bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Post-Courier and media advocacy: A new era for Papua New Guinean journalism?
Authors: Matbob Patrick
Published: March 2020

The Papua New Guinea media is often described as ‘free’ and ‘vibrant’ compared to other media in developing countries in the region. The style of journalism and the news values are based on the Western model familiar in developed countries, where objectivity is one of the conventions of  journalism practice. This is a result of influence on the PNG media by Western news values through a history of ownership of the local media and training in journalism provided at the workplace and at journalism schools in PNG. However, the coverage of two major national issues by PNG’s national daily Post-Courier has signalled a shift in reportage style in PNG to one of advocacy journalism. The two major issues are the National Superannuation Fund of Papua New Guinea (NASFUND) corruption crisis and an anti-gun campaign. Although at present both issues have dropped out of the media, they have yet to reach satisfactory conclusions. The prosecution of people involved in the NASFUND mis-management is pending while the anti-gun campaign report has been tabled in Parliament, but nothing has been heard about it since. This article examines the role of the Post-Courierand its coverage of the two issues and why it chose to use advocacy style journalism for its coverage. The coverage has drawn criticism from sectors of society and other journalists. The article also examines the views of journalists in Papua New Guinea about the Post-Courier’s coverage and advocacy journalism.
Sydney freelance journalists and the notion of professionalism
Authors: Das Jahnnabi
Published: March 2020

Freelance journalists experience constraints in their practice which impact upon their independence; yet they invoke the idea of professionalism  similar to that of the employed journalists to justify their position as journalists. However, the reality of their practice makes them accept the imperative of the rules of game set by news managers and others, which significantly compromises their independence. An in-depth interview of freelance journalists working in print media in Sydney, Australia, reveal that this is a true analysis of the prevailing situation for the freelance journalists, making their claim of professionalism weak. However, the complexity of the situation is manifested in a strong sense of public service prevalent among Sydney freelancers. As freelance journalists are becoming significant in number in many parts of the word (IFJ, 1999), the question of professionalism in freelance journalists should be considered as an important aspect in any comprehensive discussion on journalism.
Noted: Dual purpose resource for media freedom
Authors: Pearson Mark
Published: March 2020

"Just how many surveys of the world press freedom do we need? One view is that there can never be enough because, every time Freedom House, Reporters San Frontiéres, the International Federation of Journalists or the Committee to Protect Journalists  releases one, the message of media freedom is disseminated. Of course, the counter argument is that the same message loses its impact when so many competing non-governmental organisations announce their various lists derived form different formulae..."
EDITORIAL: A better media deal?
Authors: Uppal Charu , Singh Shailendra , Craddock Patrick
Published: March 2020

As this edition of Pacific Journalism Review went to press, Fiji was in the throes of conducting a census. Technology is helping the process. Technology is often associated with democratising the political proc- ess, decentralising the status quo, upholding free speech, promoting direct democracy and amplifying voices that often remain silent. Regardless of the potential of technology to deliver these freedoms, the issues that existed before the advent of the internet, e.g. access to technology (affordability and availability, including the issue of electricity in developing nations), user motivation and skill in using these new gadgets still stand. This edition, jointly produced with University of the South Pacific media staff, publishes a series of articles addressing these issues. On Media Freedom Day, 3 May 2006, the Fiji Media Council, assisted by USP’s regional journalism programme, organised a panel on ‘Media and alleviation of poverty’. The panel—men from the developed world who were either connected to the media industry in Fiji, or owned a great stake in it—talked about everything but the media’s role in alleviating poverty.
Women’s media: Challenging the status quo
Authors: Bhagwan Rolls Sharon
Published: March 2020

While there is a need to challenge mainstream media to improve their portrayal of women in contemporary Pacific society, there is also a need to counter factors affecting and inhibiting women’s engagement with that media. This not only requires the incorporation of gender equality policies in mainstream media policy but by ensuring that women are able to develop, produce and distribute alternative information and communications. For such advocacy to be successful, this commentary argues for capacity building and training for young women and rural women to make the connection with policy makers through their local programme productions so they can challenge personal, institutional and systematic barriers to their development and empowerment.
Community informatics and the power of participation
Authors: Harris Usha Sundar
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the potential of information and communication technology (ICT) for social capital and community empowerment in Pacific societies through case studies of internet use by online communities during various political crises in Fiji and emerging community media. It argues that despite being located on the fringe of the ICT boom, it is still possible for island communities to engage with media technology using participatory approaches to develop local content which is closer to their own realities and which reflects local cultures, values and individual aspirations.
Testing times: Kiwi journalists and the military
Authors: Mackay Denise , Comrie Margie
Published: March 2020

War correspondents, long the object of popular fascination, have been the focus of academic study since Phillip Knightley published The First Casualty in 1976. While New Zealand journalists did not cover the second Iraq War in 2003, the furore over the US practice of ‘embedding’ journalists was felt in New Zealand. Drawing on in-depth interviews with seven seasoned defence reporters, this article examines the relationship between the New Zealand Army and journalists during times of conflict.
The media and leadership: An exploratory study of Howard and Costello
Authors: Tanner Stephen
Published: March 2020

This article explores the proposition that the Australian federal Press Gallery operates as a pack and, as such, engages in feeding frenzies when presented with a major story. It uses framing analysis to argue that while the gallery can act as a Pack, even when the journalists have to work independently to obtain the background needed for a story, this does not mean that a feeding frenzy takes place. In fact it argues that Gallery journalists can act as ‘wise heads’ and potentially calm an issue down, rather than beat it up for their own purposes.
The year of the accountant
Authors: Rosenberg Bill
Published: March 2020

While the news media in New Zealand- and internationally-continued to search for ther place in the increasingly digital world in 2007, the names of the companies which dominate them in New Zealand- Fairfax, APN News and Media (ANM), MediaWorks, NewsCorporation-remained stable. Yet even there, changes in who controls the purse strings were instensifying the commercial drivers that frequently conflict with the social needs we have for news and information. These drivers led to job losses in news rooms and intensified moves to rationalise production, in ways that aroused concern in the industry about the quality of the news available to New Zealanders. If it was the year of anything for New Zealand media, it was the year of the accountant. This review of the year 2007, surveys what happend in each media sector, and takes a closer look at the changes in the owners and their companies.
Bogans in the news: A case of media reflexivity
Authors: Snell Dave , Hodgetts Darrin
Published: March 2020

In March 2007, the New Zealand government announced the outcome of its competitive funding round for Top Achiever Doctoral Scholarships. This article traces the news controversy emerging with the awarding of a scholarship for the first author to study the everyday lives of Bogans. Across radio, newspaper and television news outlets tensions emerged regarding the (mis)use of public monies, representations of Bogans, and common understandings of academic research. The authors document their efforts to extend news deliberations beyond negative reactions to the scholarship.
Australia’s media climate: Time to renegotiate control
Authors: Johnston Jane , Pearson Mark
Published: March 2020

In 2007, Australia was rated by two international media bodies as well down the chain in media freedom. Within its own borders, internal media groups—in particular the Australian Press Council and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, as well as a consortium of major employer groups—have recently released reports investigating the position of media freedoms. This atricle examines a select few of these shrinking freedoms which range from the passive restrcitions on access to documents to the overt threat of imprisonment for publishing sensitive material. In particular, it considers laws relating to freedom of information, camera access to courts, shield laws and whistleblower protection and finally revamped anti-terrorism laws. The article maps the landscape of Australia's downgraded press fredom and suggests that laws controlling media reportage need to be renegotiated.
The suitcase, the samurai sword and the Pumpkin: Asian crime and NZ news media treatment
Authors: Baker Sarah , Benson Jeanie
Published: March 2020

In 2005 and 2007, two high profile crimes were reported in the New Zealand media. The first case invovled the murder of a young Chinese student, Wan Biao, whose dismembered body was discovered in a suitcase. The second case involved domestic violence in which a Chinese man murdered his wife and fled the scene with their young daughter— who the press later dubbed 'Pumpkin' when she was found abandoned in Melbourne, Australia. The authors discuss how news and current affairs programmes decontextualise 'Asian' stories to portray a clear divide between the 'New zealand' public and the separate 'Asian other'. Asians are portrayed as a homogenous group and the media fails to distinguish between Asians as victims of crimes as a separate category to Asians as perpetrators of crimes. This may have consequences for the New Zealand Asian communities and the wider New Zealand society as a whole.
‘Māori terror threat’: The dangers of the post-9/11 narrative
Authors: McCulloch Alison
Published: March 2020

The dominant narrative surrounding terrorism across the globe is a post-9/11 one. Whether explicitly or not, reporting on terrorism is at the very least strongly informed by the 11 September 2001 attacks and the response to them. And this is so even when, as in New Zealand’s case, the facts on the ground do not fit those of 9/11.  In this commentary, I use American reporting on terrorism after September 11 to pick a path through the emerging story of the 15 October 2007 police raids in New Zealand. I argue that not only does the American experience offer important insights into some of the risks associated with reporting on terrorism, it helps explain the narratives at work in New Zealand media coverage. Our own story has already adopted some of the more potent and insidious features of the post-9/11 pattern. Here I will focus on three: (1) terrorism as super-news, (2) terrorism as good vs evil (and ‘us vs them’), and (3) the dangers of ‘the political-media complex’.
Exposing both minefields
Authors: Kavan Heather
Published: March 2020

"In reading Media Minefield, the first sentence of the book The Journalists and the Murderer kept running through my head: 'Every journalist who is not too stupid or too full of himself to notice what is going on knows that what he does is morally  indefensible' (Malcolm, 1990, p.3). The tense relationship between the media and the public is evidenced not just by complaints and lawsuits, but by the fact that juries are not usually sympathetic to journalists. In Media Minefield, author Steven Price attempts to alleviate this problem."
Observer or participator? Diversity challenges for the role of the media profession
Authors: Manning Selwyn
Published: March 2020

In the post 9/11 era there is considerable opportunity for the media profession to give insight into what has compelled one side to act in a way that has enraged and empowered another side to act in a manner that further caused hostility or anger to become entrenched.  When a crisis is on the rise, journalists, and the wider network of media, are often in a unique position to access areas where others are forbidden. Through skilful reporting journalists can elicit the specific points of justification from decision-makers and leaders. Where irony or illogic is discovered, seeking to discover the reason for this often identifies a vital link between ignorance and compulsion. When that connection is reported, the opportunity exists to inform.
A clash of cultures for foreign correspondents
Authors: Masterton Murray
Published: March 2020

When the author of this commentary was teaching or consulting —but not ‘foreign correspondensing’—in Malaysia, Singapore and later India, as he was in the early and mid 1990s―he met and spoke with many journalists who were employed as correspondents to report on events in those countries for Australian newspapers and broadcasters. None of them considered their colleagues to be total masters of the art of delivering an accurate and informed report on Asia-Pacific events in which Australia (and also New Zealand) should be interested. It was not a case of defaming the opposition, since every one of them admitted that at times they might fall short and themselves commit one of the sins of which foreign correspondents have so often been accused. The author believes that when they read today’s newspapers or watch today’s television, they find that today’s foreign correspondents still face the same cross-cultural problems they faced in the past and are guilty of the same shortcomings.
Vision but flaws mar needed editing textbook
Authors: Hollings James
Published: March 2020

This timely publication by two lecturers at AUT University's journalism school is aimed at putting that imbalance right, and more importantly passing on some of the craft built up over generations of subediting in New Zealand. There is a nice introduction looking back at the history of newspaper production, which sets the tone for the whole book; chatty and easy to read, if a little long-winded in places.
'Letting them eat cake': Narrative templates in current affairs/news journalism
Authors: Carr John
Published: March 2020

This article explores the role of narrative templates in a core domain of public communication, describing a series of narrative structural patterns that underlie the scripting of news and current affairs ‘reports’. From an initial account of the nature of narrative templates and their relation to audience expectations and interpretative regimens, a number of  specific story-styles that are employed recurringly in news programmes are described, examining their use and impact for capturing and maintaining audience attention. The process of telling the audience the stories it wants to hear is critiqued in terms of the capacity to subvert the quality of public communication and in terms of enduring concerns within discursive theory.
The question of crime: How much does the public have the right to know?
Authors: Cameron-Dow Joy
Published: March 2020

The public right to know is of particular significance when considering the reporting of crime and criminal justice. The internet has demonstrated strong influences upon crime reporting in mainstream media, including the range of material it provides to audiences. In addition, the internet has exposed journalists to new legal and ethical ramifications that accompany reportage on an international scale and, while it may be ‘giving the people what they want’, it has also exacerbated the controversy surrounding the perennial question of how much the public has a right to know.
The Fiji media decree: A push towards collaborative journalism
Authors: Dutt Reggie
Published: March 2020

This article evaluates Fiji’s Media Industry Development Decree 2010 by drawing a link between it and the Singaporean media laws and the collaborative role the Fijian regime claims journalism should play in the nation’s development. A number of sections of the Fiji Media Decree are similar to the Singapore Media Development Authority Act 2003 and it contains similar harsh fines and jail terms. The Fiji Media Decree makes provisions for a Media Industry Development Authority and a Media Tribunal, both of which are appointed and controlled by the government. The Authority has wide-ranging powers to search, seize and censor, and refer to the Tribunal incidents which it considers are in breach of the decree. The government minister responsible for administering the decree has a direct say in the make-up of the Media Industry Development Authority and may give directions to the Authority in the performance of its duties and the exercise of its powers. This study explores the powers vested in the government via these two proposed bodies and what they will mean for journalism, freedom of speech and media freedom in Fiji. It also shows the merits of a ‘collaborative journalism’ model for a developing nation but explains how the design is flawed under the conditions it has been imposed in Fiji.
Study on Green Energy Converter for the Purpose of Optimising Teaching and Learning in Energy Science
Authors: Nizam Alias Azrul , Md Ab Lazis Mardhiatul Najwa , Muhamad Sugandi Julyle , Mohd Salman Nurfasyarina Azureen , Mohd Khalid Muhammad Hafiz , Julius Rafael , Mohamad Sahapini Noor Fadhilah , Yahya Mohd Ashmir , Mahfodz Zulfadli , Ramli Fariesha Farha , Abdullah Fathiah
Published: February 2020

Knowledge of energy conservation is vital to be understood by students in grasping the topic of energy science. Hence, a study has been piloted to produce energy converter which can be used practically by the students to understand about the conversion of energy from kinetic energy to electricity. In the convertible of kinetic energy to electrical energy, as these energy undergo conversion, the kinetic energy are stored in two forms of storage apparatus. The first type is synchronous flywheels which operate within the allowable range of the synchronous frequency. The second type is asynchronous flywheels whose rotational speed is independent from the system synchronous frequency and varied over a wide range and this features gives the asynchronous flywheel the ability to store and release significant amount of kinetic energy. The outcomes from this study displayed successful performance which is dynamo that act as generator for the converter as energy is being convert from the kinetic energy into the electrical energy and efficaciously can be used to charge electrical gadget.
Appearance Performance of Commercial Hijab Fabrics
Authors: Yusof Nur Ain , Yusof Nur Juliana
Published: February 2020

Muslim women is required to wear hijab as a religion obligation which symbolizes women’s faith to the creator (Quran 24:21). Many types of hijab are available in market, with ready-to-wear (RTW) hijab being the most popular choice of hijab in Malaysia. Limited knowledge on fabric characteristics among consumers has created dissatisfaction in many aspects of hijab performance associated to appearance and comfort. This paper presented the study of hijab appearance performances. Ten commercial fabrics (Cotton, Tetron Cotton, silk, rayon, Crepe back satin, Valentino dull satin, chiffon crepe, French voile, and Koshibo) which are commonly used in hijab making, were investigated. Stiffness, drape, wrinkle aspect, pilling, and snagging of fabric, which are associated with hijab appearance, were examined. A fabric ranking index was then developed to further support the analysis. In order to validate the result, a wear test was conducted where the tested fabrics were develop into hijabs and wear assessment was conducted. Feedback from the respondents were obtained and compared with the fabric ranking index. The results of this study concluded that Koshibo, Valentino Dull Satin, Chiffon crepe and French Voile exhibited the highest performance ranking among all the fabric tested. The study provides the reference to hijab manufacturers and end users in selecting the most suitable fabric for hijab in terms of the respective appearance properties.
Accountability Model for Utilization of Privilege Funds Special Region of Yogyakarta 2013-2017
Authors: Sakir Sakir , Sarofah Riska
Published: February 2020

This study describes the process of accountability of DIY special funds in realizing the prosperity of DIY society 2013-2017. Special Region of Yogyakarta is one of the regions that get the special policy in the form of asymmetric decentralization. This policy is effective since the enactment of Law Number 13 the Year 2012 on the Specialties of DIY. In particular, this regulation regulates 5 privileged affairs: the procedures for filling the positions, positions, duties and authorities of the Governor and Vice Governor, the regional government of DIY, the affairs of culture, the land affairs and spatial affairs. The hope that decentralization policy in Indonesia can improve the people's welfare significantly has not been fulfilled. This is like what happened in Yogyakarta Special Region which has special authority to manage its government affairs. However, these expectations still cannot be met well. This study aims to analyze the accountability model for the utilization of DIY privileged funds so as to provide policy recommendations to be taken. This research uses the qualitative method with data collection method with in-depth interview technique, elite interview, and documentation. The results showed that the poverty rate in DIY until March 2017 about 488.53 thousand people or about 13.02% and Ratio Gini DIY by 0.425%. This is not worth the number of privileged funds that increase each year. It is, therefore, necessary in the determination of success indicators of achievement and output in accordance with the output and outcome to be achieved. In addition, the accountability process also includes not only technical in report submission but also ensuring that process and involving the community in the planning process until accountability.
La detección de mentiras en la entrevista policial
Authors: Masip Jaume , Herrero Carmen , Garrido Eugenio , Barba Alberto , F. de Araújo Ludgleydson
Published: February 2020

Una labor esencial de la policía consiste en entrevistar a sospechosos. Sin embargo, éstos pueden mentir, por lo que la policía debe recibir formación en técnicas de entrevista y de detección de mentiras. Sin embargo, esta formación es escasa y deficiente. En este trabajo se examina un popular protocolo de entrevista policial en el que se ha entrenado a un gran número de miembros de los cuerpos de seguridad. Investigaciones previas ya han mostrado que los indicadores de culpabilidad (mentira) e inocencia (verdad) de este protocolo carecen de utilidad real para diferenciar entre culpables e inocentes. Presentamos aquí dos estudios que muestran que, en realidad, tales indicadores no son sino creencias ingenuas compartidas por personas que desconocen este tipo de entrevista. Se discuten las implicaciones de este hallazgo y se aboga por el desarrollo de protocolos de entrevista policial basados en la investigación científica.
Observations of carbon-nitrogen manipulation and periphyton growth stimulation on fish farming in an integrated intensive-extensive aquaculture system
Authors: Kolek Ludmiła , Pilarczyk Maciej , Inglot Michał , Stonawski Bartłomiej , Szczygieł Joanna
Published: February 2020

The results of observations of intensive sturgeon production integrated with an extensive earthen fish pond are described. The main objective of the study was to show how technological modifications applied to enhance nitrogen assimilation in ponds and nutrient retention in aquaculture products influenced fish production. Each of two integrated systems, A and B, consisted of four intensive fish tanks stocked with sturgeon and one extensive carp pond stocked with carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Val.)) and common nase (Chondrostoma nasus L.). The fish tanks were supplied with water from the extensive pond and the effluent from the tanks was discharged into the same pond, which acted as a biological filter for fish production. System B pond was supplemented with carbohydrates (methanol) and plastic substrates for periphyton development that were installed to increase nutrient utilization. The results of the observations showed better water quality and higher fish production in pond B, but no differences were noted in sturgeon growth performance in system A. The combination of these modifications appeared to be an efficient way of increasing nutrient retention and improving water quality.
Characterization, screening, and application of bacteria with probiotic properties isolated from the gut of Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Authors: Bhatnagar Anita , Dhillon Oshin
Published: February 2020

Labeo calbasu is not reared in aquaculture because of the unavailability of proper feed and the risk of infection. The ability of probiotics to promote growth and immunological defense barriers in the gut has led to the use of autochthonous probiotic bacteria. Hence, the present study was conducted to screen potential probiotic bacteria from the gut of L. calbasu and to supplement the same to study the effect on growth and immunity. Strains with probiotic properties were assayed for exogenous enzyme production and identified based on phylogenetic analysis and nucleotide homology. Four of nine isolates showed promising antibacterial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila. The strains survived in relatively low pH and high bile concentrations and were investigated for hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, and coaggregation. Based on the positive results of this study, the LC1 and LC4 strains (analysed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing and showing similarity with Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus and Stenotrophomonas sp.) were further incorporated into diets to explore their probiotic effects on the growth performance and immunity of the fish. Administering the probiotics elevated growth parameters and benefitted the immune system by increasing the phagocytic index and decreasing the mortality rate with exposure to A. hydrophila.
Commutative feebly nil-clean group rings
Authors: Danchev Peter V.
Published: February 2020

An arbitrary unital ring R is called feebly nil-clean if any its element is of the form q + e − f, where q is a nilpotent and e, f are idempotents with ef = fe. For any commutative ring R and any abelian group G, we find a necessary and sufficient condition when the group ring R(G) is feebly nil-clean only in terms of R, G and their sections. Our result refines establishments due to McGovern et al. in J. Algebra Appl. (2015) on nil-clean rings and Danchev-McGovern in J. Algebra (2015) on weakly nil-clean rings, respectively.
Study of Γ-hyperrings by fuzzy hyperideals with respect to a t-norm
Authors: Naka Krisanthi , Hila Kostaq , Onar Serkan , Ersoy Bayram Ali
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we study the Γ-hyperrings via T-fuzzy hyperideals. By means of the use of a triangular norm T, we define, characterize and study the T-fuzzy left and right hyperideals, T-fuzzy quasi-hyperideal and bi-hyperideal in Γ-hyperrings and some related properties are investigated. Regular Γ-hyperrings are characterized in terms of T-fuzzy quasi-hyperideal and T-fuzzy bi-hyperideal. We also introduce the T-(λ, µ)-fuzzy bi-hyperideals in Γ-hyperrings and investigate some of their properties.
Modified Hadamard product properties of certain class of analytic functions with varying arguments defined by the convolution of Sǎlǎgean and Ruscheweyh derivative
Authors: Páll-Szabó Ágnes Orsolya
Published: February 2020

In this paper we study the Hadamard product properties of certain class of analytic functions with varying arguments defined by the convolution of Sǎlǎgean and Ruscheweyh derivative.

The obtained results are sharp and they improve known results.
On bounds of the sine and cosine along straight lines on the complex plane
Authors: Qi Feng
Published: February 2020

In the paper, the author discusses and computes bounds of the sine and cosine along straight lines on the complex plane.
Effect of Informal Sector Tax Revenue on Capital Development in Lagos Metropolis
Authors: Olabisi Jayeola , Afolabi Adegboyega , Olagunju Adebayo , Madariola Folasade Ajewole
Published: February 2020

The study investigates the effect of informal sector tax proceeds on capital development in Lagos Metropolis. The study adopted Ex-post facto design to obtain secondary data, covering 20 years (2000–2019) from the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service and the Ministry of Budget and Planning. All the series were tested for normalities to determine the appropriateness of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression. The results of the study revealed that tax collected from the association, petty traders, and market men and women had a significant effect on capital development in Lagos Metropolis. It is evident from the monumental capital projects being executed by the government in the Metropolis. The study recommends that the government should not only create an enabling environment for the informal sector to thrive but also give all necessary support for its survival because the sector has contributed to the capital development of the Metropolis through tax revenue.
Influence of Pollution on Photosynthesis Pigment Content in Needles of Picea abies and Picea pungens in Conditions of Development of Iron Ore Deposits
Authors: Fedorchak Elvira
Published: February 2020

We studied photosynthetic pigments in needles of Pісеа аbies and P. pungens in plantings exposed to aerotechnogenic influence of various levels in the big industrial center of steppe zone of Ukraine (Kryvyi Rih). We analyzed the pigment content in needles of the second year of life sampled from 30 to 40-year-old trees of both species in 6 monitoring sites for 5 months. For the needles of P. аbies and P. pungens from all the sites, we noticed the decreasing content of chlorophyll a (to 27.2 and 25.0%, respectively) and chlorophyll b (to 17.9 and 20.0%, respectively) from May till September, in comparison with background territory. At the same time, the content of carotenoids performing the protective function in photosynthetic reactions increased up to 26.1 and 24.0%, respectively. For P. аbies and P. pungens growing in conditions of intensive technogenic pressure, we ascertained that, during investigations, the sum of chlorophylls (a + b) rate decreased to 24.4 and 23.6%, respectively; ratio (a/b) decreased to 11.4 and 12.3%, respectively; ratio (chlorophylls [a + b]/carotenoids) also decreased to 30.1 and 38.0%, respectively, in comparison with plants from the least polluted site. It is shown that the most intensive negative influence on plantings is caused by industrial pollution and exhaust gases: the minimum or, more rarely, the maximum rates of pigment content appeared in needles of the plants exactly from these sites. Our research results demonstrate the feasibility of using the pigment complexes of P. аbies and P. pungens, with the assimilative apparatus sensitive to air pollution damage, as indicators of air environmental conditions.
Changes in Physical and Chemical Properties of Calcic Chernozem Affected by Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus robur Plantings
Authors: Gorban Vadym , Huslystyi Artem , Kotovych Oleksandr , Yakovenko Volodymyr
Published: February 2020

Growth of forest plantations on soils causes changes in their properties. These changes, their behavior, and magnitude depend on the original soil characteristics and also on the effect of forest plantations being grown. In the steppe zone of Ukraine, Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Quercus robur L. are the woody species most widely used in planting of forest plantations on chernozem soil. Chernozem soil formed exclusively under zonal steppe vegetation and chernozem soil under Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus robur plantations were studied in this work to analyze the changes in soil properties caused by growth of these tree species. Dry aggregate size distribution, density, particle density, total porosity, organic carbon content, cation exchange capacity, pH values, hydrolytic soil acidity and dry residue, and the available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content were analyzed. The studies found that Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus robur plantations contribute to an increase in the share of aggregates 2–1 mm in size, as well as formation of aggregate fraction >10 mm, which are completely absent in the Calcic chernozem developed under the steppe vegetation. An increase in the density and particle density, as well as a decrease in the total porosity values were observed under the influence of forest stands studied. This is more common with chernozem under Q. robur plantation. It was found that the carbon percentage decreased in chernozem under the influence of Robinia pseudoacacia growth (on average, 0.4% by a meter-deep layer), but under Quercus robur planting it increased (on average 0.3% by meter-deep layer). Effect of Robinia pseudoacacia plantings on chernozem was also manifested by a decrease in cation exchange capacity (on average, 11 cmol/100 g by a meter-deep layer). The growth of R. pseudoacacia and Quercus robur plantations results in decrease of pH values (0.2 by a meter-deep layer) and increase of hydrolytic soil acidity and dry residue in chernozem water extract. Effect of Robinia pseudoacacia planting leads to a decrease in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content in chernozem. The change in chernozem properties under the influence of Quercus robur plantation is reflected in accumulation of these nutrients. Growth of Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus robur plantations leads to a decrease in potassium reserves in chernozem, which may indicate its active uptake by these woody species. In general, Q. robur planting is characterized by a large positive effect on the physical and chemical properties of chernozem than Robinia pseudoacacia planting. The findings obtained serve as a ground for making a recommendation for growing Quercus robur plantations under climate conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine in order to improve the zonal chernozems’ state and fertility.
Modelling Consequences of Maritime Critical Infrastructure Accidents
Authors: Bogalecka Magda
Published: March 2020

The probabilistic general model of critical infrastructure accident consequences including the superposition of three models of the process of initiating events, the process of environment threats and the process of environment degradation is adopted to the maritime transport critical infrastructure. The general model is applied to this critical infrastructure accident with chemical release consequences identification and prediction. The model also includes the cost analysis of losses associated with these chemical releases. Further, under the assumption of the stress of weather influence on the ship operation condition, critical infrastructure accident losses are examined and the results are compared with the previous ones. Finally, the method of optimization are practically tested to the minimizing these losses and the procedures and the new strategy assuring lower environment losses of the considered critical infrastructure accidents are proposed.
Metagenomic analysis of acquired antibiotic resistance determinants in the gut microbiota of wild boars (Sus scrofa) – preliminary results
Authors: Libisch Balázs , Keresztény Tibor , Kerényi Zoltán , Kocsis Róbert , Sipos Rita , Papp Péter P. , Olasz Ferenc
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Land application of manure that contains antibiotics and resistant bacteria may facilitate the establishment of an environmental reservoir of antibiotic-resistant microbes, promoting their dissemination into agricultural and natural habitats. The main objective of this study was to search for acquired antibiotic resistance determinants in the gut microbiota of wild boar populations living in natural habitats.

Material and Methods

Gastrointestinal samples of free-living wild boars were collected in the Zemplén Mountains in Hungary and were characterised by culture-based, metagenomic, and molecular microbiological methods. Bioinformatic analysis of the faecal microbiome of a hunted wild boar from Japan was used for comparative studies. Also, shotgun metagenomic sequencing data of two untreated sewage wastewater samples from North Pest (Hungary) from 2016 were analysed by bioinformatic methods. Minimum spanning tree diagrams for seven-gene MLST profiles of 104 E. coli strains isolated in Europe from wild boars and domestic pigs were generated in Enterobase.

Results

In the ileum of a diarrhoeic boar, a dominant E. coli O112ab:H2 strain with intermediate resistance to gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin was identified, displaying sequence type ST388 and harbouring the EAST1 toxin astA gene. Metagenomic analyses of the colon and rectum digesta revealed the presence of the tetQ, tetW, tetO, and mefA antibiotic resistance genes that were also detected in the gut microbiome of four other wild boars from the mountains. Furthermore, the tetQ and cfxA genes were identified in the faecal microbiome of a hunted wild boar from Japan.

Conclusion

The gastrointestinal microbiota of the free-living wild boars examined in this study carried acquired antibiotic resistance determinants that are highly prevalent among domestic livestock populations.
Association Between 4q25 Variants, Risk of Atrial Fibrillation and Echocardiographic Parameters
Authors: Rudaka Irina , Rots Dmitrijs , Uzars Arturs , Kalējs Oskars , Gailīte Linda
Published: February 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of arrhythmia, has a heritable component. Variants at locus 4q25 are best associated with the risk of AF development in genome-wide association studies. Left atrial volume is an independent predictor of recurrence of AF after successful sinus rhythm restoration. The aim of our study was to investigate potential association between genetic variants at 4q25 locus and the risk of AF and echocardiographic parameters. We included 241 AF patients and 119 control individuals into the study. Left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF, %) and left atrial volume index (LAVI, ml/m2) were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography during outpatient visits. We selected five 4q25 genetic variants (rs6825911, rs1126483, rs10004516, rs6838973, rs2200733) for the analysis. Variant rs6838973 was found to be associated with reduced risk of AF in additive (CCTT) and dominant (CC vs. CT+TT) models of inheritance. On the other hand, additive (CC<CT<TT) and dominant (CC vs. CT+TT) models of rs2200733 were associated with greater risk of AF. The same variations were found to be associated with age of AF onset. Median LAVI was 39.0 ml/m2 (IQR = 10.0) and median LVEF was 56.0% (IQR = 13.0). Statistically significant association was observed only between LAVI and variant rs1126483 in the dominant model of inheritance (median LAVI in CC vs. CT+TT – 38 ml/m2 vs. 40 ml/m2, U = 1602.5, p = 0.032). No significant association was found for LVEF and the analysed genotypes.
Risk Factor Analysis for Gout in the Latvian Population
Authors: Nagle Erika , Luksa Nellija , Moisejevs Georgijs , Gailīte Linda
Published: February 2020

Gout (Gr. podagra) is a multifactorial pathology, which means that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the aetiology of the disease. For these reasons, revealing risk factors could be of very high importance in prevention and treatment of gout. In the present study, we found that a major role in gout predisposition is played by specific alleles in the ABCG2 gene. The study used survey data for 43 gout patients and 99 healthy control individuals who were geno-typed for rs2231142. It was found that allelic variant rs2231142 in the ABCG2 gene had the strongest association with gout. Among other co-factors studied, sex, and increased body mass index were associated with gout.
Cultivation of 3D Dermal Tissue by Application of Autologous Matrix
Authors: Jakobsons Ēriks , Ērglis Kristaps , Ramata-Stunda Anna , Blāķe Ilze , Patetko Liene , Tīcmane Simona , Rupaine Beatrise Lūcija , Ērglis Mārtiņš , Ērgle Māra , Strīķe Eva , Strazdiņš Uldis , Rubīns Silvesters , Rubīns Andris , Ērglis Andrejs
Published: February 2020

The most common reasons for major skin loss are thermal trauma — burns and scalds that can result in rapid, extensive, deep wounds as well as chronic non-healing wounds. Treatment using common techniques is poor and depending on the trauma level can result in death. There is a substantial need for skin integrity restoration. The main goal of this study was to develop an autologous 3D skin model that could eventually be translated into clinical applications. The study examined a variety of factors — extracellular matrix components, cell count, culture medium modification and role of structurally and functionally high-quality 3D skin dermis layer tissue culture production. The results of this study are an essential prerequisite to standardise the use of both clinical, as well as in vitro test systems. Dermal cell lines applied in the study were isolated form patient biopsies obtained at Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital. Blood plasma type AB was used for fibrin matrix formation. As catalysts, CaCl2 or calcium gluconate, and tranexamic acid were applied. 3D tissue functionality was assessed by evaluation of gene expression and changes in growth factor secretion. Fibrin matrix formulations with 1% and 1.5% CaCl2 and 5 mg, 7 mg and 10 mg tranexamic acid concentration were tested. Better matrix properties were observed with higher concentration of CaCl2 and tranexamic acid. Differences in levels of collagen gene expression and growth factor secretion were observed. Changes in levels of fibroblast growth factor and gene expression were observed in fibrin matrix samples and the surface-cultivated cell culture monolayer, but structural protein synthesis was not detected.
Perioperative radiotherapy versus surgery alone for retroperitoneal sarcomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Diamantis Alexandros , Baloyiannis Ioannis , Magouliotis Dimitrios E. , Tolia Maria , Symeonidis Dimitrios , Bompou Effrosyni , Polymeneas Georgios , Tepetes Konstantinos
Published: March 2020

Background

There is no clear evidence on whether radiotherapy (RT) improves treatment result in patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS).

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and CENTRAL databases. Data were retrieved from published comparatives studies in patients with RPS undergoing surgery alone or RT plus surgery. The primary endpoints were the 5-year OS and the median OS. The secondary endpoints were the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and the R0-resection rate. Continuous outcomes were calculated by means of weighted mean difference (WMD).

Results

Ten out of 374 articles were analyzed. The median OS and the 5-year survival were significantly increased in patients treated with RT and surgery, compared to patients treated with surgery alone (p < 0.00001, p < 0.001). Median RFS was significantly increased in patients treated with either preoperative (p < 0.001) or postoperative (p = 0.001) RT compared to patients that underwent surgery alone. Finally, median R0-resection rate was similar between the two groups (p = 0.56).

Conclusion

RT along with radical surgery could be the standard of care in at least a subgroup of patients with RPS.
Kesembuhan Lesi Dermatitis Kompleks dengan Pemakaian Krim Herbal
Authors: Junaedi Putu Adrian , Suartha I Nyoman , Sudimartini Luh Made
Published: February 2020

Dermatitis merupakan istilah peradangan yang terjadi pada kulit, akibat dari infeksi mikroorganisme dan faktor genetik, ketahanan kulit dan metabolisme. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kesembuhan lesi pada anjing yang menderita dermatitis kompleks yang diberi sediaan krim herbal. Krim herbal yang digunakan berasal dari ekstrak tanaman nimba, pegagan, dan sirsak. Penelitian ini menggunakan 4 ekor anjing yang dibagi menjadi 2 kelompok. Kelompok A adalah 3 ekor anjing yang diberi sediaan krim herbal selama 15 hari dan Kelompok B adalah 1 ekor anjing sebagai kontrol tanpa pemberian krim herbal. Pengamatan kesembuhan  lesi dilakukan  dimulai dari hari ke-0 sampai hari ke-15. Data yang didapatkan diuji dengan uji Wilcoxon dan dianalisa secara deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan pada kelompok A yang diberi krim herbal mengalami tingkat kesembuhan lesi lebih cepat dibandingkan kelompok B yang tanpa pemberian krim herbal. Pemberian krim herbal berpengaruh nyata (P?0,05) terhadap anjing yang menderita dermatitis kompleks. Kesimpulan pemberian krim herbal dapat mempercepat kesembuhan lesi pada anjing yang menderita dermatitis kompleks.
Nilai Limfosit dan Monosit Sapi Bali yang Dipelihara Berbasis Organik
Authors: Parmayoga I Putu Indra , Suwiti Ni Ketut , Suartha I Nyoman
Published: March 2020

Sapi bali dipelihara dengan berbagai cara yakni sistem intensif, semi intensif (simantri), konvensional dan pemeliharaan berbasis organik. Berbasis organik artinya sapi bali diberikan pakan yang berasal dari lingkungannya tanpa tambahan zat kimia seperti mineral, vitamin, obat-obatan, vaksin, suplemen, dan zat adiktif lainnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat nilai limfosit dan monosit sapi bali yang dipelihara berbasis organik. Sampel berupa whole blood diambil melalui vena jugularis dan dilakukan pemeriksaan hematologi menggunakan alat Veterinary Hematology Analyzer. Hasil penelitian menghasilkan rerata total limfosit dan monosit 3,77 x /?l dan 0,53 x /?l. Rerata nilai limfosit dan monosit sapi bali yang dipelihara berbasis organik masih berada pada rentang nilai normal.
Aktivitas Alanin Aminotransferase dan Aspartat Aminotransferase pada Broiler yang Diberikan Penambahan Tepung Temulawak dalam Pakan
Authors: Puspa Adhi Putu Diah , Ardana Ida Bagus Komang , Kendran Anak Agung Sagung
Published: March 2020

Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) merupakan salah satu tanaman obat yang banyak digunakan oleh masyarakat, termasuk digunakan secara luas pada hewan karena mempunyai banyak khasiat bagi kesehatan. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui efek penambahan tepung temulawak dalam pakan terhadap aktivitas ALT  dan AST pada broiler. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 24 ekor broiler betina umur 14 hari yang dibagi menjadi 4 kelompok, yaitu kelompok P0 (pakan normal tanpa penambahan tepung temulawak), kelompok P1 (tepung temulawak 10 gr/kg pakan), P2 (tepung temulawak 20 gr/kg pakan), dan P3 (tepung temulawak 30 gr/kg pakan). Setelah umur 35 hari darah diambil melalui vena brachialis menggunakan spuit 5 ml selanjutnya dilakukan pemeriksaan aktivitas ALT dan AST dengan menggunakan Photometer 5010. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan Sidik Ragam/ANOVA. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penambahan tepung temulawak dalam pakan broiler tidak mempengaruhi aktivitas ALT dan AST (P>0,05). Dari hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa penambahan tepung temulawak dalam pakan broiler dosis 10 gr/kg pakan sampai 30 gr/kg pakan selama 21 hari masih tergolong dosis aman.