bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence and risk indicators of non‐random sampling in clinical trials in implant dentistry: A systematic appraisal
Authors: Shi Jun‐Yu , Zhang Xiao , Qian Shu‐Jiao , Wei Shi‐min , Yan Kai‐Xiao , Xu Min , Lai Hong‐Chang , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: November 2021

Aim

Analysis of distribution of p‐values of continuous differences between test and controls after randomization provides evidence of unintentional error, non‐random sampling, or data fabrication in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We assessed evidence of highly unusual distributions of baseline characteristics of subjects enrolled in clinical trials in implant dentistry.

Materials and methods

RCTs published between 2005 and 2020 were systematically searched in Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Baseline patient data were extracted from full text articles by two independent assessors. The hypothesis of non‐random sampling was tested by comparing the expected and the observed distribution of the p‐values of differences between test and controls after randomization.

Results

One‐thousand five‐hundred and thirty‐eight unique RCTs were identified, of which 409 (26.6%) did not report baseline characteristics of the population, and 671 (43.6%) reported data in forms other than mean and standard deviation and could not be used to assess their random sampling. Four‐hundred and fifty‐eight trials with 1449 baseline variables in the form of mean and standard deviation were assessed. The study observed an over‐representation of very small p‐values [<.001, 1.38%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–2.12 compared to the expected 0.10%, 95% CI 0.00–0.26]. No evidence of over‐representation of larger p‐values was observed. Unusual distributions were present in 2.38% of RCTs and more frequent in non‐registered trials, in studies supported by non‐industry funding, and in multi‐centre RCTs.

Conclusions

The inability to assess random sampling due to insufficient reporting in 26.6% of trials requires attention. In trials reporting suitable baseline data, unusual distributions were uncommon, and no evidence of data fabrication was detected, but there was evidence of non‐random sampling. Continued efforts are necessary to ensure high integrity and trust in the evidence base of the field.
The effectiveness of nurse‐led group interventions on hypertension lifestyle management: A mixed method study
Authors: Nanyonga Rose Clarke , Spies Lori A. , Nakaggwa Florence
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Hypertension is prevalent in Uganda and achieving treatment goals remains a challenge. Our aim was to assess the impact of a bundled nurse‐led intervention on hypertension physiologic measures and lifestyle modification, and to explore perceptions of the interventions to enhance sustainability.

Design and setting

We employed a sequential explanatory mixed‐method design. The study was conducted at a large urban private hospital in Uganda from September 2018 to May 2019.

Sample

Participants were clinic patients with hypertension currently under care. A total of 54 participants were enrolled in two study groups. Two focus groups with 16 participants and 2 nurse‐educator interviews were conducted.

Methods

Blood pressure and weight were measured at baseline, three, six, and nine months. The Self‐Care of Hypertension Inventory was used to assess lifestyle modification. Monthly education and group‐support with text‐message follow‐up were implemented. Two focus‐groups and nurse‐educator interviews were conducted to assess perceptions post‐implementation. The analysis included descriptive statistic, multivariate analysis and qualitative analysis for themes and subthemes.

Findings

Overall, participants had a mean weight loss of 7.7 kg (p = 0.001) and a mean reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 9.5 mm Hg (p = 0.001). Improvement in biometric outcomes was associated with lifestyle modification such as taking medicine as prescribed (p = 0.008), eat lots of fruit and vegetables (p = 0.043), and control your body weight (p = 0.015). Thematic analysis yielded the following themes: Knowledge and understanding, Attitude change, Adherence—a real struggle, and Adapting to what suits us. Participants found group support, shared learning, and knowledge reinforcement enhanced their knowledge and self‐efficacy. Nurse educators were motivated by the patients’ favorable responses to the Bundled Education and Support with Text (BEST) intervention.

Conclusion

Findings support the use of nurse‐led interventions to enhance the achievement of hypertension treatment goals. To sustain the achieved lifestyle modification and blood pressure outcomes, participants expressed a desire for continued support, information access, and inclusion of patients as champions for knowledge dissemination. Future studies need to explore the provision of enabling structures to support nurse‐led interventions in routine non‐Communicable disease (NCD) care.

Clinical relevance

Hypertension knowledge‐gaps exist among patients and may reflect missed opportunities for patient engagement and education for behavior change. Bundled nurse‐led hypertension interventions can significantly improve lifestyle modification and enhance hypertension outcomes. Persons supported and empowered with knowledge can act as conduits to wider communities in championing knowledge dissemination.
Comparing and combining sliding semilandmarks and weighted spherical harmonics for shape analysis
Authors: Harper Christine M. , Goldstein Deanna M. , Sylvester Adam D.
Published: November 2021

Quantifying morphological variation is critical for conducting anatomical research. Three‐dimensional geometric morphometric (3D GM) landmark analyses quantify shape using homologous Cartesian coordinates (landmarks). Setting up a high‐density landmark set and placing it on all specimens, however, can be a time‐consuming task. Weighted spherical harmonics (SPHARM) provides an alternative method for analyzing the shape of such objects. Here we compare sliding semilandmark and SPHARM analyses of the calcaneus of Gorilla gorilla gorilla (n = 20), Pan troglodytes troglodytes (n = 20), and Homo sapiens (n = 20) to determine whether the SPHARM and sliding semilandmark analyses capture comparable levels of shape variation. We also compare both the sliding semilandmark and SPHARM analyses to a novel combination of the two methods, here termed SPHARM–sliding. In SPHARM–sliding, the vertices of the surface models produced from the SPHARM analysis (that are the same in number and relative location) are used as the starting landmark positions for a sliding semilandmark analysis. Calcaneal shape variation quantified by all three analyses was summarized using separate principal components analyses. Results were compared using the root mean square (RMS) and maximum distance between surface models of species averages scaled (up) to centroid size created from each analysis. The average RMS was 0.23 mm between sliding semilandmark and SPHARM average surface models, 0.19 mm between SPHARM and SPHARM sliding average surface models, and 0.22 mm between sliding semilandmark and SPHARM sliding average surface models. Although results indicate that all three analyses are comparable methods for 3D shape analysis, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. While the SPHARM analysis is less time‐intensive, it is unable to capture the same level of detail around the sharp edges of articular facets on average surface models as the sliding semilandmark analysis. The SPHARM analysis also does not allow for individual articular facets to be analyzed in isolation. SPHARM–sliding, however, captures the same level of detail as the sliding semilandmark analysis, and (as in the sliding semilandmark analysis) allows for the evaluation of individual portions of bone. SPHARM is a comparable method to a 3D GM analysis for small, irregularly shaped bones, such as the calcaneus, and SPHARM–sliding allows for an expedited set up process for a sliding semilandmark analysis.
Coronavirus Pandemic: The Blame Game in Middle East Geopolitics
Authors: Raza Syed Sami
Published: November 2021

The Middle East is notorious for its deep‐rooted state rivalries based on ethnic and sectarian divisions. Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey are the three major powers in the region that seek hegemony, impelling the smaller states to choose their allies. At the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, these major powers engaged in a blame game about the spread of the virus in the region, further straining their diplomatic relations. In this article, I map out this blame game among the major powers as well as other political groups and nonstate actors in the Middle East. This highlights how the pandemic has entrenched state rivalries and intensified regional geopolitics.
Consistent iterative algorithm for stochastic dynamic traffic assignment with a stable route set
Authors: Verstraete Jeroen , Tampère Chris M. J.
Published: November 2021

In stochastic (dynamic) traffic assignment (DTA), route choice (RC) formulations with implicit route set require less memory than their explicit counterparts. To compute turn probabilities, however, a topological ordering of the nodes is needed, which negatively impacts the stability of convergence and consistency of equilibrium. This paper formulates a general framework for the RC module of the efficient stochastic DTA (ESDTA) without topological ordering; we demonstrate how its full fixed route yields smooth and consistent convergence. The theoretical framework requires a series of computational modifications to ensure that numerical errors remain limited and to make the formulation more efficient for use in practice. The resulting ESDTA's computation time to reach equilibrium scales linearly with respect to all relevant complexity dimensions (network size, demand zones, time resolution, and congestion level).
Viability and release of Neonectria ditissima ascospores on apple fruit in Brazil
Authors: Araujo Leonardo , Pinto Felipe A. M. F. , de Andrade Camila C. L. , Duarte Valmir
Published: November 2021

During European canker monitoring in an apple experimental orchard, 14 mummified fruit (two and three trees with 10 and four positive records in 2018 and 2019, respectively) showed perithecia. Perithecium production on apple fruit, confirmation of pathogenicity of Neonectria ditissima isolated from mummified fruit, and ascospore release from fruit tissues has rarely been reported, and their role in the epidemiology of European canker has been largely overlooked. Thus, the objectives of our study were to (a) prove the presence of both conidia and ascospores of N. ditissima in mummified fruit in an experimental field, confirming pathogenesis in different apple cultivars, and (b) monitor production of the two types of inoculum in infected apple fruit over time. Canker incidence in this orchard was 47% of trees with symptoms in 2018 and 48% in 2019. Molecular and morphological tests confirmed that the fungus detected in the mummified apple fruit was N. ditissima. Apple fruit with sporodochia and perithecia washed immediately after collection from the orchard showed conidia but no ascospores of N. ditissima. However, after 4 days’ incubation, perithecia on mummified fruit showed many ascospore cirri. Koch's postulates were fulfilled on apple plants and mature fruit. Fruit inoculated with N. ditissima released spores for over a year under Brazilian field conditions. The release of both spore types peaked in May (Brazilian leaf fall) and October (spring); release of conidia also peaked in February (early harvest). These results support our hypothesis that fruit can serve as primary inoculum for European canker in Brazilian apple orchards.
Effect of test anxiety on visual working memory capacity using evidence from event‐related potentials
Authors: Song Jintao , Chang Lei , Zhou Renlai
Published: November 2021

This study examined the effects of test anxiety on working memory capacity. Studies have demonstrated that individuals with trait social anxiety disorder exhibit increased visual working memory capacity and that those with trait anxiety exhibit decreased working memory capacity. Test anxiety may also induce unique effects on individuals' working memory capacity, and we thus employed the change detection task to explore such effects. Participants were divided into high‐ and low‐test anxiety groups. We used K score and contralateral delay activity (CDA) amplitude to measure working memory capacity, focusing on processing effectiveness and efficiency. The study results revealed that deficits in the working memory capacity of individuals in the high test anxiety group manifested in the CDA amplitude rather than in the K score. The CDA amplitude of the high test anxiety group did not increase after load 3, and that of the low test anxiety group did not increase after load 4. No difference was observed in the K scores of the two groups. The study concluded that test anxiety impairs processing efficiency but not processing effectiveness.
Differential effects of team‐based learning on clinical reasoning
Authors: Ong Kim Yao , Ng Cherie W. Q. , Tan Nigel C. K. , Tan Kevin
Published: November 2021

Background

Clinical reasoning (CR) is the ability to integrate information, knowledge and contextual factors for patient care. Few studies have explored effects of team‐based learning (TBL) on neurological CR. This study compared simplified TBL (sTBL) against interactive lectures (IL) for teaching CR in neuroanatomical localisation (NL) and neurological emergencies (NE), assessed using a validated Script Concordance Test (SCT).

Methods

A crossover study was conducted with third‐ and fifth‐year undergraduates, randomly assigned to two groups, from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in Singapore. Group 1 was taught NE with sTBL and NL with IL, whereas Group 2 was taught NL with sTBL and NE with IL. Teaching was conducted sequentially over 3 h followed immediately by the SCT. The primary outcome was the difference in mean SCT scores of NE and NL taught with sTBL versus IL.

Findings

A total of 179 students (Group 1, n = 81; Group 2, n = 98) participated. Mean NL SCT scores for students taught with sTBL were significantly higher compared with IL (64.8% vs. 61.7%, mean difference 3.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6%–5.5%, p = 0.013); effect size was 0.38. Mean NE SCT scores were similar between students taught with sTBL or IL (66.6% vs. 67.0%, mean difference −0.4%, 95% CI −2.2% to 3.1%, p = 0.75).

Conclusions

sTBL was superior to IL for teaching NL, whereas both methods were comparable for teaching NE. TBL may be suitable for teaching more complex neurological topics involving diagnostic reasoning through development of problem representation, hypothesis generation and illness script selection.
Immunomodulatory effect of long‐term oclacitinib maleate therapy in dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: De Caro Martins Guilherme , da Costa‐Val Adriane Pimenta , Coura Fernanda Morcatti , Diamantino Gabriela Matoso Lima , Nogueira Marina Moller , de Oliveira Melo‐Junior Otoni Alves , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro , da Silveira‐Lemos Denise , Melo Marilia Martins
Published: November 2021

Background

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a chronic disease characterised by hypersensitivity to environmental allergens. Oclacitinib maleate selectively inhibits pro‐inflammatory mediators associated with cAD. However, the impact of chronic oclacitinib use on immunocompetence requires further investigation.

Objectives

Herein, we examined the potential immunomodulatory effects of prolonged oclacitinib treatment in dogs.

Animals

Thirteen privately owned dogs with cAD, treated with 0.4–0.6 mg/kg oclacitinib for 12 months.

Methods and materials

Pruritus level was evaluated using a pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) and the canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index, 4th iteration (CADESI IV). Peripheral blood samples were collected for routine laboratory assays and lymphocyte subtypes were analysed using flow cytometry. Antigen‐specific intracellular cytokine production from CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes was analysed following in vitro stimulation by Dermatophagoides farinae antigens.

Results

Oclacitinib treatment significantly reduced pVAS and CADESI‐04 scores, by 51% and 86.7%, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis revealed increased CD4+ and CD14+ lymphocyte populations. The cytokine profile at 360 days after treatment initiation was similar to that before treatment and was not associated with clinical relapse.

Conclusion

Oclacitinib, when administered at the currently labelled dose for one year, is associated with a significant increase in circulating CD4+ T cells, but does not alter cytokine production from antigen‐stimulated T cells. The results reported do not support evidence for immunosuppression mediated by the mechanisms evaluated in this study.
Examining the Nature of Item Bias on Students’ Performance in National Examinations Council (NECO) Mathematics Senior School Certificate Dichotomously Scored Items in Nigeria
Authors: Adediwura A. Alaba , Patricia Asowo A.
Published: November 2021

This study examined the nature of item bias on students’ performance in 2017 National Examinations Council (NECO) mathematics senior school certificate dichotomously scored items in Nigeria. The study adopted an ex-post-facto research design. A sample of 256,039 candidates was randomly selected from the population of 1,034,629 students who took the test. Instrument for data collection was 'Student Results' (SR). Data collected were analysed using the R language environment and an independent t-test. Results showed that the 2017 NECO Mathematics test was essentially unidimensional (-0.28 (<.20), ASSI = -0.31 (< 0.25) and RATIO = -0.31 (< 0.36). Results also showed that the nature of bias statistically encountered was a mean difference in scores bias, indicating that 86% (52 items), 79.1% (34 items), and 96% (56 items) were biased against male students, urban and public-school students, respectively. It was concluded that item bias is a notable factor that affected the validity of the NECO 2017 Mathematics test and conclusions drawn from the scores in Nigeria. Hence, it was recommended that before tests are administered for public use, examination bodies should make a careful review of tests through dimensionality assessment at the developmental stage to eliminate any perspectives that could cause test inequity among examinees.
Nanomechanical, Tribological, and Scratch Properties of Electroless Ni-B-W Alloy and Ni-B-W-SiC Composite Coatings
Authors: Nemane Vaibhav , Chatterjee Satyajit
Published: November 2021

Electroless deposition process can develop composite coatings superior in mechanical and tribological characteristics. The deposited alloy matrix with the reinforcement of a hard ceramic phase can produce a stronger composite coating, favorable for industrial applications. Fabrication process of Ni-B-W-SiC electroless composite coating on steel substrate by reinforcing silicon carbide (SiC) in ternary Ni-B-W matrix is presented in this report. Characteristics of the developed composite coating are studied in reference to electroless ternary Ni-B-W alloy coating. These ternary alloy and composite coatings are also subjected to heat treatment (450oC, 1 hr) to observe the changes. All coated samples are characterized with FESEM, XRD, ICP-AES, and HRTEM analyses to draw conclusions in comparative studies concerning morphological features, compositions, and phase structures. Cross-sectional and Raman spectroscopic examinations are performed to authenticate the presence of SiC phases in alloy matrix. To get a further insight on the nature, various nanomechanical and tribological properties of these coatings are evaluated and subsequently co-related. Coatings developed with silicon carbide particles present in matrices show remarkable improvements in nano-hardness (H), reduced modulus (Er), yield strength, and fraction of plastic work done. Heat treatment imparts propitious effects on these mechanical properties due to the formation of harder nickel boride (Ni3B, and Ni2B) phases. Heat-treated Ni-B-W-SiC composite subjected to tribological and micro-scratch testing reveals a significant improvement in sliding wear and scratch resistance as compared to those in other coatings.
Active and frozen host mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae) influence the mass production of the predatory mite Blattisocius mali (Acari: Blattisociidae): life table analysis
Authors: Pirayeshfar Fatemeh , Safavi Seyed Ali , Sarraf-moayeri Hamid Reza , Messelink Gerben J
Published: November 2021

Blattisocius mali (Oudemans) is a candidate predatory mite on some astigmatid mite pests like Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank). In current study, life table parameters of B. mali were comparatively evaluated when fed on mixed life stages, frozen (one day at -20°C) and cold stored (90 days at -20°C and 4°C) eggs of T. putrescentiae. The highest and lowest values of fecundity, total longevity, oviposition period, life span and adult longevity of B. mali were observed when the predator provided with one-day and 90-days frozen eggs (stored at 4°C) of T. putrescentiae, respectively. Moreover, the highest values of net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) of B. mali were obtained by feeding on one-day frozen eggs (23.94 offspring/individual, 0.332 day-1, 1.39 day-1, respectively), without significant differences from the predators reared on alive mixed stages of T. putrescentiae. However, the lowest values of R0 (1.54 offspring/individual), r (0.058 day-1) and λ (1.06 day-1) were recorded when B. mali was reared on 90-days frozen eggs (stored at 4°C). The results, as first evidence of life-history of B. mali, represent not only the potential of the predator as suitable biological control agent against T. putrescentiae, but also the possibility of its mass production by frozen host stages. Provision of one-day frozen eggs of T. putrescentiae were the best choice for B. mali survival and reproduction with no harmful effects of living stages (direct damage, frass and exuviae) on crop.
Tripodal Phosphine Oxide Ligand with Tetrazole Functionality
Authors: Baulina T. V. , Kudryavtsev I. Yu. , Bykhovskaya O. V. , Pasechnik M. P. , Anikina L. V. , Vologzhanina A. V. , Kochmarik V. A. , Brel V. K.
Published: November 2021

Tris[2-(3′-cyanopropoxy)phenyl]phosphine oxide has been obtained via the alkylation of tris(2hydroxyphenyl)phosphine oxide with 4-bromobutyronitrile in the presence of K2CO3. The product structure has been elucidated by means of X-ray diffraction analysis. The terminal cyano groups in the obtained phosphine oxide have been converted into tetrazole rings via the click-reaction with NH4N3 to give a new hybrid tripodal propeller ligand, tris{2-[3′-(tetrazol-5′′-yl)propoxy]phenyl}phosphine oxide. Palladium(II) complexes of the prepared ligand and its short-linker analog, tris[2-(tetrazol-5′-ylmethoxy)phenyl]phosphine oxide, have been synthesized. Cytotoxicity of the ligands and their Pd(II) complexes has been studied.
Properties of Certain Classes of Holomorphic Functions Related to Strongly Janowski Type Function
Authors: Kanwal Bushra , Noor Khalida Inayat , Hussain Saqib
Published: November 2021

Most subclasses of univalent functions are characterized with functions that map open unit disc

∇

onto the right-half plane. This concept was later modified in the literature with those mappings that conformally map

∇

onto a circular domain. Many researchers were inspired with this modification, and as such, several articles were written in this direction. On this note, we further modify this idea by relating certain subclasses of univalent functions with those that map

∇

onto a sector in the circular domain. As a result, conditions for univalence, radius results, growth rate, and several inclusion relations are obtained for these novel classes. Overall, many consequences of findings show the validity of our investigation.
Strategic Management Model of Network Organization Based on Artificial Intelligence and Modular Enterprise Big Data
Authors: Guo Yan , Lyu Xiaojing
Published: November 2021

Modularization has been a research hotspot in recent years. Among these, there are two issues that many scholars pay attention to. First, we must know what factors cause modularization, and secondly, what impact modularization has brought to enterprises. The era of information technology background makes enterprises have to deal with more and more complex information. The integration and application of internal knowledge resources also force enterprises to adjust their structure, so that knowledge can spread and create value within the enterprise more effectively. This paper, based on artificial intelligence and modular enterprise big data, constructs a matching model of corporate strategy and performance management mode, determines four different matching methods based on corporate strategy and performance management mode, and puts forward corresponding assumptions. This article selects the participants of EMBA and MBA courses offered by several universities as the survey subjects. Most of them are enterprise managers, have many years of management practical experience, have a good understanding of the basic situation of the enterprise, and can truly understand the scale and make a choice based on the actual content. In this paper, a strategic management model based on artificial intelligence and modular enterprise big data construction proves that paired sample T test can be found, the data analysis is based on the various indicator scores of the enterprise modularity level, and the resulting

P

value is less than 0.05 as a significant difference, which proves that these two indicators are too quantitative. The company has not done relevant statistics, so it is difficult to make a practical answer. Through comparison and analysis, it is more likely to find the gap between the company’s financial strategy and its competitors, and then it is possible to make targeted improvements and upgrades.
SAI‐YOLO: A Lightweight Network for Real‐Time Detection of Driver Mask‐Wearing Specification on Resource‐Constrained Devices
Authors: Zhao Zuopeng , Hao Kai , Ma Xiaoping , Liu Xiaofeng , Zheng Tianci , Xu Junjie , Cui Shuya
Published: November 2021

Frequent occurrence and long‐term existence of respiratory diseases such as COVID‐19 and influenza require bus drivers to wear masks correctly during driving. To quickly detect whether the mask is worn correctly on resource‐constrained devices, a lightweight target detection network SAI‐YOLO is proposed. Based on YOLOv4‐Tiny, the network incorporates the Inception V3 structure, replaces two CSPBlock modules with the RES‐SEBlock modules to reduce the number of parameters and computational difficulty, and adds a convolutional block attention module and a squeeze‐and‐excitation module to extract key feature information. Moreover, a modified ReLU (M‐ReLU) activation function is introduced to replace the original Leaky_ReLU function. The experimental results show that SAI‐YOLO reduces the number of network parameters and calculation difficulty and improves the detection speed of the network while maintaining certain recognition accuracy. The mean average precision (mAP) for face‐mask‐wearing detection reaches 86% and the average precision (AP) for mask‐wearing normative detection reaches 88%. In the resource‐constrained device Raspberry Pi 4B, the average detection time after acceleration is 197 ms, which meets the actual application requirements.
Bioinsecticide Production from Cigarette Wastes
Authors: Gudeta Badhane , K Solomon , Ratnam M. Venkata
Published: November 2021

Tobacco, one of the most significant nonfood crops, is critical to agriculture worldwide. The tobacco processing business creates a significant amount of hazardous tobacco waste containing nicotine, and only a tiny portion of it gets recycled. Nicotine, the primary component of tobacco products such as cigarettes, is an alkaloid and can be used as an insecticide. This research aims to extract nicotine from discarded cigarette butts and utilize it as an insecticide. Extraction, emulsification, and efficiency testing on cabbage aphids are all part of the procedure. The initial extraction tests used a solvent combination of ethanol and methanol in various ratios, with a 3 : 1 ratio yielding the best results. Temperature (30–60°C), extraction length (4–6 hrs), and sodium hydroxide concentration (1–3 M) are the independent variables studied for extraction parameters, and the optimal conditions are determined using Design-Expert, response surface approach central composite design (RSM-CCD). In addition, artificial neural network (ANN) studies with MATLAB were used to accurately forecast extraction yield. The extracted product was evaluated using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and a UV/visible spectrophotometer. The ideal crude extract yield and nicotine content were 17.75 and 3.26%, respectively, at the optimal conditions of temperature 60°C, time 4 hrs, and NaOH concentration 2.83 M with desirability of 0.832. The nicotine extracted was emulsified by combining the crude extract with a combination of palm oil and surfactants. Density, viscosity, pH, flash point, and surface tension of the emulsified concentration were measured and reported as 1.01 ± 0.01 g/ml, 585.33 ± 2.52 mPa s, 9.37 ± 0.03, 87.96 C, and 34.10 mN/m, respectively. On the cabbage aphid, the emulsified concentrated extract performed best at a ratio of 1 : 100 (emulsified concentrated to solvent).
Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Effect of Propolis and Aloe Vera, Xylitol, and Cpp-Acp Gels on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in Vitro
Authors: Hajiahmadi Maryam , Faghri Jamshid , Salehi Zohre , Heidari Fariba
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Early childhood caries is a kind of caries occurring in deciduous teeth. Bacteria are among the main factors. Antibacterial agents such as fluoride are used in both prevention and treatment, but their application in children faces limitations such as fluorosis. Therefore, novel methods of caries prevention among the children are mainly focused on the use of fluoride-free active ingredients. In this comparative study, antibacterial effects of gels containing propolis and aloe vera, fluoride, xylitol, and CPP-ACP were investigated. Methods. This is an in vitro study. By plate well technique, plates containing gels were created in the culture medium of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, and their antibacterial impacts were evaluated by measuring the inhibition zone after 24, 48, and 72 hours. Then, different concentrations of each gel were evaluated in the same way for the antibacterial properties. For each sample, this process was iterated 3 times, where the average was declared as the final number. The collected data were entered in SPSS 24. Results. In both bacteria, propolis gel and aloe vera had the highest zone of inhibition, followed by fluoride and xylitol in the second and third places, respectively. Different concentrations of gels are significantly different in terms of antimicrobial effect (P value ≤ 0/05). The antimicrobial effect of propolis and aloe vera gel was kept up to the concentration of

1
/

16

. As the bacterial and gel contact time is prolonged, the antibacterial effect of different gels increases, but the difference is not statistically significant (P value = 0.109). CPP-ACP gel had no antimicrobial effect at any concentration. Conclusion. Propolis and aloe vera gel had a greater antimicrobial effect than other gels, where such effect was observed in low concentrations. CPP-ACP gel had no antimicrobial properties.
Marginalized Groups of Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) Living in and around the Highly Disturbed Mount Guna Community Conservation Area, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Teressa Hirpasa , Minale Hailu , Birie Solomon , Alemayehu Yismaw
Published: November 2021

Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is the only surviving primate of the genus Theropithecus that is endemic to Ethiopia. It adapted to live in afroalpine and subafroalpine ecosystems of the Ethiopian alpine. Although it is at risk of habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and deforestation, gelada has been classified as a least concern by the IUCN. Gelada has great importance as it represents the Ethiopian national treasure which brings tourists to the country. However, no proper gelada census has been carried out in and around Mount Guna (Mt. Guna). Therefore, the current study aimed to provide an accurate count of gelada individuals living in the study area. Total count along line transects was carried out from January 1–May 30, 2018, to estimate the population of gelada. According to the current result, gelada individuals counted from the entire sites of Mt. Guna were estimated to be 56. Forty-two gelada individuals were counted from outside the protected area, while 14 of them were from the protected area. There was a significant difference between gelada individuals counted from inside and outside the protected areas (P = 0.047). The ratio of age-sex of geladas also computed to be adult males: adult females: subadult males: subadult females: immature is 1 : 3.12 : 0.88 : 1.25 : 0.75 for the total population. Furthermore, five groups of geladas were observed outside the Mt. Guna community conservation area at three sites, while only one group of geladas was identified from the protected area. Based on the current result, we recommend further research to study the population trend, fertility problems, and conservation mechanisms of geladas living within the agricultural land and human-gelada conflicts around Mt. Guna.
Causes and Management Outcome of Small Intestinal Obstruction in Nekemte Referral Hospital, Nekemte, Ethiopia, 2017
Authors: Jemere Tadeg , Getahun Berhanu , Tesfaye Mahlet , Muleta Geremew , Yimer Nega
Published: November 2021

Background. Small bowel obstruction is a common and dangerous surgical emergency which is associated with high morbidity and mortality if not managed appropriately and timely. Objective. To determine the causes and management outcome of small bowel obstruction in Nekemte Referral Hospital, Nekemte, Ethiopia. Method. Institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study design was used. Three-year data (from January 1, 2014, to December 30, 2016) were collected from July 1 to August 30, 2017. Data were collected from medical records and checked for any inconsistency, coded, and entered into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive, binary, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. On binary logistic regression analysis, variables with

p
≤
0.25

were selected as a candidate for multivariate logistic regression analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at

p
≤
0.05

. Results. With 100% response rate, records of 211 patients with small intestinal obstruction were retrieved for analysis. One hundred thirty-seven (64.9%) were males. The commonest cause of small bowel obstruction was adhesion (35.1%). More than a quarter (26.5%) participants developed postoperative complications, and wound infection was the commonest postoperative complication (49.2%). A majority (84.8%) of patients improved and were discharged, and the rest 15.2% of patients died. Sex (AOR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.51–10.52), duration of illness before surgical intervention (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.69–11.45), level of hematocrit (AOR = 4.25, 95% CI: 1.56–11.57), types of intestinal obstruction (AOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.09–12.64), and length of hospital stay (AOR = 4.69, 95% CI: 1.82–12.07) were independent predictors of the management outcome of patients with small bowl obstruction. Conclusion. Small bowel obstruction is a commonly encountered surgical emergency. Adhesion, small bowel volvulus, and intussusception were the leading causes of small bowel obstruction, respectively.
Malnutrition in Obesity: Is It Possible?
Authors: Kobylińska Milena , Antosik Katarzyna , Decyk Agnieszka , Kurowska Katarzyna
Published: November 2021

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies malnutrition as the biggest threat to public health worldwide, and this condition is observed in 20–60% of hospitalized patients. Malnutrition is a state of the body in which due to insufficient supply or incorrect absorption of essential nutrients, the body composition changes and the body’s functions are impaired. Malnutrition is associated not only with reduced body mass index but also with obesity. Summary: Obesity is defined as a paradoxical state of malnutrition, which despite excessive energy consumption is associated with a shortage of individual microelements. Deficiency or lack of homeostasis of essential micronutrients can significantly affect daily performance, intellectual and emotional state, but also the physical state of the body. Food deficiency can also contribute to further weight gain or the development of other metabolic diseases. Micronutrient deficiency may include not only incorrect dietary choices and insufficient access to nutrient-rich foods but also changes in the absorption, distribution or excretion of nutrients, and altered micronutrient metabolism resulting from systemic inflammation caused by obesity. An effective therapy method recommended for people with morbid obesity is bariatric surgery aimed at both weight loss and improving quality of life. Unfortunately, the effects of these treatments are often medium- and long-term complications associated with micronutrient deficiency as a result of reduced consumption or absorption. Therefore, the use of bariatric surgery in patients with extreme obesity can affect the metabolism of microelements and increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Key Messages: Studies by many authors indicate a higher incidence of food deficiency among people with excessive body weight, than in people with normal body weight of the same age and same sex. Monitoring the concentration of minerals and vitamins in blood serum is a good practice in the treatment of obesity. The proper nutritional status of the body affects not only the state of health but also the effectiveness of therapy. The aim of the review was to present the issue of malnutrition in the context of obesity.
Giant Frontotemporal Cavernous Malformation in a 2-Month-Old Infant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gilbert Olivia E. , Wilson John M. , Volk Jerome M.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Cavernous malformations in the pediatric population are exceedingly rare, especially in infants. Giant cavernous malformations (GCM) are even more rare and have a diameter >4 cm. The onset of symptoms predominantly occurs in adulthood, but the rate of hemorrhage is significantly higher in the pediatric population. Similar to non-GCM, GCM can be misidentified as tumors on imaging due to their tumefactive pattern with edema. Here, we present a rare case of a right frontotemporal GCM in a 2-month-old girl, the youngest recorded case in the existing literature. Case Presentation: A previously healthy 2-month-old girl presented to the emergency department following an increasing frequency of seizure-like activity that began 3 days prior to presentation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with and without contrast characterized a large (5.8 × 4.3 × 4.2 cm) heterogeneous lesion of the right temporal lobe with diffuse scattered blood products of various ages seen throughout the lesion. She underwent a right-sided craniotomy where a gross total excision was achieved. Pathology confirmed the diagnoses of a GCM. The patient’s seizures subsequently resolved, and she continues to do well postoperatively. Discussion/Conclusion: GCM can be mistaken for tumors due to their large size, cystic nature, and surrounding edema, but a vascular lesion should always remain in the differential diagnosis before operating, even in infants. Surgery is generally recommended in patients that present with a symptomatic hemorrhage, recurrent hemorrhages, persistent seizures despite medical management, or progressively worsening neurological deficits if the GCM is in a safe location. It has been shown that 70–99% of patients undergoing surgery with successful removal of the GCM can achieve seizure freedom 2 years postoperatively. Complete surgical excision of this infant’s GCM was successful in treating her neurologic symptoms; therefore, pathological confirmation of this lesion is critical and should prompt a complete surgical excision.
Silky Sifakas (Propithecus candidus) Use Sleep Sites for Thermoregulation, Food Access and Predator Avoidance
Authors: Mills Catriona Jade , Nekaris K.A.I. , Campera Marco , Patel Erik
Published: November 2021

Primate sleeping site selection is influenced by multiple ecological factors including predation avoidance, thermoregulation and food access. To test these hypotheses, we studied the sleeping trees used by a group of wild silky sifakas (Propithecus candidus) in Marojejy National Park, Madagascar. During this 10-month study, the group slept in 828 sleeping trees from approximately 35 genera. In support of thermoregulation, generalized linear models revealed that as temperature decreased, the number of individuals sleeping together significantly increased and they slept at further distances from the trunk. As rainfall increased, sleep site height significantly increased. Weinmannia was the most frequented tree genus, despite low abundance, accounting for 29% of all sleeping trees. In support of food access, 94.8% of sleeping trees were food trees. Weinmannia is among the most highly preferred food trees. The group slept at a mean height of 16.0 m near the top of tall trees which averaged 19.5 m. Sleep trees were significantly taller than trees in botanical plots within the sifaka’s home range. They never slept in the same trees on consecutive nights, and sleeping heights were significantly higher than daytime heights which is consistent with predation avoidance. Social sleeping in groups of 2 or 3 individuals (62.9%) was more common than solitary sleeping (37.1%). At such heights, huddling may increase vigilance and lessen the risk of predation by fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) while also reducing heat loss. These patterns suggest that silky sifaka sleep site choice is influenced by thermoregulation and food access in addition to predation avoidance. We suggest that understanding sleep site use can assist in conservation of species like silky sifakas by enabling researchers to find new groups, protect habitats with key tree species and inform reforestation efforts.
Internal Controls of the Municipality of Plaridel, Bulacan towards Good Governance
Authors: Velasco Jerome
Published: November 2021

Internal control plays a vital role in both private and public sectors. It is considered as one of the strategic tools in improving the operations and performance of an organization that will lead to the attainment of organizational goal and objectives. The main objective of the study was to determine the impact of control activities to the Municipality of Plaridel, Bulacan in complying with the good governance criteria. An assessment was conducted to determine the extent of control activities’ implementation in the organization to come up with the recommended measures for its further improvement. The study was based on a descriptive research design involving quantitative approach. Data gathered have been processed statistically using the SPSS by the Centro Escolar University Data Processing Center, and presented using the mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation analysis. The overall analysis revealed that the relationship between the extent of implementation and perceived impact of control activities to the Municipality in complying with the good governance criteria has a very significant relationship rating. Findings also showed that the existing implementation of control activities in the municipality can be further improved using the recommended measures focused on the following: Revisiting and Revising the existing policies and procedures, Strengthening the top Management’s functions, and Continuous professional development. It can be concluded that the implementation of control activities in the Municipality can improve the operations, and can contribute to the compliance with the Seal of Good Local Governance Criteria - financial administration aspect.
Relationship between Students' Historical Awareness and their Appreciation of Local Cultural Heritage
Authors: Santos Lilibeth C.
Published: November 2021

The K-12 curriculum brought a significant change in Social Studies/ Araling Panlipunan curriculum at the Basic Education level, but much still must be done to introduce relevant topics in history and culture following local contexts. As such, local historians and educators pursued its relevance to studying local history, particularly with the Kasaysayang Lokal (KASALO) ng Pampanga, to embark to the mind of todays' learners the local history of their pace. With this, the study aimed to assess the local awareness of Junior High School students and its correlation to their appreciation of cultural heritage. The study utilized descriptive-correlational research designed that aims to determine the relationship of the variables. The respondents of the study consisted of 281Junior High School students chosen through a simple random sampling technique. The results revealed that the students exhibited a slight awareness of their local history. Moreover, they have generally agreed to school-based initiatives to nurture cultural heritage appreciation. The Pearson-r correlation analysis revealed that the student's knowledge of KASALO did not significantly correlate to their appreciation of Kapampangan's local cultural heritage. The implications underlined the need for teachers to introduce more novel ways to integrate topics in local history in the AP classroom and strengthen local studies centers to promote the study of local history for the future.
A Study on Consumer Attitude and Behavior towards Purchasing of Green Products
Authors: Preetha G.
Published: November 2021

The evolving climate conditions have proven to be hazards created by the man-made activities. The global warming is causing panic among the environmentalists to safeguard the environment. The consumerism of the modern world has created significant environmental impact on the Earth. The remains of the consumerism are having vital effect on the other living organisms. The role of the disposal has become mandatory for safeguarding the environment. The change in the consumer attitude and behavior has to be modified for the welfare of the future generation.  The awareness and activities of the consumers have to enhance at quicker pace to safeguard the environment from further damage. This paper engages to study the awareness level of the consumers towards the green product and to study the green buying behavior of the consumers. The study has been conducted at micro level with 120 samples who are being the consumers of green products. The study has adopted simple random sampling for the selection of the sample from the green product users. The various statistical tools used in the study are percentage analysis, chi-square test and analysis of variance. The results of the study reveal that the consumers are having significant awareness about the green products and most effective methods that influences the green products purchases are attractive as well as informative advertisements. The green product holds the future of environment and examines the consuming habits of the existing consumers. The role of green products is crucial in protecting the environment and making the environment sustainable.