bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF LEGAL PRACTITIONERS IN MITIGATING CORPORATE RISKS IN NIGERIA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF EXISTING LITERATURE ON THE STRATEGIES AND APPROACHES ADOPTED BY LEGAL PRACTITIONERS IN NIGERIA TO MITIGATE CORPORATE RISKS
Authors: Julie Olajumoke Coker  , Ngozi Samuel Uzougbo  , Bisola Beatrice Oguejiofor  , Onyinyechi Vivian Akagha
Published: October 2023

This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the pivotal role of legal practitioners in mitigating corporate risks within the intricate corporate landscape of Nigeria. The method involved a meticulous examination of existing literature, focusing on the legal frameworks, regulatory compliance, collaborative innovation, sustainability principles, education, and capacity-building initiatives, financial stability, infrastructure development, and proactive risk management strategies. The results revealed that legal practitioners are instrumental in shaping robust and dynamic legal frameworks and fostering a culture of adherence to legal and ethical norms. They play a significant role in fostering collaborative innovation, integrating sustainability into corporate governance practices, advancing education and capacity-building initiatives, and implementing effective risk management strategies. The conclusion underscores the indispensable and multifaceted role of legal practitioners in navigating the complexities of corporate governance and risk mitigation in Nigeria. Recommendations include strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing collaborative innovation, promoting sustainable corporate governance, advancing education and capacity building, fostering financial stability and infrastructure development, and implementing proactive risk management strategies. These recommendations are crucial for fostering a resilient, sustainable, and ethically sound corporate landscape in Nigeria

Keywords: Legal Practitioners, Corporate Risks, Corporate Governance, Risk Mitigation, Nigeria.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Risk Factors for Nosocomial Pressure Injury among Hospitalized Adults at a Tertiary Hospital in Western Kenya
Authors: Makori Otieno Laban Sterly , Olayo Rose , Wamukoya Edwin Kadima
Published: October 2023

The high incidence and prevalence of nosocomial pressure injuries pose a threat to safe hospitalization and additional strain on the healthcare system. Analysis of pressure injury risk factors is necessary for efficient prevention and management as part of the program to ensure that no patient experiences any preventable harm while receiving care, as per the international patient safety goals. This study evaluated the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for pressure injury among cohorts of hospitalized adults using a prospective approach. The Braden Scale was used to assess the participants’ level of risk and classify low (score 15 to 23) and high (score 6 to 14) cohorts prior to follow-up. Binary regression analysis was used to establish an association between the risk factors and the development of stage 2 and above pressure injuries and the odds reported. The intrinsic factors—nutrition, sex, age, and primary diagnosis—influenced the occurrence of pressure injuries. Similarly, the extrinsic factors—sensory perception, moisture, mobility and activity, presence of a medical device, friction, and shear—showed an association with the development of pressure injuries. Poor nutrition, impaired mobility, and persistent moisture, however, were statistically the most significantly associated risk factors, at OR 18.20, CI 2.18–151.69, p =.01; OR 20.93, CI 1.13–387.92, p =.04; OR 16.11, CI 2.02–128.52, p =.01, respectively, confirming a significant association between intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors and the development of hospital-acquired pressure injury. These identified risk factors can be used to tailor intervention earlier on admission and avert these preventable injuries. Standardized, timely risk assessment and proactive addressing of the identified risk factor among hospitalized patients are therefore recommended.
O ICMS SOBRE OS MEDICAMENTOS DE ALTO CUSTO: A ISENÇÃO DO TRIKFTA COMO INSTRUMENTO DE OBSERVÂNCIA DO PRINCÍPIO DA CAPACIDADE CONTRIBUTIVA
Authors: França Heloisa Pereira de Macedo , Jurubeba Fernanda Matos Fernandes de Oliveira
Published: October 2023

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar como a enorme carga tributária que incide sobre os medicamentos de alto custo são uma barreira para efetivação do direito à saúde. Demonstrando, que entre todos os impostos que recaem sobre os fármacos no Brasil, o ICMS é um dos que tem o maior impacto, pois está presente em toda a cadeia de produção e distribuição dos medicamentos. Além disso, o artigo demonstra a implicação gerada pelo notável número de processos judicializados no âmbito da saúde no país e os efeitos positivos gerados pela concessão de um benefício tributário, tal como a isenção, como forma de garantir o alcance das pessoas que têm a capacidade contributiva reduzida a medicamentos para o tratamento de doenças como a fibrose cística.
GAMIFICAÇÃO: UMA ABORDAGEM INOVADORA NO ENSINO DA MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Souza Jones Alves de , Feliciano Silas Mendes , Teles Rosilene Nascimento
Published: October 2023

O objetivo desta pesquisa era investigar a eficácia da gamificação como uma abordagem inovadora no ensino de matemática. Através da atividade "Caça ao Tesouro Matemático", o estudo buscou avaliar como a gamificação poderia melhorar o engajamento dos alunos, promover a aplicação prática de conceitos matemáticos e reforçar as habilidades de resolução de problemas. Além disso, o estudo pretendia verificar se a gamificação poderia contribuir para a promoção da colaboração entre os alunos, o desenvolvimento de habilidades de trabalho em equipe e a melhoria da autoconfiança na resolução de desafios matemáticos. Em última análise, o objetivo era explorar como a gamificação pode ser uma ferramenta valiosa para tornar o ensino da matemática mais eficaz e envolvente, destacando que ela deve ser usada de maneira complementar ao ensino tradicional para uma experiência educacional completa.
PRINCÍPIO DA DIGNIDADE ANIMAL E O DEVER FUNDAMENTAL DE PROTEÇÃO
Authors: Carneiro Júlia Malafaia Esposti Aguiar , Botelho Daniela Garcia , Resgala Júnior Renato Marcelo
Published: October 2023

Desde as primeiras civilizações, os animais fazem-se presentes no cotidiano da sociedade como instrumentos de satisfação da vontade humana em diversificadas áreas, como alimentação, transporte, comércio, entretenimento, prática esportiva, manifestação cultural, pesquisa científica, cultos religiosos entre outras. O ordenamento jurídico pátrio vem cada vez mais dispondo sobre certos e determinados direitos relativos ao uso dos animais, bem como direitos de bem-estar destes seres vivos. Porém ainda há uma escassez de legislações que tratem da proteção efetiva dos animais. Nesse ínterim, o presente artigo tem como objetivo dissertar a respeito da dignidade animal e sua proteção no âmbito jurídico brasileiro. A metodologia utilizada neste trabalho se baseia no levantamento de dados extraídos de pesquisa bibliográfica, legal e jurisprudencial, utilizando-se o método dedutivo. Será abordada comparação histórica entre a forma de tratamento aos animais antes e depois da criação de novas leis e decretos de proteção e institutos penalizadores de maus-tratos. Será realizada uma análise da proteção e dignidade animal com viés filosófico e ético. Concluiu-se que, diante do reconhecimento dos animais não humanos a subjetividade jurídica, levanta-se a necessidade em investigar ou criar, na legislação brasileira, a categoria jurídica que se adeque à definição desses seres.
Contribution of brown carbon on light absorption in emissions of European residential biomass combustion appliances
Authors: Basnet Satish , Hartikainen Anni , Virkkula Aki , Yli-Pirilä Pasi , Kortelainen Miika , Suhonen Heikki , Kilpeläinen Laura , Ihalainen Mika , Väätäinen Sampsa , Louhisalmi Juho , Somero Markus , Tissari Jarkko , Jakobi Gert , Zimmermann Ralf , Kilpeläinen Antti , Sippula Olli
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Residential biomass combustion significantly contributes to light-absorbing carbonaceous aerosols in the atmosphere, impacting the Earth's radiative balance at regional and global levels. This study investigates the contribution of brown carbon to the total particulate light absorption in the wavelength range of 370 to 950 nm (BrC370-950) and the particulate absorption Ångström exponents (AAE470/950) in 15 different European residential combustion appliances using a variety of wood-based fuels. BrC370-950 was estimated to be from 1 % to 21 % for wood log stoves and was primarily influenced by fuel moisture content and minimally affected by combustion appliance type. The BrC370-950 contribution was 10 % for a fully automatized residential pellet boiler. Correlations between the ratio of organic to elemental carbon (OC/EC) and BrC indicated that a one unit increase in OC/EC corresponded to approximately a 14 % increase in BrC370-950. Additionally, BrC370-950 increased with decreasing combustion efficiency. AAE470/950 of wood log combustion aerosols ranged from 1.06 to 1.61. By examining the correlation between AAE470/950 and OC/EC, an AAE470/950 close to unity was found for pure black carbon (BC) particles originating from residential wood combustion. This supports the common assumption used to differentiate light absorption caused by BC and BrC. Moreover, diesel aerosols exhibited an AAE470/950 of 1.02, with BrC370-950 contributing only 0.66 % to the total absorption, aligning with the assumption employed in source apportionment. These findings provide important data to assess the BrC370-950 of RWC emissions with different emission characteristics and confirm that BrC can be a major contributor to particulate UV and near-UV light absorption for Northern European wood stove emissions with relatively high OC/EC ratios.
Technical note: NASAaccess – a tool for access, reformatting, and visualization of remotely sensed earth observation and climate data
Authors: Mohammed Ibrahim Nourein , Bustamante Elkin Giovanni Romero , Bolten John Dennis , Nelson Everett James
Published: October 2023

Abstract. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched a new initiative, the Open-Source Science Initiative (OSSI), to enable and support science towards openness. The OSSI supports open-source software development and dissemination. In this work, we present NASAaccess, which is an open-source software package and web-based environmental modeling application for earth observation data accessing, reformatting, and
presenting quantitative data products. The main objective of developing the
NASAaccess platform is to facilitate exploration, modeling, and understanding of earth data for scientists, stakeholders, and concerned citizens whose objectives align with the new OSSI goals. The NASAaccess platform is available as software packages (i.e., the R and conda packages) as well as an interactive-format web-based environmental modeling application for earth observation data developed with Tethys Platform. NASAaccess has been envisioned as lowering the technical barriers and simplifying the process of accessing scalable distributed computing resources and leveraging additional software for data and computationally intensive modeling frameworks. Specifically, NASAaccess has been developed to meet the need for seamless earth observation remote-sensing and climate data ingestion into various hydrological modeling frameworks. Moreover, NASAaccess is also contributing to keeping interested parties and stakeholders engaged with environmental modeling, accessing the information available in various remote-sensing products. NASAaccess' current capabilities cover various NASA datasets and products that include the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) data products, the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) land surface states and fluxes, and the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX-GDDP) Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) climate change dataset products.
Screening of beef and raw cow milk from central Kerala for Campylobacter spp. using multiplex PCR
Authors: Sunil Devika D. , Mathew Binsy , Latha C. , Jolly Deepa , Radha K.
Published: October 2023

Campylobacter spp. is considered one of the leading causes of diarrhoeal disease. Due to the prevalence of this organism in the gut microbiota of all warm-blooded animals, the chance of contamination is more through animal products. The present study was conducted to assess the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in milk and beef of central Kerala. A total of 200 beef and 200 raw cow milk samples were collected from various retail outlets and milk societies of Thrissur and Ernakulam districts. Campylobacter spp. were isolated by conventional culture technique on Modified charcoal-cefoperazone-deoxycholate agar. A molecular technique targeting the genusspecific 16S rRNA gene further confirmed the culture and biochemically positive isolates. The species-specific mapA and ceuE genes were targeted for C. jejuni and C. coli, respectively. None of the milk samples collected were positive for Campylobacter spp. However, three per cent of beef samples were tested positive for Campylobacter spp.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from aqueous extract of leaves of Azadirachta indica, its phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity
Authors: Yoosuf Miyada , Jolly Deepa , Latha C. , Sethulekshmi C. , Mathew D. K. Deepak
Published: October 2023

Silver nanoparticles are gaining importance on account of its antimicrobial properties and low toxicity to humans. The present study was conducted to synthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous extract of neem leaves. The phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of neem leaves was also performed for determining its active principles. The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed that the aqueous extract of neem leaves contained phytochemicals like steroids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and terpenoids. The AgNPs synthesised were characterised using X-ray diffraction analysis which revealed that synthesised AgNPs were face centred, cubic and crystalline in nature and the sample contained silver nanoparticles in a high concentration. The antibacterial activity of the green AgNPs against E. coli isolates including the reference strain was tested and observed that the AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity though a significant zone of inhibition was not obtained. Based on the results obtained, it could be concluded that silver nanoparticles could be efficiently synthesised from neem leaves and could be utilised in various fields especially in nanotechnology.
In vitro cytotoxicity of Tinospora cordifolia stem extract in Daltons Lymphoma Ascites cell lines
Authors: Shyju O. , Abraham Bindya Liz , Nair Suresh N. , Krishna B. Dhanush , Asaf Muhasin , Aravindakshan T.V.
Published: October 2023

Tinospora cordifolia (TC) is one of the most versatile medicinal plants in Ayurvedic medicine used for the treatment of various ailments. The present study was carried out to investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity of the aqueous extract of TC stems on Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) cell lines in comparison with a reference drug, cisplatin through 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-phenyl tetrazolium bromide assay (MTT) and Trypan blue dye exclusion methods. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extract of TC revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, phenols, anthraquinones, quinones, saponin, carbohydrates and proteins. The MTT assay revealed that the mean per cent inhibition of cells at the test concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640 μg/mL ranged from 6.848 ±0.01 to 59.686 ±0.13 for TC extract and from 29.129 ±0.13 to 80.902 ±0.05 for cisplatin, respectively. The IC50values of TC and cisplatin in DLA cells were estimated to be 72.05 μg/mL and 65.44μg/mL respectively. Trypan blue dye exclusion revealed the mean per cent cell viability to be 59.40 ±0.04 and 55.17 ±0.01 for TC stem extract and cisplatin respectively. The mean percent cell viability and inhibition differed between TC extract and cisplatin at IC50 as well as at any given concentration significantly (p<0.01). The tests revealed that the cytotoxic effect of TC extract on DLA cells was moderate and to a comparable extent with cisplatin. The results pointed out that TC induced cytotoxicity in DLA cells indicative of its probable apoptotic potential and therapeutic merit in the treatment of lymphomas.
Occurrence of ocular and adnexal neoplasms in canines with special reference to pigmented sebaceous gland epithelioma of eyelids
Authors: Ansar F. , Anoopraj R. , Hamza P. , Ajith J. G. , Sooryadas S. , Ajith P.
Published: October 2023

The eyelid tumours are uncommon in dogs. In the present study, out of 102 ocular and adnexal samples from the dogs examined for a period of 2.5 years, 11 cases (10.78 per cent) were neoplastic in nature. The major location of the neoplasms was eyelids (8/11). One case (0.98 per cent) was diagnosed as pigmented sebaceous gland epithelioma. The tumour mass was present in the palpebral conjunctiva of the lower eyelid near the medial canthus of the left eye in a five-yearold Labrador dog. Grossly, the tumour mass appeared to be a greyish-black, firm, cauliflower-like growth. The mass was resected and submitted for histopathology. Microscopic examination of the mass showed a preponderance of basaloid reserve cells in the tumour tissue. The proliferating reserve cells formed irregular islands or trabeculae separated by thin fibrous connective tissue. They showed minimal to no pleomorphism, scanty amphophilic cytoplasm and oval nuclei. Melanin-containing cells were frequent, while mature sebocytes were infrequent. Mitotic figures were occasional. Pigmented sebaceous gland epithelioma was diagnosed based on gross and histopathological features. Apart from this, neoplasms such as fibrosarcoma, meibomian gland adenocarcinoma, well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, papilloma and non-pigmented sebaceous gland epithelioma involving eyelids, histiocytoma of third eyelid, periglobular lymphoma and leukemic infiltration of choroid were also recorded. The present research underlines the lower incidence of eyelid tumours in dogs.
Comparison of three staining techniques for rapid diagnosis of feline dermatophytosis
Authors: Sheetal M. S. , Rathish R. L. , Janus A. , Sindhu O. K. , Cyril Tom , Deepa P. M.
Published: October 2023

Feline dermatophytosis is a commonly encountered fungal skin disease in cats. Skin scrapings from cats with varying degrees of clinical signs were collected and subjected to microscopic and cultural examination. The clinical samples were stained with three different stains, lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB), Chicago sky blue (CSB) and Calcofluor white (CW) and were subjected to microscopic examination for fungal spores. The results of this microscopic examination were analysed and compared with growth of dermatophytes in Dermatophyte test medium (DTM). Based on cultural isolation, dermatophytosis was confirmed in 36 out of 82 cases tested. Comparison of staining techniques revealed that CW staining had better sensitivity (97.22 per cent), specificity (65.22 per cent) and overall agreement with cultures in DTM. Occurrence was found to be higher in kittens less than six months of age and long-haired breeds.
Eğitimde Yeni Yöntem ve Tekniklere Bir Bakış: Bilgisayar Destekli Eğitim Modeli
Authors: Aras Asiye
Published: October 2023

Computers are tools that will positively increase and affect the quality of people of educational age, increase students' attention in classes, help them learn more efficiently, increase creativity and achievement, and make lessons interesting. When it is called Computer Aided Education, it is understood that computer technology is used in education. The simplest and most classic method of using computer technology in education is to set up a laboratory in an educational institution. The main purpose of this method is to provide computer literacy to the target audience and to present the lessons as interactively as possible in the laboratory environment. Computer Aided Education enables creativity to emerge from the student's point of view, improves the ability to communicate socially, gives each student the possibility to progress at his own pace and level, improves the ability to solve problems and focus his attention on a problem, saves the student's learning time, gives him the habit of applying documentation, filing and documents, improves the ability to research previous solutions and use them for a new solution, allows him to find a new solution, it improves math and language ability and finally offers the opportunity for the missed lesson or topic to be repeated by the student, as instant feedback is provided. Key Words: Computer Aided Education, Simultaneous Education, Asynchronous Education
Exploring the Role of Folk Media in Changing the Social Behavior of Urban People: An Exploratory Study in Lahore
Authors: Iftikhar Moneeba , Manzoor Shafaq , Toor Shazia Ismail
Published: October 2023

This study is an attempt to provide comprehensive information and explore the significance of the role of folk media as a significant tool towards achieving Folk Media in Changing the Social Behavior of Urban People. The methodology adopted is qualitative by conducting interviews of prominent people working in the field of media and communication to explore the significant role of media in the current era. Traditional folk media forms have a peculiar charm as they are familiar to the public hearts and souls.
O espaço geográfico no ensino de Geografia: um continuum entre necessidade biológica/existencial e conjunto de possibilidades
Authors: Capelle Suess Rodrigo , Costa Leite Cristina Maria
Published: October 2023

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar e interpretar o espaço geográfico e suas múltiplas abordagens no ensino de Geografia na Educação Básica. Problematizou-se como a construção conceitual do espaço geográfico, enquanto atividade essencial do ensino de Geografia na Educação Básica, pode ser realizada, considerando-se as diversas perspectivas teórico-metodológicas. Como desdobramento, fruto de pesquisas bibliográficas e reflexões autorais, o desenvolvemos como um movimento contínuo entre: 1. Necessidade biológica/existencial — dimensão do sensível e o desenvolvimento do imagético do estudante para a construção da representação espacial; 2. como um elemento de construção dialética entre identidade cultural/pertencimento geográfico e a compreensão da diversidade/diferença no mundo; 3. como objeto de estudo da Geografia – síntese do conhecimento geográfico; 4. na dimensão de seus conceitos operacionais e escalas geográficas; 5.  como um instrumento lógico e sistêmico de leitura e intervenção no mundo; 6. como crítica e superação social do capitalismo e seus ajustes espaciais; e 7. como conjunto de possibilidades de transformação e transposição da realidade. Assim, acreditamos que tais abordagens no ensino de Geografia corroboram com o desenvolvimento de sua complexidade, desde a compreensão de espaço geográfico em suas partes, pela divisão do conteúdo, até a sua totalização, pela síntese do conhecimento geográfico, num processo permanente e dialético de aguçamento, destreza e formação de sensibilidades, habilidades e pensamentos geográficos.
Descolonizar o currículo da Geografia na escola: o olhar a partir da Educação de Jovens e Adultos
Authors: Suertegaray Rossato Maira , Dias Luerce Thiago , Bernardes Rollsing Carolina
Published: October 2023

Este artigo apresenta uma discussão atual sobre currículo na Geografia escolar, com ênfase na Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA), orientado pela perspectiva de uma educação interdisciplinar, interseccional, antirracista e decolonial, que procura apresentar e valorizar diferentes formas de olhar para o mundo. Trazemos a experiência, desenvolvida em 2021, nas turmas de Ensino Fundamental e Médio da EJA no Bloco de Ciências Humanas no Colégio de Aplicação/UFRGS. O currículo proposto está ancorado em conceitos estruturantes que orientam as áreas do conhecimento, no sentido de definir os conteúdos e os objetivos específicos que serão abordados. Neste sentido, o pensamento geográfico está sendo desenvolvido por meio de temas e de conceitos, que falam das realidades próximas dos(as) estudantes, o que também permite a compreensão das conexões entre as relações espaciais nas diferentes escalas. Esta proposta foi desenvolvida no contexto do Ensino Remoto Emergencial, a partir de estudos dirigidos discutidos em aulas síncronas com os estudantes. Nestes momentos, foi possível observar que os argumentos trazidos por eles(elas) se mostraram mais aprofundados, no que se refere ao desenvolvimento das ideias e às conexões entre elas. Foi perceptível a mudança na conduta destes(as) estudantes que, com o tempo, apresentavam-se cada vez mais participativos(as) e confiantes nas suas colocações.
Seduhan Kombinasi Daun Tin (Ficus carica L.) dan Bunga Rosela (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Sebagai Antioksidan Alami yang Potensial
Authors: Mustika Meilinda
Published: October 2023

Daun tin (Ficus carica L.) dan bunga rosela (Hibiscus sabdariffa Flos.) merupakan tanaman yang berpotensi sebagai antioksidan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efek sinergisme antioksidan seduhan kombinasi daun tin dan bunga rosela dengan variasi perbandingan bobot. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut, dilakukan penetapan kadar fenol total dengan metoda Folin ciocalteu dan penentuan aktivitas antioksidan dengan metode DPPH (2,2 diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl) menggunakan spektrofotometri UV-Vis double beam. Dari hasil penelitian diperoleh golongan senyawa metabolit sekunder pada seduhan daun tin dan bunga rosela yaitu flavonoid, fenol, tanin dan saponin. Kadar fenol dari seduhan daun tin dan bunga rosela dengan variasi perbandingan bobot (1:0), (2:1), (1:1), (1:2), dan (0:1) berturut-turut adalah 2,23; 2,29; 1,72; 1,36 dan 0,84 % dan nilai IC50 nya sebesar 20,28; 41,74; 17,87; 26,18 dan 30,46 μg/mL yang menunjukkan bahwa aktivitas antioksidan berada pada kategori sangat kuat. Kadar fenol dan aktivitas antioksidan tertinggi didapat pada kombinasi (2:1). Berdasarkan uji ANOVA satu arah, perbandingan kombinasi seduhan daun tin dan bunga rosela berpengaruh signifikan terhadap aktivitas antioksidan (p˂0,05). Dapat disimpulkan bahwa seduhan kombinasi daun tin dan bunga rosela memiliki efek sinergis dan berpotensi sebagai antioksidan alami.
Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Withania somnifera L. and Tribulus terrestris L. on Human Breast Cancer Cells In vitro
Authors: A. Abdulqawi Latifa Nasser , Atheruddin Quadri Syed , Islam Sehbanul , Kumar Santra Manas
Published: October 2023

Tribulus terrestris and Withania somnifera have been used in Indian medicine for a long time to treat a variety of diseases. The Present study evaluates anticancer activities of methanolic and aqueous extracts of W. somnifera and T. terrestris against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) were tested using MTT assay In-vitro, concentrations ranging of extracts from 2.5µg/ml to 25µg/ml.The results showed that all the plant extracts inhibited breast cancer cells' growth in dose-dependent. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of W. somnifera showing higher anticancer activity whit IC50 14.20 and 17.00µg/ml, respectively. The results of this study give direction for more pharmacological evaluation of these plants and isolation of their active compounds that may be tested and developed into new drugs for the treatment of the cancer.
Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antioxidant potential of Melia. Azedarach linn. and Psidium guajava linn. Leaf extracts
Authors: Kalyani Gade , Fathima Azka , Venkateswarlu Guddeti , Sankar Reddy D. Ravi , Harun Rasheed Shaik
Published: October 2023

The present study is intended to evaluate and analyze in-vitro antibacterial and antioxidative activities of leaf extracts of Melia azedarach Linn (M. azedarach L.) and Psidium guajava Linn (P. guajava L.). In-vitro antibacterial activity was measured using agar well diffusion assay against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains. In-vitro antioxidant activity was estimated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method. Among both plants high minimum inhibitory concentration values are observed with P. guajava L. ethanol extract at 47.6µg/ml for S. aureus and 43.7µg/ml for P. aeruginosa, respectively. The results revealed that 20µg/ml ethanol extracts of P. guajava L. exhibited the highest radical % scavenging activity (76.24%) succeeded by methanol extracts (72.78%), respectively indicating they are effective solvents to extract phenolic compounds. We demonstrated that for both bacterial strains, ethanol followed by methanol extracts showed significant antibacterial activity in P. guajava L.in dose dependent manner indicating the presence of high flavonoids, tannins, and steroids. Our results revealed that both plants are vital reservoirs of phytochemicals with both antibacterial and antioxidant capacities.
Enhancing the activity of ECG Surface Electrodes with super p carbon black additive
Authors: M. D. Manoj , Nanda Anima , Nayak B. K.
Published: October 2023

The recent developments in the area of surface electrodes materials for biomedical devices such as ECG, EEG are unforeseeable. The role of novel materials in electrode development is highly required for futuristic applications in health and biomedical industry to fulfill the patients’ demand. The proposed project has emphasized on the uses of conductive materials Super p carbon black (SPCB) in electrodes, for enhancing the activity of surface electrodes to capture the better signal of the patients. A great challenge lies not only in fabrication of such materials but also in physical characterization of such conductive materials. In the recent era carbon based nano-materials like CNTs, Graphene, GO and rGO overruled on Ag/AgCl based on its better conductivity. The research work has focused on the electrode fabrication with a conventional slurry-based gel cast method by using Super p carbon black and polymer Ethylene Co Vinyl Acetate (EVA). Further the study has aimed on the quantitatively use of Super p carbon black conductive materials on the surface of the electrode and fictionalized it by using EVA. The electrode material was characterized by in-situ non- destructive conductivity study using the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic (EIS) method. This Super p carbon black could be used directly on the surface of the electrode as inbuilt in a dry form to avoid the un-comfortableness of the patient and longevity of the electrode in various biomedical devices like ECG, EEG, etc.
Effect of exercise on quality of life of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Nasreen Borah Asima , Anand Kanchan , Shrivastava Sameer , Nidhi Nidhi , Garg Aakriti , Khan Mohd Ashif
Published: October 2023

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have less exercise capacity, and they are at higher risk of experiencing cognitive impairment, and lower health-related quality of life (QoL) than healthy individuals. Thus, the current study aims to assess the effect of exercise on patients’ cognition, QoL, and biochemical parameters. Methodology: This is an observational study to evaluate the effect of the exercise, which enrolled 90 patients with CKD (stage 3, 4, or 5) admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Patients were made to do a 20-25 min exercise (breathing and limb exercises) and its effect on biochemical parameters (serum creatinine, sodium, potassium, and hemoglobin) was recorded from patient reports from day 1(T1; baseline) till day 7(T7). Further, the effect of exercise on cognition and QoL was assessed at T1 and T7 using the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Results: Significant improvement in the level of serum creatinine, sodium, potassium, and hemoglobin were found in patients with CKD after 7 days of lower and upper limb and breathing exercises. Moreover, significant improvement in all four domains of WHOQOL-BREFi.e., physical health, psychological health, social relationship, and the environment was observed. Conclusion: This study showed that after 7 days of exercise, there was a significant improvement in cognition, biochemical parameters, and QoL in CKD patients.
Biocompatibility Stainless Steel Brackets with Nickel and Chromium Ions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Triwardhani Ari , Amanda Yashica Alifia , Hamid Thalca , Patera Nugraha Alexander , Steventhie Louis , Dwi Hariati Intan Vallentien
Published: October 2023

Background: The use of stainless steel brackets in the oral cavity for a long time will definitely experience a corrosion reaction. The corrosion process is always followed by the release of ions from metal elements. The release of nickel and chromium ions is the most common and studied because of its negative effects on the human body. Objective: to review the biocompatibility and release effect of nickel and chromium ions from stainless steel brackets on the human body. Methods: The data source of this study was obtained through literature search through a database with descriptions related to the biocompatibility of the use of stainless steel brackets with the release of nickel and chromium ions. Results: The results of research and literature studies show that the corrosion results obtained from orthodontic appliances do not cause DNA damage and low genotoxicity, toxicity and cytotoxicity. Conclusion: Biocompatibility of dental materials is the basic point of the success of these materials to be used in the oral cavity. The biocompatibility of stainless steel brackets is good due to the low level of toxicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in the body.
Transition and equilibria in stratified shear flow
Authors: Eaves Tom
Published: October 2023

Stratified shear flows control the degree of mixing of salt and heat occurring in the world’s oceans. An understanding of the nonlinear flow structures which lead to, and mediate turbulent mixing in these flows is therefore vital in order to accurately model their effect on the Earth’s energy balance. This talk will outline a constrained variational procedure which identifies nonlinear flow structures which are most likely to cause turbulence in stratified shear flows. We find that the inclusion of even small buoyancy effects in the flow significantly affects the sequence of events which trigger a turbulent mixing event. An important structure which mediates this transition sequence are edge states – exact, steady-state, unstable equilibria of the Navier-Stokes equations. We will examine these structures in closer detail, and investigate their dynamics over a large range of flow parameters, focussing in particular on the effect of the Prandtl number.
Can a Statistical Lung and Torso Shape Model Improve Respiratory Monitoring via Electrical Impedance Tomography?
Authors: Page Mitchell
Published: October 2023

Lung electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a medical imaging technique to provide continuous, bedside monitoring of lung function during mechanical ventilation. The potential impact of EIT is particularly evident in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. To estimate conductivity changes in the chest associated with breathing, EIT typically requires assumptions about the underlying chest and/or lung shape of the patient. Prior knowledge of patient-specific lung shape and chest shape (e.g. from MRI or CT) has been shown to improve EIT accuracy. However, detailed shape information is often not available due to limited time or resources. Accordingly, our research evaluates whether statistical shape models can provide sufficient estimates of lung and torso shape to enhance EIT accuracy.
Can a butterfly in Brazil control the climate of Texas?
Authors: Wang Qiqi
Published: October 2023

The butterfly effect is a well-known phenomenon in fluid dynamics. A small perturbation to a chaotic dynamical system, such as turbulent flows or the Earth’s atmosphere, can lead to large differences at a later time. Lorenz famously posed the question, does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas? The answer is now widely accepted to be yes. This result has significant consequences to simulations that resolve chaotic dynamics in aerodynamic flows. Whereas a tiny perturbation can change the state of a chaotic system, it is unclear whether it can change the long-time statistics. Statistics of many turbulent flows are known to be stable, insensitive to initial conditions. Ergodic theory provided a foundation for such stability. If the weather is ergodic, then it seems unlikely that the butterfly in Brazil can affect the long-time statistics of weather, also known as the climate of Texas. Indeed, for many scale-resolved aerodynamic simulations to be meaningful, we must believe that their statistics are not super sensitive to perturbations such as numerics and modeling approximations. The concept and theory of shadowing in dynamical systems support such claims for stability.

The speaker, having dedicated almost a decade of research into the theory and computation of shadowing, has recently found the approach insufficient. Even systems that satisfy most idealized assumptions in shadowing theory can be arbitrarily sensitive to parameter perturbations. This question thus resurfaces: can a butterfly in Brazil change the climate of Texas? In this talk, we will illustrate why the theory of shadowing cannot give a negative answer to this question. We will then construct a simple mathematical model in which arbitrarily small perturbations can significantly influence the statistics of a stable, ergodic system. In Lorenz’s analogy, a sufficiently intelligent butterfly could wield robust control over the climate.

While still seeking an answer to the question in the title for realistic flow physics, we emphasize its importance to aerodynamics and control. If the answer is yes, we must question whether we can trust any numerical or laboratory simulation in predicting the statistics of chaotic aerodynamics, even if numerics and modeling can be made arbitrarily precise. A positive answer also reveals an opportunity to control the statistics of large and powerful chaotic flows with tiny and even imperceptible control actions.
Letter from the Editor
Authors: Minor Robin
Published: October 2023

Welcome to the third issue of Teaching and Learning Excellence through Scholarship from the Community College of Baltimore County (TALES from CCBC, or TALES)!
Open Educational Resources and Educational Outcomes at a Community College
Authors: Faith Timothy , Breaux Glenda
Published: October 2023

Open educational resources (OERs) are an alternative textbook to publisher materials used by colleges and universities. While OERs likely reduce the cost of college for students, research is mixed on the impact of these textbooks on student success in college. The present study utilizes preference score matching (PSM) methodology to compare OER and publisher textbook use to student pass and withdrawal rates from 9 high-enrollment courses taught at the Community College of Baltimore County from fall 2016 through spring 2021. We examined all enrollments in a subclass-match PSM model, and found a significant improvement of 0.153 on the final course grade received by the student, and a significant increase of about 4% for students that received an ABC in courses using the OER, along with a significant decrease of 2.6% in the rate that students withdrew from OER courses. We also examined Pell students in a subclass-match PSM model, and found a significant improvement of 0.331 on the final course grade received by the Pell student, and a significant increase of about 9% for students that received an ABC in courses using the OER, along with a significant decrease of 4.8% in the rate that Pell students withdrew from OER courses.
The Value of Critical Self-Reflection in the Development of Cultural Competency
Authors: Hill Maura , Omowale Jadi
Published: October 2023

The Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning program at the Community College of Baltimore County collects reflections from workshop participants for each training module. The purpose of these reflections is twofold: firstly, for participants to examine their personal connection to the theories we present and secondly, for participants to examine how they can utilize the theories and activities in their classrooms and institutions. In this article we describe the results from analyzing reflections from participants across 3 different educational institutions since 2020. The overall results showed that participants were at different points in their personal cultural competency journeys, and that they gained practical tools to help students along their own cultural competency journeys.
Communicating for the Common Good. The Strategic Approach of Communications for Sustainability in Ecuador, Colombia, and Chile
Authors: Orozco Toro Jaime Alberto , Vega Melita , Retamal-Ferrada Lorena , Ávila Caroline , Durán Ana María
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to describe and analyze social responsibility communications management at large companies in Ecuador, Colombia, and Chile and contribute empirical observations to understand sustainability management in Latin America better. The study followed a quantitative approach and conducted a survey based on the Communications and Sustainability Convergence Model. The survey was administered to 96 executives in the three countries, who were asked to rate their practices in these two dimensions. Notwithstanding the limitations associated with survey respondents self-evaluating their practices, we found that most of the companies surveyed categorize their communications and sustainability management as more strategic than tactical and that their practices fit within a scenario known as the Common Good, which aims at creating a triple social, economic and environmental value. However, conceptual differences emerge when understanding sustainability and where it should be focused within the organization. Further research is recommended to help achieve a consensus on the concept of sustainability and how it can be implemented through communications initiatives that benefit both organizations and the communities in which they operate.
Review study about Hierarchical Routing Protocol in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Mohammed Aseel
Published: October 2023

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are crucial in various applications, including smart homes, military surveillance, health monitoring, and environmental sensing. These networks consist of distributed sensor nodes that collect and transmit environmental data to a central location for processing. However, WSNs face challenges such as limited energy resources, scalability, complexity, security, fault tolerance, and quality of service. Researchers have proposed different routing protocols tailored to WSN characteristics to address these issues. This article comprehensively overviews WSN design issues, focusing on routing protocol classification and comparative analysis. Among the hierarchical protocols, LEACH (Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy) is highlighted as a prominent clustering-based protocol that reduces energy consumption by forming clusters and utilizing cluster heads for data aggregation. Each addresses specific challenges and enhances network performance. The comparative analysis evaluates the protocols based on energy efficiency, network lifetime, data delivery, scalability, and security. The findings help researchers, practitioners, and network designers select appropriate routing protocols for their specific WSN applications. This article offers valuable insights into WSN design issues and presents a comprehensive classification and comparison of routing protocols. By understanding the strengths and limitations of different protocols.
Multi-Criteria Decision Making in College Councils Using A Fuzzy Linguist Preferences
Authors: Jabar AL-asadi Avein , Qader Abbas Dlawar
Published: October 2023

As it is known, making a successful decisions is not an easy task, because these decisions affect by many circumstances and depend on set of factors. It is necessary that the decision-making in colleges must be subject to the voting of the members of the college council. The traditional way for issuance the decision can be computed through counting the voters. There are three options for voting: agree, disagree, or conservative. This kind of voting ignores various degrees of opinions and preferences. Some situations that require decision making are difficult because they have uncertain and fuzzy environments. This paper aims to use a new method for making the decision in the college, depending on a fuzzy decision scheme. This work uses data from four colleges to evaluate the projects that will be implemented. Data collection was accomplished by using a table of preferences and presenting it to the College Council members to give their opinions. The preferences table provides various degrees of opinions instead of the traditional method. Exploiting the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) in a fuzzy method requires using different mechanisms for ranking the alternatives according to their importance. Evaluation of the results will determine which one of the alternatives or the criteria has more importance comparing with the others. The results prove that Fuzzy Linguist Preferences can solve many real problems. This work gives the total process about how to solve multiple alternatives decision making problems using analytic hierarchical process in fuzzy and builds a fuzzy evaluating scheme which prioritized the relative weights of the alternatives.
Elliptic Curve Implementation and its Applications: A Review
Authors: Abdulnabi Mohamed Wameedh
Published: October 2023

Encryption is regarded as essential within the safety measures used to protect data via unsafe transport methods. Elliptic Curve encryption (ECC), one of the several asymmetric encryption algorithms currently in use, has become popular because of its high level of security and small key sizes. In contrast to Rivest, Shamir and Adleman (RSA), for instance, ECC can keep security levels at a certain level with a smaller key. The primary purpose of ECC is elliptic curve point multiply (ECPM), which also has the largest hardware cost. Numerous hardware applications have been made to accelerate the calculus of the ECPM. This paper discusses the idea behind the cryptography of elliptic curves (ECC's) and the benefits it quicker, moreover believed way of encoding as compared to the RSA public_key encryption techniques that are currently used as standards. ECC's specifications encompass all relevant asymmetry cryptography elements, including electronic signatures & key negotiation processes. The scalar multiplication Key Point (K.P) function, which is the fundamental operation of ECCs, is utilized to accomplish this objective. Where P is a value and k represents an integer and is exists on an elliptic curve. This article explains how ECC contributes to system safety and applications of it in the field of security
The Fusion of Japanese Zen Aesthetics and the Image of Machi-Man (Townspeople) – Reflections in Ukiyo-e and 19th Century Paris Montmartre Art
Authors: Yi Yuxi
Published: October 2023

The three core elements of Japanese Zen art aesthetics are mono no aware, yugen, and wabi-sabi, but these are only modern research interpretations of Zen art aesthetics. By tracing the roots of Rinzai Zen Buddhism from China, free from the written word, this paper finds that Zen Buddhism has influenced Japanese culture in both thought and life and has fused the cultural practices of the Japanese townspeople's society over time. Therefore, the article analyzes the connection between the Japanese Zen aesthetics and the culture of the Machi-man (townspeople). At the same time, the paper also argues that the relationship between Zen art aesthetics and the townspeople spread worldwide with the spread of ukiyo-e as an art form. This relationship is visualized in the form of case studies, including but not limited to the use of ukiyo-e artworks to substantiate this relationship and the analysis of the works of Toulouse-Lautrec to decipher how this relationship between aesthetics and townspeople has been learned in foreign lands.