bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacotherapeutic justification of the hypertonic saline solution usage for the treatment of calves with diarrhea
Authors: Shaganenko V. , Kozii N. , Shaganenko R. , Avramenko N. , Rublenko I. , Yemelyanenko A. , Poroshynska O.
Published: February 2024

Among the mass distribution of gastrointestinal diseases in calves with signs of diarrhea, a significant share is occupied by infectious diseases. In the farm, the largest number of sick calves had polyetiological disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, which were caused by causative agents of rotavirus, corona virus infection, and Escherichia Coli K99. The complex etiological nature of the disease with the symptom of diarrhea, the variety of pathogenetic links involves all body systems in the pathological process and requires complex treatment. Treatment should include restoration of hydration and concentration of electrolytes, correction of metabolic acidemia, fight against opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms, intoxication, and restoration of digestive functions. Treatment of the experimental group of sick calves with diarrhea included antibiotic therapy using Colistin orally at a dose of 0.5 g/50 kg of body weight, twice a day, for 5 days; drinking colostrum in a dose of 30 ml once a day for 3 days; rehydration therapy by drinking energy electrolyte solution "Regidrobust" once a day for 3 days and infusion of 7.5% sodium chloride solution at a dose of 4 ml/kg of body weight, once. Calves of the control group did not receive an infusion of 7.5% sodium chloride solution. The research results showed that in the calves of the research group, complex therapy using a hypertonic 7.5% sodium chloride solution had a stronger therapeutic effect, positively changed the biochemical and morphological indicators of the blood, led to the normalization of metabolic processes, body functions as a whole, and restoration of calf activity. The calves of the experimental group on the 2nd day of treatment showed much more active interest in feed and consumed it and generally had a satisfactory general condition. This did not happen in the calves of the control group, whose condition remained depressed. Disappearance of the symptom of diarrhea in calves of the experimental group was noted on average on the 3rd day of treatment, in calves of the control group on 4-5 days. The proposed treatment scheme contributed to the reduction of the calf disease period by 1,5 times.
Key words: diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, calves, hypertonic sodium chloride solution, hypertonic saline solution, treatment, rota virus infection, corona virus infection, colibacteriosis.
Treatment of wound anaerobic infection in great horned animals: clinical example in a cow
Authors: Yaremchuk A. , Chemerovsky V. , Rublenko M. , Chemerovska I. , Rublenko I.
Published: February 2024

External mechanical problems contribute to a wider problem in the surgical field in dairy cattle. The frequency of early injuries is highest in the limbs, and the lowest in the posterior and tail area. Most often, cows have puncture wounds that are susceptible to infection. Infectious complications of injuries and improper care in the aggregate lead to a decrease in productivity, premature culling of animals, and even to their death. Therefore, the analysis of medical methods and their effectiveness in great horned cattle for the aggravation of a accidental wound with anaerobic infection is also relevant. We looked at the clinical episode of a cow of the 1st or 2nd lactation, which had a puncture wound in the sub-breast area, right next to the subscapular area. The cow tried to overcome the fence and was injured by the end of the rebar. The treatment protocol will first help to stop bleeding, wash the cavity of wound with an antiseptic, add antibacterial powder to it and close it with sutures, internally administer ceftioclene. After the development of infectious-flammable structure in the wound and bacteriological investigation, treatment included washing with H2O2, drainage with Levosin and Nitacid ointment, metronidozole, bicilin 3, and granulation with the granulation of wounds: hydrophobic ointments. This is the basis for the use of systemic antibacterial therapy, rational surgical tactics and drainage, local treatment of active pharmacological agents with antibacterial, analgesic and hyperosmodic agents.
Key words: cow injuries, wounds, purulent inflammation, ointments on hydrophilic bases.
In silico аналіз молекулярних механізмів фармакологічної дії кверцетину
Authors: Бобкова Л. С. , Бухтіарова Т. А. , Суворова З. С. , Ядловський О. Є.
Published: February 2024

Сьогодні дослідження механізмів біологічної дії флавоноїдів, таких як кверцетин, рутин, гесперитин, лютеолін та інших, їхніх фармакологічних властивостей є актуальними. У реалізації цього напряму важливе місце має in silico молекулярний докінг, який дає можливість теоретичного передбачення механізму та спектра фармакологічної дії як окремої сполуки, так і ряду сполук, визначити мішень-орієнтовані сполуки-хіти, означити пріоритети цільового пошуку мультитаргетних препаратів тощо.

Мета дослідження – огляд in silico досліджень з молекулярних механізмів фармакологічної дії кверцетину як потенційного мультитаргетного препарату.

В огляді наведено сучасні дані щодо найпоширеніших in silico досліджень кверцетину – його міжмолекулярних комплексів з різними білками-мішенями. Означено терапевтичний потенціал кверце- тину як протитуберкульозного, протималярійного, протизапального, протипухлинного засобу, а також засобу проти ожиріння та для лікування хвороби Альцгеймера порівняно зі стандартними лікарськими засобами. Представлено результати молекулярного докінгу кверцетину та його аналогів як інгібіторів протеїнів BAX, iNOS, SGK-1, ZnF26, ADM (протипухлинна дія), а також протеїнів COX-2, MSX2, HOXA10, HOXA5, MAPK14 (протизапальна дія). Спрямований пошук потенційних інгібіторів COX-2 в ряду похідних кверцетину є новим напрямом у розробці протизапальних речовин, які важливі при запальних процесах нормальних, а також ракових клітин, здатних модулювати відповідь на хіміотерапію. Фермент iNOS став новою мішенню в пошуку інгібіторів серед деяких протипухлинних речовин (зокрема, кверцетину та його похідних) через свою важливість у спричиненні пухлинної хвороби. Так, підвищений рівень експресії iNOS був виявлений у різних злоякісних пухлинах. У результаті докінгу похідних кверцетину (з відомою протипухлинною дією) було виділено три сполуки – хіти, які показали найкращу взаємодію з ензимом iNOS порівняно з кверцетином. Для кверцетину як мультицільового ліганду були визначені потенційні мішені протипухлинної (SGK-1) та протизапальної дії (MAPK14). У цілому отримані результати вказують, що кверцетин може здійснювати протизапальну та протипухлинну дію шляхом впливу на сигнальний шлях NF-kB.
Статеві аспекти епідеміології та патогенезу серцево-судинних захворювань
Authors: Мельник А. В. , Денисюк О. М. , Пашинська О. С.
Published: February 2024

Ризик розвитку серцево­судинних захворювань у популяції зумовлений низкою факторів, части­ на з яких може бути повністю чи частково модифікованою (паління, ожиріння, гіподинамія, порушен­ня ліпідного балансу, гіпертензія, цукровий діабет та інсулінорезистентність), а частина не підлягає корекції (генетична/сімейна схильність, вік і стать).

Мета дослідження – узагальнити дані літератури про статеві відмінності епідеміології серцево­ судинних захворювань, оцінити частоту розвитку та клінічні особливості їхнього перебігу, дати характеристику ролі статевих гормонів у механізмах кардіоваскулярних порушень та окреслити можливі шляхи персоніфікованої профілактики та лікування.

Особи чоловічої статі молодого та середнього віку більш схильні до розвитку серцево­судинної патології, ніж особи жіночої статі аналогічної вікової групи, що пов’язують з різними біологічними ефектами статевих гормонів і зміною їхньої активності з віком: естрадіол посилює утворення вазоди­ лататорів, зменшує активність процесів вільнорадикального окиснення, має антиапоптичний і проти­ запальний ефекти, тоді як тестостерон індукує вазоконстрикцію, активує процеси пероксидації ліпідів і протеїнів, має проапоптотичну дію. У чоловіків збільшення серцево­судинного ризику з віком асо­ ціюється з розвитком атеросклеротичного процесу, тоді як у жінок серцево­судинна система захи­щена протягом дітородного віку, що супряжено з геномним (контроль експресії вазоконстрикторів – ангіотензину II, ендотеліну І і катехоламінів) і негеномним (вплив на судинні, ниркові та серцеві клі­тини) ефектами естрогенів. Незалежними чинниками виникнення та прогресування серцево­ судинних захворювань є зростання в крові сірковмісних амінокислот гомоцистеїну й цистеїну та зниження вмісту гідроген сульфіду. У здорових дорослих чоловіків уміст гомоцистеїну та цистеїну в крові достовірно вищий, а вміст Н2S – нижчий, ніж у жінок. Після настання менопаузи дефіцит естро­генів призводить до експоненціального зростання серцево­судинного ризику.

Таким чином, статеві гормони формують анатомо­фізіологічний і патобіохімічний патерн схильно­сті та проявів серцево­судинної патології в осіб різної статі, а модуляція рівня статевих гормонів в організмі може змінювати опірність організму до патологічних процесів. Подальше вивчення моле­кулярних механізмів, які інтегровані до формування статевих особливостей кардіоваскулярної пато­логії дасть можливість розробити нові підходи щодо корекції стать­асоційованої патології серця та судин, а також її персоніфікованого лікування та профілактики.
Вплив Атерофітону на гістоструктуру печінки за експериментального метаболічного синдрому в сирійських золотавих хом’яків
Authors: Калько К. О. , Мірзебасов М. А.
Published: February 2024

Дисліпідемія є однією з детермінант метаболічного синдрому, яка патогенетично пов’язана з розвитком спочатку стеатогепатиту, а згодом неалкогольної жирової хвороби печінки.

Мета дослідження – вивчення впливу дієтичної добавки (ДД) «Атерофітон» на морфологічний стан печінки за умов експериментального метаболічного синдрому (ЕМС) у сирійських золотавих хом’яків.

ЕМС у сирійських золотавих хом’яків викликали утриманням тварин на дієті, збагаченій фруктозою. У дослідженні використано 30 сирійських золотавих хом’яків віком 12 тижнів, вагою 150–185 г по 6 особин у кожній експериментальній групі. Об’єктом дослідження була печінка сирійських золотавих хом’яків наступних експериментальних груп: І група – інтактний контроль, хом’яки споживали збалансований за набором білків, жирів, вуглеводів, необхідних мікроелементів і вітамінів харчовий раціон; ІІ група – ЕМС, хом’яки протягом 24 днів отримували харчовий раціон, щ обув на 60 % збагачений фруктозою; III, IV та V групи – хом’яки, яким відповідно застосовували Атерофітон (таблетки виробництва НВФК «ЕЙМ») у добовій дозі 255 мг/кг; метформін («Сіофор» таб. 500 мг No 60, виробництва Берлінхемі, Німеччина), 60 мг/кг і збір «Арфазетин» («Арфазетин», пакетики по 1,5 г ПрАТ «Ліктрави», Україна), 16 мл/кг настою на добу. Досліджувану ДД «Атерофітон» і препарати порівняння вводили внутрішньошлунково, починаючи з 15 дня моделювання ЕМС протягом 10 днів.

Встановлено, що в тканині печінки сирійських золотавих хом’яків з моделлю метаболічного синдрому розвивалися порушення місцевого кровообігу (розширення міжчасточкових та внутрішньочасточкових вен, стаз еритроцитів у венах і артеріях портального тракту, нерівномірне виразне звуження просвіту синусоїдальних кровоносних капілярів), спостерігалися явища дифузної білкової дистрофії та великовогнищевого стеатозу.

Застосування Атерофітону на тлі ЕМС протягом 10 днів у дозі 255 мг/кг на добу сприяло позитивній зміні гістоструктури клітин печінки, системи синусоїдальних кровоносних капілярів, зменшенню ознак зернистої дистрофії гепатоцитів у більшості піддослідних тварин (60 %). У 40 % хом’яків дистрофія зберігалася, але була менше виражена порівняно з групою контрольної патології. Гепатопротекторна дія ДД «Атерофітон» обумовлена складом досліджуваної фітокомпозиції, отриманої інноваційним методом кріотехнологічної обробки лікарської рослинної сировини, який забезпечує максимальне збереження біологічно активних речовин, які здатні чинити антиоксидатну, протизапальну та ліпідокоригуючу дію.

Таким чином, отримані результати свідчать про перспективність застосування ДД «Атерофітон» як допоміжного фітозасобу в комплексній фармакологічній корекції метаболічного синдрому.
Вплив модуляторів сигнальних шляхів NF-κb і Nrf2 на показники оксидативно-нітрозативного стресу в тканинах тонкої кишки щурів за умов хірургічної травми після одноразового тривалого стресу
Authors: Рябушко Р. М. , Рябушко М. М. , Костенко В. О.
Published: February 2024

Останніми роками як спільна ланка патогенезу соматичних ускладнень при посттравматичному стресовому розладі (ПТРС) та хірургічній травмі розглядається системна запальна відповідь, що характеризується розвитком оксидативно-нітрозативного стресу.

Мета дослідження – вивчення впливу інгібітора активації NF-κB амонію піролідиндитіокарбамату та індуктора сигнальної системи Nrf2/ARE сульфорафану на показники оксидативно-нітрозативного стресу в гомогенаті тонкої кишки щурів за умов хірургічної травми (лапаротомії) після відтворення експериментальної моделі ПТСР – одноразового тривалого стресу.

Дослідження були проведені на 28 білих щурах-самцях лінії Вістар, розподілених на 4 групи: 1 – інтактні тварини (контроль І); щурам інших груп після виконання лапаротомії на тлі відтворення одноразового тривалого стресу протягом 7 діб щоденно вводили внутрішньоочеревинно 1 мл ізотонічного розчину натрію хлориду (плацебо, контроль ІІ), розчини амонію піролідиндитіокарбамату (ІІІ) та сульфорафану (ІV) у дозі 76 і 10 мг/кг відповідно.

Виявлено, що введення амонію піролідиндитіокарбамату та сульфорафану за умов експерименту вірогідно зменшувало в гомогенаті тонкої кишки загальну активність NOS на 40,5 і 55,7 %, активність iNOS на 44,4 і 58,1 % порівняно з відповідними значеннями контролю ІІ. Амонію піролідиндитіокарбамат збільшував активність cNOS у 2,42 разу порівняно з контролем ІІ, тоді як сульфорафан суттєво не впливав на цей показник. Водночас індекс супряження cNOS вірогідно перевищував результати контролю ІІ як при введенні амонію піролідиндитіокарбамату (у 3,9 разу), так і сульфорафану (у 2,4 разу). Концентрація пероксинітриту за цих умов зменшувалася на 29,9 і 30,8 % відповідно.

Здатність амонію піролідиндитіокарбамату та сульфорафану обмежувати оксидативно-нітрозативний стрес у тканинах тонкої кишки за умов експерименту свідчить про доцільність подальшого дослідження модуляторів сигнальних шляхів NF-κB і Nrf2 як засобів профілактики ускладнень хірургічних втручань в осіб з ПТСР.
PROJECT APPROACH TO MODELING BUSINESS PROCESSES AT KYIVSTAR PJSC
Authors: Lyzhnyk Yu. B. , Bocharova Yu. H.
Published: February 2024

Objective. Conduct modeling of business processes of Kyivstar PJSC using a project approach.

Methods. To study the directions of application of the project approach to the modeling of business processes of PJSC «Kyivstar», the dialectical method was used (for the general directions of application of the project approach during modeling of business processes, to obtain a scheme of meaningful components of the business model of PJSC «Kyivstar» and to develop the structure business processes of the organization taking into account the project approach); graphic (to present the results of the project implementation of business process evaluation of the competitive status of PJSC «Kyivstar» and the assessment of market attractiveness); method of algorithmic modeling (for the structure of the algorithms of the studied business processes of PrJSC «Kyivstar», which were presented as separate projects).

Results. In the process of researching directions for the application of the project approach to modeling business processes of PJSC «Kyivstar», a diagram of meaningful components of the business model of PJSC «Kyivstar» was drawn up. The Moqups service was founded for the algorithmic modeling of business processes of PJSC «Kyivstar»: placing an order for service connection and after-sales service. As separate projects, the business processes of assessing the company's competitive status and assessing market attractiveness were presented, and the results of these two process projects were presented on petal graphs. An improved structure of business processes of the organization is proposed, taking into account the project approach, and the main features of the structure of business processes according to the project approach are determined.

Therefore, the project approach to modeling business processes helps organizations to effectively manage their activities, providing orientation to results, control and continuous improvement.
ANALYSIS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN BUSINESS IN UKRAINE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE WAR
Authors: Nikolaichuk О. А. , Melnyk O. V.
Published: February 2024

Objective. The objective of the article is the research of the current state of development of green business in Ukraine and determination of further directions of its development in the conditions of post-war recovery.

Methods. The following research methods and techniques are used in the research process: analysis, synthesis, generalization, induction, deduction, abstract-logical method, graphical and tabular methods (for a visual representation of the analyzed material).

Results. The research analyzes the content of "green" business and the prerequisites for its development in Ukraine. An assessment of the growth dynamics of the installed capacity of renewable energy sources operating under the "green" tariff in the pre-war period is carried out. The geography of the development of green energy in Ukraine is analyzed.

The experience of successful Ukrainian companies developing green energy technologies is considered. The impact of a full-scale war on the state of development of green energy in Ukraine has been determined. Measures for the further development of green energy have been offered. They include giving destroyed and damaged green energy facilities access to the Fund for the restoration of war-ravaged energy infrastructure in Ukraine; government support for the construction of new solar and wind power plants and the concentration of new construction in regions where there is a real shortage of electricity; provision of preferential access conditions for green energy companies to the electricity market; construction of new energy storage and maneuvering capacities; creation of special stimulating conditions for the production of renewable gases by green energy facilities; development of the segment of domestic SPPs, full payment of debts under the "green tariff" for the produced electricity, active support with grants and subsidies for the installation of new capacities of this small generation.
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Bimbingan Teknis Pengembangan Budidaya Ikan Lokal Sumatera Selatan di Indralaya Raya, Kabupaten Ogan Ilir
Authors: Yonarta Danang , Muslim Muslim , Desiani Anita , Syaifudin Mochamad , Taqwa Ferdinand Hukama
Published: February 2024

Indralaya Raya memiliki jumlah penduduk laki-laki sebanyak 7.079 jiwa dan perempuan 3.617 jiwa. Masyarakat Indralaya Raya sebagian besar berprofesi sebagai pedagang. Hal ini berdasarkan lokasi Indralaya Raya yang dekat dengan Pasar Indralaya yang hanya berjarak 3 km dengan waktu tempuh ± 5 menit. Indralaya Raya dialiri oleh Sungai Kelekar. Sungai Kelekar banyak dihuni oleh ikan-ikan lokal salah satunya ikan tambakan. Produksi ikan tambakan dari kegiatan budidaya masih sangat terbatas sehingga perlu dorongan agar masyarakat dapat membudidayakan ikan ini. Salah satu solusi yang dapat dilakukan adalah dengan melakukan pendampingan terhadap masyarakat mengenai teknis budidaya ikan tambakan mulai dari pemeliharaan induk hingga pemeliharaan larva hingga ukuran benih. Kegiatan pengabdian terhadap masyarakat dapat menjadi jembatan yang menghubungkan dengan masyarakat. Melalui kegiatan penyuluhan dan pendampingan mengenai produksi ikan tambakan masyarakat dapat mandiri secara ekonomi.
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Diversifikasi Produk Olahan Buah Balakka Terintegrasi Smart Production Berbasis IOT
Authors: Lubis Mustopa Husein , Tanjung Akhir Abadi , Andrianto Richi -
Published: February 2024

Utilization of balakka fruit is a typical fruit of North Padang Lawas Regency which can be used for superior preparations such as balakka fruit dodol. So far, balakka fruit has only been used for balakka syrup and juice. For this reason, community service was created in innovating balakka fruit by processing balakka fruit into balakka fruit dodol based on smart production. The urgency is expected to be used as an effective and efficient solution to increase people's knowledge and skills in processing balakka fruit. This community service activity aims to carry out dissemination and training on smart production-based balakka fruit dodol processing in the community of Padang Garugur Village, North Padang Lawas Regency, so that the community can be more productive with a technological approach. It is hoped that the results of the research will increase community knowledge and skills in processing balakka fruit into dodol based on smart production so that this service activity directly influences community productivity.. Keywords: Balakka Fruit; Product; Smart Production; IOT
Peningkatan Efektivitas Produksi Dan Perluasan Pasar Terasi Udang Di KB Khinasih Dengan Alat Pengering Terasi Dan Rebranding Produk
Authors: Aprillia Happy , Jaya Asma , Waskito Indra Budi , Hudayana Nurul , Ananda Ryan , Iqbal Muhammad , Yuserby Muhammad , Ondi Daniel , Natanael Sergius
Published: February 2024

This community service (PkM) was conducted near the coast of Manggar Beach, Balikpapan City, in collaboration with partners from the PKK Khinasih Quality Family Village (KB Khinasih) group, which has micro-industry potential for processed shrimp paste. The challenges faced include: 1) the drying method for shrimp paste is conducted by sun-drying, which means that during the rainy season, the drying process for shrimp paste takes a long time and hampers the production process; and 2) sales of processed shrimp paste products are currently limited to the local community. To address these issues related to the extended drying process and to expand marketing efforts, this PkM initiative developed a shrimp paste drying tool tailored to the needs of the PKK KB Khinasih women. Additionally, outreach activities were conducted to educate them about design and packaging strategies that could be beneficial for hosting product exhibitions. The dryer has been handed over to the PKK women for suitability testing with regard to its function, quality, and capacity. KB Khinasih has also adopted label and sticker designs for packaging processed rebon shrimp paste products.            Keywords: dryer; product sticker and label; rebon shrimp paste
Melatih Kreativitas Diri Siswa Dasar Melalui Fun Book Dalam Pembelajaran Ma-tematika Dan Bahasa
Authors: Anim Anim , Aryni Yen , Permatasari Putri Lidiana
Published: February 2024

This article discusses the use of Fun Books as a measuring tool to increase students' creativity at elementary school level in mathematics and language learning. This service is carried out with a focus on measuring students' creativity levels before and after implementing the Fun Book as well as evaluating how to stimulate students' creativity in both subjects. The target of the training is selected students, namely SD Negeri No. 010246 Banjar. The students selected were 16 Grade 2 students. The problem seen at this school is that students are still passive in learning, students are not yet creative and have difficulty answering questions asked by the teacher during each lesson in class, there are even 50% of students who are sleepy when taking part in class lessons. The impact of this training was that 13 students were able to use Fun Book media. Evaluation is carried out at the end of the training by distributing questionnaires to measure the participant's level of understanding. The questionnaire contains questions related to the respondent's identity; general questions related to mathematics and language learning and specific questions related to Fun Book media. The calculation of the questionnaire used the Guttman scale. The evaluation results showed that 89.84% had increased knowledge seen from the calculation of the questionnaire per individual and per question asked and the participation and enthusiasm of students during activities using the Fun Book.Keywords: Fun Book; creativity; student
Workshop Peningkatan Softskill Pengenalan dan Pemanfaatan Internet Of Things (IOT) Siswa SMK Negeri 1 Air Joman
Authors: Nata Andri , Iqbal Muhammad , Ramadhani Andrew
Published: February 2024

This workshop aims to enhance the soft skills of vocational high school students through the introduction and utilization of Internet of Things (IoT). Participants will be acquainted with the fundamental concepts of IoT and how this technology can enrich their interpersonal abilities. The workshop focuses on developing communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving through the implementation of simple IoT projects. Additionally, participants will understand the positive impact of IoT usage in daily life and the industrial sector. Active learning methods, such as group discussions and project simulations, will provide practical experiences that enrich students' understanding of these concepts. Thus, it is anticipated that this workshop will significantly contribute to equipping vocational high school students with relevant soft skills, supporting their readiness to face challenges in the future.            Keywords: Internet of Things; arduino; kodular
Management of Leader Quality and Modern Leadership for Religious-Based Higher Education Improvement
Authors: Susar Aljuprianus , Arifin Imron , Imron Ali , Mustiningsih .
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to analyze in depth and objectively the quality of modern management of leaders and leadership in religious-based higher education in Indonesia to find a model for higher education quality improvement. This research was based on a qualitative approach known as phenomenology. Data collection was carried out through participant observation by interview and document study. Data analysis and interpretation showed that: (1) The main problem was poor management quality; (2) Weak management quality was caused by nerveless leaders and leadership. This primary factor influences other factors, just as they all affect one another.
OPTIMASI KINERJA LINEAR REGRESSION, RANDOM FOREST REGRESSION DAN MULTILAYER PERCEPTRON PADA PREDIKSI HASIL PANEN
Authors: Fitri Evita , Nugraha Siti Nurhasanah
Published: February 2024

Rice yield prediction is a significant challenge in the context of climate uncertainty and farmland variation. Erratic weather factors, along with land differences, make this prediction more complex. This research aims to address these issues using a machine learning approach. The method used involves three machine learning models namely Linear regression, Random Forest Regression, and ANN with MultiLayer Perceptron algorithm as well as the evaluation matrix RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error), MAE (Mean Absolute Error) and MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error). This research focuses on testing the accuracy of the three models in the face of uncertain seasonal conditions and variations in agricultural land. The results showed that the MultiLayer Perceptron prediction model gave the best results with an error value of 0.094. The random forest regression method ranks second with an error value of 0.510, followed by Linear regression with an error value of 0.281. The importance of outlier testing in the model development process can be seen from the significant improvement in the performance of the MultiLayer Perceptron model. This research contributes to the development of a more reliable and dependable rice yield prediction system, especially in the midst of uncertain climatic conditions. Machine learning models, particularly MultiLayer Perceptron, can be an effective solution to increase agricultural productivity and reduce risks associated with weather changes and land variations.
Patterns of State Behaviour and Cooperation with the ICC: Whither Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal
Authors: Anya Sylvester , Nwafor Ndubuisi , Ajibo Collins
Published: February 2024

African states manifest inconsistent patterns of behaviour showing a mix of credible commitment and sham devotion to their obligation to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC). This study poses a question: what will be of the status of Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal regarding cooperation with the ICC by 2022, considering their pattern of behaviour so far, evidence from data and the spate of domestication and exit procedures in homogeneous African states in contemporary times? It finds that: the pattern of Nigeria's behaviour shows sham devotion and predicts that she will not domesticate the ICC Statute by 2022; the pattern of Ghana's behaviour straddles credible commitment and sham devotion and she may enact her its Rome Statute Bill 2016 or remain a mere ratifier by the end of 2022; and the pattern of Senegal's behaviour shows credible commitment and she will remain in cooperation with the ICC by 2022.
Criminalising and Punishing Non-Compliance with Petroleum Revenue Laws in Africa: Ghana's Experience with Non-Compliance
Authors: Quashigah Albert , Abledu Yorm A.
Published: February 2024

The discovery of oil in commercial quantities in Ghana in 2007 came with the hope of an economic boom and infrastructure development. The parliament of Ghana passed the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (Act 815) in 2011 and subsequently amended parts to address new concerns. The law does not only identify all the sources of revenue that should accrue to the Government of Ghana, but it also sets out which state institution is responsible for the assessment and collection of revenue, how revenue allocation should be made, and what it should be used for. The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) established under the law to monitor statutory compliance with the collection, disbursement, and use of all petroleum revenues has raised issues of non-compliance with statutory provisions by state institutions and government officials since 2011. The implications of non-compliance with Petroleum Revenue Management Statutes cannot be overstated. This article, which is generally descriptive and interspersed with some textual analyses, proposes criminalising all breaches of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act with deterrent sanctions.
Solid Matrix Priming: An Effective Technique Used for Improvement in Seed Emergence, Vigor and Seedling Growth of Vegetable Crops
Authors: Manzoor Ayesha , Naz Farah , Naveed Muhammad Saqib , Faraz Ahmad , Hussain Basit , Ijaz Muhammad Umar , Akhtar Naeem , Hussain Tamoor , Tahir Mehvish , Aslam Rasheda , Khan Ahmad Ali
Published: February 2024

Poor crop stand is one of the most common abiotic constrain faced by vegetable growers of developing countries due to production of low quality seed. Multiple factors, especially abiotic stresses and seed dormancy restrict seed germination and seedling growth. Up till now, seed priming is still considered as effective and cheapest method to enhance seed germination and to mitigate the drastic effect of abiotic stresses. Manipulation of seed hydration through solid matrix priming technique not only improves germination characteristics but also stimulates biochemical processes like restoration of metabolic activities through protein and nucleic acid synthesis (RNA and DNA), increases enzymatic activities, and improves the storage of organic substances in germinating seeds. It was also found effective in improving seedling establishment under salinity, drought, and temperature stresses by activating defence mechanisms. Therefore, this review highlights the role of solid matrix priming in improving the germination and stand establishment of vegetable crops under suboptimal conditions.
Creencias de autoeficacia, satisfacción y salud física como predictores de la calidad de vida de docentes universitarios mexicanos
Authors: García García Jesús Alberto , Trejo García Felipe de Jesús , Carrizales Berlanga Daniella
Published: February 2024

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo dar a conocer la incidencia de las creencias de autoeficacia docente, la satisfacción y la salud física en la calidad de vida de los docentes de educación superior en México. Se utilizaron tres escalas, los cuestionarios de salud física SF-12, de creencias de autoeficacia y de satisfacción docente. En el estudio participaron 547 docentes, 58.1% fueron mujeres y 41.9% hombres. Resultados: se encontró que tienen una buena calidad de vida, una percepción alta de todas las dimensiones de las creencias de autoeficacia: interacción, planificación, implicación y evaluación; así como de su satisfacción docente. Las variables predictoras de la calidad de vida fueron planificación, salud física y satisfacción docente. Conclusión: la salud mental de los docentes es un componente central para el logro de un desempeño óptimo en su trabajo, siendo las creencias de autoeficacia, su percepción de salud y su satisfacción los principales rasgos de su actividad docente.  Lo anterior debe ser considerado para la creación de nuevas políticas públicas en educación que atiendan la salud integral del docente y a su vez mejorar su desempeño profesional y la calidad educativa.
Impact of Covid-19 fear on Oral Health behaviour among general Population of age 18 – 65 years of South Indian City
Authors: Talluri Devaki , Kota Bhargavi
Published: February 2024

Introduction - Dental procedures contribute to the contamination of equipment and surfaces with potential infections. Measures implemented to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in significant impacts on mental health and daily life which also affected oral health behaviors, routine diet, oral care habits, and dental appointments. So, this study aims to understand the oral health behavior during the pandemic and its association with fear of COVID-19.
Material and Methods - A 24-item pre-tested self-administered questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 114 general people of Guntur city of the age group 18-65 for a period of 1 month. Exclusion criteria includes all dental professionals.
Results - Majority of the subjects who opted that they don’t have changes in brushing habit during pandemic belongs to age group 18-25 years (52%). Subjects who opted that they don’t have changes in sugary food intake during pandemic were 26% and the subjects who opted that they have increased sugary food intake were also 26%. 60% of the people who have a dental problem stated that they didn’t visit the dentist due to fear of COVID-19.
Conclusion - Regardless of age and educational background, many individuals were reluctant to visit dental clinics during the pandemic due to concerns about potential COVID-19 exposure. Those who became more cautious about their oral hygiene showed a greater fear of COVID-19. This caution resulted in changes in their food consumption frequency and preferences.
Key Words - COVID-19, Fearness, General population, Oral health behavior
Assessment of knowledge and usage of interdental aids among clinical dental
students of a Neo capital region: A cross sectional survey
Authors: Pavani Nijampatnam P. M. , Harshini Pentyala Brahma Sai Naga , Sneha Nachu , Ravoori Srinivas
Published: February 2024

Brief Background - Dental floss is highly recommended interdental aid for tight contacts. Interdental brushes, on the other hand, are used for wider interdental spaces. Both the American Dental Association and the British Dental Association recommend using dental floss on a daily basis in conjunction to tooth brushing. The fact that dentists and clinical students do not routinely recommend dental floss to every patient can be attributed to a lack of emphasis on the subject in the dental curriculum. Hence this study was conducted with a purpose to assess the knowledge and use of interdental aids among clinical dental students.
Materials and Methods - A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey consisting of 12 questions was carried out among third year, final-year students and interns of the dental institution in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Descriptive statistics were computed.
Results - 19.3% of clinical dental students are unaware of any interdental aids. 51.4% stated that they are familiar with both dental floss and interdental brushes. According to 88.6% of those surveyed interdental aids should be utilized atleast once a week together with the toothpaste. Only a small proportion of students(15.7%) thought that regularly passing was required. Interdental aids are exclusively recommended to patients who have food impaction by the students, not to all patients.
Conclusions - The study concluded that 92.1% of dental students are aware that interdental aids have a positive impact in the dental practice; yet they do not recommend them to every patient and do not use them themselves.
Key Words - Dental floss, Dental students, Interdental, Tooth brush
Clinical Insights into Orofacial Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Krishnan T. Gopala , Munshi Meer Ahmed Ibrahim , Muthuraj Maria Subash Aaron , P. Suseela , Jayabal Vijaidarshan , V. Ramesh
Published: February 2024

Introduction - Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder which affects around four million people globally. Many of the signs of Parkinson’s disease are found in the head and neck region. The typical “mask-like” facial appearance with infrequent blinking and lack of expression is caused by bradykinesis. Since the oral aspect of this peculiar disease is less explored, the present study aims at understanding the dental and oral risk among the patients of Parkinson’s disease.

Objective - To assess the overall dental status and oral health of the patients with Parkinson’s disease. The study was aimed to analyze the impact of Parkinson’s disease on the oral health of the individuals surviving with the disease.

Materials and Methods - The study sample included 100 Parkinson’s disease patients. The patients of all age groups and both genders were included.

Results - Among 100 Parkinson’s disease patients 82 patients were males and 18 patients were females. Among the oral manifestations dental caries was in 85 patients(85%) , periodontitis was in 76 (76%), Dryness of mouth was in 68 patients(68%), Gingivitis was found in 54 people(54%), Attrition was diagnosed in 28 patients (28%), Hyper salivation, Cervical abrasion and Difficulty in speech was seen in 16 patients (16%), Loss of taste sensation was seen in 9 patients (9%), facial asymmetry and Family history of Parkinson’s disease was seen among 7 patients(7%). An overall, oral manifestation of both hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity was found in Parkinson’s disease patients.

Conclusion - The present study was carried out to determine the dental status and oral health of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Dental health education activities should be introduced to increase the awareness and importance of oral health of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

KeyWords - Dental status, Oral manifestations, Oral health, Parkinson’s Diseases
Improving the sensitivity of cochlear implant integrity testing by recording electrode voltages with surface electrodes
Authors: Grasmeder Mary , Rogers Katrine , Aydin Ziya , Hough Kate , Verschuur Carl , Newman Tracey
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Identification of faults with the internal, implanted, part of a cochlear implant presents a challenge for the cochlear implant community. Advanced Bionics Ultra V1 devices are vulnerable to moisture ingress, a hard failure, resulting in reduced volume and clarity for the recipient. The manufacturer uses a trans-impedance test “Electrical Field Imaging” to identify faulty Ultra V1 devices but reports the sensitivity of the test to be only 70–90%.

Methods

In our clinic we performed Electrode Voltage measurements with surface electrodes and have compared the two tests. Electrical Field imaging and Electrode Voltage (EV) measurements were available for 65 devices. Surface electrodes were attached to the earlobes and forehead and potentials measured in three montages: ipsilateral earlobe and forehead, contralateral earlobe and forehead, and both earlobes; voltages were extracted and relative voltages across the array were calculated.

Results

Relative EV were compared for the two earlobes montage and fitted to a third order polynomial function. A new criterion for identifying faulty devices was derived, with a deviation of < 6% for individual electrodes for normally functioning devices or ≥6% for faulty devices. All devices which were normal according to the new criterion (N = 15) had a normal electrical field imaging test, whilst 17/50 devices which were abnormal had normal electrical field imaging and 33/50 which were abnormal had abnormal electrical field imaging.

Discussion

The REVs test was well-tolerated and carried out in a routine cochlear implant clinic. Together with test sensitivity and reliability this may make it a new routine assessment tool to aid in distinguishing hard and soft failures.
Pros and cons of a bone-conduction device implanted in the worse hearing ear of patients with asymmetric hearing loss
Authors: Kurihara Sho , Ganaha Akira , Nakamura Takeshi , Kubuki Kan , Saruwatari Emi , Matsui Koudai , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Tono Tetsuya
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Bone-conduction devices can be considered a viable treatment option for patients experiencing asymmetric hearing loss (AHL), especially those with severe to profound hearing loss (HL) present in one ear. However, there are only a few reports on the effects of bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs) on patients with AHL. This retrospective study analyzed in detail the effects of BAHA on softer sounds than other hearing aids and identified situations in which BAHA had a negative effect.

Methods

Patients with AHL, characterized by severe to profound hearing loss in one ear with a difference of ≥45 dB from that of the contralateral ear, underwent BAHA implantation in the ear with worse hearing. The BAHA effects were evaluated by assessing the word recognition score (WRS) and speech reception threshold (SRT) using the Japanese Oldenburg Sentence Test for various signal settings and noise directions. For a subjective analysis, the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) score was determined.

Results

Thirteen patients who underwent BAHA implantation at the Miyazaki University Hospital between 2007 and 2021 were included. The BAHA demonstrated a significant improvement in the WRS from 40 to 70 dB sound pressure levels. Although the SRT showed significant improvement in noisy environments when speech was presented to the BAHA-wearing side, it worsened significantly when noise was presented to this side. In the survey of subjective hearing ability, both the total and subscale SSQ12 scores improved significantly after wearing the BAHA.

Conclusion

This study identified scenarios in which BAHAs were beneficial and detrimental to individuals with AHL. Generally used audiological tests, such as the WRS with fixed sound pressure, may underestimate the effectiveness of BAHAs for softer sounds. In addition, depending on the direction of the noise, BAHAs may have adverse effects. These results could help patients comprehend the potential benefits and limitations of bone-conduction devices for their hearing.
Subthalamic nucleus dynamics track microlesion effect in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Peng Chunkai , Wang Zhuyong , Sun Yujia , Mo Yixiang , Hu Kai , Li Qingqing , Hou Xusheng , Zhu Zhiyuan , He Xiaozheng , Xue Sha , Zhang Shizhong
Published: February 2024

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is characterized by the temporary alleviation of motor symptoms following electrode implantation (or nucleus destruction), known as the microlesion effect (MLE). Electrophysiological studies have explored different PD stages, but understanding electrophysiological characteristics during the MLE period remains unclear. The objective was to examine the characteristics of local field potential (LFP) signals in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) during the hyperacute period following implantation (within 2 days) and 1 month post-implantation. 15 patients diagnosed with PD were enrolled in this observational study, with seven simultaneous recordings of bilateral STN-LFP signals using wireless sensing technology from an implantable pulse generator. Recordings were made in both on and off medication states over 1 month after implantation. We used a method to parameterize the neuronal power spectrum to separate periodic oscillatory and aperiodic components effectively. Our results showed that beta power exhibited a significant increase in the off medication state 1 month after implantation, compared to the postoperative hyperacute period. Notably, this elevation was effectively attenuated by levodopa administration. Furthermore, both the exponents and offsets displayed a decrease at 1 month postoperatively when compared to the hyperacute postoperative period. Remarkably, levodopa medication exerted a modulatory effect on these aperiodic parameters, restoring them back to levels observed during the hyperacute period. Our findings suggest that both periodic and aperiodic components partially capture distinct electrophysiological characteristics during the MLE. It is crucial to adequately evaluate such discrepancies when exploring the mechanisms of MLE and optimizing adaptive stimulus protocols.
Novel concepts for the biocatalytic synthesis of second-generation biodiesel
Authors: Spanou Androniki , Moschona Alexandra , Theodosiou Eleni , Patsios Sotiris I. , Pavlidis Ioannis V.
Published: February 2024

Biodiesel is synthesized by the transesterification of triglycerides of oils with short-chain alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol. According to the Renewable Energy Directive guidelines (RED II 2018/2001/EU) the contribution of advanced biofuels, which do not include edible oils, towards the overall EU target, is at 1% in 2025 and at least 3.5% in 2030. Bioprocesses that valorize non-edible oils for the production of second-generation biodiesel could play a critical role in achieving this goal. Immobilized lipases, as well as other enzyme classes, such as cutinases and acyltransferases, are utilized as biocatalysts for this process. For the sustainability of the process, renewable materials can be used as immobilization matrices, or even enzymes anchored on the cells as whole-cell biocatalysts. Membrane reactors can also be employed to facilitate the enzymatic transesterification by conducting a continuous enzymatic reaction and simultaneously separate the products in a single operation. The advances on the aforementioned fast-pacing fields are presented in this work.