bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN LEMBAR KERJA PESERTA DIDIK (LKPD) TEMATIK PADA MATERI FOTOSINTESIS TERHADAP MOTIVASI, KEMANDIRIAN, DAN HASIL BELAJAR
Authors: Khairunnisa Yasmine , Rizkiana Fitria , Apriani Herlina
Published: December 2019

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan ada atau tidaknya pengaruh penggunaan LKPD tematik terhadap motivasi, kemandirian, dan hasil belajar peserta didik.Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuasi eksperimen dengan desain Nonequivalent Control Group. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) tidak ada pengaruh yang signifikan dari penggunaan LKPD tematik terhadap motivasi belajar dengan nilai signifikansi sebesar 0.856 dan 0.751, namun nilai rata-rata motivasi kelas eksperimen lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan kelas kontrol, (2) ada pengaruh yang signifikan penggunaan LKPD tematik terhadap kemandirian peserta didik dengan signifikansi sebesar 0.000, dan (3) ada pengaruh yang signifikan penggunaan LKPD tematik terhadap hasil belajar peserta didik ditinjau dari skor N-gain dari pretest dan posttest dengan signifikansi sebesar 0.024.Dari hasil penelitian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa penggunaan LKPD tematik dapat meningkatkan kemandirian dan hasil belajar peserta didik, namun tidak dapat meningkatkan motivasi belajar peserta didik.
PENERAPAN VIDEO PEMBELAJARAN EKOSISTEM MANGROVE BERBASIS KOMTAL UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PENGUASAAN KONSEP EKOSISTEM SISWA TUNARUNGU
Authors: Sukerti Ni Wayan
Published: December 2019

Abstrak.Penggunaan media video pembelajaran yang bersifat visual sangat menunjuang proses pembelajaran sains siswa tunarungu terutama materi ekosistem. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji peningkatan penguasaan konsep ekosistem siswa tunarungu menggunakan media video pembelajaran ekosistem mangrove berbasis komtal. Penelitian ini mengunakan pre-eksperimen dengan rancangan penelitian One grup, pre-test – post-test design. Subjek penelitian berjumlah 6 orang siswa tunarungu SMPLB-B Dewi sartika, Sidoarjo. Teknik pengumpulan data penelitian ini yaitu memberikan test kepada siswa sebelum pembelajaran/treatment (pre-test) dan setelah pembelajaran/treatment (post-test). Hasil rata-rata nilai pre-test penguasaan konsep ekosistem menunjukan 46.6 dan hasil nilai post-test penguasaan konsep ekosistem menjunjukan 85. Hasil pengujian Wilcoxon menunjukan Asymp.sig. (2-tailed) bernilai 0.027 lebih kecil  dari < 0.05 menunjukan adanya perbedaan hasil nilai penguasaan konsep pre-test dan nilai penguasaan konsep post-test, dapat disimpulkan bahwa ada pengaruh penerapan video pembelajaran ekosistem mangrove berbasis komtal untuk meningkatkan penguasaan konsep ekosistem siswa tunarungu. Penguasaan konsep ekosistem seperti komponen biotik, abiotik, dan pengertian ekosistem lebih mudah dipahami siswa dengan menggunakan media video ekosistem mangrove yang digunakan
Heavenly house, heavenly stage, heavenly place: Renewed worship spaces for liturgical renewal
Authors: Teixeira Coelho Filho Luiz Carlos
Published: December 2019

This article intends to propose a certain set of principles behind the idea of sacred space. In that regard, two important analogies are addressed: worship space as a heavenly house and worship space as a heavenly stage. It provides a brief overlook on the history of worship spaces and seeks to reclaim the idea of liturgical space as holy stage, where all people are liberated to let go of pre-assigned roles they are given by society and embody the roles they were created to fulfill. Finally, the article examines some common liturgical movement approaches to worship spaces, and suggests a set of practical questions which should guide faith communities when renewing their sacred spaces for mission and God’s witness.
Universal Scaling Law for the Velocity of Dominoes Toppling Motion
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: December 2019

By using directed dimensional analysis and data fitting, an explicit universal scaling law for the velocity of dominoes toppling motion is formulated. The scaling law shows that domino propagational velocity is linear proportional to the 3/2 power of domino separation, and -1/2 power of domino height and thickness. The study also proved that dominoes width and mass have no influence to the domino wave traveling velocity.
Hup-type Hydrogenases of Purple Bacteria: Homology Modeling and Computational Assessment of Biotechnological Potential
Authors: Abdullatypov Azat
Published: December 2019

Three-dimensional structure of six closely related hydrogenases from purple bacteria has been modeled by combining template-based and ab initio modeling approach. The results lead to conclusion that there should be 4Fe3S-cluster in the structure of these enzymes. Thus, these hydrogenases could drive attention for exploring their oxygen tolerance and practical applicability in hydrogen fuel cells. Analysis of 4Fe3S-cluster's microenvironment showed intragroup heterogeneity. Possible function of the C-terminal part of the small subunit in membrane binding has been discussed. Comparison of the built models with existing hydrogenases of the same subgroup (membrane-bound oxygen-tolerant hydrogenases) has been carried out. Analysis of intramolecular interactions in the large subunits showed statistically reliable differences in number of hydrophobic interactions and number of ionic interactions. Molecular tunnels were mapped in the models and compared with structures from PDB. Protein-protein docking showed that these enzymes could exchange electrons in oligomeric state, which is important for oxygen-tolerant hydrogenases. Molecular docking with model electrode compounds showed mostly the same results as with hydrogenases from E.coli, H. marinus, R. eutropha, S. enterica; some interesting results were shown in case of HupSL from Rba. sphaeroides and Rvx. gelatinosus.
Zika Virus Envelope Protein Forms Disulfide Bond-dependent Polymers in Connection with a Persistent ER Stress in A549 Cells
Authors: Jonathan Turpin , Etienne Frumence , Wissal Harrabi , Chaker El Kalamouni , Philippe Despres , pascale krejbich , wildriss viranaicken
Published: December 2019

Flaviviruses replicate in membranous factories associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Significant levels of flavivirus polyprotein integration contribute to ER stress and the host cell may exhibit an Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) to this protein accumulation, stimulating appropriate cellular responses such as adaptation, autophagy or cell death. These different stress responses support other antiviral strategies initiated by infected cells and can help to overcome viral infection. In epithelial A549 cells, a model currently used to study the flavivirus infection cycle and the host cell responses, all three pathways leading to UPR are activated during infection by Dengue virus (DENV), Yellow Fever virus (YFV) or West Nile virus (WNV). In the present study, we investigated the capacity of ZIKA virus (ZIKV) to induce ER stress in A549 cells. We observed that the cells respond to ZIKV infection by implementing an UPR through activation of the IRE1 and PERK pathway without activation of the ATF6 branch. By modulating the ER stress response, we found that UPR inducers significantly inhibit ZIKV replication. Interestingly, our findings provide evidence that ZIKV could manipulate the UPR to escape this host cell defence system. Since incomplete UPR could lead to unresolved and persistent ER stress, we found that ZIKV infection was associated with an abnormal accumulation of viral envelope proteins, which were aggregated with non-native disulfide bridges. As the presence of these “amyloid like” protein polymers may be cytopathic, our observations provide new insights into specific neuropathologies associated with ZIKA virus infections.
On Preheating of the Outdoor Ventilation Air
Authors: Romanska-Zapala Anna , Bomberg Mark , Dechnik Miroslaw , Fedorczak-Cisak Malgorzata , Furtak Marcin
Published: December 2019

Growing popularity of buildings with integrated sub-systems, requires a review of methods to optimize the preheat of ventilation air. An integrated system permits using geothermal heat storage parallel to the direct outdoor air intake with additional treatment in the mechanical room as a part of building automatic control system. Earth Air Heat Exchanger (EAHX) has many advantages but also has many unanswered questions. Some of the drawbacks are: a possible entry of radon gas, high humidity in the shoulder seasons as well as the need for two different air intake sources with a choice that depends on the actual weather conditions. While in winter, the EAHX may be used continuously to ensure thermal comfort, in other seasons, its operation must be automatically controlled. To generate the missing information about the EAHX technology we have examined two nearly identical EAHX systems, one placed in ground next to the building and the other under the basement slab. In another project, we have reinforced the ground storage action by heat exchanger placed on the return pipes of the hydronic heating system. Effectively, the information provided in this paper, shows advantages of merging both these approaches while the EAHX could be placed under the house or near the basement foundation that is using an exterior basement insulation.
Which Traits Make Weeds More Successful in Maize Crops? Insights from a 3-Decade Monitoring in France
Authors: Fried Guillaume , Chauvel Bruno , Munoz François , Reboud Xavier
Published: December 2019

Invasion ecology has a long tradition of searching for traits distinguishing alien invasive and non-invasive plants. Surprisingly, this approach has been so far poorly used to understand why some arable weeds are abundant and widespread while others are rare and narrowly distributed. In the present study, we focused on the characteristics of successful weeds occurring in maize fields, one of the most import crop worldwide. Two national weed surveys conducted in France were used to identify increasing and decreasing species based on 175 and 484 surveyed fields in the 1970s and the 2000s, respectively. Weed trait values related to regional frequency, local abundance and specialization to maize were identified with Phylogenetic Generalized Least-Squares (PGLS). We found a positive relationship between regional frequency and local abundance, i.e. the most widespread weeds were also locally more abundant. We highlighted that weeds with the C4 photosynthetic pathway and summer emergence were more abundant, more frequent and more specialized to maize crops. More generally, we highlighted two successful strategies: on the one hand, traits related to a general weediness syndrome with rapid resource acquisition (high SLA and Ellenberg-N) and high colonization capacity (seed longevity, fecundity and wind dispersal), on the other hand, traits related to specific adaptation to spring cultivation (thermophilous species with summer emergence, late flowering and C4 photosynthetic pathway). Deviations from the abundancy-frequency relationships also indicated that species of the Panicoideae sub-family, species with Triazine-resistant populations and neophyte species were more abundant than expected by their regional frequency. To some extent, it is therefore possible to predict which species can be troublesome in maize crops and use this information in weed risk assessment tools to prevent new introductions or favor early detection and eradication. This study showed how tools developed in functional and macro-ecology can be used to improve our understanding of weed ecology and to develop more preventive management strategies.
An Innovative Virtual Simulation Teaching Platform on Digital Mapping with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Remote Sensing Education
Authors: He Xiaoxing , Hua Xianghong , Montillet Jean-Philippe , Yu Kegen , Zou Jingui , Xiang Dong , Zhu Huiping , Zhang Di , Huang Zhengkai , Zhao Bufan
Published: December 2019

This work mainly discusses an innovative teaching platform on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle digital mapping for Remote Sensing (RS) education at Wuhan University, underlining the fast development of RS technology. Firstly, we introduce and we discuss the future development of the Virtual Simulation Experiment Teaching Platform for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VSETP-UAV). It includes specific topics such as the “Systems and function Design”, teaching and learning strategies, and experimental methods. This study shows that VSETP-UAV expands the usual content and training methods related to RS education, and creates a good synergy between teaching and research. The results also show that the VSETP-UAV platform is of high teaching quality producing excellent engineers, with a high international standard and innovative skill in the RS field. In particular, it develops students' practical skills with technical manipulations of dedicated hardware and software equipment (e.g., UAV) in order to assimilate quickly this particular topic. Therefore, students report that this platform is more accessible from an educational point-of-view than theoretical programs, with a quick way of learning basic concepts of RS. Finally, the proposed VSETP-UAV platform achieves high social influence, expanding the practical content and training methods of UAV based experiments, and providing a platform for cultivating high-quality national talents with internationally recognized topics related to emerging engineering education.
IMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM 2013 DALAM PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INDONESIA DI DALAM DAN LUAR NEGERI (STUDI KASUS PEMBELAJARAN TEKS BIOGRAFI DI SMA NEGERI 1 SURAKARTA DAN SEKOLAH INDONESIA SINGAPURA)
Authors: Sholihah Mutiatus , Saddhono Kundharu , Anindyarini Atikah
Published: December 2019

This research aims to explain: (1) preparation, implementation and assessment of learning, (2) problems encountered in the learning process, and (3) efforts made to overcome problems in the Indonesian Language learning process with Curriculum 2013 in the Class X in SMA N 1 Surakarta and Sekolah Indonesia Singapura.This research is a case study research. Samples in this research are the students of class X IPA III, and X IPA I SMA Negeri 1 Surakarta and students of class X IPA and X IPS Sekolah Indonesia Singapura.The sampling technique is purposive sampling.Technique of data collecting done by observation, interview, and document analysis.Data analysis technique is an interactive analysis model.The result of this research are description about: (1) lesson planning, (2) lesson implementation is not in accordance yet with RPP previously written by the teacher, (3) the assessment of learning has adopted an authentic approach according to Permendikbud Number 23 of 2016, (4) the problems faced are the inadequacy of the RPP with the latest regulation, limited learning resources, limited time and place, limited facilities, limited educators, difficulties in understanding and remembering material presented by teachers, limited knowledge and readiness of teachers, low understanding of Curriculum 2013 to student, and low student learning motivation, (5) the efforts undertaken are the school and teachers trying to follow the development related to the Curriculum 2013.
NOVEL DUA IBU KARYA ARSWENDO ATMOWILOTO : KAJIAN ANTROPOLOGI SASTRA, NILAI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER, DAN RELEVANSINYA SEBAGAI BAHAN PENGAJARAN SASTRA DI SMA
Authors: Romadi Bayu , Suyitno Suyitno , Suryanto Edy
Published: December 2019

Data collection techniques used in this study are documentation and in-depth interviews with informants. Data validity uses data triangulation and theory triangulation. Analysis techniques using interactive models. The main data of this research was obtained from the novel Dua Ibu by Arswendo Atmowiloto with a thickness of 300 pages. The novel is studied with a literary anthropological approach. Based on this approach, it was found that: (1) the complexity of ideas which included human relations with nature, with others, and the nature of human life; (2) the complexity of the activities that exist in Javanese society in the Dua Ibu novel; (3) the complexity of cultural results in the form of cultural results in the form of language, forms of knowledge, forms of technology, and forms of eye search; (4) the value of character education contained in the Dua Ibu novel; and (5) its relevance as literary learning in high school. The cultural life described by the author is dominated by Javanese cultural customs, namely Solo. Analysis techniques using interactive models.Conclusions from this study indicate that elements of mythology, philosophy, and Javanese culture can be used as a reference to educators, especially in Central Java for the basis of an approach to strengthen the value of the character of students and character that is in accordance with Javanese culture.

 
PEMBELAJARAN KETERAMPILAN BERBICARA BERBASIS TEKS BIOGRAFI PADA KELAS INKLUSI BERDASARKAN KURIKULUM 2013 (STUDI KASUS DI SMAN 8 SURAKARTA)
Authors: Sanjaya Gilang Jaka , Rohmadi Muhammad , Purwadi Purwadi
Published: December 2019

This research is a case study research. The sampling technique was purposive sampling. Data sources used are events, informants and documents. Data collection techniques are carried out by observation, interviews, and data analysis. Data validity test used is source triangulation, method triangulation, and informant review. The data analysis technique used is an interactive analysis model. The results of this study are descriptions of: (1) RPP components prepared by teachers in accordance with Permendikbud, but the conformity of the contents can not be said either; (2) the implementation of biographical text-based speech-learning in the inclusion class of SMAN 8 Surakarta has been conducted based on the 2013 curriculum; (3) evaluations conducted by subject teachers in the form of giving remedial questions; (4) obstacles faced by Indonesian subject teachers in learning biographical texts at SMAN 8 Surkarta. Teacher constraints include

(a) lack of understanding of sign language to communicate with students with special needs for quadriplegic speech; (b) there is no special teacher for ABK; (c) students with special needs tend to close themselves, and (d) lack of use of the media as a medium of learning media. (5) efforts made by Indonesian language teachers at SMAN 8 Surakarta in addressing the problems faced in learning biographical texts in the inclusive class.
GAYA BAHASA DAN NILAI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER DALAM KUMPULAN CERPEN DILARANG MENCINTAI BUNGA-BUNGA KARYA KUNTOWIJOYO SEBAGAI MATERI AJAR DI SMP
Authors: Nugroho Dimas Pramudya , Sumarwati Sumarwati , Suryanto Edy
Published: December 2019

This research is a qualitative descriptive study. The sampling technique is done by using purposive sampling. Data validity using triangulation method. Data analysis techniques in this study using interactive analysis techniques: (1) data reduction; (2) data presentation; (3) drawing conclusions. The results of research: (1) The use of stylistic in an ontology of short stories Dilarang Mencintai Bunga Bunga, 12 types of dominant language stylistic are found and the most dominating is hyperbole stylistic; (2) The use of imagery in ontology of short stories Dilarang Mencintai Bunga-Bunga.  it is found 4 forms of imageries and the most dominating is vision; (3) it is found 5 values of character education building in an ontology of short stories Dilarang Mencintai Bunga-Bunga namely: a) religious; b) independent; c) integrity; d) community self-help; e) nationalist; and (4) The ontology of short stories Dilarang Mencintai Bunga Bunga has the suitability criteria that can be used as teaching materials that are: a) the language is light, easy to understand; b) suitable with age, interest, and psychological development; c) suitable with the socio-cultural environment of learners; d) enhance sense of curiosity. Implementation of research results. The ontology of short stories Dilarang Mencintai Bunga Bunga as literature materials in junior high school is relevant to Core Competence and Basic Competence.
Hubungan Kecerdasan Logika Matematika dan Motivasi Berprestasi dengan Pemahaman Konsep Statistika pada Siswa Madrasah Aliyah Se-Kabupaten Grobogan
Authors: Masudi Masudi , Akhyar Muhammad , Musadad Akhmad Arif
Published: December 2019

This research aims to find out: (1) correlation of logical mathematic intelligence and understanding of statistic concept, (2) correlation of motivation and  understanding of statistic concept, and (3) correlation of logical mathematic inteligence and motivation simultaneously with statistic concept understanding of Madrasah Aliyah students of Grobogan district in 2015/2016 academic year. This research was correlational research, which aimed to find out the correlation independent variable of logical mathematic intelligence and motivation with dependent of understanding of statistic concept. The population were all of Madrasah Aliyah students in grobogan district in 2015/2016 academic year with total of 110 students were selected as sample. They are 58 students of Madrasah Aliyah Suniyyah Selo, 32 Students of Madrasah Aliyah Nuril Huda, and 20 Students of Madrasah Aliyah Miftahut Thulab. The analysis data used simple regression and double regression analysis. Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that: (1) logical mathematic intelligence and understanding of statistic concept of students of Madrasah Aliyah in grobogan district have a significant positive correlation, (2) motivation and understanding of statistic concept of students of Madrasah Aliyah in grobogan district have no significant positive correlation (3) Logical mathematic intelligence and motivation have a significant positive correlation simultananeously with statistic concept understanding of Madrasah Aliyah students in Grobogan district.
Analisis Harga Saham Ditinjau dari Rasio Keuangan Perusahaan yang Listing di Jakarta Islamic Index (JII) Periode 2015-2017
Authors: Cahya Bayu Tri , Vitriani Eri , Andriani Asih
Published: December 2019

This study aims to determine the Return on Asset (ROA), Current Ratio (CR), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Inventory Turn Over (ITO) on stock price in companies registered in the Jakarta Islamic Index in 2015-2017. The approach used in this study is a quantitative approach. The data in this study are secondary data. The data obtained from the site www.idx.go.id and the website of each company. The sample determination technique uses purposive sampling technique and data analysis using multiple regression analysis. The findings show that Return on Asset (ROA) affect stock price while Current Ratio (CR), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), dan Inventory Turn Over (ITO) have no effect on the stock price.
TRANSPARANSI KEUANGAN DAERAH DALAM PERSPEKTIF ISLAMIC GOOD GOVERNANCE
Authors: Akla Miftahul
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe presence of technological developments impacts on the increasing of information disclosure. Also, it is occurred in every government agency, including in the center, province and district / city. This openness is very important since the community can directly observe various policies and developments in the region as well as the use of the budget. This issue of openness is very important as a foundation for development in this region. The financial transparency leads community to conduct both direct and indirect monitor of its usage. It is expected that the regional development will be enlarged and the misuse of financial budget can be reduced. Therefore, it will be possible to realize development and creates a good government. AbstakPerkembangan teknologi membuat era keterbukaan informasi semakin terbuka lebar. Ini juga terjadi di setiap instansi pemerintah mulai dari pusat, provinsi hingga kabupaten / kota. Keterbukaan ini sangat penting agar masyarakat dapat secara langsung memantau berbagai kebijakan dan perkembangan di wilayah tersebut. Termasuk penggunaan anggaran di masing-masing instansi pemerintah. Masalah keterbukaan ini sangat penting, sebagai landasan dalam pembangunan di kawasan ini. Masyarakat menginginkan transparansi keuangan regional sehingga mereka dapat berkontribusi untuk pemantauan langsung dan pemantauan. Dengan keterbukaan ini, pembangunan akan dimaksimalkan dan meminimalkan penyalahgunaan atau penyalahgunaan anggaran keuangan daerah. Dengan begitu, akan mungkin untuk mewujudkan pembangunan yang mengambil sisi dari rakyat dan menciptakan pemerintahan pemerintahan yang baik.
Stability and Flow Properties of Oil-Based Foam Generated by CO2
Authors: Li Songyan , Wang Qun , Li Zhaomin
Published: December 2019

Foam flooding is an important method used to protect oil reservoirs and increase oil production. However, the research on foam fluid is generally focused on aqueous foam, and there are a few studies on the stability mechanism of oil-based foam. In this paper, a compound surfactant consisting of Span® 20 and a fluorochemical surfactant is determined as the formula for oil-based foam. The foam volume and half-life in the bulk phase are measured to be 275 mL and 302 seconds, respectively, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The stability mechanism of oil-based foam is proposed by testing the interfacial tension (IFT) and interfacial viscoelasticity. The lowest IFT of 18.5 mN/m and the maximum viscoelasticity modulus of 16.8 mN/m appear at the concentration of 1.0 wt%, resulting in the most-stable oil-based foam. The effect of oil viscosity and temperature on the properties of oil-based foam is studied. The foam stability increases first and then decreases with the rising oil viscosity, and the stability decreases with rising temperature. The apparent viscosity of oil-based foam satisfies the power-law non-Newtonian properties, and this viscosity is much higher than that of the phases of oil and CO2. The flow of oil-based foam in porous media is studied through microscopic-visualization experiments. Bubble division, bubble merging, and bubble deformation occur during oil-based-foam flow in porous media. The oil-recovery efficiency of the oil-based-foam flooding is 78.3%, while the oil-recovery efficiency of CO2 flooding is only 28.2%. The oil recovery is enhanced because oil-based foam reduces CO2 mobility, inhibits gas channeling, and improves sweep efficiency. The results are meaningful for CO2 mobility control and for the application of foam flooding for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
Global and Local Surrogate-Model-Assisted Differential Evolution for Waterflooding Production Optimization
Authors: Chen Guodong , Zhang Kai , Zhang Liming , Xue Xiaoming , Ji Dezhuang , Yao Chuanjin , Yao Jun , Yang Yongfei
Published: December 2019

Surrogate models, which have become a popular approach to oil-reservoir production-optimization problems, use a computationally inexpensive approximation function to replace the computationally expensive objective function computed by a numerical simulator. In this paper, a new optimization algorithm called global and local surrogate-model-assisted differential evolution (GLSADE) is introduced for waterflooding production-optimization problems. The proposed method consists of two parts: (1) a global surrogate-model-assisted differential-evolution (DE) part, in which DE is used to generate multiple offspring, and (2) a local surrogate-model-assisted DE part, in which DE is used to search for the optimum of the surrogate. The cooperation between global optimization and local search helps the production-optimization process become more efficient and more effective. Compared with the conventional one-shot surrogate-based approach, the developed method iteratively selects data points to enhance the accuracy of the promising area of the surrogate model, which can substantially improve the optimization process. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed method uses a state-of-the-art surrogate framework for production-optimization problems. The approach is tested on two 100-dimensional benchmark functions, a three-channel model, and the egg model. The results show that the proposed method can achieve higher net present value (NPV) and better convergence speed in comparison with the traditional evolutionary algorithm and other surrogate-assisted optimization methods for production-optimization problems.
Comprehensive gene expression analysis for exploring the association between glucose metabolism and differentiation of thyroid cancer
Authors: Suh Hoon Young , Choi Hongyoon , Paeng Jin Chul , Cheon Gi Jeong , Chung June-Key , Kang Keon Wook
Published: December 2019

Background: The principle of loss of iodine uptake and increased glucose metabolism according to dedifferentiation of thyroid cancer is clinically assessed by imaging. Though these biological properties are widely applied to appropriate iodine therapy, the understanding of the genomic background of this principle is still lacking. We investigated the association between glucose metabolism and differentiation in advanced thyroid cancer as well as papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods: We used RNA sequencing of 505 patients with PTC obtained from the Cancer Genome Archives and microarray data of poorly-differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer (PDTC/ATC). The signatures of GLUT and glycolysis were estimated to assess glucose metabolic profiles. The glucose metabolic profiles were associated with tumor differentiation score (TDS) and BRAFV600E mutation status. In addition, survival analysis of glucose metabolic profiles was performed for predicting recurrence-free survival. Results: In PTC, the glycolysis signature was positively correlated with TDS, while the GLUT signature was inversely correlated with TDS. These correlations were significantly stronger in the BRAFV600E negative group than the positive group. Meanwhile, both GLUT and glycolysis signatures were negatively correlated with TDS in advanced thyroid cancer. The high glycolysis signature was significantly associated with poor prognosis in PTC in spite of high TDS. The glucose metabolic profiles are intricately associated with tumor differentiation in PTC and PDTC/ATC. Conclusions: As glycolysis was an independent prognostic marker, we suggest that the glucose metabolism features of thyroid cancer could be another biological progression marker different from differentiation and provide clinical implications for risk stratification.
Nursing staff’s evaluation of facilitators and barriers during implementation of wireless nurse call systems in residential care facilities. A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Dugstad Janne , Sundling Vibeke , Nilsen Etty R. , Eide Hilde
Published: December 2019

Background: Traditional nurse call systems used in residential care facilities rely on patients to summon assistance for routine or emergency needs. Wireless nurse call systems (WNCS) offer new affordances for persons unable to actively or consciously engage with the system, allowing detection of hazardous situations, prevention and timely treatment, as well as enhanced nurse workflows. This study aimed to explore facilitators and barriers of implementation of WNCSs in residential care facilities. Methods: The study had a cross-sectional descriptive design. We collected data from care providers (n=98) based on the Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovation (MIDI) framework in five Norwegian residential care facilities during the first year of WNCS implementation. The self-reporting MIDI questionnaire was adapted to the contexts. Descriptive statistics were used to explore participant characteristics and MIDI item and determinant scores (D1-29). MIDI items to which ≥20% of participants disagreed/totally disagreed were regarded as barriers and items to which ≥80% of participants agreed/totally agreed were regarded as facilitators for implementation. Results: More facilitators (n=22) than barriers (n=6) were identified. The greatest facilitators, reported by 98% of the care providers, were the expected outcomes: the importance and probability of achieving prompt call responses and increased safety (D9 expected outcomes), and the normative belief of unit managers (D15 subjective norm). During the implementation process, 87% became familiar with the systems (D18 awareness of content), and 86% and 90%, respectively regarded themselves (D17 knowledge) and their colleagues (D14 descriptive norm) as competent users of the WNCS. The most salient barriers, reported by 37%, were their lack of prior knowledge (D17 knowledge) and that they found the WNCS difficult to learn (D8 personal drawback). No features of the technology were identified as barriers. Conclusions: Overall, the care providers gave a positive evaluation of the WNCS implementation. The barriers to implementation were addressed by training and practicing technological skills, facilitated by the influence and support by the manager and the colleagues within the residential care unit. WNCSs offer a range of advanced applications and services, and further research is needed as more WNCS functionalities are implemented into residential care services.
Head and Neck cancer patients’ preferences for individualized prognostic information: a focus group study.
Authors: Hoesseini Arta , Dronkers Emilie A. C. , Sewnaik Aniel , Hardillo Jose A. U. , de Jong Robert J. Baatenburg , Offerman Marinella P. J.
Published: December 2019

Background: Head and Neck cancer (HNC) is characterized by significant mortality and morbidity. Treatment is often invasive and interferes with vital functions, resulting in a delicate balance between survival benefit and deterioration in quality of life (QoL). Therefore, including prognostic information during patient counseling can be of great importance. The first aim of this study was to explore HNC patients’ preferences for receiving prognostic information: both qualitative (general terms like ‘’curable cancer’’), and quantitative information (numbers, percentages). The second aim of this study was to explore patients’ views on ‘’OncologIQ’’, a prognostic model developed to estimate overall survival in newly diagnosed HNC patients.

Methods: We conducted a single center qualitative study by organizing five focus groups with HNC patients (n= 21) and their caregivers (n= 19), categorized in: 1) small laryngeal carcinomas treated with radiotherapy or laser, 2) extensive oral cavity procedures, 3) total laryngectomy, 4) chemoradiation, 5) other treatments. The patients’ perspective was the main focus. The interview guide consisted of two main topics: life-expectancy and the prognostic model OncologIQ. All focus groups were recorded, transcribed and coded. Themes were derived using content analysis.

Results: While all patients considered it somewhat to very important to receive information about their life-expectancy, only some of them wanted to receive quantitative information. Disclosing qualitative prognostic information like ‘’the cancer is curable’’ would give enough reassurance for most patients. Overall, patients thought life-expectancy should not be discussed shortly after cancer diagnosis disclosure, as a certain time is needed to process the first shock. They had a stronger preference for receiving prognostic information in case of a poor prognosis. Prognostic information should also include information on the expected QoL. The pie chart was the most preferred chart for discussing survival rates.

Conclusions: The participants found it important to receive information on their life-expectancy. While most patients were enough reassured by qualitative prognostic information, some wanted to receive quantitative information like OncologIQs’ estimates. A tailor-made approach is necessary to provide customized prognostic information. A clinical practice guideline was developed to support professionals in sharing prognostic information, aiming to improve shared decision making and patient-centered care.
Sun protection education for adolescents: A feasibility study of a wait-list controlled trial of an intervention involving a presentation, action planning, and SMS messages and using objective measurement of sun exposure
Authors: Hubbard Gill , Cherrie John , Gray Jonathan , Kyle Richard G , Nioi Amanda , Wendelboe-Nelson Charlotte , Cowie Hilary , Dombrowski Stephan
Published: December 2019

Background
People increase their risk of melanoma unless they are protected from the harmful effects of sun exposure during childhood and adolescence. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a three-component sun protection intervention- presentation, action planning, and SMS messages - and trial parameters.
Methods
This feasibility wait-list trial was conducted in the United Kingdom in 2018. Students aged 13-15 years were eligible. Feasibility outcomes were collected for recruitment rates; data availability rates for objective measurements of melanin and erythema using a Mexameter and self-reported sunburn occurrences, severity and body location, tanning, sun protection behaviours and Skin Self-Examination (SSE) collected before (baseline) and after the school summer holidays (follow-up); intervention reach, adherence, perceived impact and acceptability. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analysed thematically.
Results
Five out of eight schools expressing an interest in participating with four allocated to act as intervention and one control. Four parents/carers opted their child out of the study. 487 out of 724 students on the school register consented to the study at baseline (67%). 385 were in intervention group schools. Objective skin measurements were available for 255 (66%) of the intervention group at baseline and 237 (61%) of the group at follow up. Melanin increased; erythema decreased. Complete self-report data were available for 247 (64%) students in the intervention group. The number of students on the school register who attended the presentation and given the booklet was 379 (98%) and gave their mobile phone number was 155 (40%). No intervention component was perceived as more impactful on sun protection behaviours. Adolescents did not see the relevance of sun protection in the UK or for their age group.
Conclusions
This is the first study to use a Mexameter to measure skin colour in adolescents. Erythema (visible redness) lasts no more than three days and its measurement before and after a six week summer holiday may not yield relevant or meaningful data. A major challenge is that adolescents do not see the relevance of sun protection and SSE.
Neonatal Near-Misses in Ghana: A Prospective, Observational, Multi-Center Study
Authors: Bakari Ashura , Bell April J. , Oppong Samuel A. , Bockarie Yemah , Wobil Priscilla , Plange-Rhule Gyikua , Goka Bamenla Q. , Engmann Cyril M , Adanu Richard M , Moyer Cheryl A
Published: December 2019

Background: For every newborn who dies within the first month, as many as eight more suffer life-threatening complications but survive (termed ‘neonatal near-misses’ (NNM)). However, there is no universally agreed-upon definition or assessment tool for NNM. This study sought to describe the development of the Neonatal Near-Miss Assessment Tool (NNMAT) for low-resource settings, as well as findings when implemented in Ghana. Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in southern Ghana from April – July 2015. Newborns with evidence of complications and those admitted to NICUs were screened for inclusion using the NNMAT. Incidence of suspected NNM at enrollment and confirmed near-miss (surviving to 28 days) was determined and compared against institutional neonatal mortality rates. Suspected NNM cases were compared with newborns not classified as a suspected near-miss, and all were followed to 28 days to determine odds of survival. Confirmed near-misses were those identified as suspected near-misses at enrollment who survived to 28 days. The main outcome measures were incidence of NNM, NNM:mortality ratio, and factors associated with NNM classification. Results: Out of 394 newborns with complications, 341 (86.5%) were initially classified as suspected near-misses at enrollment using the NNMAT, with 53 (13.4%) being classified as a non-near-miss. At 28-day follow-up, 68 (17%) had died, 52 (13%) were classified as a non-near-miss, and 274 were considered confirmed near-misses. Those newborns with complications who were classified as suspected near-misses using the NNMAT at enrollment had 12 times the odds of dying before 28 days than those classified as non-near-misses. While most confirmed near-misses qualified as NNM via intervention-based criteria, nearly two-thirds qualified based on two or more of the four NNMAT categories. When disaggregated, the most predictive elements of the NNMAT were gestational age < 33 weeks, neurologic dysfunction, respiratory dysfunction, and hemoglobin < 10 gd/dl. The ratio of near-misses to deaths was 0.55 : 1, yet this varied across the study sites. Conclusions: This research suggests that the NNMAT is an effective tool for assessing neonatal near-misses in low-resource settings. We believe this approach has significant systems-level, continuous quality improvement, clinical and policy-level implications.
Improvement and Use of CRISPR/Cas9 to Engineer a Sperm-marking Strain for the Invasive Fruit Pest Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Ahmed Hassan M. M. , Hildebrand Luisa , Wimmer Ernst A.
Published: December 2019

Background: The invasive fruit pest Drosophila suzukii was reported for the first time in Europe and the USA in 2008 and has spread since then. The adoption of type II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) as a tool for genome manipulation provides new ways to develop novel biotechnologically-based pest control approaches. Stage or tissue-specifically expressed genes are of particular importance in the field of insect biotechnology. The enhancer/promoter of the spermatogenesis-specific beta-2-tubulin (β2t) gene was used to drive the expression of fluorescent proteins or effector molecules in testes of agricultural pests and diseases vectors for sexing, monitoring, and reproductive biology studies. Here, we demonstrate an improvement to CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing in D. suzukii and establish a sperm-marking system.
Results: To improve genome editing, we isolated and tested the D. suzukii endogenous promoters of the small nuclear RNA gene U6 to drive the expression of a guide RNA and the Ds heat shock protein 70 promoter to express Cas9. For comparison, we used recombinant Cas9 protein and in vitro transcribed gRNA as a preformed ribonucleoprotein. We demonstrate the homology-dependent repair (HDR)-based genome editing efficiency by applying a previously established transgenic line that expresses DsRed ubiquitously as a target platform. In addition, we isolated the Ds_β2t gene and used its promoter to drive the expression of a red fluorescence protein in the sperm. A transgenic sperm-marking strain was then established by the improved HDR-based genome editing.
Conclusion: The deployment of the endogenous promoters of the D. suzukii U6 and hsp70 genes to drive the expression of gRNA and Cas9, respectively, enabled the effective application of helper plasmid co-injections instead of preformed ribonucleoproteins used in previous reports for HDR-based genome editing. The sperm-marking system should help to monitor the success of pest control campaigns in the context of the Sterile Insect Technique and provides a tool for basic research in reproductive biology of this invasive pest. Furthermore, the promoter of the β2t gene can be used in developing novel transgenic pest control approaches. The CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used as an additional tool for the modification of previously established transgenes.
Genomic analysis of Escherichia coli strains isolated from diseased chicken in the Czech Republic
Authors: Papoušková Aneta , Masaříková Martina , Valček Adam , Šenk David , Čejková Darina , Jahodářová Eva , Čížek Alois
Published: December 2019

Background: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) can cause various extraintestinal infections in poultry, resulting in massive economic losses in poultry industry. In addition, some avian E. coli strains may have zoonotic potential, making poultry a possible source of infection for humans. Due to its extreme genetic diversity, this pathotype remains poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of colibacillosis-associated E. coli isolates from Central European countries with a focus on the Czech Republic. Results: Of 95 clinical isolates subjected to preliminary characterization, 32 were selected for whole-genome sequencing. A multi resistant phenotype was detected in a majority of the sequenced strains with the predominant resistance to β -lactams and quinolones being associated with TEM-type beta-lactamase genes and chromosomal gyrA mutations respectively. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed a great diversity of isolates, that were derived from nearly all phylogenetic groups, with predominace of B2, B1 and C phylogroups. Clusters of closely related isolates within ST23 (phylogroup C) and ST429 (phylogroup B2) indicated a possible local spread of these clones. Besides, the ST429 cluster carried blaCMY-2, -59 genes for AmpC beta-lactamase and isolates of both clusters were generally well-equipped with virulence-associated genes, with considerable differences in distribution of certain virulence-associated genes between phylogenetically distant lineages. Other important and potentially zoonotic APEC STs were detected, incl. ST117, ST354 and ST95, showing several molecular features typical for human ExPEC.Conclusions: The results support the concept of local spread of virulent APEC clones, as well as of zoonotic potential of specific poultry-associated lineages, and highlight the need to investigate the possible source of these pathogenic strains.
Genome-wide association mapping of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance in soybean using whole-genome resequencing data
Authors: Boudhrioua Chiheb , Bastien Maxime , Torkamaneh Davoud , Belzile François
Published: December 2019

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is an important cause of yield loss in soybean. Although many papers have reported different loci contributing to partial resistance, few of these were proved to reproduce the same phenotypic impact in different populations. In this study, we identified a major quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to SSR progression on the main stem by using a genome-wide association mapping (GWAM). A population of 127 soybean accessions was genotyped with 1.5M SNPs derived from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) ensuring an extensive genome coverage and phenotyped for SSR resistance. SNP-trait association led to discovery of a new QTL on chromosome 1 (Chr01) where resistant lines had shorter lesions on the stem by 29 mm . A single gene (Glyma.01g048000) resided in the same LD block as the peak SNP, but it is of unknown function. The impact of this QTL was even more significant in the descendants of a cross between two lines carrying contrasted alleles for Chr01. Individuals carrying the resistance allele developed lesions almost 50% shorter than those bearing the sensitivity allele. These results suggest that this region harbors a promising resistance QTL to SSR that can be used in soybean breeding program.