bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electoral Competition in the Age of Social Media: The Role of Social Media Influencers
Authors:   The University of Hong Kong, Ding Chao , Jabr Wael ,   Pennsylvania State University, Guo Hong ,   Arizona State University
Published: January 2024

Social media—and, in particular, social media influencers—are playing an increasingly central role in shaping public opinion on a variety of issues. The political sphere is no exception. In response to the impact that social media influencers have on citizens’ political views and voting behaviors, political parties adapt their messages and policies during election campaigns. Media outlets, too, faced with competition for readership from social media, are adjusting their news coverage. To analyze the nature and extent of the impact of social media on parties’ policies, media outlets’ news reports, and citizens’ opinions, we used a game theoretical model of electoral competition involving four key stakeholders—citizens, political parties, media outlets, and social media influencers. Our results show that with social media, parties’ policy positions become more moderate while media outlets’ editorial positions become more extreme. We also show that citizens’ opinions may become more polarized when the influencers’ true editorial positions are more homogeneous as a result of increased information distortion.
Depicting Risk Profile over Time: A Novel Multiperiod Loan Default Prediction Approach
Authors:   Hefei University of Technology, Wang Zhao , Jiang Cuiqing ,   Hefei University of Technology, Zhao Huimin ,   University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Published: January 2024

With the rapid development of fintech, the need for dynamic credit risk evaluation is becoming increasingly important. While previous studies on credit scoring have mostly focused on single-period loan default prediction, we call for a new avenue—multiperiod default prediction (MPDP)—to depict risk profiles over time. To address the challenges raised by MPDP, such as monotonic default probability prediction and complex relationship accommodation, we propose a novel approach, hybrid and collective scoring (HACS). We design a hybrid modeling strategy to predict whether and when a borrower will default separately through a default discrimination model and a default time estimation model, respectively, and synthesize them through a probabilistic framework. To accommodate various possible patterns of default time and measure the distribution of default probability over successive time intervals, we propose a joint default modeling method to train the default time estimation model. Empirical evaluations at the model (time-to-default prediction performance and discrimination performance) and mechanism (identifiability and discriminability) levels, as well as impact analyses at the application (granting performance and profitability performance) level, show that HACS outperforms the benchmarked survival analysis and multilabel learning methods on all fronts. It can more accurately predict time-to-default and provide financial institutions and investors better decision-support in granting loans and selecting loan portfolios.
Review Moderation Transparency and Online Reviews: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors:   University of Houston, Jiang Lianlian (Dorothy) , Ravichandran T. ,   Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Kuruzovich Jason ,   Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
Published: January 2024

This paper empirically investigates how review moderation transparency affects the volume, length, and negativity of reviews. A change to the Yelp platform in 2010, introducing review moderation and displaying filtered reviews, created a natural experiment. We used a panel dataset of online reviews from the same set of restaurants on both the Yelp and TripAdvisor platforms in a difference-in-differences (DID) model to test how review moderation transparency affected our outcome variables. We found that increasing review moderation transparency negatively affects review volume but positively affects review negativity. The results also indicate that providing review moderation transparency reduces review length, especially for reviews with positive sentiment. Our findings suggest that providing review moderation transparency induces users to invest less effort in review contributions, especially when they are submitting positive reviews. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these results as they relate to the design and use of online review platforms.
How Ephemerality Features Affect User Engagement with Social Media Platforms
Authors:   Copenhagen Business School, Lehrer Christiane , Constantiou Ioanna ,   Copenhagen Business School, Matt Christian ,   University of Bern, Hess Thomas ,   LMU Munich School of Management
Published: January 2024

User engagement, a key factor in the success of social media platforms, has long been based on permanent content. A recent paradigm shift in platform design has led large social media providers to implement ephemerality features that by default make shared content disappear after a certain amount of time. However, very little is known about how ephemerality features affect user engagement and behavior in social media. Drawing upon the technology affordance perspective, we conducted a qualitative multimethod study involving individual interviews and focus groups. Our findings show that the affordances arising from features with varying degrees of ephemerality (i.e., snaps and stories) differ from those of permanent content features in terms of self-presentation, browsing others’ content, and communication. Adopting a multidimensional conceptualization of user engagement, we show the positive (e.g., more content sharing) and negative (e.g., cognitive burden from context loss) effects for snaps and stories that should be cautiously considered by social media platforms aiming to introduce such features. Finally, we reveal new user behaviors that relate to sharing snapshots of fleeting value as snaps or experiences of transient value as stories.
Attention to Digital Innovation: Exploring the Impact of a Chief Information Officer in the Top Management Team
Authors:   University of Münster, Bendig David , Wagner Robin ,   University of Münster, Piening Erk ,   Leibniz University Hannover, Nils Foege Johann ,   Leibniz University Hannover
Published: January 2024

We draw on the attention-based view of the firm to examine whether and when the presence of a CIO in the TMT has a positive effect on both firms’ ideated digital innovation (IDI) (i.e., the intensity of firms’ digital patenting activity) and commercialized digital innovation (CDI) (i.e., the digital sophistication of firms’ new products). Building on the idea that attention processes are context dependent, we also explore the moderating roles of CEO characteristics (IT background and role tenure) as well as environmental characteristics (the industry’s IT attention). We analyze data from a cross-industry panel of U.S. S&P 500 firms over eight years that includes up to 2,852 firm-year observations. The results indicate that CIO presence in the TMT is positively related to a firm’s IDI and CDI. Furthermore, they show that the organizational context related to CEO characteristics moderates the CIO-CDI relationship and that the environmental context related to the industry’s IT attention moderates the CIO-IDI relationship. Our research contributes to the information systems literature by providing robust evidence that CIO presence in the TMT positively influences a firm’s digital innovation outcomes, showing how internal and external boundary conditions affect the work of CIOs, and elaborating the role of managerial attention as an underlying mechanism explaining digital innovation.
Assessing the Catalytic Role of Native Glucagon Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Nandi Ashim , Zhang Aoxuan , Arad Elad , Jelinek Raz , Warshel Arieh
Published: January 2024

Glucagon stands out as a pivotal peptide hormone, instrumental in controlling blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism. While the formation of glucagon amyloid fibrils has been documented, their biological functions remain enigmatic. Recently, we demonstrated experimentally that glucagon amyloid fibrils can act as catalysts in several biological reactions, including esterolysis, lipid hydrolysis, and dephosphorylation. Herein we present a multiscale quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulation of the acylation step in the esterolysis of para-nitrophenyl acetate (p-NPA), catalyzed by native glucagon amyloid fibrils, serving as a model system to elucidate their catalytic function. This step entails a concerted mechanism, involving proton transfer from serine to histidine, followed by the nucleophilic attack of serine oxy anion on the carbonyl carbon of p-NPA. We computed the binding energy and free-energy profiles of this reaction using the PDLD/S-LRA-2000 and the empirical valence bond (EVB) methods. This included simulations if the reaction in an aqueous environment and in the fibril, enabling us to estimate the catalytic effect of the fibril. Our calculations obtained a barrier of 23.4 kcal∙mol–1 for the enzyme-catalyzed reaction, compared to the experimental value of 21.9 kcal∙mol–1 (and a calculated catalytic effect of 3.2 kcal∙mol–1 compared to the observed effect of 4.7 kcal∙mol–1) This close agreement together with the barrier reduction when transitioning from the amyloid to the reference solution reaction provides supporting evidence to the catalytic role of glucagon amyloid fibrils. Furthermore, by employing the PDLD/S-LRA-2000 approach further reinforced exclusively the enzyme's catalytic role. The results presented in this study contribute significantly to our understanding of the catalytic role of glucagon amyloid fibrils, marking, to the best of our knowledge, the first mechanistic investigation of fibrils using QM/MM methods. Therefore, our findings offer fruitful insights for future research on the mechanisms of related amyloid catalysis.
EFFECTS OF PLANNING ON SECOND LANGUAGE (L2) LEARNERS’ NARRATIVE ORAL PRODUCTION
Authors: Guo Zhonglan , Zainal Azlin Zaiti
Published: January 2024

This research investigated task planning and its effects on second language (L2) learners’ speaking performance. Although previous studies have demonstrated that planning could positively affect L2 learners’ speaking performance, there are no conclusive or systematic findings. This between-subject experimental design study attempted to fill in that gap by including another planning category: pre-task planning plus within task planning as suggested bu Yuan and Ellis (2003, p. 24). The participants were randomly assigned to four groups, including three experimental groups and one control group in which they were required to perform a narrative task under four conditions: pre-task planning, within task planning, pre-task planning plus within task planning, and no planning. To explore the planning effects, the participants’ speech was analyzed in terms of accuracy, complexity, and fluency. The results showed that pre- task planning can contribute more to learners’ L2 speaking performance than within task planning in general. Furthermore, pre-task planning plus within task planning can positively influence learners’ speaking performance; however, there is no significant difference in its planning effects compared with pre-task planning and within task planning. These findings suggest that language instructors can develop L2 learners’ planning strategies to empower them to maximize their performance within the given time. In addition, the amount of time learners are given to plan before and/or during their performance should probably be considered, because being either too short or too long may not virtually be productive to learners’ speech quality.
LEVELS OF NATIONALISM AND UNDERSTANDING THE NATIONAL IDENTITY AMONG PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS OF SAN PABLO COLLEGES
Authors: D. Roño Kyle Aris Dayvid
Published: January 2024

The study aimed to investigate the levels of nationalism and national identity among pre-service teachers at San Pablo Colleges. Employing a descriptive-quantitative research design with a correlational component, the research explored the relationships between these constructs. The participant pool consisted of 60 pre-service teachers from the College of Education at San Pablo Colleges. To assess nationalism levels, the researchers adopted a questionnaire. Both questionnaires underwent rigorous face and content validity checks to ensure their appropriateness for the context. Data analysis involved calculating averages or means to ascertain the pre-service teachers’ levels of nationalism and understanding of national identity. Additionally, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was employed to explore potential correlations between the two constructs. The findings revealed that the pre-service teachers exhibited high levels of nationalism and a strong understanding of national identity. This suggests that they possess the capacity to effectively integrate concepts of nationalism and national identity into the teaching-learning process. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the levels of nationalism and national identity among pre-service teachers at San Pablo Colleges. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how pre-service teachers perceive and engage with these crucial concepts, paving the way for more informed and culturally sensitive educational practices.
ENLIGHTENMENT AND RESEARCH OF CONFUCIANISM ON THE IDEOLOGICAL AND POLITICAL EDUCATION OF COLLEGE CURRICULUM
Authors: Huang Weiwei , Chen Lingling
Published: January 2024

In recent years, the traditional culture education of college students has aroused the attention of academic circles and educational circles, and many colleges and universities have carried out fruitful research on this subject. The purpose of this paper is to train students to be a person with sound personalities, all-round development, morality, integrity and ideals, and to study the subject through disciplinary methods, psychological methods, literature methods, investigation and research methods. The significance of the project is to enable all colleges and universities, all teachers, all courses to assume the responsibility of education, so that all kinds of courses and ideological and political courses to peer, the current education and invisible education to unify, form a synergistic effect, and build a comprehensive education pattern for all employees. In the end, it is hoped that the rich humanistic spirit, educational thought and moral concept in Confucianism will provide beneficial enlightenment for college students to understand and transform the world, and play a positive role in promoting and promoting the comprehensive realization of modernization.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT WEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF INDIAN MUSTARD (BRASSICA JUNCEA)
Authors: Raj Bista Puspa , Bohara Krishna , Man Thapa Dhirendra , Bahadur Karki Keshav , Bahadur Shahi Keshar
Published: January 2024

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is an economically significant oilseed crop cultivated widely in India with versatile applications in various industries. However, weed infestation poses a major challenge to successful mustard cultivation, leading to reduced crop productivity and growth. To address these challenges, farmers and researchers have employed various weed management practices encompassing cultural, mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches. Understanding the effectiveness of these weed control strategies is essential for optimizing mustard cultivation and enhancing overall crop productivity. In this study, an experiment was conducted at the Experimental Research Farm Rampur of Doon (P.G) College of Agriculture Science & Technology in Uttarakhand, India. The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design (R.B.D) with eight weed management treatments and three replications, resulting in 24 experimental plots. The treatments included weed check, hand weeding, and various herbicides (Pendimethalin, Oxyfluorfen, Isoproturon, Quizalofop, Oxadiaryzl, and Clodinoflop). Data on growth attributes (plant height and number of branches per plant) and yield attributes (number of siliqua per plant, siliqua length, number of seeds per siliqua, and 1000-seed weight) were collected at different growth stages. The results showed that hand weeding and Pendimethalin @ 1.25 kg/ha were effective in promoting plant growth and yield attributes, while Clodinoflop @ 0.75 kg/ha had adverse effects on growth and yield. In terms of yield, hand weeding resulted in the highest seed yield, Stover yield, and biological yield, while the weed check treatment exhibited the lowest values. Economically, hand weeding demonstrated the highest gross return, net return, and benefit-to-cost ratio, emphasizing its economic superiority. However, herbicidal treatments like Pendimethalin also showed competitive economic benefits.
A REVIEW ON OPHIOCORDYCEPS SINENSIS
Authors: Subedi Abhishek , Hamal Sangita , Joshi Arpana
Published: January 2024

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is fungus species that is found in the Himalayas and on the Tibetan plateau. It has a complex life cycle which gets completed in two-phase. Fungus infects the host in late summer before it goes into hibernation but for the mode of infection, different thoughts are addressed. The oral mode of infection and the ecdysis phase of infection are two thoughts that prevail in the life cycle. The oral mode of infection is predicted to occur while consuming fungus-contaminated food while the ecdysis phase of infection is supported to be due to contact of fungus to the skin. This paper will also provide certain knowledge about the feeding of caterpillars of host species to fungi. Moreover, the review explores the various preference of fungal hosts, fungal distribution and abundance, and fungal life cycle, shedding light on prevailing threats to the fungus in its natural vegetation.
COVID-19 IN THE MENA REGION: AN UPDATE
Authors: Honeini Rawan , Zareef Rana , K Younis Nour , Rahm Mira , Bitar Fadi , Arabi Mariam
Published: January 2024

This manuscript is an updated version of a previous study that discusses the status of COVID-19 in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It aims to analyze the change in COVID-19 caseload and outcome, as well as the progress in vaccination programs in the region. It dissects factors contributing to the asymmetrical distribution of the disease. Data was recovered from the World Health Organization, COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update, Our World in Data organization, and the detailed reports issued by the ministry of health of each country. Information gathered included new cases, cumulative cases, and cumulative deaths, in addition to the total vaccine doses administered and population size of each country. PubMed and Medline were also surfed for relevant studies. The numbers correspond to the data between January 29, 2020, and November 17, 2021. The MENA region reported 15,351,715 cases and 272,428 deaths accounting for 6.1% and 5.31% of the global numbers respectively. Iran reserved the highest number of cases and deaths in the region despite achieving 50% fully vaccinated community. Iraq moved to the second rank in terms of caseload (2,070,883 cases), while Saudi Arabi had remarkable downward shift in disease weight. Lebanon and Egypt lost control over the pandemic. Syria, Yemen, and Libya have recorded near to the ground vaccination proportions. Case fatality rate ranged between 0.25%-19.39%. This region exhibits significant inequality in the pandemic trend secondary to wide variation in political, economic, social and medical solidity among the countries.
THE REASON FOR VITAMIN-MINERAL SUPPLEMENT INTAKE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN MALAYSIA AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND DIETARY PRACTICE
Authors: Baharudin Azli , Othman Fatimah , Mohd Sallehuddin Syafinaz , Abd Ghafar Suhaila , Hasnan Amali Khairul , Ibrahim Wong Norazizah , Ali Zainuddin Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Vitamin mineral supplement (VMS) consumption is prevalent among the population, particularly adolescents. However, literature about the factors associated with the reasons for consuming VMS has not been investigated in Malaysia, indeed adolescents’ nutrition is important as they experience body change during this period. Thus, this cross-sectional, national health study aims to determine the association between nutritional status, dietary practice and reasons for VMS consumption among secondary schools in Malaysia. A total of 40,087 adolescents aged 10-18 completed the questionnaire. Among them, only 22.6% (9,077) of them from secondary school consumed VMS and were included in this study. Gender, height-for-age, strata, ethnicity, hunger experience, eating out and breakfast intake frequency were associated with the reasons for VMS intake. After the adjustment, stunted adolescents were more likely to consume VMS due to the doctor’s prescription (RRR:1.51, 95% CI: 1.11-2.10). Adolescents who sometimes experienced hunger were more probable to consume VMS due to doctor’s instruction, self-awareness and friends’ influence as compared to other unspecified reasons (RRR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.08-1.85; RRR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.07-1.77; RRR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.27-3.08, respectively). No association was found between dietary behaviour and the reason for the VMS intake. For meal pattern, adolescents who skipped breakfast were less likely to consume VMS due to doctor’s instruction, parents’ advices and self-awareness (RRR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.39-0.72; RRR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38-0.66; RRR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.45-0.78, respectively). This study suggested that further studies were needed to investigate the role of VMS use in relation to nutrient adequacy, overconsumption and health.
HEALTH AND SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19: A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA
Authors: Chinah Chinweike , Ozioma Nwosu Vivian
Published: January 2024

This study aims to examine the health and socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 in Nigeria. The study uses data from the World Health Organization and other relevant sources to analyze the effects of the pandemic on the Nigerian health sector and its ability to provide equal and adequate care for all citizens. The study also explores the use of theories such as structural functionalism and conflict theory to critically analyze the trends in Nigeria and provide an in-depth understanding of societal functions. The findings reveal that COVID-19 has caused a disruption in the treatment of non-communicable diseases and has led to an imbalance in the distribution of healthcare in Nigeria. The study concludes with recommendations for restructuring the healthcare system to combat COVID-19 and ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Synthesis, Corrosion Inhibition Efficiency in Acidic Media, and Quantum Chemical Studies of Some Hydrazine Derivatives
Authors: Abood Huda Saleh , Jasim Ekhlas Qanber , Muhammad-Ali Munther Abduljaleel
Published: January 2024

In this work, four hydrazone Schiff base derivatives N-(2,4-Dinitro-phenyl)-N’-(1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene)-hydrazine (1a), N-Benzo [1,3] dioxol-5-ylmethylene-N’-(2,4-dinitro-phenyl)-hydrazine (1b), (E)-5-((2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)hydrazono)methyl)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (1c) and (E)-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-(2-methoxybenzylidene)hydrazine (1d) were synthesized by reaction of four aldehydes namely pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde, piperonal, 5-formylsalicylic acid, and o-vanillin with 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine to produce the final compounds 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, respectively. These four compounds were investigated as corrosion inhibitors in aqueous mild acidic static solution. FTIR, HNMR, and elemental analysis were used to elucidate the chemical structure of the synthesized inhibitors. Using potential dynamic polarization measurements, these inhibitors’ efficiency in preventing C-steel corrosion in 1.00 M HCl was studied. The results of the experiments revealed that 1×10−3 M is the ideal concentration for 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, and that the corresponding inhibition efficiencies for these subunits were 80.70%, 91.30%, 91.34, and 88.80%, respectively. The best corrosion inhibitors were compounds 1b and 1c. Furthermore, studies suggested that these substances are mixed-type inhibitors and that the efficiency of the inhibition is strongly correlated with their quantity. Quantum paraments included Dipole moment, energy band gap (ΔE), value of energy of lowermost unoccupied molecular orbital (ELUMO), and energy of high most occupied molecular orbital (EHOMO) using Molecular Operating Environment MOE, Gaussian, and HyperChem software packages were determined which demonstrated strong agreement between algorithmic and practical findings.
Inventory Model for Deteriorating Pharmaceutical Items with Linear Demand Rate
Authors: Indrawati Indrawati , Puspita Fitri Maya , Supadi Siti Suzlin , Yuliza Evi , Rizki Krisda
Published: January 2024

Good management of goods is needed so that the inventory activities of a business can run smoothly as the part of supply chain management which aims to monitor the flow of stock of goods from the purchasing process, and storage to the point of sale. In terms of inventory or supplies of pharmaceutical goods, conditions such as shortages or stockouts must also be considered which are a matter of control, management, and security. In this study, an inventory model is formulated with deterioration or damage to pharmaceutical goods that occurs due to the length of time when the goods are stored with a linear demand level. In the optimal solution, the inventory time occurs when it reaches the zero point (t1) of 0.34 and the cycle length (T1) of 0.83 with an average minimum total cost (TC) of $445.25 per cycle which is completed by WolframAlpha software. Sensitivity analysis changes the value results in the value of (TC) which that increases for all parameters. In increasing the linear function variables (a and b), it produces t1 and T1 stable values. An increase in the cost of each item damage (DC) and constant damage rate (theta) produces a t1 stable value, but the value of T1 increases. The increase in storage costs (h) results in a decrease in the value of t1 and T1. An increase in the cost of shortages (s) results in an increase in the value of t1 and a decrease in the value of T1.
High Performance of Ni-Al/magnetite Biochar for Methyl Orange Removal in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Palapa Neza Rahayu , Zahara Zaqiya Artha , Mohadi Risfidian , Royani Idha , Lesbani Aldes
Published: January 2024

Elevated concentrations of dyes in water have a significant impact on both the aquatic ecosystem and human well-being. The adsorption approach, which is cost-effective and simple to use, was chosen for color treatment. The adsorbents used in this study were Modified Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) and Magnetite Biochar (MBC). To prepare the Ni-Al/MBC composites, a technique called coprecipitation and hydrothermal was employed. The successful preparation of these composites was confirmed through the use of characterization tests including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform – Infra Red (FT-IR), Brunauer Emmet Teller (BET), and Vibrating Sample Magnometer (VSM). The study focused on analyzing the kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics of adsorption in order to anticipate the mechanism of Methyl Orange (MO) adsorption. Additionally, the regeneration process was investigated to assess the adsorbent's ability for repeated usage. The percentage of Ni-Al/MBC adsorbed during the first to fifth regeneration cycles was 86.940%, 82.545%, 70.752%, 56.244%, and 34.503% respectively. The duration of contact was 70 minutes, as determined by the Pseudo Second Order (PSO) equation, with an adsorption rate of 0.0030 g/mg.min. The Langmuir equation indicated a maximum adsorption capacity of 45.455 mg/g.
Molecular Spectroscopic (FTIR and UV-Vis) Analysis and In Vitro Antibacterial Investigation of a Deep Eutectic Solvent of N,N-Dimethyl Urea-Citric Acid
Authors: Yudha S. Salprima , Angasa Eka , Reagen Muhamad Alvin , Kazi Mohsin
Published: January 2024

The intriguing pursuit of environmentally friendly solvents with tailored properties for diverse applications is a focal point of numerous studies, encompassing precursor selection, thorough characterization, and the exploration of potential applications. The study aims to assess the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of deep eutectic solvents (DES) produced from N,N-dimethyl urea (DMU) and citric acid (CA), highlighting differences from their individual precursors. Various mass ratio variations of (DMU, solid) and (CA, solid) (DMU:CA = 1.0:1.0; 1.0:1.5; 1.0:2.0; 2.0: 1.0; 1.5:1.0) have been tested to make DES solvents through the melt process. Both types of blends generally melt at a temperature of 80°C. The overall liquid resulting from the melting of solids was generally clear in color. Molecular analysis using an infrared spectrophotometer showed some insignificant shifts from one product to another, compared with DMU and CA as precursors. Likewise, analysis using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer, when the entire sample was dissolved in demineralized water (2 mg/mL), showed no difference in the spectrum. In addition, functional group analysis using a spectrophotometer showed some minor changes, mainly shifts in peaks due to changes in the DMU:CA ratio. This may be due to the interaction of the hydrogen donor and the hydrogen acceptor in DES. All samples showed absorption peaks in the ultraviolet region of 202-210 nm. The resulting DES application showed growth inhibitory activity for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria in all products produced. The same analysis of the two types of precursors used showed that only CA had activity, but DMU did not have similar activity.
Preissmann Four-Point Methods for Solution of Simplified Saint-Venant Equations Applied to Flood Routing in Prismatic Open Channels
Authors: Sulistyono Bambang Agus , Widodo Suryo
Published: January 2024

This research goal to compare the flow properties in the rectangular and trapezoidal open channels by examining the influence of the channel side slope is depicted by simplified Saint Venant Equations. The solution of these equations has been completed numerically by using Preissmann four-point scheme. The model is simulated using the Matlab application to point out the flow properties. The proposed model is validated by the model without simplification which was selected from the literature. The validation outcomes indicate that in common, the simulation outcomes of the two models have a good agreement. The simulation results show that the greater the slope of the channel side, the greater the peak discharge and the greater the time shift. The analysis emphasizes how channel geometry influences flow behavior, indicating that trapezoidal channels, with inclined side slopes z, yield slightly higher peak discharges compared to rectangular ones. For z = 0, discharge of peak Q = 7.38 m3/s and t = 18 s. For z = 2, discharge of peak Q = 7.39 m3/s and t = 21 s. For z = 4, discharge of peak Q = 7.45 m3/s and t = 23 s. For z = 6, discharge of peak Q = 7.51 m3/s and t = 24 s.
Kinetics of Homogeneous Reaction of Potassium Methoxide Based on K2CO3 Catalyst in Transesterification of RBDPO to Biodiesel
Authors: Salam Yosirham Abdu , Komariah Leily Nurul , Hadiah Fitri , Arita Susila
Published: January 2024

Biodiesel production is generally catalyzed by potassium methylate or sodium methylate catalysts based on KOH and NaOH and these catalysts are still imported. The search for a cheap and effective catalyst continues to be carried out by researchers. One of the catalyst support materials currently in use involves impregnating K2CO3 with various substances, resulting in a heterogeneous catalyst. In this study, it was tried to use K2CO3 dissolved in methanol to produce a homogeneous potassium methylate catalyst. Potassium methylate-based homogeneous catalyst K2CO3-methanol is proven to have a very high function in the transesterification reaction of Refined Bleached Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO) into biodiesel, this is evidenced by the use of a catalyst percentage of 2% w and 30% w methanol to the weight of RBDPO resulting in an acid content in biodiesel of only 0.12% and a total glycerol of 0.124% in reaction time 3 hours, with the purity of the methyl ester in biodiesel reaching 98.80%. Meanwhile, for the calculation of homogeneous reaction kinetics, a reaction rate equation is produced where the order of the RBDPO transesterification reaction is order 2 (two) and the reaction rate constant is 0.0044.
Development of Pharmaceutical Equivalent Montelukast Sodium Immediate-Release, Film-Coated Tablets
Authors: Muenraya Poowadon , Atipairin Apichart , Srichana Teerapol , Changsan Narumon , Balekar Neelam , Sawatdee Somchai
Published: January 2024

Montelukast tablets are sold under the brand name Singulair and are used to control and prevent asthma symptoms. In this study, 10 mg film-coated montelukast tablets were developed as a generic drug in order to evaluate the pharmaceutical equivalent of the innovator’s products. The primary formulation ingredients used in all developed formulations (F1-F5) were the same as those described in the Singulair tablet package insert, except for formulations F3, F4, and F5, to which solubilizing enhancers were added to increase montelukast solubility. The core tablets were produced using the wet granulation method before being coated with HPMC polymer. FT-IR and DSC were used to determine drug and excipient compatibility. The micromeritic properties of the granules were assessed. The physicochemical properties of generated montelukast tablets and Singulair tablets were also investigated. The dissolution profiles of the tested drug and the innovator were assessed in a variety of pH mediums (pH 1.2, 4.5, 6.8, and water). The similarity (f2) and difference (f1) factors were computed. The accelerated and long-term stability of the tested drug in hot and humid climate zones was evaluated. The analytical method validation used in this study was ICH-acceptable for 8 parameters including specificity, range, linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, and robustness. F1-F5 granules had similar properties, such as a pale-yellow color and excellent flow properties. There were no chemical interactions between montelukast and the excipients according to FT-IR and DSC analyses. The physical properties of all developed montelukast film-coated tablets were similar (average weight 212-218 mg; thickness 3.02-3.07 mm; assay 101-102% LA; disintegration time 3-4 min), except that the disintegration time of F3 was 8.10 min and that of F5 was 5.90 min, which was caused by the addition of poloxamer 188 to the formulation. In all mediums, only the F1 formula produced acceptable comparison dissolution profiles to Singulair. After 6 months of storage under accelerated and long-term conditions, the results showed the F1 formulation remained physically and chemically stable.
Combination Effect of Extracts and Pure Compounds of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Sungkai (Peronema canescens) Leaves on Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Elfita Elfita , Oktiansyah Rian , Mardiyanto Mardiyanto , Setiawan Arum , Widjajanti Hary
Published: January 2024

Endophytic fungi extracts have various biological and pharmacological activities as natural antioxidants which have the potential to be developed in the pharmaceutical. Drugs made from natural substances frequently work best when they are present in large quantities. This may result in unfavorable side effects from using more of one substance at a time. This limitation can be overcome by using a combination of the extracts/pure compounds that allow synergistic interactions with strong antioxidant properties at fairly low concentrations. The purpose of this research was to determine the combined effect of endophytic fungi extracts and its pure compounds on their antioxidant activity. This research was initiated by rejuvenating eight selected endophytic fungal isolates from Sungkai leaves and morphological characterization was carried out. Each fungus was cultivated in PDB medium for 4 weeks under statistical conditions. Ethyl acetate was used to extract the endophytic fungi’s liquid culture, which was then evaporated. Each endophytic fungal extract (PD1-PD8) and their five pure compounds were tested for antioxidant activity by the DPPH method. Then a combination of two and three extracts was carried out with a ratio of 1:1. The results show that the interaction of the mixture of endophytic fungi extracts and their pure compounds can be classified as synergistic (combined effect of the extracts > individual effects), additive (combined effect of the extracts = individual effect), and nothing is antagonistic (combined effect of the extracts < individual effects). The best combination in this study was PD4+PD5+PD6 (1:1:1) which could be used as a formula for further research into in vivo immunostimulant tests. Another conclusion from this research is that the pure compounds contained in the extracts have lower antioxidant activity than the extracts and do not have a synergistic effect on the combination.
Numerical Study of Early Detection of Tuberculosis Infected with High Sensitivity Plasmonic Sensor
Authors: Irawan Dedi , Azhar Azhar , Ramadhan Khaikal , Marwin Azwir , Marwan Arip
Published: January 2024

In this work, a photonic crystal fiber based on a plasmonic sensor for the early detection of tuberculosis has been designed with finite element analysis. The component is constructed with a substrate layer made of fused silica material, which is then coated with a thin film of TiO2 layer as an adhesive layer to strongly attach the Au layer with the silica fiber surface. The TiO2 layer has an optimal thickness of 45 nm, while the Au layer has a thickness of 50 nm. The sensor design has a refractive index (RI) detection range from 1.27 RIU to 1.37 RIU, it also shows a maximum wavelength sensitivity (WS), maximum amplitude sensitivity (AS), sensor resolution (SR), and sensor accuracy (SA) of 20,000 nm/RIU (x-polarized) and 17.000 nm/RIU( y-polarized), -211.38 1/RIU (x-polarized) and -211.211 1/RIU (y-polarized), 9.17 x 10−5 RIU (x-polarized) and 1 x 10−4 RIU (y-polarized), and 0.025/nm respectively. Tuberculosis exhibits a normal and infected RI range of 1.343 RIU to 1.351 RIU. Therefore, the proposed sensor design is capable of detecting four types of TB infections with high sensitivity.
The “Female presence” in Safeguarding and Continuing the Heritage of Historian V.I. Guerrier: E.V. Guerrier
Authors: Rostislavleva N. V
Published: January 2024

This article considers the main milestones in the life of Elena Vladimirovna Guerrier (1868–1942), the daughter of the prominent Russian historian V.I. Guerrier. She was highly educated and fluent in four European languages, including German. During World War I, she was in Germany where she cemented her status as a fervent patriot of Russia and made every attempt to repatriate Russian subjects. E.V. Guerrier became widely respected for her contributions in the fields of school education and philanthropy. The recognition she received on the 25th anniversary of her hard work highlights that her public endeavors and initiatives were highly appreciated. After the October Revolution in 1917, E.V. Guerrier went through difficult times. She took care of her ailing father, who eventually succumbed to his illness. She was also arrested twice and served some time at Butyrka prison. In an attempt to integrate into Soviet society politically, E.V. Guerrier worked as a librarian and researcher at Lenin’s State Library for over ten years. However, due to her poor health, she retired in 1928. Until her death in 1942, she organized and safeguarded V.I. Guerrier’s scientific heritage by thoroughly revising his articles. She rewrote her father’s memoirs, which is a valuable source of information about the establishment of women’s higher education in Russia.
The Rise of the Egyptian Priestly Synods during the Ptolemaic Era
Authors: Apenko М. S.
Published: January 2024

This article examines the issues on the emergence of the Egyptian priestly synods known through the trilingual decrees. They were an important innovation in the Ptolemaic era. Their origin is of particular interest. Here, the early history of the synods is analyzed. The following questions are answered: When were the synods established? Who started convening them? And why was this institution founded? Based on the results obtained, a number of conclusions are drawn. Firstly, the synods were introduced during the reign of Ptolemy III, and the earlier assemblies under Ptolemy II should be viewed as their prototypes. Secondly, the synods were arranged and controlled by the king, even if the decrees stated otherwise. Thirdly, the synods were needed to strengthen support for the priesthood in the early reign of Ptolemy III when there was a major uprising during the Third Syrian War. Thus, it was a major tool for boosting the king’s legitimacy and securing the loyalty of the Egyptian priesthood.
Numerical Study for MHD Flow of an Oldroyd-B Fluid Over a Stretching Sheet in the Presence of Thermal Radiation with Soret and Dufour Effects
Authors: Sidahmed Abdelmgid O.M.
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates the impact of Soret and Dufour's MHD flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid over a stretching sheet in the presence of thermal radiation. By a similarity transformation, the controlling partial differential equations are transformed into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Using the successive linearization method (SLM), the linear system is solved. A determination and discussion of the impacts of specific fluid parameters on the temperature, concentration distribution, and velocity are presented. As the magnetic field increases, we observe that the temperature and concentration profiles rise, while the velocity profile falls. In addition, increases in the Dufour and Soret levels will also result in an improvement in the temperature and concentration distribution. The validity of the acquired results is tested by comparing them to previously published works, with particular attention paid to the accuracy and convergence of the solution.
ATHEROGENIC INDICATIONS IN THYROIDISIM PATIENTES AND THE RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Authors:   1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Baghdad , Baghdad, Iraq. hadeel.abdullateef1205m@sc.uobaghdad.edu.iq, Abdullatif Jouad Hadeel , Al shammaree2 Shatha Abdul Wadood ,   2 Professor PhD., Department of Chemistry ,College of Science ,University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. shath_a@sc.uobaghdad.edu.iq
Published: January 2024

The body's energy metabolism can be significantly affected by thyroid diseases, making them a prime concern for medical professionals. Despite this, traditional lipid profile tests are still commonly used by physicians to diagnose these conditions. The aim of the current study is to assess the efficacy of several atherogenic indices in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease among patients with thyroid dysfunction, including the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli's risk index I and II (CRI-I and II), the atherogenic coefficient (AC), and the cholesterol index (CHOL index).Methods: A100 woman was involved in this study which diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction, and their thyroid hormone levels were used to divide them equally into two groups: Hyperthyroidism patients (n=50) with aged 18-60 years old and Hypothyroidism with patients (n=50) with aged 18-75 years old. Additionally, 30 healthy women between the ages of 18 and 70 were included as a control group. To collect data, demographic and clinical measurements were taken, including body mass index (BMI), age, weight, lipid profile and atherogenic indices such as AIP, CRI-I, CRI-II, AC, and CHOL index. Thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3 and T4, freeT3, freeT4) were also recorded for all participants. Results: The calculated atherogenic indices of the patients and controls revealed the presence of significant increase (P<0.05) in these indices in both thyroidism patients groups when compared with that of control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that patients with thyroidism are at high risk to cardiovascular diseases and the regular monitor for dyslipidemia is very important in order to start an early treatment and advise them for changing their life style.
Participation and significance of the March 1st Movement in the Oriental medicine community
Authors:   The Association for Korean Modern & Contemporary History, YI Yang-hi
Published: January 2024

In March 1919, the March 1st Movement began in about 10 cities across the country, including Seoul, Pyongyang, and Wonsan. At least 1 million Korean people participated. Oriental medicine doctors and pharmacists were no exception. By December, among those who had been arrested for the independence movement and whose indictments were confirmed, 81 were ‘doctors and medical students’ and 73 were medicine dealers. Of the 50 people who could be identified, 43 were brought to trial. In the case of oriental medicine doctors and pharmacists, it can be seen that the older generation was active in the independence movement. As key figures in the region, they were in a position to lead the local people, and with their ample economic power, they were able to support the expenses necessary for the independence movement. Oriental medicine doctors and pharmacists were mainly active in the early days of the independence movement. If these activities are categorized, the majority are leading and participating. They actively participated in the independence movement while doing funder, liaisons, and shelter providers. If the oriental medicine doctor or pharmacist held a position of district mayor, or was a religious executive, his or her influence was even greater. This is because oriental medicine doctors and pharmacists who have wide personal network would have had an advantage in encouraging the participation of other local influential figures and local residents in the independence movement.
A Study on the torture victims of the defendants in the Korean Communist Party Incident
Authors:   The Association for Korean Modern & Contemporary History, KIM Kuk-hwa
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this article is to analyze the torture victim suffered by the defendant in the ‘Korean Communist Party Incident’. The Korean Communist Party incident refers to the trial of the first arrest of the Korean Communist Party in November 1925 and the second arrest of the Korean Communist Party, which began during the preventive custody of June 10th National Movement in 1926. The defendant was tortured during the police investigation and preliminary hearing, and was imprisoned as an undertrial prisoner for a long time in a harsh prison. The defendant became increasingly exhausted physically and mentally. During this process, victims continued to emerge. Among the defendants, there were people who could no longer stand trial due to various illnesses. Seodaemun Prison tried to show through the diagnosis that it would be difficult for the defendant to appear in court or that bail was necessary. There were defendants who temporarily did not appear in court due to illness, defendants who applied for bail several times but were not granted bail, and defendants who were released from prison on bail. Park Gil-yang was granted release from prison on bail, but died just before he was released. Baek Gwang-heum died from aftereffects of torture shortly after being released from prison on bail. The court granted bail only when the defendant was in a critical condition.