bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGUKURAN KINERJA KARYAWAN PADA PT HT MANUFACTURING
Authors: Anjani Restu , Sugianto Welly
Published: October 2023

This research focuses on measuring the performance of employees at PT HT Manufacturing, a company producing fishing bait and equipment. The study aims to assess employee performance in the Painting department and identify potential areas for improvement. The current performance measurement system is found to be subjective, emphasizing financial targets only. The theoretical framework discusses the concept of performance, performance measurement, human resources management, and the Human Resource Scorecard (HRSC). The HRSC is an important tool for measuring and managing the strategic contributions of human resources to achieve the company's objectives. The research methodology used is a survey, employing questionnaires and interviews to collect data from 24 employees in the Painting department. Data validity and reliability are tested using statistical analyses like correlation and Cronbach's alpha.

The findings reveal that most indicators used to measure employee performance are valid and reliable. However, one indicator related to measuring performance between employees and their superiors is found to be invalid. The research concludes that the company's performance measurement needs improvement, and employee training plays a crucial role in enhancing job satisfaction and overall performance.Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the performance measurement process at PT HT Manufacturing and offers recommendations for enhancing employee performance and job satisfaction through effective training programs.
PERANCANGAN ULANG TUTUP KALENG MAKANAN YANG AMAN
Authors: Lumban Tungkup Fairizal , Sirait Ganda
Published: October 2023

PT ABC is a manufacturing company engaged in canned food products. PT ABC produces several types of ready-to-eat food cans ranging from small to large sizes. Based on field studies, several problems were found in the can lid, where the can lid is often difficult to open, causing pain when opening the can lid. Another problem is the side of the can cover that is too sharp, causing cuts when hit by the side of the can cover when taking food. Therefore, it is necessary to redesign a safe food can lid to maintain user safety. The method used in this research is the NIDA method (Need, Idea, Decision, and Action). Based on the research results, there are 2 alternative forms of can lid design. The first alternative provides an increase in the distance between the puller and the lid of the can by 2mm and adds a curve to the side of the can cover in the form of a radius of 0.3mm. While the second alternative adds a distance between the puller and the lid of the can by 2mm and adds an arch on the side of the can cover in the form of an angle of 60 °. Based on the results of the analysis of the two alternatives, the first alternative was chosen as a safe form of can lid design.
RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM PENDUKUNG KEPUTUSAN PEMILIHAN SISWA BERPRESTASI BERBASIS SIMPLE ADDITIVE WEIGHTING
Authors: Prasetyo Muhammad Dody , Amrizal Amrizal
Published: October 2023

The selection of outstanding students at MIS Imadun Ghoffar went through a long and complicated process. The selection process has the opportunity to make wrong decisions in the selection process, because the student selection process is based on subjectivity, which means that the selected outstanding students will most likely not reach the desired level and will not get the best candidate. Therefore, a decision support system is created that can calculate all the criteria for selecting outstanding students. In this work, the SAW (Simple Additive Weighting) method is implemented. This method makes decision making easier. The problem to be solved is divided into several elements, namely Criteria. The criteria needed are the average value of report cards, extracurricular scores, attitude scores and absences. The results of this system are expected to produce outstanding students according to the specified criteria. From this it can be concluded that the decision support system for selecting outstanding students at MI Imadun Ghoffar can be a solution or consideration in selecting outstanding students.
ANALISIS DAN DETEKSI MALWARE PADA PROTOKOL JARINGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE MALWARE ANALISIS DINAMIS DAN MALWARE ANALISIS STATIS
Authors: Sianipar Vicram Renondo , Pangaribuan Hotma
Published: October 2023

Network security is a crucial issue in the rapidly developing era of information technology. One of the main threats is malware, which is malicious software that harms systems and data. To solve this problem, analysis and detection of malware on network protocols need to be improved using effective methods. This research explores the application of two main methods, namely static and dynamic malware analysis. First, static malware analysis involves examining malware files without running them. This method includes analysis of signatures, heuristics, and malicious code to identify typical malware patterns in files on the network.Second, dynamic malware analysis executes malware in an isolated environment (sandbox) to monitor its behavior and impact on the system. This process allows detection of malicious changes and attempts by malware to propagate itself. By combining these two methods, a holistic and efficient approach in malware detection on network protocols can be achieved. It is hoped that the results of this research can improve network security, protect infrastructure from ever-evolving malware threats. The use of static and dynamic analysis methods will help deal with increasingly complex security challenges, enabling networks to operate more securely and reliably.
PERANCANGAN MEJA KERJA DAN PENYANGGA KOMPONEN MOTOR PADA UKM SBS GARAGE AND PAINT
Authors: Siahaan Bobby Bernard , Sirait Ganda
Published: October 2023

The growth of the automotive world is growing rapidly, based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the number of motorized vehicles in 2021 will reach 120,042,298 units. The increasing number of vehicles affects the volume on the road resulting in the risk of accidents. This can cause the vehicle to become scuffed and damaged. Based on this description, this provides a business opportunity for the paint shop. SBS Garage and Paint UKM is a business engaged in motorcycle painting services. There are problems in painting, namely the positioning of motor components when painting does not use ideal tools resulting in the fall of motor components when laying and painting, during the painting process, the painter must change positions for painting on different component sides, so a table design is needed work and support for motor components so that the Painter is comfortable during the painting process so that it becomes more optimal. Identification of needs and design using the NIDA method (Need, Identification, Decision, and Action). Researchers made 2 alternative results of the design of the workbench and support. Based on the design selection analysis, the selected workbench design is alternative 1 because the height can be adjusted and the support design chosen is alternative 1 because it can move components without removing the support first. After designing the workbench and support components, painting can be done more optimally.
PENERAPAN DATA MINING UNTUK ANALISIS POLA PEMBELIAN KONSUMEN DENGAN ALGORITMA FP-GROWTH PADA DATA TRANSAKSI PENJUALAN SPAREPART MOTOR
Authors: Saputra Eka , Fauzi Rahmat
Published: October 2023

The motorcycle repair shop is one of the factors that guarantees the comfort of using a motorcycle. Without a repair shop, riders will find it difficult to provide routine maintenance and repair their problem motorbikes. The data that has been collected is not only as archival data by the workshop but is utilized as data that is processed as information data that is used to increase sales of motor spare parts. This also has an impact on the utilization of existing sales transaction data because transaction data which is usually used as an archive causes accumulation of data whose benefits are not known, even though if the data is processed properly it can be useful as information used to make decisions in obtaining new knowledge about sales besides that it is difficult to make the right decision to determine the stock of goods based on spare part purchasing patterns, as well as the availability of repair shops in every corner of the city does not necessarily guarantee the comfort of motorbike users because there is no fast and accurate information. To get this information, it can be done using data mining techniques.
ANALISIS PENGUKURAN POSTUR KERJA PADA AKTIVITAS MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING DI PT JMS BATAM
Authors: Sidabutar Fashion Dedy , Zetli Sri
Published: October 2023

This study aims to analyze the risk level of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in workers who carry out Manual Material Handling (MMH) activities at PT JMS Batam. MMH is a manual transportation and material transfer activity using human labor. This study was conducted because MMH activities carried out repetitively often cause health complaints, especially in the skeletal muscles. The primary data collection method is carried out through observation, direct interviews with employees, documentation using mobile phone cameras, and the distribution of Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaires to identify complaints on workers' body parts. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method is used to assess the posture of workers during MMH activities. The results showed that Nordic Body Map analysis showed that all stevedoring workers had the potential to experience musculoskeletal disorder complaints, especially on the left shoulder, right shoulder, back, waist, and buttocks. Workers with scores above 70 are at high risk and need immediate improvement. Workers scoring 55-70 are at moderate risk and require consideration of future improvements. Analysis using the REBA method showed that material transfer has a high risk of trunk and upper arm posture, increasing the risk of injury and health problems.
ANALISIS TINGKAT RISIKO ERGONOMI PADA PEKERJA DI ABC
Authors: Susanto Heru , Zetli Sri
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTThere are still many jobs whose flow is still manually that requires a worker to have more muscle and bone abilities. Sometimes everyone also has limitations, and muscle complaints often occur when doing manual work, especially musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Activities carried out at PT Patria Maritim Perkasa are still manual, especially in the blaster section, so many workers complain of aches and pains in their bodies. This study aims to determine the subjective complaints of MSDs, the level of ergonomics risk, and the relationship between work posture, age, body mass index, exercise habits, and smoking habits on MSDs complaints. The tools used are NBM questionnaire, work posture image and employee characteristics questionnaire. The NBM questionnaire showed subjective complaints especially felt at the waist with a score of 23 (90.6%). The method used is the REBA method which produces a high level of risk, namely in the lower sandblasting operation with a score of 9 and during material transfer for sandblasting and preparation of sandblasting equipment with a score of 8. Based on the results of research trials related to MSD complaints are work posture, age and body mass index, exercise habits and smoking habits. There is no relationship with MSD claims, with a significance > 0.05.
PENERAPAN DATA MINING DENGAN METODE NAIVE BAYES CLASSIFIER PADA PENJUALAN BARANG UNTUK OPTIMASI STRATEGI PEMASARAN
Authors: Lubis Kahfi Rama Putra , Sitohang Sunarsan
Published: October 2023

Along with technological developments, market developments are also increasing rapidly and competition is starting to occur between entrepreneurs and business people, which requires entrepreneurs to take advantage of existing technology. At this time the Universal Homeware Store does not realize that this data can be processed effectively to find out the development of a business or business that is being run, besides that the procurement of goods that customers need is often unavailable. One of the data processing technologies is by applying data mining. Data mining is a form of extracting information from data that is large enough to obtain data patterns so as to produce information data that is useful for making decisions and increasing profits in developing marketing strategies. One of the uses of data mining is using the Naive Bayes Classifier algorithm. Naive Bayes Classifier is one of the existing algorithms in data mining which is used to deal with uncertainty problems by emphasizing the concept of probability of use and measuring the level of accuracy so that it can predict purchasing strategies from past sales analysis. with research results Using 36 data and with rapid minner tools produces an accuracy value of 80%
ANALISIS KEPUASAN KONSUMEN TERHADAP KUALITAS PRODUK MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA NAIVE BAYES
Authors: Suwandi Ahmad , Fauzi Rahmat
Published: October 2023

Current technological developments have brought changes to human lifestyles, such as lifestyle, selection of antic goods and communication equipment such as smartphones and other devices. Nowadays it is known that the collection of branded items is also a lifestyle trend such as bags, rings, clothes and other fashions. Batam as an industrial city encourages investors to invest in Batam, because Batam is the most strategic city and is an international trade route directly adjacent to Singapore. The problem that often occurs at PT Tas Import Sukses in serving consumers is that the goods sent are not on demand, so consumers suspect that the products traded do not have good quality. And if there is a problem, the company responds with a very slow time. The purpose of this study is to analyze consumer satisfaction with the quality of products at PT Tas Import Sukses using the Naïve Bayes method, to determine the level of consumer satisfaction with the quality of bag products. And the last is to find out the level of accuracy in determining product satisfaction and quality with the Naïve Bayes method. While the results of this study are that satisfaction is strongly influenced by the level of service, while the second order is product quality, where the average level of satisfaction accuracy using the naïve bayes algorithm is 91%, pression 89% and recall 88.33%.
IMPLEMENTASI DATA MINING DALAM PREDIKSI KEPUASAN BELAJAR SAAT PANDEMIC COVID MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA C 4.5
Authors: Siahaan Asnija Elisabeth , Fauzi Rahmat
Published: October 2023

In 2020, the Covid-virus pandemic has spread throughout the world, including in Indonesia, of course affecting all aspects, especially the lives of Indonesian people, including education during the online learning process and the transition from face-to-face processes, of course, various obstacles arise including the lack of students understanding the teaching and learning process, and teachers who are unable to convey material optimally, that's why this online learning system requires the implementation of Data Mining to maximize learning and help related parties. The method used in this research is analysis and data mining. Analysis is an attempt to observe something in detail. things or things by outlining its constituent components or constituents for further study. Data mining, also known as knowledge, is one of the fields whose rapid growth is due to the high demand for added value from large-scale database batteries. From the research that has been done, it indicates that the decision tree can be a reference for schools in order to increase student and female learning satisfaction in the learning process, and based on the results of system testing it can be concluded that this application was successful in increasing student satisfaction in online learning during the covid pandemic. Data mining is used by the C4.5 algorithm to interest students in online learning during the corona virus.
ANALISIS PENGENDALIAN KUALITAS PRODUK TLS PADA PT HO WAH GENTING
Authors: Hanyel Hendra , Fajrah Nofriani
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

One of the keys to success in winning industry competition in the future or in the era globalization is to pay attention to quality issue.  For that reason, if a company wants to survive, particularly in facing the future, so are required to pay attention to the quality.PT Ho Wah Genting is company operating in manufacturing sector that produces cable wire, by which one product is TLS. According to observation, there were three problems during the printing procces. Malformed product is being, and less product defects. The research on p’s control maps show that there’s data that’s out of control. Based on the analysis of the defect using the fishbone diagram for every flaw there are some factor which are human being. Machines, method, material, and also the neigborhood. Based on the analysis in the field, the product defects cannot be eliminated because when the machine is set up, it will also defect product. Based on the three alternative design tools obtained, the third design alternative was chosen because it is effective in helping operators maintain product quality and in accordance white the constraints faced by operators during the production process.
RANCANGAN ALAT PEMBANGKIT LISTRIK TENAGA BATERAI
Authors: Hutapea Bitson Nerpandi , Sirait Ganda
Published: October 2023

Many factors could affect electricity distribution to seclusion places or the outer part of an island that needs electricity, for instance the power plant center is located very far away, low population, and difficult access to electricity. This is a design to establish a battery power generator that has the same concept with a common generator that could result in electricity power up to 36 kWh, this power can supply electricity to 30 houses with 1,2 kWh for each house. The goal of this research is to re-designing a generator by considering user needs. A survey had been made to acknowledge what customers might need from this product and axiomatic design is used to compile a parameter design using mapping process from customer attribute and functional requirement.
Artificial intelligence in accelerating vaccine development - current and future perspectives
Authors: Kaushik Rahul , Kant Ravi , Christodoulides Myron
Published: October 2023

Tackling antimicrobial resistance requires the development of new drugs and vaccines. Artificial intelligence (AI) assisted computational approaches offer an alternative to the traditionally empirical drug and vaccine discovery pipelines. In this mini review, we focus on the increasingly important role that AI now plays in the development of vaccines and provide the reader with the methods used to identify candidate vaccine candidates for selected multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Unveiling the complexity: assessing models describing the structure and function of the nuclear pore complex
Authors: Rush Coby , Jiang Zecheng , Tingey Mark , Feng Fiona , Yang Weidong
Published: October 2023

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) serves as a pivotal subcellular structure, acting as a gateway that orchestrates nucleocytoplasmic transport through a selectively permeable barrier. Nucleoporins (Nups), particularly those containing phenylalanine–glycine (FG) motifs, play indispensable roles within this barrier. Recent advancements in technology have significantly deepened our understanding of the NPC's architecture and operational intricacies, owing to comprehensive investigations. Nevertheless, the conspicuous presence of intrinsically disordered regions within FG-Nups continues to present a formidable challenge to conventional static characterization techniques. Historically, a multitude of strategies have been employed to unravel the intricate organization and behavior of FG-Nups within the NPC. These endeavors have given rise to multiple models that strive to elucidate the structural layout and functional significance of FG-Nups. Within this exhaustive review, we present a comprehensive overview of these prominent models, underscoring their proposed dynamic and structural attributes, supported by pertinent research. Through a comparative analysis, we endeavor to shed light on the distinct characteristics and contributions inherent in each model. Simultaneously, it remains crucial to acknowledge the scarcity of unequivocal validation for any of these models, as substantiated by empirical evidence.
Effect of whole body vibration therapy in the rat model of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Tian Jia-Qing , Wei Teng-Fei , Wei Yu-Rou , Xiao Fang-Jun , He Xian-Shun , Lin Kun , Lu Shun , He Xiao-Ming , He Wei , Wei Qiu-Shi , Xiang Xiao-Wei , He Min-Cong
Published: October 2023

Background: Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head (SIONFH) is a skeletal disease with a high incidence and a poor prognosis. Whole body vibration therapy (WBVT), a new type of physical training, is known to promote bone formation. However, it remains unclear whether WBVT has a therapeutic effect on SIONFH.

Materials and methods: Thirty adult male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected and randomly assigned to three experimental groups: the control group, the model group, and the mechanical vibration group, respectively. SIONFH induction was achieved through the combined administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection (MPS). The femoral head samples underwent hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to visualize tissue structures. Structural parameters of the region of interest (ROI) were compared using Micro-CT analysis. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the expression levels of Piezo1, BMP2, RUNX2, HIF-1, VEGF, CD31, while immunofluorescence was used to examine CD31 and Emcn expression levels.

Results: The H&E staining results revealed a notable improvement in the ratio of empty lacuna in various groups following WBVT intervention. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression levels of Piezo1, BMP2, RUNX2, HIF-1, VEGF, and CD31 in the WBVT group exhibited significant differences when compared to the Model group (p < 0.05). Additionally, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences in CD31 and Emcn expression levels between the WBVT group and the Model group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: WBVT upregulates Piezo1 to promote osteogenic differentiation, potentially by enhancing the HIF-1α/VEGF axis and regulating H-vessel angiogenesis through the activation of the Piezo1 ion channel. This mechanism may lead to improved blood flow supply and enhanced osteogenic differentiation within the femoral head.
Strain belonging to an emerging, virulent sublineage of ST131 Escherichia coli isolated in fresh spinach, suggesting that ST131 may be transmissible through agricultural products
Authors: Balbuena-Alonso Maria G. , Camps Manel , Cortés-Cortés Gerardo , Carreón-León Eder A. , Lozano-Zarain Patricia , Rocha-Gracia Rosa del Carmen
Published: October 2023

Food contamination with pathogenic Escherichia coli can cause severe disease. Here, we report the isolation of a multidrug resistant strain (A23EC) from fresh spinach. A23EC belongs to subclade C2 of ST131, a virulent clone of Extraintestinal Pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). Most A23EC virulence factors are concentrated in three pathogenicity islands. These include PapGII, a fimbrial tip adhesin linked to increased virulence, and CsgA and CsgB, two adhesins known to facilitate spinach leaf colonization. A23EC also bears TnMB1860, a chromosomally-integrated transposon with the demonstrated potential to facilitate the evolution of carbapenem resistance among non-carbapenemase-producing enterobacterales. This transposon consists of two IS26-bound modular translocatable units (TUs). The first TU carries aac(6’)-lb-cr, blaOXA-1, ΔcatB3, aac(3)-lle, and tmrB, and the second one harbors blaCXT-M-15. A23EC also bears a self-transmissible plasmid that can mediate conjugation at 20°C and that has a mosaic IncF [F(31,36):A(4,20):B1] and Col156 origin of replication. Comparing A23EC to 86 additional complete ST131 sequences, A23EC forms a monophyletic cluster with 17 other strains that share the following four genomic traits: (1) virotype E (papGII+); (2) presence of a PAI II536-like pathogenicity island with an additional cnf1 gene; (3) presence of chromosomal TnMB1860; and (4) frequent presence of an F(31,36):A(4,20):B1 plasmid. Sequences belonging to this cluster (which we named “C2b sublineage”) are highly enriched in septicemia samples and their associated genetic markers align with recent reports of an emerging, virulent sublineage of the C2 subclade, suggesting significant pathogenic potential. This is the first report of a ST131 strain belonging to subclade C2 contaminating green leafy vegetables. The detection of this uropathogenic clone in fresh food is alarming. This work suggests that ST131 continues to evolve, gaining selective advantages and new routes of transmission. This highlights the pressing need for rigorous epidemiological surveillance of ExPEC in vegetables with One Health perspective.
Efficacy of prognostic nutrition index in combination with D-dimer in predicting postoperative clinical adverse events after acute type A aortic dissection: a single center retrospective study
Authors: Xie Linfeng , He Jian , Lin Xinfan , Zhang Zhaofeng , Zhuang Xinghui , Jiang Debin
Published: October 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to identify the predictive factors for adverse clinical events after surgery in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD), and to explore the predictive value of preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) combined with D-dimer for these events.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of clinical data of 153 patients with AAAD who underwent emergency surgery at our center from January 2019 to January 2022. Patients were divided into adverse event group and non-adverse event group based on whether they experienced adverse clinical events after surgery. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for adverse events, and the predictive efficacy was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC).

Results

A total of 153 AAAD patients were included in the study, and were divided into the adverse event group (n = 46) and the non-adverse events group (n = 107) based on whether or not they experienced clinical adverse events after surgery. The optimal cutoff value was determined using ROC curves, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Ultimately, it was found that preoperative PNI < 42.45 and D-dimer > 15.05 were independent predictors of postoperative clinical adverse events in AAAD patients. The odd ratios (OR) value for preoperative PNI < 42.45 is 3.596 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.508–8.923, p = 0.004], while the OR value for D-dimer > 15.05 is 7.572 [95% CI: 3.094–20.220, p < 0.001]. The combination of these two indicators has a high predictive value (AUC = 0.843, 95% CI: 0.774–0.912, p < 0.001) and is superior to using either variable alone.

Conclusion

Preoperative PNI < 42.45 and D-dimer > 15.05 are independent predictive factors for postoperative adverse events during hospitalization in patients with AAAD. The combination of these two indicators can improve the predictive accuracy, which is superior to using either variable alone.
Tailored pharmacist-led intervention to improve adherence to Iron supplementation in premature infants: a randomized controlled trial in China
Authors: Yu Beimeng , Ni Ming , Li Haijing , Xu Renjie , Wang Aiping
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Prematurity is due to a number of factors, especially genetics. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led patient-centered medication therapy management trial on iron deficiency and medication adherence among premature infants receiving iron supplementation at a tertiary hospital in Shaoxing, China.

Methods

In this randomised controlled trial, eighty-one premature infants, with or without genetic factors, born at 26 to 30 weeks and 6 days gestational age, will be recruited and randomised to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive a pharmacist-driven discharge counseling on iron supplements from recruitment, until 12 months. The control group will receive care as usual. The main outcomes were haemoglobin (g/L), serum iron (μg/L), medication adherence estimation and differentiation scale, the satisfaction with information about medicines scale, beliefs about medicines questionnaire and the Bayley scales for infant development.

Results

A total of 81 patients were enrolled in the study. After intervention, results for the haemoglobin and serum iron differed significantly between the control group and the intervention group (101.36 vs. 113.55, P < 0.0001 and 51.13 vs. 101.36, P = 0.004). Additionally, there was a substantial difference between the intervention group and the control group in terms of patient medication adherence estimation and differentiation scale (27 vs. 34, P = 0.0002). the intervention group had better mental development index and psychomotor development index, compared with the control group (91.03 vs. 87.29, P = 0.035 and 95.05 vs. 90.00, P = 0.022).

Discussion

In premature infants with iron deficiency, our pharmacist-led team significantly improved clinical outcomes and medication adherence.
Spatially explicit models of seed availability improve predictions of conifer regeneration following the 2018 Carr Fire in northern California
Authors: Wright Micah , van Mantgem Phillip , Buffington Kevin , Thorne Karen , Engber Eamon , Smith Sean
Published: October 2023

For many conifer species in dry conifer forests of North America, seeds must be present for postfire regeneration to occur, suggesting that seed dispersal from surviving trees plays a critical role in postfire forest recovery. However, the application of tree fecundity and spatial arrangement to postfire conifer recovery predictions have only recently become more common, and is often included at relatively coarse scales (i.e., 30 meters). In this study, we mapped surviving trees using lidar and created a spatially explicit estimate of seed density (seed shadows) with 10 m, 50 m, and 100 m median dispersal distances. We estimated the number of seeds produced by each tree using allometric relationships between tree size and fecundity. Along with the seed shadows, we used a suite of topographic variables as inputs to negative binomial hurdle models to predict conifer seedling abundance in 131 plots following the 2018 Carr Fire in northern California, USA. We compared models using each of the seed shadows to each other as well as to a model using the distance to the nearest surviving tree, which served as a baseline. All model formulations indicated that estimated seed availability was positively associated with conifer regeneration. Despite the importance of seed availability plays in regeneration and the substantial differences in seed availability represented by the different seed shadows in our analysis, we found surprisingly little difference in model performance regardless of which seed shadow was used. However, the models employing seed shadows outperformed the models with distance to the nearest live tree. Although we have demonstrated a modest improvement in predicting postfire conifer regeneration, the uncertainty in our results highlights the importance of tree detection and classification in future studies of this kind. Future studies may find it useful to consider other factors such as predation, site suitability, and seed mortality as potential drivers of discrepancies between total and realized dispersal kernels.
Loss of NOD2 in macrophages improves colitis and tumorigenesis in a lysozyme-dependent manner
Authors: Chauvin Camille , Radulovic Katarina , Boulard Olivier , Delacre Myriam , Waldschmitt Nadine , Régnier Paul , Legris Gauthier , Bouchez Clément , Sleimi Mohamed-Yassine , Rosenstiel Philip , Darrasse-Jèze Guillaume , Chamaillard Mathias , Poulin Lionel F.
Published: October 2023

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a complex and poorly understood myeloid-mediated disorder. Genetic variants with loss of function in the NOD2 gene confer an increased susceptibility to ileal CD. While Nod2 in myeloid cells may confer protection against T-cell mediated ileopathy, it remains unclear whether it may promote resolution of the inflamed colon. In this study, we evaluated the function of Nod2 in myeloid cells in a model of acute colitis and colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC).

Methods

To ablate Nod2 specifically within the myeloid compartment, we generated LysMCre/+;Nod2fl/fl mice. The role of NOD2 was studied in a setting of Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and in azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS model. Clinical parameters were quantified by colonoscopy, histological, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR analysis.

Results

Upon DSS colitis model, LysMCre/+;Nod2fl/fl mice lost less weight than control littermates and had less severe damage to the colonic epithelium. In the AOM/DSS model, endoscopic monitoring of tumor progression revealed a lowered number of adenomas within the colon of LysMCre/+;Nod2fl/fl mice, associated with less expression of Tgfb. Mechanistically, lysozyme M was required for the improved disease severity in mice with a defect of NOD2 in myeloid cells.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that loss of Nod2 signaling in myeloid cells aids in the tissue repair of the inflamed large intestine through lysozyme secretion by myeloid cells. These results may pave the way to design new therapeutics to limit the inflammatory and tumorigenic functions of NOD2.
Pathogenesis of an experimental mycobacteriosis in an apple snail
Authors: Cruz-Flores Cesar , Rodriguez Cristian , Giai Constanza , Vega Israel A. , Castro-Vazquez Alfredo
Published: October 2023

In this work, we aimed at investigating cell and tissue responses of the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata, following the inoculation of the zoonotic pathogen Mycobacterium marinum. Different doses were tested (10, 20, 65, and 100 M CFU) and the mortality rate was negligible. The histopathogenesis was followed at 4, 9, and 28 days after inoculation. Overt histopathological lesions were consistently observed after the two largest doses only. In the lung, marked hemocyte aggregations, including intravascular nodule formation, were observed within the large blood veins that run along the floor and roof of this organ. Hemocyte aggregations were found occluding many of the radial sinuses supplying the respiratory lamina. Acid-fast bacilli were contained in the different hemocyte aggregations. In addition, hemocytes were observed infiltrating the storage tissue, which makes up most of the lung wall, and the connective tissue of the mantle edge. Additionally, signs of degradation in the storage tissue were observed in the lung wall on day 28. In the kidney, nodules were formed associated with the constitutive hemocyte islets and with the subpallial hemocoelic space, in whose hemocytes the acid-fast structures were found. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of bacteria-containing phagosomes within hemocytes located in the surface zone of the islets. Additionally, electron-dense spheroidal structures, which are likely remnants of digested mycobacteria, were observed in close proximity to the hemocytes’ nuclei. The size attained by the hemocyte nodules varied during the observation period, but there was no clear dependence on dose or time after inoculation. Nodules were also formed subpallially. Some of these nodules showed 2–3 layers with different cellular composition, suggesting they may also form through successive waves of circulating cells reaching them. Nodular cores, including those formed intravascularly in the lung, would exhibit signs of hemocyte dedifferentiation, possibly proliferation, and death. Hemocyte congestion was observed in the hemocoelic spaces surrounding the pallial ends of the renal crypts, and the renal crypts themselves showed de-epithelization, particularly on day 28. The diverse cellular responses of P. canaliculata to M. marinum inoculation and the high resilience of this snail to the pathogen make it a suitable species for studying mycobacterial infections and their effects on cellular and physiological processes.
Drift bottle data hint at large-scale ocean circulation changes
Authors: Ridenour Natasha A. , Buchart Liam , Carmack Eddy , Deschepper Inge , Galbraith Eric , Green Geoff , Marson Juliana M. , Pennelly Clark , Weiss-Gibbons Tahya , Myers Paul G.
Published: October 2023

Over the last two decades, in an effort to engage youth in polar science, the Students On Ice (SOI; https://studentsonice.com/) project has become a platform for youth to partake in scientific expeditions around the globe. Among the various activities offered, youth are able to join cruises in the North Atlantic or Arctic, and drop sealed glass bottles into the ocean. Of the thousands that have been deployed, 5% of bottles have been recovered and reported back to SOI with details on when and where they were found. Here, we compare the observational bottle data with virtual particle trajectories from a high resolution regional ocean model. Although modelling results indicate a higher likelihood of bottles reaching the shores of the western Atlantic, the majority of recovered bottles were found on the eastern side of the Atlantic. We attribute this disparity to differences in population density in Canada and Europe, biasing the recovery rates. Despite this bias, we find that changes in recovery locations over time are consistent with changes in the main ocean currents associated with the contraction and expansion of the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre, as simulated in our ocean model. In 2007, a large number of bottles were found in Norway, coinciding with a contracted North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre during 2004-2008. While between 2012-2016, the majority of bottles were recovered on the British Isles, during a time of gyre expansion. These results underline the importance of large scale oceanic cycles for tracking marine debris and pollution, and show how even simple data collection methods, such as drift bottles, can provide clues to the changes in the large scale ocean circulation.
Reported adverse events during out-of-hospital mechanical ventilation and ventilatory support in emergency medical services and critical care transport crews: a systematic review
Authors: Pinto-Villalba Ricardo Sabastian , Leon-Rojas Jose E.
Published: October 2023

Background

Emergency medical services (EMS) and critical care transport crews constantly face critically-ill patients who need ventilatory support in scenarios where correct interventions can be the difference between life and death; furthermore, challenges like limited staff working on the patient and restricted spaces are often present. Due to these, mechanical ventilation (MV) can be a support by liberating staff from managing the airway and allowing them to focus on other areas; however, these patients face many complications that personnel must be aware of.

Aims

To establish the main complications related to out-of-hospital MV and ventilatory support through a systematic review.

Methodology

PubMed, BVS and Scopus were searched from inception to July 2021, following the PRISMA guidelines; search strategy and protocol were registered in PROSPERO. Two authors carried out an independent analysis of the articles; any disagreement was solved by mutual consensus, and data was extracted on a pre-determined spreadsheet. Only original articles were included, and risk of bias was assessed with quality assessment tools from the National Institutes of Health.

Results

The literature search yielded a total of 2,260 articles, of which 26 were included in the systematic review, with a total of 9,418 patients with out-of-hospital MV; 56.1% were male, and the age ranged from 18 to 82 years. In general terms of aetiology, 12.2% of ventilatory problems were traumatic in origin, and 64.8% were non-traumatic, with slight changes between out-of-hospital settings. Mechanical ventilation was performed 49.2% of the time in prehospital settings and 50.8% of the time in interfacility transport settings (IFTS). Invasive mechanical ventilation was used 98.8% of the time in IFTS while non-invasive ventilation was used 96.7% of the time in prehospital settings. Reporting of adverse events occurred in 9.1% of cases, of which 94.4% were critical events, mainly pneumothorax in 33.1% of cases and hypotension in 27.6% of cases, with important considerations between type of out-of-hospital setting and ventilatory mode; total mortality was 8.4%.

Conclusion

Reported adverse events of out-of-hospital mechanical ventilation vary between settings and ventilatory modes; this knowledge could aid EMS providers in promptly recognizing and resolving such clinical situations, depending on the type of scenario being faced.
PRAME immunohistochemistry compared to traditional FISH testing in spitzoid neoplasms and other difficult to diagnose melanocytic neoplasms
Authors: Warbasse Elizabeth , Mehregan Darius , Utz Sarah , Stansfield R. Brent , Abrams Judith
Published: October 2023

PRAME (PReferentially expressed Antigen in Melanoma) is a gene first identified in melanoma. It has been proposed as a useful marker to differentiate melanoma from benign melanocytic neoplasms. Recently genomic testing using fluorescence in situ hybridization has been used to aid in the diagnosis of difficult melanocytic neoplasms. We have compared PRAME staining to FISH testing results in 83 difficult to classify melanocytic neoplasms which showed spitzoid histologic features. A relatively low sensitivity of 29.6% and high specificity of 76.8% is seen with PRAME staining as compared to genomic testing with fluorescence in situ hybridization. This study highlights the limitations of PRAME staining in spitzoid neoplasms.
The barriers, motives, perceptions, and attitudes toward research among radiology practitioners and interns in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alshamrani Khalid M. , Alkenawi Abdulkader A. , Kaifi Reham E. , Alhulil Khaled A. , Munshi Wael M. , Alqurayqiri Abdulaziz F. , Alshehri Faisal A. , Abdulmannan Hawazen I. , Ghulam Enas M. , Tasslaq Sameer E. , Aldhebaib Ali M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Research and the use of evidence-based practices are imperative to the advancement of diagnostic imaging modalities. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions and attitudes of radiology practitioners (i.e., Technicians, Technologists or Specialists, and Senior Specialists) and interns in King Abdulaziz Medical Cities (KAMCs), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, toward research, and to explore the various barriers and obstacles that hinder their research efforts.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive investigation was carried out from December 2022 to March 2023 among 112-KAMCs’ radiology practitioners and interns, using previously developed and validated questionnaire comprised of five distinct sections, each serving a specific purpose, and with a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were generated for participants’ demographics, and chi-square and fisher’s exact tests were used to examine the association between participants’ demographics and their involvement in research.

Results

Among the 137 KAMCs’ radiology practitioners and interns who were invited to participate, 112 responded and completed the questionnaire, resulting in an overall response rate of 81.75%. Radiology practitioners and interns from various medical imaging subspecialties were found to be involved in research to the extent of 83%, with nearly half (40.9%) of them have had publications, and 53.3% of these publications being either cross-sectional studies or retrospective clinical studies. A lack of time (66.1%), a lack of a professional supervisor support program (50.9%), and deficiency in research skills (45.5%) were common obstacles that may impede the participants’ ability to conduct research. The most common motives for participants to conduct research were the desire to improve their resumes (69.6%), get accepted into postgraduate radiology programs (58%), and improve their research skills (52.7%).

Conclusion

KAMCs’ radiology practitioners and interns have a positive attitude toward performing research. Despite the high percentage (83%) of those involved in research, the number of publications remains low. A crucial step to advancing the profession’s evidence base is engaging radiology practitioners and interns in research and encouraging radiology practitioner-led research. The study findings can serve as a valuable basis for designing developmental programs aimed at overcoming research obstacles among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.
Acidovorax citrulli type III effector AopU interferes with plant immune responses and interacts with a watermelon E3 ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Yang Linlin , Zhao Mei , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Jiang Jie , Fei Nuoya , Ji Weiqin , Ye Yunfeng , Guan Wei , Yang Yuwen , Zhao Tingchang
Published: October 2023

Acidovorax citrulli is a seed-borne bacterium that causes bacterial fruit blotch of watermelon and other cucurbit plants worldwide. It uses a type III secretion system to inject type III effectors (T3Es) into plant cells, which affect the host immune responses and facilitate pathogen colonization. However, the current understanding of the specific molecular mechanisms and targets of these effectors in A. citrulli is limited. In this study, we characterized a novel T3E called AopU in A. citrulli group II strain Aac5, which shares homology with XopU in Xanthomonas oryzae. The Agrobacterium-mediated gene transient expression system was used to study the effect of AopU on host immunity. The results showed that AopU localized on the cell membrane and nucleus of Nicotiana benthamiana, inhibited reactive oxygen species burst induced by flg22 and the expression of marker genes associated with pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity, but activated salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signal pathways. Further investigations revealed that AopU interacts with E3 ubiquitin ligase ClE3R in watermelon, both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the deletion of aopU did not affect the virulence of A. citrulli, suggesting that AopU may have functional redundancy with other effectors in terms of its role in virulence. Collectively, these findings provide new insights into the mechanism of plant immune responses regulated by A. citrulli T3Es.
Temperature as a modulator of allosteric motions and crosstalk in mesophilic and thermophilic enzymes
Authors: Knight Alexa L. , Widjaja Vinnie , Lisi George P.
Published: October 2023

Mesophilic and thermophilic enzyme counterparts are often studied to understand how proteins function under harsh conditions. To function well outside of standard temperature ranges, thermophiles often tightly regulate their structural ensemble through intra-protein communication (via allostery) and altered interactions with ligands. It has also become apparent in recent years that the enhancement or diminution of allosteric crosstalk can be temperature-dependent and distinguish thermophilic enzymes from their mesophilic paralogs. Since most studies of allostery utilize chemical modifications from pH, mutations, or ligands, the impact of temperature on allosteric function is comparatively understudied. Here, we discuss the biophysical methods, as well as critical case studies, that dissect temperature-dependent function of mesophilic-thermophilic enzyme pairs and their allosteric regulation across a range of temperatures.