bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Increase in Demand for Public Buses in University Students Daily Life Needs: Case Study Based on a City in Japan
Authors: Bakdur Ali , Masui Fumito , Ptaszynski Michal
Published: May 2021

Accessibility and economic sustainability of public bus services (PBS) have been in a continuous decline in Japan’s countryside. Rural cities also suffer from population transformation toward industrial centers experiencing rapid economic growth. In the present study, we reviewed the current demand status of PBS in Kitami, a rural city in Japan that hosts a national university. The investigation was performed by examining students’ daily lives using a survey to collect data representing a portion of the population. The objective was to predict the change in demand rate for PBS concerning the necessities of everyday life from the perspective of university students as potential users of PBS. Intuitively, decision-makers at every level display a distinct prejudice toward alternatives that intend to change the long-lasting status quo, hence in the question sequence, a two-step verification probe was used to reveal a person’s actual perceived opinion. Accordingly, the respondents’ initial demand rate for PBS was around 60%; however, this score increased to 71% in the secondary confirmation. Afterward, using machine learning-based prediction methods, we could predict this demand at over 90% of F-measure, with the most reliable and stable prediction method reaching 80% by other daily life indicators’ weight. Finally, we supplied thorough evidence for our approach’s usability by collecting and processing the data’s right set regarding this study’s objective. This method’s highlighted outcomes would help to reduce the local governments’ and relevant initiatives’ adaptability time to demands and improve decision-making flexibility.
The Effect of Supply Chain Management Strategy on Operational and Financial Performance
Authors: Lee Rok
Published: May 2021

Given that small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) are key to national economic development, the application of supply chain strategies that support their sustainability is critical. This study aims to identify the effects of supply chain management (SCM) on the operational performance of SMEs in Korea, specifically considering organizational competencies. To achieve this, an empirical survey was conducted on 300 Korean manufacturing SMEs that had introduced SCM strategies. The relationships between the variables were analyzed through structural equation modeling. These show that specific SCM strategies and organizational competencies had a significant effect on overall business performance. Furthermore, the SCM strategies had a significant effect on SME organizational competencies. Additionally, we analyzed the mediating effect of organizational competencies on the effect of SCM strategy on overall business performance. We found that organizational competence mediated the effect of SCM strategy on operational performance, but not on financial performance. The study shows that introducing SCM strategies directly improves business performance and is closely related to competencies such as research and development, technology commercialization, production capability, and marketing capabilities. Consequently, a combination of SCM strategies and organizational competencies can generate sustainable overall business performance among SMEs.
Exploring Creative Tourism Based on the Cultural and Creative Cities (C3) Index and Using Bootstrap Confidence Intervals
Authors: Mareque Mercedes , de Prada Creo Elena , Álvarez-Díaz Marcos
Published: May 2021

Creative tourism is a novel segment of the tourism market that may turn into a great opportunity for small cities to attract visitors. Thus, it can be a possible economic and social driver for local development. Despite its potentiality, not much empirical research has been conducted to explore the specific strengths and weaknesses of developing creative tourism in small cities, probably due to the lack of reliable data. Our study aims to fill this gap by using the C3 Index, a composite indicator developed by the Joint Research Center-European Commission, as the data source, and the bootstrap method as a statistical tool to detect significant differences between small and large cities. Our findings reveal that the smallest cities show positive features to foster creative tourism (e.g., they have at least as good cultural infrastructures and cultural participation as the largest cities). However, in some other aspects, small cities still have room to improve (e.g., improvements in local and international connections or further development of the cultural and creative sector).
Identifying Unwanted Conditions through Chaotic Area Determination in the Context of Indonesia’s Economic Resilience at the City Level
Authors: Hidayat Yuyun , Purwandari Titi , Subiyanto  , Sukono
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this research is to determine the unwanted condition as a strategic criterion in measuring the economic resilience of a city. A new approach in determining economic resilience was developed to overcome the weaknesses of the index method commonly used internationally. Based on the output of this research, the development priority program for each city becomes distinctive depending on the status of the city’s economic resilience. Quality improvement programs are used for cities that do not have resilience and retention programs for cities that already have economic resilience. Five piecewise linear regression parameters are applied to identify a statistical model between Income per capita and Pc as a concern variable and modifier variable, and a Z. Model is tested massively involving all 514 cities in Indonesia from 2015 to 2019, covering the components of the modifier variable: local revenue (PAD), poverty, unemployment and concern variable; GRDP and population. The value of the Fraction of variance unexplained (FVU) of the model is 40%. This value is obtained using the Rosenbrock Pattern Search estimation method with a maximum number of iterations of 200 and a convergence criterion of 0.0001. The FVU area is a condition of uncertainty and unpredictability, so that people will avoid this area. This condition is chaotic and declared as an unwanted condition. The chaotic area is located in the value of UZ less than IDR 5,097,592 and Pc < Pc (UZ) = 27,816,310.68, and thus the coordinates of the chaotic boundary area is (5,097,592: 27,816,310.68). FVU as a chaotic area is used as the basis for stating whether or not a city falls into unwanted conditions. A city is claimed not to be economically resilient if the modifier variable Z is in a chaotic boundary.
Postharvest Losses of Pomegranate Fruit at the Packhouse and Implications for Sustainability Indicators
Authors: Opara Ikechukwu Kingsley , Fawole Olaniyi Amos , Opara Umezuruike Linus
Published: May 2021

Pomegranate fruit, like other types of fresh horticultural produce, are susceptible to high incidence preharvest and postharvest losses and waste. Several studies have been done to improve the production and handling of pomegranate fruit to meet market standards, but little has been done in loss quantification, especially in the early stage of the value chain such as the packhouse. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the magnitude of pomegranate fruit losses at the packhouse, identify the causes, and estimate the impacts of losses. The study was conducted on a case study packhouse in the Western Cape Province of South Africa from February to March 2020. The direct measurement method, which involved physical identification of the causes of loss on individual fruit, was used for data collection. Loss quantification involved the calculation of lost fruit proportional to the amount put in the packhouse processing line. The results showed that losses ranged between 6.74% to 7.69%, which translated to an average of 328.79 tonnes of pomegranate fruit removed during packhouse operation per production season at the investigated packhouse. This magnitude of lost fruit was equivalent to over ZAR 29.5 million (USD 1,754,984) in revenue, in addition to the opportunity costs of resources used to produce lost fruit.
Attitudes, Perceptions, and On-Farm Self-Reported Practices of Shrimp Farmers’ towards Adoption of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) in Thailand
Authors: Booncharoen Chitrlada , Anal Anil Kumar
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the perceptions and attitudes relating to Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) in compliance held by a subgroup of Thai GAP certified shrimp farmers based on a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Different levels of farmers’ experiences with the method of farming resulted in significant differences in perspective and attitude in some domains studied, especially environmental sustainability and constraints to GAP production. Moreover, all farmers were willing to adopt GAP in order to create a safer certified farm, including reducing chemical use and reporting outbreaks of disease. Their main concerns surrounded the expenses required to change practices and farm safety certification to the shrimp farmers improvement, market volatility, and price fluctuations. It was evident that the important issues remain regarding GAP cost. The outcomes of this study will help farmers to understand the requirements towards safer and sustainable production and support policy developers in development of policies, strategies, and programs to encourage participation in GAP certification.
Extending the Model-Based Controller Design to Higher-Order Plant Models and Measurement Noise
Authors: Huba Mikulas , Vrancic Damir
Published: May 2021

The article extends a model-based controller design to higher-order systems, focusing on the speed and shapes of the closed loop responses, including the noise attenuation. It shows that, to obtain simple but reliable results, it is necessary to pay attention to the initial process identification and modelling and also to modify the target closed-loop transfer functions, which must remain causal. To attenuate high initial control signal peaks, appropriate pre-filters are introduced. In order to work with as few parameters as possible, all higher-order transfer functions (process models, target closed loops, pre-filters and noise-attenuation filters) are selected in the form of binomial filters with multiple time constants. Consequently, the so-called “half-rule”, used to reduce too complex process transfer functions, has been modified accordingly. Because derived controllers can lead to different transient dynamics depending on the context of use, the article recalls the need to introduce dynamic classes of control to clarify the mission of individual types of controllers. Consequently, also the performance evaluation using the total variation (TV) criterion had to be refined. Indeed, in its original version, TV is not suitable to distinguish between reasonable and excessive control effort due to improper tuning and noise. The modified TVs allow evaluating higher order systems with multiple changes in direction of their control signal increase without contributing to the excessive control increments. The advantages of the proposed modifications, compared to the traditional approaches, are made clear through simulation examples.
Bioengineered Matricaria recutita Extract-Assisted Palladium Nanoparticles for the Congo Red Dye Degradation and Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol to 4-Aminophenol
Authors: Malik Maqsood Ahmad , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Abomuti May Abdullah , Danish Ekram Y. , Patel Rajan
Published: May 2021

The green chemistry method is the preferred approach for synthesizing metal and metal oxide nanoparticles because of its low toxicity, environmental friendliness, feasibility, and safety to human health compared with other chemical or physical methods. The present work reports the phytogenic synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) using an aqueous extract of Matricaria recutita (Chamomile). The phytochemical-mediated synthesis of PdNPs is an economical and eco-friendly approach without using toxic elements as reducing and capping or stabilizing agents. The UV-visible spectroscopic characterization was initially used to confirm the preparation of PdNPs using an aqueous extract of M. recutita flowers as a bioreductant for the reduction of Pd2+ to Pd0 without using any extra capping and reducing agents. The appearance of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 286 nm confirmed the formation of M. recutita extract-based PdNPs. Furthermore, the PdNPs were characterized by TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, XPS, and FTIR to confirm their proper synthesis. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was implemented to interpret the decomposition pattern and thermal stability of as-synthesized PdNPs. The biosynthesized PdNPs were further applied as a nanocatalyst in degradation of an azo dye Congo red (CR) in the presence of NaBH4. The catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) was also investigated in the presence of NaBH4. All the catalytic reactions were performed in water, and no significant loss in catalytic activity was observed after recovery and reusability of the biosynthesized PdNPs.
Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins of Bougainvillea glabra Uncovered Polymorphism and Active Site Divergence
Authors: Lin Yihua , Xu Liting , Li Yanyan , Wu Xiaobin , Liu Yijun , Zhu Hongmei , Zhou Hantao
Published: May 2021

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are toxic proteins that can inhibit protein synthesis. RIPs purified from Bougainvillea have low nonspecific toxicity, showing promise for processing applications in the agricultural and medical fields. However, systematic research on the polymorphism of Bougainvillea RIPs is lacking, and it is worth exploring whether different isoforms differ in their active characteristics. The transcriptional and translational expression of type I RIPs in Bougainvillea glabra leaves was investigated in this study. Seven RIPs exhibited seasonal variation at both the mRNA and protein levels. The isoforms BI4 and BI6 showed the highest transcriptional expression in both the summer and autumn samples. Interestingly, BI6 was not detected in the protein level in any of the samples. However, the bioinformatics analysis showed that RIPs derived from the same species were gathered in a different cluster, and that the active sites changed among the isoforms during evolution. The significant discrepancy in Bougainvillea RIPs mainly locates at both termini of the amino acid sequence, particularly at the C terminus. Post-translational modifications may also exist in Bougainvillea RIPs. It is concluded that the reason for the polymorphism of Bougainvillea RIPs may be that these proteins are encoded by multiple genes due to genetic processes such as gene duplication and mutation. According to the results of sequence analysis, the possible functional differences of B. glabra RIP isoforms are discussed with regard to the observed discrepancy in both active sites and structures.
Phenotypic Divergence of P Proteins of Australian Bat Lyssavirus Lineages Circulating in Microbats and Flying Foxes
Authors: Deffrasnes Celine , Luo Meng-Xiao , Wiltzer-Bach Linda , David Cassandra T. , Lieu Kim G. , Wang Lin-Fa , Jans David A. , Marsh Glenn A. , Moseley Gregory W.
Published: May 2021

Bats are reservoirs of many pathogenic viruses, including the lyssaviruses rabies virus (RABV) and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV). Lyssavirus strains are closely associated with particular host reservoir species, with evidence of specific adaptation. Associated phenotypic changes remain poorly understood but are likely to involve phosphoprotein (P protein), a key mediator of the intracellular virus–host interface. Here, we examine the phenotype of P protein of ABLV, which circulates as two defined lineages associated with frugivorous and insectivorous bats, providing the opportunity to compare proteins of viruses adapted to divergent bat species. We report that key functions of P protein in the antagonism of interferon/signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling and the capacity of P protein to undergo nuclear trafficking differ between lineages. Molecular mapping indicates that these differences are functionally distinct and appear to involve modulatory effects on regulatory regions or structural impact rather than changes to defined interaction sequences. This results in partial but significant phenotypic divergence, consistent with “fine-tuning” to host biology, and with potentially distinct properties in the virus–host interface between bat families that represent key zoonotic reservoirs.
Vaccination by Two DerG LEAPS Conjugates Incorporating Distinct Proteoglycan (PG, Aggrecan) Epitopes Provides Therapy by Different Immune Mechanisms in a Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zimmerman Daniel H. , Mikecz Katalin , Markovics Adrienn , Carambula Roy E. , Ciemielewski Jason C. , Toth Daniel M. , Glant Tibor T. , Rosenthal Ken S.
Published: May 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be initiated and driven by immune responses to multiple antigenic epitopes including those in cartilage proteoglycan (PG, aggrecan) and type II collagen. RA is driven by T helper 1 (Th1) or Th17 pro-inflammatory T cell responses. LEAPS (Ligand Epitope Antigen Presentation System) DerG peptide conjugate vaccines were prepared using epitopes from PG that elicit immune responses in RA patients: epitope PG70 (DerG-PG70, also designated CEL-4000) and the citrullinated form of another epitope (PG275Cit). The LEAPS peptides were administered alone or together in Seppic ISA51vg adjuvant to mice with PG G1 domain-induced arthritis (GIA), a mouse model of RA. Each of these LEAPS peptides and the combination modulated the inflammatory response and stopped the progression of arthritis in the GIA mouse model. Despite having a therapeutic effect, the DerG-PG275Cit vaccine did not elicit significant antibody responses, whereas DerG-PG70 (alone or with DerG-PG275Cit) induced both therapy and antibodies. Spleen T cells from GIA mice, vaccinated with the DerG LEAPS peptides, preferentially produced anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) rather than pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ or IL-17) cytokines in culture. Similarly, cytokines secreted by CD4+ cells of unvaccinated GIA mice, differentiated in vitro to Th2 cells and treated with either or both DerG vaccine peptides, exhibited an anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) profile. These results suggest that the two peptides elicit different therapeutic immune responses by the immunomodulation of disease-promoting pro-inflammatory responses and that the combination of the two LEAPS conjugates may provide broader epitope coverage and, in some cases, greater efficacy than either conjugate alone.
Environmental Risk Assessment of Recombinant Viral Vector Vaccines against SARS-Cov-2
Authors: Baldo Aline , Leunda Amaya , Willemarck Nicolas , Pauwels Katia
Published: May 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Over the past months, considerable efforts have been put into developing effective and safe drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Various platforms are being used for the development of COVID-19 vaccine candidates: recombinant viral vectors, protein-based vaccines, nucleic acid-based vaccines, and inactivated/attenuated virus. Recombinant viral vector vaccine candidates represent a significant part of those vaccine candidates in clinical development, with two already authorised for use in the European Union and one currently under rolling review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Since recombinant viral vector vaccine candidates are considered as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their regulatory oversight includes besides an assessment of their quality, safety and efficacy, also an environmental risk assessment (ERA). The present article highlights the main characteristics of recombinant viral vector vaccine (candidates) against SARS-CoV-2 in the pipeline and discusses their features from an environmental risk point of view.
Age-Specific Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness against Different Influenza Subtypes in the Hospitalized Population in Lithuania during the 2015–2019 Influenza Seasons
Authors: Kuliese Monika , Mickiene Aukse , Jancoriene Ligita , Zablockiene Birute , Gefenaite Giedre ,   Study Group
Published: May 2021

Background: Continuous monitoring of seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness (SIVE) is needed due to the changing nature of influenza viruses and it supports the decision on the annual update of vaccine composition. Age-specific SIVE was evaluated against different influenza subtypes in the hospitalized population in Lithuania during four influenza seasons. Methods: A test-negative case-control study design was used. SIVE and its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated as (1 – odds ratio (OR)) × 100%. Results: Adjusted SIVE in 18–64-year-old individuals against influenza A, A(H1N1)pdm09 and B/Yamagata were 78.0% (95% CI: 1.7; 95.1%), 88.6% (95% CI: −47.4; 99.1%), and 76.8% (95% CI: −109.9; 97.4%), respectively. Adjusted SIVE in individuals aged 65 years and older against influenza A, influenza B, and B/Yamagata were 22.6% (95% CI: −36.5; 56.1%), 75.3% (95% CI: 12.2; 93.1%) and 73.1% (95% CI: 3.2; 92.5%), respectively. Unadjusted SIVE against influenza A(H3N2) among 18–64-year-old patients was 44.8% (95% CI: −171.0; 88.8%) and among those aged 65 years and older was 5.0% (95% CI: −74.5; 48.3%). Conclusions: Point estimates suggest high SIVE against influenza A in 18–64-year-old participants, and against influenza B and B/Yamagata in those 65 years old and older.
Engineered Human Monoclonal scFv to Receptor Binding Domain of Ebolavirus
Authors: Densumite Jaslan , Phanthong Siratcha , Seesuay Watee , Sookrung Nitat , Chaisri Urai , Chaicumpa Wanpen
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: Ebolavirus (EBOV) poses as a significant threat for human health by frequently causing epidemics of the highly contagious Ebola virus disease (EVD). EBOV glycoprotein (GP), as a sole surface glycoprotein, needs to be cleaved in endosomes to fully expose a receptor-binding domain (RBD) containing a receptor-binding site (RBS) for receptor binding and genome entry into cytoplasm for replication. RBDs are highly conserved among EBOV species, so they are an attractive target for broadly effective anti-EBOV drug development. (2) Methods: Phage display technology was used as a tool to isolate human single-chain antibodies (HuscFv) that bind to recombinant RBDs from a human scFv (HuscFv) phage display library. The RBD-bound HuscFvs were fused with cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), and cell-penetrating antibodies (transbodies) were made, produced from the phage-infected E. coli clones and characterized. (3) Results: Among the HuscFvs obtained from phage-infected E. coli clones, HuscFvs of three clones, HuscFv4, HuscFv11, and HuscFv14, the non-cell-penetrable or cell-penetrable HuscFv4 effectively neutralized cellular entry of EBOV-like particles (VLPs). While all HuscFvs were found to bind cleaved GP (GPcl), their presumptive binding sites were markedly different, as determined by molecular docking. (4) Conclusions: The HuscFv4 could be a promising therapeutic agent against EBOV infection.
BEI Inactivated Vaccine Induces Innate and Adaptive Responses and Elicits Partial Protection upon Reassortant Betanodavirus Infection in Senegalese Sole
Authors: Valero Yulema , Olveira José G. , López-Vázquez Carmen , Dopazo Carlos P. , Bandín Isabel
Published: May 2021

Nervous necrosis virus (NNV), the causative agent of viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER), is one of the most threatening viruses affecting marine and freshwater fish species worldwide. Senegalese sole is a promising fish species in Mediterranean aquaculture but also highly susceptible to NNV and VER outbreaks, that puts its farming at risk. The development of vaccines for aquaculture is one of best tools to prevent viral spread and sudden outbreaks, and virus inactivation is the simplest and most cost-effective method available. In this work, we have designed two inactivated vaccines based on the use of formalin or binary ethylenimine (BEI) to inactivate a reassortant NNV strain. After vaccination, the BEI-inactivated vaccine triggered the production of specific IgM-NNV antibodies and stimulated innate and adaptive immune responses at transcriptional level (rtp3, mx, mhcii and tcrb coding genes). Moreover, it partially improved survival after an NNV in vivo challenge, reducing the mid-term viral load and avoiding the down-regulation of immune response post-challenge. On the other hand, the formalin-inactivated vaccine improved the survival of fish upon infection without inducing the production of IgM-NNV antibodies and only stimulating the expression of herc4 and mhcii genes (in head-kidney and brain, respectively) during the vaccination period; this suggests that other immune-related pathways may be involved in the partial protection provoked. Although these vaccines against NNV showed encouraging results, further studies are needed to improve sole protection and to fully understand the underlying immune mechanism.
Targeted Vaccine Allocation Could Increase the COVID-19 Vaccine Benefits Amidst Its Lack of Availability: A Mathematical Modeling Study in Indonesia
Authors: Fuady Ahmad , Nuraini Nuning , Sukandar Kamal K. , Lestari Bony W.
Published: May 2021

With a limited number of vaccines and healthcare capacity shortages, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, vaccination programs should seek the most efficient strategy to reduce the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemics. This study aims at assessing several scenarios of delivering the vaccine to people in Indonesia. We develop a model for several scenarios of delivering vaccines: without vaccination, fair distribution, and targeted distribution to five and eight districts with the highest COVID-19 incidence in West Java, one of the most COVID-19-affected regions in Indonesia. We calculate the needs of vaccines and healthcare staff for the program, then simulate the model for the initial 4-month and one-year scenarios. A one-year vaccination program would require 232,000 inoculations per day by 4833 vaccinators. Targeted vaccine allocation based on the burden of COVID-19 cases could benefit the COVID-19 vaccination program by lowering at least 5000 active cases. The benefits would increase by improving the number of vaccines and healthcare staff. Amidst lacking available vaccines, targeted vaccine allocation based on the burden of COVID-19 cases could increase the benefit of the COVID-19 vaccination program but still requires progressive efforts to improve healthcare capacity and vaccine availability for optimal protection for people.
Delivering Two Tumour Antigens Survivin and Mucin-1 on Virus-Like Particles Enhances Anti-Tumour Immune Responses
Authors: Campbell Katrin , Young Vivienne L. , Donaldson Braeden C. , Woodall Matthew J. , Shields Nicholas J. , Walker Greg F. , Ward Vernon K. , Young Sarah L.
Published: May 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, with many patients experiencing recurrence following treatment. Antigens delivered on virus-like particles (VLPs) induce a targeted immune response and here we investigated whether the co-delivery of multiple antigens could induce a superior anti-cancer response for BC immunotherapy. VLPs were designed to recombinantly express murine survivin and conjugated with an aberrantly glycosylated mucin-1 (MUC1) peptide using an intracellular cleavable bis-arylhydrazone linker. Western blotting, electron microscopy and UV absorption confirmed survivin-VLP expression and MUC1 conjugation. To assess the therapeutic efficacy of VLPs, orthotopic BC tumours were established by injecting C57mg.MUC1 cells into the mammary fat pad of mice, which were then vaccinated with surv.VLP-SS-MUC1 or VLP controls. While wild-type mice vaccinated with surv.VLP-SS-MUC1 showed enhanced survival compared to VLPs delivering either antigen alone, MUC1 transgenic mice vaccinated with surv.VLP-SS-MUC1 showed no enhanced survival compared to controls. Hence, while co-delivery of two tumour antigens on VLPs can induce a superior anti-tumour immune response compared to the delivery of single antigens, additional strategies must be employed to break tolerance when targeted tumour antigens are expressed as endogenous self-proteins. Using VLPs for the delivery of multiple antigens represents a promising approach to improving BC immunotherapy, and has the potential to be an integral part of combination therapy in the future.
Pluripotency and Growth Factors in Early Embryonic Development of Mammals: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Llobat Lola
Published: May 2021

The regulation of early events in mammalian embryonic development is a complex process. In the early stages, pluripotency, cellular differentiation, and growth should occur at specific times and these events are regulated by different genes that are expressed at specific times and locations. The genes related to pluripotency and cellular differentiation, and growth factors that determine successful embryonic development are different (or differentially expressed) among mammalian species. Some genes are fundamental for controlling pluripotency in some species but less fundamental in others, for example, Oct4 is particularly relevant in bovine early embryonic development, whereas Oct4 inhibition does not affect ovine early embryonic development. In addition, some mechanisms that regulate cellular differentiation do not seem to be clear or evolutionarily conserved. After cellular differentiation, growth factors are relevant in early development, and their effects also differ among species, for example, insulin-like growth factor improves the blastocyst development rate in some species but does not have the same effect in mice. Some growth factors influence genes related to pluripotency, and therefore, their role in early embryo development is not limited to cell growth but could also involve the earliest stages of development. In this review, we summarize the differences among mammalian species regarding the regulation of pluripotency, cellular differentiation, and growth factors in the early stages of embryonic development.
The Relative Effects of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on the Recruitment of Freshwater Mussels (Margaritifera laevis)
Authors: Kawajiri Keita , Ishiyama Nobuo , Miura Kazuki , Terui Akira , Sueyoshi Masanao , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: May 2021

Freshwater mussels, Unionoida, are endangered across the globe due to recruitment failure. In the present study, with general linear mixed models, we investigated the relative effects of biotic (host fish density) and abiotic (water depth, fine sediment, water temperature, and water quality) factors on the recruitment of Margaritifera laevis in 10 streams of Hokkaido, northern Japan. We additionally examined the factors regulating the density of the host fish Oncorhynchus masou masou with general linear models. The proportion of juvenile mussels had a unimodal relationship with the host density, which was the most influential factor among the others examined. The positive relationship between mussel recruitment and host density can be attributed to an increased host fish infection rate. The negative correlation between mussel recruitment and host density at high fish densities may be due to reduced larval growth on host fish that are in poor physical condition. We also found that host fish density was negatively affected by nutrient enrichment. Our results suggest that mitigating water quality degradation to recover host fish density should be prioritized to improve mussel recruitment. Although stock enhancement is effective for increasing the salmon population density, excess stocking can further disturb mussel recruitment.
Silver Doped Zinc Stannate (Ag-ZnSnO3) for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Caffeine under UV Irradiation
Authors: Anucha Chukwuka Bethel , Altin IIknur , Bacaksiz Emin , Stathopoulos Vassilis N. , Polat Ismail , Yasar Ahmet , Yüksel Ömer Faruk
Published: May 2021

Contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) spread across a wide range of organic product compounds. As biorecalcitrants, their removal from conventional wastewater treatment systems remains a herculean task. To address this issue, heterogenous solar driven advanced oxidation process based-TiO2 and other semiconductor materials has been extensively studied for their abatement from wastewater sources. In this study, we have synthesized by hydrothermal assisted co-precipitation Ag doped ZnSnO3. Structural and morphological characterizations were performed via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), N2 adsorption-desorption at 77 K by Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) and Barrett, Joyner, and Halenda (BJH) methods, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy coupled with Energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and UV-visible absorption in Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis/DRS) mode. Crystallite size estimate for Ag-ZnSnO3 and undoped form was 19.4 and 29.3 nm, respectively, while respective TEM particle size estimate was 79.0 nm and 98.2 nm. BET surface area and total pore volume by BJH for Ag-ZnSnO3 were estimated with respective values of 17.2 m2/g and 0.05 cm3/g in comparison to 18.8 m2/g and 0.06 cm3/g for ZnSnO3. Derived energy band gap (Eg) values were 3.8 eV for Ag-ZnSnO3 and 4.2 eV for ZnSnO3. Photocatalytic performance of Ag-ZnSnO3 was tested towards caffeine achieving about 68% removal under (natural) unmodified pH = 6.50 and almost 100% removal at initial pH around 7.5 after 4 h irradiation. The effect of initial pH, catalyst dosage, pollutant concentration, charge scavengers, H2O2, contaminant inorganic ions (anions) as well as humic acid (HA) on the photocatalyst activity over caffeine degradation were assessed. In accordance with the probation test of the reactive species responsible for photocatalytic degradation process, a reaction mechanism was deduced.
Food Web Responses to a Cyanobacterial Bloom in a Freshwater Eutrophic Lake
Authors: Han Mengqi , Dong Chenchen , Ma Siqi , Feng Cui , Lei Chengqiang , Gu Zemao , Liu Xiangjiang
Published: May 2021

The microbial food web is an important part in aquatic ecosystem, but studies on the microbial food web in freshwater ecosystem, especially in freshwater eutrophic lakes, still need further investigation. In the present study, using eutrophic Lake Nanhu as model, the community changes of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and bacteria between the bloom and non-bloom period were analyzed, and microzooplankton grazing experiments were also conducted to measure the grazing pressure and selectivity of microzooplankton on phytoplankton community. Phytoplankton community in Lake Nanhu was mainly dominated by Cyanophyta (49.44%), especially Anabaena circinalis and Microcystis flos-aquae, during bloom period. Rotifers were the main components of zooplankton in Lake Nanhu (44.15%), Brachionus calyciflorus and Moina macrocopa were the most dominant zooplankton in the non-bloom and bloom period, respectively. Bacteroidetes showed significantly higher mean proportion in bloom period than that in non-bloom period (p < 0.001). The growth rates of phytoplankton ranged from −1.00 d−1 to 1.29 d−1, while grazing rates of microzooplankton ranged from −1.15 d−1 to 1.05 d−1. Results indicated that microzooplankton could respond quickly to the increase of phytoplankton during bloom period. Meanwhile, microzooplankton showed grazing preference on Cyanophyta and Cryptophyta during bloom period and non-bloom period, respectively. The microzooplankton grazing selectivity during bloom period might depend on phytoplankton community composition.
KAMBİYO SENETLERİNDE YETKİ KAYDI VE BU KAYDIN TACİR VEYA KAMU TÜZEL KİŞİSİ OLMAYAN AVALİST VE CİRANTALARA ETKİSİ
Authors: TÜZEMEN ATİK Ebru
Published: May 2021

Yetki kaydı, kambiyo senetlerinin ihtiyari unsurlarındandır. Bu kaydın senet üzerine yazılmasına kıymetli evrak hukuku bakımından bir engel bulunmamaktadır. Ancak yetki kaydının geçerliliği usul hukuku kuralları çerçevesinde belirlenecektir. Hukuk Muhakemeleri Kanunu’nun 17. maddesine göre, yetki sözleşmelerinin geçerliliği, tacirler veya kamu tüzel kişileri arasında yapılmış olmasına bağlıdır. Kambiyo senetlerinde yetki kaydı da bu koşulun sağlanması hâlinde hukuki sonuç doğuracaktır. Bu senetlerin tedavülü hâlinde yetki kaydının, avalist ya da ciranta açısından da geçerli olup olmayacağının belirlenmesi gerekir. Açıklanan hususlar dâhilinde bu çalışmada, yetki kaydının tacir ya da kamu tüzel kişisi olmayan avalist veya ciranta açısından bağlayıcı olup olmayacağı üzerinde durulmaktadır.
ÜÇÜNCÜ KİŞİ LEHİNE ARABULUCULUK SÖZLEŞMESİ İLE ŞARTA BAĞLI ARABULUCULUK SÖZLEŞMESİNİN İCRA EDİLEBİLİRLİĞİ
Authors: ARIKAN Gökçe
Published: May 2021

Arabuluculuk faaliyeti sonunda varılan anlaşmanın kapsamının taraflarca belirlenmesi kuralı, tarafların arabuluculuk sözleşmesinde üçüncü kişi lehine edim yükümlülüğü düzenlemelerini ya da sözleşmenin bütünüyle ya da içerdiği münferit edimler yönünden geciktirici veya bozucu şarta bağlı olarak yapılabilmesini mümkün kılmaktadır. Hem üçüncü kişi lehine arabuluculuk sözleşmesinin hem de şarta bağlı arabuluculuk sözleşmesinin icra edilebilirliğinin incelendiği çalışmamızda, ilamlı icrada karşılaşılabilecek sorunlara çözüm önerileri sunularak; tam üçüncü kişi lehine arabuluculuk sözleşmesinde kendisi lehine öngörülen edimlerin ifasını talep hakkına sahip olan üçüncü kişinin, sözleşmenin icra edilebilirliğine ilişkin şerh verilmesini talep ederek arabuluculuk sözleşmesinin icrasını gerçekleştirme imkanının olduğu ve geciktirici şarta bağlı arabuluculuk sözleşmesinde şart gerçekleşmedikçe icrasının da gerçekleşmeyeceği, buna karşın bozucu şarta bağlı arabuluculuk sözleşmesinin icrasının gerçekleşeceği sonucuna varılmaktadır.
Control de presión, modelado matemático y sintonización de controladores por el método de Ziegler-Nichols
Authors: Martínez-Marín Francisco Alejandro , Garciabada-Silva Gabriel , Hernández-Cervantes Aldo Aarón
Published: May 2021

Obtaining the parameters of a PID controller is done through several steps, mathematical modeling is the first of them, where it is verified that the number of unknowns is equal to the number of equations. Using the Laplace transforms, one passes from the time domain to the Laplace domain. By the Ziegler-Nichols method, and substituting iw for s in the characteristic equation of the process, the frequency domain is passed and the ultimate gain is established and with which it is possible to deduce the values of a proportional, derivative and integral controller. The final gain obtained in an analytical way can be verified by means of the graphs of the place of the roots, which can be easily generated by means of programs in Matlab, but this is beyond the scope of this article.
Simulación y Optimización de Estrategias de Control para Sistemas Energéticos Renovables de Baja Potencia
Authors: Urbano-Arcila Paola Andrea , Lastres-Danguillecourt Orlando , Hernández-Galvez Geovanni , Ibáñez-Duharte Guillermo Rogelio
Published: May 2021

A methodology for the optimization of renewable hybrid low power generation systems (RHLPS) is presented, analyzing its performance under different control strategies and thus reducing the costs of power generation using the existing equipment, and varying only the configuration of the factory settings. The above is achieved through the use of software tools for simulations and sensitivity analysis. In the first instance, a description of the different control strategies that have been applied to the RHLPSs is made. Secondly, a RHLPS optimization methodology is developed by means of control strategies. As a third and last point, the methodology is applied to a system in operation, where, through simulations, the optimal values are obtained and those allow to analyze the operation of the system under different control strategies. The results show that an appropriate control strategy allows a better performance and operation of the systems, and therefore it is important to perform an optimization and operational analysis to the existing systems, to make a better use of the equipment, as well as the available renewable resources.
Análisis de las prestaciones de un motor de combustión interna alternativo usando
biocombustibles: (i) aceite de soya; (ii) aceite de canola
Authors: Jiménez-Macedo Víctor Daniel , Villagómez-Galindo Miguel , De la Garza-De Leó Oscar Alejandro
Published: May 2021

In the present study, two biofuels derived from cooking oil are evaluated. To carry out this work, an reciprocating internal combustion engine will be used, which is ready on a fully instrumented engine test bench. Firstly, the biodiesel production process is described, where soybean oil and canola oil have been used. Subsequently, the experimental section that has been used for the present investigation is described. The experimental tests are carried out: (i) modifying the degree of opening of the accelerator and (ii) using a constant load of the dynamometer. On the other hand, in the results section shows the performance of the two biofuels generated against diesel commercial. Also, in this section shows the percentage differences of: (i) engine power; (ii) mass fuel, (iii) thermal efficiency engine and, (iv) exhaust temperaturas. The tests have been carried out under different engine speed conditions of the reciprocating internal combustion engine. Where, the main average differences that have been registered in the engine test bench were: for engine power, 32 and 33%; for the mass fuel consumption of -4.5 and 5%, when using soybean biodiesel and canola biodiesel, respectively. These differences are due to the energy capacity of each biofuel and, the instantaneous evolution of combustion process inside the reciprocating internal combustion engine.
HUBUNGAN TINGKAT KECEMASAN DENGAN MEKANISME KOPING PADA PASIEN GAGAL GINJAL KRONIK YANG MENJALANI HEMODIALISA DI RUANGAN HEMODIALISA RUMAH SAKIT GRANDMED LUBUK PAKAM
Authors: Sitepu Sari Desi Esta Ulina , Viaulina Ade , Sipayung Selamat Tuahta , Simarmata Pratiwi Christa , Br Ginting Junita Ika Susanti
Published: May 2021

Chronic renal failure is a disorder in which the body’s ability renal function failed to maintain metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance. Hemodialysis is a process used patients in a state of acute illness requiring long-term therapy. The patients with renal failure often experience fear because of the conditions they experienced pain this can be a physical stressor that can lead patients to levels of stress and anxiety. Research design using cross- sectional. The population includes hemodialysis patients of Grandmed Hospital Lubuk Pakam. Samples consisting of 43 respondents meeting inclusion criteria were selected using purposive sampling method.This study presented based on the frequency and characteristics of respondents with results of the appointment that anxiety levels can be categorized as mild anxiety (18,6%), moderate anxiety ( 41,9%), and severe anxiety (39,5%). For coping mechanisme of adaptive coping (39,5%) and maladaptive coping (60,5%) category. Analysis of this research data using chi-Square. The results showed that there was an association of anxiety level with coping mechanism in patients with chronic renal failure who underwent hemodialysis at Grandmed Hospital Lubuk Pakam with p = 0,031. The more adaptive the respondent’s clutch the lighter the level of anxiety experienced. The results of this study was expected  to nurse or hemodialysis officers further improve the provision of counseling to patients hemodialysis so that patients are able use adaptive coping in the face of anxiety.
HUBUNGAN PERAN EDUCATOR PERAWAT DALAM DISCHARGE PLANNING DENGAN TINGKAT KEPATUHAN PASIEN RAWAT INAP UNTUK KONTROL DI RUMAH SAKIT GRANDMED LUBUK PAKAM TAHUN 2021
Authors: . Pitriani , Ginting Samuel , Yanti Dian Anggri , Simarmata Juni Mariati , Syara Arfah May , Butar Butar Rita Ayu
Published: May 2021

The role of educators is to help patients improve their health by providing knowledge about medical treatments and actions received so that patients or families can find out important knowledge for patients or their families. The research objective was to analyze the relationship between the role of the nurse educator in discharge planning with the level of compliance of inpatients for control at Grandmed Lubuk Pakam Hospital. The research method is this research using analytic observational research using a cross sectional study. In a study with a cross sectional study, measurement and data collection were carried out on the cause and effect variables for a moment at a time. The results of the research in this study The statistical test results showed the value of p = 0.001. Ha is accepted if Ho is rejected, where Ho is rejected if the p value is ≤ α, 0.001 ≤ 0.05. The results of statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between the role of nurse educators in discharge planning and the level of inpatient compliance for control. Conclusion: The role of nurse educators in discharge planning was in the good category, namely 23 people, the level of patient adherence to control was 24 people (60%).
PENGARUH HAND MASSAGE TERHADAP PENURUNAN TINGKAT KECEMASAN KLIEN PRE OPERASI DI RUMAH SAKIT PATAR ASIH LUBUK PAKAM TAHUN 2021
Authors: Yanti Dian Anggri , Karo Karo Tati Murni , . Pitriani , Silaban Leni Sumiati , Purba Scolastika
Published: May 2021

The number of patients with surgery has increased significantly from year to year. Recorded in 2011 there were 140 million patients in all hospitals in the world, Anxiety is a common thing in patients who are going to undergo surgery. Anxiety that occurs with preoperative patients can be felt since the start of being scheduled for surgery until the time for surgery arrives and hand massage can be useful to reduce pain because it has a relaxing effect and reduces anxiety. Purpose: to determine the effect of hand massage on the reduction of preoperative client anxiety levels at Patar Asih Lubuk Pakam Hospital in 2021. Method: Pre-experimental design with one-group pre-post test design. The research subjects were preoperative inpatients. Population: preoperative patients in Galilee inpatient room. Sample: purposive sampling. Results: After the hand massage treatment, the level of anxiety in the treatment group decreased significantly, while the control group did not experience a significant decrease. In the control group the pre-test average was 19.63, while the post-test average was 19.06, this indicates a very small decrease so that the decrease was not significant. In the treatment group the average before treatment was 19.94 after treatment decreased to 16.19. Conclusion: The results of hypothesis testing (p <0.05) prove that hand massage significantly reduces anxiety levels before surgery.
PENGARUH PEMBERIAN JUS KACANG HIJAU DAN MADU TERHADAP KADAR HEMOGLOBIN PADA IBU HAMIL
Authors: Wulan Sri , Vindralia Muniar
Published: May 2021

Anemia is a problem that often accompanies pregnancy. The most common anemia during pregnancy is nutritional anemia caused by iron deficiency. Pregnant women are considered to have anemia if their hemoglobin (Hb) level <11 gr / dL. Anemia can worsen the birth process. Anemia can be overcome with pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, one of the non-pharmacological treatments for the prevention of anemia in pregnant women is to consume green bean juice and honey. Because green beans and honey contain iron and vitamins that can increase hemoglobin levels. This study aims to determine the effect of giving green bean juice and honey on hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. The research method used was quasi-experimental (Quasi Experiment) with one group pre and post test design. The study population was all pregnant women who performed ANC at the Maiharti West Range Midwife clinic. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with the results of 19 pregnant women. The results showed that from using the Paired Sample T-Test analysis of giving green bean juice and honey to increase hemoglobin levels in pregnant women where the p 0,00 <α = 0,05. It can be concluded that the administration of green bean juice and honey is effective in increasing hemoglobin levels