bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New 1,2,3-Triazole Derivatives of the Chrysin
Flavonoid as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Reddy Chepyala K. , Kedika Bhavani , Noole Venkatagiri , Krishna Thotla , Godeshala Sudhakar , Meraji Seyedehmelika , Rege Kaushal 
Published: March 2021

Background and Objective:
Chrysin and its derivatives proved to possess potential anti-tumour
activity.

Materials and Methods:
A new series of chrysin analogs containing 1,2,3-triazoles with different substituent
groups (5a-5l) was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as potential anticancer agents. The synthesized
compounds were characterized using FT-IR, 1H NMR 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Resulsts:
The anticancer activities of the synthesized compounds were studied in four cancer cell lines viz. PC3,
PC3-PSMA, MCF-7 and UM-UC-3 using doxorubicin as standard. Among all the tested compounds, 5c was
found as most active with IC50 value of 10.8 ± 0.04 μM in PC3 cells and 20.53 ± 0.21 μMin MCF-7 cells,
respectively. Flow cytometry analyses indicated that synthesized compounds 5a, 5c, and 5h arrested MCF-7
cells at the G2/M phase in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion:
Chyrsin derivatives could be novel anticancer agents.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria
Authors: Etieyibo Edwin 
Published: March 2021

This paper employs the conceptual-analytical method to analyse literature and news reports on disabilities, and international legal documents and instruments on human rights and the rights of persons with disabilities to which Nigeria is a signatory. This study is conducted in the context of exclusionary and discriminatory practices against persons with disabilities in Nigeria. The practices and rights that are examined are in the areas of education and accessibility with regard to adults and children with disabilities, work and employment, and the employment or use of children with disabilities in alms-soliciting. The paper’s broad objective in critically discussing these practices is to make a case for why and how they violate the rights of persons with disabilities.
KEY WORDS: DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES, DISABILITY, HUMAN RIGHTS, NIGERIA, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, RIGHTS
Enforceability of Environmental Rights: a Possible Panacea to Man's Environmental Imbroglio - Nigeria's Niger-Delta as a case Study
Authors: Oluwamuyiwa Ojo Olayinka 
Published: March 2021

This research examines the potential of a human rights-based approach to address the environmental problems affecting Nigeria’s Niger Delta and the world at large. This research critically assesses the various environmental legislation and policies in Nigeria, and interrogates why, despite the enactment of an environmental provision in Section 20 of the Constitution, gross environmental injustice has occurred in the country. Further discussion on the methods and strategies that can
be used to guarantee access to the Court, as well as enforcing the right to a healthy environment in Nigeria, despite the current provision of the Constitution, are elucidated. This research argues that a constitutionally enforceable right to a healthy environment, a full implementation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the establishment of Environmental Courts and Tribunals (ECT), comprehensive and quantitative environmental citizen education, as well as the empowerment of environmental NGOs, may be the solution to the environmental challenges currently faced in Nigeria’s Niger Delta as well as the entire country.
KEY WORDS: HUMAN RIGHTS, ENVIRONMENT LAW, SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT, CONSTITUTION, ENFORCEMENT, EXTRATERRITORIAL, INTERNATIONAL LAW, CONVENTION
Assessing Teacher's Beliefs and Practices in relation to the Integration of Grammar and Reading in Foreign Language Teaching in Secondary Schools in Ethiopia
Authors: Chali Gemechis T. , Mouvet Kimberley , Taverniers Miriam 
Published: March 2021

Studies have suggested that teachers’ beliefs have a significant influence in language teaching (e.g., Williams and Burden, 1997), i.e. that teachers’ beliefs will significantly influence their teaching practice. This study examines teachers’ beliefs and practices in relation to the integration of grammar and reading in foreign language teaching. A qualitative research design with Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and observation data gathering tools was employed. The study revealed that teachers hold positive beliefs on teaching grammar and reading in an integrated way, but their beliefs were not reflected in the classroom. The key finding of this paper was that teachers strongly believed in the usefulness of the integration of grammar and reading, but there were difficulties to reflect it in practice. This paper suggests that an alternative technique should be developed on discrete ways of teaching to allow teachers to practise their beliefs either on the existing text or through adapting the textbook. The findings of the study may have important implications for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers and practitioners.
KEY WORDS: TEACHERS’ BELIEFS, TEACHING GRAMMAR AND READING, PRACTICES, INTEGRATED TEACHING
From watchdog to lapdog: political influence of China on news reporting in Malawi
Authors: Nyirongo Mwaona 
Published: March 2021

The arrival of China in Malawi has been characterised by a growing sense of uncertainty among academics who have expressed concern over the intentions of the superpower in the country. There are fears that China would like to extend its influence to Malawi as part of a broader push to increase its influence in global politics and economics. That push is in part exercised through the media. This study analyses the perception of Malawian journalists on news media reports of Chinese activities in Malawi. It uses content analysis to understand how the mediascape had changed from 2001-2007 when China had not yet established diplomatic relations with Malawi, and the period from January 2008-2020 in which diplomatic relations with China have existed. The article examines the shifts in journalistic representations of China in Malawi and develops prompts and probes from which journalist interviews were conducted.
From the content analysis, it appears that from 2001-2007, Malawian media, especially The Daily Times, was very negative about China, uncritically reproducing Western representations of China. This changed after January 2008 when the press leaned towards an acknowledgement of Chinese activities.
Through interviews journalists have indicated that the Chinese government offers certain opportunities such as exchange visits to journalists, making it difficult for them to bite the hand that feeds them. This ‘soft power’ is backed up by the repressive power of the Malawian government that uses intimidation to force journalists to report in their favour, thereby helping to create a positive image for China in Malawi. Journalists report that the significant shifts in journalistic representations of China have been mirrored by changes in the conceptualisation of journalistic roles in Malawi’s mediascape.
KEY WORDS: SOLUTION JOURNALISM, CONSTRUCTIVE JOURNALISM, CHINESE MEDIA, AFRICAN JOURNALISM CULTURE
Efficacy of the Ekiti State Anti-grazing Law. Key Stakeholders' Perspectives
Authors: Olutegbe Nathaniel S. , Ogungbaro Oke O. 
Published: March 2021

The study examines the perceived efficacy of the Ekiti state Anti-grazing Law (EAGL) as a strategy for managing farmers-herders conflict among stakeholders. Quantitative information was obtained from 148 crop farmers and 73 Fulani pastoralists selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure, while a total of five Focus Group Discussion sessions and In-depth Interviews were also conducted. Analyses of results were carried out using frequency counts mean t-test and Tobit regression. A significant proportion (82.4%; 90.4%) of crop farmers and herdsmen, respectively had a high level of knowledge of the EAGL, perceived the EAGL to have substantial limitations (97.3% crop farmers; 100.0% herdsmen) as measures adopted for conflict management, with poor consultation and mobilization of stakeholders as the most rated factor. Also, 70.3% of crop farmers, but only 8.2% of herdsmen rated the efficacy of the EAGL as high. Farmers and herdsmen were significantly different in their perceived limitation (t =12.44) and efficacy (t = 11.84) of the EAGL. Years of experience (β = 0.102), farm size (β = 0.0001), herd size (β = -0.112) and perceived limitation (β = 0.228) and being a crop farmer (β = 6.689) were predictors of the perceived efficacy of the EAGL. A robust stakeholder analysis and engagement is advocated for the sustainable management of conflicts and commons in future interventions.
KEY WORDS: PERCEIVED EFFICACY, CROP FARMERS, HERDSMEN, CONFLICT
ANTI-CHOLOSETEROL ACTIVITIES OF WHITE (RAPHANUS RAPHANISTRUM) AND RED (RAPHANUS SATIVUS) RADISH ROOTS
Authors: YANTIH NOVI , DESTIANA WINDA , PRATAMI DIAH KARTIKA 
Published: March 2021

Objective: The purpose of this research is to explore the in vitro activities of white (Raphanus raphanistrum) and red (Raphanus sativus) radish root ethanol extract in decreasing cholesterol levels.
Methods: Ultrasonification method was used in obtaining 96% ethanol extract of white and red radish root. The cholesterol levels were analyzed by visible spectrophotometry, which was validated using Lieberman-Buchard reagents. The decreased cholesterol levels were converted into IC50 values.
Results: The results showed that the IC50 of 96% white and red radish root ethanol extracts were 743.7 and 634.7 µg/ml, respectively. The results of statistical analysis using the T-test obtained a significant value greater than the probability value (P) of 0.05.
Conclusion: Therefore, it was concluded that the activities of 96% ethanol extract of white and red radish roots did not have a significant ability to reduce the in vitro cholesterol levels.
THE QUALITY PARAMETERS, TOTAL FLAVONOIDS DETERMINATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY COMPOUND OF ANDALIMAN FRUIT ANDALIMAN FRUIT (ZANTHOXYLUM ACANTHOPODIUM DC.) EXTRACT
Authors: FARIDA YUNAHARA , AZELA WIDI , LESTAR MEGA ELOK , PRATAMI DIAH KARTIKA 
Published: March 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical compound of the antioxidant activity of the extract from andaliman fruit (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) and the quality parameters and the total flavonoid determination of the highest antioxidant activity.
Methods: The andaliman fruits were extracted using a solvent such as n-hexane, ethyl acetate and 70% ethanol obtained extracts, follow the antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The quality parameters and total flavonoid determination were performed from highest antioxidant activity. Fractionated was done using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) with the mobile phase chloroform-methanol (9:1 ~1:9). Purification with Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) preparative, identification using UV-spectrophotometry, FTIR, Gas chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis.
Results: The 70% of ethanol has the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 value 84.11±0.47 ppm; the quality parameters in this study meet the quality requirements, both specific and nonspecific parameters. Total flavonoid content of the 70% ethanol extract was 2.37±0.02%. The results of the GCMS studies showed the presence of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester; squalene, methyl palmitate, methyl isopalmitate, n-tetracosanol-1 and 4-isopropyl chalcone.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the 70% ethanol extracts of andaliman fruits contains 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester; squalene, methyl palmitate, methyl isopalmitate, n-tetracosanol-1 and 4-isopropyl chalcone have antioxidant activity with IC50 value 51.35 ppm.
ANTIBACTERIAL SUBSTANCE PRODUCED BY A SOIL BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM RHIZOSPHERE OF ZINGIBER OFFICINALE
Authors: SULISTYANI NANIK , MURTI YOSI BAYU , WIDADA JAKA , MUSTOFA  
Published: March 2021

Objective: In our previous study, we have found many isolates of bacteria from Zingiber officinale rhizosphere in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. J4, one of the isolates, has been found to contain metabolites which have antibacterial activity. The active chemical compound was unidentified. This study aims to identify the molecular formula of the active compound which has potential antibacterial activity.
Methods: Identification of selected bacteria (J4 isolate) was based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Extraction of J4 isolate culture broth was carried out using ethyl acetate and followed by fractionation with hexane, chloroform-methanol (7:3), and methanol. The fraction which has antibacterial activity analyzed using IR Spectroscopy and LC-TOF-MS.
Results: BLAST analysis result of the 16S rRNA sequence showed that J4 isolate is Burkholderia sp with 99% similarity. According to the IR spectroscopy examination of the active fraction, there were OH, CH, and carbonyl stretching. LC-TOF-MS analysis showed 5 molecular formulas with m/z of 253, 274, 387 (two formulas), and 404 in the active fraction, but there was one formula with no OH groups.
Conclusion: J4 isolate is a Burkholderia sp. The molecular formula for the antibacterial substance that might be produced by J4 isolate is C6H12N12, C21H29N3O5, C21H26N2O5, C17H22N8O3, and/or C15H35N3O.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT CHITOSAN WITH DIFFERENT DEGREES OF DEACETYLATION BY THE ACID HYDROLYSIS METHOD
Authors: AL-JBOUR NAWZAT D. , BEG M. D. H. , GIMBUN JOLIUS , ALAM A. K. M. MOSHIUL 
Published: March 2021

Objective: The objective of this research is to prepare Low Molecular Weight Chitosan (LMWC) by the acid hydrolysis method, using dilute hydrochloric acid (2M). LMWC has superior properties compared to the High Molecular Weight Chitosan (HMWC), especially in terms of water solubility, antibacterial and antifungal properties. These could open new potential applications for LMWC in sectors such as the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
Methods: In this work, the acid hydrolysis method was used to produce LMWC with different molecular weights starting from 500 kDa and 93% degree of deacetylations (DDA). The molecular weights of the produced grades were determined by applying Mark-Houwink equation while the %DDA was determined and verified by the use of the 1st derivative UV method and 1HNMR method, respectively. The depolymerization reactions were carried out with different time intervals to produce totally deacetylated LMWC of 30 kDa, 15 kDa, and 7.5 kDa. The LMWC was characterized by FTIR, XRD, and DSC to evaluate the functionality, microstructure and thermal properties.
Results: The FTIR spectra revealed that there is no significant difference in the main skeletal structure of the LMWC and HMWC. On the other hand, the XRD and DSC results showed that the LMWC of different molecular weights and degrees of deacetylation are of semi-crystalline structure, similar to the HMWC.
Conclusion: The obtained results showed that the used acid hydrolysis procedure can produce LMWC grades of desired specifications, yields, and quality which are suitable for use in different applications.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF AN ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE AND METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS USING MATRIX SOLID-PHASE DISPERSION COUPLED TO GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY
Authors: PRAPURANDINA NURINA , HARMITA HARMITA , SURYADI HERMAN 
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study was to develop the first simultaneous method for quantification of MI and MCI by using matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) as an extraction technique followed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in cosmetic products to support that law enforcement.
Methods: The MI and MCI were extracted from the cosmetic sample by using matrix solid-phase dispersion technique with alumina as solid sorbent and ethyl acetate as eluent. After being isolated, MI and MCI from the samples were analyzed using GC-MS equipped with DB-5MS capillary column.
Results: The validated method for both leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic showed that MI and MCI recoveries were between 97.87-103.15 %, relative standard deviation (RSD) values were lower than 11%, and limit of quantitation (LOQ) values for the leave-on product were 0.96 µg/ml and 1.95 µg/ml and for rinse-off products were 0.56 µg/ml and 1.49 µg/ml for MI and MCI, respectively.
Conclusion: This purposed analytical method for determining MI and MCI in cosmetic products using MSPD-GC-MS complies with the validation acceptance criteria.
Epilepsy in Dostoevsky’s The Idiot - Language, Stigma, and Mythology
Authors: Shukla Anupama 
Published: March 2021

Around 400 BC, Areatus -- one of Hippocrates’ pupils, proclaimed ‘epilepsy is an illness of various shapes and horrible’. Later, Areatus was also one of the people who called the disease ‘sacred’; according to them, a deity had sent a demon to possess the patient, or the patient had been cursed by the moon. The Hippocratic physicians were among the first to attempt to separate the scientific and the cultural/fictional discourses. However, even till the late nineteenth century, medical narratives were intertwined with the fictional narratives that surrounded epilepsy, and these narratives contributed significantly towards the stigma that has historically been associated with the disease. This paper will examine how medical and non-medical discourses shaped the representation of epilepsy and contributed to the cultural mythology surrounding epilepsy. In the course of this paper, the author will specifically focus on Dostoevsky’s The Idiot, in which the reader sees the author’s personal view of epilepsy, cleverly accommodated into the character of Prince Myshkin, who is surrounded by social stigmatisation. Dostoevsky suffered from epilepsy for a major part of his life, and he maintained detailed accounts of his seizures. His epilepsy had a huge influence on his writings and his perception of the world. Dostoevsky’s epilepsy has been seen as particularly relevant, since being an epileptic himself, his works provide the reader with an insight into the disease which is hard to find elsewhere.
Masculinidades alternativas: un modelo para alcanzar la transformación desde la educación social
Authors: Cardeñosa Iglesias Patricia , Darretxe Urrutxi Leire , Beloki Arizti Nekane 
Published: March 2021

El presente artículo propone unas orientaciones para incorporar el Feminismo y las “masculinidades alternativas” en la acción socioeducativa, llevada a cabo por educadores y educadoras sociales en sus diferentes ámbitos de trabajo. A partir de una revisión teórica sobre el concepto de masculinidades alternativas y su importancia para la transformación de las sociedades, este enfoque de género pone al hombre como principal protagonista, en el camino hacia la igualdad. A través de estas líneas reflexivas plantearemos cómo y de qué manera, el modelo de masculinidad hegemónica construido desde el patriarcado crea una diferencia desigualitaria en función del sexo, posicionando a la mujer en una situación de desventaja permanente y ejerciendo consecuencias negativas también para muchos hombres. Ante esto, enfocaremos las masculinidades alternativas como cuestionadoras de ese modelo, ya que su enfoque crítico, y por lo tanto sus propuestas, son indispensables en toda acción encaminada a la transformación social.
Using a magnesia binder to improve the airproof performance of molded composites
Authors: Stupen Nonna S. , Kaklyugin Alexandr V. , Kastornykh Luybov I. , Kovalenko Viktor V. 
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Water resistance is one of durability criteria of building materials. As a rule, the value of the liquefaction ratio is applied to assess the water resistance. However, even water resistant materials are not always able to withstand cyclical weather impacts that cause linear deformations, reduced strength and cause destruction of building products. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the resistance of building materials, namely, their resistance to alternating humidification and drying (airproof performance). The purpose of this research is to study the producibility of molded composites containing a modified magnesium binder that features higher resistance to weather impacts.
Materials and methods. The magnesium binder was modified by the silica fume and high pressure molding to increase the water resistance and airproof performance of the composites. The influence produced by the modifier on the change in the compressive strength of dried and water-saturated molded composites, liquefaction and airproof performance ratios, as well as linear deformations of the reference specimens were studied following a pre-set number of cycles of alternating wetting and drying.
Results. The water resistance and airproof performance of construction products, containing magnesia binders, may be improved by the micro-silica, added to pressed mixtures, and their compaction by press molding. Compositions of molded composites, containing a modified magnesia binder, were developed for the manufacture of products used to make enclosing structures and for the flooring of rooms having the indoor humidity of over 60 %.
Conclusions. It is established that molded composites containing a modified magnesia binder feature high resistance to alternating wetting and drying. The proposed method of modifying magnesia binders prevents the destruction of molded stone-like materials containing these binders in case of exposure to alternating stresses; it reduces linear deformations and, as a result, decelerates the fatigue failure. The use of a recyclable material as a mineral additive must contribute to the reduction of the cost of products and allow to consider the method of their production as one of the best technologies available.
A system of key indicators enabling the forecasting of changes in the capital costs of a construction project
Authors: Vlasov Dmitry A. , Gabrielov Alexander O. 
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Reduction of project cost overruns is a key objective of Russian production facilities against the background of tightening domestic and international market competition, a spike in the number of projects implemented within the framework of the investment programme, including large strategic investment projects, scarcity and high costs of sources of financing. The mission of this research is to offer an approach to the development of a system of key risk indicators of an construction project that will allow the management team to make decisions ahead of the occurrence of risk-bearing events to reduce cost overruns and to stay within the pre-set budget values in terms of capital costs of a project.
Materials and methods. The co-authors have analyzed currently used approaches, instruments and methods, applicable to the development of the system of key project indicators, and classified project risks using the Ishikawa diagram. Their approach encompasses instruments and methods of the risk theory (identification and assessment of risks and key project indicators), as well as instruments of the regression correlation analysis.
Results. The co-authors present an algorithm for the development of a system of key risk indicators and an approach to the listing of key project indicators broken down by project significance criteria.
Conclusions. The application of the proposed approach to highly significant projects will ensure a detailed project-specific listing of key project indicators applicable to monitor the project implementation. A standard set of instruments and methods, requiring minimal human resources and time, can be applied to other projects. Besides the new approach, the co-authors offer a description of a list of potential key project indicators that enable to forecast changes in capital costs, broken down by risk factors.