Governmentality in the Context of a Japanese-funded Farm-to- Market Road (FMR) in Agdangan, Quezon Province, Philippines

Recent studies have focused on the role of Official Development Assistance (ODA) in financing infrastructural projects and rural development programmes. This study contributes to this literature by demonstrating how Japanese and Filipino aid authorities facilitate a Japanese-ODA-funded Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) subproject as a solution aiming to achieve overall poverty reduction and rural economic growth in the Philippines. Drawing on Foucault’s governmentality, the paper analyses processes and interactions within the management stages of the FMR subproject. It examines the impact of the completed FMR among agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). It argues that while the FMR fostered mutual understanding and beneficial relationships among aid authorities, more significant advantages were accrued by the non-poor sector. Consequently, ARBs clamour for further support to maximize FMR benefits

Sequence analysis of putative swrW gene required for surfactant serrawettin W1 production from Serratia marcescens

Serratia marcescens produces biosurfactant serrawettin, essential for its population migration behavior. Serrawettin W1 was revealed to be an antibiotic serratamolide that makes it significant for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and protein sequence analysis. Four nucleotide and amino-acid sequences from local strains analyzed through bioinformatics showed high confidence prediction of serrawettin. Database comparison analysis resulted to high similarity of the nucleotide sequence to the swrW gene of 88 to 94%, the homologous protein sequence to the serrawettin W1 synthetase protein ranging from 85 to 89%, presence of condensation domain from the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) family that synthesize peptide antibiotics and strong relation to the predicted surfactin synthetase structure. Further protein analysis showed high identical multiple alignment having conserved regions and the predicted structure representation was identified as putative surfactin a synthetase c (srfa-c), a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase termination module with 100% confidence. These nucleotide and protein sequence analysis of the putative swrW gene provides vital information on the versatility of S. marcescens as a pathogen of diverse hosts and an impetus for further genetic manipulation for practical applications.Keywords: swrW gene, serrawettin W1, non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS

Solar Energy Resource Assessment Using R.SUN In GRASS GIS And Site Suitability Analysis Using AHP For Groundmounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Farm In The Central Luzon Region (Region 3), Philippines

In the study, the solar energy resource in the Central Luzon Region (Region 3), Philippines was determined using r.sun – a topography-based solar radiation model implemented in GRASS GIS – and suitable sites for the installation of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) farms were identified using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the weights of different physical, environmental, socio-economic, risk, and constraint criteria. For the resource assessment, the inputs to r.sun used in the study consisted of freely available data that include: an SRTM (90m resolution) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and monthly average Linke turbidity coefficients available from the SoDA (Solar Radiation Database) webservice (www.soda-is.com). Daily solar radiation data from eight (8) measuring stations throughout the region were gathered. Readings from six (6) stations were used to interpolate monthly clear-sky index rasters while the readings from the remaining two (2) stations were used to validate the modelled monthly average Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) computed by r.sun. For the site suitability analysis, different criteria rasters were created and combined using weighted overlay to generate a suitability map for ground-mounted solar PV farms in the region. From the results, the monthly average GHI in the region computed by r.sun ranged from 3706.8 Wh/m2 - day in December to 6021.0 Wh/m2 -day in May with an annual average GHI of 4727.12 Wh/m2 -day indicating a good amount of resource potential. High GHI values were observed for the summer months of March to May (Mean: 5640.26 Wh/m2 -day) while the cold and rainy season ranging from July to December showed relatively lower values (Mean: 4298.98 Wh/m2 -day). The Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) between the measured and modelled GHI were 352.88 Wh/m2 -day and 8.53%, respectively, with the lowest error in March (73.94 Wh/m2 -day, 1.44%) and the highest in August (844.01 Wh/m2 -day, 21.65%). In fact, the model performed well for the months of January to June (MAE: 192.18 Wh/m2 -day, MAPE: 3.83%) and slightly poorer for July to December (MAE: 512.824 Wh/m2 -day, MAPE: 13.22%). For further study, other data sources and inputs can be looked into to improve the accuracy of the resource assessment and site suitability analysis. Aside from this, the use of more solar radiation recording stations for validation is preferred in order to better validate the results of r.sun and its applicability for solar energy resource assessment in the Philippines

Reduced SPAG17 Expression in Systemic Sclerosis Triggers Myofibroblast Transition and Drives Fibrosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a clinically heterogeneous fibrotic disease with no effective treatment. Myofibroblasts are responsible for unresolving synchronous skin and internal organ fibrosis in SSc, but the drivers of sustained myofibroblast activation remain poorly understood. Using unbiased transcriptome analysis of skin biopsies, we identified the downregulation of SPAG17 in multiple independent cohorts of patients with SSc, and by orthogonal approaches, we observed a significant negative correlation between SPAG17 and fibrotic gene expression. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells explanted from SSc skin biopsies showed reduced chromatin accessibility at the SPAG17 locus. Remarkably, mice lacking Spag17 showed spontaneous skin fibrosis with increased dermal thickness, collagen deposition and stiffness, and altered collagen fiber alignment. Knockdown of SPAG17 in human and mouse fibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells was accompanied by spontaneous myofibroblast transformation and markedly heightened sensitivity to profibrotic stimuli. These responses were accompanied by constitutive TGF-β pathway activation. Thus, we discovered impaired expression of SPAG17 in SSc and identified, to our knowledge, a previously unreported cell-intrinsic role for SPAG17 in the negative regulation of fibrotic responses. These findings shed fresh light on the pathogenesis of SSc and may inform the search for innovative therapies for SSc and other fibrotic conditions through SPAG17 signaling

Seismic site characterization of the Kastelli (Kissamos) Basin in northwest Crete (Greece): Assessments using ambient noise recordings

Crete is actively seismic and site response studies are needed for estimating local site conditions subjected to seismic activity. In order to collect basic data, we performed ambient noise recordings to estimate the site response of the surface and near subsurface structure of the small-scale Kastelli Basin in northwest Crete. The spatial horizontal to vertical spectral ratios (HVSR) resonance pattern of the investigated sites in the centre of the Basin consists of either one or two peaks divided into low to high frequency range in different sites as follows: (a) in some sites only one amplified peak at low frequencies (0.6–1.2 Hz), (b) in other sites only one amplified peak at medium frequencies (2.9–8.5 Hz) and (c) in yet other sites two amplified peaks in the low to high frequency range (0.6–15.5 Hz). The investigated sites are amplified in the frequency range 0.6–15.5 Hz, while the amplitude reaches to a factor of 4 in the spectral ratios. The one HVSR amplified peak at low frequencies is related to locally soft or thick Quaternary deposits. Microtremors were measured in the coastal northwest part of the Basin in a well—lithified Cretaceous limestone site characterized by fractures and faults striking predominantly in a sector NNE to NNW. Sites of one amplified peak at medium frequencies are extended from coastal northwest to southwest delineating a structure striking to NNW. The two amplified peaks are attributed to shallow subsurface heterogeneities/irregularities, locally induced by fault zones and to the overlying Quaternary deposits. Spatial HVSR variations in the frequency and HVSR shape delineate four structures striking NNE, NNW and in a sector NW to WNW, crosscutting the dense populated Basin suggesting that microtremors could be a valuable tool for providing a first approximation of fault zone delineation at least for the Kastelli-Kissamos Basin. The Basin is classified into the X soil category of the Greek Seismic Code 2000.This work was implemented through the project entitled “Interdisciplinary Multi-Scale Research of Earth-quake Physics and Seismotectonics at the Front of the Hellenic Arc (IMPACT-ARC)” in the framework of action “ARCHIMEDES III—Support of Research Teams at TEI of Crete” (MIS380353) of the Operational Program “Education and Lifelong Learning” and is co-financed by the European Union (European Social Fund) and Greek national fund

Spag16, an Axonemal Central Apparatus Gene, Encodes a Male Germ Cell Nuclear Speckle Protein that Regulates SPAG16 mRNA Expression

Spag16 is the murine orthologue of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii PF20, a protein known to be essential to the structure and function of the “9+2” axoneme. In Chlamydomonas, the PF20 gene encodes a single protein present in the central pair of the axoneme. Loss of PF20 prevents central pair assembly/integrity and results in flagellar paralysis. Here we demonstrate that the murine Spag16 gene encodes two proteins: 71 kDa SPAG16L, which is found in all murine cells with motile cilia or flagella, and 35 kDa SPAG16S, representing the C terminus of SPAG16L, which is expressed only in male germ cells, and is predominantly found in specific regions within the nucleus that also contain SC35, a known marker of nuclear speckles enriched in pre-mRNA splicing factors. SPAG16S expression precedes expression of SPAG16L. Mice homozygous for a knockout of SPAG16L alone are infertile, but show no abnormalities in spermatogenesis. Mice chimeric for a mutation deleting the transcripts for both SPAG16L and SPAG16S have a profound defect in spermatogenesis. We show here that transduction of SPAG16S into cultured dispersed mouse male germ cells and BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells increases SPAG16L expression, but has no effect on the expression of several other axoneme components. We also demonstrate that the Spag16L promoter shows increased activity in the presence of SPAG16S. The distinct nuclear localization of SPAG16S and its ability to modulate Spag16L mRNA expression suggest that SPAG16S plays an important role in the gene expression machinery of male germ cells. This is a unique example of a highly conserved axonemal protein gene that encodes two protein products with different functions

Effects of DNA supercoiling on chromatin architecture

Disruptions in chromatin structure are necessary for the regulation of eukaryotic genomes, from remodelling of nucleosomes at the base pair level through to large-scale chromatin domains that are hundreds of kilobases in size. RNA polymerase is a powerful motor which, prevented from turning with the tight helical pitch of the DNA, generates over-wound DNA ahead of itself and under-wound DNA behind. Mounting evidence supports a central role for transcription-dependent DNA supercoiling in disrupting chromatin structure at all scales. This supercoiling changes the properties of the DNA helix in a manner that substantially alters the binding specificity of DNA binding proteins and complexes, including nucleosomes, polymerases, topoisomerases and transcription factors. For example, transient over-wound DNA destabilises nucleosome core particles ahead of a transcribing polymerase, whereas under-wound DNA facilitates pre-initiation complex formation, transcription factor binding and nucleosome core particle association behind the transcribing polymerase. Importantly, DNA supercoiling can also dissipate through DNA, even in a chromatinised context, to influence both local elements and large chromatin domains. We propose a model in which changes in unconstrained DNA supercoiling influences higher levels of chromatin organisation through the additive effects of DNA supercoiling on both DNA-protein and DNA-nucleosome interactions. This model links small-scale changes in DNA and chromatin to the higher-order fibre and large-scale chromatin structures, providing a mechanism relating gene regulation to chromatin architecture in vivo

Marketing plan: New product line extension development solesation

Aerosoles is a leading brand of footwear based in Edison, New Jersey. It is under Aerogroup International LLC which was formerly known as What\u27s What Inc., has been doing business on designs, imports, distributes and markets footwear and accessories. Since 1987, Aerosoles affordable has developed high quality, comfortable and fashion-right shoes at prices. They have over 1,100 employees to help us design, import, distribute and market a broad range of footwear and accessories. It has locations in Canada, Thailand, Cyprus, Greece, Hong Kong, Turkey, Israel, Kuwait, the Philippines, and Portugal. Aerosoles has been continually developing its performance to satisfy its mission to be the number 1 product-driven footwear company in the world. The company\u27s long-term goal is to make ladies feel like they\u27re walking on air, or, at least, feel like buying a pair of its Aerosoles. They excel in women\u27s line since over the years; they have been specializing on women\u27s products. It\u27s hard to find much history of the launching of the men\u27s Aerosole shoes and the company seems focused on a wide selection of women\u27s Aerosole shoes in all kinds of styles and colors. Men\u27s Aerosole shoes are virtually impossible to find. It\u27s hard to determine where you can get them, and it appears there are very few pairs on the market. It is obvious that it is a line the company has either discontinued or is not marketing on any kind of large scale. The company designs and peddles women\u27s footwear sold under the Aerosoles, What\u27s What, A2., Aerology, Sole A, and Flexation brands. Aerosoles main target market if based on the wide varieties of products they have now in the market, it would be primarily women. In the case of our newly proposed product line extension for women which is Solesation by Aerosoles, the primary target market are women ages 25-35 years old belonging to classes C in Metro Manila who are engaged in running. We want to pursue this scope and create a stable market for Aerosoles. Our relative advantage against our competitors is the quality that we offer at a low price. Although other companies can offer the same quality, we can actually claim that when buyers purchase our products, they no longer have to sacrifice comfort and style because of the high price that the products are being offered. They can have great style, affordability and comfort all at the same time. To determine the consumers\u27 activities and demands and to conduct the formation of a Marketing Plan, a Usage Attitude and Image survey was conducted. This type of survey helps in modifying existing promotions and activities for the benefit of the consumer, as well as the benefit of Solesation. The survey aids in helping to identify Aerosoles Philippines weakest field and how it is to be focused on and improved. A sample of 100 working women ages between 25-35 years old were surveyed. At the end of the survey, several factors were given emphasis. Based on the results, it was shown that we should take into account the uniqueness of the product concept that we are trying to sell to our market. Another would be how we should advertise this new line extension based on the consumers\u27 product awareness. Based on the results of our UAI, we were able to come up with an ideal price range for our product. To help us aid with the product awareness, promotional activities will be conducted at the first year of our product launching. Our main events would be a fashion show entitled Solesational: The Summer Sports collection and a fun run for a cause entitled Win the Mile with Solesation. Other activities would be the introduction of our celebrity endorsers, posting of billboard/s, distribution of gift cards, posters and other promotional collaterals. On the year 2012, we made some projections for the sales of the new product. We will be expecting an increase of 2.61 % based on the previous year. Gradually, it would increase as we increase consumers\u27 product awareness on the new product line and introduced more innovations in the long run