bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing backyard poultry enterprise perfomance in the techiman area: A value chain analysis
Authors:   University of Ghana, Asem-Bansah CK , Sakyi-Dawson O , Ackah-Nyamike EE , Colecraft EK , Marquis GS ,   McGill University
Published: November 2021

Backyard Poultry (BP) production is widespread among rural households in Ghana and provides an opportunity for small scale enterprise development to contribute to poverty alleviation. Traditionally, efforts to improve poultry production activities have emphasized the technical aspects of production while neglecting the social and organizational processes that underlie BP enterprises. A value chain framework was used to qualitatively assess BP enterprises in two communities in the Techiman Municipality of the Brong Ahafo Region in Ghana. The main purpose of the study was to understand how the activities and relationships among actors along the BP value chain influence BP enterprise performance and its implications for development of the industry. Community key informants defined a BP enterprise as ownership of at least ten post vulnerability age chickens (defined as ability to roost on trees to escape predators and disease). All identified BP farmers in the communities were classified as ‘high’ and ‘low’ enterprise performers based on flock size of ‘post- vulnerability age chickens’. The study participants included a purposive sample of ‘low’ (n=10) and ‘high’ (n=10) performing BP farmers from each community as well as service providers and support institutions in the BP value chain identified through snowball sampling. Qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Content analysis was used to summarize themes and patterns from the interview transcripts and to compare high and low performing BP enterprises based on the identified activities and relationships. Higher BP enterprise performance was associated with stronger inter- and intra-actor integration of activities in the various functions of the value chain and higher investment of resources in the activities of the value chain. Additionally, opportunities for import substitution to meet the high national demand for chicken meat were identified. Sustainable improvements in the BP sector must involve social, relational, organizational, as well as technical innovation.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Genetic Transformation of Green Gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] - A Recalcitrant Grain Legume
Authors: Patra Aparna Priyadarshini , Samal Kailash Chandra , Rout Gyana Ranjan , Sahu Simachal , Jagadev Prem Narayan
Published: November 2021

Background: Green gram is grown in many parts of India as a source of dietary protein (21-25%). It is an important nitrogen fixing crop which fixes atmospheric nitrogen (119-140 kg/ha) to soil and enhance the soil productivity. In the present investigation, efficient Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Vigna radiata L. (Wilczek) has been achieved with VrTIP1 gene for abiotic stress resistance i.e. moisture and salinity stress. Methods: Four days old shoot tip and cotyledonary node were used for in vitro regeneration with MS medium supplemented with BAP 2.0 mg/l, kinetin 0.5 mg/l and 50 mg/l kanamycin for co-cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains, LBA 4404. The modified binary vector pCXSN, EHA105 containing hygromycin phosphotransferase II (hpt II) marker genes and a synthetic TIP1 gene under a constitutive CaMV35S promoter were used for transformation of Vigna radiata L. cotyledonary node explants. Putative transformants selected from hygromycin resistant shoots were subsequently rooted on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l NAA and later transferred to sterile vermiculite followed by transfer to the transgenic green house. Result: The T1 plants were produced from PCR positive T0 plants and analysed for presence and integration of transgenes in putative T1 plants were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 752 bp of hpt II fragment. This protocol can be effectively used for transferring new traits in greengram and other legumes for their quantitative and qualitative improvements.
The Role of Social Capital in the Employability of University Graduates in Zambia: A Case of University of Zambia Graduates
Authors: Machacha Eliphas
Published: November 2021

The research presented in this paper was designed to investigate the role of social capital in the employability of University Graduates in Zambia: A Case of University of Zambia Graduates. The study focused on the period between the years 2000 and 2015. In this study social capital was operationalised as social connections that can be used in search of jobs. Employability was operationalised as the ability to get employed or get a job. This research used a sequential mixed method research design to investigate the research problem. The study was carried out in the City of Lusaka. 208 University of Zambia Graduates and 16 employers participated in this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire and interviews. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in the management and analysis of quantitative data while thematic analysis was applied in the analysis of qualitative data. The results from this study indicated that UNZA Graduates attach a lot of importance to the use of social connections in search of job opportunities in the labour market. However, only powerful social connections were effective in this process and were not available to everyone. The results also revealed that social connections through relatives and close friends were more effective in their employability than social connections through acquaintances and potential employers. In conclusion, this study showed that social connections facilitated by relatives and close friends through people of influence in society were more effective but, to a large extent, they depend on one’s social status.
Confianza durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en Panamá
Authors: Matus Ericka , Matus Lorena , Toriz Ana , Molino Jay
Published: November 2021

Esta investigación forma parte de una batería de pruebas para precisar las consecuencias psicológicas y conductuales por la crisis COVID-19, a partir de la iniciativa COVIDiSTRESS global survey (Lieberoth y colaboradores, 2020). El objetivo es establecer las propiedades psicométricas de la escala de confianza de la OCDE para explicar la confianza en las personas y en las instituciones en situación de COVID-19 en Panamá. Es un estudio transversal, prospectivo y comparativo. Se aplicó el instrumento de medición sobre confianza elaborado por la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económicos (OCDE), a una población de 765 panameños adultos, entre 18 y 82 años. La estructura psicométrica indica una validez de constructo que integra a dos factores que en conjunto tienen una varianza explicada de 69.69%. La confiabilidad Alpha de Cronbach, arroja un puntaje global de 0.882. Los resultados evidencian desconfianza en las personas, en las autoridades y en las instituciones nacionales e internacionales en situación de COVID-19 en Panamá. Se perciben diferencias significativas por escolaridad, situación marital y edad. La confianza es similarmente baja por género, a pesar de los esfuerzos gubernamentales por el manejo pertinente y eficiente durante el inicio de la pandemia. Es importante, resaltar que la situación de cuarentena por pandemia durante la aplicación del cuestionario es una variable externa, extraordinaria, por lo que se recomienda realizar estudios longitudinales para contrastar y medir el impacto que ésta tiene.
PROSES KOMUNIKASI DALAM PENYULUHAN PERTANIAN PROGRAM SYSTEM OF RICE INTENSIFICATION (SRI)
Authors: Rusdy Salman Ali , Sunartomo Aryo Fajar
Published: November 2021

Communication and development are two things that are very closely related. Agricultural extension activities are one of the facilitating factors for agricultural development. Agricultural extension activities are a communication process where field agricultural extension agents become information sources and farmers as recipients of information. The research objective is to identify the communication process in delivering information about agricultural extension. The study was conducted using qualitative methods. Research location in Rowotengah Village, Sumberbaru District, Jember Regency, East Java. Determination of informants was determined by purposive sampling. Data collection methods used are observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis used the Miles and Huberman model, namely data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. Test the validity of the data using source triangulation. The results showed that communicators in agricultural counseling were field agricultural extension workers, farmers and pesticide formulator officers. The message conveyed in agricultural extension is the SRI planting system method which includes field schools, organic fertilization, and the manufacture of MOL. The communication channels used are interpersonal channels including face to face, cellphone, and group meetings. The targets of agricultural counseling are group leaders and members of farmer groups. The effect of communication received from the delivery of information on agricultural extension includes cognitive effects, affective effects and conative effects.

Keywords : agricultural extension, SRI Program, communication process
Different perspectives in defining culture
Authors: Rachman Adelia Hanny
Published: November 2021

Society grows and develops rapidly while the theory of culture itself in Indonesia mostly refers to Koentjaraningrat’s paradigm. His theory is basically general and commonly used as a basic examination. The fact concerns me due to its deficiency – less relevant to accommodate currently cultural development. To answer this problem, I pertain to the Ahimsa-Putra’s cultural theory.  He proposed his thoughts to a more specific concept of culture. In his article entitled Mendefinisikan Kembali Kebudayaan, Ahimsa-Putra not merely describes definition of culture yet along with its dimensions and elements. This review would like to show whether his theory possibly can stipulate an answer to his criticism towards Koentjaraningrat's theory. Later on, I shall offer my disagreements in some of his views.
The Effect of Additional Feed Fermentation of Moringa Oleifera Leaves on The Cholesterol Level of Mojosari Laying Ducks
Authors: Lestari Ratna Dwi , Lokapirnasari Widya Paramita , Al Arif Muhammad Anam , Hidanah Sri , Soeharsono Soeharsono , Lamid Mirni
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of supplementary feeding with fermented Moringa leaf flour on cholesterol levels of Mojosari duck eggs and to calculate the cost of production. This study used 60 mojosari ducks, layer phase aged 27 weeks. Moringa flour was fermented using probiotics and given in four treatments, namely P0 (100% commercial feed), P1 (0.5% moringa leaf flour fermentation + 100% commercial feed), P2 (1% moringa leaf flour fermentation + 100% commercial feed), P3 (1.5% fermented Moringa leaf meal + 100% commercial feed). The variable observed in this study was cholesterol levels in Mojosari duck eggs. The results showed thatgiving Moringa leaf flour fermentation can give significantly different values (p <0.05) in each treatment both P0, P1, P2 and P3.In the fermentation of moringa leaf flour as much as 1.5% (P3) had the lowest cholesterol levels (113.13 ± 12.55) Meanwhile, 1% (P2) of moringa leaf flour fermentation has the highest cholesterol level (170.42 ± 13.19).
Molecular Characterization of Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Protein Virus Newcastle disease (ND) in Surabaya during 2003 and 2016
Authors: Wulandari Innah , Rahmahani Jola , Rahmawati Indah , Putih Nurvita , Azahro Aisyah , Kusnoto Kusnoto , Ernawati Rahayu , Rantam Fedik Abdul
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to determine the mutation of amino acid, nucleotide homology, phylogenetic tree, epitope prediction of Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase protein Newcastle Disease (ND) Virus isolated from traditional market around Surabaya. Samples were from 37 chicken with cloacal swab and one positive samples for control (LaSota). Samples were inoculated on embyonate chicken eggs and identified with HA test confirmed with HI test. Positive samples processed by PCR using forward and reverse primer with 503 bp RNA target. The PCR result then analyzed with sequencing. Result of sequencing analysis showed that theres similiarity between samples amino acid and vaccine isolate its effect the percentage of nucleotide homology and phylogenetic relation between isolate. Epitope NGAANNSGWGAPIHDPDYIGG have high immunogenic value at all of isolate which good as vaccine candidate.
Motivação para prática de exercício físico na pandemia COVID-19 de idosos ativos
Authors: Possamai Vanessa , Faria Borges Lucia , Kruger Gonçalves Andrea , Cardoso da Silva Priscilla
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: Verificar associação entre a motivação para prática de exercício físico e o nível de atividade física durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo. Participaram do estudo 98 idosos de um programa de extensão universitária. Foi aplicado questionário com questões fechadas sobre motivação à prática de exercício físico e o nível de atividade física durante a pandemia; através de um formulário on-line enviado aos participantes pelo aplicativo WhatsApp durante o primeiro semestre de 2020. Para análise estatística, foi utilizado o teste de qui-quadrado para independência pelo software IBM-SPSS Statistics Base v.20. (Comitê de Ética-Universidade nº39.373). Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 93% (n=91) do sexo feminino e 7% (n=7) sexo masculino, com média de idade de 72,19±6,30. Os resultados apontam que  10% (n=10) consideram-se sedentários, 35%  (n=35) pouco ativos e 54% (n=53) ativos. Sobre a motivação para a prática de exercício físico 45% (n=45) consideraram que a sua motivação diminuiu, 32% (n=32) se manteve e 21% (n=21) aumentou. Observou-se que houve associação entre a diminuição da motivação para a prática de atividade física e o baixo de nível de atividade física na pandemia [X² (2)= 33,201; (p<0,000)], apresentando uma associação de 0,582 (58%) entre estas variáveis. Conclusão: Idosos com nível de atividade física considerados sedentários apresentaram-se menos motivados a realizar atividade física durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Nesta amostra, idosos ativos e pouco ativos oscilam sua motivação quanto a prática de atividade física, podendo limitar o seu engajamento a permanecer na atividade a longo prazo.
Awareness and Readiness of COVID-19 among Bangladeshi Residents
Authors: Saha Mili , Saha Goutam
Published: November 2021

Bangladesh has adopted some special steps to control the quick spread of the COVID-19 pandemic situation. However, the local residents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the disease have a direct impact on the success of the controlling measures taken by the state. This article explores knowledge (K) about preventions, attitude (A) to the disease, and practices (P) of preventing COVID-19 situation of the young age groups residing in Bangladesh. Quantitative data were collected online using a KAP questionnaire from 932 participants. Results show the population is generally aware of the symptoms, keeping social distance by staying home and are concerned about re-spreading after the lock-down period. However, they are quite unsure about the possible medicines frequently talked about in the media and the necessity of avoiding animal protein. One of the major limitations is, these findings should not be generalized due to the low number of participants compared to the total population in Bangladesh.
Battery Life Estimation of a Battery Under Different Stress Conditions
Authors: Andrenacci Natascia , Vellucci Francesco , Sglavo Vincenzo
Published: November 2021

The prediction of capacity degradation, and more generally of the behaviors related to battery aging, is useful in the design and use phases of a battery to help improve the efficiency and reliability of energy systems. In this paper, a stochastic model for the prediction of battery cell degradation is presented. The proposed model takes its cue from an approach based on Markov chains, although it is not comparable to a Markov process, as the transition probabilities vary as the number of cycles that the cell has performed varies. The proposed model can reproduce the abrupt decrease in the capacity that occurs near the end of life condition (80% of the nominal value of the capacity) for the cells analyzed. Furthermore, we illustrate the ability of this model to predict the capacity trend for a lithium-ion cell with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) at the cathode and graphite at the anode subjected to a life cycle in which there are different aging factors, using the results obtained for cells subjected to single aging factors.
New Therapeutic Targets for Hepatic Fibrosis in the Integrin Family, α8β1 and α11β1, Induced Specifically on Activated Stellate Cells
Authors: Yokosaki Yasuyuki , Nishimichi Norohisa
Published: November 2021

Huge effort has been devoted to developing drugs targeting integrins over 30 years, because of the primary roles of integrins in the cell-matrix milieu. Five αv-containing integrins, in the 24 family members, have been a central target of fibrosis. Currently, a small molecule against αvβ1 is undergoing a clinical trial for NASH-associated fibrosis as a rare reagent aiming at fibrogenesis. Latent TGFβ activation, a distinct talent of αv-integrins, has been intriguing as therapeutic target. None of the αv-integrin inhibitors, however, has been in the clinical market. αv-integrins commonly recognize an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence, and thus the pharmacophore of inhibitors for the 5-integrins is based on the same RGD structure. The RGD preference of the integrins, at the same time, dilutes ligand specificity, as the 5-integrins share ligands containing RGD sequence such as fibronectin. With the inherent little specificity in both drugs and targets, “disease specificity” has become less important for the inhibitors than blocking as many αv-integrins. In fact, an almighty inhibitor for αv-integrins, pan-αv, was in a clinical trial. On the contrary, approved integrin inhibitors are all specific to target integrins, which are expressed in cell-type specific manner: αIIbβ3 on platelets, α4β1, α4β7 and αLβ2 on leukocytes. Herein, “disease specific” integrins would serve as attractive targets. α8β1 and α11β1 are selectively expressed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and distinctively induced upon culture activation. The exceptional specificity to activated HSCs reflects rather “pathology specific” nature of these new integrins. The monoclonal antibodies against α8β1 and α11β1 in preclinical examinations may illuminate the road to the first medical reagents.
Covariant Space-Time Line Elements in the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker Geometry
Authors: Escors David , Kochan Grazyna
Published: November 2021

Most quantum gravity theories endow space-time with a discreet nature by space quantization on the order of Planck length (lp ). This discreetness could be demonstrated by confirmation of Lorentz invariance violations (LIV) manifested at length scales proportional to lp. In this paper, space-time line elements compatible with the uncertainty principle are calculated for a homogeneous, isotropic expanding Universe represented by the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker solution to General Relativity (FLRW or FRW metric). To achieve this, the covariant geometric uncertainty principle (GeUP) is applied as a constraint over geodesics in FRW geometries. A generic expression for the quadratic proper space-time line element is derived, proportional to Planck length-squared and dependent on two contributions. The first is associated to the energy-time uncertainty, and the second depends on the Hubble function. The results are in agreement with space-time quantization on the expected length orders, according to quantum gravity theories and experimental constraints on LIV.
Geologi dan Kestabilan Lereng dalam Pemetaan Zonasi Longsor di Desa Seberang dan Sumur Gedang, Kecamatan Pesisir Bukit, Kota Sungai Penuh, Jambi
Authors: Frananda Fandi , Mahbub Itang Ahmad , Siregar Anggi Deliana
Published: November 2021

Longsor terjadi diakibatkan kestabilan lereng yang terganggu maka gerakan tanah (longsoran) akan terjadi dan dapat menimbulkan kerugian besar bagi masyarakat di sekitarnya. Kota Sungai Penuh cecara fisiografis berada di tepi bagian muka Lempeng Benua Asia yang berbenturan dengan Lempeng Samudera Hindia mengakibatkan sering dilanda bencana geologi. Kecamatan Pesisir Bukit merupakan daerah rawan akan potensi gerakan tanah longsor berdasarkan peta perkiraan gerakan tanah longsor untuk periode bulan Januari hingga Februari 2018. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memetakan zonasi longsor daerah penelitian berdasarkan kestabilan lereng dari data lapangan dan laboratorium. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode survei dan observasi lapangan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan daerah penelitian dibagi menjadi zona rendah (stabil), menengah dan tinggi (labil) berdasarkan ketentuan PVMBG. Zona berpotensi rendah dapat ditemukan adanya tanah longsor, namun ditemukannya tanah longsor ini jarang, namun dapat terjadi jika adanya faktor yang memicu longsor. Zona berpotensi menengah menandakan bahwa pada daerah tersebut ditemukannya kejadian longsor cukup banyak, merupakan daerah berbukit, tutupan lahan dengan curah hujan cukup tinggi. Sedangkan zona berpotensi tinggi menandakan daerah sangat berpotensi longsor, umumnya ditemukan pada daerah lereng terjal dengan intensitas curah hujan tinggi dan bencana tanah longsor pada daerah ini akan sering terjadi.
Inisiasi Implementasi Zenius sebagai Aplikasi Pembelajaran Online di SD Muhammadiyah Wonorejo
Authors: Anwar Fuad , Soeparmi Soeparmi , Cari Cari , Riyatun Riyatun , Suharyana Suharyana , Yunianto Mohtar , Darmanto Darmanto
Published: November 2021

Telah dilakukan inisiasi implementasi zenius yang merupakan aplikasi pembelajaran online di SD Muhammadiyah Wonorejo yang  diikuti 17 Guru. Dalam kegiatan tersebut dibagi menjadi 2 tahap, tahap pengenalan Aplikasi berbasis Desktop untuk menu pengunjung, Guru, Murid dan Orang tua. Untuk menu Guru dilatih untuk mengelola kelas, mengunggah materi pembelajaran, membuat soal, melakukan penilaian siswa serta melakukan pelaporan nilai ke orang tua. Tahap berikutnya adalah pengenalan Aplikasi berbasis Android, di latihkan untuk menu Murid, berisi lihat materi pembelajaran, presensi, mengerjakan soal ujian dan mengetahui hasil ujian. Sebelum dilakukan pelatihan sebagian besar tidak memahami aplikasi pembelajaran online, setelah dilakukan pelatihan semua peserta memahami dan akan mengimplementasikan dalam proses pembelajaran di kelas.

 
Upaya praktik Good Corporate Governance dalam penghindaran pajak di Indonesia
Authors: Chandra Budi , Cintya Cintya
Published: November 2021

Tax avoidance is done by looking for the weeknesses in the lawsand regulations. This action occurs none other than caused by corporate governance. The purpose of this research is to determine the relationship between good corporate governance and tax avoidance. Good corporate governance is proxied by board gender diversity, institutional ownership, audit committee and independence commissioners. The sample used in this research contains annual reports taken from 111 companies listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange in 2016-2020. The data that has been collected is then processed using a data panel regression analysis system. The result shows there is a significant negative relation between audit committee and tax avoidance. Board gender diversity, institutional ownership and independent commissioners are negatively affect tax avoidance but not statistically significant. In addition, the control variables in the form of leverage and firm size are proven to have a significant negative and positive effect towards tax avoidance. Meanwhile, ROA is not proven to have a significant influence on tax avoidance. The recommendation from this research is that the next researcher should add the number of sample data and variables outside of this study in order to get better research results.
Covid-19 Vaccination: A Bird’s Eye View
Authors:   Department of Clinical Hematology, National Institute of Blood Disease & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan., Shamsi Tahir Sultan , Imam Mehjabeen ,   Department of Immunology, National Institute of Blood Disease & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: November 2021

Covid-19 pandemic plagued this world since the beginning of 2020 AD. It is caused by a new positive-strand RNA virus of coronaviridae family [1]. It causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (hence the name COVID-19). It is a contagious disease predominantly causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, hence the name SARS-CoV-2. It started from Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, it has spread globally. It is reported to be a new virus therefore it’s properties, pathogenesis, virulence, immunogenicity, variants, and how will host body will react to this virus was unknown. Despite of 22 months since this virus started to spread worldwide, researchers and clinicians continued to learn about it on daily basis. Newer information about it poured in daily in scientific journals as well as in print / electronic media. Mostly, newer information continued to negate earlier information. Social media disinformation continued to confuse the masses.
Knowledge and Attitude towards Infection Prevention at a Newly Established Hospital
Authors:   Department of Research and Development, National Institute of Blood Disease & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan., Mujtaba Haya Ul , Anwar Nida ,   Department of Hematology, National Institute of Blood Disease & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan., Fatima Naveena ,   Department of Research and Development, National Institute of Blood Disease & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan., Mukry Samina ,   Department of Infection Control and Prevention, National Institute of Blood Disease & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan, Jamal Aisha ,   Department of Hematology, National Institute of Blood Disease & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan., Rizvi Qurat-Ul-Ain ,   Department of Hematology, National Institute of Blood Disease & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan., Shamsi Tahir Sultan ,   Department of Hematology, National Institute of Blood Disease & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: November 2021

Abstract: Objective: Health care associated infections are those infections that patients acquire in hospitals during their treatment and health care workers are important source for it. The study was designed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Health care workers towards infection control. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study conducted from December 2019 to February 2020 at NIBD & BMT. Approval was taken from NIBD Research Committee. A pre-designed questionnaire was given to staff that had given informed consent. The questionnaire was composed of two parts. The first part comprised of sociodemographic information and the second part comprising 37 questions of knowledge and 11 question of attitude. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 23. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables and mean for quantitative data. Chi-square test was used for association with level of significance as P-value <0.05. Results: A total of 82 health care professionals were interviewed. Out of which 49(60%) were male. The mean age of participants was 28.87 ± 6.4 years. Majority of staff had graduate or above graduate education 40(49%). The overall mean knowledge score was found below average with mean of 18.3±12.3. The mean knowledge scores between age groups (p=0.786), gender (p=0.760) and department (p=0.360) were not found significant. Knowledge score was significantly different among educations level (p= <0.001). 71% were found to have good attitude. Educational status was associated with attitude (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings revealed below average knowledge however, attitude was found satisfactory. It is the need of time to organize training and educational sessions in order to minimize the rate of infection for the betterment of health care professionals and patients. Keywords: Healthcare associated infection, Infection control, Knowledge and practices, Attitude towards infection control, Healthcare workers, Pakistan.
Is The Theoretical Knowledge Reflected in Current Practice: Histopathological Helicobacter Pylori Research?
Authors:   Department of Gastroenterology, Abant Izzet Baysal University Hospital, Bolu, Turkey., Kosekli Mehmet Ali
Published: November 2021

Abstract: Objective: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is considered in the category of biological agent directly responsible for cancer. Guidelines recommend discontinuing suppressive conditions prior to histopathological helicobacter pylori testing, but there is little clinical trial data on how outcome is affected if this is not done. Optimal test recommendations in the guidelines are based on in vitro study results. In present study, we aimed to observe whether there was a difference in the prevalence of H. pylori histopathologically in patients who met the necessary prerequisites before Esophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (EGD) compared to the subjects group who did not meet the PPI discontinuation condition. Materials & Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between October 2015 and August 2016 in a reference hospital with 1.5 million hinterlands. Patients who underwent EGD by meeting all the prerequisites recommended by the guidelines for the H. pylori test were included in the study group (n=213), and those who discontinued other suppressive drugs except PPI were included in the control group (n=193). Results: While H. pylori was found to be 74.6% positive in the study group that provided all the prerequisites for histopathological H. pylori detection, H. pylori was found to be 64.9% positive in the control group continuing to receive PPI treatment (p=0.02). Conclusion: In conclusion, we suggest that it is necessary to proceed with the guidance of classical knowledge in determining the presence of H. pylori, which is a common public health problem that is up-to-date. Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Suppressive condition, Proton pump inhibitor, Histopathology, Cancer, Guideline.
A multi-proxy record of environmental change through the last 53,000 years recorded in the sediments of Lake Kanono, Northland, New Zealand
Authors: Evans Gianna , Augustinus Paul , Gadd Patricia , Zawadzki Atun , Ditchfield Amber , Shane Phil
Published: November 2021

Lake sediment archives from Southern Hemisphere mid-latitude regions provide invaluable records of late Quaternary environmental change. Here, changes in depositional environment over the past ca. 53,000 years were reconstructed using a range of physical, sedimentological, geochemical, and μ-XRF elemental proxy datasets analyzed from lake sediment cores obtained from Lake Kanono, Northland, New Zealand. The Lake Kanono stratigraphy displays a terrestrial peat environment (ca. 53,700–6,670 cal yr BP), followed by a trend of increased influx of detrital sediment during the Late Glacial–Interglacial Transition (LGIT) at ca. 14,000 cal yr BP with a peak from ca. 12,000 to 9,000 cal yr BP driven by increasingly dry conditions. The increase in sediment influx continued during the early to mid-Holocene, leading to dune reactivation which altered the catchment dynamics of the region, leading to the inception of a shallow lake basin at ca. 6,670 cal yr BP. The timing of the formation of this lake basin can be associated with changes in intensity of the Southern Westerly Winds (SWW) and the appearance and increase in intensity of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) after ca. 7,500–7,000 cal yr BP (Moy et al. 2002; Moreno et al. 2018). Drier conditions peaked from ca. 4,000 to 2,400 cal yr BP, possibly culminating in decreased lake levels that persisted from ca. 2,400 to 2,210 cal yr BP, renewed dune accumulation, and blocked stream outlets, resulting in a deep lake basin with thermal stratification that persisted to the present. Cluster analysis of the μ-XRF data demonstrates that the most prominent change in chemistry is near the onset of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) at ca. 26,700 cal yr BP associated with a transition to a drier, windier climate. The second most prominent change in the μ-XRF data is during the Polynesian phase of human settlement at ca. 612–575 cal yr BP (1338– 1375 CE). Hence, we can demonstrate the utility and power of a multi-proxy approach coupled with μ-XRF element data to interpret changing sediment sources to a lake basin. Such an approach allows rapid and reliable evaluation of catchment processes influenced by climate events and land-use changes at a resolution not available using other approaches.
Analisis Pusat Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Pada Tingkat Kecamatan di Kabupaten Asahan Sumatera Utara
Authors: Cahyo D Herman , Optari Leni Kunia , Duwi Yunitasari Duwi Yunitasari
Published: November 2021

One of the regional development strategies that became the focus of this research was the determination of the growth center. This study aims to find out the areas that are the growth in Asahan Regency and the highest relationship between spatial interactions between the growth centers and the hinterland. This analysisi tool used area scalogram, centrality index, and gravity index.. The results showed that the area that had a hierarchy with a high upward categorization as the center of growth was Kecamatan Kisaran Barat. Kisaran Barat as the growth center with the hinterland region which has the highest interaction value is the Kisaran Timur District, Air Joman District, and Pulo Bandring District.
Effects of Fritillaria Taipaiensis Long Term Single Planting on the Bacterial Diversity and Main Bio-chemical Factors in the Rhizospheric Soils
Authors: Zhou You , Mu Maojun , Yang Min , Yang Xiaohong , Zhang Hua , Guo Dongqin , Zhou Nong
Published: November 2021

Fritillaria taipaiensis is a traditional Chinese herbal plant. Germplasm degradation usually appears during its extended years of cultivation. Aiming to explore the mechanisms of the germplasm degradation, the bacterial diversities, bio-chemical characters in the rhizospheric soils of F. taipaiensis with different cultivation years from 1 to 5 were analyzed. The result showed the Chao1 and the ACE indices of the bacterial community had no significant difference among samples while the Shannon and Simpson indices declined with the cuntivation year; the dominant bacteria phylum was Proteobacteria, the remaining phyla were Chloroflexi, Nitrospirae, Planctomycetes, Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Bacteroidetes, and Acidobacteria; the relative abundances of the dominant bacterial genera changed obviously among samples; the bacterial community structures in the rhizospheric soils with cultivation years of 2 and 4 were significantly different from that in other samples; the content of organic matter, available N, available P, available K and the activities of urease, alkaline phosphatase in samples decreased with the cultivation years; the soil pH increased with the cultivation years to unsuitable for F. taipaiensis growth; the distance-based redundancy analysis showed the pH, organic matter content, available phosphorus content and urease activity were the primary factors in determining bacterial community composition, the intra group beta diversity of the rhizospheric bacteria increased after a initial decline with the cultivation year. These results indicated long term continuous cropping changed the bacterial community structure, fertility condition and soil enzyme activities in the F. taipaiensis rhizosphere soils, which could badly affect its growth.
Increased Tea Saponin Content Influences The Diversity and Function of Plantation Soil Microbiomes
Authors: Zhang Shouke , Kong Junqia , Li Zikun , Song Feng , He Xinhua , Chen Longfei , Guo Kai , Zhou Xudong
Published: November 2021

Background
Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) can affect the structures and functions of soil microbiomes. However, the core bacteria associated with PSMs, and their corresponding functions have not been explored extensively. In this study, soil physicochemical properties, tea saponin contents, microbial community compositions, and microbial community functions of different-age Camellia oleifera plantation soils from representative regions were analyzed. We evaluated the effects of plantation age increase on PSM accumulation, and the subsequent consequences on the structures and functions of soil microbiomes.
Results
Plantation ages increase positively corresponded with accumulated tea saponin contents, with negative effects on soil physicochemical properties, and soil microbiome structures and functions. Older plantation soil microbiomes exhibited simpler structures, lower diversity, and relatively looser putative interactions based on network analysis. Clearly, the core functions of soil microbiomes transitioned to those associated with PSM metabolisms, while microbial pathways involved in cellulose degradation were inhibited. Degradation experiments further confirmed that older plantation soils exhibited the higher capacity on tea saponin degradation but poorer on furfural.
Conclusions
This study systematically explored the influences of PSMs on soil microbiomes via the investigation of key bacterial populations and their functional pathways. With the increase of planting years, increased tea saponin content simplified the soil microbiomes diversity, inhibited the degradation of organic matter, and enriched the genes related to the degradation of tea saponin. These findings significantly advance our understanding on PSMs-microbiome interactions and could provide fundamental and important data for sustainable management of Camellia plantations.
Leukocyte adhesive function in Intensive Care patients with non-infectious and infectious systemic inflammation
Authors: Li Anqi , Jacques Angela , Avalos Bárbara de la Peña , Ong Yih Rue , Elgass Kirstin , Saylor Emma , Meyer Jason , Walsham James , Denny Kerina , Lipman Jeffery , Cheng Qiang , Kruger Peter
Published: November 2021

Background: The lack of rapid and accurate diagnostic tools to distinguish infectious (known as sepsis) and non-infectious causes of inflammation in patients with systemic inflammation remains a significantly unmet clinic need, particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU). As a hallmark of inflammation, circulating leukocytes must be activated and undergo a cascade of interactions with blood vessel endothelium before transmigrating into surrounding tissues, a process called leukocyte recruitment. Given the divergent disease aetiologies, it was hypothesised that the ability of circulating leukocytes to interact with endothelial cells and cause inflammation may differ when responding to infectious and non-infectious inflammatory stimuli, providing potential markers to differentiate these two diseases. ﻿Methods: In the present study, a flow-based blood testing platform, named leukocyte adhesive function assay (LAFA), was used to mimic blood microcirculation in vitro so that the patient leukocyte ability to interact with multiple endothelial molecules, including P+E selectins, VCAM-1 and IL-8, can be studied. The leukocyte adhesive functions of multiple leukocyte subsets were quantitatively assessed using a range of cell kinetic parameters, including cell speed, straightness, dwell time etc.Results: When analysed on P+E selectin substrate, a significantly lower value of cell straightness was observed in septic CD4 cells than non-infectious cells (0.78±0.04 vs 0.92±0.01, p < 0.01), suggesting a difference in CD4 cells ability to adhere to selectins in infectious and non-infectious patients. Additionally, an impaired ability to respond to IL-8 was observed in septic neutrophils compared to non-infectious cells, evidenced by a significantly reduced cell dwell time (91.7±14.0 vs 150.6±19.0 seconds, p < 0.05).Conclusions: Thus, our study promisingly showed the ability of LAFA to detect different adhesive function between leukocytes from ICU patients with infectious and non-infectious systemic inflammation. LAFA generated a number of novel markers that might distinguish infectious inflammation from non-infectious causes that warrant further study and novel opportunities for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of sepsis.
From a Long-distance Threat to the Invasion Front: Invasive Aedes Mosquito Species in Belgium Between 2007 and 2020
Authors: Deblauwe Isra , De Wolf Katrien , De Witte Jacobus , Schneider Anna , Verlé Ingrid , Vanslembrouck Adwine , Smitz Nathalie , Demeulemeester Julie , Loo Thomas Van , Dekoninck Wouter , Krit Meryam , Madder Maxime , Müller Ruth , Bortel Wim Van
Published: November 2021

Background: Invasive mosquito species (IMS) and their associated mosquito-borne diseases are emerging in Europe. In Belgium, the first detection of Aedes albopictus occurred in 2000 and of Aedes japonicus in 2002. Early detection and control of these IMS at points of entry (PoE’s) are of paramount importance to slow down any possible establishment. This paper gives an account of the IMS surveillance in Belgium between 2007 and 2020 and reviews the introductions and establishments recorded in that period.Methods: In total 52 PoE’s were monitored at least once for the presence of IMS between 2007 and 2020. These included used tyre and lucky bamboo import companies, airports, ports, parking lots along highways, shelters for imported cutting plants, wholesale markets, industrial areas, recycling areas, and cemeteries and an allotment garden at the country border with colonised areas. In general, monitoring was performed between April and November. Mosquitoes were captured with adult and oviposition traps, as well as by larval sampling. A logistic regression was performed to investigate the percentage of positive PoE’s for Ae. albopictus over the years. Results: Aedes albopictus has been detected at ten PoE’s, Ae. japonicus at three PoE’s and Aedes koreicus at two PoE’s. The latter two species have established overwintering populations. The percentage of PoE’s positive for Ae. albopictus increased significantly over time. Aedes albopictus is currently entering Belgium through lucky bamboo trade, used tyre trade and passive ground transport, while Ae. japonicus only through the latter two pathways. In Belgium, the import through passive ground transport was first recorded in 2018 and its importance seems to grow.Conclusion: Belgium is currently at the invasion front of Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus. The surveillance and control management actions at well-known PoE‘s associated to long-distance introductions are more straightforward than at less-defined PoE’s associated with short-distance introductions from colonised areas. These latter PoE’s represent a new challenge for IMS management in Belgium in the coming years and stresses the urgence of implementing a sustainable, structured and long-term IMS management programme, integrating active and passive surveillance and control.
Can Southeast Asia continue to be a major rice bowl?
Authors: Yuan Shen , Stuart Alexander , Laborte Alice , Edreira Juan Rattalino , Dobermann Achim , Kien Le Vu Ngoc , Thúy Lưu Thị , Paothong Kritkamol , Traesang Prachya , Myo Tint Khin , Su San Su , II Marcelino Villafuerte , Quicho Emma , Pame Anny , Then Rathmuny , Flor Rica , Thon Neak , Agus Fahmuddin , Agustiani Nurwulan , Deng Nanyan , Li Tao , Grassini Patricio
Published: November 2021

Southeast Asia is a major rice-producing region, with high level of internal consumption and accounting for 40% of global rice exports. Limited land resources, climate change, and yield stagnation during recent years have once again raised concerns about the capacity of the region to meet the growing demand for rice and remain as a large net exporter. Here we use a modelling approach to map rice yield gaps and assess production potential and net exports by 2040. We find that the average yield gap represents 48% of the yield potential estimate for the region. Exploitable yield gaps are relatively large in Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Thailand, but comparably smaller in Indonesia and Vietnam. Continuation of current yield trends will not allow Indonesia and Philippines to meet their domestic rice demand. In contrast, closing the exploitable yield gap would allow all countries to achieve rice self-sufficiency, with an aggregated annual rice surplus of 100 million tons available for export. Our study provides insights for increasing regional production on existing cropland by narrowing existing yield gaps.
Low Baseline Ischemic Water Uptake is Directly Related to Overestimation of CT Perfusion-Derived Ischemic Core Volume
Authors: McDonough Rosalie V. , Elsayed Sarah , Meyer Lukas , Ewers Theresa , Bechstein Matthias , Kniep Helge , Nawka Marie Teresa , Faizy Tobias D. , Schön Gerhard , Thomalla Götz , Fiehler Jens , Hanning Uta , Kemmling Andre , Broocks Gabriel
Published: November 2021

Background

Computed-tomography perfusion (CTP) is frequently used to screen acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients for endovascular treatment (EVT), despite known problems with ischemic “core” overestimation. This potentially leads to the unfair exclusion of patients from EVT. We propose that net water uptake (NWU) can be used in addition to CTP to more accurately assess the extent and/or stage of tissue infarction.
Methods

Patients treated for AIS between 06/2015-07/2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline CTP-derived core volume (pCore) and NWU were determined. Logistic regression tested the relationship between baseline clinical and imaging variables and core-overestimation (primary outcome). The secondary outcomes comprised 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin score) and lesion growth.
Results

284 patients were included. Median NWU was 7.2% (IQR:2.6–12.8). ASPECTS (RR:1.28,95%CI:1.09-1.51), NWU (RR:0.94,95%CI:0.89-0.98), onset to recanalization (RR:1.00,95%CI:0.99-1.00) and imaging (RR:1.00,95%CI1.00-1.00) times, and pCore (RR:1.02,95%CI:1.01-1.02) were significantly associated with core overestimation. Core-overestimation was more likely to occur in patients with large pCores and low NWU at baseline. NWU was significantly correlated with lesion growth.
Conclusion

NWU can be used as a supplemental tool to CTP during admission imaging to more accurately assess the extent of ischemia, particularly relevant for patients with large CTP-defined cores who would otherwise be excluded from treatment.
Bright--Dark Solitons in the Space-Shifted Nonlocal Coupled Nonlinear Schrodinger Equation
Authors: Ren Ping , Rao Jiguang
Published: November 2021

Multiple bright-dark soliton solutions in terms of determinants for the space-shifted nonlocal coupled nonlinear Schro¨dinger (CNLS) equation are constructed by using the bilinear (Kadomtsev-Petviashvili) KP hierarchy reduction method. It is found that the bright-dark two-soliton only occur elastic collisions. Upon their amplitudes, the bright two solitons only admit one pattern whose amplitude are equal, and the dark two solitons have three different non-degenerated patterns and two different degenerated patterns. The bright-dark four-soliton is the superposition of the two-soliton pairs and can generated bound-state solitons. The multiple double-pole bright-dark soliton solutions are generated through the long wave limit of the obtained bright-dark soliton solutions, and their collision dynamics are also investigated.PACS 02.30.Jr · 03.75.Lm · 04.20.Jb · 05.45.Yv