bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Fixing Activity of Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) and its effect on Zea mays
Authors: Renugadevi* R. , Ayyappadas M. P. , Mahesh M. , Kiruba M. , Arunkumar M.
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Nitrogen is essentially required for the plant growth as well as productivity. Plants take nitrogen in the form of ammonia or nitrate either from soil or fertilizer. There are nitrogen fixing bacteria plays a vital role to supply atmospheric nitrogen to plants where plants do not obtain from soil. Apart from soil bacteria, endophytic bacteria which living inside the plant tissues can improve crop productivity and soil health sustainably through biological nitrogen fixation and act as a potential replacement for chemical fertilizers in agriculture. This study was conducted to determine the nitrogen fixing activity of isolated endophytic bacteria from Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.). The isolated endophytes were subjected to molecular confirmation and evaluated for ammonia production, Acetylene Reduction Assay (ARA), nif gene amplification and analysis of growth parameters in Zea mays using pot culture assay. The data were analyzed using SPSS ver.16. In this study, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus paranthracis, Staphylococcus xylosus and Bacillus cereus were isolated from the leaves of Kalachoe pinnata (Lam). They were confirmed using 16SrRNA sequencing. All the endophytic bacteria were positive for ammonia production and ARA. The percentage of nitrogen produced was 32.8 % (B. thuringiensis), 65.7% (B. paranthracis), 80.7% (S. xylosus) and 45.2% (B. cereus).The presence of nif gene was confirmed through the PCR amplification of a 550-580bp fragment of the gene. Pot culture assay of Zea mays were observed with significant improvement in S. xylosus followed by B. paranthracis inoculated pots. The presence of the nitrogenase enzyme and the nif gene in these endophytic bacteria allows them to fix atmospheric nitrogen to meet plant nitrogen demands, resulting in a symbiotic relationship with agricultural crops.
The Taxonomıc Research of the Prımıtıve Blood Parasıtes and Transmıttıng Ixodıdae Tıcks of the Small Ruminants in the Shırvan-Salyan Economıc Regıon of Azerbaıjan
Authors: Azizova Aygun
Published: April 2024

The primitive blood parasites - piroplasmids are pathogens transmitted to the agricultural animals by the ticks and caused the death and serious economic damage. In Azerbaijan, in the economic regions where the animal husbandry is developed, the systematic investigation and epizootology of these parasites in small ruminants, were researched by us for the first time. For this purpose, the research work was conducted in the Shirvan-Salyan economic region. For this purpose, researches were conducted on the taxonomic study of primitive blood parasites and their transmitters - Ixodidae ticks of small ruminants in the Shirvan-Salyan economic region. Out of 887 sick and suspected diseases sheep, 483 heads (54.5%), and 125 heads (27.4%) of 456 goats had positive results of peripheral blood smear samples attributed to primitive blood parasites. Babesia ovis and Anaplasma ovis parasites were detected in the erythrocytes of sick sheep, and the infection was mostly associated. A.ovis parasite was detected in sero samples of goats. The organs of 56 sheep and 31 goats that died of high fever - spleen, kidney, liver - were examined for primitive blood parasites. The results of the classical examination method in the diagnosis of A.ovis and B.ovis parasites were compared with the effectiveness of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 2,875 sheep and goats (1,786 sheep, 1,089 goats) were examined for ectoparasites in livestock farms, 63.8 percent of sheep and 53.6 percent of goats were intensively infected with ticks. Tick infestation was mostly covered in spring, summer and autumn with high intensity. Rhipicephalus bursa ticks were dominant in sheep and Hyalomma plumbeum ticks in goats. In order to determine transovarial and transstadial transmission of disease agents, smears made from internal organs (salivary gland, ovary, intestine) and eggs of ticks were studied for A.ovis and B.ovis parasites.
Antagonistic Behavior of Streptomyces chartreuse against Pathogenic Bacteria in Ricinus communis L.
Authors: Patel Bhoomi N. , Patel Priti , Patel Gayatri
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Antibiotics are a crucial tool in modern medicine and have saved countless lives by effectively treating a wide range of bacterial infections. The microbial antibiotic have several biotechnological applications viz. agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food preservation, animal nutritions. The diverse array of applications and the various roles of bioactive metabolites produced by Actinomycetes have sparked a growing interest in the exploration of unique and unprecedented Actinomycetes strains. The Actinomycetes from soil ecosystem, marine ecosystem, rhizosphere of plant roots are also known to secrete novel antibiotics. In this context, the main objective of this research is to isolate and screen Actinomycetes strains that are capable of producing highly potent culturable secondary metabolites with novel antibacterial properties. These metabolites can potentially serve as biocontrol agents against Xanthomonas infections in Ricinus communis L., offering uncommon and innovative applications within the field of agriculture. All the Actinomycetes isolates were isolated from Mehsana regions of Gujarat an area of over 4,401 km2, with wide microbial diversity and can serve as a source for promising antibiotics producers. 7 rhizospheric soil samples were collected from various region sites viz. Ranasan, Mansa, Panchot, Gozariya, Kansa, Langhnaj, and Kherva. Total 76 antibiotic producing Actinomycetes isolates were obtained in Primary Screening. Based on the results of primary screening, potential morphologically diverse 3 isolates were selected for antibiotic production in liquid medium. FTIR analysis of three samples revealed distinct bands in the spectra. Sample-1 exhibited O-H (1347 cm^-1) and C-N (1191 cm^-1) groups. Sample-2 displayed O-H (3462 cm^-1), C-O (1043 cm^-1), and C=O (1736 cm^-1) groups. Sample-3 showcased O-H (3466 cm^-1), C=O (1737 cm^-1), C-N (1232 cm^-1), and C-O (1043 cm^-1) groups, providing valuable insights into their chemical compositions. The isolate BNPA72 gave best antibiotic production and was identified as Streptomyces chartreusis by 16 s rRNA gene sequencing method. The isolate Streptomyces chartreusis BNPA72 was able to inhibit the plant pathogen Xanthomonas, hence categorized as Biocontrol agents.
Characterization and Impact of Physicochemical Parameters of Tannery Effluent on the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Kamalakkannan P. , Younis Mohd , Gezici Sevgi , Kailash Som , Iqbal Javaid
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: One of India's oldest and fastest-growing sectors is tannery production. The tanneries produce various types of pollutants in the environment depending upon the procedure that has been used. The present study investigated the physicochemical parameters of tannery effluents and its impact on the aquatic environment. Tannery effluent contains a variety of hazardous compounds, including chromium, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, electrical conductivity, colour, odour, pH, temperature, TSS and TDS. All physicochemical parameters was found higher [chromium 1.17-1.52 (1.327±0.132), calcium 800 (713.83±50.33), sodium 1805 (1634.83±75.06), potassium 38-112 (78.44±9.05), chloride 2330-4210 (3334.22±241.92), sulphate 830-1008 (952.17±15.06), EC 1148-2905 (2378.61±124.27), temperature 29.3-38.0 (31.21±1.45), TSS 710-1623, (1199.39±137.99), TDS 7049-8500 (7669.17±141.99), BOD 1060–1664 (1347.17±73.68), COD 3025-4982 (4029.83±163.56), TH 2200-3417 (2794.50±136.49) and only pH levels were lower 4.4-8.8 (7.01±0.491) in tannery effluent]. The high levels of heavy metals were analyzed that might become a major source of pollution which affect the aquatic environment. The management of tannery effluent's physicochemical parameters and its impact on the aquatic environment involves a combination of regulatory, technological, and educational approaches. It requires a multi-faceted effort to mitigate environmental harm while supporting the tanning industry's sustainable development.
Elucidating the Impact of Anemia and Nutrition Education on the Accommodative Disorder of Eye among the College Students
Authors: Tamilchudar R. , Arivuchudar R. , Sendilkumar B.
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Accommodative insufficiency or Accommodative disorder is a sensory-motor abnormality, non-strabismic binocular vision abnormality, which is manifested by a failure to focus for near vision, with a decreased degree of accommodation in comparison with age-matched norms. The symptoms include vague, blurry near vision, headache, visual exhaustion, difficulty in reading, eye strain and sleepiness. This study has tried to explore the impact of anemia on accommodative disorder among college children and found a correlation between them. The results showed a statistically significant association between anemia and the occurrence of accommodative disorders. Hence nutrition education was given as a means to impart knowledge on overcoming anaemia and accommodative disorder among the selected college students.
Screening of Potential Phytochemicals for the Identified Candidate Virulence Proteins in Enterobacter huaxiensis
Authors: Chatterjee Debleena , Chanda Ipsita
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Enterobacter huaxiensis, a novel gram-negative bacterium of the family Enterobacteriaceae, was recovered from the blood of the patients at West China Hospital. The present study aims to predict potential lead molecules against the identified virulence-associated antibiotic-resistant protein for drug designing. Two virulence-associated antibiotic-resistance proteins belonging to the OqxAB efflux protein family of the RND superfamily were identified in the pathogen using bioinformatics tools/databases. Based on the structure prediction by homology modeling and validations, the RND transporter permease subunit, OqxB was selected as the potential target for lead identification. The binding pocket of the target protein was calculated using CASTp. A total of 204 phytochemicals were screened virtually to obtain compounds that had better binding affinity, drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic potential to be used as safe ligands against the target protein. Among these, Chrysoeriol, Isopimaric acid, Baicalein and Biochanin A were found to be within the permissible range of Lipinski rule of five for drug-likeness, possessing better ADMET properties, and lower target-protein binding energy (less than -8.0 kcal/mol). Ligand-protein docking showed stable non-covalent interactions between active site residues and ligands. Thus, these compounds may be considered potential inhibitors of the target protein that may inactivate the efflux pump and restore antibiotic sensitivity.
Se middles in the evolution of predication: Is Serbian a split-accusative language?
Authors: Progovac Ljiljana
Published: April 2024

abstract: This paper builds on the proposal that human languages reconstruct back to an intransitive (one argument) absolutive-like grammar. Such grammars are arguably still found in a variety of constructions across languages, including in verb-noun compounds in e.g. English and Serbian, and in Serbian se "middles." Given the highly productive nature of se middles in Serbian, and given their specialization for low elaboration of events, and for the inanimate end of the Animacy Hierarchy, the proposal is that Serbian is best analyzed as a split-accusative language, on analogy with split-ergative languages, in that its dominant/default grammar is accusative, but the absolutive grammar (ergativity) occupies a significant niche.
Trans-paradigmatic syncretism in case form processing in Russian
Authors: Chernova Daria , Slioussar Natalia , Alexeeva Svetlana , Bursov Kirill
Published: April 2024

abstract: The paper presents two experiments which studied processing of different case forms of Russian nouns in a sentential context. Target sentences contained a preposition requiring a particular case, and in different experimental conditions, we used a noun in the correct case or in several other cases after it. Many previous studies have compared case forms in isolation, both in Russian and in other languages, but our study revealed that different factors played a role in a sentence: grammaticality and trans-paradigmatic syncretism of case affixes. The former finding was expected, while the latter was novel. Trans-paradigmatic syncretism is discussed in several theoretical approaches and usually assumed to be purely accidental. Its relevance for processing is important both for theoretical morphology and for psycholinguistics.
SOV in Russian: A corpus study
Authors: Slioussar Natalia , Makarchuk Ilya
Published: April 2024

abstract: This paper analyzes the SOV order in Russian. Various hypotheses concerning its distribution have been proposed in previous functional and formal studies, but none of them became widely accepted. We tested these hypotheses on the large "Taiga" corpus and found that the main factor that triggers SOV is pronominalization: if the object is pronominal, it is highly likely to be preverbal. The absolute majority of non-pronominal objects follow the verb, although both giveness and contrastive, emphatic or narrow focus increase their (altogether very small) chances to be preverbal. Thus, the factors discussed in many previous studies play a role, but this role is extremely small. We propose a syntactic account to capture different information-structural properties of preverbal objects and the optionality of this construction.
Multiple Source Left Branch Extraction in Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian
Authors: Stjepanović Sandra
Published: April 2024

abstract: This paper is concerned with multiple source left branch extraction in Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, where left branch elements of multiple NPs are extracted. It shows that while multiple source left branch extraction is possible, it exhibits ordering restrictions. It demonstrates that these locality effects are based on an important fact that has also been noticed on completely different grounds for Case in left branch extraction by Dadan (2020): left branch elements enter feature-sharing with the elements they modify not in their base position, but after they undergo movement. It is argued that the observed locality effects can be accounted for in a system based on Bošković's (2007) proposal that movement is driven by the presence of an uniterpretable u K feature on the moving element, as well as Bošković's (2020, 2021) proposal that u K disrupts labeling (Chomsky 2013).
Underspecification of nominal functional categories in Arabic and West Slavic
Authors: Kučerová Ivona , Szczegielniak Adam
Published: April 2024

abstract: Assuming that features on functional heads are variables (Borer 2005), we expect to find syntactic operations and functional elements that target and manipulate these variables beyond matching and valuation in agree. We argue that such syntactic operations and functional elements exist. This paper presents such a functional element: a polarity operator manipulating features of a nominal functional head it modifies. The empirical motivation for our proposal comes from parallel systematic homophony over the same set of functional interpretations and features within the nominal extended projection in West Slavic (here, Czech and Polish) and Arabic dialects, primarily Levantine Arabic.
Broadband achromatic and wide field of view metalens-doublet by inverse design
Authors: Hongli Yu , Zhaofeng Cen , Xiaotong Li
Published: April 2024

Metalenses, composed of patterned meta-atoms in various dimensions, offer tailored modulation of phase, amplitude, and polarization for diverse imaging applications across the visible and near-infrared spectra. However, simultaneously achieving achromatic and wide field of view (WFOV) imaging remains a significant challenge. In this paper, we propose a general inverse design framework for metalens-doublets that simultaneously enables broadband achromatic and WFOV imaging. The broadband achromatic and WFOV (BA&WFOV) metalens-doublet comprises a propagation phase metalens and a geometric phase metalens positioned on opposite sides of the substrate. This framework requires only once polarization conversion and mitigates aperture size constraints imposed by the limited group delay (GD) range of meta-atoms. We present a BA&WFOV metalens-doublet with an f-number of 3.9, a full field of view (FOV) of 68°, and a wavelength range from 640nm to 820nm. This metalens-doublet exhibits diffraction-limited focusing with an average absolute focusing efficiency of 16% and an average relative focusing efficiency of 60%. This innovative framework holds significant promise for applications in fields such as phone cameras, VR/AR, and endoscopes.
Quasi-random frequency sampling for optical turbulence simulations
Authors: Berdja Amokrane , Hadjara Massinissa , Carbillet Marcel , Bernardi Rafael L. , Petrov Romain G.
Published: April 2024

Optical turbulence modeling and simulation are crucial for developing astronomical ground-based instruments, laser communication, laser metrology, or any application where light propagates through a turbulent medium. In the context of spectrum-based optical turbulence Monte-Carlo simulations, we present an alternative approach to the methods based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT) using a quasi-random frequency sampling heuristic. This approach provides complete control over the spectral information expressed in the simulated measurable without the drawbacks encountered with FFT-based methods such as high-frequency aliasing, low-frequency under-sampling, and static sampling statistics. The method’s heuristics, implementation, and an application example from the study of differential piston fluctuations are discussed.
Determinants of health as predictors for differential antibody responses following SARS-CoV-2 primary and booster vaccination in an at-risk, longitudinal cohort
Authors: Echeverri Tribin Felipe , Williams Erin , Testamarck Valeska , Carreño Juan Manuel , Bielak Dominika , Yellin Temima , Krammer Florian , Hoffer Michael , Pallikkuth Suresh , Pahwa Savita
Published: April 2024

Post vaccine immunity following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination may be driven by extrinsic, or controllable and intrinsic, or inherent health factors. Thus, we investigated the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic on the peak antibody response following COVID-19 primary vaccination and on the trajectory of peak antibody magnitude and durability over time. Participants in a longitudinal cohort attended visits every 3 months for up to 2 years following enrollment. At baseline, participants provided information on their demographics, recreational behaviors, and comorbid health conditions which guided our model selection process. Blood samples were collected for serum processing and spike antibody testing at each visit. Cross-sectional and longitudinal models (linear-mixed effects models) were generated to assess the relationship between selected intrinsic and extrinsic health factors on peak antibody following vaccination and to determine the influence of these predictors on antibody over time. Following cross-sectional analysis, we observed higher peak antibody titers after primary vaccination in females, those who reported recreational drug use, younger age, and prior COVID-19 history. Following booster vaccination, females and Hispanics had higher peak titers after the 3rd and 4th doses, respectively. Longitudinal models demonstrated that Moderna mRNA-1273 recipients, females, and those previously vaccinated had increased peak titers over time. Moreover, drug users and half-dose Moderna mRNA-1273 recipients had higher peak antibody titers over time following the first booster, while no predictive factors significantly affected post-second booster antibody responses. Overall, both intrinsic and extrinsic health factors play a significant role in shaping humoral immunogenicity after initial vaccination and the first booster. The absence of predictive factors for second booster immunogenicity suggests a more robust and consistent immune response after the second booster vaccine administration.
Characterization of patients requiring inpatient hospital ethics consults- A single center study
Authors: Mahadevan Aditya , Azizi Armon , Dastur Cyrus , Stern-Nezer Sara , Nahmias Jeffry , Dayyani Farshid
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Ethics consultations are often needed at difficult junctures of medical care. However, data on the nature of how patient characteristics, including race/ethnicity, language, and diagnosis, affect ethics consult outcomes are lacking.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who were seen by the Ethics Consult Service between 2017 and 2021 at a large tertiary academic center with the aim of determining whether patient demographic and clinical factors were associated with the timing of ethics consult requests and recommendations of the ethics team.

Results

We found that patients admitted for COVID-19 had significantly longer median times to consult from admission compared with other primary diagnoses (19 vs 8 days respectively, p = 0.015). Spanish-speaking patients had longer median times to consult from admission compared to English speaking patients (20 vs 7 days respectively, p = 0.008), indicating that language barriers may play a role in the timing of ethics consultation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the need to consider clinical and demographic features when planning and prioritizing ethics consultations at large institutions to enhance consult efficiency, resource utilization, and patient experience and autonomy.
Distribution of bacteria and antimicrobial resistance in retail Nile tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) as potential sources of foodborne illness
Authors: Sripradite Jarukorn , Thaotumpitak Varangkana , Atwill Edward R. , Hinthong Woranich , Jeamsripong Saharuetai
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate AMR profiles of Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella spp., and Vibrio cholerae isolated from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) (n = 276) purchased from fresh markets and supermarkets in Bangkok, Thailand. A sample of tilapia was divided into three parts: fish intestine (n = 276), fish meat (n = 276), and liver and kidney (n = 276). The occurrence of A. hydrophila, Salmonella, and V. cholerae was 3.1%, 7.4%, and 8.5%, respectively. A high prevalence of these pathogenic bacteria was observed in fresh market tilapia compared to those from supermarkets (p < 0.05). The predominant Salmonella serovars were Paratyphi B (6.4%), followed by Escanaba (5.7%), and Saintpaul (5.7%). All isolates tested positive for the virulence genes of A. hydrophila (aero and hly), Salmonella (invA), and V. cholerae (hlyA). A. hydrophila (65.4%), Salmonella (31.2%), and V. cholerae (2.9%) showed multidrug resistant isolates. All A. hydrophila isolates (n = 26) exhibited resistant to ampicillin (100.0%) and florfenicol (100.0%), and often carried sul1 (53.8%) and tetA (50.0%). Salmonella isolates were primarily resistant to ampicillin (36.9%), with a high incidence of blaTEM (26.2%) and qnrS (25.5%). For V. cholerae isolates, resistance was observed against ampicillin (48.6%), and they commonly carried qnrS (24.3%) and tetA (22.9%). To identify mutations in the quinolone resistance determining regions (QRDRs), a single C248A point mutation of C248A (Ser-83-Tyr) in the gyrA region was identified in six out of seven isolates of Salmonella isolates. This study highlighted the presence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogenic bacteria in Nile tilapia at a selling point. It is important to rigorously implement strategies for AMR control and prevention.
Does the “Belt and Road Initiative” benefit the environment? Insight from analysis of intra-industry trade in environment goods
Authors: Zhou Yacheng , Liu Feiyu , Huo Weidong , Peng Changjiang
Published: April 2024

The expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has raised a wide range of concerns about its environmental impact. Therefore, from the perspective of environmental impacts, this study used the two-way fixed effect staggered differences in differences (TWFE Staggered DID) method to examine the impact of the BRI on the Environment Goods (EGs) intra-industry trade (IIT) between China and other Belt and Road (B&R) countries, including a sample of 191 countries, covering the period from 2010 to 2019 for eliminating the impact of COVID-19 and the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009. Because only 135 countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding between 2010 and 2019, this study treated these B&R countries as the study group, and the other 73 countries (non-B&R countries) as the control group. This study described EGs using the 54 6-digit code Environment Goods in Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System listed in the “APEC LIST OF ENVIRONMENT GOODS” published by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in 2012, and used the intra-industry trade index proposed by Grubel and Lloyd in 1971 to measuring dependent variable. The research results indicated that the BRI has significantly promoted bilateral EGs IIT. The mechanism test implied that, in addition to direct impacts, the BRI also has indirect impacts by boosting the energy restructuring of B&R countries. These results prove that the BRI has positive impacts on the environment. The heterogeneity test showed that there is a heterogeneous impact depending on the type of IIT, product categorization, B&R countries’ income levels, and geographic environment. This study not only gives theoretical and empirical evidence of the positive environmental impacts of the BRI, but also provides practical guidance for the development of EGS IIT between China and B&R countries, thereby contributing to global carbon emissions reduction and environmental governance to some degree.
Smart city and earnings management: Evidence from China
Authors: Sun Dan , Chen Chiping
Published: April 2024

Smart cities improve services for businesses, among many other benefits. A comprehensive understanding and effective utilization of these advantages is crucial for promoting business development. Using panel data from Chinese listed companies (2010–2020), this study employs a multi-stage DiD model to investigate the impact of smart cities on corporate earnings management. The findings indicate that the smart city pilot policy has significantly reduced corporate earnings management. Further analysis suggests that smart cities primarily reduce earnings management by improving firms’ external information environments. Additionally, the results show that the policy impact of smart cities is more significant in regions with lower regulatory intensity or higher marketization levels, compared to regions with higher regulatory intensity or lower marketization levels. Similarly, firms in less concentrated markets or those more closely related to smart city development tend to experience greater reductions in earnings management due to smart city construction, unlike firms in more concentrated markets or those less involved. Finally, this paper offers several brief suggestions.
Comparing modern identification methods for wild bees: Metabarcoding and image-based morphological taxonomic assignment
Authors: Smith Cassandra D. , Cornman Robert S. , Fike Jennifer A. , Kraus Johanna M. , Oyler-McCance Sara J. , Givens Carrie E. , Hladik Michelle L. , Vandever Mark W. , Kolpin Dana W. , Smalling Kelly L.
Published: April 2024

With the decline of bee populations worldwide, studies determining current wild bee distributions and diversity are increasingly important. Wild bee identification is often completed by experienced taxonomists or by genetic analysis. The current study was designed to compare two methods of identification including: (1) morphological identification by experienced taxonomists using images of field-collected wild bees and (2) genetic analysis of composite bee legs (multiple taxa) using metabarcoding. Bees were collected from conservation grasslands in eastern Iowa in summer 2019 and identified to the lowest taxonomic unit using both methods. Sanger sequencing of individual wild bee legs was used as a positive control for metabarcoding. Morphological identification of bees using images resulted in 36 unique taxa among 22 genera, and >80% of Bombus specimens were identified to species. Metabarcoding was limited to genus-level assignments among 18 genera but resolved some morphologically similar genera. Metabarcoding did not consistently detect all genera in the composite samples, including kleptoparasitic bees. Sanger sequencing showed similar presence or absence detection results as metabarcoding but provided species-level identifications for cryptic species (i.e., Lasioglossum). Genus-specific detections were more frequent with morphological identification than metabarcoding, but certain genera such as Ceratina and Halictus were identified equally well with metabarcoding and morphology. Genera with proportionately less tissue in a composite sample were less likely to be detected using metabarcoding. Image-based methods were limited by image quality and visible morphological features, while genetic methods were limited by databases, primers, and amplification at target loci. This study shows how an image-based identification method compares with genetic techniques, and how in combination, the methods provide valuable genus- and species-level information for wild bees while preserving tissue for other analyses. These methods could be improved and transferred to a field setting to advance our understanding of wild bee distributions and to expedite conservation research.
Cost-consequence analysis of ambulatory clinic- and home-based multidrug-resistant tuberculosis management models in Eswatini
Authors: Peresu Ernest , De Graeve Diana , Heunis J. Christo , Kigozi N. Gladys
Published: April 2024

Background

We compared the cost-consequence of a home-based multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) model of care, based on task-shifting of directly observed therapy (DOT) and MDR-TB injection administration to lay health workers, to a routine clinic-based strategy within an established national TB programme in Eswatini.

Methods

Data on costs and effects of the two ambulatory models of MDR-TB care was collected using documentary data and interviews in the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions of Eswatini. Health system, patient and caregiver costs were assessed in 2014 in US$ using standard methods. Cost-consequence was calculated as the cost per patient successfully treated.

Results

In the clinic-based and home-based models of care, respectively, a total of 96 and 106 MDR-TB patients were enrolled in 2014, with treatment success rates of 67.8% and 82.1%. Health system costs per patient treated were slightly lower in the home-based strategy (US$19 598) compared to the clinic-based model (US$20 007). The largest costs in both models were for inpatient care, administration of DOT and injectable treatment, and drugs. Costs incurred by patients and caregivers were considerably higher in the clinic-based model of care due to the higher direct travel costs to the nearest clinic to receive DOT and injections daily. In total, MDR patients in the clinic-based strategy incurred average costs of US$670 compared to US$275 for MDR-TB patients in the home-based model. MDR-TB patients in the home-based programme, where DOT and injections was provided in their homes, only incurred out-of-pocket travel expenses for monthly outpatient treatment monitoring visits averaging US$100. The cost per successfully treated patient was US$31 106 and US$24 157 in the clinic-based and home-based models of care, respectively. The analysis showed that, in addition to the health benefits, direct and indirect costs for patients and their caregivers were lower in the home-based care model.

Conclusion

The home‐based strategy used less resources and generated substantial health and economic benefits, particularly for patients and their caregivers, and decision makers can consider this approach as an alternative to expand and optimise MDR-TB control in resource-limited settings. Further research to understand the appropriate mix of treatment support components that are most important for optimal clinical and public health outcomes in the ambulatory home-based model of MDR-TB care is necessary.
Exploring the Efficacy of Neuroplasticity-Driven Speech Therapy for Post-Stroke Aphasia Recovery: A Multimodal Intervention Approach
Authors: Karim Sarah
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study investigated the efficacy of a multimodal speech therapy intervention informed by neuroplasticity principles in promoting post-stroke aphasia recovery.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design with 17 participants, using pre- and post-test assessments to compare the intervention –incorporating Constraint-Induced Aphasia Therapy (CIAT), Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT), Script Training, and Cognitive-Communication Therapy (CCT)– to traditional speech therapy in individuals with aphasia.

The Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) assessed language and cognitive function, while the Functional Outcome Questionnaire for Aphasia (FOQ-A) and in-depth interviews evaluated functional communication and subjective experiences.

Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in expressive language (25% increase vs. 12% control), receptive language (20% vs. 14% control), language comprehension (18% vs. 8% control), and cognitive performance (15% vs. 9% control). Qualitative findings revealed enhanced communicative effectiveness, increased confidence in verbal interactions, and improved quality of life in the intervention group.

Conclusions: This multimodal, neuroplasticity-driven intervention improved language and cognitive function in individuals with post-stroke aphasia, demonstrating its potential as an effective rehabilitation strategy. Future research should focus on long-term efficacy, individual response variability, and intervention optimization.
Penerapan Metode Economic Part Period (EPP) dan Metode Part Period Balancing (PPB) Pada Pengendalian Persediaan Pil KB
Authors: Novi Ardila  , Syahfitri Lubis Riri , Widyasari Rina
Published: April 2024

Persediaan memiliki peranan yang sangat penting dalam perusahaan agar dapat melangkah dengan baik. Pengendalian persediaan harus lebih diperhatikan berhubungan dengan biaya yang ditanggung oleh perusahaan. Persediaan pil KB di gudang alat kontrasepsi Badan Kependudukan Keluarga Berencana Nasional Provinsi Sumatera Utara sangat dibutuhkan, karena pengendalian persediaan yang dilakukan perusahaan tidak optimal. Dimana sering terjadi penumpukan pil KB yang membuat persediaan perusahaan menjadi tidak terkontrol dan mengakibatkan biaya penyimpanan pil KB semakin besar. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk menerapkan metode Economic Part Period dan Part Period Balancing pada pengendalian persediaan pil KB agar lebih optimal. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini, yaitu metode Economic Part Period dan Part Period Balancing. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan metode Part Period Balancing lebih optimal dibandingkan dengan metode Economic Part Period. Perusahaaan dapat menghemat total biaya persediaan pil KB pada tahun 2019 sebesar Rp. 6.160.025.800 apabila menggunakan metode Part Period Balancing.
Pengembangan Modul Matematika Berbasis STEM Terintegrasi Nilai-nilai Keislaman Pada Materi Segi empat dan Segitiga di Kelas VII
Authors: Salmariayah Salma , Fina Tri Wahyuni
Published: April 2024

ABSTRAK

Permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh siswa di MTs NU Assalam Kudus salah satunya adalah pemanfaatan LKS sebagai bahan ajar satu-satunya dengan tampilan yang kurang menarik, tidak mengikuti perkembangan teknologi terkini, serta tidak ada pengintegrasian dengan nilai-nilai keislaman. Tujuan dari riset ini untuk memperoleh pengetahuan mengenai proses dan kelayakan dalam mengembangkan modul matematika berbasis STEM terintegrasi nilai-nilai keislaman. Model 4D adalah model penelitian dan pengembangan yang digunakan dalam riset ini dengan empat tahapan yaitu define, design, develop, dan disseminate. Subjek dalam penelitian pengembangan ini adalah 38 peserta didik kelas VII D MTs NU Assalam Kudus dengan lingkup skala kecil (terbatas). Instrumen pengumpulan data yang dipakai adalah lembar validasi modul dan lembar angket respon peserta didik.

Hasil penelitian pengembangan ini disimpulkan bahwa modul matematika berbasis STEM terintegrasi nilai-nilai keislaman sudah dinyatakan valid dan layak digunakan dalam pembelajaran. Kelayakan ini didasarkan pada uji validasi ahli materi , media, dan agama menggunakan uji validitas Gregory dengan hasil validitas konstruknya adalah 1 dan dikategorikan memiliki validitas sangat tinggi. Setelah para ahli menyatakan bahwa modul matematika memiliki validitas sangat tinggi, maka dilakukan uji coba produk  dengan nilai skor rerata persentase yaitu 73,5% dan termasuk kategori “Layak” digunakan di lapangan.

Kata Kunci: Pengembangan, Modul Matematika, STEM, Integrasi Nilai-nilai Keislaman
KARAKTERISASI KEMAMPUAN PENALARAN MATEMATIS PADA MATERI POLA BILANGAN
Authors: Alamsyah Amirudin , Faradiba Surya Sari , Alifiani
Published: April 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengeksplorasi kemampuan penalaran matematis materi pola bilangan pada peserta didik kelas VIII di SMP Negeri 3 Kepanjen. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah  metode Tes, Observasi dan Wawancara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peserta didik dengan kategori tinggi, mampu memahami permasalahan yang diketahui dan ditanyakan secara lengkap, mengajukan dugaan dan memanipulasi matematika dengan benar, melakukan perencanaan dengan cara mensubtitusikan untuk menyelesaikan masalah, dan mampu memeriksa kembali penyelesaian dengan cara menuliskan kesimpulan dengan tepat.  Peserta didik dengan kategori sedang, mampu memahami permasalahan dengan menulis dan menjelaskan apa yang diketahui dan ditanyakan secara lengkap dengan mengajukan dugaan dan mampu mensubtitusikan soal dalam matematika, tetapi hasilnya salah dan tidak lengkap serta tidak bisa memberikan kesimpulan dengan baik dan tepat. Peserta didik dengan kategori rendah, dikatakan kurang bisa menjelaskan apa yang harus dituliskan pada lembar jawaban, namun bisa menyelesaikan jawaban secara lengkap melalui pengajuan dugaan. Selain itu, peserta didik pada kategori ini bisa memberikan cara yang sesuai dengan melakukan subtitusi tetapi jawaban masih salah dan kurang, dan tidak mampu memberikan sebuah hasil yang disimpulkan dengan tepat dan tidak memeriksa kembali hasilnya.
Galba y Nerva. Dos emperadores para un «compás de espera»
Authors: Castillo Pascual Pepa
Published: April 2024

Los protagonistas de nuestra historia son los emperadores Galba (8 de junio de 68 – 15 de enero de 69) y Nerva (18 de septiembre de 96 - ¿27? de enero de 98), que llegaron al poder tras un exitoso «golpe de Estado». El primero, cuando tras capitalizar el levantamiento de Julio Vindex en las Galias, fue reconocido emperador por el Senado, que poco antes había declarado «enemigo público» a Nerón, el último representante de la dinastía Julio-Claudia, que, antes del escarnio público, optó por un suicidio «asistido». El segundo, tras el complot de palacio que terminó con la vida de Domiciano, el último representante de otra dinastía, la Flavia. Los dos entraron en escena no cuando el reinado de sus predecesores evolucionó hacia un régimen tiránico, ya que esto es, como se verá, una construcción historiográfica a posteriori para justificar el magnicidio, y, sobre todo, la presencia en el trono del fundador de la siguiente dinastía, que no fue ninguno de nuestros protagonistas, sino Vespasiano y Trajano respectivamente. En realidad, ambos fueron elegidos cuando no se pudo garantizar el principio de sucesión dinástica por la falta de descendientes directos, ni Nerón ni Domiciano tuvieron hijos. La perspectiva de un vacío de poder era la coyuntura más apropiada para que los actores que estaban en la cúspide del Estado iniciasen el juego político para sentar en el trono a su candidato. Era necesario frenar tales enfrentamientos que podrían terminar en una guerra civil, para ello se echó mano de dos figuras que, por su pedigrí, avanzada edad y falta de descendencia, eran perfectas para un «compás de espera». Fueron dos emperadores de transición y quizá por esto la Historia no los ha recordado ni por ser «buenos príncipes» ni por todo lo contrario, sencillamente fueron «príncipes necesarios», y esta es su historia. Pepa Castillo Pascual es Profesora de Historia Antigua en la Universidad de la Rioja. Es doctora en Historia Antigua por la Universidad Complutense de Madrid y en Filología Clásica por la Universidad del País Vasco. Amplió sus estudios en la Universidad de Heidelberg (Alemania) y entre los años 2009 y 2019 formó parte del proyecto Excellence Cluster Topoi, con sede en la Universidad Libre de Berlín. Su ámbito de investigación es la historia de Roma, destacando sus estudios sobre el modelo romano de ordenación del territorio o los ríos navegables como elementos clave de este modelo; la recepción del mundo clásico en las artes escénicas y visuales, formando parte del grupo de investigación internacional IMAGINES; y, por último, el patrimonio histórico-arqueológico riojano. Su producción científica se han desarrollado en todos estos ámbitos. Esta monografía recoge, en parte, los resultados de su segunda tesis doctoral, realizada en el Departamento de Estudios Clásicos de la Universidad del País Vasco dentro del programa de doctorado “Ciencias de la Antigüedad”.
PEMODELAN 3D CANDI TUGU DENGAN DIGITAL SINGLE LENS REFLEX BERBIAYA RENDAH
Authors: Dzulvikar Azfa Ahmad , Prasetyo Yudo , Yusuf Muhammad Adnan
Published: April 2024

Teknologi fotogrametri rentang dekat terbaru yaitu scanner telah digunakan sebagai teknik survei model 3D yang sering digunakan dikarenakan oleh kepraktisan dan kualitas hasilnya. Namun harga perangkat yang terkait tidak dapat dibeli oleh sebagian besar orang maupun instansi, sehingga pada penelitian ini dilakukan pengujian hasil model 3D dari perangkat DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) sebagai alternatif baru berbiaya rendah. Dilakukan akuisisi dari perangkat DSLR dan pengolahan dengan perangkat lunak AliceVision Meshroom dan dilakukan pengujian validasi dengan uji geometrik posisi dan jarak dengan ICP (Independent Check Point) dan T-Test. Dihasilkan model DSLR yang hanya dapat memodelkan bagian badan bangunan candi saja dengan detail relief yang cukup tinggi dan pada uji validasi didapatkan bagian akurasi geometrik posisi masuk ke dalam kelas UDLOA Lower Range dengan CE90 sebesar 0,0904 dan LE90 sebesar 0,0924 serta pada bagian akurasi geometrik jarak masuk ke dalam kelas LOA30 Lower Range dengan jumlah error sebesar 1,1937 m dan rata-rata error sebesar 0,0173 m. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa metode DSLR tidak direkomendasikan sebagai metode pemodelan 3D berbiaya rendah dikarenakan oleh model bangunan bagian atap yang tidak berhasil dimodelkan.
Analisis Sebaran Tempat Penampungan Sementara (TPS) Sampah Berbasis SIG (Studi Kasus Kecamatan Tembalang)
Authors: Amal Muhammad Ichlashul , Wahyuddin Yasser , Hadi Firman
Published: April 2024

Peningkatan jumlah penduduk kota Semarang utamanya di kecamatan Tembalang menjadi penyebab timbulan sampah yang ditangani menjadi lebih banyak akibatnya diperlukan TPS dan TPA baru atau tambahan, sedangkan area yang ada terbatas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan lokasi dan kapasitas dari tempat penampungan sampah sementara (TPS). Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian yaitu metode kuantitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif. Metode kuantitatif digunakan pada analisis data yang dilakukan dalam penelitian. Metode ini didasarkan pada penggunaan data-data penunjang penelitian dan teknik analisis yang berbasis angka. Sedangkan, pendekatan deskriptif manfaatkan guna memvisualisasikan serta mendeskripsikan obyek penelitian yang digunakan maupun hasil penelitian yang diperoleh. Berdasarkan konsep jarak lima menit berjalan, persebaran TPS yang ada kurang efektif dalam melayani persampahan rumah tangga/pemukiman. Sampai tahun 2030 kapasitas dari tiap TPS masih dapat menampung timbulan sampah rumah tangga/pemukiman pada area pelayanan masing-masing TPS. Tetapi jika ditinjau dari jumlah seluruh penduduk yang mencapai 210.947 jiwa dengan jumlah timbulan sampah yang mencapai 632.841 liter, kapasitas dari TPS yang tersedia tidak mampu menampung timbulan sampah yang ada. Berdasarkan ketentuan pemerintah Kota Semarang, perlu ditambahkan 14 TPS hingga tahun 2030 yang ditempatkan di wilayah aset pemerintah yaitu kantor kelurahan, kecuali Kelurahan Kramas dan Kedungmundu yang wilayah kantor kelurahannya sudah ada TPS. Jumlah timbulan sampah di area pelayanan TPS lebih sedikit dibandingkan dengan kapasitas yang dapat ditampung oleh TPS yang ditambahkan. Tetapi ada empat TPS tambahan yang timbulan sampah di wilayah service area dari TPS tersebut melebihi kapasitas yang dapat ditampung. Untuk itu, sisa alokasi TPS digunakan untuk menambah kapasitas TPS yang ada di kantor Kelurahan tersebut.
Perencanaan Pembangunan Gedung Dengan Konsep Rumah Tumbuh
Authors: Adrayazi Elan
Published: April 2024

Pembangunan gedung merupakan serangkaian kegiatan perencanaan teknis, pelaksanaan konstruksi, dan pengawasannya, baik merupakan pembangunan baru, perawatan bangunan gedung, maupun perluasan bangunan gedung yang sudah ada, dan/atau lanjutan pembangunan bangunan gedung. Rumah Tumbuh (Growing House) yaitu membangun hunian secara bertahap yang disesuaikan dengan prioritas kebutuhan dan biaya. Penerepan konsep rumah tumbuh pada penelitian ini dilakukan pada bangunan gedung, konsep rumah tumbuh di ambil sebagai tahapan pembangunan gedung baru pada gedung lama. Dalam perencanaan pekerjaan ini telah menerapkan standard untuk beban gempa, analisa struktur bangunan dan pembebanan sesuai dengan standard nasional indonesia. Bangunan masjid merupakan sarana ibadah umat islam yang amat penting, sehingga perencanaan nya sesuai dengan kompetensi ahli struktur bangunan harus mengutamakan keselamatan masyarakat, kemampuan insinyur struktur bangunan selalu di dasarkan atas peraturan yang berlaku dan teori analisa struktur yang baku sehingga hasil yang di peroleh dapat dipertanggung jawabkan. Dalam penelitian ini, juga sudah dianlisa tentang kemanfaatan bangunan untuk masyarakat, sehingga pembangunan gedung baru tidak memutus kegiatan beribadah masyarakat.
Pemanfaatan Serabut Kelapa dan Abu Ampas Tebu Sebagai Substitusi Fiberglass dan Semen Pada Pembuatan GRC Board
Authors: Alfitorh Alfian Ma’arif
Published: April 2024

In a construction project, the use of partition walls can cost quite a lot due to the high cost of raw materials used in partition walls. But unfortunately in the manufacture of GRC boards still use materials that are not environmentally friendly such as fiberglass (fiber fiber). Coconut fibers were used as additives because they have high tensile strength, while bagasse ash is used as a cement substitution to reduce production costs as well as help in reducing the amount of sugar industry waste. This study aims to find out the best mixture variations, density, water absorption,bending strength, hitting firmness, and price comparison. In this study, comparing conventional GRC Board with 3 variations of coconut fiber substitution mixture of 10%, 20%, 30% and bagasse ash 2.5%, 5%, 10% with a total of 48 samples and sizes for constancy tests at 20 cm x 20 cm x 0.6 cm and for flexural strength tests with a size of 10 cm x 10 cm x 0.6 cm. Mechanical testing based on SNI-01-4449-2006. The results of the test proved that the optimal mixture is in GRC Board D (30% coconut fiber and 2.5% bagasse ash) because it can produce better flexural strength and firmness than conventional GRC Board and GRC Board with bagasse ash and coconut fiber is 18% cheaper than conventional GRC Board.