bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Histomorphological Spectrum of Skin Lesions at a Teaching Institute in Agra: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: . Chandrakanta , Nagayach Pooja , Kumar Lalit , Rawal Deepak , Singh Prashant , Kumar Harendra , Chahar Yatendra
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The skin is the largest organ system in humans. Different skin diseases consist of non specific, non infectious and infectious diseases to various neoplastic lesions. Dermatological lesions are commonly encountered in all countries and it encompasses a wide spectrum, varies from country to country and various regions within a country and influenced by sex, age and associated systemic disorders, economy, literacy, racial and social customs. The clinical presentation is restricted to only a few changes such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, macules, papules, nodules and few others. However, the spectrum of histopathology of skin disorders is varied. Accurate diagnosis of skin disorders is of utmost importance as treatment is varied for different skin disorders presenting with the similar clinical lesions. Aim: To study histomorphological spectrum and distribution of skin lesions. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based crosssectional study was conducted in Department of Pathology in collaboration with Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, over a period of two years from September 2019 to August 2021. The biopsy sample taken from clinically diagnosed skin lesions sent to histology laboratory in 10% formalin. Sample was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin over a period of 12 to 24 hours. Paraffin wax blocks were made and 3-4 micrometer sections were taken and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain and histology was studied under microscope. Special stains such as Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) stain and Fite stain were done, whenever required. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel excel and descriptive data was obtained. Results: Out of total 105 cases, the maximum patients were of 21-30 years of age group 30 (28.57%) cases followed by 11-20 years of age group 25 (23.81%) cases with male and female ratio M:F=1.5:1. In this study, out of total 105 cases, the most common site involved was trunk in 42 (42%) cases followed by upper limb in 25 (23.81%) cases. The most common skin lesions were non infectious 70 (66.67%) cases, followed by infectious disease 22 (20.95) cases. In non infectious papulosquamous diseases group found 25 (23.81%) cases followed by vesiculobullous and vesiculopustular diseases group 24 (22.86%) cases. Infectious diseases were seen in 22 (20.95%) cases, out of which bacterial diseases being most common in 19 (18.10%) cases followed by parasitic infection 2 (1.90%) cases. Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study the major cases of skin lesions requiring biopsy in developing countries is still psoriasis in non infectious papulosquamous diseases group. Tuberculosis and leprosy in infectious diseases category were being the leading cause of morbidity.
Efficacy of Vitamin D Supplementation among Newly Diagnosed Cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis Proposed to be Managed by Methotrexate Monotherapy: A Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Bansal Yashasvi , Singh Pulkesh , Agrawal Prateek , Saini Hemraj
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Methotrexate (MTX) has been the main drug that has been used worldwide for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) either as a monotherapy or in combination with other Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARD). Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of RA and its supplementation could have a promising role in management of RA. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation among newly diagnosed of RA cases scheduled for MTX monotherapy. Materials and Methods: This randomised controlled study was done at Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, India from January 2016 to December 2017. A total of 100 newly diagnosed patients of RA (p<0.001) were randomised to two groups: group A (n=50) received MTX monotherapy supplemented with 400 IU 25 Hydroxy [25(OH)] vitamin D twice a day (case group) whereas group B (n=50) received MTX monotherapy with placebo. Serum 25 Hydroxy vitamin D (S. 25 OH), American College of Rheumatology (ACR) score, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Serum C-Reactive Protein (S. CRP) were assessed at enrolment, 3 months and 6 months. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 21.0 software. Chi-square and Independent samples t test were used to compare the data. Results: Overall majority of patients were females 57% and 43% were males with mean age 40.98±8.83 years (range 26-60 years). At baseline, mean vitamin D levels were 22.94±12.41 and 25.54±12.79 ng/mL in groups A and B respectively (p-value>0.305). Mean ACR scores at baseline, 3 months and 6 months were 7.06±0.77, 5.16±1.11 and 4.42±0.93 respectively in group A and 7.02±0.74, 5.78±0.98 and 5.11±1.11 respectively in group B. At final follow-up, mean reduction in ACR scores and S. CRP levels was significantly higher in group A as compared to that in group B (p-value<0.001). Simultaneously, there was a significantly higher increase in vitamin D levels in group A as compared to that in group B (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation helped to potentiate the efficacy of MTX monotherapy in RA. Vitamin D deficiency causes diffuse musculoskeletal pain and its supplementation is needed for osteoporosis prevention.
The Utilization and Preservation Practices of Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius) in Western Kenya
Authors: Muita J. N. , Kaindi D. W. M.
Published: September 2022

Background: Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) is a nutritious African leafy vegetable that is grown and consumed by local communities in Kenya. However, despite its nutritional superiority, its utilization is limited primarily due to its seasonality.

Aim: This study sought to document the utilization and preservation practices of jute mallow in Western Kenya.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study, that involved a household survey (n =139), of jute mallow producers in Kakamega County of Western Kenya, was conducted.

Results: Half (50.4%) of the households sourced their vegetables from their farms, while 37.4% sourced them from roadside vendors during the dry season. Jute mallow was mainly (57.6%) consumed as an accompaniment with other vegetables including African Nightshade and Amaranth. Approximately half (52.51%) of the households, employed a method of preservation. There was a significant association (p = 0.01) between age and preservation practices, where middle-aged people (35-50 years) had a higher likelihood of employing a preservation method.  Women were also significantly (p = 0.024) more likely to preserve vegetables than men. Sun drying was practiced by 15.8% of the study population, 18.7% practiced fermentation, while 18% practiced both fermentation and sun-drying. The methods of sun-drying were well developed, where prior blanching, was incorporated by 33.3% of the participants. Sun-drying extended the shelf-life of jute mallow by 4.02 ± 3.151 months, while fermentation was 7 days. The leaves of both forms of preservation had relatively high acceptability ratios to the fresh forms at 40% and 48% for fermented and dried forms, respectively. 

Conclusion: There is a huge potential for low-cost preservation methods in ensuring the availability of jute mallow. However, it is necessary to investigate the viability of these methods on the nutritional quality and safety of jute mallow to improve food security.
Effect of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria on Growth and Nutrient Content of Rice
Authors: Khanam Mariam , Solaiman A. R. M. , Rahman G. K. M. Mustafizur , Haque M. Moynul , Alam Mohammad Saiful
Published: September 2022

Aims: The application of a huge number of chemical fertilizers for crop production alters the sustainability of the environment and creates pollution. This problem can be minimized by the application of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) are beneficial bacteria that promote plant growth and development through a variety of mechanisms. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted at the department of Soil Science, BSMRAU to investigate the effect of different PGPB isolates on growth, nutrient content, and uptake by rice.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out following a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates. Twenty bacterial isolates were used as treatments with a control treatment. Thirty-five days old seedlings of rice were inoculated with different bacterial isolates for thirty minutes and planted in a plastic pot. Broth culture was applied at one-month intervals and crops were harvested 65 days after planting.

Results: Experimental results disclose that application of PGPB isolates resulted in a significant increase in plant height, SPAD value, root length, root volume, straw fresh weight, straw dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, nutrient content and uptake by the rice plant compare to control. The highest values of most of the parameters were recorded from the plant inoculated with the isolate BU Ls 28.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that the use of PGPB isolate BU Ls 28 might be used as a suitable inoculant for rice production due to the ability of this isolate to promote plant growth.
Perception of Farmers on Bhutan Development Bank Limited’s (BDBL) Farming Loan Facilities
Authors: Sharma Dhanapati , Basu P. , Chapagai Abi Chandra , Ghalley Ghana Shyam , Waklay Ruk Mena , Ghalley Susil , Yangden Tshering
Published: September 2022

Bhutan Development Bank Limited (BDBL) has been playing a major role in supporting the Bhutanese economy. BDBL is the only bank focusing on farmers by providing various types of loan to the farmers. The farmers are the mainstay of farming and the need of finance of farming and the need for finance is primary to initiate the farming. A survey through questionnaire was conducted on 247 respondents of farmers including small scale, medium scale, and large-scale farmers who took financial assistance as well as who have not availed through BDBL under Bongo gewog. The questionnaire was segregated into four parts including perception towards farming loan facilities, the problem faced by farmers for receiving the farming loan, perception towards farming loan schemes, and perception of farmers towards loan process of the bank. Where it is analyzing by the descriptive statistics of finding means, percentage frequency, and inferential statistics of finding one-way ANOVA, T-test. It was found that BDBL was far from the house, the scale of finance is inadequate, complicated procedure and process of application is not timesaving. Further, it was also felt that farming loan facilities have a presence in farmer social life and excellent customer services with sufficient amount of loan to the farmers are some of the perceptions studied on the part of farmers seeking for the loan in Bongo gewog through BDBL.
Head Teachers’ Instructional Leadership Practices that Enhance Students’ Academic Performance in Urban Secondary Schools in Morogoro Municipality
Authors: Pondamali Deogratias S. , Mung’ong’o Henry G.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate head teachers instructional leadership practices employed on improving academic performance of students in Morogoro Municipality. The study used mixed research approach. The sample size of this study was 115 respondents that include 105 ordinary teachers, 7 head of schools, 1 District Education Officer and 2 Ward Education Officers. Simple random sampling techniques and purposive random sampling techniques were used in selection of ordinary teachers and head of schools, DEO, WEO respectively. Data were collected by questionnaire, interviews, observations and documentary reviews methods. Quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The study found that head teacher’s instructional supervision activities that head-teachers did perform in the schools were budget resource allocations, observing classroom teaching and assessment procedures, ensuring teachers attending classes and developing and communicating schools goals. The study recommends that, head teachers need to be encouraged by their supervisors to allocate more time for head teachers’ instructional supervision practices, head teachers need to organize in-service training or staff development programs that will help teachers to develop and acquire skills necessary to improve their teaching and learning, and different committees should be organized as to solve various challenges that schools face.
Water Quality Suitability of Padjadjaran Retention Basin (Indonesia) for Aquaculture in Sustainable Floating Pond
Authors: Herawati Titin , Rahman Roja Fadhlur , Ihsan Yudi Nurul , Arief Mochamad Candra Wirawan
Published: September 2022

Padjadjaran Retention basin is an inland aquatic ecosystem in the form of a water basin that was newly flooded in 2021, located in Cileles Village, Jatinangor District, used as a water storage pond, irrigation source, and fishing. Around the waters there are human activities in the form of fisheries, agriculture, livestock and construction of the Cisumdawu Toll Road which can affect water quality physically and chemically. The purpose of the study was to determine the suitability of the water quality of the Padjadjaran Retention basin for aquaculture with a sustainable floating pond system. Water samples were collected from February to March 2022. The method used in this study is a survey, sampling is carried out using a random sampling method at three stations representing inlets, midlets and water outlets, measurement of water samples is carried out in situ which includes temperature, water transparency, pH, Dissolved oxygen and Carbon dioxide and ex situ measurements include Total suspended solid, Total dissolved solid, Ammonia, Nitrite, Hydrogen sulfide and Biochemical oxygen demand at the Aquatic Resources Laboratory of Padjadjaran University and the Tirtawening Environmental Quality Control Laboratory. The data were analyzed using the Water Quality Suitability Index (WQSI) according to Costa Pierce et al (1990), water quality standards refer to the Indonesian Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021, and Indonesian National Standard number 6494: 2013. The results showed that the water quality of Padjadjaran Retention basin is suitable for use for aquaculture, it is located near the outlet are more suitable for the placement of fish farming containers with a suitability index of 0.53, compared to in the inlet and in the midlet have a suitability index of 0.18 and 0.17, respectively.
An Ethical Review of Experimental Philosophy on Robin Hood Activities: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Hossen Md. Ashraf
Published: September 2022

Experimental philosophy is a modern philosophical movement that uses systematic inquiry to emphasize philosophy. This means that psychology-related methods (experiments, statistical analysis, studies on development, reaction time studies, patient studies,) are generally used by experimental philosophers, although generally used to solve philosophical problems. Additionally, the primary goal of experimental philosophy is to set the public's view against the philosopher's view of the subject being studied. In this essay, I discuss the difference between philosophers and non-philosophers regarding the ethics of Robin Hood's activity. The first goal of this study is to determine what common people think about the morality of Robin Hood's deeds. 2. To identify the contrasts between philosophers and common people. In this study, an online survey method was employed. By contrasting the views of philosophers and common people on the issue of whether Robin Hood's activities are moral, experimental philosophy highlights the significance of non-philosophers opinions in philosophy. Let's examine Robin Hood's philosophy and experimental philosophy separately before getting into the specifics.
Effect of Ball Culture in Seed Germination of Ridge Gourd
Authors: Meena Chetan Bai , Pilania Shalini , Singh Virendra , Jat Gajanand , Surolia D. K. , Bairwa H. L. , Kumari Monu , Singh Rajat
Published: September 2022

Growing media is the important aspect to measure healthy seedlings in ridgegourd. Hydrogel polymer in media provide bio-stimulant to nitrogen promotes seed germination through function as signaling molecule. The present study reports that hydrogel polymer when mixed with cocopeat, perlite, vermiculite (3:1:1) ratio bestows myriad effects on seedling growth. Herein, seed sown in media of cocopeat, perlite, vermiculite (3:1:1) along with 1 gm hydrogel polymer improved seedling germination, root and shoot growth, chlorophyll content and net profit as compared to control.
Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Properties of Carissa edulis Extracts Obtained from Kaimosi Forest, Vihiga County, Kenya
Authors: Opande George Timothy
Published: September 2022

Medicinal plants still play an important role in human and animal healthcare. About 60% of the world’s population and 80% of Africa’s population depend on herbal medicine for their primary healthcare. In Vihiga county Kenya, C. edulis has been reported to manage several human disease conditions such as epilepsy, headache, toothache, cough, chest complaints, sickle cell anemia, gonorrhea, syphilis and rabies among others. Its therapeutic efficacy is attributed to numerous phytochemicals present in its extracts. In this study, a phytochemical analysis was carried out in the roots, leaves and bark extracts, antimicrobial effects on Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus laboratory cultures determined. The extracts were modified by grinding and ethanol used as solvent in the extraction. Different concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of plant extracts were used in the analysis and sterile distilled water used as the control. Data on zone growth inhibition was subjected to analysis of variance and the means were separated and compared using least significant differences at p≤ 0.05 by use of SAS statistical package. The results showed the presence of an array of phytochemicals in the leaves, bark and roots of the plant. The bark for example tested positive for tannins, saponins, flavanoids, terpenoids, glycosides and sterols while the leaves and roots tested negative for saponins and flavanoids respectively. The leaves exhibited the greatest inhibition against Escherichia coli with a mean diameter of 7.57mm and all the three parts exhibited a significant difference. The different concentrations also showed that inhibition increased with increase in concentration. The mean inhibition diameter at 100% was 8.96 while at 25% it was 7.21.
Consumer Preferences for the Products of Minor Millets in Tumakuru District of Karnataka, India
Authors: Banu Arjuman , Ganapathy M. S. , Siddayya . , Girish M. R. , Shankara M. H. , Begum S. Shamshad , Gowda V. Govinda , Kumar T. L. Mohan
Published: September 2022

The study was carried out in Tumakuru District of Karnataka, India during 2021-2022 to examine the consumer preferences for the products of Minor millets. Sample consumers were categorized into urban and rural consumer and data was enumerated from a total sample of 40 consumers comprising of 20 urban and 20 rural consumers. Finger millet was the most consumed among the urban consumers with 3.5 kg per month followed by foxtail millet 2.5 kg per month and little millet 2.0 kg per month, while the urban consumers were equally consuming other millets. The monthly household food expenditure among urban consumers, expenses made on groceries (38.03 percent), vegetables (13.79 percent) and millets (13.65 percent). The total food expenses made by urban consumers were Rs. 5404 of which 13.65 percent was made on millets which amounted to Rs. 745. Rural consumers were Rs. 3906 which was less than urban consumers (Rs.5404). For each respondent, part-worth were estimated using OLS regression analysis, rural consumers also found price to be the most significant attributes accounting 40.74 percent of relative importance, gaining awareness among consumers in consumption of millets for nutritional value and health benefits is improving progressively.
Effect of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Phenological Parameters of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. Punjab Naveen
Authors: Bajaj Smile , Kumar Deepak , Singh Navdeep , Gangwar Vishal , Dishri Madhusmita , Veersain . , Kumar Avdhesh
Published: September 2022

An experiment was conducted during the season from March 2018 – June 2018 at the Horticulture farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab). The three replications of the experimental trial used a randomized block design. Eleven alternative approaches were used in the trial. Based on the findings of the experimental trial, it was possible to concluded that the treatment T8 GA3 (100ppm) had a significant impact on the growth and phenological parameters of the cucumber, including the number of branches, leaf area, days to the first flowering, and days to 50% flowering. However, the longest vine and the greatest internodal distance were seen in treatment T7 GA3 (50ppm).
Microbial Inoculation Influencing Physical Properties of Composts Produced from Different Agro-wastes
Authors: Padhan Kshitipati , Patra Ranjan Kumar , Patra Alok Kumar , Senapati Akshaya Kumar , Sahoo Sanjib Kumar , Mohanty Shraddha , Panda Narayan , Sahu Suman G. , Kumar Ketan , Sethi Debadatta
Published: September 2022

A laboratory experiment was carried out on composting of three organic substrates viz; paddy straw, vegetable waste and maize stover by using three isolated cellulose degrading bacteria viz; CBG2, CBD4 and CBC9. The physical properties after final products were examined. Irrespective of the strains inoculation the bulk density (BD) of paddy straw was highest (0.82 Mg m-3) followed by maize stover compost (0.74 Mg m-3) and vegetable waste compost (0.73 Mg m-3).  Irrespective of the substrates, the PD of the composts, was highest (1.55 Mg m-3) in uninoculated control followed by CBC9 (1.02 Mg m-3), CBD4 (0.97 Mg m-3) and CBG2 (0.91 Mg m-3). The porosity of the compost was highest (39 %) where CBG2 was inoculated followed by CBD4 (36%), CBC9 (35%) and uninoculated control (23%). The highest angle of repose (420) was in CBG2 treated compost followed by CBD4 (390), CBC9 (360), and lowest (340) was in uninoculated control. The tab density of compost from control was highest (1.15 Mg m-3) followed by CBC9 (0.63 Mg m-3), CBD4 (0.59 Mg m-3) and lowest was in CBG2 (0.52 Mg m-3). The highest (0.96) Husners ratio (HR) was estimated in the uninoculated- control followed by CBC9 and CBD4 (0.95). The lowest (0.94) HR was in CBG2 inoculated compost.
Effect of Sewage Sludge Integration with Fertilizer on Growth Parameters of Rice-wheat Cropping System
Authors: Singh Pavan , Singh Y. V. , Singh Satish Kumar , Raha P. , Singh Kajal , Meena R.
Published: September 2022

A two-year field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, in 2019–2021 to assess the growth attributes performance of rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) as influenced by the concurrent application of sewage sludge (SSL) and chemical fertilizer. The treatments comprised of control, 100% RDF [recommended dose of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)], 100% RDF +20 t ha-1SSL, 100% RDF +30 t ha-1SSL, 50% RDF +20 t ha-1SSL, 60% RDF+20 t ha-1SSL, 70% RDF +20 t ha-1SSL, 50% RDF +30 t ha-1SSL, 60% RDF +30 t ha-1SSL, and 70% RDF +30 t ha-1. The experiments used a randomized block design with three replications, the results revealed that when using 100% RDF with 20 and 30 t ha-1SSL, rice and wheat growth and yield attributes were superior to when using 100% RDF alone. However, 70% RDF+ 30 t ha-1SSL provided a comparable or better growth yield than 100% RDF in RWCS. In conclusion, the use of SSL in conjunction with chemical fertilizer, i.e., 70% RDF with 20 and 30 t ha-1SSL, provided a higher yield advantage with no harmful or negative impact on the soil system and could be recommended as a potential organic amendment for a sustainable agricultural production system.
Genetic Variability of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) Cultivar under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Conditions in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Patel Angel , Singh Devi , Singh Vikram
Published: September 2022

An experiment to Study on genetic variability of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) cultivars under prayagraj agro-climatic conditions was carried out at Departmental research field of Horticulture, Naini Agriculture Institute during the Rabi season of 2021-2022 with Eight Cultivars in randomized block design with three replications. The viz. White prosperity, Mohini, Hunting song, Creamy green, Suchitra, Samara, Nova, Peterpears. Evaluated were out of twenty-five cultivars means estimated Genetic variability, heritability, phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and genotypic correlation. The characters, Plant height at (30, 60, 90 DAS), Number of leaves per plant at (30,60,90 DAS), No. of shoot per plant, Days taken for corm sprouting, Rachis length, Days taken to spike emergence, days taken colour break stage, No. of floret per spike, No. of spike per plant, No. of days taken for first floret open, No. of days taken for last floret open, spike length, floret diameter, vase life, Weight of daughter corm, Weight of mother corm, corm diameter, corm weight, No. of corm per hectare, No. of cormels per hectare and Corm yield/plant observed for all characters. Highest GCV and PCV were recorded for Weight of daughter corm (g) (33.6786 and 47.569), No. of cormels per hectare (37.743 and 37.97), No. of corm per hectare (27.961 and 32.13), No. of days taken for first floret open (30.0614 and 30.0889), Corm yield/plant (23.667 and 29.334), Weight of mother corm (25.6022 and 28.1499),Corm weight (21.75 and 25.49), Days taken for corm sprouting (23.7566 and 23.7566) and lowest GCV and PCV were recorded for No. of floret per spike (2.7578 and 3.3549). The genotypes Creamy green and White prosperity were found to produce the highest spike yields per plot and the highest numbers of corm per hectare, respectively. These genotypes may be sown for higher yields and showed a good response to selection due to their high heritability, variability, and genetic advance, which showed additive gene effect. These genotypes can be utilised to selectively increase yield and component attributes.
Investigation into the Understanding of Traffic Signs, Symbols and Safety Rules among Drivers in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Anene W. C.
Published: September 2022

Aims: This study examines the understanding of traffic signs and symbols as a safety measure towards accident reduction among drivers in Southern Nigeria. It investigated the understanding of traffic signs and symbols by drivers in Nigeria with regards to their personal characteristics such as age, educational background, and driving experience and also determined the major factors influencing the high rate of road traffic accidents in Nigeria.

Study Design: Investigation into the level of knowledge of drivers in understanding traffic signs and symbols in Southern Nigeria.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Southern Nigeria, from September, 2017 to December, 2017.

Methodology: 600 questionnaires were administered within the various city parks in Anambra, Enugu, Delta, and Lagos states but 476 of the respondents participated. A total of 27 symbols, which includes ten regulatory signs, nine warning signs, three traffic signals lights, and five road pavement markings were investigated. Miscellaneous questions for driving under special conditions, mechanical factors, and general guides were also assessed among the drivers. The use of Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS), as a tool was employed to analyze the data obtained from the respondents.

Results: The analysis showed that there is a low understanding of traffic signs and symbols by drivers in Southern Nigeria. The overall average percentage of drivers who correctly understood the regulatory signs was 59%, warning signs was 64.2%, and pavement markings was 31.8%. The average knowledge percentage of drivers for driving under special conditions, speed/mechanical factor, and general guides are 43%, 53.66%, and 46.4% respectively. From the statistical -analysis of the findings, there is significance prove that age, driving experience, and educational background play an important role in drivers’ understanding of traffic signs and symbols.

Conclusion: It is recommended that drivers are properly trained and sensitized on the correct meaning of traffic signs and symbols. The body concerned for issuing a driver’s license should carefully test the drivers’ knowledge before issuing a driver’s license and also traffic law court should be established for the prosecution of defaulters.
Formulation and Evaluation of Aripiprazole Oral Disintegrating Tablets
Authors: Navya V. , Damagundam Srilakshmi , Jupally Pooja , Kumar Bandaru Hemanth , Ahmed Shaik Farooq , Prasanthi D.
Published: September 2022

Aim: This work aims to develop oral disintegrating tablets from solid dispersion of aripiprazole that are capable of enhancing solubility.

Methodology: Aripiprazole an antipsychotic is a BCS class IV drug with Oral bioavailability of 87%. To enhance the solubility of this drug the solid dispersions were prepared by using a combination of β-Cyclodextrin and PVP K30 in 1:1, 1:2 by using a physical mixture and solvent evaporation method. The prepared solid dispersions were analyzed for all the physical parameters and drug excipient interactions. The solid dispersion was optimized for the preparation of oral disintegrating tablets by direct compression technique using different concentrations of various natural super disintegrants namely Tapioca starch, Amorphophallus campanulactus, and synthetic super disintegrants namely Sodium starch glycolate, crospovidone.

Results: FTIR showed that the drug and excipients are compatible with each other. Among all the solid dispersion formulations SCD6 (Drug: β-cyclodextrin) shows a high percentage of drug release i.e., 98.58±0.28% for 45 min, and solubility was found to be 0.954±0.32mg/ml. Percentage practical yield was found to be 98.36±0.14% and drug content was found to be 97.31±0.04%. SCD6 formulation was optimized for the preparation of oral disintegrating tablets. The post-compression parameters of all the prepared tablets were within the limits. Among all, F3 formulations containing tapioca starch, 7.5% were found to possess a better disintegration time (28±1.52sec) and in-vitro dissolution (98.64±0.29% for 45min).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that solid dispersions of Aripiprazole incorporated in oral disintegrating tablets are a very useful approach for better release of Aripiprazole in an efficient manner.
Insights into the In-vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of Trisdimethylamino Pyrimidine Derivative in Plasmodium berghei: Infected Mouse Model
Authors: Ikwuka Chibuike Ernest , Asogwa Chukwuebuka Moses , Ikwuka Ozioma Jennifer , Ogbonna Jude Ebuka , Onah Chinwe Mercy , Ohama Christian Chukwuagozie , Nnadi Charles Okeke
Published: September 2022

Aims: To evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of a trisdimethylamino pyrimidine derivative synthesized by indirect methylation of p-nitrophenylacetic acid via a substituted amine or amide derivative against Plasmodium berghei NK65 strain in an in vivo Plasmodium berghei-Infected mouse model.

Methodology: Plasmodium berghei-parasitized suppressive model in Albino mice was adopted for the antiplasmodial activity evaluation. The schizontocidal activity of the compound was evaluated by a 4-day suppressive test. All the treatments (test sample, standard control and blank) were administered intraperitoneally to the mice. Parameters such as rectal temperature, packed cell volume, survival time and parasitemia were measured.

Results: The 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg doses of 2, 4, 6-trisdimethylamino-5-(4´-nitrophenyl) pyrimidine elicited a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.01) in parasitemia level in treated mice. The 40 mg/kg dose caused 97.19% suppression of parasitemia and a mean survival time of 22 days compared with 97.64% and 24 days respectively in the standard control group (artemether-lumefantrine combination, 5 mg/kg). All the treatments restored the packed cell volume to the baseline (~39.8%). A dose-dependent decrease in the rectal temperature was observed in all the treatment groups. However, only the 10 and 20 mg/kg doses of 2, 4, 6-trisdimethylamino-5-(4´-nitrophenyl) pyrimidine caused a significant decrease (p < 0.01) compared with the control.

Conclusion: The strong suppression of Plasmodium berghei in the mice treated with 2, 4, 6-trisdimethylamino-5-(4´-nitrophenyl) pyrimidine has further provided insights into the potential of the compound as a lead in the discovery of antimalarial agents.
A Pilot Study of the Use of Picrorhiza kurroa in Patients with Malaria
Authors: Nargus Shumaila , Sandeel Faisal Aziz , Rana Saleem
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose: Malaria is potentially a severe disease caused by infection of red blood cells with protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Malaria is an important cause of death, illness in children and pregnant women, especially in Africa The present study aimed to develop an alternative treatment that at may be effective and safe against falciparum & vivax malaria and easily available locally and culturally acceptable. To confirms the claims of traditional herbal medicinal plants Picrorhiza kurroa was analyzed by using water and alcoholic extracts.

Methods: The present study was conducted on 45 subjects, 24 with aqueous extract and 21 with alcohol extract to assess the clinical efficacy of the medicinal plant Picrorhiza kurroa against malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax in Dera Ismail Khan. The roots of P. kurroa were extracted by a Soxhlet extractor using triple distilled water and ethanol as a solvent to obtain both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of P. kurroa. Both extracts are formulated in a capsule of 500 mg.

Results: The efficacy was determined clinically and pathologically in patients from 14 to 50 years of both sexes, two capsules of 500 mg stat followed by one capsule twice daily for three days consecutively were given. After the treatment 44.44% of patients recovered, among them 85% (17/45) were male and 15% (3/45) were female. 44.44% efficacy of the drug is considered for further research on the same plant.

Conclusion: The study concluded that P. kurroa qualified as an active compound to undergo further investigation for its antimalarial activity and its active constituents should be investigated for better outcomes in the field of traditional medicines.
The Intention to Use Accounting Software on SMES for becoming Bankable Company
Authors: Ranatarisza Mirza M. , Rahayu Sri Mangesti , Hanum Latifah , Ari Desanti Putri Sekti
Published: September 2022

SME is required to be feasible and bankable to make it easier to get access to funding. Currently, there are many SME that are feasible but not yet bankable. Bankable is closely related to financial management by implementing good bookkeeping by business actors by utilizing accounting software. This study examines the factors that can influence the intention of SMEs in using accounting software based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. The sample in this study was taken by proportional stratified random sampling from the database of the cooperative and micro-business offices, which were divided based on the business area. The finding showed that attitudes and perceived behavioral control affected the intention of SMEs in the intention of using accounting software. At the same time, subjective norms did not have a significant effect on the intention of SME business actors in using accounting software.
Impact of Entrepreneurship Orientation, Innovation, Market Orientation and Total Quality Management on SME Performance
Authors: Surya Raja Adri Satriawan , Afifah Ulfa , Khoiriyah Mayla , Oktari Vera
Published: September 2022

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have had a very good impact on economic development in Indonesia. In addition, the presence of SMEs also brings many benefits to the welfare of the community, one of which is by absorbing the workforce so that it can reduce the number of unemployment figures. To see the success or failure of a business can be seen from the measurement of performance. Measuring the performance of a business is a very important thing, because by measuring the performance of the company can find out how much reward or salary will be given to employees. This study aims to examine whether entrepreneurial orientation, innovation, market orientation and total quality management affect the performance of SMEs. This study uses primary data with questionnaires as research instruments. The population in this study was 1,599 SMEs located in Kuantan Singingi Regency. The number of samples used was 115 with a purposive sampling method. The test results show that the independent variable entrepreneurial orientation, innovation, market orientation affect the performance of SMEs, while the independent variable total quality management has no influence on the performance of SMEs. This research is expected to be a material consideration for making changes in business for business entities and organizations so that business performance can improve.
Does Short-Term Debt increase Profitability? The Role of Corporate Governance as a Moderating Variable
Authors: Widuri Retnaningtyas , Darmasaputra Alan , Cecilia Agnes
Published: September 2022

This research is conducted to inspect the relationship of Short-Term Debt as a predictor for the financial leverage on Profitability of the company. In the analysis, Short-Term Debt will act as the independent variable and Profitability will be the dependent variable using Return on Equity (ROE) as the indicator. In the model analysis, corporate governance will be used as the moderating variable to bridge the relationship between the independent and dependent variable. In this study, the mediating variable of corporate governance uses Board of Directors (BOD) and board of commissioner (BOC) size, board of independent commissioners’ size, managerial and also the institutional ownership. From the analysis, it is shown that Short-Term debt has a significant positive impact on the company’s Profitability. In addition, board size weakens the relationship between financial leverage and profitability. Board size and institutional ownership significantly strengthen the relationship between financial leverage and profitability. Board of independent commissioners’ size and managerial ownership did not moderate the relationship between financial leverage and profitability.
Price Comparison of Human and Veterinary Formulations of Common Medications
Authors: Haque Waqas , Chencheri Satheesh , Virnig Beth A. , Blaes Anne H. , Booth Christopher M. , Dusetzina Stacie B. , Gupta Arjun
Published: September 2022

This cross-sectional study compares prices of commonly prescribed medications used to treat both humans and pets.
Association of Sociodemographic Characteristics With Survival Among Patients With Urachal Cancer in California From 1988 to 2019
Authors: Benjamin David J. , Shrestha Anshu , Fellman Dimitra , Cress Rosemary D. , Kalebasty Arash Rezazadeh
Published: September 2022

This cohort study evaluates the sociodemographic characteristics of patients with urachal cancer, cancer treatments, and the association of patient characteristics with overall survival.
Association of Mental Health Burden With Prenatal Cannabis Exposure From Childhood to Early Adolescence
Authors: Baranger David A. A. , Paul Sarah E. , Colbert Sarah M. C. , Karcher Nicole R. , Johnson Emma C. , Hatoum Alexander S. , Bogdan Ryan
Published: September 2022

This study assesses whether associations of prenatal cannabis exposure and psychopathology persist into early adolescence.
Intra‐site sources of restoration variability in severely invaded rangeland: Strong temporal effects of herbicide–weather interactions; weak spatial effects of plant community patch type and litter
Authors: Donaldson Rebecca , Germino Matthew J.
Published: September 2022

Invasions by exotic annual grasses (EAGs) are replacing native perennials in semiarid areas globally, including the vast sagebrush‐steppe rangelands of western North America. Efforts to eradicate EAGs and restore perennials have had mixed success, especially in relatively warm and dry areas where EAGs had high dominance prior to intervention. Greater consideration of the ecological sources of variability in EAG treatment outcomes may improve success.

We hypothesized that herbicide and restoration outcomes would be influenced by restoration strategy (type of herbicide, seeding or planting, timing of treatment) and underlying spatial variability associated with plant community patch type and litter, all applied in a landscape‐scale experiment in a severely invaded area in Southern Idaho, USA.

EAGs, specifically medusahead (Taeniatherum caput‐medusae [L.] Nevski), were strongly reduced for up to 3 years (maximum observation period) by the pre‐emergent herbicide indaziflam, whereas the pre/post‐emergent imazapic reduced EAGs only when applied twice. Indaziflam effects were greater when post‐spray moisture was greater, and also when co‐applied with imazapic, but reapplying indaziflam did not lead to additional reduction of EAGs.

Imazapic and indaziflam each stimulated species‐specific, secondary invasion by exotic and/or invasive tall forbs. Application of the broadleaf herbicide aminopyralid provided only a fleeting 1 year of control of a dominant, highly noxious forb skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea L.).

Underlying heterogeneity in plant community patch type (dominant herb species) explained only ∼5% of variation in the herbicide effects, and manipulation of litter prior to spraying had no effect. Several years of seedings and planting resulted in no establishment of native perennials.

Herbicides, especially indaziflam, appear to be an effective tool for reducing EAGs for multiple years in the challenging restoration conditions we evaluated, particularly if their application coincides with suitable moisture. However, restoring the perennials required for longer term resistance to reinvasion is a serious challenge that could be avoided with preservation of perennials.
Boron: Polyhedral Metallaboranes
Authors: Pathak Kriti , Mishra Shivankan , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: September 2022

Metallaborane clusters and their related chemistry were initially developed as a variant of metal–ligand coordination chemistry much along the lines of organometallic chemistry. However, owing to the insight imparted by the electron counting rules and isolobal analogy principle, the interconnections between apparently distinct molecules like polyhedral boranes and transition metal clusters were established. This certainly defined the scope of the area and notable advances toward the improvement of synthetic routes were witnessed. The advent of improved routes for synthesis widened the purview further by extending the limits of attainable sizes and geometries of polyhedral metallaboranes from diborane analogs to polyhedral cages of up to 12‐vertices to supraicosahedral and condensed cage macro‐polyhedral clusters. Wade–Mingos rules and Jemmismnorule helped at gaining perspective about the unique structure and bonding present in this class of compounds. This article provides a brief overview of the syntheses and structural aspects in the context of electron counting rules of the most noted structural motifs assumed by polyhedral metallaboranes.
TtuA and TudS, Two [4Fe‐4S]‐Dependent Enzymes Catalyzing Nonredox Sulfuration or Desulfuration Reactions
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Bimai Ornella , Arragain Simon , Pecqueur Ludovic , Golinelli‐Pimpaneau Béatrice
Published: September 2022

U54‐tRNA sulfurtransferase TtuA and thiouracil desulfidase (TudS) catalyze two opposite reactions that necessitate a [4Fe‐4S] cluster: nonredox sulfuration or desulfuration reactions. On the one hand, TtuA is an ATP‐dependent sulfurtransferase (thiouridine synthase) that transfers a sulfur atom, originating from free
l
‐cysteine, to uridine at position 54 within the T‐loop of tRNAs in thermophilic organisms. In some cases, thiouridine biosynthesis involves a sulfur transfer between a thiocarboxylate formed at the C‐terminal glycine of a TtuB protein and the [4Fe‐4S] cluster of TtuA, within a TtuA/TtuB complex. On the other hand, TudS catalyzes sulfur abstraction from its 2‐thiouracil or 4‐thiouracil substrate. Interestingly, in both reactions, the [4Fe‐4S] cluster, bound to three cysteines only, is presumably used as a cofactor to bind and activate a sulfur atom, coming from a sulfur donor for TtuA or from the thiouracil substrate for TudS. Therefore, catalysis most probably occurs via the formation of a [4Fe‐4S] cluster‐bound sulfide intermediate, as illustrated by the [4Fe‐5S] cluster state that was trapped by soaking crystals of TudS with the 4‐thiouracil substrate.
A dose perturbation tool for robotic radiosurgery: Experimental validation and application to liver lesions
Authors: Liu Ming , Cygler Joanna E. , Dennis Kristopher , Vandervoort Eric
Published: September 2022

Background

An analytical tool is empirically validated and used to assess the delivered dose to liver lesions accounting for different types of errors in robotic radiosurgery treatment.

Material and methods

A tool is proposed to estimate the target doses taking into account the translation, rotation, and deformation of a target. Translational errors are modeled as a spatial convolution of the planned dose with a probability distribution function derived from treatment data. Rotations are modeled by rotating the target volume about the imaging isocenter. Target deformation is simulated as an isotropic target expansion or contraction based on changes in inter‐fiducial spacing. The estimated dose is validated using radiochromic film measurements in nine experimental conditions, including in‐phase and out‐of‐phase internal‐and‐external breathing motion patterns, with and without uncorrectable rotations, and for homogenous and heterogeneous phantoms. The measured dose is compared to the perturbed and planned doses using gamma analyses. This proposed tool is applied to assess the dose coverage for liver treatments using D99/Rx where D99 and Rx are the minimum target and prescription doses, respectively. These metrics are used to evaluate plan robustness to different magnitudes of rotational errors. Case studies are presented to illustrate how to improve plan robustness against delivery errors.

Results

In the experimental validations, measured dose agrees with the estimated dose at the 2%/2 mm level. When accounting for translational and rotational tracking residual errors using this tool, approximately one‐fifth of targets are considered underdosed (D99/Rx < 1.0). If target expansion or contraction is modeled, approximately one‐third of targets are underdosed. The dose coverage can be improved if treatments are planned following proposed guidelines.

Conclusion

The dose perturbation model can be used to assess dose delivery accuracy and investigate plan robustness to different types of errors.