bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal distribution of ground-level ozone in China at a city level
Authors: Yang Guangfei , Liu Yuhong , Li Xianneng
Published: April 2020

In recent years, ozone (O3) pollution in China has shown a worsening trend. Due to the vast territory of China, O3 pollution is a widespread and complex problem. It is vital to understand the current spatiotemporal distribution of O3 pollution in China. In this study, we collected hourly data on O3 concentrations in 338 cities from January 1, 2016, to February 28, 2019, to analyze O3 pollution in China from a spatiotemporal perspective. The spatial analysis showed that the O3 concentrations exceeded the limit in seven geographical regions of China to some extent, with more serious pollution in North, East, and Central China. The O3 concentrations in the eastern areas were usually higher than those in the western areas. The temporal analysis showed seasonal variations in O3 concentration, with the highest O3 concentration in the summer and the lowest in the winter. The weekend effect, which occurs in other countries (such as the USA), was found only in some cities in China. We also found that the highest O3 concentration usually occurred in the afternoon and the lowest was in the early morning. The comprehensive analysis in this paper could improve our understanding of the severity of O3 pollution in China.
Identifying the HLA DRB1-DQB1 molecules and predicting epitopes associated with high-risk HPV infection clearance and redetection
Authors: Del Río-Ospina Luisa , Camargo Milena , Soto-De León Sara C. , Sánchez Ricardo , Moreno-Pérez Darwin A. , Patarroyo Manuel E. , Patarroyo Manuel A.
Published: April 2020

Several determining factors are involved in HPV infection outcomes; human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms have been described as related factors. This study has ascertained the effect of genetic variation on HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 genes on HPV-16/-18/-31/-33/-45 and -58 clearance and redetection in Colombian women. PCR and qPCR were used for viral identification and the Illumina MiSeq system was used for HLA-typing of cervical samples (n = 276). Survival models were adjusted for identifying alleles/haplotypes related to HPV clearance/redetection; L1/L2 protein-epitope binding to MHC-II molecules was also predicted. Significant associations suggested effects favouring or hampering clearance/redetection events depending on the viral type involved in infection, e.g. just DRB1*12:01:01G favoured HPV-16 (coeff: 4.8) and HPV-45 clearance (coeff: 12.65) whilst HPV-18 (coeff: 2E-15), HPV-31 (coeff: 8E-17) and HPV-58 hindered elimination (coeff: 1E-14). An effect was only observed for some alelles when configured as haplotypes, e.g. DRB1*04:07:01G (having the greatest frequency in the target population) was associated with DQB1*02:01:1G or *03:02:03. Epitope prediction identified 23 clearance-related peptides and 29 were redetection-related; eight might have been related to HPV-16/-18 and -58 persistence and one to HPV-18 elimination. HLA allele/haplotype relationship with the course of HPV infection (clearance/redetection) depended on the infecting HPV type, in line with the specific viral epitopes displayed.
On the Mechanism of Laboratory Earthquake Nucleation Highlighted by Acoustic Emission
Authors: Ostapchuk A. A. , Morozova K. G.
Published: April 2020

Dynamics of granular media is the key to understanding behavior of many natural systems. In this work we concentrate on studying regularities of deformation of a gouge-filled fault. Confined granular layer – model fault – subjected to an external stress may display sudden slip owing to rearrangement of the granular layer. In nature fast slip along a fault results in an earthquake. To understand fault behavior better, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis of acoustic emission (AE) data that accompany stick-slip in granular media. Here we reveal and trace the emergence of two populations of AE. The first one is characterized by a waveform with a harsh onset, while the second one exhibits a gradual amplitude rise and a tremor-like waveform. During a regular stick-slip the statistical properties of the first population remains intact. The second one is very sensitive to alterations of stress conditions, and its scaling parameters correlate with the change of mechanical characteristics of the fault. Probably, AE populations were identified corresponding to two gouge-filled fault subsystems – a load-bearing granular network and an ensemble of relatively unloaded grains in the granular layer. The detected regularities point to a compound self-organization processes in fault zones and suggest that the final stage of earthquake preparation can be revealed in analyzing the scaling characteristics of seismic-acoustic data.
Flock-dependent exploitation of a limited resource in House Sparrow
Authors: Ligorio Elisa , Tuliozi Beniamino , Hoi Herbert , Griggio Matteo
Published: April 2020

The performances of different social groups can depend on various characteristics, such as familiarity among their members or the presence of individuals with specific traits. However, it has rarely been investigated how groups perform during an encounter with other conspecifics, even if in the natural environment social groups often run into each other and compete for resources. We investigated whether a certain characteristic of the group (i.e., familiarity) could benefit its members when they are confronted with another group. We designed a novel experimental set-up, creating triads of captive house sparrows(Passer domesticus)and examining whether in a situation of competition for limited resources one triad could gain benefits over the other (consume more mealworms,Tenebrio molitor). While we did not find an effect of previous familiarity among triad members on the triads’ performances, we discovered a group-based difference in the number of mealworms eaten per capita. Group-mates of the very first individual to eat a mealworm (first feeder) ate more mealworms than those in the opposing triad. First feeder individuals also foraged sooner and more than other birds in a subsequent prey consumption assay. Our results suggest that individual performances were influenced by group membership, even when groups were exploiting the same resource simultaneously.
Maternal H. pylori is associated with differential fecal microbiota in infants born by vaginal delivery
Authors: Hernandez Caroll D. , Shin Hakdong , Troncoso Paula A. , Vera Macarena H. , Villagran Andrea A. , Rodriguez-Rivera Selena M. , Ortiz Marlene A. , Serrano Carolina A. , Borzutzky Arturo , Dominguez-Bello Maria Gloria , Harris Paul R.
Published: April 2020

Helicobacter pylori colonization may affect the mucosal immune system through modification of microbiota composition and their interactions with the host. We hypothesized that maternal H. pylori status affects the maternal intestinal microbiota of both mother and newborn. In this study, we determine the structure of the fecal microbiota in mothers and neonates according to maternal H. pylori status and delivery mode. We included 22 mothers and H. pylori infection was determined by fecal antigen test. Eleven mothers (50%) were H. pylori-positive (7 delivering vaginally and 4 by C-section), and 11 were negative (6 delivering vaginally and 5 by C-section). Stool samples were obtained from mothers and infants and the fecal DNA was sequenced. The fecal microbiota from mothers and their babies differed by the maternal H. pylori status, only in vaginal birth, not in C-section delivery. All 22 infants tested negative for fecal H. pylori at 15 days of age, but those born vaginally –and not those by C-section- showed differences in the infant microbiota by maternal H. pylori status (PERMANOVA, p = 0.01), with higher abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Veillonella, in those born to H. pylori-positive mothers. In conclusion, the structure of the infant fecal microbiota is affected by the maternal H. pylori status only in infants born vaginally, suggesting that the effect could be mediated by labor and birth exposures.
Regulation of left atrial fibrosis induced by mitral regurgitation by SIRT1
Authors: Zhang Dong , Li Bo , Li Bin , Tang Yue
Published: April 2020

SIRT1 (silent information regulator 1) is a histone deacetylase. It can sense the energy level in cells and delay cell senescence, leading to resistance to external stress and improving metabolism. Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common disease in cardiac surgery. However, there are no previous studies on SIRT1 and left atrial fibrosis caused by MR. In this study, we aimed to explore the regulatory effect of SIRT1 on left atrial fibrosis induced by MR. We used Guizhou miniature pigs to establish an MR model and a sham operation model after anaesthesia induction and respiratory intubation, and these model animals were followed for 30 months after the surgery. The differential distribution and expression of SIRT1 and collagen I in the left atrium was determined by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Furthermore, we treated NIH3T3 fibroblasts (CFs) with resveratrol and Angiotensin II (Ang II) to analyse the specific mechanism involved in the development of myocardial fibrosis. The results showed that the MR model was successfully constructed. There were 8 pigs in the MR group and 6 pigs in the control group. In both the animal experiments and the cell experiments, the expression of collagen I in the MR group was increased significantly compared to that in the control group, while the expression of SIRT1 was decreased.
Author Correction: Revealing universal quantum contextuality through communication games
Authors: Pan A. K.
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Auranofin Rapidly Eradicates Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in an Infected Pressure Ulcer Mouse Model
Authors: Mohammad Haroon , Abutaleb Nader S. , Seleem Mohamed N.
Published: April 2020

Pressure ulcers (PUs) frequently occur in individuals with limited mobility including patients that are hospitalized or obese. PUs are challenging to resolve when infected by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In this study, we investigated the potential of repurposing auranofin to treat pressure ulcers infected with MRSA. Auranofin’s in vitro activity against strains of S. aureus (including MRSA) was not affected in the presence of higher bacterial inoculum (107 CFU/mL) or by lowering the pH in standard media to simulate the environment present on the surface of the skin. Additionally, S. aureus did not develop resistance to auranofin after repeated exposure for two weeks via a multi-step resistance selection experiment. In contrast, S. aureus resistance to mupirocin emerged rapidly. Moreover, auranofin exhibited a long postantibiotic effect (PAE) in vitro against three strains of S. aureus tested. Remarkably, topical auranofin completely eradicated MRSA (8-log10 reduction) in infected PUs of obese mice after just four days of treatment. This was superior to both topical mupirocin (1.96-log10 reduction) and oral clindamycin (1.24-log10 reduction), which are used to treat infected PUs clinically. The present study highlights auranofin’s potential to be investigated further as a treatment for mild-to-moderate PUs infected with S. aureus.
BMPR2 promotes fatty acid oxidation and protects white adipocytes from cell death in mice
Authors: Qian Shuwen , Pan Jiabao , Su Yan , Tang Yan , Wang Yina , Zou Ying , Zhao Yaxin , Ma Hong , Zhang Youyou , Liu Yang , Guo Liang , Tang Qi-qun
Published: April 2020

Adipocyte cell death is pathologically involved in both obesity and lipodystrophy. Inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines are generally regarded as inducers for adipocyte apoptosis, but whether some innate defects affect their susceptibility to cell death has not been extensively studied. Here, we found bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) knockout adipocytes were prone to cell death, which involved both apoptosis and pyroptosis. BMPR2 deficiency in adipocytes inhibited phosphorylation of perilipin, a lipid-droplet-coating protein, and impaired lipolysis when stimulated by tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), which lead to failure of fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, impaired lipolysis was associated with mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and pyroptosis as well as elevated inflammation. These results suggest that BMPR2 is important for maintaining the functional integrity of adipocytes and their ability to survive when interacting with inflammatory factors, which may explain why adipocytes among individuals show discrepancy for death responses in inflammatory settings.
Supramolecularly regulated copper-bisoxazoline catalysts for the efficient insertion of carbenoid species into hydroxyl bonds
Authors: Iniesta Ester , Vidal-Ferran Anton
Published: April 2020

Maximisation of the yield by the choice of the regulation agent (RA).
An enzyme-controlled Janus nanomachine for on-command dual and sequential release
Authors: Pérez-Calabuig Ana M. , Díez Paula , Martínez-Ruiz Paloma , Martínez-Máñez Ramón , Sánchez Alfredo , Villalonga Reynaldo
Published: April 2020

A novel multi-stimuli responsive Janus nanomachine with enzymatic control for dual and sequential release of two different payloads was developed.
Generic high-capacity protein capture and release by pH control
Authors: Ferrand-Drake del Castillo G. , Hailes R. L. N. , Adali-Kaya Z. , Robson T. , Dahlin Andreas
Published: April 2020

A new and generic method for protein capture-release by polyelectrolyte brushes and pH control.
Three-dimensional DNA nanostructures for dual-color microRNA imaging in living cells via hybridization chain reaction
Authors: Lv Meng-Mei , Wu Zhan , Yu Ru-Qin , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: April 2020

A well-defined 3D DNA nanostructure was developed by combination of DNA tetrahedron and Y-shaped DNA, which allowed multiplexed, signal amplified fluorescent imaging of miRNAs in living cells via hybridization chain reaction.
ATP-responsive laccase@ZIF-90 as a signal amplification platform to achieve indirect highly sensitive online detection of ATP in rat brain
Authors: Zhang Wang , Wang Chao , Peng Meihong , Ren Guoyuan , Li Kai , Lin Yuqing
Published: April 2020

ATP-responsive laccase@ZIF-90 acts as a signal amplification platform for indirect and highly sensitive online detection of ATP in rat brain.
Reduction of carbodiimides by a dialumane through insertion and cycloaddition
Authors: Xiao Lin , Chen Weixing , Shen Lingyi , Liu Li , Xue Yujie , Zhao Yanxia , Yang Xiao-Juan
Published: April 2020

Dialumane reacts with carbodiimides, RNCNR (R = Cy, iPr, dipp, tBu), through insertion, [2+4] cycloaddition and a hydrogen transfer process.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-l-fucose and its enzymatic incorporation into glycoconjugates
Authors: Valverde Pablo , Vendeville Jean-Baptiste , Hollingsworth Kristian , Mattey Ashley P. , Keenan Tessa , Chidwick Harriet , Ledru Helene , Huonnic Kler , Huang Kun , Light Mark E. , Turner Nicholas , Jiménez-Barbero Jesús , Galan M. Carmen , Fascione Martin A. , Flitsch Sabine , Turnbull W. Bruce , Linclau Bruno
Published: April 2020

A chemoenzymatic synthesis of 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-l-fucose, using a d- to l-sugar translation strategy, and its enzymatic activation and glycosylation, is reported.
Simultaneous non-covalent bi-functionalization of 1T-MoS2 ruled by electrostatic interactions: towards multi-responsive materials
Authors: Iglesias Daniel , Ippolito Stefano , Ciesielski Artur , Samorì Paolo
Published: April 2020

Dual functionalization of chemically exfoliated MoS2 has been achieved by exploiting coulombic interactions among positively charged molecules and the negatively charged 2D flakes.
Correction: Two-dimensional porous nickel oxalate thin sheets constructed by ultrathin nanosheets as electrode materials for high-performance aqueous supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Chenglan , Jiang Yuqian , Liang Shunfei , Gao Fang , Xie Li , Chen Lingyun
Published: April 2020

Correction for ‘Two-dimensional porous nickel oxalate thin sheets constructed by ultrathin nanosheets as electrode materials for high-performance aqueous supercapacitors’ by Chenglan Zhao et al., CrystEngComm, 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0ce00268b.
Stark and Zeeman effects on the topological phase and transport properties of topological crystalline insulator thin films
Authors: Huong Pham Thi , Nguyen Chuong V. , Phuc Huynh V. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Hoi Bui D. , Phuong Le T. T.
Published: April 2020

We applied a perpendicular electric field and an in-plane magnetic field to not only tune the Dirac gap of a SnTe(001) thin film and find the phase transition but also to investigate their effects on the group velocity of both massless and massive surface Dirac fermions.
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over nickel cobalt bimetallic phosphate anchored graphitic carbon nitrides by regulation of the d-band electronic structure
Authors: Zhang Yuanzheng , Dai Yunrong , Yin Lifeng , Li Huihui , Chen Xiang , Chen Bin
Published: April 2020

The electronic regulation function played by the Ni/Co molar ratio in nickel cobalt phosphate co-catalysts is vital for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency.
Calibration-free quantitative analysis of D/H isotopes with a fs-laser filament
Authors: Li Genggeng , Hou Huaming , Ran Pengxu , Zhao Yunlong , Zhong Zhengye
Published: April 2020

A novel calibration-free approach for quantitative analysis of hydrogen isotopes with high accuracy is proposed.
Peptide bond cleavage in the presence of Ni-containing particles
Authors: Wezynfeld Nina Ewa , Frączyk Tomasz , Bonna Arkadiusz , Bal Wojciech
Published: April 2020

NiO nanoparticles and non-stoichiometric black NiO were shown to be effective sources of Ni2+ ions causing sequence-selective peptide bond hydrolysis. NiO nanoparticles were as effective in this reaction as their molar equivalent of soluble Ni(ii) salt. These findings highlight the efficacy of delivery of toxic Ni2+ by these environmentally available particles.
Understanding the ML black box with simple descriptors to predict cluster–adsorbate interaction energy
Authors: Agarwal Sheena , Mehta Shweta , Joshi Kavita
Published: April 2020

Density functional theory (DFT) is currently one of the most accurate and yet practical theories used to gain insight into the properties of materials.
Rapid production of block copolymer nano-objects via continuous-flow ultrafast RAFT dispersion polymerisation
Authors: Parkinson Sam , Knox Stephen T. , Bourne Richard A. , Warren Nicholas J.
Published: April 2020

Continuous-flow reactors are exploited for conducting ultrafast RAFT dispersion polymerisation for the preparation of diblock copolymer nanoparticles.
Epoxy-functional diblock copolymer spheres, worms and vesicles via polymerization-induced self-assembly in mineral oil
Authors: Docherty Philip J. , Girou Chloé , Derry Matthew J. , Armes Steven P.
Published: April 2020

Epoxy-functional poly(stearyl methacrylate)-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) spheres, worms or vesicles can be prepared by RAFT dispersion polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate in mineral oil at 70 °C.
Dicarboxylic acid cross-linked metal ion decorated bentonite clay and chitosan for fluoride removal studies
Authors: Nagaraj Ammavasi , Pillay Kriveshini , Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni , Rajan Mariappan
Published: April 2020

The adsorbent CeBC-A@CS nanocomposite has the maximum fluoride adsorption capacity.
Novel ultraviolet (UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials discovered by chemical substitution-oriented design
Authors: Zou Guohong , Ok Kang Min
Published: April 2020

A brief introduction to chemical substitution-oriented design to discover high performance ultraviolet (UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) solid state materials is presented.
O-glycan recognition and function in mice and human cancers
Authors: Cervoni Gabrielle E. , Cheng Jane J. , Stackhouse Kathryn A. , Heimburg-Molinaro Jamie , Cummings Richard D.
Published: April 2020

Protein glycosylation represents a nearly ubiquitous post-translational modification, and altered glycosylation can result in clinically significant pathological consequences. Here we focus on O-glycosylation in tumor cells of mice and humans. O-glycans are those linked to serine and threonine (Ser/Thr) residues via N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), which are oligosaccharides that occur widely in glycoproteins, such as those expressed on the surfaces and in secretions of all cell types. The structure and expression of O-glycans are dependent on the cell type and disease state of the cells. There is a great interest in O-glycosylation of tumor cells, as they typically express many altered types of O-glycans compared with untransformed cells. Such altered expression of glycans, quantitatively and/or qualitatively on different glycoproteins, is used as circulating tumor biomarkers, such as CA19-9 and CA-125. Other tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs), such as the Tn antigen and sialyl-Tn antigen (STn), are truncated O-glycans commonly expressed by carcinomas on multiple glycoproteins; they contribute to tumor development and serve as potential biomarkers for tumor presence and stage, both in immunohistochemistry and in serum diagnostics. Here we discuss O-glycosylation in murine and human cells with a focus on colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers, centering on the structure, function and recognition of O-glycans. There are enormous opportunities to exploit our knowledge of O-glycosylation in tumor cells to develop new diagnostics and therapeutics.
Brevinin-1GHd: a novel Hylarana guentheri skin secretion-derived Brevinin-1 type peptide with antimicrobial and anticancer therapeutic potential
Authors: Jiang Yangyang , Wu Yue , Wang Tao , Chen Xiaoling , Zhou Mei , Ma Chengbang , Xi Xinping , Zhang Ying , Chen Tianbao , Shaw Chris , Wang Lei
Published: April 2020

Host-defense antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from amphibians are usually considered as one of the most promising next-generation antibiotics because of their excellent antimicrobial properties and low cytotoxicity. In the present study, one novel Brevinin-1 type peptide, Brevinin-1GHd, was isolated and characterized from the skin secretion of the frog, Hylarana guentheri. Brevinin-1GHd was found to possess a wide range of antimicrobial activity through penetrating the bacterial membrane within a short time while showing low hemolysis at bactericidal concentrations, even against the resistant strains. It also inhibited and eradicated biofilms that are thought to be closely related to the rise in resistance. Meanwhile, Brevinin-1GHd exhibited wide-spectrum anti-proliferation activity toward human cancer lines. Taken together, these results indicate that Brevinin-1GHd with its excellent antimicrobial and anticancer activities is a promising candidate for a novel antibiotic agent, and study of its structure–activity relationships also provided a rational template for further research and peptide analog design.
Identification of co-expressed genes associated with MLL rearrangement in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Bei , Cheng Juan , Ma Haizhen , Li Zijian , Xi Yaming
Published: April 2020

Rearrangements involving the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene are common adverse prognostic factors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Even allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation does not improve the outcome of ALL cases with some types of MLL rearrangements. The aim of the present study was to identify the co-expressed genes that related to MLL rearrangement (MLL-r) and elucidate the potential mechanisms of how MLL-r and their partner genes lead to leukemogenesis. Gene co-expression networks were constructed using the gene expression data and sample traits of 204 pretreated pediatric ALL patients, and co-expression modules significantly related to the MLL-r were screened out. Gene ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of the module genes were performed. Hub genes were identified and their expression levels were analyzed in samples with or without MLL-r and the results were validated by an independent investigation. Furthermore, the relationships between the hub genes and sample traits were analyzed. In total, 21 co-expression modules were identified. The green module was positively correlated with MLL-r. PROM1, LGALS1, CD44, FUT4 and HOXA10 were identified as hub genes, which were involved in focal adhesion, calcium-dependent phospholipid binding, connective tissue development and transcriptional misregulation in cancer. The expression levels of the five hub genes were significantly increased in MLL-r samples, and the results were further validated. PROM1, LGALS1, CD44 and HOXA10 were positively related to the leukocyte count. These findings might provide novel insight regarding the mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for pediatric ALL with MLL-r.
Multi‐touch detector architecture based on efficient buffering of intensities and labels
Authors: Kong B.Y.
Published: April 2020

This Letter presents a multi‐touch detector architecture incorporating an efficient buffering scheme. Most of the power consumption in a detector is originated from the intensive use of buffers that necessitate dual‐port memories. To alleviate the silicon area and the power consumption, the author scrutinises and manipulates the pattern of requests made to the buffers. More specifically, two consecutive requests are rescheduled to be processed at once, and the buffers and the surrounding circuits are modified accordingly. As a result, only one request is made to a buffer at a time, and the dual‐port memories are substituted with the single‐port counterparts. Implementation results demonstrate that the proposed architecture can diminish the silicon area by 36% and the power consumption by 17% compared with the state‐of‐the‐art one.
Compact dual‐band bandpass filter using coupled lines and shorted stubs
Authors: Li Donghao , Xu Kai‐Da
Published: April 2020

A compact dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) based on parallel coupled lines and shorted stubs has been presented in this Letter. The transmission and reflection coefficients of the proposed dual‐band BPF are straightforwardly derived via the input impedances using odd‐ and even‐mode analysis methods. Four transmission poles in the two passbands and nine deep transmission zeros (TZs) in the stopband can be realised. The centre frequencies and bandwidths of the two passbands can be tuned by controlling the impedance parameters of the coupled lines and shorted stubs. For demonstration, a prototype example of this dual‐band BPF with a small size is experimentally characterised. The measured results show that it has high‐frequency selectivity with multiple TZs at the stopband.
Evaluation of Azadirachtin onArthrospira plantensisGomont growth parameters and antioxidant enzymes
Authors: Tunca Hatice , Doğru Ali , Köçkar Feray , Önem Burçin , Ongun Sevindik Tuğba
Published: April 2020

Azadirachtin (Aza) used as insecticide due to inhibiting growth of insects and preventing them from feeding on plants. To understand the effects of contamination of this insecticide on phototrophs, and to determine the responses of these organisms against these insecticides are extremely important in understanding how the ecosystem is affected. In this study, chlorophyll-aamount, OD 560 and antioxidant parameters (total SOD, APX, GR, Proline, MDA and H2O2) were determined in order to understand the effect of Aza onArthrospira platensisGomont. Aza was applied between 0–20 μg mL−1concentrations for 7 days in the study. Enzyme analysis was conducted at the end of the 7th day. There was a statistically significant decrease in the absorbance of OD560 and the chlorophyll-acontent inA. platensiscultures exposed to the Aza (0–20 μg mL−1) during 7 days due to the increase in pesticide levels. SOD activity decreased at 8, 16 and 20 μg mL−1concentrations; GR enzyme activity showed a significant decrease compared to the control at a concentration of 20 μg mL−1. APX activity did not change significantly compared to control. The MDA content increased significantly at 16 and 20 μg mL−1concentrations. The H2O2content significantly increased at 12, 16 and 20 μg mL−1concentrations (p< 0.05) while the free proline content decreased at 4 μg mL−1concentration (p< 0.05). As a result, regarding the Aza concentrations used in this study may be a step to prevent pesticide pollution in the environment.
MCDA stakeholder workshops
Authors: Duranova T. , van Asselt E. , Müller T. , Bohunova J. , Twenhöfel C.J.W. , Smetsers R.C.G.M.
Published: April 2020

Within the CONFIDENCE project, comprehensive methods have been developed for better support of decision making under uncertain conditions, mainly by use of Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). While MCDA in general was available for use in the radiological crisis management community, no method of analysing uncertain conditions and supporting robust decision making under these conditions was available. During the CONFIDENCE project, the existing MCDA tool was improved and enhanced to deal with these requirements. For providing solid and reliable decision support for such a situation as a radiological emergency, the evaluation of decision-support tools by the stakeholders and their feedback is important, especially when considering their heterogeneous background caused by e.g. living in different countries. Therefore, several stakeholder panels in different countries were organized to include the end users’ opinions and to assure the usability of the final tool.
Which country does it come from? A review of Business-to-Business Purchase Decision Making Process
Authors: Harjanti Dhyah , Novianto Jeremia , Rokayah Sukatmadiredja Noneng
Published: April 2020

Previous researches show that the country of origin’s image of Chinese products tends to be negative. However, the data shows that business-to-business (B2B) purchases of Chinese products in Indonesia are higher than purchases of products from other countries that are considered to have a better reputation. This research aims to study how the country of origin’s image plays a role in B2B purchase decision-making process of Chinese products. This research was conducted on B2B consumers who had bought production machines from China. The data obtained in this study are data from two companies of different sizes to be able to see differences and similarities in what factors concern purchases of Chinese production machines. Data is taken from the owners and managers of the two companies involved in the B2B purchasing decision making process. The two companies have also been buying and using Chinese production machines for more than one year so that they can provide information about product advantages and disadvantages. The results showed that the country of origin image was not a significant consideration in the B2B purchasing decision making process. The main factor to be considered is the ability of suppliers to provide products and services according to company needs
Linking Customer Satisfaction to Shareholders Value: Evidence from Indonesia Listed Company
Authors: Tarigan Josua , Darmasaputra Alan , Ezra Vania , Elsye Hatane Saarce , Lesmanaputri Evelin , Jesslyn Prajnawati Firman Joan
Published: April 2020

The objective of this research is to know and understand the impact of customer satisfaction toward shareholders value through the mediation role of brand equity that employed Indonesia Best Brand Awards (IBBA) and Indonesian customer satisfaction index (ICSI). The research objects are all companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). All hypotheses are accepted, which therefore suggests that customer satisfaction (ICSI) and also brand equity (IBBA) is indeed the important factors in ensuring the shareholders value that measured by Tobin’s q. To researcher knowledge, this is one of the first studies in Indonesia that connect ICSI, IBBA to the shareholders value.
Packaging Design for a Sustainable Community Business
Authors: Natadjaja Listia , Kusuma Wardani Laksmi , Thamrin Diana , Hasudungan Sitinjak Ronald
Published: April 2020

The growth of the creative community cannot be quantitatively and qualitatively separated from the growing development of Creative Industry 4.0. Various creative communities produce a variety of creative products that are ready to be sold. Unfortunately, the focus of the community is often only on the product and not on the packaging design. Meanwhile, a product’s packaging not only serves to protect the product but also to promote it and encourage purchase. The purpose of this research is to educate and help the community obtain packaging designs that are not only unique but also suitable for their products. By involving Packaging Design course students of the Visual Communication Design department, we attempted to assist a jewellery and accessories-making community as our research object. Students first attempted to deepen their clients' insights by conducting observations and in-depth interviews. In designing the packaging, they consulted with their tutors intensively. The packaging design that the students produced undergoes a selection process, which resulted in four packaging designs that were deemed fit for use. Two of the selected designs were registered to obtain IPRs in the Industrial Design category. Through this research, it is hoped that the packaging design produced by these students can be used to support the sale of community products. In addition to that, they can also be used to inspire other communities to acknowledge the role of packaging design as a means that can help the sustainability of their business.
The Role of Consultant Knowledge, Top Management Support, and Operational Manager Competence to the Company Performance
Authors: Sebayang Pirmanta , Jiwa Husada Tarigan Zeplin , Peranginangin Yessy
Published: April 2020

Successful implementation of ISO 9000 is determined by the knowledge of the appointed consultants that is demonstrated through their expertise in transferring knowledge to internal companies, the strong willingness of the top management commitment during the implementation, and the capabilities of the operational managers to implement all clauses of ISO to the company through the expertise and experience of managers in the operational section. These three components will perform a collaborative process by doing some organizational learning about quality management to properly implement ISO 9000 in order to have an impact on improving the best business practices in the company's operations and ultimately to improve the company's performance. Based on the results of the survey with questionnaires to a population of 159 companies with two incomplete informants, data processing is performed on 157 manufacturing companies in the area of MM-2100, Cikarang Bekasi, Indonesia. The results of the research analysis with the use of SEM Amos data analysis states that, first of all, the consultant knowledge and the competency of operation manager together can give an increase to the organizational learning. Second, the competency of the operational managers and organizational learning produce the best business practices for the manufacturing companies to improve their corporate performance in the area of MM-2100, .
The Impact of Marketing Mix on the Consumer Purchase Decision in the Surabaya - Indonesia Hotel Residence
Authors: Eganael Putra Qausar , Jiwa Husada Tarigan Zeplin , Br Sitepu Rismawati , Kumar Singh Sanju
Published: April 2020

The hospitality business is rapidly growing and has caused fierce competition in this industry. It can be seen from the number of new hotels particularly for the 2 and 3-star hotels, and budget hotels in Surabaya. The hotels applied various strategies in acquiring new customers and retain loyal customers in the pursuit of a high level of occupancy in order to maintain business continuity. Performing appropriate marketing tactics is one of the ways to enable the hotel to increasing occupancy rates. Marketing strategy is associated with the products, prices, promotions, and distribution. This study aims at seeking the impact of the product, prices, promotion, and distribution on the consumer purchasing decisions. The population is all visitors to budget hotels located in the city of Surabaya. The data collection was conducted by distributing the self-administered questionnaire to 150 visitors. Of the 150, 125 questionnaires were valid for further analysis. The sampling frame uses judgmental sampling techniques. Data processing used multiple linear regression using SPSS software. The results showed that hotel products have an influence on consumer purchasing decisions; prices have an influence on consumer purchasing decisions. The location of the hotel affects the purchase decision. Promotion performed by the hotel influence the purchase decision by the consumer. This research model needs to be developed by providing service process variables and employee competencies in hotels in Surabaya.
Measuring Employee Performance of Shuttle Cock Industry in Surakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Indriyani Ratih , Prakoso Handjaya Hendro , Gougui Ayoub
Published: April 2020

Employees are the core of ongoing organizational activities. In the industrial cycle, employees are coming from adjacent regions.Social support is needed to have motivation at work. Motivation to work will have an impact on work results. This study aims to analyze social support for employee performance with work motivation as an intervening variable in the shuttlecock industry in Pringgolayan Surakarta, Indonesia. Previous research shows that social support has an influence on employee motivation at work. Other studies explain that motivation can improve employee performance. This study uses a quantitative method with a sample of 100 respondents. The sample is determined by the purposive sampling method. Respondents are employees of the shuttlecock industry, who had worked for at least 3 mo.. This study uses SmartPLS 3.0 as a data analysis technique. The results of this study indicate that working conditions have a significant effect on work motivation, social support has a significant effect on work motivation and social support has a significant effect on employee performance. Research also shows that work motivation has a significant influence on employee performance. Work motivation among shuttlecock industry employees still needs to be improved so that its performance is improved. Aspects of social support are friends and superiors, for that the leadership must provide support to increase employee work motivation.
The Use of Dramatic Theater in BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia untuk Penutur Asing) Classes: A Case in Petra Christian University, Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Basuki Ribut , Meilinda Meilinda
Published: April 2020

The teaching-learning techniques of BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia untuk Penutur Asing - Indonesian for Speakers of Other Languages) for language skills are oftentimes separated from that of ‘cultural’ skills. Even worse, BIPA teachers tend to devote only a little attention to students’ cultural sensitivity. Dramatic Theatre, when used appropriately, offers engaging techniques for the teaching-learning of both language and cultural skills. Dramatic theatre’s ‘production process’ is very useful in developing linguistic and cultural sensitivities to the students. The teaching-learning of BIPA using the Dramatic Theatre production process at Petra Christian University, Surabaya, Indonesia has shown that it is a promising teachnique to be developed and implemented. The students’ involvement in the process from the preparations, rehearsals, and finally performance gives them a chance to enjoy and, especially, learn the Indonesian linguistic as well as cultural nuances more or less authentically. This paper is an evaluation of BIPA through dramatic theatre at PCU. It will show how students are involved in the production process, learn Bahasa Indonesia, and grasp Indonesian culture both from the play they perform and the process of production itself. It finally gives evaluation and recomendation for further use of dramatic theatre for BIPA at PCU.
The Iconography ofSonaf Nis NoneTraditional House in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Authors: Hasudungan Irianto Sitindjak Ronald , Kusuma Wardani Laksmi , Firtatwentyna Nilasari Poppy
Published: April 2020

TheAtonitribe is a native of Timor, inhabiting the western and central parts of Timor Island. Its traditional house functions as a place for dwellings and for performing certain rituals. The form of the house is unique and contains rich meanings that could be studied. There are someAtonitraditional houses that are still maintained in Maslete Village, North Central Timor Regency in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. There are four types ofAtonitraditional houses namely,Sonaf, UmeKbubu, Lopo andUme Knat/Kanaf. This research will focus on studyingSonaf Nis None, the house with the highest hierarchy in Maslete Village. It is qualitative research with the method of descriptive analysis and using Panofsky's approach of iconography that was conducted through two stages. The first stage was pre-iconography stage which was conducted to obtain the textual meaning and the second was the iconography stage, performed to discover the contextual meaning. Findings reveal that the traditional house of theAtoniTribe has a rich meaning, conveying life values. The house was a manifestation of the outlook and philosophy of a harmonious life, articulated through the form of the house and its surrounding environment as a microcosm in accordance with the rules of the universe or and the wider world (macrocosm), by using a double pattern (pairs) in the architecture and interiors of the traditional house. The set of pairs as a whole is represented by the masculine and feminine nature of the fetomone couple (female-male), that have two opposing qualities but complement and enliven each other. These meanings have been the sources of inspiration for the design of today's homes. Their form and appearance may be modern, but the concept of the value presented is the continuity of Atoni's preserved cultural values.
The Existential Experiences of Double-Minority Talents in Post 2017’s Governor Election: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Denni Boy Saragih , Hery Winoto , Yanny Mokorowu , Prasasti Peranginangin
Published: April 2020

The political career of Basuki Tjahaya Purnama (BTP) affects various groups of people in different ways. One of the groups that were deeply affected by the series of events before and after 2017’s Jakarta Governor election are double minorities talents who aspire to contribute to Indonesia inspired by BTP’s leadership. This paper explores the experience of specific group of double minority talents in the aftermath of political turbulence in Jakarta. The qualitative findings show that many talents were affected by the situation in relation to their aspiration to contribute, their decision to stay in Indonesia and their thinking about the future of Chinese-Christian talents in Indonesia. In the long run the situation and similar incidents may result in the loss of talents leaving Indonesia for other countries.
Insurance Policy Purchase Decision in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Kempa Sesilya , Ardiyanto Wisnu Pratama Wiliam , Rokayah Sukatmadiredja Noneng
Published: April 2020

The level of competition in the insurance world that is getting tougher makes the insurance business do a lot of strategies, both promotion, service, and others. Consumer decisions in buying insurance policies themselves are influenced by several things. This study emphasizes the presence of the influence between company reputation and product knowledge on purchase decisions as well as the influence of both variables through consumer trust of insurance policies from insurance companies in Surabaya. The data collection is carried out on 130 consumers who have bought an insurance policy. From 130 questionnaires returned, there are only 100 questionnaires which can then be further processed using Partial Least Square 2.0 analysis. The results of data processing show that company reputation, product knowledge, and consumer trust influence the purchase decisions respectively of 0.204, 0.203, and 0.494. While the influence of company reputation and product knowledge on customer trust are 0.452 and 0.471, respectively. Customer trust itself is proven to be an intervening variable between company reputation and product knowledge and on purchase decision making.
The Effect of Organizational Trust and Organizational Citizenship Behavior on Employee Performance
Authors: Lay Yohanes , Ronni Basana Sautma , Wiliater Soaloon Panjaitan Togar
Published: April 2020

Trust given by the company to each of the employees can motivate them to contribute to the company development. Employees got to motivate themselves internally to improve their role in the organization for winning the competition. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of organizational trust and organizational citizenship behavior towards employee performance in Fave Hotel Rungkut Surabaya, Indonesia. Fave Hotel needs to empower the employee to improve their competitiveness. The surveys were distributed to permanent employees who have been working for at least one year. There were 52 persons who filled the surveys. The surveys used a Likert scale. The data was processed using Partial Least Square software. First, the results indicated that organizational trust affects organizational citizenship behaviors. Second, organizational trust affects company performance. Third, organizational citizenship behavior affects employee performance. Fourth, organizational citizenship as an intervening variable can improve organizational trust for employee performance. Fave Hotel commits to empower their employee through organizational trust and improves employee’s role with organizational citizenship behavior.
Gestationsdiabetes – aktuelle Entwicklungen
Authors: Hummel Michael , Kleinwechter Helmut , Laubner Katharina , Füchtenbusch Martin
Published: April 2020

Gestational diabetes is asymptomatic. Screening in Germany has been part of the maternity guidelines since 2012. Uncovering the glucose tolerance disorder and intensive treatment reduce maternal and child risks. The aim of treatment for diabetic pregnant women is to align the results for mother and child with the results of metabolically healthy pregnant women. In addition to the diabetological therapy control through blood glucose measurements and weight control in the mother, a qualified sonographic growth control of the fetus can be used as a support. In 70–90 % of GDM cases, non-pharmacological basic therapy is sufficient; the gold standard in pharmacotherapy is insulin. Maternity clinics with a spatially connected children’s clinic offer the best security for mother and child at birth. Breastfeeding should be recommended and encouraged because of its long-term protective effects