bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Risk Management Practices in the Public Sector of Malaysia
Authors: Said Jamaliah , Alam Md. Mahmudul , Johari Razana Juhaida
Published: June 2021

Public sectors around the world, especially in the developing counties, are not functioning well due to widespread fraud, governance, corruption, and inefficacy. For this reason, the world’s public sectors need to improve their efficacy by using a sound risk management system. This study attempts to comprehend the phenomenon of current risk management practices among the public sector employees in different service schemes in Malaysia. A questionnaire survey was utilized to collect primary data from 194 department heads in Malaysia’s federal ministries. The collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Findings revealed that 94.7% of respondents agreed to implementing risk management in their respective departments, but the level of priority for these risk management factors differs based on the service schemes. This study will assist policymakers to identify what is needed to enhance risk management practices in the public sector.
Climate Change Impacts on Yield and Financial Performance of Agro-Plantation Companies in Malaysia
Authors: Alam Md. Mahmudul , Ibrahim Yusnidah Bt , Mia Shahin
Published: June 2021

In Malaysia, there is a declining trend in agricultural productivity and crop yields due to various climate events in the recent years. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impacts of climate change, especially El Nino and flood, on the financial performance of Malaysian agro and plantation firms. The study used a panel data set on 33 Malaysian agro and plantation firms listed in Bursa Malaysia for the period of 2003 to 2016. A panel of regression models including GMM, Pooled OLS, Random Effect and Fixed Effect were used to analyze the data. The results show that both the El Nino and flood have significant negative impact on the firms’ financial performance as measured by ROA and ROE. The findings indicate that climate change results in reduction of agricultural production which reduces revenue and consequently the profit of the agro and plantation firms. The study findings might help the firm managers as well as policy makers to take into consideration the environmental factors that affect the overall financial health of the firms and take appropriate adaptation and mitigation policies to climate change at firm level and macro level in the country.
A Copula-Based Framework for Studying Intergenerational Income Mobility
Authors: Hu Anning , Zhou Zhipeng
Published: June 2021

The sociological analysis of the mobility tables enhances the examination of the circulation mobility and helps one reveal the nuanced morphological patterns of mobility. In contrast, the economic analysis based on the measure of elasticity provides a handy way of covariate conditioning and statistically testing the similarities of mobility patterns across groups. In this article, we argue that the distinct methodological merits of these two approaches can be equipped by adopting a more comprehensive analytical framework using the copula functions: (1) The copula functions concern the dependence structure that is independent from the margins, which enable scholars to focus on the relative mobility; (2) The copula density, estimated either parametrically or non-parametrically, reveals the nuanced morphological mobility patterns; (3) By residualizing the marginal variables, the detected mobility pattern can be interpreted in a stronger causal sense; and (4) the Cramér–von Mises Test offers an easy-to-use statistic to conduct intergroup comparison of mobility patterns. The copula-based framework is illustrated by investigating the income mobility between 1978 and 2017 in the U.S., using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79).
Impacts of Accountability, Integrity, and Internal Control on Organizational Value Creation: Evidence from Malaysian Government Linked Companies
Authors: Said Jamaliah , Alam Md. Mahmudul , Radzi Nurazwani Mat , Rosli Mohamad Hafiz
Published: June 2021

Credible and well-functioning governance is crucial for the value creation of firms. Recently, private sectors have undergone substantial changes by focusing on good governance as a tool to enhance value, reputation, and image. The primary features of firms with good governance include greater emphasis on accountability practices, proper implementation of a corporate integrity system, and sound internal controls in place to avoid risk and to ensure policy and procedures that are complied. Government Linked Companies (GLCs) as the backbone of the Malaysian government have been harshly criticised for not being able to create value(s) despite receiving high priority in the process of getting government projects. Therefore, this study aims to examine the role of good governance systems, which are reflected through accountability systems, corporate integrity systems, and internal control systems towards value creation of Malaysian GLCs. This study collected primary data based on a set of questionnaire survey among 100 GLCs in Malaysia. Based on the regression analysis, this study found that corporate integrity systems and internal control systems were vital elements in ensuring value creation in GLCs.
SUITCEYES Scoping Report on Law and Policy on Deafblindness, Disability and New Technologies: United Kingdom
Authors: Woodin Sarah Lesley
Published: June 2021

This report discusses law and policy on new technologies: artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT) in relation to disabled people and people with deafblindness in the UK. Written as part of the SUITCEYES project, it provides a broad overview of formal rights and the extent to which disabled people can access new technologies in practice. The field is fast moving and volatile, with judgements regularly made and overturned in the courts and frequent new initiatives. The UK government emphasises the importance of investing in new technologies as a means of strengthening the economy. The opportunities represented by technological developments have been largely welcomed by disabled people but questions remain about how the technology might be used and developed by disabled people and people with deafblindness themselves and the need for safeguards against exploitation.
The Impacts of Economic Growth, Trade Openness and Technological Progress on Renewable Energy Use in Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development Countries
Authors: Alam Md. Mahmudul , Murad Wahid
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the short-term and long-term impacts of economic growth, trade openness and technological progress on renewable energy use in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Based on a panel data set of 25 OECD countries for 43 years, we used the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach and the related intermediate estimators, including pooled mean group (PMG), mean group (MG) and dynamic fixed effect (DFE) to achieve the objective. The estimated ARDL model has also been checked for robustness using the two substitute single equation estimators, these being the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS). Empirical results reveal that economic growth, trade openness and technological progress significantly influence renewable energy use over the long-term in OECD countries. While the long-term nature of dynamics of the variables is found to be similar across 25 OECD countries, their short-term dynamics are found to be mixed in nature. This is attributed to varying levels of trade openness and technological progress in OECD countries. Since this is a pioneer study that investigates the issue, the findings are completely new and they make a significant contribution to renewable energy literature as well as relevant policy development.
Editor’s Note Vol.11
Authors: Dhamala Bhupa P.
Published: June 2021

Not available.
Linked Lives: Exploring the Narratives of Second-Generation Migrants in Nepal
Authors: Devkota Chhabilal , Dahal Sanjeev
Published: June 2021

This article describes the narratives of second-generation migrants in Nepal. The paper explores the reasons for migration as shared with their offspring by first-generation migrants. The article also shares the narratives by second-generation migrants on experiences of family, school, community, and the State. Second-generation migrants or adult offspring of first-generation migrants from Tibet and India comprised the sampling frame for the qualitative study. Data were collected through a non-probability sampling technique, and in-depth semi-structured interview schedules were used. Nine in-depth interviews were conducted for the study. Thematic analysis was employed to examine the data. Key reasons to migrate to Nepal featured in the narratives of the migrants were opportunities for business, availability of good education, and a suitable climate in Nepal. Furthermore, lack of opportunities for employment and education and instances of violence at their place of origin pushed the migrants towards Nepal. Most of the interviewees shared having solid bonds with their families. They shared mixed experiences (both encouraging and humiliating) at school and varied experiences in their interaction with the broader society (both supportive and conflicting). Furthermore, all interviewees shared challenges in dealing with or receiving help from the Nepali State.
Breaking the Wall of Poverty: Microfinance as Social and Economic Safety Net for Financially Excluded People in Nepal
Authors: Karki Karun Kishor , Dhungana Nirajan , Budhathoki Bhesh Bahadur
Published: June 2021

Microfinance is a financial service aimed at economically underprivileged people who have no or limited access to formal financial institutions such as banks due to the lack of financial resources, collateral, or low income. Microfinance institutions provide a collateral-free loan to low-income individuals with the principle of financial inclusion, which allows them to invest in various self-employment activities. In this article, we critically review the development of microfinance and its issues and challenges in Nepal. More specifically, using the concept of the Grameen Bank model and its relevance in the context of Nepali microfinance institutions, we explore how microfinance can be an effective tool of financial intervention to alleviate rural poverty in Nepal. Methodologically, we utilize secondary data sources such as government and non-government reports and existing empirical studies. We offer recommendations for policymakers to establish appropriate modalities, programs, and microfinance services targeting the socio-economic transformation of rural communities in Nepal. We conclude that the government and financial institutions can stimulate microfinance institutions through multidimensional interventions and facilitation to advance the socio-economic status of financially underprivileged people in rural communities in Nepal.
Devaluation of Cultural Life: A Study of Reconstruction-Resilience Practices of an Earthquake Displaced Community
Authors: Giri Madhu
Published: June 2021

This article investigates how earthquake reconstruction was practiced without considering socio-cultural values in the dislocated community after the 2015 earthquake. The process of disaster resilience tended to focus only on technical structures like the number of houses and school buildings as the main indicators of recovery from earthquake. The resilience programs conducted by the government and NGOs did not pay due attention to caste/ethnic tensions, religious division, political clash, and cultural loss among the villagers. In this study I thus wanted to know what were the meanings/ interpretations of reconstruction and community resilience; how reconstruction programs considered socio-cultural resilience; what socio-cultural aspects in practices of reconstruction were missing, and what were the challenges of cultural resilience among the displaced communities. The study was done at Kunchok-Nabalpur of Sidhupalchok.  Local people’s perspectives of reconstruction, values, cultural life (ethnographic study) and narratives were collected by using observation, interview, case study and field visit methods. The study found that caste/ethnic, religious and cultural cohesion had not been reinstalled. Socio-cultural diversity and diverse social needs of displaced people were ignored by the resilience programs of the government. This shows how technocratic reconstruction programs were not as effective as expected due to the devaluation of socio-cultural life of the disaster displaced people who otherwise could contribute to the policy and programs of sustainable and inclusive development of the society.
Bhada Tharu Homestay: Building National Integrity through Cultural Performance
Authors: Dangaura Mohan
Published: June 2021

This article studies the challenges of modernity in Tharu people’s way of life and how successfully they have sustained to maintain aesthetics of ethnicity coping together with modernity. The scholarly discussion of the impact of ritual performances of Tharu people to identify themselves in the national and international domain through the socio-cultural aspect of homestays provides us insight into how Tharus have become successful in preserving the memory of identity through cultural heritage. This study confines its approach within the Bhada village of Kailali district. It examines the progressive changes institutionalized after the homestay programmes in socio-cultural development of Tharu people’s cultural performances facing urbanization. Homestay programmes in the Tharu village of Kailali district have accelerated their financial advancement chiefly by their exceptionally distinct social-cultural legacies of rituals and performances. With the assistance of various exploration reports, it essentially analyzes the part of social execution like dance melodies among Tharu people to bear the progressions for economic exercises and vocation. With the assistance of Devkota and Bhattarai’s notion of homestays and rural development, the paper legitimizes the imminent practical development in the indigenous community by analyzing the issues from culture to modernity.
Multifold Impact of COVID-19 on Vulnerable Communities in Nepal
Authors: Khatiwada Padma Prasad
Published: June 2021

This paper brings out the pressing issue of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its multifold impact on the vulnerable communities such as women, children, elderly people, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups in Nepal. The study identifies the groups corresponding with the kinds of problems and effects in relation to caste/ethnicity, gender, and age. It also categorizes groups in terms of socio-economic conditions such as employment, income, livelihood, access to basic food, shelter, health and education. The analyses based on these issues contribute to highlighting the protection measures for reducing the level of vulnerability. Both the primary and secondary data were collected through desk review and telephonic interviews among the selected women and underprivileged people of the study area. Findings of this study suggest that the pandemic has serious effects that have been seen on vulnerable communities in the area. Curtailment, reduction and/or stop of regular salary or income of the employees from enterprising sectors can have lasting impact on the overall livelihoods of the vulnerable groups unless they are offered special packages to promote their conditions. The research indicates the pandemic as a humanitarian crisis. In such a crisis, only legal treatment and actions may have adverse effects on the poor and helpless people who have lost their resources due to unavoidable situations like lockdown, prohibition order, and insecurity of their jobs.
Exploring Intersectionality: Theoretical Concept and Potential Methodological Efficacy in the Context of Nepal
Authors: Chaulagain Rabindra , Pathak Laxmi
Published: June 2021

This article engages in theoretical discussions of intersectionality on such issues as: how does Kimberle Crenshaw's intersectionality theory function in various forms of social divisions, and how do various scholars respond to it? Why is intersectionality theoretically and methodologically critical to examining Nepali political and social contexts, especially on women and Dalit's issues? This article examines the overview of intersectional theoretical standpoints explicitly based on Crenshaw's ideas and how it problematizes political practices of domination and discrimination against minority groups in societies today. Rather than providing an empirical and positivist approach to findings, this write-up offers a theoretical framework that helps conceptualize and utilize it in examining power exercise and politics in the Nepali context. It emphasizes discourse analysis to explore the systemic discrimination and the genealogy of structural violence to moot debates about central and marginal subjects concerning women and Dalit issues in Nepal.
Modernization in Medical Practices in Rural Nepal: An Ethnographic Study of Hyolmos
Authors: Dhakal Ram Hari
Published: June 2021

This article attempts to investigate the modern medical practices and the major factors triggering the changes in views, attitudes, and practices among the Hyolmos, an indigenous people residing in high hill region, Helambu, the northeast of Sindhupalchok, central Nepal. This ethnographic study with the key informants' interview, participant observation and household census was employed during a year-long fieldwork. The collected data were thematically analyzed and interpreted. The finding shows that the major triggering factors bringing such changes are education, communication, and transportation that increased awareness among the people for choosing alternative opportunities. Tourism and foreign employment raised the economic level that created better financial options for treatment. Conservation of forest was limited to the performance of herbalists and Amchis. To some extent, inter-caste marriage practice and the urbanization process also increased awareness about the use of western medicine.
Unpacking Human Trafficking from Neoliberalism and Neoconservatism Paradigms in Nepal: A Critical Review
Authors: Dhungel Rita
Published: June 2021

This theoretical review paper examines the trafficking of women and children in Nepal caused by oppression and socio-economic marginalization and unpacks human trafficking from neoliberal and neoconservative paradigms. It does not discuss human smuggling but instead provides a critical examination of the forces contributing to human trafficking in Nepal according to the neoliberal and neoconservative paradigms. It begins with a brief overview of human trafficking in Nepal and then explores the international frameworks related to human traﬃcking. It then briefly examines the “4 P” strategy – prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships – related to anti-human trafficking efforts and identifies gaps in practice/policies. It concludes with a critical discussion of the implications for social work. The paper also stresses that anti-trafficking intervention programs and approaches must be accountable and responsive to the aspirations, strengths, wisdom and experiences of the speciﬁc community and be sensitive to the external and internal forces contributing to the trafficking they seek counter. It claims that there is a need for participatory action research that invites trafficking survivors to engage in critical dialogue and conversation and help develop integrative strategies to address human trafficking in Nepal. To write this paper, the author critically reviewed secondary data, including qualitative and quantitative studies and NGO publications, but does not claim to provide a comprehensive or systematic analysis of evidence.
Samodzielność dochodowa jednostek samorządu terytorialnego – aspekty teoretyczne
Authors: Szołno-Koguc Jolanta
Published: June 2021

The article provides an analysis of the essence, scope and basic determinants of the revenue autonomy of local government units in Poland. The considerations are theoretical, based on a critical review of the relevant literature and on the analysis of the most important legal acts determining the Polish legal and financial system of local government. What is worth emphasizing is that autonomy is the paramount value of local government. In accordance with Polish constitutional law, local government bodies participate in the exercise of public authority, perform public tasks in their own name and under their own responsibility, and require autonomy that is subject to judicial protection. The autonomy of local government units is a complex and multifaceted issue. It can and should be considered with regard to legal, organizational, political, property, economic and financial aspects. Financial autonomy, especially in terms of revenues, plays a significant role in activities and development prospects of local government units.
Dostosowanie dochodów do zadań samorządu terytorialnego w Polsce. Praktyka i rekomendacje
Authors: Malinowska-Misiąg Elżbieta , Misiąg Wojciech
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the problem of adjusting the revenues of Polish local government units (LGUs) to their tasks. The problem was analysed both from the point of view of the possibility of increasing LGU revenues and designing an effective system of fiscal equalization. The authors discussed the external factors which limit the possibilities of introducing such a desirable system. Next, based on the presented analysis, they drew conclusions regarding the necessary revision of the existing scheme. The article concludes with specific recommendations for a new system of financing LGUs, assuming, in particular, far-reaching changes in the algorithms for determining and dividing general subsidies, as well as a fundamental reduction in the scope of the so-called commissioned tasks.
Demograficzne determinanty niezależności dochodowej gmin wiejskich i miejsko-wiejskich.
Authors: Wichowska Anna
Published: June 2021

The aim of this paper is to identify demographic factors that influence revenue autonomy in the municipalities located in rural areas of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship in Poland. The first and the second sections contain a review of the literature analyzing the phenomena related to the economic aspects of revenue autonomy and its potential demographic determinants. The subsequent empirical section demonstrates that revenue autonomy of the municipalities was highly associated with two indicators of population ageing and net migration. These findings support the results of previous studies, as well as theory presented in the literature review.
Powierzchniowy a katastralny system opodatkowania nieruchomości w Polsce
Authors: Gnat Sebastian
Published: June 2021

The article explores the economic aspects of area and value-based taxation of Polish real estate. It begins with the presentation of information on the conditions of property taxation in Poland. Next, a review of the research on the cadastral tax is provided, as well as the assumptions of the econometric model used for mass valuation of the analysed real estate. The main part of the article contains the results of the simulation of replacing the property tax with an ad valorem one. Particular attention is given to the impact of the cadastral tax rate on the revenues of municipalities and changes in the tax burden on individual properties. The main aim of this study was to show the importance of the proper setting of the ad valorem tax rate in the process of reforming the property taxation system.
Udziały jednostek samorządu terytorialnego w podatkach państwowych
Authors: Wójtowicz Katarzyna
Published: June 2021

The aim of this paper is to explore the rationale for the reform of the shares of local government units (LGUs) in national income taxes in Poland as well as to evaluate the selected proposals for changes in this area. The paper begins by outlining the definition and the basic features of tax sharing in the context of fiscal federalism. The next section provides an overview of the tax shares operating in some OECD countries. The main part of the article focuses on the key principles of the tax sharing system in Poland. The author briefly examines the fiscal efficiency of this source of local revenue in different types of Polish LGUs and the most significant dysfunctions of Polish local tax shares. The final section investigates the most important proposals for the reform of tax sharing and discusses their advantages and disadvantages.
Czy PIT komunalny może ograniczyć rozlewanie się miast?
Authors: Neneman Jarosław , Roszkowska Sylwia
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this article is twofold. First, to re-energize discussion on local personal tax, and second, to show how such a tax could curb urban sprawl. The authors start with a short description of the communal tax and its potential links to urban sprawl. In the current system of communities’ financing in Poland, suburban municipalities have a significant incentive to increase the number of inhabitants as the PIT revenues follow their inflow. The authors propose and discuss a simple variant of local PIT called Self-government Tax Rate which is a flat tax on a broadly defined tax base. Contrary to the present system of Polish local government units’ share in progressive PIT, this system is linear, which reduces the gains in PIT revenues from taxpayers in the second tax bracket moving to suburbia. This is the first paper in the relevant literature that investigates the links between communal tax and urban sprawl.
Opłaty lokalne. Niewykorzystane źródło dochodów gmin wiejskich w Polsce?
Authors: Budzeń Daniel , Kańduła Sławomira
Published: June 2021

The article examines the scope of using local fees by Polish rural municipalities in the years 2015–2020. The first section contains a literature review, definitions and functions of local fees. The second one focuses on the powers of the local councils to establish local fees and their construction. Next, the results of the research conducted to verify the hypotheses are presented. The article concludes with recommendations which may encourage municipalities to collect local fees.
Samorządowe dochody podatkowe w wybranych państwach Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Korolewska Monika
Published: June 2021

The article looks at the issue of local taxation in 22 selected European countries, members of OECD, as well as the European Union member states. The author analyses the importance of local taxes for regional and local governments measured by the share of tax revenues received by these governments as a percentage of GDP and percentage of total tax revenues. She also presents the structure of local tax revenues. The study is based on the OECD revenue and taxes in Europe database.
Review article - Impact of Vitamin K on Human Health
Authors: Fakhree Najwan K. , H. Mhaibes Sarah , H. Khalil Heba
Published: June 2021

Vitamins k is an important fat-soluble vitamin that can be obtained from plants, bacteria and animals and is necessary for the blood clotting. It plays a key function as a cofactor in the synthesizing of blood clotting proteins in the liver; recently, the interest for its functions in extra-hepatic tissue has increased. Vitamin k deficiency is usually caused by abnormal absorption rather than in the lack of vitamin in food. Apart from its impact on clotting, chronic subclinical deficiency of vitamin K maybe a risk factor for many diseases such as osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, cancer, insulin resistance, neurodegenerative diseases and others, while current food intake guidelines be focused on the daily dose necessary to avoid blood loss. Several researchers found out that vitamin K needs may be substantially higher for certain health functions.
Comparative Study of Liver Function and Rh Blood Group between both Physiological and Pathological Neonatal Jaundice
Authors: N. Kamal Ayia , Hassan Ali F.
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Backgrounds: Jaundice occurs in most newborn due to increased bilirubin concentration. Jaundice is observed during the first week after birth in approximately 60% of term neonates. A high level of bilirubin is neurotoxic and may cause neonatal kernicterus, auditory neuropathy or death.

Objectives: to compare the Rh group compatibility, serum bilirubin (total and direct), serum albumin and several liver enzymes between physiological and pathological neonatal jaundice

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study for one hundred neonates with jaundice divided into group 1: 50 newborns with physiological jaundice, Group 2: 50 newborns with pathological jaundice. Blood samples taken from each patient use to determination of Rh Group and blood group, serum bilirubin (total and direct, liver enzymes and albumin concentration. Results: in the present study Rh Compatibility show a significant relationship between newborns with physiological and pathological jaundice (p<0.05). Serum bilirubin (total and direct), serum albumin concentration and several liver enzymes were significantly higher when compare newborns with pathological jaundice with newborns of physiological jaundice (p<0.05).

Conclusion: these finding demonstrate that newborns with pathological jaundice have higher concentrations of these parameters as compared with physiological jaundice .
Correlation between serum carnitine level and Soluble Receptors for Advance Glycation End Products(sRAGE) in Clomiphene Citrate Resistant- PCOS Women
Authors: NAJI Nabigh A , Ali Shatha H , Farhan Fatin S.
Published: June 2021

The most frequently diagnosed condition in women at the age of reproduction is the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).it could be related to a complex endocrine condition, due to its heterogeneity and uncertainty about its etiology, as the clinical highlights of PCOS incorporate those related to reproductive signs such as decreased frequency of ovulation, irregular menstrual cycles, decreased fertility. Carnitine plays a substantial role in weight loss, glucose tolerance, insulin function and fatty acid metabolism. Thus carnitine plays a crucial role in controlling  obesity, insulin resistance, oxidative stress that are  associated with PCOS .While, AGEs are a diverse group of reactive molecules that are formed endogenously by non-enzymatic reactions of carbonyl group of carbohydrates with free amino groups of proteins, nucleic acids or lipids. The soluble form of receptors of AGE (sRAGE) could play an important role in management obesity, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, oxidative stress which could be related to PCOS. This study was aimed to investigate serum levels of carnitine & soluble receptors for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in clomiphene resistant PCOS .Besides assessing  the correlation between serum levels of carnitine ,as well as, soluble receptors of AGE   with hormonal ( LH, FSH& Testosterone) and metabolic ( serum glucose  , serum insulin & HOMA-IR) markers in these patients .

      The study included thirty women with clomiphene resistant PCOS and thirty apparently healthy women, as a control .In order to measure serum total carnitine and serum soluble receptor of advance glycation end product (sRAGE in PCOS and control groups.

   The results of our study have shown a decreased serum levels of total carnitine in PCOS group in comparison with control group (48.05 and 59.73 nmol/ml, respectively), but there was no significant elevation in serum levels of sRAGE in patients group as compared with control group .In addition to a significant correlation between serum total carnitine and serum sRAGE levels (r=0.45, P-value=0.03).

   In conclusion serum total carnitine level was low in Clomiphene resistant-PCOS patients in comparison with control group. Although, sRAGE levels in clomiphene resistant- PCOS patients were not significantly different from the age and BMI-matching controls, but a significant correlation between serum total carnitine and sRAGE was detected.

Key words: Poly cystic ovarian syndrome, soluble receptor of advance glycation end products (sRAGE) , SerumTotal Carnitine
Solubility and Dissolution Enhancement of Ebastine by Surface Solid Dispersion Technique
Authors: Hussein Lna S. , Al-Khedairy Eman B. H.
Published: June 2021

Ebastine (EBS) is a non-sedating antihistamine with a long duration of action. This drug has predominantly hydrophobic property causing a low solubility and low bioavailability. Surface solid dispersions (SSD) is an effective technique for improving the solubility and dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs by using hydrophilic water insoluble carriers.

The present study aims to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of EBS by using surface solid dispersion technique. Avicel® PH101, Avicel® PH 102, croscarmellose sodium(CCS) and sodium starch glycolate(SSG) were used as water insoluble hydrophilic carriers.

The SSD formulations of EBS were prepared by the solvent evaporation method in different drug:  carrier weight ratios and evaluated for their percentage yield, drug content , water solubility, dissolution study in 0.1 N HCl, crystal lattice using powder  X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for determination the drug-carrier interaction.

Most of the prepared SSD formulas showed improvement of drug solubility. The best result was obtained with formula SSD16 (EBS:CCS 1:15) that showed high percentage yield (98.5%), high drug content (98.39%) and 8.2 fold increase in solubility compared to solubility of pure drug with improved dissolution rate. The drug was converted to amorphous form without chemical interaction with the carrier.
Synthesis of Mutual Prodrugs of Secnidazole and Ciprofloxacin and study Their Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Khalid Marwah W. , Abd Leaqaa , N. Abood Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Secnidazole was linked with ciprofloxacin as mutual prodrugs to get antibiotics with broader spectrum of activity, improved physicochemical properties and given by single dose to improve patient’s compliance. Furthermore, they provide structural modifications to overcome bacterial adaptation. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed using FT-IR, mass spectrometry, elemental microanalysis (CHNO) and some physiochemical properties. This modification was led to an increase in Log P values for Mutual I (Log P 1.114) and Mutual II (Log P 1.97) compared with its values for Secnidazole (Log P -0.373) and ciprofloxacin (Log P -0.832). The solubility of prodrugs had been determined in different media, Mutual II showed 144-fold increase in aqueous solubility compared to ciprofloxacin. Taste evaluation by panel method showed palatable taste in prodrugs compared to the parent drugs. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity against different bacterial strains which are, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and Klebsiella pneumonia. The prodrugs have revealed excellent antibacterial activities compared with the parent compounds. Chemical hydrolysis study at pH (1.2 and 7.4) has indicated that these compounds may pass unhydrolyzed through the stomach and produce enough stability to be absorbed from the intestine as indicated by t1/2 values.
Regulation of Appetite and Satiety by Gastrointestinal Peptides
Authors: H. Mhaibes Sarah , K. Fakree Najwan , I. Naser Sonia
Published: June 2021

In recent decades, global obesity has increased significantly, causing a major health problem with associated complications and major socioeconomic issues. The central nervous system (CNS), particularly the hypothalamus, regulates food intake through sensing the metabolic signals of peripheral organs and modulating feeding behaviors.  The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions such as the brain stem to perform these vital functions. The gut plays a crucial role in controlling food consumption and energy homeostasis. The gut releases orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones that interact directly with the CNS or indirectly through vagal afferent neurons. Gastrointestinal peptides (GIP) including cholecystokinin, peptide YY, Nesfatin-1, glucagon-like peptide 1, and oxyntomodulin send satiety signals to the brain and ghrelin transmit hunger signals to the brain. The GIP is essential for the control of food consumption; thus, explain the link between the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the brain is important for managing obesity and its associated diseases. This review aimed to explain the role of gut peptides in satiety and hunger control.
Nanosuspensions of Selexipag: Formulation, Characterization, and in vitro Evaluation
Authors: Alwan Rusul M. , A. Rajab Nawal
Published: June 2021

Selexipag is an orally selective long-acting prostacyclin receptor agonist, which indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is practically insoluble in water ( class II, according to BCS). This work aims to prepare and optimized Selexipag nanosuspensions to achieve an enhancement in the in vitro dissolution rate. The solvent antisolvent precipitation method was used for the production of nanosuspension, and the effect of formulation parameters (stabilizer type, drug: stabilizer ratio, and use of co-stabilizer) and process parameter (stirring speed) on the particle size and polydispersity index were studied. SLPNS prepared with Soluplus® as amain stabilizer (F15) showed the smallest particle size 47nm with PDI and Zeta potential value of 0.073 and -47mV, respectively. SLPNS exhibited an increase in the dissolution rate in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 (100% drug release during 60 min) compared to the pure drug ( 40% during the same time). This result indicates that SLPNS is an efficient way of improving the dissolution rate.
Evaluating Patient Safety Culture in Iraqi Community Pharmacies
Authors: Jasim Basma S. , Y. Jamal Mohammed
Published: June 2021

Patient safety is the main issue in health care organization, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality defines it as, “freedom from accidental or preventable injuries produced by medical care. Thus, practices or interventions that improve patient safety are those that reduce the occurrence of preventable adverse events”. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Iraqi pharmacist perception about the culture of patient safety. As well as estimate whether safety is a principal issue in their pharmaceutical practice this study was carried out on 435 pharmacists who are working in community pharmacies in various Iraqi provinces. A survey was distributed via the internet during the period from May to June 2020. A community pharmacy questionnaire was used to evaluate the awareness of pharmacists regarding the culture of patient safety. A result of this study shows that the patient counseling field was the most positive one  among the studied domains with score 68.8%  of positive awareness and 70.4% of the pharmacists indicated that they inform patients with needed information about their new prescriptions.  In contrast, staffing and work pressure scored the lowest positive response (36.55%). Although 66.7% of the participants stated they have the appropriate number of staff in their pharmacies to deal with the workload.
Comparing the Effects of Lavender Oil and Olive Oil Massage on Pain due to Muscular Cramp during Hemodialysis
Authors: Imani Asad , Saeedi abo-s-haghi Mohsen , Alidadi Mohammad , Shafiei Elham
Published: June 2021

Background: Pain due to muscular cramp during hemodialysis is one of the most common problems experienced by patient undergoing hemodialysis, and is associated with poor outcomes of patients. The main aim of this study was to comparing the effects of lavender oil and olive oil massage on Pain due to muscular cramp during hemodialysis.

Methods: In this random clinical trial, 60 hemodialysis patients were enrolled randomly and allocated to two groups with 30 members in Lordegan and Brojen hospitals, Shahrekord, Iran. The intervention included flora massage on the lower leg muscles so that the first group received olive oil massage (10 drops) and the second group received lavender oil massage (10 drops) for four weeks. After a tow week washout period, the groups were interchanged. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS (v.22) using repeated measure ANOVA and paired t-test.

Findings: Pain due to muscular cramp in the lavender group was significantly less than that of the olive oil group in the 2nd (p<0.001), 3rd (p<0.001), and 4th (P<0.019) weeks of intervention.

Conclusion: Pain due to muscular cramp in hemodialysis patients can be attenuated with lower leg massage using olive oil and lavender oil. Lavender oil was more effective than olive oil.
Formulation and In-Vitro Evaluation of Meloxicam Solid Dispersion using Natural Polymers.
Authors: ALhassani Hiba Radhi , B. H. Al-Khedairy Eman
Published: June 2021

Meloxicam (MLX) is non-steroidal anti -inflammatory, poorly water soluble, highly permeable drug and the rate of its oral absorption is often controlled by the dissolution rate in the gastrointestinal tract. Solid dispersion (SD) is an effective technique for enhancing the solubility and dissolution rate of such drug.

    The present study aims to enhance the solubility and the dissolution rate of MLX by SD technique by solvent evaporation method using sodium alginate (SA), hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen and xyloglucan (XG) as gastro-protective hydrophilic natural polymers.

Twelve formulas were prepared in different drug: polymer ratios and evaluated for their, percentage yield, drug content,  water solubility,  dissolution, crystal lattice using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and studies and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for determination the drug-polymer interaction.

All the prepared showed improvement of drug solubility except that prepared with HA. The best result was obtained with formula SD1 (MLX: SA 1:1) that showed a high percentage yield (97), high drug content (97.4±0.05) and increase in solubility compared to solubility of pure MLX with improved dissolution rate. the PXRD study revealed the conversion of the drug to amorphous form without chemical interaction according to FTIR results
The Investigation of Some Phytochemical Compounds Found in Anchusa strigosa L. Grown Naturally in Iraq
Authors: Ghalib Suroor A. , J. Kadhim Enass
Published: June 2021

Anchusa strigosa L.: Hardy annual biennial or perennial herb, with hairs especially on the leaves., flowers generally regular. Commonly named (Lisan Althour) in Iraq, from Boraginaceae family. The plant contains phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, and terpenoids. The Whole plant part defatted with n-hexane for 24 hours. The defatted plant material extracted using absolute methanol by Soxhlet apparatus for 24 hours, the extract fractionated by solvents of different polarity: petroleum ether- chloroform - ethylacetate- and n-butanol respectively. The n-butanol fraction hydrolyzed with 10% HCl for 5 hours by reflex to break down the glycosidic linkage. Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, genistein, and silybin were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction by preparative layer chromatography which identified by high performance liquid chromatography HPLC, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectra, thin- layer chromatography TLC and melting point. Since the plant contain alkaloids so acid- base extraction performed for crude extract resulting from the maceration of the plant parts in methanol (cold method) to obtain the alkaloid that isolated by preparative layer chromatography and then identified by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectra and thin-layer chromatography (TLC).

The aim of this research was to carry out a phytochemical study of this plant since no previous phytochemical investigation work had been done on this species in Iraq.
The Pharmacological Effects of Kappa Carrageenan on Different Human Cell Lines and Genomic DNA: An in vitro study
Authors: Ali Aseel J. , Abdulla Hajer I. , Al-Nimer Marwan S.
Published: June 2021

Carrageenan extract is a compound of sulfated polyglycan that is taken out from red seaweeds. Being hydrocolloid in nature, carrageenan has gelling, emulsifying and thickening properties allowing it to be commonly used in the oral healthcare products and cosmetics. Due to its bioactive compounds, carrageenan has been shown to have antimicrobial, antiviral, and antitumor properties. The purpose of this work is to study the probable use of carrageenan on the diseases that are related to oral cavity and on the genomic DNA in in vitro experimental model

In this study, the effects of k-carrageenan on four different cell lines related to the cancer and normal cells which cultured on selective media were done. Moreover, the effect of K-carrageenan on the DNA molecule using an in vitro model was investigated in order to explain the antiproliferative effect of carrageenan. Kappa-carrageenan inhibited the cancer cell growth and fibroblast cell lines growth (in vitro) experimental model. In additionk-carrageenan solution completely and significantly damaged the DNA molecule by the evidence that the mean ± SD absorbance of the mixture of k-carrageenan and DNA solution is 0.0 ± 0.0.  This study shows that the k-carrageenan pharmaceutical preparations exert biological activities as anticancer in vitro studies.
Protective Effects of Safranal Against Selenite-Induced Cataract in Rats
Authors: A. Mahdi Farah , Zalzala Munaf H.
Published: June 2021

Cataract, which is the opacity inside clear ocular lens of eye, result in the scattering of visible light as it passes via the lens and consequently deterioration in optical image. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether safranal, an active constituent of Crocus sativus L. stigmas, has a protective effect on the cataract in the rat's pups. The animals were randomly divided into five groups, each of which consisted of 7 rat pups. Group I served as normal control (vehicle administration). For testing cataract induction, animals of Groups II, III, and IV were administered a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite on postpartum day 12. After sodium selenite intoxication, Group II served as control selenite, Groups III-IV received intraperitoneal safranal at doses of 200, and 300 mg/kg, respectively from the 11th day through the 17th day, while group V receive only safranal (300 mg/kg). On postpartum day 30, the rat pups were examined for cataract formation, and the lenses were isolated for further analysis. This study found that selenite caused significant (p < 0.05) cataract formation. Through the effects of selenite on the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA) which was upregulated. Furthermore, the antioxidant enzymes levels GSH levels and NRF2 protein were downregulated. In contrast, treatment with safranal could significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorate cataract formation and oxidative damage in the lens. Moreover, safranl administration significantly increased the protein expressions of Nrf2 and the GSH level, in addition to reducing the level both the MDA and the level soluble proteins in the lens. Taken together, safranal is a prospective anti-cataract agent that probably delays the onset and progression of cataracts induced by sodium selenite.
Alteration of Serum Immunoglobulin Levels in Woman with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ismail Parween A. , Ali Lana M.
Published: June 2021

Ovarian cancer has a high mortality and delayed diagnosis. Several immunological alterations take place during ovarian carcinogenesis, and can be of value in the surveillance of the diseases. This research was conducted to evaluate serum immunoglobulin levels in women with ovarian cancer and to assess their role in disease process. The present study is composed of 85 women (mean age = 62.03±12.4 yrs) with clinically and pathologically confirmed ovarian cancer and 65 healthy females as a control group (mean age = 61±12.1 yrs). ELISA test was achieved for the determination of serum [IgG, IgA, IgM]. The findings of current study illustrated significant (P=0.001) increase in serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels as compared to controls. Analyzing serum immunoglobulins levels might assist in identify patients with a weak prediction, the elevation of serum immunoglobulins can be considered as an indication for disease status.