bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Livestock farming income analysis of farm households in Indonesia
Authors: Tenrisanna V , Kasim K
Published: June 2021

Animal husbandry development in Indonesia has been focusing on increasing farmers’ income, expand employment and provide business opportunities for the community. A livestock enterprise is said to be successful if it can contribute income to farmers. This study aims to measure the income of livestock farming on farm household scale in Indonesia. This study observed the production costs, revenues, farm income, and revenue-cost (R/C) ratio. The R/C ratio determines the level of efficiency of livestock business based on the ratio between the variable costs incurred and revenues. The data used secondary data from BPS-Statistics Indonesia. In general, this study shows that livestock farming on household scale provided benefits for farmers in terms of positive incomes and appropriate values of R/C ratios.
Income analysis of layer farm in Sidrap district South Sulawesi province (case study in PT. Cahaya Mario)
Authors: Nurlaelah S , Asnawi A , Rusni R
Published: June 2021

Laying hen farm business has enormous potential because it plays a role in providing a cheap and easy to obtain the source of animal protein, namely eggs. Besides, for people business, laying hen farm can be used as a source of income for farmers. The different cost structures at each phase will certainly have an impact on farmer income. This study aimed to analyze the farm income of laying hens at PT. Cahaya Mario, Sidrap regency and to determine the scale of his business. This research was a case study research. Data were collected from the recording of the company business and completed with a questionnaire as a research instrument to obtain the information needed in this study. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to calculate the level of income at each phase of breeding and business feasibility using the R/C ratio formula. The results showed that in one production cycle, the level of income obtained was IDR 817,809.94 with the R/C ratio was 2.15. Particularly for the starter to grower phase, which produced a pullet income of IDR 202,659.00 with the R/C ratio was 1.51, while the income in the layer phase or production period was IDR 680,150.94 and the R/C ratio was 2.19. This showed that the business was managed by PT. Cahaya Mario was feasible. This condition was shown by his ability to manage 30 flocks for a layer farm.
Analysis of the gross profit margin of broiler in the closed house at the Faculty of Animal Science - Hasanuddin University
Authors: Hastang  , Asnawi A , Daryatmo  , Meidiana T
Published: June 2021

This research was conducted in the closed house at the Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University from January to March 2020. The purpose of this study was to determine the gross profit margin obtained in the broiler business in partnership pattern in the closed house. The research method used was a case study method with a descriptive quantitative approach. The data used were primary data obtained from recording the necessary data for three production periods. The secondary data were obtained from the literature relevant to this study. The results showed that the gross profit margin of broiler farming in closed house varied such as follows: 9.5% for the first period, 7.5% for the second period and 9.6% for the third period. The difference in the level of gross profit margin was determined by the selling price, production and variable costs.
Production sharing system and beef cattle business revenue pattern in Tellulimpoe district, Sidenreng Rappang regency
Authors: Nugraha A , Mursalat A , Fitriani R , Asra R , Irwan M
Published: June 2021

One way to achieve welfare goals for breeders is by sharing the profit sharing system. The implementation of profit sharing system involves between two parties; between the capitalist and the breeder. The party that provides capital is the party that owns the cattle, but does not have enough time to raise the cow, so the capital owner gives the cow to the farmer to be raised in accordance with the agreements and previous agreements established. This research was conducted in Tellulimpoe district, Sidenreng Rappang regency. Total sample was 64 farmers using a total sampling approach. Analysis of the data used in this study used quantitative descriptive. The results showed that there were two types of profit sharing system applied by beef cattle breeders, namely the main female cow and the cost system. The income earned by farmers was IDR 4,484,842 per household/year, the results of the income was shared by the capital owner in accordance with the agreement.
The Condition of Seagrass Beds in North Sulawesi following the implementation of Community-Based Coastal Management Program
Authors: Rizqi M P
Published: June 2021

Pusomaen district in Southeast Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, was designated as one of the pilot sites for the Community-Based Coastal Resource Management Program (CB-CRMP) from 1997 - 2003. This program focused on the implementation of best-practice in coastal resource management involving multiple local stakeholders. Fifteen years after its phase-out, a study was conducted on seagrass beds in Tumbak and Bentenan village in Pusomaen district to obtain the seagrass ecosystem’s current status and condition in the former pilot sites. We observed the program’s legacy in terms of community awareness concerning coastal resource management and seagrass ecosystem. A line transect method was used to assess species diversity, coverage, and dominance in 9 stations. Environmental variables (weather, human activities, depth, clarity) and communities’ behavior towards seagrass beds (domestic waste disposal, boat anchoring) were also observed. The result showed that seven stations were in moderate, one in poor, and one in healthy conditions. There were seven seagrass species found during the observation. Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides were found in all stations, dominating the seagrass coverage. We also recorded the presence of Syringodium isoetifolium and Cymodocea rotundata in several stations. The expected CB– CRMP legacies of institutionalized community-based coastal management were nearly non-existent, while negative or indifferent behavior of the general community towards the seagrass ecosystem was observed, highlighted by domestic waste disposal and boat anchoring in the seagrass beds. Consistency of program planning and financial support from local and provincial governments were needed to maintain the legacy of CB-CRMP, while regular ecosystem monitoring was also pivotal in providing scientific data for local and provincial decision-making processes regarding coastal resource management.
Adaptation strategy for Jambal Catfish (Pangasius djambal) to stress the aquatic environment
Authors: Sularto  , Hadie Lies Emmawati , Marnis Huria , Darmawan Jadmiko
Published: June 2021

Oxygen is a major element in the metabolic process of cells in an aquatic animal’s body. Water oxygen solubility fluctuations will affect the metabolic process. Acute oxygen deficiency conditions can cause physiological changes in the body of fish. The research aims to analyze morphometric characters and genetic characters as environmental pressure. Test fish used in this research are 24.21+ 0.96 cm jambal fish (P.djambal) with 223.42 + 31.23 g. The treatment provided is an environment with different oxygen solubility, i.e., low oxygen (hypoxia), high oxygen (normoxia), and high fluctuating conditions naturally as control. The observed variables include the main parameters: the extent of gills filaments, the hemoglobin levels in the blood, and the expression of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) genes. Supporter parameters are growth and mortality as well as water quality parameters. LDH gene expression analysis on jambal catfish (P.djambal) using Reverse Transcriptase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method. An analysis shows the morphometric characters of jambal catfish living in a hypoxia environment (P < 0.05). The genetic character of jambal catfish (P.djambal) shows that the hypoxic environment of gene expression LDH is better than fish living in a normoxia and natural environment. Gene LDH indicates the strategy of jambal catfish (P.djambal) adaptation used in the selection program to produce jambal catfish (P.djambal) resistant to the hypoxic environment.
Skin characteristic of Pangasius Catfish in Indonesia
Authors: Sadi N H , Yoga G P
Published: June 2021

Pollution of the freshwater ecosystem can cause adverse effects on aquatic organisms, especially fish. Fish skin is a multi-purpose tissue that serves as the first barrier to protect the fish from aquatic pollution and defense system against pathogens. Pangasiidae is an economically important riverine catfishes that generally exist in freshwater from the Indian subcontinent to the Indonesian Archipelago. Among genera in Pangasiidae, the genus Pangasius has numerous species. Indonesia has 14 strains of this fish and 3 of them, Patin siam (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), Patin Jambal (Pangasius djambal), and Patin Pasupati (Pangasius sp.), are commonly cultured. This study aimed to characterize the skin of three Pangasius strains commonly found in Indonesia. The study was conducted at the Aquaculture facilities of the Research Center of Limnology. Three strains of Pangasius catfish were obtained from aquaculture farms. The fish were measured for the total length and body weight. The proportion of head, skin, bone, and meat was calculated. Collagen was extracted from the skin and was analyzed for type I, by ELISA methods. The thickness of the skin collagen was measured under a microscope after stained by the Masson Trichrome technique. ANOVA was conducted to evaluate the skin collagen content and skin collagen thickness. The result showed that there was no significant difference in collagen content among the fish strain, however, the collagen thickness was different.
Rainfall data Similarity Assessment of the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiments South East Asia Models to Observation in the Bintan Island
Authors: Djuwansah Muhamad R. , Narulita Ida , Fajary Faiz R. , Mulyono Asep
Published: June 2021

Present planning for sustainable water resources management should consider climate variability changes to minimize the risks of future water-related problems and hazards. Nowadays, CORDEX SEA provides the historical and future projections climatic data derived from downscaled several global climate models for Southeast Asian countries. The study intended to select the most appropriate CORDEX SEA model in projecting future rainfall over Bintan Island. The assessment of the trend and variable variation of the CORDEX-SEA models (CNRM, CSIRO, EC-EARTH, MPI, and its ENSEMBLE) to observation was carried out using statistical tests before similarity ranking. The trend similarity was confirmed using the Mann Kendall and Sen’s slope tests methods, while variable variations similarity was confirmed with the Spearman Correlation test and classed by Percent Bias (PBias). The similarities of models to observation were ranked after the least deviation of the statistical parameters. The assessment designates the MPI is the most appropriate among CORDEX-SEA models for Bintan Island. Monthly and annual rainfall trend and variability of the CORDEX SEA models in the historical, actual and foreseen future periods over Bintan Island were compared.
Analysis of potential soil fracture based on ground shear strain values in Solok, West Sumatra
Authors: Damayanti C , Sismanto
Published: June 2021

Research has been carried out to the identify ground fracture-prone areas in Solok City using microtremor data. Data collection was carried out for 94 points using a seismometer. Microtremor data generated was processed by the HVSR method. The results of microtremor data analysis produce parameters of seismic vulnerability, peak ground acceleration, and ground shear strain. The parameter used in determining the fracture prone area is the ground shear strain value. The ground shear strain value was generated from the parameters of seismic vulnerability and peak ground acceleration. From the results of the study, the value of the ground shear strain in the study area is high in the the northeast part of Tanjung Harapan sub-district with a ground shear strain value of 0.0032-0.0080. Whereas the area with a low value of ground shear strain distribution is in the middle of Solok City, precisely in Lubuk Sikarah District with a ground shear strain value of 0.0002-0.0018. Based on these data, the central area of the Solok City precisely Lubuk Sikarah District is an area prone to ground fracturing.
Geology, hydrothermal alteration and mineralization of the Carlin-type gold deposit at South Ratatotok, Southeast Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia
Authors: Azzaman M A , Idrus A , Titisari A D
Published: June 2021

South Ratatotok in North Sulawesi, Indonesia is one of the regions that was once a gold-producing region in North Sulawesi. Mesel gold deposit in this region is approved as Carlin type gold deposit with a total of resources of 12.25 Mt @5.21 g/t Au. Near the Mesel deposit, gold mineralization is currently discovered prospects such as Leon, Bulex Hill, Heind’s Find and Monkey Forest. This study is aimed to elucidate the types and distribution of hydrothermal alteration and ore mineralization encountered in these four prospect areas. Research methods including field work (including geological and hydrothermal alteration mapping, rocks and ore sampling) and various laboratory works consisting of petrographic analysis, ore microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and fire assay were performed. As a result, the study area is composed of several lithological units including limestone, volcanic breccia, porphyritic andesitic intrusion units as well as colluvial deposit. The wall rocks have been suffered by various hydrothermal alteration as follows: silicification in limestone, carbonatization in volcanic breccia, argillic alteration in volcanic breccia and propylitic alteration developed in porphyritic andesitic intrusion, minor decarbonatization associated with limestone and minor oxidation in volcanic breccia. Gold mineralization is present as a replacement type in very fine size of sulphides and gold is closely associated with silicified limestone. Ore chemistry by fire assay analysis indicates that gold and silver contents vary from 0.012 g/t to 2.41 g/t Au, and <0.5 g/t to 2.1 g/t Ag, respectively. The increase of gold content is geochemically followed by high values of Ag, As, Sb, Cu, Pb, Zn and by low value of Hg because of oxidation. Supergene process was also the key factor in the enrichment of gold where the oxidized ore has relatively higher gold grade than in non-oxidized ore.
Measurement of Power in Distribution System using DTCWT Based Signal Processing Technique
Authors: Ramana Kumar Joga S , Sinha Pampa , Kumar Maharana Manoj
Published: June 2021

Power Quality is the Major Concern in modern Electrical Distribution System. Supplying Un Interrupted Power to the customers is the first priority of distribution companies. In recent days, raise of un balanced loads the voltage levels are deviated, further causing many power quality issues. There is a constant need of monitoring the voltage, current levels of the distribution system. To achieve this, these parameters like voltage, current and power are continuously measured. Decomposed Signals are more effective than the Original Signals to analysis the Signal for detecting Power Quality disturbances. So, Signal Processing techniques are affective techniques to measure the voltage, current and Power. In this Paper, dual tree complex wavelets transform (DTCWT) is used to decompose the signal. A formula is proposed measure the power in distribution system using dual tree complex wavelet transform. The Proposed formula Validated by taking different cases and it is carried out in MATLAB Software.
CFD Modelling and Simulation of an Indirect Forced Convection Solar Dryer
Authors: Singh Rupanshu , Salhan Pranav , Kumar Anil
Published: June 2021

Solar dryer is a conventional device used for solar drying products. There are several types of solar dryers being employed for drying fruits and vegetables. In this research, the indirect type solar dryer is studied and computational fluid dynamics is employed to simulate the process. Ansys fluent CFD software is used to simulate and obtain dynamic and thermal performance of the dryer at different operating conditions (mass flow rate). The predicted results are validated with the help of experimental results. The average velocity at the exit of the collector was 2.89 m/s for 0.0872 kg/s mass flow rate, while for a mass flow rate of 0.0447 kg/s was 1.36 m/s. The maximum temperature at the collector outlet was 44.6°C and the maximum absorber plate temperature was 69.57°C for a magnitude of 0.0872kg/s mass flow rate. The temperature profiles of the trays are also analysed and the tray closest to the collector is found to have the maximum average temperature. The results also revealed that CFD simulations are a reliable method to predict and design solar dryers.
Building a Low Carbon Indian Economy
Authors: Kathpal S , Kumar K , Kumar P , Mishra S
Published: June 2021

Climate change has bought unprecedented challenges to humanity. The world has witnessed the dark side of climate change in terms of rising sea level and increase in temperature of world. Low carbon emission is the key to minimize the impact of climate change. Widespread significance attached to reduction in carbon emission has given birth to the new notion of low carbon economy (LCE). The LCE suggests sustainable development of economy by minimizing the ecological damage through the adoption of green practices. The countries across the globe are aiming to become LCE. This paper provides insights into the new notion of low carbon economy and how India is moving towards the encouraging path to become low carbon economy to tackle impending climate change and balancing its developmental needs.
Environmental Carbon Footprint Assessment of a LHB Railway Coach
Authors: Singh Vivek , Verma Shalini , Gupta Abhishek , Ranjan Paul Akshoy , Jain Anuj , Haque Nawshad
Published: June 2021

Indian railways play an important role on the overall development of country. As with increasing population, the numbers of trains are added for services, so does railways coaches. Consequently, the impact on environment is also increasing. This study closely examines the carbon footprint associated with railway coaches used by the Indian Railways. The system boundary is limited to manufacture of coaches itself. The railway coach of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) bogie is considered. The calculations are carried out on the basis of weight distribution of various materials used for manufacturing of coaches and it mainly focused on global warming potential (GWP) calculation. The total GWP for an LHB coach is likely to be 62.94 tonnes CO2 equivalent. Steel is main contributor with approximately 47 tonnes of CO2equivalent, followed by plastic and stainless steel with approximately 9.8 tonnes and 3.6 tonnes, respectively.
Selection of Green Supplier in Automotive Industry: An Expert Choice Methodology
Authors: Gupta Srikant , Vijayvargy Lokesh
Published: June 2021

Today, businesses need to develop their strategies in managing the green supply chain to honour green practices and developments to maximize sustainability. Many managers and owners of businesses depend on green suppliers to achieve competitive advantages worldwide, but the identification of the right green supplier is a challenge for them. This research aims to identify environmental selection criteria for suppliers and establish a structure that will allow decision-makers to evaluate and prioritize green suppliers. In this study, we have taken the data from different automobile companies to analyze the importance of environmentally friendly practices, operation life-cycle, and other factors in selecting suppliers. Based on different green practices, the best supplier selection has been done by using Expert Choice software. This research contributes primarily to establishing a framework which will enable managers to identify their green supplier.
Effect of Nano Particle Based Anti-Stripping Agent on Moisture-Induced Damage for Bituminous Concrete Mixes
Authors: Singh Teekam , Swami B L , Kalla Pawan , Singh Chouhan Harshwardhan , Kumar Gautam Pradeep
Published: June 2021

Moisture damage occur due to loss of bond between bitumen and aggregates. Ingression of water in bituminous mixes leads to various damage. The objective of this study is to investigate extent of performance of Nano particle based anti-stripping agent (Wet Bound-S) in resisting the moisture damage and improving the durability of bituminous mix. Bituminous mixes were prepared with polymer modified binder (PMB-40); optimum binder content was found using Marshall testing procedure. To check the resistance toward moisture, specimen was prepared at three void ratios of 3%, 5% and 7%, each sample set was tested in dry condition and moist condition by injecting moisture at 30 psi and 40 psi. Then each of these sample set were subjected to indirect tensile strength ratio test and dynamic creep test. Use of anti-stripping agent was done to see its effect under adverse condition. From the outcome of this study, it was observed that PMB-40 with additive exhibit more resistance to moisture.
Study of Stress-Strain Behaviour in Soil Nail Wall Using Flexible Facing
Authors: Tangri Amanpreet , Rawat Saurabh
Published: June 2021

Soil nailing is a process used to strengthen the existing fill of soil. It is a cost-effective way to reinforce soil. A number of steel bars are put up into a slope during the top-down excavation. The excavation support is a very effective as well as economical way to build a retention wall to support hilltop, bridge abutments and highways. In this research, a physical model was prepared for performing experiments on various flexible materials. The nail arrangement used was of rectangular pattern consisting of six nails. The flexible materials used in the research were Jute gunny bag, bamboo fibre, and Drainage geo net. In the present study behaviour of stress and strain was studied so as to find the material suitable for flexible facing. In the present study it was found that among the three materials Bamboo fibre was able to absorb maximum stresses before its failure.
Technical Evaluation of Sustainable Cement Containing Fly Ash and Carbide Lime Sludge
Authors: Goswami Shubham , Kumar Shukla Dharmendra , Kumar Singh Pramod
Published: June 2021

Challenges faced by the consumption of cement in construction and loads build on natural raw materials mainly limestone, have necessitated need for other sustainable alternative cementations materials. Fly ash (FA) being waste product is used in manufacturing of Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), concrete and embankments. Still effective utilization of FA in terms of quantity is not achieved worldwide. Therefore, to increase the utilization of FA, Carbide Lime Sludge (CLS) an industrial waste, is used in the current study for the production of sustainable cement. The effective utilization of FA varying (5, 15, 25 and 35%) plus 10% CLS in terms of physical properties of cement with PPC containing FA varying (15, 25, 35 and 45%) have been evaluated. The outcome from this study would help to utilize up to 45% FA plus CLS with acceptable compressive strength vis a vis saving of limestone and reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
Synthesis of Al/Ce and Al/Nd hybrid mesoporous gels and their application in competitive adsorption of fluoride ions
Authors: Liang Lisi , Mi Jiayu , Li Linbo , Guo Wenlong , Zhang Ziheng
Published: June 2021

To produce well loaded mesoporous aluminum-based adsorbents for defluoridation of zinc sulfate solution, novel Al/Ce hybrid gel (AC) and Al/Nd hybrid gel (AN) were synthesized with high water-soluble pseudo-boehmite as the main raw material. The properties, optimal defluoridation conditions, synthesis principle and adsorption mechanism were studied via related characterizations, experiments, and models. The results obtained revealed that the main bodies of AN and AC are AlO(OH). Ce(CH3COO)3 and Nd(CH3COO)3 are embedded in the frameworks, forming large amounts of ink-bottle type mesopores. The experimental data of both AC and AN fitted well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. Maximum adsorption capacities of AC and AN for fluoride ions were 26.57 mg g−1 and 29.18 mg g−1, respectively. The larger adsorption capacity indicated that the aluminum-based adsorbent modified by Nd element for the first time has a promising application prospect in defluoridation. The adsorbents showed high fluoride ion adsorption speeds with the removal rates reaching 50.15% (AC) and 33.41% (AN) within 2 min at 50 °C, 3 g l−1. The mechanism analysis revealed that the electrostatic interaction of protonated hydroxyl with fluoride ions and coordination between rare earth ions and fluoride ions are involved in the adsorption. Ce(CH3COO)3 and Nd(CH3COO)3 embedded in the main body stabilize the structure of the adsorbents, enhance the defluoridation speeds, and provide adsorption sites for fluoride ions.
An efficient numerical model for predicting residual stress and strain in parts manufactured by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Huang Hui , Wang Yiyu , Chen Jian , Feng Zhili
Published: June 2021

Computational modeling of additively manufactured structures plays an increasingly important role in product design and optimization. For laser powder bed fusion processes, the accurate modeling of stress and distortion requires large amount of computational cost due to very localized heat input and evolving complex geometries. The current study takes advantage of a graphics processing unit accelerated explicit finite element analysis code and approximated heat conduction analysis to predict the macroscopic thermo-mechanical behavior in laser selective melting. Adjacent layers and tracks were lumped to reduce the number of time steps and elements in the finite element model. The effects of track and layer grouping on prediction accuracy and solution efficiency are investigated to provide a guidance for a cost-effective simulation. Thin-wall builds from Inconel alloy 625 (IN625) powders were simulated by applying the developed modeling approach to get the detailed residual stress and distortion at a computational speed 50 times higher than conventional approach. Under repeated heating and cooling cycles, a high tensile stress was produced near surfaces of a build due to a larger shrinkage on surface than that in central area. It is also shown that horizontal stresses concentrate near the root and top layers of the IN625 build. The predicted residual elastic strain distribution was validated by the experimental measurement using x-ray synchrotron diffraction.
The concept of value in sustainable infrastructure systems: a literature review
Authors: Zuluaga Santiago , Karney Bryan W , Saxe Shoshanna
Published: June 2021

Infrastructure choices and decisions widely employ the language of value, whether to articulate what is worthwhile or to debate which principles or approaches are most appropriate to specific contexts. As the world strives to achieve long-term sustainability goals, incorporating sustainability values into infrastructure decision-making becomes progressively more important. Yet, the term ‘value’ has been used under different meanings and implications throughout the infrastructure sustainability literature, obstructing the debate on which values are important and what is valuable to infrastructure decision-making processes. This paper reviews how the concept of value has been used to position different sustainability dimensions of large infrastructure systems. Specifically, a conceptual framework proposed by Tadakiet alis used to highlight different notions of infrastructure value under four general headings: value as a magnitude of preference, as a contribution to specified goals, as a means of communicating key priorities, and as a representation of historical relations. This review shows that the discussion of infrastructure value has often focussed on monetary measures to the exclusion of other relevant measures of value. However, if long-term sustainability goals are to be met, a transformation of the ways that value is understood and measured in the context of infrastructure systems is required. This review discusses key similarities, interdependencies, and disparities between published notions of infrastructure value in order to provide a conceptual reference guide that highlights the variety of perspectives that are both implicit and explicit among practitioners and academics.
Role of Yoga and Its Plausible Mechanism in the Mitigation of DNA Damage in Type-2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Nair Rajesh G , Vasudev Mithila M , Mavathur Ramesh
Published: June 2021

Background

Although yoga is found to be beneficial in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), its mechanism of action is poorly understood. T2D is also known to be associated with increased oxidative stress (OS) and DNA damage.

Purpose

This study examines how yoga modulates OS-induced DNA damage and the efficiency of DNA repair in T2D conditions.

Methods

In this assessor-masked randomized clinical trial, T2D subjects (n = 61), aged (Mean ± SD, 50.3 ± 4.2) were randomly allocated into Yoga group (31) that received 10 weeks of yoga intervention and Control (30) with routine exercises. Molecular and biochemical assessments were done before and after the intervention period. Structural Equation Modeling using “R” was used for mediation analysis.

Results

At the end of the 10th week, Yoga group showed significant reduction in DNA damage indicators like Tail Moment (−5.88[95%CI: −10.47 to −1.30]; P = .013) and Olive Tail Moment (−2.93[95%CI: −4.87 to −1.00]; P < .01), oxidative DNA damage marker 8-OHdG (−60.39[95%CI: −92.55 to −28.23]; P < .001) and Fasting Blood Sugar (-22.58[95%CI: −44.33 to −0.83]; P = .042) compared to Control. OGG1 protein expression indicating DNA repair, improved significantly (17.55[95%CI:1.37 to 33.73]; P = .034) whereas Total Antioxidant Capacity did not (5.80[95%CI: -0.86 to 12.47]; P = 0.086). Mediation analysis indicated that improvements in oxidative DNA damage and DNA repair together played a major mediatory role (97.4%) in carrying the effect of yoga.

Conclusion

The beneficial effect of yoga on DNA damage in T2D subjects was found to be mediated by mitigation of oxidative DNA damage and enhancement of DNA repair.

Clinical Trial information

(www.ctri.nic.in) CTRI/2018/07/014825
Pre-operative prognostic factors for walking capacity after surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: a systematic review
Authors: McIlroy Suzanne , Walsh Edward , Sothinathan Christina , Stovold Elizabeth , Norwitz Daniel , Norton Sam , Weinman John , Bearne Lindsay
Published: June 2021

Background

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) reduces walking and quality of life. It is the main indication for spinal surgery in older people yet 40% report walking disability post-operatively. Identifying the prognostic factors of post-operative walking capacity could aid clinical decision-making, guide rehabilitation and optimise health outcomes.

Objective

To synthesise the evidence for pre-operative mutable and immutable prognostic factors for post-operative walking in adults with LSS.

Design

Systematic review with narrative synthesis.

Methods

Electronic databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, OpenGrey) were searched for observational studies, evaluating factors associated with walking after surgery in adults receiving surgery for LSS from database inception to January 2020. Two reviewers independently evaluated studies for eligibility, extracted data and assessed risk of bias (Quality in Prognosis Studies). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method was used to determine level of evidence for each factor.

Results

5526 studies were screened for eligibility. Thirty-four studies (20 cohorts, 9,973 participants, 26 high, 2 moderate, 6 low risk of bias) were included. Forty variables (12 mutable) were identified. There was moderate quality of evidence that pre-operative walking capacity was positively associated with post-operative walking capacity. The presence of spondylolisthesis and the severity of stenosis were not associated with post-operative walking capacity. All other factors investigated had low/very low level of evidence.

Conclusion

Greater pre-operative walking is associated with greater post-operative walking capacity but not spondylolisthesis or severity of stenosis. Few studies have investigated mutable prognostic factors that could be potentially targeted to optimise surgical outcomes.
Telling America’s Story to the World: Literature, Internationalism, Cultural Diplomacy
Authors: Stecopoulos Harilaos
Published: June 2021

This article argues that state and state-affiliated cultural diplomacy contributed to the making of postwar US literature. Highlighting the role of liberal internationalism in US cultural outreach, I contend that the state mainly sent authors like Robert Frost, William Faulkner, Langston Hughes, and Maxine Hong Kingston overseas not to demonstrate the superiority of US civilization, but rather to broadcast an American commitment to international cross-cultural connection. Those writers-cum-ambassadors didn’t so much help the state achieve its propaganda goals—indeed, this rarely proved the case—as find in their assignments an opportunity to ponder the international meanings and possibilities of US literature. For many of those figures, courting foreign publics inspired a reevaluation of the scope and form of their own literary projects. Testifying to the inadvertent yet integral role of cultural diplomacy in the worlding of US letters, works like The Mansion (1959), Life Studies (1959), “Cultural Exchange” (1961), and Tripmaster Monkey: His Fake Book (1989) reimagine the literary in a global, mobile, and distinctly political register.
States of Mind: Consent and Literary Fiction in the US
Authors: Olwell Victoria
Published: June 2021

In the late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century US, what did it mean, and for whom, to ground the state’s legitimacy in the consent of the governed, or to see the whole range of economic, familial, and social relationships to mirror and amplify that consensual basis? And what roles did prose fiction, particularly the novel, play in elaborating a model of legitimate rule that was tied up with contests over both politics and subjectivity? The book described in this article takes up these questions. Controversies about consent were driven by the fact that groups historically excluded from full citizenship were struggling, with mixed success, to be counted among the citizens whose consent mattered to the legitimacy of the state and its democratic life. These controversies were deepened by evolving and intersecting models of political order and psychology. Although consent was an object of legislative and juridical dispute, it was also examined in a wide-reaching vernacular discourse. Literary fiction seized on controversies about consent, using the resources of narrative form not only in directly political ways, as in advocacy for rights, but also in theoretical ways that probed the complexities of consent and its connections to social order.
Global changes explain the long-term demographic trend of the Eurasian common lizard (Squamata: Lacertidae)
Authors: Horreo Jose L , Fitze Patrick S
Published: June 2021

The demographic trend of a species depends on the dynamics of its local populations, which can be compromised by local or by global phenomena. However, the relevance of local and global phenomena has rarely been investigated simultaneously. Here, we tested whether local phenomena compromised a species’ demographic trend using the Eurasian common lizard Zootoca vivipara, the terrestrial reptile exhibiting the widest geographic distribution, as a model species. We analyzed the species’ ancient demographic trend using genetic data from its 6 allopatric genetic clades and tested whether its demographic trend mainly depended on single clades or on global phenomena. Zootoca vivipara’s effective population size increased since 2.3 million years ago and started to increase steeply and continuously from 0.531 million years ago. Population growth rate exhibited 2 maxima, both occurring during global climatic changes and important vegetation changes on the northern hemisphere. Effective population size and growth rate were negatively correlated with global surface temperatures, in line with global parameters driving long-term demographic trends. Zootoca vivipara’s ancient demography was neither driven by a single clade, nor by the 2 clades that colonized huge geographic areas after the last glaciation. The low importance of local phenomena, suggests that the experimentally demonstrated high sensitivity of this species to short-term ecological changes is a response in order to cope with short-term and local changes. This suggests that what affected its long-term demographic trend the most, were not these local changes/responses, but rather the important and prolonged global climatic changes and important vegetation changes on the northern hemisphere, including the opening up of the forest by humans.
Low-dose rivaroxaban plus aspirin in patients with polypharmacy and multimorbidity: an analysis from the COMPASS trial
Authors: Vanassche Thomas , Verhamme Peter , Anand Sonia S , Shestakovska Olga , Leong Darryl P , Fox Keith A A , Bhatt Deepak L , Avezum Alvaro , Alings Marco , Aboyans Victor , Maggioni Aldo P , Widimsky Petr , Muehlhofer Eva , Berkowitz Scott D , Yusuf Salim , Connolly Stuart J , Eikelboom John W , Bosch Jackie
Published: June 2021

Aims

To analyse whether the benefits and risks of rivaroxaban plus aspirin vary in patients with comorbidities and receiving multiple drugs. In patients with coronary or peripheral artery disease, adding low-dose rivaroxaban to aspirin reduces cardiovascular events and mortality. Polypharmacy and multimorbidity are frequent in such patients.

Methods and results

We describe ischaemic events (cardiovascular death, stroke, or myocardial infarction) and major bleeding in participants from the randomized, double-blind COMPASS study by number of cardiovascular medications and concomitant medical conditions. We compared event rates and hazard ratios (HRs) for rivaroxaban plus aspirin vs. aspirin alone by the number of medications and concomitant conditions, and tested for interaction between polypharmacy or multimorbidity and the antithrombotic regimen. The risk of ischaemic events was higher in patients with more concomitant drugs (HR 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.5–2.1 for >4 vs. 0–2) and with more comorbidities (HR 2.3, 1.8–2.1 for >3 vs. 0–1). Multimorbidity, but not polypharmacy, was associated with a higher risk of major bleeding. The relative efficacy, safety, and net clinical benefit of rivaroxaban were not affected by the number of drugs or comorbidities. Patients taking more concomitant medications derived the largest absolute reduction in the net clinical outcome with added rivaroxaban (1.1% vs. 0.4% reduction with >4 vs. 0–2 cardiovascular drugs, number needed to treat 91 vs. 250).

Conclusion

Adding low-dose rivaroxaban to aspirin resulted in benefits irrespective of the number of concomitant drugs or comorbidities. Multiple comorbidities and/or polypharmacy should not dissuade the addition of rivaroxaban to aspirin in otherwise eligible patients.
Enforcement of Labour Regulation and the Labour Market Effects of Trade: Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Ponczek Vladimir , Ulyssea Gabriel
Published: June 2021

How does enforcement of labour regulations shape the labour market effects of trade? We combine local economic shocks generated by the unilateral trade liberalisation in Brazil and enforcement variation across regions to show that regions with stricter enforcement observed: (i) lower informality; (ii) larger losses in overall employment; (iii) greater reductions in the number of formal plants. Regions with weaker enforcement experienced opposite effects. All these effects are concentrated on low-skill workers. Our results indicate that greater flexibility introduced by informality allows both formal firms and low-skill workers to cope better with adverse labour market shocks.
Microbiome response differs among selected lines of Sydney rock oysters to ocean warming and acidification
Authors: Scanes Elliot , Parker Laura M , Seymour Justin R , Siboni Nachshon , King William L , Wegner K Mathias , Dove Michael C , O'Connor Wayne A , Ross Pauline M
Published: June 2021

Oyster microbiomes are integral to healthy function and can be altered by climate change conditions. Genetic variation among oysters is known to influence the response of oysters to climate change and may ameliorate any adverse effects on oyster microbiome; however, this remains unstudied. Nine full-sibling selected breeding lines of the Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) were exposed to predicted warming (ambient = 24°C, elevated = 28°C) and ocean acidification (ambient pCO2 = 400, elevated pCO2 = 1000 µatm) for 4 weeks. The haemolymph bacterial microbiome was characterized using 16S rRNA (V3–V4) gene sequencing and varied among oyster lines in the control (ambient pCO2, 24°C) treatment. Microbiomes were also altered by climate change dependent on oyster lines. Bacterial α-diversity increased in response to elevated pCO2 in two selected lines, while bacterial β-diversity was significantly altered by combinations of elevated pCO2 and temperature in four selected lines. Climate change treatments caused shifts in the abundance of multiple amplicon sequence variants driving change in the microbiome of some selected lines. We show that oyster genetic background may influence the Sydney rock oyster haemolymph microbiome under climate change and that future assisted evolution breeding programs to enhance resilience should consider the oyster microbiome.
βPS-Integrin acts downstream of Innexin 2 in modulating stretched cell morphogenesis in the Drosophila ovary
Authors: Huang Yi-Chia , Chen Kuan-Han , Chen Yu-Yang , Tsao Liang-Hsuan , Yeh Tsung-Han , Chen Yu-Chia , Wu Ping-Yen , Wang Tsu-Wei , Yu Jenn-Yah
Published: June 2021

During oogenesis, a group of specialized follicle cells, known as stretched cells (StCs), flatten drastically from cuboidal to squamous shape. While morphogenesis of epithelia is critical for organogenesis, genes and signaling pathways involved in this process remain to be revealed. In addition to formation of gap junctions for intercellular exchange of small molecules, gap junction proteins form channels or act as adaptor proteins to regulate various cellular behaviors. In invertebrates, gap junction proteins are Innexins. Knockdown of Innexin 2 but not other Innexins expressed in follicle cells attenuates StC morphogenesis. Interestingly, blocking of gap junctions with an inhibitor carbenoxolone does not affect StC morphogenesis, suggesting that Innexin 2 might control StCs flattening in a gap-junction-independent manner. An excessive level of βPS-Integrin encoded by myospheroid is detected in Innexin 2 mutant cells specifically during StC morphogenesis. Simultaneous knockdown of Innexin 2 and myospheroid partially rescues the morphogenetic defect resulted from Innexin 2 knockdown. Furthermore, reduction of βPS-Integrin is sufficient to induce early StCs flattening. Taken together, our data suggest that βPS-Integrin acts downstream of Innexin 2 in modulating StCs morphogenesis.
The Chromosome-Level Genome ofTriplophysa dalaica(Cypriniformes: Cobitidae) Provides Insights into Its Survival in Extremely Alkaline Environment
Authors: Zhou Chuanjiang , Hu Bo , Tang Yongtao , Yang Changxing , Ma Wenwen , Wang Xi , Liu Ruyao , Yan Xuemeng , Dong Jing , Wang Xianfeng , Nie Guoxing
Published: June 2021

Lake Dali Nur, located in Inner Mongolia, North China, is alkaline, with Triplophysa dalaica one of the three fish species that not only survive, but thrive, in the lake. To investigate the presence of molecular mutations potentially responsible for this adaptation, the whole-genome sequence of the species was sequenced.

A total of 126.5 and 106 Gb data, covering nearly 200× of the estimated genome, were generated using long-read sequencing and Hi-C technology, respectively. De novo assembly generated a genome totalled 607.91 Mb, with a contig N50 of 9.27 Mb. Nearly all whole-genome sequences were anchored and oriented onto 25 chromosomes, with telomeres for most chromosomes also being recovered. Repeats comprised approximately 35.01% of the whole genome. A total of 23,925 protein-coding genes were predicted, within which, 98.62% could be functionally annotated. Through comparisons of T. dalaica, T. tibetana, and T. siluroides gene models, a total of 898 genes were identified as likely being subjected to positive selection, with several of them potentially associated with alkaline adaptation, such as sodium bicarbonate cotransporter, SLC4A4. Demographic analyses suggested that the Dali population might have diverged from endemic freshwater Hai River populations, approximately 1 Ma.

The high-quality T. dalaica genome, created in this study, not only aids in the analyses of alkaline adaptation, but may also assist in revealing the mysteries of the highly divergent genus Triplophysa in the future.
“With a little help from the people”: Actio popularis and the politics of judicial review of constitutional amendments in Colombia 1955–90
Authors: Benítez-R Vicente F
Published: June 2021

This article examines the reasons behind the consolidation of the Supreme Court of Colombia’s authority during the second half of the twentieth century as the ultimate umpire of amendments’ constitutionality. After analyzing the case law of the Supreme Court between 1955 and 1990 and the political environment in which it rendered its decisions, the article claims that the Court managed to cement its power to review amendments thanks to the presence of a novel constitutional experiment, as well as to the existence of certain political conditions. With respect to the first factor, an actio popularis (by which any citizen had the right to petition the Court and challenge the constitutionality of legislation) granted the Supreme Court a constant flow of cases that allowed it to entertain and adjudicate on citizens’ petitions questioning the constitutionality of amendments. Regarding the latter factor, democracy and political pluralism gave the Court some room to quietly consolidate its jurisdiction to review amendments and, eventually, quash some of them. The article concludes with a cautionary note on the success of actio popularis and the doctrine of unconstitutional constitutional amendments as deployed by the Supreme Court.