bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preferencyjne opodatkowanie dochodów osób fizycznych z praw własności intelektualnej w prawie polskim na tle porównawczym
Authors: Tchórzewski Mateusz
Published: August 2021

Praca poświęcona jest preferencyjnemu opodatkowaniu dochodów osób fizycznych z praw własności intelektualnej w kontekście treści przepisów art. 30ca-30cb ustawy o podatku dochodowym od osób fizycznych (IP Box). W opracowaniu poddano w szczególności analizie treść i kontekst wyżej wymienionych regulacji oraz wybrane problemy interpretacyjne a także praktyczne zidentyfikowane w orzecznictwie sądów administracyjnych. Badane kwestie zostały zestawione z odpowiednimi regulacjami prawa francuskiego. Uwzględniono także poziom odpowiednich stawek podatkowych obowiązujących w innych wybranych prawodawstwach obcych.
Assessing Participatory Practices in a Cultural Preservation Workshop of the Sriwijaya Museum
Authors: Aritenang Adiwan F , Iskandar Zahara Sitta , Safitri Pingkan , Drianda Riela Provi , Zohrah Laila
Published: August 2021

Among the great maritime trading empires of history, the Sriwijaya empire ranks among the most splendid and rich ones. Still, few people know about this empire and recognize it as an important part of the history of Indonesia. This study examined participatory practice in historic preservation by investigating stakeholders’ perspectives on the potential application of digital technology in the Sriwijaya Museum in Palembang. We introduced photogrammetry and color analysis technologies to identify some possible improvements to be implemented in the museum in the future. We invited some community members interested in Palembang’s history and in using digital technology in museums to participate in a two-day participatory workshop. Pre-workshop and post-workshop questionnaires were distributed to identify the participants’ expectations for and responses to the workshop. Moreover, we also interviewed several participants. The study revealed that all participants agreed that both technologies have great potential to provide narrations in the museum and support thematic activities such as arts, culinary, and music performances. This paper highlights the importance of the local community’s commitment and the government’s political will to realize a roadmap for the city’s cultural heritage preservation and digitization movement.
 
Abstrak. Di antara kerajaan perdagangan maritim besar dalam sejarah, Sriwijaya termasuk yang paling megah dan terkaya. Namun, hanya sedikit orang yang mengetahui dan mengakui Kerajaan Sriwijaya sebagai bagian penting dari sejarah Indonesia karena penggalian lebih banyak artefak dan sisa-sisa rumit. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji praktik partisipatif dalam pelestarian sejarah dengan mengkaji perspektif pemangku kepentingan tentang potensi penerapan teknologi di Museum Sriwijaya. Kami memperkenalkan teknologi fotogrametri dan analisis warna untuk mengidentifikasi beberapa perbaikan yang mungkin diterapkan di masa depan. Kami mengundang beberapa anggota masyarakat yang tertarik menggunakan teknologi di museum untuk berpartisipasi dalam lokakarya dua hari tersebut. Kuesioner pra dan pasca dibagikan untuk mengidentifikasi tanggapan dan harapan peserta terhadap lokakarya. Selain itu, kami mewawancarai beberapa peserta. Studi tersebut mengungkapkan bahwa semua peserta sepakat bahwa kedua teknologi tersebut berpotensi diterapkan untuk memberikan narasi di museum dan mendukung kegiatan tematik, seperti seni, kuliner, dan pertunjukan musik. Kajian tersebut menyoroti pentingnya komitmen masyarakat lokal dan kemauan politik pemerintah untuk mewujudkan peta jalan gerakan pelestarian warisan budaya dan digitalisasi kota.
 
Kata kunci. partisipatif, workshop, pelestarian budaya, alat digital, Museum Sriwijaya.
Seasons affect the phosphorylation of pork sarcoplasmic proteins related to meat quality
Authors: Zeng Xianming , Li Xiao , Li Chunbao
Published: August 2021

Objective: Sarcoplasmic proteins include proteins that play critical roles in biological processes of living organisms. How seasons influence biological processes and meat quality of postmortem muscles through the regulation of protein phosphorylation remain to be investigated. In this study, the phosphorylation of sarcoplasmic proteins in pork longissimus muscle was investigated in four seasons.Methods: Sarcoplasmic proteins were extracted from 40 pork carcasses (10 for each season) and analyzed through ProQ Diamond staining for phosphorylation labeling and Sypro Ruby staining for total protein labeling. The pH of muscle, contents of glycogen and ATP were measured at 45 min, 3 h, and 9 h postmortem and the water (P2b, P21, and P22) was measured at 3 h and 9 h.Results: A total of 21 bands were detected. Band 8 (heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein; heat shock 70 kDa protein 1B) had higher phosphorylation level in summer than that in other seasons at 45 min postmortem. The phosphorylation levels of 3 Bands were significantly different between fast and normal pH decline groups (p<0.05). The phosphorylation levels of 4 bands showed negative associations with immobilized water (P21) and positive association with free water (P22).Conclusion: The phosphorylation levels of sarcoplasmic proteins involved in energy metabolism and heat stress response at early postmortem time differed depending on the seasons. These proteins include heat shock protein 70, pyruvate kinase, phosphoglucomutase-1, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, and carbonic anhydrase 3. High temperatures in summer might result in the phosphorylation of those proteins, leading to pH decline and low water holding capacity.
Functional characterization of naturally-occurring constitutively activating/inactivating mutations in equine follicle-stimulating hormone receptor
Authors: Byambaragchaa Munkhzaya , Ahn Tae-Young , Choi Seung-Hee , Kang Myung-Hwa , Min Kwan-Sik
Published: August 2021

Objective: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is the central hormone involved in mammalian reproduction, maturation at puberty, and gamete production that mediates its function by control of follicle growth and function. The present study investigated the mutations involved in the regulation of FSH receptor (FSHR) activation.Methods: We analyzed seven naturally-occurring mutations that were previously reported in human FSHR (hFSHR), in the context of equine FSHR (eFSHR); these include one constitutively activation variant, one allelic variant, and five inactivating variants. These mutations were introduced into wild-type eFSHR (eFSHR-wt) sequence to generate mutants that were designated as eFSHR-D566G, -A306T, -A189V, -N191I, -R572C, -A574V, and -R633H. Mutants were transfected into PathHunter EA-parental CHO-K1 cells expressing β-arrestin. The biological function of mutants was analyzed by quantitating cAMP accumulation in cells incubated with increasing concentrations of FSH.Results: Cells expressing eFSHR-D566G exhibited an 8.6-fold increase in basal cAMP response, as compared to that in eFSHR-wt. The allelic variation mutant eFSHR-A306T was not found to affect the basal cAMP response or half maximal effective concentration (EC50) levels. On the other hand, eFSHR-D566G and eFSHR-A306T displayed a 1.5- and 1.4-fold increase in the maximal response, respectively. Signal transduction was found to be completely impaired in case of the inactivating mutants eFSHR-A189V, -R572C, and -A574V. When compared with eFSHR-wt, eFSHR-N191I displayed a 5.4-fold decrease in the EC50 levels (3,910 ng/mL) and a 2.3-fold decrease in the maximal response. In contrast, cells expressing eFSHR-R633H displayed in a similar manner to that of the cells expressing the eFSHR-wt on signal transduction and maximal response.Conclusion: The activating mutant eFSHR-D566G greatly enhanced the signal transduction in response to FSH, in the absence of agonist treatment. We suggest that the state of activation of the eFSHR can modulate its basal cAMP accumulation.
Enhancement of performance and anti-oxidant variables in broiler chicken fed diets containing sub-optimal methionine level with graded concentrations of sulphur and folic acid
Authors: Savaram Venkata Rama Rao , Mantena Venkata Lakshmi Narasimha Raju , Paul Shyam Sunder , Devanaboyina Nagalakshmi , Thota Srilatha , Bhukya Prakash , Ullengala Rajkumar
Published: August 2021

Objective: An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing graded concentrations of inorganic sulphur (S) without and with folic acid (FA) in maize-soybean meal diets on performance, slaughter and anti-oxidant variables, immune responses and serum protein fractions in broiler chicken.Methods: Inorganic S was supplemented at 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, and 0.20% alone or in combination with FA (4 mg/kg) in basal diet (BD) containing no supplemental methionine (Met) and FA. A control group was fed with the recommended concentration of Met. Each diet was offered to 10 pens of 5 male broiler chicks (Cobb 400) and fed ad libitum from day 1 to 42.Results: The broilers fed the BD had lower body weight gain (BWG), feed efficiency (FE), higher lipid peroxidation (LP), lower activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), lower lymphocyte proliferation ratio (LPR), and reduced concentrations of total protein, albumin, and globulin in serum. Supplementation of FA and S to the BD improved the BWG (all concentrations of S) and FE (0.20% S) similar to the control group. Similarly, the combination of S and FA significantly improved the concentrations of total protein, albumin, and globulin in serum, reduced the LP and increased the activity of GSHPx and LPR. However, responses in the above parameters were related to the concentration of S in the diet. The slaughter variables and antibody titres against the Newcastle disease were not affected with the treatments.Conclusion: Based on the results, it is concluded that the combination of S (0.2%) and FA (4 mg/kg) improved the BWG and FE, similarly supplementation of these nutrients improved the concentration of protein fractions and reduced the stress (reduced LP and improved GSHPx) variables in serum and improved the cell mediated immune response (LPR) in broilers fed sub-optimal concentrations of Met in diet.
Detection of Network Intrusion Threat Based on the Probabilistic Neural Network Model
Authors: Wang Benyou , Gu Li
Published: August 2021

With the popularity of the Internet, people's lives are becoming more and more convenient. However, the network security problems are becoming increasingly serious. This paper, aiming to better protect users’ network security from the internal and external malicious attacks, briefly introduces the probabilistic neural network and principal component analysis method, and combines them for detection of network intrusion data. Simulation analysis of Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) and Principal Component Analysis-Probabilistic Neural Network (PCA-PNN) are carried out in MATLAB software. The results suggest that the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) algorithm greatly reduce the dimension of the original data and the amount of calculation. Compared with PNN, PCA-PNN has higher accuracy and precision rate, lower false alarm rate, and faster detecting speed. Moreover, PCA-PNN has better detecting performance when there are few training samples. In summary, PCA-PNN can be used for the detection of network intrusion threat.
Die Staatenhaftung im Völkerrecht
Authors: Moradi Karkaj Sahar
Published: August 2021

The necessity for state obligations to compensate transboundary harm becomes particularly evident in the virtual world. International law is predestined to address this issue but faces challenges due to the private character of information operations. Against this background, the author analyses the relationship between the established institute of state responsibility for internationally wrongful acts and the concept of state liability for non-prohibited dangerous activities. The contours of state liability are primarily derived from environmental law, WTO law, and investment protection. It is shown that state liability offers solutions to novel conflict situations. The findings can potentially be applied in various liability regimes.
Schadensersatz bei Missbrauch von Marktmacht
Authors: Schulte Marie-Christine
Published: August 2021

In recent years, an increased number of striking abuse proceedings have been initiated (for example against Google). At the same time, tort law has gained importance as another pillar of antitrust enforcement. So far, damages actions focus on compensation for damages caused by cartel agreements.

The author examines and evaluates the provisions on antitrust damages as one of the first from the perspective of the violation of the prohibition of abusive practices. She focuses on the questions of entitlement to compensation and on the determination of the individual damage caused by the violation of the prohibition of abusive practices and its proof.
Dem Frieden verpflichtet
Authors: Bussiek Dagmar
Published: August 2021

As an officer, military theorist and peace researcher, Wolf Graf von Baudissin seems to have been a living contradiction. He began his military career in the German Reichswehr and, as a soldier in Hitler’s Wehrmacht, fought in the Battle of France during World War II, before being captured by the British in Africa in 1941. During the development of the German armed forces, he became one of the most important pioneers of the concept of ‘Innere Führung’, which is based on the guiding principle of the citizen in uniform and stipulates how soldiers should be led and treat each other. From 1971 to 1984 he worked as the founding director of the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg.

In this book, the historian Dagmar Bussiek portrays Baudissin’s incredible life story by drawing on a wide range of sources.
Labor Rights Violation in Global Supply Chains
Authors: Shbikat Nizar
Published: August 2021

This book adopts a multi-stakeholder approach to exploring the issue of labour rights in global supply chains in three dimensions. It starts by addressing the potential causes of labour rights violations and visualising them using fishbone diagrams to show how these causes interrelate. The book proceeds by proposing a novel worker participatory approach for measuring these violations by considering workers as experiencers and observers of them. It then discusses how workers and their representatives can eradicate rights violations and advance workers’ interests in a contested environment by examining three case studies from China, Bangladesh and Jordan.
Assessment of Bone Density of Patients Referred to Arak Densitometry Center from 2016 to 2017: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Malekee Hossein , Tabatabaei Mohsen , Tasorian Baharak
Published: August 2021

Background: Osteoporosis and subsequent fractures increased mortality and disability. Along with this fact, the demand for diagnostic tests has also increased in recent years, which has created a heavy financial burden on the health system. Objectives: The aim of this research was to evaluate the compatibility of the indications of performing the bone density measurement in Arak city with the criteria of the international sociality of clinical densitometry (ISCD). Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed from 2016 to 2017. Patients’ information was extracted from checklists recorded by a bone density measurement expert. Patients who lived in Arak and did not have an underlying condition that reduced the value of the bone mineral densitometry (BMD) test were studied. We collected the information of the patients who had undergone a bone density test at the discretion of their physician. Results: Here, 816 out of 1,354 bone density tests, requested by non-rheumatologists, were abnormal, and 538 were normal. In the abnormal group, 800 (98%) cases had ISCD indications for BMD application, and only 16 (2%) cases had no indication. However, 636 bone density tests were requested by rheumatologists that 474 were abnormal and 162 were normal, and in the abnormal group, 471 (99.4%) had ISCD indications for BMD, and only 3 (0.6%) cases had no indications. Conclusions: In many cases, bone mineral density has been requested based on ISCD indications (85.13%), and bone disorders have been well identified (64.83%). The study also demonstrates that BMD requests are common among different specialized groups, and when rheumatologists request a bone density, the test is highly sensitive (99.37%).
Evaluation of the Contamination of Poultry Carcasses with Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in Southern Iran: A Molecular Study
Authors: Rouhi Jahromi Reyhaneh , Moradi Farhad , Erfanian Saeideh , Pourahmadi Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Background: According to numerous reports, the contamination rates of C. jejuni (C. jejuni) and Campylobacter coli (C. coli) in animal sources, food products, and human clinical specimens were high in Iran. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence rate of these bacterial species in Fars province, south of Iran. Methods: A total of 370 poultry carcasses were randomly collected from five slaughterhouses from January 2019 to June 2019. Using bacteriological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, we assessed C. jejuni and C. coli contamination rates in the samples. Results: Based on the bacteriological results, 203 (54.8%) samples were recognized as Campylobacter species. Also, molecular analysis showed the prevalence of C. coli and C. jejuni in 73 (35.9%) and 130 (64.1%) samples, respectively. Conclusions: Poultry carcasses are a potential public health risk regarding foodborne campylobacteriosis in south of Iran. Effective control measures and treatment strategies are necessary for poultry farms and slaughterhouses to decrease the transmission and occurrence of campylobacteriosis in human society.
The Bacterial Profile and Microbial Susceptibility of Acute and Chronic Dacryocystitis in Matini Hospital, Kashan, Iran
Authors: Nazari-Alam Ali , Badie Fereshteh , Shaeri Mehdi , Moniri Rezvan , Akbari Hosein , Mansoori Mansoreh
Published: August 2021

Background: Recent studies have shown an increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance in dacryocystitis. Management of diseases may include determining microbial agents and choosing appropriate antibiotics for treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to present the best treatments for dacryocystitis. To this end, specimens' microbiology and antibiotic susceptibility were examined in patients with dacryocystitis in the microbiology laboratory of the Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 172 patients presenting with acute and chronic dacryocystitis at the Matini Hospital, Kashan, between 2017 - 2018. Patient characteristics, culture isolates, and antimicrobial susceptibility data were collected. The PCR assay of the mecA gene was performed in all methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus isolates. Results: The most common bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The majority of the isolated microbes were sensitive to rifampicin, linezolid, amikacin, and gentamicin. In Gram-negative bacilli, nine of the isolates were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase positive. The PCR test showed the frequency of mecA gene of resistant S. aureus and resistant CoNS isolates to be 40 and 46.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most frequently isolated bacteria. The highest antibiotic susceptibility was observed to rifampin, linezolid, amikacin, and gentamicin. A high percentage of CoNS carried the mecA gene.
“Wal-Mart and the Heavens”
Authors: Balay Joe ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2021

In his chapter “Wal-Mart and the Heavens” from Living with Indifference, Charles Scott compares the experience of gazing at the starry heavens to the glow of Walmart at night. In this remarkable analogy, Scott suggests that one encounters an experience of sublime indifference that interrupts our usual judgments about the life-world and invites an appreciation for the sheer appearing of things. Scott concludes his study, however, by reminding us that we must be careful to observe the limits between such appearances, raising a longstanding question about our ability to discern such boundaries. Following a close re-reading of Scott’s reverie then, I attempt to explicate the hermeneutic limit underlying this agonistic relationship between Walmart and the starry heavens, τέχνη and Θαυμάζειν, in order to demonstrate just what its violation might look like for human understanding today. In doing so, however, I also attempt to show just what is so significant about our ability to see the stars.
Promoting Anti-Racism and Critical Consciousness through a Critical Counseling Theories Course
Authors: Sharma Jyotsana , Hipolito-Delgado Carlos P.
Published: August 2021

Racism is alive and well in the United States. To promote critical consciousness and anti-racism in counselors-in-training, the counseling theories course, typically a student’s introduction to the profession, requires revision. Thus, we propose a critical counseling theories course. In this course we argue critical theories (multicultural theory, social constructivism, feminist theory, and critical race theory) and neurocounseling theory should be centered; introducing theories that are relevant to our current sociopolitical reality and that promote the values of anti-racism in the counseling profession. In this article we describe the critical counseling theories course structure, instructional approach, and assignments. Data from student evaluations, instructor reflections, and student focus groups add to the justification that a critical counseling theories course could successfully instill critical consciousness in counselors-in-training and in turn promote anti-racism in counseling theory and practice.
School Counselors Involvement and Opportunities to Advocate Against Racialized Punitive Practices
Authors: Hernandez Edwin , Espinoza Enrique , Patterson Jewel
Published: August 2021

Given the increase of violence against Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), there is no doubt a need to tackle racialized violence in schools. This phenomenological study draws on semi-structured interviews with school counselors to explore their experiences and practices to disrupt the racialized disciplinary practices that disproportionally target Black, Indigenous, and Students of Color. We draw on theories of racialized organizations and organizational routines to better understand how school counselors make sense of their practices in racialized disciplinary practices that dehumanize and criminalized youth of color. Findings from this study revealed two themes: 1) school counselors’ perceived neutrality towards disciplinary practices and 2) school counselors’ advocacy in racialized school discipline practices. This study offers some implications for professional school counseling organization, counselor educators, and school counselors to inform their anti-racist pedagogy to dismantle racialized punitive practices in schools.
Quorum sensing in Aliivibrio wodanis 06/09/139 and its role in controlling various phenotypic traits
Authors: Maharajan Amudha Deepalakshmi , Hansen Hilde , Khider Miriam , Willassen Nils Peder
Published: August 2021

Background

Quorum Sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system that bacteria utilize to adapt to the external environment by synthesizing and responding to signalling molecules called autoinducers. The psychrotrophic bacterium Aliivibrio wodanis 06/09/139, originally isolated from a winter ulcer of a reared Atlantic salmon, produces the autoinducer N-3-hydroxy-decanoyl-homoserine-lactone (3OHC10-HSL) and encodes the QS systems AinS/R and LuxS/PQ, and the master regulator LitR. However, the role of QS in this bacterium has not been investigated yet.

Results

In the present work we show that 3OHC10-HSL production is cell density and temperature-dependent in A. wodanis 06/09/139 with the highest production occurring at a low temperature (6 °C). Gene inactivation demonstrates that AinS is responsible for 3OHC10-HSL production and positively regulated by LitR. Inactivation of ainS and litR further show that QS is involved in the regulation of growth, motility, hemolysis, protease activity and siderophore production. Of these QS regulated activities, only the protease activity was found to be independent of LitR. Lastly, supernatants harvested from the wild type and the ΔainS and ΔlitR mutants at high cell densities show that inactivation of QS leads to a decreased cytopathogenic effect (CPE) in a cell culture assay, and strongest attenuation of the CPE was observed with supernatants harvested from the ΔlitR mutant.

Conclusion

A. wodanis 06/09/139 use QS to regulate a number of activities that may prove important for host colonization or interactions. The temperature of 6 °C that is in the temperature range at which winter ulcer occurs, plays a role in AHL production and development of CPE on a Chinook Salmon Embryo (CHSE) cell line.
Protein function prediction with gene ontology: from traditional to deep learning models
Authors: Vu Thi Thuy Duong , Jung Jaehee
Published: August 2021

Protein function prediction is a crucial part of genome annotation. Prediction methods have recently witnessed rapid development, owing to the emergence of high-throughput sequencing technologies. Among the available databases for identifying protein function terms, Gene Ontology (GO) is an important resource that describes the functional properties of proteins. Researchers are employing various approaches to efficiently predict the GO terms. Meanwhile, deep learning, a fast-evolving discipline in data-driven approach, exhibits impressive potential with respect to assigning GO terms to amino acid sequences. Herein, we reviewed the currently available computational GO annotation methods for proteins, ranging from conventional to deep learning approach. Further, we selected some suitable predictors from among the reviewed tools and conducted a mini comparison of their performance using a worldwide challenge dataset. Finally, we discussed the remaining major challenges in the field, and emphasized the future directions for protein function prediction with GO.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Euscaphis japonica, a monotypic species
Authors: Sun Wei-Hong , Chen De-Qiang , Carballar-Lejarazu Rebeca , Yang Yi , Xiang Shuang , Qiu Meng-Yuan , Zou Shuang-Quan
Published: August 2021

Background

Understanding plant genetic diversity is important for effective conservation and utilization of genetic resources. Euscaphis japonica (Thunb.) Dippel, is a monotypic species with high phenotypic diversity, narrow distribution, and small population size. In this study, we estimated the genetic diversity and population structure of E. japonica using nine natural populations and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Our results could provide a theoretical reference for future conservation and utilization of E. japonica.

Results

We obtained a total of 122 DNA bands, of which 121 (99.18%) were polymorphic. The average number of effective alleles (Ne = 1.4975), Nei’s gene diversity index (H = 0.3016), and Shannon’s information index (I = 0.4630) revealed that E. japonica possessed a high level of genetic diversity. We observed that E. japonica consisted of both deciduous and evergreen populations. UPGMA tree showed that the evergreen and deciduous E. japonica form a sister group. There is little genetic differentiation among geographic populations based on STRUCTURE analysis. The Dice’s similarity coefficient between the deciduous and evergreen populations was low, and the Fst value was high, indicating that these two types of groups have high degree of differentiation.

Conclusion

Rich genetic diversity has been found in E. japonica, deciduous E. japonica and evergreen E. japonica populations, and genetic variation mainly exists within the population. The low-frequency gene exchange between deciduous and evergreen populations may be the result of the differentiation of deciduous and evergreen populations. We suggest that in-situ protection, seed collection, and vegetative propagation could be the methods for maintenance and conservation of E. japonica populations.
Prediction of the mechanism of miRNAs in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma based on the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network
Authors: Ma Jinhua , Hu Xiaodong , Dai Baoqiang , Wang Qiang , Wang Hongqin
Published: August 2021

In this study, a bioinformatics analysis is conducted to screen differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Based on this information, we explored the possible roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of LSCC. The RNA-Seq data from 79 laryngeal cancer samples in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were sorted. Differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in LSCC are screened using the PERL programming language, and it was analysed by Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of LSCC is constructed using Cytoscape software. Then, quantitative real-time PCR (QRT- PCR), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and flow cytometry analysis we are used to further validate key miRNAs. We identified 99 differentially expressed miRNAs and 2,758 differentially expressed mRNAs in LSCC tissues from the GEO database. Four more important miRNAs displaying a high degree of connectivity are selected, these results suggest that they play an important role in the pathogenesis of LSCC. As shown in the present study, we identified specific miRNA-mRNA networks associated with the occurrence and development of LSCC through bioinformatics analysis. We found a miRNA molecule closely related to LSCC based on miRNA-mRNA network: miR-140-3p was down-regulated in LSCC. In addition, the potential antitumor effect of miR-140-3p in LSCC was verified in the experiment, and it was proved that overexpression of miR-140-3p could inhibit the proliferation of LSCC cells and promote cell apoptosis, suggesting that miR-140-3p may be a potential tumor marker in LSCC.
Influences of high temperature on mechanical properties of fly ash based geopolymer mortars reinforced with PVA fiber
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Yozgat Bozok University Yozgat, 66900 (Turkey), Kaya Mehmet , Köksal Fuat ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Yozgat Bozok University Yozgat, 66900 (Turkey)
Published: August 2021

In this study, a geopolymer composite containing PVA fiber was produced to recycle waste fly ash and obtain an eco-friendly binder. Mechanical properties of geopolymer mortars, produced by using F class fly ash which was activated with NaOH (sodium hydroxide), and reinforced by PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) fiber were investigated after high temperature effect. Geopolymer mortar samples produced by mixing with fly ash, sand, water and NaOH were placed in standard molds of 40×40×160 mm3. PVA fibers were used at percentages of 0,5%, 1% and 1,5% by volume in the experiment. Tests were performed on mortars exposed to high temperatures of 200°C, 400°C, 600°C and 800°C for physical and mechanical properties. For the specimens not subjected to high temperatures, an increase in the compressive strength of mortars containing PVA fibers was observed in comparison to mortar without PVA fiber. On the other hand, it was concluded that losses in compressive strength were less for mortar without PVA fiber when compared with the mortars containing PVA fibers. As a result of the modeling, the PVA ratio, which gives the optimum flexural and compressive strength, was determined as 1,47%. As a result of melting of PVA fibers under the effect of high temperature, 83,58% loss of compressive strength was determined in samples containing 1,5% PVA after 800ºC temperature.
Association of Diabetic Kidney Disease Markers and Urinary Beta-crossLaps in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Arumugasamy Lalithambigai , Patel Hetal G
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) is a chronic complication in Type 2 diabetes. The Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD273) peptide classifier has been found to predict development of DKD even before microalbuminuria develops. Seventy four percent of peptides in the CKD273 classifier are Collagen degradation fragments. The Beta-CrossLaps (β-CTx) Enzyme Llinked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) assay detects the specific collagen degradation product, C terminal telopeptide of Type 1 collagen. In light of the Capillary Electrophoresis/Mass Spectrometry (CE-MS) findings, linking collagen degradation fragments excretion to early detection of DKD, the significance of urinary β-CTx levels as a DKD biomarker needs to be evaluated. Aim: To study the urinary excretion of β-CTx in type 2 diabetes patients and to evaluate its relation to Microalbuminuria status and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) of the patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken at a tertiary care hospital, with enrollment of 82 type 2 diabetes patients from the diabetes Out Patient Department (OPD) Participants were divided into groups based on their Urinary Albumin Creatinine Ratio (UACR) and eGFR levels. The study participants were tested for Urinary β-CTx level, UACR and eGFR. Mean or median was calculated for the parameters with normal and non-normal distribution, respectively. All statistical testing was performed on online calculators available at the site; https://www.socscistatistics.com/. Results: The median urinary β-CTx level observed was 100.6 ng/mmol of creatinine. Among the 82 participants, 15 participants had urinary β-CTx level 15pg/mL, the sensitivity of the kit. Among the remaining 67 participants, the minimum Urinary Beta-CrossLaps: Creatinine ratio observed was 2.6 ng/mmol and the maximum value observed was 2071 ng/mmol (i.e., 2.1 μg/mmol). The median urinary β-CTx level was highest (100.6 ng/mmol creatinine) in the patient group with eGFR in the normal range. The urinary β-CTx level was found to decline with decline in eGFR, with median urinary β-CTx 65.5 ng/mmol creatinine in the patient group with mildly decreased eGFR and 7.2 ng/mmol creatinine in the patient group with moderately decreased eGFR. Conclusion: The Urinary β-CTx concentration in type 2 diabetes patients is dispersed over a wide range. The Urinary β-CTx concentration correlates with the eGFR of the patient and is not influenced by age, gender or duration of diabetes. This parameter is a potential early DKD biomarker.
Distribution of Apolipoprotein A1 Polymorphism (G-75A and C+83T) in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers-A Parallel Group Hospital Based Observational Study
Authors: Nanda Rachita , Patel Suprava , Wasnik Preetam , Ramchandani Radhakrishna , Mohanty Debajyoti , Mohapatra Eli
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU), a serious complications of diabetes mellitus is a result of persistent low grade infection. The Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) has an anti-inflammatory role and therefore can influence the chronic inflammation associated with the DFU. Polymorphisms of ApoA1gene have been implicated as determinants of plasma HDL-C and Apo A1 levels. However, the influence of ApoA1 polymorphism on susceptibility to DFU has not been studied. Aim: To study the distribution of ApoA1 polymorphism (G-75A and C+83T) and association between the polymorphism and the risk of DFU in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) so that timely detection and prevention of DFU can be done. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based observational study on patients of DFU (n=80), diabetes mellitus without ulcers (n=80) and normal controls (n=75). ApoA1 polymorphism (G-75A and C+83T) was detected by Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) technique and plasma ApoA1 by immunoturbidimetric assay using blood collected in EDTA. Data was analysed using IBM® Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0 software. A p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The GA and CC were the most predominant genotype in all the groups. HDL and ApoA1 were significantly lower in GG (p=0.009, p=0.03) and CT (p=0.03, p=0.002) compared to GA and CC. The APOA1-75A allele and +83C allele were associated with raised levels of HDL and ApoA1 in T2DM and DFU (p<0.05). Conclusion: The two polymorphism G-75A and C+83T were found to be equally distributed across the study populations. These polymorphisms were associated with serum levels of ApoA1 and HDL in the DFU patients.
Myringoplasty Outcomes From a 5-Year Single Surgeon’s Experience and Important Surgical Technical Aspects
Authors: Karunaratne Dilhara , Violaris Nick
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives: The United Kingdom (UK) national standard for the closure rate for myringoplasty is 89.5% (90.6% and 84.2% for primary and revision surgeries, respectively). The average hearing gains for primary and revision myringoplasty are 9.14 dB and 7.86 dB, respectively. This study compared the myringoplasty outcomes for a single surgeon over 5 years.Subjects and Methods: Data for 68 cases were analyzed retrospectively. The outcome measures were achievement of the tympanic membrane closure and the average hearing gain or loss.Results: The overall and primary closure rates were 97% and 98%, respectively and significantly higher than the UK national standard (p=0.0210 and p=0.0287, respectively). The revision closure rate was 93%; however, it was not significantly higher than the national standard (p=0.1872). The average hearing gain was 5.18 dB. The gains for primary and revision surgeries were 5.15 dB and 5.25 dB, respectively.Conclusions: We propose that these outcomes are a result of our surgical technique, including the simultaneous use of cortical mastoidectomy in ears with discharge.
A LITERARY REVIEW ON THE EFFECT OF GARA VISHA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO FOOD PRESERVATIVES AND ADDITIVES
Authors: Shareef Abdul Gaffar , H Chaitra
Published: August 2021

The ever-growing era of technology has given us plenty of boons but has also burdened us with innumerable banes, one of which is the poisonous effect of food additives and preservatives. Reports show that the dependency of an average man on preserved and packed food is expected to show an increase of 8% in just the span of 5 years i.e. 2015-2020, this is directly proportional to the increase in number of various disorders like Kushtha (skin ailments), Raktachapa (Blood pressure variations). The long term usage of food preservatives and additives can be considered as Gara Visha, the type of poison which impacts the body of an individual on long term usage. This usage of viruddha (preservatives and additives) leads to formation of Gara Visha in the body of an individual.
Effect of Plant Population and NPS Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) in Bako, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Sefera Gezahegn Biru , Ashagre Habtamu , Abraham Thomas
Published: August 2021

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is a pulse crop with multiple uses and it was introduced recently in the study area. However, its productivity is limited by inadequate plant population and NPS fertilizer rate in the study area. Hence, this study was carried out to determine optimum plant population and NPS fertilizer rates for mung bean borda varaity in Bako, Western Ethiopia. The experiment comprised of factorial combinations of four different plant populations (500000, 571429, 666667, and 800000 plants ha-1) and five NPS fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) and it was laid out using Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications. The results indicated that main effect of plant population and NPS fertilizer rates had significant effect on phenology, growth, yield, and yield components of mung bean, except stand count, above-ground biomass, straw and seed yield, which were affected by the main factors and their interactions. Highest nodule dry weight per plant (0.14g), number of pods per plant (4.74g), seeds per pod (10.26g), 100-seed weight (3.61g), and harvest index (31.16%) were observed under minimum plant population (500,000 plants ha-1). Moreover, the highest days for 50% flowering (49.08 days), 90% physiological maturity (64.5 days), effective nodules per plant (2.28),nodule fresh weight (0.33gm), nodule dry weight (0.141g plant-1),plant height (11.10cm), number of leaves per plant (8.80), number of branches per plant (3.11), tap root length (8.99cm), number of pods per plant (4.79), seeds per pod (10.78g), 100-seed weight (3.73) and harvest index (32.98%) were observed under 200 kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer. The highest stand count per hectare (780,667 plants ha−1), above-ground biomass (4,947kg ha-1), seed yield ha-1 (1,371kg ha-1) and straw yield (3,575 kg ha-1) were recorded at higher plant population (800,000 plants ha-1) with 200kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer rate (kg ha-1). However, higher plant population (800,000 plants ha-1) at the rate of 100 kg NPS ha-1fertilizer produced 1,325 kg ha-1seed yield which was the highest net benefit (50,080 ETB) and marginal rate of returns (5,610.8%). Therefore, application of 100 kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer rate with plant population of 800,000 plants ha-1 can be recommended for mung bean production in the study area and similar agro-ecologes. However, the current study was carried out only in one location for one cropping season, hence further studies over many seasons and across several locations are needed to have a conclusive recommendation for wide range of agro ecologies for mung bean production.
Effect of Blended NPSZnB Fertiliser Rates on Growth and Yield of Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Varieties in Haro Limmu District
Authors: Wakgari Birhanu , Debele Tadesse , Abraham Thomas
Published: August 2021

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is one of the most important cereal crops and predominant staple food in Ethiopia. However, its productivity is constrained by a number of problems, lack of site-specific fertilizer recommendation and high yielding varieties are crucial in the study area. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during 2020 main cropping season to identify most productive variety and determine most economically feasible blended NPSZnB fertilizer rate at Farmers Training Center in Ucha Kebele, Haro Limmu district. The experiment included five different NPSZnB fertilizer rates (0, 50,100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) and three Tef varieties (Negus, Tesfa and local). The treatments were factorially combined and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Days to 50% heading, days to 90% physiological maturity, plant height and thousand seed weight of Tef were significantly influenced by main effect of varieties, blended NPSZnB fertilizer rates and their interactions. Panicle length, dry biomass yield, lodging index, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of Tef were significantly (P<0.001) affected by main effect of blended NPSZnB fertilizer rates and the interactions of the two factors, while the panicle length, dry biomass yield, lodging index and grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of Tef were significantly (P<0.01; 0.05) affected by main effect of varieties respectively. Highest (118.20 cm) plant height, dry biomass yield (9. 64 t ha-1), straw yield (7.02 t ha-1), grain yield (2.62 t ha-1), thousand seed weight (0.42 t ha-1) and harvest index (27.1%) were recorded from Tesfa variety with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Similarly, the highest (7.42 t ha-1), straw yield, dry biomass yield (9.76 t ha-1), grain yield (2.34 t ha-1), thousand seed weight (0.4 g) and panicle length (44.20 cm)   were recorded from Tesfa variety with application of 200 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate and the highest total number of tillers (10.1) and effective number of tillers (9.7) were recorded with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Grain yield of Tef showed increment by 91.22 % with the application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 with Tesfa variety over the control. Highest net profit of ETB 83229.4 with marginal rate of return of 1553.71% was recorded from Tesfa variety with application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Therefore, farmers of the study area should use Tesfa variety based on the grain yield and net profitability benefits achieved with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 fertilizer rate to enhance Tef production and productivity. However, this experiment was conducted only for a single season and site, further study has to be done under different seasons and agro-ecologies to make more reliable recommendations.
Inhibitory Effects of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Bryophyllum pinnatum (Oda Opue) Leaves Extracts on Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Infected Wound Samples
Authors: Izundu M. I. , Anyamene C. O. , Ogbonna E. A. Kyrian- , Umeh O. R. , Nwiyi I. U.
Published: August 2021

Aim: to study the antimicrobial effects of different leaves extracts of Azadirachta indica and Bryophyllum pinnatum on Staphylococcus aureus isolated from infected wound.

Study Design: This study was done to determine inhibitory effects of extracts on S. aureus isolated from infected wounds.

Place and Duration of Study: General hospital Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria, January to March 2020.

Methodology: wound swabs were collected from 30 patients with infected wound. S. aureus were isolated and identified morphologically and biochemically. The leaves were collected, identified and grinded. Extraction of the leaves were done using soxhlet method with two solvents (ethanol and water). Phytochemical compositions were analyzed using standard methods. In vitro antimicrobial effect of extracts and their combination were evaluated.

Results: Phytochemical analysis of extracts showed presence of saponins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides and phenols except B. pinnatum aqueous extract that showed presence of flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. Among the extracts analysed, A. indica ethanol has highest zone of inhibition against S. aureus with 20.00±0.00 mm at 1000 mg/ml concentration. B. pinnatum ethanol 10.33±0.58 mm at 1000 mg/ml, A. indica aqueous extract 13.33±2.08 mm but B. pinnatum aqueous extract has no inhibitory effect. The combination of A. indica aqueous and B. pinnatum ethanol extracts, B. pinnatum and A. indica ethanol extracts and A. indica ethanol extract and B. pinnatum aqueous extracts have inhibitory effects on S. aureus except combination of A. indica aqueous and B. pinnatum aqueous which has no inhibitory effect. The result of MIC was 500 mg/ml and the MBC showed 1000 mg/ml.

Conclusion: The extracts of B. pinnatum and A. indica possess antimicrobial properties for S. aureus and the plants are available and are planted worldwide. There is also need for research on other plants with antimicrobial effects.
Access to Credit and Farm Efficiency in Cameroon: A Data Envelopment Analysis Approach
Authors: Tchamba Orelien Tresor Feumba
Published: August 2021

The aims of this paper is to analyze the effect of access to credit on the technical efficiency of farms in Cameroon’s rural area. Using a sample of 545 farm households, we first estimate a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model with constant returns to scale; then a censored TOBIT model enabling us to identify factors of efficiency, especially the effect of access to credit on efficiency. Two main results emerge from our analysis. First, we find that on average, the level of technical efficiency of farms is 56.78%; showing therefore the possibility of substantial efficiency gains. Second, farm size, association membership, and fertilizer expenditure negatively affect technical efficiency, while access to credit, age and education increase it. Based on these results, we believe that it’s interesting for farm householders to organize themselves in associations to benefit from available credits and financial facilities and to share their experiences in the agricultural field in order to improve their efficiency.