bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In silico Screening of the Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activities of Peptides from Vipera ammodytes ammodytes Venom by Molecular Docking
Authors: İLHAN Süleyman
Published: May 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is induced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the global pandemic, infecting approximately 608.328.548 confirmed cases and bringing about 6.501.469 deaths worldwide, as WHO stated in September 2022. The disease is more deadly due to the lack of specific drug molecules or a treatment plan. Therefore, the development of potent pharmacological compounds is urgently required to combat COVID-19. Due to their biological actions, snake venoms constitute a source of potentially beneficial medicinal compounds. Vipera ammodytes ammodytes (VA) is a viper species whose venom has been shown to have anti-proliferative, antimetastatic, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial activities. This in silico study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of selected VA venom proteins (Adamalysin II, Ammodytoxin A, Ammodytin L, L-amino acid oxidase) against molecular targets; Main protease (3CLpro) and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) by molecular docking study. Molecular docking investigations were performed by using AutoDock Vina software. All compounds displayed negative binding energy values to 3CLpro and ACE2, suggesting that their interactions with the active sites were favourable. L-amino acid oxidase had the highest binding affinity with both 3CLpro and ACE2. This study revealed for the first time that VA venom proteins are functional inhibitors of 3CLpro and ACE2 activities, and the components of VA venom can be considered potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. However, more studies are needed to validate these compounds in vitro and in vivo.
Bazı Bitkisel Çözelti Kombinasyon Uygulamalarının Soğuk Stresi altındaki Beyaz Lahanaların Büyümesine (Brassica oleracea var. Alba) Etkisi
Authors: ÇOBANOĞLU Mehmet Selim
Published: May 2023

Ülkemiz tarım arazisi bakımından zengin olup yıl boyunca tarım yapılmaktadır. Kış aylarında 0 °C’nin altındaki sıcaklıklarda bitki hücrelerindeki serbest su soğuk stresine bağlı olarak donmaktadır. Soğuk stresine maruz kalan bitkiler, yaprak genişlemesinde azalma, solma, yaprakların sararması ve doku ölümü meydana gelmektedir. Çiftçiler yetiştirdikleri bitkisel ürünlerin don olayından zarar görmemesi ve sera sıcaklığını korumak için yakıt tüketmektedir. Bu durum hem maliyeti hem de iş gücünü ihtiyacını arttırmaktadır. Bu araştırmada soğuk stresi altındaki lahana bitkilerinde donmayı önlemek için 8 farklı bitkisel solüsyon (pancar suyu, sıvı solucan gübresi ve bitkisel karışım) ayrı ayrı uygulanmıştır. Kimyasalların hem bitkiye hem de çevreye olan zararı göz önünde tutularak -26°C’lik ortamlarda 8 farklı bitkisel solüsyon ile soğuk stresinin neden olduğu donmaya karşı çözüm aranmıştır. Solüsyonlar don olayı öncesinde uygulanmış olup bitkilerin 2., 4. ve 6. gün yanıtları ölçülmüştür. Solüsyonlar lahana bitkisinin kök, gövde ve soğuk stresine karşı olumlu tepki vermesini sağlamıştır. Lahana fidelerine uygulanan H solüsyonu bitkide kök ve gövde zamasını teşvik etmiştir. Ayrıca soğuk stresi altında bitki kayplarını önlemiştir. Bu araştırma sonucunda, lahana bitkisinde don olayının neden olduğu verim kaybı azalırken gövde uzunluğunun arttığı tespit edilmiştir.
On the Surfaces with Constant Mean Curvature along a Curve in the Lie Group
Authors: KUCUKARSLAN YUZBASİ Zuhal , TAZE Sevinç
Published: May 2023

In this study, an isoparametric curve and its Frenet frame are linearly combined to form a surface in 3-dimensional Lie group. When the surface has a constant mean curvature along the given curve, sufficient conditions have been satisfied. In conclusion, we provide examples of our findings and draw graphs.
Flood hazard attribution and uncertainty analysis with climate changes in data scarce watersheds of southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Wudineh Fraol Abebe , Moges Semu Ayalew
Published: May 2023

The interaction of the atmosphere and the land surface is vital in hydrological processes. In this paper, climate change impacts on streamflow are explored using soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) in one of the tropical watersheds, Wabi Shebele River Basin of Ethiopia. Regional climate model (RCM) from CORDEX-Africa region is used to analyze the basin's hydrological responses to climate forcing in the projected period. The result indicates that the watershed is likely to experience an increase in flood hazard with an increase in precipitation in the future as temperatures increase less than 2 °C. Flood hazard indices showed a larger value downstream of the river station (i.e., Gode) and a smaller value at the upper and middle stations with no change in climate variables (i.e., the baseline scenario, T + 0 °C, P + 0%). Based on separation method analysis, climate change has a greater impact on the streamflow and flood hazards in the region during the last four decades. Model uncertainty analysis reveals that simulated seasonal streamflow using RCMs has similar oscillation patterns to streamflow using observed climate data within uncertainty bands (UBs) in the study area with NSE and R2 values greater than 0.75 and 0.92, respectively.
Plankton diversity and its heavy metal content in Ratai Bay of Pesawaran district, Lampung, Indonesia
Authors: Widiastuti Endang Linirin , Afifa A. D. , Tugiyono T. , Umar S. , Mumtazah D. F. , Hadi S.
Published: May 2023

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activity in Way Ratai River produces heavy metal wastes; therefore, further information regarding heavy metal concentrations in the water was needed, especially in plankton samples. Furthermore, the determination of plankton diversity was also carried out in the waters of Way Ratai to determine the bioconcentration factor (BCF). Eight sampling sites were chosen along the river reaching the coast of Way Ratai. The research was conducted in November 2020 and March 2021. Ten heavy metals, Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn that are commonly found in mining areas, were determined in the water and plankton samples by using ICP-OES. The results indicated that the highest concentration found was Fe in plankton samples (0.725 mg/L in the river and 1.294 mg/L on the coast). Meanwhile, contents of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in the river exceeded the predetermined water quality standards, while Ag and Pb metals were not detected. The Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn content in seawater also exceeded quality standards. The highest BCF value (12.96) was found for Fe at station G, whereas the lowest BCF value (0.13) was found for Ag at stations G and H.
Detection of emergent leaks using machine learning approaches
Authors: Głomb P. , Cholewa M. , Koral W. , Madej A. , Romaszewski M.
Published: May 2023

In this work, we focus on the detection of leaks occurring in district metered areas (DMAs). Those leaks are observable as a number of time-related deviations from zone patterns over days or weeks. While they are detectable given enough time, due to the huge cost of water loss resulting from an undetected leak, the main challenge is to find them as soon as possible, when the deviation from the zone pattern is small. Using our collected observational data, we investigate the appearance of leaks and discuss the performance of several machine learning (ML) anomaly detectors in detecting them. We test a diverse set of six anomaly detectors, each based on a different ML algorithm, on nine scenarios containing leaks and anomalies of various kinds. The proposed approach is very effective at quickly (within hours) identifying the presence of a leak, with a limited number of false positives.
Spatial-temporal evolution of water resources utilization efficiency in Jiangsu Province
Authors: Deng Menghua , Zhang Tianshu
Published: May 2023

Improving water resource utilization efficiency is essential in alleviating the crisis of water resource shortage and promoting the sustainable development of the social economy. Based on the data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Malmquist index, the agricultural, industrial, and domestic water resource utilization efficiency of Jiangsu Province from 2011 to 2020 are evaluated, respectively. The results show that the DEA efficiency of agriculture and industrial water use is greater than that of domestic while the improvement of agricultural and domestic water efficiency is larger than that of industrial. Temporally, the water use efficiency was on an increasing trend from 2011 to 2020, and technological progress is the main factor in improving the water resource utilization efficiency. Spatially, the water use efficiency of southern cities in Jiangsu Province is higher than that of northern and central cities, but the difference between cities is gradually narrowing. To improve the efficiency of water resource efficiency, the government should formulate water resource management policies according to local conditions.
Utilizing CaCl2 to promote the enrichment and bioavailability of phosphorus in incinerated sludge ash
Authors: Yu Rongzhen , Xiao Ya , Zhao Xiaojiao , Yao Pin , Yan Tinggui
Published: May 2023

Recovering phosphorus from incineration sludge sewage ash (ISSA) is a well-established technology, with a greater recovery potential than that of supernatant or sludge. ISSA can be utilized as a secondary raw material in the fertilizer industry, or as a fertilizer if heavy metal concentrations do not exceed permissible limits, thus reducing the cost of phosphorus recovery. Increasing the temperature to produce ISSA with higher solubility and plant availability of phosphorus is advantageous for both pathways. But a decrease in the extraction of phosphorus is also observed at high temperatures, thereby diminishing the overall economic benefits. In this study, CaCl2 was utilized to mitigate the decrease in the extraction rate and also to promote the bioavailability of phosphorus. The addition of CaCl2 (80 g/kg of dry sludge) effectively promoted the conversion of non-apatite inorganic phosphorus to apatite inorganic phosphorus at a rate of 87.73% at 750 °C. Furthermore, the decrease in the extraction rate of phosphorus at 1,050 °C was comparatively smaller in the presence of CaCl2. If iron flocculants are used to capture P in wastewater management, it may be necessary to pay special attention to the amount of addition and incineration temperature to maximize the economic potential of recycling.
Green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles using Hibiscus sabdariffa L. extract to treat wastewater in Soba Sewage Treatment Plant, Sudan
Authors: Almisbah Samaher R. E. , Mohammed Abdelhafeez M. A. , Elgamouz Abdelaziz , Bihi Alaa , Kawde Abdelnasser
Published: May 2023

Looking for a cost-effective and ecofriendly method for wastewater treatment is a global challenge. Therefore, this study investigated the removal of wastewater pollutants using copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs). CuONPs synthesized by a green solution combustion synthesis (SCS) and characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. PXRD showed nanoparticle sizes ranging from 10 to 20 polycrystalline patterns indexed with two peaks corresponding to (111) and (113) reflections of the face-centered cubic CuO crystal. The energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis obtained in conjunction with SEM analysis proved the presence of Cu and O atoms at 86.3 and 13.6%, respectively, confirming the reduction and capping of Cu with Hibiscus sabdariffa extract's phytochemicals. The CuONPs proved to be a promising decontaminant for wastewater found to reduce biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) by 56%, and very efficient in reducing both the total dissolved matter (TDS) and conductivity (σ) by 99%. The CuONPs removed simultaneously chromium, copper, and chloride with respective percentages of 26, 78.8, and 78.2%. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is a simple, rapid, cost-effective, and ecofriendly method that successfully removed contaminants from wastewater.
Examining the Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in
Electronic Medical Records Among Community Pharmacists in Malaysia
Authors: Iskandar Yulita Hanum P. , Tangiisuran Balamurugan , Mohamed Ariff Adilah
Published: May 2023

Background:

Background: Electronic medical records (EMR) have been proven to reduce medical errors in drug distribution. However, EMR adoption is still relatively low among Malaysian community pharmacists.

Objective:

As a result, this study aims to see how community pharmacists in Malaysia use the EMR system. The factors influencing the community pharmacist's intent in adopting EMR will also be determined.

Methods:

The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Extended TAM were utilized in this study to determine Malaysian community pharmacists' main intention for using EMR. The information was gathered by surveying 144 community pharmacists nationwide. The data was analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS software.

Results:

The study found a positively significant relationship between Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Behavioural Intention to Use (BIU).

Conclusion:

This study shows critical factors influencing the intention to use EMR among Malaysian community pharmacists. Hopefully, this study will better understand the importance of EMR in the healthcare industry.
The Era of Plant Breeding: Conventional Breeding to Genomics-assisted
Breeding for Crop Improvement
Authors: Krishna Thumadath Palayullaparambil Ajeesh , Veeramuthu Duraipandiyan , Maharajan Theivanayagam , Soosaimanickam Mariapackiam
Published: May 2023

Plant breeding has made a significant contribution to increasing agricultural production.
Conventional breeding based on phenotypic selection is not effective for crop improvement. Because
phenotype is considerably influenced by environmental factors, which will affect the selection of
breeding materials for crop improvement. The past two decades have seen tremendous progress in
plant breeding research. Especially the availability of high-throughput molecular markers followed by
genomic-assisted approaches significantly contributed to advancing plant breeding. Integration of
speed breeding with genomic and phenomic facilities allowed rapid quantitative trait loci (QTL)/gene
identifications and ultimately accelerated crop improvement programs. The advances in sequencing
technology helps to understand the genome organization of many crops and helped with genomic selection
in crop breeding. Plant breeding has gradually changed from phenotype-to-genotype-based to
genotype-to-phenotype-based selection. High-throughput phenomic platforms have played a significant
role in the modern breeding program and are considered an essential part of precision breeding.
In this review, we discuss the rapid advance in plant breeding technology for efficient crop improvements
and provide details on various approaches/platforms that are helpful for crop improvement. This
review will help researchers understand the recent developments in crop breeding and improvements.
Immunotherapy in Combination with Chemotherapy for Triple-negative
Breast Cancer
Authors: Elizabeth Melendez Solano , Cristina Stevens Barrón Jazmín , Christian Chapa González
Published: May 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that lacks
estrogen and progesterone receptors and does not overexpress the human epidermal growth factor receptor
2 (HER2). Previous treatment options for TNBC were limited to chemotherapy alone, resulting
in a poor patient prognosis. In 2018, an estimated 2.1 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed
globally, with the incidence increasing by 0.5% annually from 2014 to 2018. The exact prevalence
of TNBC is difficult to determine because it is based on the absence of certain receptors and
overexpression of HER2. Treatment options for TNBC include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy,
and targeted therapy. The available evidence suggests that combination immunotherapy using
PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors may be a promising treatment option for metastatic TNBC. In this review, we
evaluated the efficacy and safety of different immunotherapies regimens for the treatment of TNBC.
In many clinical trials, the overall response rate and survival were better in patients treated with these
drug combinations than those treated with chemotherapy alone. Although definitive treatments are not
within reach, efforts to gain a deeper understanding of combination immunotherapy have the potential
to overcome the urge for safe and effective treatments.
The Effect of Kegel Exercises and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy on the
Improvements of Stress Urinary Incontinence and Urge Incontinence in
Women with Normal Vaginal Delivery
Authors: Nahid Radnia , Mahsa Bakhtiari , Alimohammadi Neda , Samar Moghadami
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

Pregnancy and normal vaginal delivery, are the main risk factors for urinary
incontinence in women. A variety of treatments such as bladder training and pelvic floor exercises are
effective for urinary incontinence. This interventional study has been conducted to compare the
influence of Kegel exercises and pelvic floor physiotherapy on the improvements of urge and stress
incontinence in women with first or second singleton pregnancies who have experienced normal
vaginal delivery.

Methods:

One hundred fifty women with urinary incontinence in the postpartum period, who were
divided randomly into 3 groups of 50 patients, participated in this prospective interventional study.
The women were primigravida or it was their second labor. None of them complained of urinary
incontinence before pregnancy. All of them had a normal vaginal delivery. The first group included
females who were asked to perform Kegel exercises. The second group had 8 weekly physiotherapy
appointments. The control group, included mothers who received routine care. We compared the
prevalence of urge and stress incontinence between groups.

Results:

We found that the relative risk of urge and stress incontinence among mothers in the control
group was more than in the intervention groups, but this difference was only statistically significant in
the subject of stress incontinence between the Kegel and control groups. The reduction of urge incontinence
prevalence among mothers in the Kegel and physiotherapy groups, was more than control
group, although this reduction was not significant.

Conclusion:

There is a significant decrease in the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence at the end
of the 8th and 12th weeks postpartum compared to the control group. Although the prevalence of urge
incontinence among women in intervention groups was lower than in the control group, it was not
significant. It seems the effect of Kegel exercises and pelvic floor physiotherapy, in reducing stress
incontinence at the end of the 8th week, is almost equal.
Isoscutellarein from Bixa orellana Leaves Uncompetitively Inhibits Recombinant
Human Aldose Reductase and Prevents Sorbitol Accumulation
and Lens Opacity
Authors: Durgam Mohan Krishna , Bodiga Vijaya Lakshmi , Vemuri Praveen Kumar , Bodiga Sreedhar
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Enhanced aldose reductase activity results in increased accumulation of sorbitol.
Therefore, inhibition of aldose reductase is an effective strategy to prevent or delay certain diabetic
complications.

Methods:

Various extracts of the leaves of B. orellana were tested for their inhibitory activity on the
aldose reductase. Ethyl acetate extract that showed maximum inhibition was further fractionated and the
inhibitor was identified as isoscutellarein by spectroscopic methods. IC50 of recombinant human aldose
reductase by isoscutellarein was found to be 14 μM and the mode of inhibition was uncompetitive with
a decrease in both Km and Vmax. Isoscutellarein was bound to the active site of aldose reductase (3RX3),
namely to Ala-299, Leu-300, Leu-301, His-110 and Tyr-48.

Results:

Docking results exhibited a binding energy of -9.15 kJ/mol.

Conclusion:

The incubation of red blood cells with high glucose concentrations mimicking hyperglycemic
conditions promoted sorbitol accumulation, which was effectively inhibited by isoscutellarein.
Further, xylose-induced opacity of the lens was effectively inhibited by isoscutellarein.
Imaging Techniques for Assessment of Cranio-maxillofacial Complications of Covid-19, A Systematic Review
Authors: Abu-Hammad Osama , Zain-Alabedeen Ebtihal , Althagafi Nebras , Eshky Rawah , Abdouh Ismail , Jambi Safa , Ayed Yosra , Dar-Odeh Najla
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

The aim of this review was to summarize and describe the reported imaging techniques used for COVID-19 patients who have developed cranio-maxillofacial complications.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Included articles were case reports/series, clinical trials and cross-sectional studies on adult COVID-19 patients that were written in English. Excluded articles were those discussing the radiological assessment of COVID-19 complications manifested in the oral mucosa or the extra-maxillofacial areas. Combinations of the following keywords were used: “COVID-19”, “Maxillofacial,” “complications,” “imaging,” “radiological,” “Mandible,” “Jaw,” “Osteonecrosis,” “cavernous sinus thrombosis,” and “mucormycosis.”

Results:

A total of 13 articles were included. Imaging techniques used were: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), multislice CT (MSCT), contrast-enhanced MRI, contrast-enhanced CT, and cone beam CT. These imaging techniques were used in the diagnosis of craniomaxillofacial complications of COVID-19, including sinusitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, jaw osteomyelitis, cellulitis, vision loss, and mucormycosis. CT and its variants were the most commonly used techniques.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of the included studies, which were mainly case reports, it can be concluded that imaging techniques that were employed in the diagnosis of craniomaxillofacial complications of COVID-19 were limited to MRI, CT and their variants. Despite the efficiency of the utilized imaging techniques, clinicians worldwide should be aware of the most effective and least risk-associated methods used in such circumstances.
Clinical and Radiological Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in Periodontal Infrabony Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Aldahlawi Salwa A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

There is no consensus on the clinical and radiological benefits of hyaluronic acid (HA) in patients with periodontitis having infrabony defects. Hence, this study examined the effects of HA in periodontitis patients with infrabony defects through a comprehensive systematic review process.

Methodology:

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane Library from inception to March 2022. Randomized or non-randomized clinical trials and single-arm clinical trials that assessed the clinical and radiological benefits of HA in periodontitis patients with infrabony defects with a minimum of 6 months follow-up were included in this study. Surgical regenerative therapy was considered as the comparator. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool and Downs and Black checklist was used for the quality assessment of randomized and non-randomized interventional studies, respectively. A subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the heterogeneity and robustness of the findings, respectively.

Results:

A total of 13 out of 725 studies were included in this systematic review, of which 9 were considered for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated significant benefits of HA in terms of reduction in probing pocket depth (SMD: 1.12mm; 95%CI: 0.60-1.65; 9 studies), bone defect depth (SMD: 1.04mm; 95%CI: 0.62-1.47; 3 studies) and gain in clinical attachment level (SMD: 1.40 mm; 95%CI: 0.33-2.47; 8 studies). Overall, the quality of included studies was good.

Conclusion:

The current evidence indicates that the administration of HA in the periodontal regenerative treatment of infrabony defects was significantly effective in increasing clinical attachment levels and reducing probing pocket and bone defect depth.
Evaluation of Knowledge, Awareness, Preparedness, and Measures among Dental Technicians Attending Covid-19 in Jordan
Authors: Bakri Isra Abdulkarim AL , Khader Yousef , Al Hourani Zeid Ahmad , Alshatrat Sabha Mahmoud
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

During the pandemic of COVID-19, Jordan imposed strict measures and abandoned selected medical procedures. Due to the high risk of cross-infection among dental team members, dental clinics and laboratories were subjected to definite regulations before being allowed back to work.

Aims:

This survey aims to assess the knowledge, awareness and preparedness of dental technicians in Jordan regarding COVID-19. Also, to investigate prevention measures for dental technicians working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A cross-sectional self-administered online survey was distributed electronically as a Google form via social media platforms. The study population consisted of registered dental technicians working in public and private laboratories in Jordan. The questionnaire consisted of a series of questions; demographic characteristics; knowledge and awareness about COVID-19, and the preparedness and measures to practice dental laboratory procedures during the pandemic.

Results:

This study included a total of 90 dental technicians [ 31 females and 59 males]; their ages ranged from 22-60 years old. Almost all the participants [ 90%] were found knowledgeable about COVID-19. Governmental organizations, and visual and social media were the main sources of information. The majority of participants [ >85%] encouraged drifting to digital dental technology protocols during COVID-19 pandemic. More than 65% of the participants reported COVID-19 very dangerous and considered themselves in a high risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Conclusion:

Most dental technicians have sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. However, most of them are not prepared to deal with impressions, restorations, and dentures of infected/suspected cases. Educational and training programs regarding COVID-19 among dental technicians are significantly needed.
The Extent of Delay in Diagnosis, Treatment and their Associated
Factors among Tuberculosis Patients Attending Government
Hospitals of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Supehia Sakshi , Singh Mahendra , Bahurupi Yogesh , Aggarwal Pradeep , Chandra Rishita , Sharma Nandita
Published: May 2023

“Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem” worldwide, affecting almost
all age groups. “Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to significantly reducing the TB
burden.” However, a significant proportion of cases remain undiagnosed and untreated, which
plays a vital role in the transmission of the disease and severity of the illness in the community in
most developing countries.

Aim & Objectives:

This study aimed to assess “the extent of delay in diagnosis and treatment of
TB patients” and to identify the major factors associated with such delays (whether patient or
health system-related) among TB patients in Rishikesh.

Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Rishikesh Town, Dehradun District,
Uttara khand, India. Total of 130 newly diagnosed TB patients were recruited as study participants who
attended the government hospitals of Rishikesh, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh and S
P S Government Hospital, Rishikesh. A universal sampling technique was used in this study.

Results:

The mean age of the study participant was 36.75 [Standard Deviation (SD), 17.6], and the
median age was 34 years. Of the patients, 64.6% were men, and 35.4% were women. The extent of
various delays, such as patient delay (median 16 days), diagnostic delay (median 78.5 days), treatment
delay (median 4 days), health system delay (43 days), and total delay (median 81 days).

Conclusion:

The misconception of any chronic disease may lead to a false diagnosis or long treatment
for symptomatic relief; the absence of proper diagnostic tests and doctor shopping could be
the reasons for the prolonged diagnostic delay. Therefore, by strengthening the collaboration between
private and public practitioners in order to meet the expectations of the Government of India
to achieve the goals of the “National Strategic Plan for ending TB” in India by providing good
quality care for all patients.
Nano ZnO: Structure, Synthesis Routes, and Properties
Authors: Ghahfarokhi M.R.
Published: May 2023

Nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the most important materials in semiconductor applications today. The ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have received the most interest among the various nanoparticles. The ZnO nanostructures are composed mainly of ZnO and have at least one dimension on the nanometer scale (1-100 nm). ZnO is a wide-bandgap semiconductor with an energy gap of 3.37 eV at room temperature. Different methods have been used to synthesize ZnO NPs, which has led to different physical and chemical properties. The high surface energy of the particles produced in most of these methods tends to accumulate them. Therefore, nanoparticles of ZnO are used in biosensors, gas sensors, solar cells, ceramics, nanogenerators, photodetectors, catalysts, and active fillers in rubber and plastic due to their unique properties. As a UV absorber, it can also be used in cosmetics, photocatalysis, electrical and optoelectronic systems, and as an additive in a wide variety of industrial products.
ZnO for Probes in Diagnostics
Authors: Mukherjee D.
Published: May 2023

Nanoparticles have revolutionized the field of diagnostics in recent years and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have been one of the most commonly used ones. These easily synthesizable ZnO-NPs have a multitude of advantages over other metal-based nanoparticles owing to their biocompatibility, easy functionalization through their hydroxyl group-rich surface, and cost-effectiveness among several other benefits. Due to their inherent luminescence and fluorescent-tag functionalizing properties, ZnO-NPs have been useful as a probe in tumour and live cell bioimaging. ZnO-NPs have also been identified as probes in biosensors for the detection of various clinically important biochemical analytes like glucose and cholesterol, pathogens, drug molecules, and antibody-antigen based detection systems. In this chapter, several of the different applications of ZnO as probes in diagnostics will be dealt with in detail. Also, the characteristics of ZnO nanoparticles useful for such applications and the way these devices and techniques are developed will be explained.
Correction: Performance of a Web-Based Reference Database With Natural Language Searching Capabilities: Usability Evaluation of DynaMed and Micromedex With Watson (Preprint)
Authors: Rui Angela , Garabedian Pamela M , Marceau Marlika , Syrowatka Ania , Volk Lynn A , Edrees Heba H , Seger Diane L , Amato Mary G , Cambre Jacob , Dulgarian Sevan , Newmark Lisa P , Nanji Karen C , Schultz Petra , Jackson Gretchen Purcell , Rozenblum Ronen , Bates David W
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based point-of-care information (POCI) tools can facilitate patient safety and care by helping clinicians to answer disease state and drug information questions in less time and with less effort. However, these tools may also be visually challenging to navigate or lack the comprehensiveness needed to sufficiently address a medical issue.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to collect clinicians’ feedback and directly observe their use of the combined POCI tool DynaMed and Micromedex with Watson, now known as DynaMedex. EBSCO partnered with IBM Watson Health, now known as Merative, to develop the combined tool as a resource for clinicians. We aimed to identify areas for refinement based on participant feedback and examine participant perceptions to inform further development.

METHODS

Participants (N=43) within varying clinical roles and specialties were recruited from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, between August 10, 2021, and December 16, 2021, to take part in usability sessions aimed at evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of, as well as satisfaction with, the DynaMed and Micromedex with Watson tool. Usability testing methods, including think-aloud and observations of user behavior, were used to identify challenges regarding the combined tool. Data collection included measurements of time on task; task ease; satisfaction with the answer; posttest feedback on likes, dislikes, and perceived reliability of the tool; and interest in recommending the tool to a colleague.

RESULTS

On a 7-point Likert scale, pharmacists rated ease (mean 5.98, SD 1.38) and satisfaction (mean 6.31, SD 1.34) with the combined POCI tool higher than the physicians, nurse practitioner, and physician’s assistants (ease: mean 5.57, SD 1.64, and satisfaction: mean 5.82, SD 1.60). Pharmacists spent longer (mean 2 minutes, 26 seconds, SD 1 minute, 41 seconds) on average finding an answer to their question than the physicians, nurse practitioner, and physician’s assistants (mean 1 minute, 40 seconds, SD 1 minute, 23 seconds).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the tool performed well, but this usability evaluation identified multiple opportunities for improvement that would help inexperienced users.
Порушення мікробіоти кишечника у хворих на первинну артеріальну гіпертензію: можливе значення в патогенезі захворювання
Authors: Koval S.M. , Mysnychenko O.V. , Penkova M.Yu. , Starchenko T.G. , Rieznik L.A. , Lytvynov O.V. , Lytvynova O.M.
Published: May 2023

Мета дослідження — вивчити кількісні характеристики мікробіоти кишечника у хворих на первинну артеріальну гіпертензію (АГ) порівняно з практично здоровими особами. Матеріали та методи. Обстежено 40 хворих на первинну АГ ІІ стадії, 2–3-го ступеня з нормальною масою тіла. Контрольна група складалася із 20 практично здорових осіб. Обстеження включало стандартні клінічні, лабораторні та інструментальні методи. Для визначення кількісного складу кишкової мікробіоти використовувалися: метод полімеразної ланцюгової реакції з гібридизаційно-флуоресцентною детекцією результатів у режимі реального часу та тест-система «КОЛОНО­ФЛОР-16 (біоценоз)» («Альфалаб»). Статистичний аналіз результатів проводили стандартними методами за допомогою Microsoft Excel 17.0. Результати. Встановлено суттєві порушення кількісних характеристик кишкової мікробіоти у хворих на первинну артеріальну гіпертензію порівняно з практично здоровими особами: достовірне зниження кількості Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp. та Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Висновок. Виявлений у хворих на первинну артеріальну гіпертензію дефіцит Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp. та Faecalibacterium prausnitzii може свідчити про те, що порушення мікробіоти кишечника, безумовно, залучені в патогенез даного захворювання.
Financial Competence of Non-Accounting Graduates in the Department of Education in Cabanatuan City
Authors: H. Banting Sheena , M. Bayacsan Mary Rose , M. Bencalo Hannah Joma , V. Cunanan Julianne Marie , J. Roca Maria Alexa , Alma Pia G. Reyes Alma Pia G. Reyes
Published: May 2023

This study sought to evaluate the financial acumen of Department of Education graduates who did not major in accounting. Second, how it impacts their ability to perform at work. The relationship between financial competence and performance rating was described and examined in this study using a descriptive correlation research design. The study's findings indicate that most respondents were females in the age range of 31 to 40, college graduates, and mostly administrative officers with two to three years of experience. They received a score of 39% for knowledge, 53% for skills, 74% for attitude, and 72% for behavior. The average score is 60%, indicating that their level of financial competence is average. The findings indicate a strong positive correlation between financial competence and performance rating, with a correlation coefficient of 0.724. This implies that a person's performance will increase in direct proportion to his level of financial competence. It is necessary to take into account their mediocre level of skill and limited knowledge. Programs for financial education may assist employees in achieving and maintaining a high level of financial competence at work, which will lead to good performance.
Ecofeminist Explorations in Jeff Vander Meer’s ‘Annihilation’: Nature, Femininity, and Agency in a Mysterious Landscape
Authors: Somasundaram Shalini
Published: May 2023

This article delves into the ecofeminist themes present in Jeff Vander Meer’s novel "Annihilation," examining the interconnectedness of humans and nature, the portrayal of female characters, the idea of the feminine as a force of transformation, and the critique of humanity's relationship with nature. "Annihilation" challenges traditional notions of nature, femininity, and agency through its depiction of the mysterious and uncanny landscape of Area X. The novel presents nature as a powerful force that cannot be fully understood or controlled, disrupting the human-centric view of the environment. The female characters in "Annihilation" are portrayed as capable, independent, and in tune with the environment, challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The novel also explores the idea of the feminine as a force of transformation and change, as the protagonist, the Biologist, undergoes a personal transformation in the face of the enigmatic environment of Area X. Additionally, "Annihilation" critiques humanity's relationship with nature through its portrayal of the secretive organization, the Southern Reach, which seeks to control and exploit the mysteries of Area X. Overall, this article offers an in-depth analysis of the ecofeminist themes in "Annihilation," highlighting its thought-provoking exploration of nature, femininity, and agency in a mysterious landscape.
LONG-STANDING MISIDENTIFICATION OF Rhinella icterica (SPIX, 1824) SPECIMENS FROM PARAGUAY
Authors: Caballero Gini Andrea , Brusquetti Francisco , Martínez Nicolás , Pereyra Martín , Baldo Diego
Published: May 2023

In this work, we reanalyzed specimens from Paraguay assigned to the species Rhinella icterica from the departments of Canindeyú and Amambay located in the Cerrado ecoregion. Based on the evaluation of external morphological characters, we conclude that they should be assigned to the species Rhinella cerradensis. On the other hand, we consider that there is no evidence that Rhinella icterica is present in the country.
DEPREDACIÓN DE CULEBRA CORREDORA DE PETATILLOS (Drymobius margaritiferus) POR UN LUIS BIENTEVEO (Pitangus sulphuratus) EN CAMPECHE, MÉXICO
Authors: Nahuat Cervera Pedro Enrique , Peñas Queralt Adrià , Mora Rueda Carme
Published: May 2023

La Culebra corredora de petatillos (Drymobius margaritiferus) es un miembro de la familia Colubridae, de tamaño mediano, que habita desde el sur de Estados Unidos hasta Colombia. Se alimenta principalmente de anfibios y ha sido registrada como presa de aves rapaces diurnas. El Luis bienteveo (Pitangus sulphuratus) es un ave perteneciente a la familia Tyrannidae que habita desde el sur de Estados Unidos hasta el centro de Argentina y ha sido registrada como depredador de anfibios y reptiles pequeños. En este escrito reportamos el primer registro de depredación de D. margaritiferus por P. sulphuratus, agregando al ave como depredador de esta especie de serpiente.
La Teoría del Rizoma y la clasificación de documentos abiertos y plurales
Authors: Cruz Ortiz Xochitl Guadalupe , Rendón Rojas Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2023

Se analiza la Teoría del Rizoma propuesta por Gilles Deleuze y Felix Guattari para identificar elementos conceptuales que permitan fundamentar una metodología de clasificación de documentos producidos en entornos abiertos y plurales, tales como los movimientos sociales. Se enfatiza que la producción de documentos lleva a la producción de relaciones sociales. Esa dimensión social se analiza con ayuda de los conceptos de “refuncionalización” (Umfunktionierung) de Walter Benjamin y de “objeto fronterizo” (Boundary Object) de Susan Star y James Greiseimer. Se comparan las características que el documento adquiere en el proceso de producción literaria planteado por Benjamin y de creación de entornos colaborativos expuesto por Star y Greiseimer con el documento propuesto por Miguel Ángel Rendón Rojas dentro de la Ciencia de la Información Documental. Por último, se identifica al metadato y al hipertexto como los elementos que cumplen con los requerimientos para establecer una metodología de clasificación de documentos producidos en entornos abiertos y cambiantes siguiendo los principios rizomáticos.
Aqueous Extract of Clitoria ternatea Attenuates the Growth of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Zulkamal Liana Mohd , Al Zelan Muhammad Aliff Hazim , Aris Farizan , Zakaria Nurul Aili , Mohd Yusof Farida Zuraina , Ibrahim Darah , Jalil Mohd Taufiq Mat
Published: May 2023

In the human oral cavity, Streptococcus mutans is often observed and is a major contributor to tooth decay. Increased S. mutans levels may be linked to progressively more severe forms of periodontal disease because root exposure in people with periodontitis increases caries rates. Hence, a new potential antibacterial compound needs to be searched to combat this pathogenic bacterium. The butterfly pea, or Clitoria ternatea is an ornamental plant that has been reported to exhibit antibacterial properties against several bacteria. Thus, the goal of this investigation was to determine how well C. ternatea aqueous (CTA) extract inhibited S. mutans. The disk diffusion assay was performed to access the antibacterial properties of the CTA extract. The efficiency of the extract against the test bacterium was then determined through MIC/MBC determinations and a time-kill study. Meanwhile, the toxicity of the extract was tested using a brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA). The CTA extract demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity against the test bacterium at a concentration of 200 mg/ml, with a diameter of the inhibition zone of 13.4±0.4 mm, according to the disc diffusion assay. The aqueous extract’s MIC and MBC values were found to be 100 and 400 g/mL, respectively. Time-kill analysis revealed the CTA extract exerted a strong bactericidal effect on S. mutans and this activity was dose-dependent. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) exhibited the bacterial cells experienced severe damage after being exposed to CTA extract including formation cavities, irregular shape, and crumpled cells. Thus, the present study suggested the potential of CTA extract as an antibacterial agent against oral cavity bacteria and can be used in the formulation of natural mouthwash due to no toxicity effect.
Green Synthesis and Bioactivity of Copper Nanoparticles from Asparagus aethiopicus and Asparagus densiflorus
Authors: Stephen A. , Sai S.R. Mohith , Pal Neha , Arjun S.
Published: May 2023

An aqueous extract of the shade-dried parts of Asparagus aethiopicus L. and Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop was used to synthesize copper (CuO) nanoparticles (Cu NPs). UV-visible spectroscopy was performed to assess the formation of Cu NPs. Maximum absorbance was obtained between 310–360 nm, confirming the formation of Cu NPs. CuO NPs were effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), a gram-negative human pathogenic bacterium. The bacterial growth curve showed that the NPs inhibited bacterial growth. This study was conducted using different parts of the plant, such as the roots, shoots, fruits, and seeds of A. aethiopicus and the roots and shoots of A. densiflorus. The fruit and seeds of A. aethiopicus showed better results than the roots and shoots. Therefore, employing green synthetic processes inhibits the release of harmful by-products. Compared to traditional techniques of NP synthesis, the transition to the extracellular production of CuO NPs utilizing dried biomass appears to be economical and environmentally beneficial.
Malaria Detection in Blood Smeared Images Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Raj Harsh , Revathi Dr. S. Thanga , Srivastava Shikhar
Published: May 2023

Abstract: With 200 million cases annually, malaria often claims more lives than crisis and deadly wars. Given the ineffectiveness of efforts to lower mortality rates, insufficient malaria diagnosis is one of the hurdles to a successful and efficient reduction in fatality. Hence, malaria is one of the major causes of deaths and diseases in many developing countries, where young children and prenatal mothers are the most impacted populations. The parasite called Plasmodium is the source for the potentially fatal disease named malaria. Highly trained and experienced microscopists observe minute blood smeared images to look for the parasite. Modern deep learning techniques could automate the completion of the required analysis. With the development of an independent, accurate, and useful model the demand for skilled staff can be significantly decreased. In this study, we offer a totally automated method and approach for the diagnosis and classification of malaria using microscopic blood-smeared pictures based on convolutional neural networks-(CNN).
Survey on Different Morphology Detection Techniques
Authors: Teli Ms. Swapnali R. , Powar Prof. Prathmesh S.
Published: May 2023

Abstract: There is a lot of data traffic that translates and transports data in the digital environment of the World Wide Web. The data is presented as files and photos. Data can morph, so it's important to detect these instances. The suggested method will identify modified photographs and alert the user to the validity of the images. In recent years, the research community has paid a great deal of attention to the problem of morph attack detection. To accurately detect morph attacks, various studies have been done in this area and various methods have been used. Although enough morph images are not readily available for research purposes, a variety of face databases are used to create morph image databases. Attack detection via face morphing is difficult. Automated border control gates utilize both manual inspection and automatic categorization methods to identify morphing attacks. It is vital to comprehend how a machine learning system can recognise altered faces and the most pertinent facial regions.