bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Recent Progress of Natural Sources and Manufacturing Process of Biodiesel: A Review
Authors: Supriyanto Eko , Sentanuhady Jayan , Dwiputra Ariyana , Permana Ari , Muflikhun Muhammad Akhsin
Published: May 2021

Biodiesel has caught the attention of many researchers because it has great potential to be a sustainable fossil fuel substitute. Biodiesel has a non-toxic and renewable nature and has been proven to emit less environmentally harmful emissions such as hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) as smoke particles during combustion. Problems related to global warming caused by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could also be solved by utilizing biodiesel as a daily energy source. However, the expensive cost of biodiesel production, mainly because of the cost of natural feedstock, hinders the potential of biodiesel commercialization. The selection of natural sources of biodiesel should be made with observations from economic, agricultural, and technical perspectives to obtain one feasible biodiesel with superior characteristics. This review paper presents a detailed overview of various natural sources, their physicochemical properties, the performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of biodiesel when used in a diesel engine. The recent progress in studies about natural feedstocks and manufacturing methods used in biodiesel production were evaluated in detail. Finally, the findings of the present work reveal that transesterification is currently the most superior and commonly used biodiesel production method compared to other methods available.
Numerical Investigations on Heat Transfer Characteristics of Single Particle and Hybrid Nanofluids in Uniformly Heated Tube
Authors: Garud Kunal Sandip , Lee Moo-Yeon
Published: May 2021

In the present study, the heat transfer characteristics, namely, heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, pressure drop, friction factor and performance evaluation criteria are evaluated for water, Al2O3 and Al2O3/Cu nanofluids. The effects of Reynolds number, volume fraction and composition of nanoparticles in hybrid nanofluid are analyzed for all heat transfer characteristics. The single particle and hybrid nanofluids are flowing through a plain straight tube which is symmetrically heated under uniform heat flux condition. The numerical model is validated for Nusselt number within 7.66% error and friction factor within 8.83% error with corresponding experimental results from the previous literature study. The thermophysical properties of hybrid nanofluid are superior to the single particle nanofluid and water. The heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number and pressure drop show increasing trend with increase in the Reynolds number and volume fraction. The friction factor shows the parabolic trend, and the performance evaluation criteria shows small variations with change in Reynolds number. However, both friction factor and performance evaluation criteria have increased with increase in the volume fraction. The 2.0% Al2O3/Cu with equal composition of both nanoparticles (50/50%) have presented superior heat transfer characteristics among all working fluids. Further, the heat transfer characteristics of 2.0% Al2O3/Cu hybrid nanofluid are enhanced by changing the nanoparticle compositions. The performance evaluation criteria for 2.0% Al2O3, 2.0% Al2O3/Cu (50/50%), 2.0% Al2O3/Cu (75/25%) and 2.0% Al2O3/Cu (25/75%) are evaluated as 1.08, 1.11, 1.10 and 1.12, respectively.
Protein Helical Structures: Defining Handedness and Localization Features
Authors: Sidorova Alla E. , Malyshko Ekaterina V. , Lutsenko Aleksey O. , Shpigun Denis K. , Bagrova Olga E.
Published: May 2021

The quantitative evaluation of the chirality of macromolecule structures remains one of the exciting issues in biophysics. In this paper, we propose methods for quantitative analysis of the chirality of protein helical and superhelical structures. The analysis of the chirality sign of the protein helical structures (α-helices and 310-helices) is based on determining the mixed product of every three consecutive vectors between neighboring reference points—α-carbons atoms. The method for evaluating the chirality sign of coiled-coil structures is based on determining the direction and value of the angle between the coiled-coil axis and the α-helices axes. The chirality sign of the coiled coil is calculated by averaging the value of the cosine of the corresponding angle for all helices forming the superhelix. Chirality maps of helical and superhelical protein structures are presented. Furthermore, we propose an analysis of the distributions of helical and superhelical structures in polypeptide chains of several protein classes. The features common to all studied classes and typical for each protein class are revealed. The data obtained, in all likelihood, can reflect considerations about molecular machines as chiral formations.
A New Analysis of Fractional-Order Equal-Width Equations via Novel Techniques
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Zidan Ahmed M. , Nonlaopon Kamsing , Syam Muhammad I. , Al-Zhour Zeyad , Shah Rasool
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the new iterative transform method and the homotopy perturbation transform method was used to solve fractional-order Equal-Width equations with the help of Caputo-Fabrizio. This method combines the Laplace transform with the new iterative transform method and the homotopy perturbation method. The approximate results are calculated in the series form with easily computable components. The fractional Equal-Width equations play an essential role in describe hydromagnetic waves in cold plasma. Our object is to study the nonlinear behaviour of the plasma system and highlight the critical points. The techniques are very reliable, effective, and efficient, which can solve a wide range of problems arising in engineering and sciences.
COPD Is Associated with Elevated IFN-β Production by Bronchial Epithelial Cells Infected with RSV or hMPV
Authors: Collinson Natasha , Snape Natale , Beagley Kenneth , Fantino Emmanuelle , Spann Kirsten
Published: May 2021

IFN treatment may be a viable option for treating COPD exacerbations based on evidence of IFN deficiency in COPD. However, in vitro studies have used primarily influenza and rhinoviruses to investigate IFN responses. This study aims to investigate the susceptibility to infection and IFN response of primary bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) from COPD donors to infection with RSV and hMPV. BECs from five COPD and five healthy donors were used to establish both submerged monolayer and well-differentiated (WD) cultures. Two isolates of both RSV and hMPV were used to infect cells. COPD was not associated with elevated susceptibility to infection and there was no evidence of an intrinsic defect in IFN production in either cell model to either virus. Conversely, COPD was associated with significantly elevated IFN-β production in response to both viruses in both cell models. Only in WD-BECs infected with RSV was elevated IFN-β associated with reduced viral shedding. The role of elevated epithelial cell IFN-β production in the pathogenesis of COPD is not clear and warrants further investigation. Viruses vary in the responses that they induce in BECs, and so conclusions regarding antiviral responses associated with disease cannot be made based on single viral infections.
Compelling Evidence for the Activity of Antiviral Peptides against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Tonk Miray , Růžek Daniel , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: May 2021

Multiple outbreaks of epidemic and pandemic viral diseases have occurred in the last 20 years, including those caused by Ebola virus, Zika virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The emergence or re-emergence of such diseases has revealed the deficiency in our pipeline for the discovery and development of antiviral drugs. One promising solution is the extensive library of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) produced by all eukaryotic organisms. AMPs are widely known for their activity against bacteria, but many possess additional antifungal, antiparasitic, insecticidal, anticancer, or antiviral activities. AMPs could therefore be suitable as leads for the development of new peptide-based antiviral drugs. Sixty therapeutic peptides had been approved by the end of 2018, with at least another 150 in preclinical or clinical development. Peptides undergoing clinical trials include analogs, mimetics, and natural AMPs. The advantages of AMPs include novel mechanisms of action that hinder the evolution of resistance, low molecular weight, low toxicity toward human cells but high specificity and efficacy, the latter enhanced by the optimization of AMP sequences. In this opinion article, we summarize the evidence supporting the efficacy of antiviral AMPs and discuss their potential to treat emerging viral diseases including COVID-19.
Persistent COVID-19 Symptoms Minimally Impact the Development of SARS-CoV-2-Specific T Cell Immunity
Authors: Fang Hengsheng , Wegman Adam D. , Ripich Kianna , Friberg Heather , Currier Jeffrey R. , Thomas Stephen J. , Endy Timothy P. , Waickman Adam T.
Published: May 2021

SARS-CoV-2 represents an unprecedented public health challenge. While the majority of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 resolve their infection with few complications, some individuals experience prolonged symptoms lasting for weeks after initial diagnosis. Persistent viral infections are commonly accompanied by immunologic dysregulation, but it is unclear if persistent COVID-19 impacts the development of virus-specific cellular immunity. To this end, we analyzed SARS-CoV-2-specific cellular immunity in convalescent COVID-19 patients who experienced eight days or fewer of COVID-19 symptoms or symptoms persisting for 18 days or more. We observed that persistent COVID-19 symptoms were not associated with the development of an overtly dysregulated cellular immune response. Furthermore, we observed that reactivity against the N protein from SARS-CoV-2 correlates with the amount of reactivity against the seasonal human coronaviruses 229E and NL63. These results provide insight into the processes that regulate the development of cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and related human coronaviruses.
Exploring the Role of Glycans in the Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 RBD and Human Receptor ACE2
Authors: Nguyen Kien , Chakraborty Srirupa , Mansbach Rachael A. , Korber Bette , Gnanakaran Sandrasegaram
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It has become a global pandemic and its frequent mutations may pose new challenges for vaccine design. During viral infection, the Spike RBD of SARS-CoV-2 binds the human host cell receptor ACE2, enabling the virus to enter the host cell. Both the Spike and ACE2 are densely glycosylated, and it is unclear how distinctive glycan types may modulate the interaction of RBD and ACE2. Detailed understanding of these determinants is key for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. To this end, we perform extensive all-atom simulations of the (i) RBD-ACE2 complex without glycans, (ii) RBD-ACE2 with oligomannose MAN9 glycans in ACE2, and (iii) RBD-ACE2 with complex FA2 glycans in ACE2. These simulations identify the key residues at the RBD-ACE2 interface that form contacts with higher probabilities, thus providing a quantitative evaluation that complements recent structural studies. Notably, we find that this RBD-ACE2 contact signature is not altered by the presence of different glycoforms, suggesting that RBD-ACE2 interaction is robust. Applying our simulated results, we illustrate how the recently prevalent N501Y mutation may alter specific interactions with host ACE2 that facilitate the virus-host binding. Furthermore, our simulations reveal how the glycan on Asn90 of ACE2 can play a distinct role in the binding and unbinding of RBD. Finally, an energetics analysis shows that MAN9 glycans on ACE2 decrease RBD-ACE2 affinity, while FA2 glycans lead to enhanced binding of the complex. Together, our results provide a more comprehensive picture of the detailed interplay between virus and human receptor, which is much needed for the discovery of effective treatments that aim at modulating the physical-chemical properties of this virus.
Exploring Mediating Factors between Agricultural Training and Farmers’ Adoption of Drip Fertigation System: Evidence from Banana Farmers in China
Authors: Yang Qian , Zhu Yueji , Wang Fang
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: Rare empirical evidence has been explored concerning the ways in which training affects farmers’ adoption of resource conservation technology in agricultural production. This study attempts to analyze the role of three factors, including farmers’ absorptive capacity, social interaction and active learning, in bridging agricultural training and farmers’ adoption of the drip fertigation system (DFS), based on the primary data of 632 banana farmers collected in China. (2) Methods: A mediation model is used to estimate the role of farmers’ absorptive capacity, social interaction and active learning in the relationship between agricultural training and farmers’ adoption of the DFS. A treatment effect model (TEM) is employed to address the potential endogeneity problem. (3) Results: The results show that agricultural training has significantly increased farmers’ adoption of the DFS in banana cultivation. The mediating effect of the three factors appears statistically significant. Specifically, farmers’ active learning contributes to the effect of agricultural training on encouraging their adoption of the DFS by around 60 percent; farmers’ absorptive capacity and social interaction contribute about 30 and 10 percent, respectively. This study also find that agricultural training can increase farmers’ adoption rate of the DFS by 18.75 percent after the endogeneity problem has been addressed using the treatment effect model (TEM). (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that agricultural training can promote farmers’ adoption of the DFS through improving their absorptive capacity, social interaction and active learning. Understating these mediating factors will enable extension agency to design effective agricultural training programs and better promote resource-conservation technologies in developing countries.
Recent Desalination Technologies by Hybridization and Integration with Reverse Osmosis: A Review
Authors: Feria-Díaz Jhon Jairo , Correa-Mahecha Felipe , López-Méndez María Cristina , Rodríguez-Miranda Juan Pablo , Barrera-Rojas Jesús
Published: May 2021

Reverse osmosis is the leading technology for desalination of brackish water and seawater, important for solving the growing problems of fresh water supply. Thermal technologies such as multi-effect distillation and multi-stage flash distillation still comprise an important portion of the world’s desalination capacity. They consume substantial amounts of energy, generally obtained from fossil fuels, due to their low efficiency. Hybridization is a strategy that seeks to reduce the weaknesses and enhance the advantages of each element that makes it up. This paper introduces a review of the most recent publications on hybridizations between reverse osmosis and thermal desalination technologies, as well as their integration with renewable energies as a requirement to decarbonize desalination processes. Different configurations provide improvements in key elements of the system to reduce energy consumption, brine production, and contamination, while improving product quality and production rate. A combination of renewable sources and use of energy and water storage systems allow for improving the reliability of hybrid systems.
Sustainable Management, Conservation, and Restoration of the Amazon River Delta and Amazon-Influenced Guianas Coast: A Review
Authors: Anthony Edward J. , Brondizio Eduardo S. , dos Santos Valdenira F. , Gardel Antoine , Besset Manon
Published: May 2021

The Amazon River delta may be currently characterized biophysically as a relatively preserved delta compared to the rampant vulnerability of many of the world’s large deltas. This status of relative preservation is reflected in a number of criteria: The still largely free-flowing nature of many of the rivers and the main stem of the Amazon that feed the delta in sediment, exceptional biodiversity, dominant shoreline accretion, and the absence of anthropogenically-generated subsidence. In this review, we show that these relatively reassuring conditions are progressively being called into question by the effects of dams on fluvial sediment supply to the delta, by increasing demographic, urban, and land development pressures in this still largely underpopulated delta, and by problems of governance that underplay aspects of basin-wide and deltaic environmental deterioration. A major challenge is that of bringing together these contrasting demands that are leading to the emergence of zones of environmental stress that test the resilience of this delta. An integral part of the strategy for the analysis of collective action, management, and conservation is that of considering the Amazon delta in terms of interacting socio-ecological systems. Pressures on the delta will be compounded in the future by decreasing fluvial sediment supply and sea-level rise. Although climate change is projected to generate surplus sediment, the rapid growth of dam constructions upstream of the delta will negatively impact the river’s sediment flux. Conservation and management of the Amazon River system aimed at keeping the delta resilient in the context of sea-level rise and reduction of sediment supply will require clear governance and better planning and anticipation, as well as socio-ecological integration. These are also requirements that will need to be implemented in the 1500 km-long coastal zone of the Guianas countries located west of the Amazon delta and the sediment dynamics and stability of which are largely determined by sediment supply from the Amazon.
Food Webs and Fish Size Patterns in Insular Lakes Partially Support Climate-Related Features in Continental Lakes
Authors: Vidal Nicolas , Amsinck Susanne L. , Gonçalves Vítor , Azevedo José M. Neto , Johansson Liselotte S. , Christoffersen Kirsten S. , Lauridsen Torben L. , Søndergaard Martin , Bjerring Rikke , Landkildehus Frank , Brodersen Klaus P. , Meerhoff Mariana , Jeppesen Erik
Published: May 2021

Disentangling the effects of climate change on nature is one of the main challenges facing ecologists nowadays. Warmer climates forces strong effects on lake biota for fish, leading to a reduction in size, changes in diet, more frequent reproduction, and stronger cascading effects. Space-for-time substitution studies (SFTS) are often used to unravel climate effects on lakes biota; however, results from continental lakes are potentially confounded by biogeographical and evolutionary differences, also leading to an overall higher fish species richness in warm lakes. Such differences may not be found in lakes on remote islands, where natural fish free lakes have been subjected to stocking only during the past few hundred years. We studied 20 species-poor lakes located in two remote island groups with contrasting climates, but similar seasonality: the Faroe Islands (cold; 6.5 ± 2.8 °C annual average (SD) and the Azores Islands (warm; 17.3 ± 2.9 °C)). As for mainland lakes, mean body size of fish in the warmer lakes were smaller overall, and phytoplankton per unit of phosphorus higher. The δ13C carbon range for basal organisms, and for the whole food web, appeared wider in colder lakes. In contrast to previous works in continental fresh waters, Layman metrics of the fish food web were similar between the two climatic regions. Our results from insular systems provide further evidence that ambient temperatures, at least partially, drive the changes in fish size structure and the cascading effects found along latitude gradients in lakes.
Differentiated Effects of Urbanization on Precipitation in South China
Authors: Fan Lingli , Zhang Guangya , Xu Jianjun
Published: May 2021

In this paper, precipitation data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), together with atmospheric reanalysis data, are employed to identify warm-season precipitation (1998–2014) changes and their association with rapid urbanization in south China. Three urban clusters (Chenyu, Yangtze Delta, and Fujian Guangdong coast) are focused. The results reveal that, for the inland Chengyu urban cluster, a lack of precipitation trend is likely due to insignificant trends in convective available potential energy (CAPE) and total column water vapor (TCWV). They are likely resulted from a reduced local moisture recycling in urban areas, balanced by an increased evapotranspiration of rural areas, together with a stable advection of water vapor input. For the Yangtze River Delta urban cluster, a negative trend in precipitation is associated with a slightly decreased CAPE and an increased TCWV, but is very likely related to urbanization induced an increased planetary boundary layer (PBL) and reduced land surface evaporation. For the Fujian Guangdong coast urban cluster, a marked positive precipitation trend is well explained by positive trends in CAPE and TCWV. The increased precipitation likely benefits from enhanced moisture recycling due to improved vegetation cover in rural areas, and enhanced advection moisture inputs due to urbanization along the coast. These results suggest urbanization effects on precipitation vary with regional conditions. In the coastal area, urbanization enhances sea breezes, which may benefit precipitation if sea breezes go along with the prevailing moisture. In inland area, urbanization likely leads to a warmer-dryer climate if large-scale land cover keeps stationary.
AVALIAÇÃO DA ATIVIDADE ANTIOXIDANTE E ANTIGLICANTE DO EXTRATO DE Tamarindus indica L. E DESENVOLVIMENTO DE FORMULAÇÃO COSMÉTICA PARA O COMBATE À ACELERAÇÃO DO ENVELHECIMENTO CUTÂNEO
Authors: RICCI JULIA , CARDOSO BATISTA JULIA MARIA , BORGES DE ALMEIDA FERNANDA , ISAAC VERA
Published: May 2021

O processo de envelhecimento da pele tem, como causa, além dos danos causados pelos raios UV, a mudança quantitativa de proteínas da matriz extracelular, que são causadas pela formação de Produtos Finais de Glicação Avançada (AGEs), acumulados ao longo da vida, podendo afetar especialmente proteínas de longa duração, como o colágeno. Como a formação de AGEs e radicais livres estão dependentes das reações de oxidação, a aplicação de antioxidantes e antiglicantes nos produtos cosméticos é uma das estratégias utilizadas para prevenir o envelhecimento, sendo os extratos vegetais, já descritos em literatura, potenciais agentes antioxidantes e antiglicantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o extrato de Tamarindus indica L. obtido por diferentes líquidos extratores quanto a sua atividade antiglicante e possível ação contra o envelhecimento cutâneo. Os extratos vegetais foram preparados com a polpa do fruto na concentração de 30%, nos quais foi testada a capacidade extratora de 3 tipos de solventes, sendo eles etanol 70%, água destilada em temperatura ambiente e água destilada a 70°C, sendo macerados por 24 horas e filtrados. O hidroalcoólico foi rotaevaporado e após, todos liofilizados. Com os extratos liofilizados, foram realizados os ensaios de doseamento de fenólicos totais, utilizando o reagente Folin-Ciocalteau (1:10) e carbonato de sódio (4%); doseamento de flavonoides, utilizando solução de cloreto de alumínio (2%) e determinação da atividade antioxidante, com o radical DPPH• (0,004% m/v). Após, com o melhor solvente extrator para a atividade antioxidante, foi realizado o teste de fotoproteção, a qual foi avaliada in vitro para o extrato já incorporado em formulação cosmética, através de medida do Fator de Proteção Solar (FPS) da formulação utilizando o equipamento Optometrics SPF-290S e a atividade antiglicante, pela determinação de fluorescência de meios de incubação preparados com Albumina de soro Bovino (BSA), tampão fosfato de sódio, azida de sódio, frutose e glicose. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o extrato hidroalcoólico de T. indica devido ao seu conteúdo de biomoléculas, demonstrou atividade antioxidante mesmo que não tão acentuada. Porém, não sendo o bastante para causar efeito fotoprotetor e antiglicação em fitocosméticos.
FORMAÇÃO DO GESTOR EM SAÚDE
Authors: BARBOSA CESAR MARTINS
Published: May 2021

Trata-se de um estudo exploratório descritivo, cujo objetivo principal é a caracterização do perfil do gestor em saúde, através do mapeamento dos conhecimentos e competências. No que diz respeito ao conhecimento e aplicação das leis que regem o processo licitatório, 93% dos entrevistados conhecem as leis de licitação e as utilizam no seu dia a dia de trabalho, enquanto 6,7% têm conhecimento sobre o assunto, porém, não o utilizam no desempenho de suas tarefas. Em relação às bases legais do SUS é conhecida por apenas 73,3% da amostra. Os dados demonstram que 80% dos profissionais conhecem a LRF. Sobre a  LOA, apenas 40% dos profissionais entrevistados afirmam conhecê-la. Quando os sujeitos foram indagados sobre o seu conhecimento em relação PPA, apenas 60% disseram conhecer o instrumento. O SIOPS é conhecido por apenas 40% do grupo. 86,7% dos profissionais conhecem o RAG. Já a PPI é conhecida por 66,7% dos profissionais entrevistados. Quanto ao PS, somente, 66,7% afirmam conhecê-lo, o PES é conhecido por 86,7% dos entrevistados. Indagados sobre a agenda de prioridades, 66,7% afirmam conhecê-la. Algumas competências gerenciais são muito estimuladas, outras não. Dentre as estimuladas, estão: abertura para mudanças, ética e profissionalismo e consciência da qualidade, com 46,7% dos entrevistados respondendo de forma positiva a estes estímulos. Outras competências como atuação de forma preventiva e expressar-se de modo crítico (40% cada) e conhecimento sobre as políticas de saúde (53,3%). Além disso, vê-se: trabalho em equipe (40%), comunicação (46,7%) e visão estratégica (33,3%). Outras competências são razoavelmente estimuladas: iniciativa e criatividade; e capacidade de liderar pessoas (26,7% cada). 40% dos gestores não se sentem estimulados a participar dos processos decisórios. Ao final do estudo, percebeu-se a influência do perfil dos gestores no aperfeiçoamento das práticas de gestão, já que mostrou as potencialidades e os desafios enfrentados e servirá de base para o processo de qualificação permanente dos profissionais envolvidos na gestão, traduzida em ações mais efetivas e eficientes, proporcionadas pelo conhecimento e uso dos mecanismos de apoio ao gerenciamento do SUS.
Ideology of the relationship of the Central Asian States to the common history of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union
Authors: Mustafabeyli A. M.
Published: May 2021

After collapse of the USSA the process of new national self-identifi cation actively started off in the former soviet republics of the Central Asia and it was actually the basis of the ideological doctrines of the countries which were in the course of building. The idea of this was the self-affi rmation of the nations who became independent and gained the statehood for the fi rst time in their history or after the interval of hundreds years. As the modern Central Asian ideologists imagined the past had to create in the minds of their people the sense of pride and patriotism that had to make the national states stand up stronger. At such a background the common history of the Central Asia with the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union is interpreted as the period of invasion and enslavement of the Centrale Asian people.
NATO strategic communications: conceptual and methodological basis
Authors: Shmakov S. V.
Published: May 2021

The article examines the approach to synchronization of systems of strategic interaction with target audiences, entrenched in political science within the framework of the term “strategic communication”. In the conditions of the over-saturated information space of the modern digital era, aspects of information confrontation and counteraction against hybrid threats acquire particular importance in matters of national security. The most important geopolitical tasks of governments is the dissemination of expedient informational images and narratives. Using the example of NATO strategic communication, the key conceptual features of this approach and the set of tools used within it are presented.
Daya Saing dan Proteksi Kebijakan Pemerintah terhadap Kedelai Domestik di Kabupaten Grobogan, Jawa Tengah (The Competitiveness and Government Policies Protection to Domestic Soybeans in Grobogan Regency, Central Java)
Authors: Chanifah Chanifah , Sahara Dewi , Triastono Joko
Published: May 2021

ABSTRAK
Kedelai domestik lebih aman dikonsumsi dibandingkan kedelai transgenik, serta memiliki kadar protein lebih tinggi dibanding kedelai impor. Pengembangan kedelai domestik masih prospektif, namun daya saing kedelai domestik terhadap kedelai impor semakin berat akibat melimpahnya kedelai impor. Kebijakan pemerintah berupa input-output diharapkan mampu melindungi kedelai domestik agar mampu berdaya saing. Penelitian ini untuk menganalisis daya saing kedelai domestik serta tingkat proteksi kebijakan pemerintah terhadap kedelai domestik di Kabupaten Grobogan. Penelitian dilaksanakan di sentra produksi kedelai, yaitu Desa Panunggalan, Kecamatan Pulokulon, Kabupaten Grobogan. Data penelitian diperoleh melalui survei terhadap 30 petani kedelai pada bulan April 2019. Data primer adalah data usahatani kedelai yang ditanam pada awal musim hujan tahun 2017/2018. Data dianalisis menggunakan Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa usahatani kedelai domestik di Kabupaten Grobogan terbukti memiliki keunggulan komparatif dan kompetitif dengan nilai PCR 0,88 dan DRCR 0,92. Kebijakan pemerintah terhadap output, input dan output-input pada usahatani kedelai domestik bersifat memproteksi kedelai domestik dan menguntungkan petani sehingga petani memperoleh surplus lebih tinggi. Kebijakan pemerintah berupa subsidi diharapkan dapat meningkatkan daya saing kedelai domestik menjadi lebih kuat.
kata kunci: Daya Saing, Kedelai, PAM Analisis.
ABSTRACT
Domestic soybeans are safer to consume than transgenic soybeans and have higher protein content than imported soybeans. Domestic soybean development is still prospective, but domestic soybeans' competitiveness is getting more massive due to the abundance of imported soybeans. Government policy in the form of input-output is expected to protect domestic soybeans from being competitive. This research analyzes the competitiveness and level of protection of government policies on domestic soybeans in Grobogan Regency. The research was conducted in soybean production centers, which is Panunggalan Village, Pulokulon District, Grobogan Regency. The research data was obtained through a survey of 30 soybean farmers in April 2019. Primary data is data on soybean farming planted at the beginning of the 2017/2018 rainy season. Data analyzed using the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM). The results indicate that domestic soybean farming in Grobogan Regency is proven to have comparative and competitive advantages with PCR values 0.88 and DRCR 0.92. Government policy on output, input, and output-input of domestic soybean farming protects domestic soybeans and benefits farmers to get a higher surplus. Government policy in the form of subsidies is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic soybeans.
keywords: competitiveness, soybean, PAM analysis.
G protein- and β-arrestin Signaling Profiles of Endothelin Derivatives at the Type A Endothelin Receptor
Authors: Xiong Xinyu , Nazo Nour , Revoori Ritika , Rajagopal Sudarshan , Sparks Matthew A.
Published: May 2021

Key Points

Endothelins activated a wide range of G proteins at the ETAR

Endothelin derivatives did display structure-activity relationships in their degrees of agonism

β-arrestin 1 and 2 does not augment the diurnal blood pressure, acute, or chronic pressor response to endothelin 1

Background

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor in the cardiovascular system, an effect mediated through the type A endothelin receptor (ETAR), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Antagonists of the ETAR have shown promising results in randomized clinical trials. However, side effects limit widespread use. Biased agonists have been developed to mitigate the untoward effects of a number of GPCR antagonists. These agents block deleterious G-coupled pathways while stimulating protective β-arrestin pathways. The goal of this study was to test whether there was any significant ligand bias between endothelin derivatives, and whether this could have any physiologic effects in the cardiovascular system.

Methods

A panel of endothelin derivatives were tested in assays of G protein signaling and β-arrestin 2 recruitment at the ETAR. We then tested the effects of ET-1 on the vasopressor response in wild-type and β-arrestin 1 and 2 KO mice.

Results

We found the endothelins activated a wide range of G proteins at the ETAR, but none of the endothelin derivatives demonstrated significant biased agonism. Endothelin derivatives did display structure-activity relationships with regards to their degrees of agonism. β-arrestin 1 and 2 knockout mice did not display any differences to wild-type mice in the acute pressor response to ET-1, and β-arrestin 2 knockout mice did not display any blood pressure differences to wild-type mice in the chronic responses to ET-1.

Conclusions

Our findings are consistent with vasoconstriction being mediated by G proteins with a lack of significant desensitization by β-arrestins at the ETAR. These findings suggest that G protein– and β-arrestin–biased ETAR agonists could have distinct physiologic effects from balanced agonists, although the endothelin peptide scaffold does not appear suitable for designing such ligands.
The migrations of Finnish Bean Geese Anser fabalis in 1978–2011
Authors: Nilsson Leif
Published: May 2021

Bean Geese Anser fabalis have been neck-banded extensively in the breeding areas in northern Finland during two periods: 1978–1994 and 2002–2009. The observations of these geese showed marked differences in timing of migration and location of wintering and staging areas between the two periods. The Bean Geese stayed further to the north in south Sweden during the autumn in the latter period and arrived later to wintering areas in southernmost Sweden. Moreover they did not go to the Netherlands and western Germany during cold winters in the second as they did in the first period. Spring migration started earlier in the second period. Most patterns revealed by the Finnish neck-banded geese were the same as those shown by the Bean Geese in general as observed by the national goose counts in southern Sweden.
Dynamics of garden birds at a feeding station in a suburban area near Oslo, Norway, 2000–2008
Authors: Elgmork Kåre
Published: May 2021

The presence of birds visiting a feeding site near a villa in a suburban area to the west of Oslo was observed daily at close range during 2000–2008. The bird assemblage consisted of 17 species. Some species were present throughout the year, whereas others occurred during different seasons. Most species showed a stable occurrence from year to year and was little influenced by climatic factors. When comparing with the bird community in a spruce forest about three kilometres away, only 36% of the forest species occurred regularly at the suburban site, showing a considerable loss of diversity when a forest is changed into a suburban habitat. Abundance was recorded by the time it took the birds to consume one kilo of sunflower seeds. Maximum consumption occurred during summer and minimum during late winter. A general decrease in consumption in all years of study started during autumn followed by another marked decrease at the time of the first snowfall, which obviously acted as a signal for emigration out of the area.
Occurrence of swan hybrids around the Baltic Sea—an outcome of range expansions?
Authors: Kampe-Persson Hakon , Boiko Dmitrijs
Published: May 2021

Spectacular increases in range and numbers of some swan and goose species around the Baltic Sea have resulted in more contacts between species and facilitated mixed breeding. Records of mixed breeding and observations during the non-breeding season of mixed families, mixed pairs and hybrids in which at least one of the parent species was a swan were compiled for Sweden, Finland, Leningrad and Kaliningrad Regions of Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and Denmark. There were twelve records of mixed breeding, nine of Mute Swan × Whooper Swan and one each of Mute Swan × Greylag Goose, Mute Swan × Greater Canada Goose and Whooper Swan × Bewick’s Swan. Excluding the two cases involving a goose and two cases involving swans with captive background, there were eight breeding records in the wild. Seven of these can be explained by range expansions. The exception was a case where the identification of the male was unsure.
Effects of Whey Protein on Biochemical Composition of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: ÖZCAN Mikail , İSPİR Ünal , ŞAHİN Ayşe
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to examine impact of whey protein in rainbow trout tissues utilizing a few biochemical methods. The fish utilized in this study were an average weight of 40-45 g. Rainbow Trout were fed diets containing four doses of whey protein (0; 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) for 42 days. At the end experiment, spleen, liver, muscle and kidney tissues was taken from fish and carbohydrate, lipid and protein levels were determined. The value of this parameter was essentially affected for fish fed the diet with 1.0% and 1.5% included whey protein. Carbohydrate level in the all tissues was not affected by dietary levels of whey protein. Lipid levels of fish fed diets with 1.5% added whey protein was essentially higher than that of fish fed the control diet. The use of alternative protein sources such as Whey protein can be an option. However, the level of anti nutritional factors has to be watched carefully. To prevent or reduce problems in fish, it is recommended to use feed with a low level of digestible protein.
El deseo de “volver a la normalidad”: cambios, dificultades e imaginarios en educación y comunicación en tiempos de Covid-19
Authors: Frontanilla Rodríguez H. Alexander
Published: May 2021

Compartimos hallazgos del proyecto “Formación Profesional de Estudiantes del CONISUR-TIPNISi”, iniciado el año 2019, junto a la Coordinadora de Pueblos Indígenas del Trópico de Cochabamba (CPITCOii). El método de investigación aplicado es Grounded Theory (Teoría Fundamentada). En esa lógica abordamos las categorías “cambios”, “dificultades” e “imaginarios en educación y comunicación”, desde las experiencias de estudiantes del sur del TIPNIS, en el contexto del COVID-19. De ahí que, estudiantes a partir de sus escenarios locales, emiten el deseo de “volver a la normalidad”iii, como una esperanza por volver a situaciones comunicativas educativas interpersonales presenciales.
Upaya Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berbicara & Hasil Belajar Bahasa Inggris Melalui Penerapan Teknik Drill Pada Siswa Kelas XII MIPA2 SMA Negeri 1 Piyungan
Authors: Ikhsan Hery Kurniawan Akhmad
Published: May 2021

Kurang beragamnya penggunaan metode/ strategi pembelajaran mengakibatan pembelajaran di kelas menjadi monoton, oleh sebab itu, diperlukan sebuah metode/teknik yang cocok untuk menciptkan pembelajaran yang menyenangkan, salah satunya adalah menggunakan teknik driil.  Teknik drill merupakan salah satu teknik pembelajaran yang sangat berguna dalam pembelajaran, khusunya dalam pembelajaran bahasa inggris. Hal ini dikarenakan teknik drill dilakukan menekankan pada aspek kegiatan latihan yang dilakukan secara berulang-ulang secara terus menerus sampai peserta didik mampu menguasai keterampilan yang dilatihkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis penggunaan teknik drill dalam pembelajaran bahasa inggris untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berbicara dan hasil belajar pada siswa SMA Negeri 1 Piyungan. Desain penelitian menggunakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas yang terdiri dari dua siklus yaitu siklus 1 dan siklus 2. Tiap siklus terdiri dari tahap perencanaan, pelaksanaan, pengamatan dan refleksi. Lokasi penelitian dilaksanakan di SMA Negeri 1 Piyungan yang terdiri dari XII MIPA2 dengan jumlah 22 siswa.Instrumen peneltian terdiri dari lembar observasi, angket dan tes hasil belajar. Selanjutnya data dianalisis dengan menggunakan analisis kriteria ketuntasan minimum. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa dengan menggunakan teknik drill dapat meningkatkan kemampuan berbicara siswa dengan 83,03 % pada siklus 2 (pertemuan kedua). Sedangkan dari aspek hasil belajar penggunaan tekni drill dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa dengan persentasi ketercapaipain sebesar 13,73%. Oleh karena itu dapat dikatakan bahwa penggunaan teknik drill dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar dan kemampuan berbicara siswa dalam pembelajaran bahasa Inggris.
Evaluasi Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Daring dalam Masa Pandemi COVID-19 pada Tingkat Madrasah di Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah
Authors: Rupiah Rupiah
Published: May 2021

Penelitian ini secara umum bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi murid, guru serta orang tua murid terhadap pembelajaran secara daring yang sudah diterapkan ke seluruh murid pada satuan pendidikan MI, MTs serta MA di daerah Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah sepanjang adanya pandemi virus corona atau COVID-19. Data dalam bentuk informasi diambil dengan mengenakan kuesioner/angket yang disiapkan dalam wujud Google form serta tautan dikirimkan lewat WhatsApp kepada murid, guru dan orang tua murid. Sebanyak 49 murid, 42 orang tua murid serta 37 guru ikut dan berpartisipasi dalam riset ini. Periset memperoleh sebagian kenyataan terpaut pendidikan secara daring dalam masa pandemi COVID-19. Adapun yang pertama, RPP serta media pembelajaran dianalisa konteksnya oleh guru sebelum diberikan kepada murid. Kedua, media pembelajaran yang paling sering digunakan adalah WhatsApp. Berikutnya, minimnya akses serta kuota internet merupakan hambatan yang dialami oleh guru serta murid sepanjang pendidikan secara daring. Terakhir, murid, orang tua dan guru menginginkan kegiatan pembelajaran secara langsung dapat kembali dilaksanakan.
The congress and convention tourism as a factor of competitiveness at the micro level in the hotel sector of Mérida Yucatán
Authors: Gómez-Galaz Karla Gabriela , Negrón-Hoh José Jesús Hernán , Caballero-Koh Bertha Loraire
Published: May 2021

This article shows the results of an investigation based on the analysis of the systematic competitiveness in the congresses and the impact that it represents in the hotel sector of the City of Mérida, Yucatán. It was determined to use the type of exploratory research, with the qualitative and quantitative research approach, the first, because the study will collect historical and recent data related to congress tourism in the city of Mérida.With the results obtained, the impact caused by the congresses within the hotel sector of the city of Mérida, Yucatán is known, identifying the degree of relationship between the authorities that regulate the process of providing accommodation services and that of the people traveling to the city for activities related to congresses. All of this, in order to list the benefits and opportunities that congress tourism brings to the three, four and five star hotel sector in the city of Mérida.
“... AND THERE SOMETHING ATE IT AT NIGHT”: WHAT THE ADULT INITIATION CAN END (ETHNOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL NOTES ON THE MATERIALS OF UDMURT FOLKLORE)
Authors: Sukhova Maria Vladimirovna
Published: May 2021

The problems of the article are connected with the study of cultural phenomenon of age-related (adult) initiations. Based on the materials of Udmurt fairy tale with the use of more extensive sources on Udmurt mythological representations, the article analyzes structure, basic characteristics and gender specifics of hypothetically constructed age-related initiations. Among the issues have discussed are spatial structure (forest - meadow - hut - stove), the reasons and ways for neophytes sending to the forest (household needs, matchmaking, abduction), functionality and sings of initiating spirits, types of ritual tests, the possibility of its reconstruction and some modern ideas about these rituals, the results of age-related initiations and reasons of the age-related initiations differentiation.
THE FORMATION OF SCHOOL EDUCATION IN NORTH KARELIA IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH - EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Authors: Zelenskaya Yulia Nikolaevna , Kireeva Elena Viktorovna
Published: May 2021

Establishing a school system in the territory of North Karelia was a very long process, which went through several stages in the second half of the 19 and early 20 century. Local authorities in the second half of the 19 century tried to disseminate literacy and weaken the influence of the old believer faith in this territory. For this, parish schools were created. The village of Ukhta in the Kemsky district of the Arkhangelsk Governorate has become an educational and enlightening center in the territory of North Karelia. This location housed the first classrooms. Subsequently, a special school building was built. Over time, parish schools were replaced by secular educational organizations. However, the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church on the educational and upbringing processes continued. The development of the school system in the North of Karelia, in addition to religious beliefs, was also hindered by the traditional way of life of the local population, based on labour migration, and a special language environment. The close centuries-old contacts of the northern Karelians with the Finnish population led to the development of the Karelian-Finnish bilingualism. Learning in Russian was difficult, just as were the issue of finances. Poor financing affected the material base of schools and contributed to the frequent change of teaching staff. This article attempts to summarize the results of studies in the field of the history of education in Karelia and, based on new materials not previously introduced into scientific circulation, consider the process of establishing a school system in North Karelia, the national outskirts of the Russian Empire.
STUDY OF REPRODUCTIVE FEATURES AND AGE STRUCTURE OF DACTYLIS GLOMERATA L. CENOPOPULATION IN DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Veselkova N.R.
Published: May 2021

The objective of the research was to identify the reproductive characteristics and age structure of cenopopulation of valuable forage cereal in different environmental conditions. Field studies were carried out in the vicinity of the village of Kvarsa in the Votkinsk region of the Udmurt Republic in 2017-2018. Soil samples were taken from each biotope and analyzed for pH and humus content. In cenopopulations of the Dactylis glomerata, the age states of partial bushes were determined of the test plots. Collected caryopses were germinated by the roll culture method in different solutions (0.001 % gibberellin, 0.5 % ammonium nitrate). The maximum indicators of seed germination, root and leaf length of seedlings in the initial period of growth were found for caryopses collected from plants from roadside habitats, which can be considered as adaptation of plants to conditions of significant anthropogenic transformation of the ecotope.
ON THE GROWTH OF SOLANUM NITIDIBACCATUM BITTER AND SOLANUM X PROCURRENS A.C. LESLIE IN THE UDMURT REPUBLIC
Authors: Puzyrev A.N.
Published: May 2021

The article provides information about the growth of Solanum nitidibaccatum and Solanum x procurrens in the Udmurt Republic. The very first discovery of Solanum nitidibaccatum in the republic dates back to 1992. A list of its locations in the Udmurt Republic is given, and the history of its distribution in Russia is discussed. In Udmurtia, this species is known from two cities (Sarapul, Izhevsk), as well as from the Zavyalovsky district. The largest concentration of its localities is associated with the Zavyalovsky district. The most optimal conditions for the growth of Solanum nitidibaccatum in the Udmurt Republic are the conditions of field ecosystems (especially corn and potato fields), in which this species has become naturalized, shows high coenotic activity and a tendency to further spread. Solanum x procurrens is a hybrid found in co-growing areas of Solanum nitidibaccatum and Solanum nigrum in corn fields in 2020. It is indicated for the first time for the Udmurt Republic and Russia.