bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sustainable Development Goals and Business Students’ Preferences: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Westerman James W. , Acikgoz Yalcin , Nafees Lubna , dePillis Emmeline , Westerman Jennifer ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2021

To effectively teach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhance corporate social responsibility, we need to understand the predictors of business student predispositions towards the SDGs. We examine whether location, authoritarianism, religiosity, and individualism influence university business student SDG preferences. Results (n=262) indicate authoritarian and religious business students emphasize SDGs with an orientation towards the health and economic well-being of their local communities. The results also indicate the most significant factor in predicting SDG preference was university location. Southeastern U.S. students were more supportive of people/prosperity-oriented SDGs, indicating greater concern with the social safety net and basic human needs, whereas Hawaiian students were more supportive of planet-oriented SDGs indicating greater concern for environmental issues. Implications for teaching SDGs to university business students are discussed.
Collective Impact Problems and the Promise for Business Ethics
Authors: Zakhem Abe ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2021

“Collective impact problems” refer to situations where there is a collective harm or benefit, but where no single action seems to make a difference one way or the other. Collective impact problems arise when considering several pressing ethical issues in business, such as shareholder and consumer activism, business and climate change, factory farming and animal welfare, fair-trade and sweatshop labor, and corporate philanthropy. Unfortunately, business ethics textbooks do not explicitly deal with collective impact problems and, as such, students may be lacking the theoretical and practical skills necessary to deal with issues of significant moral concern. This paper helps to address this gap by introducing the reader to some collective impact cases in business ethics, detailing the challenges that collective impact problems pose for consequentialist and non-consequentialists alike, and highlighting some of the promising pedagogical benefits of using collective impact cases in a business ethics class.
Educating the Virtuous Leader: Exploring the Reflexive Practicum
Authors: Robson Ian ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2021

The context of education under scrutiny in this paper is the post-experience practitioner sector, concerning students of ethics in Business Administration at both Masters and Doctoral levels. Responsible leadership is examined as a core theme in business ethics research and education. The paper proposes that responsible leaders require a virtuous mind-set, underpinned by Aristotelian thinking. Responsible leadership and romanticised models of leadership are interwoven in a critique of the technical-rational predominance in leadership and ethics research. The development of reflective practice is tracked from Argyris and Schon’s reflection on and in action to reflexivity. The paper considers the essence of Aristotle’s virtue ethics in proposing an integrative framework of skill and behaviour acquisition in organisational ethical decision-making. Reflective leadership and reflexivity are examined in relation to practitioner learning and the concept of a reflexive practicum explored to provide a praxis dimension to ethics education practice.
An Ethics Briefing to an Executive Team
Authors: Giacalone Robert A. , Gallagher Vickie Coleman , Promislo Mark D. ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2021

Business ethics education is most effective when students take an active approach and must respond to various demands and feedback. In this paper we describe a classroom exercise in which students are tasked with delivering an ethics briefing to “executive teams” (role played by other students or even by real executives). Through a combination of individual analysis and group work, students become immersed in real-world ethics problem-solving, in which there are no easy solutions. Students must defend their ethical recommendations as well as challenge those from other groups. The exercise concerns an existing controversial business called Seeking Arrangement. Survey results from graduate students who have participated in the exercise reveal that it is effective in producing better ethics problem solving, as well as greater confidence in addressing ethical issues.
Histórias recontadas
Authors: Furtado Bruno Sousa , Bastos Adriana de Fátima Valente
Published: May 2021

Com as manifestações antirraciais e o interesse sobre essa ação coletiva, a moda por meio do styling representa um instrumento de expressão e reflexão social. O objetivo do estudo é analisar os stylings de Ibrahim Kamara sob a perspectiva do afrofuturismo. Sabe-se que os stylings são criados para comunicar a moda e Kamara reconhece o corpo com um caráter biopolítico, corpo-história, cria narrativas com o protagonismo do afrodescendente em cenários periféricos. A seção referente ao Método aborda sobre a metodologia visual de Gillian Rose (2016), inicia pelo styling na perspectiva da fotografia de moda até chegar ao estudo de caso dos stylings de Kamara; e Afrodescendentes em editoriais de moda. Analisa-se que Kamara problematiza as referências visuais para romper esteticamente com o poderio centralizador, normalizador e tradicional propagado por olhares europeizados, estadunidenses, brancos e trafega por reflexões sobre o futuro da sociedade. Contudo, a moda exprime visualmente esses comportamentos de resistência e o styling é uma das práticas que contribui para uma construção imagética de cunho social.
The Effect of Motorized vs Non-Motorized Treadmills on Exercise Economy during Acute Sub-maximal Bouts in Collegiate Cross-Country Female Athletes
Authors: Dabbs Nicole C. , Reid Miranda J. , Wimbish Jasmine , Ng Jason
Published: May 2021

Background: Fitness equipment manufacturers have developed non-motorized treadmills (NMT) to better replicate overground running, a characteristic which motorized treadmills (MT) purportedly lack. Because NMTs are novel, limited empirical evidence exists regarding acute physiological and neuromuscular activity responses to its use. Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of walking and running on an NMT and MT on exercise economy (EE), cardiometabolic responses, lower-body muscle activity, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in division II female cross-country athletes. Methods: Thirteen female cross-country athletes volunteered to complete a treadmill protocol that consisted of a warm-up walk, a 5-min walk, a 5-min run, and a 5-min cool-down walk on an NMT and MT on two separate occasions. During both treadmill conditions, VO2, RER, neuromuscular activity, HR, and RPE were recorded and analyzed every minute. Results: VO2 (NMT= 36.8 ± 10.0 ml/kg/min; MT= 27.4 ± 6.7 ml/kg/min), RER (NMT= 1.02 ± 0.14; MT= 0.89 ± 0.08), HR (NMT= 167 ± 18 bpm; MT= 142 ± 21 bpm), and RPE (NMT= 12 ± 2; MT= 9 ± 2) measures were significantly (p<0.05 for all) greater on the NMT than the MT in walking and running. Conclusions: The greater VO2, RER, and HR experienced on the NMT indicates higher physical exertion, and the greater RPE on the NMT indicates the participants’ perception of exertion correspond to the physiological responses. While cardiometabolic demand was greater on the NMT, thereby suggesting exercise economy was greater with the MT.
Does Footwear Influence Countermovement Jump Parameters Used to Assess Performance in Collegiate Basketball Players?
Authors: Heishman Aaron D. , Peak Keldon M. , Daub Bryce D. , Miller Ryan M. , Freitas Eduardo D.S.
Published: May 2021

Background: The countermovement jump (CMJ) is used to monitor short- and long-term changes in neuromuscular performance, where practically relevant alteration may be subtle, requiring detailed and consistent testing protocols to limit error and allow detection of meaningful change. Collegiate basketball players often wear different types of footwear depending upon the training activity, potentially influencing CMJ performance outcomes. Objective: This study evaluated the influence of footwear on key CMJ variables used for routine performance assessments in a cohort of 11 NCAA women’s collegiate basketball players. Method: In a cross-over repeated measures study design, players performed three CMJs in Basketball-, Training-(Trainers), and Olympic Weightlifting (WL) shoes, in a randomized order during one testing session. One-way repeated measures analyses of variance (p ≤ .05) and effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were used to discern differences in CMJ variables among shoe conditions. Results: WL demonstrated greater Eccentric Mean Force (p ≤ .014, d ≥ 0.03) and lower Flight Time:Contraction Time (p ≤ .029, d ≥ 0.31), Jump Height (p ≤ .040, d ≥ 0.32), and Reactive Strength Index-Modified (p ≤ .032, d ≥ 0.40) than both Basketball and Trainers. Additionally, WL exhibited lower Concentric Mean Force (p = .018, d = 0.19), Concentric Mean Power (p = .008, d = 0.29), Eccentric Peak Force (p = .050, d = 0.19), and Flight Time (p = .036, d = 0.31) compared to Trainer. No significant differences and only trivial effects appeared between Basketball and Trainers (p > 0.05, d < 0.1). Conclusion: These findings suggest footwear significantly influences CMJ performance. WL shoes appear to negatively impact CMJ performance; however, Basketball and Trainers appear to exert negligible effects that should allow clinicians and practitioners to feel confident about measurement and data quality when performing short- and long-term CMJ measurements in either Basketball or Trainers.
Sources of Stress and Refereeing Experience of Active Kenya Rugby Union Referees
Authors: Muamba Johnbosco , Muthomi Nkatha , Muigai David
Published: May 2021

Background: Rugby referees have for a long time volunteered to officiate matches in Kenya yet refereeing as an activity is stressful. Objective: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive research design to investigate the impact of the experience of the active rugby union referees in Kenya on the sources of stress affecting them. Method: A Sources of Officiating Stress Questionnaire (SOSQ) (Voight, 2009) was used to collect data from all referees(n=80) who actively refereed matches during the 2016 / 2017 Kenya Rugby Union season. The independent variable tested in the questionnaire was experience of the referees, whereas the dependent variables were sources of stress. Results: Referees with an experience of between 5 to 10 years encountered stress from most of the sources (Mean= 3.17, SD=0.62) whereas those with an experience of between 10 to 20 years encountered stress from the least of the sources (Mean=2.93, SD=0.60). Findings indicated that there was a significant mean difference in sources of stress across refereeing experience (F-statistic =2.175, p=0.009). Conclusion: It was concluded that all active referees experienced stress from different sources despite their years of experience.
Resting Energy Expenditure in CrossFit® Participants: Predictive Equations versus Indirect Calorimetry
Authors: Santos Sena Maraline , Ribeiro de Souza Marcio Leandro , Capistrano Junior Valden Luis Matos
Published: May 2021

Background: CrossFit® involves high-intensity functional movements and research has shown that the program increases metabolic rates in participants. Objective: To measure resting energy expenditure (REE) in CrossFit® participants using indirect calorimetry (IC) and to verify the most appropriate predictive equation to estimate REE. Methods: Overall, 142 CrossFit® participants (18–59 years; 91 [64.1%], women) underwent weight, height, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) measurements. Body composition was evaluated using a portable ultrasound system (BodyMetrix®). REEs were measured (mREE) by IC and predicted by six different equations (pREE): Harris-Benedict, World Health Organization (WHO), Henry and Rees, Cunningham (1980 and 1991), and Mifflin–St. Jeor. Results: The mean age was 33.0 (6.3) years, with no significant difference between men and women; mean mREE, 1583.2(404.4) kcal/d; and pREE, 1455.5(230.9) to 1711.3(285.5) kcal/d. The best REE predictive equations for this population were Cunningham (1991) (P=0.338), WHO (P=0.494), and Harris-Benedict (P=0.705) equations. The Harris-Benedict equation presented a smaller difference compared with IC [12.9(307.6) kcal], the Cunningham (1991) equation showed improved adequacy (102.5%), and the WHO equation presented highest accuracy (59.9%). The equations that were closest to the mREE were the Harris-Benedict for women and the WHO equation for men. Conclusion: Therefore, for CrossFit® participants, the REE can accurately be predicted with the Cunningham (1991), WHO, and Harris-Benedict equations.
Smart Stadium using Cloud Computing and Internet of Things (IoT): Existing and New Models
Authors: Mahdi Mustafa Jamal , Aljuboori Abbas Fadhil , Hussein Ali Mudhafar
Published: May 2021

In our life technology is important there are two entirely various technologies are cloud computing and the IoT and both are very portion of our lives. They are supposed to be more common in their acceptance and use, making them essential ingredients of the future Internet worldwide. Because of the lack of time in our working life and the follow-up of all operations that we must follow before any match is held on any stadium in the world. An aspect of precautionary measures is discussed here before every match. In this research, a discussion was conducted on how to integrate cloud computing and the IoT and use them to work in developing stadiums in the word and made it smart. Several existing and new models of smart stadium are although explained.
Mobile Phone as a Communication Device for Seeking Agricultural Information by the Rural Farm Women in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Sadekur , Haque Md. Enamul , Afrad Md. Safiul Islam , Hasan Shaikh Shamim , Rahman Md. Abiar
Published: May 2021

Mobile phone helps in communication and thus, lead to accessing information is gaining popularity in Bangladesh along with many developing countries.In the remote rural areas where mobile network is not up to the expectation yet and scarcity of information is a stark, rural farm women entrepreneur trying to seek information through mobile phone. The focus of the study was to determine the extent and types of information seeking through mobile phones by the rural farm women and explore the contribution of selected characteristics of the rural farm women on the extent of information seeking through mobile phones. The study was conducted in two geographic locations, in the Northern part of Bangladesh Doholpara, and  Dakkhinkharibari village under DimlaUpazila, and in the Southern part Borokupot village of ShyamnagarUpazila. A multi-stage sampling technique was followed in conducting the study. The present study was conducted on 150 sampled rural farm women which comprised of 50 from each farm enterprise's crop, fisheries, and livestock. Data were collected by a pre-tested interview schedule that was prepared with simple and direct questions with different appropriate scales from September to December 2020. Along with descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis were also performed. The major findings revealed that the majority of the rural farm women of each three farm enterprises (crop, fisheries, and livestock) in the study area were found in a category of those who seek agricultural information through mobile phone at a medium to a higher level. Findings also revealed that in all three agricultural farm enterprises, rural farm women mostly seek market information i.e. calling market centers, traders, and dealers for checking market price followed by collecting weather forecast and contact with experts during an emergency like information regarding diseases of fish, selection fish fries and contact with the veterinary surgeon or quack doctor regarding domestics animal. Among profile characteristics, family size, experience in managing the farm, attitude towards the mobile phone, and organizational participation were identified as the important contributing factors of the rural farm women in seeking information through mobile phone.
Comparative Analysis of Laser Land Levelling vis-a-vis Conventional Land Levelling in Karnal District of Haryana
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Bishnoi Dalip Kumar , Mehla Vinay
Published: May 2021

economic analysis of laser land levelling (LLL) in comparison with conventional land levelling (CLL) was exercised by the study. Karnal district was selected purposively only because it was having highest area under paddy-wheat cropping pattern in the state. Different cost concepts were used to analyse economic impact of laser land levelling. As laser land levelling has major impact on irrigation use efficiency that’s why Karnal district was most appropriate for study because it was having major cropping pattern as paddy and wheat which incorporate water thirsty crops. Total cost under laser land levelling was Rs125392 and Rs95037 while under conventional land levelling it was Rs126918 and Rs 98667 for paddy and wheat respectively. Gross returns under LLL were Rs 155480 and Rs 115880 while under CLL they were Rs148228 and 113798 for paddy and wheat respectively. Net Returns under LLL were Rs 30088 and Rs 20843 while under CLL they were Rs 21310 and Rs 15132 for paddy and wheat respectively. Benefit cost ratio under LLL was 1.24 and 1.18 while under CLL it was 1.17 and 1.15 for paddy and wheat respectively. These results shows economic profitability of LLL over CLL and recommended to adopt LLL on wider scale and tap benefits of this resource conservation technology.
Assessment of Trace Elemental Composition, Sex Hormones and Antioxidant Capacity of Young Women with Menstrual Irregularities
Authors: Constance Nwadike , Nkeiruka Oly-Alawuba
Published: May 2021

Trace elemental composition, sex hormones and antioxidant capacity of young women with menstrual irregularities were assessed in this study using standard methods. Forty (40) young female subjects with regular menstrual cycle and 40 young female subjects with different kinds of menstrual irregularities, a total of 80 volunteer subjects were used for the study. The subjects were sourced from the duo of Imo State University and Federal Medical Centre, both in Owerri, Nigeria. Each volunteer subject signed an informed consent form after the procedure and implications of the study were explained using a language the subject would understand. Trace elements such as zinc, copper, iron, and selenium; and antioxidant capacity assessed were insignificantly (p>0.05) affected in test subjects when compared to control subjects. Estrogen and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in test subjects against the control subjects. The reduction in levels of estrogen and SHBG could be an indication that menstrual irregularities of the test subjects may have been linked to hormonal imbalances.
Genetic Relationship of Four Strains of Guppy (Poeciliareticulata Peters, 1859) Using RAPD-PCR Method
Authors: Nuradha Ine Triana , Yustiati Ayi , Handaka Asep Agus , Bangkit Ibnu
Published: May 2021

This study aims to determine the genetic relationship between four strains of guppy, albino full platinum (AFP), albino german yellow (AGY), top sword (TS) and guppy yellow cobra (GYC) using the RAPD-PCR method. This study used explorative method without experimental design and analyzed by descriptive qualitative and quantitative. The obtained genetic relationship data could be used as data reference for hybridization between strains of guppy fish that have been researched. The research was conducted in October 2020-April 2021. The three fish samples (AFP, TS and GYC) obtained from fish breeder in Cilengkrang-Bandung and AGY sample obtained from fish breeder in Tanggerang-Banten. Based on the results of amplification using OPA-03 primer (AGTCAGCCAC), four strains of guppy fish showed 30 DNA bands that included polymorphic and monomorphic bands. The AFP strains had 19 monomorphic bands, AGY had 21 DNA bands (20 monomorphic bands and one polymorphic bands), TS had 19 DNA bands (17 monomorphic bands and two polymorphic bands) and GYC had 15 DNA bands (14 monomorphic bands and one polymorphic band). Phylogenetic tree analyzed by NTSys program. It is shown between AFP and AGY strains had 95% relationship index, then between TS and GYC strains had 82% relationship index and between AFP-AGY and TS-GYC had 50% relationship index.
Comparative Assessment of Vulnerability to Drought and Flood in the Lower Teesta River Basin: A SWOT Analysis
Authors: Al-Hussain Sk. Junnun , Paul Shitangsu Kumar , Hossain Md. Nazir
Published: May 2021

People repeatedly confronted by natural catastrophe in almost every year such as drought and flood in the lower Teesta Basin area. After the construction of two barrages in Gozaldoba and Dalia on Teesta River drought and flood occurs almost every year. Intensity and frequency of these calamities are also increasing in an alarming rate, which caused serious damage to livelihoods and economy of this area. The objective of this paper is to find out the drought and flood induced vulnerability in the study area through Strength Weakness Opportunities Threat (SWOT) analysis. By this we can summarize the current state of a space and helping to devise a plan for the future, one that employs the existing strengths, redresses existing weaknesses, exploits opportunities and defends against threats. The study is conducted in Charkharibari village of Tepakharibari union of Dimla upazilla in Nilphamary district and Jigabari village of Tepamadhupur union of Kaunia upazilla in Rangpur district, taking the locational advantage, flood and drought proneness, topographic nature and population diversity under consideration. The study population is finite and sample size was determined by using Kothari’s formula. Sample size for Charkharibari and Jigabari is 200 and 85 respectively; samples were drawn through Simple Random Sampling (SRS) procedure. The relevant data and information used in this study have been collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data has been collected through a questionnaire survey and couple of Focus Group Discussions (FGD’s) with a view to collect quantitative as well as qualitative data. Results from Strength Weakness Opportunities Threat (SWOT) analysis shows that, between the two villages severity of drought and flood is higher in Charkharibari village. After comparing the strengths Jigabari is ahead; comparing weakness, opportunities and threat Charkharibari is ahead. Based on the analysis and the findings, it is evident that in terms of vulnerability Charkharibari is more vulnerable than Jigabari. But there are more opportunities for Charkharibari than Jigabari. However, it is evident that proper dissemination of information regarding early warning and assistance from government as well as non-government organizations can significantly improve the coping capacity of people.
The Effects of Wetland Droughts on a Reserve in the African Continent
Authors: Bulama Lawan , Lawrence Ejeh Udeh , Umar Ahmad Abubakar
Published: May 2021

Climate change and its attendant fallouts such as drought, flood etc affect every aspects of environment including wetland ecosystem. This paper seeks to examine the effects of droughts on Dagona Waterfowl Sanctuary?an important wintering area for migratory birds in Bade local government, Yobe state, Nigeria. The study used annual rainfall data collected from the archives of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) with respect to Nguru weather station in the area for a period of 1956-2015. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in conjunction with Percentage Deviation Below Mean (PDBM) models were applied for comprehensive drought detection on a time scale of twelve (12) months. SPI anomaly graphs were plotted to depict drought of varying magnitude. The researcher went round the sanctuary and made observations with the help of binocular and telescope. Findings explicitly revealed that the study area was replete with droughts of varying intensities ranging from mild, moderate, severe and extreme ones. And high magnitude droughts led to hydrological changes causing drying up of wetland water, decreased production of seeds that provide forage opportunities, intrusion of invasive species such as typha grasses forming dense biomass that hinder birds to prey on fishes or swim freely. The result of the analysis would add to the mainstream theoretical body of knowledge about droughts effects on wetlands. The research concludes that droughts of high magnitude occurred variably and affected both native and migratory birds in the study area and hence recommend the integration of disasters like drought in the management strategies of the wetlands.
The Hydrophobic Effect in Chemistry, Biology and Medicine: An Update
Authors: Chandrasekhar Sosale
Published: May 2021

The roots of the hydrophobic effect (HE) apparently lie in certain chemical principles, although it has far-reaching implications across a swath of chemical biology. In particular, the HE drives the formation of micelles, the catalytic properties of which are believed to model the action of enzymes. The HE is also believed to be the key to drug-receptor interactions as captured in the Hansch equation and enshrined in QSAR.

Yet, the HE remains paradoxical: The attributed medium effects apparently contravene normal experience, as apolar solvents are rarely (if ever) the preferred choice in practice! Indeed, the HE is complex and varied in its manifestations, affecting both structure and reactivity. The latter “kinetic hydrophobic effect” itself exists as “Types 1 and 2”, referring to reactions in water (e.g., Diels Alder) and non-aqueous media (e.g., micelles) respectively.

Micellar reactivity also remains mysterious as, apparently, the HE only facilitates the formation of the micelles. The idea that micellar reactivity arises from concentration effects, in fact, appears simplistic for several reasons. Furthermore, reactions may well occur on the micellar surface, particularly with ionic reagents that would be poorly soluble in the core.

There are important differences between micelles and enzymes: Enzymes are pre-configured with catalytic groups and charge-relay systems, although the contribution of the HE to activity remains uncertain. Micelles also form a separate phase, hence defining the thermodynamic ground state of the reactants (contrasting with enzymes).

Certain aspects of the Hansch equation, particularly the decline of drug activity beyond the “Goldilocks zone” peak, are intriguing. However, a kinetic model of drug-receptor interactions based on the rates of drug binding and release, offers an explanation for the observations, also leading to further insights into the nature of the binding itself.
A State of Art Survey for Intelligent Energy Monitoring Systems
Authors: Ageed Zainab Salih , Zeebaree Subhi R. M. , Sadeeq Mohammed A. M. , Abdulrazzaq Maiwan B. , Salim Baraa Wasfi , Salih Azar Abid , Yasin Hajar Maseeh , Ahmed Awder Mohammed
Published: May 2021

In this study, the significance and necessities of surveillance systems have been investigated in several areas - both in the use of neural networks, street lighting systems, factories, and laboratories - for the monitoring systems, especially concerning the design of artificial intelligence programs. The importance of these initiatives and how they can affect any sector and industry reach an essential point from here. Here we reach an important point. An algorithm and an extraordinary approach have been used in every field to develop an intelligent programmer. Something has been mentioned here: the ability to access these intelligent programs in all areas of life. We concentrate on a variety of fields of use and design of monitoring systems in this review article.
A Case of Multilevel Airway Obstruction Secondary to Paradoxical Reaction to Anti TB Drugs in a Non HIV Patient with Tracheobronchial and Cervical Tuberculous Lymphadenitis
Authors: Kanivannen A. , Suhana A. , Chenthilnathan P. , Alazzawi S. , Avatar S.
Published: May 2021

A case report of a young male diagnosed as cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis presenting with rapidly enlarging neck nodes causing airway obstructing secondary to paradoxical reaction to antituberculous drugs. This phenomenon is rare in HIV negative patient. He also had myriad of symptoms and multilevel obstructions. In this case report we discuss the presentation of patient to our center with the management and possible pitfalls.
A New, Ecologically Self-Significant Metric of Species-Abundance Unevenness, Reliably Highlighting the Intensity of Interspecific Competition
Authors: Béguinot Jean
Published: May 2021

A wide series of commonly used metrics of abundance-evenness (or -unevenness) have been proposed to characterize synthetically the distributions of species-abundances, accounting for the hierarchic-like organization of species within natural communities. Among them, most – if not all–have been relevantly criticized on their serious limitations regarding both their “descriptive” and their “interpretative” capacities. From the descriptive point of view, many authors have already repeatedly emphasized the formal non-independenceof conventional (un-)evenness metrics with respect to species-richness, leading, in particular, to unacceptable bias when comparing communities differing by their species-richness, thus making these metrics unreliable descriptors in this respect. Now, as regards the capacity to provide relevant ecological interpretations, especially in terms of the intensity of competition among co-occurring species, the weakness of conventional (un-)evenness metrics is readily highlighted by the usual absence of any associated interpretation of this kind in the literature: the conventional (un-)evenness metrics beingrestricted to purely descriptive purpose only.

Accordingly, a newly designed abundance-unevenness metric – the “standardized abundance-unevenness” index is proposed, positively addressing both kinds of limitations evoked above. By standardizing a conventional measure,U,of abundance-unevenness to the corresponding measure, U’, of the abundance-unevenness in the well-known “broken-stick” model, the resulting “standardized unevenness” index (Istr = U/U’) proves to be efficient against both themajor limitations pointed-out above:indeed,the new index does benefit by being both (i) formally independent from species-richness, thereby allowing reliable,unbiased comparisons of abundance unevenness between species-communities, whatever their difference in species-richness; (ii) able to relevantly quantify the mean intensity of interspecific-competition within community, in term of its direct outcomeuponthe degree of species-abundance unevenness. This double success being, of course, the direct consequences of the properties of the “broken-stick” distribution model, originally putforth in a well-known, yet insufficiently thoroughly exploited paper by the regretted Robert MacArthur.
Effect of Diluted Red Sea Water on Growth Behavior and Chemical Component of Moringa Plants
Authors: Metwally Sami A. , Ezzo M. I. , Leila Bedour H. Abou , Abdalla Aboelfetoh M.
Published: May 2021

Background: Moringa tree is a drought resistance tree, fast-growing, Moringa leaves, flowers and pods are a food source for human and animals. It is a rich source of calcium, iron and a good source of vitamins, B, A, C, amino acids. Shortage of water resources for irrigation especially in reclaimed soil considered is one of the great problems to cultivate traditional crops. Thus, nowadays the use of the non-traditional source of water, such as saline water is very important.

Results: The obtained data recorded that the lowest level of salinity (4000 ppm) decreased plant height, fresh and dry weight of leaves, the stem fresh and dry weight, stem diameter recorded decreased. Increasing salinity levels up to 16000 ppm high reduction was registered in the previously mentioned parameters except for leaves number. The interaction between salinity and proline concentration exhibited in most cases reduction in total chlorophyll. Carbohydrate content, protein, nitrogen%, calcium%, recorded reduction in most cases under saline condition and their interaction with proline. While, Sodium %, Cl- percentage and proline content recorded increments in most cases under the previously mentioned circumstances.

Conclusion: The results were nearly ascending order with increasing of salinity level. Increasing salinity to 16000 ppm decreased significantly the values of vegetative growth and almost all cases of chemicals constituents were reduced.
Assessment of Daily Burden and Factors for Overcrowded Emergency Department at Tertiary Care Hospital of Karachi
Authors: Faridi Arsala , Ahmad Farah , Zehra Areej , Fazal Afreen
Published: May 2021

Background: When in emergency room there is no enough area left to serve or to admit the subsequent sick patients who may require urgent attention and observation the setting is called as the overcrowded emergency room. Due to overcrowded emergency department the quality of services provided by the staff and doctors is compromised ultimately patients with severe diseases are ignored and this may be one of the causes for causalities.

Objective: To assess the daily burden and factors responsible for overcrowding at emergency department of tertiary care hospital of Karachi.

Methodology: It was a cross sectional study conducted at tertiary care hospital of Karachi from October 2020 to January 2021. Data of patients coming to adult emergency department of either gender were collected.  Patients age <14 were excluded as these were referred to pediatric emergency department. Data collection was done according to Canadian emergency department triage and acuity scale (CTAS).

Results: Total number (N) of patients who visited emergency department in study duration was 13434. The mean number of patients who visited ED was 141±13during our study duration. There was no any significant difference in presenting complaint. Delay in investigations was found to be a reason of prolong stay and overcrowding in ED in our setting.

Conclusion: Overcrowding of patients in our ED of our setting was a common problem. The number of staff, doctors and beds were not matching the number of patient flow in the department. The main reason of prolong stay in ED was delay in investigations.
Immunological Features and Hypotheses: Do SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV-Reported Individuals have Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Zrieq Rafat , Haouas Najoua , Ali Reem M. , Alshammari Hamoud F. , Algahtani Fahad D.
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 spreads abnormally compared to its counterparts in the same family "beta-coronaviruses". Today, we count more than 130 million affected humans affected by the COVID-19. Therefore, the study of means of prevention and treatment is an urgent need. Interestingly, the novel virus (SARS-CoV-2) has some similarities with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. It is known that heterologous immunity is well recognized within species of the same family. The use of previously recognized effective antibodies for SARS and MERS virus may prevent the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to compare between SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 genomic and proteomic identity/similarity and their cross-immunity as well as their immunological features in the context of COVID-19 diseases prevention and treatment methods.
Comparative Evaluation of Salivary pH with Honey and Vinegar Mouth Rinse in Diabetic and Healthy Adults
Authors: Ali Akhtar , Farooq Lubna , Mahmood Anum , Ahmed Shaikh Nadeem , Ahmed Asif , Mujahid Sumreen
Published: May 2021

Background: Salivary fluid creates a particular environment of oral cavity that helps in mastication, lubrication of food and mucosa and in speech. Intake of food and different liquids (drinks, juices, milk) causes modulation in pH of saliva that lead to change in the environment of oral cavity.  The pH of saliva decreases to acidic side when bacteria breakdown the carbohydrates and start releasing acids, these acids damage the structure of tooth and leads to cavity formation i.e. dental caries.

Objective: The current study is aimed to evaluate the salivary pH of diabetic and healthy individual before and after using honey and vinegar mouth rinses.

Methods: It was a pre-clinical experimental study conducted in dental OPD of Baqai medical college Karachi from 1st January to 15th February. The calculated sample size N=80 was divided in 4 groups, Group A, n=20 healthy participants who rinsed with honey mouth rinse, Group B n=20 diabetics patients who rinsed with honey mouth rinse. Similarly, Group C, n=20 healthy participants who rinsed with vinegar mouth rinse and Group D, n=20 diabetic patients who rinsed with vinegar mouth rinse. 2 ml of saliva was collected by asking the participants to collect it in the floor of the mouth and swallowing for one minute was prohibited and after that they were asked to expectorate it into the sterile container. Then they were given the mouth rinse according to group distribution and after rinsing they were asked to wait for half an hour after that saliva was again collected from same participant to identify the rinse induced change in pH of oral cavity.

Results: There was no any significant change in healthy participants of either group however in diabetic individuals significant change was observed by honey mouth rinse (p-value = 0.033) followed by vinegar mouth rinse (p-value = 0.043).

Conclusion: Honey and vinegar mouth rinses are effective in maintaining the salivary pH in diabetic individuals.
Phytochemical Evaluation and Antimicrobial Potential Assessment of Some Spices on Selected Pathogenic Microorganisms in Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Authors: Okata-Nwali D. O. , Uzoh C. V. , Okeh C. O. , Ugwu B. , Owolabi O. J. , Isirue A. M. C , Egwu-Ikechukwu M. M.
Published: May 2021

The antibacterial activity of Monodora myristica, Xylopia aethiopica, Piper guineense, Tetrapleura tetraptera against selected human pathogens like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Streptococcus mutans were ascertained using standard microbiological procedures. The herbaceous plants were sun dried and ground into powdery form. Fifty grams (50 g) each of the herbaceous plants were submerged into three (3) different extraction solvents (Ethanol, Methanol and Aqueous) in a conical flask, the flask were shaken intermittently for 24 hours. The herbaceous plants were sieved using whatman number one filter paper. The sieved extracts were allowed to air dry and the dried extracts were stored in a sterile sample bottle in the refrigerator until use. Agar well diffusion technique was used to determine the antibacterial activity/efficacy of the herbaceous plants. The antibacterial activity of ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica were determined. The result showed that aqueous extract had antimicrobial activity against all the test bacteria, ethanol extract had activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, but showed no activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella typhi. Methanol extract had activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Aqueous extract had activity similar to that of ethanol and methanol except that Streptococcus mutans which showed resistance to ethanol and methanol extracts was susceptible to aqueous extracts. Phytochemical analysis conducted shows that the herbaceous plant extracts contains substances such as alkaloids, saponin, tannin, flavonoid and phenol. The result obtained from this study revealed that these herbaceous extracts possess bioactive substances which had antibacterial activity on the test bacterial used in the study. Ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts of Azadiractha Indica, Monodora myristica, Xylopia aethiopica, piper guineense, and Tetrapleura tetraptera had a remarkable activity against Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli and Klebsiella pneumonia while Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella typhi were resistant to both ethanol and methanol extracts. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies should be carried out to identify the active constituents responsible for their antibacterial activity.
Development and Optimization of Controlled Release Formulation and Process of Levetiracetam with Hot Melt Coating Technology
Authors: Patel Nilam , Jani Rupal
Published: May 2021

Conventional coating processes are based on aqueous or organic solvent system, resulting in the lengthy and tedious processes where use and removal of solvents consumes lots of energy and resources. Also, solvent disposal is a critical issue considering environmental hazard.Hot melt coating process avoids use of solvent and is short and energy-efficient process. Here, Hot-melt coating process (HMCP) is being developed to formulate lipid based oral controlled release formulation system to deliver highly water soluble Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) class-I drug Levetiracetam. Pellets containing Active ingredient in the core portion were prepared by extrusion spheronization process with use of appropriate filler and binder. These core pellets were then coated using hot-melt coating technology with different levels of lipid and a hydrophilic component. Formulation and Process parameters were optimized to achieve targeted drug release profile and other target product profile with particular focus onHMCP. Quality by design (QbD) with DOE approach was used for designing and development of the formulation, by putting risk assessment Failure Mode and Effect analysis (FMEA, Fish-bone diagram), screening (by Plackett Burman), and optimization by Central Composite Design (CCC) studies. Appropriate ‘design space’ was proposed based on the optimization studies. The results demonstrated that the level of Low melting coating component and a hydrophilic component influenced the drug release rate from the formulation, and the rate of release could be optimized by varying the amount of these components in the formulation. Processing parameters like Temperature of the coating solution and atomization air, Atomization air pressure and Spray rate also affects the drug release rate and other parameters like coating efficiency and mean particle size. For optimized formulation, dissolution data model fitting was also carried out which adequately fits to Higuchi model suggesting that the drug release occurred predominantly by diffusion.
Prevention and control of infections related with health care in neonatal units / Prevenção e controle de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em unidades neonatais
Authors: Buges Buges Mota , Jurema Halline Cardoso , Lopes Luma Cavalcante , Magalhães Claudia Christina Ribeiro Guimarães Neri de , Alcântara Denise Soares de , Schneid Juliana Lemos
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Realizar uma busca sistemática na literatura sobre a assistência de enfermagem no desenvolvimento das estratégias para prevenção e controle das infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde nas Unidades Neonatais. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura. A busca ocorreu durante o mês de março de 2019, em artigos publicados entre 2008 e 2018, nos idiomas português e inglês. Resultados: A amostra final da revisão foi composta por 07 artigos. Os estudos tiveram como população alvo recém-nascidos hospitalizados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal, enfermeiros e a equipe de enfermagem. Os principais resultados encontrados foram classificados em fatores extrínsecos que contribuem e dificultam a redução das infecções relacionadas a assistência à saúde. Conclusão: O estudo evidenciou que as infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde que acometem os recém-nascidos em Unidades Neonatais, podem ser prevenidas e controladas através de estratégias simples, relacionadas a medidas administrativas, assistenciais e educativas.
Sexuality and sexually transmitted infections: analysis of health student training / Sexualidade e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis: análise da formação de alunos da área da saúde
Authors: Paiva Eliza Mara das Chagas , Ramos Semírames Cartonilho de Souza , Martins Natália da Silva , Nascimento Murilo César do , Calheiros Anne Pereira , Calheiros Christianne Alves Pereira
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: conhecer a formação de alunos da área da saúde quanto à sexualidade e Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis. Método: Estudo descritivo-analítico e transversal, desenvolvido com 108 alunos matriculados nos cursos de Enfermagem, Fisioterapia e Medicina de uma Universidade pública. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre janeiro e março de 2019 por meio da autoaplicacão de um questionário e na análise dos dados, utilizou-se a estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: O contato com a temática durante a formação ocorreu predominantemente a partir de disciplinas específicas. 82 alunos (75,93%) acreditam que as informações acerca do tema fornecidas na graduação são suficientes. 42 alunos (38,90%) sugeriram abordar o tema em disciplinas regulares ou específicas. Conclusão: Conhecer os aspectos da formação de alunos da área da saúde quanto à sexualidade e Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, permite o desenvolvimento de estratégias de revisão dos currículos, a fim de promover uma competente atuação frente ao tema.
Patient safety culture from the perspective of the multiprofessional team: an integrative review / Cultura de segurança do paciente na perspectiva da equipe multiprofissional: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Brigo Alves Daiane Fernanda , Lorenzini Elisiane , Schmidt Catiele Raquel , Dal Pai Sandra , Cavalheiro Karina Andressa , Bernat Kolankiewicz Adriane Cristina
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Identificar a produção científica sobre cultura de segurança do paciente em âmbito hospitalar na perspectiva da equipe multiprofissional. Método: Revisão integrativa, realizada nas bases de dados LILACS, PubMed, WoS e Scopus, em português, inglês e espanhol. Resultados: Foram localizadas 12 publicações, que concentraram-se entre os anos de 2004 e 2016. A análise dos estudos permitiu identificar que o clima de segurança ainda é fragil na maioria das instituições avaliadas. Dentre as estratégias para gerar melhorias na cultura de segurança, destacaram-se os programas de treinamento, comunicação aberta no ambiente de trabalho, notificação de eventos adversos e resposta não punitiva ao erro. Evidenciaram-se como potencialidades as dimensões aprendizado organizacional para a melhoria contínua e trabalho em equipe dentro das unidades. Conclusão: Poucos estudos incluíram todos os profissionais para realizar a análise da cultura de segurança do paciente em âmbito hospitalar, apesar da sua relevância para a promoção do cuidado seguro.