The main purpose of the paper is to determine the correlation of consumers' demographic factors on the impulse buying behavior with respect to a number of single impulsivity indicators and one collective indicator. The paper consists of theoretical and research aspects. The first part encompasses theoretical insights into the secondary research regarding impulse buying while the practical part presents the methodology and primary research results. With respect to the subject matter, research goals as well as previous findings and primary research results, corresponding hypotheses were set and mainly confirmed. Inter variable correlation and regression analysis has been performed to test the hypothesis. The results showed that demographic factors, such as the disposable income and age, are related to most impulse buying indicators and to the impulsivity collective indicator. However, educational qualification and gender produced marginal association with impulsive buying behavior. The paper also summarizes research limitations as well as the work contribution and future research guidelines.
Uric acid has increasingly been associated with insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients who are hyperuricemic have a risk of developing diabetic complications. Pathogenesis of uric acid may decrease nitric oxide bioavailability in vascular smooth muscle, endothelial cells and direct scavenging of nitric oxide by uric acid. A decrease in endothelial nitric oxide production by uric acid has also been associated with endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance. This study aims is to determine the relationship between uric acid and glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study included 161 Libyan patients (67 males and 94 females) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Both levels of serum uric acid and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were determined. The patients were divided into two groups. The controllable diabetic group with HbA1c of less than 06.0% and the uncontrollable diabetic group with HbA1c of more than 06.0%. Patients who are suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications were included whereas patients with smoking, alcoholism, nephrotic disease, malignancy, hepatitis, and renal failure or kidney disease were excluded. The mean and standard deviation of uric acid, HbA1c and Pearson correlation coefficient test were considered. In the controllable diabetic group, serum uric acid mean was found to be 4.807 ± 1.39 and HbA1c was found to be 5.032 ± 1.39. In the uncontrollable diabetic group, serum uric acid was 4.897 ± 1.66 and HbA1c was 8.396 ± 1.65. Uric acid level has significantly been correlated with HBA1C in controlled and uncontrolled diabetic patients (p < 0.05). In addition, the uric acid level was found to be higher in uncontrolled diabetic group than that in the controlled group (p < 0.05). A possible relationship between serum uric acid and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was noted. Thus, uric acid can be used as a potential biomarker to indicate impaired glucose metabolism.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Neuroblastoma is the most prevalent extracranial solid tumor in pediatric patients, originating from sympathetic nervous system cells. Metastasis can be observed in approximately 70% of individuals after diagnosis, and the prognosis is poor. The current care methods used, which include surgical removal as well as radio and chemotherapy, are largely unsuccessful, with high mortality and relapse rates. Therefore, attempts have been made to incorporate natural compounds as new alternative treatments. Marine cyanobacteria are a vital source of physiologically active metabolites, which have recently received attention owing to their anticancer potential. This review addresses cyanobacterial peptides' anticancer efficacy against neuroblastoma. Numerous prospective studies have been carried out with marine peptides for pharmaceutical development, including research on anticancer potential. Marine peptides possess several advantages over proteins or antibodies, including small size, simple manufacturing, cell membrane crossing capabilities, minimal drug-drug interactions, minimal changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, selective targeting, chemical and biological diversities, and effects on liver and kidney functions. We discussed the significance of cyanobacterial peptides in generating cytotoxic effects and their potential to prevent cancer cell proliferation via apoptosis, the activation of caspases, cell cycle arrest, sodium channel blocking, autophagy, and anti-metastasis behavior.
The aim of this work was to prepare chitosan nanoparticles loaded with antineoplastic drug Lomustine (LCNPs), by ionic-gelation method with homogenization. The nanoparticles were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), surface morphology, encapsulation efficiency, in-vitro drug release and cytotoxicity on human lung cancer cell line L132 by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of prepared nanoparticles ranged from 75±1.1 to 637±1.6 nm (PDI from 0.05±0.001 to 0.18±0.007), 37.2±0.21 to 53.8±0.18 mV and 66.74±1.4 to 98.0±1.8% re- spectively. The particles were spherical in shape with smooth surface in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Mechanical shearing by homogenization treatment significantly changed the nanoparticle size. The drug release rate was biphasic and diffusion controlled over the 8 h. LCNPs greatly inhibited the growth of the L132 cancer cell line used in this study in comparison to the native Lomustine (LMT).
Petroleum refineries are largest chemical industries that are responsible for emission of several pollutants into the atmosphere. Benzene and its metabolites are regarded as the most hazardous compounds that are emitted by petroleum refineries. These contribute to toxic oxidants, which cause many serious health risks to petroleum refineries workers. This study was aimed to analyze the effects of chemical exposure on hematological and biochemical parameters among workers at Zawia oil refinery and Mellituh oil and gas refinery companies. A total of 200 workers participated in this study which consisting of two equal groups (each group: n = 100). The first group consists of petroleum refineries workers and the second group consists of non-oil work civil servants serving were recruited as exposed and control subjects, respectively. The results of blood picture, liver enzymes and kidney functions were compared between the groups. Mean white blood cells counts, platelet counts, and hematocrit count were significantly higher, while the mean red blood cells count was insignificantly changed in petroleum refineries workers. While the mean hemoglobin and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration levels were significantly lower, whereas the mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels were insignificantly changed in petrol refineries workers. Liver enzymes and renal functions were significantly higher in petrol refineries workers. The present findings indicate that occupational exposure to benzene causes significant alterations in hematological and biochemical parameters and workers are at high risk of developing blood, hepatic or renal related disorders. Protection and frequent medical attention should be given to petroleum refineries workers.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Emesis encompasses the forceful expulsion of the stomach's contents via the mouth or sometimes the nose. The adverse effects of currently available anti-emetic agents potentiate the natural product researchers to explore natural anti-emetics with fewer side effects. The presented communication reviews the anti-emetic effect of two hundred and forty-five plants belonging to seventy-eight families in different parts of the world. It also outlined the anti-emetic effect of plant extracts and isolated secondary metabolites studied through a variety of animal models of emesis. The reported anti-emetic plants in different countries and cultures and the scientific studies on extracts may help in the identification of promising single chemical compound(s) that may be used as potential leads for developing safe anti-emetic agents in future. Moreover, the reported secondary metabolites having the same effect may open the door for the search for the same secondary metabolites from other natural sources. This review will provide useful information for discovering natural anti-emetic compounds and fill the gaps in knowledge.
Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is becoming more common globally and is increasingly resistant to treatment options. Despite extensive research into its pathophysiology, there are still no proven cures for metastatic melanoma. Unfortunately, current treatments are frequently ineffective, costly, and have several adverse effects. Natural substances have been extensively researched for their anti-MM capabilities. Chemoprevention and adjuvant therapy with natural products is an emerging strategy to prevent, cure or treat melanoma. Numerous prospective drugs are found in aquatic species, providing a plentiful supply of lead cytotoxic chemicals for cancer treatment. Anticancer peptides are less harmful to healthy cells and cure cancer through several methods, such as altered cell viability, apoptosis, angiogenesis/metastasis suppression, microtubule balance disturbances and targeting lipid composition of the cancer cell membrane. This review addresses marine peptides as effective and safe treatments for MM and details their molecular mechanisms of action.
La socialisation en Afrique de l’Ouest se fait par des canaux normatifs dont le mariage. Ce lien sacré, scellé par les Hommes et béni par Dieu, est une nécessité humaine et reste un goulot social pour plusieurs femmes. Sur cette entité géographique patriarcale, la condition féminine relève très souvent d’’un chemin de croix’ pour un épanouissement multiforme. Issoufi DICKO et Safiatou BA se saisissent de cette facette de la thématique du genre pour questionner les vies et les règles traditionnelles en contexte de modernité. Les deux jeunes écrivains maliens portent, entre condition féminine et inversion sexuelle, un regard sans complaisance sur leur société en profonde mutation. Trame nourricière de leurs ouvrages respectifs, ces thèmes leur permettent de mettre en scène des personnages hauts en couleur et en courage. Contrariées en partie par leurs quotidiens et la vie, le système patriarcal et l’embrigadement socioreligieux, leurs héroïnes s’indignent et se révoltent contre les sorts qui leur sont imposés. Défiant les règles de la vie en couple et celles socio-culturelles, elles s’érigent en rempart des dérives sociales perpétrées contre les femmes. Parallèlement à la condition féminine et les conflictualités de la vie en couple, le lesbianisme balbutiant au Mali est convoqué. Issoufi DICKO et Safiatou BA décrivent méticuleusement les arcanes de son enracinement progressif. Cette contribution aborde, avec la méthode qualitative, la condition féminine et l’homosexualité au Mali, entre fiction et réalité sociale. L’objectif de cette contribution est d’analyser la condition féminine et l’homosexualité à travers les deux romans.
Reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is used worldwide to test and trace the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2). “Extraction-less” or “direct” real time–reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a transparent and accessible qualitative method for SARS-CoV-2 detection from nasopharyngeal or oral pharyngeal samples with the potential to generate actionable data more quickly, at a lower cost, and with fewer experimental resources than full RT-qPCR. This study engaged 10 global testing sites, including laboratories currently experiencing testing limitations due to reagent or equipment shortages, in an international interlaboratory ring trial. Participating laboratories were provided a common protocol, common reagents, aliquots of identical pooled clinical samples, and purified nucleic acids and used their existing in-house equipment. We observed 100% concordance across laboratories in the correct identification of all positive and negative samples, with highly similar cycle threshold values. The test also performed well when applied to locally collected patient nasopharyngeal samples, provided the viral transport media did not contain charcoal or guanidine, both of which appeared to potently inhibit the RT-PCR reaction. Our results suggest that direct RT-PCR assay methods can be clearly translated across sites utilizing readily available equipment and expertise and are thus a feasible option for more efficient COVID-19 coronavirus disease testing as demanded by the continuing pandemic.
This article explores how telemedicine, especially with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), is transforming healthcare. It covers its applications in monitoring patients, managing chronic diseases like diabetes, and improving cardiovascular care. The importance of wearable devices and non-invasive blood glucose monitoring is highlighted. The article emphasizes how AI-driven remote patient monitoring can enhance healthcare by providing early intervention, reducing hospitalizations, and offering personalized care.
Oral cavity harbors a complex network of microorganisms which are in steady state of equilibrium with another microflora. Surgical removal of third molar is a very common procedure in oral surgery and suturing of surgical site is a crucial component determining success of wound healing. These suture materials sometime act a nidus of infection because of potential adherence of bacteria to its rough surfaces which may lead to surgical site infection. AIM- The aim of this study was to compare bacterial load on normal silk suture over antibacterial suture following third molar removal in 50 healthy individuals free of any systemic and local pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS – A microbiological analysis using culture sensitivity test of distal most suture was evaluated after 7 days of procedure. RESULT - In relation to the colony count silk group showed higher number of colonization with a median of 80,000 cfu/ml. Relatively on the other side, antibacterial showed significant decrease in number of colonization with a median of 11,000 cfu/ml (p value < 0.0005). CONCLUSION – Antibacterial sutures group showed statistically significant reduction in bacterial count and can be possible alternative in patients who are unable to maintain good oral hygiene.
Penilaian autentik ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pengetahuan guru serta menggambarkantugas-tugas riil bagi siswa untuk menghasilkan pengetahuan, sikap dan keterampilan. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi dan wawancara. Focus penelitian ini (1) bagaimana penilaian kompetensi sikap pada pembelajaran tematik di MI Darussalam 01 Bagon Puger Jember? (2) bagaimana penilaian kompetensi pengetahuan pada pembelajaran tematik di MI Darussalam 01Bagon Puger Jember?, (3) bagaimana penilaian kompetensi keterampilan pada pembelajaran tematik di MI Darussalam 01 Bagon Puger Jember? Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan: (a) penilaian kompetensi sikap meliputi sikap jujur dan disiplin, dimana mudah didalam teori, namun sulit untuk menerapkannya. Tergantung dari guru favorit masing-masing, proses pembelajaran tergantung pada materi pelajarannya, dan juga berkaitan dengan nilai atau norma. (b) Penilaian kompetensi pengetahuan, meliputi: tes tulis, tes lisan, dan penugasan, baik penugasan terstruktur dan tidak terstruktur. (c) Penilaian kompetensi keterampilan meliputi: penilaian kinerja, penilaian proyek, dan penilaian portofolio.
For a long time, cardiovascular diseases have been the leading cause of death worldwide. Machine learning has found significant usage in the medical field as it can find patterns in data. Classification models can help cardiologists to diagnose heart diseases and minimize misdiagnosis accurately. In this paper, we explored a dataset related to heart disease and compared the accuracy of 43 machine learning classification models. The dataset for this research was downloaded from Kaggle; it contained 1190 observations, 11 features (age, sex, chest pain type, resting blood pressure, serum cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, resting electrocardiogram results, maximum heart rate achieved, exercise induced angina, oldpeak, the slope of the peak exercise ST segment) and a binary target variable (no heart disease or observed cardiovascular disease). For data exploration, preprocessing, training, testing, and predictor importance analysis, we used MATLAB R2004a software and the Classification Learner app included in this software. Before training machine learning classification models, we divided the dataset into a training set (90% of observations) and a test set (10% of observations). To prevent overfitting during the training of classification models, 10-fold cross-validation was used. The result showed that the best accuracy was reached with an optimized ensemble classification model (validation accuracy: 0.9262 and test accuracy: 0.9580). After calculating the permutation importance of each feature, we observed that the most important feature among all 11 features was the slope of the peak exercise ST segment.
Dietary supplements are extensively consumed, but irrational use is a health hazard. Pharmacy students, being future healthcare providers, can facilitate rational use. The present study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pharmacy students at Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Mangalore, about dietary supplements and their role as an advocate, in addition to mental health correlations. 250 students selected through stratified random sampling took part in a cross-sectional mixed-methods study. A 30-question instrument (Cronbach's alpha=0.85) measured demographics, dietary supplement usage, knowledge, attitude, practices, and mental health was evaluated with the depression, anxiety, and stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The data were collected during January-March 2025 and were analyzed with the chi-square test, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation tests. 35.0% (n=88) used dietary supplements regularly, with a preference for multivitamins (50%) and protein supplements (30%). Knowledge was moderate (60% risk aware), attitudes favorable (70% in favor of counseling), but practice restricted (25% informed peers). Everyday use of dietary supplements escalated stress probability (OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.8-3.4, p<0.001), with correlation (r=0.38, p<0.01). In conclusion, students have promise as dietary supplement champions but require additional training to close knowledge-practice gaps and mitigate mental health risks. Curriculum and policy interventions are needed to enhance students' abilities in encouraging rational dietary supplement use and identifying potential mental health effects.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Foreign Direct Investment as a strategic element of funding is required in every develop & developing country for achieving the financial growth & reforms and continue the pace of development and progress of the economy. FDI inflows are long term in nature which causes source of non debt finance, as well as bring modern & innovative technology in country by creating international network. In this paper, author attempted to discover how FDI is crucially important economic catalyst of Indian monetary progress by stimulating domestic investment. The essential purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of FDI on fiscal growth by analyzing most important sector i.e. Banking Sector. And this sector is rapidly expanding with several challenges, raise due to competition by the new players in this ever growing sector. Whereas new initiatives of government like demonetization & Digital India, leads toward need of modern technologies & polices in banking sector which could be only possible by FDI in banking sector.
This study aims to determine the functional literacy acquisition of Alternative Learning System learners and make a sound basis for strategic planning and pedagogical intervention that will help promote and develop the said program. The descriptive-evaluative method of research was used in the study. The descriptive method was used to identify the respondents' profile based on (a) age, (b) gender, (c) civil status, and (d) employment status. The evaluative method was used to determine the respondents' functional literacy acquisition in (a) communication skills, (b) scientific and critical thinking skills, (c) mathematical and problem solving skills, (d) life and career skills, (e) understanding the self and society, and (f) digital citizenship (formerly digital literacy). Frequency Count and Percentage Technique was used to describe the functional literacy acquisition of the respondents. Meanwhile, a modified survey questionnaire based on the functional literacy, education and mass media survey ("National Profile of Adult Literacy and Numeracy Skills," 2004, p. 91) was used as the primary tool to gather the data. The respondents in this study were the students enrolled in ALS-Sipocot (North and South District), the school year 2019-2020. Due to COVID restrictions, other ALS learners from other municipalities were not covered as part of the study. Findings revealed that ALS learners do not yet manifest the complete acquisition of functional literacy needed to face the globalized world's challenges because their attainment of the required functional literacy skills is generally low. Moreover, the study disclosed that sex, age, civil status, and employment status affect the acquisition of functional literacy skills among ALS learners in Sipocot, Camarines Sur. Based on the results, the researcher developed an extension activity to help the ALS learners improve their functional literacy, particularly in the digital citizenship area, where they got the lowest score.
This is a study on the growth of public relations in Malaysia based on the advertisements placed in the newspapers during the colonial period. Tracing the historical development serves to make a better understanding about the nature of public relations practice. This paper therefore aims at exploring the development of the public relations profession by studying the advertisements placed in the nationwide newspapers, the Straits Times and the Singapore Free Press & Mercantile Advertiser from 1939 which included the early advertisement that contained the phrase “public relations” to 1956 a year before the independence of the Federation of Malaysia. An analysis of the advertisements was made to fully understand the historical development of public relations in Malaya or then Malaysia. The very first advertisement that was identified was on 31 January 1948, which was placed by the Department of Public Relations of the federal government. The British colonial government had placed another four advertisements in 1949 and 1950. A British mining Co. was the first corporation to hire an information & public relations officer in 1956. The results showed some differences and similarities through the analyses of advertisements in the job specification, which included qualification, duties, and salaries. The results revealed that those who had higher education and experience obtained a higher salary. The results also showed that some advertisers companies/ organizations had substituted academic qualifications for working experience) when advertising for their public relations personnel.
The mechanical properties of different polymer matrix composites are discussed in this research study. These composites are multiphase materials in which reinforcing elements and a polymer matrix are suitably combined. The mechanical properties of 18 PMCs, including nylon 66 reinforced with 5, 15, and 25% wt% silicon carbide (SiC) and nylon 66 reinforced with 5, 15, and 25% wt% boron carbide (B4C), were evaluated using an injection moulding technique at three different injection pressures in this study. The optimization of process parameters like reinforcement material, reinforcement quantity, and injection pressure to maximize the tensile and impact strength of nylon 66 composites are the main focus of this study. It is observed that the specimens 25% SiC with an injection pressure of 90 MPa has optimised tensile strength, while the specimen 5% B4C with an injection pressure of 90 MPa has optimised impact strength.
One of the most common situations in the management process is problematic situations or conflicts, where each complex situation or conflict has unique consequences, and neglect to find the best way out of such situations put the leader in a more difficult situation. Especially at a time while COVID-19 is putting the world community in a very difficult situation, difficult to resolve conflicts, universal conflicts, the role of leaders, managers are discussed, problem solutions are proposed through management theory.
Metformin is considered the first-line treatment as a monotherapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Emerging evidence suggests that metformin may have a renoprotective role; therefore, understanding the impact of metformin dose and therapy duration on renal function may significantly improve renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients. This study aims to investigate the renoprotective effects of metformin by analyzing its dose-dependent impacts on the estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used from September 2022 to October 2023. Data from 302 type 2 diabetes patients were collected from patient files at the Benghazi Diabetic Center and the Aljabal Al-Alkdar Diabetic Center, including all with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on varying doses of metformin. The collected data included age, gender, metformin dose, duration of metformin therapy, urea, and creatinine. Exclusion criteria included patients with significant comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (other than diabetic nephropathy), liver disease, heart failure, or malignancy; those taking nephrotoxic medications; individuals with recent acute illnesses or surgical procedures; pregnant or lactating women; participants with inadequate medical records; and patients who were non-adherent to metformin therapy. Survival analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of different metformin doses on the estimated glomerular filtration rate. The study analyzed 302 diabetic patients, of whom 46.0% were male and 54.0% were female. The age was 58.3±11.9 years. The HbA1c was 7.7%±1.3%. The duration of diabetes was 11.4±8.1 years. The creatinine was 1.0±0.9 mg/dL, and the urea was 36.7±23.8 mg/dL. Data analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in survival distribution across the dose groups. Different metformin doses significantly impact the estimated glomerular filtration rate, suggesting that dosage plays a crucial role in maintaining renal function.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences