bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma contribuição na inserção da Computação nas escolas rurais por meio de computação desplugada
Authors: Santos  Natália Santana dos , Medeiros Andressa de Souza S. , Silva Junior Nildo Pereira da , Herculani Júlio Budiski , Tonhão Simone de França , Cadette William de Araujo , Prates Jorge Marques
Published: March 2023

Com o avanço tecnológico, o conhecimento básico de Computação se tornou algo essencial para a maioria dos jovens do século XXI. Entretanto, o ensino de Computação não é oferecido na maioria das escolas públicas, estas, urbanas ou rurais. Assim, estes jovens ingressam no mercado de trabalho pouco preparados em relação à utilização correta das novas tecnologias. Em áreas rurais, os estudantes acabam sendo ainda mais prejudicados, pois enfrentam muitas dificuldades para acessar as tecnologias básicas, devido à escassez de infraestrutura e recursos tecnológicos. A inserção da Computação no ensino básico rural pode ser uma oportunidade de iniciar a preparação destes jovens para que possam iniciar um curso superior ou serem inseridos no mercado de trabalho, aptos a lidar com tecnologias diversas. Diante disso, este artigo descreve um relato de experiência de inserção do ensino de Computação para os alunos de escolas rurais, utilizando os conceitos de Computação Desplugada, que é uma técnica que consiste em ensinar fundamentos da computação por meio de atividades que não envolvem o uso de computadores. Inicialmente, o material utilizado neste estudo foi validado com professores multiplicadores da rede pública, para depois ser aplicado para alunos de uma escola rural. Como resultados obtidos, destaca-se a boa aceitação da iniciativa pelos estudantes, além de ser um meio que pode ser utilizado para suprir a falta de recursos.
Uma Análise em Larga-Escala das Funcionalidades de Aplicativos criados com App Inventor
Authors: Alves Nathalia da Cruz , Gresse von Wangenheim Christiane
Published: March 2023

O ensino de algoritmos e programação na Educação Básica se tornou essencial. Um dos ambientes de programação utilizados nesse nível de ensino é o App Inventor, que permite criar aplicativos móveis. Embora existam diversos estudos sobre o aprendizado de programação com o App Inventor, uma questão que permanece é quais funcionalidades são tipicamente implementadas. Assim, este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma análise estatística em larga escala baseada na extração automatizada de funcionalidades a partir do código de 100.000 projetos de aplicativos criados com o App Inventor. Os resultados demonstram que algumas funcionalidades são muito comuns e relacionadas a própria idiossincrasia de aplicativos. Por outro lado, apesar de existir suporte por parte do App Inventor, algumas funcionalidades são extremamente raras devido a um nicho de uso e falta de materiais didáticos. Esses resultados podem ajudar em uma melhor compreensão das funcionalidades atualmente presentes na maioria dos projetos, indicando oportunidades para o desenvolvimento de novos materiais e suporte na avaliação da aprendizagem, incluindo o desenvolvimento de criatividade.
Análise do desempenho de aprendizagem de Machine Learning na Educação Básica aplicando a Teoria de Resposta ao Item
Authors: Rauber Marcelo Fernando , Gresse von Wangenheim Christiane , Borgatto Adriano F. , Martins Ramon Mayor
Published: March 2023

A atual inserção de Machine Learning (ML) no dia-a-dia demonstra a importância de introduzir o ensino de conceitos de ML desde a Educação Básica. Acompanhando esta tendência surge a necessidade de avaliar essa aprendizagem. Neste artigo apresentamos a avaliação da validade e da confiabilidade de uma rubrica. Essa rubrica visa avaliar a aprendizagem pelo desempenho do aluno com base nos resultados da aprendizagem da aplicação de conceitos de ML por alunos dos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental e do Ensino Médio. Adotando a Teoria de Resposta ao Item apresentamos uma proposta preliminar da construção de uma escala para o nível de aprendizagem dos estudantes. Os resultados mostram que foi possível calibrar os parâmetros da Teoria de Resposta ao Item com índices satisfatórios de confiabilidade e validade, o que demonstra o potencial de utilização da rubrica de modo a auxiliar tanto alunos quanto pesquisadores e professores a promover o desenvolvimento do ensino de ML na Educação Básica.
Coleta de Evidências do Exercício do Pensamento Computacional no Ensino Superior em Computação: um artefato de apoio
Authors: Oliveira Carolina Moreira , Pereira Roberto
Published: March 2023

O Pensamento Computacional é definido como um processo de pensamento envolvido desde a formulação do problema até a sua representação. Pensar computacionalmente envolve um conjunto de habilidades cognitivas que ainda são difíceis de verificar, mensurar ou avaliar. Diante disso, propomos um artefato para apoiar docentes a verificar o exercício do Pensamento Computacional por meio da coleta de evidências. O artefato é composto por: (i) um conjunto de habilidades e definições; (ii) um conjunto de evidências a serem analisadas; e (iii) uma escala simplificada para mensurar as evidências a serem coletadas. Sete docentes utilizaram o artefato para analisar 83 soluções desenvolvidas por 25 estudantes de graduação em Computação. Considerando a utilidade percebida, facilidade e intenção de uso, os participantes reconheceram o artefato como um instrumento que ajuda a estruturar a análise de maneira mais ampla e abrangente, reduzindo as chances de que evidências relevantes sejam negligenciadas.
PIBID em Computação: desafios, estratégias e resultados da formação docente em um contexto pandêmico
Authors: Rodrigues Ariane Nunes , Rodrigues Cleyton Mário de Oliveira
Published: March 2023

Ações para formação do exercício docente são importantes e necessárias em cursos de licenciatura. O Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência - PIBID é um deles que oportuniza o desenvolvimento de habilidades e competências fundamentais, por meio de experiências reais, com atuação direta no ambiente escolar. Este artigo relata a experiência da execução do PIBID em Computação, sob a perspectiva da coordenação de área. Destaca-se a necessidade de adaptação para a condução completamente remota, com novos desafios e necessidades emergentes ao contexto pandêmico. O subprojeto relaciona a introdução do Pensamento Computacional e o Movimento Maker como incentivo à "mão na massa" para produzir materiais didáticos com criatividade, além de saber selecionar e usar tecnologias digitais no planejamento de cenários de aprendizagens. O artigo também apresenta os principais resultados, como soluções didáticas para o ensino de Computação nos eixos cultura digital e tecnologia digital.
Computação Criativa Online: relato de experiência da adaptação de uma oficina de desenvolvimento do Pensamento Computacional para crianças
Authors: Barcelos Thiago , Vidal Leticia , Kirchoff Ana , Silva Giselle
Published: March 2023

Iniciativas voltadas ao desenvolvimento do Pensamento Computacional (PC) em crianças e adolescentes em idade escolar têm sido organizadas em torno do conceito de Computação Criativa, que busca contextualizar o desenvolvimento do PC em torno da criação de produtos que tenham conexão pessoal com o aprendiz, utilizando a criatividade e imaginação, além dos conceitos computacionais. Este relato descreve a experiência da reformulação de um curso de Computação Criativa, previamente oferecido como uma ação de Extensão presencial, para a modalidade online devido ao isolamento social provocado pela pandemia da COVID-19 durante o ano de 2020. Apesar dos objetivos da oficina terem sido mantidos, o seu conteúdo passou a ser organizado em uma estratégia de curadoria de conteúdos online, principalmente relacionados ao site code.org, associada à produção de videoaulas próprias. O artigo descreve a experiência do oferecimento do curso reformulado a duas turmas entre os meses de maio e agosto de 2020. São discutidos os resultados obtidos a partir de um questionário aplicado às duas turmas e da análise do código produzido pelos participantes. Dificuldades iniciais relacionadas à comunicação remota com as crianças foram contornadas com a inclusão de momentos de interação com as monitoras do projeto. Ainda, os projetos finais cumpriram satisfatoriamente o objetivo do curso, tendo em vista a complexidade do código produzido pelos participantes.
Pensamento Computacional e Scratch: Um relato de Experiências com Estudantes do Ensino Médio Público no Distrito Federal
Authors: Monteiro Vinicius Aguiar , Holanda Maristela
Published: March 2023

O ensino do Pensamento Computacional (PC) na Educação Básica Brasileira (EBB) é importante para o atendimento das competências e habilidades recomendadas pela Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) no Brasil para o ensino médio. Neste contexto, este artigo apresenta um relato de experiências da aplicação dos conceitos do PC, em duas etapas e três escolas públicas de ensino médio no Distrito Federal, utilizando a Linguagem de Programação Visual Scratch. O artigo descreve a metodologia proposta, o acompanhamento dos aprendizados dos estudantes e as lições aprendidas. Os resultados indicam que a metodologia teve boa aceitação e o curso contribuiu para o aumento dos conhecimentos gerais de informática dos estudantes. Dentre as lições aprendidas têm-se: o curso com um projeto único ao longo das aulas melhorou o engajamento dos estudantes; a necessidade de investimentos nos laboratórios de informática das escolas públicas; e a dificuldade do engajamento dos estudantes no ensino remoto.
Ensinando Pensamento Computacional para Alunas de Disciplinas Introdutórias de Programação no Ensino Técnico através de um MOOC
Authors: da Costa Thainara M. , Lima José Roberto C. , Santiago Cynthia P.
Published: March 2023

As disciplinas de programação em cursos de Computação apresentam altas taxas de insucesso, incorrendo em acentuada evasão. Este problema é ainda mais grave para o corpo discente feminino, onde o número de ingressantes é menor. Uma das formas de minimizar o problema é incluir nestas disciplinas o ensino de Pensamento Computacional, que contribui para o desenvolvimento de habilidades algorítmicas e de resolução de problemas. Este artigo apresenta o desenvolvimento, aplicação e avaliação de um MOOC, direcionado ao público discente feminino, que incorpora o treinamento de habilidades do Pensamento Computacional, aplicado de forma híbrida em uma disciplina de programação. O curso foi desenvolvido de forma sistemática, seguindo um processo de design instrucional, sendo aplicado e avaliado através de um estudo de caso a alunas de um curso técnico em Informática. Os primeiros resultados indicam que esta intervenção teve resultados promissores na motivação e no desempenho das alunas.
Cyberbullying na Escola: Entendendo e Lidando com a Crueldade Online
Authors: Pereira Wellington Gomes , França Rozelma Soares de
Published: March 2023

Ensinar computação na escola vem sendo alvo de inúmeras discussões, sendo o foco de políticas educacionais recentes em vários países. Porém, educar os estudantes na área é ir além da resolução de problemas, discutindo aspectos críticos e o impacto social que a Computação pode ter na sociedade. Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa propõe um material didático para os Anos Finais do Ensino Fundamental, tendo como foco o trato com o cyberbullying, em diálogo com o que prevê as Normas sobre Computação na Educação Básica - Complemento à Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC). Para sua concepção, uma revisão sistemática foi conduzida, além do mapeamento de habilidades de Computação previstas nas Normas ora citadas, e a análise de materiais didáticos correlatos. Tais resultados subsidiaram a criação de histórias em quadrinhos reunidas no livro digital “Cyberbullying: Uma Brincadeira de Mau Gosto” e de uma sequência didática que poderão apoiar uma discussão crítica sobre a temática nas escolas, os quais são apresentados neste artigo.
Antiparasitic Effects and Cellular Mechanisms of Formononetin (a Natural Isoflavone) Against Hydatid Cyst Protoscoleces
Authors: Dastyar Haghighi Setareh , Mahmoudvand Hossein , Khudair Khalaf Amal , Adineh Ahmad , Maleki Ali Mohammad , Ghasemian Yadegari Javad
Published: March 2023

Background: The chemical agents applied to reduce the complications of hydatid cyst surgery are not free of side effects. Formononetin (FMN), as a natural isoflavone, has been shown to have various therapeutic benefits. Objectives: We studied the in vitro and ex vivo protoscolicidal activity and cellular mechanisms of FMN against hydatid cyst protoscoleces. Methods: Formononetin at 75, 150, and 300 μg/mL was mixed with hydatid cyst protoscoleces (103/mL), and the viability was determined in 5 to 60 min through eosin staining assay. The effect of FMN on caspase-3 activity was tested through a commercial colorimetric protease kit. In addition, the penetrability of the plasma membrane of protoscoleces after exposure to FMN was also determined by the SYTOX assay. Results: Formononetin at 300 μg/mL completely destroyed hydatid cyst protoscoleces after 30 minutes. While at 150 μg/mL, after 60 minutes of contact, 100% of protoscoleces were eliminated. By ex vivo assay, FMN showed its antiparasitic effect for longer periods. Based on these results, FMN at 300 μg/mL concentration completely eliminated hydatid cyst protoscoleces after 60 minutes of exposure. While at a concentration of 150 μg/mL after 60 minutes, 89.6% of protoscoleces were destroyed. Formononetin noticeably increased (P < 0.001) the activity of caspase-3 and the permeability of protoscoleces dose-dependently. Conclusions: Formononetin as a natural product showed promising effects on the protoscoleces of hydatid cysts, indicating that it can be considered a valuable scolicidal agent. However, additional investigations are necessary to evaluate its efficacy in animal models and human subjects.
Tradisi Khataman Qur’an dan Nadhoman pada Pernikahan Masyarakat Muslim-Sunda (Studi Tradisi di Kampung Cibeber-Kiarapedes-Purwakarta)
Authors: Sartika Ela
Published: March 2023

This article is motivated by the existence of several traditions in the Sundanese-Muslim Community in conducting marriage. The series of traditions are considered very important to be carried out, including in the village of Cibeber, Kiarapedes, Purwakarta Regency. However, an additional tradition for the Sundanese-Muslim community in the village after the marriage contract is carried out is closed by khatam Qur’an and reading the nadhoman as a prayer and advice for the bride and groom which is carried out by a group of people. The purpose of this research is as a form of traditional documentation and to describe the meaning contained in the implementation of the khatam Qur’an and nadhoman marriage which are usually carried out in the village. This study uses a qualitative approach in the realm of cultural anthropology and uses the theory of the living Qur’an with the main focus of its research on the Sundanese-Muslim community in Cibeber village, Kiarapedes district, Purwakarta regency. The result of this study consists of several points, including the first in the tradition of khatam Qur’an as a thanksgiving of the bride and groom as this tradition was carried out around 1800. Second, this marriage nadhoman was composed of Kiai using the Sundanese language of being a form of preaching and advice. Third, the reading of the nadhoman contains prayers and advice for the bride and groom which is taken from the contents of the verses in the Qur’an and the Hadits of the Prophet Muhammad which are arranged in the form of a nadhoman. Fourth, the meaning of this activity has religious, educational, dakwah, social and cultural meanings.
Esensi Gaya Hidup Minimalis: Studi Living Qur’an Surah Al-Furqan ayat 67 Perspektif Generasi Milenial di Kota Medan
Authors: Riska Khairani  , Saripuddin Saripuddin , Enny Fitriani
Published: March 2023

The background of this research is the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles among millennials lifestyles of extravagance wasting money flaunting wealth. Even though there are lifestyles that have a myriad of benefits when applied, they are none other than following a minimalist lifestyle. But sadly, minimalist life is not something that is coveted among millennials. In fact, in Surah Al-Furqan: 67 it is explained that we should not waste wealth excessively and should not be stingy with the assets we have. The formulation of the problem and the purpose of this study is to find out how contemporary classical scholars interpret Surah Al-Furqan: 67 and what is the essence of the minimalistic lifestyle according to millennials in Medan. The method used is phenomenology and interview qualitative method. The results of this study show the view of contemporary classical scholars that actually a minimalist lifestyle is that we can have and use it, but it is forbidden to overdo it. The nature of qanaah and zuhud really needs to be applied in living a lifestyle. Meanwhile, the application of a minimalist lifestyle in millennial society is still limited, because at the same time there are still many millennials who are competing to implement a hedonic lifestyle, but not a few are also starting to adopt a minimalist lifestyle by not following their passions to exaggerate in living life.
Urgensi Belajar dan Bersujud dalam QS. al- ‘Alaq Ayat 1 dan 19: Kajian Munasabah Al-Qur’an
Authors: Nurmansyah Ihsan , Oktaviana Sherli Kurnia
Published: March 2023

Basically humans have two main devices, namely the heart and mind. But in reality, some humans prioritize reason in the learning process, while others prioritize the heart. Therefore, this study aims to examine how the Qur'an responds and answers these problems, as contained in QS. al-'Alaq verses 1 and 19. The method used is the method of munasabah al-Qur'an between opening and closing surahs. The results of this study are the first and opening verses of QS. al-'Alaq ordered reading. Reading means learning and activating the mind to educate the intellectual. The command to study and read is not enough, it must be complemented by the order to prostrate and draw closer to Allah. Sujud means submission and obedience to Allah and a lot of use of the heart to educate spiritually. A lot of reading and study should also be a lot of prostration. People who read intensively, but do not prostrate, will transform into smart and intelligent people, but are arrogant, arrogant and arrogant. By intensively reading and prostrating, you will become closer to Allah and close to your fellow human beings. That is the harmonious munasabah between the opening and closing verses in QS. al-'Alaq.
Analisis Bibliometrik Tentang Qiraat Sab’ah Menggunakan VOSViewer Berbasis Data Google Scholar
Authors: Hafidh Zaini , Rahyasih Yayah , Arfan Muchammad Agfirlana
Published: March 2023

This study aims to analyze and describe the publication of scientific articles with the research theme Qiraat Sab’ah." The Qiraat Sab’ah research analysis uses the VOSViewer through a bibliometric approach. Article references are obtained from databases with publication or perishability application support. The word 'Qiraat Sab’ah' becomes a reference in the research process. Found 42 articles considered relevant to this topic. The research period used in a document indexed by Google Scholar is the last 10 years (2012–2022). The search results focus on research and analysis of terms related to Qiraat Sab’ah and other data analysis. The keywords on 'Qiraat Sabah' are associated with 5 clusters and 149 links, resulting in a total link strength of 323. The results of the analysis of the development of Qiraat Sab’ah posts over the past 10 years as a whole are still fluctuating and even tend to be less desirable; the highest number of publications in 2021 is 14 articles, and at least in 2013, there were 0 articles. The researcher examines published articles on Qiraat Sab’ah and its relation to the issues using the VOSViewer. This study may be a starting point for research related to further research on Qiraat Sab’ah and further research developments on Ulumul Qur'an in the future.
Analisa Metodologi Tafsir Al-Quran Berbasis Ormas di Indonesia Perspektif Metodologi Islah Gusmian
Authors: Ulya Nurun Najmatul , Amrulloh Ahmad Yasir
Published: March 2023

This article examines Indonesian commentary books compiled by Indonesian Community Organizations (ORMAS) or their representatives, namely Tafsir Al-Wa'ie Selected Verses by Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia and Tafsir At-Tanwir by Majlis Tarjih and Tajdid PP Muhammadiyah. The type of research method is library research, because the source of the analysis is based on library data, namely the work of interpretation by the two ORMAS and the formulation of the methodology developed by Islah Gusmian, "New Directions of Study Methodology on Al-Qur'an Interpretation." In particular, the 11 variables Gusmian analyzed to dissect Indonesian commentary works. Namely: (1) the systematic presentation of the interpretation (2) the form of presentation of the interpretation (3) the style of language in which the interpretation is written (4) the form of writing the interpretation (5) the nature of the commentator (6) the scholarship of the interpreter (7) the origins of the commentary literature (8) the sources reference sources (9) Interpretation method (10) nuances of interpretation (11) interpretation approach. After conducting a study of the two interpretations, it was concluded that the methodology used by these two ORMAS interpretation books has similarities and differences. The similarities can be seen in the systematic presentation of interpretations, forms of presentation, forms of writing, style of language, origins of literature, sources of reference, nuances of interpretation and approach. Meanwhile, the other three variables, namely the nature of the interpreter, the knowledge of the interpreter, and the method of interpretation show different results. For this reason, similar research can be developed to dissect the works of Archipelago interpretations in Indonesia, so that the methodology used will add variants to the treasures of Nusantara interpretation studies.
Modelling the dynamics of rabies transmission among dogs and to human and livestock in communities within and around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors:   , Ega Tesfaye
Published: March 2023

Rabies is one of the neglected tropical diseases that has persisted for centuries in Ethiopia, and it is endemic within and around Addis Ababa. In this dissertation, we propose a deterministic mathematical model with vaccination to study the dynamics of rabies transmission within and around Addis Ababa. The model comprises human, dog and livestock populations and formulated as a system of ordinary differential equations. Basic reproduction number 0 R and effective reproduction number e R are computed using next generation operator. For specified values of parameters 0 R and e R work out to be 2 and 1.6 respectively, which indicate the disease will be endemic. When 1 e R  the disease-free equilibrium 0  is globally asymptotically stable in a feasible region  . When 1 e R  there exists one endemic equilibrium point which is locally asymptotically stable. According to sensitivity analysis, the natural death rate of dogs 𝜇𝑑 , the annual birth rate of dogs 𝜗𝑑 , dog-to-dog transmission rate 𝛽𝑑, and disease induced death rate of dogs 𝜎𝑑 are found to be the most sensitive parameters of e R . Numerical simulations of our system show that rabies transmission will increase within and around Addis Ababa, and will peak in 2026 and 2033 in human and livestock populations respectively. Applying 25% vaccination coverage for livestock population will reduce the future infection by half. This study suggests that a combination of interventions consisting of 60% of vaccination coverage in dog population, 15% culling of stray dogs, and reducing the annual crop of newborn puppies by 25% will reduce the number of human and livestock infections by 70%, and the disease will be eradicated from the community.
Roles of bacterial toxin receptor and piwi-interacting RNA of pacific white shrimp penaeus vannamei in response to vibrio parahaemolyticus-causing acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease infection
Authors:   , Luangtrakul Waruntorn
Published: March 2023

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) or Early mortality syndrome (EMS) caused by virulent strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus AHPND (VPAHPND) has been a leading cause of significant losses of shrimp production. In this study, we aim to explore the response and the role of immune-related gene/protein and small RNA in the VPAHPND-infected shrimp. This research was divided into 2 parts. In the first part, we identified candidate genes of VPAHPND toxin receptor and further confirmed its function as a VPAHPND toxin receptor. APN has been reported as a Cry toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis, whose structure is similar to VPAHPND toxin. Therefore, we identified aminopeptidase N (APN) from the transcriptomic data of VPAHPND-infected Litopenaeus vannamei hemocyte. According to LvAPN1 and LvAPN2 gene expression analysis, only LvAPN1 were highly upregulated in stomach, hepatopancreas and hemocyte after VPAHPND infection and VPAHPND toxin injection. Silencing of LvAPN1 gene reduced mortality, the clinical signs of AHPND in the hepatopancreas and the number of virulent VPAHPND bacteria in the stomach. In addition, observation of hemocyte morphology by scanning electron microscope showed that the LvAPN1 silencing prevented severe damage of hemocyte morphology causing by VPAHPND toxin like what clearly observed in the control group. At the protein level, rLvAPN1 directly bind to the recombinant protein of PirA and PirB toxins. Our results indicated that not only stomach and hepatopancreas, but also hemocytes are the target tissues of VPAHPND toxin and act as the VPAHPND toxin receptor.  The second part aims to study on piRNAs that are expressed in response to VPAHPND infection. Firstly, we identified piRNAs from small RNA-Seq data of VPAHPND-infected L. vannamei. Totally 150 types of piRNA homologs were identified. Target gene identification of those piRNA identified 53 target genes involving in gene expression and protein synthesis/degradation. Six differentially expressed piRNAs (DEPs) were discovered. Two DEPs were upregulated whereas another 4 DEPs were downregulated after VPAHPND infection. Expression analysis of DEPs and the target genes showed that only 2 piRNAs such as piR-lva-29948104 and piR-lva-26449194 had the negative expression correlation with their mRNA targets which are E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF26-like (RNF26) and circadian locomoter output cycles protein kaput-like (Clock), respectively. According to target gene’s function, these 2 piRNAs might play the role in gene expression and protein synthesis/degradation processes in VPAHPND-infected shrimp. Collectively, our study provides the new insight into the role of VPAHPND toxin receptor, LvAPN1, and the expression of piRNA in response to VPAHPND infection. This knowledge will provide alternative strategies for fighting against VPAHPND infection in shrimp farming.
Genome annotation pipelines for prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms using de novo short read genome assembly
Authors:   , Anuntakarun Songtham
Published: March 2023

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is the massively parallel sequencing technology that has revolutionized biological sciences. Currently, microorganism genomes have been widely studied using NGS. However, the lack of details in the draft or reference genome is a common problem in genome analysis. Therefore, this study aims to develop genome analysis pipelines for eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms using public bioinformatics software and public databases. Leishmania matiniquensis and Leptospira interrogans were used as models for genome assembly and annotation in eukaryote and prokaryote, respectively. Our pipelines used SPAdes for short read assembled, AUGUSTUS and Prokka for gene prediction in eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms, respectively. The various functional annotation databases and the eukaryotic and prokaryotic virulence factor gene databases were included in our pipelines. Finally, we hope these pipelines can be useful for the researcher who need to analyze and get the insight into gene information in the microorganism.
Microfluidic system for detectingmalaria-infected red blood cells using impedance measurementcoupled with electromagnetic force
Authors:   , Sonridhi Prapapan
Published: March 2023

Malaria is one of the most life-threatened diseases caused by Plasmodium parasite. Malaria is preventable and curable, mainly due to the factor of time and management of the spread. In other words, a rapid detection with high accuracy will contribute to more effective treatment process. In this research, we introduced the new technique implemented microfluidics, dealing with the manipulation of blood cells using magnetic force, and impedance measurement measuring the signal changes of electrical impedance between a couple of electrodes. According to the distinct magnetic properties of normal red blood cells and malaria-infected red blood cells, the experiment was designed to compare the impedance of these two blood types at the symmetrical distance along two outlets. One of which used electromagnetic field to pull malaria cells to flow into more than the other. By the capability of distinguishing the signal resolution, the differentiation of changes in impedance would refer to discriminated percentage parasitemia of malaria. From the preliminary experiment, our microfluidic channel could divide similar number of beads and amount of fluid volume for both outlets. When we applied electromagnetic field on only the side near one outlet, the number of magnet beads on that side is greater than the other. Moreover, impedance measurement was tested with various plastic bead density which is at 2x105, 3x105, and 6x105 beads/ml in static test, and 6x105, 7.5x105, and 1.5x106 beads/ml in dynamic test. These results shared the same trend that the resistance was greatly increased, while the reactance was gradually increased when the density was increased. Similarly, we used normal mouse blood, 10% and 44% parasitemia malaria-infected blood to be our experiment samples in both static and dynamic test. The results showed that the difference of signal between normal mouse blood, 10% and 44% malaria-infected blood could be discriminated when we applied electromagnet at 15V and 24V. In case of 44% malaria-infected blood, significant change in resistance and reactance was found which specially increased in the outlet where magnetic force was not applied. When applied magnetic field, the outlet without the magnetic force had less infected blood cells and lower cell density that has two countering effects on the impedance in such a way that higher and lower resistance would be obtained, respectively. From our experiments, the results suggested the stronger influence of blood type on the impedance as the total resistance increases at this outlet. In the future,  after the further development, we hope that the impedance different ratio would more precisely translate into the percentage parasitemia.
Mechanisms of anthocyanin-enrich Riceberry rice extract (Oryza sativa L.) on the regulation of nutrient metabolisms and adipogenesis
Authors:   , Kongthitilerd Phutthida
Published: March 2023

Riceberry rice, a new pigmented rice variety from Thailand, contained high anthocyanin content and expressed various biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of Riceberry rice extract (RBE) in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and to identify the mechanism of RBE and its phytochemicals on insulin secretion from pancreatic INS-1 cells. In 3T3-L1 cells, RBE inhibited preadipocyte proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest without causing cytotoxicity. During adipogenesis, RBE downregulated transcription factor and adipogenic gene expression leading to the decrease in adipocyte number and triglyceride accumulation. Moreover, RBE reduced glucose uptake by downregulating glucose transporter 4 gene expression and enhanced lipolysis. RBE and its phytochemicals had no effect on intracellular calcium signaling in both preadipocytes and pancreatic β-cells. However, cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C3R) which synthesized from rutin presenting in RBE stimulated insulin secretion by promoting calcium influx via L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) and activating the PLC-IP3 pathway. Furthermore, C3R upregulated glucose-induced insulin secretion gene expression without cytotoxicity. These findings support the benefits of anthocyanins on the prevention of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Effect of jorunnamycin a on cancer stem cells of human lung cancer h460 cells
Authors:   , Sumkhemthong Somruethai
Published: March 2023

It has been recognized that cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in tumor tissue crucially contribute to therapeutic failure, resulting in a high mortality rate in lung cancer patients. Due to their stem-like features of self-renewal and tumor formation, CSCs can lead to drug resistance and tumor recurrence. Herein, the suppressive effect of jorunnamycin A, a bistetrahydroisoquinolinequinone isolated from Thai blue sponge Xestospongia sp., on cancer spheroid initiation and self-renewal in the CSCs of human lung cancer cells is revealed. The depletion of stemness transcription factors, including Nanog, Oct-4, and Sox2 in the lung CSC-enriched population treated with jorunnamycin A (0.5 µM), resulted from the activation of GSK-3ß and the consequent downregulation of ß-catenin. Interestingly, pretreatment with jorunnamycin A at 0.5 µM for 24 h considerably sensitized lung CSCs to cisplatin-induced apoptosis, as evidenced by upregulated p53 and decreased Bcl-2 in jorunnamycin A-pretreated CSC-enriched spheroids. Moreover, the combination treatment of jorunnamycin A (0.5 µM) and cisplatin (25 µM) also diminished CD133-overexpresssing cells presented in CSC-enriched spheroids. Thus, evidence on the regulatory functions of jorunnamycin A may facilitate the development of this marine-derived compound as a novel chemotherapy agent that targets CSCs in lung cancer treatment.
Development of nanoparticle-in-microsphere(Nimos) system for oral delivery of vaccine and antibody against ped virus for swine
Authors:   , Junchay Rachatapan
Published: March 2023

PED virus is a major barrier to the animal farming industry, and it is the main cause of the mortality of suckling piglets up to 95% by enteric infection. The 2C10 monoclonal antibody (mAb) obtained from Nicotiana benthamiana produced by transient expression was indicated as one of the potential candidates is an antibody against PEDV by oral delivery. The biologics are a new wave of pharmaceuticals and have been continuously developing, which has various benefits of low toxicity and high specificity. However, it unsuitable for use with oral drug delivery owing to limitations of the strong acidity and protease of the GI tract. Therefore, to overcome these limitations, the development of oral drug delivery is essential for biologics to enhance stability. The pH-responsive microbeads were used as a carrier for oral delivery and the alginate-chitosan is a well-known material, some properties protect biologics from an inappropriate environment of the GI tract. The concentration of alginate-chitosan was optimized for pH-responsive beads construction, which the 2% alginate and 1% chitosan is a suitable qualification. Then the physical characterization of pH-responsive microbeads includes the diameter size measurement by digital vernier, found that the distribution of diameter size was between 1.5-1.6 mm which was more than 70%. The SEM showed that the surface of pH-responsive microbeads was a network structure with varying porosity, meanwhile, the TEM demonstrates to the nanoparticles kept in microbeads. Further, the release behaviour for pH-responsive microbeads in simulated physiological fluids (SPF) was investigated under a fluorescent microscope, it was found that the pH-responsive microbeads could protect and retain the nanoparticles from SPF. In the last step, the biologics encapsulated with microbeads were tested with SPF, after that, it evaluated the efficacy by Real-Time PCR. From the result, both the viral-like particles and the 2C10 mAb still stable, even though, was tested with SPF. In summary, the alginate-chitosan is efficient enough to retain the nanoparticles, and the pH-responsive microbeads can use as a carrier for oral drug delivery owing to could be protected from an acidic environment and released the nanoparticles to the target area.
Drought tolerant gene identification by rice genome comparison and gene characterization in arabidopsis plant model
Authors:   , Punchkhon Chutarat
Published: March 2023

Abiotic stresses, especially drought and salt stresses can affect plant growth and productivity. ‘Kao Dawk Mali 105’ (‘KDML105’) rice is one of the crops which has to face both drought and salt stresses as it is grown in rain-fed saline soil in the northeastern region of Thailand, where the irrigation is limited. CSSL104, a chromosome substitution line with ‘KDML105’ genetic background, was developed in order to improve drought tolerant ability of ‘KDML105’ rice by transferring the drought tolerant (DT)-QTL region from double haploid line, DH103. Photosynthesis parameters of CSSL104 and its parental lines, ‘KDML105’ and DH103, were investigated, when they were grown in normal and drought-stress conditions. Net photosynthesis rates of all lines were similar in normal condition. In drought stress, net photosynthesis rate of all lines was declined, but CSSL104 and DH103 rice had the significant higher photosynthetic rate than ‘KDML105’ rice under drought-stressed condition. Based on the SNPs comparison between CSSL104 and ‘KDML105’ rice and gene co-expression network analysis, nine genes were involved in photosynthesis and six genes from those genes were used to study in Arabidopsis mutant lines containing the mutation in the homologous genes of the predicted ones. The mutant lines containing the mutation in LOC_Os01g72950, LOC_Os07g37550, LOC_Os07g38300, and LOC_Os10g10170 showed better growth than wild type (WT) under drought stress. The expression of LOC_Os07g37550 and LOC_Os08g41460 in ‘KDML105’ was higher than the expression in CSSL104 and DH103 under drought stress. It supported the result of net photosynthesis that ‘KDML105’ was more susceptible to drought stress than CSSL104 and DH103. Therefore, it was proposed that these genes were involved in drought tolerant mechanism in CSSL104.

The predicted drought tolerance genes from CSSL104, Ndh-O, Lhcb3, Rrf, Pgrl5-like, LOC_Os09g39390, Mrl1, together with LOC_Os01g68450, the predicted salt tolerance gene from CSSL16 were evaluated for salt tolerance involvement by using the Arabidopsis mutant lines containing the mutation in the homologous genes of the predicted ones. At1g65230 is orthologous to LOC_Os01g68450 gene in rice and at1g65230 Arabidopsis mutant performed the highest growth inhibition under salt stress condition when compared to other mutant lines. The revertant and ectopic expression lines with LOC_Os01g68450 gene show the higher growth parameters than the at1g65230 mutant under drought and salt stress. Moreover, the ectopic expression lines showed high net photosynthesis and pigments content under salt stress. These suggested that LOC_Os01g68450 gene has a function to maintain pigments contents under drought and salt stress leading to the photosynthesis adaptation during drought and salt stress.
Phytoalexin and biomarker peptide detection using mass spectrometry
Authors:   , Komkleow Sasikarn
Published: March 2023

Mass spectrometry (MS) has been one of the scientific techniques most commonly used in different areas. Therefore, the current research was carried out in order to investigate the role of MS in biological analysis. This study is divided into two main parts. The first part used MS imaging to reveal the ability of the technique for imaging metabolites directly from plant tissue. Thai rice varieties were used to investigate the production and distribution of diterpenoid phytoalexins using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). Results revealed the successfully detection of 5 types of diterpenoid phytoalexins on RD6 rice leaf tissue, including momilactone-A (m/z 353.17), momilactone-B (m/z 369.16), phytocassane-A/D/E (m/z 355.18), phytocassane-B (m/z 373.19) and phytocassane-C (m/z 357.20). In the second part, MS technique was used to assess the consequence of prolonged nicotine treatment on the invasion of A549 non-small cell lung cancer cell line by label-free quantitative proteomic analysis.  Proteins were collected from both the monolayer and the invasion systems to investigate the alteration in protein expression. Fifty five proteins from the monolayer system and 100 proteins from the invasion system were identified with a change in expression level after prolonged nicotine treatment. Western blotting was then employed to validate the candidate proteins. The results indicated that prolonged exposure of nicotine promoted invasion on A549 cells. Interestingly, legumain, heat shock protein HSP 90-alpha, heat shock related 70 kDa protein 2, protein disulfide isomerase A3 and profilin-1 were found to show higher expression in A549 cells after prolonged exposure to nicotine. These findings testify to the power of mass spectrometry in biological molecule detection, allowing the discovery of novel information in the future.
Inhibitory activity of metabolites from mangosteen roots Garcinia mangostana L. on hepatocellular carcinoma and colon cancer cell growth
Authors:   , Koopklang Kedkran
Published: March 2023

Liver cancer is one of the most common deadliest diseases both worldwide and in Thailand. Because of its rich and dual blood supply, malignant tumors in the liver could grow proliferative and rapidly spread to another organ. This process was called Metastasis, the major cause of human death. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) generally known as a queen of fruits, has been widely studied in medicinal applications for many decades, due to plenty of bioactive metabolites such as xanthones as a major component. Nonetheless, reports about bioactivities of minor components were barely known. In this study, metabolites isolated from mangosteen roots were evaluated their cytotoxic property and antiproliferative against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2 and Huh-7) and colon (Caco2 and HCT-116) cancer cells. The remarkable compounds were further investigated in molecular biology, including cell migration, apoptosis assessment and western blot analyses.

As results, the EtOAc crude extract of mangosteen roots was afforded four new compounds: mangostanone I – IV (compounds 1, 12, 13 and 18) and eighteen known compounds: a-mangostin (2), b-mangostin (3), g-mangostin (4), mangostanaxanthone IV (5), dulxanthone D (6), toxyloxanthone B (7), 1,7-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-2-prenylxanthone (8), euxanthone (9), norathyriol (10), 8-deoxygartanin (11), maclurin (14), 2,3',4,6-tetrahydroxybenzophenone (15), mangaphenone (16), (2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxyphenyl)(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)methanone (17), garciosine A (19), 4,5-dimethoxy[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-ol (20), 3-hydroxy-4-geranyl-5-methoxybiphenyl (21) and epicatechin (22). It was showed that compound 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 11 and 21 accommodated potential effects in anticancer properties against investigated cell lines with IC50 less than 50 mM and considerable anti-migration effects against Huh-7. Using Annexin V apoptosis kit, found out that compounds 1, 6 and 11 have an ability to increase apoptosis rate of cell Huh-7 in dose-dependent manner. In addition, western blot analysis revealed that apoptotic activation of 21 in HepG2 was mediated by selective suppression of Bcl-2 expression.
Potential of antimicrobial peptides against bacterial pathogens causing bovine mastitis
Authors:   , Popitool Kwantida
Published: March 2023

Bovine mastitis is a common disease in dairy cows. The majority causes of bovine mastitis disease is an intramammary bacterial infection via the teat orifice. In general, antibiotics are used for bovine mastitis treatment, its inappropriate usage leads to antibiotic-resistance problem and residue in meat and dairy products. One of the alternative ways against pathogen to reduce antibiotic usage is antimicrobial peptides which are innate immune of life. Three cationic peptides as Pm11, Pep64, and L10 peptides were evaluated for an antimicrobial activity to gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Pm11 has shown the best potent antimicrobial activity with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) range from 2.5-10.0 µM and IC50 0.32-2.07 µM. Time kill kinetics of Pm11 peptide against bovine mastitis pathogens were ascertained, Pm11 is exhibited strong activity to completely killing Streptococcus agalactiae (SCM1084), Streptococcus uberis (SCM1310) within 1 hour and completely killing Staphylococcus aureus (CM967), Escherichia coli (SCM1249) within 4 hour. However, Pm11 peptide at 10.0 µM could not be completely killing Klebsiella spp. (SCM1282), even though 3 log10 CFU/ml of Klebsiella spp. (SCM1282) was decreased within 2 h, but it was returning to grow up within 12 h. Visual observation under the scanning electron microscope of Pm11 peptide attacked to the pathogens shown the distinct morphological changes. The cytotoxicity assay confirmed that Pm11 peptide at the concentration 0 to 160 µM had low hemolytic activity to sheep red blood cells. Nonetheless, the antimicrobial activity of Pm11 peptide was reduced in UHT milk.
The impact of internet finance on the profitability of commercial banks in China
Authors:   , Song Yuting
Published: March 2023

Several studies analyzed the impact of internet finance on the profitability of Chinese commercial banks. This paper adds to the literature by focusing on two types of internet finance, internal internet finance (online banking) and external internet finance (third-party-payment (TPP) and peer-to-peer lending (P2P) platforms), and their relationship with bank performance. Two datasets that cover the years 2011 to 2018 are used for the regression analyses, a balanced panel dataset of 10 banks to analyze the impact of internal and external internet finance on bank performance and an unbalanced panel dataset of a larger sample of 43 banks to further explore the impact of external internet finance on commercial bank performance. The regression results suggest that online banking reduced the profitability of banks, which might be explained by increased cost in terms of operation, marketing and maintenance as well as upgrading of infrastructure. TPP growth also negatively affected bank profitability, which might indicate that TPP increases competition. The rapid growth of P2P, on the other hand, had a positive effect on bank performance, probably because of technology spillover effects from internet companies. To increase profitability, besides controlling cost, commercial banks should improve online channels and win-win cooperate with EIF enterprises to take advantage of technology spillover effect.