Chironomus javanus (Kieffer) and Chironomus kiiensis Tokunaga were redescribed from materials collected from a rice field in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. The larvae can only be distinguished after careful preparation and examination using a compound microscope, but the pupae were not useful to differentiate C. javanus from C. kiiensis. The adult specimens showed clear body and wing characteristics for rapid and accurate identification.
Parapharyngealspace tumor has been known to be uncommon. It accounts only about 0.5% of head and neck neoplasm.Most of the lesions are benign in nature and salivary gland neoplasm being the most common.A 32-year old Ma lay gentle man presented with long-standing parapharyngeal mass which m ialized the latera l pharyngeal wa ll. Biopsy was taken intraorally by soft pa late mucosal incisionrevealed carcino ma e x-p leo morphic adeno maand t ranscervical approach successfully re moved the mass in total. Post-operative radiotherapy was commenced and patient is we ll until recent fo llo w up.Despite of the rarity of pleomorphic adenoma in parapharyngeal space, it should be a mong the differential diagnosis and a complete removal should be the aim as ma lignant transformation is possible in this type of pathology. Computed tomographyscan e xtending fro m base of skull till upper thora x a re important in p lanning the approach for complete removal of the mass followed by radiotherapy in malignant transformation cases.
The influence of physical and chemical parameters on the abundance and diversity of chironomids was studied in six rivers with moderate to highly polluted water in the Juru River Basin. The rivers: Ceruk Tok Kun (CTKR) as reference site, and polluted rivers of Pasir (PR), Juru (JR), Permatang Rawa (PRR), Ara (AR) and Kilang Ubi (KUR) were sampled over a period of five months (November 2007-March 2008). Nine chirnomid species: Chironimus kiiensis, C. javanus, Polypedilum trigonus, Microchironomus sp., Dicrotendipes sp., Tanytarsus formosanus, Clinotanypus sp., Tanypus punctipennis and Fittkauimyia sp. were identified. Assessment of their relationships with several environmental parameters was performed using the canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Tanytarsus formosanus was the most dominant in the relatively clean CTKR and moderately polluted JR with mean densities of 19.66 and 25.32 m(-2), respectively while C. kiiensis was abundant in more polluted rivers. Tanytarsus formosanus, Dicrotendipes sp. and Microchironomus sp. were grouped under moderate to high water temperature, total organic matter (TOM), total suspended solids (TSS), velocity, pH, phosphates and sulphates. However, Tanypus punctipennis, Fittkauimyia sp., and Clinotanypus sp. were associated with high contents of river sediment such as TOM, Zn and Mn and water ammonium-N and nitrate-N and they were associated with higher dissolved oxygen (DO) content in the water. Chironomus kiiensis, C. javanus and P. trigonus showed positive relationships with TOM, ammonium-N and nitrate-N as well as trace metals of Zn, Cu and Mn. These three species could be considered as tolerant species since they have the ability to survive in extreme environmental conditions with low DO and high concentrations of pollutants. Based on the water parameter scores in all rivers, the highest diversity of chironomid larvae was reported in CTKR. With higher concentrations of organic and/or inorganic pollutants as reported in PPR, KUR and AR, the chironomid larval diversity decreased, and the abundance of tolerant species, mainly Chironomus spp., increased.
The occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total salvage laryngectomy following radiotherapy
as primary treatment is quite common. In most cases, pharyngocutaneous fistula can heal spontaneously
with conservative measures. Here, we are reporting a 69-year-old male with a residual carcinoma of the
larynx following failed radiotherapy as primary treatment whose later underwent a salvage total
laryngectomy. Post-operatively, it was complicated by the formation of pharyngocutaneous fistula which
was failed to heal with conservative measures and few attempts of surgical repair. The fistula later healed
with the application of Montgomery Salivarybypass tube after 3 weeks. The application of the salivary
bypass tube should be considered and used to promote healing in persistent pharyngocutaneous fistula
especially in a post radiotherapy patient.
The concepts of environmental and business sustainability are well-established in the business lexicon of progressive firms. However, firms are yet to examine the effects of environmental management practices (EMPs) on environmental performance (EP) and financial performance (FP) by connecting the missing linkage of environment, social, and governance disclosure (ESGD). This study analyses the impact of EMPs on EP and FP and offers empirical evidence of whether ESGD mediates the relationship between EP and FP of firms in Malaysia. The data from 141 listed firms on Bursa Malaysia was extracted between 2009-2020. The data was analyzed using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the generalized method of moments (GMM) technique. The findings reflect that EMPs have a significant positive effect on EP and all five proxies of EP have a significant positive effect on ESGD (except 'S') and FP. Also, ESGD together with its three proxies mediates the relationship between EP and FP. The findings of this research offer an empirical rationale for regulators and policymakers of industrial firms to accelerate their EMPs and improve ESGD mechanisms for better environmental and financial outcomes.
Ecotourism offers several economic, environmental, and cultural benefits; however, even after all these years, achieving ecotourism sustainability is still complex because of multiple stakeholders with diversified interests and influence. This study focused on the multiple stakeholders' complexity and management for achieving sustainable ecotourism in Penang Hill in Malaysia. Understanding the existence of multiple stakeholders with varying interests and their respective power of influence is critical for a tourism destination to be sustainable. This study aimed to create a multi-stakeholder management framework and understand stakeholder management's mediating role toward ecotourism sustainability in Penang Hill. Data were collected from Penang Hill key stakeholders and analyzed using SmartPLS and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). The findings revealed that stakeholder management plays a significant mediating role in achieving ecotourism sustainability. Stakeholders' interests and their level of influence should be understood to develop engagement, empowerment, and monitoring strategies for managing stakeholders. Thus, the study contributes by validating the results through symmetric and asymmetric techniques, offering solutions to the emerging issues during the Covid-19 pandemic, and recommending policy changes. Lastly, the study also extends prior literature by displaying the mediating role played by stakeholder management on ecotourism sustainability, comparing indirect and total effects on stakeholder management support for achieving sustainable ecotourism in Penang Hill.
Located in one of the famous natural and cultural tourist destinations of northern Malaysia, Penang Hill serves as an ideal destination for both local and international tourists. The objective of this study was to understand and explore key stakeholders perspectives to enhance management for the aim of conservation, economic development, and recreation in Penang Hill. Data was collected from three key stakeholders of Penang Hill using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Stakeholders showed robust interests in environmental protection, cultural conservation, economic activities, awareness, and empowerment. This paper concludes by stating that Penang Hill is under strong management, and stakeholders are continuously engaged in the destination. The management authority collaborates with the key stakeholders of Penang Hill and incorporates their interests and viewpoint to ensure the ecotourism process goes smoothly and Penang Hill becomes one of the top ecotourism destinations.
Currently, dengue fever is considered as the main health problem in several parts (Mekkah, Jeddah, Jazan and Najran) of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with dramatically increase in the number of cases reported every year. This is associated with obvious ineffectiveness in the recent control and management programs for the mosquito vector (Aedes aegypti). Here, we suggested promoting the health education and public awareness among Saudi people to improve the control of dengue mosquito vector. Several suggestions and recommendations were highlighted here to ensure effectiveness in the future control and management programs of dengue mosquito vector in KSA.
Abundance and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates as well as physico-chemical parameters were investigated in five rivers of the Juru River Basin in northern Peninsula Malaysia: Ceruk Tok Kun River (CTKR), Pasir River (PR), Permatang Rawa River (PRR), Kilang Ubi River (KUR), and Juru River (JR). The physico-chemical parameters and calculated water quality index (WQI) were significantly different among the investigated rivers (ANOVA, P<0.05). The WQI classified CTKR, PR, and JR into class III (slightly polluted). However, PRR and KUR fell into class IV (polluted). High diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates, especially the intolerant taxa, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera, were observed in the least polluted river, CTKR. Decreasing abundance of macroinvertebrates followed the deterioration of river water quality with the least number of the most tolerant taxa collected from PR. On the basis of composition and sensitivity of macroinvertebrates to pollutants in each river, the highest Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) index score of 93 was reported in CTKR (good water quality). BMWP scores in PRR and JR were 38.7 and 20.1, respectively, classifying both of them into "moderate water quality" category. Poor water quality was reported in PR and KUR. The outcome of the multivariate analysis (CCA) was highly satisfactory, explaining 43.32% of the variance for the assemblages of macroinvertebrates as influenced by 19 physical and chemical variables. According to the CCA model, we assert that there were three levels of stresses on macroinvertebrate communities in the investigated rivers: Level 1, characterized of undisturbed or slightly polluted as in the case of CTKR; Level 2, characterized by a lower habitat quality (the JR) compared to the CTKR; and Level 3 showed severe environmental stresses (PRR, PR, and KUR) primarily contributed by agricultural, industrial, and municipal discharges.
Parkia speciosa Hassk is a traditional medicinal plant with strong antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties. This study aims to investigate the total phenolic content, antioxidant, cytotoxic and antiangiogenic effect of eight extracts from P. speciosa empty pods. The extracts were found to contain high levels of total phenols and demonstrated strong antioxidant effect in DPPH scavenging test. In rat aortic rings, P. speciosa extracts significantly inhibited the microvessel outgrowth from aortic tissue explants by more than 50%. The antiangiogenic activity was further confirmed by tube formation on matrigel matrix involving human endothelial cells. Cytotoxic effect was evaluated by XTT test on endothelial cells as a model of angiogenesis versus a panel of human cancer and normal cell lines. Basically the extracts did not show acute cytotoxicity. Morphology examination of endothelial cells indicated induction of autophagy characterized by formation of plenty of cytoplasmic vacuoles. The extracts were found to work by decreasing expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in endothelial cells.
The genotoxic effects of increasing concentrations (below lethal concentration [LC₅₀]) of cadmium ([Cd] 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/L), copper ([Cu] 0.2, 2 and 20 mg/L) and zinc ([Zn] 0.5, 5 and 50 mg/L) on Chironomus kiiensis were evaluated using alkaline comet assay after exposure for 24 h. Both the tail moment and the olive tail moment showed significant differences between the control and different concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.05). The highest concentration of Cd was associated with higher DNA damage to C. kiiensis larvae compared with Cu and Zn. The potential genotoxicity of these metals to C. kiiensis was Cd > Cu > Zn.
Chironomus javanus (Kieffer) and Chironomus kiiensis Tokunaga were redescribed from materials collected from a rice field in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. The larvae can only be distinguished after careful preparation and examination using a compound microscope, but the pupae were not useful to differentiate C. javanus from C. kiiensis. The adult specimens showed clear body and wing characteristics for rapid and accurate identification.
The aim of this study is to analyse the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Bangladesh. This study investigates the impact of demographic variables on the spread of COVID-19 as well as tries to forecast the COVID-19 infected numbers. First of all, this study uses Fisher's Exact test to investigate the association between the infected groups of COVID-19 and demographical variables. Second, it exploits the ANOVA test to examine significant difference in the mean infected number of COVID-19 cases across the population density, literacy rate, and regions/divisions in Bangladesh. Third, this research predicts the number of infected cases in the epidemic peak region of Bangladesh for the year 2021. As a result, from the Fisher's Exact test, we find a very strong significant association between the population density groups and infected groups of COVID-19. And, from the ANOVA test, we observe a significant difference in the mean infected number of COVID-19 cases across the five different population density groups. Besides, the prediction model shows that the cumulative number of infected cases would be raised to around 500,000 in the most densely region of Bangladesh, Dhaka division.
Recent widespread connections of renewable energy resource (RESs) in place of fossil fuel supplies and the adoption of electrical vehicles in place of gasoline-powered vehicles have given birth to a number of new concerns. The control architecture of linked power networks now faces an increasingly pressing challenge: tie-line power fluctuations and reducing frequency deviations. Because of their nature and dependence on external circumstances, RESs are analogous to continually fluctuating power generators. Using a fractional order-based frequency regulator, this work presents a new method for improving the frequency regulation in a two-area interconnected power system. In order to deal with the frequency regulation difficulties of the hybrid system integrated with RES, the suggested controller utilizes the modified form of fractional order proportional integral derivative (FOPID) controller known as FOI-PDN controller. The new proposed controllers are designed using the white shark optimizer (WSO), a current powerful bioinspired meta heuristic algorithm which has been motivated by the learning abilities of white sharks when actively hunting in the environment. The suggested FOI-PDN controller's performance was compared to that of various control methodologies such as FOPID, and PID. Furthermore, the WSO findings are compared to those of other techniques such as the salp swarm algorithm, sine cosine algorithm and fitness dependent optimizer. The recommended controller and design approach have been tested and validated at different loading conditions and different circumstances, as well as their robustness against system parameter suspicions. The simulation outcomes demonstrate that the WSO-based tuned FOI-PDN controller successfully reduces peak overshoot by 73.33%, 91.03%, and 77.21% for region-2, region-1, and link power variation respectively, and delivers minimum undershoot of 89.12%, 83.11%, and 78.10% for both regions and tie-line. The obtained findings demonstrate the new proposed controller's stable function and frequency controlling performance with optimal controller parameters and without the requirement for a sophisticated design process.
In today's corporate world, a company's long-term viability and prosperity depend on its corporate governance practices. The present study investigates the interplay between financial misrepresentation, earnings management, and corporate governance within the context of Pakistan. To estimate the financial data of enterprises obtained from non-financial organizations listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange a panel regression analysis was conducted. The analysis covered the time from 2009 to 2020 and employed quantitative data. The findings of the study show that the different aspects of corporate governance mechanisms have varying levels of influence. Specifically, remuneration paid to directors had a significant impact on financial misstatement, while the size of the board strongly impacts the earning management. The financial misstatement was also found affected by the earning management. The M score (statistical model used to predict the probability of financial misstatement) positively influenced when board diligence was incorporated in the mediation of earning management. It is important to note that this study only considers the internal governance mechanisms of firms, suggesting that future research could benefit from the inclusion of external governance mechanisms for a more holistic model. This study is aligned with the ESG's governance aspects and SDG-17, providing valuable insights for specialists, financial backers, policymakers, and experts. The results of this study catalyze further research in this area and can aid in achieving SDG 17 by raising awareness of the significance of good governance practices, ethical reporting that leads to sustainable firm performance, and ensuring long-term economic growth and development.
Deregulated cell signaling pathways result in cancer development. More than one signal transduction pathway is involved in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and progression. Koetjapic acid (KA) is a naturally occurring seco-A-ring oleanene triterpene isolated from the Sandoricum koetjape stem bark. We report the cellular and molecular mechanisms of anticancer activity of KA towards human colorectal cancer. The results showed that KA induces apoptosis in HCT 116 colorectal carcinoma cells by inducing the activation of extrinsic and intrinsic caspases. We confirmed that KA-induced apoptosis was mediated by DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation and disruption in the mitochondrial membrane potential. Further studies on the effect of KA on cancer pathways show that the compound causes down-regulation of Wnt, HIF-1α, MAP/ERK/JNK and Myc/Max signaling pathways and up-regulates the NF-κB signaling pathway. The result of this study highlights the anticancer potential of KA against colorectal cancer.
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, has become an important target in cancer therapy. Angiogenesis plays an important role in tumor growth and metastasis. Koetjapic acid (KA) is a seco-A-ring oleanene triterpene isolated from S. koetjape. The solvent extract of this plant species was shown previously to have strong antiangiogenic activity; however the active ingredient(s) that conferred the biological activity and the mode of action was not established. Given the high concentration of KA in S. koetjape, an attempt has been made in this study to investigate the antiangiogenic properties of KA.
Aims: To evaluate the anti breast-cancer activity, biocompatibility and toxicity of poly(d,l)-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-encapsulated quercetin nanoparticles (Q-PLGA-NPs). Materials & methods: Quercetin was nano-encapsulated by an emulsion-diffusion process, and the nanoparticles were fully characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffractions, FESEM and zeta-sizer analysis. Activity against CAL51 and MCF7 cell lines were assessed by DNA fragmentation assays, fluorescence microscopy, and acridine-orange, and propidium-iodide double-stainings. Biocompatibility towards red blood cells and toxicity towards mice were also explored. Results: The Q-PLGA-NPs exhibited apoptotic activity against the cell lines. The murine in vivo studies showed no significant alterations in the liver and kidney's functional biomarkers, and no apparent abnormalities, or tissue damages were observed in the histological images of the liver, spleen, lungs, heart and kidneys. Conclusion: The study established the preliminary in vitro efficacy and in vivo safety of Q-PLGA-NPs as a potential anti-breast cancer formulation.
Background: Lack of information about economic burden of COPD is a major cause of lack of attention to this chronic condition from governments and policymakers. Objective: To find the economic burden of COPD in Asia, USA and Europe, and to identify the key cost driving factors in management of COPD patients. Methodology: Relevant studies assessing the cost of COPD from patient perspective or societal perspective were retrieved by thoroughly searching PUBMED, SCIENCE DIRECT, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, SCOPUS, and SAGE Premier Databases. Results: In the USA annual per patient direct medical cost and hospitalization cost were reported as $10,367 and $6852, respectively. In Asia annual per patient direct medical cost in Iran, Korea and Singapore was reported as $1544, $3077, and $2335, respectively. However, annual per patient hospitalization cost in Iran, Korea, Singapore, India, China, and Turkey was reported as $865, $1371, $1868, $296, $1477 and $1031, respectively. In Europe annual per patient direct medical cost was reported as $11,787, $10,552, $8644, $8203, $7760, $3190, $1889, $2162, and $2254 in Norway, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Greece, Spain, Belgium, and Serbia, respectively. Conclusion: Limiting the disease to early stage and preventing exacerbations may reduce the cost of management of COPD.
Allopurinol is the well-known first-line treatment option for symptomatic hyperuricaemia and gout. It is cost-effective particularly for the management of chronic gout. The common early side effects of allopurinol are skin rashes, diarrhoea and nausea. Meanwhile, a dangerous concerning complication is Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which can cause severe morbidity and mortality. Delayed hypersensitivity to allopurinol is rare but should be one of the differential diagnoses if a patient with underlying gout on chronic allopurinol treatment presents with skin rashes. The present case highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion in at-risk patients with underlying gout along with skin rashes on long-term allopurinol treatment to avoid unnecessary patient management.