bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Microcredit on Profit Efficiency of Small-Scale Poultry Farmers Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Orimogunje Ronke Victoria , Ogunleye Ayodeji Sunday , Kehinde Ayodeji Damilola
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the effect of microcredit on profit efficiency of small-scale poultry farmers in Oyo State. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select two hundred poultry farmers for the study. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, Heckman selection model, stochastic frontier and Tobit models. Result from descriptive statistics
showed that men (78%) are predominantly involved in poultry production. The average age of poultry farmers in the area of study is approximately 43 years. Most of the farmers are married (77.5%) and literate (80.5%). Furthermore, most of the respondents (73.5%) had access to microcredit with 87.5% belonging to one farmer’s association or the other. Heckman
two-stage selection model revealed that membership of cooperative/farmer’s association and contact with extension agent are the significant factors influencing farmer’s access to microcredit. The second stage of the model reveals that age, years of education, household size, years of farming experience, distance to source of microcredit, timeliness of microcredit and stock size are the significant factors influencing the amount of microcredit obtained by farmers. Results obtained from the stochastic frontier model showed that smallholder poultry farmers had an average profit efficiency of 54.0% in poultry production. Furthermore, the Tobit model (Model 1) results revealed that amount of microcredit, distance to source of microcredit, interest rate and loan repayment period significantly influenced farmer’s profit efficiency while in the second model, years of formal education, poultry farming experience and membership of cooperative/farmer’s association influenced farmer’s profit efficiency. The results of two-side censored Tobit model suggest that microcredit variables are the most favourable variables for line of action. This suggested that policy makers should ensure that microcredit available through the agricultural credit programmes get to the needy farmers.
Effect of Boron Supplementation on Bone Mineralization and Antioxidant Status in Broiler Chicken
Authors: Pradhan Sanjay K. , Kumar B. , Banakara Kantesh B. , Singh R.R. , Kharadi V.B. , Chaudhary S.S.
Published: June 2021

Background: Functionality and requirement of Boron as a trace element in livestock feeding has not been well established. Limited research conducted worldwide suggests B is a trace element known to influence various physiological functions specifically the metabolism of minerals, hormones, immunity and antioxidant defense mechanism; thereby the performance of the birds. The whole grains widely used in poultry diets contain very little boron and currently, there is no definitive information regarding the boron requirement for any class of poultry and inclusion levels are far from standardized. Therefore, the present experiment has been conducted to study the influence of boron on bone mineralization and antioxidant status in broiler. Methods: A total of 240 day-old broiler chicks (Vencob) of mixed sex (avg. BW 47.50±0.26 g) were distributed in a completely randomized design into five treatments each with four replicates of 12 birds (6 of each sex). The dietary treatments involved supplementation of boron at 0 (B-0), 25 (B-25), 50 (B-50), 75 (B-75) and 100 (B-100) mg/kg diet. The birds were offered starter (d 1 to 21) and finisher (d 22 to 42) diet in mash form. At d 42, Whole blood (2 ml) sample was collected for the estimation of total antioxidant status and reduced glutathione by FRAP and DTNB method, respectively. Two birds per replication were selected randomly; sacrificed and right femur bone was collected to measure the bone ash and mineral content. Result: Boron supplementation enhanced the bone ash, calcium and phosphorus content but decreased the manganese and iron content in bone. Supplementation of Boron significantly enhanced (P less than 0.05) the total antioxidant capacity but lowered the plasma reduced glutathione level.
The Effects of Dietary Maoberry (Antidesma sp.) Pomace Supplementation on Broiler Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, Carcass Quality and Intestinal Histology
Authors: Lokaewmanee K. , Seedarak K.
Published: June 2021

Background: Maoberry (Antidesma sp.) pomace (MP) is a waste product and therefore, it is important to exploit this resource as a feedstuff for animals. Hence, the current investigation is aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of MP on growth performance, blood parameters, carcass quality and intestinal histology in broilers. Methods: 288 male (Ross 308), 1-day-old broilers were individually weighed and steel wing tagged before allocation to one of 24 floor pens (12 birds/pen). All birds received the same standard starter diet (7-21 d old) and finisher diet (22-42 d old) to conform with NRC (1994). After week one, six dietary treatments were provided, which contained five different maoberry (Antidesma sp.) pomace or MP sources: 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%. Result: At 42 d, broiler fed 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% MP had increased feed efficiency (FE) when compared with broilers on basal diets. Dressing and breast percentages were significantly increased across groups. Broilers fed MP had significantly (P less than 0.05) increased epithelial cell areas and cellular mitosis levels. Supplementing dietary MP exerted positive effects on FE and intestinal histology as they were significantly (P less than 0.05) increased in MP fed birds.
MONOLOJİK VE DİYALOJİK ÖĞRETİM YAPAN İKİ FEN BİLİMLERİ ÖĞRETMENİNİN KAVRAMSAL ÖĞRETİMLERİNİN KIYASLANMASI
Authors: TURHAN Emine Büşra , KILINÇ Ahmet
Published: June 2021

Yapılan kıyaslamalı durum çalışmasının amacı monolojik (öğretmen merkezli) öğretim yapan bir Fen Bilimleri öğretmeni ile diyalojik (öğretmen-öğrenci, öğrenci-öğrenci etkileşimine dayanan) öğretim yapan bir Fen Bilimleri öğretmenini kavram öğretimi ile ilgili çeşitli değişkenler açısından kıyaslamaktır. Bu amaçla bir öğretmen eğitimi projesi kapsamında Bursa ilindeki bir ortaokulda görev yapan toplam dokuz öğretmenin birer derslik video kayıtları incelenmiş ve bu kayıtlar söylem kalitesi açısından puanlanmıştır. Bu puanlama sonucunda monolojik ve diyalojik olarak puanlanan iki öğretmen seçilmiş ve öğretmenlerin video kayıtları kavramsal öğretim ile ilgili üç parametre (1- kavramsal öğretim sıralaması, 2) kavramsal öğretim çerçeveleri, 3) kavramın dil odaklı açılımı) üzerinden detaylı bir analize tabii tutulmuştur. Çalışma sonuçlarına bakıldığında belirtilen üç parametre açısından monolojik ve diyalojik öğretmenler arasında farklılıklar olduğu ve diyalojik öğretmenin monolojik öğretmene nazaran etkili bir kavram öğretimi yaptığı gözlenmiştir.
Malassorbimento intestinale della terapia antiretrovirale in un paziente affetto da AIDS e micobatteriosi atipica disseminata.
Authors: Lucia Borghesi Maria , al. et
Published: June 2021

L’infezione da micobatteri non tubercolari costituisce una
severa complicanza nei pazienti affetti da AIDS. L’efficacia
del trattamento è complicata dalla difficoltà di una precisa
diagnosi microbiologica e da problematiche farmacologiche
(compliance alla terapia, interazioni farmacologiche e malassorbimento).
Descriviamo il caso di un giovane uomo affetto
da infezione da HIV, AIDS presenter per micobatteriosi
atipica disseminata e sindrome infiammatoria da immunoricostituzione,
il quale non ha risposto alla terapia antimicobatterica
e antiretrovirale per os a causa di malassorbimento
intestinale. La somministrazione endovenosa della
terapia antimicobatterica e l’adeguamento della terapia antiretrovirale
alle resistenze emerse hanno permesso un miglioramento
del quadro clinico. È necessario considerare il
malassorbimento dei farmaci come una possibile una causa
di fallimento terapeutico in corso di infezione micobatterica.
II. HAÇLI SEFERİ VE I. MANUEL KOMNENOS DÖNEMİ BİZANS-HAÇLI İLİŞKİLERİ
Authors: İNCE Fatma
Published: June 2021

1096 tarihinde başlayan haçlı seferlerinin, başlangıç sebepleri dini duygulara bağlanmaktadır. Bir taraftan Türkiye Selçuklu Devleti, diğer taraftan ise Çaka Bey ve Peçenekler ile mücadele eden Bizans Devleti oldukça zor bir durumda kalmıştı. Bundan dolayı da batıdan yardım istemek zorunda kaldı. Bu dönemde Avrupa’nın da ekonomik, siyasi ve sosyal anlamda oldukça zor bir durumda olduğunu görmekteyiz. Bundan dolayı batılılar, Bizanslılardan gelen yardım teklifini hemen kabul edeceklerdir. Bizanslılar, haçlılardan yardım talep ederken, onlardan paralı askerler olarak faydalanabileceklerini ve bu sayede de Türklere karşı kaybetmiş oldukları toprakları yeniden ele geçirebileceklerini düşünmüşlerdir. Ancak zaman ilerledikçe görülecektir ki, sözde dindaşlarını kurtarmak için yola çıkan haçlılar, aslında doğunun zenginliklerini elde etmek ve ele geçirmiş oldukları bölgelere yerleşmek için Bizans Devleti’nin yardım talebine olumlu yanıt vermişlerdir. Daha ilk seferden itibaren haçlıların yolları üzerinde bulunan bölgelerde çıkarmış oldukları huzursuzluklar, vasallık yemini etme konusunda çıkarmış oldukları zorluklar gibi sebepler dolayısıyla Bizans Devleti’nde haçlılara karşı bir ön yargının meydana gelmesine sebebiyet vermiştir. Bundan dolayı da II. Haçlı Seferi’nin düzenlenmesine sıcak bakılmayacaktır. Bu çalışmada II. Haçlı Seferi esnasında Bizans Devleti ve haçlılar arasındaki ilişkiler incelenecektir.
Detection Moleculer Of Putative 18S rRNA Gen Protozoa Trichodina sp. Infected Larvae Gurami (Osphronemus gouramy L) in Balai Benih Ikan Kutasari Purbalingga Central Java
Authors: Rokhmani Rokhmani , Wahyono Daniel Joko , Mulyani Lilis
Published: June 2021

Trichodina spp. are ectoparasitic pathogens of ciliata group that commonly infect both freshwater and marine fish, including gouramy fish. As a result of infection of Trichodina spp. this will lead to inhibition of fish growth and decreased fish production, resulting in low fish selling value. The rate of occurrence of Trichodina spp. that infects gurami can reach 100%. Research has been conducted to determine which one Trichodina spp. Protozoa that infects the gouramy seeds of BBI (Fish Seed Center) Kutasari Purbalingga following detection of 18S RNA gene. Gene detection method used in this research is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique of DNA synthesis and amplification in vitro. This research is done following these methodes: (1) sampling of Gurami fish with purposive sampling which obtained from BBI Kutasari Purbalingga, (2) isolation of Trichodina spp., (3). Preparation of Trichodina spp. sample and its identification, and (4). Molecular character obervation following detection of 18S rRNA gene. This study obtained 10% percentage of detection of 18S rRNA genes of the species of Trichodina paraheterodentata that infect on the gouramy fish of Purbalingga. The percentage rate of detection of these genes is low when compared with the results of the detection of 18S rRNA Trichodina paraheterodentata gene that infects gouramy fish in Banjarnegara.
PERBAIKAN LINGKAR PERUT, TEKANAN DARAH, DAN BODY MASS INDEX WANITA SINDROM METABOLIK MENGGUNAKAN YOGURT SUSU KECAMBAH KACANG MERAH
Authors: Winarsi Hery , Septiana Aisyah Tri , Roselina Avia
Published: June 2021

This study aims to determine the effect of red kidney bean sprout milk yogurt (Rides-Yo) on abdominal circumference, blood pressure, and body mass index of metabolic syndrome women. Red kidney bean sprouts milk added with 10% sucrose and 10% skim milk pasteurized at 70 ° C for 10 minutes, then cooled to 45oC. Inoculated with lactic acid bacteria 2% of the total volume of red bean milk, incubated at 27-35oC for 24 hours. As many as 30 women, 40-65 years aged, central obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, live in the Baturraden subdistrict, Banyumas Regency, and are willing to sign informed consent. Subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups; the first group was given Rides-Yo; the second group was given a placebo; and group 3 took medicine from a doctor. A total of 200 mL/day of Rides-Yo or placebo was given to the subjects for 2 months. Before and after the intervention, subjects were measured for abdominal circumference, blood pressure, weight and height. There was a decrease in abdominal circumference (P=0,018), systole and diastolic blood pressure (P <0.038 and P=0,032), and BMI (P=0,039) in the group receiving Rides-Yo, compared to placebo and control groups. Thus, Rides-Yo is able to improve the health status of women with metabolic syndrome.
KONTRIBUSI PEMBERIAN MENU SIKLUS 3 HARI TERHADAP ASUPAN GIZI ATLET PENCAK SILAT DI ASRAMA
Authors: Afriani Yuni
Published: June 2021

Abstrak

 

Pengaturan makanan dan asupan zat gizi yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan akan berdampak positif pada performa dan prestasi atlet agar optimal. Penyelenggaraan makanan pada atlet merupakan hal penting yang perlu diperhatikan di setiap fase yaitu fase latihan, bertanding, dan recovery.  Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui kontribusi pemberian menu siklus 3 hari terhadap asupan zat gizi atlet pencak silat di Asrama. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian quasi eksperimental dengan menggunakan rancangan pre-post. Asupan makan dilihat berdasarkan energi, karbohidrat, protein, dan lemak. Sebelum intervensi, responden mendapatkan makanan sesuai dengan menu yang diberikan di asrama. Intervensi yang diberikan adalah pemberian makanan dengan menu siklus 3 hari, yang telah disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan dan kebiasaan makan atlet. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Juli-Agustus 2016 di Asrama Atlet Pencak Silat Yogyakarta. Analisis data menggunakan software statistik dengan uji paired t-test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada perbedaan yang signifikan asupan energi, protein dan lemak antara sebelum dan sesudah pemberian menu siklus 3 hari pada atlet pencak silat di asrama (p<0,05). Namun, tidak terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan pada asupan karbohidrat antara sebelum dan setelah intervensi (p>0,05). Pemberian menu siklus 3 hari dapat memberikan kontribusi peningkatan asupan zat gizi atlet pencak silat. 

Kata kunci : penyelenggaraan makanan, asupan zat gizi, atlet, pencak silat
PENERAPAN PENDEKATAN BERMAIN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR GERAK DASAR PERMAINAN BOLAVOLI MINI
Authors: Fitrianingsih Dwi , Satyawan Budhi
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this research is to improve learning outcomes basic of mini volleyball with implementation play approaches to learners iv a grade of mi muhammadiyah jimbung, in the academic year 2016/2017.
This study close to practice clas action. Study held in 2 cycle consists of 4 steps in every cycle consists of planning, action, oservation and reflection. Subject in this study is learners of IV A MI Muhammadiyah Jimbung whichamounts to 22 learners, 12 male and 10 female. Data collection technique with test and observation. Data validation use triangulation data. Data analysis use descriptive qualitative with precentage tehnique.
The result are 27,27% complete and 72,72% uncomplate. This first cycle obtained resut 59,09% complate and 40,91% uncomplate with averaage value of psychomotor 59,09%, affective 81,81% and cognitive 68,18%. Second cycle obtained results86,46% complate and 13,64% uncomplatewhith average value psychomotor 77,27%, affective 90,90%, and cognitive 81,81%. Based of analysis result from 2 cyclle show increase and suitable with achievement target.
Conclusion on this study is implementation approaches can improve learning outcomes basic of mini volleyball on IV A MI Muhammadiyah Jimbung. In the academic year 2016/2017.
Exploiting the antiviral properties of selected phytochemicals from leaf extracts of Spondias mombin (Linn): A computational repurposing approach toward the discovery of potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors.
Authors: Boadu Akwasi , Agoni Clement , Karpoormath Rajshekhar , Soliman Mahmoud , Nlooto Manimbulu
Published: June 2021

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pneumonia-like disease with a pattern of acute respiratory symptoms, remains a major public health concern that is causing tremendous human suffering. There is no approved drug for the direct treatment of the disease, although several vaccines have been approved for use. Exploring medicinal plants and their phytochemicals has emerged as possible therapeutic alternatives since they are affordable and present minimal toxicity effects. This study sought to investigate the potential of the phytochemical compounds isolated from ethanolic leaf extract of Spondias mombin as potential therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2. From a select list of bioactive compounds extracted from the leaf of Spondias mombin with known antiviral properties, we identified Geraniin and 2-O-Caffeoyl-(+)-allohydroxycitric acid as potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent polymerase, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 viral S-protein and the 3C-like main protease (3CLpro). Analysis of the binding mechanism of these compounds is characterized by the formation of high-affinity intermolecular interactions with respective binding site residues of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent polymerase, 3CLpro, and RBD of viral S-protein, which subsequently contributed to favourable binding affinity. Using the Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPB-SA) approach, Geraniin exhibited a binding free energy (ΔGbind) of -25.87kcal/mol and − 21.74kcal/mol, respectively, whereas 2-O-Caffeoyl-(+)-allohydroxycitric acid exhibited a ΔGbind of -32kcal/mol towards 3CLpro. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations revealed crucial structural changes induced by the identified inhibitors, which possibly interfered with enzyme functions. The molecular insights provided regarding the inhibitory potency of the two phytochemicals warrants further experimental evaluation towards discovering novel SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
Development of a two-circular RNA panel as potential prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Jing , Yan Meinan , Li Hui
Published: June 2021

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have attracted increasing attention in recent years for their potential application as disease biomarkers due to their high abundance and stability. In this study, we attempted to screen circRNAs that can be used to predict postoperative recurrence and survival in patients with gastric cancer (GC).
Methods

High-throughput RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed circRNAs in GC patients with different prognoses. The expression level of circRNAs in the training set (n = 136) and validation set (n = 167) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Kaplan–Meier estimator, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic value of circRNAs on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in GC patients. CeRNA network prediction, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed for the circRNAs with prognostic significance.
Results

A total of 259 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified in GC patients with different RFS. We found two circRNAs (hsa_circ_0005092 and hsa_circ_0002647) that highly expressed in GC patients with good prognoses, and subsequently established a predictive model for postoperative recurrence and prognosis evaluation, named circPanel. Patients with circPanellow might have shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). We also performed circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network prediction and functional analysis for hsa_circ_0005092 and hsa_circ_0002647.
Conclusions

CircPanel has the potential to be a prognostic biomarker in GC patients with greater accuracy than a single circRNA and certain traditional tumor markers (e.g., CEA, CA19-9 and CA724).
Application of Robotics UV-light Device In Averting The Spread of Coronavirus.
Authors: Nnadi Damian Benneth Nwoye , Araoye Timothy Oluwaseun , Egoigwe Sochima Vincent , Vincent Deborah Ahuoiza
Published: June 2021

This research focused on robotic ultraviolet light (RUV light) for sanitizing the environment due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic devastating the whole world. The prototype Robotics UV-light device was proposed in this research to relieve mankind of sanitization of the ecosystem since SARS-CoV-II is highly infectious. The robotic Ultra-violet system was developed using perception subsystems as well as cognition subsystems, all linked together to perform the needed functions. Nine perceptions recognition subsystems were deployed with a remote controller for the driving as well as monitoring of the system for optimum performance while in operation. The Robotics was built with four lamps of ultra-violet lights such that while in operation, the targeted environment gets sanitized at the same time. An extra lamp was attached at the top end of the robotic device which is used to fumigate the upper part of the wards where the other lights could not reach. One of the inbuilt perception subsystems collects information on the extent of sanitization and then via the cognition subsystem shuts down the system automatically. If by chance a novice approaches the ward(s) where the robotic system is working, another perception subsystem will perceive human presences and through the cognitive device raises a mimic human tone programmed, “this place is not safe now, quickly shift". If within ten nano-seconds and the novice still resist the warning, then the machine shutdown automatically. The performance of this electromagnetic light has an efficiency of 99.99 percent over both bacteria and viruses including Covid-19.
Analysis of Risk Factors For Sepsis And Indicators of Prognosis In Patients With Sepsis: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Wang Huifeng , Zhao Zhiling , Tong Zhao-hui
Published: June 2021

Background: To investigate the independent risk factors for sepsis and the prognostic indicators of sepsis-related mortality to guide clinical practice.Methods: Adult patients diagnosed with sepsis in the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU), emergency ICU (EICU), and surgical ICU (SICU) of Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2016 to April 2021 were enrolled. Comorbidities, complications, and laboratory indicators were retrospectively analyzed. Variables with a p value < 0.05 in the univariate analysis were entered into multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the independent risk factors for sepsis. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used for those variables with P < 0.05 in multivariate regression to evaluate the fit of the predictive model and its prognostic efficacy. Results: A total of 123 adult patients with sepsis were enrolled, with 80 males and 43 females and a mean age of 61.56 ± 17.12 years. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurred in 84 patients (68.3%), acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in 28 patients (22.8%), acute myocardial injury (AMI) occurred in 6 patients (4.9%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurred in 14 patients (11.4%), septic shock occurred in 40 patients (32.5%), and 41 patients (33.3%) died. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that mean arterial pressure (MAP), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, albumin level, and the presence of DIC were independent risk factors for sepsis (P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve for the model including MAP, albumin, and APACHE II score was the highest at 0.890.Conclusion: The MAP, APACHE II score, albumin level, and DIC were independent risk factors for sepsis. The inclusion of the MAP, albumin level, and APACHE II score in the model yielded the most accurate prediction of the risk of mortality.
Redistributive Effects of Health Care Out-of-Pocket Payments in Cameroon
Authors: Ntembe Augustin Ntembe , Tawah Regina , Faux Elkanah
Published: June 2021

Background: The bulk of health care financing in Cameroon is derived from out-of-pocket payments. Given that poverty is pervasive with a third of the population living below the poverty line, health care financing from out-of-pocket payments is likely to have redistributive and equity effects. Out-of-pocket payments on health care limit the ability of households to afford non-healthcare goods and services.Method: The study uses data from the 2014 Cameroon Household Survey to estimate the Kwakwani index for analyzing tax progressivity and the model developed by Aronson, Johnson, and Lambert (1994) to measure the redistributive effect of out-of-pocket payments for health care. The estimated indexes measure the extent of the progressivity of health care payments and the reranking that results from the payments.Results: The results indicate that out-of-pocket payments for health care in Cameroon in 2014 represented a significant share of household prepayment income. The estimates also show that the redistributive effect is positive implying that health care payments are weakly progressive and will weakly enhance equity and post-payment reranking is low. Conclusion: The study concludes that out-of-pocket payments on health care in Cameroon are progressive (income redistributive effect = 0.00144). A positive redistributive effect suggests that out-of-pocket payments on health care exert an equalizing effect on the distribution of post-payment incomes. However, the existence of some horizontal inequity and re-ranking implying that people in the same income band are treated unequally depending on the burden of ill-health.
Caregivers’ Willingness to Vaccinate Their Children Against Childhood Diseases and Human Papillomavirus: a Cross-sectional Study on Vaccine Hesitancy in Malawi
Authors: Adeyanju Gbadebo Collins , Sprengholz Philipp , Betsch Cornelia , Essoh Tene-Alima
Published: June 2021

Background: Vaccines are among the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions for promoting child health. However, uptake is considerably affected by vaccine hesitancy. Malawi has experienced a decline in second vaccine doses and has the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding vaccine hesitancy is especially important when new vaccines are introduced. This study explores factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy for routine childhood immunization and the human papillomavirus vaccine in Malawi. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional survey design to target caregivers of children under five years of age and adolescent girls. The sample population was derived using three inclusion criteria: one district with low vaccine uptake (Dowa), one district with high vaccine uptake (Salima), and one district where human papillomavirus vaccine was piloted earlier (Zomba). A convenience sample of one primary and one secondary health facility was selected within each district, and participants were systematically included (N = 600). Multiple regression analyses were performed to explore vaccination intention predictors.Results: Confidence in vaccine safety was the strongest predictor of routine childhood immunization, followed by constraints due to everyday stress. The participants had lower confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy when they believed rumors and misinformation and were unemployed. Confidence was higher for those who had more trust in healthcare workers. Age, gender, religion, education, employment, belief in rumors, and trust in healthcare workers were considered predictors of vaccination intention. A husband’s positive attitude (approval) increased childhood vaccination intention. For human papillomavirus, vaccination intentions were higher for those with lower education, more trust in healthcare workers, lower complacency, and a lower tendency toward calculating the benefits and costs of vaccination. Knowledge of human papillomavirus did not increase vaccination intention, but a husband’s approval did. Being a younger adult and being unemployed increased belief in rumors, while trust in healthcare workers reduced it. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the drivers of vaccine hesitancy across different contexts in Malawi. However, further studies are necessary to understand low risk perception among elderly people and the declining trend in second vaccine doses.
Preliminary Evaluation of QuantiFERON SARS-CoV-2 and QIAreach Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total Test in Recently Vaccinated Individuals
Authors: Jaganathan Soumya , Stieber Francis , Rao Sonia N. , Nikolayevskyy Vladyslav , Manissero Davide , Allen Nadia , Boyle Jeff , Howard Jenny
Published: June 2021

Introduction: There is an increasing body of evidence surrounding the importance of a T-cell mediated response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and after COVID-19 vaccination. In this internal feasibility study, we evaluated both the total antibody (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and T-cell responses in a cohort of COVID-19 convalescents and vaccinated individuals.Methods: Whole blood specimens were collected weekly from 12 subjects at different timepoints within/after the COVID-19 mRNA vaccination regimen and from 4 PCR-confirmed convalescent donors to measure durability of humoral and cell-mediated immune response. T-cell and Antibody responses were evaluated via the QuantiFERON SARS-CoV-2 Research Use Only (QFN SARS-CoV-2) assay which is an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) and QIAreach Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total (Anti-CoV-2) Test, respectively.Results: In a cohort of recently vaccinated individuals, subjects demonstrated robust total antibody and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines when followed for 2 months post 2nd dose. In most individuals, T-cell response declined between 1st and 2nd dose suggesting need for booster or completion of the 2-dose vaccine series. In a group of convalescent donors tested with QFN SARS-CoV-2 and Anti-CoV-2 tests, all patients had an antibody and T-cell response up to 1 year after natural infection.Conclusion: This small feasibility study demonstrates that QFN-SARS-CoV-2 test is able to identify CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell mediated responses in SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated subjects and those recovered from COVID-19, alongside a qualitative antibody response detectable via the QIAreach Anti-CoV2 Test.
PREVALENCE AND IDENTIFICATION OF FLT3-ITD AND D835 ACTIVATING MUTATIONS IN ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA (ALL) IN KASHMIRI PATIENTS (NORTH INDIA)
Authors:   Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India., Mohammad Fozia , A. Pandith Arshad ,   Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India., Kumar Mithilesh ,   School of Life Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jaipur-302017 Rajasthan, India., Koul Aabid ,   Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India., Amin Ina ,   Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India., Manzoor Usma ,   Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India., Anwar Iqra ,   Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India., Rasool Javid ,   Department of Hematology, SKIMS, J&K-India., Geelani Sajad ,   Department of Hematology, SKIMS, J&K-India.
Published: June 2021

Background: The FLT3 gene, a receptor tyrosine kinase encodes a transmembrane protein that plays a fundamental role in normal hematopoiesis. The two types of mutations identified in FLT gene are an internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) in exon 14 and 15, and a missense point mutation in codon 835 in exon 20 (FLT3-D835). These mutations activate a ligand independent constitutive tyrosine-kinase receptor and are mostly found in acute myeloid leukemia and are associated with bad prognosis. We first time from the Indian subcontinent evaluated the frequency of FLT3 mutations in a cohort of Acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). Methods: FLT3-ITD mutations and FLT3-D835 were investigated in a cohort of 74 confirmed ALL patients at diagnosis, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length-PCR (PCR-RFLP) respectively. Results: Overall 03 mutations were detected from 74 ALL patients (4.05%) in FLT-ITD but no mutation was found in FLT3-D835. All the three patients with FLT mutations were negative for the known translocation in ALL. Among these patients one died in the first year of treatment (33.4%) while the rest of two FLT3 mutant patients are fairly doing well. Conclusions: This report implies that FLT3 gene mutations are present in ALL patients from Kashmir (North India) although not as common as found in AML (20-30%) but do impact the clinical outcome.
Clinical efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy for diabetic macular edema in real clinical practice (2-year results)
Authors: Fursova A. Zh. , Derbeneva A. S. , Tarasov M. S. , Vasil’eva M. V. , Gamza J. A. , Chubar N. V.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:to evaluate the clinical efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy of patients with diabetic macular edema (DMO) in T & E regimen for 96 weeks. Materials and methods. The study included 59 patients (101 eyes) with DMO. The average number of intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agent (IIAVA) — aflibercept given during the whole period was 12.87 ± 3.56, including 7.78 ± 1.20 in the first year, and 4.82 ± 2.66 in the second year. Results.All patients showed an increase in visual functions (+0.33, p < 0.001) with a maximum achieved after 5 injections (+0.24; p = 0.001). Central macular thickness decreased from 397.36 ± 100,00 μm at the initial level to 276.59 ± 52.90 after 5 loading injections (-120.8 μm), to 263.85 ± 45.20 (-133, 91 μm) after 1 year and to 248.6 ± 46.9 (-148.76 μm) after 2 years. A resorption of retinal neuroepithelial detachment was observed in 84.16 % of cases as soon as loading injections were given, and reached 100 % of cases by the 48th week of observation. Strong inverse correlations were revealed between the initial presence of medium and large intraretinal cysts and visual acuity, both initial and final (-0.35 and -0.42, p < 0.01). The disorganization of retina inner layers at the initial level was a predictor of a worse visual outcome at the end of the observation period. By the end of this period, 44 patients (43.5 %) received IIAVA with an interval of 12 weeks, the maximum interval between injections was 16 weeks and was achieved in 19 (28.01 %) eyes. Conclusion.The results of a 2-year retrospective study of the efficacy of aflibercept in DME showed that T&E regimen can be used with highfunctional results. Due to flexible planning of the number of IIAVA in the second year, over-treatment could be avoided without reducing the expected efficacy.
A case of spontaneous non-penetrating keratoprosthesis during multi-stage implantation of a Fedorov — Zuyev prosthesis in a patient with a severe chemical eye burn
Authors: Makarov P. V. , Petrova A. O. , Chentsova E. V. , Oganesyan O. G. , Serov Y. А. , Lugovkina K. V.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: to evaluate the results of spontaneous non-penetrating keratoprosthesis with a Fedorov — Zuev prosthesis in a patient with severe chemical burns in both eyes. Material and methods.Patient K., 38, who had sustained a severe burn injury in the past and numerous reconstructive plastic operations on both eyes (amniotic tissue implantation, allolymbal transplantation, layer-by-layer and penetrative keratoplasty, cataract extraction with IOL implantation, total auto-conjunctival corneal plastic surgery) with no functional effect, was subjected to a multi-stage keratoprosthesis of the left eye according to the method practiced by the Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases. Results.After one of the stages (implantation of the haptic part of the keratoprosthesis with a temporary cylindrical plug), an aseptic necrosis of the tissue above the cylinder occurred. As a result, an unexpected functional effect was revealed: visual acuity of the operated eye 0.02 sph -20.0 D = 0.2. During a dynamic follow-up that lasts 2.5 years, visual acuity remains stable, and the corneallayers behind the cylinder retain transparency. During this time, all stages of keratoprosthesis were performed on the fellow eye with a functional result of 1.0. Conclusion. The long-term result of spontaneous non-penetrating keratoprosthesis indicates the need to study the prospects and develop a method of non-penetrating keratoprosthesis with a Fedorov — Zuyev prosthesis.
Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein concentrations during early gestation in pregnant Awassi sheep
Authors: AKKÖSE MEHMET , ÇINAR ELİF MERVE , YAZLIK MURAT ONUR , ÇEBİ-ŞEN ÇİĞDEM , POLAT YADİGAR
Published: June 2021

This study was aimed at determining the serum pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) profile of pregnant Awassi sheep during early gestation. A total of 122 Awassi ewes were used, which were in days 28-56 (28, 30, 32, 36, 42, 49, and 56) of gestation. Blood samples were taken via jugular venepuncture. Out of these animals, 104 ewes that had delivered (singleton lambs, n = 60; twin lambs, n = 44), according to lambing records, were selected for the assessment of serum PAG levels. The serum PAG level was measured using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (IDEXX Bovine Pregnancy Test). Whereas serum PAG levels (mean ± standard error) on days 28, 30, 32, 36 and 42 of gestation were found to be similar (0.237 ± 0.031, 0.402 ± 0.067, 0.329 ± 0.036, 0.397 ± 0.075, and 0.409 ± 0.060, respectively), the levels measured on days 49 and 56 of gestation were significantly higher (0.712 ± 0.088 and 0.798 ± 0.115, respectively) (p < 0.05). The serum PAG levels of the twin-pregnant ewes on days 28, 30 and 42 of gestation were higher than those of the singlepregnant ewes (twin-pregnant ewes: 0.314, 0.648 and 0.594, respectively; single-pregnant ewes: 0.186, 0.258 and 0.308, respectively; p < 0.05). With a cut-off sample minus negative (S–N) value set at > 0.300, the sensitivity of serum PAG level-based pregnancy diagnosis was 51.95% between days 28 and 42 of gestation and 92.69% between days 49 and 56 of gestation. On the other hand, with a cut-off S–N value set at > 0.100, the sensitivity of the PAG ELISA test was 94.81% between days 28 and 42 of gestation and 100% between days 49 and 56 of gestation. In conclusion, the serum PAG levels of the pregnant Awassi sheep remained similar between days 28 and 42 of gestation, but progressively increased thereafter. The serum PAG levels of the twin-pregnant Awassi ewes were significantly higher than those of the single-pregnant sheep on days 28, 30 and 42 of gestation, but they were not different on days 32, 36, 49 and 56 of gestation.
Effect of royal jelly on puberty of ewe lambs
Authors: Şengül Ömer , Ak İbrahim , Emsen Berna
Published: June 2021

In this study, we investigated the effect of royal jelly on the puberty of female ¼ Romanov × ¾ Morkaraman crossbred lambs. Royal jelly was applied in two ways: orally and intravaginally. The rate of estrus as well as the day and time (in hours) of estrus were observed and determined by real-time ultrasonography (for pregnancy) and laparoscopic surgery (ovary examination). Three groups of lambs were observed. The first group, consisting of 15 female lambs, was treated intravaginally; in the second group, 15 female lambs were treated orally; and the third group, which served as control, consisted of 10 ewe lambs that were not treated with royal jelly. Estrus rates in the intravaginally and orally treated groups were 13% and 20%, respectively, whereas the control group showed no estrus activity. However, estrus interval in both groups was observed 3-5 days after the withdrawal of the treatment. All the animals had an active ovary when observed during estrus activity by ovary examination. Yearling ¼ Romanov-bred ewes respond positively to royal jelly application. Increasing the doses and extending the duration of royal jelly application might yield better results.
Hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy for green future
Authors: Yousef Samy
Published: June 2021

Hydrogen is the most abundant gas in the universe and is classified by the World Energy Organization as the cleanest fuel in the world compared to other energy products. Therefore, the hope hangs upon it in achieving the zero fuel emissions strategy, which adopted by the largest countries in the world. Also, it is believed that by 2050, hydrogen consumption will represent 24 % of the global energy sector, with investments estimated at 2.5 trillion dollars, compared to only 139 billion dollars at present. There are three types of hydrogen (gray, blue and green) classified based on their production methods and carbon content. Gray hydrogen is usually produced by burning natural gas at high temperatures and once the carbon is removed or captured, the gray hydrogen turns into blue hydrogen. As for green hydrogen with zero emissions, it is produced through the electrolysis of water or by using renewable energy sources such as solar cell, wind energy, etc. to avoid any emissions during the production stages. Despite the efficiency of green hydrogen compared to other types, its price remains a major obstacle in the promotion and marketing, which is estimated at 3.5 Euro/kg, compared to 1.5 Euro/kg for blue hydrogen. In addition to some other obstacles related to infrastructure and raw materials used in the production stages. Recently, and in order to remove all these obstacles, the leading countries in the energy sector pumped more investments to study all these obstacles and assess the current hydrogen market, which in turn leads to the acceleration of the upscaling of hydrogen production. In this context, this research was developed to study all these current and future challenges. In addition to discussing the traditional and modern methods of its production. Besides taking a look at the projects under implementation in this regard.
An Attempt to Classify Kurdish Legends Using the Juha Pentikainen Method: Example of Adıyaman
Authors: ÇİFÇİ Tekin
Published: June 2021

Legends are one of the genres of folk narrative that occupy an important place in the daily life of the people. Legends, the creation and destruction of the world for thousands of years; historical events; supernatural beings and events; They are folk narratives that are believed to be "as if they are real" in many subjects, including religious leaders and heroes, and that are transmitted from generation to generation by developing and transforming. The classification of the legends is important in order to know and understand the social memory and beliefs of the people closely. It is urgent to compile, classify and analyze legends, especially in terms of preserving and maintaining Kurdish oral culture and literature. The aim of this article is to determine the Kurdish folk legends compiled from the region of Adıyaman province and to try to classify them with Juha Pentikainen method. In this study, the face-to-face interview technique was applied with 21 people who were knowledgeable about the subject and were identified with the snowball method. As a result of the interviews, 28 legends from the region were identified, compiled, and deciphered. The legends are classified as traveler and locale, according to the method of Juha Pentikainen, and are summarized. As a result, legends of both types were found in Adıyaman region, 7 travelers and 21 of them local. It has been observed that the legends have a universal character in terms of genre, form, and motif. Most of the legends are narrated by men, but it has been determined that the legends about the miracles about personalities important in terms of religious representation are mostly told and cared for by women. It has been determined that the legends play an important role in the establishment and execution of the social order as well as their literary and artistic characters.
Dynamic simulation of inner flow in a photovoltaic pump based on Simulink and CFD
Authors: Wu Xianfang , Ye Heyu , Tan Minggao , Liu Houlin
Published: June 2021

To study the internal flow characteristics of the photovoltaic pump under the transient change of solar radiation, the simulation algorithm of the photovoltaic pump system was established by MATLAB/Simulink and CFD for the first time and the results were validated by the test. Firstly, the change rule of pump flow rate and rotation speed under transient solar radiation was obtained by Simulink. Then the results of the change rule were transformed into the boundary condition of CFD by CEL function and the transient flow field in the photovoltaic pump was obtained. The internal flow characteristics and pressure pulsation in the pump were analyzed when the solar radiation increases or decreases transiently. The results demonstrate that the numerical calculation can provide accurate prediction for the characteristics of internal flow in the pump. The numerical results are closed to the experimental results, the minimum error of pressure is 0.93% and the maximum error is 1.78%. When the solar radiation increases transiently, the low pressure area at the impeller inlet gets larger obviously and the jet-wake at the impeller outlet becomes more obvious. The pressure pulsation in the impeller gradually increases and becomes stable after 0.6 s. The pressure from the impeller outlet to the guide vane outlet is stable at 123 kPa. When the solar radiation decreases transiently, the pressure in the impeller takes 1.6 s to be stable. Larger pressure pulsation occurs from the impeller outlet to the guide vane inlet and the maximum differential pressure is 10 kPa. Compared with the transient increase of solar radiation, the pressure in the impeller takes over 0.2 s to stabilize when the solar radiation transient decreases. Meanwhile, the results in this paper can provide references for other transient characteristics research.
SEMG Based Recognition of Hand Motions for Lower Limb Prostheses
Authors: Rajput Keerti , Veer Karan
Published: June 2021

Aim:

On multiple muscle locations, surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were
recorded to predict the effect of different hand movements.

Background:

Myoelectric information is a non-stationary signal, so extracting correct features is
important to boost any myoelectric control devices' performance. Myoelectric signal is an electrical
activity recorded by a surface electrode at various movements of the muscles.

Objective:

The study presented pattern recognition classification methods to select an excellent
algorithm for controlling the SEMG signal.

Method:

Various time domain and frequency domain parameters were extracted prior to conducting
the classifier test.

Result:

For the evaluation of the results for the recorded data (of all six movements), confusion
matrix for neural network, support vector machine (SVM), DT, and linear discriminant analysis
(LDA) classifiers is presented.

Conclusion:

This present study will be a step ahead in analyzing different problems for developing
lower limb prosthesis.