bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGELOLAAN PEMBELAJARAN DI KELOMPOK BERMAIN SANGGAR AZAH CERIA PALEMBANG
Authors: Balqista Azah Nadya , Izzah Nurul , Wulandari Retno
Published: April 2024

Dalam penelitian ini membahas mengenai pengelolaan pembelajaran di kelompok bermain sanggar azah ceria Palembang yang mencakup pengertian dari kelompok bermain dan hal-hal yang menyangkut pengelolaan pembelajaran di kelompok bermain sanggar azah ceria. Secara khusus penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pengelolaan, penilaian, dan sistem keberlangsungan kegiatan di sanggar azah ceria Palembang. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif, adapun subjek penelitian ini meliputi : pengelolaan dan pembelajaran. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui lebih dalam tentang pengelolaan pembelajaran di kelompok bermain (KB).
ANALISIS METODE PENGUKURAN DAN PENILAIAN PENGASUHAN SERTA PENGASUHAN MENURUT RAGAM SOSIAL BUDAYA
Authors: Meilanda Loly , Lestari Widya , Permatasari Nisa , Audina Mia , Anisa Feny , Putri Yecha Febrieanitha
Published: April 2024

Pengasuhan adalah faktor yang tidak dapat dilepaskan dari perkembangan dan kehidupan anak-anak. Pengasuhan mencakup berbagai sikap dan perilaku orangtua terhadap anak, namun seringkali konsep dan pengukurannya hanya digambarkan menggunakan konsep pola asuhyang biasanya menggunakan konsep pola asuh dari Baumrind yang melibatkan dua unsur penting dalam pengasuhan yaitu dimensi kendali (control) dan kehangatan (warmth). Tujuan dari penelitian ini ialah untuk menganalisis metode pengukuran dan penilaian dalam pengasuhan dan juga metode pengasuhan menurut ragam sosial budaya. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif yaitu mendeskripsikan dan menguraikan tentang metode pengukuran dan penilaian pengasuhan serta pengasuhan menurut ragam sosial budaya. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah studi kepustakaan (Library Research) dimana studi kepustakaan adalah kegiatan mengumpulkan bahan-bahan yang berkaitan dengan penelitian yang berasal dari buku, jurnal-jurnal ilmiah, literatur-literatur dan publikasi-publikasi lain yang layak dijadikan sumber untuk penelitian yang akan diteliti penulis, dengan cara mendeskripsikan dan menguraikan data tersebut melalui beberapa pendapat para ahli.
ANALISA SISTEM STARTING DOL (DIRECT ON LINE) PADA MOTOR LISTRIK PT. SEMEN BATURAJA
Authors: Adjie Satria Muhammad , Safaruddin Safaruddin , Andre Andi Dwi
Published: April 2024

Motor induksi merupakan komponen penggerak yang paling banyak dipergunakan pada dunia industri. Permasalahan yang ada pada motor induksi ialah pada saat start motor, arusstarting motor dapat mencapai lima kali sampai tujuh kali dari arus nominalnya. Tujuan  dari penelitian  ini  diantaranya  untuk  mengetahui  nilai  arus  starting  pada motor  induksi  ketika menggunakan metode DOL (Direct On Line) Rangkaian DOL atau Rangkaian Direct Online adalah sebuah rangkaian motor listrik yang terdiri dari satu buah kontaktor, motor listrik dan satu buah Thermal Overload Relay (TOR).  Rangkaian jenis ini dinilai paling dasar pada rangkaian motor listrik dan biasanya diajarkan pertama kali pada mata kuliah instalasi tenaga. DOL yaitu rangkaian kontrol listrik yang berfungsi memberikan sebuah arus kepada motor listrik atau elmot. Agar motor listrik tersebut bisa berputar untuk menggerakan suatu mesin. Rangkaian Direct Online Starter ini sering dipakai pada industri, karena motor listrik pada start awal itu membutuhkan sebuah arus yang sangat tinggi bisa disebut dengan Inrush Current. wawancara dengan pihak-pihak yang terkait dan mencari sumber-sumber yang relevan untuk mendukung secara teoritis, dengan menggunakan urutan yang memiliki tahapan sebagai berikut: 1). Prinsip Kerja dari DOL (direct on line). 2). Rangkaian Kontrol dari DOL (direct on line).  3). Perhitungan daya DOL. Tujuan Penelitian ini adalah menghitung current awal starting tersebut .
PENATAAN KOLEKSI BAHAN PUSTAKA DI PERPUSTAKAAN POLITEKNIK NEGERI SRIWIJAYA SEBAGAI UPAYA MEMPERMUDAH MENEMUKAN KEMBALI BUKU YANG DIPERLUKAN OLEH PEMUSTAKA
Authors: Fransiska Andien
Published: April 2024

Perpustakaan memiliki tanggung jawab untuk mengolah koleksi buku sehingga bisa disajikan kepada pengguna dengan tujuan agar koleksi tersebut bermanfaat bagi pemustaka perpustakaan. Penelitian ini berfokus pada penataan koleksi bahan pustaka di perpustakaan sebagai upaya untuk mempermudah pencarian kembali buku yang dibutuhkan oleh pemustaka, dengan tujuan untuk memahami proses pengolahan koleksi buku dan pengaruhnya terhadap kemudahan dalam mencari informasi di perpustakaan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Sebagai pusat informasi, perpustakaan memiliki beragam koleksi, seperti surat kabar, majalah, bulletin, publikasi hasil penelitian dosen, karya ilmiah mahasiswa seperti skripsi, tesis, dan disertasi, serta koleksi referensi seperti kamus, ensiklopedia, buku pegangan, dan lain sebagainya. Semua koleksi ini perlu diatur dan diorganisasikan secara sistematis dengan menggunakan sistem tertentu, agar mudah ditemukan oleh pengguna perpustakaan dengan cepat, tepat, dan mudah. Metode pengorganisasian yang digunakan untuk mempermudah pencarian kembali informasi adalah dengan menggunakan sistem DDC (Dewey Decimal Classification), LC (Library of Congress), atau metode lainnya. Bagi perpustakaan yang memiliki jumlah koleksi buku masih terbatas, di bawah 1000 eksemplar, dapat menggunakan cara sederhana seperti mengelompokkan bahan pustaka buku di rak berdasarkan warna, ukuran, dan lain sebagainya
POLA ASUH DEMOKRATIS DAN KEPRIBADIAN ANAK DUSUN WINTAOS, GIRIMULYO, PANGGANG, GUNUNG KIDUL
Authors: Ulfa Maria , Husniah Wa Ode , Adan Laode Muhammad Hasrul , Ngabdil Putri Marsri Ayu
Published: April 2024

Anak bertumbuh kembang atas peran keluarga tekhusus orang tua yang merupakan pendidik sebagai pendidik pertama dan utama. Orang tua memiliki andil dalam pembentukan kepribadian anak. Secara tidak langsung, penerapan pola asuh demokratis menumbuhkan keyakinan dan kepercayaan diri maupun mendorong tindakan-tindakan mandiri yang bertanggung jawab bagi diri anak. Penerapan pola asuh demokratis yang diterapkan orang tua menghasilkan anak yang disiplin dengan kematangan sosial yang baik pula. Latar belakang pendidikan orang tua dan faktor ekonomi mempengaruhi penerapan pola asuh orang tua dalam membentuk kepribadian anak. Dengan memberikan kebebasan namun bertanggung jawab, aturan jam belajar bagi anak, menanamkan nilai-nilai budi pekerti pada anak sejak usia dini, membentuk kepribadian anak yang mandiri, bertanggung jawab, dan berakhlak baik. Orang tua yang tingkat perekonomiannya menengah kebawah, cara pengasuhannya memang kurang dapat memenuhi kebutuhan anak yang bersifat materi, akan tetapi perhatian dan kasih sayang orang tua akan membentuk kepribadian anak yang mandiri, mampu menyelesaikan permasalahan dan tidak mudah stres dalam menghadapi suatu permasalahan.dan anak dapat menghargai usaha orang lain.
PENDAMPINGAN MENGGUNAKAN APLIKASI TEKNOLOGI BERBASIS ONLINE UNTUK PEMBELAJARAN DARING SELAMA MASA COVID-19 PADA GURU SMAN 6 WANGI-WANGI KECAMATAN WANGI-WANGI KABUPATEN WAKATOBI
Authors: Jumui Jumui , Arusani Arusani , Muthalib Dzulfikri Azis
Published: April 2024

Tujuan umum kegiatan ini adalah mendampingi Guru SMAN 6 Wangi-Wangi untuk menambah kemampuan menggunakan salah satu aplikasi teknologi tatap muka berbasis online (Zoom Meeting). Fakta di lapangan, sejumlah guru belum pernah melaksanakan pembelajaran tatap muka virtual menggunakan aplikasi tersebut karena beberapa alasan. Persentase alasan yang paling banyak (78%) adalah ”tidak semua peserta didik memiliki handphone”. Alasan lainnya karena faktor kemampuan guru yang belum dapat menggunakan aplikasi (15%), dan sisanya (7%) menyatakan alasan bahwa mereka tidak memerlukan aplikasi tersebut untuk mengajar. Untuk itu, menjadi salah satu alasan kuat diperlukan kegiatan pendampingan ini. Kegiatan dilaksanakan pada Guru SMAN 6 Wangi-Wangi, Kecamatan Wangi-Wangi Kabupaten Wakatobi. Sebanyak 18 orang Guru sebagai peserta sangat antusias mengikuti semua rangkaian pendampingan. Kegiatan dimulai dengan paparan pengantar aplikasi teknologi untuk pembelajaran daring kemudian dilanjutkan dengan paparan dan praktek langsung serta pendampingan menggunakan Aplikasi Zoom. Hasil kegiatan menunjukkan bahwa semua peserta telah dapat menginstal dan menggunakan aplikasi. Dampak pendampingan bagi peserta diperlihatkan juga oleh hasil evaluasi peserta dalam menjawab instumen tes yang menunjukkan peningkatan persentase jawaban benar dari pre-test dan post-test. Selain itu, pendampingan memberikan dampak terhadap motivasi murit untuk melaksanakan pembelajaran tatap muka virtual bersama peserta didiknya.
PENGEMBANGAN EKONOMI KREATIF PENGRAJIN BAMBU MELALUI WORKSHOP KERAJINAN BAMBU DESA LAWEYAN KABUPATEN PROBOLINGGO
Authors: Vadilla Icha Tyas Nur , Nur Dhani Ichsanuddin
Published: April 2024

Laweyan Village, Sumberasih District, Probolinggo has a good geographical location with bamboo potential. So it is necessary to utilize the potential of bamboo so that it can develop optimally and has a beneficial value to the people of Laweyan Village. Through creative economic development related to bamboo crafts, bamboo craftsmen can create new innovations and creativity in bamboo crafts. This research aims to develop the potential of bamboo crafts and re-generation of Laweyan Village bamboo craftsmen through bamboo craft workshops. The research method used is descriptive qualitative analysis, by collecting data through observation, survey, and interviews of the object of research. By using a direct approach to the object of research. With bamboo craft workshop activities will open the insight and knowledge of bamboo craftsmen regarding the creative economy related to bamboo crafts. Through bamboo craft workshops will develop innovation and creativity so that it can help improve the economy of the Laweyan Village community.
PEMBERDAYAAN IBU-IBU PKK MELALUI PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN ABON BANDENG DI KELURAHAN KEPUTIH KOTA SURABAYA
Authors: Febriyanti Leni , Tanaya Alexandra Neovita , Puspita Sari Kartika Sekar Ayu , Taufiqqur Ahcmad Arif , Febrianita Roziana
Published: April 2024

Abon merupakan salah satu jenis makanan kering berbentuk khas yang dibuat dari bahan daging atau ikan yang direbus lalu disayat-sayat, dibumbu, lalu digoreng. Abon Bandeng merupakan salah satu jenis abon yang berbahan dasar dari ikan bandeng. Pelatihan pembuatan abon bandeng ini dilakukan oleh kelompok 5 KKNT Bela Negara SDG;s Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur. Tujuan dari penulisan artikel ini adalah untuk menyampaikan proses pembuatan abon bandeng. Kegiatan ini dilakukan di Balai RW 08 Keputih, Sukolilo, Kota Surabaya. Kegiatan ini melibatkan ibu-ibu PKK RT 04/RW 08 Kelurahan Keputih dalam pelatihan pembuatan abon bandeng. Hasil dari pendampingan pembuatan abon bandeng ini adalah ibu-ibu PKK dapat membuat serta memngetahui proses pembuatan produk olahan abon bandeng yang sebelunya belum pernah diolah menjadi produk ini. Pelatihan pembuatan abon bandeng dapat menjadi sarana edukasi bagi ibu-ibu PKK untuk menambah jenis/produk olahan ikan bandeng. Produk abon bandeng diharapakan dapat menjadi salah satu produk unggulan di Kelurahan Keputih Kota Surabaya.
Spirituality in the Workplace: A qualitative study of spiritual practices of a small woman-owned research and evaluation company
Authors:   Allyson Kelley and Associates PLLC, Kelley Allyson , Crawford Brighten , Witzel Morgan , Martin Kaden , Weigum Ashley , Milligan Kelley , Hartley Curtis
Published: April 2024

Workplace spirituality has been defined as a framework for organizational values that is part of the culture, connection, and future. AKA is a small woman-owned, spirit-led business. Our mission and vision direct us toward programs, research, evaluation, and communities that match our values, theories, and interests. Because spirituality is essential for wellness, well teams, and well communities, we designed this study to explore AKA team member views about spirituality and how they incorporate spirituality in their work. The following research questions to guide this study: 1) What are some spiritual practices of AKA team members? and 2) How do spiritual practices influence the inner self, outer self, and team/clients? Methods: Data for this study were collected from AKA Associates with Zoom interviews from May 2023 to July 2023. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed using Otter.ai, cleaned, and coded using thematic analysis. Results: The research team contacted twelve AKA associates; nine were eligible to participate. Two were male, and seven were female. The thematic analysis revealed three major workplace spirituality themes: beliefs, practices, and experiences. Spiritual beliefs varied among the team. Many cited a belief in God or a higher power. Others mentioned goodness, altruism, and a Divine connection to the path they are on. Practices have to do with the outer self and what we do, what we see, and what we hear. AKA associates’ practices vary from prayer, journaling, forgiveness, burning sage, being in nature, attending church, having joy, gratitude, and involvement in church/faith communities. AKA associates talked about their varied experiences, including service, generosity, empowerment, grounding, integrity/accountability, advocacy, and authenticity. Discussion: This qualitative study found that beliefs, practices, and experiences create connections and enduring relationships. Within the AKA team, beliefs varied about spirituality. Some believed in a Creator or God; others talked about a higher power, goodness, or nothing. Spirituality in the workplace has the potential to improve the health and well-being of employees and clients served. Spiritual beliefs vary within individuals and organizations; what is most important is the experiences that result from a spiritual orientation. When personal, organizational, and spiritual values align, growth, creativity, and innovation happen.
PENGARUH WAKTU PENYIANGAN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN JAGUNG HIBRIDA (Zea mays L) VARIETAS N 37
Authors: Lulfaizahni Naela Mikya
Published: April 2024

This research was carried out at UPTB BP3K Sungai Lilin, Tanah Sepenggal Lintas District, Bungo Regency. This research was carried out from March 25 2014 to June 25 2014. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of weeding time and to determine the right weeding time for the growth and yield of corn plants. The design used in this research was a Randomized Group Design (RAK) with 5 treatments and 4 replications, the treatments were as follows: P0 (No weeding), P1 (weeding at 14 days after planting), P2 (weeding at 21 days after planting), P3 (weeding at 28 days after planting) and P4 (weeding at 35 days after planting). The variables observed were plant height (cm), total leaf area (cm2), age at start of flowering (DAT), net cob weight (g) and dry shelled corn yield (tons/ha). The results of the research show that different weeding times have a real influence on plant height (cm), total leaf area (cm2), age when flowering starts (DAP), net cob weight (g), but have no real effect on dry shelled corn yield ( tons/ha) in corn plants. Overall, weeding time at 14 days after planting has the best effect on the growth and yield of corn plants.
Government Strategies In The Implementation Of Local Regulation Number 6 Of 2015 Concerning Waste Management In Bungo District (Study at the Bungo District Environment Office)
Authors: Fitri Arianti Saputri
Published: April 2024

The research location was carried out at the Bungo Regency Environmental Service. This research lasted for one month, namely August 2019. The research aims to determine the implementation of regional regulations regarding waste management in Bungo Regency based on Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2015 and to determine the obstacles in implementing Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2015 concerning waste management in Bungo Regency. This research uses a qualitative method where this research uses descriptive data in the form of written or spoken words from people and observable behavior.The results of the research show that the Environmental Service Strategy in Implementing Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2015 concerning Waste Management in Bungo Regency, which is described as a program for developing waste management performance as program implementers, is a program that was born to answer waste problems and optimize cleaning services and improve environmental cleanliness. and settlements to public spaces in Bungo Regency. In the explanation of the strategy of the Environmental Service in implementing the regional regulation policy, the program for developing the performance of cleanliness management for communication developed by the Environmental Service of Bungo Regency has not been implemented optimally. The obstacle in achieving the implementation of this policy is the rapid rate of population growth in Bungo Regency so that Waste production also increases. Low public awareness is one of the problems faced in implementing this strategic policy related to cleanliness management and the community's obligations towards the environment, namely the lack of public awareness in practice of always throwing rubbish not in the places provided by the Environmental Service. Furthermore, the obstacle in the Environmental Service's strategy in implementing the regional regulation is the inadequate facilities and infrastructure for cleaning management and the next obstacle is the lack of budget owned by the Bungo Regency Environmental Service so that implementing strategic policies is not yet optimal.
The Impact of Investment on Local Community Development in Indonesia
Authors: Pertiwi Claudya
Published: April 2024

Investment is an activity that conducted by investing some capital then the invested capital is expected to provide an advantage for investors later. Investment is a thing which has a significant role for local communities because in its implementation the investment can give a considerable impact for the local community. However, the investment activities not only have a positive impact, but can also have a negative impact for sure. To reduce the negative effects that could be given by investment activities, we need to have an arrangement that we could give for the companies to develop local communities. The community development is an effort that we could made to improve the quality of a community who lives in an investment area which invested by investors, so that local people can chase the various fields of life that left behind. The writer use normative legal research methods which use library materials as source of data in writing this journal.
PENGARUH PEMBERIAN ZAT PERANGSANG TUMBUH TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN BIBIT TANAMAN GAHARU (Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk) DI POLYBAG
Authors: Siyamsih Dwi
Published: April 2024

This research was carried out in Penginjau Hamlet, Bathin II Pelayang District, Bungo Regency, at an altitude of ± 75 meters above sea level. The research was carried out from 05 January 2015 to 05 April 2015. This research aims to study to determine the effect of giving growth stimulants on the growth of gaharu plant seeds (Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk) in polybags. The aim of the research is to obtain a dose of growth stimulants that will give results to the growth of agarwood seedlings.The method used in this research was a completely randomized design (RAK), with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The concentration of Atonic growth stimulant used was as follows: A0: No treatment (as control), A1: 0.50 cc Atonic ZPT/liter of water , A2: 1.00 cc ZPT Atonik/ liter of water, A3: 1.50 cc ZPT Atonik/ liter of water and A4: 2.00 cc ZPT Atonik/ liter of water. The data obtained from the final observations were analyzed using variance, if they had a real effect then continued with the Duncan New's Multiple Range Test (DNMRT). The variables observed were plant height (cm), total leaf area (cm2), stem diameter (mm) and root volume (ml). From the experimental results, the administration of atonic plant growth regulator (ZPT) concentrations had no significant effect on plant height (cm), total leaf area (cm2), stem circumference (mm) and root volume (ml)
Procedure for approval and methods of control of the presence of genetically modified organisms in food and feed
Authors: Trkulјa Vojislav , Janjić Vaskrsija , Pržulj Novo
Published: April 2024

Genetically modified organism (GMO) means an organism, with the exception of human beings, in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. In order to be able to grow or put on the market different GM plant varieties or hybrids anywhere in the world as food or feedstuff, they must pass an approval process (authorization or registration). However, submitter for the approval process to place on the market food and feedstuff which contains and/or consists of or originating from GMOs is obliged to produce the so-called "risk assessment". The "risk assessments" includes a series of analyzes in order to do an evaluation of the health and ecological acceptability of each individual varieties or hybrids of GM plants, as well as to prepare a plan for continuous monitoring of the potential harmful effects of these GMOs on the environment and human health after its release. Furthermore, for the successful establishment of a GMO surveillance system it is very important to perform regular official inspections of food and feedstuff products to determine the presence of GMOs which are carried out using different methods, including detection of GMOs based on the presence of a new trait (phenotype), GMO analysis based on specific protein presence and GMO detection based on the DNA analysis. In the paper it is stated in detail the general principles and methodology for developing risk assessment and post-market surveillance of food and feedstuff containing and/or consisting of or derived from GMOs, as well as the most significant methods for detecting the presence of GMOs in food and feedstuff.
High frequency of transition to transversion ratio in the stem region of RNA secondary structure of untranslated region of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Dash Madhusmita , Meher Preetisudha , Aditya Kumar  , Satapathy Siddhartha Sankar , Namsa Nima D.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The propensity of nucleotide bases to form pairs, causes folding and the formation of secondary structure in the RNA. Therefore, purine (R): pyrimidine (Y) base-pairing is vital to maintain uniform lateral dimension in RNA secondary structure. Transversions or base substitutions between R and Y bases, are more detrimental to the stability of RNA secondary structure, than transitions derived from substitutions between A and G or C and T. The study of transversion and transition base substitutions is important to understand evolutionary mechanisms of RNA secondary structure in the 5′  and 3′  untranslated (UTR) regions of SARS-CoV-2. In this work, we carried out comparative analysis of transition and transversion base substitutions in the stem and loop regions of RNA secondary structure of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

We have considered the experimentally determined and well documented stem and loop regions of 5′ and 3′ UTR regions of SARS-CoV-2 for base substitution analysis. The secondary structure comprising of stem and loop regions were visualized using the RNAfold web server. The GISAID repository was used to extract base sequence alignment of the UTR regions. Python scripts were developed for comparative analysis of transversion and transition frequencies in the stem and the loop regions.

Results

The results of base substitution analysis revealed a higher transition (ti) to transversion (tv) ratio (ti/tv) in the stem region of UTR of RNA secondary structure of SARS-CoV-2 reported during the early stage of the pandemic. The higher ti/tv ratio in the stem region suggested the influence of secondary structure in selecting the pattern of base substitutions. This differential pattern of ti/tv values between stem and loop regions was not observed among the Delta and Omicron variants that dominated the later stage of the pandemic. It is noteworthy that the ti/tv values in the stem and loop regions were similar among the later dominant Delta and Omicron variant strains which is to be investigated to understand the rapid evolution and global adaptation of SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion

Our findings implicate the lower frequency of transversions than the transitions in the stem regions of UTRs of SARS-CoV-2. The RNA secondary structures are associated with replication, translation, and packaging, further investigations are needed to understand these base substitutions across different variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress on autophagy and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in intervertebral disc degeneration and its related mechanisms
Authors: Dai Jiuming , Liu Jin , Shen Yucheng , Zhang Bing , Li Chaonian , Liu Zhidong
Published: April 2024

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a common and frequent disease in orthopedics, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-regulated autophagy and apoptosis play an important role in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in IVDD. Hypoxia and serum deprivation were used to induce NP cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell activity and immunofluorescence (IF) was applied for the appraisement of glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-light chain 3 (LC3). Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and the expression of LC3II/I was detected by western blot. NP cells under hypoxia and serum deprivation were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and intervened by ERS inhibitor (4-phenylbutyric acid, 4-PBA) and activator (Thapsigargin, TP). Then, above functional experiments were conducted again and western blot was employed for the evaluation of autophagy-, apoptosis and ERS-related proteins. Finally, NP cells under hypoxia and serum deprivation were stimulated by LPS and intervened using apoptosis inhibitor z-Val-Ala-DL-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone (Z-VAD-FMK) and autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). CCK-8 assay, IF, flow cytometry and western blot were performed again. Besides, the levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the protein expressions of programmed death markers were estimated with western blot. It showed that serum deprivation induces autophagy and apoptosis. ERS was significantly activated by LPS in hypoxic and serum deprivation environment, and autophagy and apoptosis were significantly promoted. Overall, ERS affects the occurrence and development of IVDD by regulating autophagy, apoptosis and other programmed death.
Microplastics and Nano-plastics Contamination in Foods: Current Understanding of the Health Impact on Human and Potential Solutions
Authors: Deji-Oloruntoba Opeyemi , Agidigbi Taiwo Samuel , Jang Miran
Published: April 2024

Plastics released into the environment can be degraded by physical erosion, biodegradation, photocatalytic activity, and oxidation, resulting in smaller plastics particles. Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles relatively smaller than 5 mm in size. Furthermore, microplastics with particle sizes less than 1000 or 100 nm are known as nano-plastics (NPs). The presence and effect of MPs and NPs in human body has not been adequately studies, thus we aim to explain the origins of MPs and NPs adept, carefully explore the pathways by which MPs and NPs enter the body system and highlight the impact of MPs and NPs on human health. Major examples include Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). MPs and NPs were found to have two sources (primary and secondary). The primary sources are materials purposely produced to suit household and industrial uses, such as exfoliants for skin care products, construction, and packaging materials. Secondary sources originated from the decomposition/degradation of large plastic products over time. Plastics were found in plants (fruits and vegetables), animals (fish, crab, shrimp, oysters, and mussels), water (taps, sachet, and bottled water), salt, sugar, and honey. Plastics' impact on the human ecosystem is getting increasingly severe, and it is imperative that proper attention be paid to this issue. The vast number of MPs and NPs available can influence the lives of the populace in each geographic area. In this review article, we identified three routes through which MPs and NPs gain entrance into the human body: oral ingestion, cutaneous (skin contact), and inhalation. Furthermore, we investigated and summarized the impacts of MPs and NPs on human health. The most impacted organs in the body included the lungs, blood, kidney, brain, ovary, testes, and intestines. In this review, we offered a viable solution that includes the use of biodegradable polymers, increased usage of eco-friendly biotechnology and engineering solutions, and the implementation of regulatory measures. In future, we intend to investigate the bioaccumulation and effect of MPs/NPs on human health.
Something Overlooked? How experts in change detection use visual saliency
Authors: Lansdale Mark , Underwood Geoffrey , Davies Clare
Published: April 2009

How does expertise in the analysis of particular images influence the effects of visual saliency upon attention? Expert analysts of aerial photographs and untrained viewers undertook change‐detection and location memory tasks using aerial photographs with eye movements recorded throughout. Experts were more accurate in both tasks. Significant differences were also seen in the scanpaths: Untrained viewers fixated preferentially upon salient features throughout stimulus presentation whereas experts did not. However, both groups showed a strong influence of saliency in change detection and memory tasks. We interpret this apparent contradiction by: (i) assuming that the use of saliency in visual search is discretionary, and experts can use semantic information to prioritise where to fixate next; whereas, (ii) in tasks requiring spatial memory, analysis of visual saliency delivers easily acquired landmarks to reference the location of items in an image; a previously overlooked function used by expert and untrained viewers alike. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utilizing SIMULINK in modeling and simulation of generalized chaotic systems with multiple nonlinear functions
Authors: Kiliç Recai , Dalkiran Fatma Yildirim
Published: April 2009

Some chaotic systems can be realized with different nonlinear functions. These systems consist of a fixed main system block and a changeable nonlinear function block. Studying with these generalized systems is very useful from the educational point of view including general modeling and design issues of chaotic systems. SIMULINK, a graphical programming tool, offers a very good environment for dynamic modeling of such generalized chaotic systems. This paper presents generalized two chaotic systems, which can be utilized in chaotic system modeling for engineering applications and the use of SIMULINK in dynamical modeling and simulation of these generalized systems which can be realized with multiple nonlinear functions. The proposed models have been integrated into undergraduate nonlinear circuits and systems course at Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 684–693, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com; DOI 10.1002/cae.20273
3,4‐Dihydro‐3H‐pyrrol‐2‐imines as Conformationally Restrained 1,3‐Diazabutadienes: Synthesis, Structural Properties and Protonation
Authors: Janich Simon , Fröhlich Roland , Wilken Andrea , von Zamory Jan , Wakamiya Atsushi , Yamaguchi Shigehiro , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich
Published: April 2009

5‐Aryl‐3,3,4,4‐tetramethyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐3H‐pyrrol‐2‐imines,conformationally restrained 1,3‐diazabuta‐1,3‐diene derivatives, were easily prepared by treating aryllithium species with 2,2,3,3‐tetramethylsuccinonitrile (1). Trapping the reaction intermediate with chlorotrimethylsilane gave N‐silylated compounds 2a–e, whereas aqueous workup gave N‐H derivatives 3a,b. Pyrenyl‐substituted compound 3b was characterised by X‐ray diffraction studies, revealing the presence of both intermolecular aromatic face‐to‐face contacts and the formation of homodimers by twofold H‐bonding. N‐Silylated derivatives 2a–d were used successfully as nucleophilic components in palladium‐catalysed C–N bond‐forming reactions to obtain N‐arylated compounds 5b–h,j,k,m and 7a–d. The UV spectra of compounds 5 and 7 exhibit long wavelength absorptions up to 462 nm for 7d, thus indicating extended π–π* conjugation. Dihydropyrrolimine‐based compounds with larger conjugated aryl substituents in the 5‐position react with Brønsted and Lewis acids displaying a significant colour change that could be used to estimate the pKb of 3a to a value of –4.5. Derivatives 2c,e and 3a,b, which are not N‐arylated, are fluorescent with a Stokes shift of 107 nm (6034 cm–1) for 3a. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Development of a simplistic vegetative filter strip model for sediment and nutrient retention at the field scale
Authors: White Michael J. , Arnold Jeff G.
Published: April 2009

Vegetative filter strips (VFSs) are a commonly used conservation measure to remove pollutants from agricultural runoff. The effectiveness of VFSs has been widely studied at the plot scale, yet researchers generally agree that field scale implementations are far less effective. The purpose of this research was to develop a field scale VFS submodel for the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). A model for the retention of sediments and nutrients in VFSs was developed from experimental observations derived from 22 publications. A runoff retention model was developed from Vegetative Filter Strip MODel (VFSMOD) simulations. This model was adapted to operate at the field scale by considering the effects of flow concentration generally absent from plot scale experiments. Flow concentration through 10 hypothetical VFSs was evaluated using high resolution (2 m) topographical data and multipath flow accumulation. Significant flow concentration was predicted at all sites, on average 10% of the VFS received half of the field runoff. As implemented in SWAT, the VFS model contains two sections, a large section receiving relatively modest flow densities and a smaller section treating more concentrated flow. This field scale model was incorporated into SWAT and verified for proper function. This model enhances the ability of SWAT to evaluate the effectiveness of VFSs at the watershed scale. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microelectrode Arrays for Electrochemistry: Approaches to Fabrication
Authors: Huang Xing‐Jiu , O'Mahony Aoife M. , Compton Richard G.
Published: April 2009

Microelectrode arrays have unique electrochemical properties such as small capacitive‐charging currents, reduced iR drop, and steady‐state diffusion currents. These properties enable the use of microelectrode arrays and have captured much interest in the field of electrochemistry. Techniques for the fabrication of such arrays are reviewed. The relative features and merits of different techniques are also discussed.

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Hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography versus radiographic hysterosalpingography in the evaluation of tubal patency
Authors: Hamed Hossam O. , Shahin Ahmed Y. , Elsamman Aly M.
Published: April 2009

Objective

To compare the efficacy of hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (HyCoSy) using a saline solution with that of radiographic hysterosalpingography (HSG) in the assessment of tubal patency.

Method

We compared the findings obtained by the 2 methods with those obtained by standard diagnostic laparoscopy with the chromopertubation test in a study with 88 infertile women younger than 40 years.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of HyCoSy and HSG were similar, and 65 (74%) of the women reported the pain associated with HyCoSy as mild to moderate.

Conclusion

The HyCoSy procedure is well tolerated and can be used as a primary tool for the evaluation of tubal patency in infertile women.
MINIMAL GRAPHS WITH DISCONTINUOUS BOUNDARY VALUES
Authors: HUFF ROBERT , MCCUAN JOHN
Published: April 2009

We construct global solutions of the minimal surface equation over certain smooth annular domains and over the domain exterior to certain smooth simple closed curves. Each resulting minimal graph has an isolated jump discontinuity on the inner boundary component which, at least in some cases, is shown to have nonvanishing curvature.
A defensin with highly potent antipathogenic activities from the seeds of purple pole bean
Authors: Lin Peng , Wong Jack Ho , Ng Tzi Bun
Published: April 2009

A 5443 Da peptide with sequence homology to defensins was purified from purple pole beans (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. ‘Extra-long Purple Pole bean’). This peptide was isolated by adsorption on an affinity chromatographic medium Affi-Gel Blue gel and ion-exchange chromatographic media SP-Sepharose (sulfopropyl-Sepharose) and Mono S and by gel filtration on Superdex peptide. The peptide inhibited mycelial growth in Mycosphaerella arachidicola, Helminthosporium maydis, Fusarium oxysporum, Verticillium dahliae, Rhizoctonia solani, Candida albicans and Setosphaeria turcica with an IC50 of 0.8, 0.9, 2.3, 3.2, 4.3, 4.8 and 9.8 μM respectively. Its antifungal potency was higher than that of the plant defensin coccinin (IC50>50 μM). It induced membrane permeabilization in C. albicans as evidenced by SYTOX Green uptake, but did not affect erythrocyte membrane permeability. It inhibited growth in M. arachidicola by inducing chitin accumulation at hyphal tips as was shown by Congo Red staining. The antifungal activity was pH stable and thermostable. The peptide inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma (HepG2), breast cancer (MCF7), colon cancer (HT29) and cervical cancer (SiHa) cells but not that of human embryonic liver (WRL68) cells. Its anti-HepG2 activity (IC50=4.1±0.8 μM, n=3) was higher than that of another plant defensin, gymnin (IC50>50 μM). Its anti-MCF7 activity (IC50=8.3±0.3 μM, n=3) was similar to that of other plant defensins. It reduced the activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase with an IC50 of 0.5±0.1 μM, n=3, much more potently than other plant defensins (IC50>40 μM). There is the possibility of using the purple pole bean defensin for producing antifungal drugs and/or transgenic plants with fungal resistance.
Resuming Daily Life With Expressive Forms of Severe Aphasia: Observations of Adults Who Have Successfully Made Life Transitions and Clinical Implications
Authors: Lyon Jon G.
Published: April 2009

Thirty years of observation of people attempting to restructure their daily lives following aphasia's onset reveals a small fraction who have not only made this transition well but claim discovery of certain life facets or domains that exceed pre-injury presence, function, or status. This article singles out commonalities among those successful restorers of daily life in aphasia's wake and attempts to apply their lessons to our own therapeutic efforts to aid the larger percentage of individuals whose outcomes are less positive or desirable.
Positron annihilation spectroscopy and transport properties of double perovskite compounds Sr2−xGdxFeMoO6
Authors: Hu Y. C. , Wang P. F. , Lv Bin , Ji Qing , Wu X. S. , Lu Qingfeng
Published: April 2009

Single phases of double layered perovskitelike Sr2−xGdxFeMoO6 samples with x varying from 0.00 to 0.25 have been synthesized. Distortion in FeO6 and MoO6 octahedrons is characterized by Rietveld refinements using the powder x-ray diffraction data. Antisite defects are considered during the refinements. Positron annihilation spectroscopy shows us that the density of antisite defects increases with increasing x. The size of defects reaches the largest values, and conducting electrons are most extensive in sample with x=0.20. The insulating behavior is observed. We argue that the valence states between Fe and Mo play the critical role in magnetism and transition properties in Gd doped Sr2FeMoO6.
High CO tolerance of Pt/Ru nanocatalyst: Insight from first principles calculations
Authors: Stolbov Sergey , Ortigoza Marisol Alcántara , Adzic Radoslav , Rahman Talat S.
Published: April 2009

Density functional theory based calculations of the energetics of adsorption and diffusion of CO on Pt islets and on the Ru(0001) substrate show that the CO has the lowest adsorption energy at the center of the islet and its bonding increases as it moves to the edge of the island and further onto the substrate. Activation energy barriers for CO diffusion from the islet to the Ru surface are found to be lower than 0.3 eV making the process feasible and leading to the conclusion that this hydrogen oxidation catalyst is CO tolerant because of the spillover of CO from active Pt sites to the Ru substrate. The rate of CO oxidation by OH is found to be substantially enhanced when the former is adsorbed on the edge of Pt islands and the latter on nearby Ru sites.
Photoinduced quantum dynamics of ortho- and para-fulvene: Hindered photoisomerization due to mode selective fast radiationless decay via a conical intersection
Authors: Alfalah S. , Belz S. , Deeb O. , Leibscher M. , Manz J. , Zilberg S.
Published: April 2009

In this study, we investigate the photoinduced nonadiabatic dynamics of para- and ortho-fulvene by a combination of quantum chemical ab initio calculations and quantum dynamical simulations. We explore the competition between two different pathways, the photoisomerization and radiationless decay via a conical intersection (CI) at planar configuration. For this purpose, we extend a previous two-dimensional model which included the molecular torsion and the antisymmetric stretch as a coupling mode [Grohmann et al., Chem. Phys. 338, 252 (2007)] to a three-dimensional model, taking into account also the symmetric stretch as additional vibrational mode. Quantum dynamical simulations show that upon excitation with a single short laser pulse, the mode selective motion along the symmetric stretch drives the system to the CI, followed by radiationless decay before photoisomerization of fulvene can take place, thus confirming previous semiclassical calculations [Bearpark et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 118, 5253 (1996)]. Moreover, we show that the competition between photoisomerization and radiationless decay at a planar geometry depends on the nonadiabatic coupling strength.
First-principles conductance of nanoscale junctions from the polarizability of finite systems
Authors: Verstraete Matthieu J. , Bokes P. , Godby R. W.
Published: April 2009

A method for the calculation of the conductance of nanoscale electrical junctions is extended to ab initio electronic structure methods that make use of the periodic supercell technique and applied to realistic models of metallic wires and break junctions of sodium and gold. The method is systematically controllable and convergeable and can be straightforwardly extended to include more complex processes and interactions. Important issues, about the order in which the thermodynamic and static (small field) limits are taken, are clarified, and characterized further through comparisons to model systems.
Nonlinear analysis and modeling of cortical activation and deactivation patterns in the immature fetal electrocorticogram
Authors: Schwab Karin , Groh Tobias , Schwab Matthias , Witte Herbert
Published: April 2009

An approach combining time-continuous nonlinear stability analysis and a parametric bispectral method was introduced to better describe cortical activation and deactivation patterns in the immature fetal electroencephalogram (EEG). Signal models and data-driven investigations were performed to find optimal parameters of the nonlinear methods and to confirm the occurrence of nonlinear sections in the fetal EEG. The resulting measures were applied to the in utero electrocorticogram (ECoG) of fetal sheep at 0.7 gestation when organized sleep states were not developed and compared to previous results at 0.9 gestation. Cycling of the nonlinear stability of the fetal ECoG occurred already at this early gestational age, suggesting the presence of premature sleep states. This was accompanied by cycling of the time-variant biamplitude which reflected ECoG synchronization effects during premature sleep states associated with nonrapid eye movement sleep later in gestation. Thus, the combined nonlinear and time-variant approach was able to provide important insights into the properties of the immature fetal ECoG.
What are maternal effects (and what are they not)?
Authors: Wolf Jason B , Wade Michael J
Published: April 2009

Maternal effects can play an important role in a diversity of ecological and evolutionary processes such as population dynamics, phenotypic plasticity, niche construction, life-history evolution and the evolutionary response to selection. However, although maternal effects were defined by quantitative geneticists well over half a century ago, there remains some confusion over exactly what phenomena should be characterized as maternal effects and, more importantly, why it matters and how they are defined. We suggest a definition of maternal effects as thecausalinfluence of the maternal genotype or phenotype on the offspring phenotype. This definition differs from some definitions in that it treats maternal effects as a phenomenon, not as a statistical construct. The causal link to maternal genotype or phenotype is the critical component of this definition providing the link between maternal effects and evolutionary and ecological processes. We show why phenomena such as maternal cytoplasmic inheritance and genomic imprinting are distinct genetically from and have different evolutionary consequences than true maternal effects. We also argue that one should consider cases where the maternal effect is conditional on offspring genotype as a class of maternal effects.
COX‐2 and iNOS are critical in advanced glycation end product‐activated chondrocytes in vitro
Authors: Huang C.‐Y. , Hung L.‐F. , Liang C.‐C. T. , Ho L.‐J.
Published: April 2009

Background  The advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in joints of osteoarthritis patients. This study aimed to investigate the roles of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) pathways in AGE‐mediated cartilage damage.

Materials and methods  Methylglyoxal‐modified albumin was used as the source of AGE. Porcine and human chondrocytes were prepared from the joint cartilage of pigs and osteoarthritis patients. The activation of COX‐2, iNOS, nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB), activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) and protein kinases was determined by Western blotting, kinase assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) or transfection assay. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and NO concentrations were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Griess reaction respectively. The enzymatic activity of COX was determined by measuring the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGE2. The release of sulphated glycosaminoglycan and the intensity of Safranin O staining were used to measure cartilage degradation.

Results  AGE potently induced COX‐2‐PGE2 and iNOS‐NO activation in porcine and human chondrocytes. Meanwhile, the upstream molecules regulating COX‐2/iNOS activation, such as AP‐1, NF‐κB, extracellular signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), were activated by AGE. Although AGE could not activate p38 directly, by measuring COX enzyme activity, the inhibition of p38 resulted in suppressing AGE‐induced conversion of arachidonic acid to PGE2. Furthermore, successful blockage of either COX‐2 or NOS activity significantly reduced AGE‐mediated proteoglycan release and cartilage degradation.

Conclusions  This study highlights the significance of COX‐2 and iNOS pathways in AGE‐mediated OA pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic targets that are beyond pain killing for OA treatment.