bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The endangered Daffodil Orchid Ipsea speciosa (Orchidaceae): Population status in unprotected areas in the Central Highlands, Sri Lanka
Authors: Kottawa-Arachchi J. Dananjaya , Liyanage M. G. S. , Karunarathne H. K. B. M. I. , Abeyweera N. H. A. S. , Kulasinghe B. Y. M. , Kahawandala K. R. S. C. B.
Published: April 2020

The Daffodil Orchid, Ipsea speciosa, is a rare endemic terrestrial orchid species found in the highland grasslands of Sri Lanka. Due to the restricted distribution range, this species is considered as an endangered taxon. This study aimed to assess the present state of I. speciosa populations outside of protected areas. During field investigations of nine selected grasslands, the abundance of I speciosa and accompanying plant species composition was determined. The abundance of I. speciosa varied from 2 to 23 flowering plants per site. Species composition in study sites consisted of 41 plant taxa that included 12 invasive species. Habitat deterioration, intentional burning, clearing of vegetation, and spread of invasive alien plant species were found to be the most significant threats to highland grasslands and the orchid. During the survey, we observed the rapid spreading of invasive species in most of the sites which suggests that the terrestrial orchid population could shrink further. Apart from intentional burning, other serious threats to the orchids are various anthropogenic activities such as illegal collection for medicinal purposes and establishing timber plantations that negatively impact native grassland flora including terrestrial orchids. Our results suggest that a continuous monitoring program for I. speciosa should be initiated. Additionally, monitoring of potentially adverse anthropogenic activities is considered to be vital for the conservation of valuable grasslands and native flora of Sri Lanka.

Key worDS: Epidendroideae, grasslands, invasive species, native flora, terrestrial orchids, threatened species
Mining cytochrome p450 genes through next generation sequencing and metagenomic analysis from Binh Chau hot spring
Authors: Tung Nguyen Van , Hoang Nguyen Huy , Thoa Nguyen Kim
Published: April 2020

Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are one of the largest distributed enzymes, which catalyze more than 20 different reactions. At present, there has been an increasing realization of the power of P450 biocatalysts for the industrial synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, bulk chemicals, food ingredients, etc. On the other hand, the conditions of industrial processes at high temperature, high-pressure or in chemical solvent require the enzymes, which catalyze the bioconversion, have a specific properties such as thermostability, chemical tolerance or barophilicity. Up to date, the number of thermostable P450s is limited. Nowadays, DNA-metagenome technique gives us a chance to catch novel genes and unique interesting enzymes from microbial community in certain ecology. In this paper, metagenomic DNA extracted from water samples from Binh Chau hot spring was sequenced using Illumila’s HiSeq platform and was analysed to mining putative genes encoding cytochrome P450. The sequencing generated 9.4 Gb of reads containing 156,093 putative ORFs, of these, 106,903 genes were annotated in NCBI non-redundant protein sequence database. Among all the ORFs were annotated, 68 putative ORFs encoding cytochrome P450 were found belong to 36 specific groups of cytochrome P450 protein family. Of these, the melting temperature (Tm) from thirty-six completed ORFs was predicted for a better understanding of thermodynamic stability.
Biodegradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 4-chlorophenol in contaminated soils by Pseudomonas fluorescens strain HH
Authors: Duc Ha Danh , Oanh Nguyen Thi , Hien Nguyen Gia
Published: April 2020

Herbicides with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4D) has been commonly used to control weeds and widely detected in environments. In this study, biodegradating activity of Pseudomonas fluorescens HH on 2,4D and 4-chlorophenol (4CP) in soil was carried out. The inoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens HH in soils increased the degradation of 4CP and 2,4D by from 47.0% to 51.4% and from 38.4% to 47.4%, respectively, compared to the degradation by autochthonous microorganisms. Pseudomonas fluorescens HH could degrade well 2,4D and 4CP in various soils, but the most efficient chemical removal was observed when they were in the loamy soil. Moreover, the efficiency of chemical degradation was significantly affected by the moisture contents with the highest performance of degradation at 10 and 20% soil moisture. Also, the addition of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) stimulated the dissipation rates. The determination of degradation pathway for 2,4D in Pseudomonas fluorescens HH indicated that 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4DCP) and 4CP were formed as metabolites.
Isolation and characterization of a c-repeat binding factor gene from  Tevang-1 maize cultivar
Authors: Linh Nguyen Thuy , Ly Luu Han , Duong Nguyen Thuy , Hue Huynh Thi Thu
Published: April 2020

C-repeat binding factor (CBF) proteins are transcription factors involved in plant response to abiotic stresses, especially low-temperature condition. In this research, a CBF3-coding gene was isolated from a cold-acclimation maize variety, Zea mays var. Tevang-1 and denoted as ZmCBF3tv. The isolated gene shared 96.49% homology with the B73-reference gene and had no intron in the coding sequence. By using bioinformatic tools, a number of variations in the nucleotide and amino acid sequences were identified. An alignment between ZmCBF3tv and other CBF/DREB1 proteins from various species revealed functional regions and typical features, such as nuclear localization signal (NLS), the AP2 DNA-binding domain, and acidic-amino-acid-rich segments. Additionally, a phylogenetic analysis based on the AP2 domain showed that the maize CBF3 transcription factor had the highest similarity with that from rice and closely related to other DREB1/CBF protein of monocots. The function of the ZmCBF3tv product is suggested to be a CBF/DREB1 transcription factor.
The tonkin snub-nosed monkey  Rhinopithecus avunculus  population in the Quan Ba forest, north-east Vietnam: an identification of priority habitat for conservation
Authors: Dang Nguyen Xuan , Nghia Nguyen Xuan , The Pham Van
Published: April 2020

The Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus is among the World’s 25 most endangered primates. At present, the species is found only in few forest areas in Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang Provinces, north-east Vietnam with a total number not exceeding 250 individuals.  The forest block in Cao Ma Po, Ta Van and Tung Vai Communes of Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province (the Cao - Ta - Tung forest) harbors the second largest population of Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey. This population was estimated to be conisted of about 30–35 individuals in 2007.  However, it faces a number of serious threats (wildlife hunting, habitat degradation by widespread forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom plant, etc.) that may lead the population to be extinct in near future. The population was reduced to 15–21 individuals in 2016 due to these threats. In 2017–2018, we conducted a study to identify a priority habitat area to establish the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area. The results of our study show that the distribution of  the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey  population is  confined to a small area (about 5,000 ha) belonging to the Theng Chu Phin, Dao Dan Chai, Ta Lay mountains, the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China  border  from the Post 283  to Post 295. This area harbors the best forest of the Cao - Ta - Tung area. The forest covers 92.3% of the area, and only 7.7% of the area is a non-forest land. There are two types of forest: evergreen broad-leaved forest (50.0% of total area) and limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest (42.3%).  The evergreen broad-leaved forest has been degraded to medium and restoration status. Tsao-ko cardamom Amomum tsao-ko fields are widespread. The limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest of almost primary status remains in very steep slopes and limestone mountains. The Cao - Ta - Tung forest was designated as a watershed protection forest that allows farming of agricultural and medicinal plants inside the forest and the forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom is widespread becoming the most serious threat to the long-term survival of the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population. In order to ensure long-term survival of the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population, the  area of the Theng Chu Pin, Dao Dai Chai, Ta Lay, Tung Lau mountains,  the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China border from the Post 283 to Post 285 must be designated as a special-use forest, i.e. to establish a Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area.
First records of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from Son La city, Northwestern Vietnam, with remarks on their conservation status
Authors: Loi Dao Nhan
Published: April 2020

Son La is a well-known city in the Northwestern region of Vietnam for its outstanding landscapes. It contains a variety of ecosystems ranging from farming area, valleys, forests on hills and karst with cave systems. Natural habitats of the city would be suitable for many bat species. However, bats of the city were not included in any literature. Between March 2014 and June 2018, we conducted a series of bat surveys in this city using mist nets and harp traps. Results from our study indicated that Son La city is a home to at least 21 bat species belonging to 9 genera, 6 families. Of which, Rhinolophus thomasi was listed as “VU” (Vulnerable) in the 2007 Red Book of Vietnam and Myotis annamiticus was listed in the IUCN Redlist of the Threatened Species as “DD” (Data Deficient). This paper provides the first data on bats of Son La city with morphological measurements and conservation status of each recorded species.
Antibacterial activity of  Piper betle  extracts on  Helicobacter pylori  and identification of potential compounds
Authors: Trang Nguyen Thi Huyen , Trung Do Thi Thanh , Thi Nguyen Thi Thanh , Hang Pham Thi Luong , Hoa Pham Thi Vinh , Yen Pham Bao
Published: April 2020

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common infectious bacteria in the world that causes gastric diseases leading to cancer. The increase of multiple antibiotic resistance rates of H. pylori have been reported worldwide. Thus, development of novel drugs is urgently required. Piper betle has many therapeutic values in traditional medicine. In this study, therefore, we investigated antibacterial activity of P. betle extracts and their fractions against a H. pylori strain isolated in Vietnam. The agar disk diffusion assay showed inhibition zone of ethyl acetate extract and methanol extract from P. betle leaf that of were 46 mm and 32 mm in diameter, respectively. After fractionation of the ethyl acetate extract through silica gel column chromatography, two peaks, PD2 and PD3, out of 12 fractions showed the strongest antibacterial activity. PD2 was sub-fractionated further by re-chromatography on the silica gel column, and subfraction TK12 gave best resolution on LC-MS analysis. Finally, 4 potential compounds, quercetrin, calodenin B, vitexin and plicatipyrone, were identified in TK12 fraction.
Biological characteristics of the japanese scad Decapterus maruadsi  in Thuan An estuary, Thua Thien Hue Province
Authors: Anh Tran Thi Ngoc , Huan Nguyen Xuan , Thanh Tran Trung , Nam Nguyen Thanh
Published: April 2020

A total of 257 Decapterus maruadsi individuals of collected from Thuan An estuary in Phu Vang District, Thua Thien Hue Province were analyzed. Results showed that the fork length ranged from 90 mm to 215 mm (160.2 mm on average) and mainly in the 140–180 mm range (86.8 %). Of three age groups (0+ to 2+), the fished stock belongfrom is primarily to the 1+ age group (63.8%) and 0+ age group (28.8%). Of five stomach fullness levels (0 to 4), the second and fourth degree made up significantly proportions, being 29.6% and 31.5%, respectively. For the five fat levels (0 to 4), the fourth degree made up 86.0%.  The females to males ratio was 1.00 : 1.42.  von Bertalanffy’s growth model followed the equation: Lt = 203.77 × (1–e-0.3747(t+3.0272)).
First report on two ostracod genera  Loxoconcha Sars, 1866 (Loxoconchidae) and Xestoleberis Sars, 1866 (Xestoleberididae) along the coast of Vietam
Authors: Dung Le Doan , Tsukagoshi Akira
Published: April 2020

One survey was done with SCUBA diving in Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island, Northern Vietnam (December 2013) and another one at Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area, Nha Trang city, Central Vietnam and Phu Quoc Marine Protected Area, Kien Giang Province, Southern Vietnam (November 2014). Sixteen species of the genus Loxoconcha and fourteen species of the genus Xestoleberis were found and identified. Eight species of the genus Loxoconcha were identified in group A, three species in group B, two in group C and three unidentified. Meanwhile, twelve species of the genus Xestoleberis were classified in group A and two in group B according to phylogenetic groups. From geographical distribution of the pore groups of the species in two genera Loxoconcha and Xestoleberis showed that the fauna of these genera in Vietnam is close to those of southern part of Japanese Island Arc, i.e., from Amami Island to the Philippines and Australia rather than Japanese Island Arc faunas.
A new species of the genus  Trigonura  Sichel, 1865 (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) from Vietnam
Authors: Long Khuat Dang , Hiep Nguyen Duc , Hoa Dang Thi , Ngat Tran Thi
Published: April 2020

Based on the specimens of chalcid parasitoid wasps collected by malaise traps set in fruit orchards in the adjacent area of Ha Noi city from 2018–2019, one new species of the genus Trigonura, T.  vietnamica Long, sp. n., was described and illustrated. Two species of this genus from Vietnam are keyed, the comparative characters of the new species were also given to compare with two similar species from the Oriental Region, T. indica Narendran and T. luzonensis Narendran.
A giant crocodile skull from Can Tho, named “Dau Sau”, represents the largest known saltwater crocodile  (Crocodylus porosus)  ever reported from Vietnam
Authors: Ziegler Thomas , Tao Nguyen Thien , Minh Nguyen Trung , Manalo Rainier , Diesmos Arvin , Manolis Charlie
Published: April 2020

We report on a large crocodile skull recovered from a river bank in August 2010 near Đầu Sấu Bridge, in An Binh, Ninh Kieu District, Cần Thơ Province, in southern Vietnam. As the skull from Cần Thơ, named “Đầu Sấu“ herein, is now deposited in the Vietnam National Museum of Nature, Hanoi, we reinvestigated the circumstances surrounding its discovery and provide exact measurements. Skull length (dorsal mid-point) is 70.7 cm. The morphological features confirm it is from a Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), and not a Siamese crocodile (C. siamensis), which historically also occurred throughout the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Skull measurements are compared with those of other large C. porosus skulls for which reliable estimates of total length are available. We also provide measurements of the prepared skull of “Lolong” (69.8 cm), a 6.17 m long C. porosus captured in the Philippines in 2011. On the basis of known skull length:total length ratios the crocodile from Cần Thơ is estimated to be 6.3-6.8 m long. The skull of Đầu Sấu is likely to have been buried for at least 100 years. We discuss the origin of the local name Đầu Sấu, which has traditional and cultural significance, and provide historical reports of crocodiles in the area. Đầu Sấu is smaller than the largest known C. porosus skull (76 cm), but is the largest ever reported from Vietnam, and one of the largest C. porosus known.
A checklist of pteridophytes collected on cham chu mountainsand adjacent sites
Authors: Loc Phan Ke , Duong Vu Thuy , Toan Vu Cong , The Pham Van , Bon Trinh Ngoc
Published: April 2020

Located in Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang Provinces, the Cham Chu Nature reserve (NR) has diverse plant ecosystem types, and its the flora is rich in species. However,  the pteridophyte flora of Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang Provinces has not been so far generallystudied. This study presented results of three biotic surveys conducted on Cham Chu mountainsand adjacent sites surveysin 2018−2019. A total of 123 plant specimens gathered and analyzed. with 84 plant species of 43 genera belonging to  23 families recorded. The family Polypodiaceae is therichestwith 8 genera and 12 species. Twogenera, Tectaria and and Pteris, are richin species, with 9 and 8 species, respectively. A checklist of  species was also provided.
Geographical variation in morphological leaf traits of Huperzia serrata (lycopodiaceae) from Vietnam
Authors: Minh Nguyen Thi Ai , Trieu Le Ngoc , Duy Nong Van , Tien Tran Van
Published: April 2020

Morphological leaf traits can be used to assess adaptive responses of plants to environmental conditions. To assess how the representation of Huperzia serrata leaf traits, such as leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW) and leaf area (LA) response to changes in mean annual temperature (MAT), sunshine duration (SuH), mean annual precipitation (MAP), air humidity (Hu), intraspecific variation of the morphological leaf traits of the species was analyzed along a geographical gradient of Vietnam. The results showed that among the three populations at the three sites, leaf sizes increased with MAT and MAP. Huperzia serrata, climatic factors, morphological leaf traits, Vietnam.
Health Insurance and Hospital Supply: Evidence from 1950s Coal Country
Authors: Figinski Theodore F. , Troland Erin
Published: April 2020

The United States government spends billions on public health insurance and has funded a number of programs to build health care facilities. However, the government runs these two types of programs separately: in different places, at different times, and for different populations. We explore whether access to both health insurance and hospitals can improve health outcomes and access to health care. We analyze a coal mining union health insurance program in 1950s Appalachia with and without a complementary hospital construction program. Our results show that the union insurance alone increased hospital births and reduced infant mortality. Once the union hospitals opened, however, the insurance and the hospitals together substantially increased the net amount of hospital beds and health care employees, with limited crowd-out of existing private hospitals. Our results suggest that hospitals can complement health insurance in underserved areas.
Revisiting the Finance-Growth Nexus in Turkey: Bayer-Hanck Combined Cointegration Approach over the 1970-2016 Period
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Onur
Published: April 2020

This study revisits the finance-growth nexus in Turkey. The sample covers the period between 1970 and 2016. The econometric analysis is based on the Bayer-Hanck combined cointegration test to examine whether the cointegration exists or not between the variables. The results of the Bayer-Hanck combined cointegration test show that there is no cointegration between financial development and economic growth even in the control of other variables such as economic globalization and technological progress. The estimation results also reveal that the long-run linkage is not prevailing between the variables. In other words, it can be argued that financial development does not contribute to the economic growth process by way of higher levels of economic globalization and technological progress in the long-run.
Girdi-Çıktı Analizi Yaklaşımıyla Türkiye Ekonomisinde Sektörlerarası Bağınlaşmanın Uzun Dönemli Analizi
Authors: PEHLİVANOĞLU Ferhat , İNCE Muhammet Rıdvan
Published: April 2020

Bu çalışmada Türkiye ekonomisinin 1970-2012 yılları arasındaki ekonomik dönüşümü girdi çıktı modeli vasıtasıyla incelenmiş ve ekonomideki yatırım önceliği olan sektörler Hirschman’ın ileri geri bağlantı sınıflandırması çerçevesinde belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Analiz bütünlüğü açısından tüm girdi çıktı tablolarında ekonomi 10 sektöre ayrılarak bu sektörler üzerinden değerlendirme yapılmıştır. Sonuç olarak ileri ve geri bağlantı etkisi en fazla olan sektör ara malı üreten sanayiler olarak belirlenmiştir. Yapılan analizler Türkiye ekonomisinin tarıma dayalı ekonomiden sanayiye dayalı ekonomiye geçiş yaptığını göstermektedir. Bununla birlikte daha gelişmiş bir ekonomi için iktisadi dönüşümün devam etmesi gerektiği açıktır.
La trata de seres humanos con fines de explotación sexual: una aproximación desde la perspectiva de género
Authors: Goizueta Vértiz Juana
Published: April 2020

En el ámbito internacional, ya desde el año 1993 y en el seno de Naciones Unidas, la trata de personas con fines de explotación sexual se considera que constituye una forma de violencia de género, algo que es expresamente reconocido, también, en el Plan Integral de Lucha contra la Trata de mujeres y niñas con fines de explotación sexual que aprobó el Gobierno en 2015. El presente trabajo se centra, partiendo de dicho enfoque, en el análisis de las medidas adoptadas por el legislador de extranjería para erradicar este fenómeno delictivo cuando la víctima es la mujer extranjera en situación de irregularidad administrativa. A través de este estudio, pretendemos evidenciar la falta de perspectiva de género a la hora de abordar el tratamiento de la trata y las consecuencias que de ello se derivan para la víctima.
El suplicium more maiorum: la lex horrendi carminis
Authors: Pérez Carrandi Juan
Published: April 2020

El Derecho penal romano experimenta un pronto desarrollo de la mano de una lex horrendi carminis introducida para combatir los más graves delitos que un romano podía cometer en la comunidad. Los reos, en un período en que Derecho y religión son interdependientes, son señalados como hombres malditos, y por ello su procesamiento es excepcional, así como su ejecución. La primitiva severidad con que se aplican los castigos se va atemperando durante la República hasta desaparecer.
Los contratos de teleasistencia en la doctrina de los tribunales administrativos de contratación
Authors: Rodríguez Martín-Retortillo María del Carmen
Published: April 2020

En este artículo se analizan distintos supuestos planteados ante los tribunales administrativos de contratación en el ámbito de los contratos de teleasistencia, profundizando en su argumentación y exponiéndolos de forma sistemática.
El amparo institucional del Consejo General del Poder Judicial a jueces o magistrados inquietados o perturbados en su independencia
Authors: Ron Latas Ricardo Pedro , Lousada Arochena José Fernando
Published: April 2020

A la vista de lo dispuesto en los arts. 117 y 122 de la Constitución Española, el amparo a los jueces o magistrados que se consideren inquietados o perturbados en su independencia debería ser una competencia obligada del Consejo General del Poder Judicial. Este trabajo analiza pormenorizadamente el ámbito jurídico y de actuación del órgano encargado para ello. Se realizan, además, distintas propuestas de actuación y un análisis crítico del estado actual de la cuestión.
Ten years tuberculosis trend in Gambella Regional Hospital, South Western Ethiopia
Authors: Asebe Getahun , Ameni Gobena , Tafess Ketema
Published: April 2020

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease mainly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTBC). It is one of the major health problems in Ethiopia, across the nation. According to World Health Organization 2009 report the status of TB in Gambella Region was the highest from all the Ethiopian Regions, with the notification rate of (new and relapse) 261-421/100, 000. We, therefore, carried out this study to investigate the trend of TB in Gambella Regional Hospital Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods: The study was conducted at the Gambella Regional Hospital, South Western Ethiopia. Retrospectively the medical records of all TB patients registered from 1st January 2003 to 14th November 2012 were assessed.

Results: The results of the study revealed that there were 4300 TB cases registered in the ten years duration in Gambella Regional Hospital. Males consist the highest percentage 2430 (56.51%). Out of 4300 TB cases registered 1045 (24.30%) had Extra pulmonary TB (EPTB) and 3255 (75.70%) suffered from pulmonary TB (PTB) (χ2=31. 14; p<0.001). From 3255 registered PTB cases, smear positive PTB accounted for 1368 (31.81%) of the cases. The age groups 15-44took the highest percentage among the patients 2918 (67.86%). Only 1444 patients were knew their HIV status out of these 423 (29.29%) were HIV positives. The trend in TB registered cases of all forms of TB was gradually declining in the ten years.

Conclusion: The retrospective study showed that TB problem in the study area was not at the level to be undermined. Hence, TB control program should give attention to the control of TB in Gambella Region.
Fish Culture Practice and Socio Economic Status in Northern Middle Part of Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Samir Kumer , Hasan Md. Tawheed , Das Simon Kumar , Mazumder Sabuj Kanti
Published: April 2020

The present study was carried out in Bhaluka upazilla, the northern middle part of Bangladesh to observe the culture technique of fish culture using of supplementary feeds and socio-economic condition of the fish farm owners. Data were collected from 39 fish farms in Bhaluka upazilla during the period from September 2010 to August 2011. Most of the studied farm owners carried out polyculture system and culture, mostly carps (Indian major carps and exotic carps), pangus and tilapia using supplementary feeds. The feeding rate varied from 1-7% of body weight of fish with frequency 1-3 times/day. The highest production was recorded as 56,810 kg/ha/yr using company feed and the lowest production was recorded as 14,210 kg/ha/yr with an average production of 34,350 kg/ha/yr. The average production of 23,520 kg/ha/yr was recorded (farm made feed). Most of the farmers did not use fertilizer and manure in their ponds, but in winter season sometimes they used poultry litter to avoid high priced feed. The overall management practice was not smoothly developed in the monoculture and polyculture farms. It may be concluded that we have to reduce all of the constraints of management practices of aquaculture to achieve sustainable growth in future aquaculture of Bangladesh.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Khat Chewing among Atse Fasil Campus Student in University of Gondar, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Sinshaw Aklilu Endalamaw
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Khat is a shrub or tree its leaves have been chewed for centuries in the Eastern part of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Globally, khat chewing habit is being a hot issue of discussion and spreading at an alarming rate in the young generation, especially in higher institutions; where there are intensive academic activities are more intended. Similarly in Ethiopia it is consumed by some population groups commonly youths. It has a reported negative economic and health impact on the individuals engaging in the habit of khat chewing. There were no studies conducted to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of khat chewing in our study area. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of khat chewing among students of the Atse Fasil campus at the University of Gondar, North West Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 29 to May 03, 2013, in Aste Fasil campus, University of Gondar. A total of 310 students were selected using a stratified random sampling technique in which only 302 answer the question making the response rate of 97.4%. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software.  Odds ratio and chi-square were used to test the association between different variables and also frequency, proportion and summary statistic was used to describe the study population. The analysis was taken a confidence interval of 95% and association with a P-value of < 0.05. Results: The study revealed 9.6% lifetime prevalence rate of khat chewing. The current prevalence of khat chewing was found to be 6.95%. There were 6.72% female khat chewers and 11.7% male khat chewers. A large proportion (58.6%) lifetime chewers were started khat chewing after joining the university.  Tigre ethnic group was significantly associated factor (AOR=0.041, 95%CI (0.002-0.718) with the outcome variable. Conclusion: The prevalence of khat chewing seems to decrease among university students.  According to the study, Tigre ethnic group were at low risk of chewing khat than another ethnic group. The majority of the students were started chewing after joining the university. Increasing control measures and awareness about the health and social problems associated with khat chewing need to be implemented. Recreational alternatives for young people have to be found.
Patterns of Chest Radiographic Findings in Neonates with Respiratory Distress Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital
Authors: Tadesse Temesgen , Hawaz Yohannes , Zewdneh Daniel
Published: April 2020

Background: Neonatal respiratory distress accounts for most admissions to intensive care units in the immediate newborn period. Chest radiograph is the primary and most important imaging modality in the evaluation of causes of respiratory distress (RD) and its complications. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2011 to August 2012 in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). A convenient sampling method was used and 150 neonates who had chest radiographs with different causes of RD from the neonatal ICU admissions were included in the study period. Result: Of the 150 neonates with RD, chest radiographs showed 66(44%) neonates had abnormal chest radiographic findings. Pneumonia 24(36.4%) and HMD 23(34.8%) accounting the majority of causes of RD. Neonates with congenital pneumonia presented with lobar or multi lobar asymmetric consolidation in 18(75%) neonates followed by fine diffuse, bilateral, symmetrical reticulogranular and reticulonodular infiltrates with normal lung volume in 6(25%) neonates. All 23 neonates with HMD presented with fine, diffuse, bilateral reticular or reticulogranular infiltrates with decreased lung volume. There is no significant association between independent variables like maturity of neonates, premature rupture of membrane (PROM), prolonged labor or route of delivery with either clinical or radiological diagnosis of causes of RD in neonates. all 23 neonates with HMD presented with fine diffuse bilateral reticular or reticulogranular infiltrates with decreased lung volumes. There is no significant association between independent variables like maturity of neonates, premature rupture of membrane (PROM), prolonged labor or route of delivery with either clinical or radiological diagnosis of causes of RD in neonates. Conclusion: The study showed HMD and infections (EONS, pneumonia) were the most common causes of RD in neonates and most other researches also show comparable results of causes and radiographic findings of RD in neonates.
Investigation of Coffee Seed Physical Purity, Seed Health and Effect of Storage Time on Viability
Authors: Anteneh Melkam , Atilaw Abebe , Kufa Taye
Published: April 2020

High seed quality is essential for optimum stand establishment in Coffee. As a result, it is necessary to have seed physical, germination percent, physiological and health tests that permit rapid, objective and accurate evaluation of seed quality. This study evaluated the effect of storage time on physical, physiological, germination percent and health quality of seed lots of five coffee varieties obtained from research and commercial company. This test is conducted under ideal laboratory conditions and in the nursery site. After sample collected pure, pea-beery, cracked and shriveled seeds were measured before determining standard germination and vigor. The highest pea berry was recorded at JARC on the variety 75227(18.63), and the lowest was at LCP on the variety 74165 (8.81). In parchment coffee seed, the percentage of physical defects during seed processing affects germination and seedling viability. The standard germination test in the moisten-soft paper continues to be the most common measure of seed quality in coffee. In addition, this test requires more than two weeks before a determination of seed germination was possible. Ideally, seed quality tests efficiently differentiate between poor and good seed lots in a short period. There was high germination percent in the first planting time were recorded after one month storage than other two consecutive storage time. Normal germinated seedling reduced with in increases seed storage time and the incidence of seed/ soil -born pathogenic fungi. The germination test of seeds from laboratory under petri-dish with moist soft paper and at the nursery site also had low vigour and did not produce suitable seedlings for planting evaluated after three month storage. If after one month storage time of coffee seeds germinated more than older seeds (as our study indicates), then seedlings derived from younger may have a competitive advantage over seedlings derived from older one. In the present study, pre-emergence seedling mortality (Rotten) was greater in third month storage than in first month old seeds. This mortality partially accounted for the lower germination percentage in three month old seeds because only seeds that emerged above the soil surface were considered to have germinated is an indication of reduced vigor. In my study, in coffee seeds, seedlings from relatively low stored seeds were generally better able to withstand environmental stress than those from old seeds. Coffee seed sample from two sources stored safely to optimize coffee seedling production at the appropriate time and season with ideal climatic conditions for planting in the field.
On-Farm Evaluation of Multipurpose Tree/Shrub Species for Sustaining Productivity in Alley Cropping
Authors: Gessesse Abrham Tezera , Wollea Hailie Shiferaw
Published: April 2020

Alley cropping is a system in which strips (alleys) of annual crops are grown between rows of trees or shrubs, resembling hedges. Alley cropping is one of promising agro forestry practice to sustain productivity in highly populated areas where landholding sizes are very small and inorganic fertilizer use is very low. This study has been carried out with the aim of evaluating the effect of selected multipurpose tree/shrub species on yield performance of Teff (EragrostisTeff) through green manure application of hedgerow planting. Four different multipurpose tree/shrub species (Sesbania sesban, Croton macrostaychus, Cacia species and Cajuns cajun) seedlings were used and planted in two rows within the space of 8m between avenue and 0.25m within avenue and the trial was designed as Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Leaf biomass was incorporated to the soil in early July (1-2 weeks before sowing) as green manure. At each plot 15m2 (3m x 5m) areas were laid for Teff (EragrostisTeff) grain and straw yield parameter measurements. The result shows that significantly higher grain and straw biomass yield of Teff (EragrostisTeff) were obtained through application of Sesbania sesban and Croton macrostaychus green manure as compare to Cajuns cajun and Cassia species. Leaf nutrient concentrations of N and P were found higher in Sesbania sesban than the rest of tree/shrub species. For this reason, farmers are advised to use Sesbania sesban and Croton macrostaychus species for Teff production in alley cropping agroforestry system.
A study of pattern of injuries and factors affecting the injury pattern among road traffic accident victims
Authors: Anil Kumar Karmakonda , Shadan Taj Qurat Ul Ain
Published: April 2020

Background: Road traffic injuries remain a critical public health concern. The most affected are the young population. Road accidents are one of the top three reasons for deaths among the population from the age group of 5 to 44 years, globally. Road traffic injuries can be prevented by a national plan or various strategies.Methods: It is a hospital based study done on all road traffic accident cases admitted in Owaisi Hospital between April 2013 to July 2014 using a pretested, pre-designed questionnaire and collecting Medico legal case records. Data is expressed in percentages. Association between factors and severity of injuries was calculated using Chi-square test.Results: Majority of the victims had suffered grievous injury (95.29%). Majority (62.48%) had injuries involving upper limb, 52% had injuries involving multiple body regions. Majority of the times it was a sideways collision 275 (48.00%), followed by head on collision 198 (34.55%). Factors such as use of the seat belt, alcohol consumption, lighting on the road are found to be statistically significant with the severity of the injuries.Conclusions: Majority of the victims had suffered from multiple injuries (52%). The road traffic accidents can be prevented mainly putting emphasis on the use of seat belt, avoidance of consumption of alcohol by the drivers, adequate lighting on roads which can reduce the burden of occurrence of the road traffic accidents.
La investigación narrativa de saber pedagógico: una perspectiva sociocultural
Authors: Barrera Quiroga Diego Mauricio
Published: April 2020

El trabajo de investigación reconstruyó la experiencia de una docente que a través de la historización y rehistorización narrativiza sus prácticas de enseñanza. El objetivo trazado fue “reconstruir el saber pedagógico de una docente de la Universidad de la Amazonia en Florencia Caquetá, a partir de narrativas de sus experiencias docentes”. La metodología empleada fue la investigación narrativa y su proceso de historización y rehistorización mediante un trabajo dialógico con la participante en todos los momentos de la investigación.  El enfoque sociocultural permitió orientar la mirada de los participantes en los diferentes momentos del proceso. Se tuvo en cuenta que para que una práctica fuera entendida como experiencia, esta debería estar dotada de significado a través del relato construido, ya fuese este oral, corporal o escrito, porque la forma primaria como la experiencia toma sentido para el ser humano es a través de la narrativa. Con este abordaje fue posible responder al interrogante: ¿Qué revelan las narrativas de experiencia de una docente-directiva del programa de Lengua Castellana y Literatura de la Universidad de la Amazonia, acerca de su saber pedagógico sobre la investigación, el aprendizaje y la enseñanza de la lengua?
Efficiency, Originality, and Shaping: Considerations for the Design of Good Bridges
Authors: Gauvreau Paul
Published: April 2020

This article examines three important aspects of bridge design that can provide guidance to engineers who wish to design bridges that embody efficiency, economy, and elegance, the three ideals of structural engineering defined by David P. Billington. These aspects are (1) the relation
between efficiency and economy, (2) the significance of originality, and (3) the challenge of shaping structural components. Efficiency and economy can only co-exist in a given structure when the ratio of the cost of materials is high relative to the cost of labour. Currently, this is not
the case. The importance of originality relates to the visual expression of creative decisions made in design. For bridges, creative decisions made on the basis of purely practical considerations can be a valid source of aesthetic significance. The scope of creativity is not limited to the
structural system itself, but rather encompasses the combined entity consisting of structure and site. It is possible to shape structural components on the basis of aesthetic considerations while maintaining a strict discipline of economy. The primary opportunities for using this source of
aesthetic significance are created by structural dimensions for which a change produces only minimal effect on structural behaviour and cost.
Aplicação do método de Monte Carlo para previsão do índice de Overall Equipment Effectiveness de uma máquina produtora de celulose
Authors: Araújo Isabela Gasparino , Gomes Fabrício Maciel , Pereira Félix Monteiro
Published: April 2020

A aplicação da simulação nas organizações traz diversas vantagens, desde um entendimento dos seus sistemas e processos, até perspectivas quanto às estratégias e próximos passos, pois permite projetar cenários e desenvolver planos de ação, a baixo custo. Nesse contexto, identificou-se a oportunidade de continuar um estudo referente ao indicador de eficiência global do equipamento, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), em uma indústria produtora de papel e celulose. Portanto, foram realizadas simulações de Monte Carlo, a partir de dados históricos de natureza quantitativa, referente ao funcionamento de uma máquina - que apresenta OEE médio atual de 65.08% e capacidade teórica para produzir 624 toneladas de celulose em 24 horas de operação. O objetivo foi verificar a viabilidade deste equipamento atingir o nível de 85% no índice de OEE, considerado de Classe Mundial, e entender quais variáveis e parâmetros mais impactam a eficiência deste indicador, por meio de simulações de Monte Carlo, realizadas no software Crystal Ball. Como resultado, foram realizadas 50.000 iterações e constatou-se que a probabilidade do equipamento atingir um OEE de nível mundial foi de apenas 0.009%. Verificou-se também, a partir do gráfico de sensibilidade, que os parâmetros que mais interferem na eficiência desse índice são o Desempenho (54.7%) e a Disponibilidade (31.9%) da máquina. Conclui-se que, a partir da geração de um volume robusto de dados, a simulação permitiu avaliar a interação de diferentes variáveis presentes na linha de produção e seus impactos em indicadores relevantes da empresa, sem a necessidade de realizar qualquer alteração prévia no ambiente de trabalho. Portanto, pode ser aplicada como importante ferramenta para estudos de viabilidade, análise de performance e tomada de decisões nas empresas.
Multitemporal analysis by remote sensing of the evolution of coastal line of Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Gloriza Fernandes Patrícia , Baptista Neto José Antônio , Silva Vieira Khaue , Pompermayer de Almeida Marcelo , Righeti Correa Thulio , de Freitas Delgado Jessica , Monteiro da Fonseca Estefan
Published: April 2020

Changes in coastlines are considered one of the most dynamic processes in coastal environments. Therefore, the mapping of such variations has become important in the survey of coastal impacts. In the past years, remote sensing has been used in mapping the coastline. In this research, the coastline of Guanabara Bay, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was mapped in the years of 1938, 1974, 1984, 1997, and 2015, by using geo-referencing software and existing cartographic documents. To map the changes, the bay was divided into four sections, in which maps were produced in graphical format, using ArcGIS, in scales 1:175.000 and 1:250.000. The research used satellite images from Landsat 1 Multispectral Scanner System (MSS), Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM), and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), integrated under geographic information system database, for a visual analysis (qualitative), and statistical observation (quantitative) of orbital images. The data indicate more intense transformations between the years 1938 and 1974, with a total landing area of 15.220.000m². This area corresponds to 69.23% of the amount suppressed during the interval 1938-2015.
Degradação de gnaisse e granito em fachadas de edifícios históricos no centro do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Baptista Neto José Antônio , Gaylarde Christine , Beech Iwona , J. Smith Bernard , J. McAlister John
Published: April 2020

A maioria do patrimônio cultural construído na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, é feito de gnaisse ou granito, e a exposição das fachadas ao ambiente poluído leva a uma forte degradação. Para entender estes processos meteorológicos, foram estudados cinco edifícios históricos na cidade. Estes exibiram manchas de ferro, desintegração granular, bolhas, fraturas incipientes e escamação de contornos e desenvolvimento de crosta negra. As amostras coletadas nestes edifícios foram examinadas na tentativa de compreender os mecanismos da meteorologia de superfície. Amostras de rochas foram coletadas em áreas que apresentavam sérios sintomas de decomposição de rochas. O conteúdo de ânions e cátions dos materiais de construção foi avaliado por espectrometria AA e análise cromatográfica de íons. As amostras também foram estudadas por microscopia de emissão de campo (SEM), análise petrográfica e pelo seu conteúdo biológico por SEM e análise de DNA usando Illumina Mi-Seq Next Generation Sequencing. Todas as análises químicas mostraram altas concentrações de sais solúveis, tais como halita e gesso, que desempenham um papel muito importante na resistência à intempérie da pedra. A FE-SEM com análise dispersiva de energia permitiu a detecção dentro da rocha de fungos filamentosos esparsos, grupos de células bacterianas, diatomáceas raras e bactérias filamentosas fotossintéticas especialmente interessantes incrustadas com gesso reprecipitado, mostrando a participação de microrganismos na degradação da pedra.
Value Creations Through Co-Creation and Collaboration Strategy in SMEs Creative Industry
Authors: Rahayu Agus , Krishna Yuliawati Ayu , Fakhrudin Suwatno
Published: April 2020

The study focuses on fashion Small Medium Entreprises (SMEs) in Indonesia utilizing strategies and efforts to develop value creations. It is generated by co-creation and collaboration strategy which are supported by market attractiveness and dynamic capabilities. The objectives of this study are to perform analysis on co-creation, collaboration strategy and value creations of SMEs in fashion industry. The research method is descriptive and explanatory survey. The sample size are thirty one SMEs in Bandung and Partial Least Square (PLS) technique was used to test the hypothesis model. The unique findings is co-creation and collaboration strategy have influence on value creations. Market attractiveness or potential profitability be a major input in formulating and implementing both strategies. The phenomena depicted that optimizing market attractiveness and dynamic input capabilities can help SMEs formulate and implement co-creation and collaboration strategy more effectively to create value for customers (value creations). This research gave theoritical recommendation for fashion industry to enhance their value creations process and to develop co-creation and collaborations strategy.
Personality, Gender, Culture, and Entrepreneurial Intentions of Undergraduate Student: Binary Logistic Regression
Authors: Mardisetosa Bambang , Khusaini Khusaini , Gumelar Widia Asmoro
Published: April 2020

In the last two decades, empirical studies on entrepreneurship had been increasing, especially the object of study of student entrepreneurial intention. The objective of this study was to examine the empirical evidence about significant factors and the most dominant factor (having the highest rank) influencing entrepreneurial intention of Islamic Shekh-Yusuf University students. This study used a descriptive quantitative approach that was a binary logistic regression analysis model with a sample of 382 respondents from a population of 4.058 students. Data obtained using a questionnaire tested for validity and reliability. Measurement scale used a Likert scale, and the distribution of questionnaire was accidental sampling technique. Based on binary logistic regression analysis, it showed that personality and situational significantly influenced students entreprenurial intentions, while culture and gender were not significant. The contribution of this research was as input to the university about the importance of developing students' entrepreneurial interets and talents so that graduates could contribute to reducing unemployment.