bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Assessment of Medical Interns on Their Ability to Management of Inpatients in the Internal Department at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Mirzadeh M , Soleymani-Salehabadi H , Akhondi-Meybodi M
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Knowledge of medical students is usually assessed by exams, but it is not related to their sense of readiness. Self-assessment is one of the methods for measuring medical professional readiness that has been less considered in medical education. This study aimed to determine the degree of acquisition of professional skills of medical interns in the management of inpatients through self-assessment in the internal ward.
Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 115 selected medical interns of Shahid Sadoughi Medical School in Yazd participated by census in 2017. Ability to manage internal diseases was assessed by self-reported. The internist experts confirmed questionnaire validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.76-0.93). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test by SPSS.
Result: The highest expressed ability by interns was for management of gastrointestinal (63.9%), respiratory (62.3%), and cardiovascular disease (56.1%). They had the lowest ability for endocrine diseases (49.8%). The highest ability to manage gastrointestinal bleeding (65.8%), chest pain (64.3%), abdominal pain and reflux (62.5%), nausea/vomiting (61.6%), and diabetes (61.4%) was stated. 94.7% have sufficient skills to take a history and 85.6% follow medical ethics. The least expressed ability was in drug prescribing and patient decision-making.
Conclusion: In 23% of common diseases, 50% of interns can manage disorders independently, which indicates that interns do not consider themselves capable of managing them. The professors must consider Self-assessment and evaluation in prioritizing internship training topics, especially clinical skills.
Exploring the Experiences of Professors in the Process of Writing Graduate Students' Dissertations: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Valiee S , Taymoori P , Pashaei T , Bahmani A
Published: June 2021

Introduction: One of the essential parts of postgraduate education is writing a thesis that has educational and research aspects which is an exclusive experience to students and teachers. The purpose of this study was to explore the teachers 'experiences of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences on the process of writing a dissertation among postgraduate students.
Methods: The present study was carried out with a qualitative approach and a qualitative content analysis method in 2019. By using the purposeful sampling method, 12 professors who worked at the Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences and having experience as a supervisor dissertation of postgraduate students have been selected and the semi-structured interviews conducted with them. The interviews recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by the content analysis method.
Results: From data analysis of experiences of the participants as a supervisor at the dissertation of postgraduate students writing process, four categories of results have been extracted: 1. Student unpreparedness, 2. Not a priority of education, 3. Poor teamwork, and 4. Executive problems.
Conclusion: According to the findings, to prepare and more involving students with the process of writing a dissertation, to plan for coordination between different sections, to strengthen the spirit of teamwork, to improve policies and to upgrade the process of writing a dissertation recommended.
Educational Policy-making During the Covid-19 Epidemic: Justice-Oriented Perspective
Authors: Sheikhy-Chaman M , Souresrafil A , Abulhasanbeigi N , Bazrafshan M , Harati-Khalilaba T
Published: June 2021

The article's abstract is not available.
Patterns of medication errors involving pediatric population reported to the French Medication Error Guichet
Authors: Azar Christine , Allué Delphine , Valnet-Rabier Marie B. , Chouchana Laurent , Rocher Fanny , Durand Dorothée , Grené-Lerouge Nathalie , Saleh Nadine , Maison Patrick
Published: June 2021

Background: Medication error is a global threat to patient safety, particularly in pediatrics. Yet, this issue remains understudied in this population, in both hospital and community settings.

Objectives: To characterize medication errors involving pediatrics reported to the French Medication Error Guichet, and compare them with medication errors in adults, in each of the hospital and community settings.

Methods: This was a retrospective secondary data analysis of medication errors reported throughout 2013-2017. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed to compare actual and potential medication error reports between pediatrics (aged <18 years) and adults (aged >18 and <60 years). Two subanalyses of actual medication errors with adverse drug reaction (ADR), and serious ADR were conducted.

Results:  We analyzed 4,718 medication error reports. In pediatrics, both in hospital (n=791) and community (n=1,541) settings, antibacterials for systemic use (n=121, 15.7%; n=157, 10.4%, respectively) and wrong dose error type (n=391, 49.6%; n=549, 35.7%, respectively) were frequently reported in medication errors. These characteristics were also significantly more likely to be associated with reported errors in pediatrics compared with adults. In the hospital setting, analgesics (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03:2.45), and blood substitutes and perfusion solutions (aOR=3.74; 95%CI 2.24:6.25) were more likely to be associated with reported medication errors in pediatrics; the latter drug class (aOR=3.02; 95%CI 1.59:5.72) along with wrong technique (aOR=2.28; 95%CI 1.01:5.19) and wrong route (aOR=2.74; 95%CI 1.22:6.15) error types related more to reported medication errors with serious ADR in pediatrics. In the community setting, the most frequently reported pediatric medication errors involved vaccines (n=389, 25.7%). Psycholeptics (aOR=2.42; 95%CI 1.36:4.31) were more likely to be associated with reported medication errors with serious ADR in pediatrics. Wrong technique error type (aOR=2.71; 95%CI 1.47:5.00) related more to reported medication errors with ADR in pediatrics.

Conclusions: We identified pediatric-specific medication error patterns in the hospital and community settings. Our findings inform focused error prevention measures, and pave the way for interventional research targeting the needs of this population.
Um estudo da agravante da reincidência na cidade de Campinas-SP
Authors: Bortoletto Gravina Nathália , Carolina de Araujo Ifanger Fernanda
Published: June 2021

O presente trabalho utiliza-se de pesquisa teórica e de julgados para versar sobre o instituto da reincidência, principalmente no tocante a sua aplicação como agravante da pena, evidenciando, por fim, como ele tem sido empregado aos condenados na cidade de Campinas–SP. Para isso, perpassam-se as convicções acerca do controle social formal e informal, do sistema penal e seu viés punitivista, e de sua relação direta com o instituto da reincidência, abordando este conceito e suas principais características, bem como suas implicações quando agravante da pena e suas mencionadas contradições com o Regime Democrático de Direito, tudo sob a ótica da Criminologia Crítica. Discute-se, igualmente, os efeitos processuais penais e extrapenais que esta agravante da pena acarreta, tendo como enfoque o estigma que recai sobre o reincidente. Apresenta-se também uma pesquisa de julgados acerca da consideração da reincidência na dosimetria da pena na cidade de Campinas-SP, entre os meses de agosto e setembro de 2016, abordando os índices resultantes desse estudo e os comparando a outros já realizados. Em conclusão, ressalta-se que posteriormente ao apontamento das críticas proferidas à reincidência, há a exposição de propostas de sua superação, como sua aplicação como atenuante da pena ou sua total eliminação do ordenamento jurídico.
Maximizing Science Learning through Practical Work in Secondary Schools in Tanzania: Student-Teachers’ Adaptation to Language Supportive Pedagogy
Authors: Nguru Festo
Published: June 2021

There is a lack of clarity about the role of practical work in promoting learning and thinking, due to mediocrity in the way it is being handled.  This study used mixed methods design to develop through microteaching, LSP integrated practical work to explore its characteristics in order to examine how the student-teachers adapted to the pedagogy in relation to its efficacy in developing science, English language, and pedagogy. The research was conducted at the University of Dodoma. The study involved 63 student-teachers and five lecturers with different specializations. The study was carried out in three cycles at the College of Education. It involved the second-year students who were studying Bachelor of Education in Science, who undertook a Physics Teaching Methods course. Review of lesson plans, achievement tests, classroom observations, and interviews with student-teachers, together with focus group discussions among the lecturers, were used to collect data. The qualitative data were analysed using the thematic analysis approach, while the quantitative data were analysed through repeated measures t-test. The student-teachers were able to plan and implement LSP practical lessons in which case students reported to have enjoyed their participation, sharing of experiences, and the bilingual classrooms. The findings from the repeated measures t-test show that there was a significant rise in the mean scores from pre-test (67.9) to the post-test (80.2), with very much reduced variability (SD) of scores among students from 24.9 (pre-test) to 6.6 (post-test). From interviews with 8 case students after each lesson, it was concluded that the students improved in science content, English language competence, and pedagogy.
Influence of Pore Throat Structure and the Multiphases Fluid Seepage on Mobility of Tight Oil Reservoir
Authors: Zhang Fan , Xiao Hanmin , Jiang Zhenxue , Tang Xianglu , Liu Xuewei , Guo Hekun , Zhao Wen , Zhu Lin , Li Xiaohui
Published: June 2021

Mobility is the main factor restricting the production of tight oil. In order to explore the influence of pore throat structure and fluid seepage on the mobility, six tight sandstone samples are selected by high-pressure mercury intrusion, nuclear magnetic resonance, water driving oil experiments, and oil-water relative permeability experiments to discuss the influence of pore structure and multiphases on the mobility of tight oil. The results indicate that with the increase in effective porosity, more oil and water are exchanged, and the mobility of the oil phase is enhanced. The large pore is positively correlated with the mobility of tight oil while the relationship between the mobility of small pore and effective porosity remains unclear. Particularly, the mobility of the tight oil is determined by the matching relationship between the pore throat radius and the sorting of the tight reservoir. Specifically, the smaller the two-phase copermeation zone, the greater the bound water saturation; the greater the slope of the oil phase permeability curve, the less the space for the two phases to flow together; the more the oil blocked by water in the reservoir, the worse the phase mobility. The mobility of tight oil can be divided into four categories by pore throat radius, pore throat sorting coefficient, and bound water saturation.
Effects of Contact Area and Contact Shape on Nonlinear Fluid Flow Properties of Fractures by Solving Navier-Stokes Equations
Authors: Yang Hanqing , Wang Xiaolin , Yu Liyuan , Liu Richeng
Published: June 2021

The influences of contact shape and contact area on nonlinear fluid flow properties through fractures are investigated by solving Navier-Stokes equations. The evolutions of nonlinear relationships between flow rate and hydraulic pressure drop, Forchheimer coefficients, nonlinear factor, critical hydraulic gradient, distributions of flow streamlines, and tracer flow paths at different times are systematically estimated. The results show that the nonlinear relationships between flow rate and hydraulic pressure drop can be well described by Forchheimer’s law, in which the nonlinear term coefficient b is approximately three orders of magnitude larger than the linear term coefficient a. The smaller contact area corresponds to smaller variations in many aspects such as flow rate, critical hydraulic gradient, flow streamlines, and tracer flow paths. The critical hydraulic gradient decreases with the increasing degree of contact shape variations while the contacts have the same mean area. The increase in hydraulic pressure drop can induce significant eddies and decrease the permeability and/or conductivity of fractures. However, the distributions of streamlines and tracer flow paths are not dramatically disturbed under a large hydraulic pressure drop.
Isolation and characterization of some flavonoids from the leaf of Tapinanthus globiferus growing on Vitex doniana
Authors: Abubakar H. , Musa A. M. , Abdullahi M. I. , Mzozoyana V. , Yusuf A. J.
Published: June 2021

Tapinanthus globiferus (A. Rich) Tiegh (Loranthacae) is a semi-parasitic plant growing on several plant species such as Vitex doniana. it is used in ethno-medicine for the treatment of fungal infection, itching, hypertension, ulcers, epilepsy, diabetes and cancer. The aim of this study was to isolate bioactive compound(s) from the leaf of T. globiferus. The powdered plant material was extracted with 90% methanol using maceration method and the resulting crude methanol leaf extract was partitioned into n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and
n-butanol fractions. The ethylacetate fraction was chromatographed on a silica gel and sephadex LH-20 column which led to the isolation of two flavonoids, and the identity of the compounds was determined on the basis of chemical test and NMR analysis. Based on the 1D and 2D NMR data, the compounds were 2-(3’4’-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-chromane-4-one (quercetin) and 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-3-(3-methylhexyl)-4H-chromen-4-one. This is the first report of isolation of these compounds from T. globiferus growing on Vitex doniana.
Efficacy of jamun Syzygium cumini seed and orange Citrus sinensis peel extracts against microcystin LR induced histological damage in the kidney of rat
Authors: Srivastava Babita Deep , Srivastava Manish , Urata Makoto , Suzuki Nobuo , Srivastav Ajai Kumar
Published: June 2021

In this study we evaluated the protective effects of jamun Syzygium cumini seed and orange Citrus sinensis peel extracts on renotoxicity of microcystin LR in male rats. Groups A-F were given daily treatments for 30 days. Group A (Control): No treatment was given; Group B: microcystin (10 µg/kg body wt); Group C: microcystin (10 µg/kg body wt) and jamun seed extract (200 mg/kg body wt); Group D: microcystin (10 µg/kg body wt) and orange peel extract (200 mg/kg body wt; Group E: orange peel extract (200 mg/kg body wt); Group F: jamun seed extract (200 mg/kg body wt). Kidney were fixed at 15th and 30th day after the treatments. In 15 day MCLR (group B) treated rats shrunken glomeruli, hypertrophy of epithelial cells of tubules. vacuolation of cytoplasm and obliterated tubular lumina were noticed. In MCLR+JSE (group C) and MCLR+OPE (group D) treated rats almost similar changes were noticed as seen in MCLR treated rats. In OPE (group E) and JSE (group F) treated rats no visible morphological alterations were nojticed. Following 30 day MCLR treatment (group B), increased cellularity of glomeruli, no space between the Bowman's capsule and glomerulus, glomerular degeneration, dilated tubules, separation of tubular epithelial cells from underlying basement membrane, tubular vacuolization and degeneration with necrotic nuclei in lumina and deposition of eosin-positive material in the tubules were observed. In MCLR+JSE (group C) and MCLR+OPE (group D) treated rats the glomeruli were swollen showing increased cellularity. No degeneration was noticed in glomeruli. Tubules were dilated, however, at few places few epithelial cells were degenerating. Necrotic nuclei were not seen in tubular lumina. In OPE (group E) and JSE (group F) treated rats the kidney exhibited no histological changes.
Fisheries of Ilaje Community, Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Osodein Oluwayemisi A. , Anetekhai Martins A.
Published: June 2021

This study examined the fisheries of Ilaje Fishing Community, Badagry, Lagos State. The species composition, length-weight relationships, correlation parameters of landings, fishing gears and crafts, post-harvest technology and socio-economic profile of Fishermen were investigated. Species were sampled fortnightly from July to December, 2017 and respondents were sampled with structured questionnaire and discussion with key informants and focused group. The slope (b) values obtained for the 36 fish species from 22 families ranged from -1.5826 to 8.4126 with most of the fish species having negative allometric growth. Lowest condition factor (K) (0.321) was recorded in Trichiurus lepturus (Trichiuridae) while the highest value (20.304) was observed in Calappa rubroguttata (Calappidae). Majority of the canoe are motorized by 40 horse powered engine, with the fish species captured preserved with the use of traditional smoking kiln, while socioeconomic status of the fisherfolks is concluded to be average/low. Output of analyses of length and weight measurement of some species, which were landed in Ilaje Fishing Community, Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria, which have not been reported, are available for referrer for further studies.
Host-parasite translocation: A potential source of zoonoses emergence in Nigeria
Authors: Arotolu Temitope Emmanuel , Oladejo Ayodele Olaolu , Arojo Ayodeji Moses
Published: June 2021

Zoonoses are infectious diseases that are spread between animals and people. These diseases are transmitted to humans in many ways, such as direct contacts, indirect contacts, vector-borne, foodborne, and inhalation. Translocation and introduction of animals to new geographic regions correspond to increased human global travel and commerce as underlying factors for infectious disease emergence. In this review, we examined some potential notable driving mechanism of zoonosis in Nigeria. The population explodes, and demand for animal products has resulted in the expansion of animal trade, both local and international, animal and human movements, and intensification of livestock production systems. The above mentioned have an indirect role in zoonotic disease distribution. Animal husbandry, wildlife hunting, and hunting with dogs are potential routes of parasite translocation, most notably when infected animals are killed. Zoonotic diseases cause severe economic loss in the pathogenic spoilage of milk, contaminated animal products, carcass quality, weight loss, infertility, and loss of animal population. The cost of disease control decreases in household income due to a reduction in livestock/product sales. Also, consumption impacts due to reduced food availability, increased household vulnerability where livestock is used as a risk-coping mechanism, and effects on household finance, which influences household savings. Our suggestions for future effective zoonoses control include, an improved surveillance system, well-structured quarantine services, institutionalized one health approach, public enlightenment, interdisciplinary research, and ultimately a strict conservation rules and regulation may be turned into law to avoid transmission of Zoonosis through the consumption of wild animal which is most reservoir of causative pathogen.
Ichthyofaunal composition and diversity of Stubbs Creek, Ibeno, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Anwan Henry Robert , Anetekhai Martins Agenuma
Published: June 2021

The fish abundance and distribution of Stubbs Creek were examined in order to provide information for the management and sustainable exploitation of the ecosystem services. Fish samples obtained from the fishermen landing sites were identified using FAO species identification guide. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Species diversity and community abundance were determined using Shannon-Weiver diversity index (H) and Margalef's species richness (d). Twenty nine fish species, twenty two genera in nineteen families and eight orders were identified from the three landing stations during the study. Station 1 (Iwokpom) recorded the highest taxa (24) consisting of 993 fishes (43.14%) of the total catch. Landing site 2 (Iwuchang) and 3 (Ubenekang) both recorded 22 taxa each comprising 556 (24.15%) and 753 (32.71%) fishes, respectively. Iwokpom recorded the highest diversity in fish species d = 3.333, but the lowest general ecosystem diversity (H = 2.781). Ubenekang (Station 3) had the lowest species richness d = 3.17, but recorded the highest biodiversity (H = 2.839) in the study. Evenness was generally high among the stations but Iwopom recorded the lowest value of e = 0.6722 and Ubenekang had the highest, e = 0.7769. Iwuchang (Station 2) came next to Iwopon in species richness d = 3.322, but was next to Ubenekang in general diversity (H = 2.833) and evenness e = 0.7725, respectively. The present study indicated that stub creek is rich in fish biodiversity. Therefore users of this water body should maintain responsible fishing activities in order to conserve this biodiversity.
Effects of nickel on growth and the reproductive organs of Vicia faba plants
Authors: Healoui Sondes , Boughattas Iteb , Hattab Sabrine , Mkhinini Marouane , Banni Mohamed
Published: June 2021

High concentration of nickel (Ni) could provoke numerous toxic effects in plant tissues. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of nickel (Ni) treatment on agronomic and production parameters of bean plants (Vicia faba). For that, plants were treated with four increasing concentrations of Ni: control: 0 mg/kg, C1: 150 mg/kg, C2: 250 mg/kg, and C3: 500 mg/kg. The effects of these Ni concentrations on growth, dry matter, pollen germination and viability, flower number and yield per plant were determined in bean plants. Our data demonstrated that Ni caused threats to plant growth and development. Also, our results showed a substantial reduction of pollen germination and viability in different concentrations of Ni loads. Furthermore, a clear negative effect of nickel was observed in fruit weight and seed set. Our study must be carefully considered in view of soil contamination and its subsequence effect on crop production.
Assessment of the haematological parameters and biochemical indices of albino rats fed with spores of Trichoderma viride
Authors: Ekundayo Esther Aanuoluwa
Published: June 2021

The haematological as well as some enzymes biomarkers of albino rats orogastically dosed with different concentrations of Trichoderma viride as well as T. viride subjected to various treatments were evaluated. Generally, red blood cell count, haemoglobin content and packed cell volume of the control group were significantly higher than that of animals dosed with different concentrations of T. viride. The same trend was observed when T. viride was amended with 1% lactose, sodium nitrate and sodium chloride. There were no significant differences in the alanine aspartate, alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase values of animals dosed with lower concentrations of T. viride. This study suggests that lower concentration of T. viride could be used in controlling fungal phytopathogens.
Body lifting, flattening, and burying of Tropidurus catalanensis Gudynas & Skuk, 1983 (Squamata, Tropiduridae): Defense, thermoregulation, or both?
Authors: Maia-Carneiro Thiago , Navas Carlos Arturo
Published: June 2021

Lizards of the genus Tropidurus display different behaviors for thermoregulation and defense. Here, we report new displays for Tropidurus catalanensis, which helps to understand how these lizards behave. Captive individuals lifted, flattened, and buried their bodies. Flattening and upstanding the bodies allow looking larger and may discourage attacks, as well as respectively enhance and decrease the approximation and the contact of body surfaces with substrates to thermoregulate. Burying themselves into earth and sand may help lizards to avoid or escape from menaces. When we first opened the containers, the T. catalanensis were already partially covered by vermiculite, which did not allow stating if they did it in response to supposed risks of predation because perceived the movements in the room or were already buried. Tropidurus catalanensis possibly may bury themselves to avoid detection during periods of inactivity. The self-burying behavior may be useful also for thermoregulation using substrate temperatures. Tropidurus catalanensis may increase the chances of getting out safe from dangerous interactions and of effective thermoregulation by performing such behaviors. Although we discussed the behaviors on the views of defense and thermoregulation, the body lifting, the flattening, and the burying seemed have occurred in a defensive context.
The Effect of Acidity and Aging Time in The Synthesis of Al(OH)3 from The Anodized-waste with a Sol-Gel Method
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Universitas Brawijaya, Wardhani Sri , Purwonugroho Danar ,   Department of Chemistry, Universitas Brawijaya, Permatasari Deka ,   Department of Chemistry, Universitas Brawijaya, Darjito Darjito ,   Department of Chemistry, Universitas Brawijaya
Published: June 2021

Synthesis of alumina has been carried out by utilizing anodized waste as raw material. Anodized waste is a by-product of metal anodizing processes such as aluminium. This study aims to determine the effect of acidity (pH) and aging time on the mass of Al(OH)3 and the property of Al(OH)3 as well as Al2O3 that produced. Anodized waste was deposited into Al(OH)3 and then purified. Alumina synthesized by the sol-gel method with pH variations of 7, 8, 9, and 10 and aging times of 24, 48, and 72 hours. The Al(OH)3, which has been produced, was characterized by PSA and powder XRD spectrophotometer. The results showed that the synthesis of Al(OH)3 was influenced by pH and aging time. It affects the yield and particle size of Al(OH)3. The optimum condition of the synthesis was pH 7 and aging time of 24 hours with yield of 1.85 grams. Characterization by PSA at a current diameter of 90% indicate that higher pH value and longer aging time produces smaller particle size. Characterization by powder XRD shows that the Al(OH)3 has gibbsite crystal phase with d values of 3.360, 3.217, 2.252, 2.029, and 1.649 Å.
Flow Injection–Indirect Spectrophotometry for Hydroquinone Analysis Based on the Formation of Iron(II)-Phenanthroline Complex
Authors:   Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Brawijaya University, Mohamed Omar Albhibani Mariam , Sulistyarti Hermin ,   Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Brawijaya University,   Research Center for Low Cost and Automated Method and Instrumentation Analysis (LCAMIA), Brawijaya University, Sabarudin Akhmad ,   Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Brawijaya University
Published: June 2021

Hydroquinone is an organic antioxidant widely used for skin lightening products which can cause negative impact in excessive use. This study is focused on the development of fast method for the determination of hydroquinone using flow injection-indirect spectrophotometry based on the formation of red complex iron(II)-phenanthroline. In this method, hydroquinone reduced iron(III) to iron(II) which in the presence of phenanthroline formed iron(II)-phenanthroline complex detected at maximum wavelength of 510 nm. The common operational and chemical conditions were optimized and the effect of several interfering compounds was also studied to achieve the highest sensitivity with acceptable analysis time. The optimum method performance was obtained under the conditions of 100 µL sample volume, 50 cm mixing coil-1and 75 cm mixing coil-2, 5 ml/min flow rate, 100 mgL-1 Iron(III) concentration, and 0.15 % phenanthroline. Under these conditions the proposed FI-spectrophotometry gave results to linear calibration over the concentration range from 2-100 mgL-1 (y = 0.028x and R2 of 0.999). The method was not interfered in the presence of vitamin C 1 mgL-1 and resorcinol up to 10 mgL-1. However, the higher concentration of vitamin C ≥10 ppm and resorcinol ≥ 20 ppm gave significant error of measurements. Method validation using standard additions gave results to average recovery value of 97.02 %, which indicates that the FI-spectrophotometry method can be used as an alternative method for determining hydroquinone in cosmetic.
Synthesis of 1-(2-Methoxybenzyl)-1,10-phenanthrolin-1-ium Bromide from Gandapura Oil
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Idham Darussalam Mardjan Muhammad , Fitriastuti Dhina ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Indonesia Islamic University, Purwono Bambang ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jumina Jumina ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada
Published: June 2021

This study describes simple synthetic method to prepare 1-(2-methoxybenzyl)-1,10-phenanthrolin-1-ium bromide from gandapura oil. The salt were synthesized in four steps. Initially, commercial gandapura oil was directly subjected to the alkylation reaction under basic condition using dimethyl sulfate to give methyl 2-methxybenzoate in 86% yield. Next, the produced benzoate ester was reduced by LiAlH4 to produce 2-methoxybenzyl alcohol in 67% yield. The treatment of benzyl alcohol with phosphorus tribromide under solvent free condition produced the corresponding benzyl bromide (in 67% yield), which was directly introduced into bimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction with 1,10-phenantroline monohydrate to finally give the desired product in 63% yield.
DFT and Molecular Docking Investigation of Potential Anticancer Properties of Some Flavonoids
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Annastasia ERAZUA Ehimen , Benjamin ADELEKE Babatunde ,   Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Published: June 2021

There is a continuous need to discover and obtain more efficient drug-like molecule to suppress cancer in human being. Recently researchers are using molecular docking technique to improve the understanding of the interaction between drug and receptor, in other to obtain novel drugs for more efficient usage. Anticancer activities of some selected flavonoids were studied using quantum chemical method through Density Functional Theory (DFT) and molecular docking approach. These Flavoniods were docked against breast cancer cell line (3s7s) using Autodock tool, AutoDockVina as docking tools and Biovia Discovery Studio 2017 for post docking analysis. The binding affinity obtained was used to correlate the inhibitory activity of these flavoniods with their calculated molecular descriptors. The obtained binding energy showed that quercetin has the highest inhibition efficiency hence it has the highest ability to inhibit 3s7s than other studied compounds. It was observed that some molecular descriptor such as band gap, dipole moment, logP and EHOMO, were significant to the inhibiting ability of quercetin in the active site of the protein.
Nitrogenation of Amorphous Silicon : Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors:   Laboratory of Simulation and Modelling, Physics Department, Universitas Brawijaya,, Ariesto Pamungkas Mauludi , Nisa Choirun ,   Laboratory of Simulation and Modelling, Physics Department, Universitas Brawijaya,, Istiroyah Istiroyah ,   Laboratory of Simulation and Modelling, Physics Department, Universitas Brawijaya,, Abdurrouf Abdurrouf ,   Laboratory of Simulation and Modelling, Physics Department, Universitas Brawijaya,
Published: June 2021

Since silicon nitride (SiNx) film is more stable than SiO2, silicon nitride, thus it is widely used in semiconductor industry as an insulatorlayer. The study of nitrogenation process of a-Si was performed using molecular dynamics simulations to determine the properties of the bonds created in the structure of a-SiNx. Reactive force field (Reaxff) was used as potential in this molecular dynamic simulation owing to its ability to describe charge transfer as well as breaking and formation of atomic bonds. The structure of a-Si is obtained by melting the crystalline silicon at temperature of 3500 K followed by quenching to room temperature. The nitrogenation process was carried out by randomly distributing 900 N atoms over the a-Si surface for 60 ps at temperature varied from 300 K, 600 K, 900 K, and 1200 K. The higher the temperature nitrogenation applied in the system, the more number of N atoms adsorbed, resulting in a deeper penetration depth of Nitrogen atom. Amorphization and nitrogenation changed the distribution of coordination number of Ni, Si, and O atoms. Transfer of electrons from silicon to nitrogen occurs only in the nearest nitrogen atom with silicon atom.
Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract as Sustainable Fuel Source on Ceria Synthesis under Hydrothermal Condition
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Bengkulu, Yudha S Salprima , Adfa Morina ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Bengkulu, Falahudin Aswin ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Bengkulu, Agus Triawan Deni ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Bengkulu, Wahyuni Liana ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Bengkulu, Saima Perdani Meka ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Bengkulu
Published: June 2021

Cerium (IV) oxide or ceria (CeO2) was fabricated by heating an aqueous extract of Garcinia mangostana and cerium (III) nitrate in hydrothermal autoclave reactor at 200 °C for 3 hours, followed by calcination at 600 °C for 5 hours. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the precipitate from cerium(III) nitrate under hydrothermal reaction conditions shows no clear XRD peaks, indicating its amorphous nature. In contrast, the products from the calcinated samples exhibit XRD peaks, which correspond to cubic fluorite structure with an average crystal size of 7.55 nm. The elemental mapping using the energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis reveals the main elements present were cerium and oxygen, with minor impurities in low amounts. The presence of Garcinia mangostana extract is predicted to be the key component and fuel source to obtain CeO2 particles with narrow crystal size.
Using a Real-Time Locating System to Evaluate the Impact of Telemedicine in an Emergency Department During COVID-19: Observational Study
Authors: Patel Birju , Vilendrer Stacie , Kling Samantha M R , Brown Ian , Ribeira Ryan , Eisenberg Matthew , Sharp Christopher
Published: June 2021

Background

Telemedicine has been deployed by health care systems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to enable health care workers to provide remote care for both outpatients and inpatients. Although it is reasonable to suspect telemedicine visits limit unnecessary personal contact and thus decrease the risk of infection transmission, the impact of the use of such technology on clinician workflows in the emergency department is unknown.

Objective

This study aimed to use a real-time locating system (RTLS) to evaluate the impact of a new telemedicine platform, which permitted clinicians located outside patient rooms to interact with patients who were under isolation precautions in the emergency department, on in-person interaction between health care workers and patients.

Methods

A pre-post analysis was conducted using a badge-based RTLS platform to collect movement data including entrances and duration of stay within patient rooms of the emergency department for nursing and physician staff. Movement data was captured between March 2, 2020, the date of the first patient screened for COVID-19 in the emergency department, and April 20, 2020. A new telemedicine platform was deployed on March 29, 2020. The number of entrances and duration of in-person interactions per patient encounter, adjusted for patient length of stay, were obtained for pre- and postimplementation phases and compared with t tests to determine statistical significance.

Results

There were 15,741 RTLS events linked to 2662 encounters for patients screened for COVID-19. There was no significant change in the number of in-person interactions between the pre- and postimplementation phases for both nurses (5.7 vs 7.0 entrances per patient, P=.07) and physicians (1.3 vs 1.5 entrances per patient, P=.12). Total duration of in-person interactions did not change (56.4 vs 55.2 minutes per patient, P=.74) despite significant increases in telemedicine videoconference frequency (0.6 vs 1.3 videoconferences per patient, P<.001 for change in daily average) and duration (4.3 vs 12.3 minutes per patient, P<.001 for change in daily average).

Conclusions

Telemedicine was rapidly adopted with the intent of minimizing pathogen exposure to health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet RTLS movement data did not reveal significant changes for in-person interactions between staff and patients under investigation for COVID-19 infection. Additional research is needed to better understand how telemedicine technology may be better incorporated into emergency departments to improve workflows for frontline health care clinicians.
Measuring Public Concern About COVID-19 in Japanese Internet Users Through Search Queries: Infodemiological Study
Authors: Gao Zhiwei , Fujita Sumio , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Liew Kongmeng , Murayama Taichi , Yada Shuntaro , Wakamiya Shoko , Aramaki Eiji
Published: June 2021

Background

COVID-19 has disrupted lives and livelihoods and caused widespread panic worldwide. Emerging reports suggest that people living in rural areas in some countries are more susceptible to COVID-19. However, there is a lack of quantitative evidence that can shed light on whether residents of rural areas are more concerned about COVID-19 than residents of urban areas.

Objective

This infodemiology study investigated attitudes toward COVID-19 in different Japanese prefectures by aggregating and analyzing Yahoo! JAPAN search queries.

Methods

We measured COVID-19 concerns in each Japanese prefecture by aggregating search counts of COVID-19–related queries of Yahoo! JAPAN users and data related to COVID-19 cases. We then defined two indices—the localized concern index (LCI) and localized concern index by patient percentage (LCIPP)—to quantitatively represent the degree of concern. To investigate the impact of emergency declarations on people's concerns, we divided our study period into three phases according to the timing of the state of emergency in Japan: before, during, and after. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between the LCI and LCIPP in different prefectures by correlating them with prefecture-level indicators of urbanization.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the concerns about COVID-19 in the prefectures changed in accordance with the declaration of the state of emergency. The correlation analyses also indicated that the differentiated types of public concern measured by the LCI and LCIPP reflect the prefectures’ level of urbanization to a certain extent (ie, the LCI appears to be more suitable for quantifying COVID-19 concern in urban areas, while the LCIPP seems to be more appropriate for rural areas).

Conclusions

We quantitatively defined Japanese Yahoo users’ concerns about COVID-19 by using the search counts of COVID-19–related search queries. Our results also showed that the LCI and LCIPP have external validity.
Technologies to Support Assessment of Movement During Video Consultations: Exploratory Study
Authors: Jones Ray B , Hubble Suzanne , Taylor Lloyd , Gunn Hilary , Logan Angela , Rowland Tim , Bradwell Hannah , Connolly Luke J , Algie Kim , Anil Krithika , Halliday Bradley , Houston Sandra , Dennett Rachel , Chatfield Sarah , Buckingham Sarah , Freeman Jennifer
Published: June 2021

Background

Understanding and assessing patients’ body movements is essential for physical rehabilitation but is challenging in video consultations, as clinicians are frequently unable to see the whole patient or observe the patient as they perform specific movements.

Objective

The objective of this exploratory study was to assess the use of readily available technologies that would enable remote assessment of patient movement as part of a video consultation.

Methods

We reviewed the literature and available technologies and chose four technologies (Kubi and Pivo desktop robots, Facebook Portal TV, wide-angle webcam), in addition to help from a friend or a simple mobile phone holder, to assist video consultations. We used 5 standard assessments (sit-to-stand, timed “Up & Go,” Berg Balance Test, ankle range of motion, shoulder range of motion) as the “challenge” for the technology. We developed an evaluation framework of 6 items: efficacy, cost, delivery, patient setup, clinician training and guidance, and safety. The coauthors, including 10 physiotherapists, then took the roles of clinician and patient to explore 7 combinations of 5 technologies. Subsequently, we applied our findings to hypothetical patients based on the researchers’ family members and clinical experience.

Results

Kubi, which allowed the clinician to remotely control the patient’s device, was useful for repositioning the tablet camera to gain a better view of the patient’s body parts but not for tracking movement. Facebook Portal TV was useful, but only for upper body movement, as it functions based on face tracking. Both Pivo, with automated full body tracking using a mobile phone, and the wide-angle webcam for a laptop or desktop computer show promise. Simple solutions such as having a friend operate a mobile phone and use of a mobile phone holder also have potential. The setup of these technologies will require better instructions than are currently available from suppliers, and successful use will depend on the technology readiness of patients and, to some degree, of clinicians.

Conclusions

Technologies that may enable clinicians to assess movement remotely as part of video consultations depend on the interplay of technology readiness, the patient’s clinical conditions, and social support. The most promising off-the-shelf approaches seem to be use of wide-angle webcams, Pivo, help from a friend, or a simple mobile phone holder. Collaborative work between patients and clinicians is needed to develop and trial technological solutions to support video consultations assessing movement.
Features of Coordination Activities of Prosecuting Authorities of Ukraine in the Field of Combating Crime and Corruption
Authors:   Lviv Region Prosecutor's Office, Voitenko Anton
Published: June 2021

The article presents the substantiation of theoretical provisions and the development of practical recommendations for improving the coordination of prosecuting bodies of Ukraine in the field of combating crime and corruption based on studying the features of such coordination. It is proposed to understand the coordinative activity of prosecuting bodies as the direct activities of prosecutors to the organization of interaction between public authorities and the prospect of achieving the goal based on compliance with the rule of law. It is established that coordination of law enforcement agencies, including prosecuting authorities, in the context of combating crime and corruption should be based on the principles of the rule of law, legality, independence and equality of the subjects which carry out coordination activities, the obligation to implement measures to combat crime and control the implementation, systematic and complete use of various forms of coordination activities, publicity and openness in implementation of coordination measures, independence of bodies involved in decision-making, based on the results of coordination activities, the responsibility of heads of prosecuting bodies for the results of high-quality and timely coordination of measures to combat crime and corruption. It is proved that properly organized relations between the prosecuting bodies give grounds for increasing the effectiveness of the implemented measures in combating crime and corruption. It is suggested that the prospects for further research improve the administrative legislation governing the activities of the prosecuting authorities of Ukraine in combating corruption.
Why Trusting Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Information Is Difficult: A Study of The Awareness, Knowledge and Perceptions of Nigerians Hesitant Towards COVID-19 Management by NCDC in Nigeria
Authors:   Nile University of Nigeria, Abdullateef Mohammed , Okonkwo Beatrice ,   Nile University of Nigeria
Published: June 2021

As the world battles the novel Coronavirus pandemic ravaging lives and destroying economies, many nations have entrusted the detection, handling and management of confirmed coronavirus cases to their leading public health institutions. For Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), charged with the said responsibility, faces a worrisome myriad of backlash from citizens' who regard their daily update of confirmed cases as misleading. In this survey, the researchers purposively study this category of sceptic individuals to understand their level of awareness of the virus and their perceptions about the government agency, to determine the factors responsible for the lack of confidence in the reportage, and how their confidence level may be boosted. The study adopted a mixed-method to recruit some 425 respondents that fit the profile of 'those who lack confidence in the NCDC daily reports'. Findings revealed that even the aware, educated, and high-income Nigerians equally constitute those with misperceptions and scepticism about the NCDC. Key reasons for the distrust include inconsistent reporting, secrecy about patients' database, and perceived corruption tendencies. Recommendations based on the findings call for increased openness and access to compelling information about activities to curtail the infection, especially transparency in treatment and budget spending.