Chelonian Research Foundation https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB <h1>About Chelonian Research Foundation</h1> <p align="justify">Chelonian Research Foundation, established in 1992 in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, is a non-profit IRS-designated 501(c)(3) tax-exempt private operating foundation established for the purposes of producing and publishing scientific research on turtles and tortoises of the world, as well as supporting worldwide turtle and tortoise research through charitable distributions to associated independent scientific investigators or research organizations that produce specific research consistent with the stated objectives of the Foundation. The Foundation was established partly in response to the rapidly deteriorating natural environment and its deleterious effects on populations of turtles and tortoises of the world as well as the threatening effects of direct human exploitation on turtles and tortoises around the world, and partly in response to the global need for systematic scientific investigations and documentation of the diversity of these animals. The broad purpose of the Foundation is to become involved where the energies of concerned and talented individuals and the application of resources may reasonably be anticipated to provide a scientific basis to allow for potential improvement in conditions or increased understanding of turtles and tortoises.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> en-US Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:03:53 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.7 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 THE ROLE OF MRI IN DIAGNOSING NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/711 <p>Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders. Ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and brain tumors are examples of conditions for which MRI scans provide crucial clinical information.</p> <p>MRI produces images by subjecting the body to a magnetic field, and then using radio-frequency pulses to stimulate the emission of energy from atomic nuclei. The resulting signals are used to reconstruct images that encode structural or functional information about the brain. Structural scans visualize the anatomy in cross-section at high resolution. Functional MRI (fMRI) renders maps of cerebral activity and metabolism. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tracks the flow of water molecules along the white-matter tracts and thereby reveals connective pathways.</p> Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Qahtani, Moayad Alwi Abdalwahed and Noura Saud Alonizi Copyright (c) 2022 Chelonian Research Foundation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/711 Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000 PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS AND FACULTY REGARDING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING- AN EXPLORATORY STUDY. https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/898 <p>Introduction: Self-directed method allows the student to empower themselves and take total control on their personal growth and increase their educational level. Self-directed learning allows the student to self-motivate themselves to not only reply solely on traditional classroom setting but methods like online studying, seminars, conferences and going through various research data bases for indebt study of their topics It extends beyond the classroom and into all aspects of life. Materials and methods: A quantitative research approach and exploratory study design was used. A sample of 200 nursing students and 10 nursing faculty of nursing institute was selected using non probability convenient sampling technique. Data was collected by 22 structured questionnaire which was validated by 5 experts. Data was using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics (chi square test). Results Nursing students: 164 (82%) of the 200 students that took part in the study were female, with the remaining 36 (18%) being male. Of the total number of pupils, 85 (42.5%) were under 21 years old, and the remaining 115 (57.5%( were above 21, 96 (48%) were in their first year of B.Sc. Nursing, 52 (26%) were in their second year of B.Sc. Nursing, 38 (19%) were in their third year of B.Sc. Nursing First-year P.B.B.Sc. nursing students made up 10 (5%) of the total students, and second-year students made up 4 (2%). Nursing Faculty: 10 faculties that took part in the study 1 (10%) were Male and 9 (90%) were Female, 10 (100%) faculties were above 21 years of age, all 10 (100%) had completed their Masters in Nursing. The results indicated that most participants held positive views on self-directed learning, with 69% of students and 70% of faculty expressing favorable perceptions. The study also found significant association between demographic variables (Gender and Academic Qualification) and perceptions of SDL.</p> <p>Conclusion: The findings reveal that majority of the nursing students and faculty have positive perception regarding self-directed learning.</p> Aradhana Eli Rao, Preethi Maria Mathew Copyright (c) 2024 Chelonian Research Foundation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/898 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 INDONESIAN TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE AS AN ANTI-VIRAL AGENT https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/718 <p><strong>Background</strong>. Traditional herbal medicine has been effectively used to treat various diseases for hundreds or even thousands of years, as mentioned in ancient manuscripts, textbooks, and pharmacopoeias. Since ancient times, herbal therapy has played a crucial role in combating infectious diseases. BPOM distribution permits are needed to maintain the safety of drugs in circulation. A distribution permit is a permit for Drugs and Food produced by manufacturers and/or imported by importers of Drugs and Food that will be distributed in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia based on an assessment of safety, quality, and usefulness.</p> <p><strong>Aims</strong>. This study aims to investigate the legal process of HV Care as an antiviral, as per the Indonesian Food and Drug Control Agency (BPOM).</p> <p><strong>Method.</strong> The experimental method is used in the research, from preparing raw materials to processing, until it becomes a finished product, followed by the legal process to obtain a distribution permit.</p> <p><strong>Result. </strong>The herbal medicine formulation utilizes extracts obtained from vendors who have already received certification from BPOM. The raw materials are then mixed according to the predetermined dose, mashed, sifted, and packaged into capsules. The distribution permit process is submitted to BPOM through various stages, including registration and laboratory results for the submitted formula, as well as the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for formula preparation.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion. </strong>HV Care is an herbal medicine with the composition of meniran (<em>Phyllanthus Urinaria Folium), </em>Temu mango (<em>Curcuma amada Rhizome), </em>Curcuma<em> Zanthorrhiza Rhizome, </em>Sambiloto (<em> Andrographis Paniculata Folium). It is helpful as an antiviral for HIV sufferers</em> in particular and other viral diseases. HV Care has been processed by the standards of the Indonesian Food and Drug Control Agency (BPOM) and holds a POMTR223008931 distribution permit, enabling it to be distributed in the community.</p> Retno Widyani, An Nuur Budi Utama, Rianty Aryani Putri Copyright (c) 2022 Chelonian Research Foundation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/718 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000 THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/714 <p>Mental health support is fundamental to individuals’ ability to cope with and recover from trauma, stress, and resolve everyday problems. Those who have good social support in their lives demonstrate greater resilience (Conway, 2016). For a wide range of social, psychological, and biological reasons, social workers are often uniquely qualified to provide such support (Boland et al., 2021). This importance is especially apparent in the healthcare setting where a social worker is often the first person an individual will turn to for assistance. Regardless of whether the issue is a common worry or a more serious form of disorder, mental health support is a critical facet of a health professional’s role.</p> Mohammed Abdulrahman Alzeneadi and Sarah thani alruwaili Copyright (c) 2022 Chelonian Research Foundation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/714 Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000 USING HISTORICAL POPULATION DATA TO ESTIMATE THE INBREEDING COEFFICIENT IN THE DAIRY CATTLE POPULATION USING A SIMULATION TECHNIQUE https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/709 <p>This study aimed to simulate the effects of genetic variation and pedigree structure on the estimation of the inbreeding coefficient (FX). Dairy cow populations of 2,000 , 5,000 and 10,000 cows were simulated with varying numbers of sires (1, 5, 10, 20 and 4), three levels of heritability (low, medium, and high) and two litter sizes (1 and 2 calves per litter). Four pedigree structures were considered: 1) constant population size, 2) increasing population size by 1% per year, 3) bottlenecked population with a 1% annual increase followed by 1% annual decrease and 4) current population representing 10% of the actual dairy cattle population. QMSim software was used for analysis. The results indicated that the constant population structure produced the lowest average FX, whereas the current population has the highest average FX, with mean values of 0.602, 0.609, 0.616, and 0.627 across the four structures, respectively. Increasing the number of sires and maintaining greater population numbers were effective ways to reduce inbreeding. Populations with higher heritability and larger size have broader genetic bases, making it easier to manage inbreeding. Estimating the heritability of variables linked with inbreeding, like fertility, milk production, and disease resistance, might help breeders make better educated breeding decisions to eliminate inbreeding and maintain healthy genetic pools. Additionally, cows with single calves displayed lower average inbreeding than those with twins, suggesting that reproductive patterns may influence genetic diversity within herds.</p> Chot Rachwicha, Chirawath Phatsara, Nattaphon Chongkasikit, Tawirat Konkruea and Sirijanya Aryuman Copyright (c) 2022 Chelonian Research Foundation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/709 Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 THE EFFECT OF COAL WASTE BOTTOM ASH SURALAYA STEAM POWER PLANT AS A GROWING MEDIUM FOR OIL PALM SEEDLINGS https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/871 <p>The purpose of this study was to compare the combination of planting media, including soil and solid organic fertilizer type, and bottom ash. The experiment used the Randomized Complete Block Design method. The design was achieved through a combination of organic fertilizer types A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M, along with soil media. The number of treatments consisted of thirteen, repeated three times. The ratio of planting media 67% soil and 33% Solid organic fertilizer bottom ash D type (organic material derived from legumes and <em>Tithonia diversifolia</em> can provide a height of oil palm seedlings 28.57 cm at the age of twelve weeks after planting (WAP). At the same age and the same combination ratio, ion uptake and absorption of the best of potassium (K) by oil palm seedlings. The good Shoot Root ratio was given by a combination of media, 67% soil and 33% solid organic fertilizers, and bottom ash. Similarly, in the oil palm rhizosphere, the balance of media 67% soil and 33% solid organic fertilizer bottom ash was found to contain microorganisms <em>Lactobacillus sp</em>, <em>Streptomyces sp</em>, and <em>Bacillus sp</em></p> Nunung Sondari, Lia Amalia, lin lin Parlinah, M.Nasai, Maria S.Julianti, Retno Widyani Copyright (c) 2024 Chelonian Research Foundation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/871 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 A REVIEW ON TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HERBICIDES ON AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/717 <p>Herbicides are essential in modern agriculture but pose severe risks to aquatic ecosystems, particularly fish. This review examines herbicides' biochemical and genotoxic impacts on fish species, addressing oxidative stress, metabolic disruptions, hormonal interference, DNA damage, and mutations. Herbicides like glyphosate, atrazine, paraquat, and 2,4-D have been linked to enzymatic inhibition, reproductive abnormalities, and genetic mutations with extensive implications for aquatic biodiversity and human health. Case studies provide further insights into specific herbicides' effects, such as glyphosate’s role in oxidative stress, atrazine's endocrine disruption, and paraquat’s genotoxicity. Continuous monitoring, regulation, and alternative solutions are crucial to reduce these harmful effects and protect aquatic life and public health.</p> Devika Rani H K, Parimala B Copyright (c) 2022 Chelonian Research Foundation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/717 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000 SUSTAINABILITY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CULINARY TOURISM: A STUDY OF FOOD TOURISM PRACTICES IN MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/966 <p>This paper examines the viability and economic benefit of culinary tourism in Mumbai, Maharashtra but especially makes an analysis on how local food has helped preserve both traditions and economic prosperity. The research relied on quantitative information of 240 tourists and 60 restaurant owners whereby the questionnaires and interviews employed by the study focused on six dimensions such as aspects of sustainability perceptions, spending patterns, and promotion of Maharashtrian cuisine. The analyses were done in terms of descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS v26 and Excel 365.The results indicate that two-thirds of the tourists pursue sustainable food choices and are more satisfied with the use of such practices. There was a high positive correlation (r = 0.68) between the amount of resources utilized by restaurant to sustain its operations and monthly revenue. Findings of the regression results were that sustainable practice and knowledge on local cuisine remarkably forecasts repeat visitation and tourist expenditure (R 2 = 0.57). The research paper finds that sustainable culinary tourism can not only contribute to cultural identity, but can make restaurants economically viable. Based on these insights, one can say the strategic marketing and a long-term integration of local food heritage should be promoted as part of tourism planning.</p> Manoj Patkar, Prof. (Dr.) Gurdip Singh Copyright (c) 2025 Chelonian Research Foundation https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://acgpublishing.com/index.php/CCB/article/view/966 Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000