bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOLVING A TWO DIMENSIONAL ENVIRONMENT WITH REINFORCEMENT LEARNING
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, CMR Technical Campus (UGC Autonomous), -Kandlakoya, Sai G. Pavan , Reddy S. Lohith , Ganapathi Dr. R.
Published: April 2022

Petroleum fuel prices are often rising due to the rapid depletion of natural resources, which are exorbitantly expensive for the average consumer, especially in the situation in India. Therefore, C.I. The importance of alternative fuel engines for use in is increasing. Much research has been done on alternative fuels. Intensive research is being conducted in the area of improving the thermal efficiency of engines. This shows that in a naturally aspirated diesel engine, only one-third of the heat supplied is converted to work. Many methods are recommended by some experts and researchers to improve engine performance characteristics. The purpose of this study is to increase the swirl effect in the cylinder, improve performance and reduce emissions. In DI diesel engines, swirls can increase the mixing speed of fuel and air. The vortex interaction with the squish flow caused by compression increases the level of turbulence in the combustion bowl and promotes mixing. It is clear that the effect of the shape has very little effect on the airflow during the inspiratory stroke and in the early part of the compression stroke. However, as the piston moves towards top dead center (TDC), the shape of the bowl has a significant effect on airflow, improving atomization, mixing and combustion. In CI, the engine piston shape of the head is a flat and concave combustion chamber, and the engine was driven in this shape. However, it is not possible to mix the air-fuel ratio mixture properly here. To avoid this, shape of the piston was changed. Keywords: D.I. Diesel Engine, Bio- Diesel, Apricot oil, Beak Grooved Piston, B10, B20 and B30.
ANALISIS KINERJA TENAGA PENJUALAN BERDASARKAN GENDER PADA PT. TELKOM INDONESIA WITEL MAGELANG
Authors: Wibowo Hendi Ari , Hirawati Heni
Published: April 2022

This study aims to see whether there are differences in performance between salespeople at PT Telkom Indonesia Witel Magelang from a gender perspective. The population of this study was 306 salespeople consisting of 214 males and 92 females. The analysis of this research is seen from the difference in average, highest sales, and standard deviation of sales for each gender. The results showed that the average sales showed the differences between male and female salespeople. From the highest sales, it shows the dominance of female salespeople from the number of individual sales. The standard deviation describes the distribution of the average sales. This study shows that female salespeople have a more unequal distribution than male salespeople. The dominance of male salespeople in terms of numbers did not make sales performance increase drastically. Female salespeople dominate on average and from maximum sales in a few months. These results indicate that there are differences in performance between male and female salespeople.
PREVENTIVE EFFECTS OF TOCOTRIENOL-ENRICHED MIXED FRACTION ON PLAQUE FORMATION AND STABILITY IN EARLY AND ESTABLISHED ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Authors: OMAR EFFAT , MUHAMMAD NURUL AISHAH , ABU BAKAR NURUL AIN , NAWAWI HAPIZAH
Published: April 2022

Atherosclerosis is the underlying pathology for cardiovascular disease. The preventive effects of tocotrienol-enriched mixed fraction (TEMF) on atherogenesis remains unclear. Objective: To investigate the preventive effects of TEMF supplementation on early and established atherosclerosis. Methods: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into TEMF (n=10) and placebo (n=10) groups. Treatments were given by oral gavage for 8 weeks followed by 1% high cholesterol diet (HCD) for another two (to induce early atherosclerosis) or eight weeks (established atherosclerosis). At the end of the study, the aorta was dissected, stained with Sudan IV, and qualitatively analysed for the atherosclerotic lesion. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), CRP, nuclear factor kappa beta, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion protein-1 (VCAM-1), smooth muscle actin (SMA) and matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12). Results: In both early and established atherosclerosis groups, there was a significant reduction of atherosclerotic lesions in TEMF compared to placebo. Atherogenic biomarkers; IL-6, CRP, E-selectin, SMA, and MMP-12 were reduced with TEMF supplementation in established atherosclerosis (p<0.05). Neutral effects were seen in early atherosclerosis group. TEMF supplementation in the preventive setting decreased atherosclerosis formation and reduces endothelial inflammation in established atherosclerosis lesions, while increasing plaque stability.
A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON BIVARIATE ALLOMETRY IN ACTIVE-FEEDING Chrysomya megacephala (FABRICIUS, 1794) (DIPTERA: CALLIPHORIDAE) LARVAE
Authors: ZUHA RAJA MUHAMMAD
Published: April 2022

The potential use of larval cephalopharyngeal skeleton as an alternative growth indicator in forensic entomology practice was assessed based on its developmental pattern, growth performance and allometric relationship with larval body. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), was used as an experimental species and larval development were studied at ambient temperatures and relative humidity. Larval body size was measured from furthest part of the head to the last abdominal segment. Cephalopharyngeal skeleton was extracted from the body and measured from the tip of dorsal bridge to the left face of dorsal cornu. Daily progression of larval body length and cephalopharyngeal skeleton length showed the latter significantly had slower growth rates. The allometry of larval body and cephalopharyngeal skeleton showed they were correlated only because both variables increased across the three larval instars, which suggesting a spurious correlation. Separate bivariate correlations between the two variables showed only the first instar larvae had a significant (p<0.01) but weak correlation, r=0.33. However, removing the effect of larval instars still produced statistically significant correlation (p<0.001) albeit with moderate strength, r=0.57. From this study, there was not enough evidence to support cephalopharyngeal skeleton as an equal or a better alternative to larval body as growth indicator.
BIOACTIVITY OF BLACK CUMIN OIL ON THE SENESCENCE OF HER-2-OVEREXPRESSING BREAST CANCER CELLS
Authors: AHLINA FARADIBA NUR , ANGGRIANI LISYARATIH , SALSABILA IRFANI AURA , JENIE RIRIS ISTIGHFARI
Published: April 2022

Senescence-induced therapy has been improved to increase its cytotoxicity and reduce the resistance of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy agents. An example of a potential senescence-inducing agent is black cumin oil (BCO) because one of its major compounds, α-pinene, can induce senescent cells. This study aims to explore the senescence-inducing activity of BCO in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells (MCF7/HER2). The yield obtained from hydro-distillation of BCO was 0.54%, and the main compounds were p-cymene (48.03%), dihydrocarveol (11.39%), and α-pinene (11.29%). BCO exhibited a moderate cytotoxicity profile indicated by IC50, which was >200 μg/mL in both cell lines. In combination with doxorubicin, BCO did not increase the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin. Moreover, BCO induced senescence by increasing 3% of the senescent cells compared with that of the control cells. However, this result was lower than that of the positive control on MCF7/HER2. BCO and doxorubicin combination increased the senescent cells by 3%–7% compared with the positive control on MCF7/HER2 cells. Therefore, the moderate cytotoxicity of BCO could be beneficial to the application of BCO as a supportive agent combined with a chemotherapy drug to increase cancer cells senescent and consequently inhibit cell proliferation.
ANTIOXIDANT CAPABILITIES OF Litsea garciae BARK EXTRACTS AND THEIR RELATION TO THE PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS
Authors: RADUAN SITI ZALEHA , AHMED QAMAR UDDIN , KASMURI ABDUL RAZAK , AHMAD RUSMILI MUHAMAD RUSDI , MIA MD ABDUR RASHID , WAN SULAIMAN WAN MOHD AZIZI , MAHMOOD MUHAMMAD HAMDI , SHAIKH MOHD FAROOQ
Published: April 2022

The plant species belonging to the Litsea genus are widely investigated due to their nutritional and medicinal purposes. In this regard, this study is another similar sincere effort in which the antioxidant property and phytochemical composition of Litsea garciae (L. garciae) bark’s hexane, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts were evaluated to confirm its traditional benefits. The total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) were determined first, followed by an assessment of in vitro antioxidant activity using the DPPH and FRAP assays. The composition of the secondary metabolites was determined using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). As a result, methanol extract was recorded to have the highest TPC value aligned with its positive appearance in phytochemical screening. Its antioxidant capacity indicated the least IC50. The results indicated that the significant free radical scavenging activity was due to the methanolic extract's high phenolic content. The secondary metabolites found in the methanol extract varied significantly according to UHPLC-MS analysis. The major phenolic compounds were found including N-trans-feruloyl-4-O-methyldopamine, N-cis-feruloyltyramine, epicatechin-(4beta->6)-epicatechin-(2beta->7,4beta->8)-epicatechin, 7-Hydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one and 9-O-Methylneodunol. In general, the results indicate that L. garciae bark may be a promising source of novel natural compounds with antioxidative properties.
EFFICACY OF ULTRAVIOLET-C IRRADIATION TO SUPPRESS FRUIT DECAY AND RETAIN THE POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF DRAGON FRUIT (Hylocereus polyrhizus)
Authors: NG LEE CHUEN , TAN JACK SINK , FAUZIAH TUFAIL AHMAD
Published: April 2022

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus sp.) is a non-climacteric fruit with a short shelf-life and is easily susceptible to diseases. Chemical pesticides are commonly used to control disease in dragon fruit. However, the efficacy of Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation at low concentrations as effective germicidal to control fruit decay and prolong the shelf-life on dragon fruit is still unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of UV-C irradiation at lower rates (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 kJ m-2) to control the postharvest decay and maintain the quality of dragon fruit. Results revealed that the quality of dragon fruit is dose-dependent. UV-C irradiated dragon fruits at 0.75 and 1.0 kJ m-2 were significantly reduced in fruit body decay, delayed bract yellowing, and prolonged shelf-life. These dosages synergistically slowed down the depletion of total soluble solids and fruit firmness during storage. Also, dragon fruit treated with 1.0 kJ m-2 UV-C exhibited the lowest pH value after the 6th day in storage. UV-C irradiation at this dosage indicated no significant adverse effects in titratable acidity and total water loss. These results indicated that UV-C irradiation at 1.0 kJ m-2 was effective to reduce post-harvest decay and hence prolong the post-harvest quality of dragon fruit storage under ambient conditions.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GUAVA (Psidium guajava) AND SENDUDUK LEAVES (Melastoma malabathricum L.) EXTRACT GEL TOWARDS THE INFLAMMATION MARKERS AND COLLAGENS ON INDUCED MALE RATS (SPRAGUE DAWLEY) WITH DIABETES
Authors: MAIGODA TONNY CORTIS , REFDANITA  , IDRAMSYAH
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of a mixed extract gel from Melastoma malabathricum L. (ML) and Psidium guajava leaves (PG) on inflammatory markers and collagen distribution wound tissue in rats (Sprague Dawley) induced with diabetes. This was an experimental study with a randomized block design to 20 male rats divided into 4 treatment groups. Group 1 is negative control (gel blank), Group 2 is positive control (clindamycin gel), Group 3 used 4% gel formula mixture of ML + PG leaves, and Group 4 used 6% gel formula, a mixture of ML + PG leaves extract the gel. The results showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.001) in total Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) treated with 6% extract gel (ML + PG) from a level of 25.0 pg/mL on the 2nd day to 1.68 pg/mL on the 6th day. The smallest wound diameter was 0.75 mm2 as observed on the 6th day in rats treated with 6% extract gel (ML + PG). The largest distribution of collagen area was 219,8 (86,2%) treated by 6% extract gel (ML + PG).
THE ABILITY OF BREADFRUIT STARCH NANOPARTICLE-STABILIZED PICKERING EMULSION FOR ENCAPSULATING CINNAMON ESSENTIAL OIL
Authors: HARSANTO BOVI WIRA , SUPRIYANTO  , KARTINI IINDRIANA , PRANOTO YUDI
Published: April 2022

Cinnamon essential oil (CO) is susceptible to decreased stability during storage, limiting its application in food products. Pickering emulsion stabilized by starch nanoparticles becomes a potential encapsulating method that can improve CO stability. This study aimed to investigate the ability of breadfruit starch nanoparticles-stabilized Pickering emulsion to encapsulate CO with various concentrations. Encapsulation process was carried out using the high-energy emulsification method with dispersing CO (0.05%; 0.1%; 0.5%; 1% w/w) in emulsion. The loading efficiency of CO and emulsion properties were evaluated. Retention of CO was also observed in 7 days-storage. Results showed that 0.5% and 1% CO were encapsulated effectively and stable in Pickering emulsion, with loading efficiency and CO retention ranging from 79.49-81.13% and 78.86-79.20%, respectively. The addition of 0.5% and 1% CO increased yellowness (+a*: 7.45-8.99) as well as decreased whiteness (+L*: 85.77-86.06) and viscosity (629.9-721.8 cP) of Pickering emulsion. However, differences in CO concentrations did not affect the emulsion index of Pickering emulsion. These findings concluded that breadfruit starch nanoparticles-stabilized Pickering emulsion could encapsulate up to 0.5% and 1% CO with the best properties among other treatments. Therefore, breadfruit starch nanoparticles-stabilized Pickering emulsion can be an alternative as encapsulation method, which can later expand the application of CO in food products.
MOLECULAR PCR ASSAYS FOR DETECTION OF Ganoderma PATHOGENIC TO OIL PALM IN MALAYSIA
Authors: ZAINOL HILMI NUR HAILINI , IDRIS ABU SEMAN , MAIZATUL-SURIZA MOHAMED , MADIHAH AHMAD ZAIRUN , NUR-RASHYEDA RAMLI
Published: April 2022

Ganoderma boninense is a fungal pathogen that causes basal stem rot (BSR) disease in oil palm. Being a serious disease problem to the oil palm industry, monitoring and detecting the pathogen is of the utmost importance to reduce disease spread and facilitate effective management strategies. Because traditional culture-based assay is time-consuming, labour-intensive and required special skills in mycology, plant pathologists are turning to more accurate, sensitive and fast methods such as molecular techniques. In this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed to detect pathogenic Ganoderma species causing BSR disease in oil palm using a primer designed based on the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The effectiveness of conventional and real-time PCR assays was analysed compared to the traditional isolation-based assay. For artificially inoculated oil palm plantlets, consistent detection of G. boninense was observed. Real-time PCR assay has shown to be more sensitive and rapid in detecting G. boninense in field samples and could potentially serve as a validation tool to other detection techniques for implementation of effective disease control measures.
QUIMIOTERAPIA DA AMEBÍASE, GIARDÍASE, TRICOMONÍASE, TRIPANOSSOMÍASE, LEISHMANIOSE E OUTRAS INFECÇÕES POR PROTOZOÁRIOS
Authors: Mota Nascimento Gabriel , Seabra Garcia de Menezes Figueiredo Caíque , Macedo Sousa Eduardo , Diniz Prudente Guilherme , Elias Ferreira Neto Gustavo , Alves Xavier João Victor , Bosso de Barros Filho Marcondes , Marques Gonçalves Pedro Afonso , Arantes Sisterolli Alencar Victor Hugo , Rezende Albernaz Vitor
Published: April 2022

Objetivo: este estudo tem a finalidade de sintetizar e apresentar uma perspectiva concisa e direcionada para a terapêutica farmacológica relacionada aos medicamentos anti-protozoários. Metodologia: este estudo trata-se de uma revisão de literatura composto por informações obtidas de artigos obtidos na plataforma de dados do PUBMED. Foram usados os seguintes descritores: “pharmacological therapy AND protozoa”. Além disso, os seguintes filtros foram selecionados: “free full text”, “systematic review” e “5 years”. Ao fim da pesquisa, foram encontrados 28 artigos, os quais compuseram a base de informação para do estudo. Resultados e Discussão: os principais frutos do artigo relacionam-se à dispersão de novas terapias anti-protozoárias, as quais podem modificar sobremaneira a forma como as prescrições têm sido realizadas. Além disso, são discutidos mecanismos de resistência a fármacos e suas implicações na terapêutica atual. Por fim, a compilação de um conhecimento médico importante faz deste artigo uma fonte importante de conhecimento científico. Conclusão: este artigo apresentou como principal conclusão a formação de um delineamento terapêutico acerca de novos medicamentos e sua importância no combate aos mecanismos de resistência. Isso pode ser observado, por exemplo, em populações indianas, as quais são eminentemente resistentes ao estibogliconato de sódio, o qual possui efetividade na maior parte do planeta. Na Índia, portanto, faz-se necessária uma nova terapia capaz de combater a infecção leishmânica para que esta enfermidade não avance sobre a população. Dessa forma, este estudo concluiu que o estudo epidemiológico, associado à visão clínica e farmacológica, é base para a construção de novas terapias anti-protozoárias.
Spatial Analysis of Physical Accessibility to Rural Health Care Facilities in Nigeria: A Review
Authors: Audu Ibrahim Abubakar , Garba Nura , Badema Ali
Published: April 2022

In the literature of spatial analysis of physical accessibility to rural health care facilities in Nigeria, it seems that growing attention has been given to health care which is a fundamental human right to every citizen to have access to health care services when needed, but cost of living is high, the road network is poor, and many people lack enough to afford expensive healthcare, apart from paying an extra for transport to a long distance health facility. The situation increases the tendency to delay or miss effective health care on a daily basis all over the country; especially in rural areas where infrastructural development is low. This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive literature on spatial analysis of physical accessibility to rural health care facilities in Nigeria so as to show the importance of adequate healthcare facilities in providing sustainable rural development.Healthy population and access to healthcare services are significant factors influencing economic development and prosperity. Thus, accessibility to healthcare facilities has generally been identified as a major indicator of development, and the existing spatial pattern of distribution of healthcare facilities play very prominent role in gauging the level of efficiency or otherwise of the existing level of provision of these facilities within any region. Health planners, over the years, have been focusing on financing healthcare with less consideration of the spatial physical accessibility to facilities. It is glaring that finance alone will not redeem the failing Nigerian health system. Therefore, healthcare planners and researchers must prioritize other dimensions of healthcare access such as spatial physical accessibility which they have ignored over the years
Symposium Report—The Future Course of Populism in the Post-Pandemic Era: The State of Globalization, Multilateral Governance, and Democracy￼
Authors:   European Center for Populism Studies (ECPS), Wolf Maximillian , Grueso Gadea Mendez , Robinson Tom , Lortkipanidze Mariam , Schutz Imke , Sezer Julide , Aelbrecht Heloise , Blink Melissa
Published: April 2022

The ECPS’s First Annual International Symposium, titled “The Future Course of Populism in the Post-Pandemic Era: The State of Globalization, Multilateral Governance, and Democracy,” was held online in Brussels on February 18, 2022, and brought together scholars from the political, social, and economic sciences, as well as populism experts and civil society audiences, to discuss the impact of populist policies on the national, regional, and global management of the Covid-19 pandemic. In doing so, the symposium aimed at contributing to informed predictions on the post-pandemic international political landscape. This report is the product of these fruitful conversations and is intended to keep the record of the Symposium. It includes brief summaries of the speeches and, also, links to the full videos of presentations.
Complexity Of Land Procurement Problems Sport Center In North Sumatera Province
Authors: Suhendi Dadang
Published: April 2022

Since the Basic Agrarian Law (Law Number 5 of 1960) was enacted on September 24, 1960, it is expressly stipulated in Article 6 that land rights have social functions and this has become one of the principles in Indonesian Agrarian Law. Social functions are not only targeted at property rights, but all land rights, both private and public, as well as land rights must be devoted to the greatest prosperity of the people in accordance with the mandate of Article 33 paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution, and must be willing to give in taken by the State) if the public interest so desires.Theoretically, the social function of land is better known as originating from a State that adheres to a socialist notion which generally in its state constitution stipulates that all land parcels are managed by the State for the greatest prosperity of the people, meaning that land is recognized as common property of the people whose management is given to the State
RISK MAPPING ON LENDING METHOD OF SHARIA MICRO FINANCING INSTITUTION (INDONESIA EVIDENCE)
Authors: Sukriya Aminata , Yasir Jibria Ratna , Kamal Fasiha
Published: April 2022

The purposes of financing method are to maintain the smoothness of financial return and to mitigate the risk of default, especially for microfinance institutions. It is similar to the 5Cs in banking. However, Islamic microfinance institutions have quite striking differences in practice. This research aimed to analyze the risk management of financing method on Sharia Micro Financing Institutions (SMFIs) in Indonesia with ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) approach  classifying the risks become 4 part; strategic risks, operations risks, reporting risks, and compliance risks. The research method was a qualitative descriptive study by breaking down risk events into 2 categories, namely the financing process and the financing actors. The financing process was divided into 3 stages, namely pre-processing, processing, and post-processing. While, the financing actors were debtors, creditors, and funding source institutions.

The data collection methods were observation, in-depth interview, and library research. This research identified 64  risk events. The risk that most often faced by financing actors was the one inherent in the debtor. While, the risk that mostly faced by creditors was during the pre-financing process. The highest undesirable risks were debtorâ€™s misunderstanding of sharia and interest-based contracts, misassessment of the company propriety, and difficulty in insurance claims.
http://ijmsnr.com/determining-of-prevalence-and-risk-factors-of-eye-disease-among-diabetes-in-india/
Authors:   Assistant Professor of Statistics, Department of Pharmacy Practice, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia., Vasudevan Senthilvel , Prasad Amitha ,   Biostatistician Technician, IQVIA, World Trade Center Kochi (Brigarde), 7th floor, Tower A, Info Park SEZ, Info Park Phase-1 Campus, Kakkanad, Kochi, Kerala, India
Published: April 2022

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and to find the associated risk factors of DR among known Type II DM patients. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional and single center study was conducted among Type II DM patients with and without DR in the department of Endocrinology with a sample size of 150 with DM patients in 2018. Data were expressed as mean, standard deviation, proportions, Chi-Square, t-test test and Binary Logistic Regression analysis. Results: Diabetic patients 150 were identified as Type II DM as per inclusion criteria with aged 30 years and above. Among 150 Diabetic patients, 39 (26%) patients had Diabetic Retinopathy and 111 (74%) patients were not having Diabetic Retinopathy. The association between groups (with and no DR) and duration of DM were very highly significant with p-value < 0.01. DR prevalence was higher in female when compared with male population. Conclusion: From our study, we have concluded that the prevalence of DR was very high. DR was strongly associated with HbA1C, FBS, duration of DM, medication, duration of hypertension and smoking. Hence, there is a need for regular screening check-up with ophthalmologist to prevent diabetic retinopathy or to prolong or to escape from the vision loss. Keywords: type II diabetic mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, prevalence, risk factors
http://ijmsnr.com/a-view-on-conducting-research-and-applications-of-biostatistics-is-essential-to-medical-education/
Authors:   Assistant Professor of Statistics, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia., Vasudevan Senthilvel
Published: April 2022

Research is the main key method of the advancement of medical field. It is a continuous process and it gives the new and best method/way of new treatment/way of medication in the medical field. It is an important and essential education method in the medical education curriculum in India. Not only in India, doing research and submission it in a proper way or method is a mandatory procedure in the medical education process in worldwide medical education. Anybody wants to prove their finding in medical or any other field then; they will do some research with proper permission and procedure and submit their finding using by biostatistical tools and applications and to prove scientifically in a proper way. Research is very much useful to find the consequences, and other information about Covid-19 pandemic to doctors/scientist/health care providers’/policy makers/State and Central Governments to take necessary precautionary measures. Biostatistics means the application of statistical tools to scientific research in health care related areas like medicine, biology, and public health. From research only, one can prove or develop a new method or tools or procedure to a new area/field by using biostatistical tools or methods. Research and applications of biostatistical tools are interrelated with each other. Without using of biostatistical tools, no one has to prove their findings are scientifically. So, it is the back bone of any kind research/study. These two things are very important in our Indian medical education/curriculum and other foreign countries also. So, in this short communication, I have to discuss about the needs and importance of research and biostatistics concepts and its applications in the under graduate and post graduate medical education. Keywords: medical education, medical curriculum, under and post graduate students, research, biostatistical tools, India
A Perception on Covid-19 vaccinations among tribal communities in East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya
Authors:   Final year student, Master of Public health, Indian Institute of Public Health, Delhi, *Intern INCLEN TRUST international in Meghalaya, India, Vasudevan Sudharsan , Singh Samiksha ,   Associate Professor in Public Health, Indian Institute of Public Health, Delhi,, Newar Nisha ,   Staff Nurse Baptist Christian hospital, Institute of Public Health, Delhi, India., AB Amaljith ,   Final year student, Master of Public health, Indian Institute of Public Health, Delhi, *Intern INCLEN TRUST international in Meghalaya, India
Published: April 2022

Background: Covid-19 an illness caused by SARS- COV-2 virus, it has killed millions of people all over the world and has wreaked havoc in India too. Even today there is no confirmed drug that can successfully tackle the illness. According to WHO, efficient vaccines and equitable access to them is vital to curbing the Covid-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: With the help of a semi-structured question guide, six focus group discussions were conducted in several villages in East Khasi hills Meghalaya, each focus group had 6-12 participants, thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Most of the villagers are affected by covid-19 and the lockdown measures to curb it, but their perceptions on vaccinations were negative. Certain thematic areas that seemed to repeat were, religious beliefs, lack of awareness, individual freedom to choose, not feeling like they require it as they are just agricultural laborers, fear of side effects, and the prevalence of negative propaganda on social media. Most believe if it’s mandatory to take the vaccine everyone would take it. Few village heads suggested better awareness might be able to convince a few. Conclusion: The majority said they were not ready to get vaccinated, and cited religion and individual freedom to choose as the reasons for their reluctance. Health awareness programs and more pro vaccine governmental policies may help improve coverage. Keywords: covid-19, covid vaccination, tribal health, vaccine hesitancy, Meghalaya
An Introduction to the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Gaudet Matthew J.
Published: April 2022

This introduction is intended to orient the reader of the Journal of Moral Theology special issue on artificial intelligence in several ways. First, it offers a primer on the terminology and concepts of necessary to begin to understand the field of artificial intelligence. Second, it provides a general overview of many of the ethical issues that have arisen as a result of the development of artificial intelligence. Finally, it offers an outline of the general structure of the issue that follows.
Can Lethal Autonomous Weapons Be Just?
Authors: Herzfeld Noreen
Published: April 2022

Lethal autonomous weapons inaugurate a third era of warfare, releasing soldiers from both physical presence and the mental decisions of the battlefield. Their capacity for self-determined action makes them uniquely effective and uniquely unpredictable. Just as the advent of nuclear weapons caused twentieth-century theologians to reassess what constitutes a “just war,” the advent of autonomous weapons in the twenty-first century calls for another such assessment. We will examine four questions which suggest that the use of such weapons is inconsistent with Christian just war theory. First, do such weapons make warfare too easy, and thus militate against it being a last resort? Second, would an AI be capable of acting ethically? If an autonomous weapon is involved in a war atrocity, who is responsible? Finally, how might such weapons be used in situations short of warfare? While a ban on such weapons would be ideal, it is unlikely. In such a case, we can use the traditions of just war theory to ensure autonomous weapons are deployed in a limited and morally responsible manner.
We Must Find a Stronger Theological Voice: A Copeland Dialectic to Address Racism, Bias, and Inequity in Technology
Authors: Slattery John P.
Published: April 2022

I divide the general field of technology ethics into two distinct parts, the ethics of applied technology and the ethics of technology and society. The former is the subject of volumes, whereas the latter is just beginning to emerge. This essay aims to bring the ethics of technology and society, with its emphasis on issues of bias, injustice, and equity, into conversation with contemporary political theology, and as such uncover new possibilities for theological reflection. To do this, I discuss how current theological utilizations of the common good are insufficient to provide a unique voice to the many biases and injustices within modern technological systems unless they are properly couched in an interruptive mystical-political framework, as defined here by M. Shawn Copeland, through her use of Bernard Lonergan and Johann-Baptist Metz, and marked by forgiveness, reconciliation, witness, memory, and lament.
Metaphysics, Meaning, and Morality: A Theological Reflection on AI
Authors: Wales Jordan Joseph
Published: April 2022

Theologians often reflect on the ethical uses and impacts of artificial intelligence, but when it comes to artificial intelligence techniques themselves, some have questioned whether much exists to discuss in the first place. Ancient thinkers—namely Augustine of Hippo— enable us to draw forth the moral and metaphysical significance of current developments like the “deep neural networks” responsible for some of the most remarkable achievements of the past few years. First, Augustine’s theology of the natural world’s rationes seminales makes sense of neural networks’ success by explaining the world as a kaleidoscopic refraction of divine Wisdom rather than as a collection of discrete objects standing in crisp relations. Second, his account of interpretive judgment as a moral act bound up with love reveals how our training and use of AI relates to the Christian’s assimilation to Wisdom. The contingent meaning of the neural network reveals AI’s potential either for standing between us and the world or in some sense facilitating a Christian’s regathering of the created echoes of divine Wisdom throughout his or her journey into the Trinity.
Theological Foundations for Moral Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Graves Mark
Published: April 2022

The expanding social role and continued development of artificial intelligence (AI) needs theological investigation of its anthropological and moral potential. A pragmatic theological anthropology can characterize moral AI as experiencing its natural, social, and moral world through interpretations of its external reality as well as its self-reckoning. Systems theory can further structure insights into an AI social self that conceptualizes itself within Ignacio Ellacuria’s historical reality and its moral norms through Thomistic ideogenesis. This enables a conceptualization process capable of carrying moral weight and grounded in reality; structures the experience of an AI emergent self into multiple levels of interpretation; and drives a multi-level systems architecture for moral AI. Modeling AI’s interpretive experience and self-reckoning as a causal, sociotechnical, and moral actor can help moral AI identify conflicts between its normative values and develop the practical wisdom (phronesis) needed to apply its general moral models.
Epilogue on AI and Moral Theology: Weaving Threads and Entangling Them Further
Authors: Green Brian Patrick
Published: April 2022

This epilogue brings together threads of ideas from this special issue on AI and adds some additional yarn as well, highlighting the contributions of the authors and how much more there is to say. The epilogue does not claim to be able to untangle all knots, limiting itself to categorizing the material into anthropological, theological, and ethical threads.
Table of Contents, Vol. 11, Special Issue 1. Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Gaudet Matthew J. , Green Brian Patrick
Published: April 2022

Table of Contents, Journal of Moral Theology, Vol. 11, Special Issue no. 1, Spring 2022, “Artificial Intelligence”
MRI CHANGES AMONG PATIENTS OF ECLAMPSIA AND PREECLAMPSIA WITH ASSOCIATED NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOM ANALYSIS
Authors: Umar Tayyaba , Gilani Atifa , Tasnim Amber , Yousaf Muhammad Ali , Umar Sara , Mehboob Annas , Gilani Amna , Gilani Fatima
Published: April 2022

Background: Pregnancy poses some stress on normal homeostasis of the human body and brings changes in the body which predisposes the individual towards various pathological conditions as well. Objective: Objective of the study was to determine the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes and clinical symptoms associated with these changes among patients of eclampsia and preeclampsia managed at tertiary care unit. It was a cross-sectional study, conducted at Gynaecology and obstetrics department Pak Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH) Rawalpindi. January to June 2019. Methods: A total of 80 pregnant women who were diagnosed by consultant obstetrician for eclampsia or pre-eclampsia were included in the study. All the patients underwent Plain MRI brain including TIWI, T2WI, FLAIR, DWI, ADC, GRE and SWI sequences at radiology department of PEMH RWP. Positive MRI findings were defined as presence of cerebral oedema, infarction, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and cerebral haemorrhage. Headache, seizures, altered mental status and visual problems were correlated with MRI changes among the target population. Results: Out of 80 pregnant women with eclampsia or pre-eclampsia, 49 (61.2%) had no changes on MRI while 31 (38.8%) had significant changes on MRI. Cerebral oedema 12 (15%) was the most common MRI finding followed by cerebral haemorrhage 8 (10%). Mean age of participants was 36.33±2.238 years. With Pearson chi-square analysis, it was found that presence of seizures and altered mental state had statistically significant relationship with presence of MRI findings among the target population. Conclusion: MRI changes were a common finding among the patients of eclampsia or pre-eclampsia. Cerebral oedema was the commonest finding in our study. Patients with serious clinical symptoms like seizures and altered mental state had more chances of having MRI changes as compared to patients without the serious clinical symptoms.
EFFICACY OF INTRA-ARTICULAR KETOROLAC AND LIGNOCAINE ON POST-OPERATIVE PAIN RELIEF AFTER ARTHROSCOPIC KNEE SURGERY
Authors: Niazi Auon Shabbir Khan , Bajwa Mubashar Ahmed , Zahra Midhat , Niazi Muhammad Uzair Khan , Zainab Irta , Anwer Adnan
Published: April 2022

Background: Arthroscopy of the knee is preferably done under spinal anaesthesia. The optimal analgesia for effective postoperative pain control is important to permit early discharge, comfort and mobility of the patient. Objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of ketorolac and lignocaine administered intra-articularly for postoperative pain following knee arthroscopic surgery. Methods: A total of 133 patients were randomized into two groups with one group receiving intra-articular Ketorolac and the other group receiving intra-articular Lignocaine. Postoperative pain was then assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after surgery. Result: Both the groups had effective analgesia at 4 hours. The best analgesia was seen in the group that received Ketorolac Intra-articularly and it was found statistically significant. Conclusion: Administration of intra-articular Ketorolac injection is safe and effective way of achieving postoperative pain relief after arthroscopic knee surgery.
PREDICTING DEVELOPMENT OF CRITICAL ILLNESS IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 PRESENTING TO A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY
Authors: Jibril Huzefa , Arshad Ainan , Seth Martins Russell , Jamil Bushra
Published: April 2022

Background: With the increasing number of COVID-19 patients and limited resources available to accommodate them, there is a need for risk stratification tools to ensure better utilization of resources. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study in patients discharged from the COVID designated areas of a large tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan from the 1st of May to the 31st of July, 2020. 581 patients were included and the COVID GRAM score was calculated at the time of admission and patients developing critical disease as per COVID GRAM study criteria (need of intensive care unit admission, invasive ventilation or death) after 24 hours of admission were noted. Results: The mean age of the study population was 56.3±14.8 years. Patients that developed critical illness (as per COVID GRAM study criteria) beyond 24 hours after admission had higher COVID GRAM scores at admission versus those that did not (183.2±80.7 versus 130.3±42.6). The Area under the Receiver Operator Curve for the COVID gram score to predict critical illness in the study population was 0.802 (95% confidence interval, 0.753–0.850). On binary logistic multivariable regression analysis, the COVID GRAM and SOFA scores on admission and need of ICU admission during hospitalization were significant predictors of mortality 24 hours after admission. Conclusions: The COVID GRAM score is a useful risk assessment tool and can be used for appropriate allocation and prioritization of resources where they are most needed.
MICRONUTRIENT STATUS AND ENERGY INTAKE IN MODERATE ACUTE MALNOURISHED CHILDREN AFTER INTAKE OF HIGH ENERGY NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR FOUR WEEKS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY
Authors: Nawab Fouzia , Fatima Sadia , Nazli Rubina , Habib Syed Hamid , Nawab Sadia , Gerasimidis Konstantinos
Published: April 2022

Background: Undernutrition including micronutrient deficiency results in adverse health-related outcomes in children of low-medium income countries. This study aims to explore the effect of four weeks of Lipid-based nutritional supplement (LNS) on energy intake, anthropometry and micronutrient status in moderate acute malnourished children. Methods Thirty-four children with mean age 7.08±1.47 years and a BMI Z score between -2 and -3 SDS were randomized into LNS and Placebo groups in a single blind randomized control trial. Energy intake, fasting blood samples, and anthropometric measurements were obtained prior to and after four weeks of LNS (535 kcal) or Placebo (92kcal) supplementation in addition to their habitual dietary intake. Results: During four weeks of supplementation, energy intake (kcal) [(611±155) to (987±224), p<0.001)], weight (kg) [(17.5±2.83) to (18.1±3.24), p< 0.001], mid-upper arm circumference (cm) [(14.8±0.91) to (15.1±0.84), p=0.005)] and BMI (kg/m2) [(12.9±0.33) to (13.3±0.45), p=0.002] was significantly improved in the LNS group compared to Placebo. A significant increase in hemoglobin (g/ml) [(12.2±1.14) to (13.7±1.69), p<0.01] and iron levels (µg/dl) [(0.36±0.09) to (0.67±0.20), p<0.001] were observed in the LNS group. No significant differences were detected in the copper and zinc levels. Conclusion: Lipid-based nutritional supplement is effective in improving energy intake, nutritional outcomes and iron but not copper and zinc. The trial was registered at www.isrctn.com under reference: ISRCTN147181521.
COVID-19 INFECTION DURING PREGNANCY WITH ACUTE HEART FAILURE, VENOUS THROMBOSIS AND PNEUMONIA
Authors: Soofi Muhammad Adil , Shah Muhammad Azam , Mhish Olaa Hassan , AlSamadi Faisal
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 infection has spread rampantly, attaining pandemic status within three months of its first appearance. It has been classically associated with respiratory signs and symptoms. However, unusual presentations have also been reported in multiple literatures. We are reporting a case of acute heart failure in a pregnant patient diagnosed with Covid-19 infection. Her hospital course has been complicated by pneumonia and venous thrombosis during the postpartum period. Her laboratory investigations showed evidence of myocardial injury, acute heart failure, and COVID-19 infection in second PCR sample taken during postpartum period. Echocardiography exhibited features of severe left ventricle systolic dysfunction. She had successful delivery through caesarean-section, nevertheless, her postpartum period was complicated by pneumonia and right femoral venous thrombosis. CT scan of the chest and pulmonary arteries revealed infiltrations in the left lower lobe and right middle lobe, suggestive of consolidation, with no evidence of pulmonary embolism. Cardiac MRI displayed severe global LV and RV systolic dysfunction, but no evidence of myocardial infarction, myocardial infiltration, or abnormal myocardial delayed enhancement. Her condition improved and she was discharged on heart failure medications. During follow-up at the heart failure clinic, her symptoms continued to ameliorate, except the LV and RV systolic dysfunction which persisted. Multiple unusual presentations of Covid-19 infection have been reported in various literatures and screening of the COVID-19 infection should be practiced on regular basis especially among high-risk patients. Prompt identification of COVID-19 infection will lead to proper isolation and mitigation of infection spread among hospitalized patients and health care workers. Covid-19 PCR should be repeated in cases having clinical indication and negative first sample. A proper history and cardiac MRI can differentiate between different aetiologies of heart failure during pregnancy and peripartum COVID-19 infection. Adequate anticoagulation should be considered in COVID-19 patients due to the high risk of thromboembolism. Among patients with COVID-19 infection, CT chest helps demonstrate the extent of pulmonary involvement.
EXPRESSION OF BAP1 IN CLEAR CELL RENAL CELL CARCINOMA
Authors: Fatima Arooj , Mushtaq Sajid , Loya Asif , Hassan Usman , Sheikh Umer Nisar
Published: April 2022

Background: BAP1 (BRCA1 associated protein 1 on chromosome 3) is a commonly mutated gene in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of BAP1 by immunohistochemistry in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Methods: It was a descriptive case series in which data was retrospectively collected. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the loss of nuclear expression of BAP1. Results: Loss of BAP1 was observed in 60% of cases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. 27% of grade 1 tumours, 62% of grade 2 tumours, 65% of grade 3 tumours and 66% of grade 4 tumours showed loss of BAP1. Loss of BAP1 was observed in 54% cases of stage 1 tumours, 72% of stage 2 tumours and 66% of stage 3 tumours. Our study showed loss of BAP1 in 67% of cases with tumour necrosis, in 75% of cases with sarcomatoid features and in 60% of patients with distant metastasis. Conclusions: We conclude that the loss of BAP1 nuclear expression is associated with poor prognostic features. i.e., higher grade, higher stage, tumour necrosis, sarcomatoid features and distant metastasis leading to death of patients.
GIANT CELL TUMOUR OF THE OCCIPITAL BONE IN A 13-YEAR OLD MALE
Authors: Chugh Ashish , Mohapatra Ashutosh , Punia Prashant , Gotecha Sarang Shirish , Choudhury Priyam
Published: April 2022

Giant Cell Tumours (GCT) are usually found at the extremities of the long bones and their presence in the skull being less than 1%. In the skull, sphenoidal bone and temporal bone are the commonest sites. There have been very few reports of GCTs of the occipital bone. Total excision surgery is the ideal treatment of choice. If surgery poses a problem, then adjuvant radiotherapy can be administered too. We present a case of 13-year-old male child who was diagnosed with GCT of the occipital bone. He was successfully operated and is symptom free 6 months post his surgery till now.