The current state of the introduction coenopopulation of Gymnospermium odessanum on the botanical-geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine” at the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine

Gymnospermium odessanum is a rare relict endemic plant species. The research was carried out during G. odessanum flowering in 2019–2021 at the botanical-geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine” of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NBG). Ecological and coenotic conditions of introduction at the NBG differ from natural habitats of the species and are not optimal for its vegetation. However, this species demonstrated ecological-coenotic plasticity and, over the decades, has formed a stable homeostatic introduction coenopopulation here. As of 2021, the area of introduction coenopopulation of G. odessanum at the NBG was 2,075 m2. It comprises 412 individuals of this species (including 40 seedlings, 241 juvenile, 45 immature, 40 virginal, 45 generative, and 1 sub-senile plants). Coenopopulation fragments with a high density of G. odessanum individuals are rare here, so the average density is low – only 0.2 individuals per 1 m2. In 2021, in the spectrum of age states, the total percentage of pregenerative individuals was very high and reached 88.8 %; the share of generative individuals was 10.9 %.In general, the age structure of the introduction coenopopulation of G. odessanum is characterized by long-term (2010–2021) stability. The spatial distribution of individuals in the introduction coenopopulation is of two kinds – random and in groups. This is due to combined myrmecochoric and barochoric propagation. Also due to myrmecochory, this coenopopulation tends to spread the area. Compared to natural coenopopulations, the introduction coenopopulation of G. odessanum at the NBG is characterized by a larger area, a much significant number, and, at the same time, a low average density of individuals. However, like in most of natural populations, its age spectrum is left-sided.The conducted research testifies the successful formation of the introduction coenopopulation of G. odessanum in the meadow-steppe cultural phytocoenosis of the NBG. This introduction coenopopulation is an example of a successful multi-year scientific experiment and effective ex situ protection and preservation of G. odessanum on the northern border of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, far beyond the natural range of this endemic plant species.

Tsunami scenario triggered by submarine landslide offshore of northern Sumatra Island and its hazard assessment

Near the northern border of Sumatra, the right-lateral strike-slip Sumatran Fault Zone splits into two branches and extends into the offshore, as revealed by seismic sounding surveys. However, due to its strike-slip faulting characteristics, the Sumatran Fault Zone’s activity is rarely believed to cause tsunami hazards in this region. According to two reprocessed reflection seismic profiles, the extended Sumatran Fault Zone is strongly associated with chaotic facies, indicating that large submarine landslides have been triggered. Coastal steep slopes and new subsurface characteristics of submarine landslide deposits were mapped using recently acquired high-resolution shallow bathymetry data. Slope stability analysis revealed some targets with steep morphology to be close to failure. In an extreme case, an earthquake of Mw 7 or more occurred, and the strong ground shaking triggered a submarine landslide off the northern shore of Sumatra. Based on a simulation of tsunami wave propagation in shallow water, the results of this study indicate a potential tsunami hazard from a submarine landslide triggered by the strike-slip fault system. The landslide tsunami hazard assessment and early warning systems in this study area can be improved on the basis of this proposed scenario.

Tertiary level English Language Teachers' Use of, and Attitudes to Alternative and Online Assessments during the Covid-19 Outbreak

This study aims to investigate the English language teachers’ perceptions and attitudes towards the use of alternative and online assessments adopted during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, in Saudi Arabia. The current study employs a descriptive method, and the data were collected using a survey questionnaire, which consists of 33 closed-ended and four open-ended questions. The participants were 102 (46 male and 56 female) teachers of English at Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaires were administered online via Google Form. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative responses, whereas content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative responses collected from the open-ended questions. The findings revealed that the teachers had mixed reactions towards alternative and online assessments. The online assessments adopted were in form of both alternative and traditional types, administered via Blackboard. It was found that portfolios and oral presentations were the most frequently used forms of alternative assessments by the English language teachers at the time of Covid-19. Other types of alternative assessments, including, online collaborative/peer assessment, self-assessment, virtual concept map, concept map, article review, and mini-project, were claimed to be less used by the teachers. However, the teachers’ top priority was summative assessment, where by the traditional exams were in fact still be used in online assessment. In addition, teachers reported constraints related to time for the assessments, need for computer literacy, possibility of cheating, and technical issues, when adopting online assessments. However, they believed online assessment covered the content of the course of study. Teachers also reported that students did not initially like online assessment but later warmed to it as it proved easier to do well in. Finally, pedagogical implications are discussed based on the study findings.

Study on Vertically Distributed Aerosol Optical Characteristics over Saudi Arabia Using CALIPSO Satellite Data

The optical characteristics of vertically distributed aerosols over Saudi Arabia were investigated using the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) data from 2007 to 2019. The study region was divided into three parts (Region I: Tabuk, Makkah, Al Madinah, Asir, Al Bahah, Jizan, Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, the eastern region, Kassim, Hale, Asir, Baha, Tabuk, the northern border region, Jizan, Najilan, and Jufu. Region II: Ar, Al, Ha, Al, and Najran. Region III Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah and Ash Sharqiyah) to understand regional aerosol characteristics by performing interannual and seasonal analysis for nine aerosol types during the day and nighttime. We found that the aerosol optical depth (AOD) estimates were the highest over eastern Saudi Arabia (region III) and were seemingly driven by the presence of an expansive desert in the region. As anticipated, the AOD observations were substantially higher in spring and summer than in autumn and winter owing to the frequent occurrence of dust events during the former. Daytime observations exhibited higher AOD values than those at nighttime, which might be related to higher daytime anthropogenic activities. The estimates of the base height of the lowest aerosol layer (HB1) and the top altitude of the highest aerosol layer (TAH) were altered depending on the topography (the higher the altitude, the higher the annual mean value of HB1 and TAH). The aerosol layers (N) were relatively abundant over region III, seemingly due to the relatively stronger atmospheric convection over this region. The volume depolarization ratio of the lowest aerosol layer (VDR1) was considerable during the night due to deposition at nighttime, and VDR1 was relatively substantial in spring and summer. The color ratio of the lowest aerosol layer (CR1) estimates over regions II and III was higher at night. We report a weak positive correlation between the thickness of the lowest aerosol layer (HTH1) and the AOD of the lowest aerosol layer (AOD1) in the three regions, a strong positive correlation between TAH and N, and a negative correlation between the AOD proportion of the lowest aerosol layer (PAOD1) and N in Saudi Arabia. In this paper, the optical and physical properties of aerosols in Saudi Arabia have been studied for 13 years. Our results could provide references for researchers and the government, and relevant departments with data support on the aerosol layer to help control air pollution in Saudi Arabia.

The Meanings of The Philosophy of Symbol of The Patuaekkon Tradition In The Mandailing Muslim Bataknesse Community on The Northern Border of West Sumatra

<p>This article aims to describe the meaning of symbolic philosophy contained in patuaekkon tradition at the wedding of Mandailing Batak Muslim community in Kampung Harapan Village, Pasaman Regency. This research article uses the field research method, in which the researcher collects data directly at the research location to strengthen the results of the philosophical meaning contained in patuaekkon tradition with a descriptive approach. The results of this study indicate that the meaning of symbolic philosophy of patuaekkon tradition consists of water symbolizing purity, kaffir lime symbolizing cleanliness, silunjuang leaves symbolizing self-adjustment, midrib leaf of banana stem and miracle leaves symbolizing peace and tranquility, nacar symbolizing the process of life's journey, ulos symbolizing blessing and affection, onang-onang song as an expression of joy, praise, hope, advice, and prayer. Poda has a meaning as advice in social life, ways to find a good and right livelihood, and habits in life.</p><p><em>Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menguraikan makna filosofi simboik yang terkandung dalam tradisi patuakkon pada pernikahan komunitas Muslim Batak Mandailing Perbatasan utara di Kampung Harapan Kabupaten Pasaman. Penelitian artikel ini menggunakan metode field reasearch, dimana peneliti mengumpulkan data-data secara langsung di lokasi penelitian untuk memperkuat hasil makna filosofi yang terkandung dalam tradisi patuaekkon dengan pendekatan deskriptif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa makna filosofi simbolik tradisi patuaekkon terdiri dari air melambangkan kesucian, jeruk purut melambangkan kebersihan, daun silunjuang melambangkan penyusaian diri, pelepah batang pisang dan daun cocor bebek melambangkan kedamaian dan ketentraman, nacar melambangkan proses perjalanan hidup, ulos sebagai makna restu dan kasih sayang, lagu onang-onang sebagai ungkapan kegembiraan, pujian, harapan, nasehat, dan do’a, poda memiliki makna sebagai nasehat dalam berkehidupan sosial, cara-cara mencari penghidupan yang baik dan benar, dan kebiasaan yang dilakukan dalam kehidupan</em></p>

Efficacy of Three Antimalarial Regimens for Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria in Cambodia, 2009 – 2011: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: Antimalarial resistance remains an important public health challenge in Cambodia. The effectiveness of three therapies for uncomplicated Falciparum malaria were evaluated in Oddar Meanchey province in Northern Cambodia from 2009 – 2011.Methods: In this randomized, open-label, parallel group controlled trial, 211 subjects at least 5 years old with uncomplicated Falciparum malaria were treated with directly observed therapy. Over 3 days, 63 received artesunate-mefloquine (AS/MQ), 77 received dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA/PPQ), and 71 received atovaquone-proguanil (ATQ/PG). Subjects were followed for 42 days or until recurrent parasitemia. Genotyping of msp1, msp2, and glurp among individual parasite isolates distinguished recrudescence from reinfection. Pfmdr1 copy number was measured by real-time PCR and half-maximal parasite inhibitory concentrations (IC50) was measured in vitro by 48-hour isotopic hypoxanthine incorporation assay.Results: The primary outcome of per-protocol PCR-adjusted efficacy at 42 days was analyzed for 190 (90.0%) of the enrolled subjects. PCR-adjusted efficacy (95% confidence interval) at 42 days was 80.6% (70.8 – 90.5%) for AS/MQ, 97.2% (93.3 – 100%) for DHA/PPQ, and 92.9% (86.1 – 99.6%) for ATQ/PG. On day 3, 59.3% remained parasitemic. At baseline, 46.9% had microscopic P. falciparum gametocytemia. Both recurrences in the DHA/PPQ arm lost Pfmdr1 copy number amplification at recrudescence. All four recurrences in the ATQ/PG arm were wild-type for cytochrome bc1. One subject withdrew from the ATQ/PG arm due to drug allergy.Conclusions: This previously unpublished study was conducted at the epicenter of substantial multi-drug resistance that emerged soon thereafter. Occurring early in the national transition from AS/MQ to DHA/PPQ, both DHA/PPQ and ATQ/PG had acceptable efficacy against uncomplicated falciparum malaria. However, efficacy of AS/MQ was only 80% with apparent mefloquine resistance based on elevated Pfmdr1 copy number and IC50. By 2009, there was already significant evidence of artemisinin resistance not previously reported at the Northern Cambodia-Thai border. This study suggests the basis for early development of significant DHA/PPQ failures within 3 years of introduction. Artemisinin resistance likely occurred on the Northern border concurrently with that reported along the Western border in Pailin.Trial Registration: This legacy trial was conducted prior to International Committee of Medical Journal Editors’ requirements for preregistration on ClinicalTrials.gov. The full protocol has been provided.

On limits of the distribution range of the Crimean rock lizard Darevskia lindholmi (Sauria: Lacertidae)

New data on the boundaries of the distribution range of the Lindholm rock lizard (Darevskia lindholmi), an endemic of the Crimean Peninsula, are presented. This petrophilous lizard inhabit a wide range of biotopes in various landscape levels of the Mountainous Crimea. The upper boundary of D. lindholmi distribution in the southwest of the Main Range of the Crimean Mountains reaches an elevation of 1,520 m a.s.l. (Ai-Petrinskaya Yayla, KemalEgerek Mountain), while on the other high uplands with altitudes above 1.5 km and colder climate (Babugan and Chatyrdag), the species was traced only up to 1,250–1,320 m a.s.l. The northern border of D. lindholmi range in the western part of the Crimean Mountains runs along the Outer Foothill Range (the right bank of the Alma River), while in the eastern part it corresponds the northernmost rocky massifs of the Inner Foothill Range to the north of 45º N latitude. Isolated marginal populations found in the forest-steppe or phrygana-steppe landscapes of the Foothills and arid Southeastern Coast differs significantly in their distance from the main habitat of the species, lizards’ abundance and density. A hypothetical history of the formation of the current range of the Lindholm lizard is discussed.

Multidrug Resistance among Gram Negative E. coli in Chicken Meat (Rafha-Saudi Arabia)

Aims: Multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria pose a major public health issuer globally. The genes for antibiotic resistance are transferred vertically in the form of genomic DNA and horizontally in the form of plasmids or transposons. Antibiotic are extensively used in animal farming to treat and prevent animal diseases, and at sub-therapeutic doses, they are used to promote animal growth. This extensive use of antibiotics is causing an increase in resistance among bacteria. More frequent, chicken meat available at retail shops is reported to be contaminated with a variety of drug resistant bacteria including E. Coli. The aim of the present study was to investigate antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli strains isolated from chicken meat available in the local shops of Rafha, Saudi Arabia. Place and Duration of Study: Department of basic health sciences, College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha, Saudi Arabia, between February and October, 2019 Methodology: Eighty-six E. coli strains, isolated from chicken meat, were tested for their antibiotic resistance profile, using the disc diffusion method. Results: All the isolated E. coli strains were tested against 14 antibiotics. The maximum resistance was found against penicillin G (95%) followed by amoxicillin (85%), Cephalothin (81%), Erythromycin (72%), and Tetracycline (50%). Imipenem was the most effective agent of all with only 1% resistance followed by Cefepime with almost 6% resistance. A high percentage of the isolates (57%,) were multidrug resistant as they were non—susceptible to at least one antimicrobial in ≥3 antimicrobial classes including amoxicillin, erythromycin and tetracycline. Conclusion: The prevalence of MDR E. coli in retail chicken meat is very high and could pose a serious threat to public health.