bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triple sums including Fibonacci numbers with three binomial coefficients
Authors:   Yozgat Bozok University, Taşdemir Funda
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we consider some triple sums that involve Fibonacci numbers with three binomial coefficients. We chose the indices of Fibonacci numbers as linear combination of the summation indices. Moreover, various types of alternating analogues of them whose powers depend on the index or indices are computed. These sums are evaluated in nice multiplication forms in terms of Fibonacci and Lucas numbers.
On the spectra of a new duplication based corona of graphs
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Catholicate College, Varghese Renny P. , Susha D. ,   Department of Mathematics, Catholicate College
Published: March 2021

In this paper we introduce a new corona-type product of graphs namely duplication corresponding corona. Here we mainly determine the adjacency, Laplacian and signless Laplacian spectra of the new graph product. In addition to that, we find out the incidence energy, the number of spanning trees, Kirchhoff index and Laplacian-energy-like invariant of the new graph. Also we discuss some new classes of cospectral graphs.
A study on some generalized multiplicative and generalized additive arithmetic functions
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, North-Eastern Hill University, Bhattacharjee D.
Published: March 2021

In this paper by an arithmetic function we shall mean a real-valued function on the set of positive integers. We recall the definitions of some common arithmetic convolutions. We also recall the definitions of a multiplicative function, a generalized multiplicative function (or briefly a GM-function), an additive function and a generalized additive function (or briefly a GA-function). We shall study in details some properties of GM-functions as well as GA-functions using some particular arithmetic convolutions namely the Narkiewicz’s A-product and the author’s B-product. We conclude our discussion with some examples.
Finiteness of lattice points on varieties F(y) = F(g(𝕏)) + r(𝕏) over imaginary quadratic fields
Authors:   Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland, Nizio Lukasz
Published: March 2021

We construct affine varieties over \mathbb{Q} and imaginary quadratic number fields \mathbb{K} with a finite number of \alpha-lattice points for a fixed \alpha\in \mathcal{O}_\mathbb{K}, where \mathcal{O}_\mathbb{K} denotes the ring of algebraic integers of \mathbb{K}. These varieties arise from equations of the form F(y) = F(g(x_1,x_2,\ldots, x_k))+r(x_1,x_2\ldots, x_k), where F is a rational function, g and r are polynomials over \mathbb{K}, and the degree of r is relatively small. We also give an example of an affine variety of dimension two, with a finite number of algebraic integral points. This variety is defined over the cyclotomic field \mathbb{Q}(\xi_3)=\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{-3}).
A note on Q-matrices and higher order Fibonacci polynomials
Authors:   International Telematic University UniNettuno, Ricci Paolo Emilio
Published: March 2021

The results described in a recent article, relative to a representation formula for the generalized Fibonacci sequences in terms of Q-matrices are extended to the case of Fibonacci, Tribonacci and R-bonacci polynomials.
The Harvard Jerusalem Studio
Authors: Safdie Moshe
Published: March 2021

These studies, conducted in 1980-1984 by teams of faculty, students, consultants, and advisors from the Jerusalem planning community and the Harvard Graduate School of Design, provide a unique sense of Jerusalem's natural and built environment, its livability, cultural diversity, and political and religious tensions.

Modern Jerusalem is one of the most fascinating laboratories for urban development. These studies, conducted in 1980-1984 by teams of faculty, students, consultants, and advisors from the Jerusalem planning community and the Harvard Graduate School of Design, provide a unique sense of Jerusalem's natural and built environment, its livability, cultural diversity, and political and religious tensions. The more than 500 illustrations include contemporary plans and drawings as well as lithographs, engravings, and historical material that convey the special quality of the Holy City. Moshe Safdie, who initiated and directed the Jerusalem studio, discusses the urban design program at Harvard in his introduction to the book. In the first three chapters, he traces Jerusalem's heritage, presents the Old City and its visual basin, and details projects for Damascus Gate (where "all the ingredients, problems, and opportunities that have made urban design a necessary activity are demonstrated"). The remaining chapters focus on the forces of change and how to plan for explosive growth in the new city outside the wall. They present plans for the downtown or central business district, the new satellite towns to the north and south, and the green belt surrounding the city. A final chapter returns to Damascus Gate and presents designs for the no-man's-land, (known as the Seam) outside it. This strategic parcel of land links the Arab and Israeli business districts and the Old City markets. Working with local communities and the municipality, three GSD graduates developed the design that was given the first Progressive Architecture Urban Design Award in 1985. So compelling was this proposal that the municipality intends to implement it. The Jerusalem studio program was not only pedagogically significant but also of great practical value for the city of Jerusalem. The teams shed light on the opportunities and predicaments of a great historic city undergoing rapid growth and development and offered some brilliant design strategies. While the studies focus on Jerusalem, the issues they address - such as how new development can be made to harmonize with historic architecture and the impact that new commercial centers have on a strongly divided population - are relevant to many cities.
Topological signatures in regulatory network enable phenotypic heterogeneity in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chauhan Lakshya , Ram Uday , Hari Kishore , Jolly Mohit Kumar
Published: March 2021

Phenotypic (non-genetic) heterogeneity has significant implications for the development and evolution of organs, organisms, and populations. Recent observations in multiple cancers have unraveled the role of phenotypic heterogeneity in driving metastasis and therapy recalcitrance. However, the origins of such phenotypic heterogeneity are poorly understood in most cancers. Here, we investigate a regulatory network underlying phenotypic heterogeneity in small cell lung cancer, a devastating disease with no molecular targeted therapy. Discrete and continuous dynamical simulations of this network reveal its multistable behavior that can explain co-existence of four experimentally observed phenotypes. Analysis of the network topology uncovers that multistability emerges from two teams of players that mutually inhibit each other, but members of a team activate one another, forming a ‘toggle switch’ between the two teams. Deciphering these topological signatures in cancer-related regulatory networks can unravel their ‘latent’ design principles and offer a rational approach to characterize phenotypic heterogeneity in a tumor.
MANIPULAÇÕES NO CIBERESPAÇO: DISCURSO E LINGUAGEM DO TURISMO PANTANEIRO
Authors: Ramires de Azevedo Renan , Luceli Faria Batistote Maria
Published: March 2021

A presente pesquisa, de caráter qualitativo-interpretativista, busca analisar o funcionamento discursivo sobre a temática “turismo” na mídia, com o intuito de compreender como se dá a persuasão do sujeito, de modo a convencê-lo a adquirir determinado produto ou serviço ou, ainda, aceitar uma ideia como verdadeira. Dessa forma, selecionou-se a reportagem intitulada “Bonito: o paraíso brasileiro de ecoturismo no MS”, que por ventura está presente em dois sites da internet, de maneiras distintas, circunstanciando assim na análise, a comparação dos efeitos de sentido e sua eficiência no processo de condução do leitor. O embasamento teórico da pesquisa advém da Semiótica Greimasiana, por meio dos preceitos de Barros (1990) e Fiorin (2011), no que concerne à análise do funcionamento do plano do conteúdo, e à semiótica visual, desdobramento da francesa, com os estudos de Pietroforte (2007), norteando o desenvolvimento da análise no plano da expressão.
FOTOGRAFIA E MODA: REFLEXÕES SOBRE O TER NA CONSUMAÇÃO DO SER
Authors: Da Silva Santos Athos , Ferreira Pinto Vinicius , Braga Capovilla Marcia
Published: March 2021

A efemeridade e o excesso do consumo na moda atendem às necessidades do mercado e do sistema econômico vigente, uma vez que este demanda a rotatividade de produtos. Neste sentido, cumpre eficiente papel a obsolescência programada que pode vir instaurada tanto em aspectos de qualidade física, quanto em aspectos de qualidade estética que é um precípuo da moda. A identificação com os padrões excessivos de consumo torna-se um aporte central para a indústria da moda que historicamente utiliza a imagem fotográfica para este fim. Desta forma, o presente trabalho propõe reflexões sobre os valores inseridos no consumo, a partir de uma revisão bibliográfica subsidiada pela criação de um catálogo de fotografias que faz uso da própria linguagem publicitária. O estudo nos permite inferir a necessidade de questionar o consumo irracional e reconhecer a fotografia de moda como instrumento também de transformação da realidade social e autoconhecimento do sujeito no mundo.
A REALIDADE VIRTUAL COMO ICONOFAGIA PURA NO ANÚNCIO PUBLICITÁRIO
Authors: Ferreira de Souza Maicon , Antoniucci Marieli
Published: March 2021

Em meio a uma grande quantidade anúncios publicitários veiculados nas mídias, uma forma de diferenciar as campanhas publicitárias, e em decorrência chamar atenção do público, é a experiência de uso do produto, preferencialmente com formatos e linguagens diferenciadas, as quais tem objetivo de construir ou reforçar imagens a respeito da marca na memória do consumidor. Baitello Júnior (2014) vê a imagem como resultado da soma da percepção de diversos ícones, normalmente criada a partir da devoração de outras imagens, um fenômeno chamado de iconofagia. Uma das formas de estimular a iconofagia no ambiente publicitário, é o uso de realidade virtual, neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar a realidade virtual como nova forma de publicidade, com foco principalmente em proporcionar experiências de consumo anterior a compra do produto. Para isso, imagens de campanhas recentes da BMW são relacionadas com uma campanha anterior que utilizou a realidade virtual. Em uma segunda etapa, foram analisadas campanhas das marcas Merrell e Volvo, que com estratégias diferentes, buscavam agregar valor na memória do consumidor, se diferenciando dos concorrentes em suas estratégias de comunicação. Ao final deste estudo, percebe-se que o anúncio publicitário ordinário, exposto em meio a diversos outros, não é suficiente para demonstrar a experiência de consumo, por outro lado, não se pode descartar os princípios tradicionais do pensamento publicitário.
Comparison of Glycaemic Indices of Four Nigerian Staple Diets in Adult Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Maureen Odu Nwamaka , Solomon Attah Izuchukwu ` , Joseph Akor , Faith Ugwoke Ifeanyi , Edith Okey Nwakaego , Jessica Odo Eberechukwu , Kenneth Ogbonna Ejike , Benjamin Ezema Onyebuchi , Bennett Nwanguma Chima
Published: March 2021

The glycaemic indices (GI) of food paste made from wheat, corn, yam, flours and garri in apparently healthy rats using glucose as standard control and water as normal control were determined through  Laboratory-experimental design. This was achieved based on the effect of these different selected carbohydrate diets on postprandial glycaemia of the animal model which resulted on variable glucose response. The proximate analysis of the processed diet from wheat, corn and yam showed higher fat and protein contents than that of gari diet. Also, yam diet showed the lowest carbohydrate. The fibre content was shown to be higher in gari with the lowest in yam containing diet.  Each of these selected carbohydrate diets contained 56.85% starch. A total of eighteen (18) adult male wistar rats divided into six groups which consisted of three rats each were used in the course of this study. Animals were starved  throughout the night for twelve (12) hours and their blood glucose level tested at time zero, before the test food containing 2 grammes of carbohydrate per kilogramme body weight were cautiously administered. After a time interval of 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes, the blood glucose was determined. α-amylase digestibility of the yam, corn, and wheat diets were higher than that of garri diet. The glycaemic index of yam diet (73.8%) was the highest, followed by that of corn diet (70.4%), wheat diet (70.2%) and garri (61.5%). The glycaemic indices of all the rat diets were less than that of the glucose standard (100%). Comparatively, the glycaemic indices of yam, wheat and corn diets did not differ significantly (p>0.05), while that of garri was significantly (p<0.05) lower.
Analysis of the Effects of Biological Activities on some Structures in Cross River State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Hilili J. M. , Onuora D. I. , Yusuf H. O. , Hilili R. U. , Ojiego O. B. , Raji F. R. , Dantanko F. , Eke C. L. , Hilili M. H.
Published: March 2021

Engineering structures are constantly subject to damage caused by biological activities such as the action of insects, penetration of roots and fluids. Because of this, we conducted a critical study on how these activities contribute to the collapse of these structures in Nigeria. The damage caused by biological activities was evaluated in fifteen buildings in Cross River State, of these buildings six showed damage caused by termites, two of the failed engineering structures were linked to development of roots of plants, and the remaining seven were linked to poor quality building materials, poor compaction, lack of supervision, poor engineering design. Others ten structurally failed buildings were examined in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria, of these four were linked to biological activities of termites, with subsurface porosity showing evidence of surface water discharge zones, two of the failed structures were linked to the growth activities of roots of trees, and four to poor construction design. The road that links Cross River State to Abuja had more than 80 points of failure, the majority of which were linked to poor compaction of road foundation, root of plants and fluid interference. Such damage could be prevented through: thorough investigation of biological activities existing and likely to exist around the environment before the establishment of the engineering structure and over the years; use of bio-resistant materials, such as nano materials incorporated coatings with novel functionalities should be used in the construction of structures; protection of engineering structures from fluid penetration into foundations; and engineering structures must follow the global best practices guide lines, provided by ‘Society of Structural Engineers’.
Effectiveness of Scie-chain Method on Students’ Academic Achievement and Attitude in Managing Large Classes in Science 10
Authors: Valiente Ma. Mheliza S. , Bascos-Ocampo Rema
Published: March 2021

The researchers aimed to find out the effectiveness of Scie-chain method on students’ academic achievement and attitude in managing large classes in Science 10 of Flora National High School.  Specifically, it identified the difference and effect to the academic achievement of students and students’ attitude towards Science of the traditional method and Scie-chain method of teaching. The researchers employed the two-group pretest- posttest quasi-experimental design which made use of the Scie-chain method (Inquiry-based, ICT utilization, and flock system) in the experimental group. The data were analyzed with the use of weighted mean. Results of the study showed thatoriginally the experimental group and the control group are equal in terms ofacademic achievement and attitude towards Science. After the intervention, the experimental group yielded better result in terms of academic achievement and attitude towards Science as Manifested in the difference in their post test. From the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:1. students exposed to the Scie-chain method attained better academic achievement compared to students exposed to traditional teaching method; the intervention (Scie-chain method) enhanced the level of attitude of students towards Science; and the Scie-chain method is an effective strategy to manage large classes.
Case Study: Effect of Soybean Infusion on Blood Glucose Levels on Wistar-strain Rats Loaded with Glucose
Authors: Beyna F. Pijar , Slamet Isworo
Published: March 2021

Background and Objective: The increase in diabetes in Indonesia is largely due to poor food patterns and ingredients. Soybeans as a traditional Indonesian food contain                                                 good food ingredients and are believed by the public to prevent damage to pancreatic cells and to maintain the balance of the insulin hormone so as to reduce glucose                                                                              levels in the blood. This study aims to determine the effect of soy infusion on blood glucose levels (Study on Wistar-strain rats loaded with glucose).

Methods: This study is a True Experiment with using a pretest and posttest design with control group design. The research subjects used in this study were 3 months old male Wistar rats with glucose load intervention 1.35 mg with a concentration of 25%, 50%, 100% for 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes.

Results: showed that there were significant differences between groups, p value <0.05.                          The effectiveness of reducing glucose levels in test animals based on the regression                            test showed that the best treatment with intervention dose glucose load was 50%, with trend / time of observation y = -1.3251 + 150.3.

Conclusion: This study concluded that the effect of soybean infusion had an effect on decreasing blood glucose levels of the tested animals.
Financial Analysis of the State Forestry Organizations: Example of Turkey
Authors: Demirci Ufuk
Published: March 2021

In countries where the state is the main owner of the forest resources, forestry activities are carried out with allocated shares from government budget resources. In order to ensure effective and efficient use of financial resources and determine whether forestry goals and targets are achieved, it is necessary to perform financial analysis of public forestry institutions. In Turkey, where the state owns majority of forests, the General Directorate of Forestry (GDF) is the main responsible institution for the management of the forestry sector. This study aimed to make financial statement analysis of working capital budget of the GDF, by applying horizontal analysis, vertical analysis, trend analysis and ratio analysis. In this context, balance sheet and income statement of GDF for the period of 2015-2019 are analyzed. It is determined that in the given period, due to increase in “trade receivables”, “other receivables” and “inventories” accounts, total current assets have shown a positive trend. Also there is a steady increase in the equity, which can be considered as a positive development for the GDF. Gross sales and net sales amount doubled in the given period and, by keeping cost of sales and operating expenses under control, net profit of the GDF showed significant increase especially in last three years. Moreover, ratio analysis results revealed that GDF has capacity to satisfy its current and long-term liabilities and increased its profitability in the mentioned period.
Changes in Antioxidants in the Brain of Fluoride-Treated Rats
Authors: Abdullateef Abdulrahman , Olajide Rasheed Abiola , Emmanuel Ekpa , Bolanle Muhibat Komolafe , Umaru Khadijah
Published: March 2021

In recent times, fluorosis is gradually becoming a severe problem throughout the globe due to toxic effects of fluoride (F) on plants and animals. Natural geological sources and increased industrialization have contributed greatly to the increasing incidence of fluoride-induced human and animal toxicities. Adverse effects are mainly through the attenuation of antioxidant defense mechanism and chelation of enzymatic cofactors. This present study was carried out to investigate the changes that occur on antioxidants in the brain of male wistar rats after sub-chronic fluoride exposure at varying doses (10 ppm, 20 ppm and 40 ppm). Twenty-four (24) Male Wistar rats with average weight of 120 g were distributed into 4 groups according to dose administration (Control; 10 ppm, 20 ppm and 40 ppm) of 6 animals each. The control groups were given only distilled water while the Test groups were given sodium fluoride at doses mentioned above for 30 days. Overnight fasted animals from each group were sacrificed on the 30th day and the brain removed for studying the antioxidant activities. Catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) were measured from the homogenized brain supernatants. Results showed that CAT and GPx decreased in activity in respect to the dose being applied. Decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity was highest at 20 ppm and 40 ppm while Catalase activity showed a decrease at 10 ppm. Reduced glutathione GSH activity increased in the 10 ppm and 20 ppm but decreased at 40 ppm. Other antioxidant activities measured displayed similar trend with much decrease at higher doses. From our results we can say that fluoride toxicity causes changes in antioxidants level. The implications of these findings are herein discussed.
Physico-chemical Characterization of the Soils of New Localities of Côte d’Ivoire: Case of the Departments of Man (West) and Toumodi (Centre)
Authors: Antoine Koffi , Dogniméton Soro , Métangbo Diomandé , Djézou Konan , Lopez Essehi Jean , Samuel Obouayeba
Published: March 2021

In order to assess the suitability of soils for rubber cultivation in the departments of Man and Toumodi, two new rubber-growing areas, a study was carried out to evaluate the physical, physico-chemical and chemical characteristics of soils under rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). The methodology used consisted of a physical description of twelve soil pits, coupled with chemical analyses of the soil samples taken. The pedological profiles carried out revealed that these soils belong mainly to the Ferralsol class with distinctive characteristics, except for those of Kimoukro (Toumodi) which belong to the Cambisol class. The Toumodi soils, of silty-clay-sandy texture, are provided with coarse elements (≥30 p.c) with good internal drainage in the surface horizons. More or less deep, depending on the topographical position, Toumodi soils are slightly acidic (pH = 6) and less supplied with nitrogen and exchangeable bases. The soils of Man, on the other hand, have a sandy-clay texture, with more than 30 p.c. of clay from the surface to the depths. The bulk density (Da = 1.6 ≥ 1.5 g/cm3) was higher for the soils of this locality compared to those of Toumodi (Da = 0.8 ≤ 1 g/cm3). The soils of Man, which are less rich in nitrogen and carbon, are more acidic (pH = 5.4). Exchangeable base contents and CEC are high, mainly in the upper surface horizons.
Effect of Nodal Position of Fruits on Seed Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Jakhar Satbir Singh , Malik Anil Kumar , Kumar Sangeet
Published: March 2021

The present study was carried out in the field and laboratory of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during 2018-2019 to know the effect of nodal position of fruits on seed quality of okra. The parameters recorded during laboratory studies were i.e. germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour indices-1 & 2 and field studies were i.e. field emergence index, seedling establishment. The results indicated that the best nodal position of fruits for quality seed production was middle nodes (6th to 10th) as compared to lower nodes (1st to 5th) and upper nodes (11th to 15th) and the control.
Study of Markers for Assessment of Insulin Resistance in Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Shall Sarah Ibrahim El , Hassan Ahmed Mohamed , Mohamed Wesam Salah , Hafez Mona Hasan , Erfan Adel Ali
Published: March 2021

Background: Valid and reliable methods are essential to assess the presence and the extent of insulin resistance, the associated risk factors and the effect of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions. The aim of this work was to evaluate Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for assessment of insulin resistance among obese children and adolescents.

Methods: This case control study included 40 children and adolescent with ages of 6 to 16 years who were classified into: Group I: 20 obese children and adolescents (body mass index (BMI) > 95th percentile on Egyptian growth curves and Group II: 20 healthy children as a control group of matched age and sex to group 1 and who had normal BMI. All subjects underwent 1) Thorough history taking 2) Full clinical examination 3) Laboratory investigations: Fasting blood glucose, Fasting serum insulin level, HOMA-IR, HbA1c.and OGTT.

Results: There is no significant statistical difference as regard age, height, sex and puberty staging in both groups. The mean for weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio and acanthosis nigricans were found to be significantly higher in patient group. FBG, fasting serum insulin, HbA1c and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in patient group than in control group (p <0.001). HOMA-IR was significantly correlated with HbA1c and OGTT in obese patients (p<0.001*).

Conclusions: HOMA-IR can be used in assessment of insulin resistance among obese children and adolescents.
Quality Assessment and Biological Activity Evaluation of Different Brands of Olive Oil
Authors: A-Elbasit Ishraga Eltayeb M. , Ahmed Amna El Amin Mohammed , Satti Nuha Mohammed Elhassan , Imran Mohd.
Published: March 2021

Background: The quality of medicinal/food products is directly related to the consumer’s safety. Virgin Olive Oil (VOO) is a widely used oil in Saudi Arabia for cooking, frying, and salad dressing. It is also an ingredient of many pharmaceutical products. Therefore, its regular quality assessment is essential for the consumer’s safety.

Objective: To assess standard quality parameters of the marketed VOO brands in the Rafha City of Saudi Arabia and to perform their antioxidant activity evaluation.

Methodology: The different brands of VOO sold in the Rafha City of Saudi Arabia were collected from two supermarkets and one local shop. The quality of the different brands of the VOO was assessed for their physical appearance, solubility, relative density, refractive index, absorbance, acid value, and peroxide value. The standard procedures provided in the British Pharmacopeia (BP) were used to assess these parameters. The antioxidant activity of the oils was performed by the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method.

Results: The VOO sample test results revealed no significant change in the studied parameter's standard values. The VOO samples presented compliance with the specification of VOO provided in the BP. The VOOs were also free of Sesame oil, which is one of the possible adulterants of the VOO. The antioxidant activity data of the VOO samples (IC50 = 107 to 110 mg oil) also matched with antioxidant activity data of the reference VOO (IC50 = 105 mg oil). The antimicrobial activity of the VOO samples and the reference VOO was also comparable.

Conclusion: The different brands of the marketed VOO comply with the specification of VOO provided in the BP. They were suitable for their intended use/application.
Research on Novel Formulation of Model Drug Containing Lidocaine Hydrochloride and Doxcycycline Hyclate for Periodontal Disease
Authors: Birtia Gouri Shankar , Mahapatra Santosh K.
Published: March 2021

In the present day circumstances, it has been reported that the Dental diseases are a most important physical condition problem in all parts of the globe, general in all age groups, races and genders. The proportion of dental diseases has developed to a great extent in current years. Around 70% of inhabitants suffer from dental problems. The human population is exaggerated by foremost of oral diseases. To treat dental problems such as pain due to dental caries, periodonitis, gingivitis, and other gum infections, painkillers alongside with antibiotics and various dental paints are the generally prescribed drugs by dentists as primary mode of treatment. However the general side effects of most of the painkillers are hyperacidity and gastric annoyance upon oral administration. On the other hand, nearly all antibiotics due to measured onset of action and hepatic “first-pass” consequence fail to construct prompt and extend actions. Furthermore, most of the dental formulations are washed out by saliva inside a few hours of application. To conquer the above-mentioned problems, a soft polymeric mold containing antibiotic and anasthetics drugs and having a suitable constancy to stick to the tooth, was developed for continued drug release to endow with improved relief in dental patients. Carbopol 934, Ethyl cellulose, Gum tragacanth, Hydroxy propyl cellulose, and PEG 400 were used to organize the formulation containing Lidocaine hydrochloride and doxycycline hyclate individually and in combination, by addition and solvent evaporation technique. Dissimilar physicochemical characterization studies such as mucoadhesion test and swelling index were conceded out. In vitro drug release studies showed sustained release of Lidocaine hydrochloride and doxycycline hyclate in simulated saliva for 24 h. Additional studies are necessary to succeed with these formulations in humans. Upon accomplishment, this type of dosage form may open up new avenues towards dentistry.
Frequency and Severity of Depression in Cancer Patients Presenting to Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Haresh , Bai Sarika , Shaheen Azra , Pervez Safdar Ali , Rind Shahabuddin , Ahmer Arslan
Published: March 2021

Introdution: Cancer and depression, independently, cause massive human suffering worldwide. By the end of 2030 the unipolar major depression disorder could be as the chief source of ailment as estimated by World Health Organization.

Objective: Objective of this study is to detect prevalence the frequency and severity of the depression in cancer patients presenting to tertiary care hospital of Karachi.

Methodology: The current prospective cross-sectional research was performed over a period of six months from August 2020 to January 2021 on 179 patients in the Department of Oncology of Civil Hospital Karachi, after approval of synopsis from CPSP and the ethical committee of Civil Hospital. All patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and visited OPD of Civil hospital were selected in the study. Informed consent was taken after explaining the procedure, risks and benefits of the study.Patients were assessed clinically by using ICD-10 criteria and then for validity and reliability, patients were screened for presence of depression and its severity through PHQ-9.Patients scoring higher than 4 was labeled as having depression and PHQ-9 score of 5 to 9, 10 to 14, 15 to 19, 20-27 were labeled mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depression correspondingly. Observed data was entered in the predesigned Performa was gathered and SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Mean ± SD of age was 47.75±14.901years. Out of 179 patients 95 (53.1%) were male and 84 (46.9%) were female. 93(52%) cancer patients were depressed while 86(48%) were normal. Patients suffering from mild depression were 3.2%, moderate depression were 54.85%, moderately severe depressed were 19.4%, while 22.6% cancer patients were severely depressed. It is to be concluded that out of 179cancer patients 93(52%) diagnosed to have depression while 86(48%) did not have depression. Based on our study findings, it is suggested that depression commonly presented in cancer patients and there is a need to screen all cancer patients for depressive disorder.
An Empirical Study on Image Segmentation Techniques for Detection of Skin Cancer
Authors: Kavitha M. , Arumugam A. Senthil , Kumar V. Saravana , Sivaprakasam S. Anantha
Published: March 2021

Skin cancer is a crucial predicament in most of western countries including Europe, Australia and America. It is quite often curable whenever perceived and treated early. The significant hazard factors related are skin shading, deficiency of sun-lights, atmosphere, age, and hereditary. The most ideal approach to distinguish melanoma is to perceive another spot in the skin or recognize that is fluctuating in size, shape and shading. Early detection of skin malignancy can stay away from death. Finding of the skin ailment relies upon the extraction of the anomalous skin locale. Right now, methods to separate the skin injury districts are proposed and their outcomes are looked at dependent on the measurable and surface properties. In this study, the myriad kind of features of Dermoscopy image analysis has been thoroughly explores. Moreover, disparity segmentation techniques for detecting Melanoma Skin Cancer are discussed. The ultimate aim of this discussion is to provide suggestions for carrying a future research based about this relevance and limitations.
Opportunities to Topically Reduce Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma
Authors: Rahić Ognjenka , Tucak Amina , Sirbubalo Merima , Hindija Lamija , Hadžiabdić Jasmina , Vranić Edina
Published: March 2021

Since glaucoma is a serious health problem, numerous therapeutics are being developed to reduce Intraocular Pressure (IOP) as the only modifiable factor of all glaucoma symptoms. IOP-lowering agents are divided into six groups, each of which has a specific mechanism of action and side effects, which are the focus of this article and are explained in detail. All the mentioned agents are formulated as eye drops. However, as conventional topical eye drops have significant disadvantages, of which poor bioavailability and patient noncompliance are the main, novel approaches to designing their drug delivery systems were used and briefly presented in this review.
Prevalence of Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Nasal Cavities of MOUAU Students
Authors: Omaba Onyinyechi J. , Udensi Chukwuma G. , Uwakwe Blessing C. , Amanze Emmanuel K. , Okoh Ifunaya M.
Published: March 2021

Aim: To determine the prevalence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from nasal cavity of MOUAU students.

Methods: The nasal specimens were evaluated using standard microbiological techniques and methicillin resistance test was checked for all isolates of Staphylococcus species by the disc diffusion method.

Results: A total of Eleven (11) Staphylococcus aureus isolates were obtained from forty (40) nasal samples of MOUAU students i.e. four (4) from female and seven (7) from male. This study also showed that the highest number and percentage of Staphylococcus aureus isolates was observed in the male nasal samples 7(30.4%), while the lowest isolate was recorded in female nasal samples 4(23.5%). About 21(52.5%) of the 40 samples showed no traces of Staphylococcus specie. However, the drug susceptibility profile of bacterial isolate from nasal samples reveals varying percentage of sensitivity and resistance to the antibiotics. From this study, Ofloxacin (5 mcg) and Gentamicin (10 mcg) exhibited high percentage of sensitivity against the Staphylococus isolates at 10(90.9%) each. Cefuroxime (30 mcg) and Ceftazidime (30 mcg) showed high level of resistance against the Staphylococcus aureus isolates at 11(100%). No resistance to Ofloxacin (5 mcg) was noted. This study also revealed that 72.7% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from the nasal cavity of healthy male and female students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), showed multiple resistance to the antibiotics used.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need to discourage the misuse of antibiotics and to implement strategies that could help eliminate of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus. This will help to prevent severe Staphylococcus aureus infections in our environments. Also, it was report that Ofloxacin (5 mcg) and Gentamicin (10 mcg) antibiotics could be an alternative choice to use and to control MRSA infection as an effective antibacterial agent.
Asymptotic consensus via switching adaptive for nonlinear multi‐agent systems subject to atypical disturbances
Authors: Yu Linzhen , Liu Yungang
Published: March 2021

The paper is devoted to the asymptotic output consensus for a class of uncertain nonlinear multi‐agent systems. The disturbance that the system suffered is said to be “atypical" since, unlike the related literature, it is unnecessarily continuously differentiable (e.g., sawtooth wave), and even permitted to be discontinuous (e.g., square wave), despite requiring it to be of unknown integer multiples of certain period. Typically, the multi‐agent systems admit more than one ingredient causing heterogeneities: (i) No identical requirement is made on the system nonlinearities and input directions (the unknown signs of the input coefficients). (ii) The orders of agent dynamics can be different (the dynamics are first‐order, second‐order, or even high‐order). Nevertheless, in the context, we still pursue the asymptotic output consensus, and unlike some related literature, instead of seeking a time‐varying strategy which means the introduction of infinitely large gains, we combine a refined switching strategy with continuous adaptive one together to propose a new consensus protocol. It turns out that under the proposed protocol, all the agent outputs reach a common value while all the closed‐loop signals are bounded. Simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocol.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Allenylboron Compounds
Authors: Manna Samir , Das Kanak Kanti , Aich Debasis , Panda Santanu
Published: March 2021

Organoboron compounds have found widespread application in everyday organic synthesis. The Lewis acidic properties, non‐toxicity, stability, and easy commercial availability of organoboron compounds have resulted in considerable attention from organic chemists. Over the last several decades, there has been a sizeable development of new organoboron compounds useful in organic synthesis. Allenylboron compounds have emerged as a promising scaffold for various synthetic transformations, including allenylation and propargylation of carbonyl compounds, imines, activated olefins, and others; hydroboration‐allylation with carbonyl/imine, and more. On the other hand, a good number of synthetic methods have evolved over the years to access substituted allenylboron compounds in good yield. This review highlights the methods known to date for the synthesis and reactivity of allenylboron compounds in a chronological manner.

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Biologically normal sleep in the mother‐infant dyad
Authors: Rudzik Alanna E. F. , Ball Helen L.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

We examine infant sleep from evolutionary, historico‐cultural, and statistical/epidemiological perspectives and explore the distinct conceptions of “normal” produced by each. We use data from the “Sleeping Like a Baby” study to illustrate how these perspectives influence the ideals and practices of new parents.

Methods

The “Sleeping Like a Baby” study investigated maternal–infant sleep in north‐east England. Sleep data for exclusively breastfeeding (EBF) and formula‐feeding (EFF) dyads were captured every 2 weeks from 4 to 18 weeks postpartum through actigraphy and maternal report. Mothers also reported their infant sleep ideals and practices. Results explore objective and maternally‐reported infant sleep parameters, and concordance of maternal ideals and practices with public health guidance.

Results

Comparison of sleep measures showed that mothers overestimate infant sleep duration compared with actigraphy; EFF mothers' reports were significantly more inaccurate than those of EBF mothers. For infants moved to a separate bedroom, maternally‐reported sleep increases were not borne out by actigraphy. Across the study period, concordance of maternal ideal sleep location with public health recommendations occurred on average for 54% of mothers, while concordance in practice fell from 75% at 4–8 weeks to 67% at 14–18 weeks. Discordance for EBF dyads occurred due to bedsharing, and for EFF dyads due to infants sleeping in a room alone.

Conclusions

Beliefs about “normal” infant sleep influence parents' perceptions and practices. Clinical and scientific infant sleep discourses reinforce dominant societal norms and perpetuate these beliefs, but biological and evolutionary views on infant sleep norms are beginning to gain traction with parents and health practitioners.
Cobalamin J disease detected on newborn screening: Novel variant and normal neurodevelopmental course
Authors: Pillai Nishitha R. , Miller Dana , Pierpont Elizabeth I. , Berry Susan A. , Aggarwal Anjali
Published: March 2021

Cobalamin J disease (CblJ) is an ultra‐rare autosomal recessive disorder of intracellular cobalamin metabolism associated with combined methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria. It is caused by pathogenic variants inABCD4, which encodes an ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter that affects the lysosomal release of cobalamin (Cbl) into the cytoplasm. Only six cases ofCblJhave been reported in the literature. Described clinical features include feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, hypotonia, seizures, developmental delay, and hematological abnormalities. Information on clinical outcomes is extremely limited, and no cases of presymptomatic diagnosis have been reported. We describe a now 17‐month‐old male withCblJdetected by newborn screening and confirmed by biochemical, molecular, and complementation studies. With early detection and initiation of treatment, this patient has remained asymptomatic with normal growth parameters and neurodevelopmental function. To the best of our knowledge, this report represents the first asymptomatic and neurotypical patient withCblJ.
Relating Binding Energy and Scattering Length of Weakly Bound Dimers of Strontium
Authors: Augustovičová Lucie D. , Špirko Vladimír
Published: March 2021

The s‐wave scattering length (a) is an important parameter in ultracold collisions and precision tests of fundamental physics, yet its accurate calculation remains a challenge. Solving suitable vibrational Schrödinger equations with scaled interaction potentials and reduced masses, the relationship between the binding energy (D0) of the highest vibrational state and the s‐wave scattering length is derived for a set of ground state Sr2 isotopomers. The resulting “a versus D0” relations are robust even if approximate potentials are used, thus enabling reliable scattering lengths to be determined directly from experimental binding energies. The presented approach will have broad applicability, notably when an accurate potential is unavailable and when the literature (semiclassical) counterparts of the probed “a versus D0” relations become inadequate.
The Metallocene Battery: Ultrafast Electron Transfer Self Exchange Rate Accompanied by a Harmonic Height Breathing
Authors: Beladi‐Mousavi Seyyed Mohsen , Sadaf Shamaila , Hennecke Ann‐Kristin , Klein Jonas , Mahmood Arsalan Mado , Rüttiger Christian , Gallei Markus , Fu Fangyu , Fouquet Eric , Ruiz Jaime , Astruc Didier , Walder Lorenz
Published: March 2021

The first all‐metallocene rechargeable battery consisting of poly‐cobaltocenium/‐ and poly‐ferrocene/reduced graphene oxide composites as anode and cathode was prepared. The intrinsically fast ET self‐exchange rate of metallocenes was successfully combined with an efficient ion‐percolation achieved by molecular self‐assembly. The resulting battery materials show ideal Nernstian behavior, is thickness scalable up to >1.2 C cm−2, and exhibit high coulombic efficiency at ultrafast rates (200 A g−1). Using aqueous LiClO4, the charge is carried exclusively by the anion. The ClO4− intercalation is accompanied by a reciprocal height change of the active layers. Principally, volume changes in organic battery materials during charging/discharging are not desirable and represent a major safety issue. However, here, the individual height changes—due to ion breathing—are reciprocal and thus prohibiting any internal pressure build‐up in the closed‐cell, leading to excellent cycling stability.
Novel n‐p‐n heterojunction of AgI/BiOI/UiO‐66 composites with boosting visible light photocatalytic activities
Authors: Zhu Min , Chen Huimin , Dai Yu , Wu Xuanyu , Han Zhiguo , Zhu Yu
Published: March 2021

Antibiotics, considered as persistent organic pollutants, have harmful effect on the environment and human health. We aimed at designing and fabricating ternary AgI/BiOI/UiO‐66 composites and evaluate the photocatalytic activities of tetracycline (TC) in water environment under visible light irradiation. X‐ray diffractometer (ХRD), scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and ultraviolet–visible (UV‐vis) diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) analyses were carried out to characterize the ternary AgI/BiOI/UiO‐66 composites. The effects of pristine BiOI, UiO‐66, and AgI loading ratios on the AgI/BiOI/UiO‐66 composites for TC photodegradation were evaluated to obtain the optimal one (1‐ABU), which can remove 90.1% TC with visible light irradiation. In the batch experiment, the influences of pH, ion strength, TC concentration, and dosage of photocatalyst were investigated. 1‐ABU exhibited excellent photocatalytic activities and stability including pH and ion strength resistance in certain degree. After recycled five times, 1‐ABU still showed good degradation efficiency, indicating the advanced stability of the ternary composites. ·OH and h+ active species are the prime, whereas ·O2− act as secondary during the TC degradation process. 1‐ABU exhibits an n‐p‐n heterojunction, which can inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and generate more active ·OH species. This work highlights a reference for the design and synthesis of heterojunction for excellent photocatalytic performance.
Multitarget‐directed therapeutics: (Urea/thiourea)2 derivatives of diverse heterocyclic‐Lys conjugates
Authors: Pavan Kumar H. , Kumara H. K. , Suhas R. , Channe Gowda D.
Published: March 2021

The synthesis of a new small library of molecules containing bis‐urea/thiourea pendants in lysine conjugated to three different heterocycles is described. The heterocycles used in this study have benzisoxazole/piperazine/piperidine units. After a detailed antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory evaluation, it was found that the most active compounds are 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19 and 10, 11, 19 and 8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17, respectively. Further, it was observed that the presence of all three entities, that is, urea/thiourea, the substituent (OMe/F), as well as the heterocycle, is highly essential for exerting potent activity. Among the heterocycles, the presence of isoxazole seems to be highly beneficial for exerting good potency. In continuation, docking studies have revealed extraordinary binding efficiency for some of the active compounds. Given their potent biological results and docking score, some of the title compounds could be potential drug candidates for microbial‐related diseases and provide a basis for future research into the development of molecules possessing multitask ability.