bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agricultural land abandonment and its impact on soil erosion in the Madi Watershed, Gandaki Province, Nepal
Authors: Sitaula Ravi , Sharma Puspa , Chidi Chhabi Lal
Published: March 2024

Agricultural land abandonment is the crucial issue of land use /land cover change in many parts of the world and it is directly related to soil erosion in the mountain areas. Nepal has also faced heavy agricultural land abandonment from the mountain regions in the last two decades. This study is concerned with agricultural land abandonment and its impact on soil erosion in the Madi Watershed, Gandaki Province of Nepal. This study used high-resolution aerial photography and Google Earth images to map cultivated land and its abandonment in 1995 and 2020. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model has been used to estimate soil erosion. Studies revealed that more than 40% of the agricultural land was abandoned from 1995 to 2020 and there is higher spatial variability of abandonment intensity. High altitude and steeper slope areas have a higher intensity of abandonment than in lower altitude and lower slope gradients. There is a significant impact of abandonment of agricultural land on reducing soil erosion from 1995 to 2020. The average rate of soil erosion was quite high in 1995 but decreased to 51.5 percent in 2020. There are higher rates of reduction in soil erosion at higher altitudes and marginal lands like steeper slopes and the areas having lower solar radiation because of the higher proportion of agricultural land abandonment. Thus, it can be concluded that agricultural land abandonment during the last 25 years significantly impacts soil erosion control in the study area.
Use of remittance and Coronavirus pandemic in Nepal
Authors: Kharel Suman , Pasa Rajan Binayek
Published: March 2024

Remittance based economy of Nepal has been badly affected by the Corona virus pandemic. In this study, we analyze the household and social level use of remittance by the remittance recipient households before and after the pandemic. We adopted cross-sectional study design to collect data from 777 randomly selected respondents residing in Chautara Sngachwokgadhi (Mountain region), Galkot(Hill) and Mithila (Tarai) municipalities in Nepal. We used a reliable questionnaire tool having 0.8 cronbachalpha, and we visited the respondents from 6th June- 18th October 2022. The study found that the remittance recipient households have good access to households, educational, financial and health facilities. A significant amount of remittance also has been used to donate to the youth club, medical treatment seeker, school/college and community level (public moral hazard) after the Coronavirus pandemic. Remittance and agriculture were the major source of family income in each ecological region. However, remittance has failed to increase agriculture production and distributions (domestic household hazard) and also failed to increase entrepreneurship development in the local levels. This study can be a reference for developing evidence-based policies for minimizing public moral hazard and domestic household hazards caused by remittance in developing countries like Nepal.
Relationship Between Reward System and Turnover Intention: The Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment
Authors: Bartaula Aashish
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the link between reward systems, organizational commitment, and employee turnover intention in Nepal's commercial banking industry. The research employs a quantitative technique as well as a descriptive, correlational research design. Three hundred and eighty structured forms were distributed to full-time workers of six commercial banks, three government-owned institutions, and three private banks. To analyze the data and test the research hypotheses, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were utilized.
The study's findings show a negative relationship between reward systems and organizational commitment and employee turnover intention. According to the findings, the correct compensation scheme can increase employee engagement while decreasing the desire to quit. In addition, the study discovers that organizational commitment completely mediates the association between reward schemes and employee turnover intention. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on employee turnover intentions in Nepal's banking industry. The findings underscore the necessity of developing and implementing effective reward systems that can increase employee engagement while decreasing the likelihood of turnover. Organizations may take proactive actions to retain employees and enhance their performance by knowing the variables that drive employee turnover intention.
Talent Management Practices and Employee Job Satisfaction in Nepalese Commercial Banks
Authors: Gautam Kishor Kumar
Published: March 2024

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between talent management practices and employee job satisfaction. The study employed a descriptive and analytical research design under the quantitative research method to achieve these objectives. The study targets all employees working in Nepalese commercial banks, including both headquarters and branch locations in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, and a sample of 400 employees was selected. However, only 233 responses were received and used for further analysis. The selection of samples was done using a simple random sampling method. The study assessed the positions of different variables by calculating their mean values. The fitness of regression models was evaluated using F-values, and regression models were employed to examine the relationship between talent management practices and employee job satisfaction. The reliability of the data collection tool was tested using Cronbach's alpha value. Furthermore, regression assumptions were tested, including multicollinearity using tolerance and VIF value, and linearity using ANOVA. The results of the study indicate that talent management is a significant predictor of employee job satisfaction.
Impact of Financial Performance on Stock Price Volatility: A Case of Nepalese Microfinance Companies
Authors: Madai Tek Bahadur
Published: March 2024

With the explanatory variables of ROE, ROA, D/P ratio, P/E ratio, and BVPS, this study investigates the impact of financial performance on the stock price instability of microfinance companies listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE). The age and size of microfinance companies have been used as control variables. It has also observed the investor's behavior toward these variables. The study follows a quantitative approach with descriptive, causal-comparative, and survey research design. Multiple regression analysis is used to examine the causal relation between stock price volatility and the profitability of microfinance companies. This study has analyzed the annual report of 31 microfinance companies with 183 observations and 121 responses to a questionnaire received from the investors. According to this study, microfinance organizations' capacity to produce profits has a considerable impact on share price volatility. The survey result of the study reveals that the investors of microfinance companies are more sensible towards earning ability and past performance of the companies. The results of this investigation may be beneficial to the investors of microfinance companies to select the companies for investment. Acknowledging the limitation of data used in this study, further study can be conducted by taking other industries like banking, insurance, hotel, and manufacturing companies listed in the NEPSE. Besides this, a behavioral study about investors’ responses toward market factors can be conducted by taking a large sample of investors.
Trouble felt in Education and Sustainability during the Time of Covid-19 in Nepal: Responses of Teachers, Parents and Students
Authors: Dahal Tika Ram
Published: March 2024

Examined in this study are crisis-related educational initiatives. Its goal is to analyse the educational approaches employed in Nepal's community schools during the COVID-19 pandemic-caused catastrophe. This study is qualitative, hence the methodology employed is deemed appropriate. In this study, the data are collected through purposeful sampling. The participants are dedicated teachers from particular schools, as well as kids and parents. The study was conducted in the Kageshwori Manohara Municipality in the Kathmandu district. The study's primary sources are the participants, hence primary sources were used to collect the data. Using narrative enquiry and qualitative approaches, the data are analysed. Interviews were used to collect the data because it was a qualitative study. Narrative enquiry is used in the study, which follows the interpretative paradigm. Inductive and qualitative research approaches are thus both used in this study. The difficulties and crises that teachers, students, and parents experienced in Nepal during COVID-19 are examined in this paper. According to reports, COVID-19 has caused unforeseen changes in people's lifestyles. It prompted the development of online education, which promoted the use of modern technology although financial crisis disturbed sustainability of people. The results of this study demonstrate the technical and economical difficulties of adopting online classes in COVID-19. It is expected that this study will have an impact on society and academia. This study has preserved the value of originality because it is based on primary sources.
‘मधेसतिर’ कथामा परिवेश
Authors: शाह Shaha अविलाल Abilal
Published: March 2024

प्रस्तुत लेखमा कथाकार विश्वेश्वरप्रसाद कोइरालाद्वारा लिखित ‘मधेसतिर’ कथाको परिवेशको अध्ययन गरिएको छ । आर्थिक तथा मनोवैज्ञानिक समस्यालाई मुख्य विषयवस्तु बनाएर लेखिएको यस कथामा स्थानगत, समयगत र वातावरणगत परिवेशको खोजी गर्ने कार्यमा यो लेख केन्द्रित छ । यसका लागि कथाका मुख्य तत्वहरूमध्ये परिवेशलाई सैद्धान्तिक अवधारणाका रूपमा उपयोग गरिएको छ । गुणात्मक अनुसन्धान ढाँचा र विश्लेषणात्मक विधिको अवलम्बन गरिएको यस आलेखमा कथाका घटना घट्ने र पात्रले कार्यव्यापार गर्ने ठाउँ, समय र वातावरणको कथांशसाक्ष्यका आधारमा विश्लेषण गरी निष्कर्षमा पुगिएको छ । मूलतः यस कथामा सुनकोशी र तामाकोशीको सङ्गमदेखि दक्षिणतिरको मैदानसम्म पुग्दा पात्रहरूले तयार गरेको दुई दिने यात्रामा पर्ने बाटो, नदीनाला, डाँडापाखा, मैदान आदि स्थानगत परिवेश, कथामा वर्णित बिहान, दिन, रात आदि सार्वकालिक समय तथा राणाकालीन ऐतिहासिक समयसन्दर्भ समयगत परिवेश र आर्थिक तथा यौन अतृप्तिका कारण कथाका पात्रका मनमा उब्जेका उत्साह, निराशा, क्रोध, घृणा, विस्मय आदि मनोभावहरू वातावरणगत परिवेशका रूपमा आएका छन् । यस्ता परिवेशले घटना र कार्यव्यापारको प्रस्तुतिलाई सहज तुल्याएको निष्कर्षमा पुगिएको छ ।
Current Approaches, Significance and Prognostic Impact of Lumbar Ligament Flavum Preserving Surgeries
Authors: ALPERGİN Baran Can , ZAİMOĞLU Murat , ÖZPİŞKİN Ömer Mert , GOKALP Elif , BUYUKTEPE Murat , YAKAR Fatih , EROGLU Ümit
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of flavum-preserving surgeries in lumbar disc herniation surgery, compare their clinical outcomes with standard microdiscectomy techniques, and demonstrate the transflaval microdiscectomy technique.

Material and Methods: Between 2020 and 2023, a total of 48 patients who underwent transflaval microdiscectomy and 48 patients who underwent standard microdiscectomy at a single center were included in the study. Epidemiologic characteristics of the groups were described, and preoperative and postoperative visual analoge scale scores for leg pain (LPVAS) and back pain (BPVAS) were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: There is no significant difference between the groups in preoperative mean LPVAS scores (p=0,474) and there is no significant difference between the groups in postoperative mean LPVAS scores (p=0,598). There is no significant difference between the groups in preoperative mean BPVAS scores (p=0,608). However there is a significant difference between the groups in postoperative mean BPVAS scores (p
Health Canada Framing during the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout: Effective or Not?
Authors: Vukasovich Christian A. , Negoita Cristina , Aboueissa Abou El-Makarim , Kostic Marko N. , Dejanovic-Vukasovich Tamara
Published: March 2024

Background: Utilizing a constructionist frame analysis to identify key messages, this study investigates the impact of Health Canada news releases on print media coverage during the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Analysis: The analysis focuses on seven frames related to the vaccination rollout: safety and efficacy, global accessibility, domestic accessibility, distribution logistics, distribution timeline, continued preventative measures, and vaccine mistrust.

Conclusions and implications: The authors found missed opportunities for public health behaviour frames in Health Canada press releases, significant differences in the framing of the vaccine in press releases versus news reports, and the lack of an agenda-setting effect based on the proportion of frames carried over.
The Problem with “Cyber Safety”: Calling for Technosocial Educational Responses to Technology-Facilitated Violence and Bullying
Authors: Dodge Alexa
Published: March 2024

Background: International research has found that educational responses to technology-facilitated violence and bullying (TFVB) often fail to address the technosocial realities of young people’s integrated online/offline and virtual/physical lives.

Analysis: This article undertakes a Canadian case study of Nova Scotia’s CyberScan unit to understand if similar shortcomings persist in Canadian educational responses.

Conclusions and implications: Using the interdisciplinary theoretical framework of digital criminology, the article shows that CyberScan exemplifies a problematic “cyber safety” approach that fails to recognize and address the technosocial nature of TFVB, resulting in ineffective and disempowering educational messages.
Refusing Eighteenth-Century Fictions: Introduction
Authors: Chander Manu Samriti , Zuroski Eugenia
Published: March 2024

In this introductory essay, we take issue with David Hume’s distinction between “fiction” and “belief ” by arguing that the relationship between these categories depends as much on existing structures of authority and power as it does on individual judgment or feeling. We then describe the objectives of the two-part ECF special issue “Refusing 18th-Century Fictions”: to provide critical analyses of how particular eighteenth-century fictions attained the status of material realities that continue to condition lived worlds in the twenty-first century, and to prompt ongoing and future efforts to imagine and materialize realities beyond racial capitalism and settler colonialism.
Enlightenment and Exchange
Authors: Easton Fraser
Published: March 2024

This essay explores a link made in the late eighteenth century between social critique and economic progress. At the intersection of enlightenment and capitalist exchange a series of assumptions about social development and social tutelage are made. While national development driven by exchange was understood to homogenize people, and peoples, over time, I argue that this homogenizing effect depended on a constant application of economic tutelage. According to Adam Smith the propensity to exchange is a universal human attribute driving economic progress, but in practice the adoption of technical change could not be guaranteed by the propensity to exchange alone. As both Jane Austen and Maria Edgeworth recognized, the implication was clear: without critique of old technical forms, no general increase in wealth. A tutor specifying the appropriate stance toward technical progress was forever needed. The form of enlightenment that was good for individuals, to think for yourself, was thus not extended to social groups in the economic realm.
A Collaborative Approach to Antiracist Pedagogy
Authors: Hamblin Nicole , Mathes Carmen Faye
Published: March 2024

This cowritten Reflections essay describes an upper-division seminar for honours and master’s students that brought together established antiracist pedagogical principles (for example, decentering Britain) with a commitment to hands-on, in-class collaboration. This collaborative dimension buoyed the class’s capacity to encounter both the challenges and insights that the antiracist framework brought to the fore. In a course that sought to engage with Romantic poetry of “labour and longing” in the age of transatlantic slavery, working together became both an object of study and a learning practice. The coauthored nature of this essay therefore advances, beyond the end of term, the importance of listening and learning from one another in the pursuit of more inclusive, wide-ranging, and (very often) discomforting learning environments, even as such environments can only ever be imperfect.
Romantic Movements
Authors: McInnes Andrew
Published: March 2024

This Reflections essay considers antiracist theory and practice and its impact on Romantic Studies today as displayed in a master’s-level module aimed at introducing the use of theory to postgraduate students of nineteenth-century studies. Alongside these concerns, the reflection considers what it means to feel “Romantic” today, as well as the role and usefulness of discomfort in postgraduate pedagogy.
SUSTAINABILITY OF BUSINESSES VIA SHARIAH-COMPLIANT FRAMEWORK: ANALYSIS OF SHARIAH PRINCIPLES ON CORPORATION
Authors: Ramli Nazri , Abd Ghadas Zuhairah Ariff , Abd Aziz Hartinie
Published: March 2024

Corporation under common law lies within the doctrine of corporate personality which entails that corporation is recognised as a separate legal person distinct from its constituents. As a new form of business vehicle that supports sustainability agenda and with the recent enormous and instant developments in the Shariah compliance businesses sector, the majority of contemporary Muslim scholars have discussed and recognised it through the concept of sharikah. Nonetheless, such recognition is contentious as sharikah is a contractual business entity inseparable from its partners. Furthermore, accepting this corporation under the sharikah without fully dissecting its legal attributes and the implications of running such a business entity not only contravenes both the legal principles of corporation and Islamic principles of sharikah, but also creates doubt as to the legitimacy of a Shariah-compliant business registered under this legal concept. This article analyses the legal concept of corporation under the common law and compares it with the concept of sharikah under Shariah. The discussion reveals that the recognition of corporation by the contemporary Muslim scholars under the sharikah concept is misleading and raised legal complications under the company law due to great differences in terms of nature, concept, and structures. This article adopts doctrinal and comparative analysis research methodology. The article concludes that corporation may be recognised under the Shariah subject with certain modifications to the former’s legal structures to be compatible with the Islamic principles of sharikah.
SHOW ME THE MONEY! UNEXPLAINED WEALTH AND CIVIL FORFEITURE IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Abdul Raof Nurazlina , Mohd Sulaiman Aiman @ Nariman
Published: March 2024

Unlike criminal forfeiture, civil forfeiture allows corrupt assets recovery without the necessity of proving the corruption act. In Malaysia, a combination of criminal and civil mechanisms for recovering corrupt assets is available. Civil forfeiture removes capital for future corrupt activity, deprives a person of enrichment due to the corruption, escalates the cost of perpetrating corruption and improves the probability of detection and imprisonment. Still, there are critiques against this technique globally. Using the doctrinal approach, this study analyses the application and sufficiency of Section 41 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and Section 56 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing And Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 in recovering corrupt assets in Malaysia. The legal framework, its benefits and drawbacks are investigated. The study takes a comparative approach by looking at the practice in the United Kingdom for benchmarking and lessons to be learned. The study discovers constraints in the present civil forfeiture laws, which prevented the law enforcers from successfully meeting the burden of proof. Hence, reform suggestions for its enhancement are made via the unexplained wealth order (UWO) route. The UWO can potentially accelerate the process of recovering corrupt assets as it allows a court order requiring a person to provide details of the origin of specific assets. The assets could be recovered through the subsequent civil forfeiture proceedings. The study outcome may assist the government, policymakers and stakeholders in understanding the UWO concept in addressing corruption offences in Malaysia.
HARMONISING INTERNATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND SHARIAH PRINCIPLES IN THE CONTEXT OF MEDICAL TOURISM: AN ANALYSIS
Authors: Mohamad Amin Noor Shuhadawati , Ramli Noriah , Zawawi Majdah
Published: March 2024

Shariah-compliant medical tourism has grown into a specialised sector of the global medical tourism market that serves patients looking for medical care that complies with Islamic principles. For the sake of ensuring patient safety, ethical considerations, and the harmonisation of practises across borders, the role of international law in governing this special type of medical tourism is essential. The study first establishes a connection between the objectives of the Shariah (Islamic law) together with its salient principles and health in Islam. In this context, it is apparent that the relevant Shariah objectives and principles have a great influence on the delivery of healthcare services. The study, which is doctrinal in nature then explores the international law and how it relates to shariah-compliant medical tourism. Further, the study discusses universal values, human rights, and the protection of patient rights as they are stated in the international conventions. The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the relationship between the Shariah principles in the context of medical tourism with the standards prescribed in the international legal framework. From the study, it is obvious that the international legal standards can accommodate and respect Shariah requirements and has the potential to attract not only Muslims but also non-Muslims patients.
SMALL ESTATES (DISTRIBUTION) ACT 1955: ANALYSIS ON THE 2022 AMENDMENT AND ITS EFFECTS OVER THE INHERITANCE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Drs Nasrul Muhammad Amrullah , Mohd Alam Shah Nurin Athirah , Rahmawati Mohd Yusoff  , Md Said Muhamad Helmi
Published: March 2024

This study aims to analyse the amendments to the Small Estates (Distribution) Act 1955 by looking at each amendment and identifying its impact on other relevant administrative bodies. This qualitative study involved library-based research in which the authors reviewed relevant literature for the purpose of data collection, namely newspapers, textbooks, conference proceedings, case laws, seminar papers, and journal articles. The amendment shows some overlap with the jurisdiction of other administrative bodies, specifically the Amanah Raya Berhad (ARB). The paper suggested that further amendments be made to other administrative bodies, namely the Civil High Court and ARB in order to prevent such overlapping.
ACHIEVING JUSTICE THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION OF SHARIAH: CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD
Authors: Haji Mohd Na'im Haji Mokhtar
Published: March 2024

Speech delivered at the 19th Professor Emeritus Ahmad Ibrahim Memorial Lecture 2023, Muhammad Abdul-Rauf Building, International Islamic University  Malaysia, 24th July 2023.
APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES OF CHAIN OF EVIDENCE AND CHAIN OF CUSTODY DURING STORAGE AND FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE IN SHARIAH CRIMINAL CASES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohamad Azhan Yahya  , Ahmad Azam Mohd. Shariff  , Suhaizad Saifuddin
Published: March 2024

Electronic documentary evidence is submitted to prove the facts of the case and to assist the court in making a good judgment. Nevertheless, the admissibility of such evidence in Shariah criminal cases depends on the competence of religious enforcement officers in preserving the integrity of electronic documents during the process of storage and forensic examination at the investigation stage. Religious enforcement officers must ensure that both the chain of custody and chain of evidence remain intact during the conduct of both processes, so that both amply support the admissibility of the document during the trial later. However, Shariah texts make no reference to the processes of storage and forensic examination of electronic documentary evidence in ascertaining proof and strength of qarinah evidence. In addition, legal provisions in the enactment do not appear to make any reference to these principles and processes. Such a scenario has caused some confusion regarding their acknowledgment in determining the admissibility of electronic documentary evidence in the Shariah court. This article uses a legal research framework developed qualitatively, with library research method used in data and information collection. These data and information are subsequently analysed using content analysis and critical analytical methods. The article aims to identify the principles of Islamic evidence and legal provisions under the Shariah Criminal Procedure Enactment and analyses existing problems relating to the process of storage and forensic examination of electronic documents. It suggests that a standard operating procedure on the processes of storage and forensic examination of electronic documentary evidence be developed in addressing issues relating to the integrity and admissibility of electronic documentary evidence in Shariah criminal trials.
CORPORATE RESCUE MECHANISMS FOR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN MALAYSIA: A PROPOSAL
Authors: Mohd Shahril Nizam Md Radzi  , Asiah Bidin  , Murshamshul Kamariah Musa  , Syarizal Abdul Rahim
Published: March 2024

Business organisation’s solvency status might shift to insolvency, thereby granting creditors the power to distribute assets of the debtor. For corporate entities governed by the Companies Act 2016, the statute offers various comprehensive corporate rescue mechanisms, such as Scheme of Arrangement (SA), Corporate Voluntary Agreement (CVA), and Judicial Management (JM), to help companies survive. However, there is no such rescue mechanism for co-operative society under the Co-operative Societies Act 1993. The absence of any similar mechanism has increased the vulnerability of co-operative societies in Malaysia when they are in a state of indebtedness. This article aims to explore the possibility of introducing a rescue mechanism for co-operative societies from being liquidated to promote their viability in Malaysia. This article employed a qualitative legal research method. Relevant legal documents, including textbooks, statutes and case law, were analysed using the content analysis approach. It is submitted that proposing corporate rescue mechanisms for co-operative societies in Malaysia falls under the principle of public interest. The implementation of these new rescue mechanisms is expected to enhance the appeal of co-operative societies in Malaysia to potential investors and enable them to remain competitive in the marketplace.
Analysis Of Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties in Methanolic Extract of Piper Sarmentosum Roxb. Against Mcf-7 Cells
Authors: Ibrahim Maizatul Akma , Ghazali Nor Farahiyah , Zakaria Nor Hafizah , Abdul Majid Fadzilah Adibah
Published: March 2024

Cancer is by far one of the most worrying health issues that continue to be the major killing diseases worldwide, accounting for more than six million deaths. In the confrontation of advances in modern medicine such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, cancer disease persists as a worldwide problem. In recent years, there has been a focused effort to explore new alternatives, with a particular emphasis on identifying medicinal herbs from local natural resources. Approximately, 60% of cancer drugs are derived from natural sources, due to their fewer side effects. Piper sarmentosum Roxb. which is locally known as ‘kaduk’, is a natural medicinal plant that has been used traditionally to treat headache, arthritis, menstrual pain, cough, and eczema. It is proven to have various biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimalarial,  antiplasmodial, anti-diabetic, antifungal, and anti-carcinogenic. In this study, the phenolic content of P. sarmentosum was quantified using Folin-Ciocalteu method. Next, the antioxidant activity was determined using a DPPH scavenging assay. MTS assay was conducted to analyse the effect of the extract on human breast cancer cells, MCF-7. The results showed that the P. sarmentosum extract contained a high TPC which was 89.22 mg GAE/g. The extract also exhibited a good antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 96.98 ± 2.29 ?g/mL. The in vitro cytotoxicity test on MCF-7 cell proliferation showed the extracts’ IC50 at 24.63 ± 0.23 ?g/mL. In conclusion, methanolic extract of P. sarmentosum contained a high phenolic content and is a potent antioxidant capacity as well as anticancer activity against the tested breast cancer cell. Keywords: Breast cancer, medicinal plant, Piper sarmentosum, phenolic content, radical scavenging activity
El abolicionismo y el debate sobre la dignidad de las trabajadoras sexuales
Authors:   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ramírez Montes de Oca Andrea Arabella
Published: March 2024

Abolitionism is a feminist movement that strives to put an end to prostitution, since it considers it a violent and undignified act in the lives of women, whom it considers to be necessarily victims. This essay seeks to investigate, in a critical way, how the historical evolution of abolitionism led it to the conclusion that sex work is "undignified", thus denying sex workers access to basic rights. Thus, I will make a historical and conceptual reconstruction of abolitionism and then confront it with the general idea of dignity, with the aim of showing the denial of access to basic rights for sex workers.
PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF PATHOGENS ISOLATED FROM PRIVATE LABORATORY SPECIMENS IN UKRAINE
Authors: Railian M.V. , Chumachenko T. O. , Railian H.M.
Published: March 2024

Objective. This study aims at conducting an analysis of data on antibiotic resistance to antimicrobials that were obtained for the period from April 28, 2018, to December 31, 2019, in a private laboratory in the city of Kharkiv. Materials and methods. We conducted an investigation into the identification and analysis of antimicrobial sensitivity for isolates obtained from patients at a private clinic in the city of Kharkiv from 2018 to 2019. Results. The analysis revealed that patients most frequently sought bacteriological examination for materials from the throat (34.5%) and nose (29.9%), while the least common requests were for examination of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity (2.3%) and skin (3.4%). The positive results accounted for 94.3% of the cases. The isolated strains included Staphylococcus aureus (29.4%), Neisseria spp. (16.5%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (14.1%), Streptococcus spp. of the Viridans group (12.9%), Candida albicans (5.9%), Moraxella spp. (1.2%), Streptococcus anhaemolyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (each constituting 3.5%), molds (2.4%), and Streptococcus haemolyticus, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis (each accounting for 1.2%). The isolated strains obtained from patients of the private laboratory had a pronounced antibiotic resistance to antimicrobial drugs of the following groups: beta-lactams, tetracycline, aminoglycosides, and sulfonamides. This should be taken into account by doctors when prescribing antibacterial therapy. Conclusions. The data indicate disturbingly high levels of antimicrobial resistance in isolates collected from patients at a private clinic in the city of Kharkiv.
THE INFLUENCE OF QUERCETIN ON THE PRODUCTION OF REACTIVE OXYGEN-NITROGEN FORMS IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE INTERSTITIAL SPACE OF RAT TESTICLES WITH LONG-TERM EFFECT OF TRIPTORELIN
Authors: Stetsuk Ye. , Shepitko V. I. , Zaporozhets T.M. , Pronina O.M. , Boruta N. V.
Published: March 2024

Quercetin is a flavonoid commonly found in fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Flavonoids can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, reduce the risk of degenerative brain processes and cancer. Studies have shown that blocking the synthesis of luteinising hormone can lead to oxidative stress in the liver, heart, and salivary glands of rats. The purpose of this study was to assess alterations in the interstitial space of rat testes, identify sources of nitric oxide production, and measure the intensity of oxidative stress in the testes during long-term experimental central blocking of luteinising hormone synthesis by tryptorelin. The study was conducted on 15 sexually mature male white rats. The animals were divided into two groups. The first group (control) received a subcutaneous injection of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The second group (experimental) received a subcutaneous injection of tryptorelin at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg of active ingredient for 365 days, with simultaneous addition of quercetin to the diet, which was administered orally through a gastric tube three times a day. Total nitric oxide production was assessed by measuring the activity of total NO synthase (gNOS). The activity of gNOS was determined by the increase in nitrite (NO2-) after incubation in Tris-buffered saline. The nitrite concentration was determined using the Gris-Ilosvay reagent at a wavelength of 540 nm. The activity of the inducible (iNOS) and constitutive (cNOS) isoforms was also determined using a selective iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine hydrochloride. The production of superoxide anion radical (O2--) was measured by the increase in the formation of diformazan resulting from the reaction of O2-- with nitroblue tetrazolium after incubation in a buffered solution containing sodium hydroxide. The administration of quercetin mitigates the adverse effects of tryptorelin on the structural and functional components of the connective tissue in the rat testes. This effect is observed on day 365 and is characterised by fibrosis and impaired nitric oxide production by constitutive isoforms of NO synthase.
ANALYSIS OF CHRONIC EFFECTS OF CADMIUM CHLORIDE ON NEPHROGENESIS IN RATS
Authors: Shatorna V.F. , Krasnov O.O.
Published: March 2024

Basic clinical, morphological and statistical studies identify cadmium as one of the causes of toxic kidney damage and a number of diseases that overcomes the placental barrier. Determining the changes that occur in the morphology of organs under the impact of cadmium chloride in pregnant female rats is an urgent task for modern morphological research.

Objectives. In this work, we investigate the nephrotoxic effects of chronic cadmium chloride exposure in pregnant rats in experiment. Material and methods. Pregnant rats with confirmed gestational age were administered a 2.0 mg/kg cadmium chloride solution daily via intragastric gavage. Surgical removal of the kidneys was performed on days 13 and 19 of gestation for subsequent analysis. We determined the kidney mass and assessed nephron elements on histological preparations. These measurements included the diameter of the renal corpuscle, the nephron capsule area, the glomerulus area, and their ratio (glomerulus area index).

Results and discussion. Chronic exposure to cadmium chloride in a dose of 2.0 mg/kg reduced the weight of the kidneys in pregnant females at both periods of the study. At the histological level, an increase of the nephron capsule was found in combination with fragmentary sclerosis of glomerular capillaries that indicates the nephrotoxic effect of cadmium chloride in the indicated dose in the experiment on rats. The nephron area index of the kidneys of female rats with chronic exposure to cadmium had a pronounced tendency to decrease the area of the nephron capsule with a significant difference (p<0.001) at both time points.

Conclusion. Chronic cadmium chloride exposure resulted in reduced kidney weight in females. Histological examination revealed enlarged nephron capsules alongside glomerular capillary sclerosis, indicating the nephrotoxic effect of the administered dose in this rat experiment. Notably, the nephron area index displayed a consistent decline in the area of the nephron capsule at both time points in cadmium-exposed female ras.
BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF BLOOD OF LABORATORY ANIMALS IN CASE OF PROLONGED CONTACT WITH THE RESEARCH MATERIAL
Authors: Yanishen I.V. , Sidorova O.V. , Kuznetsov R.V. , Krychka N.V. , Diudina I.L.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the biochemical parameters of blood of laboratory animals in prolonged contact with the experimental material

Materials and methods. An experimental study was conducted in the laboratories and vivarium of the State Institution "Institute of Spine and Joint Pathology named after Prof. M.I. Sitenko" on 28 white laboratory rats aged 6 months with a body weight of 200 to 250 grams. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (14 rats) and an experimental group (14 rats), which were exposed to dental glass ionomer cement at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Toxic effects were evaluated for 1 month. The blood sampling procedure included tail vein dilation, disinfection, tail fixation, and blood collection. The study was conducted in special conditions with full feeding.

Results. The study found no significant negative effects of prolonged use of dental glass ionomer cement (GIC) on kidney function. Analysis of diuresis, urea and creatinine levels in urine and blood serum showed no statistically significant differences between males and females. No sugar, ketones, or protein were detected in the animals' urine. Serum creatinine levels were (65.47±4.6) μmol/l in males and (63.38±7.1) μmol/l in females, while serum urea levels were (4.84±0.47) μmol/l in males and (4.67±0.42) μmol/l in females. Urinary urea levels were (374.35±20.7) mmol/l in males and (371.15±22.3) mmol/l in females.

Conclusions. The obtained results of the study indicate statistically significant deviations in the studied indicators of the functional state of the kidneys both in males and females after prolonged use of dental glass-inomer cement based on polyacrylate carboxylate. The presence of sugar, ketones and protein was not detected in the urine of the animals. The analysis of serum creatinine levels showed no statistically significant differences between the conditions, and serum urea levels did not differ between them either. Thus, it can be concluded that the use of glass-inomer cement has no negative effect on the functional state of the kidneys in the studied animals.
TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-Α AND INTERLEUKIN-6 IN BLOOD SERUM OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES
Authors: Mammadova Leyla Vahid kizi
Published: March 2024

The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in infants and children with congenital heart defects (CHD) in comparison with the levels in the control groups. Materials and methods. The volume study included 56 patients, including 35 cyanotic and 21 cyanotic with congenital heart disease, as well as 20 control subjects. We used a specific immunoassay to measure serum ghrelin, TNF-a and IL-6 levels. All patients' cardiac diagnoses were based on clinical examination, laboratory tests, electrocardiography and echocardiography; and none of the patients had pulmonary hypertension. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated as the ratio of body weight (kg) and height squared (m). The study also included 20 healthy infants and children corresponding to age and gender as a control group. Informed consent was obtained from the parents. Results. The results of the analysis indicate a significant increase in IL-6 and TNF-a levels in cyanotic and acyanotic patients with congenital heart defects compared with the control group (P < 0.0001). The findings highlight the importance of cytokines in the pathophysiology of congenital heart defects and their effect on patient growth. It is suggested that elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-a may stimulate the process of apoptosis, which may play a key role in growth retardation. These data indicate the presence of growth disorders in a significant proportion of patients with congenital heart defects. These results provide additional details about the nature of growth disorders in patients with congenital heart defects and highlight the importance of further research to better understand the molecular and immunological mechanisms associated with this condition. Conclusion. The findings of this study support the hypothesis of the effect of cytokines on growth in congenital heart defects. Elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-a are likely associated with chronic congestive heart failure and hypoxia. Further research is needed to confirm these results and develop therapeutic strategies for managing growth retardation in children with congenital heart defects.
INTERDISCIPLINARY INTEGRATION OF MICROBIOLOGY, VIROLOGY, AND IMMUNOLOGY IN THERAPEUTIC STOMATOLOGY
Authors: Bubliy T.D. , Gancho O.V. , Bobrova N.O. , Moshel T.M. , Fedorehcnko V.I.
Published: March 2024

Introduction: This article examines the potential for integrating Therapeutic Stomatology with Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology. It highlights the significance of studying key concepts in these disciplines, which underpin various methods of microbiological diagnostics utilized in dentistry. Practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for the study of Therapeutic Stomatology are exemplified. The aim of this paper is to underscore the significance of interdisciplinary integration between Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology with Therapeutic Stomatology in the education and training of future dental practitioners.

Results and Discussion: A solid grasp of microbiology is crucial for fostering the clinical acumen of future dental professionals. The integration of disciplines should be systematically woven into all phases of the educational curriculum. By merging fundamental and clinical disciplines, a multidimensional approach to problem-solving is facilitated, highlighting the interconnectedness between fields. This integration enhances students' intellectual, cognitive, and communicative abilities, broadening their educational horizons and enabling the application of foundational knowledge in novel contexts. Consequently, this approach nurtures the development of clinical reasoning skills among aspiring dental practitioners.

Conclusions: The interdisciplinary integration of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology with Therapeutic Stomatology in professional training ensures educational coherence, enhances the organization and refinement of knowledge and skills, and lays the groundwork for cultivating professionals characterized by versatile thinking and comprehensive expertise in their field.
THE ADVANTAGES OF SYDNONIMINES COMPARED TO NITRATES IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE AND CORONARY INSUFFICIENCY
Authors: Vlasenko N.O.
Published: March 2024

One of the primary challenges in treating patients with coronary artery disease and coronary insufficiency using nitrates is the development of tolerance. Nitrate tolerance is a condition in which the duration and intensity of anti-anginal and anti-ischemic effects decrease, despite maintaining a high concentration of the drug in the blood. In cases of developing tolerance, a continual increase in the nitrate dose is necessary to achieve the previous effect. To eliminate developed nitrate tolerance, discontinuing nitrates for 3-5 days is typically sufficient. Currently, molsidomine is employed as an alternative to nitrates, with sydnonimines emerging as a noteworthy substitute. Among sydnonimines, molsidomine (marketed as Sydnopharm, Dilasidom, Corvaton) stands out as the most effective. Despite its chemical distinction from nitrates, molsidomine operates through a similar mechanism. Functioning as a nitric oxide donor, this antianginal drug avoids the development of tolerance even with prolonged use. Molsidomine, akin to nitrates, acts as a vasodilator, exhibiting efficacy as an anti-ischemic and anti-anginal medication when administered in appropriate doses. Upon entering the human body, molsidomine undergoes hepatic metabolism, transforming into an active derivative compound known as SIN-1. This metabolite, upon entering the bloodstream, further converts into an active form (SIN-1A). From this active metabolite, the nitric oxide (NO) group is released, influencing the activation of guanylate cyclase. This activation prompts guanosine triphosphate to convert into cyclic guanosine triphosphate, ultimately contributing to the synthesis of proteins that bind calcium. This cascade of events results in the vasodilatory effect of molsidomine. Indications for molsidomine include stable angina pectoris, acute coronary syndrome, early post-infarction angina, congestive heart failure, portal hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and Aerz's disease. Possible side effects following the therapy with molsidomine (dizziness, headache, and diplopia) occur much less frequently compared to nitrates. After using nitrates, such a side effect as methemoglobinемia may occur. Therapy with molsidomine does not lead to the development of this side effect.
THE FEATURES OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE LYMPHOID COMPONENT OF RAT PERICARDIUM THROUGHOUT ONTOGENESIS.
Authors: Verba E.I. , Kushch O. G.
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Research of the cardiovascular system is a relevant issue today, because its diseases are highly pathological and significantly affect the general mortality of the population. The morphofunctional state of the heart directly depends on the pericardium, which, in turn, performs a number of key physiological functions for the heart. The pericardium, having a coelomic origin, can perform not only a mechanical barrier function, but also exhibits immune properties through lymphoid tissue associated with serous membranes, known as serosa-associated lymphoid clusters. Objective. The purpose of the study is to expand the understanding of the structure of the lymphoid component of the pericardium, to analyze the qualitative composition of this tissue, and to study the topography at various stages of the postnatal ontogenesis of rats. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 4 age groups of laboratory rats, each of which included 5 individuals. Film preparations were made. Samples of film preparations were stained with methylene blue, as well as with hematoxylin and eosin natively and after fixation. Results. The lymphoid tissue of the pericardium of rats is mainly represented by small and medium-sized lymphocytes, as well as cells that are similar to plasma cells. Features of the topography of the lymphoid tissue of the pericardium in the early and late postnatal periods, revealed with the help of various staining methods, testify to important aspects of the morphology of the rat pericardium. Conclusions. Analysis of the lymphoid population of cells made it possible to determine them in different parts of the organ during ontogenesis, indicating the presence of dynamic changes in the lymphoid tissue of the pericardium during the postnatal period. Taking into account the age-related features of the structure of the pericardium, further study of the qualitative and quantitative composition of serosa-associated lymphoid clusters in rats is recommended, which allows for a more detailed understanding of the immune processes that occur in this organ. Considering the importance of immunological aspects of the cardiovascular system, the obtained data have a high potential for application in veterinary and medical practice.