bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wildlife-vehicle collisions in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand: Impact on native species for some conservation management
Authors: Rattanawanawong Nattaphat , Bhumpakphan Naris , Kutintar Utis , Sukmasuang Ronglarp
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Rattanawanawong N, Bhumpakphan N, Kutintara U, Sukmasuang R. 2022. Wildlife-vehicle collisions in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand: Impact on native species for some conservation management. Biodiversitas 23: 3050-3061. Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) remain a major challenge in wildlife management worldwide, especially in conservation areas with transport routes passing through. This study was operated along a 48 km long highway, which conducted 207 surveys in a natural world heritage site from February 2018 to January 2019. A total of 391 wild animal carcasses were found in 90 species. The carcasses found, according to the taxonomic group, were reptiles (67.52%), followed by mammals (14.83%), amphibians (4.35%), birds (3.32%). Reptiles were most affected by road use, especially tortoises in Family Geoemydidae and Family Testudinidae that two critically endangered species were found. This study found that members of Family Colubridae were most affected that 26 species, a total of 144 animal carcasses were found, accounting for 29.15% of the number of all carcasses. The most affected species were forest garden lizard (Calotes emma) in the Family Agamidae, where 99 carcasses were found, accounting for 25.31% of the total. In March showed the highest number of the carcasses, followed by April. All of the carcasses found in the evening slightly more than the morning indicated that wild animals died more during the day than at night. The number of vehicles day-1 significantly affected wildlife mortality per day. Reducing the number of vehicles per day-1 entering and reducing vehicle speed, including the number of tourists, as well as banning travel at night, would mitigate the problem. Further, educational signage about wildlife diversity and the risk of road mortality should be installed at the park to remind visitors about the unique fauna in the national park and emphasize the importance of conservation.
The distribution of benthic foraminifera in coral reefs ecosystem of East Penjaliran Island, Seribu Islands, Indonesia
Authors: Natsir Suhartati Muhammad
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Natsir SM. 2022. ­­The distribution of benthic foraminifera in coral reefs ecosystem of East Penjaliran Island, Seribu Islands, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 3073-3080. East Penjaliran Island is located in the core zone of Seribu Islands Marine National Park and is included in the protected green area. The research shows the close relationship between benthic foraminifera and coral reef. Certain foraminifera has the same environmental requirement to live with coral reefs. Therefore, the study of foraminiferal assemblages is also very important to shed light on the environmental conditions for the growth of coral reefs through calculating the Foraminifera in Reef Assessment and Monitoring Index (FORAM Index/FI). Sampling was conducted in December 2016 around the coral reef ecosystems of East Penjaliran Island, Seribu Islands. A total of 37 species of benthic foraminifera were collected from the island with a diverse abundance. Based on the FI gained values on average of 3.18. It indicates that East Penjaliran Island is classified as an environmental change for coral reefs' growth. The condition was feasible for the growth of coral reefs, but it tends to be an unfavorable environment for their recovery. The benthic foraminifera assemblages can be classified into three major groups based on the Shannon diversity index and FI (i.e., Group A, Group B, and Group C) with their specific characteristics. Group A was characterized by coarse sand sediment and dwelled dominantly by opportunistic foraminifers such as Elphidium advenum, Elphidium crispum, and Flintina bradyana. Groups B and C have very fine sand sediment, but they dwelled by foraminiferal assemblages in different compositions. Group B was dominated by E. crispum and followed by several species of Peneroplis, but Group C dwelled abundantly by E. advenum, E. crispum, Elphidium depressulum and followed by symbiont-bearing foraminifera such as Peneroplis planatus.
Short Communication: Agronomical characteristics of sweet corn under different plant growth regulators during the dry season
Authors: MUBAROK SYARIFUL , WICAKSONO FIKY YULIANTO , NURAINI ANNE , RAHMAT BAYU PRADANA NUR , BUDIARTO RAHMAT
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Mubarok S, Wicaksono FY, Nuraini A, Rahmat BPN, Budiarto R. 2022.S hort Communication: Agronomical characteristics of sweet corn under different plant growth regulators during the dry season. Biodiversitas 23: 3091-3098. Sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata var. rugosa)is one of the important horticultural crops. Increasing sweet corn production during the dry season can be achieved by applying plant growth regulators (PGR). PGRs such as auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, ethylene, and other phytohormones control various physiological and chemical processes in plants. The PGR is often used for the engineering process of plant cultivation technology, especially during environmental stress conditions. This study aimed to determine the effect of PGRs (auxin, gibberellic acid, salicylic acid, and paclobutrazol) on sweet corn growth and yield during the dry season. The results showed that the application of PGR significantly affected sweet corn growth, yield, and yield quality during the dry season. The auxin significantly increased plant height and leaf length, whereas paclobutrazol and salicylic acid significantly increased the number of cobs and total soluble solids of sweet corn, respectively.
Chromosome number and reproductive mode of some Pteris species (Pteridaceae) in Thailand
Authors: LIMPANASITTICHAI PONPIPAT , JARUWATTANAPHAN TASSANAI
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Limpanasittichai P, Jaruwattanaphan T. 2022. Chromosome number and reproductive mode of some Pteris species (Pteridaceae) in Thailand. Biodiversitas 23: 3285-3296. The fern genus Pteris L. (Pteridaceae) consists of 329 species. This genus is one of the largest fern genera and is quite diverse with many different ploidy levels and reproductive modes resulting from complicated hybrid speciation events in their evolution. However, there have been very few observations of Pteridophytes in Thailand. This study aims to investigate chromosome number and reproductive mode of Pteris in Thailand. Mitotic chromosome numbers of 9 species collected from natural habitats were observed by hematoxylin squash method and their reproductive modes were estimated by counting the number of spores per sporangium. Three cytotypes were found, namely diploid, triploid and tetraploid. Nevertheless, only sexual individuals were recognized. First reports are provided for 3 species, namely P. dalhousieae (2n = 2x = 58, sexual), P. decrescens (2n = 2x = 58, sexual), and P. heteromorpha (2n = 2x = 58; 2n = 3x = 87 and 2n = 4x = 116, sexual) and the chromosome numbers from the remaining taxa match those reported from other countries. Two species, namely P. heteromorpha and P. vittata exhibited diverse cytotypes.
Cryopreservation of Gaga’ chicken semen from South Sulawesi, Indonesia with the addition of L-carnitine, hyaluronic acid, sucrose and their combination in diluent
Authors: Khaeruddin Khaeruddin , Wahjuningsih Sri , Ciptadi Gatot , Yusuf Muhammad , Hermawansyah Hermawansyah , Sahiruddin Sahiruddin
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Khaeruddin, Wahjuningsih S, Ciptadi G, Yusuf M, Hermawansyah, Sahiruddin. 2022. Cryopreservation of Gaga’ chicken semen from South Sulawesi, Indonesia with the addition of L-carnitine, hyaluronic acid, sucrose and their combination in diluent. Biodiversitas 23: 3297-3302. Gaga' chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is Indonesian germplasm that needs to be preserved with cryopreservation technology. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of adding L-Carnitine, hyaluronic acid, and sucrose as well as their combination in a diluent on the quality of Gaga' chicken spermatozoa after freeze-thawing. A completely randomized design was used along with 6 treatments, namely P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5, containing Ringer acetate-egg yolk (RAEY) diluent (P0), RAEY + 0.063 mM hyaluronic acid (P1), RAEY + 1 mM L-carnitine (P2), RAEY + 1 mM sucrose (P3), RAEY + 0.063 mM hyaluronic acid + 1 mM L-carnitine (P4), and RAEY + 0.063 mM hyaluronic acid + 1 mM L-carnitine + 1mM sucrose (P5). Liquid semen was packed in a 0.25 mL straw, equilibrated at 5oC for 2 hours, and placed 3 cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen. It was then immersed in nitrogen for 24 hours and thawed at 60°C for 5 seconds. The results showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the motility, viability, and kinematic variables of spermatozoa after freeze-thawing. P1, P2, P3, and P4 increased progressive motility and curvilinear velocity, while viability increased with P1, P2, and P4 treatments. Furthermore, the addition of Hyaluronic acid, L-carnitine, or their combination in the RAEY diluent can improve the sperm quality of Gaga' chickens.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Wives of Nepali Migrants and Future Foreign Employment Decision-making
Authors: Ghimire Anita , Shrestha Priyasha , Dhungana Indu
Published: June 2022

With over 55% of households having labour migrants and over 25% of the GDP attributable to migrants’ remittance, migration plays an important role in economic development of Nepal but also in overall wellbeing of the Nepali households. While there have been considerable studies on the impact of migration both from social and economic perspectives, little is known about how migrants and their households make decisions to migrate. Moreover, there is limited research on how crisis in destination countries affect migration decision-making among migrants and their left-behind household members. Taking the example of the current COVID-19 crisis, this article discusses the context within which people are taking migration decisions and how the experiences of crisis affects decision-making about pursuing foreign employment for people who have previous migration experience. This article discusses the experience of migrants’ wives during the pandemic in relation to their husband’s migration, alternative livelihood experience of migrants (returnees, those on a holiday and aspiring migrants) in the home country, impacts of COVID-19 ban on aspiring migrants, and aspiring migrants and their wives’ perspectives towards future foreign employment. The article argues that given a high interest amongst the returnees and their spouses to work in Nepal, current employment programmes brought forward by the government should take the opportunity as a way of retaining the human resources in Nepal.
Identification of human ovarian cancer relying on collagen fiber coverage features by quantitative second harmonic generation imaging
Authors: Qian Shuhao , Wang Guangxing , Meng Jia , Jiang Shenyi , Zhou Lingxi , Lu Jianping , Ding Zhihua , Zhuo Shuangmu , Liu Zhiyi
Published: June 2022

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among all gynecological cancers, containing complicated heterogeneous histotypes, each with different treatment plans and prognoses. The lack of screening test makes new perspectives for the biomarker of ovarian cancer of great significance. As the main component of extracellular matrix, collagen fibers undergo dynamic remodeling caused by neoplastic activity. Second harmonic generation (SHG) enables label-free, non-destructive imaging of collagen fibers with submicron resolution and deep sectioning. In this study, we developed a new metric named local coverage to quantify morphologically localized distribution of collagen fibers and combined it with overall density to characterize 3D SHG images of collagen fibers from normal, benign and malignant human ovarian biopsies. An overall diagnosis accuracy of 96.3% in distinguishing these tissue types made local and overall density signatures a sensitive biomarker of tumor progression. Quantitative, multi-parametric SHG imaging might serve as a potential screening test tool for ovarian cancer.
SPF: A spatial and functional data analytic approach to cell imaging data
Authors: Vu Thao , Wrobel Julia , Bitler Benjamin G. , Schenk Erin L. , Jordan Kimberly R. , Ghosh Debashis
Published: June 2022

The tumor microenvironment (TME), which characterizes the tumor and its surroundings, plays a critical role in understanding cancer development and progression. Recent advances in imaging techniques enable researchers to study spatial structure of the TME at a single-cell level. Investigating spatial patterns and interactions of cell subtypes within the TME provides useful insights into how cells with different biological purposes behave, which may consequentially impact a subject’s clinical outcomes. We utilize a class of well-known spatial summary statistics, the K-function and its variants, to explore inter-cell dependence as a function of distances between cells. Using techniques from functional data analysis, we introduce an approach to model the association between these summary spatial functions and subject-level outcomes, while controlling for other clinical scalar predictors such as age and disease stage. In particular, we leverage the additive functional Cox regression model (AFCM) to study the nonlinear impact of spatial interaction between tumor and stromal cells on overall survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, using multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) data. The applicability of our approach is further validated using a publicly available multiplexed ion beam imaging (MIBI) triple-negative breast cancer dataset.
Evaluation of Whatman FTA cards for the preservation of yellow fever virus RNA for use in molecular diagnostics
Authors: Davis Emily H. , Velez Jason O. , Russell Brandy J. , Basile A. Jane , Brault Aaron C. , Hughes Holly R.
Published: June 2022

Yellow fever virus (YFV) is a flavivirus that frequently causes outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever in Africa and South America and is considered a reemerging public health threat. Accurate diagnosis of yellow fever (YF) disease is critical as one confirmed case constitutes an outbreak and may trigger a mass vaccination campaign. Highly sensitive and specific molecular diagnostics have been developed; however, these assays require maintenance of cold-chain during transport of specimens to prevent the degradation of viral RNA prior to testing. Such cold-chain requirements are difficult to meet in some regions. In this study, we investigated Whatman FTA cards as an alternative stabilization method of YFV RNA for use in molecular diagnosis. Using contrived specimens, linear regression analysis showed that RNA detection from a single 6mm FTA card punch was significantly less sensitive than traditional RNA extraction; however, pooling RNA extracted from two FTA punches significantly lowered the limit of detection to be equal to that of the traditional RNA extraction gold standard. In experiments addressing the ability of FTA card methodology to stabilize YFV RNA at variable temperature, RNA could be detected for more than two weeks following storage at 25°C. Even more promising, YFV RNA was detectable on cards held at 37°C from two days to over two weeks depending on viral input. FTA cards were also shown to stabilize YFV RNA at high humidity if cards were desiccated prior to inoculation. These results support that FTA cards could be cost effective and easy to use in molecular diagnosis of YF, preserving viral RNA to allow for positive diagnoses in situations where maintaining cold-chain is not feasible.
Effects of electroacupuncture on the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y and ghrelin in pubertal rats with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Li Yang , Zhi Wang , Haoxu Dong , Qing Wang , Ling Cheng , Ping Yi , Dongmei Huang
Published: June 2022

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome often starts in puberty, and its pathogenesis is not clear. This study aimed to explore the pathogenesis of pubertal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and assess the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on pubertal PCOS.

Methods

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was used to induce rat models of pubertal PCOS. pubertal rats with PCOS were randomly divided into a model group (M), an electroacupuncture group (EA), and a sham acupuncture group (SA). Age-matched normal rats were regarded as normal controls (N). Rats were treated with EA or SA five times a week for 25 minutes during their 6th–7th week. At the end of the experiment, we observed any changes in ovarian morphology; detected levels of metabolic indices in serum, the hypothalamus and pancreas.

Results

EA significantly improved estrous cycle disorders and the ovarian polycystic morphology in pubertal rats with PCOS, but SA only improved disorders of the estrous cycle. The serum levels of insulin, neuropeptide Y(NPY) and fasting blood glucose(FBG) increased significantly (both p < 0.01), while the serum levels of ghrelin(GHRL) decreased in the model group (p < 0.01). After treatment with EA, the levels of NPY (p < 0.01) and FBG (p < 0.05) went into decrease, whereas the levels of GHRL (p < 0.05) and insulin (p < 0.01) increased. There was few differences in the hypothalamic expression of galanin (GAL), galanin-like peptide (GALP) and ghrelin receptor(GHSR) between the four groups. The upregulation of NPY mRNA and neuropeptide Y2 receptor(NPY2R) mRNA and the downregulation of GHRL protein and mRNA in the hypothalamus, and the increased expression of NPY and NPY2R as well as the decreased expression of GHRL in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) can be rescued by EA. But, surprisingly, SA seem to make no difference to the levels of FBG and insulin, and the protein expression of ghrelin in the hypothalamus and ARC. Co-expression of kisspeptin and GHSR, and co-expression of gonadotrophin releasing hormone(GnRH) and NPY2R were observed in ARC. No differences were found between groups in protein of GAL, GALP and GHRL expression in the pancreas. Neither EA nor SA can attenuate the upregulated kisspeptin protein expression in the pancreas of PCOS model rats.

Conclusions

EA and SA improved the symptoms of pubertal PCOS rats, and the mechanism might be associated with regulating hypothalamic NPY and ghrelin levels.
Towards precision ecology: Relationships of multiple sampling methods quantifying abundance for comparisons among studies
Authors: Hoffmann Benjamin D. , Pettit Magen
Published: June 2022

Because different sampling techniques will provide different abundance values, it is currently difficult to compare results among many studies to form holistic understandings of how abundance influences ant ecology. Using three sampling methods in the same location we found pitfall traps best confirmed yellow crazy ant A. gracilipes presence recording the fewest zero values (9.1%), card counts were the least reliable (67.1%), and tuna lures were intermediate (30.1%). The abundance of A. gracilipes from card counts ranged from 0 to 20, in pitfall traps from 0 to 325, and the full range of tuna lure abundance scores (0–7) were sampled. We then determined the relationships between these three standard ant sampling techniques for Anoplolepis gracilipes abundance. Irrespective of the data transformation method, the strongest relationship was between pitfall traps and tuna lures, and the least strong was between pitfall traps and card counts. We then demonstrate the utility of this knowledge by analysing A. gracilipes abundance reported within published literature to show where the populations in those studies sit on an abundance spectrum. We also comment on insights into the relative utility of the three methods we used to determine A. gracilipes abundance among populations of varying abundance. Pitfall traps was the most reliable method to determine if the species was present at the sample level. Tuna lures were predominantly reliable for quantifying the presence of workers, but were limited by the number of workers that can gather around a spoonful of tuna. Card counts were the quickest method, but were seemingly only useful when A. gracilipes abundance is not low. Finally we discuss how environmental and biological variation needs to be accounted for in future studies to better standardise sampling protocols to help progress ecology as a precision science.
Public engagement: Faculty lived experiences and perspectives underscore barriers and a changing culture in academia
Authors: Calice Mikhaila N. , Beets Becca , Bao Luye , Scheufele Dietram A. , Freiling Isabelle , Brossard Dominique , Feinstein Noah Weeth , Heisler Laura , Tangen Travis , Handelsman Jo
Published: June 2022

The idea of faculty engaging in meaningful dialogue with different publics instead of simply communicating their research to interested audiences has gradually morphed from a novel concept to a mainstay within most parts of the academy. Given the wide variety of public engagement modalities, it may be unsurprising that we still lack a comprehensive and granular understanding of factors that influence faculty willingness to engage with public audiences. Those nuances are not always captured by quantitative surveys that rely on pre-determined categories to assess scholars’ willingness to engage. While closed-ended categories are useful to examine which factors influence the willingness to engage more than others, it is unlikely that pre-determined categories comprehensively represent the range of factors that undermine or encourage engagement, including perceptual influences, institutional barriers, and scholars’ lived experiences. To gain insight into these individual perspectives and lived experiences, we conducted focus group discussions with faculty members at a large midwestern land-grant university in the United States. Our findings provide context to previous studies of public engagement and suggest four themes for future research. These themes affirm the persistence of institutional barriers to engaging with the public, particularly the expectations in the promotion process for tenure-track faculty. However, we also find a perception that junior faculty and graduate students are challenging the status quo by introducing a new wave of attention to public engagement. This finding suggests a “trickle-up” effect through junior faculty and graduate students expecting institutional support for public engagement. Our findings highlight the need to consider how both top-down factors such as institutional expectations and bottom-up factors such as graduate student interest shape faculty members’ decisions to participate in public engagement activities.
A Simple Treatment of Tannery Wastewater using Modified Activated Carbon by Metal Chloride
Authors: Kistan A. , Premkumar A. , Kanchana V.
Published: June 2022

Tannery wastewaters are exceedingly complex and characterized by high contents of organic, inorganic
and nitrogenous compounds, chromium, sulfides, suspended solids and dissolved substances. Treatment
of tannery wastewater was carried out by using activated carbon modified metal chlorides approaches.
Effluent from an existing tannery was used as the test medium. The characteristics of the influent and
effluent after the chemical treatment were determined. Modified activated carbon mixed with clarified
tannery effluent then the various constituents of the effluent were re-investigated. The results indicated
a very good deduction of physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals such as chromium were
gradually reduced with the introduction of 100-500 mg/L of activated carbon metal chlorides, including
CaCl2, which were 41% (EC), 76% (BOD), 47% (COD) (72%) (TDS), 87% (total hardness), 45%
(chlorides), 63% (sulphate), 58% (nitrates), 70% (Cr), 32% (surfactants).
Structural and Optical Properties of Dy3+ Doped with an Eulytite
Type NaBaBi2(PO4)3 Phosphor for White Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Indumathi K. , Tamilselvan S. , John David A. Duke , Muhammed G. Shakil , Annadurai G.
Published: June 2022

A series of NaBaBi(2-x)(PO4)3:xDy3+ eulytite type phosphors with varying doping concentrations were
synthesized using a conventional solid-state reaction. The crystalline nature and phase formation of
the phosphor were confirmed by the PXRD technique. FESEM was used to examine the surface
morphology. UV-DRS measurements were used to quantify the band gap of the host and Dy3+ ion
doped phosphors. The phosphors’ photoluminescence properties were thoroughly investigated.
According to the excitation spectra, these phosphors show a strong absorption band in the near-ultraviolet
(NUV) region, extending from 250 to 450 nm. Under the excitation of 352 nm, the peaks of the
emission spectra of Dy3+ ions are located at 485 nm (blue), 575 nm (yellow) and 666 nm (red),
corresponding to the magnetic dipole 4F9/2→6H15/2 transition, the electric dipole 4F9/2→6H13/2 transition
and the 4F9/2→6H11/2 transition. The optimal concentration of Dy3+ doped phosphor is x = 0.075 and the
major concentration quenching mechanism is accomplished by energy transfer between the
nearest-neighbour ions. The critical transfer distance (Rc) is estimated to be about 19.01. The
Commission International deI’Eclairage (CIE) of NaBaBi1.925(PO4)3:0.075Dy3+ phosphor was calculated
to be (x = 0.341 and y = 0.374), which was very close to the “ideal white” (x = 0.33, y = 0.33). Present
findings suggest that the phosphor might be a viable option for producing a white-light-emitting
phosphor under NUV activation.
Sustainability of agriculture development in South Africa: Towards Vision 2030
Authors: Cheteni Priviledge , Umejesi Ikechukwu
Published: June 2022

Sustainable Development in agriculture is taunted as a praxis to economic growth and development for several African economies. Agriculture remains one of the primary contributors to employment and food security in the sub-Saharan region, where incidences of drought and famine are prominent. However, the concept of sustainable agriculture remains ambiguous and vague in meaning-making; it is hard to implement at grassroots levels. In this systematic review article, agriculture development is advanced from social science perspective by identifying areas of concern and complementarity in the government approach to sustainability. A structured review in collaboration with desktop research was applied in this study. A sustainable framework was developed to provide an insight into sustainable development components and their outcomes. Furthermore, the study outcome highlights how actors involved in sustainable agriculture can deal with the multiplicity and complexity of this concept in a constructive manner.
Book Metadata for an Open Access World
Authors: Tscheke Nina
Published: June 2022

The advantages and requirements of digital aggregation often run into a wall with scientific book publications. Standard metadata formats such as MARC and ONIX were developed to serve a different purpose – describing books for library cataloguing or sales, but not originally intended as a primary source for indexing in a digital research environment. Consequentially, book records tend to lack in detail required for proper description in an electronic research landscape. Recognized essentials in journal publishing such as a link to the (single digital) publisher’s version of record, DOIs registered with a rich, reusable metadata set listing keywords and subjects, affiliations or biographical information, machine-readable licenses, ORCID and FundRef IDs are seldomly available when it comes to books. With a grant from the German Ministry for Education and Research ScienceOpen has just launched the BookMetaHub, freely accessible to publishers around the world, that will provide them with the means to maintain metadata more easily and support them to better integrate books and chapters into to the digital knowledge graph.
The Effects of Realistic Mathematics Education on Mathematics Attitudes of Turkish Students: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: GÜLŞEN TURGUT İlknur
Published: June 2022

In this research, the effects of Realistic Mathematics Education on Turkish students' mathematics attitudes were investigated through meta-analysis. For this purpose, determined indexes were searched for relevant keywords. As a result of the searching, 22 studies were included in the research according to the predetermined inclusion criteria and their effect sizes were calculated. In the analysis, the statistics programs MetaWin and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis were employed. The effect sizes were calculated using Hedges' g coefficient, with a 95% confidence level. The overall effect size value was calculated as 0.652 with a 0.101 level of standard error using the random effects model. The findings show that Realistic Mathematics Education has a moderately positive effect on Turkish students' attitudes toward mathematics. The effect sizes calculated with regard to moderator variables -level of education, field of study and implementation period-, revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups. There was a statistically significant difference in sample size between the groups.
The Tanah-Air Concept and Indonesia’s Maritime Nation Aspiration
Authors: Alverdian Indra
Published: June 2022

This article analyses the Tanah-Air (Unity of Land-Water) concept conceived by Indonesian founding fathers during its independence period and its centrality in shaping the nation’s maritime outlook. Specifically, using descriptive historical analytical approach, it would like to emphasize the role of intersection of Indonesia’s political culture of national unity (Persatuan Nasional), strategic culture of turning of the ages of Nusantara (Cakra Manggilingan), and geopolitical outlook of archipelago’s heart seas (Segara Nusantara) as the three forming pillars of the Tanah-Air concept. Based on these intersections, it underlines unique contradictions within the Tanah-Air concept between need for unity and oneness of land-sea elements of the Indonesian archipelago and the concentric Javanese philosophy on the sea and its maritime power aspirations. Based on these contradictions and insight of the ‘Tanah-Air’ concept, the article provides a pragmatic view on Indonesia’s current aspiration of moving beyond archipelagic to maritime nation as stipulated in the 2014 Global Maritime Fulcrum Doctrine and 2017 Sea Policy Whitepaper.
Cristaluria por sulfadiazina en paciente con nefropatía lúpica
Authors: Ruiz Álvarez María J. , Molina-Blas Sergio , Barrionuevo-González Marta , Peñas-Lorite María E. , Gasalla-Herraiz José M.
Published: June 2022

Objetivos

Se estima que el 29% de los pacientes tratados con sulfadiazina pueden desarrollar un fallo renal agudo. Para su diagnóstico debemos recurrir a un análisis del sedimento urinario.

Caso clínico

Paciente de 71 años que consulta por pérdida de agudeza visual en el contexto de un brote de Lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Se diagnosticó de necrosis retiniana aguda, pendiente de filiación etiológica. Se inició empíricamente tratamiento con sulfadiazina. En los estudios analíticos de seguimiento se solicita sedimento urinario, en el cual se objetivan los siguientes hallazgos: pH 6, 30–50 hematíes/campo, células epiteliales de vías bajas y de transición, cilindros hialinos, gotas de grasa o cuerpos de cruz de Malta y abundantes cristales de sulfadiazina. Se comunica este hallazgo al Servicio de Nefrología y se suspende el tratamiento de forma inmediata.

Conclusiones

La sulfadiazina es un antibiótico de la familia de las sulfamidas. Su cristalización en el interior de los túbulos renales puede causar nefritis instersticial aguda. Estos cristales adoptan una morfología muy diversa en función del metabolito que cristalice: las formas inalteradas precipitan en forma de cristales densos y globulares, o como en el caso de nuestro paciente, los cristales adoptan forma de espigas de trigo en abanico.
Medición del contenido de aluminio en especímenes biológicos: aplicación en el laboratorio clínico
Authors: Pérez San Martín Sonia , Bauçà Josep Miquel , Martínez-Morillo Eduardo
Published: June 2022

El aluminio se incorpora en el organismo principalmente por la dieta o la exposición ocupacional y se excreta por vía renal. Puede retenerse y presentar toxicidad especialmente en individuos con insuficiencia renal, incluso en aquellos que están sometidos a procesos de diálisis. Sus mecanismos de toxicidad están relacionados con el aumento del estrés oxidativo e inflamatorio, dishomeostasis del hierro y el calcio o la desregulación colinérgica, entre otros. En este documento se revisan los especímenes y métodos analíticos para la medida de aluminio en especímenes biológicos y agua de diálisis. Se detallan aquellos aspectos más relevantes para asegurar su calidad. Pretende ser una guía práctica para el desarrollo e implementación de un procedimiento de medida fiable del aluminio en un laboratorio clínico.

El aluminio en suero es el principal biomarcador para el estudio de su toxicidad, mientras que para la evaluación de una exposición crónica se recomienda la orina. Actualmente, la tecnología de espectrometría de masas de plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-MS) es la recomendada por presentar mejores límites de cuantificación, selectividad y robustez.

Se ofrecen recomendaciones claras sobre los especímenes utilizados en la medición de aluminio y las principales consideraciones preanalíticas, analíticas y postanalíticas.
Homocysteine in coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a systematic literature review
Authors: Carpenè Giovanni , Negrini Davide , Henry Brandon M. , Montagnana Martina , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a life-threatening infectious disorder characterized by a sustained prothrombotic state. Since homocysteine is a potential biomarker of thrombotic diseases, the aim of this article is to provide an updated overview on the possible role played by hyperhomocysteinemia in influencing an unfavorable COVID-19 progression.

Methods

We carried out an electronic search in Medline (PubMed interface) using the keywords (“COVID-19” OR “SARS-CoV-2”) AND “homocysteine”, between 2019 and the present time, with no language restrictions, to identify all articles which explored the concentration of homocysteine in COVID-19 patients with or without unfavorable disease progression.

Results

Three studies, totaling 694 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, were included in our systematic review. Overall, the differences between the mean homocysteine values in non-severe vs. severe COVID-19 patients were always positive (i.e., 15.1%, 24.1% and 22.8%, generating a positive weight mean difference of 1.75 μmol/L (95%CI, 1.26–2.25 μmol/L; p=0.011), which translates into a cumulative difference of approximately ∼1.2 μmol/L.

Conclusions

Despite the limited evidence that has been garnered so far, increased homocysteine ​​levels may be a potentially useful marker for predicting the risk of unfavorable progression in patients with COVID-19.
Multisite assessment of emergency medicine resident knowledge of evidence-based medicine as measured by the Fresno Test of Evidence-Based Medicine
Authors: Katsilometes James , Galuska Michael , Kraus Chadd K. , Levitin Howard W. , Leuchten Scott , Daugherty-Luck Jane , Lata Julie , Brannan Grace , Santarelli Anthony , Ashurst John
Published: June 2022

Context

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the application of scientific evidence while treating a patient. To date, however, there is very little evidence describing how residents in emergency medicine understand and incorporate EBM into practice.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine EBM theoretical and quantitative knowledge in emergency medicine residents in community hospital-based training programs.

Methods

A sample of emergency medicine residents from nine hospitals was enrolled to complete a cross-sectional assessment of EBM skills from April 2021 through June 2021. Performance on the Fresno Test of Evidence-Based Medicine (FTEBM) was assessed utilizing descriptive statistics, t tests, and one-way analysis of variance.

Results

A total of 50.8% (124/244) of current emergency medicine residents completed the FTEBM during the study period. No significant difference on FTEBM scores was noted between the different types of medical degrees (DO vs. MD) (p=0.511), holding an advanced research degree (p=0.117), or between each postgraduate year of training (p=0.356). The mean score of those residents who rated their knowledge of EBM as average or higher was 36.0% (32.8–39.1%). The mean score of those residents who rated their programs as having an “average” or higher institutional focus on EBM was 34.9% (32.2–37.6%).

Conclusions

Participating emergency medicine residents show an incomplete understanding of EBM both in theory and applied computations despite rating themselves as having an average understanding. Emergency medicine residencies would be well suited to implement a standardized EBM curriculum that focuses on longitudinal reinforcement of key concepts needed for the practicing physician.
Comparison of insulin sensitivity indices for detection of double diabetes in Indian adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Oza Chirantap , Khadilkar Anuradha , Karguppikar Madhura , Gondhalekar Ketan , Khadilkar Vaman
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The role of insulin sensitivity (IS) in the development and progression of metabolic syndrome (MS) in subjects with type-1 diabetes (T1D) is being increasingly recognized. As patients with T1D lack endogenous insulin secretion, measurement of insulin concentration by immunoassay or by indices such as homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is not helpful in assessing IS. Hence, some equations have been developed and validated against data from euglycemic-hyper-insulinemic clamp tests (the gold standard) to estimate IS. 1) To assess IS using available equations (EDC, SEARCH and CACTI) and relationship of IS with MS and microalbuminuria in adolescents with T1D, (2) To compare the predictive value of these equations for detection of MS and derive a cut-off to predict the future risk of development of MS and microalbuminuria and (3) To identify the most accurate non-invasive and easy-to-use equation for detecting patients with double diabetes (DD) in a clinical setting.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 181 adolescents aged 12–18 years with T1D. Demographic data and laboratory measurements were performed using standard protocols. IS was calculated using following equations:(1) EDC=24.31−12.22×(WHR)−3.29×(hypertension)−0.57×(HbA1c), (2) SEARCH=exp(4.64725−0.02032(waist)−0.09779(HbA1c)−0.00235(Triglycerides), (3)CACTI-exA=exp(4.1075–0.01299×(waist)−1.05819×(insulin dose)−0.00354×(Triglycerides)−0.00802×(DBP)).

Results

IS determined by all three methods had significant negative correlation (p<0.05) with MS as well as with microalbuminuria. The cut-off value of 5.485 mg/kg/min by SEARCH method for determining IS had the highest sensitivity and specificity in identifying MS.

Conclusions

IS by SEARCH equation may be used in routine clinical practice to detect DD in Indian adolescents with T1D at risk of developing metabolic as well as microvascular complications.
ALKBH5 inhibits TNF-α-induced apoptosis of HUVECs through Bcl-2 pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshan , Deng ShiBing , Peng Yang , Wei Han , Tian Zhiming
Published: June 2022

The dysfunction and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells are the initiating links in the formation of atherosclerosis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an extremely extensive RNA methylation modification and its abnormality leads to the occurrence of various human diseases. In this study, we explored the effects of demethylase α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase ALKB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) on TNF-α-induced apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In TNF-α-treated HUVECs, the expression of ALKBH5 was significantly decreased. ALKBH5 overexpression promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis in TNF-α-treated HUVECs, suggesting that ALKBH5 had a protective effect on cell damage induced by TNF-α. Importantly, ALKBH5 promoted the expression of Bcl-2 in HUVECs. Bcl2 overexpression reduced the expression of Gadd45, Bax, and p21, which are transcriptionally activated by p53. But the expression of p53 has not been significantly affected, indicating that Bcl2 might regulate the apoptosis by inhibiting p53 downstream targets. In addition, ALKBH5 overexpression significantly increased the level of pri-miR-7 and decreased the level of miR-7. In conclusion, ALKBH5 attenuated the TNF-α-induced cell injury via promoting Bcl2 expression. Our research expands the understanding of the progression mechanism of atherosclerosis and provides a potential strategy for the protection of vascular endothelial injury.
Jacob Burckhardt und die französische Interpretation der »Renaissance«: Wandlungen des Begriffs von den frühen Tessin-Studien bis zum Cicerone
Authors: Karge Henrik
Published: June 2022

The popularisation of the term “Renaissance” in the German-speaking world owes much to Jacob Burckhardt. Until 1840, however, the use of this period term still reflected its French origins. Burckhardt himself, as a scholar still in his twenties, applied it (albeit with some reservations about the etymology) primarily to sixteenth-century architecture and ornamentation in France and in neighbouring regions. Only a decade later did he redefine the term and associate it enthusiastically with Italian art and architecture. Burckhardt’s early use of the word “Renaissance” conveys much of the fascination that the simultaneously hybrid and opulent French art of the decades around 1500 held in nineteenth-century Europe.
Structural And Functional Annotation Of Rv1514c Gene Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis H37Rv As Glycosyl Transferases
Authors: Beg Amjad , ngi Shiva , Athar Fareeda , Meena Laxman S
Published: June 2022

We need an emergent cure against tuberculosis after seeing its capability of scattering all around the world. The causative pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) persistently gets accomplishment in spreading the repulsiveness of overall expanding death rate; thusly create an emergent requirement for curing people to interact with this pathogen. There might be numerous points of view of this bacterium to take a shot for focusing on the imperative components for its development and survival, one of those systems is recorded in the article underneath. Glycosylation is the universal and one of the most important phenomenon’s for modification. This gene is a suitable one for studying exact functioning of glycosyl transferases enzymes as these are the non essential ones and require for growth of this bacterium. The target of the manuscript is to accentuate the In silico highlights of the Rv1514c gene of M. tuberculosis which prove being an essential role like transferases activity, transferring glycosyl group’s action. For the study of Rv1514c gene, it comprises 789 bp long which codes for nearly approx 29kDa protein. In String database server for functional partner prediction demonstrates it interact with an fcl (EpiA), Rv1508A, gmdA, Rv1516c, Rv3264c, Rv1515c, Rv3032, Pima, Rv2188c and glgA. Rv1514c modelled by using I-TASSER server and for model evaluation we using ProSA, Rampage, Verify 3D and ERRAT which outcome score are satisfactory. In Rv1514c binding sites prediction done by COACH which confirmed this gene might be bounded with UDP (Uridine-Diphosphate) and it could be a Transferases activity protein which possibly, transferring glycosyl groups action. Assist exploratory investigations of this gene might be valuable in giving physiological and biological vitality as a remedial. Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Rv1514c; Glycosylation; Macrophages; Transferases
Pre/Post-Plasmid Profile Analysis, Killing- Kinetics and Secondary Metabolites Screening Of Ademopus Breviflorus (Benth) Or (Lagenaria Breviflora Roberty) Against Multiple Drug Resistant Isolates Using Staphylococcus Aureus as a Case Study
Authors: Temitope Osuntokun Oludare , A Fawole Ibukun , A M Yusuf-Babatunde , S Abiodun
Published: June 2022

This research work was designed to evaluate the pre-plasmid and post-plasmid, killing kinetics assay and secondary metabolites analysis of Adenopus breviflorus (Benth) (Lagenaria breviflora roberty) against multiple drug resistant isolates using Staphylococcus aureus as a case study. Multiple drug resistant isolates were subjected to antibacterial susceptibility testing before plasmid curing and Staphylococcus aureus was used as a case study after plasmid curing using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate intercalating dye following previously determined standard procedures. Antibacterial susceptibility testing of the bacterial isolates was carried out with ethanol extract of Adenopus breviflora (Benth) using agar diffusion techniques as the standard procedures. The agar diffusion was used to test the antibacterial potentials of the extract at different concentrations of 100mg/ml, 50mg/ml, 25mg/ ml and 12.5mg/ml. The extracts were tested against three (3) Gram positive and seven (7) Gram negative bacteria. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) and Minimum bactericidal Concentration (MBCs) were determined and MIC and MBC values of 12.5 to 25 mcg/ ml and 23 to 50mcg/ml respectively was recorded and the time-kill kinetics profile of multiple drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus treated with different concentration of ethanolic extract of Adenopus breviflorus (Benth) in different time ranges showed reduction in number of viable cells. The qualitative and quantitative secondary metabolites screening of Adenopus breviflorus (Benth) whole fruit ethanol extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, steroids, saponins, tannins, anthraquin, pyrrolidizine alkaloid and reducing sugars as well as the value of each secondary metabolites in quantity while the presence of the volatile oil was not determined. These compounds are responsible for this broad antibacterial activity. Keywords: Pre-Plasmid; Post-Plasmid Profile Analysis; Killing- Kinetics; Secondary Metabolites Screening; Adenopus breviflorus (Benth); Lagenaria Breviflora Roberty; Multiple Drug Resistant Isolates; Staphylococcus aureus(MDRSA)