bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative effect of Panax quinquefolius on sodium arsenite induced toxicity in Charles Foster rats
Authors: Kumari Sandhya , Rani Santwana , Kumar Arun
Published: December 2022

An estimated 70 million population are exposed to arsenic poisoning in India in the 2020. The present study is aimed to develop the antidote for arsenic-induced toxicity in Charles Foster rats. A total of n=18 rats (12 weeks old) of an average weight of 160 ± 20 g were used for the study. The study group included three groups, n=6 control (Group I: Untreated ) and n= 12 (group II) treated with sodium arsenite orally at the dose of 8mg/Kg b.w daily for 6 months. The n= 6 animals were dissected and the rest n=6 (Group III) was administered orally with Panax quinquefolius (Ginseng) root ethanolic extract at 300mg/Kg body weight per day for 8 weeks. All the animals were sacrificed after the completion of their respective doses and their blood samples were taken for haematological and biochemical evaluation, while the vital tissues such as liver and kidneys for the histopathological study. The study revealed significant fluctuation (p<0.0001/p<0.001/p<0.05) in the haematological parameters viz. leukocyte count, haemoglobin, red blood cell count, haematocrit percentage, MCV, MCH and MCHC and biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, ALP, bilirubin, urea, uric acid, creatinine and lipid peroxidation in arsenic-treated groups. There was a significant reduction (p<0.0001/p<0.001/p<0.05) in the levels of haematological and biochemical parameters after the administration of ginseng extract. Similarly, the histopathological study revealed a high magnitude of degeneration in the hepatocytes and nephrocytes after the treatment of arsenic, but after the administration of ginseng extract, there was significant restoration at the cellular level. Thus, the root extract of P. quinquefolius possessed significant ameliorative properties against arsenic-induced toxicity in rats.
Progress and challenges of Guinea’s national service of risk management in building climate-induced disasters’ resilience in Guinea Savanna communities
Authors: Samoura Demba Aïssata , Wahab Bolanle , Taiwo Olalekan John , Diallo Alpha Issaga Pallé , Younis Ahmed Younis Ibrahim
Published: December 2022

The increased frequency and magnitude of climate-induced disasters are a huge setback for the world’s economic growth and performance. Addressing such risks has long time motivated many governments to set up disaster-based management strategies, policies, and plans to strengthen their resilience. However, the implementation of such initiatives remains challenging in developing countries due to their specific internal development issues that require timely performance appraisals to offer suitable remedial actions. This motivated the present study to use the Risk Management Index (RMI), to measure Guinea’s risk management performance and effectiveness, focusing on its institutional progress and challenges encountered in building climate-induced disasters’ resilience in Guinea Savanna communities. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews with local authorities responsible for implementing prevention measures and emergency responses to disasters in Guinea Savanna, as well as inputs from academia with activities related to disaster risk management, combined with documentary research and field observations. Analyses of the RMI showed very limited progress in risk identification (RMIRI = 0.672 – 1.00), while almost no significant progress was made in financial provision (RMIFP = 0.124 – 0.487). On the contrary, policies of disaster management (RMIDM = 0.600 – 1.934) and Risk Reduction (RMIRR = 0.791 -1.606) have shown incipient progress. While all public policies need to be improved, urgent actions are needed in financial provision and risk identification policies. Therefore, the study suggests that local authorities should be more committed to risk identification and risk financing approaches to address the priority needs for effective disaster risk management in Guinea Savanna communities.
Effect of abiotic elicitor methyl jasmonate on production of rutin in callus cultures of Abutilon hirtum L.
Authors: Nadir Dhuha Sabah , Alwan Alhan Mohammed
Published: December 2022

A significant therapeutic plant from the Malvaceae family is Abutilon hirtum (L.). It is frequently used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. Rutin is a flavonoid molecule with commercial value that has anticancer, nutritional, and anti-ageing properties. This research project was carried out to evaluate the effect of abiotic elicitor Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) at concentrations 0.0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 mmol.L-1 on accumulation of rutin by callus cultures  of  Abutilon hirtum L. after 30 days of growth on  Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium to which 2000 µg.L-1 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) + 500 µg.L-1 Kinetin (Kin) were added. The results showed that the best callus stems cultivated on MS growth medium fortified with 2000 µg.L-1 2,4-D + 500 µg.L-1 Kin, recorded the highest fresh weight of 2.887 g after four weeks. This induced callus was characterized by its friable texture. The data of rutin detection in cultures of callus obtained from stems explant of A. hirtum L., using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) indicated the presence of rutin in these cultures by comparison with the rutin standard samples containing a precisely known concentration of a substance for use in quantitative analysis.. Treatment with 0.03 mmol.L-1 of Methyl Jasmonate gave the best rutin amount of 5.606 mg.g-1 was much higher than the control treatment of 1.569 mg.g-1. These data clearly indicated that callus cultures are a potential continuous and constant source of rutin, as a secondary metabolite, and as an alternative to field plants.
Acaricidal efficiency of solar 50 % new emulsifiable concentrate formulation against the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions
Authors: Safar Sherin, H. M. , Gnedy Mai, M. A. , E. M Farag
Published: December 2022

Oils are some of the most efficient and secure alternatives to synthetic fungicides, acaricides and insecticides used as pesticides for decades. Around the world, mineral oils are a potential pesticide against many pests. To provide novel active ingredients and new pesticide formulations to the pesticide industry, the major goal of this research was to formulate one of the petroleum fractions and test its acaricidal efficiency against two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Solar's physical features were put to the test. Then, it was prepared as an emulsifiable concentrate following the guidelines provided by specialized pesticide organizations for this kind of formulation. The novel formulation was subsequently biologically tested against T. urticae adults in the lab, and it demonstrated good acaricidal activity with an LC50 of 4548 ppm. Under greenhouse conditions, it was also tested against T. urticae immature, adults (males and females) and number of deposited eggs. There was a direct correlation for all stages between concentration, the percentage of immature and adult mortality, and the percentage of egg-hatching inhibition. In the case of the immature, 100% mortality was shown after 7 days of treatment. However, in the case of adult males and females, 100% mortality was shown after 3 days of treatment. Additionally, after 14 days from treatment, it entirely stopped egg depositing. The new formulation might be applied to manage the TSSM.
Quantification of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume and Attenuation for Cardiac CT Scans Using Deep Learning in a Single Multi-Task Framework
Authors: Abdulkareem Musa , Brahier Mark S. , Zou Fengwei , Rauseo Elisa , Uchegbu Ijeoma , Taylor Alexandra , Thomaides Athanasios , Bergquist Peter J. , Srichai Monvadi B. , Lee Aaron M. , Vargas Jose D. , Petersen Steffen E
Published: December 2022

Background: Recent studies have shown that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is an independent atrial fibrillation (AF) prognostic marker and has influence on the myocardial function. In computed tomography (CT), EAT volume (EATv) and density (EATd) are parameters that are often used to quantify EAT. While increased EATv has been found to correlate with the prevalence and the recurrence of AF after ablation therapy, higher EATd correlates with inflammation due to arrest of lipid maturation and with high risk of plaque presence and plaque progression. Automation of the quantification task diminishes the variability in readings introduced by different observers in manual quantification and results in high reproducibility of studies and less time-consuming analysis. Our objective is to develop a fully automated quantification of EATv and EATd using a deep learning (DL) framework. Methods: We proposed a framework that consists of image classification and segmentation DL models and performs the task of selecting images with EAT from all the CT images acquired for a patient, and the task of segmenting the EAT from the output images of the preceding task. EATv and EATd are estimated using the segmentation masks to define the region of interest. For our experiments, a 300-patient dataset was divided into two subsets, each consisting of 150 patients: Dataset 1 (41,979 CT slices) for training the DL models, and Dataset 2 (36,428 CT slices) for evaluating the quantification of EATv and EATd. Results: The classification model achieved accuracies of 98% for precision, recall and F1 scores, and the segmentation model achieved accuracies in terms of mean (± std.) and median dice similarity coefficient scores of 0.844 (± 0.19) and 0.84, respectively. Using the evaluation set (Dataset 2), our approach resulted in a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.971 (R2 = 0.943) between the label and predicted EATv, and the correlation coefficient of 0.972 (R2 = 0.945) between the label and predicted EATd. Conclusions: We proposed a framework that provides a fast and robust strategy for accurate EAT segmentation, and volume (EATv) and attenuation (EATd) quantification tasks. The framework will be useful to clinicians and other practitioners for carrying out reproducible EAT quantification at patient level or for large cohorts and high-throughput projects.
Implementasi Sistem Aplikasi Pembayaran Digital Payment Dalam Pelaksanaan Pembayaran Berbasis Cashless di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Mubarak Dzakisyah Alyus , Akhmadi Muhammad Heru , Wati Erlita Nurma
Published: December 2022

In line with the trend of increasing state expenditure payments, the government uses a digital system to carry out cashless-based payments. The digital system provides advantages in the effectiveness of state expenditure payments to the payee and supports the efficiency of state financial management. One of the digital systems used is the Digital Payment application developed by the Directorate General of Treasury. This study aims to review the use of the Digital Payment application in making non-cash payments to payees (suppliers) in the 2019-2021 period. This study used a qualitative method with literature study techniques and interviews with several informants. The results of this study indicate that the use of Digital Payment in non-cash-based payments is quite effective. Even so, there are still obstacles to the mindset, system flexibility, and human resources so the application has not been implemented optimally. To improve quality, it is necessary to improve the DigiPay application and continuous outreach to MSMEs and work unit treasurers.
Keywords: Payment system, Digital Payment, Public Spending, Treasury
Peran Penilai Pemerintah Dalam Rangka Pengelolaan Barang Milik Negara Berupa Aset Tetap
Authors: Nurbiyanto Nurbiyanto
Published: December 2022

State-Owned Property (SOP) in the form of fixed assets were so large in quantity and values. In managing SOP, a SOP appraisal process is needed so it can certain the value. This study wants to reveal the role of appraisers in the management of SOP, especially fixed assets. The study uses literature studies to explore the role of Government Appraisers in the management of SOP. Literature from valuation theory is used to answer the urgency of appraisers in asset transactions. Regulatory literature to answer the SOP management process requires an appraisal. Based on the results of the analysis of property valuation theory, SOP valuation is necessary due to nature, and characteristics of SOP are goods for which the level of price information is low or difficult to obtain, so Government Appraiser assistance is needed to provide an estimated value. Based on the results of the regulatory analysis, it was found that there are three main roles for the Government Appraiser in the management of SOP, namely for recording financial reports in the balance sheet, transfer, and utilization of SOP. The role of the Government Appraiser is to provide fair value information to the manager or user of the goods to make decisions regarding SOP management.
Keywords: Appraisal, Government Appraiser, State-Owned Property
KEBIJAKAN ANTI KOLUSI DALAM PENYELENGGARAAN PEMERINTAHAN
Authors: NURMI
Published: December 2022

Kolusi adalah kesepakatan yang dilakukan oleh pemangku kekuasaan dengan bseseorang secara diam – diam dan bekerja sama untuk mencapai keuntungan yang lebih untuk diri sendiri dan merugikan banyak pihak. Penyelenggara pemerintah dikenal sebagai metode kerja lembaga eksekutif,yang dijalankan oleh presiden sebagai pemegang kekuasaan di indonesia.penulisan artikel ini menggunakan metodekualitatif yang bersifat library reseach. Hasil anialisis dan pengelolaan masalah menunjukan arah kebijankan pemerintah dalam menekan resiko terjadinya kolusi dengan adanya peraturan dari pemerintah tentang kolusi itu sendiri.
Meko: Bentuk dan Makna Gong Rote dalam Tarian foti
Authors: Ndun Frederiko
Published: December 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bentuk dan makna simbolis Gong Rote yang terkandung dalam tarian foti.
Good Corporate Governance and Integrated Reporting Implementation of Rev. 4.0
Authors: Utami Khalida , Maamir Narimane , Astuti Tri
Published: December 2022

This study aims to analyze the implementation of integrated reporting associated with corporate governance. The research method used is quantitative with a total sample of 20 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the 2018-2020 period and uses a multiple regression analysis tool to test the hypotheses in this study. The results of the study show that corporate governance, which consists of indicators on the size of the board of directors, the number of audit committees and gender diversity, has an effect on the implementation of integrated reporting. Companies that have implemented integrated reporting in their annual reports show good corporate governance, so that governance can improve when companies implement integrated reporting in their annual reports. The results of this study can be used as input for the relevant regulators as a material consideration in making decisions regarding the implementation of the integrated reporting framework in Indonesia.
Consequence and Policy Response of Health-Induced Poverty among Older Adults
Authors: Zhang Yalu
Published: December 2022

This dissertation aimed to examine the consequence of health-induced poverty and two policy responses to address this issue among older adults in the United States and China. Specifically, Paper I investigates whether public transfers crowded out private transfers among rural and urban Chinese older families and if this dynamic would change when health care expenses were high. Paper II examines the effect of New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance, a national health insurance program for rural residents in China, on changing the incidence of health-induced poverty among middle-aged and older beneficiaries. Paper III tests the effects of closing the Medicare Part D donut hole (coverage gap) through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on changing prescription drug cost-induced poverty. Overall, the findings obtained from these three papers provide empirical evidence that health-induced poverty is prevalent among older adults in both China and the United States and the current public transfers and health policies are either ineffective or insufficient to reduce health-induced poverty as intended.
Faunal Exploitation Strategies During the Later Pleistocene in Southern Africa
Authors: Dusseldorp Gerrit Leendert , Reynard Jerome P.
Published: December 2022

Analysis of Late Pleistocene fauna exploitation (~130,000–12,000 years ago) in southern Africa is of global academic relevance. Faunal analyses from southern African sites have led to the development of influential hypotheses on the evolution of modern human hunting methods and subsistence economies.In the 1970s and 1980s, analysis of faunal remains from the Middle Stone Age site Klasies River informed the hypothesis that Middle Stone Age humans were less effective hunters than ethnographically documented hunter-gatherers. This was based on the underrepresentation of dangerous prey species in the bone assemblages. The development of detailed taphonomic research in the 1990s and 2000s demonstrated that the accumulation of faunal assemblages was the result of complex processes involving both human and nonhuman agents. These studies helped establish that Middle Stone Age hunters were as capable as those in ethnographically documented societies. Since then, important progress has been made in the identification of the weapons systems that were used to hunt animals. Analyses of lithic implements indicate bow-and-arrow use in southern Africa going back to at least 65,000 years ago.Animal exploitation strategies do change over time. Hunting strategies probably focused on large antelope during the Middle Pleistocene, and the importance of smaller animals increased This change was likely caused by a shift in prey populations that stemmed from a combination of environmental change and perhaps human population pressure.Late Pleistocene archaeological sites show increasing evidence for intensification; that is, an increase in the amount of food extracted from the environment by more thorough processing of prey, exploitation of new prey types, and development of new exploitation strategies. This pattern is usually linked to animal overexploitation and may be a result of human population expansion or environmental change if decreasing productivity limits the supply of animal prey. Notable examples of this are shellfish middens at coastal sites, the abundance of tortoises, and the presence of large numbers of small mammals that were likely snared instead of pursued.
Alat Musik Kolintang
Authors: Dally Melsya Ratu
Published: December 2022

Tujuan saya menulis alat musik kolintang karna alat musik Kolintang atau kulintang ini adalah alat musik khas daerah Minahasa, Sulawesi Utara. kolintang juga mengandung nilai-nilai religious yaitu menjadi salah satu penyebab masuknya agama Kristen di minahasa sampai sekarang. alat musik Kolintang sudah ada sejak zaman dahulu serta dimanfaatkan masyarakat untuk upacara ritual adat yang berhubungan dengan pemujaan roh leluhur. Sejak masuknya agama Kristen dan Islam di tanah Minahasa, Kolintang tidak lagi difungsikan sebagai pengiring upacara adat, namun lebih difungsikan sebagai pengiring tarian, pengiring lagu, atau pertunjukan musik.
TRADISI MAKAN SIRIH PINANG DARI SUKU TIMOR
Authors: Lenama Arnoldy
Published: December 2022

Sirih pinang di sini secara umum dimakan hanya untuk menjadi kebiasaan atau menghargai orang yang memberi dan dipakai untuk kesehatan, akan tetapi secara khusus sirih pinang sering dipakai dalam berbagai upacara adat dan sebagai simbol-simbol kedamaian karena di dalam memakan sirih pinang sebenarnya ada nilai-nilai yang tertanam dalam masyarakat Nusa Tenggara Timur
The Relationship Between Pre-Service Teachers' Online Self-Regulation Skills and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Skills
Authors: Sucuoğlu Hale
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this research is to determine the relationship between online self-regulatory learning skills and cognitive skills of regulating emotions. It has been examined that if there is a difference in the gender variable between online self-regulatory learning skills and cognitive emotion regulation skills of pre-service teachers and a meaningful relationship between the online self-regulatory learning skills and cognitive emotion regulation skills in terms of this purpose. It is a descriptive relational research. The sample this research is 434 pre-service teachers studying in the faculty of education. In this research, Online Self-Regulatory Learning Scale and Cognitive Emotion Regulating Scale has been used as a data collection tool. As a result of this research, it is seen that there is a significant difference in favor of female pre-service teacher on gender variable within the scope of online self- regulatory skills. When the sub-dimensions are searched it has seen that there is a significant difference in “environment structuring”, “task strategies”, “time management” sub-dimensions. When the cognitive emotion regulation skills of pre-service teachers have been examined according to the gender variable it is stated that there is a significant difference in favor of female pre-service teachers in “putting into perspective” sub-dimension. According to this result, it was determined that female pre-service teachers thought that "everything could have been worse, others had experienced worse events, their last experience was not as bad as the previous ones, and there were worse things in life" than male pre-service teachers.
Uncertainties in Water Scarcity Index due to water use and climate changes: Case of two Legal Amazon watersheds
Authors: PONTES PAULO ROGENES , Cavalcanti José Rafael , Serrão Edivaldo Afonso , Melo Adayana Maria , Ferreira Danieli , Cavalcante Rosane
Published: December 2022

Water scarcity is a major global problem with the potential to impact socioeconomic development and the environment. Currently, mitigating issues related to the lack of water has become an aim for the public and private sectors. Water scarcity can be estimated by the ratio between water use (withdrawal or consumption) and water availability (a minimum discharge), named Water Stress Index (WSI). But some uncertainties can influence the perception of water scarcity, such as population growth, land cover, climate changes, uncontrolled water use, and the scale at which the WSI is evaluated. To improve the knowledge about water management in two basins in eastern Legal Amazon, We estimated WSI at unit-catchments scale from MGB hydrologic model, water use data, and climate change projections. Our results showed a safe water situation in most parts of the basins, but first-order unit-catchments need more attention due to high WSI values being able to compromise downstream water use.
Tracing timing of growth in cultured mollusks using strontium spiking
Authors: de Winter Niels , van Sikkeleras Sterre , Goudsmit-Hazevoort Barbara , Boer Wim , de Nooijer Lennart , Reichart Gert-Jan , Claeys Philippe , Witbaard Rob
Published: December 2022

Growth experiments present a powerful tool for determining the effect of environmental parameters on growth and carbonate composition in biogenic calcifiers. For successful proxy calibration and biomineralization studies, it is vital to exactly identify volumes of carbonate precipitated at precise intervals during the experiment. Here, we investigate the use of strontium labelling in mollusk growth experiments. Three bivalve species (C. edule, M. edulis and O. edulis) were grown under monitored field conditions. The bivalves were regularly exposed to seawater with elevated concentrations of dissolved strontium. In addition, the size of the shells was determined at various stages during the experiment using calliper measurements and digital photography. Trace element profiles were measured in cross sections through the shells of these mollusks using laser ablation ICP-MS and XRF techniques. Our results show that doses of dissolved strontium equivalent to 7-8 times the background marine value are sufficient to produce reproducible peaks in shell incorporated strontium in C. edule and M. edulis shells. No negative effects were observed on shell calcification rates. Lower doses (3-5 times background values) resulted in less clearly identifiable peaks, especially in M. edulis. Strontium spiking labels in shells of O. edulis are more difficult to detect, likely due to their irregular growth. Nevertheless, strontium spiking seems a useful technique for creating time marks in cultured shells and a reproducible way to monitor shell height along the growing season while limiting physical disturbance of the animals. However, accurate reconstructions of growth rates at high time resolution require frequent spiking with high doses of strontium.
Citing decisions in psychology: A roadblock to cumulative and inclusive science
Authors: Lawson Katherine M. , Murphy Brett , Azpeitia Jovani , LOMBARD ELLA , Pope Terrence
Published: December 2022

Citations are the main avenue through which scholarly contributions are recognized. However, decisions about what to cite (or not cite) are often made without much systematic thought. Suboptimal citing practices undermine psychological science. Yet, psychological science as a field has yet to comprehensively discuss ways to improve authors’ citing decisions. We outline the importance of citing for promoting the cumulativeness of the scientific endeavor, which encompasses promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the field. We describe how psychologists make citing decisions and some negative consequences when citation decisions are negligent (or even fraudulent). Moreover, we describe how citations driven by insular professional networks can reinforce historical exclusion and result in reference sections that reflect a failure to meaningfully search and engage with existing literature. Then, we review some potential causes of problematic citing behaviors, which include factors that manifest at the level of the individual, such as a desire to elevate one’s own professional profile, and systemic factors, such as the exponential growth in published literature. Finally, we offer strategies for the field, journals, labs, and individuals to improve citations. In framing our arguments and recommendations, we refer to empirical data collected on citing decisions from editorial board members (N = 213) at 23 psychology journals.
Overcoming Challenges in Preregistration to Improve Statistical Inferences in Clinical Science
Authors: Eberle Jeremy William
Published: December 2022

Preregistration of hypotheses and analysis plans on a public, time-stamped registry (e.g., Open Science Framework; OSF) before observing research outcomes promotes transparency and distinguishes planned from unplanned analyses, thereby guarding against selective reporting, improving validity of inferences for planned analyses, and enabling calibration of confidence for unplanned analyses (Nosek et al., 2018; Nosek et al., 2019). Further, preregistration can benefit individual researchers by enabling credit for planned analyses (e.g., in-principle acceptance of Registered Reports, even for null results), signaling rigor (improving publishability), revealing design flaws early, aiding recall of study details and plans, and improving communication with collaborators (Logg & Dorison, 2021; Simmons et al., 2021; Wagenmakers & Dutilh, 2016). Clinical psychologists may be familiar with registering clinical trial procedures (e.g., eligibility criteria, conditions, outcomes) on websites such as ClincalTrials.gov; however, procedures are registered for only a fraction of trials (Nutu et al., 2019), and where registration is required (e.g., by U.S. law), detailed analysis plans (beyond listing outcomes) are not yet required (Cybulski et al., 2016; Nosek et al., 2018). Preregistering detailed hypotheses and analysis plans can be difficult (Nosek et al., 2019); the present article addresses calls for more training (Berenbaum et al., 2021) by presenting strategies for overcoming challenges in clinical science (for resources on creating a preregistration and applying key strategies, see Table S1 at https://doi.org/kbv8).
A first theoretical model of self-directed cognitive control development
Authors: Frick Aurélien , Chevalier Nicolas
Published: December 2022

Cognitive control (also referred to as executive functions) corresponds to a set of cognitive processes that support the goal-directed regulation of thoughts and actions. It plays a major role in complex activities and predicts later academic achievement. Importantly, while growing up, children are progressively transitioning from engaging cognitive control in an externally driven fashion, i.e., relying on external guidance, to exerting it self-directedly, i.e., autonomously determining when and how to engage it. Although growing self-directedness in cognitive control engagement is critical to autonomy gains during childhood, relatively little is known about the underlying cognitive mechanisms. Incorporating previous main proposals in cognitive control development, we propose that self-directed control development is driven by the ability to identify relevant goals, facilitated through accumulated knowledge on how to engage cognitive control with age. Importantly, we argue that there are two key processes that are part of successful goal identification: context-tracking and goal selection. We argue that most developmental changes are linked to context-tracking as the demands on this process are particularly high in self-directed situations. We then derived main predictions from this theoretical model as well as promising future directions.
MAD-DAX: Anger and driver behaviours on the road
Authors: Ozturk Ibrahim , Bıçaksız Pınar , Zİhni Yeşim Üzümcüoğlu , Özkan Türker
Published: December 2022

Anger is a common emotion in everyday life, and in the context of driving, the experience of greater anger has been positively associated with aggressive behaviour, near-misses and crashes. Although the effect of anger on driver behaviour has been studied, the role of the source of anger and the perceived level of skill of the driver experiencing anger, based on self-reported behaviour, is not well understood. In this context, the aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships of trait anger and driving anger with driver behaviours in relation to driver skills. A total of 369 drivers aged 18 – 58 years (M = 24.53, SD = 7.65) completed a questionnaire consisting of the Trait Anger Scale (TAS), the Measure for Angry Drivers (MAD), the Driver Skills Inventory (DSI), the Driver Behaviours Questionnaire (DBQ), the Positive Driver Behaviour Scale (PDBS) and the Driving Anger Expression Inventory (DAX). The factor analyses for the Turkish adaptations of the MAD and DAX supported the original factorial structures. For less skilled drivers, experiencing more anger due to the behaviours of others was associated with more errors. For skilled drivers, higher levels of anger due to the behaviours of others were associated with more personal physical anger expression and positive behaviours. Similarly, for the same group of drivers, higher levels of anger due to traffic delays were associated with more errors. The findings revealed a complex relationship between driving-specific anger and driver behaviours based on different levels of driver skills, contrary to non-significant relations of trait anger. Anger provoked by the context/situation-based reason, as opposed to trait anger, was associated with more general driving style (i.e., errors and positive behaviours) through driver skills. For the first time in literature, the relationship between anger and driver behaviour has been addressed in this study within the context of driver skill. The results provided valuable information to better understand how different situations that can trigger anger may relate to different behaviours for drivers with different levels of perceived skills. The results may contribute to more targeted intervention programmes to reduce driving anger, aberrant behaviour, and associated outcomes.
Public Events Knowledge in an Age-Heterogeneous Sample: Reminiscence Bump or Bummer?
Authors: Achaa-Amankwaa Priscilla , Steger Diana , Wilhelm Oliver , Schroeders Ulrich
Published: December 2022

The reminiscence bump describes an increased recollection of autobiographic experiences made in adolescence and early adulthood. It is unclear if this phenomenon can also be found for declarative knowledge of past public events. To answer this question, we assessed public events knowledge (PEK) about the past six decades with a 120-item knowledge test across six domains in a sample of 1,012 Germans that were sampled uniformly across the ages 30 to 80 years. General and domain-specific PEK scores were analyzed as a function of age-at-event. Scores were lower for public events preceding participants’ birth and stayed stable from the age-at-event of five to ten years onwards. There was no significant peak in PEK in adolescence or early adulthood, arguing against an extension of the reminiscence effect to factual knowledge. We examined associations between PEK and relevant variables such as crystallized intelligence (Gc), news consumption, and openness to experience with structural equation models. Strong associations between PEK and Gc were established, whereas the associations of PEK with news consumption and openness were mainly driven by their link to declarative knowledge.
Strategi Kelembagaan Masyarakat Peduli Api dalam Pengendalian Kebakaran Hutan dan Lahan di Desa Lukun, Tebing Tinggi Timur, Kabupaten Kepulauan Meranti
Authors: Suhada Nur , Suhendra Meyla , Damanik Perijal Chandra , Shafitri Dinda Kurnia , Khairuniah Khairuniah
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify barriers among fire-aware communities in fulfilling their role in forest and land fire control and to find out the MPA's institutional strategy for forest and land fire control. This study was carried out from November 2019 to December 2019 at Lukun Village, Tebing Tinggi Timur District, Meranti Islands Area with the survey method divided into two activities, the first being group discussion. gather and interview people interested in fire. The obstacles faced by community organizations related to fire are the lack of incentives for the MPA, inadequate equipment for extinguishing fires, limited water resources at the site, transportation and accessibility. At the time of extinguishing the fire was inadequate, no health. and ensure safety when extinguishing fire, when extinguishing. Institutional strategies for forest and land fire control include conducting periodic patrols, educating the community on the use of fire in plantations, and introducing village conventions on peat community activities. in gardens and forests, law enforcement against illegal logging in forested areas, and reserve replacement reservoirs. containment of water and channels to increase moisture and irrigation around potential wildfire risk areas and soil.Keywords: Strategy, MPA, Forest Fire and Land, Lukun
Peoples' Perception on Invasive Alien Plant Species of Ramdhuni Municipality, Sunsari District, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Chaudhary Sujan , Thapa Magar Gyanu , Shrestha Sabitri , Balami Sujan
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to record existing information and perception of local people on invasive alien plant species IAPs in the rural areas of lowland, eastern Nepal (Ramdhuni Municipality, Sunsari District). A semi-structured questionnaire survey and interview were carried out to document whether the people were known or unknown to the IAPs followed by harmful or beneficial effects of IAPs and control measures to minimize the spread of IAPs. We found that only 6.25% of respondents knew about the IAPs and there was significant difference between the percentage of respondents who were known or unknown to IAPs. There was a significant positive correlation between the respondents' ages and the number of plants they described. Local people have been using IAPs for food, medicine, and fodder for a long time. However, some IAPs also have detrimental effects in forest and agriculture.
Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological Analyses for Evaluating the Quality of Municipal Water Supply in Kathmandu District
Authors: Karki Parikshya , Subedee Anup , Shakya Bhushan
Published: December 2022

Water samples from municipal water supplies in Kathmandu District were collected from 10 different sampling spots between April to May, 2018. Analyses of various physico-chemical parameters of water conducted. Physical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, TDS) and Chemical Parameters like (total alkalinity, total Hardness, calcium, magnesium, chloride, iron, nitrate, and ammonia) were determined. This analysis was undertaken to determine whether water from municipal supply is suitable for drinking purpose or not. It indicates that in some places the municipal supplies in Kathmandu district are not suitable for drinking without filtration and proper purification.
GC-MS Profiling and Bioactivities of Essential Oil and Extracts of Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) Nees & Eberm. Leaves from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Tandukar Pooja , Das Nabin , Pathak Ishwor , Gautam Daman Raj
Published: December 2022

The present work reports the phytoconstituents present in the essential oil and four different solvent extracts of Cinnamomum tamala leaves. Their antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant potential were also evaluated. The extraction of essential oil was performed by hydro-distillation using Clevenger apparatus and its chemical composition was identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The leaf extracts were obtained by the cold percolation method. Linalool and cinnamaldehyde (E) were major compounds in the oil. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of terpenoid, glycoside, tannin, reducing sugar, polyphenol, saponin, flavonoid, and alkaloid. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were quantified using Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminium chloride colorimetric assay, respectively. The methanol extract (98.36 mg GAE/g) and ethyl acetate extract (90.44 mg GAE/g) showed higher TPC values. Similarly, the TFC value of ethyl acetate extract was higher (478.78 mg QE/ g) than the other extracts. The antioxidant activity of extracts was assessed by using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay in which the ethyl acetate extract showed high antioxidant efficacy. The essential oil and chloroform extract showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans, while only the oil showed activity against Shigella dysenteriae.
Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Quality of Life among Elderly People of Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Supri Raj , Silvanus Vinutha , Joshi Deepak Raj
Published: December 2022

The world is experiencing growth in the number and proportion of older population and their population are found to be growing much faster in the developing countries. The ageing population tends to have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide. These problems can lead to decrease in quality of life of elderly. The current study aimed to study the prevalence of chronic diseases and quality of life among elderly people of Kathmandu. This is a community based cross sectional study done among 200 elderly people who are more than or equal to 60 years at Budanilkantha Municipality-13, Chunikhel. The information was obtained using semi structured questionnaire. A standardized tool of the WHOQOL‑BREF questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life (QoL) of participants. Among various chronic diseases, the prevalence of hypertension was highest. The mean score of environment domain was better than physical health, psychological and social relationships domain respectively. QoL was statistically significant with increase in literacy status, education of head of family and their involvement in decision making. The overall mean score of QoL among both the diseased and not diseased elderly were similar. Thus, the present study provides valuable information regarding the QoL of the elderly in the community.
Study of Palmaris Longus Tendon among the Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Lama Chhiring Palmu , Pradhan Allin , Shrestha Asim , Dhungel Shaligram
Published: December 2022

Palmaris longus is a thin fusiform shaped muscle which terminates as a long slender tendon and enters the palmar aponeurosis of the hand. It is also one of the most variable muscles in the body. The main objective of this study was to detect its tendon in both hands and to compare and analyse it in relation to gender and hand dominance. An observational, descriptive study was conducted over a period of 11 months from October 2021 – August 2022 in the Department of Human Anatomy of Nepal Medical College and Teaching hospital, Gokarneshwor – 8, Kathmandu, Nepal. Following tests were conducted for its detection. 1. Schaeffer’s, 2. Thompson’s, 3. Mishra’s test I, 4. Mishra’s test II and Pushpakumar’s test. The results obtained showed that presence of left palmaris longus was more in left handed individuals which was statistically significant with p – value of 0.025. Similarly, presence of right palmaris longus was more in right hand dominant participants. Among the left hand dominant participants, left palmaris longus agenesis was more common in female which was also found to be statistically significant with p-value of 0.009. The knowledge regarding the palmaris longus tendon is of growing interest to surgeons these days for its augmentation, ptosis correction and in facial paralysis management. It gains its importance for autograft as it fulfills the requirement of length, diameter and availability. Hence the study regarding the palmaris longus tendon in relation to its hand dominance and gender can be helpful to surgeons working in various fields.
Impact of Service Quality on Customer Loyalty with reference to Commercial Banks of Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Binod , Shahu Dil Krishna , Thapa Sujita
Published: December 2022

Service quality is important assessment through which overall service dimension can be conformed to the client’s expectations. The main purpose of this study is to examine impact of service quality on customer loyalty with the mediating effect of customer satisfaction. In order to collect data for analysis, 154 completely filled online questionnaires were collected. Four stepped method suggested by Baron and Kenny (1986) was used for examination of mediating effect of customer satisfaction. After testing the hypotheses using various techniques, it was found that service quality has significant positive impact on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. The customer satisfaction partially mediates between service quality and customer loyalty. This research is useful for commercial banks so that they can improve service quality to the customers and thus maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty. Similarly, the policy makers can also use this finding while formulating future plans in banking sector.
Producción de semilla de zanahorias anuales (Daucus carota L.) en la región sur de Uruguay
Authors: González Idiarte Héctor , Salvo Gastón , Gallo Alicia , Machado Silvana , Rocha Bruno , García de Souza Margarita
Published: December 2022

Se caracterizó la producción de semilla de poblaciones locales (PL) de zanahorias anuales mediante estudios de casos, entrevistando a once productores familiares y seguimiento de nueve cultivos semilleros. Las PL son multiplicadas por períodos de 15 a 45 años. Predomina la selección de raíces por color externo naranja, forma cilíndrica, punta redondeada e inserción fina del tallo. El 27% selecciona por color interno naranja. Las raíces se plantan entre agosto y principios de setiembre. El 27% usa fertilizante químico y el 55% abono orgánico. Plantan entre 31000 y 39200 raíces/ha a distancias entre 25 y 35 cm. No conducen las plantas. No consideran distancias de aislamiento ni colocan colmenas. La cosecha es escalonada entre mediados diciembre y mediados de enero, priorizando las umbelas grandes. El 73% guardan las umbelas sin trillar en bolsas colgadas, y el 27% guarda la semilla trillada. Conservan la semilla hasta tres años. Los principales problemas identificados en los semilleros fueron pulgones, fallas de plantas, podredumbre de raíz, vuelco y disminución de germinación de la semilla durante el almacenamiento. El número promedio de umbelas por planta fue uno en el orden primario, 10 en el secundario y 18 en el terciario. La producción promedio de semillas por planta fue 55 g, con valores extremos entre 30 y 87g, correspondiendo el 16% al orden primario, 68% al secundario y 16% al terciario. El peso de mil semillas fue 2,1; 1,7 y 1,6 g y el porcentaje de germinación de 86, 82 y 77% para cada uno de los tres órdenes.
Descriptive, Prospective Observational Study- Studying Possible Prediction Factors for Disease Severity and Progression among a Sample of COVD 19 Patients in Iraq
Authors: Habeeb Duaa Mohammed , Zinah M. Anwer
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Coronavirus has affected many people around the world and caused an increase in the number of hospitalized patients and deaths. The prediction factor may help the physician to classify whether the patient needs more medical attention to decrease mortality and worsening of symptoms. We aimed to study the possible relationship between C reactive protein level and the severity of symptoms and its effect on the prognosis of the disease. And determine patients who require closer respiratory monitoring and more aggressive supportive therapies to avoid poor prognosis. The data was gathered using medical record data, the patient's medical history, and the onset of symptoms, as well as a blood sample to test the C-reactive protein level. The patients were divided into three groups based on the severity of the disease.  A prospective cohort study of 246 patients over the age of 18 years discovered that c-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in more severe cases than in mild cases, and that older patients with high levels of AST, TSB, Urea, Creatinine, and CRP were associated with the need for a high flow of oxygen, an intensive care unit, a longer length of hospitalization, and a have a high mortality rate. The study concluded several predictor factors for the disease (COVID-19) severity, duration of hospitalization, ICU admission and need for oxygen therapy.
Exploring the Capability of the Hospital Pharmacists in Conducting Pharmacy Practice Research: A Study from Malaysia
Authors: Blebil Ali , Dujaili Juman Abdulelah , Mohammed Ali Haider , Awaisu Ahmed , Ahmad Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Hassan Bassam Abdul Rasool , Wayyes Abdulrasool M.
Published: December 2022

The engagement of pharmacists in research activities is pivotal in the advancement of the pharmacy practice. The study aims to evaluate the confidence and competence of Malaysian hospital pharmacists in conducting clinical and practice-based research.
A cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2019 and April 2020 using an online survey. Pharmacists from eight different hospitals in Malaysia were involved in the study. The survey link was sent to all pharmacists of the included hospitals via email. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.
A total of 226 pharmacists participated in this study, and their average age was 28 years old. About 82 % of the participants reported that they did not have any previous research experience, and around 62% of them indicated that the research training during their undergraduate study was inadequate. At least 60% of the participants reported inadequate competence and/or confidence in developing research protocols, critically appraising the literature, undertaking and applying appropriate statistical techniques, and interpreting research findings.
There is an urgent need to reinforce undergraduate and postgraduate research training in the institutions among potential and current pharmacists to build competence in research techniques such as literature reviews and scholarly participation.