bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of interval between induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery on umbilical arterial cord ph of neonates delivered by elective cesarean section
Authors: Hassanin Alaa S. , El-Shahawy Hazem F. , Hussain Sherif Hanafi , Bahaa Eldin Ahmed M. , Elhawary Marwa Mohammed , Elbakery Mohamed , Elsafty Mohammed S. E.
Published: March 2022

Background

To evaluate the impact of interval between induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery of the fetus by elective cesarean section on umbilical arterial pH and neonatal outcome.

Patients and methods

Two hundred and twenty pregnant women who were planned for elective cesarean section at term under spinal anesthesia were recruited. Minimum systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures (SBP, DBP, MAP) and largest pressure decrease (SBP, DBP, MPA) were also recorded. Induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery interval was measured. Following delivery, umbilical arterial cord analysis for pH and base deficit were done. Apgar scores at 1 min and at 5 min, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, need for mechanical ventilation and incidence of hypoxemic-ischemic encephalopathy were recorded.

Results

Induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery interval was 25.7 ± 5.6 min. Lowest SBP and MAP reached during cesarean delivery were 88.9 ± 7.3 mmHg and 60.4 ± 5.6 mmHg, respectively. MAP < 65 mmHg was reached in 136 (62%) patients with a decrease of MAP of > 20% in 149 (68%) patients. Duration of the longest hypotension episode was 3.3 ± 2.2 min. All patients required ephedrine administration for hypotensive episodes with an average dosage of 11.4 ± 3.2 mg. Umbilical pH of 7.3 ± 0.1 and base deficit of 8.3 ± 4.4 mmol/l were recorded. Apgar scores at 5 min were 8.5 ± 1.2. Eight (3.6%) neonates were admitted in the NICU. One neonate needed mechanical ventilation. There were no cases of hypoxemic-ischemic encephalopathy. There were inverse correlations between induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery interval, body mass index (BMI) and duration of longest hypotension episode in relation to umbilical pH (r = -0.817, -0.395 and -0.268, respectively). Cut off value for induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery interval greater than 27 min predicted an umbilical pH of < 7.2. Cut off value for the duration of the longest hypotension episode greater than 5 min predicted an umbilical pH of < 7.2. Cut off value for BMI greater than 35 kg/m2 predicted an umbilical pH of < 7.2.

Conclusion

Prolonged interval between induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery could be associated with neonatal acidosis. This could be aggravated by maternal obesity and prolonged duration of hypotension episodes during cesarean delivery.
Determinants of pentavalent and measles vaccination dropouts among children aged 12–23 months in The Gambia
Authors: Ntenda Peter A. M. , Sixpence Alick , Mwenyenkulu Tisungane E. , Mmanga Kondwani , Chirambo Angeziwa C. , Bauleni Andy , Nkoka Owen
Published: March 2022

Background

Every year, vaccination averts about 3 million deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). However, despite that immunization coverage is increasing globally, many children in developing countries are still dropping out of vaccination. Thus, the present study aimed to identify determinants of vaccination dropouts among children aged 12–23 months in The Gambia.

Methods

The study utilized cross-sectional data obtained from the Gambia Demographic and Health Survey 2019–20 (GDHS). The percentage of children aged 12–23 months who dropped out from pentavalent and measles vaccination were calculated by (1) subtracting the third dose of pentavalent vaccine from the first dose of Pentavalent vaccine, and (2) subtracting the first dose of measles vaccine from the first dose Pentavalent vaccine. Generalized Estimating Equation models (GEE) were constructed to examine the risk factors of pentavalent and measles vaccinations dropout.

Results

Approximately 7.0% and 4.0% of the 1,302 children aged 12–23 months had dropped out of measles and pentavalent vaccination respectively. The multivariate analyses showed that when caregivers attended fewer than four antenatal care sessions, when children had no health card or whose card was lost, and resided in urban areas increased the odds of pentavalent dropout. On the other hand, when women gave birth in home and other places, when children had no health card, and being an urban areas dweller increased the odds of measles dropout.

Conclusion

Tailored public health interventions towards urban residence and health education for all women during ANC are hereby recommended.
Uncontrollable bleeding after tooth extraction from asymptomatic mild hemophilia patients: two case reports
Authors: Fan Guo , Shen Yi , Cai Yu , Zhao Ji-hong , Wu Yang
Published: March 2022

Background

Uncontrollable bleeding after tooth extraction usually occurs in patients with coagulation diseases, including hemophilia, von Willebrand’s disease, vitamin K deficiency, platelet deficiency, and taking anticoagulant drugs. Hemophilia A is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by insufficiency of coagulation factor VIII. Mild hemophilia, defined by factor level between 0.05 and 0.40 IU/mL, is characterized by uncontrollable hemorrhage after trauma or invasive operations. Some mild hemophiliacs may remain undiagnosed until late adulthood. Therefore, surgical management of these patients may be relatively neglected. These case reports describe two uncontrollable bleeding patients with unknown mild hemophilia A after tooth extraction.

Case presentation

This paper reports 2 cases of persistent bleeding after tooth extraction under local anesthesia which could not be completely stopped by routine treatments. Both of them denied prior illness and injury, allergies, anticoagulant medication history, systemic and family illness. The APTT and other coagulation screening tests of the two patients before surgery were normal. Finally, they were diagnosed with mild hemophilia A via coagulation factor assays. The patients acquired complete hemostasis by receiving coagulation factor supplement therapy in hematologic department.

Conclusion

Mild hemophilia is marked by subclinical, asymptomatic and even normal coagulation test results. The purpose of these case reports is to bring dental professionals’ attention that APTT test alone cannot be used to exclude mild hemophilia, and provide reasonable evaluation and treatment procedures of bleeding patients after tooth extraction.
Subgingival air polishing with trehalose powder during supportive periodontal therapy: use of a conical shaped tip during a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kruse Anne Brigitte , Wölki Benjamin Jochen , Woelber Johan Peter , Frisch Eberhard , Vach Kirstin , Ratka-Krüger Petra
Published: March 2022

Background

This study investigated clinical parameters using a new air-polishing device compared to sonic scaling for subgingival biofilm removal during supportive periodontal therapy. The aim was to evaluate noninferiority of air-polishing compared to sonic scaling in deeper periodontal pockets with respect to pocket depth (PD).

Methods

In 44 participants, 2 single-rooted teeth [(PD) ≥ 5 mm] were treated using a split-mouth design. While a new air polishing device with a conical shaped tip was used for the experimental group, sonic scaling was performed in the control group. PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline, (T0) after 3 months (T1) and 6 months (T2). Pain perception was rated using a visual analog scale (VAS; 0 = no pain, 100 = maximum pain).

Results

PD and CAL decreased significantly for both groups, while no intergroup differences were found (PD [mean, mm] control T0 5.96, T2 4.75; experimental T0 5.96, T2 4.8; intergroupp = 0.998; CAL [mean, mm] control T0 7.38, T2 5.84; experimental T0 7.28, T2 6.34; intergroupp = 0.368). For BOP, no intergroup differences were found from T0 to T2 (reduction control 42.5%; experimental 46.5%p = 0.398). Pain perception was significantly lower for air polishing (VAS [mean, mm] control 28.8, experimental 12.56;p = 0.006).

Conclusion

None of the two treatment procedures showed inferior clinical effects with regard to PD, CAL and BOP with air polishing being more comfortable to patients.

Trial registrationThe study was registered in an international trial register on August 14/08/2019, before the start of recruitment (German Clinical Trial Register number DRKS00017844).
Ethics framework for citizen science and public and patient participation in research
Authors: Groot Barbara , Abma Tineke
Published: March 2022

Background

Citizen science and models for public participation in health research share normative ideals of participation, inclusion, and public and patient engagement. Academic researchers collaborate in research with members of the public involved in an issue, maximizing all involved assets, competencies, and knowledge. In citizen science new ethical issues arise, such as who decides, who participates, who is excluded, what it means to share power equally, or whose knowledge counts. This article aims to present an ethics framework that offers a lens of understanding and heuristic guidelines to deal with ethical issues in citizen science.

Methods

We conducted seven case studies between 2015 and 2021 to attune and validate the ethics framework for the context of citizen science. The cases related to studies with older adults, people with a psychiatric vulnerability, people dependent on community care, people who are unemployed or living in poverty or both, and young adults with respiratory disease.

Results

Ethics in citizen science reaches beyond the ethical issues in traditional biomedical and health research. It entails more than following procedures about informed consent and privacy and submitting a proposal to a Medical Research Ethics Committee. Ethics in citizen science relates to everyday ethical issues during the study, including relational and moral complexities concerning collaboration, sharing power, and democratic decision-making. Dealing with these issues requires ethics work of researchers. This entails seeing ethically salient issues and reflecting on everyday ethical issues. Ethics work consists of seven features: framing work, role work, emotion work, identity work, reason work, relationship work, and performance work. All are relevant for researchers in citizen science.

Conclusions

Ethical issues in citizen science often relate to power differentials, partnership, and collaboration between academics and non-academics. The ethics framework prepares researchers for the work needed in citizen science to act responsibly and offers a heuristic guide to reflect on ethics. Reflection on ethics is a pathway towards ethical citizen science, especially if researchers collaboratively reflect in partnership with non-academics who are subject to the moral issue.
What if some patients are more “important” than others? A possible framework for Covid-19 and other emergency care situations
Authors: Lavazza Andrea , Garasic Mirko D.
Published: March 2022

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic caused situations where, in some hospitals, there were more patients in need of urgent treatment in intensive care units (ICU) than were available. In particular, there were not sufficient ventilators or critical care resources for all patients in danger of dying from respiratory failure or other organ failures.

Discussion

As the “first come, first served” criterion was not considered adequate, more nuanced and fairer clinical criteria were proposed to assess whom to treat first. One type of patients that has not been considered in the literature so far is that of “important patients”, individuals that many people might consider worthy of priority treatment for the contribution they made or might make to society as a whole.

In this article, we discuss the moral insights behind the possible treatment of “important patients” and suggest a supererogatory solution of voluntary renunciation/withdrawal. Details of the proposal are explained, and potential objections are addressed.
A retrospective study of 51 pediatric cases of traumatic asphyxia
Authors: Luo Hui-rong , Zhai Xuan , Xie Si-min , Jin Xin
Published: March 2022

Background

Traumatic asphyxia (TA) is a rarely reported disease characterized as thoraco-cervico-facial petechiae, facial edema and cyanosis, subconjunctival hemorrhage and neurological symptoms. This study aimed to report 51 children of TA at the pediatric medical center of west China.

Methods

Scanned medical reports were reviewed and specific variables as age, sex, cause of injury, clinical manifestations and associated injuries were analyzed using SPSS 25.0.

Results

The average age of patients was 5.3 ± 2.9 (1.3–13.2) year-old. Thirty (58.8%) were boys and 21 (41.2%) were girls. Most TAs occurred during vehicle accident, object compression and stampede. All patients showed facial petechiae (100.0%, CI 93.0–100.0%), 25 (49.0%, CI 34.8–63.2%) out of 51 presented with facial edema, 29 (56.9%, CI 42.8–70.9%) presented with subconjunctival hemorrhage, including bilateral 27 and unilateral 2. Six patients had facial cyanosis (11.8%, CI 2.6–20.9%). Other symptoms were also presented as epileptic seizure, vomiting, incontinence, paraplegia, etc. The most frequent companion injury was pulmonary contusion (76.5%, CI 64.4–88.5%). Other companion injuries included mediastinal emphysema, fracture, cerebral contusion and hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, abdominal organ contusion, mastoid hemorrhage, hematocele of paranasal sinuses, spinal cord injury, hepatic insufficiency, myocardial injury and retinal hemorrhage and edema. Treatment was mainly supportive. No death occurred in our study. The prognosis is rather good if without damage of central nervous system.

Conclusion

TA could bring out multiple symptoms, among which retinal hemorrhage and edema, spinal cord injury and viscera impairment have been less observed. Comprehensive physical and auxiliary examination should be performed considering TA. Its prognosis is rather good with focus on life-threatening complications.
Effects of simulated nitrogen deposition on the soil microbial community diversity of a Deyeuxia angustifolia wetland in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeastern China
Authors: Zhang Rong-Tao , Liu Ying-Nan , Zhong Hai-Xiu , Chen Xiang-Wei , Sui Xin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The soil microbial community is an important bioactive component of terrestrial ecosystems. Its structural and functional diversity directly affects carbon and nitrogen processes. This study aimed to investigate the variations in the diversity and composition of soil bacterial communities in a wetland with different nitrogen deposition conditions.

Methods

A long-term simulated nitrogen deposition experiment was conducted in the Ecological Locating Research Station of the Institute of Nature and Ecology of Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences. Three different treatments were evaluated, including low nitrogen (LK; 40 kg N·hm-2·a-1), high nitrogen (HN; 80 kg N·hm-2·a-1), and control (CK; 0 kg N·hm-2·a-1). Bacterial 16S rDNA was then sequenced and analyzed using the next-generation sequencing technology.

Result

Higher levels of N deposition resulted in an α-diversity increase followed by a decrease, with significant reductions in the HN treatment. Simulated nitrogen deposition resulted in changes in the structure and abundance of bacterial communities in wetland soils. The dominant phyla in all three plots were Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. Compared with CK, the relative abundance of Chloroflexi increased significantly under the HN treatment (P < 0.05), whereas the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Nitrogen input changed the composition and relative abundance of the bacterial community, which was possibly due to N-induced soil acidification.

Conclusion

This study thus provides a theoretical basis for predicting the effects of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on soil microorganisms, as well as changes in the wetland ecosystem in Sanjiang Plain.
Deep sequencing reveals changes in prokaryotic taxonomy and functional diversity of pit muds in different distilleries of China
Authors: Hou Qiangchuan , Wang Yurong , Ni Hui , Cai Wenchao , Liu Wenhui , Yang Shaoyong , Zhang Zhendong , Shan Chunhui , Guo Zhuang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The microbial community in the pit mud correlated closely with the quality of the final product of Chinese strong-flavored Baijiu (CSFB). However, environmental conditions and brewing processes can vary by region and distilleries. This may lead to differences in microbial composition and function in pit mud. Therefore, revealing the features of the pit mud microbial community structure and functions of different distilleries will provide key information for understanding the diversity and difference of microbes in the brewing of CSFB, which will be beneficial for the improvement of the quality of pit mud and CSFB in the future.

Methods and results

Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons was used to analyze the similarities and differences in microbial community structure and function in pit muds of different distilleries located in Shihezi (Xinjiang), Xiangyang (Hubei), and Yibin (Sichuan). At the genus level, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Aminobacterium, Petrimonas, Syntrophomonas, Methanoculleus, Syntrophaceticus, Sedimentibacter, Caloramator, Ruminococcus, Bacillus, Methanosarcina, and Garciella were the dominated genera of pit muds. There were great differences in the composition of microorganisms in pit muds used by different distilleries. The significantly enriched prokaryotic microbiotas of pit muds collected in the distilleries of Xiangyang were mainly affiliated with Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Croceifilum, and the relative abundance of methanogens, such as Methanomicrobia and Methanobacteria, were only significantly enriched in the pit mud collected from the distilleries of Yibin (P < 0.05). Functional analysis indicated that the difference of microbial composition in pit mud will further lead to significant differences in various metabolic functions.

Conclusion

The compositions and functions of dominant microorganisms in pit mud used for the production of CSFB by different enterprises across regions in China were greatly different, and there was a close relationship between the compositions and functions of microorganisms in pit mud. Therefore, it may be an effective method to improve CSFB fermentation processes by directionally regulating the microbial community functions of pit mud using specific strains.
Risk perception associated with an emerging agri-food risk in Europe: plant viruses in agriculture
Authors: Hilaire Johny , Tindale Sophie , Jones Glyn , Pingarron-Cardenas Gabriela , Bačnik Katarina , Ojo Mercy , Frewer Lynn J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Research into public risk perceptions associated with emerging risks in agriculture and supply chains has focused on technological risks, zoonotic diseases, and food integrity, but infrequently on naturally occurring diseases in plants. Plant virus infections account for global economic losses estimated at $30 billion annually and are responsible for nearly 50% of plant diseases worldwide, threatening global food security. This research aimed to understand public perceptions of emerging risks and benefits associated with plant viruses in agriculture in Belgium, Slovenia, Spain, and the UK.

Methods

Online qualitative semi-structured interviews with 80 European consumers were conducted, including 20 participants in each of Belgium, Slovenia, the UK, and Spain. Microsoft Streams was used to transcribe the interview data, and NVivo was utilized to code the transcripts and analyze the data.

Results

The results indicate that, while study participants were relatively unfamiliar with the plant viruses and their potential impacts, plant viruses evoked perceived risks in a similar way to other emerging risks in the agri-food sector. These included risks to environment and human health, and the economic functioning of the relevant supply chain. Some participants perceived both risks and benefits to be associated with plant viruses. Benefits were perceived to be associated with improved plant resistance to viruses.

Conclusions

The results provide the basis for risk regulation, policy, and communication developments. Risk communication needs to take account of both risk and benefit perceptions, as well as the observation that plant viruses are perceived as an emerging, rather than an established, understood, and controlled risk. Some participants indicated the need for risk–benefit communication strategies to be developed, including information about the impacts of the risks, and associated mitigation strategies. Participants perceived that responsibility for control of plant viruses should be conferred on actors within the supply chain, in particular primary producers, although policy support (for example, financial incentivization) should be provided to improve their motivation to instigate risk mitigation activities.
Parental and child adjustment to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: transformations, struggles and needs
Authors: Sommers-Spijkerman Marion , Rave Neele , Kruitwagen-van Reenen Esther , Visser-Meily Johanna M. A. , Kavanaugh Melinda S. , Beelen Anita
Published: March 2022

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), together referred to as ALS, are life-limiting diagnoses affecting not only patients but also the families surrounding them, especially when dependent children are involved. Despite previous research highlighting the vulnerability of children in these families, they are, as yet, often overlooked in healthcare. Efforts are needed to better support children in families living with ALS, both directly and through strengthening parents in their parental role. This study sought to gain a better understanding of parental and children’s experiences, struggles and support needs in families living with ALS.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 parents with ALS, 13 well parents and 15 children, together representing 17 families. Interview data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Three major themes were identified relating to (1) ALS-related transformations in families’ homes, activities, roles and relationships, that trigger (2) distress among families, which, in turn, evokes (3) emotional, psychological, educational and practical support needs. For emotional and practical support, parents and children mainly rely on their own family and social network, whereas they seek educational and psychological support from healthcare professionals.

Conclusions

Our findings imply that ALS care professionals may foster family adjustment to living with ALS, most notably through encouraging parents to engage in a dialogue with their children about the many transformations, struggles and needs imposed by ALS and teaching them how to start the dialogue.
A review on the socio-economic impacts of informal transportation and its complementarity to address equity and achieve sustainable development goals
Authors: Tucho Gudina Terefe
Published: March 2022

Sub-Saharan suffers from a poor transport system failing to address equity and sustainability. The system can be affected by several factors; however, this study explores how African historical transport infrastructure development and socio-economic changes affect institutional changes and preferences of available transport modes. We used recently published systematic reviews, case studies, analytical cross-sectional studies, policy review papers, and available relevant studies reports and some grey literature to understand the impacts of these factors. Our analysis shows that the transport demand is affected by local socio-economic contexts shaped by historical pretexts, socio-technical changes, economic transitions, and related value systems. These is essential to understand the operational characteristics of the formal and informal transport modalities, their roles and contribution to meet the mobility needs of the people and designing of an effective management system. This paper can provide insights to policy-makers, urban transport planners and researchers in the field on the complementary modalities involving formal and informal transportation.
Concept maps as a novel assessment tool in medical education
Authors: LOIZOU STELLA , Nicolaou Nicoletta , Pincus Bridget Anne , Papageorgiou Alexia , McCrorie Peter
Published: March 2022

Background: We conducted a pilot study to investigate the use of Concept Maps (CMs) in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) setting as a complementary tool to current educational techniques for enhancing medical student knowledge and critical thinking. We also introduced a measure from the field of graph theory as an objective means of CM quality assessment.

Methods: Participants were first-year medical students with no or minor prior CM experience. All participants completed questionnaires (demographic information and assessment of learning style) to establish a baseline measure against which the change in clinical and critical thinking was assessed. They were asked to prepare CMs for three PBL cases, and following the submission of the CMs they completed semi-structured critical and clinical thinking questionnaires. A clinical expert also created corresponding “benchmark” CMs for comparison. Qualitative (Wordclouds) and quantitative (graph theory) analysis provided a summary of the key concepts and quantified the CM quality respectively, compared to the “benchmark” CMs.

Results: Questionnaires revealed that CMs helped students recall information, organize material in a concise manner, prepare better for their PBL session and provided a good revision tool. It was also found that graph-theoretical measures (graph density, modularity) were suitable for objectively distinguishing between CMs that captured more in-depth knowledge, compared to CMs that contained simpler associations.

Conclusions: We have shown that it is possible to quantify CM quality using graph-theoretical measures, such as graph density and modularity.
Determinants of economic efficiency: A case study of Rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) fisheries in the South Black Sea
Authors: Dağtekin Murat , Candemir Serhan , Erik Gökhan , Balçık Mısır Gülsüm
Published: March 2022

The inevitable increase in the numerical and technological capacity of fishing fleets in developed and developing countries has major implications for the management and distribution of limited natural resource capacity, as well as the ecological and socio-economic sustainability of fisheries. It is important to determine these effects to make the right decisions in fisheries management. This study aims to assess the fishing capacity, technical efficiency, scale efficiency, and capacity use in a specific subset of Rapa whelk fishers, those in Turkey's Black Sea. Economically efficient and inefficient boats were also compared in the study. The data obtained through face-to-face interviews with 452 boat owners constitute the main data of the study. Data were collected about the economic efficiency of the boats for one year. While economic efficiency ranged between 0.27 and 1, the average value was found to be 0.60. It was concluded that the age of the owner, the education period, and the length of the fishing boat positively affected economic efficiency (p<0.05). In the boats studied, technical efficiency scores were greater than economic efficiency scores. This suggests that rather than technical information, fishers require information on selecting the optimum input combination at the data cost level.
Aplicación de principios éticos de la psicología en un ejercicio de formación académica sobre el diseño, validación y aplicación de un instrumento psicométrico
Authors: Ortiz Barrero Melissa Judith , Matar-Khalil Shadye
Published: March 2022

La formación ética y responsable de profesionales en psicología implica reconocer que la comprensión y la aplicación de los principios éticos no solo se deben realizar en el ejercicio profesional, sino también desde el desarrollo de actividades y prácticas durante el proceso de formación académica, en diversos cursos del currículo de los programas de psicología. En Colombia se ha establecido la beneficencia, la no maleficencia, la justicia, la autonomía y la integridad como los cinco criterios de decisión más importantes que deben guiar el quehacer profesional. El presente estudio busca conocer cómo una muestra de estudiantes de psicología comprende y pone en práctica los principios éticos en el desarrollo de un ejercicio académico de diseño, aplicación y análisis de las propiedades psicométricas de un instrumento. Para ello, se realizó un estudio cualitativo con 200 estudiantes de psicología que se encontraban cursando la asignatura de Psicometría durante el segundo semestre de 2020. En algunos casos se observó desconocimiento de los principios éticos, y, por lo tanto, dificultades en su apropiación y aplicación, lo cual llevó a reflexionar sobre el aprendizaje de estos aspectos desde el macro y microcurrículo en los programas de psicología. Además, este tipo de investigaciones permite sensibilizar respecto al manejo ético de las pruebas psicológicas, tanto en su proceso de diseño como de aplicación.
Patchwork Constructions of Multiattribute Utility Functions
Authors: Xie Jiehua , Zhou Zhengyong
Published: March 2022

The construction of a representative multiattribute utility function is important in decision analysis. Existing methods focus mainly on constructions of utility functions on the whole domain of attributes. In some cases, decision makers may provide partial information on their local utility assessments. Therefore, it is a challenging and interesting task to construct utility functions that are compatible with local assessments provided by decision makers. This paper proposes the patchwork construction to accomplish this task. We first define a special local preference structure, the local utility independence and then discuss the patchwork construction that unifies local utility independence on different local domains. The utility function elicited by the patchwork approach under the local utility independence condition is named as the local-utility-independent utility function. Three types of local-utility-independent utility functions on three typical partitions are proposed. These local-utility-independent utility functions have concise and tractable functional forms and indicate intuitive preference structures while matching prior known local utility assessments. Furthermore, the preference structures implied by these three types of local-utility-independent utility functions have a close relationship with the n-switch independence. Sufficient and necessary conditions guaranteeing these local-utility-independent utility functions to indicate n-switch independence are provided, respectively. All three types of local-utility-independent utility functions also have an important application in the approximations of arbitrary utility functions when only some local assessments are provided. As approximations, they are robust and have high accuracy.
Rejoinder to “Causal Decision Making and Causal Effect Estimation Are Not the Same…and Why It Matters”
Authors: Fernández-Loría Carlos , Provost Foster
Published: March 2022

We thank Dean Eckles, Edward McFowland III, and Uri Shalit for their valuable commentaries ( Eckles 2022 , McFowland 2022 , Shalit 2022 ). This note takes a closer look at several of the main points they raised, especially those related to future research on data science for businesses and other organizations.
Mobile Crowd-sourced Data Fusion and Urban Traffic Estimation
Authors: Minh Quang Tran , Huu Phat Nguyen , Tsuchiya Takeshi
Published: March 2022

Urban traffic estimation is one of the critical tasks for intelligent transportation systems (ITS). To estimate traffic condition, accurately and timely traffic data must be sensed frequently at every location around the city utilizing multimedia data fusion and analytics. This paper proposes a novel approach to urban traffic data collection and analysis leveraging crowd-sourced data from drivers and mobile users. Concretely, we have proposed solutions for mobile crowd-sourced data fusion to which just the right traffic data is collected automatically by GPS modules equipped in mobile devices. In addition, mechanisms for data validation and analytics for traffic estimation have been devised. Consequently, a mobile application is developed and provided to public users so that they can conveniently collect and share traffic data to the system. Besides, users can access traffic information and ITS services such as routing recommendation freely. The proposed system has been deployed for a real-world application in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the largest city in Vietnam. Experimental results from real-field data confirm the feasibility, effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approaches.
Bioprospecting three newly isolated white-rot fungi from Berbak-Sembilang National Park, Indonesia for biodecolorization of anthraquinone and azo dyes
Authors: NURHAYAT OKTAN DWI , YANTO DEDE HERI YULI , ARDIATI FENNY CLARA , RAMADHAN KHARISMA PANJI , ANITA SITA HERIS , OKANO HIROYUKI , WATANABE TAKASHI
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Nurhayat OD, Ardiati FC, Ramadhan KP, Anita SH, Okano H, Watanabe T, Yanto DHY. 2021. Bioprospecting three newly isolated white-rot fungi from Berbak-Sembilang National Park, Indonesia for biodecolorization of anthraquinone and azo dyes. Biodiversitas 22: 613-623. Extensive use of textile dyes without proper wastewater treatment may jeopardize the water environment. In this study, bioprospecting newly isolated white-rot fungi from Berbak-Sembilang National Park for decolorizing four synthetic dyes was investigated. A total of 108 wood-decaying fungi were screened by using selective media, resulting in three isolates as the most promising fungal strains (BRB 11, BRB 73, BRB 81). BRB 81 had the best ability to decolorize 91.4% of AB129 and 77.8% of RB5 within 96 hours while the highest removal of RBBR and AO7 was performed by BRB11 around 60% and 37.6%, respectively. The enzymatic degradation was assumed to involve the decolorization process as laccase activities were observed with the highest around 116 UL-1. Based on molecular identification, these three fungal isolates were identified as Phellinus noxius BRB 11, Ceriporia lacerata BRB 81, and Leiotrametes menziesii BRB 73, respectively. In conclusion, P. noxius BRB 11, L. menziesii BRB 73, and C. lacerata BRB 81 could be used as biological agents in textile wastewater treatment and thus, it is important to conserve them as a part of the biodiversity within the local biosphere reserve.
Fly species on cows around the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi, Indonesia and their role as zoonotic disease vectors
Authors: Nangoy Meis , Sondakh Erwin , Koneri Roni , Hadi Upik Kesumawati
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Nangoy M, Sondakh E, Koneri R, Hadi UK.2021. Fly  species on cows around the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi, Indonesia and their role as disease vectors. Biodiversitas 23: 631-636. Climate and land-use changes in additional to livestock rearing systems play a role in the distribution, species, and population of fly pests, which may pose a risk to humans and animal health. The  rearing and grazing of cows at the forest edge and in coconut plantations provide an ideal medium for the growth and development of flies. This study aimed to identify the diversity and abundance of fly species found on cows grazing in two habitat types: forest edge habitat and coconut plantation,located at  the Tangkoko Nature Reserve in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study was conducted from April 2021 to June 2021 using 24 Ongole Crossbred cows including three adult males and three adult females (250-300 kg) and three males and three female calves (60-75 kg) in each habitat. Flies were collected using two fly nets that were swung along the cows in each habitat type with ten swings. The flies collected were identified based on morphology.  A total of 6,982 flies were collected and identified to the following taxonomic groups: Muscidae family (Haematobia exigua 91.21%, Stomoxys calcitrans 1.65%, Musca crassirostris 0.67%, S. indicus 0.54%, S. sitiens 0.42%, and Musca domestica 0.11%), and Tabanidae family (Tabanus factiosus 4.91%, Tabanus striatus 0.47%, and Chrisops sp. 0.01%). The abundance of Haematobia exigua in the coconut plantation habitat was higher than in the forest edges, while the number of T. factiosus at the forest edges was higher than in the coconut plantations. Our results confirm that the presence of a variety of fly species and their abundance depends part on the grazing  habitat of the cows. Further study of fly species diversity and pathogen status is critical to provide epidemiological data needed to develop control strategies to prevent the emergence of zoonotic diseases.
Biodiversity and community assemblages of freshwater and marine macrozoobenthos in Gorontalo Waters, Indonesia
Authors: Kadim Miftahul Khair , Pas Nuralim , Alinti Elan R , Panigoro Citra
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Kadim MK, Pasisingi N, Alinti ER, Alinti ER, Panigoro C. 2022. Biodiversity and community assemblages of freshwater and marine macrozoobenthos in Gorontalo Waters, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 637-647. Macrozoobenthos plays an essential role in the aquatic ecosystem including as primary consumers, food sources, and water quality bioindicators. This study aimed to determine the composition, taxa abundance, community structure of the macrozoobenthos in the lower reach, estuary, and marine areas along Gorontalo waters, also their association with water quality parameters. Biota samples were collected purposively from 33 sampling points. The sampling process was conducted in June 2020 and May 2021. Macrozoobenthos samples were taken using Ekman Grab and prepared with filters (mesh size of 500 µm). Statistically, a t-test was done to assess the significance of taxa abundance difference among three different ecosystems from both sampling periods. Similarity percentages were displayed through a dendrogram. Furthermore, the biota assemblages and water quality parameters association were interpreted through Eigenvalues of Principal Component Analysis using Minitab ver. 14.0. The results showed that the macrozoobenthic community structure composed 70 taxa belonging to six classes dominated by Gastropoda, followed by Bivalvia, Malacostraca, Clitellata, Polychaeta, and Polyplacophora. The marine area had the highest abundance of macrozoobenthos (469.5 ind. m-3 in 2020; 460.9 ind. m-3 in 2021), followed by the river station (335.3 ind. m-3 in 2020; 2621 ind. m-3 in 2021), and estuary zone (217.3 ind in 2020. m-3; 848.5 ind. m-3 in 2021). The most abundant species in the lower reach area was Melanoides sp. (135.5 ind. m-3 in 2020; and 1222.5 ind. m-3 in 2021), while in the estuary was Brachidontes sp. (70.7 ind. m-3 in 2020; and 248 ind. m-3 in 2021). Batillaria sp. (128.3 ind. m-3 in 2020) and Anachis sp. (1510.7 ind. m-3 in 2021) were the species with the highest number in the marine zone. Based on the diversity and evenness index, the sea was in the medium category with no dominant species in the marine area. Biota communities in the lower reach station tend to be more like estuary biota than marine biota.
Sensory profiles of cocoa genotypes in Indonesia
Authors: ANITA SARI INDAH , MURTI RUDI HARI MURTI , MISNAWI MISNAWI , PUTRA EKA TARWACA SUSILA PUTRA , SUSILO AGUNG WAHYU SUSILO
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Sari IA, Murti RH, Misnawi, Putra ETS, Susilo AW. 2021. Sensory profiles of cocoa genotypes in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 648-654. The Cocoa flavor is influenced by genetic factors and has an important role in increasing the added value of beans as specialty products. For this reason, superior genotypes with specific and unique flavors should be identified as fine flavor cocoa (FFC) products. This study was conducted to obtain genotypes with sensory quality and specific profiles. Ten clones under three groups were used: Forastero (KW 516 and KEE 2), Trinitario with purple beans (ICCRI 03, ICCRI 07, ICCRI 09, MCC 02, Sulawesi 1, Sulawesi 2, and TSH 858), and Trinitario with white beans (DR 2). Genotypes were assigned using a completely randomized block design with three replications. A sensory test was performed by three trained and certified panelists using the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI) and Guittard Chocolate Company standards. The attributes, acidity, bitterness, astringency, fresh fruit, browned fruit, floral aroma, woody aroma, spicy, nutty taste, and browned/roasted appearance of cocoa were evaluated on a scale of 1-10. Data were examined through ANOVA, flavor character profiling, PCA Biplot, and dendrogram analysis in STAR 2.0.1, Microsoft Excel 2019, and R Studio. Results showed that the genotypes significantly influenced the chemical content of the beans, and each genotype had a specific flavor character. The genotypes were classified into three groups based on flavor characters via PCA biplot and dendrogram analysis. Two groups of aromatic genotypes had the potential to develop FFC products with weak (DR 2) and strong cocoa taste (ICCRI 09, ICCRI 03, ICCRI 07, MCC 02, and TSH 858). Conversely, the nonaromatic cocoa groups with strong taste were KEE 02, KW 516, Sulawesi 1, and Sulawesi 2. Therefore, the intensity of floral and nutty aromas significantly affected the overall quality of cocoa flavor.
Diversity and conservation status of avifauna in Mount Lantoy Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) in Cebu Island, Philippines
Authors: MALAKI ARCHIEBALD BALTAZAR B. , ALCAZAR STEVE MICHAEL T. , LILLO EDGARDO P. , ROSALES RAAMAH C. , REDOBLADO BERNARDO R. , DIAZ JOHN LOU
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Malaki ABB, Alcazar SMT, LILLO EP, Rosales RC, Redoblado BR, DIAZ JL. 2021. Diversity and conservation status of avifauna in Mount Lantoy Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) in Cebu Island, Philippines. Biodiversitas 23: 671-678. A study on the bird community in Mount (Mt.) Lantoy Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) was carried out to determine its diversity and conservation status to conserve, protect, and rehabilitate forest habitat within the KBA. The study was conducted across three sampling sites. By using the transect, point count, and mist nets, we found 1,340 individuals belonging to 31 orders, 32 families, and 44 species within the study sites. There were five dominant bird species, i.e., Hypsipetes philippinus (J.R.Forster, 1795), Phapitreron leucotis (Temminck, 1823), Psilopogon haemacephalus (P.L.S.Müller, 1776), Nectarinia jugularis (Linnaeus, 1766), and the endangered Kittacincla cebuensis (Steere, 1890). We also found rare bird species within the study site, such as Haliastur indus (Boddaert, 1783), Geopelia striata (Linnaeus, 1766), Monticola solitarius (Linnaeus, 1758), Oriolus chinensis (Linnaeus, 1766), Dendrocopos maculatus (Scopoli, 1786), Pycnonotus goiavier (Scopoli, 1786), and Rallina eurizonoides (Lafresnaye, 1845). We also found six Philippine endemics, including K. cebuensis, Ninox rumseyi (Rasmussen et al. 2012), H. philippinus, D. maculatus, Loriculus philippensis (Statius Muller, 1776), and Caprimulgus manillensis (Walden, 1875). Based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, two species are Endangered, and 42 species are Least Concern (LC). Using the "Checklist of the Birds of the Philippines," we found two species are Endangered, two species are Near Threatened, and 40 species are LC. The diversity of birds in Mt. Lantoy KBA was moderate. We considered that this KBA is highly exposed to various forest or habitat disturbances such as land-use conversion, charcoal making, firewood gathering, slash-and-burn method of cultivation, and infrastructure development. There is a need to strictly implement the policies governing the utilization of forest resources to augment the diversity of the study site.
A portrait of the ecological clusters in the urban fringe area of Surakarta, Indonesia
Authors: SARI CYNTHIA PERMATA , SANTOSA SIGIT HERU MURTI BUDI , MARSONO DJOKO
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Sari CP, Santosa SHMB, Marsono D. 2021. A portrait of the ecological clusters in the urban fringe area of Surakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 670-679. The population growth in Surakarta has led to agglomeration. To fulfill human needs, Surakarta has seen some major land-use changes across decades. The availability of natural resources and ecosystem services is very important for the sustainability of life. Biodiversity index-based area management is one of the best ways. Cluster methods will facilitate the planning, implementation and subsequent management of an area. This study divides the urban fringe of Surakarta into 48 ecological units. The biotic analysis of biodiversity index calculations is used to assess all ecological units. The value of the biodiversity indices is the basis for forming clusters. From the statistical analysis, 5 clusters were formed based on the level of similarity. The majority of the clusters were located in Karanganyar District. Cluster 3 was the cluster with the most members and the most value of the index of biodiversity. Cluster 2 had only 2 clusters. The range of biodiversity index in each cluster was not much different. The richness of the species in each cluster was in the medium-high range (tree level 0.945-4.500, saplings 0.908-4.889 and seedlings 0.638-4.440). The diversity of the species was at a moderate level with the tree level diversity index value of 2.044-2.290, saplings 1.610-2.294, seedlings 1.557-2.291 and was at a moderate level with the tree level index evenness value of 0.735-1.421, saplings 0.641-1.412, seedlings 0.730-1.645. In each cluster, the condition of the biodiversity was quite good and able to support the function and services of the ecosystem of urban areas and urban fringes. There was no dominance of plants, and the types were still diverse for the ecosystem stability. The development of Surakarta was faster in the south and the north. Biodiversity in eastern Surakarta was found to be more effective in supporting the ecosystem services of Surakarta City.
Diversity, abundance, and distribution patterns of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Trianto Manap , Purwanto Hari
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Trianto M, Purwanto H. 2021. Diversity, abundance, and distribution patterns of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 695-702. Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) are eusocial insects with high economic value in terms of their honey and propolis yield. The bees are widely distributed in tropical regions, including Indonesia. This study aimed to estimate the diversity, abundance, and distribution pattern of stingless bees in the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. The following seven species of stingless bees have been identified in previous research: Tetragonula laeviceps, T. iridipennis, T. biroi, T. sapiens, T. sarawakensis, Heterotrigona itama, and Lepidotrigona terminata. The current work determined the scores of diversity (H’: 0.98), abundance (N: 14.0 ind/m2), and distribution pattern (id: 0.51) of stingless bees in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The results were analyzed and then subjected to principal component analysis to determine the dominant characteristics on the basis of the environmental parameters that influence the presence of stingless bees in three habitat types in the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. Results revealed that temperature is one such environmental parameter affecting the presence of stingless bees in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.