bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory activity of exopolysaccharides produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains isolated from palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) sap
Authors: Ma’unatin A , Harijono  , Zubaidah E , Rifa’i M 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
This study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains isolated from palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) sap. The EPS used were produced by two strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides (N5 and N7) on different medium which were palm sap (EPS NSN5 and EPS NSN7) and MRS supplemented with sucrose (EPS MSN5 and EPS MSN7). EPS were given to BALB/c mice before infected by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results of flow cytometric analysis of spleen lymphocytes showed some EPS were able to increased cytokines production (IL-2, INF-γ and TNF-α) by CD4+ cells. IL-2 production decreased with EPS NSN5 and EPS NSN7, INF-γ decreased with EPS MSN7 while TNF-α decreased with EPS NSN7. These results indicated that the EPS produced by two strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides have immunomodulatory activity.
Assessing high school student’s chemical literacy on salt hydrolysis
Authors: Muntholib  , Mauliya AH , Utomo Y , Ibnu MS 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Each instruction requires appropriate strategies and assessments, including instruction of chemical literacy. The subject matter of salt hydrolysis, which is closely related to daily life, is suitable for the instruction of chemical literacy. The purpose of this research was to produce a valid and reliable chemical literacy test (CLT) on salt hydrolysis to assess high school students’ chemical literacy. This study applied the design of research and development and also surveyed. The test development was carried out through five stages, namely (1) literature review, (2) item development, (3) expert judgment, (4) pilot study, and (5) finalization. The survey was carried out integrated with the pilot study phase of the test development stage. The data of the pilot study collected by a valid and reliable test produced in the development stage was analyzed as survey data. The research and development produced a chemical literacy test consists of 24 accurate items with Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.605. Analysis of student performance using valid and reliable tests shown that the respondents’ average chemical literacy score was 39.69 from a maximum score of 100. This score belongs to the upper low or lowers moderate category.
The potential of probiotics of malozndialdehide and gonadosomatic index of Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) after exposure of cadmium
Authors: Hayati A , Taufiq A P , Seftiarini W , Wanguyun A P , Amira M , Putra P A D , Muchtaromah B 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Cadmium pollution originating from factory waste and human activities is very dangerous because it has high toxicity and becomes a threat for aquatic organisms including tilapia as an aquatic animal that is sensitive to heavy metal pollution. Cadmium contained in water will enter the body of fish and damage organs, one of which is the testes. It will affect the productivity of tilapia and harm the farmers. Therefore, in this study, supplementation of probiotics and vitamin C was provided to repair testicular damage due to cadmium exposure. The parameters evaluated included the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the gonadosomatic index (GSI). Based on data analysis of MDA levels and GSI values, it is known that supplementary feeding (probiotics, vitamin C, and a combination of both) has a positive effect on the value of GSI, but testicular MDA levels only feed with vitamin C that can provide a positive effect.
Bio-prospecting bamboo collection in purwodadi botanic gardens
Authors: Sofiah S , Susim H 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The utilization of biodiversity can be classified according to several categories, including consumptive values, productive values, existence values, ecological values. Indonesia has a high diversity of bamboo. Bamboo is one of the plants that has an important role in Indonesia and other tropical countries. Almost every part of a bamboo plant has certain uses. This research was conducted in order to analyze the value of uses (bioprospect) of bamboo collections at Purwodadi Botanical Gardens. The study was conducted in January-February 2019. The research method was carried out by conducting semi-structured interviews with surrounding communities and identifying bamboo data in the collection as well as in the Registration Unit of Purwodadi Botanical Gardens. The results showed that there were 39 types of bamboo belonging to ten (10) genera in the Purwodadi Botanical Garden. The ten genera of bamboo include: (1) Bambusa, (2) Denderocalamus, (3) Dinochloa, (4) Fimbribambusa, (5) Gigantochloa, (6) Neololeba, (7) Scizostachyum, (8) Thyrsostachys, (9) Phylostachys, and (10) Pinga. Bamboo bioprospection analysis is done by Index of Cultural Significance (ICS) or cultural importance index. The highest cultural importance index (ICS) value of bamboo in Purwodadi Botanical Garden, indicated by Bambu Betung (Dendrocalamus asper) with an index value of 194 and smallest 107 by Bambusa balcoa
Interpretation of laylatulqadr time by analyzing earthquake data
Authors: Rauf A , Rusli  , Furaida A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
This study aims to determine the time of the laylatulqadr events that have passed, not to predict the time of the laylatulqadr events that will come. The determination of laylatulqadr time was done by analyzing earthquake data. The study was conducted in the month of Ramadan in 1421 H, 1423 H, 1425 H, 1429 H and 1432 H. The earthquake data was collected started from 6:00 PM to 6:00 PM for 30 days in the month of Ramadan. Earthquake data analyzed by observing the quantity and quality of the earthquake. The interpretation results showed that lalilatulqadr in 1421 H occurred on the second night of Ramadan month. In 1423 H, laylatulqadr happened on the seventeenth night in the month of Ramdhan. In 1425 H, laylatulqadr occurred on the sixteenth night of Ramadan month. While in 1429 H, laylatulqadr happened on the night of the twenty-eighth of Ramadan month. And in 1432 H, laylatulqadr occurred on the twenty- ninth night of Ramadan month.
Plant science’s next top models
Authors: Cesarino Igor , Dello Ioio Raffaele , Kirschner Gwendolyn K , Ogden Michael S , Picard Kelsey L , Rast-Somssich Madlen I , Somssich Marc 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundModel organisms are at the core of life science research. Notable examples include the mouse as a model for humans, baker’s yeast for eukaryotic unicellular life and simple genetics, or the enterobacteria phage λ in virology. Plant research was an exception to this rule, with researchers relying on a variety of non-model plants until the eventual adoption of Arabidopsis thaliana as primary plant model in the 1980s. This proved to be an unprecedented success, and several secondary plant models have since been established. Currently, we are experiencing another wave of expansion in the set of plant models.ScopeSince the 2000s, new model plants have been established to study numerous aspects of plant biology, such as the evolution of land plants, grasses, invasive and parasitic plant life, adaptation to environmental challenges, and the development of morphological diversity. Concurrent with the establishment of new plant models, the advent of the ‘omics’ era in biology has led to a resurgence of the more complex non-model plants. With this review, we introduce some of the new and fascinating plant models, outline why they are interesting subjects to study, the questions they will help to answer, and the molecular tools that have been established and are available to researchers.ConclusionsUnderstanding the molecular mechanisms underlying all aspects of plant biology can only be achieved with the adoption of a comprehensive set of models, each of which allows the assessment of at least one aspect of plant life. The model plants described here represent a step forward towards our goal to explore and comprehend the diversity of plant form and function. Still, several questions remain unanswered, but the constant development of novel technologies in molecular biology and bioinformatics is already paving the way for the next generation of plant models.
RSVdb: a comprehensive database of transcriptome RNA structure
Authors: Yu Haopeng , Zhang Yi , Sun Qing , Gao Huijie , Tao Shiheng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
RNA fulfills a crucial regulatory role in cells by folding into a complex RNA structure. To date, a chemical compound, dimethyl sulfate (DMS), has been developed to probe the RNA structure at the transcriptome level effectively. We proposed a database, RSVdb (https://taolab.nwafu.edu.cn/rsvdb/), for the browsing and visualization of transcriptome RNA structures. RSVdb, including 626 225 RNAs with validated DMS reactivity from 178 samples in eight species, supports four main functions: information retrieval, research overview, structure prediction and resource download. Users can search for species, studies, transcripts and genes of interest; browse the quality control of sequencing data and statistical charts of RNA structure information; preview and perform online prediction of RNA structures in silico and under DMS restraint of different experimental treatments and download RNA structure data for species and studies. Together, RSVdb provides a reference for RNA structure and will support future research on the function of RNA structure at the transcriptome level.
The association between vitamin D levels and burn factors in different burn types
Authors: Cho Yoon Soo , Seo Cheong Hoon , Joo So Young , Ohn Suk Hoon 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Patients with burns present with different clinical features depending on the types of burn injury and burn patients with lower levels of vitamin D have worse prognoses and more complications. The study aims to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and burn factors according to each burn type in relation to early intensive rehabilitation therapy initiated for inpatients with burns.

Methods
In this retrospective study, we enrolled 757 of 1716 inpatients who underwent rehabilitative therapy between May 2013 and April 2017. Burn types were divided into flame burn, electrical burn and other burns, including scalding, contact and chemical burns. Age, burned body surface area (BSA), wound healing time (WHT), length of hospital stay (LOS) and body mass index were analysed between vitamin D deficient and non-deficient patient groups using Student’s t-tests, or Mann-Whitney U test and among three burn types using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA. The relationship between vitamin D levels and burn factors was evaluated using Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficient tests, and multiple linear regression analysis in different burn groups.

Results
In total, 88.9% patients were vitamin D deficient, and these patients had a larger burned BSA (p = 0.015) and longer WHT and LOS (all p &lt; 0.001) than non-deficient patients. Burned BSA, WHT and vitamin D levels showed significant differences in their mean values according to three burn types (all p &lt; 0.001). WHT was a communal factor significantly associated with vitamin D levels in all three burn types (p &lt; 0.05). The WHT cut-off points to predict vitamin D deficiency were 55 days for flame burn (p &lt; 0.001) and 62.5 days for electrical burn (p = 0.001).

Conclusions
WHT across all three burn types was a common factor associated with vitamin D levels for inpatients with burns who had undergone rehabilitative therapy. Electrical burn patients with vitamin D deficiency, even those with a low burned BSA percentage, showed prolonged wound healing over a two-month post-burn period. Independent of burned BSA, nutritional intervention concerning vitamin D in relation to burn wound healing should be considered to guide early initiation of intensive rehabilitation therapy.
Narrative Framing and the United States’ Threat Construction of Rivals
Authors: Yuan Zhengqing , Fu Qiang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Constructing a credible foreign threat is a key activity in the US national security community. By adopting a narrative approach to threat formation, we attempt to delineate the contours of the Soviet Union, Japan, and China in the US threat discourse spectrum. The Soviet threat is constructed through a story of two ideologically opposed rivals competing for world domination and the Japan-bashing narrative is of victimisation due to Japan’s unfair competition. China threat stories, however, are now more complex, conflating a story of US victimhood at the hands of China’s unfair competition, advocated by President Trump, with a widely embedded but malleable epic tale of power competition between a rising power and the ruling power, and a new Cold War script propagated by the 'deep state' hawks. We have found that as long as a country may potentially threaten the United States’ hegemonic identity, be it a formidable power with an antagonistic outlook like the Soviet Union, an ally from inside like Japan, or a rising peer competitor like China, the United States will invariably construct a diametrical self-other story in a zero-sum mindset and resort relentlessly to its superior Self while customising its threat story scripts in accordance with the rival’s characteristics and dimensions of challenges.
Detecting and counting harvested fish and identifying fish types in electronic monitoring system videos using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Tseng Chi-Hsuan , Kuo Yan-Fu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The statistics of harvested fish are key indicators for marine resource management and sustainability. Electronic monitoring systems (EMSs) are used to record the fishing practices of vessels in recent years. The statistics of the harvested fish in the EMS videos are manually read and recorded later by operators in data centres. However, this manual recording is time consuming and labour intensive. This study proposed an automatic approach for prescreening harvested fish in the EMS videos using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). In this study, harvested fish in the frames of the EMS videos were detected and segmented from the background at the pixel level using mask regional-based CNN (mask R-CNN). The number of the fish was determined using time thresholding and distance thresholding methods. Subsequently, the types and body lengths of the fish were determined using the confidence scores and the masks predicted by the mask R-CNN model, respectively. The trained mask R-CNN model attained a recall of 97.58% and a mean average precision of 93.51% in terms of fish detection. The proposed method for fish counting attained a recall of 93.84% and a precision of 77.31%. An overall accuracy of 98.06% was obtained for fish type identification.
Pattern formation in a slowly flattening spherical cap: delayed bifurcation
Authors: Charette Laurent , Macdonald Colin B , Nagata Wayne 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis article describes a reduction of a non-autonomous Brusselator reaction–diffusion system of partial differential equations on a spherical cap with time-dependent curvature using the method of centre manifold reduction. Parameter values are chosen such that the change in curvature would cross critical values which would change the stability of the patternless solution in the constant domain case. The evolving domain functions and quasi-patternless solutions are derived as well as a method to obtain this non-autonomous normal form. The coefficients of such a normal form are computed and the reduction solutions are compared to numerical solutions.
Impact of the West African Ebola Epidemic on Agricultural Production and Rural Welfare: Evidence from Liberia
Authors: de la Fuente Alejandro , Jacoby Hanan G , Lawin Kotchikpa Gabriel 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The 2014-15 Ebola epidemic took a devastating human and economic toll on three West African countries, of which Liberia was perhaps the hardest hit. The pathways through which the crisis affected economic activity in these largely agrarian societies remain poorly understood. To study these mechanisms in the context of rural Liberia, we link a geographically disaggregated indicator of Ebola disease mortality to nationally representative household survey data on agricultural production and consumption. We find that higher Ebola prevalence (as proxied by local mortality) led to greater disruption of group-labor mobilization for planting and harvest, thereby reducing rice area planted as well as rice yields. Household welfare, measured by per capita expenditures spanning two points before and after the crisis, fell by more in Ebola prevalent areas with more intensive rice-farming, precisely those areas more adversely affected by agricultural labor shortages.
Practical Guide to TrappingPeromyscus leucopus(Rodentia: Cricetidae) andPeromyscus maniculatusfor Vector and Vector-Borne Pathogen Surveillance and Ecology
Authors: Machtinger Erika T , Williams Scott C 
Published: April 2020

AbstractArthropods pests are most frequently associated with both plants and vertebrate animals. Ticks, in particular the blacklegged ticks Ixodes scapularis Say and Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls (Acari: Ixodidae), are associated with wildlife hosts and are the primary vectors of Lyme disease, the most frequently reported vector-borne disease in the United States. Immature blacklegged ticks in the eastern United States frequently use small mammals from the genus Peromyscus as hosts. These mice are competent reservoirs for Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, as well as other tick-borne pathogens. To conduct surveillance on immature ticks and pathogen circulation in hosts, capture and handling of these small mammals is required. While protocols for rearing and pest surveillance on plants are common, there are very few protocols aimed at entomologists to conduct research on vertebrate–arthropod relationships. The goal of this manuscript is to provide a practical template for trapping Peromyscus spp. for vector and vector-borne pathogen surveillance and ecology for professionals that may not have a background in wildlife research. Important considerations are highlighted when targeting P. leucopus Rafinesque and P. maniculatus Wagner. Specifically, for tick and tick-borne disease-related projects, materials that may be required are suggested and references and other resources for researchers beginning a trapping study are provided.
Stuck in defensive professionalism: Undermining organizational change in an intellectual property law firm
Authors: Heizmann Helena , Mastio Emmanuel A , Ahuja Sumati 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis article examines how professionals employed in professional organizations make sense of the disruption of their work. Based on a qualitative study of an Australian intellectual property (IP) law firm, we shed light on the ways in which the discursive practices of professionals may undermine change in professional organizations. We identify three defensive strategies of IP professionals (denial, regression, and projection) resulting from the inability to resolve conflicts between market-based pressures and their entrenched understandings of professional work. In doing so, we show how professionals can become ‘stuck’ in defensive responses that may further marginalize the role of professional organizations in society. These findings call into question overly deterministic, radical accounts of organizational change that do not take into account the contextual embeddedness of professional organizations.
The Interviewer Contribution to Variability in Response Times in Face-to-Face Interview Surveys
Authors: Sturgis Patrick , Maslovskaya Olga , Durrant Gabriele , Brunton-Smith Ian 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Survey researchers have consistently found that interviewers make a small but systematic contribution to variability in response times. However, we know little about what the characteristics of interviewers are that lead to this effect. In this study, we address this gap in understanding by linking item-level response times from wave 3 of the UK Household Longitudinal Survey (UKHLS) to data from an independently conducted survey of interviewers. The linked data file contains over three million records and has a complex, hierarchical structure with response latencies nested within respondents and questions, which are themselves nested within interviewers and areas. We propose the use of a cross-classified mixed-effects location scale model to allow for the decomposition of the joint effects on response times of interviewers, areas, questions, and respondents. We evaluate how interviewer demographic characteristics, personality, and attitudes to surveys and to interviewing affect the length of response latencies and present a new method for producing interviewer-specific intra-class correlations of response times. Hence, the study makes both methodological and substantive contributions to the investigation of response times.
The promise of digital humanities pedagogy: Decolonizing a diverse classroom in Ghana
Authors: Hallberg Adu Kajsa 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Higher education operates in a quickly changing, progressively more globalized, cosmopolitan, and interconnected world (Bauman, 2000, Globalization: The Human Consequences. New York/Chichester: Columbia University Press; Appiah, 2006, Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers. New York: W.W. Norton & Co; Zuckerman, 2013, Rewire: Digital Cosmopolitans in the Age of Connection. New York: W. W. Norton & Company). At the same time, substantive inequalities between people and places mean that this connectivity and knowledge is unevenly spread (Hallberg Adu, 2014, What is the opposite of a knowledge society? A critical reflection from Ghana. In Amoah, L. (ed.), Impacts of the Knowledge Society on Economic and Social Growth in Africa. IGI Global). For our students, the future leaders of this unequal world, critical reasoning becomes a key skill, and perhaps especially so for students in the Global South. This paper argues that digital humanities (DH) can provide both a theoretical framework for decolonizing the academy and technological solutions to hurdles in this process. The paper argues that assignments, their theoretical underpinnings, and implementation are key to decolonizing higher education. It describes three accessible technology-driven assignments with DH pedagogy created for diverse classrooms at Ashesi University in Ghana and discusses their outcomes.