bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Big Data Analytics for Optimizing Multimodal Supply Chains in the Maritime Industry
Authors: Chanra Purnama  , Marudut Bernadtua Simanjuntak  , Malau April Gunawan
Published: July 2024

This research investigates the integration of big data analytics in optimizing multimodal supply chains within the maritime industry. Focusing on efficiency, flexibility, reliability, and visibility, the study examines 100 cadets at a maritime institute, using qualitative research methods and descriptive analysis. Findings reveal a critical need for knowledge and skills, infrastructure and resources, organizational culture and support, and regulatory compliance. The research underscores the importance of investing in training and development, infrastructure, and fostering a culture that values innovation and data-driven decision-making. By addressing these needs, organizations can enhance their readiness to adopt and implement big data analytics, improving the efficiency and sustainability of their supply chains. The study contributes to the understanding of how big data analytics can be leveraged to enhance supply chain performance in the maritime industry.
Enhancing Multimodal Route Optimization in Maritime Transport: Integrating Real-Time Data and Professionalism
Authors: Sijabat Panderaja Soritua , Retno Sawitri Wulandari  , Wardoyo Dwi Kurniawan  , Meriyanti Agustinawati  , Marudut Bernadtua Simanjuntak
Published: July 2024

This research investigates methods to enhance multimodal route optimization in the maritime sector through the integration of real-time traffic data and professionalism standards. Conducted by researchers and lecturers at the Maritime Institute, the study involves 100 cadets predominantly studying multimodal transportation, logistics, and port management. The research utilises qualitative methods to explore cadets' perspectives on route optimization and professionalism in the industry. Findings reveal a recognition of the significance of real-time traffic data for informed routing decisions, along with an emphasis on compliance with international standards, training, and ethical considerations. Furthermore, cadets perceive machine learning algorithms as effective tools to address the complexities of route optimization. These insights contribute to advancing knowledge in transportation management and education, highlighting the importance of integrating real-time data and professionalism in enhancing route optimization practices.
Enhancing Maritime Safety Standards through Advanced Technologies and Professional Education
Authors: Wulandari Retno Sawitri , Larsen Barasa  , Marihot Simanjuntak  , Mudakir  , Rosna Yuherlina Siahaan
Published: July 2024

This research explores the integration of advanced technologies, such as machine learning and sensor data analysis, into maritime education to enhance safety standards. The study focuses on cadets' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of safety practices and examines incident data to predict and prevent maritime incidents. Findings reveal that while cadets have substantial knowledge of safety regulations, their attitudes towards safety culture need reinforcement. The alignment of education programs with industry requirements and adherence to international standards are emphasized. Additionally, the integration of technology into curricula is crucial for preparing future maritime professionals. The research underscores the need for a comprehensive approach combining technical knowledge, professional attitudes, and advanced technology to significantly improve safety standards and ensure the sustainability of the maritime industry.
Analisis Sentimen Larangan Impor Pakaian Bekas Menggunakan Metode Support Vectore Machine dan Lexicon Based
Authors: Hendrawati Theresia , Ginantra Ni Luh Wiwik Sri Rahayu , Saiman Clarita Mutiara
Published: July 2024

X as a social media platform, provides real-time tweets after the event, making it very relevant for sentiment analysis related to certain topics. This research discusses the prohibition on imports of used clothing in Indonesia using the SVM and Lexicon-based methods. The research aims to determine public sentiment regarding this government policy. The SVM method achieved 85.87% accuracy, with 93.83% recall for positive sentiment and 62.00% recall for negative sentiment. There were 76 wrong positive predictions with a precision of 88.11% and 37 wrong negative predictions with a precision of 77.02%. Meanwhile, the Lexicon Method achieved 60% accuracy, with a positive precision of 69% and a negative precision of 31%. Recall for the negative class is 25%, while for the positive class it is 75%. The results of sentiment analysis applying the Support Vector Machine method to build a classification model resulted in 753 data being successfully classified as positive sentiment, while 147 data were classified as negative sentiment. With different accuracies, it shows that sentiment analysis using the Support Vector Machine method has a higher level of accuracy than Lexicon.
Sistem Pakar Diagnosis Penyakit ISPA Pada Anak
Authors: Tasya Mutiara Diva  , Joni Maulindar  , Sri Sumarlinda
Published: July 2024

Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTIs) in children are often challenging to diagnose due to their similar and varied symptoms. Hence, the development of an expert system for diagnosing ARTIs in children is crucial. The aim of this research is to develop an expert system that can assist in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of ARTIs in children. The method employed is the forward chaining approach, where observed symptoms are linked to specific ARTIs through inference rules. Initially, the symptoms of ARTIs and related diseases are identified, forming the knowledge base. Subsequently, the forward chaining algorithm is implemented in the system to facilitate the dissemination of information from observed symptoms to the correct diagnosis. The user interface is designed to facilitate input from users, whether doctors or parents, regarding their child's symptoms. Internal testing is conducted to validate the system's accuracy, involving medical professionals to evaluate and provide feedback on the generated diagnoses. The results indicate that bronchitis is the most likely disease in children based on the total scores of observed symptoms. Treatment recommendations focus on symptomatic care and complication prevention. Thus, the use of an expert system with a forward chaining approach positively contributes to supporting the diagnosis of ARTIs in children by providing faster and more accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment recommendations.
Penerapan Metode TOPSIS Terhadap Skala Prioritas Aspirasi Civitas Kampus UKRI
Authors: Novianti Indah Putri  , Yogi Saputra  , Faisal Aziz  , Sigit Sugara  , Kaka Sultan M Guteres
Published: July 2024

The campus community at the National University of the Republic of Indonesia has a fairly high level of criticism of the development of the campus itself, however, it turns out that the campus does not have sufficient media to accommodate the aspirations expressed by the campus community. Aspirations can be conveyed, but with a limited scale and time that also makes it difficult for campuses to make decisions that will later have an impact on the development of the National University of the Republic of Indonesia campus, therefore the TOPSIS method is here to make it easier for campuses to make decisions. The TOPSIS calculation refers to the alternative distances to the positive ideal solution and the negative ideal solution. From the results of calculations that have been normalized, the highest value has the right to get priority as the best solution, and conversely, the lowest value is not prioritized to be used as a reference in decision making.
Some Differential Equations for the Riemann $\theta$-Function on Jacobians
Authors: Wilms Robert ,   Universit&,   #233,   de Caen-Normandie, France
Published: July 2024

We prove some differential equations for the Riemann theta function associated to the Jacobian of a Riemann surface. The proof is based on some variants of a formula by Fay for the theta function, which are motivated by their analogues in Arakelov theory of Riemann surfaces.
Complete mitochondrial genomes of Bactrocera (Bulladacus) cinnabaria and B. (Bactrocera) propinqua (Diptera: Tephritidae) and their phylogenetic relationships with other congeners
Authors: Yong Hoi-Sen , Song Sze-Looi , Chua Kah-Ooi , Liew Yvonne Jing Mei , Chan Kok-Gan , Lim Phaik-Eem , Eamsobhana Praphathip
Published: July 2024

Bactrocera (Bulladacus) cinnabaria and B. (Bactrocera) propinqua are tephritid fruit flies of the subfamily Dacinae, tribe Dacini. The whole mitogenomes of these two species (first report for the subgenus Bulladacus) possess 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes – PCGs, 2 rRNA and 22 tRNA genes). The mitogenome of B. cinnabaria (15,225 bp) is shorter than that of B. propinqua (15,927 bp), mainly due to the smaller size of the control region and intergenic spacers in B. cinnabaria. Molecular phylogeny based on mitochondrial genes (mt-genes) reveals two clades of the genus Bactrocera: one comprising the subgenus Bactrocera and the other comprising the subgenera Bulladacus, Daculus, Tetradacus and unassigned Bactrocera sp. ‘yunnanensis’. The subgenera represented by two or more taxa are monophyletic. B. (Bulladacus) cinnabaria forms a sister group with the subgenus Tetradacus (B. minax and B. tsuneonis) and B. sp. ‘yunnanensis’, in a clade containing also the basal sister lineage of the subgenus Daculus (B. oleae and B. biguttula). B. propinqua forms a sister group with B. ritsemai and B. limbifera in a subclade containing also B. umbrosa, B. curvifera and B. moluccensis of the monophyletic subgenus Bactrocera. The present study supports the synonymy of B. ruiliensis with B. thailandica. It also shows a high genetic similarity between (a) B. melastomatos and B. rubigina, (b) B. papayae and B. philippinensis, (c) B. dorsalis and B. invadens, (d) B. tryoni and B. neohumeralis, and (e) B. cheni and B. tuberculata; and B. cheni is distinct from and not a synonym of B. tsuneonis or B. lombokensis.
Larval morphology of a Palearctic Rutelini, Parastasia ferrieri (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae), with discussions on their feeding habits
Authors: Sun Xiao-Yu , Dong Xu-Ming , Jiang Lu
Published: July 2024

Rutelini is one of the largest tribes of Rutelinae, widely distributed but primarily in the New World. Recently, both larvae and adults of Parastasia ferrieri had been discovered in Liaoning Province of northeastern China from the Palearctic realm. The third-instar larvae of P. ferrieri were described using light and scanning electron microscopy in order to discover more morphological characters for larval taxonomy. The larvae of P. ferrieri exhibit remarkable features, including four protuberances on labrum, no helus on epipharynx, two scissorial teeth on each mandible, five stridulatory teeth plus a blunt protuberance on each maxilla, and the obtuse claws on the thoracic legs. The correlation between morphological features and feeding habits is briefly discussed.
Expression of ten-eleven translocation 2 and glutathione-S-transferase pi in colorectal cancer patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Papadatos Stamatis S. , Mitselou Antigoni , Lampri Evangeli , Bali Christina , Betzou Antonia , Varouktsi Anna , Katsanos Konstantinos , Galani Vasiliki
Published: July 2024

Aims: To highlight possible correlations of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with microscopic / macroscopic characteristics of colorectal cancer tissues, along with the expression of Ten-Eleven Translocation 2 (TET2) and glutathione-S-transferase pi (GST-pi) proteins.

Materials and methods: Tumors from 46 patients were embedded in paraffin blocks, stained with hematoxylin-eosin and studied microscopically. Immunohistochemical study of TET2 and GST-pi expression was performed. The results were analyzed and correlated with T2DM as comorbidity.

Results: All tumors expressed GST-pi at three levels (weak, moderate, and strong); two out of three tumors showed either weak or moderate TET2 expression. Patients without T2DM tended to have tumors with weak or no expression of TET2 (p=0.038) whereas diabetic patients’ tumors showed a significantly higher percentage of strong or moderate GST-pi expression (p=0.034). On binomial logistic regression, tumors excised from T2DM patients were 6.9 times more likely to show moderate (rather than weak and none) TET2 expression compared to tumors from non-diabetic patients (95% CI [1.33, 35.75]), and a 2.7-fold higher relative likelihood of showing strong (rather than moderate and weak) GST-pi expression (95% CI [0.63, 12.09]), taking into account sex, age, and tumor size. The association between T2DM and TET2 expression remains statistically significant in additional binomial analysis that was performed taking into account certain histological tumor characteristics.

Conclusions: TET2 and GST-pi are expressed in malignant colon tumors. T2DM in CRC patients was associated with the highest observed GST-pi expression; absence of T2DM was associated with the lowest observed TET2 expression. T2DM increases the probability of observing GST-pi and TET2 expression at maximum levels, independent of specific tumor microscopic features and certain patient characteristics.
Assessment of nonadherence to inhalation therapy in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Bulgaria
Authors: Pencheva Ventsislava , Genov Kiril , Todorov Todor , Kacheshmarov Stanimir
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is compromised, quality of life is negatively impacted, and significant financial losses result from nonadherence to the prescribed therapy.

Aim: To assess the nonadherence to inhaled therapy in patients with asthma and COPD in Bulgaria.

Materials and methods: A survey was conducted in 4020 asthma or COPD patients. Demographic data was collected, and a questionnaire was completed for assessing the adherence to inhalation therapy (using the Test of Adherence to Inhalers®, TAI).

Results: We found some level of nonadherence to the therapy in 77.2% of the patients. Factors such as sex, education, and smoking did not influence the adherence. There were regional differences in the diagnoses of asthma and COPD concerning intentional or unintentional nonadherence. Erratic and intentional nonadherence occurred more frequently with longer disease duration. When pMDIs were used as opposed to DPI devices, unintentional nonadherence to treatment was more frequent. Using pMDI instead of DPI was associated with a higher likelihood of observing erratic or intentional nonadherence in some regions of the country. There was a positive link between erratic nonadherence to therapy and an intentional or unintentional nonadherences to it.

Conclusions: The rate of nonadherence to inhalation therapy for asthma and COPD in Bulgaria is very high and vary for the different regions. The TAI questionnaire allows a quick assessment and definition of the basic types of nonadherence. Correcting the causes of non-adherence to therapy reduces the frequency of exacerbations, improves quality of life, and prolongs the life expectancy of patients with asthma or COPD.
Proton therapy for head and neck cancer therapy: A real-world data case study from Bulgaria
Authors: Dimitrova Maria , Tsvetanova Nezabravka , Penchev Daniel , Petrova Guenka
Published: July 2024

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are one of the most severe types of cancer in Europe, accounting for almost 4.5% of all cancer types, according to GLOBOCAN. The incidence is geographically variable, with higher rates observed in Eastern and Southern Europe than in Northern and Western Europe. Proton and photon therapies are both available treatment approaches for head and neck cancer, as each has its own unique advantages, characteristics, and considerations. Proton therapy is the newest one and is considered safer among both. The current study aims to analyse the available data for patients with head and neck cancer treated with proton therapy in Bulgaria based on real-world data generated through AI-based patient registries and the current availability of strategic policy documents ensuring the affordability of proton therapy on a national level. We wanted to explore the feasibility of building a national proton therapy centre based on available patients’ information and strategic policy documents. We conducted a 3-year (2020–2022) combined non-interventional retrospective database study on head and neck cancer using secondary use of real-world data from dynamic patient registries and desktop analysis of strategic policy documents for capacity and financial affordability for proton therapy in Bulgaria. The results show that Bulgaria has a strategic policy document that focuses on the need and funding possibilities for establishing this treatment within the country. However, the country lacks the political will to ensure appropriate funding for it. Building a national proton centre is a feasible investment but needs additional detailed budget impact analysis.
A new model for COVID-19 in the post-pandemic era
Authors: Pan Xiaoying , Tang Longkun
Published: July 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the early days of the pandemic had significant differences in propagation and contact modes from those in the post-pandemic era. In order to capture the real dynamic behavior of COVID-19 propagation in the post-pandemic era, this study takes into account groups with the awareness of self-protection (including taking self-quarantine measures), as well as with loss of immunity, and establishes a new SLEIRS (Susceptible, Low-risk, Asymptomatic infected, Infected and Recovered) epidemic model with births and deaths on the basis of an SEIR model through adding compartment for low-risk groups. For the proposed model, we proved the existence of equilibrium points, identified the stability condition of equilibrium points as well as the basic regeneration number, and verified the proposed theoretical results with numerical simulations. Furthermore, the analysis of the impact of parameters on disease transmission has revealed that detecting the asymptomatic infected is a good measure to prevent and control the disease transmission. More practically, we used the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to estimate the model parameters based on the real epidemic data, and we then applied the model with estimated parameters to make predictions for the half-a-month epidemic in 2022. Results show the prediction and the estimated parameters are basically consistent with the practical situation, indicating that the proposed model has good capability in short-term prediction for COVID-19 in the post-pandemic.
Efficacy and safety of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for the treatment of nicotine addiction: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Iannuzzo Fiammetta , Crudo Silvia , Basile Gianpaolo Antonio , Battaglia Fortunato , Infortuna Carmenrita , Muscatello Maria Rosaria Anna , Bruno Antonio
Published: July 2024

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) techniques seem to be effective in treating tobacco use disorder. We aimed to analyze what kinds of protocols are used to treat nicotine addiction in term of cessation and/or reduction and to evaluate the long-term effects of NIBS techniques.We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for papers published, with combinations of the following search terms: “Non-invasive brain stimulation OR TMS OR transcranial magnetic stimulation OR tDCS OR transcranial direct current stimulation OR transcranial electrical stimulation OR TES AND Nicotine addiction”.We conducted a preliminary search, which revealed papers on the topic. Articles were included in the review according to the following inclusion criteria: English language, publication in peer reviewed journals, articles about studies performed on non-invasive brain stimulations techniques, and RCT studies. Studies involving clinical populations with organic or psychiatric diseases were excluded. We found 280 articles. Of these, at the first screening and conducted by title and abstract, 63 studies were excluded after duplicates were removed (118). After the second screening conducted by full-text examination, 45 articles were excluded. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.The clinical benefits of NIBS, including the fast onset and minor side effects, showed that this kind of treatment could be helpful in patients with a long history of smoking in terms of cessation and abstinence rates.
The impact of pre-drying and different infrared powers on some quality parameters of apple chips fried by vacuum-combined infrared radiation
Authors: Uğurlu S. , Yücel T. , Cavidoğlu İ. , Bakkalbaşı E.
Published: July 2024

In this study, the use of vacuum-combined infrared radiation (VCIR) as a frying technique for the production of apple chips was investigated. The effects of a pre-drying treatment before frying on the quality parameters of apple chips were also evaluated. While the frying time of apple slices decreased by increasing the infrared power, the browning index value, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, and oxidation ratio were raised. The frying times, oil contents, browning, and oxidation rates of apple chips were decreased with the pre-drying treatment. The sensory analyzes showed that the samples fried by vacuum-combined infrared radiation had the highest scores in all sensory characteristics than deep-fat fried samples. Pre-dried apple samples (41% moisture) fried at 350W infrared power under 400 mmHg vacuum pressure had the highest score for general acceptance. The results showed that VCIR would be an alternative frying method for producing healthier apple chips with less oil content and higher quality.
Le “traitement” des personnes malades mentales à l’heure de la désinstitutionnalisation
Authors: Printz Antoine
Published: July 2024

Cet article entend explorer les ressorts de la participation familiale au fonctionnement de l’institution psychiatrique, pensée essentiellement comme manière de configurer les relations en vue de “traiter” les personnes malades. Le travail effectué par les proches dans la sphère familiale est considéré, en tant qu’il s’aligne sur les moyens et les fins de l’institution, comme partie intégrante du traitement. À partir d’un matériau empirique qualitatif composite, nous montrons l’ “idéologie de la famille” observée sur le terrain, qui induit et organise la prise en charge d’une partie non négligeable du travail socialement nécessaire de traitement. Les dimensions émotionnelles d’inquiétude et de culpabilité qui colorent l’expérience des proches sont ensuite explorées et mises en lien avec cette participation des proches au traitement.
Sociological Responsibility: A Re-examination of Pierre Bourdieu's Critical Undertaking
Authors: Hilgers Mathieu
Published: July 2024

This article aims to reconstruct Pierre Bourdieu's contribution to the analysis of the sociologist's role in society, starting from two levels of responsibility that run through his work. The first is related to scientific quality. According to Bourdieu, sociology can contribute to making the world more bearable by shedding light on the laws that govern the functioning of the social. The scientific study of social practices presupposes the objectification of the mechanisms that govern scienti­fic production, as this practice is deeply rooted in the world and subject to power relations and meaning. This objectification helps neutralize certain social biases and enhances epistemological rigor. It contributes to the practice of a more vir­tuous science, one produced with greater autonomy and therefore capable of pro­viding more convincing results. Bourdieu believes that the awareness of social laws contributes to the extension of the freedom of social agents. Thus, sociolo­gical knowledge entails a second responsibility: it aims to expand the field of social consciousness to address the inequalities produced by objective structures and energize the capacity for change that each agent inherently possesses.
S’adresser à un gouvernement révolutionnaire : le monde de la boulangerie et la Commune de Paris de 1871
Authors: Hudon Étienne
Published: July 2024

En prenant appui sur le monde de la boulangerie parisienne et ses organisations ouvrières, cet article étudie la manière dont les groupes politiques constitués s’adressèrent à la Commune, via des pétitions et des lettres, afin de saisir ce que la forme de ces adresses révèle des imaginaires politiques en vigueur pendant ce court mais intense épisode révolutionnaire. Nous verrons que prévalait une conception inclusive du gouvernement représentatif communard, en vertu de laquelle les corps intermédiaires participent tout autant à la prise de décision que le pouvoir formel.
Driving towards inclusion: Using a service design framework to investigate technology-induced inequalities
Authors: Long Qiling , Mu Dan , Siu Kin Wai , Peissel Joseph R.
Published: July 2024

Technological growth is realizing an ever more intelligent and convenient future. However, is this future equal, and what role does service design play in addressing, or exacerbating, these inequalities? The relationship between technology and inequality is fluid, moving from the elimination of existing inequalities to the creation of new ones, and service design has the potential to impact this bidirectional relationship. On the other hand, the current literature fails to clearly identify service design’s contribution to the technology-inequality-design nexus. This paper develops a framework to do so. Drawing on the four dimensions of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) 4 model, this paper uses double diamond design process and methods, including user journey, problem framing, and prototyping, etc. to propose a novel framework incorporating four dimensions of service design and their links to inequality. The framework is then demonstrated through an application to autonomous vehicle technology. More broadly, the framework can be used by service designers and practitioners to identify different dimensions of hidden inequality within service design.
Does Regime-Dependent Volatility Drive Dynamism in Investor Herding?
Authors: Jindal Komal , Bamba Meera , Aggarwal Mamta
Published: July 2024

The existing literature on herding often uses the static model to test herd behaviour in the Indian market context. Hence, the objective of this paper is to investigate the dynamic herd behaviour for S&P BSE 500 from 2009-2023 using the Markov Regime Switching model. Results exhibit the occurrence of three regimes, namely, high, low, and extremely volatile regimes. Findings suggest that the Indian market moves into the order of low, high, and extreme volatility (LHC), similar to other developed countries. This has implications for investors to either exit from the market or reframe their portfolio through hedging techniques before the market enters into extreme volatility. Moreover, the results exhibit anti-herding in high and low-volatile regimes. Our study discloses the presence of herding in crashes or extremely volatile regimes, showing that Indian investors start following each other during crash-like situations. This research is significant for individual investors, portfolio managers, and stock market regulators.
Sözen, H. C. and Basım, H. N (Eds.), Dark Sides of Organization Life: Hostility, Rivalry, Gossip, Envy, and Other Difficult Behaviors
Authors: Ngwira Vitumbiko Andrew
Published: July 2024

No abstract available
Determination of Proximate Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Selected Underutilized Fruits (Namnam, Lovi, Roseapple, Pumello, And Sapota) Grown in Sri Lanka
Authors: Baddegama S. T. , Ranaweera K. K. D. S. , Sarananda H. S. , Wijesundera B. L. D. L. D. , De Silva R. N.
Published: July 2024

The present experiment was conducted at the Fruit Research and Development Institute Horana, Sri Lanka, from 2020 to 2021 to evaluate the proximate composition, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid and total phenolic content of five underutilized fruits, namely Namnam, Lovi, Roseapple, Pumello and Sapota using Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) methods. The parameters determined were moisture, crude fiber, crude fat, sugar, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid. Rose apple and Namnam fruits recorded the highest (91.47%) and the lowest (68.87%) moisture content, respectively. The Pumello fruit exhibited the lowest fat, crude fiber, total sugar, non–reducing sugar and reducing sugar contents with the values of 0.01%, 1.33%, 005%, 0.03%, and 0.02%, respectively. Sapota reported the highest fat, total soluble solids and pH values of 1.33%, 16%, and 4.74%, respectively. Roseapple recorded the highest crude fiber (5.59%) and the total sugar content (0.81%), while Lovi showed the lowest pH (2.29) and highest titratable acid content (2.01%) Pumello had the highest ascorbic acid concentration, whereas Lovi had the lowest value. Pumello and Namnam demonstrated the lowest IC50 value (0.03). Sapota and Roseapple had the highest (20.49) and lowest (2.16) total phenolic content. The study emphasizes the diverse nutritional elements in these underutilized fruits, highlighting their potential as valuable sources of supplementary nutrients.
The Factors Inducing Undergraduate Entrepreneur Satisfaction Towards Blended Learning for Entrepreneurship Development in Sri Lanka: A Case Study at University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences
Authors: Siriwardena B. P. , Abeywickrama L. M. , Sandika A. L. , Vidanapathirana N. P.
Published: July 2024

Blended learning has become increasingly important in higher education, especially in the context of entrepreneurship education in Sri Lanka. Despite its relative novelty in the country's higher education context, this study explores into its impact on undergraduate entrepreneurs' satisfaction with blended learning at the University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences. This research seeks to identify the key determinants of satisfaction and improve the quality of blended learning experiences for undergraduate entrepreneurs at the institute, contributing to the ongoing advancement of entrepreneurship education in Sri Lanka. The study covers the entire population (204) of undergraduate entrepreneurs pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Agro-Technology, ensuring a comprehensive perspective. To gather insights, a pre-tested questionnaire incorporating socio-economic information along with dimensions such as the learner, instructor, course, technology, design, environmental, and opportunity were used, and respondents were instructed to select the most an appropriate answer on the Likert scale, which ranges from strongly agree to strongly disagree, to express their views. The study's results showed that in the blended learning context, dimensions such as the instructor, course, design, environmental, and opportunity were positively and significantly correlated with the satisfaction levels of undergraduate entrepreneurs. In contrast, the learner and technology dimensions did not demonstrate a significant correlation with satisfaction. Policymakers should be aware of these features and prioritise the improvement of Sri Lanka's higher education system, with a particular emphasis on entrepreneurial development.
Efficacy of ultrasound-guided classical versus parasacral parallel shift technique of sacral plexus block for lower limb surgeries – A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nair Revathi , Samra Tanvir , Ashok Vighnesh , Jain Kajal
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims:

Ultrasound-guided sacral plexus block has been used for anaesthesia and analgesia in lower limb surgeries. This study aimed to compare the block performance characteristics after ultrasound-guided (USG) sacral plexus nerve block (SNB) using the parasacral parallel shift (PSPS) approach versus the classical approach in patients undergoing orthopaedic below-knee limb surgeries.

Methods:

In this randomised study, 144 adult patients were randomised to receive USG SNB either by the classical approach (Group C) or the PSPS approach (Group P). A fixed dose of 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine was administered. Patients also received USG femoral nerve block with 10 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. The primary outcome was the scanning time between the two groups. Secondary outcomes were the needling time, sensory and motor block onset and postoperative analgesic characteristics between the two groups. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The needling time and the scanning time were significantly lesser in Group P than in Group C (P < 0.05). Complete sensory and motor nerve blockade of the sciatic nerve was significantly higher in Group P (P = 0.029). Block performance time, time for sensory block and time for motor block were significantly less in Group P compared to Group C (P < 0.001). The postoperative analgesic characteristics were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion:

The sacral plexus block with ultrasound-guided parasacral parallel shift technique had a lower block performance time with lesser needling and scanning time than the classical approach.
Role of Denosumab in Spinal Giant Cell Tumour
Authors: Naskar Susmit
Published: July 2024

Giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone (GCTB) is a type of giant cell-rich bone lesion specified by the presence of numerous multinucleated osteoclast-type giant cells. Giant cells are known to express receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and are responsible for the aggressive osteolytic nature of the tumour. No available treatment option is definitively effective in curing this disease, especially in surgically unsalvageable cases. Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets and binds with high affinity and specificity to RANKL. Results from the studies suggest that denosumab is potentially effective treatment for patients with GCTB of the spine, including the sacrum. This study is a review to highlight role of denosumab in spinal GCT.
Primary Benign Neoplasms of Spine
Authors: Debnath Ujjwal Kanti
Published: July 2024

Majority of primary vertebral tumours are benign and are often diagnosed incidentally on imaging. It is crucial to have an accurate diagnosis to avoid missing more threatening malignant lesions or infection. Many of these primary benign lesions can be locally aggressive and cause neural compromise or pain requiring active management. The most common benign tumours are osteomas and haemangiomas. Other benign tumours are similar to those observed in the appendicular skeleton, for example, osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, fibrous dysplasia, osteochondroma, chondroblastoma, haemangioma, simple bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts, giant cell tumours, eosinophilic granuloma and notochordal rests. Most of these tumours are asymptomatic; however, locally aggressive lesions, for example, aneurysmal bone cysts or giant cell tumours, are characterized by back pain, neurological deficits and spinal instability. Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish from more commonly encountered pain due to degenerative disc disease or malignant lesions and metastatic spine tumours, thus necessitating imaging techniques such as radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which help in diagnosis. Generally, most incidental or asymptomatic lesions are managed conservatively, while symptomatic or locally aggressive lesions warrant active interventions. Some of these tumours require surgical resection or percutaneous techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy or cryotherapy with favourable outcomes. This review elaborates different types of primary benign vertebral tumours, supported by characteristic imaging features.
The prognostic role of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Ghorai Rudra Prasad , Nayak Brusabhanu , Goel Ritesh , Gupta Prashant , Raj Rahul , Kaushal Seema , Nayyar Rishi , Kumar Rajeev , Seth Amlesh
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

The blood-based inflammatory marker, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), is a reliable prognostic biomarker for several cancers. Although the literature supports the correlation between preoperative NLR, clinicopathological characteristics, and oncological outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), the cutoff of NLR is still debated. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of NLR in patients with UTUC.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from July 2012 to December 2022 evaluating patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). NLR was calculated using the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts obtained a day before the surgery and the cutoff value was set as 2.5. Kaplan–Meier and Cox’s proportional hazards regression were used to analyze the association between NLR and the oncological outcomes.

Results:

The study included 91 patients (78 males, 13 females) in the final analysis with a median follow-up of 49 months (8–130). The mean age of the patients with NLR <2.5 and NLR ≥2.5 was 56.88 years and 56.35 years, respectively, and the pathological stage was pT1 in 48%, pT2 in 20.88%, pT3 in 27.47%, and pT4 in 3.30% of the patients. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the preoperative NLR ≥2.5 was significantly associated (Hz = 7.17) with higher T stage, lymphovascular invasion, necrosis, nodal involvement, adjuvant chemotherapy, and worse overall survival (OS) (Hz = 9.87). The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed an improved OS in patients with NLR <2.5, but a statistically significant difference in the recurrence-free survival was not found.

Conclusions:

Preoperative NLR is an easily available, inexpensive, and important prognostic biomarker of survival in patients with UTUC and has a potential role in risk stratification by predicting adverse clinicopathological characteristics.
The Effect of Chronic Levetiracetam Use on Erythrocyte Deformability
Authors: Çanakci Pinar Kiliçdagi , Şahin Pelin , Kilinç Sevtap , Sevgili Ayşe Meltem , Özyürek Hamit
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

The inhibition of carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoenzymes is one of the targets in the development of new antiepileptics. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a new-generation antiepileptic drug frequently used in pediatric patients. It has a strong inhibitory effect on CA enzymes in many tissues, including erythrocytes.

Objective:

Due to CA enzymes have physical connection with the erythrocyte membrane and cytoskeleton, we aimed to evaluate the probable effect of LEV on the erythrocyte deformability.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted in the Experimental Animal Laboratory of Ankara Training and Research Hospital 24 prepubertal female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups with six animals in each group. Group I: Control (distilled water), Group II: LEV50 (50 mg/kg/day), Group III: LEV150 (150 mg/kg/day), Group IV: LEV300 (300 mg/kg/day). The calculated dose for each animal was given by oral gavage once a day for 14 days, which is accepted as chronic use in experimental models. At the end of the treatment period, erythrocyte deformability was evaluated both with whole blood viscosity at high shear rates, and osmotic fragility test.

Results:

No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of osmotic fragility. Whole blood and plasma viscosity values also did not show any statistically significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion:

In this study, it has been shown that LEV does not have a negative effect on erythrocyte deformability. Therefore, we thought that it may be a good choice when an antiepileptic is needed in pediatric patients with hematological disorders.
Recombinant production of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in fusion to albumin binding domain with potential affinity to human serum albumin
Authors: Shafiee Fatemeh , Yazdani Ali
Published: July 2024

Background and purpose:

Anakinra must be injected daily due to its short half-life and this leads to lower patient compliance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to produce an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) with albumin binding domain (ABD) as a novel fusion protein and evaluate its binding ability to albumin and its biological effects.

Experimental approach:

The three-dimensional structure of IL-1Ra-ABD was predicted by MODELLER software and its interaction with IL-1R was evaluated by the HADDOCK server. The expression of IL-1Ra-ABD was performed in E. coli in fusion with intein 1 of pTWIN1 in soluble form and then purified. The affinity of IL-1Ra-ABD to human serum albumin (HSA) was determined on native-PAGE, and its release percent toward time was evaluated. Moreover, an MTT assay was used to determine the antagonizing properties of recombinant IL-1Ra-ABD against IL-1β in A375 and HEK293 cell lines.

Findings/Results:

The stable complex of IL-1Ra-ABD with IL-1R established the absence of steric hindrance due to the addition of ABD to IL-1Ra. The expression induction of intein 1-IL-1Ra-ABD using 0.1 mM IPTG at 15 °C, and its cleavage represented bands approximately in 50 and 23 kDa. Furthermore, about 78% of IL-1Ra-ABD was attached to the HSA after 2 h of incubation, and the MTT assay showed no significant differences between the effects of IL-1Ra-ABD and native IL-1Ra in cell survival.

Conclusions and implications:

The production of soluble IL-1Ra-ABD with no significant differences in IL-1Ra antagonizing effects was successfully performed. IL-1Ra-ABD showed suitable interaction with HSA and was released over time. However, the half-life of IL-1Ra-ABD in vivo must be determined in the subsequent investigations.
Isolation of a novel quercetin derivative from Terminalia chebula and RT-PCR-assisted probing to investigate its DNA repair in hepatoma cells
Authors: Soumya Kallyadan , Haridas Karickal Raman , James Jesna , Sudheesh Sudhakaran
Published: July 2024

Background and purpose:

DNA damage can lead to carcinogenesis if replication proceeds without proper repair. This study focused on the purification of a novel quercetin derivative present in Terminalia chebula fruit and studied its protective role in hepatoma cells due to H2O2-DNA damage.

Experimental approach:

The pure compound obtained from the silica gel column was subjected to structural characterization using spectroscopic techniques. MTT assay was employed to select a non-toxic concentration of the isolated compounds on HepG2 and Chang liver cells. The antigenotoxic property of the compound on HepG2 and Chang liver cells was carried out by alkaline comet assay. Analyses of expression levels of mRNA for two DNA repair enzymes, OGG1 and NEIL1, in HepG2 and Chang liver cells, were carried out using the RT-PCR method.

Findings/Results:

The pure compound obtained from the fraction-5 of diethyl ether extract was identified as a novel quercetin derivative and named 7-(but-2-en-1-yloxy)-2-(4(but-2-en-1-yloxy)-3-hydroxyphenyl)-3- (hexa-2,4-dien-1-yloxy)-6-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one. This compound recorded modest toxicity at the highest concentration tested (percentage cell viability at 100 μg/mL was 64.71 ± 0.38 for HepG2 and 45.32 ± 0.07 for Chang liver cells). The compound has demonstrated noteworthy protection against H2O2-induced DNA damage in both cell lines. Analyses of mRNA expression levels for enzymes OGGI and NEIL1 enzymes in HepG2 and Chang liver cells asserted the protective role of the isolated compound against H2O2-induced DNA damage.

Conclusion and implication:

The protective effect of a novel quercetin derivative isolated from T. chebula in the hepatoma cells is reported here for the first time.
Study of Demographic Patterns and Treatment Approaches of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Vadivelu Sharmila Devi , Priya Hannah Ratna , Themangani  , Mohan Sivakami
Published: July 2024

Background:

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) includes a wide spectrum of conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia, which can manifest as mild, moderate, severe dysplasia, carcinoma-in-situ and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. OSSN can mimic many common indolent lesions like pterygium and have a potential for causing ocular and systemic morbidity and mortality. OSSN is more common in elderly males. ultraviolet-B light, human immune deficiency, and human papilloma virus have been proposed as major risk factors in aetiopathogenesis. Though diagnosis of OSSN is mainly based on clinical suspicion, definitive diagnosis needs histopathological evaluation. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography, ultrasonic bio microscopy, and impression cytology are nonsurgical tools used for diagnosis and management, of which anterior segment optical coherence tomography has brought about a paradigm shift in the diagnosis of OSSN.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the demographics, clinical profile, types of OSSN, management approaches, histopathology and the effectiveness of different approaches in patients with OSSN in a tertiary care centre in Tamil Nadu.

Materials and Methods:

It was a hospital-based prospective interventional study where 51 eyes of 50 patients with clinically suspicious OSSN were studied between July 2021 and January 2023 (over 18 months) with a minimum follow-up of 6 months.

Results:

The age group for the patients ranged between 30 and 79 years. Out of 50 patients, 26 were men and 24 were women with no sex predilection in our study. Unilateral involvement was seen in 49 patients and only one patient had bilateral involvement. Twenty-nine patients presented with gelatinous-like lesions, six with leukoplakic lesions, five with papilliform like lesion, nine with pigmented lesions and one with nodulo ulcerative type lesion. On histopathological examination, majority (21 patients) were severe dysplasia. Majority (78.4%) underwent surgical clearance with no recurrence. Adjunctive therapy to reduce recurrence included intraoperative cryotherapy and postoperative topical chemotherapy using mitomycin C.

Conclusion:

In our series, the most common morphological type of lesion was gelatinous, and surgical management using Shield’s technique was commonly used as the management option for unifocal lesions less than 5 mm with less than 4 clock hours involvement. The demographic profile was comparable with other studies on OSSN. Being a potentially malignant condition, a study on OSSN helps us in understanding the disease better and helps in early detection, leading to timely intervention and improved treatment outcomes. Furthermore, research on OSSN contributes to enhancing our knowledge on ocular oncology.