bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Yield of Late Season Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) Varieties in Mid-hill Region of Nepal
Authors: Giri H.N. , Sharma M.D. , Thapa R.B. , Pande K.R. , Khatri B.B. , Jha P.K.
Published: April 2021

Background: Cauliflower production during the late winter season has major problems including the requirement of long duration for its maturity, lower yield and poor postharvest quality, especially in the mid-hill region of Nepal. A field experiment was conducted to access the growth, crop maturity and yield of late-season cauliflower varieties at Puranchaur, Kaski in the mid-hill region of Nepal. Methods: The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with toal eleven late-season cauliflower varieties in which nine were hybrid varieties viz. Freedom, Titan, Ravella, Artica, Bishop, Casper, Indam 9803, NS 106 and Snow Mystique while two were open pollinated varieties viz. Amazing and Snowball 16. The experiment was conducted from November 2016 to March 2017 with four replications. Result: Significantly shorter period for final curd initiation of 76 days was recorded in NS 106 and Indam 9803 which was statistically similar with Amazing. Significantly shorter period for final curd maturation of 90 days was recorded in Amazing which was statistically similar to Bishop and NS 106. Similarly, the highest curd yield of 50 mt/ha was produced by Bishop at 91 days after transplanting (DAT) while the lowest crud yield of 19 mt/ha was recorded in Snowball 16 at 113 DAT. Finally, it was concluded that Bishop found the best hybrid variety for higher curd yield and short duration for maturation while Amazing performed higher yield than Snowball 16 and early maturing variety in the mid-hill region of Nepal.
Effect of Extra-mammary Diseases on Udder Health and Biochemical Changes in Crossbred Cows with Subclinical Mastitis
Authors: Ulla Mohammed Khaleel , Kotresh A.M. , Krishna L.R. Anantha , Madhavaprasad C.B. , Shridhar N.B. , Shambulingappa B.E. , Rudresh B.H.
Published: April 2021

Background: Infectious diseases and metabolic disorders are common in crossbred cows and adversely affect optimum production as well as quality of milk. The quality of milk plays a significant role in the production of high-quality dairy products. High somatic cell count (SCC) in the milk significantly decreases the potential of such milk for the production of high quality dairy products. In this study, it is hypothesized that the extra-mammary infections and metabolic disorders increase probability of intra-mammary infections thereby increasing somatic cell count in the milk making it unsuitable for dairy industry. Methods: Cows were grouped based on the diseases or disorders like Teat Stenosis (Gp SCM-TS), Ruminal Acidosis (Gp SCM-RA), Nonspecific Diarrhea (Gp SCM-ND), Respiratory Tract Infections (Gp SCM-RTI) and Repeat Breeder Syndrome (Gp SCM-RD). Diagnosis of subclinical mastitis was made on the basis of California Mastitis Test (CMT) scores and by Somatic Cell Count (SCC) by automatic somatic cell counter. Biochemical parameters analyzed in automatic biochemical analyzer using commercially available kits. Result: The mean SCC values significantly higher in cows with sublinical mastitis and with concurrent infectious and metabolic diseases. Similarly, the concentrations of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were higher in affected cows. Concentrations of serum total proteins (TP) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in all the groups of affected animals were higher. The changes in the calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels were not observed in cows with subclinical mastitis and with other diseaases under study. The SCC values did not correlate with the values of ALP, AST, ALT, TP, BUN, Ca and P among the studied groups. It can be concluded that animals with concurrent infections and metabolic disorders increase the SCC and influence the alteration in the biochemical parameters of subclinical mastitic animals.
Pathological and Molecular Characterization of Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Gallus gallus in Java, Indonesia
Authors: Ansori A.N.M. , Kusala M.K.J. , Nidom R.V. , Indrasari S. , Zarkasie K. , Santoso K.P. , Nidom C.A.
Published: April 2021

Background: Known as the vital avian disease in Indonesia, Newcastle disease (ND) has surged all over Indonesia which cause an immense drop in poultry industry. This investigation intended to examine the pathological and molecular characteristics of the latest Newcastle disease virus (NDV) derived from Gallus gallus in Java, Indonesia. Methods: The samples were inoculated on the embryonic chicken eggs (ECEs), then identified using the hemagglutination test (HA test), insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR) and hemagglutination inhibition test (HI test). It conducted the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using MSF1 and MSF2 primers and followed by nucleotide sequencing for the fusion protein gene. B-cells epitope prediction analysis was applied using the Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (IEDB) and VaxiJen v2.0 to predict its immunogenicity. In addition, it also performed the histopathological examination by applying hematoxylin and eosin staining. Result: The results identified two viruses, NDV-1 and NDV-2, based on the fusion protein gene. Significantly, the cleavage site motif of NDV1 is 112GRQGRL117 (avirulent) and whereas for NDV2 is 112RRRKRF117 (virulent). Furthermore, it also predicted the “CKMGSRPSTKNPAP” peptide from NDV1 could be an immunogenic epitope candidate with a BepiPred linear epitope prediction score of 17.08. In summary, it suggests that NDV1 isolate can be used as a reference for vaccine design in Indonesia.
The Anti-oxidant and the Anti-diabetic Effects of Terminalia chebula and Withania somnifera in Subclinically Diabetic Dogs
Authors: Gopinath Devi , Dimri Umesh , Ajith Y. , Deepa P.M. , Yatoo M.I. , Gopalakrishnan A. , Madhesh E.
Published: April 2021

Background: The present study evaluated the antioxidant as well as the anti-diabetic potential of Terminalia chebula (Haritaki) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in subclinically diabetic dogs. Methods: A total of thirty subclinically diabetic dogs were divided into five groups of six animals each; Group I (Positive control), Group II (T. chebula extract), Group III (W. somnifera extract), Group IV (T. chebula and W. somnifera extracts at 1:1 ratio) and Group V (N- acetylcysteine). Six apparently healthy dogs were kept as negative control (Group VI) for the study. The animals were evaluated based on diabetic biomarkers (Random blood glucose, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, serum fructosamine and serum insulin) and oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities) on days 0, 15 and 30 of the study. Result: Significant oxidative stress was observed in the subclinically diabetic dogs and the supplementation of N- acetylcysteine, T. chebula and W. somnifera effectively curbed the oxidative impairments and further progression of diabetes. The improvement in oxidative, as well as diabetic biomarkers, was predominant in Group V animals, followed by Group IV, Group II and Group III. It may be concluded that therapeutic modulation of redox mechanisms may aid in the clinical management of subclinical diabetes mellitus, however, the mechanisms involved should be further explored.
DAMPAK PANDEMI COVID-19 TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DANA PIHAK KETIGA PADA BANK SYARIAH
Authors: Hasan Hurriah Ali , Mansyur Saidin , Mustamin Siti Walida
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of contagious of Covid-19 on the growth of Third Party Funds (DPK) in Islamic banks, to see the economic strength during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The analysis was carried out on the financial statements of two Islamic banks, are BNI Syariah and Bank Syariah Mandiri (BSM). By using time series data analysis in the aggregate time of the first semester for the period of January - June and the first month in the second semester in July 2020. The data source is taken from the financial publication monthly report from BNI Syariah and BSM. As a comparison, data for 2018 and 2019 are used in the same month period, so that obtained of the growth trend of DPK in Islamic Bank during normal times and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The results of correlation and comparison analysis, this study found that the Covid-19 pandemic has influenced the trend of public funds in Islamic banks. In choosing fund products at banks, the customer avoid investment risks by reducing deposits in the form of investment funds and prefer Wadiah as safe products. This caused DPK in Islamic banks both BNI Syariah and BSM have significant positive growth for Wadiah and decline in investment funds during the Covid-19 pandemic. This shows that Islamic banking faces financial risks in abnormal situations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Multi-layered Minority: Hazara Shia Women in Pakistan
Authors: Sultan Sadiqa , Kanwer Maryam , Mirza Jaffer
Published: April 2021

Shia account for approximately 10–15 per cent of the Muslim population in Pakistan, which has a largely Sunni Muslim population. Anti-Shia violence, led by extremist militant groups, dates to 1979 and has resulted in thousands killed and injured in terrorist attacks over the years. Hazara Shia, who are both an ethnic and a religious minority, make an easy target for extremist groups as they are physically distinctive. The majority live in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan in central Pakistan, where they have become largely ghettoised into two areas as result of ongoing attacks. Studies on the Hazara Shia persecution have mostly focused on the killings of Hazara men and paid little attention to the nature and impact of religious persecution of Shias on Hazara women. Poor Hazara women in particular face multi-layered marginalisation, due to the intersection of their gender, religious-ethnic affiliation and class, and face limited opportunities in education and jobs, restricted mobility, mental and psychological health issues, and gender-based discrimination.
PERKEMBANGAN PEMAHAMAN SISWA PADA MATERI OPERASI BILANGAN BULAT DALAM SETTING PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA REALISTIK BERBANTUAN MEDIA “MOGER” DI KELAS IV
Authors: Jazuli Ahmad
Published: April 2021

Abstrak                      Penelitian ini bertujuan Mendeskripsikan Perkembangan Pemahaman Siswa pada Operasi Hitung Bilangan Bulat dalam setting Pembelajaran Matematika Realistik berbantuan media “Mobil Bergerak” di kelas IV.Penelitian ini deskriptif kualitatif dan kuantitatif, penelitian yang dilakukan dengan menjelaskan atau menggambarkan variabel masa lalu dan sekarang yang bertujuan untuk membuat deskripsi, gambaran atau lukisan secara sistematis, faktual dan akurat mengenai fakta-fakta serta hubungan antara fenomena yang diselidiki. Hasil dari Tes pertama, tes kedua, dan tes ketiga siswa mengalami peningkatan ditunjukkan dengan nilai tertinggi dari 45 ke 77,5 dan ke 100, Nilai terendah dari 10 ke 25 dan 45, nilai rata-rata dari 19,17 ke 54,06 dan 74,90. Tingkat pemahaman rata-rata kelas dari sangat rendah ke sedang dan tinggi.Hasil perbandingan dari tes pertama, tes kedua, dan tes ketiga menunjukkan perubahan yang lebih baik atau maju dengan begitu dapat disimpulkan siswa mengalami perkembangan pemahannya dalam operasi hitung bilangan bulat melalui setting pembelajaran matematika realistik berbantuan media “MOGER”.Berdasarkan hasil data, dapat disimpulkan siswa mengalami perkembangan pemahaman dalam operasi hitung bilangan bulat dengan menggunakan setting pembelajaran matematika realistik berbantuan media “MOGER” di kelas IV. Kata kunci: Pemahaman Siswa pada Operasi Bilangan Bulat, Pembelajaran MatematikaRealistik, Media “MOGER”.  ABSTRACTThis study aims to describe the development of understanding of students on Operation Count Integer in setting medium-aided Realistic Mathematics Education "Moving Cars" in the fourth grade.This research is descriptive qualitative and quantitative research conducted to explain or illustrate the past and present variables which aims to create a description, picture or painting in a systematic, factual and accurate information on the facts and the relationship between the phenomenon investigated. Results of the first test, a second test and third test students have shown improvement with the highest score of 45 to 77.5 and to 100, the lowest value of 10 to 25 and 45, the average value of 19.17 to 54.06 and 74.90. Level of understanding of the average grade from very low to medium and high. The comparison of the first test, a second test and third test showed changes for the better or forward so we can conclude pemahannya students progressing in integer arithmetic operations by setting realistic mathematics-assisted learning media "Moger".Based on the results of the data, it can be concluded the students to experience growth in the understanding of integer arithmetic operations using mathematical learning setting realistic media-assisted "Moger" in the fourth grade. Keywords: Students Understanding on Operations Integer, Realistic Mathematics Education, Media "Moger".
PENGGUNAAN BAHASA MADURA YANG DIGUNAKAN OLEH ORANG TUA TERHADAP KARAKTER SISWA DI SDN CANDI I
Authors: Ahmad Wahid
Published: April 2021

ABSTRAKSiswa Kelas IV, V, dan VI SDN Candi I tidak selalu menggunakan bahasa madura yang halusEngghi Enten dalam berkomunikasisebagaimana diajarkan orang tuanya. Sedangkan karakternya masih tergolong baik dan bagus.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan bahasa Madura yang digunakan oleh orang tua terhadap karakter siswa Kelas IV, V, dan VIdi SDN Candi I dengan menggunakan teknik wawancara, observasi, dokumentasi, rekaman dan triangulasi.Adapun instrument yang digunakan adalah pedoman wawancara, lembar observasi, dan dokumentasi.Triangulasi yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah Triangulasi Waktu (periode I 10-14 Juli 2020 dan periode II 10-14 Juli 2020), Sumber dan Teknik.Sumber utama pada penelitian ini dalah Siswa Kelas IV, V dan VI, dan sumber keduanya adalah orang tua dan guru kelas.Teknik yang digunakan saat triangulasi adalah wawancara, observasi dokumentasi dan rekaman.  Berdasarkan data yang diperoleh diketahui bahwa hubungan bahasa yang digunakan oleh orang tua dengan karakter toleransi, bersahabat atau komunikatif, dan peduli sosial pada Kelas IV, V, dan VI sangat berpengaruh terutama pada karakter bersahabat atau komunikatif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan semakin baik bahasa yang digunakan oleh orang tua maka karakter siswa akan semakin baik pula terutama pada karakter bersahabat atau komunikatif. Kata Kunci: Bahasa Madura, Orang Tua, KarakterABSTRACTThe grade IV, V, and VI students in SDN Candi 1 do not always use the good Madurese (Engghi-Enten) in communicating as taught as their parents. Meanwhile, the characters of the student are still good. This research aims to determine the relationship between the Madurese used by parents to the character of students in IV, V, and VI Grades at SDN Candi 1 with using interviews, observation, documentation, recording, and triangulation techniques. The instruments used is interview guides, observation sheets, and documentation. The triangulation used in this study is the Triangulation of Time (first-period 30 June to 01 July 2020 and the second period 10 to 14 July 2020), Resources, and Techniques. The main objects in this study were students in IV, V, and VI grades, and the second objects were parents and class teachers. The triangulation techniques were interviews, observation documentation, and recordings. Based on the data obtained, it shows that the relationship between the language used by parents with the characters of tolerance, friendly or communicative, and social care in IV, V, and VI grades are significant especially in communicative and friendly character. This research shows the better the language used by parents, the better the student's character will be, especially in friendly or communicative characters. Keywords : Madurese (Language of Madura), Parents, Character
FİRDEVSÎ-İ RÛMÎ’NİN SÜLEYMȂN-NȂME-İ KEBÎR (78. CİLT)’İNDE PEYGAMBER KISSALARINA TELMİHLER
Authors: DEMİRBAĞ Abdulsamet , BİRİCİ Sevim
Published: April 2021

Firdevsį Rūmį, 15. yüzyılın ikinci yarısıyla 16. yüzyılın ilk yarısında yaşamış müelliflerdendir. Müellife ait eser sayısının fazla oluşu, müellifin üretken bir özelliğe sahip olduğunu göstermektedir. Ancak Firdevsį Rūmį’nin asıl şöhretini Süleymān-nāme-i Kebįr adlı eseriyle yakaladığını söylememiz mümkündür. Eserini manzum ve mensur bir şekilde kaleme alan müellifin, şairlik yönünden ziyade nasirlik yönünün daha güçlü olduğu eserinden anlaşılmaktadır. Bu eser her ne kadar Hz. Süleyman’ın hayatını konu edinse de bünyesinde tarih, felsefe, astroloji, tıp, ahlak, peygamber kıssaları vb. gibi bilgileri de bulundurmaktadır.
Bu çalışma, Süleymān-nāme-i Kebįr adlı eserin 78. cildinde ismi geçen bazı peygamberler üzerine olacaktır. Söz konusu peygamberler hakkında kısa bir bilgi verildikten sonra bu peygamberlerin eserde hangi konu bağlamında ele alındığı örnek metinlerlerle ele alınacaktır.
The Impact of Personality Traits on Perceived Investment Performance: The Moderating Role of Social Interaction
Authors: Nareswari Ninditya , Rahmani Citra Wanodya , Negoro Nugroho Priyo
Published: April 2021

Each investor has an investment plan to reach their investment objectives. Perceived investment performance was affected by a high level of the psychological aspect.  The purpose of this study was to test the effect of the Big Five personality traits on the perception of investment performance. This study also tests the moderating role of social interaction. PLS-SEM was used to test the hypotheses. Used individual stock investors in Indonesia, the findings showed that openness personality had a negative effect on perceived investment performance. Otherwise, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism had a positive impact on perceived investment performance. The results also show that social interaction moderates the relationship between conscientiousness, agreeableness, and perceived investment performance. This result shows that information selection and investment knowledge is important when allocating asset to achieve investment objectives.
The Role of Customer Knowledge Management on The SMEs Business Performance
Authors: Praharjo Ardik , Parwati Kardina Yudha
Published: April 2021

This study examines Customer Knowledge Management (CKM) on innovation capability and business performance in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) in Malang. CKM emerged as an important dan effective system to improve innovation capabilities and company performance. However, the role of CKM in innovation and company performance is not recognized well by the company. The research method used is a quantitative explanatory approach. Data collection was collected through a questionnaire distributed to owners or managers of small dan medium industries, especially in the culinary sector, the variety of processed chips, which is the main domain of UMKM Malang City. The data analysis technique used is Partial Least Square (PLS). This study shows that customer knowledge management has a significant effect on innovation capability dan business performance.
The Role of Anticipatory Socialization as A Mediating Variable between The Big Five Personality Traits and Professional Skepticism
Authors: Regbiyantari Tresna Adinda , Narsa Niluh Putu Dian Rosalina Handayani
Published: April 2021

This study analyzes the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and professional skepticism, between professional skepticism and anticipatory socialization, and the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and anticipatory socialization using professional skepticism as the mediating variable. The research data were obtained from 187 questionnaires distributed to accounting students. The results in this study prove that there is a positive relationship between the characteristics of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness, on anticipatory socialization. Meanwhile, the character of neuroticism has no relationship with anticipatory socialization. In addition, it was also found that there was an indirect, positive relationship between neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness, and anticipatory socialization through professional skepticism. This research is expected to provide insights for accounting students as they start preparing to become good auditors while in college.
Anesthesia Management in VP Shunt Surgery in Neonates with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and Dandy Walker Syndrome
Authors: Purwoko Purwoko , Muttaqin Fandi Ahmad
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is defined as the incomplete development of the left heart structures, including the mitral valve, left ventricle, aortic valve, and aortic arch. The clinical presentation of HLHS depends on the patency of the ductus arteriosus and the degree of restriction of the atrial septum. Common clinical manifestations include cyanosis, respiratory distress, and hemodynamic instability within hours of delivery. Delays in diagnosis and delay in intervention will increase the morbidity of neonates with HLHS.

Purpose: To understand the mechanism of HLHS along with the principles of anesthesia in neuroaesthetics procedures in pediatrics in order to obtain a good outcome.

Case Illustration: A 9-day old baby girl, weight 2522 grams with HLHS (aortic atresia) with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), type II atrial septal defect (ASD) with a left to right shunt, and dandy walker syndrome. From the physical examination, the patient's condition is stable, with GCS E4V5M6, pulse 130-135 beats/minute, breath rate 48x / minute, and SpO2 94-98%. The patient's head was enlarged from birth, no heart sounds were found, regular I-II heart sounds. Blood laboratory tests showed a total bilirubin value of 11.7 mg / dL, direct bilirubin 0.64 mg / dL, indirect bilirubin 10.43 mg / dL, hemoglobin 20.1 g%, hematocrit 55%, with leukocytes 19.9x103 / L, platelets 216 x 103 / L, serum Na 122 mmol / L, K 7.8 mmol / L, Cl 101 mmol / L.

Discussion: The anesthetic approach in HLHS is to maintain preoperative hemodynamic stability by maintaining heart rate, preload, and PGE1, balancing systemic vascular resistance and pulmonary vascular resistance, preventing too high PaO2, and administering inotropic agents to increase cardiac output and keep the patent ductus arteriosus open. The balance of systemic and pulmonary blood flow is a key principle in the management of HLHS anesthesia. 

Conclusion: The main goal of HLHS anesthesia is to minimize hemodynamic changes to prevent compromised hemodynamics in both circulations and maintaining stability is essential in preventing morbidity, complications, and increasing good outcomes in surgery..

 

 
Electronic Development Plan Deliberation: The Techniqie of Governmentalized
Authors: Nurany Fierda , Hidayati Lutfia Nurul
Published: April 2021

The aims of this research were to find out the governmentality carried out by the Surabaya city government in implementing Development Plan Deliberation electronic. This was based on the Surabaya city government implementing governmentality that caused people to become apathetic. The theory used is the governmentality technique which explains that governmentality is built on three bases, namely 1) Governmentalized localities, 2) regulatory communities, and 3) Subject formation. The method of research uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Data collection methods conducted through in-depth interviews, secondary data, and field observations. The results showed that the technique of governmentalized localities is carried out by means of a development paradigm that the community is the main actor of development so that the citizens association level e- Development Plan Deliberation can decide on development proposals. Regulatory communities techniques are formed through social interaction between community representatives and village head in discussing the priorities of development planning proposals. While the formation of subjects is carried out by the village head by giving knowledge proposals so that the proposals are in accordance with the city development roadmap. In conclusion, the governmentality carried out by the Surabaya city government has had a good and bad impact on development planning. The impact is good, the community becomes more aware of the proposed development planning in the city of Surabaya, while the adverse effects of the community are apathetic because they are disappointed with their proposals which are often not approved
Government Process Reengineering in the Implementation of Electronic Welfare System
Authors: Dewayani Intan Kusuma , Nugroho Rino A.
Published: April 2021

In the current era of globalization, it cannot be denied that the presence of technology is certainly very helpful for human work. In the level of government, technological developments have also been exploited by bringing up electronic government. In utilizing the development of existing technology, the Surakarta City Government through the Surakarta City Social Service is trying to make a new breakthrough by creating an Sistem Informasi Kesejahteraan Elektronik (E-SIK) which is expected to be used to overcome the problem of the data of poor families in the city of Surakarta, because there are findings stating that the data of poor families in the city of Surakarta that entered in the last two years turned out to be almost thirty percent of the indicators received or produced incomplete, so that the data could not be processed. It should be recalled, that one of the basics and prerequisites for implementation e-government is the Government Business Process Reengineering, but the Government Process Reengineering is not enough to fix functional and non-functional problems. the methodological procedures that will be used are forecasting, the forecasting approach extrapolation or ekstrapolative forecasting. It will begin by reviewing a series of data or previous research documents with similar research objects and research problems, namely regarding obstacles in the process of implementing e-government in various regions, then trying to project them with research that will be carried out to predict the possibility. obstacles that will arise during the process of implementing an Electronic Welfare Information System (E-SIK).
Protocol to generate DNA aptamer coated particles and utilization for affinity-based screening with particle display
Authors: Yang Qin , Bashir Ali , Wang Jinpeng , Hoyer Stephan , Chou Wenchuan , McLean Cory , Davis Geoff , Gong Qiang , Armstrong Zan , Jang Junghoon , Kang Hui , Pawlosky Annalisa , Scott Alexander , Dahl George E. , Berndl Marc , Dimon Michelle , Ferguson B. Scott
Published: April 2021

Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acid ligands that bind to target molecules with high affinity and specificity. They are typically discovered by searching large libraries for sequences with desirable binding properties. These libraries, however, are practically constrained to a fraction of the theoretical sequence space. Machine learning provides an opportunity to intelligently navigate this space to identify high-performing aptamers. Here, we present a step-by-step protocol for utilizing particle display to select DNA aptamers for a 25 kDa protein biomarker neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL).
A pivotal restructuring of modelling the control of COVID-19 during and after massive vaccination for the next few years
Authors: Cruz Jose B , Ronquillo Tirso A , Sangalang Ralph G B , Amante Albertson D , Ronquillo Divina G D , Peralta Janice F , Chua Antonette V , Jose Oliver L J A , Inojosa Raynell A
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a new mathematical feedback model to demonstrate how direct observations of the epidemiological compartments of population could be mapped to inputs, such that the social spread of the disease is asymptotically subdued. Details of the stabilization and robustness are included. This is a pivotal restructuring of modelling the control of corona virus from the current models in use world-wide which do not utilize feedback of functions of epidemiological compartments of population to construct the inputs. Although several vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) massive vaccination would take several years to reach herd immunity in most countries. Furthermore, the period of efficacy of the vaccination may be approximately one year only resulting in an unending vaccination. Even during the vaccination, there would be an urgent need to control the spread of the virus. When herd immunity is reached and vaccination is discontinued, there would be new surges of the disease. These surges of disease are not possible in appropriately designed stable feedback models. However, extensive testing, contact tracing, and medical treatment of those found infected, must be maintained.
Spike-time dependent plasticity rule in memristor models for circuits design
Authors: Elhamdaoui Mouna , Rziga Faten Ouaja , Mbarek Khaoula , Besbes Kamel
Published: April 2021

Abstract Spike Time-Dependent Plasticity (STDP) represents an essential learning rule found in biological synapses which is recommended for replication in neuromorphic electronic systems. This rule is defined as a process of updating synaptic weight that depends on the time difference between the pre- and post-synaptic spikes. It is well known that pre-synaptic activity preceding post-synaptic activity may induce long term potentiation (LTP) whereas the reverse case induces long term depression (LTD). Memristors, which are two-terminal memory devices, are excellent candidates to implement such a mechanism due to their distinctive characteristics. In this article, we analyze the fundamental characteristics of three of the most known memristor models, and then we simulate it in order to mimic the plasticity rule of biological synapses. The tested models are the linear ion drift model (HP), the Voltage ThrEshold Adaptive Memristor (VTEAM) model and the Enhanced Generalized Memristor (EGM) model. We compare the I-V characteristics of these models with an experimental memristive device based on Ta2O5. We simulate and validate the STDP Hebbian learning algorithm proving the capability of each model to reproduce the conductance change for the LTP and LTD functions. Thus, our simulation results explore the most suitable model to operate as a synapse component for neuromorphic circuits.
Affine connection representation of gauge fields
Authors: Man Zhao-Hui
Published: April 2021

There are two ways to unify gravitational field and gauge field. One is to represent gravitational field as principal bundle connection, and the other is to represent gauge field as affine connection. Poincaré gauge theory and metric affine gauge theory adopt the first approach. This paper adopts the second.An affine connection is used to establish a unified coordinate description of gauge field and gravitational field. This theory has the following advantages.(i) Gauge field and gravitational field can both be represented by affine connection; they can be described by a unified spatial frame.(ii) Time can be regarded as the total metric with respect to all dimensions of internal coordinate space and external coordinate space. On-shell can be regarded as gradient direction. Quantum theory can be regarded as a geometric theory of distribution of gradient directions. Hence, gravitational theory and quantum theory obtain the same view of time and space and a unified description of evolution in affine connection representation of gauge fields.(iii) Chiral asymmetry, coupling constants, MNS mixing and CKM mixing can appear spontaneously as geometric properties in affine connection representation, whereas in U(1) x SU(2) x SU(3) principal bundle connection representation they can just only be artificially set up. Some postulates of the Standard Model can be turned into theorems in affine connection representation, so they are not necessary to be regarded as postulates anymore.(iv) The unification theory of gauge fields that are represented by affine connection can avoid the problem that a proton decays into a lepton.(v) Since the concept of point particle is thoroughly abandoned, this theory is not required to be renormalized.(iv) There exists a possible geometric interpretation to the color confinement of quarks.The Standard Model is not possessed of the above advantages. In the affine connection representation, we can get better interpretations of these physical properties. This is probably a necessary step towards the ultimate theory ofphysics.
Hybridization of Harmonic Search Algorithm In Training Radial Basis Function With Dynamic Decay Adjustment For Condition Monitoring
Authors: CHONG Hue Yee , TAN Shing Chiang , Yap Hwa Jen
Published: April 2021

In recent decades, hybridization of superior attributes of few algorithms was proposed to aid in covering more areas of complex application as well as improves performance. This paper presents an intelligent system integrating a Radial Basis Function Network with Dynamic Decay Adjustment (RBFN-DDA) with a Harmony Search (HS) to perform condition monitoring in industrial processes. An effective condition monitoring can help reduce unexpected breakdown incidents and facilitate in maintenance. RBDN-DDA performs incremental learning wherein its structure expands by adding new hidden units to include new information. As such, its training can reach stability in a shorter time compared to the gradient-descent based methods. By integrating with the HS algorithm, the proposed metaheuristic neural network (RBFN-DDA-HS) can optimize the RBFN-DDA parameters and improve classification performances from the original RBFN-DDA by 2.2% up to 22.5% in two benchmarks and a real-world condition-monitoring case studies. The results also show that the proposed RBFN-DDA-HS is compatible, if not better than, the classification performances of other state-of-art machine learning methods.
Landscape- and local- level variables affect monarchs in Midwest grasslands
Authors: Bruce Anna Skye , Thogmartin Wayne E. , Trosen Chris , Oberhauser Karen , Gratton Claudio
Published: April 2021

Context

It is estimated that over one billion milkweed stems need to be restored to sustain the eastern North American migratory population of monarch butterflies; where and in what context the stems should be placed on the landscape is key to addressing habitat deficits.

Objectives

We assessed how the amount of appropriate habitat surrounding a particular patch of monarch habitat affects monarch presence and reproduction. To ensure that habitat restoration efforts are targeted towards areas that maximize monarch population growth, it is important to understand the effects of landscape heterogeneity on monarch occurrence in habitat patches (i.e. grasslands with milkweeds) across the landscape.

Methods

Over two summers (2018-2019), we surveyed monarch adults, larvae, and eggs at sixty grassland sites in Wisconsin that varied in patch size and landscape context (proportion grassland, forest edge density, and road density). We also estimated milkweed density and floral richness to characterize local patch quality.

Results

Adult monarch abundance was highest at patches with the lowest proportion of surrounding grassland and lowest road density, and was heavily influenced by patch quality variables. Egg and larva density in a patch increased with milkweed density and floral richness within a patch. Patch size was unrelated to monarch abundance.

Conclusions

These results suggest that optimal sites for monarch habitat restoration are within landscapes with less surrounding habitat and that high milkweed density and floral richness should be conservation goals.
Identification of SLC1A5 as a Novel Candidate Oncogene for Glioma and Its Involvement in the LGG Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Chen Peng , Guo Yao , Huang Rui , Xiao Juexian , Cheng Zujue
Published: April 2021

Background: Solute Carrier Family 1 Member 5 (SLC1A5), a member of the amino acid carrier system, is considered an oncogene in various tumors. Several targeted drugs targeting SLC1A5 are being developed. However, the molecular mechanisms of SLC1A5 in gliomas are not fully known. Methods: In this study, multiple datasets from Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify biological functions and signaling pathways of SLC1A5. The correlation between SLC1A5 expression and immune infiltrates or gene signatures of immune cells was then determined using CIBERSORT and online analysis tools (TIMER, TSIDB). Finally, a reliable prognostic signature based on SLC1A5-related immunomodulators prognostic signature (SLC1A5-IPS) was established using the lasso-cox method. The model divided patients into low- and high-risk groups. The prognostic value of the risk scores was evaluated with univariate, multivariate, nomogram and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results: It was found that high expression of SLC1A5 was associated with poor prognosis of glioma. Enrichment analysis indicated that SLC1A5 was regulated tumor immune response. Moreover, SLC1A5 was closely associated with immune cells infiltration and gene signatures of CD8 cells were positively correlated with SLC1A5 expression. Moreover, the developed SLC1A5-IPS risk model showed that the high-risk scores of SLC1A5-IPS accurately predicted poor prognosis of LGG. The constructed nomogram exhibited good prediction of the overall survival (OS) of LGG patients in all datasets. Finally, in vitro assays verified that SLC1A5 knockdown led to a loss of migration and proliferation ability of U87 and U251 cells. Conclusions: SLC1A5 regulates immune cells infiltration in glioma and promotes the proliferation and migration ability of glioma cells, thereby affecting the prognosis of patients. It therefore holds huge potential as a treatment target in glioma and provide a new direction for drug development.
Microbial Production of Diosmetin from Hesperetin in Engineered Escherichia coli with Flavone Synthase and Flavonol Synthase
Authors: Wang Zhen , Huang Xu , Liu Juan , Xiao Feiyao , Tian Miaomiao , Ding Shenghua , Shan Yang
Published: April 2021

In this study, diosmetin was synthesized with recombinant Escherichia coli expressing flavone synthase (FNS) or flavonol synthase (FLS). Forty-four FNS/FLS were selected from 40 different plants and their bioinformatic data, such as isoelectric point, instability index, grand average of hydropathicity, transmembrane structure, secondary structure, and conservative domain were analyzed with computer tools or software. Nine recombinant E. coli strains expressing FNS/FLS were constructed for diosmetin synthesis, and the products were detected through UPLC, LC-MS, and SDS-PAGE. Results showed that FNS/FLS from different sources were different in transmembrane structures, instability coefficients, and conservative regions. Among the nine recombinant E. coli strains, six recombinant E. coli strains were observed expected bands by SDS-PAGE, four recombinant E. coli strains were detected to have diosmetin with a molecular weight of 300.06 confirmed by LC-MS in broth, and the diosmetin concentration of a DE3/pAnFNS fermentation broth was the highest (39.6 mg/L). The enzyme expression and catalytic reaction were accordance with the results of bioinformatics analysis. In addition, the ratio of predicted intermediate product (4'-O-Methyl taxifolin) and final product (diosmetin) was significant different among FNS/FLS from different sources, although they are similar in physicochemical properties and structures. Therefore, the hypothesis that FNS/FLS catalyzed the synthesis of diosmetin from hesperetin by hydroxylation at the C-2 and C-3 positions respectively, 2-hydroxyhesperetin undergoes an elimination reaction and is converted to diosmetin, 3-hydroxyhesperetin (4'-O-Methyl taxifolin) was retained as a byproduct has been proposed.Key points:1) A possible biosynthesis pathway of diosmetin was proposed.2) Diosmetin was biosynthesized by expressing FNS and FLS in recombinant Escherichia coli strains.3) Enzyme selection in biosynthesis was guided with bioinformatic analysis.4) The speculation that simultaneous hydroxylation of the reaction occurs at both C-2 and C-3 positions of flavanones has been proposed.
Modelling the Nexus in Foreign Capital Flows and Environmental Degradation: Fresh Evidence From Global Data
Authors: Khan Muhammad Azam , Raza Ali
Published: April 2021

Environmental degradation, if not controlled, is one of the dangers faced by humankind. Achieving sustainable development is impossible without improving environmental quality. The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are intended to lead to improvements toward a sustainable future. We explore empirically the interrelationship between foreign capital flows/foreign direct investment (FDI) and environmental quality measured by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for a panel of 125 countries in 1990–2018 by revisiting the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH). This study employed a system generalised method of moments (GMM). The GMM estimates show that FDI has a significantly positive link with CO2 in Asia and Africa, but the links between these two variables are insignificant in the Latin American, Caribbean and European regions. In the cases of full sample and developing countries, a significantly positive relationship is found between FDI and CO2. In the case of income-based samples, results reveal that FDI is the cause of environmental degradation in low-income, lower middle-income and upper middle-income countries. We contribute to the available literature by re-examining the PHH and presenting the impact of inward FDI on CO2, where the results demonstrate that the PHH is valid in full-sample, regional and income-wise countries. These findings suggest that developing countries should adopt environmentally friendly policies to attract foreign investors by setting strict regulations on environmental pollution control to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Morphological, Anatomical, and Chemical Characteristics Associated With Lodging Resistance in Avena Sativa
Authors: Argenta Jéssica , Pacheco Marcelo Teixeira , Mariath Jorge Ernesto de Araujo , Federizzi Luiz Carlos
Published: April 2021

In subtropical environments, lodging occurs at all stages of an oat plant development, particularly after panicle's appearance, causing severe yield reduction. This study's objective was to identify the morphological, chemical, and anatomical characteristics of the culm that are associated with lodging resistance in oats and that can be used to identify and select resistant genotype. A set of different genotypes with diverse response to lodging were grown in nine environments, combining sowing densities, years, and growing seasons within the same year. Were carried out morphological, anatomical, and chemical evaluations for primary culms. Shorter culm length and larger culm thickness in the first expanded basal internode are morphological characteristics associated with lodging resistance in Avena sativa. No differences in lignin and cellulose contents were observed, however, there were differences in the distribution pattern and in the intensity of staining of lignin and cellulose. Resistant genotypes showed higher number of layers of cells in the subdermal parenchyma. The most practical and easily selectable feature for lodging resistance in a breeding program remains plant height together with culm thickness in the first basal internode.
Profiling of seasonal variation in and cancer risk assessment of benzo (a) pyrene and heavy metals in drinking water from Kirkuk city, Iraq
Authors: Mohammed Awaz Bahrooz , Goran Siraj Muhammed , Tarafdar Abhrajyoti
Published: April 2021

The Lesser Zap River is the main tributary of the Tigris and is used as a main source of drinking water in Kirkuk city through the General Kirkuk project. Water samples at 13 sites were analyzed for heavy metals (cobalt, lead, manganese, copper) and benzo(a)pyrene using 2 methods of analysis (high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits). Risk evaluation for benzo(a)pyrene and lead in water samples was accomplished by Monte Carlo simulation. The highest concentrations of B(a)P were recorded at sites S7 and S5, with levels of 0.192 and 0.122 µg L− 1 detected by HPLC and ELISA, respectively. The WHO guidelines for benzo[a]pyrene in drinking water recommend 0.0007 mg L (0.7 µg. L− 1), and none of the samples surpassed this level; moreover, B(a)P levels exceeded EPA standards in 2014 (0.01 ppb), particularly when the liquid-liquid extraction method with HPLC was used. Carcinogenic risks for human adults and children exist and are highest during the rainy season as compared with the carcinogenic risk during the dry season; risks for children exceed those of adults. This indicates that the 2nd round of sampling (winter season) harbors more carcinogenic risk than the 1st round of sampling (dry season).
The prevalence and prognosis of hyponatraemia in non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Yin Guangli , Man Changfeng , Huang Jiayu , Cheng Wanying , Gao Xin , Wang Jujuan , Tian Tian , Duan Limin , Xu Ji , Qiu Hongxia
Published: April 2021

Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (NHL-HLH) in adult secondary HLH (sHLH) is a common and universally highly lethal critical disorder. Hyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte disorder in the critical illness setting and acts as a negative prognostic factor. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic role of hyponatraemia among patients with NHL-HLH. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 153 newly diagnosed adult NHL-HLH patients, which were divided into 2 groups based on serum sodium concentration on admission, a hyponatraemia and a normonatraemia group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify the prognostic factors associated with worse survival. The overall survival time of all the patients were compared using log rank tests. Restricted cubic splines were conducted to address the association between serum sodium concentration and the risk of mortality. Results: The results showed that 81 (52.9%) patients had hyponatraemia. After a median follow-up of 47 (range 14-180) days, there were 72 (88.9%) cumulative deaths in hyponatraemia group while 50 (69.4%) in normonatremia group. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that hyponatraemia group demonstrated unfavourable overall survival (P = 0.002). After adjustment for confounders, multivariate analysis revealed that hyponatraemia was an independent prognostic factor for OS (Hazard ratio [HR]:1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-2.20; P = 0.033). Restricted cubic spline confirmed a linear and positive association between serum sodium and the risk of mortality. Conclusions: Hyponatraemia is relatively frequent in NHL-HLH. As a readily available biomarker in clinical routine, it was a promising prognostic predictor for NHL-HLH.