Scientific Proof Research Articles

The Outcome of Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the lives of many people worldwide. Patients with chronic underlying morbidities are vulnerable to get the severe form of the infection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a large tertiary center for pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) patients. The primary end point was the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in PAH patients. The secondary end points were investigating the severity and mortality of COVID-19 infection in PAH patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Totally 75 patients were enrolled in the study from December 2019 to October 2021 and 64% were female. The mean ± SD age was 49 ± 16 years. The prevalence of COVID-19 in PAH/chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients was 44%. About 66.7% of patients had comorbidities, which was a prognostic factor for COVID-19 infection in PAH patients (P < 0.001). Fifty-six percent of infected patients were asymptomatic. The most reported symptoms in symptomatic patients were fever (28%) and malaise (29%). Twelve percent of patients were admitted with severe symptoms. The mortality rate in infected individuals was 3.7%. COVID-19 infection in PAH/chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients seems to be associated with high mortality and morbidity. More scientific proof is needed to clarify different aspect of COVID-19 infection in this population.

Medicinal plants of Lesotho: A review of ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and conservation studies

Background: Of the approximately 2,076 plant species occurring in Lesotho, about 355 are used for medicinal purposes. Many communities in the country, mainly in rural areas with limited access to health facilities, rely on traditional medicine as primary healthcare. Several publications provide helpful information on plants used for medicinal purposes in Lesotho. These include documentation of the plants, investigation of their therapeutic potential to provide scientific validation for their use, and conservation status. However, a synthesis of all the studies conducted so far has hitherto not been undertaken. The current study aimed to provide a systematic review of ethnomedicinal, pharmacological, and conservation studies undertaken on medicinal plants of Lesotho. The synthesis brings together published and unpublished literature sources, thus providing a comprehensive database for studies conducted on Lesotho medicinal plants. Furthermore, it identifies existing knowledge gaps on research that has been carried out on the species and thus provides opportunities for further research, especially in the search for new natural products. Methods: Information was gathered from published and unpublished literature sources, with the earliest publication dating back to 1917. Information was gathered through keyword search using accessible literature sources from Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and PubMed. Books, dissertations, theses, technical reports were also searched. Keywords used for the search were Lesotho, in conjunction with medicinal plant and traditional medicine. To be eligible for inclusion in the current review, a literature source was expected to have assessed ethnomedicinal use, biological/pharmacological activity (e.g., antimicrobial activity), phytochemistry, toxicology) or conservation status of any Lesotho plant species used in traditional medicine. Results: A total of 116 records were identified, of which 76 were included in the review. Thirty-one ethnomedicinal, 14 pharmacological (nine antioxidant, three anti-inflammatory, five antimicrobial activities), six phytochemical, and 15 conservation studies on medicinal plants of Lesotho were scrutinized. It is important to note that some studies evaluated more than one pharmacological activity. Ethnomedicinal studies show that numerous plants are used for medicinal purposes in Lesotho, however studies to scientifically validate their traditional use has remained far behind. Conclusion: Many of Lesotho’s important medicinal plants have been assessed for pharmacological activity, providing scientific proof for their use. However, there are numerous gaps in the number and type of pharmacological and phytochemical studies that have been conducted. These gaps offer endless opportunities for researchers working in these fields. In addition, the conservation status for most of these plants is unknown., therefore, a detailed red data listing of Lesotho plants, particularly those used in traditional medicine, is recommended. Keywords: ailments; ethnomedicine; safety; traditional medicine, treatment toxicology

Phytochemical Profiling Using GC-MS, Antioxidant and Antidepressant Properties of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Clerodendrum polycephalum Baker in Swiss Mice

Background: Clerodendrum polycephalum Baker is used by the traditional people in southwest Nigeria for arresting bleeding from cuts and treating bacterial infections especially wound infection without scientific proof of its efficacy. The plant was investigated in animal models for its antidepressant activity in Swiss mice.&#x0D; Methods: The GC-MS, phytochemical analyses, antioxidant activities, tail suspension test, forced swimming test and oxidative stress parameters were determined using standard procedures.&#x0D; Results: A total of 27 compounds were identified consisting of five prominent compounds and 22 minor compounds. The five prominent compounds constitute 63.99% of the Clerodendrum polycephalum Baker plant. The five major compounds and their percentage abundance are: Bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, 2,6,6-trime thyl- (21.36%), Squalene (18.69%), Neophytadiene (10.71%), 2-Tridecanol (6.66%) and 2-Dodecanol (6.57%). The phytochemicals present in the methanolic leaf extract of C polycephalum are: flavonoids, steroid, tannins, saponins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, terpenoids, anthocyanin, phenolic compounds and carbohydrate The extract has the ability to scavenge DPPH activity and it contains other components like: total proanthocyanidine (1.369±0.184), flavonoids (2.4%), β-Carotene (0.1336± 0.45 µg) and lycopene (0.0340±0.053µg/g). The antidepressant result showed robust and dose-dependent antidepressant-like activity of Clerodendrum polycephalum Baker. There are statistically significant (P&lt;0.0001) reductions in the duration of immobility time both in the tail suspension and forced swimming test. Clerodendrum polycephalum extract produced significant (P&lt;0.0001-0.0044) increase in total protein of the plasma, liver and kidney homogenate of the treated groups (Group C, D and E) compared to the untreated mice in group B. The level of antioxidant parameter such as catalase, and superoxide dismutase were significant increased (P&lt;0.0001) and MDA values significantly reduce (P&lt;0.0001-0.0014) in the treated groups administered with the extract and imipramine compared to the untreated mice in group B. &#x0D; Conclusion: The results show that methanolic leaf extract of the Clerodendrum polycephalum Baker has potential antioxidant and antidepressant activities and further studies should be conducted to identify, isolate and evaluate its potential active compound responsible for such effect.

The Modern Scientific Proofs and their Authenticity in Criminal Evidence: Literature Review

This research seeks to review the growing literature on modern criminal evidence and the role of technological advancement in forensic science. We reviewed 114 forensic science studies based on a systematic literature review approach. The studies provide supporting evidence that technological advancement has permitted improved progress on modern criminal evidence. The analysis cybercrime and related offenses pose a global danger to many private and corporate entities around the world. Some nations (e.g., Algeria) have adopted the notion of proof-free prosecution, which means that there is no exception to the rule in modern criminal legislation comparison as a result of the necessity to adapt and cope with changes in all parts of one's existence. Also, conventional crimes, such as fraud and money laundering, have been creatively changed into new forms by the rising popularity of the Internet. Fruitful directions for further studies and implications for policymakers were discussed.

TOPONYMIC ETYMOLOGIES BETWEEN DOCUMENTARY SOURCES AND POPULAR BELIEFS. ANALYSIS BASED ON MDTM1-2

Far from being accepted as etymological solutions in toponymy, folk etymologies, passed down from one generation to the next in the form of etiological legends and historical traditions, represent the manner in which collective consciousness provides explanations for the formation of place names in the absence of any scientific proof. Historical figures, whether attested or not, various characters created by folk imagination, entities endowed with beneficial or evil powers are often invoked to respond to people’s natural curiosity as to who or what was behind an original name of place. These etiological legends and historical traditions have thus an explanatory function, yet their implausibility lies in the lack of knowledge or the ignorance of the correct etymon of place names, in the local community’s attempt to decipher toponymic “enigmas” without being aware of the historical-geographical and linguistic context in which a certain place was named.

APPLICATION OF THE FUZZY SET METHOD FOR THE SELECTION OF ENTERPRISE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS CONSIDERING STAKEHOLDERS’ OPINIONS

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to improve the theoretical and methodological foundations of sustainable development management introduced into an enterprise environment for achieving SDG 2030 by creating scientific proofs of the best choice among sustainable development projects taking into account the stakeholders’ opinions and applying fuzzy set method. Design/methodology/approach. In the article, the authors used the literature review method in order to support the idea of topicality of sustainable development of enterprises and reveal the high relevance of the study of sustainable development project choice by means of fuzzy logic method. To achieve the goal, the article used general scientific methods that ensured the integrity of the research, in particular: methods of theoretical generalization and abstraction – for systematization of scientific results and formulation of conclusions; structural analysis, grouping and combination of features of the investigated objects – to identify groups of stakeholders of the sustainable development of the enterprise. A special method of fuzzy sets was used to adapt the vague and subjective judgments of stakeholders on the value of sustainable development projects to the process of managerial decision-making regarding the selection of sustainable development projects. Findings. The sustainable development of the enterprise is limited or does not meet the global goals of sustainable development until 2030, if the opinion of a wide range of stakeholders is not taken into account during the implementation of social and environmental projects. Sustainable development concept of the balanced stakeholders’ interests rather than social, economic and environmental areas is discussed. Projects for the sustainable development of the enterprise are to be selected on the basis of the information obtained from external and internal participants in relation to the enterprise who act in socio-economic environment. The information base regarding the opinion of stakeholders on the value of a sustainable development project for them can be shaped as fuzzy variables, giving respondents the option to express subjective, ambiguous, evaluative judgments instead of unambiguous and formalized ones, which will increase the quality of decisionmaking on the selection of sustainable development projects implemented by an enterprise. Practical implications. The study provides managers of an enterprise with the tools of making choice among sustainable development projects that is guided not only by managerial views on the enterprise profitability but also external stakeholders’ vague and subjective judgments on sustainable development project value. The paper opens the concept of stakeholders involved into decision-making that can be used by an enterprise for enhancing its image as one with corporate social responsibility excellence. Originality/value. This study highlights the case that is an evidence of the presence of an alternative stakeholders’ opinion causing the problem of choosing sustainable development projects of the enterprise. The research outlines three types of stakeholders, whose judgments should be taken into account when choosing projects for the sustainable development of an enterprise. A universal indicator of a sustainable development project implemented by an enterprise, in relation to which an information base of evaluative judgments of stakeholders should be formed, is determined. The study proposes fuzzy variables for the selection of enterprise sustainable development projects based on fuzzy logic.

Myths and facts about drug policy formulation

The fourth study, produced by Débora Medeiros and Luís Fernando Tófoli, analyzes myths and facts that permeate the debate on drug policies. In the December 2018 essay, the authors seek scientific proof to assess the beliefs that comprise the prohibitionist paradigm, the ideology of the war on drugs, and other conventional wisdom. Based on this evidence, the authors demonstrate the negative impacts of these ideas and the need to review prohibitionist policies.

Visualizing the Virus. The Use of Data Visualizations in COVID-19 Documentaries

This contribution will examine different communicative and narrative strategies adopted by some documentary productions in order to visualize something invisible, like the virus and its effects. Through the case studies I will take into account, my intent is to reflect upon the pandemic narration, which replaces or alternates the photographic realism of the images of pain and suffering, intended as scientific and incontrovertible proof of the virus manifestation, with a modernist narrative, mixing interviews with infographic material, maps, dashboards, photomicrographs, and computer graphics animations. Despite their profound mediation by software that makes pictures out of numbers, these informatic images, reported daily in news channels and broadcasts as well, besides shaping the relationships between scientific research, documentary, and its explanatory and pedagogical power to narrate, reconfigure the collective imagination of the pandemic in a bioinformation era.

Application of Jeevamrit Improves Soil Properties in Zero Budget Natural Farming Fields

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), utilizing natural resources, multiple cropping systems, and cow-dung- and urine-based products to improve soil biology, has been practiced by thousands of farmers in India. However, without any scientific proof, this traditional and ancient technique is mocked as a bugged theory in the scientific community. In the current study, we have investigated the effect of Jeevamrit—cow-dung- and urine-based formulation—on soil chemical and microbial properties of the ZBNF field coupled with metagenomic analysis and the economics of ZBNF. The percentage increase in soil properties, such as organic carbon, available phosphorus, and available potassium, was recorded up to 46%, 439%, and 142%, respectively, while micronutrients, such as Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn, also increased up to 98%, 23%, 62%, and 55%, respectively, from 2017 to 2019. Whole genome metagenomic analysis revealed that Proteobacteria were dominantly present, and bacterial phyla including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, and Panibacillus. On the other hand, Ascomycota was the dominating fungal phyla present in the soil sample. Further, functional analysis showed a high representation of genes/enzymes involved in amino acids and carbohydrate metabolism contributing to soil fertility, plant growth, defense, and development. Additionally, the cost–benefit ratio of ZBNF was double the farmer’s practice when tested with the rice and wheat cropping system. The results from this study provide a new proof of concept and understanding of the potential of the ZBNF component, i.e., Jeevamrit, in improving soil properties.

Advantages and limitations of monolithic zirconia restorations

Due to their biocompatible nature and advantageous mechanical characteristics, zirconia treatments have been utilized effectively in by dentists for many decades. A zirconia core is typically veneered with porcelain as they are not translucent, which renders treatments poorer since the bonding between the two substances fails. All-ceramic zirconia treatments have recently been made available in the dentistry market in an effort to address this issue. In addition to the absence of chipping, monolithic zirconia (MZ) fillings appear to have the benefit of requiring less occlusal room. To advocate this comparatively recent approach for restorative therapy, however, requires scientific proof. MZ could be the optimum material for rear fixed partial prostheses in the case of powerful occlusal pressures and little occlusal restorative room, according to the findings of in vitro investigations. To come to a clear consensus, the findings should be validated by many more in vivo and especially in vitro investigations.

Carbohydrate digestive enzyme inhibition, hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antidiabetic benefits of Persea americana

The medicinal use of Persea americana in the treatment of some diseases like hypertension, diabetes, is often with dearth of supporting scientific proof. Thus, we evaluated its ethnomedicinal benefits for possible scientific justification. Thirty healthy Wistar rats were randomly grouped in fives. Alloxan was used to induce diabetes in the rats in groups II to VI. The diabetic rats in group II were treated with glibenclamide, while those in group III were not treated. Also, the diabetic rats in groups IV to VI were treated with the ethanol extracts of the stem bark, leaf, and root of P. americana respectively. The parts of P. americana comparatively possess highest amounts of phenols (250.50 ± 0.68—bark), saponin (436.80 ± 3.76—leaf), flavonoid (382.80 ± 0.67—leaf) and tannins (58.34 ± 0.09—root). The extracts exhibited high reducing property (FRAP and total reducing), as well as high ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging ability. The enzyme (alpha-glycosidase and alpha-amylase) inhibitory activity of P. americana increases with increasing concentration of the extracts. Administration of methanol extracts of P. americana bark, leaf and root to alloxan-induced diabetic rats resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decreases in AST, ALP, ALT, Total bilirubin, LPO, plasma glucose and significant (P < 0.05) increases in GSH, CAT and SOD. These effects were like that of glibenclamide. The enzyme inhibitory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of P. americana are some of the benefits derived from its consumption and ethnomedicinal use.

Трансцендентальная дедукция категорий как философское доказательство

My aim is to reconstruct the basic steps and the fundamental idea of Kant’s transcendental deduction of categories as well as Hegel’s interpretation and reframing of Kant’s idea. Hegel’s reading is crucial for two reasons: first, for fixing the basic form of the Kant­ian argument and secondly, for understanding its metaphilosophical relevance. For Hegel, philosophical proof has a specific nature, which distinguishes it from scientific proof and brings it closer to a juridical one. In this perspective the transcendental deduction, which is universally considered one of the most difficult chapters in the history of philosophy, reveals itself as the genuine clarification of specifically philosophical proof. I first present the idea of Kant’s transcendental deduction in the Critique of Pure Reason as well as its Hegelian reading in the Science of Logic and reformulation as the very method of philosophy in the Philo­sophy of Right. I show what in the Kantian argumentation constituted the basis for Hegel’s own interpretation and transformation. In so doing, I highlight a ‘red thread’ between the two ideas of the transcendental deduction. I conclude by proposing a formal account of Kant’s and Hegel’s ideas and by summing up the main metaphilosophical insights we can gain from Kant’s idea and its Hegelian interpretation.

Enhancing advertising effectiveness through influencers and parasocial connections

The subject of advertising effectiveness has been the topic of research and a debate matter for decades. In order to reach their goals, advertisers have always relied on the latest technical developments. With the proliferation of social media, one of such developments are online influencers. Influencer advertising has become one of the most important sales channels that leverages the power of parasocial connections. Parasocial connections allow for the influencers to be perceived not as sales people, but ‘friends'. However, the data that shows the effectiveness of influencer advertising often comes in the forms of statistics accumulated by the marketing agencies. Furthermore, the effectiveness of influencer advertising is often attributed to ‘luck' rather than well-defined scientific principles. The aim of this article is to gather scientific proof behind why the influencing and parasocial connections work. These findings show that due to a number of psychological factors and a social comparison theory, some individuals are capable of influencing others. On the basis of this influencing, the promotional content produced by the influencers is perceived as word-of-mouth recommendations rather than advertisements.

Hoodia Gordonii a herbal plant: A Review

According to statistics compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO), around one billion persons are overweight today, with another 300 million being obese. Based on these data, it is clear that obesity has become a huge international problem, impacting nations of all economic levels. Estimates predict that by 2025, Brazil would rank fifth in the world in obesity prevalence, up from its current rate of roughly 13%. Although certain herbal treatments are indicated for therapy, many other natural items are utilized without consideration to their safety or effectiveness in preventing or reducing weight gain. Notable among these is the African plant Hoodia gordonii, whose commercial powder was sold freely until it was banned in February 2007 by the Brazilian National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) due to a lack of scientific proofs of its efficacy and safety. Moreover, its putative association with leptin and insulin involved in neuroendocrine control of hunger and satiety is not well understood, nor is its method of action in suppressing desire and thirst.

Age estimation of bloodstains based on convolutional neural network algorithm and hyperspectral imaging technology.

The most common trace of evidence at a crime scene is blood. In judicial scientific proof, it is regarded as one of the most important material types of evidence. In this study, the spectral data of the bloodstain samples with different time were collected via a hyperspectral imaging system with a spectral range of 400-1000 nm and spectral sampling interval of 5 nm. The training model of blood aging was built using the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithm and the above hyperspectral spectral data. It was also compared with the traditional partial least squares (PLS) and extreme learning machine (ELM) models. The experimental results showed that the performance of CNN model was the best, with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.987, which is higher compared to that of the PLS model (R2 = 0.883) and ELM model (R2 = 0.936). Besides, the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of the CNN model was 6.949 hours, smaller than the PLS model (RMSEP = 18.752 hours) and the ELM model (RMSEP = 13.717 hours). The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the prediction set was 0.49% when using the CNN algorithm, which was also the minimum of the three algorithms, and it represented that the prediction results were the best. The experimental data showed that the method proposed in this study could accurately estimate the age of bloodstains, providing a new technology reference for bloodstain detection.

INTERVENTIONS PRIOR AND DURING THE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FOR ORTHODONTICALLY INDUCED WHITE SPOT LESIONS

Objective. To evaluate the efficiency of various interven­tions performed before and during orthodontic treatment which aim to reduce the incidence of WSL. Materials and methods. Using PRISMA guidelines in search of clinical trials published between 2017 and 2022, a literature analysis was performed. This search was conducted using following Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms in 2 databases: “prevention and control” AND “Orthodontics” AND “Tooth Demineralization”. Supplementary, a manual search was conducted in Go­ogle Scholar. Results. The literature search resulted in a total of 3626 study articles, of which 8 publications were used in the present review, according to a selection based on the pre-established eligibility criteria. The review showed that F varnish, 10% Xylitol varnish had positive outcomes in comparison with placebo. 0.44% APF formulated daily oral rinse and nanosilver mouthwash were better than 0.2% NaF weekly rinse and CHX, F mouthwashes res­pectively. NovaMin toothpaste, MIPP and MIV, exami­ned in different studies, proved no significant difference over regular F toothpaste. MIV compared to ProSeal provided no statistically significant between-group diffe­rences as well. Clinpro 5000 provided superior protection against enamel decalcification when compared to Clinpro Tooth Creme and MI Paste. Conclusion. The white spot lesions have improved, re­gressed, or eliminated with topical agents including F, Xylitol, or CPP-ACP during the fixed orthodontic treat­ment. In order to determine the most effective therapeu­tic approach for the treatment of surface and subsurface demineralization of the enamel, more research is needed to provide scientific proof.

Individual and Community-Related Barriers Influencing the Utilization of Cervical Cancer Treatment in Selected Hospitals in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, Nigeria

Cancer is one of the most dreadful diseases, especially in poor countries of the world. This study sought to identify perceived barriers influencing the utilization of cervical cancer treatment in some selected hospitals in Abeokuta South, Ogun State Nigeria. This research study adopted a survey research design to explain the barriers affecting the utilization of cervical cancer treatment among women in some selected hospitals in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to gather data from 79 participants comprising 40 patients and 39 carers from 3 health facilities in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State. The instrument used for this study was a structured validated questionnaire. The research instrument was divided into three (3) sections, each comprising the perceived individual and community barriers. Data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. There was composite influence of individual, community, institutional and policy perceived barriers on utilization of cervical cancer treatment (F4,74=9.973; p&lt;0.01). 31.5% of variance in cervical cancer treatment utilization was significantly jointly attributable to individual, community, institutional and policy perceived barriers (r2=.315; F4, 74=9.973; p&lt;0.01). From the results gathered, the study vividly agreed to the individual and community barriers influencing cervical cancer treatment utilization. Individual and community barriers limiting access to cervical cancer treatment measures are the major factors to be considered if people should shift from vague and risky traditional disease treatment approach to orthodoxy with well-known scientific proof and minimal risk. Ministries of Health, Donor Agencies and all stakeholders should as a matter of urgency invest more in educating the public as well as carers on the workings, effectiveness and new development on the treatment of cervical cancer. Keyword: Barriers, Cervical Cancer, Community, Individual, Treatment Utilization.

Influence of methanolic extracts from seeds and pulp of Annona squamosa L. on osmotic and morphological fragility in human erythrocytes

Medicinal plants have been used for many years by communities to treat illnesses. The need for scientific proof of these vegetable’s curative effects is as necessary as the proof of the inexistence of toxicity related to the use of extracts with therapeutic potential. Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae), popularly known as “pinha”, “ata” or “fruta do conde”, has been used in traditional medicine for its analgesic and antitumor activities. The toxic effects attributed to this plant have also been explored as a pesticide and an insecticide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxicity of the methanolic extract of A. squamosa seeds and pulp against human erythrocytes. Blood samples were treated with methanolic extract at different concentrations, osmotic fragility was determined using saline tension assays and morphological analyzes were performed using optical microscopy. The extracts were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) for phenolic quantification. The seed’s methanolic extract showed toxicity above 50% from a concentration of 100 µg/mL, while also presenting echinocytes in the morphological analysis. The pulp’s methanolic extract did not show toxicity to red blood cells or morphological changes at the concentrations tested. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of caffeic acid in the seed extract and gallic acid in the pulp extract. The seed’s methanolic extract is toxic and the pulp’s methanolic extract showed no toxicity against human erythrocytes.

Analytical insights into the detoxification process and characterization of a traditional metallopharmaceutical formulation.

Metallopharmaceuticals possess unique medicinal properties and have been used since ancient times. In spite of the inclusion of several metals and minerals, there is an increased interest in metallo-drugs for clinical and research purposes because of their immense therapeutic efficiency and non-toxic claim, as they are processed in addition to specific poly herbals. Sivanar Amirtham is one of the traditional metallopharmaceuticals used in Siddha medicine to treat various respiratory diseases and other ailments, including antidote therapy for poisonous bites. The present research work attempted to formulate the metallodrug preparation as per the standard protocols, including the detoxification process of the raw materials, followed by the analytical characterization studies to evaluate the physicochemical properties responsible for the stability, quality, and efficacy. The study included the comparative analysis of the raw materials, processed samples, intermediate samples, finished products, and commercial samples to understand the science involved in detoxification and formulation processing. The appropriate product profile was developed based on analysis of the particle size and surface charge by Zeta sizer, morphology and distribution by SEM-EDAX, functional groups and chemical interactions by FTIR, thermal behavior and stability by TG-DSC, crystallinity by XRD, and elemental composition by XPS. The findings of the research could provide scientific proof of evidence to overcome the limitations of the product owing to the standard quality and safety concern of the metal-mineral constituents, such as mercury, sulphur, and arsenic in the polyherbomineral formulation.

OPTIMIST AND PESSIMIST MOON-SIGHTING: THE STUDY OF ISLAMIC CALENDAR DETERMINATION IN INDONESIA

The Islamic calendar decision has always been a public discourse among Muslims at the beginning of Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhulhijjah. It is often the case that different decisions made among Muslim groups in determining the first of Ramadhan, Syawal, and Dhulhijjah which will affect the public holiday in Muslim majority countries. This study incorporates the theory of limit proposed by Muhammad Syahrour to analyze the ongoing contestation of Islamic calendar determination. Based on the in-depth analysis, this study suggests that the height criteria of the crescent can be categorized as optimistic and pessimistic criteria. Crescent's altitude of 3 degrees is the lower limit of optimism in crescent observations. Pessimism can be seen from astronomical calculations in which hilal altitude is below 3 degrees. These two criteria could be supported by the existing scientific proof through the image of the hilal altitude below 3 degrees.