bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Thoracic Kyphosis and Forward Head Posture in Teenagers: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Torres-Cusihuaman Lizet , Bravo-Cucci Sergio
Published: August 2023

Background: Hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine and forward head posture are common alterations in teenagers and cause diverse symptomatology, but their association still remains obscure. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between thoracic kyphosis and forward head posture in teenagers between 11 and 17 years of age. Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 84 students between 11 and 17 participated. Those who suffered from previous traumatic injuries in the thoracic or cervical spine were excluded. A Stadler® flexible ruler and a SenseAid® bubble inclinometer were used to measure thoracic kyphosis. The measurement of forward head posture was conducted through the craniovertebral angle. An application denominated “Forward Head Posture©” was employed, and an ad hoc questionnaire was utilized. Information such as sex, age, and pain in the cervical and thoracic spine among the study population was collected from this questionnaire. Results: A positive correlation and a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) were found between forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis. Age showed a significant association with forward head posture (a prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.15, P = 0.005), and students reporting backache had a lower prevalence of this forward head posture (aPR = 0.64, P = 0.025). Conclusions: There was a positive correlation and a statistically significant association between forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis in teenagers between 11 and 17 years of age.
Theism Does Not Give Birth to Idealism
Authors: Mullins R. T. ,   Evangelical Philosophical Society
Published: August 2023

Sam Lebens offers an intriguing set of arguments from theism to idealism. In this paper, I shall focus on the argument from perfect rationality to Hassidic Idealism. I will offer a critical analysis of this argument and draw out a series of conflicts between Hassidic Idealism and divine freedom, the divine ideas, and creation ex nihilo.
Media Konkret untuk Mengajarkan Bangun Datar
Authors: Unaenah Een , Oktapiani Rizka , Mufidah Wiradatul
Published: August 2023

Learning will continue to be tiring if educators generally organize learning and teaching exercises. So that in the end Students will experience boredom and lack of enthusiasm enthusiastic to imitate. This arrangement The purpose of this is to show that there is an increase in the learning outcomes of class VI students at SDN Buaran Bambu III Pakuhaji Region, after involving substantial media such as cardboard, wall clocks, three-sided rulers in mathematical illustrations related to the material. Substantial Media for Displaying Level Forms. Basic information acquired in this study expressed that out of 42 understudies, just 25 kids scored over 65 or expressed to have graduated, 17 children had not completed their exams, because the scores obtained were still below 65 in cycle I. The information obtained indicated that the expansion of learning outcomes. student. It was informed that out of 32 students, 27 children had graduated and 15 children had not finished studying. Based on these findings, the second cycle was carried out, Additionally, the outcomes show a huge expansion in understudies' comprehension: 84% of the assignments according to the research findings. Instructors ought to utilize learning media or instructing helps that are genuine on the grounds that they can be utilized as an elective wellspring of advancing by focusing on understudy exercises and custom fitted to their requirements their contents.
Optimization problems and mathematical analysis of optimal values in Orlicz spaces
Authors: Donyari Zahra , Zivari-Rezapour Mohsen , Emamizadeh Behrouz
Published: August 2023

This article concerns a minimization problem related to an elliptic equation in Orlicz-Sobolev spaces. We prove existence and uniqueness of optimal solutions and show that they are monotone and stable. Furthermore, by employing a characterization of the tangent cones in $L^\infty$ spaces, we derive some qualitative properties of the optimal solutions. We also derive some results regarding the optimal values

For more information see https://ejde.math.txstate.edu/Volumes/2021/38/abstr.html
Análise do uso de solo no desenvolvimento socioeconómico da fronteira Luso-Espanhola: Euro-cidades Ibéricas
Authors: Castanho Rui Alexandre , Naranjo Gómez José Manuel , Cabezas Fernández José , Lousada Sérgio , Loures Luís
Published: August 2023

Considerando que os territórios fronteiriços são áreas de elevada sensibilidade, nomeadamente no que respeita ao seu êxito territorial – a ´linha` que separa o fracasso do sucesso é extremamente ténue; assim, um profundo conhecimento de todos os fatores e ações que podem influenciar o seu êxito, devem ser analisados e estudados.

Neste sentido, uma análise do uso de solo no desenvolvimento socioeconómico destas regiões, é vista como fundamental para um melhor conhecimento da sua génese, bem como para promover alterações e/ou medidas que visem o seu sucesso, e crescimento sustentável.

Contextualmente, foram aplicadas metodologias e ferramentas de análise, a casos de estudo Ibéricos – cidades espanholas da fronteira Luso-Espanhola pertencentes a Euro-cidades.

Através do estudo é possível verificar como o uso de solo influencia o desenvolvimento socioeconómico das cidades estudadas. A informação recolhida é fundamental para uma correta gestão e ordenamento territorial, perfazendo de alguma maneira a base para gestores e/ou decisores.
Quels droits des terres arables aux femmes chez les Dgere dans le Territoire de Djugu en Ituri (République démocratique du Congo) ?
Authors:   Centre de Recherche en Sciences Humaines (CRESH), B.P. 3474, Kinshasa-Gombe, République démocratique du Congo, Mambo Sapa Vadgeru Jean Jules Roger
Published: August 2023

Cet article étudie d’un côté, l’impact de l’évolution socio-économique et politique de la recherche scientifique et technologique, Cet article sert à démontrer que contrairement à certains peuples dans le monde qui oppriment les féminins, chez le peuple Dgere elles ont la place humaine dans la société. La population rurale chez les Dgere vit grâce à la terre arable. Elle y cultive des denrées pour sa survie, et utilise une portion de cette terre pour paître ses bétails ; les gros ainsi que les petits bétails. Son cheptel n’est pas important. La terre donne l’essentiel de ses ressources. Sa terre est sous la responsabilité directe du Chez du village qui le répartit entre les foyers des habitants. Tout féminin vivant seul est considéré comme un foyer, car elle travaille pour sa subsistance. Et cela, même si elle n’est pas Dgereï, c’est cela la tradition. Mots clés : Milieu rural, biens, répartition, terre, Dgere
Information: From Cognitive-Sentient Exploration of Reality to Predictive Big Data Assisted Informational Era
Authors:   Florin Gaiseanu, formerly with the National Institute of Research and Development in Microtechnologies (IMT) Bucharest (Romania), 126A Erou Iancu Nicolae, Voluntari Town, Ilfov County, and National Center of Microelectronics (CNM) Barcelona (Spain), Campus Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), GAISEANU Florin
Published: August 2023

In this article it is shown that information is a concept not only useful and used for the communication systems and data operation, but also for the understanding of the matter non-living and living structuration. On this basis it is described the Informational Model of Consciousness and the functions and operability of the Informational System of the Human Body, allowing to define and understand the Cognitive-Sentient Exploration of Reality used as a tool by our predecessors to create some archaic models of the universe and human, remained up to date as references from philosophic point of view, and still operating nowadays in the creative sciences and arts fields in our informational era. Introducing the concept of information-related matter, it was possible to explain the informational processes in human body and eukaryotic/prokaryotic cells, the basic units of life, and to show that in the living entities an informational system operating similarly with that of the human can be identified and defined as Informational System of the Living Structures. The predictive properties of the Cognitive-Sentient Exploration of Reality is nowadays assisted by the predictive big data analysis, helping in various scientific domains where a high quantity of data was accumulated, including in the bioengineering field and human health, particularly for the prediction of the evolution of COVID-19 cases in the world, with examples for Romania, Spain and USA. Multiple applications involving artificial intelligence and the informational models of human and living structures for a healthy society are mentioned, in particular in neurosciences, biosciences and bioengineering. The priority of the Romanian concepts on information and the important contribution of the Romanian informational science oriented to understand the brain functions/operability and applications in biomedical field is highlighted.
Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Sensor Based on Vertical Graphene for SARS-CoV-2 Protein N Detection
Authors:   National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies – IMT Bucharest University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, CHIRIAC Eugen , ADIACONIȚĂ Bianca ,   University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, PREDA Petruța ,   National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies – IMT Bucharest University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest
Published: August 2023

Monitoring and controlling infection is required in order to prevent the progression of the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome 2(SARS-CoV-2). To accomplish this goal, the development and implementation of sensitive, quick and accurate diagnosti
Caracterización genética e indicadores sanguíneos de la raza bovina criolla Macabea en la Amazonía ecuatoriana
Authors: Viamonte Garcés María Isabel , Ramírez Sánchez Alina , Vargas Burgos Julio César , Benitez Jimenez Diocles Guillermo
Published: August 2023

El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar estudios básicos sobre: las bases fenotípica y genotípica intrarracial del bovino Macabeo como recurso genético endémico en peligro de extinción en la amazonia ecuatoriana; estudios de bioquímica sanguínea y; la caracterización de los sistemas productivos donde estos hatos se han desarrollado. Los principales resultados mostraron biotipos de poblaciones con alta variabilidad fenotípica con respecto al color de la piel, pero con gran similitud en la distribución de la pigmentación de la franja lineal longitudinal en el cuerpo, en correspondencia con la coloración de cabeza y extremidades; con cuernos grandes y abiertos. El acercamiento genético fue con la raza ibérica el Hartón del Valle de Colombia, lo que indica que tienen un origen común o se han producido migraciones de individuos de estas razas; existe en el hato una elevada consanguinidad de (0.089±0.12). Entre las principales alteraciones bioquímicas sanguíneas, sobresalen los porcentajes de subnormalidad de los niveles de proteína (65,24 g/l), urea (2,08 mmol/l) y glucosa (1,97 mmol/l), todo ello se relaciona con la nutrición proteica y energética. El ganado bovino Macabeo tiene alto potencial genético, por su adaptación al trópico, por lo que se recomienda considerarlos para perfeccionar en el país el programa de conservación y mejora de este genotipo.
PKM Pelatihan Penyusunan Soal Berbasis Higher Order Thinking Skill (Hots) Bagi Guru Smp Di Kabupaten Gowa
Authors: Ruslan Ruslan , Lu'mu Lu'mu , Vitalocca Dyah , Yusuf Mappeasse Muhammad , Hasrul Hasrul
Published: August 2023

Mitra Program Kemitraan Masyarakat (PKM) adalah Guru-Guru Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) yang berada di Kabupaten Gowa, Sulawesi Selatan. Permasalahan yang dihadapi adalah: (1) aspek pengetahuan yaitu pihak guru belum banyak mengetahui dan mendapatkan informasi mengenai penyusunan soal-soal berbasis Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS), (2) aspek praktek yaitu guru yang ada di Kabupaten Gowa belum mempunyai banyak pengalaman pelatihan keterampilan dalam menyusun soal-soal berbasis Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS). Solusi yang ditawarkan oleh tim pengusul pengabdian yaitu (1) memberikan pengenalan materi tentang pengetahuan yang berhubungan pengembangan soal-soal berbasis Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS), (2) mengadakan pelatihan pada guru-guru SMP yang ada di Kabupaten Gowa terkait dengan cara membuat soal-soal dengan tingkatan berfikir Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS). Metode pelaksanaan yaitu menggunakan pendekatan partisipatoris dengan melibatkan guru-guru yang ada pada sekolah mitra. Pendekatan yang dilakukan berupa observasi, diskusi, dan tanya jawab dengan kolompok mitra, merumuskan masalah dan memberikan solusi dari permasalahan. Hasil yang dicapai kegiatan ini yaitu (1) guru memperoleh pengetahuan baru mengenai pembelajaran abad 21, (2) guru mampu membendakan antara soal dengan berbagai kualifikasi yaitu LOTS, Middle HOTS, dan HOTS, (3) guru mampu membuat soal dengan berbagai tingkatan berdasarkan kriteria soal. Target capaian jenis luaran yang diharapkan yaitu adanya (1) publikasi ilmiah di jurnal/prosiding, (2) publikasi di media masa (cetak/elektronik), (3) peningkatan pengetahuan.
PKM Kotak Pendingin Kelompok Penjual Ikan Keliling Kelurahan Bontoa
Authors: Suhardi Rahman Edi , Darma Andayani Dyah , Suhardi Iwan , Haripuddin Haripuddin , Zulhajji Zulhajji
Published: August 2023

Mitra Program Kemitraan Masyarakat (PKM)adalah kelompok penjual ikan keliling yang menjajakan dagangan ikan segar di sekitar Kabupaten Jeneponto, Sulawesi Selatan. Permasalahan yang dihadapi adalah : (1) aspek kualitas ikan, (2) pemasaran, dan (3) kurangnya pengetahuan bagaimana menjaga kualitas dagangan ikan serta jenis ikan apa yang dibutuhkan oleh pelanggan. Solusi yang ditawarkan oleh tim pengusul pengabdian yaitu (1) mengenalkan teknologi kotak pendingin untuk tempat ikan dagangannya, (2) mengenalkan teknologi informasi untuk meningkatkan pemasaran, dan (3) melakukan transfer teknologi dan pelatihan berkenaan dengan teknologi kotak pendingin dan teknologi informasi untuk mendukung pemasaran ikan dagangannya. Metode pelaksanaan yang dilakukan dalam kegiatan pengabdian ini menggunakan pendekatan partisipatoris dengan melibatkan seluruh anggota kelompok mitra. Pendekatan yang dilakukan berupa observasi, ceramah, tanya jawab, diskusi, dan praktik pelatihan dengan kolompok mitra untuk memberikan solusi dari permasalahan. Hasil yang dicapai kegiatan ini yaitu mitra penjual ikan keliling mendapatkan bekal pemahaman dan keterampilan yang dapat digunakan secara mandiri agar dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraannya, walaupun kegiatan pengabdian ini telah selesai dilaksanakan. Target capaian jenis luaran yang diharapkan yaitu adanya (1) publikasi ilmiah di jurnal/prosiding, (2) publikasi di media masa (cetak/elektronik), (3) peningkatan omzet pada mitra, (4) peningkatan kuantitas dan kualitas produk, dan (5) peningkatan pemahaman dan keterampilan masyarakat.
Re-Design Packaging Cookies Deanke Padang
Authors: Audina Gusma Triana  , Fauzan Aulia
Published: August 2023

Deanke is an artisanal cookies business that sells online. The products offered by Deanke are specific in the field of cookies and brownies. The purpose of this Final Project is to produce a new packaging design for Deanke's cookies, by maximising the function of packaging as a means of product communication and branding to consumers so as to increase Deanke's brand awareness. The method used in this design is the 4D method consisting of Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate with data analysis method through SWOT Analysis.  This design will produce the main media in the form of packaging and supporting media in the form of social media, menus, thank cards / gift cards, stickers, posters and x-banners which are tested for feasibility to the target audience. It is expected that through this packaging design can achieve the main objectives in maximising the function of packaging, through a better packaging structure and increasing Deanke's brand awareness.
Factores de riesgo asociados a las complicaciones posoperatorias en pacientes con apendicitis aguda del Hospital Regional de Ica - enero a diciembre del 2019
Authors:   , Pachas Campos Edward Jesus
Published: August 2023

Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a las complicaciones posoperatorias en pacientes con apendicitis aguda del Hospital Regional de Ica - enero a diciembre del 2019. Metodología: Estudio observacional, transversal, retrospectiva, analítica en 106 casos de pos operados de apendicitis aguda que presentaron complicaciones y 106 pacientes pos operados de apendicitis aguda que no presentaron complicaciones postquirúrgicas. Resultados: El 48.6% de los pacientes operados por apendicitis son de edades de entre 46 a 75 años, 56.1% de los pacientes son de sexo masculino, 32.1% de los pacientes se operan de apendicitis en estadio gangrenado y el 34.4% de los pacientes tuvieron sobrepeso u obesidad. Los pacientes con edades de 46 a 75 años presentan 2.8 veces más riesgo de presentar complicaciones postoperatorias por apendicitis aguda, que los pacientes de 16 a 45 años. Los pacientes masculinos presentan 2.1 veces más riesgo de presentar complicaciones postoperatorias por apendicitis aguda que las pacientes femeninas. Los pacientes que se operan en estadios gangrenado o perforado de la apendicitis tienen más probabilidad de presentar complicaciones postoperatorias, que los que se operan en estadios congestivo o flemonoso. Los pacientes con sobrepeso u obesidad tienen 2.5 veces más probabilidad de presentar complicaciones postoperatorias por apendicitis aguda, que los pacientes con normo peso. Conclusiones: Son factores de riesgo para presentar complicaciones postoperatorias las edades avanzadas de los pacientes, el sexo masculino, el estadio complicados en que se operan los pacientes y el sobrepeso u obesidad como comorbilidad.
Updating Cruise Tourism Theme: A Methodology of Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Rungroueng Tanapon , Monpanthong Paithoon
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to synthesize the major themes of research studies conducted in the context of cruise tourism in the period of 2015–2023 in an international research database (Web of Science – ISI SSCI) to provide an up-to-date review of the relevant literature and identify any associated academic gaps for future research using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) synthesis process method. The study’s findings may be categorized into the following five major topics: 1) Customer Research, 2) Supply-Side Research, 3) Cruise Ship Research, 4) Overview Research, and 5) Employee Management Research. According to the results of the study, future research should look at the connection between cruise passengers’ behavioral intentions and their perceptions of the value of their trip, their perceptions regarding cruise ports and destinations, and their overall satisfaction. For scholars, cruise destination managers, and decision-makers in the field of cruise tourism development, the findings offer both theoretical and practical insights and recommendations.
Evaluating a Fear Appeal Message to Reduce Alcohol Use among “Greeks”
Authors: Moscato Sara , Black David R. , Blue Carolyn L. , Mattson Marifran , Galer-Unti Regina A. , Coster Daniel C.
Published: August 2023

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a fear appeal message on college students' drinking behavior using the extended parallel process model. Method: A survey was administered to a random sample of undergraduates (n=224) in 38 national fraternal organizations. Results:
Both perceived efficacy and perceived threat were significantly correlated with drinking behavior. There was a significant difference both in drinking behavior and attendance at alcohol-free events between those who heard and those who did not hear the message. Conclusions: Theoretically
based fear appeal messages may be a useful way to promote responsible drinking among college students.
Effectiveness of a Nurse-led Program to Enhance Self-efficacy of Pregnant Adolescents and Reduce their Fear of Childbirth: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nooied Bussayamas , Chunuan Sopen , Phumdoung Sasitorn
Published: August 2023

Fear of childbirth is a common feeling experienced by pregnant women, and it can occur before, during, or after childbirth. Intense fear has a detrimental effect on physical and psychological statuses of the pregnant women. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led program together with the mobile phone application to enhance pregnant adolescents’ childbirth self-efficacy and reduce their fear of childbirth. The sample was pregnant adolescents receiving antenatal care in a regional hospital in Southern Thailand. Using the minimization procedure, pregnant adolescents were assigned to either an experimental group receiving the program (n = 64) or a control group receiving routine care (n = 64). The instruments used for data collection consisted of a demographic characteristics form, the Fear of Childbirth in the Third Trimester Questionnaire, and the Thai Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and independent t-test.
The results showed that after completion of the intervention program, the participants in the experimental group had a significantly higher mean score on childbirth self-efficacy and lower fear of childbirth than before the intervention. When comparing the two groups after completion of the program, results showed a significantly higher childbirth self-efficacy mean score, and lower fear of childbirth mean score in the experimental group than those in the control group. The results indicate that application of childbirth self-efficacy enhancement program can increase self-efficacy and reduce fear of childbirth in pregnant adolescents. Therefore, it is a promising program for caring pregnant adolescents but needs to be tested with other samples before implementation in practice.
Tafsir Umum Terhadap Hak Dan Kewajiban Warga Negara Dalam Bela Negara Menurut UUD 1945
Authors: Andra Taupan
Published: August 2023

Upaya bela negara bukan hanya sebagai kewajiban dasar manusia, tetapi juga merupakan kehormatan warga negara sebagai wujud pengabdian dan kerelaan berkorban kepada bangsa dan negara. Mengingat begitu pentingnya bela negara, maka Indonesia pun memiliki landasan konstitusional yang kuat. Upaya bela negara merupakan sikap dan perilaku warga negara yang dijiwai oleh kecintaannya kepada negara kesatuan republik Indonesia yang berdasarkan Pancasila dan UUD 1945 dalam menjamin kelangsungan hidup bangsa dan negara. Bela negara tidak hanya berkaitan dengan militer saja, namun hal-hal kecil yang kita lakukan sehari-hari bisa saja merupakan bentuk bela negara. Tindakan yang mencerminkan bela negara sendiri, tindak-tindakan tersebut dapat memicu hal-hal lain yang dapat bermanfaat bagi orang lain dan lingkungannya. Dan juga sikap bela negara ini dapat membentuk sikap disiplin waktu, membentuk jiwa kebersamaan dan solidaritas antara sesama teman, membentuk perilaku jujur, tegas, adil, dan tepat, melatih jiwa kepemimpinan. Bela negara dapat dilakukan kapan saja di mana saja, bisa pagi, siang maupun malam hari, di lingkungan rumah tangga, masyarakat, instansi/tempat bekerja, di sekolah, di tempat ibadah, di pasar, di dalam negeri maupun di luar negeri.
Scenario Methods for Assessing the Efficiency of Legal Regulation of the Socio-Economic Systems Development Processes under Uncertainty
Authors: Shul'ts Vladimir Leopol'dovich , Kul'ba Vladimir Vasil'evich , Shelkov Aleksei Borisovich , Chernov Igor' Viktorovich , Timoshenko Andrei Anatol'evich
Published: August 2023

The article deals with the study of methodological problems of increasing the effectiveness of legislative regulation of Russian society and the state socio-economic development processes in the face of severe sanctions pressure from Western countries led by the United States. A complex of problems of improving the quality of law-making processes is considered. To assess the effectiveness of legal norms, it is proposed to use criteria and mechanisms for evaluating their efficiency, reflecting the degree of the goals set achievement in the process of their development, taking into account the costs and expended resources of various types. To solve the problems of advanced assessment of the developed legal norms effectiveness, it is proposed to use the scenario analysis methodology, which provides the possibility of information support and assessment of the quality of regulatory and legal decisions development and implementation within the framework of lawmaking processes. The approach proposed for solving the problems under consideration is based on the development and study of simulation models that allow analyzing a wide class of processes and phenomena in the legal, socio-political and socio-economic spheres. The results obtained in the course of the study allow to conclude that it is expedient to introduce the scenario-forecasting expertise procedures into the practice of drafting legislative acts, their analysis and efficiency evaluation (including the assessment of the effectiveness of law enforcement practice), which will complement the set of currently used procedures for the comprehensive examination of draft laws (legal, juridical-technical, criminological, anti-corruption, linguistic, etc.).
Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Selected Water Bodies in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Attah J. S. , Stanley H. O. , Sikoki F. D. , Immanuel O. M.
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to assess of microplastic pollution in selected water bodies in River State, Nigeria. Two water bodies, one fresh water (New Calabar River) and one estuary (Bonny River) were sampled in the present study for presence of microplastics in water, sediment and fish samples in the aquatic milieu. Microplastics were extracted using standard methods and were characterized using GCMS. Four plastic types namely polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polypropylene was detected in all samples. Likewise, four plasticizers namely dioctyl terephthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ether, acrylic fibre and tetrabromobisphenol A were all detected in sediment, water and fish samples from Bonny River and New Calabar River. FTIR analysis of microplastics showed patterns typical of polystyrene. This study has shown that water, sediment and fish samples contain microplastics. This is a worrisome development as the water are used for domestic purposes among persons resident along the water courses and the fish species sampled is commonly available as source of protein for majority of persons. This calls for greater enlightenment on the possible danger of microplastics pollution in the study area and for measures to check macroplastics pollution, which bring about microplastics pollution in the aquatic environment. Such measures should include promotion of the use of plant material as food wrappings and to dissuade dumping of solid waste in the rivers.
Triple-Action Antifungal Topicals, Microbiologist's Alarm
Authors: Kasamba I. E.
Published: August 2023

Today, we are witnessing the development and marketing of triple action antifungals for the treatment of superficial mycoses. It is a mixture of antifungals, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory. The problem of this research was to verify the effects of this mixture as to its effectiveness on superficial mycoses. Thus, we set ourselves the following objectives: to identify the antifungals in the pharmacies of the cities of Likasi, Lubumbashi and Kolwezi, to determine their composition and to discuss this composition with the existing literature.

Through a cross-sectional study, we identified thirty-four different antifungals in 588 pharmacies, of which 16 or 47.05% are triple action and made up of Azoles as antifungal, the antibiotic gentamicin, and corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory, alongside polyene, Echinocandins and flucytosine. It is the combination of antifungals with conventional non-antifungal agents reoriented for their action on the growth of fungi. They consist of antibacterial drugs and steroidal anti-inflammatories. This reorientation was supposed to have excellent antifungal activity and could prevent resistance. However, the presence of the antibiotic will reduce the composition of the colonizing microbiota and promote fungal growth and enhance fungal pathogenicity indirectly and the corticosteroid component may interfere with the therapeutic actions of the antifungal agent and may accelerate fungal growth, due to a decrease in the host's local immunological reaction, so that the underlying infection may persist, and the dermatophytes may even acquire the ability to invade the deeper tissues. So, in support, it would be interesting to favor antifungals without combinations than those combining antibiotics and anti-inflammatory which has an extremely high rate of recurrence.
Ecological Studies of Tridax procumbens (Linn) and Ageratum conyzoides (Linn) and the comparative Studies of Their Phytochemical
Authors: Chibuzo Anyanele Wisdom , Sylvalyn Anyanele Ijeoma , Sussan Ezenwata Ifeoma , Sunday Okoye Elochukwu Chidubem , Nosike Ofobeze Tochukwu , Ubaezuonu Shalom Tonna
Published: August 2023

Tridax procumbens and Ageratum conyzoides are two plant species commonly found in tropical regions and have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. Field surveys were conducted in selected sites across Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria to assess the distribution and abundance of the two species. Data on soil moisture, light intensity, temperature, and altitude were also collected to determine the ecological factors that influence their growth and distribution. Phytochemically, the main constituents present in these plants using various techniques including chromatography and spectroscopy were isolated and identified. Results showed that the two plants have different ecological niches and exhibit varying levels of phytochemical diversity. Both plants were found to contain compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which may have potential medicinal properties. The leaves of Tridax procumbens and Ageratum conizoides were used for this study, and it was evaluated and compared for total saponin, total flavonoids and other secondary metabolites using standard procedures. The study of two different samples from the two plant species revealed the presence of saponin, tannin, alkaloid, flavonoid, steroid. The dried sample of Tridax gave a higher composition of saponin (1.85±0.03 mg/100g), flavonoids (1.34±0.03 mg/100g), tannin (2.51±0.02 mg/100g), alkaloids (1.49±0.02 mg/100g) and steroid (0.26±0.02 mg/100g), while the dry sample of Ageratum gave a composition of (1.68±0.03 mg/100g) of total saponins, (1.95±0.03 mg/100g) of total flavonoids, (0.06±0.02 mg/100g) of total phenol, (2.14±0.02 mg/100g) of alkaloids, (0.26±0.02 mg/100g) of total Terpenoid. There is significant difference between the phytochemicals seen in the two samples. Thus, this reveals that Tridax plant has more tannin which is used medicinally to lower total cholesterol and lower blood pressure, while Ageratum plant contains more saponins which is used medicinally to decrease blood lipids and lower cancer risks.
Screening of Resistance Gene Analogue Marker(S) in Indian Bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] against Yellow Mosaic Disease
Authors: Kalaria Rishee K. , Usman Vakaliya Mohmmadasif , Modha K. G.
Published: August 2023

In this study, 104 genotypes of Indian beans were evaluated against the yellow mosaic disease at  College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture,  Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari  during Rabi 2021–2022 (South Gujarat Heavy Rainfall Zone-II ), based on the disease rating scale (1–9). Out of the 104 genotypes of Indian beans, 33 genotypes showed resistance to the yellow mosaic disease, 14 genotypes showed moderate resistance, 17 genotypes showed moderate susceptibility, 29 genotypes showed susceptibility, and 11 genotypes showed highly susceptibility. The obtained sequence has a greatest identity of 95.05 percent with the full sequence of the dolichos yellow mosaic virus isolate AG segment DNA A with accession number MZ821026.1. As a result, the variant was given the accession number ON461886 and named dolichos yellow mosaic virus isolate NAU-RA coat protein gene segment DNA -A. In present investigation six resistant (P-19-169, V-19-15, V-19-35, GNIB-22, W-19-05, V-19-24) and six highly susceptible (P-19-176, W-19-60, P-19-127, V-19-11, W-19-58, V-19-106) Indian bean genotypes were screened by nine pairs of RGA primers.  The amplicons were obtained in seven pairs of RGA primers, where five pairs of RGA primersRGA1FCG &RGA1R,VMYR1F & VMYR1R,YR4F & YR4R, RGAIB3 & RGAIB4, RGAIB5 & RGAIB6 amplified single band size of approximately 450 bp, 450 bp, 450 bp, 450 bp and 1050 bp respectively in resistant genotypes, while only two pairs of RGA primers CYR1F & CYR1R and RGAIB1 & RGAIB2 were found with prominent band of approximately 950bp and 350bp. According to the data from the current investigation, seven pairs of RGA markers have proven successful in differentiating between the resistant and highly susceptible genotypes of Indian beans. These RGA markers can be employed in investigations mapping resistance genes and validating markers with long-lasting YMV resistance.
A cluster analysis of Ricebean (Vigna umbellata (Thumb.) Ohwi and Ohashi) Accessions with Specified NaCl Salt Concentration at Seedling Stage under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Nandeshwar B. C. , Panchabhai S. N. , Patil S. R. , Raut M. M. , De D. K.
Published: August 2023

The Ricebean is still seen as a crop that is underappreciated and mistreated. The term salinity describes the buildup of soluble salts in soils, which results in saline soils. The Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, West Bengal, India, used a completely randomized block design (CRBD) and a factorial pattern with three replications to conduct this experiment in a growth chamber. In the specified salt concentration of 120 mM of NaCl salt, data were gathered on a variety of seedling growth traits. D2 values should be lower within a cluster than between clusters. The distance between clusters within cluster III (462.54) is the highest, followed by cluster II (294.43) and cluster I (55.88). As a result, these two groups are more diverse, and hybridization between genotypes in these clusters would facilitate gene transfer. The gap between clusters III and II, VI and I, and clusters VI and IV had the largest intra-cluster distance. The shortest inter-cluster distances were between clusters IV & I, V & I, and V & II. Except for leaf fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and leaf dry weight and on germination percentage, relative reduction of dry weights, tolerance index (TI), and salinity susceptibility index (SSI) of various seedling traits, genotypes belonging to cluster I were found to have the least relative reduction for most characters. Therefore, it may be assumed that the genotypes KRB-10, KRB-271, KRB-189, KRB-273, KRB-77, KRB-81, KRB-95, and KRB-70, which belong to this cluster I, will be tolerant to salinity. Similar to this, twelve genotypes from cluster IV—KRB-56, KRB-211, Bidhan-1, KRB-73, KRB-102, KRB-66, KRB-272, KRB-104, KRB-274, KRB-44, KRB-39, and Bidhan-2—had the highest relative reduction for the majority of the characters. The aforementioned results showed that although the majority of the Ricebean genotypes under investigation had a wide range of individual qualities, when the constellation of traits was considered as a whole, they also belonged to different groups.
The Impact of Barley-based diet on Diabetes: A Case-Report
Authors: Asha S. A. , Kavita M. B.
Published: August 2023

Background: Diabetes is becoming more prevalent in India. The increase in prevalence in most populations has probably been driven by modifiable risk factors, including lack of exercise and an increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity and unhealthy diets and habits. Yava(Barley)is one among the food articles and its preparation is extensively suggested in Prameha(Diabetes) and other lifestyle disorders. Diet intervention is the primary and effective way to control sugar levels. Diet therapy without much alteration of one’s habits will be acceptable to individuals. A barley-based diet is formulated and evaluated for its effectiveness in the case of diabetics.

Aim: To study the effectiveness of a Yava-based diet on fasting and postprandial blood sugars, fasting and postprandial urine sugars and lipid profile. 

Study Design: Modified crossover study

Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Swasthavritta, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, between December 2022 and February 2023.

Methodology: A single case study was designed and a barley-based diet was planned as a flatbread, suggested for a month as a dietetic intervention along with the routine dietary habit. The diabetic subject was screened in the outpatient department. Laboratory investigations were carried out at one-month intervals three times. Subject studied for observation period and intervention period with the follow-ups. 

Results: There were decreases in blood sugar and urine sugar levels and in lipid profile. Symptoms like polyphagia, heaviness in the body are also reduced.

Conclusion: Ayurveda literature opines Prameha is a disease of vitiated Kapha and fat tissue. Yava has the properties of pacifying Kapha and fat. The diet plan acts as a potential antidiabetic food. Yava can be an alternative to other grains and more beneficial for diabetes.
Association Between Redlining and Spatial Access to Pharmacies
Authors: Appolon Giovanni , Tang Shangbin , Gabriel Nico , Morales Jasmine , Berenbrok Lucas A. , Guo Jingchuan , Hernandez Inmaculada
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional study evaluates whether there is an association between historic redlining and living within 1 or 2 miles of a pharmacy.
Association of Childhood and Midlife Neighborhood Socioeconomic Position With Cognitive Decline
Authors: Kucharska-Newton Anna M. , Pike James Russell , Chen Jinyu , Coresh Josef , Sharret A. Richey , Mosley Thomas , Palta Priya
Published: August 2023

Importance

Early-life socioeconomic adversity may be associated with poor cognitive health over the life course.

Objective

To examine the association of childhood and midlife neighborhood socioeconomic position (nSEP) with cognitive decline.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included 5711 men and women enrolled in the community-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study with repeated cognitive data measured over a median 27.0 years (IQR, 26.0-27.9 years) (1990-2019). Statistical analysis was performed from December 2022 through March 2023.

Exposure

Residence addresses for ARIC Study cohort participants were obtained at midlife (1990-1993) and as recalled addresses at 10 years of age (childhood). A composite nSEP z score was created as a sum of z scores for US Census–based measures of median household income; median value of owner-occupied housing units; percentage of households receiving interest, dividend, or net rental income; percentage of adults with a high school degree; percentage of adults with a college degree; and percentage of adults in professional, managerial, or executive occupations. Childhood nSEP and midlife nSEP were modeled as continuous measures and discretized into tertiles.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A factor score for global cognition was derived from a battery of cognitive tests administered at 5 in-person visits from baseline to 2019. The rate of cognitive decline from 50 to 90 years of age was calculated by fitting mixed-effects linear regression models with age as the time scale and adjusted for race, sex, birth decade, educational level, and presence of the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele.

Results

Among 5711 ARIC Study participants (mean [SD] baseline age, 55.1 [4.7] years; 3372 women [59.0%]; and 1313 Black participants [23.0%]), the median rate of cognitive decline was −0.33 SDs (IQR, −0.49 to −0.20 SDs) per decade. In adjusted analyses, each 1-SD-higher childhood nSEP score was associated with a slower (β, −9.2%; 95% CI, −12.1% to −6.4%) rate of cognitive decline relative to the sample median. A comparable association was observed when comparing the highest tertile with the lowest tertile of childhood nSEP (β, −17.7%; 95% CI, −24.1% to −11.3%). Midlife nSEP was not associated with the rate of cognitive decline.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of contextual factors associated with cognitive decline, childhood nSEP was inversely associated with trajectories of cognitive function throughout adulthood.
Cellulose and Chitin Twisted Structures: From Nature to Applications
Authors: da Rosa Rafaela R. , Fernandes Susete N. , Mitov Michel , Godinho Maria Helena
Published: August 2023

Twisted structures are ubiquitous in plants and animals. Cellulose and chitin are natural polymers that form the structural skeleton of various twisted systems observed across different length scales, ranging from the molecular to the nano, micro, and macro scale. In addition, cellulose and chitin helicoidal structures are found to be responsible for structural coloration, enhanced mechanical properties, and motion. This review first addresses cellulose and chitin‐based chiral molecular systems and nanoscale helicoidal arrangements. Attention is given to cellulose nanocrystals, water interactions, out‐of‐equilibrium structural colorful structures formed by cellulose derivatives, and chitin's optical and mechanical properties. The discussion progresses to the micro and millimeter scales, where specific examples are presented to showcase specialized helical cellulose‐based organizations. The chosen examples illustrate the formation of different helicities, adaptative shapes, and movements at varying length scales, such as in vascular leaf petioles at the micro‐scale and millimeter‐scale in tendrils and awns of Erodium fruits. So far, the results indicate that significant work should be done on out‐of‐equilibrium systems. In addition, much must be learned from nature to produce novel twisted functional materials. This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state‐of‐the‐art study of twisted cellulose and chitin‐based structures and their potential applications.
An Interfacial Material with Low Trap Density Enables Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Cells for Multi‐Scene Applications
Authors: Yu Yue , Cui Yong , Zhang Tao , Chen Zhihao , Xiao Yang , Wang Wenxuan , Yang Yi , Yang Ni , Hou Jianhui
Published: August 2023

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells have great potential in multi‐scene applications because of their easily tunable optical absorption properties. However, the lagging development of the interlayer material limits the practicality of OPV cells. Herein, a naphthalene diimide‐based polymer cathode interlayer named PNDI‐Br is reported. The suitable energy level and improved light utilization enable the PNDI‐Br‐based cells to achieve a high power conversion efficiency of 18.7% under the illumination of AM 1.5G, representing the highest efficiency of inverted OPV cells. Under continuous illumination, PNDI‐Br‐based OPV cells can maintain an efficiency of over 80% after 1000 h, which reveals excellent stability of the cells. Furthermore, the decreased trap density and charge accumulation of PNDI‐Br‐based OPV cells results in limited charge recombination, which enables the cells to obtain a high fill factor and a low voltage loss in multi‐lighting conditions. This work provides a stimulus for multi‐scene applications of OPV cells.
Hybrid Crosslinked Solid Polymer Electrolyte via In‐Situ Solidification Enables High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Mu Kexin , Wang Dai , Dong Weiliang , Liu Qiang , Song Zhennuo , Xu Weijian , Yao Pingping , Chen Yin'an , Yang Bo , Li Cuihua , Tian Lei , Zhu Caizhen , Xu Jian
Published: August 2023

Solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries constructed by in‐situ solidification of cyclic ether are considered to be a critical strategy for the next generation of solid‐state batteries with high energy density and safety. However, the poor thermal/electrochemical stability of linear polyethers and severe interfacial reactions limit its further development. Herein, in‐situ ring‐opening hybrid crosslinked polymerization is proposed for organic/inorganic hybrid polymer electrolyte (HCPE) with superior ionic conductivity of 2.22 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 30 °C, ultrahigh Li+ transference number of 0.88, and wide electrochemical stability window of 5.2 V. These allow highly stable lithium stripping/plating cycling for over 1000 h at 1 mA cm−2, which also reveal a well‐defined interfacial stabilization mechanism. Thus, HCPE endows assembled solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries with excellent long‐cycle performance over 600 cycles at 2 C (25 °C) and superior capacity retention of 92.1%. More importantly, the proposed noncombustible HCPE opens up a new frontier to promote the practical application of high safety and high energy density solid‐state batteries via in‐situ solidification.
Vapor‐Phase Infiltrated Organic–Inorganic Positive‐Tone Hybrid Photoresist for Extreme UV Lithography
Authors: Subramanian Ashwanth , Tiwale Nikhil , Lee Won‐Il , Kisslinger Kim , Lu Ming , Stein Aaron , Kim Jiyoung , Nam Chang‐Yong
Published: August 2023

Continuing extreme downscaling of semiconductor devices, essential for high performance and energy efficiency of future microelectronics, hinges on extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) and addressing associated challenges. One of such challenges is a need for improved EUV photoresists featuring simultaneously high sensitivity, resolution, and etch selectivity. Here, a new, positive‐tone, organic–inorganic hybrid EUV photoresist is demonstrated that delivers a high‐resolution EUVL and electron‐beam lithography (EBL) patterning capability combined with high sensitivity and etch resistance. The new resist, poly(methyl methacrylate) infiltrated with indium oxide (PMMA‐InOx), is synthesized via vapor‐phase infiltration (VPI), a material hybridization technique derived from atomic layer deposition. The weak binding of the gaseous indium precursor, trimethylindium, to the carbonyl group in PMMA allows the synthesis of hybrids with inorganic content distributed uniformly in the resist, enabling high EUVL and EBL sensitivities (18 mJ cm−2 and 300 µC cm−2, respectively) and high‐resolution positive‐tone EUVL patterning (e.g., 40 nm half‐pitch line‐space and 50 nm diameter contact hole patterns) with high Si etch selectivity (>30–40). The low exposure doses required to pattern the PMMA‐InOx hybrid resist, high etch resistance, and processing strategies, which are developed, can pave the way for using infiltration‐synthesized hybrid thin films as reliable positive‐tone EUV photoresists for future semiconductor patterning.