bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inovasi Desain Pembelajaran Membaca Cepat melalui Metode Speed Reading bagi Guru SD Negeri 2 Pematang Tahalo
Authors: Ariyanto Bambang , Astuti Dwilita , Alipin Alipin
Published: April 2022

Community service in the form of mentoring Indonesian language subject teachers with the theme "Innovation of Speed Reading Learning Designs Through Speed Reading Methods for Teachers of SD Negeri 2 Pematang Tahalo, Jabung District, East Lampung Regency". Community service that is carried out personally for 11 Indonesian language teachers in Jabung District for 10 days, namely, 01 August to 10 October 2018. The formulation of the problem in community service is 1. An innovative speed reading learning method is needed, the concept of fast reading learning the speed reading method is relatively new so Indonesian language teachers need to receive counseling and training including guidance in its implementation, 2. Indonesian language teachers in the Jabung sub-district do not yet have a speed reading learning design that can develop interest and improve students' speed reading skills, 3. Teachers need training and assistance in designing learning to read include: syllabus, design of teaching materials for speed reading, development of indicators, learning scenarios, and development of assessment instruments. The percentage of speed reading ability and reading comprehension of elementary school students in Jabung Subdistrict showed an increase in the quality of teacher learning designs, increasing from 58% to 84.58% in the good category. Likewise, the impact that is directly felt in the classroom, teachers can improve student learning outcomes. This can be seen from the students' speed reading scores, an increase of about 30% from the initial value. If this service activity continues, it is possible to increase the professionalism of teachers in designing and implementing speed reading learning and learning innovations can be carried out by applying the Speedreading method.

 Keywords: Learning Design, Speed Reading, Speed Reading Method
Peran Pendidikan Sebagai Transformasi Sosial dan Budaya
Authors: Alwi Usman , Badwi Ahmad , Baharuddin Baharuddin
Published: April 2022

Tujuan Penelitian Untuk Mengetahui Bagaimana Pendidikan Sebagai Transformasi proses social dan Bagaimana pendidikan sebagai Transformasi proses budaya. Hasil Penelitian mennjukkan Pendidikan sebagai proses sosial dapat dilihat dari adanya interaksi antara pendidik dengan peserta didik dalam proses pembelajaran untuk memeroleh perubahan sikap, perilaku, dan kecerdasan pikiran.  Pendidikan sebagai proses budaya dapat dilihat dari peran sekolah sebagai agent of change atau daya pengubah untuk menyampaikan, meneruskan atau mentransmisi kebudayaan, nilai-nilai dari nenek moyang kepada generasi muda dalam proses enkulturasi dan akulturasi.
Urgensi Penetapan Wali Nikah Bagi Perempuan Yang Lahir Kurang Dari 6 Bulan Setelah Akad Nikah Dari Perkawinan Hamil Perspektif Hukum Islam
Authors: Halim Indra , Darwis Ikhsan
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the study was to find out the meaning of his father for women born less than 6 months after the marriage contract from a pregnant marriage perspective ofIslamic law and to find out the determination of the marriage guardian for women born less than 6 months after the marriage contract from a pregnant marriage Islamic law perspective. From the results of the study, the relationship between his father and daughter born less than 6 months according to Islamic law is that the child is an illegitimate child and cannot be taboo with his biological father due to a period of birth with at least 6 (six) months of marriage . This happened the ijma of Islamic law experts as the shortest period of a pregnancy, and also all the schools of jurisprudence both Sunni and Syiah agreed that the minimum pregnancy limit was 6 (six) months because at least pregnant women were for six months. and if the child is considered as a legitimate child, then the daughter's nasab remains with her biological father and the marriage guardian's determination for girls born less than 6 months according to Islamic law, if the daughter is an illegitimate child then her guardian's determination is to use the guardian of the judge to marry him

Keywords: Determination of Marriage Guardian, Pregnant Marriage Perspective  of Islamic Law
Pembagian Warisan Dengan Metode al Gharawain Menurut Hukum Kewarisan Islam
Authors: Fitrah Nur , Firdaus Firdaus
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the study was to find out the factors causing the emergence of the al Gharawain method. To find out the procedure for the distribution of inheritance with the al Gharawain method according to Islamic inheritance law. From the results of the study indicate or in general. To eliminate these irregularities, the settlement of the distribution of inheritance is carried out specifically, in other words, this special settlement only applies to special issues, for example an inheritance problem that must be solved specifically, namely al Gharawain or what is called umariyatain is a problem in the science of mawaris which is when the heirs only consist of a husband, father and mother, or wife, father, and mother.

Keywords: Distribution of inheritance, Islamic inheritance law
Solusi Qur’ani terhadap Tren Perceraian Akibat Media Sosial
Authors: Narly Nina , Soeradji Elvi
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini bermaksud untuk mengkaji lebih dalam tentang penggunaan media sosial yang berdampak pada perceraian dan dianalisis bagaimana Islam melalui kitab suci Al-Quranmemberikan solusinya. Dilakukan menggunakan metode penelitian kepustakaan, yang menelusuri referensi cetak maupun elektonik tentang dampak media sosial, tren perceraiandan solusi mengatasinya menurut Islam, melalui buku, jurnal, hadis dan ayat-ayat Al-Quran beserta terjemah dan penafsirannya. Hasil penelitian menyebutkan bahwa apabila terjadiperseleisihan sebagai dampak dari penggunaan media sosial maka pasangan suami istri dapat melakukannya dengan cara bersikap jujur bagi masing-masing pasangan; menyukuri atas apa yang diberikan Allah tanpa membandingkan dengan pasangan lain; saling menasehati dalam kebenaran dan kesabaran; memukul dengan cara mendidik dan sebagai perlakukan agar ada sifat jera; memisahkan tempat tidur dan menggunakan pihak ketiga dalam menyelesaikan perselisihan agar jangan sampai bercerai.

Keywords: Tren Perceraian, Dampak Media Sosial pada Perceraian, Tren Sosial Agama
Disfungsi BP4 dalam Perspektif Maslahah Studi Kasus pada Kantor Urusan Agama Kecamatan Seruyan Hilir Kabupaten Seruyan
Authors: Hasanudin Hasanudin , Sadiani Sadiani , Soeradji Elvi , Muslimah Muslimah
Published: April 2022

The BP4 advisory and guidance body has existed for a long time with the aim of enhancing the quality of marriage in order to create a sakinah, mawaddah, warohmh family, filled with inner and outer happiness and the blessings of the hereafter. However, the reality is that in Seruyan Hilir District the divorce rate is still high, therefore research is needed. This research is in the form of empirical normative, the approach method used is a qualitative method with the respondents being BP4 administrators and officials from the Office of Religious Affairs in Seruyan Hilir District and parties directly related to the problems studied, and data collection methods through library studies, observations and interviews. (Interviews). The validity of the data uses a triangulation technique which includes, (1) comparing the results of observations with the results of interviews, (2) comparing the results of interviews with the contents of a related documentation., (3) comparing the theory of information that has been carried out with its implementation. which are formulated in the form of questions, namely the non-functioning of BP4 in Seruyan Hilir District, how are the obstacles experienced by BP4 and is there a correlation between the non-functioning of BP4 and the high divorce rate in Seruyan Hilir District and how it is resolved in the perspective of Maslahah. So that it is hoped that everyone who files for divorce or divorce can change his mind to cancel his intention to divorce considering that divorce cases are still very high every year, so maintaining a harmonious marital relationship is our collective obligation.

Keywords:  Dysfunction BP4, Maslahah, Islamic Law
Efektifitas Pernikahan dalam Islam dengan Implementasi Wali: Studi Lapangan Kantor Urusan Agama Kecamatan Medan Tembung, Kabupaten Medan Kota
Authors: Mirwan Fajar , Permana Akbar Wahyu , Fitry Annisa , Nasution Fitri Hayati , Syaputri Indah Permata
Published: April 2022

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis hukum tentang Perwalian Perkawinan Anak Angkat Fiqih dan Perwalian Anak Angkat Menurut Hukum Perdata di Indonesia. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode library research dengan menggunakan metode deskriptif-kualitatif. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara dan studi pustaka, kemudian dilakukan Reduksi Data, Pengumpulan Data, Penyajian Data, Penarikan Kesimpulan, dan Evaluasi. Hasil penelitian ini adalah menurut ulama' Hanafiyah dan Malikiyah, perwalian nikah dari golongan anak lelaki harus terlebih dahulu diutamakan daripada dari golongan ayah. Sedangkan menurut ulama' Hanabilah berpendapat kebalikannya, yaitu wali nikah dari golongan ayah harus diutamakan daripada golongan anak. Lain lagi menurut ulama' Syafi'iyah, yang dalam hal perwalian, golongan anak tidak mempunyai hak menjadi wali.

Kata Kunci:  Disfungsi BP4, Hukum, Anak Angkat
Preparation and Investigation of Thermoelectric Properties of Cu3SbS4-Cu3SbSe4 Solid Solutions
Authors: Lee Go-Eun , Kim Il-Ho
Published: April 2022

Cu-based ternary chalcogenides composed of earth-abundant and nontoxic elements are considered promising thermoelectric materials, although there are few reports on them. In our previous studies, optimal mechanical alloying (MA) and hot pressing (HP) were used to synthesize Cu3SbS4 (famatinite) and Cu3SbSe4 (permingeatite). In this study, solid solutions of Cu3SbS4-ySey (y = 0–4) were prepared using MA and HP. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement confirmed the formation of Cu3SbS4-Cu3SbSe4 solid solutions. The variation in lattice constants with Se content followed Vegard’s law. As the Se content increased, the carrier concentration and mobility increased. All the specimens exhibited p-type conduction, showing positive Hall and Seebeck coefficients. As the Se content increased, the Seebeck coefficient decreased due to an increase in carrier concentration, while the power factor of the solid solutions was not enhanced compared with that of the end compounds. Cu3SbS2.4Se1.6 exhibited the lowest lattice thermal conductivities of 0.84 Wm-1K-1 at 323 K and 0.56 Wm-1K-1 at 623 K because of phonon scattering (alloying scattering) caused by the formation of the solid solutions. In addition, the thermal conductivity was less than 0.8 Wm-1K-1 at 623 K. This was attributed to the phonon scattering (boundary scattering) caused by several grain boundaries introduced during MA. As the Se content increased, the dimensionless figure of merit gradually increased from 0.14 to 0.39 at 623 K.
COVID-19, social distance and adolescents’ risk behaviours, wellbeing and life satisfaction: a proxy study drawn from HBSC study
Authors: Tomé Gina , Branquinho Cátia , Cerqueira Ana , Matos Margarida Gaspar
Published: April 2022

Depriving people of their liberty has devastating effects upon wellbeing and mental health, especially in adolescents. This was the situation with the recent COVID-19 pandemic that forced adolescents to stay at home.

In order to simulate a situation of absence of social interactions outside the family context, Portuguese data from the HBSC / WHO 2018 study were used. It was intended to explore and understand which of the usual adolescents’ health risk and protective factors would be more affected among those who do not have contact with peers after school. 

The results show that, on the one hand, “social distancing from colleagues” in general reduces health risks, such as consumption of soft drinks, alcohol, tobacco and drug use and involvement in violence (fights, victimization by bullying and injuries). On the other hand, it decreases the perception of well-being and life satisfaction and in general increases the psychological symptoms.
The Formalisation of Women's Cooperatives and the Reduct ion of the Informal Economy in Jordan, Fact or Fict ion?
Authors: Gutiérrez Herenia , Chamizo González Julián , Al-Mohareb Manar Moffadi
Published: April 2022

This study examines the possible influence of formalising women's cooperatives on Jordan's informal economy. At the same time, to produce empirical evidence from a theoretical perspective, we study how the crucial challenges of the informal economy affect formalisation. This is an empirical study, both descriptive and inferential, in which several databases are used to extract the relevant data from the sample of 66 Jordanian women's cooperatives in the period from 2011 to 2020. A dynamic panel data model is used for the study variables with controlling for specific fixed effects. The findings indicate that the formalisation policy in the cooperative sector does not affect the informal economy. Instead, the challenges significantly affect the informal economy.
Estimation of Informal Economy: Figures for Developed and Underdeveloped Countries Around the World
Authors: Schneider Firedrich
Published: April 2022

This paper estimates the size of the value added of the informal economy for 157 countries over 1991 to 2017 with the help of the MIMIC-method. The results show that OECD countries have by far the smallest informal economies, with sizes below 20 percent of official GDP. Moreover, informal economies are larger in Latin American and sub-Saharan African countries, averaging almost 38 and 39 percent of GDP, respectively. The average informal-economy size over all 157 countries and over 1991–2017 is 30.9 percent. The average decline in informal-economy size from 1991 to 2017 is a remarkable 6.8 percentage points. In addition, results of the size and development of undeclared or informal employment all over the world are shown. Except for Eastern Europe and Central Asia and Southern Africa, informal employment is above 50% of total employment and even over 88% in Southern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, some policy measures to reduce the informal economy and conclusions are given.
Generation of a Dynamical Logic Gate From Unstable Dissipative Systems of Type 1
Authors: Rivera-Durón Roberto R. , Sevilla-Escoboza Ricardo , Wang Qui-Ling
Published: April 2022

The obtainment of a dynamical logic gate (DLG), which is a device capable of implementing several logic functions using the same model, has been one of the goals of the scientific community. Dynamical systems, specifically those that display chaotic behavior, have been widely used to emulate different logic gates which are the basis of general-purpose computing. In this study, we present a methodology based on unstable dissipative systems of type 1 (UDS-1), a kind of dynamical system capable of generating multi-scrolls and multi-stability. Using these two features, we codify inputs, subsequently, we get the adequate output, developing in this way a dynamical (reconfigurable) logic gate that performs any of the sixteen possible logic functions of two inputs. A highlight of the proposed methodology is that the selection of the desired logic gate is realized just by varying a couple of parameters.
Comparison of Veterinary Nutrition Exam Results After Classroom or Virtual Teaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic at a German University
Authors: Böswald Linda F. , Pankratz Christina , Dobenecker Britta , Herbst Sarah , Klein Carmen , Alf Vanessa , Kienzle Ellen
Published: April 2022

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, university teaching had to be kept up in spite of severe contact restrictions. Virtual teaching of animal nutrition was implemented at the Veterinary Faculty of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Germany, for both lectures and practical courses. Live online classes were held via Zoom®, and recordings were accessible afterwards. Animal nutrition is taught in the 5th and 6th term of the veterinary studies, followed by an oral state exam about subjects from both terms. In this study, the success of classroom vs. virtual teaching in veterinary animal nutrition was evaluated by comparison of exam results. Two exam cohorts (2019, before the pandemic; 2020, with one term of virtual teaching during the pandemic) were evaluated. The results indicated no significant difference of teaching method on the grades. However, there was a significantly higher probability of students not taking or failing the exam in the 2020 exam cohort, suggesting a general effect of the pandemic on the students. Additionally, two surveys were distributed among the students during summer term 2020 and winter term 2020/21, when virtual teaching due to the pandemic had been implemented for the first time. The survey results provide insights into the students' view of benefits and problems of virtual teaching in animal nutrition at the LMU. The majority was in favor of the live online format for lectures and courses in computed-based ration calculation, whilst feedstuff demonstrations were preferred in classroom setting.
Uniting RNAi Technology and Conservation Biocontrol to Promote Global Food Security and Agrobiodiversity
Authors: Willow Jonathan , Cook Samantha M. , Veromann Eve , Smagghe Guy
Published: April 2022

Habitat loss and fragmentation, and the effects of pesticides, contribute to biodiversity losses and unsustainable food production. Given the United Nation’s (UN’s) declaration of this decade as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, we advocate combining conservation biocontrol-enhancing practices with the use of RNA interference (RNAi) pesticide technology, the latter demonstrating remarkable target-specificity via double-stranded (ds)RNA’s sequence-specific mode of action. This specificity makes dsRNA a biosafe candidate for integration into the global conservation initiative. Our interdisciplinary perspective conforms to the UN’s declaration, and is facilitated by the Earth BioGenome Project, an effort valuable to RNAi development given its utility in providing whole-genome sequences, allowing identification of genetic targets in crop pests, and potentially relevant sequences in non-target organisms. Interdisciplinary studies bringing together biocontrol-enhancing techniques and RNAi are needed, and should be examined for various crop‒pest systems to address this global problem.
Density-Dependent Migration Characteristics of Cancer Cells Driven by Pseudopod Interaction
Authors: Burger Gerhard A. , van de Water Bob , Le Dévédec Sylvia E. , Beltman Joost B.
Published: April 2022

The ability of cancer cells to invade neighboring tissue from primary tumors is an important determinant of metastatic behavior. Quantification of cell migration characteristics such as migration speed and persistence helps to understand the requirements for such invasiveness. One factor that may influence invasion is how local tumor cell density shapes cell migration characteristics, which we here investigate with a combined experimental and computational modeling approach. First, we generated and analyzed time-lapse imaging data on two aggressive Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) cell lines, HCC38 and Hs578T, during 2D migration assays at various cell densities. HCC38 cells exhibited a counter-intuitive increase in speed and persistence with increasing density, whereas Hs578T did not exhibit such an increase. Moreover, HCC38 cells exhibited strong cluster formation with active pseudopod-driven migration, especially at low densities, whereas Hs578T cells maintained a dispersed positioning. In order to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the density-dependent cell migration characteristics and cluster formation, we developed realistic spatial simulations using a Cellular Potts Model (CPM) with an explicit description of pseudopod dynamics. Model analysis demonstrated that pseudopods exerting a pulling force on the cell and interacting via increased adhesion at pseudopod tips could explain the experimentally observed increase in speed and persistence with increasing density in HCC38 cells. Thus, the density-dependent migratory behavior could be an emergent property of single-cell characteristics without the need for additional mechanisms. This implies that pseudopod dynamics and interaction may play a role in the aggressive nature of cancers through mediating dispersal.
Hdh-Tektin-4 Regulates Motility of Fresh and Cryopreserved Sperm in Pacific Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai
Authors: Sukhan Zahid Parvez , Hossen Shaharior , Cho Yusin , Lee Won Kyo , Kho Kang Hee
Published: April 2022

As structural components of sperm, tektins are thought to play a fundamental role in sperm flagellar motility. In this study, Tektin-4 (Hdh-TEKT4) gene was successfully cloned and characterized from the testis tissue in Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai. The full-length cDNA of Hdh-TEKT4 was 1,983 bp, with a coding region of 1,350 bp encoding 51.83 kDa putative protein of 449 deduced amino acids. Hdh-TEKT4 contains a tektin domain including a nonapeptide signature motif (RPGVDLCRD). Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that Hdh-TEKT4 localized in the spermatids of Pacific abalone testis. qRT-PCR analysis showed that Hdh-TEKT4 was predominantly expressed in testis tissues. Hdh-TEKT4 mRNA expression was upregulated during the fully mature testicular developmental stage in both seasonal development and EAT exposed abalone. Furthermore, mRNA expression of Hdh-TEKT4 was significantly higher in sperm with higher motility than in sperm with lower motility during peak breeding season, induced spawning activity stages, and after cryopreservation in different cryoprotectants. Taken together, these results indicate that the expression of Hdh-TEKT4 in Pacific abalone sperm might have a positive correlation with sperm motility.
Overcoming Cancer Drug Resistance Utilizing PROTAC Technology
Authors: Burke Matthew R. , Smith Alexis R. , Zheng Guangrong
Published: April 2022

Cancer drug resistance presents a major barrier to continued successful treatment of malignancies. Current therapies inhibiting proteins indicated in cancer progression are consistently found to lose efficacy as a result of acquired drug resistance, often caused by mutated or overexpressed protein targets. By hijacking the cellular ubiquitin-proteasome protein degradation machinery, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) offer an alternative therapeutic modality to cancer treatments with various potential advantages. PROTACs specific for a number of known cancer targets have been developed in the last 5 years, which present new options for remission in patients with previously untreatable malignancies and provide a foundation for future-generation compounds. One notable advantage of PROTACs, supported by evidence from a number of recent studies, is that they can overcome some of the resistance mechanisms to traditional targeted therapies. More recently, some groups have begun researching the use of PROTACs to successfully degrade mutated targets conferring cancer resistance against first-line treatments. In this review, we focus on analyzing the developments in PROTACs geared towards cancer resistance and targets that confer it in the search for new and successful therapies.
Effects of the Zbtb1 Gene on Chromatin Spatial Structure and Lymphatic Development: Combined Analysis of Hi-C, ATAC-Seq and RNA-Seq
Authors: Wang Junhong , Shi Chunwei , Cheng Mingyang , Lu Yiyuan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Fengdi , Sun Yu , Li Xiaoxu , Li Xinyang , Zeng Yan , Wang Chunfeng , Cao Xin
Published: April 2022

Zbtb1 (zinc finger and BTB domain containing 1) is a member of mammalian zbtb gene family. A series of bioinformatics analysis was carried out for the EL4 cell and the Zbtb1-deficient EL4 cell by Hi-C, ATAC-seq and RNA-seq techniques. Finally, Hi-C results showed that the intensity of chromatin interaction in the deletion group decreased with distance, the degree of chromosome interaction decreased significantly, the AB division region changed significantly, and the compactness of TAD structure decreased; The results of ATAC-seq showed that the open area and degree of chromatin in the deletion group decreased; 7778 differentially expressed mRNAs were found by RNA-seq. Our experimental results for the first time expounded the significance of Zbtb1 gene for T cell development, lymphocyte production and apoptosis from the aspects of chromosome spatial structure and chromatin opening degree, and provided relevant theoretical basis and data support for the in-depth study of related Zbtb1 genes in the future.
The Molecular and Functional Interaction Between Membrane-Bound Organelles and Membrane-Less Condensates
Authors: Zhou Chuankai
Published: April 2022

A major recent advance in cell biology is the mechanistic and kinetic understanding of biogenesis of many membrane-less condensates. As membrane-less condensates and membrane-bound organelles are two major approaches used by the eukaryotic cells to organize cellular contents, it is not surprising that these membrane-less condensates interact with the membrane-bound organelles and are dynamically regulated by the cellular signaling, metabolic states, and proteostasis network. In this review, I will discuss recent progress in the biogenesis of membrane-less condensates and their connections with well-studied membrane-bound organelles. Future work will reveal the molecular and functional connectome among different condensates and membrane-bound organelles.
Tracheal Ring Formation
Authors: Iber Dagmar , Mederacke Malte
Published: April 2022

The trachea is a long tube that enables air passage between the larynx and the bronchi. C-shaped cartilage rings on the ventral side stabilise the structure. On its esophagus-facing dorsal side, deformable smooth muscle facilitates the passage of food in the esophagus. While the symmetry break along the dorsal-ventral axis is well understood, the molecular mechanism that results in the periodic Sox9 expression pattern that translates into the cartilage rings has remained elusive. Here, we review the molecular regulatory interactions that have been elucidated, and discuss possible patterning mechanisms. Understanding the principles of self-organisation is important, both to define biomedical interventions and to enable tissue engineering.
Development of Uniform Porous Carbons From Polycarbazole Phthalonitriles as Durable CO2 Adsorbent and Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Alenezi Ghadeer Thani , Rajendran Narendran , Abdel Nazeer Ahmed , Makhseed Saad
Published: April 2022

Advances in new porous materials have recognized great consideration in CO2 capture and electrochemical energy storage (EES) applications. In this study, we reported a synthesis of two nitrogen-enriched KOH-activated porous carbons prepared from polycarbazole phthalonitrile networks through direct pyrolysis protocol. The highest specific surface area of the carbon material prepared by pyrolysis of p-4CzPN polymer reaches 1,279 m2 g−1. Due to the highly rigid and reticular structure of the precursor, the obtained c-4CzPN–KOH carbon material exhibits high surface area, uniform porosity, and shows excellent CO2 capture performance of 19.5 wt% at 0°C. Moreover, the attained porous carbon c-4CzPN–KOH showed high energy storage capacities of up to 451 F g−1 in aqueous electrolytes containing 6.0 M KOH at a current density of 1 A g-1. The prepared carbon material also exhibits excellent charge/discharge cycle stability and retains 95.9% capacity after 2000 cycles, indicating promising electrode materials for supercapacitors.
Spectroscopy, Structure, Biomacromolecular Interactions, and Antiproliferation Activity of a Fe(II) Complex With DPA-Bpy as Pentadentate Ligand
Authors: Bai Hehe , Shi Jia , Guo Qingyu , Wang Wenming , Zhang Zhigang , Li Yafeng , Vennampalli Manohar , Zhao Xuan , Wang Hongfei
Published: April 2022

An Fe(II) complex with DPA-Bpy (DPA-Bpy = N,N-bis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-2,20-bipyridine-6 -methanamine) as the ligand was synthesized and characterized to mimic bleomycin. The binding constants (Kb) of the complex with calf thymus DNA and human serum albumin (HSA) were quantitatively evaluated using fluorescence spectroscopy, with Kb as 5.53×105 and 2.40×104 M−1, respectively; the number of the average binding site (n) is close to 1. The thermodynamic analyses suggested that the electrostatic interactions exist between the complex and DNA, and the hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals force exist for the complex and HSA. The Fe complex exhibits cleavage ability toward pBR322 DNA, and the crystal structure of the HSA Fe complex adduct at 2.4 Å resolution clearly shows that His288 serves as the axial ligand of the Fe center complexed with a pentadentate DPA-Bpy ligand. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the complex was evaluated against HeLa cells. Both the Fe complex and HSA Fe complex adduct show obvious effect on cell proliferation with an IC50 of 1.18 and 0.82 μM, respectively; they induced cell apoptosis and arrested cell cycles at S phase. This study provides insight into the plausible mechanism underlying their metabolism and pharmacological activity.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection Modulates the Immune Response and Increases Mice Resistance to Cryptococcus gattii
Authors: Peres-Emidio Eluzia C. , Freitas Gustavo J. C. , Costa Marliete C. , Gouveia-Eufrasio Ludmila , Silva Lívia M. V. , Santos Anderson P. N. , Carmo Paulo H. F. , Brito Camila B. , Arifa Raquel D. N. , Bastos Rafael W. , Ribeiro Noelly Q. , Oliveira Lorena V. N. , Silva Monique F. , Paixão Tatiane A. , Saliba Alessandra M. , Fagundes Caio T. , Souza Daniele G. , Santos Daniel A.
Published: April 2022

Cryptococcosis is an invasive mycosis caused byCryptococcusspp. that affects the lungs and the central nervous system (CNS). Due to the severity of the disease, it may occur concomitantly with other pathogens, as a coinfection.Pseudomonas aeruginosa(Pa), an opportunistic pathogen, can also cause pneumonia. In this work, we studied the interaction ofC. gattii(Cg) and Pa, bothin vitroandin vivo. Pa reduced growth of Cg by the secretion of inhibitory moleculesin vitro. Macrophages previously stimulated with Pa presented increased fungicidal activity.In vivo, previous Pa infection reduced morbidity and delayed the lethality due to cryptococcosis. This phenotype was correlated with the decreased fungal burden in the lungs and brain, showing a delay of Cg translocation to the CNS. Also, there was increased production of IL-1β, CXCL-1, and IL-10, together with the influx of iNOS-positive macrophages and neutrophils to the lungs. Altogether, Pa turned the lung into a hostile environment to the growth of a secondary pathogen, making it difficult for the fungus to translocate to the CNS. Further, iNOS inhibition reverted the Pa protective phenotype, suggesting itsimportant role in the coinfection. Altogether, the primary Pa infection leads to balanced pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses during Cg infection. This response provided better control of cryptococcosis and was decisive for the mild evolution of the disease and prolonged survival of coinfected mice in a mechanism dependent on iNOS.
Research on Chinese Journalists' Scientific Literacy
Authors: Hu Xiao Juan
Published: April 2022

Journalists are always on the “second battlefield” of fighting against COVID-19. In the face of major public health events, their scientific literacy is directly related to the effect of emergency science popularization. Based on related surveys and interview data in China, this article reviews the research on journalists' scientific literacy, clarifies the value of scientific literacy in journalism, and analyzes the cognition and practice of journalist scientific literacy. Through the analysis of cognition and practice, it explores feasible ways to effectively improve scientific literacy. The study found that journalist scientific literacy has a unique value in the crisis period, but the real measurement and self-cognition are not high. In the post-epidemic era, the social construction of science communication is stronger, and the media need to achieve a high degree of interaction with the scientific community to transform authoritative knowledge into popular science. Journalists should improve scientific literacy from their learning and professional training while using new media technology to scientifically demonstrate information.
Folate Status and Mortality in US Adults With Diabetes: A Nationally Representative Cohort Study
Authors: Xiong Hui , Li Xiaoxiao , Cheng Shuxian , Chen Pengyu , Guo Sixu , Huang Xianli , Lu Yu
Published: April 2022

Background

Public health concerns have gradually shifted from inadequate intakes to potential adverse effects associated with excessive folate intakes following the full implementation of mandatory folate fortification. This study aimed to examine the associations of red blood cell (RBC) folate with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among patients with diabetes.

Methods

Data of 15,514 adults aged 20 years or older, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994), were analyzed as the baseline examination. The participants were linked to mortality data from the survey date until December 31, 2015. The associations of RBC folate with all-cause and CVD mortality were examined using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

During 297,708 person–years of follow-up (median of 19.2 years), 6,106 total deaths occurred, including 1,867 deaths from CVD, 1452 deaths from ischemic heart disease, and 415 deaths from stroke disease. The participants with the highest quartile of RBC folate had higher odds of diabetes (fully-adjusted odds ratio: 1.94 [95% CI: 1.53–2.48]). In Cox regression analyses, compared with the participants with the lowest quartile of RBC folate for diabetes, those from quartile 3 and quartile 4 had HRs (95% CIs) of 1.12 (0.87, 1.43) and 1.30 (1.04, 1.63) in all-cause mortality, respectively; in CVD mortality, the HRs were 1.73 (1.08, 2.76) and 1.47 (0.98, 2.22); in ischemic heart disease mortality, they were 2.01 (1.19, 3.39) and 1.62 (1.05, 2.50), respectively. However, high levels of RBC folate were negatively associated with all-cause mortality, CVD mortality and ischemic heart disease mortality in non-diabetes.

Conclusion

From the nationally representative data, increasing levels in RBC folate were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality among those diagnosed with diabetes, but high levels of RBC folate had a mild protective effect in non-diabetes. The underlying mechanism regarding folate and adverse outcomes in diabetes warrants further clarification.
Non-coding RNA-Associated Therapeutic Strategies in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Tang Yuyan , Li Huaping , Chen Chen
Published: April 2022

Atherosclerosis has been the main cause of disability and mortality in the world, resulting in a heavy medical burden for all countries. It is widely known to be a kind of chronic inflammatory disease in the blood walls, of which the key pathogenesis is the accumulation of immunologic cells in the lesion, foam cells formation, and eventually plaque rupture causing ischemia of various organs. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a vital role in regulating the physiologic and pathophysiologic processes in cells. More and more studies have revealed that ncRNAs also participated in the development of atherosclerosis and regulated cellular phenotypes such as endothelial dysfunction, leukocyte recruitment, foam cells formation, and vascular smooth muscle cells phenotype-switching and apoptosis. Given the broad functions of ncRNAs in atherogenesis, they have become potential therapeutic targets. Apart from that, ncRNAs have become powerful blueprints to design new drugs. For example, RNA interference drugs were inspired by small interfering RNAs that exist in normal cellular physiologic processes and behave as negative regulators of specific proteins. For instance, inclisiran is a kind of RNAi drug targeting PCKS9 mRNA, which can lower the level of LDL-C and treat atherosclerosis. We introduce some recent research progresses on ncRNAs related to atherosclerotic pathophysiologic process and the current clinical trials of RNA drugs pointed at atherosclerosis.
Students Understanding of Earthquakes and Tsunamis in High Risk Areas
Authors: Cabello Valeria M.
Published: April 2022

Population growth and spread have increased human exposure to natural hazards and potential disasters affecting people’s quality of life. This situation is especially manifested in marginalized or vulnerable areas. Moreover, within such vulnerable areas, children are especially affected, and are, at the same time, considered to be agents of change. However, children’s voices have been scarcely considered for disaster risk reduction planning, and science education has not widely addressed these ideas. This study explores the understanding of earthquakes and tsunamis by children living in high-risk areas of Chile during a learning unit and according to their geographical zone. The study was part of a context-based science education learning unit. One hundred and two students from four schools used explanations to draw and write the causes of the risk situation, revealing their understanding of each phenomenon. The results show most students attributed earthquakes to the Tectonic Plates Theory while holding ancient scientific ideas about tsunami causes, for example, some explanations were based on air pressures. More sophisticated reasoning was found at the end of the learning unit, advancing their understanding of hazards promoted by the science education of the learning unit. The relevance of context-based science education for disaster risk reduction is discussed, especially for the cases of children with animistic - transferring human needs and attributes to non-animated entities- or fatalist understandings of the phenomena. The scientific understanding perhaps promotes empowerment and action-based choices for safety. Furthermore, the argument for policy curriculum design in primary science education for mitigating disasters is discussed.
The Necessity of Lymph Node Dissection Between Sternocleidomastoid and Sternohyoid Muscles in pN1b Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Zhai Yuanpeng , Ruan Litao
Published: April 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the association between clinicopathologic variables and metastasis of the lymph node (LN) between the sternocleidomastoid and sternohyoid muscles (LNSS) to clarify the necessity of LNSS dissection in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs).

Methods

A total of 219 patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral neck dissection for PTCs were prospectively enrolled. The associations between clinicopathologic variables and LNSS metastasis were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

LNSS was present in 108 (40.1%) neck dissection samples and in 76 (34.7%) patients. Positive LNSS occurred in 40/269 (14.9%) neck dissection samples and in 20/219 (9.1%) patients. Univariate analysis showed that tumor stage, number of positive nodes in level III, and number of positive nodes in level IV were related to LNSS metastasis. Multivariate analysis confirmed that T3/4 stage tumors and >2 positive LNs in level IV independently increased the risk of LNSS metastasis.

Conclusions

The low rate of LNSS metastasis would deem routine dissection unnecessary; however, LNSS would require excision if advanced stage tumors or level IV LN metastasis were present.
Experimental Study on the Interaction Between CO2 and Rock During CO2 Pre-pad Energized Fracturing Operation in Thin Interbedded Shale
Authors: Li Baiyang , Mou Jianye , Zhang Shicheng , Ma Xinfang , Zou Yushi , Wang Fei
Published: April 2022

To investigate the impact of CO2 on rocks during the whole period of CO2 pre-pad energized fracturing operation for thin interbedded shale reservoir, including fracturing and well shut-in, a series of laboratory triaxial fracturing experiments and CO2 soaking experiments were conducted on thin interbedded shale (from Jimsar formations). In these experiments, combined with computed tomography (CT), the effect of fracturing fluid, horizontal principal stress difference, vertical principal stress, and natural fractures on fracture morphology were studied respectively. And based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments, the dissolution of minerals and the changes of pore structure before and after CO2 soaking were analyzed. The results of the fracturing experiment show that the bedding planes are easy to be opened by low viscosity of CO2 and the longitudinal fractures intersect with bedding planes to build a complex fracture network. During CO2 fracturing of thin interbedded shale, the horizontal principal stress difference is no longer a crucial factor to form a complex fracture network, but the vertical stress and natural fractures play important roles. And the soaking experiments indicate that the main dissolved mineral is carbonate whose dissolution ratio can reach 45.2% after soaking for 5 days, leading to the expansion of original pores or the exposure of new pores.
Assessing the Value of Ecosystem Services From an Indigenous Estate: Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area, Australia
Authors: Coyne Cynthia , Williams Greg , Sangha Kamaljit K.
Published: April 2022

The value of ecological systems to human well-being and the economy is often not estimated in contemporary economic and policy decision making processes. Estimating non-marketable and marketable values of ecosystem services from Indigenous managed land provides significant information about the role that the natural environment plays in maintaining the well-being of people. This research investigates the value of ecosystem services from an Indigenous Protected Area, the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area—an estate managed by Indigenous people in northern Australia. It provides valuable insights for policy makers, land managers, and future development programs while informing the importance of managing Indigenous lands for the local and wider public benefits. Additionally, applying the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework and the standard ecological economic valuation techniques, this study presents ‘realistic’ values of marketable and non-marketable ecosystem services identified from the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area. The total value of ecosystem services was estimated at $32.6 million per year, which are largely non-marketable (such as climate and water regulation) and these values flow to the local and wider public. This research further argues that investing in managing Indigenous estates helps in reducing welfare costs for the Australian Government worth, in the case of the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area, $8 million per year. Overall, the value of ecosystem services and cost savings demonstrate the real benefits that Indigenous people obtain for working on their land, termed as “Country.” In addition, Indigenous land management delivers offsite ecological, social, and cultural ecosystem services (value estimated at $29 million per year for the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area) which are typically ignored in policy decision making regarding Indigenous matters in Australia. This study highlights the importance of land managed by Indigenous people in Australia and worldwide to comprehend the real value of benefits and suggests developing appropriate stewardship arrangements to support people’s efforts.
Generation and Management of Faecal Sludge Quantities and Potential for Resource Recovery in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Authors: Eliyan Chea , McConville Jennifer R. , Zurbrügg Christian , Koottatep Thammarat , Sothea Kok , Vinnerås Björn
Published: April 2022

At the current rate of progress, there will probably still be 2.8 billion people world-wide without safely managed sanitation by 2030. To incentivise and increase implementation of sustainable faecal sludge management (FSM), especially in low and middle-income countries like Cambodia, human waste must be regarded as a resource. However, planning data, e.g. on the quantities, composition and fate of faecal sludge after leaving households, are inadequate and lack accuracy. The aim of this study was to provide baseline data for effective FSM planning by sanitation stakeholders in Phnom Penh. This was done by quantifying sludge volumes generated, transport logistics and resource recovery potential to incentivise sustainable management. Interviews were conducted with users and emptying and transportation contractors, together with collection of technical data about on-site sanitation systems. Geographical coordinates of household sampling locations and disposal sites were also mapped. The results revealed that Cheung Ek and Kob Srov wetlands are the main recipients of faecal sludge collected in Phnom Penh with the amount of 18,800 m3 and 13,700 m3 annually, respectively. The analysis showed that faecal sludge in Phnom Penh contains valuable resources such as nitrogen (6 tons), phosphorus (13 tons) and energy (148-165 GWh) annually, but in-depth investigations of appropriate treatment options for resource recovery are required. Detailed documentation of the location of potential recoverable resources from faecal sludge would assist decision-makers in developing action plans for sustainable FSM in Phnom Penh and similar cities.
The Diversity in the Genus Canis Challenges Conservation Biology: A Review of Available Data on Asian Wolves
Authors: Werhahn Geraldine , Senn Helen , Macdonald David W. , Sillero-Zubiri Claudio
Published: April 2022

Taxa belonging to the GenusCaniscan challenge taxonomists because species boundaries and distribution ranges are often gradual. Species delineation withinCanisis currently not based on consistent criteria, and is hampered by geographical bias and lack of taxonomic research. But a consistent taxonomy is critical, given its importance for assigning legal protection, conservation priorities, and financial resources. We carried out a qualitative review of the major wolf lineages so far identified from Asia from historical to contemporary time and considered relevant morphological, ecological, and genetic evidence. We present full mitochondrial phylogenies and genetic distances between these lineages. This review aims to summarize the available data on contemporary Asian wolf lineages within the context of the larger phylogeneticCanisgroup and to work toward a taxonomy that is consistent within the Canidae. We found support for the presence and taxon eligibility of Holarctic gray, Himalayan/Tibetan, Indian, and Arabian wolves in Asia and recommend their recognition at the taxonomic levels consistent within the group.