bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucomannan enhanced the macrophage activity in exposure to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): in-vitro study
Authors: Tehrani Melika Khanzadeh , Yazdi Mohammad Hossein , Pourmand Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: The increasing number of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus persuade the need for preventive measures. Glucomannan is a polysaccharide choice for developing immunological strategies. This study aimed to investigate changes in gene expression and phagocytic activity of macrophage cells in the presence of glucomannan.
Materials and Methods: The effect of different concentrations of glucomannan (25, 50, and 100 µg/mL) on the phagocytic activity of macrophage cells was measured using the colony count method. The expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) genes was evaluated by Real-Time PCR.
Results: The concentrations of glucomannan significantly reduced the bacterial Colony-Forming Unit (CFU) and increased the phagocytic activity of macrophage cells. The maximum effect of glucomannan on iNOS and TNF-Α genes expression was 100 µg/mL.
Conclusion: Glucomannan should be considered an adjuvant that stimulates the immune system. It may increase the expres- sion of TNF-α and iNOS genes and the phagocytic activity of macrophage cells against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects of nanoemulsion of Origanum majorana essential oil
Authors: Rasti Fatemeh , Ahmadi Elahe , Safari Mojdeh , Abdollahi Abbas , Satvati Saha , Ranjbar Razie , Osanloo Mahmoud
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to develop a natural nanoemulsion with antibacterial and anticancer prop- erties.
Materials and Methods: The chemical composition of the Origanum majorana essential oil was investigated using GC–MS analysis. Besides, the successful loading of the essential oil in the nanoemulsion was confirmed using ATR-FTIR analysis. Moreover, nanoemulsion’s anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities were investigated.
Results: Terpinen-4-o1 (46.90%) was identified as the major compound in the essential oil. The nanoemulsion with a 149 ± 5 nm droplet size and zeta potential of -11 ± 1 mV was prepared. The cytotoxic effect of the nanoemulsion against A-375 human melanoma cells (IC = 139 µg/mL) showed significantly more potency than A-549 human lung cancer cells (IC = 318 µg/mL). Interestingly, growth of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and E. coli (Gram-negative) bacteria after treatment with 4800 µg/mL of nanoemulsion were obtained at 12 ± 2 and 6 ± 1%, respectively. However, the IC of nanoemulsion against E. coli (580 µg/mL) was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from S. aureus (611 µg/mL).
 
Conclusion: A straightforward preparation method, high stability, and multi-biological effects are the main advantages of the prepared nanoemulsion. Therefore it could be considered for further investigation in vivo studies or complementary medicine.
Investigation on microbial deterioration of exquisite collection of old manuscripts in Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Parisa , Shokrzadeh Leila , Bahreini Masoumeh , Behdani Samira
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: The present study was to evaluate the microbial diversity inhabiting biodeteriorated precious manuscripts of the Holy Quran placed in one of the repositories of the Library of Astan Quds Razavi (AQR), and its relation to the air microbial diversity.
Materials and Methods: Three non-invasive sampling methods, culture-based techniques, and molecular identification were used to investigate the microorganisms involved in deterioration. To investigate the air microbial quality and its role in the destruction of the repository objects, air samples were taken from six different points inside the repository. Biomodeling studies were designed to verify the impact of microbial isolates.
Results: 14 fungal isolates were obtained from three deteriorated ancient Quran manuscripts. The most frequently isolated fungi from the different substrates were Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. In the air, the prevalence across fungal gen- era was rather uniform. 30 species of the identified bacteria were collected from three manuscripts. The results obtained in the present study showed that the bacterial species from different genera belonged to three phyla: Proteobacteria (n = 2), Actinobacteria (n = 4), and Firmicutes (n = 24). The paper strips were artificially colonized by Aspergillus sp., Penicillium chrysogenum, and Talaromyces diversus producing spots which were visible to the naked eye. In the scanning electron mi- croscopy images, the colonization of the selected organism was observed.
Conclusion: The characteristics of paper inoculated artificially with these microbial isolates confirmed their deteriorating effects. Based on molecular identification, the similarity of fungal and bacterial species isolated from both substrates and air samples suggest the direct relationship between microorganisms from the air and those isolated from the manuscripts.
Low presence of papillomavirus and its lack of correlation with clinicopathological factors in breast cancer: a case control study
Authors: Makvandi Manoochehr , Rashno Mohammad , Faghihloo Ebrahim , Bagheri Shahram , Hesam Saeed , Mirzaei Habibollah , Ramezani Ali
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Breast cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed neoplasm in women worldwide. There is evidence that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may play a key role in breast cancer aggressiveness, but results are conflicting across studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of the HPV viral genome in benign and malignant breast tissue samples and its clinicopathological characteristics of cancer.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 100 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) of breast cancer and 100 blocks of non-cancerous breast tissue were selected as a control group from the pathology department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz from 2020-2022. The presence of HPV was detected using nested PCR including MY09/11 primers and sequencing were performed for virus genotyping.
Results: The present study enrolled 100 subjects each in two cancer and control groups with a mean age of 52.81±13.23 and 35.77±11.65, respectively. The risk of cancer in HPV-infected patients is almost 5 times higher than in HPV-negative individuals, it is not statistically significant (OR =4.99, 95% CI 0.35 to 72.15, p=0.238). The prevalence of HPV in the cancer and control groups was 7% and 1%, respectively and HPVs detected in two groups were of the HPV 16 genotype. Although the chance of ER and PR expression, lymphvascular involvement, perineural invasion, and higher tumor grade was higher in HPV-positive subjects than in HPV-negative subjects, this was not statistically significant (OR>1, p>0.05).
Conclusion: Based on studies reporting the existence of sequences of different high-risk HPV types (oncogenes) in breast cancer tissues, this study confirmed the hypothesis of a possible infectious cause in the development of breast cancer. So far, however, the results have been controversial and inconclusive. Further studies with large sample sizes are needed to demon- strate the link between HPV and breast cancer.
A seromolecular study to determine the prevalence of cytomegalovirus in pregnant women referred to health centers in the north of Iran
Authors: Saravi Negin Mesgar , Aghajani Faegheh , Najafi Ahmad , Khajavi Rezvan , Rahmani Zahra , Jalali Hossein , Mousavi Tahoora
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Because of the controversial aspects of the CMV virus during pregnancy, it should be con- sidered a serious health threat, especially in developing countries. The present seromolecular study aimed to determine cytomegalovirus prevalence in pregnant women referred to health centers in the north of Iran.
Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-five pregnant women who were referred to health centers in Mazandaran province for regular health checks were randomly selected from Jan 2022 to Oct 2022. To detect the presence of the CMV genome and specific IgM and IgG antibodies against cytomegalovirus, the conventional PCR and ELISA tests were applied respectively.
Results: All 125 pregnant women that attended the study were from Mazandaran province with a mean age of 30 years ranging from 20 to 42 years. The result showed that 2 (1.6%), 92 (73.6%), and 2 (1.6%) of the cases were positive for IgM, IgG, and IgM/IgG, respectively. The PCR test results indicated that the CMV DNA was present in 10 (8%) pregnant women. Our study shows that all PCR-positive cases were negative for the IgM test. Of the 10 PCR-positive samples 3 were positive and 1 was suspicious for the IgG test.
Conclusion: Our study revealed that there is an urgent need for vaccination or other strategies to prevent and treat congenital CMV infection. Reducing the burden of congenital CMV infection requires global awareness. Further studies are recom- mended to obtain accurate estimates of the risk of congenital CMV infection.
Translation, Linguistic Validation, and Cultural Adaptation of the Bladder Cancer Index (BCI) Questionnaire Into the Persian (Farsi) Language and Comparing it With WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire: An Observational Study
Authors: Ghorbani Hamidreza , AfzalAghai Monavar , Soltani Salman , Mottaghi Mahdi , Tavakkoli Mahmoud , Lotfi Amin
Published: September 2023

Objective: Whether ileal conduit diversion (ICD) or orthotopic neobladder (ONB) urinary diversion provides better quality of life (QoL) is still under debate. The Bladder Cancer Index (BCI) is a specific tool for bladder cancer (BCa) patients, providing reliable results in previous studies. A validated Farsi version of the BCI concerning cultural aspects could help Farsi-speaking clinicians gain more reliable feedback on QoL following urinary diversion.
Materials and methods: Based on WHO suggestions, we translated the BCI questionnaire into the Persian language. Then, we performed a cross-sectional study on BCa patients who underwent ICD or ONB urinary diversion. We compared their QoL via BCI and WHO questionnaires. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used where appropriate.
Results: The content validity ratio and the content validity indexes were 1 and 0.8-1.0, respectively. Of 57 participants, six patients (10.5%) were women. The ICD was performed for 38 (66.7%) and ONB diversion for 19 (33.3) participants. The mean age of ICD and ONB was 68.71 ± 7.40 and 64.28 ± 8.34 years, respectively (p-value: 0.055). In all sub-domains of BCI, except bowel habits, the mean scores were higher in the ICD group. A significant difference between ICD and ONB groups was found regarding urinary function (p-value<0.001). There was no significant difference between ICD and ONB groups in none of the domains of the WHO questionnaire.
Conclusion: The QoL of ICD and ONB patients did not differ significantly. Even ICD may be superior in ritual purification, while the psychological status of ONB patients was better.
Husbands' Perception of Environmental Characteristics During Participation in Physiologic Delivery: A Case Study of Delivery Rooms in Iran
Authors: Ghamgosar Faeghe Deljoo , Yazdanfar Seyed Abbas , Nikkhah Esmat , Yari Hassan , Honarbakhsh Mina
Published: September 2023

Objective: Nowadays, the presence of husbands during the childbirth process is regarded as an important factor that can contribute to lower rate of the C-section, better success of physiologic delivery and higher satisfaction in childbirth experience. Considering the special sociocultural characteristics of the Iranian society, this method requires accurate assessment to be practical and effective. The aim of this research was finding out how husbands perceive the environmental and physical characteristics of delivery spaces via studying these physical characteristics, exploring them through husbands’ perception and finally discovering the mechanism behind formation of this perception.
Materials and methods: First, the conceptual model of the study was developed after a review of the physiologic childbirth literature. Then, a research questionnaire was designed and distributed among 120 husbands who recently had the experience of accompanying their wives during physiologic childbirth.
Results: The results showed that light, color and temperature play a significant role in husbands’ perception of delivery spaces under the special psychological conditions and stress that they experience during the childbirth. Designer should pay due attention to these three factors when designing the structure of childbirth spaces.
Conclusion: Promoting the environmental quality of the physiologic delivery room based on husband's perception can help mothers and medical staff better manage childbirth pain which is an integral part of natural childbirths.
How Does Platelet-rich Plasma Injection in Ovaries of Poor Responders Affect the Retrieved Oocytes, and Anti Mullerian Hormone: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Tehraninejad Ensieh Shahrokh , Razavi Maryam Olsadat , Menshadi Azadeh Tarafdari , Shariat Mamak , Shahsavari Saiedeh , Haghollahi Fedyeh , Nekoo Elham Azimi
Published: September 2023

Objective: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is proposed to have important role in cell division and proliferation, angiogenesis and health. This study evaluates the effect of a single injection of autologous PRP on ovarian response markers in women with poor ovarian response (POR).
Materials and methods: This non-randomized clinical trial was conducted between August 2020 and September 2021. Fifty six women with Bologna criteria for POR willingly chose to participate in one of the following groups: PRP for one cycle in the time of oocyte pickup (OPU) (intervention group, n= 34) or control group (n=22).The primary outcomes were: number and quality of oocytes in coming 2 cycles of ICSI, and Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) level two months after PRP injection. The secondary outcomes were the number and quality of embryos and chemical pregnancy rate after embryo transfer.
Results: A total of 45 participants continued the study, of which 23 were in the intervention group and 22 in control group. There were no demographic differences between two groups. At a two cycle follow up, PRP group experienced a significant improvement in AMH level and there was no respective change in control group. In one year follow up the overall pregnancy rates were same in both groups (3% Vs. 0, p=.60), while there was no difference in cumulative number and quality of embryos.
Conclusion: PRP injection can improve ovarian reserve marker without adverse effects. Further evidence is required to evaluate the impact of PRP on assisted reproduction outcomes.
Application of Uterus Manipulator in Total Abdominal Hysterectomy for Benign Diseases
Authors: Salehi Fateme , Saeedi Sara , Amiriariya Zeynab , Feizabad Elham
Published: September 2023

Objective: Pelvic access is a challenging matter in abdominal hysterectomy especially in obese patients and presence of pelvic adhesions. Uterus manipulators (UM) have been used in a number of studies on laparoscopic approach to improve surgical performance. This study aimed to assess the impact of UM application on the operation time and blood loss in total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) for benign diseases.
Materials and methods: Forty-one patients aged 34 to 56 years were enrolled for abdominal hysterectomy – 20 as the case group (hysterectomy with UM application) and 21 as the control group (conventional hysterectomy). In the case group, UM was used after uterus artery ligation during TAH. The control group underwent traditional TAH.
Results: The mean operation time was significantly less in TAH with UM compared to traditional TAH (90.23 ± 10.54 minutes vs. 140.5 ± 16.61 minutes; p-value<0.001). The mean decline between preoperative and 12-hour postoperative hemoglobin was 0.74 ± 0.23 mg/dL in the TAH with UM group and 1.65± 1.02 mg/dL in the traditional TAH group (p-value<0.001). Also, no difference was detected in intra- and post-operative complications.
Conclusion: The current study showed that, using UM is beneficial in total abdominal hysterectomy by decreasing the operative time and blood loss.
Evaluation of Liver Enzymes in Normal Pregnancies in a University Hospital of Zabol Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shahramian Iraj , Kahkhaie Leli Rezaie , Keikhaie Khadije Rezaie , Kahkha Zhaleh Mahdi Shirdel , Afshari Mahdi
Published: September 2023

Objective: Changes in endocrine, nervous, renal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems during pregnancy have been studied, but changes in liver function have been poorly studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the trend of changes in liver enzymes in normal pregnancy.
Materials and methods: This prospective longitudinal study included 68 pregnant women who were referred to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Amiral Momenin Hospital in Zabol in 2021. In terms of the trimester of pregnancy, the presence of underlying diseases, history of previous pregnancies, disorders of the enzymes of recent patients, the patients were evaluated, and the information from the patients' files was analyzed.
Results: The average AST levels in pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimesters were 16.82, 17.47, and 18.00, respectively, which show that garlic consumption is increasing. The average PT in pregnant women decreased in the first, second, and third trimesters. The average direct and total bilirubin levels in pregnant women in the first and second trimesters showed a constant trend. The amount of total protein increased in pregnant women during the first, second, and third trimesters. In the second and third trimesters, the enzyme level was significantly higher in pregnant women than in nonpregnant women. The level of GGT in pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimesters showed a different trend.
Conclusion: Accurate evaluation of patients, especially in the third trimester, is necessary from the point of view of increasing enzyme levels in other countries.
Carbon Paste Electrode Modified by Dibenzo 18-crown-6 for the Determination of Pb in Carrot Using Differential Pulse Voltammetry
Authors: IRDHAWATİ Irdhawati , WİJANA Ayu Jyostisya Yotirani Arya , SAHARA Emmy , MANURUNG Manuntun
Published: September 2023

In this research, the modification of carbon paste electrode (CPE) using dibenzo 18-crown-6 was carried out to detect Pb level in carrot. The purpose of this electrode modification is to increase the sensitivity of the measurement. The optimized parameters were scan rate, composition of dibenzo 18-crown-6 in carbon paste, and supporting electrolyte. Measurements were validated by determining the linear concentration range, detection limit (LoD), quantification limit (LoQ), repeatability, selectivity, and recovery. At the best measurement conditions, the modified CPE (CPE-Dbc) was applied to determine Pb in carrot. The optimum measurements conditions were obtained the optimum concentration of crown ether in carbon paste was 0.8%, the scan rate using CPE at 15 mV/s, increased to 20 mV/s, and H2SO4 solution as supporting electrolyte. The linear concentration was found in the range of 5-100 µg/L using CPE and became wider to 5-2000 µg/L using CPE-Dbc. The values of LoD and LoQ measurement using CPE were 0,3575 µg/L and 0,3583 µg/L, and decreased to 0,1265 µg/L and 0,1266 µg/L using CPE-Dbc. CPE and CPE-Dbc had good precision with Horwitz ratio values were 0,2231 and 0,2183, which is smaller than two. The percentage of recovery of Pb in the mixture of standard and sample solutions was (88,97 ± 2,76)%. The presence of Cu, Cd and Na in the solution did not interfere the measurement of Pb. The concentration of Pb in carrot sample was (1,8423 ± 0,0002) mg/kg, which was higher than the acceptable concentration according to SNI No. 7387:2009, which is 0,5 mg/kg.
Hydration Processes in HCl and Aqueous Salt Solutions
Authors: SHAHBAZOVA Gunel , MASIMOV Eldar Ali
Published: September 2023

In this work, the number of hydration of ions (K+ and Cl-, K+ and Br-, K+ and I-, H+ and Cl-, Li+ and Cl-, Cs+ and Cl-, Na+ and Cl-) in dilute aqueous solutions of some electrolytes of KCl, KBr, KI, HCl, LiCl, CsCl, and NaCl was studied by the proposed refractometric method. Further, the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) on the hydration processes for ions in aqueous solutions of KCl and KBr was studied. It turned out that when the polymer is introduced into the solution, the hydration numbers of ions decrease, which is apparently due to the role of the PEG oxygen atom competing with ions in interaction with water molecules.
Experimental and Computational Studies of Nitric Acid Treated Natural Sargassum Algae for Efficient Removal of Crystal-Violet Dye
Authors: Mohamed Husseın , Hamza Zeinab , Tawfik Wael , Mohammed Nada , Abdel-mageed Hamada , Soliman Nofal , El-zairy Amany , Hegab Momtaz
Published: September 2023

In this work, crystal-violet (CV) dye was removed using a chemical carbonization process to create carbonized sargassum algae (CSA), which poses less environmental danger. The produced CSA is examined using a scanning electron microscope and a Fourier-Transform Infrared spectrometer. The following parameters were measured: pH, contact duration, temperature, adsorbent concentration, and starting CV dye concentration. The highest removal % was recorded as 91.17%. at pH 7, 3 hours, 25 °C, 0.01 g of adsorbent dosage, and 100 mg/L initial dye concentration. The kinetic testing indicated that pseudo-second-order was the most effective kinetic model for CV adsorption. According to the isotherms for the adsorption of CV dye, the Langmuir constant (K) was used to measure thermodynamic properties like free enthalpy (H), entropy (S), and energy (G). The Freundlich model, followed by Temkin models, best described the data. The earlier research is supported by computational studies like molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation.
The Influence of Service Quality and Room Rates on Guest Loyalty at UNP Hotel & Convention Center
Authors: Eureka Yunisha , Putri Yorike Dwi , Warman Aditya , Ferdian Feri
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This study aims to elucidate the profound influence of service quality and room rates on hotel guest loyalty within the context of UNP Hotel & Convention Center.
Method: Employing an explanatory research design with a quantitative approach, this study examines the interplay between service quality, room rates, and hotel guest loyalty. The study focuses on a population of repeat guests at UNP Hotel & Convention Center. Data was collected from 50 respondents through purposive sampling using a meticulously designed questionnaire. The collected data was subjected to descriptive analysis and path analysis, with the proposed model evaluated using the Smart Partial Least Squares Structural (PLSS) assessment.
Results: The findings underscore a compelling and statistically significant correlation between service quality, room rates, and guest loyalty. This highlights a crucial implication for the hotel industry to prioritize and meticulously manage service quality and room pricing in order to foster and amplify guest loyalty.
Contribution: This research underscores the pivotal role of service quality and room rates in nurturing guest loyalty at UNP Hotel & Convention Center. The study reaffirms that guest loyalty is intricately tied to the anticipated service quality and pricing. As such, maintaining service quality at par and ensuring competitive room rates could potentially lead to higher guest retention and choice of the hotel. Conversely, a decline in either service quality or competitive pricing may precipitate diminished guest loyalty
The Tourism Area Life Cycle Concept in Identifying the Characteristics of the Alas Purwo Banyuwangi National Park
Authors: Febrian Ayu Wanda , Nikmah Zulfatun , Palupi Chornela Dinda , Halida Indie Birrul , Zahra Citra Alfitri , Desika Ervilian Suci , Ayu Rika Setiya , Yervianto Christandy
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This research aims to comprehensively understand, evaluate, and categorize the life cycle of tourism areas.
Method: Employing a descriptive-qualitative approach, this study conducted interviews with multiple managers and engaged in direct observations. Through both primary and secondary data collection methods, the distinctive features of the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) were identified and categorized.
Results: The findings reveal that rejuvenation is essential for all eight components of the tourism area life cycle within Alas Purwo National Park. These TALC components exert a significant influence on the developmental stage of the park. The research presents a range of opportunities and challenges in managing tourist attractions within the park. These challenges present opportunities for managing attractions more effectively. Strategies for expansion involve the addition of artificial attractions and enhancements to facilities. A focal point in the development of Alas Purwo National Park is the engagement of the local community and visitors, facilitated by raising their awareness of sustainable tourism practices.
Contribution: This article serves as a valuable resource for information, reference, and initial exploration, thus enriching the broader community's comprehension of the life cycle within Alas Purwo National Park. Furthermore, it offers insights into the behaviors and awareness of tourists. It provides managerial assistance in categorizing the distinct characteristics of tourism within the park.
Customer Values and Repurchase Intention in Pasar Lama Culinary Center, Tangerang
Authors: Yulius Kevin Gustian , Adhitya Annabella N. , Valencia Jessica , Goeltom Vasco A. H.
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Pasar Lama, a culinary center located in Tangerang’s Chinatown area. This area is famous for its’ street food and exclusive food and beverage vendors. Repurchase intention in a food and beverage establishment is affected by utilitarian and hedonic values of the customer. Perceived values are also influenced by several factors, namely food quality, service quality, physical environment, price, and rapidity. Researching repurchase intention in Pasar Lama is crucial for enhancing culinary tourism's sustainability, guiding businesses, attracting more tourists, informing policies, and preserving local culture.
Method: This is a quantitative explanatory research with cross-sectional data with people who visited and bought street food in Pasar Lama as the population. The sampling technique was purposive sampling with 160 respondents given online questionnaires. The data was the analyzed with SEM-PLS method using SMART-PLS v3.0.
Result: The result pointing out a different conclusion than the previous study because of the difference between population. Four hypotheses were rejected on the relation of food and service quality with utilitarian value, and physical environment & price with hedonic value.
Contribution: A heterogenous population in Pasar Lama and Indonesia would bring different result on influence of perceived values on repurchase intention. Different settings, time dimensions, and sampling technique are suggested for future research.
Thai University Students’ Perceptions of Factors Affecting the Thai Tourism Industry: A Case Study
Authors: Thadphoothon Janpha
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate Thai university students’ perceptions of the factors that would affect the tourism industry of Thailand.
Method:  Forty-five (45) undergraduates in a university in Thailand were asked to answer the questionnaire of nine questions on the effects of selected factors affecting the Thai tourism industry. The data collection was done in March 2021. The collected data were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics.
Result: The results showed that Covid-19 pandemic was perceived to be the factor with the greatest impact on Thai tourism (Mean = 4.86), followed closely by the internal political problems (Mean = 4.40). .The lowest three factors were found to be the climate crises (Mean = 3.64), US-China trade war (Mean = 3.55), and robots/AI (Mean = 3.13). Foreign language skills, communication, and technology use were among the highly cited skills and abilities Thai people should be focusing more on.
Contribution: This study adds valuable insights to the existing body of knowledge in the field of tourism and hospitality management. The findings provide a perspective on the factors influencing the industry's performance, especially  revealing the intricate interplay between socio-political, environmental, and economic factors.
Applying TOE Framework for Researching the Intention of Adopting Social Media in 2-3-Star Hotels in Hanoi
Authors: Vu Huong Giang , Nguyen Thanh Trung , Ngo Thi Hoang Giang , Vu Le My
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The study aims at unraveling the factors that impact the intention of adopting social media in 2–3-star hotels in Hanoi.
Method: A mixed-methods research design was adopted, synergizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to afford a comprehensive exploration of the research objectives.
Result: Qualitative insights from in-depth interviews reveal participants' perspectives on technology, organizational, and environmental contexts. Quantitative findings from structured questionnaires affirm that user-friendly platforms, management support, industry competition, and guest expectations positively influence adoption intentions. These insights highlight the complex interplay between technological attributes, organizational dynamics, and environmental factors in shaping hotels' inclination to integrate social media platforms.
Contribution: The study's theoretical contributions is achieved through the academic discourse. The synthesis of empirical revelations with established theories enriches the theoretical fabric, offering insights that resonate beyond this study's scope. The alignment with TOE framework extends the conceptual underpinnings of social media adoption within the hospitality domain. In practical terms, this study empowers hotel practitioners with actionable insights. The emphasis on management support, resource allocation, guest-centric engagement, and strategic adaptation furnishes practitioners with a compass to navigate the complex landscape of social media integration in 2-3-star hotels in Hanoi.
Processos pedogeomorfológicos em ambientes periglaciais: o fenômeno patterned ground na Antártica Marítima
Authors: Lopes Daví do Vale , Oliveira Fábio Soares , Schaefer Carlos Ernesto G. R.
Published: September 2023

Patterned ground (PG) é uma geoforma típica de ambientes periglaciais. Processos físico-químicos regidos por mecanismos de congelamento e descongelamento são típicos destes ambientes e são importantes para a gênese dessas superfícies. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar relações solo-relevo e processos associados a superfícies com patterned ground na Ilha Snow, Antártica Marítima. Realizou-se descrições em campo e coletas em três áreas com ocorrência de PG. Classificou-se os solos de acordo com a U.S. Soil Taxonomy e realizou-se análises morfológicas, físicas e químicas. Os processos mais relevantes para a formação dos PG identificados foram crioclastia e crioturbação. Registrou-se diferenças marcantes entre as zonas centrais e as bordas dos PG. Os centros apresentam maior conteúdo de argila e silte, valores mais elevados de soma de bases e nutrientes como K e P. As bordas apresentam duas vezes mais fração grossa (> 2 mm), sendo mais colonizadas pela vegetação e submetidas a iluviação da matéria orgânica (podzolização). Essa variação em microescala de processos que possuem caráter dual (pedogeomorfológico) é relevante para uma melhor compreensão dos ecossistemas Antárticos, sendo de inestimável valor para o estudo do estabelecimento de condições periglaciais e para o monitoramento das possíveis alterações diante os cenários de mudanças climáticas.
Aspectos morfoestruturais do carste em arenitos no Nordeste Brasileiro: O caso de Castelo do Piauí
Authors: Maia Rubson Pinheiro
Published: September 2023

Diversas feições de carste em arenito ocorrem nos afloramentos da Formação Cabeças (Arenitos Devonianos) na borda leste da Bacia do Parnaíba no Nordeste brasileiro. Nesse trabalho, será enfocado os aspectos genéticos para a formação do carste no município de Castelo do Piauí. A área é formada por superfícies erosivas pontilhadas por feições residuais do tipo ruiniformes que se distribuem na forma de platôs seccionados por galerias multidirecionais, pináculos e tors. Através de trabalhos de campo, fotogrametria de alta resolução e elaboração de perfis de empilhamento vertical, foi estabelecida uma correlação entre estrutura condicionante e forma resultante. Foi possível constatar que a predisposição ao desenvolvimento do carste, nesse caso, é representada pela densidade de fraturamento, que por sua vez é razão da espessura das camadas. Em camadas delgadas, a densidade se mostrou superior, quando comparada as camadas mais espessas (>30cm). O incremento de permeabilidade gerada pela formação de uma porosidade secundária, concentra o fluxo hidráulico e leva a formação de vugs, que são o ponto de partida da carstificação. Os estágios evolutivos iniciam com a formação da galeria, primeiro no plano da fratura e depois expandindo-se ao longo da camada com maior porosidade vugular. A expansão das galerias leva ao colapso de teto com formação de dolinas e a individualização de blocos na forma de pináculos.
Mapeamento topográfico de cavernas no setor mineral: avanços e novas tecnologias
Authors: Barros Fernandes Adam , Perobelli Borba Ricardo , Viana Brandi Iuri , Nunes Araújo Ramon , Dos Santos Scherer Bruno , Romualdo Corrêa Tomás , Santos Boulhosa Gabrieli
Published: September 2023

Os mapas topográficos de cavernas são base de dados fundamentais para uma série de estudos científicos, trabalhos de licenciamento ambiental e tomadas de decisão dos órgãos públicos para preservação do patrimônio espeleológico. Porém, a confecção desses mapas segue praticamente a mesma metodologia dos últimos 100 anos, utilizando três equipamentos básicos: bússola, clinômetro e trena. Este trabalho apresenta uma revisão bibliográfica da evolução dos métodos de levantamento topográfico de cavernas aplicadas ao contexto de atividades de mineração. São comparados os tipos de instrumentos utilizados nas diferentes técnicas de mapeamento topográfico de cavidades naturais subterrâneas. No que se refere aos levantamentos topográficos mais atuais, o uso do laser scanner 3D e da fotogrametria vem se mostrando como métodos promissores com relação a obtenção dos parâmetros espeleométricos (ex: área, volume e projeção horizontal), tendo em vista a maior agilidade para a realização do levantamento de campo, maior facilidade para interpretação das estruturas geológicas, além do ganho em segurança para a equipe em campo.
Detailed and Semi-detailed Geomorphological Maps: A review of relief representation in thesis by the São Paulo state’s geography postgraduate programs by the beginning of the 21st century (2001-2018)
Authors: Firmino Glauber Verner , Rodrigues Nunes João Osvaldo
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the semi-detailed and detailed geomorphological mapping produced by researchers in the State of São Paulo in the beginning of the 21st century, considering its diversity of methods and symbology.  22 academic productions were analyzed. Criteria for selection were: year of publication, scale, possibility of downloadability, legibility and description of procedures. Scales ranged from 1:60.000 to 1:5.000. Different objectives were verified and grouped into 4 main categories: 1) Urban and/or Environmental Planning; 2) (Geo) Enviromental Zoning; 3) Environmental Vulnerability or Fragility; and 4) Geomorphological and/or Enviromental Analysis. References most cited were Tricart (1965), Verstappen & Zuidam (1975) and Ab’Saber (1969). Most research employed adaptations from two or more references. Most publications belonged to IGCE-UNESP program. We concluded that diversity of legends is mainly related to 8 factors corroborating the literature: 1) three-dimensionality of the terrain and bi-dimensionality of the map; 2) great number of the nature of represented attributes; 3) representation of both qualitative and quantitative data; 4) employment of three types of plotting information; 5) contradictions between legibility and academic interests; 6) time-space scales; 7) different types of landscapes; and 8) different objectives of research.
The Effect of Cercarial Antigen Vaccine against Murine Schistosomiasis mansoni
Authors: Samy Elguindy Dina Ahmed , Ashour Dalia S. , Elmarhoumy Sirria M. , Elguindy Dina M. , Ismail Howaida I. H.
Published: September 2023

Schistosomiasis is one of the most common parasitic diseases worldwide. Because of the low bioavailability of praziquantel and the appearance of drug resistant strains, the development of an effective vaccine is crucial to control schistosomiasis. To test the effect of cercarial antigen as a potential vaccine against Schistosoma mansoni -infected mice. Methods: 90 mice divided into 2 groups: group I: (Control group) (40 mice) subdivided into subgroup Ia (15 mice): Non-infected mice (normal control) and subgroup Ib (25 mice): Schistosoma infected mice (infected control). Group II: (50 mice) (The vaccinated group): received cercarial antigen then infected with S. mansoni three weeks after the first immunization dose. Vaccine efficacy was assessed by parasitological and histopathological studies. The vaccinated group caused significant reduction in adult worms count, intestinal egg countand intestinal granulomas size and number compared to the infected control group. Cercarial antigen vaccine is a promising schistosomal antigen that has a protective effect against Schistosoma mansoni as proved by parasitological and histopathological examination.
A Comprehensive Review of Avicennan Cardiac drug: Saad Kufi (Cyperus scariosus R. Br)
Authors: Nafees Sana , Nafees Huda , Yousuf Amin Kunwar Mohammad
Published: September 2023

Unani System of Medicine (USM) is one of the Traditional System of Medicine (TSM), based on the drugs originated from plants, animals and minerals. Cardioprotective Unani drug, Saad Kufi (Cyperus scariosus R. Br.), mentioned by the intellectual colossus Ibn Sina (Avicenna) 1000 years back in his book, “Risala al Adwiya al Qalbiya” and still widely used by Unani physicians. This review, briefly describes the potential benefits and uses of a traditional medicinal plant “Saad Kufi”. The database such as PubMed was extensively explored. Additionally, Unani Pharmacopoeia of India was consulted along with the relevant classical documents and textbooks to summarize most of the considerable scientific literature for the review.
Evaluation of Environmental Hygiene and Microbiological Status of Contamination on Mobile phones from University of Kota
Authors: Sharma Palavi , Ansari Z. A. , Mahawar N. , Nimawat A. , Barolia Sushil Kumar
Published: September 2023

Invasion of communication technology does not only bring dependence but also a major contribution of infection. Digital devices are possibly potential worldwide vectors of nosocomial infection. Mobile phone has increased the dependency irrespective of the geographical barriers, demographic factors like age, social and economic background. These digital devices have great prominence but they are also potential disease carrying elements. Mobile phones were collected and investigated for potential contamination of microbial flora. Total 25 Mobile phones sample were collected from different departments of university of kota and Sampled using a sterile cotton swab. Collected samples were cultured on Nutrient Agar, MH media and Mac-Conkey using streak plate’s method. The Sample phones collected include Mobile phones of Vice Chancellor, Faculty, Security Gaurd, Students, Sweepers, and Other employees. The Microbial species isolated include as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Actinobecter, Pseudomonas spp., Enterococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Candida spp. 24 Out of 25 showed 100% contamination. This study provides all the necessary fact that Mobile phones are potential vectors of various diseases and lifestyle change should be adopted by every individual using mobile phone. Better sanitization practices and knowledge may prevent the spread diseases from Mobile Phones.
Bacterial Load in Broiler Bedding Material and Antibiotic Effect on Broiler Farm
Authors: Kuldeep Harshil , Kumawat Hariom , Kumar Sandeep , Barolia Sushil Kumar
Published: September 2023

In poultry farms, the mixture of bedding material, chicken excrement and feather seems to play an important role in pathogen development which may contribute spreading the potential risk of zoonosis disease through food chain and air. Which hinders the weight gain of broiler and increases their mortality rate. The aim of this study is to observe the bacterial load in the bedding material of the broiler farm, and the analyze the causes of uncontrolled mortality rate in which antibiotic sensitivity test is to be done by disc diffusion method and to reduce the mortality rate by concluding the antibiotic therapy. In the present study an effort was made to isolate, identify and characterize bacteria from the broiler bedding of an inhabitant of farmer’s farm, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, so as to correlate the role of these organisms as reservoirs in transmission of bacterial pathogens.
Assessment of Factors Affecting Decision Making of Consumers towards Buying and Consuming Green Products
Authors: Sangwan Shreya , Vyas Rekha
Published: September 2023

The sustainability of life on earth is being threatened by the rapid depletion of the environment and natural resources. The environment is changing in a variety of ways as a result of climate change, global warming, and other severe calamities. The industrial sector is among the major economic sectors that have considerably damaged the environment. When consumers use goods and services like food, transportation, housing, and domestic goods like appliances, environmental repercussions are an unfavorable outcome. In this scenario, utilizing green products is crucial for consumers to protect the environment from deteriorating. In this reference, a study on assessment of factors affecting decision making of consumers towards buying and consuming green products was conducted. The study's objectives identified the restricting and encouraging factors of the consumers towards becoming green consumers and to know about the attitude of consumers that affects their decision making in consumption of green products.
Biological Activities of Pigments from Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Narendrababu B. N. , Shishupala S.
Published: September 2023

The biological activity shown by fungal pigments is of significance for broadening their applications. In the current research, both cellular and secretory pigments produced by Aspergillus nidulans were separated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and detected by UV-Visible spectroscopy. The fractions were examined for their biological functions in terms of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The findings revealed that the crude cellular pigments had absorption maxima at 458 nm and 521 nm, corresponding to orange and red pigments respectively. The crude secretory pigments showed absorption maxima at 464 nm, representing orange pigments. In TLC, eight pigment fractions were separated in cellular pigment extract whereas nine pigment fractions were observed in secretory pigment extract. The crude cellular pigment extract was exclusively effective against Bacillus subtilis. The crude secretory pigment extract presented antibacterial activity on B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The crude cellular pigment extract had slight inhibition of Candida albicans whereas the crude secretory pigment extract showed inhibition against both Candida albicans and Cryptococcus sp. In the bioautography, the crude secretory pigment displayed inhibition activity on all the tested fungi whereas the crude cellular pigment extract revealed inhibition activity only against Curvularia lunata. Both cellular and secretory pigments showed antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. The potential pigments with biological activity are promising candidates in the food and pharmaceutical industry.
Predominance of Wild K13 Propeller Haplotypes in three localities of Côte d'Ivoire one decade after the adoption of Therapeutic Combinations based on Artemisinin Derivatives
Authors: Oléfongo Dagnogo , Rolland Kipré Gueyraud , Bérenger Ako Aristide , Kouakou Brice Bla , Offianan André Touré , Allico Joseph Djaman
Published: September 2023

Background: The emergence of P. falciparum resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) threatens malaria control in Africa. The monitoring of polymorphisms in molecular markers associated with antimalarial drug resistance is essential for malaria control and elimination efforts. The purpose of this study is to analyze the polymorphism of the pfK13 propeller gene of P. falciparum to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in three sites in southern Côte d'Ivoire. Methods: After obtaining informed consent, blood samples were collected from patients of any sex and aged over 2 years with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Anonkoua-Kouté, Port-Bouët and Ayamé. P. falciparum genomic DNA was extracted and amplified by Nested-PCR using Pfk13 propeller gene-specific primers. The amplification products were sequenced using the Sanger method at Eurofins Genomics. The key codons (493, 539, 543 and 580), molecular markers of the resistance of P. falciparum to ACTs and the additional codons (476 and 561) were analyzed. Results: A total of 186 DNA extracts from blood samples collected from the three study sites were amplified and sequenced. Of the 93 PCR products sequenced, 84.94% (158/186), 91.39% (170/186), 95.69% (178/186), 100% (186/186), 82.79% (154/186) and 94.62% (178/186) corresponding to codons 493, 539, 543, 580, 476, 561, respectively, were successfully analyzed. Thus, the prevalences of wild-type alleles were 92.40% (Tyr493), 94.11% (Arg539), 94.38% (Ile543), 91.39% (Cys580), 89.61% (Met476) and 88.63% (Arg561) against 1.26% (His493), 3.52% (Thr539) and 1.29% (Ile476) of mutant alleles. The mutant alleles Thr543, Tyr580, and His561 were not observed in all three study sites. The analysis indicated a predominance of the YRICMR allelic form representing a susceptible haplotype (78.49%). No significant difference was observed between the prevalences of the wild-type alleles determined in the three study sites (p>0.05). Conclusion: More than a decade after the adoption of ACTs for the management of uncomplicated malaria, these combinations are still effective in Anonkoua-Kouté, Port-Bouët and Ayamé in the south of Côte d'Ivoire.
Determination of Region-Specific cut off value for Scrub Typhus IgM ELISA at a Tertiary Care Centre, Thanjavur, India
Authors: Kumar P. B. Praveen , Jeyabharathi J. K. , Swarna Jacob Eunice
Published: September 2023

Rickettsial infections are primarily diagnosed using serological methods. The cut-off value for scrub typhus IgM ELISA is not standardized and varies depending on the disease prevalence in the geographical location where the kit is used. Therefore, establishing a region-specific cut-off value for diagnostic ELISA is crucial for the initial treatment of patients and distinguishing other febrile diseases in tertiary care settings. In this study, 300 patients from three different categories, including Category I (scrub typhus IgM ELISA positive patients), Category II (Dengue IgM ELISA positive patients), and Category III (100 healthy volunteers), were enrolled. Scrub typhus IgM ELISA (InBioS, International, Inc.) was performed, and the optical density (OD) values of all 300 samples were documented and analyzed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The analysis revealed a diagnostic IgM ELISA cut-off value of 0.728, with a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 91%, respectively. Considering the significance of scrub typhus diagnosis for treatment and understanding disease dynamics in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, a cut-off value of >0.728 for diagnostic IgM ELISA can be utilized.