Cadmium accumulation and interactions with zinc, copper, and manganese, analysed by ICP-MS in a long-term Caco-2 TC7 cell model

The influence of long-term exposure to cadmium (Cd) on essential minerals was investigated using a Caco-2 TC7 cells and a multi-analytical tool: microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Intracellular levels, effects on cadmium accumulation, distribution, and reference concentration ranges of the following elements were determined: Na, Mg, Ca, Cr, Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, and Cd. Results showed that Caco-2 TC7 cells incubated long-term with cadmium concentrations ranging from 0 to 10 lmol Cd/l for 5 weeks exhibited a significant increase in cadmium accumulation. Furthermore, this accumulation was more marked in cells exposed long-term to cadmium compared with controls, and that this exposure resulted in a significant accumulation of copper and zinc but not of the other elements measured. Interactions of Cd with three elements: zinc, copper, and manganese were particularly studied. Exposed to 30 lmol/l of the element, manganese showed the highest inhibition and copper the lowest on cadmium intracellular accumulation but Zn, Cu, and Mn behave differently in terms of their mutual competition with Cd. Indeed, increasing cadmium in the culture medium resulted in a gradual and significant increase in the accumulation of zinc. There was a significant decrease in manganese from 5 lmol Cd/l exposure, and no variation was observed with copper. Abbreviation: AAS – Atomic absorption spectrometry; CRM– Certified reference material; PBS – Phosphate buffered saline without calcium and magnesium; DMEM – Dubelcco’s modified Eagle’s medium

A systematic review of the health and well-being benefits of biodiverse environments

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B: Critical Reviews on 05 Mar 2014, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10937404.2013.856361Recent ecosystem service models have placed biodiversity as a central factor in the processes that link the natural environment to health. While it is recognized that disturbed ecosystems might negatively affect human well-being, it is not clear whether biodiversity is related to or can promote "good" human health and well-being. The aim of this study was to systematically identify, summarize, and synthesize research that had examined whether biodiverse environments are health promoting. The objectives were twofold: (1) to map the interdisciplinary field of enquiry and (2) to assess whether current evidence enables us to characterize the relationship. Due to the heterogeneity of available evidence a narrative synthesis approach was used, which is textual rather than statistical. Extensive searches identified 17 papers that met the inclusion criteria: 15 quantitative and 2 qualitative. The evidence was varied in disciplinary origin, with authors approaching the question using different study designs and methods, and conceptualizations of biodiversity, health, and well-being. There is some evidence to suggest that biodiverse natural environments promote better health through exposure to pleasant environments or the encouragement of health-promoting behaviors. There was also evidence of inverse relationships, particularly at a larger scale (global analyses). However, overall the evidence is inconclusive and fails to identify a specific role for biodiversity in the promotion of better health. High-quality interdisciplinary research is needed to produce a more reliable evidence base. Of particular importance is identifying the specific ecosystem services, goods, and processes through which biodiversity may generate good health and well-being.European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013European Social Fund Convergence Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

A prospective comparison of UK and Malaysian patients with irritable bowel syndrome in secondary care

Background The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is now known to be similar in various geographical regions, but there has been no study directly comparing characteristics of patients with IBS between populations. Aims To evaluate clinical and psychological differences between adults with IBS seen in secondary care in the United Kingdom (UK) and Malaysia. Methods Age- and sex-matched patients with IBS from a single centre in the UK (Leeds) and two centres in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu), who fulfilled Rome III criteria, were recruited prospectively. Demographic characteristics and gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms were compared between both groups. Results A total of 266 (133 UK and 133 Malaysian) age- and sex-matched patients with Rome III IBS were recruited (mean age: 45.1 years Malaysia, vs. 46.5 years UK; 57.9% female). UK patients were more likely to consume alcohol than Malaysian patients (54.1% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001). Compared with Malaysian patients, UK patients had more frequent abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, meal-related symptoms (p < 0.001 for all), higher symptom scores (mean 268.0 vs 166.0; p < 0.001), greater limitation of activities due to IBS (p = 0.007) and were more likely to report abnormal anxiety scores (p < 0.001). Higher perceived stress (mean 21.3 vs. 19.1, p = 0.014) and gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety scores (mean 50.8 vs. 43.0, p < 0.001) were also observed in UK patients. Finally, UK patients had higher somatoform symptom-reporting scores (mean 8.9 vs. 6.9, p < 0.001). Conclusions IBS is more severe and is associated with a higher level of psychological symptoms in the UK compared with Malaysian patients in secondary care

The Development of Ball Control Techniques for Robot Soccer based on Predefined Scenarios

Robotic soccer is an attractive topic in artificial intelligence and robotics research. However, to develop techniques and algorithms in this domain is a complex task. This study presents the development of ball control techniques and algorithms for robot soccer based on several predefined scenarios. In this study, we study the robot can do ball passing, obstacle avoiding and ball shooting according to certain situations. A vision system is used in this case where it calculates the robot position in x, y coordinates to make sure the robots move to the right direction. The velocity of each robot wheel is manipulated to control the speed of the robots and allow them to make turning and shooting. Algorithm testing was carried out by using a robot soccer simulator. Several techniques in obstacle avoiding and positioning were successfully implemented. The results prove these algorithms can be applied to execute the given tasks. © 2011 Asian Network for Scientific Information

Whole-genome sequencing of penicillium georgiense, a member of the family trichocomaceae isolated from harumanis mango (Mangifera Indica L.)

Microbial communities are present in various environments, influencing their hosts through both advantageous and pathogenic interactions. The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies has enabled more comprehensive exploration of these complex communities. Penicillium georgiense (P. georgiense), a known pathogenic fungus, has been shown to cause significant spoilage through rapid colonization enabled by spore production, particularly affecting long-term storage. Contamination by Penicillium species poses risks to crops health, emphasizing the need for effective post-harvest management. In this study, Harumanis mango, widely consumed in Asia, especially in Malaysia, was selected as the model host. A single colony of P. georgiense was isolated, and their genomic DNA was extracted. The genome of the P. georgiense H_A strain was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform with short-read technology, revealing a genome size of 18,324,307 base pairs and a GC content of 46.2%. BUSCO analysis indicated 98% genome completeness, with high similarity to the P. georgiense SRG7 isolate. The annotated genome has been deposited in the NCBI GenBank database for accessibility. This study provides important genomic insights into P. georgiense, advancing our understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms and offering valuable data for improved post-harvest management of Harumanis mango

Position and Obstacle Avoidance Algorithm in Robot Soccer

Problem statement: Robot soccer is an attractive domain for researchers and students working in the field of autonomous robots. However developing (coding, testing and debugging) robots for such domain is a rather complex task. Approach: This study concentrated on developing position and obstacle avoidance algorithm in robot soccer. This part is responsible for realizing soccer skills such as movement, shoot and goal keeping. The formulation of position and obstacle avoidance was based on mathematical approach. This formula is to make sure that the movement of the robot is valid. Velocity of the robot was calculated to set the speed of the robot. The positioning theory including the coordination of the robot (x,y) was used to find the obstacle and avoid it. Results: Some simulations and testing had been carried out to evaluate the usefulness of the proposed algorithms. The functions for shooting, movement and obstacle avoidance had been successfully implemented. Conclusion: The results showed its possibility could be used as strategy algorithms in real robot soccer competition

Pemberdayaan Kader Jumantik Dalam Pemberantasan Demam Berdarah Dengue di Kecamatan Pondok Kelapa Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah

ABSTRAK Angka kejadian Kasus DBD di 10 Kabupaten/Kota propinsi  Bengkulu meningkat setiap tahun. Pada tahun 2018 sebanyak 1.415 kasus dengan angka kematian 12 orang dan pada tahun 2019 sebanyak 1.320 kasus dengan angka kematian 11 orang. Wilayah kecamatan Pondok Kelapa angka kejadian DBD pada tahun 2019 adalah 10 kasus. Upaya pengendalian DBD ditekankan pada upaya pencegahan melalui pemberdayaan dan peran serta masyarakat yaitu gerakan Pemberantasan Sarang Nyamuk (PSN) dan memperkuat kapasitas SDM. Tujuan dari Pengabdian Masyarakat ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan dalam pencegahan penyakit DBD yang dipusatkan di Puskesmas Pekik Nyaring Bengkulu Tengah. Metode yang dilakukan dalam kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah dengan memberikan pemberdayaan masyarakat tentang pemanfaatan pencegahan DBD, Survey Jentik dan Penanaman lavender.Hasil kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah para peserta kegiatan mampu melakukan survey jentik dan budidaya lavender. Untuk keberlanjutan kegiatan ini diharapkan kader jumantik melakukan survey jentik secara berkelanjutan dan membagikan tanaman hasil budidaya ke seluruh masyarakat. Kata Kunci: Survey jentik, DBD, tanaman lavender BSTRACT The incidence of dengue cases in 10 districts/cities of Bengkulu province is increasing every year. In 2018 there were 1,415 cases with 12 deaths and in 2019 there were 1,320 cases with 11 deaths. In the Pondok Kelapa sub-district, the incidence of dengue fever in 2019 was 10 cases. Efforts to control DHF are emphasized on prevention efforts through empowerment and community participation, namely the Mosquito Nest Eradication (PSN) movement and strengthening human resource capacity. The purpose of this Community Service is to increase knowledge and skills in the prevention of dengue disease which is centered at the Pekik Nyaring Health Center Bengkulu Tengah. The method used in this community service activity is to provide community empowerment regarding the use of dengue prevention, larvae survey, and lavender planting. For the sustainability of this activity, it is hoped that the jumantik cadres will conduct a larva survey on an ongoing basis and distribute cultivated plants to the entire community. Keywords: larva survey, DHF, lavender plan

Pemberdayaan Kader Jumantik Dalam Pemberantasan Demam Berdarah Dengue di Kecamatan Pondok Kelapa Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah

ABSTRAK Angka kejadian Kasus DBD di 10 Kabupaten/Kota propinsi  Bengkulu meningkat setiap tahun. Pada tahun 2018 sebanyak 1.415 kasus dengan angka kematian 12 orang dan pada tahun 2019 sebanyak 1.320 kasus dengan angka kematian 11 orang. Wilayah kecamatan Pondok Kelapa angka kejadian DBD pada tahun 2019 adalah 10 kasus. Upaya pengendalian DBD ditekankan pada upaya pencegahan melalui pemberdayaan dan peran serta masyarakat yaitu gerakan Pemberantasan Sarang Nyamuk (PSN) dan memperkuat kapasitas SDM. Tujuan dari Pengabdian Masyarakat ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan dalam pencegahan penyakit DBD yang dipusatkan di Puskesmas Pekik Nyaring Bengkulu Tengah. Metode yang dilakukan dalam kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah dengan memberikan pemberdayaan masyarakat tentang pemanfaatan pencegahan DBD, Survey Jentik dan Penanaman lavender.Hasil kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah para peserta kegiatan mampu melakukan survey jentik dan budidaya lavender. Untuk keberlanjutan kegiatan ini diharapkan kader jumantik melakukan survey jentik secara berkelanjutan dan membagikan tanaman hasil budidaya ke seluruh masyarakat. Kata Kunci: Survey jentik, DBD, tanaman lavender BSTRACT The incidence of dengue cases in 10 districts/cities of Bengkulu province is increasing every year. In 2018 there were 1,415 cases with 12 deaths and in 2019 there were 1,320 cases with 11 deaths. In the Pondok Kelapa sub-district, the incidence of dengue fever in 2019 was 10 cases. Efforts to control DHF are emphasized on prevention efforts through empowerment and community participation, namely the Mosquito Nest Eradication (PSN) movement and strengthening human resource capacity. The purpose of this Community Service is to increase knowledge and skills in the prevention of dengue disease which is centered at the Pekik Nyaring Health Center Bengkulu Tengah. The method used in this community service activity is to provide community empowerment regarding the use of dengue prevention, larvae survey, and lavender planting. For the sustainability of this activity, it is hoped that the jumantik cadres will conduct a larva survey on an ongoing basis and distribute cultivated plants to the entire community. Keywords: larva survey, DHF, lavender plant</jats:p

Desa Tangguh Covid-19 melalui Pemberdayaan Kelompok Tani Berbasis Sociopreneurship di Desa Sekoci Kabupaten Langkat

Covid-19 ini bukan hanya berdampak pada kesehatan saja tetapi dampaknya sangat meluas termasuk pada segi ekonomi, tidak terkecuali bagi mereka para petani jeruk yang ada di Desa Sekoci. Desa Sekoci merupakan salah desa yang berkontribusi terhadap peningkatan komoditi pertanian di kabupaten langkat. Setidaknya ada ada 4048 jiwa dengan 1226 Kepala Keluarga (KK) yang mendiami desa ini, 90% diantaranya merupakan petani multikultur yang didominasi dengan pertanian tanaman jeruk siam, 10% lainnya merupakan petani pangan. Desa Sekoci merupakan salah satu desa yang rentan terdampak, mengingat sumber mata pencaharian utama masyarakatnya menggantungkan diri dari sumber hasil pertanian. Oleh karena itu, beberapa solusi yang ditawarkan dalam program ini adalah dengan penerapan perbaikan mutu pasca panen, penerapan manajemen panen, penerapan manajemen pemasaran, dan penerapan manajemen sociopreneurship. Kegiatan pengembangan desa tangguh Covid-19 berbasis pemberdayaan kelompok tani di Desa Sekoci ini mampu menghasilkan beberapa luaran, yakni peningkatan pemahaman kelompok tani terkait keterlibatan peran petani dalam pengembangan desa tangguh Covid-19 serta peningkatan pengetahuan kelompok tani tentang teknis pembentukan dan peningkatan kapasitas manajemen bisnis pertanian berbasis sociopreneurship. Beberapa hal teknis yang dapat di fahami oleh mitra program antara lain; manajemen rantai pasok, manajemen pemasaran hasil tani, dan pengembangan kapasitas kelembagaan tani, serta kesepakatan pembentukan BUMDes sebagai sentra pengembangan bisnis hasil tani di Desa Sekoci. Kegiatan ini juga mengidentifikasi kebutuhan pelatihan kelompok tani dalam upaya meningkatkan perekonomian masyarakat sebagai bentuk peningkatan kapasitas dan kualitas manajemen sociopreneurship. Dari hasil kegiatan ini disarankan perlunya keterlibatan multistakeholder dalam mendukung terwujudnya desa tangguh Covid-19 berbasis kelompok tani melalui pengembangan manajemen bisnis tani berbasis sociopreneurship di Desa Sekoci Kabupaten Langkat. Beberapa stakeholder yang perlu dilibatkan, yaitu Dinas Pertanian, Dinas Koperasi, Pemerintahan Desa, TPJ, Distributor, Media, dan Organisasi Sosial

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Pelatihan Penggunaan Media Sosial Untuk Pemasaran Produk Inovasi Jeruk Siam

Sebagai desa sentra pertanian jeruk siam, Desa Sekoci menghadapi permasalahan pada manajemen pemasaran yang belum optimal serta rapuhnya kelembagaan petani bermuara pada hasil pertanian yang belum mampu memberikan kontribusi lebih terhadap kesejahteraan petani. Oleh karena itu penting untuk melakukan pemberdayaan masyarakat petani melalui pelatihan penggunaan media sosial untuk pemasaran produk jeruk pasca panen. Tujuan program ini adalah mendorong pengembangan usaha tani berbasis sociopreneur sentra pertanian jeruk. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan melalui metode survei partisipatif, observasi, ceramah, diskusi, dan praktik langsung, dengan melibatkan beberapa 11 orang mitra yang berasal dari perwakilan kelompok tani. Hasil pelaksanaan program memperlihatkan keseriusan dan antusias peserta dalam setiap sesi pelatihan. Beberapa hal teknis yang dapat dipahami oleh mitra program antara lain; manajemen usaha tani berbasis kewirausahaan sosial, pemanfaatan social media marketing, dengan peningkatan pemahaman sebesar 27 poin (68%) dibanding sebelum pelatihan, serta kesepakatan pembentukan BUMDes sebagai sentra pengembangan bisnis hasil tani berbasis sociopreneur di Desa Sekoci. Selain itu pelatihan dapat diimplementasikan oleh peserta saat sesi praktik implementasi pembelajaran