bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical considerations for maximal safe resection of exophytic brainstem glioma in the pediatric age group
Authors: Mahmoud Ayman Tarek , Enayet Abdelrhman , Alselisly Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Background:

Brainstem glioma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all central nervous system tumors, especially in childhood as it represents about 20% of all pediatric brain tumors. Therefore, this study aimed to present our experience in a tertiary center in a developing country with limited resources for the surgical management of exophytic brainstem gliomas.

Methods:

This retrospective study included pediatric patients with brainstem (midbrain, pontine, or medullary) focal or diffuse gliomas whether low or high grade that had dorsal, ventral, or lateral exophytic component who were presented to our hospitals from January 2019 to January 2021. The patients’ data were collected, such as age, sex, preoperative and postoperative clinical condition, radiological data, surgical approach, extent of tumor removal, histopathology, follow-up period, and adjuvant therapy.

Results:

A total of 23 patients were included in this study. The telovelar approach was used in 17 patients, the supracerebellar infratentorial approach in three patients, and the retrosigmoid, transcerebellar, and occipital transtentorial approach once for each patient. Twenty patients underwent near-total excision, and three underwent subtotal excision. Two-thirds of our cases (17 patients) were low-grade gliomas, with the remaining one-third comprising entirely of either anaplastic astrocytoma (five patients) or glioblastoma multiforme (one patient). The follow-up period of the patients extended from 3 months to 24 months.

Conclusion:

Exophytic brainstem glioma surgery can result in good outcomes with minimal complications when near-total excision is attempted through a properly chosen approach and adherence to some surgical techniques and considerations.
Management of recurrent schwannoma of the cauda equina: A case report
Authors: Perez-Pinto Francisco , Abaunza-Camacho Juan Felipe , Vergara-Garcia David , Benavides Camilo , Riveros William Mauricio , Laverde Leonardo
Published: June 2021

Background:

Schwannomas of the cauda equina are rare intradural primary spinal tumors. Many of these patients initially present with cauda equina syndromes, and only 2.2% demonstrate clinical recurrence. Gross total excision is the procedure of choice.

Case Description:

A 62-year-old female had undergone resection of a cauda equina schwannoma 5 years previously. She newly presented with cauda equina symptoms attributed to a recurrent schwannoma. Following gross total secondary tumor resection, the patient’s preoperative deficits fully resolved, and the tumor never recurred.

Conclusion:

Secondary gross total excision of schwannomas of the cauda equina is critical to avoid further tumor recurrence.
Coronavirus disease 2019 infection and pituitary apoplexy: A causal relation or just a coincidence? A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kamel Walaa A. , Najibullah Mustafa , Saleh Mamdouh S. , Azab Waleed A.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Pituitary tumor apoplexy (PA) is an emergency condition caused by hemorrhage or infarction of the preexisting adenoma. Many factors are currently well-known to predispose to PA. However, during the period of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, case reports of PA associated with COVID-19 infection have been sequentially published. To the best of our knowledge, four cases have been reported so far in the English literature. We herein report the fifth case of this association and review the pertinent literature.

Case Description:

A 55-year-old male patient with confirmed COVID-19 infection presented by progressive decrease in visual acuity and oculomotor nerve palsy. His medical history is notable for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and pituitary macroadenoma resection 11 years ago. He was on hormonal replacement therapy for panhypopituitarism that complicated the surgery. Previous magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies were consistent with enlarging residual pituitary adenoma. During the current hospitalization, computed tomography revealed hyperdensity of the sellar and suprasellar areas. MR imaging revealed PA in a recurrent large adenoma. Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection was uneventfully undertaken with near total excision of the adenoma and partial improvement of visual loss and oculomotor palsy. Histopathological examination demonstrated classic features of PA. However, his chest condition progressed and he had to be transferred to COVID-19 intensive care unit in the referring hospital where he was intubated and put on mechanical ventilation. One week later, the patient unfortunately passed away due to complications of severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Conclusion:

We report the fifth case of PA associated with COVID-19 infection. Based on our patient’s clinical findings, review of the other reported cases, as well as the available literature, we put forth a multitude of pathophysiological mechanisms induced by COVID-19 that can possibly lead to the development of PA. In our opinion, the association between both conditions is not just a mere coincidence. Although the histopathological features of PA associated with COVID-19 are similar to PA induced by other etiologies, future research may disclose unique pathological fingerprints of COVID-19 virus that explains its capability of inducing PA.
S-100-negative, GNA11 mutation-positive intramedullary meningeal melanocytoma of the thoracic spine: A radiographic challenge and histologic anomaly
Authors: Flores Alex , Gadot Ron , Noorbhai Ibrahim , Hall Hayden , Heck Kent Alan , Raper Daniel Matthew Sholto , Xu David , Karas Patrick , Mandel Jacob J. , Ropper Alexander Eli
Published: June 2021

Background:

Intramedullary melanocytomas are exceedingly rare and their management is largely based on case reports and small clinical series. They have characteristic imaging and histologic findings that can aid in their diagnosis. Genetic testing may be required for definitive diagnosis and management guidance in ambiguous cases.

Case Description:

We present the case of a thoracic intramedullary meningeal melanocytoma in a patient unable to undergo an MRI.

Conclusion:

This is the first reported S-100-negative case with genetic testing to support the diagnosis of a rare intramedullary melanocytoma.
A case of Wilson disease with the ATP7B mutation presenting movement disorders
Authors: Van Nguyen Huong , Nguyen Diep Ngoc , Nguyen Huong Thi
Published: June 2021

Background:

Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive condition manifested when abnormal copper accumulation in the body particularly involving many organs such as brain, liver, and cornea. Diagnosis is challenging with the completion of tests in blood and urine, a liver biopsy, and clinical evaluation. ATP7B mutations with more than 600 identified variants are the genetic disorders of Wilson disease.

Case Description:

We report an adolescent case with no family history presented with extrapyramidal dyskinesia. Other symptoms include liver cirrhosis and Kayser–Fleischer ring. The typical presentation of blood test results and brain MRI images helps us to suspect Wilson disease in this case. We confirmed to have a p.R778L form and a p.S105X form in ATP7B mutations. After combining therapy with trihexyphenidyl and trientine, the patient’s medical condition was stable and no side effects were observed.

Conclusion:

Screening for the diagnosis of Wilson disease is essential in helping patients benefit from early treatment and genetic counseling.
Rare incidence of tension pneumocephalus 2 months after repeat microvascular decompression
Authors: Lim Jaims , Nyabuto Elizabeth , Vakharia Kunal , Levy Elad I.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Tension pneumocephalus is a rare complication after intracranial procedures and craniotomy. We report a rare case of intraventricular and subdural tension pneumocephalus occurring 2 months after repeat right-sided microvascular decompression (MVD) for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia.

Case Description:

The patient in this case was a 79-year-old woman who presented with acute-onset confusion, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. On computed tomography, substantial volumes of pneumocephalus in the fourth ventricle and subdural space at the site of the retrosigmoid exposure for the previous MVD were seen. She underwent emergent wound exploration, and no obvious dural defect or exposed mastoid air cells were identified. The dura was reopened, and the surgical site was copiously irrigated. Mastoid air cells were covered with ample amounts of bone wax, and the wound was closed. The patient recovered well postoperatively with complete resolution of the pneumocephalus by her 3-month follow-up evaluation.

Conclusion:

It is important to assess for cerebrospinal fluid leakage and that air cells are sealed off before wound closure to prevent a pathway for air to egress into the surgical cavity and corridor.
Deadly complication of sacrificing superior petrosal vein during cerebellopontine angle tumor resection: A case report and literature review
Authors: Haq Irwan Barlian Immadoel , Permana Andhika Tomy , Susilo Rahadian Indarto , Wahyuhadi Joni
Published: June 2021

Background:

Tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are challenging to resect and have been proven difficult for neurosurgeons to manage optimally. Superior petrosal vein complex (SPVC) as the main drainage system and close proximity to CPA could be an obstacle during operation. There is an incidence ranging from 55% to 84% of injury to one part of the SPVC during CPA tumor surgery.

Case Description:

We report a case of 65-year-old woman with CPA tumor, who complained of unilateral hearing loss, dizziness, and facial pain. During tumor resection, one part of SPV complex was injured, then cerebellar edema develops.

Conclusion:

This case provides an overview of surgical complication associated with venous sacrifice. This would support the agreement to preserve SPV regarding risks and improve the quality of surgical decision making.
Tipologi Manusia Dalam Evaluasi Pendidikan: Perspektif Al-Qur’an Surat Fatir Ayat 32
Authors: Rosyidah Aisyatur , Wantini
Published: June 2021

Penelitian tentang evaluasi pendidikan telah banyak dilakukan, namun fokus pada aksplorasi tipologi manusia dalam evaluasi pendidikan berdasarkan al-Qur’an belum ditemukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengekslpor tipologi manusia dalam evaluasi pendidikan berdasarkan al-Qur’an Surat al-Fathir ayat 32 dan implikasinya dalam evaluasi pendidikan. Penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan analisis konsep dijadikan sebagai jenis penelitian dengan sumber data tafsir Wahbah az-Zuhaili, Sayid Quthb, Ibn Katsir, dan Quraish Shihab. Pengumpulan dan analisis data dilakukan dengan content analysis. Hasil penelitian ini adalah terdapat tiga golongan manusia dalam evaluasi pendidikan yaitu; manusia yang didominasi hal buruk menunjukkan tingkat rendah keberhasilan pendidikan; manusia yang setengah melakukan kebaikan dan keburukan, menunjukkan ketidakberhasilan pendidikan; dan manusia termotivasi secara berkala melakukan kebaikan. Implementasinya dalam evaluasi pendidikan menjamin hasil akhir dari perkembangan manusia saat menerima sebuah pengetahuan yang terukur dari hasil evaluasi untuk meningkatkan potensi diri manusia dan segala kecerdasan. Temuan penelitian ini berimplikasi pada pengembangan teori “evaluasi pendidikan” dengan memperhatikan tipologi manusia berdasarkan al-Qur’an untuk dipergunakan guru dalam pendidikan Islam dan lainnya.
Upaya Guru Pendidikan Agama Islam dalam Mengembangkan Keaktifan Belajar Peserta Didik pada Pembalajaran Jarak Jauh
Authors: Rahayu Rizcka Fatya , Dahlan R M.
Published: June 2021

Dampak dari adanya pembelajaran jarak jauh peserta didik mengalami kejenuhan belajar, sehingga menurunnya keaktifan belajar peserta didik saat proses pembelajaran. Oleh karena itu guru pendidikan agama Islam harus berupaya untuk mengembangkan kembali keaktifan belajar dan minat belajar peserta didik. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengembangkan keaktifan belajar peserta didik pada pembalajaran jarak jauh. Metode dalam penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan penelitian studi kasus, yaitu merupakan metode untuk mengumpulkan dan menganalisis data suatu kasus tertentu. Hasil dari  penelitian  ini  yaitu berbagai upaya guru pendidikan agama Islam dalam mengembangkan keaktifan belajar peserta didik pada pembalajaran jarak jauh meliputi: membuat group whatsapp, memotivasi siswa, mengadakan pembelajaran tatap muka setiap pekan, mengadakan pertemuan dengan orang tua wali murid, dan melakukan home visit. Temuan penelitian ini berimplikasi pada teori upaya guru dalam mengaktifkan belajar anak di masa pandemi dan di harapkan para guru pendidikan agama Islam bisa lebih meningkatkan strategi mengajarnya.
Sanayi Tipi Domates Bitkisinde Su-Verim İlişkilerinin Belirlenmesi Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: SUZAN Umut , UL Mehmet , GÜRGÜLÜ Hatice , DUMAN İbrahim
Published: June 2021

Dünyada ve ülkemizde tatlı su kaynakları gün geçtikçe azalmaktadır. Sorunun çözümüne yönelik özellikle tarımsal üretimde suyu daha etkin kullanabilmek için çeşitli çalışmalar yapılmaktadır. Ülkemiz açısından önemli bir üretim alanına sahip olan sanayi domatesinde yapılan bu çalışma da bunlardan biridir. İzmir-Bornova koşullarında 2017 yılı yaz döneminde yürütülen çalışmada su-verim ilişkilerinin yanı sıra; bazı meyve kalite özellikleri, su kullanım randımanı ve sulama suyu kullanım randımanı değerlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Sulama suyu miktarının belirlenmesinde A-sınıfı buharlaşma kabından yararlanılmış ve I125, I100, I75 ve I50 (%125, %100, %75 ve %50) sulama konuları uygulanmıştır. Verim miktarı sırasıyla %125, %100, %75 ve %50 sulama konuları için 1939.94 kg/da, 1650.16 kg/da, 1528.80 kg/da ve 1409.10 kg/da olarak saptanmıştır. Buna karşılık kalite değerlerinde en yüksek değerler %50 sulama konusunda tespit edilmiştir. Bu konuda, titre edilebilir asitlik, suda çözünebilir kuru madde miktarı, meyve kuru ağırlığı ve meyve sertliği değerleri sırasıyla 3.52 mval/100, %6.20, 8.07 gr ve 4.15 N olarak elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre, verim x kalite (briks) x randıman değeri ile çiftçiye ekonomik olarak daha çok gelir getireceği görüşünden hareketle, ele alınan sulama uygulamalarından I75 ve I50 konusunun çiftçiler için daha avantajlı olacağı sonucuna varılmıştır.
Kahramanmaraş Ekolojik Koşullarında Kışlık ve Yazlık Ekilen Çörek Otu (Nigella sp.) Genotiplerinin Tarımsal ve Kalite Özeliklerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: KESER Erol , GEDİK Osman
Published: June 2021

Bu çalışma 2016-2017 vejetasyon döneminde Kahramanmaraş merkez şartlarında kışlık ve yazlık ekilen çörek otu (Nigella sp.) genotiplerinin tarımsal ve kalite özeliklerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü Araştırma ve Uygulama arazisinde yürütülmüştür. Deneme; tesadüf bloklarında bölünmüş parseller deneme planına göre 3 tekerrürlü olarak dönemler (kışlık-yazlık) ana parsellere genotipler alt parsellere gelecek şekilde kurulmuştur. Araştırmada 6 farklı çörek otu genotipi (Urfa, Eskişehir I, Eskişehir II, Antep, Denizli ve Kahramanmaraş) kullanılmıştır. Kışlık ekimde; bitki boyu 39.10-71.06 cm, bitkide dal sayısı 4.53-7.33 adet/bitki, bitkide kapsül sayısı 14.56-22.08 adet/bitki, kapsüldeki tohum sayısı 96-309.88 adet/kapsül, bin tane ağırlığı 2.18-3.46 g, tohum verimi 91.66-126.66 kg/da, sabit yağ oranı %28.66-38.00, uçucu yağ oranı %0.08-0.66, protein oranı %17.55-19.72 olarak bulunmuştur. Yazlık ekimde ise; bitki boyu 25.66-45.03 cm, bitkide dal sayısı 4.03-8.33 adet/bitki, bitkide kapsül sayısı 7.33-12.70 adet/bitki, kapsüldeki tohum sayısı 59-92.10 adet/kapsül, bin tane ağırlığı 1.71-3.65 g, tohum verimi 14.86-39.03 kg/da, sabit yağ oranı %18.00-28.33, protein oranı %19.21-22.59, uçucu yağ oranı %0.08-0.60 olarak bulunmuştur. Çalışmanın sonuçlarına göre Kahramanmaraş merkez koşullarında çörek otunun kışlık ekiminden yazlık ekime göre daha iyi verim alınmıştır.
The Effect of Sowing Date, Cultivar and Seed Rate on Yield and Quality Characteristics in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: DİNÇ Sevgi , ÜNAY Aydın
Published: June 2021

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different sowing dates and seeding rate on seed yield, oil and protein contents of seed in two rapeseed cultivars in the field of experiment and application of Aydin Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Agriculture during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. The experiment was the split-split-plot design with 4 replications. The sowing dates, cultivars and seeding rates were arranged to main, sub and sub-sub plots, respectively. This experiment was conducted applying two sowing dates (early and late), two winter type cultivars (NK Petrol and NK Caravel) and five seeding rates (3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 kg ha-1). The early sowing date and 7.0 kg ha-1 seeding rate given the highest seed yield for both cultivars based on two-year results. The interaction between sowing dates and cultivars for crude oil rate was significant, and the highest crude oil rate was recorded in NK Petrol cultivar (43.34 - 43.54%) at the first sowing date in both years. Non-significant protein content for all factors and interactions varied from 19.10% to 23.72%. Finally, it was recommended the earliest possible sowing with 7.0 kg ha-1 seeding rate for seed yield and quality in winter rapeseed growing. Moreover, it was recommended that NK Petrol for early sowing dates and NK Caravel for late sowing dates should be used as a cultivar.
Response to Early Treatment of Chlormequat Chloride in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: ÇINAR Volkan Mehmet , ÜNAY Aydın
Published: June 2021

Plant growth regulators such as mepiquat chloride (MC) and chlormequat chloride (CCC) are used to establish the balance between the vegetative and generative growth in cotton. This study was conducted to compare the different doses and application time of CCC with MC and un-treatment (control). The seven treatments including control (non-treatment), T1 (three sprays of chlormequat chloride), T2 (two sprays of mepiquat chloride), T3 (0.4 L ha-1 CCC), T4 (0.5 L ha-1 CCC), T5 (0.6 L ha-1 CCC) and T6 (0.7 L ha-1 CCC) were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. The differences among treatments were found to be significant for seed cotton yield (SCY), the number of bolls per plant (N/B), boll weight (BW), plant height (PH), earliness, ginning out-turn (GOT), fiber fineness (FF), specific seed weight (SWt/S), the number seeds per boll (S/B), single seed volume (V/S) and lint yield per boll (LY/B). Finally, a single application of CCC @ 0.7 L ha-1 at the stage of DAS 90-110 days recorded optimum yield, earliness and fiber characteristics. The effects of early CCC on seed were more important than fiber characteristics.
Insight into the Stunting vis a vis Salmonella and Shigella Species among Children of Pakistan
Authors:   Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, M Batool , Z Noreen ,   Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, H Bokhari ,   Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, J Krishin ,   Department of Pediatrics, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Published: June 2021

Pakistan is one of the leading countries where the high childhood mortality (under the age of 5 years) as well as is a country where >33% of children are underweight and 38% show stunted growth. The current study investigated the presence or absence of Salmonella and Shigella sp. in stunted children under five years of age from the lower socioeconomic background of Pakistan. Besides, the antibiotics susceptibility patterns were studied along with the sociodemographic and clinical information demographic factors using a questionnaire. The stool samples from stunted children have processed following standard bacteriological protocols and presumptive colonies of Salmonella and Shigella species were identified and sub-cultured on selective media and confirmed by using the standard biochemical test as well as molecular tests. Antibiotics susceptibility of the isolates to 10 antibiotics was tested using disk diffusion assay. The results suggested that 10.5% and 5.7% of the stool samples were positive for Salmonella and Shigella sp. respectively. Moreover, the antibiotics susceptibility test results of the isolates showed that Salmonella sp., were showing higher resistance to amoxicillin whereas Shigella sp. were more resistant to gentamycin. All Salmonella and Shigella isolates were resistant to Rifampicin and 80% of isolates of both were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime. The study suggested that environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), is widespread among malnourished children and may result in stunted growth. The contributory factors such as unsafe farming practices or close association to poultry or livestock animals and prevailing sanitation & hygiene conditions are the potential source of entero-pathogens.
Managing Class II Malocclusion Using Twin Block Therapy in a Young Adolescent Female: A Case Report
Authors: Aman Deep  , Dipti Chawla
Published: June 2021

Twin block therapy is highly effective in patients with remaining growth potential. However, its successful use is confounded by many patient related factors such as age, gender, compliance of the patient and other miscellaneous criteria’s. If treated within time, growth modification and orthopedics can harness suitable forces to cause skeletal correction of the malocclusion. The appliance is highly successful in a patient with retruded mandible and presenting with a positive visual treatment objective. This paper discusses a case of 11-year-old female patient with characteristic twin block appliance indication in which successful skeletal modification was achieved.
Ozone in Dentistry: A Review
Authors: Vinit Kumar  , Chandni
Published: June 2021

Ozone (O3) is a natural gaseous molecule made up of three oxygen atoms.  It leads to lyses of the cell membrane of most of the bacteria that causes dental problems due to its oxidant and oxidizer properties. Ozone therapy opens a new vista in treatment of dental problems due to its atraumatic, biologically based treatment. This review explores the use of ozone in dentistry.
What Role, if any, Should Economic Evaluation Play in Market Access Decisions of Pharmaceutical Treatments for Cancer Patients with Short Life Expectancy?
Authors: Angel Justiz-Vaillant
Published: June 2021

Short Commentary By Angel Justiz-Vaillant, Department of Para-Clinical Sciences. University of the West Indies. St. Augustine Campus. Trinidad and Tobago
Comparative Analysis of Different Flavonoids on the Immediate Shear Bond Strength of Bleached Enamel Surface: An ex-vivo Study
Authors: Nidhi Shrivastava  , Marisha Bhandari
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTION: Bleaching, although considered as the first choice of treatment for discoloured teeth, can be utilized in conjunction with composite resin bonding or veneering and porcelain laminate veneers, to provide a more esthetic result. AIM: The aim of the ex-vivo study is to obtain a comparative analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of antioxidants on the immediate composite bond strength on bleached enamel surface.MATERIALS AND METHOD: Freshly extracted human permanent maxillary central incisors were selected and prepared for the respective study. All the specimens then were randomly divided into two control groups and three experimental groups, each group consisting of 20 specimens each. Among these were three experimental groups 10% Sodium Ascorbate, 5% Grape Seed extracts (Proanthocyanidin, PA) & 10% Green tea extracts (catechins and epigallocatechin gallate, CA and EG) and two control groups (Positive control & Negative control).RESULTS: When compared to Group 1 (positive control, 26.24 ± 0.90 MPa ), Group 3 (5%Grape seed extract; 32.17 ± 1.52 MPa), Group 4 (10% Sodium Ascorbate; 28.91 ±1.50 MPa ) and Group 5 (5% Green tea extract; 24.10 ± 1.21MPa ) showed significantly higher shear bond strength values.CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that the shear bond strength of the antioxidant group (Group3) is higher than all three experimental groups. In addition, the shear bond strength of the bleached group (Group 2) is significantly lower than all the other groups. This implies that immediate use of antioxidants, contributes in reversal the bond strength of bleached enamel.
Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report
Authors: Rajesh Gupta  , Preety Gupta  , Shivani Gupta  , Sumit Garg
Published: June 2021

Salivary organ tumors are uncommon, including under 3 % of all neoplasia of head and neck district. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most well-known salivary organ tumor, representing 60-80% of amiable tumors of salivary organs. Generally they are found as singular one-sided, firm and portable, effortless, moderate developing mass. The board includes careful resection by shallow or absolute parotidectomy.
Residue level and health risk assessment of organophosphorus pesticides in
eggplant and cauliflower collected from Dhaka city, Bangladesh
Authors: Habib M. , Kaium A. , Khan M.S.I. , Prodhan M.D.H. , Begum N. , Chowdhury M.T.I. , Islam M.A.
Published: June 2021

Residue levels of seven organophosphorus pesticides in two vegetables (eggplant and
cauliflower) collected from major markets of Dhaka city, Bangladesh were analysed. The
collected samples were analysed using a modified Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged,
and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction technique by Gas Chromatography coupled with Flame
Thermionic Detector (GC-FTD). Among the 50 analysed samples of the eggplant 12%
samples contained residues of chlorpyrifos (0.384~0.980 mg/kg), 6% samples contained
residue of dimethoate (0.052~0.132 mg/kg) and 2% samples contained residue of diazinon
(0.01 mg/kg). Whereas, among the 50 samples of cauliflower, 12% samples contained
residues of chlorpyrifos (0.056~0.540 mg/kg), 8% samples contained residues of diazinon
(0.033~0.42 mg/kg) and 2% samples contained residues of quinalphos (0.06 mg/kg). The
chlorpyrifos was found as the most frequently detected organophosphorus pesticide.
Among the 21 contaminated samples, 20 were above EU-MRL. Short and long-term
health risk assessment based on ARfD and ADI indicates that the intake risks of eggplant
and cauliflower were in the acceptable range. Nevertheless, establishing strong monitoring
and traceability system together with controlling pre-harvest interval needed to ensure
food safety, consumer confidence and promote vegetable export from Bangladesh.
Antioxidant activity, total phenolic, and aflatoxin contamination in tempeh
made from assorted soybeans (Glycine max L Merill)
Authors: Yudiono K. , Ayu W.C. , Susilowati S.
Published: June 2021

Tempeh is a fermented product made from soybeans or other types of legumes using
Rhizopus oligosporus and Rhizopus oryzae moulds. Soybean contains phenolic
compounds. Phenolic compounds found in soybeans partially act as an antioxidant.
Antioxidants are components that are able to inhibit the oxidation process. Soybean also
contains aflatoxins. Tempeh made from fermented soybeans may indicate to contain
aflatoxins. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with treatments of
four soybean types, namely imported “Bola” brand soybean (A1), local Dena 1 type
soybean (A2), local Devon 1 type soybean (A3), and local Anjasmara type soybean (A4).
Each treatment was repeated three times. Analyses carried out include antioxidant activity,
total phenolic compounds and aflatoxin contamination. The results of antioxidant activity
analysis show that the highest activity is found in Anjasmara tempeh at 38.62±0.22% and
the lowest in Dena 1 tempeh at 29.83±0.12%. The results of the total phenolic analysis
showed that the highest activity is found in Anjasmara tempeh at 16.26±0.29 mg GAE/g
extract and the lowest in Dena 1 tempeh at 13.96±0.29 mg GAE/g extract. The results of
aflatoxin analysis, using the LC-MS/MS method confirmed that tempeh raw materials
(USA-imported, Dena 1, and Anjasmara) contain aflatoxin of B1, B2 and G1 types, while
Devon 1 material was confirmed to contain B1 and B2 types. The lowest aflatoxin
concentration is found in tempeh made from Devon 1 at 2.53 x 10-7 ppb of the B2 aflatoxin
type.
Proximate composition of the edible part of purple passion fruit and santol and in vitro prebiotic activity of crude polysaccharide extracts
Authors: Wongsariya K. , Kanchanadumkerng P.
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the functional and prebiotic properties of the edible portions
of certain tropical fruits in Thailand, passion fruit and santol. The proximate composition
of passion fruit and santol were analysed which total carbohydrate was the major
component in both samples. Total dietary fibre of passion fruit and santol was 44.81 and
26.82% (w/w), respectively, with the majority of insoluble dietary fibre. Soluble dietary
fibre of both fruits was extracted by hot water and water-extractable polysaccharide was
yielded at 16.47% and 25.24% (w/w) for passion fruit and santol, respectively. The
functional properties of fruit fibre were informed, with the satisfactory oil holding
capacity of santol polysaccharide. The effect of both fruit polysaccharides on proliferation
number at 24 hrs was not different from inulin. Prebiotic activity score of fruit
polysaccharide was calculated from the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus and
Bifidobacterium longum compared with the growth of the enteric pathogen, Escherichia
coli corresponding to -0.25 and -0.23 for passion fruit and 0.10 and -0.01 for santol,
respectively. In conclusion, both passion fruit and santol polysaccharide showed a distinct
effect on the supportive growth of probiotic bacteria which may be potential candidate
ingredient incorporated in probiotic food. From this evidence, the development of fruitbased synbiotics from passion fruit and santol migh be affordable.
Occupation Immersive
Authors: Han Ryuki
Published: June 2021

In a working environment where employee poaching and regular staff turnovers are common, the culture of an office is at the core of company loyalty and organisationalsustainability. This being said, many companies still lack the knowledge andunderstanding of their own work place, resulting in a disconnected understanding of whatspatial qualities benefit employee well-being. This Thesis proposes an innovated and unprecedented methodology in which a deeper understanding between officeend user and work place are explored. Through the implementation of immersivevirtual technologies such as 3D scanning and virtual reality, a deeper understandingof the worker and workplace can be facilitated. Explored through literature, theabilities of immersive virtual technologies allow for the potential of an alternative spatialenvironment in which users inhabit space. This methodology, tested through a pilot and case study, concur the potential of extracting connections between users and space at both an emotional and technical level. As such, the resulting data informs the design proposals, creating solutions that are cultured by the emotional connections extracted between user and office, as well as the spatial qualities needed to promote wellbeing.

The proposed research methodology fruitions the possibility to identify the intangible quality of office culture within existing work places, providing opportunities to improve the spatial quality and in turn enhance the well-being of the end users. Ultimately, providing ahigher and more tangible understanding between architect, client and workplace.
Transformation of library and information management: Decolonization or indigenization?
Authors: Lilley Spencer
Published: June 2021

This article considers how colonization has impacted on Indigenous knowledge systems. It discusses the issues that need to be addressed by institutions, library and information professionals, and professional associations to ensure that they are able to meet the needs of the Indigenous people in their communities. The article addresses why this transformation is required and outlines the issues that will need to be changed through a decolonization or indigenization process.
COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: the national health response
Authors: Khan Anas , Alsofayan Yousef , Alahmari Ahmed , Alowais Jalal , Algwizani Abdullah , Alserehi Haleema , Assiri Abdullah , Jokhdar Hani
Published: June 2021

Background: With the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), most countries rushed to take early measures to control this disease. Aims: This paper describes and evaluates the Saudi Arabian strategic preparedness and response plan on COVID-19 up to 31 December 2020. Methods: Saudi Arabia adopted the World Health Organization’s guidelines on response to COVID-19, which are based on nine pillars of public health preparedness and response. The measures Saudi Arabia took are assessed against these pillars. Results: In response to COVID-19, Saudi Arabia prepared public and private institutions to deal with the pandemic. Saudi authorities established a governance system comprised of responsible committees to continuously monitor national and international updates, trace contacts, screen the population, raise awareness and take proper actions to contain the spread of this disease. After the announcement of the first case in Saudi Arabia, all schools, social events, sports activities, domestic travel and international flights were suspended. Restrictions on social movement, social and religious gatherings, travel and businesses were imposed ahead of the first 100 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The Hajj pilgrimage for 2020 was scaled down to limit participants and no cases of COVID-19 were detected among pilgrims. The country maintained all basic health services and immunization programmes and supported all proposals for COVID-19 drugs and vaccines. The country is working to develop its capacity to produce these products and achieve self-sufficiency. Conclusion: Saudi Arabia took extreme measures to respond to COVID-19 which contributed to limiting the spread and effect of the disease.
External Debt Problem in the European Union
Authors: Balyuk I. A. , Balyuk M. A.
Published: June 2021

The paper's relevance is substantiated by the fact that today a rapid growth of external debt of the most developed countries of the world (including European Union (EU) countries) is one of the most acute problems of the modern world economy and global finance. The paper aims to assess the degree of the external debt burden of various EU countries and evaluate the prospects of solving external debt problems in the EU. The article focuses on dynamics, composition, and specifics shaping the EU countries' external debt based on comparative, economic, statistical, and graphical analysis. Special attention we paid to the analysis of specifics of the EU countries' sovereign external debt composition connected with the acute problem of the rapid growth of public debt in general. The paper examines the ratio of public external and internal debt in various EU countries. It determines the EU particular countries where public external debt is shaping based on either cross-border or domestic model. The research results reveal a high degree of dependence of the EU economy on international debt finance. Gross external debt and sovereign external debt of the EU countries are still growing, and its distribution among various member states is very uneven. The structural imbalance of the EU countries' net external debt has also been revealed: the number of net borrowers is double that of net lenders. According to the basic external debt sustainability indicators, some EU countries are in a pretty tricky situation and entirely depend on the possibility of external debt refinancing.
Appropriate Budgetary Policy for a Changing Economy
Authors: Solyannikova S. P.
Published: June 2021

The XXI century's contemporary challenges and crises indicate that fiscal policy is an appropriate tool for countercyclical regulation, ensuring sustainable economic growth and social justice. In this regard, society's requirements for the quality of budgetary policy have changed, which has shifted the focus in setting goals and choosing tools for its implementation from the position of ensuring sustainable economic growth and the principles of fair distribution of income. The analysis allows us to conclude that to ensure the proper quality of budgetary policy, its goals and objectives must correspond to the strategic goals of developing public law education, and coordination of budgetary and monetary policy is necessary. To achieve the goals of justice, the author of the article propose to differentiate the instruments of inter-budgetary reallocation of funds depending on the level of debt sustainability of the regions and to use targeted grants to motivate the authorities of public law entities to ensure sustainable socio-economic development. The article shows that for improvement of the formation mechanism of state programs and national projects and budget efficiency growth, it is necessary to monitor the compliance of tax expenditures and budget subsidies with the target indicators of state programs.
The Role of Endowments in Financial Markets: Key Trends in 1990-2020 in the USA (on the example of the US education sector)
Authors: Bakhtaraeva K. B.
Published: June 2021

This article describes the key trends in the development of endowments as institutional investors using the example of US educational endowments in 1990-2020. The paper also gives an overview of the world structure of endowments assets by regions and sectors. Although much research has been done on investment behaviour and return of endowments, there are not so many works analysing the long-term trends in the development of endowments. The study uses methods of systemic and comparative analysis and statistical methods. The article demonstrates an intensive growth of endowment assets during 1990-2000 and the following maturing market. Special attention is given to identifying and analysing changes in the structure and concentration levels of the endowment's market. The author suggests that the earlier model of many different-sized funds has changed to the model where significant funds dominate and concentrate most assets. The paper also explains the changes in the investment behaviour of endowments, including how the size of endowment influences the asset structure of funds' investment portfolios and return. The paper shows the growing role of state universities endowments, an increase in the regulatory burden. Also, it presents some forecast of key trends in the development of endowments in the long run.
Impact of Institutional Factors on the Technological Level in Metallurgy of Russian Federation
Authors: Blokhin A. A. , Dranev S. Ya.
Published: June 2021

The article determines the influence of institutional factors on the characteristics of the technological development of Russian metallurgy. We proposed several institutional criteria following identified three samples— Russian multinational corporations, large companies operating in many regions of Russia, the remaining companies operating at the local level. We investigated these samples in the context of several technological criteria. The main ones are access to modern technologies, level of production capacities, interaction with educational organizations. The study shows that the division of companies metallurgical companies into three institutionally different groups is accompanied by their stratification also by their technological level. The first group significantly surpasses the second and third by the volume of financing of technological innovations, the level of interaction with educational institutions, the level of interaction with research institutes and access to high technology. The differences between the second and third groups are also strongly pronounced. The approach described in the article makes possible the determination of the technological limitations in the metallurgical industry associated with its institutional features and shaping public policy, which takes into account the sensitivity of qualitatively different groups of businesses to stimulating measures.
Financial Resources for the Growth of the Russian Economy
Authors: Filatov V. I.
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the formation of financing mechanisms for the dynamic growth of the Russian economy, focused on ensuring the country's global economic and technological competitiveness in the long-term period. The transition to sustainable, dynamic development in modern Russian conditions is associated with implementing a deep structural and technological modernisation of the national economy. It should be focused on further improving the country's infrastructure and expanding the existing sectoral structure of the Russian economy based on advanced development of the production of modern machinery and equipment for a wide range of sectors of the national economy. One of the independent priority of structural modernisation is the accelerated development of technologies of a new technological order (NBIK technologies) and the creation of production facilities to produce new types of high-tech products to diversify exports and increase the global competitiveness of the Russian industry. The solution to this problem involves a significant increase in investment activity in the economy, at least by a third (at least 10 per cent of GDP). In the current conditions, the rise in investment activity should face several restrictions. First, with the weakness of the Russian national production of investment equipment, which can be overcome through imports, but most importantly, through the development of its own production of machinery and equipment in the national industry's structural modernisation. Second, the weakness of the national financial system, which is reflected in the lack of long-term savings and the low level of monetisation of the national economy. For overcoming this limitation, it is proposed to form a special investment circuit based on a targeted credit issue to finance investment projects. The conditions and limitations of using the target credit issue to finance economic growth are considered.
Kurakçıl Peyzaj Çalışmalarında Bitkisel Uygulamalar: Muğla-Sarıgerme Halk Plajı Örneği
Authors: ÇÖP Serap , AKAT Hülya
Published: June 2021

Küresel ısınmanın etkileri her geçen gün çarpıcı boyutlara ulaşarak doğal kaynaklar arasında yer alan ve canlıların yaşamının temeli olan suyun varlığını tehlikeye sokmaktadır. Su kaynaklarının korunması, ekolojik dengenin sürdürülebilirliğinin yanı sıra suyun gelecek nesillere sorunsuz bir şekilde aktarılmasına da katkı sağlamaktadır. Tüm dünyada mevcut su kaynaklarının azalması nedeniyle suyun her alanda akılcı bir şekilde yönetilmesi ve kullanılması gerekmektedir. Son yıllarda suyun yoğun kullanıldığı tarımsal alanlardan biri olarak karşımıza çıkan peyzaj tasarımlarındaki sulamalarda doğayla uyumlu ve sürdürülebilir bir uygulama olarak su tasarrufunu benimseyen bir yaklaşım olan kurakçıl peyzaj çalışmalarının önemi giderek artmaktadır. Çalışmada, çevresel ve fiziki analiz işlemlerinin gerçekleştirilmesi amacıyla alan kullanımları çıkartılıp mevcut bitki türleri belirlenerek kurakçıl peyzaj açısından değerlendirilme durumları tespit edilmiştir. Sürdürülebilir çevre yaklaşımı ile bölge ekolojisine uygun, kuraklığa dayanıklı ve özellikle doğal türlerin yer aldığı alternatif bitkiler tespit edilerek “Muğla-Sarıgerme Halk Plajı”nda kurakçıl peyzaj ilkeleri doğrultusunda örnek bir bitkisel tasarım projesinin hazırlanması hedeflenmiştir. Ayrıca bu araştırmada, kuraklığa dayanıklı bitki türlerinin seçilmesi ile sürdürülebilir peyzaj uygulamaları kapsamında bitkisel tasarım projesinin hazırlanması sonucu gerçekleştirilecek diğer kurakçıl peyzaj tasarım çalışmaları için öncülük etmek de amaçlanmıştır.
Açık Arazi Koşullarında Kızılçam (Pinus brutia Ten.) Tohumlarının Fidan Gelişimi ve Fidan Yüzdesi Üzerine Bazı Nanopartikül Uygulamalarının Etkisi
Authors: AYAN Sezgin , YER ÇELİK Esra Nurten , FIRAT Zarife , GÜLSEVEN Orhan
Published: June 2021

Nanoteknolojik gelişmelere paralel olarak günümüzde nanopartiküllerin ortamlardaki konsantrasyonları gittikçe artmaktadır. Çevre üzerindeki etkileri yeterince bilinmeyen bu materyallerin tanınması ve etkilerinin tespiti önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışma, Kızılçamın (Pinus brutia Ten.) ana yayılış sahası dışında bulunan doğal kızılçam meşceresinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yarı kurak iklimin hâkim olduğu Ankara-Beypazarı yöresinde; Silika, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, ZnO, TiO2, Au, CuO ve Ag nanopartiküllerinin (NPs) beş farklı doz seviyesinde (çok yüksek, yüksek, orta, düşük, çok düşük) açık alan koşullarında çimlendirilen tohumlarının fidan gelişimi ve fidan yüzdesi parametrelerine etkisi araştırılmıştır. Üç tekrarlı kurulan denemede elde edilen fidan boyu (FB), kök boğazı çapı (KBÇ) ve fidan yüzdesine (FY) ait verilere varyans analizi ve Duncan testi uygulanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda; NP çeşit ve doz faktörleri ile her iki faktörün etkileşimi FB, KBÇ ve FY üzerinde %95 güven düzeyinde anlamlı farklılık oluşturmuştur. NP çeşit ve dozları 1+0 yaşlı kızılçam FB ve KBÇ gelişimi ile FY üzerinde olumsuz etki yapmıştır. Buna karşılık, kontrol fidanlarının boy ve çap gelişimi ile FY değerlerinin daha yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Kontrol işlemi fidanlarının ortalama FB değeri, Fe2O3 NP uygulaması boy değerlerine göre %35 yüksek, KBÇ değeri ise Cu NP uygulamasına göre %70 civarında daha yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
INFLUENCE OF REWARDING AND PUNISHING ON PROJECT SUCCESS AMONG KUANTAN MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES
Authors: Adeleke A. Q. , Aziz S.A.A.
Published: June 2021

In project-based organizations, studies into the role of leadership have usually concentrated on project managers or top management but less on leaders who coordinate several projects in order to improve project performance. This study, therefore, examines the role of leadership behaviors (e.g. reward and punishment) on project success among Kuantan, Malaysian construction industries. Using a questionnaire survey, the data were collected from 107 respondents among Kuantan construction companies. PLS-SEM techniques were used in this research to assess both the measurement and structural models. The study found a positive and significant relationship between leadership behaviors measures with reward and punishment on project success in Kuantan, Malaysia. The study reinforces the relevance of leadership behaviours in improving project success and also highlights the necessity for project-based organizations to enhance their performance.
Voltammetric Detection of Levodopa and Benserazide at Polypyrrole and Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Based Electrode
Authors: KUYUMCU SAVAN Ebru , ERDOĞDU Gamze
Published: June 2021

In this study, it was aimed to use pyrrole monomer and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) in the production of modified electrodes, and to examine the electrochemical properties of these electrodes. Bulk electrolysis technique was used for growing polypyrrole. The applicability of the polypyrrole and SWCNT-based electrodes was tested by electrochemically detecting active substances such as levodopa (LD) and benserazide (BS) used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. During the design and analysis phase of the modified electrode, many electroanalytical optimization and validation parameters were examined. The developed modified electrode gave linear responses with DPV technique in concentration ranges of 10 - 50 μM for LD and 10 - 50 μM for BS. In addition, limits of detection in these wide linear ranges were obtained as very low. Limits of detection were calculated as 2.4 μM and 1.2 μM for LD and BS, respectively. In addition, the applicability of the designed electrode and method was tested in urine and drug samples. The selectivity of this electrode was carried out in placebo solutions containing the interfering species. It is advantageous that the drug active ingredients are easily, selectively and quickly determined at this modified electrode in the presence of components that affect the analysis. Eventually, very satisfactory results in terms of analytical performance and applicability have been achieved with the designed electrode.