bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of image-matching software when identifying pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae) individuals from a reintroduced population
Authors: Dawson Josh
Published: January 2021

Photographic identification of individual animals is a non-invasive and cost-effective method that can provide demographic information on wild populations. This study aims to compare two photo-matching algorithms (Wild- ID and I3S-Spot) using a reintroduced population of pool frogs (Pelophylax lessonae) in the UK as a case study. We compared the following parameters 1) sex and age, 2) image quality, 3) image collection size and 4) processing time to evaluate successful image match rates. There were no significant differences in successful match rates found between sex and age groups. Wild-ID was more sensitive to image quality than I3S-Spot. There was a significant negative relationship between image collection size and successful match rates for I3S-Spot, however, no such relationship for Wild-ID. The findings of our study can be used by conservation practitioners to reduce workload and improve accuracy during population monitoring activities.
VICĒṬA TĒVAIYUṬAIYA MĀṆAVARKAḶ KAṞṞALIL ETIRKOḶḶUM CAVĀLKAḶUM AVARKAḶUKKĀṈA KAṞṞAL VĀYPPUKKAḶUM [CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM]
Authors: S.H.M.SHAZNY
Published: January 2021

Contemporary school curriculum more emphasis on student-centered in which is expected to provide an opportunity for learning for all students in the classroom. Students have diverse needs in their learning. There are individual differences and special educational needs among students in the classrooms. Teachers should pay attention on students’ diverse needs and their special educational needs. The main purpose of this study was to find out the Challenges faced by students with special needs and learning opportunities for them in the secondary schools. The study was conducted on 50 students and 20 teachers from 5 schools selected from the Tamil language secondary schools in Kalpitiya zonal of education. There were five research questions have been put forward for achieving the purpose of the study. Research tools such as questionnaire observation interviews have been used to gather the information needed for this study. The data obtained from the students and teachers selected for the study is analyzed through charts of tables. It was found that Students with special needs lagged in the learning activities in the classrooms. Therefore, it is recommended that the teachers should take more about the students with learning difficulties and ensure involvements in the learning activities.
ISLĀTTIL PEṆKAḶIṈ URIMAIKAḶ: ORU KŌṬPĀṬṬU RĪTIYILĀṈA PĀRVAI [WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN ISLAM: A THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE]
Authors: M.M.A. ABDULLAH
Published: January 2021

The Spiritual, political, economic, and social rights of women are discussed at various levels. However, violence and oppression against women continue to increase. The charisma of Islam on women's rights is very strong. Thus, the study aimed at examining the concept of Islam in respect of women with the help of its primary sources, Holy Quran, and al-Hadith. Based on the review of the earlier literatures, the study was conducted with the analysis of the research articles, books and internet information on feminism along with information on the spiritual, social, economic and political rights of women found in the primary sources of Islam, classical Islamic literatures and the written works of modern Muslim scholars. The major finding of this study is that although the primary sources of Islam have a history of more than 1400 years, Islam has given proper guidelines for the complete guarantee of women's rights in the modern world and women have enjoyed them in the early Muslim community. This study will be a supportive to future studies based on the concept of Islam on women.
Efforts to Build a Culture of Transformational Leadership in Islamic Education Institutions
Authors: Arifin Zaenal , Maunah Binti
Published: January 2021

This article aimed to explain how to civilized transformational leadership in Islamic educational institutions. Discussions about transformational leadership have recently become lively to be discussed at the Islamic Education Institution (LPI). This is because Islamic educational institutions have prophetic religious spirits that are considered appropriate to be developed at LPI. Bernard Bass's transformational leadership theory becomes the main theoretical framework. The characteristics and goals of transformational leadership are in line with the conception of prophetic leadership in Islam. Therefore, to cultivate transformative leadership in LPI, it needs to be preceded by the creation of an organizational culture that implements prophetic values. Then to realize it can use three civilizing models, namely; structural models, formal models and mechanical models.
Perkembangan Sosial Emosional Anak Usia Dini di Pondok Pesantren Tahfidz Hidayatul Muta’allimin
Authors: Khoiruddin M Arif , Alwy Susiati
Published: January 2021

Parent plays an important role in children social and emotional development. Most of the parents lay the students education and taking care of the Islamic boarding school from an early age. Children who live in the boarding have a demanding schedule from memorizing, studying and Islamic practices continually in a long period. This could lead the children to a psychological problem. This research is aimed to know the psychology condition of the children who lived in a boarding house since early age troubled in social and emotional development. The research design and approach is descriptive qualitative. The research setting is Hidayatul Muta'alimin Islamic boarding School Gurah Kabupaten Kediri. Most of the students are children and the advanced program is tahfidz Al-Qur'an. The data sampling is the interview, observation, and some school documents. The research finding shows that no serious psychological problem for children. The social-emotional development of the children is also fine. It is caused by a friendly environment for the children and a free hand of playing on the spare time makes them away from feeling lonely, bored and they are also cheerful although live away from their parents. Moreover, the school management gives an example of how to interact socially to the students in the boarding school.
Efektifitas Partisipasi Finansial Masyarakat dalam Lembaga Pendidikan Islam
Authors: Madekhan Madekhan , Wahyudi Winarto Eka
Published: January 2021

In the context of education, the whole of society has the possibility to contribute financially to the funding of education. Researchers found this type of participation through the Islamic Education Reform Movement Foundation (GUPPI) as an educational organization that has consistently collected and managed budgets from student guardians to ensure the availability of salaries for teachers and employees at MI Islamiyah Dinoyo. Through a mixed research method with a chain exploration, design, this study seeks to analyze the effectiveness of the management of community financial participation by the Dinoyo GUPPI Foundation in supporting education funding at MI Islamiyah Dinoyo. The results showed that the successful management of public financial participation was supported by the application of the principles of openness, voluntaries, affirmation to poor households, and maintaining the principles of justice. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of the results of the management of community financial participation by the GUPPI Dinoyo Foundation is evidenced by the payment of salaries and allowances for teachers and employees of MI Islamiyah Dinoyo which reaches 92% of the funds raised.
Informação na pandemia
Authors: Andrade Denise , Valentim Marta Lígia Pomim , Silva Elaine da , Woida Luana Maia
Published: January 2021

Apresenta-se as estratégias e ações adotadas pela Secretaria de Administração Penitenciária para conter a proliferação do COVID-19 no sistema carcerário do Estado de São Paulo. A informação e a comunicação para a população por meio das mídias foram fundamentais para o enfrentamento da pandemia. Esforços foram realizados para o fortalecimento da vigilância e da assistência à saúde. Novas demandas surgiram no âmbito da gestão pública, revelando a necessidade de inovação no setor penitenciário, destacando-se nesse contexto as tecnologias de informação e comunicação uma das principais ferramentas. Nesse sentido, este trabalho objetiva analisar as ações implementadas pela Secretaria de Administração Penitenciária do Estado de São Paulo, no que tange à visitação/contato entre os reeducandos e seus familiares durante a pandemia no primeiro semestre de 2020, a fim de contribuir para um melhor controle referente ao contágio e propagação do COVID-19. No que se refere aos procedimentos metodológicos, a pesquisa é do tipo descritiva-exploratória, de natureza qualitativa. A coleta de dados enfocou os documentos e informações disponibilizados no Portal da Secretaria de Administração Penitenciária. Além disso, foram realizados testes no sistema “Conexão Familiar”. Como resultado evidenciou-se a eficiência das ações implementadas, visando o controle do contato com os reeducandos, em relação a “Mensagem via formulário” e a “Visita virtual”.
Resepsi Terhadap Konsep Pemaafan dalam Al-Quran: Sebuah Kajian Living Quran
Authors: Huda Ade Nailul , Fitriana Muhammad Azizan
Published: January 2021

Umat Islam meyakini bahwa al-Qur’an adalah pedoman hidup (way of life) yang salah satu fungsinya adalah sebagai petunjuk kepada manusia agar dapat mencapai ketenangan jiwa dan kedamaian hidup. Manusia menyukai hidup damai dan harmonis dengan makhluk lainnya dan saat terjebak dalam konflik yang menyebabkan kekecewaan atau kemarahan, maka keseimbangan  jiwa manusia akan terganggu, sebab kekecewaan dan kemarahan adalah beban. Pemaafan adalah salah satu jalan yang sejak 14 abad lalu disampaikan al-Qur’an sebagai salah satu cara untuk melepaskan diri dari beban tersebut. Artikel ini mencoba mengembangkan penelitian lain yang telah ada terkait konsep pemaafan dalam al-Qur’an. Penelitian yang telah ada umumnya berbicara pemaafan berdasarkan konteks bahasa yang ada di dalam al-Qur’an yaitu term al-„afw, ash-shafh dan al maghfirah. Artikel ini mengembangkan konsep pemaafan bukan hanya dari tinjauan bahasa namun juga analisa ayat ayat lain baik yang berbentuk perintah, kisah- kisah ataupun kabar.  Artikel ini juga merupakan kajian living Qur’an yang menggabungkan dua macam penelitian, yaitu penelitian literatur berupa pembahasan konsep pemaafan di dalam al-Qur’an dan penelitian empiris untuk melihat bagaimana manusia merespon pemaafan dalam kehidupan mereka, lalu keduanya didiskusikan untuk mendapatkan gambaran.
Filosofi Bisnis Ritel Modern Dalam Perekonomian Islam Di Indonesia
Authors: Ihwanudin Nandang , Beladiena Arky Nafisa
Published: January 2021

Penulis menginterpretasikan dan menjelaskan tentang perubagan pemikiran mengenai kewirausahaan berdasar pada aplikasi sejarah, menyatukan konsep pemikiran kewirausahaan yang meliputi banyak hal serta menjelaskan konsep kewirausahaan secara terdapadu dalam sebuah konsep yang mendasar. Melalui pendekatan konseptual ini, dijelaskan pula gambaran teori kewirausahaan pada masa lalu sesuai dengan kondisi yang ada pada saat itu serta mengidentifikasi beberapa bidang konsepsi untuk kemajuan dimasa yang akan datang. Kehadiran industry ritel modern pada dasarnya memanfaatkan pola belanja masyarakat terutama kelas menengah ke atas yang tidak mau berdesak-desakan di dalam pasar tradisional yang biasanya becek atau tidak tertata rapi. Walaupun kehadiran ritel modern ini disoroti dapat mematikan pasar tradisional karena mempunyai keunggulan pada banyak faktor, perkembangannya sendiri dapat dikatakan tidak terbendung. Artikel ini memberikan pandangan bagi para pembaca dan praktisi tentang makna kewirausahaan bisnis ritel perekonomian di Indonesia. Bisnis ritel yang ideal adalah yang berlandaskan pada prinsipprinsip syriah. Sumber daya manusia pada sector bisnis ritel Syariah harus memiliki etos kerja islami.
Pendidikan Multikultural Dalam Perspektif Ilmu Pendidikan Islam (Ipi)
Authors: Handayani Fitri , Ruswandi Uus , Erihadiana Mohamad , Basari Muhammad Hasan
Published: January 2021

Beraneka ragam budaya, suku, bahasa, warna kulit, etnis, adat, agama dan  kepercayaan serta berbagai konflik di Indonesia, namun dipersatukan dengan semboyan “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika”, berbeda-beda namun satu jua. Hal ini bisa diwujudkan secara strategis melalui pendidikan multikultural pada pendidikan formal, informal dan nonformal. Pendidikan multikultural merupakan ide, gerakan pembaharuan pendidikan dan proses pendidikan yang bertujuan untuk mengubah struktur lembaga pendidikan supaya semua peserta didik menjadi anggota kelompok ras, etnis, dan kultur dapat memiliki kesempatan untuk mencapai prestasi. Pendidikan multikultural perlu dioptimalkan dalam menata dinamika keragaman untuk menjadi potensi kemajuan dan peradaban manusia menuju ketakwaan. Pendidikan multikultural merupakan “Education for All” yakni pendidikan untuk semua orang dan mengutamakan persamaan hak. Pendidikan multikultural dapat diimplementasikan pada pendidikan di Indonesia dan selaras dengan ilmu pendidikan islam. Melalui pendidikan multikultural, ilmu pendidikan Islam akan semakin meluas penyebarannya dan  menjadi rahmat bagi seluruh alam dalam mencapai kebahagiaan dunia dan akhirat.
Proses Inovasi Kurikulum: Difusi dan Diseminasi Inovasi, Proses Keputusan Inovasi
Authors: Nimawati Nimawati , Zaqiah Qiqi Yulianti
Published: January 2021

Inovasi sering dikaitkan dengan perubahan, Untuk mencapai tujuan pendidikan yang diharapkan perlu terus-menerus melakukan pembaruan atau inovasi sesuai dengan kebutuhan perkembangan zaman. Sebuah inovasi akan senantiasa berkembang seiring dengan perkembangan manusia jika dalam inovasi tersebut terdapat sebuah kesepahaman akan terjadinya perubahan pada sebuah pendidikan yang lebih baik. Kurikulum merupakan salah satu aspek penting dalam konteks pendidikan. kurikulum mesti dinamis, adaptif mengikuti perubahan yang terjadi dalam masyarakat, baik dunia usaha maupun dunia kerja. Dalam implementasi inovasi memerlukan difusi dan diseminasi. Difusi adalah proses mengkomunikasikan inovasi melalui saluran dan jangka waktu tertentu di antara para anggota suatu sistem social sedangkan diseminasi adalah proses penyebaran inovasi yang direncanakan, diarahkan, dan dikelola. Dengan menggunakan studi kepustakaan dan wawancara pada penelitian ini ditemukan bahwa terjadi proses inovasi kurikulum di Program Studi Magister Ekonomi Syariah (Prodi MES)  Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA).
Investigating the factors that affect the adoption of organic agriculture in Asokwa, Kumasi Metropolis
Authors: Adusei Frank Y.
Published: January 2021

Urban agriculture, particularly organic vegetable production is promoted because of its contribution to food security and enhanced income.  More so, organic agriculture considerably enhances the income of urban farmers who practice it. The objective was to investigate the factors that affect farmers' decision to adopt organic agriculture. Due to the contamination of vegetables with conventional agriculture systems, increasing concerns about the quality of food, the health of consumers and the environmental impacts of farming systems, organic agriculture is being promoted by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as a means of addressing the problem. Since the introduction of organic agriculture, some farmers have adopted the technology while others have not. Sixteen farmers were selected, ten from those adopting and six from those not adopting. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to extract data from the participants. For those who adopted, the knowledge of their parents and forefathers on agriculture and their personal experiences by comparing their organic produce with conventional ones greatly inspired their decision on adoption. Factors leading to non-adoption are: inadequate awareness about organic farming, difficulty in controlling pests, diseases and improving soil fertility and perceived lack of market for the organic vegetables. As a result, effective extension monitoring and training are recommended to enhance the adoption and sustainability of organic agriculture.
Impact of cropping pattern shift on livelihood assets of the farmers in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad , Iftikhar Muhammad , Shahbaz Babar , Wajid Syed A.
Published: January 2021

Cotton area is shrinking in Pakistan as the farmers have started adopting sugarcane for many reasons such as increasing number of sugar mills in core cotton areas. This study aimed at exploring the impacts of this cropping pattern shift on livelihood of the farmers. This study was conducted in district Rahim Yar Khan, one of the cotton core area of Punjab province. Total 400 farmers participated in the study. A well-structured interview schedule was administered in the field to conduct face to face interviews of the respondents. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the collected data through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to form conclusions and to make recommendations. The results indicated that knowledge and skills about production of other crops, linkage with research and development institutions, livestock possession and cash income of the respondents increased in result of cropping pattern shift. Conversely, land fertility and water conservation were compromised after shifting from cotton to sugarcane crop in the study area. This study urges further exploration of merits and demerits of cropping pattern shifts followed by the impacts on agricultural system in the country. It is further recommended that the government should revamp the cotton policy for the coming year. For instance, announcing and sustaining a minimum support price of cotton for cotton growers could reinstate the growers to cotton cultivation.
Retrospective study on livestock vaccine coverage and trends in Digelu-tijo district, Arsi zone
Authors: Endalew Mulualem A. , Wakene Fekadu S.
Published: January 2021

Ethiopia has huge numbers of livestock hampered with high prevalence of infectious disease due to poor disease prevention and control. A five-year retrospective study was conducted to collect data on commonly diagnosed bacterial and viral disease and associated vaccine available at district government veterinary clinic in 2019. The commonly encountered bacterial and viral cattle diseases recorded in the case record book were LSD, CBPP Black leg, Anthrax, Bovine pasteurellosis, and Mastitis. Sheep and goat pox disease, Ovine Pasteurellosis, PPR, CCPP, and anthrax were the common diseases of sheep and goat in the study district. Regarding diseases of poultry, New castle, Infectious Bursal Diseases (Gumboro), Infectious coriza, chicken pox, Coccidiosis, Fowl Typhoid, Fowl Cholera, and Marex are the major once. The commonly available vaccines in the study district were LSD, Black leg, Anthrax, Bovine pasteurellosis, Ovine pasteurellosis, Sheep and Goat Pox, PPR, and vaccine for chicken disease like New castle disease vaccine, Gumboro, Fowl Pox, Fowl typhoid and Fowl cholera were used. Vaccination coverage for Lumpy Skin Disease, Sheep and Goat pox and Newcastle viral diseases were good compared with other diseases. The majority 36% of the population of cattle were vaccinated for LSD in 2019 and the lowest 16% in 2015.The lower portion of shoat 8% and half of the population 50% were vaccinated in 2017 and 2019 respectively. Maximum proportion of Newcastle and Gumboro vaccination coverage were 53% and 42%. The vaccination trends for most of the vaccines were fluctuating from year to year whereas the vaccination trend for LSD was increasing from year to year.
Potential of community based organizations in irrigation channels to enhance crop production
Authors: Khan Faheemullah , Khan Himayatullah , Shah Muhammad T. A. , Khan Nimra , Hassan Absar Ul , Khan Naushad
Published: January 2021

This research study was carried out to identify the role of community-based organizations in irrigation channels to enhance crop yield in rural areas of district Mansehra Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Data were collected from 200 respondents selected randomly and analyzed through SPSS. Findings concluded that more than half (53%) of the sampled respondents perceived that CBOs played an important role in development of irrigation channels and in result the crop yield was increased in the study area. Regarding performance of CBOs, OFWM contributed more in the improvement of water courses. CBOs work was appreciated by the respondents as it positively affected the farming activities in the study area and made the irrigation system more convenient. The CBOs had some of the shortcoming such as absence of regular activities, meeting and rewards for members. There was personal biasness in the selection criteria of the membership. It was recommended that there should be regular organizational activities, duties and some kind of rewards for the member to keep their attention in the CBOs activities. The maintenance charges should be on the basis of financial status of the farmers. The need is to improve the remaining water courses for the boosting of agriculture in the study area.
Effect of utilization of social media platforms on youth participation in agriculture in Njoro sub-county, Kenya
Authors: Sebotsa Khumoetsile O. , Nkurumwa Agnes , Kyule Miriam
Published: January 2021

Most of rural people, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. In Kenya, rural households who are mainly smallholder farmers rely on agriculture for most of their income. The agriculture sector plays an important role in employment creation. However, the sector is reportedly dominated by the elderly people while youths tend to shy away. These youths are actively involved on social media platforms hence social media have been used to promote their participation in agriculture. However, how utilization of such social media platforms affected their participation in agriculture was not yet known in Njoro Sub-county. This study focused on the effect of utilization of social media platforms on youth participation in agriculture in Njoro Sub-county. A descriptive survey research design was used with a target population of 3,925 and accessible population of 1,597 youth involved in agriculture in Njoro, Kihingo, and Lare wards. A random sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents. A questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS version 22 and STATA version 12 was used to analyze data. The results revealed Facebook, Google search engine, and WhatsApp as the top three highly used social media platforms amongst the youth in agriculture in Njoro Sub-county.  Besides, Facebook had highest 22 % respondents using it very often, 18% often, 14.7% sometimes and 6.7% rarely. Moreover, the results showed that the level of utilization of social media platforms had a significant effect (p=0.001) on youth participation in agriculture at a 5% level. WhatsApp had a positive effect (p=0.039) on youth participation in agriculture at a 5 % level. The study recommended that government and other potential stakeholders should invest in digital extension services to promote youth participation in agriculture. More youth participation would significantly reduce unemployment.
Comparative study to analyze the communication competencies of regular vs contract based educational teachers
Authors: Azhar Mahmood A. , Javeed Muhammad F. , Amin Bushra
Published: January 2021

Communication skills include speaking, writing, reading and listening skills. These skills are equally important for the teachers to conduct teaching activities within the classrooms. The effective delivery of information among teachers could help students in improving their academic performance. This study was conducted to explore the communication skills of the teachers working on regular and contract basis in English medium schools in Lahore District. Total 84 teachers (42 regular and 42 contract teachers) participated in this study. Data were collected through questionnaire and analysed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). T-test was applied to compare the communications kills of regular and contract teachers. Findings conclude that regular and contract teachers were statistically different regarding structured sentencing, non-verbal behaviors and speaking skills (P<0.05). Low professional qualification, job insecurity, lack of pre-service and in-service trainings, interest and increased curriculum responsibilities were the significant factors (P<0.05) impeding the development of communications skills among regular and contract-based teachers. This study urges that a concrete pre-service and in-service training programs should be arranged across the educational institutions for the development of teachers. This study has strong implications for the all-educational institutions carrying teaching activities.
An analysis of urban sprawl in Pakistan: consequences, challenges, and the way forward
Authors: Ahmed Shabbir , Huifang Wu , Akhtar Saira , Imran Shakeel , Hassan Gulfam , Wang Chunyu
Published: January 2021

Pakistan is urbanizing at a tremendous tempo in South Asia and is the world’s 6th most populous country. The key objectives of this review paper were to evaluate the general situation of urban sprawl in Pakistan, investigate the methodological tactics used in the previously published literature, and identify the major geographical areas yet not been surveyed. This literature review was conducted to collect and synthesize pertinent data from the previously published research papers accessed through the utilization of different databases and search engines. The most recently published research papers (2010-2019) were incorporated in this review article. Those research papers were retrieved which contain data related to urban sprawl in Pakistan. Roundabout 26 research articles were comprehensively reviewed. It was scrutinized that in all these accessed research articles, almost similar methodologies (Case Studies) were utilized. Most of the researchers carried out cross-sectional qualitative and descriptive studies, through secondary data analysis to identify the causes, impact, influence, and consequences of urbanization on agricultural land conversion, migration, changing land ownership patterns, settlement issues, water scarcity, pollution, extinction of botanical species, etc. Migration, development of peri-urban areas around the outer rim of the cities, installation of industrial units, improved infrastructure, and population growth have been concluded as the prime reasons of the rapid urban sprawl in Pakistan. There is a dire need for quantitative and mixed method research to understand and have an insight into the underlying factors of Urbanization in Pakistan.
AVOCADO SEEDS (Persea americana Mill.): FORMULATIONS OF ELIXIR VARIED BY SOLVENTS COMPOSITION
Authors: Andini Septia , Indriani Lusi , Rustiani Erni
Published: January 2021

Kidney stones disease is asignificant health problem in the world and Indonesia is no exception. Traditionally, avocado seeds can be used as a laxative medicine for kidney stones disease. Elixiris a clear and sweet hidroalkohol solution intended for oral use and a flavor is usually added to enhance the taste. This study was to determine theformula of the avocado seed elixir which has the best quality and the level of flavonoids.Elixir testing was performedusing several methods such as organoleptic, limpidity, viscosity, pH and specific weightas well as total flavonoids. The result showed that the best elixir formula was the Formula I which composed of 7%avocado seed extract, 5% ethanol, 10% propylene glycol, 40% sirupus simplex, 0.1%, essence mint and 100%aquadestilata ad. Furthermore, Elixirhad a brown color, mint aroma and pretty sweettaste. The test results showed that elixir had a viscosity of 7.92 cP; pH of 5.65; specific weight of 1.0413 g/mL andtotal flavonoids of 2.1020%.
EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF PASTEURIA PENETRANS ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH VERTICILLIUM CHLAMYDOSPORIUM AGAINST MELOIDOGYNE JAVANICA
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Gowen Simon R. , Pembroke Barbara
Published: January 2021

The potential control of Meloidogyne javanica using Pasteuria penetrans (Pp) alone and in combination with Verticillium chlamydosporium (Vc) was tested in earthen pots following a cropping sequence "tomato-tomato-tomatoâ€ over three crop cycles. After the final harvesting, analysis of variance showed significant effect of treatments (P<0.01) regarding number of eggmasses, galls and nematode female populations. Similarly, significant effect of treatments (P<0.01) was also recorded in case of infected nematode females with Pasteuria and number of eggs/eggmass while no significant effect (P >0.0 5) was observed in case of endospore production. Higher numbers of eggmasses (360) and root galling (6.2) was observed where biocontrol agents were absent (control). The treatments showed 46.58, 58.85 and 33.13 percent reduction in number of galls, eggmasses and nematodes in Pp alone and 43.34, 55.21 and 30.09 percent reductions in Vc+Pp treatments respectively. Numbers of females infected with the endospores of P. penetrans were recorded higher in Pp-3 alone treatment (13.2) followed by Vc+Pp combined treatment (13.0) and maize rotated treatment (10.4) respectively. Significantly lesser number of eggmasses, galls and nematodes were recorded in pots where tomato was rotated with maize (treatment 3) compared with control. Thus rotation prevented the buildup of nematode population and resulted in a 72% decrease in numbers of eggmasses, 38% in root galling and 46% regarding female populations over the control after the final harvest. Maximum colony forming units of V. chlamydosporium per gram of soil were recorded after its addition to the soil. The fungus established in the soil during the first crop and soil colonization of the fungus was also observed after final crop.
EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT INSECTICIDES AGAINST CYDIA POMONELLA INFESTATION FROM APPLE ORCHARDS IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN, PAKISTAN
Authors: Khan Suliman , Rehma Fazal , Ali Muhammad , Mehdi Maqbool Shahzaman, , Maqbool Mehdi , Sheikh Umer Ayyaz Aslam
Published: January 2021

Codling moth (Cydia pomonella Linn.) is a serious pest of apple and other stone fruits and causes serious economic damage. Present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different insecticides against C. pomonella infestation in Gilgit-Baltistan. In case of cypermethrin, maximum infestation (7.3, 6.3 and 6) was recorded after ten days of first, second and third spray. After this, infestation started decreasing to reach to the minimum (2.3, 1.6 and 1.3) after 30 days of first, second and third spray. Lambda showed the minimum infestation (3.3, 2.6 and 1.6) after 30 days of first, second and third spray. In case of neem seed oil, maximum infestation (8.0, 7.0 and 6.3) was estimated after 10 days of first, second and third spray. Minimum infestation (3.0, 2.6 and 2.3) was recorded after 30 days of first, second and third spray. Before spray, maximum fruit infestation rate was observed and it started decreasing after first spray and minimum infestation was recorded after the third spray and same trend was seen in case of days. This trend was observed with all insecticides i.e. cypermethrin, lambda and neem seed oil. Infestation was recorded as decreasing with the passage of time and maximum was after ten days while minimum was recorded after 30 days with all treatments. There was significant difference of fruit infestation among the first, second and third spray and among the results after 10, 20 and 30 days of sprays. Present results showed that before spray all fields had maximum fruit infestation caused by codling moth and infestation rate decreased after the treatments. It is concluded that cypermthrin is the most favorable insecticides for local apple former of this region to control codling moth infestation.
Thermally Stable and Antimicrobial Active Poly(Catechin) Obtained by Reaction with a Cross-Linking Agent
Authors: Latos-Brozio Malgorzata , Masek Anna , Piotrowska Małgorzata
Published: January 2021

(+)-Catechin is a flavonoid with valuable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, found in significant amounts in green tea leaves. Polymeric forms of catechin have been obtained by enzymatic reaction, photopolymerization, and polycondensation in designed processes. However, so far, poly(catechin) has not been received in the cross-linking reaction. Reactions with the cross-linking compound allowed for the preparation of antibacterial and antioxidant materials based on quercetin and rutin. The aim of the research was to obtain, for the first time, poly(catechin) by reaction with glycerol diglycide ether cross-linking compound. The polymeric form of (+)-catechin was confirmed using FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. In addition, thermal analysis (TG and DSC) of the polymeric catechin was performed. The antioxidant and antibacterial activity of poly (flavonoid) was also analyzed. Poly(catechin) was characterized by greater resistance to oxidation, better thermal stability and the ability to reduce transition metal ions than (+)-catechin. In addition, the polymeric catechin had an antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus stronger than the monomer, and an antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger comparable to that of (+)-catechin. The material made on the basis of (+)-catechin can potentially be used as a pro-ecological stabilizer and functional additive, e.g., for polymeric materials as well as dressing materials in medicine.
Brain Disorders and Chemical Pollutants: A Gap Junction Link?
Authors: Mesnil Marc , Defamie Norah , Naus Christian , Sarrouilhe Denis
Published: January 2021

The incidence of brain pathologies has increased during last decades. Better diagnosis (autism spectrum disorders) and longer life expectancy (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease) partly explain this increase, while emerging data suggest pollutant exposures as a possible but still underestimated cause of major brain disorders. Taking into account that the brain parenchyma is rich in gap junctions and that most pollutants inhibit their function; brain disorders might be the consequence of gap-junctional alterations due to long-term exposures to pollutants. In this article, this hypothesis is addressed through three complementary aspects: (1) the gap-junctional organization and connexin expression in brain parenchyma and their function; (2) the effect of major pollutants (pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, heavy metals, airborne particles, etc.) on gap-junctional and connexin functions; (3) a description of the major brain disorders categorized as neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, epilepsy), neurobehavioral (migraines, major depressive disorders), neurodegenerative (Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases) and cancers (glioma), in which both connexin dysfunction and pollutant involvement have been described. Based on these different aspects, the possible involvement of pollutant-inhibited gap junctions in brain disorders is discussed for prenatal and postnatal exposures.
Comprehensive Kinetics of the Photocatalytic Degradation of Emerging Pollutants in a LED-Assisted Photoreactor. S-Metolachlor as Case Study
Authors: Rancaño Laura , Rivero Maria J. , Mueses Miguel Ángel , Ortiz Inmaculada
Published: January 2021

Although the potential and beneficial characteristics of photocatalysis in the degradation of a good number of emerging pollutants have been widely studied and demonstrated, process design and scale-up are restrained by the lack of comprehensive models that correctly describe the performance of photocatalytic reactors. Together with the kinetics of degradation reactions, the distribution of the radiation field in heterogeneous photocatalytic systems is essential to the optimum design of the technology. Both the Local Volumetric Rate of Photon Absorption (LVRPA) and the Overall Volumetric Rate of Photon Absorption (OVRPA) help to understand this purpose. This work develops a Six-Flux radiation absorption–scattering model coupled to the Henyey–Greenstein scattering phase function to evaluate the LVRPA profile in a LED-assisted photocatalytic reactor. Moreover, the OVRPA has been calculated and integrated into the kinetic equation, accounting for the influence of the radiation distribution on the reaction rate. The model has been validated with experimental data for the degradation of S-Metolachlor (MTLC), and the set of operating variables that maximize the reactor performance, 0.5 g/L of TiO2 P25 and pH 3, has been determined.
Root Response of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz.) Seedlings to Drought with Different Intensities and Durations
Authors: Yang Zhenya , Cao Yonghui , Zhao Jiancheng , Zhou Benzhi , Ge Xiaogai , Li Qin , Li Maihe
Published: January 2021

The root of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz.) develops extremely rapidly at seedling phase and is highly sensitive to water content in soil, but its response patterns and adaptation strategies of its root to drought are little known. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of root morphology and architecture of Moso bamboo to drought at seedling phase and then to explore the drought adaptation strategies of its root. One-year-old potted seedlings of Moso bamboo were planted under three drought treatments (control, moderate drought and severe drought) for three months. Seedling growth, specific root length (SRL), root architecture (fractal dimension (FD), root branching angle (RBA) and root topological index (TI)) and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in roots were measured every month. The results are as follows: (i) The dry weight of root and shoot decreased significantly under drought stress. (ii) The SRL decreased under drought stress in the early duration (the first month), and then increased in the late duration (the third month). Both FD and RBA decreased, while TI and the concentrations of NSCs increased under drought stress. (iii) The NSC concentrations were positively correlated with SRL and TI, but exhibited an inverse relationship to FD and RBA. Our results indicated that Moso bamboo seedlings formed a “steeper, simpler, expensive (low SRL and high TI)” root architecture to adapt to a short-term drought (one month), and formed a “cheaper (high SRL)” root to adapt to a long-term drought (three months). Increase of NSC concentrations supported the root architecture plasticity to some extent.
Mutations Affecting HVO_1357 or HVO_2248 Cause Hypermotility in Haloferax volcanii, Suggesting Roles in Motility Regulation
Authors: Collins Michiyah , Afolayan Simisola , Igiraneza Aime B. , Schiller Heather , Krespan Elise , Beiting Daniel P. , Dyall-Smith Mike , Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Pohlschroder Mechthild
Published: January 2021

Motility regulation plays a key role in prokaryotic responses to environmental stimuli. Here, we used a motility screen and selection to isolate hypermotile Haloferax volcanii mutants from a transposon insertion library. Whole genome sequencing revealed that hypermotile mutants were predominantly affected in two genes that encode HVO_1357 and HVO_2248. Alterations of these genes comprised not only transposon insertions but also secondary genome alterations. HVO_1357 contains a domain that was previously identified in the regulation of bacteriorhodopsin transcription, as well as other domains frequently found in two-component regulatory systems. The genes adjacent to hvo_1357 encode a sensor box histidine kinase and a response regulator, key players of a two-component regulatory system. None of the homologues of HVO_2248 have been characterized, nor does it contain any of the assigned InterPro domains. However, in a significant number of Haloferax species, the adjacent gene codes for a chemotaxis receptor/transducer. Our results provide a foundation for characterizing the root causes underlying Hfx. volcanii hypermotility.
Seismically Induced Soil Liquefaction and Geological Conditions in the City of Jama due to the M7.8 Pedernales Earthquake in 2016, NW Ecuador
Authors: Avilés-Campoverde Diego , Chunga Kervin , Ortiz-Hernández Eduardo , Vivas-Espinoza Eduardo , Toulkeridis Theofilos , Morales-Delgado Adriana , Delgado-Toala Dolly
Published: January 2021

Seismically induced soil liquefaction has been documented after the M7.8, 2016 Pedernales earthquake. In the city of Jama, the acceleration recorded by soil amplification yielded 1.05 g with an intensity of VIII to IXESI-07. The current study combines geological, geophysical, and geotechnical data in order to establish a geological characterization of the subsoil of the city of Jama in the Manabi province of Ecuador. Then, the liquefaction potential index (LPI) has been evaluated considering the PGA-rock values calculated from deterministic methods applied to nearby geological faults, as well as the soil acceleration records for the city of Jama since the Pedernales megathrust earthquake. The importance of conducting geotechnical evaluations of particular colluvial, alluvial, and floodplain deposits, for which the liquefaction probability profiles have been additionally obtained, may serve as a useful tool for edifices foundations or earthquake resistant designs. Finally, the site response analysis is presented using a linear equivalent analysis, where previously seismic records compatible with the target spectrum have been selected. Hereby, the results of ground surface effects have been compared with the spectra of the Ecuadorian Regulation of Construction (NEC) in the context of local seismic amplification.
Acute Brucellosis with a Guillain-Barre Syndrome-Like Presentation: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alanazi Ali , Al Najjar Sara , Madkhali Jnadi , Al Malik Yaser , Al-Khalaf Athal , Alharbi Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that can affect the central and peripheral nervous system and it has variable neurological manifestation. However, brucellosis infection that presents with acute peripheral neuropathy mimicking Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is rarely reported in the literature. Objective and method: We report a 56-year-old man who was initially diagnosed with GBS, and then he was confirmed to have acute Brucella infection. We also did a systematic literature review to study the natural history and management of previously reported cases of brucellosis that presented with manifestations consistent with GBS. Results: We found 19 (including our patient) cases of brucellosis that presented with GBS-like manifestations. The age range was 9–62 years. Eight (42.1%) patients had a history of fever. Seven (36.8%) patients had no constitutional symptoms. Five (26.3%) patients had splenomegaly. Brucella serological tests were positive in all patients, while blood Brucella culture was positive in three (37.5%) out of eight patients. Albuminocytological dissociation was present in nine (64.3%) out of 14 patients. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography were consistent with demyelination polyneuropathy in eight (42.1%) patients, with axonal polyneuropathy in six (31.6) patients, and with mixed axonal and demyelinating polyneuropathy in one (5.3%) patient. Spine MRI showed root enhancement in three (42.9%) patients. Conclusion: In regions endemic with brucellosis, acute peripheral neuropathy presentation may warrant investigations for Brucella infection.
Basic Public Health Service Utilization by Internal Older Adult Migrants in China
Authors: Tang Dan , Wang Jiwen
Published: January 2021

Since 2009, the Chinese government has launched a basic public health services (BPHS) equalization program to provide the same BPHS to all the citizens. However, utilization of BPHS among older migrants is still low. The purpose of this paper was to explore the determinant individual and contextual factors of older migrants’ utilization of BPHS, and to provide suggestion for the government to improve BPHS utilization. Based on Andersen’s model of health services use, data from the China’s Regional Economic Statistics Yearbook 2014 and National Health and Family Planning Dynamic Monitoring Survey on Migrant Population 2015 were analyzed using a hierarchical random intercept model for binary outcomes. Results showed that the percentage of migrant older adults receiving free physical examinations, which is an important item of BPHS, was 36.2%. Predisposing (education, hukou, living duration in the host city, and scope of migration), enabling (health insurance and social networks), and need (self-rated health and chronic conditions) factors of individuals’ characteristics had significant impact on the use of BPHS. The proportions of both migrant children enrolled in public schools and people with established health records had a positive impact on an individual’s chance of receiving free physical examinations. These findings suggest that economic development and improvement at the level of the city’s health resources cannot effectively improve access to BPHS by older adult migrants. Instead, the driving force appears to be supportive policies for the migrant population.
Chronic Inflammation in PCOS: The Potential Benefits of Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators (SPMs) in the Improvement of the Resolutive Response
Authors: Regidor Pedro-Antonio , Mueller Anna , Sailer Manuela , Gonzalez Santos Fernando , Rizo Jose Miguel , Moreno Egea Fernando
Published: January 2021

PCOS as the most common endocrine disorder of women in their reproductive age affects between 5–15% of the female population. Apart from its cardinal symptoms, like irregular and anovulatory cycles, hyperandrogenemia and a typical ultrasound feature of the ovary, obesity, and insulin resistance are often associated with the disease. Furthermore, PCOS represents a status of chronic inflammation with permanently elevated levels of inflammatory markers including IL-6 and IL-18, TNF-α, and CRP. Inflammation, as discovered only recently, consists of two processes occurring concomitantly: active initiation, involving “classical” mediators including prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and active resolution processes based on the action of so-called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). These novel lipid mediator molecules derive from the essential ω3-poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) DHA and EPA and are synthesized via specific intermediates. The role and benefits of SPMs in chronic inflammatory diseases like obesity, atherosclerosis, and Diabetes mellitus has become a subject of intense research during the last years and since PCOS features several of these pathologies, this review aims at summarizing potential roles of SPMs in this disease and their putative use as novel therapeutics.
Safe Nanoparticles: Are We There Yet?
Authors: Najahi-Missaoui Wided , Arnold Robert D. , Cummings Brian S.
Published: January 2021

The field of nanotechnology has grown over the last two decades and made the transition from the benchtop to applied technologies. Nanoscale-sized particles, or nanoparticles, have emerged as promising tools with broad applications in drug delivery, diagnostics, cosmetics and several other biological and non-biological areas. These advances lead to questions about nanoparticle safety. Despite considerable efforts to understand the toxicity and safety of these nanoparticles, many of these questions are not yet fully answered. Nevertheless, these efforts have identified several approaches to minimize and prevent nanoparticle toxicity to promote safer nanotechnology. This review summarizes our current knowledge on nanoparticles, their toxic effects, their interactions with mammalian cells and finally current approaches to minimizing their toxicity.