bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KEMISKINAN PELGABAI DIMENSI BERWAJARAN
Authors: Jamil Norzita , Che Mat Siti Hadijah
Published: September 2021

Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) adalah satu indeks pelbagai dimensi yang mengukur kemiskinan. Berdasarkan MPI, insiden kekurangan yang dialami oleh manusia dan pengalaman manusia yang hidup dalam kemiskinan pada suatu masa dapat dikenal pasti. Hasilnya, satu gambaran yang komprehensif mengenai taraf hidup penduduk yang miskin dengan melihat perbandingan antara negara, wilayah, kumpulan etnik, kawasan bandar dan luar bandar ciri-ciri isi rumah, dan masyarakat dapat dibuat. MPI merupakan indeks yang menggantikan Human Poverty Index (HPI) yang dibangunkan pada tahun 1997 (Human Development Report, 2010). Pada Julai 2010, Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) dan United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) telah melancarkan satu ukuran kemiskinan yang baharu iaitu ukuran kemiskinan “pelbagai dimensi”. Ia dikatakan dapat membantu pembangunan sumber sasaran dengan lebih berkesan (Human Development Report, 2010). Berdasarkan MPI ini, dua output akan terhasil iaitu (1) Headcount Ratio (H), iaitu peratus isi rumah yang miskin yang diperolehi dengan membahagikan jumlah isi rumah yang miskin dengan jumlah semua isi rumah; dan (2) Purata jurang kemiskinan (A), iaitu purata bilangan kekurangan yang dihadapi oleh mereka yang miskin. Purata ini dikira dengan menjumlahkan nisbah kekurangan yang dihadapi oleh setiap orang yang miskin dan dibahagikan dengan jumlah orang yang miskin. Dalam MPI, setiap dimensi boleh diberikan wajaran yang sama atau wajaran yang berbeza bergantung kepada pertimbangan nilai penyelidik. Pengiraan MPI berwajaran ini dapat memberikan keputusan kadar kemiskinanan yang lebih tepat kerana ia mengambil kira bahawa kepentingan satu-satu dimensi ke atas kadar kemiskinan adalah berbeza.
Habilidades argumentativas y riqueza léxica en un curso de educación superior
Authors: Valdés-León Gabriel
Published: September 2021

En el contexto de un trabajo que se enmarca en los estudios de alfabetización académica, esta investigación se propone explorar la relación entre habilidades argumentativas y riqueza léxica en un curso de escritura para estudiantes de primer año de pedagogía. A través de análisis descriptivos de corte cuantitativo, las habilidades argumentativas fueron categorizadas en tres niveles considerando dos grandes aspectos, a saber, estructura (planteamiento de posición, fundamentación y contraargumentación) y calidad de los argumentos (aceptabilidad, relevancia y suficiencia); por su parte, abordamos la riqueza léxica mediante la identificación de la densidad léxica y del intervalo de aparición de palabras nocionales. Tanto los resultados de calidad argumentativa como los de riqueza léxica de los textos analizados se ubican, principalmente, en los niveles inicial e intermedio, lo que se condice con los trabajos que han abordado estas competencias en estudiantes de nuevo ingreso. Si bien no es posible establecer una relación de interdependencia, los resultados nos llevan concluir que la riqueza léxica es menor cuanto mayor es la calidad de los argumentos, lo que invita a indagar en los aspectos lingüístico-discursivos que inciden en ello.
The influence of Airbnb on hotel occupancy in Mexico: a Big Data Analysis (2007-2018)
Authors: Gómez Mario , Tinoco Guerrero Narciso Salvador , Tinoco Guerrero Luis Manuel
Published: September 2021

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the influence that the usage of the Airbnb’s platform has had on hotel occupancy in Mexico during 2007- 2018 period. The Hotel Classification System is considered to know if there are differences in this influence, according to hotels’ category. To obtain the information from Airbnb, an application was created that extracted the public information of each lodging published on the website. Results were estimated by using the panel data econometric methodology, showing that the only negative impact the usage of Airbnb has on hotel occupancy is in 4-star hotels, and that an increase in the price of Airbnb’s lodgings produces a rise in hotel occupancy. In other hotel categories there is no negative effect. An implication is that the usage of platforms like the one studied can be moderately regulated in Mexico.
El Contexto de las políticas públicas en materia de Derechos Fundamentales
Authors:   Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Castro Coria Eva Grissel , Gómez Monge Rodrigo
Published: September 2021

Si bien es cierto que hay límites económicos que permiten materializar o no la implementación de políticas públicas, también es cierto que todo Estado Constitucional de derecho ha establecido un mínimo vital como obligatorio, es decir, derechos fundamentales mínimos que el Estado está obligado a otorgar a su ciudadano. Lo anterior es así, ya que nuestro sistema jurídico expresa el reconocimiento de principios de justicia de la máxima importancia moral, es decir Derechos Humanos, los cuales tiene prioridad prima facie frente a cualquier otro derecho objetivo social o colectivo, pues en una sociedad liberal y democrática, estos últimos tienen solamente valor instrumental y no final (Semanario Judicial de la Federación, 2017). Es por ello que se propone el estudio de políticas públicas en materia de Derechos Fundamentales, que trasciende de resolver un problema a materializar derechos subjetivos mediante instrumentos objetivos.
El impuesto al salario en la política tributaria de México: ¡un éxito neoliberal!
Authors: Ojeda Pérez Fabián , García Bueno Marco César , Miranda López Rubén
Published: September 2021

El impuesto al salario es uno de los tributos de mayor éxito en la política tributaría de México, aunque su recaudación poco contribuye a mejorar la eficiencia del sistema tributario mexicano y a reducir las brechas de desigualdad social. El objetivo es mostrar cuánto aporta el impuesto al salario en los ingresos tributarios federales, ya que es parte elemental de la política tributaria. Es una investigación documental con alcance descriptivo. En la última década, el impuesto al salario aporto cerca del 50% del impuesto sobre la renta recaudado y casi el 25% los ingresos tributarios federales, así, de cada cuatro pesos destinados al gasto público un peso fue soportado directamente por la clase trabajadora. Por lo que, la política tributaria está orientada a gravar las rentas del trabajo.
Effect of using Spirulina platensis in place of vitamin mineral premix in feed on the performance of broiler
Authors: Islam KMS , Debi MR , Haque R , Moury SN
Published: September 2021

Feed of commercial broiler fortified by the external sources of vitamin and minerals which is expensive and increase the cost of feed. Blue green algae (Spirulinaplatensis) would be an alternative to those synthetic micronutrients after production in laboratory scale was studied in broiler.Spirulinaplatensiswas cultured in inorganic media contained macronutrients NaHCO3, K2HPO4, NaNO3, K2SO4, NaCl, MgSO4.7H2O, CaCl2, and FeSO4.2H2O and micronutrient solution containing H3BO4, MnCl2.4H2O, ZnSO4.7H2O, CuSO4.5H2O, MoO3, CoCl2.6H2O. Media was autoclaved and Spirulinawas cultured for 12 hours lighting with continuous aeration for 15 days to use in poultry feed. Day old broiler chick (180) was reared offering starter mash diet for 7 days. Birds were divided into 6 groups having 30 birds in each (10 per cage). Birds were offered 1. Control diet, 2. 75% premix+25% Spirulina, 3. 50% premix+50% Spirulina, 4. 25% premix+75% Spirulina, 5. 0% premix+100% Spirulina and 6. 0% premix+0% Spirulina (negative control). Spirulinawas calculated on DM basis added minerals in the media. After 21 days (28 day old) final body weight was 1039, 1070, 1044, 1065, 1117 and 893 g/bird in group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 where higher (P<0.5) weight observed in Spirulinagroup (5). Feed intake was observed more or less similar in all groups (1483±24g). Feed conversion ratio was 1.72, 1.65, 1.69, 1.62, 1.61 and 1.99 in group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively (P<0.5) where higher in negative control group (6) and control group (1), but was lowest in 75% Spirulinagroup (4) and highest (100%) Spirulina group (5). Ash% is also highest in 100% Spirulina group 5 (55.07) than any other group. Considering growth performance of broiler, complete replacement of vitamin-mineral premix could be possible by cultured Spirulinaalong with media in broiler diet.
Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2021. 50 (1):64-72
Cost-effectiveness and long-term outcomes of liver transplantation using hepatitis B core antibody-positive grafts with hepatitis B immunoglobulin prophylaxis in Korea
Authors: Kim Kyeong Deok , Lee Ji Eun , Kim Jong Man , Lee Okjoo , Hwang Na Young , Rhu Jinsoo , Choi Gyu-Seong , Kim Kyunga , Joh Jae-Won
Published: September 2021

Background/Aims: Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)-positive donors are used as an extended donor pool, and current guidelines recommend the usage of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) as prophylaxis for preventing de novo hepatitis B virus infection (DNH). We analyzed the long-term outcomes of a large cohort of liver transplantation (LT) patients receiving anti-HBc-positive grafts and evaluated the risk of DNH when hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) monotherapy was used as prophylaxis. We also compared the cost-effectiveness of HBIG and NAs.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 457 patients with anti-HBc-positive grafts and 898 patients with anti-HBc-negative grafts who underwent LT between January 2001 and December 2018. We compared recipient characteristics according to the anti-HBc status of the donor, and compared the costs of using NAs for the rest of the patient’s life and using HBIG to maintain hepatitis B surface antibody titers above 200 IU/L.Results: The 1-, 5-, and 10-year patient survival rates were 87.7%, 73.5%, and 67.7%, respectively, in patients with anti-HBc-positive grafts, and 88.5%, 77.4%, and 70.3%, respectively, in patients with anti-HBc-negative grafts (P=0.113). Among 457 recipients with anti-HBc-positive grafts, 117 (25.6%) were non-HBV recipients. The overall incidence of DNH was 0.9%. When using HBIG under insurance coverage, the cumulative cost was lower compared with using NA continuously without insurance coverage in Korea.Conclusions: Anti-HBc-positive grafts alone do not affect patient survival or graft survival. HBIG monoprophylaxis has good outcomes for preventing DNH, and the patient’s long-term cost burden is low in Korea because of the national insurance system in this cohort.
Ranking of daily precipitation extreme events over oil pipelines in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Amaral ICF , Libonati R , Palmeira ACPA , Ramos AM
Published: September 2021

Intense precipitation events in Rio de Janeiro are linked to the occurrence of vast infrastructure and economic damages along oil pipelines. However, a comprehensive characterization of extreme precipitation events over the region is still lacking. Particularly, the main atmospheric mechanisms associated with those events are still poorly understood and so are the impacts on oil pipeline sectors. The work aims to fill this gap, identifying these extreme precipitation events. To this end, we use a remote sensing multi-satellite dataset from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission for the last 20 yr along the ORBIG pipeline; the pipeline is primarily responsible for supplying oil to the Rio de Janeiro Petrochemical Complex, with an annual handling capacity of 32011200 m3 yr-1. First, we evaluated the usability of GPM precipitation estimates in the study region. Then, we applied a statistical ranking method aiming to classify extreme precipitation events over the study region. Here, we classified an extreme precipitation event by considering the total affected area and its intensity, based on the daily standardized precipitation anomaly computed for the 2000-2019 period and taking into account different time scales, from 1 to 5 d, allowing the classification of different periods of anomalous precipitation. Results show that most events were associated with the South Atlantic Convergence Zone, followed by cold fronts and low-pressure systems capable of generating transports of humidity and atmospheric instability. The majority of extreme cases took place during summer, and the most significant incidence occurred in the late afternoon. These results provide guidelines for designing crucial mitigation and prevention practices along the ORBIG pipeline.
Multidisciplinary assessment of nearshore nursery habitat restoration for an exploited population of marine fish
Authors: Champagnat J , Lecomte JB , Rivot E , Douchet L , Martin N , Grasso F , Mounier F , Labadie P , Loizeau V , Bacq N , Le Pape O
Published: September 2021

Nearshore habitats are essential for many marine fish species but are subject to anthropogenic stressors. Assessing the consequences of essential fish habitat degradation on population dynamics and productivity is challenging. We address this by focusing on a metapopulation of the common sole Solea solea, a high-value, exploited flatfish in the Eastern English Channel (EEC). Multidisciplinary data and expert knowledge were compiled to build feasible restoration scenarios for the availability of suitable habitat (measured in habitat surface extent) and chemical quality of juvenile habitats in the highly anthropized Seine estuary, the largest estuary and potentially a sole nursery area of primary interest in the EEC. Scenarios were simulated with a spatially structured life-cycle model to investigate the consequences of local restoration on restricted nursery habitats in the estuary. Restoring surface extent and habitat quality in the Seine estuary dramatically enhances spawning stock biomass (+18%) and fishery catches (+13%) in the EEC. Restoring habitat quality has a greater effect than restoring habitat surface. Because of the low connectivity between subpopulations of sole in the EEC, most of the local restoration benefits remain regional and affect the subpopulation that directly depends on the Seine nursery, with only moderate spread to the entire EEC. Our study emphasizes the utility of spatial simulation models for integrating multidisciplinary knowledge and assessing the consequences of local anthropogenic pressures at wider metapopulation scales. We provide a means of building robust methods to assess the benefits of nearshore habitat restoration for enhancing fish populations and fisheries and integrate habitat value into the sustainable management of exploited species.
Pengaruh Employee Engagement dan Komitmen Organisasi Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan di Bidang Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit
Authors: Noviardy Andrian , Aliya Sabeli
Published: September 2021

This study aims to know the effect of employee engagement and organizational commitment on employee performance at PT. Suryabumi Agrolanggeng. The sample used a simple random sampling technique and 191 respondents were selected as the sample. While the data analysis used in this research includes data quality test, classical assumption test, multiple linear analysis, correlation coefficient analysis, determination coefficient test, and hypothesis testing. The results of the partial significance test (t-test) show that: 1) employee engagement has a significant value of 0.001. 2) organizational commitment, has a significant value of 0.000. Thus, it means that employee engagement and organizational commitment partially have a significant effect on employee performance. 3) The simultaneous significant test (F test) shows that the significant value is 0.000. Thus, it means that the variable employee engagement and organizational commitment simultaneously have a significant influence on employee performance at PT. Suryabumi Agrolanggeng.

 

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh employee engagement dan komitmen organisasi terhadap kinerja karyawan PT. Suryabumi Agrolanggeng. Sampel menggunakan Teknik simple random sampling dan dipilih 191 responden sebagai sampel. Sedangkan analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian meliputi uji kualitas data, uji asumsi klasik, analisis linier berganda, analisis koefisien korelasi, uji koefisien determinasi, dan uji hipotesis. Hasil uji signifikan parsial (uji t) menunjukan bahwa: 1) employee engagement, mempunyai nilai signifikan sebesar 0,001. 2) komitmen organisasi, mempunyai nilai signifikan sebesar 0,000. Dengan demikian berarti bahwa employee engagement dan komitmen organisasi berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan secara parsial. Uji signifikan simultan (uji F) menunjukan bahwa nilai signifikan 0,000. Dengan demikian berarti bahwa variabel employee engagement dan komitmen organisasi secara simultan memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan pada PT. Suryabumi Agrolanggeng.

Kata Kunci: Employee Engagement, Komitmen Organisasi, Kinerja karyawan
Analisis Kesehatan Koperasi Kredit Sentosa Palembang
Authors: Supriyanto Agustinus , Dekas Rikkie , Ita Ita
Published: September 2021

The Sentosa Credit Union (CU) is the primary cooperative that runs a savings and loan business and is guided by Government Regulation number 9 of 1995 concerning the implementation of savings and loan business activities. The author conducted research to determine the suitability of financial reports based on the Regulation of the Deputy for Supervision of the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia number 06 / Per / Dep.6 / IV / 2016 regarding the assessment of the Health of Savings and Loans Cooperatives and Savings and Loan Units. This type of research is descriptive evaluative research. The data source used is primary dataThe results showed that the health level of Koperasi kredit Sentosa from 2017 - 2019 in the fairly healthy category, on average, got a score of 67.35 with details (1) the aspect of capital on average got a score of 13.80 in the healthy category; (2) the quality aspects of earning assets on average score 14.92 are in the fairly healthy category; (3) management aspects on average score 13.30 are in the healthy category; (4) the efficiency aspect averaged a score of 7.00 in the fairly healthy category; (5) the liquidity aspect scores on average 9.58 and is in the fairly healthy category; (6) aspects of independence and growth on average score 1.75 and are in the fairly healthy category; (7) the aspect of cooperative identity on average gets a score of 7.00 and is in the fairly healthy category

 

Abstrak

Koperasi Kredit (Koperasi kredit) merupakan primer koperasi yang menjalankan usaha simpan pinjam dan berpedoman pada Peraturan Pemerintah nomor 9 tahun 1995 tentang pelaksanaan kegiatan usaha simpan pinjam. Penulis melakukan penelitian untuk mengetahui kesesuaian laporan keuangan  yang berpedoman pada Peraturan Deputi Bidang Kepengawasan Kementerian Koperasi dan Usaha Kecil dan Menengah Republik Indonesia dengan nomor 06/Per/Dep.6/IV/2016 mengenai penilaian Kesehatan Koperasi Simpan Pinjam dan Unit Simpan Pinjam. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian desktriptif evaluatif. Sumber data yang digunakan adalah data primer yang diterima langsung dari sumbernya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kesehatan Koperasi kredit Sentosa   dari tahun 2017 – 2019 kategori cukup sehat secara rerata mendapatkan skor 67,35 dengan rincian (1) aspek permodalan secara rerata mendapat skor 13,80 berada pada kategori sehat; (2) aspek kualitas aktiva produktif secara rerata mendapat skor 14,92 berada dalam kategori  cukup sehat; (3) aspek manajemen secara rerata mendapat skor 13,30 berada dalam kategori  sehat; (4) aspek efisiensi secara rerata mendapat skor 7,00 berada dalam kategori cukup sehat; (5) aspek likuiditas secara rerata mendapat skor 9,58 dan berada dalam kategori cukup sehat; (6) aspek kemandirian dan pertumbuhan secara rerata mendapat skor 1,75 dan berada dalam kategori cukup sehat; (7) aspek jati diri koperasi secara rerata mendapat skor 7,00 dan berada dalam kategori cukup sehat

Kata Kunci: Tingkat kesehatan, Kinerja Koperasi kredit
Ectopic Pregnancy at 13-week Period of Gestation with Live Fetus
Authors: Zacharis Konstantinos , Kravvaritis Stavros , Charitos Theodoros , Fouka Anastasia
Published: September 2021

Ectopic pregnancy will unavoidably result in abortion or rupture. Ultrasound examination and β-hcg measurement are required, regarding symptomatic women with positive pregnancy test, in order to early detect cases of ectopic pregnancy. Here we report a case of a woman presented to the emergency depart- ment with acute abdomen and hemodynamic instability. History revealed a period of amenorrhea of 13 weeks and pregnancy test was found positive. Sonographic examination showed left adnexal swelling with viable fetus inside, hemoperitoneum and thus immediate laparotomy was decided. Left salpingo-oophorec- tomy was performed and post-operative course of the patient was uneventful. According to this case, ec- topic pregnancy should not be eliminated from differential diagnosis when it comes to pregnant women with relevant clinical presentation, even in advanced gestational age.
Obesity in pregnancy and gestational diabetes
Authors: Triantafyllou Olga , Pappa Kalliopi
Published: September 2021

Obesity is widely regarded as a major global pandemic that has extensive complications. Obesity rates have increased dramatically which can significantly lead to both maternal and fetal health complications during pregnancy. Obese women are predisposed to pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Both share common metabolic characteristics. Obesity and gestational diabetes are both related to serious problems during pregnancy, but also to long term maternal – fetal consequences. Children of obese women with GDM are more likely to have propensity for obesity and be insulin resistant, leading to a the vicious cycle of metabolic disorders into the next generation Therefore evaluating the combined association of these problems with pregnancy outcomes is an important issue. In this article, we review the relationship of maternal obesity and GDM and the complications they are associated to.
State regulation of critical infrastructure
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, KUDRJASHOV Vasyl
Published: September 2021

The analysis of state regulation of critical infrastructure development in Ukraine is carried out. It is noted that the creation of a regulatory framework for solving such problems is at an early stage. The draft laws on critical infrastructure submitted to the parliament contain definitions of the terms used in the regulation of the formation and development of critical infrastructure, tasks of state policy for critical infrastructure protection, certain principles of its operation, provisions on the establishment of critical infrastructure protection authorities, At the same time, there are no provisions on defining the basic principles of formation and development of critical infrastructure, the procedure for establishing and operating institutions to ensure its functionality, distribution of powers and responsibilities between them, the use of mechanisms to regulate the provision of critical infrastructure. The developed documents contain provisions that relate mainly to the protection of critical infrastructure, rather than its formation and development as a whole infrastructure. It is proposed (taking into account foreign experience) to determine the content of critical infrastructure, taking into account the state of its functionality and the provision of critical services. It is recommended to extend the scope of public policy to the development of critical infrastructure in general, and not to limit it only to issues of its protection. Attention is drawn to the need to regulate the conditions of involvement of participants in the provision of critical services, coordination of their activities, exchange of information and more. It is noted that the submitted bills did not address the issues of financial support of critical infrastructure and its state regulation. The adoption of the Critical Infrastructure Development Strategy, the implementation of the National Program, as well as the National Plan for their implementation are not envisaged. Amendments to the considered bills on the development of critical infrastructure and its protection in Ukraine are proposed.
Harmonization of domestic and international practice for financial monitoring of the primary link of its implementation
Authors:   National University of Water and Environmental Engineering, LEVITSKA Svitlana , OSADCHA Olga ,   National University of Water and Environmental Engineering
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is both to summarize negative impact factors on cash flows legalization based on international and domestic practice of financial monitoring in the area of entrepreneurial activity and to determine effective measures directed at sustainable socio-economic national development of Ukraine. The main legislative rules, norms and principles of financial monitoring implementation by domestic economic entities, conceptual definitions of the Law of Ukraine 361-IX , objects and subjects of initial financial monitoring, criterias of the international practice of financial transactions monitoring are generalized. The role of current o361-IX in the systemic fight against money laundering risks by domestic entities is revealed. The need is substantiated for both thorough identification and verification of such risks based on the results of asset transactions defined by the law as “objects of financial monitoring” and search for complete and reliable information on the final beneficiary of initial financial monitoring subject. Alternative approaches to the internal regulatory development and working documents have been proposed for the initial financial monitoring subjects (on the example of audit firms) in order to ensure their financial monitoring consistency and full disclosure of obtained results. Initial financial monitoring subjects, guided by provisions of Law 361-IX , must have a number of internal administrative documents that take into account the nature and scale of transactions with counterparties/clients. Mandatory internal documents for initial financial monitoring subjects specify: financial monitoring rules, primary financial monitoring programs and other internal financial monitoring documents, documentation of personnel procedures for the responsible employee appointment and his powers, rights and responsibilities. These internal documents should contain procedures that ensure effective risk management, as well as prevent the use of services (goods, products) for the initial financial monitoring subject in order to legalize illicit income. The reward is the confidence that activities of initial financial monitoring subjects have become another foundation in national socio-economic development.
Natural resources and policies for community-based ecotourism
Authors: Kukreti Mohan
Published: September 2021

This paper in particular deals with the analysis and reviews of the ecotourism policies and the framework of the state of Uttarakhand and the Indian government. In general, it evaluates and discusses the future and significance of the natural resources for the development of the community-based ecotourism in Uttarakhand for the sustainable development of the villages including conservation of biological diversity. This paper argues that the homestay programme, if encouraged, might help the state to achieve its goal of ecotourism and the green economy. Tourism was given an industry status by the government of Uttarakhand in 2018, providing attractive incentives and subsidies. Nevertheless, there is still a need for the appropriate policy framework for the better management of the natural resources, development and the training of the various stakeholders and the entrepreneurs involved in the community-based ecotourism industry.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Induces Autophagy and Promotes Regeneration in Human Dental Pulp Cells
Authors: Xu Hanxin , Xu Fen , Zhao Jiajia , Zhou Caixia , Liu Jiarong
Published: September 2021

Regenerative endodontic procedures using autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can improve the biologic outcome of treatment. However, its mechanism of action on improving pulp regeneration is not fully elucidated. Autophagy was recently shown to be related to tissue repair and osteogenesis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of PRP in dental pulp regeneration and to elucidate the role of autophagy involved in this process. Human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) were isolated from healthy dental pulp and co-cultured with an increasing concentration of PRP. Cellular migration and proliferation were determined by scratch assay, transwell assay, and cell-counting kit 8 assay. Osteogenic differentiation was clarified by using alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red staining, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to measure the gene expression levels of alkaline phosphatase, collagen-1, osteocalcin, dentin matrix protein 1, and dentin sialophosphoprotein. Autophagic bodies were observed by transmission electron microscopy and the expression of autophagy marker light chain 3B (LC3B) was determined by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA and protein expression level of LC3B and Beclin-1 were quantified by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The effect of PRP on cellular migration, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation was further investigated in the milieu of autophagy activator, rapamycin, and inhibitor, 3-methyladenine. Results showed that PRP promoted cell migration, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Autophagic bodies were strongly activated and the expression level of LC3B and Beclin-1 was significantly promoted by PRP. Autophagy inhibition suppressed PRP-induced hDPCs migration, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation, whereas autophagy activator substantially augmented PRP-stimulated migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Taken together, these findings suggested that PRP could effectively promote regenerative potentials associated with autophagy.
Alpha/Beta Hydrolase Domain-Containing Protein 2 Regulates the Rhythm of Follicular Maturation and Estrous Stages of the Female Reproductive Cycle
Authors: Björkgren Ida , Chung Dong Hwa , Mendoza Sarah , Gabelev-Khasin Liliya , Petersen Natalie T. , Modzelewski Andrew , He Lin , Lishko Polina V.
Published: September 2021

Mammalian female fertility is defined by a successful and strictly periodic ovarian cycle, which is under the control of gonadotropins and steroid hormones, particularly progesterone and estrogen. The latter two are produced by the ovaries that are engaged in controlled follicular growth, maturation, and release of the eggs, i.e., ovulation. The steroid hormones regulate ovarian cyclesviagenomic signaling, by altering gene transcription and protein synthesis. However, despite this well-studied mechanism, steroid hormones can also signalviadirect, non-genomic action, by binding to their membrane receptors. Here we show, that the recently discovered membrane progesterone receptor α/β hydrolase domain-containing protein 2 (ABHD2) is highly expressed in mammalian ovaries where the protein plays a novel regulatory role in follicle maturation and the sexual cycle of females. Ablation ofAbhd2caused a dysregulation of the estrous cycle rhythm with females showing shortened luteal stages while remaining in the estrus stage for a longer time. Interestingly, the ovaries ofAbhd2knockout (KO) females resemble polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) with a high number of atretic antral follicles that could be rescued with injection of gonadotropins. Such a procedure also allowedAbhd2KO females to ovulate a significantly increased number of mature and fertile eggs in comparison with their wild-type littermates. These results suggest a novel regulatory role of ABHD2 as an important factor in non-genomic steroid regulation of the female reproductive cycle.
Adipose/Connective Tissue From Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy Uncovers Interdependence Between Methylation and Disease Pathogenesis: A Genome-Wide Methylation Analysis
Authors: Liang Yu , Ding Sijia , Wang Xiying , Hu Chunchun , Zhang Yihan , Hu Yan , Zhang Yuye , Kong Hongyu , Xia Weiyi , Jing Qinghe , Hu Yuxiang , Zhao Chen , Wu Lianqun
Published: September 2021

In response to pathological stimulation, methylation status conversion of the genome drives changes of cell feature and is able to promote disease development. Yet the role of methylation in the development of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) remains to be evaluated. Overexpansion of orbital tissue is the key feature of TAO. In this study, the methylation profile of orbital adipose/connective tissue from TAO patients and normal individuals were compared. After screening 3,739 differentially methylated probes, the distribution and properties of these probes were analyzed. Furthermore, enriched biological functions of these genes associated with differential methylation and the relationship between their methylation status and expression profile were also identified, including PTPRU and VCAM-1. According to our results, methylation was involved in disregulated immune response and inflammation in TAO and might contribute to activation of fibroblast and adipogenesis, leading to the expansion of orbital tissue. Neuropathy and neurobehavioral symptoms were also potentially associated with methylation. These results may help to extend the understanding of methylation in TAO and provide more insights into diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Synergistic Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effects of Cinnamomum cassia and Zingiber officinale Alleviate Diabetes-Induced Hippocampal Changes in Male Albino Rats: Structural and Molecular Evidence
Authors: ALmohaimeed Hailah M. , Mohammedsaleh Zuhair M. , Batawi Ashwaq H. , Balgoon Maha Jameal , Ramadan Osama Ibrahim , Baz Hasan Ahmed , Al Jaouni Soad , Ayuob Nasra Naeim
Published: September 2021

Background: Depression has been reported as a common comorbidity in diabetes mellitus although the underlying mechanism responsible for this is not well known. Although both ginger and cinnamon has anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, their efficacy in inhibiting neuroinflammation, when simultaneously administrated, has not been investigated yet.

Objectives: The study was designed to assess the synergistic effect of Cinnamomum cassia and Zingiber officinale on regulating blood glucose, improve hippocampal structural changes and depressive-like alternations in diabetic rats, and try to identify the mechanism behind this effect.

Materials and Methods: Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five equal groups (n = 6): the normal control, untreated streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic, cinnamon-treated diabetic [100 mg/kg of body weight (BW)/day for 6 weeks], ginger-treated diabetic (0.5 g/kg BW/day for 6 weeks), and ginger plus cinnamon-treated diabetic groups. Forced swim test and elevated plus maze behavioral tests were performed at the end of the experiment. HOMA-IR, HOMA β-cells, blood glucose, insulin, corticosterone, pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-6), and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed in the serum. BDNF mRNA level was assessed in hippocampus using qRT-PCR. Hippocampal histopathological changes were also assessed, and immunoexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), caspase-3, and Ki-67 was measured.

Results: Diabetes-induced depressive-like changes in the STZ group were biochemically confirmed by assessing serum corticosterone level, as well as behaviorally using FST and EPM tests. Diabetes also induced degenerative changes in the hippocampus. Treatment of diabetic rats with ginger, cinnamon, or the combination of these alleviated the degenerative structural changes and significantly up-regulated serum insulin, TAC, hippocampal BDNF mRNA, and hippocampal immunoexpression of ki67, while they significantly reduced serum blood glucose, IL-6, TNF-α, IL1β, as well as hippocampal immunoexpression of GFAP and Caspase-3 compared to the untreated diabetic group. Improvement induced by the combination of ginger and cinnamon was superior to the single administration of either of these.

Conclusion:Cinnamomum cassia and Zingiber officinale have synergistic anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant-like, and neuroprotective effects. The use of a combination of these plants could be beneficial as alternative or complementary supplements in managing DM and decreasing its neuronal and psychiatric complications.
Plasmonic Heating-Promoted Photothermal Synthesis of α-Cyanoacrylonitriles Over Au/h-BN Catalysts
Authors: Liang Ce , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Bin , Liu Xin-Miao , Gao Guo-Lin , Cao Jingyan , Xu Ping
Published: September 2021

Plasmonic nanoparticle-involved materials play an essential role in the field of photothermal conversion. Herein, we report the application of photothermal heterogeneous catalysts consisting of gold nanoparticles decorated on defect-rich h-BN sheets (Au/h-BN) for the photocatalytic synthesis of α-cyanoacrylonitriles under mild conditions. It has been demonstrated the–NH2 groups present in the defect-rich h-BN act as the catalytically active sites, while plasmonic heating from the gold nanoparticles can drive the reaction by providing local heat. Au/h-BN catalyst can work for a broad substrate scope in the synthesis of α-cyanoacrylonitriles, and a plausible –NH2 group-involved reaction mechanism has been proposed. This work may open up new avenues in photothermal catalysis by combining plasmonic materials and catalytic sites in one system.
High Frequency Mutations in pfdhfr and pfdhps of Plasmodium falciparum in Response to Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Returning Chinese Migrants From Africa
Authors: Yan He , Feng Jun , Yin Jian-hai , Huang Fang , Kong Xiang-li , Lin Kang-ming , Zhang Tao , Feng Xin-yu , Zhou Shui-sen , Cao Jian-ping , Xia Zhi-gui
Published: September 2021

Background

Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for intermittent preventive treatment in Africa against Plasmodium falciparum infection. However, increasing SP resistance (SPR) of P. falciparum affects the therapeutic efficacy of SP, and pfdhfr (encoding dihydrofolate reductase) and pfdhps (encoding dihydropteroate synthase) genes are widely used as molecular markers for SPR surveillance. In the present study, we analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of pfdhfr and pfdhps in P. falciparum isolated from infected Chinese migrant workers returning from Africa.

Methods

In total, 159 blood samples from P. falciparum-infected workers who had returned from Africa to Anhui, Shangdong, and Guangxi provinces were successfully detected and analyzed from 2017 to 2019. The SNPs in pfdhfr and pfdhps were analyzed using nested PCR. The genotypes and linkage disequilibrium (LD) were analyzed using Haploview.

Results

High frequencies of the Asn51Ile (N51I), Cys59Arg(C59R), and Ser108Asn(S108N) mutant alleles were observed, with mutation frequencies of 97.60, 87.43, and 97.01% in pfdhfr, respectively. A triple mutation (IRN) in pfdhfr was the most prevalent haplotype (86.83%). Six point mutations were detected in pfdhps DNA fragment, Ile431Val (I431V), Ser436Ala (S436A), Ala437Gly (A437G), Lys540Glu(K540E), Ala581Gly(A581G), Ala613Ser(A613S). The pfdhps K540E (27.67%) was the most predominant allele, followed by S436A (27.04%), and a single mutant haplotype (SGKAA; 62.66%) was predominant in pfdhps. In total, 5 haplotypes of the pfdhfr gene and 13 haplotypes of the pfdhps gene were identified. A total of 130 isolates with 12 unique haplotypes were found in the pfdhfr-pfdhps combined haplotypes, most of them (n = 85, 65.38%) carried quadruple allele combinations (CIRNI-SGKAA).

Conclusion

A high prevalence of point mutations in the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes of P. falciparum isolates was detected among Chinese migrant workers returning from Africa. Therefore, continuous in vitro molecular monitoring of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethemine combined in vivo therapeutic monitoring of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) efficacy and additional control efforts among migrant workers are urgently needed.
Differential Expression of Human MicroRNAs During Dengue Virus Infection in THP-1 Monocytes
Authors: Rossi Átila Duque , Higa Luiza Mendonça , Herlinger Alice Laschuk , Ribeiro-Alves Marcelo , de Menezes Mariane Talon , Giannini Ana Lucia Moraes , Cardoso Cynthia Chester , Da Poian Andrea T. , Tanuri Amilcar , Aguiar Renato Santana
Published: September 2021

Dengue virus (DENV) is the most widespread arbovirus, responsible for a wide range of clinical manifestations, varying from self-limited illness to severe hemorrhagic fever. Dengue severity is associated with host intense proinflammatory response and monocytes have been considered one of the key cell types involved in the early steps of DENV infection and immunopathogenesis. To better understand cellular mechanisms involved in monocyte infection by DENV, we analyzed the expression levels of 754 human microRNAs in DENV-infected THP-1 cells, a human monocytic cell line. Eleven human microRNAs showed differential expression after DENV infection and gene ontology and enrichment analysis revealed biological processes potentially affected by these molecules. Five downregulated microRNAs were significantly linked to cellular response to stress, four to cell death/apoptosis, two to innate immune responses and one upregulated to vesicle mediated, TGF-β signaling, phosphatidylinositol mediated signaling, lipid metabolism process and blood coagulation.
Narratives are Persuasive Because They are Easier to Understand: Examining Processing Fluency as a Mechanism of Narrative Persuasion
Authors: Bullock Olivia M. , Shulman Hillary C. , Huskey Richard
Published: September 2021

Theory suggests that people are more persuaded by information presented within a narrative. We argue there is room for greater understanding about why this may be the case. Accordingly, we 1) examine whether narratives are indeed more persuasive than non-narratives and 2) evaluate two theoretical mechanisms that could be responsible for these effects. Results from a laboratory-based, preregistered experiment (N= 554) support our primary argument that narratives are processed more fluently (easily) than non-narratives, and when processing is eased, persuasion becomes more likely. This work offers a parsimonious and powerful explanation for the advantages of providing persuasive information within a narrative format and advances theory in narrative persuasion.
Focal Geometry and Characteristics of Erosion-Prone Coronary Plaques in vivo Angiography and Optical Coherence Tomography Study
Authors: Cao Muhua , Wu Tianyu , Zhao Jiawei , Du Zhuo , Wang Zhuozhong , Li Lulu , Wei Guo , Tian Jinwei , Jia Haibo , Mintz Gary S. , Yu Bo
Published: September 2021

Objective: This study compared focal geometry and characteristics of culprit plaque erosion (PE) vs. non-culprit plaques in ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients in whom optical coherence tomography (OCT) identified PE as the cause of the acute event.

Background: Culprit PE is a distinct clinical entity with specific coronary risk factors and its own tailored management strategy. However, not all plaques develop erosion resulting in occlusive thrombus formation.

Methods: Between January 2017 and July 2019, there were 484 STEMI patients in whom OCT at the time of primary percutaneous intervention identified culprit lesion PE to be the cause of the event; 484 culprit PE were compared to 1,132 non-culprit plaques within 1,196 imaged vessels.

Results: Culprit PE were highly populated at “hot spots” within the proximal 40 mm in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and tended to cluster proximal to a nearby bifurcation mainly in the LAD. Minimal lumen area (MLA) <2.51 mm2 and AS (area stenosis) >64.02% discriminated culprit PE from non-culprit plaques. In the multivariable analysis, focal geometry (LAD location, distance from coronary ostium <40 mm, and location proximal to a nearby bifurcation), luminal narrowing (MLA <2.51 mm2, AS > 64.02%), and TCFA phenotype were independent predictors of culprit PE overall. Cholesterol crystals were predictive of culprit PE with underlying LRP morphology while the absence of calcification and microchannels were risk factors for culprit PE with an underlying non-LRP. Similarities and differences in predictors of culprit PE were found between males and females; distance from coronary ostium <40 mm, MLA <2.51 mm2, TCFA, and less spotty calcium were risk factors of culprit PE in males, but not in females while smaller RVD was associated with culprit PE only in females.

Conclusions: Irrespective of underlying lesion substrates and patient risk factors, there are lesion-specific and OCT-identifiable predictors of developing culprit PE in erosion-prone vulnerable patients.
On the Annotation of Health Care Pathways to Allow the Application of Care-Plans That Generate Data for Multiple Purposes
Authors: Ingvar Martin , Blom Mathias C. , Winsnes Casper , Robinson Greg , Vanfleteren Lowie , Huff Stan
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Procedural interoperability in health care requires information support and monitoring of a common work practice. Our aim was to devise an information model for a complete annotation of actions in clinical pathways that allow use of multiple plans concomitantly as several partial processes underlie any composite clinical process.

Materials and Methods: The development of the information model was based on the integration of a defined protocol for clinical interoperability in the care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an observational study protocol for cohort characterization at the group level. In the clinical process patient reported outcome measures were included.

Results: The clinical protocol and the observation study protocol were developed on the clinical level and a single plan definition was developed by merging of the protocols. The information model and a common data model that had been developed for care pathways was successfully implemented and data for the medical records and the observational study could be extracted independently. The interprofessional process support improved the communication between the stakeholders (health care professionals, clinical scientists and providers).

Discussion: We successfully merged the processes and had a functionally successful pilot demonstrating a seamless appearance for the health care professionals, while at the same time it was possible to generate data that could serve quality registries and clinical research. The adopted data model was initially tested and hereby published to the public domain.

Conclusion: The use of a patient centered information model and data annotation focused on the care pathway simplifies the annotation of data for different purposes and supports sharing of knowledge along the patient care path.
The Motion and Range of Landslides According to Their Height
Authors: Li Heng , Duan Zhao , Wu Yanbin , Dong Chenxi , Zhao Fasuo
Published: September 2021

The frequency of catastrophic geological disasters has been increasing significantly, causing tremendous losses of life and property. The study of landslide motion remains incomplete. The variables H/L (ratio of landslide height to length) are often used to describe landslide motion; however, they may also be affected by the height of the landslide itself. To better understand landslide dynamics, this paper aimed to 1) identify the process of landslide motion in relation to height; 2) understand the range of influence of sliding bodies according to height; and 3) construct a formula of landslide disaster range based on the travel distance of the slide center and changes in the center and shape of the sliding body. In this paper, medium-fine quartz sand was used in experiments to observe the movement patterns and sliding body barycenter variations occurring during landslides. We describe the changes that occur during landslides and their deposits’ morphological characteristics and barycenter variations with height. Based on these observations, a landslide model is derived. This paper proposes a new method of estimating the effects of landslides, which can help to mitigate the effects of disasters.