bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Balance Impairments in Individuals with Parkinson Disease
Authors: Abbas Shahbaz , Munawar Arooj , Tanweer Syed abdul wasay , Al Mostafa Morad Yaser
Published: April 2021

Abstract:Postural or balance impairments is most common feature of advanced Parkinson's disease leading to falls. Balance disorder is predisposing symptom in Parkinson disease, difficult to cure and at high risk of falls. Objective: To find out the Prevalence of balance impairments in individual with Parkinson's disease This was the cross-sectional study. Data was collected by 23 Parkinson's patients in General Hospital of Lahore. Convenient sampling technique was used in this study. Berg Balance scale was used as data collection instrument. Data was analyzed by SPSS. Results: The result shows that out of 23 sample size (18 male and 5 female), there is 15(65.2%) of Parkinson patients had minimal level of balance impairments, 6(26.1%) had moderate balance impairments and only 2(8.7%) of Parkinson patients complained about severe balance impairments on Berg Balance Scale.Conclusions: The result shows that there is mild to moderate prevalence of balance impairments in individual with Parkinson's disease. Balance dysfunction or impairments in Parkinson patients due to abnormal gait pattern, poor postural control,muscles rigidity, tremors and lose of body movements. Balance impairments not depend on age and gender of Parkinson patients. Balance impairments, Berg balance scale, Parkinson's disease
Effects of Wearing High Heels on Ankle Plantarflexion
Authors: Waqas Nida , Amjad Fareeha , Zulfiqar Fiza , Illyas Saba
Published: April 2021

Abstract: Wearing High Heels (HH) for prolong period may cause kinetics and kinematics changes of lower extremity. It may lead to musculoskeletal deformities.Objective:To determine the effects of wearing different high heel shoes on ankle joint plantar flexion range.Methadology: 120 healthy university students who habitually wore shoes of different heel heights from 1cm to 10cm for at least 1 academic year, more than 5 days a week were selectively recruited. Participants were grouped according to their heel heights: flat, low, mid and high heels. Ankle plantarflexion was measured using universal goniometer in all 4 groups.Results:Overall plantarflexion range was significantly affected by heel height (p-value <0.001). Wearing high heel s s ignificantly inc reased the plantar flexion range as compared to flat shoe wearers (p-value <0.001). There was statistically significant difference in plantarflexion range according to heel height (p<0.001).Conclusion: Wearing high heels shoes for 1 year enhanced the plantarflexion range of motion in all heel groups and the change was most significant in HH group. Habitually wearing of high heels increases the plantarflexion range of motion in heel wearing groups but it was not seen in flat shoes group (FSG). Increase in range depends on heel height; increasing the heel height results into increase plantarflexion range. Keywords: High heels; Heel height; Plantarflexion ; Range of motion
EFEKTIFITAS PROGRAM CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PADA BAITUL MAL MUAMALAT LHOKSEUMAWE BAGI MASYARAKAT
Authors: Yoesoef Yoesrizal Muhammad , Marlida Marlida
Published: April 2021

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs for the community. The results showed that: 1) The implementation of the BMM CSR Program of Lhokseumawe City was further developed by Baitul Maal Muamalat Lhokseumawe in order to be distributed appropriately and effectively, the programs are: a) Economic empowerment especially micro-economics b) Educational empowerment program. c) Social and humanitarian empowerment 2) Obstacles in carrying out the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program in BMM Lhokseumawe City, are: a) Beneficiaries of compensation are higher than existing funds, b) There are people who do not understand yet about the community economic empowerment contract in the form of community economic empowerment qardhu hasan, so that many borrowers do not return it, consequently impacting on the next mustahik, c) The level of recipients of compensation is getting higher and higher, while the funds collected for each month do not add up to what is expected. With the results of the research that have been obtained, it is expected that going forward To the BMM Management Lhokseumawe City in order to increase instruction of activities to subordinate managers or commonly referred to employees, both directing operational products contained in BMM, and other directives.

Keywords: Analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), BMM (Baitul Mal Muamalat)

 

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisa bagaimana efektifitas program-program corporate social responsibility (CSR) bagi masyarakat.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa : 1) Pelaksanaan Program CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) BMM Kota Lhokseumawe itu dikembangkan lagi oleh pihak Baitul Maal Muamalat Lhokseumawe agar dapat disalurkan secara tepat dan efektif, yaitu: a) Pemberdayaan ekonomi khususnya ekonomi mikro b) Program pendayagunaan pendidikan. c) Pendayagunaan sosial dan kemausiaan 2) Kendala dalam menjalankan Program Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Pada BMM Kota Lhokseumawe yaitu: a) Penerima santunan lebih tinggi daripada dana yang ada, b) Masih terdapat masyarakat yang tidak memahami akan akad pemberdayaan ekonomi masyarakat dalam bentuk qardhu hasan, sehingga banyaknya peminjam yang tidak mengembalikannya, akibatnya imbas kepada mustahik yang selanjutnya, c) Tingkat penerima santunan semakin hari semakin tinggi, sedangkan dana yang terkumpul untuk setiap bulannya tidak terdapat penambahan sesuai dengan yang yang di harapkan. Dengan hasil penelitian yang sudah di dapatkan maka diharapkan untuk kedepannya Kepada Manajemen BMM Kota Lhokseumawe agar dapat meningkatkan pengarahan-pengarahan kegiatan kepada manajer bawahan atau biasa disebut dengan karyawan, baik itu pengarahan operasinal produk-produk yang terdapat pada BMM, maupun pengarahan lainnya.

Kata Kunci:Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), BMM (Baitul Mal Muamalat) Lhokseumawe
ETIKA BERBISNIS DALAM PANDANGAN ISLAM
Authors: Syahputra Angga
Published: April 2021

Nowadays many business people run their business by ignoring ethics and only thinking about how to make a profit. Islam rejects those that override ethics in carrying out business activities. Ethics in general can be interpreted in the behavior or actions of a person or group of people who are accustomed to and always carried out in their life activities. Whereas Business is defined as an activity carried out by humans to obtain income or income or sustenance in order to meet the needs and desires of his life by managing economic resources effectively and efficiently.

Islamic business ethics is a process and effort to find out the right and wrong things which then do the right thing with regard to its business activities. In Islamic business ethics there are several principles that must be considered by everyone in running a business that is, unity / oneness, balance, freedom of will, responsibility, and truth.

Keywords: Ethics, Business, Islamic Business.

 

Abstrak

Saat ini banyak pebisnis yang menjalankan bisnis mereka dengan mengabaikan etika dan hanya memikirkan cara menghasilkan keuntungan. Islam menolak mereka yang mengesampingkan etika dalam menjalankan kegiatan bisnis. Etika secara umum dapat diartikan dalam perilaku atau tindakan seseorang atau sekelompok orang yang terbiasa dan selalu dilakukan dalam aktivitas hidupnya. Sedangkan Bisnis diartikan sebagai kegiatan yang dilakukan oleh manusia untuk memperoleh penghasilan atau pendapatan atau rezeki agar dapat memenuhi kebutuhan dan keinginan hidupnya dengan mengelola sumber daya ekonomi secara efektif dan efisien.

Etika bisnis Islam adalah proses dan upaya untuk menemukan hal-hal yang benar dan salah yang kemudian melakukan hal yang benar berkaitan dengan kegiatan bisnisnya. Dalam etika bisnis Islam ada beberapa prinsip yang harus diperhatikan oleh setiap orang dalam menjalankan bisnis yaitu, kesatuan/keesaan, keseimbangan, kebebasan, tanggung jawab, dan kebenaran.

Kata kunci: Etika, Bisnis, Bisnis Islam.
KEPUTUSAN BISNIS DAN TANGGUNGJAWAB DIREKSI DALAM PRINSIP FIDUCIARY DUTIES PADA PERSEROAN TERBATAS
Authors: Muhayatsyah Ali
Published: April 2021

The main party charged with fiduciary duty is the board of directors. In UUPT No. 40/2007 it does not specifically regulate fiduciary duty but rather regulates general principles. From the general principle of fiduciary duty, directors in managing the company must pay attention to the interests of the company above other interests; directors must act in accordance with the aims and objectives of the company (intra vires), and pay attention to the limitations and restrictions determined by the law and the articles of association of the company. In carrying out their duties as directors, they are required to have in good faith and in full sense of responsibility; Directors must carry out their duties diligently, carefully, and smartly and skillfully.

Keywords: Directors, Fiduciary Duty, Business Judgment Rule, Limited Liability Company,

 

Abstrak

Pihak utama yang dibebankan kewajiban fiduciary duty adalah direksi. Dalam UUPT Nomor 40 Tahun 2007 tidak mengatur secara khusus mengenai fiduciary duty tetapi mengatur prinsip-prinsip umumnya. Dari prinsip umum fiduciary duty makadireksi dalam mengurus perseroan harus memperhatikan kepentingan perseroan di atas kepentingan lainnya;direksi harus bertindak sesuai dengan maksud dan tujuan perseroan (intra vires), serta memperhatikan batasan dan larangan yang ditentukan UU dan anggaran dasar Perseroan. Dalam melaksanakan tugas sebagai direksi, diharuskan memiliki itikad baik (in good faith) dan tanggung jawab (in full sense of responsibility); Direksi harus melaksanakan tugasnya dengan rajin (diligently), penuh kehati-hatian (carefully), dan pintar serta terampil (skillfully).

Kata kunci: Direksi, Fiduciary Duty, Business Judgement Rule, Perseroan Terbatas,
ANALISIS AKAD MUSYARAKAH MUTANAQISHAH DITINJAU MENURUT EKONOMI ISLAM
Authors: Khairiati Khairiati , Ismaulina Ismaulina
Published: April 2021

Allah SWT recommends that we help each other in terms of bermuamalah by providing working capital for people who need funds. This is like what the junk collector did to the community in Pulo Klat Village Samudera District, North Aceh Regency. The objectives of this study are: 1) to know the application of the Mutanaqishah Musyarakah contract on the collection of junk in Pulo Klat Village? This research uses qualitative methods with the type of field research. The results of the study found that: a) The application of the Musyarakah Mutanaqishah contract to the Junk Goods Collector in Pulo Klat Village, Samudera Subdistrict, North Aceh Regency in the form of unwritten cooperation, is carried out directly with the agreement of both parties, and the amount of capital taken is determined at the beginning of the agreement. While the distribution of profit percentages is based on the amount of profit earned per month by growing mutual trust between the two parties. This is in accordance with the view of Islamic economics but the cooperation is carried out not in writing and only relies on the very high mutual trust given to each recipient of capital

Keywords: Junk Goods, Sharia Economy, Musyarakah Mutanaqisah.

 

 

Abstrak

            Allah SWT menganjurkan kita saling membantu dalam hal bermuamalah denganmenyediakan modal kerja bagi orang yang membutuhkan dana. Hal ini seperti yang dilakukan oleh para kolektor barang rongsokan kepada masyarakat di Desa Pulo Klat Kecamatan Samudera Kabupaten Aceh Utara. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah: mengetahui penerapan akad Musyarakah Mutanaqishah pada pengumpulan barang rongsokan di Desa Pulo Klat? Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian lapangan. Hasil penelitian ditemukan bahwa: Aplikasi akad Musyarakah Mutanaqishah pada Pengumpul  Barang Rongsokan di Desa Pulo Klat, Kecamatan Samudera Kabupaten Aceh Utara dalam bentuk kerjasama yang tidak tertulis, dilakukan langsung dengan kesepakatan kedua belah pihak, dan besaran modal yang diambil ditentukan diawal perjanjian. Sedangkan pembagian persentase keuntungan berdasarkan jumlah laba yang diperoleh perbulan dengan menumbuhkan rasa saling percaya antara kedua belah pihak. Hal ini telah sesuai dengan Pandangan ekonomi syariah tetapi kerja sama tersebut dilakukan tidak secara tertulis dan Hanya mengandalkan rasa saling percaya yang sangat tinggi yang diberikan kepada setiap penerima modal.

Kata kunci: Barang Rongsokan; Musyarakah Muntanaqisyah; Ekonomi Syariah
Contribution For Improvement Of Rice Breeding Programs Through Morphoanatomical Traits
Authors: Concenco Germani , Brito Giovani Greigh de , Fagundes Paulo Roberto Reis , Scivittaro Walkyria Bueno , Parfitt José Maria Barbat , Melo Thais Stradioto , Silva Laryssa Barbosa Xavier da , Deuner Sidnei
Published: April 2021

Breeding programs aim to increase grain yield and quality through selection oriented mostly by morphological and productive traits. Although morphoanatomical traits are preponderant for plant performance, they are usually time-consuming, demanding specific equipment and trained personnel. The aim of the study is to establish relationships among morphological, micromorphological and anatomical traits of rice genotypes, to support rice breeders in choosing variables to be assessed in the search for superior rice genotypes. We assessed morphological (2nd leaf and root lengths, tiller and root number), micromorphological (vein density, intervein distance, stomatal density and opening width) and anatomical (area of sclerenchyma, xylem and phloem vessels, and percentage of aerenchyma) traits. Root number and length, area of sclerenchyma and xylem and phloem vessels are proposed to be the most efficient traits to be assessed in detailed studies aiming to identify superior genotypes in rice breeding programs, from the morphophysiological point of view.
صبغة الأنثوسيانين الطبيعية تضاهي الصبغات الكيميائية
Authors: السيد حسن عقيل السيد طاهر , البرهاوي نجوى إبراهيم
Published: April 2021

الملخص

تستخدم هذه الدراسة الماء المقطر لاستخلاص صبغة الأنثوسيانين من بذور الرمان وأوراق اللهانة البنفسجية، وذلك أن الماء ليس له أي تأثير سُمّي، ويتبخر عند
درجات الحرارة المنخفضة من دون التأثير في التركيب الكيمياوي للصبغة المستخلصة. وتبين الدراسة أن الصبغة الحمراء المستخلصة من الرمان كانت ذات وسط
حامضي (pH= 3.0)، بينما كانت الصبغة البنفسجية المستخلصة من اللهانة ذات وسط حامضي خفيف (pH=6.0)، وبلغت تراكيز الصبغة في عصير كلا النباتين
بعد إسقاط القيمة الامتصاصية لكل منها على منحنى المحاليل القياسية 130 و 503 ملغم/ 100 مل من عصير كل نبات، على التعاقب، ونجحت هذه الصبغة،
بلونيها الأحمر والبنفسجي، في صبغ مسحات البكتيريا والمقاطع النسيجية الحيوانية والنباتية، وباستخدام مثبّتي اليود وكبريتات النحاس، على التعاقب، وعلى
نحو يضاهي الصبغات الكيمياوية المتعارف عليها. كما كان لهذه الصبغة تأثير فعال في صبغ الأقمشة القطنية والصوفية على نحو جيد باستخدام عصير الليمون
وصودا الخبز كمثبّت.
Characterizing Some Rings of Finite Order
Authors: Nath Rajat Kanti , Dutta Jutirekha , Basnet Dhiren
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we compute the number of distinct centralizers of some classes of finite rings. We then characterize all finite rings with $n$ distinct centralizers for any positive integer $n \le 5$. Further we give some connections between the number of distinct centralizers of a finite ring and its commutativity degree.
Faculty Survey on OER: Perceptions, Behaviors, and Implications for Library Practice
Authors: Bond Jeffrey D. , Huddleston Boglarka S. , Sapp Alysha
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION The Mary Couts Burnett Library at Texas Christian University (TCU) seeks to learn more about university faculty members’ perceptions and behaviors related to open educational resources (OER), and to identify one or more initiatives to increase adoption of OER at the university. METHODS The researchers sent a survey to all university faculty using Qualtrics™, and 104 persons responded. The survey used a combination of multiple-choice and free-text questions, and covered OER adoption and creation by faculty members, their perceptions of OER, and recommendations related to possible initiatives to increase OER interest. RESULTS Among respondents, almost half used OER either currently or in the past, while a fifth created their own OER. When comparing OER to traditional textbooks in terms of being scholarly, the majority indicated that OER and traditional textbooks were about the same level, but a quarter of faculty indicated that traditional textbooks were more scholarly. When asked about initiatives the library could pursue to increase faculty OER creation, the leading responses included financial support of faculty using OER, along with training opportunities. DISCUSSION The researchers were pleased to see that many faculty have used OER either currently or in the past, and that many had positive views surrounding OER. The researchers now have data that support the establishment of OER initiatives. CONCLUSION The survey informs the TCU Library and academic libraries in general. Two initiatives that libraries should consider are establishing an OER training program for faculty and developing a grant program to support faculty members who are adopting or creating OER. Libraries should collaborate with other units on campus such as the center for teaching excellence or the faculty senate.
Engaging Researchers with Data Management: The Cookbook [Book Review]
Authors: Muilenburg Jennifer
Published: April 2021

Book review of Engaging Researchers with Data Management: The Cookbook.
Potential Appraisal and Development in Human Resource Development (HRD): A Review
Authors: Jerin V. A.
Published: April 2021

Human Resource Development (HRD) process is denoted as how personnel are recruited, trained and put into use depending upon their skills, knowledge and potential as per the need of the job and keeping in line with organizational objectives. Potential appraisal refers to the identification and evaluation of hidden talents and underlying skills of a person. Potential appraisal enhances human resource development and enables the attainment of organizational goals. Steps in the potential appraisal system include a detailed job description, job specified quality traits, rating mechanisms and organizing the system. Techniques used for carrying out potential appraisal includes self-appraisal technique, peer appraisal technique, superior appraisal technique, management by objectives, psychological and psychometric techniques, leadership exercises, management games etc. Growth of companies lies in the hands of potential employees and hence it is the responsibility of companies to recognize the potential and reward befittingly to retain the talent. Thus it lowers the chance of good employees leaving the organization for green pastures.
Challenges and Opportunities for Sri Lankan Exporters in the German Market: A Specific Reference to the Electrical and Electronic Sector
Authors: Vidyaratne R. T. , Sumanasiri E. A. G.
Published: April 2021

Foreign missions have been the pillars of trade promotion and in particular, of export and export-oriented investment. In Sri Lanka, the potential for export promotion to Germany is immense. However, it is discernible that there has been no coordinated effort by foreign missions to promote trade with Sri Lanka. At present, Sri Lanka maintains 52 High Commissions/Embassies overseas. In Sri Lanka, the Electrical and Electronic (EE) sector is one of the emerging sectors supported by the National Export Strategy (NES), and currently, the sector serves niche markets that have great potential to diversify in the area of Electrical and Electronic Components. The EE sector is also considered to have potential to stimulate innovation, research and development (R&D) and investment in Sri Lanka. Certain challenges are highlighted in the literature when promoting EEC as a major export of Sri Lanka. However, in this process of promoting exports in the EEC sector in the international market, foreign missions are recognized as the responsible stakeholder since they can facilitate the export process through diverse networks. Therefore, this research examines the challenges faced by Sri Lankan exporters when exporting to Germany, focusing especially on the Electrical and Electronic Sector. To achieve this research objective, a qualitative methodology was adopted as it permitted the researchers to understand human behaviour and thoughts to identify preferences in trade promotion activities. Primary data were collected through two main sources, namely, structured interviews and focus group discussions, while secondary sources such as international trade databases and trade maps were used to triangulate the data. The population of the study was Sri Lankan exporters and importers, trade support institutions and diplomats. In total, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted using the convenience sampling method and snowball sampling. Analysis of data collected through semi-structured interviews (14) revealed that trade fairs and Business to Business meetings were vital opportunities to increase trade promotional activities of exporters. Major challenges faced by Sri Lanka exporters to the German market include the need for internalizing industries, limited recognition of Sri Lanka’s EEC sector locally and internationally, lack of business intelligence, lack of stakeholder communication, need to build strategic relationships and intergovernmental engagement. The study offers several recommendations to overcome trade barriers and to exploit the available opportunities in the host market.
Intercultural Education in the Latin America University Context
Authors: Chamiquit Clelia Jima
Published: April 2021

Aims: This research is focused on investigating whether intercultural education is a predominant factor in the quality of university education. Therefore, it arose as a research question; What is the approach that has been given to intercultural education in the university context to achieve educational quality? In view of this, the objective of the study is to carry out a critical review of several articles related to intercultural education in educational quality in the university context, published in scientific journals currently indexed in the most prestigious international databases.

Study Design:  Qualitative approach, systematic review.

Place and Duration of Study: The research considered scientific articles based on intercultural education in several universities in different countries between the years 2017-2019.

Methodology: The search for scientific articles was carried out from October to December, for which various search criteria were used, including primary source: Pro Quest, Dialnet, Scielo, Scopus and EBSCO Host. The year of publication of the articles, which corresponds to the years 2017-2020 was considered.

Results: The articles where there is more research on the subject belong to the Scielo search engine, representing 30% of the information, followed by the Pro Quest and Scopus search engines with 20%, then EBSCO Host with 20% and finally Dialnet with 10%. It was evidenced that 90% of the articles present a qualitative approach and 10% represent descriptive research.

Conclusion: The research findings confirm that beyond the rhetoric and official discourse, intercultural education is still a concept to be researched, which requires the analysis of intercultural sensitivity, to dismantle the asymmetries that restrict the possibilities of articulating the spheres of the generation of knowledge and coexistence, which allow the proper development of all students without distinction of cultures.
Finite Euclidean Geometry Approach for Constructing Balanced Incomplete Block Design (BIBD)
Authors: Akra U. P. , Akpan S. S. , Ugbe T. A. , Ntekim O. E.
Published: April 2021

In block design, construction of Balanced Incomplete Block Design (BIBD) remained an unsolved problem in combinatorial design; also various construction techniques have been introduced to build the elements of BIBDs for specific parameters; no general method has been proposed to find a suitable structure for BIBDs. This paper aim at employing Finite Euclidean Geometry FEG (N,s) of N – dimensional space to construct balanced incomplete block design (BIBD). Also geometrical construction of FEG (2,2) BIBDs has been made. The results show that this technique proved a better method for constructing BIBD than other methods in terms of estimation of parameters to build the design structure.
Concentrations of Trace Metals in Three Leafy Vegetables (Telfairia occidentalis, Amaranthus viridis and Pterocarpus erinaceus) during the Dry Season in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Onah A. O. , Ameh G. I. , Nwani C. D. , Anumudu E. N. , Anukwu J. U.
Published: April 2021

Aims: To investigate the trace metals, manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in vegetable samples (Telfairia occidentalis, Amaranthus viridis and Pterocarpus erinaceus) from three senatorial zones in Enugu state, Nigeria during dry season period.

Place of Study: The leaf samples were collected from three senatorial zones (Enugu north, Enugu west and Enugu east) of Enugu State Nigeria.

Methodology: The samples were collected fresh in January, February and March. Prior to analysis, each of the collected samples were dried at room temperature, pulverized using a ball mill and stored at room temperature. They were digested using the wet digestion method and individual metals analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results: The results of the findings revealed that the concentrations of trace metals in the plant tissues were in the following decreasing order Fe > Zn > Mn > Cr > Co > Cd. Amaranthus viridis had the highest accumulation of trace metals while P. erinaceus had the least. Enugu East senatorial zone had the highest accumulation of Mn and Co in all the vegetable samples while Enugu West senatorial zone showed the highest accumulation of Ni, Cr, Zn and Fe in all the plant tissues. Enugu north senatorial zone had the least level of trace metals accumulation in the three plant tissues. Manganese contamination could be a result of mining, battery and automobile fume pollution which dissolve into the soil and are absorbed by plants more effectively during dry seasons.

Conclusion: To mitigate the unwanted increase of these metals in vegetables during the dry season, it is necessary to strengthen environmental waste disposal laws.
Oral Quercetin in Adult Patients as a Potential Nutraceutical against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Aguilar Juan Fernando Ibarra , Báez Gabriela Ariane Sanabria , Galeano Fernando
Published: April 2021

Aim: To establishing the use of oral Quercetin as a potential nutraceutical against Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Methods: A descriptive, prospective longitudinal study was carried out on 52 patients treated at the ECOMED-LAMB Clinic, in the period from the onset of Covid-19 in our country, March 3, 2020 to January 2021.

Results: Were studied 52 patients COVID-19 positive, 20 (38.4%) were in preventive treatment and 32 patients (61.5%) was administered biological therapy once the diagnosis, no difference was found between female or male sex and the predominant age was those over 60 years. Twenty-four patients (70.6%) have presented at least one comorbidity.

The association of hospitalization with preventive treatment was not significant (p=0.166), we observed difference in the evolution of the patients (p= 0.084).

Conclusions: Quercetin could prevent and decrease the duration of SARSCoV-2 infections, it is plausible to propose the prophylactic use of this flavonoid in order to achieve clinical benefits.
Impact of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrients on Post Harvest Life of Cut Flowers of Hybrid Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii B.) cv. Shimmer
Authors: Giri Bishnupada , Beura Sashikala
Published: April 2021

The present investigation was carried out in premises of Biotechnology cum Tissue Culture Centre, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during 2015-16 and 2016-17. The objective of the study was to standardize suitable integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on post harvest life of gerbera cut flowers. Four leaved tissue culture plantlets of gerbera cv. Shimmer a hybrid suitable for protected cultivation were used for planting. Experiment was laid down in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with eight treatments combination and three replications per treatment. The treatments of different combination of vermicompost, biofertilizer, chemical fertilizer and macro and micro nutrients spray were used. The biofertilizers were applied after incubation with vermicompost for 7 days. Recommended dose of fertilizer were applied 3 month after planting as top dressing and subsequently as per treatment. Treatment combination of 75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) + vermicompost + Phosphorus Solublising Bacteria (PSB) + Azotobacter/Azospirillum + macro and micronutrient spray recorded maximum percent gain in weight of flower stalk, maximum percent gain in stalk length in vase, maximum percent gain in flower diameter, highest solution uptake in vase and longest vase life.
Characterization and Ranking of Various Mix Ratios of Cow, Pig and Sheep Manure
Authors: Matwek Sheila Chepkirui , Nyaanga Daudi M. , Osodo B. O.
Published: April 2021

This work determined the characteristics of various mix ratios of the cow to pig to sheep manures and ranked them with help of principal component analysis (PCA). Ten mix ratios (by mass) namely 1:1:1, 3:1:1, 1:3:1,1:1:2, 2:1:1, 1:2:1, 1:1:2, 1:3:3, 3:3:1, 3:1:3 of cow, pig and sheep manures respectively were selected. Laboratory analysis was done to determine the total solid (TS) content, carbon to nitrogen ratio, pH, and volatile solid (VS) content using standard procedures. The results obtained (except that of pure feedstocks) were subjected to principal component analysis to determine the principal component scores for the mix ratios to enable ranking. The total solids content of pure cow, pig, and sheep manure were found to be 19.18%, 23.50%, and 30.35% respectively. Corresponding carbon to nitrogen ratios values were 23.68, 13.27 and 29.00, pH values were 6.50, 7.90 and 7.00 and volatile content were 88.37%, 84.57% and 80.00%. Upon mixing the three manures at various mix ratios total solid content varies from 22.28% to 26.75%. Total solids content, carbon to nitrogen ratio, pH and volatile solids content varies from 22.28% to 26.75%, 18.76 to 25.05, 7.13 to 7.56 and 85.94% to 82.59% respectively. Using the first principal component scores mix ratio 1:1:3 of cow dung, pig, and sheep manure was the top-ranked followed by 3:1:3 and the third one was 1:1:2 with scores of 2.540, 1.638, and 1.580 respectively.  The 4th ranked mix ratio was 1:3:3, 5th ranked was1:1:1, 6th ranked was 2:1:1, the 7th one was 3:1:1, 8th one was 1:1:2, then 3:1:1 and lastly 1:3:1 with the scores of 0.191, -0.006, -0.147, -0.259, -1.440, -1.810 and -2.287 respectively. Higher positive scores were associated with a possibility of producing higher biogas yield possibly due to the right combination of the several parameters in the mixture while a lower score might indicate a lower gas yield due to an improper combination of parameters. It was then concluded that principal component analysis is a suitable method for selecting few mix ratios to use in anaerobic digestion among the many. It saves on time and resources due to the reduced number of experiments.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some New Coumarin Incorporated Pyridine-3-carbonitrile Derivatives
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Kumar Pankaj , Nayak Prashant , Sandeep D. S. , Priya Sneh , James Jainey P. , Shravya H.
Published: April 2021

Drug resistance causes serious difficulties in the routine therapy for curing common microbial infections. Thus it is very essential to develop new antimicrobial agents which can offer alternative treatments. The development of potent and effective antimicrobial agents is of utmost importance to overcome the emerging multidrug resistance strains of bacteria and fungi. The technique involves Knoevenagel reaction between substituted salicylaldehyde and ethyl acetoacetate in presence of piperidine as catalyst to give 3-acetyl coumarin. The intermediate coumarinyl chalcones was synthesized by condensing with various substituted benzaldehyde in presence of ethanolic KOH. The final synthesized pyridine-3-carbonitrile derivative was prepared upon refluxing with coumarinyl chalcones with malononitrile in presence of ammonium acetate. All the newly synthesized compounds were assigned on the basis of IR, 1H NMR and mass spectral data.  The finalsynthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity tube dilution method. Most of the compounds showed promising MIC by tube dilution method as compared to standard Cephalosporin.
Analytical Study of Diagnostic Role of Her2/Neu Expression In Gastroesophageal Lesions
Authors: Sheikh Abid Ashraf , Kumar R. Vinoth , Rao G. Bheema , Lilly S. Mary
Published: April 2021

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is one of the common types of malignant lesion and has its highest prevalence round the world.  Though it is a common disorder, many of the patients only diagnose it in its advanced stage and these results in poor prognosis of the disease. In later stage, these lesions may severely develop in to lymph node metastasis and has more chances to spread across any of the vital organs. Barrett‟s esophagus, herpes simplex esophagitis, candidial esophagitis, leiomyoma, hyperplastic polyps are few of the benign and premalignant type of lesions.  The advancement in endoscopy has opened many opportunities and diagnosis of all esophageal lesions became simple and effective. As the surgical procedures associated with the targeted therapy have become promising option for the treatment, many patients are being benefited out of technological advancement. The surplus of malignancies such as esophagus, esophago- gastric junction and stomach have become a significant health problem and threatening the people all over the world. Delayed diagnosis on these disorders particularly resulting in high mortality ratio and warrant for a systematic evaluation in patients.  In this context, the present study analyse the association and prognostic significance  of HER2/ neu in gastroesophageal lesions with other factors like age, size, histological type and grading and  the incidence and distribution of gastroesophageal lesions in patients.
Emergent Midgap Excitons in Large‐Size Freestanding 2D Strongly Correlated Perovskite Oxide Films
Authors: Zhang Yuguo , Ma Haijiao Harsan , Gan Xin , Hui Yupeng , Zhang Yueying , Su Jie , Yang Ming , Hu Zhaosheng , Xiao Juanxiu , Lu Xiaoli , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue
Published: April 2021

2D materials exhibit strong excitonic effects due to low dimensionality and enhanced Coulomb interactions, resulting in fascinating many‐particle phenomena like excitons. Though perovskite is a classical type of material hosting abundant correlated electronic phases, freestanding 2D perovskite oxides are not easy to fabricate and yet to be extensively studied. Here the realization of large size (1 × 1 cm2) freestanding perovskite SrTiO3 films, which show unexpected excitonic photoluminescence (PL) spectra and carrier dynamics, is reported. Two pronounced broad PL peaks emerge in 2D freestanding SrTiO3 films at 2.34–2.4 and 1.8–1.9 eV, of which the 2.34–2.4 eV emission originates from self‐trapped excitons localized within TiO6 octahedra, and the 1.8–1.9 eV peak from Ti vacancies. The time‐resolved PL shows a remarkable enhancement of nonradiative Auger recombination through three‐particle process, in which electron–hole excitons transfer their kinetic energy to other free electrons or holes. The results demonstrate unique excitonic properties in 2D perovskite SrTiO3 films and unravel their potential for high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
Short‐term responses of soils and crops to gypsum application on organic farms
Authors: Fleuridor Louceline , Herms Catherine , Culman Steven , Dick Warren A. , Paul Pierce A. , Doohan Douglas
Published: April 2021

Gypsum is a high calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S) containing mineral used to improve soil fertility and physical characteristics in organic cropping systems. However, evidence regarding short‐term improvements in soil properties and increased crop yield is lacking. We conducted replicated experiments on 14 different organic dairy farm fields in five Ohio counties in 2017 and 2018. Our analysis evaluated short‐term effects of gypsum application on (a) nutrient concentrations in soils and crop tissues, (b) yield of corn (Zea mays L.) and forage (alfalfa [Medicago sativa L.] or alfalfa–mixed grasses], and (c) and soil health properties. There were no effects on the yield of corn and forage after one or two annual gypsum applications. Still, gypsum consistently increased S concentrations (P < .1) in soil and crop tissues as soon as 5 mo after each application. Gypsum had no measured effects on soil mineralizable carbon (C), penetrometer resistance, or unsaturated hydraulic conductivity in the short term. Soil protein, permanganate oxidizable C, and Mehlich‐3 magnesium levels were lower after the second application (P < .1). Our results indicate a short‐term effect on some soil and crop nutrients but no additional benefits to soil health or crop yield in the short term when gypsum was applied to organically managed soils.
In‐Cell Characterization of the Stable Tyrosyl Radical in E. coli Ribonucleotide Reductase Using Advanced EPR Spectroscopy
Authors: Meichsner Shari L. , Kutin Yury , Kasanmascheff Müge
Published: April 2021

The E. coli ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), a paradigm for class Ia enzymes including human RNR, catalyzes the biosynthesis of DNA building blocks and requires a di‐iron tyrosyl radical (Y122.) cofactor for activity. The knowledge on the in vitro Y122. structure and its radical distribution within the β2 subunit has accumulated over the years; yet little information exists on the in vivo Y122.. Here, we characterize this essential radical in whole cells. Multi‐frequency EPR and electron‐nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) demonstrate that the structure and electrostatic environment of Y122. are identical under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Pulsed dipolar EPR experiments shed light on a distinct in vivo Y122. per β2 distribution, supporting the key role of Y. concentrations in regulating RNR activity. Additionally, we spectroscopically verify the generation of an unnatural amino acid radical, F3Y122., in whole cells, providing a crucial step towards unique insights into the RNR catalysis under physiological conditions.
Scaling and relative size of the human, nonhuman ape, and baboon calcaneus
Authors: Harper Christine M. , Ruff Christopher B. , Sylvester Adam D.
Published: April 2021

Among human and nonhuman apes, calcaneal morphology exhibits significant variation that has been related to locomotor behavior. Due to its role in weight‐bearing, however, both body size and locomotion may impact calcaneal morphology. Determining how calcaneal morphologies vary as a function of body size is thus vital to understanding calcaneal functional adaptation. Here, we study calcaneus allometry and relative size in humans (n = 120) and nonhuman primates (n = 278), analyzing these relationships in light of known locomotor behaviors. Twelve linear measures and three articular facet surface areas were collected on calcaneus surface models. Body mass was estimated using femoral head superoinferior breadth. Relationships between calcaneal dimensions and estimated body mass were analyzed across the sample using phylogenetic least squares regression analyses (PGLS). Differences between humans and pooled nonhuman primates were tested using RMA ANCOVAs. Among (and within) genera residual differences from both PGLS regressions and isometry were analyzed using ANOVAs with post hoc multiple comparison tests. The relationships between all but two calcaneus dimensions and estimated body mass exhibit phylogenetic signal at the smallest taxonomic scale. This signal disappears when reanalyzed at the genus level. Calcaneal morphology varies relative to both body size and locomotor behavior. Humans have larger calcanei for estimated body mass relative to nonhuman primates as a potential adaptation for bipedalism. More terrestrial taxa exhibit longer calcaneal tubers for body mass, increasing the triceps surae lever arm. Among nonhuman great apes, more arboreal taxa have larger cuboid facet surface areas for body mass, increasing calcaneocuboid mobility.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a water‐in‐oil microemulsion of platycodin D
Authors: Shen Jinyang , Zhu Yuexia , Zhou Bingxue , Kong Li , Jin Ye , Zhang Di , Cao Zhiling , Ji Jing , Li Jiaojiao
Published: April 2021

Platycodin D (PD) is the active metabolite of Platycodon grandiflorum. The main purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a water‐in‐oil (W/O) microemulsion formulation of PD (PD‐ME). The PD‐ME was successfully prepared by the water titration method at K
m = 2, to draw the pseudoternary phase diagrams. Physical characterization including the particle size, pH, refractive index, average viscosity, and polydispersity index (PDI) was performed. The in vivo characteristics were evaluated by intestinal permeability and pharmacokinetic studies. The optimized microemulsion formulation consisted of 100 mg/ml PD aqueous solution, soybean phospholipids, ethanol, and oleic acid (27:39:19:15, w/w). The average viscosity, pH, droplet size, PDI, and zeta potential of the PD‐ME were 78.65 ± 0.13 cPa•s, 5.70 ± 0.05, 30.46 ± 0.20 nm, 0.33 ± 0.00, and −3.13 mV, respectively. The drug concentration of the PD‐ME was 26.3 ± 0.6 mg/ml. The PD‐ME showed significantly higher apparent permeability coefficients than PD (p < .01). The pharmacokinetic studies showed that the PD‐ME had significantly higher values of T
1/2 (2.26‐fold), AUC0–24h (area under the curve; 1.65‐fold), and MRT0–24h (1.58‐fold) than PD (p < .01). It can be seen that W/O ME presents a strategy with great promise for enhancing the intestinal permeability and better oral absorption of drugs with high polarity and poor permeability.
Sieving Effect for the Separation of C2H2/C2H4 in an Ultrastable Ultramicroporous Zinc‐Organic Framework
Authors: Chu Qianqian , Zhang Shihui , Li Xiuyuan , Guo Panyue , Fu Aiyun , Liu Bo , Wang Yao‐Yu
Published: April 2021

The separation of C2H2 from C2H4 is one of the most challenging tasks due to the similarity of their physical properties. In addition, green synthetic protocol and adsorbent's stability are also the major concerns during the separation. Herein, under hydrothermal green synthesis conditions, an ultrastable ultramicroporous Zn‐MOF was designed and synthesized with a high yield. The pore diameter of the Zn‐MOF is 3.6 Å, which lies in between the diameters of C2H2 (3.3 Å) and C2H4 (4.2 Å) molecules, leading to an efficient separation of the C2H2/C2H4 mixtures by the sieving effect. The practical separation performance of C2H2/C2H4 was confirmed by the dynamic breakthrough experiments. Moreover, the high stability enables the adsorption capacity of the Zn‐MOF to C2H2, which can be maintained under a wide range of pH (1–13). Molecular simulations were also performed to identify the different C2H2‐ and C2H4‐binding sites in Zn‐MOF.
Technical‐scale biophotovoltaics for long‐term photo‐current generation from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Lai Bin , Schneider Hans , Tschörtner Jenny , Schmid Andreas , Krömer Jens O.
Published: April 2021

A carbon‐free energy supply is essential to sustain our future. Biophotovoltaics (BPV) provides a promising solution for hydrogen supply by directly coupling light‐driven water splitting to hydrogen formation using oxygenic photoautotrophic cyanobacteria. However, BPV is currently limited by its low photon‐to‐current efficiency, and current experimental setups at a miniaturized scale hinder the rational investigation of the process and thus system optimization. In this article, we developed and optimized a new technical‐scale (~250 ml working volume) BPV platform with defined and controllable operating parameters. Factors that interfered with reproducible and stable current output signals were identified and adapted. We found that the classical BG11 medium, used for the cultivation of cyanobacteria and also in many BPV studies, caused severe interferences in the bioelectrochemical experiments. An optimized nBG11 medium guaranteed a low and stable background current in the BPV reactor, regardless of the presence of light and/or mediators. As proof‐of‐principle, a very high long‐term light‐dependent current output (peak current of over 20 µA) was demonstrated in the new set‐up over 12 days with living Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 cells and validated with appropriate controls. These results report the first reliable BPV platform generating reproducible photocurrent while still allowing quantitative investigation, rational optimization, and scale‐up of BPV processes.
Molecular dynamics simulations and analysis for bioinformatics undergraduate students
Authors: Justino Gonçalo C. , Nascimento Catarina P. , Justino Marta C.
Published: April 2021

A computational biochemistry laboratory, fitted for bioinformatics students, is presented. The molecular dynamics package GROMACS is used to prepare and simulate a solvated protein. Students analyze the trajectory with different available tools (GROMACS and VMD) to probe the structural stability of the protein during the simulation. Students are also required to make use of Python libraries and write their own code to probe non‐covalent interactions between the amino acid side chains. Based on these results, students characterize the system in a qualitatively approach but also assess the importance of each specific interaction through time. This work mobilizes biochemical concepts and programming skills, fostering critical thinking and group work and developing presenting skills.
Keep a journal for reflection and responsibility
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: April 2021

While scrolling through LinkedIn recently, I happened upon an article from Harvard Business Review titled “The More Senior Your Job Title, the More You Need to Keep a Journal.” Dan Ciampa wrote, “Journal entries should provide not only a record of what happened but how we reacted emotionally; writing it down brings a certain clarity that puts things in perspective.” He added, “A personal journal should be part of any leader's toolkit.”
Esterification of Succinic Acid Using Sulfated Zirconia Supported on SBA‐15
Authors: Aguzín Federico L. , Martínez María L. , Beltramone Andrea R. , Padró Cristina L. , Okulik Nora B.
Published: April 2021

Catalytic esterification of succinic acid with ethanol to obtain diethyl succinate (DES), a nontoxic plasticizer, is reported. Three sulfated zirconias supported on SBA‐15 [SZ‐SBA‐15(X)] with Si/Zr molar ratios (X) of 10, 20, and 30 were synthesized and characterized. N2adsorption/desorption isotherms and X‐ray diffraction patterns evidenced preservation of the ordered mesoporous structure of the catalysts after incorporation of Zr. Yields of DES greater than 85 % were obtained at the final reaction time by using SZ‐SBA‐15(10) and SZ‐SBA‐15(20) catalysts, which were higher than those achieved with Amberlyst 36. Reuse of the SZ‐SBA‐15(20) catalyst showed that, even though the structure of the support was preserved, decreases in sulfur concentration and in the DES yield occurred.