bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Appraisal among Civil Servants through Electronic Performance (E-Performance) at Badan Kepegawaian Daerah (BKD) of Karo Regency, North Sumatera Province
Authors: Tumija Tumija , Bukit Daniel
Published: June 2023

This study examined the implementation of electronic performance (e-performance) appraisal for Civil Servants, and identified the obstacles and efforts made. A qualitative descriptive method with an inductive approach was used, while the data were collected through observation, documentation, and interviews. The data were then analyzed through several steps; data reduction, data display, and inference. Findings indicate that the performance assessments of Civil Servants through e-performance are satisfactory and comply with the Standard Operating Procedures outlined in Regent Regulation Number 36 of 2017. However, improvement in terms of service quality and accountability can be promoted. The obstacles encountered in evaluating performance through e-performance include inadequate infrastructure, employees' resistance to mindset change, and the absence of a connection between e-performance and employee work goals (SKP). Efforts have been made to address these challenges, such as adding necessary infrastructure and organizing socialization sessions on e-performance operation. The author advises conducting training specifically related to e-performance operations and refining the e-performance program to integrate it with employee work goals (SKP).ABSTRAKTujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan penilaian kinerja Aparatur Sipil Negara (ASN) menggunakan electronic performance (e-performance), hambatan serta upaya yang dilakukan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan induktif. Dalam memperoleh data menggunakan cara observasi, dokumentasi, dan wawancara. Sedangkan untuk analisis data yang menggunakan reduksi data, tampilan data, dan inferensi. Adapun hasil penelitian menunjukkan penilaian kinerja ASN melalui electronic performance (e-performance) yang sudah cukup baik dan sudah berjalan sesuai Standart Operasional Prosedur berdasarkan Peraturan Bupati Nomor 36 Tahun 2017, namun perlu ditingkatkan dalam aspek kualitas pelayanan dan akuntabilitas. Hambatan dalam penilaian kinerja melalui e-performance adalah kurangnya sarana prasarana, pegawai belum mengubah pola pikir dan e-performance belum tersambung dengan sasaran kerja pegawai (SKP). Upaya yang dilakukan menambah sarana prasarana yang dibutuhkan, mengadakan sosialisasi cara pengoperasian e-performance. Saran yang diberikan sebaiknya mengadakan pelatihan terkait operasional e-performance dan menyempurnakan program e-performance yang terintegrasi dengan sasaran kerja pegawai (SKP).
The Influence of DKUPP Performance Quality on Service Quality of E-UMKM through Performance Management in Probolinggo City
Authors: Fitria Nurul Jannah Lailatul
Published: June 2023

The performance of government state officials needs to be improved as they shall deliver quality public services. In particular, public service improvement should regard the advancements of information communication technology and utilize innovative programs. The government of Probolinggo City has launcehed E-UMKM card program as an innovative program. E-UMKM card program plays a pivotal role in supporting and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This research was conducted to investigate the influence of state officials’ performance quality on service quality, with a specific focus on performance management. This descriptive quantitative was conducted between January and February 2023 in Probolinggo City. Questionnaires, observation, and documentation techniques were employed for data collection from 100 respondents, which were subsequently analyzed using Smart-PLS. The findings revealed that the Performance Quality of DKUPP Probolinggo City State Officials can positively impact the improvement of Public Service Quality moderated by performance management in the E-UMKM Card Program.

 

ABSTRAK

Aparatur negara dalam pemerintahan bekerja dengan memberikan pelayanan publik. Kinerja aparatur negara perlu ditingkatkan untuk meningkatkan Service Quality yang lebih baik. Hal ini juga berkaitan dengan performance management sebagai bentuk penyelenggaraan pelayanan sektor publik oleh para aparatur negara. Terutama pelayanan publik yang dikembangkan sesuai dengan perkembangan tekonologi informasi komunikasi melalui program inovasi. Salah satu inovasi yang dilakukan oleh Pemerintah Kota Probolinggo adalah adanya program kartu E-UMKM. Kartu E-UMKM digunakan sebagai dukungan optimal dalam pengembangan dan pemberdayaan UMKM. Sehingga penulis melakukan riset tentang pengaruh Officials’ Performance Quality terhadap Service Quality yang diperkuat dengan manajemen kinerja. Riset ini termasuk pada riset dengan pendekatan kuantitatif deskriptif dengan teknik kuesioner, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Riset ini diselenggarakan pada bulan Januari dan Februari di Tahun 2023. Penghimpunan data sebanyak 100 responden, diolah menggunakan Smart-PLS. Hasil penelitian memaparkan bahwa Officials’ Performance Quality DKUPP Kota Probolinggo dapat memberikan pengaruh dalam peningkatan Public Service Quality dengan dimoderasi oleh Performance Management Pada Program Kartu E-UMKM.
Performance Assessment Team’s Performance in Filling The Position of The Sub-District Head in Buru Selatan District Maluku Province
Authors: Murliasari Rikha , Batubara Yusi Eva
Published: June 2023

This research aimed to investigate the performance of the Civil Servants’ Performance Assessment Team in the appointment of sub-district head position in South Buru Regency. This research also identified both supporting and hindering factors as well as the efforts made to overcome existing obstacles. This qualitative descriptive research was performed using an inductive approach. Both primary and secondary data sources were utilized in this research. The data analysis techniques included data selection, classification, and verification. The data sources encompassed physical locations, individuals, and written materials. Data collection methods comprised interviews, observations, and documentation. The observations revealed that the performance of the Civil Servants’ Performance Assessment Team in filling the sub-district head position in South Buru Regency deviated from applicable regulations, as it failed to adhere to objective assessment during the implementation process. The efforts made to address this issue involved participation in education and training programs, adherence to primary responsibilities and functions, and budget requests to the South Buru Regency government to enhance the deficient facilities and infrastructure supporting the team's performance. To improve the process of selecting sub-district heads and minimize external influences, the author recommended policy reformulation that incorporated the principles of a merit system, thus promoting objectivity.ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana kinerja Tim Penilai Kinerja PNS dalam pengisian jabatan camat di Kabupaten Buru Selatan, disamping itu juga untuk mengetahui faktor pendukung dan penghambat serta upaya yang dilakukan dalam mengatasi kendala yang ada. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan induktif. Sumber data pada penelitian ini adalah sumber data primer dan sekunder. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah menyeleksi data, klasifikasi data dan verifikasi data. Sumber data yang digunakan place, person dan paper. Teknik pengumpulan data meliputi wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Hasil pengamatan menggambarkan bahwa kinerja Tim Penilai Kinerja PNS dalam pengisian jabatan camat di Kabupaten Buru Selatan belum sesuai dengan peraturan yang berlaku karena dalam proses pelaksanaanya mengabaikan penilaian secara objektif. Upaya yang telah dilakukan adalah dengan mengikuti pelaksanaan pendidikan dan latihan, bekerja sesuai dengan tupoksi, mengajukan anggaran kepada pemerintah Kabupaten Buru Selatan untuk dapat melengkapi sarana dan prasarana yang masih kurang dalam menunjang kinerja Tim Penilai Kinerja PNS. Adapun saran dari penulis menegenai pengisian jabatan camat adalah merumuskan kembali kebijakan-kebijakan dengan memperhatikan prinsip-prinsip merit system sehingga dapat meminimalisir intervensi dan pengaruh luar yang menyebabkan proses pemilihan jabatan camat menjadi tidak objektif.
Analysis on Civil Servants’ Competence Development Program to Enhance The Performance of The Department of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports in Sumedang Regency
Authors: Effendi Lina Marlina
Published: June 2023

The growth and development of human resources are crucial in the era of globalization, as competent personnel are needed to effectively navigate the challenges of the global landscape. This is particularly important in regions with tourism potential, where competent Civil Servants are necessary to drive and advance the tourism sector. This research evaluated the competency development of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports in Sumedang Regency, West Java. Factors that inhibited the competency growth were also identified along with possible attempts to overcome these obstacles. Qualitative descriptive method and inductive approach were employed, and the data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The data analysis process involved parameter reduction, presentation, verification, and drawing conclusions based on the research findings. The findings indicate that the Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports Office of Sumedang Regency has made progress in the development of civil servants competency. However, various challenges persisted, such as limited funds allocated for the development process and the lack of interest among the Civil Servants to actively engage. To address these obstacles, the Office of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports is collaborating with other agencies and actively participating in civil servant webinars.ABSTRAK

Sumber daya manusia harus tumbuh dan berkembang untuk tampil di tingkat yang lebih tinggi dalam periode globalisasi. Ini menunjukkan perlunya perangkat daerah dengan kemampuan membawa otoritas yang kuat. Salah satu daerah di Jawa Barat yang memiliki potensi wisata dimana dibutuhkan aparatur yang kompeten untuk menangani dan memajukan sektor pariwisata. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi pertumbuhan kompetensi perangkat Dinas Pariwisata Kebudayaan Kepemudaan Dan Olah Raga Kabupaten Sumedang Jawa Barat. berusaha untuk mengidentifikasi hambatan yang relevan dan upaya yang dilakukan untuk melewatinya. Teknik Pengumpulan Data Dalam penelitian ini, wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data dengan menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dan pendekatan induktif. Selain itu, reduksi parameter, presentasi, verifikasi, dan kesimpulan digunakan dalam proses analisis data. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ditemuan tersebut, Dinas Pariwisata Kebudayaan Kepemudaan dan Olah Raga Kabupaten Sumedang berhasil melaksanakan pengembangan kompetensi aparatur. Meskipun demikian, berbagai kesulitan masih terlihat, seperti keterbatasan dana untuk proses pembangunan dan ketidaktertarikan aparatur untuk bertindak. Dinas Pariwisata Kebudayaan Kepemudaan dan Olah Raga bekerja sama dengan dinas lain untuk mengatasi kendala tersebut dan berpartisipasi dalam webinar aparatur.
Penerapan Metode Inquiry Poster Comment dalam Meningkatkan Efektivitas Pembelajaran
Authors: Safitri Rahayu
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (Action Research), dalam penelitian ini mencangkup empat tahapan, yaitu perencanaan, tindakan, observasi, dan refleksiÂ  secara umum bertujuan untuk meningkatkan efektivitas pembelajaran PAI pada siswa kelas XII IIK di MAN 2 Tangerang. Secara khusus bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas pembelajaran PAI dengan menerapkan metode Inquiry Poster Comment pada siswa kelas XI IIK di MAN 2 Tangerang pelajaran akidah akhlak semester ganjil pada materi akhlak dalam pergaulan remaja.Penelitian ini dilakukan dalam dua siklus, dimana masing-masing siklus terdiri dari tahap perencanaan, pelaksanaan, observasi, dan refleksi. Demikian pula halnya dengan siklus II. Data efektivitas pembelajaran siswa digali dengan lembar pengamatan aktivitas siswa. Sedangkan hasil belajar siswa digali dengan tes hasil belajar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa : (1) penerapan metode inquiry poster comment yang diterapkan pada siswa kelas XI IIK di MAN 2 Tangerang dapat meningkatkan efektivitas pembelajaran PAI, menuangkan ide dan gagasan, serta kemampuan berfikir kritis siswa. (2) Efektivitas belajar belajar siswa kelas XI IIK di MAN 2 Tangerang pada materi Akhlak Dalam Pergaulan Remaja mengalami peningkatan setelan menggunakan metode inquiry poster comment.BerdasarkanÂ  hasil penelitian yang telah dilakukanÂ  mnunjukkan bahwa penerapan metode inquiry poster comment pada pembelajaran PAI memiliki dampak positif dalam meningkatkan efektivitas pembelajaran siswa, sehingga dapat mencapai hasil yang diharapkan bagi siswa dan guru.
Pengaruh Latar Belakang Pendidikan Orang Tua Terhadap Motivasi Belajar Siswa Kelas IX SMP Gandasari Kota Tanngerang
Authors: Ulfiani Fika
Published: June 2023

Tingkat pendidikan orang tua merupakan salah satu faktor yang mempengaruhi motivasi belajar siswa. Motivasi belajar yang dimaksud adalah keseluruhan daya penggerak psikis didalam diri siswa yang menimbulkan kegiatan belajar, menjamin kelangsungan kegiatan belajar dan memberi arah pada kegiatan belajar itu dalam mencapai suatu tujuan. Perhatian yang diberikan orang tua juga meningkatkan motivasi belajar anak. Ketika orang tua yang berkependidikan tinggi secara tidak langsung anak akan termotivasi untuk belajar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh tingkat pendidikan orang tua terhadap motivasi belajar siswa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode angket, dokumentasi, dan isterview untuk membuktikan ada tidaknya pengaruh tingkat pendidikan orang tua terhadap motivasi belajar siswa. Disamping itu, peneliti menggunakan teknik random sampling dalam menenukan responden penelitian.Hasil Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Pengaruh latar belakang pendidikan orang tua terhadap motivasi belajar siswa kelas IX SMP Gandasari kota Tangerang terdapaat korelasi yang cukup positif antara kedua variabel tersebut meskipun korelasinya cukup atau sedang. Hal ini didasarkan pada perhitungan dengan menggunakan rumus product moment dan dihasilkan koefesien korelasi sebesar 0,588. Berdasarkan hasil interprestasi yang didapat dengan melihat df pada taraf 5% sebesar (0,235) dan taraf 1% sebesar (0,306), ini menunjukkan bahwasanya rxy sebesar 0,588 lebih besar dibandingkan dengan nilai tabel df pada taraf signifikan 5% dan 1%. Dengan demikian maka Ha diterima, yaitu ada pengaruh antara latar belakang pendidikan orang tua terhadap motivasi belajar siswa kelas IX SMP Gandasari kota Tangerang, ini berarti motivasi belajar sisa dipengaruhi oleh latar belakang pendidikan orang tua. Dan determinasi sebesar 34,5% ini berarti motivasi belajar siswa dipengaruhi oleh latar belakang pendidikan orang tua. Selebihnya motivasi belajar siswa dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain seperti faktor lingkungan, faktor psikologis dan faktor yang dapat meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa
Peran Kompetensi Guru Pendidikan Agama Islam dalam Membentuk Karakter Siswa Kelas VIII di SMP Insan Kamil Legok Tangerang
Authors: Suhaeni Dede
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini dilakukan bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana peran kompetensi guru Pendidikan Agama Islam (PAI) dalam membentuk karakter siswa kelas VIII di SMP Insan Kamil Legok Tangerang. Penelitian ini telah dilaksanakan di SMP Insan Kamil Legok Tangerang tahun ajaran 2018/2019 pada bulan Februari â€“ Juni 2019. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif. Sumber data penelitian diperoleh dari hasil observasi, wawancara kepada guru pendidikan agama Islam sekaligus yang mewakili kepala sekolah, dan salah satu siswa kelas VIII SMP Insan Kamil Legok Tangerang, dan analisis dokumen.Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa para guru yang ada di SMP Insan Kamil selalu menjalankan kompetensinya dengan baik, menjalin kerja sama yang baik, membangun hubungan yang harmonis, serta menjadi contoh yang baik bagi para siswa. Sehingga para siswa mampu menjalankan karakter baik serta patuh terhadap apa yang diperintahkan oleh para guru dengan penuh rasa tanggung jawab dan tanpa ada rasa terpaksa sedikit pun.
Upaya Guru Pendidikan Agama Islam Dalam Memotivasi Belajar Siswa Di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Nisa Khoerun
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the learning process of Islamic religious education at SMK Al-Hikmah Curug Tangerang during the Covid-19 pandemic along with student learning motivation and the efforts of Islamic religious education teachers in motivating student learning.This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive analysis model. Data collection techniques using observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis with data collection, data presentation, data reduction, data verification. The data validity test technique prioritizes data credibility, transferability, checking research results and confirming research results.This research shows that in the implementation of Islamic religious education learning during the Covid-19 pandemic at Al-Hikmah Vocational School, it follows the government's policy of learning online by utilizing applications as a learning communication tool. Online learning makes students' learning motivation decrease, due to internal and external factors that occur and due to changes in learning conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic, it can be seen that the motivational needs of students during the Covid-19 pandemic are in appreciation and social needs. Efforts made by Islamic religious education teachers to motivate, namely by providing external efforts, the goal is that students at SMK Al-Hikmah Curug Tangerang have motivation when learning online.
PENINGKATAN KUALITAS PRODUK IKM RUMAH SABUN DENGAN PENDEKATAN QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT
Authors: Nur Hayati Enty , Ekoanindiyo Firman Ardiansyah , Riza Radyanto Mohammad , Prihastono Endro
Published: June 2023

Companies that can meet the needs and desires of their consumers will usually be much more competitive compared to others, especially companies that can exceed the needs and desires of these consumers (Besterfield, 1999: 89). Rumah Soap is one of the UMKM that produces various kinds of liquid soap, including dishwash (dishwashing soap), liquid detergent, hand soap, shampoo, body foam, etc. The problem to be discussed in this research is how to design the needs and technical characteristics of consumers on liquid soap products. The objectives to be achieved are to identify the needs and technical characteristics of liquid soap products based on the HOQ, as well as to design liquid soap products that meet the needs of the community. The house of quality or also known as the House of Quality (HOQ) is the first stage in the application of the QFD methodology. The stages in the HOQ begin with identifying consumer needs and wants by determining Voice Of Customer (VOC), making a planning matrix, determining the level of customers in the competition, determining technical description (Voice Of Engineer), making a technical response matrix, determining the relationship between the attributes of needs and characteristics. technical (Inter Relation matrix), create a technical correlation matrix (draw a map of the interdependence and interrelationships between technical characters, company/organizational difficulties, technical benchmarks, create a target matrix. Consumers want 12 variables of need for laundry detergent which are dominated by needs in the category of product design and quality product characteristics. The QFD design shows detergent products, with the characteristic of "change in raw materials" as a priority technical characteristic that can improve the quality of laundry detergent with a Relative Importance Level (TKR) of 31.827%. To improve the quality of laundry detergent products, Rumah Soap UMKM should pay attention to the following proposals to produce laundry detergent
ANALISIS PENILAIAN KINERJA KARYAWAN MENGGUNAKAN PROFILE MATCHING
Authors: Padhil Ahmad , Setyo rini Asih , Wahyuni P A. Dwi , Fachry Hafid Muhammad
Published: June 2023

The flamboyan  noodle factory is a factory that produces food in the form of noodles. This factory produces various types of noodles, namely Mie Rough (as raw material for making soup noodles, Hokkien noodles, fried noodles), Smooth Noodles (used for making dry noodles, meatball noodles etc.), Pangsit Skin (used for making dumpling crackers, martabak skin, etc.), etc) and Mie Pangsit. The make to order (MTO) production strategy is to produce according to the number of orders. This factory has four production employees and a multi-role factory owner, namely the head of the production department and the head of the procurement department. When demand increases, owners are overwhelmed in managing all these parts. Therefore, the owner wants to assess the performance of production employees for the position of head of production. The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of each production employee and choose one of the employees to be the head of production. The results of the study using the profile matching method showed that the value of the first employee was 4.83; the second employee scored 4.92; the third employee value is 4.98 and the fourth employee value is 4.94. So that the one who was chosen as the head of production was the third employee because he had the highest total score.

Keywords: Performace appraisal, profile matching and method total score
USULAN PERANCANGAN TATA LETAK LANTAI PRODUKSI DENGAN METODE SYSTEMATIC LAYOUT PLANNING DAN BLOCPLAN PADA PRODUK CUTTING STEEL PIPE DI CV. ANUGRAH JAYA SEJAHTERA CILEUNGSI
Authors: Sadjugo Silmi Saffanah , Imran Rani Aulia , Sibarani Ayu Anggraeni
Published: June 2023

Tata letak fasilitas (facilities layout) merupakan sebuah tata cara pendirian fasilitas pabrik untuk mendukung kelancaran sebuah proses produksi. CV Anugrah Jaya Sejahtera merupakan sebuah industri manufaktur otomotif yang memproduksi produk cutting steel pipe, bagian dari sparepart motor. Penelitian ini bertujuan merancang tata letak fasilitas yang baru pada produksi produk cutting steel pipe untuk meminimalkan jarak perpindahan material dan momen perpindahan, serta adanya keinginan perusahaan penambahan target produksi dengan menyesuaikan kebutuhan mesin. Pada perancangan tata letak fasilitas usulan ini memakai algoritma BLOCPLAN dengan bantuan software BPLAN90. Berdasarkan perhitungan kebutuhan mesin pada proses pengukuran kekurangan 1 orang, proses pemotongan dibagian mesin automatic kekurangan 2 mesin, sedangkan pada bagian mesin Manual kekuragan 1 mesin. Pada proses Manual cutting mengalami kekurangan 1 mesin. Pada quality control dan packing pada bagian mesin automatic memerlukan 1 orang dan 3 orang. Sedangkan, packing pada bagian mesin Manual memerlukan sebanyak 2 orang. Jarak perpindahan material antar departemen dihitung menggunakan metode rectilinear. Momen perpindahan material dihitung dengan mengkalikan antar jarak perpindahan dengan frekuensi. Total jarak perpindahan material pada layout existing menghasilkan 148.2 meter dengan momen perpindahan sebesar 18981.3 meter per bulan. Sedangkan, pada perancangan ulang menggunakan algoritma BLOCPLAN dengan batuan software BPLAN90 menghasilkan total jarak perpindahan material sebesar 110.88 meter dengan momen perpindahan sebesar 15621.21 meter per bulan.

Kata Kunci: Tata letak fasilitas, Kebutuhan mesin, algoritma BLOCPLAN
ANALISIS KUALITAS LAYANAN WEBSITE PROGRAM STUDI SISTEM INFORMASI MENGGUNAKAN METODE WEBQUAL 4.0 DAN IMPORTANCE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS (IPA)
Authors: Khamdani Fuad Rafi , Setiawan Ito
Published: June 2023

The growing development of information technology makes information technology a very important resource for government and private organizations. The same applies to the university environment in student services. Amikom Purwokerto University is one of the many tertiary institutions that has implemented a web-based academic information system, including in one of its study programs, namely Information Systems. Based on interviews conducted by researchers with one of the lecturers in the Information Systems Study Program at Amikom University, Purwokerto, several problems were identified, such as the lack of regular updating of data and information on the website, the appearance of the website which was less attractive, and the lack of available content. Then, so that the company can be ready to compete with other similar websites, it is necessary to analyze the quality of the website, one of which is using the WebQual 4.0 method which is then assessed using the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method. The data were obtained by distributing questionnaires with 3 WebQual 4.0 variables based on the level of performance and the level of user expectations for the 85 samples that have been determined by calculating the Slovin formula. The data obtained is then assessed using the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method which produces recommendations to companies for actions that need to be taken on the website in order to improve and maintain the quality of the website. The results of the GAP analysis obtained 9 variables with positive values and 13 variables with negative values. While the results of the IPA analysis obtained variables that have been grouped into 4 quadrants, with 1 variable being the main priority, namely UQ8.
Comparison of microbial diversity of respiratory tract between COVID-19 patients and healthy population
Authors: Babišová Klaudia , Krumpolec Patrik , Hadžega Dominik , Sabaka Peter , Jackuliak Peter , Minárik Gabriel , Hýblová Michaela
Published: June 2023

Since its outbreak in late 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been the main subject of interest for a number of studies. Clinical manifestations are ranging from asymptomatic to mild and severe. Major risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 are age and comorbidities, although younger people suffer from severe COVID-19 as well. One of the explanations for why can be the composition of respiratory tract microbiota. In this article, we review studies linking respiratory tract microbiome and its changes during COVID-19 infection. The respiratory tract microbiome helps shape immunity and it is assumed that it can affect the outcome of several viral infections. Several studies show differences in the microbial composition of the respiratory tract between COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals. The diversity of the respiratory tract microbiome is reduced with increasing severity of COVID-19.
Usher syndrome proteins ADGRV1 (USH2C) and CIB2 (USH1J) interact and share a common interactome containing TRiC/CCT-BBS chaperonins
Authors: Linnert Joshua , Knapp Barbara , Güler Baran E. , Boldt Karsten , Ueffing Marius , Wolfrum Uwe
Published: June 2023

The human Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common form of a sensory hereditary ciliopathy characterized by progressive vision and hearing loss. Mutations in the genes ADGRV1 and CIB2 have been associated with two distinct sub-types of USH, namely, USH2C and USH1J. The proteins encoded by the two genes belong to very distinct protein families: the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor ADGRV1 also known as the very large G protein-coupled receptor 1 (VLGR1) and the Ca2+- and integrin-binding protein 2 (CIB2), respectively. In the absence of tangible knowledge of the molecular function of ADGRV1 and CIB2, pathomechanisms underlying USH2C and USH1J are still unknown. Here, we aimed to enlighten the cellular functions of CIB2 and ADGRV1 by the identification of interacting proteins, a knowledge that is commonly indicative of cellular functions. Applying affinity proteomics by tandem affinity purification in combination with mass spectrometry, we identified novel potential binding partners of the CIB2 protein and compared these with the data set we previously obtained for ADGRV1. Surprisingly, the interactomes of both USH proteins showed a high degree of overlap indicating their integration in common networks, cellular pathways and functional modules which we confirmed by GO term analysis. Validation of protein interactions revealed that ADGRV1 and CIB2 mutually interact. In addition, we showed that the USH proteins also interact with the TRiC/CCT chaperonin complex and the Bardet Biedl syndrome (BBS) chaperonin-like proteins. Immunohistochemistry on retinal sections demonstrated the co-localization of the interacting partners at the photoreceptor cilia, supporting the role of USH proteins ADGRV1 and CIB2 in primary cilia function. The interconnection of protein networks involved in the pathogenesis of both syndromic retinal dystrophies BBS and USH suggest shared pathomechanisms for both syndromes on the molecular level.
Rapid cardiac ischemia detection with an epicardial graphene probe
Authors: Suwalski Grzegorz , Galanty Marek , Degórska Beata , Sterna Jacek , Frymus Jan , Baranski Mikhal , Trębacz Piotr , Janczak Daniel , Lepak-Kuc Sandra , Jakubowska Małgorzata
Published: June 2023

Introduction

In this study, a new probe was designed to enable electrocardiography of a rotated heart during cardiac surgery when skin electrodes became non-functional. This probe adhered non-invasively to the epicardium and collected the ECG signal independently from the position of the heart. The study compared the accuracy of cardiac ischemia detection between classic skin and epicardial electrodes in an animal model.

Methods

Using six pigs, an open chest model was devised with cardiac ischemia induction by coronary artery ligation in two non-physiologic heart positions. Both the accuracy and the time of detection of electrocardiographic symptoms of acute cardiac ischemia were compared between skin and epicardial methods of signal collection.

Results

Heart rotation to expose either the anterior or the posterior wall resulted in a distortion or loss of the ECG signal collected by skin electrodes after coronary artery ligation, standard skin ECG monitoring did not reveal any ischemia symptoms. Attachment of an epicardial probe on the anterior and posterior walls helped in the recovery of the normal ECG wave. After ligation of the coronary artery, the epicardial probes recorded cardiac ischemia within 40 s.

Discussion

This study highlighted the effectiveness of ECG monitoring with epicardial probes in a rotated heart. It can be concluded that epicardial probes can detect the presence of acute ischemia of a rotated heart when skin ECG monitoring becomes ineffective.
Decoding the fibromelanosis locus complex chromosomal rearrangement of black-bone chicken: genetic differentiation, selective sweeps and protein-coding changes in Kadaknath chicken
Authors: Shinde Sagar Sharad , Sharma Ashutosh , Vijay Nagarjun
Published: June 2023

Black-bone chicken (BBC) meat is popular for its distinctive taste and texture. A complex chromosomal rearrangement at the fibromelanosis (Fm) locus on the 20th chromosome results in increased endothelin-3 (EDN3) gene expression and is responsible for melanin hyperpigmentation in BBC. We use public long-read sequencing data of the Silkie breed to resolve high-confidence haplotypes at theFmlocus spanning both Dup1 and Dup2 regions and establish that theFm_2scenario is correct of the three possible scenarios of the complex chromosomal rearrangement. The relationship between Chinese and Korean BBC breeds with Kadaknath native to India is underexplored. Our data from whole-genome re-sequencing establish that all BBC breeds, including Kadaknath, share the complex chromosomal rearrangement junctions at the fibromelanosis (Fm) locus. We also identify twoFmlocus proximal regions (∼70 Kb and ∼300 Kb) with signatures of selection unique to Kadaknath. These regions harbor several genes with protein-coding changes, with the bactericidal/permeability-increasing-protein-like gene having two Kadaknath-specific changes within protein domains. Our results indicate that protein-coding changes in the bactericidal/permeability-increasing-protein-like gene hitchhiked with theFmlocus in Kadaknath due to close physical linkage. Identifying thisFmlocus proximal selective sweep sheds light on the genetic distinctiveness of Kadaknath compared to other BBC.
Inner ear therapeutics and the war on hearing loss: systemic barriers to success
Authors: Jiam Nicole T. , Rauch Steven D.
Published: June 2023

Despite over 20 years of effort in academic research centers, start-up companies, and established pharmaceutical companies, there are no FDA-approved inner ear therapeutics for treatment of sensorineural hearing loss. There are a number of systemic barriers to creation of this new field of inner ear therapeutics. These include insufficient understanding of the particularity of different causes of hearing loss at the cellular and molecular level, lack of diagnostics of adequate sensitivity and specificity to discern these differences in vivo, a tendency for start-up biotech/pharma companies to prioritize competition over collaboration, and a drug development ecosystem that is really in the “pre-competitive” phase and a lack of infrastructure to develop, validate, gain regulatory approval, and successfully market an inner ear therapeutic. These issues will be discussed in this perspective article and a proposed remedy in the form of an inner ear therapeutics “moon shot” will be offered.
ACSM6 overexpression indicates a non-inflammatory tumor microenvironment and predicts treatment response in bladder cancer: results from multiple real-world cohorts
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Yao Yiyan , Qi Tiezheng , Wu Zuowei , Deng Dingshan , Liu Bolong
Published: June 2023

Background: ACSMs play critical roles in lipid metabolism; however, their immunological function within the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear, especially that of ACSM6. In this study, we investigate the latent effect of ACSM6 on bladder cancer (BLCA).

Methods: Several real-world cohorts, including the Xiangya (in-house), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-BLCA), and IMvigor210 cohorts, with TCGA-BLCA cohort serving as the discovery cohort were compared. We investigated the potential immunological effects of ACSM6 in regulating the BLCA tumor microenvironment by analyzing its correlation with immunomodulators, anti-cancer immune cycles, immune checkpoints, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and the T-cell inflamed score (TIS). Additionally, we assessed the precision of ACSM6 in predicting BLCA molecular subtypes and responses to several treatments using ROC analysis. To ensure the robustness of our findings, all results were confirmed in two independent external cohorts: the IMvigor210 and Xiangya cohorts.

Results: ACSM6 expression was markedly upregulated in BLCA. Our analysis suggests that ACSM6 might have significant impact to promote the formation of a non-inflamed tumor microenvironment because of its negative correlation with immunomodulators, anticancer immune cycles, immune checkpoints, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and the T-cell inflamed score (TIS). Additionally, high ACSM6 expression levels in BLCA may predict the luminal subtype, which is typically associated with resistance to chemotherapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. These findings were consistent across both the IMvigor210 and Xiangya cohorts.

Conclusion: ACSM6 has the potential to serve as a valuable predictor of the tumor microenvironment phenotypes and treatment outcomes in BLCA, thereby contributing to more precise treatment.
Association between childhood trauma and mental health disorders in adolescents during the second pandemic wave of COVID-19, Chiclayo-Peru
Authors: Valladares-Garrido Mario J. , León-Figueroa Darwin A. , Dawson Franccesca M. , Burga-Cachay Stefany C. , Fernandez-Canani Maria A. , Failoc-Rojas Virgilio E. , Pereira-Victorio César Johan , Valladares-Garrido Danai , Inga-Berrospi Fiorella
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected mental health, with children and adolescents being particularly vulnerable. Evidence on the association between childhood trauma and mental health outcomes in schoolchildren during the pandemic is limited. This study aimed to evaluate this relationship in Chiclayo city, northern Peru, during the second wave of COVID-19.

Methods

A cross-sectional secondary data study was conducted, measuring childhood trauma using the Marshall’s Trauma Scale, depressive symptomatology (PHQ-9), and anxiety symptomatology (GAD-7). Additional variables assessed were alcohol use (AUDIT), resilience (abbreviated CD-RISC), and socio-educational data. Prevalence ratios were estimated using generalized linear models.

Results

Among 456 participants, 88.2% were female, with a mean age of 14.5 years (SD: 1.33). Depressive symptomatology prevalence was 76.3% (95%CI: 72.14–80.15) and increased by 23% in schoolchildren with childhood trauma (PR: 1.23; 95%CI: 1.10–1.37). Factors positively associated with depressive symptomatology included increasing age, seeking mental health help during the pandemic, and severe family dysfunction. Anxiety symptomatology prevalence was 62.3% (95%CI: 57.65–66.75) and increased by 55% in schoolchildren with childhood trauma (PR: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.31–1.85). Anxiety symptomatology was positively associated with mild, moderate, and severe family dysfunction.

Conclusion

Schoolchildren exposed to childhood trauma are at increased risk for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health is vital. These findings can assist schools in establishing effective measures to prevent mental health outcomes.
Molecular epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in imported cases from 2021 to 2022 in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Zhou Biaofeng , Sun Yi , Mao Haiyan , Su Lingxuan , Lou Yihan , Yan Hao , Yao Wenwu , Chen Honghu , Zhang Yanjun
Published: June 2023

Backgrounds

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been a global threat since 2020. The emergence of the Omicron variant in 2021, which replaced Delta as the dominant variant of concern, has had a significant adverse impact on the global economy and public health. During this period, Zhejiang Province implemented dynamic zeroing and focused on preventing imported cases. This study aimed to gain clear insight into the characteristics of imported COVID-19 cases in Zhejiang Province.

Methods

We conducted a systematic molecular epidemiological analysis of 146 imported cases between July 2021 and November 2022 in Zhejiang Province. Virus samples with cycle threshold (Ct) value less than 32 were performed next generation sequencing. Basing the whole genome sequence obtained after quality control and assembly of reads, the whole genome variation map and phylogenetic tree were constructed and further analyzed.

Results

Our study identified critical months and populations for surveillance, profiled the variation of various lineages, determined the evolutionary relationships among various lineages of SARS-CoV-2, and compared the results in Zhejiang with those obtained worldwide during this period.

Conclusion

The continuous molecular epidemiological surveillance of imported cases of COVID-19 in Zhejiang Province during 2021 to 2022 is consistent with the global epidemic trend.
Effects of Light Intensity and Photoperiod on the Fresh Locking and Quality of Hydroponic Arugula in the Harvesting Period
Authors: Li Tianyu , Liu He , Zhou Fujun
Published: June 2023

At present, the research on the light environment of arugula mostly stays in its emergence and growth stage and there is a lack of research on the fresh-keeping quality of hydroponic arugula under light treatment during the harvest period. This study takes hydroponic arugula as the research object and explores the influence of light intensity and photoperiod on the fresh-keeping quality of arugula during the harvest period. With light intensity and photoperiod as experimental factors; and fresh weight, water content, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, nitrate, and cellulose content of arugula during harvest as experimental indicators, combined with sensory evaluation methods, a two-factor completely random experiment was completed. The experimental results show that medium and high intensity light treatment effectively enhances the fresh-keeping ability of arugula during the harvest period, which is conducive to reducing the decline in leaf fresh weight and water content caused by aging of arugula and delaying the decline in quality of arugula; 3 h and 6 h photoperiods can significantly delay the decomposition of chlorophyll in hydroponic arugula during harvest, reduce the loss of soluble sugar, inhibit excessive accumulation of nitrate, and slow down the production of leaf cellulose; and LED red-blue composite light irradiation is conducive to maintaining the sensory quality of hydroponic arugula during harvest. Among them, the sensory quality of cabbage leaves under 200 μmol·m−2·s−1 light intensity and 6 h photoperiod treatment is the best. This study provides an important theoretical basis for improving the quality and yield of hydroponic arugula and provides a strong basis for setting intelligent environmental lighting in artificial light-type plant factories.
Chemical and Biological Control of Wet Bubble Disease (Hypomyces perniciosus) in Mushroom Crops
Authors: Navarro María Jesús , Santos Mila , Diánez Fernando , Gea Francisco José
Published: June 2023

Wet bubble disease (WBD) is globally becoming a major problem in mushroom crops. The effectiveness of the application of different chemical (chlorothalonil, metrafenone and prochloraz-Mn) and Bacillus (B. subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens strains) -based products for the control of WBD in artificially inoculated mushroom crops was studied. Six trials were carried out, with three different inoculum rates. The effect of fungicides on mushroom productivity and disease incidence was assessed. The effectiveness of the treatments is statistically related to the harshness of the disease. The greatest reductions in disease incidence were achieved after treatments with chemical fungicides, notably prochloraz-Mn. When the outbreak was strong, the low calculated incidence reduction values for metrafenone treatments advised against their application. The results also indicated the low effect of both bio-fungicides, at the doses and timing evaluated, for the control of this mushroom disease.
Influence of 24-Epibrassinolide on the Energetic Parameters and Early Stages of Growth and Development in Seedlings of Two Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes
Authors: Božilović Bojana , Nikolić Bogdan , Waisi Hadi , Trifković Jelena , Dodevski Vladimir , Janković Bojan , Krstić Sanja , Mojović Miloš
Published: June 2023

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of plant hormones that play important roles in regulating various physiological and developmental processes in plants. One of the most effective BRs involved in modulating crop growth is 24-epibrassinolide (24-EBL). The effects of different concentrations of 24-EBL on various biochemical and biophysical parameters critical to early growth stages and seedling development were investigated using two maize hybrids, ‘ZP 434’ (a new-generation hybrid) and ‘ZP 704’ (an older-generation hybrid). The evaluation of results is based on measurements of germination percentage, morphometric parameters, redox status, comparative analysis of thermodynamic parameters (such as Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entropy), and the concentration of specific sugars in different parts of maize seedlings. The results indicate that the germination and initial growth of maize seedlings are influenced by the flow of crucial sugars from the remaining seed (as a source of nutrients) towards the plumule and radicle (as sink organs). Furthermore, alterations in Gibbs free energy play a significant role in these sugar transfers within the maize seedlings. The seed germination was most affected by the highest concentrations of 24-EBL, showing inhibitory effects, whereas lower and moderate concentrations of exogenously added 24-EBL exhibited a beneficial influence on the initial phases of seedling growth. The mentioned approach gives new insights into source–sink relationships and can be used as a quantitative measure of the germination energy, which until now has been a qualitative criterion in seed science.
Citrus Identification and Counting Algorithm Based on Improved YOLOv5s and DeepSort
Authors: Lin Yuhan , Hu Wenxin , Zheng Zhenhui , Xiong Juntao
Published: June 2023

A method for counting the number of citrus fruits based on the improved YOLOv5s algorithm combined with the DeepSort tracking algorithm is proposed to address the problem of the low accuracy of counting citrus fruits due to shading and lighting factors in videos taken in orchards. In order to improve the recognition of citrus fruits, the attention module CBAM is fused with the backbone part of the YOLOv5s network, and the Contextual Transformer self-attention module is incorporated into the backbone network; meanwhile, SIoU is used as the new loss function instead of GIoU to further improve the accuracy of detection and to better keep the model in real time. Then, it is combined with the DeepSort algorithm to realize the counting of citrus fruits. The experimental results demonstrated that the average recognition accuracy of the improved YOLOv5s algorithm for citrus fruits improved by 3.51% compared with the original algorithm, and the average multi-target tracking accuracy for citrus fruits combined with the DeepSort algorithm was 90.83%, indicating that the improved algorithm has a higher recognition accuracy and counting precision in a complex environment, and has a better real-time performance, which can effectively achieve the real-time detection and tracking counting of citrus fruits. However, the improved algorithm has a reduced real-time performance and has difficulty in distinguishing whether or not the fruit is ripe.
Contact with Mature Cows and Access to Pasture during Early Life Shape Dairy Heifer Behaviour at Integration into the Milking Herd
Authors: Field Laura A. , Hemsworth Lauren M. , Jongman Ellen , Patrick Cameron , Verdon Megan
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to determine the effects of early-life physical and social enrichment on the ability of dairy heifers to integrate into a herd of mature cows. Fifty heifer calves were reared from the ages of 2–13 weeks in one of three treatments: (1) Hand-reared and group-housed in sheds (CC); (2) Hand-reared and group-housed at pasture (−S); or (3) Hand-reared and group-housed at pasture, with 3 non-familial dry cows per group (+S). At 23 months of age, these heifers were introduced in groups to small herds of cows (Cows) at pasture. Social interactions were recorded continuously for two 1-h periods. Feeding, ruminating and resting behaviours of all animals and walking, standing and lying behaviours of 36 heifers only (+S = 14, −S = 13, CC = 9) were recorded for 48 h after mixing. Heifers that were managed as calves according to the CC treatment delivered less agonistic behaviour to other heifers after mixing than those reared in the +S or −S treatments (p = 0.002 and p = 0.041, respectively). On Day 2, +S heifers and cows spent the lowest proportion of time feeding (p = 0.961), with −S heifers spending significantly more time feeding than cows (p = 0.046), while CC heifers spent more time feeding than both +S heifers and cows (p = 0.027 and p < 0.002, respectively). Increasing the complexity of the early-life environment, particularly socially, may aid heifers in integrating into groups of multiparous cows later in life and shape their lifelong social experiences with same-age conspecifics.