bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND SELECTED PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH (CUCUBITA MOSCHATA)
Authors: Konadu Mary , Assilidjoe Enoch , Pedavoah Mary , Quansah Daniel
Published: October 2021

Purpose: This study sought to evaluate of proximate composition and selected physico-chemical properties of butternut squash.

Methodology: Samples were chosen randomly from Northern part Ghana specifically Kukobila and data analyzed statistically. Oil was extracted using soxhlet extraction method.

 Findings: Results showed that For the proximate analysis, fat content of the pulp was 1.16% and carbohydrate 72.70%. The fibre content of the defatted seed residue was 5.59%, ash (6.86%) and protein (49.20%). The acid value, saponification value, iodine value, peroxide value and free fatty acid were 3.42mgKOH/g, 15.43mgKOH/g, 21.08gI2/100g, 2.50meqO2/kg and 1.71 respectively.  The high oil content of the seeds coupled with fairly low acid value makes it suitable as edible oil, a food supplement and suggest its suitability for the production of paints, inks but not suitable for soap and biodiesel production

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Farmers should avoid local consumption of butternut squash due to lack of knowledge on the potentials and uses; since its  underutilized and cultivated mainly for export. More research should be carried out to convert Butternut squash into breakfast meals and baby feeds due to its high protein content and gluten free nature
Peacekeeping Operations in Africa: Liberian Lessons, a Platform for Deepening Future UN Peacekeeping Engagements.
Authors: Benson George
Published: October 2021

Purpose: In terms of UN peacekeeping deployments, the African region has received the most, just as it has contributed the most in terms of military personnel. The Liberian UN-ECOWAS joint peace operations are acknowledged by many as one of the most successful, globally. The study argues that experiences from these operations can enrich this global effort. Hence, the study sought to establish lessons from the operations that could guide future peacekeeping operations.  

Methodology: The study adopted a research approach that was analytical, descriptive, legal, historical and sociological; where data was mainly gathered from secondary and tertiary sources. To this end, scholarly books, edited works, articles and periodicals (duly acknowledged in the reference list) within the study area of international peacekeeping and the Liberian Civil War, were reviewed. Policy and legal documents by the United Nations (UN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), media stories, reports from non-governmental organizations, research reports and reports from the Liberian government in relation to the multi-functional peacekeeping operations in that country; were not left out when data was gathered for this write-up. Additionally, in terms of secondary sources, dictionaries, bibliographies, encyclopedia, databases, abstracts and indexing sources were used.  

Findings: Main findings were that the joint operations brought lasting peace to Liberia and that lessons from those experiences have the potential of guiding future peacekeeping operations across the globe.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study which is useful for academic, policy-formulation and implementation purposes, recommends: that the UN Security Council institutes prompt, appropriate and adequately funded interventions that have clear, effective and purposeful mandates at the start of conflicts; ‘spoilers’, ‘trouble makers’ and warlords should be heavily sanctioned; and effective coordinative measures be put in place by the UN so as to regulate activities of Non-UN peacekeeping actors.
INFLUENCE OF TEACHERS’ COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES ON STUDENTS’ DISCIPLINE
Authors: Kimani James
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The school’s structure has a significant impact on the communication and strategy implementation process. The structure may shape the type of formal communication channels that an organization adopts to communicate students discipline. The general objective of the study was to establish influence of teachers’ communication strategies on students’ discipline

Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.

Findings: The study concludes that that holding classroom meetings, the use of school prefect body, communication during school assembly, guidance and counseling sessions and use of rewards and incentives, and encouragement of members to pass information among them and holding open forums are communication strategies used to communicate on students discipline in schools.

Recommendations: There is need for the stakeholders in education sector to facilitate teachers’ communication enable teachers to effectively use communication in the management of student discipline. The situations on the ground should determine the mix of communication strategies to be used on student discipline by the teachers. Teachers should use nonverbal communication effectively, they should use eye contact effectively and nonverbal cues. The elimination to conditions that reduce effective communication should be an obligation of entire school community
ROLE OF CONVENTIONS IN INFLUENCING TOURISM PERFORMANCE
Authors: Kimani James
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Adapting the brand to new markets is less important than giving consumers new and worthy experiences. The general objective of the study was to evaluate role of conventions in influencing tourism performance in Africa.

Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.

Findings: The study concludes that tourism performance in Africa is significantly affected by convention tour activities, marketing of convention facilities, visitor stay and spending and consumer preference. The study found that convention tour activities had a positive and statistically significant relationship with tourism performance in Africa. The study therefore concludes that an increase in convention tour activities in Africa would lead to a unit increase in tourism performance in Africa.

Recommendations: There is need for destination values to be preserved through plan development to maintain the destination’s sense of place by outlining processes to monitor change, evaluate threats and opportunities, and permitting public and private leaders to respond. Regional and sub regional approaches should be promoted by the governments and all stakeholders to promote conventions. Convention Visitor Bureau should be brought back to assist in marketing of the convention facilities in order to increase delegates who attend the conventions
Ebeveynlerin Aile Hayatı ve Çocuk Yetiştirme Tutumları ile Ergenlerin İnternet Bağımlılığı
Authors: COŞKUN Sabahat , SARAY KILIÇ Hülya , SARIKOÇ Gamze
Published: October 2021

Bu araştırmada, ebeveyenlerin aile hayatı ve çocuk yetiştirme tutumları ile ergenlerin internet bağımlılığı arasındaki farkın incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma, nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden ilişkisel tarama modeli kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmaya 101 ebeveyn ve 12-18 yaş aralığındaki 101 ergen olmak üzere toplam 202 kişi katılmıştır. Araştırmaya katılan ebeveynlerin yaş ortalaması 41.84±4.29 (min=32, max=54), ergenlerin yaş ortalaması ise 14.11±1.8 (min=12, max=17) olarak tespit edilmiştir. Veri toplama formunda yer alan Sosyodemografik Özellikler ve Aile Hayatı ve Çocuk Yetiştirme Tutum Ölçeği’ni ebeveynler, İnternet Bağımlılığı Ölçeği’ni ise ergenler cevaplamıştır. Verilerin analizinde Student-t, Mann Whitney U, One-Way Anova, Kruskal Wallis, Ki-kare ve Pearson korelasyon testleri kullanılmıştır. Ebeveynlerin %86.1’i iş güvencesinin olduğunu, %89,1’i çocuğun bakımına birilerinin katılmadığını ve %55,4’ü çocuklarına kısmen zaman ayırdığını belirtmiştir. Ebeveynlerin aşırı koruyuculuk düzeylerinin düşük, demokratik tutum ve eşitlik yaklaşımları, ev kadınlığı rolünü reddetme, aile içi çatışma ve sıkı disiplin düzeylerinin yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Ergenlerde internet bağımlılığı tespit edilmezken, yarısına yakını riskli internet kullanımı gösteren grupta yer almıştır. Ebeveynlerin aile hayatı ve çocuk yetiştirme tutumu ile ergenlerin internet bağımlılığı arasında bir fark tespit edilmemiştir. Ancak ergenlerin büyük bir çoğunluğunun riskli internet kullanımı gösteren grupta yer alması her bir ergenin internet bağımlılığı olma açısından risk altında olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Bu nedenle ergenlerin doğru ve güvenli internet kullanımlarını teşvik edecek çalışmaların yapılması önerilmektedir.
Virus discovery in winter-growing perennial plants of southern California sage scrub habitat
Authors: Helo Amani , Shates Tessa , Mauck Kerry
Published: October 2021

Plant viruses cause serious disease and losses in domesticated crops. However, we know little about plant viruses outside of agriculture. One reason for this is the lack of symptoms of virus infection in wild plants to promptly diagnose and identify with targeted methods. This is now changing with the availability of untargeted “next-generation” sequencing technologies to analyze the viromes of asymptomatic wild plants and study virus impacts on plant health. In this study, we determined whether key winter-growing perennials in local reserves are infected with crop-associated viruses. A previous study in the same locations found that summer-growing perennials host co-infections by multiple crop-associated viruses, but winter-growing plants have not been explored. To enrich for virus sequences, we extracted doubled-stranded RNA, a unique feature of virus replication. We sequenced this material using the Illumina NextSeq platform, then assembled and identified viruses using Galaxy software. In contrast to summer-growing plants, we detected just one crop-associated virus in winter plants: the generalist, Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Phylogenetic analysis shows this CMV is in subgroup IA, the most prevalent in the United States. Our results suggest that winter-growing plant viromes have minimal overlap with summer-growing plant viromes and that winter plants may be less exposed to crop-associated viruses.
Neuroticism predicts increased sensitivity in identifying negative facial affect in young adults
Authors: Hopkins Julia , Lang Chelsea , Glenn Dana E. , Michalska Kalina J.
Published: October 2021

Our personalities color how we interpret others’ emotions. Some people have an increased tendency to identify others’ facial affect as negative or threatening, which may lead to the misinterpretation of social cues, poor responses in social settings, and could exacerbate feelings of stress or anxiety in social situations. Yet, studies linking personality traits on the Big Five Inventory (BFI), specifically neuroticism, to emotion recognition are mixed (Cunningham, 1977; Matsumoto et al., 2000). This study investigated the effect of neuroticism on people’s discriminability and speed when identifying others’ facial emotions. Participants (n = 37) judged the emotion of faces that were morphed along two emotion spectra: happiness to fear and happiness to anger. Responses determined participants’ negativity threshold, or the point on the spectrum where their judgment switched from happy to angry or fearful. We tested the hypothesis that people who scored high on the neuroticism scale of the BFI would detect negative emotions more readily than people scoring low on neuroticism. We also measured the influence of personality traits on response time. As expected, we observed that high neurotic people were more sensitive to negative facial affect than low neurotic people. This extends on the research finding that individuals high in neuroticism have high emotional reactivity to negative stimuli to include ambiguous facial expressions. However, contrary to our hypothesis, response time was not associated with neuroticism level. Together, our findings suggest that people high in neuroticism have an increased sensitivity to detect negative facial emotions. Future studies should test whether the misinterpretation of social cues leads to impoverished social connections.
Generational Status and Academic Performance
Authors: Salama Julie , Horton Calen , Murray Carolyn
Published: October 2021

This paper examines the relationship between students’ generational status (i.e., first-generation immigrant students compared to second and third-generation students) and academic achievement. Specifically, it explores the role of identity variables including self-concept clarity (an individual’s degree of awareness regarding their personal attributes) and academic identity (a student’s choice to adopt and commit to a set of academic values throughout their academic career). Self-concept clarity was investigated for mediation effects between the generational status of Latinx and Asian students and their GPA (both overall and major-specific). Lastly, generational status was examined as a moderator of the relationship between GPA and the four types of academic identity statuses (achieved, foreclosure, moratorium, and diffusion). The participants were 857 undergraduate students from a southern California university. The results indicate that self-concept clarity did not mediate the relationship between generational status and either form GPA; additionally, generational status did not moderate the relationship between either form of GPA and the hypothesized academic identity sub-constructs. However, the results yield an important finding; there were two interaction effects between generation and each of the moratorium and diffusion identity statuses on overall GPA in both the full dataset and the Asian subsample. Additionally, there was an interaction effect between generation and the moratorium identity on major GPA in the full dataset and a second interaction effect between generation and the diffusion identity on major GPA in the Asian subsample. Lastly, there was a main effect of generational status on students’ overall GPA in the Asian subsample, but not in the Latinx subsample, which is indicative of differences between ethnic groups in terms of first-generation experience. Limitations and future directions are also discussed.
Skeptics and Believers: Examining the Role of Extroversion and Skepticism in Paranormal Beliefs
Authors: Manchanda Niva
Published: October 2021

Prior research has identified inconsistencies in relations between extroversion and paranormal beliefs, particularly in the context of a direct association between skepticism and paranormal beliefs. Thus, the current study investigates the role of skepticism and extroversion on the paranormal beliefs of individuals. Participants were 384 students from an accredited postsecondary minority institution enrolled in a Skepticism and Pseudoscience Psychology class. All participants completed a set of online questionnaires that examined their personality traits (i.e., extroversion and neuroticism), skepticism, and paranormal beliefs. A 2x2 analysis of variance indicated that extroverted individuals exhibited greater belief in the paranormal than their less extroverted counterparts. No association was found between skepticism and paranormal beliefs. However, for less extroverted individuals, belief in the paranormal was higher for those with high skepticism relative to those with low skepticism. The limitations and implications of these findings are discussed.
EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH MICRO-FINANCE: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Awojobi Oladayo Nathaniel
Published: October 2021

There have been contentious academic debates on the validity of Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) impacting women’s empowerment positively. Some empirical findings have revealed that micro-finance services act as a panacea toward empowering women. However, there has been sharp criticism from some economic experts on the notion that micro-finance can aid women’s empowerment. This paper examines the impact of micro-credit on women’s empowerment in Lagos, Nigeria. Using the quantitative method from Lagos, the study shows women who take part in MFIs projects have been empowered economically and socially. In all, a total of 40 women who are clients to micro-finance institutions participated in the survey. The data obtained were analysed and transcribed. The results show a significant improvement in the household well-being, income and employment, and women’s empowerment, as a result of participating in micro-finance programmes. However, all the respondents bemoaned the high interest rates being charged by the MFIs, as a result of this, the paper recommends that the regulatory authority should monitor the conduct of most of the MFIs vis a vis the high interest rate.
“IMPACT OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE ON JOB SATISFACTION AMONG SCHOOL TEACHERS OF 21ST CENTURY”
Authors: Hafeez Uzma , Akbar Waqar
Published: October 2021

Socioeconomic changes, tough global competition and work culture have made employees find difficulty in balancing the two important areas of their life; work and family life which continually keep them under pressure that directed to dissatisfaction of job, as a result of this would in turn into imbalance in their work and private life. Work-life balance is about people having a measure of control over when, where and how they work. It increases effectiveness as well as improves satisfaction, in both the professional as well as personal lives. The success of any institution based on the performance of its employees, which in turn based on various variables. So, the present study aims to examine the “impact of work life balance on job satisfaction amongst elementary school teachers of 21st century”. The paper in hand presents a concise summary of the literature on the value of work –life balance and job satisfaction. The key independent variables work-life balance; long hours of work, pressure/stress on work, intention to change a job, flexible working conditions/environments which serves as an indicator of work-life balance while dependent variable job-satisfaction includes salary level, interpersonal relationship, spend time with family, balance between work and life, staff loyalty as it levers. A survey of 350 school teachers via self administrated questionnaire with the help of quota sampling technique is conducted with the response rate of 83%. Four sets of hypothesis are developed which relate directly to the research question. SPSS 19 is used to perform reliability, descriptive, correlation and regression analysis. The findings suggest that in schools work-life balance has not much impact on teacher’s job-satisfaction. The reason of such results may be due to the uncertain circumstances, the huge rate of inflation and smaller numbers of job opportunities, lack of application of nationwide laws etc. The last section of the paper concludes along with Recommendation to give guidelines for Future Research.
The Effect os Stem-Based Education Program on Problem Solving Skills of Five Year Old Children
Authors: ŞAHİN Hakan
Published: October 2021

With STEM education, children obtain 21st-century skills, such as systematic thinking, problem-solving, being able to see the relationships between events and creative thinking skills, etc. and as for the development of problem-solving skills, it is included in 21st century skills in connection with STEM education. In parallel with the abovementioned, this study aims to examine the effect of a STEM-Based Education Program on the problem-solving skills of children aged five. The research group was determined by the purposive sampling method; the experimental group was composed of 19 five-year-old children of a private kindergarten from Ankara’s Çankaya province, and the control group included 18 children from the 2017–18 academic year. The General Information Form and Problem Solving Skills Scale were used as data collection tools in the study. The STEM-Based Education Program prepared by the researcher was applied to children in the experimental group two days a week for a period of eight weeks. It was determined that there was a significant difference in the problem-solving skills of children in the experimental group who received the STEM-Based Education Program (p< 0.05). It was observed that the effect of the training was preserved with the permanence test applied to the experimental group three weeks after the last test. It has been determined that educational programs with STEM-based activities significantly affect children’s problem-solving skills.
Effectiveness of Intranasal Splints in Preventing Nasal Adhesion
Authors: Kakar Asmatullah , Ullah Habib , Ahmad Bashir
Published: October 2021

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of intranasal splints in preventing nasal adhesion. Study Design: Descriptive case series Place and Duration of Study: ENT Department, Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta from 1st October 2020 to 31st March, 2021. Methodology: One hundred patients of both genders were presented in this study. Patients were aged between 15-48 years. Patients details demographics age, sex and body mass index were recorded. In a general anaesthesia, a selection was made in patients with deviated nasal septum and septoplasty. Intra-nasal splints were implanted, followed by prior nasal packing after the septoplastic procedure. On the second postoperative day the nasal packing was removed while the nasal fractures were removed on the 15th day after surgery. Prevalence of nasal adhesion was observed within the follow up of four weeks. Results: There were 58 (58%) male patients and 42 (42%) were females. Mean age of the patients were 25.66±8.14 years with mean body mass index 24.17±6.35 kg/m2. Most of the patients 60 (60%) were from age group 25-35 years. Symptoms were nasal obstruction found in 42 (42%) cases followed by rhinorrhea 26 (26%). Frequency of nasal adhesion was found in 5 (5%) cases among 100 enrolled patients after septoplasty. Conclusion: We concluded in this study that the intranasal splints were effective and safe technique in the prevention of nasal adhesion after septoplasty. Keywords: Intra nasal adhesions, Septoplasty, Intra nasal splints, Deviated nasal septum
Comparison of Bipolar Diathermy and Suture Ligation for Haemostasis in Tonsillectomy
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Dastagir Khan Gulam , Arif Nighat , Ali M Mubarik , Aslam Usman , Raffat Sadaf
Published: October 2021

Objective: To compare bipolar diathermy and suture ligation for haemostasis in tonsillectomy in terms of the amount of blood loss, number of ligatures applied, average time taken and incidence of postoperative haemorrhage. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial Place and Duration of Study: Multicenter study conducted in ENT Surgery Departments/Units of Public and Private Sector Hospitals of Lahore from 1st July 2017 to 31st July 2018. Methodology: Sixty six patients were enrolled. Informed consent and demographic information was takenfrom all the patients. Patient himself was the control and the trial. One tonsil was treated with ligation technique (Group A) and other with bipolar diathermy technique (Group B). Both the tonsil side and the technique were randomized. The outcome in both groups was noted. Results: The mean age was 12.39±7.41 years and male to female ratio was 0.8:1. The mean haemostasis time in group A was 14.32±2.81 minutes whereas in group B patients it was 10.62±1.76 minutes. The mean blood loss in group A patients was 42.82±13.360 ml whereas in group B patients was 28.015±8.619 ml. The incidence of post-operative haemorrhage was zero for both bipolar diathermy and suture ligation, which shows the safety of both procedures. Conclusion: Bipolar diathermy is safe, effective, easier and faster technique for haemostasis in tonsillectomy than ligation technique Keywords: Tonsillectomy, Bipolar Diathermy, Ligation Technique
Association between Pain, Functional Impairment and Radiographic Findings in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee
Authors: Naseem Sajid , Rafiq Abbasi Muhammad Sajid , Anjum Jahangir , Afzal Nadeem , Kakar Zia , Aqeel Safdar Komal
Published: October 2021

Objective: To explore the relationship between pain, functional impairment (disability) and the radiographic findings in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Study Design: Cross sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Rhematology, Pakistan Air Force Hospital Islamabad from 1st September 2020 to 28th February 2021 Methodology: One hundred and thirty eight patients of knee joint osteoarthritis were included. Weight bearing antero-posterior and lateral views X-ray for both knees were performed on each patient and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) system was used to grade the severity of OA. We used Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for assessment of pain, stiffness and functional impairment. Results: The mean age was 53.76±7.14 years and females were 92 (67 %) and males were 46 (33 %). Average duration of disease was 3.7 years and mean body mass index was 26.78±2.25 Kg/m2. There was no statistically significant association of pain, stiffness and functional impairment with Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic grades. Conclusion: Functional impairment is more associated with level of pain, stiffness in joint and body mass index of patient than the severity of radiographic changes on knee X-ray. Therefore, we would recommend considering functional status of patient alongside radiological findings while planning treatment for patient with knee osteoarthritis. Key words: Osteoarthritis, Pain, function, Radiography
Evaluation of Women with Pregnancy Associated Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Channa Shehla , Bano Zainab , Memon Hina Akmal , Naz Sameena , Ashfaq Sanobar
Published: October 2021

Objective: To determine frequency of thrombocytopenia among pregnant women Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics from 1st May 2018 to 30th November 2018. Methodology: One hundred and fifty seven pregnant women of reproductive age of 15-45 years, who were normotensive without any malarial parasite or platelet aggregation seen on peripheral film were included while women with previous pregnancy with history and prior record of thrombocytopenia, on steroids, NSAIDS, or who went through splenectomy were excluded. Selected cases were thoroughly examined investigated for all possible causes. Results: The average age of 32.57±6.63 years, among these 21 [13.37%] were primiparous, 78 [49.68%] multiparous and 58 [36.94%] grand multiparous. Mean gestational age was 36.65±1.82 weeks, Mean Weight was 73.06±16.09 kg, mean height was 161.99±9.96 cm and mean BMI was 27.87±6.25 kg/m2. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia among pregnant women with 33% prevalence observed. Key words: Pregnancy associated thrombocytopenia (PAT), Pregnancy, Frequency
Frequency of Acute Stent Thrombosis after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zahoor Soomro Zuhaib , Aslam Korejo Asad , Iqbal Bhatti Khalid , Akbar Sial Jawaid , Hassan Brohi Gul
Published: October 2021

Objective: To determine the frequency of acute stent thrombosis after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Hospital, Karachi from 30th 2017 to 31st December 2017. Methodology: One hundred and sixty three patients will undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention and stent either drug-eluting stents (coated with medication) or bare-metal stent was placed. Patients who developed sudden onset of typical chest pain, indicating acute ischemia in the distribution of the target vessel (in which stent was placed), in these patient’s angiography was done (relooked) if it showed complete occlusion within the stented segment with evidence of thrombus, patient was labeled as having acute stent thrombosis. Results: There were 117 (71.7%) males and 46 (28.23%) were females with mean age of 51.78±13.09 years. Drug-eluting stents was placed in 87(53.37%) and bare metal was placed in 76(46.63%) patients. Positive acute stent thrombosis was 2 (1.23%). Conclusion: The frequency of acute stent thrombosis after primary PCI was found to be 1.23%. Keywords: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), Acute myocardial infarction, Stent thrombosis
Application of digital technologies in the planning and manufacturing of all- ceramic prosthetic constructions
Authors:   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Replublic of Moldova, Morari Mihaela , Mostovei Mihail ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Replublic of Moldova, Solomon Oleg ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Replublic of Moldova, Mustuc Anatolie ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Replublic of Moldova
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, the digital technologies are increasingly applied in the planning and manufacturing of all-ceramic prosthetic constructions. These include: the intraoral and laboratory scanners, virtual planning of the future smile, virtual modeling of mock-up for the future prosthetic construction and the ceramic milling systems. Digital age in dentistry allows capturing and recording information in specialized programs for an indefinite period, viewing the model of the future prosthetic construction in real time, patient participation in the planning and manufacturing of prosthetic work and reducing the number of clinical and technical steps.
Verica l inocclusion depending on dentition. etiology, diagnosis and treatment
Authors:   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Replublic of Moldova, Calfa Sabina , Storojov Iulian ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Replublic of Moldova
Published: October 2021

The term open bite is referred as no contact between anterior or posterior teeth. The complexity of open bite is attributed to a combination of skeletal, dental and habitual factors. Etiology of open bite can be attributed to genetics, anatomic and environmental factors. The aim of this article is to analyse etiological and pathogenic factors with the establishment of methods for diagnosis and treatment of vertical inocclusion. The treatment of open bite by early application and simplification of the treatment itself, minimizes the risk of recurrence following the stable aesthetic and functional result.
Identification of the risk of medical emergency in outpatient dental practice
Authors:   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Replublic of Moldova, Josan Diana , Zănoagă Oleg ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Replublic of Moldova
Published: October 2021

The aim of the study was to identify the general condition of patients and the risk factors of medical emergencies in outpatient dental practice. In order to carry out the study, 50 questionnaires were analyzed of patients who went to the dentist in 2020 for various surgical dental procedures. It was found that the frequency of patients with various general pathologies constituted 64%. The most common systemic pathologies were cardiovascular diseases, followed by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and those of the spine. Of all 50 people interviewed, most had various allergic reactions to local anesthetics (lidocaine), antibiotics (penicillin) and iodine– containing medicines.
Arterial hypertension in dental surgical practice. Statistical data
Authors:   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Replublic of Moldova, Turcanu Veronica , Slabari Eugeniu ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Replublic of Moldova, Zanoaga Oleg ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Replublic of Moldova
Published: October 2021

The aim of the study was to perform an analysis of the morbidity of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) admitted to the oro–maxillofacial surgery department of the Institute of Emergency Medicine in Chisinau during the years 2015—2019. Analysis of statistical data found that the frequency of patients with AH constituted 9% of the total number of patients hospitalized in the Department of oro–maxillofacial surgery during the years 2015—2019. A higher incidence of AH was in patients aged 61–80 years, with a minor predominance (56%) in women. In the majority of patients (86%) the presence of primary AH was detected, and in 14% — secondary AH. In most cases (72%), the primary AH was Grade II and the secondary one, in 59%, was Grade III. Of all patients admitted with AH, 63% were with various chronic pathologies, of which endocrine and cardiovascular diseases were the most common.
ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY OF LAMOTRIGINE POLYMERIC MICELLE AND SAFRANAL NIOSOMAL FORMULATION AGAINST STRYCHNINE-INDUCED CONVULSION
Authors: Patil P. J. , Chaudhari S. P. , Patil J. R. , Bhandurge N. B. ,   Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, S.No.4/17, Sector No.34, PCNTDA, Off Kalewadi Phata Pimpri Road, Thergaon (Kalewadi), Pune - 411 033, Maharashtra, India.
Published: October 2021

Lamotrigine is currently available as a tablet which is administered 2-3 times per day as divided doses of 25-600 mg. Oral liquid formulations with additional sustained release properties are always preferred for pediatric, geriatric even dysphagic patients, due to their ease of administration and patient compliance even at the time of epileptic attack. Hence, polymeric micelle formulation of lamotrigine and safranol niosomal nasal formulation were studied. Polymeric micelles containing lamotrigine were prepared by direct dissolution technique using block copolymer (Pluronic L81, Pluronic F68) in combination (1:1) ratio. Niosomes containing safranal were prepared by modified ether injection technique using non-ionic surfactants (Span 80 and Tween 20 & 80), gelucire 44/50, pluronic f-127 and cholesterol at different ratios. In this test, strychnine (4 mg/kg) was injected to the animal subcutaneously (s.c.) beneath the loose folds of neck skin. Fifteen minutes post administration of lamotrigine and safranal administration by intravenous route. Animals were observed for 10 min for occurrence and onset on various seizures. Latencies were noted in seconds. The present study is to evaluate anticonvulsant activity of lamotrigine (LTG) polymeric miceller formulation and safranal niosomal formulation on strychnine induced convulsions in mice. Vehicle failed to protect the mice from generalized clonic-tonic convulsions induced by strychnine. Lamotrigine significantly delay the onset of myoclonic, clonic and tonic extensor by all three routes i.e. nasal, intravenous and oral as compared to vehicle group. Effect of lamotrigine by nasal route is similar to the effect by intravenous route. Lamotrigine by nasal and intravenous route have shown more effect when given by oral route. Lamotrigine and safranal significantly delay the onset of myoclonic, clonic and tonic extensor by I.V. route as compared to vehicle group.
IN VITRO EVALUATION OF TOPICAL GELS CONTAINING CELECOXIB-LOADED STEARIC AND ALGINIC ACIDS-BASED MICROPARTICLES
Authors: Tamilvanan S , Thakur A. , Kaur V. , Sharma D. , Vinaykumar . ,   Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences (LFAMS), Lovely Professional University, Phagwara - 144 411, Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
Published: October 2021

The aims of this investigation were to prepare aqueous dispersions (1% w/v)-and physical mixtures of celecoxib (CXB)-excipient at 1:1 or 2:1 ratios, to study drug-excipient interactions over 7 days under two different storage conditions, to prepare microparticles based on stearic and alginic acids from an aqueous system by hot (melt) dispersion method and to evaluate in vitro spreadability and drug release patterns of gels containing CXB alone or drug-loaded microparticles. Whereas storing the drug-excipient physical mixtures (1:1 ratio) lowered the drug recovery percentage values, the aqueous dispersions made from CXB-excipients physical mixtures augmented the wave number values for CH and/or CC-aromatic stretchings of the drug in FT-IR analyses. While drug release from gels was performed in Franz diffusion cells using cellulose acetate membrane, spreadability was determined by glass slides method. Enhanced spreadability and reduced drug release were observed for gels containing drug-loaded microparticles that should substantiate its topical use to manage acute pain/inflammatory conditions over an extended period of time.
MICROWAVE-ASSISTED FORCED DEGRADATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF A VALIDATED STABILITY-INDICATING RP-HPLC METHOD FOR VENLAFAXINE IN BULK AND CAPSULE FORMULATION
Authors: Sonawane S. S. , Badhan P. B , Warungse J. P. , Shaikh A. R. ,   MET’s Institute of Pharmacy, MET League of Colleges Bhujbal Knowledge City, Adgaon, Nashik 422 003, Maharashtra, India.
Published: October 2021

A stability-indicating RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for venlafaxine in bulk and capsule formulation in the presence of its degradation products, generated from forced degradation studies. Venlafaxine was subjected to forced degradation under acid, alkali, wet heat, dry heat, oxidative conditions and photolytic conditions. In addition, acid, alkali and wet heat degradation was performed using microwave oven to substitute conventional degradation technique of using heating mantle with microwave oven; provided it proved that similar degradation products were obtained under microwaveassisted degradation. Successful separation of drug from degradation products formed under forced degradation conditions was achieved on a C 18 column using 0.02 M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 3.0): Methanol (60:40 V/V) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1mL/min. Dual wavelength analysis was used to confirm that similar degradation behavior was observed under conventional and microwaveassisted degradation. The developed method was validated as per ICH guidelines.
DISSOLUTION LINKED IN VITRO LIPASE INHIBITION BY DEVELOPED ORLISTAT FORMULATION
Authors: Gade M. , Hurkadale P. ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, KLE University’s College of Pharmacy, Nehrunagar Belagavi - 590 010, Karnataka, India.
Published: October 2021

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the lipase inhibition potential of developed formulation. Dissolution linked lipase inhibition was studied for the developed self-emulsifying tablet formulation and conventional tablet. To study lipase inhibition, pancreatic porcine lipase was selected as model enzyme for the study. A simple, rapid and cost effective colorimetric method was developed to determine the inhibition efficiency. In this method, phenyl acetate was used as the substrate for the enzymatic hydrolysis. Substrate solution was prepared in 0.1M Tris HCl buffer (pH 7) and incubated at 40°C for 20 minutes. Linearity of the method was observed in the range of 20-100μL of substrate concentration.
ESTIMATION OF ACECLOFENAC IN ALBINO RAT PLASMA BY USING RP-HPLC
Authors: Debnath M. , Muzib Y. I. , Kumar S. A. ,   Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sri Padmavathi Mahila Vishwa Vidyalayam, Tirupati - 517502, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Published: October 2021

A new RP-HPLC method for the quantitative determination of aceclofenac in albino rat plasma was developed and validated as per US-FDA guidelines. The drug was spiked in the plasma and extracted with mobile phase by precipitation method. The extracted analyte was injected into XTerra c18 (4.6 x 250 mm; 5 µm) or equivalent, maintained at 25°C temperature and effluent was monitored at 274 nm. The mobile phase consisted of potassium dihydrogen phosphate [ph 4.5]: methanol: acetonitrile [HPLC grade] (55:25:20 (V/V). The flow rate was maintained at 1.0 mL/min. The developed method showed high specificity for aceclofenac. The calibration curve for aceclofenac was linear from 25.0 to 125.0 ng/0.5mL plasma(r2= 0.999). The inter-day and intra-day precision was found to be within limits. The average % recovery for aceclofenac was found to be 99.74-99.77 % and the reproducibility was found to be satisfactory.The proposed method was adequate, sensitivity, reproducibility, and specificity for the determination of aceclofenac in albino rat plasma.
DESIGN AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODEGRADABLE TIZANIDINE NANOPARTICLES FOR IMPROVED ORAL BIOAVAILABILITY
Authors: Gadad A , Patil A. , Sariki V. K , Dandagi P. , Masthiholimath V. ,   Department of Pharmaceutics, KLe University’s College of Pharmacy, Nehru Nagar, Belgaum-590010, Karnataka, India.
Published: October 2021

Tizanidine HCl is a drug with poor water solubility, oral bioavailability and high first pass metabolism. The present study aims at developing a nano formulation by nanoprecipitation method to improve the oral bioavailability. Five formulations (F1-F5) with different polymer ratios were prepare and optimized on the basis of entrapment efficiency. In vitro release kinetics of formulations shows extended release of drug over a period of 128 h. Optimized formulation F3 shows better stability and oral bioavailability 3.6 times more than pure drug.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A HPLC METHOD FOR DIRECT ESTIMATION OF CICLOPIROX OLAMINE IN EX VIVO TRANSUNGUAL PERMEATION STUDIES
Authors: Chouhan P , Saini T. R ,   Industrial Pharmacy Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Shri G. S. Institute of Technology and Science, Vallabh Nagar, Indore - 452 003, (M.P.), India.
Published: October 2021

A new hPLc method was developed for direct estimation of ciclopirox olamine in ex vivo transungual permeation samples by suppressing the chelating property of ciclopirox using disodium EDTA in mobile phase and endcapped hPLc column to reduce silanophilic interaction with drug. chromatographic separation was achieved on hypersil® Phenyl BDS column (250mm × 4.6mm, 5µm) using disodium EDTA in water (0.96 in 1000): acetonitrile: acetic acid (60:40:0.1, V/V/V) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1mL/min, and estimated at 305nm. The method was validated for specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity, LOD, and LOQ. Ciclopirox was specifically quantified at 7.491min in the presence of forced degradation products. Linearity was established between 1-10µg/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The LOD and LOQ were 0.5 and 1µg/mL, respectively, which proved the ability of developed method to analyze ciclopirox in low concentration samples. The method could be successfully applicable in analyzing ex vivo transungual permeation study samples of ciclopirox olamine.
IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECT OF RASASINDURA (RED SULPHIDE OF MERCURY) (HERBOMINERAL PREPARATION)
Authors: Kupati V. B. , Jadar P. G. ,   Department of Rasashastra, KLE’S Shri BMK Ayurveda mahavidyalaya, Shahapur, Belgavi - 580 003, Karnataka, India.
Published: October 2021

The main aim of the study was to scientifically validate the immunomodulatory effect of classically prepared Rasasindura (Red Sulphide of Mercury). With this intention Rasasindura was subjected to the screening of immunomodulatory effect and assessed in three healthy individuals by using nitroblue tetrazolium, Phagocytosis, Candidacidal assay and chemotaxsis in different doses like 100, 50, 25, 12.5 and 5 mg of Rasasindura (Red Sulphide of Mercury). The immunomodulatory effect of Rasasindura has shown significant results in lesser dose of 5mg.
MEIOTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF THREE MORPHOTYPES OF SOLANUM NIGRUM L. FROM PUNJAB (INDIA)
Authors: Sidhu M. C , Sharma T. ,   Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh - 160014, India.
Published: October 2021

The present study shows the comparative morphological, cytological and phytochemical properties of three forms of Solanum nigrum L. The morphological study describes three morphotypes of Solanum nigrum on the basis of their fruit colour and other minute diagnostic features. The chromosomal study suggests that Solanum nigrum has three cytotypes with 2n=24 (diploid), 2n=48 (tetraploid) and 2n=72 (hexaploid) for this species. The phytochemical screening depicts the presence of alkaloids, amino acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, gums and mucilage, phenolics, reducing sugars and tannins. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy describes different peaks corresponding to various functional groups associated with the reported phytochemicals. The Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) analysis reveals the presence of elements like Potassium, Calcium, Chlorine, Magnesium and Iron. Based on the phytoconstituent details and other important elements, different forms of Solanum nigrum can be explored for their therapeutic properties.
STANDARDIZATION OF SHADDHARANA CHURNA USING HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Dhamankar R. S , Jadhav A. P ,   Department of Quality Assurance, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Pharmacy, Sector-8, C.B.D. Belapur, Navi Mumbai - 400 614, India.
Published: October 2021

A simple, accurate, precise, robust RP-HPLC method was developed to standardize Shaddharana Churna by simultaneous estimation of berberine and plumbagin as markers. The markers were resolved using Hemochrom Intsil C-18 column, with mobile phase acetonitrile: 50mm Phosphate buffer (65: 35), pH adjusted to 4 (using orthophosphoric acid) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Retention times of berberine and plumbagin were 2.67 ± 0.2 min and 7.59 ± 0.2 min respectively at 270 nm. Linear responses were obtained in concentration ranges of 0.6 - 10 ppm for berberine and 0.8 - 10 ppm for plumbagin, with correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.991 and 0.994 for berberine and plumbagin, respectively. The developed method was applied for quantitation of markers in two marketed formulations of Shaddharana Churna. This method can be used to evaluate formulations containing berberine and plumbagin as markers, thus conforming to the need of ensuring quality and safety of ayurvedic medicines.
ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA) – HISTORICAL ASPECTS, CURRENT LITERATURE, MONOGRAPHS, NEWER INDICATIONS AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Authors: Fernandes A , Chemburkar M , Nipane A. , Thete K , Meda A. ,   GNANLex Hermeneutics Pvt. Ltd, 3rd Floor, Shivmangal, Patankarwadi, Near Big Bazaar, Akurli Road, Kandivli (East), Mumbai - 400 101, India
Published: October 2021

The present review on Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is divided into four Sections. Ancient scriptures and broad claims therein form Section I. Section II comprises comparison of selected monographs. There are large numbers of review articles and treatie as well as books written on Ashwagandha, a segment of which is referred to in Section III. It is surprisingly significant that Ashwagandha is the subject matter of innovative indication and innovative delivery dosage forms and combination in the current times world over. US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and leading researchers in many countries of the world have studied Ashwagandha for its wide and advanced therapeutic indications. However, it is not surprising that research on Ashwagandha and its potential is rather poor in its country of origin, i.e. India. Aggressive NGO-led campaign using the Anti-benefit generation oriented BDA (Biological Diversity Act, 2002) coupled with excessive interpretation of non-patentability using TKDL (Traditional Knowledge Digital Library) and over-interpretation of Section 3(p) of the Indian Patents Act, 1970 has led to diminishing interest in advance research on Indian herbs including Ashwagandha, as is seen from the comparison of the patent literature between research in India and overseas countries as seen from section IV.