bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Green Composites using Basalt and Jute Fibers for Agriculture Applications
Authors: T U Siddiqui  , V K Singh  , Z A Khan
Published: December 2023

Several researches are going on the hybridization of natural composites by adding SiC as a filler and epoxy due to its higher thermal and physical properties, biodegradable, economic and excellent mechanical properties as compared to synthetic fibers such as glass, Kevlar etc. Jute fiber is an important natural fiber which is abundantly found in India, whereas Basalt fiber is obtained from basalt rock, which is also present in India in a high percentage. Jute fibers are used in geotextiles and agrotextiles for sustainable development in agriculture. The Eco-friendly basalt fibers are used in agriculture and biological applications for soil improvement and fabrication of stucco fireproof netting for animal housings etc. In this paper, basalt and jute fiber reinforced green composites were fabricated using hand layup technique by addition of SiC as filler material in different wt% (0%, 5%, and 10%). The properties of composite material such as impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength along with the water absorption test were investigated as per the ASTM standards. Significant improvements were obtained in their mechanical behavior by addition of different wt% of SiC. SEM images showed improved microstructures of green composites with less fractured surfaces at 10% addition of SiC.
Original Research Article Effect of Radiotherapy on Flexural Strength of Luting Cementsan In Vitro Study
Authors: Palak Abhishek Pandya  , Rajeswari CL  , Tanveer Pasha  , Rohit M Shetty  , Srivatsa G  , Radhika Agnihotri
Published: December 2023

Aim - The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the flexural strength of luting cements due to radiotherapy. Methodology- Total of 90 rectangular specimens of 25×2×2 mm dimension were fabricated by utilizing the putty consistency polyvinyl siloxane rubber mould. They were grouped based on their type. Group A included 30 specimens made of zinc phosphate cement, Group B included 30 specimens fabricated using glass ionomer luting cement, and Group C consisted of 30 specimen’s fabricated using resin luting cement. Once the specimens were set, they were stored in distilled water between the experiments. After 24 hours, 15 from each group of the mentioned cements were subjected to irradiation fractionally upto 60 Gy by a Cobalt-60 external beam machine. Remaining specimens from each group were used as controls. After radiotherapy, the specimens were stored in distil water for 24 hours until performing the 3 point bend test. All the specimens were subjected to 3 point bend test on universal testing machine for checking flexural strength. Statistics- Kruskal Wallis Test followed by Mann Whitney test as post hoc analysis was used to compare the mean values of different parameters between three groups of Irradiated and controlled samples. The level of significance was set at P<0.05. Results- After exposure to fractional irradiation for 4 weeks, in the zinc phosphate luting cement (Group-A) and glass ionomer luting cement (Group-B), showed a slight decrease in flexural strength. The resin luting cement (Group-C) showed slight increase in flexural strength. Conclusion- Among all the groups, the resin luting cement showed a slight increase in flexural strength when compared to the other luting cement groups after fractional irradiation
INFLUENCES OF ALKALI PRETREATMENT ON LYOCELL WOVEN FABRIC PROPERTIES AFTER ABRASION
Authors: ATICI Arzu , KAYA Gaye
Published: December 2023

In this study, alkali pretreatment in various concentrations were applied to Lyocell woven fabrics to decrease the fibrillation tendency of fibers and the influences of alkali pretreatment on tensile and tearing properties of Lyocell fabrics after abrasion were investigated. Alkali pretreatment reduced fibrillation of Lyocell fibers. However, fabric shrinkage occurred because of the increased volume and damaged twisted structure of yarns due to the lateral fiber swelling. The warp/weft densities and crimp ratios increased as the alkali concentrations increased. The breaking and tearing loads of untreated Lyocell fabrics were higher than those of alkali pretreated fabrics since the strength loss caused by alkali pretreatment. The abrasive load caused fiber breakages and fiber entanglements on fabrics and decreased the both breaking and tearing loads. The weave types with long floating interlacements on the fabric surface were more severely damaged by exposing to abrasive load and resulted as higher strength reduction.
FAY HATTI ÜZERİNDE DOĞRUDAN GAMA DOZ HIZI ÖLÇÜMÜ, YILLIK EFEKTİF DOZ EŞDEĞERİ VE YAŞAM BOYU KANSER RİSKİNİN HESAPLANMASI
Authors: GÜMBÜR Serdar , KÜÇÜKÖNDER Erdal
Published: December 2023

Bu çalışmada amaç, Kahramanmaraş il sınırları içerisinden geçen Doğu Anadolu Fayının segmenti olan Gölbaşı-Türkoğlu üzerinde gama radyasyon doz hızını belirlemektir. İlaveten, söz konusu fay segmenti civarında yaşayan yekişkin insanlar için yıllık efektif doz eşdeğeri (YEDE) ve yaşam boyu kanser riski (YBKR) değerlerini hesaplamaktır. Bu amaçlar doğrultusunda, fay segmenti üzerinde ölçüm alınacak lokasyonlar belirlenmiştir. Bu lokasyonların dış mekanlarında taşınabilir cihaz olan ASP2e kullanılarak direkt gama doz hızı ölçümleri yapılmıştır. Ölçülen gama doz hızı değerlerinin ortalaması 93,64 nGy/h olarak hesaplanmıştır. Ayrıca, istasyon bölgelerinde yaşayan yetişkin insanlar için ortalamaYEDE ve YBKR, sırasıyla 0,11 mSv/y ve 0,40×10-3 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Mevcut çalışma kapsamında hesaplanan ortalama gama doz hızı, YEDE ve YBKR uluslararası kuruluşlar tarafından önerilen sınır değerlerin üzerindedir.
PARÇALI GÖLGELENME DURUMUNDA YAPAY SİNİR AĞLARI VE PARÇACIK SÜRÜ OPTİMİZASYONU TABANLI BİR MAKSİMUM GÜÇ NOKTASI TAKİBİ ALGORİTMASI
Authors: BALDAN Elif , ERİŞTİ Hüseyin
Published: December 2023

Fotovoltaik (photovoltaic - PV) sistemlerde maksimum güç noktası takibi (MGNT) yapılırken gerçek koşullarda parçalı gölgelenme durumu oluşmaktadır. Bu makalede parçalı gölgelenme koşullarını incelemek için MATLAB/Simulink’te PV paneller ve yükseltici dönüştürücüden oluşan bir PV sistem oluşturulmuştur. Geleneksel ve yapay zeka tabanlı MGNT algoritmaları bu sistem üzerinde uygulanmıştır. Maksimum güç noktasını (MGN) takip etmek için geleneksel yöntem olan Değiştir ve Gözle algoritması ve Yapay Sinir Ağları (YSA) tekniği kullanılmıştır. Klasik YSA tekniğinin yanısıra Parçacık Sürü Optimizasyonu (PSO) ile hibrit bir teknik oluşturulmuştur Farklı senaryolar ile ilk olarak parçalı gölgelenme durumu simulasyon olarak oluşturulmuştur. Algoritmaların doğruluğunu desteklemek için hem güneşli hem de bulutlu olmak üzere iki güne ait gerçek zamanlı ışınım verileri toplanarak MATLAB/Simulink’te oluşturulan PV sistemde analizler yapılmıştır. Yapılan analizler sonucunda PSO tabanlı YSA tekniği diğer algoritmalara göre daha verimli bir şekilde MGN’yi izlediği gözlemlenmiştir. Bu çalışma ile parçalı gölgelenme durumunda MGNT üzerine yapılan çalışmalara katkı sağlanmaktadır ve yapay zeka algoritmalarının farklı bir alan olan PV sistemler için kullanımı gösterilmiştir.
HİJYENİK PEDLERİN CİLT TABAKASINA UYGUN DOKUSUZ YÜZEYLERİN KONFOR BİLEŞENLERİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: TÜRKOĞLU Gizem Ceylan , ÜREN Nazlı
Published: December 2023

Bu çalışmada, rejenere selüloz esaslı ürünlerin, hijyenik pedlerin cilde temas eden üst tabakasında kullanılabilirliğine yönelik karakterizasyon çalışmaları rapor edilmiştir. Bu amaçla %100 viskoz, viskoz/poliester karışımı ve %100 Tencel içerikli, su jeti ile birleştirilmiş apertürsüz beş farklı dokusuz yüzey seçilmiştir. Seçilen dokusuz yüzeylerin metrekare ağırlıkları 42 -72 g/m2 aralığında değişmektedir. Numunelerin hava geçirgenliği ve su buharı geçirgenliği özellikleri sırasıyla 856-2079 mm/s ve su buharı geçirgenliği 724-767 g/m2/gün aralığındadır. Gerçekleştirilen kuruma süresi testine göre %100 viskoz içeren dokusuz yüzeylerin iki saatin sonunda ilk ağırlığına ulaştığı belirlenmiştir. Çok çeşitli tekstil yüzeylerinin dokunsal konforunun analizi amacıyla geliştirilen yeni bir ölçüm cihazı olan Tactile Sensation Analyzer ile dokusuz yüzeylerin yüzey yapısı ve düşük yük mekanik özellikleri değerlendirilmiştir. Viskoz/poliester (50/50) karışımlı dokusuz yüzeyin en düşük rijitliğe sahip örnek olduğu saptanmıştır. Dokusuz yüzeylerin mikro ve makro yüzey varyasyonu değerleri arasında ise anlamlı bir fark gözlemlenmemiştir. Mevcut araştırmanın çıktıları göz önüne alındığında, düşük birim alan kütlesi ve kalınlıkta üretilen viskoz ve viskoz/poliester karışımlı dokusuz yüzeylerin hijyenik pedlerin üst tabaka uygulamalarında daha yüksek konfor sağlayabileceği sonucuna varılmıştır.
COLLOCATION METHOD APPLIED TO NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF INTEGRO-DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: DURAK Birkan , SEZGİN Aziz , ÖZER Hasan Ömür , SAKMAN Lütfi Emir , KAPKIN Şule
Published: December 2023

Integro-differential equations are encountered in such fields of study as mechanics, physics, chemistry, biophysics, astronomy, economic theory, and population dynamics. In rare cases the solution methods for differential and/or integral equations can be generalized to integro-differential equations; but in general, numerical methods have to be applied. Recent years have seen the development of a large number of methods applicable to integro-differential equations. The present study aims to compare these newer methods with the classical method of point collocation, which is one of the weighted residual methods. The method was applied to test problems chosen from the literature, both linear and nonlinear integro-differential equations, and was seen to give good results.
The Importance of the Institution of Time Limits in Russian Civil Proceedings: Evolution of Legal Approaches
Authors: Dvoretskiy A. A.
Published: December 2023

The paper examines theoretical views concerning the role and functions of procedural terms in different periods of the development of domestic civil procedural law. The author elucidates pre-revolutionary, Soviet and modern Russian legislation and doctrine in the field of procedural time limits. By analyzing the academic approach to the problem of the balance between the duration of the trial and the principle of the truthfulness of the court decision, the author demonstrates a change in approaches to understanding the socio-legal role of the institution of time limits (procedural deadlines). The author comes to the conclusion that, under the pre-revolutionary doctrine, procedural time limits were treated as a fundamental institution, through which not only the acceleration of the process is ensured, but also legal certainty in substantive and procedural relations. The Soviet doctrine reduced the role of procedural time limits to a means of enforcing the time-frame of proceedings, their ordering and ensuring procedural discipline. The modern doctrine witnesses a revival and deepening of the classical approach to understanding the importance of this institution as a factor in ensuring legal certainty, stability of civil turnover and implementation of the rule of law principle. A correct definition of the significance of procedural time limits is critically necessary due to the fact that the legislator, when setting deadlines for a certain duration of the proceedings, should be guided by their purpose in the mechanism of legal regulation.
Patenting and Implementation of Medical Technologies in Russia: Theoretical and Practical Aspects
Authors: Kravchenko N. V.
Published: December 2023

The paper examines the legal regulation of medical technologies in the context of patenting inventions. The problematic issues raised in this study are of a systemic nature, in connection with which the need for a substantive analysis of the definition of «medical technology» through its components — medical method and method — is argued and the need for their consolidation in the legislation on health protection is justified. The author elucidates the concept of medical technologies in foreign legal systems and explains the absence of the need to borrow foreign experience. Based on the analysis of patents issued in the Russian Federation for methods and ways of treatment, it is concluded that the current legal regulation allows patenting medical technologies as a complex object, while making appropriate changes to the Civil Code of the Russian Federation will eliminate discrepancies existing in law enforcement practice. An integrated approach has made it possible to identify a number of systemic causes that hinder the effective implementation of innovations in practical medicine; ways to eliminate them are proposed.
Dynamics of an Employment Contract in a Sports Transfer
Authors: Betekhtina V. A.
Published: December 2023

The paper discusses some issues that arise when the employment relationship between athletes (coaches) and sports clubs is terminated in connection with the transfer of athletes (coaches) to other employers. Termination of an employment contract concluded between an athlete (coach) and a sports club is associated with the need to comply not only with the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, but also with the regulations of all-Russian sports federations, which are not identical. Termination of the employment relationship between an employee and an employer may be due to a number of reasons established in the legislation of the Russian Federation, including the expiration of the employment contract or the will of one of its parties to terminate the employment contract early. Early termination of such an employment contract generally takes place together with compensation payments subject to certain conditions (not related to «valid reasons» for termination of employment relations), the establishment of which is carried out by competent authorities in each specific case if there is a controversial situation. An alternative to early termination of the employment contract with an athlete is a temporary transfer of the employee to another employer, which provides ample opportunities for both the employee and the employer. In this sense, the suspension of an employment contract, which is also a feature of labor relations in sports, has the potential to extend to all categories of workers.
Forensic Robotics: Basic Concepts
Authors: Smushkin A. B.
Published: December 2023

The paper emphasizes the increased relevance of the development of special purpose robotic systems that can be used in investigative activities to detect, record and seize traces and other evidence. Taking into account the acceleration of digital transformation of all areas of activity, the author proposes a new private forensic theory of forensic robotics. It is stated that this particular theory has great potential for development into a new branch of forensic technology. The paper discusses the proposed structure of a particular theory, object, subject, general and specific tasks of forensic robotics. Much attention is given to the patterns studied by this particular theory. The author develops his own interpretation of the terms «forensic robot» and «forensic robotic complex». It is stated that police robotics and forensic robotics are used in different, but sometimes overlapping areas. Moreover, the same device can act as a tool for both police and forensic robotics. Summing up the study, the author emphasizes the increased complexity of autonomous forensic robotics and states that within the framework of the proposed theory of forensic robotics, general recommendations should be developed to minimize errors and problems when using both an autonomous programmable robot and a robot equipped with artificial intelligence.
Local Governance in Poland and Hungary from a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Rajca Lucyna
Published: December 2023

The aim of this paper is to examine the changes introduced to Hungarian and Polish local government under the influence of the concept of local governance, and to assess to what extent this concept has been implemented in both countries. The basic research method is comparative study. The results of the analyzes indicate that neither Poland nor Hungary has managed to fully implement this concept, but in our country it has been implemented to a greater extent than in Hungary.
Political Doctrine of Jarosław Kaczyński and Donald Tusk
Authors: Sielski Jerzy
Published: December 2023

The paper reconstructs the doctrine of Jarosław Kaczyński and Donald Tusk. The main research methods are constructivism, the comparative and factorial methods. The main distinguishing features of the concept of political doctrine are the strategic goal, the hidden goal and the means to achieve these goals. In conclusion, the author tries to highlight the differences in the approach to the doctrine of both politicians.
Reconsidering Spatial Interaction in the Virtual Literature Classroom after the Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Çıraklı Mustafa Zeki
Published: December 2023

This paper analyses the qualitative notes of a self-reflective researcher and examines his literature classroom experience. The researcher develops an auto-ethnographical research design to understand how spatial interaction can be experienced after the critical shift from actual settings to virtual settings. The paper elucidates the results in efficiency regarding involvement and creativity. The researcher’s recorded auto-ethnographical entries cover four weeks while teaching at a state-run department in Trabzon. He tries to transform the virtual setting into a spatial learning medium to achieve responsive interaction and creativity to enhance the participants’ critical thinking and imagination. S/he referred to the theory of postromantic education to examine the results. S/he decided to keep a diary about the classroom experience. The reflective account revealed that the use of whiteboards and particularly the integration of chatbox into virtual classrooms helped overcome social and spatial interaction drawbacks. The study concluded that the internally motivated participants oscillate between imagination and cognition thanks to the experiential apparatus of spatial interaction created by the postromantic framework.
“I Learn By the Way” – an Innovative Teaching Program as a New Perspective on the Education of Children at the Pre-School Stage and at the First Stage of Education
Authors: Marchlewska Paulina
Published: December 2023

Education is a dynamic process which evaluates quickly. The changes that occur in it can be noticed on the ground of offered curricula. More and more innovative forms of teaching young generation are proposed. In today’s era of education, professionals are looking for modern, innovative curricula to make education valuable, comprehensive and highly effective. Joanna Białobrzeska’s program “I learn by the way” is an innovative curriculum that makes it possible to teach children in a natural way at the preschool education stage and at the first educational stage. The article is in line with other contemporary curricula, which deserve to be called original and innovative. They inspire to change the style of teaching to a style focused on creativity, development of soft skills and information technology. The aim of this article is to present the “I learn by the way” program and indicate its innovation and important elements that it introduces to the education system.
The Role of a Teacher in the Process of Supporting Mental Health of Both Children and Teenagers
Authors: Nosek-Kozłowska Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

The predominant goal of this article is to elaborate on the role that a teacher plays in the process of mentally supporting both children and teenagers. The theoretical section of the paper covers definitions pertaining to mental health and resilience, the specificity of functioning of young people in the modern world, the impact of various factors, including those environmental and societal ones on their well-being, as well as everyday life-related problems that such individuals may experience. Examinations strictly related to experiences and methods applied by teachers attempting to take a proper care of the mental health of their students during the pandemic period, as well as in the course of the currently ongoing war in Ukraine have been carried out among teachers working at various levels of education, but all providing their educational services within the borders of Warmia and Mazury Province. The results obtained clearly show that teachers are among individuals who may have a notable impact on the mental condition of minors, especially if such students spend a lot of time with said tutors. Therefore, teachers have to showcase certain competences allowing them to improve the mental resilience of their students.
Post-COVID-19 Rooms of Our Own: Lessons Learned from Virtual Professional Development Projects Designed for Early Childhood Educators in Ontario
Authors: Pytka Barbara , Kelly Terry
Published: December 2023

This paper reflects and explores lessons learned during two professional learning series related to the pedagogical practices of early childhood educators (ECEs) in Ontario, Canada. Drawing on a comparative analysis of our observations, collaborative inquiries, and discussions, we underline post-COVID-19 conditions that change how we think, engage, and envision possibilities in professional learning. We discuss the way the use of technology at the intersection of time and space and carefully chosen pedagogical approaches pushed us to reconsider current practices used in the design of professional learning activities, the implementation, and the responses to educators’ learning. We focus on the way technology helped us envision and plan for virtual rooms as environments as third teachers. Trading the traditional professional workshop-like activities with fixed time boundaries for virtual café-style learning, introducing design thinking, distributed leadership, Indigenous world views, and rhizomatic wonderings, we discuss our decisions to change the directions of professional learning from focusing on skill development and transmission of knowledge to enhancing dispositions needed to become lifelong learners, innovators, and advocates. We conclude the paper with invitations and provocations for educators, academics, researchers, and regulatory bodies to further discuss professional learning activities for the early childhood education (ECE) community in Ontario. In brief, we focus on removing the dividing practices between professional learning activities and pedagogical approaches as a starting point to envision possibilities in Ontario’s ECE field.
Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of plant extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa – a review
Authors: G. Subramaniam , G. Z. Khan , L.A. Sivasamugham , L.S. Wong , S. Kidd , C. K. Yap
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is a global problem that has led to research on naturally occurring compounds as an alternative source of antibacterial and anti-biofilm agents. This review focuses on determining plant extracts' antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities against P. aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen contributing to microbial and biofilm-associated infections in humans. Medicinal plants are being widely researched as they are rich sources of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and terpenoids. These phytochemicals have been well known for their antibacterial activity, which contributes to the effectiveness of certain plants, including Punica granatum and Triumfetta welwitschia, against P. aeruginosa. Hypericum perforatum and Berginia ciliata contains phytochemicals that directly inhibit the quorum sensing mechanism, inhibiting the direct cell-to-cell communication, thereby preventing or reducing biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa. Plant extracts also inhibit bacterial growth and should be considered an alternative to antibiotics. Furthermore, plant extracts can be used with antibiotics for better efficacy against P. aeruginosa. However, more research must be carried out to select plants with a broad spectrum of activity against not only P. aeruginosa infections but other gram-negative bacteria in general. It would be economically viable to develop as a therapeutic drug. This would align with the third United Nations sustainable development goals on good health and well-being and is a significant step forward in the battle against antibiotic resistance.
Comparative Evaluation of Masson's Trichrome and Picrosirius Red Staining for Digital Collagen Quantification Using ImageJ in Rabbit Wound Healing Research
Authors: Sharun Khan , Banu S. Amitha , Mamachan Merlin , Subash Athira , Mathesh Karikalan , Kumar Rohit , Vinodhkumar Obli Rajendran , Dhama Kuldeep , Abualigah Laith , Pawde Abhijit M. , Amarpal
Published: December 2023

The therapeutic potential of Pluronic F127 (PF127) hydrogel loaded with adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (AdSVF), mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSC), and conditioned media (AdMSC-CM) for repairing full-thickness skin wounds was evaluated using a rabbit model. The rabbits were randomly divided into eight groups with six animals each and treatment was given as per the predetermined protocol (3 doses at one-week interval): Group A (Control), Group B (AdSVF), Group C (AdMSC), Group D (AdMSC-CM), Group E (PF127), Group F (AdSVF + PF127), Group G (AdMSC + PF127), and Group H (AdMSC-CM + PF127). Skin tissue samples were collected from the healing wounds on day 28 for staining and collagen quantification. Collagen density (Area %) was quantified using tissue sections stained with Masson's Trichrome (MT) and Picrosirius Red (PSR) stain using the Colour Deconvolution plugin of ImageJ and RGB stack method, respectively. These techniques function based on separating different colour channels in the stained tissue sections to isolate the collagen fibers and then quantifying them through thresholding and image analysis. Across the treatment groups, both staining methods generally showed a trend of increased collagen density compared to the control group. For most groups, PSR staining consistently indicated slightly lower collagen densities than MT staining. However, the overall trends were similar in both staining. The comparison between PSR and MT staining methods revealed that both techniques effectively assess collagen density in healing wounds. However, there were subtle differences in the absolute values obtained, with PSR staining tending to yield slightly lower collagen density measurements than MT. These differences can be attributed to the distinct mechanisms of these staining methods. Therefore, both staining methods can digitally quantify collagen density in wound healing research.
Efficient Solar-Powered IoT Drip Irrigation for Tomato Yield and Quality: An Evaluation of the Effects of Irrigation and Fertilizer Frequency
Authors: Kaunkid Sanya , Aurasopon Apinan
Published: December 2023

The optimal management of irrigation and fertilization is crucial for maximizing the yield and quality of tomatoes grown in greenhouses. To address this challenge, this study aimed to develop and implement a solar-powered Internet of Things (IoT) based drip irrigation system for tomato cultivation in plastic roof net houses. Additionally, the study evaluated the effects of water and fertilizer frequency on tomato yield and quality. The experiment was designed with 2 irrigation frequencies (1 time in a day and 1 time in 2 days) and 3 fertilizer frequencies (1 time in 2, 4, and 6 days), with 4 replicates of the tomato variety CH154. The results showed that the solar-powered IoT-based drip irrigation system was efficient, precise in water and fertilizer control, and inexpensive to install and maintain. This allows for real-time monitoring of water flow rate, flow sensor status, treatment status, and electrical parameters on the Node-Red dashboard. Irrigation frequency had a significant impact (p < 0.05) on fruit number, weight, and length per plant, with 1-day irrigation resulting in a higher yield than 2-day irrigation. No significant interaction effect was found between irrigation and fertilizer frequency on tomato yield or quality. In conclusion, the solar-powered IoT-based drip irrigation system demonstrated precise control over water and fertilizer, proving its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Real-time monitoring capabilities and the observed impact of irrigation frequency underscore its potential for enhancing tomato cultivation in greenhouses, offering a valuable contribution to sustainable and technology-driven agricultural practices.
Application of olive mill waste-based biochar for improving wheat response to salt stress
Authors: Abou-Zeid Hanan M. , Aly Hesham M.
Published: December 2023

The production of olive mill solid waste (OMSW) raises concerns due to its toxicity and negative environmental impact. However, by utilizing pyrolysis, OMSW can be converted into biochar, a carbon-rich material that detoxifies the waste and preserves its nutrient content. The OMSW-based biochar possesses alkaline properties (pH 9.6), low electrical conductivity (EC), high cation exchange capacity (CEC), a porous surface morphology, various surface functional groups, and high mineral content. This study assessed the influence of two concentrations (5% and 10%) of OMSW-based biochar on wheat plants' growth biomarkers and physiological characteristics subjected to salt stress conditions (150 mM NaCl). Findings of the study revealed that salt stress had deleterious effects on various parameters, including shoot height, fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, relative water content (RWC%), membrane stability index (MSI%), photosynthetic pigments, and photosynthetic parameters such as the coefficient of the effective quantum yield of photochemical energy conversion of PSII (ØPSII), photochemical quenching (qP), and photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fo, Fm, Fv/Fo, and Fv/Fm). Furthermore, the levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) activities significantly increased in stressed plants. On the other hand, applying both concentrations of OMSW-based biochar effectively improved the overall performance of wheat plants, irrespective of the presence of salinity. OMSW-based biochar is a promising strategy for promoting wheat growth in salt-stressed soil by improving various growth parameters and mitigating plant oxidative stress.
Analysis of Antioxidant Property from Water Extraction of Garcia Mangostana Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Chung Tsair-Wang , Kurniawan Irwan Saleh
Published: December 2023

Mangosteen (Garcia mangostana) is an exotic fruit that can be found widely in Southeast Asia. Mangosteen pericarp contains bioactive compound that has pharmacological properties, including antioxidants, anticarcinogenic, and also suggested its applicability for skincare products. Water extraction is more applicable for industry due to simple process, low cost, and neutral reaction. In this study, water extraction on the pericarp of mangosteen was applied and the operating parameters were discussed by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for high recovery of antioxidant extract from the mangosteen pericarp. The experimental design used three factors, solid-to-liquid ratio (g/ml), temperature (oC) and extraction time (hour), were analyzed to discuss two responses, DPPH radical scavenging effect (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). Under the operating conditions, the highest FRAP is 0.818 abs at the factors of 1:10 (g/ml), 65 oC, and 3-hour. DPPH is significantly high for all RSM pattern. The optimum parameters determined by using RSM are at 1:10 (g/ml), 59.74 oC, and 2.87 hours with DPPH 81.01% and FRAP 0.789 abs.
Clinico-pathological evaluation of gastric adeno carcinoma with reference to ki-67 LI immuno-staining
Authors: Patnaik Bhabani , Tripathy Sumita , Gopal Inuganti , Sahu Deepika
Published: December 2023

Gastric cancer is a life-threatening disease accounting for the one of the most common types of disease and second most that cause the cancer which lead to death. Many molecular markers were established as a possible prognostic factor apart from routine grading and TNM staging. The variable prognosis of gastric cancer within a pathological grade necessitates a newer marker which can be correlated with the prognosis and aggressiveness of the disease. ki-67 is a nuclear protein that is known as a marker of cellular proliferation and ribosomal RNA transcription. According to analysis, the ki-67 is a nuclear proliferation antigen affecting the health of the people as it cannot be cycle in the resting phase. Moreover, the fraction of ki-67 is clinical course of various cancers.

To evaluate the expression of ki-67 LI in gastric cancer and correlate the findings with various clinico-pathological features.

Prospective study was conducted from October 2018 to September 2021 at the department of Pathology, MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, Odisha. Two sets of 3–4-micron thickness of tissue sections prepared from blocks of histologically confirmed cases of gastric adenocarcinoma were taken, one for routine H&E and other for ki-67 LI IHC study. IHC protocol of DAKO was followed along with DAB visualisation. The results were correlated with different clinico-pathological features of Gastric cancer.

Higher ki-67 LI was correlated significantly with tumour location, histological grade and type but not with age and sex.

In our study, IHC assessment of ki-67 LI correlates well with histological grade and type of tumour. ki-67 LI can be taken as a useful method in identifying aggressiveness of the tumour with an indication of adjuvant chemotherapy. Post-operative follow-up and large sample size could throw more light.
Role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in head and neck lesions in coastal population at a tertiary care hospital – A study of 500 cases
Authors: Savant Supriya P , Naik Vinay , H M Prakash
Published: December 2023

Head and neck swellings are a very common presentation encountered by clinicians and patients across all age groups. Various lesions give rise to head and neck lumps. Swellings can arise from soft tissues, lymph nodes, thyroid gland, salivary glands etc. FNAC being minimally invasive, quick and inexpensive helps in differential diagnosis of head and neck masses.

A retrospective study was conducted at Karwar institute of medical sciences Karwar from January 2018 to December 2021 in coastal population, to evaluate the role of FNAC in palpable head and neck masses and also to study their distribution and To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of FNAC in diagnosing Head and neck lesions and cyto-histopathological correlation (wherever possible). 500 patients with head and neck swelling underwent FNAC. FNAC diagnosis was correlated with detailed clinical history and investigations.

Out of 500 fine needle aspiration procedures 35.6% (178) were of lymph node, 33.8% (169) were of thyroid, 9.6% from salivary gland (48), 17.8% (89) from skin and soft tissue swellings and 3.2% (16) inconclusive.

The present study concluded that most of the swellings in head and neck region are benign and affect females more than males. Overall accuracy rate more than 90% and diagnostic accuracy in differentiating non-neoplastic lesions from neoplastic lesions is well established. Our study found that fine needle aspiration cytology to be an easy, safe, rapid, convenient, least invasive, accurate and relatively complication-free outpatient method for diagnosis of lesions of the head and neck
Hematological abnormalities in chronic liver disease and their association with severity and types of chronic liver disease
Authors: Melwani Veena , Tomar Mukesh SIngh , Trivedi Anshuli
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to assess the hematological abnormalities in CLD patients and to study the association of hematological abnormalities with type and severity of CLD.

This study was conducted as a facility based cross-sectional study at tertiary care centre on confirmed cases of chronic liver disease. Detailed clinical history along with clinical examination findings were recorded. All patients were then subjected to investigations.

Mean age of patients with CLD was 48.8±16.9 years and majority of patients were males (76%). Anemia was observed in 71% cases with CLD whereas leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were noted in 21% and 56% cases respectively. Mean MCV, MCH, serum bilirubin and iron were significantly higher in cases with alcoholic liver disease whereas TIBC was significantly lower in ALD cases as compared to NALD cases (p<0.05). Mean hemoglobin, platelet levels, MCV, albumin and iron levels were significantly lower in cases with severe liver disease (Child Pugh Class C). However, serum bilirubin, prothrombin time and TIBC levels increased significantly with increase in severity of CLD (p<0.05).

Hematological abnormalities particularly normocytic normochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia are common in cases with CLD, which might affect the prognosis of patients with CLD. Assessing the severity and type of anaemia is a useful tool for early initiation of the treatment in patients of CLD for reducing the morbidity and mortality. Early detection and treatment of haematological changes can prevent complications and reduce the mortality in CLD patients.
Effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain on fetal outcome
Authors: K Ramana. , Jaiswal Sarita
Published: December 2023

Fetaldevelopment and growth in uterus is most critical. Most commonly used indicator is birth weight for determining well-being of infant. Body mass index (BMI) of mother before pregnancy, pregnancy weight gain, and other factors related to behavior, socio-cultural as well as genetics influence the birth weight.

To study effect of pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain on fetal outcome

Hospital-based follow-up study was carried out among 189 antenatal women. Gestational age, weight, height, BMI and fetal growth were recorded. Regular sonography was carried out to rule out fetal congenital abnormalities and fetal well-being. Daily fetal movement count, fetal heart rate monitoring was carried out daily. Estimation of the “total pregnancy weight gain” was done by subtracting last measured weight before delivery from weight recorded at first visit in first trimester. Birth weight of the neonate was recorded within 24 hours of delivery.

BMI before pregnanacy was normal in Majority (75.1%). Underweight women earlier to conception had either normal Gestational weight gain (GWG) or less than normal GWG. Their babies also had significantly low average birth weight compared to either normal weight females or overweight and obese before conception. Overweight and obese females before conception had higher incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) and cesarean section. Normal weight females before conception had higher incidence of Pregnancy induced hypertension.

Being underweight before conception is a risk factor for low birth weight babies whereas being overweight and obese before pregnancy is a risk factor for GDM.
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in children: A prospective study
Authors: C Krishnan , Lineesh T , VK Gireeshan , Sabitha Sasidharanpillai , V K Suresh Baboo , Menon Ramesh
Published: December 2023

Community acquired MRSA (CA MRSA) can cause invasive diseases posing a challenge to treating physicians. The knowledge about the disease load, clinical pattern, risk factors, outcome and susceptibility pattern in a given geo demographic context contribute crucially to the treatment outcome of MRSA infections in children.

To study the profile, clinical pattern, factors affecting the immediate outcome and antimicrobial susceptibility of MRSA infections in children

A prospective observational study was conducted in children between 2 months and 12 years admitted with MRSA infections, from January 2016 to December 2017 in the Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Government Medical College Kozhikode, Kerala state, India.

Out of 431 children evaluated 83(19.3%) had MRSA infections with 44(53%) CA MRSA and 39(47%) hospital associated MRSA (HA MRSA). Twenty one (53.8%) of HA MRSA infections were hospital onset MRSA (HAHO MRSA) and 18(46.2%) community onset MRSA (HACO MRSA). There were 37 infants, 16 toddlers, 12 preschool children, 18 school children, 48 males and 35 females in the study population. Blood (50.6%), pus (33.7%), and body fluids (15.7%) were the sites of isolation. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI)(30.10%), pneumonia (28.90%), empyema (9.64%), meningitis (7.23%), septicaemia (12.05%), bone and joint infections (9.64%), peritonitis (2.41%) and septic shock (18.1%) were the clinical presentation. Mortality occurred in 9.9% and paediatric intensive care requirement in 45.8% patients. Anaemia and thrombocytopenia were identified as the risk factors for PICU admissions (corrected OR; 95% C I, 3.38; 1.02–11.18 and 8.35; 1.35–45.03 respectively). Thrombocytopenia was associated with mortality (corrected OR 43.74, 95% C I 3.86–495.9). Susceptibility to clindamycin, co-trimoxazole, amikacin and rifampicin were 79.5%, 73.5%, 68.7% and 90.4% respectively.

MRSA constituted a significant proportion of bacterial infections in children, the majority being community onset. Pneumonia and empyema predominate over SSTI. Thrombocytopenia was associated with mortality and PICU admission. Clindamycin, co-trimoxazole and amikacin can be utilised in the treatment of less severe MRSA infections
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of alopecia areata in a tertiary care center in Western Odisha
Authors: Tanmay Padhi , Kumar Patjoshi Subodha , Aurobinda Bhoi , Kumar Panigrahi Deepak
Published: December 2023

Alpoecia areata is a common autoimmune disease often presenting with patchy areas of hair loss. Personal or family history of atopy and presence of other autoimmune diseases are often associated with this condition.

The present study was conducted with the objective of finding the epidemiological factors, clinical patterns and associated comorbidities associated with alopecia areata.

It was a single centre, hospital based cross sectional study undertaken between the period March 2017 to March 2020. Clinically diagnosed cases of alopecia areata were included in the study. Epidemiological data such as age, gender, locality, educational status and occupation were taken into consideration. Various clinical patterns such as patchy area of hair loss and more severe variants such as alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis etc were noted. The data were obtained through pre-structured questionnaire, findings of clinical examination and laboratory data.

A total of 531 cases of clinically diagnosed alopecia areata were included with an overall prevalence of 4.1%. The mean age at onset was 27.4 ± 12.92 years. Males outnumbered females (1.31:1). Salaried persons (34.08%) belonging to upper socioeconomic status (31.6%) were predominantly affected. Hypothyroidism 29(5.46%) and bronchial asthma 14(2.6%) were the most common comorbidities.

Educated, employed persons in the urban area are more susceptible to develop alopecia areata. Comorbidities like thyroid dysfunction, bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus must be looked for in all such cases.
To study the diagnostic role of fine needle aspiration biopsy cytopathology in lymph node lesions and to find out the pattern of lymphadenopathy among patients visiting Tertiary care hospital: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shitole Asha S , Bhargava Ruchika , Sharma Dushyant
Published: December 2023

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can be a valuable tool for the evaluation of lymphadenopathies. The purpose of this study was to study the diagnostic role of FNAC in lymph node lesions and to find out the pattern of lymphadenopathy among patients visiting Tertiary care hospital.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy cytopathology was carried out. Giemsa staining of all FNAC smears was done and Ziehl-Neelsen staining (ZN Stain) was done to confirm the diagnosis if required.

Lymph nodes were evaluated for location, consistency, size, mobility. Commonest site involved was cervical region (91.38%), most frequently encountered size was 1 - 2 cm (35.64%), majority of lesions were firm (87.35%), and most of the lymph nodes (95.40%) were mobile. Out of 166 diagnosed cases by FNAC, 95.78% were diagnosed as benign lesions and 4.22% as malignant lesions. 30.72% benign lesions were of reactive hyperplasia and 27.11% were of granulomatous lymphadenitis. All malignant lesions were the secondary lesions.

We conclude that FNAC of lymph nodes is a very common, simple, safe, economical, and quick diagnostic technique that eliminates the need for an open biopsy, anesthetic, surgical complications, and hospital stays.
Omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids: Effects on growth and neurodevelopment of the fetus and preterm infant. A narrative review
Authors: Perrotta Giulio
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND: Fatty acids of the omega-3/omega-6 groups are used in cases of pregnancy, lactation and preterm birth. In recent decades, pediatrics has been trying to find out whether the use of omega-3/omega-6 has effects on human growth and neurodevelopment.  A total of 44 original articles on the topic of omega-3/omega-6 and human growth and nutrition, in gynecology and pediatrics have been selected on PubMed from January 1979 until March 2023.  Significant critical issues emerged regarding published studies, despite encouraging evidence on the usefulness of omega-3/omega-6 used in pregnancy, lactation, states of malnutrition, and inflammatory processes, while data on the efficacy of use in fetal, neonatal, and pediatric patients are conflicting. Critical structural and functional issues emerge in the studies that may call into question the validity of the results. The data are encouraging and suggest that certain aspects of the type of administration and dosages of omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid supplementation should be investigated further to help demonstrate the clinical validity of such prescriptions, especially in terms of gestational maturation, growth, and human nutrition in clinical practice in Gynecology and Pediatrics.
Infección congénita intrauterina por virus herpes simple tipo 1 en el contexto de primoinfección materna
Authors: VIDAL ESTEBAN ANA , Bermejo Gómez Amanda , Bayón Cabanes Maite , GómezCarpintero García Ana
Published: December 2023

ANTECEDENTES: La infección neonatal por virus herpes simple se asocia con una elevada morbilidad y mortalidad. Esta infección puede manifestarse con diferentes cuadros clínicos; cuando es congénita puede ocurrir en pacientes embarazadas sin antecedentes de infección, con trasmisión al feto en el momento de la primoinfección materna.
CASO CLÍNICO: Recién nacida a término, mediante parto, con lesiones cicatriciales y una lesión vesiculosa en el codo izquierdo al nacer. El VHS tipo 1 se detectó mediante la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. La madre no tenía lesiones genitales en el momento del parto ni anteriormente, su serología fue negativa para virus herpes simple. Se llevó a cabo el estudio de extensión y se inició tratamiento con aciclovir durante 14 días. La madre y la recién nacida tuvieron seroconversión para IgG frente a VHS-1 a los 5 meses del diagnóstico.
CONCLUSIONES: Ante lesiones cutáneas vesiculosas en un neonato hay que sospechar infección por virus herpes simple y establecer el diagnóstico microbiológico con técnicas moleculares.
Medicina de precisión
Authors: Aguilar Ituarte Felipe
Published: December 2023

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