bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecotoxicological Effects of Pesticides on Hematological Parameters and Oxidative Enzymes in Freshwater Catfish, Mystus keletius
Authors: Barathinivas Ayyanar , Ramya Subramanian , Neethirajan Kooturan , Jayakumararaj Ramaraj , Pothiraj Chinnathambi , Balaji Paulraj , Faggio Caterina
Published: August 2022

Hematological parameters and changes in stress-induced functionalities of cellular enzymes have been recognized as valuable tools for monitoring fish health and determining the toxic effects of pesticides. The present study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effect of selected pesticides viz., Ekalux (EC-25%), Impala (EC-55%), and Neemstar (EC-15%) on freshwater catfish Mystus keletius. Fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations (mg/L) of the selected pesticide for a period of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Hematological parameters viz., total erythrocyte (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Ht) packed cell volume values decreased with an increase in exposure time to pesticides, whereas the values for parameters viz., leucocytes (WBC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) increased significantly. A decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin values coupled with decreased and deformed erythrocytes as signs of anemia were also observed. The effect of pesticides on RBC content was 1.43 (million/mm3) on day 7 and reduced to 1.18 (million/mm3) on days 14 and 21. A similar trend was found for Impala on RBC, which had an initial value of 1.36 (million/mm3) on day 7 and reached a value of 1.10 (million/mm3) on day 28. In contrast, the value of Neemstar decreased from 1.59 (million/mm3) on day 7 in control to 1.02 (million/mm3) on day 28. Data indicates that the order of toxic effect of pesticides recorded a maximum for Impala followed by Ekalux and Neemstar in the selected fish model. Likewise, the overall pattern of pesticidal activity on cellular enzymes (GDH, MDH, and SDH) recorded a maximum toxic effect for Impala followed by Ekalux and Neemstar. Results indicate that Chlorpyrifos pesticide-Impala evoked maximum toxic effect on selected tissues compared to the other two pesticides tested. Statistical analysis of the summative data using two way ANOVA was statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). The differences in the hematological parameters analyzed are attributed to the physiological acclimatization of the fish to the local conditions, which influences the energy metabolism and consequently determines the health status of the fish. Overall, Impala exhibited the highest pesticidal activity on cellular enzyme, followed by Ekalux and Neemstar. Results suggest that natural pesticides may be preferable for rice field application in terms of environmental safety.
Exploring the Trend of Commodity Prices: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Zhang Qi , Hu Yi , Jiao Jianbin , Wang Shouyang
Published: August 2022

As the supply of commodities forms essential lifelines for modern society, commodity price fluctuations can significantly impact the operation and sustainable development of macroeconomics, production activities, and people’s security and well-being. The commodity trading market also plays a pivotal role in the competition of the international industrial chain and the sustainable development of the industry. The method of bibliometrics was used in this study to trace the development of research on commodity prices, and statistical and co-citation analyses were conducted on selected literature samples. It was found that the research hotspots in this field are concentrated on four aspects: factors influencing commodity prices, the impact of price fluctuations on the macroeconomy, forecasts of commodity prices, and the financialization of commodities. A current commodity price research network centered on oil prices has formed. Future directions in this field, which developed out of oil shock research 40 years ago, can further investigate the impact of factors and the responses that can be made to emergencies on commodity prices, as well as continuing to develop better methods of commodity price forecasting.
Landscape Analysis of Cobalt Mining Activities from 2009 to 2021 Using Very High Resolution Satellite Data (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Authors: Brown Chloe , Boyd Doreen S. , Kara Siddharth
Published: August 2022

The cobalt mining sector is well positioned to be a key contributor in determining the success of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Despite the important contribution to the DRC’s economy, the rapid expansion of mining operations has resulted in major social, health, and environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess the cumulative impact of mining activities on the landscape of a prominent cobalt mining area in the DRC. To achieve this, an object-based method, employing a support vector machine (SVM) classifier, was used to map land cover across the city of Kolwezi and the surrounding mining areas, where long-term mining activity has dramatically altered the landscape. The research used very high resolution (VHR) satellite imagery (2009, 2014, 2019, 2021) to map the spatial distribution of land cover and land cover change, as well as analyse the spatial relationship between land cover classes and visually identified mine features, from 2009 to 2021. Results from the object-based SVM land cover classification produced an overall accuracy of 85.2–90.4% across the time series. Between 2009 and 2021, land cover change accounted to: rooftops increasing by 147.2% (+7.7 km2); impervious surface increasing by 104.7% (+3.35 km2); bare land increasing by 85.4% (+33.81 km2); exposed rock increasing by 56.2% (+27.46 km2); trees decreasing by 4.5% (−0.34 km2); shrub decreasing by 38.4% (−26.04 km2); grass and cultivated land decreasing by 27.1% (−45.65 km2); and water decreasing by 34.6% (−3.28 km2). The co-location of key land cover classes and visually identified mine features exposed areas of potential environmental pollution, with 91.6% of identified water situated within a 1 km radius of a mine feature, and vulnerable populations, with 71.6% of built-up areas (rooftop and impervious surface class combined) situated within a 1 km radius of a mine feature. Assessing land cover patterns over time and the interplay between mine features and the landscape structure allowed the study to amplify the findings of localised on-the-ground research, presenting an alternative viewpoint to quantify the true scale and impact of cobalt mining in the DRC. Filling geospatial data gaps and examining the present and past trends in cobalt mining is critical for informing and managing the sustainable growth and development of the DRC’s mining sector.
Effect of Work Values on Miners’ Safety Behavior: The Mediating Role of Psychological Empowerment and the Moderating Role of Safety Climate
Authors: Chen Tiehua , Hu Wenyi , Liu Jingpin , Li Hongxia
Published: August 2022

Although numerous studies have confirmed the important influence of values on employees’ behavior, less is known about the relationship between work values and miners’ safe behavior. Based on self-verification theory and trait activation theory, this study constructed a structural equation model to explore the effect of work values on miners’ safety behavior, using psychological empowerment as a mediating variable and safety climate as a moderating variable. Data were collected from 207 miners in three coal mines in China. The model was examined using a hierarchical regression analysis and the bootstrapping method. The results showed that three types of work values significantly and positively predicted miners’ safety behavior, and psychological empowerment mediated the relationship between work values and miners’ safety behavior. However, the moderating role of safety climate was not supported. The results enrich the boundary conditions under which work values influence miners’ safety behavior and provide coal managers with intervention measures such as cultivating miners’ work values and psychological empowerment, which can improve miners’ safety behavior.
Decision-Making Factors in the Purchase of Ecologic Products
Authors: Ciobanu Radu , Țuclea Claudia-Elena , Holostencu Luciana-Floriana , Vrânceanu Diana-Maria
Published: August 2022

This paper attempts to empirically investigate the main variables that might exert a significant influence over the green purchase decisions of a Romanian consumer. An online survey was conducted on a sample of 915 individuals. The objectives of the study aim to evaluate the influence of different types of variables (related to the person, the environment, the product and the reference group) on the decision to purchase green products. For data analysis, both descriptive statistics measurements and a logit regression model were used. One of the most important findings shows that there is a significant and positive relationship between environmental factors (e.g., pollution reduction, greenhouse effect reduction) and the decision to purchase organic products; furthermore, Romanian consumers are less willing to pay high prices for green products. By offering important information on new variables relevant for a deeper understanding of a consumer located in a green emerging market such as Romania, this study may be useful for both academics and companies that could be interested in entering new local markets.
Heisenberg Parabolic Subgroup of SO∗(10) and Invariant Differential Operators
Authors: Dobrev V. K.
Published: August 2022

In the present paper we continue the project of systematic construction of invariant differential operators on the example of the non-compact algebra so∗(10). We use the maximal Heisenberg parabolic subalgebra P=M⊕A⊕N with M=su(3,1)⊕su(2)≅so∗(6)⊕so(3). We give the main and the reduced multiplets of indecomposable elementary representations. This includes the explicit parametrization of the intertwining differential operators between the ERS. Due to the recently established parabolic relations the multiplet classification results are valid also for the algebras so(p,q) (with p+q=10, p≥q≥2) with maximal Heisenberg parabolic subalgebra: P′=M′⊕A′⊕N′, M′=so(p−2,q−2)⊕sl(2,IR), M′C≅MC.
Key Factors Influencing Elderly Persons’ Willingness to Rent Assistive Devices via a Product Service System
Authors: Chang Hsing-Tzu , Tu Jui-Che , Liu Yen-Pei , Kao Tsai-Feng
Published: August 2022

This study examined elderly persons’ attitudes toward renting assistive devices through a product service system and the key factors influencing this decision. First, potentially influencing factors were extrapolated from the existing literature, expert interviews, and questionnaires. Next, a logistic regression model was used to examine the factors impacting elderly persons’ willingness to rent assistive devices. The results showed that the practicability dimension of “key features of rented assistive device” significantly influences elderly persons’ willingness to rent assistive devices. The findings offer key policy implications and insights for industries formulating assistive device rental strategies for the elderly population.
Expressing the Experience: An Analysis of Airbnb Customer Sentiments
Authors: Santos Anna Isabelle Gomes Pereira , Perinotto André Riani Costa , Soares Jakson Renner Rodrigues , Mondo Tiago Savi , Cembranel Priscila
Published: August 2022

There is a growing interest in research related to Airbnb, and one theme that has stood out is the analysis of the consumer experience. This study aimed to analyse the feelings expressed in the online evaluation of users on the Airbnb platform in Fortaleza, capital of Ceará, Brazil. The methodology was developed through quali-quantitative research, a documentary research procedure, and data collection regarding the accommodation offers available on the platform. A total of 2353 reviews in 2019 and 2020 related to 506 accommodation offers were analysed through manual coding with the aid of NVivo software. The results evidenced the positivity of the evaluations, and that positive comments presented fewer characters while negative evaluations presented more details. It was identified that there were differences in the percentages of positive and negative evaluations when differentiated by other factors such as gender of the user (women evaluated more positively and intensely), type of host (superhost evaluations were more positive), type of offer (for entire places, the positive polarity was lower than the private room and shared room types), and location (the positive polarity was higher in residential neighbourhoods than in tourist neighbourhoods). Methodologically, this study contributes by illustrating how a set of evaluations can be analysed and interpreted in studies on the accommodation service.
A Systematic Scoping Review on Migrant Health Coverage in Thailand
Authors: König Andrea , Nabieva Jamila , Manssouri Amin , Antia Khatia , Dambach Peter , Deckert Andreas , Horstick Olaf , Kohler Stefan , Winkler Volker
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Thailand is a major migrant receiving country and pioneer of migrant health policy in the ASEAN region. However, on the ground, coverage of migrants is faced with multiple barriers. (2) Objectives: We aim to scope and analyse the types of available evidence on migrant health coverage in Thailand and identify knowledge gaps. Specifically, we characterise the literature along year of publication, migrant subpopulation, health domain, scope of coverage, methods, study design, objectives and results. (3) Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database, Worldwide Science and the Asian Citation Index for peer-reviewed and grey literature in October 2021 for studies analysing original data on health coverage of migrants in Thailand. To conceptualise health coverage, we used the three dimensions availability, accessibility and acceptability. (4) Results: 101 articles were included in the final analysis. Sixty-three were published after 2016, 39 focused on migrant workers and 18 on migrants in general. Forty-two concentrated on health in broader terms, followed by reproductive and maternal health (n = 31). Thirty-eight assessed coverage of specific services and 36 health coverage in general. Migrants themselves and key informants were the main data sources in 80 and 43 of the articles, respectively. Forty publications were qualitative, while 38 applied quantitative methods (22% descriptive; 7% analytical). Among the health coverage components, 79 articles included aspects of accessibility, followed by acceptability (n = 59) and availability (n = 30). (5) Conclusions: While there is a high number and broad range of studies on migrant health coverage in Thailand, we found that research on migrant subgroups, such as victims of trafficking and migrant children, as well as on the health domains, non-communicable diseases and occupational and mental health is neglected.
Editorial of Special Issue “The 2nd Edition: Vaccines for Aquaculture”
Authors: Novoa Beatriz , Pereiro Patricia
Published: August 2022

The Special Issue “Vaccines for Aquaculture” of the journal Vaccines had a great success among fish immunologists, with 17 published manuscripts [...]
Local Scour at Complex Bridge Piers in Bangladesh Rivers: Reflections from a Large Study
Authors: Mondal M. Shahjahan
Published: August 2022

Many small-scale experimental, field, and empirical studies on bridge scour are available, however a large-scale study on local scour at a complex pier with wide variation in design parameters is still lacking. In this study, a country-wide assessment of local scour at complex piers of 239 bridges in Bangladesh is made. The hydrologic, hydraulic, and sediment data required in the assessment are obtained from secondary sources, primary measurements and samples, and numerical model simulations. An incredible number of 239 field visits are made, 1434 km of bathymetric surveys are carried out, and 478 samples of bed soils are collected and analyzed. The local scour depth is estimated using a complex pier configuration with pier, pile, and pile cap dimensions selected in consultation with structural and geotechnical engineers of bridge design. Flood frequency analysis and the HEC-RAS model simulation are used to estimate the hydrologic and hydrodynamic parameters needed in the assessment. A number of empirical formulations are used to estimate and compare the design local scours. The formulae of Melville and Coleman, Jain and Fischer, and Richardson are found to be dominant when deciding the design local scour depth at the bridge piers. Suggestions are provided to include a few additional equations in scour estimation and to develop a unified Bangladesh standard for scour depth estimation. The findings and recommendations of the study would be useful in planning and designing bridges in alluvial deltaic settings, particularly in the selection of empirical methods and mainstreaming of complex pier configuration in bridge scour assessment.
Tick-Borne Disease Risk and Exposure among Vulnerable Populations in Perceived Non-Endemic Regions
Authors: Thomas Kevin , Brooks Chris , McNeely Connie L. , Maxwell Sarah P.
Published: August 2022

Migrant and seasonal workers in the United States, among others in rural agricultural communities, may be at an elevated risk for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). This research included a survey of over 250 such workers, both women and men, in 13 locations across five eco-systems in Texas, which is generally perceived as a non-endemic state. Employing a modified Horowitz Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome Questionnaire, a range of data was collected regarding living conditions, such as sleeping outside, along with queries about tick exposure, tick bite encounters, illnesses, and prior TBD diagnoses. Findings revealed that 67% of the respondents who scored highest on symptom severity suggestive of a TBD reported sleeping outdoors (compared to 29% of the lowest scoring), with 78% of the likely-to-highly-likely group also recalling tick-bite encounters (compared to 20% of the lowest scoring). Approximately 28% of those who reported severe symptoms also indicated previous Lyme disease diagnoses. This research serves as an initial investigation into the living conditions associated with increased risk of TBDs among vulnerable populations. It underscores the need for further assessments of TBD risk relative to vulnerable populations even in perceived non-endemic regions and highlights the paucity of actionable data as a critical public health issue.
Investigation of the Application of Coagulants in Case of Domestic Greywater Fraction
Authors: Murguly Zsófia , Bodnár Ildikó
Published: August 2022

During our research work, we examined the removal of contaminants from synthetically produced bathing waters using different coagulants and studied the efficiency and the mechanism of coagulation-flocculation processes in detail. In our work, we performed experiments with two different types of coagulants (iron(III) chloride and polyelectrolyte) and compared their efficiencies. The zeta potential and its change were monitored as a qualifying parameter while other water quality parameters were also analyzed. In our experiments, a newly acquired flocculator device was also used to study the coagulation-flocculation processes of larger volume samples. The main goal of our research is to promote the sustainable management of drinking water quality and to study the bathing water reuse possibilities.
High Heat Input Welding of NSSC 2120 Type Lean Duplex Steel
Authors: Simon Soma Csaba , Varbai Balázs
Published: August 2022

Duplex stainless steels offer a high strength alternative to stainless steel, while providing excellent corrosion resistance, due to their dual-phase microstructure. This microstructure can be significantly influenced during welding, thus the maximum recommended heat input is usually 2.5 kJ/mm. In this research, we inspected the high heat input (3 kJ/mm) weldability of NSSC 2120 lean duplex stainless steel, which is designed and developed specifically for this purpose. The welds were evaluated by metallographic techniques and corrosion tests. It was found the NSSC 2120 grade can be welded with high heat input without deterioration in the phase balance and microstructure.
Disruption to the doctor–patient relationship in primary care: a qualitative study
Authors: Eggleton Kyle , Bui Nam , Goodyear-Smith Felicity
Published: August 2022

Background

Starfield described the importance of system-level components of primary care (first contact, continuous, comprehensive, coordinated), on countries’ health systems. It is postulated that, at the individual level, interpersonal interactions and relationship-centred care are central to primary care.

Aim

To explore the impact of COVID-19 on disruption to the doctor–patient relationship and subsequent development of new models of care.

Design & setting

A series of 11 cross-sectional surveys of New Zealand (NZ) urban and rural primary care doctors, nurses, and managers, from May 2020 to February 2021, to understand and monitor responses to the pandemic.

Method

Using inductive content analysis, cumulated qualitative data from doctors were examined through the lenses of the doctor–patient relationship, its disruption, and resulting changes in models of care.

Results

There were 1519 responses to the surveys, representing 482 unique participants. The majority (86%) of responses were from doctors. The following four key themes emerged: moving to transactional consultations; task-shifting with team changes; creating a production line; and diminished communication and coordination across services.

Conclusion

The advent of the pandemic led to severe and ongoing strain on practices requiring rapid change to the model of care. Team members took on new roles for triaging, testing, and separating patients with respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms. There was a rapid move to telehealth, with policies developed on where face-to-face consultations were necessary. Practice strain was exacerbated by disruption to coordination with secondary and other referral services. As new models of general practice develop, further disruptions to development of doctor–patient relationships must be avoided. This work extends Starfield’s system-level paradigm to the individual level, with the core value of primary care the doctor–patient relationship. Successful sustainable models are likely to be where relationships are treated as of central importance.
THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING ON PURCHASE INTENTION IN IMPROVING TOURISM SECTOR IN BATAM
Authors: Putra Edy Yulianto , Aprilson Leonardo
Published: August 2022

This study aims to analyze the effect of social media marketing on purchase intention, as well as the relationship with brand awareness, brand image, and e-wom in the Batam City hospitality industry. The dependent variable in this study is purchase intention. The independent variables consist of social media marketing, brand image, e-wom and brand awareness.

The sampling technique used in this research is purposive sampling. There are 2 types of data used in this study, namely primary data which is data received by researchers through the distribution of questionnaires to be processed. While secondary data is data collected through research articles, scientific journals, and others to meet research needs.

The results showed that social media marketing variables had a significant positive effect on purchase intention, brand awareness, brand image and e-wom. The variables of e-wom, brand awareness, brand image, and social media marketing have a significant positive effect on purchase intention. Social media marketing variables have a significant positive effect on purchase intention through mediation of brand image, brand awareness and e-wom.
REINSTATING FOR ENTREPRENEUR TERMINOLOGY IN MANAGEMENT, AN ALTERNATIVE OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE
Authors: Wijaya Oscarius Yudhi Ari
Published: August 2022

Academic scientific culture has encouraged the birth of many new ideas, both in the form of new theoretical conceptions and modeling of a research, including several new ideas. which gave birth to new terms in a scientific field, including the field of management, including the term "entrepreneur" or its derivatives such as "entrepreneurship" or "entrepreneurial". The purpose of this article is to conduct a critical study regarding the appropriateness of the use or development of these terms. A new approach that integrates analysis of semantic, conceptual-theoretical and cognitive perspectives is used to confirm their findings, where it is known that new findings are confusing, overlapping, and useless. 146/U/2004 is called chaos, ambiguity, and misunderstanding. Other new findings in this article are in the analytical methods used, namely semantics, conceptual-theoretical and cognitive and the results of the discussion in this paper suggest a way that can improve the deepening study of management concepts rather than building terminology that can lead to confusion, overlap and redundancy. , misunderstanding, superficiality and imperfection of the concept.
THE EFFECT OF AUDIT QUALITY AND COMPANY'S FINANCIAL CONDITION ON GOING CONCERN AUDIT OPINION AT THE REGIONAL PUBLIC ACCOUNTING OFFICE OF DKI JAKARTA
Authors: Mayndarto Eko Cahyo
Published: August 2022

The survival of the company is always associated with the ability of management to manage the company in order to survive. Going concern is the ability of a business unit to maintain its viability for a reasonable period of time, which is no more than one year from the date of the financial statements, and the role of the auditor is also responsible for the going concern audit report.

Statistical tests are used to provide an overview and description of the variables to be studied. This analysis can also be seen from the average value (mean), standard deviation, variance, maximum, minimum, sum, range, kurtosis and skewness (skew of distribution). Therefore, in this study, information will be obtained about the relationship between variables after all data is collected, and will be processed and presented in the form of data tables. The results obtained from descriptive statistics cannot be used to find conclusions broadly.

The influence of Audit Quality and the Company's Financial Condition simultaneously affects the Going Concern Audit Opinion at the Public Accounting Firm in DKI Jakarta. This is indicated by the value of Adjust R Square, which means that the dependent variable of Going Concern Audit Opinion is simultaneously influenced by the independent variables in this study, namely Audit Quality and Company Financial Condition. From the calculation results of the SPSS Version 25 program the influence of Audit Quality on Going Concern Audit Opinions shows the value of sig. In this study, the results of data analysis obtained R Square (R2), which means that the Going Concern Audit Opinion at the DKI Jakarta Public Accounting Firm is influenced by Audit Quality and the rest is influenced by other variables that are not included in this study.
ANALYSIS OF DYNAMIC SYSTEM PERIODIC SIMULATION MODEL OF STUDENT FLOWS AT SEKOLAH TINGGI ILMU EKONOMI INDRAGIRI RENGAT
Authors: Fransinatra Ziko , Saputra Raja Marwan Indra , Adjie Gerhana , Awdina Ollyfia , Putri Tri Yulia
Published: August 2022

An essential tool for a nation's progress is education. Higher education is one of the foundations of education, and it must maintain its quality to remain competitive and accountable to its users—whether they be students, employees, or the government. Paying attention to the human resource management plan can be one way to increase quality. A dynamic system is a technique that can assist the management or the university director in choosing the best plans or policies. An analysis of the existing research on dynamic systems in higher education was done for this study. Scope identification, variable identification, model selection, and model development are all included in literature studies. To decide on human resource management strategy for raising the standard of higher education, the Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) model was developed. In reality, the number of lecturers in a study program is not taken into consideration when accepting new students for a variety of reasons. This affects not just the learning process but also the slow rate of student graduation, creating an imbalance between the number of new students and those who graduate or leave the program (DO). The goal of this project is to create a dynamic model of the rate at which students enter and leave a program of study. A dynamic system simulation model between the number of student inputs and outputs is the end result of building this model. As a decision support tool for new student admissions policies, the simulation model that is produced can be employed.
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL ASSETS TURNOVER, CASH TURNOVER AND RECEIVABLES TURNOVER ON PROFITABILITY IN PT. ASTRA AGRO LESTARI
Authors: Irawati Irawati , Novriyani Novriyani
Published: August 2022

This study aims to analyze the effect of total asset turnover, cash turnover and accounts receivable turnover on profitability. From the research results, it is found that (1) Total asset turnover partially does not have a significant effect on profitability at PT. Astra Agro Lestari Tbk. (2) Cash turnover partially has no significant effect on profitability at PT. Astra Agro Lestari Tb, (3) Accounts receivable turnover partially has no significant effect on profitability at Astra Agro Lestari Tbk. The subject of this research is PT. Astra Agro Lestari Tbk itself, and the object of research is Total Asset Turnover (X1), Cash Turnover (X2), Accounts Receivable Turnover (X3), and Profitability (Y). Data were collected by document recording method and then analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS
Retrospective Drug Utilization Evaluation of Vancomycin Usage in Infectious Wards and Intensive Care Units in Hamedan Teaching Hospitals, April to September 2020
Authors: Ghollar Mohammad Amin , Rangchian Maryam , Etminaniesfahani Maryam
Published: August 2022

Background: Drug utilization evaluation (DUE) was performed to assess using drugs with special conditions such as antibiotics. Vancomycin is one of the essential antibiotics that is effective on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, but unreasonable use of vancomycin, in addition to cost, leads to outbreak microbial resistance, which is a concern for health care systems all around the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate vancomycin use in teaching hospitals in Hamedan, Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was performed on patients who received vancomycin for at least 72 hours in intensive care units and infectious wards between April and September 2020 in the teaching hospitals of Hamedan. Data were obtained from patients’ medical records and entered into predesigned checklists. Results: From 661 patients, 441 were males and 247 were females. They received vancomycin for an average of 5.75 days. The most prevalent indication for vancomycin use was surgery. Only 40 patients had sensitive microbial culture to vancomycin, while 356 of them (53.9%) had no microbial culture at all. According to HICPAC guidelines, the overall appropriate use of vancomycin was 44.8%. Conclusion: According to the results, the irrational use of vancomycin must be corrected to achieve maximum optimal use; thus, performing and adhering to microbial culture, deploying clinical pharmacists, and holding explanatory sessions for health care are recommended for this purpose.
Hundred Years of Insulin: The Possibility of Development of Oral Dosage Form
Authors: Saha Ananya , Sultana Arifa , Yesmin Fahmida , Akter Tahmina , Sikder Al- Amin , Aktar Fahima , Chowdhury Jakir Ahmed , Chowdhury Abu Asad , Kabir Shaila , Amran Md. Shah
Published: August 2022

Diabetes is one of the major medical problems in the world. The discovery of insulin was a milestone in the history of medical science. This legendary invention has completed 100 years of its journey. Through this 100-year journey, many important events have taken place, and many modifications have been made to make it convenient for commercialization and patient compliance. After the antidiabetic activity of the pancreatic extract was discovered, the bovine and pork insulin came into use. Then, recombinant human insulin was discovered. Now long-acting to rapid-acting insulin forms are available (e.g., insulin pens, insulin pumps, and the like), and different systems are in use to deliver them to the body, but all these insulins are in invasive dosage forms and have some disadvantages, too. As we are using the oral form of most medicines, we prefer the oral form of insulin. Therefore, the concern is now to develop the oral dosage form of insulin. Some proposed oral dosage forms are at different stages of the clinical trial such as classical dosage forms, enzyme inhibitors, unnatural amino acids, nanoparticles, cell-penetrating peptides, and so on. Since the oral forms of insulin create some limitations and confusion, further research is required to solve these problems. Accordingly, the aim of the review was to predict the possibility of developing marketable oral insulin.
The Effects of Intra-Ductal Mammary Administration of Orexin-A Antagonist (SB-334867) on the PPARγ and SREBP1c Gene Expression and Serum Adiponectin Levels in Lactating Rats
Authors: babaei garmkhani Sepideh , Khazali Homayoun
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Orexin A and adiponectin are involved in controlling metabolism and energy distribution in the body during lactation. Lactation is a process with high demand for lipid synthesis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1c) are two transcription factors that regulate milk lipid synthesis. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of mammary administration of the orexin A receptor antagonist on the expression of PPARγ and SREBP1c genes as well as serum adiponectin levels in the lactating rats. Methods: Orexin A receptor antagonist (SB-334867) was injected intraductal into the mammary glands of lactating female rats at three doses of 1, 2 and 4 μg/kg BW in a solvent volume of 50 μL. The gene expressions of PPARγ and SREBP1c were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), along with serum levels of adiponectin using ELISA. Results: The results of quantitative RT-PCR showed a significant decrease in the relative expression of PPARγ and SREBP1c genes compared to that of the control group. The rate of reduction at a dose of 4 µg/kg BW SB was greater than the doses of 1 and 2 µg/kg BW SB-334867. The serum levels of adiponectin significantly decreased in the 4 µg/kg BW SB group compared to that of the control group.Conclusion: These results indicated that intra-mammary administration of 4 µg/kg orexin-A antagonist in lactating rats decreased the gene expression of two transcription factors involved in milk fat synthesis, accompanying by a reduction in serum adiponectin level.
Comparison of Analgesic Effect of Rosmarinic Acid With Piroxicam in Mice
Authors: Moradi Mohsen , Mashhadi Akbar Boojar Mahdi , Saberi Mehdi , Rahimi Salkuyeh Hamidreza , Ghorbani Maryam , Amanpour Hasan , Salem Fateme
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most widely used drugs in the treatment of pain and inflammation. Although, their side effects i.e.; gastrointestinal and renal adverse effects, limit the use of these drugs. Therefore, investigating new compounds with higher efficacy and fewer side effects is considerable issue. In this study, the analgesic activity of rosmarinic acid at different doses was compared with piroxicam (known standard NSAID).Methods: To evaluate the analgesic effects of rosmarinic acid, two well-known methods, Hot plate, and Tail-flick, were used. The experiments were performed in 10 groups (6 male mice per group) including the experimental groups (rosmarinic acid), the positive control group (piroxicam), and the negative control group (normal saline). All administrations were through intraperitoneal injection. The obtained data were analyzed separately by SPSS software and an independent student t test.Results: Rosmarinic acid at doses of 10 mg/kg and higher had significant analgesic effects compared with the control group, 30 minutes after injection in both hot plate and tail flick tests (P < 0.05). Concomitant injection of 50 mg/kg of rosmarinic acid with 15 mg/kg of piroxicam produced significant painkiller effects when compared with the dose of 15 mg/kg piroxicam injection alone.Conclusion: Rosmarinic acid was able to exert analgesic effects in pharmacological tests in a dose-dependent manner. Concomitant use of rosmarinic acid and piroxicam may lead to synergic pain relief, especially in acute and severe pain in patients, reducing the therapeutic dose of piroxicam and subsequently, its side effects.
Prevalence of Islet Cell Autoantibodies in Adult Patients Followed for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Naroei Rahime , Mehranpoor Mahdieh , Mohammadi Malihe , Lagzian Milad
Published: August 2022

Introduction: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of islet cell autoantibodies (ICAs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and to compare some clinical and metabolic markers between ICA-negative and ICA- positive groups in South Khorasan province, East of Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 384 T2DM patients, all over 30 years old, were selected. None of the patients needed insulin therapy for at least 6 months following diagnosis. Demographic data including gender, age, age at diagnosis, disease duration, health status, family history of diabetes, body mass index (BMI) and treatment type were collected from all subjects. ICA assays were conducted using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. In addition, blood pressure, as well as cholesterol, serum C-peptide and HbA1c levels were compared between ICA-negative and ICA-positive groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: ICA was detected in 1.30% of all diabetic patients. Compared with ICA-negative patients, ICA-positive subjects had significantly lower median age (P = 0.000), lower median disease duration (P = 0.001), lower C-peptide level (P = 0.006) and worse glycaemic control (HbA1c, P = 0.040). Furthermore, autoantibody-positive patients had more need for insulin therapy (P = 0.022). No significant correlation was found between ICA prevalence and family history of diabetes (P = 0.262), mean fasting blood glucose (FBG) (P = 0.282), BMI (P = 0.054), blood pressure (P = 0.070) as well as cholesterol levels (P = 0.888).Conclusion: Autoantibody screening is recommended in T2DM patients, especially non-obese patients under 40 years old, showing worse glycaemic control.
Free Falling: Characteristics and Prevention of Injury and Death in Extreme Aerial Sports Tourists
Authors: Kennedy Eoghan , Visser Jenny T. , Flaherty Gerard Thomas Flaherty
Published: August 2022

Extreme aerial sports are unique in terms of their high degree of lethality, life-changing injuries, and the lack of experience required by amateur participants. As society gradually re-emerges from the pandemic, we are likely to witness a renewed interest in outdoor adventure activities, including extreme aerial sports such as bungee jumping and skydiving. Sports physicians, general practitioners and travel medicine advisers should have a basic familiarity with the risks associated with bungee jumping and skydiving. Serious injury can occur during bungee jumping when the safety harness fails, the cord elasticity is miscalculated, or the cord is not properly connected to the platform. There is a predominance of ocular injuries, especially retinal haemorrhage. More severe non-fatal injuries include facet joint dislocation with quadriplegia, carotid artery dissection, and non-fatal hanging. The majority of adverse skydiving incidents occur during the landing phase and most injuries involve the lower extremities. When travelling as a skydiving tourist, individuals should carry documents explaining each aspect of the equipment and a note for security personnel. Tourists should check if their insurance covers skydiving. Future research should investigate the experiences of aerial sports tourists, in relation to the level of preparation and safety measures applied to their jumps.
Treatment Camp and Patients in Arbaeen Pilgrimage in 2019
Authors: Farahmand Faramarz , Hayati Farimah , Mousavi-Roknabadi Razieh Sadat , Safaei-Firouzabadi Hosain , Hosseini-Marvast Seyed Rouhollah , Mohsenian Leila
Published: August 2022

Introduction: One of the largest religious gatherings in the world is the Arbaeen pilgrimage, which takes place on the 40th day after the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the third Shiite Imam. This study was aimed to investigate how to set up the Sahib-al-Zaman treatment camp on the Arbaeen walking route in 2019 and the patients referring to it. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on all patients referring to the Sahib-al-Zaman camp of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran in the Arbaeen Walking plan in 2019. In this study, how to set up camp was described. Patients’ data and drugs used by the medical team were collected, and then were analyzed. Results: Totally, 3477 patients were enrolled. The mean±SD of patients’ age was 33.77±16.19 (ranging from 1 to 96) years, and 2,183 patients (62.78%) were male. Most patients were Iranian (84.5%) and then Iraqi (13.66%), and only 1.84% were from other nationalities. Upper respiratory tract infection (60.2%), low back pain and muscle cramps (17.6%), and blister and need for dressing (12.3%) were the most common chief complaints in the patients. Adult cold pills, acetaminophen (325 mg), and cetirizine (10 mg) were the most commonly prescribed drugs for the patients. Conclusion: Although the data used in this study are not sufficient due to the lack of a pre-created data recording system, the results of this study showed that in addition to the importance and necessity of holding such ceremonies, health issues and facilities should also be considered.
Clearing the Air: a Global Health Perspective on Air Pollution
Authors: Locke Arielle V. , Heffernan Róisín C. , McDonagh Gabrielle , Yassa Jack , Flaherty Gerard Thomas
Published: August 2022

Air pollution is responsible for one in eight deaths globally per year. The severity of air pollution and its effects on global health are frequently discussed in the literature but are poorly reflected in health policy and have not yet resulted in sufficient actionable change. Air pollution mitigation policies should embody the planetary health concept, which highlights the interdependence between the health of humans and the planet. There is an urgent need for the standardisation of air quality measurement and programmes on a global scale. A reduction in fine particulate matter has been shown to contribute to the greatest degree of public health benefits. Current efforts to improve urban air quality include a significant focus on the transition to sustainable energy and transportation through the electrification of transportation. There are two main fronts in the campaign against pollution, one being the reduction of anthropogenic emissions through public and government policy, and the other being the introduction of novel attempts to decrease pollution and other innovative research to develop new approaches that will ultimately improve global health.
Omicron Variant: An Acute Public Health Problem
Authors: Adebowale Ezekiel Ayomide , Adesola Ridwan Olamilekan
Published: August 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has persisted as a pandemic for just over two years; vaccines have been developed to prevent the clinical disease and treatment regimens improved upon, but severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) appears to be up to the task, coming up with mutations resulting in multiple variants, alpha, beta, delta, Omicron and so much more. The most important and recent one, the omicron variant, with an amazing 50 genetic mutations, 37 of which are on the spike protein, has emerged as a massive public health problem, rapidly replacing the delta-variant and the predominant variant in many countries, and foretelling a new and likely more devastating wave of the pandemic. To deliver a comprehensive overview to global health authorities and prospective readers worldwide, we detailed in this review, the properties of the Omicron Variant, its infectiousness, and the perils it poses to the general public; we also discuss the situation in Nigerian and the rest of the world alike.
Effect of a Supervised Exercise-Training Programme on Morbidity and Wellness of South African Hajj Pilgrims in 2018: A Pilot Study
Authors: Parker Salim , Jaffer Mohammed Nasir , Mahomed Ozayr
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Ill health and poor physical and mental conditioning adversely affects pilgrims’ ability to optimally perform the arduous physical rituals of Hajj. We postulate that a supervised, pre-departure exercise programme improves their health status and may reduce morbidity. Methods: Ninety-three accredited pilgrims completed a 6-12 weeks graduated, supervised walking programme designed to get the participants fit to do a 10 km walk. Assessments including a morbidity survey, a six-minute walk test, and a POMS (Profile of Mood States) were conducted before and immediately after the exercise programme. A morbidity questionnaire, the six-minute walk test, and POMS were completed post-Hajj (n=88). A group of 200 non-matched pilgrims who were not part of the exercise programme, were approached post-Hajj to fill in the morbidity questionnaire, with eight-two responding. Results: Results for 88 participants were available with 13.7% reporting medical events during the Hajj period, significantly less than the non-participants (62.2% of 82 respondents), and less when compared to other studies (up to 91%). The mean distance recorded in the six-minute walk test increased by 5% after the exercise programme (481.3 meters before to 506.3 m after) and 3% after Hajj (520.7 m). Similar positive changes in the POMS were noted across the three time periods. The resting heart rate did not show significant changes. Conclusion: This study shows that a supervised exercise programme for Hajj pilgrims has a positive effect on their physical and mental conditioning, which may reduce morbidity. Larger controlled trials are warranted to determine the optimum dose of exercise.