DNA Methylation of KLRC1 and KLRC3 in Autoimmune Thyroiditis:Perspective of Different Water Iodine Exposure

Objective This study aimed to identify differentially methylated genes(DMGs) associated with natural killer cells in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT), focusing on the influence of varying water iodine exposure levels.Methods Participants were divided into categories based on median water iodine(MWI)concentrations: iodine-fortified areas(IFA, MWI < 10 μg/L), iodine-adequate areas(IAA, 40 ≤ MWI ≤ 100μg/L), and iodine-excessive areas(IEA, MWI > 300 μg/L). A total of 176 matched AIT cases and controls were recruited and divided into 89, 40, and 47 pairs for IFA, IAA, and IEA, respectively. DMGs were identified using 850K Bead Chip analysis for 10/10 paired samples. Validation of DNA methylation and m RNA expression levels of the DMGs was conducted using Methyl Target^(TM) and QRT-PCR for 176/176paired samples.Results KLRC1, KLRC3, and SH2D1B were identified as significant DMGs. Validation revealed that KLRC1 was hypomethylated and highly expressed, whereas KLRC3 was hypermethylated and highly expressed in individuals with AIT. Furthermore, KLRC1 was hypomethylated and highly expressed in both IFA and IEA.Conclusion The DNA methylation status of KLRC1 and KLRC3 may play crucial roles in AIT pathogenesis. Additionally, DNA methylation of KLRC1 seems to be influenced by different iodine concentrations in water.

Study on the Community Policing Administration Innovation from the Perspective of the Public Security Governance

Since the 20th century, human public security accidents occurred frequently, so that the developed countries such as the United States, Japan, and Russia took the lead in strengthening the study of the public security administration. Since the 21th century, all walks of life have paid more attention to the public security administration in China, along with the deepened implementation of the reform and opening-up policy and the rapid development of economic construction and the effects from the outbreak of the SARS crisis and the frequent occurrence of many coal mine security accidents, etc. In this process, the non-traditional security issues and man-made crisis are gradually becoming the main threats currently to the public security of China, because the conflicts of interest and the social contradictions overlap and the social crisis such as cadres-masses and police-masses conflicts is being aggravated. At present, the Ministry of Public Security of China is pushing forward a community policing reform and great numbers of community polices in community policing administration will directly confront with the challenges of the public security administration complexity, and therefore, the promotion of community policing urgently needs the innovation of administration concept.

Implications of Publication Requirements for the Research Output of Ukrainian Academics in Scopus in 1999-2019

Purpose:This article explores the implications of publication requirements for the research output of Ukrainian academics in Scopus in 1999-2019.As such it contributes to the existing body of knowledge on quantitative and qualitative effects of research evaluation policies.Design/methodology/approach:Three metrics were chosen to analyse the implications of publication requirements for the quality of research output:publications in predatory journals,publications in local journals and publications per SNIP quartile from the disciplinary perspective.Findings:Study results highlight,that,firstly,publications of Ukrainian authors in predatory journals rose to 1%in 2019.Secondly,the share of publications in local journals reached the peak of 47.3%in 2015.In 2019 it fell to 31.8%.Thirdly,though the total number of publications has risen dramatically since 2011,but the share of Q3+Q4 has exceeded the share of Q1+Q2.To summarise,the study findings highligh,that research evaluation policies are required to contain not only quantitative but also qualitative criteria.Research limitation:The study does not explore in detail the effects of a particular type of publication requirements.Practical implications:The findings of the study have practical implications for policymakers and university managers aimed to develop research evaluation policies.Originality/value:This paper gains insights into the effects of publication requirements on the research output of Ukrainian academics in Scopus.

A Study on the Reform of China's Agricultural Administration System

After various reforms,China's agricultural administration system has been changing functions and improving structure,and it has basically met the requirements of agricultural and rural economic development,but in some areas,it can not be adapted to modern agricultural development. Based on the analysis of the necessity of improving agricultural administration system and the problems in current agricultural administration system,this paper comes up with the viable path choice of China's agricultural administration system reform.

Impact of foreign direct investment on the exports of five major sectors of Pakistan’s economy:A governance perspective

This study investigates and analyses empirically the impact of Foreign Direct Investment(FDI)inflows on the exports for a panel series of five large-scale manufacturing industries of Pakistan during the period 2000-2020.For this purpose,we establish export production function as based on endogenous growth theory in which role of FDI is considered as additional determinant of export.The Pedroni residual-based co-integration test and Error Correction Model(ECM)are applied for the long and short-run relationships.Pedroni residual based approach highlighted that human capitals,domestic capitals,foreign direct investments,exports,and domestic sales are co-integrated in the long run.According to results of ECM,coefficient of FDI appears to have statistical significant impact on exports and has a positive sign in the long run.Whereas,FDI does not contribute to export growth in the short run but it takes time to influence the growth patterns of the sector.On the basis of theoretical notion of endogenous growth theory,long-run coefficient of FDI may be interpreted as evidence in favour of the hypotheses that FDI has an impact on exports via export development.Thus,it can be concluded that“FDI-based endogenous growth theory”is valid in the case of Pakistan.

Meaning in life and well-being of older stroke survivors in Chinese communities: Mediating effects of mastery and self-esteem

The study aims to examine the role of mastery and self-esteem as a potential mediator of the relationship of meaning in life and well-being among older Chinese stroke survivors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 214 community-dwelling older stroke survivors (128 men and 86 women), ranging from 60 years to 88 years old. The meaning in life, mastery, self-esteem and subjective well-being were measured. The results indicated that: 1) The meaning in life and subjective well-being of stroke survivors were significantly positive correlated;2) Mastery and self-esteem played partial mediating roles between existential vacuum and subjective well-being;Self-esteem played full a mediating role between suffer acceptance and subjective well-being;Mastery played a full mediating role between life control and subjective well-being;Mastery played a partial mediating role between death acceptance and subjective well-being;Self-esteem also played a partial mediating role between mastery and subjective well-being.

Incidence of Interpersonal Violence among Individuals with Drug Addiction Receiving Compulsory Treatment: A Survey at Two Drug Detention Centers in Hunan, China

Drug dependence is a serious global health problem.To assist individuals with drug addiction,China alone has established 678 Compulsory Detoxification Detention Centers （CDDCs） that treat over300,000i ndividuals who are required by national law to receive compulsory treatment;because community-based outpatient treatment failed.

Teamwork and Physician Burnout: The Moderating Role of Perceived Organisational Support

Burnout is an important issue which has attracted the attention of physicians and health practitioners. Several studies have reported the negative effect of physician burnout and the adverse effect it has on the individual and health institutions. This study therefore examined the moderating effect of perceived organizational support on the relationship between teamwork and physician burnout in the Chinese context. Using a survey data consisting of a sample of physicians from hospitals within the Jiangsu Province of China, we estimated three models in a hierarchical framework and identified that in the presence of respondent’s demographic characteristics as control variables, perceived organizational support, play a very vital role in improving teamwork while reducing burnout among physicians.

How does ethanol induce apoptotic cell death of SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells?

A body of evidence suggests that ethanol can lead to damage of neuronal cells. However, the mechanism underlying the ethanol-induced damage of neuronal cells remains unclear. The role of mitogen-activated protein kinases in ethanol-induced damage was investigated in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide cell viability assay, DNA fragmentation detection, and flow cytometric analysis showed that ethanol induced apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest, characterized by increased caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation, nuclear disruption, and G1 arrest of cell cycle of the SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. In addition, western blot analysis indicated that ethanol induced a lasting increase in c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase activity and a transient increase in p38 kinase activity of the neuroblastoma cells. c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase or p38 kinase inhibitors significantly reduced the ethanol-induced cell death. Ethanol also increased p53 phosphorylation, followed by an increase in p21 tumor suppressor protein and a decrease in phospho-Rb （retinoblastoma） protein, leading to alterations in the expressions and activity of cyclin dependent protein kinases. Our results suggest that ethanol mediates apoptosis of SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells by activating p53-related cell cycle arrest possibly through activation of the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase-related cell death pathway.

Logic of Citizen Participation in Sustainable Development

Sustainable development,a concept which has been built with the sustainability of economic progression as a main thrust,has been a widely preferred model to traditional developmental models.However,the real meaning of what sustainable development is and should include has been an object of debate.On the one hand,differing from traditional economic developmental models,economic progress does not necessitate the practice of ‘sustainable development'.On the other hand,current levels of science and technology are still unable to solve several problems that arise with economic development.Sustainable development has transferred the responsibility of environmental destruction to that of developing countries.Lastly,instead of utilizing the best technology and leadership into formulating excellent environmental-protection policies,it is more important to create widespread awareness to the public on the need to protect the environment and thereby engage their participation in decision-making to actually realize what is truly ‘sustainable development'.

Comparative Water Efficiency Analysis of Sole and Multiple Cropping Systems under Tunnel Farming in Punjab-Pakistan

Water scarcity is the growing concern of present times, requiring its efficient utilization deemed as necessity. Rapidly growing population has significantly exerted pressure on its demand, in Pakistan. In order to fulfill it, all factors of production are required to be used in the possibly most efficient way. Good quality and quantity of water are the growing concerns of producers in Pakistan and around the globe. The efficient water utilization is crucial to optimize the farm returns under the selected sole and multiple cropping systems. This study considered the water efficiency analysis of multiple and sole cropping systems, with the aim of finding out cropping patterns more efficient in terms of water utilization in Pakistan. In order to estimate the water efficiency analysis, the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is run to find out the water efficient cropping systems among sole and multiple cropping systems. The Tobit analysis is also used to find out the factors affecting the water efficiency of selected farms in the study area. The results of the study report an inefficient water usage in terms of irrigation, the inefficient use of water instigates the wastage of one of the most important as well as scarce farm inputs especially water, in case of multiple cropping system. Around 51% and 13% of water inefficiency are present under multiple and sole cropping systems, respectively. Basin irrigation is the method for irrigation, used by the farmers of the study area approximating to be 95% - 97%. It is one of the most conventional and least efficient methods of irrigation. Only 2.67 and 4.67 percent of farms were using the Furrow irrigation method, which is way more efficient and steady as compared to Basin irrigation method, respectively. It appears as a requirement that the most efficient methods regarding water application in Pakistan should be recognized. Lack of management in water application on both selected cropping systems resulted in over utilization of water and depletion of one of the fundamental natural resource. In order to overcome the inefficiency in water management, farmers’ farming knowledge, adoption of new irrigation techniques, efficient application of inputs is needed.

Biodegradability of Formulated Enzymatic Solution: An Alternative Waste Reduction System

Solid waste and air pollution are never ending environmental problems that can be partially solved by turning waste into useful bio-products. In this study, enzymatic solutions were developed by formulating enzymatic solutions from fish intestines and fruit peels. This aimed to help in biodegradation of organic solid wastes. Organic waste samples were treated with formulated enzymatic solutions for 7 days in aerated set-up for aerobic degradation. Biodegradability and odor of the waste samples were compared with commercial enzymatic solution. Determination of evolved carbon dioxide (CO2) using gravimetric analysis (GA) was used to determine the percent biodegradability, Dt, of organic solid waste and odor-ranking method was used to determine the odor intensity of the organic waste samples. The result showed that the weight loss and percentage biodegradability of organic waste sample treated with formulated enzymatic solution is comparable with that of the commercial enzymatic solution. In terms of odor intensity, waste treated with the product, formulated enzymatic solution (FES) is also comparable to the waste treated with commercial enzymatic solution. Thus, implying that the developed FES is as efficient as that of the commercial enzymatic solution. These significant results will be helpful to future researchers in providing ways on improving the degradation of organic solid waste and mitigating the increasing glitches on our environment. Enzyme kinetics, physical and chemical properties studies of the solution were recommended for future researchers to accurately determine the effectiveness of the formulated enzymatic solution in the degradation of organic solid waste.

On the Role of Consumer Preferences in the Coordination among Health Insurers under Regulated Competition

This paper addresses the coordination problem of price and quality setting insurers, arising on the health insurance market under regulated competition, as introduced, for instance, in the Netherlands in 2006. We use an experimental study to gain novel insights on the impact of the uncertainty about consumer preferences on the coordination problem. This fundamental uncertainty implies uncertainty about the identity of the payoff dominant equilibrium, while the risk dominant equilibrium is independent of the state of the world. The experimental results show that insurers are more likely to coordinate on the payoff dominant equilibrium under incomplete information. When insurers face not only strategic but also fundamental uncertainty in the coordination problem, they delay the response to the risk dominant strategy, and persist longer in trying to coordinate on the payoff dominant equilibrium. For the market we study, this implies that the co-ordination under incomplete information will result in consumers paying higher prices, in contrast to the original objectives of the regulated competition.

Measurement of International Competitiveness of Clothing Industry under the Background of Value Chain Reconstruction

Relying on cheap labor cost advantage,China is locked in the low-end processing link of the global value chain and obtains a lower profit share.With the deepening of the international division of labor,changes in the distribution of national interests and the spread of anti-globalization in some developed countries,the global value chain is undergoing a new round of large-scale reconstruction and emerging economies are trying to penetrate and extend to the high end of the global value chain.Based on the theory of industrial upgrading and global value chain,this paper focuses on the current development of Chinese apparel industry,the mechanism,development and problems of global value chain reconstruction,analyzes the relevant elements in the apparel industry value chain reconstruction,and proposes the application of data envelopment analysis(DEA)competitiveness model in the value chain reconstruction of apparel enterprises.We use the CCR(C2R)model to simulate the improvement of production efficiency.Finally,we put forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions for the value chain reconstruction from the perspective of improving product competitiveness.

Unequivocal ICT in Enhancing the Essence of Democracy and Good Governance

It is true and sooth as far as Abraham Linkan’s definition of democracy being implausible in a vast global democratic system. The definition of democracy of Abraham linkan is certainly palatable and practically realizable in those ancient times for states, then existed were smaller and nanoscopic and people could directly participate and realize the collective decisions (Abraham Linkan defamation―of the people, by the people, and for the people). In modern democracies, the Abraham Linkan’s defamation was fast losing its relevance and people were groping in the dark. The citizens were challenging in the system on its essentials/prerequisites the state in modern times not only shirking its responsibility but also getting insulated. It was/is at this juncture the dawn of ICT on the horizon made people redeem nuances of participatory democracy development rhythm of true democratic ideals ICT’s initiation in good governance heralded a new phase of participatory democracy development attended to the glorious of direct democracy. The emergency of the ICT filled the vacuum existed between govt. and citizens. It also narrowed down the gap between citizens and govt by holding out their responsibility in terms of development governance in veritably transparent manner. ICT, in other words, the net-work of information, are accessible to all decision-makers and also felicitated in decision-makers to have a direct access to the existing situation and there by strengthening the decision-making process. ICT by its inner strength restored the democratic strength to the citizenry. Thus, the main properties of ICT, such as transfrancy, participation, rule of low, efficiency and effectiveness, etc. propped up the governing entity get entrenched in good governance. Also, it opened new visas for creative discourse based on ICT’s utility in the field of planning and designing of strategies of development at all levels of governing pyramid. The ICT’s fold opportunities for both ruling and being ruled such that a citizenry could collectively constituency observe the action of ruling class as it is entailed to and in turn the government, in principal, has responsibility to focus on and positively respond to. Hence, ICT as a potential agency bridges the gap in all aspect of system yielding place for communion development. The role, ICT in a wider-democratic system and good governance, was also discussed. Conclusion is also drawn keeping in riew its futuristic perspectives and prospects.

Assessment of the Diversity of Macro Aquatic Species in Amburayan River in Kapangan, Benguet in the Philippines

Little is known about the diversity and status of endemic freshwater fishes which are valuable bio-indicators of ecosystem health and an integral part of a country’s natural heritage. Some of the less studied areas in the Philippines are the river systems in the Cordillera which are equally important as that of the other freshwater systems in the country. Amburayan River in Kapangan, Benguet is one of the rivers in the said region. Thus assessment study of the diversity of macro aquatic species was conducted to provide a baseline data in the formulation of resource management strategies and polices. By using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study determined and identified the presence of macro species in the study area. It applied the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) procedures in the gathering of samples while identification and determination of fish stocks were done by morphometric analysis of the catch with the help of available references and assistance of experts. This is later verified through submission of samples to the National Fisheries Research Development Institute (NFRDI) as part of the NSAP areas for DNA analysis. The measurement of the impacts of human activities to the river systems was done using the checklist method by Smith and Smith. The study found that there is low biodiversity of macro aquatic species in the area because of the presence of introduced species, illegal fishing practices, quarrying and mining activities. There are also no indigenous or traditional management measures conducted to conserve the river ecosystem biodiversity. The study recommended that similar study be done in other areas of the river and that the government agencies to undertake fisheries programs which would regulate the exploitation and utilization and allow regeneration of macro aquatic species in the river system.

The Effect of Intellectual Capital on Organizational Performance: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Sharing

Understanding the various effects that exist among intellectual capital, knowledge sharing, and organizational performance is the main purpose of this study. Data were gathered from 356 employees working in manufacturing companies in Jordan. In order to test the hypotheses of this study, the approach suggested by [1] was undertaken. The results of the analysis revealed that intellectual capital had a positive effect on organizational performance and knowledge sharing. The results also showed that knowledge sharing had a positive effect on organizational performance. Finally, it was found that knowledge sharing had a positive mediating effect on the relationship between intellectual capital and organizational performance. The findings of this study thus provide many benefits for researchers and practitioners despite the presence of some limitations.

Effects of Selective Contracting with Positive Incentives on the Choices of Dutch Consumers for Health Care Options: Results of an Experiment

Since the introduction of the Health Insurance Act in the Netherlands in 2006, insurers are incen-tivized to compete on price for basic health insurance, and on price and quality for supplementary insurance. It is possible for health insurers to implement a differentiated deductible since the first of January 2009. This paper describes an experiment. It is designed to study this differentiated deductible as a financial policy instrument. It focuses on the effect of selective contracting with positive incentives on the choice-behaviour of the insured. The goal of this study is to gain insight in the working mechanism of this financial policy instrument that is meant to reduce healthcare costs. The study is designed as a vignette study. The vignettes are presented in pairs of two to the respondents. The vignettes contain various elements including premium costs, deductible, degree of selective contracting and availability of quality-information (CQI). As the respondents in the design of this choice experiment have to choose between confronting health plans, it is understandable that they value these policies on their characteristics (so-called attributes). Subsequently, a statement can be formulated on the relative value assigned to these attributes by the respondents, clearly preferring one health plan over the other. Finally 99 respondents were included in our study. Logistic regression analysis was performed. This study shows that the deducti-ble as choice-influencing instrument has less influence as age increases. The proclaimed cost savings of this deductible might be lower than expected. Generally, it can be concluded that healthier people are less likely to choose the extensive health plan. However, this effect reverses when the most extensive and less extensive are presented to the participants. The results thus show a clear demarcation in the preferences of consumers. A similar demarcation also has been found in the data concerning travel distance. When contracted care is within 30 minutes, this health plan is preferred over the more extensive and expensive one. However, this study also shows that this effect reverses when the travel distance increases to 45 minutes. Consumers in this situation are reluctant to choose selective care and choose for the extensive and expensive option. Premium costs have a negative effect. A health plan becomes less attractive when the price increases. In addition, an increase in the availability of CQI makes a health plan more attractive. It can be concluded from this study that the deductible as choice-influencing instrument seems to work for young and healthy people, provided that they do not have to travel more that 30 minutes.

Political Implications of Emergency Management

This paper will review three broad types of political implications of emergency management, since historically emergency management was considered only a function of law enforcement and fire departments, with the support in the event of a major catastrophe from public health and civil defense organizations. The issue is not whether governments will be required to respond to emergencies but rather when and how frequently. The time to think about emergencies is before they happen. Despite some significant weakness in the overall approach, political implications offer many benefits and provide various options for CDCs （community development corporations） to get involved in disaster recovery and emergency management. Based upon a generally positive evaluation, the paper concludes that emergency management must become a central activity, whether at the federal, state, or local or as an intergovernmental activity. Hopefully for the future the government does not have to wait for a disaster to strike for one to put a policy into place, since they have had several to occur over decades. The government should be ready to take on any disaster if it occurs with the following policies and procedures that are in place.

The Effects of Cooperative Learning in Enhancing the Performance Level of Grade-10 Mathematics Students in Talavera National High School in the Philippines

Mathematics is considered by many students as a difficult academic subject. To improve their performance, various learning strategies are employed by teachers abandoning the conventional method. This study focused on the cooperative learning as a method to enhance level of performance of grade 10 mathematics students in the Philippines. It looked into the method and how it influenced students’ performance. By using a quasi-experimental research method, the following results are generated: 1) the method positively improved the performance in mathematics of the control and experimental groups;2) while effectiveness assessment showed a highly effective result;and 3) the application of the method showed a positive impact on the participants as shown by their positive perception of the subject mathematics.