bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Smart Greenhouse Monitoring System using Raspberry-Pi Microcontroller for the Production of Tomato Crop
Authors: Ahmad Bilal , Ahmed Raees , Masroor Sohaib , Mahmood Basharat , Hasan Syed Zia Ul , Jamil Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Tariq , Younas Muhammad Tahir , Wahab Arshad , Haydar Bilal , Subhani Muzaffar , Khan Muhammad Ammar , Tariq Sohail
Published: February 2023

To provide fresh and highly nutritive food, automated greenhouses and smart farming systems had proved to be helpful for growing world population. The smart greenhouse house monitoring system not only helpful in exploiting the production but also helpful to bridge up the quality of the produce. The current study was designed to explore the potential use of a smart greenhouse monitoring system using Raspberry-Pi microcontroller. The aim of the study was to create a smart automation system to control the microclimate of greenhouse. Two varieties of tomato (Roma and cherry tomato) were used both in smart greenhouse system as well as in conventional greenhouse system to compare the agronomic and quality parameters. Temperature and humidity were set according to the production technology of tomato using automation system. Proper fertilization and irrigation requirements were considered equal in all aspects in smart greenhouse and conventional greenhouse. The smart greenhouse monitoring system worked better in maintaining the microclimate inside the greenhouse with a difference of about 5-6 ℃ temperature and 20-30% humidity higher than the conventional greenhouse. The results predicted a progressive increase in agronomic parameter with a difference of 10-15% in plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits and weight of fruit as compared with growth parameters in conventional greenhouse. Similarly the quality parameters were effective with maximum size of fruit in Roma variety that was 75 mm as compared to fruit size 65 mm in conventional farming. The over average yield of tomato per plant (5.5 kg/plant) was also recorded in smart greenhouse that was significantly increased as compared with conventional greenhouse. The results predicted that the yield of tomato was positively affected using smart greenhouse monitoring system and consequently, the smart technologies could be used for the potential crop production and monitoring of cultivation activities.
Analytical observation Upsurge and Current Situation of Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria) in Sindh, Pakistan:
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Noman , Sultana Riffat , Kumar Santosh , Sanam Surriya , Majeed Shahid , Shaikh Gul Hassan
Published: February 2023

Schistocerca gregaria (Forskl, 1775), one of the most notorious insects in the world, significantly harms the economy and agriculture each year. It was reputedly the biggest infestation to hit Pakistan since the 1990s, destroying wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, and vegetable crops, and it was also the cause of the worst disaster of 2019–2020. We have extensively examined the external characteristics of this swarm using the mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit 1 (COI), morphometry of the solitary and gregarious phases, influenced host plants, as well as its deterrent status. Swarms of Desert Locusts, which have been on the rise recently, have had a substantial negative influence on Pakistan's agriculture, destroying all kinds of crops. Preliminary projections of the financial losses over the two agricultural seasons in 2020 and 2021 may vary from 3.4 billion US dollars to 10.21 billion US dollars. This drastically increased the price of ordinary products in the market. In addition, locust activity has grown and is presently present in a number of affected areas. For the species to be managed and controlled effectively, accurate species identification is essential. This study seeks to explain this essential management attention
Characterization of Bread Wheat Genotypes Using Spike Related Traits for Sustainable Yield Potential
Authors: Ahmed Hafiz Ghulam Muhu-Din , Fatima Noor , Faisal Anns , Ullah Aziz , Ali Muhammad , Ameen Muhammad , Irfan Muhammad , Imran Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Wheat is a cereal that is majorly consumed around the world. There is a dire need for the advancement of wheat cultivars that are producing high yield. The experiment was conducted to characterize the spike related traits of wheat genotypes. Twenty wheat genotypes comprising three replications were experimented using randomized complete block design. The difference was significant among the studied twenty genotypes revealed by analysis of variance. Correlation Pearson’s revealed that the number of grains per spike (GPS) has positive relationship among all the studied traits such as the number of tillers per plant (NTP), spike weight (SWT), spike length (SL), and grain yield per plant (GYP). The GYP has a strong positive association with GPS (0.81**), GYS (0.78**), and SL (0.68**). The biological yield had a non-significant association with GYS (0.28) and GPS (0.13). All studied attributes have variations in the mean values which were represented by Radar analysis. The genotype Sadiq-21 was the best performing genotype among the SWT, GYS and BY followed by genotype Nawab-21 which performed best among the NTP, GYS and GPS and genotype Ghazi-19 which performed good among BY, SWT and GPS. The genotypes that were among the worst performing were Suren-10, Galaxy-13 and Borluag-16. The result of our study showed grain yield was mainly affected by NTP, GYS and GPS. For the improvement of wheat yield, these attributes must be improved for selection so that the yield of the wheat can be increased because these have a strong association with the grain yield.
Nitrogen Nutrition Affect the Growth and Bulb Yield of Garlic (Allium Sativum L.)
Authors: Kevlani Lata , Leghari Zubair , Wahocho Niaz Ahmed , Memon Noor-un-Nisa , Talpur Khalid Hussain , Ahmed Waqas , Jamali Muzamil Farooque , Kubar Aftab Ali , Wahocho Safdar Ali
Published: February 2023

Nitrogen (N) is one of the critical nutrients for productivity and quality of cultivated crop species. However, its overused in crop cultivation caused several environmental concerns. Hence its proper use in agriculture is not only pre-requisite for sustainable crop cultivation but also necessary to control environmental pollution. A field trial was designed at experimental area of Department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture university Tando Jam, Pakistanto test the response of garlic varietiesto N nutrition in terms of growth and bulb attributed traits during the winter season, 2020-21. The N effect on growth and yield associated traits of two garlic varieties (local white and purple top) were investigated by applying four Nrates that included 0, 50 kg, 100 kg and 150 kg ha-1. The findings of the trial exhibitedthat N application at various rates had substantial positiveimpact on the growth and bulb development of garlic at (P<0.05). The garlic plantation receivedNat maximum rate (150 kg ha-1) resulted tallest plants,better neck thicknesswith more leaves plant-1. The N also positively affected the bulb yield and other yield parameters of garlic.The maximum bulb yield was obtained when plants were nourished with 150 Kg N ha-1that was 381.98 % more than the control. It was noted that increase inN rates was statistically dominant over other doses. The varietal influence on garlic indicated that variety purple top performed better than local white in terms of yield associated traits..These findings provide new insight regarding the significance of N nutrition in improving the growth and bulb yield of garlic genotypes
Evaluation of soma-clonal variation in CP-671026 mutant of sugarcane (Saccharum officinrum L) through morphological techniques
Authors: Memon Zohra Fatima , Baloch Shala , Ali Muharam , Khan Imtiyaz Ahmed , Khaskheli Allah Jurio , Yasmine Shafquat , Chachar Sadaruddin , Qambrani Zareen , Magsi Bilqees , Shah Sayyed Zakir Hussain
Published: February 2023

Present studies were conducted on evaluation of soma-clonal variation of CP67-1026 mutant through morphological procedures with the aims at discussing how soma-clonal variations can be analyzed through morphological approaches in gaining knowledge about the underlined regulatory controlled mechanisms in plants. In vitro experiments were conducted in the Laboratory of Nuclear Institute Atomic Energy (NIA), Tandojam during the year of 2021. The results so far achieved opened further window for deep analysis with reference to functional analysis of soma-clonal variated plants with different approaches. Results on the performance for soma-clonal variation in sugarcane variety NIA-2010 and their soma-clones revealed the best performance of varieties, which showed that the plant height (302.33cm) was observed in SC-3 and the lowest performance was examined in SC-2 that was approximately (154.33cm). The consequences of varieties and diverse parameters indicated that the highest number of internodes plant-1 were recorded (38) in SC-3 and lowest number of internodes plant-1 were accomplished (23) in SC-1. The output of different features indicated that highest number of tillers plant-1 was observed (8.02) in SC-3, the lowest number of tillers plant-1 (4.33) were noted in SC-4 and 8 as well. The consequences of soma-clones indicated that maximum weight stool-1 (kg) was observed (9.67kg) in SC-3 and minimum weight stool-1 (kg) was showed (5.83) in SC-1. The output of different physiological features indicated that highest values were remarkably noticed of brix (%) (19.83%) in SC-13, sucrose (%) (13.4%) in SC-3, fiber (%) (18.92g) in SC-3 whereas the lowest fiber (%) (16.58g) were seen in SC-11. The results of various agronomic parameters such as germination % observed (82.01%) in SC-6, commercial cane sugar percentage (CCS %) showed (9.1%) in SC-9, sugar recovery (%) (8.56%) in SC-8, purity (%) (85.27%) in SC-8, cane yield (tonnes per hectare) (96.67 tonnes per hectare) in SC-3, sugar yield (tonnes per hectare) (7.95 tonnes per hectare) in SC-3 for the assessment of morphological constitutions of NIA-2010 genotype and their soma-clone
Impact of Training Approaches to Reduce Knowledge and Skills Gap in Cotton Crop: A Case Study Taluka Sinjhoro District Sanghar, Sindh
Authors: Dahri Ghulam Nabi , Wang Jing , Khanzadab Bina , Soomro Abdul Samad , Hingorjo Wahid Bux , Mari Muhammad Asif , Talpur Basit Ali , Nangraj Ghulam Mustafa , Tabassum Shumaila
Published: February 2023

Cotton is important fiber crop which is used to grow for commercially purpose. It’s growing all over the world, like India, USA, Russia, China, Brazil, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Sudan etc. Cotton is cash crop and Pakistan known as ‘white gold’, cotton contributes 23.60 percent of value added and 4.45 of the total GDP of the country (GoP, 2021). Two third exports earning of the country are from the cotton made-up and textiles, it add $2.5 in national economy while   country textile mills and ginning factories are also depends on cotton (Rani et al., 2017).  Study objectives Identify and compare the training methods for cotton production perceived by cotton farmers, determine the effectiveness of various training methods on cotton farmers' knowledge and skills & Identify barriers to applying knowledge and skills by farmers.  Total sample size were 100 cotton growers purposely were selected from study area. Data collection were collected through well design research questionnaire and data analyzed through (SPSS) statistical software.  It was observed that overall training program had very positive impact on farmer’s knowledge and skills because farmers became aware about filed issue and they started practical work their field to get maximum yield from cotton crop. Public organization may be need for improvement for facilitation and capacity building of famers. Farmers awareness session increase their knowledge and work for more production.
The Role of Chronotype of Patients and Cryoexrtact of Placenta in the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Facial Scar
Authors: Toropov Oleksandr A. , Lokes Kateryna P. , Faustova Mariia O. , Yatsenko Ihor V. , Steblovskyi Dmitriy V. , Bukhanchenko Olha P. , Avetikov Davyd S.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND: The chronotypical features of people have a significant impact on the course of reparative processes in the patient’s body. Understanding the mechanisms of influence on the course of reparative skin regeneration after planned surgical interventions within the maxillofacial tissues can contribute to improving the provision of medical care to such patients.
AIM: The study was aimed to determine role of chronotype of patients and cryoexrtact of placenta in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in facial scar.
METHODS: In our study, 60 patients (36 males and 24 females) of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the Poltava Regional Clinical Hospital, Ukraine, aged from 18 to 68 years, who underwent inpatient treatment for planned surgical interventions of the maxillofacial area, were enrolled. At the time of the study, the patients did not have concomitant diseases, but if necessary, all patients could consult by other specialists. The practical section was carried out between September 2019 and August 2021 as follow. According to our study, 60 patients were divided depending on the type of chronotype, which was determined by the Horn-Ostberg questionnaire in Stepanova’s modification and the type of using treatment taking into account different ways of using of cryoextract of placenta. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were determined on the 90th, 180th, and 360th days of observation in the forming scar tissue. We used the method of Chevari et al. to determine the activity of superoxide dismutase. Catalase activity in homogenates of scar tissue was determined according to the method of M.A. Koroliuk.
RESULTS: It was noted that the enzymatic activity of catalase in the scar homogenate is characterized by a lower dynamics of changes than the activity of superoxide dismutase. Positive dynamics were noted under the conditions of use in the treatment protocol of placenta cryoextract, which was more pronounced in patients with a morning chronotype.
CONCLUSIONS: The most significant changes were observed in the studied indicators of antioxidant protection in patients of the morning chronotype who underwent intrawound administration of cryoextract of the placenta in combination with electrophoresis of this remedy against the background of a standard treatment protocol, especially at earlier terms after surgical treatment.
INDICES DE SEVERIDADE DA SECA NO SEMIÁRIDO, PARAÍBA
Authors: Nascimento Maxsuel Bezerra do , Medeiros Marysol Dantas de
Published: February 2023

The occurrence of annual and multiannual droughts in the Brazilian semiarid is a recurrent phenomenon that triggers a series of consequences, impacting the environment and the quality of life of the population inhabiting this region. Due to its location in the drought polygon, the Immediate Geographical Region of Monteiro – PB (REGIM does not diverge from this reality. Given the above, this research aims to correlate the DM, PNI, and RAI Severity Indices of Drought Events in the REGIM, through the historical rainfall series data, to classify the quantitative data on a monthly and annual scale and identify these cycles' Severity of Events (SDE) and consequently evaluate the variation of precipitation over time, identifying the dry and rainy periods. The research sourced monthly rainfall data from the Northeast Development Superintendence (SUDENE), National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), and Executive Agency of Water Management of Paraíba (AESA) to compose the spatial and temporal precipitation variability, which was calculated through the Normal Percentage Index – NPI (CUNHA, 2008), Decision Method – DM (GIBBS; MAHER, 1967) and Rainfall Anomaly Index – RAI (ROOY, 1965). Keywords: Rainfall Standardization Indices – Ipp; Severity of Events – SDE; Water Resources.
SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF ESTIMATES SEDIMENT GENERATION AND CONNECTIVITY IN UHE CONTRIBUTION WATERSHED
Authors: Nunes Elizon Dias , Romão Patrícia Araújo , Sales Maurício Martines , Souza Newton Moreira , Luz Marta Pereira , Ribeiro Luciano Ferreira
Published: February 2023

The knowledge of the spatial variability of the generation and transport of sediments allows the identification with considerable precision critical areas regarding the generation and flow of detrital materials in atersheds. This paper aims to relate the spatial variability of soil loss and sediment connectivity in a contribution basin of the Batalha Hydroelectric Power Plant reservoir in the municipality of Cristalina (GO). The methodology comprised the bivariate spatial correlation between production estimates (MUSLE) and the Connectivity Index (CI) applied at a slope scale in the basin's contribution area. The results indicate the configuration of four spatial patterns: low production and low connectivity index in most of the area, comprising the higher and flatter portions; low production and high connectivity index in the vicinity of springs and drainage channels; high production and low connectivity index in the higher, steeper and more distant portions; and high production and high connectivity, predominating in the steepest portions and closest to the channels or even in those portions that are more distant but are connected to the channel, in the latter situation via more intense surface runoff flow lines. In this sense, the importance of this methodology is highlighted in the identification of critical areas, which are priority areas for the implementation of mitigating measures of the impacts resulting from hydric erosive processes. Keywords: Water Erosion, Sediment Contribution, Critical Areas, Water Reservoirs.
FLOOD RISK COMMUNICATION
Authors: Fonseca Murilo Noli da , Silva Luciene Pimentel da , Garcias Carlos Mello
Published: February 2023

The aim of the present study is to present an overview of, and research trends to investigate, flood risk communication between 2010 and 2020. Thus, bibliometric analysis was used as research technique. The main results comprised 34 identified articles that were mainly published from 2014, onwards. Most authors were from European, North American and Asian countries. It was possible observing lack of authors from developing countries in Africa and Latin America, which are areas acknowledged as vulnerable to, and affected by, disproportionate impacts caused by natural disasters. Studies conducted so far have presented elucidative findings about the effects of effective risk communication presence or absence on society. Keywords: Risk Information. Resilience. Bibliometrics. Collaboration Networks
URBAN INSECURITY, FRAGMENTATION AND FORTIFIED ENCLAVES IN THE FORTALEZA METROPOLITAN REGION
Authors: Freitas Fabiano Lucas da Silva , Costa Maria Clelia Lustosa
Published: February 2023

The increase in the feeling of urban insecurity has justified the self-segregation of the middle- and high-income layers of society to fortified enclaves in the Fortaleza Metropolitan Region (RMF). The main objective of this paper is to analyze the fragmentation in stretches/sectors with the highest concentration of “private condominiums” and to evaluate the impacts resulting from the expansion of fragmenting enterprises in the socio-spatial fabric. Therefore, the study indicates a change from the model of dual segregation (center-periphery) towards the pattern of socio-spatial fragmentation that has been developing, primarily, in a small area of the eastern sector (neighborhood of Lourdes), in the southeast sector and parts of the sector south and specific stretches of the municipalities of Eusébio and Aquiraz. Keywords: Urban Insecurity, Self-segregation, Restructuring of urban space, Socio-spatial fragmentation, Typology of fortified enclaves.
A PERILOUS DEMOCRATIC EXERCISE WITHIN AN EXCEPTIONAL HEALTH CONTEXT
Authors: Bailly Guillaume
Published: February 2023

This article questions the organization of the French municipal elections within the context of a global pandemic (COVID-19). In a little-explored scientific field in the cities of Le Mans, Allonnes, Coulaines and Arnage, we examine the practice of abstention on the part of voters in Le Mans Métropole. In this regard, principal component analysis followed by hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. We used the data of both the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) and the French Ministry of the Interior. Our main goal consisted in highlighting the electoral geography of Le Mans Métropole at the municipal and sub-municipal levels, using maps. We thus report that abstention rates soared. This fact corroborates the initial hypothesis of low turnout by the population at the end of this first round of the municipal elections and benefiting certain candidates on the local electoral scene. This was particularly the case for the left-wing party, the victory of which was also analysed within a national context of the Socialist Party’s decline. Keywords: municipal election, abstention, covid-19, France, urban community of Le Mans, spatial analysis.
TERRITORIOLOGY IN/OF PRAXIS?
Authors: Saquet Marcos
Published: February 2023

Apparently, it may seem redundant or unnecessary to highlight the need to study the territory, however, this is not just any research we are arguing for. With this, we are, initially, reassuming our territorialist option to, soon after, establish an intimate relationship between the territory and the indigenous, African and peasant cosmologies, trying to contribute to the theoretical, conceptual, methodological and political qualification of a popular territorial science made through participatory-action-research. One of the results noted is the strong link between this theoretical-practical, horizontal, dialogical and reflective perspective with a decolonial and counter-hegemonic territorial conception in the context of university-territory, science-popular knowledge, subject-subject, teaching-research-extension/cooperation relations. Key-words: Territory, popular science, praxis, participatory-action-research.
CHRONOLOGY OF QUARTZITIC SLOPES FROM MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL
Authors: Rodrigues Silvio Carlos , Santos Fabiana Cristina dos , Carvalho Rui Filipe Ferreira , Nazar Thallita Isabela Silva Martins
Published: February 2023

Quartzitic mountain reliefs developed in a tropical savanna climate tend to have shallow sedimentary deposits. This is due to low level weathering processes of quartzite rocks and formation of colluvium ramps on the slopes. This study aims to determine the characteristics of colluvial materials, particularly grain size, and to analyze sediment chronology above the saprolite, seeking to identify accumulation rates and make correlations with the dynamics of the recent geomorphological evolution of the Canastra range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Samples collected in different morphological positions were submitted to granulometric analysis and dated by Optically Stimulated Luminescence Single Aliquote Regeneration (OSL/SAR) and radiocarbon dating. Grain size analysis showed a predominance of sandy and gravel materials and demonstrated that the colluvial ramps in the study area contain materials derived from the decomposition of quartzite rocks, accumulated in shallow and sandy profiles. LOE/SAR dating indicated ages between the end of the Pleistocene, not exceeding 30,500 +/- 4,950 BP, to 500 years BP, whereas the 14C dating showed ages between 4460 +/- 30 BP and 1140 +/- 30 BP. These data indicate that the deposits from the study area are relatively recent, which demonstrate that variations in the weathering process and deposit formation have undergone recent changes, probably due to climatic fluctuations and changes in the regional hydrological regime. Keywords: Canastra Range, Paleogeomorphological Reconstruction, Weathering of Quartzites, OSL, Tropical Range
ANTHROPOGENIC INDUCED PROCESSES IN URBANIZED ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Danelon Jean Roger Bombonatto , Barcelos Anna Carolina
Published: February 2023

Anthropogenic Geomorphology is characterized as a branch of geomorphological science that considers anthropic actions as relief modifying agents. This approach is currently presented as a fundamental tool in the analysis of geomorphological and hydrogeomorphological processes occurring in urbanized areas, because such locations have gone through and are going through significant changes triggered by actions of anthropic origin. Therefore, it is necessary the existence of a conceptual construction that contemplates the geomorphological processes from an anthropogenic approach. It is in this context that this article aims to enunciate the concept of anthropogenic induced processes, theoretically presenting its conceptual distinction against geomorphological natural / spontaneous processes and indicating its applicability in the analysis and interpretation of geomorphological phenomena triggered in urbanized areas. Keywords: Anthropogenic Geomorphology; Anthropogenic induced processes; Urbanized areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL FRAGILITY BY MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS
Authors: Souza Cristiano Marcelo Pereira de , Silva Lucas Augusto Pereira , Veloso Gustavo Vieira , Leite Marcos Esdras , Fernandes Filho Elpídio Inácio
Published: February 2023

The advancement of predictive models by Machine Learning Algorithms (ML) associated with environmental data enables the improvement of models of environmental fragility, which are essential tools for decision-making. This study aimed to derive a prediction of environmental fragility by testing ML associated with environmental covariates in the state of Minas Gerais. We use physical-environmental variables (soil, geology, climate, relief) with a weight of fragility for the attributes and calculation of the average to obtain a model of Potential Environmental Fragility (PEF). Subsequently, we extracted the PEF values to a 4,800-point grid, which was used to generate a new prediction by ML called PEFML. This prediction was based on testing five algorithms and a set of 105 environmental covariates. The results indicated that the best-performing PEFML prediction was the Random Forest model (R2 0.59 and RMSE 0.47), indicating a predominance of the low environmental fragility level. The PEF and PEFML models have strong correlations (0.7 Pearson); however, PEFML has stronger correlations with other environmental data. Therefore, the PEFML prediction is a robust model that captures information from covariates and has coherent spatial patterns. Keywords: Environmental fragility model; Spatial prediction; Random Forest; Environmental planning.
Relationship between Husband's Support and Compliance of Injecting Family Planning Adjunct Mothers in Doing Re-Injections in the Working Area of the Puuwatu Health Center
Authors: Pratiwi Sella , Mien Mien , Syahwal Muhammad , Narmi Narmi
Published: February 2023

The acceptor's compliance in re-injecting contraception can be seen from the timeliness of re-injecting where if there is a delay in the acceptor's re-injection it will reduce the effectiveness of the contraception. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between husband's support and maternal adherence to injecting family planning acceptors in re-injecting in the Puuwatu Health Center Work Area.. Method. The type of research used is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional study method conducted at the Puuwatu Health Center in July involving a sample of 93 people. Sampling using simple random sampling technique. The data were analyzed using the chi square test. Results. The results showed that in compliance with the use of re-injection family planning, there were 45 people (48.4%) who were obedient and there were 48 people (51.6%) who did not comply and on the support of their husbands, there were 53 people (57%) who received support. both from husbands and the less fortunate as many as 40 people (43%). In addition, there is a significant relationship between husband's support and maternal adherence to injecting family planning acceptors in re-injecting in the Puuwatu Health Center Work Area (ρ value = 0.025). Discussion. For husbands to support mothers in the use of re-injection family planning .
Factors associated with the behavior of breaking the chain of transmission of covid-19 in the community.
Authors: Haysah Nur , Narmi Narmi , Hasrima Hasrima , Mien Mien
Published: February 2023

Coronavirus disease was first reported in Wuhan, China, precisely in 2019.  WHO reports that as of 21 February 2022, there are 423,237,674 (5.4%) confirmed cases of Covid-19, representing 5,878,328 (0.07%) worldwide. Who died? The number of people positive for the new coronavirus at the work site of the Kantai Public Health Center is increasing year by year, reaching 48  and 61 from 2020 to 2021. In 2022, from January to March, he had 17 of her Covid-19 positive cases. One of the efforts to break the Covid-19 chain is to slow and stop the spread of the disease, and a key component is community engagement and support. This can be achieved if people have knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors that tend to be positive. The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors for breaking the chain of Covid-19 in society. This research method is an analytical survey and the sample size is 95  using a stratified sampling method. The survey instruments used a knowledge questionnaire by Ayu Saphira, a cognitive questionnaire by Gohel, and a modified behavioral questionnaire by Gunawan Susilawati. The results of this study showed a significant relationship between knowledge, perceptions about Covid-19, and actions to break the chain of Covid-19 in communities within the Kansai University Health Center work area with a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05). showed that there is Puskesmas recommends becoming more proactive in educating the public about Covid-19. It is also expected that the community will implement government
Differences in Elderly Knowledge After Counseling on Bay Leaf Therapy to Reduce Hypertension Using Video in Ngapainia Village, North Konawe Regency
Authors: Ismawati Ismawati , Indriastuti Diah , Syahwal Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Abstract. The elderly often experience various health problems due to the aging process. Problems that often occur in the elderly include hypertension, impaired uric acid levels, and cholesterol. Hypertension is the most common disease in the elderly, both due to organ changes due to the aging process and an unhealthy lifestyle. Health care for the elderly is advised to use herbs that have minimal side effects. This study aims to determine differences in the knowledge of the elderly after counseling on bay leaf therapy to reduce hypertension using video in Ngapainia Village, North Konawe Regency. This study uses a type of quantitative research with pre-experimental research methods, with a one-group pre-test post-test design approach. The sample of this study was 55 people aged> 60. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon test with significant criteria α (0.05). The results showed that before being given counseling on bay leaf therapy to reduce hypertension using video, the mean value was 5.1091 and the standard deviation was 1.65185. After being given counseling on bay leaf therapy to reduce hypertension using a video, the mean value was 8.0364 and the standard deviation was 1.66626. So the p-value is 0.000. That there is a difference in the knowledge of the elderly before and after being given bay leaf therapy counseling to reduce hypertension using video in Ngapainia Village, North Konawe Regency.
Türkiye’de yetiştirilen farklı fasulye (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotiplerinin genetik çeşitlilik analizi
Authors: ŞAHİN HÜNDÜREL Berru , POYRAZ İsmail , ATMACA Evren
Published: February 2023

Fabaceae (Baklagiller) üyesi olan Phaseolus vulgaris L. (fasulye), Türkiye ve dünyada yaygın olarak kullanıma sahip önemli bir tarım bitkisidir. Fasulye üretiminde verimliliği arttırmaya yönelik ıslah çalışmaları yapılmakta ve fasulye genotiplerinin genetik çeşitliliğine yönelik analizler, bu çalışmalar için uygun ebeveynlerin seçimine katkı sağlamaktadır. Ebeveyn seçiminde kullanılan geleneksel yöntemler, uzun zaman ve işçilik maliyetleri nedeniyle pratik değildir. DNA tabanlı markörlerin kullanıldığı moleküler yöntemler, genetik benzerlik ve farkları belirlemede oldukça başarılı olup geleneksel yöntemlere göre daha hızlı ve etkilidirler. RAPD (rastgele çoğaltılmış polimorfik DNA) markörleri, tür içi genetik çeşitliliği belirlemede yaygın olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’de yetiştirilen otuz yedi adet fasulye (P. vulgaris) genotipi ve dış grup olarak ateş fasulyesi (Phaseolus coccineus L.) kullanılmıştır. İzole edilen bitki DNA'ları, RAPD markörleri kullanılarak PCR (polimeraz zincir reaksiyonu) yöntemiyle çoğaltılmıştır. PCR bant profilleri Phoretix 1D Pro yazılımı kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Fasulye genotipleri arasındaki genetik çeşitliliği gösteren dendrogram, MEGA 6.0 yazılımı ile UPGMA (aritmetik ortalamalı ağırlıksız çift grup yöntemi) kümeleme analiz yöntemi kullanılarak oluşturulmuştur. Dendrogramda P. coccineus genotipinin diğer fasulye genotiplerinden ayrı olarak dallandığı görülmüş ve RAPD-PCR yöntemiyle elde edilen genetik çeşitlilik verilerinin fasulye ıslah çalışmalarında etkin olarak kullanılabileceği anlaşılmıştır.
Research on the Impact of Short-Form Video Advertising on Social Media on the Purchase Intention of Gen Z in Vietnam
Authors: Van Tuan Dr. Pham , Chan Le Anh , Quang Anh Nguyen , Giang Pham Chau , Quynh Trang Nguyen , Phuong Uyen Nguyen
Published: February 2023

In recent years, short-form video has become a popular form of advertising on social media. The way consumers make decisions to purchase has changed owing to this new marketing method. This study aims to investigate the impact of informativeness, entertainment, credibility, social interaction, incentives and irritation of short-form video advertising on social media on the purchase intention of Gen Z in Vietnam through user attitude and advertising value. A survey was conducted by collecting responses from 1257 respondents who are Gen Z and familiar with social media, which was later analysed using SmartPLS. The findings revealed that advertising value and user attitude significantly affect customers’ purchase intention. In addition, advertising value is directly affected by informativeness, entertainment and credibility. Meanwhile, user attitude is directly affected by social interaction, incentives and irritation. Finally, the research team propose some solutions for businesses to increase the purchase intention of Gen Z in Vietnam through short-form video advertising on social media.
Effects of morphological traits on living body weight of wild Cyclina sinensis in different geographical populations
Authors: LIU Xiaogang , Xia Qing , DONG Zhiguo , GE Hongxing , Liu Meimei , Li Xiaoying
Published: February 2023

Eleven coastal geographical populations of wild Cyclina sinensis in China were collected in February 2020, and the effects of four morphological traits (shell length; shell height; shell width; external ligament length) on one weight trait (living body weight) were studied by correlation analysis, path analysis, determination coefficient analysis, and regression analyses. The statistical results showed that the coefficient of body weight variation was generally greater than morphological traits(P＜0.05). The correlation analysis results showed that the coefficient of correlation between morphological traits (except for external ligament length) and body weight are significantly positive (P＜0.05) in all populations. Based on the results of path analysis and determination coefficient analysis, shell length has the greatest direct effect on body weight in the Yancheng population; shell height has the greatest direct effect on body weight in Dandong, Fuzhou and Tangshan populations; shell width has the greatest direct effect on body weight in Zhanjiang, Wenzhou, Dongtai, Ningbo, Tianjin, Dongying, and Wanning populations. Multiple regression equations were obtained with body weight as the dependent variable, shell length, height, and width and external ligament length as independent variables. The results of systematic clustering showed that there are no apparent geographical differentiation characteristics among eleven geographical populations in morphology. This study provided a scientific basis for selective and genetic breeding and can guide the development and utilization of wild C. sinensis seed resources.
Predictors of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) Carriage in the First Major VRE Outbreak in Singapore
Authors: Yang Kok-Soong , Fong Yuke-Tien , Lee Heow-Yong , Kurup Asok , Koh Tse-Hsien , Koh David , Lim Meng-Kin
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Until recently, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) infection or colonisation was a rare occurrence in Singapore. The first major VRE outbreak involving a 1500-bed tertiary care institution in March 2005 presented major challenges in infection control and came at high costs. This study evaluates the predictors of VRE carriage based on patients’ clinical and demographic profiles.

Materials and Methods: Study patients were selected from the hospital inpatient census population during the VRE outbreak (aged 16 years or more). Clinical information from 84 cases and 377 controls were analysed.

Results: Significant predictors of VRE carriage included: age >65 years [Odds ratio (OR), 1.98; 95% CI (confidence interval), 1.14 to 3.43); female gender (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.27 to 3.65); history of diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.14 to 3.30), and staying in a crowded communal ward (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.60 to 4.74). Each additional day of recent hospital stay also posed increased risk (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.04).

Conclusion: Elderly diabetic females with prolonged hospitalisation in crowded communal wards formed the profile that significantly predicted VRE carriage in this major hospital-wide outbreak of VRE in Singapore. It is imperative that active VRE surveillance and appropriate infection control measures be maintained in these wards to prevent future VRE outbreaks.

Key words: Colonisation, Hospital-acquired, Infection
High Coverage of Influenza Vaccination Among Healthcare Workers Can Be
Achieved During Heightened Awareness of Impending Threat
Authors: Yang Kok-Soong , Fong Yuke-Tien , Koh David , Lim Meng-Kin
Published: February 2023

Introduction: As preparation against a possible avian flu pandemic, international and local health authorities have recommended seasonal influenza vaccination for all healthcare workers at geographical risk. This strategy not only reduces “background noise”, but also chance of genetic shifts in avian influenza viruses when co-infection occurs. We evaluate the response of healthcare workers, stratified by professional groups, to a non-compulsory annual vaccination call, and make international comparisons with countries not at geographical risk.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed over the window period for vaccination for the 2004 to 2005 influenza season (northern hemisphere winter). The study population included all adult healthcare workers (aged ≤21 years) employed by a large acute care tertiary hospital.

Results: The uptake rates among frontline caregivers – doctors >50%, nurses >65% and ancillary staff >70% – markedly exceeded many of our international counterparts’ results.

Conclusion: Given its close proximity in time and space to the avian flu pandemic threat, Singapore healthcare workers responded seriously and positively to calls for preventive measures. Other factors, such as the removal of financial, physical and mental barriers, may have played important facilitative roles as well.

Key words: Avian, Flu, Pandemic, Season
Intracranial Aneurysm Detection with 3T Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Authors: Tang Phua-Hwee , Hui Francis , Sitoh Yih-Yian
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The new 3 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance (MR) scanners yield improved signalto-noise ratio and spatial resolution with superior background suppression compared to lower field strength systems. This is advantageous for MR angiograms. The purpose of our study was to compare unenhanced three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D TOF MRA) at 3T with catheter digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in detecting unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Materials and Methods: Out of 1375 consecutive patients who underwent unenhanced 3D TOF MRA at 3T, 15 patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms were retrospectively identified. Nine of these 15 patients had DSA as the reference standard for comparison. Aneurysm size, location and morphology were independently assessed on both MRA and DSA by 2 radiologists.

Results: Seventeen aneurysms ranging in size from 1 mm to 24 mm were identified in 15 patients on MRA. DSA confirmed the aneurysms in 9 patients with good anatomical correlation compared with the MRA findings.

Conclusions: 3D TOF MRA at 3T has good correlation with DSA and aneurysms as small as 1 mm in size can be detected. This can be a promising, non-invasive method for aneurysm surveillance.

Key words: Angiography, Cerebrovascular disorders, Diagnostic imaging
Mutation Screening in KCNQ1, HERG, KCNE1, KCNE2 and SCN5A Genes in a Long QT Syndrome Family
Authors: Koo Seok-Hwee , Teo Wee-Siong , Ching Chi-Keong , Chan Soh-Ha , Lee Edumund JD
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Long QT syndrome (LQTS), an inherited cardiac arrhythmia, is a disorder of ventricular repolarisation characterised by electrocardiographic abnormalities and the onset of torsades de pointes leading to syncope and sudden death. Genetic polymorphisms in 5 wellcharacterised cardiac ion channel genes have been identified to be responsible for the disorder. The aim of this study is to identify disease-causing mutations in these candidate genes in a LQTS family.

Materials and Methods: The present study systematically screens the coding region of the LQTS-associated genes (KCNQ1, HERG, KCNE1, KCNE2 and SCN5A) for mutations using DNA sequencing analysis.

Results: The mutational analysis revealed 7 synonymous and 2 nonsynonymous polymorphisms in the 5 ion channel genes screened.

Conclusion: We did not identify any clear identifiable genetic marker causative of LQTS, suggesting the existence of LQTSassociated genes awaiting discovery.

Key words: Arrhythmia, Ion channels, Long QT syndrome
Obturator Hernia in an Ageing Society
Authors: Haraguchi Masashi , Matsuo Shigetoshi , Kanetaka Kengo , Tokai Hirotaka , Azuma Takashi , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Kanematsu Takashi
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Obturator hernia is an important cause of small bowel obstruction and is associated with difficult diagnosis and high mortality.

Materials and Methods: We reviewed 22 cases of intestinal obstruction due to obturator hernia that necessitated surgical intervention over the last 17 years and evaluated the changes in the number of patients based on the census data.

Results: All cases were elderly females. The Howship-Romberg sign was present in 15 patients (68%). Computed tomography (CT) correctly diagnosed 13/15 (87%) of cases in which it was performed prospectively. The median time to surgery was 7.5 ± 5.2 days for those patients with bowel resection, compared to 0.8 ± 1.3 days for those without (P <0.05). The number of patients with obturator hernia has increased with an ageing society.

Conclusions: The rising incidence of obturator hernia is probably linked to an ageing society. CT of the pelvis was helpful in obtaining the correct diagnosis. The shorter the delay between admission and surgery, the lower the bowel resection rate. Laparotomy at an early stage is recommended in such patients as it leads to reduced morbidity and mortality.

Key words: Census, Computed tomography, Female
Use of Fetal Electrocardiogram for Intrapartum Monitoring
Authors: Su Lin-Lin , Chong Yap-Seng , Biswas Arijit
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Intrapartum fetal monitoring is essential for the identification of fetal hypoxia to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality. Cardiotocography is associated with low specificity for fetal acidosis and poor perinatal outcome leading to unnecessary operative deliveries. ST waveform analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram has been shown to be a promising adjunctive intrapartum assessment tool. We aim to present the pathophysiology, the role of intrapartum monitoring and the practical usage of this relatively new technology in our review.

Methods: An electronic search of Medline and OVID was carried out, followed by a manual search of the references identified by the electronic search.

Results: The incorporation of ST waveform analysis to cardiotocography has been shown to reduce the rates of neonatal metabolic acidosis, moderate and severe neonatal encephalopathy, thus improving perinatal outcome. The reduction in operative delivery rates due to fetal distress is also significant. The pathophysiology and practical usage of this technology were discussed.

Conclusions: With more accurate identification of fetal hypoxia and reduction of unnecessary intervention rates, incorporation of ST waveform analysis of fetal electrocardiography into cardiotocography can improve the standard of intrapartum fetal monitoring.

Key words: Cardiotocography, Fetal electocardiography, Fetal ST waveform analysis, Intrapartum, Perinatal outcomes
Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Loh Yvonne SM , Hwang William YK , Ratnagopal Pavanni
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) has been performed for severe multiple sclerosis (MS) refractory to standard therapy with increasing frequency worldwide. However, experience in Asia employing this modality in MS has been limited. In this review, we explored the pathophysiology of autoimmunity and the underlying rationale for auto-HSCT in treating autoimmune diseases including MS, as well as existing published pre-clinical and clinical data. We aimed thereby to better understand the utility of treating MS with auto-HSCT and the feasibility of this procedure in Singapore.

Methods: A Medline search was performed with the terms “haematopoietic stem cell transplantation”, “multiple sclerosis” and “autoimmune diseases” from 1996 to 2005. Both original papers and review articles were considered.

Main Findings: The majority of publications were from Europe or the United States and most clinical series from single centres had relatively small numbers of patients. Worldwide, the number of patients reported has been less than 300 since 1997. Existing data support the feasibility and promise of this procedure and ongoing Phase III trials may serve to confirm this initial experience.

Conclusion: Pre-clinical and early clinical data support the rationale for immunoablative therapy for autoimmune disorders. Auto-HSCT for severe MS is a feasible procedure and can be safely performed in centres with experience managing HSCT patients.

Key words: Autoimmunity, Induction of tolerance, Progressive multiple sclerosis