An assessment of the Small-Scale Irrigation Management Turnover Program in Indonesia.

Irrigation management / Privatization / Small scale systems / Irrigation systems / Water distribution / Performance / Operations / Maintenance / Productivity / Crop yield / Economic impact / Costs / Indonesia

Aerodynamic performance of MAV wing with fuselage and stabilizer \ Muhammad Izzuddin Arif Abdul Samad

The history of micro air vehicles (MAVs) really began with the development of model airplanes in the 19th century. However, the study of micro air vehicles (MAVs) is currently lack with the understanding of aerodynamics for the small aircraft flying at low speeds. Based on previous findings, the study on Zimmerman and Inverse Zimmerman wings had only focus on the wing performances rather than a complete MAV configuration, which exclude the fuselage and stabilizer components. Thus, the objective of current study is to find the discrepancy in aerodynamic performances between the MAV wing by including the fuselage and stabilizer components. In this study, the Zimmerman and Inverse Zimmerman wing with fuselage and stabilizer configuration is known as ZWFS and IZWFS, respectively. While the wing only configurations (without fuselage and stabilizer) are known as ZW and IZW. In the present research, CFX simulation method is used to study the performance on all wings. To solve the turbulent flow issue, 3D RANS equations coupled with SST k-ro turbulent equation are employed in the simulation works. Based on the simulation results, the wing only configurations (ZW and IZW) induce higher CL magnitude (between 42%-61%) compared to wing-fuselage configuration (ZWFS and IZWFS). However in CD performance, ZW induced better CD distribution than others configuration. The fuselage and stabilizer components induced a slight disadvantage (about 12.4%) in overall CD distribution. In CM performances, IZWFS have better CM than IZW by 0.54% which indicates that the wing with fuselage and stabilizer induced better stability. Moreover, in CL/CD analysis, the result shows that the wing only configuration (ZW and IZW) have better CL/CD distribution (between 39%-52%) compared to IZWFS and ZWFS. The TV studies also reveal that the benevolent CD performance on IZWFS is due to larger TV formations found on the wing. While, the low pressure distribution (CP) study reveals that IZW have more concentrated -Cpmin at the wing tips of the design which make IZW have better CL performance than ZW, ZWFS and IZWFS

Cholistan and Cholistani Breed of Cattle

Cholistan, once a green and prosperous land with the source of water being the ancient Hakra River, was also the cradle of great Hakra Valley Civilization. It is sprawled at an area of 26,000 Km2, located between the latitudes 27º42´and 29º45´North and longitudes 69º52´and 75º24´East. The bioclimatic system of Cholistan falls under the category of “tropical desert” with very scanty rainfall. Geomorphologically, the soils of Cholistan are a complex blend of river alluvium and Aeolin sands. Based on topography, type of soil and vegetation, this desert is divided into two geomorphic regions: the Lesser Cholistan (the Northern 7,770 Km² region) and the Greater Cholistan (the Southern 18,130 Km² region). The primary source of water is rainfall which is utilized through natural depressions or man-made ponds called “Tobas” and “Dahars.” The secondary source is underground water which is brackish and salty and not fit for human/animal consumption. Two livestock production systems prevail under pastoralism in Cholistan viz. transhumanie and nomadic. Despite an uncertain, unpredictable rainfall, low humidity and extremes in temperatures, Cholistan has long been famous for raising different breeds of livestock, contributing a significant share to national milk, meat and wool output. The total livestock population estimated during 2006 was 12,09528, out of which 47% were cattle. Cholistani cattle are considered to be ancestor of the Sahiwal and are a thermo-tolerant, tick-resistant breed. Preliminary data on some productive and reproductive traits of Cholistani cows maintained at Govt. Livestock Station, Jugait Peer, Bahawalpur during the period 2005 to 2009 revealed the avergae values for the productive traits i.e. lactation length, lactation yield, dry period, service period and fat percentage in milk as 165 days, 1235 liters, 155 days, 121 days and 4.8%, respectively. Similarly, the average values for reproductive traits i.e. age at maturity, age at first calving, gestation period and calving interval were 1112, 1390, 278 and 422 days, respectively, which are at par with those of Sahiwal and Red Sindhi cattle. However, comprehensive data supported by research need to be analyzed to manipulate the potentials of this breed. Furthermore, gene mapping and Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) will open up new horizons to study performance traits of Cholistani cattle in detail

Analisis Antibodi Ireguler pada Reaksi Inkompatibel Darah Transfusi

Latar belakang: Terjadi kasus inkompatibilitas karena pemberian darah yang inkompatibel dapat disebabkan oleh dua hal, yang pertama akibat ketidakcocokan golongan darah saat melakukan transfusi sehingga terjadi reaksi hemolisis intravaskular akut dan juga dapat disebabkan oleh reaksi imunitas antara antigen dan antibodi karena adanya golongan darah lain atau antibodi ireguler. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis antibodi ireguler pada hasil inkompatibilitas darah transfusi uji silang serasi darah transfusi. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional dengan menggunakan metode cross sectional. Sampel penelitian sebanyak 70 sampel inkompatibel uji silang serasi yang ditemukan di Unit Bank Darah RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar dan Unit Donor Darah PMI Makassar. Dilakukan pemeriksaan golongan darah dan uji silang serasi jika sampel yang telah di lakukan uji silang serasi dan hasilnya terjadi reaksi inkompatibel golongan darah maka sampel tersebut  diambil kemudian di lanjutkan ke Direct antiglobulin test. Sampel yang Direct antiglobulin test positif dilanjutkan dengan pemeriksaan monospesifik yaitu tes IgG dan C3d. Analisis data menggunakan Metode analitik, yaitu dengan uji Chi Square untuk menilai variabel yang berhubungan dengan antibodi ireguler. Hasil: Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa, dari 70 sampel yang mengalami reaksi inkompatibilitas ternyata hanya 7 sampel yang positif memiliki antibodi ireguler, di antaranya Anti E 3 (4,29%), anti CDEd 1 (1,42%), dari ketujuh sampel yang positif terdapat 2 (2,86%) sampel yang positif semua pada sebelas sel panel tersebut dan terdapat 1 (1,42%) sampel yang positif pada sel panel kecil (sel 1 dan sel 2) untuk skrining antibodi. Kesimpulan: Kejadian inkompatibel golongan darah sebagian besar bukan karena adanya antibodi ireguler, hanya sekitar 10% inkompatibel akibat antibodi ireguler terjadi maka skrining antibodi ireguler belum menjadi urgensi di setiap Unit pelayanan Transfusi darah maupun di unit Bank darah Rumah sakit

Hospital-based ultra-sonographic prevalence and spectrum of thyroid incidentalomas in Pakistani population

Introduction: Thyroid incidentalomas (TIs) are clinically asymptomatic nodules found accidentally during imaging studies ordered for some other reasons. Being easily accessible, non-invasive, and inexpensive, thyroid ultrasound (US) is a key investigation in the management of thyroid nodules.Methods: This ultrasound-based cross-sectional study was performed in the radiology department of a major tertiary care hospital. Every second patient visiting the emergency department was a potential candidate for a thyroid ultrasound. Patients having ages greater than 20 years were included in the study.Results: A total of 250 patients were included in the study. Out of these, 175 were female and 75 were male. The majority (54.80%) were in the age group 21-30 years. Nodules were found in 65 (26%) patients and in the majority of cases (67.7%) they were multiple in number. Associated lymphadenopathy was seen in only one patient. Thyroid nodules were more common in females as compared to males (75.38% versus 24.62%). According to Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (TI-RADS) classification, the majority of the nodules were falling in TI-RADS 1 (74%) followed by TI-RADS 3 (9.60%) and 4A (8.80%).Conclusion: The thyroid nodules are more commonly seen in females as compared to males. A significant association is seen between the frequency of thyroid nodules and increasing age. The majority of thyroid nodules fall in TI-RADS 1 category followed by TI-RADS 3 and 4A

The Motivation Level Towards the Application of Google Apps Among Part-Time Students: A Case Study

The rapid development of technology nowadays has changed today’s education system, especially in facilitating teaching and learning, and increasing students’ motivation. The development in the area of applications such as google apps have positively impacted teaching fields as a medium to disseminate information and instructional strategies between a lecturer and students. However, students do not have a sense of motivation to learn a new learning environment that is based on technology. The aim of this study was to determine the level of students’ motivation towards google apps. This was a survey study using a set of questionnaire as the instrument. The data were analyzed using mean scores to determine the students’ level of motivation. These findings showed that the students’ motivation to use google apps were high accordingly in terms of Google Drive for attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction; Google Form for attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction; Google Spreadsheets for attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction, while Google PowerPoint for attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction. The findings helped to determine the appropriate google apps as instructional strategies to be applied in teaching and learning that would be able to increase the students’ motivation to learn. In general, this study supports the use of google apps in assisting learning process that can increase part-time students’ motivation. &nbsp

Electro-Catalytic process for the Synthesis of Organic Compounds and their Biological Applications.

In fact, electrochemical method (EC) is a specific and eco-friendly technique with several advantages over common organic synthesis methods. During EC no as such external catalysts are required to initiate the reaction, the current potential in itself acts as a catalyst. Most of the inactive organic compounds can be converted to active species by EC method. This method results in the synthesis of compounds with high yield and purity. This method is also good to be applied for the synthesis of thermally sensitive organic compounds. Such synthesis has significant selectivity and reactivity which enable the synthesis of such compounds that are not feasible while using the conventional methods. This review provides insight into the utilization of EC method in the synthesis of organic compounds and their derivatives. Various prerequisites for such synthesis have been highlighted. The EC method application for preparation of derivatives of benzofuran, and benzoxazole, oxidation of N, N, N\u27, N\u27tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine, 5-diethoxy-4-morpholinoaniline, organic compounds containing C=N, benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and tetratomic Thioethers have been discussed in detail. In addition, the electrochemical synthesis of biomedical important compounds has been presented. The compounds synthesized through EC methods shows potential antimicrobial activity. Deferent researchers work to study the potential biological application of organic compounds synthesized through EC process. The anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and other important biological activities has been investigated

Biomedical and photocatalytic applications of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles: Ecotoxicology study of brilliant green dye and its mechanistic degradation pathways

© 2020 Elsevier B.V. The preparation of nanoparticles from biological materials is an economic and environmentally friendly strategy with several advantages. The current study is focused to synthesize silver nanoparticles using Petroselinum crispum plant extract. Various characteristics of biologically synthesized AgNPs were determined with UV–Visible (UV/Vis) Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The plasmonic resonance peak at 425 nm ensured the formation of AgNPs. The FTIR analysis showed that the as-synthesized particles contain alcoholic and polyphenolic constituents, which are responsible for their capping and reduction. The HRTEM results revealed spherical shape of AgNPs with size ranging from 25 to 90 nm. The as-synthesized particles demonstrated excellent antibacterial properties against Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antioxidant applications of the particles were determined with 2,2-diphenyle-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Moreover, the photocatalytic application of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated for brilliant green dye (BG). The results demonstrated high degradation of BG due to small size and well-dispersed nature of AgNPs. Degradation products of BG were identified to suggest degradation pathways. The eco-toxicity of the BG and constituents derived from the dye were studied with Ecological Structure Activity Relationship (ECOSAR) software

Global, regional, and national sex-specific burden and control of the HIV epidemic, 1990-2019, for 204 countries and territories: the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019

Background: The sustainable development goals (SDGs) aim to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Understanding the current state of the HIV epidemic and its change over time is essential to this effort. This study assesses the current sex-specific HIV burden in 204 countries and territories and measures progress in the control of the epidemic. Methods: To estimate age-specific and sex-specific trends in 48 of 204 countries, we extended the Estimation and Projection Package Age-Sex Model to also implement the spectrum paediatric model. We used this model in cases where age and sex specific HIV-seroprevalence surveys and antenatal care-clinic sentinel surveillance data were available. For the remaining 156 of 204 locations, we developed a cohort-incidence bias adjustment to derive incidence as a function of cause-of-death data from vital registration systems. The incidence was input to a custom Spectrum model. To assess progress, we measured the percentage change in incident cases and deaths between 2010 and 2019 (threshold >75% decline), the ratio of incident cases to number of people living with HIV (incidence-to-prevalence ratio threshold <0·03), and the ratio of incident cases to deaths (incidence-to-mortality ratio threshold <1·0). Findings: In 2019, there were 36·8 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 35·1–38·9) people living with HIV worldwide. There were 0·84 males (95% UI 0·78–0·91) per female living with HIV in 2019, 0·99 male infections (0·91–1·10) for every female infection, and 1·02 male deaths (0·95–1·10) per female death. Global progress in incident cases and deaths between 2010 and 2019 was driven by sub-Saharan Africa (with a 28·52% decrease in incident cases, 95% UI 19·58–35·43, and a 39·66% decrease in deaths, 36·49–42·36). Elsewhere, the incidence remained stable or increased, whereas deaths generally decreased. In 2019, the global incidence-to-prevalence ratio was 0·05 (95% UI 0·05–0·06) and the global incidence-to-mortality ratio was 1·94 (1·76–2·12). No regions met suggested thresholds for progress. Interpretation: Sub-Saharan Africa had both the highest HIV burden and the greatest progress between 1990 and 2019. The number of incident cases and deaths in males and females approached parity in 2019, although there remained more females with HIV than males with HIV. Globally, the HIV epidemic is far from the UNAIDS benchmarks on progress metrics. Funding: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Institute on Aging of the NIH