Information To Other Researchers Research Articles

In-Situ Characterization of Cathode Catalyst Degradation in PEM Fuel Cells

The composition and morphology of the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) have a significant impact on the performance and stability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Understanding the primary degradation mechanism of the CCL and its influencing factors is crucial for optimizing PEMFC performance and durability. Within this work, we present comprehensive in-situ characterization data focused on cathode catalyst degradation. The dataset consists of 36 unique durability tests with over 4000 testing hours, including variations in the cathode ionomer to carbon ratio, platinum on carbon ratio, ionomer equivalent weight, and carbon support type. The applied accelerated stress tests were conducted with different upper potential limits and relative humidities. Characterization techniques including IV-curves, limiting current measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry were employed to analyse changes in performance, charge and mass transfer, and electrochemically active surface area of the catalyst. The aim of the dataset is to improve the understanding of catalyst degradation by allowing comparisons across material variations and provide practical information for other researchers in the field.

Causes, Impacts and Mitigation Measures of Human Large Mammal Conflict in Estie Densa Forest Reserve, Estie District, Northern Ethiopia

Human-wildlife conflict is a significant threat to the continued survival of many species and the livelihood of humans. This study aims to assess the conflict between humans and mammals in Estie Densa Forest Reserve, located in Estie Woreda. Currently, the forest reserve faces many problems like crop damage, disease transmission, livestock depredation, and even loss of human life. So, the study generates general information about human mammals conflict and provides baseline information for other researchers. Selection of 95 respondents from local communities through purposive sampling. The Chi-Square Test was employed to determine the significance of differences across the three Villages, and the results were presented in the form of tables and percentages. Crop raiding and livestock depredation have been proven the primary drivers of human-mammal conflict and are statistically significant among the Villages (P≤0.05). Anibus Baboon, Wild Pig, and Common Jackal were the major drivers of the conflict, and had statistical difference among Villages (P≤0.05). Property Loss, and Wildlife Loss covered more than 91% of the total impact perceived as a result of human mammals conflict, and statistically significant (P≤0.05). Livestock guarding (using dogs and shepherds; 50.52%) was the most efficient approach for alleviating livestock depredation and disease transmission from wildlife to livestock and vice versa. While fencing and crop guarding (35.79%) were second in terms of mitigation, but ranked first in terms of reducing agricultural damage caused by wildlife. There should be better awareness of the value and significance of wild animals, the ecology, tourism, and overall conservation of wild mammals.

Review of Studies on User Research Based on EEG and Eye Tracking

Under the development of interdisciplinary fusion, user research has been greatly influenced by technology-driven neuroscience and sensory science, in terms of thinking and methodology. The use of technical methods, such as EEG and eye-tracking, has gradually become a research trend and hotspot in this field, in order to explore the deep cognitive states behind users’ objective behaviors. This review outlines the applications of EEG and eye-tracking technology in the field of user research, with the aim of promoting future research and proposing reliable reference indicators and a research scope. It provides important reference information for other researchers in the field. The article summarizes the key reference indicators and research paradigms of EEG and eye-tracking in current user research, focusing on the user research situation in industrial products, digital interfaces and spatial environments. The limitations and research trends in current technological applications are also discussed. The feasibility of experimental equipment in outdoor environments, the long preparation time of EEG experimental equipment, and the accuracy error of physiological signal acquisition are currently existing problems. In the future, research on multi-sensory and behavioral interactions and universal studies of multiple technology fusions will be the next stage of research topics. The measurement of different user differentiation needs can be explored by integrating various physiological measurements such as EEG signals and eye-tracking signals, skin electrical signals, respiration, and heart rate.

ESL Teachers’ Views on the Implementation of CEFR in Reading Skill

One of the most essential elements of learning English is the ability to read fluently. Mastering reading skills among ESL (English as a Second Language) learners is important in this global environment as it helps to widen their vocabulary acquisition and gradually helps them to enhance their other language skills. Although there is a large volume of published studies describing the implementation of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) in the English education system, these studies have not dealt with the implementation of CEFR specifically in reading skill. Thus, this study aims to find out more about ESL teachers’ views on the implementation of CEFR in reading skill. Besides that, the findings of the study will be able to identify the current arising issues or challenges in the teaching of reading skill. Data for this study was gathered through an online survey which was participated by 42 primary ESL teachers from Negeri Sembilan. The findings revealed that primary ESL teachers have mixed views on the implementation of CEFR in reading skill in terms of applicability. Although, the findings suggest that CEFR improves ESL learners’ reading skills, the results revealed that there is a need to adapt and modify CEFR related reading texts to fit in the Malaysian context with a local touch. Thus, the findings of this study provide useful information for other researchers who are interested in analysing the need of adapting the CEFR textbooks and reading texts to be in line with the Malaysian context.

Global Trends and Prospects of Nepheloid Layers: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Review

Nepheloid layers are widely distributed in the marine environment, and their formation and evolution pose many challenges to the current understanding of ocean dynamics and marine sedimentology. In sediment transport processes, nepheloid layers significantly contribute to the exchange of sediment between the continental shelf and the slope. In this paper, we summarize the global research trends on nepheloid layers. In total, 689 publications from 1990 to 2022 were collected from the Web of Science and analyzed using bibliographic software, including Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and CorText. Based on these publications, past and present popular research on nepheloid layers is examined and evaluated. The trends in nepheloid layer research are summarized by analyzing keywords, article references, countries, institutions, and authors. Finally, prospects and several key questions related to nepheloid layers are concluded, which can potentially guide future studies. The bibliographic analysis can provide new insights into the history of nepheloid layers. The results also provide valuable information for other researchers and programs investigating geological, geophysical, and biogeochemical processes.

Identification of the Properties and Function of the Unknown Protein with Accession Number AT2G15110.1 on the TAIR Website

Background: Nowadays, with the help of genomics and proteomics, numerous genes and proteins have been discovered, however, the function and role of most of them are still unknown. Using bioinformatics tools can be a major step in the identification of the function of these genes and proteins. Methods: In this study, we applied various bioinformatics software to identify the unknown protein properties with the AT2G15110.1 accession number on the Arabidopsis Information Resource website. Operations, such as identification of general protein properties, blasting amino acid sequences, detection of motifs and domains in the sequence, examination of the second and third protein structures, exploration of ligands, assessment of proteins involved with the target protein as well as recognition of the target protein location in the cell, were carried out. Results: The results showed that the query protein had no significant homology in terms of sequence, three-dimensional structure, and any interaction with known proteins. Additionally, it was observed that the presence probability of this protein in the nucleus organelle was more than in other organelles, and it only has one domain of unknown function. Conclusions: The results of this study can be basic information for other researchers who seek to identify this unknown protein and determine the right pathway for the identification of mentioned protein function through bioinformatics tools or laboratory methods. Based on the results of this study, laboratory methods are recommended for subsequent studies.

The Contribution of Corporate Social Responsibility and Organizational Behavior in the Development of Human Resources of Companies: Case Study in Greece

The purpose of this study is to identify the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organizational behavior with human resource management. The methodological tool used was based on bibliographic research in the analysis of texts and secondary sources. A literature review and a case study were carried out to study the topic. The literature review enabled the collection of secondary data. These data provide information for other researchers. The case study was conducted in a Greek company that operates throughout Greece in the catering industry and which has many branches. Through the case study, the researcher collected data on the dimensions of CSR and the company’s organizational behavior. The research question that will concern us refers to Corporate Social Responsibility and organizational behavior and whether they contribute to the evolution and development of human resources in companies. We assume that CSR and organizational behavior contribute significantly to the fuller utilization of business staff and we will try to verify this hypothesis. The research results showed a correlation between Corporate Social Responsibility, organizational behavior and human resources. They also showed that CSR is implemented to a satisfactory degree, while the levels of organizational behavior of employees in the company were also satisfactory. The above findings are considered important because they provide us with new data on the situation in the business world. At the same time, they lead us to the conclusion that it is necessary to strengthen CSR through actions aimed at creating a business culture that will contribute to the staff development and evolution.
 
 Received: 8 March 2022 / Accepted: 7 May 2022 / Published: 5 July 2022

Home Delivery of Water for Caries Prevention in Latinx Children (“Sediento por una Sonrisa,” Thirsty for a Smile): Protocol for a Single-Arm Feasibility Study

BackgroundDental caries has significant public health implications afflicting young children. In addition to low social economic status, the most prominent risk factor for early childhood caries is sugar in the diet, particularly sugar-sweetened beverages. Dental treatment for caries in young children is commonly performed under general anesthesia and a significant proportion of children require repeated treatment. Interventions to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption could lead to reduced rates of retreatment for dental caries in young children.ObjectiveThis protocol describes the rationale, design, and methods of the “Thirsty for a Smile” feasibility study. The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of a dietary intervention promoting water consumption in lieu of sugar-sweetened beverages among young patients, mostly from Latino heritage.MethodsThis protocol describes a single-arm feasibility study. Twenty-one dyads of children and their caregivers will be recruited. Children between 2 and 9 years old who recently had treatment under general anesthesia for early childhood dental caries will be eligible to participate. The intervention has two components: (1) environmental, in which bottled water is delivered to participants’ homes; and (2) behavioral, in which caregivers will receive patient-centered counseling to increase children’s water intake and reduce sugar-sweetened beverages consumption. Dental caries and anthropometric data will be collected at examination during baseline and final visits. The primary outcome is feasibility and secondary outcomes are acceptability and appropriateness of the intervention.ResultsFunding has been obtained from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the University of Washington approved the study. The feasibility study was conducted from March to November 2019.ConclusionsThis feasibility study will test the study processes prior to a two-arm randomized controlled trial to determine feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and study procedures. This study may provide useful information for other researchers attempting to test similar interventions.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR1-10.2196/37200

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND INNOVATION OF BUSINESS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN TEQUISQUIAPAN, QUERÉTARO, MEXICO

ABSTRACT Educational organizations in the region of Tequisquiapan, Querétaro in Mexico, have designed processes that allow them to manage their knowledge in a limited way and require innovation to maintain their participation and survive the competition in the provision of high-value services. The work presents an analysis of these factors and the information for other researchers and investors that allows them to maintain their level of competitiveness. Keywords knowledge management, innovation, education, Mexico

Language Learning Strategies Used by Form 4 Esl Learners to Develop Speaking Skills

One of the most crucial elements of learning English is the ability to communicate effectively. It helps the user to convey information orally in a way that listeners can comprehend. It is important to communicate successfully in this global environment and speaking is considered the most critical of the four language skills. The focus of this study is to identify the highly utilized language learning strategies (LLS) among Form 4 ESL learners to improve their speaking skills. 60 students were selected using the purposive sampling method with ages ranging from sixteen to seventeen years old. Oxford (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) Version 7.0 was used as the basis of the questionnaire. The modified version consisted of 36 statements on a Likert scale of 1 to 5. The mean and percentages of each strategy was analysed using SPSS Version 26. The results revealed that metacognitive strategy is the highly used LLS, while the memory related strategy is the minimally used LLS among upper secondary ESL learners in improving their speaking skills. These findings provide useful information for other researchers who are interested in analysing the language learning strategies used by students to improve their speaking skills.

Using an Information Package to Reduce Patients' Risk of Renal Damage: Protocol for a Randomized Feasibility Trial.

BackgroundNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a common cause of renal damage, especially when taken together with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-i) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) plus a diuretic — a combination known as the “triple whammy.” New Zealand patients are at high risk of the “triple whammy” because they can easily purchase NSAIDs without a prescription and in nonpharmacy retail settings (eg, the supermarket), there is no legal requirement to include patient information sheets with medication, and direct-to-consumer drug advertising is permitted. A patient information package has been developed for those at greatest risk of the “triple whammy,” consisting of a printable PDF and an interactive online learning activity. This information package aims to inform patients about their elevated risk of harm from NSAIDS and discourage use of NSAIDs. A randomized control trial was planned to assess the effect of the information package.ObjectiveThis study aims to pilot the trial procedures for recruiting patients and providing patient information online and to assess the acceptability of the patient information package.MethodsA two-armed randomized feasibility trial will be undertaken in Northland, New Zealand. We will recruit 50 patients who are at least 18 years old from those who have signed up to receive email alerts through their general practice. Patients eligible for this study have been prescribed an ACE-i or ARB plus a diuretic in the past 3 months. They will be randomly allocated to 2 study arms. The intervention arm will receive access to an information package plus usual care; the control arm will receive usual care alone. Online surveys will be used to assess NSAID knowledge and NSAID use at baseline and after 2 weeks for both arms. The intervention arm will also evaluate the information package in an additional survey based on Normalization Process Theory (NPT) concepts. We will report the number and proportion of participants who are eligible and consent to participate in the trial. Response and drop-out rates will be reported for each trial arm. The numbers of patients who interact with the education package will be reported together with the patient evaluation of it.ResultsFunding has been obtained from the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC 18-031). The University of Otago Human Research Ethics Committee (H21/016) has approved this trial. Consultation has been undertaken with The Ngai Tahu research consultation committee. The trial commenced on April 12, 2021.ConclusionsThis feasibility trial will test the study processes prior to commencing a randomized controlled trial and will determine the acceptability of the patient information package. We anticipate this work will provide useful information for other researchers attempting similar work.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/29161

Current Iodine Nutrition Status and Morbidity of Thyroid Nodules in Mainland China in the Past 20 Years

The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the prevalence of goiter and thyroid nodules (TNs) in relation to China’s iodine nutrition level over the past 20 years and provide an effective reference for developing health policies. PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP, and Chinese Wan Fang databases were searched for relevant studies from Jan 1996 to Feb 2020. Two reviewers extracted valid data from the eligible citations to determine the morbidity of TNs in different urinary iodine concentrations (UICs) and in patients of different genders, of different ages, who live in different geographic regions, and who live at different altitudes, as well as the P values of interactions between groups. There were 26 articles (34 studies) included in this analysis. The overall morbidity of TNs in mainland China was 23.4%. Morbidity was higher in urban areas (P < 0.001) than in rural and mixed areas. Coastal areas (P < 0.001), female patients (P < 0.001), high-altitude areas (P < 0.001), and residence in south China (P < 0.001) were all associated with higher morbidity of TNs. The lowest morbidity value of TNs, 16%, was in the more-than-adequate iodine subgroup. The highest morbidity, 27.2%, was in the adequate iodine subgroup. The morbidity of TNs increases with age, and women are more likely to have TNs. We also need to perform more epidemiological studies, and in the future, we should cultivate better understanding of the relationship between other thyroid diseases and provide more comprehensive and useful information for other researchers.

Study of Interior Materials as Passive Fire Protection in Karaoke Building (Case Study: Masterpiece Signature Family KTV Medan)

The fire incident in karaoke buildings in Indonesia which claimed many lives has occurred several times. According to the National Academy of Science US, the smoke toxins that come out of the fire disaster cause 50-80% of deaths. Refers to the data, it is necessary to check further about the building material response to fire during a fire incident. Masterpiece Signature Karaoke is a karaoke building that classified as large and magnificent in the city of Medan which has various material so that it is necessary to study the interior material as passive fire protection. The purpose is to find out how to assess the reliability of fire passive protection regard to the interior materials and recommendations or descriptions of right interior material planning using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). This method is efficacious to solve the problem of reliability in using interior materials as passive fire protection in Masterpiece Signature Family KTV Medan building with the results of an Adequate Level of reliability. Then, design recommendations were given for the use of interior materials in karaoke building to improve the reliability results to be better.The results are useful as information for other researchers and karaoke buildings regarding passive fire protection systems at the Masterpiece Signature Family KTV Medan.

Factors determining soil water heterogeneity on the Chinese Loess Plateau as based on an empirical mode decomposition method

Soil water is a critical resource, and as such is the focus of considerable physical research. Characterization of the distribution and spatial variability of soil water content (SWC) offers important agronomic and environmental information. Estimation of non-stationary and non-linear SWC distribution at different scales is a research challenge. Based on this context, we performed a case study on the Chinese Loess Plateau, with objectives of investigating spatial variability of SWC and soil properties (i.e., soil particle composition, organic matter and bulk density), and determining multi-scale correlations between SWC and soil properties. A total of 86 in situ sampling sites were selected and 516 soil samples (0-60 cm depth with an interval of 10 cm) were collected in May and June of 2019 along the Yangling-Wugong-Qianxian transect, with a length of 25.5 km, in a typical wheat-corn rotation region of the Chinese Loess Plateau. Classical statistics and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method were applied to evaluate characteristics of the overall and scale-specific spatial variation of SWC, and to explore scale-specific correlations between SWC and soil properties. Results showed that the spatial variability of SWC along the Yangling-Wugong-Qianxian transect was medium to weak, with a variability coefficient range of 0.06-0.18, and it was gradually decreased as scale increased. We categorized the overall SWC for each soil layer under an intrinsic mode function (IMF) number based on the scale of occurrence, and found that the component IMF1 exhibited the largest contribution rates of 36.45%-56.70%. Additionally, by using EMD method, we categorized the general variation of SWC under different numbers of IMFs according to occurrence scale, and the results showed that the calculated scales among SWC for each soil layer increased in correspondence with higher IMF numbers. Approximately 78.00% of the total variance of SWC was extracted in IMF1 and IMF2. Generally, soil texture was the dominant control on SWC, and the influence of the three types of soil properties (soil particle composition, organic matter and bulk density) was more prominent at larger scales along the sampling transect. The influential factors of soil water spatial distribution can be identified and ranked on the basis of the decomposed signal from the current approach, thereby providing critical information for other researchers and natural resource managers.

Evaluation of Fire Protection Systems in Hotel Building (Case Study: Grand Kanaya Hotel Medan)

Hotel is a public living facility for tourists by providing room services, food and beverage providers, and accommodation with payment terms. Fire is a flame, both small and large, which is usually hard to control and detrimental and can occur in a place that we do not expect. Ensuring the protection of hotel residents is one of the goals of hotel business standards. Grand Kanaya Hotel is a 3-star hotel building in the city of Medan, with 152 units of rooms and several facilities that enable activities involving large numbers of people, such as restaurants and ballrooms. According to the quite high number of occupants, Grand Kanaya Hotel requires a fire protection system that can protect all hotel residents against fire hazards. The study aims to evaluate the fire protection system that has been applied to the building of the Grand Kanaya Hotel and provide references for fire protection systems that are standard in hotel buildings. This research is using the qualitative method that obtains from field observation and uses a type of descriptive research that explains the facts or existing conditions of fire protection systems in the Grand Kanaya Hotel building. The results show that there are several fire protection systems in Grand Kanaya Hotels that not according to the standards, such as the minimum size, the material used is not resistant to fire, and maximum distance lies, which still exceeds the maximum value. The study results are useful as information for other researchers and hotels regarding fire protection systems at the Grand Kanaya Hotel building.

Analytical Authentication and Determination of Adulteration in Branded Honey Samples Collected from Selected Areas in Ethiopia

Honey adulteration is a topical issue because increasingly sophisticated adulteration methods are constantly being developed for gaining more profit. This study was conducted to determine adulteration by sugar syrups in selected honey samples of different botanical [Geteme (“Schefflera abbyssinica”) Bisana (“Crotonma crostachyus”) and Coffee (“Coffee abyssinica)] and geographical (Bore, Keffa and Yirgachefe) origins. The qualitative screening and quantification of sugars were carried out using high performance liquid chromatography to determine adulteration and other parameters such as; moisture content, total solid, ash content and pH value to ascertain the authenticity of samples. The moisture content, ash content, pH values of all the honey samples considered in this study ranged from 17.42 ± 1.46 to 25.07 ± 0.75%, 0.35 ± 0.12 to 0.77 ± 0.30 % and 3.60 ±0.67 to 3.92±0.59 %, respectively. The results of qualitative screening indicated presence of fructose and glucose in all samples and vanishingly small amount of sucrose in almost all of the analyzed samples. However, the quantification revealed differing level of concentration of sugars. The sucrose content in the current study ranged between 0.00 and 1.03 g/100 g; which is consistent with Codex Alimentarius Commission standard (5g/100g). The average sum of fructose and glucose of Bore, Keffa and Yirgachefe are 70.64, 67.37 and 60.97 respectively, and that of fructose/glucose ratios are1.22, 1.46 and 1.02 respectively. The sum of fructose and glucose contents of Geteme, Bisana and Coffee floral origin honey samples were 75.62, 61.62 and 61.12 and that of fructose/glucose ratios are 1.28, 1.20 and 1.42 respectively. Significant (p=0.05) variations in sugar compositions of honey samples of different botanical and geographical origin were observed. The results of this study indicate that honey samples of Geteme origin are more authentic than Bisana and Coffee floral origins. Bore honey samples were in general, found to be more authentic than Keffa and Yirgachefe although all of the analyzed honey samples were not adulterated by sugar syrups. The quality of the studied honey samples compare favorably with samples in many parts of the world and also meet international standards. Although further study should be made at larger scale to draw a general conclusion, the present findings can serve as back ground information for other researchers who are interested to conduct further study at a wider scale on this area. Keywords: Honey, Adulteration, Authenticity, High performance liquid chromatography DOI : 10.7176/FSQM/93-01 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Analytical Authentication and Determination of Adulteration in Branded Honey Samples Collected from Selected Areas in Ethiopia

Honey adulteration is a topical issue because increasingly sophisticated adulteration methods are constantly being developed for gaining more profit. This study was conducted to determine adulteration by sugar syrups in selected honey samples of different botanical [Geteme (“Schefflera abbyssinica”) Bisana (“Crotonma crostachyus”) and Coffee (“Coffee abyssinica)] and geographical (Bore, Keffa and Yirgachefe) origins. The qualitative screening and quantification of sugars were carried out using high performance liquid chromatography to determine adulteration and other parameters such as; moisture content, total solid, ash content and pH value to ascertain the authenticity of samples. The moisture content, ash content, pH values of all the honey samples considered in this study ranged from 17.42 ± 1.46 to 25.07 ± 0.75%, 0.35 ± 0.12 to 0.77 ± 0.30 % and 3.60 ±0.67 to 3.92±0.59 %, respectively. The results of qualitative screening indicated presence of fructose and glucose in all samples and vanishingly small amount of sucrose in almost all of the analyzed samples. However, the quantification revealed differing level of concentration of sugars. The sucrose content in the current study ranged between 0.00 and 1.03 g/100 g; which is consistent with Codex Alimentarius Commission standard (5g/100g). The average sum of fructose and glucose of Bore, Keffa and Yirgachefe are 70.64, 67.37 and 60.97 respectively, and that of fructose/glucose ratios are1.22, 1.46 and 1.02 respectively. The sum of fructose and glucose contents of Geteme, Bisana and Coffee floral origin honey samples were 75.62, 61.62 and 61.12 and that of fructose/glucose ratios are 1.28, 1.20 and 1.42 respectively. Significant (p=0.05) variations in sugar compositions of honey samples of different botanical and geographical origin were observed. The results of this study indicate that honey samples of Geteme origin are more authentic than Bisana and Coffee floral origins. Bore honey samples were in general, found to be more authentic than Keffa and Yirgachefe although all of the analyzed honey samples were not adulterated by sugar syrups. The quality of the studied honey samples compare favorably with samples in many parts of the world and also meet international standards. Although further study should be made at larger scale to draw a general conclusion, the present findings can serve as back ground information for other researchers who are interested to conduct further study at a wider scale on this area. Keywords: Honey, Adulteration, Authenticity, High performance liquid chromatography DOI : 10.7176/FSQM/91-04 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

PENGARUH PEMANGKASAN KUNCUP APIKAL TERHADAP PRODUKSI BIJI DAN KADAR KLOROFIL DAUN ALFALFA (Medicago sativa L)

Alfalfa plant in Indonesia its not easy to produce flowers and seeds. Flower production is also affected by cutting the apical bud. At this time there is no research on the effect of cutting the length of the apical bud of the flower and seed production of alfalfa, both in quantity and quality. Thus this study examines the apical bud cutting the length of the seed production and alfalfa leaf chlorophyll content. The purpose of this study was to determine the most optimal length of the apical bud cutting to produce optimal growth and production of alfalfa seed. Outcomes and benefits of this research are: a). Provide information for other researchers on seed production and alfalfa leaf chlorophyll content were treated with different apical bud cutting, which will carry out further research. b). Provide recommendations to stakeholders on the apical bud cutting the most optimal for alfalfa plants that produce highest seed production and alfalfa leaf chlorophyll content. c). Providing information for farmers and researchers on alfalfa seed development opportunities for the tropic zone. Research using randomized complete block design with four replications. This study was a single-center trial with a treatment of various lengths cutting apical bud. Apical bud cutting long treatment include without cutting, cutting apical bud length of 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm and 25 cm from the ground. When cutting is done when the plants aged 6 weeks after planting. The results of the study showed that the alfalfa plant leaf extract can be produced which is solid green chlorophyll that has the potential to be used as raw material for the manufacture of supplement health drinks. Alfalfa flower has emerged in the 4th month, this occurred in the treatment of cutting 5 cm. It shows the probability that the flower has the potential to develop into seeds. Keywords: alfalfa, cutting, chlorophyll, seeds, apical bud

Global expression profiling and pathway analysis of mouse mammary tumor reveals strain and stage specific dysregulated pathways in breast cancer progression

ABSTRACTIt is believed that the alteration of tissue microenvironment would affect cancer initiation and progression. However, little is known in terms of the underlying molecular mechanisms that would affect the initiation and progression of breast cancer. In the present study, we use two murine mammary tumor models with different speeds of tumor initiation and progression for whole genome expression profiling to reveal the involved genes and signaling pathways. The pathways regulating PI3K-Akt signaling and Ras signaling were activated in Fvb mice and promoted tumor progression. Contrastingly, the pathways regulating apoptosis and cellular senescence were activated in Fvb.B6 mice and suppressed tumor progression. We identified distinct patterns of oncogenic pathways activation at different stages of breast cancer, and uncovered five oncogenic pathways that were activated in both human and mouse breast cancers. The genes and pathways discovered in our study would be useful information for other researchers and drug development.

An empirical analysis of journal policy effectiveness for computational reproducibility

A key component of scientific communication is sufficient information for other researchers in the field to reproduce published findings. For computational and data-enabled research, this has often been interpreted to mean making available the raw data from which results were generated, the computer code that generated the findings, and any additional information needed such as workflows and input parameters. Many journals are revising author guidelines to include data and code availability. This work evaluates the effectiveness of journal policy that requires the data and code necessary for reproducibility be made available postpublication by the authors upon request. We assess the effectiveness of such a policy by (i) requesting data and code from authors and (ii) attempting replication of the published findings. We chose a random sample of 204 scientific papers published in the journal Science after the implementation of their policy in February 2011. We found that we were able to obtain artifacts from 44% of our sample and were able to reproduce the findings for 26%. We find this policy—author remission of data and code postpublication upon request—an improvement over no policy, but currently insufficient for reproducibility.