STRUKTUR DAN PERAN ANEKA LEMBAGA DALAM RANTAI PASOK TERNAK DAN DAGING SAPI POTONG DI PROVINSI NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR (Structure and role of of various institutions in supply chain of cattle and beef comodities in East Nusa Tenggara Province)

The structure and role of each specific institution in the supply chain management of local cattle marketing need to be known in detail and comprehensively. The objectives were: 1)  to describe the various institutional roles in the supply chain management of livestock and beef in Kupang District and Kupang City, NTT; and 2)  to formulate efforts to improve the institutional performance of the livestock and beef supply chain in Kupang District, NTT. Surveys of institutions related to supply chain  management of beef cattle in a comprehensive manner, covering all stakeholders (farmers, livestock traders, butchers, meat traders, animal markets, slaughterhouses, animal quarantine, sea freight expeditions, etc.). Data were analyzed descriptively- qualitatively and quantitatively, analysis of costs , benefits and margin of each marketing actor. As conclusions were: 1) The role of institutions in the supply chain management of cattle / beef in Kupang Regency is slowly starting to form a solid network according to the roles of the parties. However, they still have problems in terms of smooth communication and interaction in transactions at each point of the supply chain, especially the point between farmers and village traders regarding price determination; and 2)   the institutional performance of cattle/ beef supply chain as a whole to ensure the interests of all stakeholders not optimal yet, in particular related to improve the group transaction methods, benchmark prices, controlling the sale of young females, preventing the slaughter of productive females, strict quarantine, and the availability of large capacity livestock vessels

NTPase and 5′-RNA Triphosphatase Activities of Chikungunya Virus nsP2 Protein

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an insect borne virus (genus: Alphavirus) which causes acute febrile illness in humans followed by a prolonged arthralgic disease that affects the joints of the extremities. Re-emergence of the virus in the form of outbreaks in last 6–7 years has posed a serious public health problem. CHIKV has a positive sense single stranded RNA genome of about 12,000 nt. Open reading frame 1 of the viral genome encodes a polyprotein precursor, nsP1234, which is processed further into different non structural proteins (nsP1, nsP2, nsP3 and nsP4). Sequence based analyses have shown helicase domain at the N-terminus and protease domain at C-terminus of nsP2. A detailed biochemical analysis of NTPase/RNA helicase and 5′-RNA phosphatase activities of recombinant CHIKV-nsP2T protein (containing conserved NTPase/helicase motifs in the N-terminus and partial papain like protease domain at the C-terminus) was carried out. The protein could hydrolyze all NTPs except dTTP and showed better efficiency for ATP, dATP, GTP and dGTP hydrolysis. ATP was the most preferred substrate by the enzyme. CHIKV-nsP2T also showed 5′-triphosphatase (RTPase) activity that specifically removes the γ-phosphate from the 5′ end of RNA. Both NTPase and RTPase activities of the protein were completely dependent on Mg2+ ions. RTPase activity was inhibited by ATP showing sharing of the binding motif by NTP and RNA. Both enzymatic activities were drastically reduced by mutations in the NTP binding motif (GKT) and co-factor, Mg2+ ion binding motif (DEXX) suggesting that they have a common catalytic site

Ipteks Bagi Masyarakat (Ibm) Desa Baumata Timur Melalui Diversifikasi Produk Olahan Ayam Lokal

Kegiatan IbM (Ipteks bagi masyarakat) ini dilaksanakan di desa Baumata Kabupaten Kupang Provinsi NTT selama 8 bulan. Tujuan dari program ini adalah untuk membantu meningkatkan nilai tambah ekonomi bagi peternak ayam di Desa dan juga meningkatkan kesadaran akan pentingnya gizi . Target khusus yang ingin dicapai dari program ini yaitu melakukan diversifikasi produk olahan ayam potong dengan melatih ibu-ibu memproduksi baso, ayam asap, ayam panggang, dan nugget ayam. Metode yang digunakan yaitu dengan penyuluhan, demonstrasi, pendampingan dan evaluasi, serta memberikan paket bantuan beberapa alat pengolahan produk ayam lokal. Penyuluhan diberikan dengan memberikan buku, dan ceramah mengenai pentingnya protein hewani bagi kesehatan masyarakat. Demonstrasi dilakukan dengan praktek langsung pembuatan baso, ayam asap, ayam panggang, dan nuget ayam. Setiap aktivitas dilakukan dengan pendampingan, dan evaluasi untuk mengetahui pencapain target. Kegiatan ini dapat membantu masyarakat di Desa Baumata khususnya ibu-ibu untuk dapatmengolah daging ayam potong menjadi berbagai produk olahan., sehingga diharapkan dapat meningkatkan nilai tambah ekonomi, khususnya bagi ibu-ibu di Desa Baumata Timur

ANALISIS KELAYAKAN FINANSIAL USAHA TERNAK BABI DI KABUPATEN NAGEKEO

The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the rate of farmer’s income which obtained from pig farming, 2) to analyze the financial feasibility of pig farming in Nagekeo Regency. The sampling method consist of three phases. Firstly determining two districts purposively, Secondly determining four villages sample also purposively, thirdly, determining 41 respondents in the basis of proportional random sampling. The data collected were analyzed using income and financial analysis. The criteria of financial analysis were NPV, Net B/C, R/C, IRR, Price of BEP and PP. The results of this study showed that the average of farmer’s income abtained from pig farming was Rp 18.514.171 per year. The financial analysis shows the NPV of Rp 21.568.664, the value of the Net B/C of 2,06; R/C of 2,88; IRR of 44%; PBP of 1,5 per year; and Price of BEP equal is Rp 3.497.721 million. Based on the results abtained it can be concluded that the pig farming in Nagekeo is already profitable and financially feasible. Therefore, efforts need to be developed and improved. ABSTRAK  Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk 1) mengetahui besarnya pendapatan petani peternak yang diperoleh dari usaha ternak babi yang dijalankan di Kabupaten Nagekeo dan 2) menganalisis kelayakan usaha ternak babi secara finansial di Kabupaten Nagekeo. Metode pengambilan contoh dilakukan melalui tiga tahap. Pada tahap pertama dilakukan pada tingkat kecamatan secara purposive (sengaja) dari 7 kecamatan diperoleh 2 Kecamatan Contoh. Penentuan Desa Contoh dilakukan secara purposive (sengaja) dari 26 desa sehingga diperoleh 4 Desa Contoh. Penentuan responden dilakukan secara acak proposional, sehingga diperoleh 41 responden. Data analisis menggunakan  analisis pendapatan, dan analisis finansial dengan menggunakan kriteria NPV, Net B/C, R/C, IRR, BEP Harga dan PP. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata besar pendapatan yang diterima dari usaha ternak babi adalah sebesar Rp 18.514.171 per tahun. Analisis finansial menunjukkan nilai NPV sebesar Rp 21.568.664, nilai R/C ratio sebesar 2,88, nilai B/C sebesar 2,06, nilai IRR sebesar 44%, nilai PBP sebesar 1,5 tahun dan BEP harga sebesar Rp 3.497.721. Berdasarkan hasil analisis diketahui bahwa usaha ternak babi di Kabupaten Nagekeo sudah menguntungkan dan layak secara finansial. Oleh karena itu usaha ini perlu dikembangkan dan ditingkatkan

Perfil socioeconômico: sua funcionalidade para o processo investigativo do(a) Assistente Social

O trabalho aborda a importância do perfil socioeconômico para o processo investigativo do (a) Assistente Social. O profissional de Serviço Social deve imprimir em sua intervenção uma direção, sendo necessário, para isto, conhecer e problematizar o objeto de sua ação profissional, construindo sua visibilidade a partir de informações e análises consistentes – atitude investigativa. De acordo com Fraga (2010), o trabalho do assistente social deverá ser norteado por um plano de intervenção profissional objetivando construir estratégias coletivas para o enfrentamento das diferentes manifestações de desigualdades e injustiças sociais, numa perspectiva histórica que apreenda o movimento contraditório do real. Neste contexto, o levantamento do perfil socioeconômico é um dos instrumentos necessário no processo investigativo, pois as crescentes demandas de proteção social são postas não apenas por “pobres” ou “desempregados”, mas por uma maioria de cidadãos, que se percebem ameaçados pelos riscos de perderem a segurança advinda de seu trabalho assalariado. Nesta direção, as análises e pesquisas do Serviço Social precisam ser realizadas a partir de situações concretas e possuir utilidade social, não interessando o conhecimento realizado apenas com a finalidade descritiva e contemplativa. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é refletir sobre a importância do perfil socioeconômico como estratégia de investigação e intervenção do (a) Assistente Social nas diferentes expressões da “questão social”

Adolescent betting on esports using cash and skins:Links with gaming, monetary gambling, and problematic gambling

Adolescents can easily access esports betting sites and place bets using cash or skins. This descriptive cross-sectional study examined the characteristics of adolescent esports bettors and relationships between their esports betting, video gaming activities, monetary gambling participation, and at-risk/problem gambling. Two survey samples of Australians aged 12–17 years were recruited through advertisements (n = 841) and online panel providers (n = 826). In both samples, gender and parents’ living situation did not differ by past-month esports cash and skin betting, but recent esports betting was associated with engaging in esports gaming activities such as playing and watching esports, and in monetary gambling activities. Past-month esports betting using cash and skins was significantly associated with at-risk/problem gambling. After controlling for recent monetary gambling, recent esports skin bettors were over 3 times more likely to meet criteria for at-risk/problem gambling. Esports betting using skins appears to pose risks for young people and is easily accessible through unlicensed operators

‘Immediate access … everywhere you go’:a Grounded Theory Study of How Smartphone Betting Can Facilitate Harmful Sports Betting Behaviours Amongst Young Adults

This study explored how the use of smartphones can influence sports betting by young adults, compared to using computers and land-based betting facilities. Interviews with 33 Australians aged 18–29 years, who bet regularly on sports, esports, and/or fantasy sports, were analysed using adaptive grounded theory. Seven major themes related to platform functionality, sourcing betting information, physical accessibility, financial accessibility, social influences, privacy, and marketing. The grounded theory model depicts how features of smartphones, online gambling, and betting apps combine in smartphone betting to provide instantaneous access to betting, anywhere and at any time, to facilitate harmful betting behaviours. These behaviours included increased betting participation, frequency and expenditure, placing a wider variety of bets, impulsive and spontaneous betting, placing riskier bets with longer odds, chasing losses, and acting on social encouragement to bet. These findings can inform harm minimisation measures, regulation, and policy

Role of Host Immune Response and Viral Load in the Differential Outcome of Pandemic H1N1 (2009) Influenza Virus Infection in Indian Patients

BACKGROUND: An unusually high number of severe pneumonia cases with considerable mortality is being observed with the pandemic H1N1 2009 virus infections globally. In India, all mild as well as critically ill cases were admitted and treated in the government hospitals during the initial phase of the pandemic. The present study was undertaken during this early phase of the pandemic. METHODOLOGY: The role of viral load and host factors in the pathogenesis were assessed by examining 26 mild (MP), 15 critically ill patients (CIP) and 20 healthy controls from Pune, India. Sequential blood and lung aspirate samples were collected from CIP. Viral load and cytokines/chemokine levels were determined from the plasma and lung aspirates of the patients. TLR levels were determined by staining and FACS analysis. Gene profiling was done for both cells in the lung aspirates and PBMCs using TaqMan Low Density arrays. Antibody titres and isotyping was done using HA protein based ELISAs. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: 13/15 critically ill patients expired. All plasma samples were negative for the virus irrespective of the patient's category. Sequential lung samples from CIP showed lower viral loads questioning association of viral replication with the severity. Anti-rpH1N1-09-HA-IgG titres were significantly higher in critically ill patients and both categories circulated exclusively IgG1 isotype. Critically ill patients exhibited increase in TLR-3, 4, 7 and decrease in TLR-2 expressions. The disease severity correlated with increased plasma levels of IL1RA, IL2, IL6, CCL3, CCL4 and IL10. Majority of the immune-function genes were down-regulated in the PBMCs and up-regulated in the cells from lung aspirates of critically ill patients. No distinct pattern differentiating fatal and surviving patients was observed when sequential samples were examined for various parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Disease severity was associated with pronounced impairment of host immune response

Turnip mosaic potyvirus probably first spread to Eurasian brassica crops from wild orchids about 1000 years ago

Turnip mosaic potyvirus (TuMV) is probably the most widespread and damaging virus that infects cultivated brassicas worldwide. Previous work has indicated that the virus originated in western Eurasia, with all of its closest relatives being viruses of monocotyledonous plants. Here we report that we have identified a sister lineage of TuMV-like potyviruses (TuMV-OM) from European orchids. The isolates of TuMV-OM form a monophyletic sister lineage to the brassica-infecting TuMVs (TuMV-BIs), and are nested within a clade of monocotyledon-infecting viruses. Extensive host-range tests showed that all of the TuMV-OMs are biologically similar to, but distinct from, TuMV-BIs and do not readily infect brassicas. We conclude that it is more likely that TuMV evolved from a TuMV-OM-like ancestor than the reverse. We did Bayesian coalescent analyses using a combination of novel and published sequence data from four TuMV genes [helper component-proteinase protein (HC-Pro), protein 3(P3), nuclear inclusion b protein (NIb), and coat protein (CP)]. Three genes (HC-Pro, P3, and NIb), but not the CP gene, gave results indicating that the TuMV-BI viruses diverged from TuMV-OMs around 1000 years ago. Only 150 years later, the four lineages of the present global population of TuMV-BIs diverged from one another. These dates are congruent with historical records of the spread of agriculture in Western Europe. From about 1200 years ago, there was a warming of the climate, and agriculture and the human population of the region greatly increased. Farming replaced woodlands, fostering viruses and aphid vectors that could invade the crops, which included several brassica cultivars and weeds. Later, starting 500 years ago, inter-continental maritime trade probably spread the TuMV-BIs to the remainder of the world

Detection of novel astroviruses in urban brown rats and previously known astroviruses in humans

Several novel astroviruses have been recently discovered in humans and in other animals. Here, we report results from our surveillance of astroviruses in human and rodent faecal samples in Hong Kong. Classical human astroviruses (n=9) and a human MLB1 astrovirus were detected in human faecal samples (n=622). Novel astroviruses were detected from 1.6 % of the faecal samples of urban brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) (n=441), indicating the prevalence of astrovirus infection in rats might be much lower than that recently observed in bats. These rat astroviruses were phylogenetically related to recently discovered human astroviruses MLB1 and MLB2, suggesting that the MLB viruses and these novel rat astroviruses may share a common ancestor