bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimated of production and costs functions of broiler breeding farms in the province of Dhamar
Authors: Al-kwa Ahmed
Published: July 2024

The main aim of this study was to estimate the production and cost functions of the randomly selected chicken farms in Dhamar province that classified into three productive capacities of which the first one is formed of 20 farms (5000-9500) chicken, second 18 (10000) , and third 15(>10000) chicken. Several sub-goals were also tackled including: the determination of economic efficiency of resources used in the production process of chickens and optimal size of production that maximize profit. The results show that the use of chicks factor was less-utilized than required to maximize profit, where the utility index for all three capacities including total sample is 6.7, 5.3 , 4.9, and 5.9 respectively, While there is a possibility to maximize profit by increasing this factor to the level equal between the marginal value product (MVP) and marginal factor cost. the optimal size of production for total sample is estimated at (10.619) ton/Field of chicken ,while ,the size of production that maximizes the profit was estimated at (13.620)ton/ Field, which is more than the actual level of output by (1.739)ton with value of (628.937)th.YR.. The results also show that the most important productive factors affecting the production function and considered common for the three studied productive capacities including the total sample are: the number of chicks, the amount of feed, the value of heating , electricity and water. According to the average total cost of production, the third productive capacity came first with (336) TH. YR/Ton, followed by the first one with (405)TH.YR/Ton of chicken, then the second productive capacity occupied the third place with (427) TH.YR/Ton of chicken. the study recommends to use the optimal quantities of resources that will maximizes the profit with the need to rationalize the use of inputs, dealing with the reliable sources for getting inputs and stick to the quality and specifications. The government and concerned agencies are seriously invited to work closely with chicken breeders to show them the most effective principals and technologies required to improve their abilities in management resources.
Production response of four varieties of barley to different levels of nitrogen
Authors: Awn Saif
Published: July 2024

A field experiment was carried out in the experimental farm, college of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Thamar University during two seasons 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 by using the design of spilt plot only one time in RCBD with three replications. The barely varieties were assigned as (Ary1, Ary3, Moasasah21 and Moasasah23) randomly on main plots and nitrogen levels (0. 40, 80 and 120) kg/h in split plots, the results indicated that the variety of Moasasah23 was the best in both seasons which gives the highest value in number of spikes/m2, biological yield, grain yield and harvest index. Also, Ary3 was better than other varieties in the number of kernels/spike in both seasons, and the nitrogen level 120 kgNlh was better than other nitrogen levels in the first and second seasons which gives the highest value for number of spikes/m2, weight of 1000 kernels (g), biological yield, grain yield and harvest index. While the reaction between Ary3 and nitrogen level 120 kgN/h gives the highest in number of kernels/spike in both seasons. Also, the reaction between Ar3 and nitrogen level 120 kgN/h the highest in weight of 1000 kernels in both seasons.
STUDY OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF LEAVES AND FRUIT SKIN OF BLACK YEMENI GRAPE
Authors: Al Askari Jalal
Published: July 2024

Grape is one of the oldest fruits which consumed by human, and described as one of the three kings of fruits (grapes, dates and figs). This fruit has many uses, nutrition and therapeutic. The aim of this study was investigation the antimicrobial activity of leaves and skins extracts of one type of black Yemeni grapes. These extracts were used against 16 types of disease-causing bacteria and 8 types of skin disease-causing yeasts. The results showed that ethanol extract of grape skins had a good effect against all Gram positive bacteria tested in this study, and the maximum zone of inhibition was 20 mm against Streptococcus pyogenes, 19mm with MIC 12.5μg/ml. Also, strong antimicrobial activity was obtained against Gram negative bacteria and the maximum zone of inhibition was 18mm against Yersinia enterocolitic with MIC 12.5μg/ml, this extract also has excellent activity against yeasts. The ethanol extracts of leaves of grapes showed inhibition growth of most tested microorganisms with various degrees of inhibition. The results found that the grape extract was exhibited high antimicrobial activities against all tested Gram positive bacteria (12.5μg/ml), also was effective against 63% of Gram negative bacteria and the maximum inhibition zone diameter of this extract was 17 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae with MIC 25μg/ml.
Comparative Study for the physicochemical characteristics of Local and Imported Apple Fruits in Yemen
Authors: Alwaseai Amin Mohammed , ElShawish Fathi Ahmed , Omer Adel Ali
Published: July 2024

This work aimed to estimate the physical and chemical properties of local apple cultivar (Anna variety) and three varieties of imported apple fruits include (Granny Smith, Red Delicious and Honeycrisp apples) to compare the quality parameters of local apple with imported apple fruits. The samples were collected from local markets in Dhamar city, Yemen. The results showed that the physical properties of apple fruits were, the whole fruit weight (122.04, 113.5, 117.68 and 102.94) g, the pulp weight (109.16, 98.59, 102.77 and 89.7) g, the peel weight (11.76, 11.62, 10.92 and 8.84)g and the seeds weight was (0.0, 0.31, 0.14 and 0.41) g, the fruit extract volume was (47.83, 52.50, 57.83 and 41.70) ml in local, Granny Smith, Red Delicious and Honeycrisp apple varieties respectively. The chemical properties of apples juice were as following ,the moisture (83.43, 82.93, 84.40 and 86.27) %, total solids (16.57, 17.07, 15.77 and 13.73) %, total soluble solids, TSS (13.82, 10.85, 12.15 and 11.68) ˚Brix, reducing sugars (8.32, 6.59, 8.69 and 8.84) %, pH (3.61, 3.69, 4.10 and 4.2), titratable acidity (TA) (0.53, 0.51, 0.22 and 0.22) %, while vitamin (C) content was (16.01, 15.72, 17.46 and 17.61 mg/100 ml) in local, Granny Smith, Red Delicious and Honeycrisp apple varieties respectively. The Maturity indexes were the TSS/TA ratio (26.92, 24.88, 55.39 and 54.58), starch-iodine index (7.67, 10, 10 and 10) and Thiault index (TI) (198.28, 164.32, 149.67 and 143.92) in local, Granny Smith, Red Delicious and Honeycrisp apple varieties respectively. The results of this research revealed that the local apple fruits have good quality indicators, in terms of its physical properties and high TSS content, but the high acidity and starch content may be the reasons of its low sweetness and negatively effects on their quality characteristics.
Prevalence of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnant Women in Yarim City, Yemen
Authors: Al Fakih Mohammed Ali , Al-Gabr Hamid Mohammed
Published: July 2024

To determine the Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus in pregnant women in Yarim, Ibb governorate. A cross-sectional study was conducted in different medical centers at Yarim, Ibb Governorate, During the period between 2022 to 2023. A total of 190 blood samples of pregnant women were collected and examined. Seroprevalence of human cytomegalovirus, immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Out of the 190 pregnant women enrolled in the study, 154 were seropositive for cytomegalovirus infection with overall prevalence rate as 81.05%. Furthermore, out of 190 pregnant women participated in this study, 144(75.79%) were seropositive for CMV-IgG antibodies and 10 (5.26%) for CMV-IgM antibodies.Signification differences (P<0.05) were observed between seroprevalence rate and type of immunoglobulins. The highest CMV IgG seroprevalence rate77.65% was recorded in pregnant women with age group between 20-30 years of age; whereas the lower rate 60% in pregnant women with age group of 31-40 years. Significant differences (P<0.05) were existed between IgG seroprevalence of and age groups of pregnant women tested. Similarly, the highest CMV IgM seroprevalence rate 10% was recorded in pregnant women with age group between 31-40 years of age; whereas the lower rate 4.71% in pregnant women with age group of 20-30 years old. Person`s Chi square analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the age and CMV-IgM. InConclusion: Human cytomegalovirus infection is prevalent in pregnant women in study area. Proper hygienic environment, good diagnosis, introduction of vaccines and antiviral therapies could be helped in control of HCMV and related abnormalities in pregnant women and neonatal babies. Further study is required to study the epidemiology of HCMV in study area and other areas of Yemen as well.
PERANCANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI PENGOLAHAN DATA PENJUALAN DAN PEMBELIAN PADA MILENIA PET SHOP PADANG BERBASIS WEB
Authors: Pranata Bimas Tri , Yahyan Wahyuni
Published: July 2024

Pengolahan data penjualan dan pembelian merupakan kegiatan utama yang dilakukan di Pet Shop. Pada sistem yang sedang berjalan menjadikanpelayanan terhadap konsumen kurang optimal, karena itu pegawai harus mencatat data-data penjualan dan pembelian, sulitnya mengetahui persediaan barang, lambatnya pembuatan laporan karena belumnya terkomputerisasi, dan bagian gudang, Kesulitan dalam pendataan barang yang masuk dan keluar. Tujuannya dilakukanpenelitian ini adalah untuk membangun sebuah sistem informasi penjualan.Desain Penelitian ini adalah Deskriptif .Komputer, metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah data primer dan sekunder, metode pengembangan sistem yang digunakan SDLC denga alata bantu perancangan sistem. Perangkat lunak yang digunakan untuk pembuatan perancangan sistem informasi ini yaitu PHP dengan database Mariadb.Sistem informasi dibuat agar dapat mempermudah dalam pengolahan datapenjualan dan pembelian di mulai pelayanan penjualan terhadap konsumen danpembelian barang ke supplier, dapat dengan cepat dan akurat dalam pengolahanlaporan penjualan dan pembelian karena semua data telah tersimpan dalam bentukDatabase, serta menghasilkan informasi yang diharapkan.
PERANCANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI PENYULUHAN PADA KANTOR PERTANIAN BPP BUKIT KERMAN BERBASIS WEB
Authors: Atikah Fatin Aina , Weriza Jusmita
Published: July 2024

Sistem informasi merupaka slah satu bagian penting dalam mengelola dan menjalankan semua kegiatan satu diantaranya adalah sistem informasi penyuluhan pada kantor pertanian Bpp Bukit Kerman. Pada kantor pertanian Bpp Bukit Kerman pada saat sekarang ini masih belum memiliki aplikasi atau sistem berbasis web pada program penyuluhan kepada para petani. Oleh karena itu penulis merancang sebuah sistem informasi penyuluhan berbasis web. Metode pengembangan sistem yang digunakan pada yaitu SDLC (Waterfall), dengan menggunakan alat bantu perancangan sistem UML, dengan bahasa pemograman Php dan Database SQL
Web-Based Donation Information System At Tpq / Tqa Masjid Nurhikmah Kampung Melayu Nanggalo Padang
Authors: M. ILHAM A. SIREGAR M. ILHAM A. SIREGAR , AGUS SUTARDJO AGUS SUTARDJO , Rafi12 Rizki Muhammas Rafi
Published: July 2024

Nurhikmah Mosque is a mosque located in Kampung Melayu Nanggalo Padang. This research is motivated by the problem of the Nurhikmah Mosque, which currently does not have an information system for managing donations. The large number of donors must come directly to the Nurhikmah Mosque, so it takes time to get to the location of the mosque, if the donor is far from the location of the Nurhikmah Mosque.
To overcome this problem, a management system is needed that can be accessed easily by the community. The research conducted in this final project is to create and design a web-based donation information system for the Nurhikmah Mosque. This information system is made with Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), CodeIgniter Framework and MySQL database. The research method used is waterfall. Starting with system analysis, design, coding and the final stage is system testing. The purpose of this system that will be created is to make it easier for the wider community to make donations/charity to the Nurhikmah Mosque.
WEB-BASED STOCK MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM AND SALES RESULTS AT CENDIA COSMETIC STORE
Authors: Mallisza Danyl , Maulana Afif
Published: July 2024

The management of stock and sales results at the Cendia cosmetics store is still done manually, so there is often a buildup of documents and sales reports. With this system, it is hoped that the management of stock and sales results will be more effective and efficient so as to produce accurate reports.
The research method used is by analyzing the current system and identifying needs using the system development life cycle (SDLC) with UML design tools.
This information system was created to make the process of managing stock and sales results at the Cendia cosmetics store easier to be more effective and efficient because all data has been stored in database form and produces more accurate output reports on stock management and sales results as expected.
The information system for managing stock and web-based sales results at the Cendia cosmetics store has been computerized so that it can save time and energy compared to the old system and stock management becomes more effective and efficient
Adana İlinin Depremselliği Ve Deprem Üretebilecek Fayları
Authors: Ünlügenç Ulvi Can , Akıncı Ahmet Can
Published: July 2024

Alp-Himalaya Dağ kuşağı üzerinde yer alan ülkemizin güney kesimlerinde Afrika ve Arap levhaları, milyonlarca yıldır arasında sınır oluşturan transform Ölü Deniz Fay Zonu boyunca güneyden kuzeye doğru hareket ederek Anadolu levhacığını sıkıştırmaktadır. Bu stres sonucunda Akdeniz’in içerisinde Kıbrıs’ın güney-güneybatı kesimlerinde Afrika Levhası Kıbrıs’ın altına dalmaya devam etmekte, ancak Kıbrıs’ın güneydoğu kesimlerinde ise bu tektonik sütur kuzeydoğuya doğru Lazkiye ve Samandağ (Hatay) üzerinden ülke sınırlarımıza transform faylı bir hatla uzanmaktadır. Afrika ve Arap levhaları arasında sınır oluşturan yaklaşık kuzey-güney uzanımlı transform nitelikli Ölü Deniz Fay Zonu’nun bir segmenti Hatay bölgesinin kuzey kesimlerinde Kıbrıs tarafından gelen sütur ile Serinyol taraflarında birleşirken bu bölgede üç levhanın bir noktada kesiştiği üçlü birleşme bölgesini oluşturmaktadır. Ölü Deniz Fay Zonunun diğer bir segmenti Suriye üzerinden Karasu grabeninin güney sınırı boyunca Gaziantep ilinin batı-kuzeybatısına doğru uzanmaktadır. İlimizin yakın güney kesimlerinde yer alan bu tektonik süturlar Adana bölgesini depremsellik açısından aktif duruma getirmektedir. Adana bölgesinin sismisitesi, belirtilen bu süturlar ile birlikte Doğu Anadolu Fay Zonu, Ecemiş Fay Zonu, Hellenic-Kıbrıs yayı ve dalları gibi aktif faylar tarafından kontrol edilmektedir. Adana ili ve yakınında geçmişte depremler üretmiş ve gelecekte de üretebilecek aktif faylarımız bulunmaktadır. İlimize yakın olan yerlerdeki faylardan bazıları: Adana il merkezinin D-GD kesimindeki Yumurtalık Fayı, Ceyhan-Karataş fayı, Misis-Yakapınar bölgesinden kuzey yönünde İmamoğlu ilçe merkezine doğru uzanan İmamoğlu (Misis-Yakapınar) Fayı, Kozan’dan güneybatıya doğru Adana Baseninin içerisinden Çatalan barajının kuzeyinden KD-GB uzanımında Mersin’e doğru uzanan Kozan Fayıdır. Bunlarla birlikte Osmaniye yakınlarında yaklaşık kuzey-güney uzanıma sahip Toprakkale ve daha kuzey kesimlerde Savrun ve Çokak fayları bulunmaktadır. Adana ili batısında yaklaşık K15-25D uzanımına sahip sol yönlü doğrultu atımlı Ecemiş Fay Zonu yer almaktadır. Belirtilen bu faylar bölgenin depremselliğini denetleyebilecek yüzey kırıklarıdır.
Social Media Marketing: Influence on the Consumer Buying Process of Clothing Products in San Jose City
Authors: Biasa Charine , De Leon Karen , Matias Emarie , Mislang Jaeven Louise , Salazar Asheila , Prado John Paul , Cabrillas Almira , Mallari Franz Ervy , Viluan Marcelo
Published: July 2024

Social media, a widely used platform for marketing variousproducts, has been the focus of this study due to its ability to targetspecific audiences. The study aimed to understand how this platforminfluences consumer buying behavior for clothing products in the localmarket of San Jose City. This context is particularly relevant to ouraudience and deeply connected to the local community. Therespondents, customers who frequently buy clothes on different onlineplatforms, were randomly selected. Data were collected through aLikert-scale survey questionnaire, a robust and widely accepted researchmethod that ensures the reliability of our findings. The findings suggestthat most respondents were 25 years old and considered young adults;the study also shows that the number of female respondents was moreremarkable than males, and being single was their predominant status.Moreover, the study's findings reveal that Facebook is the mostappealing and convenient social media platform the respondents use. Forproblem recognition, consumers commonly set spending limits forspecific expense categories (like entertainment) and monitor how muchthey spend with those limits. Budgets can only sometimes predictchances for consumption; therefore, people can allot too much or toolittle money for a specific category. As a result, they either consume toomuch or too little of such products. Consumers mostly rely on feedbackand reviews when purchasing clothing in information searches. Socialmedia marketing was highly correlated to the respondents' buyingprocess. The result also implies that when buying clothing productsonline, consumers are mainly influenced by social media marketingwhile evaluating the alternative stage. Furthermore, the study impliedthat social media marketing influenced clothing consumers' buyingprocess. It revealed a highly significant correlation, which has practicalimplications for marketing professionals and educators in understandingand leveraging consumer behavior in the local market.
Stressors and Coping Mechanism of Private School Principals in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Authors: Novelo Mary Jane , Cabrillas Allan Moore
Published: July 2024

School principals can experience emotional stress in manyways. As the Management Information System Officer who shares anoffice with the principal, the researcher observed how stressful it can be.As the leader of the school, he/she may suffer stress from the problemswith the teachers and staff, in the improvement of the physical wellbeing of the school, submission of necessary school forms, and howhe/she can abide the orders from the owners of the school and theDepartment of Education. This led to the researcher's desire to conductthis study. Coping was necessary for school principals to continue withtheir everyday operations, and they carried the responsibility of makingthe school run smoothly with their leadership and guidance. This studywas conducted from March to April 2023, focusing on principals in 12private schools in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. This studyemployed the qualitative type of research, particularly thephenomenological approach of the Private School Principals in San JoseCity, Nueva Ecija, Philippines; there are ten females and two males; 10are married, and two are single, 4 of them have a Master’s Degree, 8 ofthem have Bachelor’s Degree and their age ranged from 21-60 years old.The everyday stressors and problems associated with the administrativeresponsibilities of private school principals who were participants in thisstudy were budgeting and decision-making in terms of administrativeresponsibilities, communication in terms of interpersonal relationships,and technology in terms of instructional supervision. Also, this studyaimed to suggest a coping mechanism program to help principals copewith stress. The researcher also recommended the Mindfulness-Based 
Stress Reduction (MBSR) program.
Memory Retention and Math Performance of Grade 6 Learners in Guimba, Nueva Ecija
Authors: Orejudos Margie , Fabricante Jose
Published: July 2024

The study determined the memory retention and mathematicsperformance of grade 6 learners in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, during theschool year 2022-2023. Data were collected from 105 randomly selectedGrade 6 learners from 12 elementary schools using surveyquestionnaires, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used toanalyze the data. Most learner-respondents were 11-year-old femaleswhose parents were primarily high school graduates with blue-collarjobs with an average monthly income of Php 11,612.40.Concerning memory retention, different activities in motivationpractices and experiences contribute significantly to the learners'memory retention, thus contributing to their mathematics performance.Similar to goal setting and accomplishments, different activities in goalsetting and achievements contribute very much to the learners' memoryretention. Thus, it helps the learners' performance in mathematics.On the other hand, findings revealed that different activities inpersonalized learning contributed significantly to the learners' memoryretention, affecting their mathematics performance. However, theteaching strategies and learning strategies that their teachers utilizedwere effective and contributed to the retention factors of the learners.Educational resources and learning devices have recently been widelyintegrated into daily life, facilitating access to vast information.The respondents' mathematics performance was based on theirgrades in the “Project All Numerates” program. Memory retention, suchas motivational practices and experiences, goal setting andaccomplishments, personalized learning, teaching strategies andlearning activities, and educational resources and learning devices, wasmanifested by most respondents, who were categorized as nearly  numerates.
Only the mother’s occupation was significantly related to therespondents' mathematics performance. At the same time, all memoryretention had a solid positive correlation with the respondents’mathematics performance. This implies that the higher the students'perceptions (based on their participation/experiences) of the mentionedfactors, the better their academic performance in mathematics.
Food waste as potential bioresources for extraction of carotenoid of nutraceutical importance: Current research and future challenges
Authors: Das Jeet Nag , Basak Suradeep , Sablania Vandana , Negi Rajeshwari , Yadav Neelam , Rustagi Sarvesh , Singh Sangram , Rai Ashutosh Kumar , Shreaz Sheikh , Yadav Ajar Nath
Published: July 2024

Carotenoids are lipid soluble natural pigments found in various plants, animals, and microbes giving them their yellow, orange, or red hue. Carotenoids have been linked to a variety of health benefits as bioactive compound including antioxidant properties, reduced risk of certain cancers, improved ocular and cardiovascular health, and improved immune function and skin health to name a few. The global volume of wastage of edible part of food is accounts as 1.3 billion tons and a sizeable portion of this wastage have significant amount of carotenoid content which can be utilized for industrial purpose and economical values. However, most of these wastes are used as animal feed, composting and land filling. Although, chemical synthesis of carotenoids is possible, it has several disadvantages including complex extraction process, high cost, and low yield of final product and environmental impacts and safety concerns. The present review focuses on advances in extraction of carotenoid using non-thermal technologies, such as ultrasound assisted extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, and microwave assisted extraction, from various food wastes to utilize the waste. The green extraction of carotenoids from food waste materials is an area that has a lot of potential for future development. Using environmentally friendly extraction methods and utilizing food waste as a source of carotenoids, we can create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food production system.
Iper-luoghi e trame urbane: il ruolo dei centri commerciali nel contesto territoriale lombardo
Authors: Consolandi Elisa
Published: July 2024

Abstract Hyper-Places and Urban Fabrics: The Role of Shopping Centers in the Lombardy Territorial Context Moving from a reflection related to urban transformations that have occurred over the years the paper reflects on the generation of new urban spaces – which are configured as strong attractors, connectors, and diffusers – capable of encompassing various individual practices as well as the functions of a society as a whole. Assuming this framework, the contribution focuses on the role of shopping centers – with particular attention to the role assumed by Oriocenter in Lombardy (Italy) – as hyper-places. In fact, since the early 1990s, such structures have undergone profound changes, developing both through an increase in size and through a diversification of commercial attractors, promoting renewed flow trajectories and leading to increasing territorial complexity.
Potenzialità e criticità dell’Area Marina Protetta Isole Ciclopi
Authors: Cannizzaro Salvatore , Corinto Gian Luigi
Published: July 2024

Abstract Potentialities and Criticalities of the Isole Ciclopi Marine Protected Area The paper analyses the Isole Ciclopi Marine Protected Area facing the hamlet of Aci Trezza within the municipality of Aci Castello in the Province of Catania, Italy. It aims to describe emerging potential and critical issues, posing the question of which actors are involved in the governance. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research revealed that the main problem is the non-implementation of the so-called command-and-control method. After establishing rules and prohibitions, resources for control and imposition of sanctions are lacking. A positive note is the increase in youth volunteer activities of cleaning the sea from plastics, showing a sound interest in the environmental education proposed by cultural and environmental associations.
Acque che scorrono, storie che rimangono: il fiume Lambro come archivio della memoria collettiva
Authors: De Lucia Rossella
Published: July 2024

Abstract Flowing Waters, Lasting Stories: the Lambro River as an Archive of Collective Memory  The Lambro River has profoundly shaped Lombardy’s landscape and local communities throughout history. This paper aims to investigate the connection between the river and the identity of these communities by analyzing how changes in landscape have been reflected in both tangible and intangible cultural expressions. Studying this heritage offers insights into how the Lambro has been perceived and integrated into the local community’s identity over time, becoming a fundamental element of their sense of belonging. To achieve this objective, this research uses art, literature, and music, which not only portray the region but also provide valuable insights in the evolution of collective identities across generations.
Aree protette, paesaggi culturali e trame urbane: tra riflessioni metodologiche, esperienze di valorizzazione territoriale e qualità della vita
Authors: Belotti Sara
Published: July 2024

Protected Areas, Cultural Landscapes, and Urban Fabrics: Methodological Reflections, Experiences of Territorial Enhancement, and Quality of Life.
A syngeneic spontaneous zebrafish model of tp53-deficient, EGFRvIII, and PI3KCAH1047R-driven glioblastoma reveals inhibitory roles for inflammation during tumor initiation and relapse in vivo
Authors: Weiss Alex , D'Amata Cassandra , Pearson Bret J , Hayes Madeline N
Published: July 2024

High-throughput vertebrate animal model systems for the study of patient-specific biology and new therapeutic approaches for aggressive brain tumors are currently lacking, and new approaches are urgently needed. Therefore, to build a patient-relevant in vivo model of human glioblastoma, we expressed common oncogenic variants including activated human EGFRvIII and PI3KCAH1047R under the control of the radial glial-specific promoter her4.1 in syngeneic tp53 loss-of-function mutant zebrafish. Robust tumor formation was observed prior to 45 days of life, and tumors had a gene expression signature similar to human glioblastoma of the mesenchymal subtype, with a strong inflammatory component. Within early stage tumor lesions, and in an in vivo and endogenous tumor microenvironment, we visualized infiltration of phagocytic cells, as well as internalization of tumor cells by mpeg1.1:EGFP+ microglia/macrophages, suggesting negative regulatory pressure by pro-inflammatory cell types on tumor growth at early stages of glioblastoma initiation. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting of master inflammatory transcription factors irf7 or irf8 led to increased tumor formation in the primary context, while suppression of phagocyte activity led to enhanced tumor cell engraftment following transplantation into otherwise immune-competent zebrafish hosts. Altogether, we developed a genetically relevant model of aggressive human glioblastoma and harnessed the unique advantages of zebrafish including live imaging, high-throughput genetic and chemical manipulations to highlight important tumor-suppressive roles for the innate immune system on glioblastoma initiation, with important future opportunities for therapeutic discovery and optimizations.
Individuals with anxiety and depression use atypical decision strategies in an uncertain world
Authors: Fang Zeming , Zhao Meihua , Xu Ting , Li Yuhang , Xie Hanbo , Quan Peng , Geng Haiyang , Zhang Ru-Yuan
Published: July 2024

Previous studies on reinforcement learning have identified three prominent phenomena: (1) individuals with anxiety or depression exhibit a reduced learning rate compared to healthy subjects; (2) learning rates may increase or decrease learning rate in environments with rapidly changing (i.e., volatile) or stable feedback conditions, a phenomenon termed
learning rate adaptation
; and (3) reduced learning rate adaptation is associated with several psychiatric disorders. In other words, multiple learning rate parameters are needed to account for behavioral differences across participant populations and volatility contexts in this flexible learning rate (FLR) model. Here, we propose an alternative explanation, suggesting that behavioral variation across participant populations and volatile contexts arises from the use of mixed decision strategies. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a mixture-of-strategies (MOS) model and used it to analyze the behaviors of 54 healthy controls and 32 patients with anxiety and depression in volatile reversal learning tasks. Compared to the FLR model, the MOS model can reproduce the three classic phenomena by using a single set of strategy preference parameters without introducing any learning rate differences. In addition, the MOS model can successfully account for several novel behavioral patterns that cannot be explained by the FLR model. Preferences towards different strategies also predict individual variations in symptom severity. These findings underscore the importance of considering mixed strategy use in human learning and decision making and suggest atypical strategy preference as a potential mechanism for learning deficits in psychiatric disorders.
Real-time transcriptomic profiling in distinct experimental conditions
Authors: Butto Tamer , Pastore Stefan , Müller Max , Iyer Kaushik Viswanathan , Mündnich Stefan , Wierczeiko Anna , Friedland Kristina , Helm Mark , Winz Marie-Luise , Gerber Susanne
Published: July 2024

Nanopore technology offers real-time sequencing opportunities, providing rapid access to sequenced data and allowing researchers to manage the sequencing process efficiently, resulting in cost-effective strategies. Here, we present focused case studies demonstrating the versatility of real-time transcriptomics analysis in rapid quality control for long-read RNA-seq. We illustrate its utility through three experimental setups: 1) transcriptome profiling of distinct human cellular populations, 2) identification of experimentally enriched transcripts, and 3) identification of experimentally manipulated genes (knockout and overexpression) in several yeast strains. We show how to perform multiple layers of quality control as soon as sequencing has started, addressing both the quality of the experimental and sequencing traits. Real-time quality control measures assess sample/condition variability and determine the number of identified genes per sample/condition. Furthermore, real-time differential gene/transcript expression analysis can be conducted at various time points post-sequencing initiation (PSI), revealing dynamic changes in gene/transcript expression between two conditions. Using real-time analysis, which occurs in parallel to the sequencing run, we identified differentially expressed genes/transcripts as early as 1-hour PSI. These changes were consistently observed throughout the entire sequencing process. We discuss the new possibilities offered by real-time data analysis, which have the potential to serve as a valuable tool for rapid and cost-effective quality checks in specific experimental settings and can be potentially integrated into clinical applications in the future.
Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomic Analyses Reveals the Dynamic Transcript Profiles of Myocardial Lymphangiogenesis post Myocardial Infarction
Authors: He Jiaqi , Zhang Dali , Song Haixu , Liu Ziqi , Liu Dan , Zhang Xiaolin , Zhao Xiaojie , Zhang Yan , Liu Jing , Xu Jiaxin , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling
Published: July 2024

Cardiac lymphatics play an important role in myocardial edema and inflammation. This study integrated single-cell sequencing data and spatial transcriptome data from mouse heart tissue at different time points post-myocardial infarction (MI), and identified four transcriptionally distinct subtypes of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and localized them in space. Interestingly, LECs subgroups was found to be localized in different zones of infarcted heart related to different functions. Additionally, LEC capillary III(LEC ca III) may be involved in the direct regulation of myocardial injuries in infarcted zone from the perspective of metabolic stress, while LEC ca II may be related to the rapid immune inflammatory responses of the border zone in the early stage of MI. LEC ca I, as well as LEC collection mainly participate in the regulation of myocardial tissue edema resolution in the middle and late stages post-MI. Cell trajectory and Cell-Chat analyses further identified that LECs may regulate myocardial edema through Aqp1, and might affect the infiltration of macrophages through the Galectin9-CD44 pathway. Collectively, our study revealed the dynamic transcriptional heterogeneity distribution of LECs in different regions of the infarcted heart, in detail; these LECs formed different functional subgroups, that might exhibit different bioeffects in myocardial tissue post-MI.
Identification of pre-flexion fish larvae from the western South Atlantic using DNA barcoding and morphological characters
Authors: Pozzobon Allan Pierre Bonetti , Ready Jonathan Stuart , Di Dario Fabio , Nunes-da-Fonseca Rodrigo
Published: July 2024

Knowledge on species composition is the first step necessary for the proper conservation and management of biological resources and ecologically relevant species. High species diversity and a lack of diagnostic characters for some groups can impose difficulties for taxonomic identification through traditional methodologies, and ichthyoplankton (fish larvae and eggs) are a good example of such a scenario. With more than 35.000 valid species of fishes worldwide and overall similar anatomies in early developmental stages in closely related groups, fish larvae are often hard to be identified at the species or even more encompassing taxonomic levels. To overcome this situation, molecular techniques have been applied, with different markers tested over the years. Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) is the most commonly used marker and now has the broadest public reference libraries, providing consistent results for species identification in different metazoan studies. Here we sequenced the mitochondrial COI-5P fragment of 89 fish larvae collected in the Campos Basin, coastal southeastern Brazil, and compared these sequences with references deposited in public databases to obtain taxonomic identifications. Most specimens identified are species of the Blenniiformes, with Parablennius and Labrisomus the most frequently identified genera. Parablennius included two species (P. marmoreus and P. pilicornis), while Labrisomus included three species (L. cricota, L. conditus and L. nuchipinnis). Anatomy of these molecularly identified specimens were then analyzed with the intention of finding anatomical characters that might be diagnostically informative amongst the early development stage (pre-flexion) larvae. Ventral pigmentation patterns are proposed as useful markers to identify Labrisomus species. However, additional specimens are needed to confirm if the character holds stability through the geographic distribution of the species.
Comparative Assessment of Histopathological and Biochemical Indices of Renal Function in Alloxan-induced Male and Female Diabetic Rats
Authors: Chidinma Iwuji Joy , Ugochukwu Nwanjo Harrison , C Nwosu Dennis , Chukwujindu Osuegbu Mercy , Ozoemena Ohaeri Evangelina
Published: July 2024

It has been observed that alloxan-induced diabetes causes free radical production, which ultimately damages the pancreatic β-cells and impact several organs especially the kidney. This study was a comparative assessment of histopathological and biochemical indices of renal function in alloxan-induced male and female diabetic rats. A total of twenty-four (24) male and female albino wistar rats were divided into five groups (6 rats per group): normal control female (group A), normal control male (group B), diabetic female (group C) and diabetic male (group D).  Diabetes mellitus was induced in the rats via intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at a dose of 120 mg/kg bwt. The rats were observed for 48 hours and were allowed access to water and feed as much as they wanted and were then sacrificed 48 hours post alloxan-induction. Serum urea, creatinine and electrolyte profile (sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate) were determined using standard laboratory methods while the histology of the kidney determined by H and E technique. The histopathological section of the group C rats showed thickened glomeruli which are closely adherent to the bowman’s capsular space. There was interstitial fibrosis, hyaline changes, epithelial cellular vacuolar degeneration and arteriopathy. The group D rats showed milder histological alterations of glomeruli and arterioles. There was significantly increased mean serum Urea, sodium, chloride and bicarbonate levels in the female diabetic rats than in female control (p=0.000; 0.020; 0.009; 0.027) respectively while potassium was significantly increased in male diabetic rats than in male control (p=0.018). Also, the mean serum urea and creatinine level was significantly increased in female diabetic rats compared to male diabetic rats (p=0.017; 0.010) respectively. This study has revealed the variable alterations in kidney histology and functions due to alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus. The kidney functions of male and female wistar rats with alloxan-induced diabetes was found to exhibit varying degrees of significant histopathological  and biochemical changes.
Development of a Solar Powered Cooling System for Dairy Cattle Housing Structure
Authors: Gowtham  , Prakash K. V. , Maski Devanand , Shirwal Sunil , Sreedhara J. N. , Reddy G. V. Srinivasa , Raghavendra V.
Published: July 2024

A solar powered system was developed and installed to create optimum healthy environmental conditions inside the cattle house. The renewable energy-based gadgets such as solar panel, charge controller, time-controlled switch and accessories were used inside the cattle housing structure to create an optimum healthy environmental condition at University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India. The improved cattle housing structure was capable to shelter for 10 pair cows (HF Deoni crossbred cows) with manger feed trough and urine collection system.   The solar panel (74 W) with DC pump, water fogging system, battery (12 V 22 Ah), charge controller, water tank (200 litre) and time-controlled switch were installed inside the dairy house. The solar panel acts as a power source for the operation of DC pump and time-controlled fogger system provides the fogging of water and created the cooling effect for cows. The fogging of water was not allowed to fall on the ground and evaporates in an open atmosphere. The diamond shaped wire mesh provided surrounding the cattle housing structure protected the cows from mosquito bite and other insects. The aim of the study was to maintain atmospheric temperature relatively 4 -50 C was less inside the housing structure and relative humidity at optimum condition was.
Reduced emissions of CO2, NOx, and SO2 from U.S. power plants owing to switch from coal to natural gas with combined cycle technology
Authors: de Gouw J. A. , Parrish D. D. , Frost G. J. , Trainer M.
Published: February 2014

Since 1997, an increasing fraction of electric power has been generated from natural gas in the United States. Here we use data from continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS), which measure emissions at the stack of most U.S. electric power generation units, to investigate how this switch affected the emissions of CO2, NOx, and SO2. Per unit of energy produced, natural gas power plants equipped with combined cycle technology emit on an average 44% of the CO2 compared with coal power plants. As a result of the increased use of natural gas, CO2 emissions from U.S. fossil‐fuel power plants were 23% lower in 2012 than they would have been if coal had continued to provide the same fraction of electric power as in 1997. In addition, natural gas power plants with combined cycle technology emit less NOx and far less SO2 per unit of energy produced than coal power plants. Therefore, the increased use of natural gas has led to emission reductions of NOx (40%) and SO2 (44%), in addition to those obtained from the implementation of emission control systems on coal power plants. These benefits to air quality and climate should be weighed against the increase in emissions of methane, volatile organic compounds, and other trace gases that are associated with the production, processing, storage, and transport of natural gas.
High‐resolution lunar gravity fields from the GRAIL Primary and Extended Missions
Authors: Konopliv Alex S. , Park Ryan S. , Yuan Dah‐Ning , Asmar Sami W. , Watkins Michael M. , Williams James G. , Fahnestock Eugene , Kruizinga Gerhard , Paik Meegyeong , Strekalov Dmitry , Harvey Nate , Smith David E. , Zuber Maria T.
Published: February 2014

The resolution and accuracy of the lunar spherical harmonic gravity field have been dramatically improved as a result of the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission. From the Primary Mission, previous harmonic gravity fields resulted in an average n = 420 surface resolution and a Bouguer spectrum to n = 330. The GRAIL Extended Mission improves the resolution due to a lower average 23 km altitude orbit. As a result, new harmonic degree 900 gravity fields (GL0900C and GL0900D) show nearly a factor of 2 improvement with an average surface resolution n = 870 and the Bouguer spectrum extended to n = 550. Since the minimum spacecraft altitude varies spatially between 3 km and 23 km, the surface resolution is variable from near n = 680 for the central farside to near n = 900 for the polar regions. These gravity fields with 0.8 million parameters are by far the highest‐degree fields of any planet ever estimated with a fully dynamic least squares technique using spacecraft tracking data.
On the cause and extent of outer radiation belt losses during the 30 September 2012 dropout event
Authors: Turner D. L. , Angelopoulos V. , Morley S. K. , Henderson M. G. , Reeves G. D. , Li W. , Baker D. N. , Huang C.‐L. , Boyd A. , Spence H. E. , Claudepierre S. G. , Blake J. B. , Rodriguez J. V.
Published: February 2014

On 30 September 2012, a flux “dropout” occurred throughout Earth's outer electron radiation belt during the main phase of a strong geomagnetic storm. Using eight spacecraft from NASA's Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) and Van Allen Probes missions and NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites constellation, we examined the full extent and timescales of the dropout based on particle energy, equatorial pitch angle, radial distance, and species. We calculated phase space densities of relativistic electrons, in adiabatic invariant coordinates, which revealed that loss processes during the dropout were > 90% effective throughout the majority of the outer belt and the plasmapause played a key role in limiting the spatial extent of the dropout. THEMIS and the Van Allen Probes observed telltale signatures of loss due to magnetopause shadowing and subsequent outward radial transport, including similar loss of energetic ring current ions. However, Van Allen Probes observations suggest that another loss process played a role for multi‐MeV electrons at lower L shells (L* < ~4).
Dependence of the high‐latitude lower thermospheric wind vertical vorticity and horizontal divergence on the interplanetary magnetic field
Authors: Kwak Y.‐S. , Richmond A. D.
Published: February 2014

We analyze the vertical component of vorticity and the horizontal divergence of the high‐latitude neutral wind field in the lower thermosphere during the southern summer time for different interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions with the aid of the National Center for Atmospheric Research thermosphere ionosphere electrodynamics general circulation model, with the following results. (1) The mean neutral wind pattern in the high‐latitude lower thermosphere is dominated by rotational flow, imparted primarily through the ion drag force rather than by horizontally divergent flow. (2) The vertical vorticity depends on the IMF. (3) The difference vertical vorticity, obtained by subtracting values with zero IMF from those with nonzero IMF, is much larger than the difference horizontal divergence for all IMF conditions. (4) The effects of IMF penetrate down to 106 km altitude. To determine the processes forcing strong rotational flow in the high‐latitude lower thermospheric wind fields, a term analysis of the vorticity equation is also performed, with the following results. (1) The primary forcing term that determines variations of the vertical vorticity is ion drag. This forcing is closely related to the flow of field‐aligned current between the ionosphere and magnetosphere. Significant contributions to variations of the vorticity, however, can be made by the horizontal advection term. (2) The effects of the IMF on the ion drag forcing are seen down to around 106 km altitude. (3) The continual forcing of magnetic zonal mean By‐dependent vertical vorticity by ion drag can lead to strong polar vortices.