bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conocimiento sobre la COVID-19 y uso correcto de mascarilla en trabajadores de una universidad de Perú durante la pandemia: estudio transversal
Authors: Cespedes-Ramirez Sheylla T. , Anglas-Lopez Sefora N. , Diaz-Panduro Evelyn E. , Carrasco De la Cruz Liset A. , Villarreal-Putnam Darreem S. , Saavedra-Díaz Joe J. , Coico-Lama Abdiel H. , Soriano-Moreno Anderson N.
Published: April 2023

Introducción: La pandemia por la COVID-19 llevó al uso masivo de equipos de protección individual (EPI). Sin embargo, la evidencia sobre la frecuencia de su uso adecuado es escasa. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el nivel de conocimiento sobre la COVID-19 y medidas de bioseguridad, y la frecuencia de uso correcto de mascarilla en los trabajadores de una universidad en Lima, Perú, durante la pandemia.
Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en los 109 trabajadores de una universidad privada que se encontraban en modalidad presencial entre junio y septiembre 2021. Se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado. Se estimaron las prevalencias del nivel de conocimiento y uso correcto de EPIs, y los factores asociados mediante la T student y Chi-2 de Pearson. 
Resultados: Participaron en total 82 trabajadores (75%). El 35% mostró un adecuado nivel de conocimiento sobre la COVID-19 y medidas de bioseguridad. Los más jóvenes y los que se lavaban las manos en el trabajo mostraron un mayor conocimiento, refiriendo el 90% utilizar correctamente su mascarilla. Los trabajadores de áreas de servicios generales o con bajo nivel de educación refirieron un menor uso correcto de su mascarilla. 
Conclusión: El nivel de conocimiento sobre la COVID-19 y las medidas de bioseguridad entre los trabajadores de una universidad privada fue bajo y el nivel de educación se mostró inversamente asociado al uso correcto de mascarilla. Es necesario implementar programas de capacitación por áreas de trabajo para mejorar las prácticas de bioseguridad en los trabajadores.
¿Las exposiciones laborales pueden alterar la microbiota humana?
Authors: Nobrega-De-Franca José , Villalonga Lopez-Uribarri Leire
Published: April 2023

Este trabajo es un comentario del artículo: Mucci N, Tommasi E, Chiarelli A, Lulli LG, Traversini V, Galea RP, Arcangeli G. WORKbiota: A Systematic Review about the Effects of Occupational Exposure on Microbiota and Workers' Health. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan 18;19(3):1043. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031043. Erratum in: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 21;19(20): PMID: 35162072; PMCID: PMC8834335.
The principles behind active play
Authors: Celinska Angelica
Published: April 2023

Angelica Celinska, lecturer and trainer, discusses a few core principles surrounding children's active play and physical development, including from an evolutionary perspective, how the great pioneers discussed this topic and where physical development stands today.
An endless road…
Authors: Marycz Adam
Published: April 2023

Developing a strong understanding of your children is the foundation on which all best practice develops. This month's play experience case study is evidence of that in my setting. A good number of our children have a love of all things transport. Below I explore one way this interest has been harnessed in our provision.
Factors influencing smallholder cardava banana farmers’ participation in collective marketing in Southern Philippines
Authors: OREJUDOS RODEL D. , DUKA JEANNIE U. , BALADJAY ARDNIEL A.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Orejudos RD, Duka JU, Baladjay AA. 2022. Factors influencing smallholder cardava banana farmers' participation in collective marketing in Southern Philippines. Asian J Agric 6: 87-96. Cardava banana farming is a good source of living for smallholder rural farmers in Cotabato province in the Southern Philippines, but they are often faced with constraints in finding the right buyers and good prices. This research examined the factors influencing smallholder cardava banana farmers' participation in collective marketing in the Southern Philippines. The data from 172 respondents were gathered using a pre-tested survey questionnaire. Means, Percentages, and linear regression analysis were used to address the study's objectives. The study results established that smallholder cardava banana farmers' participation in collective marketing is predominantly determined by household size, price, and payment scheme. In addition, they are also determined by the delivery schedule, distance to the market, access to extension services, access to production inputs, access to credit assistance, access to market information, and membership in farmers' organizations. This study's findings offer empirical evidence that socio-economic, market,- and institutional factors can influence the participation of smallholder cardava banana farmers in collective marketing.
In-vitro efficacy of Trichoderma isolates on Sclerotium rolfsii causing collar rot of chili
Authors: YADAV DHARMENDRA , ADHIKARI AAKASH , DHUINGANA BABITA , GURUNG HARI , KHATRI NABARAJ , PANDIT SHISHIR
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Yadav D, Adhikari A, Dhuingana B, Gurung H, Khatri N, Pandit S. 2022. In-vitro efficacy of Trichoderma isolates on Sclerotium rolfsii causing collar rot of chili. Asian J Agric 6: 97-102. The experiment was conducted in the Nepal polytechnic institute plant pathology laboratory to study the in-vitro efficacy of Trichoderma isolates on Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. collar of chili, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal by dual culture technique. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The Trichoderma isolates, namely Kapilvastu isolate, Kavre isolates, Salyan isolates, Lalitpur isolates, and Taplejung isolates, were used in the experiment. The mycelium growth was measured at 2 DAI, 4 DAI, 6 DAI, 8 DAI, and 10 DAI. Also, the number of sclerotia, days to sclerotia, and width of the browning area at the interception region of interception were measured in 10 DAI. All the Trichoderma isolates significantly affect mycelium growth and the number of sclerotia formed. Among all the Trichoderma isolates, Kavre isolates show a good result with (74.44%) followed by Salyan isolates (74.22%) and Lalitpur isolates (73.55%) inhibition in the mycelium growth and several sclerotia (9.6~10) also formed. The lowest number of sclerotia was observed in Salyan isolates, which was three days, followed by Kapilvastu isolate, i.e., 20 days. The antagonist Kavre isolate can be used as a bio-control agent against S. rolfsii of chili in Nepal.
Application of hormones and mechanical treatment on breaking the dormancy of G0 “Granola” (Solanum tuberosum) minitubers in Northern Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: MACASAMBAT ROSE LYNN P. , TAN ROMIL J. , MARGATE RAUL E.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Macasambat RLP, Tan RJ, Margate RE. 2023. Application of hormones and mechanical treatment on breaking the dormancy of G0 “Granola” (Solanum tuberosum) minitubers in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Asian J Agric 7: 8-14. The study was conducted to identify the best treatment combination for dormancy breaking and sprouting quality for “Granola” minitubers. A comparison was made by wounding and dipping the one-week-old minitubers in different levels of GA3 and BAP (0, 50, and 100 mg/L). Results showed that either 50 or 100 mg/L of GA3 solely influenced the average number of sprouts in minitubers while wounding minitubers highly influenced tuber weight loss by increasing the percent loss in minitubers. In combination with factors such as wounding and 50 mg/L of GA3, it positively influenced the average sprout length, fresh mass of sprouts, and dry mass of sprouts. While the dormancy period and days to dormancy break time (50% minitubers achieved > 2 mm sprout length) were reduced for more than 45 and 50 days, respectively, when factors were combined, such as wounding the minitubers and dipping in the treatment solution having 50 mg/L GA3 and 50 mg/L BAP. The levels of GA3 and BAP (50 and 100 mg/L) showed no significant differences in achieving early dormancy breaking and high sprouting quality in G0 minitubers. Overall, for most of the results in this study, wounding combined with the application of 50 mg/L GA3 was commendable for dormancy breaking and attaining high sprouting quality of “Granola” minitubers.
Induction of drought resistance in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) with osmopriming Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 4000
Authors: PRELLIA ARSITA , Solichatun Solichatun , PITOYO ARI
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Prellia A, Solichatun, Pitoyo A. 2023. Induction of drought resistance in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) with osmopriming Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 4000. Asian J Agric 7: 34-46. The bell pepper (C. annuum var. grossum) is an economically valuable chili cultivar. However, in Indonesia, the cultivation of bell peppers is hampered by drought stress. Osmopriming is an alternative method to improve seed quality. That method was used by soaking the seeds in osmoticum solutions, with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) as the solution. This research examines the effect of osmopriming with PEG 4000 on the germination and growth of bell pepper seedlings under various drought stressors. In 2020, seeds were collected from ripe bell peppers grown by farmers in Surjo Hamlet, Sukabumi Village, Cepogo Sub-district, Boyolali District, Central Java, Indonesia. This study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two parameters: PEG concentration and water capacity variations. The concentrations of PEG 4000 utilized were 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/L. The drought stress test is conducted by cultivating primed bell pepper seedlings in planting media with varying water capacities of 100%, 75%, and 50% Space Capacity (SC). Included in the drought group with a moderate stress level is a water capacity of 50% SC. Each treatment was replicated three times. Under drought stress, osmopriming with PEG 4000 accelerated the germination rate and affected seedling growth regarding height, number of leaves, leaf area, wet seedling weight, and shoot-root ratio. However, under drought stress, osmopriming PEG 4000 had no significant effect on the rise in proline and chlorophyll content nor on the decrease in carotenoids and nitrate reductase activity. PEG 150 g/L with 50% SC was ideal for seedling height, leaf number, leaf area, and wet weight, while PEG 100 g/L with 100% SC was optimal for the shoot-root ratio.
Orchids diversity on six forest types in Wasur National Park, Merauke, Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Kusumastuti Novityasari , SURATMAN SURATMAN , PITOYO ARI
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Kusumastuti NK, Suratman, Pitoyo A. 2021. Orchids diversity on six forest types in Wasur National Park, Merauke, Papua, Indonesia. Asian J For 5: 101-110. Orchidaceae is one of the two largest families of flowering plants. Wasur National Park is the habitat of many orchid species and one of the in-situ conservation areas in Papua that is very suitable for orchids. This research aimed to determine the orchid species in Seksi Pengelolaan Taman Nasional Wilayah III (SPTN III) Wasur, Wasur National Park, Merauke District, Papua Province, Indonesia and to determine the distribution of orchid species in six different types of forest. This research was conducted using the exploratory method. A total of 25 orchid species belonging to 11 genera have been identified from SPTN III Wasur. Monsoon forest is the type of forest with the highest number of orchid species, with 15 orchid species. It is followed by savanna with ten species, Melaleuca forest with ten species, woodland forest with nine species, riparian forest with six species, and Melaleuca-Eucalyptus forest with 5 species. Dendrobium smillieae and Dendrobium rigidum are the most widely distributed epiphytic orchid species, and occur in almost all forest types. However, the terrestrial orchids, Geodorum densiflorum and Apostasia wallichii, are only found in the monsoon forest.
Identification and characterization of traditional agroforestry practices and their socioeconomic roles in Dendi District, Central Ethiopia
Authors: HUMNESSA TESFAYE , GEBRETSADIK WONDWOSSEN , NEGASA ALEMAYEHU
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Humnessa T, Gebretsadik W, Negasa A. 2022. Identification and characterization of traditional agroforestry practices and their socioeconomic roles in Dendi District, Central Ethiopia. Asian J For 6: 83-89. This study was conducted in the Dendi District of Central Ethiopia in three kebele (smallest administration units in Ethiopia) to identify and characterize the existing traditional agroforestry practices and their contribution to household livelihood. Informal surveys were conducted through key informant interviews and physical observations, while formal surveys were conducted using structured questionnaires. Home gardens, scattered trees on cropland, scattered woody species on grazing land, live fencing, and rarely woodlots were traditional agroforestry practices identified in the area. Home gardens were the prevailing traditional agroforestry practices in the study area. Fifty-seven (57) perennial woody species and twenty-two (22) annual crops (including vegetables and crops) in the home garden, twelve (12) species of scattered trees on cropland, twenty-eight (28) woody species on grazing land, twenty-four (24) woody species on the live fence, and two (2) woody species on woodlots were planted and managed in the study area for several purposes. Except for woodlots, most woody species in traditional agroforestry were grouped under the Fabaceae family. Furthermore, most associated annual crops in home garden agroforestry were categorized under the Solanaceae family. Different tree management practices, such as branch pruning, coppicing, pollarding, and thinning, were undertaken by agroforestry practitioners to reduce negative interaction among components and maximize the overall products of the system.
Impact of pollution on the feeding, bioturbation and biomass of Uca annulipes in Gazi and Mikindani mangroves, Kenya
Authors: OWUOR MARGARET AWUOR , ALOO-OBUDHO PENINNA , CANNICCI STEFANO , GITUNDU JAMES KAIRO
Published: April 2023

Owuor MA, Aloo-Obudho P, Cannicci S, Gitundu JK. 2017. Impact of pollution on the feeding, bioturbation and biomass of Uca annulipes in Gazi and Mikindani mangroves, Kenya. Ocean Life 1: 61-68. Marine pollution is one of the main anthropogenic factors globally recognized that affect the estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Mangroves received the pollutant since they are intercepting between land and ocean. Despite the utilization of natural mangrove as pollution buffers, how these pollutants might impact the biodiversity of the ecosystems remains a great question. Here, we aimed at determining the impact of pollution on the feeding, bioturbation, and biomass of the fiddler crab Uca annulipes in two regions, Gazi and Mikindani, all along the Kenya Coast. The mangroves in Mikindani on Tudor creek represented peri-urban mangroves that are heavily impacted by municipal wastewater. Meanwhile, the mangroves in Gazi Bay in the South Coast of Kenya served mangroves not affected by direct sewage input. Furthermore, Crabs U. annulipes are one of the most important groups of mangrove epifauna. We adopted a stratified nested design to investigate the impacts of pollution on the feeding, bioturbation, and biomass of U. annulipes. We applied a layered random sampling approach at each site that spanned in 2 × 2 m2 quadrats in desert and Avicennia zones during July, August and October 2005. The data collection depended on each full moon springs and new moon springs. Different parameters were measured, chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations in the feeding pellets and unprocessed soils, amount of bioturbated clays (expressed as dry weight of excavated material and feeding pellets), and biomass (dry weight) of U. annulipes. Four-factor Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests were applied to determine whether there was a significant difference in feeding, bioturbation, and biomass of U. annulipes within the two sites. Our findings show substantial differences in chlorophyll a concentration in the feeding pellets in the Avicennia zone of the peri-urban mangroves. Moreover chlorophyll a level did not vary between the processed and unprocessed soils in the Avicennia zone. In Gazi, a significant difference in the bioturbated material was recorded compared to Mikindani. The results demonstrate a consistent increase in crab biomass at the peri-urban site, then the non-urban mangroves. The Avicennia zone of the suburban location had a higher U. annulipes biomass compared to the non-urban Gazi. There was no association between the mass of bioturbated material and Uca biomass. The results also show that the amount of excavated material did not relate to the Uca biomass.
Photo-physiology of healthy-looking and diseased/health-compromised hard corals from Mauritius Island, Western Indian Ocean
Authors: JOGEE SHAKEEL YAVAN , JEETUN SRUTI , RICOT MELANIE , TALEB-HOSSENKHAN NAWSHEEN , MATTAN-MOORGAWA SUSHMA , KAULLYSING DEEPEEKA , RIEMANN PAULINE , BLANC LEA , CASARETO BEATRIZ ESTELA , SUZUKI YOSHIMI , BHAGOOLI RANJEET
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Jogee SY, Jeetun S, Ricot M, Taleb-Hossenkhan N, Mattan-Moorgawa S, Kaullysing D, Riemann P, Blanc L, Casareto BE, Suzuki Y, Bhagooli R. 2023. Photo-physiology of healthy-looking and diseased/health-compromised hard corals from Mauritius Island, Western Indian Ocean. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 7: 27-37. The spatial photo-physiological responses of in hospite zooxanthellae in hard corals, including coenosarc and polyps, healthy-looking and affected parts in four coral diseases, namely Brown Band, Black Band, Skeletal Eroding Band and White Band on the coral Acropora muricata, and two health-compromised conditions such as the Pink Pigmentation Response and its differentiated morphology, the Pink Line Syndrome, on the coral Porites were investigated using the Imaging-PAM fluorometry. A significantly lower Fv/Fm was observed in case of Black Band, White Band, Brown Band and Pink Pigmentation Response affected parts compared to the healthy-looking parts. The Fv/Fm had the highest decline in Brown Band disease. Both the polyps and coenosarc had significantly lower Fv/Fm in White Band and Brown Band diseased parts compared to their healthy-looking parts. The rETRmax did not change significantly between diseased/health-comprised parts and healthy-looking parts. NPQmax declined significantly in White Band, Black Band and Pink Pigmentation Response cases. ? and ? generally did not tend to be affected in diseased/health-compromised conditions. The photo-physiology of in hospite zooxanthellae was least affected in Pink Line Syndrome. These findings suggest that diseased/health-compromised parts of corals behave differently in terms of their photo-physiology in different diseased and health-compromised coral conditions in important reef-building corals species such as A. muricata and Porites species, with important implications for the productivity and thus adaptive management of coral reefs in a globally warming ocean.
Thermal photo-physiological responses of massive heat-resistant coral Porites lutea under fish predated versus non-predated conditions
Authors: RICOT MELANIE , JEETUN SRUTI , JOGGEE SHAKEEL , KAULLYSING DEEPEEKA , TALEB-HOSSENKHAN NAWSHEEN , BHAGOOLI RANJEET
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Ricot M, Jeetun S, Joggee S, Kaullysing D, Taleb-Hossenkhan N, Bhagooli R. 2023. Thermal photo-physiological responses of massive heat-resistant coral Porites lutea under fish predated versus non-predated conditions. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 7: 38-47. Fish predation on corals leading to polyp and tissue loss has been identified as a significant stressor to corals and is often associated with reduced growth, reproduction, and even mortality. However, how climate change-driven ocean warming may impact such a biological stressor is yet to be thoroughly understood. This study aimed to assess elevated temperature’s effects on the photo-physiology of fish-predated and non-predated parts of the thermally resistant coral Porites lutea (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833). The objectives were to assess the photo-physiological parameters such as effective quantum yield at photosystem II (FPSII), relative maximum electron transport rate (rETRmax), maximum photo-chemical quenching (NPQmax), photosynthetic efficiency (?), photoinhibition (?) and Ik at fish bite-affected (BA) and non-affected (NA) coral parts at temperatures of 28°C and 32°C under low-light (10 µmol quanta m-2s-1) and moderate-light (110 µmol quanta m-2s-1) conditions for a duration of 48hr. FPSII, rETRmax and NPQmax were not negatively affected by fish predation conditions. Under moderate light, the rETRmax increased in the non-predated condition at 28°C but not at 32°C while the NPQmax exhibited a more pronounced increase at 32°C compared to the 28°C treatment. The absence of significant declines in FPSII and rETRmax accompanied by a significant increase in NPQmax at 32°C is indicative of a lack of photo-inhibition and an active quenching of energy in a non-harmful way at PSII. No significant interactions of temperature and predation condition and light and predation condition were found, indicating that short-term exposure of 2 days to an elevated temperature of 32°C and moderate light intensity of 110 µmol quanta m-2s-1 did not result in any exacerbated negative photo-physiological impacts of fish predation in P. lutea. These findings suggest that both fish-predated and non-predated conditions in P. lutea are equally tolerant to the tested elevated temperature level. Thus, ocean warming events may not differentially impact their photosynthetic activities.
Excitation of surface plasmon mode in bulk semiconductor lasers
Authors: Tseng Chih Lung , Wang Chien Kun , Lai Chih Hsien , Tsai Cheng Hsiung , Chiang Po Jui
Published: April 2023

We propose a realistic process for the excitation of surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes in a silicon photonic waveguide (WG). The process involves the placement of buried oxide (BOX) composed of silica between a WG and silicon substrate. When the BOX thickness is manipulated, different amounts of modal power leak toward the BOX into the substrate and simultaneously acquire compensation from a semiconductor located on the WG. The compensation related to the leakage can be used to infer transparency gain. Similar to the case for a semiconductor laser cavity, the lowest transparency gain among WG modes can be favored; thus, only one mode can survive in the WG, and it is in the region with the specified BOX thickness. Finally, we propose a credible mechanism suitable for demonstrating the region requirements of the existence of SPP modes.
Intercombination line frequencies in 171Yb validated with the clock transition
Authors: Jones Daniel M. , van Kann Frank , McFerran John J.
Published: April 2023

We have carried absolute frequency measurements of the (6s2)1S0−(6s6p)3P1 transition in 171Yb (intercombination line), where the spin-1/2 isotope yields two hyperfine lines. The measurements rely on sub-Doppler spectroscopy to yield a discriminator to which a 556 nm laser is locked. The frequency reference for the optical frequency measurements is a high-quality quartz oscillator steered to the GNSS time scale that is bridged with a frequency comb. The reference is validated to ∼3×10−12 by spectroscopy on the 1S0−3P0 (clock) line in laser cooled and trapped 171Yb atoms. From the hyperfine separation between the F=1/2 and F=3/2 levels of 3P1, we determine the hyperfine constant to be A(3P1)=3957833(28)kHz.
Modified transmission line model for grating solar cells
Authors: Anvarhaghighi Niloufar , Habibzadeh-Sharif Amir
Published: April 2023

Due to the wide range of applications of plasmonic diffraction gratings, it has become essential to provide an analytical method for modeling performance of the devices designed based on these structures. An analytical technique, in addition to greatly reducing the simulation time, can become a useful tool for designing these devices and predicting their performance. However, one of the major challenges of the analytical techniques is to improve the accuracy of their results compared to those of the numerical methods. So, here, a modified transmission line model (TLM) has been presented for the one-dimensional grating solar cell considering diffracted reflections in order to improve the accuracy of TLM results. Formulation of this model has been developed for the normal incidence of both TE and TM polarizations taking into account diffraction efficiencies. The modified TLM results for a silicon solar cell consisting of silver gratings considering different grating widths and heights have shown that lower order diffractions have dominant effects on the accuracy improvement in the modified TLM, while the results have been converged considering higher order diffractions. In addition, our proposed model has been verified by comparing its results to those of the finite element method-based full-wave numerical simulations.
Near-field multi-slice ptychography: quantitative phase imaging of optically thick samples with visible light and X-rays
Authors: Hu Ziyang , Zhang Yiqian , Li Peng , Batey Darren , Maiden Andrew
Published: April 2023

Ptychography is a form of lens-free coherent diffractive imaging now used extensively in electron and synchrotron-based X-ray microscopy. In its near-field implementation, it offers a route to quantitative phase imaging at an accuracy and resolution competitive with holography, with the added advantages of extended field of view and blind deconvolution of the illumination beam profile from the sample image. In this paper we show how near-field ptychography can be combined with a multi-slice model, adding to this list of advantages the unique ability to recover high-resolution phase images of larger samples, whose thickness places them beyond the depth of field of alternative methods.
Coaxial pump-probe measurement using color-selective double pulses generated by a spatial-light-modulator-based optical pulse shaper
Authors: Takahashi Hisanari , Watanabe Koyo , Shigematsu Kyohhei , Inoue Takashi , Satozono Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

Coaxial time-resolved spectroscopy (TRS) based on a pump–probe technique using a color-selective double pulse (CSDP) is proposed. The CSDP, generated using an optical pulse shaper (OPS), was composed of different spectral components. Coaxially propagating CSDPs were used for pump and weak probe pulses. As a proof of concept, we evaluated the transient absorption of a ZnTe crystal from the difference between the temporal waveforms of the output chirped probe pulse with and without pump pulse using the OPS. Upon changing the pulse width of the probe pulse, the measured temporal width of the reaction was 0.2 ps, which agreed with that measured via conventional TRS.
Interpolated inverse discrete wavelet transforms in additive and non-additive spectral background corrections
Authors: Härkönen Teemu , Vartiainen Erik
Published: April 2023

We demonstrate the applicability of using interpolated inverse discrete wavelet transforms as a general tool for modeling additive or multiplicative background or error signals in spectra. Additionally, we propose an unsupervised way of estimating the optimal wavelet basis along with the model parameters. We apply the method to experimental Raman spectra of phthalocyanine blue, aniline black, naphthol red, pigment yellow 150, and pigment red 264 pigments to remove their additive background and to CARS spectra of adenosine phosphate, fructose, glucose, and sucrose to remove their multiplicative background signals.
CRISPR-Cas effector specificity and cleavage site determine phage escape outcomes
Authors: Schelling Michael A. , Nguyen Giang T. , Sashital Dipali G.
Published: April 2023

CRISPR-mediated interference relies on complementarity between a guiding CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and target nucleic acids to provide defense against bacteriophage. Phages escape CRISPR-based immunity mainly through mutations in the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and seed regions. However, previous specificity studies of Cas effectors, including the class 2 endonuclease Cas12a, have revealed a high degree of tolerance of single mismatches. The effect of this mismatch tolerance has not been extensively studied in the context of phage defense. Here, we tested defense against lambda phage provided by Cas12a-crRNAs containing preexisting mismatches against the genomic targets in phage DNA. We find that most preexisting crRNA mismatches lead to phage escape, regardless of whether the mismatches ablate Cas12a cleavage in vitro. We used high-throughput sequencing to examine the target regions of phage genomes following CRISPR challenge. Mismatches at all locations in the target accelerated emergence of mutant phage, including mismatches that greatly slowed cleavage in vitro. Unexpectedly, our results reveal that a preexisting mismatch in the PAM-distal region results in selection of mutations in the PAM-distal region of the target. In vitro cleavage and phage competition assays show that dual PAM-distal mismatches are significantly more deleterious than combinations of seed and PAM-distal mismatches, resulting in this selection. However, similar experiments with Cas9 did not result in emergence of PAM-distal mismatches, suggesting that cut-site location and subsequent DNA repair may influence the location of escape mutations within target regions. Expression of multiple mismatched crRNAs prevented new mutations from arising in multiple targeted locations, allowing Cas12a mismatch tolerance to provide stronger and longer-term protection. These results demonstrate that Cas effector mismatch tolerance, existing target mismatches, and cleavage site strongly influence phage evolution.
Hepatitis B and C in individuals with a history of antipsychotic medication use: A population-based evaluation
Authors: Awan Amnah , Shakik Sharara , Banack Hailey R. , Fisman David N. , Simmons Alison E.
Published: April 2023

Background

A better understanding of links between mental illness and risk of bloodborne infectious disease could inform preventive and therapeutic strategies in individuals with mental illness.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C in individuals with and without a prior prescription for antipsychotic medications, and to determine whether differences in seroprevalence could be explained by differential distribution in known infection risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between receipt of antipsychotic medication and HBV and HCV seropositivity.

Results

Those who had HBV core antibody had 1.64 (95% CI: 0.89, 3.02) times the odds and those with HCV antibody (anti-HCV) had 3.48 (95% CI: 1.71, 7.09) times the odds of having a prescription for at least one antipsychotic medication compared to those who did not have HBV core antibody or HCV antibody, respectively. While prior antipsychotic receipt was a potent risk marker for HCV seropositivity, risk was explained by adjusting for known bloodborne infection risk factors (adjusted ORs 1.01 [95% CI: 0.50, 2.02] and 1.38 [95% CI: 0.44, 4.36] for HBV and HCV, respectively).

Conclusions

Prior receipt of antipsychotic medications is a strong predictor of HCV (and to a lesser extent HBV) seropositivity. Treatment with antipsychotic medications should be considered as additional risk markers for individuals who may benefit from targeted prevention, screening, and harm reduction interventions for HCV.
Effect of geometric distortion correction on thickness and volume measurements of cortical parcellations in 3D T1w gradient echo sequences
Authors: Thaler Christian , Sedlacik Jan , Forkert Nils D. , Stellmann Jan-Patrick , Schön Gerhard , Fiehler Jens , Gellißen Susanne
Published: April 2023

Objective

Automated brain volumetric analysis based on high-resolution T1-weighted MRI datasets is a frequently used tool in neuroimaging for early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of various neurological diseases. However, image distortions can corrupt and bias the analysis. The aim of this study was to explore the variability of brain volumetric analysis due to gradient distortions and to investigate the effect of distortion correction methods implemented on commercial scanners.

Material and methods

36 healthy volunteers underwent brain imaging using a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, including a high-resolution 3D T1-weighted sequence. For all participants, each T1-weighted image was reconstructed directly on the vendor workstation with (DC) and without (nDC) distortion correction. For each participant’s set of DC and nDC images, FreeSurfer was used for the determination of regional cortical thickness and volume.

Results

Overall, significant differences were found in 12 cortical ROIs comparing the volumes of the DC and nDC data and in 19 cortical ROIs comparing the thickness of the DC and nDC data. The most pronounced differences for cortical thickness were found in the precentral gyrus, the lateral occipital and postcentral ROI (2.69, -2.91% and -2.79%, respectively) while cortical volumes differed most prominently in the paracentral, the pericalcarine and lateral occipital ROI (5.52%, -5.40% and -5.11%, respectively).

Conclusion

Correcting for gradient non-linearities can have significant influence on volumetric analysis of cortical thickness and volume. Since the distortion correction is an automatic feature of the MR scanner, it should be stated by each study that applies volumetric analysis which images were used.
Storage stability performance of composite modified asphalt with scrap non-tire automotive rubber, waste plastic pyrolytic oil and sulfur
Authors: Kumar Ankush , Choudhary Rajan , Kumar Abhinay
Published: April 2023

Composite asphalt binder has emerged as a potential solution for improving asphalt functionality at a wide spectrum of temperatures. Storage stability of modified binder remains a main concern to ensure homogeneity during various stages including its storage, pumping, transportation, and construction. The aim of this study was to assess the storage stability of composite asphalt binders fabricated using non-tire waste ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (EPDM) rubber and waste plastic pyrolytic oil (PPO). The influence of addition of a crosslinking additive (sulfur) was also investigated. Two different approaches were employed in the fabrication of composite rubberized binders: (1) sequential introduction of PPO and rubber granules, and (2) inclusion of rubber granules pre-swelled with PPO at 90°C to the conventional binder. Based on the modified binder fabrication approaches and the addition of sulfur, four categories of modified binders were prepared, namely sequential (SA), sequential with sulfur (SA-S), pre-swelled (PA), and pre-swelled with sulfur (PA-S). For variable modifier dosages (EPDM:16%, PPO: 2, 4, 6, and 8%, and sulfur: 0.3%), a total of 17 combinations of rubberized asphalt were subjected to two durations of thermal storage (48 and 96 hours) and then characterized for their storage stability performance through various separation indices (SIs) based on conventional, chemical, microstructural, and rheological analyses. The optimal storage stability performance was achieved at a PPO dosage of 6% under the four candidate approaches. It was also observed that the SIs based on chemical analysis and rubber extraction test had a good correlation with rheology-based SIs compared to the conventionally used softening point difference. A composite modified binder with PPO and EPDM rubber having adequate storage stability is a promising step in the use of sustainable composite-modified binders in asphalt pavement construction.
Facilitating Taiwanese Elementary School English Student Teachers’ Learning Through Text-Based Protocols
Authors:   National Tsing Hua University, Chien Chin-Wen
Published: April 2023

This study used online responses, observation fieldnotes, and interviews to analyze eight student teachers’ learning through text-based protocols on news analysis during their practicum, a core component for beginning teachers’ competence construction, in a language teacher education program in the northwest of Taiwan. This study revealed that student teachers regarded the text-based protocols as useful pedagogical tools, particularly offering a clear focus on reading and analyzing the news. Through face-to-face and Facebook discussions on 33 news reports, student teachers became familiar with the latest policies and trends on English education, constructed their pedagogical competence in English instructional strategies, and examined the gap between policies and practice on the co-teaching model. Suggestions on effective implementation of the text-based protocols on discussing education news are provided in terms of preparation of a variety of news or issues, selection of the appropriate text-based protocols, and integration of theories on news analysis and discussions.
Innovatív foglalkoztatási modell : Szenior tudáshasznosítási program Kecskeméten
Authors: Szemereyné Pataki Klaudia
Published: April 2023

A születésszám csökkenése, ezzel együtt pedig a társadalom idősödése egy globális trend, a fejlett országokat tekintve 2010-ben 27 olyan állam volt, ahol legalább 1%-kal csökkent a népesség, míg 2050-re az előrejelzések szerint már 55 ilyen ország lesz. Az idősödő társadalmak munkaerőpiacra gyakorolt hatásainak nagyságrendje területenként eltérhet egymástól, azonban a jelenség számos új kihívást jelent a munkaerőpiaci szereplők számára. Jelen tanulmány rámutat arra, hogy miként tud egy megyei jogú város az idősödő társadalom Magyarországon és globálisan is jelentős problémájára reagálni, mintát adva ezzel az együttműködésen alapuló közszolgáltatás-nyújtásra. A Kecskemét városában életre hívott „Cédrus- Net Kecskemét Szenior Tudáshasznosítási Program” célja az idősödő társadalom foglalkoztatási mutatóinak javítása, a szociálpolitikai és egészségügyi rendszereket terhelő problémák enyhítése, illetve az idősödő nemzedékben rejlő tudásra és tapasztalatokra támaszkodó új eszközök fejlesztése, az együttműködés új formáinak kialakítása.
Pengaruh Memorable Tourist Experience terhadap Storytelling Behavior melalui Perceived Value Pasca Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Pujiastuti Eny Endah , Indarwanta Didik , Wardani Ellena
Published: April 2023

Destination image can be used to strengthen brands and change markets. Brands can be formed with marketing communication strategies, one of which is using storytelling. The purpose of this study is to prove the effect of memorable tourist experience on storytelling behavior through perceived value in the post-pandemic period. The research was conducted at the Gajah Mungkur Reservoir tourist destination. The sample criteria used are tourists who have visited at least 2x (twice). The data was collected using the google form and 160 effective questionnaires were collected which would then be processed using the AMOS Structural Equating Modeling (SEM). Research shows: (1) Memorable tourism experience has a significant effect on perceived value; (2) Perceived value has a significant effect on storytelling behavior; (3) Memorable tourism experience has a significant effect on storytelling behavior; (4) Memorable tourism experience has a significant effect on storytelling behavior through perceived value. In suggestions for tourist destinations are that managers create a pleasant experience so that it is still stored in the memories of tourists and becomes a very memorable tourist experience. Citra destinasi dapat digunakan untuk memperkuat merek dan mengubah pasar. Merek dapat terbentuk dengan strategi komunikasi pemasaran, salah satunya dengan menggunakan storytelling. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk membuktikan pengaruh memorable tourist experience terhadap storytelling behavior melalui perceived value pasca pandemi. Penelitian dilakukan di destinasi wisata Waduk Gajah Mungkur. Kriteria sampel yang dipergunakan adalah wisatawan yang baru berkunjung minimal 2x (dua kali). Pengumpulan datanya dengan menggunakan google form dan terkumpul 160 kuesioner efektif yang selanjutnya akan diolah menggunakan Structural Equating Modeling (SEM) AMOS. Penelitian menunjukkan: (1) Memorable tourism experience berpengaruh signifikan terhadap perceived value; (2) Perceived value berpengaruh signifikan terhadap storytelling behavior; (3) Memorable tourism experience berpengaruh signifikan terhadap storytelling behavior; (4) Memorable tourism experience berpengaruh signifikan terhadap storytelling behavior melalui perceived value. Saran bagi destinasi wisata adalah pengelola menciptakan pengalaman yang menyenangkan sehingga masih tersimpan di dalam memori wisatawan dan menjadi pengalaman yang sangat berkesan (memorable tourist experience).
Model Strategi Pengelolaan Badan Usaha Milik Desa pada Era Pandemi Covid-19 di Kabupaten Malang
Authors: Fristin Yuntawati , Dwinugraha Akbar Pandu
Published: April 2023

Even though the current Covid-19 pandemic has subsided, most BUMDesa in Malang Regency, East Java Province, are still experiencing the remnants of the difficulties they faced when the Covid-19 pandemic was rampant in Indonesia to remote villages. The existence of a management model has a very important role in helping the development of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDesa) This research uses a combination type of research (mix methode). The time for collecting research data is in the period June - September 2022. Research data collection techniques use interviews and open electronic questionnaires. Data analysis uses Process Hierarchy Analytics (PHA) combined with SWOT analysis. Village-owned enterprises in this case are no exception from BUMDesa thanks to the category of Developing and Advanced Stubs. the three bumdesa experienced problems related to the existence of PPKM which was regulated by the government. Fortunately, the existing bumdesa still have strengths and advantages that can be used to overcome the challenges that arise. Diversification is one of the efforts that can be done to further encourage the strength possessed to overcome incoming challenges. The diversification includes product diversification of market segmentation sales patterns and also human resource management. The development strategy model of village-owned enterprises categorized as developing and advanced startups needs to pay attention to the application of the diversification model. Diversification is one of the efforts that can be done to further encourage the strength possessed to overcome incoming challenges. The diversification includes product diversification of market segmentation sales patterns and also human resource management
Mutagenic effect of gamma rays on induced mutation and principal component analysis of yield characters on green gram in M2 generation
Authors: Vasudevan Soundarya , Dhanarajan Arulbalachandran , Raina Aamir , Kasim Yasmin , Balasubramani Govindasamy , Gurunathan Selvakumar , Venkatachalam Balamurugan
Published: April 2023

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of gamma irradiation on green gram through chlorophyll mutation frequency, leaf mutation frequency, mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency and principal component analysis. Eight different types of chlorophyll mutants, namely albino, aurea, striata, tigrina, xantha, chlorina, viridis, xanthaviridis and variegated were observed at different doses of gamma irradiation in M2 generation. Albino showed the highest frequency percentage (0.229) followed by Viridis (0.163) and Xantha (0.131) and the highest frequency was noted at 500 Gray (Gy). Though, chlorophyll mutants can be lethal in nature, they increase genetic variability and induce new traits. Leaf mutant is another key indicator for induced mutations that induce leaf morphology changes and the highest frequency was noted in 500 Gy. Among the mutagenic treatments, the mutagenic effectiveness shows the maximum at 100 Gy and efficiency shows at 500 Gy. This indicated that low to moderate doses are more effective for induced mutation. This was also confirmed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results, which specified that gamma irradiation of 500 Gy indicated that the first five principal components were attributed to 70.82% total variability of traits studied. From this, the experimental finding evidently showed that 500 Gy of gamma irradiation, an optimum dose, resulted in considerable variation in all the parameters analyzed.
Significance of chitosan foliar spraying on the growth and yield of vegetable crop under protected cultivation: A Review
Authors: Kazimi Rahmatullah , Saxena Deepika
Published: April 2023

Chitosan is a naturally occurring substance that is manufactured industrially from crab shells. It has been used as a better material for improving vegetable growth and yields, as well as a protective mechanism against fungi, bacteria and viruses. Because of its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and bioactivity, the biopolymer "Chitosan" has generated a lot of interest for its potential wide application in agriculture. Chitosan acts as an inducer in many species of plants. It not only works by triggering the immune system of plants, but it also enhances crop yields. Chitosan increased plant efficacy in reducing the negative effect of adverse circumstances as well as plant growth. The main objective of this review paper is to synthesize the most recent literature on the influence of chitosan foliar spraying on the development and yield properties of various vegetables, as well as to foster academic collaboration.. For instance, 100 ppm level of foliar spraying of chitosan have effects on the average plant height, medium number of leaves, area of leaves, the content of chlorophyll and fruits weight of tomato plant growth parameters, whereas chitosan at 4 mL per litre improved the minerals situation in cucumber and this substance also significantly lowered the damaging Powdery mildew in okra. This study demonstrates the beneficial effect of foliar spraying chitosan in conjunction with other chemical substances on plants. The current research has been done for future studies aimed at improving the foliar application of chitosan for horticultural production, particularly vegetable yield and growth.
Effect of walnut extract supplemented with carbon dioxide on adhesive activity of agents causing wound infection
Authors: Mozhaiev I. V. , Yevsiukova V. Yu. , Torianyk I. I. , Minukhin V. V. , Polishchuck N. M. , Kyryk D. L.
Published: April 2023

The aim: to study the effect of 3 % carbon dioxide walnut extract (CDWE) on the adhesive properties of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms.
Materials and methods. The objects of the study – 3 % CDWE, museum strains of the ATCC collection and clinical cultures of microorganisms: A. baumannii, S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans. Native and formalinized human erythrocytes of 0(I) Rh-positive blood group were used as a substrate for adhesion. A smear was prepared from each sample, which was stained by the Romanovsky–Giemsa method. According to the results of smear microscopy, the adhesion index of microorganisms (AIM) was calculated.
Results. A preliminary study of the adhesion ability of museum and clinical strains of microorganisms revealed that all cultures possessed highly adhesive properties. The addition of 3 % CDWE significantly inhibited their adhesive properties. Thus, in studies with museum strains, it was found that the AIM of S. aureus was decreased by 59.47 %, K. pneumonia – by 59.17 %, E. coli – by 56.32 %, P. aeruginosa – by 48.70 %, A. baumannii – by 49.77 %, C. albicans – by 51.59 %. In the experiments, a decrease in AIM of all clinical strains of microorganisms was detected: S. aureus – by 55.00 %, K. pneumonia – by 53.50 %, E. coli – by 53.54 %, P. aeruginosa – by 49.04 %, A. baumannii – by 50.42 %, C. albicans – by 53.13 %.
Conclusions. The results gained from the study of the 3 % CDWE effect on the adhesive activity collectively suggest its high ability to inhibit the adhesive activity of museum and clinical strains of purulent-inflammatory infections (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, C. albicans) and prevent the formation of a bacterial biofilm. These properties indicate potential benefits from further study on the biological properties of CDWE and the development of new antimicrobial drugs based on it for the treatment of purulent-inflammatory infections.