bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to ensure workers well-being in the digital age?
Authors: Ginès i Fabrellas Anna
Published: March 2022

Technology and flexible work arrangements have potentially positive effects on workers’ well-being, by favouring autonomy, work-life balance, reduced role conflicts and stress. Nevertheless, they can also trigger new psychosocial risks derived from intensification of work, overlap between work and life, constant connectivity, and permanent availability. In this context, the paper carries out a legal analysis of working time policies recently recognized at European level to determine their opportunity and potential to contribute to workers’ well-being in the digital age.
The scope of public administration in the sphere of forced migration in Russia: administrative-legal aspect
Authors: Petrovskaya Miroslava Ivanovna
Published: February 2022

This article is dedicated to substantiation of the specificity of public administration in the sphere of forced migration; reveals the specifics of this type of migration and peculiarities of its administrative-legal regulation. The goal lies in obtaining the theoretical conclusions and developing practical recommendations for the improvement of the system of governance of forced migration in Russia. The object of this research is public administration in the sphere of forced migration. The subject is a set of norms of administrative law of the Russian Federation that establish general provisions of the governance of forced migration, as well as determine the actors, institutions and mechanisms used in the process of ensuring the functionality of the system of acceptance of forced migrants. Within the framework of this research, the author outlines the methods for solve the identified problems in the sphere of governance of forced migration in Russia. Analysis is also conducted on recent changes in legislation that have not previously become the subject of a separate research. The ongoing developments in the sphere of forced migration are examined for the first time since delegation of powers in this sphere to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Correlation between administrative responsibility for dissemination of deliberately misleading information and legal guarantees of freedom of expression and press freedom
Authors: Balekina Violetta Mikhailovna
Published: February 2022

This article examines the problem of correlation between the guarantees of freedom of expression and press freedom and the ban on dissemination of deliberately misleading information, established by the Part 10.1 of the Article 13.15 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Based on the use of relevant general scientific and special legal methods, the author reveals the peculiarities of administrative responsibility for the dissemination of deliberately misleading information, as well as determines the problematic aspects of the current legal regulation. Analysis is conducted on the composition and elements of an administrative offense set by the Part 10.1 of the Article 13.15 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. For establishing correlation between the guarantees of freedom of expression and press freedom and the ban on dissemination of deliberately misleading information, relying on the theoretical material and practice of application of the norms of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation, the author covers the aspects of formulation of the categorical apparatus of the indicated norm, proportionality of the specified administrative responsibility and difficulties of proving the guilt of the offender. The scientific novelty consists in the fact that this topic has not previously become the subject of separate research. The author formulates the provisions, according to which the current version of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation with regards to the norm set by the Part 10.1 of the Article 13.15 allows for extensive interpretation of information prohibited for dissemination, and makes it virtually impossible to prove the falsity of disseminated information. The conclusion is made that the application of the norm set by the Part 10.1 of the Article 13.15 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation may entail the restriction of guarantees of the freedom of expression and press freedom.
The influence of hereditary factor upon the development of thinking skills in confluence of the factors of manual asymmetry and hearing impairment
Authors: Sharova Svetlana Sergeevna
Published: February 2022

The subject of this research is the peculiarities of development of thinking skills in confluence of the factors of manual asymmetry and hearing impairment in families in which parents have hearing impairment and preserved hearing. The object of this research is the characteristics of thinking in combination of hearing impairment and manual asymmetry. The author dwells on such aspects as hereditary factor in the formation of thinking skills among left-handed and right-handed students with hearing impairment. Special attention is given to the peculiarities of the formation of thinking in combination of hearing impairment and manual asymmetry among students brought up by deaf or normally hearing parents. The main conclusions are as follows: right-handed students with hearing impairment brought up by deaf parents have higher characteristics of logical and creative thinking than students brought up by normally hearing parents; left-handed students from families of the deaf have higher characteristics of creative thinking if their parents' hearing is preserved, while the characteristics of logical thinking are higher if their parents’ hearing is impaired; a "mirror image" is detected in the development of creative thinking among left-handed and right-handed students, depending on the hearing condition of their parents; connection is established between logical and creative. The author’s special contribution lies in acquisition of data on the influence of hereditary factor upon the development of thinking in combination of hearing impairment and manual asymmetry. The novelty of this research consists in comparative study of creative and mathematical thinking in confluence of the factors of hearing impairment, manual asymmetry and a hereditary factor. New data is obtained on the peculiarities of development of thinking skills among right-handed and left-handed students with hearing impairments brought up by hearing parents and parents with hearing impairment.
Psychological examination of the signs of extremism in the users’ social network profiles
Authors: Belikova Ekaterina Vasilyevna , Efremov Evgenii Georgievich , Efremova Nataliy Alekseevna , Kubarev Vyacheslav Sergeevich , Milcharek Natalia Aleksandrovna , Milcharek Tadeush Petrovich , Senkova Viktoria Ivanovna , Frenkel Mariya Vladimirovna , Tsvetkova Olga Alekseevna
Published: February 2022

This article is dedicated to determination of the psychological signs of extremism in the information posted by users in social networks. The object of this research is the semantic content of a social network profile. The subject of this research is the evidence of proclivity for extremism. The relevance of this research is substantiated by the need to detect materials and people who incite social, ethnic, national, political, racial and religious hostility, as well as promote extremist views on the Internet. The goal is to determine the signs of propensity for extremism based on the social network profile. The article employs expert analysis for revealing semantic content of profiles in the social network VKontakte; content analysis for studying the materials of profiles in the social network Vkontakte; methods of statistical analysis, such as factor analysis of the selected signs of extremist personality and cluster analysis of profiles. The acquired results allow formulating the criteria for identification of individuals with extremist orientation via analyzing user profiles in the social networks, as well as determining the extremist-oriented content on the Internet, and promptly responding the law enforcement agencies to the threat of antisocial behavior on the Internet platforms. The developed set of the signs of extremism allows carrying out preventive work among youth, indicating the main manifestations of “hazardous” Internet content for parents and pedagogues, as well as teenagers themselves.
Tadr is an axonal histidine transporter required for visual neurotransmission in Drosophila
Authors: Han Yongchao , Peng Lei , Wang Tao
Published: March 2022

Neurotransmitters are generated by de novo synthesis and are essential for sustained, high-frequency synaptic transmission. Histamine, a monoamine neurotransmitter, is synthesized through decarboxylation of histidine by histidine decarboxylase (Hdc). However, little is known about how histidine is presented to Hdc as a precursor. Here, we identified a specific histidine transporter, TADR (torn and diminished rhabdomeres), which is required for visual transmission in Drosophila. Both TADR and Hdc localized to neuronal terminals, and mutations in tadr reduced levels of histamine, thus disrupting visual synaptic transmission and phototaxis behavior. These results demonstrate that a specific amino acid transporter provides precursors for monoamine neurotransmitters, providing the first genetic evidence that a histidine amino acid transporter plays a critical role in synaptic transmission. These results suggest that TADR-dependent local de novo synthesis of histamine is required for synaptic transmission.
Detecting racism and xenophobia using deep learning models on Twitter data: CNN, LSTM and BERT
Authors: Benítez-Andrades José Alberto , González-Jiménez Álvaro , López-Brea Álvaro , Aveleira-Mata Jose , Alija-Pérez José-Manuel , García-Ordás María Teresa
Published: March 2022

With the growth that social networks have experienced in recent years, it is entirely impossible to moderate content manually. Thanks to the different existing techniques in natural language processing, it is possible to generate predictive models that automatically classify texts into different categories. However, a weakness has been detected concerning the language used to train such models. This work aimed to develop a predictive model based on BERT, capable of detecting racist and xenophobic messages in tweets written in Spanish. A comparison was made with different Deep Learning models. A total of five predictive models were developed, two based on BERT and three using other deep learning techniques, CNN, LSTM and a model combining CNN + LSTM techniques. After exhaustively analyzing the results obtained by the different models, it was found that the one that got the best metrics was BETO, a BERT-based model trained only with texts written in Spanish. The results of our study show that the BETO model achieves a precision of 85.22% compared to the 82.00% precision of the mBERT model. The rest of the models obtained between 79.34% and 80.48% precision. On this basis, it has been possible to justify the vital importance of developing native transfer learning models for solving Natural Language Processing (NLP) problems in Spanish. Our main contribution is the achievement of promising results in the field of racism and hate speech in Spanish by applying different deep learning techniques.
Production of single cell oil by Yarrowia lipolytica JCM 2320 using detoxified desiccated coconut residue hydrolysate
Authors: Zainuddin Muhammad Fakhri , Kar Fai Chong , Mohamed Mohd Shamzi , Abdul Rahman Nor ’Aini , Halim Murni
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, the replacement of petro-diesel with biodiesel has raised the concern among the community for the utilization of improper feedstocks and the cost involved. However, these issues can be solved by producing single cell oil (SCO) from lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates by oleaginous microorganisms. This study introduced Yarrowia lipolytica JCM 2320 with a desiccated coconut residue (DCR) hydrolysate (obtained from the 2% dilute sulphuric acid pretreatment) as a carbon source in generating SCO. However, common inhibitors formed during acid pretreatment of biomass such as five-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural, acetic acid and levulinic acid resulting from the sugar degradations may have detrimental effects towards the fermentation process. To visualize the effect of inhibitors on Y. lipolytica, an inhibitory study was conducted by adding 0.5–5.0 g/L of potential inhibitors to the YPD (yeast, peptone and D-glucose) medium. It was found that the presence of furfural at 0.5 g/L would increase the lag phase, which beyond that was detrimental to Y. lipolytica. Furthermore, increasing the five-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) concentration would increase the lag phase of Y. lipolytica, whereas, for acetic acid and levulinic acid, it showed a negligible effect. Detoxification was hence conducted to remove the potential inhibitors from the DCR hydrolysate prior its utilization in the fermentation. To examine the possibility of using adsorption resins for the detoxification of DCR hydrolysate, five different resins were tested (Amberlite® XAD-4, Amberlite® XAD-7, Amberlite® IR 120, Amberlite® IRA 96 and Amberlite® IRA 402) with five different concentrations of 1%, 3%, 5%, 10% and 15% (w/v), respectively. At resin concentration of 10%, Amberlite® XAD-4 recorded the highest SCO yield, 2.90 ± 0.02 g/L, whereas the control and the conventional overliming detoxification method, recorded only 1.29 ± 0.01 g/L and 1.27 ± 0.02 g/L SCO accumulation, respectively. Moreover, the fatty acid profile of the oil produced was rich in oleic acid (33.60%), linoleic acid (9.90%), and palmitic acid (14.90%), which indicates the potential as a good biodiesel raw material.
Efficacy of Different Doses of Cisatracurium for Intubation for Surgeries under General Anaesthesia- A Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Shaikh Sana Ahmed , Jadhav Arati Bhaskar , Patil Archita Rajaram , Sahasrabudhe Anupama Deepak
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Cisatracurium is a new non depolarising, Neuromuscular Blocking Drug (NMBD) with fast onset and short duration of action. It is a stereoisomer of atracurium with a potency of approximately 3 to 4 times greater than that of atracurium. As it is devoid of histamine release, it reduces the chances of adverse effects during operative procedures. However, the optimum intubating dosage needs to be established in patients. This warrants the need for studies focusing on the efficacy of different doses of cisatracurium and their outcomes. Aim: To study the efficacy of three different doses of cisatracurium {2x Effective dose (ED) 95, 4x ED95, and 6x ED95} for the time of onset of action, duration and haemodynamic stability offered for intubation. Materials and Methods: A double-blind, randomised clinical study was conducted from December 2017 to July 2019 at a tertiary care hospital and research center, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. Total 90 patients, undergoing surgeries under general anaesthesia were allocated into three groups, group A received 0.1 mg/kg, group B received 0.2 mg/kg and group C received 0.3 mg/kg of cisatracurium. Time taken for Train Of Four (TOF) to reach 0 was taken as the onset of action, and appearance of TOF 2/3 or patient’s attempt to breathe was taken as duration of action. Haemodynamic changes were also assessed preoperatively and postintubation immediately after confirmation of placement of ETT. Results: Mean age 33.23±6.26 years in group A, 37.70±10.80 years in group B, 38.23±8.764 years in group C (p-value=0.06). Least time was required for the TOF to become zero by group C (5.10±1.01 minutes) as compared to groups A and B (9.91±1.39 and 7.48±1.45 minutes) which was statistically significant (p-value <0.001). The duration of action was also more in group C (49.83±5.33) compared to group A (27.23±6.97) and group B (36.17±7.62) (p-value=0.00001). Group C had better haemodynamic stability as the heart rate remained more stable than group A and group B. Conclusion: Higher dose of cisatracurium provides faster onset, longer duration of action with better cardiovascular stability. This predictable recovery from non depolarising muscle relaxation makes it a good choice of muscle relaxant agent for intubation.
Effects of Addition of TiO2 Edible Coatings and Storage Periods on the Chicken Eggs Quality
Authors: Thohari Imam , Umam Al Awwaly Khothibul , Winirsya Apriliyani Mulia , Aprillian Ardian
Published: March 2022

The study aims to determine the effect of addition TiO2 solution on edible coatings of nanocomposite casein-chitosan on the internal chicken eggs quality observed at 7 and 14 days of storage. The design of the study was a Complete Randomized Factorial Design using 2 factors and the length of storage of chicken eggs. The data was analyzed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test if there is a significant difference. Edible coatings made from casein-chitosan with the difference between addition of 3, 5, 10 mL of TiO2 1% then applicated of the solution as coating on eggs. The egg stored at 25 ℃ for 7 and 14 days then observed in the study i.e yolk index, albumen index, Haugh Unit, yolk color, yolk pH, albumen pH, and Total Plate Count (TPC). The results showed that the yolk index ranged from 0.25-0.40; albumen index 0.03-0.08; Haugh unit 48.68-80.42; yolk color 7-9; pH yolk 8.17-9.20; pH Albumen 8.17-9.20; TPC 0.7×105-1.1×105 cfu/mL. Edible coatings of casein-chitosan with 5 mL TiO2 solution were able to reduce the decrease in the internal quality of chicken eggs observed at 7 to 14 days of storage. However, all treatments in this study showed better results in the 7 days storage period.
Influence of Manganese on Nutrient Uptake in Rice Plants under Saline Conditions
Authors: Tabassam Tauseef , Hyder Syed Ishtiaq , Manzoor Rabia , Suthar Vishandas , Arshad Nadeem
Published: March 2022

Salinity-induced nutritional disorders adversely affect the performance of crops. The consequence of salinity disorders may result on nutrient availability, competitive uptake, transport or partitioning within the plants. Present study was aimed to investigate the effects of Mn application on nutrient uptake contributing to the salinity tolerance of the rice. A hydroponic experiment was carried out in National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan, on two rice varieties. Three NaCl salt concentrations, namely 0, 25, 50 mmol were used. Manganese sulphate was used for foliar and root application with four concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8 mg Mn L-1). Salinity decreased the uptake of P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn in both applications methods while application of Mn increased the uptake of almost all the investigated macro and micronutrients. Root applications of Mn and foliar application methods were compared where root application method was found better for most of the nutrient uptake. Interaction effect i.e salinity × Mn treatment × methods of application was significant. The results showed that Mn application can improve the nutrient uptake capability contributing to the salinity tolerance in rice.
Growth and Decomposition of Onion Production in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Baviskar Paresh P. , Perke D. S. , Gaware U. P. , S Pavithra , Deshmukh V. A.
Published: March 2022

The study was aimed to investigate the growth, instability and decomposition of onion in Maharashtra. The data of area, production and productivity of onion pertaining to 30 years (1989-90 to 2018-19) were made available through the secondary source of NHRDF which was further analysed using exponential function, Cuddy Della Valle’s Index and decomposition analysis model. The results of the study disclosed that, there was positive and significant growth of area, production and yield of onion during overall study period with annual growth rates of 8.43 per cent, 9.36 per cent and 0.85 per cent, respectively. There was high instability during overall period for area and production while, productivity showed a stability with low instability value of 12.89 per cent. The decomposition analysis indicated that the area under onion cultivation played an important role for the rise in production of onion with 62.80 per cent of area effect, 4.97 of yield effect and 32.21 per cent of the interaction effect during overall study period. The results of decomposition analysis have important policy implications because each growth component alone has a limited scope to expand overtime. There is need for horticulturists, breeders and entomologists which are working in the SAU and ICAR institutes to pay attention and find some technological breakthrough to increase the productivity of onion in the state.
Effect of Zn and Fe Enriched FYM on Yield, Nutrient Content and Uptake by Cowpea Irrigated with Sodic Water
Authors: Yadav Santosh , Yadav B. L. , Yadav Poonam Kumari , Dhudhwal Amit , Meena Ajit Kumar , Yadav Bharti , Choudhary Sarita , Choudhary Manisha , Kumar Rahul
Published: February 2022

A pot experiment was conducted during kharif 2018-19 at S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan) to study the “Effect of Zn and Fe enriched Farmyard manure on nutrient availability and yield of cowpea [Vigna ungiculata (L.)wilczek] under sodic water irrigation” to evaluate the effect of different sodic water and sources of Zn and Fe on yield, nutrient concentration and uptake by cowpea on loamy sand soil. The experiment comprising of 15 treatment combinations replicated three times, was laid out randomized block design with three levels of sodic water (2, 4 and 6 mmol L-1 ) and five levels of sources of Zn and Fe (0, ZnSO4.7H2O, FeSO4.7H2O, Zn enriched FYM, Fe enriched FYM) as variables. The total and number of nodules per plant, nodule index, pods per plant and seeds per pod were counted at stage and harvesting respectively. Results revealed that under 6 mmol L-1 Residual sodium carbonate of irrigation water, the seed and straw yield of, nutrient concentration and uptake viz., P, K, Zn and Fe in seed and straw decreased significantly with all levels of sodic water and maximum reduction was recorded with the application of 6 mmol L-1 of sodic water, while N in seed and straw, protein content in seed increased significantly. The application of Zn enriched FYM increased seed and straw yield , nutrient concentration and uptake viz., N, P, K, Zn and Fe in seed and straw, protein content in seed.
Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae from Patients Stool in Tertiary Hospitals, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Akani N. P. , Douglas S. I. , Kamani N. C.
Published: March 2022

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriacaeae (CRE) are a serious new public-health problem. Carbapenem medicines are a class of antibiotics that are often used to treat severe infections caused by bacteria that are antibiotic-resistant. The goal of this study was to use both conventional and molecular methods to isolate, characterize, and identify Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from stool samples of patients at two tertiary hospitals in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 114 feacal samples were collected and inoculated onto Eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar and MacConkey agar (M.A) plates. The plates were incubated for 24-48 hours. Representative colonies after incubation were isolated and subjected to phenotypic characterisation using Biochemical Test, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Further characterisation was done by subjecting the isolates to molecular analysis. In this study, 52 isolates of 114 stool samples of enteric organisms were identified; 32 were from females while 20 were from males. The gender distribution of these isolates showed that the Enteric organisms were more predominant in females than in males with male subjects having E. coli 7 (35.0%), Klebsiella spp 7 (35.0%), Salmonella spp 2 (10%), Shigella spp 2 (10%) and Pseudomonas spp 2 (10%) while the female subjects had E. coli 12 (37.5%), Klebsiella spp 13 (40.6%), Salmonella spp 3 (9.4%), Shigella spp 3 (9.4%) and Pseudomonas spp 1 (3.1%). Results showed that Klebsiella spp recorded the highest frequency with 20 (38.5%), followed by E. coli with 19 (36.5%), Salmonella spp 5 (9.6%), Shigella spp 5(9.6%) and Pseudomonas spp 3 (5.8%). Results of the antibiotic susceptibility pattern showed that all the isolates were very susceptible to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. Although the meropenem antibiotics showed high sensitivity to the enteric organisms, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin are recommended for treatment since they have higher antibiotic activities against the enteric bacteria.
Patients with Parathyroid Disorders: Oral Manifestations and Dental Management
Authors: Aoun Georges , Abou Hamdan Houssam , Aoun Pamela
Published: February 2022

Parathyroid hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands has a key role in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism and plays an essential role in tooth and bone mineralization. Disorders of the parathyroid glands most frequently result in abnormalities of serum calcium and can induce various oral and extra-oral manifestations. Therefore, a sound understanding of these conditions is essential for the dental practitioner, with emphasis on alerting signs, clinical and radiological findings and mandatory communication with patient’s physician.
In-Situ Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Paper Filler Material: A Review
Authors: Dölle Klaus
Published: March 2022

Since the invention of the paper by in 105 CE to Chai Lun many improvements have been made to the paper product we know today. Today a paper machines can be over 600 m long and 11.5 m wide, running at speeds of over 2000 m/min, and producing up to 4,500 metric tons per hour. Paper as we know it today, can be characterized as an orthotropic thin plate with a thickness of over 500 μm and a basis weight of over 500 g/m² requiring additives to achieve the needed paper properties.

Calcium carbonate based filler additive materials have approximately 70% market share in North America, and can be added to a maximum of 20 to 25% based on fiber material.

In the 1970s a shift from acid to neutral papermaking started which made it possible to use precipitated calcium carbonate in the paper manufacturing process. New printing technologies required paper with superior properties. This led to an increase in filler content and specially designed filler particles. The in-situ precipitation and filler manufacturing processes are known today, can be divided into (i) mechanical method which uses high shear and centrifugal forces to load the fiber pores with the filler particle, (ii) a chemical method which is the common method in producing precipitated calcium carbonate in a solution since the 1980’s for papermaking applications, and (iii) a combination of the mechanical and chemical method which precipitates the calcium carbonate particles on and into the fiber material present in the solution.

All research on various in situ precipitation processes, including patented technologies, since the 1970’s showed that the achieved handsheet properties have higher brightness and opacity values as well as a coarser surface structure, lower smoothness and gloss. In-Situ processes showed improvements for the paper manufacturing process in regards to physical and mechanical handsheet paper properties.

However, no commercial applications of this process have been found at present time. However, mixing the filler particles with the pulp suspension and storing this suspension in the headbox feed chest, for a specific time, applies indirectly in-situ principles in today’s paper making process operations.
Research Progress of Chemical Process Control and Optimization Based on Neural Network
Authors: Zhao Zhihui , Lu Xinyi
Published: March 2022

Chemical process is usually regarded as a comprehensive system and optimized as a whole because of the interaction and restriction between its operation units. The classical control technology is limited to the control system dealing with single variable. Artificial neural network (ANN) is an algorithmic mathematical model that imitates the behavioral characteristics of animal neural networks for information processing. It has the advantages of nonlinear, large-scale, and strong parallel processing capabilities, as well as robustness. This article summarizes the basic principles and development history of ANN, and analyzes the research progress of chemical process control and optimization based on artificial neural networks in recent years.
Sociodemographic Determinants of Therapy Adherence among Warfarin Patients
Authors: Khan Salah-ud-Din , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid
Published: March 2022

Objective: This study aimed to explore sociodemographic determinants of therapy adherence in warfarin patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using a newly developed and validated research tool was conducted in warfarin patients. Data was collected by convenience sampling method. Descriptive, comparative, and inferential statistics were used by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) ver. 24 to determine the sociodemographic determinants of warfarin knowledge in warfarin patients.

Results: Out of the total 319 warfarin patients, the majority of the studied warfarin patients were females than males (n=221, 69.3%, and n=98, 30.7% respectively). In univariate analysis, statistically non-significant differences (p >0.05) in age, work, comorbidities and warfarin usage in different diseases. In multivariate analysis, significant differences (p <0.05) were observed in gender and marital status of the studied warfarin patients.

Conclusion: These results indicated that education, warfarin usage, and warfarin therapy duration were the pure determinants of HRQoL among the studied cohort of the warfarin patients.
Psychometric Characteristics of Perceived Stress Scale – 10 (PSS-10) in Cardiovascular Patients
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Zahid , Jabeen Bushra , Kassab Yaman W. , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid
Published: March 2022

Objective: The objective of the current study was to assess the psychometric characteristics of Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10) in cardiovascular patients.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed in cardiovascular patients using the PSS-10. Sociodemographic and patients reported clinical data were collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: There were more male patients (n=212) than the female patients (n=150) in total of 362 studied patients. No major problems regarding internal consistency, factorial validity, convergent validity and floor and ceiling effect were observed.

Conclusion: The present study confirmed the psychometric characteristics of PSS-10 in cardiovascular patients.
Evaluation of Proapoptotic Potential of Saraca asoca Flower Extract on Skin Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Sarojini K. , Elumalai P. , Raghunandhakumar S. , Lakshmi T. , Roy Anitha
Published: March 2022

Background: Cancer persists as a major health issue globally due to its high rate of morbidity and mortality. Skin cancer is the most common cancer and accounts for at least 40% of cancer cases worldwide. Search for tumour-selective and novel anticancer compounds with lesser side effects remains a major focus of cancer research. Saraca asoca is a traditional Indian medicinal plant, known to have anti-cancer, anti-menorrhagic, anti-oxidant, anti-oxytocic and anti-microbial activities. Though phytoconstituents of the Saraca asoca leaves, bark, and flowers have been reported in few studies, the cytotoxic potential of Saraca asoca flowers has not been evaluated.

Aim: To evaluate the proapoptotic potential of Saraca asoca flower extract on skin cancer cell line.

Materials and Methods: In this present study, the cytotoxic potential of Saraca asoca flower extract (10 to 60μg/ml) was evaluated by MTT assays in B16-F10 skin cancer cells. According to the MTT assay, we determined the optimal doses (IC-50: 30µg/ml) which were used for further analyses. Analysis of changes in cell morphology is examined by a phase-contrast microscope. The impacts of Saraca asoca in B16-F10 cell death were also determined by AO/EtBr dual staining under a fluorescence microscope.

Results: In our study, the cell viability assay results showed that 50% of growth inhibition was observed at 30 μg/ml concentration of Saraca asoca flower extract treated B16-F10 cells, which has been taken as an inhibitory concentration (IC-50) dose value and fixed for further experiments. The morphological changes in B16-F10 skin cancer cell line with the treatment of Saraca asoca at 30 μg/mL for 24hrs has significantly altered  the morphology of B16-F10 cell lines. AO/EtBr dual staining results showed the early apoptotic cells having bright orange areas of condensed or fragmented chromatin in the nucleus after Saraca asoca flower extract treated skin cancer cells.

Conclusion: The results of this present study showed that the flower extracts of Saraca asoca were cytotoxic and induced apoptosis to the cancer cells at a concentration of 30µg/ml at the 24th-time point.
Cytotoxic Effect and Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Cassia auriculata
Authors: Aravindan Manoj , Arivarasu Lakshminarayanan , Kumar Rajesh , Thangavelu Lakshmi
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Cassia auriculata, also known as tanner's cassia, belongs to the family Caesalpiniaceae is a drug used by Ayurvedic practitioners. The root, bark and leaves of this plant is traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, leprosy, uterine and liver disorders. This study aimed to find the Antibacterial activity of Cassia auriculata ethanolic extract preparation.

Materials and Methods: Cassia auriculata in 5g of 50ml of ethanol then it kept in the orbital shaker for 72 hours. After 72 hrs it was bold using heating Mantle at 60-70 C for 10mins .Then it was filtered. Using whatman - No / filter paper .The filter extract was again concentrated using heating Mantle.

Results: The extract shows very good Antibacterial activity of Cassia auriculata ethanolic extract preparation was effective.

Conclusion: The Antibacterial activity of Cassia auriculata ethanolic extract preparation was effective.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cassia auriculata Flower Extract
Authors: Ganesh Soorya , Arivarasu Lakshminarayanan , Rajeshkumar S. , Thangavelu Lakshmi
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Medicinal plants have provided recent medicines with numerous plant derived therapeutic agents. Avaram is extremely valued in Indian medicines for management of painful inflammation and diabetes. The target of this study was to measure the anti-inflammatory potential of Cassia auriculata flowers extract. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using albumin denaturation assay, proteinase inhibitory activity and membrane stabilization at different concentrations. Aspirin and Voltaren were used as standard drugs. The share of inhibition was compared with those of normal drugs

Materials and Methods: BSA and EAA assay was used to test the anti-inflammatory activity of plant extract. Cassia auriculata were purchased commercially from an herbal health centre in Chennai.  The obtained powder Cassia auriculata is stored in an airtight container. 5 gram of powder is mixed with 50 ml of ethanol and kept in the orbital shaker for 72  hours, after it has boiled in a heating mantle at 62- 70 degree c for 5-10 min. The extract is filtered using whatman filter paper 1. The filter extract again contracted using heating mantle.

Results: The extract shows very good antiinflammatory activity for the Cassia auriculata extract by using BSA and EAA Assay.

Conclusion: The antiinflammatory activity of Cassia auriculata ethanolic extract preparation was effective.
An Evaluation of Long Term Physical Exercise on Cognitive Function in the Age Group of 40-55 Years of Both Genders
Authors: Shalini N. , Sridevi G. , Preetha S.
Published: March 2022

Aim: To determine the effect of long term physical exercise on cognitive function.

Introduction: Physical exercise is a strong gene modulator and it affects the brain plasticity by influencing cognitive function. It is also a protein factor of neurodegeneration.

Materials and Methods: 20 healthy adults in the age group of 40-55 years of both genders with no history of neurological condition were chosen for the study. The participants were categorised into 2 groups, one with subjects on regular physical exercise for a period of 1 year and another with subjects without any physical mode of exercise.

Results: Attention and calculation tasks conducted on long term physical exercise and non physical exercise are significant and recall tasks conducted on long term physical exercise are significant. The level of registration and language was high in the long term physical exercise population as compared to the non-physical exercise population.

Conclusion: The present study added an innovative evidence that the role of exercise enhances cognitive function in young subjects and reduces cognitive decay. Regular exercise has the potential to reduce risk of various neurological diseases including Alzheimer, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s.
Terminalia chebula Mediated Silver Nanoparticles and Its Antibacterial Activity against Oral Pathogens
Authors: Sathvika K. , Varghese Sheeja S. , Rajeshkumar S.
Published: February 2022

Background: Dental infections cause chronic disorders such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and dental caries when left untreated, resulting in irreversible tooth loss. However, solid preventive methods, such as employing promising herbs with well-documented health advantages like Terminalia chebula, can help to reduce the excessive expansion of dangerous oral flora like Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis.

Aim: The goal of this study is to see how effective silver nanoparticles made from Terminalia chebula are against oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis at various doses.

Materials and Methodology: The plant extract was made from Terminalia chebula, followed by the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The antibacterial efficacy of Ag-NPs in varied concentrations, namely 25, 50, and 100 L, was determined using the agar-well diffusion method, with amoxicillin acting as a positive control. For each plate, the zone of inhibition was recorded, and the findings were statistically analysed using one way anova and post hoc analysis using IBM SPSS software (Version 20.0)

Results: Following the synthesis of Ag-NPs, a colour shift was noticed. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to characterise the synthesized particles, which revealed a peak at 440nm. With a rise in Ag-NP concentration, the antibacterial activity indicated an increase in zone of inhibition. The zone of inhibition for S. aureus was substantially higher than Amoxicillin at all doses of Ag-NPs (p< 0.05), whereas it was significantly lower for E. faecalis (p<0.05). The zone of inhibition for S. mutans was substantially lower than amoxicillin at 25µL  concentration (p< 0.05), but there was no significant difference at higher concentrations (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Antibacterial activity of Ag-NPs derived from Terminalia chebula against dental pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis.
Anticancer Potential from Rhizophora mucronata Plant Leaf Associated Streptomyces Species against the Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Kishen Akansha , Sivaperumal P. , Roy Anitha , Lakshmi T.
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Rhizophora mucronata is small to a medium-sized evergreen tree growing to a height of about 20 to 25 meters (approximately 66 to 82 feet), on the banks of the river. These mangroves have anticancer, antioxidant, antifungal, and viral activities which enhance their existence. Streptomyces species are the largest genus of Actinobacteria. They are gram-positive and are found in soil, decaying vegetation, and mangrove leaves. The breast cancer cell lines are used to test the anticancer potential.

Aim: Aim of the study was to assess the antibacterial activity from Rhizophora mucronata, against breast cancer cell lines.

Materials and Methods: Rhizophora mucronata leaf samples were collected and Streptomyces sp was isolated from the mangrove leaf. Further, extraction metabolites from Streptomyces were done and an MTT assay was checked against the cancer cell line.

Results and Discussion: The Rhizophora mucronata associated Streptomyces sp was identified by colour of aerial mycelium, soluble pigments, and Spore chain morphology. Further, the secondary metabolites production was done. The potential anticancer activity from the Streptomyces metabolites was done.

Conclusion: Rhizophora mucronata mangrove plant leaf associated with Marine Streptomyces showed good anti-cancer activity. Further, an in-vivo study using the metabolites is possible in the future.
Cytotoxic Effect of Lippia nodiflora Leaf Extract against the Prostate Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Sharmila R. , Elumalai P. , Raghunandhakumar S. , Lakshmi T. , Roy Anitha
Published: February 2022

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths for men. Lippia. Nodiflora (L. nodiflora) has been used as a natural remedy for various diseases, because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-tumor effect. This study was to investigate the cytotoxic effect of L. nodiflora ethanolic leaf extract in prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3). The growth inhibitory effect of L. nodiflora ethanolic leaf extract was assessed by MTT assay. The cell morphological changes in L. nodiflora leaf extract-treated cells were observed using an inverted phase-contrast microscope. Apoptosis induction by L. nodiflora was determined by AO/EtBr (acridine orange and ethidium bromide) dual staining. MTT test results showed dose-dependent cell growth inhibition in PC-3 cells treated with L. nodiflora leaf extract (10-120 µg/mL). The IC-50 dose was observed at 40µg/ml. Morphological changes such as reduction in the number of cells, cell shrinkage, and cytoplasmic membrane blebbing were observed in the treated cells. Induction of apoptosis by L. nodiflora (40µg/ml) treated cells showed an increased number of early apoptotic and late apoptotic cells. The above data indicate that L. nodiflora inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Therefore, it can be concluded that L. nodiflora exhibits anti-cancer activity, and thus it raises new hope for its use in anti-cancer therapy.
Allergies Caused Due to Monomers and Modified Monomer Acrylic Knowledge among Dental Practitioners: A Survey
Authors: Karthikeyan Gayathri , Rakshagan V. , Jeevitha M. , Jeyaraman Selvaraj
Published: February 2022

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) has been the most extensively used denture base material over the past eight decades. Despite the availability of alternative polymers, this has remained the dominant denture base material. To solve the limitations of PMMA, new materials have been developed and introduced into dentistry. Several adjustments have been tried to improve the physicomechanical properties and biocompatibility of denture base acrylic resins. These modifications are divided into two categories: polymer and monomer alterations.
Assessing the Efficacy of Sonic Toothbrush in Reducing the Plaque Pathogens in Comparison with Manual Brushing
Authors: Begum Akifa , Muralidharan N. P.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The bacteria present in dental plaque are the main cause of caries, gum disease, and periodontal disease. Regular brushing will remove plaque build up and maintain the oral health. An ultrasonic toothbrush is an electric toothbrush which is designed for daily home use which operates by generating ultrasound waves to help in removing plaque and rendering plaque bacteria harmless.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess the effect of sonic toothbrush in reducing the plaque pathogens in comparison with the normal brushing.

Materials and Methods: Volunteers who use sonic toothbrushes were selected as a study population. The swab samples were collected before and after brushing. The collected swabs were inoculated on BHI agar and the total CFU count was checked.

Results and Discussion: The percentage reduction in case of ultrasonic toothbrush was more (86.82%) when compared to the manual brushing making it efficient in reducing plaque pathogens.

Conclusion: The present study concludes that the ultrasonic or the sonic toothbrush is efficient on plaque pathogens on the tooth surface.
Preformulation Study of Glimepiride: An Insight for Formulation and Development of Parenteral Formulation
Authors: Patel Chirag , Suthar Disha , Patel Hetal , Movaliya Vinit , Parejiya Punit
Published: March 2022

Aim: The objective of preformulation study is to develop the elegant, stable, effective and safe dosage form by establishing kinetic profile, compatibility with other formulation excipients and physico-chemical parameters of new drug substance. This could provide important information for formulation design or support the need for molecular modification. So, in the present study preformulation studies were performed on Glimepiride (GMP) to assess its suitability for parenteral formulation. Glimepiride is the first IIIrd generation sulphonyl urea used to treat type –II diabetes mellitus.

Methods: The authenticity of GMP was established by DSC and FTIR spectra. A UV spectrophotometric method and HPLC method were employed for determination of GMP in bulk active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

Results: The UV method was linear in the range of 3-10 μg/ml. The low % CV values of intra-day and inter-day variations revealed that the proposed method is robust. The retention time of GMP in HPLC method was found to be 1.9 min. The method was proven robust by obtaining very high regression coefficient value (0.999).

Conclusions: The results of the physicochemical study of drug revealed suitability of GMP for parenteral route. Moreover, the drug was found stable in both solid as well as liquid state at different conditions.
Anniversary Meeting
Authors: - -
Published: March 2022

The Chair of the meeting used the Anniversary address to discuss the role of antiquaries in the study of the past and to acknowledge the contributions of some of the Society's members to the museum and library. He also emphasised the need for a more suitable location for the Society's collections so that they could be better displayed for the public.
Notice of a Chamber recently excavated in the Stone Circle of Callernish in the Lewis
Authors: Matheson James , Innes Cosmo
Published: March 2022

A report on the excavation of peat moss from the standing stone circle at Calanais on the Isle of Lewis. One notable feature that was uncovered was a chambered tomb found beneath the circle, containing what were thought to be human bones.
Notice of a Volume of the 'Accounts of Sir William Bruce of Balcaskie, General Surveyor of His Majesty's Works (1674-1679),'
Authors: Robertson Joseph
Published: March 2022

The volume referenced in the title is a set of accounts detailing the money spent on the construction and repair of the King's palaces and castles in Scotland, from January 1674 to March 1679. The author explains that while many of the craftsmen who worked in on Holyrood Palace at this time were Scots, some specialist craftsmen and materials had to be imported from abroad to complete the project. He also mentions the wages and prices of some materials that are noted in these accounts.
Note of the Recent Excavation of a Cairn on the High Law, and of other Antiquities in the Parish of Cruden, Aberdeenshire. (with Additional Notes by Stuart, John)
Authors: Pratt J B , Stuart John
Published: March 2022

This paper records the excavation of a cairn in Aberdeenshire by Major-General Moore and Mr Alex Murray. The excavators concluded that the cairn and the cist below it had been examined before, based on the looseness of the stones making up both structures. The Major-General was also involved in a dig at St Olaf's Church nearby, where he unearthed some human remains.

 

The article ends with a short exploration of Scandanavian influence in Scotland by the Secretary, John Stuart. A committee was also formed at this meeting to investigate the history and structure of the Scottish language.