bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Diretrizes antecipadas de vontade”: estudo sobre a (im)possibilidade do seu reconhecimento pelo ordenamento jurídico brasileiro
Authors: Tecchio Mezzomo Iara Lucia , Turmina Outeiro Marlete
Published: March 2022

Este trabalho tem por objetivo verificar até que ponto a possibilidade da manifestação da vontade dos pacientes em estado terminal é reconhecido como válido no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro. Nesta pesquisa contextualizou-se acerca das diretivas antecipadas (Resolução nº 1995/2012), instrumento que pode assegurar a vontade do paciente terminal em morrer com dignidade. Para tanto, foi tratado o conceito e origem das diretivas antecipadas e testamento vital; até que ponto este documento é reconhecido no Brasil. Existem pessoas que são defensores do direito a morte com dignidade, em contrapartida existem aqueles que entendem que ninguém tem o direito de tirar a vida. Diante dessa questão ocorrem conflitos de interesses de opiniões diferenciadas. A Resolução nº 1.995 do CFM tentou regularizar as diretivas antecipadas de vontade, mas, não obteve êxito, pois além de não ter força de lei, deixou espaços devido a seu teor ser considerado por demais generalizado. Por conta disso urge o desenvolvimento de um estudo sobre o tema, na tentativa de responder aos questionamentos que são propostos. Os resultados mostram avanços, conforme percebe-se na Resolução nº 1.995/2012 do Conselho Federal de Medicina, entretanto evidenciam lacunas referente à necessidade de discutir sobre o testamento em vida, a fim de criar diretrizes e estabelecer seu âmbito de incidência da última vontade do falecido. Ainda assim, o legislador brasileiro precisa se preocupar com o tema “direito de morrer com dignidade”, promovendo uma maior segurança jurídica ao paciente, a sua família e também ao profissional de saúde que cumprirá a última vontade diretiva da pessoa em estado terminal.
Imagens do pensamento: sociedade hipercomplexa e educação remota
Authors: Cannavô Vinícius , Suppi Pinto Tainá
Published: March 2022

A resenha da obra:

HABOWSKI, Adilson Cristiano; CONTE, Elaine (Orgs.). Imagens do pensamento: sociedade hipercomplexa e educação remota. São Paulo: Pimenta Cultural, 2020. 686 p.
Mudanças climáticas e as percepções da juventude do Assentamento Egídio Brunetto/MST/MT
Authors: Dias Lopes de Sousa Flávia Cristina , Eustáquio Feitosa Senra Ronaldo
Published: March 2022

Esta pesquisa versa sobre a juventude do assentamento Egídio Brunetto/MST/MT e a influência das mudanças climáticas em suas atividades agrícolas e cotidianas. Buscamos fazer uma abordagem sobre a importância dos movimentos sociais e as ações adotadas para o enfrentamento deste fenômeno. A metodologia utilizada ocorreu por meio do estudo de caso, que apresenta procedimentos importantes para coleta de dados cujas informações essenciais para a pesquisa são fornecidas pelos sujeitos envolvidos. A pesquisa tem como suporte teórico autores como: Caldart et al. (2012), Acselrad (2010), Senra (2014). Como resultado, pode-se perceber que a juventude do assentamento tem percebido dificuldades para desenvolver suas atividades básicas em decorrência das frequentes variações climáticas percebidas na região, como diminuição de chuvas, elevação da temperatura e escassez de água tanto para consumo quanto para as atividades agrícolas, influência das Mudanças Climáticas que possuem como principal influência as ações antrópicas.
Os efeitos da previdência rural para idosos e idosas de assentamentos de reforma agrária do Pontal do Paranapanema, São Paulo
Authors: Cineli Simonato Danitielle , Pessoa Pereira Bergamasco Sonia Maria
Published: March 2022

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar a percepção e a relação dos idosos (as) assentados de reforma agrária com o benefício da aposentadoria rural. A pesquisa foi realizada em seis assentamentos rurais do Pontal do Paranapanema – região oeste do Estado de São Paulo. A pesquisa foi dividida em duas fases: a primeira que buscou o perfil dos idosos (as) rurais com indagações do gênero, escolaridade, faixa etária, estado civil, renda e trabalho, nesta fase foram entrevistados 177 idosos (as). Na segunda fase que se utilizou dos depoimentos orais, buscou-se compreender a percepção dos idosos (as) frente ao benefício da aposentadoria, desde o acesso, as mudanças de vida ou não, se houve melhoria da qualidade de vida ou não, qual era a posição dos idosos (as) dentro das família diante do benefício, bem como quais eram os significados atribuídos ao benefício, e, por fim qual era a a realidade do trabalho no lote e a aposentadoria. Concluiu-se que a aposentadoria trouxe mudanças significativas para os idosos (as), desde a melhora no padrão de consumo, a benfeitorias e melhoria nos lotes. Os significados atribuíduos ao benefício da aposentadoria foram: segurança, tranquilidade e felicidade. Para além, constatou-se também que mesmo com o benefício da aposentadoria os idosos (as) ainda trabalham no lote e que no que se refere a relação família-aposentadoria-idosos (as) estes atores vêm se tornando cada vez mais assistentes/provedores da família do que assistidos/protegidos pelas mesmas.
Principais alterações hematológicas da Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda (LLA)
Authors: Franco Hilario Willyan , Silveira de Moraes Hilario Lívia
Published: March 2022

A leucemia é um tipo de câncer caracterizado pela proliferação exacerbada de células leucocitárias imaturas oriundas da medula óssea. A leucemia linfocítica aguda é o tipo mais comum de câncer em crianças de 2 a 10 anos de idade. Com prevalência de 70% para estas e apenas 30% em adultos tal enfermidade é caracteriza pela rápida evolução e pela presença maciça de linfoblastos na medula óssea, sangue periférico e em outros órgãos. O quadro anêmico mais observado é normocítico normocrômico acompanhado de trombocitopenia. A classificação morfológica da LLA em L1, L2 e L3 é dirigida por características clínicas e por aspectos citomorfológicos e citoquímicos da medula e sangue periférico do paciente. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever, pontuar e revisar as principais alterações hematológicas e a classificação da LLA no contexto de um laboratório de hematologia clínica de rotina.

Palavras-chave: Câncer. Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda. Linfoma. Leucemia Linfoblástica.
Análise Ergonômica em Jogadores de E-Sport no âmbito computacional
Authors: De Sá Cabral Melo Jaqueline , Kian Nelson
Published: March 2022

Introdução: O crescente número de jogadores dentro do âmbito eletrônico, seja de maneira lúdica ou profissional, nos leva a voltar a atenção para a saúde destes e riscos aos quais estão submetidos. Acredita-se que os e-Sports, como são chamados os esportes eletrônicos, podem oferecer riscos musculoesqueléticos aos que praticam, tendo em vista os constantes movimentos repetitivos (em especial dos punhos e mãos), posturas adotadas e a elevada carga horária em frente ao computador. Objetivo: Analisar de forma individualizada o risco de desenvolvimento de lesões, especialmente de membros superiores, em jogadores de League of Legends. Bem como verificar a postura e biomecânica, traçando, assim, um perfil ergonômico. População e métodos: Em 2020, foram coletados dados ergonômicos de cinco jogadores de League of Legends e comparados com a norma regulamentadora de ergonomia (NR17). Com isso, foram aplicados um auto questionário e os métodos RULA e MOORE GARG, para uma análise mais precisa dos riscos de lesões. Resultados: Foram verificados elevados riscos de lesões em jogadores, decorrentes da alta carga horária frente ao computador, somada ao mau posicionamento e utilização de equipamentos e mobiliários inadequados. As regiões mais prejudicadas em consequência destes fatores, foram punho-mão e a coluna vertebral. Conclusão: Faz-se necessário a propagação de conhecimentos ergonômicos voltada para jogadores de e-Sports, com intuito de orientá-los e prevenir o risco de lesões, proporcionando melhor desempenho e qualidade de vida a estes jogadores

 

Palavras-chave: Ergonomia. E-sport. Fisioterapia no Esport. League of Legends.
Os fatores biopsicossociais de um trabalhador: estudo de caso de um profissional motorista de ônibus urbano
Authors: Dias Monteiro Carolina , De Sá Cabral Melo Jaqueline , Pimentel Dias Maria Eduarda , Kian Nelson
Published: March 2022

O motorista de ônibus urbano influencia diretamente nas atividades das pessoas que utilizam o transporte público, uma vez que o transporte é essencial para que uma cidade funcione. O motorista durante a sua jornada de trabalho é submetido a múltiplos riscos que podem gerar agravos, portanto, este estudo tem como objetivo verificar os fatores biopsicossociais envolvidos na saúde do profissional que atua como motorista de transporte coletivo urbano por meio de um estudo de caso. A coleta dos dados foi por meio de um check-list com abordagem sobre vida pessoal, social, profissional e econômica. Os resultados foram analisados comparando-os com as normas regulamentadoras da profissão, como a Constituição Federal, a CLT e outras bibliografias e artigos pertinentes aos assuntos, referentes à legislação brasileira. A partir dos resultados obtidos com a entrevista, tornou-se possível evidenciar aspectos positivos sobre a profissão, no que se diz respeito à saúde do trabalhador, como, por exemplo, a sua jornada de trabalho, que o permite conciliar os horários com os estudos e ainda obter uma boa noite de sono. Consegue também manter uma alimentação regular e tempo para lazer. Entretanto, quanto aos aspectos negativos, pode-se dizer que esta se trata de uma profissão que exige um alto nível de atenção e que pode gerar estresse. Aumentar o número de funcionários, melhorar a estrutura e capacitar melhor os colaboradores é uma solução para melhorar o ambiente de trabalho, segundo o entrevistado, que, apesar dos fatores negativos, busca manter harmonia entre a saúde e o trabalho que exerce. Vale ressaltar que, além dos fatores que a profissão o expõe, a qualidade de vida do trabalhador decorre também dos hábitos de vida que este adota.

 

Palavras-chave: Motorista de Ônibus. Condições de trabalho. Saúde do trabalhador. Qualidade de vida. Transporte Coletivo.
Construção de um grupo de trabalho em educação permanente em hospital público da rede Ebserh
Authors: Marques Tauro Domingos Raquel Luciana Angela , Bontempo Ferraz Vaz Mayara
Published: March 2022

Este relato de experiência trata-se da descrição do processo de construção de um grupo de trabalho de educação permanente em saúde, em serviço hospitalar do SUS vinculado à rede Ebserh, na cidade de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. O grupo de trabalho é proveniente da preocupação em capacitar e aperfeiçoar todos os profissionais da equipe multiprofissional envolvidos com o cuidado assistencial no serviço para garantir atendimento de qualidade, com segurança e baseado em evidências científicas. Ao produzir este relato, objetiva-se informar a estratégia de implantação adotada, descrever as metodologias de ensino escolhidas, discutir os resultados de 18 meses de trabalho, e assim, fornecer subsídios para outros profissionais ou serviços de saúde que almejam construir estratégias de educação permanente para suas equipes, visando sempre o bem-estar da população atendida. Como resultado da formação deste grupo de trabalho, aproximadamente 97 profissionais de diversas categorias foram treinados, 5 protocolos clínicos multiprofissionais foram construídos e mais de 30 documentos formais para reestruturação dos processos de trabalho foram validados. A equipe multiprofissional da unidade demonstrou satisfação com a inovação.

 

Palavras-chave: Educação em saúde. Serviço hospitalar de emergência. Equipe de assistência ao paciente. Sistema Único de Saúde. Gestão da qualidade.
Respiratory response of Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings exposed to sub lethal concentration of Fenvalerate
Authors:   Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai-627 002, Tamil Nadu, India, A Baskaran , D Stephenraj ,   Department of Zoology, St. John’s College, Palayamkottai,627002,Tamil Nadu, India, M Narayanan ,   Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai-627 002, Tamil Nadu, India, Raj R Azhagu ,   Department of Zoology, Loyola College (Autonomous), Chennai- 600 034, Tamil Nadu, India
Published: March 2022

Pesticides are toxic to aquatic fauna, which form significant components of the food chain. In this study to estimate, the lethal concentration LC50 of fenvalerate and sub-lethal concentration of Fenvalerate on the respiratory metabolism of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings was recorded in laboratory condition. The median lethal concentration of fenvalerate was estimated, by exposing different concentration such as 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 ppm of fenvalerate. The profit analysis, it was estimated that the LC50 value for 96 hrs for the pesticide fenvalerate was calculated as 0.025 ppm. The rate of oxygen consumption increased from 0.44 mg/g/hrs to 0.67 mg/g/hrs. When the partial pressure increase from 80 to 100 (mm/hg) in the exposed to 0.00083 ppm. The rate of oxygen consumption shoots us in 0.00083 and 0.00125 ppm concentration of fenvalarate, when compared with control. In the present investigation, the decline of oxygen consumption was observed in the subsequence exposure of Fenvalerate.
Determination of a CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+T cells subset in Egyptian Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors:   Medical Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Elsheshtawy Nadia , Saad Marwa ,   Medical Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., EL-Ghamrini Yasser ,   General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Ziad Kholood ,   Medical Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Published: March 2022

Human tumors including colorectal cancers (CRC) are often infiltrated by immune cells predominantly T lymphocytes especially regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3). It has been suggested that CD25+CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) might hamper effective immunosurveillance of emerging cancer cell. The aim of this study was to measure the frequency of total CD4+CD25+ Tregs & CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ subset of Treg cells in peripheral blood of Egyptian CRC patients and their correlation with the tumor stage, histopathology of the tumor and lymph node affection. A total of 31 CRC patients were enrolled in the study. The tumor was categorized using a TNM staging system. Peripheral blood samples were collected within the first 24 h of surgery. The frequency of total CD4+CD25+ Tregs & CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ subset of Treg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured by flow cytometry and absolute count was determined. High frequency of Tregs was detected in cancer patients with distal margin involvement (44-48 cells/μL) compared with those with free distal margin (5-32 cells/μL). Similarly, higher frequency of Tregs were detected (16-44 cells/μL) in cancers with lymph node involvement compared with cancers without lymph node involvement (5-32 cells/μL). Higher frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs were found in mucinous adenocarcinomas than in other histopathological types, although both observations were statistically insignificant. The median value for total absolute lymphocyte count/ μL was 639, out of which CD4+CD25+ subset constituted 35 cells, and about half of this subset were Foxp3+Tregs. In conclusion, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs may be a useful marker for predicting invasion, metastasis, and prognosis of colorectal cancer in Egyptian patients.
Vascular endothelial growth factor profile and Vitamin D level in Systemic Sclerosis Egyptian patients
Authors:   Department of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology & Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, AinShams University, Cairo, Egypt., El Gharbawy Nermin , Sheha Dina ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, AinShams University, Cairo, Egypt., Bawady Somia ,   Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., EL Leithy Sally ,   Department of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology & Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, AinShams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Published: March 2022

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was described as a potentially important driver of systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. Additionally, recent literature elucidated that vitamin D serum level was found to be significantly lower in SSc patients in comparison to healthy individuals. The aim of the current study was to evaluate serum level of VEGF and its correlation with clinical features and vitamin D level in systemic sclerosis (SSc) Egyptian patients. This current case control study included 30 female SSc patients and 20 healthy controls. VEGF level was measured by ELISA. Serum level of 25-OH vitamin D was measured by electrochemiluminescence. Nailfold video capillaroscopy and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) were assessed. Thirty SSc female patients were included in the study, 13 patients had diffuse cutaneous SSc. The mean age of the patients’ group was 49.3±4.3years, and the mean serum VEGF level was 3445.9±1183 ng/dl. The mean serum level of vitamin D was 15.57±9.9ng/ml in SSc patients and 30.6±2.26 in the controls. There was a significant association between high level of VEGF and hypovitaminosis D. Serum level of VEGF positively correlated with nailfold capillaroscopy changes and mRSS. In conclusion, high level of VEGF is associated with hypovitaminosis D, suggesting a role of vitamin D in SSc pathogenesis. VEGF levels correlate positively with nailfold capillaroscopy changes and extent of skin involvement.
Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) among patients with Graves disease
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Mahfouz Youssra , Hosny Salwa ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Farres Mohamed ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Sheha Dina ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Marawan Dina ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., ElKady Hossam ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Published: March 2022

Graves disease (GD) is a multifactorial disease due to multiple environmental and genetic factors as well as immune malfunction. Human Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in activating innate and adaptive immune cells. Their role in modulating immunity also interferes with the mechanisms that maintain tolerance in the host. Thus, expression or activation of TLRs can contribute to the loss of tolerance by a lot of mechanisms. In order to confirm the importance of TLR4 in the pathogenesis of GD, this study intended to measure TLR4 expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in GD patients before and after control of disease with Carbimazole as compared to a group of normal controls. We conducted a case-control study on 36 patients with newly diagnosed Graves disease and 36 individuals as the control group. Patients were recruited from the endocrinology outpatient clinic, Ain-Shams University Hospitals and were followed up till achieving the euthyroid state (for a minimum period of 6 months). In GD patients at baseline, the mean monocyte percentage was 4.46%, and the mean TLR4 on monocytes 90.91%. After achieving euthyroid state, the mean monocyte was 6.16%, and the mean TLR4 on monocytes 72.30%. In the control group, the mean monocyte was 3.88%, and the mean TLR4 on monocytes 66.30%. Results indicated significant differences in expression of TLR4 between GD patients before treatment, after achieving euthyroid state and in the control group (p< 0.0001). In conclusion, the present study showed a higher expression of TLR4 on monocytes among newly diagnosed GD patients in comparison to normal individuals. TLR4 expression on monocytes decreased significantly among GD patients after treatment.
Krebs von den Lungen‐6, a promising marker in evaluating the severity of interstitial lung disease in Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine & Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Hammoda Rasha , Salah-ElDin Haitham ,   Department of Chest, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., EL-Gharbawy Nermin ,   Department of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology & Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Ragab Dina ,   Department of Clinical pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Published: March 2022

Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) is one of the mucins associated with interstitial lung disease. We aimed to assess the value of KL-6 as a marker for detecting the presence of interstitial lung disease in Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients and to evaluate its ability to assess severity in different grades of interstitial lung disease. The study included 89 rheumatoid arthritis patients; 64 patients with interstitial lung disease and 25 patients without interstitial lung disease. Serum levels of KL-6 were assessed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of KL-6 were higher in patients with interstitial lung disease compared to patients without interstitial lung disease (P< 0.001). KL-6 levels were significantly higher in grade 4 patients than those in grades 1 and 2. Also, KL-6 levels were significantly higher in grade 3 patients than those in grades 1 and 2. Kl-6 levels were also higher in grade 2 patients compared to grade 1 patients. Finally, no difference was observed between grade 4 patients and grade 3 patients. KL-6 levels were significantly higher in usual interstitial pneumonia pattern compared other patterns (P=0.015). In conclusion, KL-6 is a potential circulating biomarker that may have a substantial role in detecting the presence and evaluating the severity of interstitial lung disease among rheumatoid arthritis patients.
THE EFFECT OF SYNTHETIC FUNGICIDE ON DISEASE SEVERITY AND PLANT GROWTH OF CHILI PEPPER (Capsicum annuum L.) INFECTED WITH Phytophthora capsici
Authors: ESYANTI RIZKITA RACHMI , FARAH NADYA , FAIZ MUHAMMAD FAKHRI , VERDIANTI MUTHIA GASSANI , SUNARDI  , SAFITRI RAMADHANI
Published: March 2022

Phytophthora blight caused by Phytophthora capsici is one of the damaging diseases that cause major loss in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production worldwide. Some synthetic fungicides containing Metalaxyl-M were reported to be able to control the pathogen’s growth. In order to evaluate the effect of synthetic fungicide on disease severity index (DSI) and plant growth of chili pepper plants after inoculation with P. capsici (104 zoospores/ml), four cultivars were used namely Laba, Pilar, Arimbi and Imola. Each cultivar was treated with a synthetic fungicide and P. capsici (FP), with P. capsici-only (P) and uninoculated plants (C) were used as controls. The result showed that the application of synthetic fungicide was able to control the pathogen’s growth, indicated by the decreased DSI. The application of synthetic fungicide was also able to preserve the growth of chili pepper plants, indicated by the plant height and number of leaves, even after the infection with P. capsici. In conclusion, the application of synthetic fungicide was effective in controlling the growth of P. capsici while preserving the growth of chili pepper plants in cultivar Pilar, Imola, Laba, and Arimbi.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A SURFACTANT-STABLE PROTEASE FROM HALOPHILIC BACTERIA Chromohalobacter Japonicus BK-AB18
Authors: ACHMAD DWI ISYANA , IHSANAWATI  , HERTADI RUKMAN
Published: March 2022

The protease from Chromohalobacter japonicus BK-AB18 was produced by growing bacteria in a LB medium containing 5% casein and 5% NaCl. The crude protease was partially purified by three levels of ammonium sulfate concentration (ranges of 0–70%, 70–75% and 75–80%) and the highest specific activity was exhibited in the range of 75–80%. The enzyme has a relative molecular weight of 65 kDa. The protease in this fraction had the highest activity in the following optimum conditions: 7.5% NaCl, a pH of 9.0 and a temperature of 45°C. The activity of the enzyme at the optimum pH and temperature was enhanced by the addition of a Ca2+ ion, but its activity was significantly inhibited by EDTA, hence this enzyme is included as metalloenzyme. Interestingly, the protease activity increased when exposed to a concentration of 0.01% and 0.05% SDS, and was relatively stable in this solution up to a concentration of 10%. It is thus demonstrated that C. japonicus BK-AB18 is a potential source to produce extracellular protease that can be applied in the surfactant/detergent industry.
MANGO (Mangifera indica L.) LEAVES WASTE/POLYVINYL ACETATE BIOCOMPOSITE FOR BUILDING MATERIALS APPLICATION
Authors: MASTURI  , ALIGHIRI DANTE , JANNAH WIDYA NURUL , MAULANA RIFUL MAZID , AMRI ULUL , SUSILAWATI  , SUNARNO
Published: March 2022

A leaves waste biocomposite was produced via a simple mixing and hot-pressing process. Using mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaves waste as a filler and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) as a binder, the biocomposite was synthesized at pressure and temperature of 3 metric tons and 40°C, respectively, for 20 minutes. The weight fraction of leaves waste varied obtaining a composite having maximum compressive strength, i.e., 37.82 MPa for leaves waste fraction of 0.62 (w/w). This strength is comparable to several stones such as sandstone stone, limestone, clay brick, aspen wood, and pinewood usually used as building materials. Therefore, the biocomposite is acceptable for building materials application.
BIODEGRADATION OF AZO DYE (REACTIVE GREEN 19) BY Pseudomonas aeruginosa ISOLATED FROM TEXTILE EFFLUENT
Authors: ARIFFIN BADRUL KHALID , ARIFFIN FAZILAH
Published: March 2022

Azo dyes are widely used in the textile industry. The release of these undesirable dye effluents to the environment can be toxic and carcinogenic towards humans and other organisms. The removal of these dyestuff wastes using the biodegradation method is to consider eco-friendlier compared to physical and chemical methods. Thus, this study was conducted to identify and analyze the biodegradation activity of the azo dye by the potential bacteria isolated from textile dye effluent. For decolorization analysis, the isolated bacteria were inoculated into flasks containing mineral salt medium added with Reactive Green 19 dye (50 mg/L) and was incubated for 9 days at 37°C. Spectrophotometry analysis was carried out at 635 nm to analyze the level of azo dye degradation. From the analysis, we found that the optimum pH, temperature, and dye concentration for the decolorization were detected at pH 7, 37°C, and 50 mg/L, respectively. The identified bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed 94% decolorization of Reactive Green 19 dye after 9 days of incubation. The result of decolorization activity by this bacterial strain can be used in the biological treatment of textile effluent.
OCEANIC DISPERSAL MODEL OF GREEN TURTLE HATCHLINGS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Authors: SUHAIMI NADHIRAH SYAFIQAH , DAUD NURUL RABITAH , AKHIR MOHD FADZIL , RUSLI MOHD UZAIR
Published: March 2022

High-resolution ocean circulation models have increased our understanding of the movement and distribution of worldwide ocean currents, which were previously unknown and difficult to study. The metabolic expenditure data obtained through open-flow respirometric analysis was put into an energy budget context by comparing it to their available reserved energy in the body upon entering the swimming life phase. We modeled the dispersal range of green turtle hatchling from Chagar Hutang in various monsoon season using the particle-tracking program Ichthyop v3.2 and ocean surface current output from HYCOM (Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model). The prediction distribution suggests that ocean current variability determines their movements into different dispersal areas. The simulated hatchlings are distributed north into the Gulf of Thailand during the Southwest monsoon, while during the Northeast monsoon, the simulated hatchlings travel south into the Java Sea. By quantifying hatchlings potential energy, they can swim a distance of 116 km and can last up to 7 days. Green turtle hatchlings from Chagar Hutang reached offshore water of Kelantan State and Terengganu waters near Tenggol Island on Day 7. These findings highlight areas of high priority for conservation, as habitat crucial for an endangered sea turtle species during a critical period of early development.
EFFECTS OF DRYING METHODS AND SOLVENTS ON PHENOLIC AND FLAVONOIDS CONTENT, DPPH RADICAL SCAVENGING AND -GLUCOSIDASE ACTIVITIES OF Aquilaria LEAVES EXTRACT
Authors: WAN-NADILAH WAN AHMAD , GHANI DAILAMI ABDUL , ABD JALIL MUHAMMAD SYAFIQ , ALI ABDUL MANAF , MAMAT WAN NUR AMALINA WAN , MAHMOD NOR HASIMA
Published: March 2022

Aquilaria is a multipurpose plant with high commercial and medicinal values. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of drying methods and extraction solvents on the phenolic and flavonoids content in A. malaccensis (AMA), A. subintegra (ASU), and A. sinensis (ASI). Leaf samples were either Air-Dried (AD) or Oven-Dried (OD) and extracted using 100% Ethanol (EE100), 70% ethanol (EE70), aqueous (AE), and hexane (HE). There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the drying methods and the extracting solvents. The OD in AMA leaf samples gave the highest values of total phenolic compounds (TPC) (52.98 – 85.15 mg GAE/gm) and total flavonoid compounds (TFC) (2180.97 – 3733.45 QUE ppm). The highest DPPH radical scavenging was observed in OD-EE70-AMA with the IC50 value of 33.60 µg/mL. Meanwhile, OD-EE100-AMA gave the lowest IC50 value (0.13 µg/mL) in the a-glucosidase assay, followed by OD-EE70-AMA with IC50 value 0.69 µg/mL with no significant differences among them. OD-EE70-AMA was found to have a higher content of TPC and TFC with the most potent DPPH scavenging and a-glucosidase inhibition activities. A strong positive correlation was reported between bioassays and TPC or TFC, hence indicating that AMA leaf used in this study might have the potential as a natural antioxidant and an antidiabetic agent.
ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES OF WATER EXTRACT PROPOLIS COATING AGAINST ANTHRACNOSE (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) DISEASE ON STRAWBERRY (Fragaria anannassa)
Authors: OMAR NURUL ATHIRAH , SIDIQUE SITI NORDAHLIAWATE MOHAMED , AHMAD FAUZIAH TUFAIL
Published: March 2022

Anthracnose is a major pre and post-harvest disease. Due to the consumer concerns of the residual effect of the synthetic fungicide, biocontrol from a natural source is highly required by the consumer to reduce the problem. Propolis is a natural antifungal that can be used as a coating to control fruit quality and postharvest losses. This study evaluated the physical and chemical characteristics of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) induced with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, coated with water extract propolis (WEP) and stored at 5°C. The effect of coating was evaluated with different concentrations of water extract propolis (WEP) which were control, 10%, 12%, and 14%. The post-harvest parameters such as weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), anthocyanin, disease severity index (DSI), and firmness were evaluated at two days interval for 12 days of storage. The highest percentage of inhibition (in vitro) was shown by the highest concentration of WEP (14%). Fruits coated with propolis showed reduced deterioration and infection diameter of fungus, as compared to the control (without coating) which already spoiled at day 4. Strawberry coated with 14% concentration of WEP also showed the highest firmness compared to other treatments. Thus, this coating can be used as an alternative method for bio-control of disease to reduce the post- harvest loss of fresh produce.
FOOD PREFERENCE AND THE EFFECT OF PREDATOR CUES ON THE FORAGING BEHAVIOUR OF HOUSE RAT (Rattus tanezumi)
Authors: JINN WONG LOK , TUEN ANDREW ALEK
Published: March 2022

The House Rat (Rattus tanezumi) is a major pest in the agriculture and food industry, a carrier of zoonotic diseases, and a source of nuisance to society. Poisoning is not an ecologically desirable method to control the rat population due to its effect on non-target animals. This article reported on the use of predator cues to control the rat’s foraging behavior. Food preference for sugarcane, corn, oil palm fruit, and young coconut flesh was determined first using a modified “cafeteria method” with a central cage connected to four feeding stations by PVC tubes. Then the effect of predator cues (3-D model and call of an owl, a combination of model and call and no predator cue as control) on foraging behavior was tested by manipulating these cues near the feeding station. Giving up density (GUD), which is the amount of food remaining at the feeding stations, was measured in both experimental phases. Treatment means were analyzed using ANOVA and compared using the Tukey test. The finding showed that House Rats preferred young coconut flesh over other test foods. All predator cues increased GUD significantly (p<0.01) but the 3-D model was the most effective. This study suggests a potential use of predator cues to control rat pest.
MALAYSIAN READY-TO-EAT COOKED DISHES: CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AMONG ADULTS AND NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF SELECTED HIGHLY CONSUMED DISHES
Authors: TARMIZI SITI FATIMAH MOHD , DAUD NORLIDA MAT , RAHMAN HAFEEDZA ABDUL
Published: March 2022

Malaysian main dishes have been related to high carbohydrate and protein contents, and lack of vegetables. However, consumption patterns and nutrient composition of these types of dishes were scarcely reported. This study was conducted to determine consumption patterns and nutrient composition of Malaysian ready-to-eat cooked dishes. Consumption patterns were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire among 432 adults. The nutrient composition of the eight selected highly consumed dishes was determined by proximate analysis. The results showed that from 89 listed ready-to-eat cooked dishes, four dishes had moderate consumption levels, which were fried bihun (36.9), nasi lemak (34.7), roti canai (33.1) and Pattaya fried rice (30.2). The rest of the dishes had low consumption levels (<29.9). The nutrient composition was significantly different (p<0.05) between the dishes. Chinese fried rice had the highest carbohydrate content (33.65±8.04%) whilst chicken burgers had the highest protein (7.57 ± 0.63%), fat (11.02 ± 1.27%) and energy (235.43 ± 7.68 kcal) contents. No dishes were found to have a crude fibre content of more than 1.0%. In conclusion, Malaysian adults had a controllable consumption of local ready-to-eat cooked dishes as most of the dishes were consumed in low quantities. Nutrient compositions of dishes from this study are suggested to be added in Malaysian Food Composition Database for future reference of authorities and public for diet planning.
GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND GONAD MATURATION OF AMUR CATFISH, Silurus asotus IN CAPTIVITY
Authors: SARIAT SARI ASFARINA , FUI CHING FUI , SENOO SHIGEHARU
Published: March 2022

This study was aimed to determine the growth performance and gonad maturation of Amur catfish, Silurus asotus reared in captivity. A total of 600 juvenile Amur catfish were reared in a 20-tonne aerated fibreglass tank for 3 months. The changes to body weight (mean ± SD) of Amur catfish at day 14 was 22.59 ± 3.59 g and attained a final average body weight of 110.95 ± 19.72 g. The average body weight gains (%) were 213.50% and gradually decreased to 109.95%. The specific growth rate recorded at 14-day intervals was 5.42%/day and fluctuated to 3.32%/day, 0.39%/day, 0.51%/day, with the corresponding measurements of 15.36 ± 1.07 cm and increments to 24.22 ± 1.34 cm. The final total length the fishes attained was an average of 25.58 ± 1.95 cm. The total length gain recorded was 124.61% and followed by 109.95%. The survival of Amur catfish within the three months was 29.17%. Length-weight relationship of the Amur catfish showed a strong correlation at log W = -2.6797 + 2.3102 log L and the value of the regression coefficient (b) equalled to 2.3102. Three stages of the oocyte (PO = primary oocyte, PVO = previtellogenic oocyte and VO = vitellogenic oocyte) determined histologically indicated that all-female gonad samples were in the developing stage. Matured gonad and spermatozoa were also observed in males. This study concludes that Amur catfish attained good growth performance and fast gonad maturation in captivity and can be a suitable species for aquaculture.
STATE-WIDE STUDY ON PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS ATTENDING PREMARITAL COURSES
Authors: WAN MOHD HANAFI WAN SOLIHA , TENGKU ISMAIL TENGKU ALINA , GHAZALI ANIS KAUSAR , SULAIMAN ZAHARAH , DAUD AZIAH
Published: March 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health issue. Limited knowledge exists about IPV among young adults as they are in a critical period of transition to adulthood and encounter serious dating and partnerships. This study sought to determine the perceptions and factors associated with perceptions towards forms of IPV. A total of 305 young adults with the mean age of 24 years old, were recruited from premarital courses in Kelantan, using a random sampling method. After obtaining their consent to participate, the participants responded to a self-administered validated questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis revealed that misperceptions towards physical violence are significantly associated with female and high income; misperceptions towards psychological violence associated with female, self-employed and high income, and while misperceptions towards controlling actions related to female and middle income. The results highlight that this issue may due to a lack of education and cultural gender role. There is a need for efforts to accurately target these factors through comprehensive prevention programs to address IPV in this population more effectively.
FACTORS INFLUENCING INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (IADL) DISABILITY AMONG ELDERLY ATTENDING HEALTH CLINICS IN KELANTAN
Authors: ISMAIL NUR RAIHAN , ABDUL HAMID ANEES , AB RAZAK ASRENEE , A HAMID NOOR AMAN
Published: March 2022

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) is a construct that describes the functional ability to perform complex activities, requiring physical and mental capability that allows an elderly to live independently. Studies on IADL in Malaysia are still lacking. Thus, this study aimed to determine the factors influencing IADL disability among the elderly attending health clinics in Kelantan. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a guided questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic characteristics, health-related conditions, Lawton IADL scale, Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (ECAQ), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Duke Social Support Index (DSSI). Multiple logistic regression (MLR) was performed to assess factors influencing IADL disability. Disabled IADL status was defined as having difficulty performing at least one out of eight activities on the Lawton IADL scale. A sample of 248 elderly from 12 health clinics in Kelantan was included, 36.3% of them had disabled IADL status. In the final MLR model, factors influencing IADL disability were, age group 70 years old and above (Adj. OR 3.52; 95% CI: 1.85, 6.69, p-value<0.001), being unmarried/single (Adj. OR 2.37; 95% CI:1.25, 4.49, p-value=0.008), no formal education (Adj. OR 4.03; 95% CI: 1.64, 9.88, p-value=0.002), low level of income (Adj. OR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.11, 5.07, p-value=0.026) and those who reported fair or poor self-rated health status (Adj. OR 2.53; 95% CI: 1.31, 4.89, p-value=0.006). Therefore, recognition of these factors is critical to promote a better health policy and to provide appropriate care for the elderly in the country.
Hacking Kowloon East: Technology for Activating Urban life
Authors: LAU Sunnie S.Y. , RYAN Brent D.
Published: March 2022

MIT established the Hong Kong Innovation Node in 2016 to bring Hong Kong to MIT and MIT to Hong Kong. Recently, MIT Associate Professor Brent D. Ryan from MIT’s School of Architecture + Planning and MIT Node’s Sunnie Lau, Director of Smart City Research and Industry Collaboration, brought together MIT graduate students and field research assistants in a Spring 2021 MIT course, to contribute to phase 2 of the Kowloon East Inclusive Innovation and Growth research initiative. The interdisciplinary academic group analysed barriers to inclusive economic growth in this second Central Business District (CBD) of Hong Kong -- Kowloon East – identifying in the process many projects and ingredients that may lead to inclusive economic growth in this unique area of the city. The Kowloon East Inclusive Innovation and Growth research initiative continues earlier MIT efforts such as the 1997 book, “Made by Hong Kong”, and is complementary to the recent creation of the HKUST-MIT Research Alliance Consortium funded by the HK Innovation and Technology Commission.
Regenerating Hong Kong’s New Towns: Resilience and Collaboration in the Context of Polycentric Urban Development
Authors: AMEIJDE Jeroen van , CHENG Sifan
Published: March 2022

Hong Kong’s New Towns, since their emergence in the 1960s, have been planned with various strategies aimed at creating self-sufficient communities. External challenges have led to varied successes in achieving this goal, as Hong Kong’s industry, society, and modes of live and work have gradually changed. As the city continues to build new urban areas and connecting infrastructures, its existing New Towns deserve to be re-evaluated, as they can continue to grow and adapt in parallel with Hong Kong’s evolving economic and strategic position with the Greater Bay Area. This article presents a series of urban design strategies for the upgrading of existing New Towns, developed in the context of the Master of Science in Urban Design programme at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Based on their historic development, current qualities and challenges, and a review of international precedents, theories and policies, four strategic methods for New Town regeneration are discussed. Firstly, we assess the strategic location of Kowloon’s New Territories to develop principal nodes within the polycentric structure of the region. Secondly, we explore strategies for increased economic and employment opportunities, through the promotion of regional innovation systems and entrepreneurialism. Thirdly, the role of public space and placemaking in the upgrading of neighbourhoods and community life is discussed. Finally, we review strategies to enhance the ecological performance of New Towns.
ANALYTICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM OF LIGHT PASSENGER VEHICLES
Authors: Hamid Waseem , Kumar Dharminder
Published: March 2022

The Automobiles have become a part of our everyday life. Since their common introduction and popularization in the 1910s. They have come a long way. Early vehicles did have a form of suspension which was borrowed from the horse carriages. This however proved to be too stiff for the vehicles powered by artificial engines, rather than horses. To counter this a lot of research was done pertaining to this subject and the result was the modern-day class of suspension systems, which are entirely passive and are either based on hydraulics based on oil, pneumatic based on air or simply spring type, or a combination of these. Lately the high-end vehicle segment introduced a technology of active suspension, rather than passive one. This design uses sensors to determine road contours to determine the action the suspension should take so that the vehicle experiences least acceleration vertically and laterally, also known as a bump. This work analyses a simple active suspension system.
Science policy at the crossroads of global change research: Mongolia
Authors: Damiran Enkhamgalan , Khyargas Tsevelmaa , Pagbajabyn Nymadawa , Batsukh Shairii
Published: March 2022

In the last more than half a century, the science policies of countries have been interchanging in a cyclical manner between science, technology and innovation policies. In the early period of the evolution of the science policy, priority attention was given to policy matters, and the process of new knowledge generation proceeded at a rapid pace. Highly industrialised countries directly linked science policy with the growth and development of industry, and innovation gradually became the key catalyst of industrial development. But in the developing countries, science policy had a mixed impact on the process of industrialisation, where decision making by the Government had had a powerful impact on their science policy. Science is involved in the introduction and domestication of new knowledge in the education sector, experimentation and application of technology in local development, and guiding the government on its decisions that are economically efficient, environmentally safe, and promotes equality in the society. In this sense, if we regard scientific research as the key resource of “research industry,” then countries need to define a science strategy and policy that would meet this supply and demand, identify and apply the competitive edge of science. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the science policy of Mongolia in the last 50 years in the context of global change based on facts, and to compare it with the historical experience of science policy development in industrialised countries.
Development of serological assay for detection of antibodies in the N protein of SARS-CoV-2 in human sera in Mongolia
Authors: Davaakhuu Gantulga , Sandag Zolzaya , Myagmar Nomin , Oyunbat Nomuun , Enkhtuya Ariya , Buyanbat Khurelsukh , Davaanyam Maral , Boldbaatar Tuul , Badarch Darmaa , Tsedenbal Naranzul , Damdindorj Lkhagvasuren , Tsendsuren Oyunsuren
Published: March 2022

The capability to detect Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and identify immune responses among the population is crucial for managing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although PCR-based nucleic acid detection techniques are utilized to detect viral infection in people, alternative tests capable of distinguishing between exposure and infection are urgently needed beyond this restricted window of detectable viral replication. Antibodies are produced in human sera within a few days after viral infection, providing longer period for performing tests to acquire reliable database.
Herewith, we provide the results of our in-house developed ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) that displays all of the properties necessary for high-throughput of human sera sample analysis. This test does not involve the handling of live viruses, although it detects a variety of antibody types in serum and plasma of human after exposure to the virus.
For in-house development of the kit, the nucleocapsid (N) gene of SARS-CoV-2 virus was cloned in the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-6P-1, and purified N protein was used to detect IgG antibodies in human sera samples. In total 76 human serum samples that were collected before novel coronavirus registry in Mongolia in March 2020, as well as 200 serum samples from patients who had been infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus, were used.
Among 200 serum samples, 188 were positive and 12 were false negative, while in non-infected cases 69 were negative and 7 were false positive, suggesting 94 per cent sensitivity and 90.7 per cent specificity of the kit, with p-values of 0.02.