Comparison of methods to estimate the size of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) scale seizures using species-specific conversion parameters

The absence of robust species-specific methods to estimate the number of animals in seizures of pangolin scales is a major barrier to effective law enforcement. Therefore, studies focused on developing methods to establish accurate conversion parameters are a priority. This study proposes improved methods to estimate the number of pangolins in the illegal trade to inform law-enforcing authorities. Based on the observations of 25 specimens, Indian pangolins were on average found to possess 511 scales. Three morph-types of scales were identified: broad rhombic (n=411), elongated kite shape (n=69), and folded scales (n=31). The mean dry weight of the three-scale morph-types was 7.5 g, 4.9 g, and 6.2 g. Based on the average frequency and mean dry weight of each scale morph type, the species-specific dry weight of scales for Indian pangolins was 3.6 kg. Accordingly, we propose new and improved methods based on scale morph-type frequencies and species-specific dry weight of scales to estimate the number of Indian pangolins from quantities of scales. Their accuracy was compared with current methods, and the improved methods were found to be more accurate.

Risk Factors Associated With Various Severities of Suicidal and Non-Suicidal Self-Harm Among Israel Defense Forces Soldiers—A Nested Case–Control Study

ABSTRACT Objective Severe suicide attempt is a major risk factor for completed suicide. The aim of the present study was to focus on suicide behavior and timing to gain better understanding of these populations. Method The nested case–control retrospective study based on medical records of 246,866 soldiers, who demonstrated suicide attempts of varying severity, including death by suicide were compared with soldiers who did not demonstrate such behavior. Results Risk for death by suicide was associated with males, military seniority of less than 12 months. High frequency of visits with mental health care professionals was associated with being severe suicide attempters (SAs). Moderate suicide attempts were associated with being a male, visiting a primary care physician frequently, and belonging to one of the two latest immigrant groups in Israel (Ethiopians and former Soviet Union). Mild suicide attempts were associated with having a psychiatric diagnosis on the enlistment day, visiting a mental health care professional at high or average frequency, visiting a primary care physician at high or average frequency, being a male, and being born in the former Soviet Union. While the proportion of males demonstrating suicidal behavior was higher than the females’, severe SAs were higher among females. There was a clear tendency of female suicide attempters at all levels to act toward the end of their military service. Conclusions Although half of the SAs were females, their characteristics may be similar to those of the male SAs, contrary to the sex differences in suicide behavior among civilians.

Genomic and Meiotic Changes Accompanying Polyploidization

Hybridization and polyploidy have been considered as significant evolutionary forces in adaptation and speciation, especially among plants. Interspecific gene flow generates novel genetic variants adaptable to different environments, but it is also a gene introgression mechanism in crops to increase their agronomical yield. An estimate of 9% of interspecific hybridization has been reported although the frequency varies among taxa. Homoploid hybrid speciation is rare compared to allopolyploidy. Chromosome doubling after hybridization is the result of cellular defects produced mainly during meiosis. Unreduced gametes, which are formed at an average frequency of 2.52% across species, are the result of altered spindle organization or orientation, disturbed kinetochore functioning, abnormal cytokinesis, or loss of any meiotic division. Meiotic changes and their genetic basis, leading to the cytological diploidization of allopolyploids, are just beginning to be understood especially in wheat. However, the nature and mode of action of homoeologous recombination suppressor genes are poorly understood in other allopolyploids. The merger of two independent genomes causes a deep modification of their architecture, gene expression, and molecular interactions leading to the phenotype. We provide an overview of genomic changes and transcriptomic modifications that particularly occur at the early stages of allopolyploid formation.

Sikap Dan Perilaku, Kinerja Produk, Kepuasan Dan Loyalitas Konsumen Kopi Bubuk (Studi Kasus Pada Usaha Kopi Bubuk Rantau Di Kecamatan Argamakmur Kabupaten Bengkulu Utara)

The purpose of this study was to analyze consumer attitudes and behavior, level of product importance and performance, satisfaction, and consumer loyalty to RANTAU ground coffee in Argamakmur District, North Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province. The place where the research was carried out was in the RANTAU ground coffee business in ArgaMakmur District, North Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province. In this study the data consists of secondary data and primary data. Primary data is taken by direct observation of the production process, interviews with customers of Rantau ground coffee, based on a list of questions or questionnaires that have been prepared. The secondary data in this study consisted of an overview of the RANTAU ground coffee business obtained directly from the RANTAU ground coffee business actor, books related to consumer behavior, satisfaction, and loyalty, previous research journals that have been published, both online and online. not online related to research. The research sample, namely consumers of RANTAU ground coffee, was taken by accidental sampling. The data analysis method used quantitative analysis method, Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method, the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) method, and to analyze the level of consumer loyalty using the Loyalty Pyramid. The results of the study are consumer attitudes and behavior in making decisions to consume RANTAU ground coffee for reasons of good taste with an average frequency of consuming the product 3 times a day, the number of last purchases an average of 0.25 kilos. Consumers are satisfied with the product and intend to return to consume the product. If the product is not available at the location of purchase, consumers will go elsewhere to buy RANTAU ground coffee products. The measurement of product attribute performance with IPA from RANTAU coffee powder products, must be improved or improved, the attribute performance is the expiration date that has not been listed on the product. On average, consumers are satisfied with the RANTAU ground coffee business. Consumer satisfaction of RANTAU ground coffee is 66% which shows that consumers are satisfied overall. RANTAU ground coffee consumers are already in the loyal category because the value of consumers who are disloyal / like to switch coffee brands or switcher buyers (34%) is smaller than the value of consumers who are loyal to buying Rantau ground coffee or Committed buyers (66%).

The frequency method in studying habitat preferences of common forest birds

This paper presents the results of a study on the habitat preferences of selected species of the bird community in the Morgi Forest, the Kolbuszowa Forest Division (SE Poland), with the use of the point-stand bird census method. The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of the method in determining the frequency of colonisation of stands with different habitat parameters by the most abundant bird species. In 270 tree stands of a forest complex with diverse habitats, a bird census was carried out with four counts per each stand. Next, a list of the tree stands and the bird species recorded in the stands was compiled. The stands were divided into categories according to the forest habitat type, dominant species and age class. In the next step, the occurrence frequency of the most abundant bird species was calculated for each stand category. Among the analysed species, the majority showed a positive correlation between the frequency of occurrence and habitat fertility. The influence of the dominant stand species on the occurrence frequency of bird species was largely driven by habitat fertility. The lowest average frequency of the identified avian species was found in stands dominated by pine Pinus sylvestris, birch Betula sp. and black alder Alnus glutinosa. There was generally a positive relationship between age class and the bird community parameters. It is concluded that the point-stand method of bird census provides informative results for research on the habitat selectivity of bird populations.

Understanding Lay Counselor Perspectives on Mobile Phone Supervision in Kenya: A Mixed Method Human-Centered Design Study

Introduction: Mobile phones may present a low-tech opportunity to replace or decrease reliance on in-person supervision in task-shifting, but important technical and contextual limitations must be examined and considered. Guided by human-centered design methods, we aimed to understand how mobile phones are currently used when supervising lay counselors, determine the acceptability and feasibility of mobile phone supervision, and generate solutions to improve mobile phone supervision.Methods: Participants were recruited from a large hybrid effectiveness-implementation study in western Kenya, wherein teachers and community health volunteers have been trained to provide trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Lay counselors (N=24) and supervisors (N=3) participated in semi-structured interviews in the language of the participants choosing (i.e., English or Kiswahili). The participants included high frequency, average frequency, and low frequency phone users in equal parts. Interviews were transcribed, translated when needed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes were compared across frequency of phone use following a mixed methods data transformation and integration approach. Results: Uses included: clinical updates, scheduling and coordinating, and supporting research procedures. Participants liked how mobile phones decreased burden, facilitated access to clinical and personal support, and enabled greater independence of lay counselors. Participants disliked how mobile phones limited information transmission, limited relationship building between supervisors and lay counselors, and disrupted communication flows. Mobile phone supervision was facilitated by access to working smartphones, ease and convenience of mobile phone supervision, mobile phone literacy, and positive supervisor-counselor relationships. Limited resources, technical difficulties, communication challenges, and limitations on which activities can effectively be performed via mobile phones were barriers to mobile phone supervision. Lay counselors and supervisors generated 27 distinct solutions to increase the acceptability and feasibility of mobile phone supervision. Differences emerged in specific themes pertaining to acceptability and feasibility by frequency of use.Conclusion: While mobile phone supervision was acceptable to both lay counselors and supervisors, there were also distinct challenges with feasibility. Researchers considering how digital technology can be used to increase mental and digital health equity must consider limitations to implementing digital health tools and design solutions alongside end-users to increase acceptability and feasibility.

Thematic Learning Based on Local Culture in Implementing National Character Values in Inclusive Referral Elementary School

This research aims to develop thematic learning based on local culture as an effort to instill the values of national and state character in inclusive reference primary schools. The novelty of this research lies in the basis of local culture in instilling character values that are implemented in inclusive reference schools. The research method is research and development. The products produced through this research are thematic learning tools based on local wisdom consisting of syllabus, lesson plans, teaching materials, media and evaluation tools. Data collection techniques in this study used observation sheets, questionnaires and test questions. The data analysis technique used descriptive percentage, difference test (t-test) and improvement test (N-gain). The results of this study indicate the acquisition of a score of more than 4.3 with a maximum score of 5.0 which is in the high validity category. The average frequency of achieving character values in thematic learning based on local culture is in the high category. Where all aspects of character values appear and are carried out by more than 80% of students in the class. Meanwhile, in the t-test of post-test results, the value of t count = 5.782 > t table = 1.998 and (p) count = 0 <0.05, which means that there is a significant difference in the value of learning achievement between the experimental group using the product developed and the control group. The results of the N gain test showed that the control group had an increase in the medium criteria and the experimental group had an increase in the high criteria so that it was concluded that the thematic learning tools based on local culture had a good level of effectiveness.

Examining the impact of both legal and nonlegal factors on following a vehicle too closely utilizing three deterrence-based theories

Following a vehicle too closely (otherwise known as tailgating) is a high-risk behavior and major contributor to motor-vehicle collisions and injuries. Both legal and nonlegal countermeasures are currently in place in an attempt to prevent this behavior, yet there has been limited research that has examined the effectiveness of both legal and nonlegal factors on engagement in the behavior. Therefore, this research utilized a combination of the three most salient deterrence-based theories used in road safety to understand the impact of both legal and nonlegal sanctions on following a vehicle too closely. A survey was completed by 887 Queensland drivers aged 17–84 years ( Mage = 49 years; 55% males). Variables from Classical Deterrence Theory, the reconceptualized deterrence theory and the extended deterrence-based model (that includes perceived internal loss, physical loss, and social sanctions), as well as measures of following a vehicle too closely were used. The majority of the sample (98%) reported following a vehicle too closely at some point, with the average frequency ranging from rarely to sometimes. Significant predictors of more frequent unsafe following distances included: being male, younger in age, and avoiding punishment for the behavior. Meanwhile, significant predictors of less frequent unsafe following distances included knowing others who have been punished for the behavior, as well as fearing the physical and internal losses resulting from unsafe following distances. Notably, the severity of the punishment was also a significant deterrent, while the perceived certainty of being apprehended for the offence was low and did not impact engagement in behavior. These results have a number of important implications on how to maximize both legal and nonlegal countermeasures to further prevent following a vehicle too closely.

Nocturnal Enuresis in Primary Schools Children (6-12 Years) of Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia

Background: Regardless of the significance and the disturbing magnitudes of NE, this problem remains under-reported in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia and comprehensive studies in this regard are considerably lacking in that region. This study aimed to discuss the prevalence and associated risk factors of NE among children in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross sectional study design was adopted in Tabuk, KSA using a self-administered questionnaire for data collection distributed online on social media sites to be filled out personally. All data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed using SPSS 23.0 for windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The study included 431 participants. (37.4%) of children aged between six and seven years old, (32.7%) between eight and nine years old, and (17.2%) between ten and twelve years old. (58.9%) of children were males and (41.1%) females. Average frequency various from (53.8%) one time to two times per week, (31.3%) three times to four times per week, (14.8% five times to seven times per week. Enuresis was at night only in (77.5%) while (22.5%) at day or night. (64.5%) don’t seek to medical advice, while (35.5%) getting medical advice. (48.5%) of children getting behavioral therapy to treat this condition, (15.8%) exercise to strengthen bladder muscles, (14.6%) getting medical treatment, (10%) getting urination alarm, (0.5%) doing surgical intervention. There was a significant relationship between frequency per week of enuresis with mother educational level, number of family member, age of child (6-7) years old, sex of child (female), family history of nocturnal enuresis and delayed growth. Also, there was a significant relation between timing of enuresis during night or day and night with parents suffering from nocturnal enuresis, father’s education level, mother’s education level, and caring of parents to awaken the child. Conclusion: Nocturnal enuresis associated factors and parenteral knowledge of definition and causes of it were among universal reported figures. Referral to a pediatric urologist can be indicated for children with primary enuresis refractory to standard and combination therapies, and for children with some secondary causes of enuresis, including urinary tract malformations, recurrent urinary tract infections, or neurologic disorders.

Identification of Tumor Specific Neoantigens and Their Implications in Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy Using Liquid Biopsy Results: Findings from an Observational Cohort Study

Liquid biopsies can be a rapid, cost-effective and noninvasive alternative to tumor biopsies for detecting genetic mutations in somatic tumors. Genetic profiling of liquid biopsies can also be used to identify novel antigens for targeted therapy, provide updated information on disease prognosis and evaluate treatment efficacy. In this study, we aimed to examine mutations that could be identified in liquid biopsy and their potential implications for personalized dendritic cell immunotherapy using these antigens. We analyzed the genomic profiles of 99 blood samples from 85 patients with 22 different types of cancer using two commercially available liquid biopsy tests before the patients underwent standard cancer treatment and dendritic cell immunotherapy. Nonsynonymous mutations were detected in more than 90% of the samples, with an average frequency of 3.6 mutations per sample. The tumor mutations were specific to each patient, as approximately 94.7% of the mutations were so unique that there was almost no duplication among the patients. Clonal evolution was observed in two patients just before or after chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. These findings indicate that liquid biopsy can be a potential surrogate for tumor-specific antigen-based immunotherapy and the importance of tailoring immunotherapy in accordance with the liquid biopsy result in each treatment stage.