bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Binocular Balance of Children, Dependent on the Dissociation State of the Test Used
Authors: Ibrahimi Danjela , Aviles Marcos , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This research, compared the dissociated phoria state at near and distance fixation in free space, using three different techniques; the Howell test, alternate Cover test and Thorington test. Methods: A total of 220 healthy Mexican children from Querétaro, 5.06 to 17.11 years of age, participated in this study. The magnitude of phorias at both distances was quantified using each of the tests, starting from the least to the most disruptive one. The degree of stereopsis, break, and recovery value of the near point of convergence were also analyzed to understand the interaction among them and their impact on the sensorimotor balance of the visual system. Results: Despite their different ways of dissociation, for patients with exophoria or esophoria at near, the alternate Cover test and Thorington provide similar values. If examining the exophoria state at distance, the alternate Cover and Howell test are similar, whereas for the esophoria, the alternate Cover and Thorington give similar results. The break value and the magnitude of exophoria at near can predict the stereopsis degree. The break value and the magnitude of exophoria are related to each other. Gender doesn´t relate to any variable, whereas age, is associated with the degree of stereopsis and the break of NPC. Conclusions: The statistical analysis showed that the alternate Cover and Thorington test, despite their different ways of dissociation, can substitute one another, whereas the Howell test, cannot be interchangeable with the other two. The different way of dissociation this test uses, can be related to the obtained results. By analyzing the crucial elements of the binocular visual system, can help professionals determine the interaction among them and their impact on its sensorimotor balance.
Multi-Stage Attacks: Concepts, Detection and Defences
Authors: Khan Wahab
Published: June 2023

The need for cohesive detection and defence methods against cyberattacks is significant now more than ever before to enforce security and privacy of user data and information. The inevitable increase in demand for home and flexible working from employees quite recently has meant there is a lack of awareness and training for cyberattacks. Hence, they have become prominent as attackers are aware of this and are benefitting from individuals’ lack of knowledge in how to better protect themselves and their confidential information. Employees are becoming more susceptible to such attacks and falling victim to these, resulting in economic losses for companies, data losses and decreased faith.
An Exploration of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies for Improving Disaster Resilience in Smart Cities: An Urban Scholar’s Perspective
Authors: Samarakkody Aravindi , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Haigh Richard
Published: June 2023

Smart Cities leverage technology to address various urban challenges and creating disaster resilience is one of them. Technology is a vast and ever-evolving field, and hence the research on technology for improving disaster resilience is scattered. A major drawback of prevailing studies is that they continue to overlook the bottlenecks to effectively harness the benefits of technological innovations and that includes the need for a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. Therefore, this research intends to address that need by methodising the scattered research to provide meaningful insights towards the linkages between society and technological innovations through an urban scholar’s perspective. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore emerging and disruptive technologies for improving disaster resilience in Smart Cities. The review findings identified the emerging and disruptive technologies for improving disaster resilience in Smart Cities which were then classified. The findings suggested 4 key criteria to classify technologies including their impact the society, adoption speed, technology maturity and capabilities offered to the community. A Smart City which plans the technologies/ tools for disaster resilience may conduct the assessments under the aforementioned criteria, together with their context-specific feasibility assessments to make informed decisions and ultimately prioritise the most suitable for them.
A Novel Approach to Management of Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith for Small-Holder Farmers Using Virus Extract from Larvae Treated with Baculovirus under Field Conditions
Authors: Mweke Allan Ndua , Rwomushana Ivan , Okello Arthur , Chacha Duncan , Guo Jingfei , Luke Belinda
Published: June 2023

A Fall armyworm (FAW) is a major pest of maize and causes huge losses. Chemical control is the commonly used strategy FAW among farmers. Efficacy of baculovirus against FAW has been proven, however, farmers may not afford the products. The use of farmer produced baculovirus mixtures could provide an opportunity for a nature-based solution for FAW at low cost. This study evaluated the potential of virus extracted from FAW larvae treated with a commercial baculovirus (Littovir) for the management of FAW under laboratory and field conditions. In Laboratory, the virus extracted from 25, 50, 75 and 100 FAW larvae caused varied mortality on FAW instars. The highest mortality (45%) on 1st-3rd instars was caused by Littovir followed by virus extract from 100 FAW larvae (36%). Under field conditions, even though virus extracts did not offer adequate protection against the FAW damage, the maize yield was comparable to commercial insecticides treated plots. This study has shown the potential of use of virus extracts for management of FAW. This would offer the farmers a sustainable and affordable option for management of FAW as it would require the farmers to purchase the commercial baculovirus once and collect larvae from treated plots for repeat applications.
Burnout and quality of life among the security employees of the professional private agencies in Central Serbia
Authors: Rancic Natasa Krsto , Veljkovic Dejan R , Mirkovic Momcilo R , Kulic Ljiljana , Jovanovic Verica S , Stamenkovic Bojana N , Maksimovica Natasa S , Ciric Vojislav M , Marinkov-Zivkovic Emilija M , Giljaca Sonja D , Stojanovic Marko M , Bojanic Novica Z , Miljkovic Dusan P , Otasevic Suzana A
Published: June 2023

Background. Private security refers to the security protection services that private security organizations provide to control crimes, protect lives and other assets, and to maintain order at their employers’ facilities.
The objective of the study was to analyze the burnout syndrome and the quality of life among security employees of the professional private security sector in Central Serbia.
Methods. A multicenter cross-sectional questionay-based study was performed in seven different cities in central Serbia. The study included the representative sample of security staff employed. The study was performed in the period from March 3, 2019 to April 30, 2019.
Results. A total of 353 respondents (330 male and 23 female) participated in the study. The Response rate was 80%. Men were significantly older than women: 44.09±11.44 vs. 36.91±7.92 (F=8.752; p=0.003). Approximately one third (32.6%) had symptoms of total burnout and a much higher number of responders had moderate or high level of burnout in individual subscales; in emotional exhaustion (high 66.3%, moderate 19.8%), in depersonalisation (high 82.4%, moderate 16.2%) and slightly more than one third 34.5% had low personal achievement, about one third 32.9% had moderate personal achievement. Our study has shown that female sex and older age were associated with higher risk of total burnout and for the development of emotional exhaustion. Male sex, university education and managerial position were associated with higher personal achievement and lower risk of of total burnout because this subscale is inversely correlated with the burnout. Male sex, marritual union, two and more childreen and direct contact with clients were significantly associated with lower quality of life of employees.
Conclusion. Nearly one third (32.6%) of security employees had symptoms of total burnout. Female sex and older age were associated with higher risk of total burnout and for the development of emotional exhaustion. Male sex and higher level of education were associated with greater personal achievement. Managerial position and higher education were protective factors in relation to the development of burnout. Male sex, marritual union, two and more childreen, direct contact with clients were significantly associated with lower quality of life of employees.
security staff, professional private sector, quality of life
Antiviral Potential of Specially Selected Bulgarian Propolis Ex-Tracts: In Vitro Mechanism of Action Against Structurally Differ-Ent Viruses
Authors: Vilhelmova-Ilieva Neli Milenova , Nikolova Ivanka Nikolova , Nikolova Nadya Yordanova , Petrova Zdravka Dimitrova , Trepechova Madlen Stephanova , Holechek Dora Ilieva , Todorova Mina Mihaylova , Topuzova Mariana Georgieva , Tumbarski Yulian Dimitrov
Published: June 2023

Propolis, or bee glue, is a complex mixture of resins from plant buds and flowers, wax, pollen and bee saliva. It also contains various vitamins, essential oils, mineral salts, trace elements, hormones and enzymes. It has been found that propolis possesses antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. We have studied the antiviral activity of six extracts of Bulgarian propolis collected from six districts of Bulgaria. The study was conducted against structurally different viruses: Human coronavirus strain OC-43 (HCoV OC-43) and Human respiratory syncytial virus type 5 (HRSV-5) (enveloped RNA viruses), Human herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (enveloped DNA virus), Human rhinovirus type 14 (HRV-14) (non-enveloped RNA virus) and Human adenovirus type 2 (HadV-2) (non-enveloped DNA virus). The influence of the extracts on the internal replicative cycle of viruses was determined using the cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition test. The virucidal capacity, their influence on the adsorption stage and their protective effect on uninfected cells were also determined by the end-point dilution method. Residual viral infectivity in propolis samples was compared to untreated controls and Δlgs were calculated. When administered during viral replication, most propolis extracts demonstrated the strongest activity against HCoV OC-43. The influence of propolis extracts on the viability of extracellular virions was expressed to a different degree in the various viruses studied, and the effect was significantly stronger in those with an envelope. Almost all extracts significantly inhibited the step of herpes virus adsorption to the host cell, and some of them showed a protective effect on healthy cells before they were subjected to herpes infection. Our results enlarge the knowledge about the action of propolis and could open new perspectives for its application in viral infections treatment.
Experimental Study on Pore Pressure Variation and Erosion Stability of Sandy Slope Model under MICP
Authors: Huang Mingjuan , Zhang Youliang , Hu Jinning , Hei Yenpeng , Xu Zikun , Su Jinchen
Published: June 2023

With the development of free trade port in Hainan Island, the construction of tourist roads around the island is also in full swing. Under the weather conditions of strong typhoon and rainstorm in Hainan, the highway cutting slope built on the coastal weak sandy terraces has strong sand loss and is easy to be scour by rainfall. MICP green spray irrigation solidification technology is used to strengthen the sandy cutting, and pore water pressure monitoring is carried out on the slope model during MICP solidification and rainfall scour. Combined with the model pore water pressure and flow slip failure pattern, dynamic analysis was carried out. The results show that MICP sprinkler irrigation technology can solidified the surface of the slope model in a short time, and the cementation depth of the model reaches 4cm after three sets of rotation reinforcement. The surface reinforcement effect is good, and the sand samples are closely connected. Under the erosion effect of simulated rainfall intensity, the sand loss of the slope is weakened, and no sand binding damage occurs, and the integrity is enhanced. Due to the cementation between sand grains, most of the rainfall was converted into runoff, and the slope slid after 150s. When the slope began to slip, the leading edge of the slope model lost sand and unloaded, and the failure mode was graded creep slip failure. Finally, the slope was divided into several blocks due to the continuous expansion of cracks after the slope failure. The erosion stability of the sandy slope under heavy rains is optimized and the sand loss is prevented effectively. In this study, a new method of MICP remediation techniques is proposed, which provides a new test basis for the application of MICP technology in practical engineering.
MRI-Based Evaluation of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Anatomy: Investigating the Prevalence and Morphometry of the “Chiasma Antebrachii”
Authors: Elsner Clara Dorothea , Kunz Andreas Steven , Wagner Nicole , Huflage Henner , Hübner Stefan , Luetkens Karsten Sebastian , Bley Thorsten Alexander , Schmitt Rainer , Ergün Süleyman , Grunz Jan-Peter
Published: June 2023

Recent dissection studies resulted in the introduction of the term “chiasma antebrachii”, which represents an intersection of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendons for digit 2 and 3 in the distal third of the forearm. This retrospective investigation aimed to provide an MRI-based morphologic analysis of the chiasma antebrachii. In 89 patients (41 women, 39.3±21.3 years), MRI examinations of the forearm (2010–2021) were reviewed by two radiologists, who evaluated all studies for the presence and length of the chiasma as well as its distance from the distal radioulnar and elbow joint. The chiasma antebrachii was identified in the distal third of the forearm in 88 patients (98.9%), while one intersection was located more proximally in the middle part. The chiasma had a median length of 28 mm (interquartile range: 24–35 mm). Its distances to the distal radioulnar and elbow joint were 16 mm (8–25 mm) and 215 mm (187–227 mm), respectively. T1-weighted post-contrast sequences were found to be superior to T2- or proton density-weighted sequences in 71 cases (79.8%). Concluding, the chiasma antebrachii is part of the standard FDS anatomy. Knowledge of its morphology is important, e.g. in targeted injections of therapeutics or reconstructive surgery.
Dancing towards Well-being: Effects of Flamenco Dance on Mood and Subjective Well-being in Older Women
Authors: León Rubio José María , Rodríguez Carmen Rivera , León-Pérez José María , Sepulveda Carlos , Cantero-Sánchez Francisco Javier
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the effects of flamenco dance on mood and subjective well-being in older women. In a broader context, the question was raised about how participation in dance activities could influence the emotional well-being of this demographic group. Thirty-four older women, aged between 62 and 79 years, with a mean age of 70.11 years (SD = 5.13), voluntarily participated in the study after providing informed consent. All of them were enrolled in a 12-week flamenco dance workshop conducted by the Autoestima Flamenca Association, with one two-hour session per week. Mood measurements (sadness, anxiety, anger, and joy) were taken biweekly before and after each session, and subjective well-being assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. The results revealed significant improvements in the overall mood of the participants, as well as an increase in their subjective well-being. These improvements were observed at both the individual and group levels. In conclusion, participation in flamenco dance demonstrated a positive impact on the mood and subjective well-being of older women. These findings support the idea that physical and artistic activities, such as flamenco dance, can play an important role in promoting emotional well-being in this age group.
Novel Amorphous-Wollastonitic Low-Calcium Hydraulic Binders: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Antunes Monica , Santos Rodrigo , Horta Ricardo B , Colaço Rogério
Published: June 2023

Due to the severe environmental impact of the CO2 emissions associated with the production of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and the increasing demand for this commodity material, the development of alternative products has become a global concern. One alternative to OPC, or alitic-based clinkers, are amorphous-wollastonitic low calcium hydraulic binders (AWLCs). This new class of hydraulic binders, described in the literature for the first time in 2015, may significantly reduce the CO2 emissions associated with its production, resulting from its lower calcium content, but also from the fact that its production technology can be fully electrified. In this paper it is provided a state-of-the-art review, providing a comprehensive description on the latest research, summarizing both the physico-chemical and mechanical characteristics for this type of hydraulic binders, as well as possible routes for its production at an industrial scale.
The Effect of Parameters on TIO2 Zeolite Nano Composite Membrane in Dehumidification of Light Gas Mixture
Authors: Fouladi Golam Reza , Mazaheri Hossein , Marjani Azam
Published: June 2023

Some of Iran's gas resources are known as sour gas because one of the major by-products of this gas is water. In fact, natural gas is combined with water vapor in underground reservoirs. In some areas, the amount of water vapor in natural gas is so high that it can be used as a source of drinking water. However, it should be noted that water vapor in natural gas may exacerbate corrosion in pipes and industrial equipment, and the combustion of more natural gas produces high temperatures that can lead to the production of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which They are the cause of air pollution. This is while the processed gas has a standard percentage composition in which the amount of water has the lowest position. The removal of moisture from natural gas is due to the need to prevent the reduction of the calorific value of the gas and also to purify the gas in order to achieve the necessary standards for delivering gas to petrochemicals, industries and domestic uses. The main goal of this research is to investigate the influencing parameters on zeolite TiO2 nanocomposite membranes in order to absorb moisture from gas. For this reason, with the construction of a TiZ-V membrane as a standard membrane, the result of the initial evaluation of a suitable membrane for gas dehumidification was made, and this membrane was placed as a standard for measuring the effect of the manufacturing parameters in a way that in each stage of membrane construction It was found that it was different from standard TiZ-V membrane only in terms of one parameter. This type of investigation made it possible to determine the effect of various effective parameters in membrane construction on efficiency. The findings showed that increasing the concentration of SiO2 has the greatest effect on increasing the water flux of the membrane. According to the other findings of this study, the effect of increasing the reaction time of the vapor phase carrier has been to reduce the process of paternity selectivity loss at higher pressures. Although due to the safety limitation of the equipment to measure the efficiency of the membrane at pressures higher than 7 bar, this measurement was not carried out, but charts were presented regarding the state of the water in the water, which were a measure of the superiority of the water in the water in comparison to the gas in the water, which is the higher water in the water It is an indicator of the appropriateness of the membrane's efficiency at its corresponding pressure, so that the examination of the difference between these two graphs shows the possibility of using the membrane at higher pressures
Measles Immunity Status of Greek Population After the Outbreak in 2017-2018: Results From a Seroprevalence National Survey
Authors: Nasika Asimina , Bogogiannidou Zacharoula , Mouchtouri Varvara A. , Dadouli Katerina , Kyritsi Maria A. , Vontas Alexandros , Voulgaridi Ioanna , Tsinaris Zafeiris , Kola Konstantina , Matziri Alexia , Lianos Athanasios G. , Founta Ourania , Kontogianni Ourania , Kalala Fani , Petinaki Efthimia , Speletas Matthaios , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: June 2023

Accurate data on susceptibility rates against measles in general population of Greece are scarce. Many studies estimate the vaccination coverage but none has calculated the nationwide immunity rate, involving all age groups, against measles virus. The purpose of our study was to determine the immunity status to measles, especially after the latest outbreak in 2017-2018. In total, 3,972 leftover blood samples were collected from a nationwide laboratory network using a geograph-ically stratified sampling strategy and were tested for the presence of measles specific IgG anti-bodies. The overall crude seroprevalence was calculated 89.6% and the adjusted 89.8% (95% CI: 88.8% - 90.8%). There was no statistically significant difference in seropositivity among sexes (p=0.783). Higher immunity rates and antibody titer were found in older age groups ≥ 41 years old (94.9%, 95% CI: 93.7% - 95.9%, and 730.0 IU/l) in comparison to younger individuals 1-40 years old (83.4%, 95% CI: 81.6% - 85.7%, and 616.5 IU/l). ). Comparing the seroprevalence among Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS 2), a statistically significant difference was estimated among them (<0.001). The two regions where higher measles incidence was observed during the 2017-2018 outbreak, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and Western Greece, were among the four regions with the lower seropositivity (84.6%, 95% CI: 79.9% -89.4% and 85.9%, 95% CI: 81.4% - 90.4%, respectively). Our study showed a measles immunity gap that affects younger age groups and makes a new measles outbreak likely. Enforcement of vaccination campaigns and ad-dressing vaccine hesitancy could bridge it and achieve the required target for herd immunity.
Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Suku Bunga Pinjaman ang Mempengaruhi Suku Bunga Pinjaman Perumahan
Authors:   Badan Pengelola Tabungan Perumahan Rakyat, Prasetyo Bagus Dwi , Soesilo Nining I ,   Magister Perencanaan Ekonomi dan Kebijakan Pembangunan, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Indonesia
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini mengkaji penyebab tinggi rendahnya suku bunga pinjaman perumahan dengan menggunakan data panel dari 17 negara untuk melihat sistem pembiayaan perumahan secara institusional. Dengan mengasumsikan terdapat hubungan simultan pada mortgage rate, hasil menunjukkan bahwa pembiayaan perumahan mayoritas menggunakan bank, analisis 3sls mengkonfirmasi secara simultan antara negara maju dan berkembang dimana sumber dana, profit, efisiensi, interest rate dan inflasi berpengaruh atas naik turunnya mortgage rate pada sisi supply. Pada sisi demand, pertumbuhan ekonomi, penduduk berpengaruh signifikan, namun pinjaman perumahan, urban population, inflasi, house price index hanya berpengaruh di negara maju, sedangkan exchange rate hanya berpengaruh di negara berkembang
Pengaruh Implementasi Model Kematangan Terhadap Pencapaian Value For Money untuk Efisiensi Pengadaan Barang/Jasa Studi Kasus: Unit Kerja Pengadaan Barang/Jasa pada Program Strategi Nasional Pencegahan Korupsi
Authors:   ADW Consulting, Nugroho Kusnanto , Nugroho Kusnanto ,   ADW Consulting
Published: June 2023

Pengadaan barang/jasa merupakan sektor penting dalam pembangunan nasional, tetapi kurangnya kematangan dalam pengelolaan organisasi memengaruhi ketidaktercapaian kinerja pengadaan yang value for money. Indikator kegagalan pencapaian value for money terutama terjadinya inefisiensi penggunaan anggaran negara. Pemerintah melalui Lembaga Kebijakan Pengadaan Barang/Jasa Pemerintah (LKPP) memberlakukan konsep transformasi organisasi model kematangan pengadaan yang harus diimplementasikan oleh seluruh Kementerian, Lembaga, dan Pemerintah Daerah di Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan estimasi pengaruh model kematangan pengadaan terhadap pencapaian value for money untuk efisiensi pengadaan. Studi kasus dilakukan pada 100 UKPBJ Stranas-PK pada tahun 2019-2020 yang secara khusus pernah dibina oleh LKPP.
EXPERIMENTAL WOUND HEALING ASPECTS OF JASMINUM GRANDIFLORUM LINN: A PRECLINICAL STUDY
Authors: Mittal Arun , Satish Sardana , Anima Pandey
Published: June 2023

Background: Jasminum grandiflorum is an important shrub of family Oleaceae and ancient literature mentions its various medicinal uses especially its efficacy in wound healing. To substantiate its traditional claim the present study was conceived.

Materials and Methods: Preliminary wound healing activity of successive extracts of leaves was assessed by measuring wound contraction using excision wound model and the detailed study of most potent extract was evaluated by measuring wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content, tissue breaking strength and histopathology parameters by excision and incision wound models.

The antioxidant activity was determined by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The agar well-diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was used to established antimicrobial efficacy.

Results: The results show that successive ethanolic extract of the leaves exhibited promising wound healing, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Conclusion: From results; it is concluded that its traditional use for the treatment of wound and in microbial infection is justified.
QUANTIFICATION AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF FLAVONOIDS IN COFFEE SAMPLES
Authors: Ullah Riaz , Ahmad Shabir , Atiq Aimen , Hussain Hidayat , Rehman Najeeb ur , AbdElsalam Naser M. , Adnan Muhammad
Published: June 2023

Background: Flavonoids are the phenolic substances widely found in fruits, vegetables, grains, bark, roots, stems, flowers, tea and coffee.

Methodology: In the current study quantity of flavonoids and antibacterial activities were determined in different coffee samples namely Nescafe

classic, Nescafe gold, Nescafe martina, original, creamy and cafe soluvel by using standard methodology available in literature.

Results: Nescafe original and gold showed highest content of flavonoid while cafe soluvel showed lowest content of flavonoid. Cafe soluvel, gold

and classic showed good antibacterial activities.

Conclusion: This study showed that coffee is good source of flavonoids and had excellent antibacterial potential.
DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF CAROB (CERATONIA SILIQUA L.) HONEY: COMPARISON WITH FUROSEMIDE
Authors: El-Haskoury Redouan , Zizi Soumaya , Touzani Soumaya , Al-waili Noori , Al-Ghamdi Ahmad , Lyoussi Badiaa
Published: June 2023

Background: Honey has wide range of biological activities. It has effect on renal function, and urinary nitric oxide and prostaglandins level.

The present study was conducted to evaluate diuretic potential of carob honey, collected from Morocco, in normal rats and the results were

compared with use of furosemide.

Materials and methods: Adult male Wister rats weighing between 230 and 278 g were used. The animals were divided into three groups; group

1 received oral administration of distilled water (10 ml/kg BW), and served as control group, group 2 received oral administration of furosemide

(10 mg/kg BW), and group 3 was treated with oral administration of carob honey (100 mg/kg BW). Urine volume, and urine and plasma sodium

and potassium were measured after single dose of the interventions and after daily administrations of the interventions.

Results: After the single dose of carob honey, urine output was significantly increased at all time intervals (1-6 hrs and at 24 hrs after

administration). The daily dose of carob honey for nine days significantly increased urine volume as compared to control group. Carob honey

increased urinary levels of sodium and potassium, and did not cause hypokalemia, while furosemide increased urinary sodium and potassium

and caused hypokalemia.

Conclusion: Carob honey has diuretic, natriuretic and kaliuretic activity without side effects of hypokalemia that was observed with use of

furosemide.
PROLONGED HEATING OF HONEY INCREASES ITS ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL BUT DECREASES ITS ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Jahan Nusrat , Islam Md. Asiful , Alam Fahmida , Gan Siew Hua , Khalil Md. Ibrahim
Published: June 2023

Background: Honey is renowned for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and medicinal properties. It is typically heated and filtered during processing

to avoid crystallization. However, few studies have reported its heating effect and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of honey.

Materials and Methods: In this study, honey samples were collected from eight different honey-producing sites in Bangladesh and heated to

50ºC, 70ºC and 90ºC for 12 hours, while the antioxidant potentials and antimicrobial properties of the heated samples were compared with those

of the unheated samples. Antimicrobial properties were investigated against one Gram-positive and eight Gram-negative bacteria. Other

physicochemical and biochemical properties were also determined.

Results: Interestingly, there was a proportionate increase in the amount of antioxidant compounds (phenolics and flavonoids) as well as

antioxidant potentials proportional with the amount of heat introduced, whereas the antimicrobial properties of the honey samples were reduced

with increasing heat.

Conclusion: In conclusion, though prolonged heat treatment of honey can increase its antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activities are

compromised.
IN VITRO ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITIES OF CRUDE SAPONINS EXTRACTED FROM ALBUCA BRACTEATA JACQ. BULB.
Authors: Odeyemi Samuel , Afolayan Anthony , Bradley Graeme
Published: June 2023

Background: Albuca bracteata is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the management of diabetes mellitus in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of saponins extracted from the bulb of Albuca bracteata and compared with the crude methanolic extract.

Methods: In vitro antioxidant activity was determined using free radical scavenging assays such as DPPH, ABTS and NO2. The anti-inflammatory potential was carried out using inhibition of protein denaturation of egg albumin as a model of anti-inflammatory capacity.

Results: Both the crude methanolic extract and saponins showed inhibition of DPPH, ABTS and NO2 scavenging activity. However, the free radical scavenging activity of isolated saponin compared favourably with Rutin and BHT. The crude methanolic extract showed higher inhibition percentage of protein denaturation compared with the saponins at the concentration investigated.

Conclusion: This study indicates that saponin from Albuca bracteata bulb possess potent anti-inflammatory activity and is also a good source of natural antioxidant.
THE EFFECT OF SAFFRON (ITS ACTIVE CONSTITUENT, CROCIN) ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATION AND DYSLIPIDEMIA IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Altinoz Eyup , Taskin Emre , Oner Zulal , Elbe Hulya , Arslan Belkis Atasever
Published: June 2023

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes serious complications such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, nephropathy, retinopathy

and neuropathy.

Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly divided into three groups each containing 10 rats; control group, DM group; DM+crocin group.

Normal saline was administered in the control and DM groups, and crocin was administered in DM+crocin group at a dose of 20 mg/kg bw/day

for 21 days. Trunk blood and the hearth tissue were collected for histopathological and biochemical examination.

Results: DM led to increment of MDA levels (p
GERMINATION RESPONSE OF ZANTHOXYLUM CAPENSE (SMALL KNOBWOOD) SEEDS TO DIFFERENT PRE-TREATMENT PROTOCOLS
Authors: Bodede Olusola , Shaik Shakira , Moodeley Roshilla
Published: June 2023

In this work, the germination of Zanthoxylum capense seeds, in response to various scarification and stratification treatments, was studied. The highest final germination percentage (FGP) (71.1%) was obtained from seeds soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and grown in dark conditions. The 30 days chilling treatment also gave a good response (57.8%) when grown under light or dark conditions. Other FGPs of note included seeds soaked with 500 ppm gibberellic acid (GA3) (60%, light; 44.4%, dark) and 1000 ppm GA3 (46.7%, light; 48.9%, dark) and soaking in H2SO4 for 5 minutes (42.2%, dark). Overall, the seeds sown under dark conditions produced better FGPs than those sown in light. These results reveal that Z. capense seeds display combinational dormancy, that imposed physically by the seed coat and that imposed physiologically by the embryo. These dormancy traits can be easily overcome by either chilling or soaking in hot water or GA3.
EFFECTS OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L. CONSUMPTION DURING PREGNANCY ON BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND LITTER BIRTH WEIGHT IN RATS
Authors: Eghosa Iyare E. , Charles Ezeh O. , Thomas Nubilla , Ifeoma Orizu A.
Published: June 2023

Background: Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS; family: Malvaceae) are widely believed in folk medicine to be effective in the treatment of

a variety of ailments. In Nigeria, anecdotal reports by women who consume HS during pregnancy suggest that they consume it because of the

folkloric belief that it makes them “feel lighter”. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal consumption of HS during pregnancy on

litter birth weight and the functional integrity of the liver of pregnant rats.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-six rats aged twelve to fourteen weeks were used. On day 1 of pregnancy, the rats were randomly assigned to

three groups. Group A were given tap water, group B were given 0.6g/100ml while group C were given 1.8g/100ml of the extract. On day 18 of

pregnancy, blood samples were taken for determination of Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate

transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, urea and creatinine.

Results: Gestational length, litter size and birth weights were recorded at delivery. HS consumption did not affect (P>0.05) SGOT level but

increased (P
EVALUATION OF TOPICAL ANTIMICROBIAL OINTMENT FORMULATIONS OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF LIPPIA MULTIFLORA MOLDENKE
Authors: Oladimeji Francis Abiodun , Akinkunmi Ezekiel Olugbenga , Raheem Abiola Ibrahim , Abiodun Gbemisola Omotola , Bankole Victor Oloruntoba
Published: June 2023

Background: Essential oil of Lippia multiflora (lippia oil) has been reported to possess antibacterial and antifungal activities. This study was aimed at developing an effective topical formulation of the oil for the treatment of skin infections.

Materials and Methods: Lippia oil was extracted from leaves of L. multiflora by hydrodistillation. Different concentrations of the oil were incorporated into six different ointment bases. Tween 80 was incorporated at different concentrations into ointments containing 10 %w/w lippia oil; a concentration at which minimum antimicrobial activity was observed in the ointment bases. The viscosity, spreadability and stability of the formulations were determined. Antimicrobial activities of lippia oil in the formulations were determined against select bacteria and fungi using the agar diffusion assay method. 10 %w/w salicylic acid formulations were used as reference products.

Results: Incorporation of lippia oil into the ointment bases led to reduction in their viscosity with increase in spreadability. None of the formulations showed antimicrobial activity at lippia oil content ≤ 5 %w/w. Inclusion of Tween 80 in the formulations significantly increased the antimicrobial activities of the oil (P < 0.5). The antimicrobial activities of 10 %w/w lippia oil formulated in absorption bases containing 6 %w/w Tween 80 was significantly higher (P < 0.5) than those formulated in hydrophobic bases. Lippia oil ointment formulations showed greater antimicrobial activities than salicylic acid ointments. Two of the lippia oil ointment formulations bled when subjected to centrifugal force.

Conclusion: Ointment formulations of lippia oil (10 %w/w) in absorption base (Hydrous Wool fat Ointment BP or Simple Ointment BP) containing 6 %w/w Tween 80 were found stable and very effective in inhibiting growth of selected pathogens implicated in skin infections.
The Right to Cultural Identity in the Case Law of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights: A New Global Standard for the Protection of Indigenous Rights and Future Generations?
Authors: Zombory Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the protection of the right to cultural identity in the case law of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR), where this question has appeared in connection with the rights of indigenous peoples. Although not expressly guaranteed in the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR), the right to cultural identity has received protection in the IACtHR9s case law through an evolutionary interpretation of the rights to life and property, and other provisions under the ACHR. A landmark decision in the 2020 case of Lhaka Honhat Association v. Argentina has put into a new perspective the protection of the right to cultural identity. For the first time, it was clearly established that cultural rights are autonomous and judicially enforceable under Article 26 of the ACHR. The ICtHR9s revolutionary approach offers new opportunities for the judicial protection of environmental rights claims, contributing to the debate on sustainable development and the protection of future generations as well. The ICtHR has risen to be a regional standard-setting treaty body in the Inter-American system. Simultaneously, its far-reaching approach to protecting cultural identity and land rights has made the IACtHR9s case law a genuine reference point for other universal and regional international human rights organs.
Publication Trends in Research on Mental Health and Mental Illness in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Schmerler Jessica , Solon Lorenzo , Harris Andrew B. , Best Matthew J. , LaPorte Dawn
Published: June 2023

Background:

Mental health conditions affect tens of millions of Americans. In recent years, particularly with the advent of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, there has been a burst of interest in mental health and mental illness among orthopaedic surgical patients. The mental health of orthopaedic surgeons themselves has also come into focus, with high reported rates of burnout and depression. The aim of this article was to evaluate trends in publication on mental health and mental illness in orthopaedic surgery.

Methods:

Web of Science and PubMed were queried to conduct a systematic review. Studies that discussed orthopaedic surgery and mental illnesses or mental health topics over 2001 to 2022 were included. Publications were analyzed by article-, author-, and topic-level characteristics.

Results:

A total of 416 studies were analyzed after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Publication volume increased dramatically, demonstrating quadratic growth over 2001 to 2022 (p < 0.001). Eighty-eight percent of studies focused on patients and 10% on surgeons, with studies about patients more likely to focus on mental illness and those about surgeons more likely to focus on mental health (p < 0.001). Twenty percent of publications had a female senior author, and 5 authors collectively accounted for 10% of all publications. Eight journals published more than 10 publications, accounting for 35% of all publications. The most productive subspecialties were arthroplasty (135, 30%), general orthopaedics (87, 21%), and spine (69, 17%). Mental illnesses that were least represented included schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and personality disorders (1% or less of total publications each).

Conclusion:

This analysis showed a dramatically increasing trend in publications on mental health and mental illness in orthopaedic surgery. A high concentration of publications came from a subset of journals and senior authors, and women were overrepresented as senior authors relative to their representation in the field. The results of this analysis identified gaps in the literature, including underrepresented subspecialties, understudied mental illnesses, and study of orthopaedic surgeon mental health, and thus highlighted areas for future investigation.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
BERPENGARUHKAH E-COMMERCE DAN PENGGUNAAN SISTEM INFORMASI AKUNTANSI DALAM PENGAMBILAN KEPUTUSAN BERWIRAUSAHA MAHASISWA AKUNTANSI UNIVERSITAS TANJUNGPURA?
Authors: Anugrah Wan Roky , Rusliyawati  , Ginting Rafles
Published: June 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah e-commerce dan sistem informasi akuntansi berpengaruh terhadap pengambilan keputusan mahasiswa jurusan akuntansi fakultas ekonomi dan bisnis Universitas Tanjungpura untuk berwirausaha. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan pendekatan kuantitatif dan metode survey dimana peneliti membagikan kuesioner menggunakan Google form dan disebarkan langsung kepada responden terkait penelitian. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa e-commerce dan sistem informasi akuntansi memiliki pengaruh yang positifdan signifikan terhadap pengambilan keputusan mahasiswa untuk berwirausaha.
PENGARUH STRUKTUR MODAL, UKURAN PERUSAHAAN, DEWAN DIREKSI DAN DEWAN KOMISARIS TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN PADA PERUSAHAAN CONSUMER GOODS TAHUN 2019-2021
Authors: Fatmawati Sinta , Alliyah Siti
Published: June 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of capital structure, company size, board of directors and board of commissioners on financial performance. The population in this research is consumer goods companies that are listed on the IDX in 2019-2021. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling so that a sample of 81 samples was obtained. The data analysis technique used to test the hypothesis is multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS. The results of this study indicate that capital structure has a significant negative effect on financial performance, the board of directors has a significant positive effect on financial performance, company size and the board of commissioners have a non-significant negative effect on financial performance.
Análise de impacto orçamentário dos inibidores da PARP no tratamento do carcinoma de ovário avançado a partir de evidências de mundo real sob a perspectiva de um hospital federal referência em oncologia
Authors: Martins Carolina , Padilha Raquelaine , Meirelles Isandra , Paulino Eduardo , Costa Rodrigo
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto orçamentário do tratamento com iPARP como primeira linha de manutenção, comparado ao tratamento-padrão a partir de evidências de mundo real sob a perspectiva de um hospital público referência em oncologia no Rio de Janeiro. Métodos: Foi aplicada uma análise de impacto orçamentário para estimar a introdução das tecnologias iPARP, olaparibe e niraparibe, em comparação com o cenário referência, utilizando dados de eficácia e evidências de mundo real, e considerando os custos globais de tratamento da doença em cinco anos. Este estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, CAAE: 95157018.9.0000.5274. Resultados: A análise demonstrou que o cenário referência apresentou um impacto orçamentário no valor de R$ 3.578.768,04 em cinco anos. No cenário alternativo, o custo incremental do olaparibe chegou a ser 23,8% maior, comparado ao niraparibe, atingindo um custo de R$ 23.736.459,20 versus R$ 18.076.951,81, respectivamente. Os parâmetros que apresentaram maior impacto nas análises para a tecnologia olaparibe foram a difusão da tecnologia e o preço do medicamento. Contudo, para o niraparibe, os parâmetros de maior impacto foram a duração do tratamento, a difusão da tecnologia e a dose utilizada, demonstrando maior suscetibilidade de variação. Conclusão: Os iPARP no tratamento de pacientes com carcinoma de ovário avançado, apesar de apresentarem custo incremental de aproximadamente R$ 23 milhões em cinco anos, apontam para uma potencial redução de custos associados à progressão da doença.
The impact of COPD on the private healthcare system in Brazil: an economic analysis
Authors: Nascimento Oliver , Saturnino Luciana , Santos Felipe , Silva Danielle , Gazzotti Mariana , Martins Franco , Gomes Ana Luisa , Viana Karynna , Alfonso-Cristancho Rafael , Rodrigues Claudia
Published: June 2023

Objective: To assess healthcare resource utilization and hospitalization costs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations in the Brazilian private healthcare system. Methods: A retrospective cohort study, considering data from an administrative database of a private company (Orizon). Patients aged ≥40 years old and with at least one COPD-related claim identified by the ICD-10 code (J40 to J44) at any time during the eligibility period (January/2010 to December/2013) were included in the analysis. Follow-up was performed until December/2014, death or inactivation of a health plan. Sociodemographic characteristics, number of emergency visits, hospital admissions (number and length of stay), length of hospital stay in an intensive care unit (ICU), number of severe COPD exacerbations, therapeutic approach, and hospitalization costs were assessed. Results: The analysis included 8,254 COPD patients. Emergency visits, hospital admission, and exacerbation rates were 0.4, 0.2, and 0.1 per person-year, respectively. The mean length of hospital stays and the length of stay of patients requiring or not ICU stay were 16.6 (SD = 77.0), 8.7 (SD = 36.9), and 27.6 (SD = 109.7), respectively. Mean costs associated to emergency department visits and hospitalizations were 258.2 BRL (SD = 383.1) and 38,165.4 BRL (SD = 124,683.5), respectively. Hospitalizations costs without ICU stay were 11,810.1 BRL (SD = 31,144.1) and 74,585.3 BRL (SD = 182,808.1) for those with ICU utilization. Conclusion: Costs for COPD management during disease exacerbation are very high and may reach almost 75 thousand BRL per hospitalization. The prevention of COPD exacerbations and better disease control may reduce the economic burden on the private healthcare system in Brazil.
Flebite associada ao cateter venoso periférico em cardiologia: incidência, fatores de risco e custos associados
Authors: Ribeiro Sílvia , Valente Sara , Sousa Salomé , Lopes Marisa , Abreu Nuno , Alves Eduardo
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: Determinar a incidência de flebite, fatores de risco associados e custos diretos de tratamento. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, correlacional, com análise de custo direto. Utilizaram-se dados da documentação dos enfermeiros entre janeiro 2019 e agosto 2021. Resultados: Incluíram-se 2.374 pessoas com cateter venoso periférico, com internamento na cardiologia. A incidência de flebite foi de 12,38%, das quais 78,23% eram de grau 1 de severidade. Verificou-se associação estatística entre o desenvolvimento de flebite e a administração de amiodarona endovenosa, dias de hospitalização e serviço de internamento. Estimaram-se 1662€ de custos adicionais ao tratamento da flebite, em material clínico e horas de cuidados de enfermagem. Conclusão: Os cuidados de enfermagem são eficazes na identificação precoce e tratamento da flebite, promovendo redução de custos adicionais e garantindo melhores cuidados e ganhos em saúde.