bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling fruit and vegetable consumption in Serbia
Authors: Ubiparip Samek , Pezo Lato , Mastilović Jasna , Kovač Renata , Zoranović Tihomir , Vlahović Branislav
Published: August 2022

Although regular intake of fruits and vegetables has an essential role in a healthy diet and well-being, a majority of consumers in Serbia have a suboptimal intake of these groceries. To understand the main determinants of this unsatisfactory situation, the study tested an extended model of the theory of planned behavior intending to suggest necessary steps for improving fruits and vegetables daily intake. This theory, extended for the role of knowledge, was tested using structural equation modeling. Fit indices confirmed the utility of this extended model of the theory of planned behavior in explaining consumers' behavior as well as the mediating role of behavioral intentions. Serbia, as one of the central developing countries in the Balkans, was chosen to test the model with the possibility of applying it to other developing countries facing malnutrition. Data were collected in North Serbia, through an online survey (n=688). Despite consumers' high awareness of fruits and vegetables' beneficial health effects, the influence of consumers' knowledge only is not sufficient to trigger behavioral changes. Consumers' intentions and behavior should be influenced indirectly, by changing their attitudes and subjective norms. All custom-made activities promoting a higher fruit and vegetable intake should consider the present findings to achieve a bigger effect on behavioral changes among consumers.
Implementation aspects of radio spectrum monitoring and surveillance system in the VHF/UHF frequency band
Authors: Marinković-Nedelicki Verica , Radivojević Jovan , Petrović Predrag , Lebl Aleksandar
Published: August 2022

The radio system for very/ultra high frequency (VHF/UHF) spectrum monitoring and signal processing used in direction finding is presented in this paper. This main system function is based on the implementation of a 6-channel VHF/UHF radio signal receiver. The multicoupler unit allows selection of the desired signal frequency band for the analysis in the receiver. The system implementation is verified according to the user requirements. Several measured electrical characteristics of multicoupler unit and receiver are presented just to illustrate their possibilities for the full application. Besides, the menus for both devices management are briefly described.
Naturaleza jurídica del CETA. La afectación de los poderes constitucionales en los acuerdos de libre comercio de Canadá y la Unión Europea
Authors: López de Lerma Galán Jesús
Published: August 2022

Esta investigación analiza la afectación de los poderes constitucionales de Canadá en la firma de un acuerdo de libre comercio como el CETA. El acuerdo entre la Unión Europea y Canadá ha supuesto la eliminación de obstáculos y la realización de unas políticas complementarias internas entre países. El CETA es un acuerdo que tiene rasgos que lo dotan para ser un referente en la política de acuerdos con otros países, de ahí que sea tan relevante en el estudio científico de esta investigación. El trabajo se inicia con una retrospección histórica al constitucionalismo canadiense, para posteriormente centrarse en el comportamiento de los poderes ejecutivos y legislativos en la firma de este tipo de negociaciones. Canadá se caracteriza por haber establecido una determinación de reparto de poder entre las estructuras territoriales. La investigación reflexiona sobre la articulación de poderes y los controles jurisdiccionales en los tratados internacionales, estudiando si los acuerdos de libre comercio tienen como efecto una limitación de la capacidad legislativa o regulatoria que, en temas económicos, pueden tener los diferentes Estados de la Unión Europea en las negociaciones con Canadá.
Especialidades de la contratación local en la Ley 9/2017, de 8 de noviembre, de Contratos del Sector Público
Authors: Morata Casellas Hugo
Published: August 2022

La legislación de contratos del sector público se ha reformado sucesivamente por la exigencia de tener que adaptar nuestro derecho nacional a la normativa comunitaria, principalmente a las Directivas que se han ido aprobando en el seno de la Unión Europea. Estas Directivas han dado lugar a un panorama legislativo marcado por la denominada “Estrategia Europa 2020”, dentro de la cual, la contratación pública desempeña un papel primordial. Ahora bien, para que la transposición de la normativa europea a nivel de la Administración Local sea eficaz tiene que llevarse a cabo teniendo en cuenta las particularidades organizativas y de personal de los diferentes entes locales existentes en nuestro país. Este trabajo tiene como finalidad explicar las especialidades de la contratación pública de los entes locales haciendo hincapié en la conveniencia de una reforma de la legislación contractual para que los entes locales puedan aplicarla adecuadamente.
Inteligencia Artificial y los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible: Cooperación necesaria
Authors: Pernas Ciudad Elena
Published: August 2022

La inteligencia artificial es una tecnología disruptiva, que, aunque parece novedosa, lleva desarrollándose décadas. Su definición no es todavía única ni homogénea, y a pesar de ello ya se empiezan a percibir los riesgos que su aplicación puede suponer. Sin embargo, un ámbito en el que puede verse su potencialidad, es en la implementación de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible (ODS), que suponen un desafío para la década actual. En este artículo analizamos la interrelación, no exenta de cuestionamientos éticos y jurídicos, de la inteligencia artificial aplicada a la consecución de los ODS.
La buena fe en el orden jurisdiccional social. Exégesis normativa de un concepto infrapercibido
Authors: Luelmo Millán Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2022

La buena fe es un valor y un principio de excepcional relieve en el ordenamiento jurídico que tiene su base, en nuestra sociedad occidental, en el concepto del mismo nombre del Derecho Romano. Con origen en el ámbito de las relaciones privadas, se extiende actualmente a las más distintas esferas del ordenamiento jurídico y constituye el mayor soporte del mismo, suponiendo, en definitiva, la imprescindible relación del derecho con la ética, que debe presidir todos los actos del ser humano y de las instituciones creadas por éste. Trasladándonos al específico espacio procesal, y más concretamente, en el orden jurisdiccional social, la buena fe es aludida en repetidos preceptos de nuestra LRJS, unas veces expresamente y otras tácita, pero no por ello menos claramente, así como también otros conceptos que suponen su formulación a contrario sensu, como la mala fe, el abuso del derecho, el fraude de ley, la negligencia o la temeridad, refiriéndose no sólo a las partes litigantes sino también al propio legislador y el interés que presida la norma de aplicación y al órgano jurisdiccional concernido. Sin embargo, en frecuentes ocasiones la buena fe es entendida como un principio declarativo y como marco formal de la causa sin más trascendencia efectiva cuando es un concepto dinámico que es perfectamente exigible en cada caso específico si, de los textos defraudados se evidencia su ausencia, y es punible si se viola el espíritu de la norma, conduciendo, por reacción y después de la denuncia oportuna si no se aprecia de oficio, el debido efecto frente a su presunta evitación o su simple desatención, por lo que es muy necesario examinar el alcance de cada precepto y la dimensión específica en cada uno de este principio.
Análisis de la relación entre la triada oscura y estrategias de retención en relaciones románticas
Authors: Baeza Ugarte Carmen Gloria , Fernández Tapia Ana María
Published: August 2022

Analysis of the association between the dark triad and retention strategies in romantic relationships
Abstract: The present study assessed the fit of an explanatory model of partner retention strategies used by men and women in each of the profiles that make up the dark triad of personality in their long-term romantic relationships. Participants were 324 men and 370 women of Chilean nationality. All of them were in a stable relationship. Through an explanatory design with observable variables, we could demonstrate that narcissism would tend to the use of retention tactics that benefit the partner, while Machiavellianism would use a combination of beneficial and costly tactics. Psychopathy would be the most aggressive profile of the triad, using tactics that entail costs for the partner, even going as far as exercising sexual coercion. These results are similar in men and women. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed and new lines of research are suggested.
Keywords: Machiavellianism; narcissism; psychopathy; mate retention tactics; sexual coercion.
Resumen: El presente estudio evaluó el ajuste de un modelo explicativo de las estrategias de retención de pareja que utilizan hombres y mujeres en cada uno de los perfiles que componen la triada oscura de personalidad en sus relaciones románticas a largo plazo. Participaron en este estudio 324 hombres y 370 mujeres de nacionalidad chilena. Todos ellos presentaban una relación de pareja estable. A través de un diseño explicativo con variables observables, se evidencia que el narcisismo tendería a la utilización de tácticas de retención que confieren beneficios a la pareja; mientras que el maquiavelismo utilizaría combinadamente tácticas beneficiosas y costosas. La psicopatía sería el perfil más agresivo de la triada, utilizando tácticas que infringen costes a la pareja, llegando incluso a ejercer coerción sexual. Estos resultados son similares en hombres y mujeres. Se discuten las implicaciones teóricas y prácticas de estos resultados y se sugieren nuevas líneas de investigación.
Palabras clave: Maquiavelismo; narcisismo; psicopatía; tácticas de retención de pareja; coerción sexual.
Diferencias de género en variables asociadas a los trastornos alimentarios
Authors: Mendia Jara , Pascual Aitziber , Conejero Susana
Published: August 2022

Gender differences in variables associated with eating disorders
Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze gender differences in several variables involved in the development of eating disorders (ED): Overestimation of thinness, weight concerns, frequency of physical activity, dieting, subjective binge eating behavior, self-induced vomiting, domination that food has over a person’s life, and body image distortion. Participants were 544 young adults (278 women and 266 men) aged between 18 and 35 years. The Eating Attitudes Test and a series of ad hoc questions were administered. In general terms, women reported worse scores than men. These results highlight the need to design preventive strategies that are specific for women and men, aimed at both strengthening the acceptance of their own bodies and promoting a critical view of the imposed aesthetic model.
Keywords: Eating disorders; gender differences; women; men; body image; adults.
Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las diferencias de género en diversas variables implicadas en el desarrollo de los trastornos alimentarios (TA): sobrevaloración de la delgadez, preocupación por el peso, frecuencia con la que realiza ejercicio físico, realización de dieta, conducta de atracón subjetivo, práctica de vómito autoinducido, dominación que ejerce la comida sobre la vida de la persona y distorsión de la imagen corporal. Participaron 544 adultos jóvenes (278 mujeres y 266 hombres) con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 35 años. Se administraron el Eating Attitudes Test y una serie de preguntas elaboradas de forma ad hoc. Las mujeres, en general, presentaban peores puntuaciones que los hombres. Estos resultados dejan patente la necesidad de desarrollar estrategias preventivas específicas para mujeres y hombres, dirigidas tanto a reforzar la propia aceptación corporal como a fomentar una visión crítica del modelo estético corporal impuesto.
Palabras clave: trastornos alimentarios; diferencias de género; mujeres; hombres; imagen corporal; adultos.
Manual de psicología clínica de la infancia y la adolescencia: Bases para una nueva especialidad.
Authors: Belloch Amparo
Published: August 2022

Recensión del Manual de psicología clínica de la infancia y la adolescencia: Bases para una nueva especialidad, de Amaia Izquierdo-Elizo, Isabel Cuéllar-Flores y Diego Padilla Torres (Dirs.) (McGraw-Hill y AEPCP, 2021).
Usefulness of the double-guidewire technique for endoscopic procedures in the field of biliary and pancreatic diseases
Authors: Takenaka Mamoru , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: August 2022

The double-guidewire method has been increasingly used in endoscopic procedures for biliary and pancreatic diseases in recent years, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography-related procedures. In addition, double-lumen catheters with uneven distal and proximal lumen openings have been introduced, making it possible to easily create a double-guidewire situation, and the usefulness of the double-guidewire technique using uneven double-lumen cannulas has been widely reported. Although the advantages of using two guidewires depend on the particular situation and the appropriate use of the two guidewires, deepening the knowledge of the double-guidewire method will contribute greatly to troubleshooting in daily practice. In this review, the usefulness of the double-guidewire technique is discussed with respect to two main areas: selective insertion of guidewires and devices and biliary cannulation.
Molecular docking analysis of lupeol with different cancer targets
Authors:   Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Mother Theresa Post Graduate and Research Institute of Health Science, Pondicherry University, Puducherry-605006, India, Gunasekaran Mahalakshmi
Published: August 2022

Lupeol is one of the secondary metabolite (triterpenoid) present in many medicinally effective plants. It has numerous biological and pharmacological actions. Lupeol is found to have effective herbs and has immense biological activity against several diseases including its cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. In recent drug designing, molecular study of analysis is usually used for understanding the target and the ligand interaction. Therefore, it is of interest to document the molecular docking analysis data of lupeol with different cancer targets such as Caspase- 3, BCL-2, Topoisomerase, PTK, mTOR, H-Ras, PI3K, AKT. These molecular docking studies were carried out by using AutoDock tools 4.2 version software. Molecular docking analyses of lupeol with target protein were found to have good dock score and minimum inhibition constant. BCL-2, Topoisomerase, PTK, mTOR and PI3Kdocking studies showed the best binding energy inhibition constant and ligand efficiency. The in-silico molecular docking analysis showed that the lupeol having relatively good docking energy, affinity and efficiency towards the active macromolecule, thus it may be considered as good inhibitor of proliferating cancer cells. By this knowledge of docking results, the lupeol can be used as promising drug for anticancer activity.
Sustainable transport for border areas in the European Union
Authors: Więckowski Marek
Published: August 2022

This paper seeks to offer a critical discussion of conceptual ideas of sustainability that link transport with borderlands. In recent decades, European border regions have been subject to a steady process of transformation. New sustainable ideas are among the most important paradigms where the future development of borderlands is concerned, with transport considered key. In this paper, the author seeks to demonstrate the way in which sustainability has been characterised by environmental, economic and social aspects that each have their own special relevance to borderland development of transport.
The concept of agency in contemporary geographic reflection. Is it a step towards the narrative of agency of place?
Authors: Kotus Jacek
Published: August 2022

The study addresses two current issues in social geography: the modern reflection on the topic of agency and the possibility of introducing the notion of place agency. When discussing human-environment relations, geographers more often use the terms more-than-human or non-human beings and focus on the animal and plant worlds. However, the symmetrical or mutual relationship between humans and the natural environment can be linked to a question arises about the wider scope of the notion of place agency and understanding the phenomenon of place as an entity acting on its own rights.
Events in urban tourism – the case of Advent in Zagreb, Croatia
Authors: Sredanović Klara , Šulc Ivan
Published: August 2022

Research results provide an insight into the profile, motivation and activities of visitors of mid-size cities in Central Europe, using Advent in Zagreb, Croatia, as a case study. It is based on a questionnaire survey conducted on a sample of visitors of the event. The event that spread tremendously from 3 to 30 locations in the period 2010-2019, attracts mainly younger visitors with higher educational background, mostly from Croatia, Europe and East Asia, with a complex motivation. Two main groups of visitors are distinguished based on their travel distance, length of stay and motivation.
Methodological challenges of regional research on tourist traffic. A proposal for a systemic solution for the Podkarpackie Province
Authors: Szpara Krzysztof , Gierczak-Korzeniowska Beata , Stopa Mateusz
Published: August 2022

Research on tourist traffic is a major methodological challenge because a potential respondent is on the move and difficult to capture. There is a need to identify both tourists and one-day visitors. It is important to know motives for their arrival, forms of their stay, assessments of individual components of the tourist offer or consumer loyalty. In 2020, the Podkarpackie Province resumed the idea of regional research on tourist traffic. The aim of this article is to present the methodology of cyclical research of tourist traffic in the Podkarpackie Province. It uses the experience gained during the pilot studies conducted in 2020. The methodology and measurement tool contribute to the standardisation of tourism research in Poland at the provincial level. The proposed solutions activate and integrate various environments into the development of tourism in the region. They allow observation of changes in the structure of tourist traffic and evolution of tourists’ opinions and expectations. On the other hand, they are flexible in order to respond to changes in tourism. The solutions suggested in the methodology are to provide comprehensive and unique data which will facilitate an effective tourism policy at the regional level and can be used by businesses in the tourist industry
Satellite glia modulate sympathetic neuron survival, activity, and autonomic function
Authors: Mapps Aurelia A , Boehm Erica , Beier Corinne , Keenan William T , Langel Jennifer , Liu Michael , Thomsen Michael B , Hattar Samer , Zhao Haiqing , Tampakakis Emmanouil , Kuruvilla Rejji
Published: August 2022

Satellite glia are the major glial cells in sympathetic ganglia, enveloping neuronal cell bodies. Despite this intimate association, the extent to which sympathetic functions are influenced by satellite glia in vivo remains unclear. Here, we show that satellite glia are critical for metabolism, survival, and activity of sympathetic neurons and modulate autonomic behaviors in mice. Adult ablation of satellite glia results in impaired mTOR signaling, soma atrophy, reduced noradrenergic enzymes, and loss of sympathetic neurons. However, persisting neurons have elevated activity, and satellite glia-ablated mice show increased pupil dilation and heart rate, indicative of enhanced sympathetic tone. Satellite glia-specific deletion of Kir4.1, an inward-rectifying potassium channel, largely recapitulates the cellular defects observed in glia-ablated mice, suggesting that satellite glia act in part via K+-dependent mechanisms. These findings highlight neuron–satellite glia as functional units in regulating sympathetic output, with implications for disorders linked to sympathetic hyper-activity such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Alternation emerges as a multi-modal strategy for turbulent odor navigation
Authors: Rigolli Nicola , Reddy Gautam , Seminara Agnese , Vergassola Massimo
Published: August 2022

Foraging mammals exhibit a familiar yet poorly characterized phenomenon, ‘alternation’, a pause to sniff in the air preceded by the animal rearing on its hind legs or raising its head. Rodents spontaneously alternate in the presence of airflow, suggesting that alternation serves an important role during plume-tracking. To test this hypothesis, we combine fully resolved simulations of turbulent odor transport and Bellman optimization methods for decision-making under partial observability. We show that an agent trained to minimize search time in a realistic odor plume exhibits extensive alternation together with the characteristic cast-and-surge behavior observed in insects. Alternation is linked with casting and occurs more frequently far downwind of the source, where the likelihood of detecting airborne cues is higher relative to ground cues. Casting and alternation emerge as complementary tools for effective exploration with sparse cues. A model based on marginal value theory captures the interplay between casting, surging, and alternation.
Species-specific chromatin landscape determines how transposable elements shape genome evolution
Authors: Huang Yuheng , Shukla Harsh , Lee Yuh Chwen G
Published: August 2022

Transposable elements (TEs) are selfish genetic parasites that increase their copy number at the expense of host fitness. The ‘success’, or genome-wide abundance, of TEs differs widely between species. Deciphering the causes for this large variety in TE abundance has remained a central question in evolutionary genomics. We previously proposed that species-specific TE abundance could be driven by the inadvertent consequences of host-direct epigenetic silencing of TEs—the spreading of repressive epigenetic marks from silenced TEs into adjacent sequences. Here, we compared this TE-mediated local enrichment of repressive marks, or ‘the epigenetic effect of TEs’, in six species in the Drosophila melanogaster subgroup to dissect step-by-step the role of such effect in determining genomic TE abundance. We found that TE-mediated local enrichment of repressive marks is prevalent and substantially varies across and even within species. While this TE-mediated effect alters the epigenetic states of adjacent genes, we surprisingly discovered that the transcription of neighboring genes could reciprocally impact this spreading. Importantly, our multi-species analysis provides the power and appropriate phylogenetic resolution to connect species-specific host chromatin regulation, TE-mediated epigenetic effects, the strength of natural selection against TEs, and genomic TE abundance unique to individual species. Our findings point toward the importance of host chromatin landscapes in shaping genome evolution through the epigenetic effects of a selfish genetic parasite.
An optimized deep learning approach for suicide detection through Arabic tweets
Authors: Baghdadi Nadiah A. , Malki Amer , Magdy Balaha Hossam , AbdulAzeem Yousry , Badawy Mahmoud , Elhosseini Mostafa
Published: August 2022

Many people worldwide suffer from mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder (MDD), which affect their thoughts, behavior, and quality of life. Suicide is regarded as the second leading cause of death among teenagers when treatment is not received. Twitter is a platform for expressing their emotions and thoughts about many subjects. Many studies, including this one, suggest using social media data to track depression and other mental illnesses. Even though Arabic is widely spoken and has a complex syntax, depressive detection methods have not been applied to the language. The Arabic tweets dataset should be scraped and annotated first. Then, a complete framework for categorizing tweet inputs into two classes (such as Normal or Suicide) is suggested in this study. The article also proposes an Arabic tweet preprocessing algorithm that contrasts lemmatization, stemming, and various lexical analysis methods. Experiments are conducted using Twitter data scraped from the Internet. Five different annotators have annotated the data. Performance metrics are reported on the suggested dataset using the latest Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) and Universal Sentence Encoder (USE) models. The measured performance metrics are balanced accuracy, specificity, F1-score, IoU, ROC, Youden Index, NPV, and weighted sum metric (WSM). Regarding USE models, the best-weighted sum metric (WSM) is 80.2%, and with regards to Arabic BERT models, the best WSM is 95.26%.
Morphometric Analysis of Anterior Clinoid Process and Optic Strut: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Menasinkai Sharada B , Savitha V
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Anterior Clinoid Process (ACP) is a bony projection on the posterior border of lesser wing of sphenoid. It is related to optic nerve, internal carotid and ophthalmic arteries. Optic strut (OS) is a bony formation located between upper side of body and lesser wing of sphenoid bone. Aim: To observe the variations in length, width of ACP and location of optic strut on right and left side in dry skulls among South Indian population. Materials and Methods: An observational study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya, Karnataka, India, from August 2021 to December 2021. Total 37 dry skulls were collected from department and also from bone sets from first year MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) students. Various parameters (length, width of ACP, distance from tip of ACP and OS, distance between tips of ACP) were measured on both sides using digital vernier callipers. Independent t-test was applied to compare the means of different groups. Results: Mean width of ACP was 14.86±4.47 mm on right side and 12.71±3.13 mm on left side (p-value 0.019). Mean length was 12.45±2.85 mm on right side and 12.05±3.11 mm on left side (p>0.05). Mean distance from tip of ACP to optic strut was 9.48±2.86 mm on right side and 9.31±3.03 mm on left side (p>0.05).Distance between the tips of ACP ranged from 27.09±28.89 mm and mean was 26.29±3.77 mm. Optic strut was located at anterior two-fifth of ACP on right side in 17 (45.95%) and on left side in 14 (37.83%) of skulls. Conclusion: There was variation in mean width of ACP on right and left side. The knowledge will help in preoperative planning and preventing unnecessary injury to neurovascular structures present in vicinity of anterior clinoid process and optic strut.
Morphometry of the Crania and the Cranial Capacity in Dry Human Skull Bones- A Descriptive Analytical Study
Authors: Sathiya S , Karthikeyan A , Shwetha B
Published: August 2022

Introduction: The crania constitute the skull bones that are held together by sutures which determines the brain size and an individual's mental ability. The present study would help the forensic anthropologist differentiate sex and predict brain development by measuring the cranial capacity of an unknown skull. Aim: To determine the cranial morphometry and the endocranial capacity in dry human skull bones. Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytical study included 100 adult male and female dry human skull bones, procured from the Department of Anatomy, AMC&H (Annapoorana Medical College & Hospitals), Salem, Tamil Nadu, India, from July 2021 to December 2021.The linear parameters like cranial length, breadth were measured using a Spreading caliper, and cranial height was measured using an anthropometric rod. The cranial volume was measured by direct and calculated methods. Using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.0, the data obtained were analysed and a descriptive statistical analysis was done. The significance of parameters of male and female skulls was compared using the unpaired student ‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation test. Results: The cranial length, cranial capacity, and cephalic index showed statistically significant (p<0.05) differences between male and female skulls. The mean cranial length in male and female skulls were 174.11±7.07 mm, 168.84±9.36 mm, respectively, whereas the mean cranial breadth were 131.61±7.52 mm, 130.14±8.99 mm, respectively and the mean cranial height were found to be 126.53±6.59 mm, 125.12±8.17 mm, respectively. Using the direct method, the mean cranial capacity in male and female skulls was 1246.67±116.60 cc, 1191.63±83.23 cc, respectively. The mean cranial capacity in male and female skulls was found to be 1300.91±112.35 cc and 1245.51±79.93 cc, respectively obtained using the calculated method. Conclusion: The cranial capacity in the male skulls was significantly greater than the female skulls. This knowledge would help the anthropologists and forensic experts to use the anthropological examination in medico-legal cases to determine the sex, stature, and cranial capacity to expose the growth and development of the brain of an unknown individual.
Evaluating Thyroid Function in Paediatric Nephrotic Syndrome in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Northern India: A Case-control Study
Authors: Khajuria Koushal Kumar , Badyal Ashima
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) is a glomerular disease characterised by oedema, hypoalbuminaemia and substantial proteinuria, which includes loss of thyroxine binding globulin and thyroid hormones, often resulting in subclinical or overt hypothyroidism. Studies reporting on the relationship between NS and thyroid dysfunction elude consensus. Aim: To evaluate Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and lipid levels to identify clinical predictors of thyroid dysfunction in paediatric cases of NS. Materials and Methods: A hospital based case-control study was undertaken on 100 children, attending Paediatric Nephrology Clinic, from October 2020 to March 2021.Patients were divided into two groups: 50 cases under various stages of nephrotic syndrome, and 50 healthy controls in the age group of 1 to 18 years, of either gender. Investigations on serum creatinine, Haemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell count, platelet count, serum T3, T4, TSH, and blood lipids like: Triglyceride (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), were performed on all the children, and compared for analysis of corresponding data of cases and controls. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA test. Results: The mean age of the cases and controls was 12.6±4.2 and 11.8±4.0 years, respectively. Mean T3 value in the case group was 117±63 ng/dL, and in control was 176±95 ng/ dL (p=0.104). Mean T4 value among the case group (9.9±5.1 μg/dL) was significantly lower than that of controls (14.2±8.4 μg/dL) (p=0.016). The difference of TSH levels in the case group was 3.8±2.9 μIU/mL, and control was 2.5±2.2 μIU/mL (p<0.001). Hypothyroidism was observed in 9 (45%) children with first episode, 7 (53.84%) in remission, and 6 (60%) relapsed patients. Conclusion: Urinary losses of binding proteins such as Thyroxine Binding Globulin (TBG), transthyretin or prealbumin and albumin, may have caused lower levels of T3 and T4 and higher value of TSH. T3, T4 and TSH are important clinical predictors of thyroid dysfunction in patients with NS, therefore hypothyroidism should be investigated in all children with NS.
Cutaneous Manifestations Among Hospitalised COVID-19 Infected Children from Northern India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Dalal Ashish , Dhingra Arti , Jakhar Deepak , Janshruti . , Vaibhav . , Lohan Ritambhara , Sangwan Jyoti
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Novel Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Besides the systemic manifestations, muco- cutaneous involvement has also been reported with COVID-19. Reports suggest that the mucocutaneous manifestations may differ in children and adult patients. Aim: To describe the prevalence and characteristics of cutaneous manifestations among COVID-19 infected Children. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken in Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nuh, Haryana, India. Fifty SARS- CoV-2 positive children, admitted during the study period (between July, 2020 to December, 2020) and fulfilling inclusion criteria were screened for muco-cutaneous manifestations. Findings were recorded on a predesigned proforma. The data was statistically analysed and significant association between findings was recorded. Results: Total 50 (4.56%) children out of 1095 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test and were admitted in Isolation Ward. Male to female ratio was 3:2 in present study. Four children had cutaneous manifestation: maculopapular rash (3/50) and urticarial lesions (1/50). All four patients had mild to moderate severity of disease. None of the patient had mucosal involvement. Conclusion: Appearance of dermatological findings among 8% of COVID-19 positive children warrants that all COVID-19 positive children should be screened for cutaneous findings.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Platelet Indices as a Marker for Sepsis in Neonates: A Case-control Study
Authors: Gururaju Daasara , Parameshwarappa Navya N , Rao Anjana Hindupur , Rangappa Manjunathswamy
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Diagnosis of sepsis in neonates is challenging due to overlapping of signs and symptoms. Currently blood culture and sepsis screen are used for diagnosis. Blood culture is the gold standard but its usefulness is limited due to low positivity, delay in reporting. Sepsis screen has variable sensitivity and specificity. To overcome these limitations, platelet indices can be used in diagnosis. Aim: To assess platelet indices as a marker to diagnose neonatal sepsis and to calculate sensitivity and specificity of platelet indices in comparison to clinical symptoms, sepsis screen and blood culture. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted from June 2021 to November 2021 in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of tertiary care centre, Karnataka, India. Total of 198 neonates with signs and symptoms of sepsis and/or risk factors of sepsis were included. Weight and gestational age matched 198 healthy neonates served as control. Investigations include blood culture, sepsis screen and platelet indices were sent. Platelet indices were compared between cases and controls. Sensitivity and specificity of platelet indices were calculated in culture positive, screen positive and both negative groups. Data of both the groups were compared using Independent t-test and Chi-square test. Results: Demographic profile was homogenous between both study groups. Out of 198 cases, 145 (73.2%) had platelet count <1.5 lakhs, 132 (66.7%) had Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) >10.8 fl and 109 (55.05%) had Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) >19.1 fl. These values were statistically significant (p-value<0.001) when compared with controls. Statistically significant (p-value <0.001) difference was seen in mean of platelet count (1.3±0.7 lakhs/ cumm), MPV (10.7±0.8 fl), PDW (19.1±2.3 fl) and Plateletcrit (PCT) (0.1±0.1) between cases and controls. Platelet count was more sensitive (73.2%) and specific (81.3%) marker when compared between cases and controls. Conclusion: Platelet indices are cheaper and widely available markers in diagnosing neonatal sepsis. Thrombocytopenia, high MPV and high PDW were associated with neonatal sepsis.
Assessment of Factors Influencing the Positivity of Blood Culture by BacT/ALERT®3D Microbial Detection System: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Authors: Patel Riddhi , Patel Naimikaben , Patel Rupal
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Bloodstream Infections (BSI) are defined as the presence of living microorganisms in the blood. It is a systemic condition that can result in life-threatening sepsis, thus leading to high morbidity and mortality. Blood cultures have become critically important. Positive blood culture results can help a clinician’s early diagnosis and start empirical antimicrobial at the correct time. Today many laboratories use modern, automated, continuous-monitoring blood culture systems for the detection of bacterial growth for blood culture. At our hospital, blood culture is done by using automated detection in BacT/Alert instrument (Biomerieux, France). Aim: To determine the effect of a number of blood cultures and volume of blood on positivity rates, contamination rate in blood cultures, and rate of false-positive blood cultures. Materials and Methods: Present study was a cross-sectional observational study conducted from 1st May 2019 to 31st July 2019. Blood culture requests of all patients were included in the study. All blood culture bottles were processed as per standard laboratory protocols. The effect of a number of blood cultures and amount of blood volume on positivity rate, contamination rate, and false-positive blood cultures were studied in detail. The patient’s details and microbiological result parameters were extracted from Laboratory Information System (LIS). All the data was analysed in Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: A total of 761 blood culture bottles were received at the Microbiology laboratory from 604 patients. Maximum (30%) blood cultures were received from 0-10 years of age group. A total of 31% (236/761) of blood cultures were positive. The true pathogen positivity rate was 41.1% and the contamination rate was 58.9%. Single (74.4%) blood culture requests were more than two (25.3%) or three (0.3%) blood cultures. True pathogens were isolated in 9% (41/449) of single blood cultures and in 18% (56/306) of two blood cultures. Overall, 42% of blood cultures had adequate volume and 58% of blood cultures had inadequate volume. However, the true pathogen positivity rate was 14% (61/444) from bottles with inadequate volume and 11% (36/317) from bottles with adequate volume. Out of 236 positive blood cultures, 139 (59%) were identified as contaminants. A total of 5/761 (0.7%) blood cultures were identified as false positive blood cultures. Conclusion: Based on the study findings, a step should be taken to discourage single blood culture and to encourage multiple blood cultures for the diagnosis and better patient care. Although, volume of blood is important, inadequate volume did not affect true pathogen positivity rate in present study. Contamination rate of blood cultures is a major concern and regular training of the concerned staff regarding strict asepsis should be implemented.
Factors Influencing the Consumer Buying Behavior towards Alternate Forms of Sugar in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Vivek G. , Palanichamy N. Venkatesa , Murugananthi D. , Shivakumar K. M. , Balakrishnan M.
Published: August 2022

In today's world, people are more aware of the product they consumed. Consumers are mainly relying on their health consciousness. However, people nowadays shift their consumption towards the traditional forms of sugar as they have better nutritional compounds compared to the refined forms of sugar. Here sample respondents are taken based on the traceability of value chains of alternate forms of sugar (Jaggery and Khandsari sugar, Coconut sugar, and Palm sugar). The study was limited to 150 sample respondents in Erode, Tiruppur, Namakkal, and Coimbatore districts of Tamil Nadu where these sugars are transferred with all actors involved in the value chain with the help of markets.  Principal Component Analysis is used to analyze the major factor to influence the purchase of sugar. The approximate chi-square statistic (0.774) is also large (>0.50). These factors account for 66.43 percent of the variance in the data. The three components that have the Eigenvalue of 6.58, 2.17, and 1.20 showed the percentage of variance were 43.87, 14.50, and 8.05 respectively. Based on varimax rotation with Kaiser Normalisation, three factors have arrived. The major factors that influenced highly were Health and convenience factor (Issues in white sugar, taste, traditional sweetener, Health consciousness, and Quality), Branding (Price, service of the seller, texture, packaging, Colour, market cleaning, non-perishable and popularity) and the other factor influenced in a fewer way. The result of the study concluded that consumers were mainly oriented about their health conscious and shifting towards traditional based products. Promotional measures were taken to promote these kinds of sugar and aim to bring back the traditional forms of sugar with its innovative technology. Packaging may be improved with biodegradable bags.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of People Using the Crude Extract of Andrographis paniculata (Buem. f) Nees. (Acanthaceae) on Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: O. Ihuma J. , I. Famojuro T. , Ugbir J.
Published: August 2022

Data on Traditional Medicine Practice (TMP) in population with access to modern medicine is not clear, though, it has gained huge popularity in all regions of developing countries over decades. This research was conducted to investigate the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of people using Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees as a medical herb and the effects of the crude extracts on some microbial isolates. Quantitative-based cross-sectional survey was carried out on 100 participants around Auta-Baleifi and Bingham University communities through the use of structured questionnaires. Data collected from the participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The plant species leaves were collected, washed and extracted by boiling, soaking and macerating using distilled water. The crude extracts were tested for its antimicrobial activities on Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using ciprofloxacin as the control.  From the result of the KAP analysis, majority (36%) of the participants were between 19-28 years old, followed by 29 – 38 years (32%) and only 5% were 59 years and above . 91% of the participants have good knowledge of traditional medicine, while only 9% were not aware of the practice , 32.0% of the participant claimed that the use of traditional medicine preparation had no adverse effects as compared to modern medicine,, while larger percentage (68%), do not agree that traditional medicine is safer than modern medicine., 36% of the participants claimed to have used A. paniculata, a traditional herb, for one medicinal purpose or the other, while 54% said they have never used it, but may considered using it in future,. The population in Auta-baleifi and Bingham University communities has good knowledge with high acceptability of the use of traditional medicine. Although the result of the antimicrobial showed that the crude extracts of A. paniculata had no clear zone of inhibition against the test organisms, but the plant have demonstrated effective used in traditional medicine against symptoms very similar to that of malaria.
Micromorphological Study of Plant Fragments in Some Powdered Medicinal Plants Commercially Sold in Enugu Nigeria
Authors: C. Divine Anwuna , C. Felix Onyia , Paschaleen Onyemaechi , Christabel Ene , F. Chisom Iroka
Published: August 2022

Powdered samples of 10 medicinal plant species purchased from different herbal medicine sellers in markets across Enugu metropolis and Iwollo market in Ezeagu Local Government Area Enugu state Nigeria were studied anatomically in search of micomorphological characters to identify the original plants used in the preparation. Moistened head of the needle was used to transfer samples onto a labeled glass slide containing 1 - 2 drops of water and plant stains; covered with cover slip and warmed gently to remove air bubbles. Samples were observed under the microscope in search of intact whole tissues and cells which could be used to identify the species of plant. The main characteristics of the fragments recovered from the samples are, parenchyma cells, trichomes, sclereid tissue system and long, branching non-septate fibre as in E. sonchifolia, T. terrestis, P. santalinoides; stomata as in C. odorata; elaioplast/oil storing cells as in C. pallida and H. surattensis; and then sheath cells as in U. chamae. Two of the plant samples studied did not display structures clear enough to identify them; while one of the samples had some structures recovered but wasn’t helpful enough to identify the plant. Thus, the study suggested that an examination by microscopy can provide a form of identification of plants from processed plant materials.
Genetic Variability and Association of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Yield and Yield Components
Authors: Ramachary Puttoju , M. Lal Gaibriyal , R. Lavanya G. , Hemanth Chejerla Sai
Published: August 2022

The present study consists of 21 rice genotypes including one check variety that were evaluated in 2021 to study genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient for thirteen quantitative characters. Observation recorded to study the genetic variability parameters, correlation coefficient and path coefficient for yield and its attributing traits. On the basis of mean performance MTU-1224 was found to be superior in grain yield per hill followed by, BPT-329, KNM-118 and MTU-1001 to give higher yield over the check (NDR 359). High to moderate estimates of GCV and PCV were recorded for grain yield per plant followed by, harvest index, test weight, biological yield, number of spikelet per panicle, flag leaf width and number of total tillers. Grain yield indicated significant positive correlation with biological yield followed by harvest index and number of spikelet per panicle in terms of both phenotypic and genotypic level. Path coefficient analysis showed positive significant direct effects on number of spikelet’s per panicle, number of productive tillers, harvest index, test weight, panicle length, days to fifty percent flowering, flag leaf length and biological yield at genotypic level whereas it showed positive and significant direct effect for harvest index, biological yield., test weight, flag leaf width, number of productive tillers, number of spikelet’s per panicle and day to maturity at phenotypiclevel. Thus, these traits are identified as the efficient and potential for indirect selection for the improvement of rice productivity in the present experimental materials.
Effect of Different Soil Amendment Along with Mulching Material under Polyhouse Condition in Stawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) cv. Winter Dawn
Authors: Ralte Lalmuankimi , Singh Devi
Published: August 2022

An investigation was carried in experimental field of Department of Horticulture, SHUATS (October 2021- March 2022). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 19 treatments and each treatment replicated 3 times. The study revealed that maximum plant height (18.16 cm), number of leaves (15), maximum plant spread in N-S (21.11 cm ) and E-W (20.11 cm), minimum days taken to first flowering (36 days), maximum number of flowers/plant (20), minimum number of days to fruit setting (5.88), maximum total number of fruits/plant (16), berry length (42.27 mm), berry width (37.11 mm), berry weight (25.32 g), maximum yield/plant (371.95 g), maximum yield (q/ha) (165.31 g), lowest acidity (0.80%), highest vitamin-c (55 mg/100 g) and maximum benefit cost ratio (4.15) were observed under T17 (Vermicompost + Plastic mulch). Therefore, T17  (Vermicompost + Plastic mulch) showed best result as compared to other treatments.