bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criteria Impacting Synchronization of Transport Flows along International Transport Corridor
Authors: Batarlienė Nijolė , Šakalys Raimondas
Published: July 2020

The main goal of this paper is to determine the main technical and technological criteria impacting the effectiveness of the synchronization of transport flows in the East-West Transport Corridor (EWTC) in the southern part of the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) corridor using a specific questionnaire. The results were processed using the Kendall rating correlation method, and the compatibility of the expert selection was analysed using a match factor. Following Kendall’s concordance coefficient and consistency ratio values, the expert opinions were reconciled. In the course of the research using the Average Rank Transformation into Weights (ARTIW) method, the normalized subjective weights of the main technical and technological impacting synchronization of transport flows were determined. The outcomes of the research presented in the paper have shown that the main technical criteria impacting synchronization are: railway infrastructure and road transport infrastructure at the terminals. The most important technological interaction criteria are accessibility of seaports and accessibility of railway distribution stations. In the following stages of research, the main criteria of the above two factors should be used to create models and facilitate synchronization with the purpose of building an interconnected transport system spanning all modes of transport.
Production of Nigerian Yoghurt Using Lactic Acid Bacteria as Starter Cultures
Authors: Aforijiku S. , Wakil S. M. , Onilude A. A.
Published: July 2020

Aim: This work was carried out to investigate the influence of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) on organoleptic quality and proximate composition of yoghurt, and viability of starter cultures in yoghurt.

Methods: The LAB starter cultures were selected based on their ability to produce diacetyl and lactic acid.

Results: Lactobacillus caseiN1 produced the highest quantity (2.72 g/L) of diacetyl at 48 hrs of incubation while Pediococcus acidilacticiG1 had the lowest amount (0.50 g/L). The pH of produced yoghurt ranged between 4.40 and 5.58 while the corresponding lactic acid contents ranged between 0.70 and 0.96 g/L. Yoghurt produced with cow milk inoculated with L. PlantarumN24 and L. BrevisN10 had the lowest pH (4.40) at significant level of P≤0.05. Yoghurt with mixed culture of L. PlantarumN24 and L. PlantarumN17 had the highest protein content (5.13%) while spontaneous fermentation (control) produced the least (0.48%). Yoghurt produced from cow milk inoculated with L. PlantarumN24 and L. PlantarumN17 was rated best with overall acceptability (9.0) during first day of storage while the commercial yoghurt (5.8) and spontaneous fermentation (6.8) had least overall acceptability at P≤0.05.

Conclusion: Yoghurt samples stored in refrigerator had more viable LAB counts for a period of 21 days while the samples stored at room temperature had a day count except for yoghurt produced with cow milk inoculated with L. plantarumN24 which retained its viability at the second day. The yoghurt produced with selected LAB starters are better than commercial yoghurt in terms of sensory properties, proximate composition, pH and viability.
Factors Influencing Orderly Transition to Online Deliveries during COVID19 Pandemic Impact
Authors: Jayalath Chandana , Wickramasinghe Uthpala , Kottage Hasini , Somaratna Geethika
Published: July 2020

With the spread of COVID 19, almost every higher educational entity initiated online delivery whereby teaching is undertaken remotely on digital platform. A massive shift like this arises an onslaught of questions. A case study was conducted in March and April 2020 to determine the challenges affecting the adoption of e-learning in 6 university colleges in Sri Lanka. A comprehensive literature survey was carried out. A questionnaire survey was administered to 90 teachers and 650 students and analyzed through the use of simple descriptive statistics. Besides, a narrative analysis was undertaken to identify shared views expressed in a series of telephonic inquiries. It was found that data as it is a survey based paper. The paper concludes with some solutions implementable in three stages. The findings of the study will help work out a digital policy, revisit the existing educational taxonomies and enhance the effectiveness of online delivery particularly in a future context similar to COVID 19.
The Potential Effect of Using Fine Bubbles on the Growth Rate of Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hypopthalmus) Fingerlings with Different Stocking Densities in Aquaponic Systems
Authors: Putra Deriza Aditya , Hasan Zahidah , Handaka Asep Agus , Hamdani Herman , Subhan Ujang
Published: July 2020

Aquaponic is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponic systems. To increase fish production, aquaponic system can be used as an option because it can increase fish production with high density in limited land and water. The problem that often occurs in fish farming with high or intensive stocking densities is a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration due to high oxygen consumption requirements. Handling that can be done to maintain the availability of dissolved oxygen concentration is by adding aeration by using Fine Bubbles (FBs). This research was conducted in October - December 2019 at the Green House Ciparanje Land Aquaculture Area, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, UNPAD. The purpose of this research is to increase the growth of striped catfish with optimal density using the application of Fine Bubbles (FBs) and to improve the water quality of rearing media and plant productivity in aquaponic system. The research method used is an experimental method with randomized block design (RBD) consisting of four treatments and three repetitions. The treatment in this study is the spread of 375 striped catfish/150L, 450 striped catfish/150L, 525 striped catfish/150L and 600 striped catfish/150L. The parameters observed included specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), fish survival (SR), water quality and plant growth. During the research, two harvests of water spinach were harvested in one cycle of fish rearing. The results show that the use of aquaponic systems and the addition of aerated FBs can increase the stocking density of striped catfish fingerlings to 600 striped catfish/150 L, with a high fish survival rate of 98% at a specific growth rate of 4.41 g and a feed conversion ratio of 1.00 g. The results of water quality observations for pH and DO parameters still meet the requirements but for temperature and ammonia, it has exceeded the safe threshold based on SNI (2000). The result of observation of water spinach plants, that the highest productivity in both harvests was in treatment C (525 striped catfish/ 150 L) up to 197.44 g, final plant height 44.54-47.10 cm and for the number of final leaves ranging from 9-10 leaves.
Concurrent Sickle Cell Anemia and Diabetes Mellitus with Ketosis in a Libyan Toddler: First National Report and Youngest Case Study
Authors: Alhagamhmad Moftah , Alhassony Alia , . Abdulhamid , Elarwah Aisha , Alougly Shirin , Elbrgathy Suliman , Shembesh Nuri , Mousa Emhemed
Published: July 2020

Sickle cell Anemia (SCA) is a common inherited haemoglobinopathy resulting from a single-point mutation on the β-globin subunit of hemoglobin. It is a chronic condition with multi-system involvement. Growth delay, osteopenia and hypogonadism are common endocrine dysfunctions with a lower frequency of impaired glucose tolerance. However, there is an association between SCA and diabetes mellitus (DM), though it is very rare. Certainly, there are only a few published reports worldwide outlined this uncommon combination. In this report, we will present the first Libyan case study of co-existence of the two diseases in a-16-month-old male toddler recording the youngest patient diagnosed with such a rare combination. The child, who was diagnosed earlier with SCA, brought with concerns of frequent changing nappies (polyuria) and excessive thirst (polydipsia) for 2 weeks that worsened recently. On admission, the toddler was distressed, lethargic and his lab parameters showed hyperglycemia, ketonuria, glycosuria and acidosis, a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) on the background of SCA therefore was made. Further observations are warranted to properly guide about the diagnosis and management of such rare cases.
Role of Surfactant for the Treatment of Alveolar Cells against Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Authors: Ahmed Sony , Akter Md. Shamim , Roy Kallol , Islam Md. Shafiul
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered coronavirus. Coronavirus affects human lung tissues. Covid-19 should be infection of the lungs, the virus infects alveolar cells resulting in reduced production of pulmonary surfactant. Pulmonary surfactant is a complex of lipids and proteins that line the alveolar epithelial surface and stabilize it during respiration. The surfactant helps to reduce the surface tension on alveoli. The surface-active components of the alveoli are a complex mixture of specific lipids, proteins and carbohydrates, which is produced in the lungs by type II alveolar epithelial cells. As a result, the lungs continue to collapse, reducing its own volume, but the collapse is prevented by the muscles of inspiration, which instead increase its volume. Covid-19 allows the surfactant to maintain the correct amount of surfactant during the acute phase of infection during lung infection and allows time to resume and allow individual surfactant production for type II cells. Surfactant degradation or inactivation may contribute to increased susceptibility to pneumonia and increased susceptibility to infection. Surfactant deficiency in patients with acute respiratory syndrome in adults and surfactant administration may be a useful therapy against Covid-19.
Morphological Variability and Taxonomic Relationship of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench Accessions Based on Qualitative Characters
Authors: Martiwi Ika Nugraheni Ari , Nugroho Laurentius Hartanto , Daryono Budi Setiadi , Susandarini Ratna
Published: July 2020

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is a member of Poaceae family with three agronomic types corresponds to their specific uses namely grain sorghum, sweet sorghum, and forage sorghum. Although sorghum in Indonesia is considered as under-utilized crop, but it has the potential as an alternative resource for staple food in diversification program to support food security. The potential of sorghum as alternative staple food is due to its high nutritional value, and the ability to grow well in marginal lands with maintaining good productivity. The objectives of this study were to assess the extent of morphological variability and to resolve taxonomic relationship of sorghum accessions from Java Island based on morphological characters. Twenty nine sorghum samples were collected from three provinces in Java, namely Central Java, Special Province of Yogyakarta, and East Java. Morphological data observed refers to Descriptors for Sorghum, generating 19 qualitative characters used in cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Cluster analysis resulted in the grouping of 29 accessions into three groups corresponding to the racial classification of sorghum. Results of principal component analysis showed that the main distinguishing characters between groups were inflorescence compactness and shape, glume coverage, presence or absence of awn, presence or absence of grain sub-coat, grain shape, and grain color. Analysis of correlation showed that there were very strong relationship between glume coverage and the presence of awn, and between the presence of grain sub-coat and grain color. Results of this study revealed that sorghum accessions cultivated on Java Island consisted of four races namely Bicolor, Guinea, Caudatum, and Kafir.
Clinical Representativeness of the PARADIGM-HF Study in an Outpatient Cohort of Patients with Heart Failure, Including Chagas Disease, Treated According to Guideline-directed Medical Therapy: Prospective Study, in a Single Center in Brazil
Authors: Silva Rose Mary Ferreira Lisboa da , Garcia Paulo Vitor Chaves , Ikematu Elaine Kimie Iwayama
Published: July 2020

Background: In the PARADIGM-HF trial there was a 20% reduction in hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and treated according to guideline-directed medical therapy. Eligibility for the use of sacubitril/valsartan in the real world has varied between 12% and 76%. There are no studies on the national scene on this eligibility.

Aims: To investigate the clinical eligibility of the PARADIGM-HF trial in patients with HF in the outpatient clinic of a university institution, which also includes Chagas disease, and to compare the profile of the two populations.

Study Design: This is a single center, prospective, observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, duration 6 consecutive months.

Methods and Results: We included 136 consecutive outpatients with HF, 53 women, and mean age of 54.2 years, underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation. The main etiologies of HF were ischemic, Chagas disease and idiopathic. The means of baseline variables were 117.2 mmHg for systolic blood pressure, 78.4 bpm for heart rate, 1.8 for dyspnea functional class, 0.39 for ejection fraction (EF) and 74.2 mL/min for creatinine clearance. The exclusion criteria considered in the PARADIGM-HF trial and present in this study were systolic blood pressure less than 95 mmHg in 15.4% and creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min in 5.1% of patients. 22.1% had mid-range EF and 55.9% had reduced EF. Comparing this cohort of patients with the population of the PARADIGM-HF trial, age, systolic blood pressure, proportion of male patients, ischemic etiology, hypertension, patients with atrial fibrillation, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, furosemide and beta-blocker were lower in this study (p ≤ 0.01, chi-square and Student's t tests). The proportion of diabetic patients, use of angiotensin receptor blocker, aldosterone antagonist and digoxin were similar between groups as well as proportion of patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Conclusions: Up to 44% of patients in this study did not meet the main randomized trial criteria. Chagas disease was one of the main etiologies. Furthermore, systolic blood pressure, proportion of hypertensive patients was lower, which may have influenced the underutilization of some medications.
Effect of Harvesting Dates on Yield, Color and Quality of Raisin Prepared from Seedless Grape (Vitis vinifera)
Authors: Venkatram A. , Padmavathamma A. S. , Rao B. Srinivas , Sankar A. Siva , Manorama K. , Vijaya D.
Published: July 2020

Aims: To know the effect of harvesting dates on yield, color and quality of raisins prepared from seedless varieties of grapes viz., Thompson Seedless (TS), 2A Clone (2AC), Sonaka (SO), Manik Chaman (MC) and Merbein Seedless (MS).

Study Design: Factorial completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: The present investigation was conducted at Grape Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy district, Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural University, during 2012–13 and 2013–14.

Methodology: Selected grape varieties viz., TS, 2AC, SO, MC and MS were manually harvested on 9th, 12th, 14th, 17th and 21st March, respectively, chosen as first harvest date i.e. 20 days before local harvest. Succeeding harvests i.e. second, third, fourth and fifth was done with 10 days interval following the first harvest date and used for raisin making. The grape bunches were dried in ventilated rooms after pre-drying treatment with alkaline emulsion of ethyl oleate (2.4% K2CO3 plus 1.5% ethyl oleate) with ascorbic acid 1000 ppm.

Results: Well matured grapes, which are harvested between 19th April to 1st May (20 days after local harvest) recorded lowest brown and mixed colored raisins and correspondingly increased green colored raisins. The grapes dried early in variety MS and it takes only 13.27 days followed by 2AC, TS, MC and SO in order. Raisin yield, size, texture, color homogeneity, total soluble solids, and Hunter color L*, -a* (greenness) and b* values increased with successive harvest dates. TS raisins were superior compared to others. The moisture content of raisins was lowest in fully matured (19th April to 1st May) grapes.

Conclusion: Raisins prepared from fully ripened grapes i.e. harvested between 9th to 19th April for Thompson Seedless and 17th to 27th April for Manik Chaman was superior regarding yield, retention of green color and quality.
Impact of Illegal Crude Oil Refining in Jike-ama River of Bille Kingdom, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ndidi Nwachoko, , Bekinbo Davies, , Gbenenee Tetam, Jack
Published: July 2020

Oil exploration and exploitation is a lucrative business and one of the major sources of revenue in Nigeria. Each year, hundreds of post-impact assessment (PIA) studies are conducted to assess the impact of the hazards generated by the oil industry on social environment and on human health. This hazardous impact is the associated with the activities of illegal refining of crude oil. Thus, this work examined the impact of illegal crude oil refining activities in Jike-Ama river of Jike-Ama community. Shellfish, fish, surface water and sediment samples were randomly collected in triplicates. Physiochemical parameters, heavy metal content, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and total hydrocarbon content of the water in addition to heavy metal content and PAHs in fish, Shellfish and sediment were determined. The results of the physicochemical parameters showed that pH, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, turbidity and total hydrocarbon content of water were above FEPA permissible limits while chloride, nitrate and sulphate detected in water were within FEPA permissible limits. Dissolved oxygen was observed to be below FEPA permissible limit. The mean concentration of heavy metals and PAHs in sediment showed significant difference (p<0.05) when compared with values for Shellfish and fish and were above FEPA and WHO permissible limits. Shellfish had higher concentrations of heavy metals and PAHs than fish. PAHs values in shellfish showed significant difference (p<0.05). Heavy metals concentration in fish were above permissible limits except Cr, Zn and Pb. Concentration of PAHs in fish, shellfish, surface water and sediment were generally above FEPA and WHO permissible limits. This findings suggests high concentration of contaminants in Jike-Ama river.
Immunophenotyping for Diagnosis of Oral Lesions: Is It an Important Tool?
Authors: Camargo Alessandra Rodrigues de , Duarte Bruna Fischer , Lisboa Mariah Luz , Cardoso Chandra Chiappin , Munhoz Etiene de Andrade , Vieira Daniella Serafin Couto , Moral Joanita Angela Gonzaga Del , Silva Maria Cláudia Santos- , Grando Liliane Janete
Published: July 2020

Aims: To report two cases of onco-hematologic diseases diagnosed by oral biopsy and subsequent flow cytometry immunophenotyping.

Presentation of Case: Case 1: A 36-year-old woman, HIV +, referred to the Hospital Dentistry Center presenting an extensive, ulcerated and painless lesion in the left maxilla involving teeth #24, #25, #26 and #27. A fine needle aspiration and incisional biopsy were performed and one sample was sent to anatomopathological analysis and other to immunophenotyping. Immunophenotyping revealed 31.2% of aberrant plasma cells with phenotype suggestive of plasmablastic lymphoma.

Case 2: 62-year-old male patient attended Hospital Emergency presenting extra and intraoral swelling on the left side of maxilla. Fine needle aspiration and incisional biopsy were performed, followed by pathological analysis and immunophenotyping. Immunophenotyping revealed 40.7% of large mature B cells with phenotype suggestive of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Both patients presented histopathological and immunophenotyping results leading to the same diagnosis. After definitive diagnosis, both patients underwent antineoplastic treatment through cycle of chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Immunophenotyping is a well-established method for the diagnosis of onco-hematologic diseases and has been shown to be effective for the rapid diagnosis of oral tumors.
Production of Glucoamylase, α-amylase and Cellulase by Aspergillus oryzae F-923 Cultivated on Wheat Bran under Solid State Fermentation
Authors: Fadel M. , AbdEl-Halim Sawsan , Sharada Hayat , Yehia Ahmed , Ammar Mayar
Published: July 2020

Filamentous fungi have been widely utilized in production of enzymes which have many industrial applications. In this study, twenty five local fungal isolates, belonging to Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium sp., were screened under solid state fermentation conditions (SSF) for the production of α-amylase, glucoamylase and cellulase. Asperigillus oryzae F-923, cultivated on wheat bran, was the most promising isolate for production of the target enzymes under this study. Physical parameters of moisture content, pH, temperature and incubation time, optimized were 1:2(w/v), 5.5, 28°C and 72 hr, respectively. The production of enzymes was enhanced when ammonium sulfate was supplemented as a nitrogen source to wheat bran. The production of α-amylase and glucoamylase was also enhanced when 10% (w/w) soluble starch was added as a carbon source to wheat bran. However xylose supplementation at 10% (w/w) was observed to be best for cellulase production. Tap water was found to be efficient for enzymes' extraction from the fermentation medium. Three successive extractions were needed to obtain the produced enzymes from the fermented substrate. Characterization of the produced enzymes revealed that, the optimum temperature for α-amylase and glucoamylase was 60°C, while 50°C was the optimum temperature for cellulase activity. Isopropanol 1:1(v/v) was proved to be more suitable for partial purification of enzymes. Following partial purification of enzymes of glucoamylase, α-amylase and cellulase increased to 10.8, 11.8 and 11.4 folds, respectively.
Evaluation of Drug Utilization Pattern in Cardiovascular Diseases Using WHO/ INRUD Prescribing Indicators at Cardiology OPD of Tertiary Care Hospitals in South India: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Veeramani Vinoth Prabhu
Published: July 2020

Objective: Aim of this study is to assess the drug utilization pattern of cardiovascular drugs in cardiology outpatient department (OPD).

Methodology: This prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional observational study was conducted at three selected tertiary care hospitals from different regions in South India. A total of 1026 prescriptions of the patients attending cardiology OPD of these selected hospitals 342 each over a period of 12 months was randomly identified and included in this study then critically analysed for WHO/INRUD core prescribing indicators.

Results: Medicines prescribed from NLEM were 89.27%, average drugs prescribed was 5, medicines prescribed by its generic name were 2.33% and encounters with an injection prescribed were 14.52%. Commonly prescribed different class of drugs for CVDs patients were Anti-platelets (67.73%) followed by Statins (62.57%), Beta blockers (49.51%), ACE-inhibitors (40.93%), Angiotensin receptor blockers (30.40%), Calcium channel blockers (30.11%), Nitrates (25.34%), Diuretics (20.56%), Anticoagulants (20.27%), Vasodilators (9.94%) rest of the cardiovascular drugs were prescribed within 0.5-5% only, other class of drugs also prescribed for patients with different comorbidities are Anti-ulcers (69.10%), Opioid analgesics (4.09%), Antacids (3.80%), Anti-emetics and Pro-kinetics (1.85%), a pattern of poly-pharmacy was clearly evident, majority of drugs were prescribed as single drug (86.78%) whereas 13.21% as FDCs. The most commonly prescribed single drug was Aspirin (59.93%) and FDCs were Aspirin + Clopidogrel (40.24%). Anti-thrombotic agents’ particularly antiplatelet drugs expected to overtake anti-cholesterol drugs as the sales leader in the market. Maximum drugs were prescribed from the recent NLEM of India by most of practitioners its shows its acceptance and implementation by the prescribers.

Conclusion: Deprescribing PPIs for the non-required patients is suggested to lower the risk of adverse drug interactions and economic burden to patients, also pharmacists needs to encourage the prescriptions with drugs in generic name if it’s deviated from the standards recommended by WHO/INRUD.
Recurrence of Ventral Hernia Post Open Ventral Hernia Repair with Mesh and the Mechanism of Its Failure
Authors: Al-Thoubaity Fatma , Ghanem Amjaad Bin , Alharthi Elaf , Almairfi Lujain , Bajunaid Malak , Fallata Nada
Published: July 2020

Aims: A ventral hernia is a protrusion of viscera through an abdominal wall defect. Ventral hernias are mostly treated by a surgical procedure called open ventral hernia repair (OVHR). However, complications arising from the OVHR procedure may result in the recurrence of a hernia. This study was aimed to measure the recurrence rate of ventral hernia after OVHR with mesh and the reasons for failure.

Study Design: It was a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted on all patients who underwent an OVHR with mesh, between 2010 and 2017, at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were extracted from KAUH medical records. A total of 241 patients were included in the study, divided into two groups; group 1- patients with recurrence (37 patients) and group 2- patients with no recurrence (204 patients). Consent was taken from patients and preoperative assessment of procedures were performed under general anesthesia. The variables in the study are parameters like age, sex, parity, and history of chronic liver disease and their correlation with recurrence of the hernia. Different variables Data were analyzed by SPSS v 21. Association between the variables was determined using the t-test and Pearson’s Chi-squared tests.

Results: The relationship between recurrence and age was statistically significant (P=0.019). The recurrence of hernia was more frequent in females than males. Patients with a history of multiparity (P=0.00) and liver diseases (P=0.041) showed significant differences in terms of recurrence. The umbilical hernia was more prevalent (133 cases; 55.2%) than other types of hernia. The most frequent site of hernia in the recurrence group was supraumbilical (38.46%; P=0.039).

Conclusion: OVHR is a commonly performed surgical procedure at KAUH. Because of multiparity, ventral hernia recurrence was more common in women than men. To reduce recurrences, we recommend doing exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles. Patients with chronic liver diseases in the form of portal hypertension should avoid surgical repair. For the surgeons, the type of mesh does not have a significant impact on recurrence.
Design and Implementation of a Wireless Fluid Level Display System Using Ultrasonic Sensing Technique
Authors: Newton Gesa F. , Aondona Terwase I. , Chile C. A.
Published: July 2020

The wireless fluid level indicator comprises a sensing and transmitting circuit for detecting and transmitting the levels of fluids from a container to the receiving circuit which receives and displays the amount of the measured volume. This has been achieved using an ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04), a firmware (PIC16F648A/PIC16F876A microcontroller programmed in C/assembly languages), an encoder (HT12E) and a radio frequency (RF) transmitter transmitting at a bandwidth of 433MHz to an RF receiver interfaced with a decoder (HT12D), liquid crystal display (LCD) and a Buzzer. The device when tested measured water levels and transmitted same over a distance of up to 98.5 meters in open areas and up to 50 meters in highly obstructed areas. The average response time was also estimated to be 0.1 second. As a contact-less depth detection system, the device finds useful applications in measurement of fluid levels in homes and industries where concentrates, table water, transmission oils are produced, without affecting the chemical or physical properties of such substances-an advantage over the contact methods used in fluid level detection.

Aims: To design and implement a wireless microcontroller based fluid level display system using ultrasonic sensing method.

Study Design: By encoding the Transmitter module to sense and detect the amount of water level, while the decoder module decodes the received data and display the result.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, between November 2018 and April 2019.

Methodology: An RF transceiver, encoder/decoder (HT12E/HT12D), a 2x16 Liquid display module, 4MHz crystal oscillator, a buzzer and other peripherals were interfaced to two 8-bit controllers; PIC16F648A and PIC16F876A. The controllers were programmed in C/Assembly languages to enable effective communication of the system. The system was then calibrated to read and transmit water level values from a 30-centimeter deep tank over a distance of 1.0 - 98.5 meters.

Results: The system was tested to have maximum sensitivity over a distance of 98.5 meters in non-obstructed areas and 50 meters in obstructed areas. The average response time was also estimated to be 0.5 seconds.

Conclusion: The design and implementation of a wireless fluid level display system using ultrasonic sensing technique has been successfully done. The system workability is suitable for deployment and usage in domestic and industrial purposes.
Studying the Appropriate Underground Mining Methods in Sukari Gold Mine
Authors: Khalifa Almoataz Bellah M. , Gouda Mohamed A. , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: July 2020

This paper represents an attempt to study mining methods and development in the area of underground mining in Sukari gold mine. Detailed mining and rock mechanics data had been collected from Sukari gold mine to select the appropriate mining method for underground area. Underground mining methods have been studied to show that the selected mining method in SUKARI gold mine is suitable for the geology of the ore body, and hence proposed mining method could be taken into account. A brief background about Sukari gold mine is given and the used mining method in Sukari gold mine has been approved. Some of the suitable mining methods are discussed according to selection method and the most appropriate one is listed. Mining method selection was done by UBC method and Hartman flow chart.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Escherichia coli Isolates from Different Clinical Samples in Abeokuta, Ogun State
Authors: Owolabi S. L. , Azeez I. A.
Published: July 2020

The alarming increase of antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli has posed a great challenge in the public health sector. Thus, this microorganism is a leading cause of different human infections and it can be found in various environments. The aim of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and the multiple antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolates obtained from some hospitals in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Isolates of E. coli were obtained from different clinical samples and were re-identified morphologically and biochemically. E. coli was isolated from 30% out of a total of 70 clinical samples analyzed for isolation and identification. The isolation rate of E. coli was highest in urine samples 10(47.6%) when compared to other clinical samples. There was significant increase in the resistance rate of E. coli to tetracycline (14.3%), ceftazidime (14.2%), and ampicillin (14.2%).Also, an increased sensitivity rate to augmentin (71.4%), ofloxacin (66.7%), cefuroxime (66.7%), ciprofloxacin (61.9%) and ceftazidime (61.9%) were observed. Furthermore, the overall multiple drug resistance rates obtained was 14(66.7%) and it was established that, multiple antimicrobial resistance of the E. coli isolates was plasmid mediated. E. coli isolates exhibited high resistance rate to multiple antimicrobial agents, however, its sensitivity to augmentin, ofloxacin, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime showed that these antimicrobials are still effective against E. coli infections in the study area.
The Antibacterial Efficacy of Annona muricata (Linn) Leaves against Some Enteric Bacteria
Authors: Akinde Kehinde Yemisi , Dada Ebenezer Oluyemi
Published: July 2020

Aims: This research was carried out to evaluate the susceptibility patterns of some enteric bacteria to aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts of Annona muricata leaf.

Study Design: Experimental design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Between January, 2019 and May, 2019.

Methodology: Extraction of bioactive components of leaves was done by maceration and phytochemical screening was carried out on the leaf extracts to determine the bioactive components present. The bacteria isolates were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity test using standard methods while the  antibacterial  activity  of  the  plant  extracts on human enteric bacteria was  determined  using  agar well dilution method. A. muricata bark extracts were purified using column chromatography method. The minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) of the extracts was performed using tube dilution technique.

Results: The phytochemical screening of leaf extracts showed presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoid and glycosides. Antibacterial activities of the leaf extracts revealed that aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts had highest zone of inhibition of 22.00±0.58 mm, 24.67±0.33 mm and 24.00±0.58 mm respectively on Salmonella typhi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) for ethanol extract ranged between 25-100 mg/ml and 50-200 mg/ml respectively while methanol extract ranged between 25-50mg/ml and 50-100 mg/ml respectively. Ciprofloxacin (CPX) was significantly (P≤0.5) the most active of all the antibiotics used against the test organisms (both clinical and typed isolates).

Conclusion: This research revealed that A. muricata leaf extracts possesses antibacterial activity against human enteric bacteria isolates used in this study. The commercial antibiotics were observed to be effective in inhibiting the test organisms. The purified extracts of A. muricata leaf showed higher inhibitory effect compared to crude extracts which can serve as ingredient for the production of novel antibacterial agents for the treatment of infections caused by enteric bacteria.
Molluscicidal Assessment of Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera Lam Seed on Bulinus Snail for the Control of Schistosomiasis
Authors: Nnamdi Umetiti Chukwuemeka , Chuka Ene Paschal , Mary Ann Orji Nkeiru , Chinelo U. Umedum , Chukwudi Ugwu Kenneth , Okwudiri Ikeanumba Michael
Published: July 2020

Aims: This research is essentially on the Molluscicidal assessment of Aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera Lam seed on Bulinus Snail for the control of Schistosomiasis.

Study Design: This is a controlled study where a total of 810 Bulinus snails were collected from three different streams with each stream representing a community from each of the three senatorial zones of Anambra state where schistosomiasis was endemic. Aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera (Lam) seed at different concentrations were used on the Bulinus snails to determine their molluscidal properties.

Place and Duration of Study: Two hundred and Seventy (270) Bulinus snails were collected from streams representing each of the three senatorial zones of Anambra state viz; Obutu Lake, Omogho town, Orumba North Local Government Area (Anambra South), Agulu Lake, Agulu town, Aniocha Local Government Area (Anambra Central) and Omambra River, Omor town, Ayamelum Local Government Area (Anambra North) This research was carried out between November 2018 to April 2019.

Methodology: Aqueous dilutions of the grinded Moringa oleifera (Lam) seed were exposed to the Bulinus snails from the various streams for 24 hours, after which the snails were removed from the experimental test solution and washed thoroughly with dechlorinated tap water and transferred to containers with fresh dechlorinated tap water for another 24 hours of recovery. The snails were incubated at 28 ± 5°C and fed with lettuce leaves.

Results: Aqueous Moringa oleifera Lam seed extract was toxic to Bulinus adult snails in a dose dependent manner and the total Lethal Concentration (LC50 and LC90) values determined after 24 hours exposure from the whole streams were 468 ppm and 813 ppm respectively.

Conclusion: Aqueous seed extract of Moringa oleifera Lam was toxic to Bulinus snail even at low concentrations.
Impact of Health Level on Agricultural Productivity in Cameroon
Authors: Kamdem Eric Joel Tchinda
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study is to assess the effect of health on agricultural productivity in Cameroon. To achieve this objective, we use the techniques of Propensity Score Matching on data from the fourth Cameroonian household survey (ECAM 4). The results of the analysis show that healthy farmers produce on average than farmers in fragile health. Indeed, healthy farmers produce an average of FCFA 583,601 per hectare. This effect is statistically significant at the 5% threshold. Due to the fact that the level of health improves agricultural yields, we recommend to the public authorities, to facilitate farmers' access to health care through a reduction in health care costs, but also through a multiplication of health centers in rural areas.
Care practices of the nurse to women in conjugal violence situation
Authors: Mota Andréia Ribeiro , Machado Juliana Costa , Santos Ninalva de Andrade , Simões Aline Vieira , Pires Vilara Maria Mesquita Mendes , Rodrigues Vanda Palmarella
Published: July 2020

Objective: This study attempts to identify and describe the concept of care for women suffering marital violence as perceived by nurses working in Family Health Strategy units. Methods: This descriptive study with a qualitative approach was carried with 17 nurses of Family Health Strategy units in a municipality from the Bahia State, Brazil. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews and later submitted to content analysis. Results: For the interviewees, caring for women suffering marital violence involves receiving them and working with the multiprofessional team. The nurses received these women and sought to resolve their complaints. Nevertheless, the women's silence, counter-reference and inadequate professional training were difficulties pointed out by the participants. Conclusion: The professional qualification provides the resignification of the care for women suffering from marital violence, aiming at the integrality.
Domestic violence against women according to the viewpoint of family health strategy teams
Authors: Oliveira Giane Lopes , Santos Ninalva de Andrade , Machado Juliana Costa , Mendes Vilara Maria Mesquita , Morais Roberta Laíse Gomes Leite , Rodrigues Vanda Palmarella
Published: July 2020

Objective: The study’s purpose has been to understand domestic violence against women under the perception of Family Health teams. Methods: It is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, which was performed with 24 professionals from Family Health Units located in a municipality from the Bahia State countryside, Brazil. Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews designed according to the thematic content analysis. Results: Physical and psychological violence were the most common forms of domestic violence against women, with alcoholism, jealousy and macho culture as triggers for aggression. Gender and power relations were evidenced in the context of violence. Conclusion: Therefore, it is possible to underline the need for training of the Family Health teams in order to identify and adequately handle cases of domestic violence against women, aiming for comprehensive care.
Nursing team’s perception of accidents with sharp instruments in the intensive care unit of a public hospital in São Luís city, Brazil
Authors: Santos Sandra Regina , Novaes Cristiane de Oliveira , Silva Bianca Ramos Marins
Published: July 2020

Objective: To describe the perception of the nursing team about work accidents with sharps in an Intensive Care Unit of a public hospital in the city of São Luís / Maranhão. Methods: For the collection was through interview with questions about: work accidents; handling of sharps, risk perception; use of personal protection equipment personal and professional expectation because of the accident; health risk coping training; immunization actions; notification of the health problem and educational actions. Results: The results showed that the accidents that occur due to exposure to scratches with needles and blades are the most manipulated materials, due to the work activities in an intensive care unit. Conclusion: The interviewees reported the importance of continuing education actions aimed at qualifying in service and improvement of care practice.
Comprehension and use of psychoactive substances by nursing undergraduates
Authors: Fernandes Márcia Astrês , Araújo Célio Cássio Coêlho de , Oliveira Ana Lívia Castelo Branco de , Mendonça Ana Karolyne de Miranda Silva , Silva Thallys Denneyson Andrelino , Ribeiro Hellany Karolliny Pinho
Published: July 2020

Objective: The study’s main purpose has been to assess the comprehension and use of psychoactive substances by nursing undergraduates from a public university. Methods: It is a descriptive and cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, which was performed with students of the Nursing Graduation Course from a federal public university located in the Northeastern region of Brazil. The data collected from a printed form were evaluated and classified using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: Substance use by students was led by alcohol (80%), followed by hypnotic-sedatives (12%), marijuana (11%) and tobacco (10%). There was a significant alcohol consumption in the month prior to the interview (29%). Concerning the theoretical knowledge, the majority of interviewees were aged between 17 and 25 years old (34.5%) and reported reading more than three texts on the topic. Conclusion: The problem of substance use is a topic of interest among nursing undergraduates despite the reported consumption pattern regarding both alcohol and tobacco in the same population.
Complement in sepsis—when science meets clinics
Authors: Mollnes Tom E. , Huber‐Lang Markus
Published: July 2020

Sepsis as life‐threatening organ dysfunction caused by microorganisms represents a dreadful challenge for the immune system. The role of the complement system as major column of innate immunity has been extensively studied in various sepsis models, but its translational value remains in the dark. Complement activation products, such as C3a and C5a, and their corresponding receptors provide useful diagnostic tools and promising targets to improve organ function and outcome. However, a monotherapeutic complement intervention irrespective of the current immune function seems insufficient to reverse the complex sepsis mechanisms. Indeed, sepsis‐induced disturbances of cross talking complement, coagulation, and fibrinolytic cascades lead to systemic ‘thromboinflammation’, ultimately followed by multiple‐organ failure. We propose to reliably monitor the complement function in the patient and to re‐establish the immune balance by patient‐tailored combined therapies, such as complement and Toll‐like receptor inhibition. Our working hypothesis aims at blocking the ‘explosive’ innate immune recognition systems early on before downstream mediators are released and the inflammatory response becomes irreversible, a strategy that we name ‘upstream approach’.
Efficient Assembly of Molecular Complexity Enabled by Palladium‐Catalyzed Heck Coupling/C(sp2)−H Activation/ C(sp3)−H Activation Cascade
Authors: He Chen , Han Wen‐Yong , Cui Bao‐Dong , Wan Nan‐Wei , Chen Yong‐Zheng
Published: July 2020

A palladium‐catalyzed [2+2+1] annulation among 3‐iodochromones, benzyl bromides, and norbornene has been developed. This annulation consists of a domino sequence involving Heck coupling/C(sp2)−H activation/C(sp3)−H activation, affording a variety of complex chromone derivatives bearing five contiguous tertiary carbon centers in up to 94% yield and 99:1 dr. Interestingly, the diastereoselectivity could be switched by fine‐tuning the solvent, in which endo isomer and exo isomer were obtained using mesitylene/CH3CN and mesitylene, respectively.

magnified image
Effects of nitrogen fertilization and planting density on intermediate wheatgrass yield
Authors: Fernandez Christopher W. , Ehlke Nancy , Sheaffer Craig C. , Jungers Jacob M.
Published: July 2020

Perennial crops have the potential to provide food, feed, fuel, and fiber while promoting multiple ecosystem services. Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Buckworth & Dewey] is a perennial grass being bred for grain production. Because the development of IWG as a grain crop is still in its infancy, basic agronomic management practices needed to maximize grain yield and profitability remain unclear. We conducted an experiment to test the effect of N fertilizer rate and type (synthetic vs. organic) and planting density on grain and forage yield of IWG at two sites in Minnesota over 3 yr. Nitrogen application had no effect on grain yield in Year 1 but increased yields in Years 2 and 3. Reducing planting density from 145 to 36 seeds m−2 reduced grain yield in Year 1 but increased grain yield in subsequent years, particularly when coupled with inorganic N fertilizer applied at 80 kg N ha−1. A high proportion of fertile tillers was the best predictor of high IWG grain yield, suggesting that shifts toward vegetative growth over sexual reproduction in the years following establishment are associated with grain yield declines. Generally, biomass yield responded positively to increasing N application rates and planting density across all years. Our results indicate that optimizing plant breeding and agronomic practices that promote fertile tiller production will be critical to the future management of IWG as a perennial grain crop.
Toward the coupling of microbial biosynthesis and catalysis for the production of alkylated phenolic compounds
Authors: Li Zhenghong , Zuber Adam , Wang Xiaonan , Marlowe Justin , Vekaria Ashil , Lu Yingxi , Zhang Haoran , Tsilomelekis George
Published: July 2020

In the present study, petroleum‐free production of alkylated phenols from glycerol was achieved by judicious use of microbial biosynthesis and heterogeneous catalysis with the aim to advance biomass conversion to industrially relevant chemical products. First, metabolically engineered bacterium Escherichia coli was adopted to convert glycerol to phenol. Biophenol was then extracted from the cell culture using select polymeric resins. Desorption of phenol was achieved with tertiary butyl alcohol, which serves also as a reactant in subsequent heterogeneous catalytic reaction. The adopted resins were also compared as catalysts for alkylation of phenol to tert‐butyl phenolic products. Interestingly, the resins exhibited different phenol adsorption and catalytic reactivities. The holistic approach developed by this study offers a unique opportunity to synthesize end products directly from glycerol that cannot be achieved in such an efficient manner (i.e., low temperature, low pressure, and high selectivity) by using microbial biosynthesis or heterogeneous catalysis approaches alone.