bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFISIENSI DISTRIBUSI TERASI BOMBANA DI KELURAHAN LAMPOPALA KECAMATAN RUMBIA KABUPATEN BOMBANA
Authors: Defriyadi L.M. , Yusuf Sarini , Mansyur Akhmad
Published: March 2022

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini dilakukan di Kelurahan Lampopala, Kecamatan Rumbia selama periode bulan Maret sampai Juni 2019, dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana proses distribusi, seberapa besar biaya total pendistribusian dan apakah saluran distribusi terasi bombana telah efisien. Diharapkan penelitian ini dapat memberikan kontribusi terhadap teori ekonomi dalam aplikasinya pada pemasaran hasil komoditas perikanan khususnya terasi bombana serta dapat memberikan masukan bagi pemerintah agar dapat mengatasi masalah distribusi pada produk terasi bombana di Kelurahan Lampopala, Kecamatan Rumbia Tengah, Kabupaten Bombana. Responden dalam penelitian adalah pebisnis terasi bombana yang berjumlah 11 orang. Penentuan sampel dilakukan secara sengaja atau purpossive sampling, sebanyak 6 sampel. Data yang dikumpulkan meliputi karakteristik responden, karakteristik usaha, dan biaya. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif kualitatif dan analisis efisiensi distribusi. Terdapat 2 (dua) saluran distribusi terasi bombana pertama produsen ke konsumen akhir dan kedua produsen ke pengecer, kemudian ke konsumen akhir. Biaya total pendistribusian terasi bombana yang dikeluarkan oleh setiap saluran yaitu saluran I biaya total pendistribusian yang dikeluarkan sebesar Rp20.290,17, sedangkan biaya total pendistribusian yang dikeluarkan oleh saluran II sebesar Rp36.315,25. Efisiensi distribusi yang didapatkan dari setiap saluran yaitu saluran I dengan nilai 2,19 sedangkan saluran II yaitu dengan nilai 4,58 dalam kategori nilai efisien. Pedagang terasi bombana melakukan saluran distribusi pertama karena biaya yang dikeluarkan dalam mendistribusikan produk terasi bombana jauh lebih kecil dibandingkan dengan nilai jual terasi bombana juga dapat mempermudah pedagang dalam memperkenalkan produk dan kualitas dari produk terasi bombana. Proses yang dilalui saluran distribusi kedua yaitu mulai dari persiapan porduk terasi, selanjutnya produk tersebut sementara di simpan ke gudang sambil menunggu pengecer. Setelah pengecer datang, proses selanjutnya yaitu pengangkutan untuk di bawa ke Pasar Bombana. Biaya total pendistribusian didapatkan dari biaya tetap yang dijumlahkan dengan biaya variabel. Saluran distribusi terasi bombana termasuk dalam kategori efisien.Kata Kunci : Efisiensi, Distribusi, Terasi Bombana
MODAL SOSIAL PENGEMBANGAN USAHA BUDIDAYA TAMBAK DI DESA TOWUA KECAMATAN WUNDULAKO KABUPATEN KOLAKA
Authors: Rahmadani Zaenab , Hamzah Awaluddin , Rosmawati -
Published: March 2022

ABSTRAK Penelitian dilakukan di Desa Towua Kecamatan Wundulako Kabupaten Kolaka selama periode bulan Februari sampai April 2019, dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui modal sosial yang terjalin antar pembudidaya. Responden dalam penelitian ini adalah petambak yang berjumlah 20 orang yang diperoleh melalui random sampling. Pengumpulan data melalui wawancara langsung dengan menggunakan kuesioner. Variabel penelitian yang diukur dan diamati adalah jaringan, kerjasama, kepercayaan, norma sosial kewarganegaraan dan tindakan proaktif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, terdapat 5 (lima) unsur modal sosial yang ada terjalin antar pembudidaya yaitu jaringan, kerjasama, kepercayaan, norma sosial dan kewarganegaraan. Pada  unsur jaringan terjadi dalam proses jual beli dan informasi mengenai budidaya serta bantuan dari Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan Kabupaten Kolaka; Kerjasama, berupa saling tolong menolong antar pembudidaya; Kepercayaan, dalam hal meminjamkan uang antar pembudidaya tanpa menggunakan syarat; Norma sosial, aturan yang disepakati pembudidaya diwajibkan jika ada kegiatan bersih-bersih saluran air di sekitaran tambak dan Kewarganegaraan, sebagai pembudidaya yang baik mereka selalu memberikan hak pilihnya tiap ada pemilihan. Jaringan sebagai tempat mendapatkan informasi, kerjasama, membentuk keakraban antara pembudidaya; Kepercayaan, akan muncul ketika suatu ikatan dalam suatu kelompok semakin tinggi kemungkinan terjalinnya kerjasama dan akan berjalan dengan lama; Norma sosial, merupakan norma-norma yang informal yang sudah ada secara turun temurun yang masih ditaati oleh masyarakat dan Kewarganegaraan merupakan suatu pengakuan yang diberikan kepada pembudidaya berupa pengakuan hak pilih di masyarakat. Unsur-unsur modal sosial merupakan suatu landasan untuk mencapai suatu tujuan atau untuk menjaga keberlangsungan usaha. Kata kunci : Modal Sosial, Pembudidaya, Desa Towua
ANALISIS KOMPARATIF KEUNTUNGAN BUDIDAYA RUMPUT LAUT (Gracilaria verrucosa) MENGGUNAKAN METODE SEBAR DAN METODE GANTUNG PADA TAMBAK DI DESA LAKAWALI PANTAI KECAMATAN MALILI KABUPATEN LUWU TIMUR PROVINSI SULAWESI SELATAN
Authors: Vian Ade , Yusuf Sarini , Ruslaini -
Published: March 2022

ABSTRAK Permintaan G. verrucosa sebagai penghasil agar terus menunjukan peningkatan baik pasar domestik maupun dunia. Saat ini masyarakat di Desa Lakawali Pantai Kecamatan Malili  Kabupaten Luwu Timur Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan telah menemukan cara dan mengelola usaha budidaya rumput laut dengan menggunakan metode sebar dan metode gantung namun belum mengetahui metode apa yang lebih menguntungkan jika menggunakan luas lahan yang sama.  Oleh karena itu penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbandingan keuntungan budidaya  rumput laut menggunakan metode sebar dan metode gantung di daerah tersebut. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Februari sampai Maret 2020. Pemilihan sampel dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode purposive sampling yaitu sebanyak 10 responden dari 35 pada pembudidaya rumput laut yang menggunakan metode sebar dan hanya 1 pembudidaya yang menggunakan metode gantung sehingga dipilih sebagai responden.  Lama pemeliharan rumput laut pada kedua metode budidaya tersebut adalah 30 hari dan dihitung sebagai satu kali siklus produksi.  Data diperoleh melalui observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi dan dianalisis menggunakan rumus analisis total biaya yang terdiri dari biaya tetap, biaya tidak tetap, penerimaan dan keuntungan.  Uji tdigunakan untuk mengetahui perbandingan keuntungan dari kedua metode budidaya rumput laut. Dari hasil analisis diketahui bahwa rata-rata keuntungan budidaya rumput laut dengan metode sebar adalah Rp  3.076.548/siklus/Ha dan metode gantung sebesar Rp  9,046,651/siklus/Ha. Hasil penelitian  menunjukkan bahwa budidaya rumput laut dengan metode gantung lebih menguntungkan dibandingkan dengan metode sebar sehingga pembudidaya disarankan untuk beralih menggunakan metode gantung untuk meningkatkan keuntungan usaha budidaya rumput laut.  Kata Kunci : Total Biaya, Penerimaan, Keuntungan, Uji t, Gracilaria verrucosa
ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR PRODUKSI USAHA BUDIDAYA GRACILARIA VERRUCOSA MENGGUNAKAN METODE TEBAR DI TAMBAK DESA LAKAWALI PANTAI KECAMATAN MALILI KABUPATEN LUWU TIMUR PROVINSI SULAWESI SELATAN
Authors: Suwanti Anggi , Yusuf Sarini , Ruslaini -
Published: March 2022

ABSTRAK Faktor-faktor produksi seperti modal, tenaga kerja dan luas lahan serta pengalaman usaha telah diketahui dapat mempengaruhi hasil produksi suatu industri termasuk budidaya rumput laut di daerah pesisir yang menggunakan long line.  Namun demikian, faktor produksi yang mempengaruhi budidaya rumput laut di tambak yang menggunakan metode tebar belum diketahui. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan apakah faktor modal, tenaga kerja, luas lahan dan pengalaman usaha mempengaruhi produksi usaha budidaya rumput laut Gracilaria verrucosa. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Februari-Maret 2020 di Desa Lakawali Pantai Kecamatan Malili Kabupaten Luwu Timur Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan. Pemilihan lokasi ini ditentukan secara sengaja (purposive) menggunakan metode klaster random sampling sehingga dipilih 10 orang sampel pembudidaya dari 30 orang populasi pembudidaya dalam penelitian ini. Pengambilan data dilakukan melalui wawancara secara langsung menggunakan kuisioner terstruktur.  Data yang diamati meliputi identitas responden, umur, tingkat pendidikan, tanggungan keluarga, dan input produksi yang digunakan dalam usaha budidaya G. verrucosa (modal, tenaga kerja, luas lahan, dan pengalaman usaha). Data dianalisis menggunakan regresi non linear berganda dengan bantuan program SPSS 16.0. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa faktor-faktor yang berpengaruh signifikan dan bersifat positif terhadap produksi rumput laut di lokasi penelitian adalah luas lahan dan pengalaman usaha dengan nilai koefisien regresi  = 0.871.  Sedangkan faktor yang tidak berpengaruh signifikan dan bersifat negatif adalah modal nilai koefisien regresi  = 0,023dan tenaga kerja nilai koefisien regresi  = -0,014.Oleh karena itu pengembangan usaha budidaya rumput laut harus memperhatikan faktor luas lahan dan pengalaman usaha sedangkan faktor modal dan tenaga kerja dapat diabaikan. Kata Kunci : Budidaya, Faktor Produksi, Gracilaria verrucosa
KAJIAN PELUANG PENGEMBANG KEWIRAUSAHAAN PERIKANAN BERDASARKAN KARAKTER SOSIAL EKONOMI MASYARAKAT DI DESA SANTIRI KECAMATAN TIWORO UTARA KABUPATEN MUNA BARAT
Authors: Risjayanti - , Yusuf Sarini , Mansyur Akhmad
Published: March 2022

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peluang pengembang kewirausahaan perikanan berdasarkan karakter sosial ekonomi masyarakat di Desa Santiri Kecamatan Tiworo Utara Kabupaten Muna Barat.Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Maret sampai April 2020.Tehnik penarikan sampel menggunakan metode sampling jenuh atau sensus.Tehnik pengumpulan data yang digunakan terdiri dari wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi.Analisis data yang digunakan yaitu analisis PCA (Principal component Analysys). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peluang pengembang kewirausahaan perikanan berdasarkan karakter sosial ekonomi masyarakat yaitu memiliki potensi untuk memberikan kemampuan dalam mengembangkan suatu usaha, yang memiliki peluang paling besar yaitu pengolahan dengan persentase 90,6%, perdagangan 44,1% dan penangkapan 43,5%.Kata Kunci : Kewirausahaan, Pengembang, Sosial Ekonomi
Evaluation of a Psychoeducation Program Given to International Nursing Students for Healthy Lifestyle and Life Satisfaction
Authors: KAÇAN Havva , ATEŞ Sebahat
Published: March 2022

Objective: This research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducation program given to international nursing studentsreceiving education in the nursing department of a public university to improve their healthy lifestyle behaviors and life satisfaction.Methods: The research was designed based on the single-group pretest-posttest model. The research sample consisted of 68 internationalstudents enrolled in the university’s nursing department in the 2016-2017 academic year. Data were collected using the introduction form,Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale, and Life Satisfaction Scale. Pre-education and post-education scores were compared using the dependentt-test.Results: The total Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale score and subscale scores significantly increased after the program (p≤0.001). The scoreobtained from the Life Satisfaction Scale was 20.1±4.6 before the program and 25.9±3.9 after the program, and this increase was statisticallysignificant (p≤0.001).Conclusion: The psychoeducation program given to international students effectively ensures that students gain healthy lifestyle behaviors,positively affecting life satisfaction.
Reprocessing Cost Analysis of Specimens Rejected in Laboratory: Results from the Perspective of the Costs to the Hospital
Authors: BOZDEMİR Enver , KURUTKAN Mehmet Nurullah , TERZİ Melek
Published: March 2022

Objective: The objective of the study is to analyze the additional costs of reprocessing the specimens rejected in the laboratory to the hospital.Methods: The data is acquired from the Düzce University Medical Application and Research Hospital (DUMARH) laboratories. 5-year (2015-2019) data was retrospectively reviewed and subjected to document analysis.Results: The rate of the total rejected specimens has increased throughout the years. (2015, 0.88% – 2019, 2.12%). The most prominentrejection reasons are hemolysis specimen (32.9%), insufficient specimen (17.25%), clotted specimen (15.4%) and inaccurate examinationrequest (10.64%). While the reprocessing cost of specimens was 12.085 dollars in 2015, it increased to 51.132 dollars in 2019. It is seen that therejection rate has increased as the specimen number increased and the reprocessing costs have increased since the inflation in Turkey increasedand the purchasing power of the hospital has decreased throughout the years.Conclusion: In order to decrease and prevent the rejected specimen, there is a need for phlebotomy training, especially for nursing and otherhealthcare professionals, and strict quality control and standard operating procedures for the pre-analytical phase. These are the criticalapproaches that will improve the service quality of laboratories and patient safety.
Penyuluhan Perawatan Payudara di Desa Tonipa
Authors: Siampe Nur Ain Dg. , Entoh Christina
Published: March 2022

Perawatan payudara adalah suatu tindakan perawatan payudara yang dilaksanakan, baik oleh ibu post partum maupun di bantu oleh orang lain yang dilaksanakan mulai hari pertama atau kedua setelah melahirkan, karena salah satu tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kelancaran ASI ibu nifas setelah diberikan perawatan payudara. Kegiatan ini dilakukan di desa tonipa pada tanggal 14 oktober 2020. Tujuan kegiatan ini yaitu memperoleh pelayanan kesehatan payudara bagi ibu mendapatkan perawatan payudara dapat mendeteksi kelainan-kelainan payudara secara dini dan melakukan upaya untuk mengatasinya. Metode kegiatan ini adalah membagikan leaflet, kemudian melakukan konseling. Sasaran kegiatan ini adalah ibu nifas. Evaluasi ini menggunakan kuesioner pre-post test. Hasil kegiatan diperoleh ada peningkatan pengetahuan ibu. Rata-rata pengetahuan sebelum penyuluhan adalah 65% dan rata-rata setelah penyuluhan 90% kami menyarankan agar ibu lebih rajin lagi melakukan perawatan payudara.
Edukasi Bahaya Seks Bebas pada Remaja
Authors: Riski R Riski R , Lailatul K Marlina Fitrya , Dewi Mita Kurniati , Karim Aliffia Safitri , Bate Delifra , Ningsih Vini Surya , Wulandari Ayu , Mopasu Windi Putri Yani , Musdalifa H. Musdalifa H.
Published: March 2022

Seks bebas dapat meningkatkan angka kehamilan yang tidak diinginkan. Setiap tahun ada sekitar 2,3 juta kasus aborsi di indonesia dimana 20% dilakukan oleh remaja. Di Amerika 1 dari 2 anak hasil perzinahan,75% gadis mengandung di luar nikah, hari terjadi 1,5 juta hubungan seks dengan pelacur. Di Inggris 3 dari 4 anak hasil perzinahan dan 1 dari 3 kehamilan berakhir dengan aborsi. Perilaku seks bebas dapat menimbulkan berbagai dampak negatif pada remaja, diantaranya: dampak psikologis, fisiologis, sosial, dan fisik serta menyebabkan penyakit menular seksual pada remaja. Secara alami dorongan seks bebas pada remaja sangat besar diakibatkan oleh perubahan yang terjadi. Hasrat yang tidak terkendali menjadikan remaja terjerumus dalam prostitusi, hubungan seks bebas, hubungan seks pranikah, dan berbagai akibat negatif lainnya termasuk aborsi. Tujuan dari kegiatan penyuluhan agar remaja dapat mengetahui apa yang dimaksud dengan bahaya dan dampak dari seks bebas. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan di Desa Malitu pada tanggal 28 Maret 2021 dengan jumlah peserta 18 orang remaja di desa Malitu.
Pengolahan Sampah dengan Metode Biopori
Authors: Meiyuntariningsih Tatik , Maharani Aulya , Rizkinannisa Jasmine Rembulana , Hastiani Florentina Nining
Published: March 2022

The waste problems around us due to the increasing amount of waste generated by the community, especially from household waste, the lack of places for waste disposal, and the lack of knowledge on how to manage it. These wastes become breeding grounds and nests for insects and rats, a source of pollution and contamination of soil, water, and air as well as a source and habitat for germs that are harmful to health. This community service activity is carried out using mentoring and coaching methods which hoped that this service program will provide a new color in the application of psychology related to public health through awareness of the importance of maintaining health by caring about the waste around us. This activity was attended by 33 people who were in the Ngenep, Karangploso District, RT. 02 RW. 01 Malang Regency. From this activity, the housewife around that village is known increased their knowledge in sorting organic, inorganic, and hazardous and toxic waste. They gain knowledge on how to make a bio pore system as one of the processing of organic waste, the results of which can be reused for fertilizer and to help absorb water.
 
ABSTRAK
Permasalahan sampah di sekitar kita antara lain semakin banyaknya limbah sampah yang dihasilkan masyarakat khususnya dari sampah rumah tangga, kurangnya tempat sebagai pembuangan sampah, dan kurangnya pengetahuan bagaimana mengelolanya. Sampah-sampah tersebut menjadi tempat berkembang dan sarang dari serangga dan tikus, menjadi sumber polusi dan pencemaran tanah, air, dan udara serta menjadi sumber dan tempat hidup kuman-kuman yang membahayakan kesehatan. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini dilakukan dengan metode pendampingan, dan pembinaan. Diharapkan dengan program pengabdian ini memberikan warna baru dalam penerapan ilmu psikologi terkait dengan kesehatan masyarakat melalui kesadaran akan pentingnya menjaga kesehatan dengan peduli akan sampah di sekitar kita. Adapun kegiatan ini dihadiri oleh 33 orang yang berlokasi yang dipilih adalah Dusun Ngenep Kecamatan Karangploso RT. 02 RW. 01 Kabupaten Malang. Dari kegiatan itu para ibu penggerak PKK RT tersebut bertambah pengetahuan dalam memilah sampah organik, anorganik dan limbah berbahaya dan beracun. Mereka mendapatkan ilmu bagaimana membuat sistem biopori sebagai salah satu pengolahan sampah organik yang hasilnya dapat dipergunakan Kembali untuk pupuk dan membantu peresapan air.
A Synthetic View on Momilactones and Related 9β-H Pimarane Skeleton Diterpenoids
Authors: Zhang Yue , Li Mengran , Liu Qichang , Huang Jian , Chen Yang
Published: March 2022

Allelochemicals are secondary metabolites produced from plants and used to prevent and control the invasion of other plants and microorganisms, with broad application prospects in crop protection. Structurally, momilactones belong to 9β-H pimarane diterpenoids, one of rice’s significant allelochemicals with anti-weeds and antibacterial activity. Rare studies have been reported with the synthesis challenges of the unique 9β-H pimarane skeleton. Hence, synthetic strategies of momilactones and related 9β-H pimarane skeleton are reviewed from 1984 to 2021.
Disorders of Sex Development in a Large Ukrainian Cohort: Clinical Diversity and Genetic Findings
Authors: Globa Evgenia , Zelinska Natalia , Shcherbak Yulia , Bignon-Topalovic Joelle , Bashamboo Anu , MсElreavey Ken
Published: March 2022

Background

The clinical profile and genetics of individuals with Disorders/Differences of Sex Development (DSD) has not been reported in Ukraine.

Materials and Methods

We established the Ukrainian DSD Register and identified 682 DSD patients. This cohort includes, 357 patients (52.3% [303 patients with Turner syndrome)] with sex chromosome DSD, 119 (17.5%) with 46,XY DSD and 206 (30.2%) with 46,XX DSD. Patients with sex chromosome DSD and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH, n=185) were excluded from further studies. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed for eight 46,XX boys. 79 patients underwent Whole Exome Sequencing (WES).

Results

The majority of patients with 46,XY and 46,XX DSD (n=140), were raised as female (56.3% and 61.9% respectively). WES (n=79) identified pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants in 43% of the cohort. P/LP variants were identified in the androgen receptor (AR) and NR5A1 genes (20.2%). Variants in other DSD genes including AMHR2, HSD17B3, MYRF, ANOS1, FGFR11, WT1, DHX37, SRD5A1, GATA4, TBCE, CACNA1A and GLI2 were identified in 22.8% of cases. 83.3% of all P/LP variants are novel. 35.3% of patients with a genetic diagnosis had an atypical clinical presentation. A known pathogenic variant in WDR11, which was reported to cause congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH), was identified in individuals with primary hypogonadism.

Conclusions

WES is a powerful tool to identify novel causal variants in patients with DSD, including a significant minority that have an atypical clinical presentation. Our data suggest that heterozygous variants in the WDR11 gene are unlikely to cause of CHH.
Association of Human Whole Blood NAD+ Contents With Aging
Authors: Yang Fan , Deng Xuan , Yu Ye , Luo Lei , Chen Xianda , Zheng Jinping , Qiu Yugang , Xiao Feng , Xie Xiaomei , Zhao Yuzheng , Guo Jun , Hu Feifei , Zhang Xuguang , Ju Zhenyu , Zhou Yong
Published: March 2022

Background

NAD+, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is mostly described to associate with the aging process. We aimed to investigate the association between human whole blood NAD+ contents and aging in a relative large-scale community-based population and further to address the gender impact on this association.

Methods

We recruited 1,518 participants aged over 18 years old and free of cardiovascular and any type of cancer from the Jidong community from 2019 to 2020. Whole blood NAD+ level was measured by cycling assay and LC-mass spectroscopy assay. The chronological age and clinical data were collected using standard questionnaires. The participants were divided into five groups according to their chronological age. General liner regression model was performed to analyze the association between NAD+ contents and aging. In addition, we also conducted subgroup analysis by gender.

Results

The mean age of included 1,518 participants was 43.0 years, and 52.6% of them were men. The average levels of whole blood NAD+ of total participants was 33.0 ± 5.5 μmol/L. The whole blood NAD+ contents in men were significantly higher than that in women (34.5 vs. 31.3 μmol/L). There was significant difference in the meat diet among NAD+ quartile groups (p = 0.01). We observed a decline trend of NAD+ contents with aging before 50 years in total participants with significant level in 40–49 years old group (β coefficients with 95% confidence interval (95% CI): −1.12 (−2.18, −0.06)), while this trend disappeared after the 50 years. In addition, this association was significantly altered by gender (p for interaction = 0.003). In men, as compared with ≤29 years group, adjusted β coefficient decreased with aging but was only significant in the ≥60 year group (β,−2.16; 95% CI, −4.16 to −0.15). In females, the level of whole blood NAD+ did not significantly differ among five age groups and without the trend as males.

Conclusions

Association of whole blood NAD+ contents with aging significantly differed in males and females. The loss of blood NAD+ with aging only was observed in males, especially in the male middle-aged population. It is crucial to consider the gender difference in further NAD+ related studies in the future.
Plasma Cytokine Atlas Reveals the Importance of TH2 Polarization and Interferons in Predicting COVID-19 Severity and Survival
Authors: Gibellini Lara , De Biasi Sara , Meschiari Marianna , Gozzi Licia , Paolini Annamaria , Borella Rebecca , Mattioli Marco , Lo Tartaro Domenico , Fidanza Lucia , Neroni Anita , Busani Stefano , Girardis Massimo , Guaraldi Giovanni , Mussini Cristina , Cozzi-Lepri Alessandro , Cossarizza Andrea
Published: March 2022

Although it is now widely accepted that host inflammatory response contributes to COVID-19 immunopathogenesis, the pathways and mechanisms driving disease severity and clinical outcome remain poorly understood. In the effort to identify key soluble mediators that characterize life-threatening COVID-19, we quantified 62 cytokines, chemokines and other factors involved in inflammation and immunity in plasma samples, collected at hospital admission, from 80 hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 disease who were stratified on the basis of clinical outcome (mechanical ventilation or death by day 28). Our data confirm that age, as well as neutrophilia, lymphocytopenia, procalcitonin, D-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase are strongly associated with the risk of fatal COVID-19. In addition, we found that cytokines related to TH2 regulations (IL-4, IL-13, IL-33), cell metabolism (lep, lep-R) and interferons (IFNα, IFNβ, IFNγ) were also predictive of life-threatening COVID-19.
Stable Isotope Oscillations in Whale Baleen Are Linked to Climate Cycles, Which May Reflect Changes in Feeding for Humpback and Southern Right Whales in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Dedden Adelaide V. , Rogers Tracey L.
Published: March 2022

Baleen whales that undertake extensive long-distance migrations away from reliable food sources must depend on body reserves acquired prior to migration. Prey abundance fluctuates, which has been linked in some regions with climate cycles. However, where historically these cycles have been predictable, due to climate change they are occurring at higher frequencies and intensities. We tested if there were links between variability in whale feeding patterns and changes in climate cycles including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Southern Annular Mode (SAM), and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). To reconstruct feeding patterns we used the values of bulk stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) assimilated within the baleen plates of 18 humpback and 4 southern right whales between 1963 and 2019, then matched them with climate anomalies from the time in which the section of baleen grew. We show that variability in stable isotope values within baleen for both humpback and southern right whales is linked with shifts in climate cycles and may imply changes in feeding patterns due to resource availability. However, these relationships differed depending on the oceanic region in which the whales feed. In the western Pacific, Southern Ocean feeding humpback whales had elevated nitrogen and carbon stable isotope values during La Niña and positive SAM phases when lagged 4 years, potentially reflecting reduced feeding opportunities. On the other hand, in the Indian Ocean the opposite occurs, where lower nitrogen and carbon stable isotope values were found during positive SAM phases at 2–4-year lag periods for both Southern Ocean feeding humpback and southern right whales, which may indicate improved feeding opportunities. Identifying links between stable isotope values and changes in climate cycles may contribute to our understanding of how complex oscillation patterns in baleen are formed. As projections of future climate scenarios emphasise there will be greater variability in climate cycles and thus the primary food source of baleen whales, we can then use these links to investigate how long-term feeding patterns may change in the future.
Cognition and Cognitive Reserve in Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: Völter Christiane , Götze Lisa , Bajewski Marcel , Dazert Stefan , Thomas Jan Peter
Published: March 2022

At present, dementia is a hot topic. Hearing loss is considered to be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. The underlying mechanism remains unclear and might be mediated by socioeconomic and psychosocial factors. Cochlear implantation has been shown not only to restore auditory abilities, but also to decrease mental distress and to improve cognitive functions in people with severe hearing impairment. However, the promising results need to be confirmed. In a prospective single-center study, we tested the neurocognitive abilities of a large group of 71 subjects with bilateral severe hearing impairment with a mean age of 66.03 (SD = 9.15) preoperatively and 6, 12, and 24 months after cochlear implantation using a comprehensive non-auditory computer-based test battery, and we also assessed the cognitive reserve (CR) [Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI)], health-related quality of life (QoL) (Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire), and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale-15). Cognitive functions significantly increased after 6 months in attention (p = 0.00004), working memory (operation span task; p = 0.002), and inhibition (p = 0.0002); and after 12 months in recall (p = 0.003) and verbal fluency (p = 0.0048), and remained stable up to 24 months (p ≥ 0.06). The CR positively correlated with cognitive functions pre- and post-operatively (both p < 0.005), but postoperative improvement in cognition was better in subjects with poor CR (p = 0.003). Depression had only a slight influence on one subtest. No correlation was found among cognitive skills, quality of life, and speech perception (each p ≥ 0.05). Cochlear implantation creates an enriched environment stimulating the plasticity of the brain with a global positive impact on neurocognitive functions, especially in subjects with poor preoperative cognitive performance and low cognitive reserve.
Genetic Diversity and Genome-Wide Association Study of Morphological and Quality Traits in Peach Using Two Spanish Peach Germplasm Collections
Authors: Mas-Gómez Jorge , Cantín Celia M. , Moreno María Ángeles , Martínez-García Pedro J.
Published: March 2022

Peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] is one of the most important stone fruits species in world production. Spanish peach production is currently the second largest in the world and the available cultivars in Spain includes a great source of genetic diversity with variability in fruit quality traits and postharvest disorders tolerance. In order to explore the genetic diversity and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-trait associations in the Spanish germplasm, the new peach 18K SNP v2 array was used to genotype 287 accessions belonging to the two National Peach Germplasm Collections placed at the Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA) and at the Experimental Station of Aula Dei (EEAD)-CSIC. The high density of the new SNP array allowed the identification of 30 groups of synonymies, which had not been identified before using low-density markers. In addition, a possible large-scale molecular event in ‘Starcrest’, a sport of ‘Springcrest’, was detected showing a possible chromosome replacement of a 13.5 Mb region. Previous suggestions about Spanish diversification regions agreed with our genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay results using high-density markers. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) detected 34 significant SNP-trait association with the type of leaf glands (TLG), fruit hairiness (FH), and flesh texture (FT). The impact of the significant SNPs was studied with SnpEff. Candidate genes encode several important family proteins involved in trichome formation and powdery mildew resistance (linked to TLG in peach). The genetic distance among cultivars obtained, together with SNP-trait associations found, provide new knowledge for marker-assisted selection and crossing approaches in peach breeding programmes.
Dual Process Theory: Embodied and Predictive; Symbolic and Classical
Authors: Bellini-Leite Samuel C.
Published: March 2022

Dual Process Theory is currently a popular theory for explaining why we show bounded rationality in reasoning and decision-making tasks. This theory proposes there must be a sharp distinction in thinking to explain two clusters of correlational features. One cluster describes a fast and intuitive process (Type 1), while the other describes a slow and reflective one (Type 2). A problem for this theory is identifying a common principle that binds these features together, explaining why they form a unity, the unity problem. To solve it, a hypothesis is developed combining embodied predictive processing with symbolic classical approaches. The hypothesis, simplified, states that Type 1 processes are bound together because they rely on embodied predictive processing whereas Type 2 processes form a unity because they are accomplished by symbolic classical cognition. To show that this is likely the case, the features of Dual Process Theory are discussed in relation to these frameworks.
Impact of COVID-19-Related Sports Activity Disruptions on the Physical Fitness of Japanese Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Obayashi Hiromune , Ikuta Yasunari , Nakashima Naoki , Yamamoto Ryoko , Fujishita Hironori , Fukuhara Koki , Sakamitsu Tetsuhiko , Ushio Kai , Kimura Hiroaki , Adachi Nobuo
Published: March 2022

We assessed whether the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related disruptions impacted the physical fitness of adolescent athletes. We reviewed the age-, sex-, and sports category-matched data of 78 adolescent athletes (divided into two groups: 2019 group = 37; 2020 group = 41) from the clinical database and investigated their height, weight, body composition, flexibility muscle strength, and jump height. We also provided questionnaires to the teams’ coaches to collect data on the duration of practice suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the practice hours per week in August 2019, immediately after the suspension ended, and in August 2020; and the guidelines for the players after resuming their practice. For data analyses, we considered p ≤ 0.05 as statistically significant. The strength of knee flexion and extension was significantly lower in the 2020 group than in the 2019 group; there was no difference in the other physical fitness parameters. The practice duration in August 2019 and August 2020 was the same. COVID-19-related interruptions did not alter the athletes’ jump height, upper-limb strength, and flexibility but reduced lower-limb muscle strength. We recommend that basic strength training protocols be followed to prevent sports-related injuries after such unexpected practice interruptions.
Impacts of Irrigation Time and Well Depths on Farmers’ Costs and Benefits in Maize Production
Authors: Qin Anzhen , Ning Dongfeng , Liu Zhandong , Li Sen , Zhao Ben , Duan Aiwang
Published: March 2022

In the North China Plain, drought usually occurs during the interval between wheat harvest and maize sowing in normal and dry years. The first irrigation for maize plays a critical role in guaranteeing seed germination and grain yields. Using experimental data from Xinxiang in 2019 and survey data of 641 farmers from the North China Plain in 2020, this study adopts a cost-benefit analysis method to investigate the impacts of irrigation time and well depths on farmers’ costs and benefits in maize production. The results showed that farms with well depth > 120 m accounted for 49% of total farms, especially in Hebei Province, and 38% wells had low water yield < 2.7 m3 kW−1 h−1. Delaying the time of the first irrigation made maize yields decline by up to 307 kg ha−1 day−1. Well depths increased irrigation costs and total maize production cost in an exponential manner, causing farmers’ benefits to decrease exponentially with well depths. With well depth > 180 m, the proportion of irrigation cost to total cost rose to 14%, whereas well depth > 230 m directly caused the farmers’ profits negative. A critical well depth of 230 m was put forward as the upper limit for farmers adopting maize planting in the NCP. The concept of ‘rotational irrigation strategy’ and suggestions of adopting drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, or hose-reel sprinkler irrigation were recommended to advance 6–8 days for the first irrigation period, compared with traditional flood irrigation.
Fertilizer Use, Soil Health and Agricultural Sustainability
Authors: Krasilnikov Pavel , Taboada Miguel Angel , Amanullah
Published: March 2022

Due to the growing population and consequent pressure of use, agricultural soils must maintain adequate levels of quantity and quality to produce food, fiber, and energy, without falling victim to a negative impact on their balance of nutrients, health, or their ability to function [...]
Design and Experiment of Spiral Discharge Anti-Blocking and Row-Sorting Device of Wheat No-Till Planter
Authors: Li Yunxiang , Lu Caiyun , Li Hongwen , He Jin , Wang Qingjie , Huang Shenghai , Gao Zhen , Yuan Panpan , Wei Xuyang , Zhan Huimin
Published: March 2022

Aiming at the problems of the poor passing capacity of machines and low cleaning rate of seed strip during wheat no-tillage sowing in annual double cropping areas of North China, a spiral discharge anti-blocking and row-sorting device (SDARD) was designed and is reported in this paper. After the straw was cut and chopped by the high-velocity rotating no-till anti-blocking knife group (NAKG), the straw was thrown into the spiral discharging mechanism (SDM) behind the NAKG. The chopped straw was discharged to the non-sowing area to reach the effect of seed strip cleaning through the interaction between the SDM and the row-sorting of straw mechanism (RSM). Based on a theoretical analysis for determining the parameters of crucial components, the quadratic rotation orthogonal combination test method was adopted, and the operating velocity of machines (OVM), the rotary velocity of the spiral shaft (RVSS), and the height of the holding hopper from the ground (HHHG) were selected as the test factors. The straw cleaning rate (SCR) was taken as the test index. The discrete element simulation test was carried out, the regression model of the SCR was established, and parameters optimization and field test were carried out. The results show that the significant order of the three influencing factors on the SCR was HHHG > OVM > RVSS. The optimal combination of operating parameters was that OVM was 5 km/h, RVSS was 80 r/min, and HHHG was 10 mm. Under the optimal parameter combination, the average SCR was 84.49%, which was 15.5% higher than the no-till planter without the device, and the passing capacity of machines was great, which met the agronomic requirements of no-tillage sowing of wheat in annual double cropping areas. This study could provide a reference for the design of no-tillage machines.
Using the CERES-Maize Model to Simulate Crop Yield in a Long-Term Field Experiment in Hungary
Authors: Zelenák Annabella , Szabó Atala , Nagy János , Nyéki Anikó
Published: March 2022

Precision crop production requires accurate yield prediction and nitrogen management. Crop simulation models may assist in exploring alternative management systems for optimizing water, nutrient and microelements use efficiencies, increasing maize yields. Our objectives were: (i) to access the ability of the CERES-Maize model for predicting yields in long-term experiments in Hungary; (ii) to use the model to assess the effects of different nutrient management (different nitrogen rates—0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg ha−1). A long-term experiment conducted in Látókép (Hungary) with various N-fertilizer applications allowed us to predict maize yields under different conditions. The aim of the research is to explore and quantify the effects of ecological, biological, and agronomic factors affecting plant production, as well as to conduct basic science studies on stress factors on plant populations, which are made possible by the 30-year database of long-term experiments and the high level of instrumentation. The model was calibrated with data from a long-term experiment field trial. The purpose of this evaluation was to investigate how the CERES-Maize model simulated the effects of different N treatments in long-term field experiments. Sushi hybrid’s yields increased with elevated N concentrations. The observed yield ranged from 5016 to 14,920 kg ha−1 during the 2016–2020 growing season. The range of simulated data of maize yield was between 6671 and 13,136 kg ha−1. The highest yield was obtained at the 150 kg ha−1 dose in each year studied. In several cases, the DSSAT-CERES Maize model accurately predicted yields, but it was sensitive to seasonal effects and estimated yields inaccurately. Based on the obtained results, the variance analysis significantly affected the year (2016–2020) and nitrogen doses. N fertilizer made a significant difference on yield, but the combination of both predicted and actual yield data did not show any significance.
Identification and Fine Mapping of a Quantitative Trait Locus Controlling the Total Flower and Pod Numbers in Soybean
Authors: Sun Xia , Sun Xiaohuan , Pan Xiangwen , Zhang Hengyou , Wang Yanping , Ren Haixiang , Wang Feifei
Published: March 2022

Total flower and pod numbers (TFPN) and effective pod numbers per plant (PNPP) are among the most important agronomic traits for soybean production. However, the underlying genetic mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we constructed a recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between JY73 (high TFPN) and TJSLH (low TFPN) to map loci for the two traits. In total, six QTL for TFPN and five QTL for PNPP were identified, among which a QTL on chromosome 4, named qFPN4, explained 9.2% and 9.6% of the phenotypic variation of TFPN and PNPP, respectively. Analysis of residual heterozygous lines for qFPN4 indicated that TFPN or PNPP was controlled by a single dominant gene at this locus and delimited the QTL into a ~2.62 Mb interval which tightly linked to an Indel marker C1-5. This mapping result was further confirmed by bulked segregant analysis (BSA) of the near isogenic lines. The genome-sequencing-based BSA also identified eight candidate genes carrying nonsynonymous SNPs and/or Indels; two genes, Glyma.04G176600 and Glyma.04G178900, were nominated as the most promising genes for qFPN4 based on additional expression and function analysis. These results improve our understanding of the genetic mechanism of TFPN and PNPP and indicate the potential for soybean yield improvement.
Production Characteristics and Management Practices of Indigenous Tswana Sheep in Southern Districts of Botswana
Authors: Bolowe Monosi Andries , Thutwa Ketshephaone , Monau Phetogo Ineeleng , Malejane Cosmas , Kgwatalala Patrick Monametsi
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to describe the indigenous Tswana sheep production systems, their management and farmers’ preferred selection traits when selecting breeding rams in four southern districts of Botswana. A total of 105 households; Kgatleng (n = 30), Kweneng (n = 27), southern (n = 24) and south–east (n = 24) districts were interviewed using structured questionnaire. An index-based approach was used to rank farmers’ most preferred traits for their production systems. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The Chi-square test was used to assess the statistical significance among categorical variables. The results indicated that indigenous Tswana sheep are mainly kept by males, single people, aged between 51 and 60 years possessing primary and secondary education. Management practices across the districts include castration, health care and supplementation mostly during the dry season. Superior fitness traits of indigenous Tswana rams over exotic rams were considered more important when selecting breeding rams in Kgatleng, Kweneng and south–east while in the southern district, rams were mainly selected based on body size. Most farmers kept breeding rams while those who did not keep rams depended on communal rams for service. This information is important in designing successful breeding programs and strategies for the conservation and sustainable utilization of indigenous Tswana sheep genetic resources.
Melatonin Rescues Dimethoate Exposure-Induced Meiotic and Developmental Defects of Porcine Oocytes
Authors: Jiang Qi , Qi Xin , Ding Chi , Liu Xingyu , Lei Yuanyuan , Li Siying , Cao Zubing
Published: March 2022

Dimethoate (DT) is an environmental pollutant widely used in agricultural fields and home gardens. Studies have shown that exposure to DT causes reproductive defects in both male and female animals. However, the effects of DT exposure on oocyte maturation and the approach to counteract it are not yet known. Here, we investigated the toxicity of DT on porcine oocyte maturation and the protective effects of melatonin (MT) on DT-exposed oocytes. DT exposure with 1.5 mM partially inhibited cumulus cell expansion and significantly reduced the rate of first polar body extrusion (pb1) during oocyte maturation. Parthenogenetically activated embryos derived from DT-exposed oocytes could not develop to the 2-cell and blastocyst stage. Furthermore, DT exposure led to a significant increase in the rates of misaligned chromosomes, disorganized spindles, and abnormal actin assembly. DT exposure severely disrupted the distribution patterns of mitochondria in oocytes but did not change the subcellular localizations of cortical granules. Importantly, MT supplementation rescued the meiotic and developmental defects of DT-exposed oocytes through repressing the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy, and DNA damage accumulation. These results demonstrate that melatonin protects against meiotic defects induced by DT during porcine oocyte maturation.
First Attempt to Infer Sound Hearing and Its Paleoenvironmental Implications in the Extinct Insular Canid Cynotherium sardous Studiati, 1857 (Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Zedda Marco , Brunetti Antonio , Palombo Maria Rita
Published: March 2022

This is the first study on the bony labyrinth of Cynotherium sardous, an intriguing extinct canid that inhabited Sardinia in the late Middle and Late Pleistocene. The morphological features of the cochlea indicate that C. sardous had a lower number of cochlear turns (2.25) than all extant canids. This feature, as well as the reduced length of the spiral canal, the cochlear curvature rate, and the narrow basal membrane, indicates that C. sardous had poor hearing abilities limited to high-frequency sounds with a low limit of 250 Hz and poor echolocalization skills. From the data available, it is not possible to infer whether C. sardous was unable to echolocalize its prey and relied on other senses (e.g., smell and sight) to locate them or whether the acoustic range of C. sardous was specialized for identifying the sounds produced by its most common prey to transmit signals for predator warnings or group communication. All things considered, the results obtained confirm the utility of cochlea morphological studies in reconstructing the hearing abilities of this species and in providing some suggestions about its ethology, but they fall short of providing any new sound evidence regarding the ecological role of C. sardous in the Late Pleistocene Sardinian ecosystem.
Epidemiological Cut-Off Values and Multidrug Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Domesticated Poultry and Pigs Reared in Mwanza, Tanzania: A Cross-Section Study
Authors: Mtemisika Conjester I. , Nyawale Helmut , Benju Ronald J. , Genchwere Joseph M. , Silago Vitus , Mushi Martha F. , Mwanga Joseph , Konje Eveline , Mirambo Mariam M. , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: March 2022

Increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) colonizing domesticated animals is a global concern threatening food safety. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) and epidemiological cut-off values (ECVs) of E. coli isolated from poultry and pigs in Mwanza, Tanzania. This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2021, involving 297 pigs, 191 broilers, and 203 layers. Rectal and cloacal swabs were collected and processed following standard guidelines. ECVs were determined using normalized resistance interpretation (NRI), a computer software, and descriptive analysis was performed using STATA version 13.0. The overall prevalence of MDR E.coli was 63.2%, whereas poultry (87.5% layers and 86.3% broilers) were more colonized than pigs (31.8%) (p < 0.001). Based on ECVs of antibiotics tested, E. coli from broilers, layers, and pigs exhibited different resistance patterns hence different populations. Exotic breed (p < 0.001) and recent antimicrobial use (p < 0.001) significantly predicted colonization with MDR E. coli. Veterinary officers should implement regulations that prohibit the inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents in livestock keeping.