bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of science and technology in India
Authors: Katiyar Sangita
Published: April 2024

Before understanding the development process of science and technology in India during colonial rule, it is necessary to understand what science is. Science is a way of gaining knowledge which leads us to such beliefs. Which can be verified on the basis of logic and experiments. In English it is called Justified True Beliefs. In short, the foundation of science is based on direct evidence i.e. Positilist MPricipm. The science that was coming with the new technology had no existing roots in India. In modern science, theory and experiment go together. It was so in Europe but such scientific vision had not emerged in India. It is often said very strongly that modern science was present in ancient Indian thought and that India had a very old tradition of science and technology. It is true that India before the arrival of the Europeans was not an intellectual void, but there is no special justification for this when we see that even at that time only a limited and exclusive class had the right to acquire knowledge. At the beginning of the colonial period, nothing was happening in terms of science and technology in India. A fundamental difference between the ancient and modern scientific traditions is that in the ancient Indian tradition, there was progress in various fields of science but no significant achievements were made at the mechanical level. Whereas the biggest achievement of the modern scientific tradition has been the development of mechanics in it. The development of mechanics promoted new research in the field of science.
Internal Image of Czech Tertiary Business Schools and Its Influence on The Interest of New Applicants for Study
Authors: Pavelková Jana , Turčínková Jana , Šácha Jakub
Published: April 2024

Attracting prospective students could be difficult and expensive. Candidates, when choosing a future school for their studies, consider a great number of factors. Information from official university websites don´t suffice to persuade. Among others, the word of mouth plays a significant role. The aim of this paper is to present findings about important factors influencing the overall satisfaction of current students with university life as well as their willingness to share positive references. The study took place in the Czech Republic with students attending business schools at universities. Primary data was collected via online questionnaire with students of bachelor’s master’s, and doctor degrees (n = 274) and in-depth interviews (n = 10). Data was processed with regression analysis and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. The main findings suggest that there is a close positive correlation between students’ satisfaction and the willingness to recommend the university. The quality of student life and the reputation of the school were identified as the most important factors influencing this satisfaction and willingness to recommend.
Organization of the VAT taxation and tax control system in the digital economy
Authors: Protasova Inna Ivanovna
Published: April 2024

In the article, the author investigates the question of the possibility and necessity of using innovative digital solutions in organizing the procedure of work of tax authorities with taxpayers in terms of applying the 0% rate and reimbursement of value added tax. The relevance of the study is justified by the changed conditions for the application of the VAT refund application procedure, the reduction of the period of desk inspection and the preparation of registers of documents confirming the 0 percent rate through the use of information services of the Federal Tax Service. The research methodology is based on the generalization and analysis of regulatory documents, as well as the practical experience of maritime transport enterprises, customs and tax authorities in terms of digitalization of individual processes. To achieve this goal, the author has considered in detail the new procedure for VAT refund. The legal justification of the procedure and reasons for carrying out tax control measures aimed at confirming the right to apply the 0 percent tax rate and tax deductions is analyzed.The necessity of further transformation of interaction between taxpayers and tax authorities in the direction of the use of digital technologies, including in the organization of tax control, is substantiated. Based on the results of the study, the author made reasonable conclusions about the need for further research and elaboration of issues on the implementation of the possibility of assessing the application of a new declarative procedure for tax refund before filing a value-added tax declaration, the legal status of the "Office – Exporter" service and the possibility of using participants in foreign economic activity providing transshipment and forwarding services in order to form a register documents confirming the 0 percent rate. The improvement of the existing information services of the Federal Tax Service and the introduction into commercial operation of the new service "Exporter's Office" will provide comfortable conditions for tax administration to conscientious taxpayers, reduce the administrative burden, shorten the period of desk inspection, eliminate technical errors and stop intentional actions aimed at illegal VAT refund and the application of the 0% rate.
The tax on professional income as a threat to economic security
Authors: Shilekhin Konstantin Evgenevich
Published: April 2024

The object of the study is the social relations that developed after the introduction of the tax on professional income. Not only the legal relations regulated by Federal Law No. 422-FZ dated November 27, 2018 "On conducting an experiment to establish a special tax regime "Tax on professional income" are being studied, but also the employment relations of persons who have switched to this special tax regime. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as: the dynamics of the number of self-employed, the structure of self-employment, the ratio of self-employment and traditional forms of employment, the socio-economic consequences of the experiment, the importance of the tax on professional income for the economic security of Russian society. Thus, the subject of the study is the socially significant consequences of conducting a tax experiment, the influence of specific legal norms on the whole set of public relations is studied. The methodological basis of the research is dialectical materialism. The object of research is considered comprehensively and in connection with other phenomena of social matter. General scientific and special research methods are used to collect, process, generalize, analyze and interpret the material: induction, deduction, document analysis. The novelty of the research is determined by a number of aspects. Firstly, the social relations caused by the introduction of a tax on professional income are analyzed comprehensively in all their diversity, not limited, as is often the case, to the fiscal component. Secondly, current empirical data are being investigated not only by tax authorities, but also by other government agencies and public organizations. Thirdly, for the first time, the socio-economic essence of the tax on professional income is exposed, and its significant disadvantages are shown on specific empirical data. Taken together, these circumstances allow us to formulate a conclusion about the impact of the tax regime in question on a key element of the country's economic security. The author formulated a hypothesis about the possibility of overcoming existing problems and justified the need to change existing approaches to regulating public relations in the field of self-employment.
Spatial habitat suitability prediction of essential oil wild plants on Indonesia’s degraded lands
Authors: Renjana Elga , Firdiana Elok Rifqi , Angio Melisnawati H. , Ningrum Linda Wige , Lailaty Intani Quarta , Rahadiantoro Apriyono , Martiansyah Irfan , Zulkarnaen Rizmoon , Rahayu Ayyu , Raharjo Puguh Dwi , Abywijaya Ilham Kurnia , Usmadi Didi , Risna Rosniati Apriani , Cropper, Jr Wendell P. , Yudaputra Angga
Published: April 2024

Background

Essential oils are natural products of aromatic plants with numerous uses. Essential oils have been traded worldwide and utilized in various industries. Indonesia is the sixth largest essential oil producing country, but land degradation is a risk to the continuing extraction and utilization of natural products. Production of essential oil plants on degraded lands is a potential strategy to mitigate this risk. This study aimed to identify degraded lands in Indonesia that could be suitable habitats for five wild native essential oil producing plants, namely Acronychia pedunculata (L.) Miq., Baeckea frutescens L., Cynometra cauliflora L., Magnolia montana (Blume) Figlar, and Magnolia sumatrana var. glauca (Blume) Figlar & Noot using various species distribution models.

Methods

The habitat suitability of these species was predicted by comparing ten species distribution models, including Bioclim, classification and regression trees (CART), flexible discriminant analysis (FDA), Maxlike, boosted regression trees (BRT), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), generalized linear models (GLM), Ranger, support vector machine (SVM), and Random Forests (RF). Bioclimatic, topographic and soil variables were used as the predictors of the model habitat suitability. The models were evaluated according to their AUC and TSS metrics. Model selection was based on ranking performance. The total suitable area for five native essential oil producing plants in Indonesia’s degraded lands was derived by overlaying the models with degraded land locations.

Results

The habitat suitability model for these species was well predicted with an AUC value >0.8 and a TSS value >0.7. The most important predictor variables affecting the habitat suitability of these species are mean temperature of wettest quarter, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter, precipitation of coldest quarter, cation exchange capacity, nitrogen, sand, and soil organic carbon. C. cauliflora has the largest predicted suitable area, followed by M. montana, B. frutescens, M. sumatrana var. glauca, and A. pedunculata. The overlapping area between predictive habitat suitability and degraded lands indicates that the majority of degraded lands in Indonesia’s forest areas are suitable for those species.

Conclusion

The degraded lands predicted as suitable habitats for five native essential oil producing plants were widely spread throughout Indonesia, mostly in its main islands. These findings can be used by the Indonesian Government for evaluating policies for degraded land utilization and restorations that can enhance the lands’ productivity.
Seeds of Change: Assessing Wheat Knowledge and Socio-profile in Rural Areas of Kharar, Tehsil of Punjab, India
Authors: Pushpalata . , Singh Kshitij , Badhan Abhishek , Singh Gurshaminder
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the socio-profile status, agricultural practices, and knowledge acquisition among farmers in rural villages of the Punjab region, India. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from farmers residing in five villages through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The demographic analysis revealed a balanced gender distribution, with a significant proportion falling within the 40-60 years age bracket, highlighting the maturity of the farming population. Educational attainment varied, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance access to higher education and vocational training programs. Findings indicated a high prevalence of smartphone usage among farmers, presenting opportunities for leveraging digital technology in agricultural extension services. Family compositions leaned towards nuclear families, while landholding patterns showcased the varied socio-profile landscape within the farming community. Peer networks and institutional support emerged as significant sources of agricultural information, underscoring the importance of collaborative approaches in knowledge dissemination. A notable increase in knowledge was observed among farmers after video presentations on wheat varieties, highlighting the efficacy of multimedia approaches in agricultural education. The study aimed to assess the impact of a video presentation on wheat cultivation on farmers' knowledge. Data from 60 farmers showed significant improvements in various aspects of wheat cultivation knowledge, including identifying suitable wheat varieties, understanding sowing and harvesting timing, and recognizing common wheat diseases. The mean percentage increase in knowledge was 103%, indicating the effectiveness of the educational program. These findings underscore the importance of targeted educational initiatives in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving farmers' livelihoods. Continued support and education efforts are essential for sustaining and enhancing these positive outcomes. However, the preference for sowing previous year's seeds over newly released varieties indicates the persistence of traditional practices and the need for targeted interventions to promote varietal adoption. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners to design context-specific interventions aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring food security for rural populations in the Punjab region and beyond.
The Influence of Interaction Quality, Physical Environment Quality, and Environmentally Friendly Practices on Brand Personality and Brand Reputation with Customer Experience as a Mediating Variable
Authors: Nabila Salwa , Albari Albari
Published: April 2024

Aim: This research aims to explain the positive influence of interaction quality, physical environment quality, and environmentally friendly practices on brand personality and brand reputation with customer experience as a mediating variable. This is important and interesting to discuss because it is necessary to implement marketing strategies in a brand or company.

Study Design: Service quality is evaluated based on interaction quality and physical environment quality and green marketing is evaluated based on physical environmentally friendly practices.

Place and Duration of Study: This research was conducted in Indonesia from September 2023 to February 2024.

Methodology: The study used a convenience sampling method and generated 350 respondents. Primary data for this study was obtained through an online questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Model modeling with AMOS 24.

Results: The results of this study show that (1) the quality of interactions, the quality of the physical environment, and environmentally friendly practices have a positive and significant effect on customer experience. (2) Interaction quality, physical environment quality, environmentally friendly practices, and brand personality have a positive influence on brand reputation. (3) Customer experience has a positive and significant influence on brand personality and brand reputation.

Conclusion: This research provides new insights into the influence of service quality and green marketing in a company or brand. Companies must manage these two things to improve the brand personality and brand reputation of the company, especially in the food and beverages sector.
Enhanced Bioavailability and Efficacy of Bacopa Extract and Ebelin Lactone: Preparation and Biological Evaluation
Authors: KN Devaraj Reddy , Aluri Srilakshmi , Shetty Prathvi , Udaya Shreya , Prasad Shankara , MS Sudhanva , Rangappa Shobith
Published: April 2024

Although Bacopa monnieri extract is well known for its cognitive and memory support, it has received minimal attention in pharmacy due to its terrible palatability and poor bioavailability. This study aimed to develop an improved, cost-effective, and eco-friendly process for the preparation of stable and highly bioavailable non-hygroscopic bacosides enriched fraction in such a manner that it contains a specific amount of Bacoside A3 and jujubogenin, and the aglycone derivative (Ebelin lactone). We prepared two compositions 1 and 2 having Bacoside A3 and jujubogenin: Ebelin lactone ratios 1:1 and 3:1 respectively. The efficacy of these herbal compositions was evaluated independently in comparison to the bioactivity of bacosides (20%), bacosides (50%), and Ebelin lactone. This study also aimed to find a wide range of potential activities of formulated composition, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor activity, anti-oxidant activity, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor activity, and anti-cancer activity. We noted that both compositions worked better than parent Bacopa for biological activity assays but the herbal Bacopa Composition 1 is more potent than Composition 2. Hence, further research on Composition 1 should be explored for its potential to treat conditions such as Alzheimer's and various cancer diseases.
Significance of Using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM-EDX) for Analysis of Evidence Material in Forensic Sciences
Authors: Pathak Jumisree Sarmah , Saxena Arvind Kumar
Published: April 2024

Forensic applications of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are found mostly in areas where there is a need for good imaging at relatively high magnifications. SEM enables the forensic scientist to examine specimens at much higher magnification than those possible with optical microscopy and without the difficulties of specimen preparation associated with conventional electron microscope.  Physicochemical examinations of gunshot residues, called also chemical ballistics, are helpful, e.g. in identification of damages and injuries as the effect of the use of firearms (with indicating the entrance and exit of projectile), estimation of the shooting distance and also establishing, whether a person has used a firearm. It is discussed in details that Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) can serve as a powerful tool for forensic scientists to classify and discriminate evidence material because they can simultaneously examine the morphology and the elemental composition of objects.
Response of Biofertilizer and Biochar on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn
Authors: Maheswar Yedoti Uma , C. Umesha
Published: April 2024

The field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, UP, during the Zaid season of 2023. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatment combinations which are replicated thrice. The experiment involves with the biofertilizers like azospirillum(10g and 20g/kg seed),azotobacter(10g and 20g/kg seed) along with biochar(0t/ha,10t/ha,40t/ha). Among the various treatment combinations in (treatment-9) with the application of Azospirillum 10g/kg seed along with Azotobacter 10 g/kg seed and Biochar 40 t/ha significantly recorded higher plant height (117.13 cm), plant dry weight (34.33 g), cobs/plant (1.87), cob length without husk (14.58 cm), cob weight without husk (12.09 g) and cob yield without husk (4.70 t/ha). Maximum gross returns (2,35,000.00 ₹/ha), were obtained in (treatment-9) whereas maximum net returns (1,27,001.00 ₹/ha) and higher benefit cost ratio (1.74) was obtained in (treatment-8) with application of Azospirillum 10g/kg seed along with Azotobacter 10g/kg seed and Biochar 10 t/ha.
Apo Lipoproteins A1 and B in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
Authors: Alexis Bahi Gnogbo , Abou Bamba , Angèle Aké-Edjème , Luc N’Guessan A. Jean , Augustine Kouman A. , Joseph Djaman Allico
Published: April 2024

Aims: The medical management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a major public health issue. Apolipoproteins play a key role in lipoprotein metabolism such as the recognition of receptors involved in lipoprotein metabolism. Thus, the study of the inter- relationships between apolipoproteins (A1 and B) and MDR-TB could represent an important approach to the biological management of MDR-TB patients.
Methodology: This is an experimental study carried out on eighty-two (82) patients including thirty-eight (38) MDR-TB patients which age ranged from 18 to 60 years old recruited from three tuberculosis centers (CAT) in the city of Abidjan and forty-four (44) non-tuberculosis patients used as control aged 18 to 60 years old recruited at the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) in Treichville (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire). Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured by the colorimetric-enzymatic method. Apolipoproteins A1 and B were measured using the immunoturbidimetric method.
Results and Conclusion: Showed a dyslipidemia concerning cholesterol and its HDL fraction, triglycerides and apolipoproteins A1 and B suggest an atherogenic profile in multidrug-resistant TB patients.
Comparative Efficacy of Bio Active Plant Extracts and Insecticides against Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus L.) Infesting Oats in North Kashmir, India
Authors: Hamid Abdul , Majid Mohd , Ahad Ishtiyaq
Published: April 2024

Experiment was carried out at farmers field near the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Kashmir, India during 2021-22 to evaluate efficacy of various insecticides and botanicals against cereal leaf beetle Oulema melanopus (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) infesting Rabi Oats (Avena sativa L.) in North Kashmir. Among plant extracts and insecticides evaluated against O. melanopus, Abamectin proved to be most effective in causing huge mortality to grub population with decreasing number of grub were recorded as (24, 21.3, 8.3, 1.6 and 1 %) after 2,4,6,8 and 10 days of spray, respectively during 2021 followed by Thiamethoxam (32.6, 15.3, 8, 0.3%) after 2, 4, 6, 8 ad 10 days of spray. Same trend of results was observed in 2022 and the pooled data.  Among tested botanicals viz. neem and Artimesia; Artimesia was effective in declining the grub population with (44, 42, 41, 39 and 37%) after 2, 4, 6,8 and 10 days after spray. Severe infestation has been observed at maturity of crop and keeping in view the use as fodder to cattle it is necessary to inculcate the use of locally available botanicals for better health of cattle during the dearth period of fodder in Kashmir valley. Overall, the marginal farmers might be saved from any untoward by utilization of the bioactive plant extracts in management of this notorious pest.
Evaulation of Effective Antagonistic Yeasts in Kalasin Province, a Biocontrol Agent against the Fungal Colletotrichum capsici Caused Anthracnose Diseases in Chili Fruits
Authors: Chaisemsaeng Punika , Khamsong Jatuporn , Sophakhayang Suriya , Cherdjerm Phongpan , Prajuntasan Rapeepun , Nitisuk Panorjit
Published: April 2024

Primary screening of epiphytic and endophytic yeasts, the majority yeast was found from rhizosphere soil (21 isolates, 31.81%), and 5 antagonistic yeasts can have inhibited the growth of mycelia of C. capsici up to 60%. Efficacy of five antagonistic yeasts were screened under plant nurseries conditions. The result found all isolates were tested and compared with control and chemical plots. The result of plant height showed that, yeast isolate KS34 had highest of plant height at 45.80 cm. For the result of branch per plant of chili plant found isolate KS37 showed highest of branch per plant at 16.60 branches and the flower of chili per plant presented that isolate KS37 had highest of flower at 18.60 flowers. The result of anthracnose disease control by antagonistic yeasts in disease incidence and category mean as plant resistance. These results found that, Isolates KS46 had a great disease incidence at 7.80% that mean this isolate prove chili plant to resistance to C. capsisci. Addition, isolate KS46 had highest of activity of chitinase enzyme at 170.72 U/ml. Isolate KS46 identified by D1/D2 domain of 26S ribosomal DNA sequencing. The sequence analysis showed maximum identity of 100% with Candida haemulonii. This assumed C. haemulonii was showed the best to control C. capsici. For confirmed this result, all isolates were determined the mode of action by studied in relationship between antagonist isolates. The action of yeast isolate could competition the nutrient with mycelia of pathogen. This mode effect to C. capsici loss nutrient caused the pathogen get stuck to braked and died later.
Marketing Pattern and Price Spread of Polyhouse and Open Field Cucumber Production in Jaipur District of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Dadhich Sourabh , Singh Hubba Lal , Yadav Sakshi
Published: April 2024

In recent years, there has been concern about the effectiveness of marketing fruits and vegetables, which has resulted in high and volatile consumer price with only a minute portion of the consumer rupee flowing to the farmers. Horticultural crops are difficult to market because of their perishability, seasonality and bulkiness. Present study was an attempt to study the marketing channel and their efficiency. The Jaipur district of Rajasthan was selected purposively for the present study. A total of 26 intermediaries and 50 farmers were selected randomly. Among the total farmers, 25 growers producing cucumber in polyhouses and 25 in open field were selected randomly. The most common marketing channel engaged in marketing of polyhouse and open field cucumber in Jaipur district are following: Channel – I: Producer – Commission Agent – Wholesaler – Retailer – Consumer and Channel- II: Producer- Commission agent- Retailer- Consumer. Among both cucumber production system, in channel II the marketing cost incurred per quintal of cucumber was much lower than cost incurred in channel I. Since the marketing cost and marketing margin in channel I was higher, so the marketing efficiency was very low for that channel. At the same time in channel II was found to be lower price spread under both production systems. The most effective means of enhancing farmers' market access and reduce marketing cost through institutional means is by reinforcing cooperative societies, FPOs and shorten the marketing channel.
The Management Strategies against Maize Stem Borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) on Maize (Zea mays L.): A Review
Authors: Garhwal Abhishek , Yadav Usha
Published: April 2024

The research provides updated information on the effect of different insecticides and biopesticides against maize stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) were carried out at different areas by different scientists. Combining Imidacloprid and Trichogramma chilonis resulted in significantly decreased leaf injury m-2 (1.32) and dead hearts (4.16%) in several trials done in different agroclimatic zones. With maximum grain yield (39.5 q/ha), imidacloprid + Karanj oil significantly reduced dead heart (2.8%), plant infestation (14.1%), stem tunneling (2.7%), and number of exit holes per plant (0.6). Results of the field bio-efficacy study showed that at, Chloropyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% @2500 g.a.i./ha recorded significantly lower larval populations (1.18 larvae per plant) and a lower percentage of plant damage (9.00%). As per the findings this study suggests the percentage infestation and larval population of Chilo partellus can be minimized by the application of combinations of insecticides and biopesticides.
Evaluation of Pigeonpea Genotypes against Sterility Mosaic Disease
Authors: Dethe Gitanjali , Magar Sunita J. , Somwanshi S.D.
Published: April 2024

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) belonging to family Leguminosae is an important leguminous pulse crop of semi-arid tropic and subtropic regions (Asia and Africa). It is also known as red gram, arhar, tur dal. The crop is affected by several phytopathogens, of which, pigeonpea sterility mosaic disease/virus, and transmissible by eriophyid mites (Aceria cajani) has been a major bottleneck. Yield losses up to 95 per cent or even 100 per cent in severe Sterility Mosaic Disease incidence were reported. Therefore, present investigation on screening of pigeon pea genotypes against the sterility mosaic disease was carried out during Kharif, 2018 at the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Latur.
In present study, about 27 entries of pigeonpea were screened under natural epiphytotic against pigeonpea sterility mosaic disease. Of these GRG-152, ICP-2376, BRG-5, BRG-4, ICPL-15048, BSMR853, BSMR-736, BRG-1and BRG-3 were resistant; MPV-106, RVSA-16-1, IPA-16-8 and BRG-2 were moderately resistant, whereas, PUSA-2017-01, TDRG-58, ICP-8863, PUSA-2018, PUSA-2018-1, PUSA-2018-2, PUSA-2018-3 ,PUSA-2018-5, AKTE-12-04, KRG-244, PADT-16, RKPV-912, JKM-189 and TJT-501 were susceptible to Sterility Mosaic disease.
Comparison of long-acting injectable antipsychotics with oral antipsychotics and hospital readmission rates in pediatric patients
Authors: Chowdhury Danial , Greer Daniel , Liu Mei T. , McCarthy Caitlin , Maroney Megan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Studies indicate that long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIAs) reduce the risk of relapse and hospitalization compared with oral antipsychotics (APs) in adults. Oral formulations of APs are well-studied in the pediatric population, but little is known regarding the off-label use of LAIAs in this population.

Methods

This retrospective chart review evaluated readmission rates for pediatric patients admitted to a psychiatric ward in a large academic hospital between January 1, 2015, and December 1, 2022, requiring AP therapy. The experimental group included patients initiated on LAIA therapy, and the control group included patients initiated on a new oral AP. Patients were matched by several clinical factors.

Results

Each group consisted of 38 patients. For the primary outcome, hospital readmission rates at 3 months, the LAIA group had a 13.2% readmission rate compared with 26.3% in the comparator group (p = .153). In months 4 through 6, there was a 5.3% versus 15.8% readmission rate, respectively (p = .139). In months 7 through 12, it was 7.9% versus 18.4% (p = .179). There were significantly fewer cumulative readmissions at the 1-year mark in the LAIA group (N = 9, 23.7%) compared with the oral AP group (N = 18, 47.4%) (p = .031). No statistically significant differences were seen in hospital length of stay although results numerically favored LAIA.

Discussion

In a pediatric population, the administration of an LAIA when compared with the oral equivalent resulted in numerically fewer hospital readmissions, decreased length of stay, and fewer adverse effects, but these effects were not statistically significant except for cumulative readmissions at 1 year.
Med rec double check: Inpatient psychiatry medication errors identified on admission using Medicaid Web portals and electronic pharmaceutical claims data
Authors: Oo Su Su E. , McGrane Ian R.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The role of pharmacists during medication reconciliation (MR) is well established, with a number of reports describing this in the context of psychiatric hospitalizations. However, medication errors (MEs) are common during transitions of care, with no exception during psychiatric hospitalizations. Our institution uses pharmacy-performed MR processes using patient interviews and reviewing objective sources, such as electronic pharmaceutical claims data (EPCD), which includes Medicaid Web portals. The inpatient psychiatric pharmacist reviews EPCD sources against previously pharmacy-completed MRs for new admissions, where if discrepancies are found, the patient is reinterviewed to identify and correct MEs.

Methods

We performed a prospective quality improvement project during 28 days to evaluate the quantity and classification of MEs upon admission to a 22-bed inpatient psychiatry unit.

Results

Of 52 included patients, where a cumulative 426 medications were reviewed, a total of 29 MEs in 16 patients were identified. Eight patients had discrepancies on their home medication lists when compared to EPCD, where 7 of these had at least 1 ME due to inaccurate MR.

Discussion

Of all the MEs identified, the greatest quantity was found secondary to the EPCD “double-check” method. The most common MEs in all patients were the omission of home medications (34%), wrong frequency (28%), and ordering medication the patient is not taking (10%). All patients admitted on long-acting injection antipsychotics had errors in last dose received. No MEs resulted in patient harm, and they were identified and corrected by the psychiatric pharmacist 97% of the time.
Opioid-positive urine drug screen during treatment with oral naltrexone and the clinical implications
Authors: Beauregard Elena R. , Maguire Elizabeth G.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that is FDA approved to treat alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. It is available as an oral tablet and an extended-release injectable suspension. Naltrexone is metabolized to the primary metabolite, 6-β-naltrexol, and to 2 minor metabolites, 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-6-β-naltrexol and 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-naltrexone. One of the lesser-known metabolites of naltrexone is noroxymorphone.

Methods

A 27-year-old man taking oral naltrexone seen in the outpatient setting for alcohol use disorder and cannabis use disorder was found to have multiple positive urine drug screens (UDSs) for oxycodone. Confirmatory urine drug testing was completed and noroxymorphone was detected. A naloxone challenge test was conducted with negative results and the patient tolerated the transition from oral naltrexone to the extended-release injectable suspension of naltrexone.

Results

This case illustrates that it is possible for a patient stabilized on oral naltrexone to have a false-positive oxycodone UDS. Confirmatory urine drug testing was used to substantiate that the metabolite of naltrexone, noroxymorphone, was the cause of the false-positive oxycodone UDS.

Conclusions

One of the lesser-known metabolites of naltrexone, noroxymorphone, can cause a positive oxycodone UDS during treatment with oral naltrexone. Confirmatory urine drug testing should be conducted to confirm the presence of noroxymorphone and rule out alternative opioids.
CFD modeling of pump‐mix action in continuous flow stirred tank
Authors: Singh K. K. , Mahajani S. M. , Shenoy K. T. , Ghosh S. K.
Published: December 2007

The present work involves Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling and validation of head and power characteristics of a Top Shrouded Turbine with Nonradial Rectangular Blades (TSTNRB) operated in backswept mode. Following the successful validation reported here and in two previous studies by the authors. CFD has been used to simulate the performance of different kinds of impellers viz. Straight Blade Paddle (SBP), Rushton Turbine (RT), Top Shrouded Turbine with Radial Rectangular Blades (TSTRRB), Top Shrouded Turbine with Radial Trapezoidal Blades (TSTRTB), Top Shrouded Turbine with Non‐radial Rectangular Blades (TSTNRB), Top Shrouded Turbine with Curved Blades (TSTCB), and Both side Shrouded Turbine with Radial Trapezoidal Blades (BSTRTB), to compare them for pump‐mix action. Baffle‐impeller interaction has been modeled using the sliding mesh approach. Standard k‐ε model has been used for turbulence modeling. The power number, head number, and flow number have been computed for each impeller. The impellers have been rated on the basis of head generated by them for equal specific power input. An attempt has been made to explain why different impellers operating at the same speed and handling the same inlet flow rate should give different heads. How this insight can be used to conceptualize better designs of pump‐mix impeller is illustrated. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
EPDM/St‐An graft copolymerization reaction behavior by phase inversion emulsion and the toughness effect of EPDM‐g‐SAN on SAN resin
Authors: Dai Jingqi , Wang Lianshi , Cai Tongmin , Zhang Anqiang , Zeng Xiangbin
Published: December 2007

Styrene‐EPDM‐acrylonitrile tripolymer (EPDM‐g‐SAN) was synthesized by the graft copolymerization of styrene (St) and acrylonitrile (An) onto ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer (EPDM) with “phase inversion” emulsification technique. The high impact strength engineering plastics AES was the blend of SAN resin and EPDM‐g‐SAN, which occupied good weathering and yellow discoloration resistivity. The effects of An percentage in comonomer and the weight proportion of EPDM to St‐An on graft copolymerization behavior and AES notched impact strength were studied. The results showed that monomer conversion ratio (CR) exhibited a peak when the An percentage changed, and the maximum value was 97.5%. Grafting ratio (GR) and grafting efficiency (GE) enhance as well. The notched impact strength of AES presented a peak with the maximum value of 53.0 KJ/m2, when An percentage was at the range of 35–40%. The spectra of FTIR showed that St and An were graft onto the EPDM. DSC analysis illuminated that Tg of EPDM phase in the blends was lower than that of the pure EPDM. TEM and SEM micrographs indicated that the polarity of g‐SAN of EPDM‐g‐SAN was the main factor effect the particle morphology, in terms of size, distribution and isotropy. When weight ratio of St to An was 65/35, the polarity of g‐SAN chains was appropriate, and the EPDM‐g‐SAN particles dispersed well in the SAN matrix. The super impact toughness is interpreted in terms of EPDM phase cavitation and enhanced plastic shear yielding. The highest toughness occurs at an optimum EPDM‐g‐SAN phase particle size which is about 0.2 μm in SAN resin matrix. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis of dextran‐metaxalone conjugates and study on their control drug release behaviors
Authors: Zhang Juan , Liu Yi‐Feng , Lan Bo , Fan Xiao‐Dong
Published: December 2007

Metaxalone (Met), a drug for treatment of pain and stiffness due to muscle injuries, was covalently linked to dextran via a chloroacetyl chloride spacer. The average molecular weights of dextran are 20,000 (D20000) and 40,000 (D40000), respectively, and the procedure of chemical modification for dextrans was conducted by a two‐step protocol: (1) synthesis of N‐chloroacetyl‐metaxalone; (2) synthesis of D20000‐Met and D40000‐Met. The controlled drug release studies were performed in buffer solutions with pH values of 1.1, 7.4, and 10.0. The results demonstrate that, under the same condition, the rate of release for D20000‐Met is slower than that of D40000‐Met, and more amount of Met can be detected releasing from polymer‐drug conjugate at the presence of α‐chymotrypsin in a buffer solution with pH = 8.0. It was also found that these novel polymer‐drug conjugates can effectively improve the Met's pharmacokinetics, and can increase its half‐life period. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
The MeCP2‐null mouse hippocampus displays altered basal inhibitory rhythms and is prone to hyperexcitability
Authors: Zhang Liang , He Jiwei , Jugloff Denis G. M. , Eubanks James H.
Published: December 2007

Rett syndrome is an autism‐spectrum disorder caused by loss of function mutations within the gene encoding methyl CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2). While subtle decreases in synaptic plasticity have been detected within cortical and hippocampal neurons of Mecp2‐null mice, only minimal information exists regarding how the loss of MeCP2 affects network activity in the brain. To address this issue, we compared the intrinsic network activities of Mecp2‐null hippocampal slices derived from symptomatic mice to wild‐type slices. Extracellular and whole‐cell patch recordings revealed that although spontaneous, IPSP‐based rhythmic activity is present in Mecp2‐null slices; its frequency is significantly reduced from wild‐type. This reduction was not associated with alterations in the gross electrophysiological properties of hippocampal neurons, but was associated with a decreased level of spontaneous glutamate receptor‐mediated synaptic currents in hippocampal CA3 neurons. Paradoxically, however, repetitive sharp wave‐like discharges were readily induced in the Mecp2‐null hippocampal slices by a brief train of high‐frequency stimulation commonly used to establish long‐term potentiation at wild‐type slices. Taken together, our data indicate that the Mecp2‐null hippocampal CA3 circuit has diminished basal inhibitory rhythmic activity, which in turn renders the circuitry prone to hyperexcitability. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repetitive induction of late‐phase LTP produces long‐lasting synaptic enhancement accompanied by synaptogenesis in cultured hippocampal slices
Authors: Tominaga‐Yoshino Keiko , Urakubo Tomoyoshi , Okada Masayoshi , Matsuda Hiroko , Ogura Akihiko
Published: December 2007

Long‐term plasticity of synaptic transmission is assumed to underlie the formation of long‐term memory. Although the cellular mechanisms underlying short‐term plasticity have been analyzed in detail, the mechanisms underlying the transformation from short‐term to long‐term plasticity remain largely unrevealed. We propose the novel long‐lasting phenomenon as a model system for the analysis of long‐term plasticity. We previously reported that the repetitive activation of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) by forskolin application led to an enhancement in synaptic strength coupled with synaptogenesis that lasted more than 3 weeks in cultured rat hippocampal slices. To elucidate whether this long‐lasting synaptic enhancement depended on the induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP) or on the pharmacological effect of forskolin, we applied glutamate (Glu) and correlated its dose with the production of the long‐lasting synaptic enhancement. When the dose of Glu was low (10, 30 μM), only transient excitation or early‐phase LTP (E‐LTP) was induced by a single application and no long‐lasting synaptic enhancement was produced by three applications. When the dose was raised to 100 or 300 μM, late‐phase LTP (L‐LTP) was induced by a single application and long‐lasting synaptic enhancement was produced by three applications. The Glu‐produced enhancement was accompanied by an increase in the frequency (but not the amplitude) of miniature EPSC and the number of synaptic structures. The enhancement depended on the interval of repetition and protein synthesis immediately after the Glu applications. These results indicate that the repetitive induction of L‐LTP, but not E‐LTP or transient excitation, triggers cellular processes leading to the long‐lasting synaptic enhancement and the formation of new synapses. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Voltage‐induced morphological modifications in oocyte membranes containing exogenous K+ channels studied by electrochemical scanning force microscopy
Authors: Alessandrini Andrea , Gavazzo Paola , Picco Cristiana , Facci Paolo
Published: December 2007

We report on a novel use of electrochemical scanning force microscopy (SFM) for the investigation of morphological modifications occurring in plasma membranes containing voltage‐gated ion channels, on membrane potential variation. Membrane patches of Xenopus laevis oocytes microinjected with exogenous KAT1 cRNA, deposited by a stripping method at the surface of a derivatized gold film in inside‐out configuration, have been imaged by SFM in an electrochemical cell. A potentiostat was used to maintain a desired potential drop across the membrane. Performing imaging at potential values corresponding to open (−120 mV) and closed (+20 mV) states for KAT1, morphological differences in localized sample zones were observed. Particularly, cross‐shaped features involving a significant membrane portion appear around putative channel locations. The reported approach constitutes the first demonstration of an SPM‐based experimental technique suitable to investigate the rearrangements occurring to the plasma membrane containing voltage‐gated channels on transmembrane potential variation. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Origin and evolution of endemic plants of the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands
Authors: Ito Motomi
Published: December 2007

The Bonin Islands are typical oceanic islands, located at the western part of the North Pacific Ocean and approximately 1,000 km south of mainland Japan. This archipelago consists of about 20 small islands. Although floristic diversity is low due to the small area and limited environmental diversity, the Bonin Islands harbor unique endemic flora as in other well‐known oceanic islands. This paper presents a brief summary of the results obtained from recent studies on the endemic flora of the Bonin Islands. The results are reviewed in relation to the four stages of the evolution of endemic flora in the oceanic islands; migration, establishment, enlargement and diversification. The ancestors of the flora originated mostly from tropical and subtropical Southeast Asia or mainland Japan by rare events of long distance dispersal. The proportion of bird‐dispersed species is relatively high as for other oceanic islands. Genetic data sets obtained from allozyme variation in some endemic species suggest that migration occurred several million years ago and genetic diversity is correlated with current population size. At the time of establishment, self‐compatible plants are expected to have an advantage. However, the percentage of dioecious plants is relatively high. This is partly due to evolutionary changes from hermaphroditic ancestors to dioecy which occurred in two genera in the Bonin Islands. In addition, there are some examples of evolutionary changes from herbaceous ancestors to woody endemics. Adaptive radiation is found in some genera, although the number of congeneric endemic species is less than five. Studies of allozyme variation in Pittosporum, Symplocos and Crepidiastrum showed that genetic identity is generally very high between congeneric species in spite of their distinct morphologies. This result suggests that divergence of these species occurred rather recently and distinct morphological differences are based on a limited number of genetic changes.
Hybridization and speciation in the carabid beetles of the subgenusOhomopterus(Coleoptera, Carabidae, genusCarabus)
Authors: Kubota Kôhei , Sota Teiji
Published: December 2007

Natural hybridization among wingless carabid beetles of the subgenusOhomopterus(Carabidae, genusCarabus)is reviewed, and its significance in the evolution of this subgenus discussed. Natural hybridization occurs between parapatric species of similar size. Two case studies of natural hybridization suggest that natural hybridization could have affected the evolution of this subgenus in different ways. When there is a large difference in genital morphology between hybridizing species, interspecific copulation often results in genital injuries that causes mortality of copulating individuals, and hence reduces the fitness of hybridizing individuals greatly. In such a case, hybridization may be effective in maintaining the parapatric distribution of the two species, and in the long term, may promote reinforcement selection for traits which are effective in prezygotic reproductive isolation. When the morphological difference in genitalia is not so large as to cause genital injury, a hybrid population may be established at the intermediate zone between two parental species, provided that the immigration rates of the two species into the intermediate zone are small. Thus, natural hybridization may have contributed to both divergence and reticulate evolution in this subgenus.