bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mulberry Leaf and Radix Astragali Regulates Differentially Expressed Genes and Proteins in the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice Liver
Authors: Zhang Shu , Ge Qi , Chen Liang , Chen Keping
Published: October 2021

As a chronic non-infectious disease, severely affecting human quality and health of life, diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have gradually developed into a major global public health problem. Mulberry Leaf and Radix Astragali have been used as a traditional medicinal formulation in diabetic patients for a long time, whose combination is usually found in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. However, due to the unclear synergistic mechanism of them for DM, the changes of differential genes and proteins in the liver tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were analyzed, and then the potential synergistic mechanism of them in anti-diabetes was investigated in our research. Compared with the diabetic model group, there were 699 differentially expressed genes and 169 differentially expressed proteins in the Mulberry Leaf and Radix Astragali treated group, and there were 35 common specific genes both in the transcriptome and the proteome. These common genes participated mainly in the pathways, such as retinol metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and arachidonic acid metabolism. Quantitative real-time PCR() and Western blot results speculated that the synergistic effect on anti-diabetes was mainly through regulating the expression of Tap1, Ncoa4, and Alas2, by down-regulating Fabp2 and Hmox1 and up-regulating Hmgcr, Cyp7a1. All these genes would affect bile acid secretion, alleviate the occurrence of iron death, promote the metabolism and synthesis of glycolipid substances, and ultimately maintain the body’s glucose homeostasis.
The Between-Competition Running Demands of Elite Hurling Match-Play
Authors: Egan Brendan , Young Damien , Collins Kieran , Malone Shane , Coratella Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

The current study aimed to investigate the differences in running demands between the National Hurling League (NHL) and the Championship, and within playing positions. GPS (10 Hz, STATSports Apex GNSS) were used to analyse the running demands during 34 games (2017–2020 seasons) of the Championship and the NHL. The running demands (total-, relative-, high-speed- [>17 km·h−1] and sprint [≥22 km·h−1] distance, number and length of sprints, and peak speed) were compared between competitions. Greater total- [ES = 0.32], relative- [ES = 0.26], and sprint-distance [ES = 0.41], and number of sprints [ES = 1.29] were completed in the Championship. The high-speed distance was similar between competitions. Half-backs and half-forwards covered greater total- (ES = 0.91 and 0.21, respectively), relative- (ES = 1.14 and 0.68, respectively), high-speed- (ES = 0.69 and 0.44, respectively), and sprint-distance (ES = 0.50 and 1.26, respectively), number of sprints (ES = 2.66 and 1.73, respectively), and peak speed (ES = 1.09 and 1.32, respectively) in the Championship. There was no difference (p < 0.05) in the sprint distance covered between positions in the Championship. The results showed that the Championship is more physically demanding. The findings present key implications for the transition between competitions.
Personnel policy of the Foreign Trade Department of the Ministry of Finance in the Kingdom of Poland in the years 1850-1862
Authors: LATAWIEC Krzysztof
Published: October 2021

In 1851 the Kingdom of Poland was placed under the Russian customs jurisdiction, which resulted in the emergence of the Russian customs administration. For the system to function properly, the selection of appropriately trained clerical staff was needed. Moreover, the functioning of the customs administration in the consecutive years was only possible thanks to permanent full staffing of customs offices. The research into archival sources made it possible to analyze the personnel policy conducted in the Kingdom of Poland by the Foreign Trade Department of the Ministry of Finance in the Russian Empire. As it turned out, the customs administration, despite being Russian in structure, was dominated by clerks of Polish origin and Roman Catholic denomination. Furthermore, the Russian authorities tried to rely on employees experienced in working for the customs offices operating in the Kingdom of Poland before 1851.
MONITORING OF SOIL QUALITY DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HIGHWAY ON CORRIDOR X IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
Authors: Jokanović Igor , Pavić Milica , Despotović Miloš
Published: October 2021

Soil pollution during the road construction phase is mainly a consequence of multiple processes, but most often the main causes are carelessness, negligence and incidental situations of spillage of harmful substances. At the same time, pollution most often occurs in a relatively narrow zone of the construction site, as well as along access roads. For the purpose of completing the highway on the southern and south-eastern branch of Corridor X in the Republic of Serbia, an extensive program of protection and monitoring of various environmental parameters has been made, which, among other things, included soil quality. During the multi-year implementation, a large amount of results was collected on the basis of which it is possible to make certain analyses and conclusions regarding the organization of the contractor’s work, implementation of mitigation measures, as well as the consequences that occurred during the works.
Measurement of critical current of superconducting cable
Authors: Matsushita T. , Kiuchi M. , Nishijima G. , Masuda T. , Mukoyama S. , Aoki Y.
Published: October 2021

The critical current of a coaxial cable made of Bi-2223 tapes was investigated to survey underlying problems, especially for the resistive voltage caused by current transfer, for the standardization of test method of the critical current of superconducting AC power cables. Five voltage taps were attached on the copper sheath of 80 mm long, which is used as a part of the current lead, on both ends for the inner conductor layer and outer shield layer. The current transfer was theoretically examined especially for the outer shield layer of a simple structure. The resistive component in the measured voltage was calculated as a function of the position of the voltage tap, and it can be shown that the critical current is correctly obtained using the electric field criterion after subtracting the resistive component, as is usually done in experiments. These results are compared with the observed results.
КОНЦЕПТ «ЖЕНСТВЕННОСТЬ» В ЯЗЫКОВОЙ КАРТИНЕ МИРА
Authors: Тамбиева Ф.А.
Published: October 2021

В статье рассматривается концепт «женственность» в языковой картине мира, устанавливается связь между языковыми и концептуальными образами мира. Анализируется национально-культурный характер концепта «женственность». Исследование концепта данного понятия помогает составить более ясную картину различных культурных особенностей его использования в сознании разных народов.
СОБИРАНИЕ ВЕЩЕСТВЕННЫХ ДОКАЗАТЕЛЬСТВ И ИХ ПРОЦЕССУАЛЬНОЕ ОФОРМЛЕНИЕ
Authors: Мальцагов И.Д. , Дарчиев И.М. , Исаева З.И. , Товзаев А.А.
Published: October 2021

Доказательства – неотъемлемый элемент следственных действий, посредством которых устанавливаются значимые для уголовного дела обстоятельства. Именно доказывание проникает сквозь все стадии уголовного производства, представляя собой ключевую составляющую процессуальных обязанностей органов уголовного преследования. Все важные судебные процедуры, которые необходимы для общего результата уголовного разбирательства, основаны исключительно на доказательствах. Значительное значение в процессе расследования играют вещественные доказательства. Данный вид уголовно-процессуальных доказательств широко используется в практике расследования широкого круга преступлений, поэтому в криминалистике ему по-прежнему уделяется большое внимание. В данной статье автор раскрывает особенности и правовую регламентацию процедуры собирания доказательств.
La animación como agente globalizador
Authors: Román Jaime María Vanesa
Published: October 2021

Quality animation have high production costs, which has led its creators to find a way to finance these artistically ambitious projects from the very beginning. That is why Walt Disney, through Kay Kemen, sold his main character´s copyright: Mickey Mouse. The sale of products allowed that Mickey Mouse started to be part of homes around the world, generating an effect of veneration for these objects, by oscillating between the fetish and the magical or religious idol. Thus, animation is postulated as a factory that generates pop culture icons.A phenomenon not exclusive to the West, considering that in Japan there was a parallel one: AstroBoy, the most iconic character of Osamu Tezuka, whose Japanese animated series was the first broadcast in the USA. The benefits derived from the sale of licenses of these characters supported the Japanese studios financially. For this reason, animation merchandising has been one of the main means that allows cultural globalization between East and West for decades. In that way, products like Astroboy, Frozen, Dragon Ball or Pokemon are some of the main exponents.The importance of merchandising that animation industry has generated in pop culture has led artists to appropriate characters and reinterpret them.The purpose of this paper is the analysis of the globalizing potential of animation through merchandising.
Adapting Hunter S. Thompson’s Writing to Cinema: Despicable Characters and (apparent) Lack of Purpose
Authors: De Carvalho Coutinho Manuel João
Published: October 2021

Back in October 30, 1974 the eyes of the world were set upon what has been called by some as the greatest sporting event of the 20th century. In the capital city Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then called Zaire), the historic boxing event took place pitting the undefeated world heavyweight champion George Foreman against the challenger Muhammad Ali, the former heavyweight. Many reporters from around the world were present, resulting in great works such as journalist Norman Mailer’s The Fight (1975). To cover the momentous event, Rolling Stone magazine sent a reluctant Hunter S. Thompson, who ended up scalping the fight tickets and instead spent the historic moment alone in his hotel´s pool indulging in drugs and a bottle of Chivas Regal whiskey.To analyse Hunter S. Thompson’s work is to confront oneself with the rambles of a mad man making up rules as he goes through life. From his numerous books, two have been adapted to feature films: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) and The Rum Diary (2011). By mainly deconstructing the latter movie through the ideology of Thompson and its Gonzo journalism with its drug-infused aesthetics and personal experience reporting, I will explore the often misunderstanding of Thompson’s characters and the (apparent) lack of purpose that appears to motivate them. In order to present this argument, this study will consider different characters and moments from the original book The Rum Diary and analyse how/why they were changed in the final movie.
Arquivo e Paisagem: Sobre Cinema e Espanto
Authors: Duarte José
Published: October 2021

In the “tiny” world of F. Percy Smith – the well-known naturalist of the 19th century – both cinema and nature play a key role in showing the intimate and “hidden life of insects and plants in a way that people have never seen before” (National Science and Media Museum). As a naturalist, F. Percy Smith was interested in exploring the many educational possibilities of cinema from the several landscapes he shot, creating an interesting combination of landscape and moving image. About a hundred years later, Stuart A. Staples, lead singer of Tindersticks, visits and revisits the cinematic world of F. Percy Smith by creating a film from the series Secrets of Nature (1922). With Minute Bodies: The Intimate World of F. Percy Smith (2017) Staples develops a cinematic montage based on Smith’s “pure cinema”. In it, Staples traverses Smith’s microscopic landscapes in an exercise that seeks to observe the wonder created in the naturalist’s first exhibitions, as well as the construction of a new landscape that points to an eternal and ethereal movement. As such, the purpose of this essay is twofold: firstly, to analyze F. Percy Smith’s intimate and microscopic landscapes and, secondly, to perceive Minute Bodies as a film that tries to recover this initial wonder of the moving images by creating new landscapes from the archives of Smith’s films.
Digital transformations of the visual image of the representatives of generation Z
Authors: Васильева Ж.В.
Published: October 2021

в современном социокультурном пространстве наиболее востребованным медиаканалом выступает интернет, транслирующий визуальные вестиментарные коды молодому потребителю. Цифровая реальность оперативно распространяет актуальный fashion-контент посредством социальных сетей, воспринимаемых в качестве источника передачи информации поколением Z. Специфика его мировоззрения характеризуется активной коммуникацией с брендами и потреблением цифрового fashion-продукта. Задачей данной статьи выступает анализ цифровой трансформации визуального образа generation Z, цифровых технологий приобретения реальной одежды, причин появления цифровой одежды и сферы ее применения потребителем данной возрастной группы.

in the modern socio-cultural space, the most popular media channel is the Internet, which broadcasts visual vestigial codes to a young consumer. Digital reality promptly distributes current fashion content through social networks, which are perceived as a source of information transmission by Generation Z. The specifics of his worldview are characterized by active communication with brands and the consumption of a digital fashion product. The purpose of this article is to analyze the digital transformation of the visual image of generation Z, digital technologies for purchasing real clothing, the reasons for the appearance of digital clothing and the scope of its application by the consumer of this age group.
Öğrenci Gözünden: Hemşireliğin Bakım Verici Rolü
Authors: KAHRAMAN Hilal , CEYHAN Özlem
Published: October 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışma hemşirelik öğrencilerinin bakım verici rolüne ilişkin tutumlarını incelemek amacıyla yapılmıştır.

Yöntem: Araştırma bir ilde bulunan sağlık bilimleri fakültesi hemşirelik bölümü üçüncü ve dördüncü sınıf öğrencileri ile yapılmıştır. Araştırma 2019-2020 eğitim- öğretim yılında aktif klinik uygulamaya katılan 282 öğrenci ile yapılmıştır. Araştırma verileri araştırmacılar tarafından literatür ışığında hazırlanan “Kişisel Bilgi Formu” ve “Hemşirenin Bakım Verici Rollerine İlişkin Tutum Ölçeği (HBRTÖ)” formu kullanılarak toplanmıştır.

Bulgular: Hemşirelik öğrencilerinin HBRTÖ toplam puan ortalaması 68.60±7.34 olup, öğrencilerin hemşirelikte bakım verici role ilişkin tutumlarının yüksek olduğu bulunmuştur. Ayrıca hemşirelik bölümü üçüncü ve dördüncü sınıf lisans öğrencilerinin yaş ve cinsiyetlerinin hemşirelerin bakım verici rollerine ilişkin tutumlarını etkilemediği belirlenmiştir. Ancak mesleği sevdiği için tercih eden öğrencilerin “Hemşirenin Öz bakım Gereksinimlerini Gidermesi ve Danışmanlık Rolü” (p=0.01), “Hemşirenin Tedavi Sürecindeki Rolü” alt boyut (p=0.04) ve toplam ölçek puanlarının (p=0.02) anlamlı düzeyde yüksek olduğu saptanmıştır.

Sonuç: Hemşirelik öğrencilerinin hemşirelerin bakım verici rollerine ilişkin tutumlarının yüksek olduğu, mesleği sevdiği için tercih eden öğrencilerin hemşirelik mesleğinin bakım rollerine ilişkin daha olumlu tutum içinde oldukları saptanmıştır.
Hemşirelik Öğrencilerinin Klinik Uygulama Öncesi Yapılan İnteraktif Vaka Tartışmalarına İlişkin Görüşleri
Authors: BULUT Hülya , GÜLER Sevil , KALKAN Nevra , OPAK YÜCEL Burcu , IRMAK Burçin , YILDIZ EMRE Nihal
Published: October 2021

Amaç: Bu araştırma, öğrencilerin klinik uygulama öncesi yapılan interaktif vaka tartışmalarına ilişkin görüşlerini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır.

Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı tipteki araştırmanın örneklemini 234 hemşirelik öğrencisi oluşturmuştur. Araştırma verileri araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen anket formu ile Haziran 2019’da toplanmıştır. Araştırma için kurum izni, etik onay ve öğrencilerden yazılı onam alınmıştır. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde tanımlayıcı istatistiksel yöntemler kullanılmıştır.

Bulgular: Araştırmada öğrencilerin %92.7’si ders kapsamında klinik uygulama öncesi yapılan interaktif vaka tartışmalarının yararlı olduğunu belirtmiştir. Öğrencilerin özellikle “aktif katılımlı-görsel öğrenme ve uygulama ortamı oluşturma (%26.1)”, “teorik bilgiyi pekiştirme ve bilginin kalıcılığını sağlama (%24.3)” ve “klinik uygulama öncesi bilgi ve beceri düzeyini artırma (%22.6)” yönünden uygulamaları faydalı buldukları belirlenmiştir. Öğrenciler interaktif vaka tartışmalarının mesleki gelişim üzerinde “hemşirelik bakım süreci (%38)”, “teorik bilgi düzeyi (%15.4)” ve “bütüncül düşünebilme becerisi (%12)” konularında olumlu etkilerinin olduğunu belirtmişlerdir. Ayrıca, öğrencilerin %47’si uygulamalar sırasında zorluk yaşadıklarını, en çok yaşanan zorlukların “uygulama sırasında teorik bilgilerinin yetersiz olması (%29.2)”, “uygulama süresinin sınırlı olması (%15.8)” ve “öğrenme ortamının kalabalık olması (%15)” olduğunu vurgulamışlardır. Öğrencilerin tamamına yakını interaktif vaka tartışmalarının öz değerlendirme yapmaya katkı sağladığını, öğrenmeyi kolaylaştırdığını ve klinik uygulama öncesinde faydalı olduğunu ifade etmiştir. Öğrencilerin çoğu (%94.4) gelecek yıllarda uygulamalara devam edilmesinin yararlı olacağını bildirmişlerdir.

Sonuç: Bu sonuçlar doğrultusunda interaktif yöntemlerle vaka tartışmalarının öğrenciler için faydalı olduğu belirlenmiş olup, klinik uygulama öncesinde hemşirelik eğitimine dahil edilmesi önerilmektedir.
Doğum Sonu Yorgunluğun Yönetilmesinde Farmakolojik Olmayan Girişimler: Randomize Kontrollü Çalışmaların Sistematik Derlemesi
Authors: UZUNKAYA ÖZTOPRAK Pınar , CALPBİNİCİ Pelin
Published: October 2021

Amaç: Doğum sonrası yorgunluk, doğumdan sonra haftalarca sürebilen, annenin hem kendi hem de bebeğinin bakımını etkileyebilen ve anne ve bebek sağlığını tehdit edebilen önemli ve yaygın görülen bir sorundur. Bu çalışmada, doğum sonrası yorgunluğun yönetilmesinde kullanılan müdahaleleri belirlemek ve bu müdahalelerin etkinliğini incelemek amaçlanmıştır.

Yöntem: Bu sistematik derlemede; PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science ve EBSCOhost veri tabanlarında ‘yorgunluk’, ‘doğum sonrası yorgunluk’, ‘doğum sonrası yorgunluk ve müdahaleler ya da farmakolojik olmayan müdahaleler’ ve ‘doğum sonrası yorgunluğun yönetimi veya stratejileri ve randomize kontrollü çalışma’ anahtar kelimeleriyle tam metnine ulaşılabilen, 2010-2021 yılları arasında yayınlanmış dokuz randomize kontrollü çalışma incelenmiştir.

Bulgular: Yapılan inceleme sonucunda, doğum sonu yorgunluğun yönetiminde eğitim (n=2), eğitim ve egzersiz (n=1), egzersiz (n=1), aromaterapi (n=1), akupunktur (n=1), lavanta çayı tüketme (n=1), uyumaya yardımcı olma (n=1) ve ten tene temas (n=1) girişimlerinin uygulandığı görülmüştür. İncelenen çalışmaların çoğunda annelerin doğum sonu yorgunluk düzeyinin azaldığı bildirilmiştir.

Sonuç: Doğum sonu yorgunluğun etkili bir şekilde yönetilebilmesine yönelik uygulanan girişimlere ilişkin sınırlı bilgi ve uygulama yer almaktadır. Bu doğrultuda, doğum sonu yorgunluğa yönelik müdahaleleri kapsayan daha büyük örneklemle kanıt düzeyi yüksek araştırmaların yapılması, bu araştırmaların içerik, müdahale ve yöntem açısından zenginleştirilmesi, doğum sonu yorgunluğun etkilerini azaltabilecek yeni stratejiler geliştirilmesi önerilir.
Rare Case of Multiple Lineage Dysplasia Myelodysplastic Syndrome Presenting with Only Anemia: A Case Report
Authors: Sutandyo Noorwati , Rinaldi Ikhwan , Mulya Sari Resti , Susanto Kosasih Agus , Setiawan Lyana , Winston Kevin
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic stem cell disorders which is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and risk of progression into acute myeloid leukemia. The diagnosis and classification of MDS are determined from the findings of dysplasia in one or more cell lineage and the percentage of blast cell on bone marrow examination. However, it should be noted that an abnormality in one marrow cell lineage does not necessarily translate to the corresponding clinical phenotype. Here, we present a case of MDS with multilineage dysplasia (MLD) (erythrocyte, leukocyte, and thrombocyte) from bone marrow aspiration, but with anemia as the sole clinical manifestation (single cytopenia).

CASE REPORT: A 78-year-old male patient came to our clinic on July 10, 2020, with chief complaint of worsening fatigue which started approximately 1 year before visit. His vital signs during the visit were stable and no other abnormalities observed other than pale conjunctivae. Complete blood count showed macrocytic anemia with no abnormalities in leukocyte count and thrombocyte count, which suggested a single cytopenia. Peripheral blood smear was negative for megaloblasts and hypersegmented neutrophils. The patient’s bone marrow examination showed MDS with MLD. This result was in contrast to complete blood count examination which only showed anemia (single cytopenia).

CONCLUSION: This case showed that there could be discrepancy between clinical manifestations of the cytopenia with bone marrow dysplasia, which highlighted the importance of conducting bone marrow examination to properly classify MDS type.
Assessment of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Nano Chitosan, Chlorhexidine, Chlorhexidine/Nano Chitosan Combination versus Sodium Hypochlorite Irrigation in Patients with Necrotic Mandibular Premolars: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Nasr Maha , Diab Alaa , Roshdy Nehal , Farouk Amira
Published: October 2021

AIM: The study was done to assess the antimicrobial effectiveness of Chitosan Nanoparticles (CNPs), Chlorhexidine (CHX), and their combination (CHX/CNPs) versus that of Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in patients with mandibular necrotic premolars and to evaluate their effects on post-operative pain after single-visit endodontic treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with necrotic mandibular premolars were divided randomly to four groups (n = 15) according to the used irrigating solution. Instrumentation was done using rotary ProTaper files. During instrumentation, irrigation was done using 2.5% NaOCl; afterward, canals were flushed with sterile saline. A final flush with the study irrigants was done as follows: 3% CNPs for Group A, 2% CHX for Group B, CHX/CNPs for Group C, and 5.25% NaOCl for Group D. Samples were collected from root canals before and after canal preparation then cultured to assess the number of colony-forming units/ml. All patients were instructed to record their pre- and post-operative pain levels on a numerical rating scale.
RESULTS: CNPs and CHX/CNPs were significantly more effective than either CHX or NaOCl; however, there was no significant difference between them against anaerobic bacteria. All tested irrigants were similarly effective against aerobic bacteria. CNPs and CHX/CNPs were associated with significantly lower post-operative pain levels in the first 24 h after treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: CNPs and its combination with CHX are significantly more effective than both CHX and NaOCl against anaerobic bacteria isolated from necrotic mandibular premolars. Post-operative pain intensity was significantly lower with CNPs and CNPs/CHX combination than with either NaOCl or CHX.
Relationship between Sleep Quality and the Percentage of Body Fat in Children (Ages 9–12 Years) in the Public Elementary School of IKIP I Makassar City
Authors: Septiyanti Septiyanti , Yusriani Yusriani
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to determine the relationship of sleep quality with the percentage of body fat in children (ages 9-12 years) in the Elementary School Complex of IKIP I Makassar. The study used the Analytical Survey design with a cross-sectional approach. The researcher will compare the causes and consequences variables simultaneously and explain the relationship between the research variables through hypothesis testing. This study uses quantitative methods, namely through assessing sleep quality and body fat percentage using a questionnaire. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and observations of children. Sampling uses purposive sampling and data analysis using the Chi-Square test.  The results of the study showed that there was no significant relationship between sleep quality and body fat percentage. However, after being tested based on the components of sleep quality, it was seen that good sleep quality and poor sleep quality in component 3 (sleep duration). Moreover, component 4 (daily sleep efficiency) had a significant relationship between sleep duration and daily sleep efficiency with body fat percentage. Recommendations from this research are needed on the relationship between sleep quality and student achievement index.
Saxifraga viridiflora (Saxifragaceae), an unusual new species from Guangxi, China
Authors: Zhang Xin-Jian , Fu Quan-Sheng , Chen Jun-Tong , Li Li-Juan , Luo Peng-Rui , Peng Jing-Yi , Huang Xian-Han , Sun Hang , Deng Tao
Published: October 2021

Saxifraga viridiflora, a remarkable new species of the genus Saxifraga sect. Irregulares (Saxifragaceae) from Guangxi, is described and illustrated herein. This new species morphologically differs from all known S. sect. Irregulares taxa by its greenish petals, verruculose sepals, and thick leathery leaf blade abaxially scarlet with white spots.
The Effects of Online Learning on Students’ Performance: A Comparison Between UK and Jordan Universities
Authors: Yaseen Husam , Alsoud Anas Ratib , Nofal Muhmmad , Abdeljaber Omar , Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed
Published: October 2021

The global pandemic of Covid-19 has caused lockdowns across the globe, causing education institutions to shut down. As a result, classes have been held online. This study investigates the impact of online learning on student performance by comparing the impact on Jordan and the UK. Both countries have been reported to have high technological competency but are known to have varying sociodemographic structures. Surveys were conducted on undergraduate students from both countries (N = 780) to analyse students’ perception of online learning, self-perception of academic capabilities, and faculty performance during online learning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on professors from both countries (N = 8). The findings indicate that both Jordan and the UK have been very similarly affected by in terms of student performance, with major challenges being in communication, technological competency, access to hardware for taking online classes, absenteeism, and drop-outs. Some benefits to student performance were identified as having access to recorded lectures, having more access to faculties through e-mail and extended office hours. Ethical implications were not commented on. Privacy concerns were largely voiced by faculties.
Impact of Youtube and Video Podcast on Listening Comprehension Among Young Learners
Authors: Yaacob Aizan , Amir Amir Amira Shazmin , Asraf Ratnawati Mohd , Mohd Yaakob Mohd Faiz , Zain Farah Mohamad
Published: October 2021

Even though listening comprehension is an important language skill in second language learning, it is considered to be the most difficult skill to learn. Besides, the teaching of listening comprehension among primary pupils is often neglected even though the role of listening comprehension in language teaching has been repeatedly emphasized. Using an action research design, this study explores the teaching of listening comprehension utilizing YouTube and Video-Podcast involving 40 Primary Year 4 pupils from one of the cluster schools of excellence in the northern region of Malaysia. This study attempts to investigate to what extent did the use of YouTube and Video-Podcast enhance Primary Year 4 pupils’ listening comprehension. This study adopted multiple data collection methods including pre-post tests, reflection, observation, and focused group interviews. However, the data analysis section was mostly pre and post tests data and observation. Only these data collection and analysis tools will be expanded in this study, and not the reflection and focus group interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed statistically using paired sample t-test while thematic analysis was used for analyzing the qualitative data. The findings revealed that YouTube and Video-Podcast yielded positive significant impact on listening comprehension skills among Primary ESL pupils. There was statistically significant increase in listening comprehension scores from pre-test and post-test. Four themes emerged from the observation data. It increased learners’ participation and understanding, developed team spirit as well as enhanced interest and motivation of the young learners.
Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture Through Bioremediation Processes
Authors: Dubey Rachana , Choudhary Arbind Kumar , Mishra Janki Sharan , Upadhyaya Ashutosh , Dwivedi Sharad Kumar , Mondal Surajit , Koteswara Rao Karnena , Dubey Abhishek Kumar
Published: October 2021

Population growth, industrialisation, urbanisation, and climate change have created huge pressure on freshwater resources to fulfil the demand. Approx. 70-80% of the freshwater supply returns as wastewater, which is difficult to tackle and manage. We need to tackle the freshwater demand from different sectors like domestic, industrial, and agriculture. Most important is how to use the wastewater safely in agriculture. Therefore, it is an apt time to refocus on ways to recycle water especially in sectors like agriculture and for ecosystem services. The major concern in using wastewater in agriculture is its quality as the wastewater may carry pathogens, heavy metals, and many other pollutants, which might reach to human beings and animals via food chain. A solution to wastewater reuse is through bioremediation techniques. Bioremediation should be considered as a feasible and futuristic technology for safe use of wastewater in agriculture as it will reduce the burden on centralised water treatment system as well as it being economic and eco-friendly.
The Chinese Special Economic Zones and Foreign Direct Investment in Portuguese-Speaking African Countries
Authors: Martinez-Galán Enrique , Ilhéu Fernanda , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2021

The Portuguese-speaking African countries (PSAC) have been at the forefront of the Chinese presence in Africa. These countries have been no exception in the Chinese strategy to use Special Economic Zones (SEZ) around the globe as an effective tool to promote international trade and foreign direct investment with mainland. However, the establishment of SEZ does not necessarily warrant success in boosting investment and trade. The performance of SEZ worldwide has so far been mixed and many have not performed well for reasons such as poor site locations, uncompetitive policies and lack of differentiation, poor development practices, and bulky processes and ill-designed administrative frameworks. The authors look at two case studies of Chinese SEZ in PSAC, namely in Angola (Bengo SEZ, Luanda) and Mozambique (Manga-Mungassa SEZ, Beira), to discuss their common characteristics. The authors draw lessons on how to make Chinese SEZ in Africa work bearing in mind country-specificities.
Application of Mixed Methods in Information Science Research in Africa
Authors: Nakaziba Sarah , Namuguzi Mary
Published: October 2021

The chapter discusses the application of mixed methods research (MMR) in information science (LIS) journals in Africa. MMR is increasingly becoming popular because it provides a comprehensive overview of a complex phenomenon that a single methodology cannot address. It adds insight and perspectives into a study, thereby enriching the findings. The chapter reviewed information science journals indexed in African Journals Online (AJOL), which is a core database in Africa. Twelve journals indexed between 2011 and 2020 were identified for the methodological review to help determine the prevalence of MMR in LIS and establish the reporting quality of MMR in LIS. Findings indicated that MMR studies in the LIS field in Africa was still low, and the few studies that had adopted MMR had poor quality reporting.
Use of Multimethods in Assessing Records Management Practices in the Judiciary of Namibia
Authors: Matongo Beauty
Published: October 2021

Using more than one method of data collection or analysis in research is a well-established tradition in social sciences. The study adopted qualitative research and employed a multimethod approach for data collection. Findings revealed that the existing records management infrastructure in courts was highly inadequate. The study concluded that the current state of records management practices was likely to impede on the discharge of justice. The study recommends that, for the judiciary to improve the discharge of justice, records management should be driven by establishing a records management policy, building records management staff capacity and hiring qualified personnel, and following a top-down approach in records management with buy-in from all stakeholders involved in the processes of the justice system. Furthermore, a best practice framework for managing records in support of the discharge of justice is provided. This study contributes to the understanding between multimethod and mixed methods research.
Nitrogen Dioxide Gas Sensor of In2O3- ZnO Polyhedron Nanostructures Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Marei Jassim M. , Khalefa Abed A. , Abduljabbar Qutaiba A. , Rzaij Jamal M.
Published: October 2021

Heterostructure thin films of indium and zinc oxides (IZO) were prepared by spray pyrolysis from an aqueous solution of the precursors at different substrate temperatures (TS). The polycrystalline structure of bixbyite appeared at a low temperature. The crystallinity was enhanced with the emergence of the zinc oxide phase. By increasing the TSto 623 K, the crystallite size was increased. SEM images reveal that the deposited sample at 523 K is composed of irregularly shaped nanoparticles with a lack of links. Increasing the TSto 573 K increases the average particle diameters, and the particles appeared as polyhedrons well connected with cavities between them, which candidates for gas sensing applications. Increasing TSto 623 K resulted in the particles merging. NO2gas sensor results confirmed the enhancement of IZO sensitivity performance at 573 K. Keywords: Gas sensor, thin film metal oxide, spray pyrolysis, In2O3– ZnO
Coagulation abnormalities & thromboprophylaxis in COVID-19
Authors: Jandial Aditya , Gupta Anunay , Malviya Amit , Agastam Sourabh , Kumar Dilip
Published: October 2021

The ongoing pandemic of novel coronavirus 2019 is rapidly evolving, and newer organ- and system-specific manifestations are being observed. Thrombotic complications and coagulopathy are frequent manifestations of the disease, especially in sick patients, which appear to be unique and distinct from sepsis-induced coagulopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation and other viral infection-induced coagulation abnormalities. Elevated D-dimers and fibrinogen in the early stage of the disease with minimally deranged prothrombin time and platelet counts are prominent and distinguishing features. Venous and arterial thromboses, as opposed to bleeding events, are the major clinical correlates. There is much to be known about the pathogenesis of COVID-associated coagulopathy; however, the mechanisms overlap with thrombotic microangiopathy, haemophagocytic syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome compounded by the diffuse endothelial damage. The recommendations regarding the treatment are still evolving, but antithrombotic therapy has a definite role in positive outcomes of sick patients.
Epidemiological characterization of COVID-19 – Pune, 2020-2021
Authors: Bhardwaj Sumit D. , Choudhary Manohar Lal , Gurav Yogesh K. , Abraham Priya , Potdar Varsha A.
Published: October 2021

The present study describes the epidemiological characteristics of 3,08,259 suspected cases of COVID-19 from the Pune district, India. The samples were referred for COVID-19 testing between January 24, 2020 and April 30, 2021. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from the ICMR-portal as a single dataset and analyzed. Of the 3,08,259 samples tested, 2,63,833 (85.6%) were asymptomatic. Symptomatic cases ratio in the first and the second COVID-19 wave was 1:2. Among symptomatic cases, cough was the most common complaint, followed by fever. Among the COVID-19 positives, one-fifth were asymptomatic, highlighting the necessity for close contact tracing even among apparently healthy contacts. The second wave of COVID-19 had double the per cent of symptomatic individuals as compared to the first wave.
Comparison of Novel Sandfly Control Interventions: A Pilot Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Ghosh Debashis , Alim Abdul , Huda M. Mamun , Halleux Christine M. , Almahmud Md. , Olliaro Piero L. , Matlashewski Greg , Kroeger Axel , Mondal Dinesh
Published: October 2021

In this pilot comparative study, we investigated and compared the effects of existing vector control tools on sandfly densities and mortality to inform and support the National Kala-azar Elimination Program (NKEP). The interventions included insecticidal wall painting (IWP), reduced-coverage insecticidal durable wall lining (DWL), insecticide-impregnated bednets (ITN), and indoor residual spraying with deltamethrin (IRS). Sakhua union with seven villages was the study area, which was the most highly endemic visceral leishmaniasis union in Trishal upazila, Bangladesh. Each cluster containing the different interventions included approximately 50 households. Study methods included random selection of clusters, collection of sandfly by CDC light trap and manual aspirator to determine sandfly density, and sandfly mortality determined by WHO cone bioassay test. Trained field research assistants interviewed household heads using structured questionnaires for sociodemographic information, as well as safety and acceptability of the interventions. Descriptive and analytical statistical methods measured interventions’ effect and its duration on sandfly density reduction and mortality. We measured the relative efficacy of IWP on sandfly control against DWL, ITN, and IRS by the difference-in-difference regression model. We found that existing interventions were effective and safe for sandfly control with different duration of effect and acceptability. The relative efficacy of IWP for sandfly reduction varied by –59% to –91%, –75% to –81%, and –30% to –104% compared with DWL, ITN, and IRS, respectively, at different time points during the 12-month follow-up. These study results will guide the NKEP for selection of sandfly control tool(s) in its subsequent consolidation and maintenance phases.
Hippocampal Atrophy/Sclerosis Is Associated with Old, Calcified Parenchymal Brain Neurocysticercosis, But Not with More Recent, Viable Infections
Authors: Sánchez Sofía S. , Bustos Javier A. , Del Brutto Oscar H. , Herrera Genaro , dos Santos Antonio Carlos , Javier Pretell E. , Gonzales Isidro , Saavedra Herbert , Garcia Héctor H. , _ _
Published: October 2021

Magnetic resonance images from 197 patients with calcified neurocysticercosis (NCC), 38 with viable NCC and 197 NCC-free healthy rural villagers were evaluated to compare the frequency of hippocampal atrophy/sclerosis (HAS) across these populations. Scheltens’ medial temporal atrophy scale was used for hippocampal rating. The median age of the 432 study participants was 46 years (interquartile range, 29–62 years), and 58% were women. Hippocampal atrophy/sclerosis was disclosed in 26.9% patients with calcified NCC, compared with 7.9% in patients with viable NCC and 8.1% in healthy rural villagers. After adjusting for age, gender, and history of epilepsy, hippocampal atrophy/sclerosis was more frequent in patients with calcified NCC than in those with viable cysts (RR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.18– 0.99; P = 0.025) and healthy rural villagers (RR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.94–6.06; P < 0.001), suggesting that hippocampal damage develops late in the course of this parasitic disease.
Levels of selected metals in the fruits of a wild edible plant (Rubus steudneri Schweinf) and its underlying soil
Authors: Pawlos Z. , S. Chandravanshi B. , Yohannes W. , Embiale A.
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT. This study was focused on investigation of amount of macro and trace metals present in the fruit samples of Rubus steudneri Schweinf plant and its underlying soil samples collected from Chencha, Dega Damot and Fiche areas of Ethiopia. The levels of selected metals (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) were determined by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy using wet-digestion technique. The validity of the method was checked by the analysis of spiked samples whose recovery was found in the range of 90.5-108%. The mean concentration of metals K, Mg, Fe, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd in the fruit samples were found in the range of 9463-9836, 973-1099, 328-639, 2663-2999, 29.6-52.8, 6.70-8.87, 128-639, 2.54-3.37 and 0.26-1.21 mg/kg, respectively. The level of metals in the soil samples were found in the range of 1375-1790, 1169-1388, 74951-104145, 2079-3502, 122-149, 21.6-40.4, 1359-1931, 7.11-17.0 and ND mg/kg, respectively. The accumulation factor values for the tested metals were found in the range of 0.003 (Fe) - 7.07 (K). The Rubus steudneri Schweinf fruit is good source of essential metals and useful to human health. However, the concentration of toxic metals viz. Cd and Pb were found in amount excess as compared to WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit.

                   

KEY WORDS: Rubus steudneri Schweinf, Wild edible plant, Fruit, Heavy metals, Soil, Ethiopia

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 217-228.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.1
Preparation, spectroscopic, thermal and molecular docking studies of covid-19 protease on the manganese(II), iron(III), chromium(III) and cobalt(II) creatinine complexes
Authors: Y. El-Sayed M. , S. Refat M. , Altalhi T. , H. Eldaroti H. , Alam K.
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT. Creatinine biomolecule has three different coordination modes through the (exocyclic O(5) and ring N(1)), (imine N(2) and ring N(1)) or as monodentate ligand via exocyclic O(1)). The FTIR and electronic spectra of the synthesized manganese(II), iron(III), chromium(III), and cobalt(II) complexes consistent with the coordinated behavioral derived from the structural analyses. Thermogravimetric data agree with the stoichiometry and proposed formulas [Mn(C4H7N3O)2(Cl)2]4H2O, [Fe(C4H7N3O)2(Cl)2]Cl.6H2O, [Cr(C4H7N3O)2(Cl)2]Cl.6H2O, and [Co(C4H7N3O)2(Cl)2]6H2O. Four new transition metal complexes derived from the reaction of creatinine chelate and metal salt (MnCl2.4H2O, FeCl3.6H2O, CrCl3.6H2O, and CoCl2.6H2O), were prepared with 1:2 (metal: ligand) stoichiometry, isolated and well characterized by a different spectral and analytical techniques including FTIR, UV/Vis, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductance, elemental analysis, and TGA/DrTGA/DTA. The solid complexes were formed with the binding of the creatinine ligand through exocyclic O(5) and ring N(1) and presented as an octahedral geometry. In addition molecular docking calculations have been performed between complexes of manganese(II), iron(III), chromium(III) and cobalt(II) with creatinine biomolecule ligand with the Covid-19 protease (6LU7) to determine the best binding site and its inhibitory effect.

                   

KEY WORDS: Creatinine, Coordination, Transition metals, TGA/DTA, Octahedral geometry

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 399-412.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.13
Kinetics and mechanistics steps to the electron transfer reaction of peroxo-bridged binuclear cobalt(III) complex of succinimide by glycine in aqueous acidic medium
Authors: Adetoro A. , O. Idris S. , D. Onu A. , G. Okibe F.
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT. The kinetics and mechanistic steps to the electron transfer reaction of the peroxo-bridged binuclear cobalt(III) complex of succinimide [(suc)(en)2Co(O2)Co(en)2(suc)2+] hereafter called peroxo-bridged dicobalt(III) complex ‘[Co(O2)Co2+]’ by glycine have been carried out spectrophotometrically at λ = 420 nm and T = 26 ± 1 oC, [H+] = 1 x 10-3 M and ᶙ = 0.5 M (NaCl) in aqueous acidic medium. The reaction was found to be first order with respect to [Co(O2)Co2+] and [(Gly] and experimental data indicates a second-order overall. The reactions obeyed the general rate law: (d[Co(O2)Co2+]/dt) = (a +b)[H+])[Co(O2)Co2+][Gly]. Varying hydrogen ion concentration accelerated the reaction rate and shows first-order dependence while the reactions also affected by changes in the ionic strength of the reaction medium by giving a non-negative salt effect in the course of the reaction. Free radicals were not detected in the reactions. Spectroscopic investigation and Michaelis-Menten plots suggest the absence of intermediate complex formation. The experimental result obtained in this system is concluded in favor of the outer-sphere mechanism.

                   

KEY WORDS: Cobalt(III) complex, Kinetic, Electron transfer, Spectroscopic, Mechanistic steps, Michaelis-Menten, Glycine

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 425-434.

DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.15
Synthesis, characterization, anti-microbial and cytotoxic applications of zinc(II) complexes
Authors: Tariq M. , Batool A. , Abbas N. , Hussain A. , K.  Qureshi A. , H. Shirazi J.
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT. In the present research, three zinc(II) complexes were synthesized using 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-methylacrylic acid (HL), 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2'-pyridine as ligands. The composition, structural confirmation, coordination way of ligand and assignment of geometry to the complexes were made by different analytical tools like elemental analysis, FTIR and 1H-NMR. The ligand 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-methylacrylate appeared to coordinate the metal (Zn) atom via COO- moiety in all of the complexes (1-3) while 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2'-pyridine co-ordinated to Zn(II) atom through N-donor sites in complexes 2 and 3, respectively. The complex 1 showed four while 2 and 3 showed six co-ordinated geometry. The synthesized complexes were evaluated for antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The obtained results showed that complexes are active against microbial agents and exhibited significant cytotoxicity.

                   

KEY WORDS: Co-coordination, Geometry, Zinc(II) complexes, Biological activity

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 287-299.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.6
Fundusz Wsparcia Kultury – rekompensata strat czy strategiczna interwencja?
Authors: Kopeć Katarzyna , Materska-Samek Marta
Published: October 2021

The Culture Support Fund – COVID-19 Compensation or a Strategic Intervention?

The aim of the paper is to discuss the Cultural Support Fund (CSF) as an example of a reactive financing scheme. In order to understand the implemented compensation mechanism for entities operating in the creative sector, a broader context is also explored, which, on the one hand, shows the general message of the Fund, and on the other hand, the lack of efficient management of the CSF. The research is based on the analysis of the existing data outlining the operation of private enterprises in the creative sector, with the emphasis on the performing arts backstage industry. The drama of the situation is accentuated in the individual in-depth interviews with four beneficiaries of the Culture Support Fund, which presents the perspective of the CSF recipients. In order to stress the multidimensionality of the CSF structure, the conclusions are built according to the three dimensions of the analysis: procedural, substantive, and contextual.