bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital currency of central banks and monetary policy
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, LYUBICH Oleksandr , BORTNIKOV Gennadiy ,   Agents for Impact GmbH &Co.KG
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the study is to determine the potential impact of the introduction of central bank digital currencies (CBDC) on monetary policy. In this paper , we would like to focus on two aspects: the need to save cash in circulation and the potential danger of private digital money for monetary policy. Central bank researchers and independent experts are paying much attention to the CBDC . The reasons are such preconditions as innovations in payment instruments, blockchains, cryptography, globalization in response to the growth of demand for transactions using digital currencies with expected increase in their impact on monetary stability. One of the potential threats to an effective monetary policy is the emergence of private digital money and the risk of failing to choose the right CBDC business model. The development of private digital currencies can significantly reduce income of central banks from seigniorage, weaken the influence of central banks on financial stability and sustainability of monetary policy. Cashless payments, unlike cash, store information about the sender and the recipient, size, date and destination. This information is already a commodity that sellers of financial products and suppliers of goods and services from the real sector are willing to pay for. Cash allows to make payments with greater benefits for the population, taking into account the reliability, comfort and confidentiality. In our opinion, ‘social distancing’ encourages contacts between people through the media channels, with dissemination of knowledge among the general public about digitalisation and convince indiviuals to agree on disclosure of personal data. Central banks are called upon to further develop the money supply management mechanism, to ensure the coexistence of non-cash and cash in their jurisdictions.
Economic essence of state enterprises, their types and classification
Authors:   SHEE “Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman”, PARASIY-VERGUNENKO Iryna , SAMBORSKA-MUZYCHKO Yulia ,   SHEE “Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman”, GNYLYTSKA Larysa ,   SHEE “Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman”
Published: December 2020

In the article proves the prominent role of state enterprises as an important tool of nation’s socio-economic development. The definition "state enterprise" are investigated in the economic point. The types of state enterprises are analyses on the basis of various normative documents and classifiers and according to international standards. Peculiarities of activity of unitary and corporate state enterprises, state-owned enterprises, communal enterprises are considered. The classification of types of state enterprises has been improved through the separation of various classification indicators, with their systematization, in particular: types of state property (state, state-owned, communal); institutional indicators (state non-financial corporations, state financial corporations); goals of enterprise formation (state enterprises with commercial goals of formation; state enterprises with non-commercial goals of formation; state enterprises with mixed goals); ownership structure and number of owners (unitary, corporate); the size of the share of state ownership (enterprises that are fully owned by the state, enterprises where the state owns a significant share of shares - more than 50%, where the state has the right to make decisions); legal form of the enterprise (open joint-stock companies, closed joint-stock companies, corporations, holdings, concerns, etc.). Proposed classification of types of state-owned enterprises creates a methodological basis for the implementation of mechanisms for operational control over the efficiency of state property. The dynamics of the number of state-owned enterprises in Ukraine is analyzed and the main tendencies are determined. The peculiarities of the activity of state enterprises in the context of state functions performed by them are determined. The criteria for assessing the effectiveness of state-owned enterprises in two areas: economic and social. The tasks of state enterprises depending on the purposes of their creation and spheres of functioning are substantiated as well.
Strategi Komunikasi Pemasaran Sosial oleh Organisasi Non Profit
Authors: Suwarso Widha Anistya
Published: December 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan serta menganalisis strategi komunikasi pemasaran sosial Indonesia AIDS Coalition (IAC) dalam kampanye ODHA Berhak Sehat (OBS). Kampanye merupakan bentuk pemasaran ide dan gagasan tentang perubahan sosial, sehingga pendekatan pemasaran sosial dapat digunakan dalam konteks kampanye sosial. Strategi yang dimaksud terbagi menjadi downstream strategy dan upstream strategy. Melalui downstream strategy, IAC membangun strategi komunikasi pemasaran kampanye dengan menjadikan masyarakat sebagai target kampanye. Sedangkan upstream strategy merupakan strategi komunikasi pemasaran sosial yang mengacu pada upaya IAC untuk mempengaruhi kebijakan dengan menggalang dukungan dan mempromosikan isu atau persoalan tertentu yang berkaitan dengan HIV/AIDS. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif, dimana peneliti berusaha menggambarkan fenomena kampanye sosial yang dilakukan dengan menggunakan pendekatan pemasaran sosial. Adapun tahap analisis data kualitatif dilakukan mulai dari pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data, hingga penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa strategi komunikasi yang diterapkan oleh IAC dalam kampanye OBS baik downstream strategy maupun upstream strategy belum cukup maksimal dalam mencapai tujuan kampanye. Masih dibutuhkan upaya-upaya untuk mengoptimalkan pengelolaan kampanye, terutama dengan melakukan evaluasi dan pengembangan terhadap aplikasi mobile AIDS Digital yang sebenarnya sangat potensial dalam mendukung kegiatan kampanye OBS.
Sasadu Sebagai Simbol, Identitas Budaya dan Perekat Suku Sahu Di Kabupaten Halmahera Barat Provinsi Maluku Utara
Authors: Nindatu Peinina Ireine
Published: December 2020

Komunikasi manusia dan budaya tidak dapat dipisahkan atau dapat dikatakan bahwa komunikasi adalah kebudayaan dan kebudayaan adalah komunikasi. Komunikasi non verbal berupa simbol budaya dapat berbentuk gerakan, pakaian, objek, bendera, ikon  keagamaan dan sebagainya. Aspek simbolis yang penting dari budaya adalah bahasa penggunaan katakata untuk mewakili benda dan pandangan. Penyimbolan memungkinkan suatu budaya disampaikan dari generasi ke generasi. Tujuan penulisan makalah ini adalah untuk menjelaskan makna simbol pada Sasadu (Rumah Adat Suku Sahu) yang telah menjadi identitas budaya Suku Sahu di Kabupaten Halmahera Barat Provinsi Maluku Utara. Metode yang digunakan yaitu : melakukan kajian literatur yang relevan dari jurnal ilmiah, hasil penelitian, buku dan data sekunder yang relevan dengan topik penulisan makalah, kemudian dianalisis dan dijelaskan secara deskriptif. Hasil pembahasan makalah menyimpulkan bahwa makna simbol dan identitas budaya pada Sasadu Suku Sahu di Kabupaten Halmahera Barat yaitu: Sasadu merupakan Rumah Bersama Suku Sahu, Sasadu Sebagai Alat Perekat Suku Sahu dan Sasadu Sebagai Simbol Otoritas Fungsi Integratif, Nilai-nilai Hukum dan Etika Sosial Budaya Suku Sahu.
Manajemen Komunikasi Pemerintah Desa dalam Melaksanakan Forum Keamanan Terpadu (Kajian Pada Kelurahan Balekambang Jakarta Timur)
Authors: Sriwartini Yayu
Published: December 2020

Penelitian ini mengangkat permasalahan manajemen komunikasi dalam struktur pemerintahan kelurahan dalam membangun sumber daya manusia dan lingkungan yang berkualitas,  terutama kaitannya  dalam menciptakan keamanan, ketertiban lingkungan serta mengembangkan  potensi warga agar dinamis dan produktif.           Adapun tujuan penelitian adalah untuk memberikan gambaran yang detil dan komprehensif mengenai (1) perencanaan kegiatan komunikasi dan proses pengorganisasi dalam menjalankan Forum Keamanan Terpadu; (2)  bentuk forum komunikasi dan evaluasi yang dibangun dalam melaksanakan Forum Keamanan Terpadu. Manajemen Komunikasi danTeori Likert Empat Sistem menjadi landasan dalam penelitian ini untuk menganalisis temuan di lapangan. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif dengan  menggunakan paradigm interpretif. Adapun subyeknya  adalah Pemerintahan Kelurahan Balekambang Jakarta Timur. Sementara objek kajiannya adalah tentang manajemen komunikasi dalam melaksanakan forum keamanan terpadu.  Teknik yang digunakan dalam mengumpulkan data adalah wawancara dengan  key informan,  yakni Lurah Balekambang, sedangkan  informan¸adalah ketua Wanra, ketua FKDM, ketua POKDAR,ketua LMK dan Ketua Karang taruna.   Dalam  mengolah dan menganalisa data, peneliti melakukan beberapa tahapan. Dalam penelitian ini juga akan dilakukan uji keabsahan data. Jika dilihat dari perspektif teori likert dalam komunikasi organisasi, pimpinan Kelurahan Balekambang sangat adaptif terhadap situasi lingkungan setempat. Tentu saja persetujuan didirikannya Forum Keamanan Terpadu ini merupakan bagian dari upaya pimpinan mengakomodasi gagasan warga. Dalam pandangan teori ini, gaya kepemimpinan Lurah Balekambang lebih menunjukkan gaya konsultatif dan partisipatif.
Implementasi Pola Komunikasi Antar Pribadi Pada Remaja
Authors: Radjagukguk Djudjur Luciana
Published: December 2020

Berkomunikasi secara terbuka dan luwes pada diri remaja dengan   seseorang akan sangat terbantu dalam menyelesaikan persoalan-persoalan yang dialami. Komunikasi bagian terpenting dalam kehidupan, sebagai mahkluk sosial tentu saja semua manusia yang ada di muka dunia ini akan besosialisasi melalui  komunikasi.  Dengan komunikasi seseorang akan sangat terbantu dalam menyelesaikan persoalan-persoalannya. Banyak kasus, komunikasi lebih didominasi dalam bentuk  verbal (kata-kata) dibanding dengan non verbal (simbolik).  Beberapa penelitian di Amerika, menegaskan bahwa  waktu manusia di luar waktu tidur 70% digunakan untuk berkata-kata. Artinya,  bilaseseorang  mampu membangun kata-kata yang baik, orang itu  telah menggunakan 70% waktunya untuk membangun sebuah kebaikan. Sebaliknya bila 70% itu digunakan untuk hal-hal yang jelek jelas orang itu  sedang membuat kubangan bagi  kegagalannya sendiri. Ketakutan dan kecemasan berkomunikasi menjadikan  batu sandungan yang besar dalam diri  seorang remaja. Sehingga, dapat menghilangkan kepercayaan diri. Kecemasan berkomunikasi amat mempengaruhi kredebilitas anak remaja. Pada kehidupan sehari-hari komunikasi antarpribadi merupakan suatu proses komunikasi (penyampaian pesan dari komunikator kepada komunikan)  adalahhal yang paling efektif  dapat  dilakukan secara sederhana. Tujuan penelitian ingin mengetahui dan mengdeskripsikan implemtasikan pola komunikasi antarpribadi pada anak remaja.  Metode yang digunakan melalui observasi dan wawancara mendalam kepada Ketua Karang Taruna dan Remaja RW 04 Kelurahan Sukmajaya Depok. Hal ini sangat diharapkan remaja memiliki  kemampuan dalam berkomunikasi dalam menuangkan ide dan gagasannya, terlebih jika dilihat remaja adalah  generasi penerus, sehingga mereka patut diberikan cara berkomunkasi antarpribadi secara baik. Hasil yang  terlihat pada  remaja Karang Taruna  dan Remaja RW 04 Kelurahan Sukmajaya Depok para remaja  mampu diajak untuk mengevaluasi diri dari setiap tindakan baik secara kelompok maupun individu.
Analisis dan Implementasi Motion Grafis Iklan Layanan Masyarakat (ILM) dengan Metode Semiotika Peirce
Authors: Anggraini Yunita , Prasetyaningsih Sandi , Antoni Condra
Published: December 2020

Motion grafis merupakan teknik yang banyak digunakan dalam teknologi pembuatan animasi, termasuk dalam pembuatan iklan layanan masyarakat (ILM). Alasan utama para editor menggunakan motion grafis adalah karena lebih menarik dan lebih murah dibandingkan teknik lainnya. Dalam penelitian ini, teknologi motion grafis digunakan untuk membuat animasi ILM dan menyampaikan pesan dari bahaya merokok. Metode semiotika Peirce digunakan dalam analisis data guna memahami bagaimana pesan dalam ILM dapat ditangkap oleh penonton. Selain itu, dalam perancangan ILM, ada beberapa obyek yang digunakan untuk melakukan analisis berdasarkan beberapa aspek, seperti tipologi sebuah simbol yang memiliki fitur icon, index, dan simbol disetiap desain obyek. Dari penelitian ini ditemukan bahwa icon bisa digunakan untuk menjelaskan penyakit-penyakit yang ditimbulkan dari merokok, index memiliki fungsi sebagai penanda dari sebuah desain obyek dalam animasi bahaya merokok, dan simbol berguna untuk memperjelas sebuah desain animasi tersebut.Kata kunci: Semiotika, metode Peirce, motion grafis, iklan layanan masyarakat, merokok,  icon, index, symbol
Perlukah Literasi Media Televisi Berperspektif Ramah Perempuan?
Authors: Sudarmanti Rini
Published: December 2020

Jumlah penduduk Indonesia merupakan aset potensial bagi bangsa Indonesia. Perbedaan jumlah penduduk laki-laki dan perempuan pun tidak terpaut jauh. Namun sayangnya, jurang kemakmuran hidup diantara keduanya masih nampak nyata berbeda. Kesejahteraan hidup perempuan masih tertinggal dibandingkan laki-laki. Sementara itu era digital semakin hari semakin menunjukkan kemanfaatannya dalam mempermudah kehidupan manusia. Perempuan memiliki peluang besar untuk memanfaatkan media berbasis internet ini untuk berkarya atau aktif di ruang publik yang tidak seluas ketika mereka memanfaatkan media massa. Media televisi pun sebagai salah satu media massa terfavorit mulai ditinggalkan penontonnya. Kampanye-kampanye literasi media bergeser ke arah media digital. Menimbang fenomena tersebut, apakah ini merupakan indikasi bahwa televisi sudah tidak lagi perlu mendapat perhatian, terutama untuk perempuan? Tujuan dari studi literatur ini adalah untuk mengkaji ulang pentingnya literasi media televisi sebagai media informasi ramah perempuan. Hasil kajian ini diharapkan dapat memperkaya studi tentang perempuan untuk memaksimalkan kapasitasnya sebagai kekuatan social di masyarakat.
Pengaruh Terpaan Pemberitaan Sandiaga Uno di Media Online Terhadap Sikap Masyarakat (Survei di Kelurahan Tanah Baru, Depok)
Authors: Amala Indri Ahsanu , Riyantini Rini
Published: December 2020

Media online menjadi pilihan masyarakat masa kini untuk membaca berita karena memiliki banyak kemudahan. Sebagai tahun politik, di tahun 2018 banyak bermunculan berita tentang para calon kandidat Capres dan Cawapres. Berita yang sempat menjadi sorotan media, adalah ketika tersebar video amatir Cawapres, Sandiaga Uno yang melangkahi makam tokoh Nahdatul Ulama (NU) saat berziarah. Berita tersebut mendapat tanggapan negatif dari sejumlah politisi dan tokoh agama, juga mendapat kecaman dan aksi protes dari warga Jombang, Jawa Timur. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menguku pengaruh terpaan pemberitaan Sandiaga Uno terhadap sikap masyarakat. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah warga Kelurahan Tanah Baru sebanyak 2.978 orang, peneliti memilih responden warga Kelurahan Tanah Baru di kalangan bapak-bapak karena menurut survei yang dilakukan website Depok24jam.com, berita politik merupakan berita yang paling sering diakses dengan persentase 54% dengan karakteristik khalayak laki-laki berusia 25 sampai 55 tahun. Menggunakan metode Non Probability Sampling dan melalui teknik purposive sampling, menggunakan rumus Yamane sampel yang diambil adalah 97 orang. Berdasarkan indikator pada variable terpaan, yaitu frekuensi, durasi dan atensi serta sikap masyarakat yang diukur berdasarkan teori sikap dengan indicator kognitif, afektif dan konatif, variable terpaan pemberitaan memiliki pengaruh yang kecil terhadap variabel sikap masyarakat berdasarkan hasil perhitungan uji regresi dengan nilai R Square 0,042, yang menunjukkan tidak ada pengaruh variuabel terpaan terhadap variabel sikap masyarakat.
Membangun Engagement Melalui Platform Digital (Studi Kasus Flip sebagai Start-Up Fintech)
Authors: Cahyani Intan Putri
Published: December 2020

Hadir sebagai startup lokal, Flip memberikan warna baru di dunia Fintech (Financial Technology) dengan menyediakan layanan transfer antar bank bebas biaya admin. Flip tidak hanya berfokus pada pengembangan core business, namun juga menyadari bahwa berkomunikasi dengan target audiens adalah penting. Saat ini Flip telah memiliki website dan media sosial yang dikelola dalam membangun digital engagement. Engagement ini sangat penting bagi seorang PR sebagai dasar strategi komunikasi jangka. Oleh karena itu peneliti tertarik untuk melakukan studi tentang bagaimana Flip sebagai start-up local di bidang Fintech membangun digital engagement melalui berbagai aktivitas Public Relations di berbagai platform. Tipe penelitian ini merupakan studi deskriptif kualitatif dengan metode studi kasus. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui metode (1) observasi melalui website dan social media monitoring dan (2) wawancara mendalam. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Flip sangat menyadari komunikasi berperan penting dalam sustainability bussiness. Saat ini Flip telah menggunakan platform digital untuk menyampaikan segala sesuatu yang baru tentang produk mereka, sekaligu membentuk mutual understanding melalui percakapan yang dibangun. Dengan segala keterbatasan sumber daya yang dimiliki, peringkat website flip.id telah meningkat 32% selama periode Januari – Maret 2020) dengan mencapai sekitar 63.330 pengunjung dan 139.350 hits setiap bulan. Secara garis besar konten-konten yang mendapatkan engagement tertinggi antara lain giveaway, tips dan challenge dan di antara semua media sosial yang digunakan Flip, Instagram memiliki rata-rata engagement tertinggi yaitu mencapai 60%. Dalam berbagai aktivitas online yang dilakukan Flip untuk membangun engagement ke target audiens dimetaforakan selayaknya pertemanan dimana mereka berusaha hadir untuk memberikan manfaat. Flip sendiri juga bekerja sama dengan Social Media Influencer (SMI) berupa Micro Influencer yaitu mereka yang punya expertise atau keahlian di bidang keuangan dengan follower yang segmented dan terbukti cukup efektif dalam membangun engagement.
Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains-Distribution of the Essential Enzymatic Virulence Factors Genes
Authors: Bogiel Tomasz , Prażyńska Małgorzata , Kwiecińska-Piróg Joanna , Mikucka Agnieszka , Gospodarek-Komkowska Eugenia
Published: December 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most commonly isolated bacteria from clinical specimens, with increasing isolation frequency in nosocomial infections. Herein, we investigated whether antimicrobial-resistant P. aeruginosa strains, e.g., metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing isolates, may possess a reduced number of virulence genes, resulting from appropriate genome management to adapt to a changing hospital environment. Hospital conditions, such as selective pressure, may lead to the replacement of virulence genes by antimicrobial resistance genes that are crucial to survive under current conditions. The study aimed to compare, using PCR, the frequency of the chosen enzymatic virulence factor genes (alkaline protease-aprA, elastase B-lasB, neuraminidases-nan1 and nan2, and both variants of phospholipase C-plcH and plcN) to MBL distribution among 107 non-duplicated carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. The gene encoding alkaline protease was noted with the highest frequency (100%), while the neuraminidase-1 gene was observed in 37.4% of the examined strains. The difference in lasB and nan1 prevalence amongst the MBL-positive and MBL-negative strains, was statistically significant. Although P. aeruginosa virulence is generally more likely determined by the complex regulation of the virulence gene expression, herein, we found differences in the prevalence of various virulence genes in MBL-producers.
Influence of Elastomeric Bearings in Tension on the Seismic Performance of Base-Isolated r.c. Buildings
Authors: Mazza Fabio , Mazza Mirko
Published: December 2020

Elastomeric bearings are commonly used in base-isolation systems to protect the structures from earthquake damages. Their design is usually developed by using nonlinear models where only the effects of shear and compressive loads are considered, but uncertainties still remain about consequences of the tensile loads produced by severe earthquakes like the near-fault ones. The present work aims to highlight the relapses of tension on the response of bearings and superstructure. To this end, three-, seven- and ten-storey r.c. framed buildings are designed in line with the current Italian seismic code, with a base-isolation system constituted of High-Damping-Rubber Bearings (HDRBs) designed for three values of the ratio between the vertical and horizontal stiffnesses. Experimental and analytical results available in literature are used to propose a unified nonlinear model of the HDRBs, including cavitation and post-cavitation of the elastomer. Nonlinear incremental dynamic analyses of the test structures are carried out using a homemade computer code, where other models of HDRBs considering only some nonlinear phenomena are implemented. Near-fault earthquakes with comparable horizontal and vertical components, prevailing horizontal component and prevailing vertical component are considered as seismic input. Numerical results highlight that a precautionary estimation of response parameters of the HDRBs is attained referring to the proposed model, while its effects on the nonlinear response of the superstructure are less conservative.
Dynamic Plan Control: An Effective Tool to Manage Demand Considering Mobile Internet Network Congestion
Authors: Ma Xiaoyu , Zhang Jihong , Cao Yuan , He Zhou , Nebel Jonas
Published: December 2020

Rapidly increasing mobile data traffic have placed a significant burden on mobile Internet networks. Due to limited network capacity, a mobile network is congested when it handles too much data traffic simultaneously. In turn, some customers leave the network, which induces a revenue loss for the mobile service provider. To manage demand and maximize revenue, we propose a dynamic plan control method for the mobile service providers under connection-speed-restriction pricing. This method allows the mobile service provider to dynamically set the data plans’ availability for potential customers’ new subscriptions. With dynamic plan control, the service provider can adjust data network utilization and achieve high customer satisfaction and a low churn rate, which reflect high service supply chain performance. To find the optimal control policy, we transform the high-dimensional dynamic programming problem into an equivalent mixed integer linear programming problem. We find that dynamic plan control is an effective tool for managing demand and increasing revenue in the long term. Numerical evaluation with a large European mobile service provider further supports our conclusion. Furthermore, when network capacity or potential customers’ willingness to join the network changes, the dynamic plan control method generates robust revenue for the service provider.
A Hybrid Fuzzy TOPSIS Method to Analyze the Coverage of a Hypothetical EU Ecolabel for Fishery and Aquaculture Products (FAPs)
Authors: Cantillo Javier , Martín Juan Carlos , Román Concepción
Published: December 2020

This study presents a hybrid fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity of the ideal solution (TOPSIS) method (FTOPSIS) to analyze the coverage of a hypothetical EU ecolabel for fishery and aquaculture products (FAPs) by integrating a synthetic indicator to determine the level of acceptance for the inclusion of different types of information apart from environmental issues, considering different stakeholders and other segments of analysis. Data were obtained from a public consultation of the EU on “ecolabels for FAPs”. The results indicate that ecolabels should not only include environmental issues but also other types of information, with social and ethical issues being the most relevant, followed by animal welfare issues, health and safety issues and food quality issues. The findings also show that consumers, producers and stakeholders who are more interventionist and support the fact that public bodies and governments should be involved in the control of eco-labeling are more accepting of including additional information apart from environmental issues. Synthetic indicators (SIs) have also been found to be mostly inelastic, except for the owners of ecolabels on social and ethical issues. The implications of the future implementation of the EU ecolabel for FAPs are discussed based on the findings.
An Inertial Generalized Viscosity Approximation Method for Solving Multiple-Sets Split Feasibility Problems and Common Fixed Point of Strictly Pseudo-Nonspreading Mappings
Authors: Abass Hammed Anuoluwapo , Jolaoso Lateef Olakunle
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we propose a generalized viscosity iterative algorithm which includes a sequence of contractions and a self adaptive step size for approximating a common solution of a multiple-set split feasibility problem and fixed point problem for countable families of k-strictly pseudononspeading mappings in the framework of real Hilbert spaces. The advantage of the step size introduced in our algorithm is that it does not require the computation of the Lipschitz constant of the gradient operator which is very difficult in practice. We also introduce an inertial process version of the generalize viscosity approximation method with self adaptive step size. We prove strong convergence results for the sequences generated by the algorithms for solving the aforementioned problems and present some numerical examples to show the efficiency and accuracy of our algorithm. The results presented in this paper extends and complements many recent results in the literature.
The Metabolic Building Blocks of a Minimal Cell
Authors: Reyes-Prieto Mariana , Gil Rosario , Llabrés Mercè , Palmer-Rodríguez Pere , Moya Andrés
Published: December 2020

Defining the essential gene components for a system to be considered alive is a crucial step toward the synthesis of artificial life. Fifteen years ago, Gil and coworkers proposed the core of a putative minimal bacterial genome, which would provide the capability to achieve metabolic homeostasis, reproduce, and evolve to a bacterium in an ideally controlled environment. They also proposed a simplified metabolic chart capable of providing energy and basic components for a minimal living cell. For this work, we have identified the components of the minimal metabolic network based on the aforementioned studies, associated them to the KEGG database and, by applying the MetaDAG methodology, determined its Metabolic Building Blocks (MBB) and reconstructed its metabolic Directed Acyclic Graph (m-DAG). The reaction graph of this metabolic network consists of 80 compounds and 98 reactions, while its m-DAG has 36 MBBs. Additionally, we identified 12 essential reactions in the m-DAG that are critical for maintaining the connectivity of this network. In a similar manner, we reconstructed the m-DAG of JCVI-syn3.0, which is an artificially designed and manufactured viable cell whose genome arose by minimizing the one from Mycoplasma mycoides JCVI-syn1.0, and of “Candidatus Nasuia deltocephalinicola”, the bacteria with the smallest natural genome known to date. The comparison of the m-DAGs derived from a theoretical, an artificial, and a natural genome denote slightly different lifestyles, with a consistent core metabolism. The MetaDAG methodology we employ uses homogeneous descriptors and identifiers from the KEGG database, so that comparisons between bacterial strains are not only easy but also suitable for many research fields. The modeling of m-DAGs based on minimal metabolisms can be the first step for the synthesis and manipulation of minimal cells.
Adipose and Muscle Cell Co-Culture System: A Novel In Vitro Tool to Mimic the In Vivo Cellular Environment
Authors: Kuppusamy Palaniselvam , Kim Dahye , Soundharrajan Ilavenil , Hwang Inho , Choi Ki Choon
Published: December 2020

A co-culture system allows researchers to investigate the complex interactions between two cell types under various environments, such as those that promote differentiation and growth as well as those that mimic healthy and diseased states, in vitro. In this paper, we review the most common co-culture systems for myocytes and adipocytes. The in vitro techniques mimic the in vivo environment and are used to investigate the causal relationships between different cell lines. Here, we briefly discuss mono-culture and co-culture cell systems and their applicability to the study of communication between two or more cell types, including adipocytes and myocytes. Also, we provide details about the different types of co-culture systems and their applicability to the study of metabolic disease, drug development, and the role of secretory factors in cell signaling cascades. Therefore, this review provides details about the co-culture systems used to study the complex interactions between adipose and muscle cells in various environments, such as those that promote cell differentiation and growth and those used for drug development.
Long-Term Changes and Variability of Ecologically-Based Climate Indices along an Altitudinal Gradient on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Tong
Published: December 2020

Extreme climate events are typically defined based on the statistical distributions of climatic variables; their ecological significance is often ignored. In this study, precipitation and temperature data from 78 weather stations spanning from 1960 to 2015 on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau were examined. Specifically, long-term and altitudinal variability in ecologically relevant climate indices and their seasonal differences was assessed. The results show that indices of daily temperatures greater than 10 °C and 25 °C show positive annual change trends during the growing season (May to September). Indices of daily rainfall greater than 2 mm, 3 mm and 5 mm positively alternate with years both in and around the growing season (May–September, April and October). In contrast, the index of daily snowfall greater than 2 mm shows opposite annual variability. Additionally, a higher altitude significantly leads to fewer days with temperature deviations above 20 °C, except for in October. The three abovementioned rainfall indices present significantly positive variability with increasing altitude during the growing season. In contrast, the snow index shows similar altitudinal changes in the months surrounding the growing season. This study allows us to better cope with the threats of climate change to vulnerable ecosystems.
Multivariate Analysis of Structural and Functional Neuroimaging Can Inform Psychiatric Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Kandilarova Sevdalina , Aryutova Katrin , Paunova Rositsa , Todeva-Radneva Anna , Latypova Adeliya , Kherif Ferath
Published: December 2020

Traditional psychiatric diagnosis has been overly reliant on either self-reported measures (introspection) or clinical rating scales (interviews). This produced the so-called explanatory gap with the bio-medical disciplines, such as neuroscience, which are supposed to deliver biological explanations of disease. In that context the neuro-biological and clinical assessment in psychiatry remained discrepant and incommensurable under conventional statistical frameworks. The emerging field of translational neuroimaging attempted to bridge the explanatory gap by means of simultaneous application of clinical assessment tools and functional magnetic resonance imaging, which also turned out to be problematic when analyzed with standard statistical methods. In order to overcome this problem our group designed a novel machine learning technique, multivariate linear method (MLM) which can capture convergent data from voxel-based morphometry, functional resting state and task-related neuroimaging and the relevant clinical measures. In this paper we report results from convergent cross-validation of biological signatures of disease in a sample of patients with schizophrenia as compared to depression. Our model provides evidence that the combination of the neuroimaging and clinical data in MLM analysis can inform the differential diagnosis in terms of incremental validity.
A Novel Rail-Network Hardware Simulator for Embedded System Programming
Authors: M Balaji , M Chandrasekaran , Dhandapani Vaithiyanathan
Published: December 2020

A Novel Rail-Network Hardware with simulation facilities is presented in this paper. The hardware is designed to facilitate the learning of application-oriented, logical, real-time programming in an embedded system environment. The platform enables the creation of multiple unique programming scenarios with variability in complexity without any hardware changes. Prior experimental hardware comes with static programming facilities that focus the students’ learning on hardware features and programming basics, leaving them ill-equipped to take up practical applications with more real-time constraints. This hardware complements and completes their learning to help them program real-world embedded systems. The hardware uses LEDs to simulate the movement of trains in a network. The network has train stations, intersections and parking slots where the train movements can be controlled by using a 16-bit Renesas RL78/G13 microcontroller. Additionally, simulating facilities are provided to enable the students to navigate the trains by manual controls using switches and indicators. This helps them get an easy understanding of train navigation functions before taking up programming. The students start with simple tasks and gradually progress to more complicated ones with real-time constraints, on their own. During training, students’ learning outcomes are evaluated by obtaining their feedback and conducting a test at the end to measure their knowledge acquisition during the training. Students’ Knowledge Enhancement Index is originated to measure the knowledge acquired by the students. It is observed that 87% of students have successfully enhanced their knowledge undergoing training with this rail-network simulator.
Changes in Cellular Regulatory Factors before and after Decompression of Odontogenic Keratocysts
Authors: Park Slmaro , Jung Han-Sung , Jung Young-Soo , Nam Woong , Cha Jung Yul , Jung Hwi-Dong
Published: December 2020

Decompression followed by enucleation, which is one of the treatments used for odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), is frequently used in OKC lesions of large sizes. This method offers the advantage of minimizing the possibility of sensory impairment without creating a wide-range bone defect; moreover, the recurrence rate can be significantly lower than following simple enucleation. This study aimed to assess the changes in histology and expression of proliferation markers in OKCs before and after decompression treatment. A total of 38 OKC tissue samples from 19 patients who had undergone decompression therapy were examined morphologically and immunohistochemically to observe changes in proliferative activity before and after decompression. The markers used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were Bcl-2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Ki-67, P53, PCNA, and SMO. The immunohistochemistry positivity of the 6 markers was scored by using software ImageJ, version 1.49, by quantifying the intensity and internal density of IHC-stained epithelium. The values of Bcl-2, Ki-67, P53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and SMO in OKCs before and after decompression showed no significant change. No correlation between clinical shrinkage and morphologic changes or expression of proliferation and growth markers could be found. There was no statistical evidence that decompression treatment reduces potentially aggressive behavior of OKC within the epithelial cyst lining itself. This might indicate that decompression does not change the biological behavior of the epithelial cyst lining or the recurrence rate.
Identification of New, Functionally Relevant Mutations in the Coding Regions of the Human Fos and Jun Proto-Oncogenes in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Tissue
Authors: Huber René , Augsten Sandra , Kirsten Holger , Zell Roland , Stelzner Axel , Thude Hansjörg , Eidner Thorsten , Stuhlmüller Bruno , Ahnert Peter , Kinne Raimund W.
Published: December 2020

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the expression of many pro-destructive/pro-inflammatory proteins depends on the transcription factor AP-1. Therefore, our aim was to analyze the presence and functional relevance of mutations in the coding regions of the AP-1 subunits of the fos and jun family in peripheral blood (PB) and synovial membranes (SM) of RA and osteoarthritis patients (OA, disease control), as well as normal controls (NC). Using the non-isotopic RNAse cleavage assay, one known polymorphism (T252C: silent; rs1046117; present in RA, OA, and NC) and three novel germline mutations of the cfos gene were detected: (i) C361G/A367G: Gln121Glu/Ile123Val, denoted as “fos121/123”; present only in one OA sample; (ii) G374A: Arg125Lys, “fos125”; and (iii) C217A/G374A: Leu73Met/Arg125Lys, “fos73/125”, the latter two exclusively present in RA. In addition, three novel somatic cjun mutations (604–606ΔCAG: ΔGln202, “jun202”; C706T: Pro236Ser, “jun236”; G750A: silent) were found exclusively in the RA SM. Tansgenic expression of fos125 and fos73/125 mutants in NIH-3T3 cells induced an activation of reporter constructs containing either the MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase) promoter (3- and 4-fold, respectively) or a pentameric AP-1 site (approximately 5-fold). Combined expression of these two cfos mutants with cjun wildtype or mutants (jun202, jun236) further enhanced reporter expression of the pentameric AP-1 construct. Finally, genotyping for the novel functionally relevant germline mutations in 298 RA, 288 OA, and 484 NC samples revealed no association with RA. Thus, functional cfos/cjun mutants may contribute to local joint inflammation/destruction in selected patients with RA by altering the transactivation capacity of AP-1 complexes.
Hybrid Self-Reacting Friction Stir Welding of AA 6061-T6 Aluminium Alloy with Cooling Assisted Approach
Authors: Fuse Kishan , Badheka Vishvesh
Published: December 2020

In the present work, self-reacting friction stir welding of 6 mm thick Al 6061-T6 was processed considering two novel approaches as different temperatures of the water (1 °C and 30 °C), and methods of use (spraying and enveloping top surface) using water as cooling media. The four experiments as natural air cooling (NAC), spraying with room temperature water mist (S-RM), spraying with ice water mist (S-IM), and cooling with room temperature water jet (C-RJ) were performed. The thermal profile, microstructure, microhardness, and tensile properties were investigated for all the joints. The lowest hardness location was heat affected zone in NAC and it was the boundary of the thermo-mechanically affected zone and weld nugget zone in all cooling assisted joints. The C-RJ cooling assisted joint resulted in the highest tensile strength of 189.16 MPa which is 8.17% higher than the conventional self-reacting friction stir welded joint.
Bacterial Nanocellulose in Dentistry: Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: de Oliveira Barud Hélida Gomes , da Silva Robson Rosa , Borges Marco Antonio Costa , Castro Guillermo Raul , Ribeiro Sidney José Lima , da Silva Barud Hernane
Published: December 2020

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer that has fascinating attributes, such as biocompatibility, low cost, and ease of processing, being considered a very interesting biomaterial due to its options for moldability and combination. Thus, BC-based compounds (for example, BC/collagen, BC/gelatin, BC/fibroin, BC/chitosan, etc.) have improved properties and/or functionality, allowing for various biomedical applications, such as artificial blood vessels and microvessels, artificial skin, and wounds dressing among others. Despite the wide applicability in biomedicine and tissue engineering, there is a lack of updated scientific reports on applications related to dentistry, since BC has great potential for this. It has been used mainly in the regeneration of periodontal tissue, surgical dressings, intraoral wounds, and also in the regeneration of pulp tissue. This review describes the properties and advantages of some BC studies focused on dental and oral applications, including the design of implants, scaffolds, and wound-dressing materials, as well as carriers for drug delivery in dentistry. Aligned to the current trends and biotechnology evolutions, BC-based nanocomposites offer a great field to be explored and other novel features can be expected in relation to oral and bone tissue repair in the near future.
Current Prevalence of Oral Helicobacter pylori among Japanese Adults Determined Using a Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay
Authors: Nagata Ryoko , Ohsumi Tatsuya , Takenaka Shoji , Noiri Yuichiro
Published: December 2020

In Japan, gastric Helicobacter pylori infection prevalence has markedly decreased with socioeconomic development. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of oral H. pylori in Japanese adults in 2020 by sex, age, sampling site, and medical history. Unstimulated saliva, supragingival biofilm, and tongue coating were obtained from 88 subjects–with no complaints of upper digestive symptoms–attending a dentist’s office for dental check-up or disorders. Supragingival biofilm was collected from the upper incisors, lower incisors, upper right molars and lower left molars to analyze the characteristic distribution. Oral H. pylori was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction. Oral H. pylori prevalence did not statistically differ by sex or age. Supragingival biofilm (30.7%) was the most common oral H. pylori niche; it was also detected in 4.5% of saliva and 2.3% of tongue samples. The lower incisor was the most common site among the supragingival biofilm samples, followed by the upper incisors, lower left molars, and upper right molars. Oral H. pylori DNA was frequently detected in patients with a history of gastric H. pylori infection. Oral H. pylori has a characteristic distribution independent of sex and age, suggesting that it is part of the normal microflora in the adult oral cavity.
Breeding Buckwheat for Increased Levels and Improved Quality of Protein
Authors: Luthar Zlata , Zhou Meiliang , Golob Aleksandra , Germ Mateja
Published: December 2020

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.) and common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) are important sources of proteins with balanced amino-acid compositions, and thus of high nutritional value. The polyphenols naturally present in Tartary buckwheat and common buckwheat lower the true digestibility of the proteins. Digestion-resistant peptides are a vehicle for fecal excretion of steroids, and in this way, for bile acid elimination and reduction of cholesterol concentrations in serum. Buckwheat proteins are more effective compared to soy proteins for the prevention of gallstone formation. Tartary and common buckwheat grain that contains appropriate amounts of selenium-containing amino acids can be produced as functional food products. The protein-rich by-products of buckwheat are a good source of bioactive substances that can suppress colon carcinogenesis by reducing cell proliferation. The grain embryo is a rich source of proteins, so breeding buckwheat with larger embryos is a possible strategy to increase protein levels in Tartary and common buckwheat grain. However, chemical analysis of the grain is the most relevant criterion for assessing grain protein levels and quality.
Confirmation and Fine Mapping of the Resistance Locus Ren9 from the Grapevine Cultivar ‘Regent’
Authors: Zendler Daniel , Töpfer Reinhard , Zyprian Eva
Published: December 2020

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera) is a major fruit crop with high economic importance. Due to its susceptibility towards fungal and oomycete pathogens such as Erysiphe necator and Plasmopara viticola, the causal agents of powdery and downy mildew (PM and DM, respectively), grapevine growers annually face a major challenge in coping with shortfalls of yield caused by these diseases. Here we report the confirmation of a genetic resource for grapevine resistance breeding against PM. During the delimitation process of Ren3 on chromosome 15 from the cultivar ‘Regent’, a second resistance-encoding region on chromosome 15 termed Ren9 was characterized. It mediates a trailing necrosis associated with the appressoria of E. necator and restricts pathogen growth. In this study, we confirm this QTL in a related mapping population of ‘Regent’ × ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’. The data show that this locus is located at the upper arm of chromosome 15 between markers GF15-58 (0.15 Mb) and GF15-53 (4 Mb). The efficiency of the resistance against one of the prominent European PM isolates (EU-B) is demonstrated. Based on fine-mapping and literature knowledge we propose two possible regions of interest and supply molecular markers to follow both regions in marker-assisted selection.
Microbial Production and Enzymatic Biosynthesis of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Using Lactobacillus plantarum FNCC 260 Isolated from Indonesian Fermented Foods
Authors: Yogeswara Ida Bagus Agung , Kittibunchakul Suwapat , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati , Domig Konrad J. , Haltrich Dietmar , Nguyen Thu Ha
Published: December 2020

In the present study, we isolated and screened thirty strains of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from traditional Indonesian fermented foods. Two strains were able to convert monosodium glutamate (MSG) to GABA after 24 h of cultivation at 37 °C based on thin layer chromatography (TLC) screening. Proteomic identification and 16S rDNA sequencing using MALDI-TOF MS identified the strain as Lactobacillus plantarum designated as L. plantarum FNCC 260 and FNCC 343. The highest yield of GABA production obtained from the fermentation of L. plantarum FNCC 260 was 809.2 mg/L of culture medium after 60 h of cultivation. The supplementation of 0.6 mM pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) and 0.1 mM pyridoxine led to the increase in GABA production to 945.3 mg/L and 969.5 mg/L, respectively. The highest GABA production of 1226.5 mg/L of the culture medium was obtained with 100 mM initial concentration of MSG added in the cultivation medium. The open reading frame (ORF) of 1410 bp of the gadB gene from L. plantarum FNCC 260 encodes 469 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 53.57 kDa. The production of GABA via enzymatic conversion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) using purified recombinant glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) from L. plantarum FNCC 260 expressed in Escherichia coli was found to be more efficient (5-fold higher within 6 h) than the production obtained from fermentation. L. plantarum FNCC 260 could be of interest for the synthesis of GABA.
Using GIS Techniques for Assessment of Accessible Forest Lands by Firefighting Teams Considering Fire Risk Degrees
Authors: AKAY Abdullah Emin , TAŞ İnanç
Published: December 2020

To use the resources allocated for firefighting in an optimum way, it is important to reach fire sites within the critical response time (CRT) and determine regions with high fire risk. This study aimed to evaluate forests that can be reached within CRT using GIS techniques, regarding fire risk levels. The study area is selected from Yeniköy Forest Enterprise Chief, which is in Bursa Regional Directorate of Forestry and located in second-degree fire-sensitive zone. The accessible forests within CRT were determined using the "Network Analyst" method in ArcGIS 10.4 software. Then, a fire risk map was developed using the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) tool (ExtAHP 2.0) in ArcGIS 10.4. The results showed that the firefighting team near the study area can reach 24.25% of forests within CRT for the second-degree fire-sensitive areas (30 minutes). Besides, it was determined that 46.86% of forests can be reached in 40 minutes and 84.31% in one hour. It was found that 85% of forests were in a very high and high fire risk zones. It was determined that 42% of forests that could not be reached within CRT was in a very high fire risk zones while 43.45% was in a high fire risk zone.