bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Dawn to Dusk – Mimicking Natural Daylight Exposure Improves Circadian Rhythm Entrainment in Patients with Severe Brain Injury
Authors: Angerer Monika , Pichler Gerald , Angerer Birgit , Scarpatetti Monika , Schabus Manuel , Blume Christine
Published: November 2020

Study Objectives:While light therapy has proven effective in re-entraining circadian rhythms, the potential of such an intervention has not been evaluated systematically in post-comatose patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC), who often have strongly altered circadian rhythms.Methods:We recorded skin temperature over 7–8 days in patients with DOC in each of two conditions: habitual light (HL), and dynamic daylight (DDL) condition. While patients were in a room with usual clinic lighting in the HL condition, they were in an otherwise comparable room with biodynamic lighting (i.e. higher illuminance and dynamic changes in spectral characteristics during the day) in the DDL condition. To detect rhythmicity in the patients’ temperature data, we computed Lomb-Scargle periodograms and analysed normalized power, and peak period. Furthermore, we computed interdaily stability and intradaily variability, which provide information about rhythm entrainment and fragmentation.Results:We analysed data from 17 patients with DOC (i.e. unresponsive wakefulness syndrome [n=15] and minimally conscious state [n=2]). The period length of the patients’ temperature rhythms was closer to 24h in the DDL as compared to the HL condition (median deviation from 24h: HL=3.62h, DDL=0.52h). Specifically, in 11/17 (65%) patients the period length was closer to 24h in the DDL condition. Furthermore, the patients’ rhythm was more pronounced, more stable, and less variable in the DDL condition.Conclusions:Our results indicate that DDL stimulation entrains and stabilizes circadian rhythms. This highlights the importance of adequate room lighting as an adjunct therapeutic approach for improving circadian rhythms in severely brain-injured patients.
Peran Perawat Dalam Meningkatkan Keselematan Pasien Dirumah Sakit
Authors: intan
Published: November 2020

Keselamatan pasien atau patient safety merupakan sistem pelayanan rumah sakit yang memberikan asuhan pasien secara lebih aman. Termasuk didalamnya prosedur : mengukur (assessing) risiko, identifikasi, dan pengelolaan risiko terhadap pasien, pelaporan dan analisis insiden, kemampuan untuk menindaklanjuti insiden serta menerapkan solusi untuk mengurangi serta meminimalisasi risiko yang juga melalui komunikasi dengan pasien. Dapat dikatakan bahwa fokus utama patient safety adalah upaya yang dilakukan untuk menghindari terjadinya kesalahan.(1) WHO mengestimasikan, 1 dari 10 pasien dirugikan selama mendapatkan pelayanan kesehatan di rumah sakit yang terjadi di negara-negara maju. Sedangkan di negara-negara berkembang, peluang pasien untuk dirugikan selama menerima perawatan kesehatan di rumah sakit lebih tinggi dibandingkan negara-negara industri. Risiko kejadian infeksi dalam pelayanan kesehatan di negara-negara berkembang 20 kali lebih besar dibandingkan negaranegara maju.(2) Masalah kesehatan terkait patient safety pun kerap dikeluhkan di Indonesia. Departemen Kesehatan Republik Indonesia menyatakan bahwa data KTD, terlebih pada Kejadian Nyaris Cedera (Near Miss) masih sangat langka dalam pelaporan, namun terjadi peningkatan tuduhan terhadap malpraktik. Jika dibandingkan dengan negara-negara maju seperti Amerika dan Inggris yang memiliki standar pelayanan kesehatan lebih baik dari Indonesia, dapat dibayangkan angka KTD dan kesalahan medis yang terjadi di Indonesia dapat lebih besar pula.(3) Pelayanan gawat darurat merupakan salah satu komponen pelayanan rumah sakit yang dilaksanakan di Instalasi Gawat Darurat (IGD). Adapun fungsi IGD adalah menyelenggarakan pelayanan asuhan medis dan asuhan keperawatan serta pelayanan pembedahan darurat bagi pasien yang datang dengan gawat darurat medis. Sebagai unit pelayanan yang menanggulangi penderita gawat darurat, IGD merupakan high clinical risks areas, oleh karena itu pelayanan di IGD harus dikelola sedemikian rupa sehingga pasien mendapatkan perawatan yang baik dan aman, salah satu upaya untuk mewujudkan pelayanan yang aman adalah kembali lagi dengan penerapan patient safety yang baik di IGD.(4) Belum terdapat data mengenai kejadian terkait keselamatan pasien (patient safety) di IGD yang lengkap dan akurat di Indonesia, namun berdasarkan data Komite Keselamatan Pasien Rumah Sakit.
Heat transfer and entropy generation in a microchannel with longitudinal vortex generators using Nanofluids
Authors: Ebrahimi Amin , Nezami Farhad Rikhtegar , Sabaghan Amin , Roohi Ehsan
Published: November 2020

Conjugated heat transfer and hydraulic performance for nanofluid flow in a rectangular microchannel heat sink with LVGs (longitudinal vortex generators) are numerically investigated using at different ranges of Reynolds numbers. Three-dimensional simulations are performed on a microchannel heated by a constant heat flux with a hydraulic diameter of 160 μm and six pairs of LVGs using a single-phase model. Coolants are selected to be nanofluids containing low volume-fractions (0.5%–3.0%) of Al2O3 or CuO nanoparticles with different particle sizes dispersed in pure water. The employed model is validated and compared by published experimental, and single-phase and two-phase numerical data for various geometries and nanoparticle sizes. The results demonstrate that heat transfer is enhanced by 2.29–30.63% and 9.44%–53.06% for water-Al2O3 and water-CuO nanofluids, respectively, in expense of increasing the pressure drop with respect to pure-water by 3.49%–16.85% and 6.5%–17.70%, respectively. We have also observed that the overall efficiency is improved by 2.55%–29.05% and 9.78%–50.64% for water-Al2O3 and water-CuO nanofluids, respectively. The results are also analyzed in terms of entropy generation, leading to the important conclusion that using nanofluids as the working fluid could reduce the irreversibility level in the rectangular microchannel heat sinks with LVGs. No exterma (minimums) is found for total entropy generation for the ranges of parameters studied.
Digital, mathematical and cognitive training: Evidence from a randomized trial
Authors: Bozzoli Carlos Guillermo , Gonzalez-Gadea Maria Luz , Hermida Maria Julia , Navarro Lucía , Olego Tomás Alberto , Klingberg Torkel
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we experimentally evaluate a cognitive training tool that aims to improve children’s mathematical ability through technology in rural primary schools in Argentina. We conducted a large cluster-randomized trial: schools in the treatment group used an app to train mathematical skills, while schools in the control group received a literacy book. We tested the math skills of 1,304 children in the 2nd through 6th grades from 80 rural schools and applied three cognitive tests: digit-span (working memory), face-perception (attention to objects), and block design (visuospatial reasoning), directly before and after the 10-week intervention period. In schools that received the treatment, we found no improvement in the digit-span or face-perception tests, but significant and positive effects in visuospatial reasoning and mathematical abilities. The improvement among students from treatment schools was 54 percentage points higher in math skills and 42 percentage points higher in visuospatial abilities than the gains by students in control schools. This study suggests this intervention is a feasible and effective way of enhancing the mathematical and cognitive abilities of children in rural areas.
The accuracy and meta-accuracy of personality impressions from faces
Authors: Jaeger Bastian , Sleegers Willem , Stern Julia , Penke Lars , Jones Alex Lee
Published: November 2020

People spontaneously judge others’ personality based on their facial appearance and these impressions guide many important decisions. Although the consequences of personality impressions are well documented, studies on the accuracy of personality impressions have yielded mixed results. Moreover, little is known about people’s meta-accuracy (i.e., whether they are aware of their judgment accuracy). Even if accuracy is generally low, meta-accuracy would allow people to rely on their impressions in the right situations. In two studies (one preregistered), we examined the accuracy and meta-accuracy of personality impressions. We addressed three crucial limitations of previous studies (a) by incentivizing accuracy and meta-accuracy, (b) by relying on substantially larger samples of raters and targets (646 participants rating 1,660 faces), and (c) by conducting Bayesian analyses to also quantify evidence for the null hypothesis. Our findings consistently suggest that people show neither accuracy nor meta-accuracy when forming face-based personality impressions.
Recognition of Canine Emotion by the Psychiatric Service Dog Owner-Handler
Authors: Fisher Colleen Anne , MacKay Jill R D
Published: November 2020

Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) continue to gain popularity as a therapeutic modality for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As part of this therapy, dogs receive training known as the emotional service profile and learn to alert when sensing handler anxiety. Questions remain within all AAI how best to identify and measure poor animal welfare states. In this study, we explored whether the emotional service profile aspect of PTSD AAI affects handler ability to recognize potential welfare challenges in their dogs. A cohort of psychiatric service dog handlers (PsySD, n=23) were compared with a control group of search and rescue dog handlers where the dogs had no emotional service profile as part of their training (SARK9, n=16). In an online survey, participants completed the Animal Empathy Scale evaluation, identified canine affective state via standardized video presentation, and recounted personal observations of their handler-canine relationship. There was no correlation observed between handler empathy and ability to identify canine affective state (r = 0.3767, D.F. = 37, p = 0.709). A greater proportion of SARK9 handlers recognized stress-related body language compared to PsySD handlers although the statistical difference was not significant (2 = 3.81, D.F = 1, p = 0.051, d = 0.66). There were minimal statistical differences between PsySD and SARK9 handlers in all factors, suggesting that the handler-focused nature of the PsySD emotional service profile did not imply less understanding of dog behavior compared to SARK9 handlers. Our findings suggest detection and interpretation of body language cues associated with subtle affective states posed challenges for both groups of service dog handlers and offer an opportunity for program development to advance welfare considerations and promote success within service dog teams.
Descriptive, predictive and explanatory personality research: Different goals, different approaches, but a shared need to move beyond the Big Few traits
Authors: Mõttus René , Wood Dustin , Condon David M , Back Mitja , Baumert Anna , Costantini Giulio , Epskamp Sacha , Greiff Samuel , Johnson Wendy , Lukaszewski Aaron , Murray Aja Louise , Revelle William , Wright Aidan G.C. , Yarkoni Tal , Ziegler Matthias , Zimmermann Johannes
Published: November 2020

We argue that it is useful to distinguish between three key goals of personality science – description, prediction and explanation – and that attaining them often requires different priorities and methodological approaches. We put forward specific recommendations such as publishing findings with minimum a priori aggregation and exploring the limits of predictive models without being constrained by parsimony and intuitiveness but instead maximising out-of-sample predictive accuracy. We argue that naturally-occurring variance in many decontextualized and multi-determined constructs that interest personality scientists may not have individual causes, at least as this term is generally understood and in ways that are human-interpretable, never mind intervenable. If so, useful explanations are narratives that summarize many pieces of descriptive findings rather than models that target individual cause-effect associations. By meticulously studying specific and contextualized behaviours, thoughts, feelings and goals, however, individual causes of variance may ultimately be identifiable, although such causal explanations will likely be far more complex, phenomenon-specific and person-specific than anticipated thus far. Progress in all three areas – description, prediction, and explanation – requires higher-dimensional models than the currently-dominant “Big Few” and supplementing subjective trait-ratings with alternative sources of information such as informant-reports and behavioural measurements. Developing a new generation of psychometric tools thus provides many immediate research opportunities.
Unrealistic optimism and HEXACO traits as predictors of risk perception and compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures during the first wave of pandemic
Authors: Oljača Milan , Sadiković Selka , Branovacki Bojan , Pajić Dejan , Smederevac Snežana , Mitrović Dušanka
Published: November 2020

The aims of this study were to examine possible differences and factors that contribute to risk perception and compliance with preventive measures at the beginning (T1) and the end (T2) of the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of 423 participants (M = 30.29, SD = 14.45; 69% female). Compliance, risk perception and trust in information were significantly higher in T1 than T2. For risk perception, significant predictors in both T1 and T2 were age, Emotionality (HEXACO-PI-R) and Unrealistic Optimism (NLE, Negative Life Events). Trust in information was a significant predictor in T1, while Unrealistic Optimism (Positive Life Events) was a signifi-cant predictor in T2. For compliance, significant predictors in T1 were gender and trust in information while in T2 were Emo-tionality, Extraversion, Conscientiousness (HEXACO-PI-R), NLE and trust in information, for both T1 and T2. In general, findings suggest a much more pronounced role of personality traits in adherence to protective measures at the end than at the beginning of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia. Also, the results indicate the role of unrealistic opti-mism regarding negative life events in lower compliance with protective measures.
The Impact of Ideological Diversity on Educational Performance: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rouse Cecilia Elena , Paluck Elizabeth Levy , Chin Jason C. , Wickett Amy , Pezzuto John-Henry
Published: November 2020

What is known about the real-world educational effects of ideological diversity in the classroom? Surprisingly, given the amount of attention paid to the role of ideological diversity on higher education outcomes such as critical thinking and academic performance, scant causal evidence exists. We use a lab-in-the-field experiment to test whether the presence of ideologically more conservative students in academic discussion groups, as compared to groups of students who all slanted ideologically liberal, would improve academic outcomes in terms of the quality of each student’s individual academic work. The complete population of an incoming cohort of policy graduate students (N = 78) took part in the experiment. Results demonstrate that students assigned to the ideologically heterogeneous discussion groups subsequently wrote individual assignments that received significantly more negative grades by a professional grader blind to experimental condition and to student identity. Survey results from participating students also suggest that students in the ideologically heterogeneous discussion groups were also significantly more likely to perceive interpersonal conflict and to dislike their group dynamics—a result that was not driven by students of a particular ideological slant. As a small pilot, this study provides questions to resolve with future research, including the role of pedagogy in managing ideological diversity, and provides a template for future experimental designs.
The Negro Labor Committee and the Dilemmas of Black Trade Unionism in New York City, 1925-1950
Authors: Stillerman Joel
Published: November 2020

The Negro Labor Committee (NLC) was an organization of black and white trade unionists which sought to eliminate the barriers to labor market entry and trade union membership that black workers faced after their mass migrations to New York City during and immediately after World War I. The same organization existed under several different names between 1925 and 1969. As perhaps the only sustained effort in New York by a black-led organization to focus specifically on the problems of blacks as both workers and trade unionists, the NLC evokes considerable interest. Drawing on the NLC's written records, this paper argues that the NLC's overarching loyalty to the labor movement led it to underestimate the efficacy of organizing blacks through community institutions toward goals defined in terms of the community's interest. Thus, the NLC sacrificed racial solidarity for trade union solidarity, only to find that most white unions in the American Federation of Labor (AFL) were more committed to the former than to the latter.
Clinical profile of patients with acute pancreatitis in a tertiary care centre in Tripura: A retrospective study
Authors: Das Surajit Kumar , Das Saswati
Published: November 2020

Background: Acute Pancreatitis is a common disease with wide clinical variation and its incidence is increasing. Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory process leading to abdominal pain, progressive destruction of exocrine tissue and in some patients a loss of endocrine tissue as well, with multiple organ failure and high mortality. Severity of acute pancreatitis is linked to the presence of systemic organ dysfunction and/or necrotizing pancreatitis.
Aims and Objective: The present study was aimed to study the clinical profile of acute pancreatitis, the etiology and complications of acute pancreatitis received treatment in the Department of Surgery, Tripura Medical College & Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital, Agartala, Tripura.
Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based retrospective study which was conducted from January 2019 to December 2019. All patients with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis were included in this study in order to find out the clinical presentations from the available clinical, laboratory and radiological data.
Result: Of the 100 patients in this study, 96 were male and 4 were female. Minimum age in our study was 10 years and maximum were 70 years. Maximum numbers of patients were below 45 years of age. Alcohol was identified as the most important etiological factor associated with acute pancreatitis. Among the known etiological factors 90% of the cases were related to alcoholism and 4% were due to gall stone disease. Abdominal pain and vomiting were the most common symptoms in our study. Epigastric tenderness was present in 90% of the cases and guarding/rigidity in 50% of cases. 14% patients showed jaundice as a sign of acute pancreatitis. There was no major difference between the CT grading system and clinical grading system. Most of the patients recovered with conservative treatment. Adverse outcome was noted in one patient with acute necrotizing pancreatitis.
Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis is one of the leading causes of increase in morbidity and mortality to society. Clinical assessment along with radiological findings correlated well with the morbidity and mortality. Our study identifies alcoholism as one of the most important etiological factors.
Tackling AMR crisis in India: Changing paradigm
Authors: Lahiry Sandeep , Ramalingam Rajesh , Dalal Krunal , Pawar Ashwini , Chugh Yashpal , Gandhi Alap , Kotak Bhavesh
Published: November 2020

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important public health concern globally. For India, undoubtedly, AMR has had profound impact on its health & socioeconomic parameters. Several hospital and community-based surveys have indicated alarming rise in incidence of multidrug resistant microbes, especially ‘superbugs’, having direct links with antibiotic use/misuse. Additionally, paucity in data with regards to quantification of AMR crisis & its determinants has been concerning. However, the national commitment to address AMR has steadily increased of late, with an oft-restated realization – it is time to act. Recent initiatives like National Policy for Containment of AMR (2011), Chennai Declaration (2012), Anti-microbial Resistance Surveillance and Research Network (2013), The Red Line Campaign (2016), National Action Plan (NAP) for AMR (2017), ICMR Treatment Guidelines for Antimicrobial Use in Common Syndromes (2019) are promising measures expected to have positive impact on both clinical and economic outcome in India. This paper provides a snapshot of major strategies proposed in recent years, including educational and awareness initiatives, infection control guidelines, audit and feedback, antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance projects etc. It also identifies technical challenges & opportunities for improved AMR mitigation in India.
Clinical and laboratory profile of Scrub typhus in paediatric age group
Authors: Mishra Atindra , Thakur Rupa , Thakur Ruby
Published: November 2020

Background: Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, obligate intracellular organism. Incidence of Scrub typhus is increasing due to easy availability and decreased cost of diagnostic facility. This study was designed to study the clinical and laboratory profile of scrub typhus patient in department of paediatrics at National Medical College, Birgunj.
Aims and Objectives: To study the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and complications of Scrub typhus in Pediatric age group.
Methods and Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in children below the age of 15 years, admitted in paediatrics department of a tertiary care hospital of Nepal from June 2019 to May 2020. Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings were collected and recorded in predesigned data sheet. Scrub typhus was diagnosed with IgM ELISA.
Results: A total of 52 patients were diagnosed as scrub typhus. All patients presented with fever and commonly had other symptoms such as headache (65.3%), vomiting (63.5%), cough (59.6%), breathing difficulty (57.7%), abdominal pain (53.9%), seizures (21.2%) and rashes (9.6%). Important clinical signs noticed were lymphadenopathy (84.6%), edema (76.4%), hepatomegaly (56.8%), splenomegaly (36.5%) jaundice (30.7%). About 12% (n = 9) had necrotic eschar. 54% of the admitted patient confirmed using open defecation. Myocarditis (67.3%) was the commonest complication followed by Acute Kidney Injury (65.4%).
Conclusions: Scrub typhus must be considered in differential of tropical fever in children, especially in those residing in rural area and having open defecation. In our study, Fever was the ubiquitous symptom and Myocarditis was the commonest complication.
Urinary tract infection and antimicrobial resistance profile in patients attending Nemba District Hospital in Rwanda
Authors: Bosco Munyemana Jean , Jonas Bikorimana , Evelyne Kantarama , Pauline Kabanyana
Published: November 2020

Background: About 150 million people worldwide are diagnosed with urinary tract infection (UTI) every year and more than half of women get UTI at least once in their lifetimes. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have contributed to the growing problem of resistance amongst uropathogenic bacteria making it hard to treat.
Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to determine bacteria causing UTIs and their antibiotic resistance profile among patients attending Nemba District Hospital in Rwanda.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study design was used and 267 patient’s data with positive urine culture were reviewed from microbiology laboratory logbooks.
Results: In this study, UTI was more frequent in female 180(67.4%) than male 87(32.6%). The most frequently isolated bacteria to cause UTI were Escherichia coli (56.93%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (28.46%), Proteus spp. (4.49%), Klebsiella spp. (3.75%), Morganella morganii (1.87%), Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (1.50%), Neisseria gonorrhea (1.12%), Enterobacter spp. (1.12%) and Citrobacter spp. (0.7%). There was a high antimicrobial resistance profile among bacterial isolates. The most commonly used antimicrobial agents including third-generation cephalosporin were resistant to bacterial isolates at a higher rate.
Conclusion: These findings suggest continued antimicrobial resistance surveillance and special precautions should be taken for empirical treatment referring to local antimicrobial resistance.
Myocardial bridging in the course of coronary arteries and its clinical significance
Authors: Rai Gunjan , Khanna Soumya , Singh Royana
Published: November 2020

Background: Sudden death in young adults in absence of any risk factor related to coronary arterial disease has been reported. It could be because of some unrecognized congenital coronary artery anomalies like myocardial bridging. The clinician should keep myocardial bridging as a differential diagnosis in cases of sudden death in young individuals having no risk factors of coronary artery diseases.
Aims and Objective: The present study was conducted to know the prevalence of myocardial bridge and percentage of distribution of myocardial bridges in the course of different coronary arteries of cadaveric hearts.
Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, IMS, BHU Varanasi. Total numbers of 49 formalin preserved hearts were taken for the study. The hearts were meticulously dissected to see the distribution and location of myocardial bridge. Coronary arteries with myocardial bridge were photographed and data was statistically analyzed.Out of 49 hearts, 26(53.06%) showed myocardial bridging. Total numbers of bridges were found to be 34 in number. Among the 26 myocardial bridged hearts 8 hearts (30.76%) showed double myocardial bridges and 18 hearts (69.23%) showed single myocardial bridges. In hearts with double myocardial bridging, 5 of them showed myocardial bridging in the territory of both anterior interventricular artery (AIVA) and posterior interventricular artery (PIVA) and 3 showed bridging in the territory of anterior interventricular artery and its diagonal branch. Among the18 single myocardial bridging 16 were in the course of anterior interventricular artery and two showed myocardial bridging in one of the diagonal branch of AIVA. There were 24 myocardial bridges in the course of AIVA, 16 as a part of single myocardial bridged hearts and 8 as a part of double myocardial bridged heart with the percentage of distribution were 2 (8.33%)in the proximal 1/3rd,18(75%)were in middle 1/3rd and 4(16.66%) were in distal 1/3rd.
Conclusion: Due to the presence of high percentage of reported myocardial bridges in cadaveric hearts, the clinicians should always screen the young individuals and athletes having myocardial ischemia for the myocardial bridges along with other etiological factors.
Role of colonizers and value of routine surveillance culture of endotracheal aspirate of patients in the diagnosis of ventilator associated pneumonia
Authors: Siddique Sana , Haider Fareya , Ahmad Sharique , Iqbal Khalid , Singh Mastan
Published: November 2020

Background: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is considered to be second most common nosocomial infection patients requiring critical care.
Aims and Objective: The present study was conducted to study the role of colonizers and importance of surveillance cultures of endotracheal aspirate (ETA) in the diagnosis of ventilator associated pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow.
Materials and Methods: An observational longitudinal study was conducted over a period of 2 years, on a total of 210 critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation for >48hrs, to identify the common isolates from ETA culture. Follow up of such patients was done to know the role of these isolates in causation of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP). Patients fulfilling both clinical Pulmonary infection score (CPIS>6) and microbiological criteria were diagnosed as VAP. Those microorganisms with a colony count of less<105 cfu/ml in both the patients with VAP and those without VAP were considered as colonizers.
Results: Klebseilla pneumonia (46.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.2%) and E.coli (13.8%) were found be the commonest colonisers followed by Acinetobacterbaumanii (8.6%), Citrobacterkoseri (3.8%), Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (2.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (2.4%) and Proteus vulgaris (1%). Of the total patients 28 developed VAP out of which 21 had late onset VAP and 7 had early onset VAP. Among the VAP positive patients the causative organism was Klebsiella pneumonia (53.6%) for majority of cases followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.4%) and Acinetobacter baumanii (17.9%).
Conclusion: Prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation increased the chances of colonization by MDR microorganisms leading to nosocomial or Hospital acquired infections (HAI) such as VAP which in turn lead to increased rate of morbidity and mortality. VAP considered to be a leading cause of HAI, routine quantitative surveillance culture of ETA(endotracheal aspirate) will allow prospectively to determine prevalence and progression of  colonization in lower respiratory tract, so that strict and prompt preventive measures can be taken rather than cure.
Knowledge and awareness on usage of mouth masks among dental fraternity during this pandemic COVID-19: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ravi Ravichandra , Athkuri Srividya , Ponugubati Charishma Chowdary , Borugadda Roopesh , Pamidimukkala Sahithi , Afraaz Abdul
Published: November 2020

Background: The pandemic caused by novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 is a highly infectious disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of Corona Virus Diseases (COVID 19) as a global public health emergency. Currently, research on novel coronaviruses is still in the primary stage.
Aims and Objective: The aim of this study is to assess knowledge and awareness on the usage of mouth masks among dental fraternity during this pandemic COVID-19.
Materials and Methods: A total of 507 dentists from the Andhra Pradesh (India) region completed a questionnaire-based survey on knowledge, awareness, and infection control measures, such as usage of mouth masks during the pandemic COVID -19. The questionnaire was tailored from the guidance and the information provided for healthcare workers issued by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A suitable sampling method was used for the collection of data, and the distribution of responses was presented as percentages. Explanatory statistics were performed for all groups based on the percentage of correct responses.
Results: A total of 530 participated in the survey, out of which 507 dentists completely answered the survey, and the response rate was 95.6%. Among the respondents, general practitioners and postgraduates accounted for 58.8% and 41.2%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference for all the questions solicited among the respondents. General or private practitioners seem to be more aware than postgraduates, as they have answered correctly (>65%) for almost all the questions.
Conclusion: The inputs from the study help us to throw some light and fill up space where required. There is a specific and strong need to implement periodic educational programmes and training sessions on infection control practices for COVID-19 among dentists in particular.
Germplasm rescue and rebuilding local seed systems in red zone areas
Authors: Joshi Bal Krishna , Gauchan Devendra , Sapkota Shreejana , Poudyal Kritesh , Ghimire Krishna Hari , Dongol Durga Man Singh
Published: November 2020

Native agrobiodiversity become endangered and even lost due to natural disasters in red zone area such as earthquake that hit Nepal on April and May 2015. Endangered agricultural genetic resources should be rescued and revival of disrupted local seed system was essential for sustainable and productive agriculture in earthquake affected areas. The objectives of this paper are to document methods employed to rescue germplasm and rebuild local seed systems in earthquake affected areas to restore lost crop diversity and strengthen local seed systems. Among 14 severely hit districts by April 2015 earthquake in Nepal, 10 districts were selected for germplasm rescue and rebuilding local seed system. We surveyed households and sensitized relevant stakeholders. Earthquake affected areas were declared as red zones and status of crop landraces were assessed through survey, five cell analysis and focus group discussion. Three germplasm rescue techniques, namely direct rescue, diversity fair and indirect rescue were applied. Local seed systems were rebuilt through diversity fair, diversity block, seed exchange, repatriation and diversity kits. Collected accessions were characterized, multiplied and conserved in National Genebank and community seed banks. About 5-10% of total local crop diversity (based on the landraces) were lost due to earthquake in these districts. A total of 921 accessions of 61 crops along with 284 rare and endangered crop landraces were collected and rescued from 35 VDCs of 10 severely earthquake affected districts. Climate analogue sites and climate smart germplasm were identified for some of earthquake affected areas, and five landraces of four crops were repatriated. Participatory seed exchange, diversity fairs and 200 diversity kits (containing 3 to 5 varieties) were employed to revive the local seed systems. Farmers’ preferred landraces were conserved in Community Seed Bank in Lamjung and Dolakha and all collections were conserved in Naional Genebank, Khumaltar, Nepal. The study concludes that multiple approaches and tools are necessary for germplasm rescue and rebuilding local seed systems from red zone area
Collaborative exploration and collection of native plant genetic resources as assisted by agrobiodiversity fair
Authors: Mainali Ram P , Karkee Ajaya , Neupane Dipesh , Pokhrel Padma , Thapa Pradip , Ghimire Krishna H , Joshi Bal K , Mishra Krishna K
Published: November 2020

This article describes the agrobiodiversity fair aided exploration and collection expedition of native plant genetic resources in southern Lalitpur, jointly organized by the National Agriculture Genetic Resources Centre (NAGRC) and Group of Helping Hands (SAHAS) Nepal. In-district one-day agrobiodiversity fairs were organized in February and December month of 2019, altogether two times, and these agrobiodiversity fairs were used as a tool to explore plant genetic resources found in Bagmati and Mahankal Rural Municipalities of Lalitpur district. To collect these explored genetic resources during agrobiodiversity fairs, the joint field expedition, key informant survey, diversity rich farmers discussion was used as a collection tool. The present study explored, inventoried, collected and conserved 148 accessions of 44 crop species, the highest number (18 accessions) was of chayote followed by 10 accessions each of soybean, cowpea and maize and 9 accessions of common bean. Collections are generally new and unique. Many landraces, mostly from rice (13 landraces) were identified as extinct from the surveyed areas and few are under extinction mainly due to attraction of farmers to new high yielding varieties. The collected species with orthodox seeds were tested for germination ability and those that passed a minimum of 85% germination, were preserved in seedbank of NAGRC. NAGRC plans to characterize these accessions in the coming seasons depending upon the season of crop growing. The current expedition collected eight species for which mode of propagation is vegetative or those for which seed storage behavior falls under intermediate mode. NAGRC has been started expanding field genebank coverage using these accessions.
Comparative study on technical efficiency of mechanized and traditional rice farm in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Prakash , Regmi Punya Prasad , Gauchan Devendra , KC Dilli Bahadur , KC Gopal Bahadur
Published: November 2020

The study was conducted among 274 mechanized and 220 traditional rice farms using multistage sampling technique to assess the technical efficiency in rice production among mechanized and traditional farmers in Jhapa, Sunsari and Bardiya districts.  The Cobb-Douglas functional form of the stochastic production frontier was employed to obtain the technical efficiency in mechanized and traditional rice farms. The overall technical efficiency of the mechanized and traditional rice farm ranged from 40.31 to 92.23 and 31.21 to 85.02%t with the mean technical efficiency of 80.56 and 70.11% respectively. The scope of increasing output by adopting the technology adopted by the best performer was 19.44% in mechanized and 29.89% in traditional rice farm respectively. Majority of the farmers were operating at an efficiency level 70-80% and 60-70% in mechanized and traditional farms respectively. The average technical efficiency of mechanized rice farm was higher than that of traditional rice farm and the difference was significant. There was scope of increasing output through rational use of existing resources in both farm categories. Manures, chemical fertilizers had significant and positive effect to total yield of rice kg/ha. The effect of machine use to total yield of rice was positive and significant. Rice farms adopting machines were more technically efficient compared to traditional rice farm.
Depth-wise variations of soil physicochemical properties in the apple growing area of Mustang district, Nepal
Authors: Amgain Rita , Khadka Dinesh , Joshi Sushila , Malla Rajan
Published: November 2020

Understanding the soil fertility is an important management tool in assessing the nutrient requirement of the crops. Considering this, a study was done to determine depth-wise soil parameters distribution in the apple growing areas of Gharpajhog Rural Municipality, Mustang during October 2019. The total 68 sampling points were selected randomly in the different sites, and collection was done from three depths viz. 0-20cm, 20-40cm and 40-60cm by using soil sampling auger. The soil separates, pH, organic matter, total N, available P2O5 and K2O were determined following standard methods in National Soil Science Research Centre, Khumaltar. The results of the study revealed that the effect of depth was significant in the sand and silt proportion, while non- significant in clay proportion. The highest (40.17±1.57%) sand content was in 40-60cm depth, meanwhile highest (45.64±1.07%) silt content was in surface (0-20cm) depth. In addition to this, soil pH, OM, total N, available P2O5 and K2O were also affected by the depth. The highest (8.27) pH was determined in the lower (40-60cm) depth. On the other hand, highest OM (4.93±0.2%), total N (0.24±0.01%), available P2O5 (43.47±4.35 mg/kg) and available K2O (95.91±5.8 mg/kg) in surface (0.20 cm) depth. The surface depth possessed strong content of studied soil parameters might be due to in-situ incorporation of leaf litter, residue etc. as well as applied manure in the surface. Finally, we can also conclude that the adopted current nutrient management practice should be continued for apple production in the study area.
Varietal evaluation of promising maize genotypes in mid hills of Nepal
Authors: Neupane Bipin , Poudel Ankur , Wagle Pradeep
Published: November 2020

The varietal evaluation of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes with desired performance is one of the main objectives of maize breeding program. Fourteen hybrid maize genotypes were evaluated for 17 quantitative and nine qualitative traits in randomized complete block design with three replications at Sundarbazar, Lamjung, Nepal during May to September, 2019. The major objective was to identify superior genotypes based on genotypic and phenotypic variability, heritability, genetic advance, and correlation between grain yield and yield associated traits. We observed significant differences for 17 quantitative traits among the tested genotypes. Large variation was observed for grain yield among genotypes. Genotype RL-24-0/ RL-111 had the lowest yield (5.53 mt/ha) and Pioneer had the highest yield (11.98 mt/ha) whereas check variety Rampur Hybrid-10 yielded of 8.23 mt/ha. Grain yield showed highly significant positive correlations with stem girth (r= 0.67) and number of ears (r=0.6), but significant negative correlation with anthesis-silking interval (r= -0.55). The dendrogram grouped 14 genotypes into four clusters. Cluster I incorporated the highest number (five) of genotypes, which also had highest cluster mean (average yield of ~10 mt/ha) for grain yield. Traits namely test weight, ear aspect, anthesis-silking interval, number of ears, and tassel branching had high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations, and heritability along with high genetic advances, indicating that these traits can be considered for maize breeding program.
Evaluation of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum) genotypes for genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation studies
Authors: Gerema Geleta
Published: November 2020

The present investigation was undertaken to study the genetic variability, heritability and correlation coefficient analysis for 7 metric traits in 12 durum wheat genotypes at western Oromia during 2015-2018. Significant genotypic differences were observed for the majority traits studied, indicates considerable amount of variation among genotypes for each character. The estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were high for kernels per spikelet, thousand kernels weight, and number of kernels per spike and grain yield. The remaining traits were ranged from low to moderate estimates. High heritability estimates were recorded for the majority traits studied.  The estimated broad – sense heritability (h2) has ranged from 31.6% for maturity to 80.8% for grain yield. High genetic advance combined with high heritability was recorded for plant height, thousand kernel weight, kernels per spike and grain yield, indicates that most likely selection based on phenotype of genotypes could be effective to improve these characters. Grain yield was positively and significantly correlated with spike length, kernels per spike and thousand kernels weight both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. The strong correlation of grain yield with the mentioned traits showed that grain yield could be indirectly improved through improving these traits. This information might be used in the genetics and breeding programmes for improvement of durum wheat.
Resource use efficiency of maize production with and without irrigation system in Kaski, Nepal
Authors: Khanal Kapil , Adhikari Kalika Bahadur , Dhakal Shiva Chandra , Marahatta Santosh
Published: November 2020

The study examined the resource use efficiency of maize production in rainfed and irrigated conditions in Kaski, Nepal. It focused specially on the production function of maize, resource use efficiency and socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers. A well-structured interview schedule was used in this study. Out of the 368 households interviewed, 165 farmers cultivated maize and a total of 157 farmers (59 from irrigated and 98 from rainfed) provided useful data. The data analysis was done by using Microsoft excel and SPSS. Cobb-Douglas production function was used to determine the resource use efficiency of maize production.  Compared to rainfed system, maize productivity in irrigated system was higher despite the use of fewer input implying irrigation. Increase in seed use by 10% increased the yield by 1.9% in case of rainfed system and 0.05% in case of the irrigated system. The major implication for the study is that farmers should make proper utilization of their resources to achieve higher level of resource use efficiency.
Post-harvest practices and loss assessment in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Tiwari Injila , Shah Kabita Kumari , Tripathi Subina , Modi Bindu , Shrestha Jiban , Pandey Hari Prasad , Bhattarai Bishnu Prasad , Rajbhandari Binayak Prasad
Published: November 2020

Postharvest loss is one of the major problems in tomato production. This study was conducted to assess the post-harvest practices and losses of tomato at the farmers’ fields in three districts namely Kathmandu (Kavresthali), Lalitpur (Lubhoo, and Lamatar), and Bhaktapur (Tathali and Kaushaltar). By using a simple random sampling method, the sample size of 60 respondents was chosen. A pre-tested questionnaire, group conversation, and key-informant survey were applied in this study. The results revealed that 10.3% of the respondents produced the tomato on a small scale whereas 58.8% of respondents produced on large scale. 10% of total losses were found from harvesting to marketing. In the field, during harvesting and packaging, there was a 2% loss. The tomato loss was negligible during grading and washing. 4% loss was found during the transportation of tomato and 2% of the loss during the storage of tomato. To the producer level, the insufficient knowledge about the storage, packaging, transportation, and random harvesting led to the maximum loss of tomato. In the study area, the producers played important role in reducing the postharvest loss of tomato, therefore, public awareness should be increased through mass media about the proper harvesting and storing of tomato.
Knowledge, beliefs and habits of public university students from Southern Serbia regarding usage of antibiotics
Authors: Kutlesic Nemanja , Jovanovic Aleksandra
Published: November 2020

Misuse of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance have become a serious threat to global health. This study aimed to assess knowledge, beliefs and habits of university students regarding antibiotics and compare answers between students coming from rural and urban areas in a location where no similar studies have been conducted to date.

Data was gathered using an online survey and tested for statistically significant difference using Chi-squared test. The study followed the Helsinki Declaration principles.

A total of 360 students participated. A large number (84.4%) has correctly identified antibiotics as effective against bacteria and have distinguished well between antibiotics and other types of medicines. Only 12.5% believe therapy can be interrupted when the symptoms fade, but 31.4% believe antibiotics help with most diseases. As much as 59.7% have bought antibiotics without a prescription, and 45.8% have admitted to premature treatment interruption. Many take antibiotics on travels for emergencies (62.5%). There was no statistically significant difference related to the domicile of the students (p>0.05).

In conclusion, students demonstrated relatively acceptable knowledge and beliefs on antibiotics, which are not reflected in practice. The domicile of students does not influence their knowledge nor habits. Campaigns are needed to promote awareness on antimicrobial resistance as students’ habits are not satisfactory.