bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fear of victimization among illicit immigrants in South Africa
Authors: Rakubu Kholofelo Annah , Malatji Thabiso
Published: June 2023

The widespread fear of crime and its detrimental consequences have propelled various research studies on the correlates of fear of crime. An impressive body of knowledge has accumulated, which informs both scholars and policymakers of the correlates of fear of crime. However, very little is known about the fear of crime among immigrant populations. Fear of crime associated with immigrants remains a global phenomenon, which drives political rhetoric, media discourse, policymaking, criminal justice, and immigration control and enforcement. The perceived association between immigrants and criminality is a phenomenon with deep historical roots that transcends any particular culture. It is linked to ethnocentrism and othering, wherein dominant groups react to their exposure to alien cultural practices by criminalizing those practices and dehumanizing the immigrants who practice them. The study aims to explore the level of fear of crime among illicit immigrants. Literature analysis was adopted as a methodology to explore the factors impacting the level of fear and the places where illicit immigrants are likely to be victimised are further discussed. The study contributes significantly to the finding that higher crime levels in countries increase the fear of crime; however, they do not affect feelings of unsafety. Social protection expenditure proves to be an important determinant of both fears of crime and feelings of unsafety. Moreover, distrust in the police, generalized social distrust, and perceived ethnic threat induce fear of crime as well as feelings of unsafety. When considered in the context of social harm, immigrants’ relationship to crime and criminality becomes more complex. The study recommends that protective factors, such as neighborhood informal social control, social networks, cultural norms, and expectations about migration and life overall, may contribute to the lower rates of crime and violence among illicit immigrant groups.
A survey of inspiring swarm intelligence models for the design of a swarm-based ontology for addressing the cyber security problem
Authors: Mugwagwa Audecious , Chibaya Colin , Bhero Ernest
Published: June 2023

The increased use of the internet raises concerns about the security of data and other resources shared in cyberspace. Although efforts to improve data security are visible, the need to continuously explore other avenues for preventing and mitigating cyberattacks is apparent. Swarm intelligence models have, in the past, been considered in cybersecurity though there was no formal representation of the swarm intelligence knowledge domain that defines how these models fit into the cybersecurity body of knowledge. This article reviews the aspects of three swarm intelligence models that may inspire the design of the desired swarm intelligence ontology. The algorithms are particle swarm optimization, ant colony optimization, and the artificial bee colony model. In each case, we investigate the main driving features of the model, the causal aspects, and the effects of those causal aspects on the resolution of the cybersecurity problem. We also investigate how these features can be recommended as the building blocks of the desired swarm intelligence ontology. Investigations indicate that the artificial bee colony model has three outstanding aspects considered for the design of the swarm intelligence ontology and that is the quality, popularity, and communication. Foraging through pheromone deposits is an outstanding component of ant colony optimization that aids in locating threats sources more quickly by using the shortest route or tracks with high pheromone deposits. The particle swarm optimization model, on the other hand, adds alignment, cohesion, and collision avoidance aspects to the ontology to augment the ant colony and artificial bee colony algorithms.  In our view, although intrusion detection is a complex problem in cybersecurity, the power of integrated swarm intelligence models is more than the sum of the individual capabilities of each swarm intelligence model individually. The article, therefore, proposes a swarm intelligence ontology that will potentially bring us closer to resolving the general cybersecurity problem.
The impact of interactive marketing on the marketing performance of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSEs) in the Nyanza region of Kenya
Authors: Kaunda Kenneth , Thuo John Kuria , Kwendo Evans
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to determine the impact of interactive marketing on the marketing performance of MSEs in Kenya's Nyanza region. The research was founded on the positivist paradigm. The study employed a cross-sectional survey methodology. Targeting 2,503 MSEs and sampling 356 respondents using the Yamane formula and simple random stratified sampling The self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire used to collect the primary data was analyzed using regression analysis. Cronbach's alpha and the Shapiro-Wilk test were used to examine the reliability and normality of the data, respectively. Interactive marketing was found to have a significant impact on marketing performance (t = 19.933, p = 0.0000.05). Therefore, the study recommends extensive implementation of interactive marketing to improve the marketing performance of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSEs), which would ultimately contribute to increased profits and stability.
Does corporate social responsibility provide protection against systemic risks? Evidence from Taiwan during the US-China trade war
Authors: Chen Po-Jung , Yang Chih-Yu
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the protection against systemic risks of the financial and stock performance of firms in receipt of ‘corporate social responsibility’ (CSR) awards. The data we obtained from the Taiwan Economic Journal (TEJ) in 2016-2018, comprised of CSR-award-recipient firms (CSR firms) voted for by the Common Wealth and Global Views magazines, for a sample period running from the third quarter of 2017 to the third quarter of 2018. Our empirical results reveal that in terms of their financial performance, as compared to non-CSR-award-recipient (non-CSR) firms, CSR firms failed to demonstrate any better protection against systemic risks (such as the US-China trade war). However, the stock performance of CSR firms clearly provided better protection than that of non-CSR firms; the reason for this observation is assumed to be the higher operational costs faced by CSR firms seeking to continue to pursue their CSR goals when encountering systemic risks. Nevertheless, participation in CSR is found to have an insurance-like effect on firm value, which clearly helps to increase the confidence of investors and reduce stock volatility
Entrepreneurial support: a theoretical framework and case study of Tunisia
Authors: Mtibaa Nizar , Boudabbous Sami
Published: June 2023

Entrepreneurial support, its determinants, its articulation, and its actors are always analyzed from both processual and emergent perspectives. Because a certain level of coherence must be maintained, public structures that are perceived as not opting for a process/emergence mix in their support systems are not hostile to using it when the context permits it and when the person receiving support accepts to be at the center of the design of his or her support. Literature reveals that a compromise between these two approaches has neither been established nor, as far as we are aware, exhaustively investigated. This research sought to highlight the processual nature of both the form and substance of entrepreneurial support. To achieve this, we administered a qualitative survey to 21 Tunisian business proprietors. The results indicate that in the Tunisian context, accompaniment is structurally processual and superimposed on an entrepreneurial process that both the accompaniers and the accompanied co-pilot in order to maintain coherence and complementarity during the training of the accompanied in the trade of entrepreneur. In addition, coaching is fundamentally and intrinsically emergent because it is geared toward endogenous action, co-constructed, and contextualized due to the prominence of personalized learning needs and the coachee's situational framework in relation to the enterprise he or she must establish.
The influence of incentives, work culture, and supervision on the work ethics of agricultural extension agents in Maluku Utara Province
Authors: Gailea Asrul , Mardi  , Santoso Budi
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study is to find a model of the direct or indirect influence of variables such as incentive, work culture, and supervision of agricultural extension agents work ethics in the framework of food self-reliance in Maluku Utara Province, Indonesia. The research model will analyze the power of the role of each variable against the improvement of the agricultural extension agents work ethics in the Maluku Utara Province, Indonesia. This research uses quantitative methods with a survey approach. This research population is an agricultural extension agent in the Maluku Utara Province. The sample in this study was a total of 196 agricultural extension agents spread across 8 counties and 2 cities in the Maluku Utara Province. The data obtained from the field is then processed through various tests required so that the next stage can perform data analysis using the technique of structural equation modeling (SEM) using the software LISREL version 8.80. The results of the research showed that all the variables that were observed in the research can be stated to have a strong role in improving the agricultural extension agents work ethics for food independence in the Maluku Utara Province, Indonesia.
Analysis of the influence of digital marketing, brand image, and price perception on purchase intention and brand loyalty in Uniqlo apparel products
Authors: Arindaputri Natasha Bunga , Santoso Singgih
Published: June 2023

Nowadays online shopping industry is growing rapidly, and social media platforms are a major part of promotional activities for many companies in Indonesia. The research aims to examine the relationship between price perception, brand image and digital marketing variables and purchase intention and brand loyalty. Design research is a quantitative research using a survey method with a questionnaire; the sampling technique is purposive random sampling. Using a structural equation modeling approach with AMOS software and 303 respondents, results show that price perception corporate image, and digital marketing promotion activities have significant and positive effects on purchase intention, while brand image does not directly have a significant effect on purchase intention. Furthermore, purchase intention has a significant effect on brand loyalty.
Mediating affective organizational commitment and job satisfaction at SMEs family
Authors: Mardian Evitasari Rizky , Thoyib Armanu , Rofiaty
Published: June 2023

This study examines the effects of transformational leadership, affective organizational commitment, and job satisfaction on employee performance. This study employs explanatory research with a quantitative approach. The population in this study consisted of all employees who had worked for a civil consulting partnership company for more than one year, for a total of 1008 employees. Purposive sampling was used in this study. The study used 285 samples. Surveys and documentation were used to collect data, and the instrument was tested using a Likert scale. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS). The results of this study indicate that transformational leadership, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment can all improve employee performance. Additionally, transformational leadership can directly boost organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Job satisfaction and organizational commitment can also improve employee performance. The findings of this study suggest that managers and business owners with family businesses in civil consulting services can increase transformational leadership to improve employee performance.
Growth Rate Manipulation of Brain Organoid Using Mini RFID Chip
Authors: Jones Erick , Henry Marci , Rajput Dhruvi , Reed Rheygan , Frazier Terrence , Inyang Edidiong , Hossain Syeda , Cho Micheal , Jefferson Felicia
Published: June 2023

An estimated 6.7 million Americans, age 65 and older, are living with Alzheimer's in 2023, which destroys the neurons and their connections in parts of the brain that are involved in memory (the amygdala, hippocampus, cerebellum, and the prefrontal cortex). The possibility of inducing the growth of the neurons in an adult brain can be therapeutic. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pathology could be replicated in induced PSC-derived neurons developed in brain organoids complex 3-D bioengineered tools for studying neurodegenerative diseases. Our hypothesis is that the electrical signals can increase the neuron cell growth and enhance the connectivity between neurons Our research proposes growing a brain organoid around a functional RFID chip and testing the effects of RFID on neurons, and the ability to use RF to stimulate de novo neuron growth as a potential therapeutic to enhancing memory for patients with AD. Here we describe a successful completion of the first phase growing astrocytes, essential glial cells in synapse formation and maturity of neural networks, around an RFID chip and retaining the ability to receive signals.
The Evolution from Traditional to Digital Supply Chain Management
Authors: Hasan Ikram , Habib Md. Mamun
Published: June 2023

The world of supply chain management (SCM) has been undergoing a seismic shift, transitioning from the traditional model to a futuristic digital avatar. The digital revolution, characterized by the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain technology, and digital financial flows, is transforming how goods and services are manufactured, transported, and delivered, influencing various sectors, including the agri-food supply chain. Traditional SCM used to be linear and hierarchical, where each participant operated in silos with limited communication. The supply chain starts from raw material suppliers, followed by manufacturers, distributors, and retailers before reaching consumers. Such a system was characterized by inefficiencies, including information asymmetry, increased lead times, and lack of visibility.
Effect of Physico-Chemical Parameters on Cellulase Production from Banana Pseudostem Waste Bacteria
Authors: Ahir Sanketkumar , Khunt M. D.
Published: June 2023

The use of microorganisms in the bioconversion of cellulose containing waste led to elaborate study of cellulases producing microbes. The current study was carried out to find out best suitable physico-chemical parameters for maximum enzyme production from bacteria isolated from banana pseudostem waste. Out of 18 morphologically distinct isolates, B 1.2 and B 1.3 were most potent and consistent over other isolates in terms of cellulase production on solid medium. Identification was performed by Biolog method and B 1.2 was identified as Enterococcus faecium and isolate B 1.3 as Aeromonas hydrophila. Isolate B 1.2 was found to secrete maximum cellulase under submerged condition at 2 % substrate concentration while B 1.3 was found at 1 % substrate concentration. Both the Isolates had shown maximum enzyme production at 7 pH, 37° C temperature and preferred peptone as nitrogen source.
Effect of Sowing Date and Harvesting Time on Seed Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in Mokwa Agro-Ecological Zone
Authors: Yisa P. Z. , Ogbonna P. E. , Echezonna B. C. , Tswanya M. N.
Published: June 2023

To improve the productivity of sesame in Mokwa agro ecological zone of Nigeria the effect of sowing date and harvesting time on seed yield of sesame was studied using a 2 x 3 x 3 factorial in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with these replications. Factor A was sowing dates of June 15th, July 15th and August 15th, while factor B was harvesting intervals of 40 Days after flowering (DAF), 45 DAF and 50 DAF and factor C was sesame accessions of NCRIBEN 01M and Kenana 4, Growth and other yield parameters were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the sowing dates where sesame crops sown in June performed better than those planted in July and August in 2013 and 2014. Harvesting of fruits 50 Days after flowering (DAF) proved superior as 1000-seed weight was highest (4.05 g, 3.93 g) when compared with 3.14 g and 3.04 g for 45Days after flowering (DAF) across accessions for 2013 and 2014 respectively. It also produced higher number of pods, fresh weight and dry weight of pods. Planting of Sesame as early as June provided the all-time best yield in the study area and is considered the ideal planting period in the study area. Harvesting of sesame pods at 50 DAF proved ideal.
A Study on Awareness of ICT Mediated Extension Services in Arghakhanchi District of Nepal
Authors: Poudel Parmita , Ghadei Kalyan
Published: June 2023

ICT consist of communication technology, computer technology and information management technology which is useful to reach large number of farmers in short period of time and provide appropriate information to the farmers. This study following the multistage purposive and random sampling technique in Arghakhanchi district of Nepal. The study intended to analyze the awareness of different ICTs initiatives in agriculture and find the relationship between socio economic variables and awareness of ICT mediated extension services in study area. Data was collected by structured interview schedule and used various statistical analysis tools for interpreting the data such as Frequency, Percentage, Arithmetic Mean, Standard Deviation, Correlation co -efficient. The detailed analysis of the study shows that majority of respondent possessed low level of awareness of Telecommunication and Internet based initiatives and medium level of awareness of Media initiatives in agriculture. Relationship analysis between the independent and dependent variable show that Education, land holdings, family income, Extension Agency Contact, Mass Media Exposure, media ownership, social participations and Information Seeking Behavior showed positive and significant relationship whereas, age and experiences show negatively significant relation with the awareness, of ICT initiatives in agriculture.
Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Candida Species Isolated From Urine Samples in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Salem
Authors: Suganya R. , Kavitha G. , Sengodan Rajesh
Published: June 2023

Use of broad spectrum antibiotics, immunodeficiencies and advances in medical practice have all contributed to increased fungal infection over the two decades and Candida has emerged as a major cause of human disease, furthermore there is an increase in nonalbicans candida species in many countries. In this study, an attempt was made to speciate, characterize, and determine the antifungal susceptibility pattern of Candida isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs). The main aim and objectives of this study to isolate and identify Candida from urine samples in a tertiary care hospital; To determine the in vitro efficacy of antifungal agents of Candida species. And to detect susceptibility of Candida species to antifungal drugs isolated from urine samples. Also to determine antifungal sensitivity pattern by disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. This study was conducted in GMKMCH, Salem between July 2022 and November 2022 among patients of age group more than 18 yrs admitted having candiduria. Patient who was on antifungal therapy within past 6 months were not included in the study. Urine samples sent from patients admitted in GMKMCH with candiduria are cultured in SDA. Antifungal susceptibility test performed by disc diffusion method using Muller hinton agar with 2% glucose and 0.005% methylene blue as per CLSI M22 latest guidelines.22 Results interpreted by using standard method as per CLSI M 22 guidelines. Determination of Antifungal sensitivity pattern of Candida species isolated. Out of the 8 C.tropicalis isolates all the 8 were sensitive to Amphotericin B and Voriconazole, 5 were sensitive to Fluconazole and Ketaconazole and 6 were sensitive to Itraconazole. In C.albicans all the 9 were sensitive for Amphotericin B and voriconazole and 6 were sensitive to Fluconazole, Ketaconazole and Itraconazole. 100% of the isolates of C.parapsilosis were sensitive to Amphotericin B and Voriconazole, and 50% of them were sensitive to Fluconazole, Ketaconazole, 75% of them were sensitive to Itraconazole. In C.glabrata species 100% sensitivity for Amphotericin B,Voriconazole and Itraconazole was observed. C.krusei was 100% sensitivity for Amphotericin B and Voriconazole, 66% were sensitive to Fluconazole, 33% of them were sensitive for ketaconazole. C.tropicalis was the most common Non albicans candida isolated. 37% of isolates showed resistance to Fluconazole. Resistance to Fluconazole in clinical isolates of C.tropicalis has increased. According to this study, there was an increase in the incidence and antifungal resistance of Non albicans Candida species, specifically C. krusei, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. Due to the advent of non-albicans Candida species causing UTIs that are intrinsically resistant to certain antifungal agents like azoles and increasing incidence of antifungal resistance, it is essential to monitor the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species causing candiduria.
Assessment of Nutrient Intake of the 4-6 Years Children in Rural Area
Authors: Barse Varsha , Khan T. N.
Published: June 2023

Nutrient intake of 100 rural preschool children (4-6years) in villages was studied. Dietary assessment was done by 24 hour dietary recall method for three consecutive days of 100 children. Amount of nutrients obtained per day from food consumed was calculated and compared with RDA for Indian children (ICMR, 2008). Nutrients like energy, protein, fat, Iron, calcium and B-carotene were found limiting in the diets of rural preschool children. It was also observed that the nutrient intake was higher in age group of >5-6 years as compared to age group of <4-5 years. Nutritional inadequacies, poverty, lack of infrastructure and poor education of mother lead to severe malnutrition in rural preschool children. This condition needs careful consideration. There is an urgent need to promote the importance of balanced diet and preparation of nutrient-rich recipes based on locally available food stuffs to improve their nutrient intake. Awareness programs regarding affordable but nutritious foods should be introduced by the government through community participation, involvement of non-governmental organisations and other sectors.
Consumer response to wine made from smoke-affected grapes
Authors: Bilogrevic Eleanor , Jiang WenWen , Culbert Julie , Francis Leigh , Herderich Markus , Parker Mango
Published: June 2023

When vineyards and grapes are exposed to smoke from wildfires or controlled burns, this can result in wines with smoky, burnt or ashy attributes that have been linked to the presence of elevated concentrations of volatile phenols and phenolic glycosides. These smoky flavours are considered undesirable by winemakers, but there is little information about how consumers respond to smoke-affected wines. To investigate whether consumers respond negatively to smoky attributes when wine is tasted blind, three studies assessing sets of Pinot noir rosé, Chardonnay and unoaked Shiraz wines with varied smoke flavour were conducted. Overall, wines rated high in smoke flavour were less liked compared to non-smoke-affected wines. Independent of wine type, there was a strong negative correlation between smoky flavour and overall consumer liking. Detailed data analysis revealed that consumers who are wine drinkers fell into one of three categories: highly responsive to smoke, moderately responsive, or a smaller group of non-responders. This consumer-based information is essential for guiding the assessment of risk from smoke exposure of grapes and potential for quality defects in wine, as well as identifying and benchmarking management options for wine producers, not only in Australia, but globally.
Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Building Maintenance
Authors: Rosita Evita , Yustiarini Dewi , Nurasiyah Siti
Published: June 2023

Building maintenance is an activity to maintain the reliability of the building so that it remains functional following the Regulation of the Minister of Public Works No. 24 / PRT / M / 2008 concerning Building Maintenance Guidelines; building maintenance includes architectural, structural, and mechanical maintenance. This problem must be considered during building construction to realize the use of structures that fulfil requirements for efficiency, environmental harmony, safety, health, comfort, and convenience. With regular maintenance, the building can achieve its design life with a minor frequency of damage and repair. The cost of building maintenance will increase yearly according to the inflation increase in each region.   This study aims to analyze the maintenance costs of the Sports Center building using the LCC (Life Cycle Cost) method with architectural aspects (walls, ceilings, and floors) within the next 20 years. Life cycle costs (LCCs) are costs required by a building over the life of its plan. This approach assesses the total cost of an asset over its life cycle, including initial capital costs, maintenance costs, operating costs, and the residual value of an asset at the end of its life. The study's findings demonstrate how to create a model for predicting maintenance costs. According to this, the Sports Center building must spend IDR 1.445.082.148,15 on maintenance over the next 20 years. The following includes IDR 280.180.770,42 for ceiling maintenance, IDR 338.260.528,79 for walls, and IDR 826.640.848,94 for flooring.
Vocational Middle-school Internship with Industry During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Purwanto Dedi , Lubis Muhammad Ripqi , Sultono Sultono
Published: June 2023

The Covid -19 pandemic has influenced all levels of education, even at the vocational level, especially in the industrial world internship program. Industry parties still need to be ready to accept participant apprenticeships with base guard happening the spread of the covid virus. This paper aims to give solutions in the implementation apprenticeship industry at vocational schools during the Covid-19 pandemic. Apprenticeships aim to fulfill demands of competence in the curriculum implementation in the world of work and experience work. The research adopted a qualitative approach with literature study and descriptive analysis method. The study results revealed that internship-based Project Based Learning is one of the solutions for implementing internships during the Covid-19 pandemic. The internship-based also optimizes the concept of a teaching factory at the vocational school level that leverages the participatory education practices involving vocational schools with the industries.
ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF VANCOMYCIN ELECTRO-TRANSFERRED WATER AGAINST METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS VARIANT
Authors: Heredia-Rojas J. Antonio , Villarreal-TreviÃ±o Licet , Rodriguez-de la Fuente Abraham O. , Herrera-Menchaca Laura I. , Gomez-Flores Ricardo , Mata-CÃ¡rdenas Benito David , RodrÃ­guez-Flores Laura E.
Published: June 2023

Background: There is a number of alternative and complementary therapeutics that are unproven or have not been properly tested. For past twenty years, the transfer of bio-energetic information has been recognized as a novel scientific approach capable of contributing to improved therapy in the management of several diseases through the so-called bio-resonance therapy (BRT). Although BRT was discovered in the late 1980s, it is still poorly studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of water samples transferred with electronic information of vancomycin, a well known drug against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), by using a BRT device on bacterial cultures.

Material and Methods: MRSA cultures were treated with vancomycin electro-transferred water samples, vancomycin (4.0 and 8.0 µg/mL), sham electro-transferred (water to water) and non-transferred water samples (medium alone). Growth inhibition was evaluated in liquid and solid culture medium, spectrophotometrically and by CFU determination respectively.

Results: The obtained data showed that by transferring vancomycin (4.0 and 8.0 µg/mL) information to water samples, the growth of cultured MRSA was significantly (p< 0.05) inhibited (up to 35%), compared with those cultures treated with electro-transferred water to water or cultured in medium alone (0% growth inhibition).

Conclusion: This in vitro study suggests that water samples that are electronically transferred with vibration sustained information of vancomycin are capable of inhibiting growth of axenically cultured methicillin resistant S. aureus.
COMBINED ADMINISTRATION OF SPONDIAS MOMBIN AND FICUS EXASPERATA LEAF EXTRACTS STALL INDOMETHACIN-MEDIATED GASTRIC MUCOSAL ONSLAUGHT IN RATS.
Authors: Sabiu Saheed , Olarewaju Sulyman Abdulhakeem , Taofeeq Garuba , Olatunde Sunmonu Taofik , Alanamu Abdulrahaman Abdullahi
Published: June 2023

Background: Despite the rapidly changing concept of gastric ulcer management from conventional vagotomy, H2 receptor antagonists and antacids to proton pump inhibitors, gastrointestinal toxicity remains an impediment to their application in clinical practice. Combined administration of two or more plant extracts with therapeutic efficacy may proffer solution to this menace. This study investigated the combined gastroprotective effects of Spondias mombin and Ficus exasperata leaf extracts against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were randomized into six groups of five animals each and ulceration was induced by a single oral administration of indomethacin (30 mg/kg body weight). Ulcerated rats were orally administered with Spondias mombin, Ficus exasperata at 200 mg/kg body weight and esomeprazole (a reference drug) at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight once daily for 21 days after ulcer induction. At the end of the experiment, gastric secretions and antioxidant parameters were evaluated.

Results: We observed that the significantly increased (P < 0.05) ulcer index, gastric acidity, malondialdehyde level and pepsin activity were markedly reduced following co-administration of S. mombin and F. exasperata. The extracts also effectively attenuated the reduced activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as pH, mucin content and reduced glutathione level in the ulcerated rats.

Discussion and Conclusion: These findings are indicative of gastroprotective and antioxidative attributes of the two extracts which is also evident in the % protective index value obtained. The available evidences in this study suggest that the complementary effects of S. mombin and F. exasperata proved to be capable of ameliorating indomethacin-mediated gastric ulceration and the probable mechanisms are via antioxidative and proton pump inhibition.
EFFECTIVENESS OF WET-CUPPING IN TREATMENT OF BALB/C MICE INFECTED BY LEISHMANIA MAJOR; PILOT RANDOMIZED TRIAL
Authors: Karaji Ali Gorgin , Alipour Hamid , Ahmadi Alireza , Mohammadi Reza
Published: June 2023

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania major is common in Middle East countries. Most therapies are limited and there is no effective vaccine for leishmaniasis. It has been reported that the ancient practice of wet cupping has been effective in treatment of drug resistant CL in humans. The purpose of this present study was to evaluate the efficacy of wet-cupping in treatment of L. major infected BALB/C mice.

Methods: We designed a randomized clinical trial using 12 male BALB/c mice, aged 8-10 weeks (six mice for each experimental and control group). Each mouse was infected with L. major on the left hind footpad. Mice in the experimental group underwent wet-cupping once a week, up to 6 weeks. The appearance of local reaction in the parasite inoculated paw was monitored and footpad thickness was measured for 7 weeks in both groups. Then all mice were killed and their spleen and lymph node cells were cultured and the level of IFN- γ and IL-4 of cultured cells supernatant were measured as the markers of TH1 and TH2, respectively.

Results: Lesion size thickness in the intervention mice seemed to grow faster than control ones. There were no significant differences in animal weight, spleen and lymph node weight and total cell number. The level of INF-γ and IL-4 produced by spleen cells of intervention mice was not significantly different from control mice (p=NS).

Conclusion: Our study showed that wet-cupping has no significant treatment effect on coetaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice. Interestingly, the disease was more severe in the intervention group.
Social difficulties and costs/burden of adult Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Japan: A questionnaire survey based on the Japanese Registry of Muscular Dystrophy (Remudy)
Authors: Mori-Yoshimura Madoka , Ishigaki Keiko , Shimizu-Motohashi Yuko , Ishihara Naoko , Unuma Atushi , Yoshida Sumiko , Nakamura Harumasa
Published: June 2023

Background
Little is known about the social difficulties, economic burden, and health care needs of adult Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients in Japan, as well as the financial and physical stress experienced by their caregivers. This study aimed to clarify the social circumstances surrounding adult DMD patients and assess the degree of involvement of family members in their care and the associated economic burden of the disorder in Japan.
Methods
Adult DMD patients were identified through the Registry of Muscular Dystrophy (Remudy) in Japan and invited to complete a questionnaire together with a caregiver. Data on health care use, quality of life, work status, informal care, and household expenses were collected to estimate the costs associated with DMD from social and caregiver household perspectives.
Results
In total, 234 (63.7%) of 367 adult DMD patients (mean age, 27.4 ± 6.0; range, 20–48 years) completed the questionnaire. Of these, 38 (21%) had developmental disorders (mental retardation, autism, and learning disorders), 57 (33%) experienced bullying in school, and 44 (77%) indicated the reason for bullying to be their physical handicap. Employment histories were noted by 72 (31%), although 23 (10%) lost their jobs mainly due to physical difficulties. Of the 234 patients, 164 (74%) lived with their relatives, and 78% of care time was supplied by family members, in particular, their mothers. The mean rate of care work provided by family members was 81%. Household income of families with an adult DMD patient was lower, whereas the rate of living with parent(s) and grandparent(s) was higher, in comparison with the general Japanese population.
Conclusions
Adult DMD patients in Japan experience many social difficulties from childhood up to adulthood. As adults, many DMD patients experience bullying and workplace difficulties. Families were found to provide most of the care and financial support for DMD patients. Our results suggest the need to improve public patient care systems, including financial support, to address the physical and economic burdens of care for adult DMD patients in Japan.
Salivary gland transcriptome analysis in Hirudinaria sp. during different feeding periods and functional studies of HspHirudin
Authors: Cheng Boxing , Hu Xiaoyun , Wang Suyan , Xie Xin , Shao Guiyan , Tian Qingqing , Gao Tianyi , Liu Fei
Published: June 2023

Background Hirudinaria sp., as one of the origins of leeches used in traditional Chinese medicine, is proved clinically effective in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Substances with pharmacological activity are stored in salivary glands of leeches. Among these substances, hirudin exhibits high anti-thrombin activity. However, the structure, function and expression pattern of HspHirudin in Hirudinaria sp. distributed in Guangxi are still unclear.Methods and results Illumina HiSeq platform was used to obtain the transcriptome datasets of salivary glands from Hirudinaria sp. during different feeding periods. Unigenes which were significantly up-regulated after a blood meal and had functions related to the processes of blood meal ingestion were identified. The function of HspHirudin was studied based on gene cloning, bioinformatics analysis, prokaryotic expression analysis and anti-thrombin activity analysis, and its expression pattern was characterized by quantitative real-time PCR. The reads were assembled into 167564 unigenes, and ten genes with functions related to the processes of blood meal ingestion in salivary glands of Hirudinaria sp. were identified. After alignment, transcript (TRINITY_DN14935_c0_g2) was annotated to Hirudin-P6 (2E-31) from Poecilobdella manillensis and named HspHirudin. The HspHirudin cDNA was 249 bp in length, and it encodes a mature peptide of 82 aa and a signal peptide of 20 aa. The mature HspHirudin presented typical structural characteristics of hirudins: 3 pairs of disulfide bonds, the PKP and DFxxIP motifs. HspHirudin and Hirudin-P6 shared similar structure of N-terminus 3 aa and C-terminus, and their main differences were observed in the spherical structure domain. By constructing a prokaryotic expression system, HspHirudin was proven to have anti-thrombin activity. The high expression of HspHirudin mRNA was induced by bloodmeal feeding.Conclusions Ten genes with functions related to the processes of blood meal ingestion were screened from transcriptome datasets of salivary glands from Hirudinaria sp. during different feeding periods. Among them, HspHirudin, which belongs to the family of hirudins, has anti-thrombin activity. The results of the study provide theoretical basis for further development and utilization of Hirudinaria sp..
Factors associated with health-related quality of life among community-dwelling older adults: the APPCARE study
Authors: Bally Esmee LS , Korenhof Sophie A , Ye Lizhen , Grieken Amy van , Tan Siok Swan , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Procaccini Elena , Alhambra-Borrás Tamara , Raat Hein
Published: June 2023

This study aims to identify the factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among community-dwelling older adults. Baseline and follow-up data from the ‘Appropriate care paths for frail elderly patients: a comprehensive model’ study were analysed. Physical and mental HRQOL were measured by the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle factors and HRQOL. The sample included 661 participants (mean age = 77.4 years; 47% female) from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Frailty was negatively associated with physical (B = -6.14; P < 0.001) and mental (B = -7.06; P < 0.001) HRQOL. Similarly, participants with a higher score on activities of daily living limitations had lower physical (B = -1.08; P < 0.001) and mental (B = -0.24; P = 0.019) HRQOL. Female sex (B = -2.27; P < 0.001), multimorbidity (B = -2.83; P < 0.001), and a high risk of medication-related problems (B = -3.06; P < 0.001) were associated with reduced physical HRQOL, and loneliness (B = -3.73; P < 0.001) with reduced mental HRQOL. In contrast, higher age (B = 1.88; P = 0.022) and living alone (B = 3.48; P < 0.001) were associated with better mental HRQOL in the multivariate models. The findings of this study imply that future interventions aimed at promoting the health and autonomy of community-dwelling older adults could be tailored to subpopulations with relatively poor self-reported HRQOL, such as frail or lonely older adults.
Seroprevalence and Knowledge of Hepatitis B and C among Healthcare workers in three healthcare centers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Yakubu Ya’aba , Mojisola Owoseni , Ismaila Abioseabo Musa
Published: June 2023

Hepatitis B and C viruses are occupational risks for healthcare workers due to exposure to body fluids and blood of patients from percutaneous injuries. A major task in the health sector is to ascertain the burden of these diseases among healthcare workers in order to reduce its spread among caregivers and patients accessing care units. This study investigated the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and C infections among HCWs in three medical centers in Karu Local Government area, Nasarawa State. Sociodemographic data was collected through self-administered questionnaires for two Hundred and fifteen (215) healthcare workers of the three selected hospitals between January to March, 2019. Five (5mL) of whole blood samples were collected into Tri-potassium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (K3EDTA) container from individual participants and screened for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to Hepatitis C Virus (anti -HCV). Data was processed and analysed using SPSS version 20 software. The overall seroprevalence of hepatitis among the HCWs were HBsAg 13.0%, HCV 2.8% and 0.3% were co-infected with both viruses. Percentage prevalence of HBsAg based on occupational status were Doctors 1.4%, Nurses 2.3%, Allied health care workers 3.2.0%, Administrative Staff 1.4% and unskilled workers 4.6%. The knowledge and awareness of viral hepatitis was high among Doctors (100%), Nurses (92%), and Allied health workers (80%) while a substantial percentage of the Administrative staff (27%) and unskilled workers (73%) had poor knowledge of the infectious pathogens. Not all respondents who are hepatitis B non-reactive have received hepatitis B vaccination. This study revealed the seroprevalence of disease burden and the significance of knowledge on the awareness of hepatitis B and C in vaccine uptake. The professional cadre, knowledge of HBV and HCV and Vaccine uptake were not associated with HBV and HCV status. Concerned authorities are expected to increase the knowledge and awareness of HBV and HCV among this group. Policies and guidelines of infection prevention and control practices should be implemented to ensure safety in a workplace environment.
Design and Implementation of IPE in the Python course
Authors: Zhang Ping , Wang Jianzhong
Published: June 2023

This article integrates the teaching content of Python programming course with Ideological and political (IP) education, and carries out the overall design of IP education In the Python course. Taking the turtle library, Jieba library, and Wordcloud library In the Python course as examples, a detailed design of IP education In the Python course is also carried out. Through the teaching design of IP education in this article, not only have the knowledge goals, ability goals, and emotional value goals of the python course been achieved, but also a way of thinking for other courses reforms and reference for other courses’ teachers to integrate IP concepts into their teaching.
Emotional gradients of characters in digital games and their impressions on users: the case of "THE IDOLM@STER SHINY COLORS"
Authors: Matsui Tetsuya
Published: June 2023

In this paper, I have conducted an analysis that contributes to the design of digital game characters that have a more positive effect on the player.
My focus in this paper is on the concept of "emotional gradient," which quantifies a character's emotional transition in a game.
From prior research, I hypothesize that there is an association between the emotional gradient and the character's "experience".
I tested this hypothesis using actual digital game characters that have been distributed.
I calculated the emotional gradient of each character by text mining.
At the same time, I measured the "experience" of each character through a web survey of game players.
I then examined the correlation between the value of the emotional gradient and "experience".
The results showed a significant correlation between the emotional gradient of JOY and SADNESS and "experience".
The results are useful for the design theory of digital game characters.
The Relation Between Islamic Business Ethics and The Performance of Traders in The Traditional Market of Cipanas
Authors: Lubis Deni , Maryam Siti , Hasanah Qoriatul
Published: June 2023

Cipanas market is the first SNI-certified market in Cianjur, which has the slogan Gerbang Marhamah (Gerakan Pembangunan Masyarakat Berakhlakul Karimah) and the majority of the traders are Muslim. This study aims to analyze the application of Islamic business ethics to the business success of traders in Cipanas Market with a sample of 90 food and food traders. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (SEM-PLS) and descriptive analysis. The results of data analysis show that management ethics, marketing ethics, and environmental ethics have a positive effect on business success and business blessings have a positive effect on financial improvement, customer growth, and employee loyalty. Overall, the application of Islamic business ethics has a positive effect on the business success of Cipanas market traders. Local government are expected to monitor trading practices in the Cipanas market, such as the accuracy of scales and price games so that sellers maintain ethics in their business.
Effective Branding of Pepsodent's Social Responsibility Marketing Campaign for Younger Generation
Authors: Dewanthi Desyra Sukma
Published: June 2023

Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Pepsodent's social responsibility marketing campaign branding for the younger generation. The study is conducted in the context of Pepsodent's Social Responsibility Marketing Campaign which is #SikatGigiSekarang and aimed at the younger generation, aged 18-34 years old who have purchased Pepsodent products and are aware of the campaign.
Methods: This research utilizes an online questionnaire that is distributed to 200 respondents. The full-scale data is analyzed through SmartPLS and bootstrapping analysis to test for reliability, validity, convergent and discriminant validity, and the study's hypothesis to identify the relationship between variables.
Results: The findings of the research shows that all of the variables, such as Brand Familiarity, Attitude towards the Campaign, Campaign Fit, Credibility, Brand Attitude, and Involvement with the cause all affect each other. Brand Familiarity has a positive and significant relationship with Campaign Credibility and Brand Attitude, Campaign Credibility also has a positive and significant relationship with Attitude toward the Campaign, and Involvement with the Cause also has a positive and significant relationship with Attitude toward the Campaign. Campaign Credibility and Attitude towards Campaign play a full mediation in the relationship. Campaign Fit and Campaign Credibility are also positive and significantly related.
Conclusion: Findings of this research are similar to the original study. All of the hypotheses have been accepted which proves that all the variables in the research model have been pretty effective and have positive relationships between the variables when measured for the social responsibility marketing campaign of Pepsodent. The younger generation nowadays not only prefers well-known brands but also how connected the campaign is with a social cause that they support, therefore marketers must get their products ready and tie the participation with the cause to their campaign for their social responsibility marketing campaign. As a result, supporters are more inclined to promote the brand and buy its goods.