bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Thinking Method Implementation in Personnel Certification Procedures
Authors: Malynovska Galyna , Mosora Larysa , Kis Sviatoslav , Topolnytska Tetiana , Kalambet Yaryna
Published: September 2021

Personnel certification is one of the most effective tools for implementing human resources development processes and procedures. By certifying employees, either enterprises, institutions or organizations strive to expand their capabilities by acquiring new or improving already existing knowledge, skills, abilities and experience in order to improve the efficiency of performing professional duties. The purpose of the article is theoretical and methodological justification, practical testing and evaluation of personnel certification processes using design thinking procedure. The research goal is achieved by setting and solving the following tasks:- to investigate the theoretical and methodological basis of design thinking procedure, to establish the possibilities and ways of its practical application in the processes of human resource development of the organization;- to improve the implementation of international certification processes for professional drillers with the help of the prototyping tool;
- to develop recommendations and evaluate the influence on the certification procedures according to the international standards.The draft study presupposes the analysis of the preparatory and final stage of international certification of oil and gas enterprises personnel, as well as the development of recommendations for their improvement, by using design thinking procedure. The study combines methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis. In particular, statistical analysis tools are used to study the results and evaluate the influence on personnel certification. Qualitative methods are used to establish intellectual, psychological and professional options of a person, by applying prototyping tools. Based on the results of the study, it is planned to obtain:» design thinking procedure integrated into the process of international personnel certification of oil and gas enterprises, which will increase the efficiency of human resources development;» improved approach to the organization of international certification procedures for professional drillers, which is based on the use of prototyping tools;» a list of influences on the certification procedures according to international standards and an approach to their evaluation.
An Ultrasound Application for TiO2 Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange
Authors: Diao Xianzhen , XU Jin , WANG Yufei
Published: September 2021

Nanometer TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared by the sol–gel method. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and other techniques. Methyl orange solution was used for the degradation of the organic material and ultrasonic technology was used to determine the photocatalytic performance of the catalysts. The results show that the photocatalytic performance of the Ni-N-TiO2 is clearly improved under ultrasonic conditions. The TiO2 photocatalytic degradation effect is optimal at a catalyst concentration of 0.3 g/L, an initial concentration of the organic matter of 0.03 mmol/L, a nickel-doping amount of 2 mol %, and a nitrogen-doping amount of 15 mol %. The use of ultrasound technology in combination with photocatalysis has a positive effect and results in a TiO2 degradation rate of methyl orange of 95 % after 3 h.
Management of Hunner Lesion in Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Patients
Authors: Jin Ko Kwang , Lee Kyu-Sung
Published: September 2021

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic condition characterized by chronic pelvic pain related to the bladder. One phenotype of IC/BPS is the Hunner lesion type IC/BPS. Hunner lesion exhibits typical features such as mucosal ulceration, fibrosis, and severe inflammation. The tissue surrounding the Hunner lesion may show lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, and mast cells are increased in the lamina propria. In this chapter, we discuss intravesical treatment, endoscopic treatment, and partial cystectomy with augmentation cystoplasty for the management of Hunner lesion in IC/BPS patients.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) - Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis, a Founding Framework of Cancer Evolution and Development (Cancer Evo-Dev)
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Cao Guangwen
Published: September 2021

In this chapter, we present the founding framework of a novel theory termed as Cancer Evolution-Development (Cancer Evo-Dev), based on the current understanding of hepatitis B virus (HBV) induced hepatocarcinogenesis. The interactions of genetic predispositions and HBV infection is responsible for the maintenance of chronic non-resolving inflammation. Under the inflammatory microenvironment, pro-inflammatory factors trans-activate the expression of cytidine deaminases and suppress the expression of uracil DNA glycosylase. The imbalance between the mutagenic forces and mutation-correcting forces facilitates the generations of somatic mutations, viral mutations, and viral integrations into the host genomes. The majority of cells with genomic mutations and mutated viruses are eliminated in survival competition. Only a small percentage of the mutated cells adapted to the hostile environment can survive, retro-differentiate, and function as cancer-initiating cells, representing a process of “mutation-selection-adaptation”. Cancer Evo-Dev lays the theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanisms by which chronic infection of HBV promotes hepatocarcinogenesis. This theory also plays an important role in specific prophylaxis, prediction, early diagnosis, and targeted treatment of cancers.
Size Effect of Core Strands on the Major Physical and Mechanical Properties of Oriented Strand Boards from Fast Growing Tropical Species
Authors: Mohd Nazri Wan Abdul Rahman Wan , Sakinah Mohamed Tamat Nur , Yuziah Mohd Yunus Nor , Kasim Jamaludin
Published: September 2021

Oriented strand board (OSB) is generally used for sheathing in residential walls, floors, and roofs. Because of its low pricing and utilisation of tiny diameter logs from fast-growing trees and thinning logs as raw materials, OSB is anticipated to gain popularity. In chapter, board properties of OSB using smaller strand size of Leucaena leucocephala as core layer had been studied. Small strand size of S3 (length = 75 mm, width = 3.2 to 6.3 mm) was located in the middle layer of the board while bigger strand sizes of S1 (length = 75 mm, width = 12.7 to 19.0 mm) and S2 (length = 75 mm, width = 6.3 to 12.7 mm) were located at the face and back layers. Utilization of smaller strands (S3) in the middle layers may yield boards that have better physical and mechanical properties. Except for MOR in the minor axis, board density and resin content were shown to have a substantial impact on physical and mechanical properties. Except for MOR in the major axis, strand size had little affected on physical and mechanical properties. The effects of board density on mechanical properties were discovered to affect significantly different. With a positive correlation, board density had a significant effect on thickness swelling. Between S1+S3 and S2+S3 strand size, there is no significant effect on bending properties, internal bond strength and thickness swelling. The effect of resin content on bending properties revealed a significant difference of MOR in major axis, as well as MOE values in both major and minor axes. Even when the resin content was as low as 5%, all treatments of OSB passed the general requirement of general purpose OSB.
Review of Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Elawady Khaled , Beig Mirza Saqeb
Published: September 2021

Compartment syndrome is a painful condition, caused by increased pressure in a closed muscular compartment. A compartment is a group of muscles enclosed in fascia and septa of connective tissue, which separates different muscle groups. The chambers created receive their blood supply through the arteries. As the pressure builds in the closed space, the blood supply to muscles enclosed decreases. Normal compartment pressure allows blood to flow in and then venous outflow to exit the compartment. However, with increased pressure in the compartment, the arterial flow is impaired. Subsequently, venous outflow stops, adding to the volume of the closed chamber, and hence, pressure builds to the point when the arterial flow stops as well. This chapter provides a general overview of the compartment syndrome in orthopaedic surgical practice. It includes definitions, causes, microscopic anatomy and pathophysiology, as well as the management of this condition.
Refining the Short Social Dominance Orientation scale (SSDO): A validation in seven European countries
Authors: Aichholzer Julian , Lechner Clemens M.
Published: September 2021

People and societies differ in their tendency to justify inequalities and group hierarchies, a motivation that has been labelled social dominance orientation (SDO). In order to efficiently measure this motivational tendency, Pratto and colleagues (2013, https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550612473663) proposed the four-item Short Social Dominance Orientation (SSDO) scale. The present study comprehensively assesses the SSDO scale’s psychometric properties in seven European countries (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Hungary, Italy, and Poland). Using large and diverse samples from these countries, we propose a measurement model to assess the scale’s structural validity and we assess measurement invariance (MI), reliability, and convergent validity. Results suggest that the scale is sufficiently reliable, shows theoretically predictable and consistent correlations with external criteria across countries, it exhibits at least partial scalar and partial uniqueness MI across the seven countries and full MI across gender. These findings offer support for the psychometric quality of the SSDO scale and its usefulness for cross-national and multi-topic social surveys.
The relationship between lymphedema severity and awareness of lymphedema surgery
Authors: Lee Hyun Seung , Bae Yong Chan , Nam Su Bong , Yi Chang Ryul , Yoon Jin A , Kim Joo Hyoung
Published: September 2021

Background During the early stages of lymphedema, active physiologic surgical treatment can be applied. However, lymphedema patients often have limited knowledge and misconceptions regarding lymphedema and surgical treatment. We analyzed the correlations between lymphedema severity and surgical technique according to patients’ awareness of surgical treatment for secondary upper extremity lymphedema (UEL).

Methods Patients with UEL diagnosed between December 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. At the time of their presentation to our hospital for the treatment of lymphedema, they were administered a questionnaire about lymphedema and lymphedema surgery. Based on the results, patients were classified as being aware or unaware of surgical treatment. Lymphedema severity was classified according to the arm dermal backflow (ADB) stage and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) stage based on indocyanine green lymphography conducted at presentation. Surgical techniques were compared between the two groups.

Results Patients who were aware of surgical treatment had significantly lower initial ADB and MDACC stages (P<0.05) and more frequently underwent physiologic procedures than excisional procedures (P=0.003).

Conclusions If patients are actively educated regarding surgical treatment of lymphedema, physiologic procedures may be performed during the early stages of UEL.
Acute limb ischemia following perineal reconstruction in lithotomy position: take-home message for plastic surgeons
Authors: Sapino Gianluca , Deglise Sebastien , Raffoul Wassim , di Summa Pietro G.
Published: September 2021

Despite the extensive use of lithotomy position in several plastic surgery procedures, most reports regarding the related incidence of complications are presented in the urologic, gynecologic, and anesthesiologic fields. We present the case of a 54-year-old male patient. polytrauma patient who underwent internal iliac artery embolization leading to extensive gluteal necrosis requiring: debridement, abdominoperineal resection and composite anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction with prolonged lithotomy position. The patient presented lower limb ischemia briefly after surgical theater. A computed tomography scan revealed the obstruction of the left superficial femoral artery requiring emergency revascularization. Arterial thrombosis is a potentially devastating complication and plastic surgeons should be aware of the possible dangers when performing surgeries in prolonged lithotomy position. Preoperative detection of patients at high risks for developing complications should be performed in order to implement preventive measures and avoid potentially life-threatening sequelae.
Treatment of chronic bronchopleural fistula and recurrent empyema using a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap: a case report and literature review
Authors: Kang Byungkwon , Myung Yujin
Published: September 2021

Bronchopleural fistula is a severe complication with a high mortality rate that occurs after pulmonary resection. Several treatment options have been suggested; however, it is a challenge to treat this condition without recurrence or other complications. In this case report, we describe the successful performance of a pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer, with no recurrence or donor site morbidity.
Las mujeres en el sonido: androcentrismo en la industria musical
Authors: Barrios Ruano María Francisca , Muñoz Muñoz Ana María
Published: September 2021

En este trabajo se plantea teóricamente la existencia de androcentrismo en los puestos de producción e ingeniería del sonido en la industria musical en los que se perpetúan los modelos estereotipados de distribución laboral, donde las mujeres desempeñan o son relegadas a roles feminizados y, principalmente, están alejadas de las posiciones que conllevan autoridad. Para ello, se ha analizado el estado de los estudios musicológicos en relación con los estudios de género y la crítica feminista, estudiando la interrelación de las mujeres con la industria musical y con la tecnología del sonido musical, examinando la representación de las mismas en diversos campos profesionales y observando la construcción de redes de trabajo de mujeres en el sonido. El análisis de estos estudios sugiere que las mujeres, que se desarrollan profesionalmente en el campo del tratamiento técnico del sonido en la industria musical, podrían dotar a su labor profesional de una nueva significación de género al cuestionar el capital social y los cánones establecidos.
EDITORIAL 30
Authors: Vernia Carrasco Ana Mercedes
Published: September 2021

Tras un complicado año generado por la covid19, donde el arte ha servido mucho más que como mero entretenimiento, ARTSEDUCA desea poner en valor a todos los artistas, de todos los ámbitos. Gracias a ellos, a su predisposición y disposición siempre para mejorar la sociedad, siempre luchando por conseguir un lugar mejora y tomar posición en la educación como una necesidad y un derecho. En este número volvemos a mostrar importantes trabajos vinculados a la educación y la pedagogía, la musicología o la salud. Valores y actitudes se ponen al servicio de las personas a través del arte, tomando además un importante referente que es la Agenda 2030 de la Organización de Naciones Unidas (ONU) y el valor de los 17 Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), sin olvidar las recomendaciones de la UNESCO. ARTSEDUCA, que va consiguiendo importantes posiciones respecto a la indexación de calidad, sigue en su principal objetivo que es la de compartir y difundir investigaciones y experiencias, para que todo el mundo pueda tener acceso al conocimiento.
Por otra parte, asistimos a una pérdida de valores humanísticos, que la sociedad acompaña sin demasiadas acciones que indiquen una mejora, por eso ahora más que nunca, es necesario que el arte llegue a todas partes, que se reduzcan diferentes brechas que sufren las personas en situación de vulnerabilidad. El arte es un motor de calidad de vida, para generar empleabilidad, incidir positivamente en la educación y un importante motor de cambio social. En este sentido, el número 29 de ARTSEDUCA está dedicado a todas aquellas personas que trabajan por un mundo mejor, pues sin duda en ellas hay un factor emocional que solo el arte puede inspirar.
GRACIAS!
ENTREVISTA A Antonio Martín Moreno por Ana M. Vernia
Authors: Vernia Carrasco Ana Mercedes
Published: September 2021

Antonio Martín Moreno, Catedrático de la Universidad. Inició sus estudios musicales en el Seminario Menor de Granada (1959) con José Castañeda y Juan Alfonso García y en el Conservatorio de Música de Córdoba con Joaquín Reyes Cabrera y Rafael Quero, ampliándolos en el de  Madrid con Julián López Gimeno, Manuel Carra, Federido Sopeña, Gerardo Gombau, Francisco Calés y Antonio Barrera Maraver, entre otros, obteniendo el Título Superior en 1973. En 1969 finalizó la Licenciatura en Filosofía y Letras (Sección Filosofía) en la Universidad Pontificia de Comillas (Santander y Madrid), y en 1970 la Licenciatura en Filosofía Pura en la Universidad Complutense (Madrid). Una beca de “Ayuda a la formación de personal investigador)” (1972-1975) le permitió proseguir su especialización musicológica en el Instituto Español de Musicología del CSIC de Barcelona con el profesor Miguel Querol, bajo cuya dirección realizó su tesis doctoral sobre “Las ideas musicales del P. Feijoo y la polémica que suscitaron: orígenes e influencias”, defendida en octubre de 1975 en el Departamento de Arte de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, ante el tribunal integrado por Francisco Rico, Francisco Bonastre, Miguel Querol, José Blecua, y Martín de Riquer obteniendo la máxima calificación y el Premio Extraordinario de Doctorado. Ese mismo año se le concedió el Primer Premio Nacional del “Concurso Permanente de Composición e Investigación Musical” del Ministerio de Educación, en su primera edición (BOE de 26.12.1975) y fue becado por la Fundación Juan March, para la que realizó una amplia investigación sobre la vida y obras del compositor Sebastián Durón (1660-1716). Amplió su formación musical gracias a numerosas becas que le permitieron asistir a cursos en la Academia Chigiana de Siena (Italia), Música en Compostela, cursos de Pedagogía Musical Ataúlfo Argenta (Castro Urdiales) y cursos Manuel de Falla del Festival Internacional de Música y Danza de Granada, entre otros.
Entrevista a Emily Achieng Akuno por Ana M. Vernia
Authors: Vernia Carrasco Ana Mercedes
Published: September 2021

Emily Akuno es profesora de música de la Universidad Técnica de Kenia. Actualmente es vicerrectora adjunta a cargo de Asuntos Académicos en la Universidad Cooperativa de Kenia. Emily investiga la música en la cultura, la interpretación musical y la formación de profesores de música. Su proyecto actual está desarrollando la creatividad para el empoderamiento de los jóvenes y el desarrollo sostenible.
L’analyse de construits, une co-construction de groupe
Authors: Bourassa Michelle , Philion Ruth , Chevalier Jacques
Published: September 2021

La recherche-action collaborative aspire à créer un espace d’apprentissage où les différents acteurs se trouvent engagés dans une réflexion critique et dynamique autour d’une situation qui les interpelle. Parce que ses outils de collecte et d’analyse sont distincts, ils se vivent en deux temps qui séparent la collecte de données de son analyse. En pareil cas, le chercheur agit, comme dans les autres modes de recherche, tel un extracteur de données qui reprend sa posture d’expert dès qu’il est question d’analyse et d’interprétation. Cette situation contredit la finalité même de la recherche-action collaborative, soit la co-construction de sens effectuée par et avec tous les acteurs. Or, différents outils issus des Systèmes d’analyse sociale2 (SAS2) (Chevalier et Buckles, sous presse) tentent de pallier cette contradiction en facilitant la co-construction de sens avec les participants. Un de ces outils, l’analyse de construits, encore peu exploité dans la recherche en éducation, est examiné dans cet article à l’aide d’un exemple tiré de la recherche. En cohérence avec le paradigme constructiviste de l’apprentissage, cet outil de réflexion guidée offre un espace dialogique où chacun des participants, chercheurs et acteurs confondus, contribue à l’explicitation et à l’avancée des connaissances par une analyse et une interprétation co-construites et de ce fait, ils sont plus susceptibles d’identifier quelles implications émergent pour une action future.
Digital space of the EAEU: current state and prospects
Authors: Yanik Andrey Aleksandrovich
Published: September 2021

This article is dedicated to the assessment of current state of “digital space” of the Eurasian integration and prospects for its development. Based on the parallel analysis of political legal sources, international and domestic statistics, various indexes, as well as relevant literature, the author aims to demonstrate the achievements and difficulties in implementation of the digital agenda of the Eurasian Economic Union, and outline possible causes thereof. For solution of the research tasks, the author employs the results of monitoring of digital development processes of the EAEU, comparative approaches, as well as the general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, hypotheses, etc. The conducted analysis demonstrates that despite the promotion of digital transformation on the domestic level by all EAEU member-states, the establishment of the single Eurasian digital space is slowing down. The conclusion is drawn on the disparity of political-legal (formal) and actual realities in promoting the project of the Eurasian digital integration. The comparison of relevant data of the Eurasian Economic Commission and Eurasian Development Bank and domestic statistics indicates that the GDP annual growth rate in the EAEU member-states due to the digital transition currently does not exceed 0.1%, which casts doubt on the possibility of achieving the key indicators established by the main vectors of implementation of digital agenda of the EAEU.  The author underlines the importance for consolidation of the “analogous” foundations of digital transformation, measures for boosting confidence, expansion of the number of stakeholders of the Eurasian project, and development of the mechanisms for interaction on all levels, including ordinary citizens, who are the major participants and beneficiaries of the digital transition.  
Aspects of firearms training of road traffic police officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
Authors: Gol'chevskii Vitalii Feliksovich
Published: September 2021

The research subject is social relations in the field of the development of basic skills of road traffic police officers of Russia in using firearms during operations and for stopping drivers attempting to escape from the crime scene. The research object is the formation and development of firearms using skills of internal affairs officers during the professional training of middle and major commanders enrolled in internal affairs bodies of Russia. The topicality of the research is determined by the tasks of improvement of professional training of specialists in educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, and ensuring personal safety of internal affairs officers and the safety of civilians during operative actions. The research contains the analysis of use of service weapons by police officers during operative actions. Based on the example of apprehension of a vehicle, the author analyzes the effectiveness of use of service weapons by road traffic police officers. The research methodology is based on the analysis of the use of service weapons by police officers, and experiments. The scientific novelty of the research consists in the following: a) the analysis of statistical data of the use of service weapons by internal affairs officers; b) the task to organize a comprehensive firearms training of internal affairs officers; c) the list of measures aimed at the improvement of firearms training of internal affairs officers. In conclusion, the author substantiates the necessity to improve the basic professional training program in terms of raising the effectiveness of firearms training of internal affairs officers. The analysis of the use of service weapons by road traffic police officers, as well as experiments, prove the importance of the research in the field of public safety protection and effective prevention of criminal offences by police officers with the help of service weapons.   
Investigation of the Phytochemistry and Antioxidant Activity of Pterocarpus angolensis (Mubvamaropa) from Mupandawana
Authors: Zengeni S. , Chifamba J. M. , Mutingwende I. , Manyarara T.
Published: September 2021

The present study investigated the phytochemistry and antioxidant activity of Pterocarpus angolensis (Mubvamaropa) from Mupandawana. Pt. angolensis has numerous medicinal uses. The bark, sap, leaves and roots are all used to treat different ailments. The sap is used to stop nose bleeds, treatment of ulcers and kill ringworms. Several studies have supported the use of the tree’s sap to treat cataracts, malaria as well as skin inflammations. Pterocarpus angolensis bark was collected from Gutu, Masvingo province and authenticated by a plant taxonomist at the Zimbabwe National herbarium (Mr Chapano). The bark was cleaned using distilled water and oven dried at 40°C for 4 hours to constant weight. Size reduction was achieved using a Thomas-Wiley laboratory mill model with a 2 mm sieve mesh. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the ethanolic extract had more phyto-constituents than the water extract which only four phyto-constituents present all of which were weakly positive. DPPH scavenging activity was 95.11% at a concentration of 500 μg/mL bark extract, while that of the control, ascorbic acid, was 97.60%. Ascorbic acid had an IC50 value of 4.35 µg/mL while the bark extract had a value of 150.64 µg/mL.
Pre-sowing Seed Treatments of Botanicals and Chemicals on Growth, Yield and Yield Attributing Traits of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Authors: Srikanth Kadurla , Rai Prashant Kumar , Jain Prashant Ankur , Saipriya A.
Published: September 2021

The experiment was conducted in the field of Seed Science and Technology at the department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) during Rabi season 2020-2021, in order to standardize the suitable pre-sowing seed treatment of Mustard (Variety-Kranti). Different pre-sowing seed treatments include Thirteen treatments with T0- control, T1-KCL @ 0.3%, T2-KNO3 @ 0.5%, T3-PEG6000 @ 25ppm, T4-PEG6000 @ 50ppm, T5-Panchagavya @ 2%, T6-Panchagavya @ 4%, T7-Panchagavya @ 6%, T8-Panchagavya @ 8%, T9-MNSO4 @ 0.1%, T10-MNSO4 @ 0.3%, T11-MNSO4 @ 0.5%, T12-Tulasi leaf extract @ 2% Soaking for 6 hrs. Pre-sowing seed treatment with PEG6000 @ 50ppm shows increased germination percentage, growth, yield and yielding attributes followed by Panchagavya @ 6% The Experiment and study indicated interesting and different outcomes for each treatment performed. All various priming treatments used was better than control, but overall the best performance was recorded in T4- PEG6000 @ 50ppm, gave the best result to enhanced germinability, seed vigour, seed yield and yielding attributes of mustard.
Genetic Association and Path Coefficient Analysis for Grain Yield Characters in Elite Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm
Authors: Reddy N. Nikitha , Lal Gabrial M. , Pragathi B. , Nikhil P.
Published: September 2021

The study was carried out to study the correlation and path coefficient analysis for grain yield characters in 36 rice genotypes including one check for 13 quantitative parameters. The experimental material was carried out during Kharif, 2020, in a randomized block design with three replications obtained from the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Allahabad, U.P., India. Analysis of variance revealed that there is significant variability among the genotypes. Correlation coefficient analysis at genotype level and phenotypic level revealed that plant height, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, number of tillers per hill, number of panicles per hill, number of spikelets per panicle, biological yield, and harvest index, showed positive significant correlation with grain yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis at both genotypic and phenotypic levels revealed that flag leaf length, number of panicles per hill, days to maturity, biological yield, harvest index and test weight had positive direct effect on grain yield per hill. Biological yield per hill (0.8481) exerted high positive direct effect as well as high positive significant association (0.809**) with grain yield per hill thus this character resulted as most essential direct yield character.
Transitioning Adolescents with Perinatally Acquired HIV from Paediatric to Adult Centered Care: Caregivers’ Perspective
Authors: Ogubuike Chigozirim , Asuquo Eme Olukemi , Alabi Ajibola
Published: September 2021

Aim: To investigate caregivers’ attitude towards transitioning HIV-positive adolescents from paediatric to adult centered care as well as understanding their perspective of transition inhibitors and facilitators.

Study Design: We used a descriptive qualitative design and purposively selected principal caregivers of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years with perinatally acquired HIV who had been attending the paediatric infectious diseases clinic for at least 12 months before the study.

Place and Duration of Study: Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study was conducted from August 2020 to November 2020.

Methodology: We included principal caregivers whose wards were not cognitively impaired, whose HIV serostatus had    been disclosed to them and who had been attending the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital paediatric infectious diseases clinic for at least 12 months before the onset of the study. Fifteen In-depth interviews were conducted and data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method with Atlas ti data qualitative software version 7.5.21. The sample size was determined when data saturation was reached.

Results: Most principal caregivers did not understand their role and were not involved in preparing their wards for the transition to adult care. Perceived inhibitors to transition were anxiety on severing the long-term relationship with the paediatric health care team and concern that adult physicians may not be as caring as those in the paediatric clinic. Seropositive caregivers suggested that taking their wards along with them to their appointment at the adult clinic would facilitate transition. 

Conclusion: Principal caregivers were unaware of their roles in the transition process, healthcare providers should actively involve and educate them to ensure a smooth transitioning to the adult centered care.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B (HBsAg) Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Specialist Hospital Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Chessed Godly , Kwala Kefas Hellamada , Innocent Asika Aminu , Danjuma Sati
Published: September 2021

Infection due to Hepatitis B virus is a serious public health problem worldwide, in spite of productive vaccine. Pregnant women infected with hepatitis B virus can transmit the infection to their fetuses and newborns. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Specialist Hospital Yola. A total of three hundred and thirteen (313) pregnant women were randomly selected for this study. Hepatitis B status was determined by the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). A structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. Sera from volunteers were collected and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen. Seroprevalence was determined based on age group, educational level, occupation, marital status, religion and history of blood transfusion. The seroprevalence of HBsAg among consented antenatal attendees was 17(5.43%). The study found highest seroprevalence of HBsAg among the pregnant women in the age bracket 26-35 years 52.94%, 52.94% in women with primary school education, 41.18% among the unemployed, 94.12% among the married women, 70.59% among Muslim women, and 76.47% among women that had blood transfusion. The study also revealed that there is a significant relationship between HBsAg and (educational level, marital status) of the study participants (P < 0.05). The Seroprevalence of HBsAg among antenatal attendees at Specialist Hospital Yola, Nigeria, is on the high side. Therefore, early screening of pregnant women for hepatitis at antenatal clinic, would contribute greatly to the timely management of the disease and will prevent possible transmission to their neonates.
Does Galectin3 Immunohistochemical Marker Help in Diagnosing the Nature of Benign or Malignant Thyroid Tumor?
Authors: -Farwa Umm-e , Ramzan Rehana , Niaz Mahwish , Salim Hassan , Fawad Rabiya , Tasawer Nadia , Bangash Kashif , Mumtaz Hassan , Ahmad Shahzaib
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Galectin-3 has been reported quite accurate to detect or exclude malignancy in nodules with prior indeterminate Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and per operative findings. Keeping this fact in mind, Galectin-3 can have a pivotal role in separating benign from the malignant thyroid neoplasms.

We aim to determine the frequency and intensity of Galectin-3 immunohistochemical expression among benign and malignant thyroid neoplasms confirmed on histopathology.

Materials and Methods: We studied 78 thyroid specimens diagnosed with thyroid neoplasms on histopathology. Out of these 39 were benign cases (follicular adenoma and hurthle cell adenoma) and 39 were malignant cases (papillary thyroid carcinomas, follicular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma and poorly differentiated carcinoma). Each specimen was examined grossly and microscopically and checked for immunohistochemical staining pattern of Galectin-3 under the microscope.

Results: Age range in this study was from 15 to 65 years with mean age of 44.97 ± 10.78 years. Out of these 78 patients, 17 (21.79%) were male and 61 (78.21%) were female with male to female ratio of 1:3.6. Frequency of positive Galectin-3 immuno histochemical expression among thyroid neoplasms was found in 32 (41.03%) cases with Galectin-3 showing positive staining in 21 (53.85%) of all malignant and 11 (28.21%) of all benign cases .Among the malignant neoplasms, positivity was seen most frequently in papillary thyroid carcinomas as compared to the other malignancies.

Conclusion: This study concluded that positive Galectin-3 immunohistochemical expression is more in malignant thyroid neoplasms (53.85%) as compare to the benign lesions (28.21%). Therefore, we recommend that this marker cannot be used alone for the routine diagnosis of malignant lesions as it has shown less sensitivity and specificity. Moreover it also has shown no significant role in differentiating between the benign and the malignant thyroid neoplasms.
Evaluation of the Total Dispersion and Distribution of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in the Aya Stream, Located in Niger Delta: Implications on the Quality and Health of Aya Water Stream
Authors: Okon Lynda-Uta E. , Asuquo Philomena E. , Ifon Honor T. , Ekpang Peter U. , Ntekim Etim E. U.
Published: September 2021

Globally, oil spills are known catastrophic events with harmful consequences that tend to endanger plant, animal and human life. The dispersion and distribution of petroleum hydrocarbons levels were investigated to evaluate its effect on the quality and health of Aya stream, located in the Niger Delta sub region, south east Nigeria. Water samples were collected from the stream, which is the most available source of water in Ikot Ada Udo local community, five years after an extensive oil spillage between the months of June and November 2012. These samples were analyzed to assess the level of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and physicochemical enrichment using Spectrophotometric with 1g of Bonny Light and Bonny Medium Crude Oils dissolved in 1000 ml of tetrachloromethane were used as standards as well as insitu measurements of water temperature and dissolved oxygen. TPH concentrations ranged from 0.21mg/l in dry season (September, October, November) to a maximum level of 0.33 mg/l in wet season (June, July, August) during the study. The mean concentrations found for physicochemical parameters during wet and dry seasons respectively were: temperature (27.67±0.29 & 27.83±0.290C), DO (3.47±0.65 & 3.44±0.67 mg/l), Cd (0.03±0.003 & 0.03±0.01mg/l), Pb (0.17±0.06 & 0.18±0.04 mg/l), Ni (0.08±0.01 & 0.08±0.005 mg/l), V (0.02±0.01 & 0.02±0.01 mg/l).The distribution pattern of trace heavy metals in the stream water followed the sequence: Pb>Ni> Cd>V. In all cases, Pb was the most abundant and V the least abundant metal. Elevated levels of some physicochemical parameters shown to correlate significantly (p=0.05) and associate with the oil spill infer that Aya stream has been severely polluted. Statistical analysis (t-test) of seasonal levels of TPH in water samples showed positive relationship (t=0.55, p=0.05). The implication of these results is that the concentrations of the studied parameters did not depend on seasonal influence but were connected with the incessant exposure of the site to oil seeps from the well-head. The high levels of lead above permissible limits in the studied samples poses a health threat, hence, the removal of the well-head and future situation of such structures away from the source of communal water source should be implemented to preserve the quality and health of the water source.
Review on the Commercial and Therapeutic Implementation of Lactobacillus Species
Authors: Chatterjee Pratik , Paul Utpalendu , Banerjee Subhadeep
Published: September 2021

Lactic acid (LA) is one of the primary metabolites that is considered to be a natural product derived from microorganisms such as Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). The most prominent LA- producing LAB is the genus of Lactobacillus spp. and is found in almost all dairy products along with non-dairy food products. The application of LA can be found in various sectors including food, fermentation, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries. LAB have lots of perspective in the production of organic acids as well as complex compounds that find potential application in food products such as yoghurt, cheese, buttermilk in addition to therapeutics uses such as probiotics that help in preventing gastrointestinal infections; improve pathogen protection; and alter host immunological responses. Moreover, fermentation with LAB also facilitates efficient nutrient quality and provides an effective method of food preservation. The present study provides an overview of the potential application of LA produced by Lactobacillus spp. in different sectors.
Development of breast phantoms using a 3D printer and glandular dose evaluation
Authors: Lee Dong‐Yeon , Jo Yong‐In , Yang Sung‐Hee
Published: September 2021

In this study, breast phantoms were fabricated by emulating glandular and adipose tissues separately using a three‐dimensional (3D) printer. In addition, direct and quantitative glandular dose evaluations were performed. A quantitative method was developed to evaluate the glandular and adipose tissues separately when performing glandular dose evaluations. The variables used for glandular dose evaluation were breast thickness, glandular tissue ratio, and additional filter materials. The values obtained using a Monte Carlo simulation and those measured using a glass dosimeter were compared and analyzed. The analysis showed that as the glandular tissue ratio increased, the dose decreased by approximately 10%, which is not a significant variation. The comparison revealed that the simulated values of the glandular dose were approximately 15% higher than the measured values. The use of silver and rhodium filters resulted in a mean simulated dose of 1.00 mGy and 0.72 mGy, respectively, while the corresponding mean measured values were 0.89 mGy ± 0.03 mGy and 0.62 mGy ± 0.02 mGy. The mean glandular dose can be reliably evaluated by comparing the simulated and measured values.
Study on the Foaming Behaviors of PBS and Its Modification with PA6IcoT Assisted by scCO2
Authors: Liu Shao-shuai , Wang Qiang , Zhang Shi-qi , Yao Zhen , Tang Long-Cheng , Cao Kun
Published: September 2021

The foaming behaviors of a semicrystalline poly(butylenes succinate) (PBS) and its blends with an amorphous semiaromatic nylon poly(hexamethylene (iso‐co‐tere)phthalamide) (PA6IcoT) assisted by supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as blowing agent at 110–130 °C and 16–24 MPa are investigated. The results show that the average cell diameter and cell density of the pure PBS foam obtained at 24 MPa and 120 °C are 46 μm and 1.6 × 107 cells cm−3, respectively. The cell coalescence is prevented and heterogeneous nucleation is induced in the presence of PA6IcoT in the physical blends (mPBS), resulting smaller cell size as 12 μm and higher cell density as 1.6 × 109 cells cm−3 in the foams at 24 MPa and 120 °C. The reactive blends (rPBS) with PA6IcoT prepared by 2,2‐(1,3‐benzene)bis(2‐oxazoline) (PBO) as chain extender are promising for higher complex viscosity and lower crystallinity, resulting in higher melt strength and better foamability. The rPBS foams with cell size as small as 8 μm and cell density as high as 2.0 × 109 cells cm−3 are obtained at 24 MPa and 120 °C.
Molecular Engineering to Tune the Ligand Environment of Atomically Dispersed Nickel for Efficient Alcohol Electrochemical Oxidation
Authors: Liang Zhifu , Jiang Daochuan , Wang Xiang , Shakouri Mohsen , Zhang Ting , Li Zhongjun , Tang Pengyi , Llorca Jordi , Liu Lijia , Yuan Yupeng , Heggen Marc , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Morante Joan R. , Cabot Andreu , Arbiol Jordi
Published: September 2021

Atomically dispersed metals maximize the number of catalytic sites and enhance their activity. However, their challenging synthesis and characterization strongly complicates their optimization. Here, the aim is to demonstrate that tuning the electronic environment of atomically dispersed metal catalysts through the modification of their edge coordination is an effective strategy to maximize their performance. This article focuses on optimizing nickel‐based electrocatalysts toward alcohol electrooxidation in alkaline solution. A new organic framework with atomically dispersed nickel is first developed. The coordination environment of nickel within this framework is modified through the addition of carbonyl (CO) groups. The authors then demonstrate that such nickel‐based organic frameworks, combined with carbon nanotubes, exhibit outstanding catalytic activity and durability toward the oxidation of methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (CH3CH2OH), and benzyl alcohol (C6H5CH2OH); the smaller molecule exhibits higher catalytic performance. These outstanding electrocatalytic activities for alcohol electrooxidation are attributed to the presence of the carbonyl group in the ligand chemical environment, which enhances the adsorption for alcohol, as revealed by density functional theory calculations. The work not only introduces a new atomically dispersed Ni‐based catalyst, but also demonstrates a new strategy for designing and engineering high‐performance catalysts through the tuning of their chemical environment.
Stable Field Electron Emission and Plasma Illumination from Boron and Nitrogen Co‐Doped Edge‐Rich Diamond‐Enhanced Carbon Nanowalls
Authors: Ficek Mateusz , Dec Bartłomiej , Sankaran Kamatchi Jothiramalingam , Gajewski Krzysztof , Tatarczak Piotr , Wlasny Igor , Wysmolek Andrzej , Haenen Ken , Gotszalk Teodor , Bogdanowicz Robert
Published: September 2021

Superior field electron emission (FEE) characteristics are achieved in edge‐rich diamond‐enhanced carbon nanowalls (D‐ECNWs) grown in a single‐step chemical vapor deposition process co‐doped with boron and nitrogen. The structure consists of sharp, highly conductive graphene edges supplied by a solid, diamond‐rich bottom. The Raman and transmission electron microscopy studies reveal a hybrid nature of sp3‐diamond and sp2‐graphene in these nanowalls. The ab‐initio calculations were carried out to support the experimental observations of diamond‐graphene hybrid structure. Finally, this hybrid D‐ECNWs is employed as a cathode in an FEE device resulting in a low turn‐on field of 3.1 V µm−1, a large field enhancement factor, a high FEE Je of 2.6 mA cm−2, and long lifetime stability of 438 min. Such an enhancement in the FEE originates from the unique materials combination, resulting in good electron transport from the graphene phases and efficient FEE of electrons from the sharp edges on the nanowalls. The prospective application of these materials is displayed by employing these hybrids as cathodes in a microplasma device ensuing a low threshold voltage of 160 V and high plasma stability of 140 min, which confirms the role of these hybrid structured nanowalls in the enhancement of electron emission.
Tailorable Capacitive Tactile Sensor Based on Stretchable and Dissolvable Porous Silver Nanowire/Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Wearable Human Motion Detection
Authors: Wang Peng , Li Guoxian , Liu Jun , Hou Zhanrui , Meng Chuizhou , Guo Shijie , Liu Changhong , Fan Shoushan
Published: September 2021

Recently, advanced flexible tactile sensors have been widely studied for human motion detection, which is an essential part of human healthcare monitoring. New types of materials with novel composition and structures play a significant role in sensing performance improvement. Herein, a stretchable and dissolvable porous silver nanowire (Ag NW)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite hydrogel is fabricated through a facile foaming and freezing‐thawing combined approach. The PVA gel is foamed with lots of tailorable micropores to achieve much enhanced stretchability and compressibility. Ag NWs are uniformly embedded inside PVA matrix to increase the permittivity upon introduction of numerous microcapacitors. Incorporated with carbon nanotube network electrodes, a capacitive tactile sensor is developed with high sensitivity (1.9 kPa−1), wide detection range (250 kPa), quick response time (25 ms), and remarkable stability over 10 000 loading/unloading cycles. Wearable sensing demonstration of detecting various human motions is performed. The hydrogel‐based sensor can be dissolved in hot water within minutes with recycling use of electrode material, which is environmentally friendly. A large‐area integrated sensor sheet can be made upon one fabrication process followed by cut into small sensor devices with desired shapes, indicating potential customized mass production. The proposed microporous nanocomposite hydrogel‐based sensor is promising in wearable sensing applications.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Aryl Borrowing Amination of Diaryl Methanols Containing Pyridine‐Directing Groups
Authors: Liu Zheng‐Qiang , Tao Jing , Zhuang Xin , Hong Chuan‐Ming , Luo Zhen , Wu Yu‐Fei , Li Qing‐Hua , Liu Tang‐Lin
Published: September 2021

The rhodium(III)‐catalyzed aryl borrowing amination of various diaryl methanols with sulfonamides have been developed. The amination of alcohols via C−C bond activation is less developed and remains a challenge. These aryl borrowing reactions feature mild reaction conditions, good functional group tolerance, and compatibility with a wide range of alcohols, overall comprising an atom‐ and step‐economic procedure. Mechanistic studies indicate that a rhodacycle complex exist during the aryl borrowing amination reaction.

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