bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relation between IL-8 level and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Zeng Qing-Cui , Sun Qin , Zhang Min , Tang Yi , Long Huai-Cong
Published: April 2021

Objective

This meta-analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between serum level of IL-8 and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Methods

Electronic databases were retrieved according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, relevant studies exploring the relationship between serum level of IL-8 and OSAS were enrolled. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0.

Results

Totally 199 studies were retrieved, among which 10 were qualified for the inclusion criteria and were finally included in the meta-analysis with 367 cases of OSAS patients and 335 control cases. Serum level of IL-8 was higher in patients than healthy controls (Standard mean difference (SMD) = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.17–3.15,P< 0.001). The subgroup analysis based on ethnicity revealed that average serum level of IL-8 were higher in Asian and Caucasian OSAS patients than healthy controls (Asian: SMD = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.13–3.87,P< 0.001; Caucasian: SMD = 1.59, 95% CI = 0.11–3.06,P= 0.035). Further subgroup analysis based on age indicated a statistical difference in serum level of IL-8 between adult OSAS patients and healthy counterparts (SMD = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.49–3.98,P< 0.001).

Conclusion

The level of IL-8 was related to OSAS in adult patients, and increased serum IL-8 level may increase the risk of OSAS.
Addressing the gender gap in science: lessons from examining international initiatives
Authors: Goos Merrilyn , Kelly Regina
Published: April 2021

From 2017 to 2019 the International Science Council funded a project investigating the gender gap in science disciplines. The aim of the project was to collect and analyse data on the gender gap and to create a database of good practices for encouraging girls and young women to study and pursue education and careers in the mathematical, computing, and natural sciences. In this article, we draw on our work in the Gender Gap in Science project to (1) explain the nature of the gender gap problem, (2) give examples of initiatives that scientists can take to help solve the gender gap problem, and (3) offer guidelines on how to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to address the gender gap in science.
Polypropylene hybrid composites: Effect of reinforcement of sisal and carbon fibre on mechanical, thermal and morphological properties
Authors: Agarwal Jyoti , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: April 2021

Polypropylene (PP)/sisal fibre (SF)/carbon fibre (CF) hybrid composites were prepared by melt blending process at a variable weight percentage (wt%) of carbon: sisal fibre loading (20:10, 15:15, 10:20, and 5:25). MA-g-PP (MgP) as a compatibiliser was used to improve the dispersion of the fibres within the PP matrix. The composites were subjected to mechanical tests to optimize the fibre content of CF: SF. Incorporation of 20 wt% of CF and 10 wt% of SF with 5 wt% MgP resulted in higher mechanical performance of about 67.02 and 112% over that of PP/SF composite. Similarly, the impact strength was found to be optimum which enhanced to the tune of 39.62% as compared with PP/SF composites. Halpin Tsai model was used to compare the theoretical tensile modulus of PP/SF/MgP composites and PP/SF/CF/MgP hybrid composites with experimental evaluated values. Fracture toughness parameters such as K
IC (critical stress intensity factor) and G
IC (critical strain energy release rate) are determined for PP/SF/MgP composites and PP/SF/CF/MgP hybrid composites and compared by using single edge notch test. DSC study showed higher melting temperature (T

m
) of PP/SF/CF/MgP composites as compared to PP revealing the enhancement in thermal stability. TGA/DTG study revealed the synergistic effect of the hybrid composite thus confirming the hybridisation effect of the system. DMA study showed that the hybridisation of CF and SF within the matrix polymer contributes to an increase in the storage modulus (Eʹ). Morphological observation by SEM confirmed that the carbon fibres and sisal fibres are well uniformly dispersed within the PP matrix, in the presence of MgP.
The ISSPP PIPAC database: design, process, access, and first interim analysis
Authors: Mortensen Michael Bau , Glehen Olivier , Horvath Philipp , Hübner Martin , Hyung-Ho Kim , Königsrainer Alfred , Pocard Marc , Reymond Marc Andre , So Jimmy , Fristrup Claus Wilki
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Several trials have documented the favorable safety profile, and promising clinical results of pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) directed treatment in different types of peritoneal malignancies. However, until the results of randomized trials are available, the quality of documentation and acceptance by the users may be improved through a worldwide registry. The International Society for the Study of Pleura and Peritoneum (www.ISSPP.org) facilitated this process by creating a dedicated focus group and providing the funding needed for the creation and implementation of an international database. This article describes the design and the journey of establishing this international database and the first, preliminary results from the ISSPP PIPAC online database.

Methods

In 2019 the ISSPP PIPAC Registry Group started to create a database with a minimal dataset relevant to many diseases and applicable in different framework conditions. The task was divided into three phases including design, testing, implementation, protocol, handbook, legal requirements, as well as registry rules and bylaws for the registry group.

Results

The ISSPP PIPAC online database has six key elements (patient, consent, treatment, complications, response evaluation and follow-up). Following design, testing and implementation the database was successfully launched in June 2020. Ten institutions reported on 459 PIPAC procedures in 181 patients during the first 6 months, and the recorded data were comparable to the present literature.

Conclusions

A new international multicenter PIPAC database has been developed, tested and implemented under the auspices of ISSPP. The database is accessible through the ISSPP website (www.ISSPP.org), and PIPAC institutions worldwide are highly encouraged to participate.
Iron oxide pigments
Authors: Pfaff Gerhard
Published: April 2021

Natural and synthetic iron oxide pigments are by far the most important colored pigments. Their high importance is based on the variety of stable colors ranging from yellow via orange, red and brown to black. Iron oxide yellow (α-FeOOH), iron oxide red (α-Fe2O3) and iron oxide black (Fe3O4) are the most important representatives of the iron oxide pigments. Synthetic iron oxide pigments are produced industrially on a large scale by solid-state processes, precipitation processes and by the Laux process. Main advantages of synthetic iron oxide pigments compared with natural types are their pure hue, the consistent, reproducible quality and their tinting strength. Iron oxide pigments are mainly used in construction materials, paints, coatings, and plastics, but also in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and special applications such as ceramics, magnetic coatings and toners.
Streptocyanine dyes
Authors: Mustroph Heinz
Published: April 2021

The simplest possible type of polymethine dye consists of an odd-numbered polymethine chain sandwiched between two terminal nitrogen atoms, which do not form part of an unsaturated heterocyclic ring. Originally, this type of colorant was termed streptopolymethine dyes. For systematic reasons they are usually called streptocyanine dyes today. Their color is mainly determined by the lengths of their polymethine chains. Owing to their simple structure they are the favorite compounds for investigation of fundamental structure–property relationships. In the form of dianil hydrochlorides mainly streptocyanines are used to prepare cyanine, hemicyanine, merocyanine, oxonol, pyrylium and thiopyrylium dyes.
Eigenerwärmung von Widerstandsthermometern für Lufttemperaturmessungen bei Impulstromspeisung
Authors: Marin Sebastian , Pätz Joachim , Fröhlich Thomas
Published: April 2021

Sehr präzise Lufttemperaturmessung in der Meteorologie oder in klimatisierten Innenräumen sind herausfordernd, weil Strahlungseinflüsse und die Eigenerwärmung der Widerstandsthermometer teilweise erhebliche Störeinflüsse sind. In unserem Artikel betrachten wir eine spezielle Stromspeisung und weisen nach, dass diese die Eigenerwärmung auf unter ein Millikelvin reduzieren kann. Für einen typischen, für den Außeneinsatz in meteorologischen Wetterstationen geeigneten und üblichen Fühleraufbau erfolgen Simulationen der durch den gepulsten elektrischen Messstrom auftretenden statischen und dynamischen Eigenerwärmung. Der transiente Verlauf der Eigenerwärmung hängt stärker vom inneren Aufbau des Fühlers als vom Wärmeübergangskoeffizienten zur umgebenden ruhenden Luft ab. Die mittlere statische Eigenerwärmung aus einem stark vereinfachten Modell passt gut zum simulierten transienten Verlauf. Die Methode der Impulsstromspeisung hat sich durch die beschriebenen Simulationen als sehr effektiv zur Verringerung der Eigenerwärmung von Widerstandsthermometern erwiesen.
VGLUT2 Is a Determinant of Dopamine Neuron Resilience in a Rotenone Model of Dopamine Neurodegeneration
Authors: Buck Silas A. , De Miranda Briana R. , Logan Ryan W. , Fish Kenneth N. , Greenamyre J. Timothy , Freyberg Zachary
Published: April 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive dopamine (DA) neuron loss in the SNc. In contrast, DA neurons in the VTA are relatively protected from neurodegeneration, but the underlying mechanisms for this resilience remain poorly understood. Recent work suggests that expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) selectively impacts midbrain DA neuron vulnerability. We investigated whether altered DA neuron VGLUT2 expression determines neuronal resilience in rats exposed to rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor and toxicant model of PD. We discovered that VTA/SNc DA neurons that expressed VGLUT2 are more resilient to rotenone-induced DA neurodegeneration. Surprisingly, the density of neurons with detectable VGLUT2 expression in the VTA and SNc increases in response to rotenone. Furthermore, dopaminergic terminals within the NAc, where the majority of VGLUT2-expressing DA neurons project, exhibit greater resilience compared with DA terminals in the caudate/putamen. More broadly, VGLUT2-expressing terminals are protected throughout the striatum from rotenone-induced degeneration. Together, our data demonstrate that a distinct subpopulation of VGLUT2-expressing DA neurons are relatively protected from rotenone neurotoxicity. Rotenone-induced upregulation of the glutamatergic machinery in VTA and SNc neurons and their projections may be part of a broader neuroprotective mechanism. These findings offer a putative new target for neuronal resilience that can be manipulated to prevent toxicant-induced DA neurodegeneration in PD.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTEnvironmental exposures to pesticides contribute significantly to pathologic processes that culminate in Parkinson's disease (PD). The pesticide rotenone has been used to generate a PD model that replicates key features of the illness, including dopamine neurodegeneration. To date, longstanding questions remain: are there dopamine neuron subpopulations resilient to rotenone; and if so, what are the molecular determinants of this resilience? Here we show that the subpopulation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons that express the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) are more resilient to rotenone-induced neurodegeneration. Rotenone also upregulates VGLUT2 more broadly in the midbrain, suggesting that VGLUT2 expression generally confers increased resilience to rotenone. VGLUT2 may therefore be a new target for boosting neuronal resilience to prevent toxicant-induced DA neurodegeneration in PD.
Arquetipo de muerte: un estudio en jóvenes mexicanos desde la perspectiva de Carl Gustav Jung
Authors: González Amancio María de Jesús , Aguilar Zamora Eldaá Madián , Monroy Velasco Iris Rubi
Published: April 2021

El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar el arquetipo de muerte que se encuentra en el inconsciente colectivo de los jóvenes de Saltillo, que han tenido un acercamiento con la muerte, ya sea de forma directa o a través de un familiar cercano. Los participantes fueron 6 jóvenes: 2 mujeres y 4 hombres con edades que oscilan entre los 24 y 29 años. La técnica de recolección de la información utilizada fue la entrevista a profundidad. Las entrevistas se realizaron de manera individual y en una sesión con cada participante, a excepción de un sujeto, que debido a la cantidad de información, se realizó en dos sesiones. Se elaboró unanálisis del discurso con aproximación a la hermenéutica, guiada por la teoría de la interpretación de Paul Ricœur (2003). Se hicieron 3 categorías de análisis: concepto de muerte, creencias ante la muerte, características alrededor de la muerte. Al momento de realizar la categorización de la información, se decidió añadir una categoría más, que es la de emociones y sentimientos ante la muerte
Lithuanian Refusals and Politeness
Authors: Katinaitė Donata , Hilbig Inga
Published: April 2021

This study investigates Lithuanian refusals to comply with requests. Refusals are face-threatening speech acts. They can endanger social relationships, and therefore require mitigation by employing politeness means. The aim of the study is to find out strategies, sub-strategies, internal and external modifications of Lithuanian refusals. The research data was collected from students using an open-ended discourse completion test and consists of 1046 refusals. Summarizing the results, it can be stated that Lithuanians opt for indirect refusals. When refusing directly, the least straightforward strategy – stating the inability to comply with a request – is used, especially by women. Refusals (especially the direct ones) are often mitigated with external modifications that were again more frequent in women’s responses. Socioculturally, the most acceptable and thus polite way to refuse in Lithuanian is to apologize and provide reasons. Overall, there is a clear tendency to express positive politeness when refusing.
Retrospective Analysis on Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IOM) of Potential Nerve Injury in Scoliosis Correction Surgery
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine, University of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Indonesia, Rachmat Omat , Tobing Dohar AL , Fauziyah Rr. Nur , Aviani Jenifer Kiem , Handayani Rr. Anisa Siwianti
Published: April 2021

Iatrogenic spinal injury resulting in paraplegia or paraparesis after surgical correction of scoliosis deformity is a rare complication but is very detrimental to the patient. Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IOM) has become the gold standard to monitor surgical procedures which has potential risks to damage the spinal cord. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the role of IOM in predicting the severity and extent of neurological injury during and after spinal correction surgery in adult idiopathic scoliosis cases related to surgical variables. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central Hospital, Fatmawati Central Hospital, and dr. Drajat Prawiranegara General Hospital during the period of 20 March 2018 to 20 August 2019. The primary outcomes were intraoperative monitoring status and post-operative neurological deficits status. Confounder data on scoliosis correction degree, intraoperative hemorrhage, and type of anesthesia used during surgery were retrieved. Chi-Square statistic was used in the analysis. Out of the ninety three patients eligible for this study, twenty two patients was detected as positive in IOM assessment. Four of the patients were found to be positive for post-operative neuromuscular defect. Thereby it can be concluded that IOM procedure can effectively prevent neurological deficits post-surgery with 81.8% specificity and 95.7% sensitivity among thosepositively detected by IOM. Some of the factors that could potentially influence false positive IOM results such as anesthetic used; dosage and administration procedures; magnitude of the scoliosis correction angle; and amount of bleeding during surgery have to be carefully analyzed.
Kerogen amount calculation required for the formation of hydrocarbon deposits in the Western oil and gas region of Ukraine
Authors: KHOKHA Yurii , LYUBCHAK Oleksandr , YAKOVENKO Myroslava , BRYK Dmytro
Published: April 2021

This paper considers the issue of determining the maximum hydrocarbons amount that can be generated by kerogen using thermodynamic methods. It is shown that the chemical composition of natural gas or gas condensate contains information about the generative capacity of kerogen from which it was formed. Based on experiments of type II and I kerogen pyrolysis and thermodynamic calculations by entropy maximization method, we propose a new method for determining the amount of kerogen from which gas was formed, which contains 1 dm3 of methane at a given ratio of butane isomers. The obtained data are interpreted as an indicator of kerogen maturity in the context of the depth of its destruction. This method is applied to theWestern oil and gas region of Ukraine hydrocarbon deposits. The analysis of kerogen transformations in the region sedimentary strata, using criteria of the GASTAR diagram, is carried out. We assessed the trends of kerogen conversion in the region in the areas of “maturity” and “biodegradation” in the ratio of ethane/propane (C2/C3) to ethane/isobutane (C2/i-C4). It is shown that the majority of deposits in the Western oil and gas region developed in the direction of maturation and only a small group of gas deposits – biodegradation. To establish the gases genesis in the region, we built a graph of the two geochemical indicators dependence – the methane/ethane ratio (C1/C2) and ethane/propane ratio (C2/C3). It is shown that some of the gas fields is formed due to the conversion of organic material of oil deposits. At the same time, gas condensate fields in the region, with few exceptions, are formed due to the primary destruction of kerogen. Based on the results of the calculations, maps of the methane (generated by type II kerogen) amount distribution were constructed. It is established that kerogen, which was the source material for hydrocarbon deposits of Boryslav-Pokuts oil and gas region, has practically exhausted its gas generation potential. Instead, kerogen from gas and gas condensate fields in the Bilche-Volytska oil and gas district still retains the potential to generate hydrocarbons.
Electrophysiological Substrate in Patients with Barlow’s Disease
Authors: Vergara Pasquale , Altizio Savino , Falasconi Giulio , Pannone Luigi , Gulletta Simone , Bella Paolo Della
Published: April 2021

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the most common valvular heart disease, affecting 2–3% of the general population. Barlow’s disease is a clinical syndrome characterised by MVP. Initially thought a benign condition, MVP is now recognised as a cause of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmias. The development of new imaging techniques has contributed recently to the identification of novel risk factors. Catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias in patients affected by MVP is traditionally considered challenging. In this review, the authors summarise the evidence on arrhythmogenesis in the context of MVP, along with risk stratification of sudden cardiac death and the available treatment options, including new catheter ablation techniques.
Conduction System Pacing for Cardiac Resynchronisation
Authors: Sharma Parikshit S , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi
Published: April 2021

Conduction system pacing (CSP) is a technique of pacing that involves implantation of permanent pacing leads along different sites of the cardiac conduction system and includes His bundle pacing and left bundle branch pacing. There is an emerging role for CSP to achieve cardiac resynchronisation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and inter-ventricular dyssynchrony. In this article, the authors review these strategies for resynchronisation and the available data on the use of CSP in overcoming dyssynchrony.
Leadless Left Ventricular Endocardial Pacing and Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing for Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy
Authors: Sidhu Baldeep S , Gould Justin , Elliott Mark K , Mehta Vishal , Niederer Steven , Rinaldi Christopher A
Published: April 2021

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy is an important intervention to reduce mortality and morbidity, but even in carefully selected patients approximately 30% fail to improve. This has led to alternative pacing approaches to improve patient outcomes. Left ventricular (LV) endocardial pacing allows pacing at site-specific locations that enable the operator to avoid myocardial scar and target areas of latest activation. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) provides a more physiological activation pattern and may allow effective cardiac resynchronisation. This article discusses LV endocardial pacing in detail, including the indications, techniques and outcomes. It discusses LBBAP, its potential benefits over His bundle pacing and procedural outcomes. Finally, it concludes with the future role of endocardial pacing and LBBAP in heart failure patients.
Przetwarzanie danych osobowych w pracy kapelanów szpitalnych wyznania rzymskokatolickiego – wybrane zagadnienia
Authors: Czarnowicz Robert , Kroczek Piotr
Published: April 2021

Ochrona danych osobowych ma zastosowanie w dziedzinie realizacji prawa pacjenta do opieki religijnej. Materia ta jest regulowana symultanicznie przez prawo świeckie i kanoniczne. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie niektórych kanonicznych i prawnych kwestii dotyczących przetwarzania danych osobowych, pojawiających się w kontekście sprawowania opieki duszpasterskiej przez duchownych rzymskokatolickich (kapelanów szpitalnych). Te kwestie to: status podmiotów zaangażowanych w realizację prawa do opieki duszpasterskiej, zakres przetwarzanych danych osobowych w czasie realizacji tego prawa, przesłanki legalizacyjne przetwarzania.
Kava Rootz
Authors: Tecun Arcia
Published: April 2021

This documentary film is a result of multi-sited ethnographic research between 2015-2019, which explores cultural identity, gender, music, and spirituality through contemporary and common kava practices. Drawing from over 17 years of participation in kava communities, this film is grounded in Tongan experiences, while also including a mobile and expanding Moana/Wansolwara/Oceanic perspective with contributions from Fijians, Sāmoans, Māori, and more. The knowledge holders in this film span across four territories, including Te Ika a Māui in Aotearoa, Utah (US) on Turtle Island, The Kingdom of Tonga, and Kamberra, Australia. They share a complex web of experiences, purpose, and tensions within the contemporary practices of common kava gatherings known in Tongan as faikava. Contemporary kava gatherings are spaces to release the pressures of modern life, nurture ancestral and social relationships, reveal truths, build community, produce and transmit knowledge, negotiate identity, heal, and foster positive well-being through comradery and openness. This film cannot cover all of the complexity of kava culture, yet attempts to be a meaningful introduction to the dynamic practices that are alive and expanding throughout the world.
Language Learning Through Distance Mode: A Hidden Gem
Authors: Sarkar Indeevar
Published: April 2021

Distance education although not a very new concept this method of imparting and gaining knowledge has gained a lot of popularity in the modern times , especially after the pandemic hit the world like a storm more and more people are adopting this mode of learning , and the market for
it is expected to grow more in the coming years. In earlier times people had lot of misconceptions about distance learning and a tendency to avoid it all together was seen to be a trend among many, even after the internet made it a very easily accessible option for students from all over the
world. Distance learning courses are considered to be equal to regular course by most people and the quality of the courses are expected to only get better as more time passes. Learning languages and brushing up existing communication skills can be of surmount importance in this anxiety trodden
world left by the pandemic. More and more universities institutions and schools are adopting this mode of imparting knowledge as a viable option with universities choosing to offer both regular and distance learning courses to standalone open Universities becoming popular the future holds
great possibilities and in this presentation we will discuss some facts about distance education.
Importance of English Language In Competitive Examinations : An Awareness Stduy
Authors: Kanodia Ambika , Chakraborty Anushree , Saha Arunima , Ghosh Pousali
Published: April 2021

Competitive Examinations are held to examine the IQ, the Logical Quotient and the Analytical Understanding of the candidate. Generally all competitive examinations have few subjects in common like Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and English Language. English is a language that
is widely spoken and understood by people all over the globe. Being one of the most commonly used languages, English has occupied its place in competitive examinations in order to understand the reading, writing and understanding skills of candidates. Communication skills of a person are evaluated
partly on the marks scored in paper of English Language in the various competitive examinations. Most of the educational institutions today have designed their curriculum where English is taught and learned as first language and mother tongue becomes the second language. This is a small example
to prove the importance of English in our education system as well as well as our careers. When people sit for competitive examinations either for further studies or for various government or private jobs, English is an unavoidable paper. This somehow depicts the importance of English Language
in various Competitive Examinations. Proper use of the language is also regarded as a skill developed with continuous practice and learning techniques. Learning English and gaining a fluency in the language widens the career prospects.
“Effective Leadership is still largely a matter of Communication”: A study
Authors: Datta Sohini , Roy Bishal Chandra , Ghosh Dipanjan , Mukherjee Rahi
Published: April 2021

Despite the obvious importance of “Communication” it is at times a lightly regarded discipline in the theory and practice of “corporate leadership”. There is indeed much enduring truth to the lean principle that the discipline is seldom among the top priorities
of corporate leaders. The principal reason for this seems to be that they regard communication as too “soft,” lacking well-defined, tangible parameters and outcomes.To be specific, communication is a unique area of expertise among traditional business skills, and clear measurement
of its value to organizational performance is at best very difficult. Understanding its significance requires a high tolerance of ambiguity, contradiction and subtlety. Whether a company succeeds or fails in navigating a crisis, completing a merger, avoiding regulatory blunders, or executing
everyday operations, everything however depends strongly upon skillful and effective communication.Managers spend most of their day engaged in communication; in fact, older studies of how much time managers spend on various activities show that communication occupies 70 to 90 percent of
their time every day (Mintzberg, 1973; Eccles & Nohria, 1991). With cell phones, e-mail, text messaging, if that same study were done today, it would yield even higher percentages. The sheer amount of time managers spend communicating underscores how important strong communication skills
can be for the manager desiring to advance to leadership positions; thus, mastering leadership communication should be a priority for managers wanting their organizations or the broader business community to consider them leaders.
APPLIED FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD FOR GROUNDWATER FLOW MODELING IN XAYSOMBOUN PROVINCE, LAO PDR
Authors: Phoummixay Siharath , Tabios Guillermo Quesada
Published: April 2021

Groundwater modeling has become a popular approach and common of conducting groundwater flow and contaminant transport simulation. Consequently, in order to understand the behavior of groundwater flow, this study has established and developed conceptual model of groundwater at Phukham
Copper - Gold operations mining. In addition, this study is applied Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) 6.5 software and using MOFLOW Package which employs advanced mathematics as Finite Difference Method (FDM). Steady Flow model is set up and calibrated within target ± 2 meters; then
the model is run in MOFLOW in order to obtain acceptable observed and simulated hydraulic head by adjusting hydraulic conductivities and recharge values. Recharge rate is adjusted between 2% to 12% from annual rainfall 0.00475 m/d and it is found out to be 7.22 % or 0.00034 m/d. Model has
come up with reasonable finding. Hence, root mean square error of steady state: layer1, 2, 3 and 4 are 1.840 m, 1.767 m, 1.963 m and 0.574 m, respectively. The coefficient of determination of steady state for layer1, 2, 3 and 4 are 0.965, 0.96, 0.959 and 0.985, respectively.
IMPACT OF INTEGRATING ICT ON PUPILS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN AFIJIO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abiodun Sabitu Kamoru , Oyesola Lamidi Taofeek , Oyenike Ezekiel Oluwafunmike , Akintobi Oluwatobi J.
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the impact of integrating ICT on pupils’ academic achievement in mathematics in primary schools in Afijio Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. The quasi-Experimental research design was employed in this study. The targeted population consists of the
Primary Schools Pupils in Afijio Local Government Area, Oyo State. One hundred Pupils (50 males and 50 females) from one school for the treatment group in a school and one hundred Pupils (50 males and 50 females) were selected for the Control Group in another school. Stratified Random Sampling
was used to ensure the generalization and the accuracy of the data. The instrument used was the Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. The instrument was given face and content validity by two experts. The reliability of the instrument was established
using the Test-Retest Method. The result of the test was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), the reliability coefficient of the instrument was found to be 0.91. The mean, standard deviation and mean difference was used to analyze the research questions. The study revealed
that there is a difference in the mean scores of the pupils taught with ICT and those taught without ICT, and there is a difference in the mean scores of the female and male pupils taught with ICT and those taught without. The study concluded that there is a significant role that ICT plays
in improving Pupils’ academic achievement in mathematics. Based on the result, it was recommended among others that efforts should be made by the government to make ICT facilities available and to provide teachers with the skills and knowledge of how to implement ICT in teaching of mathematics
to primary school pupils.
OPTIMIZED HIERARCHY BASED SHORTEST PATH ALGORITHM FOR ROAD NETWORK GRAPHS
Authors: Gupta Jagreet Das
Published: April 2021

Efficiently determining Shortest Paths on Road Maps has been a heavily engineered function for many routing apps like Google Maps & Yandex Maps for years now. Dutch computer scientist, Edsger W. Dijkstra set the stepping stone by formulating the now famous, Dijkstra’s
algorithm for shortest paths. Later it was improved upon by newer algorithms like A*. We introduce a way to implement modern algorithms such as Contraction Hierarchy, Highway Hierarchy and PHAST Algorithm to find optimal shortest paths in real life scenario road maps. It bases heavily on constructing
a virtual “highway” which the shortest path should pass through theoretically as they are heavily traversed in real life generally. It considers parameters such as Road Distance between nodes(Edge Weight), Importance Factor during Contraction Hierarchy Phase, Cartesian Distance
From Target, External Real Time Factors like Weather and Traffic. We determine a Heuristic Function using the above parameters and then use that to run a Bi-Directional PHAST based A* from both the source and the target node and then determine the shortest path once a common highway exists
in both directional search’s settled vector or a fallback stage is reached.
EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG UNIVERSITY MATHEMATICS EDUCATION STUDENTS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Gaya Surajo Isa , Bala Tanimu , Lawan Ibrahim A. , Ishaq Umar
Published: April 2021

This research adopted a descriptive survey design to determine the effect of social media on academic performance among university mathematics education students in three universities. The universities are Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil, Yusuf Maitama Sule University
Kano, and Bayero University Kano, all in Kano State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, three (3) null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study was 1,750 undergraduate students of the Department of Computing and Mathematics Education in the 2019/2020
academic session. A stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 350 students, using the Taro Yemane (1984) formula. A modified four-point Likert-scale type questionnaire was used to gather data. Before use, the questionnaire was validated and also subjected
to a reliability test which yielded an index of 0.83 using Pearson’s product moment correlation statistics. Results showed that a large number of students in the Universities are addicted to social media. Findings show that the use of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram platforms would
likely affects the academic performance of the University students in Kano State. It was recommended that social media should be used for promoting educational purposes, social networking sites should be broadened and new platforms created to enhance academic activities and improve students’
academic performance. It is also suggested that a one-credit course on the use of social media should be included during the orientation/induction programmes, awareness campaign and handbooks of the fresh students in the universities.
OPTIMAL CONTROL OF LASSA FEVER QUARANTINE MODEL
Authors: Ibrahim M.O. , Ahiaba A. A. , Akinyemi S.T.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, Optimal control is applied to a Quarantine Lassa fever model developed. The controls w1, w2 and w3 which represent Public education on lassa fever mode of transfer, use of Standard precautions in treatment and Environmental
sanitation respectively. The existence and necessary condition for Optimal control of the disease were verified. The effects of these controls on the model are dipitched in graphical representation showing with or without controls implementation.
CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOUR IN BIG-BAZAAR DURGAPUR
Authors: Ferdows Sk Shahin , Ferdowsy Sk Samim , Firdaus Sk Wasim , Dey Joydeep , Karforma Sunil
Published: April 2021

Consumer’s behaviour is often studied because certain decisions are significantly affected by their behaviour or expected actions. For this reason consumer behaviour is said to be applied discipline.In a general sense, the most important reason for studying consumer behaviour
is the significant role it plays in our lives. Much of our time is spent directly in the market place, eating or engaging in other activities. A large amount of additional time is spent thinking about products and services, talking to friends about them, and seeing or hearing advertisements
about them. These general concerns alone are enough to justify our study of consumer behaviour. However, many seek to understand the behaviour of consumers for what are thought to be more immediate and tangible reasons. The main reason behind this project was to find out the buying behaviour
of the consumer while shopping at big bazaar because most of the population surveyed preferred to shop at malls and how day by day the consumers demands are increasing and through this project I came to know that what are the various behaviour of a typical customer who shops at big bazaar.
ON SOME SOLUTIONS OF THE MULTIVARIATE BEHRENS FISHER PROBLEM
Authors: SU Gulumbe , Shehu B , Dahiru S
Published: April 2021

Multivariate Behrens-Fisher Problem is a problem that deals with testing the equality of two means from multivariate normal distribution when the covariance matrices are unequal and unknown. However, there is no single procedure served as a better performing solution to this problem,
Adebayo (2018). In this study effort is made in selecting five different existing procedures and examined their power and rate to which they control type I error using a different setting and conditions observed from previous studies. To overcome this problem a code was designed via R Statistical
Software, to simulate random normal data and independently run 1000 times using MASS package in other to estimate the power and rate at which each procedure control type I error. The simulation result depicts that, in a setting when variance covariance matrices S1 > S2
associated with a sample sizes (n1 > n2) in Table 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, and 4.6, shows that, Adebayos’ procedure performed better but at a sample sizes (n1 = n2 and n1 < n2) Hotelling T2 is recommended in terms
of power. For type I error rate where robustness and nominal level matters we found that under some settings none of the procedure maintained nominal level as revealed in Table 4.11 and 4.15. The results presented in Table 4.9 to 4.16 shows that when nominal level matters Krishnamoorthy came
first, followed by Adebayos’, Yaos’, Johansons’ then Hotelling T2 were recommended in the sequentially under the settings used in this study.
Floral and reproductive biology of Matisia cordata (fam: malvaceae)
Authors: Castro Mariluz Aguilar , Ramírez Daily Gómez , Osorio Verónica Álvarez , Ruiz Sandra Muriel
Published: April 2021

Abstract In Colombia there is a large diversity of promising fruit trees, one of them is Matisia cordata. Sapoti species is appreciated by the consumers, although it is produced in small volumes by traditional productors. The objective of this research is to describe the floral and reproductive biology of sapoti, including floral visitors that act as biotic pollination agents. The study was conducted in two farms, between February/2016 and July/2017. In the first farm, floral buds were marked to follow the stages until fruit formation, pollination mechanism was studied, and floral visitors were collected for identification. In the second farm, flowers were marked to measure the floral nectar production. The duration from floral bud to ripe fruit was 269 days, the 2.7% of the flowers reached the fruit stage. Twenty-five floral visitors were registered, seven of which contacted the sexual whorls, specially Meliponini bees, hummingbirds and bats from Artibeus and Glossophaga genus. M. cordata is a prevalently allogamous species, it attracts diurnal and nocturnal animals, which can contribute to the pollination process. The flowers produced 1.6 ml of nectar with a sugar content from 6.2 to 11 °Brix. The sapoti flowers constitute an abundant and valuable resource for animals from the region.
Root distribution according to phenology in plantain cultivars (Musa AAB), Ecuador
Authors: Avellán-Vásquez Leonardo Enrique , Estévez-Chica Sandra Tatiana , Vaca-Sotelo Diego Alfonso , Zambrano-Mendoza Myriam Elizabeth , Cedeño-Loor Tito Alexander , Sánchez-Urdaneta Adriana Beatriz
Published: April 2021

Abstract Plantain is the fourth most important crop in the world, considered as a basic and export product in Ecuador. The root distribution of three plantain cultivars (Musa AAB) grown in Ecuador was evaluated at the “Río Suma” Experimental Farm, “Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí” University, 0º15’ S, 79º26’ W. Plantain cultivars were ‘Barraganete’, ‘Curare Enano’ and ‘Dominico Hartón’, and root distribution was determined according to the phenology of plants (10, 20, 30, 40 leaves (inflorescence) and harvest), seeded at 2.5 m x 1.8 m. In a completely randomized block design with five replicates, five plants·cultivar-1 were selected for each evaluation. Root distribution was carried out in soil profiles between rows. The greatest root distribution occurred 20 cm laterally, up to 40 cm in depth. Longitudinally, ‘Curare Enano’ roots occurred up to 60 cm, ‘Dominico Hartón’ (50 cm) and ‘Barraganete’ (40 cm); at 40 cm in depth ‘Barraganete’ and ‘Curare Enano’ had roots up to 30 cm in length and ‘Dominico Hartón’ up to 50 cm. The root distribution of the three cultivars can establish agronomic management criteria to determine plant density, fertilization and irrigation.
Aptidão Agroclimática para a Cultura do Algodão em Três Municípios do Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil
Authors: Daniel Diego Fernando , Queiroz Tadeu Miranda de , Dallacort Rivanildo , Barbieri João Danilo
Published: April 2021

Resumo Os elementos climáticos como temperatura do ar e precipitação exercem influência direta sobre as culturas agrícolas, principalmente no algodoeiro, determinando e influenciando sua adaptação a diferentes regiões. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a adaptabilidade agroclimática e a probabilidade de chuvas para a cultura do algodão para os municípios de Rondonópolis, Tangará da Serra e Campo Novo do Parecis, estado de Mato Grosso. Utilizaram-se dados diários históricos de precipitação e temperatura do ar, disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET). Com base nas exigências climáticas da cultura do algodoeiro foi classificada a adaptabilidade nas regiões durante o ano em período decendial. Foi calculada a probabilidade empírica e a classificação dos riscos de ocorrerem chuvas menores ou iguais a ETc durante o ciclo da cultura. A temperatura do ar média registrada nos municípios esteve entre a faixa indicada para a cultura (≥ 18 a ≤ 30 °C). Os municípios estudados podem ser considerados aptos ao cultivo do algodão no período safrinha (semeadura realizada de dezembro a fevereiro), considerando a temperatura e precipitação pluviométrica média local. Os riscos de ocorrerem precipitações menores ou iguais a ETc do algodoeiro, variaram de acordo com o estádio fenológico da cultura.
Work as management in an environment governed by standards: a study of situations in the steel industry
Authors: Carneiro Adriana , Bianco Mônica de Fatima , Nascimento Adelson Pereira do
Published: April 2021

Abstract: This article aims to analyze the renormalization processes in work situations of technicians working in a testing laboratory of a steel company in Southeastern Brazil, explaining the contributions of the analytical perspective of Ergology when investigating how workers are organized to manage their activities in order to meet their production and quality goals, their personal as well as customer satisfaction, and protect themselves from work accidents. The qualitative research was carried out based on the analytical approach of Ergology, and the instruments used for data production were documentary investigation within the organization, direct observation of the activities, and semi-structured interviews with the participating workers. The data were treated using content analysis. It was found that these workers value standard operating procedures as tools to aid in the execution of their duties, but criticize them for being extensive, making consultation tiresome, and request more condensed, practical, and attractive procedures for handling. Research showed that certain unforeseen events in the process are only remedied by oneself and the other, demonstrating that the more complete a prescription is, collective experience fills any gaps, since the activity is more complex than anticipated by the standards. This study may contribute to a better understanding of situations common to the steel industry, as well as to academic progress, demarcating the importance of renormalizations not yet explored in this field of study – Ergology in the –Brazilian steel industry.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AMONG OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Pereira-Ávila Fernanda Maria Vieira , Lam Simon Ching , Goulart Maithê de Carvalho e Lemos , Góes Fernanda Garcia Bezerra , Pereira-Caldeira Natália Maria Vieira , Gir Elucir
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify factors associated with depressive symptoms among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: a cross-sectional study developed in all regions of Brazil, using an electronic form among older adults aged 60 or over. Data were collected from April 17 to May 15, 2020. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were used. For comparison of means, Student’s t-test and analysis of variance were applied, considering p≤0.05. For association of factors, chi-square was adopted with bivariate analyzes and logistic regression. Results: nine hundred (100.0%) older adults participated in the study. The general score for symptoms of depression was 3.8 (SD=4.4), 818 (91.9%) had no or mild depressive symptoms. Women (p <0.01) have more symptoms than men. The income variable is a predictor of depressive symptoms (OR=0.56; CI: 0.34-0.91; p=0.020). Conclusion: the main factors associated with symptoms of depression were sex, income, education and occupations that expose them to COVID-19 had the highest depression scores.