bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El reto de la medición del antigitanismo: Indicadores sobre discriminación y exclusión social hacia la población Romá en la Unión Europea
Authors: Jiménez-Rodrigo María Luisa , Sánchez-Muros Patricia Sónsoles
Published: October 2021

En este artículo se presenta una revisión y evaluación de las fuentes secundarias de datos disponibles para la medición del antigitanismo a nivel europeo. A partir de estas fuentes, se propone un sistema de indicadores que aborda tres dimensiones fundamentales del antigitanismo: 1) actitudes de rechazo hacia la población Romá, 2) discriminación declarada por la población Romá en diferentes ámbitos sociales, y 3) exclusión social de la población Romá y materialización de esta en sus condiciones de vida. Los resultados revelan paradojas e inconsistencias entre las dimensiones del antigitanismo que permiten analizar distintas fuentes. Señalamos la necesidad de mejorar los instrumentos de medición del prejuicio, la discriminación y la exclusión social contra la población Romá, pero también de avanzar en el análisis de los mecanismos de dominación que fomentan la naturalización de las desigualdades sociales.

The present article shows a review and assessment of the secondary sources of data available to measure anti-Gypsyism at European level. Based on these sources, it proposed an anti-Gypsyism system of indicators organized into three key dimensions: 1st) rejection attitudes towards the Roma population, 2nd) discrimination reported by the Roma population in different social contexts, and 3rd) social exclusion of the Roma population in different aspects of their living standards. The results indicate the existence of paradoxes and inconsistencies between the three dimensions. We point out the need for significant improvement in the tools for measuring prejudice, discrimination and social exclusion towards the Roma population, but also to advance in the analysis of current mechanisms of domination that foster the naturalization of social inequality.
Orígenes del sistema de cooperación internacional tras la II Guerra Mundial: Las campañas de inmunización contra la tuberculosis. De Europa a la India de Nehru, 1944-1960
Authors: Monge Juárez Mariano
Published: October 2021

En el seno de una Europa destruida y asediada por las epidemias, surge la idea de afrontar la amenaza de la tuberculosis con una gran campaña de BCG en Alemania, Austria, Polonia, Yugoslavia, Hungría or India. Este artículo trata de sintetizar el devenir de hechos, condiciones y causas implícitas en el desarrollo de estas grandes campañas contra la tuberculosis, que, impulsadas desde la Dinamarca, Suecia y Noruega, pronto reciben el apoyo de la OMS y UNICEF, y llegan a inmunizar a más veinte millones de personas en India. La campaña contra la tuberculosis sienta las bases del futuro de erradicación de la viruela, también de la cooperación internacional durante las últimas décadas del siglo XX. Los hechos son paradigmáticos de una nueva biopolítica en Europa.

Within a Europe destroyed and besieged by epidemics, the idea of tackling the threat of tuberculosis arises with a large BCG campaign in Germany, Austria, Poland, Yugoslavia, Hungary or India. This article tries to synthesize the facts, conditions and causes implicit in the development of these great campaigns against tuberculosis, which, promoted by Denmark, Sweden and Norway, soon receive the support of WHO and UNICEF, and become immunized to over twenty million people in India. The campaign against tuberculosis lays the foundations for the future of smallpox eradication, as well as international cooperation during the last decades of the 20th century. The facts are paradigmatic of a new biopolitics in Europe.

Keywords: cooperation, UNICEF, WHO, tuberculosis, biopolitics.
Continuities and Discontinuities: Antiziganism in Germany and Italy (1900-1938)
Authors: Illuzzi Jennifer
Published: October 2021

In both Germany and Italy before WWI, populations labelled as Gypsies found themselves in a “state of exception” which aimed at their elimination from the nation-state by targeting them with policies emanating from the executive. Both states adhered to the liberal idea of equality before the law, but used the flexibility provided by executive authority to pressure Gypsies to leave the state.

After WWI, both Germany and Italy were forced to retain “Gypsies” inside the state as a result of changing geopolitical circumstances. However, in fascist Italy before WWII, executive authorities continued to operate in a “state of exception” and ceased adhering to the rule of law, interning Gypsies in concentration camps and seeking to eliminate them through forced assimilation. In Weimar Germany, legislative policies sought to eliminate Gypsies through bringing them inside of the law. The contradiction between increasingly racialized notion of Gypsy inassimilability and forced assimilation’s inevitable failures certainly laid the groundwork for extreme measures in both places during WWII.
The Influence of the Demographic Factor on the Growth and Development of Younger School-Age Girls
Authors: Hadžić Rašid , Bajrić Osmo , Dragutinović Katarina
Published: October 2021

In order to determine the difference in morphological characteristics, a survey was conducted on a sample of 120 fourth-grade elementary schoolgirls from different socio-economic backgrounds in Montenegro. The total sample of respondentswas divided into two sub-samples. One sub-group consisted of 60 schoolgirls from urban and the other 60 schoolgirls of the same age from rural environment. A sample of measuring instruments consisted of 12 measures (body height, arm length, leg length, shoulder width, elbow diameter, knee diameter, body mass, upper arm circumference, lower leg circumference, skin fold of the back, skin fold of the upper arm and skin fold of the abdomen). In the process of statistical data processing, descriptiveand canonical discriminatory analysis were applied in order to identify possible differences between sub-databases. The obtained research data generally indicate the existence of statistically significant differences between sub-samples. This difference is evident in indicators of longitudinal and transversal dimensionality of the skeleton, and in contrast, the difference was not evident in indicators of volume and body weight and subcutaneous fat tissue. Girls from the urban environment were taller and had more pronounced measures in the upper and lower extremities and girls from rural areas had more pronounced measures of knee joint diameter than their peers from urban life.
A field study conducted on the beginners of artistic gymnastics at Al-Afaq Mostaganem School
Authors: Ahmed Gorine , Mohammed Madani , Ghaniya Kheloul
Published: October 2021

This study introduces one of the modern techniques in the field of cognitive psychology and complements to the training process for artistic gymnastics coaches, in order to develop the level of athletic performance and skill performance in general. In particular, the study contained two homogeneous and equal groups, one experimental and the other controlled. The researcher applied a training program on the skill of mental imagery accompanying the skill training on the experimental sample consisting of (8) juniors in artistic gymnastics, to know the effect of this type of training in developing the level of skill performance of some basic skills on the ground movement apparatus (wheel with quarter turn – back flip – back somersault straight). The duration of the program was defined as (08) weeks at the rate of (03) training units per week, and the units of the proposed program included exercises (muscle and mental relaxation, basic mental imagery and multidimensional mental perception). The results indicated that there is a positive direct relationship between the development of the level of mental imagery and the level of skill performance of the motion skills under study. Accordingly, the researcher recommends the need to incorporate such mental programs while planning various preparation programs, in order to develop the mental abilities of athletes to improve the level of skill performance.
Socio-Demographic Variables, Perfectionism, Anxiety and Somatization as Predictors of School Success Among Cadet and Junior Volleyball Players
Authors: Ivanović Miroljub , Ivanović Uglješa
Published: October 2021

The aim of this research was to examine to which extent the predictor socio-demographic variables (gender, child’s age, parents’ education), personal traits (adaptive perfectionism and maladaptive perfectionism) and psychological adjustment (exam anxiety and somatization) contribute to school success among cadet and junior volleyball players of both genders. The sample included (N=122) participants of both genders, age 18 to 20, from Valjevo. The Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Exam Anxiety Scale and Youth Self-Report were used. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient showed high internal consistency of the applied measuring instruments, which means that they can be recommended for studying sports population in Serbia. Data were processed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and hierarchical regression analysis. The results of the Pearson’s correlation coefficient reveal low statistical significance of the interaction between the majority of the measuring variables. The findings of the regression model, with 29% variance, indicate to statistically relevant and independent contribution of gender and maladaptive perfectionism in explaining school success, which leads to the suggestion that future studies include some other variables such as family as potential predictor. The results of this research are in accordance with earlier studies on relations between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, somatization, and school success (as criterion) among athletes during adolescence.
The Effect of the Training Process on the Stability and Mobility of the Locomotor System
Authors: Milić Zoran , Savićević Dejan , Tomić Aleksandar , Ujsasi Darijan , Jerković Nenad
Published: October 2021

The assessment of the locomotor system functionality is of great importance for both athletes and those not doing any kind of sport. It is assumed that a structured physical activity has a number of positive effects to the locomotor system. The study included 31 samples that are active athletes and 25 samples not involved in any kind of training process. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the training process on the functional stability and mobility of the locomotor system. The results indicate that there is a significant statistical difference in four analyzed variables: hurdle step (χ2=7,52; p=0,02), active straight leg raise (χ2=9,65; p=0,01), trunk stability push up (χ2=9,81; p=0,01) and rotatory trunk stability (χ2=11,63; p=0,00) in favor of the athlete group.
COMPARISON OF ALTMAN'S Z - SCORE MODEL AND ALTMAN'S Z''- SCORE MODEL ON THE SAMPLE OF COMPANIES WHOSE SHARES ARE INCLUDED IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA STOCK EXCHANGE INDEX
Authors: Radivojac Goran , Krčmar Aleksandra , Mekinjić Boško
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we analysed companies whose shares are included in the Republic of Srpska Stock Exchange Index (BIRS), using Altman's Z-Score model and Altman's Z"-Score model, in order to determine their insolvency risk. Altman's Z-Score is a combination of five weighted financial ratios used to estimate the likelihood of financial distress, and possible bankruptcy of the observed companies. It is used widely by auditors, accountants, commercial banks, and other organizations to assess the financial health of their clients. Altman also developed revised versions of the model to assess the financial health of privately-held firms and non-manufacturing companies, as well as companies in emerging markets - Altman's Z'- Score model and Altman's Z" - Score model. The results of our research on a sample of 14 companies whose shares are included in BIRS show that, although it is an emerging market, Altman's Z-Score model gives better results that indicate much-needed caution when drawing conclusions about the observed companies.
Response surface analysis and process optimization of non-cereal (elephant foot yam, taro and water chestnut) snacks
Authors: Saklani Anuj , Kaushik Ravinder , Kumar Krishan
Published: October 2021

The present study was conducted to develop non-cereal starch extruded products. The effects of feed moisture (15-21%), temperature (130-170 °C) and screw speed (120-160 rpm) were evaluated on the physical and functional properties of extruded snacks using response surface methodology. Feed moisture and screw speed increased the bulk density and hardness of extruded snacks. Significant decreases in water absorption index and increases in water solubility index were observed with increases in extrusion temperature. The best conditions were determined by numerical optimization. The optimized value for non-cereal snacks for feed moisture is 18.22%, temperature 155.96 °C, screw speed 142.75 rpm and, desirability is 0.75. Verification of results showed decent agreement between the responses of experimental values at certain optimum conditions and the predicted values.
Portfolio of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) peel extracts concentrated by nanofiltration membrane
Authors: Moh Moh Zin , Bánvölgyi Szilvia
Published: October 2021

Membrane process is an intelligent alternative way of concentration, preferably for organic juices rich in thermolabile natural components. The expectation is to scale up the extraction of desired compounds from agro-industrial wastes through modernized concentration method. Recovery of betalains, phenolic, and antioxidant from beetroot peel extracts was accomplished by nanofiltration membrane (NF 200) at a recirculation flow rate (400 L h-1) and feed temperature (30 ºC) under constant transmembrane pressure (40 bar). Characterization of betaxanthin, betacyanin, phenolic, and antioxidant activity by spectrophotometric analysis revealed that the final samples contain these compounds respectively: 202.25±3.26 mg.L-1, 360.07±8.43 mg.L-1, 987.79±19.18 mg.L-1, 642.06±14.78 mg.L-1 (pure water); 206.62±1.37 mg.L-1, 339.72±2.89 mg.L-1, 972.72±47.49 mg.L-1, 745.97±25.45 mg.L-1 (ethanol-water). Final samples exhibit vivid colour and a considerably large amount of desired compounds compared to crude extracts and could have industrial applications.
Tetracycline resistance in enterococci and Escherichia coli isolated from fresh produce and why it matters
Authors: Al-Kharousi Zahra , Guizani Nejib , Al-Sadi Abdullah M. , Al-Bulushi Ismail M.
Published: October 2021

The contamination of fresh produce with antibiotic-resistant bacteria is of particular concern as they are often eaten raw and can be a source for foodborne diseases. Tetracyclines have been largely used in humans, animals and plants which might have accelerated microbial resistance to them. Enterococci and Escherichia coli can be used as indicators to monitor contamination of the fresh produce with tetracycline-resistant bacteria. The investigation related to this issue is very scarce in Oman. This study aimed at identifying tetracycline-resistant enterococci and E. coli in fresh produce at the market place. Thirty-one enterococci and ten E. coli were isolated from local (Oman) and imported fruits and vegetables (N= 105). Using the standard Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, resistance to tetracycline was found in 6 (19 %) enterococci, isolated from cucumber, lettuce and radish, and 5 (50 %) E. coli, obtained from cabbage, lettuce and radish. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of tetracycline resistance genes, tet(A) and tet(K), in E. coli and tet(K), tet(L) and tet(M) in enterococci, including Enterococcus sulfureus, Enterococcus mundtii, Enterococcus casseli avus and Enterococcus faecalis. The integron integrase IntI 1 gene, which is known to facilitate the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria, was detected in 2 isolates of E. coli. These results demonstrated the capability of fresh produce to act as a potential source for disseminating tetracycline or possibly other antibiotic-resistant bacteria through the food chain. Thus, control strategies are needed to reduce exposure of the public to such microorganisms.
Emerging dynamics from high-resolution spatial numerical epidemics
Authors: Thomine Olivier , Alizon Samuel , Boennec Corentin , Barthelemy Marc , Sofonea Mircea
Published: October 2021

Simulating nationwide realistic individual movements with a detailed geographical structure can help optimise public health policies. However, existing tools have limited resolution or can only account for a limited number of agents. We introduce Epidemap, a new framework that can capture the daily movement of more than 60 million people in a country at a building-level resolution in a realistic and computationally efficient way. By applying it to the case of an infectious disease spreading in France, we uncover hitherto neglected effects, such as the emergence of two distinct peaks in the daily number of cases or the importance of local density in the timing of arrival of the epidemic. Finally, we show that the importance of super-spreading events strongly varies over time.
Prediction of epileptic seizures based on multivariate multiscale modified-distribution entropy
Authors: Aung Si Thu , Wongsawat Yodchanan
Published: October 2021

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease that affects a wide range of the world population and is not limited by age. Moreover, seizures can occur anytime and anywhere because of the sudden abnormal discharge of brain neurons, leading to malfunction. The seizures of approximately 30% of epilepsy patients cannot be treated with medicines or surgery; hence these patients would benefit from a seizure prediction system to live normal lives. Thus, a system that can predict a seizure before its onset could improve not only these patients’ social lives but also their safety. Numerous seizure prediction methods have already been proposed, but the performance measures of these methods are still inadequate for a complete prediction system. Here, a seizure prediction system is proposed by exploring the advantages of multivariate entropy, which can reflect the complexity of multivariate time series over multiple scales (frequencies), called multivariate multiscale modified-distribution entropy (MM-mDistEn), with an artificial neural network (ANN). The phase-space reconstruction and estimation of the probability density between vectors provide hidden complex information. The multivariate time series property of MM-mDistEn provides more understandable information within the multichannel data and makes it possible to predict of epilepsy. Moreover, the proposed method was tested with two different analyses: simulation data analysis proves that the proposed method has strong consistency over the different parameter selections, and the results from experimental data analysis showed that the proposed entropy combined with an ANN obtains performance measures of 98.66% accuracy, 91.82% sensitivity, 99.11% specificity, and 0.84 area under the curve (AUC) value. In addition, the seizure alarm system was applied as a postprocessing step for prediction purposes, and a false alarm rate of 0.014 per hour and an average prediction time of 26.73 min before seizure onset were achieved by the proposed method. Thus, the proposed entropy as a feature extraction method combined with an ANN can predict the ictal state of epilepsy, and the results show great potential for all epilepsy patients.
Effect of yeast and essential oil-enriched diets on critical determinants of health and immune function in Africanized Apis mellifera
Authors: Canché-Collí César , Estrella-Maldonado Humberto , Medina-Medina Luis A. , Moo-Valle Humberto , Calvo-Irabien Luz Maria , Chan-Vivas Elisa , Rodríguez Rosalina , Canto Azucena
Published: October 2021

Nutrition is vital for health and immune function in honey bees (Apis mellifera). The effect of diets enriched with bee-associated yeasts and essential oils of Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) was tested on survival, food intake, accumulated fat body tissue, and gene expression of vitellogenin (Vg), prophenoloxidase (proPO) and glucose oxidase (GOx) in newly emerged worker bees. The enriched diets were provided to bees under the premise that supplementation with yeasts or essential oils can enhance health variables and the expression of genes related to immune function in worker bees. Based on a standard pollen substitute, used as a control diet, enriched diets were formulated, five with added bee-associated yeasts (Starmerella bombicola, Starmerella etchellsii, Starmerella bombicola 2, Zygosaccharomyces mellis, and the brewers’ yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and three with added essential oils from L. graveolens (carvacrol, thymol, and sesquiterpenes). Groups of bees were fed one of the diets for 9 or 12 days. Survival probability was similar in the yeast and essential oils treatments in relation to the control, but median survival was lower in the carvacrol and sesquiterpenes treatments. Food intake was higher in all the yeast treatments than in the control. Fat body percentage in individual bees was slightly lower in all treatments than in the control, with significant decreases in the thymol and carvacrol treatments. Expression of the genes Vg, proPO, and GOx was minimally affected by the yeast treatments but was adversely affected by the carvacrol and thymol treatments.
Knowledge and attitudes towards smoking cessation counselling: an Italian cross-sectional survey on tertiary care nursing staff
Authors: Maniscalco Laura , Barretta Salvatore , Pizzo Giuseppe , Matranga Domenica
Published: October 2021

Background

One of the most effective smoking cessation strategies involves care and advice from nurses due to their role in the front line of treatment. Lack of education on smoking cessation counselling may be detrimental, and adequate smoking cessation training during healthcare studies is needed.

Objectives

The study aimed to examine nurses’ attitudes, belief, and knowledge of smoking cessation counselling; knowledge of the health risks associated with smoking was also assessed.

Design

A cross-sectional survey on 77 nurses from the nursing staff of Cardiology, Cardiac Intensive Care and Surgical Oncology Units of two tertiary hospitals.

Methods

Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to assess the questionnaire’s internal consistency, and three composite indicators were computed to assess the three dimensions of the questionnaire (knowledge, attitude, belief). Furthermore, a stepwise linear regression model was used to predict the attitude to be engaged in smoking cessation counselling, related to demographic and behavioural variables, as well as knowledge and belief indicators. The analysis was stratified by Unit.

Results

Nurses from three Units had a significantly different attitude score (2.55 ± 0.93 for Cardiology, 2.49 ± 0.72 for Cardiac Intensive Care and 2.09 ± 0.59 for Surgical Oncology Unit) (P-value = 0.0493). Analogously, knowledge of smoking cessation counselling was reported to be higher for Cardiac Intensive Care Unit nurses (3.19 ± 0.70) compared to Surgical Oncology nurses (2.73 ± 0.74) (P-value = 0.021). At the multivariable analysis, attitude towards smoking cessation counselling was significantly related to the nurse’s belief about counselling, for Cardiology staff (coeff = 0.74, 95% CI [0.32–1.16], P-value = 0.002) and for Surgical Oncology staff (coeff = 0.37, 95% CI [0.01–0.72], P-value = 0.042).

Conclusions

Incorporation of smoking cessation interventions in nurses’ and nursing managers’ education could improve the nursing staff’s attitude, belief, and knowledge regarding smoking cessation counselling, which would lead to the inclusion of tobacco prevention and cessation as an integral part of patient care.
The role of zinc transporter proteins as predictive and prognostic biomarkers of hepatocellular cancer
Authors: Bitirim Ceylan V.
Published: October 2021

Identification of the key processes involved in the tumor progression, malignancy and the molecular factors which are responsible for the transition of the cirrhotic cells to the tumor cells, contribute to the detection of biomarkers for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at an early stage. According to clinical data, HCC is mostly characterized by a significant decrease in zinc levels. It is strongly implied that zinc deficiency is the major event required in the early stages of tumor formation and development of malignancy. Due to this reason, the definition of the molecular players which have a role in zinc homeostasis and cellular zinc level could give us a clue about the transition state of the cirrhosis to hepatic tumor formation. Despite the well-known implications of zinc in the development of HCCthe correlation of the expression of zinc transporter proteins with tumor progression and malignancy remain largely unknown. In the present study, we evaluated in detail the relationship of zinc deficiency on the prognosis of early HCC patients. In this study, we aimed to test the potential zinc transporters which contribute tothe transformation of cirrhosis to HCCand the progression of HCC. Among the 24 zinc transporter proteins, the proteins to be examined were chosen by using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) webpage and RNA-seq analysis using TCGA database. ZIP14 and ZIP5 transporters were found as common differentially expressed genes from both bioinformatic analyses. ZnT1, ZnT7 and ZIP7 transporters have been associated with tumor progression. Relative abundance of ZnT1, ZIP5 and ZIP14 protein level was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in surgically resected liver specimens from 16 HCC patients at different stages. IHC staining intensity was analyzed by using ImageJ software and scored with the histological scoring (H-score) method. The staining of ZnT1 was significantly higher in Grade III comparing to Grade II and Grade I. On the contrary, ZIP14 staining decreased almost 10-foldcomparing to Grade Iand Grade II. ZIP5 staining was detected almost 2-fold higher in cirrhosis than HCC. But ZnT1 staining was observed almost 3-fold lower in cirrhosis comparing to HCC. Intracellular free zinc level was measured by flow cytometry in Hep40 and Snu398 cells using FluoZin-3 dye. The intracellular free zinc level was almost 9-fold decreased in poor differentiated Snu398 HCC cells comparing to well differentiated Hep40 HCC cells.This report establishes for the first time the correlation between the expression pattern of ZIP14, ZnT1 and ZIP5 and significant zinc deficiency which occurs concurrently with the advancing of malignancy. Our results provide new molecular insight into ZnT1, ZIP14 and ZIP5 mediated regulation of cellular zinc homeostasis and indicate that zinc transporters might be important factors and events in HCC malignancy, which can lead to the development of early biomarkers.
PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY OF KANADI TAILA AND ITS MODIFIED OINTMENT
Authors: Hebbar Niranjan Manjunath , Krishmamurthy M S
Published: October 2021

Aims: To prepare Kanadi Taila as per classical method and its modification into an ointment by using petroleum jelly as a base, as well as to do its organoleptic and physic-chemical analysis. Methods: Kanadi Taila was prepared as per the classical method of Taila Kalpana and its modification into an ointment by modern infusion method by using petroleum jelly as a base. Then it was evaluated for organoleptic and physic-chemical characteristics. Results: The final product Kanadi Taila and Kanadi Taila ointment were of desirable consistency and quality. Discussion: Kanadi Taila is well-known medicine for its wound healing property, and it was prepared as per classical method but due to its difficulty in application, there is a need to modify it into a more patient-friendly form. Kanadi Taila was modified into a topical ointment with white petroleum jelly as the base for attaining the desired consistency. Conclusion: The formulation Kanadi Taila is mentioned in the text Ayurveda Sara, Tratiya bhaga Prameha chikitsa adhyaya. Appropriate Paka Lakshanas were observed during Taila Paka, as well as the prepared Kanadi Taila ointment was of desired consistency
ANALYSIS OF ESSENTIAL OIL CONSTITUENTS OF THREE ANNONA SPECIES GROWING IN KERALA, INDIA
Authors: Joseph Sonia Mol , A R Amala Dev
Published: October 2021

The volatile chemical composition of leaf essential oils of three Annona species (Annona cherimola, Annona muricata and Annona squamosa) from the different regions of Kerala, South Indian was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 41 constituents belonging to monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids were identified. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenoids were the major class of volatile compounds in most of the Annona species examined. The study led to the identification of major compounds as germacrene D (23.5%), bicyclogermacrene (14.6%) and β-caryophyllene (11.7%) in A. cherimola, α-pinene (13.3%), β-caryophyllene (11.2%) and β-pinene (10.1%) in A. muricata, and β-caryophyllene (11.9%) and α-pinene (8.2%) in A. squamosa respectively. The examined essential oils showed that β-caryophyllene is the common constituent identified in all the three species and other constituents are more specific for each species under study. Present investigation reports, a comparison of essential oil compositions of three Annona species from Kerala. Results of this study prove that essential oils examined have considerable dissimilarity in chemical composition with previously reported leaf essential oil compositions from other regions. A chemotaxonomic analysis of these essential oils based on the distribution of compounds has revealed an efficient method to differentiate Annona species unambiguously.
A REVIEW ON KUTAJA: A CLASSICAL POTENT MEDICINAL PLANT
Authors: SR Anagha , Padyana Subrahmanya , Rao Ravi S , Kumari Anjali MU
Published: October 2021

Indian system of medicine or Ayurveda has been recognized throughout the world in the current era due to its wide spectrum therapeutic utility mainly using plant-based medicine in various ailments. Scattered information of Medicinal plant usage is available in various literature of Ayurveda like Samhitas, Nighantus etc. to cure different ailments as well as for the prevention of diseases. According to Raja Nighantu, there are two types of Kutaja namely Sita and Asita Kutaja, which are botanically identified as Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall and Wrightia tinctoria R Br belonging to the family Apocynaceae. Acharya Charaka also opined the two varieties of Kutaja namely Pum and Sthree Kutaja which are botanically identified as Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall and Wrightia tinctoria R Br respectively. The plant Kutaja in general is used in the management of Rakthapitha, Atisara, Kushta, Jwara, Visarpa etc. Hence there is the need of compiling the scattered information present in the various literature in a systematic way to encourage further study on this drug from a different perspective and better utilization of this drug.
Brief Review on Future of Medicine: Nanorobots
Authors: Girigosavi Shravani , Oak Payal
Published: October 2021

Nano-robots are the robots that are the technology of creating machines or robots close to the microscopic scale of a nanometre (10-9meters). These devices range from 0.1 – 10 micrometres. Nano-robots are the advances in technology. The technology has expanded our capability and potential to operate the world around us on above removing scale. Nano robots can be used in various application such as space and medicine technology. Nanos robots are device is used for motive of nourishing, keeping and protecting the human body opposing antibody, microorganisms, pathogens. Nano robots are instrumental by using various components such as actuators, sensors, control, power, conveying and by affiliating cross – marked scales between organic and inorganic systems. Nanotechnologies are quickly arising within the nation of medicine, and this subdivision has been termed Nano medicine. Application for nanorobotics in medicine including diagnosis and drug delivery for cancer, tissue engineering, pharmacokinetics, dental surgery, ophthalmology and others. This region of work is fulfilled with prospective and possible applications, many of like that recently animating researched and evolution. The objective of this paper is to introduce the expanding sector of nanorobotics inside in medicine and advancement in medical application.
Growth Performance and Gut Morphological Responses of Broiler Chickens to Fermented Diets
Authors: Osinowo O. A. , Ogbonna C. C. , Omoare A. M.
Published: October 2021

Aims: Growth performance and gut morphological response of broiler chickens fed moist fermented diets with the inclusion of probiotics or/and organic acids were evaluated in a 56 day feeding trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Poultry unit of the Department of Agricultural Education, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria between February 2018 and April 2018

Methodology: Three hundred one-day old unsexed Abor Acre broilers were used for this study. They were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 10 birds each. The experimental treatments were: Diet 1: Dry Unfermented Feed (DUF) - Probiotics (Pr) – Organic acids (Or), Diet 2: Moist Fermented Feed (MFF) – Pr – Or, Diet 3: MFF + Pr, Diet 4: MFF + Or, Diet 5: MFF + Pr + Or. The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design.

Results: The feed conversion ratio of broiler starters fed diet 5 (1.96) was significantly (P<.0001) better relative to those of birds fed other diets (2.27, 2.21, 2.14 and 2.13 respectively), while birds in treatment 1 (2.27) had significantly (P<.0001) poor feed conversion ratio. There were no significant (P>.05) differences in the feed conversion ratio of broiler finishers fed MFF with or without feed additives (2.68, 2.64, 2.55 and 2.55). However, the value of feed conversion ratio of birds fed DUF (3.04) was significantly (P=.05) the highest. The duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio of broiler starters fed MFF+ Pr + Or (7.11) was significantly (P=.05) higher than those of birds fed other diets (2.70, 3.35, 3.98, 4.73 respectively).

Conclusion: Although, feed fermentation enhanced gut morphological parameters which correlates improved growth performance of broiler chickens. The inclusion of probiotics (1g/kg) and organic acids (1g/kg) in the fermentation process further improved the growth indicators of broiler chickens used in this study.
Quality Compliance in a Remotely Located PHC in India
Authors: Roopashree M. R.
Published: October 2021

Background: As the rural Indian health care sector is providing patient care to the community at large, evaluating the quality of services gives an insight into the level of care provided. The primary health care chose the audit evaluation voluntarily.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the service quality provided in the primary health care Centre. The study was to help understand the skill set requirements in improving the quality of care and to identify the service quality gaps and to provide the best possible solutions for the gap closures by nominating the responsible personnel.

Methods: The quality of care was evaluated in three ways: staff interview, record review, and observations conducted. Six departments were chosen for evaluation: the out-patient department, in-patient department, labor room, laboratory, National health programs, and general administration. By a prepared specific checklist comprised of standards and measurable elements, an evaluation was performed. The scoring was provided as 0, 1and 2, which implied noncompliance, partial compliance, and full compliance.

Results: As per evaluation, national health program areas scored the least, whereas the inpatient departments scored the highest.  There were multiple gaps in the service provision areas and manpower allocation. The average mean score was 77.48.

Conclusion: Keeping the national standards and guidelines, an audit evaluation was performed. Quality has to be imbibed with the optimization of resource allocation and with the mindset to provide the best possible care in the interest of the individual's wellbeing.
An Overview of Aortopulmonary Window
Authors: Roshani Dhanvijay , Arti Raut , Sonal Dhobe , Vrushali Dighikar
Published: October 2021

Aortopulmonary (AP) window is exactly a rare congenital anomaly that represents approximately 0.2 and 0.5% of all congenital heart abnormalities. It consists of communication between the aorta and the pulmonary artery or its branches. Although closely related to AP window, the pulmonary artery origin from the ascending aorta (also termed “hemitruncus”) is classified as a separate defect. AP window was first described by Elliotson in 1830 in an autopsy study. In 1948, Robert Gross successfully ligated an AP window in a patient undergoing a thoracotomy for closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). In 1957, Cooley and associates described the first successful repair of AP window using cardiopulmonary bypass. Aortopulmonary window occurs due to the abnormal development of the heart’s major blood vessels during early fetal growth. In most cases, this heart defect occurs by chance, with no clear reason. This condition can occur on its own or with other heart defects such as: 1. Tetralogy of Fallot, 2. Pulmonary atresia, 3. Truncus arteriosus, 4. Atrial septal defect, 5. Patent ductus arteriosus, 6. Interrupted aortic arch. Treatment for aortopulmonary window involves surgery to close the hole between the aorta and the pulmonary artery with a patch or device. This surgery is normally done as soon as possible after the diagnosis is made, usually when the child is a newborn. Associated lesions are usually repaired during the same surgery. Associated lesions are usually repaired during the same surgery. More complex repairs and myocardial protection strategies are required in patients with associated lesions, increasing the morbidity and mortality associated with the operation.
Neural Networks Oblige Diagnosis of the Ischemic CVA’s by MRI
Authors: Srivastava Pallavi , Mishra Kirti , Chaubey Chitrangada
Published: October 2021

In present time the technological & computing evolution are promoted for new opportunities that will help to improve the standard of life between the new medical accomplishments, in particular and the standard of diagnostic evaluations. MRI is one of the imaging equipment for the diagnosis which has become more beneficial for technological development, because of this and due to the standard of a diagnosis manufacturer, that is one of the most engaging apparatus in the clinical application. The attentiveness in that pathology & in the general the encephalon picture analysis as the preventive diagnosis. The present research paper suggests the evaluation of the ability of ANN for the automatic identification of an ICVA by tissue images density obtained by MRI. In this examination the diagnosis and their medical reports were used to train the ANN classifier which extracted features from the given images. In this stage the ANN significantly contributes to the ICVA of MRI diagnosis aid, so since the test occurrence automatic identification of ischemic lesions that has been performed with the accuracy results that will be false positive and false negative.
Quick Response Code Based Online Appointment Scheduling System: An Approach towards Health Management
Authors: Varshney Kyati , Gupta Agnivesh
Published: October 2021

For day to day functioning of healthcare services in healthcare sector there is requirement of managing, tracking and keeping patient appointment and medication related information in a effective and efficient way. If a person is suffering from any disease and needs to visit a doctor in a hospital for checkup the patient required to fill hospital registration form in hospital and waits in a long queue while getting an appointment. In some hospitals online appointments can be done by web or smart phone application. Some of these existing applications do not provide information regarding doctor availability, and do not provide patients medical records, etc. This paper proposes a web based application to overcome drawbacks related to existing appointment systems.  In this paper the web application will provide a unique QR code to each patient, at the time the patient takes an online appointment for the doctor. The study provides an efficient way of managing health care accessibility in future.
Anti-inflammatory Activity of Sclerotium stipitatum Berk. et. Curr. an Ethnomedicinal Fungus, in Chronic and Acute Animal Models of Inflammation
Authors: Sebastian Alina K. , Anto P. V.
Published: October 2021

Sclerotium stipitatum Berk. et. Curr., locally known as ‘nilamanga’ is a rare macro fungus, traditionally used to treat numerous diseases like arthritis, earache, jaundice etc. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract of S. stipitatum and identify the bioactive compounds present in them. Phytochemical screening of extracts obtained using different solvents like petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and water were done. The best extract was chosen for the acute carrageenan-induced and chronic formalin-induced anti-inflammatory studies. Diclofenac was used as the standard drug. Ethanol extract showed significant inhibition of inflammation induced by carrageenan and formalin-induced paw edema models compared to the control. GC-MS analysis shows certain bioactive compounds. The significant inhibitory effect on paw edema proves that S. stipitatum possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory activity, and isolation and identification of bioactive compounds can be used for new drug formulations.
Protective Effect of Terminalia arjuna Against DBTC Induced Pancreatic Cancer in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Harshitha Kadiyala , Gorla Uma Sankar
Published: October 2021

Aims: To study the protective effect of hydroalcoholic bark extract of Terminalia arjuna against DBTC induced pancreatic cancer in male wistar rats.

Study design: Healthy male Wistar Albino rats weighing 150-200 g were segregated into four groups (n=6). Group I was considered as normal control, received normal saline (0.9%w/v, 1 ml/kg body weight, orally). Group II rats were treated with DBTC (6 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) which served as negative control. Group III and IV received Terminalia arjuna Linn bark hydroalcoholic extract at doses of 250 mg/kg body weight, per oral and 500 mg/kg body weight, per oral respectively.

Place and Duration of Study: University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, between May 2020 and July 2020.

Methodology: The experimental animals were segregated into four groups of six rats each. According to acute toxicity data, 250 mg/kg as low dose and 500 mg/kg as high dose of the test compound have been chosen for administration. All the drugs were given for 28 consecutive days to all the respective groups with standard pellet diet and water ad libitum. The assessment of serum parameters such as α-Amylase, Lipase and blood glucose levels were carried out on 1st day, 14th day and 28th day to the respective groups.

Results: Pretreated groups of Terminalia arjuna Linn bark hydroalcoholic extract (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight, orally) showed significant (‘#’p<0.001) decrease in the levels of α-Amylase, Lipase and glucose in the blood when compared to DBTC (6 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) induced group which served as negative control.

Conclusion: This study suggests that Terminalia arjuna may have a protective role against DBTC induced pancreatic cancer in male wistar rats and further investigation may be required to confirm its therapeutic potentials clinically.
Realization of an Artificial Visual Nervous System using an Integrated Optoelectronic Device Array
Authors: Lee Tae‐Ju , Yun Kwang‐Ro , Kim Su‐Kyung , Kim Jong‐Ho , Jin Junyoung , Sim Kee‐Baek , Lee Da‐Hoon , Hwang Gyu Weon , Seong Tae‐Yeon
Published: October 2021

Human behavior (e.g., the response to any incoming information) has very complex forms and is based on the response to consecutive external stimuli entering varied sensory receptors. Sensory adaptation is an elementary form of the sensory nervous system known to filter out irrelevant information for efficient information transfer from consecutive stimuli. As bioinspired neuromorphic electronic system is developed, the functionality of organs shall be emulated at a higher level than the cell. Because it is important for electronic devices to possess sensory adaptation in spiking neural networks, the authors demonstrate a dynamic, real‐time, photoadaptation process to optical irradiation when repeated light stimuli are presented to the artificial photoreceptor. The filtered electrical signal generated by the light and the adapting signal produces a specific range of postsynaptic states through the neurotransistor, demonstrating changes in the response according to the environment, as normally perceived by the human brain. This successfully demonstrates plausible biological sensory adaptation. Further, the ability of this circuit design to accommodate changes in the intensity of bright or dark light by adjusting the sensitivity of the artificial photoreceptor is demonstrated. Thus, the proposed artificial photoreceptor circuits have the potential to advance neuromorphic device technology by providing sensory adaptation capabilities.
Tuning the p‐Orbital Electron Structure of s‐Block Metal Ca Enables a High‐Performance Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Lin Zhiyu , Huang Hao , Cheng Ling , Hu Wei , Xu Pengping , Yang Yang , Li Jianmin , Gao Feiyue , Yang Kang , Liu Shuai , Jiang Peng , Yan Wensheng , Chen Shi , Wang Changlai , Tong Huigang , Huang Minxue , Zheng Wei , Wang Hui , Chen Qianwang
Published: October 2021

Most previous efforts are devoted to developing transition metals as electrocatalysts guided by the d‐band center model. The metals of the s‐block of the periodic table have so far received little attention in the application of oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). Herein, a carbon catalyst with calcium (Ca) single atom coordinated with N and O is reported, which displays exceptional ORR activities in both acidic condition (E1/2 = 0.77 V, 0.1 m HClO4) and alkaline condition (E1/2 = 0.90 V, 0.1 m KOH). The CaN, O/C exhibits remarkable performance in zinc–air battery with a maximum power density of 218 mW cm–2, superior to a series of catalysts reported so far. X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) characterization confirms the formation of N‐ and O‐atom‐coordinated Ca in the carbon matrix. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the high catalytic activity of main‐group Ca is ascribed to the fact that its p‐orbital electron structure is regulated by N and O coordination so that the highest peak (EP) of the projected density of states (PDOS) for the Ca atom is moved close to the Fermi level, thereby facilitating the adsorption of ORR intermediates and electron transfer.