bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Efficacy of Vernonia Amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) on Some Bacteria Isolated from Locally Produced Soymilk Sold in Different Markets in Enugu Metropolis
Authors: Celestina Chibuzo Ugwu  , Kelechi Nkechinyere Mbah-Omeje  , Chizoba Anthonia Ozochi
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) on some bacteria isolated from locally produced soymilk in different markets in Enugu metropolis. The test organisms were identified using standard microbiological methods. The antibacterial activities of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) were carried out by agar well diffusion method. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts of the plant were used at varying concentrations of 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125, 1.56, and 0.76 mg/ml, respectively. The two extracts were found to show antibacterial activity. However, the ethanolic extract had more activity than the methanolic extract. The inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of the ethanolic extract varied from 4 – 20 mm, while that of the methanolic extract varied from 4 -16 mm for all the bacteria tested. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ethanolic and methanolic extracts varied with bacteria; 1.56 mg/ml respectively for Staphylococcus aureus, 3.125 mg/ml and 6.25 mg/ml for Escherichia coli, 6.25 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml for Salmonella spp, 3.125 mg/ml and 6.25 mg/ml for Klebsiella spp, and 3.125 mg/l for the typed strains (E. coli NCTC 12241, K. pneumoniae NCTC 13368). The ciprofloxacin (50mg/ml) used as a standard antibiotic compared well with the plant extracts at 200 mg/l. The phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins. This study shows that plant extract can be used as an alternative to conventional antibiotics.
The Examination of Brand Image and Price on Purchasing Decisions of ‘Sambal Bu Sandra’ Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Purwanto  , Rifda Fitrianti  , Mochamad Fatchurrohman
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine:

The influence of brand image on purchasing decisions,

The influence of price perception on purchasing decisions

This type of research uses a quantitative approach. The study population consists of consumers who purchased 'Sambal Bu Sandra' in Surabaya. According to Hair et al. (2010: 77), the sampling technique with non-probability sampling techniques is precisely accidental sampling with the ideal and representative size of respondents, and it obtained as many as 84 respondents. The data collection technique uses questionnaires that have been tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis techniques use multiple regression. The results of simultaneous tests show that the variables of brand image and price perception have a significant effect on the purchase decision of 'Sambal Bu Sandra' in Surabaya. As for the partial test, it shows that the variability of the brand image has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. Moreover, the price perception variable also has a positive and significant influence on the purchasing decision of 'Sambal Bu Sandra' in Surabaya.
The Effect of E-Service Quality and Customer Experience on E-Customer Loyalty through E-Customer Satisfaction in Online Travel Agent
Authors: Mandala Paramadamara Pranata  , Yanto Ramli
Published: July 2023

This research was conducted to determine the effect of E-Service Quality and Customer Experience on E-Customer Loyalty through E-Customer Satisfaction Millennial Generation of Online Travel Agent Users in DKI Jakarta. This research uses SEM data analysis techniques and data processing using PLS. The population in this research is the millennial generation who live in DKI Jakarta, with a sample of 210 respondents. The sampling technique uses a purposive sampling technique. The results showed that variables E-Service Quality and Customer Experience have a positive and significant effect on E-Customer Satisfaction and E-Customer Loyalty, E-Customer Satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on E-Customer Loyalty, as well as E-Service Quality and Customer Experience have a positive and significant effect on E-Customer Loyalty through E-Customer Satisfaction.
The Effects of CO2 and NO2 Emissions on Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Oritsegbubemi Kehinde Natufe  , Esther Ikavbo Evbayiro-Osagie
Published: July 2023

This paper examined the relationship between carbon emissions and Nigeria's economic growth from 1985 to 2021. ARDL approach was adopted in analyzing the data. Gross domestic product (GDP) was used as a proxy for economic growth in Nigeria, while carbon dioxide (C02) emission, nitrous oxide (N02), and gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) were used as the independent variables. The findings revealed that Gross fixed capital formation had a significant positive influence on GDP in the short-run but a significant negative influence on GDP in the long-run. While nitrous oxide ((N02) emissions and carbon dioxide (C02) emissions follow the Kuznets curve of Grossman and Krueger (1995) of positive and negative impacts on GDP in the short-term and long-term, respectively. To have a carbon economy, it is recommended that the Nigerian government should both conceptualize and implement favourable policies and incentives (granting of tax credits to carbon-neutral corporations) from the government as a foundational catalyst for the development of green infrastructure and significant investments in renewable energy technology are immediately needed to keep pace with the country's growing population.
Investigating the Impact Relationship between Talent Management Practices and Psychological Contract Fulfilment: A Conceptual Framework Using the Moderating Role of Age and Gender
Authors: Mayada Mohamed Aly Elmeligy  , Dr. Mohamed Ayman A. Ashoush
Published: July 2023

The concept of psychological contract has become well-Known in the field of HRM, added to Talent Management, which has become an important and emerging topic in HRM, where HR practitioners recognized its importance in understanding the employment relationship and became keen to analyse it. Since the Telecom sector, especially the private one, which is one of the biggest markets in Egypt with a large number of talents, it became important to conduct a study analysing its workforce. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the impact of applying talent management practices on the psychological contract fulfilment in the private sector of telecom companies in Egypt with the moderating role of age and gender.
The Voices: Socio-economic Implication of Adolescent Challenges and Prospects in Rural and Urban Areas in Adamawa State, Nigeria, a Qualitative Approach
Authors: Amos Nuhu Sunday
Published: July 2023

Young people are the leaders of tomorrow. What happens to them now should concern every responsible adult and is worth scholarly attention. The study captured the voices of adolescents in rural and urban areas in Adamawa state in a bit to understand the socio-economic challenges and opportunities that young adolescents are exposed to in their formative years. The Focus Group Discussion technique was used to interview and generate responses from 325 rural and urban adolescents in Dumne, Lainde, Yola town, and Demsa areas. Their responses were recorded in a notepad and later typed into MS word. Results revealed the challenges of adolescents in rural and urban areas, which include:

Lack of sporting facilities,

Inadequate science teachers,

Inability to pay school fees,

Inadequate classes and facilities,

Overpopulated classes,

Lack of employment opportunities for out-of-school adolescents,

Lack of social amenities and unplanned marriage

Urban adolescents unanimously respond that lack of self-esteem, stress, and being overworked are their major challenges. High poverty rates among young people and discrimination have also been stated as the challenges that young people face in urban areas. The study concludes that the challenges faced by young adolescents pose a huge threat to the well-being of young people and their productivity, thus affecting the future prospects that the labour force is expected to contribute to the economic growth of the State. However, available opportunities in the State, such as education, healthcare, and parental support, provide concrete means for which adolescents' challenges can be neutralized to guarantee healthy and productive individuals. The study, therefore, recommends practical steps that would ensure the rights of the child are guaranteed to protect the well-being of adolescents through the provision of accessible and quality education, shelter, and healthy nutrition. For out-of-school adolescents, practical steps to assist young adolescents in acquiring entrepreneurial skills are required to help them become economically self-reliant. Efforts should also be made to purposefully engage young people in speaking up about issues that hurt them without fear of being resented or intimidated in their immediate environment.
Religious Education and Freedom of Education in Ghana: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Mcjerry Atta Bekoe
Published: July 2023

There seems to be apparent silence on the discussion of the influence of religion on human and national development due to the intolerance and divisiveness amongst the various religious groupings in Ghana. Contemporary discourse on the right to education and freedom of education finds it confusing whether harmony exists between the two or if one infringes on the other. Ghanaian educational environments suggest that the existence of academic and religious freedom is not present in the actual educational settings. School syllabi, rules, regulations, and pedagogical approaches pose considerable challenges to the quest for freedom of education and religion. Through documentary analysis and the concepts of freedom of education and the right to education, this research examined the challenges and opportunities of religious education in the Ghanaian educational environment. The research suggested that relevant and critical pedagogical approaches should be used to teach religious education to allow religious tolerance and coexistence amongst the various religious bodies within schools and communities.
The Role of Women in the Farmer-Grazier Conflicts in Aghem 1972–2020
Authors: Kingsley A. Eyong  , Ernest Dzelamonyuy  , Gilbert Mbingek Wensakwiy
Published: July 2023

Farmer-grazier conflicts remain an enigma between communities in the North West Region of Cameroon and the Aghem community in particular. It should be noted that the major agricultural activities in the region are cereal, tuber, and cattle rearing. This accounts for why crop farmers and cattle farmers are at loggerheads for space acquisition for either farming or cattle rearing. In the midst of these activities, the role of women is paramount as they are the principal actors, especially in the farming sector, and thus face the brunt from those of cattle rearing. In Aghem, the arrival of herdsmen in the 1920s posed a lot of challenges, especially to the women who were engaged in the cultivation of crops. As a consequence, they had to take action either through peace talks, protests, the killing of the cattle, and other forms of manifestation. The study used both primary and secondary sources explored and exploited to comprehensively analyse the facts. Also, the use of qualitative analysis was necessary to give a better understanding of the study. The study reveals that the influence of the administration, the problem of stray animals, and the increase in the population of cattle were responsible for the farmer-grazier conflict in Aghem, while women were the main actors in the process of resolving the conflicts.
Relationship between Post-Divorce Parental Alienation and Adolescents’ Meaning in Selected High Schools in Kiambu County, Kenya
Authors: Jane Njango Wanjao  , Dr. Margaret W. Njoroge  , Dr. Elizabeth Kamau
Published: July 2023

Recent evidence stipulates that various parental contributions, such as parental warmth, empathetic parenting, encouragement, and parental involvement in general, are positively associated with adolescent flourishing. In this regard, post-divorce parental alienation creates an unfavourable environment that may disorganize adolescents from adaptive living. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between post-divorce parental alienation and adolescents' meaning/purpose in selected high schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study was anchored on PERMA well-being theory. The study employed a descriptive survey design using a mixed methods approach. Multistage sampling, inclusion, and exclusion criteria aided by cluster sampling were used to select 240 adolescents from a population of 3776. Purposive sampling was employed in the selection of 32 respondents in the FGD. Qualitative data were collected via audio-tapes recordings and field notes. Verbatim data were transcribed. Quantitative data were collected using Baker strategy questionnaire (BSQ) and the PERMA-Profiler. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, and percentages, while Chi-square analysis was used to test for the hypotheses. The computer software SPSS version 25 aided in the analysis. The findings revealed that post-divorce parental alienation affects adolescents’ meaning /purpose. The study recommends that intervention measures be implemented in consideration of factors as follows. The implications of this research suggest the need for Family lawyers working with children of a divorced parents to carry out thorough investigations before awarding child custody to parents. Marriage and family therapists working with children of divorced families could profit from these results, which clearly show the negative effects of PA on adolescents' well-being. The study suggests that these professionals use the findings of the study to understand commonly employed PA tactics and how they affect those alienated in order to help them cope. Further, the study suggests these professionals use the BSQ to assess PA in this population.
The Elderly Peoples’ Perception of Their Social Well-being in Selected Mainstream Churches in Affluent Karen-Langata Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Esther Wangari Gachuri  , Dr.  Anne Wambugu  , Dr. Elizabeth Kamau
Published: July 2023

The world is experiencing exponential growth in the elderly population. Old age is a difficult time characterized by unfamiliar terrain of loss of traditional family social systems, poor health, and social challenges. This study examined the elderly people's own perception of their social well-being in selected mainstream churches in affluent Karen-Langata, Nairobi, Kenya. The study used a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach. A purposeful sampling method was used to select 11 respondents in the in-depth interviews and 12 respondents in the focus group discussions. The population of the study was the category of the young-old who were 60-75 years. Verbatim data were transcribed, and descriptive themes were generated to show individual perspectives. According to the findings, the death of spouses, dwindling social networks, lack of social roles, and broken family ties led to isolation, loneliness, and poor social integration. Their sense of solidarity and inclusion in society was experienced through an invitation to functions and receiving and giving aid, while it was also hampered by not being visited, loss of mobility due to illness, and by living in isolated neighborhoods. In addition, belonging to welfare groups, church fellowships, and receiving economic support and social support from significant others gave the elderly people a sense of belonging and therefore influenced their social well-being. The growing elderly population should prompt policymakers to give priority to measures that will improve their social well-being. The government should review the Ksh. 2,000 given to the elderly, considering those who also retired at 60 years. Elderly-friendly insurance plans or free medical services for the elderly should be available. The churches should also prioritize programs for the elderly.
Effectiveness of Papaya Leaf Extract (Carica papaya L.) for the Treatment of Koi (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) Infected with Aeromonas hydrophila Bacteria
Authors: Kiki Widiyasari Husain  , Patang  , Andi Alamsyah Rivai
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of giving papaya leaf extract (Carica papaya) and the most effective dose in inhibiting Aeromonas hydrophila bacterial infection in Koi (Cyprinus rubrofuscus). This research is an experimental study with four treatments: Control Treatment (K): 0 ppm, Treatment A: 1000 ppm, Treatment B, and Treatment C: 1400 ppm. Data were processed using SPSS Version 24 with Analysis (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis H. The results showed that giving papaya leaf extract had an effect on inhibiting Aeromonas hydrophila bacterial infection in koi. The condition of the fish improved on the 7th day after immersion; it was shown that the way they swam began to return to normal, and the clinical symptoms reduced due to infection. The lowest inhibition level was in the control treatment, the condition of the fish worsened every day, and the highest survival was in treatment B, namely 86.67%, the average behavior scale is 5.00, and the average morphological scale is 5.00. The average water quality temperature is 27.2-28.1˚C, the average pH is 7.1-7.2, the average dissolved oxygen is 5.7-5.8 ppm, and the ammonia is 0.25 ppm.
Effect of Land Use within Watershed Boundary on the Types of Microplastics Observed in Surface Water
Authors: Dionisius Andhika Putra  , Rachmadhi Purwana  , Dwi Nowo Martono
Published: July 2023

Due to exposure to their chemical components, microplastics (<5mm) are byproducts of plastic degradation that can be harmful to the environment and human health. Microplastics, one of which is in the watershed, will be present due to human activity-related irresponsible discharge of plastic waste into the environment. The watershed's use of the land has an impact as well. This research aims to analyze how different land use patterns affect the types of microplastics that have been observed. This research's methodology is quantitative and includes techniques for spatial, statistical, and chemical analysis. In the Ciujung watershed, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyester microplastics were observed according to the study's findings. The type of microplastic observed was likely brought on by local activities. On agricultural land, plantations, and settlements, fertilization, irrigation, and other human activities may contribute to microplastic contamination. The vast amount of plastic bags and bottles that are left behind are either immediately dumped into the Ciujung Watershed by the locals or carried away by the flow of activities on the land, where they eventually degrade into microplastics.
Assessment of the Mutagenic and Cytotoxic Ability of Azanza Garckeana (F.Hoffm), Using Allium Cepa (L) Assay
Authors: Waja Samuel  , M.M. Malgwi  , S.Y Simon
Published: July 2023

The study on the assessment of the mutagenic and cytotoxic ability of Azanza garckeana leaf and fruit extracts on the root tip of Allium cepa was evaluated; aqueous leaf and fruit extract of A. garckeana were collected and dried, and pounded into powder. For the root growth inhibition and cytological analysis, four concentrations of each extract, viz: 5g,10g, 15g, and 20g, including positive and negative control, were considered, and the result was determined for each extract using a graph to indicate the maximum and minimum EC50 (Effective concentration). The EC ranged from 10 g/ml with a root length of 3 cm for A. garckeana leaf extracts, 10g/ml with a root length of 2.5 cm for A. garckeana fruits extracts, A range of chromosomal aberrations such as polyploidy, dissolution, vagrant metaphase, binucleate, laggard, nuclear lesion, fragmentation, chromosome gap, anaphase bridge, micronuclei, unequal separation, were observed in all the plant’s extracts. Statistically, the chromosomal aberrations observed in the root tip cells of A. cepa treated with the leaf extracts of A. garckeana shows that 10g is statistically significantly different from 5g (P = 0.026) and negative control, 15g is significantly different from 5g (P = 0.000) and 10g (P = 0.026). However, as the concentration increased to 20g, there was a significant difference in the percentage of aberrations from 5g (P =0.0000) to 10g (P = 0.005), but not significantly different from 15g (P =0.0553). Whereas fruit extract shows that 10g is higher than 5g but has no statistical significance (P =0.101). 15g is significantly different from 5g (P =0.101) but not significantly different from 10g (P =0.055), 20g (P =0.331), and positive control (P =0.845). As the concentrations of the plant extracts increased to 10%, 15%, and 20%, there was a progressive increase in the percentage of aberrant cells and a decrease in the number of dividing cells, suggesting that low concentrations of A. garckeana extracts should be used in traditional medicine production.
Impact of Depositional Facies and Petrophysical Parameters on the Estimated Hydrocarbon-in-place Volume of a Producing Field in the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Obidike, Christy Chinonye  , Chiazor, Fortune Ijeoma  , Ugwueze, Charles Ugwu
Published: July 2023

The need to identify the major parameter with an overwhelming impact on estimated hydrocarbon volume has been a challenge for stakeholders in the oil and gas industry. To address this challenge, an investigation of the impact of depositional facies and petrophysical parameters on estimated oil volume was carried out on an oil field located within the Niger Delta using 3D geologic models. Different modeling techniques were employed in the study; each technique produced an estimated volume of hydrocarbon. Uncertainty analysis was carried out based on Facies and their petrophysical parameters by varying each parameter at a time while repeating the volumetric estimation to check their impact on the estimated volume. Thereafter, sensitivity was run on the parameters to determine the parameter with the most impact Three lithofacies; clean sand, shaly sand, and shale, and three sands bodies; D_1000, D_2000, and D_3000 were identified using the available gamma ray log. Results from the Petrophysical evaluation showed that the average porosity values of the reservoirs ranged between 0.20% and 0.225%, while average water saturation for the three reservoirs ranged from 21% to 40%, respectively. The major fault that cuts through the reservoirs may have caused the disappearance of reservoir D_3000 in wells X-002 and X-014. Reservoir D_3000 has the largest accumulation of about 952 MMSTB, while reservoir D_1000 gave the least accumulation of about 727MMSTB. Interestingly, the three reservoirs in this study presented porosity as the parameter with the biggest influence on the estimated hydrocarbon-in-place volume.
Hand Gesture to Control Virtual Keyboard using Neural Network
Authors: Anandika Arrya , Rusydi Muhammad Ilhamdi , Utami Pepi Putri , Hadelina Rizka , Sasaki Minoru
Published: July 2023

Disability is one of a person's physical and mental conditions that can inhibit normal daily activities. One of the disabilities that can be found in disability is speech without fingers. Persons with disabilities have obstacles in communicating with people around both verbally and in writing. Communication tools to help people with disabilities without finger fingers continue to be developed, one of them is by creating a virtual keyboard using a Leap Motion sensor. The hand gestures are captured using the Leap Motion sensor so that the direction of the hand gesture in the form of pitch, yaw, and roll is obtained. The direction values are grouped into normal, right, left, up, down, and rotating gestures to control the virtual keyboard. The amount of data used for gesture recognition in this study was 5400 data consisting of 3780 training data and 1620 test data. The results of data testing conducted using the Artificial Neural Network method obtained an accuracy value of 98.82%. This study also performed a virtual keyboard performance test directly by typing 20 types of characters conducted by 15 respondents three times. The average time needed by respondents in typing is 5.45 seconds per character.
ANN Models for Shoulder Pain Detection based on Human Facial Expression Covered by Mask
Authors: Hadelina Rizka , Rusydi Muhammad Ilhamdi , Firza Mutia , Samuel Oluwarotimi Williams
Published: July 2023

Facial expressions are a method to communicate if someone feels pain. Moreover, coding facial movements to assess pain requires extensive training and is time-consuming for clinical practice. In addition, in Covid 19 pandemic, it was difficult to determine this expression due to the mask on the face. There for, it needs to develop a system that can detect the pain from facial expressions when a person is wearing a mask. There are 41 points used to form 19 geometrical features. It used 20.000 frames of 24 respondents from the dataset as secondary data . From these data, training, and testing were carried out using the ANN (Artificial Neural Network) method with a variation of the number of neurons in the hidden layer, i.e., 5, 10, 15, and 20 neurons. The results obtained from testing these data are the highest accuracy of 86% with the number of 20 hidden layers.
Atherosclerotic Disease in a Single Coronary Artery: Right Coronary Artery Supplies Left Anterior Descendens and Left Circumflex Artery with Absent Left Coronary Ostium
Authors: M Algoet , M Torky , M Van Kerrebroeck , D De Cock , E Viaene , W Oosterlinck
Published: July 2023

We report a case of a 62-year-old man with a right-sided single coronary ostium supplying the complete myocardium. This case was diagnosed based on an aberrant exercise tolerance test and complementary angiography. The patient was revascularized by a coronary artery bypass graft to the single coronary artery because of a significant stenosis in its course.
Experimental and Numerical Nonlinear Stability Analysis of Wings Incorporating Flared Folding Wingtips
Authors: Healy Fintan , Cheung Ronald , Rezgui Djamel , Cooper Jonathan , Wilson Thomas , Castrichini Andrea
Published: July 2023

Recent studies have considered the use of wings incorporating flared folding wingtips (FFWTs) to enable higher aspect ratios (reducing overall induced drag) while also reducing gust loading and meeting airport operational requirements. This paper presents the first experimental research into the nonlinear dynamic behavior of a wing incorporating an FFWT. Wind-tunnel tests were conducted at a range of velocities below and beyond the linear flutter boundary. The experimental findings are compared with results obtained from continuation and bifurcation analyses on a representative low-fidelity numerical model. The results show that beyond the linear flutter boundary, stable limit cycle oscillations form, which is dependent on the flare angle, are bounded by either geometric or aerodynamic nonlinearities. Also presented is the effect of a wingtip trim tab on the stability boundary of a wing incorporating FFWTs. It is found that the tab angle can significantly alter the stability boundary of the system, indicating that the choice of camber is an important parameter when considering the stability boundary of FFWTs and that a moveable control surface on an FFWT could be used “in flight” to extend the stability boundary of an aircraft.
Rey que non tiene vasallos nunca bien puede regnar: usos fraseológicos al servicio de la legitimación regia en el Poema de Alfonso XI
Authors:   Universidad de Jaén (España)
Published: July 2023

After the publication of the different studies carried out by Carolina Michaëlis (1902 and 1909), Menéndez Pidal (1914 and 1924), Diego Catalán (1953 and 1977) or Yo Ten Cate (1956), there is not much research concerning the Poema de Alfonso XI (c. 1344-1348). The defective state of the only preserved testimony, characterized by metrical alterations as well as by rhymes that seem to have been modified by the alleged textual «dialectalization», presents difficulties to ensure its linguistic ascription. The most current studies on historical phraseology have contributed to clarify the process of textual construction of the preserved late medieval testimonies; therefore, it seems pertinent to analyze the phraseological units which configure the Poema de Alfonso XI in order to shed light not only on its constitutive process, but also on its linguistic characterization.
Fusión de literatura, fraseología y fraseografía en Canarias: los hermanos Millares y Alonso Quesada
Authors:   Universidad de La Laguna (España), Batista Rodríguez José Juan , García Padrón Dolores ,   Universidad de La Laguna (España)
Published: July 2023

Between the 19th and 20th centuries, a political and artistic movement arose in the Canary Islands, mainly in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which led to the creation of intellectual cenacles that prompted various attempts to express in literary form the particularities of the insular speech. One of these remarkable groups is the so-called Círculo de los Millares, created by the brothers Luis and Agustín Millares, in which the figure of Rafael Romero, better known as Alonso Quesada, stands out. In their literary work, these three writers masterfully combined literature, phraseology and phraseography. This paper deals with some paradigmatic examples of their work that are presented, studied and compared.
Effect of Mindfulness Dhikr Breathing Therapy for Insomniacs on Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Purwanto Setiyo , Ahmad Mahadir , Said Zaini , Anganthi Nisa Rachmah Nur , Zulaekah Siti
Published: July 2023

This study aims to investigate the impact of mindfulness dhikr breathing therapy on the quality of life among individuals suffering from insomnia. This study involved forty-seven participants who were randomly allocated into three groups: mindfulness dhikr breathing (MDB), progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), and a Control group that did not receive any treatment. The participants were adults aged between 20 and 35 years, with 78.72% female and 21.28% male. Among the participants, 91.49% were students, while 8.51% were employees. The treatment period spanned 28 days, with four sessions conducted every Saturday. The primary outcome measure was the assessment of the quality of life, which was evaluated using a valid and reliable World Health Organization-Quality of Life (WHOQOL) BREF questionnaire. Statistical analysis involved the utilization of various tests, including paired t-tests, Wilcoxon tests, independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and one-way ANOVA tests. Significant differences were observed in the effects of the three intervention groups on overall QoL (p=.035), general health (p=.008), physical well-being (p=.006), psychological well-being (p=.000), and environmental factors (p=.007), except for the social relationship domain (p=.269). However, no significant differences were found in the effects of MDB and PMR treatments on overall QoL (p=.922), general health (p=.756), physical well-being (p=.497), psychological well-being (p=.883), social relationships (p=.569), and environmental factors (p=.618). In conclusion, mindfulness dhikr breathing therapy has demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with insomnia. It holds the potential to serve as a suitable alternative to commonly used insomnia therapies, such as progressive muscle relaxation.
Professional and ethical approaches to characterize complications in elective spinal neurosurgery. Never events in lumbar discectomy
Authors: Pedachenko Eugene G. , Nekhlopochyn Oleksii S. , Pylypenko Maxim M.
Published: July 2023

Any surgical intervention is associated with the possible development of complications. Surgical complications are traditionally an unpopular topic for discussion, but in recent decades they have received increased attention, due to both medical and economic factors. This review discusses the general concepts that characterize the negative consequences of surgical interventions in spinal neurosurgery: complications, adverse events, sentinel events, never events, collateral adverse outcomes. Classifications are given that allow systematizing these negative phenomena.
Surgical treatment of the lumbar disk herniation is the most frequently performed spinal surgery. The true number of lumbar discectomies is difficult to estimate because this procedure is often not an isolated surgical intervention, but a step in a larger one. Being a routine surgical procedure, discectomy, performed in one or another way depending on the preferences of the surgeon and available equipment, is characterized by a rather low relative frequency of adverse events and complications compared to other types of spinal surgery. However, due to the significant number of interventions, the absolute figures may present a medical and economic problem. Most authors refer to the classic triad of “wrong level, wrong side, wrong patient” and foreign bodies in the area of surgical intervention as obvious medical errors. Damage to the intestine or peritoneum, trauma to the great vessels and trauma to the nerve roots are considered serious complications, but not always medical errors. The other most commonly reported adverse events of lumbar discectomy are durotomy, neurological complications, surgical wound complications, recurrent disc herniation, and reoperation.
Until now, no clear classification of the negative consequences of lumbar discectomy, which would allow to verify the relationship between intraoperative adverse events (both surgical and anesthetic) and postoperative complications has been developed. In addition, it is extremely difficult, based on the criteria available in the literature, to identify a medical error in a number of iatrogenic complications, which requires further comprehensive study of the problem, since it has not only medical, but also legal consequences.
The prognostic role of Ki67, p53, Her2, and CyD1 immunohistochemical markers in recurrent parasagittal meningiomas
Authors: Sirko Andrii H. , Shponka Ihor S. , Perepelytsia Vadym A. , Molokova Iryna O.
Published: July 2023

Objective. Determine the role of Ki67, p53, Her2, and CyD1 immunohistochemical markers in predicting the recurrence of parasagittal meningiomas
Materials and Methods. The immunohistochemical (IHC) study was conducted in 26 parasagittal meningioma (PM) patients aged 36 to 72, who were treated in the Mechnikov Dnipropetrovsk Regional Clinical Hospital from 2000 to 2021 inclusive. 26 patients were divided into 2 equal groups with the most similar characteristics (patient’s gender, age, and meningioma malignancy as of the time of primary surgery) using the balancing method (pairwise selection). The study group consisted of 13 (50%) patients with detected postoperative PM recurrence/prolonged growth, while the control group included the remaining 13 (50%) patients with no PM recurrence. To evaluate prospects of further studies, the expression of the following markers by the tumor was analyzed: cell proliferation (Ki67), genome stability (p53 protein), dysfunction of epidermal growth factor signaling pathways (ERBB2 or Her-2/neu (Her2)), and cell cycle regulators (cyclin D1 (CyD1)).
Results. An association between the PM’s high proliferative activity and its recurrence was moderate (rs=0.44, р=0.025). Median Ki-67 in the study PM group (with recurrence) was three times higher than that in the control group (no recurrence) — 6.0% (4.0%; 9.0%) vs. 2.0% (0.5%; 4.5%) (p=0.029). In the case of Ki67 expression > 4.5%, the risk of PM recurrence/prolonged growth increased by 7.5 times (OR=7.5; 95% CI (1.3–43.0)) (area under the ROC curve, AUC=0.751 (95% CI, 0.544–0.898), p=0.011). The comparative and correlation analysis found no significant association between the p53 protein mutation and the PM recurrence (rs=0.23, р=0.254). Neither we found a significant association between the PM recurrence and the CyD1 expression (rs=0.29, р=0.147) or severity (rs=-0.08, р=0.696). The correlation between the Her2 expression in the PM cells and the PM recurrence was insignificant (rs=0.23, р=0.251). The primary PM malignancy (Grade II–III) increases the risk of unfavorable prognosis by 5.3 times (95% CI, 1.0–29.4) (AUC= 0.722) (95% CI, 0.513–0.878); p=0.016, sensitivity= 61.5%, specificity= 76.9%.
Conclusions. The following can be considered probable predictors of the PM recurrence after the primary surgery (within 20 years of follow-up): Ki67 proliferation index > 4.5% and grade II–III tumor malignancy. The comparative and correlation analysis found no statistically significant association between the tumor recurrence and the p53, Her2, and CyD1 immunohistochemical markers. However, the detected significant correlation between the p53, Her2, and CyD1 markers expression and the Ki67 proliferative index and tumor malignancy requires further research with a larger number of clinical observations.
The biomechanical state of the thoracolumbar junction with various options of transpedicular fixation under flexion load
Authors: Nekhlopochyn Oleksii S. , Verbov Vadim V. , Cheshuk Ievgen V. , Vorodi Milan V. , Karpinsky Michael Yu. , Yaresko Oleksandr V.
Published: July 2023

Introduction. Morphological and biomechanical features of the thoracolumbar junction determine the large number of cases of traumatic bone injuries. Reconstructive and stabilizing surgeries performed in this area, due to the significant load on both the elements of hardware and bony structures, require high reliability of fixation.
Objective. To study the stress-strain state of the model of the thoracolumbar section of the spine after the Th12-L1 vertebrae resection with various options of transpedicular fixation under the influence of flexion load.
Materials and methods. The stress-strain state of the mathematical finite-element model of the thoracolumbar section of the human spine under the influence of flexion load was studied. The model simulated the condition after surgery for a significant traumatic lesion of the thoracolumbar junction with laminectomy, facetectomy, and corpectomy of the Th12 and L1 vertebrae. Four variants of transpedicular fixation were studied (using short or long bicortical fixation screws, two crosslinks and without them). Control points of the model characterizing the load distribution both in bony structures and on metal elements of fusion and body replacement systems were studied.
Results. Crosslinks have the greatest effect on reducing the level of stress both in the bony elements of the models and in the metal elements. When comparing the length of the screws, the use of monocortical screws was determined to have minor biomechanical advantages. The stress analysis of the area of the screw entry into the pedicle of the arch of the fixed vertebrae (clinically significant zone) revealed that in the model with short screws and without crosslinks, the stress for the vertebrae Th10, Th11, L2 and L3 is 5.0, 1.9, 7.8 and 13.6 MPa, respectively, while the presence of crosslinks reduces the corresponding values to 4.6, 1.9, 7.3 and 12.7 MPa. In models with bicortical screws, the corresponding values are 5.1, 2.3, 10.2, and 12.7 MPa in the absence of crosslinks and 4.7, 1.8, 9.9, and 12.2 MPa with the presence. A similar trend is observed in other control points. When comparing the results with the compression load in the models studied earlier, it was established that flexion causes an increase in the stress of the models with monocortical screws by an average of 33.7%, with bicortical screws by 39.6%.
Conclusions. In case of flexion load, the use of crosslinks makes it possible to reduce the level of stress in all control points of the models, regardless of the length of the used transpedicular screws, while the length of the screws does not have a fundamental effect on the stress distribution.
Defects and Types of Faults in Jewelry Pieces: The Case Study of Barbarian Champlevé Enamels
Authors: Биркина Н.А.
Published: July 2023

В статье на примере вещей круга варварских выемчатых эмалей проводится анализ типов брака на ювелирных изделиях и причин возникновения дефектов. Проведена группировка и структурирование наиболее часто встречающихся недостатков. Сделан вывод, что даже украшения, выполненные не на высоком уровне и имеющие разные дефекты, поступали к потребителю. Это может свидетельствовать о принципиальности самого факта наличия статусной вещи.

He paper analyzes types of faults in jewelry pieces and causes of such defects on the champleve enamels from the barbarian contexts. The most common defects have been grouped and structured. It is inferred from the analysis that even jewelry pieces of lower quality with various defects were bought by consumers. Presumably, it is an evidence of the fact that to own such an item of high status was of principal importance.
Одежда красит женщину: мода на бусы по материалам раскопок сарматского могильника в хунедоаре Еимишане
Authors: Barca V. , Grumeza L.
Published: July 2023

This article analyses the beads discovered in the Sarmatian cemetery from Hunedoara Timisana (Arad County, West Romania). Beads are the most numerous dress items in the graves at Hunedoara Timisana, a total of 1396 beads (beside other fragmentary pieces) being identified in the 14 analysed graves. Beads fulfilled various functionalities within the analysed graves: they were part of necklaces, belts, earrings or buttons, but most often were sewn onto female garments. The custom of embroidery-decorating garment hems with hundreds or even thousands of beads of various colours is recorded in the Sarmatian milieu of the Great Hungarian Plain as early as their settling of the area. The fashion peaks in the period after the Marcomannic wars, very likely influenced by the arrival in this area of new groups of Sarmatians by the end of the 2nd - early 3rd c. AD.

Статья посвящена анализу бусин из сарматского могильника в Хунедоаре Тимишане (Жудец Арад, Западная Румыния). Именно бусы, которыми украшали одежду, наиболее часто встречаются в захоронениях в Хунедоаре Тимишане; в 14 изученных погребениях найдено 1396 бусин (помимо фрагментов). Функции найденных бусин отличаются разнообразием: из них делали ожерелья, ими украшали пояса, они использовались как серьги или пуговицы, однако чаще всего бусины нашивались на женскую одежду. Обычай украшать подол платья вышивкой из разноцветных бусин зафиксирован среди сарматских племен Большой Венгерской равнины уже на раннем этапе освоения данной территории, причем для украшения одного платья могли использоваться сотни и даже тысячи бусин. Мода на бусы достигла своего пика после Маркоманской войны, вероятно, под влиянием новых сарматских групп, прибывших в конце II - начале III.
Some Technological Techniques of Making Blanks for Bone Items (Based on the Materials from the Mstislavsky-4 Excavation Trench in Medieval Pskov)
Authors: Фисенко А.В.
Published: July 2023

В ходе археологического исследования 2018 г. в Пскове на Мстиславском-4 раскопе в заполнении фортификационного рва и прилегающей территории была выявлена коллекция отходов косторезного ремесла численностью 5714 отпиленных эпифизов метаподия. Период накопления в культурном слое коллекции датирован XV-XVII вв. Собранная коллекция отходов ремесла является ценным источником о процессе производства изделий из кости животных в черте средневекового города, а именно первичного этапа изготовления изделий. Цель статьи - ознакомить читателя с предварительными итогами изучения коллекции. Основным результатом первичного изучения коллекции стало выявление закономерности в технике отпиливания нижнего эпифиза метаподия крупного рогатого скота. Было сформулировано «правило двух пальцев», заключающееся в том, что псковские косторезы отпиливали нижний эпифиз крупного рогатого скота на расстоянии двух пальцев от дистального канала кости. В связи с обнаружением такого технологического решения псковских ремесленников выводом является постановка вопроса о его распространенности: «правило двух пальцев» сугубо псковский феномен или эта методика заготовки центральной части метаподия существовала в других средневековых городах?

The excavations carried out in Pskov in 2018 to examine the Mstislavsky-4 excavation trench made in the fill of a fortification ditch and the area around it found an assemblage of bone carving waste including 5714 cut-off epiphyses of the metapodium (Fig. 1). The period of the assemblage accumulation in the occupation layer was dated to the 15th-17th centuries. The collected assemblage of production waste is a valuable source of information on the fabrication of goods from animal bones within the area of the medieval city, in particular, the initial production stage (Fig. 2). The aim of this paper is to provide preliminary results of this assemblage examination. The main result of the initial study of the assemblage is an identified pattern showing how the lower epiphysis of the cattle metapodia was cut off. A ‘two finger rule' was defined. According to this rule, the Pskov bone carvers cut off the lower epiphysis of the cattle at ‘two fingers' from the bone distal canal (Fig. 4). Because it is now clear that the Pskov artisans applied this technological solution, the issue to be addressed based on the results of this analysis is to understand how widespread this practice was, i.e. whether the ‘two finger rule' was an exclusively Pskov phenomenon or this method of making blanks from the central part of the metapodium was also applied in other medieval cities.
Chemical Composition of Glassware from Golden Horde Settlements in the Saratov Volga Region .
Authors: Егорьков А.Н. , Недашковский Л.Ф.
Published: July 2023

В статье анализируется химический состав стеклянных изделий с селищ эпохи Золотой Орды центральной части Саратовского Поволжья. Привлечены материалы поселений Багаевское, Хмелевское I и Колотов Буерак, располагающихся в округе крупного города Укека и датирующихся второй половиной XIII - XIV в. Исследование позволило выявить в рассмотренной коллекции изделия как золотоордынского, в том числе нижневолжского, так и импортного (древнерусского и западноевропейского) происхождения.

The article analyzes the chemical composition of glass wares from the settlements of the Golden Horde time of the central part of the Saratov Volga region. The materials of the settlements Bagaevka, Hmelevka I and Kolotov Buerak, situated in the region of the Ukek city and dating back to the second half of the 13th - 14th century, were involved. The study made it possible to identify in the reviewed collection the products of both the Golden Horde, including the Lower Volga region, and imported (of Old Russian and West European) origin.
THE SCORRIONE WEST CEMETERY WITH CAVE VAULTS IN MODICA (RAGUSA, ITALY) IN SICILY DURING THE MIGRATION PERIOD
Authors: Жил Ж.П. , Плеска М.
Published: July 2023

Раскопки, проведенные в 2020 и 2021 гг. в пещерном могильнике Скоррионе «Запад» (Модика - Скоррионе, Рагуза, Сицилия / Modica - Scorrione W, Ragusa, Sicily), привели к открытию нескольких погребальных сооружений, выдолбленных в естественных скальных стенах каньона, где были изучены ингумации и стратиграфические слои заполнения. Среди предметов погребального инвентаря представлены элементы костюма и украшения V в. Они имеют исключительный характер для данного региона. В статье рассматриваются связи этих находок со Средиземноморьем и Центральной Европой, а также с воинской цивилизацией того времени. Предполагается, что находки в Скоррионе могут быть связаны с военными гарнизонами на периферийной территории Сиракуз в период вхождения Сицилии в состав «варварских» королевств.

The excavation campaigns carried out in 2020 and 2021 at the hypogeal cemetery Scorrione West (Modica, Ragusa, Sicily) have resulted in discovery of several architectural structures cut out in the natural rock walls, as well as of well-preserved inhumation graves with well-preserved funerary goods. Among the latter, a number of clothing accessories and ornaments dating from the 5th century show an exceptional character in their regional background. The paper reviews connections between these finds and the Mediterranean and Central European regions, as well as with military sphere of that time. It is argued that the Scorrione finds may be linked to military posts in the peripheral territory of Syracuse, during the period when Sicily was part of «barbarian» kingdoms.