bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENINGKATAN SOFT SKILL MASYARAKAT DESA LEUWIMEKAR MELALUI PEMANFAATAN TEKNOLOGI, HIDROPONIK DAN DESIMINASI EKONOMI KREATIF BERBASIS DAUR ULANG SAMPAH
Authors: Kusumah Fitrah Satrya Fajar , Asmahasanah Salati , Sofwah Nadia
Published: December 2020

KKN Tematik Terintegrasi merupakan KKN yang orientasi program terfokus pada bidang tertentu sesuai dengan permasalahan kemasyarakatan yang ada. KKN memiliki tujuan memahami kondisi masyarakat. Tujuan diadakannya KKN yaitu untuk memajukan desa tersebut baik dalam bidang ekonomi, pendidikan, sosial, dan lainnya. Mahasiswa KKN UIKA yang tergabung dari beberapa jurusan bisa membantu masyarakat dengan kemampuannya masing-masing. Pelaksanaan KKN dimulai dari tanggal 6 Agustus 2019 sampai dengan 5 September 2019 di Desa Leuwimekar Kecamatan Leuwiliang Kabupaten Bogor. Program KKN kelompok 03 & 04 di Desa Leuwimekar merupakan program yang lebih menekankan kepada kualitas sumber daya manusia. Beberapa Kegiatan yang menunjang peningkatan softskill masyarakat yaitu seperti pelatihan mengetik cepat, workshop media pembelajaran berbasis teknologi, pelatihan teknologi informasi, pemanfaatan barang-barang bekas, penyuluhan hidroponik, dan seminar investasi pasar modal syariah.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО РОЗВИТКУ ПРОМИСЛОВИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ В УМОВАХ ДІДЖИТАЛІЗАЦІЇ
Authors: Макаренко С.М.
Published: December 2020

У статті проведено аналіз та здійснено визначення ефективних напрямів співпраці органів державної влади, місцевого самоврядування та промислових підприємств для активізації інноваційної діяльності. Обґрунтовано, що одним із найважливіших факторів підвищення ефективності господарської діяльності й максимізації вірогідності залучення інвестицій є забезпечення економічного і раціонального використання виробничих ресурсів шляхом перманентного впровадження інноваційних технологій, нових проєктних, конструкторських і технологічних рішень. Виявлено, що в умовах зростання загального обсягу видатків на проведення превентивних дій щодо унеможливлення розповсюдження респіраторної хвороби COVID–19, для втримання наявних позицій на ринку кінцевої продукції та зростання рівня конкурентоспроможності підприємства взагалі необхідно активізувати співпрацю органів влади й бізнесу в частині надання додаткових податкових преференцій під час закупівлі спеціалізованого інноваційного обладнання. Доведено необхідність розроблення комплексу заходів для обґрунтування доцільності надання податкових преференцій та усунення можливих зловживань з боку суб’єктів господарювання, у тому числі шляхом визначення інтегрального показника конкурентоспроможності підприємства в динаміці останніх років.
Acceptance and adoption of protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of trust in politics and trust in science
Authors: Dohle Simone , Wingen Tobias , Schreiber Mike
Published: December 2020

The United Nations have described the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as the worst global crisis since the second world war. Behavioral protective measures, such as good hand hygiene and social distancing, may strongly affect infection and fatality rates worldwide. In two studies (total N = 962), we aimed to identify central predictors of acceptance and adoption of protective measures, including sociodemographic variables, risk perception, and trust. We found that men and younger participants show lower acceptance and adoption of protective measures, suggesting that it is crucial to develop targeted health messages for these groups. Moreover, trust in politics and trust in science emerged as important predictors for the acceptance and adoption of protective measures. These results show that maintaining and ideally strengthening trust in politics and trust in science might be central for overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the eyes of the Potala Palace: Difficult heritage and memory in Tibet
Authors: Vetter Jordan
Published: December 2020

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet serves as an important religious symbol and an embodiment of Tibetan culture. Ever since Chinese troops invaded Tibet in the 1950s, the Chinese government has attempted to control Tibet, including converting the Potala Palace and its rich material culture into a secular institution on display for tourists. Now void of the Dalai Lama and most of its contents, the Potala has become a façade for public consumption of Chinese state-led narratives and a symbol of cultural oppression. Through their approaches to heritage management and tourism, and with the aid of the Potala’s listing as a UNESCO World Heritage site, China is capitalizing on Tibet’s cultural heritage, undermining the Tibetan people and their culture, and controlling the narrative of Tibetan history to alter the collective memory of Tibetans.
Development of the Cross-Sector GLS Study Program in 104203 Bandar Khalipah Public Elementary School
Authors: Siahaan Flora , Ansari Khairil , Matondang Zulkifli
Published: December 2020

This study is aimed to describe the process of developing enrichment books in the learning phase of the school literacy movement. The feasibility of enrichment books on the school literacy movement for students in class VI with the theme of saving sentient beings, and describing the use of enrichment books in the school literacy movement of the learning phase. This study refers to the Borg & Gall development model. The results showed that: (1) the development of enrichment books is based on research and gathering preliminary information, planning, initial product development, validation of material content, design and language, product revisions, assessments with suggestions of class teachers and students, revisions, individual trials, revisions back, small group trials, next revisions, limited field trials, revisions more until the product is valid and suitable for used; (2) the results of the material expert validation included the feasibility of the contents with an average of 90.62% on the “very good” criteria, the feasibility of serving with an average of 95% on the “very good” criteria, and the aspect of graphic with an average of 100% on the “very good” criteria, the average of all aspects is 95.20% on the “very good” criteria, design expert validation with an average of 90.47% on the “very good” criteria, and linguist validation 82% on the “very good” criteria, and (3) the use of enrichment books fulfills the requirements and effectively used as reading material. The results of teacher assessment responses for the enrichment books developed have an average total percentage of 907, 32% with the criteria of "very good". The average percentage results of all limited field tests were 92,58% with the criteria of "very good".
Una aproximación semio-narrativa al uso del product placement como momento de consumo presente en la telenovela latinoamericana.
Authors: Yalán Dongo Eduardo
Published: December 2020

La telenovela es uno de los principales formatos narrativos de la televisión peruana. Actualmente, el desarrollo de su relato ha motivado mayor participación de marcas globales que buscan promover sus productos en vista de un público fiel, capturado por el tono cómico con el que se presentan diversas temáticas sociales en la telenovela (discriminación, machismo, identidad de clase). A partir de esta perspectiva, el presente artículo pretende identificar la inserción del product placement en la narrativa de la telenovela peruana ocupándonos concretamente de aquellas presentaciones que se postulan como presencias orgánicas al relato. Estamos interesados en observar particularmente la forma de la telenovela “Los Vilchez” producida por América Tv durante el 2019 permite trabajar un nivel comercial camuflado orgánicamente en su trama narrativa. Se han escogido para este estudio escenas específicas de inserción del product placement en la trama para analizar las interacciones del público desde una perspectiva narrativo-semiótica.
Estímulos sensoriales en prácticas de neuromarketing aplicadas al proceso de decisión de compra online, caso: Empresas de licores en la ciudad de Ambato
Authors: Yugcha Joselyn , Cajas María , Villalba Raúl
Published: December 2020

El mundo empresarial actual se enfrenta a cambios mercados cada vez más acelerados, si los hábitos de compra ya habían comenzado a tomar otras direcciones, sumándose, a la crisis económica provocada por la pandemia que ha ocasionado la suspensión total o parcial de las actividades comerciales, los consumidores se ven obligados a cambiar radicalmente su comportamiento de compra y consumo, dependiendo así de la conectividad digital para realizar cualquier gestión. Por lo tanto, las empresas deben analizar en cómo invertir en estrategias y herramientas online, el marketing sensorial utiliza los cinco sentidos, para despertar el deseo de consumir un determinado producto y promover la toma de decisiones de compra inmediata. Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar los estímulos sensoriales más influyentes entre los consumidores en el proceso de decisión de compra online. El enfoque de la investigación fue cualitativo, ya que gracias a la revisión literaria se pudo desarrollar el instrumento de recolección de datos y cuantitativo porque se calculó el nivel de percepción de los estímulos visuales y auditivos de los consumidores. A través de un alcance descriptivo y un diseño no experimental se pudo determinar los estímulos sensoriales más influyentes que debe ser analizados en el proceso de decisión de compra online. La muestra de estudio fue de trecientos setenta y nueve (379) personas que consumen licor, información clave para el desarrollo de la investigación. El resultado principal obtenido fue qué, el estímulo visual se activó en primera instancia tanto en hombre como en mujeres después de visualizar el video publicitario. Se concluye que el marketing sensorial aplicado a las compras online tiene sus límites. Sin embargo, los sentidos visuales y auditivos puedes estimularse para orientar la decisión de compra.
Disrupción, resiliencia y evolución del sector camaronero ecuatoriano entre 2010 y 2019
Authors: Bolaños Javier , Mora Norman , Espinoza Cecibel
Published: December 2020

El cultivo de camarón en Ecuador se ha convertido en la principal actividad comercial de los productos no petroleros, y su impacto en la balanza comercial destronó al banano que por varios años había sido el mayor generador de riquezas. El sector camaronero es propenso a ser afectado por al menos nueve tipos de problemas identificados bajo el concepto de disrupciones, y el impacto de estos eventos tiene distintos grados de afectación. Se hace uso del concepto de resiliencia, que tiene sus bases en la psicología y la física, para aplicado al campo de la gestión empresarial permita determinar cómo ha respondido el sector ante los eventos disruptivos de la última década, diagnosticando su situación actual y la evolución sectorial que ha alcanzado en el período 2010 – 2019. El presente estudio es una investigación exploratoria de carácter cualitativo; se hace uso del análisis documental tomando información oficial de organismos del Estado, artículos de revistas científicas, artículos de la prensa local y estudios de repositorios académicos, y el focus group conformado por productores, distribuidores, exportadores y trabajadores de empacadoras de camarón de la provincia de El Oro. El sector camaronero ha crecido notablemente en los últimos diez años, se destaca la toma de decisiones y el alto compromiso que tienen las autoridades y agentes que lo conforman; aún existen problemas que representan malestar principalmente en los productores, pero no tienen una alta incidencia en su rendimiento. Considerando las bases del trabajo realizado, el futuro para la camaronicultura en Ecuador es alentador.
Gestión del Conocimiento, una estrategia de innovación empresarial
Authors: Maza Viviana , Mora Karen , Tapia Nancy , Espinoza Cecibel
Published: December 2020

La dinámica de los mercados en la actualidad sufre cambios contantemente creando la necesidad en las organizaciones de buscar estrategias que las permitan innovar, generar competitividad y contribuyan a su permanecía en el mercado a lo largo del tiempo. En este contexto la inversión en tecnología no es la única forma de innovar, el conocimiento se ha convertido en el activo más importante dentro de la gestión empresarial, por lo tanto, es el encargado de crear, detectar, transformar ese conocimiento y utilizarlo en función de sus necesidades. Por ello se plantea el objetivo de analizar la gestión del conocimiento como una estrategia de innovación en las empresas de la industria manufacturera en la ciudad de Machala. Se aplicó un estudio con enfoque cuantitativo, investigación exploratoria y correlacional. Se encuestaron a 38 empresas pertenecientes al sector manufacturero. Se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación y regresión para el análisis, los resultados fueron positivos para la relación de las variables gestión conocimiento e innovación. Finalmente, la gestión del conocimiento y la innovación persiguen generar beneficios a la empresa, transformando el conocimiento en valor, creando nuevos productos o servicios o mejorando sus procesos, con el fin de lograr su permanencia en el mercado.
Examining Factors Influencing Customers Satisfaction with Mobile Financial Services in Tanzania
Authors: Msafiri Christine , Rimisho Evod
Published: December 2020

The financial sector is important to any nation for its economic development. The mobile telecommunication technology in Tanzania for instance has changed the way people perform financial transactions. Customers perform financial transactions using their mobile phones at anytime and anywhere provided that the customer is registered and activated into using the Mobile financial service. However, there are still long queues at the banks for doing financial transactions that could be done using mobile financial service. In order to motivate people into using the MFS, it is then important to ensure to customers derive satisfaction from using the service as it is with the formal banking service or beyond. This study aims at examining the factors influencing the customer satisfaction with mobile financial services in Tanzania. To achieve these objectives the study uses mainly primary data from 105 respondents selected using both purposive and non-purposive sampling techniques. The study employs both descriptive analysis and regression analysis. Descriptive analysis shown that, Tigo pesa, M pesa and Airtel Money are the frequently used MFS with Tigo pesa being leading. Majority of customers are satisfied with MFS (70%), and Mobile Network Operators are concentrating on making sure customers are satisfied by educating them on how to use MFS, ensuring network is reliable, lowering transaction charges and improving customer care, among others. The logistic estimates indicate that, Age, Gender, Employment, Customer care, Network availability, Meet needs, and Education are significant factors that influence customer’s satisfaction with frequently used MFS in Tanzania. The probability of a customer to be satisfied with MFS is higher if MFS meet needs of a customer, the customer is employed, gets good customer care, male, and if the network is available. From these findings, it is advised that any strategy targeting to make customers more satisfied with MFS should consider Customer care, Network availability, and needs of the customers. Also policies and programs that enhance employment are vital in making majority of people secure jobs and finally satisfied with MFS.
Effect of Internet Services on Customer’s Online Purchase Intention (Case Study: Behpahksh Pharmaceutical Company)
Authors: Lajevardi Hooman , Ghahramani Shahram , Nasehifar Vahid , Pirmohammad Sara
Published: December 2020

This study aimed at examining the effect of internet services on online purchase intention of customers in Behpakhsh Company. Variables of this study included transaction services, pre-purchase services, Navigation experience, Attitude to the web, online purchase intention. Descriptive-survey method was used to examine hypotheses and respond to the questions. Statistical population consisted of customers of Behpakhsh Company. Statistical sample size obtained to 384 members. This study was implemented in Behpakhsh Company. To collect required data, researcher-made questionnaire was used. Moreover, regression analysis was applied in this research. Data analysis and hypothesis testing were done through SPSS Software. Findings obtained from this study indicated effect of internet services on customers’ online purchase intention in case of Behpakhsh Company.
Uso de agentes eletrofísicos por fisioterapeutas no Brasil
Authors: Santos Lucas Sinesio , Ribeiro Emmily Santos , Neves Vanessa Ariane , Silva Maria Heloyse Martins de Lima , Silva Caroline Freire , Gama Gabriela Lopes
Published: December 2020

Objetivo: avaliar fatores relacionados ao uso de Agentes Eletrofísicos (AE) por fisioterapeutas brasileiros. Metodologia: tratou-se de um estudo transversal e quantitativo, cujos dados foram coletados através de um questionário online semiestruturado, contendo informações gerais, demográficas e profissionais dos participantes, assim como questões relacionadas ao uso de AE na prática clínica fisioterapêutica e fatores relacionados ao não uso desses recursos. Resultados: a amostra foi composta por 407 fisioterapeutas com idade variando entre 20 e 67 anos (31,12 ± 7,72 anos). A maioria dos participantes concluíram a graduação em instituições da região Nordeste e apresentaram alguma dificuldade ao utilizar AE durante a formação. A especialização em traumato-ortopedia, atuação profissional em serviços públicos e uso da Estimulação Elétrica Nervosa Transcutânea (TENS) na prática clínica foram os mais descritos. Além disso, intercorrências com o uso de AE foram pouco relatadas pelos entrevistados e a maioria destes nunca realizaram cursos de atualização sobre o tema após a graduação. Conclusão: os resultados do presente estudo demonstraram que a disponibilidade e uso de AE por fisioterapeutas brasileiros ainda não é bem estabelecido, estando condicionado a fatores como área de atuação, local de trabalho e atualizações após a graduação.
ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR PENGHAMBAT EFEKTIVITAS PENERIMAAN PAJAK BUMI DAN BANGUNAN TERHADAP TARGET DAN REALISASI PENDAPATAN SEKTOR PAJAK DI KELURAHAN RITE KOTA BIMA
Authors: Jasman Jasman , Mawadah Ida , Fikri Buana Bima
Published: December 2020

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh faktor-faktor penghambat efektivitas penerimaan pajak bumi dan bangunan terhadap realisasi target pendapatan sektor pajak di Kelurahan Rite Kota Bima. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk memperoleh informasi adalah menggunakan angket dan dokumentasi. Teknik pengambilan sampel sistematis dan sampel kuota. Sampel sistematis didasarkan pada wilayah (RW/RT) yang dipilih secara acak. Sampel wilayah (RW) ditentukan 50%, demikian pula untuk RT. Setelah ditemukan sampel wilayah, ditentukan sampel wajib pajak secara kuota yaitu masing-masing 5 orang wajib pajak dari setiap RT. Dengan demikian seluruh jumlah sampel adalah sebanyak 40 orang. Dalam penelitian ini instrumen yang digunakan adalah pedoman observasi, angket dan pencatatan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah menggunakan analisis statistik, yaitu dengan menggunakan perhitungan persentase untuk menggambarkan faktor-faktor hambatan penerimaan PBB dan realisasi dan target pendapatan sektor pajak, di mana persentase dikategorikan dengan skala; 75%-100% (kategori tinggi), 50%-75% (kategori sedang), < 25% (kategori rendah). Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan terdapat beberapa faktor hambatan penerimaan PBB. Beberapa faktor dimaksud antara lain: (1) faktor pemerintah/perundang-undangan, (2) faktor objek pajak, (3) faktor wajib pajak, dan (4) faktor petugas pemungut pajak. Besarnya ketetapan dari pemerintah mengenai target pendapatan sektor pajak bumi dan bangunan dari tahun 2008 hingga tahun 2010 diharapkan meningkat, akan tetapi dalam realisasinya hanya tahun 2008 dan tahun 2009 saja yang mencapai target prosentase tinggi sedangkan pada tahun 2010 mengalami penurunan penajaman target prosentase. Hal tersebut dipengaruhi oleh faktor luar yang datanya diperoleh dari hasil analisis kantor PBB diantaranya adalah disebabkan krisis ekonomi masyarakat, kenaikan BBM dan kebutuhan pokok. Dilihat dari faktor penghambat, diperoleh rata-rata hambatan sebesar 56,75% yang tergolong sedang, sedangkan dari gambaran realisasi target selama tiga tahun terakhir mencapai 82% yang tergolong tinggi. Dengan demikian faktor hambatan tidak terlalu berpengaruh terhadap target pendapatan sektor pajak di Kelurahan Rite.
Renk açma ve vernikleme işleminin bazı ağaç malzemelerin alev kaynaklı yanma özelliklerine etkileri
Authors: YALINKILIÇ Ahmet Cihangir , AKSOY Eyüp , ATAR Musa , KESKİN Hakan
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışma, renk açma ve vernikleme işleminin bazı ağaç malzemelerde alev kaynaklı yanma özelliklerine etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Bu maksatla, Doğu kayını (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), Sapsız meşe (Quercus petraea Liebl.) ve sarıçam (Pinus sylvestris Lipsky ) odunlarından ASTM D 358’e göre hazırlanan örneklere, % 18’lik NaOH+H2O2, NaOH+Ca(OH)2 + H2O2, Na2S2O5 + H2C2O4, NaSiO3+H2O2, KMnO4+Na2S2O5+H2O2 çözelti grupları ile renk açma işlemi yapılmıştır. Renk açma işlemi yapılmış örneklere ASTM D 3023’e göre su bazlı, sentetik, poliüretan ve akrilik vernikler uygulanmış ve alev kaynaklı yanma özellikleri ASTM E 160–50 esaslarına göre belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak; ağaç malzeme, renk açma çözeltisi ve vernik etkileşimlerine göre; alev kaynaklı yanma sıcaklıkları (0C) sırasıyla en yüksek; III+R3+Sb’de (473.9), III+R1+Sb’de (639.0), II+R3+St’de (440.0), en düşük; I+R3+Pü’de (188.2), II+R1+Av’de (374.9), I+R1+Sb’de (58.77) çıkmıştır. Bu değerlere göre; renk açma çözeltilerinin, ağaç malzeme ve verniklerin yanmayı artırıcı etkilerini azalttığı söylenebilir. Buna göre yangın riski söz konusu olan kullanım yerlerinde; sapsız meşe+R3 çözeltisi+Akrilik vernik şeklindeki kombinasyon önerilebilir.
FORECASTING ANORGANIC WASTE VOLUME AFTER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PLASTIC BAG RESTRICTIONS USING DOUBLE EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING METHOD AT BOGOR CITY
Authors: Andriyati Ani , Rohaeti Embay
Published: December 2020

Garbage is a classic problem causing environmental and ecosystem damage in every region, including in Bogor City. Plastic is one of the largest types of inorganic waste that causes ecosystem damage. In one day 1,7 tons of plastic waste are produced from a modern shopping center in Bogor. Several attempts were made to reduce the volume of inorganic waste. Since July 2018 the Regional Government of Bogor City has issued a regulation restricting the use of plastic bags in the modern market as an effort to reduce inorganic waste, especially plastic waste. Forecasting the volume of inorganic waste after the enactment of this regulation is needed as an evaluation step. The double exponential smoothing hole model is suitable for linear data trends. This is in accordance with the condition of inorganic waste volume data which tends to have a linear trend. Forecasting produces parameter parameter values α (level) 0,78 and γ (trend) 0,09 also MAPE 7,25%. The forecast results show that the volume of inorganic waste tends to increase in 2020. In order for this regulation to be optimal, it is necessary to consider applying these regulations not only in the modern market but also in the traditional market. In addition, it is also necessary to find an alternative to substitute for plastic so as not to switch to other inorganic types.
MACC1 Contributes to the Development of Osteosarcoma Through Regulation of the HGF/c-Met Pathway and Microtubule Stability
Authors: Wen Jia , Xie Yi , Zhang Yingqiang , Li Jiazhen , Li Jiaping , Zhang Yan , Lu Xinchang , Zhang Yi , Liu Yongkui , Liu Tao , Li Longqing
Published: December 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent human bone malignancy, and presents a global annual morbidity of approximately five cases per million. Notably, precise and efficient targeted therapy has become the most promising strategy for the treatment of OS; however, there is still an urgent need for the identification of suitable therapeutic targets. Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) was first identified in colon tumors by differential display RT-PCR, and was shown to be involved in the regulation of colon tumor growth and metastasis through the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling pathway. Additionally, MACC1 overexpression has been reported to induce the growth of several types of cancers, including glioblastoma multiforme and gastric cancer. However, whether MACC1 also plays a role in the progression of OS remains unclear. In this study, we found that MACC1 was highly expressed in human OS tissues, as well as in U-2OS and MG-63 cells, when compared with normal tissues and osteoblasts, respectively. Our data further indicated that MACC1 expression was correlated with several clinicopathological features of OS. Through in vitro assays, we found that MACC1 depletion markedly suppressed the proliferative ability of both OS cells and endothelial cells, and inhibited the angiogenic capacity of endothelial cells. Similarly, MACC1 depletion inhibited tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis in mice. Mechanistically, we found that MACC1 could bind to the MET promoter, and enhanced the proliferation of both OS cells and endothelial cells through the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway. Furthermore, we show that MACC1 also promoted angiogenesis by regulating microtubule dynamics, thereby promoting the progression of OS. Our results indicate that MACC1 may be a new and promising therapeutic target for the treatment of OS.
Sugar-Coated Killer: Serotype 3 Pneumococcal Disease
Authors: Luck Jennifer N. , Tettelin Hervé , Orihuela Carlos J.
Published: December 2020

Capsular polysaccharide (CPS), which surrounds the bacteria, is one of the most significant and multifaceted contributors to Streptococcus pneumoniae virulence. Capsule prevents entrapment in mucus during colonization, traps water to protect against desiccation, can serve as an energy reserve, and protects the bacterium against complement-mediated opsonization and immune cell phagocytosis. To date, 100 biochemically and serologically distinct capsule types have been identified for S. pneumoniae; 20 to 30 of which have well-defined propensity to cause opportunistic human infection. Among these, serotype 3 is perhaps the most problematic as serotype 3 infections are characterized as having severe clinical manifestations including empyema, bacteremia, cardiotoxicity, and meningitis; consequently, with a fatality rate of 30%–47%. Moreover, serotype 3 resists antibody-mediated clearance despite its inclusion in the current 13-valent conjugate vaccine formulation. This review covers the role of capsule in pneumococcal pathogenesis and the importance of serotype 3 on human disease. We discuss how serotype 3 capsule synthesis and presentation on the bacterial surface is distinct from other serotypes, the biochemical and physiological properties of this capsule type that facilitate its ability to cause disease, and why existing vaccines are unable to confer protection. We conclude with discussion of the clonal properties of serotype 3 and how these have changed since introduction of the 13-valent vaccine in 2000.
“Wars” on COVID-19 in Slovakia, Russia, and the United States: Securitized Framing and Reframing of Political and Media Communication Around the Pandemic
Authors: Lukacovic Marta N.
Published: December 2020

This study analyzes securitized discourses and counter narratives that surround the COVID-19 pandemic. Controversial cases of security related political communication, salient media enunciations, and social media reframing are explored through the theoretical lenses of securitization and cascading activation of framing in the contexts of Slovakia, Russia, and the United States. The first research question explores whether and how the frame element of moral evaluation factors into the conversations on the securitization of the pandemic. The analysis tracks the framing process through elite, media, and public levels of communication. The second research question focused on fairly controversial actors— “rogue actors” —such as individuals linked to far-leaning political factions or militias. The proliferation of digital media provides various actors with opportunities to join publicly visible conversations. The analysis demonstrates that the widely differing national contexts offer different trends and degrees in securitization of the pandemic during spring and summer of 2020. The studied rogue actors usually have something to say about the pandemic, and frequently make some reframing attempts based on idiosyncratic evaluations of how normatively appropriate is their government's “war” on COVID-19. In Slovakia, the rogue elite actors at first failed to have an impact but eventually managed to partially contest the dominant frame. Powerful Russian media influencers enjoy some conspiracy theories but prudently avoid direct challenges to the government's frame, and so far only marginal rogue actors openly advance dissenting frames. The polarized political and media environment in the US has shown to create a particularly fertile ground for rogue grassroots movements that utilize online platforms and social media, at times going as far as encouragement of violent acts to oppose the government and its pandemic response policy.
Current Devices in TMVI and Their Limitations: Focus on Tendyne
Authors: Dahle Gry
Published: December 2020

Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) has a high incidence in the western world, and mortality is high for untreated severe MR. Catheter based repair was introduced with MitraClip in 2003, and some additional devices later came into the market. To expand the transcatheter treatment options for mitral valve disease, the first transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) was performed by Søndergaard et al. 2012, only 10 years after the first transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), however, the development has been much slower for the TMVI than for TAVI. From 2012, studies were started for several devices to prove feasibility and safety. However, there were big challenges in valve design; delivery systems and anchoring in addition to anatomical issues (avoid LVOT obstruction and paravalvular leak, big size of annulus). The main valves in studies were CardiaQ (later bought by Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, United States), Tiara (Neovasc Inc., Richmond, Canada), Twelve (later Intrepid, Medtronic, MN, United States) and Tendyne™ (Abbott, MN, United States). I will focus on the Tendyne™ valve that is the only CE approved transcatheter mitral valve implant. It is available in a large number of sizes and is repositionable and retrievable. The results for the 100 first patients included in the early feasibility study (EFS) at 1 and 2 years are promising. Initially feasible for MR, but further investigations show promising results also for implant in mitral annular calcification.
The Body Weight Alteration and Incidence of Neoplasm in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lin Chu , Cai Xiaoling , Yang Wenjia , Lv Fang , Nie Lin , Ji Linong
Published: December 2020

Objective

Whether hypoglycemic treatments with weight-alternating effects influence the incidence of neoplasm in type 2 diasbetes (T2D) remains uncertain. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the association between the weight alteration and incidence of neoplasm in patients with T2D.

Research Design and Methods

Systematic searches were conducted for studies published between the inception of 1950s and September 2019. Randomized controlled trials conducted in T2D patients with at least 48-week follow-up, significant weight change difference between treatment arms and reports of neoplasm events were included. Fixed-effects model and meta-regression analysis were accordingly used.

Results

In all, 46 studies were included. Analysis indicated weight reduction was not associated with a decreased incidence of neoplasm (OR = 1.01, 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.07, I2 = 17%) and weight elevation was not associated with an increased incidence of neoplasm (OR = 0.91, 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.09, I2 = 0%). Meta-regression analysis showed a slower weight reduction rate (β = −5.983, 95% CI, −11.412 to 0.553, P = 0.03) instead of weight change difference (β = −0.030, 95% CI, −0.068 to 0.007, P = 0.115) was significantly associated with reduced risk of neoplasm in patients with T2D. Moreover, a decreased incidence of prostate, bladder, and uterine neoplasm was observed in T2D patients with weight reduction difference while an increased incidence of thyroid neoplasm was found in glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor analog (GLP-1RA) users with weight reduction difference.

Conclusions

Additional weight change achieved by current hypoglycemic agents or strategies in short and medium periods was not associated with incidence of most neoplasm in patients with T2D. However, a decreased incidence of prostate, bladder, and uterine neoplasm was shown in T2D patients with weight reduction difference while an increased risk of thyroid neoplasm was observed in T2D patients on GLP-1RA treatments with weight reduction difference. A more sustained and persistent weight reduction process may confer reduced risk of neoplasm in patients with T2D.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Glycolysis-Related Genes Reveals an Independent Signature of Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Mou Zezhong , Yang Chen , Zhang Zheyu , Wu Siqi , Xu Chenyang , Cheng Zhang , Dai Xiyu , Chen Xinan , Ou Yuxi , Jiang Haowen
Published: December 2020

Background

Bladder carcinoma (BC) is one of the most prevalent and malignant tumors. Multiple gene signatures based on BC metabolism, especially regarding glycolysis, remain unclear. Thus, we developed a glycolysis-related gene signature to be used for BC prognosis prediction.

Methods

Transcriptomic and clinical data were divided into a training set and a validation set after they were downloaded and analyzed from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and differential analysis were used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs), while univariate Cox regression and lasso-penalized Cox regression were employed for signature establishment. To evaluate the prognostic power of the signature, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival analysis were also used. Additionally, we developed a nomogram to predict patients’ survival chances using the identified prognostic gene signature. Further, gene mutation and protein expression, as well as the independence of signature genes, were also analyzed. Finally, we also performed qPCR and western blot to detect the expression and potential pathways of signature genes in BC samples.

Results

Ten genes were selected for signature construction among 71 DEGs, including nine risk genes and one protection gene. KM survival analysis revealed that the high-risk group had poor survival and the low-risk group had increased survival. ROC curve analysis and the nomogram validated the accurate prediction of survival using a gene signature composed of 10 glycolysis-related genes. Western blot and qPCR analysis demonstrated that the expression trend of signature genes was basically consistent with previous results. These 10 glycolysis-related genes were independent and suitable for a signature.

Conclusion

Our current study indicated that we successfully built and validated a novel 10-gene glycolysis-related signature for BC prognosis.
Comparative Expression Analysis of Stress-Inducible Candidate Genes in Response to Cold and Drought in Tea Plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze]
Authors: Samarina Lidiia S. , Bobrovskikh Alexandr V. , Doroshkov Alexey V. , Malyukova Lyudmila S. , Matskiv Alexandra O. , Rakhmangulov Ruslan S. , Koninskaya Natalia G. , Malyarovskaya Valentina I. , Tong Wei , Xia Enhua , Manakhova Karina A. , Ryndin Alexey V. , Orlov Yuriy L.
Published: December 2020

Cold and drought are two of the most severe threats affecting the growth and productivity of the tea plant, limiting its global spread. Both stresses cause osmotic changes in the cells of the tea plant by decreasing their water potential. To develop cultivars that are tolerant to both stresses, it is essential to understand the genetic responses of tea plant to these two stresses, particularly in terms of the genes involved. In this study, we combined literature data with interspecific transcriptomic analyses (using Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum) to choose genes related to cold tolerance. We identified 45 stress-inducible candidate genes associated with cold and drought responses in tea plants based on a comprehensive homologous detection method. Of these, nine were newly characterized by us, and 36 had previously been reported. The gene network analysis revealed upregulated expression in ICE1-related cluster of bHLH factors, HSP70/BAM5 connected genes (hexokinases, galactinol synthases, SnRK complex, etc.) indicating their possible co-expression. Using qRT-PCR we revealed that 10 genes were significantly upregulated in response to both cold and drought in tea plant: HSP70, GST, SUS1, DHN1, BMY5, bHLH102, GR-RBP3, ICE1, GOLS1, and GOLS3. SnRK1.2, HXK1/2, bHLH7/43/79/93 were specifically upregulated in cold, while RHL41, CAU1, Hydrolase22 were specifically upregulated in drought. Interestingly, the expression of CIP was higher in the recovery stage of both stresses, indicating its potentially important role in plant recovery after stress. In addition, some genes, such as DHN3, bHLH79, PEI54, SnRK1.2, SnRK1.3, and Hydrolase22, were significantly positively correlated between the cold and drought responses. CBF1, GOLS1, HXK2, and HXK3, by contrast, showed significantly negative correlations between the cold and drought responses. Our results provide valuable information and robust candidate genes for future functional analyses intended to improve the stress tolerance of the tea plant and other species.
Maf1 Ameliorates Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy by Suppressing the NF-kB/NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Shenglong , Tang Chaogang , Ding Hongguang , Wang Zhonghua , Liu Xinqiang , Chai Yunfei , Jiang Wenqiang , Han Yongli , Zeng Hongke
Published: December 2020

Background

The NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been identified as an important mediator of blood–brain-barrier disruption in sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). However, no information is available concerning the critical upstream regulators of SAE.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to establish an in vitro model of blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and an in vivo model of SAE. Disruption of BBB integrity was assessed by measuring the expression levels of tight-junction proteins. NLRP3 inflammasome activation, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and neuroapoptosis were measured using biochemical assays. Finally, the FITC-dextran Transwell assay and Evan’s blue dye assay were used to assess the effect of Maf1 on LPS-induced endothelial permeability in vitro and in vivo.

Results

We found that Maf1 significantly suppressed the brain inflammatory response and neuroapoptosis induced by LPS in vivo and in vitro. Notably, Maf1 downregulated activation of the NF-κB/p65-induced NLRP3 inflammasome and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, we found that Maf1 and p65 directly bound to the NLRP3 gene promoter region and competitively regulated the function of NLRP3 in inflammations. Moreover, overexpression of NLRP3 reversed the effects of p65 on BBB integrity, apoptosis, and inflammation in response to LPS. Our study revealed novel role for Maf1 in regulating NF-κB-mediated inflammasome formation, which plays a prominent role in SAE.

Conclusions

Regulation of Maf1 might be a therapeutic strategy for SAE and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with inflammation.
Tumor Cell-Secreted ISG15 Promotes Tumor Cell Migration and Immune Suppression by Inducing the Macrophage M2-Like Phenotype
Authors: Chen Ren-Hui , Xiao Zhi-Wen , Yan Xiao-Qing , Han Ping , Liang Fa-Ya , Wang Jing-Yi , Yu Shi-Tong , Zhang Ting-Zhen , Chen Si-Qi , Zhong Qian , Huang Xiao-Ming
Published: December 2020

Interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) is known to be involved in tumor progression. We previously reported that ISG15 expressed on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells and related to poor prognosis of patients with NPC. We further observed that ISG15 can be secreted by NPC cell and expressed on the macrophages in situ. However, the role of ISG15 in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) remains poorly understood. In the present study, we found that ISG15 treatment induces macrophages with M2-like phenotype, and the enhancement of NPC cell migration and tumorigenicity. Mechanically, ISG15-induced M2-like phenotype is dependent on the interaction with its receptor, LFA-1, and engagement of SRC family kinase (SFK) signal, and the subsequent secretion of CCL18. Blocking LFA-1, or SRC signal with small molecular inhibitors, or neutralizing with anti-CCL18 antibody can impede the activation of LFA-1-SFK-CCL18 axis in ISG15-treated macrophages. Clinically, ISG15+CD163+TAMs related to impaired survival of patients and advanced tumor stage of NPC. Furthermore, we found ISG15+CD163+macrophages inhibited antitumor CD8+cells responses in NPC. Together, our findings suggested tumor cell-secreted ISG15, which acted as a tumor microenvironmental factor, induces M2-like phenotype, promoting tumor progression and suppression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte response.
Susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum Malaria: Influence of Combined Polymorphisms of IgG3 Gm Allotypes and Fc Gamma Receptors IIA, IIIA, and IIIB
Authors: Fall Abdou Khadre Dit Jadir , Dechavanne Celia , Sabbagh Audrey , Guitard Evelyne , Milet Jacqueline , Garcia André , Dugoujon Jean-Michel , Courtin David , Migot-Nabias Florence
Published: December 2020

The binding of immunoglobulin (Ig) to Fc gamma receptors (FcgR) at the immune cell surface is an important step to initiate immunological defense against malaria. However, polymorphisms in receptors and/or constant regions of the IgG heavy chains may modulate this binding. Here, we investigated whether polymorphisms located in FcgR and constant regions of the heavy chain of IgG are associated with susceptibility toP. falciparummalaria. For this purpose, a clinical and parasitological follow-up on malaria was conducted among 656 infants in southern Benin. G3m allotypes (from total IgG3) were determined by a serological method of hemagglutination inhibition. FcgRIIA 131R/H and FcgRIIIA 176F/V genotypes were determined using the TaqMan method and FcgRIIIB NA1/NA2 genotypes were assessed by polymerase chain reaction using allele-specific primers. Association analyses between the number of malaria infections during the follow-up and polymorphisms in IgG G3m allotypes and FcgR were studied independently by zero inflated binomial negative regression. The influence of combinations of G3m allotypes and FcgRIIA/FcgRIIIA/FcgRIIIB polymorphisms on the number ofP. falciparuminfections, and their potential interaction with environmental exposure to malaria was assessed by using the generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) method. Results showed that individual carriage of G3m24 single allotype and of G3m5,6,10,11,13,14,24 phenotype was independently associated with a high risk of malaria infection. A risk effect for G3m6 was observed only under high environmental exposure. FcgRIIIA 176VV single genotype and combined carriage of FcgRIIA 131RH/FcgRIIIA 176VV/FcgRIIIB NA1NA2, FcgRIIA 131HH/FcgRIIIA 176FF/FcgRIIIB NA1NA1, FcgRIIA 131HH/FcgRIIIA 176VV/FcgRIIIB NA2NA2 and FcgRIIA 131HH/FcgRIIIA 176VV/FcgRIIIB NA1NA2 genotypes were related to a high number of malaria infections. The risk was accentuated for FcgRIIIA 176VV when considering the influence of environmental exposure to malaria. Finally, the GMDR analysis including environmental exposure showed strengthened associations with a malaria risk when FcgRIIA/FcgRIIIA/FcgRIIIB genotypes were combined to G3m5,6,11,24 and G3m5,6,10,11,13,15,24 phenotypes or G3m10 and G3m13 single allotypes. Our results highlight the relevance of studying IgG heavy chain and FcgR polymorphisms, independently as well as in combination, in relation to the individual susceptibility toP. falciparuminfection. The intensity of individual exposure to mosquito bites was demonstrated to impact the relationships found.
NK Cell Interaction With Platelets and Myeloid Cells in the Tumor Milieu
Authors: Maurer Stefanie , Ferrari de Andrade Lucas
Published: December 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells recognize and kill tumor cells via germ-line encoded receptors and polarized degranulation of cytotoxic molecules, respectively. As such, NK cells help to inhibit the development of cancers. The activating receptor NKG2D induces NK cell-mediated killing of metastasizing tumor cells by recognition of the stress-induced ligands MICA, MICB, and ULBP1-6. However, platelets enable escape from this immune surveillance mechanism by obstructing the interactions between NK cells and tumor cells or by cleaving the stress-induced ligands. It is also being increasingly appreciated that NK cells play additional roles in cancer immunity, including chemokine-mediated recruitment of antigen presenting cells in the tumor microenvironment that is followed by generation of adaptive immunity. However, the NK cell interplays with dendritic cells, and macrophages are extremely complex and involve molecular interactions via NKG2D and cytokine receptors. Specifically, NKG2D-mediated chronic interaction between NK cells and tumor-infiltrating macrophages causes immune suppression by differentiating NK cells toward a dysfunctional state. Here we discuss the underlying mechanisms of NK cell control by platelets and myeloid cells with focus on NKG2D and its ligands, and provide a timely perspective on how to harness these pathways with novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
Toxicities of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in Multiple Myeloma: An Overview of Experience From Clinical Trials, Pathophysiology, and Management Strategies
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Rasche Leo , Kortüm K. Martin , Danhof Sophia , Hudecek Michael , Einsele Hermann
Published: December 2020

In the last few years, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as elotuzumab and daratutumab have brought the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) into the new era of immunotherapy. More recently, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cell, a novel cellular immunotherapy, has been developed for treatment of relapsed/refractory (RR) MM, and early phase clinical trials have shown promising efficacy of CAR T cell therapy. Many patients with end stage RRMM regard CAR T cell therapy as their “last chance” and a “hope of cure”. However, severe adverse events (AEs) and even toxic death related to CAR T cell therapy have been observed. The management of AEs related to CAR T cell therapy represents a new challenge, as the pathophysiology is not fully understood and there is still no well-established standard of management. With regard to CAR T cell associated toxicities in MM, in this review, we will provide an overview of experience from clinical trials, pathophysiology, and management strategies.