bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Consumption Behaviour-Influencing Factors and Trends
Authors: Duralia Oana
Published: September 2023

Food consumption behaviour has played and will continue to play a fundamental role in the lives of consumers, since it is the source of satisfaction of one of the primary needs of consumers, namely the need for food. On the other hand, food consumption behaviour can also be seen as a hedonic experience, the result of the action of extremely heterogeneous and dynamic factors, with food consumption being influenced by economic, social, and cultural variables as well as personal, psychological, and biological factors which are related to the individual. The study of food consumption behaviour can be seen both as a challenge, given that understanding this behaviour requires a multidisciplinary analysis, the terms used referring to marketing, psychology, sociology, nutrition and food science, and as a necessity, given the impact on the structure and dynamics of the market, which in turn leads to the need for government decisions in the direction of ethics and social responsibility, and a global and at the same time sustainable development of the market. In this context, this paper aims to analyse the main factors influencing food consumption behaviour and how they are reflected in consumption decisions. The analysis is supported by an examination of these issues based on secondary data sources.
The Application of Social Network Analysis to Economic and Regional Development: Tertiary Educational Attainment by Sex and Nuts 2 Regions
Authors: Filenta Pagona , Kydros Dimitrios
Published: September 2023

Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a process of investigating the structure of a network. With the contribution of graph theory, it studies the relationships (links) that are established between different units, such as individuals, groups, or organizations (nodes), which are taken as interdependent rather than as autonomous. A social network can be compared to a web, which records the relationships or interactions of people. These networks include the social or professional interactions between units through which information and services are exchanged or contacts are recorded on a systematic basis. In this paper we attempt to introduce SNA in Economic and Regional Development, i.e. to examine the correlation of a regional education statistic indicator between certain regions. Specifically, we study the share of citizens who have completed higher education for the age group 25-64 years by gender and NUTS 2 regions. We present the visualisation of several networks, which are generated based on the degree of correlation of the data, and compute measures of centrality to compare the level of higher education by gender. The aim is to determine whether the application of Social Network Analysis could be an alternative research method in the study of Economic and Regional Development.
The Suboptimal Future Outcome of Consumer Decisions: A Survey on Projection Bias
Authors: Kovács Kármen
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this paper is to study projection bias when individuals decide on their future consumption. The present research aims to investigate what and how factors influence the misprediction of future preferences and tastes, resulting in a gap between the expected and realised consumer utility. An online survey was conducted in Hungary to explore how personal drivers and beliefs influence the outcome of purchasing decisions on future consumption and how they contribute to a consumer utility gap. The research results demonstrate that high-level naivety goes with a minor change of preferences and tastes between the dates of purchasing choice and consumption, resulting in a small utility gap. Furthermore, individuals with stronger financial self-control perceive their savings to be higher and their utility gap to be smaller. We show that financial self-control, the change of preferences and tastes and the education level are significant predictors of the consumer utility gap regarding projection bias.
Climate Change in the Discourse of Central Banks. Influence on Financial Stability at the European Level
Authors: Lupu Iulia , Criste Adina
Published: September 2023

Climate change and environmental constraints are the biggest challenges facing the economy and society. Because they influence price and financial stability, controversial or trade-off decisions are sometimes required. In recent years, we have observed an increasing interest concerning central banks’ role in addressing these issues and supporting green finance development. This article proposes to evidence the impact of central banks’ climate change discourse on financial stability at the European banking level, considering their role in financial stability. We employed an event study methodology on systemic risk measures computed for 181 banks listed on European stock exchanges, using daily observations for 2015-2021. On the other side, we identified speeches of European central bank governors related to their involvement in climate change policy. The empirical results confirm the assumption that participation by central banks generally has positive effects on financial stability and some concrete measures were visible. While central banks cannot make climate policy and are not the critical element in this area, along with other economic, financial and governmental institutions, they can play an important role.
Diversity Management: Architecture And Perspectives
Authors: Pollifroni Massimo , Ioana Adrian , Pollifroni Riccardo
Published: September 2023

The initial idealistic perspective associated with the concept of globalization has turned into a bleak evidence in the present, which has taken on the appearance of a disharmonious liberalism in which it is possible to observe a common worldwide increase in economic and social inequalities. The current international economic crises – characterized by a common inflationary growth – have led to a re-evaluation of the principles of the autarkic economy, economically self-sufficient and relatively independent from the external environment: an approach to which economists attribute the term “deglobalization” (Ajami, 2022; Ho et.al, 2022; Paul, 2023). These foregoing points a duty – also in business economics – to review the models proposed over time in search of new hybrid patterns oriented towards a common social vocation, suggested as a dual attention to both internal (facing the aspects regarding the going concern accounting principle) and external (relevant to the economic and social sustainability of its main stakeholders). Therefore, the article assumes as a research question the declination of the new corporate hybrid patterns and the related “competitive advantage” drivers, among which Diversity Management assumes a decisive role in the pursuit of fair and sustainable progress.
The Response of International Financial Institutions to the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Roukanas A. Spyros , Vitzileos Vaggelis
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic could be characterised as one of the most impactful crises so far in the 21st century, because of its multiple and multidimensional ramifications. The sudden shutdown of the global economy created the conditions for a new global crisis, just a few years after the global financial crisis. Furthermore, it overlapped with the ongoing challenges of dealing with the consequences of climate change and the digitisation of economies, as well as the existing geopolitical rivalries and geoeconomic inequalities. In this context, the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) were called on to play a dual key role: to act both as stabilisers of the global economic system and as promoters of international cooperation. The aim of this paper is to capture the IFIs’ response to the responsibility of managing and dealing with the economic effects of the pandemic crisis. ΙFIs, such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in providing financial support to address the crisis, showing that the international community was not inactive at this critical juncture. In addition, this study examines whether the responses of the IFIs opened a window of opportunity to re-strengthen the model of multilateralism at the international level.
Some of the Dilemmas About Creating Arteriovenous Fistulas for Hemodialysis
Authors: Stolić Radojica V. , Miljković-Jakšić Dušica V. , Balović Aleksandra D. , Krivčević Roksanda N. , Jovanović Sanja M. , Suljković Naja
Published: September 2023

The native arteriovenous fistula for haemodialysis has been described as the Achilles heel but also the Cinderella of haemodialysis. Arteriovenous fistula has been the vascular access of choice for haemodialysis, because of lower cost, morbidity and mortality. The significance of a functioning vascular access is that it takes on a major role in determining a positive outcome. Yet, they are a cause of great stress, both for patients and healthcare professionals. About 80% of patients begin dialysis with central venous catheters, 20-70% of fistulas do not reach maturity, and a fifth, of all fistulas, thrombosed before use. A quarter die from poor vascular access. Insufficient number of vascular surgeons and inadequate training to create vascular access often lead to "congestion" of the bed stock in nephrology. Surgeons and radiologists perform all procedures related to vascular approaches, but the dominant role of nephrologists is in the organization of planning and realization of creating a vascular access. Initiation of dialysis in the elderly and diabetics, as a risk population of patients for arteriovenous fistula, is associated with many problems, among which the creation, functioning and maturation of the vascular access dominate. Hyperdynamic conditions, due to arteriovenous communication in patients with arteriovenous fistula, are cited as a possible mechanism for increasing morbidity. However, there is still no agreement within the nephrology community regarding the height of the hemodynamic load and the indication for closing the vascular access. There are many dilemmas associated with creating, care and using an arteriovenous fistulas, and that could be the reason and justification to form a team for vascular access, which would, in addition to nephrologists, include vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists and nurses.
Tourist, Pilgrim, Migrant, Settler: Rethinking the Modern History of Ashkenazim in the Levant Through Sites of Hospitality
Authors: Wallach Yair
Published: September 2023

This article looks at Ashkenazi-operated hotels in Tiberias, Beirut, Jerusalem, Jaffa, Cairo, Alexandria, and elsewhere, in the late Ottoman period and under British rule, to consider the confusing ambiguities that these stories reveal. Ashkenazi presence in Palestine is typically understood in terms of either the pious, zealot pilgrims, or the nationalist settlers. And yet the story of the hotel owners and operators could also fit into a different category, that of migrants, who sought to integrate within existing social, economic, and political structures. The tourism and hospitality industry, which relied on flows of people across borders and on a diverse customer-base, was to some degree at odds with the segregation associated with Zionist Yishuv. Such stories, which have been forgotten and erased by the history of Palestine in the twentieth century, prompt us to rethink our understanding of Ashkenazi history in the region.
LABORATORY BIOMARKERS FOR BRAIN DAMAGE IN DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors:   Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care with a Course of Additional Professional Education, Stavropol State Medical University, Stavropol, Russian Federation, BYKOV YU.V. ,   Children's City Clinical Hospital named after G.K. Philippskiy, Stavropol, Russian Federation, MURAVYOVA A.A. ,   Children's City Clinical Hospital named after G.K. Philippskiy, Stavropol, Russian Federation
Published: September 2023

Objective: This review outlines the literature data on the main laboratory biomarkers of brain damage in diabetes mellitus (DM) type I and II. Neurospecific proteins: S-100 protein, neurospecific enolase, glial fibrillar acidic protein, myelin basic protein, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are considered specific markers of cerebral dysfunction in DM. Emphasis is placed on pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein), as blood biomarkers, the increase of which indicates brain damage in DM type I and II. High concentrations of adipokines, inflammatory mediators of adipose tissue, are a reliable laboratory sign of brain damage in this endocrinopathy. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), as pathogenic metabolites of oxidative stress (OS), detected in blood in high concentration, can act as indicators of cognitive deficit in DM. Increased concentration of autoantibodies to some neuroreceptors (dopamine, glutamate) may serve as specific laboratory biomarkers of brain damage in DM type I. Further searches of new laboratory biomarkers of brain dysfunction are needed in order to improve the diagnosis of cerebral insufficiency in DM Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, biomarkers, brain damage, neurospecific proteins, adipokines.
بەرجەستەبوونا گریمانێن پێشیێ د کۆمێنتێن تۆڕێن جڤاکیدا (ماڵپەرێ ڕۆداو) وەکو نموونە ڤەکۆلینەکا وەرگرتی ژ ناما ماستەرێ
Authors: Mossa Issa Manaf , Abdulqader Qasem Huda
Published: September 2023

ئەڤ ڤەکۆلینە ل ژێر ناڤۆنیشانێ ( بەرجەستەبوونا گریمانێن پێشیێ د کۆمێنتێن تۆڕێن جڤاکیدا (ماڵپەرێ ڕۆداو وەکو نموونە)دایە، کو ڤەکۆلینێ ل گریمانێن پێشیێ د کۆمێنتێن تۆڕێن جڤاکیدا دکەت، ڤەکۆلین ل دویڤ ڕێبازا وەسفی – شیکاری هاتییە ئەنجامدان و نموونەیێن پێدڤى ژ ماڵپەرێ ڕۆداو یێ فەیسبووکی هاتینە وەرگرتن. ئارمانجا سەرەکی ژ ئەڤێ ڤەکۆلینێ ئەوە بهێتە زانین: ئایا کۆمێنتێن تۆڕێن جڤاکی دبنە مەیدانەکا گونجای بۆ بەرجەستەبوونا بوارێن پراگماتیکێ نەخاسمە گریمانێن پێشیێ؟ ئەڤ ڤەکۆلینە ژ دوو پشکان پێکدهێت، پشکا ئێکێ ڤەکۆلەری دابەشی دوو تەوران کریە، تەوەرێ ئێکێ ئەڤان بابەتان بخوڤەدگریت: (گریمانێن پێشیێ، تێگەهـ، پێناسە، جۆر)، ئەڤ تەوەرە ب گشتی جەختێ ل تێگەهـ و پێناسە و جۆرێن گریمانێن پێشیێ دکەت. تەوەرێ دووێ ئەڤان بابەتان بخوڤەدگریت: (تۆڕێن جڤاکی، تێگەهـ، پێناسە، زمانێ تۆڕێن جڤاکی)، ئەڤ تەوەرە ب گشتی جەختێ ل تۆرێن جڤاکی و تێگەهـ و پێناسە و زمانێ تۆرێن جڤاکی دکەت. و پشکا دووێ تایبەتە ب (بەرجەستەبوونا گریمانێن پێشیێ د کۆمێنتێن تۆڕێن
التنظيم القانوني لحرية الإرادة في عمليات نقل الأعضاء البشرية من الأحياء "دراسة مقارنة"
Authors: Saeed Barwari Abdullah
Published: September 2023

في ظل التنظيم القانوني الجديد لنقل الأعضاء البشرية في العراق بقانون عمليات زرع الأعضاء البشرية ومنع الاتجار بها رقم (11) لسنة 2016، والتعديل المقترح عليه في 2019، والمفترض فيه أن يكون مواكباً للتطورات الحاصلة في مجال الطب، ومدى الاستفادة من هذه التطورات من خلال تنظيم دور الإرادة في التبرع بالأعضاء البشرية من الأحياء، باعتبارها السند الأقوى والفيصل في جواز القيام بهذه العمليات دون أن تعتبر انتهاكاً أو جريمة بحق أهم ما يملكه الإنسان، وهو جسده وصحته. فلذلك تبحث هذه الدراسة في الجوانب المختلفة لدور الإرادة في هذا التشريع الجديد نسبياً، مقارنة بالتشريعات التي نظمت هذه المسألة في كل من النظاميين القانونيين المصري والفرنسي باعتبارهما سباقيين في هذا المجال. ممهدين لها بعرض موقف الشريعتين السماويتين الإسلامية والمسيحية من ذات المسالة.
Pola Bakteri dan Sensitivitas Antibiotik pada Pasien Ulkus Kaki Diabetik di RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang
Authors: Safira Sheila Jihan , Decroli Eva , Alioes Yustini
Published: September 2023

Latar Belakang: Ulkus kaki diabetik merupakan salah satu komplikasi diabetes melitus yang paling sering terjadi dan memiliki tingkat perawatan di rumah sakit yang tinggi. Salah satu penyebab ulkus kaki diabetik adalah infeksi bakteri sehingga untuk penanganan diberikan antibiotik sesuai bakteri penyebabnya, tetapi untuk penanganan awal dapat diberikan antibiotik secara empiris.
Objektif: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pola bakteri dan sensitivitasnya terhadap antibiotik pada pasien ulkus kaki diabetik yang dirawat di Bangsal Penyakit Dalam RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang.
Metode: Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif retrospektif dengan teknik pengambilan sampel total sampling. Sampel penelitian menggunakan data sekunder dari rekam medis pasien ulkus kaki diabetik yang dirawat di Bangsal Penyakit Dalam RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang periode 2018–2021 dengan total 35 sampel. Sampel dianalisis dengan menggunakan analisis univariat untuk mendeskripsikan distribusi frekuensi.
Hasil: Hasil penelitian ini didapatkan bahwa pasien terbanyak yang dirawat adalah perempuan dengan usia ≤60 tahun. Bakteri terbanyak berdasarkan kelompok Gram positif dan negatif adalah bakteri Gram negatif, yaitu Proteus sp (28,6%), Klebsiella sp (17,1%), Escherichia coli (8,6%), dan Acinetobacter baumannii (8,6%). Hasil penelitian berdasarkan kelompok bakteri aerob dan anareob didapatkan yang terbanyak adalah bakteri aerob, yaitu Proteus sp (28,6%), Klebsiella sp (17,1%), Escherichia coli (8,6%), Staphylococcus aureus (8,6%), dan Acinetobacter baumannii (8,6%). Antibiotik yang paling sensitif adalah meropenem, amikacin, dan trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
Kesimpulan: Kesimpulan penelitian ini adalah bakteri terbanyak yang menginfeksi pasien ulkus kaki diabetik adalah bakteri aerob Gram negatif. Antibiotik dengan tingkat sensitivitas yang tertinggi adalah meropenem.
Perbedaan Kadar NSE Berdasarkan Derajat Perlukaan Menurut Aspek Medikolegal Pada Korban Trauma Kepala di IGD RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang
Authors: Susanti Rika , Khadaffi Muhammad Farhan , Syafrita Yuliarni
Published: September 2023

Latar Belakang: Cedera otak traumatis (TBI) adalah penyebab utama kematian, terutama disebabkan oleh jatuh, kekerasan, dan kecelakaan lalu lintas. Dalam kasus kekerasan dan kecelakaan lalu lintas, polisi seringkali meminta visum et repertum, sebuah laporan tertulis yang menjelaskan luka korban dan diklasifikasikan menjadi tiga derajat luka. Namun, pemeriksaan ini kadang-kadang tidak akurat karena hanya melibatkan luka fisik yang terlihat. Oleh karena itu, pemeriksaan lebih lanjut diperlukan, seperti pemeriksaan biomarker, seperti neuron specific enolase (NSE)
Objektif: Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui perbedaan kadar NSE berdasarkan derajat perlukaan pada korban trauma kepala.
Metode: Ini adalah studi potong-lintang, dimana kadar NSE dinilai dengan Teknik ELISA, pada kunjungan korban trauma kepala di IGD. Derajat perlukaan diperoleh melalui catatan visum et repertum korban yang disimpan di bagian forensik dan medikolegal. Analisis bivariat dilakukan untuk mengetahui perbedaan kadar NSE berdasarkan derajat perlukaan.
Hasil: Sebagian besar subjek penelitian adalah laki-laki (76,2%) dengan kelompok usia terbanyak di umur 12-45 tahun. Kadar NSE pada korban trauma kepala dengan derajat tiga lebih tinggi daripada korban trauma kepala dengan derajat dua. Tidak terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan kadar NSE pada korban trauma kepala dengan derajat dua atau tiga (p=0.642).
Kesimpulan: Tidak ada perbedaan yang signifikan pada kadar NSE berdasarkan derajat perlukaan.
Violência doméstica em tempos de Covid-19
Authors: Barros Alcina Juliana Soares , Valença Alexandre Martins , Silva Antônio Geraldo da , Telles Lisieux Elaine de Borba
Published: September 2023

Durante a pandemia de Covid-19, a principal orientação das autoridades de saúde do Brasil e do mundo é a mesma: todos devem ficar em casa e distanciar-se socialmente uns dos outros. Entretanto, para uma parcela significativa da população, ficar em casa é fator de risco para o aumento da violência doméstica, como alerta a Organização das Nações Unidas - ONU. Segundo a Organização, um terço das mulheres em todo o mundo já experimentou alguma forma de violência em suas vidas, mesmo fora do período da pandemia. Atualmente, em países como Itália e China, os números de casos de violência doméstica triplicaram, já que as mulheres são obrigadas a conviver com os agressores dentro de casa durante o distanciamento social. De acordo com estudo do Fórum Brasileiro de Segurança Pública, somente na cidade de São Paulo, em comparação a março de 2019, o aumento foi de 46%. O programa de hoje debate o tema "Violência doméstica em tempos de Covid-19". Nossos convidados responderão perguntas dos internautas.
Disfunção sexual erétil psicológica: como tratar?
Authors: Barbieri Filho Arnaldo , Vasconcellos Fátima
Published: September 2023

Não é novidade que o lado emocional influencia - e muito - o desempenho físico. A falta de bem-estar mental pode desencadear diversos distúrbios e doenças no corpo humano. Este é o caso da disfunção erétil, que acomete 30% da população masculina de acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde - OMS. As causas emocionais para este problema podem ser diversas, como quadros de ansiedade e estresse extremos, traumas, baixa autoestima, entre outros. Mas a boa notícia é que existem tratamentos para solucionar a disfunção erétil psicológica.
Tratar transtornos de ansiedade em situações de pandemia
Authors: Trachtenberg Eduardo , Fogaça Henrique Marques , Mello Marcelo Feijó de
Published: September 2023

Estou ansioso ou com Covid? Essa e outras dúvidas têm rodado a internet desde o início da pandemia. Segundo o site de busca Google, no ano passado os brasileiros procuraram três vezes mais pelo tema ansiedade do que nos últimos 16 anos. Uma coisa é certa, a pandemia está mexendo com a saúde mental de todos. Além de provocar problemas na economia, na vida afetiva e no trabalho, também torna as pessoas mentalmente mais vulneráveis. Os efeitos colaterais do isolamento social estão refletindo no aumento da ansiedade no Brasil, que já é considerado o país mais ansioso do mundo, de acordo com dados da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS). Uma pesquisa realizada em setembro de 2020, pelo Ministério da Saúde, apontou que ansiedade é o transtorno mental mais presente na pandemia. Cerca de 86,5% dos participantes apresentaram sintomas da doença. E é sobre isso que vamos falar no ABPTV de hoje, "Ansiedade em tempos de pandemia".
Model-Free Ground Velocity and Position Estimation for Manned and Unmanned Aircraft
Authors: Rhudy Matthew B. , Fravolini Mario L. , Napolitano Marcello R.
Published: September 2023

Navigation is a critical task for the operations of both manned and unmanned aircraft systems. Current positioning systems rely primarily on satellite systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) or alternative sensor fusion algorithms, which typically require vision sensing and processing. Due to the possibility of temporary GPS outages and/or GPS jamming, it is critical for aircraft sensing systems to predict the position as well as the ground velocity of the aircraft in the absence of GPS signals. This work proposes two state estimation algorithms for predicting the position and ground velocity of aircraft. These methods do not require vision sensors or aircraft dynamic model information, thus providing a portable approach applicable to any aircraft. The proposed methods consider infrequent GPS position updates. Although not completely GPS free, these algorithms do not require GPS velocity measurements and can predict the aircraft position in between the position updates. The proposed methods use the information filter and unscented information filter; they are first validated using unmanned aircraft flight data and later applied to flight data from a high-speed manned military trainer jet. The results indicate the effectiveness of this approach for model-free position and ground velocity estimation.
Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio among preeclampsia patients in India – A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Velusami Deepika , Soundariya Krishnamurthy , Mohan Reena , Mary J. Jenifer Florence , Ganapathy Kalaiselvan , Sanjay P.
Published: September 2023

Preeclampsia is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in pregnant females in India. Early detection of preeclampsia can be of clinical utility. Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) is a simple hepatological biomarker that has been used for diagnosis of preeclampsia. With this perspective in mind, the present meta-analysis was planned to evaluate NLR among preeclampsia in the Indian setting. Databases systematically searched were PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were systematically searched till July 2023. The studies selected were all Indian published articles NLR evaluated in females of age ≥18 years and < 40 years with preeclampsia and normal health pregnant females. Data extraction was guided by a predetermined checklist. Using RevMan 5 software, the mean and standard deviation were evaluated and analyzed. The initial search yielded 103 records of which 54 articles underwent evaluation, which identified 8 articles and a total 1381 study population. Of these, 534 cases of preeclampsia and 847 normal healthy pregnant females investigated the significance of evaluation of NLR for identification of preeclampsia. The meta-analysis showed an overall significant effect in favor of the importance of NLR investigation in predicting preeclampsia (SMR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.91–1.16, p < 0.001). A significant Q statistic (p < 0.001) indicated the presence of heterogeneity (I2 = 96%). This systematic review and meta-analysis proved that NLR can be employed for detecting early preeclampsia. Further prospective studies are needed to validate the potential applicability of NLR as a diagnostic marker in clinical setup.
Inhibition of quorum sensing by partially purified anti-quorum sensing compound from the marine epibiotic bacteria in Chromobacterium violaceum
Authors: Shah Siddhi , Patel Harsh , Bajpai Bhakti
Published: September 2023

Quorum sensing system majorly contributes in the virulence of many microorganisms. Attenuation in the quorum sensing system by interaction with the signalling molecules can be an effective approach to reduce the use of anti-microbial agents. The aim of the study is to investigate quorum sensing inhibitory activity of microbes from the marine source. A total of 60 epibiotic bacteria were isolated: 4 isolates were anti-QS producer and one of them with potent anti-QS activity was identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri SJ4. The ethyl acetate extract of P. stutzeri SJ4 inhibited violacein pigment of Chromobacterium violaceum by 72.83%. To characterise the active compound, TLC and GC-MS were performed. GC-MS showed major 5 peaks whose compounds were docked with the Quorum sensing receptor CviR of C.violaceum. Molecular docking results indicated that 2,6,10,14- tetramethyl hexadecane showed highest binding energy -8.0 kcal/mol which is quite higher than control compound N-Decanoyl-DL-homoserine lactone, exhibiting -7.5 kcal/mol.
Efficient plant regeneration via indirect organogenesis and genetic stability assessment by molecular markers in an endangered medicinal plant Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso
Authors: Biswal Bhagyashree , Jena Biswajit , Giri Alok Kumar , Parida Reena , Acharya Laxmikanta
Published: September 2023

Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso is reported to be effective against several diseases including tumor, jaundice, gastrointestinal disease etc. The plant is facing extinction due to overexploitation and inefficient conservation strategies. In this work, an effective approach for micropropagation of O. turpethum by indirect organogenesis from stem explant is devised. Induction of callus culture was carried out on Murashige and Skoog medium enriched with benzyl adenine (3mg/L). Subsequently, the callus cultured on MS medium with 1mg/L BA + 1mg/L kinetin generated a maximum of 3.20 ± 0.7 number of shoots/0.5gm callus within 35 days of incubation. On MS medium with Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)(0.2mg/L), 98.4% of the shoots were successfully rooted. The in vitro regenerated plantlets were acclimatised and shifted to outdoor condition with a success rate of 95%. The genetic stability of micro propagated plantlets was assessed using PCR-based molecular markers, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) which yielded a total of 27 and 31 scorable bands respectively. The monomorphic banding pattern of in vitro propagated plants confirms their genetic homogeneity. This work is report on in vitro plant regeneration through indirect organogenesis and evaluation of genetic fidelity of micropropagated plantlets of O. turpethum.
Endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peripheral inflammation and its impact on brain and liver function
Authors: Shetty Hariprasad , Shetty Reshma A.
Published: September 2023

Endotoxin Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces an innate immune response and activates sickness behavior. During neuroinflammation, the activated microglial cells change its morphology and release various chemicals that could be harmful such as nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enzymes for proteolysis. Through the buildup of free radicals and ROS, these neuroinflammations can also result in oxidative stress. This ROS reacts with cellular macromolecules, triggering a cascade that results in membrane porosity caused by membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO), which is measured by the quantity of malondialdehyde (MDA). On LPS challenge, the complex behaviour that decreased common activities and explorations, is noticed and with rising anxiety, cognitive impairment and decreased social activities. It also decreased closed arm time, although closed arm entries were higher which may be related to the increased locomotion. It raised open arm time and open arm entries, suggesting of reduced anxiety and also increased exploratory behaviour. AChE and nNOS were increased in the forebrain part. Reduction in brainstem and MDA activity decreased on both forebrain and brain stem. MDA in the liver increased by LPS challenge indicating upregulated hepatic tissue damage and oxidative stress. As a result of LPS-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, brain Glutathione (GSH), a substrate for cytosolic Glutathione peroxidase, increased in the forebrain and decreased in the brainstem. Decreased scavenging of ROS was indicated by the LPS-induced decrease in liver GSH levels.
Phylogenomics based Identification of Microbial Biocontrol agent against Alternaria solani
Authors: Wilson Karun , Sathiavelu Arunachalam
Published: September 2023

Alternaria solani is a fungal pathogen causing early blight infection in several solanaceous crops resulting in an annual yield loss up to 79%. Understanding the ecological niche and microbial interactions can help us contemplate new biocontrol agents against A. solani. This article combines the existing knowledge on ecology and biocontrol of A. solani, with the antagonist Bacillus subtilis ZD01 to identify potential biocontrol properties in its phylogenetically related species. Various physical, chemical and biological factors influencing the growth of A. solani were analyzed along with retrieving the whole genome sequence of B. subtilis ZD01. Using bioinformatic tool for Phylogenomics, genomes that share high similarity with B. subtilis ZD01 were identified. Resulting genomes were compared for the similarity in pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and biosynthetic gene clusters using Patric 3.6.12 and antiSMASH 6.0 web tools. Based on these, two new strains of bacteria were identified which share a similar ecological niche with A. solani and shares significantly similar properties with B. subtilis ZD01. Both strains were found to produce known clusters of bacillibactin, fengycin, surfactin and terpene which further strengthens its biocontrol potential. This study provides evidence suggesting new biocontrol agents and need for further exploration to identify unexplored microbes for plant-protection.
A study to determine effect of metal ions for optimization of L-Asparaginase producers for bioprocessing
Authors: Satishbabu Kakumanu , Gyana Prasuna Ravi
Published: September 2023

The present study encompasses isolation of marine bacteria from marine soil samples collected from Chirala, Coastal area of Andhra Pradesh. Work includes isolation, screening, morphological and molecular characterization of selected L- Asparaginase producers. Purified enzyme was used for enzyme kinetic studies. Marine soil sample was collected in sterile bottle and brought to the lab bench and a total of 12 morphologically distinct bacterial colonies were isolated from collected marine soil samples and coded as Chirala Marine Bacteria. All 12 Chirala Marine Bacteria isolates were qualitatively screened for L-Asparaginase production. Out of 12 Chirala marine bacteria isolates, 9 isolates show positive response to L-Asparaginase activity. Effect of inducers i.e. carbon, nitrogen, aminoacids, phosphates and metal ions was studied.
Contributions of probiotic L. acidophilus 291 as biotechnological tool in therapeutic applications
Authors: Verma Mukesh , Saharan Baljeet Singh , Kumar Anil
Published: September 2023

The present study was carried out to evaluate the hypoglycemic ability and antioxidant activities of lactic acid bacterial strain L. acidophilus NCDC 291 and to investigate the probiotic characteristics of the strain as well as its suitability as an alternative antimutagenic agent. The antidiabetic activity was examined by evaluating the α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Strain L. acidophilus NCDC 291 exhibited hypoglycemic ability by α-glucosidase (41.67 %) and α-amylase (61.79 %). Strain L. acidophilus NCDC 291 showed antioxidant activities by DPPH (53.58 % and IC50 67.87 μL) and ABTS (50.61 % and IC50 45.17 μL). Further the bacterial strain was resistant to simulated gastrointestinal juice and showed potential for health promotion based on adhesion, antibiotic susceptibility and antimicrobial activities. L. acidophilus NCDC 291 appears as potential probiotic with beneficial health effects.
Investigation on growth and development of 42 kDa chitinase transgenic peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivar L14 under in vivo condition
Authors: Hoa Phung Thi Bich , Tue Nguyen Hoang , Phuong Hoang Lan , Huy Nguyen Xuan , Loc Nguyen Hoang
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the growth and development of chitinase transgenic peanuts against phytopathogenic fungi including lines WTA-2 containing the Chi42 gene, S1A-15 containing the syncodChi42-1 gene and S2A-12 containing the syncodChi42-2 gene. The present results show that the peanut lines containing two optimized genes derived from the Chi42 wild-type gene of Trichoderma asperellum SH16, S1A-15 (syncodChi42-1) and S2A-12 (syncodChi42-2) seemed to grow stronger and produce a higher number of mature pods, weight of 100 pods and weight of 100 seeds than line WAT-2 with the Chi42 gene and non-transgenic control. Moreover, lines S1A-15 and S2A-12 also resulted in higher seed quality in terms of lipid and protein content than in comparison to the WTA-2 line and the control. These findings suggest that chitinase transgenic peanuts containing one of two synthetic genes in peanut roots could be a promising candidate for peanut production against phytopathogenic fungi.
Risk Assessment of Human Subjects occupationally exposed to Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMFs) and Light at Night (LAN) with particular reference to Melatonin Hypothesis
Authors: Surender Vemula , Varak Kavitha , Potti Ravindra Babu , Tiwari R.
Published: September 2023

Modern society makes pervasive use of electric power producing electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) and light at night (LAN). This has resulted in the indiscriminate use of electrical and electronic gadgets which release electromagnetic radiations which are supposed to cause the biological effects by some scientists. However, ELF- EMFs and LAN are hypothesized to be responsible for the changes in hormonal configurations leading to development of cancer in women particularly nurses who are occupationally exposed to ELF- EMFs and LAN. The blood samples of 342 exposed subjects and 150 non exposed individuals were analyzed. Plasma melatonin was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). DNA damage was studied by alkaline comet assay along with micronucleus test and RT-PCR. Our results suggest that the plasma melatonin levels were significantly suppressed in the occupationally exposed subjects (p < 0.05) and DNA damage ranged between 8μm to 10μm. Group-C exposed subjects showed more DNA damage. The occupationally exposed subjects were found to be vulnerable for electromagnetic stress with decreased melatonin concentrations and increased DNA damage.
Selenium Nanoparticles mitigating Thyroid Dysfunction in Hexachlorobenzene-Induced Hypothyroid Rats
Authors: Shekhawat Bhanu Pratap Singh , Paghadar Disha Rajeshbhai , Natarajan Aishwarya , Purani Sejal , Robin Pushpa
Published: September 2023

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is a potent endocrine disruptor that targets the thyroid gland and results in thyroid dysfunction. Nano-selenium (SeNP) has attracted attention owing to its antioxidant activity. It can be used to alleviate thyroid disruption by modulating the activity of selenium-containing proteins in the thyroid gland. Our aim is to determine the ability of SeNPs to reverse the effects of the environmental toxicant HCB on thyroid function by assessing thyroid histology, thyroid function tests, lipid profile and antioxidant status. 65-day-old rats were orally administered HCB (50 mg/kg), SeNP (0.05 mg/kg), HCB (50 mg/kg) + SeNP (0.05 mg/kg) or 0.05% aqueous Tween 20 (control) for 90 days. Thyroid function, gland histology and antioxidant levels were evaluated, along with changes in the lipid profile. Experimental data were analyzed using One-way Variance (ANOVA) analysis followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test. Pearson’s correlation analysis assessed the correlation between the various parameters. Results were considered significant at p<0.05. Necrotic lesions and levels of fT3, fT4 and TSH were correlated with the detrimental changes observed due to exposure to HCB. Treatment with SeNP helped in maintaining the normalization of these changes. HCB increases LPO and decreases GSH, CAT, GPx and SOD significantly (p<0.001). A negative correlation between MDA and fT3 (r=−0.86, p= 0.003) was observed in the HCB-treated group. Similarly, GPx and TSH levels were negatively correlated (r=−0.79, p=0.05). TSH levels were negatively and strongly correlated with HDL levels in the SeNP group (r=0.91, p = 0.01). This study suggests that selenium, especially in the nanotized form, can be used to treat thyroid dysfunction caused by exposure to environmental pollutants.
7, 12- Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene: A potent and multivariant Chemical carcinogen
Authors: Mirunalini S. , Susmitha R.
Published: September 2023

Cancer is currently the second major cause of mortality globally. It is a collection of disorders categorized as abnormal cell development which can infiltrate and can spread to countless sections of the body. It has been essentially brought about by genetic and environmental sources mainly, countless patients have impacted by ecological factors like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, many PAHs in the ecosystem are generated from natural factors like direct combustion, petroleum and volcanic activity. Among these, 7,12 dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) has been widely recognized for its capability to induce carcinogenesis in animals and humans. The carcinogenic activity of DMBA indicates the impact of well-differentiated tumors and it is recognized for generating DNA-reactive species that increase the oxidative damage in cells through their metabolism. Additionally, the configuration of DNA adducts and oxidative intermediates acquired from DMBA metabolism impairs prominent cellular activities by harming lipid and protein barriers. DNA adduct is made up of highly reactive intermediates. DMBA-induced cancer displayed higher expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), c-Myc, cyclinD1, activation of upstream regulatory mechanisms and frequent detection of NF-κB pathway components. In this study, we emphasized the growth of several cancers and the kinetic impact of DMBA to probable chemical carcinogenic activities.
In Silico Analysis and Docking Studies on Cystic Fibrosis to identify Potential Drug Candidates
Authors: Verma Nishita , Sengupta Abhishek , Bhatnagar Seema , Narad Priyanka
Published: September 2023

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multi-system autosomal recessive disorder due to defects in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, most commonly affecting the lungs. Despite being thought of as an uncommon ailment, cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common monogenic sickness among those who are mostly of European descent. It is estimated that 1% of people worldwide have a single faulty copy of the CFTR gene. A recent pilot study using NGS technology in 2020 from Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, indicated the prevalence of cystic fibrosis mutations of 1 in 2,000 persons. This is much higher than the earlier estimated prevalence as the disease was rare in the Indian population. The most common mutations are delta F 508 and G551D which are also prevalent in the Indian population. The use of computer-aided drug design (CADD) can reduce the time needed for the discovery, evaluation and structure-optimization of new therapeutic candidates. CADD may be advantageous for pharmaceuticals with logical designs. Multiple breakthroughs have been made in the study of small molecule medicines and natural chemicals for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Seven well-known small-molecule medications that target the CFTR were chosen including Ivacaftor, Lumacaftor, Tezacaftor, Galicaftor, Olacaftor, Navocaftor and Elexacaftor. The natural compounds chosen were Genistein, Curcumin and Resveratrol. They were all docked onto the CFTR target protein and the effectiveness of the therapy was evaluated based on the docking scores. It was also planned to investigate if the combined impacts of these two different kinds of molecules may help in the development of new medications. To achieve this, combinatorial docking was tried using the small molecule market medication and the natural chemical that showed the best interaction with the target protein. Finally, based on molecular docking studies, Lonidamine, a well-known medicinal molecule was used to determine whether it may target cystic fibrosis.
Effect of Titanium dioxide nanoparticles in Enzymatic Activity of Epigeic Earthworm species “Eudrilus eugenia”
Authors: Anitha Kumari P. , Thangam Y.
Published: September 2023

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are commonly used in different industries because of their physico-chemical properties. They are widely used and their environmental occurrence has raised concerns about the potential toxicity as the release of nanoparticles to the soil directly or indirectly through air and water is gradually increasing. The soil is contaminated with nanoparticles in the long term and soil microorganisms can adversely be affected by these accumulated nanoparticles. Studies show that nanoparticles can have a lethal effect on soil microorganisms by causing the production of reactive oxygen species, by damaging the membrane permeability, cell signaling processes and the stability of enzymes and protein structures. In this study, Eudrilus eugenia earthworms were exposed to varying concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles for a specified duration. Enzymatic activity assays were performed to evaluate the impact of nanoparticle exposure on key enzymes involved in antioxidant defense systems such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) detoxification enzymes and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme involved in neurotransmission, was also assessed. The results demonstrated the exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles significantly altered the enzymatic activity of Eudrilus eugenia earthworms. The activity of GPx and GR enzymes exhibited a concentration-dependent decrease (0, 5, 50 and 500 mg/kg), indicating a disruption in antioxidant defense mechanisms. This disruption suggests a potential imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant capacity, leading to oxidative stress. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio significantly decreased under the 500 mg/kg nTiO2 treatment. Also, the activity of AChE was found to be significantly affected by TiO2 nanoparticle exposure, suggesting potential disruption in neurotransmission processes.
Repurposing Know-how for Drug Development: Case Studies from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
Authors: Meier Lukas , Antillon Marina , Burri Christian , Chitnis Nakul , Endriss Yvette , Keiser Jennifer , Moore Sarah , Müller Pie , Penny Melissa , Voss Till S. , Mäser Pascal , Utzinger Jürg
Published: September 2023

In pursuing novel therapeutic solutions, drug discovery and development rely on efficiently utilising existing knowledge and resources. Repurposing know-how, a strategy that capitalises on previously acquired information and expertise, has emerged as a powerful approach to accelerate drug discovery and development processes, often at a fraction of the costs of de novo developments. For 80 years, collaborating within a network of partnerships, the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) has been working along a value chain from innovation to validation and application to combat poverty-related diseases. This article presents an overview of selected know-how repurposing initiatives conducted at Swiss TPH with a particular emphasis on the exploration of drug development pathways in the context of neglected tropical diseases and other infectious diseases of poverty, such as schistosomiasis, malaria and human African trypanosomiasis.
Kelly Chibale: Learning to Fail Your Way to Success
Authors: Meier Lukas
Published: September 2023

A portrait is given of Professor Kelly Chibale, the driving force behind H3D, the drug discovery and development centre at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He is dedicated to the development of new drugs to fight infectious diseases of poverty that are prevalent in Africa, including MMV390048, the first anti-malarial drug ever to be validated in a Phase I trial in Africa. In 2018 he was recognized as one of Fortune magazine’s top 50 ‘World’s Greatest Leaders’.
PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT DALAM PEMBENTUKAN PERATURAN DAERAH BERDASARKAN UU NO. 23 TAHUN 2014
Authors: Patra Rommy
Published: September 2023

The community  has the right to participate in the formulation of legislation, such as the Regional Regulation (Perda). The existence of community participation is an important element that becomes an element that can not be ignored in the implementation of Regional Government in this era of democracy and decentralization. As a legal instrument in the implementation of Regional Government, the Regional Regulation in its formation is expected to be not elitist which is only made by the Head of Region together with the DPRD but also must involve community participation. However, there are still obstacles in community participation in the formation of local regulations caused by factors within the community itself (internal), namely the ability and willingness of the community to participate, as well as external factors, namely the role of formal apparatus and institutions. In addition, there are at least two main issues that arise in the effort to apply community participation, namely: (1) determine the model and process of involvement that matches the policy to be taken; and (2) determine who / what institutions need to be involved. To overcome these obstacles, in order to increase the participation of the community there should be an expansion of access to information and transparency in the formation of local regulations and effective communication between the community and local government and DPRD as institutions that have the authority to form local regulations. Because only with the existence of transparency, participation, communication and accountability in forming local regulation, it can be expected to produce a participative and aspirational regulation with sociological needs of the community.