bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Experience Design as Collective Praxis: Two Design Cases from Higher Education
Authors: Yu Ji
Published: September 2023

This paper explores the pivotal role of learning experience designers in fostering collective praxis through two design cases, embracing critical pedagogy. In the “Centering Justice” program, they facilitate collaboration among faculty, students, and instructional technologists, for an inclusive and socially just teaching framework. Navigating power dynamics, they promote awareness of privilege and oppression, and encourage dialogue and reflexivity. In the online course on intimate partner violence, they orchestrate interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring authentic and empathetic content through participatory design. These case studies highlight the central role of learning experience designer in managing stakeholders, power dynamics, and fostering transformative education.
Situating MOOC Learners Within the Field of Learning Experience Design Through Immersion in Authentic Contexts
Authors: Quintana Rebecca , Quintana Chris
Published: September 2023

We present a design practice paper to explore the power and potential of extended reality (XR) to enable immersive and dynamic learning opportunities within a series of MOOCs focused on the Learning Experience Design (LXD) profession. This project integrates XR-enhanced learning experiences using interactive 360º videos. These media take MOOC learners through a fictionalized design process mapped to key topics of the series. Through a simulated apprenticeship, MOOC learners develop situational awareness and contextual understanding of LXD practice. We use the Developing Instructional Design Professionals for Education through Apprenticeship model to understand the ways these immersive experiences instantiated the four stages of the model.
Going Through the Motions? Asynchronous Online Course Discussions Considered Within a Learner Experience Design Framework
Authors: Gregg Andrea
Published: September 2023

Despite extensive research into asynchronous online course discussions (AOCDs), there remain unsettled areas and a gap of in-depth qualitative approaches. This study investigated learners’ AOCD experiences throughout their asynchronous online graduate program using an LXD lens. Data included 26+ hours of interviews and think aloud observations with eight participants; four instructor interviews; two course design reviews; and a review of posts. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and it was found that (1) participants largely experienced their AOCDs as low quality and not “real” discussions; (2) participation requirements were overly prescriptive, constraining authentic dialogue; (3) instructor involvement in the AOCDs was crucial and largely experienced as insufficient; (4) the AOCD user interface was inconvenient and not aesthetically appealing and impeded conversation; and (5) most surprising, all but one participant felt in spite of these challenges that the program should keep AOCDs. Study findings informed a new model for considering AOCDs through an LXD lens comprised of five components: academic culture, course design, AOCD UX, student traits, and time-bound dynamics. This model can be easily modified for other technology mediated educational activities.
Theory-Driven and Practice Oriented Perspectives on Instructional Design and Learning Experience Design
Authors: Abramenka-Lachheb Victoria
Published: September 2023

In this position paper, I argue that Learning Experience Design (LXD) is not different from Instructional Design (ID) but rather another natural evolution of ID. I make this argument through: (1) exploring the history and theory of Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) discipline, and (2) sharing a reflection on my own career as a learning designer, where I describe my journey toward becoming an experienced and expert learning designer through examples of my design work.
Pipe Diameter Optimization and Two-Phase Flow Pressure Drop in Seabed Pipelines: A Genetic Algorithm Approach
Authors: Khamehchi Ehsan , Dargi Matin , Imeri Matin , Mahdavi Kalatehno Javad , Khaleghi Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2023

Industries such as oil, gas, and petrochemicals encounter a multifaceted challenge when it comes to the transportation of diverse substances through pipelines. The process relies heavily on two-phase flow, particularly in the case of seabed pipelines responsible for conveying oil and natural gas. In our study, the intricate dynamics of pressure fluctuations in horizontal seabed pipelines were comprehensively investigated through the use of simulation software. Nevertheless, the software employed had its limitations as it failed to account for economic considerations. To address this limitation, the integration of a genetic algorithm was undertaken, which encompassed constraints related to the initial investment, thereby contributing to the enhancement of cost-effectiveness in pressure drop calculations. Additionally, a novel parameter was introduced into the Baker model, leading to improvements in both technical efficiency and economic viability. It was observed that augmenting the weight of the initial investment constraint resulted in a reduction in the optimal pipeline diameter, following a third-degree curve. Furthermore, the research findings indicated that a 4% increase in water shear led to a 14.76% decrease in frictional pressure drop within vertical pipes and a 3.5% reduction in horizontal pipes. Conversely, as the gas-to-oil ratio was increased, frictional pressure drop surged by 116.87% in vertical pipes and 81.69% in horizontal pipes. This valuable information can be harnessed to optimize pipeline design and operations in the demanding underwater environments commonly encountered in these industries.
STUDY OF FACTORS INFLUENCING NOTIFICATION OF BOVINE ABORTIONS BY PRACTICING VETERINARIANS ON DAIRY CATTLE FARMS IN EASTERN ALGERIA.
Authors: DJELLATA Nadia
Published: September 2023

Bovine abortion is one of the most important causes of economic losses in Algerian cattle farms and industry. A descriptive epidemiological survey was conducted from November 2021 to November 2022 in eastern Algeria to quantify the extent of this scourge and to evaluate the risk factors for reporting abortions using a questionnaire intended for 150 practising veterinarians randomly distributed in five wilayas of eastern Algeria. The statistical analysis of the different risk factors was carried out using a univariate and then multivariate logistic regression model. The results obtained showed that 83.3% of the veterinarians audited had had an abortion rate of more than 5% during the previous 12 months. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, one risk factor and one protective factor were identified. Indeed, all the areas studied had a very high risk of bovine abortion cases: Batna (odds ratio [OR] = 24.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39 - 278.66), Sétif (OR= 73.08; 95% CI: 4.37-669.68), Mila (OR= 245.22; CI: 18.51 - 2306.71) and Bordj Bou Arreridj (OR= 49.09; CI: 3.57-738.69). However, the summer season (OR= 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06 - 0.48) was considered a protective factor, designated as the period of least reporting of abortions by the audited veterinarians compared to winter and autumn.
Characteristics and Influencing Factors of College Students' Sports Consumption in Guangzhou
Authors: He Dongjin , Hongsaenyatham Prakit
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim: This article investigates influencing factors of sports consumption among college students in Guangzhou using an empirical approach grounded in consumer economics. The study contributes to theoretical research and informs government-led consumption policies and corporate strategies. The research explores factors affecting college students' sports consumption, including physical fitness, sports skills, referee knowledge, exercise methods, and sports protection knowledge.
Materials and Methods: The study utilized questionnaires and expert interviews. Experts in sports psychology, sports economics, and physical education, and Guangzhou University students participated. A research framework was developed through literature analysis and expert input, guiding questionnaire creation. Data underwent collection, organization, and analysis using methods like structural equation modeling, including hypothesis testing.
Results: The research revealed that physical fitness, sports skills, referee knowledge, exercise methods, and sports protection significantly impact college students' sports consumption. Physical fitness negatively influenced sports goods and participation-based sports consumption. Sports skills positively influenced sports goods and ornamental sports consumption. Referee knowledge had positive effects on all three consumption types. Exercise methods and sports protection also positively affected all consumption types.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the considerable influence of multiple factors on college students' sports consumption. Physical fitness affects consumption diversely, with negative impacts on sports goods and participation-driven consumption, but a positive impact on ornamental sports consumption. Sports skills positively affect sports goods and ornamental sports consumption. Referee knowledge consistently contributes to all sports consumption types. Furthermore, exercise methods and sports protection positively impact all consumption dimensions. These findings underscore the intricate interplay of factors and highlight the need for customized strategies to engage college students in diverse sports consumption behaviors.
The Quality of Public-funded Oriented Physical Education Normal Students’ Cultivate in Guangdong Province
Authors: Yan Jun , Sungkawadee Panya
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim: Guangdong Province in February 2018 the province-wide launch of the Guangdong "new teacher training" construction implementation programs, used to improve the rural music, physical education, and art teacher structure imbalance of the status quo. This research aim was to avoid the risks of the cultivation of public-funded oriented physical education normal students in Guangdong Province in all phases of the cultivation process.
Materials and Methods: This study was to study the motivation for applying public-funded oriented physical education to normal students in Guangdong Province, the indicator system for the development of rural feeling, and the factors influencing the willingness to comply. Analyze software programs were used to analyze the data collected from 462 public-funded oriented physical education normal students. Researchers use self-administered questionnaires and analyze descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. Use the Delphi method and hierarchical analysis, with the first 2 rounds used to determine the indicator system and the third round used to calculate the weights of each indicator.
The result: (1) By the discriminant validity analysis shown the value of the factors influencing were 0.921 (Teacher’s Love), 0.8800 (Self-awareness), 0.789 (Career Benefits), and 0.819 (Policy dividends). (2) By combining the results of the first and second rounds of expert questionnaires, the final evaluation index system for public-funded oriented physical education normal students’ sentiments towards local teaching was determined to consist of 4 primary indicators, 10 secondary indicators, and 30 tertiary indicators.
Conclusion: The factors influencing the motivation for applying for public-funded oriented physical education for normal students include four factors: Policy dividends, Career Benefits, Self-awareness, and Teacher’s Love. Rural feeling can be used as a mediating variable to influence the effect value of learning engagement and willingness to comply, School Climate can be used as a moderating variable to regulate the relationship between learning engagement and Rural feeling, as well as learning engagement and willingness to comply. In particular, when the School Climate tends to be 'local', the effect of learning engagement on Rural feelings and willingness to comply is greater.
Model of Exercise, Sports and Health for the Elderly to Promote Sports Tourism in Qinling Mountain, Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Li Li , Sungkawadee Panya
Published: September 2023

Background: Under the dual background of China's aging population and the vigorous development of the sports industry, "sports health tourism" has developed rapidly, especially favored by the elderly. Aim :1. To study the current context of exercise, sports, and health for the elderly to promote sports tourism in Qinling Mountain, Shaanxi Province, China.2. To create a model of exercise, sports, and health for the elderly to promote sports tourism in Qinling Mountain, Shaanxi Province, China.3. To evaluate the model of exercise, sports, and health for the elderly to promote sports tourism in Qinling Mountain, Shaanxi Province, China.
Material and Methods: The target population consisted of 50 staff members, 105 elderly visitors and 17 experts. The research tools included staff questionnaires, elderly tourists’ questionnaires, and expert questionnaires. The software used in the data analysis were Excel and SPSS (20.0).
Results: The results are as follows) Taijiquan, fast walking, the bicycles have always been deeply loved by the elderly. 2) The evaluation index of sports health tourism for the elderly in the Qinling Mountains is constructed. There are 4 first-level indicators, 11 second-level indicators, and 47 third-level indicators. Its weight is arranged in order from large to small. Product index weight (0.5549), facilities &physical evidence index weight (0.2232), promotion index weight (0.1327), and people & process index weight (0.0893).3) The service quality evaluation of the Qinling sports and health tourism by the elderly tourists was generally PS≥ES. The staff believes that the Qinling Mountains have a high development potential as a destination of sports health tourism for the elderly.
Conclusions: The Qinling government has provided strong policy and financial support for the sports health tourism of the elderly. And when some service quality evaluations are low, humanistic care can be used to compensate for services.
Comparison of DBFS with MoCA and MMSE tools for MCI screening
Authors:   Neurowyzr Pte. Ltd., 6 Raffles Quay, 11-07, Singapore 048580, Balasundaram Arthi
Published: September 2023

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been associated with many diseases. The MCI could be a marker for the early diagnosis of certain diseases. Early detection of MCI could be beneficial for restoration of cognitive reserves. One hundred and five subjects were included in the study, underwent the Digital Brain Function Screen (DBFS) test as well as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and 73 subjects took the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test. DBFS test and retest was taken by 16 subjects. The test scores of DBFS tool showed significant positive correlation with MoCA and MMSE test scores. In conclusion, the DBFS tool could be an effective digital tool which can overcome the disadvantages of traditional tools of screening MCI like MoCA and MMSE.
Tumor regression efficacy of Punica granatum L leaf extract against K562 leukemia cancer cells
Authors:   Department of Studies in Biotechnology, Davangere University, Davangere - 577 007, Karnataka, India, Gopinath SM
Published: September 2023

It is of interest to describe the extraction and isolation of ethyl heneicosanoate (EHO) from Punica granatum. L plant leaves. Further, the structure of isolated molecule, EHO was confirmed through various spectroscopic tools viz., infrared (FT-IR), proton NMR and mass spectroscopy. The tumor regression potential of EHO was evaluated against K562 leukemia cancer cells. A significant reduction in the viability and metabolic activity was obtained in vitro for K562 cell lines when treated with EHO molecule. Further, the results depicted that the activities of EHO is directly related to the alkyl chain length. The xenograft model of mice illustrated a lower propensity of tumor growth in the group receiving EHO molecule, compared with the group receiving Bortezomib (positive control). The obtained results suggest that the animals treated with Bortezomib showed a tumor growth inhibition up to 77.51 ± 3.74 whereas, the EHO showed the inhibition up to 23.37 ± 25.44 and 40.64 ± 16.45 % at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively. Moreover, the results indicate that the activity of EHO in the induction of apoptosis in induced leukemia cancer.
Effect of eucalyptol on matrix metalloproteinase-9 and its tissue inhibitor in hypertensive rats
Authors:   Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh campus, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia, Murad Hussam
Published: September 2023

Effects of eucalyptol, a key component of eucalyptus globules, on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1), compared with lisinopril, were investigated in a model of hypertension induced by chronic intraperitoneal (IP) injection of low dose nicotine in rats. The hypertensive rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups (n=8): Positive control (PC, untreated), eucalyptol-treated group (1.0 mg/kg, IP), lisinopril-treated group (10 mg/kg, IP), and eucalyptol+lisinopril-treated group. Systolic blood pressure and plasma levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured. All treatments decreased the elevated blood pressure and plasma levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 most significantly with the combination group which showed non-significant differences from the normal control group. Lisinopril reduced plasma levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 more significantly than eucalyptol. In conclusion, eucalyptol significantly decreased the increased plasma levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in nicotine-induced hypertension in rats. Moreover, its combination with lisinopril exerted more significant effects compared to each drug alone. This makes this combination particularly useful in hypertension and related cardiovascular disorders where suppression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 activities decreases the related complications and improves the overall morbidity and mortality. To our knowledge, the current data are novel, and may open the way for development of a co-delivery system of both drugs which could be beneficial in treatment of hypertension in chronic smokers.
Molecular docking analysis of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease management
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Hakeem Israa J.
Published: September 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disease that is related to aging and is the leading cause of dementia globally. AD has a significant influence on cognitive functions, particularly memory, resulting in a variety of functional deficits. Given the increasing prevalence of AD, there is an urgent need for the development of effective therapeutic therapies. In a quest to uncover a holistic remedy for AD, a total of 41 bioactive compounds derived from three distinct medicinal plant sources were screened to evaluate their potential to inhibit the active sites of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The insilico screening protocol included 24 licorice-derived compounds, 5 ginkgo biloba-derived compounds, and 11 ginseng-derived compounds. Two compounds (Ginkgolide A and Licorice glycoside D2) were observed to display greater binding energy (BE) relative to the control by interacting with crucial residues in the active site of AChE. Ginkgolide A and Licorice glycoside D2 exhibited BEs of -11.3 and -11.2 kcal/mol, respectively, whereas the control, Donepezil, demonstrated a BE of -10.8 kcal/mol. Further, these compounds exhibit favorable drug-likeness properties. This study suggests that further experimental investigations can be conducted on Ginkgolide A and Licorice glycoside D2 to explore their potential therapeutic applications for AD.
Prevalence of TTI among Indian blood donors
Authors:   P.G. Department of Zoology, Veer Kunwar Singh University, Ara, Bihar, India - 802301, Thakur Sanjay Kumar
Published: September 2023

Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs) such as human immune-deficiency virus (HIV-I/II), hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Malaria parasite (MP) and syphilis can spread through contaminated blood or blood products. The present study was designed to analyze the prevalence of TTIs and their association with blood group, among the blood donors of Delhi. Blood group was determined by hem-agglutination using Gel card. HIV, HBV, and HCV test was performed by ELISA, syphilis by RPR and MP rapid card method. A total of 345(2.038%) blood donors were positive for TTIs. Prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV-I/II, syphilis and MP were 188(1.111%), 73(0.431%), 34(0.201%), 49(0.29%) and 1(0.006%) respectively. Our result shows a trend of decrease in prevalence of TTIs; 2.267%, 2.111% and 1.614% between the year 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively. Significant association of syphilis infection (P=0.036) and HCV infection (P=0.012) with ABO blood group antigen was observed. Blood group O donors were 1.81 times more infected with syphilis compared to donor having A and B antigen. Donors having blood group antigen B were 1.80 times more infected with HCV compared to donor not having B antigen. HBV and HIV prevalence found to be not associated with ABO and Rh blood group antigens. A low prevalence of TTIs positivity was observed among blood donors. Public awareness, proper counseling, medical examination and testing can help to minimize TTIs. Our study results shows ABO blood group has an association with HCV and VDRL infection.
Effect of Ocimum sanctum L as LDD in periodontal therapy
Authors:   Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Ramamurthy Jaiganesh
Published: September 2023

Ocimum sanctum L (Tulsi) has various properties like antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. To compare the effect of the local-drug delivery system containing 2% Ocimum sanctum L (Tulsi) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP).The main aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Ocimum sanctum L (Tulsi) gel with Tetracycline fibers (Actisite) for the treatment of periodontitis patients. 40 subjects with periodontitis (pocket depth of 5 mm) were selected and divided into 2 groups Group I: Ocimum sanctum L (Tulsi) gel (n= 20) and Group II: Tetracycline fibers (Actisite) (n = 20). Clinical parameters assessed were Gingival Index , Plaque Index , Probing Depth and Clinical Attachment Loss were assessed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 8 months. Our results showed that Gingival index and Plaque index for for GROUP I: Ocimum sanctum L (Tulsi) and GROUP II: Tetracycline fibers (Actisite)are not statistically significant p>0.05 for baseline, at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 8 months. Probing depth and Clinical attachment are not significant p>0.05 for baseline, at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and statistically significant difference seen at 8 months p<0.05. 2% Ocimum sanctum L (Tulsi) gel can be effectively used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. When used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing, it helps in reduction of pocket depth and gain of clinical attachment. Ocimum sanctum L (Tulsi) showed promising results when compared to Tetracycline fibers (Actisite).
Effects of vasicine in neuroinflammatory zebrafish model
Authors:   Department of Pharmacology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai-600116, Tamil Nadu, India, Balasundaram Arthi
Published: September 2023

Chronic neuroinflammation produces cytotoxic effects and aggravates neurodegeneration. Cognitive impairment was considered an early symptom of many neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the in-vivo efficacy of vasicine for treating neuroinflammation-induced cognitive impairments in the zebrafish model. The Neurobehavioral activity was evaluated with a dive tank test, swim motion test, plus maze test, turn angle test, and color preference test in three neuroinflammatory zebrafish models. Gene expression analysis was done for neuroinflammatory markers (IL-10, IL-15, IL-13, NogoA, Fetuin-A, BDNF, NAA, CXCL2, Osteopontin) using polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis technique. Behavioral parameters and biochemical evaluations revealed that vasicine was effective in treatment against neuroinflammatory models of surgery, chemical, xenotransplantation. Attenuation of cognitive dysfunction in all three neuroinflammation zebrafish models by vasicine in this study may recommend vasicine as a potential molecule for treating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
SCPNB is an adjuvant to local anaesthesia for maxillofacial surgical practice
Authors:   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery School of Dental Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, UP, India, Kumar Sachin
Published: September 2023

The superficial cervical plexus nerve block [SCPNB] procedure is frequently used throughout head and neck surgery because it is simple to learn and has a low rate of complications. The investigation of this method might produce superior outcomes in treating frequent maxillofacial disorders including mandibular fractures and infections of the odontogenic region. The SCPNB is known to play a part in the medical evacuation of head and neck abscesses, the excision of superficial diseases in the perimandibular region, and the therapy of mandibular fracture, despite the dearth of research in this area. Considering this background, it was expected that the SCPNB might be helpful as an adjuvant to regional anaesthesia in maxillofacial surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the SCPNB in the treatment of mandibular fractures and infectious diseases in the perimandibular area. 48 patients with either submandibular space infections or mandibular injuries who were anticipated for surgical procedure under regional anaesthesia participated in a prospective randomized clinical study (eg, inferior alveolar nerve block, long buccal nerve block). Administering a combination of a local infiltration and regional anaesthesia was used as the control group. Regional anaesthesia and a SCPNB were administered to the intervention class. The following factors were examined: pain, anaesthesia's duration and onset, waiting period before initial analgesic demand, pulse rate, and blood pressure. The unpaired t-test was used to compare groups. Multiple variables ANOVA (for more than two observations) was used for intragroup analysis, accompanied by a post-hoc analysis of variance. In aspects of intra - operative pain at thirty minutes, time required of anaesthesia, intraoperative anesthetic necessity, duration until first analgesic recommendation, and intra - operative diastolic arterial blood pressure at ten minutes, the SCPNB group demonstrated a substantial (P ≤.01) improved performance. It can be concluded that the use of a regional anaesthetic approach in conjunction with a SCPNB is a good substitute to localized infiltration for patients having surgery for fracture of mandible and perimandibular area infections.
Molecular docking analysis of PPARγ antagonists for obesity associated diabetes management
Authors:   Health Information Technology Department, The Applied College, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Aftab
Published: September 2023

Obesity is a major metabolic disorder in developed countries, with an increasing number of people affected globally. PPARγ is primarily expressed in adipose tissue with a lesser extent in other tissues. PPARγ is an important mediator in several metabolic processes such as insulin sensitivity and adipogenesis. Because of its critical role in these processes, PPARγ is regarded as a critical target for therapeutic intervention in obesity treatment. A library of 2,320 bioactive compounds was screened insilico to identify compounds that strongly interact with the PPARγ protein. The compounds Z1982689600, Z2235802137, Z2235801970, and Z2037275165, demonstrated notable binding affinity values towards the PPARγ protein with values of -12.1, -11.7, -11.4, and -11.4 kcal/mol, respectively, which were higher than the binding affinity value observed for the control compound (-10.5 kcal/mol). These compounds bind tightly to PPARγ and have several amino acid residue interactions in common with the control compound. In addition, these compounds meet the ADMET criteria. These compounds could aid in the development of PPARγ antagonists for the management of obesity associated diabetes. However, additional research is needed to optimize their efficacy in wet laboratory conditions.
Antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity zinc-titanium dioxide nanocomposite
Authors:   Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, Tania Milling
Published: September 2023

The current study concentrated on the green synthesis of Zinc-titanium dioxide nano-composite (Zn-TiO2 NC) through the use of lemon extract, optimizing the different experimental factors required for the formation and stability of nanocomposite. The preparation of nanocomposite was confirmed by the observation of the colour change and the surface plasmon resonance band was found at 380 nm, utilizing UV-Visible analysis. The TEM analysis, the morphological features of the prepared nanocomposite was identified to be spherical shape with mean particle size of 25 nm. In addition, the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of this nano-composite were also investigated. The biosynthesized nanocomposite showed excellent antibacterial activity against S. mitis and S. mutans. The obtained results indicate that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of this nanocomposite is significant. This bioactive nanocomposite can be used as an effective antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in biomedical and pharmacological fields for future applications.
Deterioration of lung function and its association with eosinophil count
Authors:   Dept. of Physiology, Tagore Medical College and Hospital, Rathinamangalam, Chennai, India, Manikandan Sundaramahalingam
Published: September 2023

Exposure to lethal dust particles has a negative impact on humans health. This work investigated the association between respiratory symptoms and eosinophil levels between quarry workers and the controls. A total of 75 workers exposed to quarry dust and 45 age, sex, body mass index-matched unexposed controls participated in this study. Results of this study indicated that the quarry dust particles produced inflammatory responses, increasing the mean eosinophil level (7.56 ą 2.94), causing allergic respiratory symptoms such as rhinitis , chest tightness, wheeze, sputum production thus impairing the lung function with decline in FEV1(80.84 ą108.8) level in workers exposed to quarry dust compared to controls (P≤0.00**) Conclusion: The presence of increased levels of respiratory irritants in quarry sites may explain the higher prevalence of respiratory infections and exacerbated inflammatory reactions found to ascertain the link between increased eosinophil count and the lung impairment in quarry workers.
Prevalence of anxiety depression and stress among first year medical students in Tamilnadu
Authors:   Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Selaiyur, Chennai, India, Rajanayagam Bama
Published: September 2023

The present study was to evaluate the examination stress of the first year MBBS students, prior to their university exam by assessing the mood parameters and cortisol level. A cross sectional study was conducted in 150 students of Indira Medical College, Thiruvallur from January to February 2022. The assessment methods implemented were Self-administered, pre-designed questionnaire of DASS 10 scale scoring 0-40, and salivary cortisol by using quantitative ELISA on relaxed (before exam) and stressed (on day of exam) students with prior consent. Respondent data were analysed using the independent t-test and Odds ratio logistic regression analysis was done for strength of association by using (SPSS) version 26.0 and the level of significance *p≤0.05. The prevalence of stress (43%), anxiety (35%), depression (22%) and level of cortisol (2.61ą0.41 and 5.14ą0.35) between relaxed and stressed respectively were significantly increased due to examination stress despite any significant change in academic performance. Odds ratio of stress (95% CI 2.153), anxiety (3.038), depression (2.513) and salivary cortisol (2.872) were significantly high in stressed. Female students were found to be more susceptible to stress than male students due to examination (p≤0.001**). This study suggests that the medical education and examination are unavoidable stressor in first year students. This could be prevented by providing stress reduction interventions and orientation programmes which could improve student mental well-being and reduce the psychological distress.
Slim Shadey: A manipulation tool for multiple sequence alignments
Authors:   The College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Rd., Ewing, NJ, USA 08628-0718, Nayak Sudhir
Published: September 2023

The visualization of sequence alignments with the addition of meaningful shading and annotation is critical to convey the importance of structural elements, domains, motifs, and individual residues. Hence, we have developed a Java FX based software package (SlimShadey) with an intuitive graphical user interface that allows for the creation and visualization of features on sequence alignments, as well as trimming and editing of subsequences. SlimShadey will run without modification on Windows 7 (or higher) and will also run on OS X / macOS, most Linux distributions, and servers. SlimShadey features real-time shading and comparison of residues based on user-defined measures of conservation such as frequency, user-selected substitution matrices, composition-based consensus sequence, regular expressions, and hidden Markov models. The software also allows users to generate custom sequence logos, configurable publication quality images of alignments with shading and annotation, and shareable self-contained project files for collaboration. SlimShadey is an open source freely available Java program. Compiled .jar executables, source code, supplementary materials including the user manual, links to video tutorials, and all sample data are available through the URLS at availability.
Antibacterial activity of herbal formulation against common oral pathogens
Authors: Varghese Remmiya Mary
Published: September 2023

The development of antibiotic resistance in microorganisms is a global challenge for the clinicians, pharmacist and research scientists leading to the development of new medicinal formulations that are effective and easily consumable. The plant yielding essential oil with chief constituent as eugenol has been identified as an important compound with strong inhibition of bacteria, and storage fungi. Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum sanctum is an aromatic shrub occurring in warm tropical regions has been used in traditional medicine in India to cure various ailments in general and as an antimicrobial agent in particular. The aim of this present study is to assess the antimicrobial and cytoxic activity of the formulation against oral pathogens. The formulation of O. gratissimum and O. sanctum plant extract was prepared and filtered. Antimicrobial activity was done by agar well diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration assessment was determined by broth dilution method and cytotoxicity was assessed by brine shrimp lethality assay. Agar well diffusion method against S. mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, C. albicans, Lactobacillus sp, and S. aureus revealed no zone of inhibition but at 100μL concentration at every time interval, the study formulation showed more bacteriostatic activity than positive control and the standard used. The formulation showed very minimal cytotoxicity. The formulation of O. gratissimum and O. sanctum synergistically showed more antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activity and more research has to be done in invivo environment.
Evidence-based modalities in the management of Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis
Authors:   Center for the Health Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, Chiappelli Francesco ,   Dental Group of Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Published: September 2023

Psoriasis is a waxing and waning skin disorder, often associated with a plethora of co-morbidities, including psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a severe form of chronic inflammatory arthritis. All forms of psoriasis and PsA are immune-mediated diseases where the patient's immune system is overactive in the production of certain factors that stimulate and activate the function of certain immune cells. Recent evidence has uncovered an important role for cell-mediated immunity in the aetiology and course of psoriasis and PsA, with a critical role played by the pro-inflammatory IL-23/TH17 axis. Taken together, these new lines of evidence suggest new and improved therapeutic interventions for patients with psoriasis and PsA. The hypothesis-driven process of inquiry of the best available evidence and its implication, application and evaluation in the context of clinical practice pertains to the meta-science of evidence-based health care (EBHC). EBHC consists in the initial step of research synthesis and generation of the systematic review of the best available evidence, estimated both qualitatively and quantitatively (i.e., meta-analysis). Evidence-based decision-making, a process driven and controlled by the expertise of the clinician and by the clinical needs and personal wants of the patient, is the principal, most timely and critical aspect of evidence-based practice. Recent and systematic reviews for the treatment of psoriasis and PsA consistently updated for emerging new and revised data (i.e., living systematic reviews) confirm the efficacy and the effectiveness of methotrexate (MTX) in containing and controlling psoriasis. The outcomes of MTX intervention for PsA remain mixed and inconclusive.
Permafrost viremia and immune tweening
Authors:   Center for the Health Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA, Chiappelli Francesco
Published: September 2023

The immune system, an exquisitely regulated physiological system, utilizes a wide spectrum of soluble factors and multiple cell populations and subpopulations at diverse states of maturation to monitor and protect the organism against foreign organisms. Immune surveillance is ensured by distinguishing self-antigens from self-associated with non-self (e.g., viral) peptides presented by major histocompatibility complexes (MHC). Pathology is often identified as unregulated inflammatory responses (e.g., cytokine storm), or recognizing self as a non-self entity (i.e., auto-immunity). Artificial intelligence (AI), and in particular specific machine learning (ML) paradigms (e.g., Deep Learning [DL]) proffer powerful algorithms to better understand and more accurately predict immune responses, immune regulation and homeostasis, and immune reactivity to challenges (i.e., immune allostasis) by their intrinsic ability to interpret immune parameters, pathways and events by analyzing large amounts of complex data and drawing predictive inferences (i.e., immune tweening). We propose here that DL models play an increasingly significant role in better defining and characterizing immunological surveillance to ancient and novel virus species released by thawing permafrost.
Effect of Allium sativum consumption for breast feeding among postnatal Indian mothers
Authors:   Department of Physiology, Nootan Medical College & Research Centre, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar-384315, Gujarat, India, Ekambaram Gnanadesigan
Published: September 2023

Breast milk is a unique form of nutrition for babies since it provides all of the essential nutrients for growth and development. Breastfeeding may also play a role in decreasing postpartum depression, and reduced the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in future. Garlic has been used as a galactogogue in India since many years. The study's major goal was to determine the effect of garlic consumption in promotion of breast feeding among the postnatal mothers in Nootan General Hospital Visnagar, India. The study employed a pre-experimental one-group pre and post-test research design, with the sample drawn via non-probability convenience sampling. The baseline preform and the 12-point modified adequacy of breast feeding checklist were used to collect data. The mean pre-test score was 3.33, and the mean post-test score was 8.33 in this study's data analysis. 5.47 was the average difference. The post-test mean was lower than the pre-test mean, indicating that garlic preparation consumption promotes breastfeeding among postnatal mothers. The pre-test stress score had a standard deviation of 2.56, while the post-test stress score had a standard deviation of 2.57.
Benchmarking of consulates’ digital services quality during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Poland and Italy
Authors: Lada Kamil Maksymilian
Published: September 2023

With the emergence of new communication channels, people have changed the way they communicate with public institutions. Consulates in this sense have been affected and have had to adapt to the needs of citizens. This project attempts to analyze the digital services offered by the Consulates General of the Republic of Poland and Italy in Barcelona using benchmarking as a comparative tool. The aim of this study is to detect the gaps between the two consulates and develop a proposal to improve these services.
Benchmarking as a tool for enhancing an insurance company's business commercial process
Authors: Fabrega Pol
Published: September 2023

A corporation can enhance its business process through a variety of approaches and methodologies. One of them is benchmarking, which businesses are using more and more as a tool to raise the calibre of their goods, services, or procedures. The article's goal is to demonstrate how benchmarking may be used to enhance an insurance company's business operations. The Fabrega Soler, S.C. Asesores de Seguros and Galan Rodriguez Servisegur, S.L. companies are the work's subject. Has been selected as a partner company, representing both Generali Seguros in Spain. The findings of the conducted benchmarking reveal major differences between the two companies studied, allowing for the development of a strategy to enhance the company Fabrega's commercial process.
Qualitative factors of design management effectiveness. Empirical research on a representative sample of Polish enterprises
Authors: Sokołowska Ewelina , Dziadkiewicz Anna
Published: September 2023

The concept of design management has appeared in the literature on the subject relatively recently. It falls within the scope of innovative enterprise management processes, having a very significant impact on enterprise functioning and development, as confirmed by the results of an empirical study conducted on a representative sample of Polish enterprises. These results constitute a new contribution of knowledge to the theory and practice of enterprise functioning in Central and Eastern Europe and provide a new perspective on the factors affecting enterprise development. The results of the study carried out take into account not only the quantitative factors, but also the impact of the qualitative factors that can define those enterprises’ competitive advantage. The purpose of the article is to present new knowledge on the functioning of enterprises using design management, and to identify factors determining their condition and survival in the era of environmental change. It should also contribute to further discussion and research on the evolution and development of design management processes.
The domino effect, rare events and suede shoes (in organizations and daily life)
Authors: Karpowicz Piotr
Published: September 2023

The article touches on issues related to rare events occurring or likely to occur in an organization, with the search for simple solutions to achieve the goals set. It turns out that in order for the title domino effect, concerning the issue of incommensurability of the force applied to the end results, to occur, certain conditions, factors, circumstances must appear. It would be naive to think otherwise. The text is an attempt to integrate, approaches, models and solutions described in the literature.
Sustainable development - how to make money while saving the planet?
Authors: Mierzwa André
Published: September 2023

The subject of the sustainable growth is not new. In 1970s , in the state of Califronia under the influence of consumer federations the legislators started to introduce laws regulating the impact of economic activity on the environment. Today in a growing number of countries shareholders, including large institutional investors start to require that companies follwo similar legal regulations.
SISTEMA CARCERÁRIO BRASILEIRO PÓS PANDEMIA DE COVID-19: NOVO CONTEXTO PARA UM ANTIGO PROBLEMA
Authors: Ramos Lucien Vitor Carvalho Lopes , Campelo Marco Aurélio Araújo , de Carvalho Ana Beatriz Gonçalves , Barreto Tiago Alves de Jesus , Ximenes Nestor Alcebíades Mendes , de Carvalho Cecilia Maria Resende Gonçalves
Published: September 2023

O presente trabalho se propõe a analisar os impactos, no sistema carcerário brasileiro, das medidas jurídico-institucionais adotadas pelo Conselho Nacional de Justiça (CNJ) durante o período pandêmico. O método adotado é o dedutivo, com pesquisa bibliográfica, documental, jurisprudencial e análise de resultados. Primeiramente, analisou-se o contexto de crise do sistema carcerário brasileiro a partir das ideias de Foucault e Mbembe. Em um segundo momento, partiu-se das medidas judiciais adotadas durante a pandemia, notadamente, as resoluções do Conselho Nacional de Justiça e discutiu-se os resultados estatísticos do Fórum Brasileiro de Segurança Pública. Em apertada síntese, conclui-se que há certa resistência do cumprimento dasmedidas desencarceradoras determinadas pelo CNJ. Além disso, constatou-se que a categoria dos funcionários penitenciários foi a mais prejudicada em termos de infecção do coronavírus. Por fim, as medidas adotadas não importaram na diminuição do quantitativo de presos, nem modificaram o perfil racial dessa população.
The problems of the unity of the Russian people and the issues of its solidarity in modern conditions
Authors: Tarkhanova Aleksandra Vladimirovna , Avdeev Dmitrii Aleksandrovich
Published: September 2023

In the conditions of global turbulence and global challenges, the basis for the formation of a new, patriotic and law-educated society is to take the necessary measures to raise the level of legal consciousness, reduce absenteeism and legal nihilism, which will allow Russian citizens to soberly assess certain foreign challenges. The solution of this issue primarily involves its consideration from three sides: from the state, the adult population and youth. The efforts of the state in the field of increasing the level of unity and patriotism of the Russian people will generally raise the level of legal literacy of both adults and young people. The article examines the approaches of different authors to the understanding of the terms "patriotism", "solidarity" and "unity of the people". The normative legal acts, national development strategies and federal programs aimed at increasing the level of patriotism, strengthening the unity of the Russian nation and the ethno-cultural development of the peoples of Russia are considered. Through the analysis of historical events and the attitude of the population to the National Unity Day in Russia, conclusions are drawn about the possible causes of the low level of patriotism among the Russian population, and on the basis of these conclusions, a number of measures are proposed to strengthen the unity of the people and its solidarity in modern conditions.