bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of biofilm-related genes and antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from clinical specimens
Authors: SAADULLA SHNA OTHMAN KAKA , MUHAMMED SIRWAN MUHSIN
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Saadulla SOK, Muhammed SM. 2023. Detection of biofilm-related genes and antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from clinical specimens. Biodiversitas 24: 1809-1816. A total of 53 Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates were collected from patients treated at Shar Hospital in Sulaimani city to determine antibiotic susceptibility patterns and their association between biofilm formation and the distribution of biofilm-related genes. Identification of suspected A. baumannii was carried out by conventional and molecular approaches, including 16S rRNA and blaoxa-51 gene amplification. In addition, disk diffusion and microtiter plate methods determined antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm-forming capability, respectively. Out of 53 A. baumannii clinical isolates 42 (79.24%), were Multidrug-Resistant (MDR), of which 3 (5.66%) were resistant to colistin. Overall, 33 (62.26%) of the clinical isolates were strong biofilm producers, 6 (11.32%) were moderate or weak biofilm producers, and 8 (15.09%) were non-biofilm-forming isolates. The frequency of biofilm-related genes ompA, bap, csuE, blaPER-1, and cpaA among A. baumannii strains was 92.45%, 79.24%, 73.58%, 9.43%, and 7.54%, respectively. The high frequency of multi-drug resistant strains, and their ability to form biofilms, is a potential threat to effective therapy and may increase morbidity and mortality in infected patients. Colistin appeared to be the most effective antibiotic for treating MDR A. baumannii infections.
Flavonoid compound of Cucurbita moschata at three different altitudes
Authors: SURANTO SURANTO , HIDAYATI NUR RAHMAH , FURQAN MUHAMMAD , MAHADJOENO EDWI , SAJIDAN SAJIDAN
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Suranto, Hidayati NR, Furqan M, Mahadjoeno E, Sajidan. 2023. Flavonoid compound of Cucurbita moschata at three different altitudes. Biodiversitas 24: 1853-1860. The aims of this research were to examine the presence of flavonoids, both the total and the content of quercetin and kaempferol, in Cucurbita moschata (Duchesne) Duchesne ex Poir. leaf growing at different altitudes. First, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was used to detect the presence of flavonoid substances, followed by the colorimetric AlCl3 method to look at the Total Flavonoid Content (TFC). Finally, one-way ANOVA was employed to analyze quantitatively. Accordingly, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method was used to test whether any member of flavonoid substances was found. The results showed that flavonoid substances of C. moschata leaf samples were detected, and the Rf value of every single altitude was not significantly different. However, the highest total flavonoid content was recorded from the middle altitude (1.369 mg QE/g); the lowest was found in the highest (0.244 QE/g). Furthermore, HPLC tests showed that retention times of quercetin at every single altitude from the lowest to the highest one were not much different. Meanwhile, kaempferol's retention time was recorded at 13.001 minutes for the lowest altitude and 12.955 and 12.965 minutes for the middle and highest altitudes, respectively. These preliminary results, especially the total flavonoid content in different altitudes, could detect various flavonoid members, such as quercetin and kaempferol, for the next project.
Yield quality of Setaria italica accessions originated from Numfor Island, Papua, Indonesia
Authors: KARAMANG SYUKUR , ARIFFIN ARIFFIN , WIDARYANTO EKO , AINI NURUL
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Karamang S, Ariffin, Widaryanto E, Aini N. 2023. Yield quality of Setaria italica accessions originated from Numfor Island, Papua, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1878-1885. Pokem (Setaria italica L. Beauv) is among the various germplasms of food plant diversity in Papua, especially in Numfor Island along with its traditional cultivation. Huge attention is needed in sustaining plant development due to its high nutritional value. Therefore, the study aims to (i) search for S. italica accessions with the highest yields and nutrient content in ex-situ cultivation, and (ii) S. italica gain accessions from the island of Numfor which contains phytochemical and antioxidant activity compounds. This study was carried out at the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, the University of Papua in Amban Manokwari. The plant materials used were 15 accessions of S. italica grains derived from existing cultivated locations of Numfor Island, Papua. The experiment was carried out using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 4 replications. Yield component characters, nutritional content, total flavonoid and phenolic content, as well as antioxidant activity were observed. The results revealed that accession Sub Manggunsi 3 (SM3) had the highest grain yield. Based on nutrient contents, the highest recorded by Namber 2 (NM 2) accession for carbohydrate content, followed by Sub Manggunsi 2/SM2 (raw fiber), Kansai 3/KN3 and Sub Manggunsi 3/SM3 (protein content), Sub Manggunsi 1/SM1 (water content), Kameri 3/KM3 and Rimba Raya2/RR2 (fat content), Namber 3/NM3 (ash content); while Kameri 1 (KM1) accession, Rimba Raya 2 (RR2) and Kansai 1 (KM3) accession performed high content of total flavonoid, total phenol and antioxidant activity.
Short Communication: The potential of soil microbes in the three kerangas forest ecosystems on Belitung Island, Indonesia
Authors: OKTAVIA DINA , PRATIWI SANTI DWI , PRATIWI DESTY , KAMALUDIN NADIA NURANIYA
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Oktavia D, Pratiwi SD, Pratiwi D, Kamaludin NN. 2023. Short Communication: The potential of soil microbes in the three kerangas forest ecosystems on Belitung Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1895-1899. The biogeochemical cycles on Earth are governed by living creatures, therefore the composition and activity of microbial communities are important ecological issues. In this study, we investigated the abundance of soil microbes randomly existing from the three types of kerangas forest ecosystems (Bukit Peramun, Cendil Kerangas Forest, and Gunung Lumut) in Belitung Island which belongs to the Geosites of Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark. In comparison to the Bukit Peramun and Hutan Cendil habitats, the populations of bacteria and fungus in the Gunung Lumut were greater at 3.11 x 1010 and 1.14 x 105 cfu g-1, respectively. In Gunung Lumut, there was a comparatively high population of soil bacteria. Gunung Lumut is a site where a variety of mosses have taken over and are overpowered by the terrain due to its high humidity and weathered rocks. Generally, under various conditions, a specific function is more likely to be carried out by soils with higher microbial populations. Understanding soil health and agricultural productivity depends on an understanding of the presence of soil bacteria in various types of kerangas forests. Our study aids the Geosites of the Belitong UNESCO World Geopark in ensuring a long-term sustainable ecosystem.
Spontaneous Bilateral Neck Femur Fracture Secondary to Chronic Liver Disease and Vitamin D3 Deficiency
Authors: Kavlekar Duwarkesh , Rathod Santosh , Mummigatti Sushanth
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Spontaneous bilateral neck femur fracture occurs following many conditions. It is very rare event. It can be seen in young, middle aged, and elderly people with no preceding trauma. We report a case in middle aged person who got fracture secondary to chronic liver disease and Vitamin D3 deficiency and who underwent bilateral hemiarthroplasty. Case Report: A 46-year-old man came with sudden onset of bilateral hip pain with no history of trauma. It was started with difficulty in moving the left lower limb since February 2020 and after about 1-month period patient got right hip pain which made the patient completely bedridden. He also complained of yellowish discoloration of eyes associated with weight loss, malaise. No history of tremors in hand. No history of seizures. Conclusion: It is a not a common condition. Spontaneous bilateral neck femur fracture occurs following chronic liver disease and Vitamin D3 deficiency. Both these conditions lead to increase osteoporosis and osteomalacia thus making it more susceptible to fracture. Keywords: Spontaneous, bilateral, chronic liver disease, Vitamin D3, neck femur.
Complete Rupture of Common Extensor Origin of Elbow: A Rare Case Report, Management, and Outcome
Authors: Patil Anil , Biswal Udit
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Complete avulsion of the common extensor origin of the elbow is a very rare injury which significantly weakens upper limb function. The restoration of the extensor origin is indispensable to the function of the elbow. There are very few reports of such injuries and their reconstruction. Case Report: We present a case report of a 57-year-old male who presented with pain and swelling of elbow with inability to lift objects for 3 weeks. We diagnosed a complete common extensor origin rupture due to prior degeneration after corticosteroid injection for tennis elbow. The patient underwent reconstruction of the extensor origin with suture anchor. His wound healed well and he was mobilized from 2 weeks onward. At 3 months, he had full recovery of range of movement. Conclusion: It is crucial to diagnose these injuries, reconstruct them anatomically, and ensure good rehabilitation for optimum results. Keywords: Common extensor origin, tennis elbow, steroid injection, suture anchor.
Bone Grafting of the Bone Defects after Harvesting the Bone Patellar Tendon Bone Graft – A Novel Surgical Technique
Authors: Krishna M L V Sai , Mittal Ravi , Chauhan Nitin
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The anterior knee pain is the most common post-operative complaint associated with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using bone patellar tendon bone graft. It has been attributed to various factors such as loss of terminal extension, infrapatellar branch neuroma, and also due to the bone harvest site defect itself. Bone grafting of the defects in the patella and tibia has been shown to decrease anterior knee pain. At the same time, it also prevents post-operative stress fractures. Surgical Technique: Numerous bone pieces were produced in the knee joint as a result of the drilling during ACL reconstruction. Using a wash cannula and tissue grasper, all the bone fragments were gathered into a kidney tray. The bony fragments with the saline which were collected in the metal container were allowed to sediment at the bottom. The bone that was sedimented in the metal container was collected by decantation and placed into the bony defects of the patellar and tibial sides. Conclusion: Bone grafting of the defects in the patella and tibia has been shown to decrease anterior knee pain. Our technique is cost-effective as there is no requirement for special instrumentation like coring reamers, and no requirement for allograft or bone substitutes. Second, there is no morbidity associated with autografts harvested from elsewhere, we used the bone generated during the ACLR itself. Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, bone patellar tendon bone graft, anterior knee pain, bone graft.
Efficient low-reflection fully etched vertical free-space grating couplers for suspended silicon photonics
Authors: Hansen Søren Engelberth , Arregui Guillermo , Babar Ali Nawaz , Albrechtsen Marcus , Vosoughi Lahijani Babak , Christiansen Rasmus Ellebæk , Stobbe Søren
Published: April 2023

We design and fabricate a grating coupler for interfacing suspended silicon photonic membranes with free-space optics while being compatible with single-step lithography and etching in 220 nm silicon device layers. The grating coupler design simultaneously and explicitly targets both high transmission into a silicon waveguide and low reflection back into the waveguide by means of a combination of a two-dimensional shape-optimization step followed by a three-dimensional parameterized extrusion. The designed coupler has a transmission of −6.6 dB (21.8 %), a 3 dB bandwidth of 75 nm, and a reflection of −27 dB (0.2 %). We experimentally validate the design by fabricating and optically characterizing a set of devices that allow the subtraction of all other sources of transmission losses as well as the inference of back-reflections from Fabry-Pérot fringes, and we measure a transmission of 19 % ± 2 %, a bandwidth of 65 nm and a reflection of 1.0 % ± 0.8 %.
Inverse design of optical pulse shapes for time-varying photonics
Authors: Baxter Joshua , Ramunno Lora
Published: April 2023

Recent advancements in materials and metamaterials with strong, time-varying, nonlinear optical responses have spurred a surge of interest in time-varying photonics. This opens the door to novel optical phenomena including reciprocity breaking, frequency translation, and amplification that can be further optimized by improving the light-matter interaction. Although there has been recent interest in applying topology-based inverse design to this problem, we propose a novel approach in this article. We introduce a method for the inverse design of optical pulse shapes to enhance their interaction with time-varying media. We validate our objective-first approach by maximizing the transmittance of optical pulses of equal intensity through time-varying media. Through this approach, we achieve large, broadband enhancements in pulse energy transmission, including gain, without altering the incident pulse energy. As a final test, we maximize pulse transmission through thin films of indium tin oxide, a time-varying medium when strongly pumped in its ENZ band. Our work presents a new degree of freedom for the exploration, application, and design of time-varying systems and we hope it inspires further research in this direction.
Characterizing the Effect of Pixelations on Surface Profile and Refractive Index of 3D Printed Diffractive Optical Elements
Authors: Mao Huachao , Hua Junyu , Shan Yujie , Voyles Richard
Published: April 2023

The diffraction grating, a common diffractive optical element (DOE) used in many low-cost optical systems, is often fabricated in single-layer devices with stamping and rolling processes. Recently, there has been interest in micro-scale, customizable, and multi-layer DOEs that are increasingly being fabricated using expensive nanofabrication techniques, such as lithography, which requires numerous costly processes and clean rooms. Low-cost 3D printing of DOEs has, so far, not been feasible as the step change in illumination from a pixelated light source produces well-known diffraction effects of their own, which distorts the desired effect by the uneven surfaces and non-homogeneous refractive index. This paper reports a simple yet effective technique, coined ‘liquid immersion’, to characterize the uneven surface profile and the refractive index changes that result from pixelated light. Given this characterization, we can compensate for the undesired distortions by ‘pre-warping’ the desired grating, allowing the use of low-cost 3D printing with pixelated light intensity to achieve the required phase modulation for a DOE made from a photopolymer resin. This recovers the use of low-cost, single-layer DOE and paves the way for future multi-layer applications. Experiments show that the non-uniform light exposure generated both uneven surfaces (the diffraction gratings, ~100nm grating height for a 300-µm thick DOE) and non-homogeneous refractive index inside the printed sample (dN = 0.00013±0.00001) sufficient for high-quality reproduction of the desired optical effect.
Phenotypic screening using waveform analysis of synchronized calcium oscillations in primary cortical cultures
Authors: Sakaguchi Richi , Nakamura Saki , Iha Hiroyuki , Tanaka Masaki
Published: April 2023

At present, in vitro phenotypic screening methods are widely used for drug discovery. In the field of epilepsy research, measurements of neuronal activities have been utilized for predicting efficacy of anti-epileptic drugs. Fluorescence measurements of calcium oscillations in neurons are commonly used for measurement of neuronal activities, and some anti-epileptic drugs have been evaluated using this assay technique. However, changes in waveforms were not quantified in previous reports. Here, we have developed a high-throughput screening system containing a new analysis method for quantifying waveforms, and our method has successfully enabled simultaneous measurement of calcium oscillations in a 96-well plate. Features of waveforms were extracted automatically and allowed the characterization of some anti-epileptic drugs using principal component analysis. Moreover, we have shown that trajectories in accordance with the concentrations of compounds in principal component analysis plots were unique to the mechanism of anti-epileptic drugs. We believe that an approach that focuses on the features of calcium oscillations will lead to better understanding of the characteristics of existing anti-epileptic drugs and allow to predict the mechanism of action of novel drug candidates.
Healthcare professionals’ views on implementing the STAR care pathway for people with chronic pain after total knee replacement: A qualitative study
Authors: Moore Andrew J. , Wylde Vikki , Bertram Wendy , Beswick Andrew D. , Howells Nick , Gooberman-Hill Rachael
Published: April 2023

For many people with advanced osteoarthritis, total knee replacement is an effective treatment to relieve pain and improve function. However, 10–34% of people experience chronic postsurgical pain in the months and years after total knee replacement. The Support and Treatment After Replacement (STAR) randomised controlled trial (ISCRTN92545361) evaluated the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of a new multifaceted and personalised care pathway, compared with usual care, for people with pain at three months after total knee replacement. Our objective was to identify factors promoting or inhibiting its implementation, and to inform future training and wider implementation of the pathway. We conducted a prospective process evaluation using qualitative interviews with eight Extended Scope Practitioners and six Principal Investigators from seven trial sites who were involved in delivering the STAR care pathway during the trial. We used Normalization Process Theory as a theoretical framework for qualitative data collection and content analysis. We identified that factors promoting the implementation of the pathway were quick familiarisation with the pathway, valuing patient-centredness, formalising referral processes, and increasing confidence to address neuropathic pain. Challenges to implementation were availability of time and resources, sensitivity in referral process, and ensuring collective understanding of the pathway. These findings have enabled us to make recommendations about the future implementation of the STAR care pathway and will inform the development of a training package, and updated manual for successful delivery in usual care. Furthermore, this model of care has potential value in diverse elective surgeries and pain conditions.
Association of hospital volume with conversion to open from minimally invasive colectomy in patients with diverticulitis: A national analysis
Authors: Ebrahimian Shayan , Verma Arjun , Sakowitz Sara , Olmedo Manuel Orellana , Chervu Nikhil , Khan Aimal , Hawkins Alexander , Benharash Peyman , Lee Hanjoo
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite the known advantages of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for diverticular disease, the impact of conversions to open (CtO) colectomy remains understudied. The present study used a nationally representative database to characterize risk factors and outcomes associated with CtO in patients with diverticular disease.

Methods

All elective adult hospitalizations entailing colectomy for diverticulitis were identified in the 2017–2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Annual institutional caseloads of MIS and open colectomy were independently tabulated. Restricted cubic splines were utilized to non-linearly estimate the risk-adjusted association between hospital volumes and CtO. Additional regression models were developed to evaluate the association of CtO with outcomes of interest.

Results

Of an estimated 110,281 patients with diverticulitis who met study criteria, 39.3% underwent planned open colectomy, 53.3% completed MIS, and 7.4% had a CtO. Following adjustment, an inverse relationship between hospital MIS volume and risk of CtO was observed. In contrast, increasing hospital open volume was positively associated with greater risk of CtO. On multivariable analysis, CtO was associated with lower odds of mortality (AOR 0.3, p = 0.001) when compared to open approach, and similar risk of mortality when compared to completed MIS (AOR 0.7, p = 0.436).

Conclusion

In the present study, institutional MIS volume exhibited inverse correlation with adjusted rates of CtO, independent of open colectomy volume. CtO was associated with decreased rates of mortality compared to planned open approach but equivalence risk relative to completed MIS. Our findings highlight the importance of MIS experience and suggest that MIS may be safely pursued as the initial surgical approach among diverticulitis patients.
Evaluation of an online suicide prevention program to improve suicide literacy and to reduce suicide stigma: A mixed methods study
Authors: Dreier Mareike , Ludwig Julia , Härter Martin , von dem Knesebeck Olaf , Rezvani Farhad , Baumgardt Johanna , Pohontsch Nadine Janis , Bock Thomas , Liebherz Sarah
Published: April 2023

Low-threshold e-health approaches in prevention to reduce suicide stigma are scarce. We developed an online program containing video reports on lived experience of suicide and evidence-based information on suicidality. We evaluated the program by a mixed methods design. We examined pre-post-changes of program completers (n = 268) in suicide literacy, suicide stigma (self and perceived), and self-efficacy expectation of being able to seek support in psychologically difficult situations using linear mixed models. To examine reported changes and helpful program elements 12–26 weeks after program completion, we content analyzed transcripts of telephone interviews (n = 16). Program completers showed more suicide literacy (Cohen’s d = .74; p < .001), higher self-efficacy expectations to seek support (d = .09; p < .01), lower self-stigma (subscales glorification/normalization: d = -.13, p = .04; isolation/depression: d = -.14; p = .04; stigma: d = -.10; p = .07; n = 168) compared to baseline. We found no significant differences in perceived suicide stigma. We identified lived experience reports, the possibility of sharing own narrative on stigma and suicidality, and information on support as helpful elements. The current online program can increase suicide literacy and self-efficacy expectations to seek support and reduce self-stigma. We recommend a larger randomized controlled trial with longer follow-up to confirm these findings.
NDVI changes in the Arctic: Functional significance in the moist acidic tundra of Northern Alaska
Authors: Jespersen R. Gus , Anderson-Smith M. , Sullivan P. F. , Dial R. J. , Welker J. M.
Published: April 2023

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), derived from reflected visible and infrared radiation, has been critical to understanding change across the Arctic, but relatively few ground truthing efforts have directly linked NDVI to structural and functional properties of Arctic tundra ecosystems. To improve the interpretation of changing NDVI within moist acidic tundra (MAT), a common Arctic ecosystem, we coupled measurements of NDVI, vegetation structure, and CO2 flux in seventy MAT plots, chosen to represent the full range of typical MAT vegetation conditions, over two growing seasons. Light-saturated photosynthesis, ecosystem respiration, and net ecosystem CO2 exchange were well predicted by NDVI, but not by vertically-projected leaf area, our nondestructive proxy for leaf area index (LAI). Further, our data indicate that NDVI in this ecosystem is driven primarily by the biochemical properties of the canopy leaves of the dominant plant functional types, rather than purely the amount of leaf area; NDVI was more strongly correlated with top cover and repeated cover of deciduous shrubs than other plant functional types, a finding supported by our data from separate “monotypic” plots. In these pure stands of a plant functional type, deciduous shrubs exhibited higher NDVI than any other plant functional type. Likewise, leaves from the two most common deciduous shrubs, Betula nana and Salix pulchra, exhibited higher leaf-level NDVI than those from the codominant graminoid, Eriophorum vaginatum. Our findings suggest that recent increases in NDVI in MAT in the North American Arctic are largely driven by expanding deciduous shrub canopies, with substantial implications for MAT ecosystem function, especially net carbon uptake.
Insights from a workplace SARS-CoV-2 specimen collection program, with genomes placed into global sequence phylogeny
Authors: Leiser Owen P. , Auberry Deanna L. , Bakker Erica , Chrisler Will , Engbrecht Kristin , Engelmann Heather , Fansler Sarah , Gerbasi Vincent , Hansen Joshua , Hutchinson Chelsea , Hutchison Janine , Lancaster Mary J. , Lawrence Kathleen , Melville Angela , Mobberley Jennifer , O’Bryon Isabelle , Oxford Kristie L. , Oxford Tessa , Phillips Shelby , Rodda Kabrena E. , Sanford James A. , Schepmoes Athena , Staley Brian E. , Terrell Kelcey , Victry Kristin , Warner Cynthia , Omberg Kristin M.
Published: April 2023

In 2020, the Department of Energy established the National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory (NVBL) to address key challenges associated with COVID-19. As part of that effort, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) established a capability to collect and analyze specimens from employees who self-reported symptoms consistent with the disease. During the spring and fall of 2021, 688 specimens were screened for SARS-CoV-2, with 64 (9.3%) testing positive using reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Of these, 36 samples were released for research. All 36 positive samples released for research were sequenced and genotyped. Here, the relationship between patient age and viral load as measured by Ct values was measured and determined to be only weakly significant. Consensus sequences for each sample were placed into a global phylogeny and transmission dynamics were investigated, revealing that the closest relative for many samples was from outside of Washington state, indicating mixing of viral pools within geographic regions.
Propensity score-matched analysis of physician-controlled wire-guided cannulation as an effective technique against difficult cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A retrospective study
Authors: Jeon Han Jo , Lee Jae Min , Yim Sun Young , Choi Hyuk Soon , Kim Eun Sun , Keum Bora , Seo Yeon Seok , Jeen Yoon Tae , Chun Hoon Jai , Lee Hong Sik
Published: April 2023

Background

Advanced endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cannulation strategies for difficult cases could replace conventional techniques, in which assistants control guidewires. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of a new salvage cannulation strategy, physician-controlled wire-guided cannulation (PCWGC), with those of a conventional strategy.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with naïve papillae who underwent ERCP between January 2018 and December 2020. Patients, divided into two groups, received initial cannulation using a conventional catheter. After failed cannulation, the second attempt used PCWGC and double-guidewire technique (DGT) in the new and conventional strategy groups, respectively. Propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis compared outcomes between groups. Primary outcome included overall success rate, while secondary outcomes included cannulation time, adverse events, and cannulation difficulty subgroup analysis.

Results

The new strategy group comprised 255 (47.6%) of 536 patients who underwent ERCP. The total cannulation success rate was 98.4% (vs. 97.2%, p = 0.318), with similar post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) (1.8% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.64) rates. Following 1:1 PSM, 219/438 patients were allocated to both the conventional and new strategy groups, and 46 patients from the difficult cannulation subgroup were distributed evenly among groups. No difference in overall cannulation success rate existed between the groups before (97.2% vs. 98.4%) and after PSM (96.8% vs. 98.2%). The primary cannulation success rate was higher in the conventional strategy group, while the secondary cannulation success rate was higher in the new strategy group. However, the difficult cannulation subgroup PSM results showed that only the salvage cannulation success rate was significant (9/23, 39.1% vs. 18/23, 78.3%, p = 0.007). In the difficult cannulation subgroup, the salvage cannulation success rate for PCWGC was four times higher than DGT (95% confidence interval; 1.129–14.175), with no significant difference in PEP rate (p = 0.571).

Conclusions

PCWGC demonstrated greater efficacy than the conventional salvage technique. PCWGC could be a safe and useful technique, especially for difficult biliary cannulation.
National-level key stakeholders’ perspectives regarding intervention progression and emerging challenges within the national stillbirth reduction response in Uganda
Authors: Ssegujja Eric , Andipatin Michelle
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Implementation of evidence-based interventions was adopted to respond to the stillbirth burden from the global campaigns. However, new challenges emerge in the process of rolling out such interventions into routine services more so in the context of resource-limited settings. Since the scale-up of policy recommendations to address stillbirth in Uganda, the health system response has seldom been explored. This study was conducted among national-level key stakeholders to elicit their perspectives regarding intervention progression and challenges emerging from the implementation of the national stillbirth reduction strategies in Uganda.

Methods

The study adopted an exploratory qualitative design with interviews conducted among a purposively selected sample of national-level actors drawn from the maternal and Child Health (MCH) policy networks. Respondents were primed with ongoing national-level stillbirth reduction strategies as a case and later asked for their opinions regarding intervention progression and emerging challenges. All interviews were conducted in English and transcribed verbatim. Atlas. ti was used to facilitate the coding processes which used a pre-determined codebook developed a priori based on the applied framework. A thematic analysis technique was used.

Results

Human resources as reflected in the slow recruitment of essential staff, motivation and attitudes of the available human resource, on and off-drug stockouts, and equipment interruptions posed challenges to the effective implementation of interventions to address the stillbirth burden. The policy translation process was sometimes faced with deviations from the recommended practice. Deviations from guideline implementation, inadequate managerial skills of the health workers and managers in stewarding the implementation processes, inadequate implementation feedback, loops in communication and working with a passive community also posed process-dependent bottlenecks. Outcome expectation challenges stemmed from the inability to deliver stillbirth reduction interventions along the Reproductive Maternal New born Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) continuum of care and the overconcentration of facility-level intervention with less focus on community/demand side interventions.

Conclusion

In this exploratory study, national-level stakeholders perceive the adopted stillbirth reduction strategies as having the potential to address the burden. They, however, highlight potential challenges along the input-process-outcome continuum which ought to be addressed and opportunities to explore potential solutions befitting the national-level context.
The location and capacity-dependent price impacts of biofuel production and its effect on the forest industry
Authors: Jåstad Eirik O. , Nagel Niels O. , Hu Junhui , Rørstad Per K.
Published: April 2023

Forest-based biofuel stands out as a promising solution to avoid fossil emissions in parts of the transport sector. Biofuel production will need large amounts of forest biomass, collected from a large area. Roundwood is costly to transport compared with other goods. Therefore, the location of forest-based biofuel production is a crucial part of an investment decision. This study analyses the optimal location of biofuel plants in Norway and the implications for the traditional forest sector in the Nordic countries. We test different numbers of production units, different sizes of the units, and various raw materials. The study applies a partial equilibrium model that covers the Norwegian and Nordic forest sectors, with 356 regions in Norway. The results indicate that small biofuel plants have the potential to turn exporting regions into importing regions. Larger biofuel plants are suitable for areas with large harvest activity today or regions with access to harbour or timber terminals along railways. We find that forest owners close to a biofuel plant will profit the most from biofuel production. Policymakers and investors should take into account that different locations and production capacities have different impacts on the forest sectors.
Szimmetria az első osztályban
Authors: Tóth Adrienn
Published: April 2023

Óratervezetem a matematika tantárgy-pedagógia kurzus keretében született, és a hallgatói csoportban próbáltuk ki. Témája a geometriai tapasztalatszerzés, ami egyrészt jó lehetőséget kínál a tevékenységekre, másrészt a gyakorlatban méltatlanul háttérbe szorul. Különösen nehéz 1. osztályban megvalósítani, hiszen a tanulók itt még nem rendelkeznek korábbi tapasztalatokkal, előismeretekkel, amelyekre építeni lehetne.
Studies on Pectin-Tin(IV) Phosphate: A New Biopolymer Doped Hybrid Ion
Exchanger, An Efficacious Ion Exchanger in Water Purification Process
Authors: Somya Amita
Published: April 2023

Pectin doped tin(IV) phosphate was prepared as novel class of hybrid ion exchanger i.e. biopolymer
based hybrid ion exchanger, which has been characterized by few physico-chemical characterization
techniques such as FTIR analysis, SEM study, UV-vis spectrophotometry and elemental analysis. The
characteristic parameters of novel ion exchange such as ion exchange capacity, concentration study,
elution study, thermal stability, etc. were also reported. Adsorption study has been explored for few
alkaline earths and some heavy or transition metal ions in several acidic media. Based on adsorption
study, it has been found that the reported ion exchanger has shown enantioselectivity for cadmium(II)
ions, being one among toxic metal ions. The antimicrobial activity of pectin based tin(IV) phosphate
on few microorganisms has also been studied to prove the antimicrobial nature of the synthesized ionexchange
material.
Multivariate Statistical Analysis of Spatial and Vertical Distribution of
Radiological, Mineralogical and Magnetic Parameters of Beach Sediments from
North East Coast of Tamilnadu State, India
Authors: Senthil S. , Ramasamy V. , Paramasivam K. , Suresh G.
Published: April 2023

The γ-ray spectroscopic technique has been effectively utilized to know the activity concentrations of
238U, 232Th and 40K in different depths of north-east coast beaches of Tamilnadu state of India. The
measured activity concentrations were different while compare from surface to second feet depth.
FTIR exhibits the presence of eleven minerals such as quartz, feldspar in different phases, kaolinite,
gibbsite, calcite, organic carbon, aragonite, palygorskite and hematite in all feet sediments. Extinction
coefficient calculation shows that the amount major minerals is in the order of kaolinite < microcline
feldspar < quartz. Different minerals were identified through XRD analysis. Multivariate statistical was
also adopted well and the results confirm that the magnetic susceptibility play a major role in controlling
the present radioactivity values. The activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K for >125 μm grain
sized samples are significantly lowered when compared with the respective values of the bulk samples.
Highly Sensitive, Selective and Stable NO2 Gas Sensor
Based on Porous Influenced SnO2 Bilayer Thin Films
Authors: Yogasaraswathi R. , Dheepa J.
Published: April 2023

In this work, an attempt has been made to fabricate SnO2 porous films using automated nebulizer
spray pyrolysis technique with the influence of a porogen. Pure tin dioxide and porous tin dioxide
(SnO2/SnO2) thin films were prepared from a precursor solution composed of SnCl2·2H2O and
polyethylene glycol as a porogen. The structural, morphological, optical and gas sensing performance
of the prepared thin films were characterized. The inclusion of porogen significantly improved the
sensing property of porous SnO2 bilayer thin films and it was confirmed by structural, morphological
and gas sensing performance studies. The optimized spray process parameter was determined finally
in this work as SnO2 precursor strength of 0.2 M for porous SnO2 layer. Under this condition, the
increased lattice constant, lattice defect and increased pores diameter were achieved, which exhibited
good gas sensitivity and selectivity towards NO2 gas at 250 ºC. The response and recovery time is
decreased as 50%, the deduction limit is 0.9 ppm. In addition, during the five weeks test, the response
level was observed nearly constant, which indicated that the SnO2 bilayer sensor has long-term stability.
The Contribution of Sufism in Building and Advancing Islamic Civilization in Indonesia
Authors: Mursalat Mursalat
Published: April 2023

Sufism is accused of being a 'virus' that hinders progress and causes the Muslim world to lag in the arena of modern civilization. Sufism teachings and doctrines are considered irrelevant to the spirit of the global era and modernism. Likewise, puritan Islamic groups regard Sufism as a heresy and misleading superstition, as we have seen recently with the emergence of radical-puritan/salafi-Salafi-Wahabic groups. Sufism and Civilization. The two fields seem to be separate. Sufism is often perceived as an individual inner world, an ascetic activity that is super closed close material world. While civilization is something that requires the manifestation of progress, both physical and non-physical. Can the two of them meet, how is the relationship between the two, negate or affirm, if the answer is positive and affirmative, we can trace the relationship between Sufism and civilization from the relationship between Islam and civilization. Judging from the type of research, this research is included in qualitative research. It is said to be qualitative because this research emphasizes more on presenting the existing data descriptively. The results of this study explain that the important role of Sufism is awaited again to restore the glory of Islamic civilization, especially in Southeast Asia, in the mamidative views of some Muslims towards Sufism. Sufism is actually the of Islam being able to enter from various fields iing health, peace, economics, social, politics and culture.
 Keywords :  Islamic civilization, sufism, advanced civilization
Evasion
Authors: Thompson David
Published: April 2023

This article examines Brazil’s project of incarceration through the figure of evasion (evasão)—the act of escaping prison custody, often temporarily. Evasion traces a path across the borders of captivity and freedom, as people routinely flee confinement, only to return of their own accord. I position both prisons and evasion as part of an ongoing history of, and tension between, Black fugitive life and emancipation in Brazil and the Americas. I argue that while evasion offers no clear exit from the punitive edge of the law, it produces another mode of inhabiting the time and territory of incarceration. With a focus on two incarcerated Black travestis, I outline some of these evasive movements and demonstrate the fault lines that they reveal—both within the prison system’s own claims to legitimacy and in the concepts that we bring to bear on incarceration. 

RESUMO

O presente artigo examina o projeto brasileiro de encarceramento através da figura da evasão: o ato, muitas vezes temporário, de fugir da custódia penal. A evasão traça um caminho que atravessa as fronteiras entre a prisão e a liberdade, visto que as pessoas fogem frequentemente, voltando depois por vontade própria. Situo presídios e evasão como partes de uma história contínua e uma tensão entre vida negra em fuga e emancipação no Brasil e na América. Constato que, embora a evasão não ofereça saída do fio punitivo da lei, produz outro modo de habitar o tempo e o território do encarceramento. Focando em duas travestis negras presas, delineio alguns desses movimentos evasivos e demonstro as linhas de falha que elas revelam—tanto dentro das pretensões de legitimidade do sistema penal, como dos conceitos a que recorremos para analisar o encarceramento.
Evaluating land suitability for Rhus coriaria L. (Sumac) by habitat suitability model
Authors: ESHGHIZADEH Masoud
Published: April 2023

The cultivation of Rhus coriaria has become necessary to preserve their wild populations. To be competitive in the international market, it is important to develop an efficient production chain to reduce costs and improve the quality of the products. The main objective of this study is to provide a method to determine the suitable areas to develop the R. coriaria cultivation with a case study in Gonabad County of Iran. A habitat suitability model (HSM) was applied to survey the distribution of R. coriaria and to identify the best areas the growing of its. Three different main criteria including environmental suitability, agronomic suitability, and social-economical suitability selected for the HSM. Then, each of the three main criteria and their multi-specific indicator was defined in Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the weights of them were calculated by pairwise comparison matrix. In the next stage, the weights are applied to their layers such as hypsometry, slope, slope aspect, mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, soil texture, landuse, water resource type, water resource quality and quantity, road network, and land ownership as roaster layers. The results of the HSM showed a weighted map of land suitability for the R. coriaria that included the maximum and minimum potential of areas for its planting. Based on these results, the areas with the highest suitability for the R. coriaria are strictly associated with precipitation, soil texture, and water resources type.
Effect of removing the spring flush and irrigation on the reflowering and late ripening of cactus pear Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.
Authors: ARBA Mohamed , ESSABIRI Achraf
Published: April 2023

The effect of removing the spring flush and three irrigation doses on cactus pear’s reflowering and late ripening were studied. Removing the spring flush (scozzolatura practice) and irrigation have a significant effect (p ≤ 0,05) on the reflowering and late ripening of cactus pear. In not irrigated and not scozzolaturated plants (NINSP), the flowering extended from March 10 to May 25, 2017, and the ripening extended from May 20 to August 15, 2017. Whereas, in irrigated and scozzolaturated plants (ISP) the reflowering extended from June 15 to August 24, 2017, and the ripening extended from July 21 to November 20, 2017. The number of growths was higher in ISP (92-103 per plant) than in NINSP (81 per plant). Fruit yield was higher in NINSP (56.2 t ha-1) than in ISP (26.2-36.5 t ha-1), but fruit mass (123-131 g) and fruit length (7.83-7.92 cm) were higher in ISP than in NINSP (fruit mass: 103 g and fruit length: 7.72 cm). The rate of juice in fruits was also higher in ISP (49-55 %) than in NINSP (43 %), and the content of sugars was higher in NINSP (15.20 °Brix) than in ISP (13.83-14.56 °Brix).
Phenotypic diversity of date palm varieties (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from southwest Algeria estimated by fruit characteristics
Authors: DEBABECHE Kaouther , BOUAFIA Abdelaaziz , BENCHEIKH Abdelaali
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to identify the genetic diversity of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in the southwest of Algeria (wilaya of Adrar), as part of the Algerian date palm varieties conservation. The morphological characterization was adopted in terms of quality and quantity of 26 varieties. The main results showed a considerable genetic diversity of date palms in this agricultural territory. 7 cultivars counted in danger of extinction. The cluster analysis brought out significant differences between qualitative and quantitative traits. However, the cultivars of ‘Deglet Talmine’, ‘Maatouk’, and ‘Timidouele’ produced dates of high quantitative traits, however, of different qualitative traits. Also, some relationships were observed within clusters for other varieties. A variety named ‘Khalt’ was able to produce dates better than many cultivars. This work would help to know the focal traits of the plant genetic resources of date palm and preserve that are in extinction.
Standardization of detached leaf assay to screen chickpeas for resistance to beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, 1808)
Authors: MARLABEEDU Shankar , MISHRA Suraj Prasad , SHARMA Hari Chanda , JABA Jagadish , TATINENI Ramesh Babu , TATINENI Ramesh Babu , DASARI Sridevi
Published: April 2023

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, 1808) is an important pest of several economically important crops, and recently emerged as a serious pest of chickpea in South Central India. We standardized a detached leaf assay technique to evaluate chickpea germplasm and segregating populations for resistance to this pest under laboratory conditions. Two chickpea genotypes ICCL 86111 and ICC 3137 grown under field and greenhouse conditions were used for the detached leaf assay at the vegetative and flowering stages. The terminal branches were infested with 5, 10, 15, and 20 neonate larvae of S. exigua. The test genotypes were also infested with 2, 4, 6 and 8 third-instar larvae at the podding stage. At the vegetative stage, ICCL 86111 suffered less damage than ICC 3137 across infestation levels. The differences in larval survival between the genotypes were significant, and larval survival was lower on ICCL 86111 than on ICC 3137 across infestation levels. The results suggested that infesting the chickpea terminal branches with 10–15 neonate larvae per branch at the vegetative stage or six third-instar larvae at the podding stage can be used to evaluate chickpea genotypes for resistance to S. exigua.
Increased occurrence of five Noctuidae species in Slovenia in the period 2019-2022: presentation of the species and preliminary results of their occurrence and damage
Authors: NOVLJAN Monica , STOJANOVIĆ Dejan V. , BOHINC Tanja , TRDAN Stanislav
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we present five species of owlet moths (Noctuidae), whose greater abundance was found in Slovenia in the period 2019-2022 as part of research and expert work in the field of plant protection. The greatest economic importance is attributed to the tomato looper (Chrysodeixis chalcites), which two years after its first strong appearance on the Slovenian coastal area is already causing major problems for tomato growers. We did not confirm the harmfulness of the caterpillars on cultivated plants for the silver-Y moth (Autographa gamma), the adult males of which are caught in large numbers using pheromone traps in central Slovenia, and the less numerous beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua). We can confirm the same for the shark moth (Cucullia umbratica), whose adult males are caught in pheromone traps of the EU quarantine pest Spodoptera frugiperda and the copper underwing (Amphipyra pyramidea), for which we suggest the Slovenian name ‘bakreni podkrilec’, which appeared in, on or in the immediate vicinity of the pheromone traps of the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) in the oak-hornbeam forest in Prekmurje.