bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les infortunes de la vertu en théologie morale
Authors: Foyer Dominique
Published: March 2021

En théologie morale, du moins en contexte occidental, des évolutions importantes sont repérables pour la scolastique, du XIII e au XVI e siècle, de Thomas d’Aquin à Francisco Suarez. Comment les changements survenus dans les bases métaphysiques de la théologie morale ont-ils fortement affecté le développement et l’enseignement de la vertu ? On peut parler de ruptures : la proposition thomiste et sa contestation ; la nouveauté scotiste et sa diffusion dans la théologie franciscaine ; la rupture ockamiste et le développement du nominalisme ; la tentative suarézienne et son influence sur l’enseignement de la morale.
Le perfectionnisme après la vertu : une éthique pour l’action écologique
Authors: Beau Rémi
Published: March 2021

Longtemps méconnues du public français, les éthiques des vertus environnementales font désormais l’objet d’un intérêt croissant parmi les philosophes qui se penchent sur le problème de l’action écologique. Après avoir présenté quelques-unes des raisons qui expliquent ce phénomène, l’article revient sur les difficultés soulevées par ce détour par les Anciens dans le domaine de l’éthique environnementale et propose de les examiner à la lumière du perfectionnisme émersonien de Stanley Cavell.
Entretien avec André Comte-Sponville
Authors: Thomasset Alain
Published: March 2021

Dans son entretien, André Comte-Sponville revient sur les raisons du succès paradoxal de son Petit traité des grandes vertus paru en 1995 et qui a su rejoindre le souci moral et éducatif de sa génération « mai 68 ». Il en explique la genèse dans le désir de renouer avec l’idéal classique de la sagesse, inspiré d’Épicure, d’Aristote et de Spinoza, et de proposer à chacun un art de vivre pour lequel les vertus en actes, plus que les valeurs, semblaient le plus à même de lutter contre le nihilisme de l’époque ou une morale culpabilisante des devoirs. L’auteur revient aussi sur son rapport à la philosophie contemporaine, sur les défis de l’éducation aujourd’hui, et finalement sur l’amour comme la vertu suprême et sur l’espérance tout en réaffirmant son renoncement de les fonder en Dieu.
Edible insects in the Adamawa and eastern regions of Cameroon: collection, processing and consumption
Authors: Djouffa K.M.L. , Saïdou C. , Ali A. , Mohammadou B.A. , Tchiegang C.
Published: March 2021

The exploitation of non-timber forest products including edible insects plays an important role in the food habits of the Cameroon population and in particular those of the Adamawa and eastern regions. Although the consumption of insects in these areas is an ancient practice, there is a dearth of information concerning their diversity, availability and their modes of consumption. In order to develop the potential of insects as food and feed, a descriptive survey was carried out with 584 people in nine divisions of the two regions, to collect quantitative and qualitative information on their knowledge and different uses of insects. Thirty-one regularly consumed insect species belonging to the order of Isoptera (19.35%), Orthoptera (19.35%), Lepidoptera (54.90%) and Coleoptera (6.45%) were recorded. Inadequate harvesting practices such as slash-and-burn agriculture, destruction of termite mounds, logging and cutting down host trees when capturing caterpillars were recognised as the main causes of the scarcity of insects currently observed in these regions. The consumption of insects depends on religion and ethnic. It is a taboo among Muslims. Apart from 1.11% of insects consumed raw, boiling (15.74%), sun drying (17.79%), frying (29.95%), grilling (28.88%), roasting on coals (6.53%) are the different culinary treatments commonly used by women who constitute the main actors (75%) in this sector. This diversity of edible insects in these areas could be a potential to develop in the fight against malnutrition, but the harvesting techniques applied contribute to their gradual disappearance.
Recycling of spent mushroom substrate and food waste: utilisation as feed materials for black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (L.) Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Li T.H. , Zhang C.R. , Che P.F. , Ma Y. , Zang L.S.
Published: March 2021

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is the organic material remaining after harvesting mushrooms. We evaluated the potential of using SMSs of four different edible fungi (Auricularia heimuer, Lentinus edodes, Pleurotus eryngii andPleurotus citrinopileatus) as a food resource for rearing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) and to decrease waste recycling and save conventional feed. The larval weight after being fed only on the SMS ofL. edodes (68.8 mg), a mushroom with worldwide cultivation, was heavier than larvae fed entirely onP. eryngii SMS (38.3 mg). TheL. edodes SMS was selected from the various SMS treatments and subsequently mixed with food waste in different percentages to make BSFL rearing medium. WhenL. edodes SMS replaced 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90% of the food waste in the mixed feed treatments, the BSFL survival rates (99.2-100%) did not differ among the treatments. Body size or weight was reduced only when 90% of the food waste was replaced byL. edodes SMS. A higher percentage of BSFL, however, developed into prepupae (55.8, 46.7, 75.8%, respectively) when 20, 30 or 90% of the food waste were replaced byL. edodes SMS. Compared to BSFL fed entirely on food waste, larvae fed a mixed diet consisting of 30%L. edodes SMS and 70% food waste had a lower fat content (178.1 g/kg) and a higher content of crude ash (15.54%), crude fibre (17.81%), crude protein (38.13%), and moisture (10.08%). Although the aerobic plate count (9,200 cfu/g), total mould count (260 cfu/g), and the arsenic (0.1830 mg/kg) and lead (0.202 mg/kg) contents increased in larvae reared on the mixed diet, all were below the safety limit. Collectively, these results suggest that mixed diets consisting of 20-30%L. edodes SMS and 70-80% food waste have a great potential as a daily medium for culturing this important resource insect.
Lean practices adoption in the Portuguese industry
Authors: Martins Diogo , Fonseca Luís , Ávila Paulo , Bastos João
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The study purpose was to analyse the excellence and operational efficiency of Portuguese industrial companies through the measurement of lean practices implementation. Additionally, it intended to propose a new model to assess the lean production system.Design/methodology/approach: The research presents an in-depth lean literature review that served as a basis for the creation of a questionnaire. The survey was addressed to Portuguese industrial companies to obtain data about their lean implementation success. Collected data were analysed, resorting descriptive and exploratory statistics. A principal component analysis was applied to reduce the amount of data and define a new model that characterizes the lean practices adoption level. Some Chi-square tests were used to assess the independence of some variables.Findings: The results indicate that a significant percentage of organizations use lean practices within their activity. Concerning the lean implementation maturity, a plus side revealed by the study concerns the adoption of the teamwork, internal information shared principles, increase of process capability to produce conforming products, and reduction in set up times. On the other hand, responsibilities decentralization, more employees acting as team leaders, implementation of employees’ suggestions, and interconnection with suppliers, are some of the principles that need to be given greater attention by the Portuguese industrial organizations. The key contribution consists of a new model for lean determinants based on three dimensions: work method, productive process elements, and work efficiency.Originality/value: The present research provides a new Lean determinants model that allows understanding the importance of the operational efficiency provided by a mature lean production system, being the key to the competitiveness in the global business market.
Approximate controllability of the semilinear reaction-diffusion equation governed by a multiplicative control
Authors: Ouzahra Mohamed
Published: March 2021

In this paper we are concerned with the approximate controllability of a multidimensional semilinear reaction-diffusion equation governed by a multiplicative control, which is locally distributed in the reaction term. For a given initial state we provide sufficient conditions on the desirable state to be approximately reached within an arbitrarily small time interval. Our approaches are based on linear semigroup theory and some results on uniform approximation with smooth functions.
Pricing new and remanufactured products based on customer purchasing behavior
Authors: Li Kai , Zhou Tao , Liu Bohai
Published: March 2021

Firms' pricing strategies are largely influenced by customer purchasing behavior. By considering whether to invest in customer purchasing behavior analysis, firms can choose a discriminatory or a non-discriminatory pricing model. This paper presents a two-period duopoly that the original material supplier (OS) supplying new products faces a competition of an independent material supplier (IS) providing remanufactured products to analyze each party's competitive strategy under each pricing model. We also identify situations under which the firms would obtain more profits and cause less environmental impact under the model with price discrimination compared with the model without price discrimination. A numerical study is provided to illustrate the performance of the model. A sensitivity analysis with respect to primary parameters is used to assess the stability of the model. The proposed model could be applied in many industrial fields where the managers have the full awareness of extended producer responsibility, and they are willing to engage in the project related to remanufacturing.
Some scheduling problems with sum of logarithm processing times based learning effect and exponential past sequence dependent delivery times
Authors: Toksari Mehmet Duran , Aydogan Emel Kizilkaya , Atalay Berrin , Sari Saziye
Published: March 2021

In recent years, significant on the past sequence dependent delivery times have been increasing for scheduling problems. An electronic component when waiting to process may be exposed to certain an electromagnetic field and is required to neutralize the effect of electromagnetism. In this case, it needs an extra time to eliminate adverse effect. In the scheduling literature, this extra time is called as past-sequence-dependent delivery times. In this paper we introduce single-machine scheduling problems with an exponential sum-of-actual-processing-time-based delivery times. By the exponential sum-of-actual-processing-time-based delivery times, we mean that the delivery times are defined by an exponential function of the sum of the actual processing times of the already processed jobs. On the other hand, the learning effect is reflected in decreasing processing times based on the job's position in schedule. In this paper, we also introduce both exponential past sequence dependent delivery times and learning effect where the job processing time is a function based on the sum of the logarithm of processing times of jobs already processed. We show that the single-machine scheduling problems to minimize makespan, total completion time, weighted total completion time and maximum tardiness with sum of logarithm processing times based learning effect and exponential past sequence dependent delivery times have polynomial time solutions.
a vitrine pandêmica e a fragmentação do espaço público
Authors: Pessoa do Amaral Muriel Emídio
Published: March 2021

A proposta deste ensaio é de relatar a fragmentação do espaço público durante a pandemia do novo coronavírus a partir da leitura de uma vitrine. Conforme apresentado por Marcondes Filho, Hannah Arendt e Maurice Blanchot, o relato não se propõe em apresentar uma nova teoria, mas de apresentar um acontecimento. Assim, a imagem em questão evidencia a fragmentação do espaço público, evidenciando aspectos de individualidade pela perspectiva de Hannah Arendt e Richard Sennett e também as vidas que podem ser descartadas, segundo Giorgio Agamben.
Les sols, nouvelle frontière pour les savoirs et les politiques de l’environnement
Authors: Meulemans Germain , Granjou Céline
Published: March 2021

En dépit de son importance clef pour les écosystèmes et les sociétés, le sol demeure largement compris comme un socle inerte, un arrière-plan pour l’existence biologique et sociale à sa surface. Ce numéro spécial se penche sur les dynamiques de production, de circulation et de mobilisations des savoirs sur les sols afin d’explorer la manière dont les sols déplacent les lignes et les frontières de nos manières de concevoir, connaître et gouverner l’environnement, la nature et le vivant. Cet article introductif revient d’abord sur la trajectoire du sol dans les sciences humaines et sociales, d’objet périphérique ou invisible à un ensemble de réflexions pionnières pour penser les enjeux politiques et éthiques du non-humain. Il identifie ensuite trois fronts de transformation des savoirs sur les sols, d’abord autour de reformulations des concepts et outils des sciences du sol ; ensuite, dans la prise en compte croissante des sols dans les projets d’aménagement et le développement de nouvelles pratiques collectives de retour au sol des déchets organiques ; enfin, autour des enjeux d’enfouissement des déchets industriels et de la façon dont l’agentivité des sols et sous-sols déjoue parfois les espoirs placés dans un « sol-poubelle ». On présentera enfin les contributions au numéro spécial.
PD-L1 expression with QR1 and E1L3N antibodies according to histological ovarian cancer subtype: A series of 232 cases
Authors: Eymerit-Morin Caroline , Ilenko Anna , Gaillard Thomas , Varinot Justine , Compérat Eva , Bendifallah Sofiane , Darai Emile
Published: March 2021

Therapeutic strategies for epithelial ovarian cancers are evolving with the advent of immunotherapy, such as PD-L1 inhibitors, with encouraging results. However, little data are available on PDL-1 expression in ovarian cancers. Thus, we set out to determine the PD-L1 expression according to histological subtype. We evaluated the expression of two PD-L1 clones – QR1 and E1L3N – with two scores, one based on the percentage of labeled tumor cells (tumor proportion score, TPS) and the other on labeled immune cells (combined proportion score, CPS) in a consecutive retrospective series of 232 ovarian cancers. PD-L1 expression was more frequent in high grade serous carcinoma (27.5% with E1L3N clone and 41.5% with QR1 clone), grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma (25% with E1L3N clone and 50% with QR1 clone), and clear-cell carcinomas (27.3% with E1L3N clone and 29.6% with QR1 clone) than other histological subtypes with CPS score. Using the CPS score, 17% of cases were labeled with E1L3N vs 28% with QR1. Using the TPS score, 14% of cases were positive to E1L3N vs 17% for QR1. For TPS and CPS, respectively, 77% and 78% of the QR1 cases were concordant with E1L3N for the thresholds of 1%. Overall and progression-free survival between PD-L1 positive and PD-L1 negative patients were not different across all histological types, and each subtype in particular for serous carcinomas expressing PD-L1. Expression of PD-L1 is relatively uncommon in epithelium ovarian tumors. When positive, usually <10% of tumor cells are labeled. QR1 clone and CPS appear the best tools to evaluate PD-L1 expression.
Interregional differences of life expectancy in rural Russia - Assessment of socio-economic, demographic, behavioural and ecological factors
Authors: Blinova Tatiana , Bylina Svetlana , Rusanovskiy Viсtor
Published: March 2021

The article is aimed at studying the effects of social, economic, demographic, behavioural and environmental factors on the life expectancy of rural people in different types of regions. Using cluster analysis, we identified four relatively homogeneous groups of Russian regions in terms of life expectancy. The impact of socio-economic, demographic and environmental indicators on life expectancy of the rural population was assessed using regression models. We identified regions with low life expectancy for the rural population, and factors that have negative effect on life expectancy at birth. The main ones were alcohol abuse, high unemployment and emissions of pollutants into the air. The regression analysis showed that investments aimed at the development of health care, provision of social services and improvement of residential premises contributed to an increase in life expectancy. Significant factors in regions with high life expectancy were a lower number of recorded crimes per 100,000 of the population and a decrease in high unemployment, as well as an increase in educational expenses. In the group of regions where life expectancy of the rural population was approaching the average level in Russia, an important factor was also an increase in the level of education. We conclude that a regionally differentiated approach is necessary when introducing social policy changes, and measures aimed at increasing the life expectancy of the rural population should take into account the distinctive differences in socioeconomic development of the various regions of Russia.
Semifield study on the effect of membrane-based nitrogen production for the control of the eggs of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Tribolium confusum J. du V.
Authors: Locatelli D.P. , Girgenti P. , Moncini L. , Limonta L.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the effect of a highly purified N2 (98.5%) controlled atmosphere-generated in situ by a membrane nitrogen separator on mixed age eggs of Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium confusum was evaluated. Trials were carried out in an airtight stainless silo filled with wheat, in which a nitrogen atmosphere was maintained for durations lasting from one to several days. The mean temperature recorded during the treatment varied from 22 to 24°C. After the treatment, the eggs were transferred to a jar with rearing medium and kept at 27±1°C and 70±5% R.H. The jars were checked every two days to record adult emergence. Eighty percent mortality was observed in T. confusum and S. oryzae with two and four days of treatment, respectively. One hundred percent mortality was obtained after five days of treatment in the case of T. confusum and six days for S. oryzae.
Modulation of insulin resistance by renin angiotensin system inhibitors: implications for cardiovascular prevention
Authors: Valente Valeria , Izzo Raffaele , Manzi Maria Virginia , De Luca Maria Rosaria , Barbato Emanuele , Morisco Carmine
Published: March 2021

Insulin resistance (IR) and the related hyperinsulinamia play a key role in the genesis and progression of the continuum of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Thus, it is reasonable to pursue in primary and secondary CV prevention, the pharmacological strategies that are capable to interfere with the development of IR. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IR. In particular, angiotensin II (Ang II) through the generation of reactive oxygen species, induces a low grade of inflammation, which impairs the insulin signal transduction. The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are effective not only as blood pressure-lowering agents, but also as modulators of metabolic abnormalities. Indeed, experimental evidence indicates that in animal models of IR, ACE inhibitors are capable to ameliorate the insulin sensitivity. The Ang II receptor blockers (ARBs) modulate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-Î³ activity. PPARâ€“Î³ is a transcription factor that controls the gene expression of several key enzymes of glucose metabolism. A further mechanism that accounts for the favorable metabolic properties of ARBs is the capability to modulate the hypothalamicâ€“pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The available clinical evidence is consistent with the concept that both ACE inhibitors and ARBs are able to interfere with the development of IR and its consequences like type 2 diabetes. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of the RAAS has favourable effects on dyslipidaemias, metabolic syndrome and obesity. Therefore, the pharmacological antagonism of the RAAS, nowadays, represents the first choice in the prevention of cardio-metabolic diseases.
Modified PIRO (predisposition, insult, response, organ dysfunction) severity score as a predictor for mortality of children with pneumonia in Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Valentania Vebri , Somasetia Dadang H. , Hilmanto Dany , Setiabudi Djatnika , Nataprawira Heda Melinda N.
Published: March 2021

Background: Clinical manifestations for pneumonia vary from mild to severe. The PIRO model (predisposition, insult, response, organ dysfunction) was used as scoring system to determine severity of sepsis and pneumonia in adult patients. The PIRO model was modified for sorting the severity of pneumonia in children and predicting its risk of mortality.Methods: An ambispective cohort study of pneumonia patients aged 1 month ≤18 years admitted over the period from May to September 2020. Data were collected from history, physical examination, laboratory examination, and chest radiography. Based on bivariate analysis (p<0.05 and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval), variables of each PIRO component that were significant for mortality were assigned a value of 1. The cut-off score for predictor of mortality was calculated using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Stratify the score into three degrees of risk based on interquartile range. Score ≤Q1 is categorized as low risk; Q1-Q3 is categorized as moderate risk; and score >Q3 is categorized as high risk.Results: Out of the 80 subjects subjects enrolled, 6 months-5 years was the largest age group (56.3%). The observed mortality was 15/80 (18.8%). The modified PIRO severity score was compiled from significant variable of predisposition (malnutrition), insult (chest radiograph), response (hypoxemia, hypotension, CRP >0.5 mg/dL, PCT >0.5 ng/dL) and organ dysfunction, with range of score 0-7. Score >3 as a cutoff point score for predictor of mortality with AUC 0.919 (95% CI 0.836–0.968), sensitivity of 80%, and specificity of 84.62%. Subjects with score >3 have RR of 10.544 compared to those with score ≤3. The stratification of score level was low (≤2), moderate (3-4), and high (5-7). The mortality levels were 0%, 46.7%, and 53.3%, respectively.Conclusions: Modified PIRO severity score can be used as a sorting tool and predictor of mortality risk in children with pneumonia. This score can also be used to select candidates for intensive care, especially in health facilities with limited intensive care capacity.
Ichthyoplankton of The Shelf and Deep Water Areas of the North and Northeast of the Black Sea in The Spring Season
Authors: Klimova Tatyana , Vdodovich Irina , Podrezova Polina
Published: March 2021

This paper is focused on the ichthyoplankton species composition and spatial
distribution in the Black sea shelf zone and the deepwater regions off Crimean Peninsula and coast of the Caucasus during the spring hydrological season. Recent changes in the hydrological regime of the Black sea induced by the climate warming have led to an extension of the active and productive spawning of the dominant temperate-water species Sprattus sprattus until the end of the spring hydrological season. An intensive spawning of sprat was detected in March, April and May 2016, 2017 and 2019, which was confirmed by a predominance of younger age group larvae. The maximum number of eggs reached 224 ind./m2 , and the larvae - 116 ind./m2. The wide size range of larvae as well as the low proportion of larvae with empty guts evidenced a favorable fodder base for their survival. The reduction in the age and sizeweight composition of sprat stock in the Black sea observed since 2016 as a result of an increase in its commercial fishing on the shelf of the Crimean Peninsula, did not affect sprat’ spawning activity.
The Effect of Ploidy on Growth and Feeding Pattern of Diploid and Triploid Turbot Scophthalmus maximus Under Communal Rearing Condition
Authors: Aydin Ilhan
Published: March 2021

Triploidy induction is a useful tool to produce sterile fish that prevents interbreeding of farmed fish with wild counterparts. In this study, growth performance and feed conversion rates of 12-months old diploid and triploid turbot that reared both communally and separately for 16 months at constant water temperature determined. At the end of the experiment, diploid, triploid, and communally reared groups reached an average weight of 672.4±21.0 g, 659.2±25.3 g and 660.5±12.0 g, respectively. Any significant differences were not observed in the weight of separately reared diploid and triploid turbot groups. In contrast, triploid fish in the communal group were significantly heavier than diploids at the end of the rearing period. The feed conversion rate of the ploidy group did not show any significant difference between groups. The highest mean specific growth rate was observed in the triploids in communal groups, whereas the diploids in communal groups had the lowest mean specific growth rate. The weight and length gain rates of the groups were similar. Diploid turbot growth appeared to be negatively affected by communal ploidy rearing. The results of the present study indicate that triploid turbot farm escapees may be advantageous in terms of growth in nature.
Awake Proning as an Adjunctive Therapy for Refractory Hypoxemia in Non-Intubated Patients with COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Failure: Guidance from an International Group of Healthcare Workers
Authors: Stilma Willemke , Åkerman Eva , Artigas Antonio , Bentley Andrew , Bos Lieuwe D. , Bosman Thomas J. C. , de Bruin Hendrik , Brummaier Tobias , Buiteman-Kruizinga Laura A. , Carcò Francesco , Chesney Gregg , Chu Cindy , Dark Paul , Dondorp Arjen M. , Gijsbers Harm J. H. , Gilder Mary Ellen , Grieco Domenico L. , Inglis Rebecca , Laffey John G. , Landoni Giovanni , Lu Weihua , Maduro Lisa M. N. , McGready Rose , McNicholas Bairbre , de Mendoza Diego , Morales-Quinteros Luis , Nosten Francois , Papali Alfred , Paternoster Gianluca , Paulus Frederique , Pisani Luigi , Prud’homme Eloi , Ricard Jean-Damien , Roca Oriol , Sartini Chiara , Scaravilli Vittorio , Schultz Marcus J. , Sivakorn Chaisith , Spronk Peter E. , Sztajnbok Jaques , Trigui Youssef , Vollman Kathleen M. , van der Woude Margaretha C. E.
Published: March 2021

Non-intubated patients with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 could benefit from awake proning. Awake proning is an attractive intervention in settings with limited resources, as it comes with no additional costs. However, awake proning remains poorly used probably because of unfamiliarity and uncertainties regarding potential benefits and practical application. To summarize evidence for benefit and to develop a set of pragmatic recommendations for awake proning in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, focusing on settings where resources are limited, international healthcare professionals from high and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with known expertise in awake proning were invited to contribute expert advice. A growing number of observational studies describe the effects of awake proning in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in whom hypoxemia is refractory to simple measures of supplementary oxygen. Awake proning improves oxygenation in most patients, usually within minutes, and reduces dyspnea and work of breathing. The effects are maintained for up to 1 hour after turning back to supine, and mostly disappear after 6–12 hours. In available studies, awake proning was not associated with a reduction in the rate of intubation for invasive ventilation. Awake proning comes with little complications if properly implemented and monitored. Pragmatic recommendations including indications and contraindications were formulated and adjusted for resource-limited settings. Awake proning, an adjunctive treatment for hypoxemia refractory to supplemental oxygen, seems safe in non-intubated patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory failure. We provide pragmatic recommendations including indications and contraindications for the use of awake proning in LMICs.
Case Report: COVID-19 Misdiagnosed as a Drug Reaction to Miltefosine
Authors: Soto Jaime A. , Méndez María Isabel , Berman Jonathan D.
Published: March 2021

We present case reports of two patients treated with miltefosine for mucocutaneous leishmaniasis whose gastrointestinal symptoms were initially diagnosed as a drug reaction and only later recognized as due to COVID-19. Gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 are unusual, whereas gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions are very common. These reports exemplify that this infrequent presentation of COVID-19 is likely to be ascribed to a more common etiology such as a gastrointestinal drug reaction.
Comparison of outlier detection techniques in non-stationary time series data
Authors: Twumasi-Ankrah Sampson , Appiah Simon Kojo , Arthur Doris , Pels Wilhemina Adoma , Afriyie Jonathan Kwaku , Nartey Danielson
Published: March 2021

This study examined the performance of six outlier detection techniques using a non-stationary time series dataset. Two key issues were of interest. Scenario one was the method that could correctly detect the number of outliers introduced into the dataset whiles scenario two was to find the technique that would over detect the number of outliers introduced into the dataset, when a dataset contains only extreme maxima values, extreme minima values or both. Air passenger dataset was used with different outliers or extreme values ranging from 1 to 10 and 40. The six outlier detection techniques used in this study were Mahalanobis distance, depth-based, robust kernel-based outlier factor (RKOF), generalized dispersion, Kth nearest neighbors distance (KNND), and principal component (PC) methods. When detecting extreme maxima, the Mahalanobis and the principal component methods performed better in correctly detecting outliers in the dataset. Also, the Mahalanobis method could identify more outliers than the others, making it the "best" method for the extreme minima category. The kth nearest neighbor distance method was the "best" method for not over-detecting the number of outliers for extreme minima. However, the Mahalanobis distance and the principal component methods were the "best" performed methods for not over-detecting the number of outliers for the extreme maxima category. Therefore, the Mahalanobis outlier detection technique is recommended for detecting outlier in nonstationary time series data.
Living environment and health of under-five children in urban slums of a coastal region in South India
Authors: VR Roja , Narayanan Prakash , Chandra Sekaran Varalakshmi , Kumar MG Ajith
Published: March 2021

Objective: The primary objective of the study was to determine the association between the living environment and morbidity, nutritional status, immunization status, and personal hygiene of under-five children living in urban slums in southern India.

Methods: This study included 224 mothers of under-five children living in urban slums of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka. A total of 17 urban slums were selected randomly using random cluster sampling.

Results: Undernutrition was high among children of illiterate mothers (63.8%), and the children of working mothers were affected by more morbidity (96.6%) as compared with housewives. Morbidity was also found to be high among children belonging to families with low incomes (66.1%) and low socio-economic backgrounds (93.1%). Safe drinking water, water supply, sanitation, hygiene, age of the child, mother’s and father’s education, mother’s occupation and age, number of children in the family, use of mosquito nets, type of household, and family income were significantly associated with child morbidity, nutritional status, immunization status, and personal hygiene of under-five children living in urban slums.

Conclusion: Overall, in our study, family characteristics including parental education, occupation and income were significantly associated with outcomes among under-five children. The availability of safe drinking water and sanitation, and the use of mosquito nets to prevent vector-borne diseases are basic needs that need to be urgently met to improve child health.
Extraction, isolation and evaluation of anti-toxic principles from Moringa oleifera (MOF6) and Myristica fragrans (Trimyristin) upregulated Acetylcholinesterase concentrations in Sodium arsenite-induced neurotoxicity in rats.
Authors: Akinlolu Adelaja , Ameen Mubarak , Quadri Tobilola , Odubela Kayode , Omotoso Gabriel , Yahya Rahmat , Biliaminu Sikiru , Adeyanju Muinat , Ebito Gabriel , Otulana Jubril
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of MOF6 (isolated from Moringa oleifera leaves) and Trimyristin (isolated from Myristica fragrans seeds) on Acetylcholinesterase concentrations in cerebral cortices of rats with Sodium arsenite-induced neurotoxicity. Sixty-five adult male rats (150 g-250 g) were randomly divided into thirteen groups comprising of five rats per group. Groups 1 and 3 received physiological saline and 1 ml/200 g bodyweight of Olive oil respectively for 9 weeks. Group 2 received 20 mg/kg bodyweight of Sodium arsenite (SA) for 6 weeks and left untreated for another 3 weeks. Groups 4-5 received 20 mg/kg bodyweight of SA for 3 weeks followed by treatments with 5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg bodyweight of MOF6 respectively for 6 weeks. Groups 6-7 received 20 mg/kg bodyweight of SA for 3 weeks followed by treatments with 15 and 30 mg/kg bodyweight of Trimyristin respectively for 6 weeks. Groups 8-11 received 5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg bodyweight of MOF6; 15 and 30 mg/kg bodyweight of Trimyristin respectively for 9 weeks. Groups 12-13 received 7.5 mg/kg bodyweight of MOF6 and 30 mg/kg bodyweight of Trimyristin respectively for 6 weeks followed by co-administration of each extract dose with 20 mg/kg bodyweight of SA for another 3 weeks. Histological examination of cerebral cortices and biochemical analyses of Acetylcholinesterase concentrations were carried out in all rats. Computed data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 with statistical significance at p≤0.05. Histo-pathological evaluations revealed normal histo-architecture of cerebral cortices of all rats. Results showed statistically significant (p≤0.05) increases in Acetylcholinesterase concentrations in rats of Groups 1-10 and 12 compared with Group 2 (2.78±1.76 𝜇mole/min/g). 7.5 mg/kg bodyweight of MOF6 showed the best therapeutic and neuro-regenerative potential against SA-induced neurotoxicity.Conclusions: Our findings implied that MOF6 and Trimyristin reversed downregulation of Acetylcholinesterase concentrations in SA-induced neurotoxicity in rats; and possess neuro-protective and neuro-regenerative potentials.
Preparation and evaluation of the physicochemical and stability properties of three herbal tea blends derived from four native herbs
Authors: Builders Philip F. , Mohammed Boma B. , Sule Yahaya Z.
Published: March 2021

Herbal teas consist of mono and sometimes poly-herbal recipes of herbs with acclaimed health benefits which are often brewed as infusion or decoction. Three variants of poly-herbal teas containing Herbiscus sabdariffa, Moringa oleifera, Citrus limon, and Zingiber officinale were prepared and evaluated for their physicochemical and stability properties. Intrinsic physicochemical properties that include organoleptic, ash value, pH of brew solutions, extractive matter as well as non-intrinsic properties such as moisture content, flow and particle size of granules and dust leak from teabags were determined. Also, the effects of stressful storage conditions on some physicochemical properties were evaluated. The different tea blends showed remarkable differences in their physicochemical properties. The products also showed discrepancies in stability parameters such as appearance, pH of the brew and antioxidant properties when stored under different conditions. In all, the herbal tea showed good physicochemical and stability properties that are characteristic of a good finished herbal product.
Pharmacognostic and physicochemical evaluation, HPLC analysis and antiproliferative properties of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth
Authors: Fatokun O.T. , Omorogbe L. , Adamu A. , Esievo K.B. , Okhale S.E.
Published: March 2021

Introduction/Objective of study: Kigelia africana (Bignoniaceae) is enriched with bioactive constituents and has thus found various uses in African folklore. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacognostic, physicochemical, chromatographic and antiproliferative properties of K. africana.Methodology: Standard methods were used to determine the qualitative microscopy, moisture content, ash and extractive value. Furthermore, HPLC analysis was conducted on the samples in order to detect and quantify some phenolic compounds (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid and quercetin). The Sorghum bicolor model was used for the antiproliferative assay. All experiment was carried out in triplicates.Results: Microscopy revealed amphistomata with the presence of non-glandular unicellular, uniseriate trichomes on K. africana leaf. Cellulose, tannins, calcium oxalate crystals on the leaf and stem bark, while the roots lacked calcium oxalate crystals. Ash contents were leaf (21.8 ± 0.1) %w/w, stem bark (4.8 ± 0.03)%w/w and root (3.9 ± 0.2)%w/w. Moisture content was (10.5 ± 0.5) %w/w and (9.5 ± 0.2) %w/w for the root and leaf parts, respectively. All values were within WHO limits for crude drugs. The stem bark and root parts contained more water-soluble constituents than alcohol soluble constituents. From the results of HPLC analysis the leaf, stem bark and root extracts gave 24 peaks, 16 peaks and 30 peaks, respectively, a few peaks matched with reference compounds- quercetin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and rutin. Results of antiproliferative assay showed that methotrexate was significantly (p ˂ 0.05) more effective than the stem bark (from 2-64 mg/mL) with inhibitions ranging from 72.0 ± 1.4% - 90.0 ± 2.4% and root extracts (from 4 – 64 mg/mL) that had inhibitions ranging from 50.3 ± 1.5% - 97.7 ± 0.4% but comparable with leaf extract (from 16 mg/mL - 64 mg/mL) with inhibitions ranging from 68.4 ± 0.8% - 99.0 ± 0.1%.Conclusion: Further information which can be included in an official monograph of the plant for its proper identification and quality control has been provided by this study. Kigelia africana exhibited effective antiproliferative activities and the presence of phenolic compounds.
Assessment of ionizing radiation exposure levels and associated health risk in some selected solid mineral mining sites Edo-North, Nigeria
Authors: Eshiemomoh A.O. , Avwiri G.O. , Ononugbo C.P.
Published: March 2021

Ionizing radiation exposure rate and its associated health risks were assessed using Digilert 200 and Rados Radiation Monitoring Meter, integrated with Geographical Positioning System (Garmin GPSMAP 76S) of some selected solid mineral mining sites across Edo-North Nigeria. The mean exposure rates show some characteristic range of 0.010±0.005 𝑚𝑅ℎ𝑟−1 to 0.027 𝑚𝑅ℎ𝑟 −1 across the entire study. The obtained mean exposures rates at all the mining pits were higher than the ICRP standard limit of 0.013 𝑚𝑅ℎ𝑟 −1 , except at freedom limestonesmining pit where we recorded 0.010 mRh-1. It was also observed that limestones mining sites exhibited low exposure rate while granite mining sites exhibited high exposure rate. The computed equivalent dose rate ranges from 1.049 mSvy-1 to 2.287 mSvy-1 , which is well above the recommended permissible limit of 1.0 mSvy-1 for the general public. 91.7% of the mining sites recorded higher absorbed dose rate but the mean AEDE recorded across the entire study area are below the ICRP standard. The average excess lifetime cancer risk shows variation from 0.472 x 10-3 to 1.27 x 10-3 . . By this result, the probability of contacting cancer due to radiation exposure is higher in places like Cinoma pit, Cetraco pit, Niger-Cat pit, Jigom pit, Oaries pit and Petra-Quarries pit.

Keywords: Assessment, Mining pits, Background, Exposure, lifetime cancer risk
Structural, electronic, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of half-metallic rh2fez (z = ga, in) full heusler compounds from first principles
Authors: Osafile O.E. , Umukoro J.O.
Published: March 2021

We report on the structural, electronic, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of Rh2FeGa and Rh2FeIn full Heusler alloys from first principles. Results for the structural analysis establishes structural stability with a negative formation energy of -0.2175 eV and -0.2082 eVfor Rh2FeGa and Rh2FeIn, respectively. The lattice constants and electronic properties compare favorably with reports from existing  literature. The compounds are both anisotropic and mechanically stable, having checked out with the Born and Huang criteria. Rh2FeIn alloy is more ductile, yet, harder, and stiffer compared to its Rh2FeGa counterpart. The Debye temperatures of 400.124 K and 267. 738 K recorded for Rh2FeGa and Rh2FeIn, respectively, is consistent with the expectation that the main group element's atomic size has an inverse relationship with the Debye temperature. Therefore, indium with the larger atomic size has a lesser Debye temperature. Both compounds obey the Dulong-Petit limit at temperatures between 400 K and 500 K. The specific heat capacity at constant volume 𝐶𝜐 of 96.5 𝐽 𝑚𝑜𝑙−1𝐾−1 and 98 𝐽 𝑚𝑜𝑙−1𝐾 −1 for Rh2FeIn and Rh2FeGa alloys suggests thermodynamic stability of the compounds at moderate  temperatures.

Keywords: Density functional theory; Density functional perturbation theory; Half-Heusler compounds; Mechanical Properties;  Thermodynamic properties.
Application of electrical and magnetic geophysical methods in depth estimation of potential mineral depositat Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Coker J.O , Akinmoladun A.E. , Agbelemoge A.J. , Ariyo S.O. , Bayewu O.O. , Mosuro G.O , Alaka A.O.
Published: March 2021

Geophysical techniques are powerful tools in depth estimation of minerals deposits. This survey was carried out to evaluate the nature and  depth of mineral deposits near the Sports complex of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye.’. A total of five (5) Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) points were investigated using Pasi Terrameter. The spread across the area using the Schlumberger  configuration was with a maximum current electrode separation of 100m. The results obtained were interpreted quantitatively and  qualitatively using partial curve matching and computer iteration programs known as WINRESIST and SURFER 11. Also, forty one (41) survey profiles were taken at a station interval of 5m using the GEM Magnetometer to acquire the Total Magnetic Intensity reading. The Guassian filter-Oasis Montaj was used for the computation of regional field from the observed TMI readings of the area. The geologic andstructural map reveals a few visible fractured zones imbedded in the migmatite-gneiss deposits which spread from the northwest to the southern and eastern part of the study area and the granite gneiss was seen around the Southwestern and Northern parts. The delineated fractures could potentially serve as geologic traps for mineral localization. The 2D radial average power spectrum indicates that, the northeast part of the mapped area has a depth of 4.5mand a depth of 13m at the eastern part. It can be seen that the depth are shallow and there are visible outcrops at the study area.The approximate depth to the mineral deposit was determined using the standard Euler solution to be around 13 m and the elevation range obtained varies between 37 m – 50 m. The correlation of the electrical and magnetic techniques shows that both methods are able to give the estimated depth of shallow mineral deposit which range between 13 m – 18m.

Keywords: Euler solution, Geophysical Techniques, Lithology, Total Magnetic Intensity, Vertical Electrical Sounding.
PEMBERDAYAAN MAHASISWA PADA PELATIHAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN IKAN AIR TAWAR DI STIM SHANTI BHUANA BENGKAYANG
Authors: Hapsari Veneranda Rini , Usman Yohanes , Situmorang Dokman Marulitua
Published: March 2021

Tujuan penelitian  ini untuk menganalisis data tentang  pelatihan budi daya ikan nila dan  ikan lele yang mempunyai daya jual yang baik, di daerah perbatasan. Dengan mendeskripsikan proses, hasil, pelatihan dan faktor-faktor pendukung pelatihan ikan pada kampus STIM Shanti Bhuana. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi kasus. Data penelitian menggunakan teknik observasi, wawancara dan studi dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian dapat dideskripsikan untuk memberikan pengetahuan dan ketrampilan serta memotivasi mahasiswa dalam berwirausaha di bidang perikanan, selain itu dapat mengembangkan mahasiswa untuk mengerti dan melatih cara memasarkan ikan tersebut kepada konsumen dengan baik, sehingga dari hasil wirausaha tersebut dapat memotivasi mahasiswa ke depannya untuk membuka usaha sebagai salah satu lapangan pekerjaan
PENGARUH KEPUASAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI PADA PT BANK MANDIRI, Tbk KANTOR CABANG PONTIANAK
Authors: Suardi Suardi
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini dilakukan di perusahaan perbankan dengan judul “Pengaruh Kepuasan Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Pada PT Bank Mandiri Kantor Cabang Pontianak”. Dalam penelitian ini, peneliti menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah uji validitas, teknik pengumpulan data dengan membagikan kuisioner kepada karyawan kantor cabang Bank Mandiri Pontianak. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data, F hitung adalah 1,822 dengan signifikansi 0,018 karena signifikansi <alpha (0,05) maka H0 ditolak: artinya ada pengaruh yang signifikan antara kepuasan kerja terhadap kinerja karyawan dengan angka 3,466 dengan signifikansi 0,018. Bagi pihak bank meskipun kepuasan kerja karyawan secara maksimal sesuai dengan kinerja karyawan, untuk terus meningkatkan keberhasilan karyawan dengan hal-hal yang mempengaruhi kinerja karyawan. Analisis lebih lanjut perlu dilakukan pada hal-hal yang dapat mempengaruhi kinerja selain kepuasan kerja karyawan, seperti motivasi, disiplin, kompetensi, penghargaan, peluang pengembangan karir, dll., Memberikan pelatihan khusus sesuai dengan bidang keahlian untuk menyesuaikan lingkungan kerja di kantor cabang Bank Mandiri Pontianak. Ini dapat melatih karyawan untuk mengambil inisiatif dalam meningkatkan kinerja.
PERANAN WANITA DAYAK DALAM PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN KELUARGA DI DESA UNTANG KALIMANTAN BARAT
Authors: Shanti Shanti Veronica br Siahaan , Helena Anggraeni (Reni) Tjondro Sugianto
Published: March 2021

Abstrak

Penelitian tentang peran perempuan dalam pengelolaan keuangan keluarga di desa Untang, Kecamatan Banyuke Hulu, Kabupaten Landak, Kalimantan Barat menggunakan pendekatan fenomenologi. Studi ini melibatkan tiga peserta perempuan Dayak yang telah menikah lebih dari sepuluh tahun dan tinggal di desa. Data penelitian diambil menggunakan teknik wawancara semi-terstruktur dan observasi. Penelitian ini menghasilkan temuan manajemen keuangan yang terpisah antara suami dan istri. Perempuan berperan sebagai mitra dalam memenuhi kebutuhan sehari-hari keluarga, komunikasi menjembatani kebutuhan anak-anak dengan ayah mereka, dan menabung.

Kata kunci: manajemen, keuangan, keluarga, wanita dayak, desa.