bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photonic bound states in the continuum in nanostructured transition metal dichalcogenides for strong photon–exciton coupling
Authors: Zong Xueyang , Li Lixia , Liu Yufang
Published: November 2021

Optical cavities supporting the optical bound states in the continuum (BICs) with infinite radiative lifetime have recently been widely reported. Here, we theoretically investigate BICs in an ultrathin photonic structure consisting of a multilayer, nanostructured transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD). Using finite element simulations, we demonstrate two distinct groups of BICs, namely symmetry-protected BICs and interference-based BICs, in the photonic system. Under normal incidence, their dispersion can be mediated by altering the grating pitch, which makes it possible to explore the strong coupling of these two photonic modes with the TMD exciton band in the same structure. This work expands not only the library of traditional nanophotonic approaches, but also provides more possibilities for optoelectronic devices toward miniaturization.
Miniature, highly sensitive MOSCAP ring modulators in co-optimized electronic-photonic CMOS
Authors: Gevorgyan Hayk , Khilo Anatol , Wade Mark T. , Stojanović Vladimir M. , Popović Miloš A.
Published: November 2021

Convergence of high-performance silicon photonics and electronics, monolithically integrated in state-of-the-art CMOS platforms, is the holy grail for enabling the ultimate efficiencies, performance, and scaling of electronic-photonic systems-on-chip. It requires the emergence of platforms that combine state-of-the-art RF transistors with optimized silicon photonics, and a generation of photonic device technology with ultralow energies, increased operating spectrum, and the elimination of power-hungry thermal tuning. In this paper, in a co-optimized monolithic electronics-photonics platform (GlobalFoundries 45CLO), we turn the metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) field-effect transistor’s basic structure into a novel, highly efficient MOS capacitor ring modulator. It has the smallest ring cavity (1.5 μm radius), largest corresponding spur-free free spectral range (

FSR
=
8.5
  
THz

), and record 30 GHz/V shift efficiency in the O-band among silicon modulators demonstrated to date. With

1

V

pp

RF drive, we show an open optical eye while electro-optically tuning the modulator to track over 400 pm (69 GHz) change in the laser wavelength (using

2.5

V

DC

range). A 90 GHz maximum electro-optic resonance shift is demonstrated with under 40 nW of power, providing a strong nonthermal tuning mechanism in a CMOS photonics platform. The modulator has a separately optimized body layer but shares the gate device layer and the gate oxide with 45 nm transistors, while meeting all CMOS manufacturability design rules. This type of convergent evolution of electronics and photonics may be the future of platforms for high-performance systems-on-chip.
Lock-in incoherent differential phase contrast imaging
Authors: Bonati Chiara , Loterie Damien , Laforest Timothé , Moser Christophe
Published: November 2021

We introduce a lock-in method to increase the phase contrast in incoherent differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging. This method improves the phase sensitivity by the analog removal of the background. The use of a smart pixel detector with in-pixel signal demodulation, paired with synchronized switching illumination, provides the basis of a bit-efficient approach to emulate a lock-in DPC. The experiments show an increased sensitivity by a factor of up to 8, as expected from theory, and a reduction of collected data by a factor of 70, for equivalent standard DPC measurements; single-shot sensitivity of 0.7 mrad at a frame rate of 1400 frames per second is demonstrated. This new approach may open the way for the use of incoherent phase microscopy in biological applications where extreme phase sensitivity and millisecond response time are required.
Association of SNPs within TMPRSS6 and BMP2 genes with iron deficiency status in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Amer Osama M. , Oyouni Atif Abdulwahab A. , Alshehri Mohammed Ali , Alasmari Abdulrahman , Alzahrani Othman R. , Aljohani Saad Ali S. , Alasmael Noura , Theyab Abdulrahman , Algahtani Mohammad , Al Sadoun Hadeel , Alsharif Khalaf F. , Hamad Abdullah , Abdali Wed A. , Hawasawi Yousef MohammedRabaa
Published: November 2021

Background

Globally, iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a major health obstacle. This health condition has been identified in 47% of pre-school students (aged 0 to 5 years), 42% of pregnant females, and 30% of non-pregnant females (aged 15 to 50 years) worldwide according to the WHO. Environmental and genetic factors play a crucial role in the development of IDA; genetic testing has revealed the association of a number of polymorphisms with iron status and serum ferritin.

Aim

The current study aims to reveal the association ofTMPRSS6rs141312 andBMP2rs235756 with the iron status of females in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cohort of 108 female university students aged 18–25 years was randomly selected to participate: 50 healthy and 58 classified as iron deficient. A 3–5 mL sample of blood was collected from each one and analyzed based on hematological and biochemical iron status followed by genotyping by PCR.

Results

The genotype distribution ofTMPRSS6rs141312 was 8% (TT), 88% (TC) and 4% (CC) in the healthy group compared with 3.45% (TT), 89.66% (TC) and 6.89% (CC) in the iron-deficient group (P = 0.492), an insignificant difference in the allelic distribution. The genotype distribution ofBMP2rs235756 was 8% (TT), 90% (TC) and 2% (CC) in the healthy group compared with 3.45% (TT), 82.76% (TC) and 13.79% (CC) in iron-deficient group (P = 0.050) and was significantly associated with decreased ferritin status (P = 0.050). In addition,TMPRSS6rs141312 is significantly (P<0.001) associated with dominant genotypes (TC+CC) and increased risk of IDA whileBMP2rs235756 is significantly(P<0.026)associated with recessive homozygote CC genotypes and increased risk of IDA.

Conclusion

Our finding potentially helps in the early prediction of iron deficiency in females through the genetic testing.
Cultural and religious determinants of HIV transmission: A qualitative study with people living with HIV in Belu and Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Ward Paul Russell , Hawke Karen , Mwanri Lillian
Published: November 2021

As a part of a larger qualitative study to understand HIV-risk factors and impacts on people living with HIV (PLHIV) (52 women and 40 men) in Belu and Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this paper reports the influences of cultural practices and religious beliefs on sexual relationships and behaviours of participants as contributors for HIV transmission. This study was conducted from June to December 2020. Data collection was conducted using one-one-one in-depth interviews. Participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. Data analysis was guided by a qualitative data analysis framework. The findings showed that cultural practices in Belu related to the use of bride wealth, managing spousal disputes, marriage, and condom use, influenced spousal relationships and sexual behaviours or practices which contributed to HIV transmission. Javanese cultural practices and expectation of an ‘ideal wife’, Islamic religious beliefs about expected husband-wife relationships, forbidden premarital sex, and the participants’ individual interpretation of their religious beliefs about condom use spousal sexual relations, also influenced spousal sexual relations and behaviours, which supported HIV transmission among the participants. The findings indicate the need for HIV education programs that address cultural practices and religious beliefs for community members and population groups to enhance their understanding about HIV, condom use, and how cultural practices and religious beliefs play a role in HIV transmission. The findings also indicate the need for involvement of religious leaders in HIV education programs to bring insights to people and help them interpret their religious beliefs in health promoting ways. Future studies that explore different aspects of culture and religion which may contribute to HIV transmission are recommended.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy as first-line therapy for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Qiao , Tan Chongqing , Yi Lidan , Wan Xiaomin , Peng Liubao , Li Jianhe , Luo Xia , Zeng Xiaohui
Published: November 2021

Background

The phase III KEYNOTE-604 study confirmed the benefit of pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Taken into account the clinical benefits of pembrolizumab and its high cost, this study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of adding pembrolizumab to standard first-line etoposide-platinum (EP) for patients with ES-SCLC from the US payer perspective.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to compare the cost and quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) of pembrolizumab plus EP and placebo plus EP over a 10-year time horizon. Clinical efficacy and safety data were pooled from the KEYNOTE-604 trial. Utilities were obtained from published resources. Costs were mainly collected from Medicare in 2020. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of our model.

Results

Adding pembrolizumab to standard first-line EP resulted in the better effectiveness than EP chemotherapy alone for ES-SCLC by 0.22 QALYs. Pembrolizumab plus EP was dominated economically by placebo plus EP, leading to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $334,373/ QALY. Deterministic sensitivity analyses indicated that the uncertainty in model parameters exerted no substantial effect on our results. Probability sensitivity analysis indicated that probabilities for pembrolizumab plus EP being cost-effective within a wide range of willingness to pay were modest.

Conclusion

From the US payer perspective, the first-line treatment for ES-SCLC with pembrolizumab plus EP was not cost-effective compared with placebo plus EP. Although pembrolizumab combination chemotherapy was beneficial to the survival of ES-SCLC, price reduction may be the necessary to improve its cost-effectiveness.
Brain structures and activity during a working memory task associated with internet addiction tendency in young adults: A large sample study
Authors: Sadeghi Saeid , Takeuchi Hikaru , Shalani Bita , Taki Yasuyuki , Nouchi Rui , Yokoyama Ryoichi , Kotozaki Yuka , Nakagawa Seishu , Sekiguchi Atsushi , Iizuka Kunio , Hanawa Sugiko , Araki Tsuyoshi , Miyauchi Carlos Makoto , Sakaki Kohei , Nozawa Takayuki , Ikeda Shigeyuki , Yokota Susumu , Magistro Daniele , Sassa Yuko , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: November 2021

The structural and functional brain characteristics associated with the excessive use of the internet have attracted substantial research attention in the past decade. In current study, we used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and multiple regression analysis to assess the relationship between internet addiction tendency (IAT) score and regional gray and white matter volumes (rGMVs and rWMVs) and brain activity during a WM task in a large sample of healthy young adults (n = 1,154, mean age, 20.71 ± 1.78 years). We found a significant positive correlation between IAT score and gray matter volume (GMV) of right supramarginal gyrus (rSMG) and significant negative correlations with white matter volume (WMV) of right temporal lobe (sub-gyral and superior temporal gyrus), right sublobar area (extra-nuclear and lentiform nucleus), right cerebellar anterior lobe, cerebellar tonsil, right frontal lobe (inferior frontal gyrus and sub-gyral areas), and the pons. Also, IAT was significantly and positively correlated with brain activity in the default-mode network (DMN), medial frontal gyrus, medial part of the superior frontal gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortex during a 2-back working memory (WM) task. Moreover, whole-brain analyses of rGMV showed significant effects of interaction between sex and the IAT scores in the area spreading around the left anterior insula and left lentiform. This interaction was moderated by positive correlation in women. These results indicate that IAT is associated with (a) increased GMV in rSMG, which is involved in phonological processing, (b) decreased WMV in areas of frontal, sublobar, and temporal lobes, which are involved in response inhibition, and (c) reduced task-induced deactivation of the DMN, indicative of altered attentional allocation.
Coherent detection-based photonic radar for autonomous vehicles under diverse weather conditions
Authors: Chaudhary Sushank , Wuttisittikulkij Lunchakorn , Saadi Muhammad , Sharma Abhishek , Al Otaibi Sattam , Nebhen Jamel , Rodriguez Demostenes Zegarra , Kumar Santosh , Sharma Vishal , Phanomchoeng Gridsada , Chancharoen Ratchatin
Published: November 2021

Autonomous vehicles are regarded as future transport mechanisms that drive the vehicles without the need of drivers. The photonic-based radar technology is a promising candidate for delivering attractive applications to autonomous vehicles such as self-parking assistance, navigation, recognition of traffic environment, etc. Alternatively, microwave radars are not able to meet the demand of next-generation autonomous vehicles due to its limited bandwidth availability. Moreover, the performance of microwave radars is limited by atmospheric fluctuation which causes severe attenuation at higher frequencies. In this work, we have developed coherent-based frequency-modulated photonic radar to detect target locations with longer distance. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed photonic radar is investigated under the impact of various atmospheric weather conditions, particularly fog and rain. The reported results show the achievement of significant signal to noise ratio (SNR) and received power of reflected echoes from the target for the proposed photonic radar under the influence of bad weather conditions. Moreover, a conventional radar is designed to establish the effectiveness of the proposed photonic radar by considering similar parameters such as frequency and sweep time.
Potential of Landsat 8 OLI for mapping and monitoring of soil salinity in an arid region: A case study in Dushak, Turkmenistan
Authors: Günal Elif , Wang Xiukang , Kılıc Orhan Mete , Budak Mesut , Al Obaid Sami , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Brestic Marian
Published: November 2021

Soil salinity is the most common land degradation agent that impairs soil functions, ecosystem services and negatively affects agricultural production in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Therefore, reliable methods are needed to estimate spatial distribution of soil salinity for the management, remediation, monitoring and utilization of saline soils. This study investigated the potential of Landsat 8 OLI satellite data and vegetation, soil salinity and moisture indices in estimating surface salinity of 1014.6 ha agricultural land located in Dushak, Turkmenistan. Linear regression model was developed between land measurements and remotely sensed indicators. A systematic regular grid-sampling method was used to collect 50 soil samples from 0–20 cm depth. Sixteen indices were extracted from Landsat-8 OLI satellite images. Simple and multivariate regression models were developed between the measured electrical conductivity values and the remotely sensed indicators. The highest correlation between remote sensing indicators and soil EC values in determining soil salinity was calculated in SAVI index (r = 0.54). The reliability indicated by R2 value (0.29) of regression model developed with the SAVI index was low. Therefore, new model was developed by selecting the indicators that can be included in the multiple regression model from the remote sensing indicators. A significant (r = 0.74) correlation was obtained between the multivariate regression model and soil EC values, and salinity was successfully mapped at a moderate level (R2: 0.55). The classification of the salinity map showed that 21.71% of the field was non-saline, 29.78% slightly saline, 31.40% moderately saline, 15.25% strongly saline and 1.44% very strongly. The results revealed that multivariate regression models with the help of Landsat 8 OLI satellite images and indices obtained from the images can be used for modeling and mapping soil salinity of small-scale lands.
Price trends of reimbursed oncological drugs in Switzerland in 2005–2019: A descriptive analysis
Authors: Rachamin Yael , Ackermann Christoph Jakob , Senn Oliver , Grischott Thomas
Published: November 2021

Increasing oncological treatment costs are a major global concern with the risk of entailing two-tiered health care. Among cost determining factors is the price of individual drugs. In recognition of the central role of this factor, we present a comprehensive overview of the development of monthly prices of oncological drugs introduced over the last 15 years in Switzerland. We identified all oncological drugs newly reimbursed by mandatory health insurance in 2005–2019, and searched public repositories for their package prices, indications with approval dates, and treatment regimens for the calculation of (indication-specific) monthly prices. We found 81 products covering 77 different substances (39.5% protein kinase inhibitors, 21.0% monoclonal antibodies). Most indications related to the topography “blood”, followed by “lung and thorax” and “digestive tract”. From 2005–2009 to 2015–2019, the median monthly product price over all distinct indications of all products decreased by 7.56% (CHF 5,699 [interquartile range 4,483–7,321] to CHF 5,268 [4,19–6,967]), whereas it increased by 73.7% for monoclonal antibodies. In December 2019, six products had monthly prices over CHF 10,000, all approved for hematological or dermatological cancers. Our analysis suggests that individual price developments of oncological drugs are presently not the major driver of rising cancer treatment costs. However, rising launch prices of some new, mostly hematological drugs are of concern and require continued monitoring.
Utilization of growth monitoring and promotion services and associated factors among children aged 0-23 months in Banja District, Northwest Ethiopia 2020: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yeshaneh Alex , Fentahun Temesgen , Belachew Tefera , Mohammed Anissa , Adane Daniel
Published: November 2021

Background

Growth monitoring and promotion are the basic malnutrition preventive strategies usually used to assess the growth of children using anthropometric measurements in comparison with world health organization standards. However, the utilization of growth monitoring and promotion services is inadequate in most developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the utilization of growth monitoring and promotion service and associated factors among children aged 0-23-month in Banja District, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2 to April 1, 2020. A total of 572 children were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using structured and pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.6 and analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 25. Both binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses with a 95% confidence level were used to identify the associated factors. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05.

Results

This finding revealed that the proportion of growth monitoring and promotion services utilization was 38.9% [95%CI: 34.8%, 43.0%]. Child age from 0-11 months [AOR = 4.98 (95% CI: 2.75,8.37)], mothers who can read and write Amharic language [AOR = 2.04 (95%CI: 1.02,4.08)], know the benefits of weighing their child monthly [AOR = 2.9 (95%CI: 1.23, 6.94)], presence of growth monitoring service nearby [AOR = 3.2 (95%CI: 1.59,6.31)] and monthly income ≥2000 Ethiopian birr [AOR = 1.75(95% CI = 1.08, 3.02)] were some of the factors significantly associated with utilization of growth monitoring and promotion services.

Conclusion and recommendation

The findings indicate that utilization of growth monitoring and promotion services is mainly affected by child age, mother/caregiver ability to read and write Amharic language, having maternal information on the benefit of the weighing child, presence of service nearby health facility, and mother/caregiver monthly income. Preparation of growth monitoring charts in local language (Awigna) and creating awareness on the proper utilization of growth monitoring and promotion services is strongly recommended.
Task dynamics define the contextual emergence of human corralling behaviors
Authors: Nalepka Patrick , Silva Paula L. , Kallen Rachel W. , Shockley Kevin , Chemero Anthony , Saltzman Elliot , Richardson Michael J.
Published: November 2021

Social animals have the remarkable ability to organize into collectives to achieve goals unobtainable to individual members. Equally striking is the observation that despite differences in perceptual-motor capabilities, different animals often exhibit qualitatively similar collective states of organization and coordination. Such qualitative similarities can be seen in corralling behaviors involving the encirclement of prey that are observed, for example, during collaborative hunting amongst several apex predator species living in disparate environments. Similar encirclement behaviors are also displayed by human participants in a collaborative problem-solving task involving the herding and containment of evasive artificial agents. Inspired by the functional similarities in this behavior across humans and non-human systems, this paper investigated whether the containment strategies displayed by humans emerge as a function of the task’s underlying dynamics, which shape patterns of goal-directed corralling more generally. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the strategies naïve human dyads adopt during the containment of a set of evasive artificial agents across two disparate task contexts. Despite the different movement types (manual manipulation or locomotion) required in the different task contexts, the behaviors that humans display can be predicted as emergent properties of the same underlying task-dynamic model.
PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells and platelets in patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Darga Elizabeth P. , Dolce Emily M. , Fang Fang , Kidwell Kelley M. , Gersch Christina L. , Kregel Steven , Thomas Dafydd G. , Gill Anoop , Brown Martha E. , Gross Steven , Connelly Mark , Holinstat Michael , Cobain Erin F. , Rae James M. , Hayes Daniel F. , Paoletti Costanza
Published: November 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibition is effective in several cancers. Expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on circulating tumor or immune effector cells could provide insights into selection of patients for immune checkpoint inhibition.

Methods

Whole blood was collected at serial timepoints from metastatic breast cancer patients and healthy donors for circulating tumor cell (CTC) and platelet PD-L1 analysis with a phycoerythrin-labeled anti-human PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (Biolegend clone 29E.2A3) using the CellSearch® assay. CTC PD-L1 was considered positive if detected on at least 1% of the cells; platelet PD-L1 was considered positive if ≥100 platelets per CellSearch frame expressed PD-L1.

Results

A total of 207 specimens from 124 metastatic breast cancer patients were collected. 52/124 (42%) samples at timepoint-1 (at or close to time of progressive disease) had ≥5 CTC/7.5ml whole blood. Of those, 21 (40%) had positive CTC PD-L1. In addition, platelet PD-L1 expression was observed in 35/124 (28%) at timepoint-1. Platelet PD-L1 was not detected in more than 70 specimens from 12 healthy donors. Platelet PD-L1 was associated with ≥5 CTC/7.5ml whole blood (p = 0.0002), less likely in patients with higher red blood cell counts (OR = 0.72, p<0.001) and a history of smoking tobacco (OR = 0.76, p<0.001). Platelet PD-L1 staining was not associated with tumor marker status, recent procedures or treatments, platelet-affecting drugs, or CTC PD-L1 expression.

Conclusion

PD-L1 expression was found in metastatic breast cancer patients on both CTC and platelets in an independent fashion. Inter-patient platelet PD-L1 expression was highly heterogeneous suggesting that it is a biological event associated with cancer in some but not all patients. Taken together, our data suggest that CTC and platelet PD-L1 expression could play a role in predicting which patients should receive immune checkpoint inhibition and as a pharmacodynamics biomarker during treatment.
RE-ENGINEERING ALZHEIMER CLINICAL TRIALS: GLOBAL ALZHEIMER’S PLATFORM NETWORK
Authors: Cummings J. , Aisen P. , Barton R. , Bork J. , Doody R. , Dwyer J. , Egan J. C. , Feldman H. , Lappin D. , Truyen L. , Salloway S. , Sperling R. , Vradenburg G.
Published: November 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) drug development is costly, time-consuming, and inefficient. Trial site functions, trial design, and patient recruitment for trials all require improvement. The Global Alzheimer Platform (GAP) was initiated in response to these challenges. Four GAP work streams evolved in the US to address different trial challenges: 1) registry-to-cohort web-based recruitment; 2) clinical trial site activation and site network construction (GAP-NET); 3) adaptive proof-of-concept clinical trial design; and 4) finance and fund raising. GAP-NET proposes to establish a standardized network of continuously funded trial sites that are highly qualified to perform trials (with established clinical, biomarker, imaging capability; certified raters; sophisticated management system. GAP-NET will conduct trials for academic and biopharma industry partners using standardized instrument versions and administration. Collaboration with the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) European Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease (EPAD) program, the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) and other similar international initiatives will allow conduct of global trials. GAP-NET aims to increase trial efficiency and quality, decrease trial redundancy, accelerate cohort development and trial recruitment, and decrease trial costs. The value proposition for sites includes stable funding and uniform training and trial execution; the value to trial sponsors is decreased trial costs, reduced time to execute trials, and enhanced data quality. The value for patients and society is the more rapid availability of new treatments for AD.
Feminicidioin the International Courts: Agency and Responsibility in the Making of Justice
Authors: McKinnon Sara L.
Published: November 2021

In 2009, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled in González et al. (“Cotton Field”) v. Mexico that Mexico and the state of Chihuahua were responsible for cultivating conditions of feminicidio and pervasive structural violence against women. Drawing on theories of justice, agency, and responsibility, this essay examines the court’s legal decision to understand the power of rhetoric in creating the conditions for justice in the face of state-complicit structural violence. The court crafted a series of definitional, commemorative, and deliberative stipulations that Mexico had to recognize and implement to do justice to past and future victims of feminicidio. The Inter-American Court does important definitional work toward naming gender violence as structural violence, yet the court limits possibilities for justice in two important ways. The court figures Mexico as responsible and uses that frame to suggest that the state is the primary agent responsible for ensuring justice. While this is a common equation of agency and responsibility in legal cases, in matter of state-complicit structural violence, such configurations end up foreclosing the possibility of justice and augmenting the powers of the state.
Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy for Appendiceal Mucocele
Authors: Kudelová Eva , Grajciar Martin , Smolar Marek , Kalman Michal , Laca Ľudovít
Published: November 2021

Appendiceal mucocele is a rare disease with an incidence of 0.07–0.63% of all appendectomies and was first described in 1842 by Carl von Rokitansky. It is defined as an abnormal intraluminal accumulation of mucin. The clinical picture of AM can vary from asymptomatic mass in the right lower quadrant to symptoms of acute appendicitis. In some cases, AM can be found accidentally on CT performed due to other reasons or during surgery. Diagnosis consists mainly of imaging methods such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI with the finding of encapsulated cystic mass with calcifications. The main goal of surgical treatment is to remove an intact mucocele and prevent spillage of mucin into the peritoneal cavity. We present a case of large mucocele treated with laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.
The impact of vaccination status on importation of COVID-19 among international travellers
Authors: Ronksley Paul , Scory Tayler , Weaver Robert , Lunney Meaghan , Rodin Rachel , Tonelli Marcello
Published: November 2021

Governments worldwide are looking for ways to safely enable international travel while mitigating the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, few data describe the impact of vaccination on importation of COVID-19. We took advantage of the sequential introduction of two government policies in Canada to evaluate the real-world evidence of vaccine effectiveness among 30,361 international travellers arriving by air in Alberta, Canada. The proportion of COVID-19-positive results for travellers who were either fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated was 0.02% (95% CI: 0.00–0.10) (i.e. one positive case among 5,817 travellers). In contrast, 1.42% (95% CI: 1.27–1.58) of unvaccinated travellers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (341 cases among 24,034 travellers). These findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccinations approved in Canada, substantially reduced the risk of travel-related importation of COVID-19 when combined with other public health measures. The low absolute rate of infection among fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated international travellers may inform quarantine requirements in this population.
Descriptive analysis of a tuberculosis outbreak from a northern Saskatchewan First Nations community—December 2018 to May 2019
Authors: Ndubuka Nnamdi , Klaver Braeden , Gupta Sabyasachi , Lamichhane Shree , Brooks Leslie , Nelson Shirley , Akinjobi Grace
Published: November 2021

Background: The tuberculosis (TB) incidence rate for northern Saskatchewan First Nations on-reserve is 1.5 higher than the national average. In December 2018 a member of one of these communities was diagnosed with 4+ smear-positive TB, spurring an outbreak investigation. Objectives: To describe the public health response to TB outbreak investigation and highlight the risk factors associated with TB transmission in northern Saskatchewan; and to highlight the relevance of social network contact investigation tool in outbreak management. Methods: Descriptive analysis included active TB cases and latent TB infection (LTBI) cases linked by contact investigation to the index case. Data were collected from active TB case files. Statistical analyses were performed and social network analysis conducted using household locations as points of contact between cases. Results: A total of eight active TB cases and 41 LTBI cases were identified as part of the outbreak between December 2018 and May 2019. Half of the cases (4/8) were 25 to 34 years old, and five were smear negative. One-third of the people with LTBI were 15 to 24 years old, and about a half tested positive to the new tuberculin skin test (TST). The commonly reported risk factors for TB and LTBI cases were alcohol use, cigarette use, marijuana use, previous TB infection and homelessness. Social network analysis indicated a relationship between increased node centrality and becoming an active case. Conclusion: Real-time social network contact investigation used in active-case finding was very successful in identifying cases, and enhanced nursing support, mobile clinics and mobile X-ray worked well as a means of confirming cases and offering treatment. TB outbreaks in northern Saskatchewan First Nations on-reserve communities are facilitated by population-specific factors. Efforts to implement context-specific interventions are paramount in managing TB outbreaks and preventing future transmission.
O mariażu piłki nożnej i polityki, rec. książki: Zbigniew Rokita, Królowie strzelców. Piłka w cieniu imperium
Authors: Kubiaczyk Filip
Published: November 2021

O mariażu piłki nożnej i polityki, rec. książki: Zbigniew Rokita, Królowie strzelców. Piłka w cieniu imperium
A belföldi turizmus támogatását célzó koncepciótérkép a járványhelyzet idején
Authors: Molnár-Csomós Ilona
Published: November 2021

A TANULMÁNY CÉLJA

A tanulmány azzal a céllal készült, hogy egy új online platform megalkotásával – mely a helyi sajátosságokra és a kutatómunka során feltárt információkra épül – segítségül szolgáljon a jelenlegi és jövőbeni pandémiás hatások mérséklésében, kiváltképp a belföldi turizmus tekintetében. Ennek a sokszereplős platformnak a kidolgozására a Business Model Canvas lett segítségül hívva, melynek helyességét a szekunder kutatómunkán túl, az országimázs-építéssel kapcsolatos kvalitatív, valamint az egyénileg szervezett utazások alapjául szolgáló preferenciák feltárása révén rendelkezésre álló kvantitatív kutatási eredmények is alátámasztották.

ALKALMAZOTT MÓDSZERTAN

A kvalitatív kutatómunka vázát a tizenegy szakértői mélyinterjú kiértékelése adta, a kvantitatív kutatás megvalósulását pedig a magyar és a külföldi válaszadók bevonása által létrejött (946 kitöltés, 871 érvényes válasz) kérdőíves felmérés biztosította. Míg a mélyinterjúk a pandémiát megelőző időszakban – 2017 tavaszán – kerültek lebonyolításra, addig a 18 nemzetiség válaszait felölelő angol és magyar nyelvű kérdőíves megkérdezés a 2020-as őszi kijárási korlátozások bevezetésének heteiben vette kezdetét. A kutatás kvalitatív aspektusa a hatékony országimázs-építés mikéntjeinek feltárására tett kísérletet mindamellett, hogy kvantitatív megközelítésből az egyénileg szervezett utazások mozgatórugóját jelentő fogyasztói szokások, valamint az adott utazás megszervezéséhez kapcsolódó informálódás pandémia idején alkalmazott módjait is vizsgálat alá vonta.

LEGFONTOSABB EREDMÉNYEK

Az aktuális országkép feltérképezése során két jelentősen eltérő véleménnyel rendelkező tábor képe körvonalazódott ki. Az egyénileg szervezett utazások fogyasztói szokásokra visszavezethető preferenciái alapján pedig megállapítható, hogy kimagaslóan nagy arányban a „helyszín” a meghatározó, és a válaszadók 64%-a ezt a tényezőt sorolta a preferencia-sorrend 1. helyére. Az informálódást elősegítő digitális platformok típusának megnevezésén túl az is láthatóvá vált, hogy hol azonosíthatók a fogyasztói szokásokhoz kapcsolódó tényezők besorolásakor tetten érhető legnagyobb mértékű egyetértések.

JAVASLATOK

A hazai turizmus stabilizálásért tett erőfeszítések folyamatos támogatása kiemelkedő jelentőséggel bír. A folyamatos támogatás meglétét pedig egy olyan konceptuális platform megalkotása is segíthetné, amely a kutatómunka során feltárt adatokon alapul, és az eltérő vélemények közösnevezőre hozásán túl a tanulmány célkitűzését hivatott beteljesíteni.

Köszönetnyilvánítás: Kutatásvezetőként ezúton  is szeretnék köszönetet mondani a kutatócsoport  tagjainak, név szerint Gáspár Hannának, Győri Virág Antóniának, Kovács Annának, Murinová Barbarának, Sirák Blankának és Takács Gergely Péternek a lelkiismeretes hozzáállásért, valamint a kvantitatív háttérmunkában, kiváltképp a kétnyelvű kérdőívszerkesztésben, terjesztésben és feldolgozásban való proaktív részvételért.
Gurutta Junaid Sulaeman’s Political Hijrah: From Fundamental to Moderate Islam
Authors: Alimin Alimin , Gunawan Fahmi , Sultan Muslihin , Subair Muh.
Published: November 2021

Albeit the research into Junaid Sulaeman as the most famous Islamic Cleric in South Sulawesi was extensively undertaken, little empirical research addressed his political biography. This research aimed to explore his political Hijrah from Islamic fundamentalism to Islamic moderate. This research adopted a biography study design. To collect data, a documentary analysis based on Junaid Sulaeman’s diary and in-depth interview were conducted. The data analysis was carried out thematically using Azra’s and Al-Jauhari’s concept of fundamental and moderate Islam. The research revealed three findings. First, Junaid Sulaeman’s political Hijrah was conducted from Darul Islam toward Golongan Karya party. Second, the factors that drove Junaid Sulaeman’s participation in the political movement included the changing of socio-political context, the breadth and depth of his religious knowledge, the need to get Allah's guidance, and the consideration of dawah. Third, the implications of Junaid Sulaeman's political movement were known from the expansion of his local and national network, as well as the development of socio-religious institutions in Bone. The research concluded that a good cooperation between the ulama and the government could provide more benefits and blessings to the community.
Studies on effects of graded levels of zinc and Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas strita on yield and quality attributing characters in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)
Authors: Galande H. R. , Bhosale A.M. , Syed S.J. , Ahmadi Basir Ahmad
Published: November 2021

The present investigation “Studies on effects of graded levels of zinc and Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas strita on yield and quality attributing characters in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)”. The experiment was laid out in Factorial RBD with two factor i.e. factor first is zinc solubilizers and factor second is levels of zinc, it has twelve treatments replicated three times. Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas strita are used as source zinc solubilizers along with different levels of zinc. The experiment framed was intended to study the effect of zinc solubilizers and levels of zinc on yield and quality of tomato.The results revealed that effect of zinc solubilizers on yield and quality parameters of tomato indicated that the zinc solubilizer B2 (Trichoderma viride) recorded maximum fruit yield per plant (1458.76 gm), fruit yield per plot (20.42 kg), fruit yield per hectare (567.15 qt.), maximum titrable acidity (0.38 %), TSS (5.22%), ascorbic acid (22.81 mg/100gm), reducing sugars (1.61 %), non reducing sugars (2.70 %), totalsugars (4.31 %). The effect of different levels of zinc on yield and quality parameters of tomato indicated that the levels of zinc Zn3 (30 kg ZnSO4/ha) recorded maximum fruit yield per plant (1305.09 gm), fruit yield per plot (18.26 kg), fruit yield per hectare (507.43 qt.), maximum titrable acidity (0.36 %), TSS (4.77%), ascorbic acid (22.04 mg/100gm), reducing sugars (1.48 %), non reducing sugars (2.61 %), total sugars (4.09 %).The interaction effect of different zinc solubilizers and levels of zinc on yield and quality parameters of tomato indicated that the B2Zn3 (Trichoderma viride + 30 kg ZnSO4/ha) recorded maximum fruit yield per plant (1698.33 gm), fruit yield per plot (23.77 kg), fruit yield per hectare (660.27 qt.), maximum titrable acidity (0.43 %), TSS (5.39%),ascorbic acid (23.35 mg/100gm), reducing sugars (1.71 %), non reducing sugars (2.80 %), total sugars (4.51 %).
Efficacy of chemical and cultural weed management practices on nutrient uptake in black gram (Phaseolus mungo)
Authors: Rajput Kavita D. , Bholane J. P. , Latkar A.S. , Bhale V.M.
Published: November 2021

The results of the field experiment carried out during kharif season of 2010 at agronomy department farm, Dr.P.D.K.V.,Akola revealed that N,P,K uptake by black gram (Phaseolus mungoL.) and weeds were significantly higher under weed free and weedy check treatments among all of the weed control treatments. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design replicated three times with thirteen treatments, in that chemical and cultural treatments were compared with weedy check and weed free control. Herbicide application in general and pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @1.5kg/ha in particular reduced the nutrients removal by weeds and enhanced the nutrient uptake by the crop followed by cultural practices of two hand weeding at 15 & 30 days after sowing. The pre-emergence application of pendimethalin in @ 1.5 kg/ha recorded highest nutrient uptake in grain (34.92, 6.50, 34.16 NPK kg/ha resp.) and strover (63.26, 10.60, 57.60 NPK kg/ha resp.) among all the weed control treatment except weed free treatment. The crude protein content of grain was the highest with pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg/ha (21.65) followed by pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha (21.55).
Studies on impact of canopy temperature on growth and yield of pigeonpea + kalmegh intercropping system
Authors: Bholane J.P. , Rajput Kavita D. , Bhale V. M.
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was conducted at Nagarjun Medicinal Garden, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during 2009-10 to determine suitable row proportion for pigeonpea + kalmegh intercropping system. Canopy temperature showed decreasing pattern with the advancement in age of the crop. Maximum thermal use efficiency (TUE) in pigeonpea and kalmegh was noticed with 2:1 (3.43 kg/ha/DºC) and 1:1 (0.72 kg/ha/DºC) row proportion. Dry matter and grain yield of pigeonpea recorded positive and negative correlation respectively with canopy temperature. While, herbage yield, seed yield and andrographoloide yield of kalmegh recorded positive correlation with morning canopy temperature and negative correlation with evening canopy temperature.
Studies on processing and storage stability of jamun RTS
Authors: Mandal Purandar , Pattanaik Saumya Kanta , Nanda Sachidananda , Nath Alok
Published: November 2021

In this study different recipes of Jamun Ready To Serve (RTS) was standardized to explore the processing potential of Jamun, a minor fruit. There were five different possibilities of recipes. The RTS prepared from the recipes 13% Juice, 12% TSS and 0.28% Acidity gave highest organoleptic quality score followed by RTS prepared from 10% Juice, 12% TSS and 0.30% Acidity and the quality of the prepared RTS was maintained up to fifth month at ambient temperature.
Assessment of financial viability of farmer producer organizations in Garhwal Division of Uttarakhand
Authors: Chaudhary Shweta , Kaur Mandeep , Neema  , Srivastava Sanjivani
Published: November 2021

The study was undertaken to assess the financial viability of some Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Uttarakhand. Financial ratio analysis of FPOs were done on parameters such as liquidity, solvency, profitability and efficiency ratio and Financial Strength of the small organizations for the financial year 2017-18 to 2019-20 were analyzed. Financial ratio analysis depicted that liquidity position of producers’ organization was good and adequate to manage their expenses while, profitability and efficiency position were not adequate enough. Overall,it was estimated that Producers’ Organization are trying hard to make their presence in the market. FPOs require support not only at the individual FPO level but also at the promotion and ecosystem level.
Study the economics of crop-livestock integrated farming system: A study of Hadoti Region of Rajasthan
Authors: Sharma Avdhesh , Badal P. S.
Published: November 2021

An integrated Farming system is the basic need of today. A survey of farmers was conducted in 2020-21 covering the Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar districts of southern Rajasthan. Crop-livestock farming systems were adopted by most of the farmers in the study area. Cereals, legumes, and oilseed were the major crops that were sown. The farmer of this region (Hadoti) practiced livestock rearing along with crop cultivation which had significant contributions as their primary source of income. The gross income per hectare from Soybean, black gram, wheat, and gram was Rs. 34,645.23, Rs. 28,150.61, Rs. 64268.78 and Rs. 47543.00, respectively. The cost was calculated using the Cost concept as suggested by CACP. Using livestock as one more enterprise farmers’ was able to generate higher profit shown in the study. B:C ratio for IFS was 1.3 which was a good sign for the farming enterprise.
Influence of nano nitrogen on growth, quality and nutrient uptake of Kharif sweet corn (Zea mays Saccharata)
Authors: Sarwar I. , Gedam V.B. , Shinde R.H. , Bade A. S. , Bavadekar V. R. , Saitwal Y.S.
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was conducted for boosting the productivity of kharif sweet corn (Zea mays Saccharata) at Agronomy Farm,RCSM College of Agriculture, Kolhapur (M.S.), India during kharif, 2020 in black Vertisolsoil using split plot design with four replications and two factors, where main plot factors consist of time of application viz T1:15 days after sowing (DAS), T2: 30 DAS and T3: 45 DAS and sub plot factors consist of levels of nano nitrogen (N) fertilizers vizN1: 1.00 L ha-1, N2: 1.25 L ha-1 and N3:1.50 L ha-1. The results showed that at harvest, maximum plant height (183.41 cm), number of leaves (8.86 plant-1), leaf area (58.40 dm2plant-1), dry matter accumulation (117.18 gplant-1), length of cob (18.55 cm), diameter of cob (16.83 cm), weight of cob per plant (208.65 g), number of grains (371.25 cob-1), green cob yield (125.96 q ha-1), green fodder yield (344.39 q ha-1), total uptake plant in total ((264, 98 and 230 kg ha-1),yield of protein by grain (92.89 g kg-1) and stover (50.96 g kg-1) were obtained from treatment N3 (1.5 L ha-1) which was on par with treatment N2 (1.25 L ha-1) and significantly superior over N1 (1 L ha-1). While main plot showed that at harvest plant height (191.90 cm), number of leaves(10.09plant-1), leaf area (62.63 dm2plant-1), dry matter accumulation (123.51 gplant-1), length of cob (20.56 cm), diameter of cob (19.71 cm), weight of cob (222.29 g plant-1), number of grains (402.07 cob-1), green cob yield (138.32q ha-1),stover yield (359.75q ha-1), total uptake(287, 113 and 262 kg ha-1), yield of protein by grain (97.36 g kg-1) and stover (51.77 g kg-1)were significantly maximum when foliar spray of NN was done at 15 (DAS). The foliar application at 15 DAS had taken minimum number of days to reach 50 per cent of tasselling (51.62 days) and silking (55.97 days).
Integrated nutrient management on quality and yield of strawberry fruits (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Camarosa under shade net conditions
Authors: Reddy K. Chandu Kartheek , Reddy P. Vinay Kumar , Raghuteja P. V. , Sekhar V.
Published: November 2021

Studies on the influence of Integrated Nutrient Management were undertaken during Rabi season, 2018-19 at College of Horticulture, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh with an objective of examining their influence on quality and yield of Strawberry fruits (Fragaria × ananassaDuch.) cv. Camarosa grown under shade net conditions. The experiment was consisting of 9 treatments replicated thrice comprising of different combinations of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures like FYM, vermicompost and biofertilizers like Arka microbial consortium in randomized block design. Observations were recorded for fruit yield and quality parameters. Among different combinations 75 % RDN + 25% N through Vermicompost + Arka Microbial Consortium registered highest number of fruits plant-1 (24.00), fruit diameter (3.18 cm) , fruit weight (13.40 g), fruit volume(21.24 cm3), fruit yield plant-1 (292.54 g), shelf life (44.10 h), juice recovery percentage (91.10 %) , TSS (11.05 °B), total sugars (7.71%), ascorbic acid (69.20 mg/100 g of pulp) and anthocyanin content (62.30 mg100g-1).