bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Myth of Zheng He: Kenya-China Encounters in Yvonne Owuor's The Dragonfly Sea
Authors: Yuan Mingqing 
Published: March 2021

The year 2005 marked the 600th anniversary of Zheng He’s first voyage on the Indian Ocean and the 50th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. In the same year Mwamaka Sharifu, a girl from Lamu island in Kenya, also a descendent of sailors of Zheng He’s fleet (1405-1433), was awarded a scholarship to study in her “home country”. In 2019, the novel The Dragonfly Sea by the Kenyan female writer Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, which incorporates the story of Mwamaka Sharifu, was publishedby Alfred A. Knopf. By using the concept of “fictive ethnicity”, proposed by Balibar, and “push back”, as articulated by Ruth Simbao, this paper tries to explore how the history of Zheng He is adopted and narrated to construct, blur or refute boundaries of nation and ethnicity in The Dragonfly Sea. It also investigates how fictional writing, both aesthetically and culturally, intervenes and responds to the dominant discourses surrounding “China-Africa” by exhibiting the ambiguity and nuances within. It shows that an epistemological and discursive fracture exists between Africa and China that leads to a binary construction of the myth of Zheng He, which might be effective to some degree but runs the risk of repeating nation-state and ethnic configurations.
KEY WORDS: ZHENG HE, CHINA-KENYA LITERATURE, FICTIVE ETHNICITY, THE DRAGONFLY SEA
The Democratic Republic of the Congo-China's Deals on Construction of Roads in Exchange of Mines
Authors: Shirambere Philippe Tunamsifu 
Published: March 2021

After 32 years of dictatorship regime and a decade of various armed conflicts, the newly elected DRC government in 2006 was expected to receive US$4 billion from the traditional Western donors for reconstruction and development to help cement peace. Based on the issue of the lack of trust in the public institutions, the West failed to provide its promised aid following its conditionality. Alternatively, Joseph Kabila approached China to secure his cinq chantiers. Without prior conditionality on good- governance and human rights, China agreed to provide its financial support valued at US$ 9 billion in exchange for mines.
Using historical and comparative methods, findings reveal that the Chinese presence in the DRC goes back to the colonial era of the 19th century. The conditionality for financial support seems inadequate for post-conflict countries in need of reconstruction. Also, the Chinese non-interference policy as an alternative to the western approach needs to be transparent.
KEY WORDS: CHINESE POLICY, CINQ CHANTIERS, DRC, MINING DEALS, WESTERN CONDITIONALITY
The impact of Behaviour Change Intervention (BCI) on adolescent HIV risk reduction in selected schools in Northren Malawi
Authors: Mwale M. , Muula A.S. 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: We conducted a study to explore the impact of adolescent exposure to HIV and AIDS behaviour change Interventions (BCI) on their HIV risk reduction and sexual behaviour change in some selected secondary schools in the district of Mzimba, district of Nkhata Bay and Mzuzu city in Northern Malawi.
Methods: We used mixed methods in a descriptive survey design triangulating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, with questionnaires and focus groups as instruments for data collection. Adolescent boys and girls [n = 552], were randomly sampled to participate in the quantitative component. For qualitative focus groups we sampled participants purposively. We analyzed quantitative data through multiple regression analysis. On the other hand qualitative data was analyzed through thematic content analysis.Results: Multiple regression analysis indicated that exposure to BCI did not impact risk reduction [Beta = -.082, p= .053, p > .05]. Qualitative focus group findings showed that proximate correlates such as: early sexual debut, lack of condom use, drug related sex, multiple and concurrent partnerships drive infection. Distal structural factors in socio-cultural, gender disparities and poverty were also noted drivers of sexual risk taking in the study area.Conclusion: Studies aimed to inform HIV prevention through top-down design of models involving primary beneficiaries are vital for the registering of positive outcomes in HIV programming for young people. Apart from identifying factors driving high HIV incidence in the study area, the study informed an intervention to test the efficacy of a risk reduction behavioural model [RRBM] developed and designed with input from adolescent participants.
KEY WORDS: ADOLESCENT, HIV AND AIDS, BEHAVIOUR CHANGE, RISK REDUCTION, MALAWI
The devil is in the detail. Disclosing the impact of religion on the milk system in Ethiopia
Authors: D'Haene Eline 
Published: March 2021

The influence of religion within food systems in developing economies has been understated in scholarly studies. With its different Christian, Islamic, and traditional faiths, Ethiopia offers a promising field for investigating the impact of religion on the milk system, the most important animal protein source in Ethiopian diets. In a first chapter, we investigate how the presence of a religious fasting period influences household milk intake in the country. The second and third chapter explore how milk producers have adapted to the demand seasonality caused by religious fasting practices in two different major milk production areas. In the two final chapters we investigate if and how religious ties facilitate milk transactions. This dissertation concludes that religious fasting practices have a clear impact on milk consumption and production in the country, thereby creating considerable market inefficiencies. Furthermore, we find evidence of market coordination problems along.
KEY WORDS: COORDINATION PROBLEMS, DEMAND SEASONALITY, ETHIOPIA, MILK SYSTEM, RELIGION
The Value of Applying Ethical Principles in Telehealth Practices: Systematic Review
Authors: Keenan Amanda Jane , Tsourtos George , Tieman Jennifer 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAs the use of technology to deliver health services is increasing rapidly and has further intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, these initiatives may fail if ethical impacts are not fully identified and acted upon by practitioners. Ignoring the ethical impacts of information and communication technology health service delivery creates an unintended risk for patients and can lead to reduced effectiveness, noncompliance, and harm, undermining the best intentions of governments and clinicians.ObjectiveOur aim was to explore how ethical considerations or impacts may be different, greater, or more variable in information and communication technology methods versus face-to-face health care delivery models, and how they may be applied in practice.MethodsWe undertook a systemic literature review to provide a critical overview of existing research into the incorporation of ethical principles into telehealth practice. Six databases were searched between March 2016 to May 2016 and again in December 2020 to provide the benefit of currency. A combination of broad terms (“ethics,” “ethical,” “health,” and “care”) with the restrictive terms of “telehealth” and “telemedicine” was used in keyword searches. Thematic analysis and synthesis of each paper was conducted, aligned to the framework developed by Beauchamp and Childress.ResultsFrom the 49 papers reviewed, authors identified or discussed the following ethical principles in relation to telehealth practice: autonomy (69% of authors, 34/49), professional–patient relationship (53% of authors, 26/49), nonmaleficence (41% of authors, 20/49), beneficence (39%, of authors, 19/49), and justice (39% of authors, 19/49).ConclusionsAlthough a small number of studies identified ethical issues associated with telehealth practice and discussed their potential impact on service quality and effectiveness, there is limited research on how ethical principles are incorporated into clinical practice. Several studies proposed frameworks, codes of conduct, or guidelines, but there was little discussion or evidence of how these recommendations are being used to improve ethical telehealth practice.
DEVELOPMENT OF CODI (CO-DRUG INTERACTION) SOFTWARE AS DRUGS PRESCRIPTION ANALYSIS
Authors: TANDAH MUHAMAD RINALDHI , YUSRIADI  , MUKADDAS ALWIYAH , DIANA KHUSNUL , SADEWA AHMAD ANGGARA 
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study intends to design software algorithms, which is called Co-Drug Interaction (CODI), that able to analyse drug interactions in prescription and recommendations for further correction by replacing active substances based on the E-book Drug Interaction Facts and provide drug information features.
Methods: The research used data collection and conversed into programming languages. Java language programme choosed to build the entire application as its considerable free of charge and recognizable interface to use. The reference book is also used to help in prescribing and evaluating the reliability and efficiency of the software.
Result: The evaluations were performed by analyzing 30 groups of medicine based on 2 diseases, which are hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion: The algorithm design and evaluation are in accordance with the planned output.
MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDY BETWEEN 3 THAI MEDICINAL PLANTS COMPOUNDS AND COVID-19 THERAPEUTIC PROTEIN TARGETS: SARS-COV-2 MAIN PROTEASE, ACE-2, AND PAK-1
Authors: ASIH SAFIRA CANDRA , IRDIANI RAFIDHA , SAHLAN MUHAMAD , NASIKIN MOHAMMAD 
Published: March 2021

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate those 3 compounds among 122 Thai natural products by using a molecular docking approach to inhibit Main Protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 (PDB code: 6Y2F), Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)-2 (PDB code: 1R4L), and PAK-1 kinase (PDB code: 5DEW).
Methods: The evaluation was performed on the docking scores calculated using AutoDock Vina as a docking engine and interaction profile analysis through 2-dimensional visualization using LigPlot+. The determination of the docking score was done by selecting the conformation of the ligand that has the lowest binding free energy (best pose).
Result: The results of this study indicate that overall, Panduratin A has the best affinity in inhibiting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, ACE-2, and PAK-1 compared to other compounds.
Conclusion: The three thai medicinal plants compound has the potential to be developed as specific therapeutic agents against COVID-19.
COMPLIANCE TO DRUG USE IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH VARIABLES AFFECTING IN THREE CITIES IN INDONESIA
Authors: MUHLIS MUHAMMAD , KARLINA DEWI , NAMITA MERLI , MARESTA LALA , FEROLIA YOCIKA ESTI 
Published: March 2021

Objective: Patient noncompliance in taking medication is the problem in hypertension therapy. This study aims to describe the compliance to drug use in hypertensive patients in Bengkulu, Banjarmasin, and Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Methods: This study is an observational study using a questionnaire, with a total sample size of 300. Data are analyzed by using bivariate analysis with the chi-square method to see if there is a relationship between compliance and predetermined variables.
Results: The study in three cities showed that there were 0 patients (0%) Low compliance and non-compliance category patients; the compliance category was 91%, 10%, 8%, respectively. High compliance categories were 9%, 90%, 92%. Chi-square test shows that compliance has a significant relationship (*P<0.05) in the three cities on the variable "treatment motivation", other variables that show a significant relationship in the city of Yogyakarta are "drug side effects", "role of health workers", "social support", in Bengkulu is "Therapeutic beliefs", in Banjarmasin is" Knowledge of therapeutic effects ".
Conclusion: All hypertensive patients have good compliance; compliance is significantly associated in all three cities on the variable "treatment motivation."
EFFECT OF FLAVONOIDS ON OXIDATIVE STRESS, APOPTOSIS, AND CELL MARKERS OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD-DERIVED ENDOTHELIAL PROGENITOR CELLS: AN IN VITRO STUDY
Authors: WIDOWATI WAHYU , GUNANEGARA RIMONTA F. , WARGASETIA TERESA LILIANA , KUSUMA HANNA SARI WIDYA , ARUMWARDANA SEILA , WAHYUNI CINTANI DEWI , GIRSANG ERMI , LISTER I NYOMAN EHRICH , GINTING CHRISMIS NOVALINDA , RIZAL RIZAL , BACHTIAR INDRA , MURTI HARRY , KIM YOUNG HO 
Published: March 2021

Objective: Circulating EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) play a role in neovascularization and vascular repair. Oxidative stress impairs endothelial progenitor. Flavonoid is a phytochemical compound for antioxidant activity. Flavonoid effects toward oxidative stress, apoptosis, and expression of the cell markers on EPCs are not fully understood. This study was aimed to elucidate the effects of quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin toward oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell markers of peripheral blood-derived-EPCs.
Methods: EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) using cultivation under EPCs spesific media. Oxidative stress in EPCs was induced by H2O2 and then treated by quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. Cytotoxicity was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, while intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis and characterization of cells, which expressed CD133 and KDR, was measured using flow cytometry.
Results: Quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin at concentration 12.50 µmol/l were not toxic on EPCs as the cells viability were 96.11±4.03%, 95.42±7.75%, and 94.22±9.49%, respectively. Flavonoids decreased intracellular ROS level in EPCs (quercetin: 14.38±1.47%, kaempferol: 20.21±6.25%, and myricetin: 13.88±4.02%) compared to EPCs treated with H2O2 (30.70%±1.04). Percetage of EPCs apoptosis was not significantly different among each treatment. Immunophenotyping showed the increasing of CD133 and KDR expression in EPCs treated with flavonoids.
Conclusion: Quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin were safe for EPCs, decreased ROS levels, and increased CD133 and KDR expression. However, the flavonoids did not significantly affect EPCs apoptosis.
NEPHROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF KIRINYUH (CHROMOLAENA ODORATA L) IN GENTAMICIN INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS
Authors: IDACAHYATI KENI , NURDIANTI LUSI , HUSNI SILVI SIPTANUL , GUSTAMAN FIRMAN , WULANDARI WINDA TRISNA 
Published: March 2021

Objective: The global prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) was 9.1% (697.5 million cases). Chronic kidney disease can occur, one of which is caused by drug nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity remains major problem for its effective long-term clinical use. Gentamicin is known to cause many morphologic, metabolic and functional alterations in the kidney and the specificity of gentamicin nephrotoxicity is related to its accumulation in the renal proximal convoluted tubules leading to tubular necrosis. Nephrotoxicity can be prevented by nephroprotective by giving antioxidants. Kirinyuh leaves (Chromolaena odorata L.) has potential as a nephroprotective because it contains chemical compounds that have antioxidant activity.
Methods: Wistar rats as many as 25 animals were divided into five groups, namely the normal control negative control (gentamicin 60 mg/kg BW rat), and kirinyuh leaf extract at a dose of 225, 450 and 675 mg/kg BW treatment was carried out for 10 d. Serum creatinine and urea levels were evaluated along with histopathological investigation in various experimental groups of rats. Data analysis using the One Way Anova test and continued LSD test.
Results: Serum creatinine was a significant difference between groups P = 0.000 (P<0.05). The results of LSD analysis on creatinine levels showed a significant difference between the normal group and the negative group (P = 0.00); negative group to dose group 1 (P = 0.020) (P<0.05); dose 2 (P = 0.005) (P<0.05); and dose 3 (P = 0.000) (P<0.05). Dose 3 had the lowest creatinine level compared to other dose groups.
Conclusion: Serum creatinine level at dose 675 significantly changes compare by a negative group of other dose groups. Renal histopathology results showed that the group with a dose of 450 mg/BW of rats had the lowest necrosis rate compared to the negative control group and other dose groups.
ANTIPYRETIC ACTIVITY OF CENTELLA (CENTELLA ASIATICA (L.) URBAN) HERB IN VACCINE INDUCED MICE
Authors: SAPTARINI NYI MEKAR , KARTIKAWATI ENDAH 
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study aimed to determine the antipyretic activity of the infusion of centella (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban) herb, based on empirically usage of Indonesian people.
Methods: Antipyretic activity assay was conducted to Swiss-Webster mice, which induced by diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine with paracetamol as positive control.
Results: Centella herb was contained tannins, flavonoids, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, steroids, and saponins. The antipyretic activity of centella infusion has a ratio 1:44.6, compare to paracetamol.
Conclusion: Antipyretic activity of centella herbs was predicted due to its secondary metabolites.
DESIGN AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOSPRAY WITH SELF-NANOEMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM USING SINERGISTIC COMBINATION OF MELASTOMA MALABATHRICUM L. FRACTION AND GENTAMICIN
Authors: PRATIWI LIZA , SARI RAFIKA , APRIDAMAYANTI PRATIWI 
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study aimed to design a formula using Design-Expert software to obtain optimal Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) formulas and to analyze nanospray characteristics of optimal SNEDDS.
Methods: The study began with preparing ethanol extract from Melastoma malabathricum. The extract was then fractionated using ethyl acetate. The formulation design stage began with a solubility test of Melastoma malabathricum fraction and gentamicin (MFG) in various surfactants, co-surfactants and oils. Furthermore, the 14 formula of SNEDDS with various compositions of the selected surfactants, co-surfactants and oils were formulated and evaluated with pH response and emulsification time. Analysis was carried out using Design-Expert software with the simplex lattice design method in order to obtain the optimal formula profile. The pH, emulsification time, particle size, and zeta potential of the nanospray from SNEDDS optimal formulas were physically characterized. Stability of SNEDDS and the nanospray was then tested with freeze-thaw cycling and in vitro diffusion studies with Franz diffusion.
Results: Based on the study, the ratios of optimal formula SNEDDS composition of Tween 80, propylene glycol, and soybean oil were 2.69: 2.64: 1.67 parts. Nanospray with SNEDDS technology had characteristics of pH 5.61±0.16, emulsification time 7.68±0.18, particle size 270.7 nm, and zeta potential-37.20 mV, and it was stable.
Conclusion: Nanospray can be formulated from optimal SNEDDS using Design-Expert software. Nanospray with SNEDDS technology has physical characteristics and is stable. In vitro diffusion studies revealed that the release of Melastoma malabathricum from nanospray was faster than that without preparation.
IBUPROFEN LOADED ORGANOGEL: DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION
Authors: UPADHYAY CHANDRA PRABHA , BHARKATIYA MEENAKSHI 
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study aimed to develop and in vitro characterize an organogel (OG) loaded Ibuprofen.
Methods: Organogel (OG) composed of water, isooctane, sorbitan esters, sorbitan monopalmitate (Span-40), and poly(oxyethylene) sorbitan monostearate (Polysorbate-60) was loaded with Ibuprofen. The partial phase behavior of ibuprofen OG was studied to optimize the formulation composition. 1.0% w/w Ibuprofen loaded OG were characterize for rheological, in vitro release and stability study.
Results: Phase diagram showed an isotropic gel region at low water contents, which converted to emulsion on increasing water quantity. The rheological properties of the OG incorporating 1.0% w/w Ibuprofen shows the presence of two Tg’s and elastic behavior of gel, reflects the presence of an entangled network of aqueous tubules. The fractal dimension df value of 2.1 and 2.3 was obtained for the two curves (elastic and storage modulus), which is indicative of the formation of the densest gel structure. The diffusional release exponent (n) was found to be ~0.7 (0.5<n<1), which is indicative of non-Fickian, anomalous diffusion of the drug from the OG. The in vitro drug release exhibited release @ 7.04%/h 0.7/cm2 from the OG. Ibuprofen containing OG was stable for 28 d in terms of chemical potency and gel stiffness at 4 °C and room temperature (~25 °C).
Conclusion: The study indicates the potential of OG for improved transdermal delivery of Ibuprofen.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SOLID SELF MICRO EMULSIFYING DISPERSIBLE TABLET OF PIROXICAM
Authors: S. H. GIRISH , C. SURABHI , P. SATHISH BABU , S. MEENAKSHI , SIDDARAMAIAH  , K. S. NITHIN , GOWDA D. V. 
Published: March 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to formulate the solid self-micro emulsifying dispersible tablets for promoting the dissolution of Piroxicam.
Methods: Solubility study test was performed to know the solubility of various oil phase, surfactants, cosurfactants. Self-emulsifying grading test was done by visual grading system. Ternary phase diagrams and droplet size analysis test were performed to screen and optimize the Piroxicam-self microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDS). Then microcrystalline cellulose (KG802) was added as a suitable adsorbent and dispersible tablet were prepared by wet granulation compression method.
Results: The final composition of Piroxicam-SMEDS was oil phase (oleic acid, 23%), surfactant (Cremophor R H-40,61%), co-surfactant (PEG-400,16%) based on the result of solubility test, self-emulsifying grading test, droplet size analysis and ternary phase diagrams. Microcrystalline cellulose (KG802) was selected based on dissolution study (98.35%) and added to liquid Piroxicam-Smeds formulation to form dispersible tablets. The in vitro dissolution study showed 98.02 % of drug release from Piroxicam-SMEDS tablets.
Conclusion: Piroxicam–Self microemulsifying dispersible tablets have increased the solubility and bioavailability of the Piroxicam to a greater extent. SMEDS formulation can help the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs.