bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Treatment Seeking in Opioid Users
Authors: Sharma Mini , Kataria Dinesh , Raut Nitin B. , Ramesh Om Sai , Rehman Sajjadur , Gracy BK
Published: January 2023

Background:

The planet has been hit by the novel coronavirus since December 2019, which has not only affected the day-to-day activities but has also affected the health-seeking approach of the general population. The reports from the National Institute on Drug Abuse survey hint toward a rise in opioid use in the states. Even in India, the utilization of health services, especially the outpatient department (OPD) and opioid substitution clinics have been affected due to the impact of COVID-19 and subsequent national and regional lockdowns. The Indian studies reflect upon the experience and measures to continue the treatment facilities in substance users, yet none are available to reflect upon the impact of COVID-19 on the pattern of opioid use or functionality of OPD services.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to study the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on treatment seeking among opioid users from OPD-based opioid treatment centers: a retrospective study.

Methodology:

A retrospective study was done in an OPD-based opioid treatment center of a tertiary care hospital to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on treatment-seeking opioid users by comparing the data of pre-COVID-19 (April 2019–March 2020) and during COVID-19 (April 2020–March 2021) OPD visits by opioid users. The OPD visits data were collected, including the number of visits, the total number of buprenorphine tablets dispensed, and the dose of buprenorphine consumed per month. The data collected were further analyzed for the descriptive and analytic statistics using the SPSS software version 23.0.

Results:

During the pre-COVID-19 (April 2019–March 2020) duration, there were a total of 1104 (average 92/month) OPD visits and 4818 (Average 401/month) buprenorphine tablets were dispensed; whereas during the COVID-19 year (April 2020–March 2021), it was 980 (average 81.66/month) visits and 5174 (431/month) tablets. The results were further compared using the paired t-test, which was found to be statistically significant for the number of tablets dispensed, whereas not statistically significant for the number of OPD visits and doses.

Conclusion:

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the feasibility to seek treatment in opioid users, it has not significantly affected OPD visits for opioid treatment at our center. Although the policy changes such as Indian Psychiatry Society (IPS) interim guidelines for opioid substitution therapy have been beneficial to facilitate the harm reduction and treatment-seeking attitude and have not affected the treatment seeking as expected due to lockdown and transportation which have been a hurdle. Further regulations on opioid treatment OPD, Tele-consultation services and mobile mental health services may be helpful to ensure continuity of treatment and harm reduction among the opioid users.
Association between Markers of Oxidative Stress and Cognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia
Authors: Menon Vikas , Balasubramanian Ilambaridhi , Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: January 2023

High levels of oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Our objectives were to review the association between oxidative stress markers and neurocognitive functioning in schizophrenia. Electronic search of MEDLINE, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was carried out in September 2022 to identify relevant English language articles. Articles identified were grouped under the following themes: comparison of oxidative stress or antioxidant biomarkers between patients with schizophrenia and general population, association between biomarkers of oxidative stress and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia, and clinical trials evaluating the effect of antioxidant compounds on cognitive functioning in schizophrenia. We reviewed 36 eligible papers: 30 observational studies and 6 intervention trials. Marked heterogeneity was noted in patient population, oxidative stress markers examined, and cognitive measures. Majority (83.3%) of the observational studies were cross-sectional in design; half of them (50%) were conducted on chronic, stable, medicated patients. Most of the observational studies showed increased levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and decreased antioxidant activity in schizophrenia compared to controls. A significant positive association was noted between markers of antioxidant activity and cognitive performance in this group. Treatment trials of antioxidant agents showed positive but inconsistent evidence for benefits on cognitive measures and clinical symptomatology in schizophrenia. Our findings are broadly consistent with the redox imbalance hypothesis in schizophrenia. The significant associations noted between antioxidant markers and cognitive functioning may have key neurobiological and therapeutic implications.
Body fluids
Authors: Nemade Shyam H. , Kamal Meherbano M.
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

In the diagnosis of malignant tumors, cytological examinations of various body fluids are useful. For the preparation of body fluid, many methods are used till date. The use of liquid-based cytology is new upcoming in the field.

Aim:

To examine the performance of liquid-based cytology on body cavity fluids as compared to conventional cytopreparatory techniques.

Methodology:

In the present study, 700 body fluid samples were processed by both liquid- based cytology (BD SurePath™) and conventional cytopreparatory technique (Thick & Thin). The performance of both techniques was compared in terms of “smear quality” and “overall diagnostic test performance.”

Results:

Out of 155 body fluid samples from proven malignancy patients, 32 (20.65%) were reported as Positive for malignancy, 23 (14.84%) as Suspicious of malignancy, and 100 (64.51%) as Negative for malignancy by CS (Thick and Thin). A total of 44 (28.39%) were reported as Positive for malignancy, 12 (7.74%) as Suspicious of malignancy, and 99 (63.87%) as Negative for malignancy by LBC.

Conclusion:

Liquid-based cytology is advantageous over conventional techniques in cytomorphology of body fluids, but not better in sensitivity and specificity. Also saves cytopathologist's valuable time for screening.
The baneful alliance of COVID-19 and mucormycosis
Authors: Singh Anshu , Kumar Vijay , Kumar Vikul , Verma Nidhi
Published: January 2023

Background:

Mucormycosis, once a rare fungal disease, has now shown a surge in cases, and its epidemiology in India is intriguing. Rising incidence confers the necessity of defining the demography of the population at risk, early diagnosis, and recommendations for the management of mucormycosis in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection.

Aims:

To study the clinico-epidemological profile, risk factors, and histopathological features of COVID-19-associated Mucormycosis (CAM).

Setting and Design:

This is a retrospective observational study.

Material and Methods:

Fifty-six biopsy specimens taken from patients of COVID-19 with clinical suspicion of mucormycosis were included.

Results:

Diabetes mellitus, corticosteroids, and oxygen therapy were the most common risk factors associated with CAM. The mean duration between the onset of symptoms of COVID-19 and onset of CAM was 25.2 ± 15.3 days. Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) was present in 24.5% of the cases, with a survival rate of 58.3%. Histopathology showed tissue invasion by branching broad-based, pale, fungal hyphae consistent with mucor in 49 (87.5%) cases. Inflammation was acute neutrophilic type in 61.2% of the patients with a survival rate of 63.33%. The survival rate with chronic non-granulomatous and chronic granulomatous was 100% and 81.8%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Keeping a high index of suspicion for mucormycosis in COVID-19 by all medical fraternities of the health community in the existence of risk factors is the need of the hour for prompt diagnosis. Biopsy of antral necrotic tissue should be performed immediately after suspicion for histopathological study to confirm the diagnosis of mucormycosis and predict prognosis depending on the type of inflammation incited, fungal morphology, load, and necrosis.
Development and implementation of a self-directed learning module on antimicrobial resistance for Phase 2 MBBS students
Authors: Varghese Shereen R. , Kwatra Gagandeep
Published: January 2023

Background:

The first objective of the Global Action Plan proposed by the WHO in preventing and controlling Antimicrobial resistance is to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education and training. Self-directed learning is a student oriented teaching learning method ideal for imparting lasting knowledge on topics of national and global importance such as antimicrobial resistance among medical students, which will help them develop an in-depth understanding of the topic and hence the aim of this study was to develop and implement a Self Directed Learning Module on Antimicrobial Resistance.

Material and Methods:

The study was conducted in the department of Microbiology with the Phase 2 medical students. Four self-directed learning sessions were developed and disseminated which included case scenarios, class assignments, obtaining antibiotic history from admitted patients, brain storming sessions, final assessment and feedback from students and faculty.

Results:

62 out of 80 students gave their consent for the study. 72.6% students attended all the SDL sessions. 55 students gave their final assessments and feedback and all students scored above 50% marks. More than 70% of students said that the SDL aroused curiosity about the topic, while making it interesting, interactive and enjoyable.

Conclusions:

The self-directed learning module on antimicrobial resistance evoked interest and enthusiastic participation among the medical students. The discussions, assignments and the brainstorming sessions helped to deepen their knowledge on this emerging threat at the local, national and global levels.
Vertebromedular histoplasmosis
Authors: Ngo Pambe Christiane J. , Aminou Mohamadou , Ngaroua  , Mendimi Nkodo Joseph M.
Published: January 2023

Systemic mycosis raging endemic, histoplasmosis has an increasing incidence with the advent of HIV-AIDS. The authors report a case of vertebra-medullar histoplasmosis mimicking tuberculous spondylodiscitis in a patient without proven immunosuppression. This was a patient who spent 3 years in a highly endemic area. He presented with signs of transverse myelitis. MRI of the lumbar spine showed a para-vertebral tumor lesion that partially infiltrated the spinal cord. The positive diagnosis of histoplasmosis was made by histomorphology, and symptoms were reduced with administration of itraconazole. These findings show the need for a proper coding of the management of patients living or having stayed in histoplasmosis endemic areas, whether they are immunocompromised or not.
Evaluation and prognostic significance of tumor budding in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas
Authors: Argon Asuman , Öz Özden , Kebat Tulu Ayata
Published: January 2023

Aim:

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the prognostic importance of Tumor budding (TB) in Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas(PDAC) and its correlation with histopathological findings according to the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference(ITBCC) grading.

Material and Methods:

A total of 75 patients diagnosed with PDAC were included in this study. The demographic features of the cases (age, sex) and the macroscopic features of the tumors (localization, size) were obtained from the electronic archive system. All Hematoxylin-Eosin-stained sections were re-evaluated in terms of differentiation, presence of lymphovascular (LVI) and perineural invasion(PNI), surgical margin positivity, primary tumor(pT), lymph node metastasis(LNM) and tumor budding. Statistically, Chi-square test, cox-regression and Kaplan-Meier test were performed.

Results:

Thirty four of the cases were female and 41 were male. The mean age was 64.21±9.71years. The degree of TB was TB-few in 17 cases, TB-moderate in 25cases, and TB-high in 33cases. LVI, PNI, LNM and TB-high were poor prognostic factors. Moreover, TB-high was related with poor differantiation, LVI, PNI, LNM and short survival time. Tumor budding was independent negative prognostic factor in multivariable model analyzes.

Conclusion:

ITBCC scoring can also be used in PDACs. In addition, high tumor budding was a poor prognostic feature and might be a target for tumor-specific treatments as it could be a predictive finding for the locally invasive character of the tumor. Evaluation and grading of TB thought to represent EMT may be a histological feature that can be used in tumor selection for advanced molecular methods to identify subtypes that may be associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance.
Profile of functional limitation using Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness Scale in leprosy population of Mysore district
Authors: Shivanna Preethi Hassan , Shruthi R. T.
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Leprosy is known as Hansen's disease, a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It can be seen in all ages, from early infancy to old age. It is a significant cause of preventable disability. The impairments give rise to disabilities, such as limitations in performing activities involving using hands, feet, and eyes and restrictions in social participation. Functional movements are most important to fulfill one's activities of daily living.

OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of this study were to identify the functional limitations using the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) Scale in the leprosy population of Mysore district.

METHODS:

This cross-sectional study included 92 participants diagnosed with leprosy and collected socioeconomic and clinical data. Each participant was evaluated for functional limitations using the SALSA Scale.

RESULTS:

The participants were mainly male (58) and fewer female (34) with a minimum of one impairment. The result is written based on the five primary domains of the SALSA Scale. The study showed that 39.65% of participants did not present significant functional limitations and 24.36% of participants reported mild functional limitations. In comparison, 12.35% were moderately functionally limited, 14.32% had severe functional limitations, and 9.32% showed extremely severe limitations which described the most difficult activity were fine motor activity.

CONCLUSION:

The study concludes that difficult functional activity reported by participants with leprosy was fine motor activity and hand sensation to carry the hot objects according to the profiling by SALSA Scale which intern leads to difficulty in quality of life.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in students aged 13–18 years with the use of smartphones for online classes
Authors: Shah Krutika Jatin , Patel Farheen Salim , Dabadghav Rachana P.
Published: January 2023

CONTEXT:

Smartphones are a common gadget used by individuals in day-to-day life for various purposes. Especially in the lockdown period, the use of gadgets increased tremendously for the purpose of attending online classes. Inefficient use of smartphones by students for attending online classes may lead to several long-term musculoskeletal disorders.

AIMS:

The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders with the use of smartphones during online classes.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:

Community setup, cross-sectional Study design.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

The approval of the Institutional Ethical Committee was obtained. Informed consent was obtained from the participants and a self-made validated questionnaire was circulated to 202 students through online mode.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:

This was a descriptive data analysis.

RESULTS:

Two hundred two students participated in the study with a mean age of 15.5 ± 2.58 years. The mean hours of use of smartphones for attending online classes were 4.81 h ± 2.18 h and the mean hours of use of smartphones for other purposes such as gaming and social media was 2.69 h ± 1.79 h. Neck pain showed the most prevalence among other joints which was supported by the finding that 34.74% of students complained of pain in the neck.

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is common after smartphone use for online classes and was found to be in the neck, shoulder, upper back, and lower back.
Awareness and attitude of first-aid seizure management among physiotherapy undergraduate students
Authors: Modi Sanskruti Sehul , Chavhan Dinesh , Dabadghav Rachana , Shyam Ashok , Sancheti Parag
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder. In Indian society, there are various misconceptions and practices performed while an individual is having an epileptic seizure and social acceptance is poor and stigmatized. As health-care professionals, physiotherapists need to know the first-aid management for seizures to prevent further harm caused by the episode. By increasing awareness, prompt treatment can be administered, which will subsequently lead to better survival rates.

AIMS:

The aim of this study was to find out the awareness and attitude of first-aid seizure management among physiotherapy undergraduate students.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

Approval from the institutional ethical committee was obtained for the study and validated by three experts in the field. Two hundred and five students in the age group of 20–24 years from 3rd year to 4th year and interns were included through convenience sampling. Subjects were recruited from various physiotherapy colleges through Google Forms. A Google Form link constituting the information and description of the study, and a self-made questionnaire were circulated to the subjects. Consent was taken before participating in the study. The responses were recorded, and descriptive analysis was done using SPSS software version 26.

RESULTS:

Participants were in the age group of 20–24 years, of which awareness toward first-aid management is lacking as 35% agree to hold them and help to restrict movement during a seizure, and 27% agree to insert a spoon or metal into his mouth. Attitude is positive toward first-aid seizure management.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study suggests that physiotherapy undergraduate students lack awareness of management and attitude positive toward first-aid seizure management.
Система неравенств в цепных дробях из конечных алфавитов
Authors: Kan Igor' Davidovich , Solov'ev Garif Khusainovich
Published: January 2023

В настоящей работе рассматривается система из двух неравенств
$$
|\frac yx-\psi_1|\leqslant \varepsilon_1\qquad и
\qquad
\|\frac{ay}x-\psi_2\|\leqslant \varepsilon_2
$$
и
доказывается верхняя оценка для числа ее решений.
Здесь $a$, $\psi_1$, $\psi_2$, $\varepsilon_1$ и
$\varepsilon_2$ - заданные действительные числа,
в том числе $\varepsilon_1$ и
$\varepsilon_1$ - положительные сколь угодно малые,
$\|\cdot\|$ - расстояние до ближайшего целого,
$x$ и $y$ - взаимно простые переменные из заданных отрезков
такие, что число $y/x$ раскладывается в цепную дробь
с неполными частными из некоторого конечного алфавита
$\mathbf{A}\subseteq\mathbb{N}$.
Библиография: 22 названия.
Об однородности произведений топологических пространств
Authors: Groznova Anastasiya Yur'evna
Published: January 2023

Рассматриваются три промежуточных класса пространств
$\mathscr R_1\subset\mathscr R_2\subset\mathscr R_3$ между $F$-пространствами
и $\beta\omega$-пространствами. Доказывается, что произведение
бесконечных $\mathscr R_2$-пространств, а при условии существования
дискретного ультрафильтра и $\beta\omega$-пространств, не бывает
однородным. В дополнительных теоретико-множественных предположениях
доказывается метризуемость компактного подпространства в счетном
произведении однородных $\beta\omega$-пространств.
Библиография: 23 названия.
Обобщенные неравенства Маркова-Бернштейна и устойчивость динамических систем
Authors: Protasov Vladimir Yur'evich
Published: January 2023

Исследуются неравенства Маркова-Бернштейна (между нормами функции и ее производных) для полиномов по системе экспонент с комплексными показателями. Установлена связь между точными константами в этих неравенствах и задачей об устойчивости линейных динамических систем с переключениями. В частности, получены оценки максимального шага дискретизации системы. Доказана монотонная зависимость наилучших констант от показателей экспонент в случае, когда эти показатели действительны. Это дает асимптотически точные равномерные оценки и общий вид экстремального полинома. Случай комплексных показателей оставлен в виде открытой проблемы.
Effect of pH and Temperature on Bioethanol Production: Evidences from the Fermentation of Sugarcane Molasses using Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Salihu U.Y. , Usman U.G. , Abubakar A.Y. , Mansir G.
Published: February 2023

Bioethanol is increasingly seen as a competitive alternative to gasoline due to rising concerns about the greenhouse effect, the price of crude oil, and other issues. Due to improvements in the agricultural sector, millions of tons of trash and byproducts are produced annually, with the potential to be used as inexpensive energy sources and raw materials for energy production. In the sectors that produce sugar, sugarcane molasses is widely available as a feedstock for the commercial generation of low-cost bioethanol. In order to examine the impact of temperature and pH on the output of bioethanol, this study fermented sugarcane molasses to make bioethanol. In the experiment, fermentation was accomplished using the fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast). Following fermentation, ethanol was extracted using distillation at a temperature of 78oC. The impact of pH on the ethanol yield was studied using five samples at five different pH levels (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0) at a temperature of 35oC. Five more samples were utilized to investigate the impact of temperature on the production of ethanol; the pH was maintained at 4.0 while the temperature was changed (25, 30, 35, 40, and 45oC). The percentage of ethanol yield was observed to grow with increasing pH and temperature until the optimum conditions were attained, at which point it began to decline. The study also found that the best conditions for Saccharomyces cerevisiae to make ethanol were pH 4.5 and temperature 35oC, yielding the highest amount of ethanol (81%).
Development of a Referral System to Optimize Centers for Character Development and Counseling Guidance as Well as Psychological Service Centers for Professional Learning and Development Institutions
Authors: Bachri ‪Bachtiar Sjaiful , Wismanadi Himawan , Izzati Umi Anugerah , Jannah Miftakhul
Published: January 2023

The research aims to determine the implementation of the referral system at the Centers for Character Development and Counseling Guidance (CCDGC) and Psychology Service Centers. This study uses a type of R&D with a descriptive approach. The participants in this research are the chairperson or secretary at the Center for Psychological Services, the CCDCG, and related parties in the internal referral system and system developers. Data analysis in the form of observation, documentation, and focus group discussion (FGD) was collected directly. This study's results indicate that the referral system carried out by the CCDCG can be implemented as needed. In addition, the Psychological Service Center in the psychological examination and consultation program can develop a referral system according to the needs of clients from outside the Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA). This study implies that the implementation of the referral system makes it easier for users to access services according to their needs, and the psychology service center has an optimized SOP to rule the CCDCG at UNESA. The limitation of this study is that it is only focused on UNESA. Hence, further research can analyze the development of a referral system in the CCDCG to other institutions and compare it to UNESA.
Exploring Nigerian pharmacists’ attitudes and perceptions to continuing education and professional development
Authors: Abdullahi Abba Khalid , Salaudeen Maryam Adenike , Mosanya Adaobi Uchenna , Haruna Abdurrasheed Abdullahi , Elechi Kelechi Wisdom , Musa Muhammad Kabir , Khalid Garba Mohammed
Published: February 2023

Background: Many professions undergo continuous training to keep abreast of happenings and current trends. Pharmacy is one of such profession; it achieves this by participating in Mandatory continuing professional development  (MCPD). MCPDs come in various forms, including seminars, conference attendance, and reading research journals.  
Aim: This study sets out to assess and explore pharmacists’ attitudes towards continuing education in Nigeria and investigate the perceived barriers that hinder pharmacists from being involved in continuing education (CE) activities.   
Methods: A validated questionnaire composed of 19 items was shared online among pharmacists practicing in different settings in Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the variables.   
Results: A total of 586 pharmacists participated in the study. A high percentage (77.8%) of those who completed the questionnaire strongly agreed that life-long learning is a professional responsibility of all pharmacists to increase their knowledge. A fair number of the participants (52.90%) adopted a positive attitude toward CE, while almost a similar percentage (47.10%) of participants displayed poor attitudes. The main barriers identified were the lack of time (49.10%), the cost of (MCPD) programmes (65.90%), and job constraints (64.80%).  
Conclusion: This study showed that the attitude of Nigerian Pharmacists toward CE is polarised between positive and negative, with several factors impeding their involvement in CE.
PENERAPAN BAMBU PADA FURNITUR DAN AKSESORIS INTERIOR SEBAGAI NILAI TAMBAH HOMESTAY DI DESA WISATA
Authors: Indahyani Titi , Dewanti Nabilla Retnaning
Published: January 2023

Homestay berbasis masyarakat di desa wisata saat ini menjadi salah satu fasilitas penunjang pariwisata yang berpotensi untuk dikembangkan menjadi fasilitas pendukung yang unik bagi wisatawan dan pemasukan tambahan bagi masyarakat untuk mendukung keberlanjutan pariwisata lokal. Fasilitas di dalam homestay seperti elemen interior, furnitur dan aksesoris interior menjadi sangat penting untuk mendukung peningkatan pelayanan terhadap para wisatawan. Furnitur dan aksesoris interior khususnya, juga dapat dimanfaatkan untuk lebih memperkuat identitas lokal. Material bambu yang cukup melimpah di desa wisata juga diintegrasikan pada rancangan desain pada kegiatan pemberdayaan masyarakat ini untuk mendukung nilai tambah produk dan memberikan pengalaman nuansa alam yang khas pedesaan yang tak terlupakan bagi para wisatawan. Tujuan umum dari kegiatan ini adalah memberikan wawasan tambahan terhadap fasilitas homestay yang dikelola masyarakat agar selain dapat memberikan nilai tambah bagi produk lokal khususnya aksesoris interior yang terdapat di dalam homestay juga dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat dan perekonomian di desa wisata. Metode yang digunakan adalah mengumpulkan data, wawancara kepada mitra, melakukan proses desain dan pengembangan desain, membuat prototype, dan menyusun materi pelatihan bagi masyarakat desa. Selanjutnya dilakukan pelatihan untuk menambah wawasan terkait penerapan bambu dan interior homestay. Beberapa prototipe, foto dan paparan materi disampaikan kepada para peserta untuk mendukung pelatihan agar dapat lebih memperjelas pemahaman akan pentingnya memberikan nilai tambah bagi produk bambu. Luaran program ini merupakan pengenalan wawasan para peserta terhadap rancangan dan tata letak desain interior, furnitur dan aksesoris interior homestay. Peserta juga melakukan pelatihan membuat produk dari bambu dan produk yang terinspirasi dari kekhasan alam di desa. Semua peserta berhasil menyelesaikan materi pelatihan yang dapat bermanfaat untuk mendukung kebutuhan akan fasilitas homestay yang berdampak bagi keberlanjutan UMKM dan pariwisata di desa wisata
BuddhistRoad Paper 3.1 "Bodhidharma, Meditation, and Medicine: On the Message of a Fragmented Buddhist Medical Text from Dunhuang"
Authors: Sørensen Henrik H.
Published: January 2023

The present essay is devoted to a discussion and analysis of Dunhuang (敦煌) manuscript P. 3181 which features a meditation text attributed to the Buddhist saint and Chan Buddhist (Chin. chanzong 禪宗) patriarch Bodhidharma (d. c. 530). It is noteworthy because it represents a stage in the development of Chinese Buddhism in which local practitioners of meditation became increasingly influenced by Daoist beliefs and practices. As such, the manuscript under discussion documents the conflation of Chan Buddhism, Buddhist meditation generally conceived, and Daoist practices for the circulation of vital energy of the kind one later encounters in the tradition of internal alchemy (Chin. neidan 內丹). In the course of this presentation, the focus will be on Dunhuang, and how medical beliefs and practices, many of which derived from Daoism, were incorporated into the various systems of belief and practice of local Buddhism.
Exploration of the Challenges Facing In-service Training Operation in Public Secondary Schools in Tanzania
Authors: Mchami Devotha B. , Mhando Salvatory
Published: January 2023

The study explored challenges that face operations of in-service training in public secondary schools in Mbeya district, Tanzania. Specifically it identified challenges facing the operation of in-service training and established possible strategies that are used to enhance effective implementation of in-services training. Methodologically, the study was guided by pragmatism paradigm that employed mixed research approach and convergent parallel research design. The data to respond this study were collected through questionnaire and interview methods. A total of 110 respondents were involved in this study as sample size. Descriptive and thematic analysis was used to analyse data from questionnaire and interview. The study findings revealed that in-service training were offered with intention of enhancing their professional competence and development, however, the operation of in-service training programme are continuous facing several challenges including poor planning of training programmes, lack of clear follow-up strategies and insufficient funding of programmes. Moreover, it was identified various strategies that could enhance effective implementation of teachers’ in-service which were allocating enough budget, providing enough time for in-service training and formulation of good education policies for the operation of in-service training in public secondary schools. The study concludes that in-service training is among the good programme for improving competencies of teachers however, it has been facing with varying challenges. Finally, the study recommends to the government, stakeholders and school administrators of public secondary school to pull up together and provide directly and indirectly adequate resources to enhance operation of in-service training by mitigating those unveiled challenges.
Estimation of Coda Q Wave Attenuation Factors for Northern Iraq
Authors: Khagoory Fatima , Rahim Ali
Published: February 2023

The coda wave decay method was used to estimate the quality factor from the coda wave amplitude decay rate for the broadband seismic stations in northern Iraq using a single back-scattering model. The study aims to calculate the attenuation factor to comprehend the details of the structure of the earth's crust in the study area. The study was conducted using data from the Mesopotamian Network and the Iraqi Meteorological Organization and Seismology from 2007 to 2021. The selected earthquakes have magnitudes ranging from 4 to 6.1 ML and epicentral distances of less than < 100 km. Seventy seven earthquakes were recorded by three stations (SLY1, DHK1, and IKRK). These earthquakes were analyzed at eight center frequencies (1, 2, 3.5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 Hz) and a 30-sec length window by using the Seisan package. The Qc values are computed by the frequency-dependent relationship QC= Q0 f α, where Q0 is QC at 1 Hz and α denotes the degree of frequency dependence. The attenuation relationship of station SLY1 is obtained as QC =88 f 1.02, QC = 90 f 0.97 in the DHK1 station, and QC = 91 f 1.04 in the IKRK station. The comparison of these three stations indicates that attenuation is highest in Sulaymaniyah, followed by Duhok, and then Kirkuk.
The Relationship between Organic Matter and Soil Reflectance at Ramadi Iraq
Authors: Abbas Eilaf , Al-Jarrah Omar
Published: February 2023

Soil characteristics change with certain stimuli, which change their reflectivity and therefore lose their characteristic properties. This research focuses on measuring the effect of organic matter on soil reflectivity, especially the lack of any standard soil reflectivity samples in the research area, and will be the first step in designing these diagrams. Pear leaf was selected, the leaves were taken, then buried at depths 40 cm and 100 cm. and their reflectivity and surrounding soil were measured for 6-months period. The results showed that the rate of reflectivity decreased by 26% during this periods at a wavelength of 900nm with an increase in organic matter on depth 40cm, reflectivity decreased by 13% during this periods in wavelength of 900nm with increasing in the organic carbon in the depth of 100cm ,and no clear effect of humidity on organic matter changes was observed. These results should be used in any future study of the area of research, and the difference in reflectivity should be calculated to prevent miscalculations in the future.
Cartografando Florianópolis
Authors: Silva Marina Coelho Rosa e , Chaves Ana Paula Nunes
Published: January 2023

Este artigo busca ampliar os horizontes do trabalho com a cartografia na educação básica. Para tanto, trouxemos a experiência da atividade Cartografando Florianópolis, realizada com um sétimo ano de uma escola da Rede Municipal de Ensino. A atividade gerou dezessete mapas e suas carto-falas, produzidos pelos alunos com o objetivo de problematizar o mapa clássico, como única maneira de representar o espaço, e traçar outros imaginários geográficos existentes sobre a cidade. A investigação teve como marco teórico estudiosos da cultura visual, cartografia e ensino de Geografia como Verónica Hollman, Gisele Girardi e Jörn Seemann. A análise dos mapas e suas carto-falas demonstrou como os registros visuais são importantes para entendermos as imaginações geográficas acerca da cidade representada. A Florianópolis representada pelos alunos está relacionada ao seu espaço de convivência, às características do bairro e aos lugares que conheceram com a escola. Os mapas trabalhados em sala de aula foram além dos conceitos cartográficos do espaço, quando trouxeram feições do cotidiano e, até mesmo, de percepções sentimentais da cidade e com a cidade. Evidenciamos, assim, que sentimentos também perpassam o espaço vivido dos alunos, por isso, foram representados simbolicamente nos mapas e nas carto-falas investigados. 
Palavras-chave
Cartografia escolar, Carto-falas, Imaginários geográficos.
 
Mapping Florianópolis: experimenting with the possibilities of the mapa
Abstract
This paper aims to broaden analytical horizons for the working with cartography in basic education. For this, we brought the experience of the Cartografando Florianópolis activity carried out with the seventh year of a school in the Municipal Education. There are a total of seventeen maps and their speech cards produced by the students with the aim of problematizing the classic map as the only way to represent space and trace the existing geographic imaginaries about the city. The research was the theoretical framework for visual culture, cartography and teaching of geography such as Verónica Hollman, Gisele Girardi and Jörn Seemann. The analysis of the maps and their speech cards demonstrated how the visual records are important to understand the geographic imaginations about the represented city. The Florianópolis represented by the students is related to their living space, the characteristics of the neighborhood, the places they got to know with the school. The maps worked on in the classroom can go beyond the cartographic concepts of space, when they bring everyday features and even sentimental perceptions of the city and the city. Thus, we evidenced that feelings also permeate the space experienced by the students, and that is why they were symbolically represented on maps and in speech cards.
Keywords
Teaching geography, School cartography, Geographic imaginaries.
O cordel na educação geográfica nos anos inicias do Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Barros Josias Silvano de
Published: January 2023

As narrativas tecidas em poesia de cordel abrigam uma multiplicidade de enredos que compõem as diversas situações geográficas que dimensionam as atividades humanas. A partir desse olhar, o objetivo deste artigo é tecer uma reflexão didático-pedagógica sobre a literatura de cordel e o trato com a educação geográfica nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental, a partir do folheto Fatos em Foco: cenários do interior, escrito por Daudeth Bandeira e José de Sousa Dantas, com segunda edição publicada em 2013. Trata-se de uma abordagem reflexiva que toma a literatura de cordel como um artefato geográfico de cultura, de caráter alfabetizador, lúdico e encantador, capaz de envolver os sujeitos escolares em suas diferentes etapas de aprendizagens. Um estudo que revela a poesia de cordel como literatura de profícua potencialidade educativa para as crianças, diante do entrelace de situações que se fazem texto literário na ótica dos poetas e texto de vida no cotidiano social e escolar dos alunos e dos professores. Ou seja, a propositura educativa do cordel nos anos iniciais é colocada em cena a partir das tramas que grafam aspectos da geografia dos lugares, atrelados a paisagens regionais e as múltiplas temáticas que reverberam movimentos geográficos inscritos por pessoas e por contextos distintos.
Palavras-chave
Literatura de Cordel, Educação Geográfica, Anos Iniciais do Ensino Fundamental.
 
The cordel in geographic education in the early years of Elementary School
Abstract
The narratives woven in Cordel poetry shelter a multiplicity of plots that make different geographical situation that dimension human activities. From this point of view, the objective of this article is to weave a didactic-pedagogical reflection on Cordel literature and the deal with geographic education in the early years of Elementary school, based on the pamphlet Facts in Focus: countryside scenarios, written by Daudeth Bandeira and José de Sousa Dantas, with a second edition published in 2013.It is a reflexive approach that takes Cordel literature as a geographical artifact of culture, with a literacy, playful and charming character, capable of involving school subjects in their different stages of learning. A study that reveals Cordel poetry as a literature of fruitful educational potential for children, given the intertwining of situations that make up a literacy text from the point of view of poets and a text of life in the social and school daily life of students and teachers. That is the education purpose of Cordel in the early years is put on the scene from the plots that graph aspects of the geography of places, linked to regional landscapes and the multiple themes that reverberate geographical movements inscribed by people and by different contexts.
Keywords
Cordel literature, Geographic education, Early Years of Elementary School.
Generalized Extended Riemann-Liouville Type Fractional Derivative Operator
Authors:   University Tahar Moulay, Department of Mathematics, Algeria, ABBAS HAFIDA , AZZOUZ ABDELHALIM ,   University Tahar Moulay, 2Department of Engineering process, Algeria, ZAHAF MOHAMMED BRAHIM ,   Université de Tlemcen, Algeria, BELMEKKI MOHAMMED ,   High School of Applied Sciences, Algeria
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we present new extensions of incomplete gamma, beta, Gauss hypergeometric, conﬂuent hypergeometric function and Appell-Lauricella hypergeometric functions, by using the extended Bessel function due to Boudjelkha [?]. Some recurrence relations, transformation formulas, Mellin transform and integral representations are obtained for these generalizations. Further, an extension of the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative operator is established.
Pengaruh Penerapan Good Corporate Governance, Struktur Modal, Profitabilitas Terhadap Nilai Perusahaan Property dan Real Estate yang Terdaftar di BEI
Authors: Iliyanis Azmica
Published: January 2023

Peneliti ini memiliki tujuan untuk menganalisis dan menguji pengaruh Good Corporate Governance (GCG), struktur modal, profitabilitas terhadap Jenis Penelitian ini yaitu penelitian kuantitatif. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah perusahaan Property dan Real Estate yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) pada tahun 2018-2020, yang berjumlah 65 Perusahaan. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan Purposive Sampling, dan berdasarkan kriteria yang diterapkan diperoleh sebanyak 15 perusahaan. Sumber data yang digunakan merupakan laporan keuangan dan annual report. Metode yang digunakan untuk menganalisis data yaitu analisis Regresi Linier Berganda, dengan uji F dan uji t yang dibantu dengan program SPSS (Statictical Product and Service Solution). Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa (1) Good Corporate Governance (GCG), struktur modal, profitabilitas berpengaruh seara simultan terhadap nilai perusahaan (Tobinâ€™s Q); (2) berdasarkan hasil uji t yang telah dilakukan, diantara variabel Good Corporate Governance (GCG), struktur modal, profitabilitas yang berpegaruh paling dominan terhadap nilai perusahaan (Tobinsâ€™Q) adalah Good Corporate Governance (GCG).
Problems and Prospects of the Development of the Agrarian Sphere in the Conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian War and the Post-War Economic Recovery
Authors: Nechyporenko Oleksandr
Published: January 2023

The full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into the territory of independent and sovereign Ukraine has significantly affected the development of the country’s agrarian sector and caused unpredictable negative changes in the system of global food security. Increased challenges and dangers of a military nature necessitate the search for effective ways out of crisis situations and the formation of a set of measures for the post-war recovery of not only the agricultural sector but also the entire economy of the country. The study aims to substantiate the theoretical and applied principles and identify the problems of development of the agricultural sector in the post-war economic recovery. The methodological basis of the study is the basic methods of economic analysis and fundamental research, in particular: method of analysis, synthesis, abstraction, comparison, analogy, system analysis, graphical and tabular, grouping and cluster analysis, generalization and systematization. The obtained research findings allowed establish that the development of the agrarian sector is under the influence of destabilizing factors of the external and internal environment. Moreover, the post-war period of economic recovery involves the intensification of agricultural production. It has been found that the war in Ukraine has had a destructive impact on the formation and development of the agrarian sector of the European Union, which has led to a significant reduction in food security. It has been proven that among the countries of the European Union there are three groups of countries characterized by common features of the development of the agricultural sector highly developed countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, France, Sweden, and Sweden), which achieve high indicators of development of the agricultural sphere; countries with a mediocre level of development (Greece, Spain, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Russia), which have minor problems in ensuring the development of the agrarian sphere; countries with a low level of development (Bulgaria, Slovakia and Ukraine), where there are significant problems in the development of the agrarian sphere.
Literature as an Exotic Substance in Pre-Modern Literate Societies
Authors: Schüttpelz Erhard
Published: January 2023

This text was written for the "Seminar: World Literature: Circulations Outside the Modern” organized by Alexander Beecroft and Galin Tihanov at the ACLA (online) meeting on April 11, 2021 (Annual Meeting of the American Comparative Literature Association).
Orientalisms and Central European Approaches
Authors: Iványi Márton Pál
Published: January 2023

Instead of paving the way for political, military, and mercantilist expansion, since the late modern period, Central European Orientalists (predominantly of a Hungarian, Czech, and Polish background) have dedicated increased attention to the ‘East’ on unbiased scientific grounds. Lessons drawn from a frame of reference of corresponding, complex, and comprehensive oeuvres outside of and uncompromised by political agendas allow for rereading Said’s thesis and differentiating geocultural nuances accordingly.
Opinion on Distribution Nature of NEPSE Return: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Vaidya Rashesh , Sharma Dilli Raj , Dangol Jeetendra
Published: January 2023

The paper conducted a qualitative analysis among the Nepalese econophysicist-cum-investors regarding the opinions on the investment environment of the Nepalese stock market (NEPSE) and the challenges they have been facing while going for an investment decision. The paper has also gotten opinions on the screening process from the NEPSE from the interviewees and their opinion on the distribution nature of the return from the market. The paper followed the grounded theory to come with certain theories from the opinions. The paper found that the strong fundamentals of the listed companies were a concern for the interviewees. Similarly, wrong information and trading procedures were seen as concerns among interviewees. The paper found from interviews that the published financial reports of the listed companies helped in screening the shares to make a better portfolio among the Nepalese econophysicist-cum-investors. Finally, in the context of the distribution nature of NEPSE return, most interviewees viewed that the return follows the normal distribution. The interviewees viewed that the market return follows the power-law when the bull-run continues, backed by the extreme magnitude of trade volume as well as the perfect political and economic condition of the nation. They also linked the nature of return distribution with the behavioral factors of the investment decision process.