bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant, Volatile Compounds; Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Dermatoprotective Properties of Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti Ex Carriere Essential Oil: In Vitro and In Silico Investigations
Authors: El Hachlafi Naoufal , Mrabti Hanae Naceiri , Al-Mijalli Samiah Hamad , Jeddi Mohamed , Abdallah Emad M. , Benkhaira Nesrine , Hadni Hanine , Assaggaf Hamza , Qasem Ahmed , Goh Khang Wen , AL-Farga Ammar , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Fikri-Benbrahim Kawtar
Published: August 2023

Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carriere is an endemic tree possessing valuable health benefits which has been widely used since time immemorial in international traditional pharmacopoeia. The aim of this exploratory investigation is to determine the volatile compounds of C. atlantica essential oils (CAEOs) and to examine their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and dermatoprotective properties. In silico simulations, including molecular docking and pharmacokinetics absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), and drug-likeness prediction were used to reveal the processes underlying in vitro biological properties. Gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) was used for the chemical screening of CAEO. The antioxidant activity of CAEO was investigated using four in vitro complementary techniques, including ABTS and DPPH radicals scavenging activity, ferric reductive power, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (β-carotene test). Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibition and tyrosinase inhibitory assays were used for testing the anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective properties. GC-MS analysis indicated that the main components of CAEO are β-himachalene (28.99%), α-himachalene (14.43%), and longifolene (12.2%). An in vitro antimicrobial activity of CAEO was examined against eleven strains of Gram-positive bacteria (three strains), Gram-negative bacteria (four strains), and fungi (four strains). The results demonstrated high antibacterial and antifungal activity against ten of them (>15 mm zone of inhibition) using the disc-diffusion assay. The microdilution test showed that the lowest values of MIC and MBC were recorded with the Gram-positive bacteria in particular, which ranged from 0.0625 to 0.25 % v/v for MIC and from 0.5 to 0.125 % v/v for MBC. The MIC and MFC of the fungal strains ranged from 0.5 to 4.0% (MIC) and 0.5 to 8.0% v/v (MFC). According to the MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios, CAEO has bactericidal and fungicidal activity. The results of the in vitro antioxidant assays revealed that CAEO possesses remarkable antioxidant activity. The inhibitory effects on 5-LOX and tyrosinase enzymes was also significant (p < 0.05). ADMET investigation suggests that the main compounds of CAEO possess favorable pharmacokinetic properties. These findings provide scientific validation of the traditional uses of this plant and suggest its potential application as natural drugs.
Ultrafast and Large-Scale Fabrication of PEDOT:PSS Nanofilms Using Electrical-Field-Assisted Direct Ink Deposition
Authors: Gogoi Banashree , Gockley Carson , Venu Sushmitha , Zhu Yizhen , Alluri Pranith , Malik Ayinawu Abdul , Despande Mitesh Suhas , Phadnis Raveena , Amonoo Evangeline , Li Xiangjia , Alford Terry L.
Published: August 2023

The importance of conductive polymers has significantly increased over the decade due to their various applications, such as in electronic devices, sensors, and photovoltaics. Poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is one of the most successfully and widely used polymers in practical applications. Spin coating is extensively used to fabricate these conductive films; however, it has disadvantages. It is inherently a batch process with relatively low output and high solution wastage. To address these issues, we developed a novel printing process called electrical-field-assisted direct ink deposition (EF-DID), which yields a continuous, homogenous film with high electrical conductivity. In this process, we studied the formation of nanodroplets under an electrical field and their effects on film characteristics. Furthermore, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was considered as an additive solvent to increase the conductivity and wettability of the films. We then compared EF-DID-printed PEDOT:PSS films with spin-coated films to better understand the film properties. Finally, inverted perovskite solar cell devices were fabricated and compared, where the PEDOT:PSS layers were prepared by EF-DID printing and spin coating. Based on the experimental results, a solution of 20% PEDOT:PSS in DMSO (vol/vol) printed by EF-DID for 15 s provided optimal morphology.
Identification of Volatile Markers of Colorectal Cancer from Tumor Tissues Using Volatilomic Approach
Authors: Mezmale Linda , Leja Marcis , Lescinska Anna Marija , Pčolkins Andrejs , Kononova Elina , Bogdanova Inga , Polaka Inese , Stonans Ilmars , Kirsners Arnis , Ager Clemens , Mochalski Pawel
Published: August 2023

The human body releases numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through tissues and various body fluids, including breath. These compounds form a specific chemical profile that may be used to detect the colorectal cancer CRC-related changes in human metabolism and thereby diagnose this type of cancer. The main goal of this study was to investigate the volatile signatures formed by VOCs released from the CRC tissue. For this purpose, headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied. In total, 163 compounds were detected. Both cancerous and non-cancerous tissues emitted 138 common VOCs. Ten volatiles (2-butanone; dodecane; benzaldehyde; pyridine; octane; 2-pentanone; toluene; p-xylene; n-pentane; 2-methyl-2-propanol) occurred in at least 90% of both types of samples; 1-propanol in cancer tissue (86% in normal one), acetone in normal tissue (82% in cancer one). Four compounds (1-propanol, pyridine, isoprene, methyl thiolacetate) were found to have increased emissions from cancer tissue, whereas eleven showed reduced release from this type of tissue (2-butanone; 2-pentanone; 2-methyl-2-propanol; ethyl acetate; 3-methyl-1-butanol; d-limonene; tetradecane; dodecanal; tridecane; 2-ethyl-1-hexanol; cyclohexanone). The outcomes of this study provide evidence that the VOCs signature of the CRC tissue is altered by the CRC. The volatile constituents of this distinct signature can be emitted through exhalation and serve as potential biomarkers for identifying the presence of CRC. Reliable identification of the VOCs associated with CRC is essential to guide and tune the development of advanced sensor technologies that can effectively and sensitively detect and quantify these markers.
Machine Learning and Quantum Calculation for Predicting Yield in Cu-Catalyzed P–H Reactions
Authors: Ma Youfu , Zhang Xianwei , Zhu Lin , Feng Xiaowei , Kowah Jamal A. H. , Jiang Jun , Wang Lisheng , Jiang Lihe , Liu Xu
Published: August 2023

The paper discussed the use of machine learning (ML) and quantum chemistry calculations to predict the transition state and yield of copper-catalyzed P–H insertion reactions. By analyzing a dataset of 120 experimental data points, the transition state was determined using density functional theory (DFT). ML algorithms were then applied to analyze 16 descriptors derived from the quantum chemical transition state to predict the product yield. Among the algorithms studied, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) achieved the highest prediction accuracy of 97%, with over 80% correlation in Leave-One-Out Cross-Validation (LOOCV). Sensitivity analysis was performed on each descriptor, and a comprehensive investigation of the reaction mechanism was conducted to better understand the transition state characteristics. Finally, the ML model was used to predict reaction plans for experimental design, demonstrating strong predictive performance in subsequent experimental validation.
Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant and Anti-Enzymatic Activities of Selected Adaptogenic Plants from South America, Asia, and Africa
Authors: Gębalski Jakub , Małkowska Milena , Graczyk Filip , Słomka Artur , Piskorska Elżbieta , Gawenda-Kempczyńska Dorota , Kondrzycka-Dąda Aneta , Bogucka-Kocka Anna , Strzemski Maciej , Sowa Ireneusz , Wójciak Magdalena , Grzyb Sebastian , Krolik Krystian , Ptaszyńska Aneta A. , Załuski Daniel
Published: August 2023

Despite the fact that there are many studies related to the adaptogenic and pro-healthy activities of plant-based compounds, there are some adaptogenic plants whose activities are not fully known, especially those coming from the wild regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. The aim of these studies was to examine the contents of non-nutritional compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in ten adaptogenic species (Astragalus membranaceus (AM), Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), Polygonum multiflorum (PM), Angelica sinensis (AS), Andrographis paniculatea (AP), Tinospora cordifolia (TC), Uncaria tomentosa (UT), Pfaffia paniculate (PP), Sutherlandia frutescens (SF), and Rhaponticum carthamoides (RC)). Considering biological activity, their antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ferrous-ion-chelating ability assays), anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-tyrosinase activities were evaluated. The richest in polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids was UR (327.78 mg GAE/g, 230.13 mg QE/g, and 81.03 mg CA/g, respectively). The highest inhibitions of acetylcholinesterase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase were observed for TC, UR, and PM, respectively. In the case of antioxidant properties, extract from PM appeared to most strongly reduce DPPH, extract from UR inhibited ABTS, and extract from SF showed the best chelating properties. It should be noted that a particularly interesting plant was Ulcaria rhynchophylla. The results mean that there were compounds in UR with broad biological activities, and this species should be explored in more detail. Additionally, our results justify the traditional use of these species in the nutripharmacological or ethnopharmacological care systems of different regions.
Development of a New Micropropagation Protocol and Transfer of In Vitro Plants to In Vivo Conditions for Cascade Hop
Authors: Iacuzzi Nicolò , Salamone Francesco , Farruggia Davide , Tortorici Noemi , Vultaggio Lorena , Tuttolomondo Teresa
Published: August 2023

The vegetative propagation of hops, despite being a reliable method, is not very common due to the unavailability of the plant material. In this study, the technique of in vitro propagation was applied to the Cascade variety of Humulus lupulus L. The plant material was collected from a private field in Sicily; the explants were subjected to sterilization before in vitro culture. Single-node explants were placed in in vitro culture in nine different culture media for multiplication. Thidiazuron (TDZ), Benzyladenine (BAP) and meta-Topoline (mT) were tested for multiplication phase. For the rooting phase, five types of different culture media were evaluated. Binodal cuttings coming from the previous multiplication test were placed in the culture. The rooting media differ from each other in the concentration and ratio of two auxin hormones: Indolo-3-acetic acid (IAA) and Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). In vitro rooted plants obtained from the rooting phase were transferred to ex vitro conditions in a microbox with agri-perlite and a solution containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium at half concentration. With a culture medium containing the highest TDZ doses (H6) and combination with cytokinin (H8 and H9), the highest shoot percentage was obtained. After 3 months of in vitro culture, the highest shoot percentage was observed in the culture medium with 2 mL L−1 of BAP. The highest rooting percentage, roots numbers and root length were found when the culture medium was supplemented with 1 mL L−1 of IAA. The usage of agri-perlite and MS at half concentration, without PGR, allowed us to obtain a 99.1% survival rate. This micropropagation protocol is useful for obtaining virus-free plants and for the development of the brewery industry.
A New Leaf Essential Oil from Endemic Gynoxys laurifolia (Kunth) Cass. of Southern Ecuador: Chemical and Enantioselective Analyses
Authors: Gilardoni Gianluca , Lara Luis Rubén , Cumbicus Nixon , Malagón Omar
Published: August 2023

The fresh leaves of Gynoxys laurifolia (Kunth) Cass. (Asteraceae), collected in the province of Loja (Ecuador), were submitted to steam distillation, producing an essential oil with a yield of 0.02% by weight. This volatile fraction, described here for the first time, was submitted to qualitative (GC–MS) and quantitative (GC–FID) chemical analyses, on two orthogonal columns (non-polar and polar stationary phase). A total of 90 components, corresponding to 95.9–95.0% by weight on the non-polar and polar stationary phase, respectively, were detected and quantified with at least one column. Major constituents (≥3%) were: germacrene D (18.9–18.0%), (E)-β-caryophyllene (13.2–15.0%), α-pinene (11.0–10.3%), β-pinene (4.5–4.4%), β-phellandrene (4.0–3.0%), bicyclogermacrene (4.0–3.0%), and bakkenolide A (3.2–3.4%). This essential oil was dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (about 45%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (about 25–30%). This research was complemented with the enantioselective analysis of some common chiral terpenes, carried out through 2,3-diethyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin and 2,3-diacetyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin as stationary phase chiral selectors. As a result, (1S,5S)-(−)-β-pinene, (R)-(−)-α-phellandrene, (R)-(−)-β-phellandrene, (S)-(−)-limonene, (S)-(+)-linalyl acetate, and (S)-(−)-germacrene D were observed as enantiomerically pure compounds, whereas α-pinene, linalool, terpinene-4-ol, and α-terpineol were present as scalemic mixtures. Finally, sabinene was practically racemic. Due to plant wildness and the relatively low distillation yield, no industrial applications can be identified, in the first instance for this essential oil. The focus of the present study is therefore academic.
Introduction to the Religions Special Issue, “Exploring Science from a Biblical Perspective”
Authors: Bloom John A.
Published: August 2023

Christianity and science have a long and deep relationship which, in recent decades, has generated stimulating dialogue among scientists, theologians, philosophers, and historians [...]
Environmental and Economic Assessment of Eco-Concrete for Residential Buildings: A Case Study of Santiago de Cali (Colombia)
Authors: Maury-Ramírez Aníbal , De Belie Nele
Published: August 2023

Although the circular economy principles date back to the late 1960s, only with the recent stimulus from the European Commission and the Ellen McArthur Foundation has this concept gained attention worldwide. The City Hall of Santiago de Cali (Colombia) is implementing a circular economy model through a sustainable construction handbook and its certification. Among others, these stimulate the use of eco-concrete using fly ash and blast furnace slag coming from local industries (industrial symbiosis). Although concretes with these supplementary cementitious materials have been widely investigated regarding mechanical and durability properties, the economic and environmental impacts have been scarcely and independently evaluated, making the material selection a complex process. Therefore, this article presents the environmental and economic assessment of eco-concretes using fly ash and blast furnace slag for the design of a house located in Santiago de Cali (Colombia). The environmental and economic impacts are estimated by means of the environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC), which are methodologies based on the ISO and ASTM standards implemented in the online software Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES), which was selected for this case study. The results indicate that 40% fly ash concrete or 50% blast furnace slag would be recommended for reducing acidification or global warming potential, respectively. However, considering the existing public policies, the best option for the case study is 50% slag concrete. These results are of significant importance as they allow providing data-based recommendations for designers during the selection of the different eco-concretes. Additionally, these results might help establish a national roadmap to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the construction sector, which are projected to continue increasing until 2050.
Evaluating Alternative and Sustainable Food Resources: A Review of the Nutritional Composition of Myctophid Fishes
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Pethybridge Heidi , Virtue Patti , Nichols Peter D. , Swadling Kerrie , Williams Alan , Lee-Chang Kim
Published: August 2023

Additional and alternative sustainable food resources are needed as the global human population increases. Marine fishes have long provided essential nutrients, such as omega-3 long-chain (≥C20) polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA), protein, and vitamins to meet human dietary requirements and feed for agricultural production. Many current commercial fish stocks are depleted or fully exploited, but oceanic mesopelagic fishes, particularly the myctophids (lanternfishes), represent a potentially very large and unfished resource. This review analysed the literature on nutritional and biochemical compositions of myctophids as a first step towards understanding the health benefits and risks of consuming them. We found that myctophids have high levels of protein (11–23% wet weight, WW) and variable lipid content (0.5–26% WW). In most species, desirable triacylglycerols or phospholipids dominated over less-desirable wax esters, and most have abundant amounts of health-promoting n-3 LC-PUFA, such as DHA and EPA. Myctophids have low levels of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Most nutritional information is available for species from the Pacific and Southern Oceans and for the genera Benthosema, Electrona, and Diaphus. Myctophids generally possess favourable nutritional profiles, but major gaps in knowledge regarding their stock assessment, ecology and the economic viability for their harvest are barriers to developing sustainable fisheries.
Modeling a Carbon-Efficient Road–Rail Intermodal Routing Problem with Soft Time Windows in a Time-Dependent and Fuzzy Environment by Chance-Constrained Programming
Authors: Sun Yan , Sun Guohua , Huang Baoliang , Ge Jie
Published: August 2023

This study explores a road–rail intermodal routing problem. To improve the carbon efficiency of transportation, reducing CO2 emissions is considered by the routing. Soft time windows are incorporated into the routing to optimize the timeliness of the first-mile pickup and last-mile delivery services in intermodal transportation. The routing is further modeled in a time-dependent and fuzzy environment where the average truck speeds of the road depend on the truck departure times and are simultaneously considered fuzzy along with rail capacities. The fuzzy truck speed leads to the fuzziness of three aspects, including speed-dependent CO2 emissions of the road, a timetable-constrained transfer process from road to rail, and delivery time window violation. This study formulates the routing problem under the above considerations and carbon tax regulation as a combination of transportation path planning problem and truck departure time and speed matching problem. A fuzzy nonlinear optimization model is then established for the proposed routing problem. Furthermore, chance-constrained programming with general fuzzy measure is used to conduct the defuzzification of the model to make the problem solvable, and linearization techniques are adopted to linearize the model to enhance the efficiency of problem-solving. Finally, this study presents an empirical case to demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed approach. This case study evaluates the performance of carbon tax regulation by comparing it with multi-objective optimization. It also focuses on sensitivity analysis to discuss the influence of the optimistic–pessimistic parameter and confidence level on the optimization results. Several managerial insights are revealed based on the case study.
Uptake of Breathable Nano- and Micro-Sized Polystyrene Particles: Comparison of Virgin and Oxidised nPS/mPS in Human Alveolar Cells
Authors: Laganà Antonio , Visalli Giuseppa , Facciolà Alessio , Celesti Consuelo , Iannazzo Daniela , Di Pietro Angela
Published: August 2023

Airborne micro- and nanoplastics are widely spread and pose a risk to human health. The third polymer plastic most commonly produced and present in atmospheric fallout is polystyrene (PS). For these reasons and for a more realistic assessment of biological effects, we examined in-home oxidised (ox-, simulating photoaging) nPS/mPS (0.1 and 1 μm), comparing the effects with virgin ones (v-). On human alveolar cells (A549), we quantified the cellular uptake, using FITC-functionalised nPS/mPS, while cytotoxicity, changes in the acidic compartment, ROS production, mitochondrial function, and DNA damage were assessed to study the effects of internalised v- and ox-nPS/mPS. The results showed that the uptake was dose-dependent and very fast (1 h), since, at the lowest dose (1.25 µg/well), it was 20.8% and 21.8% of nPS and mPS, respectively. Compared to v-, significant ROS increases, DNA damage, and mitochondrial impairment were observed after exposure to ox-nPS/mPS. The enhancement of effects due to environmental aging processes highlighted the true potential impact on human health of these airborne pollutants.
Stakeholder Engagement around Water Governance: 30 Years of Decision-Making in the Bogotá River Basin
Authors: Salamanca-Cano Angie Katherin , Durán-Díaz Pamela
Published: August 2023

Effective stakeholder engagement is vital for sustainable water management in the Bogotá River Basin, which faces serious environmental and socio-economic challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and inequitable distribution. Engaging diverse stakeholders can promote shared decision-making, identify common goals, and enhance the implementation of sustainable water governance strategies. Taking this into account, this research evaluates multi-stakeholder engagement in the Bogotá River Basin in Colombia over the past 30 years to promote sustainable water management in the face of current global challenges. The research methodology includes a desk-based and systematic review, as well as policy analysis using descriptive and quantitative methods. With the use of MAXQDA software, we identified 74 national, regional, and local policies focused on stakeholder engagement for water management in Colombia, which were narrowed down to 22 documents for the Bogotá River Basin. The policy analysis is based on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicator for Principle 10 to self-assess the level of legal framework implementation and stakeholder engagement. The self-assessment pointed out that despite the strong legal background and the enhancement of stakeholder engagement via formal and informal participatory mechanisms in the first stages of policy-making, there is a lack of engagement in the evaluation and follow-up phases, leading to box-ticking mechanisms. The findings suggest that effective stakeholder engagement needs to be comprehensive in policy-making processes, especially in the evaluation and follow-up stages. Moreover, the river basin’s management can improve by making a clear disclosure about the outcomes of participatory processes. This research concludes that promoting shared decision-making, identifying common goals, and enhancing the implementation of sustainable water management strategies can greatly benefit the Bogotá River Basin. These efforts can lead to more effective and efficient use of water resources and ultimately contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Efficiency of Chitosan Nanocarriers in Vaccinology for Mucosal Immunization
Authors: Gaglio Salvatore Calogero , Perduca Massimiliano , Zipeto Donato , Bardi Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

The mucosal barrier constitutes a huge surface area, close to 40 m2 in humans, located mostly in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts and ocular cavities. It plays a crucial role in tissue interactions with the microbiome, dietary antigens and other environmental materials. Effective vaccinations to achieve highly protective mucosal immunity are evolving strategies to counteract several serious diseases including tuberculosis, diphtheria, influenzae B, severe acute respiratory syndrome, Human Papilloma Virus infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Interestingly, one of the reasons behind the rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants has been the weakness of local immunization at the level of the respiratory mucosa. Mucosal vaccines can outperform parenteral vaccination as they specifically elicit protective mucosal immune responses blocking infection and transmission. In this scenario, chitosan-based nanovaccines are promising adjuvants-carrier systems that rely on the ability of chitosan to cross tight junctions and enhance particle uptake due to chitosan-specific mucoadhesive properties. Indeed, chitosan not only improves the adhesion of antigens to the mucosa promoting their absorption but also shows intrinsic immunostimulant abilities. Furthermore, by finely tuning the colloidal properties of chitosan, it can provide sustained antigen release to strongly activate the humoral defense. In the present review, we agnostically discuss the potential reasons why chitosan-based vaccine carriers, that efficiently elicit strong immune responses in experimental setups and in some pre-clinical/clinical studies, are still poorly considered for therapeutic formulations.
An Improved ResNet-Based Algorithm for Crack Detection of Concrete Dams Using Dynamic Knowledge Distillation
Authors: Zhang Jingying , Bao Tengfei
Published: August 2023

Crack detection is an important component of dam safety monitoring. Detection methods based on deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) are widely used for their high efficiency and safety. Most existing DCNNs with high accuracy are too complex for users to deploy for real-time detection. However, compressing models face the dilemma of sacrificing detection accuracy. To solve this dilemma, an improved residual neural network (ResNet)-based algorithm for concrete dam crack detection using dynamic knowledge distillation is proposed in this paper in order to obtain higher accuracy for small models. To see how well distillation works, preliminary experiments were carried out on mini-ImageNet. ResNet18 was trained by adding additional tasks to match soft targets generated by ResNet50 under dynamic high temperatures. Furthermore, these pre-trained teacher and student models were transferred to experiments on concrete crack detection. The results showed that the accuracy of the improved algorithm was up to 99.85%, an increase of 4.92%.
Results of a parents survey on the single-use baby nappies and waste treatment
Authors: Elenkova Dilyana , Berberova Ralitza
Published: August 2023

A recent survey results show that in 2017 in EU 0 – 2 years old children have been used approximately 33 billion single-use baby nappies which are generated about 6,7 tons of waste, or, only one baby needs 2200 single-use nappies and generates 438 kg of waste per year. Despite these single-use products contain plastic, there are no specific regulations for their waste treatment and also the price of their alternative option is higher. The choice of nappy types and waste treatment depends entirely on parents. This paper aims to investigate the Bulgarian parent attitude to single-use nappies, alternative products and separate waste collection.
Use of electronic health records to develop a more robust phenotype of pediatric overweight and obesity
Authors: Yudkin Joshua S.
Published: August 2023

Clinical EHR data can be used to better develop a more robust phenotype of pediatric overweight and obesity.
The relationship between Quality and Outcomes Framework scores and socioeconomic deprivation: a longitudinal study
Authors: Mann Oliver , Bracegirdle Tristan , Shantikumar Saran
Published: August 2023

Background

The Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) is a pay incentive scheme in England designed to improve and standardise general practice. QOF attainment has been used as a proxy for primary care quality in previous research.

Aim

To investigate whether there is a relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and QOF attainment in primary care in England.

Design & setting

Retrospective longitudinal study of primary care providers in England.

Method

QOF scores were obtained for individual general practices in England from between 2007–2019 and linked to practice-level Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores derived from census data. Beta regression analyses were used to analyse the relationship with either percentage of total QOF attainment or of domain-specific attainment with multivariate analyses, adjusting for additional practice-level demographics. QOF attainment in the most affluent quintile was used as the reference group.

Results

General practices in less deprived areas have consistently outperformed those in more deprived areas in terms of QOF achievement. Initially, the gap between least and most deprived practices decreased, however since 2015 there has been relatively little change in comparative performance. The magnitude of inequality was reduced after adjusting for demographic factors. Of the independent variables analysed, the proportion of patients aged >65 years (‘over 65s’) had the strongest relationship with QOF attainment.

Conclusion

There remains an inequality in primary care quality by socioeconomic deprivation in England, even after accounting for demographic differences.
EVALUASI PASCA COVID-19 GUNA MENGHINDARI PANIC BUYING
Authors: Aditya Muhammad , Ramdani Dandi , Tampubolon William Dariasa , Rizkyanfi Mochamad Whilky
Published: August 2023

Artikel ilmiah ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi dampak pandemi Covid-19 pada perilaku konsumen, khususnya dalam konteks panic buying. Panic buying atau pembelian berlebihan yang tidak perlu sering terjadi saat adanya situasi yang tidak pasti atau mengkhawatirkan, seperti pandemi Covid-19. Penelitian yang dilakukan menggunakan metode literature review dari beberapa artikel yang telah di publikasi. Pandemi Covid-19 berdampak signifikan pada perilaku konsumen, di mana banyak konsumen melakukan panic buying sebagai respons terhadap ketidakpastian masa depan. Kami merekomendasikan beberapa strategi yang dapat dilakukan oleh pemerintah dan pelaku bisnis untuk menghindari terjadinya panic buying di masa depan, seperti meningkatkan ketersediaan stok barang, memberikan edukasi kepada konsumen tentang manajemen risiko dan mengurangi ketidakpastian melalui informasi yang transparan. Diharapkan hasil penelitian ini dapat memberikan kontribusi pada upaya mitigasi dampak pandemi Covid-19 pada sektor ekonomi dan konsumen.
‘Allâme Kâdî Hıdırî ve el-Fetâvâ el-Muhammediyye Adlı Eseri
Authors: EŞİT Yusuf
Published: August 2023

‘Allâme Kâdî Muhammed Hıdırî, İrân’da yetişen son dönem Sünnî âlimlerden biridir. 1900’lü yılların

başında dünyaya gelen Hıdırî, keskin zeka ve kuvvetli hafızasıyla Doğu medrese geleneğinin devamı olan

medreselerde kısa sürede eğitimini tamamlayıp ilmî faaliyetlere başlamıştır. İlerleyen zamanlarda ilmiyle

şöhret bulan Hıdırî, İran’ın Sünnî bölgesi olan kuzey bölgelerinde resmi olmasa da kadılık vazifesini ifa

etmiştir. Kendisi ilmî faaliyetlerinin yanında kimi zaman siyasi görevler de üstlenmiştir. Değişen yönetim

ve rejimlere tanıklık eden Hıdırî, her dönemde ilmî konumunu ve halkın nezdindeki yerini korumuştur.

Dil, tefsir, hadis ve fıkıh, gibi dinî ilimlerin yanında mantık, hendese ve astronomi ilimleri de tahsil etmiş

çok yönlü bir âlim olup Kürtçe, Arapça ve Farsça dillerinde eserler telif etmiştir. İslamî ilimlerin her alanında

derin bilgiye sahip olması hasebiyle kendisinin fıkıh, tefsir, tasavvuf alanlarında eser ve risaleleri

bulunmaktadır. Târihi meşâhiri cihân İslam, Tefsîrü’l-Kur’ân, Risâlehây-ı müteneva‘ der bâb mesâili şer‘î, Kitab-ı

der bâb-ı talakı selâse eserlerinden bazısıdır. Hıdırî, bulunduğu toplumun sorunlarına kayıtsız kalmamış din

âliminin gerektirdiği nosyonla toplumuna ışık tutmuş ve bulunduğu toplumun eğitim seviyelerinin

yükselmesi başta olmak üzere her türlü sorunlarıyla ilgilenmiştir. Onun modern kaynaklara hâkim ve

taassuptan uzak ama Sünnî mezhep içerisinde muhakkik bir âlim olduğu söylenebilir. el-Fetâvâ el-

Muhammediyye adlı eseri hem kendi ilmî derinliği hem de yaşadığı toplumun genel hatlarıyla sorunları

hakkında bizlere bilgi vermektedir. Eserde yaklaşık olarak beş y üz o n i ki soruya verdiği fetva yer

almaktadır. Fetvalar hayatın her alanına dair çok çeşitlilik gösteren bir dağılım göstermektedir. Eserde Kâdî

Hıdırî’nin başta ibadet olmak üzere günümüzde tartışılan birçok konuya dair görüşleri yer almaktadır.

Çalışmanın amacı Kâdî Hıdırî’nin hayatı ve fetvaları üzerinde genel bir tasvir çizmektir. Aynı zamanda

çalışma, İran’ın Sünnî bölgelerindeki ilmî birikime dikkat çekmesi açısından da önem arz etmektedir.
Brand Preference towards Cement Industry
Authors: Anitha T , Maliqjan N
Published: August 2023

Cement is one of the important building component used worldwide and it has become a brand in its own right. Cement was first invented by the Egyptians. It was later reinvented by the Greeks and Romans sand and heated limestone were used to create lime, which was then mixed coarser stones to make mortar. The aim of the paper is to find out the factors influencing the buying behavior of consumer, awareness level of consumer, brand preference, problem faced by consumer and their satisfaction level. The study concludes the majority of consumer preferring the quality of the cement, Consumer satisfaction helps to increase brand equity. The major problem faced by the consumer is to find preferable brand of cement and its non availability of cement.
Flipped Classroom Instruction Model to Enhance Listening Skills
Authors: Syndhya J , Sri Raja Sruthi
Published: August 2023

This study is aimed at delineating the effectiveness of implementing flipped classroom learning models and analyzing the impact of this learning model on students’ listening ability. This study was conducted in the second year BBA class, at St. Mary’s Centenary Degree College, Secunderabad. The participants of this study were 45 students of general English Class. This study is designed as a descriptive qualitative research. The data obtained were based on observation, questionnaire and interview. Initially, observation techniques were used to gain information on how flipped classroom learning models were implemented. Secondly, questionnaires consisting of 15 open-ended statements were given to each participant to gain information about the impact of flipped classroom learning model toward students’ satisfaction. Finally, an interview was administered to strengthen the data of the questionnaire. The results of this study were that the flipped classroom learning model has been well - implemented in teaching the poem “As I grew Older” implicitly enhancing the listening skills. In addition, it was also found that this learning mode broke the physical limitation between students and lecturers. Another important result of this study was the improved motivational level and satisfaction from the end of the students and lecturers. Moreover, it was also found that flipped classrooms were difficult to implement in this classroom. However, it promoted self-directed learning and resulted in improved listening ability of the ESL learners once the learners were motivated.
Significant Factors of Job Satisfaction among the Library Professionals in Tamilnadu: A Study
Authors: Arumugam J , Radha L
Published: August 2023

Library professionals play a vital role in supporting learning, research, and community development. Job satisfaction is important for these professionals as it can affect their motivation, productivity, and overall well-being. The researcher aims to evaluate the various job satisfaction factors among the library professionals in Tamilnadu. Data were collected through survey questionnaire method among the 150 library professionals and analysed using Principle Component analysis, Rotated component matrix and SPSS. This study resulted that 50% of the library professionals are satisfied with the salary, 48.2% of the respondents were satisfied with the promotion criteria, 45 % of the library professionals were happy about the job security, 69.8 % were felt the good relationship of the employer and the higher recognition.
Elements of Psychological in Maruthakkali Subject
Authors: Pushpa M
Published: August 2023

Sangam literature is the literature that brings to the world the incomparable culture of the Tamils. Kalithogai book is highlighted by the educator’s in the ettuthogai of sanam literature. It is praised by the educators and the learned. This article explores only the psychological components of the maruthakali songs in the ainthinai. The science of the behaviour of an organism is called psychology. In the maruthakali songs the psychological component of correcting the attempt to alleviate the anger of the thalaivi and the anger of the concubine, which appears to be due to sexual intercourse, is revealed. The division between the thalaivan of the harlot and the thalaivan lies to cover up the division to the thalaivi has subtly articulated the psychology. Moreover, the emotions about the behaviour that arise in the thalaivi indicate the elements of the reaction expressed in psychology. Thalaivan who went to the harlot behaved like an infallible man, but the thalaivan looks straight at the opposite person and does not fell the news, but bows his head and avoids the sight. Such act refers to the psychology of renunciation. When a thozhi expresses his hatred for the thalaivan to baana, the migration takes place. This phenomenon works when it carries its misery into the sound of a cuckoo, which reduces stress and relieves distress. He also sees his face turning the blame on himself, saying that the thalaivan is not wrong. All the above messages are psychology expressed through the actions of the Mandars. The purpose of this article is to state such psychology.
Paripadal Reveals Tamil Thoughts
Authors: Ganesan A
Published: August 2023

Our Tamils are the ones who divided the ancient Tamil Nadu which appeared five thousand years ago into five types of lands and divided the first, nucleus and subject matter separately for each people. The themes, drums and musical instruments found in the themes contributed to the development of the Tamil language and literature. Among the Sixty-four arts, music is the most sacred. Music was a separate genre long before the development of human civilization. Man expressed himself through music at a time when emotions could not be expressed through language. Thus the article sets out to illustrate the musical concepts found in the parable.
Trends in Contemporary Islamic Novels
Authors: Askar Ali M
Published: August 2023

The last twenty years of the twentieth century have been a period of new trends in society. Political philosophies emerged that gave hope to oppressed people who were marginalized in society and not even considered human beings. So the novel literature began to travel towards the new world. The notion that novel literature belongs only to a small group of minorities has changed over the past few years. This period is considered to be the time when the idea that anyone who walks with the community can write a novel emerged. The number of novelists has also begun to expand as never before. Ratings on the novel have also begun to change and have reached a different level.
National Education Policy-2020: An Emphasis on Education through Mother Tongue
Authors: Sangeetha T , Jagadeesh K
Published: August 2023

Education is the basic tool to develop society. The aims of education are closely related to the needs of society. Education paves way for the students to make desirable changes with the goals of the community. Through education, social preferences and cultural traditions are passed down from one generation to the other. Benjamin Bloom categorizes learning goals into three domains. The first of these is the cognitive domain. In this domain, he has given the second place for understanding. Understanding is an essential event in the teaching-learning process. The national education policy 2020 emphasis on learning through mother tongue would make the student understand the concepts and content in a better way. This article sheds light on the need for mother-tongue Tamil language as a medium of instruction for the better understanding of the learner which is emphasized in the National Education policy 2020.
Agricultural Technology of Sangath Tamil
Authors: Indira M
Published: August 2023

Tamil literature is ancient. It has[ a long historical tradition. It is also a treasury of ideas that reflect people’s lifestyles. Although Tamil literature arose to reflect and delight the lives of the people, it is understandable that the purpose of literature was to inform scientific news. In that sense it is to know the agricultural science and technology found in Tamil literature.
Savvadumalaiyil Pallavar Kala Nadukal
Authors: Savita K
Published: August 2023

World monster history can be divided into pre-history and post-history. The Stone Age, Stone Age, and New Stone Age are important landmarks of prehistoric nomadic society. The history of the human race became clear after the civilization of the human race and the beginning of the arts such as agriculture, architecture and medicine. The historical period of India starts from the Indus Valley. Archaeological remains parallel to the Indus Valley are widely found in Tamil Nadu. Buried cities include Keezhadi, Kodumanal and Adichanallur (Muthumakkal Thazhigal). Ancient man left his fellow human beings who lived and died with him naturally without any burial. Then the stoneworkers set up inscriptions, punches and identified the dead. Its developmental stage is the mediators.
Akananutril Paalai Nila Makkalin Nadukkal Vazhipadu
Authors: Karthika K
Published: August 2023

The Sangam period was a time of praise for love and heroism. As a symbol of heroism, every warrior was considered to be the best warrior in the war. The literature tells us that during the Sangam period, the Nadukkal was worshiped by the soldiers who died in such a fall. The role of Nadukal is very significant in conveying the culture of the ethnic people. Nadukal is the culture, belief, gratitude and reward of the Tamils. The Sangam literature narrates the tradition of worshiping the dead as warriors during the Sangam period. It also plays an important role in disseminating evidence of the doctrine of the Tamils. These stones are also known as Nadukkal, Veerankal, Veerakkal and Monument. It has been the tradition of the Tamils to pay homage to the fallen hero in battles in honor of his heroism. In that regard, this article will examine one of the Sangam literary texts entitled “ Akananutril Paalai Nila Makkalin Nadukkal Vazhipadu”.
Kurunseithi (SMS) Ithalum, Kavithaikana Muneedugalum
Authors: Premanand A
Published: August 2023

The term ‘modern’ continues to operate in the literary sphere at present. Literature is a reflection of all the morals of man. So it is impossible to separate man and literature. Literary form is as dynamic as human minds. The reason for such a change in literature is due to scientific discoveries. What has literature got to do with scientific devices? The question may arise. Literary exchanges through ‘cell phone’ (Mobile or Phones) are currently handled as a journal by ‘short message’ or ‘text message’. Therefore, this article examines all the poems published in this genre under the title “Kurunseithi (SMS) Ithalum, Kavithaikana Muneedugalum” which are trying to be current modern poetry.
Kaalakkanavu Play - Expression of Women’s State in Society
Authors: Umadevi N
Published: August 2023

In nature’s creation, men and women are equal in all respects. But in social parlance it is prevailing as a contradiction. Women are inferior and the concept of male supremacy and patriarchy has been configured in the society. Women’s rights and the concept of feminism are denied in the society. Women are conferred with enormousus potential in nature. Women can renew themselves from the problems faced by them similar to the capability of nature that can restore its energy by itself. The society has made women, not able to realise this fact by imposing conceptualisations based on emotional constraints and by restricting their freedom of movement. ‘Kaalakkanavu’ – play has been created by V. Geetha, to make people realise about the capabilities and rights of women. In this play, the portrayal of historical facts of women, the revelation of the state of women in the society and the need for women to realise about their position and social status were stressed. And all these aspects are explained in-detail in this essay.-
Malayali Tribes Social Tradition of Keezuran Gudi
Authors: Govindaraj R
Published: August 2023

This article also explains how inhabitants such as Puliuran Mozhaliyan served the people of Keehuran and understood the smell and rituals of worship.
Naturopathy in Tolkappiam
Authors: Jayakrishnan P
Published: August 2023

Tolkappim is a grammar book on the Tamil language, but it is also a grammar book that explains the concepts of science, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, astrology, mathematics, etc. This article or section needs sources or references that appear in credible, third-party publications. Tolkappiyar has published many medical ideas that were not published by the western medical scholars who lived in the world two thousand years ago. This article or section needs sources or references that appear in credible, third-party publications.
The Percussion Instruments of Sangam Tamils
Authors: Ligoriya A , Priya S
Published: August 2023

Among the various arts that appeared in the world, music was the first to appear. Tamils led a life in harmony with music. When man first came with animals and hunting industries, music was only a sound signal and it was directly related to their labor. They believed that playing musical instruments would increase the hunting industry. They lived by sharing the food they got from hunting. Humans expressed their inner joy through dancing and making sounds. Tamils have been able to compare the sounds made by birds, animals, beetles, toads and waterfalls with the sound of musical instruments. This article examines how the people of the Sangam period used percussion instruments after realizing them.
The Prosperity of Parambumalai and the Life of the People in Veerayuga Nayagan Velbari Novel
Authors: Mahalakshmi P
Published: August 2023

Nature is God’s greatest gift to this world. Nature gives life to man. If there is no nature, there is no moisture in the soil, no yield, no human life. Nature provides an opportunity for living beings to live interdependently. Veerayuga Nayagan Velbari is a novel written by Su.Venkatesan about Parambu Malai Nayagan Velbari and the life norms of these people. The author Su.Venkatesan has emphatically recorded that ‘Bari is not a symbol of a ruined social system but is forever admired as a great example of imperishable human character. This article explores the resources of Parambu Hill and the lifestyle of these people mentioned in this novel.