bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg) peel flour as an anthocyanin-rich ingredient for the elaboration of sequilho biscuits: Effects on sensory and technological properties
Authors: Ribeiro Jéssica Aparecida , Gonçalves Clarissa Ane , Rodrigues Jéssica Ferreira , Alencar Natália Manzatti Machado , Santos Eleonice Moreira , Carlos Lanamar de Almeida , Silva Washington Azevêdo da , Gonçalves Aline Cristina Arruda , Trombete Felipe Machado
Published: November 2021

Jaboticaba (Plinia spp.) peel is an emerging co-product with high levels of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and differentiated sensory characteristics. During the industrial processing of jaboticaba, as in the production of juices, only the pulp is used, and the peel is discarded. This work aimed to produce sequilho biscuits with different concentrations of jaboticaba peel flour (JPF) and evaluate the technological and sensory properties of the products. Biscuits with four concentrations of JPF (B1= 0.75%, B2= 1.5% B3= 2.25% and B4= 3.0%) were prepared. The physicochemical analysis, instrumental texture, color, total flavonoids, and total anthocyanins were evaluated. Sensory perceptions were investigated using the check-all-that-apply (CATA) questionnaire, hedonic scale, and purchase intention scale. Jaboticaba peel flour had high levels of total flavonoids (227.9±14.6 mg 100 g-1) and total anthocyanins (114.2±4.2 mg cyanidin-3-glycoside 100 g-1). Specific volume and bite force were not affected by the addition of JPF. The global impression for all biscuits elaborated with JPF ranged from approximately 6.5 to 7.5. It positively influenced the global impression of the biscuits, with associations with the CATA terms of fruit flavor, jaboticaba flavor, and fruit aroma. However, terms related to the texture, such as fibrous and hard, negatively influenced the global impression. It is recommended to produce sequilho biscuits with JPF addition up to 1.5%. This study demonstrated that the food industry could better exploit the jaboticaba peel, meeting consumer demand for products with differentiated sensory characteristics
Evaluation of the teachers’ digital competences in primary and secondary education in Portugal with DigCompEdu CheckIn in pandemic times
Authors: Dias-Trindade Sara , Moreira José Ant´ónio , Ferreira António Gomes
Published: November 2021

The current pandemic crisis the world is living in has brought new and emerging challenges to teachers, making it essential to acquire digital skills, especially in virtual learning environments and online technologies. In this sense, from the DigCompEdu CheckIn self-assessment questionnaire, validated for the Portuguese population by Dias-Trindade, Moreira, and Nunes (2019), the research presented in this paper aims to identify the most fragile and robust areas of digital skills of primary and secondary education (ISCED) perceived by teachers in Portugal. The quantitative methodological approach emphasizes teachers' perception of their digital skills in three dimensions: teachers’ professional competences, teachers’ pedagogical competences and students' competences and involved 434 teachers from mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Regions. The results allow us to conclude that teachers have an overall moderate level of digital proficiency – level B1 - Integrators – and the dimensions pedagogical competences and students’ competences are those where teachers have more weaknesses than in other levels. From a panorama observed before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible to understand their needs regarding work that involves digital technologies at different moments in the teaching activity. The results thus, show the need for teachers to increase their level of digital competence through specific training and the importance of developing public policies that prepare teachers for a more digital school.
The Structural Material Property Analysis of CNC Machine Tools Based on Tribology Applied Method
Authors: Hwang Yunn Lin , Ta Thi Na , Adhitya
Published: November 2021

Tribology applied method (TAM) is a method to investigate the interacting surface in relative motion includes the principles of friction, lubrication, and wear. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of structural material property on Multi-body dynamic. The stick-slip friction (SSF) and the contact normal force is used as influence of machine tools in numerical simulation. The numerical simulation is conducted on three axes CNC machine without friction, with sliding friction and with SFF to find out the effect of the influence parameter. The PID controller is used as the compensation in the numerical simulation. The result show that the unsmooth motion of CNC machine due the friction will affect the accuracy and the performance of the CNC machine.
Strength Analysis of Main Rotor Blades of Helicopter UAV
Authors: Nguyen Phu Khanh , Hoang Thi Kim Dung
Published: November 2021

Helicopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (HUAV) is recently used in agriculture due to its dynamic, flexible, vertically take-off/landing, hover and to laterally fly. The HUAV was researched and designed with purpose of greatly reducing manpower, limited direct contact of human with toxic substances, reducing time working in parallel with improving quality and yield. This paper focused on the main rotor blades of HUAV with 15 kg useful load. The main rotor was first designed and then numerically validated by using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) tool in ANSYS software. The aerodynamics characteristics of main rotor blades of HUAV such as pressure, velocity, thrust, drag ...were carried out at hovering flight mode. Finally, strengthen analysis of main rotor blades were checked using computational solid dynamic (CSD) tool in ANSYS software. The aim of this paper was to check whether the designed blades of main rotor were durable enough or not to continue the next design steps.
AIM2 Suppresses Inflammation and Epithelial Cell Proliferation during Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Chung Hyunjae , Komada Takanori , Lau Arthur , Chappellaz Mona , Platnich Jaye M , de Koning Heleen D , Petri Björn , Luque Yosu , Walker Simon , Benediktsson Hallgrimur , Mesnard Laurent , Chun Justin , Muruve Daniel A
Published: November 2021

Absent in melanoma-2 (AIM2) is an inflammasome-forming innate immune sensor for dsDNA but also exhibits inflammasome-independent functions such as restricting cellular proliferation. AIM2 is expressed in the kidney, but its localization and function are not fully characterized. In normal human glomeruli, AIM2 localized to podocytes. In patients with glomerulonephritis, AIM2 expression increased in CD44+-activated parietal epithelial cells within glomerular crescents. To explore AIM2 effects in glomerular disease, studies in Aim2−/− mice were performed. Aim2−/− glomeruli showed reduced expression of Wilm tumor gene-1 (WT1), WT1-driven podocyte genes, and increased proliferation in outgrowth assays. In a nephrotoxic serum (NTS)–induced glomerulonephritis model, Aim2−/− (B6) mice exhibited more severe glomerular crescent formation, tubular injury, inflammation, and proteinuria compared with wild-type controls. Inflammasome activation markers were absent in both Aim2−/− and wild-type kidneys, despite an increased inflammatory transcriptomic signature in Aim2−/− mice. Aim2−/− mice also demonstrated dysregulated cellular proliferation and an increase in CD44+ parietal epithelial cells during glomerulonephritis. The augmented inflammation and epithelial cell proliferation in Aim2−/− (B6) mice was not due to genetic background, as Aim2−/− (B6.129) mice demonstrated a similar phenotype during NTS glomerulonephritis. The AIM2-like receptor (ALR) locus was necessary for the inflammatory glomerulonephritis phenotype observed in Aim2−/− mice, as NTS-treated ALR−/− mice displayed equal levels of injury as wild-type controls. Podocyte outgrowth from ALR−/− glomeruli was still increased, however, confirming that the ALR locus is dispensable for AIM2 effects on epithelial cell proliferation. These results identify a noncanonical role for AIM2 in suppressing inflammation and epithelial cell proliferation during glomerulonephritis.
The role of peripheral eosinophilia in diagnosing lung disorders: experience from a single pneumonological center
Authors: Fijołek Justyna , Wiatr Elzbieta , Piotrowska-Kownacka Dorota , Roszkowski-Sliz Kazimierz
Published: November 2021

Background: Eosinophilia is rare but one of the important reasons to refer patients to pneumonological centers. Determining etiology of eosinophilia has practical implications for therapeutic intervention and disease prognosis. The study aimed to determine the role of peripheral eosinophilia in the diagnosis of lung disorders.Methods: To the retrospective study were included 46 patients diagnosed with peripheral eosinophilia with coexisting respiratory symptoms and/or radiologically detected lung lesions. All patients underwent standard diagnostic procedures, including a detailed clinical history review, physical examination, routine laboratory tests with basal cardiological examinations, and serological tests to detect parasites and allergies. Other procedures carried out depended on the symptoms of each patient. The relation between eosinophil counts in the blood and patients’ clinical manifestation was investigated to identify the degree of eosinophilia requiring immediate diagnostic procedures and treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using scientific computation libraries in the Python programming language, SciPy, v. 1.3.1. Briefly, the following tests were used: parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test, an independent t-test, ANOVA, the Shapiro-Wilk test, Fisher’s and Chi-squared tests, and the Holm-Bonferroni method.Results: Severe eosinophilia (≥5,000 cells/μl) was associated with extrapulmonary involvement and constitutional symptoms. Skin, heart, and pleural diseases were more frequent in these patients than in patients with mild or moderate eosinophilia (p=0.010, p=0.040, and p=0.007, respectively), and only these patients showed signs of kidney disease (p=0.006). Vasculitis was significantly more frequent in the severe eosinophilia group (p=0.048) than in the other two groups. In patients with moderate eosinophilia (1,500-5,000 cells/μl), extrapulmonary symptoms were less common, although signs of cardiac involvement were confirmed in 44% of subjects. In this group, vasculitis was the most commonly observed disease (42% of cases). Mild eosinophilia (<1,500 cells/μl) was mainly associated with airway disease. In this group, vasculitis and interstitial lung diseases were identified, but most were not typically connected with eosinophilia.Conclusions: Identification of peripheral eosinophilia may essentially determine diagnostic procedures in patients with lung disorders and may be a useful indicator of disease etiology.
The pharmacological management of obesity
Authors: Marais André
Published: November 2021

Obesity is a growing phenomenon and a global concern. It is well-known that it plays a significant role in the development of several preventable diseases. The physiological mechanisms in regulating energy intake and expenditure are complex and remain a target area for current and future research. The absence of a golden standard in determining the body’s composition provides for various measurement techniques, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Lifestyle changes and reduced caloric intake form the backbone of any pharmacological intervention. A myriad of therapeutic agents are available which offer the provision for individualised treatment.
The role of locus of control in nyaope addiction treatment
Authors: Fernandes L. , Mokwena K. E.
Published: November 2021

Background: Nyaope addiction is a significant health and social problem affecting some South African communities. With reported nyaope rehabilitation success rates of less than 3% and estimated dropout rates of 40%, improvement in the rehabilitation rates is essential. As locus of control (LOC) is a recognised predictive factor in the onset of substance use and rehabilitation outcomes, a rehabilitation programme aligned to the LOC orientation of the user could result in improved recovery outcomes. This study aimed to determine the LOC of nyaope users.Methods: Consenting adult male and female nyaope users voluntary participated in this quantitative study. After convenient sampling, 115 nyaope users admitted to drug rehabilitation centres registered and funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development and 106 nyaope users from the streets of urban areas of Tshwane completed a self-administered validated questionnaire. LOC orientation was determined by giving participants 13 statements from which they had to choose the option that best described their situation in relation to drug addiction.Results: A total of 24.5% (47/192) of the respondents could be classified as having an external LOC orientation while 75.5% (145/192) were classified as having an internal LOC orientation.Conclusions: By determining the LOC orientation of a nyaope user, rehabilitation programmes could be aligned to suit the personality of the user leading to a better chance of successful recovery with fewer cases of readmission.
World Confederation for Physical Therapy
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Metatarsalgia: Etiology and treatment
Authors: Fisher A. C.
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Electro-therapy of paralyses
Authors: Thom Harold
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Ovarian Torsion Occurring Nine Days after Ipsilateral Dermoid Cystectomy
Authors: Chang Pauline , Leyland Nicholas , Scattolon Sarah
Published: November 2021

Ovarian torsion (OT) is a gynecological emergency that requires prompt treatment and management. It is associated with risk factors such as ovarian cysts and prior pelvic surgery. Diagnosis and treatment require surgery to examine the adnexa, correct the torsion, and determine if cystectomy or oophorectomy are required. We reported the case of a 34-year-old woman who presented 9 days after a dermoid cystectomy with sudden onset abdominal pain. An ultrasound showed abnormal blood flow to the ovary. She then underwent a repeat laparoscopy revealing a necrotic and twisted ovary on the same side that had a cystectomy. The surgeons proceeded with a right oophorectomy. Following surgery, the patient reported no concerns with no ongoing bleeding or pain. OT can present in the short-term postoperatively to an ovarian cystectomy, likely as a result of mechanical forces secondary to structural changes of the ovary. The role for prophylaxis against OT is unclear in those with significant risk factors for torsion.
Free boundary problems for Stokes flow, with applications to the growth of biological tissues
Authors: King John R. , Venkataraman Chandrasekhar
Published: November 2021

We formulate, analyse and numerically simulate what are arguably the two simplest Stokes-flow free boundary problems relevant to tissue growth, extending the classical Stokes free boundary problem by incorporating (i) a volumetric source (the nutrient-rich case) and (ii) a volumetric sink, a surface source and surface compression (the nutrient-poor case). Both two- and three-dimensional cases are considered. A number of phenomena are identified and characterised thereby, most notably a buckling-associated instability in case (ii).
On differentiability of the membrane-mediated mechanical interaction energy of discrete–continuum membrane–particle models
Authors: Gräser Carsten , Kies Tobias
Published: November 2021

We consider a discrete–continuum model of a biomembrane with embedded particles. While the membrane is represented by a continuous surface, embedded particles are described by rigid discrete objects which are free to move and rotate in lateral direction. For the membrane we consider a linearized Canham–Helfrich energy functional and height and slope boundary conditions imposed on the particle boundaries resulting in a coupled minimization problem for the membrane shape and particle positions.

When considering the energetically optimal membrane shape for each particle position we obtain a reduced energy functional that models the implicitly given interaction potential for the membrane-mediated mechanical particle–particle interactions. We show that this interaction potential is differentiable with respect to the particle positions and orientations. Furthermore, we derive a fully practical representation of the derivative only in terms of well defined derivatives of the membrane. This opens the door for the application of minimization algorithms for the computation of minimizers of the coupled system and for further investigation of the interaction potential of membrane-mediated mechanical particle–particle interaction.

The results are illustrated with numerical examples comparing the explicit derivative formula with difference quotient approximations. We furthermore demonstrate the application of the derived formula to implement a gradient flow for the approximation of optimal particle configurations.
On second-order and fourth-order elliptic systems consisting of bulk and surface PDEs: Well-posedness, regularity theory and eigenvalue problems
Authors: Knopf Patrik , Liu Chun
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we study second-order and fourth-order elliptic problems which include not only a Poisson equation in the bulk but also an inhomogeneous Laplace–Beltrami equation on the boundary of the domain. The bulk and the surface PDE are coupled by a boundary condition that is either of Dirichlet or Robin type. We point out that both the Dirichlet and the Robin type boundary condition can be handled simultaneously through our formalism without having to change the framework. Moreover, we investigate the eigenvalue problems associated with these second-order and fourth-order elliptic systems.We further discuss the relation between these elliptic problems and certain parabolic problems, especially the Allen–Cahn equation and the Cahn–Hilliard equation with dynamic boundary conditions.
Assessment of Forest Investment, Financial Flows and Revenue Collection in the Abia State Forest Sector, Nigeria
Authors: Egu E.C. , Nwankwo E.C. , Offiong E.E.
Published: November 2021

Varieties of resources abound in the forests of Nigeria and especially in Abia state, an economic treasure house of resources. Sustainable management of the forests in Nigeria is crucial for a consistent supply of forest resources. Ten forest reserves were surveyed to determine the extent of the government’s involvement in sustainable forest management in Abia State. The government consider the forest reserves, as a revenue-generating venture, leading to the excessive exploitation of forest resources in the state. The exploitation is without regard for sustainability as the harvest is consistently higher than its growth. The government’s involvement in funding the forestry sector over these years has been the payment of salaries to staff of the State forestry department and revenue collection, while international donors, corporate organizations and private sectors have not considerably invested in the Abia State forest sector. The survey revealed the challenges militating the productivity of the forest sector in Abia State, namely: inadequate capital, administrative incompetence and bureaucratic bottleneck, political instability, ecological challenge, insufficient skilled personnel, corruption, lack of forest equipment and inefficient forest laws. Training should be organized for the forest staff and communities to ensure the sustainable use of forest resources. There is a need for the modernization of forestry practice in Abia State and all that go with it being accorded a well-deserved priority in the present economic dispensation in Nigeria.
Heavy Metals Adsorption on Cellulosic Materials from Agricultural Waste
Authors: Onigbinde M.O. , Okeke S.R.
Published: November 2021

Adsorption technique has been known to be a very effective method for treatment of heavy metals polluted wastewater, with the advantages of specific affinity, simple design and being user-friendly. However, the high cost of activated carbon commonly used as the adsorbent makes it necessary to explore the use of cheap cellulosic adsorbents. In this study, the adsorptive property of sugarcane bagasse (SB) and orange mesocarp (OM) was investigated. The cellulosic adsorbents were used for the sorption of lead and zinc ions from aqueous solutions. The effects of varying adsorbent dose, varying contact time and initial metal ion concentration on adsorption process of the metals were studied. The results show that both adsorbents (though waste materials) are viable for removal of metals from wastewater. Moreover, SB had higher sorption capacity for zinc (12.95 for SB and 12.68 for OM) while OM had higher sorption capacity for lead (9.90 for OM and 9.48 for SB) at optimum dosage. The isothermal studies shows that for lead adsorption, experimental data best fitted the Langmuir isotherm for both adsorbents (R2 of 0.9574 for OM and 0.98 for SB) while the data for zinc adsorption best fitted into Freundlich isotherm with SB (R2 of 0.9565)and Langmuir isotherm for OM(R2 of 0.814).
Impact of Cement Dust on Physical and Chemical Nutrients Properties of Forest Topsoil
Authors: Adebiyi A.P. , Adigun H.O. , Lawal K.J. , Salami K.D. , Adekunle V.A.L. , Oyelakin J.A.
Published: November 2021

: The study examined the impact of Cement dust on physical and chemical nutrients properties of forest topsoil in close proximity to a major private cement industry in Obajana, Kogi State, Nigeria using standard methods by collecting Topsoil samples for physical and chemical properties analyses which are particle size, moisture content, pH, carbon, nitrogen,phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, cation exchange capacity and organic matter.Data revealed a strong influence of the particulate pollutants on the forest topsoil in close proximity to the Cement factory. It was observed that the soil properties; moisture content and soil pH varied at distances away from the factory. The result showed that the Cement dust particles entering the soil increased the pH of the soil, it more alkaline. The highest pH (6.03) was observed from hundred and fifty meters sample indicating the highest particulate pollution. There were also variations in the other soil nutrient properties; carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, cation exchange capacity and organic matter arising from the effect of cement dust. High organic matter content was recorded in the location samples compared with the control sample. This is attributed to the addition of cement dust to the soils, resulting in improved organic-matter cycling and plant growth. The result also showed that the chemical properties; organic carbon (OC), organic matter (OM), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are significantly higher in the study areas than the control. The study therefore concludes that the emission of cement dust on the forest stands over the years was found to have significantly affected the topsoil properties.
Tree Species Diversity and Distribution in the Natural Forest of Onigambari Forest Reserve, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olaoti-Laaro S.O. , Taiwo D.M. , Adeniji K.A. , Odewo S.A. , Animashaun Z.T. , Woghiren A.I. , Adedoyin E.D.
Published: November 2021

Anthropogenic activities has caused depletion of majority of Nigeria forest reserves, reducing forest lands to agricultural lands and grasslands. These prompted this study to consider the diversity of species as well as their species composition in the forest in February 2021. Four sub-plots were established in a cluster with an area of 50m by 50m, with 20m distance between each plots and 10m as edge effect. Twenty five tree species belonging to fifteen families were found in the study site. Family Malvaceae was the most represented. Triplochiton scleroxylon recorded the highest relative importance value (11.23). The diversity indices across the study plots assessed were species richness, evenness, Shannon index and dominance. Dominance indices across the study plots were low, asides for Plot 4 where. Triplochiton scleroxylon was dominant. Simpson index was highest in Plot 1 and lowest at Plot 4. Shannon index was highest, though in moderation in Plot 1 and relatively low in the remaining plots. Evenness indices across the four plots were high. However, the summarized diversity indices for the study site reflected dominance was generally low, Simpson index was high, Shannon index was moderate and Evenness index was moderate. The dendrogram depicted the relationship among the tree species population based on similarities and dissimilarities. Triplochiton scleroxylon belonged to a cluster while every other species with close similarity were categorized under cluster 2.
Harvest Handling and Postharvest Conditions for Optimum Nutrient Quality in Mango: Minerals and Vitamins
Authors: Moyib O.K. , Omotola O.E. , Banjoko O.O. , Ezike B.U.
Published: November 2021

Good practices at harvest and postharvest could be useful in obtaining nutritious mango with high minerals and vitamins. The present study evaluated effect of harvest handling and postharvest conditions on the level of minerals and vitamins using standard methods. Ripe, half-ripe and unripe mangoes were harvested on parent plant and on ground around parent plant. The half-ripe and unripe mangoes were further divided to include heat ripened mangoes. The mango samples were separately stored naturally at 25±3oC and heat ripened at 37±5oC for 0 to 10 day after harvest (dah). The results show Ijebu-Mamu mangoes could cater for reference dietary intake of Vit C. Mango harvested on parent plant has highest level of minerals and vitamins than those picked on ground. Ripe mango has highest level of minerals, half ripe mango presented highest level of vits. B1 and B2 and unripe mango has highest level of Fe and Vit. C. Heat caused increased level of minerals and reduced level of vitamins. The minerals show increased level from 0 to 4 or 6 dah while vitamins reduced from 0 till 10 dah. High level of minerals and vitamins was obtained with optimum integrated harvest and postharvest condition of half-ripe mango naturally ripened at 6 dah. The present results highlight effects of the assessed harvest handling and postharvest conditions and their co-optimization that might be necessary for high minerals and vitamins in mango.
Fungal Airsporal Contamination of Different Hospital Environments in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Samuel T.O. , Kayode Y.A. , Odewunmi O.O.
Published: November 2021

Hospital infections caused by fungi have been frequently reported in hospitalized patients, with a high morbidity and mortality, making it increasingly important to the awareness of air quality. This study is designed to isolate, identify and investigate the occurrence of airborne fungal spores present in various working environments of some selected hospitals within Lagos State, Nigeria. Air samples at six working area (reception, out-patient, male ward, female ward, maternity ward and operating theatre) of the selected hospitals were obtained on triplicate of Sabouraud dextrose agar plates, every week days for six consecutive weeks. Isolated fungi were subsequently identified using both microscopic and macroscopic characteristics. Seven species of fungi belonging to three genera were recovered during this study period; Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. species, Candida species, Penicillium citrinum and P. species. The most abundant fungus encountered in this study is A. niger with P. species being the least isolated fungus from all the investigated hospitals. Of the six working areas sampled in the eight hospitals, the reception and out-patient areas appeared to record the highest occurrence of encountered fungi while the examined operating theatre rooms had the least fungal airsporal contaminant. It was gathered from this study that despite the daily cleaning of the investigated hospital working environments with different antiseptic and disinfectants, fungal contaminant was observed throughout the sampled period. We thereby conclude that the hospital environments are continuously monitored in order to identify and eliminate the sources of these fungal spores.
Assessment on the Effects of Potting Media on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir
Authors: Peter M.K. , Agera SIN , Amonum J.I.
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the effects of potting media on seed germination and early seedling growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir at the Forestry Nursery in Jos, Nigeria. Using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates, laboratory-tested soil samples, top soil, sharp sand, sharp sand + top soil, sharp sand + top soil + cow dung and sharp sand + top soil + poultry droppings were used in various combinations to assess the growth parameters of P. erinaceus (germination percentage, emergence, plant height, number of leaves, length of leaves and stem diameter) for 12 weeks. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze collected data. Result indicated that sharp sand + top soil + poultry droppings had the highest nitrogen concentration (2.19%), sharp sand + top soil + cow dung (2.07%), sharp sand + top soil (1.50%), top soil (0.72%) and Sharp sand (0.38%). Potting media with poultry droppings recorded an overall higher percentage germination of 42.9% by the end of the germination period. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of collected data on combined soil aggregate on growth parameters indicated a significant (p<0.05) difference in plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and stem diameter. Potting with poultry dropping gave the best potting media growth results when compared to other treatments that enhanced seed germination and seedling growth of P. erinaceus. This superior observation of the poultry droppings incorporated potting mixtures over the cow dung provides an outstanding potentials to enhance P. erinaceus plantation establishment. Consequently, recommended for raising seedlings in the nursery as well as ensuring sustainable management.
Assessment of Thermal-induced Forest Stress: A case of Akure Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adamu I.S. , AigbokhanOKHAN, O.J. , Agbor C.F. , Orunkoyi A.R. , Ogoliegbune O.M.
Published: November 2021

Forest stress or health has become a topic of serious interest to researchers in recent times. It reached a crescendo consequent upon the renewed interest in climate change’s effects, resilience and mitigation. Forest stress is majorly a climate-related occurrence that can only be managed but not totally eradicated. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing thermal induced stress in Akure forest reserve in Ondo State, Nigeria, using the instrumentality of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS). The temperature data used for this study was extracted from Landsat 8 (OLI) imagery obtained from United States Geological Survey (USGS) database between the years 2016 and 2020. A land use land cover change detection analysis of the study area revealed that between 2016 and 2020, forest and waterbody decreased from 4344.59 to 2971.71 ha and 187.28 to 178.23 ha respectively while shrubs and bare land increased from 1472.13 to 2533.05 ha and 578.16 to 899.34 ha respectively. Forest stress and health of the study area was assessed using vegetation indices and land surface temperature LST). The result reveals changes in mean LST across the four lands cover types during the study period. It ranges between 22.28 oC (water body) in 2016 to 28.99 oC (bare land) in 2018. The spatial trend of Vegetation Health Index (VHI) was used to delineate the health of the forest. The study reveals that the spectral changes in the biophysical characteristics of the forest could not be solely attributed to temperature variability. Other climatic parameters and soil related variables must have contributed to notice stress in the forest reserve. However, this study has brought to the fore the robustness of geospatial technologies on the study of forest stress, health and drought.
Impact of EMIR and BASEL III on Non-Financial-Corporates’ Hedging Activities and their Response.
Authors:   , Kifle Henok
Published: November 2021

This dissertation aims to explore and evaluate the impact of regulatory initiatives on corporate hedging activities of the non-financial-corporates (NFCs) and corresponding corporate response for risk and return considerations. Corporate hedging and corporate risk management have been extensively studied in finance literature. However, the previous research and theories focused on the rationale to hedge and the optimal hedging mechanisms and failed to consider regulation as an influencing factor. Subsequently, the existing research and theories do not provide a theoretical framework to analyse the impact of regulation on corporate hedging activities (CHA). This study, as such caters to this lacuna and explores the willingness and ability to conduct corporate hedging, as well as formulating an organisational response to manage the impact of regulation. Despite this gap, the literature review allowed a pre-conceptualisation of a model to analyse the impact of regulation on CHA. Subsequently, the study also yielded an initial conceptual framework based on ideas from literature relevant to corporate hedging and organisational response to regulation. The initial model and conceptual framework brought more focus into the research phase and allowed the usage of deductive qualitative analysis (DQA) procedures (Gilgun, 2010). Based on qualitative data from 12 German NFCs, a model (i.e., the impact-analysis-model, IAM) has been developed to systematically analyse the impact of internal and external actions/actors on CHA. This model addressed the first research question (RQ1), namely how EMIR and Basel III impact CHA of German NFCs. The RQ1 findings show that EMIR impacted NFCs mainly through increased costs, higher requirements for systems and processes, and an increased knowhow requisite. Basel III impacted the NFCs by leading to higher costs and less offers for complex and long-dated derivatives. Overall, the impact is regarded as moderate, which failed to affect any changes in the CHA. Furthermore, in the current study, the responses of the NFCs have been investigated and conceptualised based on the organisation response set of Cook et al (1983). The findings here show that NFCs mainly referred to managerial level responses with the impact on their activities categorised as moderate. Finally, the study proposes an integrated conceptual framework. This study offers significant relevance towards risk management and treasury practitioners as well as theorists, regulators, and other policy makers.
Topic models do not model topics: epistemological remarks and steps towards best practices
Authors: Shadrova Anna
Published: November 2021

The social sciences and digital humanities have recently adopted the machine learning technique of topic modeling to address research questions in their fields. This is problematic in a number of ways, some of which have not received much attention in the debate yet. This paper adds epistemological concerns centering around the interface between topic modeling and linguistic concepts and the argumentative embedding of evidence obtained through topic modeling. It concludes that topic modeling in its present state of methodological integration does not meet the requirements of an independent research method. It operates from relevantly unrealistic assumptions, is non-deterministic, cannot effectively be validated against a reasonable number of competing models, does not lock into a well-defined linguistic interface, and does not scholarly model topics in the sense of themes or content. These features are intrinsic and make the interpretation of its results prone to apophenia (the human tendency to perceive random sets of elements as meaningful patterns) and confirmation bias (the human tendency to perceptually prefer patterns that are in alignment with pre-existing biases). While partial validation of the statistical model is possible, a conceptual validation would require an extended triangulation with other methods and human ratings, and clarification of whether statistical distinctivity of lexical co-occurrence correlates with conceputal topics in any reliable way.
Sekuritizacija zdravlja i (ne)sigurnost ustavnog poretka
Authors: Bilandžić Mirko
Published: November 2021

Povezanost javnog zdravlja, medicine i sigurnosti nije povijesna novost.
Obilje činjenične empirije ukazuje na sličnosti tehnologije ratovanja i medicine: usmjereni su na populaciju, imaju strateški značaj i produciraju
sigurnost. Uostalom, javno zdravstvo ima uporabu u dvama područjima:
ratovanju (warfare) i državi blagostanja (welfare). Moderna medicina razvijena je kao rezultat djelovanja u obama područjima, kao sredstvo obrane
društva te kao sredstvo podizanja razine blagostanja populacije. Povijesno, sigurnosni aspekti medicine i zdravlja empirijski su nesporni, makar
bolesti i zdravlje ljudi i nacije dominantno su tretirani kao zdravstveno‑
‑medicinsko i razvojno pitanje. Redefinirane sigurnosne paradigme u po‑sthladnoratovskom razdoblju postavile su (zarazne) bolesti na pijedestal
sigurnosnih izazova. Vijeće sigurnosti UN‑a 10. siječnja 2000. prvi je put
u povijesti zdravstveno pitanje – HIV/AIDS – proglasilo prijetnjom međunarodnom miru i sigurnosti. Globalna pandemija AIDS‑a od tada više
nije samo globalno zdravstveno pitanje i pitanje razvoja, nego ima i važne
sigurnosne implikacije: ima izravne i neizravne učinke na ljudsku sigurnost, sigurnost društva, nacionalnu i međunarodnu sigurnost. Identičnu
empirijsku potvrdu zdravlje je dobilo proglašenjem pandemije koronavirusa značajnom prijetnjom miru i sigurnosti. Početkom 21. stoljeća zdravlje
je sekuritizirano, označeno je prijetnjom koja dovodi u pitanje egzistencijalnost, što zahtijeva poduzimanje urgentnih i posebnih mjera radi zaštite i
sigurnosti objekta (zdravlje) koji je izložen prijetnji. Ekstenzija represivnih
državnih ovlasti i uvođenje „stanja izuzetka” ili izvanrednog stanja (state
of exception, state of emergency) kao odgovor na prijetnje u redefiniranim
sigurnosnim uvjetima postaju ili su postali (kao u slučaju „rata protiv terora”) trajna ili trajnija norma. U suočavanju s novim rizicima, pozna‑
ti sigurnosni mehanizmi nisu dostatni. Izuzeci postaju pravilo, u stanju
izvanredne situacije postupno dolazi do „normalizacije izvanrednosti.” U eri sekuritizacije zdravlja, granica između zdravstvenih i sigurnosnih provedbenih politika (policy) je izbrisana. Zdravstvena sigurnost time uvjetuje
transformaciju političkih ovlasti u forme „institucionalizirane izvanrednosti.” Dovodi li time sekuritizacija zdravlja do (ne)sigurnosti ustavnog
poretka?
Sekuritizacija bolesti COVID‑19 i sekuritizacijska dilema u Hrvatskoj
Authors: Džidić Goran
Published: November 2021

Cilj rada je istražiti na koji je način bolest COVID‑19 konstruirana kao
sigurnosna prijetnja u Hrvatskoj i jesu li se sekuritizacijski akteri našli pred
sekuritizacijskom dilemom. Sekuritizacijska dilema nastaje kad sekuritizacijski akter uvođenjem izvanrednih mjera nastoji zaštititi određeni referentni objekt, što izravno utječe na ugrožavanje drugog referentnog objekta. Uz predstavljanje osnovnih postavki teorije sekuritizacije i detektiranja
elemenata sekuritizacije bolesti COVID‑19 u Hrvatskoj, rad se fokusira na
uvođenje i ukidanje restriktivnih mjera kojima su sekuritizacijski akteri
naizmjenično štitili različite referentne objekte. Istraživanje je pokazalo da
su sekuritizacijski akteri u RH koristili balansirani pristup između zaštite
zdravlja građana i zaštite gospodarstva kao različitih referentnih objekata.
Estimate Gas Initially in Place of Tight Gas Reservoirs Based on Developed Methodology of Dynamic Material Balance Technique
Authors: Al-Fatlawi Omar
Published: November 2021

With growing global demand for hydrocarbons and decreasing conventional reserves, the gas industry is shifting its focus in the direction of unconventional reservoirs. Tight gas reservoirs have typically been deemed uneconomical due to their low permeability which is understood to be below 0.1mD, requiring advanced drilling techniques and stimulation to enhance hydrocarbons. However, the first step in determining the economic viability of the reservoir is to see how much gas is initially in place. Numerical simulation has been regarded across the industry as the most accurate form of gas estimation, however, is extremely costly and time consuming. The aim of this study is to provide a framework for a simple analytical method to estimate gas. Usually during production three variables are readily accessible: production rate, production time, and pressure-volume-temperature properties. This paper develops an analytical approach derived from the dynamic material balance proposing a new methodology to calculate pseudo time, with an interactive technique. This model encompasses pseudo functions accounting for pressure dependent fluid and rock variables. With the dynamic material balance yielding weak results in the linear flow regimes, an additional methodology derived from the volumetric tank model has been taken into consideration whereby equivalent drainage area is linked to total reservoir area. It has been shown even with short production data this volumetric approach yields accurate results. This proposed methodology has been validated against previous literature and additional cases considered to determine the sensitivity of each of it to reservoir parameters. Finally, it is shown that this method works for both fractured and unfractured wells in tight gas reservoirs, however, it is sensitive to the quantity of data based within the pseudo steady state flow period.
Use Conventional and Statistical Methods for Porosity Estimating in Carbonate Reservoir in Southern Iraq, Case Study
Authors: Tali Ali Hussein
Published: November 2021

Porosity is important because it reflects the presence of oil reserves. Hence, the number of underground reserves and a direct influence on the essential petrophysical parameters, such as permeability and saturation, are related to connected pores. Also, the selection of perforation interval and recommended drilling additional infill wells. For the estimation two distinct methods are used to obtain the results: the first method is based on conventional equations that utilize porosity logs. In contrast, the second approach relies on statistical methods based on making matrices dependent on rock and fluid composition and solving the equations (matrices) instantaneously. In which records have entered as equations, and the matrix is solved in one step, the porosity, saturation, and volume of minerals embedded inside the rock formations were obtained. The results indicated that the porosity was determined using statistical and conventional approaches matched to the core porosity. In the end, statistical techniques afford a different path for calculation and provide outcomes that can be used in all situations, particularly when the rock has many types of components. Furthermore, it is not based on conventional equations and overcomes the problems coming from the unreliability of porosity logs in formations containing mixed minerals.
Lithological Study of Mishrif, Rumaila, Ahmadi and Mauddud Formations Using Vp/ Vs Ratio, Acoustic Impedance and Well Logging at Amara Oil Field, Southern Iraq
Authors: Tareq Hiba
Published: November 2021

The lithology of four formations from the Cretaceous period (Mishrif, Rumaila, Ahmadi, and Mauddud) was evaluated using the Acoustic Impedance and Vp/Vs ratio cross plot from Rock Physics Templates. Dipole sonic logs in Am-6-Am-10 well log were used to calculate compression velocity then the estimated shear velocity using Greenberg Castagna equations. RHOB and VP logs were used to calculate Acoustic Impedance. The ratio of Vp/Vs was measured then used with Acoustic Impedance colored by shale volume which is measured from gamma ray log, porosity and water saturation to estimate lithology type of the considered formations using cross plots and rock physics chart in the Techlog software. The lithology of the formations found to be of high porosity limestone alternating with hard limestone layers and the shale volume increases in the Ahmadi formation. The water bearing zone was found in all Formations, this zone is indicted by high Vp/ Vs ratio and low AI. The hydrocarbon bearing zones were indicated by low amount of both Acoustic Impedance and Vp/Vs ratio and this observation was shown in Mishrif and Mauddud formations.
Stratigraphy and Nannofossil Biozonation of Sarmord Formation on the Qaywan Anticline in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Northern Iraq
Authors: Karim Kamal Haji
Published: November 2021

The Sarmord Formation is one of the overlooked formations that require more investigations than that achieved before. There are many problems in its definition, age, stratigraphy and aerial distribution. Previously in most parts of the Sulaymaniyah, it is not mapped and its outcrops combined with Balambo Formation while in the present study it is differentiated, mapped in the field on the Qaywan anticline and its problems discussed in details with a suggestion of solutions. For laboratory studies, 31 samples are taken on the Qywan Mountain (anticline) at 23 km north of the Sulaimani city for nannofossils biozonation. This study identified 19 species of the recorded calcareous nannofossils, the studied section reveals three biozones arranged from oldest to youngest as follows: Cretarhabdus loriei Interval Biozone, Lithraphidites bollii Interval Biozone, Micrantholithus hoschulzii Interval Biozone. These nannobiozones are correlated with other calcareous nannofossils biozones from both local and regional sections leading to conclude the age of Late Valanganian to Barremian.
The Obstacles and Opportunities of the Mineral Resources in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Authors: Jassim Hamed M.
Published: November 2021

The Kurdistan Region in Iraq is located in the extreme northeastern part of the Arabian Plate which is in a collision since the Late Cretaceous with the Iranian Plate. Therefore, large ophiolite bodies have been thrust along the northeastern margins of Kurdistan Region; accordingly, different metallic mineral can be associated with igneous and metamorphic rocks at Penjween, Qalat Diza and Rawandouz vicinities, besides, radioactive minerals like uranium and thorium. Moreover, large and long thrust fault has developed along the northern and northeastern parts of the Kurdistan Region. Along the plane of this huge thrust fault, hydrothermal liquids have deposited different metallic minerals as showings, especially between Zakho and Amadiyah towns. We have presented and discussed the discipline of mineral investment in Kurdistan Region, the announced minerals’ blocks for investment by the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Regional Government, the encouraging factors and obstacles of investments. To fulfill the scope of this work, we have used the best available and updated data as acquired from different sources. The main obstacles which contributed to the backwardness and non-development of the mining industry in the Kurdistan Region can be summarized in the nonexistence of a valid and promising mineral investment law which can attract the big international mining companies to invest in the region, adding to the nonexistence of comprehensive, detailed and mineral exploration studies which can give confident figures of the mineral and ore reserves in the region. The non-availability of a specialized mining education institution which prepares mining expertise and mining engineers who can lead the progress in this regard could count as another hurdle.
Практикум по моделирање во рударството
Authors: Аџиски Ванчо , Панов Зоран
Published: November 2021

Практикумот по моделирање во рударството е првенствено наменет за поддршка на лабораториските вежби по наставниот предмет Рудничко моделирање, кој студентите на Факултетот за природни и технички науки, студиската програма Рударство, го изучуваат како изборен предмет во петтиот семестар, со фонд на часови 2+1+1.