bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trypsin Immobilization on Thiol Functionalized Mesoporous Silicas Prepared Using Castor Oil Template
Authors: Mgaya James 
Published: January 2024

Mesoporous thiol modified silicas have been prepared using castor oil as a templating agent. The preparation was done through a co-condensation of 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane and tetraethylorthosilicate in a 1:4 molar ratio. Physisorption studies showed that the prepared mesoporous silicas have an average pore diameter of 9 nm, pore volume of 1.0336 cm3/g and surface areas of up to 605 m2/g. FTIR confirmed the attachment of thiol groups on the surface of the prepared mesoporous silica as evidenced with an absorption band at around 2600 cm. SEM images indicated agglomeration of the prepared particles. The prepared thiol modified silicas were successfully immobilized with trypsin enzyme. The immobilized trypsin enzyme was stable and active for hydrolysis of N-α-benzoyl-DL-arginine-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA) substrate. Re-use studies of the immobilized trypsin showed that the enzyme could be reused up to four cycles without significant loss of activity.
Keywords: Castor oil; Template; Mesoporous silica; Thiol; Trypsin; Enzyme immobilization;
Assessment of Genetic Diversity of the Wild Rice (Oryza longistaminata) Populations in Tanzania Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Mangosongo Hashim , Mneney Emerald , Harvey Jagger , Kyallo Martina 
Published: January 2024

The genetic diversity of 132 samples of the perennial wild rice (Oryza longistaminata) populations from selected districts (Bagamoyo, Kibaha, Kilombero and Mbarali) in Tanzania was evaluated using twenty eight microsatellite markers. Genomic DNA was extracted using standard protocols. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was carried out in a total reaction volume of 10 μL, using Touchdown protocol. It was found that all 28 microsatellite markers generated polymorphic patterns, with average Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) value of 0.631. Moreover, a total of 243 alleles were detected by the 28 markers, with average of 8.68 alleles per marker. The percentages of genetic variations among and within populations were 10% and 90%, respectively, implying that there was more gene flow among populations than within populations. Furthermore, the O. longistaminata population from Kilombero had highest genetic diversity followed by population from Mbarali, while the lowest genetic diversity was recorded in the population from Kibaha. Generally the populations from Kilombero, Mbarali and Bagamoyo were found to have relatively high genetic diversity, hence have potential to be used in rice breeding. In situ conservation of this species is recommended, and it can be achieved by conserving all areas which harbour populations with high levels of genetic diversity.
Keywords: Genetic diversity; Microsatellites; SSR Markers; Oryza longistaminata; Wild rice;
Total and Available Fluoride Content in Toothpastes Sold in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Ndoile Monica 
Published: January 2024

A total of eleven (11) different toothpaste brands (imported and manufactured in Tanzania) sold in Dar es Salaam were evaluated for Total Fluoride (TF) and Total Soluble Fluoride (TSF) concentrations. To protect the subject’s identity, the samples were coded. Four selected toothpastes were analyzed for potentially bioavailable fluoride by examining the relationship between TSF in tooth brushing residues and in that of the toothpaste. The results indicated that measured TF of the toothpaste samples coded as TPSA, TPSC and TPSH were consistent to the one declared by the manufacturers. On the other hand, samples coded as TPSB, TPSD, TPSE, TPSF, TPSG, TPSI, TPSJ and TPSK showed discrepancies between TF declared by the manufacturers and the measured amounts. Generally, measured TSF in majority of the tested toothpastes were above the minimum required amount for dental caries prevention (≥1000 ppm). Toothpastes with amounts below minimum were, TPSF (TF = 310 ppm and TSF = 305 ppm); TPSG (TF = 350 ppm and TSF = 340 ppm); TPSI (TF = 20 ppm and TSF = 17 ppm). Significant correlations were observed between TSF in toothpastes and in that of brushing residues (r = 0.850; p = 0.0001). These findings indicate that TSF concentration that is chemically available in toothpastes could be used to estimate how much fluoride would be bioavailable during brushing. On the other hand, the necessity for the development of strict regulatory measures on amounts of fluoride concentrations in toothpastes sold in Dar es Salaam is recommended for effective caries control.
Keywords: Toothpaste; Fluoride ion electrode; Available fluoride; Total fluoride; Dentifrice; Dental caries
Improved Image Quality in Digital Mammography Using Anti-Scatter Grids
Authors: Omondi Samson , Msaki Peter , Kazema Ramadhan , Lugendo Innocent 
Published: January 2024

Curability and effective management of breast cancer are dependent on its early detection. Early diagnosis strategies focus on providing timely access to breast cancer treatments by reducing barriers and improving access to effective early diagnosis. Mammography is the screening method of choice but suffers from degrading effects of scatter photons obstructing visualization of ductal carcinoma in situ and micro-calcifications in the breast. Quantitative evaluation of scatter suppression by anti-scatter grid using the beam stopper method has been investigated. Breast tissue equivalent phantom, polymethyl methacrylate was evaluated at X-ray mammographic nominal energy ranges. The anti-scatter grid used had aluminium interspace material and carbon fibre covers with varying grid features. Transmitted scatter and primary photon to the detector was analysed and evaluated. A scintillator type detector–model a Dexela 2315 MAM of size 290.8 ×229.8 mm having a resolution of 3072×3888 pixels was used. Transmitted scatter values in the range of 0.123 to 0.243 across the polymethyl methacrylate thickness of 10 mm to 80 mm were observed, whereas transmitted primary values recorded ranged from 0.713 to 0.495. Object, anti-scatter grid and X-ray energy exposure factors influenced the scatter fraction significantly. Improved mammography images showed significant improvements with this scatter reduction method using anti-scatter grid.
Keywords: Digital mammography; Anti-scatter grids; Breast screening; Scatter image artifacts; Beam stopper method;
Indication of Hyperhomocysteinemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Cardiovascular Complications
Authors: Sardar Afsheen , Mahmood Alam Junaid , Hussain Amna , Mahmood Syed Riaz , Maqsood Ansari  
Published: January 2024

Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the prominent causes of mortality in cases of chronic Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and necessitates improving risk categorization. There are few available biomarkers that can assess preceding or current glycemic and cardiac status, but not prognosis. Serum homocysteine (Hcy) has been indicated and reported to be a likely biomarker that can detect cardiovascular complication in patients with T2DM. Methodology Present study details the comparative analysis of several biochemical and metabolic biomarkers including Hcy in T2DM patients with and without CVD complications. A total of eighty patients, n = 40 each in T2DM with CVD and T2DM without CVD, were included in the study. Patient’s preparation, blood sample collection and analyses of all biochemical, metabolic markers including Hcy were performed as per standard protocols. One way ANOVA was used for independent measures including Tukey HSD with level of significance at P< 0.05. Results Indication of hyperhomocysteinemia, was significantly apparent in patients with T2DM who have CVD, as compared to those with T2DM without CVD. All other biochemical and metabolic parameters manifested marked significant (P< 0.00001) elevations, which was more perceptible in T2DM CVD as compared to T2DM non CVD. Clinical relevance of high Hcy in blood in patients with T2DM CVD thus suggested being prominent risk factor for proceeding renal and cardiac complications.
Analysis of Mucosal- Associated Invariant T Cell Levels And Their Correlation With Tumor Immune Status In Patients With Brain Tumors
Authors: Latif Barha , Hafiz Muhammad Haseeb Khaliq  , Asad Ullah  , Khawar Anwar  , Arshad Adnan 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Primary brain tumors refer to a heterogeneous group of tumors arising from cells within the CNS, and can be benign or malignant. In recent years, experimental evidence suggests that, despite the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and lack of discrete lymphoid tissue, there are immunocompetent cells (TILs-Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) within the brain parenchyma. Many of these cells are T-Lymphocytes known as CD8+ Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, which proliferate with stimulation, and are cytotoxic to tumor cells in vitro. To evaluate the frequency of unconventional MAIT cells in the setting of brain tumors by expression analysis of their three defining markers CD3D, KLRB1 (CD161) and a TCR a-chain variant Va7.2 (TRAV1-2 gene). Methodology: The study involved collecting EDTA blood samples and fresh brain tissue biopsies from selected population followed by RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis for measurement of relative expression analysis in blood and tissues samples. Expression data was generated by semi-quantitative real time PCR. Results: The outcome of this study demonstrated higher expression level of CD3D, KLRB1 (CD161) and a TCR a-chain variant Va7.2 (TRAV1-2 gene) in the blood of patients compared to the tissue samples showed little to no transmigration of these MAIT cells in the diseased tissues. Also, the expression of genes under-investigation was observed decreasing in both blood and tissue samples with the progression of tumor. Conclusion: MAIT cells might undergo depletion in the tumor micro-environment due to chronic activation induced exhaustion of these cells.
The Impact of Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Trust on Customer Loyalty among BRILink Agents in North Sumatra
Authors: Firmansyah Fandi , Sugiat Maria , Yunita Irni 
Published: January 2024

Abstract.

The shift of business into the digital era demands the banking industry to innovate in serving customers. One of the innovations by PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia is the e-channel service named Brilink, which is spread across all regions. Local entrepreneurs are appointed as Brilink agents with the aim of providing banking services to individuals who are not yet served by banks, both unbanked and unbankable as stipulated in Article 16 of POJK No. 19/POJK.03/2014. Public distrust towards Brilink agents is attributed to the quality of service provided by these agents, which does not align with BRI's service standards, particularly in utilizing the Brilink application. Therefore, this research aims to examine the influence of the service quality, customer satisfaction, and trust variables on customer loyalty at Brilink agents in North Sumatra, Indonesia. This study employs a quantitative approach with a sample size of 400 respondent customers of Brilink agents. The research offers insights into the role of Brilink agents in marketing products, thus facilitating their understanding and utilization by customers. Furthermore, it holds social benefits in enhancing financial literacy and inclusion among the population in North Sumatra, ultimately contributing to welfare improvement and economic growth.
Keywords: service quality, customer satisfaction, trust, customer loyalty.
Planning and Implementation of Event Marketing in Sociopreneurship
Authors: Evanthi Ayundha , Mukti Azhar Ratih 
Published: January 2024

Growing in popularity and garnering a lot of public attention right now is social entrepreneurship, which has the ability to lessen societal problems and enhance people's quality of life. Social entrepreneurs can utilize event marketing to enhance event experiences and boost behavioral intention. The purpose of this study is to outline the components of implementation, restrictions, and planning. Using participant observation approach methodologies, interviewing techniques, descriptive qualitative kinds, and source triangulation as a measure of data validity, this study examines the marketing of CIS (Creative Inclusion Sociopreneurship) events. The study's findings demonstrate how social entrepreneurship-focused events improve guests' event experiences through event marketing, where customers engage with brands and provide value. Events give customers the ability to directly engage with brand reality. Consumers help create the experience, thus through event marketing, the business should give them access to an engaging environment where experiences can occur. Event marketing is not only an idea; it needs to be put into practice. This study also indicates that intention and implementation are related, with the event influencing the intention to suggest and revisit the event as well as the desire to feel satisfied with the experience. The organizer of the sociopreneurship marketing event must assemble comprehensive planning and implementation recording that is clear, comprehensive, and includes all necessary information for pre-, main-, and post-event marketing.
Bacteriological Contamination Level of Foods and Water Sold With Escherichia Coli, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus Aureus, Coliforms and Vibrio Cholera in Food Establishments in Nairobi City Kenya
Authors: Kinyua Peter , Gicheru Michael , Mugo Judy , Gitahi Nduhiu 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Food borne illnesses are major health burden leading to high morbidity and mortality. It is a growing public health concerns worldwide resulting from food and water contaminated by pathogenic microorganism, toxins or chemical hazards. It is estimated that 10 to 20% of food borne illness are contracted from food establishments. The main aim was to determine bacteriological contamination levels of foods and water sold with Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, coliforms and Vibrio cholerae in food establishments in Embakasi South Nairobi City County Kenya.
Methodology: The study design was descriptive analytical design. The Samples were collected in selected food establishments (Cafeteria, Hotels, Restaurants and food Kiosks) in Embakasi South Sub county Nairobi City County. The study collected 274 samples of food and water randomly sampled and collected using sterile food bags and water bottles within selected establishments and transported to the laboratory in cool boxes packed with ice packs. The samples were analyzed within 6 hours after collection. Microbiological analysis of food and water were borrowed from WHO and bacteriological analytical manual of foods to identify and isolate coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholera, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.
Results: It was found that some foods and water sold and consumed in the selected food establishments was contaminated with food borne microorganisms. Escherichia coli isolated in 137 food samples were at 24.1%, Vibrio cholera at 23.4%, Staphylococcus aureus at 32.8%, and Salmonella spp at 4.4%. Total coliforms detected in 137 samples of water were at 43.8% where 32.8% of them were Escherichia coli.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study concluded there was high level of bacterial contamination of foods and water consumed in selected foods establishments. Nairobi City County health officers should enhance regular sampling of foods and water for microbial quality, health education on sources of food contamination at food eateries and establishments to prevent food and water contamination which later lead to food borne illness outbreak.
Innovación en la función pública: gestión basada en datos, ecosistemas productivos, sectores impulsores y el optimizador
Authors: Alvarado Osvaldo , Fonseca Jhon 
Published: January 2024

El artículo pretende entender los requerimientos de los ecosistemas productivos e identificar elementos clave para el surgimiento y éxito de empresas o sectores en regiones específicas, a través del uso eficiente de cada área en contraste con las características de las regiones y comunidades, y la identificación de áreas propicias para el desarrollo sectorial. También aborda la implementación de políticas públicas, para priorizar el "rescate del talento" como catalizador de efectos positivos más amplios, inclusive la innovación y el desarrollo sostenible. La metodología utilizada incluye una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica para conocer los tratamientos previos de los ecosistemas productivos. Se presenta el Optimizador de Ecosistemas Productivos (Opt-EP), un algoritmo heurístico basado en Monte Carlo que identifica actividades productivas con alto potencial e impacto en una región. Los resultados presentan a Opt-EP como una herramienta avanzada de inteligencia artificial especializada en analizar el "ADN Productivo" de las regiones. Mediante algoritmos heurísticos, Opt-EP profundiza en las dinámicas socioeconómicas, culturales, medioambientales y económicas, descomponiendo las medidas para obtener una visión más detallada. La integración del concepto de ADN Productivo proporciona una base sólida para diseñar políticas públicas adaptadas a las características únicas de cada región, subrayando la importancia de identificar y nutrir las capacidades intrínsecas de cada zona para lograr un desarrollo económico auténtico y sostenible.
FORMACIÓN ÉTICA DEL CONTADOR EN LA FACULTAD DE ADMINISTRACIÓN DE EMPRESAS Y CONTABILIDAD, UNIVERSIDAD DE PANAMÁ
Authors: Martínez De León Viodelda Isaura , Serracín Conte Aixa Elizabeth 
Published: January 2024

Este artículo tiene como propósito exponer los conceptos teóricos de la ética profesional y la relevancia que ésta tiene en la formación del futuro Contador Público Autorizado en nuestro país. Adicionalmente, presentamos la opinión emitida por los discentes de la Licenciatura en Contabilidad y Contabilidad y Auditoría de la Facultad de Administración de Empresas y Contabilidad (FAECO) de la Universidad de Panamá. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de la temática planteada, incluyendo los contenidos de las asignaturas del pénsum académico que imparte la FAECO, al igual que se aplicó una encuesta que contenía preguntas abiertas y cerradas efectuadas a una muestra aleatoria de estudiantes de cuarto año diurno y vespertino y sexto nocturno de ambas licenciaturas del periodo lectivo 2023. Los resultados mostraron que los estudiantes no cuentan con conocimientos sólidos sobre la ética; de igual manera desconocen los valores que deben practicar conforme lo establecido en el plan curricular y en el código de ética que rige su carrera. Concluimos que la FAECO no ha logrado sus objetivos respecto a la formación ética de los estudiantes de ambas licenciaturas, por lo que se debe considerar incluir una asignatura de ética profesional en la estructura curricular de tal forma que permita preparar a los estudiantes en valores para que puedan enfrentarse a los retos y desafíos que la sociedad les impone.
Análisis del Nivel de Satisfacción de Un Grupo de Usuarios del Transporte Público en la Provincia de Panamá Oeste, 2023
Authors: Díaz Sánchez Mónica Isabel 
Published: January 2024

El análisis del nivel de satisfacción de los usuarios del transporte público es un tema de gran importancia para las ciudades en todo el mundo. Con la creciente población urbana y el aumento de la congestión del tráfico, es fundamental que los sistemas de transporte público satisfagan las necesidades de los usuarios. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar el nivel de satisfacción de un grupo de usuarios del transporte público en la provincia de Panamá Oeste. El desarrollo del estudio se realizó mediante una metodología descriptiva porque se hace énfasis en el análisis de datos a través de la descripción (gráficos y medidas de tendencia central); para identificar la percepción del usuario. Esta investigación es de corte transversal, haciendo referencia a un periodo específico del año, obteniendo información secundaria de documentos tales como tesis y artículos científico. Finalmente, la información primaria se obtuvo aplicando un cuestionario a un grupo de 25 usuarios del transporte público de Panamá Oeste. Como resultado se determinó que el trato brindado por los conductores y el estado físico del transporte público son insatisfactorios para el 60% y 64% de los usuarios, respectivamente. Además, el 76% de los usuarios está insatisfecho con el tiempo de llegada. Se concluyo que los usuarios del transporte público en Panamá Oeste pueden enfrentar incomodidad, inseguridad y falta de accesibilidad para personas con discapacidad. Se proponen medidas correctivas para mejorar el acceso, la limpieza y calidad de los vehículos para mejoren la experiencia de los usuarios.
Proceso de Diseño de un Instrumento para Evaluar la Gestión de la Investigación en la Universidad Panameña
Authors: Pérez Marta E. , Tejedor De León Elzebir , Martinez Ramirez Jorge Luis 
Published: January 2024

El objetivo de esta investigación fue la construcción de un instrumento para evaluar la gestión institucional de la investigación en la universidad. Este instrumento ha sido concebido sobre la base de la teoría del benchmarking empresarial, utilizando esta teoría de forma innovadora en el ambiente académico de la educación superior. El benchmarking es una estrategia con efectividad Comprobada, que compara procesos para la mejora de su calidad, existen diferentes tipos. El proceso en sí de modelación y transformación del benchmarking empresarial al académico forma parte de esta investigación, desarrollada en dos etapas: la primera de construcción del instrumento por medio de la técnica DELPHI y el juicio de expertos docentes investigadores y, una segunda, de validación de los ítems que componen el mencionado instrumento a través del Coeficiente de Validación de Contenidos (CVC) de Hernández y Nieto (2002), en adelante CVC. Los expertos también fueron consultados para aprobar el uso de dos instrumentos diseñados por otros autores, propuestos para medir los dos puntos de benchmark en el entorno panameño, es decir, la aptitud y actitud de los estudiantes hacia la investigación.
Se concluye que el instrumento de benchmarking diseñado producto de esta investigación posee las siguientes cualidades: es académico dada la transformación hecha del contexto empresarial de donde surge el benchmarking hacia la educación superior; respetando los principios de la teoría que lo fundamenta. La segunda característica es que es externo, comparativo y colaborativo, implicando que las instituciones que se comparan lo harán de forma voluntaria y con el interés de mejorarse mutuamente. Por último, es funcional porque compara una función en específico: la gestión de la investigación en la universidad. Tiene un enfoque cuali-cuantitativo, tipo instrumental; la población estuvo conformada por ocho (8) docentes investigadores; la técnica para la recolección de los datos estuvo basada en el método DELPHI; el método de análisis de la información se basó en la estadística básica y para la validación de cada items se utilizó el CVC de Hernández (2002). Todo esto dio como resultado un instrumento compuesto por veintiocho (28) ítems, agrupados en tres dimensiones: estructura (16), proceso (10) y resultados de la gestión de la investigación en la universidad (2). Todos los CVC alcanzaron el mínimo de 80 y otros lo superaron (requisito para ser aceptados según la escala del autor).