bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Practice: A Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Kondhalkar Shivani , Happy Daisy
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had unprecedented health and economic consequences. Dentists encounter maximum aerosol production due to frequent use of ultrasonic and polishing devices or other surgical interventions, thus increasing the risk of nosocomial infections. The situation had caused drastic change in the clinical routines including modifications in infection control strategies, managing of minimally invasive procedures, reducing the patient visits and updating themselves to use telecommunication to cater to the need of patients. Aim: To evaluate the consequences and impact of COVID-19 pandemic by conducting an online survey using questionnaire amongst dentists as healthcare providers in the country of India. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey conducted using online platform in India with a sample size of 225 participants who were practicing dentists, either graduates or postgraduates, and agreed to give an informed consent. The questionnaire consisted of six segments: participants demographics, changes in clinical routine of the respective dentist, upgrading facilities in clinic, infection control measures, telecommunication and impact on financial aspect of the practitioner. Open-ended questions were also included giving an opportunity to the participant to share his or her perspective. Chi-square test of proportion was performed to assess the difference in proportion of the responses. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study has shown that the pandemic has impacted negatively on financial status, patient flow and daily practice. Total 221 (98.2%) clinicians agree to the fact that, COVID-19 has affected their clinical routine, 203 (90.2%) clinician were aware of the aerosol generating procedures and 95 (42.2%) practitioners have installed devices for air purification. A 209 (92.8%) emphasise on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and majority 84 (37.3%) were delaying elective procedures. About 184 (81.7%) have experienced decrease in number of patient flow and 104 (46.2%) practitioners agreed that their emotional and psychological wellbeing is affected due to drastic changes made in their practicing protocols due to COVID-19. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the social, economic, physical as well as mental wellbeing of practioners all around the world. More or less the practice is hampered causing frustration and instability. Focusing the light on practicing dentists, they have seen to make significant changes in their zone of practice and have updated to the new normal version of practice.
Clinical Effectiveness of Facility and Accuracy of Accommodation in Diagnosis of Non Strabismic Binocular Vision Anomalies in Young Adults: A Prospective Cross-sectional Observational Study
Authors: Saikia Mousumi , Pant Kamal , Dutta Joydeep
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Orthoptic evaluation is highly recommended in children and young adults to diagnose binocular dysfunctions. Binocular vision dysfunctions may hamper academic performance in children. Accommodative facility and accommodative accuracy are two orthoptic tests to evaluate accommodative flexibility and accommodative status of eye. Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of facility and accuracy of accommodation in diagnosis Non Strabismic Binocular Vision Anomalies (NSBVA) in young adults. Materials and Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Optsight Eye Care in association with Amity Medical School, Gurugram, Haryana, India, from August 2020 to August 2021. A total of 175 subjects (both symptomatic and asymptomatic) with normal anterior and posterior segment findings, and aged between 18-25 years were evaluated for accommodative facility test with the help of accommodative lens flipper ±2D and for accommodative status test with the help of monocular estimation method (dynamic retinoscopy). Both the tests were done over their best corrected visual acuity after refractive error correction and the Pearson correlation test was applied to find out the correlation. Further, complete orthoptic examination was performed for all the subjects to correlate the abnormal findings from the two tests and conventional orthoptic tests. Independent sample t-test was applied to compare the accommodative facility between refractive groups. Results: Out of 175 subjects, 84 (48%) of the subjects were found to have NSBVA which included 26 (14.86%) Convergence insufficiency, 30 (17.14%) with accommodative insufficiency, 25 (14.29%) with convergence insufficiency secondary to accommodative insufficiency, and 3 (1.71%) with accommodative infacility. A positive correlation between binocular accommodative facility and status of accommodation was found with a p-value <0.001 (r=0.51). Conclusion: Status of accommodation and facility test can help to differentiate the accommodative and vergence problems making examination less time consuming. Both of these procedures should be a part of general routine eye examination protocol in the young adult group so that detection of these anomalies become less time consuming and patient gets benefitted from early intervention
Intraparotid Branching Pattern of Facial Nerve- A Cadaveric Study from Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Suganya S , Govindarajan Amudha
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Facial Nerve (FN) is the main motor nerve of muscles of facial expression. As it courses within the parotid gland, the FN divides into divisions and then into terminal branches. Various surgical procedures of this region may inadvertently injure the FN owing to its variant branching pattern, resulting in facial asymmetry. Aim: To analyse the branching pattern of FN in the parotid region of Indian origin. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study done on 50 embalmed cranial halves, in the Department of Anatomy, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India from October 2020 to March 2022. The inclusion criteria were well embalmed and preserved adult cadavers irrespective of age, sex and side. The exclusion criteria were any cadaver with anomalies of face, disfigurements, injuries of the face and already dissected cadavers. After piece meal dissection of the parotid gland, the Facial Nerve Trunk (FNT) was identified and its branching pattern studied and classified according to Davis RA et al., classification. The data thus obtained was analysed using statistical software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0. Results: The FNT bifurcated in 98% and trifurcated in 2% specimens. The branching pattern of FN based on Davis RA et al., system showed a frequency as follows: Type I: 0%, Type II: 8%, Type III: 26%, Type IV: 16%, Type V: 48% and Type VI: 2%. Conclusion: Type V branching pattern showed the highest frequency. Results inferred from this study might help surgeons in anticipating the variant course, branching and interconnections of the FNT in the parotid region and thus may aid in minimising iatrogenic nerve injuries to avoid unnecessary facial disabilities.
Dental Faculties and Practitioners’ Perception of Virtual Learning as Integral Apparatus in Dental Education: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Husain Seerab , Sivakumar Arvind , Bosch Carles
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic saw a global lockdown being imposed, which restricted dental faculties access to teaching institutes and dental practitioners to continuing dental education programs. However, this resulted in a surge in the usage of virtual learning platforms for imparting and gaining information. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, awareness and perception of dental teaching faculties and practitioners about virtual learning as a complementary tool in dental education. Materials and Methods: A nationwide crosssectionalquestionnaire survey was conducted on the virtual platform (SmartSurvey) among dental faculties and dental practitioners, from June 2021 to July 2021. The questionnaire comprised of different sets of closed-ended questions customised for each group. The survey was validated and dispersed through web-based links and Quick Response (QR) codes to all the dental faculties and practitioners. Descriptive statistics was used for analysing the results. Results: A total of 596 participants (220 dental faculties and 376 dental practitioners) participated in the survey. Zoom (n=157, 82.63%) was the most popular among the virtual platforms used for dental education. Affability of time (n=192, 87.27%), convenience and comfort of learning from anywhere (n=312, 82.98%) were the main advantages of virtual education. The dominant challenge faced by the participants was the internet connectivity (n=213, 96.82%). Conclusion: Majority of the faculties and practitioners prefer virtual education as an adjunct to conventional education. The widespread reach of virtual platform can be utilised to effectively deliver the educational content on a global scale. However, a streamlined framework which addresses all the shortcomings commonly faced by the faculties and practitioners is essential to provide a hassle-free virtual learning experience.
The Futuristic Era of Paediatric Dentistry: A Review
Authors: Godbole Riddhi Rajeev , Khairwa Abhishek , Bhat Manohar , Shekhawat Diksha , Garg Aarti
Published: November 2022

Over the past few years, paediatric dentistry has made significant advancements. Paediatric dentists may not have as many cutting-edge equipment or therapies as their dental colleagues, but improvements in technology have nonetheless greatly enhanced their practises in recent years. The way dentistry is practised is changing as a result of new technology. New imaging technologies, restorative techniques, the use of the internet and powerful electronic gadgets, and other innovations are examples of developments that have had a significant impact on dentistry. It is a fundamental necessity for all the dentists to know the advancements in their field in order to incorporate them into their day-to-day practice. So, in the present review, authors discusses various recent advancements in the field of Paediatric Dentistry that can aid the dentist to deliver better treatment and to obtain the patient’s satisfaction. In the last few years paediatric dentistry has come a long way. Despite the fact that children’s dentists may not have as many creative treatment alternatives as their dental colleagues, advancements in recent years have greatly improved their practices. As a result of new technologies, the practice of dentistry is evolving.
Efficacy of a Novel Face-to-Face Lateral Position (Partha’s Technique) in Children to Aid Identification of Caudal Space during Single Dose Caudal Epidural Anaesthesia for Elective Infraumblical Surgeries- A Feasibility Study
Authors: Parthasarathy S , Kulandayan S , Surya R
Published: November 2022

Introduction: A single-dose of caudal epidural block accounts for 30-40% of paediatric regional anaesthesia. For infraumblical procedures, it is administered with or without general anaesthesia. The traditional patient position for assisting caudal blocks in children is lateral, with the child's back facing the anaesthesiologist. For caudal epidural block, a novel face-toface orientation of the anaesthesiologist with respect to the child in lateral position was used. Aim: To determine whether a novel face-to-face position of the anesthesiologist and the child is feasible in identification of the caudal epidural space during administration of caudal epidural anaesthesia following general anaesthesia in paediatric patients undergoing elective infraumblical surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective feasibility study was conducted from November 2020 to November 2021 on 15 children belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) 1, who were scheduled for elective infraumblical procedures under general anaesthesia, with single dose caudal epidural anaesthesia. While performing caudal block, a novel face-toface orientation of the anaesthesiologist and patient was used. The following variables were recorded: first pass success rate, number of attempts, block performance time, block failure rate, performer satisfaction score, duration of postoperative analgesia, and complications. Results: There were eight males and seven females. The mean age of the population was 6.6±2 years and the mean weight was 20.6±3.4 kilograms. The first pass success rate was 86.6% (13/15) with overall success rate of 100%. Number of attempts for successful block were 1.2±0.5. Block performance time and duration of postoperative analgesia were 31.8±12.1 seconds and 176±31.8 minutes respectively. Performer’s satisfaction score was excellent in 86.6% (13/15) and good in 13.4% (2/15). No incidence of block failure and complications were noted. Conclusion: The novel face-to-face position in child ergonomics with respect to anaesthesiologist during caudal epidural block performance is a feasible and effective method in children undergoing elective infraumblical procedures.
Information literacy of matriculating chiropractic students assessed via research readiness survey
Authors: Ward Krista L. , Gatti Barbara L. Delli , Osenga Annette , Odierna Donna H. , Smith Monica
Published: November 2022

Objective

We developed a Research Readiness Survey (RRS) to identify students' information literacy needs prior to instruction by a team of faculty members and librarians in our doctor of chiropractic program clinical research literacy courses. In addition to describing students' responses to our RRS, we explored associations between (1) students' overall performance on the RRS and their prior earned degrees and (2) their self-reported ability and performance on questions pertaining to evaluating information quality (standard 3 of the Association of College and Research Libraries [ACRL] Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education).

Methods

The RRS is composed of 50 questions, of which 22 pertain to information literacy knowledge assessment per ACRL standards. We calculated means and standard deviations for summary scores on 4 ACRL standards and for a total RRS score. We used analysis of variance to assess whether standard 3 scores differed by students' self-reported ability to judge health information quality and whether there was an association between total RRS scores and students' previously earned degrees.

Results

In 2017–2018, 245 students (70% of matriculates) completed the RRS. Students performed best on standard 3 (average score 67%) and worst on standard 2, the ability to access information (average score = 59%). Students who reported an average ability to judge information quality had higher standard 3 scores than students who reported poor ability (p = .003). Students with bachelor's degrees had higher total RRS scores than students with associate's degrees (p = .004).

Conclusion

Matriculating students had the most difficulty with accessing information, supporting the need to include librarians on the teaching team.
Application of Autoregressive Moving Average Model in the Prediction of COVID-19 of China
Authors: Xiuling Li , Xi Li , Wen Wang , Hongying Xie , LiuQian Su , Jiangping Zhang
Published: November 2022

Objective: To establish ARIMA model through time series analysis to understand the occurrence law of newly confirmed cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia and provide references for taking epidemic prevention and control measures.

Methods: The cumulative confirmed and cured cases of COVID-19 are collected through the official website of the National Health Commission, and the number of newly confirmed and cured cases per week are sorted out. We analyze the time series of newly diagnosed and cured COVID-19 cases every week from April 12, 2020 to December 5, 2021 by IBM SPSS 25.0 software. The model is established through model identification, parameter estimation and model fitting.

Results: The number of reported cases of COVID-19 has no obvious seasonal characteristics. The ARIMA(2,1,1) model well fitted the time series, R2 = 0.542/0.617. Through the residual white noise test, all parameters of the model have statistical significance, Ljung box q = 9.095/9.651, P > 0.05. We predict the cases and cures in the four weeks after December 5, 2021 by ARIMA(2,1,1). The measured values in the first week and the second week are within the predicted 95% CI range.

Discussion and Conclusion: The epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 need a longer time series for validation and analysis. ARIMA model can predict the incidence of COVID-19 in a short term, and the model should be constantly revised according to the actual situation.
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) Fruit Extract Attenuates Paraquat-induced Toxicity in Wister Rats
Authors: Muhammad Bawa Y. , Barau Sulaiman A. , Zaruwa Moses Z. , Modibbo Rabiu M. , Ibrahim Saidu B.
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Paraquat is a bipyridil herbicide commonly used in modern agriculture for weed and pest control. Paraquat poisoning usually occurs through direct ingestion for suicidal intent, causing mortality as a consequence to oxidative damage, inflammation and multi-organ failure.

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the ameliorative potential of Cucurbita pepo fruit on paraqaut-induced oxidative damage, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods: Rats were orally administered paraquat (2 mg/kg b.w) with or without the fruit extract (500 mg/kg b.w) or resveratrol (3.57 mg/kg b.w) co-administration for 2 weeks.

Results: We found C. pepo fruit extract significantly restored paraquat-induced oxidative damage, acute inflammation and hyperlipidemia. Reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration was significantly abridged in paraquat treated group, while the concentration of GSH increases substantially across groups administered fruit extract and resveratrol. Furthermore, paraquat induced concomitant reduction in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which was restored by the fruit extract and resveratrol. However, nitric oxide level demonstrated a substantial elevation in paraquat-treated group, but restored by both the fruit extract and resveratrol. Moreover, pumpkin fruit extract and resveratrol supplementation suppressed overproduction of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins and thus, alleviated paraquat-induced hyperlipidemia. In addition, administration of C. pepo fruit extract and resveratrol ameliorated the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effect caused by paraquat.

Conclusion: We conclude that C. pepo fruit extract and resveratrol administration ameliorated oxidative damage, acute inflammation, hyperlipidemia, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by paraquat ingestion.
Effects of Dolutegravir (DTG) on Survival, Pupariation and Emergence in Drosophila melanogaster: The Rescue Role of Brassica oleracea
Authors: Leritshimwa Amagon , Awadzi Haruna Abigail , Kennedy Amagon , Magani Wanche Ernest , Dadul Falang Kakjing , Bukata Bukar Bayero
Published: November 2022

The study aimed at determining the protective role of Brassica oleracea on dolutegravir-induced changes in Pupariation and Emergence of Drosophila melanogaster. D. melanogaster aged 3-5 days old were exposed to different concentrations (0.5 to 4 mg/ 5 g diet) of dolutegravir and B. oleracea extract (7.5–1000 mg/5 g diet) for 7 days to determine the lethal concentration (LC50). D. melanogaster were then exposed to the extract (50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/5 g diet) and controls (diet alone and vitamin C) to assess their effects on pupariation and emergence. A 14-day assay was also performed to evaluate the effect of the extract and toxicant (dolutegravir) on fly survival. The result showed a dose-dependent significant decrease (P < 0.05) and a dose-dependent significant increase (P < 0.05) in survival for D. melanogaster exposed to dolutegravir and the extract respectively, when compared to the control group. Results showed a delay in pupariation and decrease in mean pupariation in flies exposed to dolutegravir alone. An improvement in the same parameters was observed in D. melanogaster pre-treated with the extract before exposure to dolutegravir. D. melanogaster pre-treated with 200 and 400 mg extract per 5 g diet showed emergence that was comparable to those in the control groups. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in the groups exposed to 50 and 100 mg extract per 5 g diet, suggesting no protection at these doses. This study concludes that B. oleracea leaf extract, at certain concentrations, is able to protect against dolutegravir-induced changes in pupariation and emergence in D. melanogaster.
Alterations in Hepatocellular, Reproductive, and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Female Albino Rats Exposed to Crude Oil
Authors: Elekima Ibioku , Ohaka Thankgod Prince , Brisibe Ngozi , Ben-Chioma Adline , George-Opuda Ibitoroko , Festus Orbenyie Mary , Onyinyechi Ani Precious , Anthony Waribo Helen
Published: November 2022

Aim: To study the effect of exposure to crude oil on the liver, ovary, and some oxidative stress parameters in albino rats.

Study Design: A total of 50 female albino rats were used in the experiment. The rats were grouped into three: The control group which consisted of 10 rats, the low dose group which consisted of 20 rats, and the high dose group also consisted of 20 rats. The low dosage group was orally administered 1.5 mL crude oil mixed with 300 grams of rat feeds (0.005 mL/g) and the high dosage group was orally administered 3.0 mL crude oil mixed with 300 grams of rat feeds (0.01mL/g), while the control group was fed with normal rat feeds. The treated feeds were given once a day for 35 days.

Place of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methodology: On the 36th day, the rats were sacrificed and then 5mL of blood from each rat was collected by cardiac puncture into labeled lithium heparin bottles for liver enzymes assay, hormonal assay, and oxidative stress parameters assay, while the livers and ovaries were harvested and fixed in 10% formal saline before tissue processing and histological examinations using H&E staining technique. The collected blood specimens were spun; the plasma was extracted and analyzed in the laboratory for Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), follicle Stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), Prolactin, Malondialdyde (MDA), and Superoxide dismutase (SOD). Statistical analysis was performed using Graphpad prism version 8.02.

Results: Significantly higher plasma levels of AST, ALT, and MDA in the treated groups, except for ALP which was only significantly higher in the high-dose group. FSH, LH, Prolactin, and SOD indicated significantly lower levels in the crude oil-treated rats. The histological examinations showed marked distortion in the architecture of the livers and ovaries of the treated groups, also, there was a reduction in ovarian cellularity and massive degenerated tissues.

Conclusion: It is shown that exposure to crude oil contaminants orally could have a significant effect on the plasma level of hepatocellular enzymes, reproductive hormones, and oxidative stress parameters which in turn could lead to hepatocellular dysfunction, infertility, or impaired reproduction in mammals and cellular injuries caused by excess free radicals as signaled by plasma level of oxidative stress parameters.
New Combined Drug Regimen for Complete Cure of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Patient with Impaired Hepatocellular Functioning – A Case Report
Authors: Samajpaty Soham , Ibragimova Gulnaz Minegalievna
Published: November 2022

The research gives new therapeutic regimen to Tuberculosis. Despite of the fact being that the current regimen is a burden on liver functioning; most of these are highly hepatotoxic and increases serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) manifolds. In the backdrop of such a condition this clinical study has been done. Here 4 drugs has been selected and TB infection of a middle aged female patient was cured rapidly in one month who had hepatocellular changes. The regimen in this research has also showed significant improvement of liver functions post-therapy. This is about the “Mumbai Protocol” of tuberculosis management.
Reporting and Interpreting Renal Biopsies – A Review Article
Authors: Anish Anusha , Pillai Hari S. , Annamalai P. T.
Published: November 2022

Medical renal biopsy is an important tool in patient care in nephrology department. Systematic reporting of a renal biopsy eases the communication between the pathologist and the clinician, thereby improving patient care. H & E (Hematoxylin and eosin) sections alone cannot help to arrive at a diagnosis, immunofluorescence (IF), special stains and EM (electron microscopy) play  important roles too. To arrive at an accurate diagnosis, an expert renal pathologist, who has a thorough knowledge of renal pathology as well as renal medicine is required to correlate tissue with clinical data. Although a lot of review articles regarding renal biopsies have been published, review of literature covering all aspects of renal biopsy are a few especially from India. In children the common cause of nephrotic syndrome is minimal change disease, which can only be confirmed with EM (diffuse effacement of foot processes). While the commonest cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults is membranous nephropathy which needs a combination of H & E (Thickened capillary loops), Silver stains (Spikes), IF (Fine granular staining of IgG & C3 in capillary walls) and EM (Subepithelial deposits). In terms of nephritic syndrome, the most common cause in children is post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which is diagnosed with H & E (Hypercellularity), IF (Coarse granular staining of IgG & C3 in capillary walls) and EM (Large subepithelial deposit). In adults, one of the most common causes of nephritic syndrome is rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, which shows characteristic crescents in both H & E and special stains.
Proximate and Detergent Fiber Fractions of de-Oiled African Olive (Canarium schweinfurthii Engl.) Residue: A Potential Animal Feedstuff
Authors: Ashom S. A. , Ajiji I.
Published: November 2022

Proximate and detergent fiber composition of de-oiled African olive (Canarium schweinfurthii) residue were assessed using standard laboratory analytical procedures. Proximate composition showed 17.58 ± 0.21% crude protein, 4.13 ± 0.06% crude fat, 19.99 ± 0.89% crude fiber, 8.11 ± 0.33% ash and 50.20 ± 1.19% soluble carbohydrate. Detergent fiber components were 54.74±0.0745% NDF, 38.35 ± 0.59% ADF, 14.37 ± 0.68% ADL, 23.98 ± 0.10% cellulose and 16.40 ± 0.13% hemicellulose. Quantitative compositions of proximate and detergent fiber fractions were characteristic of roughage. De-oiled African olive pulp residue is relatively fair in protein and a good source of carbohydrate and digestible fiber for animal nutrition.
Biochar: An Emerging Soil Amendment for Sustaining Soil Health and Black Gold for Indian Agriculture
Authors: Shiyal Vikram , Patel V. M. , Patel H. K. , Rathwa Mayur , Patel Piyush
Published: November 2022

At the international level, improving soil with coal is seen as a means to increase soil productivity, fertility and also to mitigate climate change. Biochar, which is used to increase land fertility and store carbon, is currently gaining scientific attention and popularity in the agriculture sector. It is a solid material made by pyrolysis process of any biomass, including weeds, agricultural leftovers and other plant wastes, to carbonise it and use it as a soil amendment and carbon sequestration medium. Biochar is a viable option for enhancing soil chemical properties such as cation exchange capacity (CEC) and soil pH, as well as lowering exchangeable acidity. Biochar was also discovered to boost soil biota by boosting nutrient availability, improving habitat appropriateness, increasing water retention and aeration as well as lowering harmful compounds in the soil. Also, it can help to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil and reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) gas emissions to the environment by enhancing soil absorption.
Devolution in Kenya as a Mechanism of Inclusive Development: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Nyandemo Samuel Misati
Published: November 2022

Kenya's Constitution of 2010 brought about radical changes, creating a decentralized governance system that became operational in 2013. This paper seeks to establish to what extent this system of government has worked out in line with its intended objectives. The author equally tries to establish some of the outcomes, shortcomings and prospects of this decentralization process and suggest the way forward.

The analysis clearly shows that devolution has gained ground and achieved a lot regardless of some of the shortcomings observed. The paper highlights some strategic interventions that need to be implemented to improve the outcome of devolution in Kenya. Overall, the paper establishes that though devolution has become the main political landscape in Kenya, devolved institutions lack institutional protection from the central government. Hence the need for renewed strategic interventions to protect devolution, particularly by parliament, the Senate, and the Council of Governors.
Effects of low-temperature acclimation on morphological and physiological indices of banana seedlings
Authors: Baysal F.
Published: November 2022

Climate change has become the most important factor limiting the banana cultivation area, especially in countries with subtropical climates. To assess the effect of cold stress on banana, twenty-eight global and local cultivated clones were used for morphological and physio-biochemical evaluation. Methods: The banana clones were produced from shoot tips under in vitro conditions. When the plants were 20-25 cm in height and 5-6 leaves, they were transferred to climate-controlled rooms. The temperature of the testing room was gradually decreased every three days (from 28ºC day/22ºC night to 4ºC day/-1ºC night). After the seedlings remained at these temperatures, the temperature of the room was increased every three days (from 4ºC day/-1ºC night to 28ºC day/22ºC). When the treatment room reached control room conditions (28ºC day/22ºC night), measurements and analyses were started. Results: Low-temperature stress decreased pseudostem length, pseudostem diameter, leaf area, and leaf number of banana clones. The malondialdehyde contents (MDA) were increased compared with control; the chlorophyll content and fluorescence decreased significantly. When temperatures return to normal conditions (28ºC day/22ºC night), only eight banana clones managed to survive and twenty banana clones irreversibly died. After a gradual increase in temperatures, plants have continued to live and form new leaves. Conclusion: At the end of study, it was understood that the low temperatures applied would be sufficient to determine the low-temperature tolerance in banana clones and could work at lower temperatures
Impact of extrusion on swelling power and foam stability in mixtures of corn starch and whey protein isolate as a model system
Authors: Téllez-Morales José A. , Gómez-Aldapa Carlos A. , Rodríguez-Mirand Jesús
Published: November 2022

This study examines the impact of an extrusion process on the swelling power (SP) and the foaming stability (FS) of mixtures of corn starch (CS) and whey protein isolate (WPI). A single-screw extruder was operated with a speed of 200 rpm, feed rate of 100 g/min, extrusion temperature of 140ºC, and initial moisture content of 20%. The results show that the extrusion process significantly increased the SP of the CS/WPI mixtures at each of the heating temperatures evaluated (60, 70, 80, and 90ºC). Furthermore, a significant increase in SP was observed with the increase in temperature in most of the mixtures. The extrusion only slightly affected the foam stability of the mixtures. The results show the importance of extrusion on the interactions between CS and WPI.
Development and characterization of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) induced mutant population of grass pea with yield, quality and forage traits
Authors: Arslan Mehmet , Doğan Emine , YOL Engin
Published: November 2022

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an important protein-rich annual legume crop that can survive harsh environment conditions. Genetic improvement of grass pea is highly important for expanding its production, and mutation breeding can be a valuable tool in creating additional genetic variability. In the present study, we treated totally 3000 seeds of widely cultivated grass pea cultivar, Gürbüz-2001, with two different concentrations (0.5% and 1%) of mutagen EMS for 4 hours. The germination rates were calculated as 71.6% (1074 plants) and 42.4% (636 plants) for 0.5% and 1% EMS concentrations in M1 generation, respectively. We identified several mutant phenotypes such as seedling growth defects, abnormal branching, chlorophyll mutants, absence of flowering, and sterility in M1 and M2 populations. A total of 40 mutant plants which were superior than control variety in terms of vegetative components from M2 population were selected for agronomic, quality and forage traits analysis. Plant height of mutant lines ranged from 48 (GMP29) to 164 cm (GMP4), with an average value of 109.7 cm. One of the most interesting features of some mutant lines was the significant increase in 1000-seed weight over the control value, contributing to higher yield. The seed yield ranged from 7.19 to 87.18 g, and the lines GPM6 and GMP11 showed superior values compared to the control (13.6 g), indicating the positive effect of mutation in obtaining desired traits. There were promising mutants that showed higher levels of protein content among mutated lines. The β-ODAP (β-N-Oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic acid) content of grass pea seeds ranged from 0.139% to 7.39% in selected M2 population, while the control cultivar was 0.523%. GPM6 and GPM11 were important for forage breeding with their high crude protein content, low ADF (acid detergent fiber) and NDF (neutral detergent fiber) ratios, as well as high seed and biological yield. The beneficial traits of these mutants obtained in this study should be followed to integrate as genetic resources for use in grass pea improvement programs.
The miticidal activity of silver nanoparticles towards phytophagous and predatory mites of citrus: efficacy and selectivity
Authors: Abdel Ghan Sherif B. , Al-Azzazy Mahmoud
Published: November 2022

o beyond bioassays within laboratory or growth chambers. Few studies have investigated the miticidal activity of SNP, mostly against Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Despite the promising preliminary results, field evaluation of miticidal activity towards both pest and non-target organisms are still lacking. SNP were chemically synthesized utilizing trisodium citrate in excess and then miticidal activity was tested against phytophagous and predatory mites in trifoliate orange (Citrus trifoliata L.). A commercial formulation of Bifenthrin was used as reference. In laboratory, SNP showed slightly higher miticidal activity, than bifenthrin with LC50 of 29.3, 43.9 and 27.4 mg/l in SNP and 43.3, 38.9 and 31.6 mg/l in bifenthrin with efficiency factor of 1.5, 0.9 and 1.2 for P. oleivora, E. orientalis and B. obovatus, respectively. In case of SNP, it showed lower toxicity than bifenthrin towards predatory mites with LC50 of 789.9 and 656.0 mg/l in SNP and 48.2 and 45.5 mg/l in bifenthrin for P. oleivora, E. orientalis, and B. obovatus, respectively, with safety factor of 14 to 16 times for A. swirskii and P. plumifer, respectively. While in the field, LC50 values of SNP were 25.4, 36.0 and 27.0 mg/l while bifenthrin values were 39.2, 39.9, 29.7 mg/l for P. oleivora, E. orientalis and B. obovatus, respectively. SNP showed highly selective toxicity (23 times at LC50) towards phytophagous than predatory mites (P= 0.0001), whereas bifenthrin showed no selectivity (P= 0.750). Moreover, residues of SNP provided a 14-days prolonged activity against infesting mites. Exhibiting high selectivity towards the phytophagous mites, residues of SNP slightly affected the predatory ones. SNP showed comparable efficacy to bifenthrin for control of moving stages of P. oleivora, E. orientalis and B. obovatus mites and surpassed bifenthrin in ovicidal activity and saving associated predatory mites. SNP may be utilized for control of P. oleivora, E. orientalis, and B. obovatus mites in orange.
The consumer’s perceptions and attitudes toward innovative foods in united arab emirates
Authors: Basarir Aydin , Dayan Mumin
Published: November 2022

The success of innovations in food industry mainly depends on consumers’ involvement in the process. Consumers’ trust on developed innovative food products or food production technologies can enhance acceptance/adaptation of them. Consumer acceptance of innovations in general, and technology-based food advances in particular, have been studied extensively. They cover a wide range of facets of the consumer adoption process, from awareness to actual adoption. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive and systematic overview that includes all potentially influential determinants. To fill this gap, we used a conceptual framework for consumer acceptance and adaptation of food innovations. The question needs to be answered is, how consumers perceive sustainable innovations in food products, the way the perception affects their perceived risk & uncertainty, perceived cost/benefit, and attitude strengths toward the innovations? A questionnaire was developed and implemented via stratified random sampling on 400 selected consumers in UAE consumers. Confirmatory factor analysis and a structural equation model (SEM) were used to analyze the general fit of the proposed model and test the developed hypotheses. According to the results the perception of sustainable food innovations is directly affected by some contextual factors (relative advantage, complexity, and observability) determined as product characteristics and mediates the relationship between those factors and consumer adaptation of the innovation which is affected by perceived cost/benefit, perceived risk & uncertainty, and attitudes
Postharvest Application of Aloe Vera Gel Improved Shelf Life and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)
Authors: Adil Rehman Muhammad , Hameed Amjad , Ahmad Zulfiqar
Published: November 2022

Strawberry is highly appreciated for its aroma and texture, but rapid detrimental changes lead to decay and loss of quality in strawberries, which are the main reasons for huge economic losses. To tackle this major concern, this research focused on assessing the efficacy of edible coatings based on aloe vera (AV) gel to maintain quality parameters and postharvest storage of strawberries. Fruits were coated with gel containing one of five different concentrations of AV gel (0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80%) and stored at 1 °C and 95% relative humidity (RH) for up to 20 days. The weight loss, total soluble solids and malondialdehyde content was higher in untreated fruits, whilst these parameters were reduced in treated fruits. The AV gel treated fruits also maintained firmness, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and total antioxidant activity, whereas, a significant decrease in these parameters was observed in untreated fruits. Furthermore, AV gel coated fruits had better superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities than uncoated fruits. Additionally, AV gel coatings reduced the rate of loss of total phenolic and flavonoid contents during storage. Consequently, it is concluded that AV gel edible coating is recommended for improving postharvest life and for maintaining maximum quality characteristics of strawberry stored for 20 days stored at 1 °C and 95% RH. Among all treatments, 80% AV gel revealed the best results in maintaining the overall fruit quality and delaying ripening throughout the storage period
In vitro lipoxygenase and hemolysis inhibition by polyphenolic antioxidants from tropical green leafy vegetables
Authors: Bhatt S Kavya , Nanjarajurs M Shashirekha , M. Eligar Sachin
Published: November 2022

Consumption of green leafy vegetables, a nutrient-dense food, is associated with protective roles in human health and a reduction in risk of cancer, cardiovascular, and other inflammatory diseases. Phytochemical components such as phenolics and flavonoids are said to contribute to these benefits. Data on the anti-inflammatory potential and phenolic content of many Indian green leafy vegetables is still scanty. We investigated eleven tropical green leafy vegetables for their phenolic and flavonoid content along with anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging properties. Black nightshade had the lowest phenolic and flavonoid content (2.36 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents/g DW and 1.66 mg Rutin Equivalents/g DW), whereas desert horsepurslane (41.73 mg GAE/g DW) and red amaranth (27.18 mg RE/g DW) had the highest phenolic and flavonoid content, respectively. Similarly, the free radical scavenging activity for 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) ranged from 10.57 – 84.97 % inhibition and 50.73 – 266.48 µg Trolox Equivalents/g DW for 2, 2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline6-sulphonate (ABTS) decolorization assay. The phenolic and flavonoid content correlated significantly with the radical scavenging activity. The hemolysis and lipoxygenase inhibition was observed to be lowest in Amaranthus sp. and desert horsepurslane (6.08% and 53.75 %) and highest in dill and fenugreek (69.94% and 78.55 %), respectively. Overall, our study adds to the polyphenolic and antioxidant data available on green leafy vegetables, in addition to highlighting their anti-inflammatory potential
The toxic effect of aflatoxin on chromosomal aberration and sperm morphology of albino male mice Mus musculus L
Authors: Ibrahim Fana Thikri , Jalal Hussein Nasreen , Mohammed Saadullah Asia AbdulHamid
Published: November 2022

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins found as a foodstuff contaminant, but some of them are seen to increase cancer risk. Aflatoxins are the most potent natural toxin recognized. The sperm shape and chromosomal aberration test were used to investigate the effect of aflatoxin on albino male mice. The aim of this research is to assess the cytogenetic and sperm toxic effects of aflatoxin in albino male mice in vivo. The doses used were (control, 10, 20, and 30) mg/kg/bw for 24 hours. Our results reveal that aflatoxin can cause a range of chromosomal malformations like chromatid break without fragment, ring chromosomes, dicentric chromosomes, centromeric break, chromatid gap, and fragment chromosomes the abnormalities increased from 5 in control to 62.2 in 30mg/kg. and sperm abnormalities in male albino mice subjected to various doses were hookless, headless, tailless, defective head, long and broad hook, folded head, folded tail, and sperm with double tail, increasing the dose concentration enhanced the rate of it when compared to untreated mice from17.6 in control to 136.4 in the highest dose.
Haematological profile of dromedary camels naturally infected with Trypanosoma evansi
Authors: Ismail-Hamdi Sihem , Gharb Mohamed , Hamd Nabil
Published: November 2022

Trypanosomiasis is widely distributed in African and Asian camel livestock. It is among the major constraint to camel production and causes serious economic losses. The disease control and management required knowledge about its impact on animal health. Objectives: The present study aims to confirm T. evansi infection in studied animals and to determine the modifications of haematological parameters in infected camels compared to non-infected ones. Methods: A total of 241 dromedary camels were randomly selected. Parasitological and serological tests were performed to confirm the infection. Haematological parameters (Red Blood cell Count, White Blood Cells, haemoglobin concentration, Packed Cell Volume, Mean Cell Volume, Mean Cell Haemoglobin, Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration, Red cell Distribution Width and White Blood cell Count) were automatically analysed, differential leukocyte counts was manually carried out and morphological abnormalities of erythrocytes were recorded. Results: Trypanosoma evansi infection was confirmed in 3.6% of animals by microscopy and in 57.3% by serology. In seropositives camels, the most important haematological alterations were microcytic hypochromic anaemia, neutrophilia, monocytosis, eosinophilia and anisocytosis. Conclusion:On the basis of these findings, haematological parameters, markedly affected in T. evansi infection, are good biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. They may be used for planning control programs to reduce its impact on camel livestock production
Characterization of metabolic responses to salt stress in soybean seedling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Duan Xuyuan , Pan Tong , Pu Yunhong , Hou Xueting , Lei Xiaoxue , Gou Meng
Published: November 2022

Soil salinity is a critical obstacle in modern agriculture which devastates crop growth. Many plants have developed different strategies to sense, transduce, and develop tolerance to salinity. Plant adaptation to salinity stress includes complicated metabolic pathways, genes and molecular networks. Here, we used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to understand the metabolic responses of soybean seedlings upon various levels of salt stress treatments. To this end, one salt tolerant and one salt sensitive soybean cultivar, namely Dongnong 69 and Dongnong 63 were used in this study. A total of 10 metabolites, including sugars, amino acids and organic acid, were identified as differential biomarkers. Our results indicated that these biomarkers were closely related to salinity tolerance in soybean seedlings. In particular, three metabolites, namely isoleucine, serine and aspartic acid, were found respond significantly differently between the different soybean cultivars. These three metabolites can be therefore served as potential biomarkers to screen for salt tolerant soybean cultivars. Overall, results of this study help to improve our knowledge with respect to plant salt tolerance in general, and soybean in particular
The in vitro Effect of Heat, Lactic Acid-Silver Nanoparticle Combination on Shiga Toxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: BUYUKUNAL Serkan Kemal , MURATOGLU Karlo , KOLUMAN Ahmet
Published: November 2022

Lactic acid and silver nanoparticle compositions’ effects as antimicrobial to reduce Shiga Toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) contamination were studied in vitro conditions. Four silver nanoparticle sizes, 20, 40, 100, 150 nm with lactic acid (LA) solutions of 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, were applied and heated in a water bath to 20°C, 40°C and 50°C. Shiga toxigenic E. coli O26, O103, O111, O145 and O157 were used as control microorganism. Microbial counts were analyzed using a general linear model univariate test. According to our results, 20, 100, and 150 nm Ag Nanoparticles (AgNPs) in 2% and 2.5% LA density at 40 °C and 50 °C have a decrease of 3 log10 CFU/ml and more. The highest antimicrobial effect was seen at 150 nm AgNP, 2.5% LA at 50°C. Our findings show that AgNP combined with lactic acid can be a low-cost reduction method and promise a novel antimicrobial agent.