bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study between Conventional Dressing and Collagen-Based Dressing in Burn Patients
Authors: Kurien Thomas , Muhammed Basheer O. T.
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Burn is a devastating emergency with many physical and psychological disabilities, mortality and morbidity. The conventional treatment of burns is by daily washing of wound, removal of dead tissue and saline and silver sulfadiazine dressing till formation of granulation tissue. The current trend has shifted to more holistic approach of improvement in the long-term form and function of the healed wounds and quality of life. This has demanded the emergence of various skin substitutes. The biological skin substitutes may allow the construction of a more natural new dermis and allow excellent re-epithelialisation characteristics due to the presence of a basement membrane. This study aims to compare the efficacy of collagen dressing (a biological dressing) in treating burn wounds with that of conventional dressing materials.

Objectives:

The objective was to study the efficiency of collagen dressing in reducing pain, scar formation and infection in burn patients as compared to conventional dressing.

Methodology:

A comparative study was conducted for a period of 1 year which included 42 cases in burn intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital on patients admitted with first-degree and second-degree burns covering 10%–50% of total body surface area (BSA). Half of the patients were dressed with collagen dressing and other half received conventional silver sulfadiazine dressing. They were interviewed with series of questions and laboratory parameters were compared. The data obtained were statistically analysed.

Results:

About 43% were male and the rest were female. Majority were in category 3 (31–40 years). Almost 86% were not having any co-morbidities. Majority had category 3 BSA burns (21%–30%). Haemoglobin (Hb) on the 5th day of dressing showed that in patients with collagen dressing, only 9.5% have anaemia, as against 38% anaemic in conventional dressing, which was found statistically significant. About 62% of patients with collagen dressing and 71% of patients with conventional dressing had low albumin value. On comparing both the dressings 52.4% of patients had no pain in collagen dressing and 28.6% of patients had no pain in conventional dressing which is nearly half of collagen dressing. Only 29% of patients developed infection with collagen dressing and 57% of patients developed infection with conventional dressing. Nearly 71% of patients with collagen dressing produced less scar when compared to conventional dressing where 52% developed bad scars.

Conclusion:

Collagen-based dressing is a safe and effective alternative for treating burns. Use of collagen for dressing causes rapid epithelialisation and decreased pain though statistically not significant over conventional dressing. Other advantages of using collagen-based dressing for burn wounds include ready availability commercially; simple storage and application; prevents protein/blood loss through wound and it combats infection.
Revised Atlanta Classification for Acute Pancreatitis – A Pictorial Depiction
Authors: Athikayula Ashwin Raghavendra , Vettuparambil Ajith , Chirukandath Ravindran
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

There are various classifications for clinical presentation of acute pancreatitis. However, most of them are not standardised.

Aims and Objectives:

The revised Atlanta classification is designed to precisely describe patients with acute pancreatitis, standardise terminology across specialties and help in treatment planning.

Materials and Methods:

The revised Atlanta classification was analysed to describe the features of acute pancreatitis.

Results:

Acute pancreatitis is now divided into two distinct subtypes: necrotising pancreatitis and interstitial oedematous pancreatitis (IEP). Use of the terms such as acute pseudocyst and pancreatic abscess is currently being discouraged. Four distinct collection subtypes are identified based on the presence of pancreatic necrosis and the time elapsed since the onset of pancreatitis which include acute peripancreatic fluid collections, pseudocysts, acute necrotic collections (ANCs) and walled-off necrosis (WON).

Conclusions:

The updates in classification and terminology of local complications have clarified confusing terms from the original Atlanta classification. In this article, we report an image-rich guide to the revised Atlanta classification system to improve stratification of the patients both for clinical care and research.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Cancer Breast
Authors: Saju Jiya Mulayamkuzhiyi , Krishnakumar K. G.
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

This observational study attempts to assess the proportion of carcinoma breast patients showing complete pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy post-surgery and to study the factors contributing to complete pathological response.

Subjects and Methods:

This was conducted on 290 female patients with locally advanced breast cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by surgery in the Department of General Surgery from April 2018 to April 2020. The post-operative histopathological specimen was checked for evidence of pathological complete response (pCR). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software.

Results:

The proportion of breast cancer patients with pCR following NACT was 18.6% (54 out of 290 patients). Factors found to have a significant association with pCR were the clinical size of tumour, size of lump in mammogram, histological grade of tumour and duration of swelling. Clinical stage, molecular subtype of cancer and age had no significant association with pCR.

Conclusion:

Less advanced tumours i.e., those with clinical and mammogram size ≤5 cm achieved higher pCR than more advanced tumours. Higher histological grade achieved less pCR than histological Grade I tumours. Association could not be elicited between pCR and triple-negative molecular subtype.
Variations in Course of Laryngeal Nerves during Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Mohammed Hafiz , Sukumar Ranjith , Abid Ali K. P.
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is routinely exposed and traced during all thyroid surgeries. The refinement in surgical techniques has made recognition of the RLN and the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) possible during surgery resulting in lesser morbidity.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study is to describe the variations in surgical anatomy of both RLN EBSLN in patients undergoing thyroidectomy and to look for proportion of cases with injury to RLN.

Methodology:

It was a prospective, observational study. The demographic details of the patient, the diagnosis and the surgical findings (variants of EBSLN, branches of RLN and relation of RLN to inferior thyroid artery [ITA]) were recorded. Postoperatively, after 48 h, the vocal cords were assessed by indirect laryngoscopy. The data were analysed using the SPSS software.

Results:

Cernea type 1 is the most common position of external laryngeal nerve (67.8%). The RLN passes posterior to the ITA in 46.5% on the right side and 44.3% on the left side. RLN gives one branch in 69.3% cases. There was no injury to the laryngeal nerves noted during this study.

Conclusion:

Very meticulous dissection helps in identifying the RLN and preserving it. The best way to preserve the RLN nerves is to identify the nerve and preserve them rather than staying away.
Alterations in Liver Function Test Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Anand M. Anjin , Maliekal Joji I.
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

CO2 pneumoperitoneum induced increased intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopic procedures produces transient reduction in hepatic blood flow liver enzyme elevation.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study is to study the alteration of liver function test (LFT) parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase/serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), alanine-aminotransferase/serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum bilirubin (total and direct) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample size was 50. Data collected were analysed using the SSPS software version 17.

Results:

Three quarters were females. The mean age of the study population was 48.5 ± 13.1 years, males having higher mean age of 57.0 ± 8.5 years compared to 45.5 ± 13.2 years for females. The SGOT, SGPT, ALP and bilirubin levels were significantly increased on the next day of surgery. There was a significant positive correlation between SGOT and SGPT levels on day 1 to the increased duration of pneumoperitoneum with correlation coefficient of 0.859 and 0.449, respectively. SGOT and SGPT levels were increased significantly in 61–80 years age group.

Conclusion:

The duration of pneumoperitoneum had a great effect on the LFT changes after surgery. Age influenced changes in SGOT and SGPT levels.
A Successful Case of Microvascular Penile Replantation under Loupe Magnification
Authors: Sreelesh L. S. , Sheeja Rajan T. M. , Thushara K. R.
Published: May 2022

Penile amputation is a catastrophic event in a man's life. Microvascular replantation is the method of choice in the reconstruction of the amputated penis. We present a case of 57-year-old schizophrenic patients with self-inflicted amputation of the penis. Amputated penis was brought to casualty, well preserved in a container. The patient was hemodynamically unstable on arrival, and he was stabilized in the operation theatre. After preparing the ends of amputated penis and stump, urethral catheter was inserted. Penile replantation was done by the anastomosing urethra, one dorsal penile artery, one cavernosal artery and four superficial veins under 4x loupe magnification. The post-operative period was uneventful except for necrosis of a small area of remaining scrotal skin which was debrided and closed primarily. Urination was normal and he regained sensation at the end of 1 year. This is the third reported case of successful microvascular penile replantation under loupe magnification.
Comparative Study on Outcome of Thyroidectomy with and Without Placement of Drain
Authors: Rahim D. Thahzina , Salim J. Muhammed
Published: May 2022

Background:

Many surgeons routinely use drains after thyroidectomy. The present study aimed to analyse and compare the immediate post-operative outcome in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with and without placement of drain.

Materials and Methods:

A comparative observational study was conducted in 30 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. They were randomly allocated to drain and no drain group post-operatively, with 15 subjects in each group, and the immediate post-operative outcome was assessed on day 0, day 1 and day 3 post-operatively, based on five parameters – post-operative pain, duration of hospital stay, haematoma formation, seroma formation and wound infection. The results were analysed statistically with Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results and Discussion:

Mean age of the participants was 36.07. All were females. There was association between post-operative pain and placement of drain, pain being less in participants without drain. Post-operative drain had no added advantage in preventing haematoma. None of the study subjects developed wound infection following thyroidectomy in any of the categories. There was a significant statistical association between the two groups based on hospital stay, and patients without drain were discharged earlier when compared to the patients with drain.

Conclusion:

Routine drain placement after thyroid surgery is not necessary, as thyroid surgery without the drain decreased the length of hospital stay without increasing patient morbidity. Placing of drain increased post-operative pain significantly.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Breast
Authors: Mathiyazhakan Appumathi Rogarajan , Dharmarajan Adarsh , Inamdar Akshay Anil , Satheesan B.
Published: May 2022

Invasive ductal carcinoma constitutes 75% of malignant breast tumours. In this category, 25% of invasive ductal carcinomas have specific phenotypical appearances such as tubular, medullary, metaplastic, mucinous and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). In this report, we present the series of three cases of ACC breast presented to our centre. ACC arises in many organs and it is commonly seen in salivary gland. ACC of breast is a rare occurrence representing <0.1% of breast malignancies. We report three cases of ACC of breast presented to our centre.
Intraperitoneal Saline Instillation in Reducing Shoulder Tip Pain after Laparoscopic Surgeries
Authors: Anjali R. , Salim J. Muhammed
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

The incidence of shoulder pain after laparoscopic surgery ranges from 35 to 80%.

Objectives:

The objective of the study was to find the proportion of shoulder tip pain after laparoscopic surgeries with and without intraperitoneal subdiaphragmatic saline instillation and to compare the frequency of post-operative analgesics usage in both groups.

Methods:

A longitudinal comparative study was conducted on 56 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. Twenty-eight subjects in the study group received intraperitoneal subdiaphragmatic saline wash at the end of the procedure and the control group received no wash. Post-operative shoulder pain was assessed by a visual analogue scale at fixed time intervals. Post-operative use of analgesics, length of stay in the hospital and early mobilisation and discharge from the hospital were also considered.

Results and Discussion:

Among the 56 patients, there was a statistically significant reduction in the shoulder tip pain postoperatively at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Additional analgesic requirement was less in the Wash group, statistically significant at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post surgery. This significance in outcome was also reflected in the length of the hospital stay, smooth recovery, early discharge, better quality of life and early return to work.

Conclusion:

Intraperitoneal subdiaphragmatic normal saline wash significantly improved the surgical outcome after laparoscopic surgery by diminishing the shoulder tip pain, minimising analgesic requirements in the post-operative period, thus enhancing early mobilisation and discharge.
A Rare Complication Following Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Moorthy H. Krishna , Pillai Biju S.
Published: May 2022

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is currently the treatment of choice for T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the procedure is technically demanding and is associated with some notable complications. Recurrence of tumour and vascular complications are major complications of the procedure. Foreign-body granulomas have been not been reported following PN in literature. In this paper, we present the case report of suture granuloma (foreign-body granuloma) at the resected margin of the kidney in a patient who underwent PN for RCC, which caused a diagnostic dilemma. With the increasing use of a variety of suture materials for closing the resected margin of renal tissue after PN, the possibility of occurrence of foreign-body granulomas (suture granulomas) should also be thought of in the differential diagnosis of locally recurrent masses at the resection site.
Bleed into an Undiagnosed Mesenteric Cyst Following Mesh Repair for Incisional Hernia
Authors: Ramachandran Riju , Gunasekaran Vaishnavi , Pillai Anoop Vasudevan , Chandran Biju
Published: May 2022

We report the case of a 54-year-old female who underwent mesh repair with abdominoplasty for incisional hernia. She had a drop in haemoglobin on the 2nd postoperative day and became pale. An urgent ultrasound done picked up a collection in the region of the mesh. Intraoperatively, surgical area was clean and an intraoperative ultrasound showed the collection to be a few centimetres below the abdominal wall. On opening the abdomen, we discovered a haemorrhagic cyst attached to the mesentery possibly a bleed into an undiagnosed mesenteric cyst. We are submitting this case report to emphasise the need and use of pre-operative computerised tomography in abdominal emergencies to avoid surgical surprises at laparotomy.
Hybrid Surgery in Hernias
Authors: Pai Madhukara , Padmakumar R. , Subin Premna
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Hybrid surgery is a procedure in which laparoscopic and open surgical steps are used for a better outcome to the patient. The aim of this study is to identify the factors that necessitated hybrid surgery in cases of hernia.

Materials and Methods:

It is a retrospective narrative study of 69 patients with hernia, who underwent hybrid surgery. Deciding factors and outcomes were analysed.

Results:

Of the 69 cases, 32 were open surgery followed by laparoscopy (OL)/open surgery followed by laparoscopy and then by open surgery again (OLO) and 37 were laparoscopy followed by open surgery (LO)/laparoscopy followed by open surgery and then by laparoscopy once more (LOL). Incorporating laparoscopic steps during open surgery helped in combining multiple surgeries, intra-abdominal adhesiolysis, etc., without enlarging the incision. Open surgical steps incorporated during laparoscopy, helped in reduction of irreducible hernia, darning of defects from outside, etc., Ventral hernia with apron and need for combining other surgeries had an association with OLO (P < 0.001). Inguinal hernia or ventral hernia without apron, irreducibility and need for omentectomy had an association with LO/LOL (P < 0.001). Factors having statistically significant association with sandwich repair were large defect size, multiple previous open surgeries, presence of precipitating factors and recurrent hernias.

Conclusion:

Hybrid surgery offers definite benefits in select cases of hernias. Case-to-case planning is needed preoperatively and should be based on the difficulties anticipated. It will help the surgeon perform a safe procedure.
Oral Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Kailasanadhan Sakaran , Mark Mervin K.
Published: May 2022

Oral mucosal malignant melanomas are extremely rare tumours arising due to the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes of the basal layer of mucosa of the oral cavity. The anatomic complexity and lymphatic drainage of the region dictate the need for aggressive surgical procedures. As this tumour is a rare, data on epidemiology, tumour behaviour treatment, follow-up and patient survival are mainly based on case reports. Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the prognosis. Here, we present a case report of 60-year-old female with oral malignant melanoma. The lesion was removed by wide local excision with 1 cm margins all around and wedge resection of the mandible with bilateral supraomohyoid neck dissection. The patient is disease free after 4 years and is under regular follow-up.
Successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment of catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy-associated pheochromocytoma: a case report
Authors: Park Sangshin , Kim Min , Lee Dae In , Lee Ju-Hee , Kim Sangmin , Lee Sang Yeub , Bae Jang-Whan , Hwang Kyung-Kuk , Kim Dong-Woon , Cho Myeong-Chan , Bae Dae-Hwan
Published: May 2022

The main mechanism of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is catecholamine-induced acute myocardial stunning. Pheochromocytoma, a catecholamine-secreting tumor, can cause several cardiovascular complications, including hypertensive crisis, myocardial infarction, toxic myocarditis, and TCM. A 29-year-old woman presented to our hospital with general weakness, vomiting, dyspnea, and chest pain. The patient was nullipara, 28 weeks’ gestation, and had a cachexic morphology. Her cardiac enzyme levels were elevated and bedside echocardiography showed apical akinesia, suggesting TCM. The next day, she could not feel the fetal movement, and an emergency cesarean section was performed. After delivery, the patient experienced cardiac arrest and was transferred to the intensive care unit for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Spontaneous circulation returned after 28 minutes of CPR, but cardiogenic shock continued, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was initiated. On the third day of ECMO maintenance, left ventricular ejection fraction improved and blood pressure stabilized. On the eighth day after ECMO insertion, it was removed. However, complications of the left leg vessels occurred, and several surgeries and interventions were performed. A left adrenal gland mass was found on computed tomography and was removed while repairing the leg vessels. Pheochromocytoma was diagnosed and left adrenalectomy was performed.
Decolorization of Synthetic Dyes by Tropical Fungi Isolated from Taman Eden 100, Toba Samosir, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Heris Anita Sita , Ardiati Fenny Clara , Ramadhan Kharisma Panji , Laksana Raden Permana Budi , Sari Fahriya Puspita , Nurhayat Oktan Dwi , Yanto Dede Heri Yuli
Published: May 2022

Taman Eden 100 is one of the tourist parks located in Toba Samosir, North Sumatra, Indonesia that provides a wide range of biodiversity. The objective of this research was to obtain the potential fungal isolate with high laccase activity to decolorize synthetic dyes. The results show that six isolates of Perenniporia subtephropora EDN 050, Trametes hirsuta EDN 082, T. hirsuta EDN 084, T. hirsuta EDN 085, Deconica coprophila EDN 114, and T. pavonia EDN 134, which were confirmed by molecular identification using 5.8 rDNA/ITS analysis, exhibited decolorization activity. Six potential isolates showed the ability to decolorize textile dyes of Acid Blue 129, RBBR,Orange II, and Reactive Black 5. The highest decolorization rate of 100 ppm Acid Blue 129, RBBR, Orange II, and Reactive Black 5 dyes by using T. pavonia EDN 134 were 98.87%, 98.26%, 100%, and 98.11%, respectively after 96 h incubation. Almost all positive isolates also decolorized dyes at higher concentrations (1,000 ppm). This study offers the potential of Indonesian tropical fungal isolates for synthetic dyes waste treatment.
Evaluation of Cardiovascular Biomarkers and Lipid Regulation in Lactation Friesian Holstein at Different Altitude in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Tanuwiria Ujang Hidayat , Susilawati Iin , Tasripin Didin , Salman Lia Budimulyati , Mushawwir Andi
Published: May 2022

Altitude contributes and plays an important role in the development dairy cows in Indonesia. Altitude is directly related to temperature and humidity, both of which affect cardiovascular function and energy metabolism in dairy cattle. The 120 samples, consisted of 4th-5th lactation Friesian Holstein dairy cows were used in this study. The 40 samples of cattle each spread in three maintenance sites with different altitudes, namely 300 to 500 m above sea level (a.s.l.); 600-900 m a.s.l. and >1,000 m a.s.l.  All the study sites located in West Java, Indonesia, to study the effect of altitude on the cardiovascular biomarker and lipid regulation in the dairy cow. Based on the result in this experiment showed that the CRP high sensitivity, H-FABP, homocysteine, and γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase in Frisian Holstein dairy cows expressed higher levels (P <0.05) at low altitude site (300-500 m a.s.l.) than dairy cows at altitude sites higher (600-900 and >1,000 m a.s.l.), These results indicated, these compounds can be biomarkers for cardiovascular function. This study also showed, the lipid regulation also showed higher levels (P <0.05) at low altitude sites than altitude sites higher.
Correlation of Heavy Metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn with Intestinal Bacteria in Anas platyrhynchos L. Duck
Authors: Susanti R , Yuniastuti Ari , Dafip Muchamad , Fibriana Fidia
Published: May 2022

Intestinal bacterial species play an essential role in the duck body metabolism and productivity. They are affected by various factors, such as heavy metal contamination. This research aims to study metal emission levels and their correlation with the composition of intestinal bacteria. A total of twenty-five duck samples (Anas platyrhynchos L.) were obtained from Semarang, Temanggung, Magelang, Pati, and Salatiga. Five g of intestinal substances were employed in the isolation 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region. Data sequence in fastqc format was then analyzed using QIIME. Also, the heavy metals in water, feed, and meat samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasm-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The highest heavy metal contaminant was Hg, with a total concentration reaching 5.55±1.79 ppm of input and 4.42±0.80 ppm in meat. The bacterial composition comprises the four highest phyla, sequentially including Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteriodetes. The relationship between heavy metals and intestinal bacteria shows a significant value with a coefficient of >0.90. Therefore, there was a correlation between heavy metals and intestinal bacteria composition, suggesting that bacteria are likely to protect ducks from the adverse effects of heavy metals in water and feed.
Gynura procumbens Adventitious Root Extract Altered Expression of Antioxidant Genes and Exert Hepatoprotective Effects Against Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice
Authors: Sugiharto  , Winarni Dwi , Wibowo Anjar Tri , Islamatasya Ufairanisa , Bhakti Idqa Nurtri , Nisa Nabilatun , Tan Boon Chin , Manuhara Yosephine Sri Wulan
Published: May 2022

Exposure to cadmium (Cd) could increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and changes in  expression of antioxidant genes. Gynura procumbens is a medicinal plant that is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The aimed of study to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of G. procumbens adventitious root (GAR) extract against Cd toxicity, especially expression rate of hepatic antioxidant genes. Twenty-five male mice were treated as follows: P1 (control), P2 (Cd100mg/L), P3 (GAR100mg/L + Cd100mg/L), P4 (GAR200mg/L + Cd100mg/L), and P5 (GAR300mg/L + Cd100mg/L). The samples (blood and liver) were collected for analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and their relative gene expression were determined. The hematological assay showed Cd-treated administered with GAR extract increased the number of red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), but reduced the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In addition, the GAR extract decreased the MDA production, but increased the activities of SOD and CAT. These enzymatic activities were positively correlated with their respective gene transcripts. Our study revealed that GAR extract administration showed marked hepatoprotective effects against Cd-induced oxidative stress.
Molecular Identification, GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds and Antimicrobial Activity of Thermophilic Bacteria Derived from West Sumatra Hot-Spring Indonesia
Authors: Octarya Zona , Nugroho Titania Tjandrawati , Nurulita Yuana , Saryono
Published: May 2022

Thermophilic bacteria are a source of bioactive compounds that have many benefits for human life. One of them is as a source of antimicrobials. This research aimed to identify and characterize the promising thermophilic bacterial isolates by analyzing bioactive compounds and their potential as antimicrobial agents. Thermophilic bacteria with the code LBKURCC were taken from the collection of the Biochemistry Laboratory of the University of Riau. Forty-four purified strains of thermophilic bacteria were tested for antimicrobial ability. These thermophilic bacteria were taken from hot springs located in the Sumatra provinces of West Sumatra and Riau. Strain LBKURCC218 isolated from Rimbo Panti hot springs in West Sumatra was chosen to further investigate antimicrobials production. Isolates of hot spring bacteria that produced the highest antimicrobial were identified by comparing the similarity of the 16S rRNA gene sequences. BLAST result and phylogenetic tree showed that the selected thermophilic bacterial strain was similar to Bacillus paramicoides with the similarity index of 99.93%. Analysis of bioactive compounds of the ethyl acetate extract of liquid cultures of B. paramycoides LBKURCC218 showed the best producer of antimicrobial compounds compared to other isolates. The most identified compounds from the ethyl acetate extract were Dodecanoic acid, representing 23.62% of the total compounds, followed by 11-Dodecanoic acid at 17.84%. Ethyl acetate extract of B. paramycoides LBKURCC218 has a high inhibition zone against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans.
Characterization of some Nigerian coal for effective power generation and industrial utility
Authors: Benedict J.N , Nasir Maharaz M. , Ndikilar Chifu E. , Moses G.W. , Gaima David K.A , Dankawu M.U.
Published: May 2022

Large numbers of trace elements occur in coals used for coal power plants combustion. In order to assess the environmental impact of the coal fuel cycle, coal and coal ash samples need to be analyzed for a number of toxic and radioactive elements. Six coal samples from Ridi-Awe and Lafia (Nasarawa State), Garin Maiganga (Gombe state) Nigeria coal deposit were collected. The samples were subjected to gross calorific value determination, X-ray diffraction spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to determine it suitability for power generation and industrial utility. Base on the laboratory analysis and results, it is observed that the gross calorific values of Awe are 29.18MJ/kg, 30.79MJ/kg. Lafia are 26.10MJ/kg, 25.10MJ/kg and Maiganga are 25.50MJ/kg, 24.21MJ/kg respectively. The XRF results indicates the presence of transition metals and some trace element but void of elements such as Arsenic, tin and tungsten which makes it environmental and health hazard friendly. The proximate analysis revealed that the % ash content of Awe, Lafia, and Maiganga is 87, 62, 79. % moisture content of Awe, Lafia, and Maiganga is 8.7, 16.3, 8.3 and % volatile matter content of Awe, Lafia, and Maiganga coals is 4.3, 21.7 and 12.7 whereas % fixed carbon of Awe, Lafia, and Maiganga 78.3,55.8 and 71.1 respectively. However, in terms of coal rank, the Awe is bituminous high volatile C, whereas Lafia and Maiganga coal are Subbituminous A, hence the reactivity and maturity of the coal decrease in the order of Awe (A) ˂ Lafia (L) ˂ Maiganga (M). The result shows that the coal samples are void of nitrogen and dangerous radioactive elements.
Optimal control of mathematical modelling for Ebola virus population dynamics in the presence of vaccination
Authors: Andrawus J. , Abdulrahman S. , Singh R.V.K. , Manga S.S.
Published: May 2022

Ebola virus is a severe often fatal illness in human, which is known to be very dangerous and highly infectious disease that seized many lives in west African countries. In this paper, a mathematical model for the population dynamics of Ebola virus diseases incorporating bats compartment, recovery due to immune response and vaccination was constructed. Pontryagin’s maximum principle has been applied on the model to determine the necessary conditions for the optimal control of the Ebola virus in the presence of vaccination and fruit bats population, the optimality of most of the controls have been analyzed to use a small resources available in other to maximize the performance of the controls. The numerical simulation shows that with small resources if 0.1 percent of the people in a society can be vaccinated daily, Ebola can be mitigated in the environment.
Formulation of laundry soap using locally made Palm Kernel Oil in Nigeria
Authors: Muhammed Haruna Abdulbakee , Abdulrazaq Yahaya , Abdullah Shehu Saad , Adam Adam Abdullahi
Published: May 2022

Soap is one of the most important thing used for human daily life activities in cleansing and skin care purposes. Palm Kernel Oil is an edible oil that has many advantages in soap making, shampoo, and other skin care products. It also has so many medicinal properties like removal of toxins from the body. Palm Kernel Oil locally produced in Anyigba (Nigeria) was used to prepare the soap with lye aqueous solution using both Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) and other additives using cold process. The pH- value, Solubility and foam height were checked. The pH-values of the soap samples was found to be 9.88 – 10.00 and was within the limit set by standard organization of Nigeria. The prepared soap with the pH-values above does not irritate the skin and has good cleaning and foaming property.
Concentrations of metal residues in domestically produced and imported milk in Kosovo
Authors: Dragusha B. , Aliu H. , Dizman S.
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration of metal residues in cows’ milk and the health risks to humans from its consumption. In total 37 milk samples were analysed, namely 32 raw milk samples from domestic rural milk collection centres, and 5 imported sterilized milk samples from markets. The concentrations of chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) in the milk samples were from 0.06 to 20.3 μg/kg, 4.7 to 64.8 μg/kg, 2.16 to 65.99 μg/kg and 0.21 to 44.7 μg/kg, respectively. Concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) ranged from 157.52 to 989.95 μg/kg, 1429.63 to 5718.71 μg/kg, 0.12 to 2.01 μg/kg, 0.22 to 2.28 μg/kg, 0.00 to 0.29 μg/kg, and 0.17 to 4.29 μg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Mg, Fe and Zn were slightly higher in domestic milk samples than in imported milk. The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were higher in imported milk samples than in the samples of domestic milk. Overall concentrations of minor elements had good nutritional values and the levels of the heavy toxic metals including As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were lower than the recommended limits and did not pose any threat to consumers.
Fake newsy jako nowa kategoria zagrożenia systemu bezpieczeństwa ekonomicznego państwa w dobie kryzysu epidemicznego
Authors: Mroczka Kamil
Published: May 2022

Celem artykułu jest omówienie nowej kategorii zagrożenia bezpieczeństwa ekonomicznego państwa, jakim jest zjawisko tworzenia i rozpowszechniania fake newsów. Analizę przeprowadzono w trudnym okresie rozprzestrzeniania się koronawirusa. Moment ten jest szczególnie istotny, gdyż większość państw na świecie doświadcza negatywnych skutków ekonomicznych związanych z pojawieniem się choroby COVID-19. Systemy gospodarcze, w tym Polski, muszą się mierzyć z niespotykanymi wyzwaniami. Ten szczególny czas może sprzyjać wielu podmiotom na poziomie państw lub międzynarodowych korporacji, które chciałyby osłabić państwo polskie. W artykule autor przeanalizował fake newsy, które pojawiły się w przestrzeni publicznej po 13 marca 2020 r. Dodatkowo – jako case study – zaprezentował mechanizmy wypracowane w jednej z instytucji sieci bezpieczeństwa finansowego w Polsce.
The role of provocative-deceptive actions in neutralizing the Belarusian opposition
Authors: Świerczek Marek
Published: May 2022

The author analyzes the actions of the Belarusian authorities in the situation of the social rebellion triggered by the rigged elections in 2020. He puts forward a hypothesis that a significant role in extinguishing the protest potential was played by agent deception games conducted by the Belarusian KGB, as well as parallel repressive actions and the regime’s information offensive, which resulted in a synergy of propaganda and disinformation-agent activities.
Is there a decline in ecoterrorism?
Authors: Izak Krzysztof
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the article is to briefly characterize ecoterrorism, which is based on a specific ideology. Some of the content proclaimed by its promoters might merit support were it not for their overly dehumanizing rhetoric, and especially the practice motivated by it. The phenomenon of ecoterrorism, or environmental terrorism, is associated with the use of violence by extremist pro-environment groups and radicalized individuals. Ecoterrorism is divided into pro-environmental terrorism and pro-animalism. Environmental terrorism can also be divided into terrorism by environmentalists and terrorism by animal rights activists. The greatest development of ecoterrorism has occurred in the United States. Animal Liberation Front, ALF was the most dangerous pro-environmental organization, while the group with the most members was Earth First, EF! Violence by eco-terrorists has occurred in many countries on our continent, most notably in the United Kingdom. The ideology of ecocentrism, which motivates the activities of many groups in the West, has penetrated Poland, but in our country it has not had much influence on the activities of organized groups of environmentalists and individuals. On the other hand, incidents of violence were recorded in a series of events directed against specific companies and institutions that threatened the environment. The research shows that there is a slow but steady decline in the number of ecoterrorism incidents worldwide. It is too early to predict its decline, but there is certainly evidence of declining violent activity. Several circumstances contribute to the downscaling of aggressive environmental activities. Above all, there has been an increase in the environmental awareness of societies and governments. A large impact on the decrease in the number of ecoterrorist events is also due to the tightening of legislation, as well as the activities of environmental organizations.
Analysis of Character-related Research Trends according to School Level
Authors: Cho Myeongsil
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze whether there were differences in character-related research trends according to school level in order to find out the current status of character-related research, provide basic data for follow-up research, and to point out the direction of character-related research in the future. To this end, 1,057 papers on character published in Korea from 1995 to 2020 were used for analysis. The collected data was analyzed through descriptive statistics and using an x2-test. The major findings of this study were as follows. First, most studies were conducted at all school levels from 2016 to 2019, followed by kindergarten and university (graduate school) from 2014 to 2015, and elementary and secondary schools from 1995 to 2009. Second, as for the research topic, many studies were conducted in the area of character education effect analysis and character education programs in kindergarten, while in elementary, secondary, and university (graduate school), character education effect analysis and theoretical basic research were conducted. Third, regarding the educational method (whether or not class time is used), studies using class time were high in kindergarten and university (graduate school), whereas there was no significant difference between the two in elementary and secondary schools. The significance of this study is as follows. First, this study is the first study to compare and analyze character-related research trends according to school level. Second, significant differences were found in thesis types, research years, number of researchers, research topics, educational methods, and research methods by school level. Third, this study can be used as the basis for future quantitative meta-analyses or qualitative meta-analysis studies. Finally this study is significant in that it found that character-related studies revealed that curriculum changes and educational policies are influental.
A Study on the Effectiveness of Task Representation Education in the Writing of Foreign University Students
Authors: Song Eun-Jung
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to educate foreign university students on the practice of task representation and to examine its effects on their level of writing. The writing of foreign university students is greatly influenced by task representation. Therefore, providing more education on task representation will improve the quality of the texts submitted by students. First, the writing scores of foreign university students were evaluated. Group A was provided corrective feedback on writing without being given any training for task representation, while groups B and C were educated in this area. However, group B did not receive corrective feedback, but group C did. As a result of the experiment, there was a significant improvement found in the texts for groups B and C, but not in group A. In addition, the proportion of texts suitable for academic writing was higher in the former two groups. Therefore, we can conclude that education regarding task representation has a positive effect on improving the writing score of foreign university students.
A Study of General Philosophy Education in the Metaverse －Focusing on the ‘VRChat College’ Case
Authors: Yoon Juhan , Yee Damin
Published: May 2022

This study aims to find the direction in which general philosophy education could proceed amid the big wave of virtualization by analyzing a lecture course in general philosophy conducted in the Metaverse. Considering the characteristics of philosophy education that emphasizes discussion and communication, it would be necessary to consider how general philosophy education could be conducted. With these problems in mind, this study will consist of the following three steps. First, we will discuss the nature and significance of general philosophy education. Second, we will illuminate the limitations of online general philosophy education by comparing cases of a face-to-face lecture with a non-face-to-face one. Finally, based on those previous considerations, we will show that education in the Metaverse might serve as a promising alternative to non-face-to-face general philosophy education. This study analyzes the case of an aesthetics lecture conducted in ‘VRChat’, which is a popular Metaverse platform, and argues that education in the Metaverse has an advantage in that it could supplement and even strengthen interactions, especially between learners.
An Exploratory Study on the Possibility of Metaverse-based Korean Language Subject Design
Authors: Ryu SeonSuk
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of developing a metaverse-based Korean language subject reflecting the changing teaching/learning environment of university and the diversified characteristics and needs of foreign learners. Even though the utilization of the so-called metaverse in the field of Korean language education is still in its early stages, target language learning based on concrete and direct experience is very effective, just as emphasized in ‘The Cone of Experience’, Thus, if students can learn the Korean language through the metaverse based on such programs as Virtual Worlds and Mirror Worlds, it would help them increase their actual communication skills to a great extent. In order to design a metaverse-based Korean language subject, this study first examined the technical types of the metaverse, and then analyzed the functions of Gather.town and ifland, both of which are currently being developed. As a result, this study revealed the possibility of conducting a Korean language subject through the metaverse platform. After arguing for the necessity of establishing a ‘contextual scenario’ based on communication tasks, this study also presented a four-step instructional model according to each scenario. In the future, there should be follow-up research that proves the effectiveness of this instructional model by applying it to the actual education field.
A Practice of Community Problem Solving through the Collective Impact Approach －Focusing on the ‘Urban Innovation School’ by a Private-Public-Academic Partnership
Authors: Yoon Sujin
Published: May 2022

This study aims to provide the meaningful insights and practical implications for community problem solving through a collective impact approach by examining the case of the ‘Urban Innovation School’--a community problem solving program involving university students and local residents based on collaboration among universities, nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies. To this end, this study analyzed the outputs of the Urban Innovation School program and conducted written interviews with staff members from working organizations and participating university students in order to investigate the perceptions and experiences of the Urban Innovation School from the perspective of collective impact. The findings are as follows. A common understanding regarding the purpose and goals of the program were indeed found to exist. However, a system that can measure the educational and social impact of the Urban Innovation School, along with a backbone organization to coordinate the overall collaborative relationship, and one that can support the entire project process, are still needed. This study suggests that the Urban Innovation School can serve as one wherein useful educational practices can take place through the collective impact approach, as well as a school that can pursue both educational and local innovation by creating positive changes in the community through collaboration among various sectors.
The Structural Relationship between Core Competencies, Career Adaptability, and Career Barriers of College Students
Authors: Lee Nan
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between college students' SUPER core competencies, career adaptability, and career barriers, so that college students can recognize the linkage between core competencies for career development and education in the future. For this purpose, SUPER core competencies, career adaptability, and career barriers were measured for 309 university students at J University. The measured results were analyzed with a structural equation model using the SPSS ver 25.0 and AMOS ver 25.0 programs. The analysis results are as follows: First, some core competencies were higher among female students than male students, high in medical science colleges, and low in business colleges. The age problem of career barriers was higher in male students and third year students, and the lack of job information, lack of interest and future anxiety were higher in medical science colleges and lower in culture and tourism colleges. Second, the ‘skewness’ and ‘kurtosis’ criteria were satisfied by verifying whether each variable satisfied the normal distribution. Also, the correlation of each variable showed that core competency and career adaptability had a positive relationship, core competency had a negative relationship with career barriers, and career adaptability and career barriers had a negative relationship. Third, as a result of analyzing the estimability and fit of the structural regression model for the verification of the research model, a good fit was shown, and the suitability of each variable was confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. Fourth, the core competency for career adaptability was statistically significant and had an explanatory power of 49.8%. Core competencies for career barriers were not statistically significant. Career adaptability to career barriers was statistically significant and had an explanatory power of 37.8%. This means that the higher the level of core competencies, the higher the career adaptability, and the higher the career adaptability, the lower the career barriers. Based on the results of this study, the conclusions are summarized as follows. First, there are differences in some factors of SUPER core competency, career adaptability, and career barriers according to gender and major. Thus, an approach to core competency and career barriers by gender and college is required. Second, universities should provide opportunities to college students through subjects and non-course curriculum so that they can achieve the core competencies required in the society of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Third, in order to strengthen and improve the core competencies of college students, it is also necessary for instructors to inform college students of a system that can recognize what core competencies are lacking, as well as to enlighten them on specific methods and guidelines for their cultivation.