bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Reproducibility of Temporal Event Boundaries in Continued Influence Effect and Event Segmentation Paradigms
Authors: Sanderson Jasmyne , Farrell Simon , Ecker Ullrich K. H.
Published: March 2022

Event segmentation theory proposes that individuals segment the incoming stream of information into meaningful events, separated by event boundaries that are triggered by contextual change. This segmentation has important implications for memory and learning. Following unexpected findings from a study that examined the effect of spatial event boundaries on information integration and updating in a continued influence effect (CIE) paradigm, the present study sought to reproduce the reported effects of temporal event boundaries on memory in two experiments. Participants read event narratives that manipulated the presence or absence of temporal event boundaries. Participants’ memory for pre-boundary information was then tested. While Experiment 1 showed no significant impact of a temporal event boundary on recall or recognition memory using event reports of the format used in typical CIE studies, Experiment 2 partially replicated previous research, finding that temporal event boundaries impaired recognition accuracy (though not response speed) when using linear event narratives from previous research. Results suggest that event boundaries impact memory only under specific conditions.
The Noises of Conspiracy: Psychology of Beliefs in Conspiracy Theories
Authors: Wagner-Egger Pascal
Published: March 2022

In this review, more than 10 years of research in conspiracy theory beliefs is summarised. As conspiracy theories have these past years invaded the public domain in the whole world, a trend which culminated during COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of psychologists investigated their antecedents and consequences. In this review, I expose and discuss the definitions, the rationality, the consequences, the measures, the potential causes, and some remedies against the proliferation of conspiracy theory beliefs. The potential causes are classified in five categories. The societal-political category (social inequalities and political extremism), the social category (intergroup competition), the personal (psychopathological) category (personality traits, such as paranoia, schizotypy, narcissism, etc.), the cognitive (irrational) category (cognitive biases and other irrational beliefs), and the communicational category (communication via Internet and social media, and narrative appeal).
Breathing patterns in psychopathology and blood oxygen levels - risk factor for cognitive decline?
Authors: Tip Liesbeth
Published: March 2022

This short commentary poses that research on cognitive decline using fMRI may benefit from taking into account breathing patterns related to psychopathology and individual habits. This draft has been submitted to the Journal of Clinical Images and Medical Case Reports on 25-03-2022.
Nature’s path to thinking about others and the surrounding environment
Authors: Schertz Kathryn E , Kotabe Hiroki , Meidenbauer Kimberly Lewis , Layden Elliot A , Zhen Jenny , Bowman Jillian E. , Lakhtakia Tanvi , Lyu Muxuan , Paraschos Olivia , Janey Elizabeth , Samtani Anya Leslie , Stier Andrew , Gehrke Kathryn , Van Hedger Stephen Charles , Vohs Kathleen , Berman Marc
Published: March 2022

Research has shown differences in pro-social and pro-environmental attitudes after exposure to different physical environments. It is unclear whether these perspective shifts are associated with changes in conscious thoughts and feelings about other people and the environment. In Study 1, we used a within-subject design to measure social and environmental thought content throughout one-hour environmental explorations of a nature conservatory and an indoor mall. At three survey time points, participants (N = 86, undergraduates and community members) reported whom they were thinking about and how connected they felt to the physical and social environment. Using Bayesian multi-level models, we found that while visiting the conservatory, participants were less likely to think about themselves, felt closer to people nearby and around the world, and felt higher connectedness to their social and physical environment. In Study 2, we used a correlational design to investigate the association between perceived naturalness of city parks and feelings of connection to nearby others and the physical environment while visiting. Participants (N = 303, Chicago residents) reported feeling higher levels of connection to nearby people and the physical environment when they were visiting city parks rated as more natural. These studies further our understanding of the ways in which natural environments influence conscious thoughts and feelings about the social and physical environment.
Impaired disengagement from worry: Dissociating the impacts of valence and internally-directed attention
Authors: Caulfield Mary Kathleen , Hallion Lauren S.
Published: March 2022

Worry is a repetitive, negative thought process that is widely experienced as difficult to control. Despite the adverse effects of uncontrollable worry on academic and other role functioning, the mechanisms by which worry becomes uncontrollable remain poorly understood. Previous experimental work has historically emphasized valence (negative versus positive or neutral). However, contemporary cognitive neuroscience also distinguishes between internally-directed attention (e.g., to thoughts) and externally-directed attention (e.g., to perceptual stimuli). To date, no studies have experimentally examined potential dissociable contributions of valence versus attentional direction to impaired disengagement from worry. In a 2 (negative or neutral valence) x 2 (internal or external attention) between-subjects, experimental and prospective design (https://osf.io/vdyfn/), participants (N = 200) completed alternating blocks of a randomly-assigned attention manipulation and validated sustained attention task. Participants also rated trait worry and distress during the experimental session (T1) and a naturalistic stressor (the week before finals; T2). There was a main effect, such that internally-directed attention impaired sustained attention (increased commission errors). Worry (internal x negative) also impaired sustained attention (faster and less accurate responding) in planned group contrasts. Trait worry did not moderate these effects. Sustained attention at T1 did not predict distress or worry during the T2 stressor. These findings augment the literature on the attentional consequences of worry and replicate and extend previous findings of altered speed-accuracy tradeoffs following experimentally-induced worry. We also find evidence for impaired disengagement from internally-directed (versus externally-directed) attention, which may help to explain impaired disengagement from related forms of perseverative thought (e.g., rumination).
Estimating individual subjective values of emotion regulation strategies
Authors: Scheffel Christoph , Zerna Josephine , Gärtner Anne , Dörfel Denise , Strobel Alexander
Published: March 2022

Individuals have a repertoire of emotion regulation (ER) strategies at their disposal, which they can use more or less flexibly. In ER flexibility research, strategies that facilitate goal achievement are considered adaptive and therefore are subjectively valuable. Individuals are motivated to reduce their emotional arousal effectively and to avoid cognitive effort. Perceived costs of ER strategies in the form of effort, however, are highly subjective. Subjective values (SVs) should therefore represent a trade-off between effectiveness and subjectively required cognitive effort. However, SVs of ER strategies have not been determined so far. We present a new paradigm for quantifying individual SVs of ER strategies by offering monetary values for ER strategies in an iterative process. N=120 participants first conducted an ER paradigm with the strategies distraction, distancing, and suppression.Afterwards, individual SVs were determined using the new CAD paradigm. SVs significantly predicted later choice for an ER strategy (χ²(4, n = 119) = 115.40, p < .001, BF10 = 1.62*10^21). Further, SVs were associated with Corrugator activity (t(5, 618.96) = 2.09, p = .037, f² < .001), subjective effort (t(5, 618.96) = -13.98, p < .001, f² = .035), and self-reported utility (t(5, 618.96) = 29.49, p< .001, f²= .155). SVs were further associated with self-control (t(97.97) = 2.04, p = .044, f² = .002), but not with flexible ER. With our paradigm, we were able to determine subjective values. The trait character of the values will be discussed.
Need for Cognition is associated with a preference for higher task load in effort discounting [Previously: "When easy is not preferred: A discounting paradigm to assess load-independent task preference"]
Authors: Zerna Josephine , Scheffel Christoph , Kührt Corinna , Strobel Alexander
Published: March 2022

When individuals set goals, they consider the subjective value (SV) of the anticipated reward and the required effort, a trade-off that is of great interest to psychological research. One approach to quantify the SVs of levels of difficulty of a cognitive task is the Cognitive Effort Discounting Paradigm by Westbrook and colleagues (2013). However, it fails to acknowledge the highly individual nature of effort, as it assumes a unidirectional, inverse relationship between task load and SVs. Therefore, it cannot map differences in effort perception that arise from traits like Need for Cognition, since individuals who enjoy effortful cognitive activities likely do not prefer the easiest level. We replicated the analysis of Westbrook and colleagues with an adapted version, the Cognitive and Affective Discounting (CAD) Paradigm. It quantifies SVs without assuming that the easiest level is preferred, thereby enabling the assessment of SVs for tasks without objective order of task load. Results show that many participants preferred a more or the most difficult level. Variance in SVs was best explained by a declining logistic contrast of the $n$-back levels and by the accuracy of responses, while reaction time as a predictor was highly volatile depending on the preprocessing pipeline. Participants with higher Need for Cognition scores perceived higher $n$-back levels as less effortful and found them less aversive. Effects of Need for Cognition on SVs in lower levels did not reach significance, as group differences only emerged in higher levels. The CAD Paradigm appears to be well suited for assessing and analysing task preferences independent of the supposed objective task difficulty.
A cross-cultural comparison on implicit and explicit attitudes towards artificial agents
Authors: Diana Fabiola , Kawahara Misako , Saccardi Isabella , Hortensius Ruud , Tanaka Akihiro , Kret Mariska
Published: March 2022

Historically, there has been a great deal of confusion in the literature regarding cross-cultural differences in attitudes towards artificial agents and preferences for their physical appearance. Previous studies have almost exclusively assessed attitudes using self-report measures (i.e., questionnaires). In the present study, we sought to expand our knowledge on the influence of cultural background on explicit and implicit attitudes towards robots and avatars. Using the Negative Attitudes Towards Robots Scale (NARS) and the Implicit Association Test (IAT) in a Japanese and Dutch sample, we investigated the effect of culture and robots’ body types on explicit and implicit attitudes across two experiments (total n = 669). Partly overlapping with our hypothesis, we found that Japanese individuals had a more positive explicit attitude towards robots compared to Dutch individuals, but no evidence of such a difference was found at the implicit level. As predicted, the implicit preference towards humans was moderate in both cultural groups, but in contrast to what we expected, neither culture nor robot embodiment influenced this preference. These results suggest that only at the explicit but not implicit level, cultural differences appear in attitudes towards robots.
Study of popular methods used to silence calls for justice raised by victims of the Kashmiri Hindu genocide, 1990
Authors: Ganguly Sarthak
Published: March 2022

The Kashmiri Pandit genocide is one of the darkest chapters in the history of India. However, in the absence of adequate soul searching by the civil society and politicization of crimes against humanity, there exists a very strong current of negation-ism in both within and outside of academic circles. This report observes the most common fallacious arguments made to either deny or diminish the Kashmiri Pandit genocide or delfect the responsibility of the crimes away from the perpetrators to either the third parties or the victims themselves. Finally, I propose valid counter-arguments to allow the victims to refute the arguments with reason and logic.
Spatial analysis of high school dropout: The role of race, poverty, and outliers in New York City
Authors: Trinidad Jose Eos
Published: March 2022

A major problem in urban areas, dropping out of high school is often related to a host of student-level factors, like poverty, race, gender, and behavior. Studies also find that social factors like school context and peer beliefs influence this phenomenon. However, these studies on social factors are limited by the non-inclusion of spatial data, which are important given how neighborhood dropout rates may be associated with adjacent neighborhoods. To address this gap, the present research suggests a method for analyzing spatial patterns of dropping out and the role of race, poverty, and outliers. Using exploratory spatial data analysis of New York City census tracts (n = 2216), the study finds significant spatial clusters for high school dropouts, racial minority population, and low-income areas. However, co-location patterns of dropping out and race/poverty suggest smaller core clusters, and outlier-detection for areas with dropout rates different from adjacent neighborhoods suggest that higher concentrations of minorities and poverty do not automatically lead to higher levels of dropout. Implications include resource allocation and contextualized support for high dropout clusters, and investigation of outlier neighborhoods.
Wealth as Control of the Future
Authors: Manduca Robert
Published: March 2022

Wealth inequality has become a major focus of social research in recent years. This research has yielded breakthroughs in describing the present distribution of wealth holdings, the impacts that access to wealth has on life trajectories, and the strong connections between wealth in the present and events in the past. However, wealth inequality scholars have yet to fully explore the relationship between wealth in the present and events in the future. Drawing on insights from financial accounting and asset pricing, this paper describes how expectations about future events are fundamental in determining the prices of assets and thus the present net worth of individuals. It then demonstrates how a “future-oriented” perspective on wealth can help resolve ongoing debates in the wealth literature, including the question of how to incorporate government social insurance programs when calculating personal net worth and the apparent puzzle of high levels of wealth inequality in countries that are otherwise economically egalitarian.
Docking study of the Rohitukine for the prevention of peptic ulcer- A New Target
Authors: Mishra Sunil Kumar , Mishra Vaibhav , Palit Gautam , Pandey Anil Kumar , Srivastava Akanksha , Tripathi CKM , Mir Snober S. , Mahdi Abbas Ali , Agarwal Santosh Kumar , Lakshmi Vijai
Published: March 2022

Context: In our previous study we have suggested that Rohitukine attenuates gastric mucosal injury; however its exact mechanism has not yet been established. Objective: The aim of present study was to evaluate the gastro protective mechanism of Rohitukine. Materials and methods: Sprague dawley rats and guinea pigs weighing 180–200 g were used. Dudenol ulcer was observed through Histamine induced gastric ulcer in guinea pigs. Result and Discussion: The present study was considered to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic properties of an alkaloid chromane, Rohitukine from Dysoxylum binectariferum. Moreover, we studied the role of Rohitukine on the cytosolic concentration of cAMP and Histamine level in parietal cell-enriched cell suspension in order to ascertain its mechanism of action. In addition, Rohitukine failed to show protection in histamine induced gastric ulcer. Conclusion: Our docking study revealed that Rohitukine moderately bind with CCK2 receptor with binding energy as compare with standard drug benzotript. Furthermore, anti-secretory mechanism of Rohitukine mediated apparently through bind with CCK2 and inhibited the acid secretion, is novel to our finding.
Identification and characterization of medicinally important plants of Kangra valley with synergistic effects of traditional antibiotics against microbial infections
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Rishma Dr. , Kaur Kuldeep
Published: March 2022

The use of traditional medicine to treat infection has been practiced since the origin of mankind. In present scenario, the increasing and indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to the development of microbial resistance to antibiotics. To overcome this, the synergistic effect from the combination of antibiotics with plant extracts against resistant microbes may leads to new ways of treating infectious diseases. This study has been done to evaluate the synergetic effect of common medicinal plants of Kangra valley with traditional antibiotics (Tetracycline, Gentamicin, Streptomycin and Ampicillin). The leaves of different plants i.e Adhatoda vasica (Vasaka), Ficus carica (Fig), Calotropis gigantea (Milkweed), were collected and powdered leaves were extracted successively with methanol, chloroform, petroleum ether and water in soxhlet extractor. Antimicrobial potential of these extract was tested alone and in combination with antibiotics against five bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus) and two fungal strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis) by well diffusion method. Many combinations showed almost double increased effect like methanolic extract of Adhatoda vasica and ampicillin showed synergistic effect against S. aureus whereas methanolic extract of Ficus carica showed synergistic effect with gentamycin and tetracyclin against E.coli and S. aureus. However many combinations do not showed any synergistic effect. Study will help to lay the foundation of searching new antimicrobials and alternatives that are helpful for treating infectious diseases without imparting ill effects and documents the antimicrobial potential of common plants.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic potentials of Eleucine indica
Authors: Ettebong E. O , Nwafor P. A
Published: March 2022

The plant Eleucine indica has a long ethnobotanical history because of its use in the treatment painful and inflammatory conditions. This study was aimed at investigating the antiinflammatory and analgesic activities of ethanolic extract of the whole plant in mice. The antiinflammatory activity was studied using carrageenin, egg albumin and xylene as phlogistic agents. The analgesic investigation was carried out against acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced pain and hot-plate test. The extract (200 – 600 mg/kg) showed significant (p< 0.05 - 0.001) dose-dependent reductions in the mouse paw oedema caused by carrageenin, egg albumin and ear oedema induced by xylene. Mice pretreated with the extract (200 – 600 mg/kg) showed a significant (p<0.05 – 0.001) dose – dependent reduction in hind paw-licking caused by formalin, dose-dependent and significant (p< 0.001) reduction in acetic acid–induced abdominal constrictions and stretching of the hind limbs and a dose-dependent and significant (p<0.001) increase in the latency response in the hot plate test. These results taken together, show that E. indica extract has anti-inflammatory and analgesic potentials that can be exploited in the management of pain and inflammatory conditions.
Suppression of nociception by Solanum incanum (Lin.) Diclomethane root extract is associated antiinflammatory activity
Authors: Mwonjoria J. K. , Ngeranwa J.J. , Githinji C.G. , Kahiga T. , Kariuki H.N. , Waweru F.N.
Published: March 2022

Solanum incanum is an herb that is an important African folklore remedy for several ailments such as inflammation, pain, fever, microbial diseases, and neoplastic disorders. The herb possesses several pharmacological activities that include antinociceptive effect to thermal pain test models, antipyretic, antimicrobial and anticancer activity. However, there are no reported studies on its anti-inflammatory activity and effects on chemical pain test models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the root extract on inflammation and formalin pain test model. In the anti-inflammatory assay, white Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with doses of the herb diclofenac and the vehicle. Thirty minutes later the animals were injected with 50µg of 5% formalin in the sub-plantar region of the left hind paw to induce inflammation and the diameter of the paw measured using a digital caliper. The difference between the initial paw diameter and subsequent readings was quantified as the edema developed in the paw. To assess the effect of the herb on leukocyte migration, carrageenan was injected intraperitoneally into the white albino mice after thirty minutes following subcutaneous administration of the herb extracts and controls. Four hours later, normal saline was injected into the peritoneum and a peritoneal lavage performed and the total number of leukocytes in the fluid determined using a Neubauer chamber. In the antinociceptive assay, white Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with doses of the herb extracts. Thirty minutes later the animals were injected with 50µg of 5% formalin in the sub-plantar region of the left hind paw the total time spent in flinching, lifting, biting and licking the hind paw was quantified as the latency of nociception. The dichloromethane extract exhibited significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory and 2rd phase antinociceptive effect, with 50 mg doses inhibiting highly significant (p < 0.001) effect in the early phase. Since the second phase of nociception is both inflammatory and neurogenic these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of S. incanum plays an important role in its antinociception.
Effect of two sesquiterpene lactones from Capparis decidua (Forsk.) on arachidonic acid and adenosine diphosphate-induced platelets aggregation
Authors: Mohammed Mona S. , Khalid Hassan S. , Muddathir A. K. , Tahir Kamal .E.H. El , Osman Bashier , Osman Wadah J.A. , Basudan Omer
Published: March 2022

Variable responses among individual patients, in addition to adverse effects are the main challenges facing most commonly used antiplatelet therapies like aspirin for example. Therefore, there is a need to seek naturally occurring, plant-derived substances which show minimal side effects. Capparis decidua is an indigenous shrub widely distributed in desert and semi-desert area of northern and central Sudan. Phytochemical investigation of aerial parts of Capparis decidua resulted in isolation of two new sesquiterpine lactones: MW-6 ( germacr-3βol-7,9-dien-6,14-olide-15-oic acid) and MW-11 (Germacr-3β-ol-12-ene-6,14-olide-15-oic acid) along with several known compounds. The two compounds have shown potent antiplatelets activity evaluated by using of guinea-pig platelets rich plasma mode. These compounds may provide a chemical moiety for more potent analogues.
Antiinflammatory and antioxidant activity of extracts and isolated compounds from Derris brevipes Benth (Baker)
Authors: Telekone Rajesh S. , Khan Mohib
Published: March 2022

The role of medicinal plants in promoting the ability of human health to cope with the unpleasant and difficult situations is well documented from ancient times till date all over the world. The purpose of this study is to define antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of chloroform, methanol extract and isolated flavonoid compounds 2’,4’-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-3’- prenyl chalcone (compound 1) and Leutolin (compound 2) from the methanol extract of Derris brevipes Benth (Baker). This study displayed potential total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, efficacy in scavenging singlet oxygen and nitric oxide radicals of extracts and isolated compounds. The study also revealed anti-inflammatory capability of extracts and compounds. Out of the two extracts, methanol extract showed higher antiinflammatory activity and of the two compounds compound 2 outscored compound 1 in antiinflammatory efficacy. As an antiinflammatory test molecule the efficacy of compound 2 was nearly equal to that of the standard ibuprofen. IC50 values for antioxidant activities were also less for methanol extract and compound 2 as compared to chloroform extract and compound 1. These results confirm the role of isolated flavonoids as promising free radical scavengers, potent antioxidants and antiinflammatory agents.
Phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity, total polyphenols and flavonoids content of different extracts of propolis from Tekel (Ngaoundal, Adamawa region, Cameroon)
Authors: Talla Emmanuel , Tamfu Alfred Ngenge , Biyanzi Pierre , Sakava Paul , Asoboe Forche Peter , Mbafor Joseph Tanyi , Tchuenguem Nestor Fernand Fohouo , Ndjouenkeu Robert
Published: March 2022

Five extracts of propolis of Adamawa Cameroon were obtained by percolation and maceration with five different solvents: hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and water, in order of increasing polarity. Phytochemical screening was carried out on the extracts and the total content in flavonoids and polyphenols were evaluated by photometric methods. The total flavonoid content was evaluated using the Neu reagent (2-aminodiethyl diphenylborinate) and quercetin as standard and the results varied from 0.84±0.02 gQE/100gRM in ethyl acetate extract to 1.52±0.06 gQE/100gRM in ethanol extract. The total polyphenol content was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and gallic acid as standard and results varied from 2.32±0.37 gGAE/100gRM in the ethyl acetate extract which is the least to 8.64±0.47 gGAE/100gRM in the aqueous extract. The antiradical activities of the extracts were evaluated through their inhibition on DPPH• and IC50 values varied from 1.88 mg/mL in the aqueous extract which showed highest antioxidant power to 5.06 mg/mL in the ethyl acetate extract with the least antioxidant power. BHT and vitamin C were used as synthetic and natural standards respectively and they showed higher antioxidant power compared to the propolis extracts. Ferrous iron chelating capacities of the extracts were determined using potassium ferricyanide reagent and EDTA as standard. Using Stat Graphics software and Durbin-Watson statistics test, the extracts showed significant correlation between flavonoid content and polyphenol content with DPPH• scavenging activity. The ethyl acetate extract showed least ferrous ion chelating capacity while the methanol extract showed highest ferrous ion chelating capacity.
Hypoglycemic effect of Helichrysum odoratissimum in alloxan induced diabetic mice
Authors: Njagi Joan Murugi , Ngugi Mathew Piero , Kibiti Cromwell Mwiti , Ngeranwa Joseph , Njue Wilson , Gathumb Peter , Njagi Eliud
Published: March 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of antiquity with worrying global incidence and prevalence. Conventional management and/or treatment interventions have been hampered by drawbacks like high costs, inaccessibility, likelihood of potential adverse and toxic effects among others. Use of antidiabetic phytodrugs has been on the rise, particularly in the developing countries, perhaps due to cost implications and accessibility advantages. In this study, an aqueous leaf extract of the medicinal plant Helichrysum odoratissimum was bioscreened for their hypoglycemic potential in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Three dose ranges were used viz; 50 mg/kgbwt, 100 mg/kgbwt and 150 mg/kgbwt. Results indicate that the extract appreciably lowered blood glucose level in the diabetic mice. The glucose lowering potency of this extract was dose dependent. Preliminary in vivo toxicity assessment revealed that the plant has no discernible toxicity on the major organs of the study animals. The study results confirm the folklore reports from traditional medical practitioners that the extract has safe bioactivity against diabetes mellitus. It avails an impetus for further bioscreening efforts with a view to the development of more hypoglycemic agents in future.
Liquid media’s in Bhavana Samskara: A pharmaceutico-therapeutic prospect
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Prajapati PK
Published: March 2022

Bhavana is a wet triturition process and also a size reduction technology, frequently used in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. It has multi-dimentional pharmaceutical and therapeutic implications. In the present review, data mining from available, screened Ayurvedic literature revealed use of various types of liquid media of plant, animal and mineral origin for Bhavana. The paper is a petite attempt to compile a variety of liquid media used in Bhavana especially in context to Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics in brief.
Macro microscopic fingerprints of panchanga of Ishwari- Aristolochia indica Linn.
Authors: Faisal Mohammed , Sridhar Bairy , Kumar KN Sunil
Published: March 2022

The drug Ishwari or Nakuli is botanically equated to Aristolochia indica Linn. The drug has been mentioned in Samhitha Granthas in different form for the condition like sheetha jwara (fever with rigor), sarpa visha (snake bite poisoning), vrana (wound), ekanga shopha (local oedema), unmade (schizophrenia), apasmara (epilepsy) etc. Substitution and adulteration due to similar morphological features, same classical vernacular name, and presence of similar active principles affect the therapeutic activity of medicinal products. Systematic macromicroscopy identity of herbal raw drug is becoming increasingly important to produce standardized herbal products. In this study, macro-microscopic and powder characters were recorded for five different parts (panchanga) of raw herb Ishwari using standard methodology. Both root and stem showed the presence of oil globules, stone cells, and starch grain. The midrib region showed a prominent vascular bundle, while there are few trace bundles distributed in the mesophyll tissue. The portion of perianth enlarged showed lower mesophyll tissue formed by parenchyma with intercellular space having a little chlorophyll in it. TS of fruit stalk is circular in outline, shows an epidermis covered with a cuticle. TS of fruit show an epicarp having 8 to 10 layers of parenchyma forming mesocarp. In the parenchyma cells below the endocarp there is a seed having testa, endosperm parenchyma. The powder microscopy showed the important cells of individual part of the plant. These diagnostic features can be used as a fingerprint for the identification and differentiation of their substitute and adulterants of the plant.
In-vitro thrombolytic and cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract of Syzygium operculatum leaves
Authors: Tarek Ibrahim , Hasanat Abul , Kabir Mohammad Shah Hafez , Chowdhury Tanvir Ahmad , Rahman Mizanur , Hossain Mir Ezharul
Published: March 2022

The existing study was made to investigate the thrombolytic exercise and cytotoxic potential with the methanol extract of Syzygium operculatum leaves. The cytotoxicity had been assessed while using brine shrimp lethality bioassay and also thrombolytic impact with individual blood. The brine shrimp lethality bioassay was employed to evaluate cytotoxicity (LC50=272.82μg/ml) compared to vincristine associated with sulphate (LC50=0.512μg/ml). It had been also assessed as thrombolytic agent compared to streptokinase. It's got Significant thrombolytic exercise (36. 28%) compared to standard streptokinase (75.09%).
In vitro anthelmintic activity of methanolic extract of Macaranga denticulata leaves in Pheretima posthuma
Authors: Rahman Mominur , Hasanat Abul , Ali Sekendar , Kabir Mohammad Shah Hafez , Alam Morshed , Hossain Mohammed Munawar , Habib Mohammad Zia , Chowdhury Tanvir Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Parasitic diseases cause extreme horribleness by influencing population in endemic areas with major economic and social outcomes. More than half of the population of the world suffers from various types of infection and majority of cattle suffer from worm infections. So there is a need to find new drugs to treat parasitic diseases.Methanolic extract from the leaves of Macaranga denticulata Muell. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) was investigated for their anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. Three concentrations (25, 50 and 100 mg/ml) of the extract were studied, which involved the determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worm. It was found that this extract exhibited significant anthelmintic activity. Albendazole in 10 mg/ml concentration was included as standard reference and 0.5% CMC as a control. Results showed that the methanolic extract was potent as it took near time of highest concentration (100 mg/ml) to cause paralysis and death of the earthworms as compared to the standard reference drug.
Systematic review of plant steroids as potential antiinflammatory agents: Current status and future perspectives
Authors: Patel Snehal S. , Savjani Jignasha K.
Published: March 2022

Plant steroids are unique class of chemical compounds that are found throughout the animal and plant kingdom. Glucocorticoids are steroidal agents used to treat inflammatory disorders; on long term treatment it produces severe side effects. In order to overcome these undesirable consequences, investigations have to be made to identify novel bioactive phytochemicals with therapeutic potential with no or significantly reduced side effects. The objective of this review is to discuss medicinal plants having antiinflammatory activity and which contains chemical constituent such as solasodine, diosgenin, boswellic acid, glycyrrihizin, guggulsterones, withnolides or sarsasapogenin with structural similarity with glucocorticoids. These plant steroids classified in different classes based on their chemical structure, pharmacological activities and source from which they have been isolated. This review documents information on anti-inflammatory activity of plant containing steroids like chemical constituents such as Trigonella foenum graecum L. [Family: Fabaceae], Solanum xanthocarpum L. [Family: Solanaceae], Boswellia serrata Roxb. [Family: Burseraceae], Glycyrrhiza glabra L. [Family:Fabaceae], Commiphora mukul [family:Burseraceae], Withania sominifera [Family Solanaceae] by modern clinical and preclinical studies. There is an immense scope in investigation of the antiinflammatory activity of plant steroids structurally close to glucocorticoids in various inflammatory conditions. Further investigations are needed to explore the more potent lead compounds with lesser side effects.
Role of oxidative stress in various diseases: Relevance of dietary antioxidants
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Khan Ahmed Abdullah , Tripathi Anu , Dixit Praveen K. , Bajaj U.K.
Published: March 2022

Oxidative stress plays important role in the pathophysiology of various diseases. Oxidative stress is caused in body due to an imbalance between the activities of endogenous pro-oxidative enzymes. Cellular antioxidants are known to change their redox state and they can be targeted for destruction, regulate oxidative processes involved signal transduction, effect gene expression and the pathways of cell proliferation and death. Oxidants and antioxidants play an important role in maintaining a balance between free radicals produced by metabolism or derived from environmental sources and the antioxidant system of the body. A natural antioxidant system exists in the biological systems which is responsible for prevention of damage by pro-oxidants. Impaired endogenous antioxidant system results in accumulation of free radicals, which not only induces lipid peroxidation but also imposes severe stress on the body leading to many diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease, Diabetic neuropathy, various cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidant system may be intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic involves body own neutralizing systems and extrinsic antioxidant involves dietary supplements that are taken in the form of food like vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene that can be gained from the fruits and vegetables for the prevention and management of diseases induced by free radicals.
Factors affecting Women towards purchase of Facial skin care Product of Patanjali (A case study of Lalitpur)
Authors: Shrestha Neera
Published: March 2022

It was understood that Women and girls being more concerned towards their beauty also seems true in reference to this study. This study has been able to show the increased interest of young girls towards the use of herbal cosmetics Product of minimize the side effects and enhancing their beauty. Similarly increasing influence of Patanjali Product in Nepalese young girls' life also has been traced through this study as many respondents have shown their trust towards the brand of Patanjali. Young /teen aged girls of Lalitpur seem to be highly influenced by their family members when it comes to use of cosmetics. Patanjali has been able to create the customers on the market who trust their brand because of various competitive advantages it owns in relation to other leading competitors like its natural indigents', strong image, popular figure.
Role of Women in Decision Making in Household Chores
Authors: K.C. Raju
Published: March 2022

The paper aims to explore decision making role of women in household chores that is cooking, dressing and caring of the children and other household activities. This study applied the semi-structured interview with case studies and observation method for the exploration of grounded realities of decision-making practices at household chores. Upon examination of everyday work situation, it becomes clear that the status of women in household chores is meaningful in Nepalese society; however there have been tremendous changes over the generations due to the several socio-political and economic shifts. Empirical observation and informations from the field study prevailed that role of decision making of women seems to be dominant in cooking, washing and cleaning at the same time their roles in political participation, income and purchasing activities also to be peripheral. The role of women in the household’s level have been transforming along with their age and marital status; for instance, teenager women prefer official jobs whereas, mature women discourage official jobs and public activities. The women, who engaged in the public jobs equally contributes in the household chores. The concerned authorities have not paid due attention to the plight of these simple hard working labourers who has made significant contribution towards increasing gross national product and also earning for their family.
Remittance: It’s Impact and Utilization Trend: A Case Study of Returned Migrant Women of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Maskey Rekha
Published: March 2022

Foreign Labor migration has lured to Nepalese and huge numbers of youths left the country daily for jobs abroad. Mainly unemployment is the cause that has encouraged people for foreign labour migration on one hand; it too has been a global issue on the other. With globalization and liberalization, the trend of going people from one place to another has intensified. Today, foreign employment among both male and female has become a significant aspect in strengthening the country's economy. The study entitled as Remittance: Its Impact and Utilization Trend (A Case Study of Returned Migrant Women of Kathmandu Valley) has been conducted to analyze the role of remittance. For this noble cause, researcher has adapted exploratory and descriptive research design where purposive sampling has been applied along with proper interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative data. This study has tried to provide a clear picture of contribution of Nepalese Women migrant Workers for supporting their families. The significant factor of remittances and changes felt by the migrants are highlighted throughout the text. Researcher hopes that the description, findings, conclusion and recommendation of the research will be useful to the agencies which are programming on the issues, academicians, students and others and will increase consciousness of the migrant workers, their families and the agencies which support women to send them to foreign lands safely.
The Narratives of Former Entertainment Workers in Nepal: An Explorative Study of Becoming and Being an Entertainment Worker
Authors: Thapa Victory , K.C. Abhiyan
Published: March 2022

This paper explores experiences as being and becoming of entertainment Worker in Nepal. Entertainment sectors, conceptualized here, a place where girls and Women are kept for sexual purposes. In doing so, the timing of events model, and narrative theory were applied to explore how events timing changes the life experiences of former entertainment Workers. Twelve former entertainment Workers were selected from NGO's who were rescued and helped by Youth for Transformation. The oral narration was taken as an interviewing method. Their problems and narratives as being Workers, and the process of becoming, off timing stages of entertainment workers intertwined in family system/sub-system or outside inter-personal system, were recorded, transcribed, analyzed, and discussed as informed by thematic techniques, and off timing stage model.

Following timing of events model and narrative theory, five off timing events led sequential patterns in clients’ life were identified: a) chronic poverty and bigger family size led-sequences; b) single mother led-sequences; c) early child marriage led-sequences; d) love marriage led- sequences, and d) parent’s death led-sequences. Likewise, research generates the client’s construction of the four dominant themes were: a) stigmatization; b) enactment of social expectations; c) role mediation and feminization, and d) health condition.
Evaluation of bioactivities of ultrasound-assisted extraction of betel leaves (Piper betle L.)
Authors:   Saigon Hi-Tech Park Research Laboratories, Hoang Thuy Duong , Nguyen Kim Thanh Kieu ,   Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh city, Ngo Hong Loan ,   Saigon Hi-Tech Park Research Laboratories, Phan Thi Kim Ngan ,   Saigon Hi-Tech Park Research Laboratories, Lam Hoang Anh Thu ,   Saigon Hi-Tech Park Research Laboratories, Pham Tien Dung ,   Saigon Hi-Tech Park Research Laboratories, Ngo Vo Ke Thanh ,   Saigon Hi-Tech Park Research Laboratories, Nguyen Huu Tuyen ,   Saigon Hi-Tech Park Research Laboratories
Published: March 2022

In this study, the betel leaf extracts were obtained by using an ultrasound-assisted extraction method with different solvents (70% ethanol, 96% ethanol, and water). The biological compounds of the extracts were examined using different biochemical assays, namely total phenolic content, total flavonoid content. ABTS+radical cation decolorization was using to determine the antioxidant activity. The antibacterial activity of the betel leaf extracts was determined using the agar diffusion and co-culture method. The obtained results of this study indicated that the betel leaf extract from the ethanol 96% was considerably more effective than other extracts in both antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was 386.34 mg GAE/g extract and 55.07 mg QE/g extract, respectively. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ABTS+ scavenging activity was 47.18 μg/ml. The betel leaf extract from the ethanol 96% showed more effectiveness in antibacterial than in antifungal. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the 96% ethanol betel leaf extract on Candida albicans, Streptococus. mutans, S. pyogenes, Corynebacterium diphtheriae were 1000, 500, 500, 250 μg/ml, respectively. Results showed that the 96% ethanol ultrasound-assisted betel leaf extract has a potential application in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Studying the effect of optical system in quality control system of the medical instruments production applying computer vision
Authors:   Ho Chi Minh city University of Technology, Dau Sy Hieu , Doan Quang My Han ,   Ho Chi Minh city University of Technology, Ta Chiu Hy ,   Ho Chi Minh city University of Technology, Le Nguyen An Khang ,   Ho Chi Minh city University of Technology, Khau Nguyen Thanh Dat ,   Ho Chi Minh city University of Technology
Published: March 2022

Computer vision is a solution to increase speed and accuracy in defect detection. The application of computer vision can only be highly effective with an optimally designed optical system that provides the computer vision system with data-optimised input images by displaying clearly on the photo the fault or defect on the product. To analysing the importance of high-quality input images, this paper provides optical solutions to the problem of computer vision error checking on the vaccine vial packaging line and single-use scalpel. At the same time, the authors will evaluate the critical needs of using a customised optical system for quality inspection on an assembly line.
Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Status in Î²-Thalassemic Patients: Effect of Iron Overload
Authors: N. Aziz Bassm , A. Al-Kataan Mohammad , K. Ali Wasan
Published: March 2022

To study the effect of iron overload due to continuous blood transfusions on peroxidation products, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and peroxynitrite, with evaluation of some antioxidants like, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamine E, Ceruloplasmin, uric acid and albumin in thalassemia patients. Forty patients with thalassemia major, aged 5 to 15 years, were carried out in Abn-Alatheer Teaching Hospital in Mosul city, during the period from October 2007 to April 2008. They were on Chelation therapy with desferÂ­rioxamine. They were divided into two groups, the first one without iron overload (90,97Â±12.92), and the second one with iron overload (157.75Â±7.57). All the patients were received whole blood. Blood samples were collected before and after blood transfusion. The results showed that there were significant increase in MDA and peroxynitrite in patients with iron overload five days before and after blood transfusion in compared with groups having normal iron level. On the other hand, glutathione, superoxide dismutase activity, Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, albumin and ceruloplasmin were significantly decreased whereas, uric acid was increased significantly. It is concluded that, Iron over load due to continuous blood transfusion in thalassemia causes increase in oxidative tissue damage with a changes in antioxidants status.

Key Words: Beta-thalassemia, lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, Malondialdehyde, Iron