bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact Assessment of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Shrimp Exports in Thailand: An Empirical Study Using Time Series Analysis
Authors: Jatuporn Chalermpon
Published: December 2022

This study aims to assess the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on Thailand’s shrimp exports in 2020 by applying the Box-Jenkins forecasting technique. A monthly time series from January 2011 to December 2019, comprising 108 months in total, which is the period before the COVID-19 pandemic, was used to forecast Thailand’s shrimp exports of frozen and flavored shrimp from January to December 2020. Subsequently, the impact assessment was calculated by comparing the shrimp export values for the case with and without the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The empirical results reveal that the most suitable models for the estimate are (1) SARIMA(4,1,0)(0,1,1)12 for the export volume of frozen shrimp, (2) SARIMA(1,1,0)(0,1,1)12 for the export price of frozen shrimp, (3) SARIMA(2,2,3)(0,1,0)12 for the export volume of flavored shrimp, and (4) SARIMA(2,1,0)(0,1,1)12 for the export price of flavored shrimp. The impact assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic on shrimp exports in Thailand indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has positively affected frozen shrimp export at an impact valuation of 1325 million baht and flavored shrimp export at an impact valuation of 1632 million baht. The reason for this is due to the demand for shrimp exports from Thailand to replace the sharply reduced shrimp supply in the world market.
Identifying Different Sources of the Benefit: Simulation of DRT Operation in the Heartland and Hinterland Regions
Authors: Kim Hyunmyung , Choi Jaeheon , Cho Sungjin , Liu Feng , Jin Hyungmin , Lim Suhwan , Kim Dongjun , Lee Jun , Joh Chang-Hyeon
Published: December 2022

DRT service, designed to be flexible in time and space, follows the contemporary trend of on-demand transit provision. However, this type of service often suffers from low profitability due to small demand and/or high operation costs. DRT service is a local business in nature. The existing research primarily focuses on DRT service for regions with low transit demand, but it does not take into account service operation for other types of regions. This study aims to fill in this gap and identify the sources of benefit from DRT operations in varied types of regions. To this end, the analysis compares the DRT operation performance between overpopulated heartland and underpopulated hinterland regions; in each region, the benefit is identified through the difference in key performance indices between the simulated DRT and actual bus operation. The data on the road network and bus operation in Daegu, Korea, in 2021 are used for the DRT simulation. The results show that the heartland DRT benefits more from the reduced vehicle kilometers, while the hinterland DRT gains mostly from the reduced waiting time. Given that both DRT types outperform existing bus services, it is revealed that the heartland DRT is more reliable than the hinterland DRT due to the nature of regional characteristics.
Capturing Symmetries of Quantum Optimization Algorithms Using Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Deshpande Ajinkya , Melnikov Alexey
Published: December 2022

Quantum optimization algorithms are some of the most promising algorithms expected to show a quantum advantage. When solving quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problems, quantum optimization algorithms usually provide an approximate solution. The solution quality, however, is not guaranteed to be good enough to warrant selecting it over the classical optimizer solution, as it depends on the problem instance. Here, we present an algorithm based on a graph neural network that can choose between a quantum optimizer and classical optimizer using performance prediction. In addition, we present an approach that predicts the optimal parameters of a variational quantum optimizer. We tested our approach with a specific quantum optimizer, the quantum approximate optimization algorithm, applied to the Max-Cut problem, which is an example of a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problem. We observed qualitatively and quantitatively that graph neural networks are suited for a performance prediction of up to nine-vertex Max-Cut instances with a quantum approximate optimization algorithm with a depth of up to three. For the performance prediction task, the average difference between the actual quantum algorithm performance and the predicted performance is below 19.7% and, for the parameter prediction task, the solution using the predicted parameters is within 2.7% of the optimal parameter solution. Our method therefore has the capacity to find problems that are best suited for quantum solvers. The proposed method and the corresponding algorithm can be used for hybrid quantum algorithm selection.
Snake Venomics and Antivenomics of Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) from South Africa: Insights into Venom Toxicity and Cross-Neutralization Activity
Authors: Tan Choo Hock , Wong Kin Ying , Huang Li-Kun , Tan Kae Yi , Tan Nget Hong , Wu Wen-Guey
Published: December 2022

Naja nivea (Cape Cobra) is endemic to southern Africa. Envenoming by N. nivea is neurotoxic, resulting in fatal paralysis. Its venom composition, however, has not been studied in depth, and specific antivenoms against it remain limited in supply. Applying a protein decomplexation approach, this study unveiled the venom proteome of N. nivea from South Africa. The major components in the venom are cytotoxins/cardiotoxins (~75.6% of total venom proteins) and alpha-neurotoxins (~7.4%), which belong to the three-finger toxin family. Intriguingly, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was undetected—this is a unique venom phenotype increasingly recognized in the African cobras of the Uraeus subgenus. The work further showed that VINS African Polyvalent Antivenom (VAPAV) exhibited cross-reactivity toward the venom and immunorecognized its toxin fractions. In mice, VAPAV was moderately efficacious in cross-neutralizing the venom lethality with a potency of 0.51 mg/mL (amount of venom completely neutralized per milliliter of antivenom). In the challenge-rescue model, VAPAV prevented death in 75% of experimentally envenomed mice, with slow recovery from neurotoxicity up to 24 h. The finding suggests the potential para-specific utility of VAPAV for N. nivea envenoming, although a higher dose or repeated administration of the antivenom may be required to fully reverse the neurotoxic effect of the venom.
A Novel Aeromonas popoffii Phage AerP_220 Proposed to Be a Member of a New Tolavirus Genus in the Autographiviridae Family
Authors: Morozova Vera , Kozlova Yuliya , Jdeed Ghadeer , Tikunov Artem , Ushakova Tatyana , Bardasheva Alevtina , Zhirakovskaia Elena , Poletaeva Yuliya , Ryabchikova Elena , Tikunova Nina V.
Published: December 2022

Aeromonas popoffii is one of the environmental Aeromonas species. A number of factors of virulence have been described for this species and it has been reported as a causative agent of urinary tract infection. The first A. popoffii bacteriophage AerP_220 along with its host strain A. popoffii CEMTC 4062 were isolated from river water. The phage has a podovirus morphotype, shows a narrow host range and is lytic against the host strain. The AerP_220 genome comprises 45,207 bp and does not contain genes responsible for antibiotic resistance and toxin production. Fifty-nine co-directional putative ORFs were found in the AerP_220 genome. Thirty-three ORFs encoded proteins with predicted functions; the products of 26 ORFs were hypothetical proteins. AerP_220 genome analysis revealed that this phage can be considered a novel species within the Autographiviridae family. Comparative genomic and proteomic analysis revealed that AerP_220 along with the Aeromonas phage vB_AspA_Tola (OM913599) are members of a new putative Tolavirus genus in the family Autographiviridae. The Gajwadongvirus and proposed Tolavirus genera along with Pantoea phage Nufs112 and phage Reminis could form a new Tolavirinae subfamily within the Autographiviridae family.
Identification of Unique and Conserved Neutralizing Epitopes of Vestigial Esterase Domain in HA Protein of the H9N2 Subtype of Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Huang Xiangyu , Yin Guihu , Cai Yiqin , Hu Jianing , Huang Jingwen , Liu Qingtao , Feng Xiuli
Published: December 2022

The H9N2 subtype of avian influenza virus (AIV) has been reported to infect not only birds, but also humans. The hemagglutinin (HA) protein is the main surface antigen of AIV and plays an important role in the viral infection. For treatment strategies and vaccine development, HA protein has been an important target for the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies against influenza A virus. To investigate the vital target determinant cluster in HA protein in this work, HA gene was cloned and expressed in the prokaryotic expression vector pET28a. The spleen lymphocytes from BALC/c mice immunized with the purified recombinant HA protein were fused with SP2/0 cells. After Hypoxanthine-Aminopterin-Thymidine (HAT) medium screening and indirect ELISA detection, six hybridoma cell lines producing anti-HA monoclonal antibodies were screened. The gradually truncated HA gene expression and western blotting were used to identify their major locations in epitopes specific to these monoclonal antibodies. It was found that the epitopes were located in three areas: 112NVENLEEL119, 117EELRSLFS124, and 170PIQDAQ175. Epitope 112NVENLEEL119 has a partial amino acid crossover with 117EELRSLFS124, which is located in the vestigial esterase domain “110-helix” of HA, and the monoclonal antibody recognizing these epitopes showed the neutralizing activity, suggesting that the region 112NVENLEELRSLFS124 might be a novel neutralizing epitope. The results of the homology analysis showed that these three epitopes were generally conserved in H9N2 subtype AIV, and will provide valuable insights into H9N2 vaccine design and improvement, as well as antibody-based therapies for treatment of H9N2 AIV infection.
HIV/AIDS Mathematical Model of Triangle Transmission
Authors: Espitia Morillo Cristian Camilo , Meyer João Frederico da Costa Azevedo
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a mathematical analysis of the HIV/AIDS deterministic model studied in the paper called Mathematical Model of HIV/AIDS Considering Sexual Preferences Under Antiretroviral Therapy, a case study in the previous works preformed by Espitia is performed. The objective is to gain insight into the qualitative dynamics of the model determining the conditions for the persistence or effective control of the disease in the community through the study of basic properties such as positiveness and boundedness; the calculus of the basic reproduction number; stationary points such as disease-free equilibrium (DFE), boundary equilibrium (BE) and endemic equilibrium (EE); and the local stability (LAS) of disease-free equilibrium. The findings allow us to conclude that the best way to reduce contagion and consequently reach a DFE is thought to be the reduction in the rate of homosexual partners, as they are the most affected population by the virus and are therefore the most likely to become infected and spread it. Increasing the departure rate of infected individuals leads to a decrease in untreated infected heterosexual men and untreated infected women.
Disease History, Pathogenesis, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics for Human Monkeypox Disease: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Saied AbdulRahman A. , Dhawan Manish , Metwally Asmaa A. , Fahrni Mathumalar Loganathan , Choudhary Priyanka , Choudhary Om Prakash
Published: December 2022

The monkeypox disease is a zoonotic-infectious disease that transmits between animals and humans. It is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus that is closely related to the variola virus –the causative agent of smallpox. Although monkeypox infections were endemic to Western and Central Africa, the newly emerging monkeypox outbreak spread to more than 90 non-African countries. With the exception of the PCR-confirmed case of a return from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, the ongoing outbreak is largely unrelated to travel. In the most recent wave, cases are characteristically males in their thirties. Risk factors include close and particularly sexual contact with an infected person, and contact with fomites, infected animals or aerosolized-infectious material. Clinical diagnosis of monkeypox is confirmed with nucleic-acid amplification testing of samples originating from vesicles or genital lesions and using real-time or conventional PCR. Other methods, such as electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and virus culture are costly and time-consuming. In addition to timely diagnosis and contact tracing, restrictive measures to limit spread, such as isolation of infected patients, preventing contact with wild animals, and isolation of animals suspected to be viral reservoirs have shown promise. Although there are no specific treatments for monkeypox disease, the experience with smallpox suggests that the vaccinia vaccine, cidofovir, tecovirimat, and vaccinia immune globulin (IVG) may be beneficial for monkeypox treatment. In this review, we provide an update on the human-monkeypox disease with a special emphasis on its pathogenesis, prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutic measures.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Parents of Children with Chronic Liver Diseases
Authors: Elkhadry Sally Waheed , Salem Tahany Abd El Hameed , Elshabrawy Abdelhamid , Goda Shymaa Sami , Bahwashy Howyda Ali Al , Youssef Naglaa , Hussein Mai , Ghazy Ramy Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Children with chronic medical conditions are more susceptible to developing a serious negative outcome from corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) than healthy children. This study investigated the extent of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH) and its predictors in parents of children with chronic liver disease (CLD) in Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Liver Institute from September to October 2022, using a random sampling method. Data were collected using the validated Arabic version of parents’ attitudes about childhood vaccines (PACV) scale. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and discriminant analysis were used to identify direct and indirect determinants of VH. Results: Of the 173 participating parents, 81.5% hesitated to vaccinate their child. Relevant characteristics for hesitancy included being the mother of the child (88.2%), younger than 40 years (92.9%), illiterate (92%), unemployed (88.8%), without health insurance (87.8%), unvaccinated against COVID-19 (97.2%), refused to complete vaccinations (85.7%), and not having chronic disease (85.7%) (p < 0.05). Previous COVID-19 infection of children motivated vaccination (p < 0.0001). Median total PACV, attitude, and trust scores were significantly higher in the hesitant group than the vaccinated group (p = 0.023). SEM suggests that child age and family size have a direct effect, while education level, and income have indirect effects on parents’ hesitancy. The model showed acceptable goodness of fit (GFI = 0.994, CFI = 1, RMSEA < 0.0001). A 92.9% corrected classification of the discriminator VH variables was determined using the discriminant analysis model (safety and efficacy, attitude and trust, child age, and family size). Conclusions: Many socioeconomic factors significantly affect parents’ attitudes toward their child’s vaccination. Thus, increasing parents’ awareness of the importance of childhood vaccination, especially among this risky group, may enhance their decision-making ability regarding vaccinating their children.
Motivators, Barriers, and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination among Residents of Western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhothali Abdulaziz A. , Alotaibi Waleed F. , Alabbadi Bassam L. , Alsubaie Yousef F. , Fathelrahman Ahmed Ibrahim , Elnour Asim Ahmed , El-Sheikh Azza A. K. , Abdelwahab Sayed F.
Published: December 2022

Background: There are limited studies that have assessed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and side effects, both globally and in the western region of Saudi Arabia (SA). Objective: This study assessed the acceptance of vaccination against COVID-19, determined motivators and barriers for taking these vaccines, and assessed vaccine side effects in the western region of SA. Study design: The study was an online cross-sectional study conducted among the people who lived in the western region of SA during the period from December 2021 to March 2022. Participation was voluntary for participants who were above 18 and lived in the Western region of SA. Children and those living in other countries were excluded from the study. Methods: The study tool was a self-administered questionnaire which assessed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, determined motivators and barriers for taking the vaccines, and assessed their side effects among 1136 participants in the western region of SA. Data gathered were analyzed by the SSPS version 22 software. Result: A total of 1136 individuals, aged 18 years and above, participated in the study, with 50.7% (n = 567) being males. Most of the participants were from Taif city (68.4%; n = 777), and 57.6% (n = 654) were unmarried. Pfizer was the most frequently administered vaccine (72.8%; n = 823). Most participants explained that their vaccine administration protected themselves and their families (70.5%; n = 835). The acceptance showed that 55% (n = 626) of the participants had either very high or high confidence in the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, while 14.7% (n = 167) of them had low/very low confidence in its efficacy. The side effects showed that 80.8% (n = 918) of the participants showed that they did not have any difficulties attributed to COVID-19 vaccine administration. Positive attitudes and practices were apparent, and most of the participants (78.3%; n = 889) tended to be actors in the fight against COVID-19. Conclusions: The current study showed a high level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among people living in the western region of SA. Health education and communication from authoritative sources will be important to alleviate public concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety.
Assessing Bone Health Status and Eggshell Quality of Laying Hens at the End of a Production Cycle in Response to Inclusion of a Hybrid Rye to a Wheat–Corn Diet
Authors: Muszyński Siemowit , Kasperek Kornel , Świątkiewicz Sylwester , Arczewska-Włosek Anna , Wiącek Dariusz , Donaldson Janine , Dobrowolski Piotr , Arciszewski Marcin B. , Valverde Piedra Jose Luis , Krakowiak Dominika , Kras Katarzyna , Śliwa Jadwiga , Schwarz Tomasz
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there are negative effects of the partial replacement of white corn with rye along with xylanase supplementation on overall bone quality, eggshell mineralization, and mechanical strength in laying hens. From the 26th week of life, ISA Brown laying hens were fed either a wheat–corn diet or a diet containing 25% rye, with or without xylanase. The experimental period lasted for 25 weeks, until birds reached their 50th week of age, after which bone and eggshell quality indices were assessed. Eggshell thickness and eggshell Ca content of eggs from rye-fed hens were improved by xylanase supplementation. No differences in the mechanical properties of the eggshells were observed between treatments, except for the diet-dependent changes in egg deformation. Rye inclusion had no effect on the mechanical properties of bone. Xylanase supplementation, irrespective of the diet, had a positive effect on bone strength and increased tibia Ca content, as well as the content of several microelements. Hence, hybrid rye combined with wheat can replace 25% of corn in layer diets without compromising shell quality or bone mineral content. Xylanase supplementation in these diets is recommended since its inclusion improves both bone strength and quality.
Phytochemical Profile of Foeniculum vulgare Subsp. piperitum Essential Oils and Evaluation of Acaricidal Efficacy against Varroa destructor in Apis mellifera by In Vitro and Semi-Field Fumigation Tests
Authors: Bava Roberto , Castagna Fabio , Palma Ernesto , Musolino Vincenzo , Carresi Cristina , Cardamone Antonio , Lupia Carmine , Marrelli Mariangela , Conforti Filomena , Roncada Paola , Musella Vincenzo , Britti Domenico
Published: December 2022

Varroatosis is an important parasitic disease of Apis mellifera caused by the mite Varroa destructor (V. destructor). The parasite is able to transmit numerous pathogens to honeybees which can lead to colony collapse. In recent years, the effectiveness of authorized drug products has decreased due to increasing resistance phenomena. Therefore, the search for alternatives to commercially available drugs is mandatory. In this context, essential oils (EOs) prove to be a promising choice to be studied for their known acaricide properties. In this research work, the acaricide activity of EO vapours isolated from the epigeal part (whole plant) of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare sbps. piperitum) and its three fractions (leaves, achenes and flowers) against V. destructor was evaluated. The effectiveness of fumigation was studied using two methods. The first involved prolonged exposure of mites to oil vapour for variable times. After exposure, the five mites in each replicate were placed in a Petri dish with an Apis mellifera larva. Mortality, due to chronic toxicity phenomena, was assessed after 48 h. The second method aimed to translate the results obtained from the in vitro test into a semi-field experiment. Therefore, two-level cages were set up. In the lower compartment of the cage, a material releasing oil vapours was placed; in the upper compartment, Varroa-infested honeybees were set. The results of the first method showed that the increase in mortality was directly proportional to exposure time and concentration. The whole plant returned 68% mortality at the highest concentration (2 mg/mL) and highest exposure time (48 h control), while the leaves, achenes and flowers returned 64%, 52% and 56% mortality, respectively. In the semi-field experiment, a concentration up to 20 times higher than the one used in the in vitro study was required for the whole plant to achieve a similar mite drop of >50%. The results of the study show that in vitro tests should only be used for preliminary screening of EO activity. In vitro tests should be followed by semi-field tests, which are essential to identify the threshold of toxicity to bees and the effective dose to be used in field studies.
Investigation on Descriptive Epidemiology, Geographical Distribution, and Genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. in Bovine from Romania
Authors: Dărăbuș Gheorghe , Bușe Amelia , Oprescu Ion , Morariu Sorin , Mederle Narcisa , Ilie Marius , Imre Mirela
Published: December 2022

Bovine echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution, causing significant economic losses in the affected animals and important public health concerns. The aim of the current study was to investigate the presence and geographical distribution of cystic echinococcosis, and molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. from slaughtered cattle in Romania. In the period 2020–2021, a total of 2693 cattle (aged 2–21 years) slaughtered from the breeds Bruna de Maramureș, Bălțată Românească, and a mixed breed were examined to identify hydatid cysts. Cysts were identified in 66 cattle (2.45%). The predominant location of hydatid cysts was the lungs. Most cysts were non-fertile. By age categories, hydatidosis was reported in the age categories 2–12 years (6/2341; 0.25%), 13–16 years (11/244; 4.5%), 17–20 years (41/85; 48.23%), and over 21 years (8/23; 34.78%). Following the PCR analysis of 10 samples from the lungs (protoscoleces/proliferative membrane/hydatid liquid), DNA fragments were identified in 5 samples. Following sequencing, the identified species was Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.). The study results indicate that the disease is still present in several of the investigated regions of Romania, highlighting a potential public health risk.
Bacterial Contamination of the Surgical Site at the Time of Elective Caesarean Section in Belgian Blue Cows—Part 1: Identified by Bacterial Culture
Authors: Djebala Salem , Coria Elise , Munaut Florian , Gille Linde , Eppe Justine , Moula Nassim , Taminiau Bernard , Daube Georges , Bossaert Philippe
Published: December 2022

To improve the efficacy of preoperative antibiotics used in elective caesarean section (CS), we aimed to identify the bacteria contaminating the surgical site during this surgery. A study was conducted on 76 Belgian Blue cows. Bacteriology was performed on cotton swab sampled from the visceral and parietal peritoneum of each cow during the CS. Most of samples showed a negative culture (55/76; 72.37%), 19/76 (25%) were positive (p < 0.0001) and two samples were contaminated. In total, 32 isolates belonging to 18 species were identified. Most of them are aerobic (17/18; 94.44%) and half of them were gram-negative (G-). The most encountered bacteria were Acinetobacter sp. (6/32; 18.75%), Pseudomonas sp. (4/32; 12.5%), Aerococcus viridans (4/32; 12.5%), Psychrobacter sp. (3/32; 9.37%), and Escherichia coli (2/32; 6.25%). Among the identified isolates, 31/32 (96.87%) were aerobic and 1/32 (3.12%) was anaerobic (p = 0.0001). Furthermore, 20/32 (62.50%) strains were G− while 12/32 (37.5%) were gram-positive (G+) (p = 0.012). In fact, most of cultured strains were aerobic G− (20/32), 11/32 were aerobic G+ and 1/32 is anaerobic G+ (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, most of samples showed a negative bacteriology; however, aerobic G− strains were the most identified in positive swabs. Therefore, preoperative antibiotics should be aimed against these bacteria.
Risk-Based Inspection and Rehabilitation Planning of Service Connections in Intermittent Water Supply Systems for Leakage Management in Arid Regions
Authors: Haider Husnain , Almutlaq Muath Abdullah , Alodah Abdullah , Ghumman Abdul Razzaq , AlSalamah Ibrahim Saleh , Ghazaw Yousry Mahmoud , Shafiquzzaman Md.
Published: December 2022

Most of the leakage in water distribution systems operating with plastic pipes occurs at service connections (SCs), while the existing tools plan rehabilitation of pipes. With limited water resources, intermittent supplies in arid regions further enhance the failure vulnerability of metal fittings on water mains due to scale formation and large pressure transients. The present research developed a risk-based methodology for the proactive maintenance of SCs in intermittent water supply systems. A five-generation bottom-up hierarchical approach aggregated the basic hydraulic, physical, and water quality factors to determine the vulnerability of structural failures of SCs. Hydraulic parameters (pressure and velocity) were estimated by simulating a distribution network of 366 water mains of diameters ranging from 110 mm to 225 mm serving 371 SCs in a residential neighborhood located in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Age, depth, and length of SCs’ estimated the condition index, while soil corrosivity and condition of the water mains were also counted when assessing the structural failure index for each SC. Water quality parameters, e.g., pH, turbidity, and iron, that can contribute to the vulnerability of an SC’s failure were also included. Fuzzy-based methods first assessed the relative importance weights of the basic input parameters at the bottom of the hierarchy and the risk factors in the middle of the hierarchy. Subsequently, the performance and condition scores were aggregated to develop respective indices. As the consequence of structural failure is high for the SCs serving households with a large number of residents, the final risk index aggregates the vulnerability and consequence at the hierarchy’s top. The developed model was effectively validated by comparing the SCs of high priority with the leaking and repaired SCs in the past. The method will be a useful tool for planning proactive inspection and rehabilitation of SCs of intermittent supply systems to minimize water losses (less than 8% of the national benchmark) in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.
Model Test and Numerical Simulation of Slope Instability Process Induced by Rainfall
Authors: Sun Yongshuai , Yang Ke , Hu Ruilin , Wang Guihe , Lv Jianguo
Published: December 2022

Due to rainfall infiltration, slope instability becomes frequent, which is the main reason for landslide disasters. In this study, the stability of slope affected by rainfall was analyzed using an indoor model test and geo-studio simulation method, and the variation law of phreatic line, seepage field, the most dangerous sliding surface, and safety factor with time were studied under rainfall infiltration. Research results showed that under the effect of rainfall, the slope failure presented a typical traction development mode. With the increase of time, the phreatic line of the slope kept rising, the water head keeps increasing, the seepage depth in the slope became deeper, and the slope stability worsened until the slope was damaged. The water head height decreased gradually from the slope left boundary to the right, and the water head width decreased gradually. The soil at the slope back edge was damaged, and the sliding soil accumulated at the slope foot, forming a gentle slope, which increased the shear strength of the slope, making the slope finally reach a stable state. In this process, the overlying soil changed from an unsaturated state to a saturated state, the pore water pressure and soil pressure increased, and then the slope was damaged, both of which decreased. Under high rainfall intensity, the slope was damaged, the soil in the slope was rapidly saturated, and the time required to produce the sliding area was short. When the rainfall intensity was the same, the smaller the slope angle was, the smaller the safety factor was. When the slope angle was the same, the greater the rainfall intensity was, the smaller the safety factor was.
Exploring the Influences of Stream Network Structure and Connectivity on Water Environment Risk in China
Authors: Chen Menghan , Xu Zhicheng , Cheng Lei , Hou Qinyao , Liu Pan , Qin Shujing
Published: December 2022

Stream networks are the transportation channels of pollutants that can significantly influence water environment risk (WER). However, the influences of stream network structure and connectivity (SC) on WER at the national scale and its regional variability have been rarely investigated in China. In this study, the WER was assessed from the grey water footprint of nitrogen and phosphorus in 214 catchments in China. The relationship between WER and SC and its regional variability were analyzed using correlation and grey relational analysis. Results showed that the water environment risk index (RI) in some catchments located in the Hai and Liao River Basins was the highest in China (RI > 0.8). On national scale, longitudinal connectivity (Cl) and cyclical connectivity (Cc) had the strongest influences on WER with grey relational degree index (GRAI) of 0.68 and 0.67, respectively. The average slope (Sr) was the most important in humid zones, whereas Cl and water surface ratio (Rw) had a stronger influence in arid zones. In zones with intensive human activities, Cc, river density (Rd), and the node connection ratio (Rnc) mostly affected WER. The main influenced factors varied significantly among nationwide and different zones, which indicated that climate and human activities played an important role in the spatial variation of the relationship between WER and SC. This study highlights the important role of SC on WER and that the relationship between WER and SC varies with climate and human activities.
Host Range and Phylogenetic Position of Acipenserobdella volgensis (Zykoff, 1904) (Hirudinea: Piscicolidae) with a Global Checklist of Bivalve-Associated Fish Leeches
Authors: Bolotov Ivan N. , Maryinsky Vadim V. , Palatov Dmitry M. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Eliseeva Tatyana A. , Konopleva Ekaterina S. , Gofarov Mikhail Y. , Vikhrev Ilya V. , Bespalaya Yulia V.
Published: December 2022

The fish leech Acipenserobdella volgensis (Hirudinea: Piscicolidae) is a rare and poorly known freshwater species, which is thought to be an obligate parasite of sturgeons. This leech has a disjunctive range in Europe and Eastern Siberia. Here, we estimate the phylogenetic affinities and host range of A. volgensis using a set of DNA sequences (COI and 18S rRNA gene fragments), field observation data, and a review of the body of literature. Based on a time-calibrated Bayesian phylogeny, we show that the European and Siberian lineages of A. volgensis have been separated since the latest Pliocene (mean age = 2.7 Ma). The analysis of available host records indicates that this leech is characterized by a broader host range as it was collected from fish belonging to four families (Acipenseridae, Cyprinidae, Salmonidae, and Esocidae). Conversely, only a few suitable primary hosts (six sturgeons, one cyprinid, and one salmonid fish) were confirmed by earlier research. Moreover, this leech could be considered a facultative mussel-associated species that uses bivalves (duck mussel Anodonta anatina; Unionidae) as shelter. Globally, three other piscicolid leeches have been recorded from the mantle cavity of bivalve molluscs, that is, the freshwater taxa Caspiobdella fadejewi and Alexandrobdella makhrovi, and the marine species Austrobdella coliumicus.
Primary care physicians’ perceptions of social determinants of health recommendations: a qualitative study
Authors: Mizumoto Junki , Mitsuyama Toshichika , Eto Masato , Izumiya Masashi , Horita Shoko
Published: December 2022

Background

Several organisations have called for primary care professionals to address social determinants of health (SDoH) in clinical settings. For primary care physicians to fulfill their community health responsibilities, the implications of the SDoH recommendations need to be clarified.

Aim

To describe primary care physicians’ views about being asked to address SDoH in clinical settings, from both positive and negative perspectives.

Design & setting

A qualitative study in Japan. Twenty-one physicians were purposively recruited.

Method

‘Love and breakup letter’ methodology was used to collect qualitative data that contained both positive and negative feelings. Participants wrote love and breakup letters about being asked to address SDoH in a clinical setting, then undertook an in-depth online interview. Data were analysed via thematic analysis using the framework approach.

Results

The following themes were identified: (i) primary care physicians take pride in being expected to address SDoH; (ii) primary care physicians rely on the recommendations as a partner, even in difficult situations; (iii) primary care physicians consider the recommendations to be bothersome, with unreasonable demands and challenges, especially when supportive surroundings are lacking; and (iv) primary care physicians reconstruct the recommendations on the basis of their experience.

Conclusion

Primary care physicians felt both sympathy and antipathy towards recommendations asking them to address SDoH in their clinical practice. The recommendations were not followed literally, instead contributing to physicians’ clinical mindlines. Professional organisations that plan to develop and publish recommendations about SDoH should consider how their recommendations might be perceived by their target audience.
Acromégalie féline et comparée
Authors: Rosenberg Dan
Published: December 2022

La caractérisation de l’acromégalie féline s’effectue à marche rapide depuis une quinzaine d’années et démontre une forte similitude avec son homologue décrite dans l’espèce humaine. Ce manuscrit passe en revue de nombreux points de convergences à commencer par la présence d’une tumeur hypophysaire responsable d’une sécrétion dérégulée d’hormone de croissance dans les deux espèces. Elles partagent également une forte proportion de sous diagnostics liées à une expression clinique souvent fruste et d’installation progressive mêlant des modifications morphologiques et des troubles de l’homéostasie du glucose pouvant aller jusqu’au diabète sucré, presque systématique à l’heure actuelle parmi les chats atteints alors qu’une moitié au plus des patients humains acromégales présentent cette comorbidité. Le diagnostic s’appuie sur des techniques d’imagerie en coupe du diencéphale après mise en évidence d’une mesure supérieure à intervalle de référence de la concentration sérique du second messager de l’hormone de croissance, l’insulin like growth factor I (IGF-1). Un traitement causal (geste chirurgical, radiothérapie, traitement médical antisécrétoire) apparaît enfin prioritaire dans les deux espèces, en parallèle de l’équilibre d’un diabète sucré, lorsque celui-ci est présent.
Biodiversité, quelles recherches pour anticiper les risques ?
Authors: Moutou François
Published: December 2022

Biodiversity combines species, their genetic variability, their ecosystems and all the relationships between them. Endosymbiosis is one of the more important, the probable way between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Evolution of life relies on combining previous elements into new ones. The discovery of microbiome changes the way microorganisms are considered within the whole biodiversity and for their links with sanitary challenges. Cooperation seems as important as competition. Is it then pertinent to see the development of genomics as the only possibility to discover new viruses in reservoir species before they start new pandemics and to prevent them ? Is it the good way to ask the question of new sanitary risks emergence ? What about considering the ecology of epidemiological cycles ? Or working breeding practices with more connection to local biodiversity ? How human sciences could be taken into account ? A few examples will illustrate some of these points.
THE IDENTIFICATION OF INCOME CONTINGENT TRANSACTION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTITIES
Authors: Yusram Yusram , Randa Fransiskus , Tanamal Sherly E
Published: December 2022

This study is intended to identify contingent income transactions in local government entities. The research was conducted using qualitative methods through in-depth interviews and field observations. The key informants in this study were BPKAD staff in East Luwuk district. The results show that the local government revenue account indicated as a contingent transaction is due to a formal engagement through a contract or engagement. Recognition of revenue that is tied to the contact requires that new revenue be recognized if the engagement is fulfilled, but if it is not fulfilled, it cannot be recognized as revenue. The income transactions in question are; Road Lighting Tax Revenues, Land and Building Rights Acquisition Tax Revenues, Non-Rock Minerals Tax, Retribution Revenues, Other Legitimate Revenues include sales of official vehicles, late fees, receipt of health insurance), income Central transfer of funds for Special Allocations and Other Legislative income under regional grant agreements. The results of the identification are expected to be the basis of prudence for the management of regional assets transactions in recognizing income transactions in order to avoid future uncertainties which result in the resulting financial statements knowing the element of uncertainty
THE EFFECT OF FINANCIAL LITERACY AND FINANCIAL ATTITUDE ON THE USE OF DIGITAL WALLETS AMONG STUDENTS IN SURAKARTA CITY
Authors: Kusumapradana Brian Sutatama , Aisyah Siti
Published: December 2022

This research aims to determine the effect of financial literacy and financial attitude on the use of digital wallets among students in Surakarta City. This research is a quantitative research using primary data. Sampling was obtained by non-probability sampling method with purposive sampling technique. The sample used in this research was 100 students in the city of Surakarta. Research data obtained from the collection of questionnaires. The data analysis technique used in this research is multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that (1) Financial Literacy and Financial Attitude had a positive effect on the Use of Digital Wallets among students, and (2) Financial Literacy and Financial Attitude together had a positive effect on the Use of Digital Wallets among students in Surakarta.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH A BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS APPROACH AT ELFATH MSMES
Authors: Afifah Erika Luthfi , Setiawan Ito
Published: December 2022

Elfath UMKM is one of the UMKM in Purbalingga Regency, Central Java, which is located in Kaligondang Village. This UMKM is engaged in the production of snacks in the form of macaroni cheese. Based on the potential for product sales and also the number of MSMEs engaged in the production sector, the competition between fields is getting tighter. The problem with Elfath's MSMEs is that the business model has not been maximally implemented. So that the Elfath MSME needs to develop an ongoing business model so that later it can compete with other MSMEs. This study aims to identify the business model that is currently running in Elfath MSMEs and to develop a business model for Elfath MSMEs with a Business Model Canvas (BMC) approach and SWOT analysis. By using the BMC method, it can provide greater business opportunities by developing business models, while the SWOT analysis is used to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to these SMEs. The results of the study show that the business model currently being run by Elfath SMEs has fulfilled the 9 elements of the Business Model Canvas. Even though it has fulfilled the 9 elements of BMC, Elfath SMEs need to develop the business model by maximizing the strategies contained in the 9 elements of BMC through SWOT analysis.
ANALYSIS OF VILLAGE FUND MANAGEMENT ON DEVELOPMENT AT PALALAKKANG VILLAGE
Authors: Muchran Muchriady , Syah Firman , Nuryahya Nuryahya , Muchran Murniady
Published: December 2022

This study aims to determine how the management of the village fund management on the development of Desa Palalakkang. The type of research used is the qualitative research metode.The processed data is the result of interviews with palalakkang village staff. Data colettion methods used in this study is observation, interview, and documentation. The data source used are primary data sources and secondary data sources. The results showed that the vilage fund management on the development of Desa Palalakkang was quite effective based on UUD No. 6, 2014 and developed with the regional minister of the state No. 133, 2014.
O REFLEXO DA PANDEMIA NO AUMENTO DE INCIDENTES DE SEGURANÇA DA INFORMAÇÃO
Authors: Carlos Moreira Prates Jean , Gomes da Silva Alax , de Matos Piccin Mario , Sampaio de Lima Leonardo , Nunes de Freitas Vinicius
Published: December 2022

This article is the result of a research that seeks to show information security incidents around the globe during the years 2020 and 2021, in order to show which were the main Information Security incidents that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. 19, and how the event of this pandemic may have influenced these incidents. The methodology used is a bibliographical, descriptive, exploratory and pure research, using several case reports on the subject. The results show a significant increase in the occurrence of cybercrimes and invasions, conditioned to the hasty and unplanned implementation of remote work solutions by companies and the general lack of information about the new coronavirus that allowed exploitation by cybercriminals; certain types of cybercrimes seeing an increase of up to 667%, as shown by the technology company Barracuda Networks.
Dampak Pandemi Covid-19 terhadap Peran Koperasi dalam Peningkatan Kesejahteraan Petani Bawang Merah
Authors: Maula Lia Rohmatul , Qur'ania Anita
Published: December 2022

Koperasi itu sebagai organisasi ekonomi dan sosial yang berusaha meningkatkan kesejahteraan para anggotanya dan masyarakat sekitarnya (petani). Namun pada kenyataan yang terjadi dilapangan ada sebagian petani yang masih tidak tersejahterakan. Permasalahan yang sering dihadapi petani dalam bertani bawang merah biasanya berupa kesulitan dalam pemenuhan modal, pemasaran hasil panen, serta kurangnya pemberdayaan petani. teknologi-teknologi yang semakin berkembang. Salah satu upayanya yaitu peran koperasi dengan program-programnya yang bisa menjawab masalah para petani bawang merah. Penelitian ini bertujuan: untuk menganalisa dampak pandemi Covid-19 terhadap peran koperasi dalam peningkatan kesejahteraan petani bawang merah. Kegiatan penelitian dilaksanakan di Kecamata Ngantang. Pemilihan penelitian di lakukan secara sengaja (purposive) dengan pertimbangan bahwa lokasi tersebut merupakan wilayah sentra petani bawang  merah di Kabupaten Malang. Penelitian  ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Desember 2021  - Mei 2022. Analisis data dilakukan secara kuantitatif dan kualitatif, analisis kuantitatif diolah software minitab (Regresi Binary Logistik). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa selama pandemi covid-19 peran koperasi yang signifikan dan berpengaruh namun memberikan peluang negatif dalam peningkatan kesejahteraan petani bawang merah adalah kemudahan administrasi yang diberikan kepada petani. Artinya jika administrasi semakin dipersulit maka kesejahteraan petani berpeluang menurun, hal ini dikarenakan petani akan kesulitan dalam administrasi yang diberikan koperasi
Pengaruh Jenis Sulur dan Jumlah Ruas Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Tanaman Lada (Piper nigrum L.)
Authors: Anggia Anggia , Sutary Wa Ode Intan
Published: December 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui : (1) pengaruh jenis sulur terhadap pertumbuhan bibit tanaman lada, (2) pengaruh jumlah ruas terhadap pertumbuhan bibit tanaman lada (3) pengaruh interaksi jenis sulur dan jumlah ruas terhadap pertumbuhan bibit tanaman lada. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Juni sampai Agustus 2022 bertempat dikebun percobaan Program Studi Agroteknologi Kelurahan Ngkari-Ngkari Kecamatan Bungi Kota Baubau.Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan pola faktorial terdiri dari 3 ulangan. Faktor pertama jenis sulur yaitu: sulur gantung (S1), sulur panjat (S2) dan sulur cacing (S3). Faktor kedua jumlah ruas yaitu : ruas 3 (R1), ruas 5 (R2), ruas 7 (R3). Analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis of varians (ANOVA) dengan uji lanjut BNJ pada taraf 5%.Parameter penelitian meliputi jumlah tuas, jumlah daun, diameter tunas (cm), dan panjang sulur (cm).Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa perlakuan jenis sulur berpengaruh terhadap parameter jumlah tunas, jumlah daun, diameter tunas (cm) dan panjang sulur (cm).Jumlah ruas berpengaruh terhadap parameter jumlah tunas, jumlah daun, diameter tunas (mm) dan panjang sulur (cm).Terdapat pengaruh interaksi terhadap parameter jumlah tunas, jumlah daun, diameter tunas (cm), dan panjang sulur (cm).Perlakuan sulur panjat yang dikombinasikan dengan ruas 5(R2) serta ruas 7 (R3) merupakan perlakuan yang terbaik pada penelitian ini.
Peran Kualitas Layanan dalam Meningkatkan Kepuasan Masyarakat
Authors: Yusuf Yusuf , Hastuti Hastuti , Taufik Muhammad , Ariawan Ariawan
Published: December 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji peran kualitas layanan dalam meningkatkan kepuasan masyarakat pada Kantor Dinas Catatan Sipil Kota Kendari. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada masyarakat Kota Kendari yang menggunakan layanan masyarakat pada Kantor Catatan Sipil Kota Kendari sebanyak 75 orang. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode survey dan pengumpulan data melalui kuesioner yang telah lolos uji validitas dan reliabilitasnya. Analisa data menggunakan regresi linear berganda.  Peneliti menemukan bahwa secara simultan kualitas layanan yang diproksikan oleh dimensi bukti fisik (X1) empati (X2), kehandalan (X3), daya tanggap (X4) dan jaminan (X5) secara secara simultan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan masyarakat. Sedangkan uji parsial ditemukan variabel empati (X2), kehandalan (X3), daya tanggap (X4) dan jaminan (X5) memiliki prngaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan masyarakat, namun kualiatas layanan pada dimensi bukti fisik (X1) memiliki pengaruh positif tetapi tidak signifikan.