bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of grafting on fatty acid profile and some physicochemical properties of watermelon seed and seed oil
Authors: Aydoğan-Coşkun B. , Ercan M. , Akbulut M. , Çoklar H. , Seymen M. , Yavuz D. , Kurtar E.S. , Yavuz N. , Süheri S. , Türkmen Ö.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of grafting on the fatty acid profile and some physicochemical properties of watermelon seed and seed oil. The ‘Crimson Tide’ cultivar was used as the scion while two wild watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (A1 and A2)), one Lagenaria siceraria (A3) and one Cucurbita maxima Duchesne x Cucurbita moschata Duchesne (A4) were used as rootstocks. The use of rootstock significantly influenced the fatty acid profile and the physical parameters of seeds and seed oils. The highest linoleic acid ratio was found in the seed oil from A1 and A2, the oil from A3 had the highest oleic acid ratio. The results showed that the content and acid value in seed oils were improved, and that total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of both seed and oil were decreased by grafting. Wild rootstocks can be used in watermelon cultivation to obtain a watermelon seed which is rich in linoleic acid.
Espoir et désespoir dans la fiction spéculative
Authors: Muñoz Ivan Cantero
Published: September 2022

Dans ce texte, la perspective de différents auteurs de fiction sur la conception de l’utopie et de la dystopie est explorée dans une réflexion sur l’évolution de l’idéologie politique et la mutabilité de la perspective du progrès dans le monde occidental. On examine aussi la façon dont cela peut offrir une carte des référents de la vision contemporaine des valeurs démocratiques et l’idée du futur en conjonction avec la relation entre la réalisation utopique et la peur de la dystopie dans la déontologie.
L’État, la multitude et la pandémie
Authors: Moreau Pierre-François
Published: September 2022

La crise de la pandémie révèle un déchaînement d’irrationalité, l’impuissance et l’autoritarisme des États, la transgression des règles scientifiques et l’inégalité sociale face à la maladie. La conception spinoziste de la raison et des affects permet de mieux comprendre ces phénomènes. L’irrationalité n’est pas une simple caractéristique des citoyens ignorants. Elle est aussi produite par le mode de gouvernement lorsque l’État s’attribue le monopole de la science et de la rationalité en réduisant celles-ci à leurs formes extérieures. Cette rationalité vidée de son contenu constitue une nouvelle forme, plus moderne, de superstition.
Separate and Still Unequal
Authors: Kwende Melissa F. , Bourgeois Jennifer Wyatt , Henderson Howard , Scott Julian
Published: September 2022

This chapter will examine the disproportionate rate of minority school suspensions relative to race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, grade level, and school population size. Although Black students account for 20% of the school population for this chapter's study, the rate of in-school discipline for Black students far exceeded the rates for White and Hispanic students. Notably, the authors find that race, gender, socioeconomic status, and grade level are correlated with the disproportionate disciplinary practices imposed upon minority students regardless of grade level. In this chapter, the authors review the previous research on race, gender, poverty, grade level, and school discipline before laying out their methodological approach for understanding suspension disparities. After analysis, they conclude with recommendations for improvement.
Students' Self-Directed Learning Techniques and Attitudes Toward Online English Language Learning
Authors: Aloka Peter J. O.
Published: September 2022

The chapter analyzed published studies on self-directed learning and attitudes toward online learning of English as a foreign language in classrooms. By adopting a conceptual review framework, the results revealed that self-directed learning project is an effective learning strategy for students who learn foreign languages because this could result in improvements in knowledge domain, metacognitive skills, and motivation. However, few researches showed that learners' SDL is very weakly associated with their grades, with their SDL being unable to predict their ultimate achievement. The results from studies in developed countries indicate that students' attitudes towards online learning are generally positive, but in developing countries, the attitudes are generally negative in the beginning phases. The study recommends that teachers of English as foreign language should create more space in schools for activities that develop students' creative thinking skills.
EFL Teachers' Challenges and Coping Strategies in Emergency Remote Teaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alhammadeh Al Issa Hafez , Kairouz Hazem , Yuksel Dogan
Published: September 2022

Kuwait is one of the countries whose educational systems have suffered deeply following the governmental precautionary procedures which enforced the closure of schools to restrict the breakout of the virus. Affected dramatically by the consequences of the pandemic, this chapter focused on the challenges, strategies, and responses of English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers about the problems that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings revealed that the greatest challenges they faced during online teaching were assessing students and keeping them involved during classes, teaching the writing skill, time constraints, and technical problems. Moreover, teachers showed low levels of difficulty in managing their online classrooms because of the support and cooperation of school administrations regarding students' behavior in online lessons.
Embracing the Indefinable
Authors: Thaller Sarah
Published: September 2022

This chapter explores the indefinable nature of comics as an avenue for composition in secondary English classrooms. Embracing the indefinable presents an opportunity for students to express their knowledge, analysis, and interpretations without confines of alphabetic text. Students must not only consider what they want to convey, but what comic medium would most effectively suit their purpose. They must master rhetorical strategy. Comic composition is reflective of students' identities and allows for all students, regardless of fluency in English or any other possible hindrance in an English classroom, to express their learning and demonstrate and connect with course content. This chapter explores the practical use of comic-composition in the secondary English classroom, and specifically advocates for educators to expand their definitions of comics and embrace the indefinable. By removing the constraints of English from an English classroom, the authors see the potential for accessible, equitable, and culturally-responsive education for all students.
Type Five and Beyond
Authors: Holt Jon Patrick
Published: September 2022

Great is the need now for structure in comics-studies pedagogy, especially for Japanese manga, given the growth of comics-studies and pop-culture programs at North American colleges. Although teaching manga can be supported using any number of English-based texts, instructors will want to explore target-culture resources, such as those by Natsume, Yomota, and other Japanologists. Texts specific to Japan can improve student comprehension and interpretation of manga. The author describes methods of teaching manga using comparative analysis resources from their Japanese culture classroom. Based on experiences there, they show the use the ideas of Japanese scholars for formal analysis in order to enhance discussions of the manga page, including topics of panels, onomatopoeia, and genre conventions. American comics heavily stress sequentiality, but manga use pages, panels, and words differently to emphasize mood. By preparing for the manga classroom differently, we can offer our students tools specific to expand discussions of Japanese culture.
Comics and Community
Authors: Martin Justin , Killian Mark , Letizia Angelo
Published: September 2022

The authors use the setting, text, and form of comics to explore the relationship between society, education, and citizenship. The relationship is explored through analyses rooted in three distinct disciplines and applied to three superheroes whose narratives are often rooted in the communities in which they live: sociology (Daredevil and Hell's Kitchen), psychology (Black Panther and Wakanda), and citizenship education (Batman and Gotham). Collectively, these analyses highlight the potential of an interdisciplinary investigation of comics for providing opportunities for educators, researchers, and laypersons to (re)imagine what it means to live in a community with others. After the superheroes (and comics) are discussed within their respective analytical frames, implications for educators and researchers will be discussed. The chapter concludes with suggestions for using comics to aid in students' formulation and articulation of evidence-based, well-reasoned arguments about matters related to (re)imagined communities and citizenship education.
Making Meaning of Maturity Ratings in Manga
Authors: Perez Alexandria B.
Published: September 2022

The researcher completed a qualitative multimodal content analysis of teen manga that examines how adolescents are portrayed within manga and as the intended audience. An analytical tool was developed using multimodal, semiotic, social semiotic, and youth lenses to understand representations of adolescents in teen manga for the publishing company Viz Media. The rating system Viz Media uses to label its manga is used to identify what is in the contents of the stories. The researcher discovered that some manga are not rated correctly based on how Viz Media defines teen manga. Further, depictions of adolescents are potentially problematic due to various factors including the mistreatment of adolescents by adults, toxic masculinity, and sexism.
Leading and Managing in Times of Crises
Authors: Johnson Beverley Icilda
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this mixed method parallel/convergent research was to ascertain educators' perspectives of and responses to COVID 19 in the Jamaican education system and assess its state of readiness for online teaching and learning. It further sought to provide critical insights on the lessons learned in crisis management and steps required to propel Jamaica into a future of robust online teaching and learning. The findings revealed that while most educators owned their own devices, had internet connectivity, and could satisfactorily navigate the various online platforms, there were issues with the level and scope of training and support they received. Further, the major drawback was the low number of students that were able to access the online space. This undeniably indicates greater need for effective leadership and management especially in times of crises. So, the major recommendations were for continuous professional development in crisis management and other areas as well as resource support to be offered so that the most vulnerable students can benefit equitably.
Sustainable Sources of Reducing HR Costs in the Pandemic Time
Authors: Florea Nicoleta Valentina , Ionescu Constantin Aurelian , Manea Marinela Daniela , Zamfir Mariana , Coman Mihaela Denisa , Stanescu Sorina Geanina
Published: September 2022

In a world where use of technology is not an option but a necessity, where new forms of work appear constantly, where change is everywhere and people must keep their distance from each other due to the pandemic, organizations must adapt and use new processes governed by using new technologies. In a sustainable environment, e-recruitment and non-financial compensations become the new tools to maintain performance and lower costs during a pandemic. Using bibliometric analysis, regression function, and correlation matrix, the authors obtained results for Romania and the top three countries, which indicated that e-recruitment is influenced by the use of the internet and availability of computers and productivity; the relations and the correlation between the analyzed variables are measured using simulation and mathematical modeling. The results indicate that there are benefits for individuals, for organizations, and also for environmental protection.
Experiences of Digital Survey Data Applied for the Involvement of Societal Smart-Users in Cultural Heritage Awareness
Authors: Parrinello Sandro , De Marco Raffaella
Published: September 2022

Heritage accessibility has been highlighted as a fundamental condition to convey multi-sphere values (social, artistic, economic, territorial), necessary for assigning the label of cultural heritage. Similarly, it permits to include new frontiers of educational processes for smart communities within digital data and VR systems developed from 3D survey actions. In this way, digital technologies can convey the societal challenge to evaluate the efficacy of cultural heritage communication beyond the in-situ physical experience, assessing the learning impact of virtual heritage environments. The scientific research on the production of effective heritage learning objects, from the EU project PROMETHEUS, is presented, enhancing opportunities of communication and virtual smart-fruition for sites along cultural heritage routes. Sites' virtual models are joined to physical prototypes to increase awareness and sustainable knowledge from the users' interactions with digital heritage.
A Review on Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Some Medicinal Plants in Animal Model
Authors: Jain Priyanka Vinodbhai , Ujjaliya Nitin , Mandloi Shweta
Published: September 2022

Inflammation is a protective response that develops against tissue injury and infection. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is the root cause of the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disorders, including cancer. The currently available anti-inflammatory drug therapy is often not successful or causes intolerable side effects. Therefore, the search for anti-inflammatory drugs without side effects has become a dream and ongoing effort of the Pharma companies. The concept and treatment of inflammation are described under Shotha and Shwayathu Chikitsa in Ayurveda. The concept of ama explains the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation. This review includes the anti-inflammatory activity of some medicinal plants in acute and chronic inflammatory animal models. Data were collected from existing articles on anti-inflammatory studies from various search engines. Here, a brief overview of some medicinal plants having anti-inflammatory activity along with their doses, used part extract, used animal model, and the result is provided. In this review, it was found that the majority of the selected plants have more or similar effects in comparison to standard drugs, indicating that medicinal plants have significant anti-inflammatory potential. This overview will attract the interest of investigators aiming at the design of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions.
A Clinical Study of Grahaninigraha Churna in the Management of Grahani Roga with Special Reference to Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Rawat Sunita , Padhar Bharatkumar Chhaganbhai , Meena HML , Mutha Rashmi , Bhatnagar Anu , Sasane Prashant Uttam , Meena Mahendra Singh
Published: September 2022

Background:

Clinical manifestation of Grahani Roga is similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The prevalence of IBS varies from 11% to 14% in India. Due to the wide spectrum of diseases, much prevalence in society, and lack of effective medicines, the disease has been chosen for the trial.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to study the efficacy of Grahaninigraha Churna in the management of Grahani Roga (IBS).

Materials and Methods:

Twenty clinically diagnosed patients were selected and administered Grahaninigraha Churna – 4 g two times a day with buttermilk after meal for 30 days.

Study Design:

It was a single-center, open-label clinical study.

Results:

Improvement in Muhurbadhdmmahurdravm (alternative loose motion and constipation) and Ajirna (indigestion) was 64.91% and 50.00%, respectively, which was statistically highly significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Grahaninigraha Churna is effective in the management of Grahani Roga (IBS).
Evaluation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Discontinuation Initiative in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia at Princess Noorah Oncology Center
Authors: Noor Afnan Mohammed , Khan Mansoor Ahmed , Al-Thomali Muteb M. , Alnatsheh Abdelmajid H. , Absi Ahmed A. , Hakami Fahad M. , Alshamrani Majed A.
Published: September 2022

CONTEXT:

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the standard of care therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The current disadvantages of lifelong treatment include adverse effects and financial burden.

AIMS:

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of treatment-free remission (TFR) in CML patients.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in our oncology center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

Patients ≥18 years old diagnosed with CML, received TKI and had a TFR trial to achieve TFR, with at least 6 months follow-up, and who received TKIs were included. Patients with a previous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were excluded. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with sustainable TFR at 6 months. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients with sustainable TFR at 12 months, the rate of regaining a major molecular response (MMR) after relapse, and the cost-saving impact. Descriptive statistics were used for the demographics and outcomes.

RESULTS:

A total of 250 patients were screened for eligibility, 25 patients were enrolled. The median age was 54 years (interquartile range: 45.5–59), 60% were female. TFR was 92% at 6 months and 72% at 12 months. 100% of the patients regained MMR. The total number of TFR days were 17,024 which resulted in a direct cost saving of SR 7,205,601.9, based on Saudi FDA pricing.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study indicated that the majority of the CML patients achieved 6 months TFR. This initiative has resulted in a significant cost saving. Future studies should characterize potential candidates for TKI discontinuation.
Transfusion-Dependent Anemia, and Cytopenia Secondary to Parvovirus B19 Infection as the First Manifestation of X-Linked Hyper Immunoglobulin M Immunodeficiency Syndrome in Two Male Patients in Their Third Decade of Life
Authors: El-Haddad Hadel , Khan Eman Ahmed , El-Hemaidi Ihab , Absi Ahmed
Published: September 2022

We describe two male patients with unique mutation of the CD40L gene, unlike the classic presentation of X-linked hyper immunoglobulin M immunodeficiency syndrome (XHIGM syndrome), both were healthy until presenting in their early twenties with a challenging symptomatic transfusion-dependent anemia, investigations confirmed XHIGM syndrome with concurrent chronic parvovirus infection.
Approaches to Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Management in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlHejazi Ayman , AlBeihany Amal , AlHashmi Hani , Alzahrani Hazzaa , Motabi Ibraheem H. , El-Hemaidi Ihab , Alsaleh Khalid , El Tayeb Khaled , Rabea Magdy , Khallaf Mohamed , Qari Mohammad Hasan
Published: September 2022

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) is a life-threatening microangiopathy usually characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemic, thrombocytopenia, and end-organ ischemia associated with disseminated microvascular platelet-rich thrombi and severe deficiency (activity <10%) of A Disintegrin-like And Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin Type 1 Motif No. 13 (ADAMTS13). It is a medical emergency, and if left untreated, acute mortality is as high as 90%. This review article is a narrative review based on available literature. In addition, the key discussions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia experts and members of “Approaches to aTTP Management” Advisory Board meeting held on October 16, 2020, have been incorporated as expert opinions. It was agreed that treatment should be started based on the presumptive diagnosis and continued until remission or an alternate diagnosis is established. Use of caplacizumab in addition to therapeutic plasma exchange and immunosuppression is recommended in confirmed aTTP episodes.
Cold Agglutinin Disease in COVID-19 Causing Severe Intravascular Hemolysis
Authors: Priyadarshini Sarah Grace , Pasupulati Sreelakshmi
Published: September 2022

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a distinct type of acquired immune hemolytic anemia. It can be idiopathic (primary) or secondary to infections, neoplasms and autoimmune diseases. Mycoplasma pneumonia and EBV are the infections commonly associated with secondary CAD. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, there are very few case reports showing an association between CAD and COVID-19.
Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy Medicines as an Adjuvant in the Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Javed Danish , Dixit Ashish Kumar , Mukherjee Sukhes , Anwar Sana , Giri Nibha
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives:

Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH); India's traditional medical system has made significant contributions to COVID-19. However, the results of controlled trials were mixed. To reach factual conclusions, we conducted systematic study and meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods:

An exhaustive literature search on COVID-19 and AYUSH was conducted using electroinic databases such as PubMed/Medline, CAM-QUEST, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials since inception to February 2022. Pooled estimates of the parameters were assessed in terms of standard mean difference (SMD) and relative risk (rr) using RevMan software. Risk of bias (RoB) in individual studies and across studies was assessed through Cochrane tool of bias and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, respectively.

Results:

A total of 13 studies out of 650 articles were considered for the meta-analysis. Combined therapy showed greater effect to recovery rate and period (RR = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.11–0.55] P = 0.0007) (mean differences [MD] = −2.29, 95% CI − 4.62–0.04, P = 0.05), respectively. Cycle threshold value of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (MD = −2.16, 95% CI − 2.90– −1.43, P < 0.00001), interleukin (IL)-6 (MD = −0.31, 95% CI − 0.57 –−0.05, P = 0.02), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (MD = −3.38, 95% CI − 4.25 – −2.51, P < 0.00001), lactate dehydrogenase (MD = −1.97, 95% CI − 2.57 to − 1.38, P < 0.00001). In homeopathy preventive trial, lesser number of occurrences of events were found (odds ratio = 0.12, 95% CI 0.03–0.47, P = 0.002). RoB was unclear.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 may benefit from AYUSH interventions as an adjunct. High-quality randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate and validate this.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of cancer risks in relation to environmental waste incinerator emissions: a meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies
Authors: Baek Kiook , Park Jong-Tae , Kwak Kyeongmin
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVES: Various toxic substances can be generated from incinerators, exposing nearby residents, and epidemiological studies have shown wide variations in risk estimates for cancer risk in populations living close to incinerators.METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search and systematic review were conducted to identify studies conducted on general populations exposed to environmental incinerator emissions and cancer outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed according to the cancer types for which 2 or more studies were reported. Subgroup analysis was done for sex, the exposure estimation method, the study period, and the type of outcome.RESULTS: Eleven studies were found for the qualitative review and meta-analysis. Seven studies had a case-control design, and 4 had a cohort design. The pooled effect size was not significant for breast, colorectal, liver, lung, lymphohematopoietic, stomach, bladder, central nervous system, and laryngeal cancers, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, sarcoma, leukemia, and all cancers. In the subgroup analysis, the pooled effect size of laryngeal cancer in females was 1.82 (95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 3.01), although only 2 studies were identified.CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis did not provide evidence of an increased risk for any cancer among populations living near waste incinerators, except for laryngeal cancer in females. However, since relatively few studies were reviewed and some cancer types showed significant increases in individual studies, this evidence needs to be updated regularly.
Disuse of Spaces and Discard of Artefacts During the Abandonment of Erimi-Laonin Tou Porakou
Authors: Villani Andrea
Published: September 2022

The aim of this paper, starting from the analysis of the assemblage and stratigraphy of the unburned rooms, is to analyse the possible discard and disuse processes during the planned and gradual abandonment at Erimi-Laonin tou Porakou (Cyprus). Scholars note how the decision to leave objects when a place is abandoned depends on multiple factors, from functional reasons to ritual practices. At Erimi some markers suggest a possible intentional closure treatment of parts of the site in which it is possible to recognise a mix of functional and symbolic abandonment behaviours.
Adopting the inclusive conservation approach to ensure a sustainable future for people and biodiversity
Authors: Ngumi Victoria Wambui , Waithaka John
Published: September 2022

No Abstract.
The Environments of Ageing
Authors: Peace Sheila
Published: September 2022

Providing the first UK assessment of environmental gerontology, this book enriches current understanding of the spatiality of ageing. It contextualises personal experience in national and local spaces and places, considers the value of intergenerational and age-related living and global to local concerns for population ageing in light of COVID-19.
A Political History of Child Protection
Authors: Hyslop Ian Kelvin
Published: September 2022

Exploring the current and historical tensions between liberal capitalism and indigenous models of family life, Ian Kelvin Hyslop argues for a new model of child protection in Aotearoa New Zealand and other parts of the Anglophone world.
Analysing the Trust-Transparency Nexus
Authors: Stafford Ian , Cole Alistair , Heinz Dominic
Published: September 2022

Drawing on fieldwork from the UK, France and Germany, this volume addresses the relationship between trust and transparency in the context of multi-level governance.
Hunger, Whiteness and Religion in Neoliberal Britain
Authors: Power Maddy
Published: September 2022

Exploring why food aid exists and the deeper causes of food poverty, this book addresses neglected dimensions of traditional debates. It challenges neoliberal governmentality and shows how food charity maintains inequalities of class, race, religion and gender.
The Policing Mind
Authors: Miller Jessica K.
Published: September 2022

How does it feel to be a police officer? Jessica Miller uses the most recent neuroscience and real-life examples to explore risks to individual resilience. A compulsory read for anyone with an interest in policing, the book offers practical resilience techniques and policy recommendations for police officers facing crime in a post-COVID world.
The New Constructivism in International Relations Theory
Authors: McCourt David M.
Published: September 2022

Tracing constructivist work on culture, identity and norms within the historical, geographical and professional contexts of world politics, this book makes the case for new constructivist approaches to international relations scholarship.
Minority Ethnic Prisoners and the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Brandon Avril , Dingwall Gavin
Published: September 2022

This insightful book identifies the risks posed by prison lockdowns to minority ethnic prisoners, foreign national prisoners and prisoners from Traveller and Roma communities who are disproportionately represented in prisons across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Experiments in Automating Immigration Systems
Authors: Maxwell Jack , Tomlinson Joe
Published: September 2022

Identifying a pattern of risky experimentation with automated systems in the Home Office, this book outlines precautionary measures that are essential to ensure that society benefits from government automation without exposing individuals to unacceptable risks.
Current issues of protection of reproductive health in population residing in cold climate regions (literature review)
Authors: Borisova Daria S. , Chashchin Valerii P.
Published: September 2022

Relevance. 40% of the total number of employees are constantly or periodically engaged in work in open areas and in unheated industrial premises. Given that more than 70% of the country’s territory is in cold climate areas, the tasks of preserving their health are a priority. The original articles on the assessment of adverse effects of natural and climatic factors in cold climate regions on the reproductive health of the population, presented in databases and information systems: RSCI, CyberLeninka, Scopus, Web of Science and meeting the criteria for compliance with the stated purpose and quality of research, were analyzed. A significant part of reproductive losses has been proven to be related to the exposure to a number of occupational risk factors; however, workers’ engagement in outdoor operations with a higher risk of cold stress in combination with other factors remains one of the least studied problems of preventive medicine. Considering more than 70% of the country’s territory to be represented by cold climate regions, where up to 40% of the total workforce are permanently or periodically engaged in outdoor works and in unheated industrial premises, the protection of their health is a national priority. A total of two hundred three full-text publications were identified by targeted search, of which 132 fully met these inclusion criteria. Conclusion. As a result of a systematic review of published works available in national and international bibliographic indexing systems, including the results of our own research, engagement in work operations in cold climate regions has been proved to be associated with the risk of functional overstrain of most human life-supporting systems leading to health impairments. To date, there have been identified a significant number of occupational risk factors including chemical, physical, biological, psycho-emotional and ergonomic ones that might induce adverse effects on the reproductive health of women and men such as acute and chronic damage to reproductive functions, fetal development impairment and increased early perinatal mortality. At the same time, the role of cooling weather and climatic factors in the occurrence of such disorders, primarily among workers who systematically perform work operations outside heated industrial premises in cold climate regions there is least studied.
Evaluation of the combined effects of noise and vibration on the levels of stress hormones and behavioral responses in animals
Authors: Kriyt Vladimir E. , Sladkova Yuliya N. , Reinyuk Vladimir L. , Pyatibrat Aleksandr O.
Published: September 2022

Introduction. The occupation of firefighters refers to extreme activities. When performing professional tasks, firefighters are exposed to the combined effects of a complex of adverse factors, among which noise and vibration occupy an important place, while vibration significantly promotes the negative effect of noise. Noise is also one of the most common stress factors that characterize extreme conditions for firefighters. The results of experiments on animals, which are the simplest human biomodel, are of great importance in their study. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on 86 outbred white male rats of 3 months of age, weighing 230-250 g. The rats were divided into 2 groups: the first group (43 rats) was exposed to a single exposure to noise and vibration, the second group (43 rats) was exposed to daily exposure for 14 days. The procedure for vibroacoustic exposure was performed daily for 4 hours at noise and vibration levels as close as possible to the loads encountered in real conditions when firefighters perform occupational tasks. Changes in the levels of the three main stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol) and behavioral characteristics of animals were assessed using the Open Field, Elevated Plus Maze, and Porsolt Test methods. Limitations. The number of animals in the study groups should be at least 10 individuals, the spread in the initial body weight should not exceed 10%. The study was limited to the study of the main indicators of behavioral responses using 3 methods and 3 main stress hormones. Results. The data obtained indicate the vibroacoustic effect on animals to cause a change in hormone levels and indicators of behavioral reactions, which is manifested by an increase in the level of anxiety, a decrease in motor and exploratory activity, and the development of depressive-like states. In the group of a single vibroacoustic exposure, these indicators are restored to the background values in a day, while in the group of multiple vibroacoustic exposure, they remain changed. Conclusion. The data obtained make it possible to study the long-term effects of vibration and noise on the body of firefighters.
Working conditions and the state of health in teachers of secondary schools (literature review)
Authors: Pankov Vladimir A. , Katamanova Elena V. , Slivnitsyna Natalya V. , Beigel Elena A. , Pavlov Alexey D. , Vinokurova Anna S.
Published: September 2022

Modern studies point to extremely low indicators of the teachers’ physical and mental health as an occupational group. Literature data shows that teachers of general educational organizations can be classified as workers who are subject not only to occupational stress, but also to the influence of factors of the labour process that do not meet hygienic standards. According to the severity of the labour process, due to being in a standing position up to 80% of the lesson time, their work belongs to the harmful class 1 degree (class 3.1), in terms of tension, due to intellectual, emotional, and sensory loads - to harmful working conditions 1-2 degree (class 3.1.-3.2). Analyses of teachers’ health showed that out of 40% of employees has had pathology required outpatient examination and treatment during initial examination, and almost 50% of the examined teachers needed dispensary observation. Diseases of the eye and adnexa (43.6%), diseases of the respiratory system (36%), diseases of the digestive system (31.1%) are leading in the structure of morbidity. According to medical documentation, the most often detected morbidities are diseases of the cardiovascular system (35.6%), diseases of the digestive system (15.9%), and diseases of the genitourinary system (11.8%). An increase in the number of diseases with age and length of service was noted. In addition, with an increase in teaching experience, there is a gain in maladjustment processes and psychopathological states of a neurotic or psychopathic nature. Information was collected using the databases Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, RSCI, Cyberleninka.
İmâmiyye Şîası’nda İlelü’l-Hadîs İlmi ve Zayıf Hadisle Münasebeti
Authors: KUTLUAY İbrahim
Published: September 2022

Zâhiren sahih görünen hadisin isnad ya da metnindeki inkıta, irsal, tedlîs, idrac, iklab, teâruz, tashîf gibi gizli ve kapalı kusurları inceleyen bir ilim olan ilelü’l-hadîsin, hadis ilimleri içinde önemli bir yeri bulunmaktadır. Bu ilimde söz sahibi olabilmek için hadis râvilerinin hâllerine, isnadlara ve hadis metinlerine vukûfiyetin yanı sıra, güçlü bir hafıza, tecrübe ve uzmanlık gerekmektedir. Erken dönemden itibaren Ehl-i sünnet âlimleri bu ilme ehemmiyet vermiş ve bu alanda kıymetli eserler telif etmişlerdir. Ehl-i sünnet’e nisbetle Şiî ulemânın ilelü’l-hadîs konusuyla daha az ilgilenmesi dikkat çekicidir. Şîa hadis usulü eserlerinde, Ehl-i sünnet kaynaklarında ilelü’l-hadisle ilgili verilen bilgiler büyük ölçüde tekrar edilmiştir. Bu ilmi, sadece Şîa hadis kaynakları üzerinden örneklerle inceleyen yeterli çalışma bulunmamaktadır. Dolayısıyla bu çalışma; illet ve ilelü’l-hadîs konusunda Ehl-i sünnet ve Şîa arasında bir fark olup olmadığını, cerh ve taʻdîl ilmi sayesinde tesbit edilen zayıf hadis ile ilelü’l-hadis ve muallel hadisin münasebetini, Şîa’da ilelü’l-hadîs konusunda nispeten az çalışma yapılmasının sebeplerini konu edinmektedir. Bu çerçevede Şiî âlimler tarafından telif edilen hadis usulü eserlerinde verilen bilgiler ve ilelü’l-hadîs konusunda telif edilmiş az sayıdaki eser esas alınarak Şîa’nın ilelü’l-hadîs ilmine bakışı değerlendirilecek ve büyük ölçüde Tûsî’nin Tehzîbü’l-ahkâm’ı ile sınırlı olarak illetin sebebi ve illetli hadislerin nasıl tesbit edildiği üzerinde durulacaktır. Literatür taraması ve bilgilerin analizinin metot olarak benimseneceği çalışmada illet ve ilelü’l-hadîs konusu, Sünnî usûl ve ilel kaynaklarındaki bilgilerle Şîa kaynakları mukayese edilerek Ahbârî ve Usûlî ekollerin illet konusuna yaklaşımları değerlendirilecektir.
Significant Factors in Agile Software Development of Effort Estimation
Authors: Sudarmaningtyas Pantjawati , Mohamed Rozlina
Published: September 2022

The Agile effort estimation involves project-related and people-related factors. This research objective is to find the factors that influence Agile effort estimation significantly through path analysis using a structural equation model. This research built an agile effort estimation path coefficient model from six constructs from theories and previous studies. Project-related factors represent by requirement and design implementation constructs. People-related factors are measured by the construct of experience, knowledge, and technical ability. The last construct is the effort itself. SmartPLS is employed for the confirmatory composite analysis and the structural model assessment. The confirmatory composite analysis indicated that all constructs are reliable and valid. Furthermore, the structural model assessment found that all factors of project-related constructs have a positive relationship and significant influence, showing a coefficient path value of 59.1% between requirement and design implementation constructs. All constructs represent people-related factors indicated by the coefficient path value of 67% between experience and knowledge, 42.6% between experience and technical ability, and 54.4% between knowledge and technical ability. In addition, all constructs proved influential simultaneously to effort by 31.1%. Positively contribute provided by requirement, experience, and technology’s ability. Significantly influenced provided by constructs of the developer’s knowledge and technical ability. The largest effect is given by technical ability, knowledge, and experience on medium and small scales. Contrarily, both constructs from project-related effects can be negligible because there was no influence. Based on the result, this study concludes that the significant factors in Agile effort estimation are technical ability, knowledge, and experience.
Antenatal Care Utilization of Mothers in Selected Cities in Bicol Region: A Quantitative Study
Authors: Sande Mary Joy B.
Published: September 2022

Background. Antenatal Care (ANC) is an essential mandatory preventive care service freely given to pregnant women by the Philippine government. Despite the available ANC services in the country, not all pregnant women still avail of the service.Objective. The study determined the socio-demographic profile of mothers, their ANC services utilization, and the different problems encountered during their antenatal care.Methods. A descriptive research design was used. Purposive sampling was employed to identify the population of the study: women of reproductive age, 18-45 years old, and who had a live birth for the last three years regardless of utilization, partial utilization, or non-utilization of ANC services. Mothers who were currently pregnant and had a history of abortion or stillbirth delivery were excluded from participation. Proportionate sampling was computed to get the sample size: 334 mothers from Iriga City and 392 from Tabaco City. The survey questionnaire was based on the ANC guidelines of the DOH. The statistical treatment used was frequency counting, percentage, and ranking in data analysis.Results. The mothers in Iriga City and Tabaco City were ages 23-27 years old who had 1-3 children, were single but living with partners, and in a nuclear type of family with 4-6 members, were unemployed/housewives, and belonged to a low-income family with >P7,890 family income. In Iriga City, the majority were high school graduates, while in Tabaco City, most were graduates of vocational courses; and elementary and high school undergraduates. There were excellent assessments for history-taking, physical examination, and care provisions in both cities, except for oral health care examination, tests for syphilis, stool examination, acetic acid wash, safe sex education, and oral health checkups and prophylaxis. The identified problems were financial constraints, lack of support system, busy taking care of the kids, sickness, forgetfulness, unwanted pregnancy, drunkard husband, difficult first trimester, bad attitude of midwives, nurses, doctors, and unequal treatment of poor patients.Conclusions. Mothers in both cities were young adults with a low education level who lived with their partners in a poor small nuclear family. Not all ANC services were excellently utilized. Among these were the poor utilization of the tests for syphilis, stool, acetic acid wash; oral health care examination; safe sex education; and oral health checkups and prophylaxis. There were various problems that mothers encountered when seeking ANC services, the most common of which were financial and personal issues.
Alaga sa Hilot: Unraveling Local Knowledge, Practices, and Experiences on Pregnancy and Childbirth in a Community in Batangas, Philippines
Authors: Landicho Madilene B
Published: September 2022

Objective. This research aims to unravel the local knowledge, practices, and experiences of care during pregnancy and childbirth in one community in Batangas.Methods. Qualitative interviews with two hilots and a mother, two focus group discussions with mothers fromdifferent generations, and indigenous research methods – pakikipagkwentuhan (story-telling or informal discussions with the locals) and pagmamasid (observations of the local practices in the community) were used in this ethnographic study. The data gathered through these methods were analyzed using an interpretive approach.Results. Data showed that knowledge and practices related to pregnancy and childbirth which were viewed as rituals remain to be significant in the community because they are sources of psychological support in a highly intimatesituation. These practices also help in creating a feeling of security and safety during this very uncertain period. The data also showed the different ways of making sense of risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth and this affects the decisions made by mothers, midwives and hilots during birthing. Lastly, we saw the effects of the implementation of the no home birthing policy on the hilots and the life and well-being of the pregnant women in the community.Conclusions. Local practices of care during pregnancy and childbirth remain significant today because these cater to the overall well-being of women giving birth. For these women, the implementation of the no home birthing policy that changed the status of the hilots (TBAs) in the community does not address the real issues on maternal healthcare. For them, the government should have focused on continuing to address the structural and institutional problems that they have encountered in their experiences of birthing. This can be done by providing more facilities that would readily cater to the needs of birthing women and by creating a more holistic healthcare system.
Assessment of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Functionality of Rural Health Units in Luzon
Authors: Cagayan Maria Stephanie Fay S. , Nisperos Gene A. , Castro Mary Christine R. , Cagayan Basil Stephen S. , Facun Gladdy Maura G. , Silverio Clyde , Gavino Cherylle G.
Published: September 2022

Background. Establishing and integrating Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (BEmONC)-capable facilities into the healthcare delivery system is one of the strategies employed by the Philippine government to address high maternal mortality.Objectives. This study aimed to determine the functionality of BEmONC-capable rural health units (RHUs) in Luzon, the largest island in the country.Methods. The study utilized a researcher-administered facility survey and facility observation using a checklist designed to measure BEmONC functionality. Facilities were selected through a two-stage sampling method. A BEmONC Score Card was used to determine the overall functionality of a facility based on three categories — institutional capacity, service capacity, and personnel capacity. The total scores from the three categories provided the overall functionality score.Results. Of the 245 BEmONC-provider RHUs included in the study, 85 (35%) were adequately functional. The mean functionality score for Luzon (60±25.27) corresponded to adequate functionality. The mean institutional and service capacities were consistently high across all regions on the island. Still, the personnel capacity did not reach the minimum average, pulling down the overall score and leading to low overall functionality.Conclusion. The BEmONC facilities continue to function despite being hampered by factors that can be easilyremedied. The provision of BEmONC services remains relevant across all regions in Luzon as they fill in the gaps and serve the needs of mothers and pregnant women. This study should be replicated in the Visayas and Mindanao to obtain a complete representation of the BEmONC program.
Caffeine Supplementation in Semen Extender Protects Buffalo Spermatozoa from Cryodamage
Authors: Chavda Bhakti P. , Vala Karsan B. , Solanki Gajendra B. , Prajapati Sunny G. , Singh Vivek Kumar
Published: September 2022

Caffeine is widely known for its phosphodiesterase enzymes inhibiting, and its powerful reactive oxygen species scavenging property. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of caffeine supplementation @ 0 mM, 1 mM, 3 mM and 5 mM in AndroMed® extender on cryopreservation of Jaffarabadi buffalo semen. Twenty-four semen ejaculates (6/bull) with >70% initial sperm motility were obtained from four mature Jaffarabadi bulls using AV. The ejaculates were split-diluted in an egg-yolk-free AndroMed® extender supplemented with different concentrations of caffeine and were cryopreserved using a standard protocol. The semen samples were evaluated for sperm quality parameters as well as oxidative stress parameters, viz., lipid peroxidation, and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzyme activity in seminal plasma at pre-freeze (after equilibration) and post-thaw stage. The levels of caffeine had a significant effect on all these parameters, except sperm abnormalities, at both pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Supplementation of caffeine in semen extender at 1 mM and 3 mM concentration showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in post-thawed sperm motility (62.04 ± 0.84, 61.25 ± 1.01%), viability (64.21 ± 0.88, 64.25 ± 0.84%), acrosome integrity (58.08 ± 1.08, 57.30 ± 0.93%) and plasma membrane integrity (52.75 ± 0.89, 52.71 ± 0.74%) and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in oxidative damage as evident by lower lipid peroxidation (MDA 7.62 ± 0.41, 7.80 ± 0.70 μM) and GST enzyme activity (31.15 ± 1.36, 29.54 ± 0.54 nmol CDNB/mL/min) as compared to control and 5 mM caffeine. The study concludes that the post-thaw quality of frozen semen of Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls improves significantly with decreased oxidative stress if the AndroMed® extender is supplemented with 1 and 3 mM concentration of caffeine over control.