Analisis Rantai Nilai Industri Kecil Pengolahan Terong Menjadi Cheesestick Terong

Cheesestick terong menjadi suatu inovasi dalam pengolahan agroindustri untuk meningkatkan pendapatan masyarakat di desa Genteng kecamatan Sukasari Kabupaten Sumedang. Karena adanya rantai dalam produksi menimbulkan adanya ketergantungan dan kurangnya keterlibatan dalam aktivitas rantai tersebut, hal tersebut berdampak terhadap ketidakpastian pendapatan yang diperoleh. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi rantai nilai pengolahan terong dari petani ke IAAS, mengetahui laba dari masing-masing pelaku berdasarkan keterlibatan dan ketergantungan antar pelaku dalam rantai nilai, mengetahui besarnya keuntungan pengolahan terong tersebut dan kontribusinya terhadap pendapatan anggota Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Mentari dan memberikan strategi penguatan produksi cheesestick terong di desa Genteng. Analisis data terdiri dari analisis rantai nilai, analisis nilai tambah, analisis USAha, dan analis kontribusi pendapatan. Hasil penelitian terdapat tiga aktor pelaku dalam rantai nilai cheesestick terong yaitu petani, KWT Mentari, dan IAAS. Pelaku KWT Mentari adalah pelaku yang mendapatkan nilai tambah tertinggi yaitu Rp 43.200/Kg dan pelaku yang mendapat nilai tambah terendah adalah IAAS yaitu Rp 2.370/Kg

Attaining quantum limited precision of localizing an object in passive imaging

We investigate our ability to determine the mean position, or centroid, of a linear array of equally-bright incoherent point sources of light, whose continuum limit is the problem of estimating the center of a uniformly-radiating object. We consider two receivers: an image-plane ideal direct-detection imager and a receiver that employs Hermite-Gaussian (HG) Spatial-mode Demultiplexing (SPADE) in the image plane, prior to shot-noise-limited photon detection. We compare the Fisher Information (FI) for estimating the centroid achieved by these two receivers, which quantifies the information-accrual rate per photon, and compare those with the Quantum Fisher Information (QFI): the maximum attainable FI by any choice of measurement on the collected light allowed by physics. We find that focal-plane direct imaging is strictly sub-optimal, although not by a large margin. We also find that the HG mode sorter, which is the optimal measurement for estimating the separation between point sources (or the length of a line object) is not only suboptimal, but it performs worse than direct imaging. We study the scaling behavior of the QFI and direct imaging's FI for a continuous, uniformly-bright object in terms of its length, and find that both are inversely proportional to the object's length when it is sufficiently larger than the Rayleigh length. Finally, we propose a two-stage adaptive modal receiver design that attains the QFI for centroid estimation.Comment: 19 pages, 4 figure

Evaluasi Genotipe Sorgum Manis (Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench) Produksi Biomas Dan Daya Ratun Tinggi

The possibility of sustainable use of sweet sorghum as raw material for animal feed and bioethanol need to be supported by evaluation and selection of sweet sorghum genotypes for high biomass production, sugar content of the stalk, and its ratooning ability. An experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Cereal Crops Research Institute, Maros, during the anomalic season (La Nina) from November 2009 to September 2010. Fourteen genotypes of sweet sorghum were planted in plots arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The sorghum seeds were planted as primary crop plants in November 2009 and harvested in February 2010. Ratoons of the primary crop (Ratoon I) started to grow in February 2010 and was harvested in May 2010, while Ratoon II started to grow in May 2010 and was harvested in August 2010. The results showed that none of the sorghum genotypes had the potential of high fresh biomass production, high ratooning ability, and high sugar content of stalk juice. Genotype 15021A produced the highest fresh biomass (63.4 t/ha), but had low ratooning ability l (33-44%) and low sugar stalk juice content (9 brix). Meanwhile, genotype 15105B had high ratooning ability (64-88%) and high sugar content of stalk juice (13 brix), but it had a low fresh biomass production (41.8 t/ha). The amount of fresh biomass production from the primary crop plants until Ratoon II was determined by the potential production of fresh biomass/ha and ratooning capability of the sorghum genotype. The fresh biomass production of the sorghum genotype was correlated with the plant height and the date of flowering

Evaluation of prescribing patterns in diabetic and hypertensive patients in a South Delhi Hospital

Background: Drug utilization studies (DUS) defined by World Health Organization as the marketing, distribution, prescription and use of drugs in a society, considering its consequences, either medical, social, and economic. The increasing importance of DUS as a valuable investigation resource in pharmacoepidemiology has been linking it with other health related areas, such as public health, pharmacovigilance, pharmacoeconomics, and pharmacogenetics.Methods: The study was a prospective DUS carried out in medicine OPD of Indian Institute of Technology Hospital, New Delhi, India in which a total of 595 prescriptions of hypertensive and diabetic patients were reviewed. All diabetic and/or hypertensive patients; irrespective of age, gender; who had least one drug in the prescription were included. Data were collected by screening of physician’s prescribing record and patient medication profile.Results: A total of 595 prescriptions were recorded. 57.31% were males as compared to 42.69% females. 54.62% patients were hypertensive (325 prescription); 14.78% patients were diabetic (88 prescription) whilst 30.58% had both the diseases. Of 507 prescriptions having antihypertensive drugs, combination therapy was utilized (40.8%) in the prescriptions and out of 270 prescriptions having antidiabetic drugs, 143 (52.96%) prescription were of combination therapy. Among antihypertensive drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were the most frequently prescribed class of drugs (19.18%). The combination most commonly prescribed was amlodipine and atenolol (14.05%). Antidiabetic drugs made up for 11.05% of the total drugs prescribed. 28.78% of all hypoglycemic agents were sulfonylurea. Glimepiride and metformincombination was the most prescribed anti-diabetic drugs combination (16.16%).Conclusion: Both hypertension and diabetes are considered to be lifestyle diseases. Hence, apart from optimal and appropriate prescribing, there is a need for lifestyle modification to obtain improved outcomes. Combination therapy was observed in a high percentage of prescriptions. Though monotherapy is associated with improved compliance and fewer side effects, combination therapy is desirable for synergistic actions and to overcome complications

Topography driven spreading

Roughening a hydrophobic surface enhances its nonwetting properties into superhydrophobicity. For liquids other than water, roughness can induce a complete rollup of a droplet. However, topographic effects can also enhance partial wetting by a given liquid into complete wetting to create superwetting. In this work, a model system of spreading droplets of a nonvolatile liquid on surfaces having lithographically produced pillars is used to show that superwetting also modifies the dynamics of spreading. The edge speed-dynamic contact angle relation is shown to obey a simple power law, and such power laws are shown to apply to naturally occurring surfaces

The use of high aspect ratio photoresist (SU-8) for super-hydrophobic pattern prototyping

In this work we present a reliable technique for the production of large areas of high aspect-ratio patterns and describe their use as model super-hydrophobic systems. The high thickness and straight sidewalls possible with SU-8 were used to generate dense patterns of small pillars. These photoresist patterns could be used directly, without the need for micromoulding. A method is given allowing resist thickness to be varied over a wide range and a bottom antireflective layer was used to simplify patterning on reflective substrates. This patterning technique allows rapid testing of wetting theories, as pattern size and depth can be varied simply and samples can be produced in sufficient numbers for laboratory use. We show how the static contact angle of water varies with pattern height for one sample-pattern and how static and dynamic contact angles vary with dimension using high aspect-ratio patterns

Evaluation of the Performance of Routine Information System Management (PRISM) framework: evidence from Uganda

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Sound policy, resource allocation and day-to-day management decisions in the health sector require timely information from routine health information systems (RHIS). In most low- and middle-income countries, the RHIS is viewed as being inadequate in providing quality data and continuous information that can be used to help improve health system performance. In addition, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of RHIS strengthening interventions in improving data quality and use. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of the newly developed Performance of Routine Information System Management (PRISM) framework, which consists of a conceptual framework and associated data collection and analysis tools to assess, design, strengthen and evaluate RHIS. The specific objectives of the study are: a) to assess the reliability and validity of the PRISM instruments and b) to assess the validity of the PRISM conceptual framework.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Facility- and worker-level data were collected from 110 health care facilities in twelve districts in Uganda in 2004 and 2007 using records reviews, structured interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The analysis procedures include Cronbach's alpha to assess internal consistency of selected instruments, test-retest analysis to assess the reliability and sensitivity of the instruments, and bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques to assess validity of the PRISM instruments and conceptual framework.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Cronbach's alpha analysis suggests high reliability (0.7 or greater) for the indices measuring a promotion of a culture of information, RHIS tasks self-efficacy and motivation. The study results also suggest that a promotion of a culture of information influences RHIS tasks self-efficacy, RHIS tasks competence and motivation, and that self-efficacy and the presence of RHIS staff have a direct influence on the use of RHIS information, a key aspect of RHIS performance.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The study results provide some empirical support for the reliability and validity of the PRISM instruments and the validity of the PRISM conceptual framework, suggesting that the PRISM approach can be effectively used by RHIS policy makers and practitioners to assess the RHIS and evaluate RHIS strengthening interventions. However, additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further investigate the value of the PRISM instruments in exploring the linkages between RHIS data quality and use, and health systems performance.</p

N-terminal modification of VEGF-A C terminus-derived peptides delineates structural features involved in neuropilin-1 binding and functional activity

The interaction between VEGF-A and its neuropilin (NRP) receptors mediates a number of important biological effects. NRP1 and the related molecule NRP2 are widely expressed on multiple tumour types and throughout the tumour vasculature, and are emerging as critical molecules required for the progression of angiogenic diseases. Given the increasing evidence supporting a role for NRP1 in tumour development, there is growing interest in developing inhibitors of NRP1 interactions with VEGF and its other ligands. In order to probe the interaction we synthesised a number of exon 7- and 8-derived bicyclic peptides with N-terminal lipophilic groups and found a simple N-octanoyl derivative (EG00086) to be the most potent and functionally active. Detailed modelling studies indicated that new intramolecular hydrogen bonds were formed, stabilising the structure and possibly contributing to the potency. Removal of a salt bridge between D142 and R164 implicated in VEGF-A binding to neuropilin-1 had a minor effect on potency. Isothermal calorimetry was used to assess binding of EG00086 to NRP1 and NRP2, and the stability of the peptide in serum and in vivo was investigated. EG00086 is a potent blocker of VEGF-promoted cellular adhesion to extracellular matrices, and phosphorylation of p130Cas contributes to this effect

Perceptions about data-informed decisions: an assessment of information-use in high HIV-prevalence settings in South Africa

BACKGROUND: Information-use is an integral component of a routine health information system and essential to influence policy-making, program actions and research. Despite an increased amount of routine data collected, planning and resource-allocation decisions made by health managers for managing HIV programs are often not based on data. This study investigated the use of information, and barriers to using routine data for monitoring the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs in two high HIV-prevalence districts in South Africa. METHODS: We undertook an observational study using a multi-method approach, including an inventory of facility records and reports. The performance of routine information systems management (PRISM) diagnostic ‘Use of Information’ tool was used to assess the PMTCT information system for evidence of data use in 57 health facilities in two districts. Twenty-two in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants to investigate barriers to information use in decision-making. Participants were purposively selected based on their positions and experience with either producing PMTCT data and/or using data for management purposes. We computed descriptive statistics and used a general inductive approach to analyze the qualitative data. RESULTS: Despite the availability of mechanisms and processes to facilitate information-use in about two-thirds of the facilities, evidence of information-use (i.e., indication of some form of information-use in available RHIS reports) was demonstrated in 53% of the facilities. Information was inadequately used at district and facility levels to inform decisions and planning, but was selectively used for reporting and monitoring program outputs at the provincial level. The inadequate use of information stemmed from organizational issues such as the lack of a culture of information-use, lack of trust in the data, and the inability of program and facility managers to analyze, interpret and use information. CONCLCUSIONS: Managers’ inability to use information implied that decisions for program implementation and improving service delivery were not always based on data. This lack of data use could influence the delivery of health care services negatively. Facility and program managers should be provided with opportunities for capacity development as well as practice-based, in-service training, and be supported to use information for planning, management and decision-making