bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its drivers among Pakistani population
Authors: Rehman Khalid , Arif Nauman , Jawad Muhammad , Muhammad Ali
Published: February 2023

Background & Objective: COVID-19 vaccine has become available within a record time but mere availability will not control the pandemic. High vaccine acceptance is required. The objective was to determine COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its associated factors among Pakistani population.

Methods: An online survey using google form, was conducted from January 31st to February 9th, 2021 before the start of the mass vaccination in Pakistan. The questionnaire had questions about demographics plus vaccine hesitancy. We received a total of 1156 responses. Data was analyzed using STATA version 14. We employed descriptive statistics and chi square test.

Results: A total of 1156 responses were received. 65% were male and 35% female. Only 6% were uneducated. Thirty percent had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier. Forty-six percent of the respondents would take (acceptance) a vaccine if available. Forty-eight percent and 45% were confident in using USA/UK and Chinese vaccine respectively. Gender and marital status was statistically significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Concerns about the side effects were 55% while for efficacy it was 69%. Twenty-three percent were concerned about the permissibility of the vaccine on religious grounds.

Conclusion: Gender and marital status was significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Forty-six percent respondents were willing to take the vaccine. Among the vaccine hesitant group, respondents were worried about the side effects, safety and religious permissibility of vaccine. Policy makers and all the relevant stakeholders should consider low vaccine acceptance as a major bottleneck and should devise strategies to address this major issue in the fight against COVID-19.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6051

How to cite this: Rehman K, Arif N, Jawad M, Muhammad A. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its drivers among Pakistani population. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):553-556. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6051

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Η συμβολή της νομολογίας του Δικαστηρίου της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης (ΔΕΕ) στη διάπλαση ενός "ευρωπαϊκού κεκτημένου" της αδικοπρακτικής ευθύνης
Authors: Φωτέας Σωτήριος
Published: February 2023

H εργασία εξετάζει τη θέση του Δικαστηρίου της Ε.Ε. (ΔΕΕ) στη διάπλαση του ευρωπαϊκού «κεκτημένου» της αδικοπρακτικής ευθύνης. Με έρεισμα τη διάταξη του άρθρου 340 ΣΛΕΕ, η εκτεταμένη νομολογία του (στο πεδίο της εξωσυμβατικής ευθύνης οργάνων της Ε.Ε. και Κρατών-Μελών από παραβίαση του ενωσιακού δικαίου) όχι μόνο αποτυπώνει τις σχετικές κοινές στις εθνικές έννομες τάξεις «γενικές αρχές», αλλά, ταυτόχρονα, παρέχει σημαντικό υλικό που φωτίζει τη διαδικασία ερμηνείας και εφαρμογής των επιμέρους θεμελιωτικών προϋποθέσεων της αδικοπρακτικής ευθύνης (παράνομο, ζημία, αιτιώδης σύνδεσμος). Η εργασία, πέραν από τη δομή της οικείας ενοχής, επικεντρώνεται σε τυποποιημένες ερμηνευτικές τεχνικές στην ιδιαίτερη πρακτική του Δικαστηρίου (όπως η μεταβλητή χρήση των εννοιών της «διακριτικής ευχέρειας» και της «κατάφωρης παραβίασης»), ιδίως στο βιοτικό πλαίσιο που σχετίζεται με το Κράτος και τους φορείς δημόσιας εξουσίας. Ωστόσο, αυτό το νομολογιακό «κεκτημένο» υπερβαίνει την ευθύνη του Δημοσίου και αποτελεί «εργαλειοθήκη» και για τον εθνικό δικαστή της κοινής αδικοπρακτικής ευθύνης του ιδιωτικού δικαίου. Είναι έτσι αναγκαίο να εξεταστεί από κοινού με άλλες πηγές του ευρωπαϊκού δικαίου της αδικοπρακτικής ευθύνης ως συμπαραγωγός του συνολικού κεκτημένου στο υπό κρίση πεδίο.
Το γλωσσικό ζήτημα στον ελληνικό τύπο της Κωνσταντινούπολης
Authors: Κουσαρίδης Κωνσταντίνος
Published: February 2023

Η απόφαση να διερευνηθούν όψεις του γλωσσικού ζητήματος στην Πόλη έχει να κάνει με τη διαπίστωση ότι η εκεί ελληνορθόδοξη κοινότητα έχει παίξει σημαντικό ρόλο στη συνολική εξέλιξη της πορείας του φαινομένου του εκπαιδευτικού δημοτικισμού. Φαίνεται πως τα κοινωνικά και πολιτικά αιτήματα της περιόδου επηρέασαν καθοριστικά τη στάση των Ελλήνων της Πόλης απέναντι στη γλώσσα με αποτέλεσμα αυτοί να εκφραστούν μέσα από δύο διαμετρικά αντίθετους δρόμους: ορισμένοι επέλεξαν την κατεύθυνση της διατήρησης της καθαρεύουσας, ενώ άλλοι στήριξαν την προώθηση του εκπαιδευτικού δημοτικισμού.Η εργασία διερευνά τις εξελίξεις του γλωσσικού ζητήματος στην Κωνσταντινούπολη μέσα από τον λόγο του τοπικού ελληνόφωνου Τύπου. Εστιάζει στο κίνημα του εκπαιδευτικού δημοτικισμού με στόχο να διαπιστωθεί πώς αναδύθηκε αυτό στην Πόλη, τι ρόλο έπαιξαν οι διάφορες κοινωνικές συσσωματώσεις κι η θρησκευτική ηγεσία, καθώς και τις σχέσεις του με το αντίστοιχο κίνημα στο ελληνικό κράτος, ενώ παράλληλα διερευνά και τις κοινωνικές διαστάσεις του στην Κωνσταντινούπολη. Βασική υπόθεση είναι πως τα δημοσιεύματα του Τύπου θα προσφέρουν χρήσιμα στοιχεία για την πληρέστερη κατανόηση και την πιο ολοκληρωμένη ερμηνεία του κινήματος του δημοτικισμού γενικότερα και του εκπαιδευτικού δημοτικισμού ειδικότερα. Πρόκειται για μια ενδιαφέρουσα πτυχή του μείζονος ζητήματος του εκπαιδευτικού δημοτικισμού η οποία δεν μπορεί να θεωρηθεί ως επαρκώς μελετημένη από την επιστημονική έρευνα μέχρι σήμερα.Ως χρονικός ορίζοντας εντός του οποίου επιχειρείται η διερεύνηση του θέματος και επομένως ως πλαίσιο της μελέτης ορίστηκε το διάστημα από τα μέσα του 19ου ως τις αρχές του 20ου αιώνα, μια εποχή στη διάρκεια της οποίας ο ελληνόφωνος τύπος της Κωνσταντινούπολης αναπτύχθηκε και διαδόθηκε σημαντικά. Πρόκειται για την εποχή κατά την οποία το γλωσσικό ζήτημα προσέλαβε διαστάσεις κι από θεωρητική – επιστημονική συζήτηση μεταξύ λογίων μετατράπηκε σε πεδίο ιδεολογικού, κοινωνικού και πολιτικού προβληματισμού. Στο σημείο αυτό πρέπει να τονίσουμε ότι η περίοδος 1835 – 1922 θεωρήθηκε καθοριστική για την ιστορία του τύπου στην Κωνσταντινούπολη και ταυτόχρονα καθόρισε την πορεία του ελληνισμού της Πόλης: στην ουσία αναφερόμαστε στο διάστημα ανάμεσα στην κυκλοφορία του παλαιότερου ελληνόφωνου εντύπου και στο κλείσιμο της συντριπτικής πλειοψηφίας των ελληνόφωνων εφημερίδων και περιοδικών.
Upholding dignity during a pandemic via Twitter
Authors: Mulvey Michael , O'Sullivan Tracey , Fraser Sarah
Published: February 2023

Background: This article investigates how people invoked the concept of dignity on Twitter during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a secondary focus on mentions of dignity in the context of older adults and ageing. Methods: We report the results of a study that combines text analytic and interpretive methods to analyze word clusters and dignity-based themes in a cross-national sample of 1,946 original messages posted in 2020. Results: The study finds that dignity discourse on Twitter advances five major themes: (a) recognize dignity as a fundamental right, (b) uphold the dignity of essential workers, (c) preserve the dignity of at-risk populations, (d) prevent cascading disasters that exacerbate dignity's decline, and (e) attend to death, dignity, and the sanctity of life. Conclusions: Moreover, messages focusing on older adults lamented the disproportionate death toll, the terrible circumstances in long-term care homes, the added impact of suspended meal delivery services and the status of older people living below the poverty line.
Effects of Ganoderma lucidum on chemical-induced and bacterial-infected corneal ulceration of rabbits’ eyes
Authors: Okenwa-Vincent Emmanuel , Moogi Alphonsinah , Odero Phenard , Dania Afe , Mashige Khathutshelo
Published: February 2023

Background: Corneal ulcerations pose risks to blindness, and their treatment presents huge challenges, in part due to increased resistance to anti-bacterial drugs, accessibility and cost issues, particularly in developing countries. This study investigated the pharmacological effect of Ganoderma Lucidum, on chemical-induced and bacterial-infected corneal ulceration of rabbits’ eyes.

Methods: This was a randomized-controlled experiment of 16 healthy New Zealand rabbits, randomly assigned into four groups (A–D). The right eye cornea was injured using a drop of 1 Molar sodium hydroxide and followed by infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 12 hours, in all groups except group A. Treatment with freshly prepared crude aqueous extract of G. lucidum (40 μg/mL) for groups A and B, the standard treatment protocol for group C, and atropine alone for group D commenced after 24 hours and continued every four hours for seven days. All data collected, pre-and post-tests, were analysed at α=0.05 using Wilcoxon signed-rank test for correlated variables and the Mann–Whitney U test for independent variables.

Results: G. lucidum has significant clinical effects (74%) on corneal injury and ulcers (92%). The healing effects observed at the 168th hour were significantly better than those observed at the 24th hour (p<0.05). Although the difference between the healing effect of the standard treatment and the crude extract was not significant (p>0.05), the mean effect size was clinically significant (31%).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential antimicrobial potential of G. lucidum. G. lucidum may provide an alternative treatment option for chemical-induced and bacterial-infected corneal ulcers, particularly in resource-constrained countries.
Circulation of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia
Authors: Jarju Sheikh , Senghore Elina , Brotherton Helen , Saidykhan Alasana , Jallow Samba , Krubally Edrissa , Sinjanka Edrisa , Ndene Morris Ngor , Bajo Fabakary , Sanyang Musa M , Saidy Binta , Bah Alasana , Mohammed Nuredin I , Forrest Karen , Clarke Ed , Dalessandro Umberto , Sesay Abdul K , Usuf Effua , Cerami Carla , Roca Anna , Kampmann Beate , de Silva Thushan I
Published: February 2023

Background: In many countries, non-pharmaceutical interventions to limit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission resulted in significant reductions in other respiratory viruses. However, similar data from Africa are limited. We explored the extent to which viruses such as influenza and rhinovirus co-circulated with SARS-CoV-2 in The Gambia during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Methods: Between April 2020 and March 2022, respiratory viruses were detected using RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs from 1397 participants with influenza-like illness. An assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 and a viral multiplex RT-PCR assay was used as previously described  to detect influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A and B, parainfluenza viruses 1-4, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), adenovirus, seasonal coronaviruses (229E, OC43, NL63) and human rhinovirus.

Results: Overall virus positivity was 44.2%, with prevalence higher in children <5 years (80%) compared to children aged 5-17 years (53.1%), adults aged 18-50 (39.5%) and >50 years (39.9%), p<0.0001. After SARS-CoV-2 (18.3%), rhinoviruses (10.5%) and influenza viruses (5.5%) were the most prevalent. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was lower in children <5 (4.3%) and 5-17 years (12.7%) than in adults aged 18-50 (19.3%) and >50 years (24.3%), p<0.0001. In contrast, rhinoviruses were most prevalent in children <5 years (28.7%), followed by children aged 5-17 (15.8%), adults aged 18-50 (8.3%) and >50 years (6.3%), p<0.0001. Four SARS-CoV-2 waves occurred, with 36.1%-52.4% SARS-CoV-2 positivity during peak months. Influenza infections were observed in both 2020 and 2021 during the rainy season as expected (peak positivity 16.4%-23.5%). Peaks of rhinovirus were asynchronous to the months when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza peaked.

Conclusion: Our data show that many respiratory viruses continued to circulate during the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia, including human rhinoviruses, despite the presence of NPIs during the early stages of the pandemic, and influenza peaks during expected months.
The phenomenon of urbanisation from a public health perspective. Urban spaces as a possible source of epidemics and pandemics caused by an infectious disease
Authors: Pruszyński Jacek , Kocik Janusz , Pruszyńska Irena , Cianciara Dorota , Sękowski Kuba , Włodarczyk-Pruszyńska Inga
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Urbanisation is a global process leading to development of urban infrastructure and thus an increase in the population of urban areas. Health threats, including epidemics of infectious diseases that may break out in growing urban areas, can spread quickly and their effects could spread outside of the local territory.

Purpose

To outline the relationship between globalising, post-modern urbanisation processes, in particular the specific form of extended urbanisation, and the risks posed by infectious diseases that could give rise to new epidemics or pandemics.

State of knowledge

Health risks occurring at the local level of an urban area react to, and simultaneously affect, health situation occurring at an indefinite distance from the original site of the event. An important impact on the situation are the expanding or newly emerging urban areas, which cause negative changes in social conditions, and the increase in spatial mobility of the global population, which facilitates the spread of infectious diseases.

Summary

Understanding 21st century urban trends is the key to improving collective health. Adopting a "public health perspective" regarding values and attitudes towards social phenomena and reality, as well as the necessary methods of conduct, seems to be one of the main challenges of the current era in which people around the world, regardless of the country's development status and level of resources, currently live in within one “ecosystem of infectious diseases”. Planned and controlled urbanization, taking into account the achievements of modern epidemiology, including molecular epidemiology, will help will help along the remediation of the cities of the future.
Cashflow Timing vs. Discount-Rate Timing: An Examination of Mutual Fund Market-Timing Skills
Authors: Lan Chunhua , Wermers Russ
Published: February 2023

We measure the ability of professional investment managers in timing cashflow versus discount-rate news, the two components of market returns. We find that the average U.S. equity mutual fund exhibits cashflow-timing skills of 1.77%/year, but discount-rate timing of −0.87%/year; furthermore, cashflow-timing skills, but not discount-rate timing skills, strongly persist over future quarters. Our evidence indicates that misspecification of market-timing abilities accounts for the failure of prior research to locate talented timing funds. Importantly, we find that value funds outperform growth funds in timing cashflow news, which provides new evidence on the unique skills of value-oriented mutual funds.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4693 .
Women and migraines: the hormone connection
Authors: Stuckey Becky
Published: February 2023

Becky Stuckey explains how nurses can support migraine sufferers with prevention and management advice
State of Health Visiting survey: A profession under pressure
Authors: Boddy Bethany
Published: February 2023

The latest survey published by the Institute of Health Visiting has provided an insight into the complex issues facing the profession and the state of child health in the UK, as Bethany Boddy explains
Meaningful Shrinkage
Authors: Derpmanns Armin
Published: February 2023

The challenge of miniaturising mixed integrated circuits technology requires a different thought process
How eSIMs Enable Global IoT Deployments
Authors: Bullock Paul
Published: February 2023

Paul Bullock looks at the role of eSIMs in streamlining production and deployment of IoT enabled devices
The Sound of supersonic
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: February 2023

Engineers in Europe and USA are testing the low boom concepts and technologies for the next generation of supersonic passenger aircraft
Survival Space
Authors: Coppinger Rob
Published: February 2023

Being stuck inside a spacesuit for six days is just one of the extremes NASA is addressing as it looks to a new age of space exploration
Full Circle
Authors: Goold Ian
Published: February 2023

The Boeing 787's troubled service entry and new engine technology have given the Airbus A330 a new lease of life
Risk & Reward
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: February 2023

Can a university research center change the way the industry develops and tests aircraft?
Extreme Measures
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: February 2023

Scientists are using aircraft laden with instrumentation and are braving extreme weather conditions to gather data about melting glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctica
A propulsion Mix-Up?
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: February 2023

As development and testing of hybrid-electric aircraft ramps up, a look back at the last time hybrid aircraft were in the skies serves to remind us of the challenges of innovation
Best of British
Authors: Beck Chris
Published: February 2023

The Make UK awards once again recognised the best in UK industry from around the regions
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ON DECISION CRITERIA FOR PORT PERSONNEL USING HYBRID ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS (H-AHP)
Authors: Shamshol Bahri Muhamad Safuan , Shariff S. Sarifah Radiah , Yahya Nazry
Published: February 2023

The demand for talented labor to serve the maritime logistics, particularly in port operations, is growing as the industry expands globally. This requires professional competency in terms of manpower and skills that must be developed effectively. Furthermore, considering the harm done to the industry from the COVID-19 pandemic, capable professionals in port management are a crucial part to reviving the business and its long-term growth and viability. This study explores the criteria for the needed talent from the perspective of port logistics experts using  the following multicriteria decision making (MCDM) approaches: Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Preference Ranking Organization System Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE). The objective of this study is to identify the important criteria for personnel performance evaluation in the port marine logistics industry. In order to determine the performance evaluation framework for personnel performance evaluation, the study uses the AHP method to calculate the weightage of the criteria. The highest weightage is Work Attitude (0.560), followed by Job Performance (0.298) and Work Ability (0.120). Lastly, in order to identify the suitable hybrid MCDM approaches for personnel performance evaluation in the port marine logistics industry, three different MCDM approaches (AHP, TOPSIS and PROMETHEE) were used and the results show that the AHP is the best MCDM method to rank the personnel in the port industry by obtaining the highest Kendall’s Tau coefficient of 0.619.
Cytogenetic study in seven species of Zingiberaceae family from Bueng Kan Province, Thailand
Authors: SAENSOUK PIYAPORN , SAENSOUK SURAPON , PHECHPHAKDEE TANANSUK , RAGSASILP AREERAT
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Saensouk P, Saensouk S, Phechphakdee T, Ragsasilp A. 2022. Cytogenetic study in seven species of Zingiberaceae family from Bueng Kan Province, Thailand. Biodiversitas 24: 68-77. Bueng Kan province is located in the Northeast Thailand. The family Zingiberaceae in Bueng Kan Province was found to be a highly diverse plant. The aim of this study was to study the chromosome numbers, fundamental number (NF), karyotype form and ideogram analysis of seven species in the family Zingiberaceae from Bueng Kan province, Northeast Thailand. The seven species of Zingiberaceae family-namely Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf., Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb., Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm., Kaempferia elegans Wall., Kaempferia pulchra Ridl., Kaempferia rotunda L. and Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr. in this study have been recognized the cytogenetic study including the chromosome number from root tips, karyology, NF, symmetrical karyotype, RL, CI, and ideogram. The chromosome numbers of all species were reported between 2n = 20 and 68. The NF of six species was reported for the first time. The symmetrical karyotype formula has been recognized as a symmetrical karyotype (four species) and an asymmetrical karyotype (three species). The karyotype formula of five species was reported for the first time. The ideogram of all species was provided for the first time. The cytogenetic data of all species in this study can be used for identification.
Relationship analysis of FaPYR1 and FaCHS genes encoding fruit ripening of three species of strawberries (Fragaria spp.) fruit
Authors: ARISTYA GANIES RIZA , DYATAMA GALANG RISWI , ZUYYINA CHALVIA , MAULINA NURINA TAHTA AFWI , ARIF MUHAMMAD FAUZI , MUSTHOFA ARNI , KASIAMDARI RINA SRI
Published: February 2023

Abstract.  Aristya GR, Dyatama GR, Zuyyina C, Maulina NTA, Arif MF, Musthofa A, Kasiamdari RS. 2023. Relationship analysis of FaPYR1 and FaCHS genes encoding fruit ripening of three species of strawberries (Fragaria spp.) fruit. Biodiversitas 24: 87-97. The difference in the phenotypes characters and gene expressionof strawberries (Fragaria spp.) is influenced by changes in hormone signaling mechanisms to receptors due to the adaptation to various types of environments. Abscisic acid (ABA) is one of the phytohormones that plays a role in the growth and development of strawberries, response to environmental stress, and fruit ripening. One of the ABA receptors is the PYR1 protein which is encoded by FaPYR1 gene. ABA also plays a role in inducing the FaCHS gene associated with pigmentation in strawberry fruit. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between FaPYR1 and FaCHS gene sequences in three strawberry species encoding fruit ripening. The FaPYR1 (585-633  bp) and FaCHS (90-93  bp) genes from three strawberries species namely Fragaria moschata, Fragaria vesca L. 'Californica', and Fragariax ananassa 'Festival' were successfully amplified. The results of the gene family relationship analysis of FaPYR1 gene sequences showed a close relationship with the comparative three species to GenBank, with a genetic distance value of 0.01-0.02. Meanwhile, FaCHS gene sequences from three species of strawberries showed a close relationship with the comparable FaCHS gene sequence from GenBank, with a genetic distance of 0.1-0.2.
The morphoanatomy, histochemistry, and phytochemistry of the leaves and fruits of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa
Authors: KUNTORINI EVI MINTOWATI , SARI SASI GENDRO , FARIANI RINI
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Kuntorini EM, Sari SG, Fariani R. 2023. The morphoanatomy, histochemistry, and phytochemistry of the leaves and fruits of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. Biodiversitas 24: 98-105. Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk is native to Southeast Asia. The entire plant has been used in traditional Vietnamese, Chinese, and Malaysian medicine for a long time. Bioactive substances are abundant in ripe fruits. However, few studies have examined phytochemical changes and distribution throughout leaf and fruit growth. This study evaluated the morphoanatomy, histochemical, and phytochemical properties of R. tomentosa leaves and fruits. The cross-sectional anatomical structures observed in the leaves included the epidermis, mesophyll, and carrier bundle, while the fruit structures observed included a pericarp layer with an exocarp/outer layer, mesocarp, and endocarp. Flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids were found in the leaf's adaxial and abaxial epidermis, mesophyll, xylem, phloem, midrib parenchyma, secretory cavities, and trichomes. They were also distributed throughout the fruit's exocarp, mesocarp, endocarp, secretory cavities, xylem, phloem, trichomes, and seeds. Young leaves contained the highest total flavonoid concentration (196 ± 1.77 mg QE/g), green fruit had the highest total phenol concentration (97.70 ± 18.15 mg GAE/g), old leaves contained the highest total alkaloid concentration (13.22 ± 0.98%), and red fruit had the highest total tannin concentration (1.66 ± 0.15 mg GAE/g).
Orthoptera (Insecta) fauna of the Kashkadarya region, Uzbekistan
Authors: Nurjanov A.A. , Medetov M.ZH. , Gapparov F.A. , Kholmatov B.R. , Abdullayev I.I. , Tufliyev N.KH. , Nurjonov, F.A.
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Nurjaniv AA, Medetof MZH, Kholmatov BR, Abdullahyev II, Tufliyev NKH, Nurjonov FA. 2023. Orthoptera (Insecta) fauna of the Kashkadarya region, Uzbekistan. Biodiversitas 24: 112-121. More than 30,000 different species of orthoptera insects, most of which are found in the tropics and subtropics, are known to exist in the world's fauna. The most extensive among the orthopteroids is the order Orthoptera, which includes more than 20,000 species of insects. Most are herbivores, while others are predators or have a mixed diet. Large size, jumping abilities, and open lifestyle make orthopteran characters accessible to many landscapes. Orthopterans play a significant role in the movement of the energy flow as an important link in biocenosis, connecting secondary consumers with producers. Many species of Orthopterans, especially grasshoppers, are dangerous pests of agriculture. Harm is especially noticeable from those locust species, which could make swarms. The research was carried out in various agro and natural landscapes to determine the species composition of orthopteran insects in the Kashkadarya region. A total of 1274 samples were collected from 11 coordinates in 10 different landscapes during the scientific trips. They comprised 657 females (51.4%), 403 males (31.6%), and 214 nymphs (16.7%). The distribution of 70 species belonging to 50 genera and 7 families of orthopteran insects is discussed in this research. Samples were taken from 6 coordinates in 6 types (cucurbits, orchards, alfalfa, mulberry, vineyards, and mung bean fields) of agro-landscapes and 6 coordinates in 4 natural (plains of the Karshi desert, hills, mountains, and saxaul forests) landscapes. The highest species diversity has been found in orchards, where 129 samples of 20 orthopteran species have been collected in the Guzar district of the Kashkadarya region. The Karshi desert was identified as the landscape with the lowest number of species, with 41 samples of 9 species collected. The average density of insects in the desert was 0.4 per square meter. Two species were found in all 12 coordinates of 10 different landscapes, and 11 were found only once in one coordinate.
The diversity of utilizations, tapping flow discharge, and conservation of sugar palm (Arenga longipes Mogea) cultivated in Langkat, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: FADHILLA SURI , HAKIM LUTHFI , AGUSTIAN AISHAH , LUBIS YUNIDA SYAFRIANI , SIREGAR ASTRI WINDA
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Fadhilla S, Hakim L, Agustian A, Lubis YS, Siregar AW. 2022. The diversity of utilizations, tapping flow discharge, and conservation of sugar palm (Arenga longipes Mogea) cultivated in Langkat, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 122-132. Sugar palm (Arenga longipes Mogea) is one of the Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) cultivated by the forest community in the village of Sei Limbat, Selesai Sub-district, Langkat District, North Sumatra. It is a plant with several benefits for economic development and a source of livelihood. Therefore, this research aims to determine the morphology of sugar palms through the identification of the species developed by the community, potential use, economic value, and tapping productivity. The morphological identification was used to determine the species of sugar palm developed by the community. The multiple utilization and economic values were identified and analyzed using the result of in-depth interviews through questionnaires. In this study, it was found that the diversity of uses of the palm plant included the utilization of palm sugar (consisting of large palm sugar, small palm sugar, liquid sugar and powdered sugar), utilization of black palm fiber, and conservation purposes. Based on the morphological identification, the species of sugar palm cultivated by the forest community was Arenga longipes Mogea. Furthermore, the tapping productivity was influenced by the panicle circumference, tree height, and flower height from the ground. The tapping productivity was calculated using daily production, which was correlated with sugar palm tree morphology. Based on the result, it can be concluded that the species identified is A. longipes which has a variety of uses and the tapping productivity was influenced by plant morphology.
Estimation the levels of two genes expression and their effects on tetracycline resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different sources
Authors: AL-MIYAH SUAAD ABID FAZAA
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Al-Miyah SAF. 2023. Estimation the levels of two genes expression and their effects on tetracycline resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different sources. Biodiversitas 24: 176-181. Acinetobacter baumannii can cause severe infections of the blood, brain, and lungs. It may also results in infections of the urinary tract and wounds. It can be found on the skin, in food, drink, or soil, and can be transferred by direct contact. The pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii spreads quickly. This study aimed to find a relationship between the infection with Acinetobacter baumannii and the corresponding IL-17 level in patients' sera. To determine the effect of tetracycline exposure on the gene expression levels of the TetA and AdeB genes. This study included 150 samples from different patients suffering from burns, wounds, blood, and sputum. Samples have been tested by Vitek for the presence of Acinetobacter baumannii. Each isolate was then cultured on two separate Mueller-Hinton Agar (MHA) dishes, one with and one without tetracycline. RNA was extracted from all the cultured dishes and converted to cDNA. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) has then been done to evaluate the gene expression level of the TetA and AdeB genes and normalized to the results of the 16sRNA gene. The results of gene expression showed that isolates grown with tetracycline in the medium had significantly higher gene expression than isolates grown without the antibiotic for both the TetA (2.49 vs. 1.023, respectively) and AdeB (5.051 vs. 1.023, respectively) genes. The results of IL-17 showed a higher level in infected patients (21.37 pg/mL) compared to non-infected subjects (14.76 pg/mL).
Antimicrobial resistance characteristics of multidrug resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli from several dairy farms in Probolinggo, Indonesia
Authors: WIDODO AGUS , LAMID MIRNI , EFFENDI MUSTOFA HELMI , KHAILRULLAH ASWIN RAFIF , KURNIAWAN SHENDY CANADYA , SILAEN OTTO SAHAT MARTUA , RIWU KATTY HENDRIANA PRISCILIA , YUSTINASARI LITA RAKHMA , AFNANI DANIAH ASHRI , DAMEANTI FIDI NUR AINI EKA PUJI , RAMANDINIANTO SANCAKA CHASYER
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Widodo A, Lamid M, Effendi MH, Khailrullah AR, Kurniawan SC, Silaen OSM, Riwu KHP, Yustinasari LR, Afnani DA, Dameanti FNAEP, Ramandinianto SC. 2022. Antimicrobial resistance characteristics of multidrug resistance and extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli from several dairy farms in Probolinggo, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 215-221. Escherichia coli bacteria initially reside in the digestive tract of humans and animals but are able to adapt to new environments that are different from their initial habitat. The pathogenicity of E. coli can occur when these bacteria grow more than normal limits, produce toxins, and are resistant to certain types of antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance characteristics of MDR and ESBL-producing E. coli from several dairy farms in the Probolinggo district of East Java province, Indonesia. A total of 150 samples consisting of 109 milk and 41 environmental samples from 41 dairy farms were used for isolation. TSIA and IMViC biochemical tests were used to identify E. coli bacteria. Escherichia coli resistance profile was obtained through disc diffusion test on several antibiotics, namely tetracycline, streptomycin, trimethoprim, chloramphenicol and aztreonam. Escherichia coli that was resistant to 3 or more antibiotics was defined as MDR. The results of isolation and identification obtained 124 (82.6%) isolates characterizing E. coli bacteria. The antimicrobial susceptibility test of E. coli showed 9 (7.26%) MDR isolates and 2 (22.22%) ESBL isolates by double-disc synergy test (DDST). MDR E. coli was dominated by the pattern of antimicrobial drug resistance TE-S-W (tetracycline, streptomycin, trimethoprim) with a total of 8 (38.10%) isolates, followed by antimicrobial drug resistance pattern TE-S-W-ATM (tetracycline, streptomycin, trimethoprim, aztreonam) with one (4.76%) E. coli isolates. The pattern of antimicrobial drugs of ESBL E. coli showed in one (11.11%) sample of ESBL E. coli from a milk sample with the pattern of TE-S-W-ATM (tetracycline, streptomycin, trimethoprim, aztreonam) and one (11.11%) sample ESBL E. coli (AL 30) from the environmental sample with a pattern of TE-S-W pattern (tetracycline, streptomycin, trimethoprim). The discovery of MDR E. coli isolates and ESBL E. coli from milk and environmental samples at several dairy farms in Probolinggo district, East Java, Indonesia is a matter of concern and requires real action to reduce antibiotic resistance.
Assessing the carrying capacity of mangroves as raw materials for culinary products: Case study in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: PURWOKO AGUS , SUSILAWATI ARIDA , SITUMORANG AFIKA IFIANTI
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Purwoko A, Susilowati A, Situmorang AI. 2023. Assessing the carrying capacity of mangroves as raw materials for culinary products: Case study in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 250-257. Many studies have focused on the ecological and socio-economic benefits of the mangrove ecosystem, yet limited information is available regarding the potential uses of non-timber products from mangroves for creative culinary products. This study aims to assess the production and carrying capacity of raw materials derived from mangrove vegetation to make processed food products using a case study from mangrove ecosystem in Kampung Nipah Mangrove Tourism Area, Sei Nagalawan Village, Perbaungan Sub-district, Serdang Bedagai District, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. In doing so, we analyzed the species composition and abundance of mangrove vegetation to result in the production potential of raw materials used for culinary purposes. Ten mangrove species were recorded in the studied area with Acanthus ilicifolius, Rhizophora apiculata and Avicennia marina were the most important species at the seedling, sapling and tree level, respectively. The Kampung Nipah Mangrove Tourism Area utilizes three mangrove species as raw materials for food, namely A. marina, Soneratia caseolaris, and A. ilicifolius which are used as raw materials for making mangrove dodol (a sweet toffee), fruit syrup, and crackers, respectively. Based on the abundance of species used for mangrove culinary products, the abundance of A. marina and A. ilicifolius are highly available, while S. caseolaris is scarce. These results imply that the abundance of A. marina and A. ilicifolius is sufficient for dodol and crackers production, yet the abundance of S. caseolaris is not sufficient as raw material for syrup processing. Therefore, it is necessary to enrich the population S. caseolaris to support the production of mangrove syrup.
DNA barcode of seven species coral from Sepulu, Madura Island, Indonesia
Authors: INSAFITRI INSAFITRI , NURSALIM NINING , KHOLILAH NENIK , KURNIASIH EKA MAYA , CAHYANI NI KADEK DITA , NUGRAHA WAHYU ANDY , AMBARIYANTO AMBARIYANTO
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Insafitri, Nursalim N, Kholilah N, Kurniasih EM, Cahyani NKD, Nugraha WA, Ambariyanto A. 2023. DNA barcode of seven species coral from Sepulu, Madura Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 317-323. Diversity of coral species is needed because it affects the disruption of coral reef ecosystems, nutrient recycling, coral reef growth and the habitat of biota that live in these ecosystems. The main constituents of coral reef ecosystems are coral animals that belong to the Anthozoa class. Sepulu waters (Madura Island), Bangkalan District, East Java Province, Indonesia, has a percentage of coral cover that is in the bad category, management of coral reefs in this area has not been the main focus and it is feared that the situation will get worse so efforts are needed to maintain coral reefs to be sustainable and better. This management effort requires an analysis of species identification. DNA barcoding of corals has never been done on corals of Sepulu waters. The purpose of this study is to find out the DNA of barcoding coral species on Sepulu waters. Genetic marker Cytochrome Oxidase I of the mitochondrial genome DNA (mtDNA) was used to analyze genetic diversity. Reconstruction of phylogenetic tree and genetic diversity were done by using software MEGA X. Research results showed that sample DBP011101 closely related to Dipsatraea maxima 99.55%, DBP011102 closely related to Porites rus 99.4%, DBP011103 closely related to Acropora hyacinthus 99.11%, DBP011104 closely related to Porites cf lichen 98.66%, DBP011106 closely related to Dipsastraea rotumana 95.37%, DBP011107 closely related to Porites horrisoni 98.81%, and DBP011108 closely related to Acropora valida 98.38%. The results of the study are the first coral barcode DNA on Sepulu waters that can help in determining coral species that are useful in managing the sustainability of coral resources, especially on Sepulu waters.
DNA barcoding of crustacean larvae with two new records of Caridina gracilipes and Ptychognathus altimanus in the Western Region of Segara Anakan lagoon in Indonesia
Authors: Winarni Elly Tuti , Simanjuntak Sorta Basar Ida , Nuryanto ‪Agus
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Winarni ET, Simanjuntak SBI, Nuryanto A. 2023. DNA barcoding of crustacean larvae with two new records of Caridina gracilipes and Ptychognathus altimanus in the Western Region of Segara Anakan lagoon in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 341-348. Several studies have been carried out on crustacean larvae diversity, but they focused on the eastern and central regions of the Segara Anakan lagoon/estuary, Cilacap District, Central Java Province, Indonesia. Furthermore, one study has explored crustaceans in the western region but focused on adult individuals and used morphological characteristics. Currently, there is no internet data on the crustacean larvae diversity from the estuary's western region, and there is a high possibility that some species are unidentified. This study aims to describe crustacean larvae diversity in the western region of the Segara Anakan lagoon in Indonesia by using DNA barcoding. Sequence divergence of 3% to databases in GenBank and BOLDsystems was used as a genetic threshold for species border. A total of 14 morphotypes were barcoded, but only nine were successful, of which three were identified as bacteria and six as crustaceans. Based on the predetermined genetic threshold, all crustacean morphotypes can be identified at the species level, and six species were obtained. Meanwhile, a previous study on the adult individual only identified specimens at the genus level, and only one genus was similar to these obtained results. A total of 5 out of 6 species were new records to the western region Cilacap, while 2, namely Caridina gracilipes and Ptychognathus altimanus, are newly recorded in the Segara Anakan lagoon. These results contribute significantly to the information on crustacea larvae diversity, which is essential for sustainable management.
Using biodiversity indices to assess the current state of tugai vegetation of the Amu Darya River, Uzbekistan
Authors: RAKHIMOVA NODIRA K. , SHOMURODOV KHABIBULLO F. , SHARIPOVA VASILA K. , SAITJANOVA UMIDA SH. , SADINOV JASUR S.
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Rakhimova NK, Shomurodov KF, Sharipova VK, Saitjanova USH, Sadinov JS. 2023. Using biodiversity indices to assess the current state of tugai vegetation of the Amu Darya River, Uzbekistan. Biodiversitas 24: 467-472. Changes in plant associations of the tugai reserve of Uzbekistan (Amu Darya coast) due to climate change were considered. The state of associations represented by the xeromesophilic-mesothermal group of plants of the tugai (POTAMODENDRA), shrub (POTAMOTHAMNA) and herbaceous (POTAMOPOIA) vegetation types of the Amudarya tugai was analyzed. At the same time, ten associations were evaluated in a comparative aspect. An analysis of biodiversity within and between associations were carried out, various biodiversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Margalef) were compared, and the sensitivity of the indices to various factors was assessed. In the tree layer, there was a significant decrease in the abundance of Populus euphratica, P. pruinosa, as well as the number of shrubs and perennial grasses. Alarming indicators of vegetation transformation have been identified using the ?- and ?-biodiversity indices. The evaluation results of vegetation in terms of biodiversity indices showed that due to the violation of the structural and functional organization, general degradation, simplification and impoverishment of the floristic composition, change of plant communities and xerophytization, significant changes occurred in the studied associations, as reflected in biodiversity indices. The results obtained will make it possible to understand the ways of formation and development of tugai vegetation, to identify the mechanisms of transformation of tugai forests on different ecological gradients (bioclimatic, hydrological, edaphic and anthropogenic), to assess the current state of tugai forests, to identify rare plant communities that need protection and to develop recommendations for their protection.
The variability influence of physicochemical parameters on macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Rhumel and Endja rivers, Algeria
Authors: Kherief-Nacereddine Saliha , Djeddi Hamssa , Naila Yasmine Benayache , BOUKERIA SABAH , BENMAKHLOUF ZOUBIDA , Mehennaou-Afri Fatima-Zohra
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Kherief-Nacereddine S, Djeddi H, Nail-Yasmine B, Boukeria S, Benmakhlouf Z, Mehennaoui-Afri FZ. 2023. The variability influence of physicochemical parameters on macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Rhumel and Endja rivers, Algeria. Biodiversitas 24: 539-550. Water resources are the most essential resource in the development of the various sectors of a country's economy. In Algeria, a country with a semi-arid climate, the supply of drinking and industrial water is mainly provided by surface water. Currently, the water supply for industrial uses is threatened by the problems of anthropogenic pollution (e.g., urban discharges, industrial and agricultural activities, etc.). The objective of this work is to assess the variability influence of water physicochemical parameters on macroinvertebrate communities in the Rhumel and Endja rivers in Algeria which supply the Beni Haroun. In each river, two observation stations were established located upstream and downstream, totaling four stations (Rhumel: (Rh1 and Rh2) and Endja: En 1 and En 2). Physicochemical parameters of water were measured, and biological parameters of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages were calculated. The physicochemical approach put highlights the monthly changes in water quality along the two rivers in relation to urban, agricultural, and industrial discharges and as a response to seasonal variations in water level. The difference in taxonomic richness corresponded to environmental conditions of stations appearing more or less stable and highlighting a gradient of the stress on organisms. The results showed that there were 2071 individuals of macroinvertebrates recorded, belonging to 19 families and 10 orders. The individual number of this macrofauna consisted of 75.20% insects, 12.50% worms, and 12.30% mollusks, with the most abundant families across all stations being Chironomidae and Baetidae. The spatiotemporal variability of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in the two rivers indicated that summer recorded the highest abundance of all samples. The highest number of macroinvertebrate individuals was recorded at Rhumel stations. The elements indicating high pollution were SO4, PO4- and NO2- with the highest values recorded during the summer season for the four stations. Higher pollution was observed at the Endja river. The findings of this study imply that the waters of two rivers are unsuitable for use even for irrigation purposes.
Nutraceuticals and bioactive properties of local Java pigmented rice
Authors: PRADIPTA SANDI , SISWOYO TRI AGUS , UBAIDILLAH MOHAMMAD
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Pradipta S, Siswoyo TA, Ubaidillah M. 2023. Nutraceuticals and bioactive properties of local Java pigmented rice. Biodiversitas 24: 571-582. Pigmented rice is used in nutraceuticals and has health benefits, on the other side, the characterization of local pigmented rice has not been widely observed. This research aimed to determine the nutraceutical and bioactive properties of ten pigmented Indonesian rice varieties (Segreg, Merah SP, Gogo Niti II, Mansur. Merah Wangi, MS Pendek, Super Manggis, Lamongan I, Aek Sibundong, and Seksek). The proximate composition of pigmented rice was performed based on standard methods. The antioxidant activity was carried out using DPPH radical scavenging activity. Morphological characteristics of these pigmented rice were the weight of 1000 grains ranges 17.47-23.10 g, with slender, medium, and bold shape categories. The proximate analysis revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) among cultivars, excluding the lipid. Amylose content varied between 17.43-25.71%. The lowest amylose cultivar had a high peak, trough, and final viscosities but a low pasting temperature. The gelatinization enthalpy was 0.83-1.93 J/g, and the thermal properties of the onset were between 78.6-83.60ºC. The peak was 81.90-86.20ºC, and the conclusion temperature was between 86.00-89.80ºC. The functional properties of the water absorption index were 5.1-7.42 g/g. The water solubility index was 2.32-7.32%, the oil absorption index was 0.92-1.67 g/g, and the bulk density was 0.56-0.70 g/cm3. The total phenolic range was 2.69-9.51 mg GAE/g, and flavonoids were between 0.61-2.31 mg QE/g. Antioxidant activity has been positively correlated with the percentage of flavonoids in phenolics.
Public choice for payment vehicles of turtle conservation in Terengganu, Malaysia
Authors: KAMALUDIN MAHIRAH , ALIPIAH ROSELIZA MAT , NIK NORDIN NIK SALBIAH , AFIQAH NURAIN
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Kamaludin M, Alipiah RM, Nordin NSN, Afiqah N. 2023. Public choice for payment vehicles of turtle conservation in Terengganu, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 24: 636-644. Sea turtle is known as the iconic natural heritage in Terengganu, Malaysia. Unfortunately, the turtle populations are declining these days due to many threats such as incidental catch, human activities, coastal development, irresponsible tourism, and poaching. Besides, erosion occurs on some beaches, reducing the area available for turtle nesting. This study determines marginal willingness to pay (WTP) for sea turtle conservation programs with two different payment vehicles i.e. tax collection and trust fund in Terengganu, Malaysia. The choice experiment (CE) method was utilized to calculate the marginal WTP of four attributes (population of sea turtles, communities involved, conservation activities and tax/trust fund). The study found that public placed a higher value of the marginal WTP on the ‘conservation activities’ attribute with RM3.32 (tax) and RM110.11 (trust fund), while the public exhibited higher values of WTP on the medium of payment vehicle (trust fund), where the coercive payment was not favorable among them. Therefore, a workable and suitable medium of payment is essential to support the efforts in protecting sea turtles and keeping coral reefs and sea grass beds healthy. After all, more sea turtles will survive and thrive to maintain the fragility of ecosystem's balance in the ocean.