bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehension of English Loanwords in Japanese by Japanese and English Speakers
Authors: Alharaki Sura , Abdullah Muhammad Alif Redzuan , Abdullah Syed Nurulakla Bin Syed Abdullah
Published: April 2023

This study addresses our understanding of English loanwords in the modern Japanese language. It aims to investigate the two types of English loanwords and made-in-Japan loanwords among Malaysian English speakers and native Japanese. The proposed study utilized a quantitative approach to determine the understanding of two groups of speakers; 60 Japanese speakers in Japan and 60 English speakers in Malaysia. The data collection of this research was completed using two questionnaires. The two questionnaires consist of 14 sentences with these two types of English loanwords selected from Japanese textbooks and other sources. The findings reflected correct responses to the meaning of English loanwords and made-in-Japan loanwords for Japanese speakers. The English speakers showed correct responses for English loanwords, however, they were discrepancies in responses when it comes to made-in-Japan loanwords. This research breaks ground on the issue of the comprehension of English loanwords and made-in-Japan among Native Japanese speakers and Malaysian English speakers. This study incorporates the theory of language contact by Thomason (2001). The contact occurs where the mutual influence of languages happens leading to code-switching, borrowing, and loanwords formed by the social setting and the contact environment. It also employs the theory of language awareness to support second language learning and develop the learner’s comprehension. The significance of the study emphasizes English language learning benefits and the importance of the learners’ understanding of the differences between English loanwords to utilize them in vocabulary building.
English language Morphological Neologisms Reflecting the War in Ukraine
Authors: Ivanenko Nadiya , Biletska Oksana , Hurbanska Svitlana , Hurbanska Antonina , Kochmar Diana
Published: April 2023

The aim of this article is to consider English morphological neologisms based on English-language postmodern Ukrainean literary texts. The ways of neologisms formation and their appearance in the language are described. The uses of general theoretical and specific theoretical and empirical research methods system include a description of neologisms, appearing in the English language in the realities of large-scale military aggression in Ukraine, in the context of general issues of linguistic neology. The theoretical significance of the study consists in the analysis of morphological neologisms in terms of postmodern perception. As a result, new speech units of the English language emerge in postmodern literary texts as a result of the war in Ukraine. As the war in Ukraine has acquired global significance for the whole civilized world, the postmodern literary texts ceases to be sectoral and falls into the general discourse. New lexemes are formed, objectifying the modern reality and becoming trendy for society. The paper aim is to analyse the reasons for the formation of war concerned neologisms as well as to investigate their semantically emotive component and pejorative connotations. The methodology included analysis of scientific sources, information search of scientific literature, description, deduction, induction, and continuous sampling method. The results of the study show that during the war in Ukraine, new lexical units emerge and consolidate in the English language. A special characteristic of the sample of neologisms is their emotionality. This can be explained by the proper coverage of the course of the war, where the genocide of the Ukrainian nation takes place and accordingly evokes a spectrum of negative emotions. Morphological neologisms in English have become common due to the catastrophic and global nature of the war in Ukraine. These linguistic neologisms need terminological unification, but the rapid development of events in Ukraine makes it difficult to codify these changes and requires permanent work and research. The study is based on lexicology as a science that studies words, but with special attention to neologisms. Neologisms are more than a code, they are elements of identity that describe a period of conflict and remain a reflection, if not a testimony, of all the atrocities suffered by the population during the war.
Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, A Product of Puritanism or a Reaction Against It: A 21st-Century Critical Perspective
Authors: Sharma Vipin K
Published: April 2023

The paper examines ‘The Scarlet Letter’ to determine whether Hawthorne critiques Puritan society’s stringent regulations or supports it in its genuine sense. The article first determines whether Hawthorne agrees with the Puritan concept of sin by examining his perspective on sin. We examined varied past studies using survey method to carry out a descriptive analysis of the author’s justification for Hester’s belief that she is a sinner for the Puritans. Moreover, Hawthorne psychologically analyzes the struggle that exists in the thoughts of the characters as sinners that provokes an endless debate but remains unsolved. Besides, the study explores Hawthorne’s views on Puritanism, which raises a question for academics who are unsure of just how Hawthorne opposes the quintessence of the Puritan way of life. We find that the readers get confused by Hawthorne’s devotion to the novel as they read it and wonder if he was both a Puritanism product and a reaction against it; however, the study finds that Hawthorne was a blend of both of them. The study ends with broader implications about how Hester’s personality influences women’s lives in contemporary society in the twenty-first century.
Բնակավայրերի կարգավիճակը. հիմնախնդիրներ և հնարավոր լուծումներ
Authors: Թովմասյան Սարգիս , Առուստամյան Արսեն , Զիրաքյան Հայկ
Published: April 2023

Հոդվածում ներկայացված են բնակավայրերի կարգավիճակին առնչվող հիմնախնդիրներն ինչպես արտերկրում, այնպես էլ Հայաստանի Հանրապետությունում: Հիմնավորվել է, որ ներկա­յումս մեր երկրում կիրարկվող բնակավայրերի դասակարգումը, սահմանափակվելով միայն «քաղաք» և «գյուղ» հասկացություններով,  աղերսներ չունի հայրենական պատմական փորձի հետ, բացի այդ, դեռևս սահմանված չեն բնակավայրերի կարգավիճակի որոշման սկզբունքները: Արտերկրում կիրարկվող փորձի հիման վրա ընտրվել են բնակավայրերը բնորոշող առանցքային ցուցանիշները՝ բնակչության թիվը, հանրային ծառայություններ ապահովող ենթակառուցվածք­ների առկայությունը և բնակչության հիմնական զբաղվածությունը՝ վերլուծելով և գնահատելով ՀՀ բնակավայրերի ընդհանրական պատկերն ըստ այդ ցուցանիշների: Վերլուծության արդյու­ն­քում առաջարկվել է բնակավայրերը բնորոշելու համար կիրառել ոչ միայն «քաղաք» և «գյուղ», այլև «ոստան», «քաղաքատիպ ավան» և «ավան» հասկացությունները: Մշակվել է բնակավայրերի տարակարգման նոր մոդել՝ ըստ նշված հասկացությունների և ընտրված չափանիշների: Ներ­կա­յացվել են բնակավայրերի գործող դասակարգման հիմնական փոփոխությունները և լրացում­ները՝ առաջարկվող մոդելի կիրարկման արդյունքում: Առաջարկությունները կարող են կիրառելի լինել հանրապետության բնակավայրերի դասակարգմանն առնչվող նորմատիվ-իրավական ակտերում փոփոխություններ և լրացումներ կատարելու ժամանակ:
Transformación de fibra de alpaca en hilo rústico, mediante el prototipado de máquinas familiares con la Fabricación Digital de la Industria 4.0
Authors: Díaz Jurado José Mauricio , Valdivia Saravia Raúl , Romaní Yerren Carlos Alberto Aldahir , Berrocal Cueto Jhordan
Published: April 2023

El hilo rustico es obtenido a partir de la fibra de alpaca en brosa mediante los procesos de escarmenado, lavado, cardado e hilado, dicha secuencia de procesos consiste en realizar la limpieza de la fibra, uniformizar y retorcer. La transformación de la fibra es realizada por los productores y transformadores primarios de fibra de alpaca utilizando instrumentos de madera prehispánico y en forma manual. En la actualidad, son muy pocos los productores de hilo rustico de fibra de alpaca, la mayoría de la fibra esquilada se vende en bruto a las grandes empresas de la región de Arequipa. La escasez de la tecnología de bajo costo les imposibilita a transformar su materia prima en hilo rustico con un mayor valor agregado. Por consiguiente, el objetivo de esta investigación fue obtener hilo rustico mediante las máquinas de transformación de fibra de alpaca de tamaño familiar, fabricadas mediante la manufactura digital de la industria 4.0. La construcción de las máquinas de transformación comprendió el diseño de una escarmenadora, una cardadora y una hiladora, siendo esta última la única que es alimentada por un panel solar. Los resultados demostraron que el trabajo en serie de las máquinas puede procesar hasta 5 kg de fibra de alpaca por día.
HAÇLI SEFERLERİNDE ŞAP VE ŞAP TİCARETİ
Authors: KARAKUŞ Nadir
Published: April 2023

1095-1291 yılları arasında Mısır ve Suriye’de devam eden Haçlı seferleri, Mısır şapını da onların karşısına çıkarmış ve özellikle İtalyanlar, bunun ticareti ile ilgilenip Avrupa yününün boyanması için hammadde taşımaya başlamışlardır. Selahaddin Eyyûbî’nin Haçlılarla mücadelelerinin sürüp gittiği yıllarda bile Cenevizli tacirler, Mısır şapını İskenderiye’den Avrupa’ya naklederek büyük gelirler elde etmişlerdir. XIII. yüzyıl ortalarına doğru Anadolu şap madenlerinin keşfedilmesi ile İtalyan tüccarlar yönlerini Foça, Gediz ve Şebinkarahisar gibi madenlere çevirmişlerdir. Bu süreç de onları iktidar mücadelelerinden iç karışıklara kadar bir dizi olayın içine çekmiştir. Bu dönemde Bizans’tan Osmanlılara kadar Anadolu’da hüküm süren iktidarlara yakın olmaya çalışan İtalyanlar, kendi aralarında da şap üzerinden rekabetlere girişmişlerdir. Bu olaylar esnasında Osmanlılara, Bizans ve hanedan içi mücadelelerde yardımcı olarak kazançlarını artırmışlar, hatta borçlarını dahi sildirmeyi başarmışlardır. XV. asır ortalarında Avrupa şapının bulunması ile yeni kırılmalar yaşanmıştır. Bu değerli madenin gelirleri ile papalar, Osmanlılara karşı yeni bir Haçlı seferi başlatmaya kalkışmışlar, şap gelirlerini de silah olarak kullanmışlardır. Papaların bu madeni işletmeleri için yetki verdiği İtalyan ve Napolili soylular ise Haçlı seferlerinin menfaat ve çıkar ilişkilerini devam ettirmişlerdir. Bu yeni süreç aynı zamanda Osmanlıların önemli bir gelir kaynağından gereği gibi yararlanamamalarının da kapılarını aralamıştır.
Social Identity in Kurdish Film from a Theoretical and Sociologists Perspectives
Authors: Muhamad Hamarasheed Hawraz , Abdulqader Majid Paiman
Published: April 2023

This research attempts to detect the meanings of social identity of an individual as an actor in life and its relation to the other individuals. Thoughts and behaviors are related to identity. At the same time Identity represent two characteristics (differences and similarities). Members of one social group are similar to each other within the group and also different from members of another social group. The combination of these two characteristics simultaneously within the group becomes an indication for identity. However, the individual has his own identity and no two people are alike of each other, but within the frame of the groups there are commonalities and similarities between individuals. The points in which individuals shares the same values may be the constituent races of identity including (gender, ethnicity, race and religion). Each of the dimensions of (social, cultural, political) are forms an individual’s social identity within the group. The research seeks to find these meanings in the Kurdish films and to reveal the social identity of the Kurdish individual. The findings of the study as follows;

1. Although Social identity it appears stable on the surface, however, changes in social circumstances will cause changes in identity.

2. To understand some scientific facts regarding the issue of Kurdish social identity and its reflection in the Kurdish films.

3. Identify and recognize the cultural and social characteristics of the Kurdish people and their appearance in the Kurdish films.

4. The individual’s identity status is determined by his or her self-identity and its attachment to his or her group. Thus, it shows the identity of the heroes of at Kurdish movies.

5. From the individual’s point of view, his/ her behavior is part of his/ her social identity, but in the event of isolation or deprivation from his social group, the individual’s behavior may change, because in the view of the Canadian sociologist (Goffman), the individual is acting, once on the stage (as his social group), once behind the stage (outside his social group).
Evaluation of Spatial distribution of Green Area in Halabja City
Authors: Hady Muhammad Saeed Najmaddin
Published: April 2023

With the continuous increase in the population of cities and the accompanying urban expansion, the need has become urgent for the expansion of green spaces. The importance of green areas becomes clearer, It is even more important to balance their spatial distributions in Cities or their most important residential neighborhoods. Therefore, the research seeks to reveal the reality of the green areas in the city of Halabja and to identify their types, area, spatial distribution, pattern, and directions by evaluating this distribution. With the aim of detecting imbalances and identifying deficiencies in the current distribution, The researcher relied on the quantitative, descriptive and spatial data obtained from the Presidency of the Municipality of Halabja In addition to the city’s base plan for the year (2021 ), showing the residential shops and locations of green areas, Also, the field and visual satellite study of the city was used, and then the quantitative method was used Through appropriate GIS software tools with the achievement of the study objectives represented by the nearest neighbor and the analysis of point spatial patterns and others in the processing and analysis of data, The study reached a set of relevant conclusions and recommendations presented at the end of the research. The most important of which: According to the nearest neighbor scale, the current spatial distribution pattern of green areas is clustered, that is, the distribution is heterogeneous, and confirms its poor spatial distribution. It is noted that green areas are concentrated in the north and northwest of the city On the contrary, the concentration or density of green areas in terms of area is in the southeast and south of the city.
Sahaba Mosque (Akre) and its Role in the Development of National Tourism Archaeological
Authors: Isamel Khider Aras , Zrar Khudhur Jange
Published: April 2023

The archaeological remains of religious buildings are part of the remaining cultural remains that are scattered in the city of Akre. Which the city of Bagyal passed through successive to this day, especially that the mosques are part of the archaeological remains in the city at that time, after the spread of the Islamic religion and the stage of the beginning of the conquests in the region, “and that the mosque of the companions was a Jewish temple and then turned into the mosque according to information spread from the people of the region” but there are no sources to mention the mosque above. According to the scientific aspirations by the researcher, it was shown to us that the mosque according to the plans of the walls and archaeological remains that in the past it was a Jewish synagogue and then turned into the mosque, and we have evidence that the mosque has been renovated by increasing the mihrab and the special possibilities of the chapel and increasing the extensions and architectural units such as utilities, water cycle, rooms and muezzin rooms. It should be noted that the mosque is generally part of religious buildings. In particular, this mosque is a kind of national archaeological identity related to the history of the city of Akre and its suburbs. The concept of the mosque
Dealing with Prolonging the Resolution of Civil Lawsuits
Authors: Ahmed Atta
Published: April 2023

Civil lawsuits are settled by taking a set of procedures that start with a judicial claim and fall out with the issuance of a conclusive judgment. These procedures must take an appropriate period of time for the courts to reach the truth in their judgment. However, the way it’s going on nowadays which everyone complains about; is prolongation of the resolution of these lawsuits, which is not justified by the issuance of unbiased judgments. Accordingly, we try in this research to detect the insufficiency in the legal provision that contributes in delaying the resolution of lawsuits, to find appropriate solutions in this matter, and offer recommendations guarantee speeding up of resolution of these lawsuits.
The Geographical Analysis of Environmental Threats to Natural Plants in the Sharbazher District
Authors: Kamil Ali Hawdin , Yasin Mohammed Amin Hawre
Published: April 2023

The Sharbazher district is rich in natural vegetation with (49%) of the area consisting of forest and other natural vegetation belts. Protecting this vegetation belt is an environmental necessity, as it has faced several environmental threats in the last two decades. The study identified environmental threats and evaluated the measures and efforts taken to protect this vegetation belt. The research used a (reading) method, followed by analytical and comparative methods. Field surveys of the study area were conducted on several different dates, data were collected and scenes were observed. The study found that along with natural threats, manmade threats are more significantly affecting the vegetation ecology of the region. Rainfall fluctuations have had a more notable impact on short vegetation and pastures. From summer to early winter, an environmental instability occurred that resulted in damaging riverside vegetation and streams, many of which during the years (20172022-) about (2310) trees were cut down, most of which were (Oak) trees, but according to the study’s estimation, more than (16000) trees were cut down during the same period. Until now, charcoal is made in coal furnaces from natural forest trees and this is carried out without official permission, during the years (20172022-) more than (20,000 acres) of weed and natural forests in the region have been burned. Also during the years (20012020-), there have been changes in the vegetation belts and land cover of the region, the area of dense and medium forest belts has increased, but the area of open forest belts has decreased, and there have been major changes in the land area of human settlements. The study outlines ways to protect the vegetation belt and emphasises the enforcement of Implemented laws on the protection of plants and forests. Keywords: Natural plants, Environmental threats, Forest law, Sharbazher district.
Vocal Phenomena of AL-Sheikh Jalal Al-Hanafifi: the Research Of (Al-Idghaam ,Al-Iqlaab And Al-Ikhfaa) as an Example
Authors: Amir Muhammad Aziz Lawko , Salih Amin Agha Taha
Published: April 2023

This research aims to identify a group of phonetic phenomenas related to the study of letters in the Arabic language, which received great attention from researchers of linguists, as it is one of the joint investigations between phonology and intonation science, which has (Al-Idghaam,Al- Iqlaab and Al-Ikhfaa) as a reference, from the perspective of Sheikh Jalal Al-Hanafi Al-Baghdadi. As Jalal Al-Hanafi is considered to be one of the prominent specialists in phonetic studies in Iraq, he dealt with many phonetic issues, through which he studied the relationships the affect and influence between Arabic tones, and demonstrated the importance that they can play in vocal performance, And he had good opinions and various views towards this phenomena, in terms of standing on their concept, types, limits, and the reasons behind them, as he went against the opinions of those who preceded him in their interpretation of them. So, he studied it in a critical interpretive study based on self-observation, or phonetic analysis supported by modern phonetic studies, and he attempted to interpret it phonetically, and through it, he sought to reveal the defect and disorders he found in interpreting some of the terms of these phenomenas among other scholars of language and intonation.
A REVIEW OF HERBAL DRUGS AND PROSPECTIVE STUDIES FOR MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Mourya Pramod , Singh Dheerendra , Rai Gopal , Shukla Rajesh
Published: April 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder, occur when the pancreas does not make sufficient amount of insulin. Hyperglycaemia leads to severe injure especially the nerves and blood vessels (retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy). According to World Health Organization the diabetic people is expected to increase up to 300 million or more by the year 2025. We searched the scientific database using various original research articles, clinical trials, meta analysis, patent reports, validation study, observational study, review articles published in PubMed, Scopus, Science direct and Google by using the keyword. After an initial search, 528 articles were identified, out of which 50 articles had required criteria for the comparative study and meta-analysis of related topics. Herbal plants were extremely venerated source of medicine in Ayurveda and now they have become a growing part of modern, high-tech medicine. It also reveals the information about the most recent innovation in the treatment of Type-I and Type II Diabetes mellitus. These reviews have proven that the herbal drugs were used for the treatment of Type II Diabetes mellitus worldwide. It also reveals that new approaches of nanotechnology were good choice for the management of Diabetes mellitus now a days. Hopefully, these new kind of treatment may help in making the everyday lives of millions of diabetes patients more comfortable.
Stability Analysis of the Dinar Dirham as an Alternative Currency for the Islamic World
Authors: Sri Sudiarti  , Wahyu Syarvina
Published: April 2023

The dinar and dirham can last decades to become a formidable medium of exchange, as gold and silver have the highest suitability as money rather than commodities. However, some people believe there are alternative currencies besides gold and silver. Starting to implement and use the dinar and dirham currencies is part of muamalah activities. The wheel of Islamic economics is driven by the dinar and dirham cycle, where a currency is used as a medium of exchange, storage, or fair value of wealth. This will lead to the prosperity of humanity. This study aims to find out evidence of the stability of the dinar and dirham values by using qualitative research methods which are methods of understanding and extracting meaning from what happens to various individuals or groups, originating from humanitarian or social problems. Sources of data obtained from textbooks, journals, manuscripts, etc., and sources obtained from trusted websites. The dinar and dirham currencies are alternatives that can be used as a medium of exchange in the current economy so that the period of socialization and education for the community must be in collaboration with other factors in various elements of society, the world of education, and most importantly the policies made by the government are in line with in tune with the principles of Islamic economics in various aspects of life.
IFRS 16 (TFRS 16)’NIN FİNANSAL TABLOLAR VE FİNANSAL ORANLARA ETKİSİ
Authors: BAHADIR Oğuzhan
Published: April 2023

Bu çalışma IFRS 16 (TFRS 16) Kiralamalar standardının finansal tablolar ve finansal analizde kullanılan oranlar üzerindeki etkilerini incelemekte ve literatürdeki önceki çalışmaların sonuçlarını açıklamaktadır. Kiralama işlemlerinde finansal kiralama ve faaliyet kiralaması ayrımını kaldırarak bilançoda faaliyet kiralamalarına ilişkin varlık ve yükümlülük; kar veya zarar tablosunda ise amortisman gideri ve faiz gideri raporlanmasını zorunlu kılan IFRS 16 (TFRS 16), özellikle faaliyet kiralaması işlemlerini yoğun şekilde yürüten işletmelerin finansal tablo kalemlerinde önemli değişikliklere neden olmuştur. IFRS 16 (TFRS 16) ile birlikte EBITDAR (Faiz, Vergi, Amortisman, ve Kira Öncesi Kar) ölçüsüne olan ihtiyaç ortadan kalmıştır. Ayrıca, IFRS 16 (TFRS 16)’yı uygulayan işletmelerin faaliyet karlılıklarında artış gerçekleşmesine rağmen likidite oranları azalmış, kaldıraç oranları artmıştır.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Business Research, Vol. 16, No. 5
Authors: Duran Kevin
Published: April 2023

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Business Research, Vol. 16, No. 5, 2023
The Influence of L2 English on Attitudes Towards Gender-Neutral Job Titles
Authors: Alebrahim Albatool A. , AlBader Yousuf B.
Published: April 2023

This study examines the influence of L2 English on attitudes towards gender-neutral job titles. It aims to determine whether language influences perceptions of job titles. Data were collected via questionnaires from 67 participants aged 18-26 years, comprising American English native speakers, Arabic native speakers, and Kuwaiti learners of English. Results indicate that high-proficiency English learners tend to neutralize job titles instead of assigning gender markers, a behavior which is influenced by their exposure to English and cultural attitudes towards gender equality. Most native English speakers used neutral job titles instead of gender assignments. The two control groups demonstrated a significant difference in their responses, with Arabic monolinguals assigning gender markers based on the dominant gender in a particular profession. Additionally, language background and demographics affected these results. Attitudes towards gender markedness in job titles has received little attention from scholars studying Arabic–English bilinguals. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature by exploring attitudes towards gender markedness in job titles.
Inaugural Speeches by Conservative Prime Ministers From 2010 to 2022: A Consolidated Rhetoric
Authors: Pierini Francesco
Published: April 2023

The Conservative Party has been in power for more than 10 years in Great Britain, from 2010 until the time of writing this document and five Prime Ministers have succeeded from David Cameron to Rishi Sunak, now in office. The document analyzes and seeks to explain how Conservative leaders have informed the country and communicated with the people every time each of them took office and gave his inaugural speech. Through speech analysis I worked on each inaugural speech and tried to explain their differences and similarities even though the genre of inaugural speeches doesn't leave much space for the speaker to express their policies and measures in detail because it only lasts a handful of minutes and can give a simple indication of what the new PM will do. Surely the most interesting aspect of this type of discourse is the PM's sense of leadership and decisiveness which may or may not emerge from the words, syntactic structures and rhetorical figures they use to communicate their ideas to the country.
Rolul inciziilor la formarea coroanei prin garnisirea axului pomilor de cireș din soiul Grace star pe portaltoiul Gisela 6
Authors: PEȘTEANU Ananie
Published: April 2023

The study was carried out in a cherry plantation established in the spring of 2020 in the north of the country. The object of the research was the variety Grace Star at 4.2x1.8 m spacing and grafted on the rootstock Gisela 6. In order to study different secondary technical operations in cherry cultivation, an experiment was organized in spring 2021 with the following gradation: 1. Trees trained as a slender spindle (control); 2. Solitary incision above the buds and treatment of the cut with water; 3. Solitary incision above the buds and treatment of the cut with the growth regulator Progerbalin LG; 4. Circular incisions on the leader at 25-30 cm from each other and treatment of the cut with Progerbalin LG growth regulator; 5. Extirpation of 4-5 axillary buds from top to bottom of the leader while keeping a bud intact. Tree parameters, the number of branches, average and summed branch length, leaf area, branching angle of branches, the number of solitary flower buds and bunches of may were studied during the research. It was established that to increase the branching potential of the leader, when training cherry trees, solitary incisions above the buds and circular incisions at a distance of 25-30 cm on the leader should be applied and treatments of the cut should be performed with the growth regulator Progerbalin LG in the ratio one part of product to 8-10 parts of latex paint.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Isolates from Patients with Urinary Tract Infection in Karachi
Authors: Syeda Maha Ejaz  , Muhammad Sufyan Vohra  , Raza Yasir
Published: April 2023

The prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) can vary significantly in males and females among different age groups. With the increased use of antibiotics, UTIs have now become more challenging to treat and a major healthcare issue in developing countries. Therefore, this retrospective study was designed to recognize the resistance profile of isolates from samples of UTI patients in Karachi, Pakistan, so that a proper treatment plan against the infection can be prescribed. One thousand seven hundred hundred urine samples were processed to isolate pathogens at the One Health Diagnostics Microbiology department, Karachi, for 6 months in 2020. Results were analyzed to determine the age group affected, gender affected, the correlation of age group and gender, the most frequent to least frequent isolates found, and the susceptibility patterns of isolates. Pearson Chi-square test was applied to identify whether an association existed between the different variables. The degree of association between the risk factors and UTI was determined by calculating Cramer's V and Odds Ratio (OR). Out of 1700 samples, 1130 (66.5%) were positive samples for UTI, with 910 (80.5%) females and 220 (19.5%) males. The most frequent isolates were E. coli (50.44%), Klebsiella spp. (21.23%), and Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (7.52%). It was found that the patients between the age group 18-30 and above 60 were the most susceptible, 37% and 32% of the total cases, respectively. Piperacillin-Tazobactam was observed as the most effective drug, as 52.24% of isolates were sensitive to it. Similarly, Doxycycline was found to be the least effective, as 57.75% of isolates were resistant. The most effective antibiotic regime against the most prevalent organism, i.e., E. coli was Imipenem (93.75% sensitive), Amikacin (90.63%), and Fosfomycin (91.28%). A statistically significant association was found between gender and UTI (P<0.01, OR=0.416 (0.326-0.532)) and the most prevalent organism and UTI (P<0.01).
Siderophore Production and its Role as Therapeutic Agent
Authors: Ahmed Ayaz , Kazmi Shahana
Published: April 2023

Siderophores are iron chelators, which are produced by bacteria under iron-deficient conditions required for their growth. Therefore, siderophores can be used as a carrier to direct drugs into the bacteria and kill them. The present study was designed to screen siderophore production using different bacteria using an iron-deficient medium and its synergistic capability to kill drug-resistant bacteria. Siderophore under iron-deprived condition was evaluated by chrome azurol S (CAS) assay. Whereas, broth micro-dilution method and checkerboard assay were used to determine the antimicrobial properties of selected drugs or epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) individually or in combination with synthetic siderophore. Results demonstrated that the entire tested microorganisms produced siderophore under the iron-deprived condition as evidenced by orange halo zones in CAS agar plates.  Gram-negative bacteria produced more siderophores as reflected by orange color with bacterial zone inhibition of 17-22mm as compared to Gram-positive bacteria (13-15mm). As compared to antibiotics and EGCG, acetohydroxamic acid (aHa; synthetic siderophore) showed no antibacterial properties (1500 - 6500 µg/ml). The synergism of aHa with tetracycline, ceftriaxone, and EGCG (FIC index <0.5) against S. typhi, methicillin-resistant and sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli were evident. In conclusion, siderophore may be considered a potential candidate to design different combination therapy against emerging antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
Hepatitis B-Virus Genotype D is Prevalent in a Multi-Ethnic Population of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Fatima , Zahid Maria , Lail Amanullah , Ur Rehman Najeeb
Published: April 2023

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major cause of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) globally. HBV is broadly classified into ten genotypes (A-J). Each genotype is distinctive due to its geographical distribution, response to certain treatments, and association with disease severity. The investigation of HBV genotypes is worthwhile as it will help predict patient prognosis and ensure effective treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalent HBV genotypes in the multiethnic population of Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 206 patients were enrolled in the study from January 2011 to April 2016. Of the 206 patients that we investigated, a total of 159 patients were positive for HBV infection. Furthermore, genotyping analysis of the positive samples revealed that the most common genotypes were HBV D (59% samples (n=94)), co-infection with genotype A & D (22% (n=35)) and genotype A (16% (n=26)). Most of the HBV-positive patients were males between 21 to 40 years of age. As genotype D is associated with worse outcomes, it is imperative that HBV awareness programs are launched to prevent the further spread of infections in this densely populated city.
Editor's Summaries of the Articles Published in This Issue of Microbiological & Immunological Communications
Authors: Editorial Staff
Published: April 2023

In this issue, Ejaz and colleagues investigated the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates from patients with urinary tract infection in Karachi, Pakistan; Ahmed and Kazmi studied the role of Siderophore as a therapeutic agent, Faruqui et al. determined the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among healthcare workers of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, Khan and colleagues reported that hepatitis B-virus genotype D is the most prevalent in the multiethnic population of Karachi, Pakistan, while Athar and colleagues reviewed and discussed the molecular diagnosis of hepatitis C viruses, their technologies, and clinical applications.
Pre-formulation Study of Tamoxifen and Excipients in Formulation of Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System
Authors: Khattak Muzna Ali , Iqbal Zafar , Pervez Sadia , Hidayatullah Taleya , Gohar Shazma , Arbab Tahir Ali
Published: April 2023

The inactive ingredients (excipients) are integral to the pharmaceutical drug delivery system. If not selected intelligently and added without a proper scientific approach can lead to the instability of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), low therapeutic outcome, or untoward effects.  In this investigation, pre-formulation studies were carried out to confirm that the excipients used in the preparation of the nanoparticles were compatible with tamoxifen. The high-performance liquid chromatography-ultra-violet assay, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the stored preparation showed that the nanoparticles were stable, indicating that the ingredients were not reactive and compatible with each other. The tamoxifen drug content was above 98%. Also, the FTIR spectrum of the optimized and physical mixture showed that the API retained its major (1357.89 cm-1, 1589.34 cm-1, 1739.79 cm-, 12870.08 cm-1, and 3402.43 cm-1) characteristic peaks. The XRD confirmed that the drug is very well dispersed in amorphous form with no extraneous peaks. The TGA isotherm indicated that the melting point of the optimized formulation was 400 oC which is significantly higher than the pure tamoxifen, which is 150 oC. the TGA results indicated that the formulation is heat stable.
Biological Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles; A Review
Authors: Khattak Shahana , Elmi Gul Rehman , Azhar Farah , Ahsan Hina , Saleem Kalsoom , Jahan Faryal
Published: April 2023

In nanotechnology field, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) have gained much interest. The magnetic nanoparticles have been widely explored for applications due to ease of manufacturing and functionalization with polymers and other materials which makes them highly sensitive for many biological and biomedical applications. They transform electromagnetic energy into heat when exposed to magnetic field, and, hence, prove themselves as potent anti-cancer agent. The most advanced application of nanoscale materials towards human health is application as contrast agents in imaging modalities. MNPs proved safer as imaging contrast agents than conventional methods. MNPs have also been used in overcoming bacterial resistance and as anti-viral agent. They provide further evidences as emerging means in treatment and diagnosis of CVD and chronic inflammatory diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis. They also have employed in gene therapy to treat chronic diseases now a day.
What Nature Teaches Us About Human Nature and Mindfulness
Authors: Bentz Gregory
Published: April 2023

By observing and learning from the natural world, we can gain insight into our own behavior and motivations, and find ways to live more harmoniously with the world around us.
Moral Injury — Healthcare Systems in Need of Relational Repair
Authors: Dean Wendy
Published: April 2023

The framework of moral injury adds a relational and moral dimension to the discussion of physician distress and burnout, and it aids in the quest for effective interventions.
An observational study on drug interactions caused by proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Aykut Betül , Arslan Miray
Published: April 2023

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used to treat gastric acid-related diseases worldwide and in our country. The high reliability of PPIs also allows long-term use for appropriate indications in chronic diseases, which increases the possibility of drug-drug interactions. Therefore, it is clear that the usage of PPIs should be monitored in terms of drug-drug interactions to provide drug treatment success and patient safety. The ability of pharmacists, the closest health consultants, to identify these interactions during prescription fulfillment will significantly contribute to treatment success. Although many studies deal with the rational use of PPIs and drug interactions, the number of studies revealing observational drug interactions is minimal. This research aims to determine drug-drug interactions frequently encountered in community pharmacies for PPIs, which interact with many drug groups and are commonly prescribed. For this purpose, approximately 1700 prescriptions supplied by a selected community pharmacy, serving in Van, were examined. One hundred sixty-four of the prescriptions were evaluated by considering the study’s limitations. Drug-drug interactions were checked by three different electronic database. It was determined that 73 of 164 prescriptions had interactions in at least one of the three databases. In 73 prescriptions, 86 drug interactions were observed. 34% of the interactions detected in the study were caused by lansoprazole.
Synthesis, biological activity evaluation and molecular docking studies of novel thiazole derivatives
Authors: Osmaniye Derya , Kayiş Uğur , Gül Ülküye Dudu , Özkay Yusuf , Kaplancıklı Zafer Asım
Published: April 2023

Resistance to existing drugs develops because of insensible use of antibacterial and antifungal drugs. Therefore, there is a need for the development of new drug candidate compounds. The thiazole ring has many biological activities. It is possible to include antibacterial and antifungal activities among these activities. In addition to these, the thiazole ring has been preferred because it is the bioisostere of the imidazole ring in the structure of many antifungal drugs. For this purpose, within the scope of this study, 7 new thiazole compounds were synthesized, and their structure determinations were carried out using HRMS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR spectroscopic methods. Their antibacterial and antifungal activities were investigated by in vitro methods. As a result of activity tests, compound 3e showed activity against C.krusei strain with MIC50=31.25 ug/mL. The potential effectiveness of the compound 3e on the 14alpha-demethylase enzyme (PDB ID:3LD6) was tested by in silico studies.
III. Trading with Machine Learning and Big Data
Authors: Cao Larry
Published: April 2023

Despite their willingness and investment, many asset managers are struggling to establish an efficient and programmatic way to incorporate machine learning and big data into their execution strategies. Our contributors share their perspectives.
STACK for interactive online numerical analysis tutorials: development, competence and performance
Authors: Amour Idrissa Said
Published: April 2023

Conducting tutorials for large classes requires number of manpower/venues. In this work we exploit the power of mathematics plugin (System for Teaching and Assessment using Computer Algebra Kernel - STACK) embedded within Moodle to conduct online tutorials for Numerical Analysis; undergraduate second year course taught in 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 academic years at theUniversity of Dar es Salaam. Varieties of randomized questions were authored to cover the content of the coursewhile testing different learning objectives exhausting direct and iterative computations, analytical and guided proofs. Students got feedback of their work immediately from their anticipated mistakes. Students' participation and engagement in the tutorials are promising. Final scores do not show any negative impact from the application of online tutorials. Handling of online tutorials is important as number of students enrolled every year is increasing disproportionally with the available teaching staffs. This can also be appropriate tool for both delivering mathematics content interactively and assessing mathematics learning when meetings between teachers and students are limited (e.g. during pandemic period) or not necessary (e.g. distance learning programmes).
The Leadership Styles of School Heads in Bayugan North and Northwest Districts and the Efficiency of Teachers
Authors: RIVERA FE
Published: April 2023

A school head is a restless leader that has full of ideas and plans that challenge everybody in a school organization to achieve the goals and objectives of the school. The study attempted to determine the relationship between leadership styles and the efficiency of teachers in Bayugan North and Northwest District, Division of Bayugan City for the school year 2018-2019. The study used a descriptive research design. The study involved 125 respondents. Based on the findings, democratic and authoritative leadership styles since support from the subordinate teachers through cooperation understanding and teamwork enable them to attain the goals and objectives of the school organization when applied alternatively as the need arises. Moreover, the school heads are not so convinced to adopt autocratic and laissez fair leadership styles since it creates a gap between the school heads and the subordinate teachers in school. The said leadership styles may delay works assigned by the school heads since the subordinates will be divided in their likes and dislikes because the school head does not mind whatever the subordinate teachers do in the classroom. It discharges teamwork and cooperation in work. It was recommended that the school heads should maintain to adopt democratic style of leadership in dealing with the subordinates. They should sometimes integrate authoritative and autocratic leadership styles to achieve the goals and objectives of the school as early as possible. The teachers should maximize their efficiency in teaching particularly in doing assigned work in coordinating extra-curricular activities in school.
Teachers’ Issues and Concerns on the Use of Modular Learning Modality among High School Teachers
Authors: DUMANON ALEJANDRO , NAMATIDONG BEMBONG , NOCHE MARK DALLE CHRISTIAN , ARCILLA, JR. FELIX
Published: April 2023

The implementation of enhanced community quarantine in the Philippines due to the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a lot in the economy and the educational system both in the country and worldwide. The study determined the specific issues and concerns among the teachers in the implementation of modular distance learning at Saint Michael College of Caraga. The study was conducted at Saint Michael College

 

 

of Caraga, and the respondents were the high teachers, both Junior and Senior high school Teachers. To aid the reliability of the data gathered, statistical tools were used frequency and weighted mean. Based on the findings, the teachers have issues with the students’ learning and the Parents’/Guardians’ support on the delay in passing the Learning Modules in Saint Michael College of Caraga. Moreover, the teachers are aware that the parents and guardians cannot fully attain their students’ learning needs, which is one of the reasons why there are delays in submitting the learning modules. It was recommended that the administration and teachers strengthen the monitoring and tracking of students’ progress. Revive the home visitation, conduct parent-teacher- school counselor conferences, and the referral process should be practiced by doing some meetings with the students and parents and conducting a program to continuously engage the teachers in further training to more teaching strategies during this modular learning modalities.
Modular Distance Learning in the Area of Education During the New Normal: A Systematic Review
Authors: ROQUE JONATHAN
Published: April 2023

In the Philippines, attempting to push through education despite the fatal pandemic caused by Covid-19 has proven to be a difficult undertaking. Despite several objections, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) accepted and implemented the flexible model of blended learning, despite the risk of open courses due to the virus. Modular (Printed), Modular (Digital), Online, Educational TV, Radio-Based Instruction, Home Schooling, and Blended Learning is the many learning modes. Using the systematic review, the study aims to determine the main educational experiences that used the Modular Distance Learning approach for the promotion of educational knowledge within the Higher Education stage. Modular Distance Learning is implemented for those living in rural areas or provinces where internet connection is only available for a few. The usage of Modules created by teachers with various tasks and learning activities based on the fundamental learning abilities is known as modular distance learning. Thus, the main findings of the study revealed that the implementation of modular distance learning or distance education resulted in a significant improvement in students’ knowledge of the specific content covered, despite the fact that both technical and non-technical problems occur during their teaching in distance learning.