bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assess perception, practice and lived experiences on use of corrective braces among parents of children diagnosed with clubfoot: A mixed method study
Authors: Kumari Poonam , Kalyani Vasantha C. , Sharma Maneesh , Singh Vivek , Prashar Anil Kumar , Patiyal Nidhi
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is a congenital musculoskeletal deformity, which further leads to abnormal alignment of the feet in children. The aim of the present study is to assess perception and practice and explore lived experiences on the use of corrective braces among parents of children diagnosed with clubfoot.

MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY:

A mixed method study approach with convergent parallel research design was used on 100 parents of children with clubfoot. For the quantitative strand, a total enumerative sampling technique was used to collect the data using self-structured tools—a 5-point Likert scale on perception and a checklist on practice at the clubfoot clinic of a selected tertiary care hospital, Rishikesh. For the qualitative strand, a purposive sampling technique was used to conduct the in-depth interview until data saturation from 17 participants using a semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis was done using the SPSS 23.0 software, descriptive statistics with the use of frequency %, whereas for correlation, Pearson's correlation coefficient was used.

RESULTS:

The mean age of participants was 31 years with a mean score of 30.54 ± 4.97. Among parents, 93% showed positive perception with a mean score of 67.16 ± 6.23 and 64% followed appropriate practice with a mean score of 12.44 ± 1.45. Coefficient correlation showed a statistically weak positive correlation between perception and practice (P < 0.001). The lived experiences of parents were reflected under six main themes, i.e., “personal experiences with wearing braces for correction,” “encounters and barriers,” “effects on one's social and personal life,” “perceived answers,” “any other previous practice,” and “awareness about clubfoot.”

CONCLUSION:

Present study concluded that parents had a positive perception and appropriate practice on the use of corrective braces, but there were a few issues such as relapse due to non-adherence, financial burden, and traveling distance, and noticeably more, which need to be addressed. Parental information is a very essential component that should be addressed by all treating physicians and nursing officers before starting treatment for clubfoot.
The effect of “Narrative writing reflection” method on the hope of patient with COVID-19: A health promotion intervention
Authors: Rafiei Malihe , Mohammadi Zakyieh , Mohamadirizi Shahla
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Corona virus disease disease as a life-threatening respiratory disease causes psychological problems including hopelessness in patients. So the aim of this study was to determine the effect of Narrative writing reflection on hope of patient with COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study was experimental with a pre-test-post-test and with the control group design. The subjects were randomly divided into the intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The intervention group received Narrative writing reflection. The control group was receiving routine care. Before and after the intervention, the patients were asked to complete the 12-item Herth Hope Index. Data were analyzed with by using spss software and paired t test and independent t-test with a significance level of P < 0.05.

RESULTS:

Independent t-test showed that the hope scores before intervention in both intervention and control groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05), whereas there was a significant difference between two groups after the intervention (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study showed that the use of mindfulness methods such as narrative writing in hospitalized and quarantined patients who are unable to communicate with the outside environment could increase the hope in patient.
Internet addiction and nomophobia among medical undergraduates of a tertiary care teaching institute in Patna, Eastern India
Authors: Rao Rajath , Verma Manisha , Singh CM , Nirala Santosh K. , Naik Bijaya N.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Excess use of the internet and gadgets for learning, gaming, and socialization has resulted in addictive behavior and nomophobia, especially among college-going students. Thus, this study was designed to find out the proportion and predictors of internet addiction and nomophobia among medical undergraduates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study conducted on 367 medical undergraduates of a teaching hospital was carried out using a standard tool: the Internet Addiction Test Short Form for screening internet addiction and the Nomophobia Questionnaire for nomophobia. Results were tabulated and multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the predictors of internet addiction and nomophobia.

RESULTS:

A total of 116 (31.6%, 95% CI: 27%–36.5%) students were addicted to the internet and 247 (67.3%, 95% CI: 62.3%–71.9%) were screened to have moderate-to-severe nomophobia. The age of the student (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.83 [0.69–0.99]), male gender (AOR: 2.24 [1.33–3.79]), screen time (AOR: 1.24 [1.14–1.34]), checking the phone first in the morning (AOR: 1.98 [1.107–3.54]), non-leisure time usage of phone (AOR: 2.07 [1.25–3.4]), and altered reading habit (AOR: 2.51 [1.26–5.01]) were independent predictors of internet addiction. Increased screen time (AOR: 1.103 [1.016–1.23]), checking the phone first in the morning after waking up (AOR: 1.68 [1.05–2.81]), altered academic performance (AOR: 1.99 [1.079–3.68]), and presence of internet addiction (AOR: 8.17 [3.56–18.76]) were independent predictors of moderate-to-severe nomophobia among medical students.

CONCLUSION:

One and two out of every three medical students were found to have internet addiction and moderate-to-severe nomophobia, respectively. Increased screen time, altered academic performance, and the presence of internet addiction were independent predictors of moderate-to-severe nomophobia.
Digital impact of world hepatitis day: Formulating evidence-based recommendations for promoting healthcare awareness events
Authors: Malhotra Kashish , Bawa Ashvind , Singla Ankur , Malhotra Sakshi , Kansal Rohin , Grewal Jasneet , Goyal Manjeet , Goyal Kashish , Singla Ankuriti , Mondal Himel
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Social media applications provide room for public interaction and forming communities, thus helping disseminate health-related information. Since 2010, World Hepatitis Day has been observed on July 28 with endorsement from the World Health Organization. This study aimed to ascertain the global digital impact of World Hepatitis Day on Twitter (an online microblogging social network) and on the web (web searches and news) to formulate evidence-based recommendations for promoting future policy development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We analyzed publicly available data from Twitter, a popular microblogging social network on the internet (data accessed from India). Three social media assessment tools (Sprout social, SocioViz and Symplur) and Google Trends were used to obtain data about the tweets and global impressions worldwide about World Hepatitis Day. A time frame from July 27th, 2022 to July 29th, 2022 was taken into account for all the tweets in various time zones around the world.

RESULTS:

“#WorldHepatitisDay” and “#Hepatitis” received 519.16 million and 412.37 million impressions in the defined timeframe, respectively. A total of 39,069 tweets were posted about World Hepatitis Day, an increase of 24.1% compared to the previous year. On social network analysis, 93 of the top 100 influencers collaborated among themselves, which helped in the wider dissemination of awareness.

CONCLUSIONS:

World Hepatitis Day 2022 was an impactful healthcare awareness event on Twitter for the global audience and sets forth an example of the effective utilization of resources. Future policies shall inculcate constructive feedback from our findings and must be inclusive of all the underrepresented communities.
Effectiveness of agile methodology on metacognitive ability, and clinical performance among nursing students—An interventional study
Authors: Thiyagarajan Suseela , Saldanha Prakash R. M. , Govindan Radhakrishnan , Leena KC , Vasuki Prathyusha P.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

The emerging trend focuses on the need for an active agile method in the nursing curriculum. It helps to improve student engagement, the interaction between the students and teachers, higher-order thinking, teamwork, and practical skills. This study was done to assess the effectiveness of agile methodology on metacognitive ability and clinical performance among nursing students.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

In this interventional study, two groups of the pre–post design were adopted. Each college was considered a cluster. By using the chit method, the colleges (four) were randomly selected for the experimental and control groups. To avoid contamination, all the fourth-year students were included either in the experimental group (133) or the control groups (132), respectively. The pretest was conducted using a metacognitive awareness inventory (metacognitive ability (MA)) and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) tool (clinical performance (CP)) in the experimental and control groups. Leaders were selected using leader attribute inventory (leadership ability (LA) in the pretest and posttest 2 among the experimental and control groups before the agile teaching. By using agile methodology, the newborn course was taught for 21 days in the experimental group. To assess the effectiveness of agile methodology, the control group was not given any teaching. Posttests were conducted immediately and after 1 week to assess the MA and CP in the experimental and control groups. The control group had agile training for 10 days after the posttests to understand the newer agile methodology. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 28. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess the data for effectiveness.

RESULTS:

The result showed that there is an improvement in the metacognitive ability (MA) score and clinical performance score over time in the experimental group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

The study finding supports that incorporating agile methodology in education impacts the metacognitive ability and clinical performance among nursing students. However, the teacher must be familiar with the methodology while incorporating agile in teaching.
Early clinical exposure: Dynamics, opportunities, and challenges in modern medical education
Authors: Ingale Mayur H. , Tayade Motilal C. , Bhamare Sunil
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Applications of early clinical exposure (ECE) are wide-ranging and reflect the important role that ECE plays in medical education. This review article aimed to highlight the dynamics, opportunities, and challenges of ECE in medical education.

STUDY METHODOLOGY:

This review article was conducted through a comprehensive search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google search engine. The keywords used for the search were “early clinical exposure,” “medical education,” “clinical skills,” “patient contact,” and “medical students. The inclusion criteria for selecting the articles were that they should be written in English, peer-reviewed, and provide insights into the dynamics, opportunities, and challenges of ECE in medical education.

RESULTS:

ECE allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the patient experience, and to develop empathy and a patient-centered approach to care. ECE can also help to improve recruitment and retention of medical students, by providing a more engaging and rewarding learning experience.

CONCLUSION:

ECE is a promising teaching method that has the potential to improve clinical skills and patient outcomes. However, it also poses some challenges that must be addressed to ensure its effective implementation.
The impact of therapeutic education programs on the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis: Protocol of a systematic review
Authors: Raji Ilham , El Harch Ibtissam , Ragala Mohammed E. A. , Berraho Mohamed , Belahsen Mohammed F.
Published: September 2023

The quality of life (QOL) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is estimated to be poor compared to the general population. Its management is complex thus requiring openness to non-pharmacological approaches such as therapeutic education (TPE). However, there is an abundance of educational programs with several components and varying degrees of effectiveness. This protocol is developed with the objective to determine the impact of TPE programs on the QOL of MS patients. We will undergo research in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify all eligible articles published between January 1st, 2007, and February 2022 evaluating the QOL. We will include any quantitative study design: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials, non-randomized uncontrolled trials, and observational studies. The quality of these studies will be assessed by recommended tools. Two investigators will independently perform the data extractions and any disagreements will be resolved by other reviewers. A narrative synthesis will report results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist guidelines to draw conclusions based on the totality of the evidence. These results will be summarized by characteristics of studies and programs and by effects on the QOL. This systematic review will provide practice guidance and evidence to effectively target the features and components of TPE programs, to effectively meet the specific needs of MS patients and thereby improve their QOL, and on the other hand to facilitate the appropriation of these programs by clinicians and researchers to optimize the management of MS.

Systematic review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42022338651.
Investigation of factors related to healthy eating behavior based on the developed theory of planned behavior in adolescents
Authors: Ashrafi Elnaz , Mansourian Morteza , Ebadi Fard Azar Farbod , Rahideh Seyedeh Tayebeh , Ezadi Bahare , Osmani Fereshteh
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Adolescence is a complicated and sensitive period, and proper nutrition in this period of life can influence the quality and quantity of growth and maturity. The aim of the present study is to determine the factors associated with healthy eating behavior based on the developed theory of planned behavior in adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a descriptive-correlational study in which 400 female students of the first grade of high school in Bandar Anzali participated. Among the junior high schools in this city, two schools were randomly selected and sampling was done using census method. Data collection tool was Healthy Eating Behavior questionnaire based on Theory of Planned Behavior, which includes three sections of demographic information, constructs of Theory of Planned Behavior, including attitude toward behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention, and food behavior, and food habits questionnaire. The scale was evaluated and confirmed by content validity ratio, content validity index, and alpha coefficient. P value was considered significant at less than 5%. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software 24, through linear regression and Pearson's correlation.

RESULTS:

As shown by linear regression analysis, the developed theory of planned behavior is able to predict 26% of the variance of healthy eating behavior, and this predictive power is related to the constructs of behavioral intention, attitude, and habits.

CONCLUSIONS:

In the present study, adding the variable of habits to the theory of planned behavior showed that this variable is very effective in predicting healthy eating behavior in adolescents, just like the constructs of behavioral intention and attitude. Therefore, it is suggested to carry out educational interventions based on the developed theory of planned behavior with the focus of the mentioned structures.
Reversing the Deconditioning Effects of the Pandemic in the Elderly via Telerehabilitation
Authors: Bagkur Melis , Yerlikaya Tuba , Inanc Gonca , Oniz Adile
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To investigate the effect of a structured home-based interactive telerehabilitation program on physical activity (PA) level, sleep, and quality of life (QoL) in older individuals who were in home confinement during the pandemic.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 23 participants in the age range of 65–90 (mean: 72.47 ± 5.58) years (15 females) were included in the study. A telerehabilitation exercise program was administered three times per week for 8 weeks. PA levels and sleep parameters were evaluated (using the Sensewear Armband) at baseline and at the end of the 8th week. In addition, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used for self-reported evaluation of sleep, and the World Health Organization QoL Instrument-Older Adults Module was administered to evaluate the QoL.

Results:

Comparing pre- and postexercise evaluation results demonstrated a significant increase in PA levels and significant improvements in sleep duration, sleep latency, and daytime sleepiness. In addition, a significant increase was observed in the total QoL scores.

Conclusion:

The telerehabilitation exercise program seems to be an effective method to increase PA levels, improve sleep-related parameters, and enhance QoL in older adults affected by home confinement during the pandemic.
COVID 19-Associated Headache
Authors: Atalar Arife Çimen , Alpaslan Türk Bengi Gül , Özge Aynur
Published: September 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related headache is the fifth most frequent symptom and the most common neurologic manifestation of the disease with a prevalence of 6.5%–27.9%. Headache related to COVID-19 shows diverse features and can clinically manifest with different phenotypes. The most common clinical presentation is bilateral (mostly frontal or frontotemporal location), long-lasting, pressing/pulsating quality, and partially or completely resistant to analgesic treatment. The activation of the trigeminovascular system by either direct invasion of the virus or indirect mechanisms induced by cytokine storm, excess neuroinflammation, vasculopathy, and ischemia are the possible underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms. Patients with preexisting primary headaches is another important issue that needs to be enlightened to determine whether these patients are more susceptible to COVID-19-related headache. Headache is also an important symptom in patients with long COVID syndrome, which has a serious negative impact on the individuals' quality of life in the long term. Populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly are more vulnerable to COVID-19, and it is obvious that COVID-19 affects these populations differently. The headache characteristics and course of headache in these special populations is an important research topic that needs more focused studies. In this review, we attempted to update physicians with the new developments about COVID-19-related headaches and discuss the subject with different aspects in light of the recent “COVID-19-associated headache webinar” organized by the Global Migraine and Pain society (GMPS) in collaboration with the global COVID-19 Neuro Research Coalition and the European Academy of Neurology (EAN).
Value of Boston Questionnaire in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Sarilar Ayse Çağlar , Gök Duygu Kurt
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) is a patient-based outcome measure that has been developed for patients with Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between BCTQ scores and electrophysiological findings in patients with CTS.

Subjects and Methods:

This study included 174 individuals (control group [n = 68] and patient group [n = 106]) admitted to Erciyes University Hospital Department of Neurology between August 2019 and November 2019 with complaints of pain, numbness, and paresthesia in the unilateral or bilateral median nerve trace and diagnosed with idiopathic CTS or normal after electrophysiological testing. The Turkish version of the BCTQ was applied to these patients.

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 46.6 (standard deviation ± 11.9). One hundred and fifty-seven (90.2%) of all the participants were female. Among patients, 29.9% (n = 52) had mild, 21.8% (n = 38) had moderate, and 9.2% (n = 16) had severe CTS. Both the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and functional status scale (FSS) scores were evaluated between the groups, and there was a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Although there was a significant difference between the groups, the huge overlap in the distribution of the scores indicated that discrimination of an individual according to FSS/SSS scores is unrealistic in the clinical setting.

Conclusion:

The BCTQ will not be sufficient and objective in the diagnosis and management of CTS. Today, electrophysiological tests are still the gold standard for the diagnosis of CTS, and referring the patient to the electromyography EMG laboratory is necessary for early diagnosis and determining the effective treatment method.
Clinical and laboratory features of biliary atresia and patterns of management practices: Saudi national study (2000–2018)
Authors: Alhebbi Homoud , El-Edreesi Mohammed , Abanemai Mohammed , Saadah Omar , Alhatlani Maher , Halabi Hana , Bader Razan , Sarkhy Ahmed Al , Aladsani Ahmed , Wali Sami , Alguofi Talal , Alkhathran Nawaf , NasserAllah Amira , Bashir Muhammed Salman , Al-Hussaini Abdulrahman
Published: September 2023

Background:

We utilized the data from the Saudi national biliary atresia (BA) study (2000–2018) to describe the clinical, biochemical, imaging, and histopathological features of BA and the perioperative clinical practices among local pediatric gastroenterologists.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, multicenter, nationwide study that included 10 tertiary care governmental hospitals including the four liver transplant (LT) centers in different regions across Saudi Arabia.

Results:

BA was diagnosed in 204 infants (106 females; 10% preterm). The median age at referral was 65 days. Congenital anomalies were present in 68 patients (33%); 22 were splenic malformation (10.8%). The medians of laboratory investigations were total bilirubin (189 μmol/l), direct bilirubin (139 μmol/l), ALT (164 u/l), and GGT (472 u/l). The level of serum GGT was normal in 26 cases (12.7%). The ultrasound findings included hypoplastic or atrophic gall bladder (GB) (65%), normal GB (30%), and cord sign (5%). A HIDA scan was performed in 99 cases (48.52%). Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was performed in 27 cases (13%). A total of 179 liver biopsies (88%) were obtained. The most common histopathologic findings were bile duct proliferation (92%), canalicular cholestasis (96%), bile plugs (84%), and portal fibrosis (95%). Cholangiography was performed in 139 cases (68%): operative in 122 (60%) and percutaneous in 17 (8%). A total of 143 children (70%) underwent Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) at a median age of 70 days. After KPE, steroid was used in 37% of the cases and 100 cases (70%) were prescribed prophylactic antibiotics for variable duration (ranging between 3 and 12 months).

Conclusion:

Our data show marked variation in the diagnostic evaluation and perioperative management of BA cases among the different tertiary centers. There is a need to establish a national BA registry in Saudi Arabia aiming to standardize pre- and postoperative clinical practices. Additionally, normal serum GGT level, normal GB size on ultrasound, and being a premature baby should not preclude the diagnostic workup for BA.
Artificial intelligence in endoscopy: Overview, applications, and future directions
Authors: Arif Arif A. , Jiang Shirley X. , Byrne Michael F.
Published: September 2023

Since the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, endoscopy applications in gastroenterology have been at the forefront of innovations. The ever-increasing number of studies necessitates the need to organize and classify applications in a useful way. Separating AI capabilities by computer aided detection (CADe), diagnosis (CADx), and quality assessment (CADq) allows for a systematic evaluation of each application. CADe studies have shown promise in accurate detection of esophageal, gastric and colonic neoplasia as well as identifying sources of bleeding and Crohn’s disease in the small bowel. While more advanced CADx applications employ optical biopsies to give further information to characterize neoplasia and grade inflammatory disease, diverse CADq applications ensure quality and increase the efficiency of procedures. Future applications show promise in advanced therapeutic modalities and integrated systems that provide multimodal capabilities. AI is set to revolutionize clinical decision making and performance of endoscopy.
Online Incremental Learning Based on Crowdsourcing For Indonesian Ontology Relation Extraction
Authors: Kardinata Eunike Andriani , Rakhmawati Nur Aini
Published: September 2023

Ontology is one form of structured representation of knowledge. Ontology is widely used and developed in information retrieval because of its ability to represent knowledge in a form that machines and humans can understand. With the increasing scale and complexity of ontology, there are more significant challenges in identifying extra-logical errors. Ontological development methods mostly use machine learning, which is at risk of missed extra-logical errors. To handle it, crowdsourcing is used, i.e. dividing a large job into several small jobs and hiring the masses to complete it. Data processing is usually done offline to take advantage of crowdsourcing, and batches are converted into online and incremental. Online incremental learning directly arranges an iterative model after a change is made by ensuring that the knowledge that has been obtained before is maintained. This study built an interactive medium to present the initial relationship between concept pairs. Crowdsourcing participants were asked to validate the relationship repeatedly until a specified accuracy value was reached. This study found that the crowdsourcing process was able to improve the model used in the relationship extraction process, from F1-Score 87.2% to 89.8%. Improvements using crowdsourcing achieve the same result as improvements by experts. Thus, crowdsourcing can correct extra-logical errors appropriately as an expert. In addition, it was also found that offline incremental learning using Random Forest resulted in higher model accuracy than incremental online learning using Mondrian Forest. The accuracy of the Random Forest model has a final accuracy of 90.6%, while the accuracy of the Mondrian Forest model is 89.7%. From these results, it was concluded that incremental online learning cannot provide better results than offline incremental learning to improve the meronymy relationship extraction process.
Conceptualizing an Urban Operations Vehicle within a Comprehensive
Research and Development Program
Authors: Hofer Peter , Knight Charles
Published: September 2023

In the last decades we have witnessed an increasing number of military operations
in urban environments. Complex urban operations require high standards of
training, equipment, and personnel. Emergency forces on the ground will need
specialized vehicles to support them in all parts and levels of this extremely
demanding environment including the subterranean and interior of infrastructure.
The development of vehicles for this environment has lagged but offers a high
payoff. This article describes the method for developing a concept for an urban
operations vehicle by characterization of the urban environment, deduction of
key issues, evaluation of related prototyping, science fiction story-typing of
the requirements for such a vehicle, and comparison with field-proven and
scalable solutions. Embedding these thoughts into a comprehensive research and
development program provides lines of development, setting the stage for further
research.
Steel, Corrosion- and Heat-Resistant, Bars, Wire, Forgings, Mechanical Tubing, and Stock for Forging and Heading 15Cr - 25.5Ni - 1.2Mo - 2.1Ti - 0.006B - 0.30V (A286) Consumable Electrode Remelted 1650 °F (899 °C) Solution and Precipitation Heat Treated
Authors:   AMS F Corrosion and Heat Resistant Alloys Committee
Published: September 2023

This specification covers a corrosion- and heat-resistant steel in the form of bars, wire, forgings, mechanical tubing, up to 5.00 inches (127 mm), inclusive, in nominal diameter or least distance between parallel sides (thickness), and stock for forging or heading of any size.
Molecular Docking and Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Programmed Ribosomal Frameshifting RNA and Ligands for RNA-Targeting Alkaloids Prospecting
Authors: Wicaksono Adhityo , Parikesit Arli Aditya
Published: September 2023

RNA-ligand docking is a part of computational biology, which is currently lowly recognized compared to the protein-ligand docking procedure commonly applied for drug discovery. This in silico study aims to create a simplified protocol for RNA-ligand docking, which is applicable to RNA-targeting small molecular drug screening. Four alkaloids (berberine, colchicine, nicotine, and tomatine) were subjected to this study and contended against the SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA -1 PRF component targeting control drug, merafloxacin, including two known intercalator berberine and colchicine, a small alkaloid nicotine and a large alkaloid tomatine. The alkaloids were screened for drug-likeness properties (Lipinski’s Rules of 5 or LRo5), bioavailability indexes, and synthetic accessibility values using SwissADME before docking. The docking used PyRx – Autodock Vina and re-scored for RNA-ligand scoring using AnnapuRNA. The docking results have the interactions mapped using fingeRNAt and visualized using Discovery Studio. Molecular dynamics using CHARMM36 and AMBER forcefields were simulated in NAMD. The molecular dynamics 1 ns simulation results showed that the ligand interaction over time did not cause much interference with the RNA, indicated by the low number of RMSD changes between RNA itself and the RNA-ligand complex. Additionally, CHARMM36 forcefield provided more stable fluctuation compared to AMBER. The results indicated that tomatine disobeyed LRo5 and had a low bioavailability index and bad synthetic accessibility value, while the rest alkaloids passed. In the end, berberine has an even higher docking score than the control drug. The study also shows that this protocol can be useful for future RNA-ligand computational studies.
Assessment of Teratogenic Effects of Sappan Wood (Caesalpinia Sappan L.) Extract In Rats (Rattus novergicus)
Authors: Jeri Nobia Purnama  , Khristian Erick , A.A Syamsunarno Mas Rizky , Kamisah Yusof , Safitri Ratu
Published: September 2023

Treatment using plant materials has been widely researched and observed to assist in curing a disease. Medicinal products derived from herbal plants are proven useful as drugs must follow guidelines not to cause acute or chronic toxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the teratogenic potential of an ethanolic sappan wood extract on the growth of unborn rats. Six groups of pregnant rats are created: Aquadest was administered to the Control group, whereas the Treatment groups received 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 mg.kg-1 BW of an ethanolic extract of Sappan wood. On the twenty-first day of gestation, pregnant rats were CO2-euthanized and delivered vaginally. Rats' body weight during pregnancy was observed, along with fetal growth measurements, viscoelastic examination, and skeletal development. Wistar rats' reproductive systems, fetal body weight, body length, and tail length were all unaffected by ethanol extract of Sappan wood at doses from 100 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg. In fetuse rat from the control group and the five dosage groups, no skeletal development had taken place and there were no obvious external abnormalities. Even at the maximum dose of 500 mg, sappan wood extract demonstrated no teratogenic effects on the development of fetal rats.kg-1 BW.
Population Growth Model and Mortality of Pakistan Lobster (Panulirus polyphagus) in Estuary Waters of Tarakan City
Authors: Indarjo Agus , Salim Gazali , Prakoso Lukman Yudho , Pramono Budi , Meiryani  , Maryanto Thonas Indra , Suriyanti  , Firdaus Muhammad , Rozi
Published: September 2023

Lobster Panulirus polyphagus has a fairly high economic value and is found in the estuary waters of Tarakan City. This research aims to study the growth and mortality model of Lobster P. polyphagus originating in the estuary waters of Tarakan City. The research method was carried out using a quantitative descriptive method. Sampling was conducted 14 times from December 2021-May 2022 using gill nets. The results showed that the male sex ratio was more than the female. Allometric growth of males and females is negative allometric with a thin body shape. The structure of the size obtained was mostly in males ranging from 18.3-20.6 cm, and females around 20.5-22.2 cm. The maximum length growth of P. polyphagus based on von Bertalanffy's growth model was 31.519 cm in males and 31.374 cm in females. The total mortality (Z) of P. polyphagus for males and females was 1.104 and 1.119; catch mortality (F) of 0.106 and 0.253; natural mortality (M) of 0.998 and 0.866; exploitation rate (E) of 0.096 and 0.226, respectively. The high natural mortality causes the extinction of the Lobster species, so good management is needed so that it is sustainable.
Social Networking Sites and Empathy Among Adolescents in Indonesia
Authors: Meuthia Cut Tina , Nila Sarah , Suryobroto Bambang , Widayati Kanthi Arum
Published: September 2023

Social networking sites (SNSs) have increased in number and popularity for more than a decade especially for adolescents. Previous studies conducted in western countries have stated that using SNSs could exert positive and negative effects on various aspects of psychosocial development, one of which is empathy. The relationship between SNSs use and empathy has remained unclear, especially in Indonesia. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the relationship between SNSs and empathy on adolescents in Indonesia. This study recruited 1,638 students from junior and senior high school with ages ranging from 12 to 19 years randomly across several provinces in Indonesia. Data collection was carried out by administering online questionnaires to participants consists of informed consent, demographic data, intensity of SNSs use during the past week with the Social Networking Time Use Scale (SONTUS) method, and questions about empathy with the Adolescent Measure of Empathy and Sympathy (AMES) method. Our result showed that higher frequency of using SNSs significantly positive correlated with cognitive empathy, affective empathy, and sympathy among adolescents in Indonesia, which is similar to previous studies, so this may be a general pattern in adolescence. The connections made by SNSs is believed to increase feelings of humanity (sympathy) and also empathy to other humans.
Diversity of Fungal Colonization in Respiratory Tract of Naïve Lung Cancer and The Emergence of Voriconazole Resistant Aspergillus
Authors: Zaini Jamal , Al Maududi Abul A'la , Annisa Zahrah , Grecius Siregar Denny , Setianingrum Findra , Tugiran Mulyati , Sjam Ridhawati , Adawiyah Robiatul , Rozaliyani Anna , Andarini Sita , Syahruddin Elisna
Published: September 2023

Fungal spores in the air can be inhaled and enter the human respiratory tract. The entry of fungi into the respiratory tract can cause colonization or infection depending on the host immune response. Fungal colonization is the first step into debilitating fungal disease in humans, especially in immunocompromised groups. The increased rate of drug-resistant fungi has been reported in human disease and the environment. This study aims to examine the diversity of fungal colonization in humans and the rate of fungal resistance to voriconazole. This cross-sectional study was done in patients with naïve lung cancer who had not been previously treated with any cancer therapy nor given antifungal agent. Induced sputum from 70 subjects was collected and inoculated in the Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed to identify fungal species. Voriconazole susceptibility tests were done using the disc diffusion method. This study found Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Penicillium sp. among the most common lower respiratory tract colonies. This study also found the colonization of up to 5 species in a single subject. A high rate of voriconazole-resistant Aspergillus sp. was found (42.4%) among 59 isolates tested. Given that these subjects had never taken antifungal agents previously, the high rate of voriconazole resistance might be attributed to the environment, such as community and agriculture. Mitigation of antifungal use in the agricultural sector, fungal diversity in the environment, and clinical study of fungal colonization/ infection in other high-risk groups are needed.
Combined influence of ash and poultry manure on soil reaction and performance of maize (Zea mays) in a coarse-textured acid soil of South-East, Nigeria
Authors: Amanze C.T. , Amulu L.U. , Ukabiala M.E , Kayode A.P. , Omatule L.A. , Ozomata A.S. , Kolo J.
Published: September 2023

Crop production can be limited by soil acidity. A two-factor factorial experiment involving three levels each of ash and poultry manure  (PM) was conducted to determine the effects of ash and PM on soil reaction and performance of maize in an acid soil. The ash comprised  of mixture of ash from wood, cocoa husk and palm bunch. The levels of ash (0.00, 3.00, 6.00 t ha–1 ) and PM (0.00, 4.00, 8.00 t ha–1 ) were  combined to obtain nine treatment combinations (control, 3.00 ash and 0.00 PM, 3.00 ash and 4.00 PM, 3.00 ash and 8.00 PM, 0.00 ash and  4.00 PM, 3.00 ash and 0.00 PM) which were replicated thrice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design.  Soil samples were collected at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP), plant height measured at 3, 5, 7, and 9 WAP while cob oven-dry  weight was measured after oven-drying harvested cobs at maturity. Analysis of variance was conducted on the data collected using  GenStat version 14. The highest plant height of 132.50 cm at 12 WAP and the highest oven-dry cob weight of 7.15 t ha–1 were obtained  from plots treated with 6.00 and 8.00 t ha-1 of ash and PM, respectively, and these were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different from the other  treatments. The lowest exchangeable acidity of 1.33 cmol kg–1 which varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from the other values observed at the  other plots was obtained at the plot treated with the combination of 6.00 and 4.00 t ha–1 of ash and PM, respectively at 12 WAP. The  combination of ash and PM at 3.00 and 8.00 t ha–1 gave the highest pH of 6.80, and this was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different from the other treatments. Therefore, ash and PM at varying levels of combination can simultaneously ameliorate soil acidity and improve maize  performance; however, the best combination of ash and PM application which showed the potential to produce optimum effect in  simultaneously ameliorating soil acidity and increasing maize performance was the combination of 6.00 tonnes of ash and 8.00 tonnes of  PM.
Digital imaging of morphometric characteristics of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) for genotype discrimination
Authors: Olufelo J.O.
Published: September 2023

Digital seed imaging was utilized in this study to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of pigeon pea for genotype discrimination.  One hundred seeds in each of the pigeon pea accession were subjected to digital imaging analysis using the WinSEEDLE™ software to  differentiate the seed metric characters. Seeds were placed on a lighting hood and were automatically analyzed by the scanner and the  image of the seed was recorded by the WinSEEDLE™. The procedure was repeated three times. The parameters observed were projected  area, straight length, curve length, straight width, curve width, volume circle, and projected perimeter. Data collected were subjected to  analysis of variance, principal component analysis and product moment correlation coefficients between the parameters were obtained.  The result revealed that the pigeon pea accessions were highly variable in all the seed metric traits evaluated. Accessions NSWCC-34 and  NSWCC-32 showed superiority values in most of the seed metric traits evaluated. Accessions NSWCC-32 had 28.35 mm2 , 6.99 mm, 7.37  mm, 5.23 mm and 5.28 mm in seed projected area, seed straight length, curve length, straight width and curve width, respectively while NSWCC-34 recorded 28.34 mm2 , 6.75 mm, 7.10 mm, 5.22 mm and 5.27 mm for the same evaluated traits. Most of the seed traits showed  significant positive and strong association. The study, therefore, recommends that accessions NSWCC-34 and NSWCC-32 as well as those  traits with high contribution to the major variation (seed projected area, seed straight length, curve length, straight width, curve width  and volume circle) could be included in the seed improvement programme for improved seed quality in pigeon pea.
Tied ridging enhances soil water conservation and productivity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Amankwaa-Yeboah P. , Yeboah S. , Asibuo J.Y. , Adomako J. , Darko C. , Agyeman K. , Badu B.M. , Owusu D.E. , Acheampong P.P.
Published: September 2023

A field trial was conducted to determine the effects of different water conservation practices done in-situ on soil water content, stomatal  conductance, and seed yield of common beans at Fumesua experimental station of the CSIR-Crops Research Institute in Ghana during  the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons. The water conservation practices implemented were tied ridges (TR), bunded basins (BB), and flat  land (FL). Results showed that the TR treatment increased soil water content by 18 and 16% (0-5 cm), 12 and 13% (5-10 cm), and 18 and  7% (10-30 cm), compared with the FL treatment in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Across years, TR treatment increased stomatal  conductance by 39 and 53% at both vegetative and flowering sampling periods. Soil water content and stomatal conductance also  increased in the BB treatment compared to the FL treatment, but to a lesser extent than that of TR. The TR treatment improved seed yield  by 31 and 42% over that of FL in 2020 and 2021, respectively. At a lesser magnitude, the BB treatment increased seed yield by 17 and  40% compared with the FL treatment during the same period. These results showed a positive relationship (p < 0.05) between the  soil water content and common beans seed yield, such that an increase in soil water content determined about 75% of the increase in  seed yield. Based on the results of this study, tied ridging could be considered a suitable water conservation strategy for improving  common bean yield.
Cultural practices and post-harvest handling of selected neglected food crops in south-east and South-south Nigeria
Authors: Elemasho M.K. , Abdulbaki M.K. , Ajanwachuku N.C. , Okoroafor C.H. , Nwaehujor I.U. , Olayemi F.F. , Pessu P.O.
Published: September 2023

The study was conducted to assess cultural practices and post-harvest handling of some selected neglected food crops (bambara nut,  bread fruits and bush-mango) in South-east and South-south Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to; identify the cultural  practices of selected neglected crops; identify the postharvest handling procedure of the selected neglected crops; identify uses of other  parts of the neglected crops apart from the food storage organs and investigates the medicinal value of selected neglected crops. A  purposive and snow-ball sampling procedure was used to sample 120 farmers of selected neglected crops in South-east and South-south  Nigeria (Akwa-Ibom, Ebonyi and Rivers). A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the respondents and  presented using percentage and mean. The result showed that the cultural and agronomic practices for the neglected crops included;  nursery (66.7%), intercropping (79.2%), fertilizer application (66.7%) and weeding (100%). The farmers use the neglected crops as soup,  chips, flour, and food by boiling or roasting. Processing activities done before storage include fermentation, breaking of the pod, sun  drying and cleaning of the crops without water. The method of storage showed that 25% used nylon, 65% used bags and 10% used air  tight container. The farmers made use of; leaves of neglected food crops for animal feeds formulation, fermented fruits for organic  manure, and stems and branches for timber woods for building and construction. Also, farmers used some of the neglected tree crops  for treating fever, stomach upset and diabetes. Also, it is used to boost blood level, antibiotics, pile treatment and prevention of heart  failure. The study recommended that Research institutes, ADPs and other related NGOs should work in collaboration to train the farmers  on modern methods of post-harvest handlings of crops in the study area. Also, policy maker should formulate policy that will encourage  the production of neglected food crops in large quantity.
Physicochemical and sensory attributes of some selected varieties of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata)
Authors: Afolabi F.O. , Lawal A.I. , Adegbite A.O.
Published: September 2023

The physicochemical and sensory properties of five varieties of Dioscorea rotundata were investigated for their potential end uses. The water absorption capacity, water binding capacity, swelling power, solubility index, pH, and pasting properties of flour processed from the yam tubers were determined. Also, the sensory attributes of pounded yam produced from the tubers were evaluated. In terms of colour, Gbongi had the highest whiteness value (82.27). Lasinrin had the highest moisture content (39.47 %) and swelling capacity (6.11g/g), Efuru had the highest water absorption capacity (132.50%) and pH (6.75). Gbongi had the highest solubility index (13.82%). Awana had the highest peak viscosity (293.70RVU) holding strength viscosity (279.20RVU) and peak time (7.00min). Lasinrin had the highest breakdown viscosity (140.25RVU) setback viscosity (295.00RVU) and pasting temperature (82.55oC) while Efuru had the highest final viscosity (437.83RVU). All the varieties had good ratings for the pounded yam sensory attributes (stretchability, stickiness, mouldability, smoothness, colour, hardness). All the varieties were acceptable regarding the general acceptability of the pounded yam. The qualities of yam cultivars suggested their appropriateness as an alternative for other flour-based pastestypically consumed by Nigerians.