bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Stochastic Multiplicative Cascade Model for Monitoring Relapse in Mood Disorder Using Wearable Data
Authors: Heath Rachel Ann
Published: March 2022

A person’s mental health depends on how well they cope with environmental demands from family, work and other potentially stressful situations. We examine the idea that a chronic illness, such as bipolar disorder, can be monitored using a complexity index obtained from a series of behavior measurements, such as activity measured by an ActiWatch and heart-rate recorded by a Fitbit. Low health status is associated with a reduction in complexity. A multiplicative cascade model driven by a Gaussian process produced a multifractal spectrum from which a Health Index could be computed using the Gaussian mean and standard deviation. For a young person diagnosed with bipolar disorder, this Health Index increased from weeks 1 to 9, during which time the person was well, and then decreased rapidly during the next five weeks preceeding hospitalisation for a manic relapse that occurred on week 14. A statistical change detection procedure indicated a significant decrease in Health Index two weeks before hospitalisation. Similar findings were obtained using heart-rate data from people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, one of whom suffered severe illness and had to withdraw from the experiment, and the other suffered a self-harm incident requiring emergency treatment. Future applications include an on-line monitoring system that allows timely medical intervention to maintain good mental health and lower the need for hospitalisation and emergency care.
No Evidence that Siblings’ Gender Affects Personality Across Nine Countries
Authors: Dudek Thomas , Brenoe Anne , Feld Jan , Rohrer Julia M.
Published: March 2022

Does growing up with a sister rather than a brother affect personality? In this paper, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the effects of siblings’ gender on adults’ personality, using data from 85,887 people from 12 large representative surveys covering 9 countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Mexico, China, and Indonesia). We investigated the personality traits risk tolerance, trust, patience, locus of control, and the Big Five. We found no meaningful causal effects of the gender of the next younger sibling, and no associations with the gender of the next older sibling. Based on high statistical power and consistent results in the overall sample and relevant subsamples, our results suggest that siblings’ gender does not systematically affect personality.
Division of labor, specialization and diversity in the ancient Roman cities: A quantitative approach to Latin epigraphy
Authors: Kaše Vojtěch , Heřmánková Petra , Sobotkova Adela
Published: March 2022

Recent empirical studies on the division of labor in modern cities indicate a complex web of relationships between sectoral specialization of cities and their productivity on one hand and sectoral diversification and resilience on the other. Emerging scholarly consensus suggests that ancient urbanism has more in common with modern urban development than previously thought. We explore whether modern trends in urban division of labor apply to the cities of the Western Roman Empire from the first century BCE to the fourth century CE. We introduce analyses based on occupational data extracted from a large body of Latin epigraphic evidence by computer-assisted text-mining, subsequently mapped onto a dataset of ancient Roman cities. We detect a higher frequency of occupation terms on inscriptions from cities than from rural areas and identify an accumulation of tertiary sector occupations in large cities. The temporal dimension of epigraphic data allows us to study aspects of the division of labor diachronically and to detect trends in the data in a four centuries-long period of Roman imperial history. Our analyses reveal an overall decrease in the frequency of occupational terms between the first half and second half of the third century CE; the maximum frequency of occupational terms shifts over time from large cities to medium and small towns, and finally, rural areas. Our results regarding the specialization and diversity of cities and their respective impact on productivity and resilience remain inconclusive, possibly as a result of the socio-economic bias of Latin inscriptions and insufficient representativeness of the data. Yet, we believe that our formalized approach to the research problem opens up new avenues for research, both in respect to the economic history of the Roman Empire and to the current trends in the science of cities.
EVALUASI DIRI SEKOLAH (EDS) PADA SEKOLAH MENENGAH PERTAMA NEGERI DI KECAMATAN BANTAN KABUPATEN BENGKALIS
Authors: Suri Dian Ratna , Isjoni Isjoni , Saam Zulfan
Published: March 2022

This research generally aims to provide an overview of the implementation ofschool self-evaluation (EDS) at junior high schools in the District Bantan Bengkalis district.Based on the observation that researchers do, there are problems associated with theimplementation of the EDS program in some of the junior high school in sub Bantan: 1)Understanding teachers and parents will EDS program is still low due to lack of socialization; 2)Components of schools do not have the time to implement EDS EDS considered that the additionalburden of school; and 3) Charging EDS instruments are not in accordance with the existingconditions. This research uses evaluation methods Goal Attaiment developed by Tyler in 1950.The study was the evaluation study, the research describes the problems associated with theimplementation of school self-evaluation (EDS) in Junior High School District Bantan.Components that are evaluated include: Implementation of the EDS program, Constraints andchallenges in the implementation of EDS, and the impact of the implementation of the EDSprogram. Techniques and Procedures collection DataPada this research through the study ofdocuments, observation and interviews. Data and Data Sources, Data used in this study is aschematic, narrative, description and explanation of data from informants either orally or data inthe form of a written document. Factors driving the implementation of the EDS internally is (1)HR; (2) coordination between stakeholders; (3) communication and a sense of family amongthe school community, externally is the support of the Department of Education and Culture andthe motivation of LPMP. Internally inhibiting factor is (1) saturation with EDS instruments; (2)short time; (3) lack of understanding of teachers, externally are (1) changes in the system andEDS instruments and (2) the number of inquiries on the instrument. Impact of EDS amongothers (a) facilitate the school in making RKS / RKAS and (b), enables schools to identifydeficiencies, the excess will be the performance of the school, the strength of the school to bedeveloped as well as the challenges faced by the school. EDS benefits include (a) a school canhave a data base for the development and improvement of quality in the future, (b) the results ofEDS used the school to encourage schools to improve and enhance the quality and performanceof the school. Follow-up of the school is based on the results of EDS is the repair, improvementand development of appropriate school performance 8 SNP.
EVALUASI PROGRAM ADIWIYATA (SEKOLAH BERWAWASAN LINGKUNGAN) DI SD NEGERI 44 PEKANBARU
Authors: Ariyadi Dody , Isjoni Isjoni , Natuna Daeng Ayub
Published: March 2022

This study is a qualitative study that aimed to evaluate Adiwiyata in SD Negeri44 Pekanbaru. This study focuses on the evaluation of Adiwiyata in SD Negeri 44 Pekanbaru.Subfocus this study consisted of 1) The target precision program implementation Adiwiyata inSD Negeri 44 Pekanbaru, 2) System management used by the Principal of SD Negeri 44Pekanbaru in Adiwiyata, 3) The Form of activities in Adiwiyata in SD Negeri 44 Pekanbaru, 4)The success rate of the program implementation Adiwiyata in SD Negeri 44 Pekanbaru, 5)supporting and inhibiting factors Adiwiyata in SD Negeri 44 Pekanbaru. This research datacollection through interviews, observation and documentation with goal attainment modelapproach models of the evaluation model goals. The results showed that the subfocus targetprecision Adiwiyata in SD Negeri 44 Pekanbaru already are in the category of very effective,subfocus management system used by the principal to Adiwiyata in SD Negeri 44 Pekanbaru isquite effective done, on subfocus forms of activities Adiwiyata in SD Negeri 44 Pekanbaru alsobeen performing well and are in the category of very effective, then the subfocus successAdiwiyata SD Negeri 44 Pekanbaru also been performing well and are in the category of veryeffective while at subfocus supporting factors and factors inhibiting the implementation of theprogram Adiwiyata SD Negeri 44 Pekanbaru because they found the inhibiting factors in thecategory quite effective. It can be seen that for Adiwiyata students at SDN 44 Pekanbaruoverall and subfocus aspects of research can be said to have been effective because there aretwo of five subfocus subfocus categorized as highly effective and three subfocus categorizedquite effective.
IMPLEMENTASI PERMENPAN NOMOR 16 TAHUN 2009 TENTANG JABATAN FUNGSIONAL GURU DAN ANGKA KREDIT (Studi Kasus pada Kenaikan Pangkat dan Dampaknya Bagi Guru SDN di Kecamatan Kandis Kabupaten Siak )
Authors: Reni Reni , Kartikowati Rr. Sri , Junus Nurpit
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to analyze the implementation of ‘Permenpanand Birokrasi’ No. 16/2009 on Teachers’ Functional Position and their credit points and itsimpacts on elementary school teachers’ career development at state elementary schools (SDNs)in Kandis Sub-district, Siak District. The study focused on (1) teachers’ understanding of thecontent of the ministerial decree, (2) the procedures of teacher promotion in accordance withthe ministerial decree, (3) the impacts of the implementation of the ministerial decree on theteacher promotion. The study employed the qualitative approach with descriptive method andthe data were collected using interview, observation and documentation. The interview dataindicated that more than fifty percent of the government employed teachers did not understoodthe contents of the ministerial decree because they were not much kept informed by thegovernment through the department concerned. Half of the remaining respondents did notbother about their promotion. The findings of the research also showed that a small number ofteachers understood the contents of the ministerial decree but they found it difficult to deal withthe promotion process. The Ministerial Decree for Empowerment of National Apparatus andBureaucracy No. 16/2009 has given a positive impact on teachers’ promotion and careerdevelopment and also has given a negative impact on the teachers’ career development in theform of no payment for their professional allowance and the postponement of promotion withinsix years.
Editorial Vol.2(1)
Authors: Khanal Prabha
Published: March 2022

Not available.
Analysis of Remittance on Well-being of Households: A Case Study of Sindhupalchok District of Nepal
Authors: Dahal Ananta Raj
Published: March 2022

Remittance is the backbone of Nepalese’s economy in the present time. This study analyses the wellbeing of the remittance receptive household in the Melamchi Municipality of the Sindhupalchok District. Primary data were used as the main sources of information and secondary data were also used as supplementary sources. Primary data were collected by the direct personal interview through the semi-structural questionnaire survey of the sample area people who were selected by judgmental sampling method. Descriptive statistics has been used as the tools of data analysis of wellbeing of the remittance receptive households. Main destination of the employees of the sample area people is Malasia and Golf-country and they had used unorganized sectors as the sources of financing. Bank and money transfer had been used for the sources of money transfer in the sample area migrants. In the sample area people used, remittance has emerged as one of the major sources of income earning and they used that amount for their wellbeing. They increase their living standard through health facility, education facility and purchase of durable and comfortable goods. They invest for land and house purchase but not invest for the production as well as business. It has played a vital role in changing the lifestyle of the sample area people.
Labor Migration and Social Development in Nepal
Authors: Aryal Gokarna Raj
Published: March 2022

This paper attempts to highlight the existing situation of labor migration and its impacts on social progress, and to analyze how migration and social development are interrelated in Nepal. In recent years, the number of overseas migrants has significantly increased in Nepal because of diversified roles of the migrants as employees, students, businesspersons and tourists. One sad aspect to these roles of the Nepalese foreign labor migrants abroad is that they leave their homeland country because of lack of job opportunity, poverty, insecurity, and lack of proper infrastructures, low salary and income, lack of market for agriculture produce and high cost of agriculture production. The paper has been prepared with the help of secondary data. Around 59, 55,051 labor migrants legally migrated to 136 different countries of the world in 2019 from Nepal. In Nepal, remittance occupies almost one-fourth of the total GDP of our country. However, the inflow of abroad migration has slightly decreased from fiscal year 2019 because of COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal, though the remittance inflow into Nepal is practically stable. However, the contribution of the inflow of remittance to the overall national development has been often debated. The remittance sent to Nepal by foreign migrants have played an vital role not only for earning foreign exchange but also for education, health, sanitation, poverty alleviation, production of goods and services, and social development. Labour migration and social development of Nepal are not only interrelated, but the one also influences the other in a positive way.
Demographic Changes in Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Kamala
Published: March 2022

The study tries to examine how the demographic changes has been occurred within the sub regions of the country by using selected indicators based on the existing data sheet of census 2011 and found Nepal has experienced very rapid demographic changes over the last three decades. The size and the density of the population have increased although the annual growth rate has been declined during a decade. As indicated by sex ratios there are more females than males in total population. The large volume of population are living in urban area (63%) and in province 3(21%) and small volume in province 6 (5.9%) though it is large state by an area. Since 1980 Nepal has seen significant declines in its total fertility rate and crude birth rate, crude death rate and infant mortality rate, alongside significant improvements taken place in life expectancy. This has resulted in noticeable changes in the age structure of the population in the country, the share in the population of children is shrinking against growing numbers and proportions older population aged 60 and above with large proportion of young working age population throughout the nation. This phase is also commonly known as the phase of youth bulge; demographic dividend’s or the window of opportunity and due to a higher percentage of young aged population, population momentum has been persistent. The window began in 1992 and projected to be up to 55 years. So it is the period for Nepal to utilize its young population in development.
Causes and Impacts of Foreign Labour Migration on Household Economy
Authors: Mishra Manamaya
Published: March 2022

This paper based on impact of foreign labour migration on household economy of Gauradaha municipality, ward no. 4 Jhapa district. The aims of this paper are to identify the causes and impacts of labor emigration in the place of their origin. It is a cross sectional and descriptive study with primary source of data. Study selected 132 household and 145 numbers of form fill up within one month and have used purposive sampling method (non-probability sampling). At last, SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) program is used to compute the data. Frequency distribution, and cross table analysis are the main output of the analysis. The analysis has been done on the basis of data generated from the interview, the study has revealed unemployment, Poverty, lacks of opportunity in the home country is the reasons and obligations of labour migration. Gulf countries followed by East/South-East Asian countries have been the major destination of migrant workers. Due to the lack of higher education and proper training, they face problem in languages, skilled and are compelled to work as unskilled manual workers. Therefore, they have been working abroad in lower wage and salary due to the lesser skills. Bank and Hundi/IME are the major sources to transfer the remittances to their households. To buy essential goods and maintain the house expenses have been the first priorities of using the remittances. Besides, they have invested on education of their children and constructing houses.
Determinant of Age at First Birth in Nepal: A Study of Adolescent and Youth Women in NDHS 2016
Authors: Khanal Prabha
Published: March 2022

First birth is one of the most significant events in woman’s life which signifies her taking on the roles and responsibilities of a mother. This article tries to figure out the factors that determine the age at first birth of women aged 15 to 24 years. Utilizing the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data, this study examines the socio economic and demographic determinants of age at first birth among the women aged 15-24 years with the 4,849 married women. The analysis has made using the mean distribution and two tailed Pearson’s correlation has been used for statistical test. The result shows that women’s education, occupation, wealth index and age at marriage has positive correlation with the age at first birth. It is expected that higher the use of contraceptive method has lower the fertility. Though, use of contraceptive methods seems no any association with the age of women at first birth. Study reveals that unmet need for family planning is high of that age group. That’s why, supply of family planning methods of target population group can play vital role to postpone age at first birth.
Work-life Balance Initiatives of Employees’ Women in Development Banks of Nepal: Employees’ Perspective
Authors: Parajuli Pradip
Published: March 2022

Work-life balance (WLB) is almost helping employees in maintaining healthy, rewarding lifestyles that will, in turn, lead to improvements in efficiency or prosperity. The study intended to explore the level of satisfaction of the working women on their personal commitments, to evaluate the workingwomen perception on support of senior officials and to identify employee’s women perspective on balance work load. This study has been based on descriptive as well as exploratory research designs were used with sample size of 40. Data was collected from four development sector banks in Nepal through structured schedules, using convenience sampling. The study provides an insight to academicians and policy makers in bank and other organizations into the needs of today’s employees and initiatives taken in public sector banks for work-life balance. Other organizations might adopt these practices for helping employees attain work-life balance and hence increase their job satisfaction and organizational productivity.
Household Production and Time Allocation Behaviour to Climate Change of Nepal
Authors: Bista Raghu Bir
Published: March 2022

This study investigates empirically how forest resources production and time allocation’s behavior links with climate change issues by using a household survey in a mid-hill village of Nepal. We use Cobb Douglas’s production function theory to develop a household production function econometric model. We use two-character households: unemployed and forest-dependent population for observation of time allocation behavior for household production. In addition, we use poverty and illiteracy of household characters for understanding its effect on household decision behavior and production behavior. In outcomes of the study, household production behavior of rural people results in higher dependency on forest biomass and its consequence climate change cause issue.
AIR KELAPA TERFERMENTASI SEBAGAI ZAT PENGATUR TUMBUH PADA TANAMAN SAWI (Brasica juncea L.)
Authors: Ningsih Elik Murni Ningtias , Nugroho Yuni Agung
Published: March 2022

ABSTRAKZat/hormon pengatur tumbuh memegang peranan untuk memacu pertumbuhan tanaman.  Zat pengatur tumbuh kelompok auxin mampu memacu pertumbuhan tanaman dengan mempercepat pembesaran sel tanaman.  Pemberian zat pengatur tumbuh auxin dari air kelapa terfermentasi pada pembibitan akan memacu pertumbuhan bibit tanaman yang selanjutnya dapat memacu pertumbuhan tanaman.   Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pertumbuhan tanaman dengan pengaplikasian air kelapa terfermentasi.  Penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 5 perlakuan dan 4 ulangan.  Perlakuan terdiri dari  K0 = tanpa pemberian air kelapa, K1 = pemberian air kelapa terfermentasi dengan air (1 : 1), K2 = pemberian air kelapa terfermentasi dengan air (1 : 2), K3 = pemberian air kelapa terfermentasi dengan air (1 : 3), K4 = pemberian air kelapa terfermentasi dengan air (1 : 4).  Pengamatan pertumbuhan pada parameter panjang tanaman dan jumlah daun, mulai umur 20 hst  sampai umur 60 hst.  Pengamatan hasil pada umur 60 hst, meliputi berat basah tanaman dan berat kering tanaman sawi.  Analisis data menggunakan anova, uji rata-rata perlakuan menggunakan beda nyata jujur (BNJ).  Perlakuan aplikasi air kelapa yang difermentasi mengandung zat pengatur tumbuh auxin mempengaruhi pembentukan panjang tanaman dan jumlah daun tanaman sawi pada umur 20 sampai 60 hst. Perlakuan P2 menghasilkan berat basah 119,14 g/tnm dan bering tanaman 8.85 g/tanaman yang tertinggi saat panen. ABSTRACTGrowth regulators substances/hormone play a role to stimulate plant growth. The growth regulators of the auxin group are able to stimulate plant growth by accelerating the enlargement of plant cells.  Provision of growth regulator auxin from fermented coconut water in nurseries will stimulate the growth of plant seeds which in turn can stimulate plant growth. The aim of the study was to determine plant growth by applying fermented coconut water.  The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments consisted of K0 = without giving coconut water, K1 = giving fermented coconut water with water (1 : 1) ratio, K2 = giving fermented coconut water with water (1 : 2) ratio, K3 = giving fermented coconut water with water (1 : 3 ) ratio, K4 = giving fermented coconut water with water (1 : 4)  ratio.  Observation on the growth of plant length and number of leaves, from the age of 20 day after planting (DAP) to 60 DAP. Observation results at the mustard age of 60 DAP, including the wet weight of the plant and the dry weight of the mustard plant. Analysis of the data using ANOVA, test the average treatment using Tukey Test.  The application treatment of fermented coconut water containing the growth regulator auxin affects the formation of plant length and number of leaves of mustard plants at the age of 20 to 60 days after planting. The P2 treatment resulted in a fresh weight of 119.14 g/plant and a dry weigtht of 8.85 g/plant which was the highest yield at harvest.
PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI TANAMAN KEDELAI VARIETAS ARGOMULYO TERHADAP PEMBERIAN PUPUK NPK
Authors: Wijayanti Nur Trias , Wardhani Tri , Sugiarti Untung
Published: March 2022

ABSTRAKKonsumsi kedelai di Indonesia dalam setahun mencapai 2,25 juta ton, sementara jumlah produksi nasional hanya mampu memasok kebutuhan kedelai sekitar 779 ribu ton. Kekurangan pasokan sekitar 1,4 juta ton, ditutup dengan impor dari Amerika Serikat dan Brazil yang mencapai 70-80% dari kebutuhan total. Peningkatan produksi kedelai dapat dilakukan dengan pengelolaan tanah yang baik, pemupukan dan pemeliharaan tanaman. Nitrogen, fosfat, dan kalium dari pertumbuhan awal sampai akhir terus diperlukan oleh tanaman kedelai. Pemupukan NPK majemuk merupakan pemberian unsur hara yang lebih efisien dibanding pemupukan tunggal. Penggunaan pupuk NPK majemuk dapat menjadi solusi dan alternatif dalam meningkatkan pertumbuhan tanaman hijauan khususnya tanaman kedelai. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimental dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui dosis pemberian pupuk NPK terhadap pertumbuhan dan produksi tanaman kedelai. Rancangan percobaan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok. Variabel pengamatan tanaman kedelai adalah: tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, bobot 100 biji kedelai, jumlah polong isi, serapan N, P dan K pada tanaman kedelai. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan pupuk NPK pada dosis 300 kg/ha berpengaruh signifikan terhadap tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, bobot 100 kedelai, jumlah polong isi dan serapan N total.
FORMULATION OF ECONAZOLE NITRATE AS A TOPICAL SOLUTION
Authors: HAMZA SAMIN LAITH
Published: March 2022

Econazole nitrate (EN) is considered as the most effective agent for the treatment of all forms ofdermatomycosis caused by dermatophytes. This study was carried out to formulate a stableEconazole nitrate solution for a topical use through preparation of different formulas and selectedthe most suitable one. The results indicated that the use of propylene glycol and ethanol as a vehiclefor EN which is very slightly soluble in water gave amore stable formula as EN topical solution,with a shelf life of about 3.15 years .The data also indicated that the light accelerated thedegradation of EN, while the type of container (glass or plastic) had no effect on the rate of drug.The overall results of this study suggest that the selected formula could be used as a topical solutionfor EN.
MAGNESIUM, ZINC, AND COPPER IN SERUM, ERYTHROCYTE, URINE AND DIALYZATE FLUIDS OF HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS
Authors: N. Najem Sami,
Published: March 2022

Copper (Cu) Zinc (Zn) and Magnesium (Mg) in serum, RBC, urine and dialyzate fluids werestudied in 39 patients, who have been undergoing chronic haemodialysis treatment. They weredivided in to polyuric , oliguric and anuric depending on their urinary output. Elevated serum andRBC Mg was observed before dialysis, while decreased serum and RBC level was noticed exceptserum Mg of polyuric patients. Before dialysis elevated serum and RBC Zn were observed. Whileafter dialysis these parameters were increased. Normal RBC Cu value before dialysis was observed.While low serum Cu was noticed. After dialysis serum Cu showed raised value, while RBC leveldecreased in oliguric and increased in polyuric patients. Zn / Cu ratio found to be high in thosepatients. All these results were discussed in relation to urine content and also to the dialyzate fluid.Key words: Trace elements, Haemodialysis, Renal failure
INVESTIGATION OF BENTONITE CLAY SURFACE AS A PHYSICAL ANTIDOTE IN ADSORPTION OF AMITRIPTYLINE-HCl, CHLORPROMAZINE-HCl AND CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE-HCl FROM SOLUTION
Authors: A. ISA SAADOON , M. JASSIM SAMEER , K.A. HUSSEIN HUSSEIN
Published: March 2022

A detailed study of adsorption from solution of amitriptyline-HCl, chlorpromazine-HCl andchlordiazepoxide-HCl on bentonite clay surface has been performed at variable conditions oftemperature, pH and ionic strength. It is aimed in this work to explore the capability of this clay intreatment of poisoning by the mentioned drugs if taken in quantities higher than the usual doses.Quantities of drugs adsorbed have been determined by UV spectrophotometric technique. Thesequence of adsorption in neutral media at 37.5 CÙ’ followed the order:Amitriptyline-HCl > chlorpromazine-HCl > chlordiazepoxide-HCl.The results were discussed in the light of Langmuir and Freundich adsorption isotherms. The usualbasic themodynamic functions were estimated.
Effect of Temperature on the Stability and Release Profile of Ibuprofen Microcapsules
Authors: R.  Abed Al- Rahman Issraa
Published: March 2022

The stability and releasing profile of 2:1 core: wall ratio ibuprofen microcapsules prepared by aqueous coacervation (gelatin and acacia polymers coat) and an organic coacervation methods (ethyl cellulose and sodium alginate polymers coat) in weight equivalent to 300mg drug, were studied using different storage temperatures 40Â°C, 50Â°C ,60Â°C and refrigerator temperature 4Â°C in an opened and closed container for three months (releasing profile) and four months (stability study).It was found that, these ibuprofen microcapsules were stable with expiration dates of 4.1 and 3.1 years for aqueous and an organic method respectively.Aqueous prepared ibuprofen microcapsules were found more stable than those microcapsules prepared by organic method with activation energy (Ea) 4804.8 cal/mol and 5033.6 cal/mol of a drug respectively.The releasing percentage of ibuprofen for all microcapsules prepared by both methods was decreased as the storage temperatures increased, except for microcapsules prepared by aqueous method, which were found to be the same at 25-40Â°C as the standard one which stored at 25Â°C temperature, on the other hand , as the temperature decreased to 4Â°C (refrigerator ) of an open and closed container ,the amount of drug detected in microparticles is increased. These differences in the amount of drug released may be referred to the change in physical properties in polymer coats or in the amount of drug detected in a whole microcapsules.

Keyword: Ibuprofen Microcapsules, Storage Temperature, Stability.
Evaluation on the perception of final year dental students on their confidence level regarding endodontic treatments: a cross sectional analysis
Authors: Ali Al-Kadhim Aws Hashim , Nor Azan Awathif , Muhammad Salim Muaz , Yousif Al-Ani Sarah Taha , Jaafar Azlan
Published: March 2022

Endodontics procedures are difficult and complicated that most of the practitioners would encounter. Therefore, dental students should gain their confidence and competent during their training. This research aimed to study the perception of final year students on confidence level regarding endodontic treatments from all public universities and their opinions on the quality of endodontic education. A Google Form was used to disseminate an online questionnaire to all dental students from public universities across Malaysia. The survey included both scaled answer and open-ended questions. 184 responses out of 235 students, were obtained (response rate = 78%). Perception of competence and confidence were significantly greater amongst the students from research-based universities group (P < 0.05). 93.5% (n=179) of participants agree that they were confident to do endodontic procedure on anterior tooth, whilst on posterior tooth, only 75.5% (n=139) were confident. Only 6.5 percent of participants (n = 12) did not feel confident doing root canal treatment on single-rooted teeth, but 76.1 percent (n = 140) did not feel competent performing root canal treatment on multirooted teeth. Over 90% of the students rated the quality and the amount of time spent on endodontic education were adequate at their respective university as ?5 on a Likert scale (1 = inadequate to 10 = adequate). In addition, when they were asked to give the suggestion on how to improve the quality of endodontic education, 10.9% of the students suggested to increase the number of practical session and to do regular discussion regarding endodontic cases. It is vital to improve undergraduate endodontic education in order to raise students' perceptions of their confidence and competence when doing root canal therapy.
Review: exploring the potential of Nigella sativa for tooth mineralization and periodontitis treatment and its additive effect with doxycycline
Authors: Ismail Nurul Fitriatul Akmal , Rostam Muhamad Ashraf , Md Jais Muhammad Fadhill , Mohd Shafri Mohd Affendi , Ismail Ahmad Faisal , Arzmi Mohd Hafiz
Published: March 2022

Oral disease has been a worldwide concern as the incidence and cost of treatment continues to rise. Management of the disease is challenging as success is often influenced by an individual’s lifestyle and diet. Nigella sativa (N. sativa) or black seed is a medicinal plant that has received growing interest due to its effectiveness against various conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, as well as infectious diseases caused by bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. This narrative review studies N. sativa that has also shown great potential in dental health attributed to its role in stimulating the process of remineralization. Apart from that, N. sativa promotes healing of oral tissues as it induces the differentiation potential of heterogeneous cell populations in periodontal ligament cells. The anti-osteoporotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of N. sativa also improve periodontal healing, particularly by preventing further destruction of bone components. This article discusses the occurrence of periodontitis and the therapeutic role of N. sativa with emphasis on the regulation of genes, for instance, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) that is involved in tissue specialization and remineralization. It is speculated that the activity of N. sativa in remineralization can be enhanced by combination with other commonly used periodontitis antibiotics such as doxycycline. N. sativa is purported to induce periodontal tissue regeneration whilst minimizing toxicity. Thus, it may serve as an alternative or enhance the existing treatment for periodontitis when administered as a combined formulation.
The Effectiveness of the Islamic Input in Medical Practice (IIMP) in Improving the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Medical Students in Malaysia. A 5-year Prospective Study
Authors: Musa Ramli , Khoiriyah Umatul , Mohd Arifin Siti Roshaidai , Dzulkarnain Ahmad Aidil Arafat
Published: March 2022

Introduction; In order to produce well-rounded medical doctors in the future, Islamic-based Medical schools in Malaysia and other parts of the world are implementing a special approach in their curricula. The main vision of these medical schools is instillation of Islamic values in their curricula. In International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), a special curriculum namely Islamic Input in Medical Practice (IIMP) was introduced for this purpose. The importance of this study is to measure the effectiveness of this program on the aspects of knowledge, attitude and practice among our students. Materials & Methods: We follow up a total of 142 students for 5 years duration. The first assessment was done right at the enrolment to the medical program and the second assessment by using the similar questionnaire was done after 5 years upon completion of their course. Results: From a total number of students 145 from initial assessment, only a total of 102 medical students completed second time. The remaining number were excluded due to either incomplete forms and delay the academic progress due to failure of subjects. The mean different between pre and post shows a significant improvement in all 3 measured aspects (p<0.001 to 0.022).  Conclusion: The 5-year evidence shows our IIUM program is effective to improve the knowledge, attitude and practice.
Clinical outcomes and complications of peripheral nerve field stimulation in the management of refractory trigeminal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sarica Can , Iorio-Morin Christian , Aguirre-Padilla David H. , Paff Michelle , Villeneuve Samuelle-Arianne , Vetkas Artur , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Samuel Nardin , Milano Vanessa , Loh Aaron , Santyr Brendan , Zemmar Ajmal , Lozano Andres M. , Hodaie Mojgan
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) is a tool in the armamentarium of treatment options for trigeminal pain. The efficacy of this modality in mitigating trigeminal pain remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the existing literature on PNFS and elucidate pain score outcomes associated with its use in patients with trigeminal pain.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA framework. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were queried on June 10, 2020. Studies reporting pain outcomes in more than 5 adult patients treated with PNFS for facial pain were included. The primary outcome of the study was the mean difference in the visual analog scale (VAS) score from the last follow-up to baseline, and it was analyzed by an inverse-variance, random-effect model. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and a funnel plot.

RESULTS

Of the 4597 studies screened for inclusion, 46 relevant full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Eleven observational cohort studies from the 46 articles were found to be eligible, and reported on a total of 109 patients. In 86% (94/109) of cases, trial stimulation was successful and followed by a permanent system implantation. VAS scores improved by 75% (mean difference 6.32/10 points, 95% CI 5.38–7.27 points) compared to baseline. Seventy-six percent (42/55) of patients became medication free or required lower doses of medications. The complication rate necessitating surgical revision was estimated at 32% per procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the belief that PNFS provides effective, long-term pain control for trigeminal pain. Statistical heterogeneity was considerable across all studies. Future work should be aimed at conducting double-blind randomized controlled trials to determine the utility of PNFS for treating various forms of trigeminal pain for which limited therapeutic options exist.
A new insight on peripheral nerve repair: the technique of internal nerve splinting
Authors: Luo Xiaobin , Li Baolong , Zhang Dupiao , Chen Hongyu , Zhou Xijie , Yao Chenglun , Raza Mazhar Ali , Wang Liang , Tang Nana , Zheng Guotong , Yan Hede
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

Neuropathic pain produced by symptomatic neuromas is an important problem after peripheral nerve injury (PNI). End-to-end anastomosis of the nerve stump for PNI is well established but cannot efficiently prevent neuroma-in-continuity formation.

METHODS

Sciatic nerve injury was used in the experimental model. Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into four groups: rats with nerve anastomosis sites supported with silicone tubes represented the internal nerve splinting (INS) group (n = 18); rats with end-to-end nerve anastomosis represented control group 1 (CON1) (n = 18); rats with INS and the nerve anastomosis site represented control group 2 (CON2) (n = 18); and rats that underwent the same surgical procedures for skin and muscle operations but without sciatic nerve injury represented the normal group (n = 18).

RESULTS

Gross evaluations of the nerve anastomosis sites, gastrocnemius muscle atrophy, axonal regeneration and remyelination, neuropathic pain, and scar hyperplasia of the neuromas were performed, as well as motor function evaluations. Axonal regeneration, remyelination, and gastrocnemius muscle atrophy were similar between the INS group and CON1 (p > 0.05). However, neuropathic pain and scar hyperplasia—as evaluated according to the expression of anti–sigma-1 receptor antibody and anti–α-smooth muscle actin, respectively—and the weight ratios of the neuromas were reduced in the INS group compared with those of CON1 and CON2 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Application of INS in nerve repair effectively prevented traumatic neuroma-in-continuity formation and inhibited neuropathic pain without influencing nerve regeneration in rats.
Pretherapeutic functional connectivity of tractography-based targeting of the ventral intermediate nucleus for predicting tremor response in patients with Parkinson’s disease after thalamotomy with MRI-guided focused ultrasound
Authors: Xiong Yongqin , Lin Jiaji , Pan Longsheng , Zong Rui , Bian Xiangbing , Duan Caohui , Zhang Dekang , Lou Xin
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

Tractography-based direct targeting of the ventral intermediate nucleus (T-VIM) is a novel method that provides patient-specific VIM coordinates. This study aimed to explore the accuracy and predictive value of using T-VIM in combination with tractography and resting-state functional connectivity techniques to perform magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy as a treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

METHODS

PD patients underwent MRgFUS thalamotomy and were recruited for functional MRI scanning. A subscore of the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor was used to evaluate tremor improvement. T-VIM and surgical VIM (S-VIM) were defined on preoperative diffusion tensor MRI and 24-hour postoperative T1-weighted imaging, respectively. The overlapping volume and center distance between S-VIM and T-VIM were measured to determine their correlations with 12-month postoperative tremor improvement. Moreover, pretherapeutic functional connectivity of T-VIM or S-VIM, based on region-of-interest connectivity and whole-brain seed-to-voxel connectivity, was measured with the resting-state functional connectivity technique to investigate their correlations with tremor improvement.

RESULTS

All patients had excellent tremor improvement (mean [range] tremor improvement 74.82% [50.00%–94.44%]). The authors found that both overlapping volume and center distance between T-VIM and S-VIM were significantly correlated with tremor improvement (r = 0.788 and p = 0.012 for overlapping volume; r = −0.696 and p = 0.037 for center distance). Pretherapeutic functional connectivity of T-VIM with the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex (r = 0.876 and p = 0.002), subthalamic nucleus (r = 0.700 and p = 0.036), and visual area (r = 0.911 and p = 0.001) was significantly and positively correlated with tremor improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

T-VIM may improve the clinical application of MRgFUS thalamotomy as a treatment of PD. Pretherapeutic functional connectivity of T-VIM with the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex, subthalamic nucleus, and visual area may predict PD tremor responses after MRgFUS thalamotomy.
Outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for skull base chondrosarcomas: a multi-institutional retrospective study
Authors: Kawashima Mariko , Shin Masahiro , Jokura Hidefumi , Hasegawa Toshinori , Yamanaka Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Masaaki , Matsunaga Shigeo , Akabane Atsuya , Yomo Shoji , Onoue Shinji , Kondoh Takeshi , Hasegawa Hirotaka , Shinya Yuki , Saito Nobuhito
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

Radiotherapy has an essential role in the management of skull base chondrosarcomas (SBCs) after resection. This multi-institutional study evaluated the outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for histopathologically proven SBCs.

METHODS

Data of patients who underwent GKRS for SBCs at Gamma Knife centers in Japan were retrospectively collected. Patients without a histopathological diagnosis and those who had intracranial metastases from extracranial chondrosarcomas were excluded. Histologically, grade III and some nonconventional variants were identified as aggressive types. The cumulative local control rates (LCRs) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors potentially affecting the LCR were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model for bivariate and multivariate analyses. The incidence of radiation-induced adverse effects (RAEs) was calculated as crude rates, and factors associated with RAEs were examined using Fisher’s exact test.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were enrolled, with a median age of 38 years. Thirty patients (59%) were treated with upfront GKRS for residual SBCs after resection (n = 27) or biopsy (n = 3), and 21 (41%) underwent GKRS as a salvage treatment for recurrence. The median tumor volume was 8 cm3. The overall LCRs were 87% at 3 years, 78% at 5 years, and 67% at 10 years after GKRS. A better LCR was associated with a higher prescription dose (p = 0.039) and no history of repeated recurrence before GKRS (p = 0.024). The LCRs among patients with the nonaggressive histological type and treatment with ≥ 16 Gy were 88% at 3 years, 83% at 5 years, and 83% at 10 years. The overall survival rates after GKRS were 96% at 5 years and 83% at 10 years. Although RAEs were observed in 3 patients (6%), no severe RAEs with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 3 or higher were identified. No significant factor was associated with RAEs.

CONCLUSIONS

GKRS for SBCs has a favorably low risk of RAEs and could be a reasonable therapeutic option for SBC in multimodality management. A sufﬁcient GKRS prescription dose is necessary for higher LCRs. Histological grading and subtype evaluations are important for excluding exceptional SBCs. Patients with conventional SBCs have a long life expectancy and should be observed for life after treatment.
O papel dos partidos políticos na participação e na representação das mulheres
Authors: Kandawasvika-Nhundu Rumbidzai
Published: March 2022

“Não deixar ninguém para trás” é a promessa central e transformadora da Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável e seus Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS). Portanto, o ODS 5 – ‘Alcançar a igualdade de género e empoderar todas as mulheres e raparigas’ – é um facilitador intrínseco do desenvolvimento sustentável e da democracia representativa em cada país e no mundo em geral. O ODS 5 estipula a ação coletiva necessária para a transformação e criação de ambientes propícios à igualdade substantiva para todas as mulheres e raparigas. Para enfrentar o desafio de traduzir o ODS 5 em realidade para mulheres e raparigas em todo o mundo, é fundamental abordar as principais áreas de desigualdade de género, como a discriminação de género na lei e na prática, violência contra mulheres e raparigas, a falta de recursos económicos e o acesso ou posse desigual deles e a participação e representação desiguais das mulheres em cargos públicos e privados de tomada de decisão. Este Documento Técnico foca as responsabilidades dos partidos políticos em alcançar a igualdade de género na política e o empoderamento político das mulheres, particularmente a participação e representação das mulheres em cargos de poder e tomada de decisão a todos os níveis.
Japan and U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region under the J. Biden administration
Authors: Voda Kristina
Published: March 2022

The article analyzes the approaches of the United States and Japan to the international political problems in the Indo-Pacific region at the beginning of the administration of the 46th President of the United States Joe Biden in 2021. It also aims to evaluate the perspectives of US-Japan cooperation in key areas. The article analyses the policies of the United States and Japan towards China. Japan supported J. Biden's approach to confront China on a wide range of issues. By actively involving in the US-China confrontation government in Tokyo aims to strengthen its position in rivalry with China. However, it will not be easy for Japan to preserve the achievements of the "warm" period in Japan-China relations in 2018-2020 in the economic and humanitarian spheres. The article also analyses the approaches of the US and Japan to the situation on the Korean Peninsula, including the prospects for cooperation between Tokyo, Washington and Seoul towards DPRK. Difficult-to-resolve contradictions between Tokyo and Seoul in a short-term perspective will hinder large-scale cooperation of the parties with Washington. The article also analyses the perspectives of the concept of "Free and open Indo-Pacific region". Tokyo which sees the concept of "Free and open Indo-Pacific region" as a response to the expansion of Beijing's influence in the region, is interested in developing economic cooperation with partners aimed at weakening dependence on China. The article also notes the increased importance of Japan in the United States’ Indo-Pacific strategy in the eyes of a number of American politicians and experts.