bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of anti-inflammatory agents (glucosamine sulphate and aloe vera) on mouse mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Vigneshwari Easwar Kumar , Roshni Nambiar , Karandeep Sidhu , Bill Tawil
Published: March 2021

Use of stem cells for treating degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis has been gaining popularity. Glucosamine Sulphate is a nutritional supplement used for relieving inflammation during Osteoarthritis. Aloe vera juice is a widely consumed drink used in traditional practices to help reduce inflammation. In this experiment, the effect of Glucosamine Sulphate and Aloe vera on 2D and 3D proliferation of MSC cells was studied. Initial study to determine a suitable matrix for growing MSC cells was performed by growing the cells on 5mg/ml and 10mg/ml collagen and fibronectin coated wells for seven days. Cells adhered the least on fibronectin 10ug/ml and cells proliferated the highest on fibronectin at 10ug/ml, thus establishing fibronectin 10ug/ml as the matrix for the study. The effect of Glucosamine Sulphate on 2D proliferation of MSC cells growing on 10ug/ml fibronectin matrix was studied by exposing the cells to 0mg/ml, 0.1mg/ml, 0.5mg/ml and 1 mg/ml of Glucosamine Sulphate for seven days. The cells adhered the least on 0.5mg/ml and proliferated the highest on 0.5mg/ml as well (p<0.05). The effect of Aloe vera on MSC cells grown on fibronectin at 10ug/ml was studied by using concentrations of 0%, 2%, 5% and 10% Aloe vera juice for seven days. It was found that cell proliferation radically decreased in all conditions after Day 4 and the least proliferation was observed at 10%. 3D proliferation of MSC cells in a fibrin construct was studied with 0.1 mg/ml of Glucosamine Sulphate and 2% and 5% Aloe vera juice. It was observed that 5% Aloe vera juice allowed highest proliferation of cells, followed by 0.1 mg/ml Glucosamine Sulphate and 2% Aloe vera. This indicated that further analysis with 2% and 5% Aloe vera along with 0.1mg/ml as threshold could help identify an optimum dose range for uptake of Glucosamine Sulphate with Aloe vera juice to enhance relief from inflammation during osteoarthritis
Phytochemistry and method preparation of some medicinal plants used to treat asthma-review
Authors: Sisay Bihonegn , Debebe Eyob , Meresa Asfaw , Gemechu Worku , kasahun Tsion , Teka Frehiwot , Abera Tigist , Taye Samson , Tesfay Kidus , Tessema Samuel , Degu Sileshi
Published: March 2021

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the present day in which its incidence and severity are increasing. It is highly prevalent global disease; affecting approximately 300 million individuals worldwide. Different medicinal plants have been discovered and used in traditional medicine practices for the treatment of asthma in different part of the world since prehistoric times. The aim of this review article is to explore and compile the ethno medicinal uses, phytochemistry and method of preparation of commonly used medicinal plants for the management of asthma in Ethiopia. A comprehensive and systematic web-based search of full length experimental, ethno-botanical and ethno medicinal survey articles from scientific database like Pub Med, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar, were undertaken using key words: asthma, medicinal plants, ethno-botanical, herbal, phytochemistry so as to document this review article. About 23 medicinal plants like Papilionaceae, Caricaceae, Moringaceae, Liliaceae, Asteraceae etc. were found among the most common used medicinal plants in the society for the treatment of asthma. A good number of contemporary medicines have evolved from traditional medicines thus in the present circumstances, our traditional system must be given an objective and critical examination. Further research must be carried out to determine the fraction(s)/compounds that are mostly responsible for the observed anti-asthmatic activity as this will lead to drug development. As well, the potency of plants used in combination as beside being used individually should be further researched. It is recommended that further research is needed to anti-asthmatic plants and standardization of herbal formulations/preparations and to determine their side effect, efficacy, safety etc.
Formulation development of topical antibacterial lotion with theobroma cacao pod husk ash extract for treatment of shaving bumps
Authors: Akinrotohun Hannah O , Oyedele Ayobami O , Igbeneghu Oluwatoyin A , Orafidiya Lara O
Published: March 2021

The aims of this study were to determine the emulsifying properties of Theobroma cacao pod husk ash (CPHA) methanolic extract combined with shea butter and explore the antibacterial activities and physicochemical characteristics of resulting emulsions toward the development of a topical antibacterial lotion formulation for shaving bumps treatment. The ash resulting from combustion of pod husks of freshly harvested ripe cocoa fruits was extracted with methanol and the extract evaporated to dryness. Shea butter was also extracted by traditional method from kernels from the shea tree. These natural-source materials were combined with pharmaceutical ingredients (buffer, viscosity enhancer, preservative) to develop fluid emulsion formulations. Stability characteristics (droplet size, viscosity, creaming, and pH) of the formulations were evaluated as well as their antibacterial activities against microorganisms isolated from after-shave bump swabs of adult male volunteers and against reference organisms; in order to select product(s) of best qualities suitable as shaving bumps medication. The prototype formulations exhibited suitable physicochemical properties and demonstrated inhibitory activities against several isolated shaving bump microbes and the reference organisms namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Two formulations were finally selected as having physicochemical and antibacterial qualities most suitable for shaving bumps therapy, which contained shea butter (20%), citrate buffer (5%), and parabens (0.3%), prepared using 5% CPHA extract solution with and without methyl cellulose (2%), respectively. The novel shea butter-incorporated emulsion-lotion formulations of CPHA extract provide a useful therapeutic option of topical medication for the treatment of shaving bumps in men.
An extensive analysis of the health hazards for RMG workers in apparel sector of Bangladesh
Authors: Mia Rony , Ahmed Taosif , Tanjim Md Navid , Waqar Md Azhar , Hasan Md Mahamudul , Das Anik , Shamim Al Mojnun , Jahan Khurshid
Published: March 2021

Since the 1980s, the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh has encountered fast development and is at present positioned the second most elevated exporter on the planet after China. The RMG business has made a generous commitment to the economy and society by fundamentally giving a wellspring of work to around over 4,000,000 laborers, for the most part, ladies. This amazing development is subverted by the absence of safety in the factories and industrial accidents, which has defined the health hazards associated with the RMG division. These mishaps stunned the nation and the worldwide network. Because of these mishaps, the Government of Bangladesh and the advancement accomplices have prepared extraordinary help and made responsibilities to improve working conditions and worker's safety in the RMG business in Bangladesh. This paper is an endeavor to confirm the advancement and execution level of various activities taken by Bangladesh Government and the worldwide purchasers and retailers of RMG explicitly in the field of occupational health hazards, for example, health and hygiene, safety, other issues of health, hygiene and safety, welfare as well as OHS management system & training. A useful study was done straightforwardly on RMG laborers to rough their insight level on consistency factors and their comprehension and acknowledgment of the current acts of occupational health hazards and safety in RMG manufacturing plants.
Theoretical study of the process of interaction of particles of weed impurities in the flow of raw cotton with the working bodies of the cleaning machine
Authors: Akbarovich Abdurakhmonov Akmalzhon , Eryigitovich Gaybnazarov Egamnazar
Published: March 2021

The article proposes to use the Euler equations to describe the motion of a stationary flow in the cleaning zones, which allows determining the laws of pressure, density and velocity distribution along the arc of contact of a moving layer of raw cotton with a mesh surface in the process of impact impact with spikes on the pulp. It has been established that the pressure, densities and flow rates along the cleaning arc as a result of hammer spikes vary in steps, with a decrease in pressure and density and an increase in the flow velocity along this arc.
Mosquito repellent finishes on textile fabrics (woven & knit) by using different medicinal natural plants
Authors: Mia Rony , Sajib Mynul Islam , Banna Burhan Uddin , Chaki Rittick , Alam Syed Samiul , Rasel Md Abu , Islam Md Tanjirul
Published: March 2021

In textile, Finishing is one of the significant processes which augment the performance of the fabric and functional properties as well. Health is always thought to be an indispensable requirement for human beings to live without any stress and it aids to give the best output of any work. Hygiene is also one of the important elements to live comfortably. A mosquito repellent textile protects the human beings from the bite of mosquitoes and ensures safety from the diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Medicinal plants like neem (Azadirachta indica), tulashi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) & mint-leaf (Mentha) etc. are used for induction of organic mosquito repellent activity and all of them are ecofriendly. This project is an exiguous endeavor in developing an eco-friendly mosquito repellent finished fabric using the herbal extract from neem, tulshi and mint-leaf .The extracted chemicals are finished on to the fabric by pad-dry-cure process & exhaust process and are evaluated using a mosquito repellency activity test .Then the repellency behavior of fabrics were checked after washing at three intervals – 5th,7th & 9th washes .Finally, the finished fabrics showed a great amount of mosquito repellent activity for both knit and woven fabric which was calculated in percentage.
Clothing manufacturing and exporting countries of the World: a review
Authors: Islam Shariful , Alam Shaikh Md Mominul , Ahmed Shaharia
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to discuss about the textiles and clothing manufacturing and exporting countries of the world. This paper has some objectives such as introducing the applications of spandex fabrics, discussing highest clothing importers, and detailing recent textile trade expansion countries etc. The textiles and clothing industries are categorized by changeable mandate, short product life sequences, rapid response time, enormous product diversity, and an unstable, unyielding, and intricate supply chain structure. The textile and clothing industries subsidize meaningfully towards the national budget of many countries. Although the clothing industry is worldwide in nature, the engineering facilities from established countries are flowing to developing countries to lessen the labor fees. Even in these developing countries, the clothing industries are fronting the greatest experiments in spite of the inexpensive labor cost, due to the petite production life-cycle, high instability, low expectedness, high level of instinct purchase and the quick market reaction. To diminish the cost of manufacture, the clothing industries in developing countries are rather concentrating on sourcing of inexpensive raw materials and minimizing transfer cost than labor efficiency due to the obtainability of inexpensive labor.
Influence of dispersing agents on adsorption and desorption rate of a disperse dye on polyester
Authors: Uddin Md. Koushic , Hossain Sonia , Habiba Umma , Rahman Md Nafiur , Mahmud Rayhan
Published: March 2021

Dispersing agents play important roles in polyester dyeing with disperse dyes. The purpose of this work is to determine the influence of dispersing agents on the adsorption and desorption rate of polyester dyeing with CI Disperse Blue 284. Polyester fabric was dyed at HTHP method using two types of dispersing agents at different concentrations. The performances studied were the changes in dye transfer rate, K/S values of the dyed samples and dye bath concentration. The rate of adsorption and desorption of disperse dyes were affected significantly not only by the type but also the concentration of dispersing agents.
Investigation on mechanical properties and water absorbency of jute glass reinforced epoxy composite
Authors: Uddin Md. Koushic , Chowdhury Muksit Ahmed , Hossain Sonia , Islam Md Zahidul , Sardar Mohammad Shamim , Ami Arnab Singha , Tasnia Farhana Naowrin
Published: March 2021

Fiber reinforced composite materials are attractive because of their properties such as high toughness, water resistance and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of a variety of applications. Incorporation of natural fibers can reduce the dependency over synthetic fibers. In this work, Jute glass fiber reinforced composites are fabricated by simple hand lay-up technique using epoxy resin as a matrix and various mechanical properties like tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and also the water absorption properties of the composite specimens are evaluated and analysed thoroughly. It is observed that incorporation of optimum amount of jute fibre with glass fibre improved mechanical properties can be achieved. Finally cost of composites are analysed and compared.
Investigating the effects of some process parameters on the quality of coarse compact yarn produced from carded roving
Authors: Khan Md Khalilur Rahman , Hasan Md Mahabub , Haque AKM Monjurul , Rahman Md Moshiur
Published: March 2021

This project work aimed to investigate the interactive effects of carded roving parameters (i.e., roving hank and twist) and break draft of ring frame on the quality of compact yarn such as evenness, strength and hairiness. However, in this work, compact spun yarns produced from carded roving hanks of 0.70Ne and 0.90Ne while the roving twist per meter inserted at two levels (i.e., 40 and 45) for each of hank. Moreover, the break draft values of ring frame kept at three levels (i.e., 1.15, 1.25 and 1.35) for each type of roving. However, 100% cotton compact yarns of 24Ne and 32Ne produced for this experimental investigation. However, results showed that yarn unevenness (U%) and imperfection index (IPI) values of compact yarn decreased for the finer roving hank (0.90Ne) irrespective of yarn fineness. It was also noticed that low twisted roving improved yarn evenness during coarser yarn (i.e., 24Ne) production. Regarding the count strength product (CSP) value, increasing levels of roving twist deteriorated the CSP results in general. Trend of CSP results also revealed that finer roving produced higher levels of CSP results for comparatively finer yarn production. As far as yarn hairiness is concerned, it was observed that finer roving (0.90Ne) having higher levels of twist reduced yarn hairiness irrespective of yarn fineness without any exception. Finally, it can be said that this study will help the researchers for comprehending the influences of the process parameters during the production of compact yarn from carded roving.
Narration on ethnic jewellery of Kerala-focusing on design, inspiration and morphology of motifs
Authors: Yothers Wendy , Gangadharan Resmi
Published: March 2021

Artefacts in the form of Jewellery reflect the essence of the lifestyle of the people who create and wear them, both in the historic past and in the living present. They act as the connecting link between our ancestors, our traditions, and our history. Jewellery is used--both in the past and the present-- to express the social status of the wearer, to mark tribal identity, and to serve as amulets for protection from harm. This paper portrays the ethnic ornaments of Kerala with insights gained from examples of Jewellery conserved in the Hill Palace Museum and Kerala Folklore Museum, in Cochin, Kerala. Included are Thurai Balibandham, Gaurisankara Mala, Veera Srunkhala, Oddyanam, Bead necklaces, Nagapadathali and Temple Jewellery. Whenever possible, traditional Jewellery is compared with modern examples to illustrate how--though streamlined, traditional designs are still a living element in the Jewellery of Kerala today.
Anti-hyperlipidemic effect of Vitex doniana in poloxamer induced hyperlipidemia
Authors: Duniya Sheneni Victor , Akagwu Odiba Victor , Omede Ameh , Moses Idih Favour
Published: March 2021

To determine the effect of Vitex doniana (leaves stem and root bark) ethanol extracts on lipid profiles of Poloxamer 407 (P-407) induced hyperlipidemic and normal rats. Fifty four mixed sex rats weighing 100-200g were divided into nine groups comprising six animals per group: group given feed and water only, group induced by an intra-peritoneal injection of P-407 every 48hours without treatment, groups induced and treated with atorvastatin, leaves, stem bark, root bark extracts and groups of normal rats treated with leaves, stem bark and root bark extracts without induction. In all the groups, P-407, atorvastatin, leaves, stem bark and root bark extracts were administered at a dose of 1000mg/kg, 20mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 30mg/kg body weight respectively. At the end of the 21day, the animals were sacrificed and blood sample were collected for determination of serum levels of: Total cholesterol (TC), Triacylglycerides (TAG), High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). The studies showed that all induced treated groups significantly (P<0.05) lower serum levels of TC, TAG, LDL-c and significantly (P<0.05) increased HDL-c when compared to the P407 induced hyperlipidemic control. The normal treated groups showed no significant (P>0.05) difference in the serum levels of TC, TAG, LDL and HDL when compared to the normal control group. Calculation of atherogenic risk predictor indices of the induced treated groups showed that all the extracts significantly (P<0.05) lowered the LDL-c/HDL-c, log (TAG/HDL-c) and significantly (P<0.05) increased HDL-c/TC ratio when compared to the P407 induced hyperlipidemic control group. The atherogenic risk predictor indices of normal treated groups showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in LDL-c/HDL-c, Log (TAG/HDL-c) and HDL-c/TC ratio when compared to the normal control group. The study demonstrates the phytotherapeutic effect of Vitex doniana (leaves, stem and root bark) ethanol extract in poloxamer 407 induced hyperlipidemia.
Effective removal of chemical oxygen demand and phosphates from aqueous medium using entrapped activated carbon in alginate
Authors: Abd El-Gawad Soha A , M Abd ElAziz Hossam
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to decrease different wastewater contaminants using entrapped activated carbon in alginate polymer (AG-AC) by adsorption. Different phosphate concentrations were prepared in the laboratory. The effect of the operating parameter was studied by external factors (e.g., contact time, pH, concentrations, adsorbent dose, and stirring rate). The results were analyzed according to the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorption data are more appropriate by the Freundlich isotherm. Efficient removal percentages for COD (500 mg\L) at pH 3 using dose 30g of the adsorbent for 60min with a fixed stirring rate at 100rpm were about (79%). Efficient removal percentages for phosphates (5mg\L) at pH 4 using dose 30g of the adsorbent for 45min with a fixed stirring rate at 100rpm were about (89%). The best-operating conditions have been determined to increase phosphate removal efficiency.
Challenging the safety and efficiency of homeopathy: Ignatia amara as an example, ants as models
Authors: Cammaerts  Marie-Claire , Cammaerts David
Published: March 2021

Homeopathic treatments are considered by the vast majority of the scientific community as non-effective, apart from a well-documented placebo effect. Nevertheless, some experimental results raise questions about their efficiency, and numerous practitioners still consider homeopathy as an efficient alternative treatment instead of usual pharmaceutical drugs. Homeopathy is thus nowadays debated among the general public, practitioners and medical schools, and is still used by many patients in search for “natural” treatments. It is therefore relevant to bring information to feed this debate and to investigate the efficiency and safety of homeopathic drugs. We examined on ants, used as biological models, the effects of a homeopathic drug, Ignatia amara, advocated to ease symptoms of stress. We tested the effects of thus drug on ant’s ethological and physiological traits (1) under normal condition, then (2) under a stressing situation. We found that (1) this drug was not without adverse effects but slightly impacted some ants’ traits; (2) this drug could reduce the adverse effects caused by the stressing situation. It nearly fully restored the ants’ locomotion, orientation ability, audacity, tactile perception, brood caring, social relationship, escaping behavior, cognition, and slightly the memory. No adaptation and no habituation to the effects of Ignatia amara occurred, and no dependence on its consumption developed. The causes and mechanisms of these effects remain unknown to us, but our results support the hypothesis that, in some given cases, for some specific health problems, and using adequate product(s) and dose(s), a homeopathic treatment based on Ignata amara extracts could help patients to recover from stress symptoms.
Cake kidney-complete crossed fused ectopia
Authors: Rana Lokesh , Sood Dinesh , Gurnal Pooja , HR Manjuswamy
Published: March 2021

Cake kidney or complete crossed fused renal ectopia refers to complete fusion of both kidneys and remain on the same side of the midline. It is due to failure of normal renal ascent during embryogenesis with fusion of kidneys within the renal pelvis.1,2 We present a case of 18years old male with heaviness in right lumbar region and CECT was done which showed complete crossed renal ectopia.3
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs): as nanopesticides and nanofertilizers
Authors: Anand Rythem , Bhagat Madhulika
Published: March 2021

Nanotechnology is evolving as an important field of sciences due to its promising role in the agricultural sector. Nanotechnology is being increasingly used to improve crop yield and reducing the harmful agents used in crop protection. Recently silver nanoparticles have gained utmost attention due its uses in various areas of human interest whether it be agriculture, industry, medicine and human health. They are the most popular metallic nanoparticles and its various antimicrobial and antioxidant as well as anticancer properties have been reported. This mini review aims to present and discuss development of cost effective techniques for the synthesis and recovery of silver nanoparticles that have agricultural importance. Many of its applications in plant disease control and other aspects such as their role as nanopesticides or nanofertilizers have been discussed.
Antioxidant and phytochemical analysis of volatile oil and extracts of Pinus wallichiana
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Gupta Sahil , Bhatt Nazli , Hussain Ahanger Shajaat , Gupta Divya , Singh Pramveer , Lochan Roshani , Bhagat Madhulika
Published: March 2021

The present study aims to explore the chemical constituents and antioxidant potential of Pinus wallichiana essential oil and extracts. Chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS and result showed that the oil contain three major monoterpene compounds viz. α-pinene (48.6%), β-pinene (45.6%) and limonene (5.6%). Antioxidant potential of Pinus wallichiana was analyzed by three basic methods; DPPH radical scavenging method, FRAP assay and Fe2+ ion chelating activity. Among leaf and bark extracts, best radical scavenging, activity was determined by aqueous extract (IC50 values 20.83±0.8µg/ml) of bark followed by its methanol extract (IC50 value 25.9±1.6µg/ml). The aqueous extract of bark also exhibited better reducing and chelating activity than leaf extracts. Essential oil showed moderate radical scavenging and chelating activity but negligible reducing activity. Phytochemical analysis of extracts determined that the aqueous and methanol extracts of bark contain rich amount of poly phenol and flavonoids, in comparison to the leaf extracts. A significant correlation between the antioxidant activity and these phytoconstituents of the extracts has been observed. The results of the present study concluded that the bark of Pinus wallichiana is a potential source of active antioxidant constituents that could be further explored and exploited for numerous commercial applications.
Comparative study on the antimicrobial effects of essential oils from peels of three citrus fruits
Authors: PRO Edogbanya , MO Suleiman , JB Olorunmola , IJ Oijagbe
Published: March 2021

The use of Essential Oils as antimicrobial agents have become popular over the years in an attempt to find alternative ways of dealing with strains of bacteria that have become resistant to conventional antibiotics. This study was carried out to compare the antimicrobial effects of Citrus peel essential oils obtained from Okene Main Market, 7'33'4.39'' N 6'14'9.20'' E, Kogi State, Nigeria, on the clinical isolates of some microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudesomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus niger). The oils were extracted from the peels using the cold maceration method with n-hexane as the solvent. The agar diffusion method was used to test the susceptibility of the micro-organism strains using ciprofloxacin as the standard positive control. The experiment was carried out in duplicates and obtained data was analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT), with P<0.05 considered significant. The results revealed that Orange (Citrus sinensis) exhibited the inhibitoriest effect on the test isolates followed by lime (Citus aurantifolia) and Lemon (Citrus Limon) with the least significant effect.
Side effects of mirabegron studied on ants as models
Authors: Cammaerts Marie-Claire , Cammaerts Roger
Published: March 2021

The overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) affects the quality of life. It is most often treated with anticholinergic drugs, but at the cost of many unwanted effects. In the last decade to date, mirabegron, an adrenergic receptor agonist drug used to relieve OAB has appeared in the pharmacopoeia. It works through a different mechanism than antimuscarinic drugs, with apparently fewer side effects. In the same way that we have examined the adverse effects of the anticholinergic oxybutynin on the ant Myrmica sabuleti used as a biological model, here we examine the side effects of mirabegron. Unlike oxybutynin, mirabegron had no adverse effect on ants, except that it increased their meat consumption, reduced their sugar water intake and decreased their general activity. No adaptation was observed for this last- mentioned effect, which may correspond to the tiredness reported in humans. The ants did not become dependent on the consumption of mirabegron, whose effect on general activity decreased very slowly and disappeared about 52 hours after weaning. Patients are advised to take mirabegron daily though its elimination half-life is 50 hours, and fatigue is one of the side effects of the treatment. In the event that patients under mirabegron medication show a decrease in activity over their treatment, it would be careful to space out the medication or to add an appropriate stimulant or to alternate mirabegron with an anticholinergic drug that does not affect the patient’s level of activity. The kind of antimuscarinic drug that could be used together with mirabegron, the respective dosage and the timing of each drug should be defined depending on their combined efficacy and side effects, and taking into account their elimination time.
Quantum phenomena in biological systems
Authors: Orzhelskyi Igor , Kuznetsov Andrey , van Dijk Elena
Published: March 2021

The functioning of a biological systems, maintaining the dynamic stability of its homeostasis, is provided by regulatory systems. Traditionally, such systems include the nervous and humoral systems of regulation. The third regulatory system of the body, which provides communication in the body, distance interactions according to the "informational" principle, is not considered. For this reason, the understanding of the law of nature – “substance-energy-information”, uniting the foundations of any matter, is very limited in biology. This article provides a summary of the basic rules and principles of the interaction of Matter, Energy and Information from a quantum perspective.
Concentration of sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium across trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Diorgu Faith , Nkeiru Friday Christiana
Published: March 2021

Pregnancy is a period of altered body systems. This study is aimed at assessing electrolytes level in the three trimesters of pregnancy. Blood samples of one hundred pregnant women in their various trimesters were collected by aseptic techniques into a lithium heparin bottle for electrolytes analysis. Using standard laboratory methods, the serum electrolytes level were analyzed using an automated blood gas and electrolytes analyzer (OPTI CCA – TS2). Based on Reference values of electrolytes during pregnancy, 94% had normal serum sodium concentration, potassium serum concentration 48% and Chloride serum while calcium serum concentration was low 12% across the trimesters. Descriptive statistics were used (frequency and percentage distribution) for socio-demographic characteristics; chi-square was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20.0 was used to support the data analysis. The study revealed no significant relationship between electrolytes level and trimesters of pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the selected obstetric and gynaecological hospitals in a low income country. This may suggest poor kidney adaptation in maintaining electrolyte balance in pregnancy among the women, Therefore there may be need to assess electrolytes levels during antenatal care as part of routine investigations.
Antibacterial properties of capsaicin and its derivatives and their potential to fight antibiotic resistance – A literature survey
Authors: Füchtbauer Samuel , Mousavi Soraya , Bereswill Stefan , Heimesaat Markus M.
Published: March 2021

Antibiotic resistance is endangering public health globally and gives reason for constant fear of virtually intractable bacterial infections. Given a limitation of novel antibiotic classes brought to market in perspective, it is indispensable to explore novel, antibiotics-independent ways to fight bacterial infections. In consequence, the antibacterial properties of natural compounds have gained increasing attention in pharmacological sciences. We here performed a literature survey regarding the antibacterial effects of capsaicin and its derivatives constituting natural compounds of chili peppers. The studies included revealed that the compounds under investigation exerted i.) both direct and indirect antibacterial properties in vitro depending on the applied concentrations and the bacterial strains under investigation; ii.) synergistic antibacterial effects in combination with defined antibiotics; iii.) resistance-modification via inhibition of bacterial efflux pumps; iv.) attenuation of bacterial virulence factor expression; and v.) dampening of pathogen-induced immunopathological responses. In conclusion, capsaicin and its derivatives comprise promising antimicrobial molecules which could complement or replace antibiotic treatment strategies to fight bacterial infections. However, a solid basis for subsequent clinical trials requires future investigations to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and in particular pharmaceutical evaluations in animal infection models.
Simulated Sky
Authors: Zotti Georg , Hoffmann Susanne M. , Wolf Alexander , Chéreau Fabien , Chéreau Guillaume
Published: March 2021

For centuries, the rich nocturnal environment of the starry sky could be modelled only by analogue tools such as paper planispheres, atlases, globes and numerical tables. The immersive sky simulator of the twentieth century, the optomechanical planetarium, provided new ways for representing and teaching about the sky, but the high construction and running costs meant that they have not become common. However, in recent decades, “desktop planetarium programs” running on personal computers have gained wide attention. Modern incarnations are immensely versatile tools, mostly targeted towards the community of amateur astronomers and for knowledge transfer in transdisciplinary research. Cultural astronomers also value the possibilities they give of simulating the skies of past times or other cultures. With this paper, we provide an extended presentation of the open-source project Stellarium, which in the last few years has been enriched with capabilities for cultural astronomy research not found in similar, commercial alternatives.
Orientation of Gothic-Mudéjar Churches in Southern Spain
Authors: Abril José M.
Published: March 2021

Most of the earliest new churches built in Andalusia (southern Spain) following the thirteenth-century Christian Reconquista occupied the sites of former mosques. In some cases, these churches incorporated pre-existing architectonic elements – particularly minarets, which were converted into bell towers – or took some inspiration from Islamic architecture, creating a combination of Gothic style and elements from Muslim architecture known as Gothic-Mudéjar. This paper analyses the orientation pattern of a group of 68 Gothic-Mudéjar churches built in the cities of re-conquered Andalusia up to the early fifteenth century, and the normalised frequency distribution of azimuths is compared with published data for the qibla (the direction toward which Muslims turn to pray) observed at a group of 82 Andalusian mosques. Results confirm that a large number of churches were oriented via a 90° anticlockwise rotation from orientation to the qibla after placing the apse in the former eastern wall of the mosque. It is further argued, based on the histogram and a distinctive peak around 84°, that the architects aligned these churches to sunrise over the local horizon for 25th March according to the Julian calendar, the date of the canonical equinox. This practice reflects Church teaching and a medieval foundation-stone rite involving a dawn vigil, and the built structures reflect the limited technical capacity of the church builders. The method of orientation would also have created a precedent for the alignment of some later churches in southern Spain dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption to sunrise on 15th August, the Feast of the Assumption.
Revisiting Sevsar
Authors: Frincu Marc Eduard , Perez-Enriquez Raul , Aghikyan Levon
Published: March 2021

The Armenian highlands contain numerous remote sites featuring petroglyphs. Many of these rock carvings are pastoral depictions of animals, while others are abstract and complex, and one example of the latter, believed by archaeologists to date back to the Late Bronze Age (LBA), is found on an isolated site on Sevsar Mountain at an altitude of about 2700 m. The most accepted theory about the significance of these carvings dates back to the 1980s and suggests that they were representative of a lunisolar calendar. During our two recent expeditions to the site in 2017 and 2019, we noticed a cup mark in the largest circular petroglyph, deep enough to hold a vertical wooden pole, and from this we inferred a more extensive astronomical function for the carvings. In particular, the petroglyph’s intricate design of a radiating spiral and three concentric circles placed at non-equidistant radii from the centre made us consider its possible use as a sundial, with the inscribed circles representing the noon shadow lengths on solstices and equinoxes. We measured the radii of the circles north–south and the orientation of the main landscape features using a Suunto clinometer and compass. Our analysis shows that the dimensions of the petroglyph closely match actual shadow lengths in the LBA, and that the petroglyph can be reconstructed to high accuracy from theoretical ellipses. Additionally, the remote location of this site further suggests that the movement of the Sun was important to the builders, as the site may have also served as a ritualistic and initiation destination.
When Not to Look at the Sky?
Authors: Gaffney Vince
Published: March 2021

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Archaeoastronomy in South America
Authors: Corrado Gustavo , Giménez Benítez Sixto
Published: March 2021

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Where Next for Archaeoastronomy?
Authors: Chadburn Amanda
Published: March 2021

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SADA communique to members - Licence and quality control tests for dental diagnostic X-ray imaging systems
Authors: SADA Head Office
Published: March 2021

Members have been receiving notification from Inspection Bodies about their X-ray equipment being due for inspection.

On enquiry, it has been discovered that, in some instances, this notice was based on erroneous data that Inspection bodies may have received from the Radiation Control, who had not correctly updated their records, due to "a lack of manpower".

SADA strongly advises members who receive this notification to check their documentation before booking said inspections and, if the notification is incorrect, to request their usual inspection body to correct their records.

SADA has serious concerns about the current legal framework and enforcement of the Act governing X-ray equipment. It questions the Code of Practice and more particularly, the legal standing of inspection bodies, licensing delays and the entire legislative framework. To this end, SADA has made an extensive written submission to the Minister of Health raising our concerns. In the meantime, as the legislative framework applies to practitioner, in its flawed framework, we provide members useful information for the benefit of members around the whole issue of licensing and testing of X-ray equipment so that members are properly informed when receiving notices of inspections or having to licence their new or used X-ray equipment.
Modern considerations when approaching fractured endodontic instruments - Part 2: A review of the literature and clinical techniques
Authors: Van der Vyver Peet J , Vorster Martin , Jonker Casper H
Published: March 2021

Once root canal treatment is considered, the treating clinicians must be aware of the real possibility that complications and unforeseen accidents can occur during any stage of the treatment. Complications and accidents may include instrument separation, root perforation on different levels and ledge formation.
Maxillofacial Radiology 186
Authors: Nortjé Christoffel J
Published: March 2021

Infection of the jaws that could be life-threatening within a few days due to spread of bacteria into perioral fascial spaces. Discuss the clinical and radiological features and what is your provisional diagnosis?
Dental images - Their use and abuse
Authors: Sykes Leanne M , Uys A , Bradfield C , Van Oudtshoorn Nicolaas W Van Reede
Published: March 2021

Patients' exposure to medical and dental radiographic examination has increased over the years,1 with dental X-ray procedures now accounting for almost one-third of all radiographic examinations.2 Although they only contribute 2-4% towards the collective effective dose of exposure, all efforts should be made to minimize the amount taken and to keep exposure as low as diagnostically achievable.2 When considering radiographic examinations, the potential diagnostic or therapeutic benefits to the individual or society need to be weighed up against the possible risks that the exposure may cause, taking into account the "efficacy, and benefits and risks of alternative techniques that have the same objectives but involve no or less radiation".2,3 To this end the acronym ALARA was coined to stress that all diagnostic radiographs should aim to keep doses as low as reasonably achievable without compromising the diagnosis.1 With the advent of digital imaging there has been a trade-off between image quality and reduced radiation dosage. As such the term has been altered to ALADA, as low as diagnostically acceptable, to reflect this compromise.2
TARİHÇİLERİN KUTBU PROF. DR. HALİL İNALCIK İLE SÖYLEŞİ
Authors: TAYHANİ İhsan
Published: March 2021

Lefke Avrupa Üniversitesi Tarih Bölümü olarak 27-30 Nisan 2015 tarihleri arasında, Prof. Dr. Halil İnalcık onuruna “Kıbrıs Türkünde Demokrasi Kültürü ve Kıbrıs Demokrasi Tarihi” konulu uluslararası bir kongre düzenlemiştik. Prof. Dr. Halil İnalcık’ın akademik çalışmaları içerisinde Kıbrıs’ın özel bir yerinin olduğu biliniyor. Kıbrıs’a ilişkin çalışmaları içerisinde Osmanlı’nın Kıbrıs’taki 307 yıllık hâkimiyeti sırasında tutulmuş olan “Tahrir Defterleri” son derece önemlidir. İnalcık, söz konusu kayıtlar üzerinde uzun yılları alan bir çalışmadan sonra T.C. Tapu ve Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü Arşiv Dairesi Başkanlığı’nın yayını olarak “Kıbrıs Tahrir Defterleri: Mufassal, İcmâl ve Derdest” başlığı altında tıpkıbasımını gerçekleştirerek çok sevdiği Kıbrıs’a olan borcunu ödemişti. İnalcık, düzenlemiş olduğumuz kongre sürecinden önce anılan kapsamlı eserden on nüshayı bize göndermiş, biz de Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti’nde ilgili birimlere iletmiş ve arşivlerdeki yerini almasını sağlamıştık. Hayattan ayrılmadan birkaç ay önce (25. 07. 2016), 8 Mart 2016 tarihinde duayen büyüğümüz, saygın bilim insanı Prof. Dr. Halil İnalcık hocamızı Bilkent Üniversitesi Yerleşkesindeki konutunda ziyaret ederek kongre “Bildiriler Kitabı”nı kendilerine takdim etmenin de onurunu tatmıştık.Bu çalışmada, söz konusu ziyaret sırasındaki yaklaşık bir saatlik söyleşiyi deşifre etmek suretiyle örnek bilim insanı Prof. Dr. Halil İnalcık anısına tarihe not düşülmesi amaçlanmıştır.
Single cell RNA sequencing of a biopsy specimen v1
Authors: Karakasheva Tatiana , Thadi Anusha , Li Ning , Uzun Yasin , Chen Chia-Hui , Aleynick Daniel , not provided Shraimr , Weinbrom Sarah , Soto Gloria , Kelsen Judith , Lengner Chris , Tan Kai , E Hamilton Kathryn
Published: March 2021

This protocol describes dissociation of a human intestinal biopsy tissue into single cells, followed by depletion of dead cells via annexin V MACS beads. The outcome is a single-cell suspension with viability ≥ 90% that is used for single-cell sequencing or establishemt of enteroid/colonoid culture.
Formas de tratamento e construção da relação interpessoal em Contos da Montanha de Miguel Torga
Authors: Marques María Aldina
Published: March 2021

As relações interpessoais, criadas em cada interacção verbal constituem uma dimensão fundamental da construção discursiva. Em Contos da Montanha, Miguel Torga retrata/cria uma sociedade rural cujo traço dominante e primeiro parece ser o da solidariedade. Mas a estrutura social só aparentemente é simples. As formas de tratamento, em particular, mostram a especificidade das relações interpessoais, que irei analisar, de acordo com os eixos de distância, poder e conflito, que propõe Catherine Kerbrat-Orecchioni (1992) na sequência de Brown e Levinson (1987).
Mallando nos Complementos directos: un ornitorrinco na sintaxe do galego
Authors: Moure Teresa
Published: March 2021

A gramática galega debe estimular a autenticidade da lingua e, en consecuencia, a súa sintaxe non pode reproducir punto por punto a do español. A sintaxe é a compoñente máis importante da gramática e por tanto tamén desde o ámbito sintáctico se debe procurar un galego vivo e fértil, con estruturas de seu, con usos diferenciados do español e, en definitiva, un galego de calidade. Neste sentido, os complementos directos con preposición do tipo de Comer no caldo constitúen un trazo diferencial co español que debe ser reintroducido nas nosas preferencias estilísticas.
Recensión: Cristina Martins, Línguas em contacto. “Saber sobre” o que as distingue
Authors: Mosquera Castro Estefanía
Published: March 2021

Recensión: Cristina Martins, Línguas em contacto. “Saber sobre” o que as distingue. Coimbra, Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra, 2008, 412 páxinas.
Preliminary Design of a Drinking-water Carrier for Water Supply to the Croatian Islands
Authors: Novak Lino Josip , Dejhalla Roko
Published: March 2021

An analysis of drinking water supply to the Croatian islands indicates an unsatisfactory situation with drinking water on inhabited and occasionally inhabited islands, as well as frequent shortages of drinking water. Besides the fact that this constitutes an obstacle to the economic development of the islands, the scarcity of drinking water further complicates the everyday life of islanders, especially during the summer months when scarcities are more frequent. A particular problem has been observed on islands where the drinking water is supplied by drinking-water carriers. There are four such ships in Croatia, with an average age of over sixty years, which often fail to meet the island’s drinking water demands on time and in sufficient quantity. For strategic reasons, the renovation and strengthening of the Croatian fleet of drinking-water carriers should be definitely considered in order to ensure a secure long-term supply of drinking water to the islands. In the paper a preliminary design of a drinking-water carrier suitable to supply water to the Croatian islands is presented.
Readiness of the Croatian Navy in Case of Migrant Crisis Escalation at Sea
Authors: Sunko Tomislav , Minahović Luka , Kodžoman Ivica
Published: March 2021

Migrant crisis which escalated in 2015 represents humanitarian and security challenge for European Union (EU) member states. Protection of the EU outer borders, as well as national one, has become priority task for all EU member states in order to preserve their political and cultural identity. This paper analyses the Croatian Navy (CN) capabilities in case of the migrant crisis escalation at sea, in order to protect national waters. The expected effect is to indicate that, considering their capabilities and experience, the Croatian Navy is capable of fulfilling the mission. Authors of the article investigated potential security threats in the area of responsibility of the Croatian Navy. This paper presents the possibility of an efficient response to possible challenges.
Numerical Simulation of River Inflows in Rijeka Bay Coastal Area
Authors: Grbčić Luka , Kranjčević Lado , Filiplić Ivan , Mavrić Kristijan
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a model of water flow in the Porto Baroš has been developed, which is the part of the Rijeka coastal area, for the purpose of its renovation and conversion. For numerical simulation purposes, the depth of the seabed of Port was previously performed, based on which the geometry and numerical domain of Port were made. By conducting the flow simulation, the analysis was carried out, after which the analyses of the conceptual solutions with the introduction of the pipe discharge were performed with the aim of reducing the water pollution of the Porto Baroš area. Port geometry will be made in commercial SMS software and numerical domains and simulations in OpenFOAM open-source software.
Modern Equipment for Waste Management on Cruise Ships
Authors: Vilotijević Alex , Matulja Tin , Hadjina Marko , Bolf Davor
Published: March 2021

A larger cruise ship with more capacity enables the ship-owner to gain more profits while at the same time lowering the cost to the client. Cruise ships today have a capacity of about 5,000 passengers, and there are projects in development of cruise ships that will accommodate up to 10,000 passengers. Since such ships have to function as an independent and ecologically sustainable unit during navigation, there is a problem of waste management. This paper presents the methods and procedures for the disposal of liquid and solid waste on cruise ships in accordance with the applicable regulations. Furthermore, proposals for improving and adapting the MARPOL convention to the above trends are presented