bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH ABSENSI FINGER PRINT TERHADAP KINERJA GURU PAI TERSERTIFIKASI DI KABUPATEN BENGKULU TENGAH
Authors: Elianur Carona
Published: January 2020

Absensi finger print telah digunakan pada guru-guru Pendidikan Agama Islam yang ada di bawah naungan Kementerian agama, dalam hal ini penulis merasa tertarik untuk meneliti pengaruh penerapan absensi finger print terhadap kinerja guru PAI tersertifikasi di Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah. Rumusan Masalah dalam penelitian ini sebagai berikut: (1) Bagaimana persepsi guru PAI tersertifikasi terhadap absensi finger print di Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah?; (2) Bagaimana kinerja guru PAI tersertifikasi di Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah?; dan Apakah absensi finger print berpengaruh terhadap kinerja guru PAI tersertifikasi di Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah?. Adapun hipotesis dari penelitian ini yaitu: (1) Ho : absensi finger print tidak berpengaruh terhadap kinerja guru tersertifikasi di Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah; dan (2) Ha : absensi finger print berpengaruh terhadap kinerja guru tersertifikasi di Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif bersifat korelasional. Hasil penelitian ditemukan bahwa: (1) Persepsi absensi finger print guru tersertifikasi di Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah berada pada tingkatan baik dengan rata-rata skor 138.8; (2) Kinerja guru tersertifikasi di Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah berada pada tingkatan baik dengan rata-rata skor 112.8; dan (3) Persepsi absensi finger print tidak berpengaruh terhadap kinerja guru tersertifikasi di Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah.
PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN KOMUNIKASI MATEMATIS SISWA DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN STUDENT FACILITATOR AND EXPLAING (SFE) DI KELAS XI SMA NEGERI 8 TAKENGON
Authors: Mandasari Lola
Published: January 2020

Tujuan yang ingin dicapai dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui adakah peningkatan kemampuan komunikasi matematis siswa setelah dilakukannya pembelajaran dengan model Student Facilitator and Explaining (SFE). Metode penelitian ini adalah semi eksperimen dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas XI SMA Negeri 8 Takengon tahun ajaran 2018/2019. Pengambilan sampel pada penelitian ini menggunakan teknik cluster random sampling dan terpilih siswa kelas XI Mipa-1 dengan jumlah 21 siswa dan kelas XI Mipa-2 dengan jumlah 20 siswa. Teknik analisis data yang dilakukan adalah uji normalitas, uji homogenitas dan uji gain ternormalisasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahawa : (1) Siswa dari kelas eksperimen dengan skor gain > 0.70 berjumlah 18 orang dengan kategori tinggi (90%) (2) Siswa dari kelas eksperimen dengan 0.30 < skor gain < 0.70 berjumlah 2 orang dengan kategori sedang (10%) (3) Siswa dari kelas eksperimen dengan skor gain < 0.30 berjumlah 0 orang atau tidak terdapat siswa yang memperoleh skor gain dibawah 0,30 dengan kategori rendah.
DEVELOPING EXTENSIVE READING MATERIAL FOR SEMESTER 2 STUDENTS OF YOGYAKARTA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Wahyuningsih Sungkawati Kardi
Published: January 2020

This research study was aimed at developing extensive reading material for semester 2 students of Yogyakarta University of Technology. This research was a Research and Development study that included the steps of needs analysis, course grid design, product development, product validation, product revision, try-out, and study of the final product. This research developed ten units of extensive reading material. The extensive reading material was developed according to the needs analysis data.  The need of semester 2 students of Yogyakarta University of Technology is to improve their reading skills. The appropriate extensive reading material are describe the language skills clearly, look nice, give a lot practice, give feedback and let the learners know how to complete the tasks, give examples and tell the learners how to learn best. The needs-related appropriate extensive reading material in terms of their components are: the goal of learning reading is to improve the students’ reading skills; the input presents interesting pictures and vocabulary list; the procedure presents interesting and enjoyable activities; the learners’ role is as the active reader; the teacher’s role is the feedback giver; and the setting is individual work. The needs-related arrangement of the components of appropriate extensive reading material in terms of their organisations are arranged into three stages, namely: introduction, exercises, and evaluation
FEMININITY ASPECT AS REFLECTED IN LISA SEE’S SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN
Authors: Rakhmyta Yunie Amalia
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study is to describe forms opression faced by Chinese women in the nineteenth century as reflected in te novel “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” written by Lisa See, then to find out the way of the Chinese women to minimize their secluded life. This study is carried out with descriptive research which is collected with documentary technique and used a documentary sheet as the instrument. The finding indicates about the idea of femininity aspect that describes in the oppression faced by Chinese women. This oppression derives into three forms of oppression; emotional oppression, physical oppression, and sexual oppression. The Chinese women try to obey the particular custom judge by the culture to construct the femininity aspect, but secretly they tru to find a way to minimize their secluded life through Nu Shu (secret writing) and having a baby boy. It is hoped that the result of this study will be useful to anyone who wants to study women life situation in a certain communities.
Résoudre les conflits relationnels avec la grille des jeux psychologiques
Authors: Le Guernic Agnès
Published: January 2020

Beaucoup a été écrit sur les jeux psychologiques depuis le livre « Des jeux et des hommes » d’Éric Berne qui a rendu l’Analyse Transactionnelle célèbre en 1964. Le concept de Jeu Psychologique est reconnu à juste titre puisque les conflits relationnels sont bien présents dans nos vies professionnelles et personnelles et génèrent une souffrance qui parfois ne demande qu’à s’étendre dans le système. Dans son article, Agnès le Guernic s’intéresse à la dimension systémique des jeux et à leur impact sur la relation. Elle propose un outil qui est un point d’appui pratique lorsque l’on perçoit qu’on peut être partie prenante d’un jeu. Elle propose un guide accessible pour sortir de la plainte et pour interrompre un processus dommageable dès que possible. M. M.
Bond Prices, Yield Spreads, and Optimal Capital Structure with Default Risk
Authors: Leland Hayne
Published: January 2020

Cet article étudie la valeur de la dette en présence de risque de défaut dans une approche en temps continu. En considérant une dette avec des remboursements réguliers de nominal (à l’instar d’un fonds d’amortissement), nous sommes en mesure d’examiner des obligations à maturité quelconque tout en conservant un cadre d’analyse homogène par rapport au temps. Cela nous permet de prolonger les résultats analytiques de Leland (1994) à une classe plus large de structures de dette. Nous étudions la structure par terme des écarts de rendement et nous obtenons qu’une augmentation des taux d’intérêt diminue la prime des émissions de dette actuelles et peut aussi renverser la structure par terme. La duration est également affectée par le risque de défaut. La mesure traditionnelle de Macaulay surestime la duration effective qui peut même s’avérer négative pour les obligations à haut risque. Tandis que la dette à court terme n’exploite pas pleinement l’avantage fiscal comme le fait la dette à long terme, elle a davantage tendance à aligner les intérêts des créanciers et des actionnaires. Les coûts d’agence liés à la substitution d’actifs sont minimisés lorsque l’entreprise se finance avec de la dette à plus court terme. La structure optimale du capital dépend de la maturité de la dette. Le niveau d’endettement optimal est ainsi plus faible, et la valeur de l’entreprise est moindre, lorsque la dette à court terme est utilisée. L’écart de rendement au levier optimal augmente avec la maturité de la dette.
Le baccalauréat professionnel à la télévision : un exemple de la structuration historique des représentations du système scolaire (1985-2007)
Authors: Krop Jérôme , Lembré Stéphane
Published: January 2020

La création du baccalauréat professionnel, en 1985, avait pour objectif de transformer la place de cette voie de formation initiale dans le système éducatif français. Les bilans tirés trois décennies plus tard nuancent largement la revalorisation initialement recherchée. En revanche, les évolutions de la perception de la voie professionnelle dans la société restent plus difficiles à saisir. Grâce aux archives des journaux télévisés nationaux, les représentations associées au baccalauréat professionnel sont interrogées pour montrer la permanence d’un discours positif entretenant une image déformée des réalités de l’expansion de ce nouveau diplôme.
MOCVD deposition of zinc and bismuth chalcogenides films on the surface of silica optical fibres
Authors: Kuznetsov Peter , Yakushcheva Galina , Savelyev Evgeny , Yapaskurt Vasiliy , Shcherbakov Vasiliy , Temiryasev Alexey , Zakharov Leonid , Jitov Victor , Sudas Dmitriy
Published: January 2020

Metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) technology is adapted for the deposition of thin zinc and bismuth chalcogenides films on the surface of silica optical fibres with short tapered sections. Growth runs were carried out in a special tubular quartz reactor at atmospheric pressure of hydrogen at 425°C temperature using ZnEt2, BiMe3, Et2Te and i-Pro2Se as organometallic precursors. During the deposition of chalcogenides, the transmittance spectra of the fibre were recorded in regular short time intervals. In the transmittance spectra of the fibre with a tapered section coated by ZnSe and ZnTe, lossy mode resonances (LMR) were observed at a diameter of the tapered waist below 30 μm. After the deposition of very thin Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 island films on the tapered waist with a diameter about 10 μm optical fibres were built into erbium fibre ring lasers. A pulsed generation mode was achieved in some of lasers due to resonator Q-factor modulation. These results can be applied for the design of LMR fibre sensors and passively Q-switch pulsed fibre lasers.
Failure of Einstein's theory of relativity. II. Arguments of Einstein disproving his own theory of general relativity and absurd consequences of relativistic physics
Authors: Ziefle Reiner Georg
Published: January 2020

The theory of special and general relativity causes a “schizophrenic” dilemma in physics. It undeniably provides mathematically correct values, but it is undeniably epistemologically wrong in many respects. Including the relativistic explanation of the gravitational “time
dilation” and the curvature of light beams at the surfaces of large masses, the author demonstrates the illogical character of relativistic physics. When one thinks the relativistic explanations of gravitational time dilatation and of the curvature of light rays by masses through to
the end, they lead to absurd and contradictory logical conclusions.
Galilean relativity and the Doppler effect are a single phenomenon
Authors: Klinaku Shukri
Published: January 2020

We know to some extent about the relationship between Galilean relativity and the Doppler Effect. In this paper, we will show the natural close relationship between these “two phenomena” in physics, from which we conclude that there are not two, but only one phenomenon—the
relative motion expressed by different quantities.
Secularization and the Modern History of Funerary Culture in Europe
Authors: De Spiegeleer Christoph
Published: January 2020

This article connects the history of attitudes toward death and funerary practices in 19th- and 20th-century Europe to the ongoing discussion on secularization. It emphasizes how recent scholarship on the history of death – following broader trends within religious studies – has abandoned the standard modernization-narrative of secularization, and moved to view the issue through the prism of conflict and market competition. Depending on the historical context and the Church-State relationship, a conflict and/or market competition perspective can deepen our understanding of the secularization of death and burial practices. In periods of intense socio-political struggle over the role of religion in the modern polity, a conflict perspective helps to grasp the processes of secularization. Once secular forces have succeeded in breaking the grip of the churches on death and burial, a market perspective can be more useful. Both serve as alternatives to the traditional understanding of secularization as an anonymous process of modernization. An in-depth analysis of the development of a secularist funerary culture in Belgium aptly demonstrates the shift in the master variable influencing secularization – from socio-political conflict to market competition.
The Effects of Semantics in the Language Development of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Learners
Authors: Alsayed Fatimah
Published: January 2020

The study of Semantics is an important area of word meaning, references, senses, logic, and perlocutions and illocutions. That is, the study of Semantics increases students’ understanding and awareness of word meaning, sentence relationships, and discourse and context. It also enables students to create and improve their Semantics maps which are webs of words visually display the meaning-based connections between a word or phrase and a set of related words or concepts. This paper is a product of effort that I make to implement some theoretically-sound strategies in planning and teaching a Semantic course for English Foreign language learners (EFL). The aim of this paper is to show that utilizing the mechanisms of meaning is vital to successful human communication. Alongside with that, lexical development will solidify students’ understanding of language meaning and sense relations. The purpose of the course is to concentrate on teaching key terms in Semantics, Semantics Analysis of Writing Approach (SAW) and ‘agent-action-goal with real-life action’ technique and then employed the knowledge of these terms to improve students’ vocabulary in the short-term, and their language proficiency in the long-term. Scaffolding the Semantics information with L2 vocabulary strategies is pivotal in language development. Implementing semantics strategies in an attempt to expose the relationship between teaching Semantics and improving ELLs’ language skills.
Predicting Postoperative Course After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Using a Medical-Social Evaluation Model
Authors: Davis Daniel E. , Zmistowski Benjamin , Patel Manan S. , Girden Alex , Padegimas Eric , Ramsey Matthew L.
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

The ability to predict successful outcomes is important for patient satisfaction and optimal results after shoulder arthroplasty. We hypothesize that a medical-social scoring tool will predict resource requirements in doing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 453 patients undergoing TSA was undertaken. Preoperatively, medical and social surveys were completed by each patient. Demographics, comorbidity scores, hospital course, postdischarge disposition, and readmissions were collected.

Results:

The average length of stay was 1.6 days (0 to 7). There was an association with utilization of home care or inpatient rehabilitation and both the medical (7.3 versus 3.9; P = 0.0002) and social (7.1 versus 3.4; P < 0.0001) components of the survey. There was a weak correlation between hospital length of stay and the social component of the survey (R = 0.29; P < 0.001), but not the medical component (R = 0.04; P = 0.38). No variable was predictive of readmission. Social score of eight was found to be predictive of postoperative requirement of home care or rehabilitation.

Conclusion:

This study found that Medical and Social Survey Scores can stratify patients who are at risk of requiring more advanced postdischarge care and/or a longer hospital stay. With this, we can match patients to the most appropriate level of postoperative care.
A Kantian Response to the Problem of Reception
Authors: Biss Mavis ,   Department of Philosophy, Florida State University
Published: January 2020

This paper addresses the problem of explaining the relationship between social recognition and justification of moral action, or “the problem of reception.” It is an especially acute and distinctive problem for agents who resist oppression by challenging established norms because action may be necessary even when good reception cannot be expected. I draw on recent work in Kantian ethics that acknowledges the conditions of socially embedded rational agency to argue that moral resisters’ misread actions may count as moral achievements, despite the fact that failed reception may frustrate the realization of moral ends, threaten moral confidence and inhibit rational flourishing.
The effect of vitamin E on the quality of geese meat
Authors: Danchenko Mykola , Ruban Hanna , Danchenko Olena , Yakoviichuk Oleksandr , Klimashevskyi Vitalii , Konovalenko Tetiana , Sukharenko Olena , Haponenko Tetiana
Published: January 2020

During prolonged storage at low temperatures, meat quality deteriorates due to the activation of the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. The use of antioxidants in feeding birds to the prefabricated period and during storage of meat significantly inhibits its oxidative damage and prolongs the terms of storage. Vitamin E is traditionally used as one of the most effective fat-soluble antioxidants. The purpose of the work was conducting a comparative analysis of the effects of high content of vitamin E, depending on the technology of its application, on the oxidative damage of geese meat in the course of low temperature storage. The meat of the first experimental sample was obtained from geese that received feed with twice the content of vitamin E in the pre-slaughter period. The meat of the second test sample was obtained by treating geese meat with a vitamin E solution, before low temperature storage. The results of the experiment proved that regardless of the technology of vitamin E application, it contributes to the inhibition of the oxidative damage. An increase of vitamin E dose in the geese dietary is more effective . The content of secondary lipoperoxidation products in the meat of the control sample stored for 210 days increased by 5.3 times, in the first test sample by 2.5 times, and in the second sample by 4.6 times. An additional use of vitamin E in both studied samples contributed to the preservation of unsaturated fatty acids, but the mechanisms of exposure and changes in the content of individual acids in experimental samples are significantly different.
DNA barcoding in some Belarusian insects
Authors: Dromashko Sergey E. , Semianiak Alexey A. , Balashenko Nina A.
Published: January 2020

Due to a number of factors in the anthropogenic load on ecosystems, environmental changes, and competition between native and invasive species, the loss of species diversity has currently risen to an alarming scale. One of the prospective approaches to remedy the current state and halt the loss is the international project “Barcode of Life”. The report describes the results of molecular genetic research on the insect representatives of such orders as Coleoptera (beetles), Lepidoptera (butterflies), and Trichoptera (caddisflies) using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 of the mitochondrial region (COI). We proposed a technique for the sampling of biological material to isolate DNA from the hind legs of individuals. The technique prevents removal of the individuals of the most valuable species collected on the territory of the Republic of Belarus from their habitats. The DNA sample collection of order representatives was investigated. For the subfamily Cetoniinae (flower chafer), significant differences in haplotypes among the representatives of the Belarusian and European parts of their areal were found. For Trichoptera, it was shown that the COI gene has high variability to differentiate species. It was also revealed that some species of caddisflies, which Belarusian researchers believe to be synonymous ones, have sequences with big differences according to the BoldSystem database. This fact should be explored in the future. So, our analysis allows considering the COI gene as a satisfactory marker for the species identification in the Belarusian insects’ taxa studied.
Effect of gibberellin and retardants on the germination of seeds with different types of reserve substances under the conditions of skoto- and photomorphogenesis
Authors: Poprotska Iryna , Kuryata Volodymyr , Khodanitska Оlena , Polyvanyi Stepan , Golunova Lyudmyla , Prysedsky Yuriy
Published: January 2020

The influence of preparations of phytohormone gibberellin and antigibberellin–retardants tebuconazole and chlormequat chloride – on the germination of plant seeds with different types of reserve compounds in the light (photomorphogenesis) and in the dark (skotomorphogenesis) was studied. It was established that under the action of gibberellin, stimulation of the aboveground part and root system growth of maize, beans and pumpkin seedlings was more intensive in comparison with the control. This process was faster in the dark. The use of tebuconazole and chlormequat chloride significantly inhibited the process of germination both in the light and in the dark. At the same time, the coefficient of the use of reserve substances was maximal under the action of gibberellin, and minimum under the action of retardants, both under the conditions of skoto- and photomorphogenesis. The change in the growth characteristics and the coefficient of the use of reserve substances of bean seeds was accompanied by a decrease in the content of total nitrogen, indicating the use of reserve nitrogen-containing compounds in the processes of morphogenesis. The content of protein nitrogen in the control was lower under the conditions of skotomorphogenesis than in the photomorphic seedlings, and the opposite effect was noted for the actions of gibberellin and the retardant. In the later stages of germination, the largest reserve oil of pumpkin seed remained in cotyledonary leaves of photomorphic plants under the effects of chlormequat chloride, which clearly correlated with the least intense growth rates of seedlings in this variant, both in the light and darkness. Under conditions of skotomorphogenesis the growth stimulating effect of gibberellin significantly increased, and the light blocked the action of this phytohormone.
Effect of Scaffolding Instructional Strategies on Pupils’ Attitude to Basic Science and Technology in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Princewill Okechukwu Ejekwu,
Published: January 2020

This study examined the effect of scaffolding instructional strategies on pupils’ attitude to Basic Science and Technology in public primary schools in Rivers State. Four purpose and four null hypotheses guided the study.  Non-randomized pretest, posttest control group experimental design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of 42,409 basic four pupils; 147 pupils in the intact classes of the sampled schools using simple random sampling technique served as sample.  The modified Fennema-Sherman Attitude Scale was used for data collection. The data was analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant difference in the Basic Science attitude mean score of pupils taught with modeling and cueing questions and those taught with conventional method; the Basic Science attitude mean scores of boys and girls, high achievers and low achievers taught with modeling and cueing questions do not differ significantly with those taught with conventional method; there is no significant interaction effect of treatment, gender and achievement levels on the attitude of pupils towards Basic Science and Technology (BST). Recommendations were made which include that scaffolding instructional strategy should be used in classroom teaching/learning interaction to enhance the teaching and learning of pupils as well as improve their attitude towards Basic Science and Technology.
Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Moringa oleifera Flowers
Authors: Rajeshkanna A. , M. Senthamilselvi M. , Prabhakaran D.
Published: January 2020

Aims: To investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethyl acetate extract of  Moringa oleifera flowers.

Place and Duration of Study: The research work was carried out at Research laboratory, Department of chemistry, Periyar E.V.R College, Trichy-23, between April 2017 and January 2018.

Methodology: Extraction and fractionation were carried out from the solvents of ethanol, benzene, petroleum ether, diethyl ether and ethyl acetate.  The anti-inflammatory effect of the extract was investigated by HRBC membrane stabilization and Albumin denaturation methods. Anti-oxidant effect of the extract was determined by DPPH assay and ABTS method.

Results: The dry sample extracted from the ethyl acetate fraction of Moringa oleifera flowers possess highly anti-oxidant activity showed by the DPPH assay and ABTS method and also having anti-inflammatory activity is determined by human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization and Albumin denaturation methods. However, these effects need to be confirmed using in vivo models and clinical trials before its utilization as a therapeutic agent.

Conclusion: The present study was concluded that the dry sample of ethyl acetate fraction of Moringa oleifera flowers possesses effective anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Cloning of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Using Juvenile Cuttings
Authors: Renan Vieira Nunes Álvaro , Ferreira Arriel Eder , Soares Pimentel Marcelo , José de Holanda Leite Maria , Paulo dos Santos Fernandes Samara , Alves Bakke Erik , Nicácio da Luz Mellina , Castro Arriel Leonardo
Published: January 2020

Azadirachta indica A. Juss. of the Meliácea family originates from India. It is considered important in Brazil due to its multiple uses. The plant is usually propagated by sexual reproduction (seeds), however, after harvest the seeds have to be sown as soon as possible because they lose germination viability very quickly. The use of juvenile propagules for A. indica seedlings propagation is a viable option, since there is a high demand in the semi arid regions due to wide use in urban afforestation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of fertilization regimens and environments on obtaining Apical cuttings of juvenile origin and on the quality of cloned seedlings of Azadirachta indica. The research was carried out at the Forest Nursery of UFCG/Patos-PB, Brazil, with vegetative propagules (cuttings) obtained from three environments and two fertilization regimes: Biweekly and monthly, in addition to the control (without fertilization). The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design, factorial 3 x 3 (environments of origin of cuttings x fertilization regimes), with six replications, where each plot consisted of a cutting, totaling 54 experimental plots. Results indicated that propagation of Azadirachta indica through cuttings of juvenile origin is feasible, with an average rooting of 95.2%. It is recommended to use the monthly fertilization regimen, since in general it did not differ significantly from the biweekly regime. Fertilization provided better development and quality of the root system and aerial parts.
Effects of Field Trip and Peer Tutoring Instructional Strategies on Students’ Science Process Skills Acquistion in Basic Science and Technology in Junior Secondary Schools in Osun State
Authors: Olayinka Olajide Simeon
Published: January 2020

The study investigated the effects of field trip and peer tutoring instructional strategies (as against the conventional method of teaching) on secondary school students’ science process skills (observation, classification, communication, measurement, inference and prediction) acquisition in Basic Science and Technology in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in Osun State. These were with a view to provide information on usability of the strategies to enhance the students’ development of science process skills through Basic Science and Technology lesson in Osun State classrooms. The study employed the pretest, post-test control group quasi experimental research design. The population for the study comprised all junior secondary school students in Osun State. The study sample consisted of 315 Junior Secondary II (JS II) students in nine intact classes selected from nine schools using simple random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was Science Process Skills Performance Test (SPSPT). Data collected were analysed using mean, standard deviation and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results of the study showed that there was significant effect of the treatment (use of field trip and peer tutoring) on science process skills of secondary school students as follow: Observation (F=1.030, p<0.05), classification (F=3.529, p<.05), communication (F=1.326, p<0.05), measurement (F=6.623, p<0.05), inference (F=12.310, p<0.05) and prediction (F=21.210, p<0.05); with peer tutoring leading in observation, classification, communication and measurement skills of students in Basic Science and Technology with x̄=30.6000, x̄=31.3429, x̄=24.9429 and x̄=25.3714 while students exposed to field trip strategy, exhibited higher students’ inference and prediction skills in Basic Science and Technology with x̄=22.9714 and x̄=27.4847 respectively. The study concluded that field trip and peer tutoring instructional strategies are effective and innovative teaching methods in improving students’ science process skills acquisition in Basic Science and Technology in secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria.
Investigation of Olfactory Function Following Septorhinoplasty in Iranian Population by Rapid Smell Test (RST)
Authors: Yarahmadi Amir , Kamrava Kamran , Shafee Ali , Milanifard Maryam , Aghajanpour Mohammad , Mohebbi Alireza
Published: January 2020

Introduction: All surgical procedures on nose affect the olfactory function to some extent. There are different viewpoints about olfactory function after septorhinoplasty. We aim to investigate smell perception changes in patients following septorhinoplasty. In this study the use of Rapid Smell Test (RST) as a fast and reliable clinical tool was investigated.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was done in Rasool Akram teaching hospital in 2018 and 2019. Group of 74 septorhinoplasty candidates aged over 18 was selected by convenience. Persian Smell Identification Test (PSIT) and rapid smell test (RST) was obtained from patients before surgery and one month after, if needed three months after and six months after. In addition for patients with dysfunction in any of follow up periods (one month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery) smell magnitude test (SMT) was used. All data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 24.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results: Out of 74 patients participating in this study 67 were female. Mean age of 25.68±5.18 years was recorded for participants. All patients before surgery had PSIT score more than 19 and the mean PSIT score before operation was 22.63±1.39. Also all patients scored 5 out of 5 in RST before surgery. Mean PSIT score one month after surgery decreased to 22.21±2.20 but still 93 percent (69 patients) of participants were in range for normal olfactory function. We recorded this to be significant (p value = 0.044). RST after one month showed the same results. The difference between RST before and after surgery was also significant (p value = 0.024). For those 5 patients with abnormal olfactory function PSIT and RST were done 3 months after operation which determines normal olfactory function for all of them. As well as PSIT, RST also shows the same results and five participants recorded 5 out of 5 three months after surgery.

Conclusion: This study showed changes in olfactory function after septorhinoplasty will resolve at most 3 months after surgery and it is safe to say there is no effect on olfactory function three months after operation. Also we demonstrated that RST can be a fast and reliable tool for assessing patients’ olfactory function in clinical setting.
Exosome‐delivered circRNA promotes glycolysis to induce chemoresistance through the miR‐122‐PKM2 axis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Zhang Haiyang , Yang Haiou , Bai Ming , Ning Tao , Deng Ting , Liu Rui , Fan Qian , Zhu Kegan , Li Jialu , Zhan Yang , Ying Guoguang , Ba Yi
Published: January 2020

Malignant tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC), usually rely on ATP generation through aerobic glycolysis for both rapid growth and chemotherapy resistance. The M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) has a key role in catalyzing glycolysis, and PKM2 expression varies even within a single tumor. In this study, we confirmed that expression of PKM2 is heterogeneous in CRC cells, namely high in oxaliplatin‐resistant cells but relatively low in sensitive cells, and found that chemoresistant cells had enhanced glycolysis and ATP production. In addition, we report a PKM2‐dependent mechanism through which chemosensitive cells may gradually transform into chemoresistant cells. The circular RNA hsa_circ_0005963 (termed ciRS‐122 in this study), which was determined to be a sponge for the PKM2‐targeting miR‐122, was positively correlated with chemoresistance. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that exosomes from oxaliplatin‐resistant cells delivered ciRS‐122 to sensitive cells, thereby promoting glycolysis and drug resistance through miR‐122 sponging and PKM2 upregulation. Moreover, si‐ciRS‐122 transported by exosomes could suppress glycolysis and reverse resistance to oxaliplatin by regulating the ciRS‐122–miR‐122–PKM2 pathway in vivo. Exosomes derived from chemoresistant CRC cells could transfer ciRS‐122 across cells and promote glycolysis to reduce drug susceptibility in chemosensitive cells. This intercellular signal delivery suggests a potential novel therapeutic target and establishes a foundation for future clinical applications in drug‐resistant CRC.
STRIP2, a member of the striatin‐interacting phosphatase and kinase complex, is implicated in lung adenocarcinoma cell growth and migration
Authors: Qiu Li‐Min , Sun Yun‐Hao , Chen Ting‐Ting , Chen Jin‐Jin , Ma Hai‐Tao
Published: January 2020

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) accounts for ~40% of lung cancer cases, and the 5‐year relative survival rate is no more than 1%. Dysregulation of components of striatin‐interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) complexes is associated with various diseases, including cancer. Striatin‐interacting protein 2 (STRIP2), also called Fam40b, has been reported to regulate tumor cell growth and migration. Here, we investigated the role of STRIP2 in LUAD growth, migration and the underlying mechanisms. Analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database revealed that STRIP2 is highly expressed and predicted poor outcomes in patients with LUAD. Moreover, quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) analysis revealed that the mRNA expression of STRIP2 is greater in all tested LUAD cells than in a normal lung cell line. To investigate the function of STRIP2, we overexpressed STRIP2 in SPC‐A1 cells and depleted STRIP2 in Calu‐3 cells. Cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8 and colony‐forming assays, and Transwell assay was employed to test cell invasion and migration. Our results indicate that STRIP2 depletion suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and migration in Calu‐3 cells, and overexpression of STRIP2 had the opposite effects in SPC‐A1 cells. Moreover, we discovered that STRIP2 depletion reduced the protein levels of p‐Akt and phosphorylated‐mammalian target of rapamycin (p‐mTOR) in Calu‐3 cells, whereas STRIP2 overexpression increased levels of these proteins in SPC‐A1 cells. Furthermore, we found that silencing of STRIP2 clearly enhanced protein levels of E‐cadherin and reduced levels of N‐cadherin, Vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in Calu‐3 cells, whereas overexpression of STRIP2 had the opposite effect in SPC‐A1 cells. Our data indicate that STRIP2 promotes the proliferation and motility of LUAD cells, and this may be mediated through the regulation of the Akt/mTOR pathway and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. These results may facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies to treat LUAD.
Contrasting impacts of two types of El Niño on the yields of early rice in Southern China
Authors: Sun Runnan , Li Jianping , Feng Juan , Hou Zhaolu , Zhang Yazhou
Published: January 2020

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in southern China (SC) is important to Chinese food security and sensitive to climate change. This study investigates the contrasting effects of eastern Pacific (EP) El Niño and central Pacific (CP) El Niño on early rice yields in SC during boreal early summer (May–June–July, or MJJ) for the first time. During EP El Niño events, early rice yields usually exhibit a moderate increase across the entire SC region, whereas during CP El Niño events the yields decrease in about two‐thirds of the region. The increase and decrease of yields correspond to .86 and 1.54% of the mean total yield during the study period, respectively. The effects of EP and CP El Niño events on early rice yields are significantly different over nearly half of the harvested areas in SC. Their difference mainly derives from the variability in rainfall associated with the two types. During MJJ, EP events are accompanied by reduced rainfall across SC, which increases early rice yields. In contrast, CP events are accompanied by increased rainfall in northeastern SC, resulting in unfavorable growing conditions. Although temperature affects early rice yields in SC, it is not the major contributor to the yield differences. Our findings highlight the importance of investigating the impacts of both types of El Niño on crop yields separately; and provide a possible climatological mechanism, linking the different locations of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) with SC early rice yields differences, through atmospheric teleconnection effects on local climatic factors.
Human Cerebrospinal Fluid Monoclonal LGI1 Autoantibodies Increase Neuronal Excitability
Authors: Kornau Hans‐Christian , Kreye Jakob , Stumpf Alexander , Fukata Yuko , Parthier Daniel , Sammons Rosanna P. , Imbrosci Barbara , Kurpjuweit Sarah , Kowski Alexander B. , Fukata Masaki , Prüss Harald , Schmitz Dietmar
Published: January 2020

Objective

Leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1 (LGI1) encephalitis is the second most common antibody‐mediated encephalopathy, but insight into the intrathecal B‐cell autoimmune response, including clonal relationships, isotype distribution, frequency, and pathogenic effects of single LGI1 antibodies, has remained limited.

Methods

We cloned, expressed, and tested antibodies from 90 antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs) and B cells from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of several patients with LGI1 encephalitis.

Results

Eighty‐four percent of the ASCs and 21% of the memory B cells encoded LGI1‐reactive antibodies, whereas reactivities to other brain epitopes were rare. All LGI1 antibodies were of IgG1, IgG2, or IgG4 isotype and had undergone affinity maturation. Seven of the overall 26 LGI1 antibodies efficiently blocked the interaction of LGI1 with its receptor ADAM22 in vitro, and their mean LGI1 signal on mouse brain sections was weak compared to the remaining, non–ADAM22‐competing antibodies. Nevertheless, both types of LGI1 antibodies increased the intrinsic cellular excitability and glutamatergic synaptic transmission of hippocampal CA3 neurons in slice cultures.

Interpretation

Our data show that the patients’ intrathecal B‐cell autoimmune response is dominated by LGI1 antibodies and that LGI1 antibodies alone are sufficient to promote neuronal excitability, a basis of seizure generation. Fundamental differences in target specificity and antibody hypermutations compared to the CSF autoantibody repertoire in N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis underline the clinical concept that autoimmune encephalitides are very distinct entities. Ann Neurol 2020;87:405–418
Regioselective Hydroalkylation and Arylalkylation of Alkynes by Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalysis: Application and Mechanism
Authors: Yue Huifeng , Zhu Chen , Kancherla Rajesh , Liu Fangying , Rueping Magnus
Published: January 2020

Alkynes are an important class of organic molecules due to their utility as versatile building blocks in synthesis. Although efforts have been devoted to the difunctionalization of alkynes, general and practical strategies for the direct hydroalkylation and alkylarylation of terminal alkynes under mild reaction conditions are less explored. Herein, we report a photoredox/nickel dual‐catalyzed anti‐Markovnikov‐type hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes as well as a one‐pot arylalkylation of alkynes with alkyl carboxylic acids and aryl bromides via a three‐component cross‐coupling. The results indicate that the transformations proceed via a new mechanism involving a single‐electron transfer with subsequent energy‐transfer activation pathways. Moreover, steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence‐spectroscopy measurements, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and wavefunction analysis have been performed to give an insight into the catalytic cycle.
Palladium‐Catalysed C(sp3)−H Glycosylation for the Synthesis of C‐Alkyl Glycoamino Acids
Authors: Liu Yichu , Wang Yibing , Dai Wenhao , Huang Wei , Li Yingxia , Liu Hong
Published: January 2020

We have developed a highly efficient and practical approach for palladium‐catalyzed trifluoroacetate‐promoted N‐quinolylcarboxamide‐directed glycosylation of inert β‐C(sp3)−H bonds of N‐phthaloyl α‐amino acids with glycals under mild conditions. For the first time, C(sp3)−H activation for glycosylation was achieved to build C‐alkyl glycosides. This method facilitates the synthesis of various β‐substituted C‐alkyl glycoamino acids and offers a tool for glycopeptide synthesis.
Stimuli‐Responsive Circularly Polarized Organic Ultralong Room Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Li Hui , Li Huanhuan , Wang Wu , Tao Ye , Wang Shuang , Yang Qingqing , Jiang Yunbo , Zheng Chao , Huang Wei , Chen Runfeng
Published: January 2020

Purely organic materials showing room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) and ultralong RTP (OURTP) have recently attracted much attention. However, it is challenging to integrate circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) into RTP/OURTP. Here, we show a strategy to realize CPL‐active OURTP (CP‐OURTP) by binding an achiral phosphor group directly to the chiral center of an ester chain. Engineering of this flexible chiral chain enables efficient chirality transfer to carbazole aggregates, resulting in strong CP‐OURTP with a lifetime of over 0.6 s and dissymmetry factor of 2.3×10−3 after the conformation regulation upon photo‐activation. The realized CP‐OURTP is thus stable at room temperature but can be deactivated quickly at 50 °C to CP‐RTP with high CPL stability during the photo‐activation/thermal‐deactivation cycles. Based on this extraordinary photo/thermal‐responsive and highly reversible CP‐OURTP/RTP, a CPL‐featured lifetime‐encrypted combinational logic device has been successfully established.
“Panzerung” von Enzymen mit Metall‐organischen Gerüsten
Authors: Huang Siming , Kou Xiaoxue , Shen Jun , Chen Guosheng , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: January 2020

Zellfreie enzymatische Katalyse (CFEC) ist eine aufstrebende biotechnologische Methode, die es ermöglicht, biologische Umwandlungen in komplexen natürlichen Netzwerken zu imitieren. Dieser biomimetische Ansatz erlaubt es, Industrieprodukte wie Biokraftstoffe und biochemische Erzeugnisse auf umweltverträgliche Weise zu produzieren. Die größte Herausforderung bei der CFEC ist allerdings die Instabilität von Enzymen, die deren Effektivität und Lebensdauer in anspruchsvollen Anwendungen einschränkt. Die Immobilisierung von Enzymen in Festkörpern gilt als effiziente Strategie, um die zuvor beschriebenen Schwierigkeiten zu überwinden. Speziell die Entwicklung und Verwendung von rüstungsartigen, porösen Metall‐organischen Gerüsten (MOFs), welche die Enzyme exoskelettartig umschließen können, schützt die Enzyme nicht nur vor äußeren Einflüssen, sondern ermöglicht zusätzlich den Transport von Gastmolekülen über das poröse Netzwerk. Der vorliegende Kurzaufsatz stellt dieses biotechnologische Konzept, MOF‐umschlossene Enzyme und deren innovative Anwendungen vor.
“Armor‐Plating” Enzymes with Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
Authors: Huang Siming , Kou Xiaoxue , Shen Jun , Chen Guosheng , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: January 2020

Cell‐free enzymatic catalysis (CFEC) is an emerging biotechnology that enable the biological transformations in complex natural networks to be imitated. This biomimetic approach allows industrial products such as biofuels and biochemical to be manufactured in a green manner. Nevertheless, the main challenge in CFEC is the poor stability, which restricts the effectiveness and lifetime of enzymes in sophisticated applications. Immobilization of the enzymes within solid carriers is considered an efficient strategy for addressing these obstacles. Specifically, putting an “armor‐like” porous metal–organic framework (MOF) exoskeleton tightly around the enzymes not only shields the enzymes against external stimulus, but also allows the selective transport of guests through the accessible porous network. Herein we present the concept of this biotechnology of MOF‐entrapped enzymes and its cutting‐edge applications.
Selective Synthesis of Z‐Cinnamyl Ethers and Cinnamyl Alcohols through Visible Light‐Promoted Photocatalytic E to Z Isomerization
Authors: Li Hengchao , Chen Hang , Zhou Yang , Huang Jin , Yi Jundan , Zhao Hongcai , Wang Wei , Jing Linhai
Published: January 2020

A photocatalytic E to Z isomerization of alkenes using an iridium photosensitizer under mild reaction conditions is disclosed. This method provides scalable and efficient access to Z‐cinnamyl ether and allylic alcohol derivatives in high yields with excellent stereoselectivity. Importantly, this method also provides a powerful strategy for the selective synthesis of Z‐magnolol and honokiol derivatives possessing potential biological activity.
Committee Report: Key Performance Indicators for Nonrevenue Water—AWWA's 2020 Position
Authors:   AWWA Water Loss Control Committee
Published: January 2020

Key Takeaways

Water utilities use performance indicators in their efforts to control water loss.

Citing flaws in traditional percentage indicators for nonrevenue water, AWWA favors other indicators—some in development, some already in use.

AWWA outlines criteria for evaluating key performance indicators in its 2020 position statement.
Tucson Examines the Rate Impacts of Increased Water Efficiency and Finds Customer Savings
Authors: Rupprecht Candice , Allen Mary M. , Mayer Peter
Published: January 2020

Key Takeaways

Avoided‐cost analysis, which shows financial savings accrued over time from demand management, is key to grasping the effects of conservation and water efficiency on customers’ utility bills in a time of rising water rates.

Utility‐led conservation programs, community outreach, tiered rate structures, and steady technology advances have helped reduce water demands, positioning Tucson's water and wastewater services as more affordable and more resilient for the future.

Intentional reductions in US per capita water use are attributable to various targeted and dispersed actions over many years at national, state, and local levels.
Growth Through Collaboration: Creating a Highly Effective Engineering Team
Authors: Groeneweg Ben , Wirtz Matthew
Published: January 2020

Key Takeaways

Restructuring staff roles at a municipal utility fostered collaboration, improved staff performance, and prepared the agency for the changes ahead.

In a time of funding constraints, meeting goals around needed capital investment projects meant developing professional staff to reduce reliance on consultants.

Ongoing professional development of the utility's staff is building teams and individual talent to achieve greater productivity and cost savings.