bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Vapor-Liquid Phase Diagram of Pure Methane Using
Temperature-Dependent Interaction Parameters: A Monte
Carlo Simulation
Authors: Suleiman Ibrahim
Published: April 2021

Adopting temperature-dependent interaction parameters in the Lennard-Jones potential, the vapor-liquid phase diagram of
methane was produced using NVT Gibbs Ensemble Monte Carlo technique. Published second virial coefficient data were used
to fit a simple two-parameter temperature-dependent model for the interaction parameters. The simulations were carried out in
the temperature range 120-190 K. The critical density and temperature were evaluated using Ising-scaling model. Using the
temperature-dependent interaction parameters in the simulation has reduced the root mean square deviation by 94.7%
compared to the temperature-independent interaction parameters. The evaluated critical temperature was enhanced using
temperature-dependent interaction parameters, whereas the simulations using temperature-independent interaction parameters
predict a better critical density value
Identifying the Effect of Non-Ideal Mixing on a Pre-Denitrification
Activated Sludge System Performance through Model-Based
Simulations
Authors: Hajaya Malek
Published: April 2021

Effectiveness of a pre-denitrification activated sludge treatment system is governed by the kinetics of the biological
reactions, and the hydrodynamic mixing behavior in the reactors. Achieving good mixing conditions within a reactor not
only enhances the transfer of reactants but also ensures homogeneous environmental conditions throughout the vessel
when required, allowing for an effective usage of the reactor’s total volume, leading to optimized, low-cost operation. In
this work, a pre-denitrification activated sludge system performance with regards to the biological treatment of organic
carbon and nitrogen was investigated, under two scenarios for non-ideal mixing in the anoxic reactor. The system
performance is simulated based upon the Activated Sludge Model 1 model’s biological reactions, and combining two
non-ideal mixing two-parameter models: CSTR with bypass and dead volume, and two CSTRs with exchange.
Performance discrepancies were then identified in the presence of non-ideal mixing. The system’s performance was
found to be more susceptible to the presence of a dead volume/bypass scenario compared to the two CSTRs with
material exchange scenario. Under non-ideal mixing conditions, effluent concentrations of Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen,
organic carbon increased marginally, while effluent concentration of nitrate increased significantly. Similarly, the waste
stream concentrations of Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen and organic carbon increased significantly as a result of an increase in
the concentration of the heterotrophic biomass. The outcome of this study provides an insight when troubleshooting the
operation of pre-denitrification activated sludge systems for non-ideal mixing conditions.
Utilization of Volcanic Tuffs as Construction Materials
Authors: Abu-Hamatteh Ziad
Published: April 2021

The current study examines the possibility of utilizing the Jordanian volcanic tuff aggregates as a source of many
construction materials. Different mixtures were prepared by replacing the commonly used normal aggregate with
volcanic tuffs aggregate to determine the best mixing proportion with similar size in different ratios as 0, 25, 50, 75
and 100%. The impacts of this replacement on brick’s compression strength, dry weight and water absorption,
transverse strength, absorption and weight of terrazzo tiles, loss Anglos and CBR values have been examined
and evaluated. The results revealed an improvement in compressive strength of bricks at a replacement ratio of
25%, with concomitant reduction at higher replacement ratios, while water absorption increased as the ratio of tuff
increases. Transverse strength of terrazzo tiles was recorded as 6.08, 5.78, 5.78, 5.21 and 5.19 MPa at
substitution ratios of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, respectively. Utilization of volcanic tuffs resulted in a significant
reduction in the dry weight of bricks and terrazzo provided lightweight material. CBR test indicated that this
material can be used successfully in foundations and as a sub-base material. The obtained results buttressed the
benefit of utilization of natural volcanic tuffs as construction materials
Preliminaries of the Decay of Metals versus Petroleum Oils
Authors: Aluvihara Suresh
Published: April 2021

Petroleum oils are predominantly made of various hydrocarbons with trace compounds including corrosive aided
compounds that basically known as the salts, organic acids and various forms of sulfur. The scope of the current research
was based on the investigations of the effect of salts, organic, elemental sulfur and Mercaptans of crude oils on the
corrosion rates of seven different types of ferrous metals that important in the industry of crude oil refining. As the
procedure the important corrosive properties of two different selected crude oils and the chemical compositions of the
selected ferrous metals were analyzed by the standard instruments and methods. There were determined the corrosion
rates of prepared metal coupons from selected ferrous metals with the similar dimensions after certain immersion time
periods with respect to both crude oils by the weight loss method while analyzing the corroded metal surfaces through the
microscope also simultaneously analyzed the decayed metallic elemental concentrations from metals into crude oils and
the variations of initial hardness of the metals. As the foremost outcomes of the existing analysis there were obtained the
significantly lower corrosion rates from stainless steels which are having at least 12% of chromium with sufficient amount
if nickel, relatively higher corrosive impact from salts especially at the lower temperatures, formations of ferrous sulfides,
ferrous oxides, corrosion cracks and pitting corrosion, significantly decay of copper from Monel metal, higher decay of
ferrous from some of carbon steels and slight reductions of the initial hardness of metals after the formations of the
corrosion on the metal surfaces.
A generic concept for Helium purification and liquefaction plant
Authors: Al Rabadi Said
Published: April 2021

This study describes and evaluates the performance of producing a pure Helium fraction from Helium extraction
facility designed for cryogenic natural gas plants. A generic concept for obtaining a Helium pure fraction, which has
relatively lower capital and operating costs should be provided. In order to achieve this objective, a new concept for
obtaining a Helium pure fraction from a crude Helium fraction, is proposed based on simulations run under diverse
process conditions regarding crude Helium gas’ temperature, pressure and composition. This concept is
characterized by; reducing the plant safety requirements due to the extensive separation of combustible
components, and compact layout of Helium extraction plant. Further re-purification is included in the subsequent
Helium liquefaction step through selective adsorption, hence then increasing the purity of the Helium product and
reducing the plant energy consumption required for liquefying Helium-rich fraction and the valuable Helium boil-off
routed from the storage facility. The Nitrogen-rich fraction is routed to Nitrogen liquefaction installation. Liquid
Nitrogen is generated within Helium recovery facility for liquid Helium shielding and container cooling. Surplus
gaseous Nitrogen either can be liquefied and used within cryogenic natural gas plant as process coolant or be
vented to atmosphere.
Control of a Benchmark CSTR Using Feedback Linearization
Authors: Hajaya Malek
Published: April 2021

Output regulation control for a CSTR benchmark problem is considered using a feedback linearization technique, where
a linear control method is applied to the system for the purpose of maximizing the yield of a desired product at a specific
operational temperature. Simulation results showed that the proposed feedback linearization-based controller strategy
was successful in maintaining the desired product concentration at its set points, while maintaining the cooling jacket
temperate fixed at all times, and the manipulated variables were maintained within their respective operational limits. The
proposed feedback linearization-based controller provided very promising results, where it guaranteed a precise
operation of the reactor with good performance in terms of a stable transition with no overshoot, and exhibited
robustness by rejecting the tested disturbance in the form of a sinusoidal time variation in the reactant feed
concentration.
Mapping Flash Flood Potential and Risk Level Using GIS
Techniques and the Flash Flood Potential Index (FFPI) in
Amman Zarqa Basin of Jordan
Authors: Shawaqfah Moayyad
Published: April 2021

Jordan is located in an arid and semi-arid climatic zone, where about 80% of the country, known as the "Badia".
Generally, this is classified as a dry or arid region. Climate change is expected to exacerbate the current aridity and
scarcity of water resources in Jordan. Sudden and extreme weather events are becoming more common; this likely
means longer and drier summers, more severe droughts, harsher winters, and an increase in flash floods. Jordanian
Civil Defense reported that during 1963-2019, 451 people were killed and about one million people affected by flash
floods. This research aims to determine the critical locations of flash floods in the Amman Zarqa Basin. This research
methodology depends on using four variables (slope, vegetation cover/density, soil type/texture, and land use/cover)
under the GIS environment to calculate the Flash Flood Potential Index (FFPI). This index has not been used in
Jordan (up to our knowledge). Five scenarios were used in this study, based on previous reviews and the last one
(scenario 5) based on Jordanian experts of flash floods in Jordan. The results show that increasing the weight of slope
and land use in different FFPI equations will increase the values of FFPI. Reducing the vegetation density by 50%
resulted in limited effects on the importance of FFPI. The risk level is divided into four categories (extreme, high,
medium, and low) related to the FFPI values. Scenario two, which uses equal weights for all parameters, had the
lowest risk level all over the area. Scenario four, which double the consequences of the slope and the land use with
respect to the other two parameters. This has the highest risk level over the study area. Based on equation no. 5,
which is modified based on Jordanian experts' opinion, the low-risk level covered 9.01% of the basin. Besides, the
medium, high, and extreme risk levels covered 72.96%, 15.89%, and 2.14% of the study area, respectively.
Removal of Paracetamol from Wastewater by Calcined Gypsum:
Adsorption and Kinetics Study
Authors: Al-Itawi Hossam
Published: April 2021

It has been established that the presence of paracetamol in wastewaters can cause a potential risk to the environment. This
work examined the possibility of using calcined gypsum in removing paracetamol from aqueous solutions. At neutral pH
conditions, calcined gypsum was successful in removing paracetamol via adsorption, from aqueous solutions with a removal
efficiency that ranged between 56.8 to 65.3 % of an initial concentration of 600 ppm. Increased temperature (from 20 to 500C)
had a minor effect on the removal % of paracetamol while increasing the initial calcined gypsum dose (from 0.5 gm to 3 gm)
and contact time (up to 15 min) increased by the removal % of paracetamol. Thermodynamically, the adsorption of
paracetamol by calcined gypsum process was found to be spontaneous and endothermic, and more likely a physical process,
while kinetically; the Pseudo-Second order model was found to be the best fit compared to the Elovich model. The removal
process mainly consists of two stages, and it could be deduced from the kinetic behavior of paracetamol adsorption that the
recrystallization process can be another rate-limiting step in the process.
Experimental Investigation of developing the Thermal Performance
of the Integrated Collector Storage Solar System by Lateral
Perforated Fins
Authors: AlEssa Abdullah
Published: April 2021

The Integrated Collector Storage (ICS) has a great application in the solar energy field such as instantaneous
heating with little initial and operation cost as well as its resistance against the problems of overheating and
freezing. In this research, an advanced ICS was designed and investigated with an array of 1.5 mm thickness
galvanized lateral steel plate fins fixed in the storage tank. The new design was examined from 7:00 a.m. until
5:00 p.m. The results show an increase in mean storage temperature and collection efficiency of up to 20% and
37% respectively
Low-Cost High Energy Density Material for Solar
Thermal Heat Storage
Authors: Damseh Rebhi
Published: April 2021

A low-cost and enhanced thermal properties composite material for sensible heat storage in solar thermal
energy storage applications is introduced. The proposed material is produced primarily for small scale solar
thermal applications. However, it can be utilized for large scale solar thermal plants. The material has the
advantages of high thermal conductivity and large energy storage density. The introduced material is
composed of a mixture of cement and cast-iron particles. To obtain an optimal mixture, different samples of
the material are prepared with different ratios of the cement-iron weights. The thermal conductivity of the
produced samples is measured by using the linear heat conduction method. The specific heat capacity of
the produced mixtures is calculated by using the Rule of the mixture. The obtained results show that the
introduced material has a significant enhancement in thermal conductivity. Where, thermal conductivity as
high as ~6.0 W/m.K and energy storage density as high as ~788 Joule/cm3
are achieved. The estimated
volume energy density is ~89% higher than that of water. The produced material has the advantage of high
energy volume density, being unhazardous, chemically stable, eco-friendly, easy to fabricate, and integrate
with solar thermal energy systems and is a low-cost material.
Transmuted Sushila Distribution and its application to lifetime data
Authors: Adetunji Ademola A
Published: April 2021

The Sushila distribution is generalized in this article using the quadratic rank transmutation map as developed by Shaw and Buckley (2007). The newly developed distribution is called the Transmuted Sushila distribution (TSD). Various mathematical properties of the distribution are obtained. Real lifetime data is used to compare the performance of the new distribution with other related distributions. The results shown by the new distribution perform creditably well.
Bias Estimation of Linear Regression Model with Autoregressive Scheme using Simulation Study
Authors: Khan Sajid Ali , Khurshid Sayyad , Arshad Shabnam , Mushtaq Owais
Published: April 2021

In regression modeling, first-order auto correlated errors are often a problem, when the data also suffers from independent variables. Generalized Least Squares (GLS) estimation is no longer the best alternative to Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). The Monte Carlo simulation illustrates that regression estimation using data transformed according to the GLS method provides estimates of the regression coefficients which are superior to OLS estimates. In GLS, we observe that in sample size $200$ and $\sigma$=3 with correlation level $0.90$ the bias of GLS $\beta_0$ is $-0.1737$, which is less than all bias estimates, and in sample size $200$ and $\sigma=1$ with correlation level $0.90$ the bias of GLS $\beta_0$ is $8.6802$, which is maximum in all levels. Similarly minimum and maximum bias values of OLS and GLS of $\beta_1$ are $-0.0816$, $-7.6101$ and $0.1371$, $0.1383$ respectively. The average values of parameters of the OLS and GLS estimation with different size of sample and correlation levels are estimated. It is found that for large samples both methods give similar results but for small sample size GLS is best fitted as compared to OLS.
A Common Coincidence of Fixed Point for Generalized Caristi Fixed Point Theorem
Authors: Patil Jayashree , Hardan Basel , Bachhav Amol
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the interpolative Caristi type weakly compatible contractive in a complete metric space is applied to show some common fixed points results related to such mappings. Our application shows that the function which is used to prove the obtained results is a bounded map. An example is provided to show the useability of the acquired results.
Fixed points of $(\psi, \phi)-$contractions and Fredholm type integral equation
Authors: Mlaiki Nabil , Rizk Doaa , Azmi Fatima
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we establish a fixed point theorem for controlled rectangular $b-$metric spaces for mappings that satisfy $(\psi, \phi)-$contractive mappings. Also, we give an application of our results as an integral equation.
A Note on Morphophonological Changes of Fulfulde Verb Suffixes
Authors: Usman Bashir , Bello Idris Muhammad , Abubakar Adamu Muhammad
Published: April 2021

This paper attempts to analyse the changes of Fulfulde verb suffixes, with particular attention to Adamawa Dialect. The aim of the paper is to analyse verb suffixes to identify the nature of the changes and the conditions that trigger them. The study employed unstructured observation to collect the data and oral interview was used to validate them. Generative Phonology (GP) was adopted as the theoretical framework for data analysis in the study. The study reveals that both phonology and morphology interact in the process of changes that occur within the verb suffixes in Fulfulde. It shows that each voice has a single underlying suffix, which interacts with various tense suffixes to derive a complete verbal complex. Considering the various environments that have different suffixes with common characteristics across the three voices, the changes are found to be triggered by certain rule-based conditions.
Students’ Perception Towards Flipped Classroom Approach in The Islamic And Asian Civilisation Studies (Titas)
Authors: Rahim Rafa Nurafida Binti Abdul , Al-Saggaf Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2021

Flipped classroom is an active, student-centered approach that has been developed to enhance the quality of time in the classroom. This study investigates the perceptions of third year Bachelor in Teaching English as a Second Language (BTESL) and Bachelor in Accounting (BIA) students in a Higher Education Institute, Malaysia. It aims to examine the students’ perceptions towards the use of flipped classroom approach in Islamic Civilisation and Asian Civilisation subject (TITAS) and to identify whether there is any significant difference between the perceptions of two groups of students with different educational backgrounds. This study involves 124 respondents consisting of 82 (66.1%) third year BTESL students and 42 (33.9%) BIA third year students. It adopted a quantitative research design using a survey method for data collection. The questionnaire was adapted from previous studies as the instrument for this study. Data were analysed through SPSS software and were interpreted through descriptive analysis and an Independent sample T-test. The findings show the majority of BTESL and BIA students perceived the usefulness of flipped classroom implementation in TITAS class positively. However, the study findings also revealed that there is no significant difference between the perceptions of BTESL and BIA students. Consequently, the outcomes were inferred that students perceived flipped classroom approach in TITAS class to be useful and there is no significant difference between the perceptions of the two groups of students with different educational backgrounds.
Linguistic Diffusion in the Development of Hausa Language
Authors: Abdulkadir Hamzat Na'uzo
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this paper is to prove that intercultural relationship and sufficient contact between Hausa and other languages result in linguistic diffusion or borrowing. The study adopts both the historical and descriptive survey research design, predicated on the need for a brief history of Hausa and the donor languages, and descriptive design to facilitate the use of secondary data generated from textbooks, theses, dissertations, seminar and conference papers. The study traces the location of Hausa people in order to vividly comprehend the nature of contact with the donor languages which effectively bears on the objective nature of the borrowed words. It is in this light that three types of language relationship emerged: genetic, typological and cultural. The intercultural relationship can be unidirectional (English and Hausa) or bi-directional (Hausa and Yoruba). The work provides concrete examples from Tuareg, Fulfulde, Kanuri, Yoruba, Nupe, Arabic and English languages to demonstrate the long contact with the Hausa language. The study finally observes suppressive interference on the structures of Hausa especially from Arabic and English, which have attained second language status in Hausa society, which, again, does not make the language lose its originality.
University ESL Instructors’ Reflections on the Use of Blended Learning in their Classrooms
Authors: Ibrahim Said , Ismail Fauziah
Published: April 2021

Blended learning has been adopted in many universities worldwide since it combines the advantages of both online learning and face to face instruction. In this paper, the researcher reports on the quantitative segment of a mixed-methods case study that was conducted in a public university in Malaysia with the aim of investigating the ESL instructors’ reflections on the implementation of blended learning in their English language classrooms. More specifically, the researcher was interested in identifying the factors that enhance the implementation of blended learning and the challenges that seem to hinder an effective blended learning environment.   The quantitative data of the study were collected by a survey questionnaire, which was distributed to at least 30 English language instructors. Nineteen instructors responded to the questionnaire, and the data were analyzed by descriptive statistics via the statistical package for social science (SPSS). Findings show that while experience with technology and positive attitudes towards technology were identified as main factors enhancing the implementation of blended learning; workload and technological infrastructure were found to be the major challenges. The study signifies the need to address technology and workload related issues in order to effectively implement blended learning to promote ELT at tertiary level.
Daniel Foliard (2020) - Combattre, punir, photographier. Empires coloniaux, 1890-1914
Authors: Gendry Thaïs
Published: April 2021

Recensé : Foliard Daniel, Combattre, punir, photographier. Empires coloniaux, 1890-1914, Paris, La Découverte, 2020, 454 p.
Daniela Moreau et Luis Nicolau Parés (2020) - Images du Dahomey. Edmond Fortier et le colonialisme français dans la terre des voduns
Authors: Goerg Odile
Published: April 2021

Recensé : Daniela Moreau et Luis Nicolau Parés, Images du Dahomey. Edmond Fortier et le colonialisme français dans la terre des voduns, Milan, 5 Continents, 2020, 257 p.
Partie 1 : « On ne cherche pas des gens préparés à être ministre mais des gens qui sont prêts au changement »
Authors: Clouet Hadrien , Quijoux Maxime
Published: April 2021

Joséphine Ouédraogo, sociologue, ministre de l’Essor familial et de la Solidarité nationale sous Thomas Sankara (1984-1987), puis ministre de la Justice et Garde des Sceaux (2014-2015) connaît intimement ces deux épisodes de l’histoire burkinabè, durant lesquelles elle a développé et mis en œuvre plusieurs politiques publiques. Entre 1984 et 1987, ses réformes familiales ont égalisé le statut des femmes et des hommes, pavant la voie du Code des personnes et de la famille, définitivement adopté en 1989 . En exil après l’assassinat de Sankara, elle œuvre au sein de la Commission économique pour l’Afrique et de l’ONG Enda-Tiers Monde, en faveur du développement humain et des droits des femmes africaines. Puis, elle est appelée au ministère de la Justice en 2014, au lendemain de l’insurrection populaire. Là, elle supervise la restructuration d’un système judiciaire après des décennies d’inféodation au régime de Blaise Compaoré.
Chemical properties of polyphenols: a reviewfocusedonanti-inflammatory and anti-viral medical application
Authors: Cano-Avendaño Beatriz A. , Carmona-Hernandez Juan C. , Rodriguez Ricardo E. , Taborda-Ocampo Gonzalo , González-Correa Clara H.
Published: April 2021

Polyphenols are attributed to multiple biological activities that providenutritional and therapeutical benefits. The present paper is a descriptive review focused on polyphenolic chemical structural aspects contributing to explain biological and biochemical functions offered by these phytochemicals. Element conformation differences, ring modifications, the presence of specific functional groups, and the tridimensional chemical arrangement are fundamental to explain specific effects presented by polyphenols. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of polyphenols suggest that basic chemical reactions and element re-organization are important in understanding their function, well-known polyphenols such as quercetin, curcumin, and catechin have been evaluated in multiple studies. Moreover, anti-bacterial and anti-viral activities have been proven to be dependent on hydroxylation, methoxylation, and alkylation of several polyphenol ring components. Polyphenols extracted from tea, like catechins, proved to inhibit efficiently hepatitis C, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses. They have also acted as promising prophylactic and therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2.Epicatechin extracted from the hawthorn tree showed antiviral activity on several bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The inclusion of these natural components in daily diets is of primary nutritional benefit and importance in the prevention of several diseases.
A systematic review on Valproate induced rat model of autism: Pathophysiology, treatment, developmental and neurobehavioral assessment of rat offsprings
Authors: Kavitha U , Kayalvizhi E , Revathy K , Brindha T.R. , Muthulakshmi R , Chandrasekar M
Published: April 2021

Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) is charecterised by certain degrees of disabilities in social communication, restrictive repetitive behaviour and altered motor and sensory perception. Translational research is carried out by creating animal models of autism to find out the correlation between behavioural changes and the pathology of brain tissue and for clinical trials of newer therapeutic formulations. Valproate induced animal model of autism has significant validity to demonstrate ASD manifestations. An early appreciation of ASD symptoms is needed for a better prognosis. So assessment of behavioural abnormalities and development stones in the first month of animal life are much important to study ASD.An extensive literature search was done on different databases. (PUBMED-MeSH, PMC, Webof Science, Google scholar and Research Gate). Original articles reported between the years 2000-2020 were selected. PRISMA protocol was followed. There are good quantities of studies on behavioural assessment of valproate induced animal model. This review explains the pathophysiology and various treatment modalities tried in valporate induced animal model and it also enlists the developmental and behavioural assessment methods of rat off springs. It will be useful to demonstrate all signs of autism.
Dose dependent effect of silver nitrate on enhanced production of gymnemic acid in cell suspension cultures of Gymnemasylvestre R. Br
Authors: Rajashekar Jarubandi , Kumar Vadlapudi , Poornima DittekoppaVijendra , Hari Gajula , Sannabommaji Torankumar , Raghuramulu D
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: Gymnemasylvestre is rich source of triterpenoid saponins and is popularly known for its anti-diabetic potential. Gymnemic acid is chiefly responsible for its therapeutic potential. In fact, gymnemic acid is a group of compounds known as gymnemagenin (oleanane group) and other related compounds are gymnemasides (dammaranes). Despite of its immense medicinal importance, very few studies were conducted for enhanced gymnemic acid production. The present study undertaken for the enhanced gymnemic acid production using silver nitrate (AgNO3) as effective elicitor and its influence on other culture parameters.  

Materials and Methods:Callus culture was initiated for cell suspension culture establishment and is used to study the elicitor effect. Different doses of AgNO3 used at varied culture periods and its mediated effect on growth index, pH, EC and MDA content was conducted. Gymnemic acid production was estimated by HPLC.

 

Results:Cell growth was positively influenced by AgNO3 with concomitant change in pH and EC of the medium. Apparent rise in MDA content in response to increased AgNO3 dosage was observed and is positively correlated with enhanced gymnemic acid production. Dose dependent effect of AgNO3 was observed at different culture periods used under study. 

Conclusion: Substantial improvements of gymnemic acid produced in response to AgNO3 at 100µM dosage can be used for its enhanced production at industrial scale. It also offers opportunities for studying elicitor influence on other parameters for gymnemic acid production
Identification of novel potent pancreatic lipase inhibitors from Ficus racemosa
Authors: Vijaya Anand A. , Bharathi V. , Bupesh G. , Lakshmi Jaya , Meenakshi Sundaram K. , Saradhadevi . M.
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: Obesity is a disorder of lipid metabolism and continues to be a global problem, ranking fifth for deaths worldwide. It is considered to be main reason for a number of physiological changes that resulting in many metabolic disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and various cancer types. Obesity develops from long-termed physiological imbalances in energy expenditure.. One of the therapeutic strategies in managing obesity is inhibition of pancreatic lipase, a key enzyme responsible for the digestion of fats and triglycerides.  The aim of the present study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) from Ficus racemosa fruit extract and to analyze its activity on pancreatic lipase enzyme using spectroscopic, in vitro and in silico methods.

Materials and Methods: The phytoconstituent were separated in Ficus racemosa fruit extract by thin layer chromatography technique. The bioactive compound was also identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Pancreatic lipase inhibition assay was performed in vitro and confirmed by molecular docking analysis. 

Results: The F. racemosa fruit showed the highest pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. Molecular docking studies also exhibited good binding affinity of compounds (Diethyl Phthalate) with pancreatic lipase enzymes. 

Conclusion: Finally, it is concluded that further derivation of such compounds could serve as the new templates for obesity.
Comparison of serum nitric oxide levels with case severity in pre-eclampsia – A case control study
Authors: Sangappa Virupaxappa Kashinakunti , Devaranavadagi Basavaraj , Devaranavadagi Basavaraj , Rangappa Manjula , Ashalata Mallapur
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: In preeclampsia(PE) due to abnormal trophoblastic invasion of the maternal spiral arteries leads to decreased uteroplacental circulation. Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in regulation offeto-placental vascular permeability and resistance. It also affects maturation, development of the placenta and foetal survival. Maternal serum NO levels are controversial in PEandonly few studies have focused on birth outcomes. Hence, the current study was undertaken to estimate and compare the maternal serum NOlevels in normal pregnant and PE womenandalso see the correlation betweenmaternal serum NO level with severity of PEand to study its association with birth outcome.

Materials and Methods:The study was conductedat a tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka, India.Forty singleton primigravida PE patients diagnosed and classified as mild/severePE, as per ACOG guidelines and 40 healthy pregnant were selected for the study. NO was estimated by ELISA method.

Results: NO was high in PE cases than controls but it was not statistically significant. But NO was significantly (p=0.03) higher in mild PE than severe PE patients. The NO level negatively correlated significantly (p=0.031) with case severity. Maternal serum NO did not show any significant correlation with birth weight and APGAR score of the new born baby.

Conclusion:In mild PE rise in maternal serum NO, may be to due compensatory mechanism to normalise persistently elevated blood pressure and decreased level of serum NO in severe PE may be due to down-regulation of the nitric oxide synthase.
Seroprevalence of antibodies against varicella among medical students - a need for immunization record for medical school admission
Authors: Jhancy Malay , Bernhardt Grisilda Vidya , Risla Maryam , Khanam Munazza , Sultana Syeda Sana
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim:This study was conducted at a medical University in UAE to assess the risk of acquiring Varicella – a vaccine-preventable disease, by estimating antibody titers among the clinically exposed students to provide a scientific implementation of immunization guideline during admission to medical school.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 88 students in clinical years attending a medical college in the UAE. The students' demographics, vaccination data, and history of natural infection with vaccine-preventable communicable infectious diseases were collected, with more significance on Varicella. Blood samples were collected to determine varicella IgG via ELISA.

 

Results:Out of 88 medical students, 20.45% of students had vaccination during childhood and 60.22%of students had a natural infection in the last five years. Three students (3.4%), who had childhood vaccination acquired the infection which is statistically significant during their clinical study years. 70.4% of students who had childhood vaccination and natural infection are at risk of acquiring varicella infections due to the waning of antibodies. 13.64% were found to be negative for varicella antibody titers are at the highest risk.

 

Conclusion:Medical students are most susceptible to acquiring the infection. Medical Universities should take up a policy, that each student needs to take booster vaccinations as a mandatory requirement before admission into the first year, which is practiced as an admission protocol in Western countries like the United States of America but not in Asian countries. Special emphasis should be placed on catch-up vaccination of students because the likelihood of severe infection increases with age.
Antibacterial activity of aquatic actinomycete,Actinoplanes digitatisDnj-2 (MN567713)
Authors: Bawazir Ali Mohammed , Jayashankar M. , Shantaram Manjula
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: There are centers for antibiotics in the nature to treat disease by looking for different sources, for example, actinomycetes, are approximately two-thirds of naturally occurring antibiotics, having much of medical importance, have been isolated from actinomycetes.The aim of the present study was to isolate and to identify the actinomycetes having antagonistic activity.

 

Materials and Methods: An actinomycetes strain isolated from dam soil sample collected from Alnajl dam of Hadhramout Yemen, showed antibacterial activity against selected microbial pathogens. The nutritional requirements and cultural conditions for maximal growth to produce secondary metabolites have been optimized under shake flask conditions. The growth and production of secondary metabolites were maximal with the use of SCA medium supplemented at pH 7.0, and incubation temperature and time of 37?and 20 days respectively.

 

Results:Based on morphological, biochemical, physiological and phylogenetic characterization, the strain was identified as Actinoplanes digitatisDnj-2 (MN567713). The ethyl acetate extract (1g/mL) obtained from the isolate showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria- Escherichiacoli (21cm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29cm) and Gram-positive bacteria- Bacillus subtitles(31cm) and Staphylococcus aureus (22cm) when compared with penicillin G 10 units.

 

Conclusion:In conclusion, the isolated strain has broad spectrum of antagonistic activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negativebacteria.
Efficacy of motor therapy over sensorimotor therapy in upper limb functions of post stroke patients
Authors: Rajalaxmi V. , Tharunya M. , Subramanian S.S. , Vaishnavi G. , Kumar K Chandra , Sukala N. , Balathandayutham K.
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim:Strokeis one of the leading causes of death and disability in India. The incidence of stroke rapidly increases with age, doubling for each decade after 55.In the majority of patients the upper limb is severely impaired than lower limb. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of motor therapy over sensorimotor therapy in upper limb functions of post stroke patients.

 

Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study, of pre-post type, that was conducted in the outpatient department of Physiotherapy at ACS Medical College and Hospital,chennai.30 samples were selected from 45 volunteers according to inclusion criteria and the study was conducted for Group A received sensorimotor therapy for one session/day for 6 days a week for 12 weeks. Group B received motor therapy for one session/day for 6 days a week for 12 weeks. Pre and post measurement were done using motor assessment scale, stroke upper limb capacity scale, action research arm test and nine-hole peg test.

 

Results: There was a significant difference in mean values of group A and B on comparison. Group A seems to be more effective than group B.

 

Conclusion: The study concludes that both motor therapy and sensorimotor therapy are beneficial in stroke rehabilitation, but sensorimotor therapy is more effective in improving the gross and fine motor skills of the upper limb of stroke patients.
Computational modelling and analysis of Pyrimidine analogues as EGFR inhibitor in search of anticancer agents
Authors: Reddy PurraBuchi , Madhusudana Reddy M.B , Reddy . Ramakrishna , Chhajed Santosh S. , Gupta Pramodkumar P.
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim:Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor tyrosine kinase is a well-known and widely studied cancer therapeutic target protein. Based on the reported anticancer activity of pyrimidines, a series of 13 compounds are designed. In the present studythe EGFR kinase domain is targeted with the designed 13 compounds.

Materials and Methods:With missing residue in the kinase domain of EGFR crystallized structure, the domain is modelled using homology modelling, evaluated, energy-based optimization is carried out using OPLS in Gromacs. The default bindingsite was considered from the known EGFR kinase domain – Erlotinibcomplex crystallized structure. The molecular docking is carried out using AutodockVina, Insilico toxicity profiling and enrichment analysis of pathway is studied using Swiss-ADME and Enrich R.

 

Results:Compounds 7, 9, 10 and 12 revealed a binding energy of -8.8, -8.3, -8.3 and -8.4 Kcal/mol and makes two h-bonds with MET-769. All the 13 compounds are under the range of Lipnski drug likeness, with high GI-absorption rate. Considering the metabolic enzyme activity, the entire series of compounds are predicted to inhibit the metabolizing enzyme CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Compounds 2, 3, 7, 8 and 13 acts as a substrate to CYP2C19 and compound 1, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 act as a substrate to CYP2C9.

Conclusion:The inhibition of metabolizing enzyme may affect the poor metabolizing and slowing down the excretion time of molecules from the body. The current in-silico molecular docking, in-silico PKPD study of compounds suggesting that they can be developed as putative lead compounds for developing new anti-cancer drugs.
Association of lumbar spine mobility and hamstring tightness in dental practitioners
Authors: Divyashri S. , Prathap Lavanya , Preetha S
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: The decrease in lumbar spine mobility and hamstring tightness can be caused due to the lack of regular exercise and awkward postures exposed at the workplace due to an individual's occupation. It can be expressed due to the awkward posture during dental practice as well and this can be controlled by doing regular exercises.The aim of the present study is to analyze the association of lumbar spine mobility and hamstring tightness in dental practitioners.

 

Materials and Methods: The study is conducted in a Private dental college and hospital for the dental practitioners who work for more than 4 hours in a day.  The hamstring tightness is measured using the goniometer and lumbar spine flexibility is measured using an inch tape. The measurements are tabulated and analyzed statistically for the correlation of lumbar spine flexibility with hamstring tightness using the SPSS tool.

 

Results: The collected data are analyzed statistically using correlation coefficient and the findings concluded that they have a low positive correlation. The mean value of lumbar flexion range is 19.37 cm and mean value of the hamstring tightness is 27.8°, the correlation coefficient r is 0.473. Majority of female participants have increased hamstring tightness with a maximum range of 30° and around 11% of male participants have a restriction range of 25°. Similarly, around 8% of female participants have a lumbar flexion range of around 21cm, However, there is no significant difference between the gender in both the variables with p value equals 0.35 and 0.53 (p > 0.05) respectively. 

 

Conclusion: From the obtained results it can be concluded that there is a low positive correlation between hamstring tightness and the lumbar flexion range.  The findings suggest that the dental practitioners are prone to hamstring tightness which in turn can induce reduced lumbar spine mobility and impacts stress on the lumbar spine leading to low back pain.
Association of serum adenosine deaminase level with atherosclerotic index in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Rasheed Khan M , Vinod Babu S , KuzhandaiVelu V.
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim:The atherosclerosis is the major cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetes population. Diabetes mellitus can accelerate atherosclerotic processes. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) plays a significant role in both glucose and lipid metabolism through adenosine. This study aimed to correlate the atherosclerotic index with adenosine deaminase levels in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The aim of the study is to find the association between serum ADA levels with atherosclerotic index.

 

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study conducted in 100 subjects (50 control and 50 T2DM patients). The following biochemical parameter were estimated:total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL- C and ADA. VLDL, LDL and other atherosclerotic index were calculated using formulae. Statistical analysis such as Student’s‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation were performed.

 

Results: We found significant increase (p value <0.001) in lipid profile, Non-HDL-C and lipid ratio when compared to T2DM with control group. The correlation of serum ADA with lipid profile and lipid ratio didnot show any correlation.

 

Conclusion: Serum ADA used as a biomarker for evaluation of glycemic status. ADA was insignificant, when correlated with dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic index.
A correlation between height, obesity and intelligence in South Indian medical students
Authors: Shifaya Fathima S , Francis Yuvaraj Maria , Francis Yuvaraj Maria , Senthil Kumar S. , K Balaji , Raghunath Gunapriya , Kumaresan M
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: Human intelligence is a cognitive process and was correlated with several anthropometric parameters. Height is one of the well-known factor that is suspected for a positive correlation with intelligence and their association is studied since many years. Similarly, obesity which has become a major health outcome of today is said to have a negative effect on intelligence. Prevalence of obesity and its co-morbidities are in a great rise in both developed and developing countries. Recent findings show that obesity could impair cognitive performance. This study focuses on the correlation of the parameters such as height and BMI(Body Mass Index) with intelligence for selected samples and underscores the significance of correlation. The objective of our study was to test whether a linear relationship exists between the IQ and the two parameters and their strength of correlation.

 

Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Sample consists of 50 students of age group 18-20 of phase I MBBS students and the present study was directed in the Department of Anatomy. Intelligence was measured by Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), a non-verbal reasoning test. Height was measured in metres using stadiometer. Using height and weight values obtained from the sample, Body Mass Index (weight in kg/height in metre squares) was calculated. Mean and Standard Deviation of parameters were assessed and correlation value were calculated.

 

Results: The data were statistically analysed using correlation and regression. It showed positive correlation between height and intelligence (r=0.268) (p=0.05) and a negative correlation between obesity and intelligence (r= -0.324) (p=0.05).

 

Conclusion: Therefore, it concludes that height and intelligence were positively correlated, concomitantly obesity and intelligence were negatively correlated mainly due to increase in BMI has a deteriorating effect on intelligence.
Content or Context: Which is more important for publishing an article in high impact journals?
Authors: Pradhan Nitika
Published: April 2021

Sir/ Madam,

To produce a high impact paper brings us to the question which matters more, a researcher’s oeuvre or the materials inside his/her article.Content is the total write-up and context is the theme or message behind the content. One can infer content from the context but not vice versa. In any article, context, includes the title as well as outcomes whereas content includes all, starting from introduction to conclusion part. Context provides a definite shape to the content and this idea or knowledge can be communicated by network of journals. During initial screening, the first thing an editor sees is the ‘title’ and then the content. If title is catchy, then only it attracts the reader/editor’s interest. So, here again the context comes first. However, when higher technologies were used to describe or justify the same context or idea, the paper is mostly accepted by high-tier journal basing upon the content but not context. Now people rarely think the motto or purpose of a journal. There is only a kind of competition between authors for their scientific credits /academic carrier or between editors for their journal publicity. Instead, we should remember that a journal, even high or low impact is only for a medium of communication where ideas from every corner of the world are reaching to every corner of the world. Lastly, there is a message “give priority to new idea/s because if idea is there then content will also come but without context or idea, content is meaningless”. Hence, the entire knowledge of ocean can only be filled by our drop by drop of collective contextual contributions.