bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacto de la Inteligencia Artificial en la toma de decisiones financieras corporativas
Authors: Páez Andrade Raúl Alejandro
Published: May 2024

Este estudio analiza el impacto de la inteligencia artificial (IA) en la toma de decisiones financieras corporativas. El objetivo es comprender cómo la IA influye en este proceso. Se emplea una metodología cualitativa, basada en el análisis de documentos y literatura. Los resultados destacan que la IA está transformando significativamente la manera en que las empresas abordan y ejecutan decisiones financieras, permitiendo una mayor eficiencia, precisión y rapidez en el análisis de datos financieros, la detección de tendencias y la predicción de resultados. Asimismo, se evidencia que la IA está siendo cada vez más adoptada por las organizaciones financieras para optimizar procesos, mitigar riesgos y mejorar la competitividad en el mercado. En compendio, este estudio revela el papel fundamental de la IA en la toma de decisiones financieras corporativas y su potencial para impulsar la eficiencia y la efectividad en la gestión financiera empresarial.
Implementación de la robótica educativa en el currículo escolar: Experiencias y perspectivas
Authors: Cedeño Zambrano Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la implementación de la robótica educativa en el currículo escolar, centrándose en sus experiencias y perspectivas. Se empleó una metodología cualitativa, explorando la literatura académica y revisando estudios previos sobre el tema. Los resultados indican que la integración de la robótica en el currículo escolar promueve el desarrollo de habilidades STEM, fomenta la inclusión y diversidad en el aula, mejora la motivación y el compromiso de los estudiantes, y destaca la importancia de la formación docente en este proceso. Se evidencia que la robótica educativa se presenta como una herramienta eficaz para abordar los desafíos contemporáneos de la educación, preparando a los estudiantes para enfrentar un mundo cada vez más tecnológico y cambiante. La flexibilidad y adaptabilidad de la robótica educativa permiten su integración en diferentes etapas y contextos educativos, ofreciendo oportunidades de aprendizaje innovadoras y significativas. Sin embargo, se identifican desafíos, como la disponibilidad de recursos y la capacitación docente, que requieren atención para garantizar una implementación exitosa y sostenible.
Kanban: Una metodología ágil para la gestión eficiente del flujo de trabajo en el desarrollo de software, una revisión sistemática
Authors: Castillo Anzules Marlon , Guaña Moya Edison Javier
Published: May 2024

En la actualidad, la metodología Kanban ha cobrado relevancia en el desarrollo de software gracias a su enfoque ágil y su capacidad para optimizar la gestión del flujo de trabajo. Fundamentada en principios Lean, Kanban se materializa mediante tableros visuales que muestran el progreso del trabajo en etapas como "Backlog", "En progreso" y "Listo". Esta revisión sistemática empleó estudios de caso para analizar los beneficios, desafíos y prácticas asociados con la implementación de Kanban en el desarrollo de software ágil, extrayendo información sobre sus herramientas, beneficios y desafíos. Los  beneficios identificados incluyen una mayor eficiencia y transparencia en el flujo de trabajo, fomento del trabajo en equipo y una mejor planificación y organización, aunque se identificaron desafíos relacionados con la coordinación del equipo y posibles cuellos de botella. Los resultados de los casos de estudio evidencian una mejora significativa en la eficiencia y productividad al implementar Kanban, destacando su adaptabilidad y flexibilidad en diversos contextos de desarrollo de software.
Pogranicze mazursko - kurpiowskie w powstaniu styczniowym 1863-1864
Authors: Kudrzycki Zbigniew
Published: May 2024

Prusy Wschodnie w okresie powstania styczniowego stały się regionem przez, który zorganizowano transport broni kupowanej na zachodzie Europy do oddziałów powstańczych walczących na Północnym Mazowszu. Teren pogranicza mazursko – kurpiowskiego ze względu na lesistość i relatywnie małoliczne oddziały pruskiej i rosyjskiej straży granicznej predestynował do przerzutu broni przez granicę. W te działania zaangażowali się Mazurzy, Kurpie i Żydzi działający z pobudek patriotycznych, jak i z chęci zysku. Policja pruska prowadziła intensywne śledztwo doprowadzając do licznych aresztowań osób zajmujących się transportem broni na Kurpie. Zachowane dokumenty śledcze i sądowe pokazują osoby prowadzące tę działalność i skalę tego przedsięwzięcia.
Próba porównania działań zbrojnych na ziemi makowsko–różańskiej i Kurpiowszczyźnie w powstaniu styczniowym
Authors: Budelewski Dariusz
Published: May 2024

Podczas powstania styczniowego zarówno ziemia makowsko–różańska jak i Kurpiowszczyzna były ważnymi obszarami strategicznymi. Warunki naturalne tych terenów sprzyjały prowadzeniu działań partyzanckich. Na Kurpach walczyła zdecydowanie większa liczba oddziałów powstańczych i stoczono tu prawie cztery razy więcej bitew i potyczek. Uzbrojenie partyzantów było podobne. W oddziałach walczących na Kurpiowszczyźnie było więcej kosynierów i chłopów. Mieszkańcy Puszczy Zielonej byli bardziej zaangażowani w walkę powstańczą i pomoc partyzantom. Walki powstańcze na Kurpiowszczyźnie trwały ponad pół roku dłużej niż na ziemi makowsko–różańskiej.
Prezydenci Ostrołęki grodzkiej
Authors: Mironczuk Jan
Published: May 2024

Praca odnosi się do charakterystyki prezydentów Ostrołęki, miasta na prawach powiatu. Przybliża okoliczności wyborów oraz ukazuje ich sylwetki poprzez zastosowanie metody ankiety oraz wywiadu. Prezydenci, okazało się, mają wiele wspólnych cech, sporo jednak ich różni, co wynika w dużej mierze z „pochodzenia” politycznego.
Impacto de la Automatización Contable en la Eficiencia Operativa de las PYMEs
Authors: Hurtado-Guevara Richard Fernando
Published: May 2024

Accounting automation has emerged as an essential tool in the business environment, offering significant advantages for both SMEs and large corporations. SMEs, with more agile structures, can adapt quickly to technological innovations, although they face challenges related to limited resources. On the other hand, large companies, despite their vast resources, face challenges in integrating new technologies due to complex organizational structures. Ongoing staff training and education is crucial for both, ensuring that the benefits of automation are maximized. Data security has become a priority, with the need to ensure the integrity and protection of accounting information. In conclusion, accounting automation is not just a trend, but a necessary evolution. Companies that adopt and adapt to it will be better positioned to thrive in a competitive and digitized future. It is imperative that organizations, regardless of size, recognize the potential of accounting automation and take proactive steps to implement it in their operations.
Factores determinantes en la toma de decisiones estratégicas en el sector retail
Authors: Puyol-Cortez Jorge Luis
Published: May 2024

The retail sector is undergoing an unprecedented digital transformation, characterized by a number of emerging opportunities and challenges. This evolution, strongly driven by technological advances, has given companies the ability to enrich the customer experience, optimize their operations and expand into previously inaccessible markets. However, this transition is not without its hurdles. Companies face challenges such as the need to ensure robust cybersecurity, effectively integrate new technology tools, and adapt to changing and increasingly demanding consumer expectations. As the industry dives deeper into this digital age, the ability to innovate, adapt and remain agile becomes essential. Organizations that succeed in putting the customer at the center of their digital strategies, understanding and proactively responding to their needs, will position themselves at the forefront of the market. This article provides a detailed perspective on the benefits, challenges and key strategies of digital transformation in retail, serving as an essential resource for companies looking to navigate and thrive in this dynamic environment.
Assessing Teachers’ Readiness for Mathematics Instruction: Insights from Student Perspectives
Authors: Tahamid Nashiera
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated the perceived readiness of Mathematics teachers at Luuk National High School from the perspective of their students. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design, the study included 100 student respondents selected through purposive sampling. Key findings are as follows: The majority of the 100 student respondents are female, within the typical age range for junior high school, and evenly distributed across the four grade levels. Their parents generally have average educational attainment and low-income levels. Students perceive their teachers as frequently prepared to teach Mathematics across three main areas: understanding of student needs in Mathematics, strategies for engaging students, and the implementation of instructional practices. No significant differences were observed in perceived teacher readiness based on students' age, gender, parental education, or family income, except grade level. There is a significant positive correlation among the subcategories of teacher readiness, except between understanding student needs in Mathematics and engagement strategies. The study offers several recommendations: School administrators should enhance support and resources for Mathematics teachers through professional development, mentoring, feedback, and recognition. Mathematics teachers are encouraged to deepen their understanding of student needs, refine their instructional strategies, and collaborate with colleagues to share best practices. Parents should actively support their children's Mathematics education, especially given the low income and educational levels within the community. Students should value and leverage the readiness and resources provided by their teachers. Future research should investigate additional factors influencing teacher readiness, such as school culture, curriculum, assessment methods, and technological integration.
Contribution of Mining Sector and Challenges of Transfer Pricing in Tanzania
Authors:   INSTITUTE OF TAX ADMINISTRATION, Ishemoi Lewis
Published: May 2024

In Tanzania, mining is one of the prominent sectors attracting valuable Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) while employing a good number of people. Despite its contribution to the economy, transfer pricing practices have been common resulting in revenue losses. This paper uses secondary data to discuss and show the extent to which this sector contributes to the economy and challenges associated with transfer pricing. The results reveal that major reforms made to the sector since the year 2015, especially in 2017, resulted in a significant contribution of the sector to the economy. There is also a strong correlation between the contributions of the mining sector to GDP.
Time to Eat - A Personalized Circadian Eating Schedule Leads to Weight Loss Without Calorie Restriction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wilming Isabell , Tuschewski Jana , Osterhaus Jessie M , Bringmann Theresa JG , Hühne-Landgraf Anisja , Landgraf Dominic
Published: May 2024

Many weight loss strategies are based on the restriction of calories or certain foods. Here, we tested a weight loss intervention based solely on increasing the regularity of meals to allow the circadian system to optimally prepare food metabolism for these times.In a two-group, single center randomized-controlled single-blind study (pre-registration DRKS00021419) with participants aged 18-65 years and BMI ≥ 22 kg/m², we used a smartphone application to identify the times at which each participant eats particularly frequently and asked participants of the experimental group to restrict their meals to only these times for six weeks. Control participants received sham treatment. Primary outcome was self-reported body weight/BMI and secondary outcome the well-being of participants.Of 148 participants entering the study, 121 were randomized and of these 100 (control: 33, experimental: 67) finished the study. Our results show that the more regular the meals of participants of the experimental group became, the more weight/BMI they lost, averaging 2.62 kg (0.87 kg/m²); p < 0.0001 (BMI: p < 0.0001) compared to an insignificant weight loss of 0.56 kg (0.20 kg/m²) in the control group; p = 0.0918 (BMI: p = 0.0658). Strikingly, weight loss was not related to changes in self-reported calories, food composition, and other food-related factors. Additionally, physical and mental well-being improved significantly.In summary, increasing the regularity of meals causes participants to lose excess body weight and improves overall well-being.Individual optimal times for meals are determined via an app-based meal diary.Generation of a structure plan for mealtimes are adjusted to individual circadian clocks.Following this plan, participants lost an average body weight of 2.6 kg over six weeks.Weight loss is achieved without changes in self-reported food quantity or composition.Regular mealtimes contribute to the improvement of the general well-being.
Innovative road distress detection (IR-DD): an efficient and scalable deep learning approach
Authors: Awan Ahsan Zaman , Ji Jiancheng (Charles) , Uzair Muhammad , Ullah Irshad , Riaz Waqar , Gong Tao
Published: May 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of transportation infrastructure, the quality and condition of road networks play a pivotal role in societal progress and economic growth. In the realm of road distress detection, traditional methods have long grappled with manual intervention and high costs, requiring trained observers for time-consuming and expensive data collection processes. The limitations of these approaches are compounded by challenges in adapting to diverse road surfaces and handling low-resolution data, particularly in early automated distress survey technologies. This article addresses the critical need for efficient road distress detection, a key component of ensuring safe and reliable transportation systems. Effectively addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of road distress detection systems. Leveraging advancements in object detection, we introduce the Innovative Road Distress Detection (IR-DD), a novel framework that integrates the YOLOv8 algorithm to enhance the accuracy and real-time capabilities of road distress detection, catering to applications such as smart cities and autonomous vehicles. Our approach incorporates bidirectional feature pyramid network (BiFPN) recursive feature fusion and bidirectional connections to optimize the utilization of multi-scale features, addressing challenges related to information loss and gradients encountered in traditional methods. Comprehensive experimental analysis demonstrates the superior performance, efficiency, and robustness of our integrated approach, positioning it as a cost-effective and compelling alternative to conventional road distress detection methods. Our findings demonstrate the superior performance of our approach compared to other state-of-the-art methods across various evaluation metrics, including precision, recall, F1 score, and mean average precision (mAP) at different intersection over union (IoU) thresholds. Specifically, our method achieves notable results with a precision of 0.666, F1 score of 0.630, mAP@0.5 of 0.650, all while operating at a speed of 86 frames per second (FPS). These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of our approach in real-time road distress detection. This article contributes to the ongoing innovation in object detection techniques, emphasizing the practicality and effectiveness of our proposed solution in advancing the field of road distress detection.
Production of Biscuits from Wheat, Almond and Pawpaw Flour Blends and Investigating It’s Physicochemical and Texture Characteristics
Authors: J. Maboh, , M. I. Yusufu, , S. M. Awambeng, , E. A. Agbor, , L. K. Konsum, , M.N. Ezindu-Odoemelam, , N. K. Yakum,
Published: May 2024

Biscuit, also known as a cookie is a nutritive snack produced from dough that is transformed into an appetizing product through the application of heat in an oven. This study was aimed at evaluating the quality of biscuit produced from wheat, African almond and pawpaw flour blends. From the flours, blends were made and six (6) samples, A to F formulated. Sample A (100 % wheat flour) was used as the control, B (60 % Wheat flour: 0 % Almond Flour: 40 % Pawpaw Flour), C (60 % Wheat flour: 10 % Almond Flour: 30 % Pawpaw Flour), D (60 % Wheat flour: 20 % Almond Flour: 20 % Pawpaw Flour), E (60 % Wheat flour: 30 % Almond Flour: 10 % Pawpaw Flour), F (60 % Wheat flour: 40 % Almond Flour: 0 % Pawpaw Flour). The physical, proximate, anti-nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and sensory properties of the biscuits were evaluated using standard methods. For physical parameters of the biscuit, the weight ranged from 8.86 g-10.60 g, diameter from 6.60 mm- 6.80 mm, the spread ratio from 0.58-0.61, breaking strength from 0.25 kg- 0.29 kg and thickness ranged from 11.08 mm- 11.43 mm. The anti-nutrients content of the biscuits were considerably low and within safe limits. The results showed an increase in ash, fibre, fats and protein content while the carbohydrate content of the biscuit reduced upon substitution of wheat flour with almond and pawpaw flours. The vitamin content of the biscuit was also improved especially the vitamin A content upon addition of pawpaw flour. The result for mineral composition showed a significant increase from 46.00-89.35mg/100g for sodium, potassium from 323.44-486.95 mg/100g, calcium from 189.46-356.88mg/100g, magnesium from 44.34-132.88 mg/100g and phosphorus from 155.33-428.45mg/100g.6. Antioxidant activity also increased from 2.12-3.69mgAAE/g. The biscuit samples were all rated high in terms of their sensory attributes especially samples with high proportion of almond flour. This research indicates that almond and pawpaw flours are suitable for biscuit production especially at 40% and 10% substitution for almond and pawpaw flours respectively.
Addressing Challenges and Promoting Development: Strategies for Health and Wellness Industry in Ethnic Regions
Authors: Yen Tsaifa TF
Published: May 2024

China has entered an aging society. In order to respond to the aging society, government departments have successively introduced various pension policies since 2013 with an attempt to mitigate the impact of the aging society. Under this context, the health and wellness industry came into being. However, the documents of the central department for the health and wellness industry are still lacking, the health care issues in ethnic region have received less attention, and there is no specific legal source for local governments and enterprises to follow. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the development of the health and wellness industry in ethnic region through literature analysis, to study the feasible path of the development of the health and wellness industry in ethnic region, and to provide suggestions. This study finds 40 representative papers on rural revitalization and health and wellness industry in the past three years through literature retrieval. We summarize the questions raised in the papers, analyzes and evaluates them, and finally proposes a conclusion. Findings show that the development of health and wellness industry in ethnic region lacks national level policies, and the details of local implementation are relatively weak. Moreover, in terms of the development path of the health and wellness industry in ethnic region, the integration model of health care, sports, culture and tourism seems to be a feasible direction. In addition, the development of health and wellness industry in ethnic region has a positive impact on rural revitalization. In other words, the development of health and wellness industry in ethnic region may have a high coupling effect with regional economy. Finally, this study provides some useful suggestions for government departments and subsequent research.
Anti-Urolithiasis Activity of Selected Plant Extracts by Titrimetry Method and Aggregation Assay
Authors: Lolla Siddhartha , Peddinti Harika , Gojuvaka Sravanthi , Saba Samrin , Dasari Uma Devi , Pillalamarri Madhavi
Published: May 2024

A major global health concern with a high recurrence rate is urolithiasis. Various in vivo and in vitro techniques have been effective in assessing the anti urolithiatic capacity of therapeutic plants. Renal stone production can be studied using in vitro models, whereas the pathological implications of urolithiasis are declared using in vivo models. Therefore, preventative management can be considerably and successfully evaluated using in vitro models, whereas urolithiasis treatment can be directed by using in vivo models. This study explains the benefits, drawbacks, and uses of both models, with a focus on the contribution of in vitro research to the assessment of preventive care. We done Physicochemical Tests for Phyllanthus acidus (fruits) Tinospora cordifolia (leaves) and Psidium gujava (fruits and leaves ) and also Preliminary Phytochemical Investigation of Phyllanthus acidus (fruits), Tinospora cordifolia (leaves) and Psidium gujava (fruits and leaves).
Assessing Genetic Variability in Cowpea Yield Components and Seed Quality Parameters; A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Doggalli Gangadhara , Deshpande S K , Patil B R , Manu B . , Kundu Ritama , Hospete Ravichandra , Bhavani . , Gireesha D .
Published: May 2024

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important leguminous crop with significant economic and nutritional value. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the genetic diversity observed in cowpea populations with a focus on yield components and seed quality parameters. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a crucial legume crop known for its nutritional value and adaptability to various agroecological conditions. Understanding the genetic variability within cowpea populations is essential for crop improvement programs aimed at enhancing yield components and seed quality parameters. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the methods used to assess genetic variability in cowpea, focusing specifically on yield components such as plant height, pod length, and seed weight, as well as seed quality parameters including protein content, amino acid composition, and mineral nutrient levels. Various factors influencing genetic variability in cowpea, such as domestication history, breeding systems, and environmental factors, are discussed. The implications of genetic variability for cowpea breeding and the development of improved varieties with enhanced yield and nutritional quality are also examined. Overall, this review highlights the importance of genetic variability assessment in cowpea for sustainable agriculture and food security.
Impingement of NPK and Rhizobium on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil under Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)
Authors: Yadav Yashveer , Thomas Tarence , Swaroop Narendra , Mohanta Satya Ranjan , Thomas Ashima
Published: May 2024

The study pertaining to the present topic under field investigation entitled “effect of different levels of NPK and Rhizobium on Physico-chemical properties of soil, growth and yield attributes of cluster bean” beginning from kharif seasons of the years 2023 at Research Farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. The excavated soil sample from experimental site before conducting research operation, mentioned that, the land topography range was nearly levelled with 1-3% slope, soil is of sandy loam texture with neutral to alkaline in reaction (7.140), electrical conductivity was non-saline (0.346 dS m-1) in nature, low organic carbon content (0.38%), low to medium available N (261.39 kg ha-1), available P (14.60 kg ha- 1) and available K (193.99 kg ha-1). Among nine treatments, during field experimentation, the conjunctive use of NPK and different Rhizobium levels, together come with best results significantly. However, the physical and chemical soil parameters, cumulative mean value for Bulk density (1.42 Mg m-3 and 1.45 Mg m-3),Particle density (2.64 Mg m-3 and 2.66 Mg m-3) and Soil pH (7.140 and 7.370) was found optimum in T1 (Absolute control) at 0-15 cm depth and 15-30 cm depth, respectively. Percentage porespace (45.17% and 43.17%), Water holding capacity (42.32% and 39.70%), Electrical conductivity (0.323 dS m-1 and 0.300 dS m-1), Percentage organic carbon (0.49% and 0.46%), Available N (284.41 kg ha-1 and 281.48 kg ha- 1 ), Available P (22.54 kg ha-1 and 21.29 kg ha-1 ), Available K (210.52 kg ha-1 and 203.98 kg ha-1 ) were found optimum in T9 consisting of (@ 100% NPK + @ 100% Rhizobium) in comparison to other NPK and Rhizobium levels application.
Innovative Reproductive Technology in Animal Breeding: A Review
Authors: Dhangada V. R. , Gaikwad U. S. , Dhage S. A. , Deokar D. K. , Lokhande A. T. , Kamble D. K.
Published: May 2024

The profitability and the intensity achieved by the genetic improvement is determined by the reproductive performance of the farm animals. The major cause of economic loss is reproductive inefficiency in the livestock sector. In the past few years, several advances have been made in reproductive technologies (RTs) to increase the efficiency of genetic improvement. These technologies include Artificial Insemination, Sexed semen Technology, Cryopreservation, Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer, In-vitro Embryo Production (IVEP), Transgenesis etc. The problems of infertility of male or female, postpartum infertility in high-yielding animals of high genetic merit individuals and breeding of distant species has been overcome through these technologies. The inclusion of these techniques in animal breeding had made possible to obtain large number of progenies from genetically superior animals. This review, discuss the various innovative reproductive technologies implemented in livestock sector.
Expert Opinion on the Prescription Practice of Cefpodoxime in the Management of Respiratory Tract Infections in Indian Settings
Authors: S Manjula , M Krishna Kumar
Published: May 2024

Background: Cefpodoxime's prodrug form was absorbed and de-esterified by enterocytes to release the active metabolite, and it shows good In vitro activity against bacterial pathogens causing common RTIs. It was unknown, nevertheless, how clinicians considered about cefpodoxime.
Objective: To gather expert opinion on the use of cefpodoxime in the management of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in Indian settings.
Methodology: The cross-sectional survey utilized a 19-item, multiple-response questionnaire to gather expert opinions from specialists with expertise in managing RTIs. The survey encompassed questions about current prescription practices, clinical observations, preferences, and experiences related to the use of cefpodoxime in routine settings for RTI management. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Approximately 53% of the clinicians reported prescribing cefpodoxime in cases of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), while 44% of them indicated using it for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). Cefpodoxime emerged as the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial agent for treating URTIs, as reported by 86% of the clinicians. Majority (86.02%) of the clinicians favored cefpodoxime as the oral drug of choice for treating acute otitis media. More than half (68.34%) of the clinicians indicated prescribing cefpodoxime for approximately 5 to 7 days in cases of URTIs. The advantages of cefpodoxime, including its broad spectrum, favorable pharmacokinetic profile, and good bacteriological and clinical efficacy, were acknowledged by 65% of clinicians.
Conclusion: The survey findings corroborated cefpodoxime as a widely used antibiotic in Indian settings for managing URTIs and acute otitis media. Clinicians reported that its broad-spectrum coverage, favorable pharmacokinetic profile, and clinical efficacy contribute to its popularity in the management of RTIs.
Study of DNA Methylation in Offsprings of Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kaur Sukhraj , Kapahi Ruhi , Grover Inderpal Singh , Sharma Ritu , Sandhu Pashaura Singh
Published: May 2024

Introduction:  Epigenetic is study of changes in gene expression that occur by changing the DNA methylation and remodeling chromatin. It may also be affected by the environment. It is an important pathogenic mechanisms in complex multifactorial diseases such as type two diabetes. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified a number of genetic variants that explain some of the inter individual variation in diabetes susceptibility. Thus keeping in view, the role of epigenetic mechanisms particularly DNA methylation, the present study was conducted to find out DNA methylation (Whole DNA) in offsprings of individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Methods: For the present study, the families of one hundred Diabetic individuals were enrolled. All the off springs of diabetics above the age of 18 years were recruited for the present study. All the samples collected were analyzed for Fasting plasma glucose, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Lipid profile complete and DNA methylation (5mcytosine).
Results: The study included 100 diabetic individuals and their off springs in the age range of 18-35 years. DNA methylation measured as 5mc% was significantly (p<0.001) more in IFG and Diabetic offsprings as compared to normal individuals both males and females.
Conclusions: Altered DNA Methylation in individuals of the age group 18-24 years indicates towards deranged metabolism in these individuals, leading to impaired fasting glucose and making them more prone to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its complications at a later age.
Investigation on Hansen Solubility Parameter of Caffeine Dissolved in Different Pure Solvents
Authors: Peña María Ángeles , Kaproulia Angeliki. , Delgado Daniel Ricardo , Jouyban Abolghasem , Machuca José María , Martínez Fleming
Published: May 2024

Aims: Solubility is a molecular property decisive in the entire process from drug development and design to the final drug formulation and production, the main objective of this paper is to explain the effect of the variance in molecular properties and intermolecular interaction on dissolution by Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) and KAT-LSER model.
Study Design: Solubility is a molecular property decisive in the entire process from the drug development and design to the final drug formulation and production, the main objective of this paper is to explain the effect of the variance in molecular properties and intermolecular interaction on dissolution by Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) and KAT-LSER model.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy. Between April 2023-April 2024.
Methodology: The solubility of the drug was measured in pure mono solvents of several chemical classes keys in formulation, purification, and crystal formation of drugs. HSP was tested to determine the partial solubility parameters of caffeine. The logarithm of the mole fraction experimental solubility ln X2 as the dependent variable was used. KAT-LSER model was used to show that solute-solvent interactions are principally attributed to the dipolarity/polarizability interaction and the hydrogen bonding basicity. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) were performed for the original powder and the solid phase after equilibration with the pure solvents.
Results: Good results were obtained with the model of three- and four-partial parameters of solubility. Since the dispersion parameter does not greatly vary from one drug to another, the variation of solubility among solvents is largely due to the dipolar and hydrogen bonding parameters, a fact that is consistently found for other drugs of small molecular weight. DSC and FT-IR allow the detection of possible changes in the thermal properties of the solid phase and verify the anhydrous nature of the starting material.
Conclusion: The results showed that the solubility of caffeine is mostly affected by polarity and/or hydrogen bonding.
Drug Utilization Evaluation of Antidepressant Prescribing Practice in a Psychiatric Outpatient Hospital: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Uppula Vaishnavi , Nitturi Tejasri , Padi Satyanarayana SV , Bandari Jagadeesh Babu , Puluru Manjula
Published: May 2024

Background: One of the main causes of morbidity is psychiatric disorders, which are becoming a burden to public health. The therapeutic choices are influenced by several factors, including treatment paradigms, safety, and costs that determine outcomes.
Aim: We carried out the drug utilization evaluation (DUE) of antidepressants in patients visiting the psychiatry outpatient department. 
Study Design: An observational, prospective, and cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Psychiatry, Jaya Krishna Hospital, Hanamkonda, TS, between September 2021 to April 2022.
Methodology: We included patients who visited the psychiatric outpatient hospital, were clinically diagnosed, and received any antidepressants for the long term. The relevant data collected from the information resources was systematically analyzed for DUE.
Results: Among 417 patients, the majority were in the age group of 31-40 (33.3%) years, and the most affected were female (57.3%), married (73.4%), and housewives (29.5%). Depression (37.6%) was the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder. Of these prescriptions, 5.3% were monotherapy, the remaining was polytherapy (94.7%), and the majority of them had three drugs (36.2%). The average number of drugs per encounter was 3.4, drugs prescribed by generic names were 41.4%, injectable drugs prescribed were 2.6%, and drugs listed in the National List of Essential Medicines were 61.3%. Of all, 88.7% of prescriptions had at least one antidepressant, predominantly SSRIs, and fluoxetine (23.0%) was the most commonly prescribed. Benzodiazepines (59.7%) were the most frequently prescribed concomitant drug class and clonazepam (50.6%) was the most widely prescribed. Suicidal thoughts (5.8%) were the most commonly observed ADR.
Conclusion: The study observed a pattern of polytherapy, mainly antidepressants from the SSRIs, notably fluoxetine mostly prescribed, and suicidal thoughts were the frequent ADR. Drug use surveillance studies, rationalizing therapeutic choices, and proper patient counseling would improve therapeutic outcomes by minimizing side effects and ADRs.
Genome‐Wide Fitness and Genetic Interactions Determined by Tn‐seq, a High‐Throughput Massively Parallel Sequencing Method for Microorganisms
Authors: van Opijnen Tim , Camilli Andrew
Published: November 2010

The lagging annotation of bacterial genomes and the inherent genetic complexity of many phenotypes is hindering the discovery of new drug targets and the development of new antimicrobials and vaccines. Here we present the method Tn‐seq, with which it has become possible to quantitatively determine fitness for most genes in a microorganism and to screen for quantitative genetic interactions on a genome‐wide scale and in a high‐throughput fashion. Tn‐seq can thus direct studies in the annotation of genes and untangle complex phenotypes. The method is based on the construction of a saturated Mariner transposon insertion library. After library selection, changes in frequency of each insertion mutant are determined by sequencing of the flanking regions en masse. These changes are used to calculate each mutant's fitness. The method has been developed for the Gram‐positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, a causative agent of pneumonia and meningitis; however, due to the wide activity of the Mariner transposon, Tn‐seq can be applied to many different microbial species. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 19:1E.3.1‐1E.3.16. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Isolation of Streptomyces Species from Soil
Authors: Kharel Madan K. , Shepherd Micah D. , Nybo Stephen E. , Smith Michael L. , Bosserman Mary A. , Rohr Jürgen
Published: November 2010

This unit describes a general protocol for the isolation of Streptomyces species from soil and fresh water, using a procedure for the selective growth of Streptomyces species. Preparation of the necessary growth medium, recognition of the morphology of the bacteria, and safety considerations are also covered. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 19:10E.4.1‐10E.4.5. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Photodegradation of thermodegraded polypropylene/high‐impact polystyrene blends: Mechanical properties
Authors: Fernandes L. L. , Freitas C. A. , Demarquette N. R. , Fechine G.J. M.
Published: November 2010

The influence of the addition of high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS) on polypropylene (PP) photodegradation was studied with blends obtained by extrusion with and without styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) copolymer (10 wt % with respect to the dispersed phase). The concentrations of HIPS ranged from 10 to 30 wt %. The blends and pure materials were exposed for periods of up to 15 weeks of UV irradiation; their mechanical properties (tensile and impact), fracture surface, and melt flow indices were monitored. After 3 weeks of UV exposure, all of the materials presented mechanical properties of the same order of magnitude. However, for times of exposure greater than 3 weeks, an increasing concentration of HIPS resulted in a better photostability of PP. These results were explained in light of morphological observations. This increase of photostability was even greater when SBS was added to the blends. It was more difficult to measure the melt flow index of the binary PP/HIPS blends than that of PP for low concentrations of HIPS; this was most likely due to energy transfer between the blend domains during photodegradation. This phenomenon was not observed for the ternary blends. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Binding His‐tagged Proteins to NTA Stripes Assembled in 2D DNA Scaffold
Authors: Huang Wenyi , Chao Jie , Yan Qin , Xiao Shoujun
Published: November 2010

Histidine‐tagged proteins were bound onto nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) stripes on a 2‐D DNA scaffold which involved a ssDNA‐NTA conjugate prepared by click chemistry.
Influence of Montmorillonite's Concentration on the Thixotropy of Hydrotalcite‐like Compounds/Montmorillonite Suspensions
Authors: Jia Chunxiao , Li Shuping , Zong Hui
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we found that the change of sodium montmorillonite's (MT) concentration in the magnesium‐aluminum‐ferrum hydrotalcite‐like compounds (Mg‐Al‐Fe‐HTlc)/MT suspensions would greatly influence the thixotropic type of the suspensions. Specifically, the increase in the MT's concentration increases the viscosities (η) of the HTlc/MT suspensions with the same R value (the mass ratio of HTlc to MT was signed as R, e.g., R=mHTlc/mMT), meaning that the structure strength of the HTlc/MT suspensions increases. With the variation of MT's concentration, the thixotropic type of the HTlc/MT suspensions changed accordingly, and the mechanism has been discussed in this paper.
An Effective Method for Bulk Obtaining Graphene Oxide Solids
Authors: Wang Jingchao , Wang Xianbao , Wan Li , Yang Yingkui , Wang Shimin
Published: November 2010

We report an effective method for bulk obtaining exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) solids from their aqueous solutions, which were prepared from nature graphite by an oxidation method. Tyndall effect proved that GO solution has a colloidal nature. Different flocculants were used to coagulate GO colloidal, and it was found that NaOH had the most obvious coagulation effect to GO. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy analysis demonstrated that there were a large number of complete few‐layer GO sheets with thickness of about 0.8 nm, and the surfaces were very smooth, almost free of impurities. Liquid state 13C NMR and Fourier transformation infrared spectra showed the presence of abundant benzene carboxylic, hydroxyl and epoxide groups in the basal planes of GO. The graphene materials reduced from GO solids had good electrical conductivity. Our work explored a simple and effective route to extract GO from their solution, which is the most important to GO and graphene researches and applications.
Experimental study of the retention properties of a cyclo olefin polymer pillar array column in reversed‐phase mode
Authors: Illa Xavi , De Malsche Wim , Gardeniers Han , Desmet Gert , Romano‐Rodríguez Albert
Published: November 2010

Experimental measurements to study the retention capacity and band broadening under retentive conditions using micromachined non‐porous pillar array columns fabricated in cyclo olefin polymer are presented. In particular, three columns with different depths but with the same pillar structure have been fabricated via hot embossing and pressure‐assisted thermal bonding. Separations of a mixture of four coumarins using varying mobile phase compositions have been monitored to study the relation between the retention factor and the ratio of organic solvent in the aqueous mobile phase. Moreover, the linear relation between the retention and the surface/volume ratio predicted in theory has been observed, achieving retention factors up to k=2.5. Under the same retentive conditions, minimal reduced plate height values of hmin=0.4 have been obtained at retention factors of k=1.2. These experimental results are compared with the case of non‐porous and porous silicon pillars. Similar results for the plate heights are achieved while retention factors are higher than the non‐porous silicon column and considerably smaller than the porous pillar column, given the non‐porous nature of the used cyclo olefin polymer. The feasibility of using this polymer column as an alternative to the pillar array silicon columns is corroborated.
Separation and detection of polar cuticular components from Oriental tobacco leaf by integration of normal‐phase liquid chromatography fractionation with reversed‐phase liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Ding Li , Xie Fuwei , Xu Guowang , Liu Kejian , Wang Sheng , Xie Jianping
Published: November 2010

Integration of normal‐phase LC (NPLC) fractionation with RPLC‐ESI/MS was established to detect the polar fractions of cuticular components from Oriental tobacco leaf. NPLC was selected for the fractionation of polar components of cuticular leaf extract, after being concentrated with rotary evaporator, each of the enriched fractions was further analyzed by RPLC‐ESI/MS. In total, 83 compounds were finally detected including 45 cembranoids, 15 labdanoids, 20 sucrose esters, and 3 glucose esters (or fructose esters). Three cembranoids and seven labdanoids possibly are new diterpenoids. Glucose esters (or fructose esters) are also reported in Nicotiana tobacco for the first time.
Acute motor axonal neuropathy in association with Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Awad Amer , Mathew Sani , Katirji Bashar
Published: November 2010

Sjögren syndrome (SS) has been known to manifest with neurological complications, most frequently of the peripheral nervous system, and often in advance of xerostomia and xerophthalmia. There has been one case report of a patient with SS presenting with acute motor neuropathy similar to Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). We report the case of a patient who developed rapidly fulminant acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) with positive anti‐GM1 antibody at high titers in association with serological and pathological evidence of SS without xerostomia or xerophthalmia. Muscle Nerve 42: 828–832, 2010
Kinetic analysis of surface‐initiated SET‐LRP of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)
Authors: Turan Eylem , Caykara Tuncer
Published: November 2010

The single‐electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) from silicon wafer modified with an initiator layer composed of 2‐bromopropionyl bromide (2‐BPB) fragments is described. The amount of Cu(0) generated in situ by the disproportination of Cu(I) to Cu(0) and Cu(II) in the presence of 2,2′‐bipyridine (2,2′‐bpy) ligand and N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent at 90 °C is dependent on the ratio of [CuBr]/[CuBr2]. By proper selection of the [CuBr]/[CuBr2] ratio, well‐controlled SET‐LRP polymerization of NIPAM was observed such that the thickness of the layer consisting of chains grown from the surface increased linearly with the molecular weight of chains polymerized in solution in identical. In addition, the calculation of grafting parameters, including surface coverage, σ (mg/m2); grafting density, Σ (chain/nm2); and average distance between grafting sites, D (nm), from the number‐average molecular weight, Mn (g/mol), and ellipsometric thickness, h (nm), values indicated the synthesis of densely grafted poly(NIPAM) films and allowed us to predict a “brush‐like” conformation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Blue‐light‐emitting polyfluorene functionalized with triphenylamine and cyanophenylfluorene bipolar side chains
Authors: Lin Ying , Ye Teng‐Ling , Chen Yu , Ma Dong‐Ge , Chen Zhi‐Kuan , Dai Yan‐Feng , Li Yong‐Xi
Published: November 2010

A new bipolar conjugated polyfluorene copolymer with triphenylamine and cyanophenylfluorene as side chains, poly{[9,9‐di(triphenylamine)fluorene]‐[9,9‐dihexyl‐fluorene]‐[2,7‐bis(4′‐cyanophenyl)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene]} (PTHCF), was synthesized for studying the polymer backbone emission. Its absolute weight‐average molecular weight was determined as 4.85 × 104 by using gel permeation chromatography with a multiangle light scattering detector. In contrast to the electronic absorption spectrum in dilute solution, the absorbance of PTHCF in thin film was slightly blue shifted. By comparison of the solution and thin‐film photoluminescence (PL) spectra, a red shift of Δλ = 8–9 nm was observed in the thin‐film PL spectrum. The HOMO and LUMO energy levels of the resulting polymer were electrochemically estimated as −5.68 and −2.80 eV, respectively. Under the electric‐field intensity of 4.8 × 105 V cm−1, the obtained hole and electron mobilities were 2.41 × 10−4 and 1.40 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. An electroluminescence device with configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PTHCF70%+PBD30%/CsF/Ca/Al exhibited a deep‐blue emission as a result of excitons formed by the charges migrating along the full‐fluorene main chain. The incorporation of the bipolar side chains into the polymer structure prevented the intermolecular interaction of the fluorene moieties, balance charge injection/transport, and thereby improve the polymer backbone emission. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Biomarkers as disease definition: Mantle cell lymphoma as an example
Authors: van Krieken Johan H. J. M. , Jansen Corine , Hebeda Konnie M. , Groenen Patricia J. T. A.
Published: November 2010

The introduction in pathology practice of a new biomarker that is contributing to define a disease requires a series of investigations. Now that new biomarkers are being discovered continuously it is important to learn from successful examples of markers that are presently widely used. In this historical account the steps are described that have led to the use of immunohistochemical staining of tissue samples with an antibody against cyclinD1 to diagnose mantle cell lymphoma. Furthermore, a short outlook is given on the introduction of proteomics as a tool in the diagnosis of lymphoma and the potential route to be taken for introducing this technology into clinical practice.