bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in precedents regarding intrinsic and extrinsic defects for the application of the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods
Authors:   Korean Academy Of International Commerce, Inc., Ahn TaeKun
Published: February 2024

Purpose : In international sales contracts, even though the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) is primarily applied, issues arise when the CISG lacks specific regulations or when its substantive content is insufficient. This study examines foreign case law related to such external and internal defects within the CISG framework.
Research design, data, methodology : In the 2021 Supreme Court decision (case number 2021다269388), the court highlighted the lower courts' failure to consider international legal elements and instead applying domestic law to international sales contracts. In this study, we analyzed foreign case law concerning the issues of applying the CISG versus domestic law, as well as external and internal defects in the context of these laws.
Results : Through this research, we were able to review case law from various countries regarding the preferential application of the CISG in international sales contracts. Additionally, in many cases involving external and internal defects, we observed the application of domestic law in accordance with principles of private international law, or the necessity to apply other international conventions.
Conclusions : This research underscores the importance of a deep understanding and knowledge for the appropriate application and interpretation of the CISG in international transactions. It suggests the need for an international and comprehensive approach to legal issues related to international trade in the future, emphasizing the significance of understanding the application of international law both in education and in practice.
Korea-Poland Trade Relations and Korea’s Trade Strategy toward Poland
Authors:   Korean Academy Of International Commerce, Inc., Yeo Taek-Dong
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study derives Korea's trade strategy toward Poland and selects promising items exported to the Polish market after analyzing the macroeconomic trend and major industries in Poland and trade-investment relations between Korea and Poland.
Research design, data, and methodology: This paper makes use of KITA statistics on trade and investment relations between Korea and Poland as well as a SWOT analysis of the Polish market.
Results: Promising export items for the Polish market are electric battery anode material, defense industry products and weapons, semiconductors, synthetic resins, batteries and storage batteries, plastic products, measurement control analyzers, other machinery, transport and unloading machinery, and textile and chemical machinery.
Conclusions: Poland should be established as a production/sales/producer service hub linking Western Europe to Eastern Europe, Russia, and the CIS region over the long term, taking advantage of opportunity factors such as geographic location and an excellent manufacturing base, high-quality inexpensive labor, and the government's active FDI promotion policy. In particular, the Polish government has recently been increasing the purchase of self-propelled artillery, tanks, and fighter jets, so Korea should quickly revise the Export-Import Bank of Korea Act to expand financial support in order to facilitate contracts with Poland for weapons.
Development and Validation of the Critical Consciousness Scale for Teachers
Authors:   The Korea Association of Yeolin Education, Kim Tae Sun , Jung Ae-Kyung , Shin Joo Yeon
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a scale measuring teachers' critical consciousness, aimed at analyzing inequitable political and social conditions in Korean society. Specifically, the scale targets three domains: gender, race, and class. Two studies were conducted. In Study 1, a preliminary questionnaire was created, drawing upon previous research and international scales, and focusing on the domains of gender, race, and class. This process led to the development of a 68-item questionnaire, refined through the input of nine experts and administered to 205 K-12 teachers. Exploratory factor analysis yielded three factors and 20 items. Study 2 involved confirmatory factor analysis with a different sample of 228 K-12 teachers, revealing a bifactor model. This model comprised a general factor of critical consciousness and a three-factor structure representing gender, race, and class. Further validation of the teachers' critical consciousness scale was achieved by examining concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validities. This was done through correlations with measures of critical consciousness, multicultural attitudes, multicultural education competency, classism, sexism, belief in a just world, and social desirability. Based on these findings, the researchers discussed implications, suggested uses for the scale, and proposed directions for future research in this area.
Effects of Early Childhood Teachers' Emotional Expression on Young Children’s Socio-Emotional Competence: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Teacher-child Interaction and Play Teaching Efficacy
Authors:   The Korea Association of Yeolin Education, Moon Jung-Won , Kim Seong Hyun
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of teacher-child interaction and play teaching efficacy in the area of early childhood teachers' emotional expressiveness on young children’s socio-emotional competence. The subjects of the study were 270 early childhood teachers and infants in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do. Structural relationship analysis was performed on the collected data using SPSS and AMOS 25.0 programs. As a result of the study, first, there was a positive correlation between the emotional expression of early childhood teachers, the interaction between teachers and young children, play teaching efficacy and the socio- emotional competence of young children. Second, the effects of play teaching efficacy was completely mediated by the influence of teachers' emotional expressiveness on children's socio- emotional competence. Third, teachers' emotional expressiveness influenced children's socio- emotional competence by sequentially double-mediating teacher-child interactions and play teaching efficacy. Through this study, basic data on variables related to children's social and emotional competence were provided.
Competency and Well-Being: A Study on the Effects of Competency-based Educational Experiences at High School and Eudaimonic Well-Being in Adulthood on Subjective Well-Being
Authors:   The Korea Association of Yeolin Education, Lee Hye Na , Moon Chan Soo
Published: February 2024

This study is aimed at exploring how competency-based educational experiences at high school and eudaimonic welling in adulthood affect subjective well-being. To achieve the objective of the study, we examined the data collected from the fourth to twelfth-round surveys of the 2005 cohort (from the first year of high school to the age of 28; 2008-2020) conducted by the Korean Educational Development Institute (KEDI) as part of the Korea Education Longitudinal Study. In specific, we leveraged the data from the fifth and sixth-round surveys (2nd and 3rd grade) focused on high school experiences and those from the nineth, tenth and twelfth-round surveys (when respondents are 22, 24, 28 years-old) focused on post-graduation experiences. For analysis, we carried out multiple regression analysis using the SPSS statistics program.
Key findings can be identified as follows. First, competency-based educational experiences for self-management and social competency at high school had a positive effect on subjective well-being in adulthood. Second, the level of eudaimonic well-being with regard to self-acceptance, positive relations with others, and social contribution played a significant role in enhancing the level of subjective well-being. Third, autonomy and personal growth, two variables of eudaimonic well-being, contributed to improving the level of subjective well-being in the tenth and twelfth-round surveys, when the respondents were about to graduate from their colleges or seeking or having a job. As these variables are assumed to be related to career in adulthood, eudaimonic well-being with regard to autonomy and personal growth appears to be critical to enhance the quality of life at the time of college graduation.
Put together, these findings suggest that the level of subjective well-being in adulthood can be enhanced when students develop their competency for self-management to go beyond education limited to cognitive achievement and make their own decisions for learning and career, thereby improving the level of autonomy and personal growth. Moreover, it is necessary to pay more attention to competency-based educational experiences for enhancing social competence. Emphasis should be put more on well-balanced and holistic educational experiences that help students build positive relations with others and contribute to future social development as a member of society.
An Analysis on Core Competencies in Universities using Text Mining Techniques
Authors:   The Korea Association of Yeolin Education, Jang Jihyeon
Published: February 2024

Despite many universities defining and operating competency-based curriculum that align with their ideal talent profiles, there is a shortage of research on the core competency systems and meanings presented by universities. The purpose of this study is to examine how core competencies are defined by various universities that participated in the second cycle of university innovation projects and to identify key points for operating competency-based education programs in the future. For this research, core competencies and their definitions were collected from 121 universities participating in the second cycle of university innovation projects. Through Word2Vec techniques, the relationships between key terms and words were analyzed. Also Cluster analysis was conducted to analyze the main themes of the core competencies set by universities.
The results of this study revealed several key findings regarding the current status of university core competencies. Firstly, while each university has different ideal talent profiles or specificities, the core competencies they are setting are not significantly different. Secondly, it was observed that universities are not effectively reflecting industry demand and societal changes in their core competencies. It is suggested that there is a need for reflection on the responsibilities of universities in responding to societal and industrial demands. This indicates a critical juncture for contemplating competency setting. To align with future changes in the direction of education, efforts should be made to reinterpret and explore the elements and requirements of competencies. This will enable the measurement and management of the outcomes of university education in line with the changing direction of education.
Exploration of Positive Psychological Capital Types and Influential Factors in Educationally Disadvantaged Adolescents during Transitional Periods: Utilizing Latent Transition Analysis and Random Forest Analysis
Authors:   The Korea Association of Yeolin Education, Kang Yulim , Kim Sohee
Published: February 2024

This study aims to explore the patterns of change in positive psychological capital among underprivileged adolescents who transition from middle school to high school. Using latent transition analysis, this study investigated the profiles of positive psychological capital among adolescents during their transitions from a longitudinal perspective. Subsequently, the random forest algorithm was employed to identify the factors influencing the transition patterns of positive psychological capital profiles. A total of 250 adolescents were utilized and they answered questions regarding positive psychological capital during the 1st and 2nd years of a the mentoring program provided by the Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation. First, the positive psychological capital profiles consisted of three profiles for grade 9 and four profiles for grade 10. Second, it was found that variables such as goal orientation, attitudes toward learning, and career planning had a significant impact on maintaining a positive psychological capital profile. The results of this study could serve as foundational data for understanding the changes in positive psychological capital. Additionally, this could contribute to the development of differentiated educational programs and support initiatives aimed at enhancing positive psychological capital. Furthermore, the study underscored the need for systematic support in improving positive psychological capital from a long-term perspective.
Comparison of the Antibacterial Effect of AH26, Adseal and Beta RCS Root Canal Sealers Against Enterococcus Faecalis, an in Vitro Study
Authors: Ghabraei Sholeh , Assadian Hadi , Razmi Hassan , Saeid Sheikhrezaei Mohammad , Khedmat Sedigheh , Chitsaz Nazanin , Mohammadi Zahra , Noori Faranak
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Antibacterial activity against endodontic pathogens is a desirable feature for root canal sealers. The objective of this study was to compare the antibacterial effect of three resin-based endodontic sealers (AH26, Adseal, and Beta RCS) against Enterococcus faecalis in vitro.
Materials and Methods: The antibacterial properties of the sealers were assessed against E. faecalis using agar diffusion test (ADT) for fresh state (N=10) and direct contact test (DCT) for freshly-mixed and set states of the materials (N=10). In ADT, the diameter of the zones of inhibition was measured after 24h of contact. In DCT, the colony-forming units of the bacteria were counted after 30 minutes and 180 minutes of exposure. The results were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and independent sample t-test. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Regarding DCT results, all test materials indicated an antibacterial effect, both in freshly-mixed and set states. The highest antibacterial effect was related to Adseal, whereas the lowest was observed in Beta RCS. There was a significant difference between all study groups (different sealers, setting states, and contact times; P<0.001), except for freshly-mixed AH26 and Adseal at 180 minutes (P>0.05). According to ADT, AH26 and Adseal represented the widest and the smallest inhibition zones, respectively (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, AH26, Adseal, and Beta RCS showed antibacterial effects against E. faecalis in both freshly-mixed and set states. The antibacterial effect increased over time in all of the studied sealers.
ShaFA, a New Microsoft Windows-Based Software for Food Intake Analysis
Authors: Sharifi Amrollah
Published: February 2024

In food intake studies, converting eaten foods into calories and nutrients and other food components using books and tables of food ingredients is a very time-consuming and error-prone task. ShaFA is new Microsoft Windows-based software for food component derivation of individual and group food intake data. This software is developed using C sharp programming language. Microsoft Access has been used to put the information of 8790 food types and their 85 food components based on the USDA-SR28 in the database of software. The user is capable to search in the database for desired food by the name or special code of the food and select them for each person. Each person’s food intake data can be stored via allocating an exclusive ID. Finally, the user can get a report of the imported data in a new window, and also can get a Microsoft Excel export which can be imported into statistical software such as SPSS and STATA. Each research project data can be stored in a file with the unique extension (ShaFA) which can be opened and edited in any system that its operating system is Microsoft Windows, and has ShaFA software installed on it. This software can provide researchers with valuable information in a short time, especially nutritional epidemiology studies. It can also be used in food industry to extract the information needed to label and complete food information table for a variety of food industry products.
Nutrition in Disasters
Authors: Marzban Ameneh , Sadeghi-Nodoushan Fateme
Published: February 2024

The Article Abstract is not available.
The Association of Body Image Concern with Anthropometric Indices and Dietary Intakes in Adolescent Girls: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kohansal Atefeh , Leilami Kimia , Hafizi Mozhgan , Rafiepour Alireza , Nouri Mehran , Sohrabi Zahra , Akbarzade Marzieh
Published: February 2024

Background: Due to the increasing prevalence of body image concern (BIC), especially in adolescent girls, and its potential associations with lifestyle factors and anthropometric indices, the present study was designed to evaluate the associations between BIC with anthropometric indices and dietary intake in adolescent girls. Methods: In this cross-section study, 210 adolescent girls aged 14-16 years were selected from high schools in Shiraz, Iran. Their anthropometric and demographic information were carefully recorded. Physical activity data were recorded through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and information on dietary intake was collected using a 24-hour recall. To assess BIC, Littleton BIC questionnaire was applied. Regression analysis was used to assess the associations between variables. Results: Based on the results, 121 girls (55.8%) of the participants had no BIC, 70 (32.3%) had little, and 26 (12.0%) had medium BIC. Mean values of BMI, BMI for age centile, and z-scores were significantly different between BIC subgroups (P=0.008, 0.023, and 0.009, respectively). Mean values of height, and height for age centile, and z-scores were significantly different between BIC subgroups (P=0.018, 0.021, and 0.029, respectively). Risk of BIC increased, by 77% with 1 unit increase in z-score of height for age. Also, 1 kcal increase in daily energy intake led to 1% decrease in the risk of BIC. Conclusion: BIC was associated with lower calorie intake and higher z-score of height for age in adolescent girls.
The Study of Increasing Shelf-Life of Meat by Using Nanocellulose-Chitosan Composite Film Obtained from Agricultural By-Products
Authors: Mirhosseini Mahboubeh , Afra Azadeh , Banadkooki Fatemeh Barzegari , Banifatemeh Fatemeh
Published: February 2024

Background: This research was conducted to design a bionanocomposite film for meat packaging with regard to environmental aspects. Methods: Cellulose nanoparticles (CNPs) were used as nano-reinforcing factors were generated using non-edible agricultural by-products. The bionanocomposite film which was recently developed contains CNPs and chitosan (CS); then, the nanocomposites were explored via SEM, FTIR, agar disc diffusion tests and X-ray crystallography (XRD). Finally, the film was used to pack meat pieces. Results: Investigation of the morphological and physical reports of the solid films indicated that the CNPs are well scattered in bionanocomposite film. The addition of CNPs within a CS improved Young’s modulus by about 12135% and the tensile strength by 583%. In addition, XRD photographs indicated that CNP peak appeared after being added to CS context. Antimicrobial activity demonstrated that nanocomposites exerted restrictive effect on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Using CS-nanocellulose composite as a packing film on meat surface leads to decreasing bacteria growth compared to nylon packing materials at 4˚C after 8 days of storage. Conclusion: Findings indicated that the recently designed CNP-CS films are a better replacement for common food packaging substances.
The Relationship between Food Security and Total Factor Productivity in Apple Producers in Semirom
Authors: Rahimirigi Reza , Fehresti-Sani Masoud , Fatahi Ahmad , Pakravan Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2024

Background: Food security and productivity are very important variables that affect social welfare and production level. Since a large proportion of employees in Semirom are engaged in apple gardening, this study aims to investigate the effect of increasing the productivity of all factors of apple production in improving the level of food security in Semirom city. Methods: In order to answer the research questions, using Cochran's formula, 139 gardeners were selected and the required data were collected through interviews and completing a questionnaire by cluster sampling in 2020. First, the productivity of all factors of production and the level of food security of the surveyed households were measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access (HFIA) index. Results: The results of this analysis showed that gardeners are not in a good food security situation. Then, using Shazam software and estimating the coefficients of the variables in the logit model, the relationship between productivity and food security was investigated. The results showed that productivity had a positive and significant effect on food security of the studied farmers. Based on the final effect, the variables of productivity, income, and savings had the greatest effect on food security of the farmers. In order to create more employment and increase income for gardeners and their families, apple-related processing industries should be established. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that apple gardeners of Semirom do not have good food security. It is recommended that younger people be educated by experienced farmers in the region.
Effect of Crataegus Extract on the Relief of Heart Palpitation and Anxiety in Teenagers: An Interventional Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Alipour Mohammad Reza , Asadolahi Vakil , Sarebanhassanabadi Mohammadtaghi
Published: February 2024

Background: Heart palpitation is a common complaint defined as an unpleasant or abnormal heartbeat feeling. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Crataegus extract on the relief of heart palpitations and anxiety in adolescents. Methods: This is an interventional quasi-experimental study performed from February 19, 2016 to February 19, 2017 on 120 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years with a complaint of heart palpitations, referring to heart clinic in Afshar Hospital of Yazd. The participants' demographic information, heartbeat feeling, Hamilton anxiety scaling, blood pressure, heartbeat rate, and electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded. Patients were first treated with 20 drops every 8 hours for three days and then 25 drops every 8 hours for one month with Crataegus edible drops. They were then re-evaluated for heart palpations and anxiety. Results: Of 120 adolescents referring to Afshar Hospital with heart palpitations, 98 of participants (81.7%) experienced improvement. Mean differences in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety scores before and after treatment with Crataegus extract decreased significantly by 1.71, 8.52, 6.55, respectively, but the mean difference in diastolic blood pressure increased by 1.46 (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, Crataegus extract might be effective in reducing palpitation and anxiety in adolescents.  Further studies are suggested to approve the results of the study.
Selenium Concentrations in Patients with Depression: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Zarean Elham , Sadeghi Pardis , Jafari Tina , Tehrani Afsaneh Malekpour , Torkian Samaneh
Published: February 2024

Background: Evidence suggests that dietary micronutrients may be associated with depression. The role of selenium as a risk or protective factor for depression was contradictory. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between serum selenium concentrations and depression. Methods: This case-control study was conducted from 2018 to 2020 in Shahrekord, Iran. The case and control groups included patients with or without depression, respectively. Seventy-two participants were selected using the conventional method. In addition to recording demographic variables, the blood selenium concentration of the participants was measured. Results: There was no difference between case and control groups in terms of mean levels of blood selenium (P>0.05). Results showed that there was no statistically significant interaction between the effects of gender and group (P=0.51), age and group (P=0.13), Body mass index (BMI) and group (P=0.52) on blood selenium concentrations. However, females had significantly more selenium concentrations than males in both groups (P=0.005). Conclusion: Despite some confirming evidence for the association of depression and blood selenium concentration, this study did not show such a relationship. However, blood selenium concentration was higher in women than men in both groups.
Food and Nutrition Literacy through Formal Education in Iran: A Content Analysis of School Textbooks
Authors: Dehghani Marzieh , Omidvar Nasrin , Doustmohammadian Azam , Tork Zeinab , Arvand Ayoub
Published: February 2024

Background:  Formal education in any society should foster all aspects of students' growth. However, studying the curriculum of the country academic period indicates null food and nutrition. Nutrition, as an essential factor in the health of students, can play an effective role in their academic progress. This study aimed to analyze the content of school textbooks concerning food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) concept and its components in Iran. Methods: This study is a content analysis of school textbooks during 2020-2021 academic year. All school textbooks published in 2020 for elementary (grades 1st to 6th), junior high school (grades 7th to 9th), as well as high schools (grades 10th to 12th) were included. Content analysis of the textbooks was conducted based on Krippendorf framework using FNLIT component checklist. The reliability assessment using Holsti method was 85.29% for elementary school textbooks and 84.78% for junior high school and high school textbooks. Results: The cognitive domain of FNLIT had the highest frequency (92%) within the text, images, and practice questions of the elementary school textbooks, followed by very few references regarding the skill domain (7%). The value-attitude domain was largely unnoticed (1%). In junior high school textbooks, the total number of FNLIT components was 439, of which the cognitive domain of 308 (70.16%) had the highest frequency, followed by the skill domain with 96 units (21.86%), while only 35 units were identified regarding the value-attitude domain (7.97%). In high school textbooks, 342 units of analysis were identified, 82.16% of which were related to cognition, 14.03% value-attitude domain, and only 3.80% were related to the skill domain. Conclusion: Meager attention is given to FNLIT and its components in school textbooks in Iran, especially concerning skill and value-attitude domains.
Effect of Low-Fat Dairy Products Fortified with Encapsulated Vitamin D3 on Anxiety, Depression and Stress in People with Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Sharifan Payam , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Darroudi Susan , Ghodsi Alireza , Soflaei Sara Saffar , Tanbacoochi Davoud , Fazl Mashhadi Mohammad Reza , Mohammadi Mohammad Amin , Dabagh Ali Ebrahimi , Moazedi Sara , Bajgiran Maryam Mohammadi , Ferns Gordon , Esmaily Habibollah , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid
Published: February 2024

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide condition, which has been linked to a variety of health-related issues. Vitamin D can be beneficial to cardiovascular patients and those suffering from depression and anxiety, based on Survey of Ultraviolet Intake by Nutritional Approach (SUVINA study), ,showing the potential effects of vitamin D-fortified dairy products on anxiety, depression, and stress in subjects with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Methods: It was a quadruple-blind randomized controlled trial. Individuals were randomly allocated to one of four groups: fortified low-fat milk (FM), non-fortified low-fat milk (NFM), fortified low-fat yogurt (FY), and non-fortified low-fat yogurt (NFY). FM and FY groups were fortified with 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D3. Anthropometric parameters as well as depression, anxiety, and stress scores were measured at baseline and after a ten-week trial in Mashhad, Iran. Results: Totally, 289 participants (143 men, 146 women) with a mean age of 41.86±7.81years were enrolled in the study. There was no statistical difference between the scores of depression, anxiety, and stress in participants with and without CVD risk factors (P>0.05).  No statistical difference was found in the subgroup analysis based on milk and yogurt consumption. Conclusions: Fortified low-fat milk containing 1,500 IU of vitamin D has no impact on improving depression, anxiety, and stress during ten weeks. However, further studies with higher vitamin D doses for a longer duration are recommended.
Interaction of Vitamin D Receptor Gene FokI Variants and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Perceived Stress Score and Serum Cortisol Levels in Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Veysi Zahra , Dehghani Azadeh , Sanjari Mahnaz , Maghbooli Zhila , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: February 2024

Background: There is a high prevalence of perceived stress among nurses. Recent studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids and genetic variants contribute to perceived stress. This study aimed to examine interactions between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene FokI polymorphism and omega-3 fatty acids on perceived stress score and serum cortisol levels in nurses. Methods: A total of 268 Iranian nurses (248 women; 20 men) participated in this cross-sectional study. Omega-3 fatty acids and perceived stress score of participants were evaluated using a 3-day food record and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-10, respectively. Serum cortisol concentrations were evaluated by ELISA. VDR FokI polymorphism was genotyped using the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: No significant relationship was found between omega-3 fatty acids with perceived stress score or cortisol level in FF genotype carriers, but lower intake of PUFA was related to higher cortisol level (P=0.04) in Ff carriers. Significant interactions were observed between VDR FOKI polymorphism and intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (P Interaction=0.06), linoleic acid (P Interaction=0.06), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (P Interaction=0.06) on serum cortisol, so that lower intake of EPA, linoleic acid, and DHA was associated with an increase in cortisol levels in individuals with ff genotype. Moreover, in carriers of ff genotype, lower intake of EPA was related to the elevated perceived stress score (P Interaction=0.06). Conclusion: FokI polymorphism interacts with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, linoleic acid, and DHA) to increase cortisol level and with EPA to increase perceived stress score in nurses.
High Dose of Vitamin C in Septic and Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: A Narrative Review
Authors: Amini Kiumarth , Sahebnasagh Adeleh , Amini Ronak , Habtemariam Solomon , Najmeddin Farhad , Mojtahedzadeh Mojtaba
Published: February 2024

Background: The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) may be considered sepsis on the basis that all the pathological events and the subsequent organ-to-organ interaction in sepsis also occur in COVID-19. In this article, the authors first discussed the rationale for the use of vitamin C (Vit-C) in sepsis and septic patients. They also reviewed the role of a high dose of Vit-C in COVID-19, which included clinical trials designed for the management of this viral disease. Methods: The researchers explored databases of PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Data were extracted to assess the effects of Vit-C in septic patients and also the efficacy of supplementation with a high dose of Vit-C regarding the clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19. Results: Recent research findings indicate that severe inflammatory responses (cytokine storms) and oxidative stress are important causes for the high mortality in COVID-19 patients. It seems, however, that administering high doses of Vit-C can offer a therapeutic benefit. High doses of intravenous Vit-C, with its antioxidant properties and pleiotropic functions, could attenuate the tissue damage caused by excessive levels of free radicals following the cytokine storm and septic shock in severe cases of the disease. Conclusions: Recent literature suggests that high doses of Vit-C have a potential role in reducing mortality and intubation rates in critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, determining the optimal duration and dose of Vit-C in these patients requires further studies.
Consumption of Medicinal Plants among Patients with Diabetes in Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ardakani Mojtaba Fattahi , Namiranian Nasim , Afkhami Ardekani Mohammad , Zareipour Moradali , Asadian Ali , Heydari Sara
Published: February 2024

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which affects all aspects of human life. Medical herbs have become increasingly popular as complementary therapeutic measures for patients with diabetes. Thus, the present research aims to explore the consumption of medical herbs in patients with diabetes in Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) countries through a meta-analysis. Methods: The following keywords were searched: medicine, medicinal plants, healing plants, medicinal herbs, use, usage, frequency of use, prevalence, diabetes patients, type 2 diabetes, adults with diabetes, and EMRO countries. The databases searched included Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Results: A total of 3,542 papers were found. After omitting repeated or irrelevant papers, 70 papers were retained. An analysis of the abstract and full text of papers led to the retention of 35 papers. A great variance was found regarding the rate of consuming medical herbs in the papers (16.8-97.7%). The relative frequency of consuming medical herbs was 38% (95% CI: 33-44). Moreover, the most prevalent herbs were fenugreek (19%), cinnamon (18%), black seed (14%), white lupinus (13%), and olive (13%) with a 95% confidence interval. About 70% of patients (95%CI: 62-79) did not inform their physician of their herbal medicine consumption. Conclusion: In light of the present findings, it can be concluded that patients with diabetes use a wide range of medical herbs. Thus, health specialists and physicians need to be aware of the possible synergic or moderating effect of herbal medicine on the therapeutic measures taken for diabetes.
Pesticide Residue in Iranian Fruits and Vegetables: A Systematic Review
Authors: Toorang Fatemeh , Sasanfar Bahareh , Pouraram Hamed , Eskandari Soheyl
Published: February 2024

Background: There is a growing concern about the health-threatening effects of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables worldwide. This study systematically reviewed the published data on pesticide residues in Iranian fruits and vegetables to clarify the gap in this issue. Method: The authors systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, SID, and Iran Medex to find published studies on pesticide residues in Iranian foods without time and language restrictions. The title and abstract of all articles were evaluated after removing duplicate articles (2289 articles) by two independent reviewers. Finally, 25 articles were found that reported pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. There was a great variation in measurement methods and pesticides reported across studies, which precluded meta-analysis. Therefore, a summary of the included studies was only reported. Results: Twenty-four studies reporting pesticide residues in Iranian fruits and vegetables were included. The percentage of Iranian fruits and vegetables contaminated with pesticides exceeding the maximum residue limit (MRL) was less than 10% in most studies. Contaminated samples were collected mainly from cultivated areas such as fields, orchards, or greenhouses. Conclusion: Pesticide residues in food have not been systematically reported in Iran. It was found that only limited articles were published by academic societies on this issue. Considering the current scenario, there is an urgent need to facilitate reliable and continuous measurements of toxic residues in Iranian food.
A Review of the Effect of Synbiotic Foods on Reducing and Treating Constipation in Fasted People during the Month of Ramadan
Authors: Shirdeli Mehrnoosh , Yaghoubi Fatemeh , Sadeghi-Nodoushan Fateme , Marzban Ameneh
Published: February 2024

Background: Fasting during Ramadan is an obligatory duty for all Muslims in the world. One of the most common side effects of fasting is constipation if fasted people do not follow a proper diet. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review the effect of synbiotic foods on reducing and treating constipation in fasted people during Ramadan. Methods: Search engines including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Google scholar, Magiran, and scientific information database (SID) were applied with keywords such as Fasting, Synbiotics, Constipation, Ramadan, Digestive System, Probiotics and Prebiotics to find related articles published up to 2022. Finally, 45 articles were included in the review. Results: Synbiotics are actually oral supplements and a mixture of probiotics and prebiotics. The use of these compounds, in addition to reducing the complication of constipation, has other benefits that can be a step towards reducing the use of drugs and changing lifestyle not only this month but also at other times. Conclusion: The use of fiber-containing compounds, beneficial for the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, both microbial and to improve its peristalsis, is especially necessary in the elderly, whose peristalsis has decreased due to aging. The placement of synbiotic foods such as synbiotic dairy products will help to control this complication due to the presence of prebiotics and beneficial probiotics.
Urban Agriculture and Food Security: A Narrative Review
Authors: Marzban Ameneh , Dowlati Mohsen , Nodoushan Fateme Sadeghi
Published: February 2024

Background Today, the world is facing the problems of population growth, urbanization, increasing need for food, depletion of water resources, and environmental degradation. Therefore, the present study investigates the impact of urban agriculture on food security. Methods: Search engines including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Google scholar, Magiran, and scientific information database (SID) were applied with keywords such as population growth, food security, sustainable development, urban agriculture, food system to find related articles published up to 2022. Results: The impact of urban agriculture on food security can be seen through several factors such as nutritional stability, food availability, affordable food supply, and revenue generation through sales. Conclusion: Urban agriculture refers to production of food products in urban environment, where food is produced on rooftops, backyards, gardens, or in public open spaces. This work proposes new opportunities for sustainable development and urban management to make significant changes in living environment, health and land management. Furthermore, this research provides the poor in the city a chance to achieve food security by reducing household food costs.
The Probable Impact of Soy Isoflavones in Bone Fracture Downturn: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shirazi Maryam Hamidian , Mollaei Alireza , Ramezani Atena , Shirazi Amirreza Hamidian , Hejazi Najmeh
Published: February 2024

Background: There is a direct relationship between taking soy isoflavones and higher bone density, but there is a paucity of studies examining the relationship between flavonoid consumption and fracture risk. This study aimed to assess the bone fracture and its relationship to soy product intake by performing a systematic review. Methods: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of science were searched to find studies on the effect of soy isoflavones on bone fracture, without any time and language of publication restrictions. Key words of SoyMilk, soymilk, soybeans, soybean, soy, soya, Isoflavones, Isoflavone, ipriflavone, equol, genistein, daidzein, glycitin, fractures, and broken bone were used. Results: From a total of 1675 articles, 27 studies (cross-sectional studies (n=1), case-control studies (n=1), cohort (n=11), and randomized control trials (n=14)) were identified, and their quality was assessed. Eighteen studies highlighted mainly positive results in preventive influence of soy bone fractures. Two papers reported a positive effect was observed in men with cancer. No significant association was found between soy intake and bone prevention fracture in eight distinct papers. Conclusion: Intake of soy isoflavones can make a significant preventive effect on bone fracture; however, the results of some studies are controversial.  Therefore, it is necessary to survey more studies to identify the relationship between isoflavones and bone fracture.
The Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Supplements on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Human Studies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Derakhshandeh-Rishehri Seyedeh-Masomeh , Rajabzadeh-Dehkordi Milad , Ghobadi Saeed , Faghih Shiva
Published: February 2024

Background: Oxidative stress is the leading cause of chronic disorders. The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplements on oxidative stress biomarkers in adults.
Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ProQuest, Scopus, and Embase were searched up to December 2020. All clinical trials that evaluated the effect of CLA on malondialdehyde (MDA), GSH-peroxidase (GPX), and 8-IsoprostanesF2α (8-iso-PGF2α) were included.
Results: Twelve eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. A significant increase was observed in 8-iso-PGF2α level (SMD=1.48 nmol/mmol of creatinine; 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.85) with low heterogeneity level (I2= 31.5%, and P=0.199). This effect was also significant in both subgroups of healthy and metabolic disorder individuals. Moreover, after Hartung-Knapp adjustment, the results remained significant. No significant changes were found in MDA (SMD=-0.34 µmol/l; 95% CI: -0.82 to 0.14) and GPX (SMD=0.31 U/gHb; 95% CI: -0.03 to 0.66) levels. However, after Hartung-Knapp adjustment, the results became significant for GPX level (SMD=0.31, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.59).
Conclusion: CLA supplementation could significantly increase some markers of oxidative stress such as 8-iso-PGF2α level and GPX level, without any significant effect on MDA level.
Filtering Swamp Water into Clean Water Using Carbon Charcoal and Silica Sand Filter Media
Authors: Prassetio Rendi , Assydiqy Muhammad Aldy , Kusmindari Christofora Desi , Pasmawati Yanti , Gunarto Muji
Published: February 2024

Water filtration is an essential need in ensuring the quality of a safe water supply for the community around Meritai Raya Village Rt 027, Sungai Pinang Village, Rambutan District, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra Province. The method used was a completely randomized design (CRD) using activated carbon charcoal, silica sand, coir, gravel and filter cotton as media. The aim of the research is to determine the efficiency of the performance of swamp water processing filters in removing water quality parameters in the form of pH (Potential of Hydrogen) and TDS (Total Dissolved Solid). Design a which has 3 tubes uses filter media in the form of sand (12 cm), coir (15 cm), and cotton (3 cm) in tube 1, coir (20 cm), gravel (8 cm), and cotton (3 cm) in tube 2, carbon charcoal (8 cm) and cotton (10 cm) in tube 3. And design b which has 2 tubes in the form of gravel (6 cm), silica sand (12 cm), 8cm coir, and cotton (4 cm.) in tube 1. carbon charcoal (7 cm), coir (10 cm), and cotton (10 cm) in tube 2. The research results show that filtration is effective in reducing water pH and TDS in water, namely up to pH 7.6 and TDS 92 ppm in design A and pH 8.3 and TDS 104 ppm in design B even though it does not meet the clean water quality standards of Minister of Health Regulation No. 32 of 2017. The two filtration designs have performance effectiveness that is not much different in treating swamp water. However, overall filtration with the 3 tube variation has better performance.
The Process Of Building A Virtual Teacher According To Self-Regulated Learning In Teaching Maths In Primary Schools
Authors: Minh Giam Nguyen , Thi Hoai Nam Nguyen , Van Doc Nguyen
Published: February 2024

Chatbot is a program that interacts with users via textual or auditory. Nowadays, Chatbots are widely used in jobs such as virtual assistants for customer care, product introduction, sales, etc. Chatbots have also been applied in many different aspects of the field of education thanks to the benefits it brings including high personalization, high interactivity, speed, accuracy, etc. A popular application of Chatbots in education is using Chatbots to teach. This article analyzes the benefits that Chatbots bring to the field of education, thereby providing a process for designing a teaching Chatbot for a specific lesson in the direction of self-regulated learning to help teachers and educators have orientation in using Chatbot in teaching.
Organizational Change Dynamics and Their Impact on Employee Well-Being: A Quantitative Exploration within a Moroccan Hotel Chain
Authors: TAOUSSI Ghita , AFILAL Khaoula
Published: February 2024

This research aims to examine the effect of organizational change on the health and well-being of employees, a topical issue in the contemporary professional environment. The study focuses on a case of a Moroccan hotel company, providing an original insight into the hotel industry in Morocco. The main goal is to explore the links between the dimensions of organizational change and the health and well-being of employees, in order to determine how organizations can optimize the management of these transformations. The research adopts a quantitative approach, including the collection of primary data from the employees of the hotel chain, followed by the validation of the instruments and a rigorous statistical analysis. The results show that the clarity of the goals and the vision of the change is essential for the health and well-being of employees. Moreover, the involvement of employees in the decisions related to the change has a positive influence on their health and well-being. However, the role of communication in the change process has not been verified significantly. These findings have practical implications for managers, highlighting the importance of clarity in communicating the goals and the involvement of employees in the decision-making process. They suggest strategies to improve the health and well-being of employees and their adaptation to the change, fostering a more positive and productive work climate.
The electromagnetic mass of the proton
Authors: Gimsa Andreas
Published: February 2024

In the proton there is an energy equilibrium between the relativistic energy of its positron and the magnetic energies between its two magnetic poles and between its magnetic poles and its positron.