bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of inorganic and liquid organic bio-fertilizers affects the vegetative growth and rhizobacteria populations of eight banana cultivars
Authors: Handayani Tri , Dewi Tirta Kumala , Martanti Diyah , Poerba Yuyu Suryasari , Antonius Sarjiya , WITJAKSONO Witjaksono
Published: February 2021

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the fruit crops widely planted and consumed in Indonesia. In the commercial cultivation of bananas, large amounts of inorganic fertilizers are intensively applied to the soil to improve its yields. However, improper continuous application of those inorganic fertilizers can be hazardous to the environment, especially hampering soil fertility. The reduced inorganic fertilizer rate combined with eco-friendly bio-fertilizer has been widely accepted as an alternative approach to ensure sustainable agriculture production and is expected to include banana production. This research evaluated the application of liquid organic bio-fertilizer (LOB) in banana plantations by observing their effects on plant vegetative growth and soil microbial population. The LOB combined with inorganic fertilizer were tested in composition of 1) 100% inorganic fertilizer (NPK), 2) 50% NPK + 100 % LOB, 3) 100% LOB; on eight banana cultivars, i.e., Mas Kirana (AA), Cavendish (AAA), Barangan (AAA), Raja Bulu (AAB), Raja Lido (AAB), Raja Sereh (AAB), Tanduk (AAB), and Kepok (ABB). The results showed that for most of the cultivar tested, liquid bio-fertilizer could be applied in combination with the reduced NPK fertilizer rate to give not significantly different results than 100% inorganic fertilizer vegetative growth rate on the early development of banana. The liquid organic bio-fertilizer application also generally improved soil microbial population, including PGPR with a specific function such as IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) producing activity, phosphate solubilizing, and protease enzyme activity. The application LOB alone was insufficient to support vegetative banana growth to the level incurred by the moderate rate of inorganic fertilizer application.
Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in the Kampung Orang Asli Donglai Baru, Hulu Langat, Malaysia
Authors: Ramli Mohd Raznan , MALEK SORAYYA , MILOW POZI , AZIZ NURUL JANNAH
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Ramli MP, Malek S, Milow P, Aziz NJ. 2021. Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in the Kampung Orang Asli Donglai Baru, Hulu Langat, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 22: 1304-1309. Documentation on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is important before it is completely exhausted by the loss of natural habitats surrounding it and the passing away of older generations. In this study, an ethnobotanical survey for the medicinal plants in the Kampung Orang Asli Donglai Baru, Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia was carried out. A semi-structured interview was prepared to record the medicinal uses of the local medicinal plants in the study area. The information such as the Orang Asli local name, parts used for medication, methods of preparation, and type of ailments were all collected. The total numbers of recorded species in the study sites were 39 species belonging to 22 families. The families Zingiberaceae, Marantaceae, Leguminosae, Vitaceae, Lamiaceae, Melastomataceae, and Araceae have recorded the highest species of medicinal plants. The most frequently utilized plant parts were the leaves (25%) followed by roots (20%), whole plants (10%), fruit (5%) and flowers (2.5%). Gastrointestinal problems including stomach ache, diarrhea, indigestion and bloating were among the most frequent ailments treated with the medical plants. This study revealed that many medicinal plants are still broadly used by the community for treating various diseases in ailments. Further investigation needs to be carried out to explore the potential of these plants in scientific usage.
Morphological diversity and heritability of nine local sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) genotypes in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: MAFTUCHAH Maftuchah , FEBRIANA LIA , SULISTYAWATI Sulistyawati , Reswari Helvi Ardana , Septia Erfan Dani
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Maftuchah, Febriana L, Sulistyawati, Reswari HA, Septia ED. 2021. Morphological diversity and heritability of nine local sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) genotypes in East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 1310-1316. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is an essential food crop after wheat, rice, maize, and barley. It has wide adaptability to various environmental conditions, including can be grown on marginal lands, so that it is potential to be developed as cheap source of carbohydrates. The present study obtain information about the morphological diversity and heritability values ​​of local sorghum genotypes that occurred in East Java Province, Indonesia. The research was conducted in Purutrejo village, Pasuruan city using nine local genotypes, namely Jombang (SG-JBG), Tuban (SG-TBN), Pasuruan (GB-PSR), Lamongan 1 (SG-LMG 1), Lamongan 2 (SG-LMG 2), Sampang 1 (SG-SPG 1), Sampang 2 (SG-SPG 2), Tulungagung 1 (SG-TLG 1) and Tulungagung 2 (SG-TLG 2). The results showed that the genotype of SG-SPG 2 produced the longest panicles, while the SG-LMG 2 had the highest seed dry weight per panicle and highest number of seeds per panicle (117.34 gram/panicle dry weight and 4581.80 seeds/panicle). The genotype of SG-TLG 2 produced the largest weight of seeds, either in fresh seed (41.43 g/1000 seeds) or dry seed (31.96 g/1000 seeds). Of the nine genotypes tested, the flowering ages ranged from 42 to 53 days after planting, and the harvest ages ranged from 70 to 91 days after planting with the fastest harvest age was achieved by SG-TLG 2 The entire value of the phenotype variety on each variable was more significant than the value of the genotype range. Heritability test results show that all experimental parameters exceed 0.5 so that it is categorized as high heritability. In general, the SG-TLG 2 genotype had the most chance to be developed, because it produced the highest seed weight, both fresh seeds (41.43 g/1000 seeds) and dry seeds (31.96 g/1000 seeds). Besides, the SG-TLG shows the fastest harvest age (70 days after planting).
Assessment of forest degradation condition in Natmataung National Park Watershed, Myanmar
Authors: Oo Yadanar , SUANPAGA WATHINEE , MEUNPONG PONTHEP
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Oo Y, Suanpaga W, Muenpong P. 2021. Assessment of forest degradation condition in Natmataung National Park Watershed, Myanmar. Biodiversitas 22: 1354-1362. Natmataung National Park (NTNP) is an important biodiversity hotspot in Myanmar, yet it is threatened by various anthropogenic activities, leading to deforestation and forest degradation. As such, the park needs to be restored to bring back its main function of conserving biodiversity. Ecological restoration in NTNP needs assessment of forest restoration potential through forest degradation condition. This research aimed: (1) to assess forest stand parameters of tree density, basal area, Above Ground Biomass (AGB), and Above Ground Carbon (AGC) at plot level and study area level through sampling with fixed area in the NTNP watershed, (2) to compare the accessed forest stand parameters of old-growth forest (OF) and secondary forest (SF) (per plot individual level and per stem individual level) and tree species richness and diversity of OF and SF (per plot individual level only) in order to know the forest degradation condition. A total of 69 square plots were sampled to achieve such aims. This study found two main results: (1) the estimation of stand parameters in both OF and SF at the plot level and study area level had acceptable statistical proration: (2) stand parameters at stem level had significant differences in which OF had overall higher values of parameters than in SF. Based on the results of this study, we recommend that the OF sites should be conserved through sustainable forest management, while the SF sites should be restored to mimic condition in OF through the implementation of assisted natural regeneration (ANR) with highest dominant native tree species, and the abandoned fallow lands should be restored using pioneer native tree species.
Natural dye plants used by Dayak Iban in Sungai Utik, Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: WAHDINA Wahdina , Setiadi Dede , Purwanto Yohanes , Qayim Ibnul
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Wahdina, Setiadi D, Purwanto Y, Qayim I. 2021. Natural dye plants used by Dayak Iban in Sungai Utik, Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 1397-1404.  Natural dye plants used by indigenous people in Indonesia are considered an important and unique gene pool, especially in Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo), known to have high biodiversity and endemicity. Dayak Iban people in Sungai Utik, Kapuas Hulu District, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia  are considered a culturally important group, recognized by their customary forest and harmonious living with nature. One of the traditional knowledge practiced by this group is the use of dye plants for along time to make traditional woven fabric and various plaiting handicrafts. This study aims to investigate the types of natural dye plants used by the Dayak Iban people in Sungai Utik, and how the local people use them traditionally. Information about the dye plants used and their utilization process was obtained through in-depth interview methods. We also identified the color produced by the dye plants. There were 15 plant species used as dye plants in Sungai Utik Village. The dye plants are used for plaiting and yarn dyeing as traditional woven material with white, red, and black colors are the only colors used. The most important dye plants are engkerebai kayoh (Psychotria malayana) for red dye color and rengat kikat (Clerodendrum laevifolium) for black dye color. The coloring process includes the yarn oiling, tying, measuring, dyeing, and drying, followed by weaving process. The people in Sungai Utik obtain the dye plants in their customary forest as they keep their forests as a highly valuable treasure.
Optical characterization of heat dependent collagen denaturation via Mueller matrix polarimetry in combination with principal component analysis
Authors: Derman Deniz , Opar Ekin , Ferhanoğlu Onur , Polat Ömer , Kazanci Murat
Published: February 2021

Polarization properties of collagen in acidic and natural solutions were analyzed by a decoupling analytical technique based on Mueller matrix polarimetry (MMP). The proposed method was employed to derive five effective optical parameters of collagen solutions: (1) orientation angle of linear birefringence, (2) phase retardance of linear birefringence, (3) orientation angle of linear dichroism, (4) value of linear dichroism, and (5) optical rotation angle of circular birefringence. The temperature dependence of optical parameters was observed, and the denaturation (transition) temperature of collagen in two different solvents was deduced as

33.38

±

2.78

∘

C

and

36.83

±

2.43

∘

C

for acidic and natural solutions, respectively, based on a total of 100 measurements. Furthermore, using scatter plots generated by the first two components of principal component analysis (PCA), it was possible to distinguish all denaturized versus native and acid versus dialysis samples based on scatter plots. In comparison to higher cost and complex alternatives, such as circular dichroism spectroscopy, our results show the promise of using the combination of MMP and PCA as a low-cost method for identification and characterization of collagen denaturation.
Laser-driven photoelectron induced pulsed X-ray source for energy
dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and radiography applications
Authors: Ullah S. , Rehman Z. U. , Khurshid U. , Qayyum H. , Dogar A. H. , Qayyum A.
Published: February 2021

We present the details of a nanosecond pulsed X-ray source developed
for energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and low-dose fast
radiography. The source is based on the illumination of a metal
photocathode, placed in a Pierce-type electron gun geometry, with a
low energy Nd:YAG laser, delivering 266 nm wavelength pulses with a
time duration of 5 ns and energy in the range of 12–100 mJ. The
emitted nanosecond pulsed photoelectrons are accelerated up to 30 keV
energy and impinge on the cathode. The influence of laser energy and
electron accelerating potential on the X-ray flux is investigated. The
X-ray flux is found to follow power law as

I
x

∝

(

E
l

)
α

, where

E
l

is the laser energy and

α

depends on the accelerating
potentials. The preliminary experiments confirm that this source can
be used for increased sensitivity EDX analysis as compared to the
commercial secondary electron microscope. Our radiography results
indicate that the use of alkali-based photocathodes can facilitate
capturing a radiograph in a single laser pulse of a nanosecond time
duration.
Microfluid-based soft metasurface for tunable optical activity in THz wave
Authors: Zhang Wu , Zhang Bingzhi , Fang Xiaohui , Cheng Kejun , Chen Weiqian , Wang Zihuang , Hong Dou , Zhang Meng
Published: February 2021

Metasurfaces are usually planar structures and do not possess intrinsic chirality and therefore hardly generate optical activity. Here we realized a tunable optical activity in a terahertz wave through a microfluid-based soft metasurface. The meta-atom is a chiral structured microchannel made of soft polydimethylsiloxane and injected with the liquid metal Galinstan. A microfluid pressure system is bonded to the metasurface to reconfigure all meta-atoms simultaneously. By pumping glycerol liquid into the pressure system, the metasurface is deformed from a planar structure to a three dimensional one, which manifests intrinsic chirality for optical activity realization. By controlling the injected glycerol volume, a polarization rotation from 0°to 14° at 0.19 THz is demonstrated. The soft metasurface with tunable optical activity can be flexibly applied in various applications such as polarization microscopy, bio-detection and material analysis, etc.
3D super-resolution deep-tissue imaging in living mice
Authors: Velasco Mary Grace M. , Zhang Mengyang , Antonello Jacopo , Yuan Peng , Allgeyer Edward S. , May Dennis , M’Saad Ons , Kidd Phylicia , Barentine Andrew E. S. , Greco Valentina , Grutzendler Jaime , Booth Martin J. , Bewersdorf Joerg
Published: February 2021

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy enables the three-dimensional (3D) visualization of dynamic nanoscale structures in living cells, offering unique insights into their organization. However, 3D-STED imaging deep inside biological tissue is obstructed by optical aberrations and light scattering. We present a STED system that overcomes these challenges. Through the combination of two-photon excitation, adaptive optics, red-emitting organic dyes, and a long-working-distance water-immersion objective lens, our system achieves aberration-corrected 3D super-resolution imaging, which we demonstrate 164 µm deep in fixed mouse brain tissue and 76 µm deep in the brain of a living mouse.
Molecular diagnosis of scabies using a novel probe-based polymerase chain reaction assay targeting high-copy number repetitive sequences in the Sarcoptes scabiei genome
Authors: Chng Lena , Holt Deborah C. , Field Matt , Francis Joshua R. , Tilakaratne Dev , Dekkers Milou H. , Robinson Greg , Mounsey Kate , Pavlos Rebecca , Bowen Asha C. , Fischer Katja , Papenfuss Anthony T. , Gasser Robin B. , Korhonen Pasi K. , Currie Bart J. , McCarthy James S. , Pasay Cielo
Published: February 2021

Background

The suboptimal sensitivity and specificity of available diagnostic methods for scabies hampers clinical management, trials of new therapies and epidemiologic studies. Additionally, parasitologic diagnosis by microscopic examination of skin scrapings requires sample collection with a sharp scalpel blade, causing discomfort to patients and difficulty in children. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic assays, combined with non-invasive sampling methods, represent an attractive approach. In this study, we aimed to develop a real-time probe-based PCR test for scabies, test a non-invasive sampling method and evaluate its diagnostic performance in two clinical settings.

Methodology/Principal findings

High copy-number repetitive DNA elements were identified in draft Sarcoptes scabiei genome sequences and used as assay targets for diagnostic PCR. Two suitable repetitive DNA sequences, a 375 base pair microsatellite (SSR5) and a 606 base pair long tandem repeat (SSR6), were identified. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were tested using relevant positive and negative control materials and compared to a published assay targeting the mitochondrial cox1 gene. Both assays were positive at a 1:100 dilution of DNA from a single mite; no amplification was observed in DNA from samples from 19 patients with other skin conditions nor from house dust, sheep or dog mites, head and body lice or from six common skin bacterial and fungal species. Moderate sensitivity of the assays was achieved in a pilot study, detecting 5/7 (71.4% [95% CI: 29.0% - 96.3%]) of clinically diagnosed untreated scabies patients). Greater sensitivity was observed in samples collected by FLOQ swabs compared to skin scrapings.

Conclusions/Significance

This newly developed qPCR assay, combined with the use of an alternative non-invasive swab sampling technique offers the possibility of enhanced diagnosis of scabies. Further studies will be required to better define the diagnostic performance of these tests.
Genomic approach for conservation and the sustainable management of endangered species of the Amazon
Authors: Fazzi-Gomes Paola , Aguiar Jonas , Cabral Gleyce Fonseca , Marques Diego , Palheta Helber , Moreira Fabiano , Rodrigues Marilia , Cavalcante Renata , Souza Jorge , Silva Caio , Hamoy Igor , Santos Sidney
Published: February 2021

A broad panel of potentially amplifiable microsatellite loci and a multiplex system were developed for the Amazonian symbol fish species Arapaima gigas, which is currently in high danger of extinction due to the disorderly fishing exploitation. Several factors have contributed to the increase of this threat, among which we highlight the lack of genetic information about the structure and taxonomic status of the species, as well as the lack of accurate tools for evaluation of the effectivity of current management programs. Based on Arapaima gigas’ whole genome, available at the NCBI database (ID: 12404), a total of 95,098 unique perfect microsatellites were identified, including their proposed primers. From this panel, a multiplex system containing 12 tetranucleotide microsatellite markers was validated. These tools are valuable for research in as many areas as bioinformatics, ecology, genetics, evolution and comparative studies, since they are able to provide more accurate information for fishing management, conservation of wild populations and genetic management of aquaculture.
On a new generalized lindley distribution: Properties, estimation and applications
Authors: Algarni Ali
Published: February 2021

In this study, an extension of the generalized Lindley distribution using the Marshall-Olkin method and its own sub-models is presented. This new model for modelling survival and lifetime data is flexible. Several statistical properties and characterizations of the subject distribution along with its reliability analysis are presented. Statistical inference for the new family such as the Maximum likelihood estimators and the asymptotic variance covariance matrix of the unknown parameters are discussed. A simulation study is considered to compare the efficiency of the different estimators based on mean square error criterion. Finally, a real data set is analyzed to show the flexibility of our proposed model compared with the fit attained by some other competitive distributions.
Hurricane impacts on a coral reef soundscape
Authors: Simmons Kayelyn R. , Eggleston David B. , Bohnenstiehl DelWayne R.
Published: February 2021

Soundscape ecology is an emerging field in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and provides a powerful approach for assessing habitat quality and the ecological response of sound-producing species to natural and anthropogenic perturbations. Little is known of how underwater soundscapes respond during and after severe episodic disturbances, such as hurricanes. This study addresses the impacts of Hurricane Irma on the coral reef soundscape at two spur-and-groove fore-reef sites within the Florida Keys USA, using passive acoustic data collected before and during the storm at Western Dry Rocks (WDR) and before, during and after the storm at Eastern Sambo (ESB). As the storm passed, the cumulative acoustic exposure near the seabed at these sites was comparable to a small vessel operating continuously overhead for 1–2 weeks. Before the storm, sound pressure levels (SPLs) showed a distinct pattern of low frequency diel variation and increased high frequency sound during crepuscular periods. The low frequency band was partitioned in two groups representative of soniferous reef fish, whereas the high frequency band represented snapping shrimp sound production. Daily daytime patterns in low-frequency sound production largely persisted in the weeks following the hurricane. Crepuscular sound production by snapping shrimp was maintained post-hurricane with only a small shift (~1.5dB) in the level of daytime vs nighttime sound production for this high frequency band. This study suggests that on short time scales, temporal patterns in the coral reef soundscape were relatively resilient to acoustic energy exposure during the storm, as well as changes in the benthic habitat and environmental conditions resulting from hurricane damage.
Blood biomarker discovery for autism spectrum disorder: A proteomic analysis
Authors: Hewitson Laura , Mathews Jeremy A. , Devlin Morgan , Schutte Claire , Lee Jeon , German Dwight C.
Published: February 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Given the lack of specific pharmacological therapy for ASD and the clinical heterogeneity of the disorder, current biomarker research efforts are geared mainly toward identifying markers for determining ASD risk or for assisting with a diagnosis. A wide range of putative biological markers for ASD is currently being investigated. Proteomic analyses indicate that the levels of many proteins in plasma/serum are altered in ASD, suggesting that a panel of proteins may provide a blood biomarker for ASD. Serum samples from 76 boys with ASD and 78 typically developing (TD) boys, 18 months-8 years of age, were analyzed to identify possible early biological markers for ASD. Proteomic analysis of serum was performed using SomaLogic’s SOMAScanTMassay 1.3K platform. A total of 1,125 proteins were analyzed. There were 86 downregulated proteins and 52 upregulated proteins in ASD (FDR < 0.05). Combining three different algorithms, we found a panel of 9 proteins that identified ASD with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.8599±0.0640, with specificity and sensitivity of 0.8217±0.1178 and 0.835±0.1176, respectively. All 9 proteins were significantly different in ASD compared with TD boys, and were significantly correlated with ASD severity as measured by ADOS total scores. Using machine learning methods, a panel of serum proteins was identified that may be useful as a blood biomarker for ASD in boys. Further verification of the protein biomarker panel with independent test sets is warranted.
Intentions to undergo primary screening with colonoscopy under the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea
Authors: Lee Kyeongmin , Seo Haejoo , Choe Sunho , Jeong Seung-Yong , Park Ji Won , Suh Mina , Shin Aesun , Choi Kui Son
Published: February 2021

Background

We sought to investigate intentions to undergo primary screening with colonoscopy in an attempt to predict future colorectal cancer screening behaviors and the feasibility of implementing colonoscopy as the primary screening modality for colorectal cancer in the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) of Korea.

Methods

Data were obtained from a nationwide online survey conducted in 2018. The survey included a total of 800 eligible adults aged over 45 years. Study measures included the history of screening colonoscopy within the past 10 years and intentions to undergo primary screening with colonoscopy under the NCSP based on the five constructs of the Health Belief Model. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine factors associated with intentions to undergo primary screening with colonoscopy.

Results

Approximately 77% of the participants expressed strong willingness to undergo primary screening with colonoscopy under the NCSP. Higher perceived severity and perceived benefits were significantly associated with stronger intentions to undergo screening with colonoscopy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–2.14 and aOR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.76–4.28, respectively). Greater perceived barriers (aOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45–0.93) were significantly associated with weaker intentions. Cues to action elicited the strongest screening intentions (aOR, 8.28; 95% CI, 5.23–13.12).

Conclusion

The current study findings highlight the need for increasing awareness of the severity of CRC and the benefits of colonoscopy screening. Family-orientated recommendation strategies and reducing complications may boost an individual’s intentions to undergo colonoscopy.
Who is (not) complying with the U. S. social distancing directive and why? Testing a general framework of compliance with virtual measures of social distancing
Authors: Fazio Russell H. , Ruisch Benjamin C. , Moore Courtney A. , Granados Samayoa Javier A. , Boggs Shelby T. , Ladanyi Jesse T.
Published: February 2021

A study involving over 2000 online participants (US residents) tested a general framework regarding compliance with a directive in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study featured not only a self-report measure of social distancing but also virtual behavior measures—simulations that presented participants with graphical depictions mirroring multiple real-world scenarios and asked them to position themselves in relation to others in the scene. The conceptual framework highlights three essential components of a directive: (1) the source, some entity is advocating for a behavioral change; (2) the surrounding context, the directive is in response to some challenge; and (3) the target, the persons to whom the directive is addressed. Belief systems relevant to each of these three components are predicted, and were found, to relate to compliance with the social distancing directive. The implications of the findings for public service campaigns encouraging people to engage in social distancing are discussed.
Phenol-chloroform-based RNA purification for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR: Comparison with automated systems
Authors: Dimke Henrik , Larsen Sanne L. , Skov Marianne N. , Larsen Hanne , Hartmeyer Gitte N. , Moeller Jesper B.
Published: February 2021

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly reached pandemic levels. Sufficient testing for SARS-CoV-2 has remained essential for tracking and containing the virus. SARS-CoV-2 testing capabilities are still limited in many countries. Here, we explore the use of conventional RNA purification as an alternative to automated systems for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. 87 clinical swab specimens were extracted by conventional phenol-chloroform RNA purification and compared to commercial platforms for RNA extraction and the fully integrated Cobas®6800 diagnostic system. Our results show that the conventional RNA extraction is fully comparable to modern automated systems regarding analytical sensitivity and specificity with respect to detection of SARS-CoV-2 as evaluated by RT-qPCR. Moreover, the method is easily scalable and implemented in conventional laboratories as a low cost and suitable alternative to automated systems for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.
Blood glucose and subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring in critically ill horses: A pilot study
Authors: Vitale Valentina , Berg Lise C. , Larsen Bettina Birch , Hannesdottir Andrea , Dybdahl Thomsen Preben , Laursen Sigrid Hyldahl , Verwilghen Denis , van Galen Gaby
Published: February 2021

This pilot prospective study reports the feasibility, management and cost of the use of a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system in critically ill adult horses and foals. We compared the glucose measurements obtained by the CGM device with blood glucose (BG) concentrations. Neonatal foals (0–2 weeks of age) and adult horses (> 1 year old) admitted in the period of March-May 2016 with clinical and laboratory parameters compatible with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were included. Glucose concentration was monitored every 4 hours on blood samples with a point-of-care (POC) glucometer and with a blood gas analyzer. A CGM system was also placed on six adults and four foals but recordings were successfully obtained only in four adults and one foal. Glucose concentrations corresponded fairly well between BG and CGM, however, there appeared to be a lag time for interstitial glucose levels. Fluctuations of glucose in the interstitial fluid did not always follow the same trend as BG. CGM identified peaks and drops that would have been missed with conventional glucose monitoring. The use of CGM system is feasible in ill horses and may provide clinically relevant information on glucose levels, but there are several challenges that need to be resolved for the system to gain more widespread usability.
An outbreak of pulmonary tuberculosis and a follow-up investigation of latent tuberculosis in a high school in an eastern city in China, 2016–2019
Authors: Fang Yirong , Ma Yan , Lu Qiaoling , Sun Jiamei , Pei Yingxin
Published: February 2021

Background

In October 2016, a senior high school student was diagnosed with sputum-smear positive [SS(+)] pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). We conducted an investigation of an outbreak in the school, including among students and teachers diagnosed with latent TB, who we followed until July 2019.

Methods

We defined latent TB infection (LTBI) as a tuberculin skin test (TST) induration of 15mm or larger; probable TB as a chest radiograph indicative of TB plus productive cough/hemoptysis for at least 2 weeks, or TST induration of 15mm or larger; and confirmed TB as two or more positive sputum smears or one positive sputum smear plus a chest radiograph indicative of TB or culture positive with M. tuberculosis. We conducted mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit–variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) typing based on 24 loci in the isolates.

Results

Between October 2016 and July 2019, we identified 52 cases, including nine probable, six confirmed, and 37 LTBI cases. The index case-student had attended school continuously despite having TB symptoms for almost three months before being diagnosed with TB. We obtained three isolates from classmates of the index case in 2016; all had identical MIRU-VNTR alleles with the index case. The LTBI rate was lower among students (7.41%, 30/405) than among teachers (26.92%, 7/26) (rate ratio [RR] = 0.28, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 0.13–0.57). Among the 17 students who had latent TB and refused prophylaxis in October 2016, 23.53% (4/17) became probable/confirmed cases by July 2019. None of the six teachers who also refused prophylaxis became probable or confirmed cases. Of the 176 students who were TST(-) in October 2016, 1.70% (3/176) became probable/confirmed cases, and among the 20 teachers who were TST(-), 1 became a probable case.

Conclusions

Delayed diagnosis of TB in the index patient may have contributed to the start of this outbreak; lack of post-exposure chemoprophylaxis facilitated spread of the outbreak. Post-exposure prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all TST-positive students; TST-negative students exposed to an SS(+) case should be followed up regularly so that prophylaxis can be started if LTBI is detected.
What medicines do households keep in their cabinets? Understanding the possession and use of medicines at home and the role of health insurance in Nigeria
Authors: Shobiye Hezekiah Olayinka , Bolarinwa Oladimeji Akeem , Fasiku Mojirola Martina , Akande Tanimola Makanjuola , Janssens Wendy
Published: February 2021

Background

Globally, the possession of medicines stored at home is increasing. However, little is known about the determinants of possessing medicines, their usage according to clinical purpose, which we term ‘correct drug match’, and the role of health insurance.

Methods

This study uses data from a 2013 survey evaluating a health insurance program in Kwara State, Nigeria, which upgraded health facilities and subsidized insurance premiums. The final dataset includes 1,090 households and 4,641 individuals. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regressions were conducted at both the individual level and at the level of the medicines kept in respondents’ homes to understand the determinants of medicine possession and correct drug match, respectively, and to investigate the effect of health insurance on both.

Results

A total of 9,266 medicines were classified with 61.2% correct match according to self-reported use, 11.9% incorrect match and 26.9% indeterminate. Most medicines (73.0%) were obtained from patent proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs). At 36.6%, analgesics were the most common medicine held at home, while anti-malarial use had the highest correct match at 96.1%. Antihistamines, vitamins and minerals, expectorants, and antibiotics were most likely to have an incorrect match at respectively 35.8%, 33.6%, 31.9%, and 26.6%. Medicines were less likely to have a correct match when found with the uneducated and obtained from public facilities. Enrolment in the insurance program increased correct matches for specific medicines, notably antihypertensives and antibiotics (odds ratio: 25.15 and 3.60, respectively).

Conclusion

Since PPMVs serve as both the most popular and better channel compared to the public sector to obtain medicines, we recommend that policymakers strengthen their focus on these vendors to educate communities on medicine types and their correct use. Health insurance programs that provide affordable access to improved-quality health facilities represent another important avenue for reducing the burden of incorrect drug use. This appears increasingly important in view of the global rise in antimicrobial resistance.
Between-subject correlation of heart rate variability predicts movie preferences
Authors: So Tsz Yan , Li Man Yi Erica , Lau Hakwan
Published: February 2021

We introduce a novel and simple method for assessing audiences’ emotional responses to audiovisuals (e.g. films). Viewers (N= 21) watched movies and TV commercials from different genres while wearing photoplethysmography (PPG) optic sensors on their wrists. Heart rate variability (HRV) synchrony was observed among the audience. Based on this between-subject synchrony measure, we identified emotionally arousing segments from the materials. New participants (N= 24;N= 16) were then invited to watch these identified segments along with some randomly selected segments as control; they reported that the former was more engaging (effect sizew= .67;w= .5). This finding was confirmed in an online study with a larger cohort (N= 300). While some specific effects varied depending on movie genre or gender, HRV-based editing generally performed better than the control. These findings suggest that HRV synchrony can be used as a new tool for audience psychology, and potentially also for automatically creating short trailers out of movies in a principled manner while taking into account the human perspective.
Ethos is not enough
Authors: Plants Jen
Published: February 2021

Strictly applied Aristotelian models of rhetoric limit possibilities of communication to the binary roles of speaker and hearer, and as such reinforce binary notions of power across lines of gender and race. A brief case study of a cancelled conversation about the white-centred storytelling and harmful stereotypes in the musical Miss Saigon at the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin, reveals the harm that can be inflicted by the rigidity of ancient rhetorical models. Feminist rhetorical models offer an alternative, and unless institutions recognize that there is ethos in our audiences and value the labour that produces ‘organic dramaturgy’ in our communities, the contemporary call for new collective forms of storytelling will be left unanswered.
La distorsión fenomenológica de la montaña. La atmósfera antifrágil en el Hormonorium de Décosterd&Rahm
Authors: Lomas Rodríguez Borja
Published: February 2021

El mito de la montaña como un espacio espiritual y transcendente ha estado presente en infinidad de religiones, creencias y cosmogonías. La montaña ha servido como lugar privilegiado de encuentro entre lo terrenal y lo espiritual, y la arquitectura, desde sus orígenes a emulado esta condición heterotópica que representa el espacio sagrado. La atmósfera de la montaña contiene unas condiciones específicas de carácter fisicoquímico, que hacen que las vivencias y percepciones de los espacios a gran altitud adquieran una fenomenología propia. Mediante una mirada global capaz de interconectar comportamientos, eventos y atmósfera, se desprende lo que únicamente podemos establecer como una intuición: la relación entre las distorsiones fenomenológicas que genera el espacio de la montaña con la espiritualidad y el misticismo asociado a estos lugares. La reconstrucción de la atmósfera alpina en el Hormonorium, el pabellón suizo para la bienal de Venecia (2002) de Décosterd&Rahm, nos permite reflexionar sobre cuáles son las condiciones espaciales de las cumbres montañosas. La atmósfera de la montaña y el desorden hormonal que en ella se genera nos afecta fisiológicamente, produciendo no solamente reacciones físicas y que alteran el comportamiento de nuestro cuerpo, sino también, produce cambios en la actividad mental.  De ahí que, la atmosfera de montaña reconstruida en el Hormonorium es una atmósfera antifrágil : un espacio que mejora con el desorden permite acoger lo indeterminado, crear nuevas reflexiones espaciales y generar múltiples posibilidades inesperadas.
DOSIS LETAL LD20 DAN LD50 SERTA EFEK IRADIASI SINAR GAMMA PADA PROTOKORM Dendrobium discolor Lindl.
Authors: Handini Elizabeth , Aprilianti Popi
Published: February 2021

Iradiasi sinar gamma merupakan salah satu metode dalam pemuliaan tanaman yang ditujukan untuk peningkatan keragaman genetik. Penelitian terdahulu yang telah dilakukan pada Dendrobium discolor Lindl. belum dapat menentukan dosis LD20-50, yang merupakan kisaran dosis iradiasi yang menghasilkan variasi mutan tertinggi. Oleh karena itu, penelitian lanjutan dilakukan dengan menggunakan kisaran dosis yang lebih tinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh iradiasi pada pada protokorm D. discolor dalam kisaran dosis letal LD20 dan LD50 dan dalam rangka mendapatkan mutan baru yang memiliki karakter morfologi yang spesifik serta performa tanaman yang lebih baik. Iradiasi sinar gamma dilakukan dengan menggunakan dosis 0, 15, 30 dan 60 Gray (Gy). Percobaan dilakukan dengan menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) dengan 6 ulangan. Hasil analisis menunjukkan nilai LD20 dan LD50 adalah 22,16 Gy dan 58,8 Gy. Perlakuan iradiasi sinar gamma memperlihatkan perubahan morfologi yang terjadi pada bentuk dan susunan daun yang lebih roset pada dosis 15 Gy dan 30 Gy, dosis ini dapat digunakan sebagai kisaran dosis yang disarankan untuk iradiasi protokorm anggrek jenis tersebut. Dosis 60 Gy merupakan dosis tertinggi yang menyebabkan kematian total setelah subkultur ketiga (M1V3) pada 13 bulan setelah iradiasi.
PERKECAMBAHAN DAN PREDIKSI MASA HIDUP TIGA JENIS Dendrobium MENGGUNAKAN EMPAT MACAM FORMULASI MEDIA
Authors: Handini Elizabeth , Puspitaningtyas Dwi Murti
Published: February 2021

Dendrobium merupakan marga penting dalam suku Orchidaceae karena banyak digunakan dalam persilangan dan bunga potong. Biji merupakan bahan penting untuk perbanyakan sekaligus berguna untuk memelihara keanekaragaman genetik. Bank biji memainkan peranan penting dalam konservasi anggrek. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui viabilitas biji anggrek Dendrobium macrophyllum, D. discolor, dan D. crumenatum setelah disimpan selama 10 tahun, memprediksi umur simpan biji, dan mengetahui media perkecambahan yang tepat. Metode pengujian viabilitas biji adalah dengan secara langsung dengan mengecambahkan biji anggrek pada 4 media kultur dan menghitung persentase perkecambahan biji. Biji disimpan pada suhu -20 ° C. Media uji: modifikasi Knudson'C (KC), Vacin dan Went Semai (VWS), Hyponex Semai (HS) dan Knudson C ditambah unsur mikro (KCA). Berdasarkan perkiraan masa hidup D. discolor dapat disimpan hingga lebih dari 60 tahun. D. macrophyllum diperkirakan mencapai 20 tahun, sedangkan D. crumenatum kehilangan viabilitasnya setelah disimpan selama 9 tahun. Dalam periode simpan 9 tahun, tingkat persentase perkecambahan biji D. discolor adalah yang tertinggi sekitar 52,17% di antara ketiga species anggrek tersebut. Media KC adalah media yang menghasilkan persentase perkecambahan tertinggi untuk D. macrophyllum dan D. crumenatum, sedangkan biji D. discolor berkecambah baik pada media HS.
Urban Noise Conflicts in Szeged
Authors: Enyedi Fruzsina , Papp Sándor , Pál Viktor
Published: February 2021

Noise pollution is a serious and complex city problem. While there are objective, measurable parameters for noise mapping assessments, since the effects of noise are also subjectively perceived, it has been difficult to accurately evaluate the urban problems and conflicts arising from noise. Urban noise and its perception is related to the quality of life; thus its analysis is can provide useful insights for decision-makers. Therefore, through an analysis of online media content, the paper presents local the attitudes in Szeged towards urban noise. During the analysis different noise categories and the city’s noise characteristics were determined. Even though the noise pollution in residential areas was found to be mainly concentrated in the city centre, it also affected more remote areas, and social problems and political discourses were also identified. Besides the noise of urban traffic, Szeged people appeared to be disturbed by noise related to leisure activities, such as urban (and university) programs and festival noise, which indicated that noise reduction efforts should be focus on more than just the reduction of traffic noise.
A Picture of the Social Situation
Authors: Laki Ildikó
Published: February 2021

The main purpose of the current study was to outline and assess a picture of the Hungarian and international welfare systems. The social care system is an essential institutional network for the society, be it a system of specific institutions or legislation. The European Union’s approach mainly focuses on social responsibility and solidarity as its primary consideration. The European Union considers that social safety net and social protection systems cannot work without adopting this approach, and only the systems that offer true assistance to the members of the society can actually give assistance to the society. In addition to economic orientation, solidarity-based and socially inclusive attitude has a particularly important role to play, since it is much more than just funding to smooth out individual or social problems.
A vállalatok árképzési gyakorlata a versenyképesség szolgálatában (The pricing practice of corporates and the competitiveness)
Authors: Gyulavári Tamás
Published: February 2021

A marketing-szakirodalom szerint az ár az egyik legfontosabb marketingeszköz, és a vállalati versenyképesség értelmezésében is meghatározó szerepe van. A megfelelő árképzés kialakítása ugyanakkor összetett folyamat, amely önmagában is külön képességnek tekinthető, és kell befektetést igényel. A szerző az elemzés során így arra volt kíváncsi, hogy a vezető, azaz a versenyképes vállalatok árazási gyakorlata mutat-e eltéréseket, és, ha igen, melyek azok a területek, amelyek leginkább összefüggnek az eredményességükkel. A háromszáz hazai vállalatra kiterjedő kutatás során azt találta, hogy a vezető vállalatok valamelyest másképp tekintenek az ár szerepére és szignifikánsan magasabb árszínvonalon értékesítenek. Ez nagyobb mozgásteret enged számukra, a versenytársak árkihívásaira így könnyebben tudnak árakciókkal válaszolni. Árképzési céljaikban azonban kevésbé mutatkoznak különbségek, mert számukra is kihívást jelent a válság, és nekik is több szempontnak kell egyszerre megfelelniük. Az árak meghatározásánál azonban több tényezőt vesznek figyelembe és jobban támaszkodnak a vevőkről szerzett információkra. ______________ According to the marketing literature the price is one of the most important marketing tools and it plays a dominant role in the interpretation of corporate competitiveness, as well. The appropriate pricing, however, a complex process that can be regarded as a distinct capability and it requires sufficient investment itself. In this analysis the author enquired if the pricing practice of the leading, that is, the most competitive companies has a different profile, and if yes, which areas are associated with the success of them. Based on the survey of 300 domestic organisations he found that the leading companies consider the role of price in a slightly different way and they price their products or services significantly higherthan the others. This let them some space to manoeuvre and they can react with price promotions when the competitors challenge them with price activities. Regarding the pricing objectives the author couldn’t identify differences. The leading companies are also affected by the economic crisis and they have to match many expectations at the same time but they take more factors into consideration when they set their prices and more likely use customer information.
Monitoring Air Pollution Variability during Disasters
Authors: Nance Earthea
Published: February 2021

National environmental regulations lack short-term standards for variability in fine particulate matter (PM
2.5 ); they depend soley on concentration-based standards. Twenty-five years of research has linked short-term PM
2.5 ; that is, increases of at least 10 ug/m
3 that can occur in-between regulatory readings, to increased mortality (Di et al, 2017; Staniswalis et al, 2005; Conroy et al, 2001; Schwartz, 1994). Even as new technologies have emerged that could readily monitor short-term PM
2.5 , such as real-time monitoring and mobile monitoring, their primary application has been for research, not for air quality management. The Gulf oil spill offers a strategic setting in which regulatory monitoring, computer modeling, and stationary monitoring could be directly compared to mobile monitoring. Mobile monitoring was found to best capture the variability of PM
2.5 during the disaster. The research also found that each short-term increase (10-μg/m
3) in fine particulate matter was associated with a statistically significant increase of 0.105 deaths (p<0.001) in people aged 65 and over, a result that is in line with other studies. These findings contribute to understanding the effects of PM
2.5 on mortality during a disaster, and they provide justification for environmental managers to monitor the variability of PM
2.5, not only the concentration.
Analysis of Friction, Spring and Wedging action
Authors: Wallner Bo-Göran
Published: February 2021

In this educational academic paper we will derive the equations of motion for a wedge in contact by friction with spherical object. This object is connected to a spring. We will approach the problem with Newtonian mechanics and compare this result with a Lagrangian approach and we will show that they with some restriction leads to the same result. The results from the equations of motion will be dicussed. The equations will then be numerically simulated for a number of different cases and the results will be analyzed.