bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency Access and Impact of Injuries Caused by Electrocution and Lightning
Authors: Lenjani Basri , Dogjani Agron , Baftiu Nehat , Abdullahu Luljeta , Orgusha Nimet , Lenjani Dardan , Lenjani Zenel
Published: July 2023

Electrical injury is a physiological reaction caused by electric current passing through the body. Electric injuries can be caused by the impact and exposure to electric current or lightning either at home or at work.

The injury depends on the density of the current, tissue resistance, and duration of contact. Very small currents may be imperceptible or produce a light tingling sensation. Injuries can range from minor,  moderate, to severe, and fatal injuries are just as likely to occur at home as in the workplace, with around 20 Australians dying each year from electric shock.

The purpose of this paper is to study how well-trained healthcare professionals in both pre-hospital and hospital settings are in treating patients in the case of electric shock and injuries caused by lightning, including the triage, assessment, monitoring, treatment, and transport with medical care in pre-hospital settings

The research was conducted based on data obtained from assessments of health care professionals based on anamnestic data, the status of vital parameters, monitoring, medical procedures, system-level injuries, type of health care delivery, and location.

Conclusions; Given the discrepancies found in reporting pathological conditions and injuries pertaining to electrical burn wounds, a standardized system for classifying these pathological conditions is suggested. Although electric shock-related mortality is not the leading cause of death in high-prevalence areas, awareness needs to be raised.
Fournier's gangrene in Patients Operated for Hemorrhoidal Prolapse in the Surgical Emergency Department.
Authors: Bollano Enton , Lilaj Krenar , Thereska Dariel , Dogjani Agron
Published: July 2023

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a well known often fatal fasziitis of the pelvic floor following ano-rectal, urologic and gynecologic infections. Although rarely it is described as a complication of operative anal procedures and predisposing factors such as diabetes, alcoholism, immune-defects and consumptive diseases.

Current literature only briefly mentions the potential risk of FG after such a common surgical procedure. However, devastating complications occur more often than expected. This catastrophic complication without a predisposing factor is discussed along with a review of the literature.

The objective of this article is to provide updated and relevant information regarding the recognition, diagnosis and management of FG, from the general surgeon to the emergency department.

This article refers to two complicated cases of Fournier's gangrene. The patients underwent emergency surgical intervention with the diagnosis of hemorrhoidal prolapse with rectal bleeding and accompanying anemia…

Conclusion; The gold standard for treatment was found to be a combination of surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and the administration of intravenous fluids. Further, patient survival was found to be directly related to the time from diagnosis to treatment when they underwent surgical debridement. 

The General surgeon must be vigilant for this condition and be aware of risk factors, prognostic indicators, and proper treatment protocols to recognize FG early and initiate appropriate management.
The ATLS® Course: Empowering Healthcare Professionals for Excellence in Trauma Care.
Authors: Dogjani Agron , Haxhirexha Kastriot , Gjata Arben , Subashi Kastriot
Published: July 2023

The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course has become an indispensable tool in preparing health care professionals to provide optimal trauma care.

This article highlights the impact of the ATLS course on empowering healthcare professionals for excellence in trauma care.

By providing a standardized framework, enhancing critical decision-making skills, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, the ATLS course equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to trauma emergencies. Additionally, the course prepares healthcare professionals for the unpredictable nature of trauma care through simulation-based training and fosters a culture of continuous professional growth.

Through its emphasis on standardization, critical thinking, and continuing education, the ATLS course plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes and establishing a foundation for excellence in trauma care.

Conclusion: The ATLS course stands as a testament to the commitment of healthcare professionals to provide excellent trauma care. It empowers practitioners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and standardized approach to save lives in the critical moments following traumatic events.
Buenas prácticas en el desarrollo de la competencia global en el marco del bachillerato internacional
Authors: García-Beltrán Eva García-Beltrán
Published: July 2023

In a rapidly changing world, students must develop their global competence, which is the ability to understand, act and manage global and intercultural affairs. However, there is still no systematic description in the literature of how educational institutions should act to contribute to the development of this competence in their students. This study attempts to discover those organizational and teaching practices that foster an optimal climate for the development of global competence, based on a case study methodology from a center that is a reference in this field. Through qualitative research, the practices that have proven effective are identified. It is concluded that intelligent leadership that encourages both personalized learning and action-taking within a culturally diverse environment is key to global competence
En un mundo que cambia rápidamente, los estudiantes deben desarrollar su competencia global, que es la habilidad para entender, actuar y manejar los asuntos globales e interculturales. Sin embargo, en la literatura todavía no hay una descripción sistemática de cómo deben actuar los centros educativos, para que puedan contribuir al desarrollo de esta competencia en sus alumnos. Este estudio intenta descubrir aquellas prácticas, tanto organizativas como docentes que favorecen el clima óptimo para el desarrollo de la competencia global, con base en una metodología de estudio de caso, a partir de un centro que es una referencia en este ámbito. A partir de una investigación cualitativa, se identifican las prácticas que han mostrado su eficacia. Se concluye que un liderazgo inteligente y que anime tanto el aprendizaje personalizado como la toma de acción, dentro de un entorno culturalmente diverso, es la clave para la competencia global.
Tecnologías disruptivas en la enseñanza del inglés: un estudio comparativo de las percepciones de profesores
Authors: Casimiro-Perlaza Luis Felipe , Torres-Daza Héctor Fabio
Published: July 2023

Esta investigación pretende exponer y comparar las percepciones que tienen los profesores en servicio de Chile y Colombia acerca de las tecnologías disruptivas en la enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera. La investigación se desarrolló bajo el enfoque cualitativo, con carácter exploratorio, con información recabada mediante revisión documental, entrevistas semi-estructuradas individuales y un grupo focal. Los resultados evidencian que la falta de formación tecnopedagógica especia-lizada, contextualizada, de equipamiento y seguimiento adecuado impiden que los profesores de inglés se adapten y desa-rrollen estrategias y actividades de enseñanza-aprendizaje innovadoras y articuladas en un entorno mediado por la tecnología. Esto constituye un área de oportunidad que conduce a repensar y reformular las políticas educativas y los programas de formación en enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera relacionados con este aspecto.
¿Qué leen los docentes? Análisis de los libros que los docentes dominicanos declaran haber leído
Authors: Pacheco-Salazar Berenice , Amiama-Espaillat Cristina
Published: July 2023

Este trabajo de enfoque cuantitativo analiza los libros que los docentes preuniversitarios de República Dominicana dicen haber leído, con el propósito de describir su identidad lectora. Se aplicó un cuestionario diseñado ad hoc a una muestra de 550 participantes compuesta por directivos escolares y docentes de los niveles Inicial y Primario. Los hallazgos revelan que los docentes expresan leer libros de literatura (46 %), seguidos de libros de uso personal (39 %) y, en menor medida, textos de uso profesional (15 %). El texto declarado como más leído fue la Biblia; el resto de los títulos están vinculados en su mayoría a las prescripciones del canon escolar dominicano, lo que revela un débil capital cultural lector en los docentes. Se evidencia la necesidad de fortalecer políticas públicas para el desarrollo del interés y el hábito lector en la formación inicial y continua del cuerpo docente.
Actitudes hacia la investigación formativa: análisis exploratorio en los grupos de investigación
Authors: Martínez-Daza Magda Alejandra , Guzmán-Rincón Alfredo
Published: July 2023

Las actitudes hacia la investigación son un eje central del desarrollo de competencias investigativas y representan un campo emergente de estudio. El objetivo de este artículo es identificar los componentes de las actitudes hacia la investigación for-mativa en estudiantes vinculados a un grupo de investigación virtual. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio de tipo transversal para identificar dichos componentes. La muestra fue no probabilística y consistió en 32 estudiantes inscritos en un grupo de in-vestigación virtual. Los resultados indican una actitud positiva de los estudiantes hacia la investigación formativa, y se destaca la efectividad del grupo de como estrategia pedagógica para fomentar esta actitud. Asimismo, se encontró que el desarrollo de habilidades investigativas es fundamental para mejorar la calidad educativa. En conclusión, se recomienda seguir fomentando el desarrollo de habilidades investigativas para mejorar la calidad educativa y formar profesionales más competentes.
Diseño y validación de un instrumento para medir las percepciones del profesorado universitario respecto a las TIC
Authors: Palacios-Mora Laura Milena , Salinas Jesús , Marín Victoria
Published: July 2023

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo el diseño y la validación de un instrumento para medir la percepción docente respecto a las TIC y su impacto en el aprendizaje significativo. El diseño partió de las dimensiones obtenidas de la triangulación teórica y la recolección de datos derivados de una etapa cualitativa, sometidas a una revisión por un lingüista. El instrumento fue sometido a juicio de expertos para revisar la validación de contenido a través del método Lawshe (1975). La confiabilidad calculada con alfa de Cronbach fue de .973. Se realizó la validez del constructo con la técnica de análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) con el método de componentes principales de rotación ortogonal. El cuestionario agrupa 31 ítems en seis dimensiones; evalúa la percepción docente con respecto al uso de las TIC en la práctica del profesorado.
Los dominicanos en la educación superior de la ciudad de Nueva York, 2000-2019
Authors: Valdés-Ramírez Julian Antonio
Published: July 2023

El acceso a más y mejor educación constituye uno de los principales móviles de la migración dominicana a Estados Unidos. Teniendo en cuenta que la educación superior es el culmen de la educación formal, esta investigación levanta, sistematiza y analiza las estadísticas sobre matrícula, escolaridad y titulación terciaria de los dominicanos en la ciudad de Nueva York, y las compara con el desempeño de otros grupos étnicos y de origen hispano. El procesamiento y el análisis estadístico revelan un cambio significativo del progreso educativo de los dominicanos, que hasta esta investigación fue calificado como lento e insuficiente. Con una tasa de crecimiento de la matrícula terciaria superior al promedio, los dominicanos superaron el crecimiento de estadounidenses y de otros inmigrantes durante el período 2000-2019. Ese impulso los convirtió en el grupo de origen latino de la ciudad de Nueva York con más personas tituladas en educación superior.
La OEI y las metas 2021: Evolución del derecho a la educación en Latinoamérica y el Caribe
Authors: Neubauer Adrián , Nicolás-Ruiz María Ángeles , Álvarez Pavón Sara
Published: July 2023

Luego de finalizadas las Metas Educativas 2021 en la mira, este artículo tiene como objetivo conocer el contexto socioeconómico en el que se han desarrollado en Centroamérica, el Caribe y Suramérica, así como la evolución educativa en esas regiones. Para ello se realizó un estudio comparado en los Estados miembros de la Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos (OEI) para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura, desde 2010 hasta 2020. Los resultados manifiestan una mejora considerable de estos indicadores en términos generales, aunque preocupa el notable aumento de los menores sin matricular en la etapa CINE 2 en el Caribe y Centroamérica. Podemos concluir que existe una relación notable entre el crecimiento económico y el acceso a la educación, así como en la disminución de la tasa de abandono escolar. Finalmente, el derecho a la educación, impulsado por las políticas nacionales y otras tendencias educativas, ha evolucionado de manera positiva, aunque desigual entre las regiones
Effect of Education Using Mobile Social Networks on Anxiety and Satisfaction of Candidates for Coronary Angiography
Authors:   Depertment of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Mohaddes Fathemeh , Bozorgnejad Mehri ,   Depertment of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Najafi Ghezeljeh Tahereh ,   Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Zarei Mohamadreza ,   Depertment of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Haghani Shima ,   Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Jalalinejad Fariba ,   Depertment of Medical Surgical Nursing, School ofNursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: July 2023

Background & Aims Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for 30% of all deaths worldwide. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of education through online social media (WhatsApp) on the anxiety and satisfaction of candidates for coronary angiography. Materials & Methods In this study, participants were candidates for elective coronary angiography referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran from May to July 2021. They were assigned to the intervention (n=43) and control (n=43) groups. Data were collected using a demographic form, the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for measuring satisfaction. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software, version 16 using independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. Results Both groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic characteristics at baseline, and there was no significant difference in BAI scores between the intervention and control groups before the intervention (P=0.229). The results of independent t-test showed a significant difference in the mean BAI score before and after intervention in two groups (P<0.001), indicating the effect of intervention on reducing anxiety. The results of independent t-test showed that the satisfaction in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.001). The results of the paired t-test showed that in both intervention (P<0.001) and control (P=0.005) groups, the BAI score decreased significantly after the intervention compared to the pre-intervention phase. The effect size of education on anxiety was 0.9 and the effect size on satisfaction was 1.88, which shows the high effect of the educational intervention. Conclusion The use of mobile social networks for education is effective in reducing anxiety and improving satisfaction in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Therefore, this interventional method can be used by nurses as an effective method in medical centers.
Indirect Patient Care by Nurses in the Intensive Care Unit of a Hospital in Iran During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran., Asvad Fatemeh , Mehraban Marzieh Adel ,   Department of Nursing Management, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran., Rasouli Mahboubeh ,   Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: July 2023

Background & Aims The most important factors for the development of any society are human resources. The intensive care units (ICUs) are the most important departments in the hospitals. Considering the importance of time management for patient care, lack of human resources in this profession, and the fact that nurses spend a lot of time on indirect and non-nursing works, this study aims to investigate the time and type of indirect patient care provided by nurses in the ICU of a hospital in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials & Methods This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and observational study that was conducted for 6 months. Participants were 42 nurses working in the ICU of Hafte Tir Hospital in Rey, Iran who were randomly selected from different shifts. Their activities were observed and their spent time was recorded by the researcher using the stopwatch mobile application. The data collection tool was the Persian version of the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) checklist with acceptable face and content validity according to opinions of a panel of experts (5 faculty members and 10 nurses). descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum) were used for data analysis by SPSS software, version 22. Results Most of nurses (60%) were in the age group of 30-39 years and 72% of them had a work experience of 11-20 years. Most of the nurses were female (85%) and married (80%). In each shift, nurses spent an average time of 247 minutes providing indirect care. The longest time in indirect care was related to writing nursing reports (34.9 ± 10.5 min per shift) and the shortest time were related to removing personal protective equipment (6.11±3.19 min per shift), consulting with a colleague, and wearing personal protective equipment (both with 7±3.55 min per shift). Conclusion Although patients need direct care and continuous presence of the nurse more during the COVID-19 pandemic and there are advanced equipment. To provide proper nursing care, it is important to increase the number of nurses and reduce their non-nursing activities.
The Need to Conduct Studies on Economic Evaluation of Nursing Care in Iran
Authors:   Department Health Management and Economics, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran., Nejatian Ahmad
Published: July 2023

All health systems in the world are facing the lack of financial resources for meeting the health needs of people. Policymakers in the health sector use economic and political methods to solve this problem and implement appropriate strategies for prioritizing and allocating limited resources to meet unlimited health needs [1]. In this regard, it is important to conduct studies for economic evaluation of health to provide evidence to decision-makers. These comparative studies of the costs and consequences of different health technologies and strategies [2] can help policymakers to choose the most cost-effective interventions to create the greatest health outcomes. As universal health coverage (UHC) becomes one of the priorities of countries to achieve sustainable development goals, the access of all people to the needed services at a reasonable price should be considered by governments. The COVID-19 pandemic showed that only a robust health system with sufficient finance cannot guarantee people’s health in the long term, and we need to find cost-effective methods to provide health services [3].
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding COVID-19 in Patients With Diabetes
Authors:   Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Ehsani Maryam , Seyedoshohadaee Mahnaz ,   Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Haghani Shima ,   Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Shojaeimotlagh Samad ,   Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: July 2023

Background & Aims Although COVID-19 can affect people in different age groups, the conditions and severity of symptoms are worse in people with diabetes. This aims to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding COVID-19 in people with diabetes in Tehran, Iran. Materials & Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional study on 384 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes referred to Firozgar and Hazrat Rasool-e Akram hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences from December 2021 to June 2022. They were selected using a continuous sampling method. The instruments were a demographic form and the KAP questionnaire designed by Honarvar et al. (2020). Data analysis was done in SPSS v.16 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The mean age of the participants was 40.11±15.20 years. It was reported that 94.8% had moderate and sufficient knowledge of COVID-19. The mean attitude score was 30.90±4.89 which is a moderate-to-high level. Only 1.3% had poor practice regarding COVID-19. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the average knowledge of patients and their marital status (P=0.006), employment status, and duration of disease (P<0.001). In addition, there was a statistically significant relationship between the attitude of patients and their educational level (P=0.015) and duration of disease (P=0.027). Their practice level had a significant relationship with gender (P=0.010), marital status (P=0.001), and type of diabetes (P<0.001). Conclusion The KAP of people with diabetes in Tehran regarding COVID-19 is at a favorable level. This indicates the success of the measures taken to educate this category of patients by health centers and media, and reveals the necessity of increasing the health literacy of people in pandemics.
Evaluation of Iron Status in Cats With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With and Without Congestive Heart Failure
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran., Seyednejad Seyed Farzin , Shirani Dariush ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran., Bokai Saeid ,   Department of Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran., Nasiri Seyed Mehdi ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Published: July 2023

Background: All organisms need iron for their survival and metabolic activity, and the healing process of patients depends on this element. Hence, its deficiency can negatively affect patients’ quality of life and cause disorders. Although iron deficiency is proven an important comorbidity in human and canine patients with heart failure, no research has been published on the role of iron in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Objectives: This research aimed to determine and compare the iron status of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with and without congestive heart failure. Methods: Based on laboratory, radiographic, and echocardiographic findings, 45 client-owned cats were studied and divided into three groups: control, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) without congestive heart failure, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure. Iron and ferritin concentrations, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and serum transferrin saturation (TSAT) percentage were measured and compared in all cats. Statistical nonparametric testing was used to analyze the data. Results: No groups illustrate any statistically significant difference for iron concentration (P=0.3), ferritin concentration (P=0.853), TIBC (P=0.1), and TSAT (P=0.639). The highest iron concentration and the lowest transferrin level and the transferrin saturation percentage were observed in the HCM group with congestive heart failure. Also, cats without congestive heart failure had the lowest TIBC compared to other groups. Conclusion: Unlike previous studies in dogs and humans, our study did not show a significant difference between cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy regarding iron status.
Antioxidant, Syneresis, and Sensory Characteristics of Probiotic Yogurt Incorporated With Agave tequilana Aqueous Extract
Authors:   Department of Food Science and Technology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran., Farzaneh Melika , Fadaei Vajiheh ,   Department of Food Science and Technology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran., Gandomi Hassan ,   Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Published: July 2023

Background: The growing consumer interest in healthy food has encouraged the industry to search for products that exhibit additional benefits over nutritional value. Yogurt is the best carrier for beneficial nutrients such as probiotics and antioxidants. Agave tequilana is a plant that contains phytochemicals comprising flavonoids that show antioxidant activity. Objectives: In this work, the effects of incorporating A. tequilana aqueous extract (ATAE) on the antioxidant properties, syneresis, and flavor of probiotic yogurt were investigated. Methods: Radical scavenging ability was evaluated against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Amounts of total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Syneresis was determined using the centrifugal technique. The sensory evaluation was carried out using a 5-point hedonic scale. Results: The addition of ATAE in yogurts exhibited a dose-dependent relationship and had significantly (P≤0.05) higher TPC and DPPH scavenging ability than the control yogurts. The TPC and DPPH scavenging properties of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% ATAE-fortified yogurts were 389.9, 629.2 and 905.6 mg GAE/kg yogurt and 283, 480, and 617 mg BHT eq./kg yogurt, respectively. The addition of ATAE increased the syneresis of yogurt samples (P≤0.05). Although the sensory properties of synbiotic yogurt samples were lower than plain and probiotic treatments, their scores were still above the acceptable level. Conclusion: As the results of this study indicated, it is recommended to improve the antioxidant properties of the yogurt by incorporating AEAT and its potential application as a functional food formulation.
Hepatic Health and Humoral Immunological Parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Fed Lactic Acid-supplemented Diets
Authors:   Department of Aquatic Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran., Mirghaed Ali Taheri , Ghelichpour Melika ,   Department of Aquatic Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran., Aghaei Moghaddam Abbasali ,   Center for International Scientific Studies & Collaboration (CISSC), Ministry of Science Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran., Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein ,   Center for International Scientific Studies & Collaboration (CISSC), Ministry of Science Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran., Hoseini Seyyed Morteza ,   Center for International Scientific Studies & Collaboration (CISSC), Ministry of Science Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
Published: July 2023

Background: Organic acids and their salts are known as appropriate substitutes in feed for improving the health, growth, and performance of fish. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary lactic acid supplementation on immunological factors, hepatic enzyme activity, and plasma proteins in common carp, Cyprinus carpio. The fish were fed the diets mentioned above for 56 days, then their growth performance, humoral immunity, and plasma hepatic enzymes were assessed. Methods: A total of 180 fish (mean weight=25 g) were randomly distributed in twelve tanks (150 L water in each tank) as four treatments, fed diets containing 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 g/kg lactic acid (T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively). Results: At the end of the feeding trial, T2 showed significantly higher growth performance than T0. Plasma total protein, albumin, and globulin levels of T1-T3 were significantly higher than that of T0. However, plasma protein levels decreased significantly by elevation in dietary lactic acid concentration (10 g/kg). No significant differences were observed in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity among the treatments, although alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity decreased significantly in fish-fed dietary lactic acid supplementation (T1-T3) compared with the control group (T0). All humoral immunity parameters (lysozyme, complement, immunoglobulin, and bactericidal activity) increased significantly in T1-T3 treatments compared to the T0 group. Conclusion: Overall, dietary lactic acid supplementation improves growth performance, humoral immunological parameters, and hepatic health. According to the results, dietary lactic acid (2.5-5 g/kg) is recommended for preparing common carp feed.
The quality and fertilizing ability of sperm after the addition of nanosuccinates of Mn, Cu, Zn to the medium for cryopreservation of ram sperm
Authors: Sharan O. , Stefanyk V. , Ostapiv D.
Published: July 2023

In the process of cryopreservation of sperm, there are violations of the ultrastructure of spermatozoa, which causes biochemical and functional changes in them. To protect spermatozoa from the negative effects of low temperatures, cryopreservation media are used, to which trace elements are added. Recently, nanoforms of trace elements have been obtained in Ukraine and experiments have been started to study their effect on the animal body. The aim of the work was to find out the effect of adding nanosuccinate of Mn, Zn and Cu to the medium for cryopreservation of ram sperm on the quality and fertilizing ability of sperm. The experiment was conducted on six clinically healthy breeder rams, aged 2–4 years. After evaluating the ejaculate from six rams aged 2–4 years, the Texel breed was divided into control and experimental groups. Control sperm samples were diluted with lactose-yolk-tris-citrate-glycerin medium (LYTCGM). Nanosuccinates of microelements were added to the medium in test samples of ram sperm in the following doses: Zn and Mn – 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 μg/l, Cu – 1.25, 2.5 and 3.75 μg/l. Diluted sperm was packaged in straws, equilibrated for 2.5 hours and frozen. After thawing of sperm, motility, percentage of damaged spermatozoa, their survival, activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and cytochrome oxidase (CO) in sperm were determined. A dose-dependent effect of Mn, Zn, and Cu nanocitrates upon their addition to LYTCGM was established. The addition of Mn and Zn nanosuccinate at a dose of 5.0 μg/l to LYTCGM probably increases the motility of ram spermatozoa after thawing, and also reduces the percentage of spermatozoa with morphological disorders. Addition of Cu nanosuccinate in increasing doses significantly reduces spermatozoa motility in thawed ram semen, simultaneously increasing the percentage of degenerate spermatozoa. After the addition of Mn and Zn nanosuccinate at a dose of 5.0 μg/l LYTCGM, the survival rate of ram spermatozoa is probably increased, and the addition of Cu nanosuccinate in increasing doses significantly reduces the survival time of germ cells. Addition of Mn and Zn nanosuccinate at a dose of 5.0 μg/l to LYTCGM probably increases the activity of SDH and CO in sperm after thawing, and the addition of Cu nanosuccinate in increasing doses significantly reduces the activity of these enzymes. The addition of Mn and Zn nanosuccinate in lower (2.5 μg/l) and higher (7.5 μg/l) doses did not significantly affect the motility, morphological disorders and survival of spermatozoa, as well as the activity of SDH and CO in them.
PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS, LIKUIDITAS, DAN STRUKTUR AKTIVA TERHADAP STRUKTUR MODAL PADA PERUSAHAAN SEKTOR INDUSTRI BARANG KONSUMSI YANG TERDAFTAR DI BEI
Authors: Khotimah Chusnul
Published: July 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh profitabilitas, likuiditas, dan struktur aktiva terhadap struktur modal pada perusahaan sektor industri barang konsumsi yang terdaftar di BEI periode 2019-2020. Profitabilitas dihitung dengan return on equity (ROE), likuiditas dihitung dengan current ratio (CR), struktur aktiva dan struktur modal dihitung dengan debt to equity ratio (DER). Objek penelitian adalah sektor industry barang konsumsi  yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia  dengan sampel sebanyak 37 perusahaan yang diambil melalui purposife sampling. Pengujian hipotesis dalam penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan analisis regresi berganda. Hasil penelitian melalui uji t menunjukkan bahwa profitabilitas, likuiditas berpengaruh signifikan terhadap struktur modal, sedangkan struktur aktiva tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap struktur modal.
PENGARUH KREDIBILITAS BANK, PERSEPSI KEMANFAATAN DAN PERSEPSI KEMUDAHAN APLIKASI PERBANKAN TERHADAP MINAT NASABAH MENGGUNAKAN LAYANAN BSI MOBILE DI BANK SYARIAH INDONESIA KCP PONOROGO SOETTA
Authors: Hayati Nur , Fitriani Ajeng Pipit
Published: July 2023

Customer interest is the desire to try the product and an interest arises in using and owning the product. Customer interest can be influenced by several factors including the bank's credibility, perceived usefulness and perceived convenience. Bank credibility is a form of customer trust in banking, the behavior of someone who believes their transactions and privacy are safely guarded by banks. Perceived usefulness is a person's subjective view if using an information technology can improve performance. Perceived convenience is the degree to which a person believes that using a system does not require much effort. This study uses a quantitative research approach using primary data obtained through interviews and distributing questionnaires. The population used in this study are customers who use the BSI Mobile application at Bank Syariah Indonesia KCP Ponorogo Soetta whose number is unknown. The sampling technique in this study used the Lemeshow formula with 100 respondents as the research sample. The data analysis method used in this study is multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that: Bank credibility, perceived usefulness and perceived convenience partially and simultaneously have a significant effect on customers' interest in using BSI Mobile services at BSI KCP Ponorogo Soetta.

Keywords: Bank Credibility, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Convenience, Customer Interest
Fixation probability and fixation time under strong recurrent mutation
Authors: Pontz Martin , Stana Remus , Ram Yoav
Published: July 2023

When the mutation rate is high and/or the population size is large, recurrent mutation can lead to multiple, independently generated copies of the same beneficial allele spreading through the population. However, classical analyses of fixation probability and time assume that the mutation rate is low and therefore, that fixation and extinction of a beneficial allele occur faster than the appearance of additional copies. We developed a diffusion equation approximation for the fixation probability and time that accounts for recurrent mutation, incomplete fixation, and fixation from standing genetic variation. Our results show that when the number of new beneficial alleles per generation in the population is greater than one, fixation is guaranteed, and fixation time is significantly lower than expected by the standard approximation. Moreover, we show that fixation time is significantly shorter if the initial allele frequency is greater than 0, or if fixation is defined for an allele frequency lower than 1.
When indices disagree: facing conceptual and practical challenges
Authors: Arnillas Carlos Alberto , Carscadden Kelly
Published: July 2023

Hypothesis testing requires meaningful ways to quantify relevant biological phenomena and account for alternative mechanisms that could explain the same pattern. Researchers combine experiments, statistics, and indices to account for these confounding mechanisms. Key concepts in ecology and evolution, like niche breadth or fitness, can be represented by several indices, which often provide uncorrelated estimates. Is this because the indices use different types of noisy data or because the targeted phenomenon is complex and multidimensional? We discuss implications of these scenarios and propose five steps to aid researchers in identifying and combining indices, experiments, and statistics. Supported by efforts to build databases of hypotheses and indices and document assumptions, these steps help provide a formal strategy to reduce self-confirmatory bias.
Cross-modal constraints in multimodal vocalizations in Siamang (Syndactylus symphalangus)
Authors: Pouw Wim , Kehy Mounia , Gamba Marco , Ravignani Andrea
Published: July 2023

Gibbons (Hylobatidae) sing loudly, reaching over a hundred Decibels - about the sound level of a rock concert. Qualitative observations report that, during song climaxes, individuals move in a coordinated way with their singing. We hypothesizethat vigorous thorax-loading movements such as brachiation induce physical constraints on the respiratory-vocal system. This coordination and possibly underlying biomechanics have never been studied, leaving a blind spot for a possible sharedvariance between vocal and locomotor repertoires that would indicate a co-evolution of two systems. Here, we recorded over a hundred stereotypical multimodal vocal calls from over 7 hours of singing in two captive siamangs (Syndactylus symphalangus), a type of gibbon that are the largest in size. These stereotypical calls coincided with a bodily display during solo singing, and were exclusively performed by juvenile individuals. We used computer vision methods (opencv and deeplabcut) to quantify upper body acceleration of these multimodal displays of two individuals; we found that body accelerationstatistically predicted the nearest peak in the amplitude envelope of the call. The results indicate that Siamang singing likely co-evolved with movement due to physical constraints of pectoral limb-respiratory-vocal interactions, similar to birds, bats, and rodents, as well as humans. This has important implications for the locomotor hypotheses of rhythm origins as our results suggest a biomechanical and basic coupling of vocal systems with the (loco)-motor system: in singing Siamangs, and perhaps humans too, as there are homologies to be drawn between how humans and Siamang move in gestural ways with their vocalizations.
Application of crime theory in urban ecology, evolution and planning: factors influencing the disappearance of field equipment
Authors: Stadnicki Ignacy , Szulkin Marta , Corsini Michela
Published: July 2023

1. Research in urban ecology and evolution relies on the use of deployable scientific equipment. If left unattended in the field, it may be prone to vandalism and theft, especially in the urban space. We empirically applied crime theory, specifically the Routine Activity Theory (RAT), to predict disappearance rates of scientific equipment in an on-going urban ecology research project. 2. First, we tested a routinely applied method of equipment protection - labelling - and tested whether equipment disappearance varied with label information content and message tone. Second, we tested whether equipment attributes (price, mass, volume, colour and type of installation) and environmental variables (human presence, tree cover, distance to paths and distance to roads) covaried with the disappearance of two types of field equipment, and whether patterns of disappearance changed over time spent in the urban space (novelty effect).3. The disappearance of 474 nestboxes and 141 frassboxes was followed over four years and two field seasons, respectively. By using a crime theory framework, we successfully predicted that nestboxes were less likely to disappear than frassboxes. In contrast to an earlier study, we did not find any association between label type and disappearance rates. Instead, we identified environmental variables that covaried with equipment disappearance: for both types of scientific equipment, there was an interaction between human presence and tree cover. Thus, in highly-frequented places, people were more likely to remove scientific equipment if they were less seen (e.g. in areas with high tree cover). Moreover, we detected an interaction between distance to roads and paths for frassboxes but not nestboxes, revealing that equipment properties may interact with environmental setting. Importantly, frassbox disappearance decreased over time in both study seasons, confirming the important role of novelty for scientific equipment disappearance rates.4. We encourage other researchers, site-managers and stakeholders working in cities and other frequently visited areas to apply the RAT framework, as it is an easily applicable and inexpensive way to gain insight into patterns of equipment disappearance in the public space, thereby strengthening the potential for informed project planning and as a result, safer, and more effective studies.
The History and Development of Small Mammal Control on China’s Grasslands and Potential Implications for Conservation
Authors: Lambert Joseph , Niu Yujie , Shi Kun , Riordan Philip
Published: July 2023

Grasslands make up 40% of China’s territory and are important ecological and economic areas. The native small mammals that inhabit these grasslands are often seen as pests competing with livestock and are subjected to population control. At the same time, several species are functionally important ecosystem engineers, and their removal can have far-reaching consequences for grassland health. We review the history and development of attempts to control populations of small burrowing mammals on China’s grasslands from ancient times to the present day, and the relevance of these programmes to grassland conservation. We describe the different methods of control in use today, and attempt to assess their prevalence and their possible effects on grassland ecosystems from a conservation perspective. Non-chemical methods are used, including manual trapping and biological control with native predators. Four rodenticides are currently registered for use on China’s grasslands. Most chemical control is carried out with botulinum toxins type- C and D. We identify 40 species, across two orders (Rodentia and Lagomorpha) and seven families, which are targets of pest control. Two of these species, Marmota sibirica and Ochotona koslowi, are classed as Endangered by the IUCN. Several others are important ecosystem engineers. Case studies on the potential ecological impacts of control programmes against two ecosystem engineers, the Chinese zokor (Eospalax fontanierii) and marmots (Marmota spp.), are described. Finally, we give recommendations for researchers on how to approach this issue.
Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Respiratory Tract Infection during COVID-19 Era
Authors: Sattar Md Abdus , Biswas Rajib , Ullah Enshad Ekram , Arif Mahmud Hassan , Karim Mirza Nurul , Chowdhury Moinuddin , Chowdhury Mohammad Abu Sayeed , Hoque Ehsanul
Published: July 2023

Background: Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI) is a very common disease in our country. Bacterial infections in the respiratory tract causing significant morbidity andmortality in hospitalized patients. Information on the prevalence of bacterial infection in RTI in our health care settings is lacking. Moreover, the injudicious use of antibiotics often leads to antibiotic resistance which is an emerging problem. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance patterns in pathogens isolated from the sputum samples of admitted patients suffering from RTI in a tertiary care teaching hospital in the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) era.
Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study 104 patients who were admitted to the Medicine Department of Chittagong Medical College Hospital with a diagnosis of RTI from February 2021 to June 2021 were included. Bacterial isolates from the sputum culture were confirmed by the standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic resistance was determined by using the disk diffusion method.
Results: Out of 104 processed sputum samples 92 (88.5%) cases had established bacterial etiology. Klebsiella (45.2%) was the most common organism followed by Pseudomonas (17.2%) and Acinetobacter (14.4%). In antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Imipenem and meropenem were sensitive against Klebsiella. Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, imipenem, meropenem and piperacillin were sensitive against Pseudomonas. Acinetobacter was highly resistant to ceftriaxone.
Conclusions: The resistance pattern varied for different organisms. Therefore, appropriate identification of the causative organisms and their antibiotic resistance is crucial for the right choice of antibiotic therapy in LRTIs.
JCMCTA 2021 ; 32 (2) : 8-13
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Diabetes Mellitus among Patients Visiting Out-Patient Department at A Rural Health Centre of Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Sumon Rahman , Ahmad Shahryar , Hassan Mohammad Mahmudul , Mostafa Farzana , Tanzil Tasnuva
Published: July 2023

Background : Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to inculin causing blood sugar levels to be abnormally high. To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding diabetes mellitus and their associated factors among diabetic patients visiting outpatient department of a primary care setting at a rural health center.

 Materials and methods: A questionnaire based crosssectional survey was carried out in the Outpatient Department of a primary level hospital in a poor resource country from February to November 2021. A total of 384 patients aged ³30 years of either gender with known diabetes mellitus type 2 were included in the study using systematic random sampling technique and interviewed using a pretested structuredquestionnaire. Data were analyzed on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 and inferential analysis was performed using chi-square test. The study duration spanned over 9 months.

Results: The study results showed that 257 (66.9%) of the participants had adequate knowledge, 165 (43.0%) had adequate attitude while only 105 (27.3%) had adequate practices related to diabetes mellitus. Moreover, adequateness of attitude was statistically significantly associated with age (p=0.001) and education (p=0.016) while that of practices was also statistically significantly associated with age (p=0.001) and education (p<0.001) of the patients.

Conclusion: Diabetes related attitude and practices of the patients studied were far from satisfactory. Moreover, participants’ age and educational status appeared to influence both their attitude and their practices. Further evaluation of study findings using more rigorous designs is recommended.

JCMCTA 2021 ; 32 (2) : 14-19