bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health, wellbeing, and social interaction: An international and demographic analysis of perceived life changes and the positives and negatives of the Covid-19 lockdown
Authors: Murray Jennifer , Dhami Mandeep K. , McClatchey Kirstie , Weiss-Cohen Leonardo , Ayton Peter
Published: May 2023

Research suggests that people’s experiences of COVID-19 lockdowns have been detrimental to their lives and wellbeing. The current research compared the experiences and perceptions on health, wellbeing and social interaction of 300 UK adults and 450 adults in California. Individuals reported whether aspects of their life had changed for the better, worse, or not at all during lockdown in April 2020, and what the “best” and “worst” things about lockdown were. There were more similarities than differences in the regional comparison of perceptions of changes in specific aspects of ‘health and wellbeing’ and ‘social interaction’. Both regions reported the same number and nature of best and worst things about lockdown. Overarching themes of ‘health, self and wellbeing’, ‘being with others’, and ‘concerns with daily living’ were identified. Although reports of life changes and the positives and negatives of lockdown were similar across different demographic groups, some differences were present by age, sex, relationship, and family-status. Incorporating knowledge of unified and positive experiences of lockdown can be useful in informing future lockdown restrictions and supporting the population when restrictions are lifted.
An analysis of the attitude of Patients towards Laboratory Services for Malaria Disease in Hyderabad India
Authors: Shaher Banu, S.  , Muneeb Jehan  , Muhib Jehan
Published: May 2023

Malaria is the world's most important parasitic infection, which poses major health challenges. Malaria is a major cause of deaths in the tropical area of the world. Two hundred and nineteen million cases were reported worldwide in 2010. Changes in blood cell counts are a well-known feature of malarial infections. These changes involve major cell lines including red blood cells (RBC), leukocytes and thrombocytes. Human malaria can be caused by any of several species of Plasmodium parasites that occur together in various combinations in regions of endemicity. P. falciparum is responsible for almost all mortality attributed directly to malaria and is the focus of almost all research and intervention efforts. Compared with P. falciparum, however, P. vivax is the source of as much or more morbidity worldwide. Plasmodium spp. are parasites of blood and thus are expected to induce changes in blood however, some hematological changes associated with malaria are recognized while there are conflicting reports on others hematological parameters. This study aimed at the identification of plasmodium specie responsible for malaria and measuring changes in hematological parameters in malaria patients; to determine the causative specie of malaria to spot changes in hematological parameters in malaria patients; to study association between plasmodium specie and changes in hematological parameters in malaria patients. The study investigated the association between malarial parasite and changes in hematological parameters. This study has revealed the occurrence of malaria by specific plasmodium species and their prevalence. This study reveal the existence of any significant association between plasmodium species and hematological parameters in malaria patients. This study will provide basis for future researcher studying malaria. The findings of this study will help public health authorities in controlling malaria epidemics in area of this study.
Editorial Note from the Chief Editor
Authors: Shah Dr. Bahadar
Published: May 2023

On behalf of the Board of the Journal of Open Access Public Health and Health Administration Review (www.mdpip.com) and my co-editors, I am pleased to present the Volume 1, Issue 1 of the journal. The journal established in 2022 has now published its first issue; two issues in a year. The journal is now getting to be indexed in different academic forums. We could reach this stage through the constant support of Board Members and intellectual generosity of the readers and contributors (authors and reviewers).One of the objectives of this journal is to encourage publication from different streams of research that helps to enrich and further create and disseminate scientific knowledge to empower the nations. We take this opportunity to thank the authors for sending their work for publication.

We have enriched our editorial board for addressing the gaps and further enriching this journal. I am glad that Prof. Dr. Fahd Albejaidi has joined as Executive Editor of this journal. I am sure with efforts of the Editorial Board, the journal will be able to strengthen the links with scientific community. Also joining the editorial team is Dr. Adhir Sharma, Dr. Alex Khang, Dr. Zarrin S. Siddiqui, Dr Mohammed F. Alharbi, Dr. Kesavan Sreekantan Nair, and Dr. Nauman Rahim Khan. They have been actively involved in the journal since the inauguration. Interested readers can see the brief profiles of Chief Editor and executive Editor in this inaugural issue (Dec 2022). We are thankful for the patience of the authors who submitted their manuscript earlier in Nov. 2020 in response to our social media call for paper but due to some technical issues in Design and Development of the website we are now publishing in March 2023 the Volume 1, Issue 1 for December 2022.
Examining the Causes and Magnitude of Pollution’s Effect on the Human Health
Authors: Dr. Muhammad Siddique  , Dr. Mishqat Allah Khan
Published: May 2023

This study was conducted to know the effect of pollution on human health. The objectives of the study were to investigate the opinion of school teachers concerning to effect of pollution on the environment and health. The population consisted of all the teachers of secondary schools in Dera Ismail Khan. Eighth male secondary schools in Dera Ismail Khan were selected through convenient sampling with a total of 80 respondents through a simple random sampling technique. The study established the opinion that people are aware and there is a growing concern among them regarding the relations and impact of pollution on humans as well as animals. The need of the time is to create more awareness to care for mother earth through responsible social behavior and living by following the 3-R principle to reduce waste, reuse, and recycle the available resources and products to prevent and minimize the harmful effects of pollution.
Masalah Sosial Masyarakat Dalam Pementasan Drama Salah Sangka Karya Andri Aprianto
Authors: Pintania Fauziah Pintan
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi karena melihat banyaknya masalah-masalah sosial dari berbagai macam aspek. Namun, dalam penelitian ini kemiskinan, kejahatan, dan masalah generasi muda sangat mendominasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan dan menganalisis masalah-masalah sosial yang ada pada pementasan drama Salah Sangka karya Andri Aprianto. Penelitian ini merumuskan satu permasalahan yaitu masalah sosial dalam pementasan drama Salah Sangka karya Andri Aprianto. Teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu wujud masalah sosial yang dikemukakan oleh Soerjono Soekanto dengan menggunakan kajian sosiologi sastra. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif yaitu dengan hasil data deskriptif yang ditemukan berupa kutipan dan bukti gambar dalam pementasan drama Salah Sangka karya Andri Aprianto. Sumber data yang ditemukan dengan sumber data primer, karena berupa audio visual dari drama Salah Sangka. Cara pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan teknik dokumentasi, teknik baca dan mencatat analisis isi. Berdasarkan isi analisisnya, ditemukan masalah sosial dalam pementasan drama Salah Sangka karya Andri Aprianto menggunakan kajian sosilogi sastra dengan teori masalah sosial menurut Soekanto, dalam penelitian ini ditemukan 7 data; diantaranya ditemukan 2 data Kejahatan; 2 data Masalah Generasi Muda; 1 data Kemiskinan; 1 data Pelanggaran Terhadap Norma-norma Masyarakat, dan 1 Masalah Kependudukan.

Kata Kunci: Drama, Masalah Sosial, Sosiologi Sastra.
IMPROVING PROCEDURE TEXT WRITING ABILITY WITH THE PAIR CHECKS LEARNING MODEL IN CLASS XI CULINARY ART OF VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL WIRA BHAKTI
Authors: Cokorda Istri Mas Kusumaningrat , Permanamiarta Putu Agus
Published: May 2023

This study aims to determine the increase in the ability to write procedural texts using the pair checks learning model in class XI culinary art of Vocational High School Wira Bhakti. The method used in this research is descriptive method. The descriptive method is related to the explanation of social phenomena to the observed subjects. The techniques used in this research are observation, documentation study, and tests. The results of the ability to write procedural texts using the pair check learning model for class class XI culinary art of Vocational High School Wira Bhakti in cycle I was 72.88% and in cycle II the student score was 80.45%. It can be concluded that the application of the pair check learning model is able to improve the ability to write procedural texts in English for class XI culinary art of Vocational High School Wira Bhakti.
Diverse Insights Revealing Nuances of the Culture-High Ability Nexus: An Interdisciplinary Search
Authors: Ambrose Don , Ambrose Valerie K.
Published: May 2023

Discovering the cultural dimensions of high ability is analogous to a large-scale creative problem-solving initiative. Just as the early phases of the creative-problem-solving process require broad-scope searches through diverse data sources, understanding the culture-giftedness nexus requires broad-scope excursions through interdisciplinary scholarly sources that can enable deeper understanding of culture. Here, we engage in such an excursion and borrow insights from leading thinkers in cultural anthropology, English studies, political science, ethical philosophy, and history, and use these insights to generate new ways of thinking about the cultural aspects of giftedness. The foreign concepts analyzed include anti-anti-relativism, mythological archetypes, the artificial reification of culture, distant proximities that influence personal identity, ethnocentrism and particularist morality, differing views of nature, and the influence of critical communities and motley coalitions in a globalized world.
Educating for a Cosmopolitan Ethos in Education: Adapting Expectations to Reality
Authors: Persson Roland S.
Published: May 2023

Cosmopolitanism is an ancient Greek notion which in modern times has found its way into educational practice. It expresses a moral responsibility toward everyone irrespective of cultural background, looks or ability. However, it is an ideology difficult to operationalise and convey in education if the objective is to change learners’ attitudes for the future benefit of mankind. There are several obstacles standing in the way such as concurrent but incompatible value systems, the rise of individual empowerment for global economic growth and most important perhaps, the evolutionary basis of human nature. It is, for example, not possible to encourage competitive behaviour and simultaneously aim at imparting moral values. It is difficult to effectively teach a cosmopolitan mindset, but this is not to say that we should not try. Drawing from the research of multiple disciplines the conclusion of this article is inevitably paradoxical. While the effort to strive for moral cosmopolitanism is a good one, it is also not a one that is entirely possible. We must adjust expectations rather than trying to find miraculous methods by which to enable a better World through general tolerance and acceptance everywhere. Sadly, the latter is not possible. We can at best expect to have a local impact made possible by dialogue.
Pathways into Creativity and Place for Adult Learning: A Dialogue Between a Researcher and an Artist
Authors: Mason Stephanie , de Condé Rachel
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this article is to share how two friends approach creativity in their professional lives in research and in the arts, and what we have learned through insights into places that impact this work. Our different approaches are reflected in our positionalities: one author is an emerging arts-informed researcher and university instructor, and the other author is a practising fine arts craftsperson and part-time faculty member. Our close friendship and ongoing conversations serve to connect our approaches to working with the arts, even as our attitudes to creativity and learning are demarcated. Relayed in the form of dialogue in response to guiding questions, this article is an expansive discussion of what work in the arts can look like, and how the interplay of creativity and place afford as-yet-untapped pathways of understanding that better suit contemporary conditions of life and study.
Emergent Properties of an Art Talent Environment: An Empirical Study of Young Artists’ Experiences Within a Talent Development Program
Authors: Nørlem Jakob , Stegeager Nikolaj
Published: May 2023

This article presents a study regarding a school for young talented artists. Within this context and based on systems thinking and a holistic ecological approach to talent development, the researchers seek to identify emergent contextual properties that enhance talent development. The research question of the study was “Which emergent properties support and influence talent development in the context of the Danish Talent Academy (DTA)?” The study is based on interviews with six young artists within different fields of art and five instructors. Furthermore, 12 hours of participant observation were conducted. Through a generic thematic analysis, six broad categories describing different emerging properties of the environment at DTA were identified. The paper argues that knowledge about emergent properties can help organizations improve artistic talent development and presents two specific strategies: 1) the organization’s ability to orient itself towards the emergent properties occurring every day; and 2) the organization’s ability to assist young artists in learning to reflect upon how emergent properties, at a certain point in time and in a certain context, may further liberate their artistic potential.
Developing Creative Teaching Skills in Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Simpson Rachel , Newton Douglas P. , Newton Lynn
Published: May 2023

Teaching is an interactive process as teachers respond to diverse interests and needs of learners, alongside the changing demands of education systems. Giving teachers the opportunity to develop competence in creative teaching may enable them to prepare and improvise teaching to maximise learning. A package to foster creative teaching through various learning experiences was constructed and tested on pre-service teachers. The effect of the package on seventy-two pre-service teachers was assessed, largely by quantitative pre and post-tests and qualitative responses. This was supplemented by data from similar teachers who did not have this opportunity. There was strong evidence of worthwhile increases in the pre-service teachers’ understandings and use of creative teaching approaches following their completion of the development package. Interview data suggested that a beneficial impact extended into the teachers’ first year of teaching, and that creative teaching can become a part of teacher identity. The article describes evidence that creative teaching can be fostered and it concludes with a recommendation that teacher training and development should give it explicit attention. Some challenges and potential solutions are described.
Referral, Identification, and Retention of Underrepresented Gifted Students
Authors: Hemingway Saana
Published: May 2023

Research shows that the percentage of Culturally and Linguistically Different (CLD) students identified for participation in gifted education programs does not correlate with the percentage of minority students in the classroom. Black and Brown students are underserved and underrepresented in gifted programs and Advanced Placement classes, when compared to their White and Asian peers. CLD gifted students are at a greater risk for underachievement, dropping out of school, and incarceration. This article review focuses on referral, identification and retention of CLD students to address the problem of underrepresentation in gifted education. The central argument is that the referral process and identification for gifted students must be culturally and linguistically sensitive and teacher training must be incorporated into professional development to achieve this goal. Once students are identified as gifted, culturally sensitive gifted programs must be utilized to increase retention.
Ondes Martenot: repertoire and performers
Authors: Lavrova Svetlana Vital'evna , Li Menkhan'
Published: May 2023

The article is devoted to the history of performance on a rare instrument of the Waves of Martenot. Its history of creation, repertoire and performance capabilities have not yet become the subject of a separate study, while at the Paris Conservatory there is still a class of Waves of Martenot, and the repertoire is periodically replenished. In connection with these facts, the coverage of the features of a musical instrument seems to be a very relevant topic. For the analysis, the main material was the works specially written for the Waves of Martenot, which can be used to determine the specifics of a particular version of the instrument that determined its technical capabilities, as well as various interviews of performers on the Waves of Martenot. The conclusion of the study is the discovery of new opportunities for enriching the timbre due to the established repertoire and the circle of performers on the instrument, as well as a special stylistic pluralism and sound imaging capabilities that determined the specifics of the instrument and at the same time its concert and cinematic fate, where it is widely used both in academic, film music, and in rock bands. The object of the study is the electromusical instrument Martino Waves, which became widespread in performing practice and composer's work of the 20th century. The subject of the research is the existing performing repertoire of Waves Martenot and performing practice. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that this is the first study in Russian about this music instrument. The applied methodology is based on a comparative analysis of various versions of the Martenot Waves instrument, the material for which are works created by composers in different years when its creator, Maurice Martenot, modified the instrument's design.
China’s Interests in the Balkans
Authors: Shaheti Ayibota
Published: May 2023

The study focuses on the interests of the People’s Republic of China in the Balkans. The study focuses on the political and economic relations of the People’s Republic of China with key players in the Balkans: Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and the Republic of Turkey. The author examines in detail the national interests of the People’s Republic of China vis-à-vis the States of the region. Close attention is paid to the tension in the region and ways of its alleviation by the People’s Republic of China. This study is based on the theory of political realism characterizing relations between States as rivalry or enmity for the purpose of defending their national interests. The absence of confrontation between States is seen as a temporary phenomenon replaced by confrontation and/or military action. During the study the author applied institutional, analytical and problem-chronological methods. The main conclusions of the research are the establishment of the interests of the People’s Republic of China in the Balkan region in the context of the implementation by the People’s Republic of China of the project «One Belt and One Road», the land part of which is called «The Economic Belt of the New Silk Road», affects key players in the Balkan Peninsula: the Turkish Republic, Romania and Bulgaria. The author found an exception to the policy of economic expansion of the People’s Republic of China in the person of the Republic of Srpska. Moreover, the growth of trade between the People’s Republic of China and Serbia, Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria has been given close attention. The urgency of the study is due to the growing political and economic influence of the People’s Republic of China throughout the world, not excluding the Balkan region.
Transformation of the mythopoetic image of the "city woman" in the novel "Burn" by V. P. Aksenov
Authors: Ul'yanova Anna Vladimirovna
Published: May 2023

This article is devoted to the analysis of the postmodern novel "The Burn" by V. P. Aksenov, a representative of the Russian underground of the twentieth century. The purpose of the study is to identify the peculiarities of the transformation of the mythopoetic image of the "woman-city". A city in the meaning of "fenced place" was necessary for a person to protect himself from danger. Over time, it began to be filled with symbolic meanings, to turn into an archetype — an urban text appears. For V. P. Aksenov, the crossroads where art, history, destinies, friendship, love, creativity converge is Moscow, so it becomes the center of action of many of his works. However, the writer, departing from the tradition of N. M. Karamzin, N. V. Gogol, A. S. Pushkin and L. N. Tolstoy, creates an image of infernal space.   The scientific novelty of the research is seen in the fact that the author analyzes in detail the central image of the practically unexplored novel by V. P. Aksenov, identifies the structure-forming motives for creating the image of the city and the mythopoetic basis, including individual images, situations, characteristics. As a result, the article proves that the mythopoetic image of the "city woman" in the novel "Burn" consists of a sophiological concept (archetype), allegory (fox), metaphor (the whore of Babylon), mythem (Isis, siren, Judas), color painting (eschatological myth of espyrosis) and mythologems (woman-city). In V. P. Aksenov's novel, Moscow is an infernal space, personified by a seductive and dangerous woman — Alice Fokusova.
Affectionate touch and diurnal oxytocin levels: An ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Schneider Ekaterina , Hopf Dora , Aguilar-Raab Corina , Scheele Dirk , Neubauer Andreas B , Sailer Uta , Hurlemann René , Eckstein Monika , Ditzen Beate
Published: May 2023

Background:

Affectionate touch, which is vital for mental and physical health, was restricted during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study investigated the association between momentary affectionate touch and subjective well-being, as well as salivary oxytocin and cortisol in everyday life during the pandemic.

Methods:

In the first step, we measured anxiety and depression symptoms, loneliness and attitudes toward social touch in a large cross-sectional online survey (N = 1050). From this sample, N = 247 participants completed ecological momentary assessments over 2 days with six daily assessments by answering smartphone-based questions on affectionate touch and momentary mental state, and providing concomitant saliva samples for cortisol and oxytocin assessment.

Results:

Multilevel models showed that on a within-person level, affectionate touch was associated with decreased self-reported anxiety, general burden, stress, and increased oxytocin levels. On a between-person level, affectionate touch was associated with decreased cortisol levels and higher happiness. Moreover, individuals with a positive attitude toward social touch experiencing loneliness reported more mental health problems.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that affectionate touch is linked to higher endogenous oxytocin in times of pandemic and lockdown and might buffer stress on a subjective and hormonal level. These findings might have implications for preventing mental burden during social contact restrictions.

Funding:

The study was funded by the German Research Foundation, the German Psychological Society, and German Academic Exchange Service.
Bacterial diet affects the age-dependent decline of associative learning in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Higurashi Satoshi , Tsukada Sachio , Aleogho Binta Maria , Park Joo Hyun , Al-Hebri Yana , Tanaka Masaru , Nakano Shunji , Mori Ikue , Noma Kentaro
Published: May 2023

The causality and mechanism of dietary effects on brain aging are still unclear due to the long time scales of aging. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has contributed to aging research because of its short lifespan and easy genetic manipulation. When fed the standard laboratory diet, Escherichia coli, C. elegans experiences an age-dependent decline in temperature–food associative learning, called thermotaxis. To address if diet affects this decline, we screened 35 lactic acid bacteria as alternative diet and found that animals maintained high thermotaxis ability when fed a clade of Lactobacilli enriched with heterofermentative bacteria. Among them, Lactobacillus reuteri maintained the thermotaxis of aged animals without affecting their lifespan and motility. The effect of Lb. reuteri depends on the DAF-16 transcription factor functioning in neurons. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes between aged animals fed different bacteria were enriched with DAF-16 targets. Our results demonstrate that diet can impact brain aging in a daf-16-dependent manner without changing the lifespan.
Robust membrane protein tweezers reveal the folding speed limit of helical membrane proteins
Authors: Kim Seoyoon , Lee Daehyo , Wijesinghe WC Bhashini , Min Duyoung
Published: May 2023

Single-molecule tweezers, such as magnetic tweezers, are powerful tools for probing nm-scale structural changes in single membrane proteins under force. However, the weak molecular tethers used for the membrane protein studies have limited the observation of long-time, repetitive molecular transitions due to force-induced bond breakage. The prolonged observation of numerous transitions is critical in reliable characterizations of structural states, kinetics, and energy barrier properties. Here, we present a robust single-molecule tweezer method that uses dibenzocyclooctyne cycloaddition and traptavidin binding, enabling the estimation of the folding ‘speed limit’ of helical membrane proteins. This method is >100 times more stable than a conventional linkage system regarding the lifetime, allowing for the survival for ~12 hr at 50 pN and ~1000 pulling cycle experiments. By using this method, we were able to observe numerous structural transitions of a designer single-chained transmembrane homodimer for 9 hr at 12 pN and reveal its folding pathway including the hidden dynamics of helix-coil transitions. We characterized the energy barrier heights and folding times for the transitions using a model-independent deconvolution method and the hidden Markov modeling analysis, respectively. The Kramers rate framework yields a considerably low-speed limit of 21 ms for a helical hairpin formation in lipid bilayers, compared to μs scale for soluble protein folding. This large discrepancy is likely due to the highly viscous nature of lipid membranes, retarding the helix-helix interactions. Our results offer a more valid guideline for relating the kinetics and free energies of membrane protein folding.
Gene expression plasticity followed by genetic change during colonization in a high-elevation environment
Authors: She Huishang , Hao Yan , Song Gang , Luo Xu , Lei Fumin , Zhai Weiwei , Qu Yanhua
Published: May 2023

Phenotypic plasticity facilitates organismal invasion of novel environments, and the resultant phenotypic change may later be modified by genetic change, so called ‘plasticity first.’ Herein, we quantify gene expression plasticity and regulatory adaptation in a wild bird (Eurasian Tree Sparrow) from its original lowland (ancestral stage), experimentally implemented hypoxia acclimation (plastic stage), and colonized highland (colonized stage). Using a group of co-expressed genes from the cardiac and flight muscles, respectively, we demonstrate that gene expression plasticity to hypoxia tolerance is more often reversed than reinforced at the colonized stage. By correlating gene expression change with muscle phenotypes, we show that colonized tree sparrows reduce maladaptive plasticity that largely associated with decreased hypoxia tolerance. Conversely, adaptive plasticity that is congruent with increased hypoxia tolerance is often reinforced in the colonized tree sparrows. Genes displaying large levels of reinforcement or reversion plasticity (i.e. 200% of original level) show greater genetic divergence between ancestral and colonized populations. Overall, our work demonstrates that gene expression plasticity at the initial stage of high-elevation colonization can be reversed or reinforced through selection-driven adaptive modification.
Quality assessment of the commercially available alcohol-based hand sanitizers with femtosecond thermal lens spectroscopy
Authors: Chakraborty Subhajit , Rawat Ashwini Kumar , Mishra Amit Kumar , Goswami Debabrata
Published: May 2023

Using femtosecond-pulse-induced thermal lens spectroscopy (FTLS), we report a novel method for the quality measurements of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS). To sustain its effectiveness, the ABHS must contain the recommended concentration of alcohol content. We diluted the hand sanitizer with water to reduce the quantity of alcohol in the mixture and then performed thermal measurements on it. We performed both dual-beam Z-scan and time-resolved TL measurements to identify the alcoholic content in the ABHS. The thermal lens (TL) signal of the solvent is capable of detecting any relative change in the alcohol content in the mixture. Our technique, therefore, emerges as a sensitive tool for quality testing of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
A survey of epibiont hydrozoans on Sargassum
Authors: Carral-Murrieta Cecilia Odette , Marques Antonio C. , Serviere-Zaragoza Elisa , Estrada-González Mariae C. , Cunha Amanda F. , Fernandez Marina O. , Mazariegos-Villarreal Alejandra , León-Cisneros Karla , López-Vivas Juan , Agüero José , Mendoza-Becerril María A.
Published: May 2023

The brown alga Sargassum provides a natural substrate occupied by hydrozoans in shallow marine waters. A global count in 2007 listed 39 epibiotic species of Hydrozoa growing on Sargassum, but more studies have been published since, therefore, an update is timely, particularly due to the increased abundance of Sargassum in the Caribbean. This review, based on a recent literature survey and new records from Mexico, includes 133 publications of epibiotic hydrozoans on Sargassum spanning 220 years, from 1802 to 2022. A total of 131 hydrozoan species were recorded on 26 species of Sargassum, most belonging to the subclass Hydroidolina (130), with only one record of a trachyline medusa (Gonionemus vertens, subclass Trachylinae). Most publications centered on the Tropical Atlantic, where the greatest number of hydrozoan species (67 species) were recorded. All hydrozoan species possess a hydrorhiza, except one hydromedusae species that attach to Sargassum via adhesive tentacles. Most of the hydrozoan species associated with Sargassum exhibited a benthic life cycle (93 species) and are comprised of erect, branched colonies (67 species) and large hydrothecae (69 species). Although the number of studies of epibiotic hydrozoans on Sargassum has increased since the mid-20th century, nevertheless hydrozoan richness has not reached an asymptote. Therefore, more sampling of Sargassum species would likely identify more hydrozoan species associated with Sargassum, especially among benthic Sargassum, and might help reveal potential biogeographical and ecological patterns between Sargassum and hydrozoan epibionts.
Structure of meiofaunal communities in an urban tropical sandy beach in Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Cavalcanti Mariana F , Chaddad Paula AS , Santos Érika , Guilherme Betânia C
Published: May 2023

Sandy beaches are among the most extensive coastal ecosystems in Brazil and constitute important buffer zones between terrestrial and marine environments. The present study aimed to analyze the distribution and spatiotemporal variation of the meiofaunal community of an urban tropical sandy beach in northeastern Brazil with a particular focus on nematofauna. We set up 4 transects during 2 sampling periods to evaluate different beach zones. The meiofauna comprised 8 taxa, and the nematofauna consisted of 5 orders, 16 families, and 45 genera. The meiofaunal communities followed the qualitative-quantitative standards of those of other tropical sandy beaches in northeastern Brazil. The nematofaunal community showed variation in its composition and trophic structure between dry and rainy months, which were not significantly correlated with granulometric characteristics. This suggests that other variables may influence the structure of nematofaunal communities in Gaibu Beach. Further research on the biodiversity of the meiofaunal communities on sandy beaches in northeastern Brazil is urgently needed given the lack of available information of these environments and the extreme stress they are currently under.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Schiff Base Derived from 6-Methylcoumarin and 2-aminophenol and its Complexes Using Cobalt (II) and Copper (II)
Authors: Panda N. A. , Hussaini S. Y. , Baso A. A. , Danjaji H. I.
Published: May 2023

Schiff bases and their metal complexes has been a subject of research for a long period till date. Various researchers are focusing on synthesis of various Schiff bases with different metal salts to form complexes and their unique properties tried to be identified. The coumarin possess a lot of medicinal values and it was reported that incorporating of metal ion into its structure increases its activity compared to the coumarin based ligand as reported in literature. Such an attempt made here to synthesize a Schiff base from 6-methylcoumarin and 2-aminophenol and its two metal complexes using cobalt and copper (II) chloride salts. Synthesis was confirmed by FTIR and antimicrobial activity of the ligand (Schiff base) and the metal complex were determined by agar well diffusion method against some bacterial and fungal strains. The melting point of the Ligand was 1580C and that of Schiff bases were found to be 2300C and 2640C for Co (II) and Cu (II) respectively. Molar conductance values of Co (II) and Cu (II) complexes were 15.04 and 12.76µScm-1mol-1 respectively. The result from activity revealed an enhanced antimicrobial activity of the metal complexes over their corresponding Schiff bases in a concentrations dependent manner.
Assessment of Shareholder Strategy – An Internal Corporate Social Responsibility Perspective on Organizational Commitment in Five-Star Hotels in Kenya
Authors: Maalim Bashir Mohamud , Kibe Lucy W. , Ndolo Jackson
Published: May 2023

In Kenya, Five-Star hotels are leading in employees’ turnover within the hotel industry at 68%. This surpasses the healthy turnover range (0-15%) and affect organizational performance through the high cost incurred to replace experienced workers.  Workers’ commitment in an organization plays a vital role in addressing turnover intentions. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of shareholder strategy on organizational commitment in five-star hotels in Kenya. The study applied descriptive research design, cross-sectional approach and quantitative method to examine the study variables. A total of 216 hotel managers in five-star hotels in Kenya was the target population of the study, out of this, 144 hotel managers were selected as sample size in 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data and a response rate of 86.8% was obtained. The study applied both descriptive and inferential statistical approaches to analyze data with tabulation, figures and narrative output presentation. The study found that Shareholder Strategy has statistically significant and positive effect and explains 53.1% variation of the Organizational Commitment in Five-Star hotels in Kenya. Empowering the workers with ability for decision-making, problem solving, and planning activities fosters loyalty and commitment which drastically reduces turnover intentions. The study recommends to the hotel management and Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers & Caterers to strive to formulate and implement CSR embedded Shareholder Strategy for raising workers’ Commitment with the aim to attract, motivate, and retain workers. The study suggests replication of the study in the same or other sectors to develop further the Internal CSR field.
Impact of Native Date Palm (Phoenix sylvestris) Based Agroforestry Practice for Livelihood Improvement and Biodiversity Conservation: Insights from South-Western Zone of Bangladesh
Authors: Rana Md. Masud , Sultan Md. Tipu , Asif Md. Salah Uddin , Rahaman Habibur
Published: May 2023

This study aims to explore the impacts of native date palm (Phoenix sylvestris)  based agroforestry practices on the livelihood status and biodiversity conservation practices in south-western zone of Bangladesh. To conduct this exploratory study, data were collected from 70 farmers of Chaugachha upazila (sub-district) under Jessore district of Bangladesh using a pre-tested structured questionnaire during the period of May to June 2022. Findings of the study revealed that a wide range of plant species were available in the study area. Among these plant species, palms comprised the highest proportion (42%) while native date palm (Phoenix sylvestris) is the most dominant (38%) among the palm species. It is evident that native date palm based agroforestry practice has significant contributions to improve the livelihood of rural farmers, as majority of the farmers (47%) had moderate status of livelihood improvement while 32% of the farmers had high status of livelihood improvement. Despite facing a variety of challenges, the farmers are willing to continue this agroforestry practice in order to receive benefits from a wide range of aspects (human, social, natural, physical and financial). Most of the farmers of the study area depends on traditional knowledge and practices to manage their agroforestry system. So, proper initiatives need to be taken by the policy makers with provision to participatory training on improved agroforestry management practices and input support services (e.g. planting material, fertilizer, irrigation facility, farm equipment etc.). Priority should be given to ensure easy access to marketing and value chain system for the farmers to make this agroforestry practice economically profitable and a viable option for the rural farmers. This will also lead to develop a sustainable biodiversity management system in Bangladesh.
Outbreak Investigation: First Ten COVID – 19 Infection Related Deaths in Hodeidah, Yemen
Authors: Kamarany Mohammed Amood AL , Al-Masrafi Isra'a , Ghouth Abdullah Bin , Suhail Khalid , Majam Ahmed , Zuhairy Abdullah , Alabsi Elham
Published: May 2023

Background: Many acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) related deaths were reported in Yemen. The question is about what risk factors contribute to this excess death. Hodeidah governorate in the Western part of Yemen is exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic like other governorates in Yemen, adding to the current chronic problems. No study till now documented the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic process in Hodeidah, Yemen, especially deaths.

Objective: The aim of this short report is to explore more data about the first ten SARS-CoV-2-related deaths in Hodeidah. Yemen. 

Methods: An outbreak investigation was carried out directly with patients before death and their families based on world health organization (WHO) guideline and Center for Disease Control and Prevention -US (CDC-US) guideline. On the other hand, the medical reports of patients were investigated  in the triage area of the Center of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases (CTMID), AL-Thawrah Public Hospital Authority, Hodeidah, Yemen from 24th to 31st May 2020.

Results: The first ten death patients at the same time were investigated, the age ranging from 25-65 years with a median age of 57 years, seven deaths (70%) were at age over 50 years while males are more exposed to deaths (eight cases; 80%). The deaths are more in residents of urban (eight cases; 80%) than in rural areas (20%). Co-infections with other communicable diseases were reported in 3 dead patients (30%); tuberculosis, dengue, and hepatitis B (HVB). While six died patients (60%) had non-communicable diseases namely diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, chronic asthma, and chronic renal failure uncontrolled. One death (10%) of medication error in the private sector (non–isolation center facilities ; sub-standard management)

Conclusion: Old age and co-morbidity with non-communicable diseases may be contributing factors to excess deaths among SARS-CoV-2 patients. Co-infections with other infections like dengue is of high concern in Hodeidah, Yemen. The post-epidemiological investigation, the control and prevention measures were implemented by local authorities in collaboration with the private sector and non-governmental organizations namely re-habitation of SARS-CoV-2 isolation centers to reduce the mortality rate, also different practices and knowledge to reduce the morbidity rate.
Sub-Chronic Safety Assessment on the Use of Solanum aethiopicum (L.) Leaf Extract as Blood Booster in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Ibezute Albert C. , Dannon Adewale S.
Published: May 2023

Aim: The effect of Solanum aethiopicum (SA) on the haematological indices of Wistar rats was investigated in this study.

Methodology: A total of 20 male Wistar rats with an average 172.45±0.15 g were distributed into four groups (A – D) and allowed to acclimatize for two weeks. Group A served as the control, while groups B, C, and D were given aqueous extracts of SA at doses of 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 225 mg/kg per body weight, respectively, every 48 hours for 30 days. After the exposure period, a final evaluation and sacrifice of the rats was performed. Blood sample collection was carried for full blood count and blood film preparation.

Results: The result of this study showed that leaf extract of Solanum aethiopicum caused a significant increase in white blood cells (18.18±0.78 - 27.08±2.68 x 103/μl), especially lymphocytes (13.58±2.48 - 30.95±4.65 x 103/μl) in group of rats when compared to control. On the contrary, there was a non-significant reduction in red blood cells (7.78±0.04 - 7.19±0.45 x 106/μl),  hemoglobin (16.92±0.62 - 14.55±0.95 g/dl), haematocrit (41.49±0.29 -  38.38±1.68 %), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (21.71±0.91 - 20.30±0.10 ρg) when compared to the control. Platelet (451.25±87.25 - 724.75±249.25 x 103/μl) and Plateletcrit (0.36±0.07 - 0.50±0.17 %) was significantly higher in treated group, while mean platelet volume (8.21±0.31 - 6.98±0.07 μm3) and platelet distribution width (18.68±1.38 - 15.93±0.73 %) was low when compared with control.

Conclusion: The current study has demonstrated that the leaves of Solanum aethiopicum may be safe to consume in regulated amount, as it has been shown to boost blood indices.  These plant extracts may be utilized as a blood promoting potentials as it has been shown to strengthens the body's immune system particularly cell-mediated immunity, have no hemotoxic impact on the red blood cell and its indices and improve the ability for the body to repair itself as seen from the platelet count and its indices.
Studies on Some Physical and Chemical Characters on Diversity of Some Local Jamun (Syzygium cumini Skeels) Genotypes
Authors: Patel Sujeet Kumar , Halder Agniva , Deb Prahlad
Published: May 2023

The experiment was conducted by selecting 15 different jamun genotypes from Sriniketan and adjoining villages (viz. Andrews Pally, Rathindra Pally, Ballavpur, Bahadurpur Pashchim, Sonajhuri) and jamun fruits were brought to record their physical as well as bio-chemical character at laboratory of Department of Horticulture & post-harvest technology. Present study reveals a wide and significant variation in physical and bio-chemical characters of fruits has been observed among 15 different jamun genotypes. Among all genotypes G-14 was superior on the basis of fruit weight (3.16g), fruit diameter (17.46mm), and greater pulp content (2.34g) and average total sugar (16.26%) content. Owing to moderate fruit size (21.89mm in length and 15.64mm in diameter) G-4 genotype is also superior on the basis of higher TSS (25.90⁰B), total sugar (13.65%) and reducing sugar (8.23%).  So, the overall findings of the present study conclude that genotypes G-14 and G-4 are superior over the 15 local jamun genotypes.
Comparative Study on Production and Marketing of Poovan and Nendran Banana in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala, India
Authors: Vijayan Sampath R. , Kumar Sanjay , Tiwari Madhusudan
Published: May 2023

The present research study was conducted in the year 2022 using a sample of one twenty respondent banana growers in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Research data were collected using questionnaire schedule. The study revealed that total area under banana of the sample farmers was 230.58 ha, of which 59.58 percent was under Nendran and 40.42 percent was under Poovan banana. Cost of cultivation of Poovan banana per ha is much higher than the cost of cultivation of Nendran banana. The cost of cultivation per ha of Poovan banana for marginal, small, semi medium and medium farm size groups was found to be varied from Rs. 434117.24, Rs.431181.45, Rs.427948.25 and Rs 418435.14 respectively. The cost of cultivation per ha of Nendran banana for marginal, small, semi medium and medium farm size groups was found to be varied from Rs.414155.91, Rs.412809.04, Rs.409212.27 and Rs. 403082.07 respectively. Average Cost benefit ratio for Poovan banana related to Cost C was 1:1.6 which is lesser than average cost benefit ratio of Nendran banana related to Cost C was 1:1.8. Among the nine constraints related to production of Banana, High incidence of disease was ranked first by sample farmers and was reported by 70.33% while high cost of input ranked second and in marketing of banana price fluctuation was ranked first and was reported by 73.63%.
The Government's Policy in Encouraging the Global Competitiveness of Indonesian MSMEs through the Digital Ecosystem
Authors: Haqqi Halifa
Published: May 2023

Digital platforms or marketplaces are part of digital economy which is very developed in Indonesia. This digital economy can be an advantage for Indonesian MSMEs, as one of the potential economic driving actors. But in its development there are still many limitations. There are several problems that require political policy intervention, while these problems are rarely researched.

Aims: This research is conducted to analyze how the government’s policy in encouraging the global competitiveness of Indonesian MSMEs through the digital ecosystem.

Methodology: This is a descriptive qualitative research, using library research methods. Data collected then described the situation or the phenomena in detail using descriptive analysis methods.

Results: To encouraging the global competitiveness of Indonesian MSMEs, the government launched MSMEs go global and go digital through synergies between various main players to provide financing, coaching and markets. The government establishes policies that lead to increased technological progress, socioeconomic adjustments by utilizing geopolitics, and supports environmental changes that encourage MSMEs to adapt to the digital ecosystem.

Conclusion: The government as regulatory institutions need to ensure those providing digital ecosystem apply sufficient protection to the MSMEs growth. As the digital economy spreads around the world, it will be interesting to see how businesses adjust, adapt and adopt available digital tools to their daily activities. It is important about how the government policy of a nation respond this phenomena, while the whole economy becomes more digitally inter-connected going forward.