) of the dominant valence at the Y-site. The second prefix refers to the dominant cation of the dominant valence [or H2O or vacancy] at the A-site. Thirty-one pyrochlore-supergroup mineral species are currently distributed into four groups [pyrochlore (B = Nb, X = O), microlite (B = Ta, X = O), roméite (B = Sb5+, X = O), and elsmoreite (B = W, X = O)] and two unassigned members [hydrokenoralstonite (B = Al, X = F) and fluornatrocoulsellite (B = Mg, X = F)]. However, when the new nomenclature system of this supergroup was introduced (2010) only seven mineral species, namely, oxycalciopyrochlore, hydropyrochlore, hydroxykenomicrolite, oxystannomicrolite, oxystibiomicrolite, hydroxycalcioroméite, and hydrokenoelsmoreite, were valid. The seven species belong to the cubic crystal system and space group Fd3¯m and O is predominant in the X structural site. The 24 new mineral species described between 2010 and 2021 are cesiokenopyrochlore, fluorcalciopyrochlore, fluornatropyrochlore, hydrokenopyrochlore, hydroxycalciopyrochlore, hydroxynatropyrochlore, hydroxykenopyrochlore, hydroxymanganopyrochlore, hydroxyplumbopyrochlore, fluorcalciomicrolite, fluornatromicrolite, hydrokenomicrolite, hydroxycalciomicrolite, kenoplumbomicrolite, oxynatromicrolite, oxycalciomicrolite, oxybismutomicrolite, fluorcalcioroméite, hydroxyferroroméite, oxycalcioroméite, oxyplumboroméite, fluornatrocoulsellite, hydrokenoralstonite, and hydroxykenoelsmoreite. Among the new species, hydroxycalciomicrolite belongs to a different space group of the cubic system, i.e., P4232. There are also some mineral species that crystallize in the trigonal system. Hydrokenoelsmoreite occurs as 3C (Fd3¯m) and 6R (R3¯) polytypes. Hydrokenomicrolite occurs as 3C (Fd3¯m) and 3R (R3¯m) polytypes, of which the latter corresponds to the discredited “parabariomicrolite.” Fluornatrocoulsellite crystallizes as 3R (R3¯m) polytype. Surely there are several new pyrochlore-supergroup minerals to be described.
Papua New Guinea: A Potential Refuge for Threatened Indo–Pacific River Sharks and Sawfishes
Authors: Grant Michael I. , White William T. , Amepou Yolarnie , Appleyard Sharon A. , Baje Leontine , Devloo-Delva Floriaan , Feutry Pierre , Ibana Dotty , Jogo Dick J. , Jogo Stanley , Kyne Peter M. , Mana Ralph , Mapmani Nigel , Nagul Anthony , Roeger Darcy , Simpfendorfer Colin A. , Chin Andrew
Published: September 2021

The conservation of threatened elasmobranchs in tropical regions is challenging due to high local reliance on aquatic and marine resources. Due primarily to fishing pressure, river sharks (Glyphis) and sawfishes (Pristidae) have experienced large population declines in the Indo-Pacific. Papua New Guinea (PNG) may offer a refuge for these species, as human population density is low, and river shark and sawfish populations are thought to persist. However, few data are available on these species in PNG, and risk posed by small-scale fishers is poorly understood. This study observed elasmobranch catches in small-scale fisheries in riverine and coastal environments in the East Sepik (northern region), Gulf, and Western Provinces (southern region) of PNG. Surveys were conducted over a period of weeks to months in each region, during the dry season across seven field trips from 2017 to 2020. We observed a total of 783 elasmobranchs encompassing 38 species from 10 families. River sharks made up 29.4% of observations in the southern region, while sawfishes made up 14.8 and 20.3% in the northern and southern regions, respectively. River sharks were commonly caught by small-scale fishers in lower riverine environments in southern PNG, while sawfishes were generally less common and mainly observed through dried rostra. The primary threat to river shark and sawfish populations is their capture by small-scale fishers targeting teleosts for swim bladder. Persisting populations of river sharks and sawfishes indicate that PNG is the second known nation with viable populations of multiple species in the Indo-Pacific. However, populations are declining or at high risk of decline, and fisheries management and conservation are required to realize the potential of PNG as a long-term refuge.
Unified Representation of Twitter and Online News Using Graph and Entities
Authors: Syed Munira , Wang Daheng , Jiang Meng , Conway Oliver , Juneja Vishal , Subramanian Sriram , Chawla Nitesh V.
Published: September 2021

To improve consumer engagement and satisfaction, online news services employ strategies for personalizing and recommending articles to their users based on their interests. In addition to news agencies’ own digital platforms, they also leverage social media to reach out to a broad user base. These engagement efforts are often disconnected with each other, but present a compelling opportunity to incorporate engagement data from social media to inform their digital news platform and vice-versa, leading to a more personalized experience for users. While this idea seems intuitive, there are several challenges due to the disparate nature of the two sources. In this paper, we propose a model to build a generalized graph of news articles and tweets that can be used for different downstream tasks such as identifying sentiment, trending topics, and misinformation, as well as sharing relevant articles on social media in a timely fashion. We evaluate our framework on a downstream task of identifying related pairs of news articles and tweets with promising results. The content unification problem addressed by our model is not unique to the domain of news, and thus can be applicable to other problems linking different content platforms.
An efficient local imaging strategy based on illumination analysis with deep learning
Authors: Rong Chao , Jia Xiaofeng
Published: September 2021

We propose a deep-learning-based illumination analysis and efficient local imaging method. Based on the wavefield forward modeling, seismic illumination can intuitively express the energy propagation of direct waves, reflected waves, and transmitted waves, while it requires high calculation costs. We use a series of convolution operations in deep learning to establish the nonlinear relationship between the model and the illuminations to realize single-shot illumination result of the model. Stacking the single shot illumination results obtained by the network prediction can further help determine the target area. For the target area, we use a deep learning method to obtain the low illumination area of the geological model. Each shot has contribution to the low illuminated area; single shot is selected based on the contribution of the shot being greater than the average illuminance, and the low illumination area is imaged by reverse time migration on the selected shot gather. The trained convolutional neural network can help us quickly obtain the single shot illumination result of the model, which is convenient to analyze the energy distribution of various areas of geological model, and do further imaging for target areas. Using part of the shot gathers to image a local area can recover the complex geological structure of the area and improve the efficiency of reverse time migration especially for 3D problems. This method has universal applicability and is suitable for local imaging of various complex models such as subsalt areas and deep regions.
Obesity: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutics
Authors: Lin Xihua , Li Hong
Published: September 2021

Obesity is a complex multifactorial disease that accumulated excess body fat leads to negative effects on health. Obesity continues to accelerate resulting in an unprecedented epidemic that shows no significant signs of slowing down any time soon. Raised body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders, resulting in dramatic decrease of life quality and expectancy. The main cause of obesity is long-term energy imbalance between consumed calories and expended calories. Here, we explore the biological mechanisms of obesity with the aim of providing actionable treatment strategies to achieve a healthy body weight from nature to nurture. This review summarizes the global trends in obesity with a special focus on the pathogenesis of obesity from genetic factors to epigenetic factors, from social environmental factors to microenvironment factors. Against this background, we discuss several possible intervention strategies to minimize BMI.
Gut Microbiota in Adipose Tissue Dysfunction Induced Cardiovascular Disease: Role as a Metabolic Organ
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Zhang Xianfeng , Yang Wei , Yu Hang , He Qianyan , Xu Hui , Li Shihui , Shang Zi'ao , Gao Xiaodong , Wang Yan , Tong Qian
Published: September 2021

The gut microbiome has emerged as a key regulator of host metabolism. Accumulating evidence has indicated that the gut microbiota is involved in the development of various human diseases. This association relies on the structure and metabolites of the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota metabolizes the diet ingested by the host into a series of metabolites, including short chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, and branched-chain amino acids, which affects the physiological processes of the host by activating numerous signaling pathways. In this review, we first summarize the various mechanisms through which the gut microbiota influences adipose tissue dysfunction and metabolic processes that subsequently cause cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the complex interactions between gut microbes, their metabolites, and the metabolic activity of the host. Furthermore, we investigated the current status of clinical therapies for adipose tissue dysfunction directed at the gut microbiota. Finally, we discuss the challenges that remain to be addressed before this field of research can be translated to everyday clinical practice.