bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraovarian platelet-rich plasma administration could improve blastocyst euploidy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Merhi Zaher , Seckin Serin , Mouanness Marco
Published: August 2022

Objective: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has received a considerable attention as an adjunct to fertility treatments, especially in women with very low ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency. Although recent studies have demonstrated that PRP led to improvements in folliculogenesis and biomarkers of ovarian reserve, the effect of intraovarian PRP administration on embryo genetics has not been studied.Methods: We report a pilot study of patients who had preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) before and then within 3 months following PRP administration. Twelve infertile women with at least one prior failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle underwent ovarian stimulation (cycle 1) with a gentle stimulation protocol and PGT-A performed at the blastocyst stage. Following cycle 1, autologous intraovarian PRP administration was performed. Within 3 months following PRP administration, the patients underwent cycle 2 and produced blastocysts for PGT-A. The percentage of euploid embryos between both cycles was compared.Results: The mean age of all participants was 40.08±1.46 years, and their mean body mass index was 26.18±1.18 kg/m2. The number of good-quality embryos formed at the blastocyst stage was similar between cycle 1 and cycle 2 (3.08±0.88 vs. 2.17±0.49, respectively; p=0.11). Among all patients in cycle 1, 3 of 37 embryos were euploid (8.11%) while in cycle 2, 11 out of 28 embryos were euploid (39.28%, p=0.002). Three clinical pregnancies were noted among this patient group.Conclusion: This novel study is the first to present an improvement in the embryo euploidy rate following intraovarian PRP application in infertile women with prior failed IVF cycles. The growth factors present in PRP may exhibit a local paracrine effect that could improve meiotic aberrations in human oocytes and thus improve euploidy rates. Whether PRP improves live birth rates and lowers miscarriage rates remains to be determined in large trials.
Correlation of oocyte number with serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels measured by either Access or Elecsys in fresh in vitro fertilization cycles
Authors: Jeong Hye Gyeong , Kim Seul Ki , Lee Jung Ryeol , Jee Byung Chul
Published: August 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of oocyte number with serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels measured by two automated methods (Access or Elecsys) in fresh stimulated in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.Methods: In this retrospective study at a university hospital, data were collected from 243 fresh stimulated IVF cycles performed from August 2016 to December 2020. The serum AMH level was measured by Access in 120 cycles and by Elecsys in 123 cycles. The cut-off of serum AMH for prediction of poor responders (three or fewer oocytes) or high responders (15 or more oocytes) was calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Results: For the two automated methods, the following equations were derived: total oocyte number=2.378+1.418×(Access-AMH) (r=0.645, p<0.001) and total oocyte number=2.417+2.163×(Elecsys-AMH) (r=0.686, p<0.001). The following combined equation could be derived: (Access-AMH)=0.028+1.525×(Elecsys-AMH). To predict poor responders, the cut-off of Access-AMH was 1.215 ng/mL (area under the curve [AUC], 0.807; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.730–0.884; p<0.001), and the cut-off of Elecsys-AMH was 1.095 ng/mL (AUC, 0.848; 95% CI, 0.773–0.923; p<0.001). To predict high responders, the cut-off of Access-AMH was 3.450 ng/mL (AUC, 0.922; 95% CI, 0.862–0.981; p<0.001), and the cut-off of Elecsys-AMH was 2.500 ng/mL (AUC, 0.884; 95% CI, 0.778–0.991; p<0.001).Conclusion: Both automated methods for serum AMH measurement showed a good correlation with oocyte number and good performance for predicting poor and high responders in fresh stimulated IVF cycles. The Access method usually yielded higher measured serum AMH levels than the Elecsys method.
Sperm DNA fragmentation in consecutive ejaculates from patients with cancer for sperm cryopreservation
Authors: Kim Seul Ki , Paik Haerin , Lee Jung Ryeol , Jee Byung Chul
Published: August 2022

Objective: This prospective consecutive study investigated the variation in sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in multiple semen samples from patients with cancer.Methods: Eighty-one patients with various cancers underwent multiple semen collections on 3 consecutive days for sperm cryopreservation prior to cancer treatment. A commercial Halosperm kit was used to measure SDF. Within- and between-subject coefficients of variation were estimated via random-effects analysis of variance to assess the consistency of semen parameters and SDF. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess the magnitude of the between-subject component of variance relative to the total variance.Results: The volume of semen in the day-2 and day-3 samples was significantly lower compared with the day-1 sample. Most parameters showed high ICC values, suggesting that within-subject fluctuations were small relative to the between-subject variability. The highest ICC values were identified for the SDF (ICC, 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–0.84) and semen volume (ICC, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.45–0.84).Conclusion: Our findings showed that repeated ejaculates from patients with cancer had stable SDF levels.
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy: The management of mosaic embryos
Authors: Yu Eun Jeong , Kim Min Jee , Park Eun A , Kang Inn Soo
Published: August 2022

As the resolution and accuracy of diagnostic techniques for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) are improving, more mosaic embryos are being identified. Several studies have provided evidence that mosaic embryos have reproductive potential for implantation and healthy live birth. Notably, mosaic embryos with less than 50% aneuploidy have yielded a live birth rate similar to euploid embryos. This concept has led to a major shift in current PGT-A practice, but further evidence and theoretically relevant data are required. Proper guidelines for selecting mosaic embryos suitable for transfer will reduce the number of discarded embryos and increase the chances of successful embryo transfer. We present an updated review of clinical outcomes and practice recommendations for the transfer of mosaic embryos using PGT-A.
A Global Survey of Android Dual-Use Applications Used in Intimate Partner Surveillance
Authors: Almansoori Majed , Gallardo Andrea , Poveda Julio , Ahmed Adil , Chatterjee Rahul
Published: August 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive societal problem that affects millions of people around the world. IPV perpetrators increasingly weaponize digital technologies like mobile applications (“apps”) to spy on, monitor, and harass victims. Surveillance-capable apps can have legitimate use cases, for example, locating children, and are therefore easily available on various mobile app stores like the Google Play Store. Nevertheless, these applications are easily repurposed by abusers to track their victims. The problem of such dual-use apps in IPV is global. However, current understanding of the ecosystem of such apps is limited to English-language apps, potentially limiting its relevance to non-English speaking IPV survivors across the world. In this paper, we study the prevalence of dualuse applications found in 15 languages and 27 countries. We collected 51,868 unique apps in 2020 from the Google Play Store, using queries such as “track wife’s location.” Through a semi-manual analysis of a subset of these apps, we discovered 854 unique dualuse apps, and estimate that among the apps collected from Google Play, 3,988 are dual-use apps. We found notable differences in app search results, suggested queries, and marketed capabilities of dual-use apps across different languages. For instance, we identified that 18% of dual-use apps do not have an English description, and 28% could not be found using English queries. Google Play (cursorily) blocks certain queries referring explicitly to intimate partner surveillance (IPS) to discourage potential abusers, but the blocking efficacy varies across languages. For example, we found that 80% of explicit IPS queries for English are blocked, but none for Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Malay, Thai, and Vietnamese. Thus, abusers fluent in those languages can evade such blocking with no effort.
Pika: Secure Computation using Function Secret Sharing over Rings
Authors: Wagh Sameer
Published: August 2022

Machine learning algorithms crucially depend on non-linear mathematical functions such as division (for normalization), exponentiation (for softmax and sigmoid), tanh (as an activation function), logarithm (for crossentropy loss), and square root (for back-propagation of normalization layers). However, when machine learning is performed over secure computation, these protocols incur a large communication overhead and high round complexity. In this work, we propose new multi-party computation (MPC) protocols for such functions. Our protocols achieve constant round complexity (3 for semi-honest, 4 for malicious), an order of magnitude lower communication (54 − 121× lower than prior art), and high concrete efficiency (2−1163× faster runtime). We rely on recent advances in function secret sharing (FSS) to construct these protocols. Our contributions can be summarized as follows: (1) A constant round protocol to securely evaluate nonlinear functions such as division, exponentiation, logarithm, and tanh (in comparison to prior art which uses round complexity proportional to the rounds of iterative methods/required precision) with high accuracy. This construction largely follows prior work in look-up style secure computation. (2) Our main contribution is the extension of the above protocol to be secure in the presence of malicious adversaries in the honest majority setting. We provide a malicious sketching protocol for FSS schemes that works over rings and in order to prove its security, we extend (and prove) a corresponding form of SchwartzZippel lemma over rings. This is the first such extension of the lemma and it can be of independent interest in other domains of secure computation. (3) We implement our protocol and showcase order of magnitude improvements in runtime and communication. Given the low round complexity and substantially lower communication, our protocols achieve even better performance over network constrained environments such as WAN. Finally, we showcase how such functions can lead to scalability in machine learning. Note that techniques presented are applicable beyond the application of machine learning as the protocols effectively present an efficient 1-out-of-N oblivious transfer or an efficient private information retrieval protocol.
“You offer privacy like you offer tea”: Investigating Mechanisms for Improving Guest Privacy in IoT-Equipped Households
Authors: Marky Karola , Gerber Nina , Pelzer Michelle Gabriela , Khamis Mohamed , Mühlhäuser Max
Published: August 2022

IoT devices are becoming more common and prevalent in private households. Since guests can be present in IoT-equipped households, IoT devices can pose considerable privacy risks to them. In this paper, we present an in-depth evaluation of privacy protection for guests considering the perspectives of hosts and guests. First, we interviewed 21 IoT device owners about four classes of mechanisms obtained from the literature and social aspects. Second, we conducted an online survey (N=264) that investigates the perspective of guests in IoT-equipped households. From our results, we learn that protection mechanisms should not introduce privacy threats and require low resources. Further, hosts should keep control over their devices and the aesthetics of their living spaces. Guests, however, value feedback about the status of privacy protection which can interfere with aesthetics. Privacy protection should rather foster collaboration and not impact the visit of the guest too severely. We use our results to identify a design space for guest privacy protection in IoT-equipped households.
Effects of Privacy Permissions on User Choices in Voice Assistant App Stores
Authors: Liu Gary , Malkin Nathan
Published: August 2022

Intelligent voice assistants, and the thirdparty apps (aka “skills” or “actions”) that power them, are increasing in popularity and beginning to experiment with the ability to continuously listen to users. This paper studies how privacy concerns related to such always-listening voice assistants might affect consumer behavior and whether certain privacy mitigations would render them more acceptable. To explore these questions with more realistic user choices, we built an interactive app store that allowed users to install apps for a hypothetical always-listening voice assistant. In a study with 214 participants, we asked users to browse the app store and install apps for different voice assistants that offered varying levels of privacy protections. We found that users were generally more willing to install continuously-listening apps when there were greater privacy protections, but this effect was not universally present. The majority did not review any permissions in detail, but still expressed a preference for stronger privacy protections. Our results suggest that privacy factors into user choice, but many people choose to skip this information.
Connect the Dots: Tighter Discrete Approximations of Privacy Loss Distributions
Authors: Doroshenko Vadym , Ghazi Badih , Kamath Pritish , Kumar Ravi , Manurangsi Pasin
Published: August 2022

The privacy loss distribution (PLD) provides a tight characterization of the privacy loss of a mechanism in the context of differential privacy (DP). Recent work [18–20, 24] has shown that PLD-based accounting allows for tighter (ε, δ)-DP guarantees for many popular mechanisms compared to other known methods. A key question in PLD-based accounting is how to approximate any (potentially continuous) PLD with a PLD over any specified discrete support. We present a novel approach to this problem. Our approach supports both pessimistic estimation, which overestimates the hockey-stick divergence (i.e., δ) for any value of ε, and optimistic estimation, which underestimates the hockey-stick divergence. Moreover, we show that our pessimistic estimate is the best possible among all pessimistic estimates. Experimental evaluation shows that our approach can work with much larger discretization intervals while keeping a similar error bound compared to previous approaches and yet give a better approximation than an existing method [24].
Covid–19: Pandemic Risks and SMEs Sustainability in Developing Nations: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Saka, Toyin Shafau  , OMOTAYO JOHNCALLY ABERE
Published: August 2022

Due to the COVID–19 pandemic, several Small and Medium Scale Businesses have collapsed. This paper therefore examines COVID–19, risk management and SMEs sustainability in developing nations. The main objective of this paper is to suggest implementable risk management strategies that can help revamp the business operations of SMEs. The specific objectives are to ascertain the effect of COVID–19 on SMEs business operation; and to determine the role of effective risk management strategies in revamping SMEs business operation from COVID–19 pandemic. The study made use of cross-sectional design approach which recognises that data be collected at one time. The population of this study consists of all the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos State. Ordinary Least Square of Regression model was employed to test the hypotheses of this study. This paper revealed that COVID–19 has significant negative effects on SMEs business operation; effective risk management strategies such as risk avoidance, reduction, sharing and retention can play a significant role in revamping SMEs business operation from COVID–19 pandemic; and adequate financing can mitigate the negative effect of Covid–19 on SMEs business operations. Arisen from the analysis of the study, this study recommended that financial institutions should make more funds available to SMEs especially in the face of Covid–19 pandemic; and SMEs should employ effective risk management strategies such as risk avoidance, reduction, sharing and retention.
Mobile Technology's Role in Meeting Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Dar Showkat Ahmad , Dr Naseer Ahmad
Published: August 2022

It has become increasingly important for companies in the twenty-first century to consider environmental sustainability. Various industries have taken varied approaches to environmental protection. Every major cell phone company has gotten behind this great cause at some point. The digital divide exists even in the most remote regions of the world, where there is little or no infrastructure. Cellular technology adoption continues to climb even as prices come down for smartphones and the availability of reliable networks expands. Because mobile devices are so widely available and frequently used, many forward-thinking individuals are turning to them to help eliminate knowledge gaps, alleviate poverty, and enhance the environment. According to the GSMA's sixth annual SDG impact report, the mobile industry's contribution to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) increased in 2020. We are barely half-way to our potential impact on attaining the Sustainable Development Goals because of this worldwide pandemic. Given that the 2030 SDG targets are only 10 years away, progress cannot be taken for granted. There is a strong correlation between mobile phone uses in all the countries of the world. Thus, the purpose of the study is to demonstrate how mobile technology helps achieve long-term sustainable development goals.
Fire Properties of Hybrid Composites
Authors: Mohammed Ibrahim
Published: August 2022

Thermal conductivity of  a components subjected to high temperature is an important property to be considered in a materials to be used in automobile  and aerospace fire designated zones; likewise, it is availability, cost, stiffness, resistant to corrosion, and its strength. The main aim of the study is to investigate the fire behavioural properties of fibre metal laminates (FML) composite of a metal, synthetic, natural and polymer matrix. The composites were fabricated in a mould using hand lay-up method and allow to cured before test.. The fire property test was carried out using the standard properties test equipment as ISO 2685 propane burner thermocouples and heat flux meter. The result of the properties test shows a remarkable increase in the properties of only natural fibre metal laminate composites, with a slight decrease in the properties of pure synthetic fibre metal laminates. Flax composite has a high percentage of 21.43% of thermal conductivity and withstand the flame temperature for 15 minutes using an ISO 2685 standard while kenaf composite fail at 10 minutes 30 seconds, Conclusively, the composites can be used as the component in fire designated zones of automotive, aerospace and other machines.
PROGRAM DESA INOVASI SEBAGAI UPAYA PERCEPATAN MENUJU DESA MANDIRI DI KABUPATEN CILACAP
Authors: Wibisono Suryo , Maab Muhammad Husnul , Kurniawan Purwanto
Published: August 2022

Desa Inovasi Program is an effort of the Cilacap Regency Government to develop rural potential and resources through improving the quality of development planning and implementation in order to improve the welfare and independence of the rural community. Strengthening Desa Inovasi aims to realize independent village management through strengthening the planning sector and local institutions. Desa Inovasi Program is in line with the spirit of realizing an Independent Village in Cilacap Regency. By using a qualitative-descriptive method, the results of the research show that Desa Inovasi Program is quite effective to accelerate towards Desa Mandiri.
ANALISIS PENGARUH PERSEPSI HARGA, CITRA MEREK, DAN KUALITAS PRODUK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN
Authors: Werdiasih Rustina Dewi , Karnowati Nandang Bekti , Yoana Yoana
Published: August 2022

The beauty product industry is currently growing. The emergence of various beauty product brands requires the Scarlet company to have a strategy in facing market competition. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of price perception, brand image and product quality on Scarlett's purchasing decisions. Data was collected by filling out questionnaire answers to 100 consumers who had used Scarlett products. Data were analyzed by PLS SEM and samples were taken using non-probability sampling method. The findings show that the variables of price perception, brand image and product quality have a direct effect on purchasing decisions. Product quality variable has a direct impact on brand image, but price perception does not have a direct impact on brand image. The brand image variable mediates the connection of product quality on purchasing decisions, but brand image does not mediate the relationship between price perceptions and purchasing.
Development of immunity boosting relish with added herbs
Authors: TALESRA PAYAL , SINGH VISHAKHA
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
The leading challenge across the globe currently is COVID 19 pandemic. In the current situation, the only approach to survive is to strengthen the immune system. Traditional spices and herbs have been used as immunity enhancers in Indian cuisine since the dawn of time. Herbs and spices like holy basil, ashwagandha, chamomile, Indian long pepper, giloy, ginger, garlic, thyme, thuja, and turmeric have a plethora of beneficial properties and have several health benefits. The use of these herbs helps cure symptoms, improve immunity, and reduce the risk of infections to a great extent. Purpose: In this context, a relish that included immunity boosters like lemon, ginger, and herbs like chamomile and Indian long pepper was developed with three variations using honey, sugar, and jaggery as sweetening agents, respectively. Vitamin C in lemon helps boost health and fight disease. Gingerol, the bioactive compound in ginger, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helps in treating colds and soothing a sore throat. Piperine in long pepper helps fight infections. Chamomile is an ancient medicinal herb and has a quintessential role in treating the common cold, sore throat, cough, and flu symptoms because of bioactive compounds like chamazulene, quercetin, luteolin, and patuletin. Method: All three variations were standardized and tested for sensory evaluation on a nine-point Hedonic rating scale by a panel of ten judges. The products were stored in clean sterilized bottles for one month of study. The products developed are calorie dense and are rich in vitamin C content (17.69mg/100g). The recipe using honey and jaggery as a sweetening agent scored eight on the overall acceptability, while the product with sugar scored seven on the Hedonic rating scale. The same procedure was followed to prepare all except the fact that the recipe which had honey was not given the heat treatment before bottling. Probably, due to this reason, the presence of moisture was responsible for fungal growth on the sample with honey after 14 days. The other two variations (with jaggery and sugar) showed no spoilage signs and had the same acceptability even after one month. Conclusion: A wide variety of these medicinal herbs can be implemented in diet and supplementation to support the immune system. The products developed can be used for treating sore throat and dry cough. It can be enjoyed as a spread, chutney, or relish. A slight inclusion of these herbs and spices in the everyday diet in the form of these spreads will gradually improve immunity.
Keywords: lemon, ginger, chamomile, Indian long pepper, relish
Development and quality evaluation of a micronutrient rich traditional Indian product by utilization of locally available food resources
Authors: OJHA KOMAL , SINGH VISHAKHA
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT  
Malnutrition is a severe matter of concern among various countries due to modern lifestyles, especially the consumption of rapidly processed fast food. In 2018, a WHO and UNICEF study concluded that the SDG objective of eradicating all forms of malnutrition by 2030 was aspirational but unattainable and set targets for malnutrition indicators up to 2030 based on current trends. The present situation demands products rich in micronutrients, meet growth and development requirements, and are readily acceptable. A critical reason for such use of rice flour is its nonallergenic nature. A small proportion of the population is allergic to wheat gluten. Rice is widely used in baking for such wheat-intolerant people, i.e., those suffering from the coeliac disorder. Its nonallergenic property also makes rice one of the first cereals to be used in infant feeding. In this scenario, rice flour is preferred as the foremost choice for required sensory acceptability and a low-cost diet. Food-based approaches are recognised as an essential part of an urgently needed, more comprehensive strategy for improving nutrition by increasing the availability and consumption to combat calcium, iron, phosphorus and other micronutrient deficiencies. The combination of rice flour, beaten rice, banana, jaggery contains a high amount of energy protein with calcium and iron content. Such a combination of foods can enhance the nutritive value of homemade products, which can be beneficial for the malnourished population. The present study was undertaken to develop anarsa by combining banana, jaggery and rice flour using the air frying method. The developed product was evaluated for sensory attributes by a panel of 10 judges on 9 points hedonic rating scale. The calculated nutritive value from Indian Food Composition Tables (2017) showed that the product (100g) was not only had a high level of macronutrients, i.e. energy (3123.6 Kcal), carbohydrate (172.5g), protein (12.24g), fat (4.52g) but also rich in micronutrients like calcium (262.8mg), phosphorus (294.4mg) and iron (6.52mg). The product was packed and stored for 15 days at ambient temperature in an airtight container. At pre-evaluation, all the sensory parameters at the 9-point hedonic rating scale were found to be highly acceptable between 'liked moderately' (rating 8) to 'liked very much. After 15 days of storage, all sensory parameters changed and were lying in-between 'liked slightly' (rating 6) to 'liked moderately' (rating 7). The changes in sensory parameters may be due to the darkening of jaggery and changes in the flavour of the product. Thus, it can be concluded that the development and consumption of novel foods from rice flour in combination with other foods like may banana, jaggery and poppy seeds may provide cost-effective and acceptable options for combating macro and micronutrient deficiencies.

Keywords: Rice flour, jaggery, banana, energy dense, mineral profile, sensory evaluation, malnutrition
Effect of tetraataxiometric posturography programs (TETRAX) on stroke patients with impaired standing balance
Authors: SHARMA BHAWNA , GAUR PRATEEK , KADIAN POONAM
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT  
Patients are suffering from stroke experience balance dysfunction leading to poor weight shifts and reduced weight bearing on the affected lower limb. The Tetrax biofeedback system is a Centre of Pressure-controlled, video game-based exercise system designed for patients with balance dysfunction. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of using Tetrax balance games and conventional rehabilitation on the balance and mobility of subjects with impaired standing balance due to stroke. Design: Pretest-posttest Randomized Clinical Trial Method: A total of thirty patients (including male and female) who have suffered a stroke at least six months back, diagnosed with hemiplegia within the age group of 35-65 years with MMSE Score = 24 were recruited. Six subjects did not give their consent. Subjects were assigned to Group 1 (test group) and Group 2 (control group), using Convenience sampling. Group 1 (test group) consisted of 12 subjects (both male and female) and received conventional therapy and tetrax sessions. Group 2 (control group) consisted of 12 subjects (both male and female) and received only conventional therapy. All participants received conventional outpatient rehabilitation therapy (which accounted for an average of 60 minutes of physiotherapy for the control group and 40 minutes for the test group per day) three days a week in an outpatient setting. The test group received additional Tetrax biofeedback balance training three days per week (20 minutes per day) for four weeks in the same outpatient setting. The Tetrax system was equipped with four independent force plates under the toes and heels. The outcome measures of the study were BBs and FIMS. All outcome measures were evaluated pretest and posttest. Result: The means standard deviations of Improvement in BBS in test and control groups are 3.83 4.64 and 1.25 1.28, respectively. On applying the t-Test, we found the mean difference of 0.077 of Improvement in BBS in the test and control group is not significant. The means standard deviations of Improvement in FIMS in test and control groups are 2.83 2.24 and 1.75 1.21, respectively. On applying the t-Test, we found the mean difference of 0.156 of Improvement in FIMS in the test and control group is not significant. Conclusion: The current study found that both groups—those receiving only conventional therapy and those receiving a combination of tetrax and conventional therapy—improved their balance significantly, although there was no significant difference between them.
Keywords: Stroke, Tetrax, Balance, Weight shift in lower limbs, Postural Balance.
Effectiveness of active release techniques in frozen shoulder – a review article
Authors: GANGWAR KM. DIVYA , SHARMA RITA
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT  
Frozen Shoulder (FS) is also known as adhesive capsulitis with unknown aetiology, which are specified by the limitation of both active, passive ROM is in the shoulder. It is most general cause of shoulder pain which effects between 2% to 5% of the common population and 10% to 20 % population with diabetes. FS is most generally looked at in women's than in males between 40-60 years of age; in 20-30% of cases, it can be both sides. The Active release technique is a non-invasive soft tissue method that simultaneously finds and separates scar tissue. In our review article, mostly all studies reported the effectiveness of the active release technique in orthopaedic conditions, but more research is needed.
Keywords: Active Release Technique, Frozen Shoulder, Adhesive Capsulitis, Musculoskeletal Disorders
Synthesis of niosomes of diclofenac sodium and their microscopic evaluation
Authors: Muhammad Zaid  , Khalil Ahmed  , Awais Rasool  , Muhammad Adeel
Published: August 2022

Objective: Incorporation of drugs into non-ionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) during their manufacture affords apossible method of achieving controlled release. The aim of this study was to formulate niosomes as carriers for delivery of diclofenac sodium (DCS) to achieve controlled release. Method: Niosomes were prepared by Ether injection method using non-ionic surfactant (Span 80) and cholesterol in ratio of 1:1, the organic solvent (dichloromethane) and phosphate buffer. Results: The prepared niosomes were then evaluated for physical appearance, light microscopy, optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and entrapment efficiency.Conclusion: Diclofenac sodium niosomes were prepared successfully without using charge inducing surfaces andwere confirmed by microscopic evaluation.
Fabrication and evaluation magnetic nanoparticles loaded with cefixime
Authors: Kanza Amjad  , Ume Habiba  , Talib Hussain  , Safiullah Khan  , Muhammad Akram Choohan
Published: August 2022

Background. Bacterial infections are an important cause of serious health issues worldwide. Various antibacterial drugs have been developed but they have numerous side effects. Development of drug loaded magnetic nanoparticles will help to achieve targeted drug delivery while sustaining the release of drug. It will also enhance its antibacterial activity by using iron oxide. Method. Drug loaded iron oxide nanoparticles were developed to sustain and enhance the antibacterial activity of drug. Chitosan was used as a polymer. The method adopted to prepare magnetic nanoparticles was co-precipitation. Formulated magnetic nanoparticles were tested for drug release, surface morphology, antibacterial activity and FTIR. Results. It was observed from the findings that both formulations were effectively loaded with drugs. The SEM results showed the semi spherical nanoparticles effectively loaded with drug. FTIR spectrum revealed characteristic peaks related to functional groups. Raman spectroscopy showed characteristic bands of both drugs and drug loaded iron oxide nanoparticles. Antibacterial assay results showed an enhanced antibacterial activity by using iron oxide nanoparticles. Conclusion. It was concluded from the study that magnetic nanoparticles could be one of the best approaches to load antibacterial drugs while sustaining and enhancing their antibacterial activity
Review article: sodium starch glycolate as a super disintegrant
Authors: Aneela Manzoor
Published: August 2022

Sodium starch glycolate (SSG) is most widely used excipient in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. SSG is extensively used as a superdisintegrant in different drug formulations. This review article aims to discuss chemistry, synthesis, level used as superdisintegrant, different types of SSG’s and various physicochemical properties. SSG available as different brands i.e Primojel, Explotab and Vivastar with different properties. Excipient, generally considered as an inert component, are of great importance in drug product development. Interchange between different suppliers can lead to final products with different quality attributes
Corona virus disease – a short review
Authors: Maryam Ghaffar  , Ume Habiba  , Muhammad Akram Choohan
Published: August 2022

Coronaviruses are RNA viruses that are phenotypically and genotypically diverse. This virus will cause the antiviral T-cell response to be erratic, owing to the T-cell apoptosis activation, triggering the immune system to collapse. The transmission of virus mainly occurs through the respiratory droplets of the infected person as he sneezes. Most of the infected people experience mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and recover without any special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get infected with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. Presentations of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, malaise and respiratory distress. The best way to prevent the disease and slow down its transmission is to be well informed about the disease and how the virus spreads..
The Effects of Mothers’ Family-of-Origin Attachment on Self-Regulation of Young Boys and Girls: The Mediating Effect of Mothers’ Inner Strength
Authors: Choi Mi-Kyung
Published: August 2022

Objectives: This study investigates the relationship among mothers’ family-of-origin attachment, inner strength, and young children’s self-regulation.Methods: A total of 329 participants, mothers of 3-year-old children responded to questionnaires, which included items related to mothers’ family-of-origin attachment, inner strength, and young children’s self-regulation. Data were statistically analyzed using basic descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Baron and Kenny’s method was examined. Subsequently, the Sobel test was performed to check the mediating model’s significance and was adapted to SPSS version 24.0 for Windows.Results: The major findings of the study are summarized as follows. First, as a result of examining the sex differences in mothers’ family-of-origin attachment, mothers’ inner strength, and young children’s self-regulation, we found significant differences in self-appraisal and behavior-inhibition. Second, mothers’ family-of-origin attachment was positively correlated with young children’s self-regulation. Also mothers’ family-of-origin attachment was positively correlated with their inner strength. Third, mothers’ inner strength played a perfectly mediating role between mothers’ family-of-origin attachment and young children’s self-regulation[behavior-inhibition(boys)/self-appraisal(girls)]. Moreover, mothers’ inner strength played a partially mediating role between mothers’ family-of-origin attachment and young children’s self-regulation[self-appraisal, self-determination(boys)/self-appraisal(girls)]; consequently, a mothers’ family-of-origin attachment had a direct/indirect effect on young children’s self-regulation.Conclusion: The results indicate that a mothers’ inner strength plays a crucial role in the relationship between mothers’ family-of-origin attachment and the young children’s self-regulation. Furthermore, the results offer a foundation in designing parent education/counseling programs for mothers with young children in order to enhance their family-of-origin attachment.
The Longitudinal Effects of Mother-Preschooler Interaction on a Child’s Prosocial Behavior and Behavior Problem: The Mediating Effect of Child’s Self-Esteem
Authors: Choi Hyesun , Ha Ji Young
Published: August 2022

Objectives: This study aims to examine the longitudinal effects of mother-preschooler interaction on a child’s prosocial behavior and behavior problem. Furthermore, it examines the mediating role of child’s self-esteem between mother-preschooler interaction and child’s prosocial behavior and behavior problem.Methods: The participants were 882 children(452 boys and 430 girls) and their mothers from the 7th(T1) to 9th(T3) wave(2014~2016) of the Panel Study on Korean Children. Data were analyzed with a Structural Equation Model and a bootstrapping method was used to test the statistical significance of the mediation.Results: First, the mother-preschooler interaction did not have a direct longitudinal effect on a child’s prosocial behavior, but had an indirect effect through self-esteem after controlling gender. The bootstrapping result suggested that the indirect effect is statistically significant. Second, mother-preschooler interaction did not have longitudinal effects on behavior problem, both directly and indirectly, through child’s self-esteem. Consequently, the more the interaction between mothers and preschoolers, the higher the child’s self-esteem, which led to a higher prosocial behavior.Conclusion: The results of this study show the mediating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between mother-preschooler interaction and child’s prosocial behavior. These findings suggest that parents should provide children with experiences in various interactions. They also imply the importance of experience in interactions in meaningful social relations for positive behavior of children. These experiences could play a role improving confidence in one’s worth and, eventually, allow children to have positive behaviors in social relations. The limitations and other implications of this study are also discussed.
The Structural Relationship Between Mothers’ Smart Media Literacy, Smart Media Mediation, Young Children’s Overdependence on Smart Devices, and Executive Function
Authors: Lee Su Bin , Kim Sunhee
Published: August 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the structural relationships among mothers’ smart media literacy, smart media mediation, young children’s overdependence on smart devices, and executive function.Methods: The Participants comprised 205 children aged 3 to 5 years old, and their mothers. The Early Years Toolbox (EYT) was used to measure young children’s executive function. The data obtained were analyzed using Cronbach’s α, frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA analysis, and partial correlation analysis with SPSS 25.0. Bootstrapping was used to examine the mediating effect while the Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis was performed using AMOS 22.0.Results: First, young children’s executive function was positively associated with mothers’ smart media literacy and smart media mediation but negatively associated with young children’s overdependence on smart devices. Second, mothers’ smart media mediation and young children’s overdependence on smart devices sequentially mediated the relationship between mothers’ smart media literacy and young children’s executive function. It was also found that mothers’ smart media mediation partially mediated the relationship between mothers’ smart media literacy and young children’s executive function.Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of mothers’ smart media literacy and smart media mediation for young children’s executive function and emphasize the need of prevention for overdependence on smart devices in facilitating executive function development in early childhood.
Poetik der Reflexion
Authors: Rustemeyer Dirk
Published: August 2022

Heidegger’s thought during the work biographical period following “Being and Time” was inspired by an examination of positions from around the year 1800 that remains unrivalled in both import and lop-sidedness. In this book, that movement of thought will be reconstructed as a path towards a poetics of reflection, in which the form and materiality of language, rather than representing the world, evoke it. Comparisons with Friedrich Schlegel’s style of thinking and writing illuminate Heidegger’s interactions with Hölderlin’s texts and delimit the search for a rhetoric of philosophical writing.
Zulässigkeit und Grenzen von Selbstbelastungspflichten der Aufsichtsratsmitglieder einer Aktiengesellschaft
Authors: Schöfer Julia
Published: August 2022

Self-incrimination obligations have always received great attention in connection with activities characterized by third-party interests in private law. With reference to the “Easy-Software”-ruling of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) dated September 18, 2018, the dissertation examines whether and to which extend supervisory board members of a stock corporation are subject to duties to disclose their own misconduct when acting in their capacity as advisory board member. It is argued that a risk of self-incrimination does not justify an exception to the duty to pursue claims against directors’ board members. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, supervisory board members of a stock corporation have a duty to disclose their own misconduct spontaneously.
Die Bewältigung des demografischen Wandels in der Alterssicherung im deutsch-italienischen Rechtsvergleich
Authors: D'Alfonso Masarié Edoardo
Published: August 2022

The German and the Italian systems of retirement plans are currently facing the same challenge, prompted by a similar demographic shift. This shift and the different approaches of the constitutional courts of both countries to this issue are discussed, with a particular focus on a comparative social law analysis based on statutory law. The so-called "reforms" of the last three decades and the history of social law in the interwar period show that a demographic balance of old-age social insurance within the system, as well as a careful consideration of its three-generational character, are necessary.
Innovationswettbewerb in der europäischen Fusionskontrolle
Authors: Förstmann Ann Charlotte
Published: August 2022

Innovation is the origin of technical and thus economic progress. It is regularly the upstream research and development activity that generates innovation. It is therefore important for competition authorities to include R&D in the competitive investigation and to consider the long-term effects of a merger on R&D in merger control. Given the particular predictive uncertainty of R&D and its great importance for technological and economic progress, the specific question arises as to how the Commission should consider R&D in merger control. This paper is intended to answer this question.
Konzerndeliktsrecht
Authors: Blach Joshua
Published: August 2022

Dr. Joshua Blach addresses this question in his treatise on »corporate-tort law«. In addition to the private international law-dimension of CSR-group liability, he addresses the economic consequences of various liability scenarios. Considering specific areas of tort law – antitrust, data protection, unfair competition, intellectual property, prospectus and product liability law – and environmental liability law – e.g., soil protection, nuclear liability and environmental damage law – the responsibility of parent companies under current tort law and the German “Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains” are reviewed.
METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SILICATE GLASSES ON A SMALL SCALE AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION
Authors: Anguiano Lizaola Jorge , VARGAS OSUNA LIDIA , CABRERA CORDOBA EDUARDO , MORA RAMIREZ JESUS , ANGEL GARCIA VIRGINA , SIQUEIROS HERNANDEZ MIRIAM
Published: August 2022

The glass industry is widely diverse regarding its applications, processes, and manufacturing techniques. The quality of raw materials and parameters in the production process is essential to optimize resources and reduce defects to a minimum. In this manner, getting data on the microstructural characterization of glass is decisive when needed to improve these considerations promptly to avoid waste during glass manufacturing. This work presents a method to replicate in the laboratory under controlled conditions: the float glass melting process of the flat glass industry. The aim is to establish a specific procedure, including conditions and times in an air-gas furnace having a slightly oxidizing melting-controlled atmosphere. Thus, samples of silicate glass with iron oxide (Fe2O3) were formulated using analytical grade ingredients and then were subjected to a characterization flow to discard impurities or defects. Microanalytical techniques including polariscope, dilatometry, XRF, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and SEM/EDX were used to determine residual stresses, thermal expansion, chemical composition, oxidation state, and microstructure. The residual stress was significantly reduced by controlling critical parameters during the formulation and the glass fusion step. The procedure was developed to be replicable using different parameter recipes and formulations.

Keywords: Microstructural characterization, controlled conditions, silicate glass, float glass, residual stress.