bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences and concerns during the COVID‑19 pandemic: A qualitative research with employees in the tourism sector of the Maldives
Authors: SHAFIYA ADAM AMINATH , RIYAZ AMINATH , MOHAMED SHAZLA , SOBIR ANIYA , ABDUL MUHAIMIN FATHIMATH NASIHA , SUDHA AMINATH , SHADIYA FATHIMATH
Published: February 2024

The Maldives is a small country, solely, dependent on the tourism sector for its economic growth. The first known case of COVID‑19 in the Maldives was reportedly a tourist from Italy in March 2020. As a result, the government implemented an overseas travel ban. Presumably, the effect of overseas travel ban was inevitable, which resulted in a complete shutdown of resorts. This paper covers a component from a research project conducted March‑May 2020, by the Ministry of Economic Development with technical assistance from UNDP, as a rapid livelihood impact assessment of COVID‑19 in the Maldives.The data reported in this paper is concentrated on the qualitative dataset collected to investigate the experiences and concerns of resort employees at the onset of COVID‑19 pandemic. A total of 31 participants across 13 resorts were randomly selected. The data were generated through in‑depth interviews which lasted 40‑60 minutes either by conference calls or Zoom meetings based on preferred choice of the participants. Detailed notes were made during the conversation and were analysed thematically using the topics from the structured interview guide from the rapid livelihood assessment. The findings highlight the employees’ heightened anxiety about the exposure to COVID‑19 and its possible impact on their health and safety. The findings also highlight the economic impact on the resort workers because of the restrictive pay packages offered by the resorts in dealing with the sudden closure of the resorts in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The findings have useful inputs and implications on future strategic plans of small countries such as the Maldives that depend predominantly on a volatile tourism sector susceptible to external shocks such as the unforeseen COVID‑19 pandemic.
Bilingualism and the medium of instruction
Authors: HAMEED HASSAN
Published: February 2024

This paper explores Cummin’s dual iceberg metaphor in terms of bilingualproficiency in the Maldivian context and the gradual switch to English-mediuminstruction. Bilingual education was implemented in the Maldives on the premise that theearlier a student is introduced to a foreign language and the greater is her exposure, thebetter will be her proficiency in the foreign language. Research on bilingualism contradictsthis naïve and intuitive understanding of how a student achieves bilingual proficiency.The paper concludes by briefly outlining the manner in which the switch to the English-medium by policy actors was made and the consequent marginalization of mother tongue.and erosion of societal values.
Parental divorce as a predictor of attachment style in children’s adult intimate relationships: evidence from the Maldives
Authors: SHAZRA AMINATH , RIYAZ AMINATH
Published: February 2024

A quantitative analysis was carried out to determine the impact of parental divorce as a predictor of children’s attachment style in their adult intimate relationships using the Experiences in Close Relationship (ECR) Scale in combination with general demographics of the participants as well as their circumstances of the familial relationship with the divorced parents and stepfamilies. The questionnaire was set up using Google Form online tool. The link for the online questionnaire was shared among various social media groups, requesting participants aged 18 and above who have experienced parental divorce in their childhood. A total of 113 completed questionnaires were received (from 24 males and 89 females). The findings from this research construed anxious-preoccupied attachment style as the most prevalent among the participants. The analysis of the results show that these participants have a negative outlook on themselves and a positive outlook on others. The findings also show the importance of devising informed interventions and incorporating them in the relevant laws and policies to tackle the extremely high divorce rate in the Maldives.
Satisfaction of Caretakers towards Government’s Home Visit Program for Bedridden Patients in Greater Male’, Maldives: A descriptive study
Authors: TAJ AMIR , SUZANA MARIYAM
Published: February 2024

The home visit program for bedridden patients, implemented by the Government of Maldives, has been operating without undergoing any evaluation since its inception in 2015.. The objective of the study was to assess the satisfaction level of caretakers towards the government’s home visit program for bedridden patients. A descriptive study was carried out from February to July 2022 for all the registered bedridden patients at the main urban primary health care centres in the Greater Male’ region of the Maldives. 123 caretakers were interviewed using a 49-item research instrument. The most common caretaker of bedridden patients were the offspring of the patients (67%). Only 10% of the bedridden patients were taken care of by hired caretakers. The majority (78%) of the caretakers of bedridden patients were not trained. The median score for the overall satisfaction on the home visit program and for the services provided by the program were found to be high at 10 out of 10 (IQR: 2) and 11 out of 14 (IQR: 7). However, the median score for the satisfaction on procedures and training conducted during the program was low at 2 out of 12 (IQR: 6) and 5 out of 10 (IQR: 8). The study found that caretakers appreciate the overall program, and were satisfied with the services such as drug prescription services, general consultations and examinations. However, the satisfaction level was very low on the procedures conducted during the home visits and the training programs provided for the caretakers.
Psychological stress imposed on residents of Malé city during the state-mandated lockdown
Authors: ABDULLA ANOOF , HUSSAIN LATHEEFA , SAMHA AMINATH , NAHAA NIZAM MARIYAM , NASMA IBRAHIM MARIYAM , RAMIYA MOHAMED AMINATH
Published: February 2024

The social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic brings out some worrying indicators about the public facing mental health issues and mostly, psychological stress, anxiety and depression. While the previous studies have suggested that pandemics impose a broad spectrum of psychological impacts, many people across the globe are currently facing the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly because of the strict containment measures that are being enforced. People are being forced to stay indoors with heavy penalties if failed to abide by, and this has led to a very stressful and monotonous days. This paper shall address into reverberation of Maldivian government enforced curfew, lockdown and closure of public places including schools, colleges, universities and offices on the emergence of the first case of COVID-19 community transmission in Malé City on April 15, 2020 and until May 28, 2020. This paper shall also address the impact on psychological stressing of people living in the Malé City.
The role of labour productivity within Algeria's sustainable economic development
Authors: Zemri Bouazza Elamine , Khetib Sidi Mohamed Boumediene
Published: February 2024

Despite Algeria's abundant natural resources, achieving sustainable growth and prosperity remains challenging. Amid this, labour productivity within the agricultural sector stands as a silent warrior, holding within its grasp the secrets to propel the Algerian economy forward. Therefore, this study tries to uncover the pivotal role of labour productivity in Algeria's agricultural sector as a beacon for sustainable economic development. Using an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model from 1990-2021, the results reveal that agricultural gross production value, inflation, and population growth are significant determinants of GDP per capita in the short-run, while agricultural value added per worker also emerges as an essential long-run driver. However, agricultural employment is shown to have an insignificant impact, indicating declines in the sector's workforce and neglect in recent years. Overall, the analysis confirms the hypotheses of either short-term or long-term connections between labour productivity and sustainable economic development within Algeria's agricultural sector. These findings illuminate a pathway that suggests revitalising the labour productivity within Algeria's agricultural sector could be a key lever in transforming Algeria's economic landscape towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.
The safe haven feature of gold in the recent crisis
Authors: Arnerić Josip , Paić Filip
Published: February 2024

The global repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial adverse impact on the overall economy, resulting in equity markets decline worldwide. Amidst this turbulent environment, plagued with uncertainty, investors have redirected their attention towards secure assets to protect their capital. In that context the main objective is to reevaluate whether gold still demonstrates the qualities of a safe haven investment during unprecedented events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian war, events distinct from past crisis we have experienced for example 2008 and 1987. For the same reason, a rolling regression between gold and the S&P500 index was employed, taking into account the time-varying properties of daily returns and opting for an optimal window size. The findings indicate that significant negative slope coefficients coincide with the COVID-19 pandemic and the initiation of the Ukrainian war. These results offer empirical evidence that gold continues to maintain a robust position as a safe haven in the perception of investors. Nevertheless, it is essential to emphasize that there is no universally applicable safe haven; the safety features of different assets fluctuate over time, depending on the specific market conditions and the nature of financial turmoil.
Effects of women decision making power on rural children nutritional status in Ogun State of Nigeria
Authors: Aboaba Kazeem Oriyomi , Obalola Tohib Oyeyode , Afolayan Samson Oluwaseyi , Akingba Olajumoke
Published: February 2024

Women's authority over specific family decisions tends to increase their financial security and power, which has an impact on their children's general health and well-being. A multistage sampling process was employed to choose 120 households. Primary data on the children's nutritional status, the household's socioeconomic characteristics, and women decision making were gathered using a well-structured questionnaire. The children's mean body mass index was 9.62 kg/m2, indicating underweight. It was also demonstrated that women had little influence over the quantity of farm produce consumed or sold, nor the number and spacing of their children. On the other hand, rural women make decisions about the daily diet of the home, the education of the children, the kind of medical assistance the child receives while ill, and the amount of parental guidance the youngster receives. However, the women decision making index (WDMI) which measures the negotiating power of women was 0.537. With the age of the mother, gender of child, women decision making index, farm size, farmers association, and farming experience influencing the children nutritional status. Therefore, as it tends to improve the nutritional outcomes for children, it is advised that women be given more control.
MENINGKATKAN KEBERANIAN SISWA SMP KELAS VIII DALAM MENGEMUKAKAN PENDAPAT DALAM PEMBELAJARAN PAIBP DENGAN METODE TANYA JAWAB ATAU DISKUSI DI SMPIT BINA MASYARAKAT MANDIRI MEGAMENDUNG
Authors: Firmansyah Maulana Anugrah  , Yal Robiansyah
Published: February 2024

Pendidikan Agama dan Budi Pekerti merupakan pembelajaran penting dalam penumbuhan karakter Pelajar, utamanya dalam zaman yang serba mudah dan kemorosotan moral yang terjadi dimana-mana.Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian tindakan kelas yang dilakukan untuk memperbaiki situasi pembelajaran dan meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik SMPIT Bina Masyarakat Mandiri. Model Pembelajaran yang digunakan yaitu model pembelajaran diskusi atau tanya jawab. Dengan model pembelajaran ini siswa dapat berdiskusi, memecahkan masalah, dan mempresentasikan hasil diskusi untuk kemudian direspon oleh peserta didik lain. Penelitian ini dilakukan dalam dua siklus, pada siklus 1 untuk penerapan metode diskusi atau tanya jawab presentasi yang mencapai nilai sangat berkembang yaitu 35 persen. Pada siklus terjadi peningkatan menjadi 80 persen. Ini menunjukan bahwa penerapan metode ini dalam pembelajaran PAI BP untuk meningkatkan keberanian siswa dalam mengemukakan opini, bertanya, menjawab dan menarik kesimpulan sangat efektif.
MENINGKATKAN PRESTASI BELAJAR MATERI HIDUP DAMAI MELALUI METODE CERAMAH DENGAN BERMAIN KUIS MENGGUNAKAN MEDIA POWERPOINT PADA SISWA KELAS II SD NEGERI PARAKAN 04 BOGOR
Authors: Aulia Oktami Putri  , Muhammad Rizal
Published: February 2024

Dalam menggunakan metode guru harus menyesuaikan dengan kondisi dan suasana kelas. Jumlah anak mempengaruhi penggunaan metode. Dalam perumusan tujuan, guru perlu merumuskannya dengan jelas dan dapat diukur. Dengan begitu memudahkan bagi guru menentukan metode yang bagaimana dipilih guna menunjang pencapaian tujuan yang telah dirumuskan tersebut. Penelitian tindakan kelas ini akan membahas tentang upaya meningkatkan prestasi belajar materi hidup damai melalui metode ceramah dengan bermain kuis menggunakan media powerpoint pada siswa kelas ii sd negeri parakan 04 Bogor.
EFFECTIVENESS OF THINK-PAIR-SHARE METHOD ON LEARNING OUTCOMES OF ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Authors: Hilma Hilmatussa’diah  , Muhammad Rizal  , Ratu Dinny Fauziah  , Abdul Kodir  , Zahro Malihah
Published: February 2024

Learning effectiveness is a measure related to the success rate of a learning process. The author categorizes the criteria for the effectiveness of learning methods in this study referring to student learning outcomes. When conducting observations, researchers found that many students' learning outcomes were not complete or many of their scores were still below the KKM. Due to this fact, the researcher was encouraged to use one of the TPS (Think Pair Share) type cooperative learning models. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Think Pair Share method on student PAI learning outcomes in the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of students. writer approached this research with a qualitative approach from a case study. The design of this research is class action or often called Classroom Action Research (PTK). With the results of class action research for 2 cycles using the TPS method and 1 pre-cycle using the lecture method, student learning outcomes have improved. The conclusion that can be drawn from the results of class action research to determine the effectiveness of the Think Pair Share method on PAI learning outcomes in class VI SDN Kotabatu 04 is that learning using the TPS method is said to be effective when compared to the lecture method that PAI teachers usually use in every PAI lesson, the results are clearly indicated by the achievement of the target student learning outcomes of more than 75% with indicators of success in improving learning outcomes in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains of class action research results.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF STUDENT CHARACTER WITH LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT IN PAI SUBJECT AT SMP INSAN KAMIL BOGOR
Authors: Siti Nurhasanah  , Muhammad Rizal  , Ratu Dinny Fauziah  , Abdul Kodir
Published: February 2024

This research discusses the relationship between student character and learning achievement in PAI subjects at Insan Kamil Junior High School, Bogor. This research was motivated by the poor performance of Indonesian students, based on the International Student Assessment Programme’s 2018 report, which ranked Indonesia in the bottom 10 out of 79 Southeast Asia countries. This research aims to: (1) determine the state of the student’s character, (2) determine the state of the student’s learning achievement, and (3) determine the relationship between the student’s character and PAI learning achievement at Insan Kamil Bogor Junior High School. The population of this study consisted of only class VII students of Insan Kamil Junior High School Bogor, totaling 147 students. The sampling method and the number of respondents was 105. Data collection methods use observation and documentation. The analysis technique used is simple linear regression analysis. Based on a simple linear regression analysis, we get the equation Ŷ=48.264+2.651X. the results of hypothesis testing (Pearson correlation) show that the student’s character variables have a significant relationship with learning achievement in PAI subjects at Insan Kamil Junior High School Bogor, and the correlation coefficient is 0.476. However, based on the calculation of the coefficient of determination (R2), the adjusted R square value is 0.219. This indicates that student’s character variables collectively have a significant influence on the learning achievement in PAI subjects at Insan Kamil Bogor Junior High School, namely 21.9%. The remaining 78.1% was influenced by other variables not investigated in this research.
Investigation into Spatially and Environmentally Aesthetic Dovecote Designs: A Case Study from the Xinjiang Region on the Silk Road
Authors:   1.Academy of Fine Arts, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610066, China；2.International education, Krirk University, Bangkok,10220, Thailand Email:20170084@sicnu.edu.cn, WANG Xiaodong
Published: February 2024

Globally, the dove is acknowledged as a peace representative and emblem. The Silk Road is noted for its vibrant pigeon culture, particularly in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a bustling hub of Chinese pigeon culture and industry. This research offers a systematic examination of the cultural and aesthetic features of pigeon coops in rural landscapes, utilizing China’s Xinjiang region as a representative sample. The study’s findings suggest that in Uyghur traditional villages when constructing pigeon coops, emphasis should be placed on their locational visibility and harmony with residential structures. The functional elements of the planning layout include the transition from traditional to modern dovecotes, exploitation of natural conditions, and effective arrangement and optimization of layout. For modern dovecote construction in Uyghur residential buildings, three factors should be considered: the environmental aesthetics of building materials, the use of innovative construction methods, and the safeguarding of significant cultural heritage. Conclusively, traditional Uyghur villages are endowed with abundant cultural heritage, which should be taken into account when designing the layout of pigeon coops for aesthetic considerations.
Transgressing theory/practice divides through collaboration.
Authors: Kousholt Dorte , Højholt Charlotte
Published: February 2024

This article contributes to discussions of transmethodology by drawing on experiences from conducting practice research aimed at the development of theory and practice through research collaboration. We analyze efforts to build research communities where researchers and professionals work together to perform analyses and develop knowledge. A collective research project exploring children’s possibilities for participation in school is used as a case for exploring how a research problem develops through such collabora-tion. This research project was designed to explore school life from the perspectives of children, parents, teachers, school leaders, and psychologists, and to analyze conflicts situated in everyday practices while considering political struggles concerning the school as a historical institution. The article emphasizes the often intangible and overlooked processes involved in research collaboration and details how we worked to build a re-search community comprising researchers and professionals that enabled collective mul-ti-perspective analyses. Building on a dialectical approach, we conceptualize conflicts as part of historical processes and as an immanent potentiality that arises from people’s engagement in common but contradictory matters. Hence, the different perspectives of those involved in children’s school life can be seen as linked through common matters, while also being differentiated by their allotted tasks in relation to children’s school life. This approach continuously challenged the researchers to analyze everyday conflicts grounded in the different perspectives of those involved, the different forms of reasoning, understandings, and standpoints, as well as how the different perspectives are connected through the participants’ engagement in a common matter – providing good schools for children. The article concludes by arguing that the discussed approach to theory devel-opment can be linked to a situated concept of generalization.
Évolution des politiques sociales et des programmes sociaux dédiés aux jeunes et aux familles au Québec : enjeux pour le travail social contemporain avec les familles
Authors: Barbe Mylène
Published: February 2024

Depuis longtemps, le travail social joue un rôle central dans le champ de l’intervention familiale au Québec. Que l’on pense aux agences de service social diocésaines, aux centres de services sociaux, aux services de protection de l’enfance ou au secteur Famille Enfance Jeunesse dans les CLSC, les personnes travailleuses sociales occupent une place importante dans les interventions avec les familles. Cet article s’intéresse à l’évolution des politiques sociales et des programmes sociaux développés pour soutenir les parents et promouvoir le bien-être des enfants au Québec. S’appuyant sur les idées développées par l’autrice dans le cadre de son projet de doctorat, une recension de la littérature empirique et théorique sera présentée sur les courants qui ont influencé cette évolution, ainsi que les enjeux et défis qui en découlent sur la pratique contemporaine du travail social avec les familles. Une exploration de certaines pistes d’action proposées dans la littérature pour une collectivisation des problèmes sociaux et un renouvellement des pratiques en travail social sera proposée en conclusion de l’article.
Transformer les réalités vécues en savoirs à partager : quand les usagers-entraineurs
deviennent acteurs de la formation en travail social
Authors: Lambert Annie , Scalabrini Laurence , Crête Maxime-Édouard , Roberge Alexandre , Huppé Karine , Pothier-Tessier Émilie , Doyle Julie , Dufour Dominique
Published: February 2024

Depuis plusieurs années, la pédagogie universitaire en travail social s’ouvre à
l’implication des usagers et au recours à leurs savoirs expérientiels, laissant place à des
pédagogies qui favorisent le croisement des savoirs. Depuis 2015, l’École de travail social
de l’Université de Sherbrooke déploie différents projets à ce niveau s’appuyant sur le
concept de réduction de la distance qui promeut des relations égalitaires et la
reconnaissance des savoirs de chacun. Notre article s’inscrit comme un récit de pratique
appuyé sur les réflexions et les analyses des différents acteurs impliqués et illustré par
les propos des personnes usagères participantes. Il permet d’exposer les principes et
modalités de nos projets et leur valeur ajoutée dans la formation des étudiantes. Dans un
contexte de mouvance et de questionnement du travail social, rendre compte de nos projets
nous porte à soulever des pistes de réflexion permettant de défendre l’idée que la
transformation des réalités vécues par les usagers en savoir à partager aux futures
travailleuses sociales est un incontournable pour les formations universitaires
actuelles.
Analytical Jurisprudence: Conceptual Framework
Authors: Mitrokhin Sergey Sergeevich
Published: February 2024

The subject of the study is the problem of defining the conceptual boundaries of analytical jurisprudence. In Anglo-American legal science, there is a well-established position recognised division into two stages in the development of analytical jurisprudence. The leader of the first stage is J. Austin, the founder of analytical jurisprudence, and the key figure of the second stage is H. L. A. Hart. At the same time, it is noted that scientific projects belonging to the first and second stages have fundamental differences. In this connection, in the present article the fundamental characteristics of analytical jurisprudence are identified through a comparative analysis of its projects presented in the works of the main representatives of the respective stages. The main method in the study is the interpretive method, which includes the method of problem-theoretical reconstruction. Through its application it is possible to reconstruct the theoretical provisions that determine the continuity between the two stages of analytical jurisprudence. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that it focuses on the common elements of the two stages in the development of analytical jurisprudence, which calls into question the absolute differentiation between them accepted in Anglo-American legal thought. In this regard, the study substantiates that the founding elements of analytical jurisprudence are its general and descriptive character, as well as positivist legal understanding. At the same time, the article shows that (1) the actual identification of conceptual analysis and analytical jurisprudence does not allow us to reliably explicate the continuity between the stages of analytical jurisprudence and identify analytical jurisprudence as an independent direction of research; (2) the exclusion of legal positivism from the identifying characteristics of analytical jurisprudence causes the risk of absorption of analytical jurisprudence as a legal science by philosophical discourse.
SPAG7 deletion causes intrauterine growth restriction, resulting in adulthood obesity and metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Flaherty Stephen E , Bezy Olivier , Paulhus Brianna LaCarubba , Song LouJin , Piper Mary , Pang Jincheng , Park Yoson , Asano Shoh , Lien Yu-Chin , Griffin John D , Robertson Andrew , Opsahl Alan , Hirenallur-Shanthappa Dinesh , Ahn Youngwook , Pashos Evanthia , Simmons Rebecca A , Birnbaum Morris J , Wu Zhidan
Published: February 2024

From a forward mutagenetic screen to discover mutations associated with obesity, we identified mutations in the
spag7
gene linked to metabolic dysfunction in mice. Here we show that SPAG7 KO mice are born smaller and develop obesity and glucose intolerance in adulthood. This obesity does not stem from hyperphagia, but a decrease in energy expenditure. The KO animals also display reduced exercise tolerance and muscle function due to impaired mitochondrial function. Furthermore, SPAG7-deficiency in developing embryos leads to intrauterine growth restriction, brought on by placental insufficiency, likely due to abnormal development of the placental junctional zone. This insufficiency leads to loss of SPAG7-deficient fetuses in utero and reduced birth weights of those that survive. We hypothesize that a “thrifty phenotype” is ingrained in SPAG7 KO animals during development that leads to adult obesity. Collectively, these results indicate that SPAG7 is essential for embryonic development and energy homeostasis later in life.
Correlation of Serum Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 with Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure among Newly Diagnosed Primary Hypertensive Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Panda Jyoti Prakash , Devi Nirupama , Dalai Sunanda , Nanda Bijaya Lakshmi , Pradhan Devi Prasad , Panda Sucheta , Padhy Rasmita Kumari , Ranjan Soumya
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a serine protease inhibitor expressed in adipose tissue, causes inflammation in hypertension and vice versa. The excess adipose tissue increases the production of PAI-1. There have been no relevant studies conducted on PAI-1 in southern Odisha in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI) and hypertension. Aim: To compare the BMI, Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist Circumference (WC), and serum levels of PAI-1 in hypertensive cases with controls, and also to correlate the serum level of PAI-1 with BMI and blood pressure. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of Medicine of MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India from November 2020 to August 2021. A total of 45 newly diagnosed primary hypertensive patients and 43 healthy age and sex-matched individuals between the ages of 18 to 60 years were enrolled in the study. Serum PAI-1 was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). BMI, WC, hip circumference, WHR, and blood pressures of the controls as well as cases were recorded. Data were statistically analysed using the Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The proportion of males was higher (56%) than females (44%). The cases had a significantly higher level of serum PAI-1 (203.36 ng/mL) compared to the control group (60.11 ng/mL) (p-value<0.001). The cases had a higher BMI, WC (meters), and WHR compared to the control group. The serum PAI-1 level positively correlated with Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) (r-value=0.852, p-value<0.001), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) (r-value=0.726, p-value=0.000), BMI (r-value=0.620, p-value=0.001), WC (r-value=0.444, p-value=0.002), and WHR (r-value=0.593, p-value<0.001). Conclusion: A high serum PAI-1 level was found in the newly diagnosed hypertensive cases, and a significant positive correlation was observed between PAI-1 and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with BMI, WC, and WHR.
Citation Analysis of Post Graduate Theses Submitted to Department of Renewable Energy Sources in College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra
Authors: Mukhedkar M. V. , Aware Seema V. , Bodake Prashant
Published: February 2024

Citation analysis helps to understand the different ways that users look for material. Citation analysis can be used to calculate the obsolescence rate. Finding the rate of obsolescence of publications in the field of renewable energy sources is the aim of this study. Citation analysis is being done on M.Tech. (Agril.Engg.) PG theses that were submitted to the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology's department of Renewable Energy Sources. The study uses theses that were submitted between 2017 and 2021. There are 14 theses in total, with 707 citations. Analysis is also conducted to determine the Authorship pattern and Types of Information Sources that the researchers mentioned in their theses.
A Study of the Impacts of Measurement errors on Robust Parameter Design for Multi-response
Authors: Danbaba A. , Dauran N. S. , Mustafa A. , Ibrahim M.
Published: February 2024

Robust parameter design is a principle in quality improvement methodologies that is directed towards reducing the effects of errors which are either poised by the noise factors or the control factors. Response surface methodology is an effective approach to robust parameter design. Previous studies discussed Robust parameter design based on the response surface model by considering measurement errors in control variables for a single response variable. However, in process design, determining optimal levels of control variables is an important issue in some problems with different outputs. This study therefore investigates the impacts of measurement errors in the levels of control variables on processes with multiple quality characteristics (responses). Different variances of error were tested on the levels of control variables and the analysis of response surface modeling and optimization was performed. The result showed that as measurement errors in the levels of control variables increase, the coefficient of determinations for the multi-response and the expected quality loss deviates from what is obtainable in the initial state. It can be concluded based on the result however, that measurement errors in the levels of control variables exert impacts on robust parameter design for multi-response.
The Efficiency of Black Soldier Fly Larvae with Vegetable, Fruit and Food Waste as Biological Tool for Sustainable Management of Organic Waste
Authors: Karthikeyani T. , Sivasubramanian K. , Maheswari M. , Chitra N. , Saravanan S. , Jothimani P. , Karthika S.
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the sustainable management of wet organic waste using Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) for an innovative biological approach to waste management. The organic wet wastes such as fruit, vegetable, and food wastes were processed and fed to BSFL larvae from day 5 and the bioconversion process was carried out at Black Soldier Fly Unit, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University for 21 days. Among the three wastes, the highest bioconversion efficiency was recorded in fruit waste with 67% Substrate Reduction, 10.8% Efficiency of Conversion of Digested feed, 5.7% Bio Conversion Rate, and 4.18 Waste Reduction Index after 21 days. Whereas vegetable and food waste achieved similar bioconversion efficiency. The results suggest that BSFL-based bioconversion can be an effective and eco-friendly waste management and resource recovery technique to significantly lower the volumes of organic wet waste while converting it into high-value biomass and leading to a circular economy model.
Evaluation of Genetic Parameters for Yield and its Attributing Traits in Green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
Authors: Jain Niyati , Sikarwar R. S. , Tripathi M. K. , Tiwari Sushma
Published: February 2024

A study was conducted employing twelve quantitative traits viz., days to  50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height(cm),  number of branches per plant, number  of clusters per  plant, number of  pods per  cluster, pod  length(cm),  number of  seeds   per  pod,  100 seed  weight(g), harvest index, biological yield per plant  and  seed  yield  per plant  (g) on 40 green gram genotypes with the intent to uncover the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance. Significant variance was found for each characteristic when using simple descriptive statistics. High PCV and GCV estimates was noticed for number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant, number of cluster per plant and number of pods per cluster. Days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant showed high heritability with high genetic advancement based on a study of genetic variability, suggesting that additive gene action predominates. It will be beneficial to select for these traits.
Pesticide Tolerance in the Five Field Strains of Trichogramma chilonis from Northern Districts of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Prabhu B. , Edward Y. S. Johnson Thangaraj , Priya R. Vishnu , Ramanathan A. , Jeyaprakash P.
Published: February 2024

The egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis is a potential egg parasitoid in the sugarcane, reducing early shoot borer and internode borer population. The laboratory strains of T. chilonis was significantly inferior to the ecotypes collected from fields in their tolerance to insecticide due to continuous exposure to insecticides in the field. Hence, a study was undertaken to evaluate the laboratory reared strain of T. chilonis with that of other ecotypes to identify a pesticide tolerant ecotype for use in pest management by augmentative release. Five ecotypes of T. chilonis were collected from farmer's fields on sugarcane and citrus using sentinel egg technique by exposing egg cards of Corcyra cephalonica, mass reared on C. cephalonica for three successive generations and tested for their relative tolerance to insecticides in comparison with the laboratory strain.  Significantly higher level of parasitisation (50.59, 45.32 and 60.45 %) by Arungunam ecotype was observed on eggs sprayed with Imidacloprid 70 WS, Thiomethoxam 75 SG and Flubendiamide 20% WG respectively before exposing to the parasitoid. The Chitteri ecotype was found next in order of tolerance to the insecticides Imidacloprid 70 WS, Thiomethoxam 75 SG and Flubendiamide 20% WG (45.00, 41.23 and 58.23 % respectively). The adult emergence was not found to be affected much by the insecticides sprayed before parasitisation. Varying degrees of insecticide toxicity against different ecotypes of T. chilonis inside host eggs was observed and Arungunam ecotype showed more tolerance to the insecticides tested with,71.28, 53.46  and 81.67 per cent adult emergence respectively from parasitised eggs sprayed with Imidacloprid 70 WS, Thiomethoxam 75 SG and Flubendiamide 20% WG. Among the insecticide tested, Flubendiamide was least toxic to the parasitoid developing with in the host egg and Thiomethoxam was found to be more toxic with nearly 50 per cent reduction in the adult emergence.
Assessment of Different Okra Varieties for Yield, Quality and, Economical Feasibility Cultivated in the Hadoti Region of South-East Rajasthan, India
Authors: Meena Mukesh Kumar , Suman Mahaveer
Published: February 2024

The study focuses on the cultivation of okra, a prominent Indian vegetable with significance in both export and family consumption. Emphasizing the potential for increased okra production through the selection of high-yielding varieties, the research specifically targets the Hadoti region, aiming to identify varieties suitable for its agro-climatic conditions. The lack of such screening in the region prompted the study. The trial was conducted during the summer of 2022 and 2023 at the Instructional Farm of Career Point University, Kota, Rajasthan and the research evaluated 12 okra varieties using a randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all varieties for various traits, including yield, quality and economical feasibility. The study underscores the presence of a substantial varietal effect, offering insights into optimizing okra cultivation in the Southeast climatic conditions of Rajasthan's Hadoti region. The results showed the presence of a significant varietal effect. However, the present study demonstrated the superiority of Punjab Selection variety over other varieties in terms of maximum mean fruit length (13.07 cm), fruit diameter (3.77 cm) and fruit weight (15.56 g), minimum mean titratable acidity (0.22%), maximum TSS (3.18 °B), ascorbic acid (19.64 mg/100g) and mucilage content (0.91%), maximum mean fruit yield per plant (0.53 kg), fruit yield per plot (11.68 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (124.30 q). However, the net return of Rs. 248575 Rs./ha and 249325 Rs./ha along with benefit-cost ratio 5.02 and 5.05 in 2022 and 2023 respectively was also obtained from okra variety Punjab Selection.
The genetic structure of human pathogens
Authors: Wilson Daniel J. , Falush Daniel
Published: January 2005

Human pathogen populations are structured by processes including within‐host competition, host–pathogen interaction, selection on the transmission cycle, historic changes in prevalence, and human migratory history. We document examples in which signatures of each process are evident and describe some of the factors that lead one process to dominate over the others. Intuitively, it might be thought that pathogen coevolutionary interaction is so intense that under normal circumstances we might expect that the signature of historic migration is obliterated. However, while this is the case for most pathogens, one pathogen,
Helicobacter pylori
, provides a signature of migrations, which seems, given current sequencing and analytical technologies, to be at least as informative as human genes.
Uniparental disomy
Authors: Theisen Aaron P. , Shaffer Lisa G.
Published: January 2005

Normal, biparental inheritance of the autosomal genes results from one member of each pair of homologous chromosomes being inherited from each parent. Originally proposed as a mechanism for human genetic disease in 1980, uniparental disomy is the abnormal inheritance of a pair of homologous chromosomes from a single parent. Uniparental disomy results in a chromosomally balanced offspring who, depending on the chromosome involved, may be phenotypically normal. However, for some chromosomes, uniparental disomy may result in over‐ or underexpression of imprinted genes, which exhibit parent‐of‐origin‐specific differences in expression. Numerous clinically significant syndromes, most involving differential growth and cognitive effects, are the consequence of imprinting effects unmasked by uniparental disomy.
Sex‐specific maps and consequences for linkage mapping
Authors: Sieberts Solveig K. , Gudbjartsson Daniel F.
Published: January 2005

In humans, as in most species, map distances vary between the sexes. Overall, the female‐to‐male ratio is estimated to be 1.65 : 1, but this ratio varies by chromosome. Additionally, ratios are not constant along the chromosome, and patterns of sex‐distance ratio vary by chromosome. Generally, females tend to demonstrate more recombination near the centromere, while males demonstrate more recombination near the telomeres. Despite the sometimes extreme differences between the sex‐specific maps, multipoint linkage analyses are often performed assuming a sex‐averaged linkage map. Assuming a sex‐averaged map can alter the distributions of the LOD, and NPL scores, and can affect the power and false‐positive rate, especially when pedigrees contain unequal numbers of male and female meioses or when specifically modeling parent‐of‐origin effects, such as imprinting models.
Computation ofLODscores
Authors: Hinrichs Anthony L. , Suarez Brian K.
Published: January 2005

Linkage analysis has become the key tool for the identification of genetic factors causing human disorders. Methodology has been developed and continues to be developed to analyze linkage data for a variety of disease models and pedigree structures. We present detailed examples of three basic methods: parametric (for both dominant and recessive traits), affected sibling pair, and nonparametric linkage.
Ethical and legal issues in medical genetics
Authors: Pelias Mary Kay
Published: January 2005

The foundations of ethical and legal issues in medical genetics lie in the evolution of the physician–patient and researcher–subject relationships. As patients and subjects have acquired protection of their personal autonomy, parallel doctrines of informed consent have developed in clinical practice and biomedical research. Issues of genetic testing in children, newborn screening, and use of archived tissue samples have been widely studied and at least partially resolved. Issues derived from concerns about genetic privacy and nondiscrimination include questions about recontacting patients when new information becomes available and about a possible duty to warn relatives who are not patients but who might be at risk for a genetic disorder or disease. Confidentiality issues have arisen in policies and practices in the insurance industry and in providing safety and benefits in the workplace. Finally, new concerns about privacy, discrimination, and social stigmata arise in pharmacogenetics as researchers become more proficient at tailoring pharmaceuticals to particular racial and ethnic groups.
Artificial self‐assembling systems for gene therapy
Authors: Lehn Pierre
Published: January 2005

Over the last decade, a variety of nonviral systems have been developed as an alternative to recombinant viruses for gene delivery. The challenge nowadays is to design improved chemical vectors for more efficient in vivo transfection. Sophisticated multifunctional systems in which each component enables the DNA complex to overcome a critical cellular barrier may be the answer. Such “artificial viruses” may form clinically useful transfection vectors in the future.
Genome assembly
Authors: Wendl Michael C. , Wallis John W. , Yang Shiaw‐Pyng , Chinwalla Asif T. , Hillier LaDeana W.
Published: January 2005

We review the two approaches used for sequencing the human genome: whole genome shotgun and clone by clone. In particular, we describe the individual assembly strategies and summarize their results. The scientific community's ongoing assessment of these assemblies is also discussed.
Comparisons with primate genomes
Authors: Rocchi Mariano , Archidiacono Nicoletta
Published: January 2005

Molecular cytogenetic tools, whole‐chromosome paints in particular, have been extensively used to disclose changes that have shaped the karyotype organization of primates. In addition, detailed marker order arrangement defined by using appropriate BAC and PAC probes have revealed the relatively frequent occurrence of an unprecedented phenomenon: the centromere repositioning during evolution. Remains of evolutionary inactivated centromeres appears to play a key role in the emergence of neocentromeres in human clinical cases.
Comparative sequencing of vertebrate genomes
Authors: Portnoy Matthew E. , Green Eric D.
Published: January 2005

The areas of large‐scale DNA sequencing and sequence analysis are undergoing a rapid metamorphosis, as priorities shift from generating genome sequences for a select group of reference species to interpreting the information encoded therein. Comparison of the human genome sequence with that of other vertebrates has emerged as a critical component of this interpretative process. Newly developed experimental and computational methods are providing more powerful approaches for comparative sequence analyses, and in turn, these are being used for systematically unraveling the complexities of vertebrate genomes.
Avoiding stratification in association studies
Authors: Devlin Bernie , Roeder Kathryn
Published: January 2005

In the study of complex disease, separating causal from confounded factors is a challenge for genetic epidemiologists. Population structure can be an important source of confounding. In the context of population samples, the tools useful for overcoming the effects of population structure are described in terms of experimental design and statistical analysis.
UsingORESTESESTsto mine gene cancer expression data
Authors: de Souza Sandro J. , Galante Pedro A.F. , Soares Rodrigo
Published: January 2005

One of the major challenges in bioinformatics is the development of tools and/or approaches that are able to mine the huge amount of data available in a manner that is effective and biologically meaningful. This is particularly important for cancer research, where public and private initiatives have produced cancer‐oriented databases that are to some degree complementary but not yet fully integrated. We will discuss in this review one type of expressed sequence, ORESTES sequences, that comprised the basis of the Ludwig/Fapesp Human Cancer Genome Project (HCGP). Furthermore, we will discuss different approaches used by several groups to mine ORESTES data, especially when integrated to other types of data in cancer.
Pilot gene discovery in plasmodial pathogens
Authors: Carlton Jane M.
Published: January 2005

Before the onset and completion of thePlasmodiumgenome sequencing projects, gene discovery in species of malaria parasite relied heavily upon pilot EST sequencing projects. Stage‐specific cDNA libraries were generated for several human and rodent model malaria parasite species, and partial sequencing of individual cDNA clones enabled the production of gene tags that could then be searched against public sequence databases for gene identification and annotation. A wealth of partial gene sequence data was generated and made available to the scientific community in order to jump‐start gene discovery and biological investigation. The importance of these efforts has been reemphasized recently with the publication of the genome sequences of twoPlasmodiumspecies that relied upon the EST data for training gene finder software and for gene model verification. The generation ofPlasmodiumEST data continues and provides invaluable gene expression data for use in a postgenomic world.