Literature Data Research Articles (Page 1)

Biopreservation strategies: Can organic acid concentrations be sufficient to predict yeast and mould growth in strawberry purée?

Heat resistance of bacterial spores isolated from plant-based matrices: Consequences for food safety and quality.

Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on sexual health in patients with breast cancer: A network meta-analysis.

Molecular dynamics insights into glycosaminoglycan effects on the extracellular domains of syndecan 2 and 4 dimers.

The role of ammonia in virus inactivation: A systematic and meta-analysis review.

Four new piperidine amide alkaloids from Piper longum fruits and their anti-inflammatory activities.

The Bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata radiata) is a highly adaptive, anthropocentric, and commensal species that inhabits urban habitats with provisioned dietary habits. It is a subject of various scientific studies, particularly concerning its hematological and serum biochemical parameters. However, comprehensive baseline datasets are scarcely available, with existing data mostly derived from lab-maintained animals rather than wild individuals. The objective of this study is to establish reference values for hematological and serum biochemical parameters of Bonnet macaques living in Bengaluru urban ecological conditions with varied dietary habits. The study area lies between 12°58' N and 13°00' N latitude and 77°30' E and 77°40' E longitude. Blood samples were collected with KFD permission from urban macaques across different parts of the city by trained veterinary professionals following all due standard protocols and ethics. The results revealed crucial comparative differences from the available literature data and across age and sex groups. The Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to determine the normal distribution of the dataset, and the results obtained are variable-specific. The established reference values will enable more accurate interpretation of hematological and serum biochemistry values specific to urban macaque populations.

First cross section measurement of the 49Ti(p,x)47Sc nuclear reaction and coproduced 43Sc, 44m,gSc, 46g+mSc, 48Sc, 48V, 43K radionuclides.

The Level of Technophobia Among Older Adults in China in the Context of Digital Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Tris- and tetrakis-iridoids: a review on their occurrence in plants, chemophenetic value and pharmacological activities.

Cross-section evaluation of the therapeutic radionuclide 103Pd: Different production routes using commercial cyclotrons.

PENELOPE dose assessment comparison for 177Lu and 161Tb using paediatric computational phantoms.

60 percent of toilets in India are constructed with an onsite sanitation system (OSS). In the West Bengal (WB) State of India, 78 percent of the urban population is covered with unsewered and OSS systems. There is no detailed study that compares the economic benefits of FSTP in India with those of a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP). This study is done to derive the anticipated outcome and benefits which may be achieved from independent Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTP) concerning economic aspects and control of environmental pollution caused by untreated discharge of Faecal Sludge (FS) and Septage into open ground and water bodies. The study was conducted in an indigenous and unique manner, following rigorous literature reviews and data collection. The study emphasises the immediate implementation of FSTP in each city where an unserved sanitation system exists. To establish an independent FSTP with 100 KLD capacity, it is concluded that the average capital cost (CapEx) for construction and its operation and maintenance cost (OpEx) for 15 years are around INR 106.5 million and INR 330 million, respectively. Considering this, the total CapEx plus OpEx (15 years) incurs around INR 985 per capita for using FSTP. On the other hand, the same approach, using STP, amounts to approximately INR 18,000 per capita, comprising capital expenditure (INR 9,000) and Operational Expenditure (INR 9,000 for 15 years). The economic benefits of adopting FSTP over STP are expected to reach INR 251 billion within the first 15 years. Moreover, end products of FSTPs add resource recovery, control environmental pollution, ensure sustainable development goals and promote a circular economy.

Introduction: Medicinal plant powders are widely used in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Côte d’Ivoire, as accessible alternatives to conventional medicine. However, their informal trade, often lacking sanitary regulation, promotes microbial contamination. This study aimed to identify bacterial species present in medicinal plant powders sold in Abidjan markets and assess their pathogenic and antimicrobial resistance profiles. Methods: One hundred (100) medicinal powder samples were collected from markets across Abidjan. Bacteria were isolated and identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A small amount of bacterial culture is deposited on a target with a chemical matrix and then ionized by a laser. The generated ions are accelerated in a vacuum tube, and their time of flight is measured. The resulting mass spectrum is compared to a database to identify the bacterial species. Pathogenicity was evaluated through an extensive literature review focusing on virulence factors and resistance mechanisms. Results: Seventy-four (74) bacterial isolates representing 16 pathogenic and opportunistic species were identified, including Enterobacter hormaechei (30), Escherichia coli (18), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2), Proteus mirabilis (2), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5), and various Staphylococcus species. Rare isolates such as Cronobacter sakazakii and Alcaligenes faecalis were also detected. Literature data indicate that these species possess multiple virulence factors (biofilm, urease, siderophores, toxins) and exhibit multidrug resistance, particularly to β-lactams (ESBLs, carbapenemases), fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and polymyxins. Conclusion : The presence of bacteria in medicinal powders sold in Abidjan could pose a major health risk to consumers. These results highlight the need to establish strengthened quality control measures and appropriate regulations to protect consumer health.

Diaphragmatic palsy is a rare condition that often mimics the clinical presentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Misdiagnosis leads to prolonged and ineffective use of bronchodilator therapy and oxygen support, which do not influence disease outcomes. This paper presents a clinical case of a patient with post-traumatic relaxation of the left hemidiaphragm who had been treated according to COPD management standards without clinical improvement. Key diagnostic methods, including ultrasound assessment of diaphragmatic thickness and mobility, computed tomography, and spirometry, are discussed, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating these techniques into the routine diagnostic algorithm for patients with chronic dyspnea. Literature data on the prevalence of diaphragmatic dysfunction and the effectiveness of surgical correction compared to conservative therapy are presented.

The persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership positions across diverse global contexts continues to be a significant concern, not merely as a matter of equity but as a reflection of entrenched cultural norms and institutional structures that often constrain women’s leadership aspirations. This study undertakes a comparative investigation between Eastern and Western societies to unravel the multifaceted cultural dynamics that influence women's motivation, access, and progression into leadership roles, drawing on both extensive secondary literature and primary empirical data collected via a structured cross-regional survey of working women. The findings suggest that while cultural expectations are experienced globally, the manifestation and intensity of these expectations vary significantly, with Eastern societies often presenting more rigid traditional gender roles that hinder professional advancement, whereas Western contexts, though more progressive on paper, reveal subtler yet persistent barriers rooted in organizational practices and societal perceptions. Despite these differences, shared structural impediments such as gender stereotypes, limited mentorship, and work-life balance challenges underscore the global nature of the issue. This paper highlights the urgent need for policy reform, organizational transformation, and cultural reconfiguration to foster inclusive leadership ecosystems that recognize and elevate women's leadership potential across geographical and cultural boundaries.

Abstract: Women’s political representation in India has historically remained low, but the situation is even more striking in certain states such as Assam. Despite significant improvements in literacy, civic participation, and grassroots political involvement, women have remained largely underrepresented in the Assam Legislative Assembly from 1952 to 2016. This research paper provides a comprehensive examination of women’s representation in Assam’s legislative politics through a historical, theoretical, and analytical lens. Drawing on secondary research, reports, academic literature, and historical election data, the study tracks women’s electoral participation, the number of women candidates and legislators, and the political, social, and institutional determinants shaping women’s representation. Tables summarizing women’s presence in each Assembly term (1952–2016) are included to offer an empirical foundation. Using a gender and political sociology framework, the paper analyzes the structural, cultural, and economic constraints that have limited women’s political empowerment. It also explores prospects for change arising from education, Panchayati Raj Institutions, civil society activism, and policy reforms. The study concludes that although women’s representation in Assam’s Assembly has shown occasional positive spikes, it remains consistently below 10 percent across decades. Addressing the gap requires systemic institutional reforms, gender-sensitive party structures, socio-economic empowerment, and long-term political training programs.

Purpose This review interrogates global Building Information Modelling (BIM) uptake in public-infrastructure programmes to distil evidence-based lessons and policy levers relevant to South Africa’s Public–Private Partnership (PPP) pipeline. Findings Statutory mandates aligned to ISO 19650, ministerial steering bodies and open-standard deliverables consistently accelerate BIM diffusion and generate cost-accuracy improvements of 5%–10%, carbon savings of 15%–20% and dispute reductions of up to 40%. Conversely, voluntarist policies, SME skills gaps and fragile digital infrastructure fragment value chains. South Africa exhibits all three weaknesses: only 15% of firms produce federated models, and no Treasury directive hard-codes IFC deliverables. Evidence indicates that regional BIM labs, grading-linked competence requirements and incentive-weighted procurement can close these gaps. Research limitations/implications The study relies on published cases, grey literature and proprietary project data were excluded, potentially understating undocumented innovations. Future mixed-methods research on live South African PPPs is required to quantify policy impact. Practical implications Recommendations include amending the PPP Manual to mandate ISO 19650/IFC models, establishing a Treasury-funded Digital Infrastructure Skills Fund, and integrating BIM metrics into CIDB grading and payment schedules. Originality/value The paper synthesises heterogeneous global evidence into a coherent maturity framework and offers the first targeted, policy-ready road-map for BIM diffusion in South Africa’s infrastructure sector.

This study analyzes the issue of gender equality and the role of women in development in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, with a qualitative descriptive approach based on secondary data. The study found that while women's involvement in development is increasing – including the presence of women leaders in local government – there are a number of gender issues, such as lower female labour force participation, limited representation in strategic positions, and cultural norms that hinder equality. The Berau Regency Government has implemented various gender-responsive policies, including gender mainstreaming (PUG) in regional planning through RPJMD and local regulations (Perda and Perbup), as well as innovative programs such as Women-Friendly Villages and Child Care. Through the analysis of the literature and BPS data, this study recommends strengthening the implementation of PUG, increasing women's participation in the public and economic sectors, and disaggregated data-based monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Despite widespread laparoscopic technologies in the treatment of emergency surgical abdominal diseases, there is a large group of patients who require median laparotomy. The authors analyzed modern literature data on median laparotomy closure technique in emergency abdominal surgery. Risk factors of abdominal wall suture failure are described in detail. Characteristics of high and low risks of eventration and postoperative hernia are presented. The rules for abdominal wall closure after median laparotomy in urgent surgery are indicated. The authors emphasized the prospects of synthetic prostheses for additional abdominal wall reinforcement.