bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review Study on Ocular Posterior Segments & Neuro-Ophthalmic Manifestations Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection and its Management Options
Authors:   M.Optometry Scholar, Department of Optometry, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, U.P (India)., Khan Salal
Published: August 2022

To describe the various types of ocular posterior segment and neuro-ophthalmic manifestation associated with Human Immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infection. And also describe the management or preventive measures associated with it. In all cases of ocular disease due to HIV, there is only one reason i.e. immune system. A Descriptive study was done to review the articles available on PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Publon, Orcid, Healthstar, Science Open, Cochrane Library, Paperity and others related to the ocular complications associated with HIV infections. Peer-reviewed articles/ studies were referred to ascertain the available screening tests, preventive measures, hygiene, neuro-ophthalmic manifestation and management options for HIV patients. Some authors suggest that ocular posterior segment & neuro-ophthalmic manifestation due to HIV infection is not recovered, but few authors suggest that it can be recovered with the help of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in combination with some preventive measures and hygiene. The Eye-care professional’s responsibility is to spread awareness about the complications related to the eye and their management or preventive measures. Ocular complications are very diverse and relatively frequent in the case of HIV infection. Commonly it is associated with a concurrent diagnosis of depression, anxiety, panic, attack and psychiatric disorders, etc. There are various management or preventive measures like regular eye examinations, follow-up of the HIV patients, following the preventive measures strategies, taking therapy properly, preventing to spread of the infection, etc.
Implementasi Penghapusan Piutang PBB-P2 Yang Sudah Kadaluarsa Di Kota Bukittinggi
Authors: Anggraweni Mutia , Ariany Ria , Ameliza Kiki
Published: August 2022

The movement of the realization of the reduction in uncollectible accounts in Bukittinggi did not change significantly, because the execution only started processing in 2020 after BPK finds it. The process of eliminating uncollectible accounts that have expired is where data rearrangement or updating is carried out first, but in fact the Bukittinggi City Government does not do it due to a shortage of human resources. It can indirectly provide a negative picture of the performance of Bukittinggi City Government. This research is a descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The types of data used in this study are primary data and secondary data. The data collection technique used was obtained by field research and library research. Data analysis was carried out by qualitative analysis and using purposive sampling technique in determining the sources. Testing the validity of the data is done by triangulation method. The results showed that the implementation of the policy for the write-off of PBB-P2 receivables that had expired at the Bukittinggi City Finance Agency when viewed from the Eward III theory had not been implemented optimally. In terms of communication, there are still shortcomings and in terms of resources there are deficiencies both in terms of quantity and quality.The focus of attention is the implementation of the Mayor of Bukittinggi Regulation Number 11 of 2014 so that it can be successfully implemented to overcome the problem of expired land and building tax receivables in rural and urban areas.
2 La América Latina de José Revueltas
Authors: Gomez Landeo Angel
Published: August 2022

José Revueltas, escritor fundamental para entender las contradicciones históricas del México posrevolucionario, prolífico novelista, ensayista y cuentista, concibió de una manera especial lo latinoamericano y aportó desde su visión de izquierda, materialista dialéctica, a la configuración, crítica y análisis, del imaginario latinoamericano. Aquí se rastrea esa concepción, a partir de las evocaciones que el escritor hace a partir de vivencias propias y experiencias adquiridas en varios países que visitó al centro y sur del continente, como militante y periodista. Se identifican algunas características importantes de la concepción que Revueltas tenía de América Latina, como la necesidad y urgencia de superar la corriente indigenista, el internacionalismo proletario y los lazos solidarios entre países hermanos, el antimperialismo como postura inalienable, y la riqueza dialógica generada del encuentro con artistas, escritores e intelectuales marxistas, que ayudó a pensar lo propio de la región, como lo fue la señera figura de José Carlos Mariátegui.
Los Sangurimas, de José de la Cuadra, como antecedente de la novela total latinoamericana
Authors: Gomez Landeo Angel
Published: August 2022

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo principal demostrar cuáles son todas las características que posee la novela Los Sangurimas (1943), del escritor ecuatoriano José de la Cuadra, relativas a lo que se considera como novela total. El desarrollo se realiza con base en los postulados del postformalismo ruso de Mijaíl Bajtín, tales como polifonía y carnavalización. Por otra parte, se sigue el enfoque de la literatura comparada para la obtención de los resultados y su contraste con obras canónicas del Boom Latinoamericano. Además, se realiza un marco conceptual en el que se define cada una de las teorías de análisis literario enunciadas, así como los rasgos identitarios del Boom Latinoamericano y el denominado Grupo de Guayaquil. Finalmente, se ofrece un apartado en que se muestran las conclusiones sobre cuáles son las evidencias más patentes para aseverar que Los Sangurimas es un antecedente a la novela total latinoamericana del siglo XX.
Los Sangurimas, de José de la Cuadra, como antecedente de la novela total latinoamericana
Authors: Ludeña L. M.Sc. Mauro
Published: August 2022

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo principal demostrar cuáles son todas las características que posee la novela Los Sangurimas (1943), del escritor ecuatoriano José de la Cuadra, relativas a lo que se considera como novela total. El desarrollo se realiza con base en los postulados del postformalismo ruso de Mijaíl Bajtín, tales como polifonía y carnavalización. Por otra parte, se sigue el enfoque de la literatura comparada para la obtención de los resultados y su contraste con obras canónicas del Boom Latinoamericano. Además, se realiza un marco conceptual en el que se define cada una de las teorías de análisis literario enunciadas, así como los rasgos identitarios del Boom Latinoamericano y el denominado Grupo de Guayaquil. Finalmente, se ofrece un apartado en que se muestran las conclusiones sobre cuáles son las evidencias más patentes para aseverar que Los Sangurimas es un antecedente a la novela total latinoamericana del siglo XX.
Las Retromemorias y antifaces textuales en las narrativas autobiográficas de Rosario Castellanos y Tununa Mercado
Authors: Ippolito Fiordaliza
Published: August 2022

Narrar una autobiografía desde la narrativa de la infancia hace que la autobiografía retroceda a un pasado y buscar momentos específicos de nuestras vidas que marque momentos históricos. Esas memorias yo llamo retromemorias ya que ese pasado regresa con otro rostro textual en los que los recuerdos se mezclan con las memorias y aparecen ciertos silencios, pues desde allí existen huecos en el que el autor debe recorrer muchas veces a la ficción para poder llenar ciertos vacíos que se presentan en los espacios autobiográficos.  Las voces narrativas de Rosario Castellanos en Balún Canán (2007) y La Madriguera (1996) de Tununa Mercado forman conscientemente el otro yo desde sus perspectivas narrativas al regresar al presente y contar sus vidas desde la mirada de una niña para así jugar con la noción entre, pasado y presente y entre inocencia y realidad. Este trabajo tiene como propósito analizar el dominio de las memorias autobiográficas desde la subjetividad desde la mirada de un yo que habla desde su infancia, analizaremos la novela de Rosario Castellanos en Balún Canán y La Madriguera de Tununa Mercado, exploraremos el lenguaje y las técnicas narrativas de la autobiografía en cada una de ellas. Examinaremos el doble papel del yo, el yo que habla y el yo que escribe, el yo público y el yo privado. Analizaremos las temáticas dentro de las novelas y sus personajes que se entornan en un mensaje político y social en cada una de ellas.
A New Approach to the Threshold Autoregressive Models
Authors: Celik Nuri
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Time series analyzing is very important tool for economic and financial system.
However, recent developments show that financial systems are known in a
structural change. Therefore, nonlinear time series have been analyzed for past
decades because of these changes. In this paper, we consider Threshold
Autoregressive (TAR) model. The most popular method for estimating the
parameters and threshold value is least square (LS) method. However, LS method
is not robust to the outliers and departures from normality. Therefore, we propose a
robust version of estimation in order to provide robust results.

JEL classification numbers: C01, C22, C13.

Keywords: Threshold Autoregressive Model, Iterated Weighted Least Square,
Skew Normal, Long Tailed Symmetric Distribution, Robustness.
The effect of a novel toothpaste in children with white spot lesions
Authors: Yilmaz Muesser Ahu , Kulan Yildiz Pinar , Gokkaya Berna , Ozsalih Bilsel Seda , Kargul Betul , Admin
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of a novel mineral containing toothpaste in comparison to a fluoride toothpaste in children with white spot lesions.
Method: The clinical study was conducted from 2016 to 2018 at Marmara University Department of Pediatric Dentistry Clinic after approval from the ethics review committee of Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey, and comprised children of either gender aged 4-5 years having white spot lesions. They were randomly allocated into two groups. The FT ( Fluoridated Toothpaste ) group was given a 500ppm fluoridated toothpaste, while the Mineral Containing Toothpaste (MCT) group was given toothpaste containing calcium glycerophosphate, magnesium chloride, and 12% xylitol. The white spot lesions were examined using Laser Fluorescence (LF) at baseline and after a month of usage. The two readings were compared. Stimulated saliva was collected for measuring the salivary potential of hydrogen, buffering capacity, and streptococcus mutans. Data was analysed using SPSS 19.
Results: Of the 26 children, 10(38%) were girls and 16(62%) were boys. The overall mean age was 4.77+/-0.54 years. There were 13(50%) subjects in each of the two groups. Of the 381 measurements done, 198(52%) were in the MCT group and 183(48%) in the FT group. LF scores decreased in both the groups (p=0.001). The remineralising potential was not significantly different (p=0.866), while salivary buffering capacity and potential of hydrogen increased in both the groups but the change was not significant (p>0.05).  The number of children positive for streptococcus mutans decreased in both the groups (p>0.05).
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Evaluating a physicians' perspective on the use of probiotics and vitamins against coronavirus disease
Authors: Goktas Olgun , Ersoy Canan , Admin
Published: August 2022

Objective: To evaluate the perspective of family physicians on probiotics and vitamins against coronavirus disease-2019.
Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to 30, 2021, after approval from the ethics review committee of Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey, and comprised family physicians of either gender working at family health centres in the country. Data was collected using an online questionnaire to measure the sociodemographic characteristics, habits, health status related to coronavirus disease-2019, and their knowledge, awareness and behaviour towards the use of probiotics and vitamins during the pandemic. Data was analysed using SPSS 25.
Results: Of the 218 family physicians, 130(59.6%) were male and 88(40.4%) were female. The overall mean age was 46.82±5.85 years, mean professional experience was 22.32±8.75 years, and mean experience in family medicine was 10.14±3.51 years. The knowledge and awareness level about coronavirus disease-2019 was high 4.18±0.58, exposure to the disease 3.36±0.83 and their inclination towards the use of vitamins and probiotics 1.68±0.75 was low. Among the participants, 90(41.3%) used probiotic products and 120(55%) used drugs, such as vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C 99(45.4%) was the most commonly used supplement.
Conclusion: Physicians' knowledge and awareness and a realistic scientific approach are important when recommending supplements, such as probiotics, vitamins and minerals, to individuals during the pandemic.
Key Words: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Probiotics, Vitamins, Survey.
Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome due to topical steroid use in paediatric population of Pakistan
Authors: Moeez Tariq  , Meerab Fatima  , Hifza Iqbal  , Admin
Published: August 2022

Not Required
Effect of Spacing on the Performance of T. AmanRice Cv. Superamandhan
Authors: Khatun IA  , Islam N  , Perveen S  , Rouf MA  , Hasan AK
Published: August 2022

The selection of appropriate plant spacing may contribute to the yield potential of a rice cultivar. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of spacing on ‘Superamandhan’ at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from July to December. Twentyhill spacings viz. 25cm × 15cm (S1), 25 cm × 20 cm (S2), 25cm × 25 cm (S3), 30 cm × 20 cm (S4), 30 cm × 25 cm (S5), 30 cm × 30 cm (S6), 40 cm × 20cm (S7), 40 cm × 30 cm (S8), 40 cm × 40 cm (S9), 50 cm × 20 cm (S10), 50 cm × 30 cm (S11), 50 cm ×40 cm (S12), 50 cm × 50 cm (S13), 60 cm × 60 cm (S14), 60 cm × 50 cm (S15), 60 cm × 40 cm (S16), 60 cm × 30 cm (S17), 70 cm × 50 cm (S18), 70 cm × 40 cm (S19) and 70 cm × 30 cm (S20) were included as experimental treatment. The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. This study showed that spacing had a significant influence on the growth, yield, and yield contributing characters of Superamandhan. The highest yield (4.33 t ha-1) of T. amanrice was found at 30 cm × 25cm (S5) spacing. So, it may conclude that ‘Superamandhan’ grown under 30 cm × 25 cm spacing appeared to be the best for obtaining the highest grain yield
Assessment of Dried Plantain Marketing in Akure-North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Aiyejuyo OO  , Olalere IT  , Bello MA  , Ayoola RO  , Bello J
Published: August 2022

Despite the numerous prospects and potentials that the marketing of plantain and its products holds, studies seem not to have existed on the marketing of dried plantain in Nigeria. Although several researches have been conducted to examine the economics of plantain processing and marketing, there appears to be a paucity of knowledge with respect to dried plantain marketing. It is on this premise that this study assess the marketing of dried plantain in Akure-North Local government of Ondo State, Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study include: examining the market structure and conduct of dried plantain market, estimating the profitability of dried plantain marketing, identifying the factors that influence the profitability of dried plantain marketing and identifying the various constraints militating against dried plantain marketing. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred respondents in the study area and well-structured questionnaires were administered to collect relevant data. Gini-coefficient, regression analysis and gross margin analysis were used to analyse the data collected for the study. The results from the analysis showed that 58% of the marketers were within their economic productive age. About 54% of the marketers were females and a total of 65% were married. Analysis revealed that the dried plantain market was dominated by retailers which accounted for 50% of the marketers. A Gini-coefficient of 0.6 is an indication of high-level concentration in dried plantain market and an unequal income distribution among the marketers. The profitability analysis revealedfurther that dried plantain marketing is worthwhile with an average profitof ₦24,730 per month and a return of 18% or ₦0.18, for every ₦1 invested. The significant profitability determinants identified from the regression analysis include purchase cost and transportation cost involved in dried plantain marketing. The constraints faced by dried plantain marketers in the study area include irregular supply, low demand, transportation challenges, high cost of supply and perishability of the product. This study, therefore, recommended the need for government and relevant stakeholders to address infrastructural challenges such as bad roads. We also recommended that the marketers should form cooperative society to facilitate their marketing operations and also enable them to have access to credits and expand their business
Effects of Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Cabbage
Authors: SMR Haque , Mondal MF  , MK Hassan , MN Islam , MMI Hoque , Ahamed S  , Bir MSH
Published: August 2022

An investigation was made on growth and yield performance of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) under different organic manures and fertilizers at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from October 2017 to March 2018 to investigate the effect of organic manures on the growth and yield of cabbage. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Result of the experiment revealed that the different combinations of organic manure significantly influenced all the parameters studied. Maximum marketable yield per hectare (55.5 ton) was obtained when T5(cowdung @ 2 t/hectare + compost @ 2.5 t/hectare + mustard oil cake @ 0.25 t/hectare + poultry manure 1.8 t /hectare) was applied, while the lowest was obtained from the control treatment. So T5(cowdung @ 2 t/hectare + compost @ 2.5 t/hectare + mustard oil cake @ 0.25 t/hectare + poultry manure 1.8 t /hectare) was found suitable for growth and yield of cabbage.
Anatomic pathology of cattle and goat liver collected from slaughterhouses in Mymensingh city of Bangladesh
Authors: Akter L  , Pal DC  , Sultana N  , Pervin M  , Siddiqi MNH  , Karim MR
Published: August 2022

The morphologic abnormality of cattle and goat livers (collected from slaughterhouses in Mymensinghcity of Bangladesh) were investigated in the present study. The livers of slaughtered cattle (n = 14) and goat (n = 20) were examined by gross visualization, palpation and incision as well as histopathology. The total liver lesion in cattle was 71.4% and in goat was 75%. Grossly, various pathological changes, mainly thickened, rough capsule which was whitish in color, necrotic foci, thickened bile ducts with matured flukes, fibrosis were seen. Histopathologically, necrosis, degenerative changes of hepatocytes, dilated sinusoids, inflammatory infiltrates, granuloma, bile duct hyperplasia, periportal and periductal fibrosis were found in cattle and goat livers. Extensive fibrosis was seen portal areas of liver by Goldner’s trichrome staining. Migratory tracts and immature flukes were seen in intrahepatic bile ducts. Most common cause of liver lesions found in the present study was Fascioliasis in both cattle and goat. It could be concluded that the major gross and microscopic alterationsin the livers of cattle and goat due to Fasciola giganticainfectionreflected tissue damage, which can lead to substantial financial losses in animals and great health problems in human. Therefore, special care and attention are required to ensure that seriously damaged livers of food animals are not passed on for human consumption, and extensive monitoring and epidemiological surveys are necessary to cope this adverse situation
Early Orthosurgical Treatment of a Skeletal Class III: Can the Self-Esteem Be Improved?
Authors: Portela Beatriz , Pitman Fabio , P. Cal-Neto Julio
Published: August 2022

Young patients with a skeletal Class III malocclusion with a strong psychological and appearance impact may require surgical correction during their growth. This case report describes the orthosurgical treatment of a 11-year-old boy with history of bullying, presenting severe Class III skeletal malocclusion, anterior cross-bite and mandibular prognathism. He also had significant vertical and anteroposterior discrepancies and a concave profile with prominent lips. The treatment plan included extraction of the first premolars, a maxillary LeFort I osteotomy and a mandibular bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. The orthodontic treatment combined with the two-jaw surgery improved his jaws alignment, occlusal function, and the most important: his self-esteem and quality of life.
Far-stretching Strategy of Myanmar Junta to Forcefully Displace the Rohingya: Bangladesh, Regional and International Responses
Authors: Qader Md. Abdul , Rasel PSC Mohammad. Mustafizul Rahman , Rahman Mir Rumi Mustafizur
Published: August 2022

The world continues to see large refugee flows, and the challenges comprising these population migrations are anticipated to become increasingly complicated as a result of rising social, economic, ethnic and especially religious conflicts. In the south-east Asia, this problem has become acute with Rohingya refugees. Northern Rakhine State in Myanmar is predominantly Buddhist and authoritarian despite a majority Arakan Muslim population and a minority Rakhine Buddhist population. Exclusionary citizenship laws and military actions against Arakanese Muslims, often known as Rohingyas, have forced them to depart Myanmar and seek refuge in Bangladesh. This circumstance pictured the inhuman role of the material world to the persecuted Rohingya refugees. The manuscript aimed at delineating Myanmar’s long-term oppressive and illegal strategy of dislocating Rohingya, and the attitude of the host-state Bangladesh, the regional and global superpowers, and instruments in this respect. The short article is designed in accordance with the qualitative method where information has been collected from different sources predominantly from scholarly articles. The manuscript has also suggested that the buzzword ”Rohingya issue” can be solved only if the Sino-Indian mutual understanding takes liberal steps with neutral support towards Bangladesh and Myanmar including asylum-seeker Rohingya refugees
Performance of Food Distribution Institutions in Realizing Price Stability and Access to Rice Food at The Household Level of Farming Group in Bantaeng Regency
Authors: Hasbullah  , Riswandi Hasanuddin Muh
Published: August 2022

This study aims to determine the performance of inputs, outputs, benefits, and impacts of Strengthening Community Food Distribution Institutions at the Food Security Agency in Supporting Grain Price Stability and Rice Food Access at the Household Level of Farmer Groups Bantaeng Regency. The type of research used is qualitative research. Informants in this study were the Head of Agency, Head of Division, Head of Regency Development Team, Field Extension Officer, and Head of Farmer Group. Based on these needs, organizational or program objectives are drawn up. The organization or program provides inputs (staff, buildings, sources of funds), arranges activities (activities) to process these inputs in a specific process to become outputs, turn them into benefits, and take the form of impact performance. The results showed that from the aspect of input performance, namely the availability of business capital and building capital for warehouses, the team of coaches and extension workers. Aspects of Output Performance, the form of business capital is greater than the initial capital, the price of grain increases, and the volume of grain purchases increases. Benefit Performance Aspect, namely the greater use of the Social Assistance Fund, as seen from the gains achieved, the price of grain during the harvest season is under control because it follows the government benchmark price (HPP).
LEI DE PROMOÇÕES DE OFICIAIS DA PMPR: ANÁLISE DA EVOLUÇÃO HISTÓRICA DA CONTAGEM DE PONTOS
Authors: Bittencourt Riscarolli Rafael
Published: August 2022

A legislação que regula as promoções dos oficiais na Polícia Militar do Paraná está em constante transformação, aperfeiçoando métodos e dispositivos para acompanhar as mudanças da sociedade. Este artigo trata da evolução histórica da contagem de pontos no processo de promoção dos oficiais da Corporação, por meio da comparação das mudanças sofridas pela Lei de Promoções de Oficiais em cada quesito de contagem de pontos, sejam eles positivos, negativos, objetivos ou subjetivos. Por vezes o excesso de alterações em uma mesma lei pode dificultar sua compreensão, por isso é importante haver estudos que busquem a essência das mudanças e suas justificativas, e as organize objetivamente. Para este estudo foi utilizada como metodologia científica a pesquisa bibliográfica no sítio eletrônico e no acervo físico da Assembleia Legislativa do Paraná, de onde foram extraídas as leis e os projetos de leis analisados. Os dados coletados foram sintetizados em formato de tabela, possibilitando a consulta direta por alunos e instrutores que estudam as leis castrenses, bem como por policiais e bombeiros militares que têm sua carreira afetada diretamente por essa Lei.
Approaches to teaching of values in religious and moral education in selected Colleges of Education in Ghana
Authors: Adinkrah Bernard Kofi , Fosu-Ayarkwah Charles
Published: August 2022

The teaching of Religious and Moral Education as a course appears to be problematic in the Colleges of Education. This research work was undertaken in some selected Colleges of Education in the Eastern Region of Ghana to overview tutors’ approaches of teaching of values in Religious and Moral Education as a course. The study used sequential mixed method survey and the sample size was 344 respondents - 336 pre-service teachers and 8 tutors from the chosen Colleges of Education. Questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide were used to collect data. Deductive and inductive data analyses and interpretation were used indiscussing the responses from the respondents. Major finding of the study was that the most effective approach to teaching of values in Religious and Moral Education is values clarification It was recommended that stakeholders of education take noteof this finding and promote the use of values clarification for the teaching of values in Religious and Moral Education.
Impact evaluation of Ogun State traffic compliance and enforcement corps intervention on Nigerian highways
Authors: Ajayi Olufemi A. , Ibrahim Jamiu A.
Published: August 2022

This study sought to evaluate the impact of TRACE Corps intervention on Nigerian highways in Ogun state. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with CIPP evaluation model. A sample of three hundred (n=300) road users participated in thestudy. Road Users Perception Questionnaire (RUPQ) (r =77) and TRACE Corps Efficiency Questionnaire (TCES) (r = .72) were used in data collection. The findings reveal that the number of road crashes within a period of five years under review was on the increase (191 in 2010 - 409 in 2014). However, the crash-fatal ratio was on decline while the crash-injured ratio was on the increase. Road users’ perception of activities of TRACE Corps operatives on Nigerian highways was positive (x = 2.62). TRACE Corps operatives were efficient (x = 2.67). Therefore, TRACE Corps agency is a worthwhile intervention. Thus, the management of the agency should enhance and sustain productivity of corps operatives with periodic trainings, seminars, and workshops.
Improving students’ performance in Microsoft excel 2007 by using multimedia tutorials with quizzes
Authors: Inusah Fuseini
Published: August 2022

The use of demonstration during practical lessons for learners to observe without practice is very common in most Ghanaian schools. This does not enhance understanding. Demonstration without hands-on practical does not enhance learners’ understanding of Microsoft Excel. The main purpose of this study is to help students in level 200 in Bagabaga College of Education use Microsoft Excel 2007 to do calculations as prescribed in the syllabus. The Microsoft Excel 2007 is an improvedversion of the 2003 version with the ribbon feature. This makes it suitable for adoption to teach what the syllabus requires. Sixty (60) students out of the total population of 555 students were taken as sample to carry out the investigation in the form of experiment against the rest of the population. Instruments used are: test and observation. These were used at the pre-intervention and post-intervention stages of the research. Multimedia tutorials were developed as an intervention to help improve the students’ performance. A post-intervention information revealed that students’ performance improved significantly. Camtasia Studio 7 was used in developing the tutorial with natural Ghanaian narrations by the tutor. The findings of the researchrevealed practical lessons that are taught by mere demonstrations without students’ practice do not enhance students’ understanding of the subject-matter. Demonstration coupled with students practical are vital to student understanding ofclassroom lessons.
Assessing the readability of social studies textbooks for the Junior High schools in Ghana
Authors: Issaka Jacob , Fordjour Aidoo Vera Esenam
Published: August 2022

This study was designed to assess the readability level of Ghana Education Service (GES) approved Social Studies textbooks that are currently in use in Junior High Schools (JHS) in Ghana. The sample of the study consisted of the GES approved Social Studies textbooks for JHS 1-3 currently in use. Thirty different texts (ten from each textbook) were randomly selected for the readability test. The instrument used for data collection was textbook readability test. The data were analysed using free online readability test. The results of the findings showed that the GES approved Social Studies textbooks were difficult, compared to their grade level. The study recommended that Social Studies textbooks should be assessed to see their readability level before they are given to students. This is necessary because readable textbooks motivate students to read and learn better.
Design and Development of Multipurpose Agricultural Drone
Authors: Paresh Rohan  , Yash Tikle
Published: August 2022

Agriculture has been the most important aspect of human life. Especially in developing countries like India, the livelihood of over 70% of the rural people depends upon agriculture. The crops are affected by various diseases caused by pests and insects, which reduces productivity. Pesticides are used to kill the insects and pests in order to enhance the crop quality. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) expects that food production must be raised by 70% throughout the following 40 years to meet increasing demand due to rising economic welfare and population growth. As the global labour force does not match the plant growth, the main focus of this project is to design an affordable multi-purpose agricultural drone. With increased precision in the spraying, it is possible to reduce the amount of pesticide used and improve the quality of agricultural products as well as mitigate the risk of environmental damage. In addition, to develop an Aerial Seeding mechanism which can be used to plant seeds in the agricultural field using drones to pace the process of seeding. The drone is designed in such a way that it can be affordable for farmers. The discussed system involves designing a prototype which use simple cost effective equipment like BLDC motor, Ardupilot - Flight Controller, ESC wires, etc.
Assessment of the Clinical Presentations and Ultrasonographic Features of Uterine Fibroids in Adult Africans: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Mesi Edzie Emmanuel Kobina , Dzefi-Tettey Klenam , Brakohiapa Edmund Kwakye , Abdulai5, Abubakari Bawah , Kekessie Kafui Kossi , Aidoo Eric , Amoah Stephen , Boadi Evans , Kpobi Joshua Mensah , Quarshie Frank , Edzie Richard Ato , Kusodzi Henry , Asemah Abdul Raman
Published: August 2022

Objectives: We sought to determine the clinical presentations and ultrasonographic features of uterine fibroids in adult Ghanaians. Methods: Between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021, 4279 ultrasound-confirmed cases of uterine fibroids were retrieved. The data obtained, which included age, clinical presentations, and sonographic features were analyzed. A chi-squared test was done to assess for possible associations between the clinical indications, age distribution, and ultrasonographic features of uterine fibroids. Results: The mean age of the patients diagnosed with uterine fibroids was 37.1±11.5 years (range = 16–69 years). Routine checkup (n = 1310, 28.1%), menorrhagia (n = 1104, 23.7%), and lower abdominal mass (n = 801, 17.2%) were the leading clinical indications. Dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, and routine checkup were significantly noted in the younger patients (p ≤ 0.001). The majority of the fibroid nodules had smooth regular outline (n = 4125, 96.4%) and were mostly heterogeneous (n = 3282, 76.7%). The echo pattern of the nodules was predominantly hypoechoic (n = 3358, 51.1%) followed by hyperechoic nodules (n = 2554, 38.9%). Degenerative changes accounted for less than one-third of the total fibroid nodules, with the least recorded degenerative change being nodules with cystic areas (n = 55, 5.4%) and the most observed degenerative feature being nodules with rim of calcification and areas of calcified degeneration (n = 965, 94.6%). Almost all the sonographic features were significantly seen in the 30–44 years age category. Conclusions: Sonographically, uterine fibroids were mostly hypoechoic heterogeneous nodules with a smooth regular outline with a predominant occurrence within women in the fourth to fifth decade of life.
Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring for People Living With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Barbara Angela M. , Grobelna Aleksandra
Published: August 2022

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a method of glucose testing in which a sensor is inserted into the skin and continuously monitors interstitial glucose concentrations. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) systems automatically measure glucose and display a recent glucose value.

Evidence suggests that rtCGM may improve hemoglobin A1C and time in range in adults and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes, but this is uncertain.

Limited evidence suggests that in people with type 1 diabetes, there is little to no difference between rtCGM and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) on quality of life, diabetic ketoacidosis, and severe adverse events.

Safety evidence suggests that rtCGM may decrease severe hypoglycemia in adults and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes, but this is uncertain.

rtCGM may be more cost-effective in the long term than SMBG in adults with type 1 diabetes.
Inferring surface energy fluxes using drone data assimilation in large eddy simulations
Authors: Pirk Norbert , Aalstad Kristoffer , Westermann Sebastian , Vatne Astrid , van Hove Alouette , Tallaksen Lena Merete , Cassiani Massimo , Katul Gabriel
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Spatially representative estimates of surface energy exchange from field measurements are required for improving and validating Earth system models as well as satellite remote sensing algorithms. The scarcity of flux measurements can limit understanding of ecohydrological responses to climate warming, especially in remote regions with limited infrastructure. Direct field measurements often apply the eddy covariance method on stationary towers, but recently drone-based measurements of temperature, humidity, and wind speed have been suggested as a viable alternative to quantify the turbulent fluxes of sensible (H) and latent heat (LE). A data assimilation framework to infer uncertainty-aware surface flux estimates from sparse and noisy drone-based observations is developed and tested using a turbulence-resolving large eddy simulation (LES) as a forward model to connect surface fluxes to drone observations. The proposed framework explicitly represents the sequential collection of drone data, accounts for sensor noise, includes uncertainty in boundary and initial conditions, and jointly estimates the posterior distribution of a multivariate parameter space. Assuming typical flight times and observational errors of light-weight, multi-rotor drone systems, we first evaluate the information gain and performance of different ensemble-based data assimilation schemes in experiments with synthetically generated observations. It is shown that an iterative ensemble smoother outperforms both the non-iterative ensemble smoother and the particle batch smoother in the given problem, yielding low bias and variance posterior distributions with continuous ranked probability scores of 12 W m-2 for both H and LE with standard deviations of 37 W m-2 (H) and 46 W m-2 (LE) for a 12 min vertical step profile by a single drone. Increasing flight times, using observations from multiple drones, and further narrowing the prior distributions of the initial conditions, are viable to reducing the posterior spread. Sampling strategies prioritizing space-time exploration instead of temporal averaging at fixed locations enhance the non-linearities in the forward model and can lead to biased flux results with ensemble-based assimilation schemes. In a set of 18 real-world field experiments at two wetland sites in Norway, drone data assimilation estimates agree with independent eddy covariance estimates, with root-mean-square error values of 37 W m-2 (H), 52 W m-2 (LE), and 58 W m-2 (H + LE), and correlation coefficients of 0.90 (H), 0.40 (LE), and 0.83 (H + LE). While this comparison uses the simplifying assumptions of flux homogeneity, stationarity, and flat terrain, it is emphasized that the drone data assimilation framework is not confined to these assumptions and can thus readily be extended to more complex cases and other scalar fluxes, such as for trace gases in future studies.
A Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry Utilizing Ammonium Ions (NH4+ CIMS) for Measurements of Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere
Authors: Xu Lu , Coggon Matthew M. , Stockwell Chelsea E. , Gilman Jessica B. , Robinson Michael A. , Breitenlechner Martin , Lamplugh Aaron , Neuman J. Andrew , Novak Gordon A. , Veres Patrick R. , Brown Steven S. , Warneke Carsten
Published: August 2022

Abstract. In this study, we describe the characterization and field deployment of a Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry (CIMS) using a recently developed focusing ion-molecule reactor (FIMR) and ammonium-water cluster (NH4+·H2O) as the reagent ion (denoted as NH4+ CIMS). We show that NH4+·H2O is a highly versatile reagent ion for measurements of a wide range of oxygenated organic compounds. The major product ion is the cluster with NH4+ produced via ligand-switching reactions. Other product ions (e.g., protonated ion, cluster ion with NH4+·H2O, with H3O+, and with H3O+·H2O) are also produced, but with minor fractions for most of the oxygenated compounds studied here. The instrument sensitivities (counts per second per ppbv, cps ppbv-1) and product distributions are strongly dependent on the instrument operating conditions, including the ratio of ammonia (NH3) and H2O flows and the drift voltages, which should be carefully selected to ensure NH4+·H2O as the predominant reagent ion and to optimize sensitivities. For monofunctional analytes, the NH4+·H2O chemistry exhibits high sensitivity (i.e., > 1000 cps ppbv-1) towards ketones, moderate sensitivity (i.e., between 100 and 1000 cps ppbv-1) towards aldehdyes, alcohols, organic acids, and monoterpenes, low sensitivity (i.e., between 10 and 100 cps ppbv-1) towards isoprene and C1 and C2 organics, and negligible sensitivity (i.e., < 10 cps ppbv-1) towards reduced aromatics. The instrumental sensitivities of analytes depend on the binding energy of the analyte-NH4+ cluster, which can be estimated using voltage scanning. This offers the possibility to constrain the sensitivity of analytes for which no calibration standards exist. This instrument was deployed in the RECAP campaign (Re-Evaluating the Chemistry of Air Pollutants in California) in Pasadena, California during summer 2021. Measurement comparisons against co-located mass spectrometers show that the NH4+ CIMS is capable of detecting compounds from a wide range of chemical classes. The NH4+ CIMS is valuable for quantification of oxygenated VOCs and is complementary to existing chemical ionization schemes.
Vb-cyclones and associated North-Western Mediterranean Sea state in regional coupled climate simulations: evaluation and projection
Authors: Pothapakula Praveen Kumar , Hoff Amelie , Obermann-Hellhund Anika , Keber Timo , Ahrens Bodo
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Vb-cyclones propagating from the North-Western Mediterranean Sea (NWMS) into central Europe are often associated with extreme precipitation. This study explores the state and process chain linking the NWMS state and the Vb-cyclone precipitation in the Danube, Elbe, and Odra catchments in regional coupled atmosphere-ocean climate simulations with COSMO-CLM+NEMO. Two high-resolution simulations, an evaluation simulation (1951–2005) downscaling the centennial ERA-20C reanalysis and a continuous simulation (historical 1951–2005 + RCP8.5 future scenario 2006–2099) downscaling the EC-EARTH global climate data set are used for this purpose. The results show a good agreement in mean annual Vb-cyclone frequency between the evaluation (9.7 events/year) and the historical (10.1 events/year) simulations. But, there are significant discrepancies in the seasonal cycle. The mean cyclone intensity measured with minimum central pressure, track density, and precipitation rankings in the three catchments also show good agreement. The simulations for the future period show a basin-average SST warming of ≈ 2.5–3 K by the end of 21st century, but insignificant changes in Vb-cyclone frequency, mean intensity, and precipitation in the selected catchments. The NWMS sea surface temperature, evaporation, and wind speed anomalies corresponding to the Vb-cyclone precipitation rankings differ between the evaluation and historical simulations. In the evaluation simulation, Vb-cyclone precipitation rankings correspond with sea surface temperature, evaporation, and wind speed anomalies, while in the historical and the future simulation no such correspondence is seen. Especially the Adriatic and Ionian basins in the simulation driven by EC-EARTH show no sensitivity to the Vb-cyclone precipitation over the catchments. The change in the processes between evaluation and historical simulations might be due to the emergence of biases inherited from the driving EC-EARTH global simulation. The future simulation shows no significant process changes compared to the historical simulation.
Mapping photovoltaic power plants in China using Landsat, random forest, and Google Earth Engine
Authors: Zhang Xunhe , Xu Ming , Wang Shujian , Huang Yongkai , Xie Zunyi
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Photovoltaic (PV) technology, an efficient solution for mitigating the impacts of climate change, has been increasingly used across the world to
replace fossil fuel power to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. With the world's highest cumulative and fastest built PV capacity, China needs to
assess the environmental and social impacts of these established PV power plants. However, a comprehensive map regarding the PV power plants' locations and extent remains scarce on the country scale. This study developed a workflow, combining machine learning and visual interpretation methods with big satellite data, to map PV power plants across China. We applied a pixel-based random forest (RF) model to classify the PV power plants from composite images in 2020 with a 30 m spatial resolution on the Google Earth Engine (GEE). The resulting classification map was further improved by a visual interpretation approach. Eventually, we established a map of PV power plants in China by 2020, covering a total area of 2917 km2. We found that most PV power plants were situated on cropland, followed by barren land and grassland, based on the derived national PV map. In addition, the installation of PV power plants has generally decreased the vegetation cover. This new dataset is expected to be conducive to policy management, environmental assessment, and further classification of PV power plants. The dataset of photovoltaic power plant distribution in China by 2020 is available to the public at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6849477 (Zhang et al., 2022).
Combining Regional Mesh Refinement With Vertically Enhanced Physics to Target Marine Stratocumulus Biases
Authors: Bogenschutz Peter A. , Lee Hsiang-He , Tang Qi , Yamaguchi Takanobu
Published: August 2022

Abstract. In this paper we develop a novel framework aimed to significantly reduce biases related to marine stratocumulus clouds in general circulation models (GCMs) while circumventing excessive computational cost requirements. Our strategy is to increase the horizontal resolution using a regionally refined mesh (RRM) over our region of interest in addition to using the Framework for Improvement of Vertical Enhancement (FIVE) to increase the vertical resolution only for specific physical processes that are important for stratocumulus. We apply the RRM off the coast of Peru in the Southeast Pacific, a region that climatologically contains the most marine stratocumulus in the subtropics. We find that our new modeling framework is able to replicate the results of our high resolution benchmark simulation with much fidelity, while reducing the computational cost by several orders of magnitude. In addition, this framework is able to greatly reduce the longstanding biases associated with marine stratocmulus in GCMs when compared to the standard resolution control simulation.