bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurturing Organized Imagination and Emotional Intelligence in Education
Authors: Najar Mudasir Rahman , Wani Shabir Ahmad , Dasarin Twinkle
Published: August 2023

This chapter explores the concept of nurturing organized imagination through the integration of emotional intelligence in education. Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' thoughts, behaviors, and interactions, offering promising potential in the educational realm. By understanding and effectively managing emotions, students and educators can unleash their creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. The chapter delves into the significance of emotional intelligence in maintaining emotional integrity across various social contexts and its alignment with the neo-humanistic approach in education. It highlights the importance of observing, experiencing, interpreting, and managing human tendencies to foster emotional assimilation and positive outcomes. Moreover, the chapter emphasizes the value of incorporating emotional intelligence in educational settings to cultivate a generation better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern society.
Complexity and Uncertainty in Late-Stage Technocracy
Authors: Hartley Kris , El-Taliawi Ola G.
Published: August 2023

As sites of economic, political, and social convergence, cities absorb the earliest effects of global crises. These dynamics are observable also in environmental crises and resilience – longer-running challenges to legacy models of urban governance. Shifting epistemic and practical contexts invite scholarship to more thoroughly examine the dynamics of urban policy with regard to the ‘localization' of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the contribution of city governments to global environmental policy. This chapter examines urban sustainability as an ontologically complex or ‘wicked' policy problem, a framing concept with a history in the urban planning and policy literatures but deserving fresh revisitation. The argument is that a ‘complexity science' approach that avoids narrative capture is needed to better understand global environmental crisis and its manifestation in cities. This approach seeks to challenge the predominance of linear, atomistic, and reductionist perspectives that remain embedded in policy thinking.
Program Monitoring and Evaluation of Sustainable Development Goals for Non-Profits and NGOs
Authors: Cleveland Simon , Cleveland Marisa
Published: August 2023

Non-profits and NGOs serve communities through programs, which are often complex to execute. Board members demand accountability for the execution of such programs, and as a result, these organizations adopt monitoring and evaluation practices to determine the success of failure based on a set of performance criteria. This study focuses on defining the program monitoring and evaluation process and exploring in depth its benefits, functions, and stages. Moreover, an examination of the stakeholders involved in the process is performed, and a set of currencies and power and influence criteria are explored.
Climate Change and Sustainable Development of Kampong Ayer
Authors: Hassan Noor Hasharina , Yong Gabriel Y. V.
Published: August 2023

Brunei Darussalam is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals. This study focuses on future sustainability of Kampong Ayer, largely a settlement as a consequence of land-based development. Many that remain are in the low-income group due to the lack of economic opportunities. They have become dependent on government welfare programmes. The cost of frequent home repairs due to environmental factors has become a burden in the modern world. Although the people have a close relationship with the estuary, and are highly adaptive, climate change is a slow and imperceptible process and will therefore catch the people off-guard. This study argues that intervention is needed. A policy based on SDGs 1, 11, and 13 would be most appropriate, as they address the most pressing issues in KA: poverty, sustainable cities and communities, and climate adaption.
The Role of Development Banks in Green Finance and Sustainability
Authors: Mohamed Hazik
Published: August 2023

The development banks (DBs) contribute to a broader aspect of the financial system, rather than private banks that serve more specific areas in retail, wholesale, and investment needs. In this chapter, the author discusses how DBs work to support the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing financing for sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and biodiversity conservation. They also help countries to build resilience to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. It is very critical to support sustainable economic development in various parts of the world, especially advanced and developed economies who are the major polluters. Therefore, development banks perform an important role in the contribution and achievement of public policy objectives through green and sustainable finance. The author concludes with his thoughts on existing regulations, programs, and incentives and further recommendations to support and build a more sustainable future.
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in Education
Authors: Yalçin Mehmet Tufan , Atasoy Ramazan
Published: August 2023

Researchers and policymakers have increasingly recognized the importance of studying diversity, equality, and inclusion in education. These studies can help identify how cultural values influence the learning outcomes of immigrants and inform evidence-based policymaking. This book chapter aims to scrutinize the diversity, equality, and inclusion practices in schools within the scope of Hofstede's cultural values in the sample of the countries participating in the TALIS 2018 survey. The sample consisted of 13,730 schools from 44 countries participating in both studies. The study found that only the masculinity dimension was negatively associated with teachers' diversity beliefs. The study found that DEI beliefs were in many points unrelated to Hofstede's cultural dimensions. Future research could explore multilevel models that include cultural dimensions and diversity and equality beliefs, as well as results from international assessments.
Self-Regulated Learning and Student Success, Retention, and Engagement in Online Courses
Authors: Aloka Peter J. O. , Ooko Mary , Ooko Pamela Atieno , Onyango Pamela
Published: August 2023

This chapter analyzes self-regulated learning and student success, engagement, and retention in online learning contexts. The conceptual literature review was adopted as the research methodology. The search engines such as Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), Google Scholar, PsychINFO, Science Direct, Academic Search Elite/EBSCO, Blackwell Synergy, and JSTOR were used to obtain secondary data. The results from reviewed literature indicate that self-regulation was effective in enhancing student success, engagement, and retention among students in online learning. Therefore, the chapter recommends that instructors should train students on scaffolding as a classroom technique which would help to strengthen self-regulation. The study is quite significant because understanding self-regulation is very important in the development of these achievement capabilities for students.
Blended Learning for Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Maher Damian
Published: August 2023

Blended learning is a pedagogical approach that has been used in many universities worldwide for the past 30 years, thanks in part to the introduction of the internet. During Covid-19, it was a pedagogical approach that was used extensively to support the teaching and learning of pre-service teachers. The focus of this chapter is to explore some of those practices along with some of the theoretical frameworks that underpin the use of blended learning. Other aspects that are covered include the benefits and challenges of a blended learning approach examining the role of tutors and students' views. The technologies that are used to support blended learning are investigated with some suggestions for future research.
Impact of Digital Technology Use for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Pal Kamalendu
Published: August 2023

This chapter describes the challenges for the higher education sector during the recent coronavirus pandemic (i.e., COVID-19), and it also presents the advantages of information and communication technology (ICT) based teaching and learning practices in advancing higher education and students' changing communication practices during the COVID-19. The chapter analyses research gaps, pinpointing the consequential effect on lesser-developed countries, the psychological effect on the student community, and the central role of management in handling distributed software development practice. It also describes that the main objective should be to develop more resilient higher education teaching and learning delivery systems capable of withstanding future crises. Besides, an undergraduate software development case study highlights computer science students' views on digital communication channel utilization during the coronavirus pandemic. Finally, a multiple-choice questions and answers method collects the students' views regarding the relevant research issues and a view of university students' communication channel utilization patterns.
Emissions Trading and Climate Resilience in the Caribbean
Authors: Charles Don
Published: August 2023

The Caribbean region is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Climate change pose a threat to the lives and livelihoods of the people living in the region. To mitigate these impacts, the Caribbean has joined with the international community, and pledged to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. The cost of implementing the NDCs measures in the Caribbean is high, and the region have not been receiving the required financial support. To address this limitation, a market-based mechanism such as an Emissions Trading System (ETS) could be implemented. This would create a financial incentive for emitters to reduce their GHG emissions, which in turn would help achieve the emissions reduction targets of the NDCs. An ETS is a policy tool that allows companies to trade emission allowances, which are permits that represent the right to emit a certain amount of GHGs. This study explores the mechanics of a potential regional ETS for the Caribbean.
The Road to a Greener Future
Authors: Bunyaminu Alhassan , Bashiru Shani , Iddrisu Wahab Abdul , Seidu Adibura Baba , Iddrisu Ahmed Jamal
Published: August 2023

This study examines the impact of government expenditure and government effectiveness on renewable energy consumption in Africa from 1990 to 2021. Utilizing the fixed effects technique, the findings indicate a positive significant relationship between government expenditure and renewable energy consumption, while government effectiveness demonstrates a significant negative influence. Additionally, trade openness and urbanization exhibit a negative impact on renewable energy usage. The effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on renewable energy consumption is found to be mixed. To facilitate the transition towards a greener energy future in Africa, the study recommends several measures including increasing government expenditure on renewable energy, enhancing government effectiveness, promoting sustainable trade practices, and prioritizing sustainable urban planning.
The Link Between Green Sukuk and Financial Development
Authors: Emin Aysegul Aytac , Emin Dogus
Published: August 2023

Although financially developed countries play pioneering roles on the innovative financial instruments, whether high level of financial development leads to a wider range of instruments or having a wider range of instruments leads countries to financially develop has not been fully discovered. Especially for the countries that adapt Islamic financial instruments, the relation between financial development and green financial instruments is still not known. In this context, the objective of this chapter is to investigate whether there is a significant lead/lag relationship between financial development and issuance of green sukuk. While initial results show that countries that are already financially developed are more eager to issue green sukuk, a detailed investigation on the nature of the lead/lag relation reveals that green sukuk issuance leads financial institutions to be more accessible and financial markets to have more depth.
Values Education in Health
Authors: Demir Gülcan , Savaş Esra , Özcebe Lütfiye Hilal
Published: August 2023

Individual and societal values, which are the reasons behind decisions and choices, guide thoughts and behaviors. Values also shape an individual's actions regarding their health, contributing to health improvement. Our values play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life, encompassing physical, social, environmental, emotional, and mental well-being. The periods of elementary school, childhood, and adolescence are stages where health risks can pose threats. During this time, children may be influenced by new social relationships and their environment, which can lead to undesired changes in existing values. Health-based values education provides school-aged children with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills for healthy growth and disease prevention. This education conveys health-related values to children, encouraging them to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, values education, commencing from an early age and progressing gradually, can play a protective role against risks that may arise during adolescence.
SDGs in South Eastern Europe and the Black Sea in Light of the Pandemic
Authors: Mekhantseva Karina Felixovna , Artamonova Tatyana Sergeevna
Published: August 2023

In this chapter, the authors analyze the monitoring of the achievement of the SDGs at different levels of the economy, taking into account the experience of Russia. The aim of the study was to assess the possibility of constructing a statistically comparable set of indicators for assessing the achievement of the SDGs in the Russian Federation at three levels: national, territorial, and at the city level. Of particular interest is the experience of million-plus cities in the development of a set of SDG indicators, since they have become the focus of attention in the context of the spread of COVID-19. The study used data from two Russian million-plus cities: Moscow and Rostov-on-Don.
Cloud Computing-Based Smart Agriculture
Authors: Kishor Kaushal , Verma Raj Kishor
Published: August 2023

This development has also affected the studies of agriculture. Agriculture is an important source of income in the world's most populous countries. In countries like India, China, and others, it is a major source of wealth and livelihood. Cloud computing and the internet of things for agriculture will improve production cost management, performance tracking, and maintenance, benefiting both farmers and the country as a whole. The focus of this chapter is on the use of smart drones, and instant data from drones for crop management and computing technologies will help get it started. Despite the use of precision gardening in other countries, Indian agriculture needs to be modernized through the use of technology to increase productivity, wealth distribution, and cost management. In this chapter, the authors propose a comprehensive smart agriculture paradigm based on the following technological advances: sensors, internet of things (IoT), cloud computing, mobile computing, and big data analytics
Intelligent Farming Utilizing a Soil Tracking Device
Authors: Pramanik Sabyasachi
Published: August 2023

In order to optimize resource use, having information that is both up to date and accurate is vital. Agriculture utilizes sensors to determine the nutrients, moisture, organic matter, and clay present in the soil. To connect sensors that are positioned in a variety of locations, several technologies are used. Even in the absence of an internet connection, its data will automatically be uploaded to the cloud. Sensors transmit data to adjacent local base stations at varied distances using WiFi, LPWAN, LoRa, and Bluetooth, among other technologies, before transferring it to a distant central base station (CBS). Maintaining the integrity of the signal requires line of sight, coding, and modulation. The data collected by CBS is uploaded to the cloud so that it may be analyzed for trends and visualized. Farmers will now be able to get frequent and up-to-date information without needing to physically be present at the event.
Effect of Ocimum sanctum on Cancer Progression and Its Effective Therapeutic Activity
Authors: Ajaykumar Chittipolu , Swathi K. , Dasari Pavithra
Published: August 2023

Ocimum sanctum L., sometimes referred to as Tulsi in various Indian languages or Holy Basil in English, is a significant medicinal herb used in Southeast Asian traditional and folk medicine. It has been demonstrated via scientific studies to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antipyretic, analgesic, hepatoprotective, and stress-relieving properties. Studies have also demonstrated that Tulsi and some of its phytochemicals—including eugenol, apigenin, myretenal, sitosterol, rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and luteolin—prevent chemically induced oral, gastric, cervical, skin, liver, and lung cancers. These effects are mediated by increased antioxidant properties, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, induction of apoptosis and altered gene expressions. This chapter summarises findings about the chemopreventive effects of Tulsi on various malignancies and also highlights elements that call for more investigation to confirm the herb's efficacy and value in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
A Review on the Effect of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Natural Products on Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Selvakumar Angellin Priscilla , Sivaprakasam Prathibha K. , Sekar Kumaran , Pandurangan Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. TNBC is a varied collection of tumours that encompasses a range of breast cancers and is defined by the absence of estrogen, progesterone receptor, and overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 gene. Nanotechnology is a fast-evolving science that has a wide range of applications in human health, agriculture, and animal nutrition. It also has the potential to help bioscience research in a range of sectors. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a high biomedical relevance among metallic nanoparticles, owing to their antibacterial properties. They have many advantages including low cost, environmentally friendly and less toxic. Hence, in this chapter the authors discussed the effect of AgNPs on TNBC and their possible mechanisms.
COVID-19 Mitigation Measures and Their Impact on Subjective Wellbeing
Authors: Sarmiento Juan Pablo , Castro Carmen Paz , Arrieta Alejandro , Arensburg Svenska
Published: August 2023

This study assesses the actual magnitude and scope of the impacts of the COVID-19 mitigation measures at the individual level, with special interest in subjective well-being (SWB), its relevance and how these negative effects are making it difficult to comply with the physical distancing policies. This is a comparative prospective cohort study conducted in six Latin American cities (Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Guayaquil, Lima, Santo Domingo, and Santiago de Chile). A multivariate linear regression model was used to assess the impact of variables related to COVID-19 on SWB, using the life satisfaction variable. The linear regression model controlled for personality dimensions, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and city fixed effects. We found the greatest reduction in wellbeing associated with loss of work or income, with variations in personality type, and socioeconomic factors such as type of employment and marital status. Factors associated with social capital provide a significant level of SWB protection.
The Cultural Ecosystem Services From ASEAN Region Perspectives
Authors: Abas Azlan
Published: August 2023

This study shows how socio-cultural diversity of countries gives benefits to human well-being from ASEAN region perspectives. The relevance of CES to indicate human well-being is based on a few indicators such as emotions, stress, health, and happiness. Previous studies show that there was a significant relationship between the existence of CES and human well-being. However, those studies only provide the knowledge quantitatively. The authors also found that to discuss CES only from quantitative approach is absurd because CES cannot be separated from spiritual and religious services.
Interlinkages Between Digital-Social Entrepreneurship and Technological Capabilities for Sustainable Value Creation
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Kamble Sachin , Gupta Shivam , Belhadi Amine , Rana Nripendra P. , Kumar Kumod
Published: August 2023

Indian agricultural value chains are marred with a lack of financial inclusion of smallholder farmers, lengthy payout times, poor quality of products, lack of traceability issues, and lack of industrialization in the value chain. Social entrepreneurs have indispensable tools as information and communication technologies are making inroads in rural developing economies. This study studies the impact of technological capabilities on social entrepreneurship for creating sustainable value creation using survey data from 557 respondents associated with farming and allied activities. The results highlight that digital technology capabilities mediate the relationship between social entrepreneurship and sustainable value creation. The findings present essential insights for academia, practitioners, and policymakers to better shape policies and decisions on social entrepreneurship.
Some Contributions to the Optimization of MIG Spot Welding of Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Voicu-Ioan Safta , Mnerie Gabriela-Victoria , Dumitru Mnerie
Published: August 2023

In the context of some problems noticed by the business environment regarding the quality and costs of welding aluminum components, some experimental research was carried out on the efficiency of applying MIG spot welding, using improved equipment and working regimes. A new technical solution is proposed for joining thin aluminum plates using MIG spot welding instead of resistance spot welding. Therefore, the research was guided in studying the influence of two main parameters – specific to the MIG welding process – on the quality of welded joints. According to the obtained experimental results, in the paper is highlighted that MIG spot welding could be a viable alternative to resistance spot welding of thin aluminum plates, but just then when some important conditions are fulfilled. The paper also contains some practical recommendations for specialists working in this operational field.
Stability Test and Storage of PDMS as a Biomaterial for Vitreous Humour Substitution in Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Auliya Diba Grace , Zahra Nabillah Fa'diyyah , Setiadji Soni , Fitrilawati Fitrilawati , Kartasasmita Arief Sjamsulaksan , Risdiana Risdiana
Published: August 2023

As a drug product for vitreous replacement, the stability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) during storage is very necessary. PDMS must be stable both chemically and physically during the storage process according to WHO standards. This is necessary to maintain security and regulate the drug supply. Our research shows that low-and medium-viscosity PDMS produced from low-grade octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) monomer have good stability and storage for 15 months. The optimal time for stability and storage of this PDMS is 5 months. Changes in viscosity values occur due to a very slow chain growth from 5 until 15 months. However, a longer assessment time and other tests are needed to complete the material stability information.
Using Fundamental Parameters and Artificial Neural Network for Controlling the Laser Welding of Metals
Authors: Mortello Michelangelo , Casalino Giuseppe , Murariu Alin Constantin
Published: August 2023

The present work aims to design an artificial neural network (ANN) for controlling the geometry of the fusion zone in different welding conditions. AA5754 aluminium plates with 6 mm thickness were welded in butt configuration by using an Yb-doped fiber laser in continuous wave regime. Laser power, travel speed, beam diameter and shielding gas were considered as process-related factors, while the weld geometry was evaluated in terms of penetration depth and bead width. The accuracy of the model was endorsed by using untrained test data. Results showed a good agreement between the ANN output and the experimental values.
Effect of Aging Time and Sonication Treatment on Hydroxyapatite Structure from Limestone
Authors: Hartatiek Hartatiek , Wuriantika Maulia Ingganis , Yudyanto Yudyanto , Taufiq Ahmad
Published: August 2023

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles from limestone were successfully synthesized using the precipitation method. HAp synthesis was carried out with variations in the aging time of 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours with sonication treatment. The HAp nanoparticles structure was characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDX. The functional groups PO43-, OH-, and CO32- were detected by the infrared spectrum as the main groups of HAp nanoparticles. The hexagonal crystal structure of the HAp nanoparticles was confirmed on the XRD result. A non-uniform particle size of HAp nanoparticles detected on the SEM results undergoes agglomeration. In addition, the particle size ranged from 82.7 nm - 104.9 nm and decreased due to sonication treatment. In this study, it could be proved that the precipitation and sonication treatments are excellent for producing HAp nanoparticles.
Characterization of Glucomannan and Ca-Oxalate from Porang Flour (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) as Candidates for Hydrogel Materials
Authors: Rizoputra Ivan , Wahyudi Sriati , Puspita Niniek Fajar , Darminto Darminto , Risdiana Risdiana
Published: August 2023

Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume), a plant belonging to the Araceae family, has the main content of glucomannan and calcium oxalate which is quite high. This study aims to determine the characteristic values ​​of glucomannan and calcium oxalate content from porang flour so that it can be used for various applications, especially hydrogel. The characteristics of glucomannan obtained from porang flour will be compared with commercial glucomannan from konjac using 3,5-DNS analysis, permanganate titration method, Fourier Transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the glucomannan content of porang flour was 99.84% dry basic (db) and the calcium oxalate content of porang flour was 0.005% wet basic (wb). The characterization results show that the glucomannan content in porang flour is higher than the commercial glucomannan content from konjac, so that porang flour has good potential as a candidate for hydrogel materials.
Research on the Reconditioning of Injection Moulds by LASER Welding
Authors: Corb Flaviu , Buidos Traian , Stănășel Caius , Stănășel Iulian , Mnerie Gabriela-Victoria
Published: August 2023

An important problem for plastic injection moulding companies is the deterioration of mould nests due to several factors such as wear and tear caused by heavy use, corrosion, misuse, etc. These defects, even small ones, can affect the injection moulded product. To reduce the cost of making a new mould, damaged areas are repaired. TIG welding or laser welding is commonly used. For areas with small defects, laser welding is preferred due to its advantages. The paper presents research on the choice of wire when reconditioning a mould using laser welding.
High Cycle Fatigue Testing of Lap Shear RSW Joints from Martensitic MS1400 Steel Sheets
Authors: Abd Al Al Sahm Alden , Meilinger Ákos , Gáspár Marcell , Lukács János
Published: August 2023

Resistance spot welding (RSW) is one of the most common welding methods for steel sheets, as it is mainly used to join the automotive body structure parts. Different types of ultra-high strength steels (UHSS) have become widely used in the automotive body to obtain the required demands such as lower car weight, improving crashworthiness behavior, and enhancing strength–ductility combination. Martensitic UHSS belong to the highest grades width their tensile strength above 1000 MPa. During the lifetime of the vehicle cyclic loading generally occurs, therefore the optimization of welding technology should be performed considering the fatigue resistance of the welded joints. In our research 1 mm thick standardized lap shear sheets of martensitic MS1400 steel were welded by a TECNA 8007 RSW equipment with two different welding parameter combinations. The idea was to analyze the effect of welding and pulsation parameters on joint properties under static and cyclic loading. The welding parameters have been calibrated to produce the same weld nugget size for both technological combinations. Macroscopic, hardness, and tensile-shear tests were carried out to determine the fundamental mechanical characteristics of the RSW joints. The relation between the weld nugget microstructure and mechanical properties was explored. The high cycle fatigue (HCF) tests were performed on an MTS 810.23 universal electro-hydraulic materials testing system. A statistical approach was applied during the preparation and evaluation of the investigations, which increased their reliability. Measured and analyzed data of the lap shear welded joints, prepared by different technological parameters, were compared and discussed. The parameters of the HCF experiments were calculated considering the Japanese testing method (JSME S 002-1981). In most of the samples it was observed from both welding parameter combinations that the fatigue cracks initiate and grow in curvature shape in the softened part of the heat-affected zone towards the base metals in both directions symmetrically. A slight difference was observed in the HCF resistance of the welded joints prepared by different welding parameters.
Geochemical relations among elements in stream sediment samples from Siojan Prospecting Area, Iran using geostatistical methods
Authors: Shirazi Aref , Shirazy Adel , Hosseini Seyed Omid , Hezarkhani Ardeshir , Pour Amin Beiranvand
Published: August 2023

Stream sediment samples play an important role in identifying potential areas of metallic and non-metallic mineralization in mineral exploration studies. The relationship of geochemical elements with each other shows how the elements are distributed in the area. Also, by identifying related elements, sampling and targeted chemical analysis can be used in the next stages of exploration. The purpose of this study is to investigate the elements related to the copper element in the Siojan prospecting area, which is located in South-Khorasan province and 30 km northwest of Birjand city of Iran. In Siojan area, 120 stream sediment samples of a 60 square kilometer area were collected to detect geochemical anomalies and were consequently analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for 45 elements. Preliminary geological studies showed that the studied area has copper mineralization potential, and therefore, copper was selected as the target element in this study. Copper trace elements were identified in the area and the results were used to identify copper mineralized anomalies. For the elemental analysis data, methods of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Factor Analysis (FA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and K-Means Clustering were performed to identify the relevant elements and relationships among them. Statistical analysis of the concentration of geochemical elements in the region revealed that copper and cobalt elements were identified as two elements of the same family in terms of geochemical genetics. The average value for copper and cobalt elements in the analyzed samples was 27.2 ppm and 15.5 ppm, respectively. Finally, the relationship between copper and cobalt elements was modeled as an equation using the K-Means Clustering algorithm.
Impact of freezing methods on the physicochemical and sensory qualities of frozen carrot (Daucus carota) (Cape Market variety) dices
Authors: Rikasa A. M. , Wimalasiri K.M. S. , Senarathne S. M. A. C. U.
Published: August 2023

Carrots (Daucus carota) are root vegetables that contain carotenoids, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, vitamins, and minerals. They are high in antioxidants, anticarcinogens, and immune enhancers making them excellent for the eyes. Carrots suffer from significant postharvest losses in Sri Lanka due to their perishable nature, as well as rejections due to their odd morphologies. Even though demand for carrot is high all around the country, losses are unavoidable. Freezing techniques play a vital role in maintaining freshness and avoiding deterioration simultaneously. The goal of the present study was to find the best freezing method among blast freezing (-30 °C) and conventional (-18 °C) freezing circumstances for a superior quality of frozen carrot dice. Blanched (90 °C for 3min) carrot dice (Cape market variety) were frozen and thawed, then physicochemical parameters like drip loss (%), pH and colour, and other aspects including length ratio, hardness and cutting shearing strength and sensory parameters like colour, odour, texture and overall quality changes during freezing were analyzed. The blast frozen-thawed carrot dices showed the best quality of fresh colour, 8.50  ± 2.83 of colour change, 5.573  ± 0.555 % of drip loss, 0.0333 ± 0.007 length ratio,  21.53 N ±  3.78 hardness,  0.1366 J ± 0.0361 cutting and shearing strength, and 5.6867 ± 0.01 pH than conventional frozen-thawed dices. Mann Whitney U test resulted that blast frozen carrot dices had significantly (p<0.05) higher consumer preference than conventionally treated samples during the sensory analysis.
Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Synergizes with IL-2 to Induce Homeostatic Proliferation of Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Shapiro Melanie R , Peters Leeana D , Brown Matthew E , Cabello-Kindelan Cecilia , Posgai Amanda L , Bayer Allison L , Brusko Todd M
Published: August 2023

IL-2 has been proposed to restore tolerance via regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion in autoimmunity, yet off-target effects necessitate identification of a combinatorial approach allowing for lower IL-2 dosing. We recently reported reduced levels of immunoregulatory insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) during type 1 diabetes progression. Thus, we hypothesized that IGF1 would synergize with IL-2 to expand Tregs. We observed IGF1 receptor was elevated on murine memory and human naive Treg subsets. IL-2 and IGF1 promoted PI3K/Akt signaling in Tregs, inducing thymically-derived Treg expansion beyond either agent alone in NOD mice. Increased populations of murine Tregs of naive or memory, as well as CD5lo polyclonal or CD5hi likely self-reactive, status were also observed. Expansion was attributed to increased IL-2Rγ subunit expression on murine Tregs exposed to IL-2 and IGF1 as compared with IL-2 or IGF1 alone. Assessing translational capacity, incubation of naive human CD4+ T cells with IL-2 and IGF1 enhanced thymically-derived Treg proliferation in vitro, without the need for TCR ligation. We then demonstrated that IGF1 and IL-2 or IL-7, which is also IL-2Rγ-chain dependent, can be used to induce proliferation of genetically engineered naive human Tregs or T conventional cells, respectively. These data support the potential use of IGF1 in combination with common γ-chain cytokines to drive homeostatic T cell expansion, both in vitro and in vivo, for cellular therapeutics and ex vivo gene editing.
Study of the Cellular Senescence Process in Human Umbilical Cord Wharton's Jelly-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Hejazi Sajjad , Maleki Masoud , Rasekh Morteza
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Embryonic stem cells are candidates for the treatment of regenerative medicine, but their use is faced with limitations due to ethical issues. The human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are appropriate options because the cells have no ethical difficulties and have self-renewal. Senescence is known as a gradual functional loss that heterogeneously occurs in multiple organ systems.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to investigate the cellular senescence process in human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal cells.

Materials and Methods:

Umbilical cord was obtained from healthy newborns at the General Hospital of Tabriz. Under sterile conditions, Wharton's jelly was removed from the blood vessels and minced into small pieces of about 0.5 mm. These were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (MSC medium). Real-time polymerase chain reaction for p16INK4a and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining was performed to investigate the cellular senescence process.

Results:

The results showed the different expressions in the different passages, but it was significantly increased from the fifth passage compared to the first passage. SA-β-gal staining also showed increased colour intensity in the fifth passage compared to the first passage.

Conclusion:

SA-β-gal is not a specific marker for senescence, while p16INK4a is a specific marker. Further studies are required for the investigation of the senescence mechanism, such as the evaluation of genes involved in the senescence.
Expression of BAX and Bcl-2 Gene in Prostate Carcinoma and its Correlation with Gleason Score
Authors: Unnithan Aiswarya , Das Subhashish , Nadipanna Sreeramulu P
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Prostate cancer is primarily a disease that occurs in the elderly age group amongst men above 65 years of age. The relationship between the Bcl-2 and Bax genes and the Gleason staging of prostate cancer has not been studied in depth, and there is a dearth of published Indian research on the subject. Hence, this study aims to comprehend how the apoptotic mechanism relates to prostate cancer. The aim of the study was to determine the proportion (expression) of Bcl-2 and BAX genes in prostate carcinoma (PCa) and to observe the correlation of Bcl-2 and BAX gene association with Gleason scoring in PCa.

Materials and Methods:

Transurethral resected prostatic Chips positive for PCa and paraffin blocks were evaluated for the study. H-score system was used based on the cytoplasmic staining into negative mild, moderate and strong cytoplasmic staining.

Results:

Fifty cases were analysed. There was a notable relationship between Gleason grade and tumour size, and levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were in an increasing manner with Gleason's grade except at Grade 3, with the majority of cases falling into Gleason grade 5 (42%) and PSA levels falling into the range of 90–99 (28%), tumour size falling into the range of 3.1–6 cm (44%), T4 stage (34%) and metastasis (80%).

Conclusion:

This study concluded that PSA levels in cases of prostate cancer patients were showing an increasing trend with Gleason grade. This demonstrated a striking correlation between Gleason grade and H score BCL2, but not one that was particularly significant for the BAX gene.
Hyperamylasemia is not Associated with Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors in South Indian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sarathi Vijaya , Tirupati Sunanda , Sabinkar Gayatri , Mohan Rama
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Although not definitive, there is small increased risk of acute pancreatitis with the use of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i). Hence, there is an interest in the elevation of pancreatic enzymes among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients using DPP4i. However, the studies regarding their association are limited and provide conflicting results. Moreover, there are no such studies among South Indian T2DM patients. Hence, we evaluated the prevalence of hyperamylasemia among South Indian T2DM patients and its association with DPP4i use.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary health care center from South India. Adult T2DM patients on stable doses of antidiabetic medications for at least previous 3 months were included in the study. Patients with other types of diabetes mellitus, gall stones, diabetic ketoacidosis, acute illness, chronic kidney disease and untreated hypothyroidism were excluded from the study. All participants were evaluated with glycemic parameters, serum creatinine and serum amylase. Hyperamylasemia was defined as serum amylase ≥220 U/L.

Results:

A total of 200 participants were included in the study among whom 93 patients were not on DPP4i whereas 107 were on DPP4i including 41 (38.32%) each on teneligliptin and sitagliptin. Baseline characteristics including glycemic measures were comparable between DPP4i users and nonusers. A total of 14 patients (7%) had hyperamylasemia but the prevalence of hyperamylasemia did not differ between DPP4i users and nonuser (6/107 vs. 8/93, P = 0.42).

Conclusions:

Asymptomatic hyperamylasemia is not uncommon in South Indian T2DM patients but is not associated with the use of DPP4i.
Clinicomicrobiological Profile of Infections by Achromobacter: An Emerging Nosocomial Pathogen in Indian Hospitals
Authors: Siddiqui Tasneem , Patel Sangram Singh , Ghoshal Ujjala , Sahu Chinmoy
Published: August 2023

Background:

Achromobacter causes opportunistic nosocomial infections in immunocompromised patients with high mortality. It is underreported as it is often misidentified by conventional microbiological methods.

Aims:

The aim of the study is to access the clinicomicrobiological profile and antibiogram of Achromobacter spp. from clinical isolates.

Materials and Methods:

It is an observational study done from July 2020 to December 2021 in our hospital. All nonduplicate isolates of Achromobacter from blood and respiratory samples were initially identified with VITEK-2 GN card system and further confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antibiogram and treatment outcomes were also studied.

Results:

Achromobacter spp. was isolated from 14 patients. Blood samples yielded most isolates (71.4%; n = 10) followed by tracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Bacteremia followed by pneumonia was the most common clinical manifestation of Achromobacter infection. All the isolates were identified as A. xylosoxidans denitrificans and showed 100% susceptibility to minocycline and piperacillin-tazobactam. Diabetes mellitus and malignancy were the most common underlying condition in these patients. A favorable outcome was seen in 78.6% of the individuals with timely institution of antibiotics and proper diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Infections due to Achromobacter are on the rise in developing countries like India. Resistance to many classes of antimicrobials makes its treatment more challenging therefore it should always be guided by antibiograms. The present study highlights the significance of this rare bacterium in patients with malignancies in India and advocates greater vigilance toward appropriate identification of this organism.
A Rare Case of Cholecystoduodenal and Cholecystocolic Fistula with Gallstone Ileus
Authors: Walia Darshan Jit Singh , Singla Anand , Singh Sandeep , Dua Jasmeen
Published: August 2023

Cholecystoduodenal and cholecystocolic fistula (CCF) is a rare condition, occurring in patients with cholelithiasis. Multiple complex fistulas are even rare. This is a case study done to detail such a rare case, very few such cases have been reported in the past studies, with cholecystoduodenal and CCF with gallstone ileus. We present the case of an 80-year-old, female diagnosed with intestinal obstruction. Intraoperatively, the gallbladder (GB) fundus forms a CCF and the body of the GB with the first part of the duodenum forms cholecystoduodenal fistula. Gallstone ileus found impacted in jejunum 35 cm distal to DJ junction. Resection of fistula tracts with primary repair of the transverse colon was done with Graham’s patch repair of duodenum and fundus first cholecystectomy. Cholecysto-duodeno-colic fistulas complicated with gallstone ileus are very rare. In the case of gallstone ileus, the surgical treatment is an emergency and the only therapeutic option.
A Study on Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase and Uric Acid in Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: Can they Predict Adverse Fetomaternal Outcome?
Authors: Moharana Jayashree Jayabharati , Mishra Ruchi , Nayak Ajit Kumar
Published: August 2023

Background:

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect 3%–5% of all pregnancies, contributing immensely to maternal morbidity and mortality. According to the WHO, the incidence of deaths due to preeclampsia and eclampsia in developing and developed countries is 2.8% and 0.4%, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and uric acid are good predictors of disease severity.

Aim:

This study aims to determine the fetomaternal outcome in relation to abnormal serum levels of LDH and uric acid.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 1200 patients with preeclampsia and eclampsia at a tertiary care center over 2 years. Patients were divided into – Group A: patients with normal LDH (≤300 IU/L) and uric acid (<6 mg/dl) (n = 300). Group B: patients with abnormal LDH and uric acid (n = 900), who were further divided into mild and severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. Abnormal serum values were stratified into groups for easier comparison. The results were compared in terms of maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Results:

The incidence of preeclampsia and eclampsia in our study is 3.14% and 1.57%, respectively. Significant changes in LDH and uric acid were associated with increased severity of the disease (LDH – 1116.94 ± 4.78; uric acid – 9.2 ± 2.89). Higher incidence of maternal and fetal complications was seen with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia with LDH >800 IU/L and uric acid >6 mg/dl.

Conclusion:

Standard antenatal follow-up should be carried out for early detection and prevention of preeclampsia, with strict monitoring of serum uric acid level and LDH. This may reduce the maternal and fetal complications due to preeclampsia.
Serum Vitamin D Levels and Dry Eye Disease in Postmenopausal Women: A Case–Control Study at a Tertiary Care Center in Rural Haryana
Authors: Malik Diksha , Garg Renu , Sethi Sumita , Mahendru Rajiv , Singh Sanjeet
Published: August 2023

Background:

Despite the high prevalence of Vitamin-D insufficiency and high susceptibility to dry eye disease (DED) in postmenopausal women (PMW), correlation between DED and Vitamin D has not been explored in PMW in any Indian study.

Aims and Objectives:

To explore the correlation between serum Vitamin D levels in PMW with and without DED, in a hospital-based population in rural Haryana.

Materials and Methods:

Subjective (ocular surface disease index [OSDI] questionnaire) and objective clinical tests were undertaken for DED diagnosis. 25(OH) Vitamin D was measured in serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; insufficient (10–30 ng/ml) and deficient (<10 ng/ml). Descriptive statistics were analyzed by mean ± standard deviation for continuous and frequencies for the categorical variables; Student’s t-test used to find out mean difference in Vitamin D levels; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

One hundred and forty PMW (60.1 ± 5.32 years) were included; Group-A (Controls; no DED; n: 70); Group-B (Cases; DED diagnosed by OSDI scores; n: 70); Subgroup-B1 (clinical tests negative; n: 30) and B2 (clinical tests positive; n: 40). There was no statistically significant difference in OSDI scores between B1 and B2. Significantly lower mean Vitamin D levels were found in cases (14.36 ± 4.08 ng/ml) as compared to controls (19.19 ± 6.4 ng/ml) (P = 0.001) and in B2 (13.15 ± 3.51 ng/ml) as compared to B1 (15.57 ± 4.66 ng/ml) (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

There were significantly low levels of Vitamin-D in clinically established DED. Evaluating Vitamin D levels as a part of the dry eye workup in PMW is recommended. OSDI scores were not aligned with the clinical test scores; questionnaire-based tests alone may not be sufficient for diagnosing DED.