Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Hemolytic Lectin from Venom of the Stinging Sea Nettle, Chrysaora quinquecirrha

I have identified a novel pore-forming toxin (PFT) in the venom of the Sea Nettle (Chrysaora quinquicherra), a protein I have named Chrysaoralin. This protein is discharged from specialized organelles called cnidocysts (nematocysts) found primarily in the tentacles of this jellyfish. Chrysaoralin was first identified by Nextgen sequencing (RNA-Seq) of libraries made from mRNA isolated from tentacles of mature medusa collected from Barnegat Bay, NJ. The full-length of the Chrysaoralin gene is 1365 bp, encoding a protein of 454 AA (50.695 kD; pI = 6.58). The SignalP 4.1 algorithm (http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/SignalP/) predicts a signal peptide of 22 AA. The mature protein (minus the putative signal peptide) is 432 AA (48.321 kD; pI = 6.58). This protein shows strong homology (66%) to a hemolytic lectin from the sea cucumber, Cucumaria echinata (Phylum Echinodermata). In support of this fact hemolytic activity was detected in the purified nematocyst preparations, which demonstrates sensitivity to both boiling and Proteinase K digestion, suggesting this activity is proteinaceous. The RNASeq data was verified by generating PCR amplicons using 9 sets of primers that span the full gene. Genomic sequences from both Barnegat Bay and Chesapeake Bay Chrysaoralin were intron-less. I also modified and subcloned the full-length Chrysaoralin gene into a pET SUMO expression vector and transformed into E. coli. Future expression of this recombinant protein in E. coli may further the understanding of the physiological role of Chrysaoralin in human envenomations

Germany as a wellness destination : Dutch traveller perspective

https://www.ester.ee/record=b5196397*es

Lapses in perceptual decisions reflect exploration.

Perceptual decision-makers often display a constant rate of errors independent of evidence strength. These 'lapses' are treated as a nuisance arising from noise tangential to the decision, e.g. inattention or motor errors. Here, we use a multisensory decision task in rats to demonstrate that these explanations cannot account for lapses' stimulus dependence. We propose a novel explanation: lapses reflect a strategic trade-off between exploiting known rewarding actions and exploring uncertain ones. We tested this model's predictions by selectively manipulating one action's reward magnitude or probability. As uniquely predicted by this model, changes were restricted to lapses associated with that action. Finally, we show that lapses are a powerful tool for assigning decision-related computations to neural structures based on disruption experiments (here, posterior striatum and secondary motor cortex). These results suggest that lapses reflect an integral component of decision-making and are informative about action values in normal and disrupted brain states

A standardized and reproducible method to measure decision-making in mice.

Abstract Progress in neuroscience is hindered by poor reproducibility of mouse behavior. Here we show that in a visual decision making task, reproducibility can be achieved by automating the training protocol and by standardizing experimental hardware, software, and procedures. We trained 101 mice in this task across seven laboratories at six different research institutions in three countries, and obtained 3 million mouse choices. In trained mice, variability in behavior between labs was indistinguishable from variability within labs. Psychometric curves showed no significant differences in visual threshold, bias, or lapse rates across labs. Moreover, mice across laboratories adopted similar strategies when stimulus location had asymmetrical probability that changed over time. We provide detailed instructions and open-source tools to set up and implement our method in other laboratories. These results establish a new standard for reproducibility of rodent behavior and provide accessible tools for the study of decision making in mice

Inflow Forecasting for Nepalese Catchments

Due to the tropical climate, Nepalese rivers experience the large floods during monsoon season. Prediction of flood in advance is very essential not only for the successful hydropower operation but also for establishing effective flood warning system. Though developed country like Norway has been using inflow forecasting as a part of reservoir operation and flood warning system since long ago, so far no study related to inflow forecasting has been carried out in Nepal. This study is the first initiation of work in the field of inflow forecasting for Nepalese catchment. It attempts to establish the inflow forecasting system to the Kulekhani reservoir, employ the forecasted inflow in reservoir operation and present an example of flood warning system.The outputs of the Global Forecast System (GFS) model which is run in spatial resolution of approximately 50km x 50km and temporal resolution of 3 hrs were selected as meteorological forecasts to carry out the inflow forecast simulation. The spatial resolution of GFS model is on the range of Regional Circulation Model (RCM) so no further downscaling was done but modeled data were subjected to bias correction after comparing it to observed data. Two advanced methods of bias correction viz. empirical adjustment method and statistical bias correction method were applied to the precipitation and temperature forecasts. The empirical adjustment method did not perform very well in bias correction of precipitation forecasts as it requires long series of observational and forecast data. So the statistical method was applied for the bias correction of precipitation forecasts. But in the case of bias correction of temperature forecasts, the empirical adjustment method was found satisfactory. Due to difficulty in getting real time meteorological data of Kulekhani catchment from Trondheim, a historical period was chosen for the HBV model setup and inflow forecast simulation. The model calibration was done based on the observed hydrometerological data and the best value of goodness of fit as described by R2 was found to be 0.76. This low value of R2 is characterized by the uncertainties in observed inflow since observed inflow was calculated indirectly based on the daily energy production and reservoir level. The model was updated by adjusting values in precipitation and temperature, and model state variables. Then the forecast simulation was run on 8 consecutive days. Large degree of uncertainty was found in inflow forecast due to use of meteorological forecasts produced in coarser spatial resolution and unavailability of measured inflow during HBV model calibration. The inflow forecast was further used in existing reservoir operational model to examine whether Kulekhani project can meet the energy demand or not in relation with forecasted inflow up to 7 days in advance. The forecasted inflow was also analyzed in terms of flood forecast to set up an effective flood warning system. In conclusion, this study has been successful to carry out inflow forecasting based on meteorological forecasts. However, large degree of uncertainty in inflow forecasting is observed. The reservoir operation and flood warnings are also affected by the uncertainty seen in inflow forecasting. Improvements on this study can be made by using meteorological forecasts with finer spatial resolution and carrying out calibration of the HBV model with measured inflow for sufficiently long period

Living On The Edge : quality of life in Balkhu Squatter Settlement, Nepal

Anup Khanal, Living on the Edge, Quality of life in Balkhu Squatter Settlement, Nepal, 87 pages, 2 appendixes, Language: English. Helsinki. Fall 2014, Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, Degree Programme in Social Services, Bachelor of Social Services, Focus in Community Development Work. This study is carried out in a squatter settlement in Balkhu, Nepal. The study is a part of the project conducted by Diaconia University of Applied Sciences with its partner St. Xavier College, Nepal and Turku University of Applied Sciences between mid- September to mid- January in the year 2013. The aim of this paper is to assess the quality of life in Balkhu Squatter settlement in subjective and objective wellbeing. Mixed method of data collection is used to gather qualitative and quantitative data from survey, participant direct observation, interview, image and video. The data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study indicate that quality of life of Balkhu squatter community is not satisfactory in both objective and subjective approach. The community lack objective wellbeing such as clean living environment, water and electricity facility, safe shelter, employment opportunity and education opportunity. The community is subjected to cultural, social and economic marginalization. The subjective wellbeing indicated people live in fear and are not satisfied with the present condition and surroundings. Communication is lacking between in the community and between the stakeholders. Study concludes that, in order to uplift the quality of life of Balkhu settlement basic need of the community needs to be improved. Reforms and projects must be carried out under various domains such as social, cultural, economic, health, sanitation, water , electricity, education and civic. Co-operation and dialogue with governmental bodies, NGOs, INGOs and stakeholder in needed to share the information and address the issues in the community. Subjective findings are helpful to assess the impact of present facilities. This study provides a holistic view of the Balkhu squatter settlement under various different domains

EXPERIENCES OF BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES ALUMNI WORKING IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES SECTOR; Importance and Role of the Finnish Language in Personal and Professional Development

Anne Soininen, Anup Khanal EXPERIENCES OF BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES ALUMNI WORKING IN THE SOCIAL WORK SECTOR: Importance and Role of the Finnish Language in Personal and Professional Development 59 pages and 2 appendices December 2023 Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Master’s Degree Master of Social Services Global Change and Community Development This thesis aims to explore the experiences of Diaconia University´s Bachelor of Social Services alumni working in the social service sector and focus on the importance and role of the Finnish language. Research questions considered the alumni´s experiences of influence and development of the Finnish language in the social work sector and how Finnish language skills influence personal and professional development. The thesis is based on qualitative research. The data was collected with 5 individual semi-structured interviews. Interview questions were designed before the interview. The thematic analysis produced themes related to the importance of the Finnish language in social work, working language, multilingual in Finland and language requirements. The interviews collectively convey that proficiency in the Finnish language is crucial, particularly as they live and work in Finland. The outcome was that Finnish language skill is a key factor in getting employed in Finland. Language skills also positively affect confidence, and effectiveness in communication, create a stronger sense of professionalism in the workplace and help adapt to Finnish culture in general. Multilingualism was seen as a beneficial factor when services were provided for a wider range of users. This research would give Diak and anyone working towards the social services field important information about the role of the Finnish language in the social services sector. Furthermore, it would also help in planning for language development and enhance the experiences of Diak Alumni in employment opportunities. Further research is encouraged in various possibilities to learn the Finnish language during their studies before entering the work life and good practices to find support for language development in work life. The use of multilingualism in the social services sector is also to be further researched. Keywords: Social services sector, Employment in Finland, Finnish language Skills, Multilingualism, Experience, Diak Alumni, Experiences, Language need

COVID-19 control strategies and intervention effects in resource limited settings: A modeling study.

IntroductionMany countries with weaker health systems are struggling to put together a coherent strategy against the COVID-19 epidemic. We explored COVID-19 control strategies that could offer the greatest benefit in resource limited settings.MethodsUsing an age-structured SEIR model, we explored the effects of COVID-19 control interventions-a lockdown, physical distancing measures, and active case finding (testing and isolation, contact tracing and quarantine)-implemented individually and in combination to control a hypothetical COVID-19 epidemic in Kathmandu (population 2.6 million), Nepal.ResultsA month-long lockdown will delay peak demand for hospital beds by 36 days, as compared to a base scenario of no intervention (peak demand at 108 days (IQR 97-119); a 2 month long lockdown will delay it by 74 days, without any difference in annual mortality, or healthcare demand volume. Year-long physical distancing measures will reduce peak demand to 36% (IQR 23%-46%) and annual morality to 67% (IQR 48%-77%) of base scenario. Following a month long lockdown with ongoing physical distancing measures and an active case finding intervention that detects 5% of the daily infection burden could reduce projected morality and peak demand by more than 99%.ConclusionLimited resource settings are best served by a combination of early and aggressive case finding with ongoing physical distancing measures to control the COVID-19 epidemic. A lockdown may be helpful until combination interventions can be put in place but is unlikely to reduce annual mortality or healthcare demand

Depression among people living with type 2 diabetes in an urbanizing community of Nepal.

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a major public health problem which accounts for serious medical and economic consequences. Depression is an important associated condition that upsets the management and complications of diabetes. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of depression among people living with Type 2 Diabetes and to examine the factors linked with it.MethodsThis community based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 278 people living with type 2 diabetes in Duhabi-Bhaluwa municipality, Nepal. A face to face interview was conducted using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire to gain information on socio-demographic characteristics and clinical profile of the participants. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) scale. Variables were categorical and were thus, compared with Pearson's chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models.ResultsThe prevalence of depression in this study was 22.7%. Most people indicative of having depression were of older age, females, below secondary level education, with a smaller family size, with low family income, using insulin, without a family history of diabetes and/or having an additional illness. However, multivariate analysis showed that the only significant factors for depression were older age, education below secondary level, homemaker, smaller family size, using insulin and having an additional illness.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression in this study is consistent with that reported by other communities. Factors like older age, lower education level, being a homemaker, living in a small size family, insulin use and additional illness could increase the likelihood of developing Major Depressive disorder among people with type 2 diabetes, hence, psychosocial assessment is necessary along with diabetes management plan in a primary health care setting