bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct comparative study of the effectiveness of mepolizumab and dupilumab in patients with severe non-allergic eosinophilic asthma
Authors: Naumova V. V. , Beltyukov E. K. , Kovtun O. P. , Bykova G. A. , Smolenskaya O. G. , Shtanova A. A. , Stepina D. A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Biologics for severe asthma (SA) treatment are widely used in real clinical practice. But there are very few direct comparative studies at the moment.

Aim. To compare mepolizumab and dupilumab effectiveness in patients with non-allergic eosinophilic SA in real clinical practice using regional register of Sverdlovsk region.

Materials and methods. The data of patients with non-allergic eosinophilic SA treated with dupilumab (n = 23) and mepolizumab (n = 19) were analyzed. Therapy effectiveness was determined according to BARS and patients’ proportion who achieved asthma remission, dynamics of ACT, AQLQ, FEV1, blood eosinophils, frequency of short-acting bronchodilators use and systemic glucocorticosteroids (SGCS) demand, frequency of asthma exacerbations and hospitalizations.

Results. Within 12 months of targeted therapy a good response to biologics according to BARS in 77.8% of patients on dupilumab and in 82.4% of patients on mepolizumab (p = 1.000) was revealed. Remission of SA (without FEV1) was achieved in 62.5% of patients in dupilumab group and in 68.8% of patients in mepolizumab group (p = 1.000). Remission of SA (with FEV1) was achieved in 43.8% of patients on dupilumab and in 56.2% of patients on mepolizumab (p = 0.724). There were statistically significant improvements for all separately analyzed indicators in each observation group. Statistically significant differences after a year of therapy between groups were recorded in terms of eosinophil levels (p < 0.001) and nasal symptoms assessed using the SNOT-22 questionnaire (p = 0.048) in favour of mepolizumab.

Conclusions. Patients with non-allergic eosinophilic SA have good response to both dupilumab and mepolizumab. The drugs equally improve disease control, life quality, reduce the need for relievers and SGCS, show a similar safety level.
Evaluating clinical effectiveness and safety of pneumococcal immunization of infants
Authors: Malanicheva T. G. , Ziatdinova N. V. , Gataullina G. G. , Mukhametgatova L. M.
Published: November 2023

According to WHO, pneumococcal infection (PI) is considered one of the most dangerous of all vaccine-preventable diseases and, before vaccination, led to the death of up to 1.6 million people per year, of which from 0.7 to 1 million were children. In the prevention of PI, specific prevention occupies a special place. For the first time in 2014, vaccination against PI with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was included in the national calendar of preventive vaccinations. International practice of using pneumococcal vaccine has shown that timely vaccination can produce positive results in the fight against PI. Under observation were 55 children who were vaccinated against PI with the pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (adsorbed), 13 valent according to the national calendar of preventive vaccinations of the Russian Federation. It was revealed that post-vaccination complications after vaccination did not occur in any child. General post-vaccination reactions were observed in the form of a short-term increase in temperature, loss of appetite and sleep disturbances, as well as local reactions in the form of edema, hyperemia, and hardening at the site of vaccine administration. We studied the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), acute otitis media and acute respiratory infections among 55 children of the first year of life vaccinated at 2 months and 4.5 months (main group) and 50 children for various reasons not vaccinated against PI (comparison group). A study of the long-term results of 2-fold vaccination in the first year of life and revaccination at 15 months against PV based on observation of children for two years showed that children of the main group, compared with the comparison group, were 3.3 times less likely to suffer from PV, 2.7 times acute otitis and 1.7 times acute respiratory infections, p < 0.05. The data obtained show the high efficiency and safety of vaccinating children against PI with the pneumococcal vaccine.
Characteristics of post COVID-19 condition in children after mild COVID-19
Authors: Chernyavskaya A. S. , Simonova O. I. , Kashirskaya N. Yu.
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Post COVID-19 condition in children causes variety of persistent symptoms such as fatigue, post-exertional malaise, cognitive problems, muscle pain and can affect different aspects of patient’s life.

Aim. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of persistent symptoms of COVID-19 in non-hospitalized pediatric patients one year after infection.

Material and methods. This is a single center case-control study including children and young people (COVID-19 as cases and other acute respiratory infections as controls). A survey using ISARIC Global COVID-19 paediatric follow-up questionnaire was conducted by a pediatrician in person or via telephone interview one year after infection. Post COVID-19 condition was defined using WHO case definition.

Results and discussion. 206 cases and 176 controls were analyzed. The mean ages of cases and controls were 8.8 years and 8.4 years accordingly, with 55% and 50% being females. The most frequent persistent symptoms in cases at 1 year were loss of taste – 8.7% [5.3%; 13.1%], fatigue – 8.7% [4.9%; 13.1%], chest pain – 4.9% [1.9%; 7.8%], headache – 2.4% [1.0%; 4.9%], tingling – 2.4% [0.5%; 4.9%]. Controls had similar persistent symptoms, but cases had significantly higher rates of sensory disturbances (taste/smell alterations) and fatigue. There were no statistically significant differences between other groups of symptoms found. Prevalence of post COVID-19 condition in cases group was 1.5% [0.0%; 3.4%].

Conclusion. Prevalence of post COVID-19 condition in children one year after mild infection is low. However, compared to other respiratory infections, COVID-19 may cause persistent taste/smell disturbances and fatigue.
Infective endocarditis of the aortic valve in an 85-year-old man due to translocation of the intestinal flora
Authors: Brovin D. L. , Kuleshova D. V. , Dementeva O. F. , Malikov K. N. , Dolgushev D. A. , Sereda V. P.
Published: November 2023

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infectious and inflammatory  disease of the endocardium that is associated with a high incidence of complications  and mortality. Elderly patients are the most vulnerable  age group for the IE. Infective endocarditis caused by E. coli is a rare disease due to both bacteria life-cycle and human immune system protection. Nevertheless, recent years the incidence of IE associated with E. coli has been increasing in the group of elderly patients. It seems important to reassess the indications  for antibiotic prophylaxis  in certain categories of patients (including  the elderly patients with an unobvious but increased risk of IE). This clinical case demonstrates a native valve endocarditis caused by E. coli developed after bowel preparation with osmotic laxatives and endoscopic procedure in an 85 year-old male without significant chronic diseases. Despite the fact that the patient did not belong to the category of increased risk of IE, he had the predisposing  conditions for the development of IE (weaked immune system, bacteremia, heart valve sclerosis), that realized in the active manifest disease. Treatment with antibiotics led to an improvement  in the patient’s condition and regression of infectious vegetations on the valve. Repeat blood cultures were negative. When planning endoscopic procedure for patients at risks (elderly person, weakened immune system, minimal aortic valve lesions), antibacterial prophylaxis should be considered. Additional research is required to develop clear algorithms for antibacterial prophylaxis.
The role of phytocomponents in the complex therapy of chronic non-calculous cholecystitis
Authors: Skvortsov V. V. , Malyakina E. A. , Malyakin G. I.
Published: November 2023

Non-calculous  cholecystitis is a form of cholecystitis caused  by dysfunction  or hypokinesis of the gallbladder. The polyetiology and multiplicity of the pathogenesis of this disease  requires  different  approaches to its correction. In this situation, phytopreparations containing components of origin provide special  attention in combination with the main therapy. Curcumin has a strong protective  effect against  cholestasis through farnesoid X receptors, resulting  in a release of bile acid homeostasis and counteracting inflammatory  inflammation and as a manifestation of cholestasis. Several studies  show that  curcumin requires a contraction of the gallbladder. Despite the presence of many useful properties,  the widespread use of curcumin in medical practice was limited by its limited bioavailability. Forms with increased bioavailability have been synthesized, such as kavacarcumin. The use of artichoke leaf extract  in gastroenterology is based on its strong antidyspeptic effect, mediated by choleretic activity. As study  show, the  choleretic effect  of the  artichoke  was  more  pronounced than  that  of the  reference drug. In the  description,  there  is no direct effect  of chamomile  phytocomponents on the  state  of bile compatibility  and the  function of bile outflow, however, an indirect effect on its work is possible. The results  make chamomile  flower extract  a good addition to therapy. Thus, due to the occurrence  of synergistic components, the complex is found in individuals, in patients with chronic diseases  of the biliary tract, with functional  disorders, the period of treatment in long-term complex therapy, with the prevention  of exacerbation and prolongation of remission, as well as in healthy individuals for the prevention of these  diseases.
Experimental study on the rheological characteristics and viscosity-enhanced factors of super-viscous heavy oil
Authors: Chen Yang , Luo Jin , Zhang Meiyu , He Minglan
Published: November 2023

To reveal the viscosity-enhanced mechanism of super-viscous heavy oil and improve the recovery rate of super-viscous heavy oil, the four components, elemental composition, rheological properties, and effects of asphaltenes and resin on the viscosity of super-viscous heavy oil from well TH12434 in Tahe Oilfield, China have been analyzed from macro and microscopic perspectives by Anton Paar rotational rheometer, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and scanning cryo-EM to solve the problems of poor fluidity and high asphaltene content. The experimental results showed that in the temperature range of T= 40-100°C, the viscosity of super-viscous heavy oil decreases sharply from 352000 mPa∙s to 1620 mPa∙s, and the super-viscous heavy oil exhibits clear thermo-sensitivity. With T= 100°C and shear rate ranging from γ= 0-800 s-1, the viscosity of super-viscous heavy oil decreases sharply from 45000 mPa∙s to 956 mPa∙s, and the oil sample shows typical pseudoplasticity. The baseline of super-viscous heavy oil analysis by gas chromatography shows too high, and more than 80 % of super-viscous heavy oil compounds have a matching degree of less than 70 % with standard compounds, indicating that the super-viscous heavy oil had poor heterogeneity and many impurities. It is observed by scanning cryo-EM that the micromorphology of super-viscous heavy oil is large granular, strong continuity, asphaltene micromorphology presents an obvious layered structure, the layer spacing is 637.7 nm, and its asphaltene molecules form an order-like or crystal-like association structure through several unit sheet layers, resulting in high viscosity of super-viscous heavy oil. Based on the analysis results of the influencing factors of the viscosity of super-viscous heavy oil, a theoretical basis for the selection of viscosity reduction technology for super-viscous heavy oil the efficient exploitation in Tahe Oilfield, China could be provided.
A practical approach for numerical modeling of a complex and data-limited hydrological system
Authors: E. A. Rahim Bahaa-eldin , Yusoff Ismail
Published: November 2023

By their nature, wetlands represent an ecosystem base for many concurrent heterogeneous interactions, where the mission of numerical modeling requires a wide range of consistent and reliable datasets from various sources, spatially and temporally. Such a mission usually collides with the existence of tremendous missing in time-series dataset(s). In this context, MIKE SHE was used to construct an integrated surface–subsurface flow model for the Paya Indah wetland in Malaysia where huge gaps exist in the historical datasets of water level and flow rate. To calibrate and validate the model to a satisfactory level, a tri-criteria simulation approach was applied to overcome the occasional missing values in these datasets. This goal was accomplished by calibrating the surface water level and channel flow while simultaneously matching the steady-state subsurface portion of the system wherever water table depth data allowed. Quantitatively, the integrated model scored the highest values of R (0.765 − 0.927) and CE (0.748 − 0.828) during the validation. However, large RMSE values were calculated for the flow rate during calibration at SWL2 (outlet; 0.766) and during validation at Langat River (0.780). This bias was attributed to the low or occasional absence of variation in the historical time-series datasets necessary for the simulation process.
Does Laterality in Breast Cancer still have the Importance to be
Studied? A Meta-analysis of Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Xu Cong , Ganesan Kumar , Chen Haiyong , Cheung Yuen Shan , Chen Jianping
Published: November 2023

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in the
world. Studies show that left-sided BC in pre and post-menopausal women leads to double
the risk of worse morbidity and mortality and the reasons are uncertain. Finding the
relationship between BC laterality and other possible risk factors can be advantageous
for the prognosis of BC.

Objective:

This present study aimed to analyze the relationship between BC laterality
and possible risk factors.

Methods:

A total of 6089 studies were screened. 23 studies from 1971 to 2021 met the
inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. A pooled relative risk was generated
via meta-analysis with a 95% confidence interval

Results:

Left-side BC laterality was significant (p < 0.00001) in the women populations
compared to the right side based on the pooled size with possible high-risk factors, including
handedness, older women, body mass index, people with black skin, invasive
type carcinoma, and estrogen receptor-negative BC. These findings suggest that there
may be a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that contribute
to left-side BC laterality.

Conclusion:

Results suggest an increased rate of BC on the left side, with high-risk factors
contributing to BC laterality, which may be useful in predicting prognosis. This
study provides significant insights into the relationship between high-risk factors and
BC laterality. By identifying potential risk factors associated with left-side BC, it may
be possible to improve the ability to predict prognosis and develop more targeted treatment
strategies. This information could be particularly useful for healthcare providers
and patients, as it may guide decisions regarding screening, prevention, and treatment,
ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the overall burden of BC.
Immune Foods for Fighting Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Godswill Awuchi Chinaza , Twinomuhwezi Hannington , Gospel Awuchi Chibueze , Amagwuala Ikechukwu O. , Egbuna Chukwuebuka
Published: November 2023

Nutritional measures and food components such as micronutrients,
macronutrients, and food bioactive compounds, boost the immune system to effectively
fight COVID-19. Nutrient deficiencies reduce immune functions against COVID-19,
while supplementation of specific nutrients improves the immune system against viral
disease. Several macronutrients and micronutrients, including bioactive compounds,
prebiotics, and probiotics, have been linked to COVID-19 treatment and prevention.
Vitamins D, C, A, E, and B vitamins have been linked with improvement and recovery
from COVID-19. Several minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, magnesium,
etc. have activities against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Many studies have shown
that bioactive compounds such as resveratrol, astaxanthin, quercetin, docosahexaenoic
acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, theaflavin, etc., have promising
actions against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Foods and food components should be
properly utilized to fight COVID-19 and are valuable in drug discovery against
COVID-19.
Biodiversity of Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Abu El-Regal Mohamed , Satheesh Sathianseon
Published: November 2023

The water covers about 71% of the earth's surface and occupies an area of
about 361 million km2
and a volume of about 1370 million km3
of water. Oceans and
seas are responsible for maintaining the global climate by regulating air temperature
and supplying moisture for rainfall. They play a major part in the global carbon cycle,
removing almost 25% of the carbon dioxide released by human activity. Furthermore,
life would not have begun on Earth without seas, which support the planet's highest
biodiversity. They also offer social and economic goods and services, as well as
tourism and recreation, maritime transportation, security, and coastal protection.
Marine ecosystems include the open ocean, the deep-sea ocean, and coastal marine
ecosystems, each of which has different physical and biological characteristics. The
variability of the marine ecosystem is the result of the wide array of habitats in seas and
oceans. Coral reefs, seagrasses, estuaries, and mangroves are the most important types
of marine ecosystems. Variations in the characteristics of the marine environment
create different habitats and influence what types of organisms will inhabit them. The
marine environment can be divided into zones based on physical features such as
depth, temperature, light penetration, and other several factors. There are two main
marine realms or provinces, a pelagic realm that includes the water column and a
benthic realm that represents the sea floor. Each of these two domains has also been
divided into other smaller domains or regions based on the prevailing environmental
conditions. Pollution, habitat alteration, and overfishing are the most destructive
impacts on the marine environments and their threats are very clear. So, marine
ecosystems in oceans and seas should be protected through planned management in
order to prevent the over-exploitation of these resources.
Productivity of Marine Ecosystem Components
Authors: Al-Sodany Yassin M. , Diab Amany M.
Published: November 2023

The marine ecosystem is the greatest of all ecosystems. Marine ecosystems
cover approximately seventy-one percent of the Earth's surface; moreover, they contain
approximately ninety-seven percent of the planet's water. Thirty-two percent of the
world's net primary production is generated by them. There are many marine
ecosystems environmental problems, which include marine pollution, unsustainable
exploitation of marine resources (as overfishing to certain species), building on coastal
areas, and climate change. From the trophical standpoint, a marine ecosystem has two
groups of components: autotrophic components and heterotrophic components. The
primary or basic productivity of an ecosystem could be defined as the storing rate of
radiant energy by producers (chemosynthetic and photosynthetic) activity as an organic
substance that can be utilized as food. The productivity of marine ecosystem greatly
refers to the organic matter production by producers or autotrophs “phytoplanktons and
algae,” the produced organic carbon is supplied to “heterotrophs,” which obtain their
energy only from the organic matter respiration. There are many carbon-nested cycles
associated with marine productivity including Grass and Net Primary Productivity
(GPP and NPP, respectively) as well as Net community and Secondary productivity
(NCP and SP, respectively). Fisheries depend on secondary productivity; thus they rely
on both Net primary productivity and the organic matter transferring efficiency to the
food web. Environmental factors as well as the change of climate may strongly impact
NPP in many ways that rely on the regional as well as local physical settings,
ecosystem structure, and functioning medium. 
Macroalgal Epiphytic Microbiome: A Potential Source of Novel Drugs
Authors: Samanta Brajogopal , Swathi Pattigundla
Published: November 2023

In the marine rocky intertidal ecosystem, macroalgae (seaweeds) serve
ecosystem engineers that create, modify, or maintain the physical habitat for their own
and other species. Intriguingly, most marine macroalgal species evolved with microbial
colonization and biofilm formation on their surface. The macroalgae (basibiont) and
associated epiphytic microbiota (epibiont) act as a functional unit known as a
“macroalgal holobiont,” characterized by its complex chemical interactions. In this
non-trophic association, the epiphytic microbial biofilm forms a protective layer
essential in host defense against foulers, consumers, or pathogens. In addition,
antimicrobial activity is widespread among these epiphytic microbes. However, due to
their thinness and often negligible biomass, the chemo-ecological impact of this
epiphytic microbiome is severely underestimated. This chapter aims to review the
antimicrobial potential of the “macroalgal epiphytic microbiome” and introduce the
application of “meta-omics” approaches for further exhaustive exploitations of this
unique microbiome for future drug discovery. 
Challenges and Opportunities in Marine Ecological System and Drug Discovery
Authors: Shredah Mohammed A. , Ibrahim Hassan A.H. , Abd El Hafez Mohamed S.M.
Published: November 2023

Marine organisms offer a delicate, yet plentiful source for a vast array of
novel products whose unique structural features make them suitable drug candidates,
pesticides, marine anti-fouling agents, and more. There are many challenges that
threaten the marine ecosystems like climatic change, biological invasions,
overexploitation, overfishing, and water pollution. These challenges negatively affect
the marine biodiversity and then productivity. So, they must be overcome for potential
preservation of various lives in the marine environment. The current chapter will
present various opportunities in marine drug discovery and will also discuss the
problems encountered in marine drug discovery.
Drug from Marine Sampling to Factory
Authors: El-Nashar Heba A.S. , Kocaeli Shaden , Abdallah Mayar , El-Shazly Mohamed
Published: November 2023

The marine world expresses a great scope for diverse novel scaffolds with
unusual skeleton nature. Polyphenols, phycocolloids, pigments, fucoidans, peptides,
pigments, and phlorotannins are the main classes of compounds provided by marine
resources. Some of these structures displayed astonishing biological activities and
successfully proceeded to marketed drugs for the treatment of different human
diseases. There are many examples of successful commercially available marine-derived drugs such as cytarabine (Cytosar-U®) for acute myelocytic leukemia,
trabectedin (Yondelis®) for ovarian cancer, Eribulin (Halaven®) for metastatic breast
cancer, Ziconotide (Prialt®) for severe chronic pain, and Vidarabine (Ara-A) for viral
infections. Oceans and their immense biodiversity have gifted humanity with a
pathway out of the obstacles of health care. The constant need for innovation has been
a great challenge for the pharmaceutical industry especially in finding new sources of
active compounds. This chapter discussed the clinically approved marine-derived
compounds and their impact on different diseases, focusing on those with granted
approval in the last decade from 2011 to 2021. We also highlighted the underlying
mechanism of actions through in vivo, in vitro, and computational in silico studies.
Hopefully, this chapter will help scientists to develop a novel marine-derived drug.
Current Knowledge on Biotic Stresses affecting Legumes: Perspectives in Cowpea and Soybean
Authors: Joshua Benjamin
Published: November 2023

Legumes are economically important crops for the achievement of food
security status in many countries in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Among various environmental stresses, biotic constraints to the production of grain
legumes such as cowpea and soybean are becoming increasingly significant with the
recurring change in climatic patterns and diverse environmental alterations. The
economic impact of biotic factors such as disease-causing pathogens (fungi, bacteria,
viruses and nematodes), insect pests and parasitic weeds has become overwhelming.
These biotic stressors induce a wide range of damage symptoms which include
stunting, wilting of stems, defoliation, root rots and premature death of plants. Yield
losses due to the activities of biotic stress factors have been very significant. Hence, it
is imperative to be informed of the various biotic stressors that affect the growth and
yield potential of cowpeas and soybeans in various cropping systems. This review
seeks to highlight existing pests and diseases in cowpea and soybean and evaluate their
impact on the growth and productivity of these crops. It is hoped that the review will
further spur scientific research into how these biotic factors can be managed or even
manipulated to ensure agricultural sustainability, high economic returns, and global
food security.
Indexing for Bacterial, Fungal and Viral Pathogens in Legume Plants
Authors: Mkhize Phumzile , Malatji Josephine , Mangena Phetole
Published: November 2023

Microorganisms found in plants exist as epiphytes or endophytes. Most
epiphytes remain on plant surfaces and the latter may be intracellular pathogens,
opportunistic and adapted microbial colonisers that originate from the surrounding
environment. The main purpose of agricultural practices is thus, to develop disease-free
varieties by propagating plants under controlled environmental conditions. Such
conditions should be optimal for plant production and reduce disease development. The
former requires strict certification schemes via several routes that include (i) indexing
with subsequent removal of infected or contaminated materials from the production
chain (ii) meristem and other tissue culture production systems and (iii) the use of
thermo or chemotherapy for phytosanitation. Other methods also require balancing and
proper adjustments in fertilizer usage and crop rotation. Therefore, this chapter reviews
the role of microbial pathogen indexing as a means of controlling bacterial, fungal, and
viral diseases that have a significant role to play in agriculture.
Viral Diseases of Legumes and Their Managements
Authors: Nyadzani Mushadu Pirtunia
Published: November 2023

Legumes are very important food crops that are widely cultivated for their
high-quality proteins, oils, and vitamins throughout the world. In total, 168 viruses are
officially assigned by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. These
viruses belong to 39 genera in 16 families and have been reported to affect various
leguminous crops in different parts of the world. Among these viruses, TSWV (Tomato
Spotted Wilt Virus), CMV (Cucumber Mosaic Virus), TMV (Tobacco Mosaic Virus),
BYMV (Bean yellow mosaic virus), and BCMV (Bean Common Mosaic Virus) have
global economic importance. This review therefore focuses on the economic
importance of the abovementioned viruses influencing legume growth and
development by looking at aspects such as viral traits, transmission, viral biology, plant
host symptoms and the options used to control and manage some viruses such as the
CMV (Cucumber Mosaic Virus), TMV (Tobacco Mosaic Virus), BYMV (Bean yellow
mosaic virus), and BCMV (Bean Common Mosaic Virus).
Economic Importance and Control of Vertebrate Pests in Legumes
Authors: Badmus Hafiz A. , Alarape Abideen A.
Published: November 2023

One of the constraints to crop production across the world is vertebrate
pests. They have been implicated as the most destructive pests which inflict both pre-harvest and post-harvest damages on agricultural production. Legumes are one of the
crops usually attacked by vertebrate pest species, though the degree of depredation
varies from one crop type to another. Meanwhile, there has been a misconception
among farmers, especially in some of the developing countries, that vertebrate pest
species belonging to the order Rodentia are very difficult to control. This is evident in
their crop cultivations whereby two rows are planted in addition to every eight rows of
crop, for rodent pest species that may come and inflict damage on the cultivated crop.
Some of the rodent pest species that cause economic damage to legumes on the field
include Arvicanthis niloticus, Xerus erythropus, Cricetomys gambianus, Rattus rattus,
R. norvegicus, and Mus sp., while avian pest species include Francolinus bicalcaratus,
and Ploceus cucullatus. There is a need to effectively manage these vertebrate pest
species. Some of the rodent pest management approaches include the use of sanitation
measures, exclusion of the vertebrate pest species, and modification of their habitat,
and Trap Barrier System, while some of the avian pest management approaches include
cage, nets or synthetic fibres, bird scarers, chemical repellents, sound-making devices,
chemical poisoning, and trapping.
Effect of Spider Diversity and Abundance in Legume Agroecosystems
Authors: Asnath Modiba Mokgadi , Chauke Sinorita , Rapelang Nyathi Yolette Belinda
Published: November 2023

An agroecosystem refers to a complex system comprising a couple of
different interacting factors, involving species, ecological, and management processes.
This system contains lesser species diversity of both plants and animals than a natural
ecosystem. The variation in species of plants and insects is critically important to serve
as a complex food chain and web whose interactions function to stabilise this
ecological unit. However, among the groups of herbivores and predators found in
agroecosystems, spiders play a key role in most crop fields by preying on a variety of
pests. Besides this, the current pace of research on this subject shows that the role of
spiders in regulating pest species and serving as potential biological control agents has
been largely ignored. So far, information on agricultural spider communities, diversity
and their role as biological pesticides remain scant in various parts of the world with
the exception of countries such as the United States of America, Australia, and some
parts of the Middle East Asia. Thus, this chapter outlines the most relevant information
on the diversity, abundance and effect of arthropodous spiders on agroecosystems,
particularly those that are involved in the cultivation of legume crop species. The paper
also discusses current relevant threats to spiders, conservation measures, the threat of
species extinction, and the role that these arthropods play in agriculture, especially by
reducing the growth and productivity of species such as soybean (Glycine max L.) and
cowpea (Vigna unguiculata).
Sustainable Crop Nutrition for Ameliorating Biotic Stress in Grain Legumes and Ensuring Food Security
Authors: Adejumo Sifau A.
Published: November 2023

Environmental stress generally causes considerable yield loss in leguminous
crop production. This stress could be biotic (Insect pests, disease pathogens, weeds,
vertebrate pests, etc.) or abiotic (Drought, heat, cold, salinity, flooding, heavy metal
contamination, etc.). Either biotic or abiotic stress, both are capable of causing total
yield loss. Unfortunately, crops are simultaneously exposed to these stress factors on
the field. The response and level of tolerance to both stress factors, however, depend on
the crop's genetic and nutritional status. The level of infection or infestation is
determined by the cropping system and soil nutrient status. The induction of defense
mechanisms by plants in response to pathogenic attack is dependent on environmental
conditions like plant nutrient status. It means that there is a complex signaling network
with crop nutrition that enables the plants to recognize and protect themselves against
pathogens and other environmental stresses. The disease severity could be reduced by
adequate crop nutrition due to host nutrient availability, plant composition of secondary
metabolites, and the effect on the plant defense mechanisms. Shortages in essential
nutrients on their own can predispose plants to attack by pests and pathogens.
Therefore, the only sustainable method for growing crops in the face of different
environmental stresses is good crop nutrition. A well-fed crop is more resistant to
environmental hazards than poorly-fed crop. Though leguminous crops can fix
atmospheric nitrogen themselves, the nutritional requirements for healthy crop
production are more than just one element. The ability to fix nitrogen, if combined with
appropriate crop nutrition will place the plant in a better position to withstand
environmental stresses. This chapter discusses some of the different nutrient elements
required by leguminous crops and their functions, crop nutrition abiotic stress
tolerance, and mechanisms of nutrient-induced resistance in leguminous crops.
Bone Water: Effects of Drugs on Bone Hydration Status
Authors: Ahmed Khan Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Water is the most crucial nutrient that constitutes roughly 20% of the
cortical bone by volume, yet most ignored in health and nutrition areas. Hydration
significantly influences the mechanical properties and tissue quality of bone, whereas
bone dehydration causes an increase in its elastic modulus. Moreover, the low water
content in the trabecular skeleton changes its construction (shrinkage) and leads to a
significant alteration in mechanical properties. Numerous internal (a lack of thirst
sensation) or external (polypharmacy or chronic consumption of certain drugs) factors
cause hypohydration. Unfortunately, frail elderly individuals are more vulnerable to
developing dehydration particularly, due to a decrease in the fat-free mass, which
contains 73% of total body water. Today, technical advancements have led to an
emerging understanding of how bone water changes in various conditions including
aging, diabetes, osteoporosis, and osteogenesis imperfecta. Drugs may also change the
impression of hypohydration through the increase of water elimination causing
diarrhoea, diuresis, or sweat; a decrease in thirst sensation or appetite; or affecting the
central thermoregulation mechanism. However, research on the interaction between
bone hydration status and drugs/excipients has been insufficient. In the present review,
we evaluate studies that focus on the significance of bone hydration and the effects of
drugs/excipients on hydration status.
Dietary Patterns and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Abbasalizad Farhangi Mahdieh , Hojati Ali
Published: November 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease
that impairs patients' capacity to engage in everyday activities and deteriorates their
quality of life. The disease develops in genetically vulnerable individuals via an
autoimmune inflammatory process triggered by environmental stimuli. Diet and
nutrition are potential environmental variables influencing the start and progression of
the disease. Traditionally, nutrition and disease research has examined the relationships
between individual nutrients, foods, or dietary groupings and risk factors with health
outcomes. By examining food consumption in terms of dietary patterns, it is possible to
gain complete knowledge of the combined effects of nutrients and foods on chronic
illnesses. The Mediterranean, DASH, and vegetarian diets are preventive dietary
patterns, whereas the Western diet stimulates RA activity.
Self-perceived Quality of Life in South Asian and British White Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in the East Midlands, UK
Authors: Ghelani A.M. , Moorthy A. , Goh L. , Samanta A. , Singh Puneetpal , Mastana Sarabjit
Published: November 2023

It has been suggested that South Asian patients with RA report increased
levels of pain and demonstrated increased disease severity as compared to the British
white population. This study assesses the self-perceived quality of life in South Asian
RA patients compared to White British RA patients. 131 South Asian (SA) and 134
British White (BW) RA patients from the East Midlands participated in the study as a
part of ongoing studies on RA pathogenesis by completing the qualitative lifestyle
questionnaire. The SA patients developed RA significantly earlier than BW patients (χ2
= 21.01, P = 0.001, df = 5). Compared to the BW, a majority of SA perceived the
disease to be severe (χ2
= 8.57, P < 0.05, df = 3). They also reported higher pain (χ2
=
26.12, P < 0.05, df = 3), reduced mobility (χ2
= 17.57, P < 0.004, df = 5) and reduced
physical activity performed (χ2
= 17.94, P < 0.0005, df = 3). Reduced mobility and a
decrease in physical activity may be associated with a higher perception of RA-related
pain among South Asians. This may have important public health implications in terms
of disease progression and treatment modalities.
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Kemel C.
Published: November 2023

Hittebestrijding en ventilatie bij melkvee
Science is for everyone : Possible futures, possible selves
Authors: Avraamidou Lucy
Published: November 2023

Who is a scientist? Who aspires to be a scientist? Who can be a scientist? In this inaugural lecture, I invite the audience to think about issues related to diversity and inclusion to science and explore the construct of “science identity”. Science identity becomes valuable when exploring social and cultural aspects of scientific practice and science teaching and it is connected to goals related to equity, especially in terms of access to educational resources and opportunities to engage with science. Why? Because science is or has to be for everyone. The term ‘possible selves’ is used to refer to the possibility of becoming scientifically literate and critically utilise scientific knowledge in our everyday lives. What do we eat? What do we wear? What we do with our bodies? What do we do with animals? What we do with plants? What we do with water? What we do with land? The term ‘possible futures’ is used to refer to more sustainable and socially just futures, affected by developments in science, technology, and society as well as interactions between humans, non-humans, and more-than-humans: people, animals, plants, machines, and robots. In imagining possible futures, healthier and more balanced relationships with our natural habitat as well as social environments are envisioned. Science education in general, and science identity in particular, play a crucial role in both imagining and shaping such futures.
Tandem walking exercise to improve cognitive function in the elderly
Authors: Prianthara I Made Dhita , Novianti Iga Sri Wahyuni , Jaya I Putu Prisa , Anantari Ni Putu Diah , Fridayani Ni Kadek Yuni
Published: November 2023

Decreased cognitive function in the elderly is the leading cause of inability to carry out normal daily activities, as well as a high level of reliance on others in caring for themselves. The many problems that arise due to decreased cognitive function require a healthy aging process so that decreased cognitive function does not cause health problems in the lives of the elderly. Decreased cognitive function in the elderly is the biggest cause of inability to carry out normal daily activities and is also the cause of the elderly experiencing a high level of dependence on others in caring for themselves. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of tandem walking exercises in improving the cognitive function of the elderly. This research is experimental with a one-group pre and post-test design. Target population in this study were the elderly who experienced cognitive impairment in Dangin Puri Kauh Village, Denpasar Utara District. Sampling method used in this research is purposive sampling. The research sample consisted of 24 people who were given tandem walking exercise. Measurement of cognitive function was carried out using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), which was measured before and after being given training. Data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS Version 25.0 application. The results of testing the hypothesis using the wilcoxon rank test obtained an average before training of 22.46 and an average after training of 27.08 with a value of p = 0.000. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that tandem walking exercises can improve cognitive function in the elderly
Integrating analytical thinking skills into physical education to improve student learning outcomes
Authors: Blegur Jusuf , Yustiana Yusi Riksa , Taufik Agus , Ilham Muhamad , Hardiansyah Sefri
Published: November 2023

In the education curriculum in Indonesia, physical education is a medium for developing the potential of student learning outcomes in a comprehensive (cognitive, affective, and psychomotor) and sustainable manner. However, at the same time, teachers have not maximized analytical thinking supplements in learning and mastering student movements to optimize their physical education learning outcomes. This research used quantitative methods to examine the effect of analytical thinking skills on student learning outcomes. The participants were 24 elementary school students (mean age = 10.17+0.38) who were determined using a purposive sampling technique. Data on thinking skills were collected using instruments and rubrics for assessing analytical thinking skills. While the learning outcomes data use the final value of physical education learning. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and simple linear regression analysis. Descriptive analysis showed that students' analytical thinking skills were moderate (58.34%), and learning outcomes were good (100%). There is a significant influence between analytical thinking skills on student learning outcomes (t = 2.312, α = 0.031) with a determination value of 19.6%. Considering the essence of analytical thinking skills for learning outcomes and supporting students' life skills, the orientation of physical education learning outcomes parameters and the comprehensive and sustainable integration of analytical thinking into students' physical activities must be discussed further.
Development of physical activity games in improving the physical motor ability of children aged 10-11 years at the elementary school level
Authors: Bangun Sabaruddin Yunis , Harahap Miftahul Irfanda , Sihombing R. Syaifullah D.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to develop physical activity games to improve the physical motor ability of children aged 10-11 years at the elementary school level. Using research and development/RD methods. Data collection techniques through questionnaires/questions given to experts and students, the data analysis technique used in this study is quantitative percentages. Validated by material experts, game experts, and language experts. The percentage of product design validation by experts is 80%, based on the information in the expert validation assessment table, the average value is in the range of 80%-100% valid meaning is used. The percentage of small group trials by target or object is 73%, based on the information in the table of evaluation criteria for the implementation of trial activities, the average value is in the range of 65%-82%, with good classification means used. The percentage of product design validation by experts in small group trials is 90% based on the information in the expert validation assessment table, so the average value is in the range of 80%-100% valid information means used. The percentage of large group trials by target or object is 90%, based on the information in the table of criteria for assessing the implementation of trial activities, the average value is in the range of 83%-100% very good classification meaning used. After going through the repeated validation stages and comparing small group trials and large group trials, it can be concluded that the development of physical activity games in improving the physical motor skills of children aged 10-11 years at the elementary school level is said to be very good and valid meaning is used
The impact of modified walking exercise incorporating intensity variations on increasing aerobic endurance
Authors: Fauzi Fauzi , Kurniawan Faidillah , Majid Nur Cholis , Osman Noor Azuan Abu
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to the effect of modified forms of exercise on increasing VO2Max in college students. In particular, This study focuses on assessing the effectiveness of interval training modifications, particularly in the form of walking exercises, in increasing VO2Max in college students. This study followed a quantitative approach, using an experimental design known as the one-group pre-test and post-test design. Cooper's test is used as a research instrument in this study. The study was undertaken with participants from the Department of Sports Development, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The findings of this study can be used as a reference for implementing a modified form of interval training, especially using walking patterns, to increase VO2Max in college students. Data analysis technique using Paired Sample t Test. The treatment group that underwent walking exercise experienced a significant increase in VO2Max, although the level of significance varied. In particular, the walking treatment group showed a significant increase with a significance value of 0.000.
The influence of parents and coach’s roles on character building in 18 years junior tennis athlete
Authors: Ngatman Ngatman , Setyawan Hendra , Gani Ismail , Iswanto Ari , Kurniawan Dennis Dwi , Rizkyanto Willy Ihsan , Bakar Zainudin Abu
Published: November 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of the role of parents and coaches on the character of junior tennis players in Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). This research is a correlational study using a quantitative approach. Data colection techniques using a questionnaire. The sample for this study consisted of 32 junior tennis respondents in DIY using a purposive sampling technique. The reliability and validity of the instruments used in this study have been examined, and experts have been consulted. Technique for data analysis based on multiple regression. Based on the results of the t-test analysis, the significant value of the variable role of parents is p 0.05 and coaches is p 0.05. This shows that partially the role of parents and coaches influences the character of DIY junior tennis players. Using the F test, the analysis yielded a significance level of p less than 0.05, while the value of Rsquare=0.719, meaning that 71.9% of the characteristics of DIY junior tennis players are influenced by the role of parents and coaches. Thus, it can be concluded that the roles of parents and coaches simultaneously have an influence on the character of DIY junior tennis players. Therefore, in providing character education to junior tennis players both inside and outside the field, external encouragement is needed, both from parents and coaches.