bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Good Corporate Governance Organs, Company Size and Its Effect on Earnings Quality with Earnings Management as an Intervening Variable in Manufacturing Companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2016-2020
Authors: Lukmanul Hakim Wildan
Published: December 2022

The research that the researcher conducted has the intention of testing the effect of managerial ownership, institutional ownership, audit committee, the proportion of independent commissioners, and firm size on earnings quality. The intervening variable in this study is earnings management with empirical studies on companies that are included in the IDX list for the 2016-2020 period. There are 193 companies that the researchers made as the population in the research that the researchers held. Purposive sampling is a sampling technique used by researchers and obtained as many as 28 companies as samples. The research carried out by researchers utilizes secondary data taken from annual reports obtained from the Indonesia Stock Exchange or company websites in the 2016-2020 period. The model used in the research is panel data regression using the Eviews 9 application. The results of the research are managerial ownership, institutional ownership, audit committee, and the proportion of independent commissioners simultaneously giving effect to earnings management and earnings quality. In addition, all variables have a significant partial effect on earnings management and earnings quality, except for the proportion of independent commissioners that does not have a significant effect on earnings quality. The mechanism of Good Corporate Governance in this study has a significant effect on earnings quality with earnings management as an intervening variable. However, firm size does not have a significant effect on earnings quality with earnings management as an intervening variable.
Empowering Caregivers To Improve Quality Of Life Of Elderly In A Social Institution In Lampung Province, Indonesia
Authors: Irianto Gunawan , Hussain Habil Mohamad , Hashim Farida
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Elderly Quality of life is a crucial issue for the aging population in developing countries like Indonesia. Studies found that institutionalized elderly have a lower quality of life than in the community. The caregiver’s role in the social institution could be important as social support to enhance the quality of life of the elderly. This study is to empower the caregivers to improve the quality of life of the elderly in a social institution. Methode: A mixed methods exploratory sequential design was used in this study.The WHO-QOL Old questionnaire was used to examine the quality of life and Duke Social Support for social support. Sample for qualitative were seven participants who had experiences that could be explored in detail about their living in a social institution, and 72 participants for quantitative measures Result: The qualitative findings found four main themes that related to elderly experience living in social institutions, support from caregivers, and facility theme was strongly discussed. As for quantitative findings, after the four-month intervention, the score of elderly quality of life before intervention was 45,97 and after intervention 51,54 (p value>0,00), it means empowerment of caregivers significantly improves the quality of life in a social institution. Conclusion: The empowerment of caregivers as social support for the elderly in social institutions has been proven to improve the quality of life of the elderly in social institutions. However, recommendations are suggested including monitoring systems and policy from the management of social institutions need to maintain sustainability programs.
International Study tours to India: Tour Operators and Tour Leaders perspectives
Authors: Akoijam Tangjakhombi
Published: December 2022

In today's age of globalization, international students’ mobility is on the rise and projected to reach around 8 million annually by the year 2025 (OECD, 2012). One of the lesser known reasons for international students mobility is the International Study tour, which is a short duration, unique mode of students’ travel organized by a parent educational institution/association to one or more foreign destinations. Such tours incorporate touristic elements and are also a limited-duration travel like tourism and yet one of the most neglected area in tourism research. In this paper the perception of two very important stakeholders was taken into account; that of the tour operators and the tour leaders. The specific objective was to understand existing marketing approaches and other related operational aspects of such tours in the Indian context. These inputs will add to the body of knowledge about international study tours from the tourism perspective and will also have tourism policy planning implications. Research Approach:The study is mostly qualitative in nature. Two sets of Questionnaires were prepared and the responses were examined for meaningful new insights and knowledge to supplement already existing literature on international study tours. For open-ended questions, thematic content analysis with an inductive latent approach was adopted. Narrative analysis was another method found suitable for this paper. A clearly specified list of problems and challenges that have emerged from this study presents a suitable basis for designing the right responses/solutions to address them.
MIXED INFECTION - HANTAVIRUS HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER WITH RENAL SYNDROME AND HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS ENCEPHALITIS
Authors: Argirova Petya , Boev Ivan , Stoycheva Mariana
Published: December 2022

Introduction: This case report describes a patient treated at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases of University Hospital “St. George” Plovdiv, with two infections occurring at the same time – haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis. Results: A 53-year-old male presented with fever, flu-like syndrome and renal impairment with mild nitrogen elevation. The patient was treated at the Clinic of Nephrology for one week. Several hours after discharge he had three generalised tonic-clonic seizures and was admitted to the intensive care unit with status epilepticus and acute respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation for 4 days. Lumbar puncture results showed: white blood cells – 1.10 6 /l, glucose – 5.3 mmol/l, total protein – 1.6 g/l, increased immunoglobulin levels. The patient was transferred to the Clinic of Infectious Diseases with suspicion of viral encephalitis.

HSV type 1 was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid by PCR. Due to suspected hantavirus infection, serum was examined and IgM and IgG antibodies against the HFRS virus were detected by ELISA. Specific treatment with acyclovir was started and there was a rapid improvement in the clinical condition. Convulsions did not recur. Nitrogen levels normalised and there was a short period of polyuria. Thrombocytopenia quickly resolved without occurrence of haemorrhagic syndrome. In the course of the disease, the patient developed mild diarrhoeal syndrome and left thrombophlebitis. He was discharged clinically well with negative PCR results for HSV.

In conclusion, we can assume that as a result of immunosuppression due to HFRS, HSV type 1 reactivated and led to herpes encephalitis.
CASE OF AN HIV- POSITIVE PATIENT CO-INFECTED WITH MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Yancheva-Petrova Nina , Milanov Vladimir , Strashimirov Dimitar , Kostadinov Dimitar
Published: December 2022

Tuberculosis has a greater impact on morbidity and mortality in HIV-1-infected individuals than the rest of the opportunistic infections. We reporta case of 57-year-old HIV-infected patient co-infected with multidrug- resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

The patient`s leading clinical syndromes were fever, diarrhoea and weight loss. The meticulously performed laboratory investigations revealed severe immune suppression and high HIV viral load. Microbiological and parasitological tests confirmed the presence of two AIDS-defining conditions: disseminated candidiasis and cryptosporidiosis. Sputum smear microscopy for acid-fast bacilli was negative but sputum culture showed positive result for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Drug susceptibility testing determined resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin (MDR-TB). The diagnosis was confirmed with Xpert-MTB/RIF PCR test. Treatment continued with second-line anti-TB drugs, together with antiretroviral therapy.

Culture conversion was recorded in the first month. The outcome was reported as „cured“ after 16 months` therapy. This case shows yet again that the clinical manifestation of tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients is very atypical. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis requires prolonged treatment andrepresents therapeutic challenge because of the possibility of adverse drug reactions.
CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATIONS IN BLASTOCYSTIS SPP. INFECTION
Authors: Vassilev Vladimir , Davidovska Simona
Published: December 2022

The pathogenic potential of Blastocystis spp. is extremely controversial. Recently, many researchers have discussed its inductive role in the etiology of various dermatological syndromes such as palmoplantar pruritus, acute, and chronic urticaria. The growing number of urticaria patients showing improvement after eradication of Blastocystis spp. infection, has proven its causative nature. Herein, we present a broad overview of the modern concept of the precise parasitological verification in the routine work-up of urticaria patients.
IN SILICO DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH-RESOLUTION MLVA TYPING SCHEME FOR ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM
Authors: Stoikov Ivan , Ivanov Ivan , Sabtcheva Stefana
Published: December 2022

Emergence of enterococci as nosocomial pathogens is frequently associated with hospital outbreaks. Vancomycin resistance is especially perturbing as it limits the possible therapeutic options. Based on vast in silico analysis, we introduce a new multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) scheme for genotyping of Enterococcus faecium isolates, parameters of which are comparable to these of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The scheme was tested in silico on all available at this time E. faecium genomes in NCBI Genbank. Searching for suitable variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) loci was conducted with a set of free access applications. Ten VNTR loci were selected according to their polymorphic structure and stability using the Primer-BLAST utility of NCBI. Primers were designed to be compatible in a multiplex reaction and the method was adapted for high resolution separation techniques. As a result, a total of 60 MLVA profiles and 35 MLST profiles were generated from the analysis of 114 sequenced genomes. Minimum spanning trees were created for both MLVA and MLST in order to analyze the genetic relatedness between isolates. Hunter Gaston discriminatory index was measured for both MLVA (0,959) and MLST (0,926). Typeability was also measured for both methods (MLVA – 85.9%; MLST – 89.4%). These results suggest that the new MLVA scheme is suitable for epidemiological studies of hospital-adapted E. faecium isolates.
RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF TAENIASIS IN BULGARIA CAUSED BY THE BEEF TAPEWORM FOR THE PERIOD 2008-2017
Authors: Videnova Mihaela , Harizanov Rumen , Tsvetkova Nina , Borisova Raina , Rainova Iskra , Ivanova Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

The aim of the present study is to analyse the dynamics of the distribution of taeniasis caused by the beef tapeworm (Taeniarhynchus saginatus) among the population of Bulgaria for the period 2008-2017.

Material and methods. The analysis is based on laboratory and clinical data on patients diagnosed with taeniarhynchosis in DPTM at NCIPD, as well as data from epidemiological studies carried out by RHIs in accordance with the current legislation in the country.

Results. For the studied period, cases of human taeniarhynchosis were reported from 21 districts of the country, with 246 infected persons. The areas with the highest number of cases during the whole period were Shumen – 14.6%, Plovdiv – 13.8%, Targovishte – 10.9 and Sofia – 10.6%. Annual morbidity ranges from 0.63 per 100 000 (2008) to 0.23 per 100 000 (2017), with average morbidity of 0.37% 000. The prevalence was higher among female subjects (61%), and the distribution by age showed a significantly higher incidence in adults (88%) compared to the group of children and adolescents (22%). The most affected were the age groups 35-39 (11.79%) and 55-59 (11.38%) years. Patients of different ethnic origin represent 54% of cases.

Conclusion. Data from our study shows that cases of taeniarhynchosis, even though sporadic, are reported annually in the country. The distribution is highest in regions with well-developed private livestock farming and high rate of home meat production without veterinary control. Poor health literacy of the population resulting in environmental contamination with human excreta and the possibility of infection of intermediate hosts, as well as consumption of uncooked homemade products and insufficient veterinary health control mainly contribute to the endemic spread of taeniarhynchosis in the country.
IMMUNE RESPONSE TO COVID-19 COMPARED TO THE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO SARS, MERS AND INFLUENZA
Authors: Markovski Velo
Published: December 2022

The course, form and outcome of an acute respiratory illness, as well as its patho-histological features largely depend on the level of inflammatory cytokines. The most important proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines are: IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α and GM-CSF. There are many similarities in the human immune response to influenza, SARS and MERS-CoV. Available studies of COVID-19 show a completely different immune response, i.e. immunological indifference or suppression.
Influenza is a disease we have known for a long time. WHO has been successfully following the antigenic drift of influenza virus ever since 1952 (WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). This is necessary to monitor epidemiological characteristics of influenza as well as for the components of the seasonal vaccine which contains the antigenic characteristics of the subtypes and variants of influenza A virus that circulated in the previous season in the southern hemisphere. Throughout this period, many viruses and bacteria caused respiratory infections, sometimes in increasing epidemic numbers, but it was only the flu that caused serious problems. The epidemics were accompanied by high morbidity and significant mortality. Beta-corona viruses caused a serious warning in 2002 when SARS Cov-1 and MERS in 2012 appeared, followed by high mortality. Alpha corona viruses have been present all this time, but have caused mild upper respiratory infections and rhinitis, without serious consequences. Depending on the season and the region, corona viruses have been present in 10 to 35% of respiratory infections with the immune response to any infectious agent, may be mild, moderate and consequently heal, or severe when due to the high level of cytokines many barriers and membranes can be damaged and cause death. In influenza, the immune response is adequate. Only in a small percentage of cases, an overactive immune response is observed that causes damage and even death. SARS and MERS-CoV have been also shown to elicit a strong immune response.
COVID-19 has been present for only a few months, and despite the efforts of many scientists, the epidemiological characteristics and pathogenesis of the disease are still not completely clear. Although COVID-19 belongs to beta corona viruses along with SARS and MERS-CoV, there are differences in the immune response. Whether COVID-19 weakens the immune system, or the immune system does not recognize it as a serious threat, there is a weak immune response during this infection. Such a significant discrepancy in the immune response can help understand the pathogenesis of COVID 19 and the causes of primary viral pneumonia and ARDS followed by high mortality.
Skin reactions to allergens from processionary caterpillars (genus Thaumetopoea)
Authors: Nikolov Georgi , Kandova Yana , Petrunov Bogdan , Mirchev Plamen , Georgiev Georgi
Published: December 2022

Background: Moths of the genus Thaumetopoea are widespread pests in the coniferous and deciduous forests in Bulgaria. Contact with the caterpillars, larval form of different Thaumetopoea species, causes a series of complaints in humans: mainly contact dermatitis (erucism), but also IgE-mediated allergic reactions.

The aim of the present pilot study is to investigate the skin reaction after prick tests with allergens from different Thaumetopoea species in a group of people who have frequent contacts with the processionary caterpillars.

Material and methods: A group of 42 subjects were surveyed - 37 men and 5 women between the ages of 18 and 87. Specific sensitization to caterpillars of three Thaumetopoea species: Thaumetopoea pityocampa (pine processionary); Thaumetopoea processionea (oak processionary) and Thaumetopoea solitaria (pistachio processionary) was assessed by allergy skin prick tests (SPT) with specially designed caterpillar allergens.

Results: Positive allergy skin tests to one or more caterpillar’s allergens were measured in 18 (43%) participants. A simultaneous test with the three allergens from the different Thaumetopoea species showed that in 5 (31%) of the cases, skin hypersensitivity only to allergen from T. pityocampa was present. Monosensitization to T. processionea observed in 2 (12%). The rest 9 (57%) participants with positive skin test show different profiles of polysensitization to Thaumetopoea allergens under study.

Conclusions: The evaluation of skin reactivity after SPT with different caterpillar’s allergens outlined the important role of processionary allergens, especially this from T. pityocampa, in the development of IgE-mediated allergic complaints in different groups of forestry professionals. In view of these results, it seems that IgE-mediated hypersensitivity allergic reactions to Thaumetopoea caterpillars are at least as important as those with no allergic mechanism.
ANALYSIS OF CIRCULATING STRAINS, CAUSING INVASIVE LISTERIOSIS IN BULGARIA FOR TEN YEARS, 2010-2019
Authors: Taseva Evgeniya , Christova Iva , Panayotova Elitsa , Trifonova Iva , Gladnishka Teodora , Ivanova Vladislava
Published: December 2022

Listeriosis is a zoonosis with multiple mechanisms of infection and multiple organ symptoms, severe course and high lethality. An increasing incidence of listeriosis has been reported in several European countries in recent years. A limited range of Listeria strains is responsible for most blasts occurring in different countries. The aim of the study is to monitor the spread of the Listeria strains causing invasive listeriosis in Bulgaria for the period 2010-2019 and to analyze the etiological structure of the infection in different hospitals in the country. A total of 56 strains Listeria from 17 hospitals were investigated for confirmation of species and serogroup. The materials were isolated from haemocultures, fetuses water, cerebrospinal fluids and anal and throat secretions and two tests were used. Confirmed strains isolated from the clinical samples for the study period belonged to 4 serogroups of Listeria. Listeria monocytogenes serogroup I was detected in 28 (50%) of the samples, Listeria monocytogenes serogroup II – in 43%, Listeria innocua –in 5% and Listeria welshimeri – in 2% of the samples. The strains isolated from cerebrospinal fluid predominated (52%) and those isolated from haemocultures were 36%. Nineteen of the isolated strains from cerebrospinal fluid belonged to serotype 4b (19/29). Listeria monocytogenes serogroup I was detected in 70% from haemoculture. Listeria innocua and Listeria welshimeri were detected from cerebrospinal fluid. Serotype 1/2a was found in six hospitals and serotype 4b - in five hospitals. The majority of isolated strains was from newborns  -12/56 (21.43%). Serotype 1/2a was detected in 12 hospitals and serotype 4b in 11 hospitals. The largest variety of strains was found in Plovdiv, UMBAL “Sv. Georgi”. The data confirmed a steady trend in the spread of certain listeria serotypes in each hospital over the years. The focus in the future should be on screening at-risk groups, mainly women of childbearing and it is recommended to look for the risk of listeriosis.
First cases of culture proven Legionnaires’ disease in Bulgaria
Authors: Tomova Iskra , Nenova Rumiana
Published: December 2022

Background. Legionella pneumophila is the most common cause of the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease with worldwide increasing incidence reports. The bacterium is fastidious and slow growing and most laboratories do not perform culture.
Aim. To present results from the first culture proven cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Bulgaria.
Materials and methods.  Ten lower respiratory tract materials from 10 patients were cultured for legionellae with GVPC supplement. Identification was based on growth characteristics, latex agglutination and monoclonal typing. 
Results. Seven L.pneumophila strains (serogroup1 and serogroup6) were isolated. Five belong to monoclonal sub-types Allentown/France, Knoxville and Philadelphia.  One culture positive sputum was received at the lab 5 days after sampling. Other materials were plated on the day of sampling, but three of them were obtained long after specific therapy was started and remain negative on culture. Five from the ten patients were with fatal outcome. Three were reported to ELDSNet in real-time as travel-associated.
Conclusions. Isolation of legionellae from patients remains the diagnostic ‘gold standard’.  The use of selective supplement designed for water samples had no obvious impact on our results in contrast with late sampling. Isolates were from the most frequent reported L. pneumophila serogroups and five of them – from the virulence-associated Pontiac sub-groups. Legionnaires’ disease is still underdiagnosed in Bulgaria. Clinicians must be encouraged to send appropriate and timely obtained respiratory materials.  This should happen even in cases with other positive microbiological results, since co-infection with viral, fungal or other bacterial pulmonary pathogens might be of importance for patients’ treatment and health.
THE ROLE OF BIRDS IN THE TRANSMISSION OF LYME DISEASE
Authors: Ivanova Aleksandrova Nadya
Published: December 2022

During the vast distances in migration, sometimes through thousands of kilometers, the birds carry ticks very far away from their nesting sites. Up to this moment 136 species of hard ticks Ixodidae have been frequently found on birds. Larvae, nymphs and adults of 25 species of the genus Ixodes, parasitize on birds. By transporting of ticks infected with B. burgdorferi s.l., the birds introduce the infection indirectly to new geographical regions. Once imported, the spirochetes may adapt to the local ecological areas and reservoir hosts. Migratory birds which carry Borrelia spp. in their tissues or blood, are able to infect the ticks in the new area. This determines the reservoir competence of the birds and their participation in the ecology and the epidemiology of the Lyme disease. The selective transmission of Borrelia garinii from birds to ticks is detected; as well that migratory birds are able to carry Lyme disease as a latent infection for several months.
APPLICATION OF PCR METHOD FOR DETECTION AND SPECIES IDENTIFICATION OF TOXOCARA SPP.
Authors: Kaneva Eleonora , Tsvetkova Nina , Raynova Iskra
Published: December 2022

The ascaridoid nematodes of dogs and cats T. canis and T. cati are with widespread distribu-tion and causative agents of a disease in human and animals named Toxocariasis. Human dis-ease has several clinical forms with different clinical manifestation such as visceral, ocular, neurotoxocariasis and covert toxocariasis. The morphological methods used to differentiate the two species, especially to identify eggs or larvae, can lead to inaccurate diagnosis. This requires the use of more reliable methods, such as PCR, for identification of Toxocara species.
The aim of our research is to develop in our conditions a PCR method for species identification of Toxocara and to determine its applicability on different stages of parasites.
The method used by Khademvatan et al. (2013), we performed with some modifications in different forms of Toxocara - eggs, larvae and adult parasites. We used species-specific oligonucleotide primers from the ITS2 gene sequence of the ribosomal DNA - Tcan1/NC2 for T. canis and Tcat1/NC2 for T. cati.
The presence of a band with a size of 380 bp, specific for T. canis, was found for all stages of the studied parasite.
The described method will allow species differentiation of Toxocariasis causative agents and improve the diagnosis of the disease, as well as determine the actual spread and reservoirs of these parasites.
CLINICAL CASE OF CRYPTOCOCCAL MENINGITIS IN A LIVER TRANSPLANT PATIENT
Authors: Boyanova Lyubomira , Ivanova Zoya
Published: December 2022

The incidence of infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans has increased significantly in recent years, especially in the settings of immune deficiency  (HIV infection transplantation, etc.). Most often after inhalation of spores   dissemination of yeast to the brain parenchyma   occurs, leading to meningitis (meningo-encephalitis). Our clinical case,  is a patient with cryptococcal meningitis after liver   transplantation  , who died despite the onset of antifungal therapy. This is further evidence of the severe prognosis of CNS cryptococcosis, especially in immunocompromised patients.
DO WE KNOW RHINOVIRUSES AND THEIR CLINICAL IMPACT?
Authors: Georgieva Irina , Stoyanova Asya , Angelova Svetla , Stoitsova Savina , Voleva Silvia , Korsun Neli , Nikolaeva-Glomb Lubomira
Published: December 2022

Acute respiratory infections cause significant morbidity and mortality even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic restrictions decreased circulation of many respiratory viruses but some less troubling infections such as common cold are still circulating.

One of the most frequent causative agents of common cold are rhinoviruses. The fact that these pathogens have been able to slip through anti-COVID preventive measures raises the question of whether we really know this group of viruses and whether these viruses cause only common cold. The clinical impact of rhinoviruses seems to be underestimated.

In searching of an answer how rhinoviruses have slipped through the anti-COVID precautions we referred to the work of infectious disease specialists, virologists and epidemiologists -much of it conducted decades before the current pandemic. A non-systematic search of the literature is performed. Some of the latest findings on rhinoviruses along with basic knowledge on their biology and clinical impact are summarized in this review.
CORRELATION BETWEEN THE ANTIBODY RESPONSE TOWARD SPECIFIC HCV PROTEINS AND HCV VIRAL LOAD
Authors: Ismailova Chiydem , Yontcheva Vlilana , Tenev Tencho , Golkocheva-Markova Elitsa
Published: December 2022

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an RNA virus causing acute or chronic infection and affecting more than 2% of population worldwide. The firstline tests for diagnosis of HCV infection are 3rd or 4th generation enzyme immunoassays - ELISA and CIA. They indicate the presence of antibodies against HCV in serum. These tests are characterized by high sensitivity and specificity, but they cannot distinguish past, acute or chronic infection, and sometimes produce false positive results. Confirmatory tests, such as recombinant immunoblot-line immune assay (LIA), and quantitative PCR, are used to validate the positive antibody response. The recombinant immunoblot assay can be used to determine the specificity of antibody to HCV. The aim of the present study is to determine the correlation between the anti-HCV response in confirmatory immunoblot assay and the HCV viral load, measured by PCR.
Materials and methods: Twenty-nine anti-HCV positive sera were included in the study. Third generation ELISA assay was used for anti-HCV screening of the samples and for detection of anti-HCV antibodies against specific HCV proteins. Third generation line immunoassay INNO-LIA HCV Score, based on the principle of an enzyme immunoassay, was used as a confirmatory test. The HCV viral load was measured by quantitative PCR method – Abbott Real Time HCV (Abbott Molecular Inc., USA) with linear sensitivity range from 1.08 Log 10 IU/ml (12 [IU/ml]) to 8.00 Log 10 IU/ml (100 000 000 [IU/ml]).
Results: HCV RNA was quantified in all studied samples. Ten of 29 serum samples (34%, Group I) were HCV RNA negative. The rest of the samples were HCV RNA positive as follows: 3 serums were with minimal viral load from < 12 to 10 000 IU/ml (10%, Group II); 3 serum samples –between 10 000 and 100 000 IU/ml (10%, Group III); 10 serum samples – between 100 000 and 1 000 000 IU/ml (34%, Group IV) and in 3 serum samples HCV RNA concentration was over 1 000 000 IU/ml (10%, Group V).
Conclusion: HCV screening strategies involving anti-HCV detection by ELISA combined with recombinant immunoblot assay can be the method of choice in laboratories with limited equipment and finances.
RECORDS OF IXODID TICKS ON WILD BIRDS IN BULGARIA
Authors: Ivanova Aleksandrova Nadya , Christova Iva , Dimitrov Dimitar , P Marinov Martin , Panayotova Elica , Trifonova Iva , Taseva Evgenia , Gladnishka Teodora , Kamenov Galin , Ilieva Mihaela , Zehtindjiev Pavel
Published: December 2022

Background: Ixodid ticks are widely studied due to their epidemiological and epizootic importance. It is of great value to know vertebrate host preferences of ticks in order to understand their ecological relationships and distribution. Earlier studies report birds as important hosts of Ixodid tick and a total of 136 ticks species have been frequently found in birds worldwide. However, only few studies related to host preferences of ticks among wild birds in Bulgaria were conducted till now.
Aim: To obtain new data on the host preferences of ixodid ticks among wild birds at three locations in Bulgaria.
Material and methods: The study was conducted between 2010 – 2020 in three sites in Bulgaria – Biological Experimental Station Kalimok (Silistra region), near Brodilovo village (Burgas region), and the city of Sofia (city park). The birds were caught by mist nets and inspected for ticks. Ticks found were removed by fine tweezers or a special removal tool for ectoparasites. Tick identification was based on external morphological characteristics.
Results: A total of 2419 individual birds belonging to 78 species were examined. Of these, 70 individuals (16 species) carried ticks, thus representing 2.9% infestation rate. A total of 262 ticks were collected and identified as: Ixodes ricinus, Hyalomma marginatum, Haemaphysalis punctata, Hae. concinna, Hae. sulcata and two specimens could only be identified to the genus Haemaphysalis. Ixodes ricinus was the most commonly encountered tick (224/262), predominantly nymphs, followed by Hyalomma marginatum (27/262). The highest prevalence of tick infestation was observed among the Eurasian Blackbird, Turdus merula (28.6%), followed by the common nightingale, Luscinia megarhynchos (12.9%) and the common chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs (11.3%). These three bird species harboured the majority of ticks on their heads – some single individuals were infested by 10 up to 25 ticks per bird.
Conclusion: Ixodes ricinus was found as the predominant tick species in this study. Nymphs were the most frequently observed stage. Infesting both birds and humans, this tick species has the potential to spread local tick-borne infections.
STUDY ON TICKS REMOVED FROM PATIENTS FOR INFECTION WITH BORRELIA BURGDORFERI AND THEIR NUMBER DEPENDING ON TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION IN 2016-2021
Authors: Gladnishka Teodora , Christova Iva , Trifonova Iva , Ivanova Vladislava , Panayotova Elitsa , Taseva Evgenia
Published: December 2022

Background: Deacarization, applied epidemiological measures, and climatic factors affect the abundance of ticks. On the other hand, ticks themselves are a factor of great epidemiological and epizootic importance. Studies  concerning the influence of climatic factors on ticks and their infection with B. burgdorferi are still limited in Bulgaria. The aim was to investigate the abundance of ticks in relation to temperature and precipitation, as well as the infection with B. burgdorferi of ticks removed from patients during the period 2016-2021.
Materials/methods: A total of 10,907 ticks were collected from patients and classified according to species and stage of development. Nested PCR was performed targeting two sites of the spacer region between 5S and 23S of B. burgdorferi sensu lato rRNA.  Weather data were collected from free Internet meteorological sites.
Results: It was found that 92-96% of the ticks belonged to the species Ixodes ricinus. PCR data were obtained for infestation of ticks in 2016-2021. Only in 2018, the highest number of ticks was observed in May, while in the other five years - in June, which was analyzed in relation to the average temperature and precipitation.
Conclusion: An increase in tick abundance was observed at average temperatures around 20°C, with rainfall on the days before the peak. During the 6-year period, the highest number of ticks was collected in June 2021, which could be explained with the high average temperatures and abundant precipitations during the preceeding spring months (April – June).
Orientation Services and Course Satisfaction among Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Trainees in Kenya
Authors: Maren Awuor Omondi  , Pamela Raburu  , Peter Aloka
Published: December 2022

The study examined the relationship between orientation guidance services and course satisfaction among trainees in TVET institutions in Kakamega County, Kenya. Holland’s theory of vocational choice guided the study. A concurrent Triangulation design was adopted. The study targeted 12807 trainees, four registrars, 4 Deputy Principals in charge of academics, and 4 Guidance and Counseling Coordinators from the TVET institutions in Kakamega County. The use of questionnaires and interview schedule collected data. The instruments were piloted among 38 trainees from Kisiwa TTI in neighboring Bungoma County of Kenya. The study established a significant positive correlation between orientation services (r=.473; p=.000) and course satisfaction among TVET trainees. Orientation services accounted for 22.1% of the variation in the level of course satisfaction. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Administrators of TVET institutions ensure the implementation of TVET academic policy in the institutions to enhance the adequate provision of academic services.
PEMBERIAN PENGUATAN OLEH GURU DALAM MEMOTIVASI ANAK BELAJAR DI MDTA MUSHALLA HASANATUDDIN KOTA BUKITTINGGI
Authors: Hendrisab
Published: December 2022

Penelitian ini berawal dari kenyataan bahwa MDTA (Madrasah Diniyah Taklimiyah Awaliyah) adalah suatu lembaga pendidikan Islam yang menyelenggarakan jalur pendidikan non formal yang dibentuk dan dikelola oleh masyarakat dalam upaya mengajarkan Al-Qur’an dan materi-materi keislaman lainnya. Seorang guru yang mampu memberikan motivasi yang baik pada anak tentu akan berpengaruh terhadap belajarnya sehingga anak dapat bersungguh-sungguh dalam melakukan kegiatan atau lebih disiplin dalam belajar, tidak serius dalam belajar, sering keluar masuk, sering bolos dan datang sering tidak tepat waktu. Permasalahan pokok yang dibahas disini adalah bagaimana penguatan yang diberikan oleh guru dalam memotivasi anak belajar di MDTA Mushalla Hasanatuddin. Dari penelitian yang telah dilakukan diketahui bahwa pemberian penguatan yang digunakan guru dalam memotivasi anak belajar di MDTA Mushalla Hasanatuddin sudah terlaksana, tetapi belum maksimal. Hal ini terlihat bahwa masih ada guru yang belum memberikan penguatan pada anak dalam bentuk memberikan hadiah, hukuman dan kedisiplinan seorang guru, tetapi dalam hal memberikan nasehat, pujian, pembiasaan dan teguran sudah mulai terlihat, begitu juga dalam pemberian penguatan dalam memberikan materi-materi pelajaran di MDTA, sudah mulai terlihat dimana guru telah memberikan penilaian pengulangan, pujian, namun dalam hal ini memberikan hadiah dan hukuman belum semua guru melaksanakanya.
KONTRIBUSI PENDIDIKAN DALAM KELUARGA TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM DI SDN 03 TARAM KECAMATAN HARAU
Authors: Putri Hayani  , Muhammad Hafizh
Published: December 2022

The problem in this research is the extent of the contribution of education in the family to the learning outcomes of Islamic religious education in primary schools. the purpose of this study was to determine the education in the family, earning outcomes as well as the contribution of education.and the finally learning student. The resoerched this descrition of qualitaty the The shape and the family business in the education of children in the family does not happen is based on data and facts in the field, namely toidak the interaction within the family because of factors were less sociable family habits . The student learning outcomes SDN 03 Taram generally based on data analysis in general is beingThe results of studying Islamic education is influenced by education in kerluarga students of SDN 03 due to low learning outcomes in general and is affected by other factors that occur in the life of society
IMPLEMENTASI STEGANOGRAFI IMAGE PROCESSING DAN ENKRIPSI AES MENGGUNAKAN OPENSTEGO
Authors: Laksmiati Dewi
Published: December 2022

Saat ini komunikasi secara digital merupakan hal yang sangat umum. Dengan komunikasi digital kita dapat menyampaikan pesan secara cepat dan akurat. Namun komunikasi digital masih menyimpan resiko penyadapan informasi. Karenanya dibutuhkan sebuah metode komunikasi yang dapat dilakukan melalui media digital namun dengan tingkat keamanan data dan kerahasiaan yang lebih tinggi. Dalam penulisan ini akan dibahas penerapan pesan tersembunyi dan terenkripsi, dimana pesan dienkripsi dan disisipkan di dalam sebuah file foto. Pesan rahasia yang terenkripsi disisipkan dalam bit-bit gambar. Untuk kemudian didekripsi oleh penerima. Penyembunyian pesan secara rahasia ini disebut juga steganografi, sebuah ilmu tentang menyembunyikan pesan. Dan agar pesan lebih terjaga kerahasiaannya, ditambahkan enkripsi AES. Proses ini akan dilakukan menggunakan aplikasi open source OpenStego
RANCANG BANGUN APLIKASI BOOKING DAN TRANSAKSI BARBER SHOP SHAVR BERBASIS WEB
Authors: Koeswara Tya Septiani Nurfauzia , Agustiani Sarifah
Published: December 2022

Barber shop khusus pria saat ini sedang menjadi trend dan sudah mulai banyak ditemukan diberbagai daerah, banyak pria yang mendatangi Barber shop khusus pria yang dapat menyediakan potongan rambut terbaru yang cocok untuk para pria. Sebagai bisnis yang bergerak di bidang jasa, pengelola Barber Shop juga harus meningkatkan fasilitas-fasilitas untuk menunjang keinginan konsumen selain fungsi utamanya sebagai tempat potong rambut. Barber Shop Shavr mengedepankan layanan jasa yang berkualitas dan pendekatan kepada konsumen, namun prosedur booking dan pembayaran maupun laporannya masih dilakukan secara manual, sehingga dikhawatirkan pada saat perhitungan keuntungan terjadi perbedaaan nominal antara pemesanan dan jumlah keuntungan. Pencetakan laporan masih menggunakan pencatatan kedalam kertas, sehingga kehilangan data sering terjadi, karena kertas yang digunakan dapat menjadi lusuh, terkena air, maupun tulisan yang sulit dibaca. Maka perlu dibuatkan sistem yang membantu pengolahan data pembayaran atau transaksi pada Barber Shop Shavr, meliputi data konsumen, jenis potong rambut, nomo antrian juga booking antrian.Perancangan aplikasi booking dan transaksi pada Barber Shop ini menggunakan metode perancangan waterfall yang terdiri dari beberapa tahapan, yaitu Analisis Kebutuhan, Desain, Pengkodean serta Pengujian. Sedangkan untuk tools yang digunakan yaitu Sublime Text. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu berupa aplikasi yang diharapkan dapat membantu memudahkan pelayan pada Barber Shop Shavr meliputi booking antrian dan transaksi sehingga konsumen dapat terlayani dengan baik
ANALISIS DESKRITIF PENGARUH PELATIHAN TERHADAP PENINGKATAN KINERJA KARYAWAN PT. ALIANSI TEMPRINA NYATA GRAFIKA
Authors: Rudianto Rudianto , Hartanto Frenky
Published: December 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh pelatihan terhadap kinerja karyawan pada PT.  Aliansi Temprina Nyata Grafika. Jumlah polulasi dan sampel berjumlah sebanyak 20 orang karyawan. Analisis dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis deskripsi yaitu analisis yang mendeskripsikan atau menggambarkan hasil dari pengujian. Data dalam penelitian ini didapat melalui pengisian kuesioner yang diberikan kepada karyawan tersebut. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan variabel pelatihan terhadap variabel kinerja, dimana dalam hal ini dapat diketahui bahwa produktivitas kerja karyawan akan meningkat setelah mengikuti pelatihan.
PENGARUH KOMPENSASI DAN KEMAMPUAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI DI KANTOR CAMAT SIULAK, KAB. KERINCI
Authors: Afrianti Fitrina , Mandaria Flory
Published: December 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui: 1) Apakah terdapat pengaruh kompensasi dan kemampuan kerja terhadap kinerja Pegawai Negeri Sipil di Kantor Pusat Siulak baik secara parsial maupun simultan? 2) Seberapa besar pengaruh kompensasi dan kemampuan kerja terhadap kinerja Pegawai Negeri Sipil di Kantor Pusat Siulak, baik secara parsial maupun simultan?. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: variabel lingkungan kerja berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan, variabel kemampuan kerja tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan, variabel kompensasi dan kemampuan kerja secara bersama-sama berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan. Kantor Kecamatan Siulak
PENGARUH TAYANGAN SINETRON â€œDARI JENDELA SMPâ€ DI SCTV TERHADAP PERILAKU SISWA 249 KELAS 8 CENGKARENG JAKARTA BARAT
Authors: Indarsih Mike , Pangestu Dian
Published: December 2022

Televisi saat ini bukan hanya nmenjadi sarana  hiburan namun juga sarana informasi bagi para penonton. Banyak sekali tayangan yang  muncul di televisi yang menarik untuk ditonton, pengaruh yang ditimbulkan pun berbeda beda pada masing-masing individu. sebagai  orang tua mempunyai peran yang sangat penting pada setiap tayangan yang anak-anak  saksikan. Karena anak-anak cenderung meniru apa yang ada di sekitar mereka. Mereka bisa  meniru orang tua mereka, teman sebaya mereka bahkan tayangan yang ada di televisi yang  sering mereka tonton. Peran serta pendampingan orang tua sangat di butuhkan saat mereka  menonton tayangan sinetron. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif, menggunakan kuesioner sebagai  instrument penelitian untuk memperoleh informasi data yang dibutuhkan dalam  penelitian tersebut. Dengan penelitian yang dilakukan peneliti dapat menyimpulkan bahwa tayangan sinteron â€œDari jendela SMPâ€ memiliki pengaruh yang besar terhadap prilaku anak murid SMP 249. Pengaruh adalah daya yang ada atau timbul dari sesuatu yang ikut membentuk watak kepercayaan dan perbuatan seseorang
ANALISIS PENGARUH DIMENSI FRAUD DIAMOND TERHADAP PERILAKU KECURANGAN AKADEMIK MAHASISWA DENGAN PSIKOLOGIS SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERATING
Authors: Yudiman Atika Tri , Kamila P Farathiya Inaya
Published: December 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh dari intan penipuan (tekanan, peluang, rasionalisasi dan kemampuan) terhadap perilaku kecurangan akademik mahasiswa dengan psikologis sebagai variabel moderasi. Teknik analisis menggunakan analisis regresi berganda yang terdiri dari uji determinasi koefisien, uji statistik F dan uji statistik T. Penelitian ini menggunakan data primer melalui penyebaran kuesioner sebanyak 200 lembar, tetapi yang terisi hanya sebanyak 170 responden. Penelitian ini mengambil objek sampel dari beberapa universitas swasta di Jakarta yang terdiri dari Universitas Trisakti, Universitas Bina Nusantara, Universitas Tarumanegara, Universitas Atmajaya dan Universitas Moestopo.Variabel independen dalam penelitian ini adalah tekanan, peluang, rasionalisasi dan kemampuan, variabel dependen adalah kecurangan akademik dan untuk variabel moderating adalah psikologis. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa dari empat dimensi penipuan berlian hanya ada tiga dimensi yang mampu berpengaruh terhadap kecurangan akademik peluang, rasionalisasi, dan kemampuan. Sedangkan, satu dimensi lainnya yaitu tekanan tidak mampu mempengaruhi kecurangan akademik.
IMPLEMENTASI PEMODELAN RAPID APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT DALAM PEMBUATAN ANIMASI PEMBELAJARAN APLIKASI PEMBELAJARAN SISTEM TATA SURYA
Authors: Darma Astuti Rachmawati , Mustofa Mustofa
Published: December 2022

Penyampaian melalui video animasi menjadi lebih baik dari pada teknik konvensional dalam meningkatkan pemahaman dalam berbagai hal, sehingga aplikasi berbasis animasi dapat digunakan dalam membantu prosesb belajar mengajar. Salah satu topik pembelajaran yang membutuhkan visualisasi agar materi dapat diterima dengan lebih baik adalah tentang Tata Surya. Aplikasi akan dikembangkan dengan menggunakan metode Rapid Application Develompent yang didalamnya tedapat tiga tahapan utama diantaranya requerment planning, design workshop dan juga implementasi. Hasilnya dengan menggunakan metode Rapid Appication Development ini aplikasi pembelajaran Tata Surya ini dapat selesai dengan cepat dan berjalan dengan sangat baik.
TINJAUAN LAMA WAKTU KETERSEDIAAN REKAM MEDIS RAWAT JALAN POLI THT PASCA RAWAT INAP
Authors: Wulandari Siti , Sari Irda
Published: December 2022

Pelayanan yang cepat dan tepat merupakan keinginan konsumen. Kecepatan penyediaan dokumen rekam medis ke poliklinik dapat menjadi indikator dalam mengukur kepuasan. Pemerintah telah menetapkan standar untuk penyediaan dokumen rekam medis rawat jalan, yaitu waktu penyediaan yang ? 10 menit. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah meninjau lama waktu ketersediaan rekam medis dan mengetahui hambatan dalam penyediaan dokumen rekam medis rawat jalan pasca rawat inap dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Berdasarkan hasil observasi, di RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Jakarta Pusat terdapat keterlambatan penyediaan dokumen rekam medis rawat jalan pasca rawat inap di gedung A tiba di poli THT ? 30 menit, penyebab keterlambatan penyediaan rekam medis dikarenakan alur penyelesaian rekam medis pasca rawat inap yang panjang, adanya keterlambatan proses dan penggunaan hal lain membuat rekam medis tidak dapat tersedia, serta jarak tempuh antara rekam medis rawat inap dan rekam medis rawat jalan yang jauh membuat petugas distribusi tidak mengantar tepat waktu, dan kekurangannya petugas juga membuat keterlambatan karena petugas merangkap pekerjaan lain yang tidak sesuai dengan job desc. Hasil penelitian ini dapat menjadi bahan evaluasi bagi RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo untuk memperbaiki pelayanan penyediaan rekam medis rawat jalan pasca rawat inap.
PENGARUH KOMPETENSI PEDAGOGIK GURU PAI DAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK TERHADAP PRESTASI BELAJAR PAI (SURVEY PADA SMK NEGERI KARAWANG)
Authors: Nopiansah Maolana
Published: December 2022

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui sejauh mana pengaruh kompetensi pedagogik yang dikuasai guru PAI dan motivasi belajar dari peserta didik terhadap prestasi belajar PAI. Jika memang ada pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan maka seberapa kuat pengaruh kompetensi pedagogik yang dikuasai guru PAI dan motivasi belajar dari peserta didik terhadap prestasi belajar pada mata pelajaran PAI tersebut. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah survey dengan analisis korelasi dan regresi. Data tentang pengaruh kompetensi pedagogik guru Pai dan motivasi belajar peserta didik diperoleh melalui angket yang disusun oleh peneliti, yaitu yang mengukur hal-hal yang berkaitan dengan dua hal di atas. Sedangkan data prestasi belajar PAI diperoleh melalui tes yang langsung dilaksanakan oleh peneliti. Hasil analisa data diperoleh bahwa pengaruh kompetensi pedagogik guru PAI dan motivasi belajar peserta didik ditunjukkan oleh koefisien korelasi sebesar 0,762 dan koefisien determinasi r2 sebesar 58,0%, dan persamaan garis regresi = 3,080 + 0,308 X1 + 0,254 X2. Melalui analisa pengujian diperoleh bahwa koefisien korelasi dan koefisien regresi tersebut signifikan. Hal tersebut membuktikan bahwa terdapat pengaruh kompetensi pedagogik guru PAI dan motivasi belajar peserta didik secara bersama-sama terhadap prestasi belajar PAI.