bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prominent health problems, socioeconomic deprivation, and higher brain age in lonely and isolated individuals: A population-based study
Authors: de Lange Ann-Marie G , Kaufmann Tobias , Quintana Daniel S , Winterton Adriano , Andreassen Ole A. , Westlye Lars T. , Ebmeier Klaus P.
Published: September 2020

Loneliness is linked to increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, but little is known about factors potentially contributing to adverse brain health in lonely individuals. In this study, we used data from 24,867 UK Biobank participants to investigate risk factors related to loneliness and estimated brain age based on neuroimaging data. The results showed that on average, individuals who self-reported loneliness on a single yes/no item scored higher on neuroticism, depression, social isolation, and socioeconomic deprivation, performed less physical activity, and had higher BMI compared to individuals who did not report loneliness. In line with studies pointing to a genetic overlap of loneliness with neuroticism and depression, permutation feature importance ranked these factors as the most important for classifying lonely versus not lonely individuals (ROC AUC = 0.83). While strongly linked to loneliness, neuroticism and depression were not associated with brain age estimates. Conversely, objective social isolation showed a main effect on brain age, and individuals reporting both loneliness and social isolation showed higher brain age relative to controls - as part of a prominent risk profile with elevated scores on socioeconomic deprivation and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, in addition to neuroticism and depression. While longitudinal studies are required to determine causality, this finding may indicate that the combination of social isolation and a genetic predisposition for loneliness involves a risk for adverse brain health. Importantly, the results underline the complexity in associations between loneliness and adverse health outcomes, where observed risks likely depend on a combination of interlinked variables including genetic as well as social, behavioural, physical, and socioeconomic factors.
No association between sex steroids and handedness in humans
Authors: Richardson Thomas
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThere is ongoing debate about the effect of hormones on the lateralization of the developing brain. In humans, there are conflicting theories of how testosterone during development should affect lateralization. Empirical studies linking prenatal and postnatal testosterone levels to hand preference (a proxy for lateralization) are similarly mixed. Links between hand preference and health may also suggest a mediating role of steroid hormones such as testosterone and estradiol. Studies to date of adult steroid hormones and handedness have been hindered by samples that contain small numbers of non-right-handers. ResultsIn the largest study of the phenomenon to date, I find that the testosterone (n = 7290) and estradiol (n = 3700) levels of left- and mixed-handed adults are no different to those of right-handers. All Bayesian 95% highest density intervals contained 0.Discussion and ConclusionsThe results have implications for studies that show elevated risk of hormonal-related mental and physical disorders in left-handed individuals.
Gender and LPG use after government intervention in rural north India
Authors: Vyas Sangita , Gupta Aashish , Khalid Nazar
Published: September 2020

Exposure to air pollution from cooking with solid fuels has important consequences for public health. This paper focuses on rural north India, where despite robust economic growth and government subsidies, the vast majority of households mainly use solid fuels. We draw on new qualitative and quantitative data collected in the context of a policy environment that dramatically expanded ownership of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to examine why households are slow to adopt clean fuels in rural north India. We find that patriarchal gender norms and attitudes encourage the use of solid fuels in this region. North Indian society confers low status to women, promotes women’s seclusion, and constrains women’s engagement in economic activities outside of the home. These beliefs encourage women to preserve gas, promote women's work that facilitates the use of solid fuels, and hinder communication between the cook and the decision-maker regarding LPG refills. When rural north Indian households use gas, it is frequently to facilitate the adherence to norms of seclusion that prevent women from leaving the home to collect solid fuels. In addition to expanding access and improving economic conditions, future research and policy interventions should pay careful attention to the gender norms and attitudes that discourage the use of gas. Addressing these beliefs and norms is essential to sustained LPG use and health improvements.
Predictors of Sleep Recall Bias in College Students
Authors: Srivastava Pranjal , Takegami Mina , Chen Ching-Hua
Published: September 2020

College students are known to have unhealthy levels of sleep. Using data from the StudentLife Dataset, we analyzed the predictors of “recall bias” regarding sleep. We compared the average of a running, daily, self-reported sleep value over a period of time to the average sleep amount perceived by the students in their PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) tests. We found that the variability in the measure of self-assessment of health was related to errors in sleep recall, as were some individual parameters.
Automatic summary of texts in Polish
Authors: Ozimek Wojciech
Published: September 2020

The automatic text summarizing task is one of the most complex problems in the field of natural language processing. In this dissertation, we present the abstraction-based summarization approach which allows to paraphrase the original text and generate new sentences. Creation of new formulations, completely different from the original text is similar to how humans summarize texts. To achieve this, we propose the deep learning method using Sequence to Sequence architecture with the attention mechanism. The goal is to create the model for Polish language, using dataset containing over 200,000 articles from Polish websites, split into text and summary parts. Presented outcomes look promising, obtaining decent results utilizing standard metrics for such type of task.Based on review of prior research done during experiments, this is the very first attempt of applying abstractive text summarization techniques for Polish language.
Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19 among doctors and nurses at a tertiary care maternity hospital in Nepal
Authors: Ansari Shaheen Naaz , Ansari Imran , Jha Meena , Upreti Rakshya
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey provides a suitable format to evaluate existing programs and to identify effective strategies for behavior change in society. This study aimed to investigate and compare KAP concerning COVID-19 among Health Care Professionals (HCPs) at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital (PMWH).

Method: This was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted in HCPs (doctors and nurses) of PMWH, Nepal, from May to June 2020. A pre-validated questionnaire was used to access the objectives where knowledge and attitude score was 10 each and practice score was 20. Collected data was entered in Microsoft excel spreadsheet and analyzed using IBM SPSS software and p-value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Result: A total of 168 doctors and nurses responded to the survey, of which 112 (66.6%) were in 25-34 years of age group, 87.5% females, and 61.9% nurses. Mean score for knowledge, attitude and practice score was 5.8 (out of 10), 8.1 (out of 10) and 17.4 (out of 20) respectively. The score was significantly different among doctors and nurses in ‘knowledge’ (p=0.000) and ‘attitude’ categories (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference in ‘practice’ scores (p = 0.664).

Conclusion: Doctors and nurses of PMWH have positive attitude and good practice towards COVID-19. This characteristic can prove handy in bringing about useful behavioural changes and promoting safe practices while managing maternity patients in this hospital.
Nutritional assessment of school children and adolescents: Pokhara city in Western Nepal
Authors: Maskey Manisha , Sharma Annavarapu Laxminarasimha , Karmacharya Poonam
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Nutritional assessment of school children and adolescent is one of the most cost-effective ways of keeping track of overall wellbeing of children in the society. The objective of this study was to find out the nutritional status of school children and adolescent of Pokhara city using anthropometric indicators.

Method: A total of 1160 students from the schools across the Pokhara city, Nepal, were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric measurements, height and weight, mean height and weight for age, and BMI for age were estimated. Undernutrition and obesity were defined as per the 2007 WHO growth reference data. Association among the variables were determined by applying statistical tests: t-test and Anova.

Result: Growth curve of weight and BMI for age were above 15th percentile and height for age were between 3rd and 15th percentile, in both, boys and girls. The proportion of stunted and underweight students were 26.29% (boys 51% and girls 41%) and 24.65% (boys 53% and girls 47%) respectively. The proportion of thin, severely thin, overweight and obese were 3.53%, 5.03%, 12.49% and 8.96% respectively. Father’s occupation and education, mother’s occupation, school type, number of siblings were statistically associated with mean BMI and height.

Conclusion: Stunted and underweight were seen in a quarter of students, as well overweight and obesity in less than 10% of school children surveyed.
Accuracy of bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis ‘BISAP’ score in predicting outcome of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Karki Sanjit , Karki Binod , Thapa Suresh , Shrestha Roshan , Poudel Bidhan Nidhi , Shrestha Ramila
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Early identification of severe acute pancreatitis is of paramount importance in the management and for improving outcomes. Bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) is a simple and accurate score for stratification in acute pancreatitis. This study was conducted to find out the accuracy of BISAP score in predicting outcomes of acute pancreatitis in local population.

Method: We prospectively analyzed 96 patients with acute pancreatitis from February 2019 to December 2019. Revised Atlanta classification was used to stratify mild, moderately severe and severe pancreatitis. BISAP score was calculated within 24 hours of admission. Accuracy was measured by area under receiver operating curve (AUC).

Result: Out of 96 patients, alcohol related acute pancreatitis accounted for 74.7%. There were 63.2% of mild AP, 37.3% of moderately severe AP, 9.4% of severe AP and 15.8 % of pancreatic necrosis. The AUC for moderately severe AP, severe AP and pancreatic necrosis were 0.77 (CI 0.68-0.87), 0.95 (CI 0.90-0.99) and 0.87 (CI 0.79-0.96) respectively. The statistically significant BISAP cut off for diagnosing sever AP was≥3, and ≥2 for moderately sever AP and pancreatic necrosis. There was positive correlation between revised Atlanta severity of acute pancreatitis and length of hospital stay (r=0.41). Mortality was 3.3 % which was seen in BISAP score 3 or above.

Conclusion: BISAP is a simple predictive model in identifying patient at a risk of developing different severity of pancreatitis and its outcome in our population.
Acetyl cholinesterase: a potential target for Alzheimer’s disease intervention
Authors: Khadka Sandhya , Basnet Rajesh , Shrestha Sandeep , Wang Yuchun , Gupta Radheshyam
Published: September 2020

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. The role of treatment is not limited to pharmacology, but also involves many factors, such as the psychological, social, and economic aspects of the patient and family. It is important to consider the use of AChe inhibitors in patients with mild to moderate AD, despite cost issues and in the absence of any other immediate progression. Although there are allots of currently available inhibitor for acetyl cholinesterase but there is no selective potent inhibitor for AD. so, there is an urgent need discover of compounds that are active against Acetyl cholinesterase, along  with there is need of molecular modeling for  identifying functional groups that may be important for inhibiting Acetyl cholinesterase activity.
Depression in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence & Factors Associated
Authors: Subedi S. , Adhikari A , Paudel K. , Shrestha L. , Sharma N.
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Both diabetes and depression are major public health problems. Depression is a frequent comorbidity associated with diabetes. This study was aimed to find the prevalence of depression among patients with diabetes and to identify various factors associated with it.

Material And Method: This is a cross-sectional study of diabetic patients visiting Internal medicine OPD of Universal College Of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal and referred for psychiatric evaluation. Sample size of 137 was included in 6 months period. Face to Face interview was conducted to gather socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to identify and classify depression. Frequency, Percentage, Chi-square test, Multivariate regression were applied.

Results: The overall prevalence of depression was 27%. Depression was found to be significantly higher among female patients (p=0.009), patients suffering from diabetes mellitus for more than 15 years (p=0.054), patients under insulin therapy (p=0.034) and patients whose blood sugar level was uncontrolled(p=0.020) even with treatment. On regression analysis, treatment modality, blood sugar level, gender and treatment modality were found to be independent predictors of depression among diabetic patients. Patients on insulin therapy were four times more likely to have depression (OR=4.344, CI: 2.129 – 8.865, p<0.001). Female patients were two times more likely to have depression (OR=1.825, CI: 0.221 - 2.855, p<0.052).

Conclusion: Almost one-fourth patients with diabetes also have depression. Factors like female sex, longer duration of diabetes, use of insulin therapy, uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of developing depression in diabetic patients. Hence, routine screening of depression is necessary in patients with diabetes.
Quality Of Life in Epilepsy Patients: A cross sectional study
Authors: Aryal S , Jha A
Published: September 2020

Introduction: The quality of life of people with epilepsy is hampered both by the nature of the disorder and its associated effects. This study was carried out to assess the quality of life in patients with epilepsy and determine the influence of various factors in quality of life in these patients.

Material And Method: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in Mental Hospital, Lagankhel enrolling clinically diagnosed patients with epilepsy aged more than 18 years and on antiepileptic drugs for at least 6 months. Patients diagnosed with epilepsy but having mental retardation, overt cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders or other co-morbid chronic systemic or neurological illnesses which could affect QOL were excluded from the study by detailed history, clinical examinations, previous medical records and relevant investigations.

Results: Statistically significant differences in the quality of life scores were seen in terms of educational and marital status, and frequency of seizures within the last 6 months before evaluation. Statistically insignificant positive correlation was observed between the age of onset of seizures and the QOL scores. Similarly, statistically insignificant negative correlation observed between the number of drugs used and the QOL scores.

Conclusion: Duration of epilepsy had a consistent negative effects on QOL. Evaluation of quality of life in epilepsy relatively measures the outcome for treatment for epilepsy.
Psychiatric Symptoms in a Patient with NMDA Receptor Encephalitis
Authors: Paudel L , Samadarshi S , Limbu S , Sharma R , Chalise P , Pradhan SN
Published: September 2020

Anti N methyl D aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder that encompasses various psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Psychiatric manifestations are often the presentation of the disease that often delay or mislead the diagnosis. Complex psychiatric symptoms, seizures, autonomic instability, abnormal movements, behavioral changes and impaired cognitive functions are present during the course of illness. Prodromal psychiatric symptoms often confuse the physicians and even patient initially seeks psychiatric consultation. Here we present a case of 19 years female who presented with initial psychiatric symptoms that progressed to seizure, autonomic instability, abnormal movement and other encephalitic symptoms.
Reducing Criminal Justice Involvement of Individuals Experiencing Homelessness and Mental Illness: Perspectives of Frontline Practitioners
Authors: Roy Laurence , Crocker Anne , Hurtubise Roch , Latimer Eric , Côté Michelle , Billette Isabelle , Boissy François
Published: September 2020

Individuals experiencing both homelessness and mental illness have high rates of interaction with public safety and criminal justice institutions. Several cross-sector diversion programs have been developed over the past decades as alternatives to incarceration. Most of these initiatives rely on the commitment and expertise of frontline practitioners from different sectors and backgrounds. This research examines the perspectives of frontline practitioners regarding practices and policies that target justice involvement of individuals experiencing both homelessness and mental health issues in a Canadian urban context. Findings from focus groups with 55 participants drawn from the police, the community and public health and social services sectors indicate that frontline practitioners value and support close proximity in cross-sector action, while raising ethical and legal issues related to this type of practice. Participants also describe how exclusion from services for this population, lack of involvement from corrections, housing, and forensic mental health services, and ineffective use of involuntary treatment mechanisms shape and constrain frontline practice. The findings of this article give voice to the specific concerns of frontline service providers. Given these findings, we suggest potential strategies to better serve individuals who are identified as “harder to serve” but who might also benefit from diversion from the criminal justice system.
Desisting from Crime: In-Prison Behaviour and Cognition as Predictors of Post-Release Success
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: September 2020

To test the possibility that in-prison behaviour and cognition provide information useful in predicting future desistance from crime, two in-prison variables and nine pre-prison and demographic control variables were correlated with post-prison release success in a group of 1,101 male inmates released from federal prison. A Cox regression proportional hazards survival analysis revealed that fewer disciplinary infractions and lower criminal thinking predicted future desistance, as measured by the absence of post-release arrests or a longer time until first arrest for those who were arrested, net the effects of the pre-prison variables and demographic measures. When disciplinary infractions were subclassified as aggressive (fighting, assault, threatening) or non-aggressive (disobedience, theft, use of intoxicants), only the non-aggressive category achieved significance. Likewise, when criminal thinking was subdivided into proactive and reactive criminal thinking, only the reactive dimension achieved significance. These findings suggest that behaviour and cognition assessed in prison may have value both in predicting desistance upon a person’s release from prison and in clarifying the nature of post-prison release success.
The Multilingual Turn in a Tutor Education Course: Using Threshold Concepts and Reflective Portfolios
Authors: Basta Hidy
Published: September 2020

In this article, I reflect on efforts to revise the instruction and evaluation of an undergraduate writing consultant education course. The revisions are motivated by the desire to adopt practices that reflect the writing center’s commitment to social justice for multilingual/translingual students and by a commitment to provide an effective, flexible, and brave environment for writing consultants to continue their professional development. I argue that grounding understanding of multilingual writers in concepts that explicitly explore linguistic diversity and standardized 1 English ideologies as threshold concepts is essential to reconceptualize writing center practices. I also argue for the necessity of adopting a flexible system for reflection, engagement, and evaluation to support writing consultants’ learning and practice. I share prompts used in the course and some of the responses they generated. The responses suggest that although combining threshold concepts with a portfolio system is successful in supporting inclusive practices, there remains a need to expand more inclusive practices across the university.
One Stage Minimally Invasive Thoracoscopic Lung Resection and Transphrenic Adrenalectomy
Authors: Bagan Patrick  , Bagan Patrick  , Dakhil Bassel , Zaimi Rym , Kashi-Dakhil Mahine
Published: September 2020

Surgery may offer a long-term survival benefit to a small proportion of patients with operable non-small
cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and solitary adrenal metastasis. Several approaches to lung resection with a
separate open or laparoscopic adrenalectomy have been advocated. We present a technique that allows a
single incision, single operation through a transdiaphragmatic approach to the ipsilateral adrenal gland
following lung resection through a video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach. By using this
approach, along with an advanced bipolar device to aid adrenal dissection and clip-less vessel closure, both
lobectomy and adrenalectomy can be carried out safely and effectively with minimal perioperative and
postoperative morbidity.
Small Bowel Mesenteric Pseudocysts: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Di Vita Gaetano , D'Orazio Beatrice , Sebastiano Bonventre , Guido Martorana , Bianca Cudia , Carmelo Sciumé , Di Vita Gaetano , Girolamo Geraci
Published: September 2020

Background: Mesenteric pseudocyst (MP) are rare clinical entity presenting a thick fibrotic wall with internal septae without epithelial lining cells.
Case Report: We described one case of MP of a 50-year-old woman with persistent, non-specific, and non-responding to medical therapy abdominal pain. Laboratory tests, clinical examination and the abdominal US were un-conclusive while the CT scan of the abdomen showed a cystic lesion of the jejunal mesentery. We performed a laparoscopic surgical excision of the lesion with the resolution of clinical symptoms. The lesion resulted in inflammatory mesenteric cyst at the histological examination. At 5 years CT scan follow up we did not record any recurrences.
Conclusion: MP present themselves without specific symptoms, diagnostic imaging techniques such as US or CT scan may define its features, location or size but fail in determining their benign or malign nature. In fact, even if, the majority of these lesions are benign, a rate of malign transformation of around 3% has been reported, which is why the complete surgical excision is the gold standard treatment.
On the Relation Between Variability and Creativity: A Summary of Early Work and Advancements from Applied Research
Authors: Dracobly Joseph
Published: September 2020

Creativity, or the generation of previously unobserved behavior, is a topic of interest to scientists and the general public alike. Researchers outside behavior analysis have focused on creativity as a trait of individuals. Behavior analysts, however, have focused on the variables that give rise to novel responses. Initial conceptual work examined specific environmental variables that may promote creativity. Subsequent conceptual work examined the role of the response class and the selective nature of reinforcement. As this conceptual work progressed, researchers began evaluating variables that affect response variability, a potentially critical component of variability. Most basic researchers, and some applied researchers, have focused on response sequences. Although this work has proven fruitful in understanding response variability as an operant dimension, these limited response classes have prevented a more robust understanding of variability and novelty. Following the development of the lag schedule, applied researchers began using lag schedules to increase complex behavior behavior such as responses to questions, social skills, and martial arts skills. This applied work has provided intriguing evidence that variability, and environmental influence of variability, is a key contributor to novel responding, thus bringing creativity well into our scientific understanding of behavior.
Criatividade para Skinner como um comportamento complexo encadeado
Authors: Ferreira da Costa Leite Emerson , Micheletto Nilza
Published: September 2020

Este artigo analisa semelhanças e diferenças entre as descrições skinnerianas dos comportamentos tradicionalmente chamados de resolver problemas, recordar-se, autocontrolar-se, tomar decisão e comportar-se criativamente. Foram lidos capítulos em que Skinner descreve contingências evocativas do termo “criatividade” e de termos relacionados pelo autor, identificando-se características comuns e diferenças nas descrições propostas. Tal análise destaca a ocorrência de comportamentos precorrentes por meio dos quais o ambiente é manipulado pelo indivíduo de modo a aumentar (ou diminuir) a probabilidade de uma resposta dele mesmo, como a principal semelhança entre os casos discutidos. As diferenças estão nas consequências reforçadoras, características da situação antecedente e elementos das contingências que podem ser especificados previamente à emissão da resposta. São discutidas as possibilidades abertas por essa descrição para a investigação experimental do comportamento criativo e para aplicações da Análise do Comportamento interessadas em fortalecer a produção de comportamentos criativos.
Percepção de Figuras Ambíguas e Criatividade
Authors: Magalhães Tiago de Oliveira
Published: September 2020

Este trabalho pretende expor uma análise teórica dos conceitos de percepção e solução de problemas. Os estudos analítico-comportamentais nessas áreas, apesar dos avanços das pesquisas empíricas, carecem da elaboração de um quadro conceitual mais satisfatório. São examinadas, principalmente, as análises interpretativas de Skinner e experimentos sobre recombinação de repertórios inspirados nos estudos de Köhler sobre insight. Partindo dessas contribuições, propõem-se interpretações sobre como as diversas interações entre operantes e respondentes podem explicar os fenômenos perceptuais e como estes integram as cadeias de solução de problemas. Por meio do exame de casos como os de figuras ambíguas, cuja percepção tem significativas similaridades com o insight, são aventadas formas de incluir respostas perceptuais em estudos sobre recombinação de repertórios. Com isso, espera-se contribuir para uma compreensão mais refinada e integrada dos fenômenos em questão, o que pode ser útil, entre outras coisas, para a construção de futuros delineamentos experimentais.
Functional Outcomes in Spinal Tuberculosis: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Yong Lionelson Norbert , Ahmedy Fatimah , Yin Khin Nyein , Engkasan Julia Patrick
Published: September 2020

Spinal tuberculosis often leads to neurological deficit and subsequent deterioration in functional outcomes. This review assesses the recent evidence on functional outcomes in spinal tuberculosis, highlighting functional recovery, assessment tools for functional measures, and associative factors for functional recovery. Using PubMed, a literature search was done using the terms “spinal tuberculosis,” “tuberculous spondylitis,” “tuberculous spondylodiscitis,” and “functional outcome” for original articles published between January 2010 and December 2019. A total of 191 search results were found. Detailed screening showed that 19 articles met the eligibility criteria: 13 of these focused on surgical methods, four on conservative management, and two on rehabilitation approaches. The outcome measures used for functional assessment were the Oswestry Disability Index (11 articles), Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (n=3), modified Barthel Index (n=2), Functional Independence Measure (n=2), and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (n=1). Functional outcome was mainly affected by pain, spinal cord compression, and inpatient rehabilitation. No significant difference in functional outcome was found between conservative management and surgery for cases with uncomplicated spinal tuberculosis. Most studies focused on surgery as the mode of treatment and used pain-related functional measures; however, these assessed functional limitations secondary to pain, and not neurological deficits. Further studies may consider examining functional outcomes in spinal tuberculosis by utilizing spinal cord-specific functional outcome measures, to evaluate outcome measures as a prognostic tool, and to measure functional outcomes from specific rehabilitation interventions.
PENDAMPINGAN DAN PENINGKATAN KAPASITAS DAN KUALITAS PRODUKSI JAMU YANG BERBASIS GREEN SYSTEM
Authors: Dr. Isfenti Sadalia  , Beby Kendida Hasibuan  , Imam Bagus Sumatri
Published: September 2020

Jamu merupakan warisan dari budaya Indonesia. Dimana sejak jaman dahulu sampai sekarang penggunaan jamu masih menjadi alternative pengobatan diminati oleh masyarakat Indonesia. Tujuan utama pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah meningkatkan kapasitas dan kualitas produksi jamu agar dapat meningkatkan produksi jamu tersebut dan juga dapat meningkatkan kualitas dari jamu tersebut. Sehingga produksi dan kuliatas jamu yang dimiliki mitra akan dapat bersaing dengan jamu-jamu milik pabrikan. Mitra akan diajari cara penggunaan teknologi yang tepat dalam memperoduksi jamu dengan kapasitas yang lebih besar serta menghasilkan jamu dengan kualitas terbaik dan juga higienis. Selain itu mitra juga akan diberikan pengetahuan dan didampingi dalam hal pengemasan yang baik dan menarik. Hal ini dilakukan untuk dapat meningkatkan volume penjualan dari produk jamu tersebut. Kegiatan ini diharapkan dapat membantu mitra dalam meningkatkan kapasitas produksi dan juga membantu mitra dalam meningkatkan volume penjualan.
PEMBERIAN MEJA POTONG KAIN ERGONOMIS UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PRODUKSI KERJA USAHA JAHIT
Authors: Rahmi M Sari  , Khalida Syahputri  , Farida Ariani
Published: September 2020

Usaha Jahit yang berada di Kota Medan sangat berkembang dengan pesat. Hal ini disebabkan oleh tingginya minat masyarakat untuk menjahitkan bahan dasar pakaian sehingga akhirnya didapat sebuah desain yang sesuai dengan keinginan pelanggan. Demi mendapatkan ukuran dan desain yang susai tersebut, maka tiap usaha jahit harus menggunting kain sesuai dengan pola yang telah ditetapkan. Dalam proses kerja penjahitan, pemotongan pola merupakan bagian yang paling menentukan tingkat kesesuaian antara model pakaian dan hasil akhir berupa produk pakaian. Berdasarkan hasil observasi awal dengan mitra, mereka sering kesulitan pada saat proses pemotongan kain tersebut dikarenakan sempit dan terbatasnya ukuran meja potong kain. Dampak dari terbatasnya meja potong adalah pola kain yang digunting menjadi tidak sesuai dengan ukuran yang telah ditetapkan. Target yang telah tercapai adalah tersedianya meja potong ergonomis yang sesuai dengan dimensi dan ukuran tubuh pekerja sehingga dapat mendukung proses kerja jahit dan nantinya dapat mkeningkatkan kualitas produksi usaha jahit.
PEMANFAATAN ASAP CAIR DARI PELEPAH KELAPA SAWIT UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS BAHAN OLAH KARET PETANI KARET
Authors: Seri Maulina  , Erni Misran  , Maya Sarah
Published: September 2020

An effort in improving field latex quality has been conducted through community service activity for rubber farmers at Dusun Alur Hitam, Sekoci Village, Langkat Regency. The farmers generally use unrecommended coagulant such as fertilizer, extract of mengkudu or fern sap for coagulating their latex that can reduce the quality of rubber. The low quality of field latex, thus in turn reduce its selling price and income of farmers. Liquid smoke produced by pyrolysis of palm frond waste was proposed to be used as latex coagulant. Team of community service has designed and manufactured a pyrolysis reactor for this activity. The pyrolysis process produced brown liquid smoke with pH of 3 and a strong smoke smell. The produced liquid smoke can coagulate latex perfectly with the time needed were 2¢,25ʺ; 3¢,21ʺ and 4¢,29ʺ at the ratio of liquid smoke to latex were 1:10, 1:15 and 1:20 respectively with the use of liquid smoke of 2 mL. The dry rubber content of latex reached 73.48%. Thus, the utilization of smoke liquid can improve the dry rubber content as high 20.48% since the rubber buyer agents only set the dry rubber content of 53%. The elongation at break (EB) of latex was in the range of 165.55% - 286.93%. it is necessary to increase the knowledge and skill of rubber farmers. In the future, the establishment of farmer group or cooperative at Dusun Alur Hitam should be encouraged so as to facilitate the farmers in selling their product
PEMBERDAYAAN PETANI BAWANG MERAH MELALUI PENERAPAN SPO (STANDAR PROSEDUR OPERASIONAL) BAWANG MERAH SPESIFIK LOKASI YANG BERBASIS GAP (GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES)
Authors: Tavi Supriana  , Rahmanta  , Nurul Fajriah Pinem
Published: September 2020

Bawang merah merupakan komoditi yang penting karena dibutuhkan oleh masyarakat dan tidak ada barang substitusinya. Hal ini dapat dilihat dari permintaan yang terus meningkat. Peningkatan permintaan bawang merah tidak diikuti dengan peningkatan produksi, menyebabkan peningkatan harga bawang merah. Peningkatan harga biasanya akan direspon petani dengan meningkatkan produksi, tetapi hal ini tidak terjadi. Produksi bawang merah Sumatera Utara cenderung menurun. Selain itu, pemerintah juga menjadikan persoalan bawang merah tersebut menjadi prioritas program Bulog yang bertujuan untuk stabilitas harga dan produksi bawang merah. Untuk menjawab permasalahan produksi bawang merah ini, perlu dilakukan upaya berupa pelatihan pada petani bawang merah. Pelatihan dilaksanakan di Kecamatan Muara, Kabupaten Tapanuli Utara, karena memang Kecamatan Muara memiliki potensi yang paling mendukung untuk pengembangan usaha tani bawang merah. Pelatihan dari tim PPM USU diharapkan dapat meningkatkan keterampilan petani dalam melakukan budidaya bawang merah yang sesuai dengan Standar Prosedur Operasional (SPO) dengan menerapkan Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) serta pemahaman mengenai rantai pemasaran bawang merah. Keberhasilan hasil panen bawang merah di Kecamatan Muara diharapkan dapat menjadi contoh keberhasilan bagi kecamatan lainnya.
PENINGKATAN MUTU PRODUK KELOMPOK USAHA PENGRAJIN ECENG GONDOK DI DESA SEMULA JADI KEC. DATUK BANDAR TIMUR KOTA TANJUNG BALAI DENGAN PERBAIKAN TEKNOLOGI PRODUKSI PADA PROSES FINISHING PRODUK
Authors: Buchari  , Afan Gunawan Ahmad  , Nismah Panjaitan
Published: September 2020

Tujuan dari program pemberdayaan masyarakat ini adalah untuk meningkatkan mutu produk Kelompok Usaha Pengrajin Eceng Gondok di Desa Semula Jadi Kec. Datuk Bandar Timur Kota Tanjung Balai melalui inovasi produk dan perbaikan teknologi finishing produk. Metode pelaksanaan kegiatan pengabdian tersebut adalah dengan melaksanakan pelatihan inovasi produk dan teknologi finishing produk (pewarnaan) agar dapat meningkatkan inovasi produk dan pengembangan mutu produk pengrajin eceng gondok. Produk inovasi berbahan eceng gondok yang di buat adalah kursi, meja dan sandal. Para pengrajin melakukan praktek langsung selama mengikuti pelatihan. Selain inovasi produk, para pengrajin juga mendapat pelatihan teknik pewarnaan dengan menggunakan gun spray + kompresor dan teknik celup. Produk hasil inovasi para pengrajin diwarnai dalam sesi pelatihan yang diberikan sehingga para pengrajin mudah mengerti teknik pewarnaan yang diajarkan. Dengan perbaikan tersebut diharapkan produk kelompok pengrajin eceng gondok memiliki mutu yang baik sehingga produk-produk inovasi yang dihasilkan memiliki daya saing.
STIMULASI WIRAUSAHA PADA MURID SEKOLAH MENENGAH ATAS DI TANJUNG PURA LANGKAT SUMATERA UTARA MELALUI WORKSHOP PEMBUATAN LOSION ANTI NYAMUK BERBASIS HERBAL
Authors: Yuandani1  , Marianne  , Popi Patilaya
Published: September 2020

SMA N 1 Tanjung Pura dan SMA Swasta Samanhudi terletak di kecamatan Tanjung Pura, Kabupaten Langkat, Provinsi Sumatera Utara. Kecamatan Tanjung Pura di Kabupaten Langkat merupakan salah satu kecamatan dengan tingkat kesejahteraan yang belum memadai. Sebahagian besar masyarakat bekerja sebagai petani dan nelayan, dan umumnya mereka belum dapat memenuhi biaya hidup yang memadai dan gagal dalam menguasai potensi produktif yang tersedia. Salah satu cara yang dapat dilakukan adalah diversifikasi pekerjaan dengan menstimulasi jiwa wirausaha generasi muda di Tanjung Pura, antara lain dengan memberikan keterampilan khusus yang nantinya bisa dimanfaatkan oleh mereka untuk membuka usaha sendiri. Salah satu cara yang akan dilakukan adalah dengan memberikan workshop pembuatan losion anti nyamuk. Hal ini mengingat kecamatan Tanjung Pura memiliki prevalensi yang tinggi terhadap penyakit malaria dan demam berdarah dengue (DBD), sehingga sangat tepat untuk mengajarkan para siswa SMA dalam pembuatan losion anti nyamuk agar dapat turut serta menurunkan angka kejadian penyakit tersebut. Oleh sebab itu,tujuan umum program pengabdian pada masyarakat ini adalah meningkatkan minat berwirausaha pada murid sekolah menengah atas, menurunkan angka pengangguran dan angka penyebaran penyakit malaria dan DBD di Kecamatan Tanjung Pura. Target utama dari program ini adalah sekelompok masyarakat yang memiliki latar pendidikan terakhir golongan menengah atau setara yang berada di Kecamatan Tanjung Pura. Secara khusus, program ini bertujuan untuk melatih siswa-siswi  setingkat SMA yang ada di SMAN 1 Tanjung Pura dan SMA Swasta Samanhudi dalam berwirausaha untuk memproduksi losion anti nyamuk yang berbahan dasar minyak sereh.
PENINGKATAN KAPASITAS PENENUN CORAK INSANG MELALUI PELATIHAN MOTIVASI USAHA DAN MENGANIK
Authors: Husna Amalya Melati  , Yudithya Ratih  , Metasari Kartika
Published: September 2020

Non Government Organisations as known as Kelompok Swadaya Masyarakat (KSM) Mekar IIand Pucuk Rebung became the only Insang style of weaving craft employers in the city ofPontianak were located on Jalan Khatulistiwa, Batulayang District. The Insang style of weavingis one of the features produced by KSM, besides the typical weaving of Sambas. Only a smallportion of craft employers or weavers which produces the weaving of Insang style because it isfeared that the market target is not much, however this pattern is a typical of Pontianak city;The capital of West Kalimantan Province. Decreased motivation for weaving since it faced theproblem not knowing how to understand that is the upstream process in weaving. Training isdone by giving the material about the weaving process, especially the stage of understandingand motivation and business development opportunities to the partners until all the materialpresented and implemented. Participants said that they were ready to weave back and werewilling to support the development of their area into a village or a weaving center. One of themis shown by the willingness of their house to be decorated or painted with Insang style. Thetraining that was done successfully resulted in more than 15 people weavers who haveunderstood how to do the “nganik” process.
IbM PENYEDIAAN SUMBER AIR BERSIH UNTUK KEBUTUHAN RUMAH TANGGA MASYARAKAT KURANG MAMPU DI DUSUN II DESA BAGAN KUALA KECAMATAN TANJUNG BERINGIN KABUPATEN SERDANG BEDAGAI
Authors: Terang U.H.G.M  , Taufiq Bin Nur
Published: September 2020

Kebutuhan akan air bersih bagi kehidupan manusia merupakan suatu kebutuhan primer. Manusia tidak akan dapat hidup dengan sehat tanpa adanya air bersih, karena tubuh manusia sangat membutuhkan air, kandungan air di tubuh manusia tidak kurang dari 70% dari bobot tubuhnya (orang dewasa). Air berfungsi untuk mentransportasi mineral, vitamin, protein dan zat gizi lainnya ke seluruh tubuh. Keseimbangan suhu tubuh akan sangat tergantung pada air, karena air merupakan pelumas jaringan tubuh sekaligus bantalan sendi-sendi, tulang, dan otot. Begitu pentingnya air bagi kelangsungan hidup manusia sehingga ketersediaan dan keberlangsungan air bagi makhluk hidup harus tetap dijaga.Di dalam kehidupan masyarakat modern di Indonesia saat ini, suplai air bersih untuk suatu komunitas masyarakat biasanya dipasok oleh perusahaan-perusahaan air bersih milik pemerintah daerah. Tetapi karena keterbatasan jaringan atau kapasitas produksi seringkali tidak semua komunitas masyarakat tersebut dapat menikmati fasilitas air bersih tersebut. Terutama masyarakat miskin yang hidup di pinggiran atau di luar kota, sehingga mereka terpaksa memanfaatkan sumber-sumber air yang kurang layak digunakan karena tidak higienis. Desa Bagan Kula Kecamatan Tanjung Beringin merupakan salah satu kecamatan yang terdapat di di pesisir pantai. Secara secara administrasi pemerintahan termasuk wilayah kabupaten Serdang Bedagai. Kondisi geografis yang dekat dengan laut menyebabkan desa Bagan Kuala ini sering mengalami kekurangan air bersih karena air permukan yang tersedia merupakan jenis air payau. Sebagai masyarakat mensiasati permasalahan ini dengan melakukan pengeboran yang kedalamannya bisa mencapai 100 meter. Dalamnya pengeboran yang harus dilakukan untuk mendapatkan air tawar dan bersih tersbut menyebabkan biaya membuat sumur bor sangatlah mahal untuk kalangan masyarakat miskin yang sebagian besar berprofesi sebagai buruh nelayan sehingga sering dijumpai banyak masyarakat menggunakan air payau untuk kebutuhan MCK mereka dan hal ini sangat tidak baik untuk kesehatan masyarakat tersebut. Melihat permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh masyarakat tersebut maka dicarikan suatu solusi atas permasalahan yang dihadapi dengan membuat suatu fasilitas sumber air bersih yang berasal dari sumur bor untuk mendapatkan air tanah/bersih dan instalasi perpipaan untuk distribusi air bersih bagi kebutuhan masyarakat.
PENGEMBANGAN USAHA PENGOLAHAN MAKANAN BAHAN DASAR UBI DI DESA BINGKAT KECAMATAN PEGAJAHAN KABUPATEN SERDANG BEDAGAI TAHUN 2017
Authors: Alam Bakti  , Syarifah  , Erna Mutiara
Published: September 2020

Di desa Bingkat Kecamatan Pegajahan banyak terdapat industri rumah tanggapengolah ubi menjadi opak dan juga sebagai keripik, hal ini dilatarbelakangi daerah inimerupakan penghasil ubi selain padi. Industri rumah tangga ini masih sederhana baik dariproduksi, pengemasan maupun pemasarannya. Dari produksi cita rasanya masih belummemenuhi standart kualitas yang layak untuk dipasarkan di pasar nasional apalagiinternasional. Untuk opak terdapat berbagai variasi namun salah satu jenis opak yangbanyak diperjual belikan di desa ini adalah opak lidah tetapi rasa masih kurang, opak inidijual dalam bentuk mentah belum di kemas apalagi membuat label/merek. Pemasarannyahanya di depan rumah masing-masing pengolah opak, pembeli terbatas pada pendudukyang melintas di sekitar desa atau orang-orang yang sudah tahu di daerah ini adapengrajin opak. Melalui pengabdian ini akan dilakukan pengembangan keterampilanpengolahan opak dan keripik berbahan dasar ubi, pelabelan dan pemasaran hasil produksi.Tujuan pengabdian adalah untuk meningkatkan keterampilan mengolah hasil ubimenjadi makanan yang variatif, bergizi, dan mempunyai cita rasa yang enak sehinggamempunyai nilai jual yang tinggi. Pengemasan dan pelabelan hasil produksi danmencarikan pemasaran agar pemasaran lebih luas dan akhirnya meningkatkan ekonomimasyarakat.Metode yang digunakan untuk mencapai tujuan pengabdian adalah melaluiceramah diskusi dan praktek. Pada saat praktek pengolahan makanan bahan dasar ubimenjadi opak lidah dan keripik yang bervariasiDari pengabdian ini telah dilakukan pengembangan usaha pengolahan makananbahan dasar ubi dengan melaksanakan kegiatan : Pelatihan penggunaan alat keripik ubidengan berbagai variasi yaitu : keripik ubi rasa original, keripik ubi rasa balado, dankeripik ubi jenis opak lidah serta pengadaan perlengkapan alat produksi seperti alatpengiris ubi, alat peniris minyak dan hand sealer.
KEMANDIRIAN PEREMPUAN MELALUI KETERAMPILAN MENJAHIT
Authors: Berlianti  , Mastauli Siregar
Published: September 2020

Wirausaha jasa menjahit pakaian masih menjanjikan. Meski sekarang sudah banyak produksi pakaian jadi, tetapi jasa jahitan tetap dibutuhkan konsumen. Karena ada beberapa risiko pembelian pakaian jadi yang biasanya diterima oleh pembeli. Tidak semua pakaian jadi pas dikenakan oleh konsumen. Terutama bagi orang-orang memiliki postur tubuh berbeda dengan standar orang pada umumnya, seperti terlalu kecil atau terlalu gemuk. Disamping itu ada model dan bahan baju tertentu yang lebih enak kalau dipakai dari hasil jahitan biasa, daripada dalam bentuk pakaian jadi yang diproduksi pabrik. Misalnya pakaian adat, bahan brukat, jas, kebaya, kain tenun dan lain-lain.

Pelatihan peningkatan ketrampilan kepada penjahit pakaian perlu diberikan agar mampu menghasilkan pakaian yang sesuai dengan keinginan pasar secara efisien dan efektif. Selain itu meningkatkan ketrampilan dalam mengobras dan membordir agar memiliki kemampuan bersaing dari sisi kualitas, model, variasi motif dan perpaduan warna pakaian yang di produksi, sehingga mampu menciptakan dan memiliki banyak jaringan pemasaran. Perlunya diberikan pelatihan yang memampukan penjahit pakaian menghitung total pendapatan penjualan dan total biaya sehingga mampu mengetahui berapa laba yang diperoleh per satu potong pakaian.

Diharapkan setelah pendampingan, para mitra menjadi lebih meningkat pengetahuannya, mampu mengaplikasikan pengetahuan tersebut dalam pekerjaan sehari-harinya dan menularkan pengetahuan tersebut kepada pelaku wirausaha penjahit pakaian yang lain. Dengan demikian semua penjahit pakaian akan lebih berkembang, menjadi semakin mandiri secara ekonomis, terjadi peningkatan pendapatan, penjahit pakaian menjadi lebih produktif serta semakin optimis dalam berwirausaha.
IBM BANTUAN PERAHU MOTOR UNTUK KELOMPOK NELAYAN SEJAHTERA DI DESA JARING HALUS KECAMATAN SICANGGANG UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PENGHASILAN DAN TARAF HIDUP NELAYAN
Authors: Farida Ariani  , Ikhsan Siregar
Published: September 2020

Nelayan adalah suatu kelompok masyarakat yang kehidupannya tergantung langsung pada hasil laut, baik dengan cara melakukan penangkapan ataupun budidaya. Mereka pada umumnya tinggal di pinggir pantai, sebuah lingkungan pemukiman yang dekat dengan lokasi kegiatan. Kehidupan nelayan sampai saat ini belum dapat dikatakan layak bahkan jauh dari kata sejahtera. Banyak faktor yang menyebabkan keadaan ekonomi nelayan Indonesia masih jauh dari sejahtera, seperti cara penangkapan yang masih tergolong tradisional, pendidikan yang rendah dan sistem rantai penjualan hasil tangkapan ikan yang terlalu panjang. Oleh sebab itu perlunya bantuan yang cukup signifikan kepada para masyarakat nelayan di Indonesia pada umumnya. Karena mereka tidak akan bisa berkembang tanpa adanya bantuan dari pihak lain untuk merubah nasibnya. Saat ini juga ada suatu keadaan dimana banyak masyarakat nelayan yang tidak memiliki perahu karena disebabkan oleh satu dan lain hal. Mereka hanya mengandalkan pencarian dari bekerja di perahu nelayan lainnya, mereka harus berbagi penghasilan dari sebuah perahu yang sedikit itu, sehingga taraf kehidupan mereka sangat rendah sekali. Hal inilah yang menjadi perhatian tim pengabdian masyarakat USU, untuk dicarikan solusinya, bagaimana cara menaikkan taraf hidup salah seorang mitra nelayan di desa Jaring Halus. Pada proposal program pengabdian masyarakat ini direncanakan untuk memberikan bantuan kepada mitra nelayan, dengan memberi bantuan perahu dan bimbingan agar terjadi peningkatkan penghasilan, yang diharapkan dapat menaikkan taraf hidupnya.