bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percepción de la salud en los pacientes durante la pandemia COVID-19
Authors: Pérez Fernández Lucía , Escandell Rico Francisco Miguel , Macia Soler Loreto
Published: January 2023

Objective: To analyze the perception of health in primary care patients of the health department 21 during the COVID-19 epidemic period.Material and Methods: Cross-sectional observational study. Held in the Department of Health 21 (Alicante-Spain) from February 23, 2021, to May 15, 2021. A total of 243 users participated. A semi- structured interview was used, taking as a reference the information from the Valencian Community Health Survey Adapted. The variable result of the perception of health in patients was considered. The inclusion criteria considered 18-year-olds who were served during the COVID-19 pandemic and who wanted to participate in the study.Results: The ages were comprised between 20 and 94, years with an average of 64.55 years (SD 19.97). In the perception of health, we highlight the group of women who reported having a worse health (69%) during the last 12 months and major problems to walk (59.2%). Our results indicate a significant association in the social resources used for the activities of daily life (p<0.001) and teleassistance (p<0.043).Conclusion: On a practical level, if we have an account of life expectancy in the population, associated comorbidities and health care in the pandemic period, we can decide that the perception of health is worse in women. Despite all these factors, satisfaction with health services during the pandemic is satisfactory.

Objetivo: Analizar la percepción de la salud en los pacientes de atención primaria del departamento de salud 21 durante el período epidémico de la COVID-19.Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional transversal. Realizado en el Departamento de Salud 21 (Alicante-España) en los meses del 23 de febrero de 2021 al 15 de mayo de 2021. Participaron un total de 243 usuarios. Se utilizó una entrevista semiestructurada, tomando como referencia la información del Cuestionario de Salud de la Comunidad Valenciana Adaptado. Se consideró la variable resultado la percepción de la salud en los pacientes. Los criterios de inclusión tomaron en cuenta a personas mayores de 18 años que fueran atendidas durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y que quisieran participar en el estudio.Resultados: Las edades estuvieron comprendidas entre los 20 y 94, años con una media de 64,55 años (DE 19,97). En la percepción de la salud, destacamos el grupo de las mujeres donde refieren tener una peor salud (69%) durante los últimos 12 meses y mayores problemas para caminar (59,2%). Nuestros resultados indican asociación significativa en los recursos sociales utilizados para las actividades de la vida cotidiana (p<0,001) y la teleasistencia (p<0,043). Conclusión: A nivel práctico, si tenemos en cuenta la esperanza de vida en la población, las comorbilidades asociadas y la asistencia sanitaria en el periodo pandémico, podemos decir que la percepción de la salud es peor en las mujeres. A pesar de todos estos factores, la satisfacción con los servicios sanitarios en periodo pandémico es satisfactoria.
Tilblivelse af en musical
Authors: Binderup Thomas
Published: January 2023

En analyse af de funktioner og arbejdsprocesser der foregår i arbejdet med at lede og organisere opsætningen af en semiprofessionel musicalforestilling.
La figura de Sansón Carrasco entre tradición teatral y caballeresca: el juego cervantino de acercamiento al lector
Authors: Zoppi Federica
Published: January 2023

Esta contribución tiene el propósito de analizar la figura de Sansón Carrasco en su papel cómico-humorístico, enfocando las estrategias cervantinas a través de las que se presenta y desarrolla el personaje como vehículo de una relación especialmente cercana con el lector. Sansón se configura como promotor del diálogo metaliterario en la segunda parte del Quijote: revela a los protagonistas la existencia y circulación de la primera parte de la novela, rompiendo las fronteras convencionales de la narración y asumiendo una función análoga a la del gracioso en la comedia áurea, que establece un diálogo directo con el público. La esencia teatral del personaje vuelve a emerger en los episodios de la novela que protagoniza, que se construyen entre una red de engaños y desengaños jocosos, expresión de su naturaleza socarrona, que se dirige tanto a los personajes como al lector. Tanto el relato de las aventuras que implican a Sansón como su función metanarrativa pueden analizarse a la luz de este objetivo, en el que participan estrategias narrativas propias del lenguaje de la comicidad, procedentes de la tradición caballeresca y teatral.
Publikacje w czasopismach naukowych – nowa odsłona nieuczciwości
Authors: Skórzewska-Amberg Małgorzata
Published: January 2023

The review process of texts submitted for publication in scientific journals is one of the main ways of evaluating the scientific output of their authors. Any disruptions in this process can have serious and far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of the credibility and integrity of the author themselves, but – most importantly – in terms of the confidence in their achievements. Attempts to distort the review process have so far occurred most often in medical and exact sciences. The case of „The Critique of Law” discussed herein shows that attempts at scientific fraud affect also legal sciences. The purpose of the article is to inform the scientific community worldwide about subsequent attempts of unethical scholarly activities, to describe instances of malpractice, and to point out some of the possible ways to prevent the fraud in question.
Jaunas e-studiju vides mācību analītikas metodes “Krāsu kodu metode” izstrāde un darbības pētījums
Authors: Dzelzkalēja Laura
Published: January 2023

Pētījuma mērķis bija izstrādāt jaunu e-studiju vides mācību analītikas metodes tehnoloģisko risinājumu reāllaika mācību procesa novērtēšanai, kā arī izstrādāt metodes prototipu, veikt tā validāciju un metodes darbības pētījumu. Pētījuma objekts: e-studiju tehnoloģijas, kas atbalsta mācību procesu dažādās izglītojamo grupās. Pētījuma hipotēze: krāsu kodu lietošana un iegūto reāllaika datu analīze uzlabo mācību procesa novērtēšanas un mācību satura un mācību metožu pilnveidošanas iespējas. Promocijas darbā aprakstītais pētījums strukturēts piecās nodaļās. Darba nobeigumā sniegti galvenie secinājumi, iezīmēti turpmāko pētījumu virzieni un definētas tēzes.
On Cooperation between Northeast China and the Russian Far East in the Field of Education (1990-2022)
Authors: Se Fenling
Published: January 2023

The object of this article is Russian Sinology The subject of the study is the process of spreading university studies in the Far East. The goal is to reveal the main directions and activities of educational contacts, to show their role in the spread of Sinology in the Far Eastern region of the Russian Federation. The author used the methods of scientific cognition in the article, followed the principles of conceptual consistency in the presentation of the material. Today, the expansion and deepening of scientific and educational contacts between the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China as the most important factors of interaction between countries in various fields. Unfortunately, the issues of analyzing the activities of regional scientific and educational complexes in the field of Chinese studies are not sufficiently reflected in modern scientific literature.                 In this article, for the first time in Russian historiography, an attempt is made to specifically investigate educational contacts in the Far East. The author examines the main directions and important achievements of their interactions and summarizes the historical experience of cooperation between neighboring regions of the two countries during this period. Thus, thanks to their active interaction in order to increase educational competitiveness, many useful exchange programs for students, teachers and co-education have been implemented in the field of education. Groups of Chinese language learning in the Russian Far East region and Russian language learning in the Northeast of China have become widespread.
A Single Specification Format as a Microservice API Artifact when Using API-First
Authors: Volushkova Vera L'vovna , Volushkova Aleksandra Yurievna
Published: January 2023

The object of research is the interaction protocols (API - Application Programming Interface) of microservices. The microservices API is an important development object because each microservice can be a client for any other microservice and be created by a separate team. To build a unified system of interaction between microservices, the API-First methodology for synchronizing communication protocols for server applications was used. The aim of the work is to create a way to develop API microservices of server java applications using spring-boot, spring-web, openapi-generator, springdoc libraries. The method is based on the fact that the API is the most important part of the product and therefore is created at the initial design stage. An approach based on a single microservices API and TDD testing technique is proposed, which increases the efficiency of managing the development of server-side java applications. The microservices API is built using the specification as the API artifact. The developed technique allows: use the created API by another team, regardless of the development language; increase the productivity of development teams; to carry out a qualitative description of methods and models; reduce the amount of routine code by generating code from the specification; identify API design errors earlier than with the standard development approach (API after implementation) by applying TDD and working with the API before it is implemented.
Do we need Queer Cognitive Linguistics?
Authors: Dyrmo Tomasz
Published: January 2023

This article proposes a more inclusive approach to the concept of gender, identity, and non-normativity. Gender is often used in research as a binary category, leading researchers to misrepresent the more complex reality. Taking a more inclusive perspective on how people differ in terms of their body and body perceptions and accepting gender as a fuzzy category make research in linguistics more inclusive in terms of the communities we study and the methodologies we use. Queer Cognitive Linguistics (QCL) proposes a non-reductive approach to language and cognition, recognising the complexity of the human conceptual system. QCL treats universality in human cognition with caution and posits, after Embodied Sociolinguistics, the two-way embodiment, where the interactions between body and language are both bidirectional and intertwined.
The Woman as the “Other” in Yamina Bachir’s “Rachida” and Aziz Salmy “Amours Voileés”
Authors: Bouchemal Ahmed
Published: January 2023

This article focuses on the representation of woman as the “Other” in Algerian and Moroccan Films. Such representations reveal how questions pertaining to the status of woman in a much patriarchal society became at the hub of cinematic forms of expression. Through their female protagonists, Yamina Bachir’s “Rachida” (2002) and Aziz Salmy “Amours Voileés” (2008) represent the traumatic experience of women with alienation and dependency, institutionalized violence and the “containment” of their sexuality. As counter-cinematic representations, these films try to depict the very sense of victimhood of the female protagonists as they defy accepted ideas and stereotypes about gender and offer a voice to the voiceless. To this point, the paper further focuses on how these women manage to transgress the threshold and offer a much newer interpretation of women and their role in society.
Abstractive text summarization of low-resourced languages using deep learning
Authors: Shafiq Nida , Hamid Isma , Asif Muhammad , Nawaz Qamar , Aljuaid Hanan , Ali Hamid
Published: January 2023

Background

Humans must be able to cope with the huge amounts of information produced by the information technology revolution. As a result, automatic text summarization is being employed in a range of industries to assist individuals in identifying the most important information. For text summarization, two approaches are mainly considered: text summarization by the extractive and abstractive methods. The extractive summarisation approach selects chunks of sentences like source documents, while the abstractive approach can generate a summary based on mined keywords. For low-resourced languages, e.g., Urdu, extractive summarization uses various models and algorithms. However, the study of abstractive summarization in Urdu is still a challenging task. Because there are so many literary works in Urdu, producing abstractive summaries demands extensive research.

Methodology

This article proposed a deep learning model for the Urdu language by using the Urdu 1 Million news dataset and compared its performance with the two widely used methods based on machine learning, such as support vector machine (SVM) and logistic regression (LR). The results show that the suggested deep learning model performs better than the other two approaches. The summaries produced by extractive summaries are processed using the encoder-decoder paradigm to create an abstractive summary.

Results

With the help of Urdu language specialists, the system-generated summaries were validated, showing the proposed model’s improvement and accuracy.
Enhancing the robustness of vision transformer defense against adversarial attacks based on squeeze-and-excitation module
Authors: Chang YouKang , Zhao Hong , Wang Weijie
Published: January 2023

Vision Transformer (ViT) models have achieved good results in computer vision tasks, their performance has been shown to exceed that of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). However, the robustness of the ViT model has been less studied recently. To address this problem, we investigate the robustness of the ViT model in the face of adversarial attacks, and enhance the robustness of the model by introducing the ResNet- SE module, which acts on the Attention module of the ViT model. The Attention module not only learns edge and line information, but also can extract increasingly complex feature information; ResNet-SE module highlights the important information of each feature map and suppresses the minor information, which helps the model to perform the extraction of key features. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the proposed defense method is 19.812%, 17.083%, 18.802%, 21.490%, and 18.010% against Basic Iterative Method (BIM), C&W, DeepFool, DI2FGSM, and MDI2FGSM attacks, respectively. The defense method in this paper shows strong robustness compared with several other models.
A dynamic block reward approach to improve the performance of blockchain systems
Authors: Alharby Maher
Published: January 2023

In Ethereum, miners are responsible for expanding the blockchain ledger by appending new blocks of transactions in exchange for incentives. Within the current Ethereum incentive mechanism, miners can still receive a significant amount of reward when creating non-full or even empty blocks, despite their negative impact on the system performance. We provide an extensive data-driven analysis of the impact of non-full blocks on the system performance, with the help of the BlockSim simulation tool. We collect the data for 500,000 Ethereum blocks and fit the appropriate probability distributions to the data to provide input suitable for the simulator. We show that the performance of Ethereum can be improved by over 50% if all blocks were filled with transactions. We propose an adjustment to the current Ethereum incentive model to assure the received incentive is always proportional to the block utilization level. Using our proposed approach, the incentive for non-full blocks is significantly reduced, making this behavior less attractive for miners. This implies that miners would be enforced to fill their blocks with transactions, and thus the performance is pushed to its optimal level. We show that our approach can work in practice without any crucial security issues.
Primate tooth crown nomenclature revisited
Authors: Chapple Simon A. , Skinner Matthew M.
Published: January 2023

Cusp patterning on living and extinct primate molar teeth plays a crucial role in species diagnoses, phylogenetic inference, and the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of the primate clade. These studies rely on a system of nomenclature that can accurately identify and distinguish between the various structures of the crown surface. However, studies at the enamel-dentine junction (EDJ) of some primate taxa have demonstrated a greater degree of cusp variation and expression at the crown surface than current systems of nomenclature allow. In this study, we review the current nomenclature and its applicability across all the major primate clades based on investigations of mandibular crown morphology at the enamel-dentine junction revealed through microtomography. From these observations, we reveal numerous new patterns of lower molar accessory cusp expression in primates. We highlight numerous discrepancies between the expected patterns of variation inferred from the current academic literature, and the new patterns of expected variation seen in this study. Based on the current issues associated with the crown nomenclature, and an incomplete understanding of the precise developmental processes associated with each individual crown feature, we introduce these structures within a conservative, non-homologous naming scheme that focuses on simple location-based categorisations. Until there is a better insight into the developmental and phylogenetic origin of these crown features, these categorisations are the most practical way of addressing these structures. Until then, we also suggest the cautious use of accessory cusps for studies of taxonomy and phylogeny.
Characteristics of muscle contraction of the rectus femoris using tensiomyography by sex in healthy college students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kusumoto Yasuaki , Goto Hayato , Chiba Kohei , Oonishi Sakiko , Tsuchiya Junko
Published: January 2023

Background

Tensiomyography (TMG) is a non-invasive instrument for measuring mechanical muscle contraction characteristics and measuring the maximum displacement of the muscle belly in the radial direction with respect to the muscle and the time needed to achieve this from electrical stimulation. There have been only been a reports of TMG in healthy adults. A systematic review of TMG reported a low proportion of female participants, with a small sample size. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is a difference in TMG parameters according to sex and between dominant and non-dominant feet. Furthermore, the relationship between TMG parameters and evaluations commonly used in clinical practice has not been clarified. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of muscle contraction of the rectus femoris using TMG according to sex among healthy college students and its relationship with muscle function evaluation, such as lower limb muscle mass and muscle strength.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 91 healthy university students (18–24 years). Five tools were used: TMG, lower-limb muscle mass, rectus femoris thickness, isometric knee joint extension torque, and thigh circumference. Each parameter was compared by the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) and Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test, with sex as the without-subject factor and dominant/non-dominant foot as the within-subject factor. The correlation between the TMG parameters and other parameters was examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient for both males and females.

Results

The results of the GLMM, in terms of the TMG parameters, an interaction was observed for maximum displacement (Dm); in the results of the multiple comparison test, Dm for the non-dominant leg was significantly lower in females than in males. A main effect and interaction were not observed for delay time (Td) and contraction time (Tc) by sex, dominant foot, or non-dominant foot. There was a main effect of sex on muscle function evaluation parameters (ρ ≤ 0.05). The correlation between TMG parameters for males and females and lower limb muscle mass, muscle thickness, joint torque, and thigh circumference were significantly correlated with some TMG parameters, lower limb muscle mass and muscle thickness (ρ ≤ 0.05). The absolute value of the correlation coefficient was low overall (0.20–0.38).

Conclusion

In healthy college students, TMG parameters for the rectus femoris showed sex differences in Dm, and there was a weak correlation between TMG parameters and lower limb muscle mass. TMG parameter evaluation may indicate a different function compared to the traditional muscle function assessment used in clinical practice. When using the Dm of the TMG as an evaluation battery for the rectus femoris muscle, it is important to consider sex-related differences.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding COVID-19 Vaccination in a Tertiary Care Centre of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu: Health Management and Policy A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Punitha DP , Sudhagar DP
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the worst pandemics witnessed across the globe. COVID-19 vaccination is one of the best available strategies to minimise the severity of the infection and reduce mortality rates. Active participation and involvement of the stakeholders in taking the COVID-19 vaccine are key aspects of the vaccination’s success. Lack of knowledge, negative attitude, and willingness to vaccinate may pose a significant challenge for the health authorities to complete the vaccination drives. Aim: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) about COVID-19 vaccination among people of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center of Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India, in November 2021. Overall, 478 respondents aged above 18 years were included in the survey using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to assess the KAP regarding the COVID-19 vaccine among study subjects. The study used descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, and sentiment analysis. Results: Out of total sample, 99% of the study participants had taken the COVID-19 vaccine, 81% had taken the second dose, predominately 51% of the participants had taken the COVID19 vaccine at a Government hospital, 74% of the participants mentioned that it was their responsibility to take COVID-19 Vaccine. Regarding KAP, the knowledge score was 10 out of a total score of 14, the attitude score was 8 out of 10, and the total score of the COVID-19 related practice was 10 out of 10. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that the vaccination drive in the population will be highly effective since the vaccine acceptance among the stakeholders was good due to sound knowledge, positive attitude, and safe COVID-19 practice.
The Effect of Addition of Basil Leaves Extract on the Quality of Nile Tilapia Filet at Low Temperature Storage (5 – 10\(^{\circ}\)C)
Authors: Azzahra Haya Yumna , Junianto . , Bachtiar Eri , Pratama Rusky Intan
Published: January 2023

This research aims to determine the most effective concentration level of basil leaves extract in preserving nile tilapia filet at low temperatures (5 – 10oC) to obtain optimal shelf life. This research was conducted at the Central Laboratory and Fishery Products Processing Laboratory, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Padjadjaran University started from June until October 2022. The research method used was an experimental method with four treatments by duplo. Fish filets were treated by soaking basil leaves extract with concentrations of 0%, 20%, 25%, and 30% for 30 minutes and stored at low temperature (5 – 10oC). Observations were made on days 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, and 9th for nile tilapia filets with a concentration of 0% while treatment of basil leaves extract with concentrations of 20%, 25%, and 30% was carried out on days 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th. The parameters observed in this research included the calculation of the total number of bacteria (TPC) and degree of acidity (pH). The results showed that the use of basil leaves extract with a concentration of 25% was the most effective concentration because it was able to extend the shelf life until the 11th day with the number of bacteria 4.4 x 105 cfu/g and pH value of 6.65.
Formative Feedback in Reading Comprehension
Authors: Serván Pedro Gil Gómez
Published: January 2023

All people have a very important faculty that allows them to know and understand everything that surrounds them, it is the ability to read comprehension. The use and comprehension of texts for different purposes is a common activity that humans develop. It is common to read to learn, acquire new knowledge, investigate a topic of interest and have greater clarity about the comprehension of texts at any of its levels (literal, inferential, criteria). It is extremely necessary to apply adequate feedback to improve this faculty. The main objective of the research was to recognize what is known about formative feedback and reading comprehension and what aspects remain to be known. Methodologically, the research was exploratory, descriptive, for which the historical method is used and scientific articles, formative feedback references and reading comprehension are selected. The search for articles was carried out through different search engines such as Google Scholar, Scopus and Pub-med. Finally, 28 scientific articles from 2017 were selected. The results of the research conclude that adequate feedback is key to reading comprehension at any of its levels.
Student Reading Motivation: Attitudes, Engagement and Strategies
Authors: Barotas Lovely O. , Palma Reita C.
Published: January 2023

Aims: To investigate the best fit model of student reading motivation.

Study Design: Descriptive-causal. 

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Education (DepEd) Divisions of Cotabato, Koronadal, Kidapawan, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City during the school year 2022-2023.

Methodology: Data were gathered through survey questionnaires. The 400 grade 10 respondents were chosen through stratified random sampling. A structural equation model wa used in accessing the sequence of inter-dependencies between independent and dependent variables.

Results: The overall results showed a high level of student learning strategies, engagement, and reading motivation. It was also revealed that the variable of the attitude of students towards school showed a moderate level of reluctance and a low level of loneliness at school and belongingness of the participants. There is a significant relationship between the three variables: learning strategies, engagement, and attitude toward school in reading motivation. All variables have a significant correlation.  Of the five models developed, model 5 had indices that were consistent and indicated the best fit to the data.

Conclusion: The study proves the Achievement Goal Theory. Students’ motivation helps them develop a desire to learn and succeed.  It goes that motivation is essential in reading. Likewise, high-level ability in learning strategy, engagement, attitude towards school, and reading motivation contribute to the motivation of students in reading.
Moringa Leaf Extract as a Natural Preservative against the Deterioration of Tilapia Fillet during Room Temperature Storage
Authors: Putri Alvina Triana , Pratama Rusky Intan , Yuniarti M. S. , Rostini Iis
Published: January 2023

This research was conducted to determine the percentage of moringa leaf extract to inhibit the deterioration of the quality of the tilapia fillet as a natural preservative against organoleptic characteristics during room temperature storage. This research was carried out at the Processing of Fishery Products Laboratory, the Aquaculture Laboratory of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, and the Central Laboratory of Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor. The research method used is experimental. Namely, a tilapia fillet soaked using different concentrations during room temperature storage. The organoleptic test (scoring test) was analyzed by Friedman's non-parametric statistical method consisting of 4 treatments and 20 semi-trained panelists as the number tests. In contrast, the pH testing of the tilapia fillet was analyzed by a descriptive method. Tilapia fillet with Moringa leaf extract soaking treatment consists of 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% (v/v) for 30 minutes of soaking, then stored at room temperature (25°C-28°C).  Observations occur once every 2 hours, namely at the 0, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, and 16th hours. The parameters observed included organoleptic characteristics with 20 semi-trained panelists and a value of the tilapia fillet's degree of acidity (pH). The best use of moringa leaf extract at 8% appearance with an organoleptic value of 7.5, aroma of 7.7, and texture of 7.0 with a pH value of 6.8 to 16 hours storage.
Assessment of Mean Performance, Variability, Traits Association and Path Coefficient in Transplanted Aman Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landraces
Authors: Khalequzzaman M. , Chakrabarty T. , Islam M. Z. , Rashid E. S. M. H. , Prince M. F. R. K. , Siddique M. A.
Published: January 2023

The study was conducted to estimate the mean performance, genetic parameters along with traits association and path coefficients from data collected on 48 Transplanted Aman (T. Aman) rice landraces. In mean performance, Manik Digha, Goirol, Jesso Balam, Dal Katra, Chinri Gushi, Indrasail, Sunadiga, Bad Kalamkati, Raj Mondal and Blue Stick were found as elite landraces. High heritability along with genetic advance (GA) and genetic advance in per cent of mean (GAMP) was observed for basal leaf width, plant height, culm length, filled grain/panicle, unfilled grain/panicle, days to flowering, days to maturity, test weight, grain length, grain breadth, decorticated grain length breadth ratio and yield showed high genetic advance that helped in effective and reliable selection through these characters for crop improvement. A positive and significant association was found for filled grain per panicle, days to flowering, days to maturity, grain length and decorticated grain length breadth ratio with yield/hill at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Though days to maturity and decorticated grain length breadth ratio have a negative direct effect on yield but made the total association positive and significant. Filled grain/panicle, days to flower and grain length have a positive direct effect on yield and made the total association positive and significant. Yield had significant (***p<0.001) positive correlations with filled grains number per panicle, days to flowering, days to maturity, grain length, and decorticated grain length breadth ratio.  Hence, basal leaf width, plant height, culm length, filled grain/panicle, unfilled grain/panicle, days to flower, days to maturity, test weight, grain length, grain breadth, decorticated grain length breadth ratio and yield are identified as key traits for developing high yielding rice breeding lines.
Phytochemical Screening and Acute oral Toxicity Study of Root Extracts of Combretum hereroense Schinz and Balanites aegyptiaca Del. Traditionally Used to Treat Female Infertility in Baringo County, Kenya
Authors: Kiptisia Richard T. , Nandwa Anastasia N.
Published: January 2023

Aims: To carry out phytochemical screening and acute oral toxicity test to validate their safety and efficacy.

Study Design: Standard phytochemical screening tests were used to highlight phytochemical compounds of roots of the plants. The evaluation of acute toxicity of the root extracts of the plants followed the model of Acute Toxicity Class based on OECD 423 Guideline, 2001.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was undertaken at the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry for the extraction for samples extraction and phytochemical screening. Acute oral toxicity studies were done at the Department of Biological Sciences for acute toxicity study, University of Eldoret, Between June and September 2022.

Methodology: Phytochemical screening for presence of Tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, anthocyanin, terpenoids, steroids, coumarins, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates were carried out. Acute oral toxicity studies were done using the fixed dose method at a dose of 2000mg/kg body weights of rats. Three groups were used: control and test groups for each of the respective plant root extracts. Signs of toxicity and/or mortality were monitored daily for 14 days. Weekly fasting body weights were also recorded.

Results: The phytochemical screening results showed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, anthocyanin, terpenoids, steroids, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates present in the root extract of Combretum hereroense. Tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, and carbohydrates were present in root extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca. Following the acute oral toxicity study, there were no abnormalities observed in physiological parameters. In addition, no deaths were recorded during the study period. The LD50 was therefore greater than 2000 mg/kg. The fasting body weights of extract treated rats increased stably compared to the control [p = .05].

Conclusion: The results showed C. hereroense and B. aegyptiaca methanol root extracts were considered safe in acute oral exposure. Long-term toxicity studies are needed for further toxicological profile elicitation of the plant, and a possible reinforcement of clinical relevance of the results of laboratory studies.
Nutrients Release in Soils Amended with Different Organic Sources and Industrial by–products: A Laboratory Incubation Study
Authors: Arulkumar V. , Rangasami S. R. Shri , Murugaragavan R. , Venkatakrishnan D.
Published: January 2023

The incubation experiment was carried out to evaluate the best organic sources Such as farm yard manure (FYM), municipal solid waste compost and industrial by – products such as bagasse ash, rice husk and inorganic fertilizers on nutrient release pattern in sandy loam soils of Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India. The outcomes showed that pH of the soil was reduced by incubation with organic sources. The application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + FYM@ 25t ha-1(T5) outperformed other treatments among organic sources by recording the lowest pH of 7.0 at 90 Days (DAI). The EC of the soil was reduced by the FYM application.  Similarly the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of the incubation mixture were significantly increased over the control.
The Effect of Different Concentrations of GA3 and NAA on Growth and Flowering of Asiatic Lily (Lilium × asiatica) cv. Litouwen under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse Conditions of Prayagraj
Authors: Gheware Kedar Mahadev , Kaushik Krishna , Gangwar Rohit , Wamiq Mohd , Fatmi Urfi
Published: January 2023

This investigation was conducted under a naturally ventilated polyhouse, in the Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. In December 2020 with records taken from the month of February to month of March 2021. There were nine treatments comprising two growth regulators Gibberellic acid (GA3) (at 200, 250, 300, and 350 ppm), and Naphthalic Acetic Acid (NAA) (at 50,100,150, and 200 ppm) along with control. The whole experiment was laid out as a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The results revealed that among the Lilium cv. LITOUWEN, the foliar application of 250 ppm GA3 significantly increased the number of leaves per plant (66) with enhanced days to bud initiation (25.7 days). The number of bud per plant was 2.8 and stem length was 43.4cm respectively., GA3 at a concentration of 350 ppm enhanced vase life (7.9 days). and NAA at a concentration of 100 ppm enhanced the number of bulblets (3.3).
Dissemination of Elite Brinjal Variety-HZKB-1 under Organic Cultivation in Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir through Farmers’ Participation
Authors: Kumar Navneet , Dave Parthkumar P. , Mir Parvaiz Ahmad , Zulapi Laxmibai , Choudhary Hardev
Published: January 2023

With the aim to disseminate the farmer’s potential brinjal variety in a new region, the brinjal variety HZKB-1 in comparison with three check varieties Pant Rituraj, Hisar Shyamal and BR-112 was evaluated for its performance and suitability through farmers’ participation using researcher-managed farmer-implemented trials (RMFITs) during summer-rainy season 2021. Across the 28 farmer’s fields, it was replicated seven times covering Uttarakhand (Dehradun and Almora) and Jammu & Kashmir (Rajouri). The data revealed the superiority of HZKB-1 in terms of fruit yield (335.00 q/ha) which was 10.45 %, 16.15 % and 9.74 % higher over the checks BR-112, Pant Rituraj and Hisar Syamal. It took 122.86 days for the first picking and recorded superior in yield-related traits viz. fruit weight (240.49 g), fruit diameter (12.11 cm) and fruit length (13.94 cm). Apart from that the farmer-managed trials (FMTs) conducted at 23 farmer’s fields covering the same target area revealed Rajouri as the most suitable district for the cultivation of HZKB-1 variety. As per the growers’ feedback, the variety has a shelf life of 5-7 days and negligible pest damage was observed. The desirable traits of the variety exhibited in new areas under organic cultivation make the cultivar suitable for cultivation and dissemination in targeted areas.
Evaluation of Integrated Pest Management Modules for the Management of Leafhopper Empoasca flavescent (Fab.) on Castor Ricinus communis
Authors: Kirankumar R. , Jagadeesh K. S. , Narayanswamy K. C. , Jaisri . , Sannappa B.
Published: January 2023

Castor is an important oilseed crop. The castor bean contains about 50-55% oil. Among vegetable oils, castor oil is distinguished by its high content (over 85%) of ricinoleic acid. No other vegetable oil contains so high proportion of fatty hydroxyl acids. Castor oil’s unsaturated bond, high molecular weight (298), low melting point (5°C) and very low solidification point (-12°C to -18°C) makes it industrially useful, most of all for the highest and most stable viscosity of any vegetable oil. The castor plant has a substantial taproot with many lateral branches which can reach a great depth enabling them to withstand drought and most harsh weather conditions. Leaves of castor plants are large, glossy and green with pointed lobes and prominent veins; however, the castor leaf for many years has often been attacked by the leafhopper and in most cases leads to the destruction of the plant. The leafhopper causes hopper-burn which renders the attacked leaves dry, uneven, curl downward in the shape of an inverted boat, margins turn brown and eventually death of the plant.  Among the eight treatments, the lowest leafhopper/plant recorded by the T4 quinolphos and T6 Neem oil 2% recorded as best treatments over rest of the treatments.  Significantly highest grain yield at 3730.00 Kg./ha and 3627.63 Kg./ha recorded by T6 Neem oil 2% and T7 Pongamia oil 2% followed by T5 Mahuva oil recorded yield at 3283.30 Kg./ha However the chemical treatments viz., T3 Profenophos 50 EC at 0.03% and T4 quinolphos 25 EC at 0.05% recorded yield at 2956.66 and 2936.00 Kg./ha both at par with each other. While, untreated control recorded the lowest yield at 2426.03 Kg./ha.
Effect of Farmyard Manure (FYM) and Zinc Fertilizer Application on Yield Parameters of Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grown on Sandy-clay Loam of Borno State, Nigeria
Authors: Zubairu A. M. , Sandabe M. K. , Abdullahi R. , Buba M. T. , Bunu A. , Zarami Y.
Published: January 2023

A Screen House experiment was carried out in University of Maiduguri to study the effects of Farmyard Manure (FYM) and Zinc fertilizer rates on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield, 1000 grain weight, total dry matter weigh and HI on Sandy Clay-loam soil with location; Latitude (11.923100 ON and 11.919042 ON) and Longitude (13.228927 OE and 13.221758 OE) of Jere Local Government Area, Borno state, Nigeria. The study was set out in CRD with 3 replications. Composite 10 kg soil was weighed into 36 pots and treatments applied. Reyna 28 wheat seed obtained from Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI) Maiduguri was used for the pot experiment. Six (6) wheat seedlings were allowed to grow to maturity from each pot. The pots were kept clean from weeds. Results obtained showed improved wheat yield with 5t/ha FYM + 5ppm Zn and 10t/ha FYM + 0 ppm Zn fertilizer rates leading the best yield for wheat grain and TDMW. 1000 grain weight and harvest index were also significantly increased with FYM and Zn fertilizer application. It was concluded that application of FYM and Zn fertilizer had increased wheat grain and TDMW yield as well as 1000 grain weight and harvest index.
Fabrication and Characterization of Charcoal Briquettes Fuel from a Blend of Coconut Husk and Corncob
Authors: Yirijor John , Adazabra Aaron Nsorbila , McBagonluri Fred
Published: January 2023

Energy is very essential to human livelihood and makes significant help to economic, social, and environmental features of human development. Biomass is certainly a very significant source of renewable energy worldwide and abundant with high energy potential. This research aimed to characterize and produce briquette fuel from the combination of coconut husk and corncob using starch as a binder. The composite briquettes were produced by varying the mixture ratio of coconut husk to corncob (CH: CC), 80:20, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 20:80 using starch as a binding agent. The physical and combustion characteristics were analyzed according to the America Society of Testing of Materials Standard. It was observed that the moisture content decreased from 5.02% to 4.88%, fixed carbon increased from 74.20% to 75.13%, volatile matter increased from 20.20% to 21.70%, Ash content decreased from 5.60% to 3.17% and the calorific value increased from 20.35 MJ/kg to 26.75 MJ/kg. The findings also show that the maximum density and durability indexes were 839 kg/m3 and 98.58%.

The briquette at the ratio 20:80 of coconut husk to corncob has the highest calorific value and implies that it has more heating advantages and will therefore be suitable as an alternative solid fuel.
Assessment of Risks of Uncontrolled use of Drugs with Expected Effectiveness against COVID-19 by Patients with Breast and Prostate Cancer at the Pre-hospital Stage
Authors: Taets Gunnar Glauco De Cunto Carelli , Ribeiro Ana Clara Rocha Colman , Cherede João Victor de Matos , Baco Lucas Silva de
Published: January 2023

Aims: To reflect on the impact of self-medication in times of pandemic COVID-19 for patients undergoing treatment for breast or prostate cancer.

Study Design:  this is a reflective study with a qualitative approach based on the documentary analysis of the package inserts issued by ANVISA or by the manufacturers of the analyzed drugs.

Place and Duration of Study: Integrated Health Research Laboratory from the UFRJ-Macaé Multidisciplinary Center, between March 2020 and December 2020.

Methodology: The documents analyzed were the package inserts of the five main drugs used by the Brazilian population during the first year of the pandemic, from March to December 2020, as well as the package inserts of some of the main antineoplastic drugs used to treat breast and prostate cancer. All inserts were issued by ANVISA or by the drug manufacturer. We chose to reflect on the impact of self-medication on the symptoms of COVID-19 and the most common cancers in women (breast) and men (prostate).

Results: In Brazil, where, according to the Brazilian Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, around 80 million people are self-medicated, the poor quality of the supply of medicines, non-compliance with the obligation to present a medical prescription and the lack of information and education in the general population justify the concern with the quality of self-medication practiced in the country. The present study focused on the five main drugs described in the literature most used for self-medication and often with explicit contraindication by health agencies such as WHO and ANVISA, namely: chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, vitamin D, dexamethasone.

Conclusion: The study suggests that the analyzed drugs can harm the health of patients undergoing cancer treatment, as it shows that they can increase the risk of liver, kidney, heart or gastrointestinal damage. It is concluded that self-medication performed by a patient with breast or prostate cancer can bring moderate to severe risks with regard to drug interaction and metabolization pathways, as some of these drugs are mistakenly used as a form of prevention and treatment for COVID-19 not only do they have dangerous adverse effects for cancer patients, but they can also potentiate the adverse effects caused by cancer treatments.
Incidence, Timing, and Factors Associated With Suicide Among Patients Undergoing Surgery for Cancer in the US
Authors: Potter Alexandra L. , Haridas Chinmay , Neumann Krista , Kiang Mathew V. , Fong Zhi Ven , Riddell Corinne A. , Pope Harrison G. , Yang Chi-Fu Jeffrey
Published: January 2023

Importance

The risk and timing of suicide among patients who undergo surgery for cancer remain largely unknown, and, to our knowledge, there are currently no organized programs in place to implement regular suicide screening among this patient population.

Objective

To evaluate the incidence, timing, and factors associated with suicide among patients undergoing cancer operations.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective population-based cohort study used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database to examine the incidence of suicide, compared with the general US population, and timing of suicide among patients undergoing surgery for the 15 deadliest cancers in the US from 2000 to 2016. A Fine-Gray competing risks regression model was used to identify factors associated with an increased risk of suicide among patients in the cohort. Data were analyzed from September 2021 to January 2022.

Exposures

Surgery for cancer.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incidence, compared with the general US population, timing, and factors associated with suicide after surgery for cancer.

Results

From 2000 to 2016, 1 811 397 patients (74.4% female; median [IQR] age, 62.0 [52.0-72.0] years) met study inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 1494 (0.08%) committed suicide after undergoing surgery for cancer. The incidence of suicide, compared with the general US population, was statistically significantly higher among patients undergoing surgery for cancers of the larynx (standardized mortality ratio [SMR], 4.02; 95% CI, 2.67-5.81), oral cavity and pharynx (SMR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.93-3.03), esophagus (SMR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.43-3.38), bladder (SMR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.53-2.78), pancreas (SMR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.29-3.19), lung (SMR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.47-2.02), stomach (SMR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.22-2.31), ovary (SMR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.13-2.31), brain (SMR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.12-2.26), and colon and rectum (SMR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.16-1.40). Approximately 3%, 21%, and 50% of suicides were committed within the first month, first year, and first 3 years after surgery, respectively. Patients who were male, White, and divorced or single were at greatest risk of suicide.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, the incidence of suicide among patients undergoing cancer operations was statistically significantly elevated compared with the general population, highlighting the need for programs to actively implement regular suicide screening among such patients, especially those whose demographic and tumor characteristics are associated with the highest suicide risk.