bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of ADAM33 Gene Variants Using Sanger Sequencing
Authors: Suwardji Kencono Viyati , Prayuni Kinasih , Andayani Sri Hastuti , Zulhamidah Yenni , Sofwan Achmad , Muflihah Lilah , Yunus Ronike , Junaefi Junaefi , Judasah Ijun
Published: February 2024

Asma adalah penyakit pernafasan yang ditandai oleh obstruksi saluran napas yang disebabkan oleh peradangan bronkus akut dan kronis. Gen disintegrin and metalloprotease 33 (ADAM33) merupakan gen terkait kerentanan terhadap asma dan diketahui memiliki lebih dari 300 polimorfisme. Studi meta-analisis melaporkan bahwa rs2280091, rs2787094, rs511898, rs2280089 dan rs2280090 memiliki asosiasi kuat dengan asma pada populasi Asia. Penelitian pendahuluan ini mengumpulkan 10 partisipan dengan penyakit asma dan 10 partisipan sehat untuk mengidentifikasi alel dan genotipe dari masing-masing polimorfisme menggunakan metode amplifikasi dan sekuensing Sanger. Hasil sekuensing menunjukkan bahwa 60% dari sampel yang diuji memiliki genotipe heterozigot untuk rs2280090 dan rs228091 baik pada sampel kasus maupun kontrol. Varian SNP rs2280096 menunjukkan bahwa frekuensi alel homozigot wildtype sebesar 60% baik pada sampel kasus maupun kontrol. Penelitian lanjutan perlu dilakukan untuk mengetahui apakah varian SNP tersebut memiliki aosisasi yang positif dengan penyakit asma.
Peran Adiksi Internet Terhadap Perilaku Prokrastinasi Akademik Pada Mahasiswa
Authors: Caninsti Riselligia , Juniar Alviani
Published: February 2024

Kegiatan akademik di perguruan tinggi menuntut mahasiswa untuk bersikap mandiri dalam mencapai suatu prestasi akademik. Untuk mendapat keberhasilan di perguruan tinggi, dibutuhkan cara belajar yang baik. Namun terkadang terdapat kendala yang dihadapi, sehingga membuat mahasiswa melakukan perilaku prokrastinasi akademik. Terdapat beberapa faktor yang membuat individu melakukan prokrastinasi akademik, yaitu: bermain game, bermain gadget, dan menonton film. Selama pandemi COVID-19, pemerintah melakukan kebijakan WFH yang membuat masyarakat melakukan kegiatan rutinitasnya di rumah secara daring. Pada akhirnya, individu yang sudah jenuh dengan kegiatan di rumah cenderung melakukan aktivitas berselancar di dunia maya melalui jaringan internet. Internet yang digunakan secara tidak terkendali dapat menyebabkan kecanduan yang dapat berdampak pada kesehatan. Kerentanan kecanduan internet sebelum pandemi, diperparah dengan keadaan pandemi yang mengharuskan segala kegiatan dilakukan secara daring. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk melihat pengaruh adiksi internet terhadap perilaku prokrastinasi akademik pada mahasiswa selama pandemi COVID-19. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif non-eksperimental dengan rancangan penelitian korelasional. Sampel pada penelitian ini adalah mahasiwa aktif usia 18-25 tahun yang aktif menggunakan internet untuk kegiatan non-akademis. Metode pengambilan data yang digunakan, yaitu accidental sampling. Jumlah sampel yang didapatkan pada penelitian ini sebanyak 103 sampel. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa adiksi internet memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap perilaku prokrastinasi akademik pada mahasiswa.
PENERAPAN METODE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT DALAM PERANCANGAN PROGRAM PENJUALAN TANAH KAVLING BERBASIS WEBSITE
Authors: Saputra Maharrandi Dwiki , Solecha Kusmayanti
Published: February 2024

Currently, property developer agencies are progressing rapidly, the supporting elements of home ownership are also facilitated by the presence of home ownership loans. In the process of selling land property, it still uses conventional methods so that customers must be present in person to find and order land plots. The sales process is still manual, causing errors in reporting and making it difficult for employees to find documents. The purpose of this research is to design a website-based land plot sales program that can facilitate the process of providing online land availability information, the land plot sales process which is equipped with a payment scheme calculator feature and a track booking feature. This research uses the Rapid application Development (RAD) model with the aim that the application can be efficient in processing time, and uses the black-box testing method in its testing. The result of this research is a land plot sales website with a payment scheme calculator feature and a track booking feature, so that the sales process becomes efficient, reporting data becomes accurate and data search becomes easier.
Edge effects of a fragmented seagrass habitat on flow, bivalve recruitment, and sediment dynamics
Authors: Turrietta E , Reidenbach MA
Published: February 2024

In both continuous and fragmented seagrass ecosystems, the vegetation edge can be a location of abrupt hydrodynamic change, with impacts to both ecological and physical processes. We address how flow and wave activity change across seagrass meadow edges and the effects of vegetation on sediment dynamics and bivalve recruitment. Two Zostera marina seagrass meadow sites were monitored: a high-density site with >500 shoots m-2 and a low-density site with <250 shoots m-2. Mean flow velocities were significantly reduced in seagrass vegetation adjacent to edges, with reductions compared to unvegetated areas ranging from 30-75%. Recruitment of juvenile bivalves was significantly elevated within vegetation. No significant differences in wave activity or sediment suspension and/or deposition were found spatially across a 10 m distance from a seagrass edge, but significant temporal variability was observed, caused by periodic storms. Wave height was a major predictor for sediment movement along seagrass edges, with an observed 10-fold increase in sediment collection within benthic traps following severe storms. These results were found across various heterogeneous edge configurations and reveal abrupt hydrodynamic responses of both mean flow and turbulence to occur at short spatial scales (1-10 m), with changes to wave and sediment deposition and/or suspension conditions only occurring over larger spatial distances (~100 m). Changes to the hydrodynamic regime were therefore found to be driven by meteorological conditions (e.g. winds, storms) on daily timescales and by changes in seagrass shoot density, altering both bivalve recruitment and sediment dynamics on longer temporal and/or spatial timescales.
North Atlantic right whale density surface model for the US Atlantic evaluated with passive acoustic monitoring
Authors: Roberts JJ , Yack TM , Fujioka E , Halpin PN , Baumgartner MF , Boisseau O , Chavez-Rosales S , Cole TVN , Cotter MP , Davis GE , DiGiovanni Jr RA , Ganley LC , Garrison LP , Good CP , Gowan TA , Jackson KA , Kenney RD , Khan CB , Knowlton AR , Kraus SD , Lockhart GG , Lomac-MacNair KS , Mayo CA , McKenna BE , McLellan WA , Nowacek DP , O’Brien O , Pabst DA , Palka DL , Patterson EM , Pendleton DE , Quintana-Rizzo E , Record NR , Redfern JV , Rickard ME , White M , Whitt AD , Zoidis AM
Published: February 2024

The Critically Endangered North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis entered a population decline around 2011. To save this species without closing the ocean to human activities requires detailed information about its intra-annual density patterns that can be used to assess and mitigate human-caused risks. Using 2.9 million km of visual line-transect survey effort from the US Atlantic and Canadian Maritimes conducted in 2003-2020 by 11 institutions, we modeled the absolute density (ind. km-2) of the species using spatial, temporal, and environmental covariates at a monthly time step. We accounted for detectability differences between survey platforms, teams, and conditions, and corrected all data for perception and availability biases, accounting for platform differences, whale dive behavior, group composition, and group size. We produced maps of predicted density and evaluated our results using independently collected passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data. Densities correlated positively (r = 0.46, ρ = 0.58, τ = 0.46) with acoustic detection rates obtained at 492 stationary PAM recorders deployed across the study area (mean recorder duration = 138 d). This is the first study to quantify the concurrence of visual and acoustic observations of the species in US waters. We summarized predictions into mean monthly density and uncertainty maps for the 2003-2009 and 2010-2020 eras, based on the significant changes in the species’ spatial distribution that began around 2010. The results quantify the striking distribution shifts and provide effort- and bias-corrected density surfaces to inform risk assessments, estimations of take, and marine spatial planning.
COORPORATE SOSIAL RESPONBILITY (CSR) TAMBANG BATU BARA DAN PENGARUHNUYA TERHADAP KESEJAHTERAAN MASYARAKAT DI KABUPATEN BERAU KALIMANTAN TIMUR
Authors: Mustari Nuryanti , Maulia Marsha Putri , Putra Muh. Yoghy Wana , Herman Herman
Published: February 2024

Corporate Social Responsibility atau CSR adalah suatu konsep atau tindakan yang dilakukan di dunia usaha atau industri sebagai rasa tanggung jawab yang akan ditujukan untuk sosial maupun lingkungan sekitar. Pada program pengembangan masyarakat, PT. Berau Coal menempatkan CSR bersama dengan kegiatan lainnya, hal ini merupakan upaya untuk menjaga keberlangsungan bisnis perusahaan dengan berfokus pada kesatuan aspek dan keselamatan ekonomi, sosial, serta pekerja. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui penerapan CSR Tambang Batu Bara pada perusahaan PT. Berau Coal yang ada di Kabupaten Berau. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif deskriptif, yaitu prosedur untuk mengungkapkan fakta yang mengakomodasi bentuk angka-angka dalam pengelolaan data statistik dan sebagai pelengkap dari data kuantitatif. Adapun objek dari penelitian ini adalah Badan Pusat Statistik Kabupaten Berau, para karyawan dan masyarakat yang tinggal di dekat kawasan pertambangan di Kelurahan Rantau Panjang Kecamatan Sambaliung Kabupaten Berau. Teknik analisis data menggunakan uji regresi linear sederhana untuk mengetahui dua variabel antara variabel independen X dengan variabel dependen Y yang akan dikenai prosedur analisis statistik regresi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pelaksanaan tanggung jawab sosial perusahaan atau CSR yang berkaitan dengan kesejahteraan masyarakat meliputi sektor Pendidikan, Kesehatan, Ekonomi Sosial, dan Budaya Lingkungan.
Implementasi Program Pelayanan Administrasi Terpadu Desa dan Kelurahan (PADU-DESK) Dalam Rangka Penyelenggaraan Pelayanan Publik di Kabupaten Kutai Kartanegara
Authors: Alamin Fathul
Published: February 2024

Kepuasan masyarakat terhadap pelayanan publik menjadi indikator untuk menilai tercapainya tujuan penyelenggaraan administrasi publik. Kabupaten Kutai Kartanegara sebagai daerah dengan wilayah yang sangat luas memiliki tantangan dalam pelayanan publik. Untuk lebih mendekatkan pelayanan serta meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan kepada masyarakat Pemerintah Kabupaten Kutai Kartanegara membuat program Pelayanan Administrasi Terpadu Desa dan Kelurahan (PADU-DESK). Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan analisis deskriptif dan pengumpulan data melalui wawancara mendalam yang bertujuan untuk menganalisis implementasi program PADU-DESK di Kabupaten Kutai Kartanegara. Hasil penelitian menemukan bahwa program ini belum berjalan secara efektif, secara teoritis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi implementasi Perbup No. 64 Tahun 2017 tersebut dari aspek komunikasi, sumber daya, struktur birokrasi, dan faktor anggaran menjadi beberapa permasalahan yang terjadi dalam implementasi PADU-DESK. Dalam proses penelaahan teori, peneliti menemukan faktor tambahan dalam penilaian tingkat keberhasilan implementasi suatu kebijakan yaitu faktor tingkat kematangan/maturitas kebijakan dan faktor akseptabilitas kelompok target kebijakan, sebagai pelengkap faktor-faktor lain yang telah dikemukakan oleh George C. Edward III (1980).
PENGGUNAAN DANA DESA DI WILAYAH KECAMATAN SIGEDONG KABUPATEN MEMPAWAH PROVINSI KALIMANTAN BARAT DARI TAHUN 2019-2023
Authors: Sumarno Dwi Agus
Published: February 2024

Pengelolaan Keuangan Desa merupakan salah satu bentuk tata kelola pemerintahan di Desa terhadap Anggaran Pendapatan dan Belanja dalam rangka melaksanakan pembangunan berdasarkan prioritas kegiatan yang telah ditetapkan dalam Musyawarah Desa. Pengelolaan dana desa dengan menggunakan fungsi manajemen melalui asas pelayanan publik yang baik akan dapat mengukur perkembangan pembangunan Desa-Desa di Kecamatan Segedong yang di mulai perhitungan Tahun Anggaran dari Transfer Ke Daerah pada tahun 2019 sampai dengan tahun 2023. Oleh sebab itu penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji Penggunaan Dana Desa di Wilayah Kecamatan Sigedong Kabupaten Mempawah  Provinsi Kalimantan Barat dari Tahun 2019-2023. Penulis menggunakan metode peneIitian deskriptif kuaIitatif dengan pendekatan induktif dikarenakan peneIiti ingin mendapatkan secara jelas dan mengetahui bagaimana evaluasi dari Pemanfaatan Dana Desa dimulai dari tahun 2019- 2023. Dari hasil penelitian terhadap enam desa di wilayah kecamatan segedong diketahui bahwa pembangunan pastisipatif yang dilaksanakan oleh masyarakat desa dikecamatan segedong telah berjalan dengan baik dan benar menghasilkan pembangunan yang sesuai dengan mekasisme dan aturan yang berlaku. Dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan oleh pemerintah desa bersama masyarakat dilakukan dengan Swakelola dan telah menghasilkan kegiatan yang terukur dan berkualitas. Kapasitas aparatur semakin meningkat dengan diberikan kesempatan untuk dapat belajar menambah pengetahuan kepemerintahan, keterampilan dan pelayan public dan berwawasan teknologi komunikasi elektronik. Hasil pembangunan dapat dijadikan dasar pengajuan Indek Desa Membangun kepemerintah untuk di jadikan desa mandiri sesuai dengan target pemerintah kabupaten Mempawah.
PEMBANGUNAN KAWASAN POS LINTAS BATAS NEGARA (PLBN) DAN DAMPAKNYA TERHADAP KEBIJAKAN KEAMANAN NASIONAL
Authors: Maisondra Maisondra
Published: February 2024

In 2024, the government has targeted that Indonesia will have 26 National Border Posts (PLBN). PLBN development is not only aimed at cross-border posts or offices, but will be built as a center for new regional economic growth. The presence of PLBN will improve the welfare of residents in border areas and increase the national security of the Indonesian nation. Through qualitative methods, researchers analyzed the conditions before the PLBN was built, the implementation of the PLBN area construction and the impact of the PLBN area development on national security policy. The research results show: Conditions of isolation and poverty before the PLBN Area were built, development of the PLBN area had been carried out on a large scale and there was a need for security policies in border areas so that the development of the PLBN Area was effective in increasing national security.
SMART ENVIRONMENT: ANALYSIS OF WATER MANAGEMENT POLICY IN MAKASSAR
Authors: Misbahuddin Angga -
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the Makassar government's policies on clean water management in Makassar, one of Indonesia's major cities. Utilizing the concept of a smart environment as an analytical framework, this study investigates whether Makassar's clean water management aligns with the principles of a smart environment. The escalating construction of apartments and hotels has notable consequences for water resources in Makassar. Simultaneously, the city experiences rapid population growth each year, indirectly affecting clean water consumption. This qualitative study employs descriptive analysis, aiming to elucidate and depict the current events concerning the research object. Secondary data forms the basis of this study. Research findings indicate that Makassar's clean water management does not conform to the smart environment concept. This discrepancy can be attributed to inconsistent clean water distribution aggravated by the city's swiftly growing population. Furthermore, the implementation of smart environment principles in managing clean water resources, such as the development of Public Green Open Spaces, waste management, river revitalization, and slum settlement management, remains suboptimal. These aspects significantly impact the establishment of a smart environment, particularly concerning the universal provision of clean water for Makassar's residents.

Keywords: Makassar City, smart environment, policy, water management
Tingkat Kematangan Perangkat Daerah Penyelenggara Urusan Administrasi Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil (Studi pada Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Bandung Barat Tahun 2020)
Authors: Yahya Afif Syarifudin
Published: February 2024

Kebijakan desentralisasi telah memberikan kewenangan yang sangat luas kepada Daerah. Berbagai kewenangan yang diserahkan dilaksanakan oleh perangkat daerah selaku pembantu Kepala daerah. Oleh karena itu, Perangkat daerah menjadi ujung tombak keberhasilan penyelenggaraan urusan pemerintahan di daerah. Perangkat daerah dengan tingkat kematangan tinggi menunjukkan hasil kinerja yang tinggi, begitu pun sebaliknya. Studi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tingkat kematangan perangkat daerah penyelenggara urusan administrasi kependudukan dan pencatatan sipil. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode campuran dengan strategi eksplanatoris sekuensial. Pengumpulan data dilaksanakan melalui pengisian tabel yang didasarkan atas 11 variabel yang diatur dalam Peraturan Menteri Dalam Negeri Nomor 99 Tahun 2018. Tabel yang telah diisi kemudian diverifikasi melalui wawancara dan studi dokumentasi untuk memperoleh bukti pendukung pelaksanaan agar hasil analisis menjadi valid. Wawancara dilaksanakan kepada Kepala Dinas, Sekretaris Dinas, Kepala Bidang, Kepala Seksi, Kepala Subbagian, dan Pelaksana Teknis. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kematangan perangkat daerah penyelenggara urusan administrasi kependudukan dan pencatatan sipil masuk pada kategori “Sangat Rendah” dengan skor 18. Berdasarkan hal tersebut, hendaknya Pemerintah daerah berupaya memenuhi persyaratan pada variabel dengan tingkat kematangan yang sangat rendah yakni penjaminan mutu pelayanan, pendidikan dan pelatihan aparatur, analisis kebijakan dan pemecahan masalah tugas, sumber daya peralatan dan perlengkapan kerja yang terukur, manajemen resiko pelaksanaan tugas aparatur, dan budaya organisasi.

 

Kata Kunci: , Peraturan Menteri Dalam Negeri Nomor 99 Tahun 2018; Urusan Administrasi Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil; Kinerja Sangat Rendah.
TOWARDS URBAN TRANSFORMATION FOR SUSTAINIBILITY OF IBU KOTA NUSANTARA
Authors: Wibisono Rizky Bangun , Mawardi Rafi Aufa
Published: February 2024

This research delves comprehensively into the development prospects of Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) within the context of the visionary Green Forest City and the inclusive City for All concept. Employing qualitative research methods and a literature review approach, the study draws from a diverse array of scholarly sources, including academic journals, articles, news reports, and more. The findings underscore the imperative need for cross-sectoral synergy, involving government bodies, private enterprises, and civil society organizations, to realize the vision of inclusivity in IKN's development. The future trajectory of IKN necessitates the implementation of systemic mechanisms for achieving inclusive cities. These mechanisms include augmenting political participation among minority groups, ensuring universal access to egalitarian public services, extending legal protection and social services to all, including minority groups and individuals with disabilities, and establishing inclusive healthcare and educational facilities. Successful execution of these dimensions holds the potential to transform IKN into an inclusive city, offering a sense of safety and comfort for its entire population. In conclusion, this research underscores the significance of holistic collaboration and systemic approaches in building inclusive urban environments. It illuminates the path towards realizing the Green Forest City's vision and the City for All concept within the context of IKN, with implications extending to the broader realm of urban development.
THE IMPACT OF BUREAUCRATIC REFORM ON INDONESIAN GOVERNANCE: A PERSPECTIVE REVIEW OF ACADEMIC LITERATURE
Authors: Hidayat Fauzan
Published: February 2024

This scientific journal examines the impact of bureaucratic reform on governance in Indonesia from an academic literature perspective. Indonesia, as a country with high administrative complexity, has undergone significant changes in its government system since the era of reform in the late 1990s. Before the reform, issues of inefficiency, overlapping authorities, and slow bureaucracy were major concerns in the public sector. This study aims to analyze the concrete impact of bureaucratic reform efforts, identify changes in governance, and provide a comprehensive overview of these changes. The literature review method is used to absorb the development of concepts, theories, and empirical findings that already exist. This article also reviews the history of bureaucratic reform, key elements in the reform, its impact on efficiency, accountability, public service, and community participation, as well as the challenges and obstacles in its implementation.
Strategi Diskominfo dalam Pemerataan Jaringan Internet di Kabupaten Parigi Moutong Provinsi Sulawesi Tengah
Authors: Juanda Juanda , Izzulhaq Andi
Published: February 2024

Berdasarkan data dari Diskominfo Kabupaten Parigi Moutong, masih terdapat 94 desa yang blank spot, dari jumlah 278 desa yang ada. Hal tersebut menunjukkan masih banyaknya daerah yang tidak memiliki akses internet yang baik. Tujuan dari penelitian ini ialah untuk menganalisis kondisi jaringan internet yang ada di Kabupaten Parigi Moutong dan akan merumuskan strategi pemerataan jaringan internet yang ada di Kabupaten Parigi Moutong. Teknik analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dan metode analisis SWOT, dimana analisis SWOT digunakan untuk mengetahui kekuatan atau kelemahan serta peluang dan ancaman dari Diskominfo dalam melakukan pemerataan jaringan internet. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah dalam melakukan pemerataan jaringan internet terdapat kendala dan ancaman. Berikut beberapa alternatif strategi yaitu bersinergi dengan masyarakat, swasta dan pemerintah pusat dalam membangun sarana telekomunikasi, memperbaiki sistem rekrutmen pegawai dan memaksimalkan anggaran serta sarana prasarana dalam pemerataan jaringan internet.
Polymorphic Plant Architectures: A Pathological Approach to Growing a Building
Authors: Gennett Andrew
Published: February 2024

Considering the prospects of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs), a parallel can be drawn between a building and a tree. How we might grow a living building follows nearly the same processes as how we grow a healthy productive forest. Agential systems such as plants and fungi must respond to and navigate in their environment, naturally resulting in the polymorphic growth of architecture defined by the local stimuli. A symbiotic relationship between two systems provides a ready means to shape the natural plasticity during plant growth using pathogenic agents capable of inducing morphogenesis. Exotic infection morphologies from pathogens are examined from the emerging perspective of a growing building. Transitioning from forest pathogen to biodesign agent of a living botanical building, host-pathogen symbiosis intrinsically links the growth and management of both. How plant pathogens maybe employed in the growth of a building is uniquely transferable across research disciplines from forest to building.
Understanding Cooper Pairs through SU(2)/SO(2) and Generalizing SU(2)/SO(2) to SU(3)/SO(2)
Authors: CHEN WEN-XIANG
Published: February 2024

This article explores how a mathematical tool called SU(2)/SO(2) helps us understand the behavior of Cooper pairs, tiny electron couples responsible for superconductivity. Copper pairs consist of two electrons with opposite spins bound together by vibrations in the material. The article explains how SU(2)/SO(2) describes the electron spins and their spatial arrangement within the pairs. It shows how this tool helps predict their distribution, formation process, and magnetic properties. Ultimately, this allows us to understand superconductivity better and design new superconducting materials.
'I feel different…'
Authors: Doutor Catarina , Alves Natália
Published: February 2024

Accessing higher education is a biographical learning experience for all students, which can promote transformations in individuals’ identities. This article aims to investigate the implications of biographical learning experiences on the students’ identities. We will explore African students’ biographical learning experiences in Portuguese higher education and how they shaped their identities. Biographical learning and identity theoretical perspectives were adopted. This is a qualitative study that used biographical interviews with 22 African students enrolling at Portuguese higher education. The content analysis carried out has been organized into 2 themes: biographical learning experiences and identity transformations. The results of the study show that African students gained new knowledge and skills and became more independent and autonomous. They develop their self-confidence and open-mindedness through a new way of seeing the world. Thus, African students’ experiences in higher education contributed to the formation and transformation of their identity.
Transformative Learning Transforming Research
Authors: Fleming Ted
Published: February 2024

Two research projects undertaken ten years ago explored the experiences of mature students’ access, progression and drop-out in higher education, relying on Habermas and Honneth for sensitizing concepts. This paper explores the implications of undertaking this research today adopting a different set of sensitizing concepts and in the process transforming the identity of the researcher. To this end, this paper moves beyond Habermas and Honneth to the critical theory of Negt and Kluge as a source of new sensitizing concepts informing a reimagined researcher and research project. Their work on experience, its dialectic nature, imploitation, obstinacy – as an alternative to resilience – and a sociological imagination are explored in order to identify possible new sensitizing concepts for researching adults returning to higher education. Implications for transformative adult education will be identified.
Dogs can detect an odor profile associated with Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in cultures and biological samples
Authors: Ramos Meghan T. , Chang Gerard , Wilson Clara , Gilbertie Jessica , Krieg James , Parvizi Javad , Chen Antonia F. , Otto Cynthia M. , Schaer Thomas P.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The study investigated the utilization of odor detection dogs to identify the odor profile of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilms in pure in vitro samples and in in vivo biosamples from animals and humans with S. aureus periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Biofilms form when bacterial communities aggregate on orthopedic implants leading to recalcitrant infections that are difficult to treat. Identifying PJI biofilm infections is challenging, and traditional microbiological cultures may yield negative results even in the presence of clinical signs.

Methods

Dogs were trained on pure in vitro S. aureus biofilms and tested on lacrimal fluid samples from an in vivo animal model (rabbits) and human patients with confirmed S. aureus PJI.

Results

The results demonstrated that dogs achieved a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in detecting the odor profile associated with S. aureus biofilms in rabbit samples. Preliminary results suggest that dogs can recognize S. aureus volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in human lacrimal fluid samples.

Discussion

Training odor detection dogs on in vitro S. aureus, may provide an alternative to obtaining clinical samples for training and mitigates biosecurity hazards. The findings hold promise for culture-independent diagnostics, enabling early disease detection, and improved antimicrobial stewardship. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that dogs trained on in vitro S. aureus samples can identify the consistent VOC profile of PJI S. aureus biofilm infections. The study opens avenues for further investigations into a retained VOC profile of S. aureus biofilm infection. These advancements could revolutionize infectious disease diagnosis and treatment, leading to better patient outcomes and addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
The effects of stocking rate, residual sward height, and forage supplementation on forage production, feeding strategies, and productivity of milking dairy cows
Authors: Ortega Gastón , Berberian Natalia , Chilibroste Pablo
Published: February 2024

The intensification process in Uruguayan dairies over the last 30 years has involved increases in stocking rate (SR) and individual milk production. This research aimed to compare biophysical indicators along with the associated feeding strategies for Holstein–Jersey crossbred dairy cow systems. The comparison was conducted in farmlets representing a typical Uruguayan pasture-based dairy system on a grazing area. The study spanned from 2017 to 2019, combining 1.5 or 2.0 milking cows per hectare (SR), with two different residual sward heights (RH)—low (LR) and high (HR). These combinations resulted in four treatments: 1.5 LR, 1.5 HR, 2.0 LR, and 2.0 HR. A total of 96 cows were randomly allocated to each treatment based on parity, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. The response variables per hectare were analyzed using a linear mixed model, including SR, RH, their interaction effect, year, and paddock as a repeated measurement. Results show that forage production did not differ between treatments, and forage directly harvested by cows was affected by SR, as well as milk and solids productivity. An interaction effect was detected between SR and RH on milk and milk solids production where 2.0 HR was higher than 2.0 LR, but treatments on SR 1.5 were not different between them. The consumption of concentrate, forage, and conserved forage per hectare was influenced by the level of SR. However, individual milk production was not influenced by SR or RH. Dry matter intake were affected by SR where 2.0 HR had higher consumption than 1.5 LR and 1.5 HR but was not different from 2.0 LR. The concentrate DMI per cow was not different between treatments, while the conserved forage DMI per cow was affected by SR and higher for SR 2.0 than that for SR 1.5. These combinations of feed determined varying proportions of time allocated for grazing, which were influenced by the SR and RH. This research highlights different approaches to enhance the competitiveness of Uruguayan grazing systems through improvements in forage harvest.
Cytokine expression in subjects with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis positive blood cultures and a meta-analysis of cytokine expression in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Kuenstner J. Todd , Xu Qiang , Bull Tim J. , Foddai Antonio C. G. , Grant Irene R. , Naser Saleh A. , Potula Raghava , Zhang Peilin , Shafran Ira , Akhanli Serhat Emre , Khaiboullina Svetlana , Kruzelock Russell
Published: February 2024

Objectives

1) Culture Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP)from blood, 2) assess infection persistence, 3) determine Crohn’s disease (CD) cytokine expression, 4) compare CD cytokine expression to tuberculosis, and 5) perform a meta-analysis of cytokine expression in CD.

Methods

The Temple University/Abilene Christian University (TU/ACU) study had a prospective case control design with 201 subjects including 61 CD patients and 140 non-CD controls. The culture methods included MGIT, TiKa and Pozzato broths, and were deemed MAP positive, if IS900 PCR positive. A phage amplification assay was also performed to detect MAP. Cytokine analysis of the TU/ACU samples was performed using Simple Plex cytokine reagents on the Ella ELISA system. Statistical analyses were done after log transformation using the R software package. The meta-analysis combined three studies.

Results

Most subjects had MAP positive blood cultures by one or more methods in 3 laboratories. In our cytokine study comparing CD to non-CD controls, IL-17, IFNγ and TNFα were significantly increased in CD, but IL-2, IL-5, IL-10 and GM-CSF were not increased. In the meta-analysis, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-12 were significantly increased in the CD patients.

Conclusion

Most subjects in our sample had MAP infection and 8 of 9 subjects remained MAP positive one year later indicating persistent infection. While not identical, cytokine expression patterns in MAP culture positive CD patients in the TU/ACU study showed similarities (increased IL-17, IFNγ and TNFα) to patterns of patients with Tuberculosis in other studies, indicating the possibilities of similar mechanisms of pathogen infection and potential strategies for treatment.
Risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation and its effect on survival in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and lenvatinib plus programmed death receptor-1 inhibitors
Authors: Yang Zhenyun , Guan Renguo , Fu Yizhen , Hu Dandan , Zhou Zhongguo , Chen Minshan , Zhang Yaojun
Published: February 2024

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a common complication in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of HBV reactivation and its effect on survival in HCC patients treated with HAIC and lenvatinib plus PD1s.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the data of 213 HBV-related HCC patients who underwent HAIC and lenvatinib plus PD1s treatment between June 2019 to June 2022 at Sun Yat-sen University, China. The primary outcome was the risk of HBV reactivation. The secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression−free survival (PFS), and treatment−related adverse events.

Results

Sixteen patients (7.5%) occurred HBV reactivation in our study. The incidence of HBV reactivation was 5% in patients with antiviral prophylaxis and 21.9% in patients without antiviral prophylaxis, respectively. The logistic regression model indicated that for HBV reactivation, lack of antiviral prophylaxis (P=0.003) and tumor diameter (P=0.036) were independent risk factors. The OS and PFS were significantly shorter in the HBV reactivation group than the non-reactivation group (P=0.0023 and P=0.00073, respectively). The number of AEs was more in HBV reactivation group than the non-reactivation group, especially hepatic AEs.

Conclusion

HBV reactivation may occur in HCC patients treated with HAIC and lenvatinib plus PD1s. Patients with HBV reactivation had shorter survival time compared with non-reactivation. Therefore, HBV-related HCC patients should undergo antiviral therapy and HBV-DNA monitoring before and during the combination treatment.
Transcriptome and proteomic analysis of mpox virus F3L-expressing cells
Authors: Wang Yihao , Zhang Junzhe , Li Mingzhi , Jia Mengle , Yang Lingdi , Wang Ting , Wang Yu , Kang Lumei , Li Meifeng , Kong Lingbao
Published: February 2024

Background

Monkeypox or mpox virus (mpox) is a double-stranded DNA virus that poses a significant threat to global public health security. The F3 protein, encoded by mpox, is an apoenzyme believed to possess a double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD). However, limited research has been conducted on its function. In this study, we present data on the transcriptomics and proteomics of F3L-transfected HEK293T cells, aiming to enhance our comprehension of F3L.

Methods

The gene expression profiles of pCAGGS-HA-F3L transfected HEK293T cells were analyzed using RNA-seq. Proteomics was used to identify and study proteins that interact with F3L. Real-time PCR was used to detect mRNA levels of several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HEK293T cells (or Vero cells) after the expression of F3 protein.

Results

A total of 14,822 genes were obtained in cells by RNA-Seq and 1,672 DEGs were identified, including 1,156 up-regulated genes and 516 down-regulated genes. A total of 27 cellular proteins interacting with F3 proteins were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and 19 cellular proteins with large differences in abundance ratios were considered to be candidate cellular proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses showed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways, including type I interferon signaling pathway, response to virus, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, etc. Moreover, some selected DEGs were further confirmed by real-time PCR and the results were consistent with the transcriptome data. Proteomics data show that cellular proteins interacting with F3 proteins are mainly related to RNA splicing and protein translation.

Conclusions

Our analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data showed that (1) F3L up-regulates the transcript levels of key genes in the innate immune signaling pathway, such as RIGI, MDA5, IRF5, IRF7, IRF9, ISG15, IFNA14, and elicits a broad spectrum of antiviral immune responses in the host. F3L also increases the expression of the FOS and JNK genes while decreasing the expression of TNFR2, these factors may ultimately induce apoptosis. (2) F3 protein interacts with host proteins involved in RNA splicing and protein translation, such as SNRNP70, POLR2H, HNRNPA1, DDX17, etc. The findings of this study shed light on the function of the F3 protein.
Treatment of coronary lesions with a novel crystalline sirolimus-coated balloon
Authors: Madanchi Mehdi , Attinger-Toller Adrian , Gjergjizi Varis , Majcen Irena , Cioffi Giacomo M. , Epper Angelika , Gnan Eleonora , Koch Tanja , Zhi Yuan , Cuculi Florim , Bossard Matthias
Published: February 2024

Background

There is mounting data supporting the use of drug-coated balloons (DCB) not only for treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR), but also in native coronary artery disease. So far, paclitaxel-coated balloons represented the mainstay DCBs. The SeQuent® crystalline sirolimus-coated balloon (SCB) (B.Braun Medical Inc, Germany) represents a novel DCB, which allows a sustained release of the limus-drug. We evaluated its performance in an all-comer cohort, including complex coronary lesions.

Methods

Consecutive patients treated with the SeQuent® SCB were analyzed from the prospective SIROOP registry (NCT04988685). We assessed clinical outcomes, including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI) and cardiovascular death. Angiograms and outcomes were independently adjudicated.

Results

From March 2021 to March 2023, we enrolled 126 patients and lesions, of which 100 (79%) treated using a “DCB-only” strategy and 26 (21%) with a hybrid approach (DES + DCB). The mean age was 68 ± 10 years, 48 (38%) patients had an acute coronary syndrome. Regarding lesion characteristics, ISR was treated in 27 (21%), 11 (9%) underwent CTO-PCI and 59 (47%) of the vessels were moderate to severe calcified. Procedural success rate was 100%. At a median follow-up time of 12.7 (IQR 12; 14.2) months, MACE occurred in 5 patients (4.3%). No acute vessel closure was observed.

Conclusions

Our data indicates promising outcomes following treatment with this novel crystalline SCB in an all-comer cohort with complex coronary lesions. These results require further investigation with randomized trials.
Vegetation responses to large dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, USA
Authors: Shafroth Patrick B. , Perry Laura G. , Helfield James M. , Chenoweth Joshua , Brown Rebecca L.
Published: February 2024

Large dam removal can trigger changes to physical and biological processes that influence vegetation dynamics in former reservoirs, along river corridors downstream of former dams, and at a river’s terminus in deltas and estuaries. We present the first comprehensive review of vegetation response to major fluvial disturbance caused by the world’s largest dam removal. After being in place for nearly a century, two large dams were removed along the Elwha River, Washington, USA, between 2011 and 2014. The exposure, erosion, transport, and deposition of large volumes of sediment and large wood that were impounded behind the dams created new fluvial surfaces where plant colonization and growth have occurred. In the former reservoirs, dam removal exposed ~290 ha of unvegetated sediment distributed on three main landforms: valley walls, high terraces, and dynamic floodplains. In addition to natural revegetation in the former reservoirs, weed control and seeding and planting of desirable plants influenced vegetation trajectories. In early years following dam removal, ~20.5 Mt of trapped sediment were eroded from the former reservoirs and transported downstream. This sediment pulse, in combination with transport of large wood, led to channel widening, an increase in gravel bars, and floodplain deposition. The primary vegetation responses along the river corridor were a reduction in vegetated area associated with channel widening, plant establishment on new gravel bars, increased hydrochory, and altered plant community composition on gravel bars and floodplains. Plant species diversity increased in some river segments. In the delta, sediment deposition led to the creation of ~26.8 ha of new land surfaces and altered the distribution and dynamics of intertidal water bodies. Vegetation colonized ~16.4 ha of new surfaces: mixed pioneer vegetation colonized supratidal beach, river bars, and river mouth bars, and emergent marsh vegetation colonized intertidal aquatic habitats. In addition to the sediment-dominated processes that have created opportunities for plant colonization and growth, biological processes such as restored hydrochory and anadromous fish passage with associated delivery of marine-derived nutrients may influence vegetation dynamics over time. Rapid changes to landforms and vegetation growth were related to the large sediment pulse in the early years following dam removal, and the rate of change is expected to attenuate as the system adjusts to natural flow and sediment regimes.
Construction of a co-expression network affecting intramuscular fat content and meat color redness based on transcriptome analysis
Authors: Wang Binbin , Hou Liming , Yang Wen , Men Xiaoming , Qi Keke , Xu Ziwei , Wu Wangjun
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Intramuscular fat content (IFC) and meat color are vital indicators of pork quality.

Methods: A significant positive correlation between IFC and redness of meat color (CIE a* value) indicates that these two traits are likely to be regulated by shared molecular pathways.To identify candidate genes, hub genes, and signaling pathways that regulate these two traits, we measured the IFC and CIE a* value in 147 hybrid pigs, and selected individuls with extreme phenotypes for transcriptome analysis.

Results: The results revealed 485 and 394 overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs), using the DESeq2, limma, and edgeR packages, affecting the IFC and CIE a* value, respectively. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified four modules significantly correlated with the IFC and CIE a* value. Moreover, we integrated functional enrichment analysis results based on DEGs, GSEA, and WGCNA conditions to identify candidate genes, and identified 47 and 53 candidate genes affecting the IFC and CIE a* value, respectively. The protein protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of candidate genes showed that 5 and 13 hub genes affect the IFC and CIE a* value, respectively. These genes mainly participate in various pathways related to lipid metabolism and redox reactions. Notably, four crucial hub genes (MYC, SOX9, CEBPB, and PPAGRC1A) were shared for these two traits.

Discussion and conclusion: After functional annotation of these four hub genes, we hypothesized that the SOX9/CEBPB/PPARGC1A axis could co-regulate lipid metabolism and the myoglobin redox response. Further research on these hub genes, especially the SOX9/CEBPB/PPARGC1A axis, will help to understand the molecular mechanism of the co-regulation of the IFC and CIE a* value, which will provide a theoretical basis for improving pork quality.
Barriers and enablers to exclusive breastfeeding by mothers in Polokwane, South Africa
Authors: Makwela Maishataba Solomon , Mashaba Reneilwe Given , Ntimana Cairo Bruce , Seakamela Kagiso Peace , Maimela Eric
Published: February 2024

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months, with the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding thereafter, and breastfeeding continuing for up to 2 years and beyond, is highly recommended. This could save the lives of up to 1.4 million children each year worldwide. Despite this, breastfeeding rates in South Africa remain sub-optimal, with the recommended target of 50% by the World Health Assembly (WHA) not being achieved. The study aimed to investigate the reasons influencing mothers' practice of exclusive breastfeeding in the Polokwane municipality of Limpopo province in South Africa.

Methodology

A cross-sectional health facility-based quantitative and descriptive survey was conducted using a validated-structured questionnaire administered to 146 mothers. The data was analyzed using STATA. Chi-square tests were used to determine the relationship between selected demographic variables and their reasons not to breastfeed exclusively.

Results

Although 94% of the mothers had initiated breastfeeding, at the time of data collection 8% had stopped. Of those who had stopped breastfeeding, 5% did so within one month of starting. Thirty- nine percent of mothers' breastfed exclusively, while 61% practiced mixed feeding. A positive association between exclusive breastfeeding practices and the age of the mother were observed, with older mothers more likely to breastfeed. The reasons mothers stopped breastfeeding were: the mother was ill (45%) or they returned to school or work (27%). Reasons for not breastfeeding were cited as: medical conditions, not enough milk, and infant refusal to breastfeed (33%). Mothers believe that HIV-positive women should breastfeed their infants (57%), and health workers were found to be the main source of HIV information to mothers (77%).

Discussion

Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months was less practiced. Infant formula and solid foods were introduced at an early age, usually within the first month of breastfeeding. This study sheds light on factors influencing the early initiation of breastfeeding and the practice of EBF as practiced in Polokwane.