bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Consciousness State of Traditional Nidrâ Yoga/Modern Yoga Nidra: Phenomenological Characterization and Preliminary Insights from an EEG Study
Authors: Zaccaro Andrea , Riehl André , Piarulli Andrea , Alfì Gaspare , Neri Bruno , Menicucci Danilo , Gemignani Angelo
Published: November 2021

Nidrâ yoga is an ancient yogic practice capable of inducing altered states of consciousness characterized by deep relaxation, strong concentration, acute self-awareness, and joy. In modern contemplative neuroscience language, it is known by the name yoga nidra, and few studies have investigated its phenomenological and psychophysiological effects. Six healthy volunteers (four females aged 31–74) performed 12 yoga nidra sessions guided by an expert during a 6-day retreat. Each session consisted of 10 minutes in a resting state (baseline) followed by 2 hours of yoga nidra. Psychometric data regarding dissociative experiences (Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale) and the state of consciousness (Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory) were collected after baseline and yoga nidra, while high-density EEG was recorded during the entire session. During nidra sessions, no sleep hallmarks (i.e., K-complexes and sleep spindles) were detected by the EEG in any subject. Psychometric data we re analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test corrected with the false discovery rate approach for multiple comparisons. Compared to baseline, yoga nidra practice was related to: (1) increased dissociative effects (p = 0.022); (2) perception of being in an altered state of consciousness (p = 0.026); (3) alterations in perceived body image (p = 0.022); (4) increased “meaningfulness” attributed to the experience (p = 0.026); (5) reduced rational thinking (p = 0.029); and (6) reduced volitional thought control (p = 0.026). First-person experience is discussed in relation to descriptive EEG power spectral density analysis, which was performed in one subject because of severe EEG artifacts in the other recordings; that subject showed, compared to baseline: (1) early increase of alpha and beta power, followed by a progressive widespread reduction; (2) widespread early increase of theta power, followed by a progressive reduction; and (3) widespread increase of gamma power in the latest stages. The present preliminary results enrich the knowledge of yoga nidra, elucidating its phenomenology and suggesting some psychophysiological correlates that future studies may address.
The metrological parameters of diosmin quantitation in pharmaceutical dosage forms
Authors: Voronin Alexander V. , Kachalkin Maksim N. , Karpov Alexander V.
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Pharmaceutical dosage forms with diosmin are allowed for medical use in Russian Federation. Simple and informative methods of diosmin quantitation for drug quality control are needed.

Aim: determination of metrological parameters of diosmin quantitation in pharmaceutical dosage forms by UV-spectrophotometry.

Matherials and methods. The study subjects Venarus, Detralex (tablets, suspension), Phlebopha. Diosmin were quantified by UV-spectrophotometry. The reference-specific absorbance values of diosmin at wavelengths of 268 and 370 nm by the parameters of calibration were determined. Statistical data processing was carried out by the methods of variation statistics, correlation, one-way analysis of variance using computer programs ChemMetr 1.0, ChemMetr Evaluation 1.0, Statistica 6.0 (Statsoft Inc., USA).

Results. The range of diosmin quantitation by UV-spectrophotometry was revealed for the wavelength of 268 nm 0,0001-0,001%, 370 nm 0,0002-0,002%. The reference-specific absorbance values for diosmin at the wavelength of 268 and 370 nm in a sodium hydroxide solution 0,02M were 463,0 24,6 and 259,0 9,9 respectively. The mean errors of diosmin concentrations in pharmaceutical dosage forms were revealed for the wavelength of 268 nm 8-12% and for 370 nm 6-8%. Prognostic calculation of the sample preparation error (extraction) for diosmin was performed using the example of Detralex tablets. The sample preparation error was 8%.

Conclusion. The values components of error for reference-specific absorbance value and sample preparation error for diosmin quantitation were determined (as exemplified by the study of Detralex tablets). Calculation algorithms can be used for error estimation of sample preparation for other multicomponent samples in drug quality control.
Development of the method for spectrophotometric quantitative determination of the total flavonoids in Bupleurum multinerve herb
Authors: Petukhova Svetlana A. , Posokhina Alina A. , Mirovich Vera M.
Published: November 2021

The article presents the method for the quantitative determination of flavonoids for the analysis of Bupleurum multinerve herb based on the method of differential spectrophotometry. The optimal conditions for analysis have been determined. They include extractant 40% ethyl alcohol, ratio of raw materials and extractant 1 : 100, extraction time of 60 minutes in the boiling water bath, complexing agent of 1 ml of 2% aluminum chloride. The use of rutin as a standard has been experimentally validated, analytical wavelength is 412 nm. The relative error of the mean result (for n = 9) was 3.20%. Validation studies of the method have shown that it meets the criteria: linearity (r = 0.99988), correctness, specificity, and precision. The analytical range of the method is 8.6726.08 g/ml. The method is recommended for the inclusion into the new edition of the Pharmacopoeia Monograph for this type of plant material.
Results of using the pessary as the first stage of therapy for genital prolapse in women with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia
Authors: Teleeva Gulnara I. , Balter Regina B. , Tshelkovich Ludmila S.
Published: November 2021

The paper considers the effectiveness of using pessaries as a part of conservative complex therapy for women with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia for the treatment of genital prolapse. It was found that after 8 weeks of using the pessary in combination with estrogen replacement therapy and drugs involved in the synthesis of collagen, the frequency of individual clinical manifestations of genital prolapse significantly decreases. However, objectively, according to perineometry data, the effectiveness of using the pessary is insufficient, and the pathology requires further surgical treatment.
The use of Ingaron® in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B
Authors: Zaytseva Ekaterina A. , Popova Larisa L. , Konstantinov Dmitry Yu.
Published: November 2021

The possibility of antiviral therapy with the direct antiviral drugs Entecavir and Ingaron, as an antiviral and immunomodulating therapy, was studied in patients with the recurrent chronic viral hepatitis B. The study showed the applicability of this treatment regimen, due to the increase in the number of patients with SVR, high tolerability and the absence of clinically significant side effects.
Features of the microbiota of placenta in full-term pregnancy
Authors: Bezrukova Alina A. , Spiridonova Natalya V. , Kaganova Maria A. , Galkina Darya A.
Published: November 2021

Objective: to study the microbial landscape of the placenta in full-term pregnancy and intact fetal membranes.

Materials and methods. 19 pregnant women in the gestational age of 37-41 weeks with intact membranes underwent elective cesarean section at Samara City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov. Their placental tissues were collected and RT-PCR tests for Lactobacillus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Gardnerella vaginalis / Prevotella bivia / Porphyromonas spp., Eubacterium spp., Sneathia spp. / Leptotrihia spp. / Fusobacterium spp, Megasphaera spp. / Veillonella spp. / Dialister spp., Lachnobacterium spp. / Clostridium spp., Mobiluncus spp. / Corynebacterium spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Atopobiumvaginae, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma (urealyticum + parvum), Candida spp., Mycoplasma henitalium were performed.

Results. In case of physiological full-term pregnancy the total bacterial mass can be 103.9-103.7 GE/sample on the placenta, it is a normal variant. Sterile placentas were found in 21.1% of cases. Unknown microorganisms were revealed in 52.6% of cases, they were unidentified by the standard panel Femoflor-16. In other cases Enterobacteriaceae spp. (102.6 GE/sample) were found in the placental tissues in patients with intact fetal membrane. The presence of Lactobacillus spp. in the placental tissues with intact membranes is not typical.

Conclusion. RT-PCR test allow to reveal a small amount of bacterial mass in the placental tissue in case of physiological full-term pregnancy, in which the representatives of Enterobacteriaceae spp. are often time detected.
Hubungan Regulasi Diri dengan Prokrastinasi Akademik
Authors: Sedyawati Sedyawati
Published: November 2021

Abstract: Academic procrastination is a behavioral tendency to procrastinate tasks that occur in students. Factors that influence it include the lack of strategies in self-regulation or self-regulation (self-regulated learning). As one of the countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia is implementing learning from home. In this condition, students are expected to have skills in managing themselves in learning during the learning process from home. This quantitative study examines the relationship between self-regulated learning and students' academic procrastination during the pandemic. The population of this research is the students of SMP Negeri 6 Malang, and the research sample uses random cluster sampling so that the number of students obtained is 168 consisting of class VII, class VIII, and class IX. The data collection uses a self-regulated learning scale and an academic procrastination scale on google forms distributed through online class Whatsapp groups. The data analysis technique used is a bivariate correlation to determine the relationship between the two variables. The data analysis results showed no significant relationship between self-regulated learning and students' academic procrastination.

Abstrak: Prokrastinasi akademik merupakan kecenderungan perilaku menunda-nunda tugas yang terjadi pada siswa. Faktor yang mempengaruhi prokrastinasi akademik, antara lain kurangnya strategi pengaturan diri atau regulasi diri. Regulasi diri dibutuhkan siswa, terutama dalam kondisi kurang menguntungkan pada saat ini yaitu pandemi covid-19. Situasi saat ini menuntut siswa memiliki keterampilan mengatur diri yang baik agar terhindar dari kebiasaan menunda-nunda tugas. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan antara regulasi diri dan prokrastinasi akademik selama pandemi covid-19. Populasi penelitian adalah siswa SMP Negeri 6 Malang, teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan cluster random sampling dan diperoleh 167 siswa kelas VII, kelas VIII dan kelas IX. Pengumpulan data menggunakan skala regulasi diri dan skala prokrastinasi akademik. Teknik analisis data penelitian yaitu korelasi bivariat. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan antara regulasi diri dengan prokrastinasi akademik siswa selama pandemi covid-19.
Peculiarities of Formation of Social and Personal Experience at Various Stages of the Childhood
Authors:   Saratov State University, Kogevnikova D. А.
Published: November 2021

In the article the features of the formation of social and personal experience at different stages of childhood.
Philosophical Aspects of Scientific Creativity
Authors:   Saratov State University, Klementyev B. S.
Published: November 2021

Article is devoted to consideration of philosophical aspects of a phenomenon of scientific creativity. It is shown, that the creative knowledge is active creative process as a result of which there are essentially new systems, knowledge, skills, techniques.
The Characteristic Features of Identity of the Volga Region’s Native at the Turn of the XX–XXI Centuries
Authors:   Volga State Social and Humanitarian Academy, Sharapov V. V.
Published: November 2021

This article is devoted to the scientific and theoretical analysis of structure and development of the ethnic identity and the ethnic communication of the Middle Volga region’s ethnos. Studying the ethnic stereotypes (auto- and hetero stereotypes) the author composes the full picture of interethnic communications in this region of Russia. The author also explains the psychological kind of Middle Volga people’s identity.
Social and Psychological Aspects of the Phenomenon of Parenthood
Authors:   Saratov State University, Rudzinskaya T. F.
Published: November 2021

The article deals with socio-psychological characteristics of the components of the phenomenon of parenthood: fatherhood and motherhood. The analysis of the major challenges of fatherhood and motherhood in contemporary society; indicate the social and psychological causes of the crisis of parenthood in contemporary society.
Peculiarities of Functioning Cognitive Psychic’s Processes in Sport’s Different Kinds
Authors:   Saratov State University, Tkacheva M. S.
Published: November 2021

In the article there is analysis of Russian and foreign sports’ psychology researchers’ points of view about functioning of cognitive psychic’s processes in dependence from features of sport’s kind. The unity of perception, attention and thinking in athlete’s activity is accented.
Heart Rate Monitoring of Anaesthesiology Residents during the Airway Management of COVID 19 Suspect Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Gupta Bhavna , Adabala Vijay , Tuppad Pratik , Kannan Unni
Published: November 2021

Background: Anaesthesiologists undergo shear stress during the perioperative period, which was further increased during the COVID 19 pandemic. Many observational studies were done to find out the stress levels of the residents.
Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study of Anaesthesiology residents in a tertiary care academic institution. We have measured the minute to minute heart rate variability which can be an indirect measure of stress level with the help of wrist band MI 4 which works on the principle of PPG.
Results: The difference between baseline HR and resting HR was observed to be substantial (p value 0.115 and 0.000 respectively). The percentage rise in heart rate during intubation from resting heart rate was 42.79 ± 25.54 percentage points.
Conclusion: Users can use this type of ongoing information as a feedback option to increase their work efficacy. Understanding how to use these smart devices will assist us in balancing our stress-free day-to-day activities.
Evaluation of Ultrasound Guided Measurement of Anterior Neck Soft Tissue Thickness in Predicting Difficult Laryngoscopy in Obese Patients
Authors: Jain Saumya , Kachru Nisha , Yadav Rupesh
Published: November 2021

Background: The incidence of unanticipated difficult airway is 14.3-17.5% in obese. Preoperative difficult airway prediction is important to avoid postoperative morbidity and mortality. USG guided measurement of anterior neck soft tissue thickness can be used to predict difficult laryngoscopy in obese patients and we thus undertook this study to determine the role of USG guided measurement of anterior neck thickness at the level of vocal cords in difficult laryngoscopy prediction.
Methods: Sixty obese patients (BMI≥30kg/m2), 18-70 years of age of either sex, were included. Anterior neck soft tissue thickness was measured by ultrasound as the distance from the skin to the anterior commissure of vocal cord. Neck circumference was measured at mid neck just below the laryngeal prominence with the subjects standing upright and facing forward with shoulders relaxed. Thyromental distance, sternomental distance, Mallampatti score and neck circumference were also recorded.
Results: The cut off values of BMI (46.94 kg/m2), neck circumference (41.5 cm) and anterior neck soft tissue thickness (22.1mm). Four patients in the morbidly obese and 80% of the superobese patients had a difficult laryngoscopy. Sixteen (26.67%) patients had an anterior neck soft tissue thickness of >22.1mm. Of these, 11 (91.67%) patients had difficult laryngoscopy while one (8.33%) patient with anterior neck soft tissue thickness ≤ 22.1mm had difficult laryngoscopy (P<0.05). There was also significant association between neck circumference and BMI.
Conclusion: The USG guided measurement of anterior neck soft tissue thickness, BMI and neck circumference can reliably predict difficult laryngoscopy in obese patients.
Is There an Optimal Positive End-expiratory Pressure to Measure the Internal Jugular Vein Collapsibility Index? A Pilot Study in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Authors: Zeraatchi Alireza , Naghibi Taraneh , Kafili Hamid , Abdollahi Sabet Somayeh
Published: November 2021

Background: Hemodynamic monitoring its early stabilization is very important in critically ill patients. Evaluating the Internal jugular vein diameter during respiratory cycles by the means of Point-of care ultrasound provides an important, easily available and precise index for monitoring hemodynamic status; a new method which is called Internal Jugular Vein Collapsibility Index (IJV-CI). Any events that alters intrathoracic volumes and pressures may affect this index. In this study we investigate the effects of various levels of positive end-expiratory pressure on this index.
Methods: Thirty mechanically ventilated patients were studied. We used three different PEEP levels (0, 5 and 10 cmH2o) and point-of-care ultrasound evaluation of IJV (Internal Jugular Vein) diameter to determine the IJV-CI. The analysis were performed using SPSS V.25.0.
Results: Patients were included men (76.6%) and women (33.3%). The mean age of patients was 39.65±3.4 for men and 42.71± 9.34 for women. The IJV-CI were 20.71±11.77 and 24.25±11.46 in PEEP=0 and PEEP=10 cmH20 groups respectively. In 5cmH20-PEEP group median and interquartile range were 16.45(14.8). The IJV-CI in three different PEEP levels were not statistically significantly different.
Conclusion: According to the finding of this study, we found no evidence of an optimal PEEP level to measure The IJV-CI.
Direct Laryngoscopy or Video Laryngoscopy: Which Is Better for Performing Endotracheal Intubation?
Authors: Khan Zahid Hussain , Karvandian Kasra , Mustafa Muhammed Haitham
Published: November 2021

Background: Endotracheal intubation is known as the best and challenging procedure to airway control for patients in shock or with unprotected airways. Failed intubation can have serious consequences and lead to high morbidity and mortality of the patients. Videolaryngoscope is a new device that contains a miniaturized camera at the blade tip to visualize the glottis indirectly. Fewer failed intubations have occurred when a videolaryngoscope was used. Other types of videolaryngoscopes were then developed; all have been shown to improve the view of the vocal cords. It may be inferred that for the professional group, including emergency physicians, paramedics, or emergency nurses, video laryngoscopy may be a good alternative to direct laryngoscopy for intubation under difficult conditions. The incidence of complications was not significantly different between the C-MAC 20% versus direct laryngoscopy 13%. The main goal of this review was to compare the direct laryngoscopy with the (indirect) video laryngoscopy in terms of increased first success rate and good vision of the larynx to find a smooth induction of endotracheal intubation.
Methods: Currently available evidence on MEDLINE, PubMed, Google scholar and Cochrane Evidence Based Medicine Reviews, in addition to the citation reviews by manual search of new anesthesia and surgical journals related to laryngoscopies and tracheal intubation.
Results: This review of recent studies showed that the laryngoscopic device design would result in smooth approach of endotracheal intubation by means of good visualization of glottis and the best success rates in the hands of both the experienced and novice. Video laryngoscopes may improve safety by avoiding many unnecessary attempts when performing tracheal intubation with DL compared to VL as well as easy learning of both direct and indirect laryngoscopy.
Conclusion: The comparative studies of different video laryngoscopes showed that DL compared with VL, reveal that video laryngoscopes reduced failed intubation in anticipated difficult airways, improve a good laryngeal view and found that there were fewer failed intubations using a videolaryngoscope when the intubator had equivalent experience with both devices, but not with DL alone. And therefore, knowledge about ETI and their skills, are crucial in increasing the rate of survival.
Anaphylaxis in a Patient Undergoing FESS for Nasal Polyposis: Revisting Samter’s Triad
Authors: Kohli Santvana , Varshney Mudit , Diwan Sahil
Published: November 2021

Patients with nasal polyposis frequently have associated bronchial asthma and hypersensitivity to NSAIDs. When the three conditions co-exist, it is referred to as the Samter’s triad. Patients with Samter’s triad are an important subset of those with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). We present a case of a young female patient undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyps, who although did not show any other features of AERD, went on to develop florid anaphylaxis to diclofenac administration intra-operatively. After adequate resuscitation and intensive care stay, the patient made a complete recovery. NSAIDs must be avoided in patients with nasal polyps, despite showing no other features of this syndrome. Other analgesic agents that can be used include IV paracetamol and opioids like tramadol.
Effect of light-emitting diode phototherapy on pain and trismus following surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars
Authors: Shirani Gholamreza , Reshadi Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy on pain and trismus following surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.
Materials and Methods: This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated 50 patients between 20 to 35 years requiring extraction of their impacted mandibular third molars. The patients were randomized into two groups of LED phototherapy and control by flipping a coin. Patients in the LED group underwent LED phototherapy immediately after surgery with red light at 618nm wavelength, 20 mW/cm2 power density and 4 J/cm2 energy density in continuous-wave mode (irradiated area: 3.15cm×1.5cm=4.725cm2). The LED device was used in off mode in the control group (as placebo). The level of postoperative pain was measured by the numerical rating scale, and trismus of patients was evaluated by measuring the maximum mouth opening (MMO). The two groups were compared by the Mann-Whitney and NPar tests.
Results: The mean difference in MMO postoperatively, compared with baseline, was lower in the LED group than the placebo group but not significantly (P=0.465). The two groups were not significantly different regarding the level of pain.
Conclusion: LED phototherapy with the parameters applied in this study failed to significantly decrease the level of pain and trismus following surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.
Reference point and confirming points two important guides in treatment of panfacial fractures of panfacial Fx: A case report
Authors: Momeni Roochi Mehrnoush , Hajiani Narges , Nezaminia Sayna
Published: November 2021

A therapeutic challenge to maxillofacial surgeons is management of panfacial fractures, especially when treating multiple comminuted bone fractures. One of the most important goals in these fractures is achieve and stablish a correct occlusal relationship of the mandibular-maxillary unit in parallel with the proper positioning of the jaws with the skull base and other facial units. Also, it is important to prevent long-term sequelae such as facial asymmetry, enophthalmos, and mal- occlusion that could be caused by inadequate correction. To achieve all these goals some usual guides of management are proposed as follow: “Bottom to up”, “Top to down”, “outside to inside,” or “inside to outside”. We present 3 cases of Panfacial fracture and the proposed methods were based on different sequences of management with introducing “reference point” as the most intact area to determine the management concept & “confirming point” as the areas that should be reduced and fixed completely. These points act as an orientation aid during surgery and aid to successfully restore the entire face contour and maxillomandibular occlusion and also to improves surgical procedure.
The Necessity to Retrieve Testicular Sperm in Infertile Non-Azoospermic Men with High Levels of SDF
Authors: Sadeghi Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2021

The article's abstract is not available.
Prediction of Emotional Repression based on Alexithymia and Type D Personality in Cardiovascular Patients
Authors: Elahimehr Hanie , Shahgholian Mahnaz , Abdollahi Mohammad Hossein , Rajabi Fariba
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is one of the causes of mortality in the world, which psychological factors play an important role in its occurrence and exacerbation. This study aimed to investigate the prediction of emotional repression based on alexithymia and type D personality in cardiovascular patients.
Methods: Participants were 100 patients with coronary artery disease selected through accidental sampling from the patients undergoing treatment at Rajaee Heart Hospital in Karaj City and completed TAS-20, DS14 and ECQ questionnaires. The validity and reliability of all three questionnaires have been confirmed in domestic and foreign studies. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 Software and Pearson correlation, Multiple regressions.
Results: The correlation results showed that there was a significant relationship between alexithymia and personality type D with emotional repression in the cardiac patients at the level of 0.05, and the results of multivariate regression results showed that alexityymia and personality type D did not predict emotional repression.
Conclusion: Alexithymia, personality type D, and emotional repression are risk factors for the development and exacerbation of cardiovascular disease.
Association between rs2228014 Polymorphism of CXCR4 and Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Nikkhah Hanieh , Vafaei Maryam , Farashahi Yazd Ehsan , Arjmand Fatemeh , Shahvazian Ensieh , Mahmoodi Mohammad Bagher , Andishmand Abbas
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease and is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. Vascular plaques are formed on the inner surface of hardened arteries and gradually develop, reducing the diameter of the arteries. CXCR4 is one of the most important chemokine receptors, whose presence has been confirmed in cardiac plaques. Our aim was to determine the relationship between genetic diversity of CXCR4 gene (rs2228014) and atherosclerosis among the population of patients.
Methods: The present study included 254 participants who referred to the Cardiac Angiography Department of Afshar Hospital in Yazd City. The main criteria for admission to the case group were coronary artery stenosis with angiography testing, and in the control group, the clients did not have coronary artery disease. The age and sex matching of the two groups were considered. Blood specimens were taken, and after DNA extraction, the SNP genotype of the CXCR4 gene was determined using ARMS-PCR. Statistical analysis of the data carried out using SPSS software version 19 and Chi-square test.
Results: Genetic models of rs2228014 variant were evaluated in patients with atherosclerosis in comparison with the control group and a significant difference between allelic (P = 0.333), homozygous (P = 0.087), heterozygous (P = 849.0), dominant (P = 0.570) and recessive (P = 0.086) genetic models of rs2228014 polymorphism was not observed.
Conclusion: In the current study, no significant difference was observed between genetic models of rs222801 polymorphism in patients with atherosclerosis and healthy individuals. Based on our findings, the rs222801 polymorphism of the CXCR4 gene might not be considered as a predisposing factor for atherosclerosis.
Board Attributes and Value of Listed Insurance Companies in Nigeria: The Mediating effect of Earnings Quality
Authors: Mohammed Sabo , Kurawa Junaidu Muhammad
Published: November 2021

Effective administration of a firm depends largely on the quality and commitment of the board of directors, who are expected to control the activities of the firm based on ethical and professional standards to ensure that corporate affairs are in line with corporate objectives. This study examines the mediating effect of earnings quality on the relationship between corporate board attributes and the value of listed insurance companies in Nigeria. The study utilized secondary sources of data collected from annual reports of the sampled companies for the periods 2009 to 2018. The population of the study comprises of all twenty seven (27) insurance companies listed on the Nigerian stock exchange, out of which fifteen (15) were selected as study sample. Data generated were examined by means of descriptive statistics to provide summary statistics for the variables and subsequently, correlation analysis was carried out using Pearson correlation technique for the correlation between the dependent, independent variables and the mediating variable. Path analysis using Structural Equation Modeling was used; also Monte Carlo’s test was employed to determine the significant of the indirect effect. It was found that board size, board meetings and women directorship significantly affect firm value. It also reveals that board size and board independence significantly affects earnings quality of listed insurance companies in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study finds that earnings quality does not significantly mediates the relationship between board size, board independence, women director, board meeting and firm value. However, it is mediating partially. This indicates that board attributes through the quality of the reported earnings a higher firm value will be achieved. Hence the study concludes that the direct association between boards attributes mechanisms and firm value is more crucial than their indirect association mediated by the earnings quality. Thus, the study recommends that investors should pay more attention to companies with high number of directors, as provided in the NAICOM code of corporate governance. Also, in order to have proper checking by independent directors, NAICOM should also ensure a strict adherence to the provision of the code to improve the quality of earnings and enhance the value of the listed insurance companies in Nigeria.
Implementasi Program Lahan Pertanian Pangan Berkelanjutan (LP2B) Kabupaten Karawang: Studi Kasus Penetapan Luas Baku Sawah
Authors: Wicaksono Arditya
Published: November 2021

Lahan pertanian pangan berkelanjutan sebuah kebijakan yang dalam implementasinya terkendala komitmen politik stakeholders dan kesiapan petani. Di tataran teknis fase awalnya terkendala analisis spasial. Tulisan mencoba mendeskripsikan secara kualitatif kendala yang dihadapi untuk menetapkan sawah sebagai obyek LP2B dan mencoba memberikan solusi apa yang harus dilakukan secara sistematis.Sustainable food agriculture land is a policy which is constrained in its implementation due to the political commitment of stakeholders and farmers' readiness. At the technical level the initial phase is constrained by spatial analysis. The article tries to describe qualitatively the obstacles faced in establishing rice fields as objects of LP2B and trying to provide solutions to what must be done systematically.
Budaya Pecinta Kopi dan Gaya Hidup Urban Kedai Kopi di Surabaya: Analisis Visual Semiotika Spasial
Authors: Taufani Abduh Rafif
Published: November 2021

This research are focused on cultural identity and urban lifestyle that being representated throu symbols on coffeeshops in Surabaya. The research are conducted using vernacular semiotics or better called as spatial semiotic analysis. The researcher are interested due to current trends of third-wave coffeshops and how they identify themselves as a coffee lovers, also how third-wave customers put meaning in urban lifestyle in general throu themselves, visual gimmick, and interior design of the coffeeshops. Vernacular Semiotic are chosen as an analytic instruments because the visual elements surrounding the coffeshops and their customers are treated as visual text. The meaning behind coffee-drinkin activity are actively produced by the urban dwellers that habitate the spatial space of the coffeeshops. This research conclude that urban dwellers/customers are more drawn into the meaning throu visual elements to go to coffeeshops rather than the actual beverages. Therefore urban dwellers are also consuming the meaning behind every activity they are doing. The consumed meaning is either produced by the urban dwellers or the coffeshop itself.
EFEK KONSUMSI KEFIR TERHADAP DISLIPIDEMIA TERKAIT SINDROM METABOLIK: SEBUAH TINJAUAN PUSTAKA
Authors:   Universitas Islam Indonesia, Adnan Muhammad
Published: November 2021

Latar belakang: Peningkatan insidensi sindrom metabolik sering disertai dengan dislipidemia. Kefir merupakan minuman fermentasi yang telah banyak diteliti manfaat kesehatannya. Tujuan: Tujuan dari tinjauan ini adalah untuk membahas pengrauh minuman kefir terhadap dislipidemia Metode: Pencarian literatur dilakuakn dengan menggunakan kata kunci “kefir”, “dislipidemia”, dan “sindrom metabolik” dengan mesin pencari PubMed dan Google Scholar. Hasil: Dislipidemia dapat dipengaruhi dari obesitas dan resistensi insulin. Kefir memiliki efek anti-obesitas dan antiinflamasi dengan memodulasi perbaikan metabolisme lipid. Kesimpulan: Konsumsi kefir memiliki efek antidislipidemia pada sindrom metabolik
Anisotropic Optical And Vibrational Properties Of GeS
Authors: Zawadzka Natalia , Kipczak Łucja , Woźniak Tomasz , Olkowska-Pucko Katarzyna , Grzeszczyk Magdalena , Babiński Adam , Molas Maciej R.
Published: November 2021

The optical response of bulk germanium sulfide (GeS) is investigated systematically using different polarization-resolved experimental techniques, such as photoluminescence (PL), reflectance contrast (RC), and Raman scattering (RS). It is shown that while the low-temperature (T=5 K) optical band-gap absorption is governed by a single resonance related to the neutral exciton, the corresponding emission is dominated by the disorder/impurity- and/or phonon-assisted recombination processes. Both the RC and PL spectra are found to be linearly polarized along the armchair direction. The low and room (T=300 K) temperature RS spectra consist of six Raman peaks identified with the help of Density Fuctional Theory (DFT) calculations: Ag1, Ag2, Ag3, Ag4, B1g1, and B1g2, which polarization properties are studied under four different excitation energies. We found that the polarization orientations of the Ag2 and Ag4 modes under specific excitation energy can be useful tools to determine the GeS crystallographic directions: armchair and zigzag.
Enable Fair Proof-of-Work (PoW) Consensus for Blockchains in IoT by Miner Twins (MinT)
Authors: Qu Qian , Xu Ronghua , Chen Yu , Blasch Erik , Aved Alexander
Published: November 2021

Blockchain technology has been recognized as a promising solution to enhance the security and privacy of Internet of Things (IoT) and Edge Computing scenarios. Taking advantage of the Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus protocol, which solves a computation intensive hashing puzzle, Blockchain assures the security of the system by establishing a digital ledger. However, the computation intensive PoW favors members possessing more computing power. In the IoT paradigm, fairness in the highly heterogeneous network edge environments must consider devices with various constraints on computation power. Inspired by the advanced features of Digital Twins (DT), an emerging concept that mirrors the lifespan and operational characteristics of physical objects, we propose a novel Miner-Twins (MinT) architecture to enable a fair PoW consensus mechanism for blockchains in IoT environments. MinT adopts an edge-fog-cloud hierarchy. All physical miners of the blockchain are deployed as microservices on distributed edge devices, while fog/cloud servers maintain digital twins that periodically update miners’ running status. By timely monitoring miner’s footage that is mirrored by twins, a lightweight Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) based detection achieves to identify individual misbehaved miners that violate fair mining. Moreover, we also design a novel Proof-of-Behavior (PoB) consensus algorithm to detect byzantine miners that collude to compromise a fair mining network. A preliminary study is conducted on a proof-of-concept prototype implementation, and experimental evaluation shows the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed MinT scheme under a distributed byzantine network environment.
Monitoring of Forty Years of Agricultural Expansion in the Oum Er Rbia Valley (Morocco). The Use of Google Earth Engine Compared to Sentinel Application Platform
Authors: Adell María , Domínguez-Gómez José Antonio , Soria Juan
Published: November 2021

Agriculture in Morocco has been extensive until the middle of the 20th century due to the distribution of rainfall and the availability of water. In the middle of the last century hydraulic works were built that allowed the transition to intensive agriculture by the increase of irrigated areas, allowing that in the territories where there is water for irrigation and the climate allows it, the crops adapt to the demands of the market. The objective of the study is to assess by satellite images the land cover between 1985 and 2020, analyzing the changes in cultivation areas, as well as the changes in desert, sub-desert and forest areas of the Oum Er Rbia hydrological basin in Morocco. Landsat satellite images have been used since 1984 by the US government (Aerospace and Geological Agencies). A series of vegetation indices (NDVI, RVI, TNDVI and EVI) have been used; among which TNDVI (Transformed Normalized Vegetation Index) stands out for its better accuracy, which has allowed us to distinguish vegetation in cultivated and forest areas, as well as arid zones. In addition, the study has compared the use of two methodologies to calculate changes in the coverage of the Earth’s surface, has used local image processing from the Sentinel Application Platform tool and has also used the Google Earth Engine tool. The latter being the most optimal, although at the moment it has great limitations. In both methodologies and in the different indices it has been possible to observe during these 35 years as the cultivated area has increased (related to the availability of water by the construction of reservoirs and canals), how plant cover has improved in forest areas, and a range of variations in arid areas.
A Randomized, Open-Label Study to Assess Efficacy of Weekly Assumption of Cholecalciferol Versus Calcifediol in Older Patients With Hypovitaminosis D
Authors: Okoye Chukwuma , Calsolaro Valeria , Niccolai Filippo , Calabrese Alessia Maria , Franchi Riccardo , Rogani Sara , Coppini Giulia , Morelli Virginia , Caraccio Nadia , Monzani Fabio
Published: November 2021

The aim of this single-center, open-label, non-controlled randomized study was to evaluate which formulation of vitamin D between cholecalciferol and calcifediol is most effective in the treatment of hypovitaminosis D in older adults. Demographic characteristics, clinical history and comprehensive geriatric assessment were recorded at admission. Eligible patients randomly received an equivalent vitamin D supplement either with cholecalciferol or calcifediol from hospital admission to three months after discharge. Among the 140 older patients included (mean age 83±6.6, 57.8% females), 69 received cholecalciferol and 71 calcifediol. The mean plasma values of 25OH-Vitamin D3 found at the enrollment were 16.8 ± 9.9 ng/mL in patients receiving cholecalciferol and 18.8 ± 13.3 ng/mL in those treated with calcifediol (p =0.31). At the 3-month follow up, the mean concentration of 25OH-Vitamin D3 was significantly higher in patients treated with calcifediol than in patients treated with cholecalciferol (respectively, 30.7 ± 8.4 vs 45.4 ± 9.8 ng/mL, p <0.001). Supplementation with cholecalciferol or calcifediol results in both cases effective in reaching optimal circulating values of 25OH-VitaminD3 in the older patients suffering from hypovitaminosis D. However, supplementation with calcifediol led to average circulating values of 25OH- VitaminD3 significantly higher (over 50%) than those obtained with cholecalciferol.
Assessment of the Road Traffic Air Pollution in Urban Contexts: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Marino Concettina , Nucara Antonino , Panzera Maria Francesca , Pietrafesa Matilde
Published: November 2021

In the article a statistical approach to the assessment of the emission rates discharged by the road traffic in a spatial context is proposed. It exploits an indicator, the Yearly Average Vehicle, representing the pollutant emission rate of the average vehicle belonging to a specific category, and considers the statistical variability of most of the involved traffic parameters: vehicle speed and mileage travelled in the considered time period. Finally, indicators, assessing both the most probable value among the possible emission rates and the extent of their variability range, are proposed. They may also be used to underpin decision making-processes, when the effects of different policies addressing air pollution issues, are to be evaluated. Therefore, they are suitable for the analysis supporting urban planning activities, with a view to addressing and mitigating the effects and the consequences of pollution due to the transportation sector of the urban context.
Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance: Review on Taxonomy, Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities
Authors: Yusuf Amina Jega , Abdullahi Musa Ismail , Muhammad Abubakar Alhaji , Ibrahim Kasimu Ghandi
Published: November 2021

Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance (Nm, Chrysobalanaceae) is used traditionally as food, for medicinal spiritual and industrial purposes. It is also used as soap, dye, glue, fodder, termite repellent, firewood and for structural materials. Few studies on the physicochemical, nutritional contents, phytochemical and pharmacological activities have validated the benefits of Nm to humanity as food, in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. The major bioactive constituents identified in the plant so far are steroids and flavonoids (such as stigmasterol, quercetin, catechin and its related glycosides). Extracts of the plant have shown good antivenom, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimycobacterial, anthelmintic and antioxidant activities. Acute toxicity studies conducted have confirmed the plant to be toxic. More studies on the plant are required in order to exploit other biological activities as claimed by traditional healers and also to isolate more bioactive compounds. In addition, the safety and tolerability assessment of Nm should be undertaken due to its widespread usage.
Preliminary Cost Variance Modeling to Compare Autologous Intraovarian Platelet-Rich Plasma vs. Standard Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause Management
Authors: Sills E Scott , Tan Seang Lin
Published: November 2021

Background: Menopause symptoms and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are among the most common reasons patients seek gynecological advice. Although at least half of all women in developed countries will take HRT during their lifetime, the treatment is not without risk and guidance on HRT is mixed. Greater awareness of negative HRT health effects from extended use has piqued interest in ‘safer options’. Menopause reversal with autologous ovarian platelet-rich plasma (OPRP) has brought this restorative approach forward for consideration, but appropriateness and cost-effectiveness require examination. Methods: HRT and OPRP data from USA were projected to compare cumulative 1yr patient costs using stochastic Monte Carlo modeling. Results: Mean±SD cost-to-patient for HRT including initial consult plus pharmacy refills was estimated at about USD 576±246/yr. While OPRP included no pharmacy component, an estimated 4 visits over 1yr for OPRP maintenance entailed ultrasound, phlebotomy/sample processing, surgery equipment, and incubation/laboratory expense, yielding mean±SD cost for OPRP at USD 8,710±4,911/yr (p<0.0001 vs. HRT, by t-test). Upper-bound estimates for annual HRT and OPRP costs were USD 1,341 and USD 22,232, respectively. Conclusions: While HRT and OPRP may have similar efficacy and safety for menopause therapy, they diverge sharply in cost-effectiveness. Most patients would likely find OPRP too complex, invasive, and expensive to be competitive vs. HRT. Although OPRP is an interesting and cautiously useful technique for selected menopause patients reluctant to use HRT, repurposing this infertility treatment for wider use appears inefficient compared to standard HRT currently available.
AI-Crime Hunter: An AI Mixture of Experts for Crime Discovery on Twitter
Authors: Shoeibi Niloufar , Shoeibi Nastaran , Hernández Guillermo , Chamoso Pablo , Corchado Juan Manuel
Published: November 2021

Maintaining a healthy cyber society is a big challenge due to the users’ freedom of expression and behaving. It can be solved by monitoring and analyzing the users’ behavior and taking proper actions towards them. This research aims to present a platform that monitors the public content on Twitter by extracting tweet data. After maintaining the data, the users’ interactions are analyzed using Graph Analysis methods. Then the users’ behavioral patterns are analyzed by applying Metadata Analysis, in which the timeline of each profile is obtained; also, the time-series behavioral features of users are investigated. Then in the Abnormal Behavior Detection Filtering component, the interesting profiles are selected for further examinations. Finally, in the Contextual Analysis component, the contents will be analyzed using natural language processing techniques; A binary text classification model (SVM + TF-IDF with 88.89% accuracy) for detecting if the tweet is related to crime or not. Then, a sentiment analysis method is applied to the crime-related tweets to perform aspect-based sentiment analysis (DistilBERT + FFNN with 80% accuracy); because sharing positive opinions about a crime-related topic can threaten society. This platform aims to provide the end-user (Police) suggestions to control hate speech or terrorist propaganda.
Mutual Cooperation and Tolerance to Defection in the Context of Socialization: The Theoretical Model and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Kozitsina T. S. , Kozitsin I. V. , Menshikov I. S.
Published: November 2021

The study of the nature of human cooperation still contains gaps needing investigation. Previous findings reveal that socialization effectively promotes cooperation in the well-known Prisoner’s dilemma (PD) game. However, theoretical concepts fail to describe high levels of cooperation (probability higher than 50%) that were observed empirically. In this paper, we derive a symmetrical quantal response equilibrium (QRE) in PD in Markov strategies and test it against experimental data. Our results indicate that for low levels of rationality, QRE manages to describe high cooperation. In contrast, for high rationality QRE converges to the Nash equilibrium and describes low-cooperation behavior of participants. In the area of middle rationality, QRE matches the curve that represents the set of Nash equilibrium in Markov strategies. Further, we find that QRE serves as a dividing line between behavior before and after socialization, according to the experimental data. Finally, we successfully highlight the theoretically-predicted intersection of the set of Nash equilibrium for PD in Markov strategies and the QRE curve.