bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of cryotherapy and kinesitherapy on lower back pain reduction and im-provement of quality of life in elderly women
Authors: Kulis Aleksandra , Misiorek Anna , Marchewka Anna
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Cryotherapy and kinesitherapy are commonly used methods in treating lower back pain
Aim: The main aim of the study is to compare the effects of whole-body cryotherapy, cryo-therapy combined with kinesitherapy, and kinesitherapy alone on pain and quality of life in older women with spinal arthritis.
Material and methods: The study group comprised 69 women between the age of 65 and 70 who were diagnosed with lumbar spine arthritis and were undergoing physical therapy due to back pain. The women were divided into 3 subgroups which participated in different rehabili-tation protocols (cryotherapy, cryotherapy with kinesitherapy and kinesitherapy alone). Physi-cal therapy lasted for 2 weeks, from Monday to Friday. Quality of life was investigated with the SF-36v2 questionnaire, completed on the first and last day of physical therapy.
Results: The study with the SF-36v2 questionnaire observed statistically significant improve-ment in quality of life among all groups.
Conclusions: Physical activity effectively reduces pain and improves quality of life among women with osteoarthritis, which casts doubt on the viability of using cryotherapy for this purpose.

Article received: 20.05.2018; Accepted: 23.01.2019
Proactive assessment of road curve safety using floating car data: An exploratory study
Authors: Ambros Jiří , Altmann Jaroslav , Jurewicz Chris , Chevalier Anna
Published: November 2019

Driving speed is an important risk factor, especially when negotiating horizontal curves. Therefore it may be useful in extracting surrogate measures to proactively safety assessment, a practice consistent with a current shift towards a Safe System approach to addressing road trauma. Review of previous literature indicated two categories of studies: (1) studies focusing on a safe driving perspective, i.e. studies primarily interested in finding the cut-off point in FCD data characteristics between safe and unsafe driving; (2) studies focusing on relating meaningful risk rates (percentages of exceeding the risk thresholds) to specific locations, and thus identify safety critical sites. However, no study was found that specifically focused on the relationship between kinematic characteristics (other than just speed) and road curves.
The presented study focused on exploring the relationship between acceleration and jerk thresholds and crashes occurring on road curves. The first objective was to determine meaningful acceleration and jerk thresholds to utilize in explaining safety performance when negotiating curves. For this purpose floating car data (FCD) from a fleet of company vehicles, driving in rural sections of national roads in the Czech Republic, was collected and used to derive and validate potential surrogate safety measures. FCD presents in-vehicle information with several benefits compared to traditional techniques, such as feasibility of data collection, relatively unlimited spatial coverage, and availability of historical data.
In the analysis, lateral acceleration and longitudinal jerk were found to be the most influential measures of curve safety performance. To sum up, the exploratory study outlined a practical approach to proactive evaluation of road curve safety: FCD data can generate useful surrogate measures of curve safety (acceleration and jerks) associated with crash history. A larger study is required to strengthen robustness of the results and provide confidence necessary for practical application. Potential use cases may include conducting interim evaluations of curve road safety treatments, or in-vehicle monitoring devices for detection of potentially unsafe manoeuvers and providing real-time feedback to drivers based on a combination of identified safety thresholds.
Research on speed control of high-speed train based on multi-point model
Authors: Hou Tao , Guo Yang-yang , Niu Hong-xia
Published: November 2019

The traditional train speed control research regards the train as a particle, ignoring the length of the train and the interaction force between carriages. Although this method is simple, the control error is large for high-speed trains with the characteristics of power dispersion. Moreover, in the control process, if the length of the train is not considered, when the train passes the slope point or the curvature point, the speed will jump due to the change of the line, causing a large control error and reducing comfort. In order to improve the accuracy of high-speed train speed control and solve the problem of speed jump when the train runs through variable slope and curvature, the paper takes CRH3 EMU data as an example to establish the corresponding multi-point train dynamics model. In the control method, the speed control of high-speed train needs to meet the fast requirement. Comparing the merits and demerits of classical PID control, fuzzy control and fuzzy adaptive PID control in tracking the ideal running curve of high-speed train, this paper chooses the fuzzy adaptive PID control with fast response. Considering that predictive control can predict future output, a predictive fuzzy adaptive PID controller is designed, which is suitable for high-speed train model based on multi-point. The simulation results show that the multi-point model of the high-speed train can solve the speed jump problem of the train when passing through the special lines, and the predictive fuzzy adaptive PID controller can control the speed of the train with multi-point model, so that the train can run at the desired speed, meeting the requirements of fast response and high control accuracy.
Selected aspects of motor vehicle dynamics on the example of a power-off straight line maneuver
Authors: Kisilowski Jerzy , Zalewski Jarosław
Published: November 2019

In this paper the selected phenomena related to motor vehicle’s motion have been considered basing on a computer simulation. The vehicle performed a power-off straight line maneuver with different road conditions being included.
All simulations have been performed in the MSC Adams/Car environment based on the available sports two-seater vehicle model, realizing the adopted maneuver at the instant speed of 100km/h. This enabled observation of the selected phenomena along the road long enough to relate them to different aspects of vehicle dynamics research.
As for the randomly uneven road, almost similar and almost different profiles have been assumed for the left and right wheels of the vehicle. Additionally, two values of the coefficient determining the maximum amplitude of road irregularities have been selected: 0.3 for lower and 0.9 for higher irregularities, so the road surface conditions along with the flat road have been considered as one of the factors causing disturbances of the motor vehicle motion.
Such research seems valuable from the point of view of road traffic safety and vehicle maintenance. This specific example is a presentation of the possible research on vehicle dynamics as well as a potential background for further considerations including different types of vehicles along with almost different road profiles for the left and right wheels of the given vehicle model.
A power-off straight maneuver is not performed very often in normal road traffic. However, such test could be valuable when analyzing influence of the selected motor vehicle parameters, such as uneven loading, suspension characteristics, etc. on such maintenance features as stability, steerability and the influence of external disturbances acting on the moving vehicle. Further research provides different maneuvers and different simulation conditions.
Warehouse location problem in supply chain designing: a simulation analysis
Authors: Szczepański Emilian , Jachimowski Roland , Izdebski Mariusz , Jacyna-Gołda Ilona
Published: November 2019

The facility location problem is a popular issue in the literature. The current development of world economies and globalization of the market requires continuous improvement of methods and research in this field. The location of the object determines the time of transport, affects the operational costs of the supply chain, and determines the possible amount of inventory or minimum inventory levels. These are critical issues from the point of view of designing an effective logistics system. The degree of complexity of current decision-making problems requires the construction of mathematical models and support for the decision-maker by optimization and simulation methods. A comprehensive and systemic approach to the problem allows the effective planning of supply chains.
The purpose of this article was to study the sensitivity of the warehouse location problem in the supply chain. The solution was obtained based on the methodology developed under the SIMMAG3D project. The article presents the characteristics of the issue of the location of warehouse objects, the mathematical formulation of the solved problem of location and the method of its solution based on the heuristic algorithm using the modification of the Busacker-Gowen method. Then, a supply chain simulation model was developed in the FLEXSIM environment and scenario studies were performed for various input data and model parameters. The analysis and assessment of the solution based on parameters such as utilization of the potential of warehouse objects object were presented. Random change in demand described by Erlang distribution and normal distribution was considered. The analysis showed how the selection of a statistical distribution to describe the input data can affect the shape of the logistics system. The article ends with a summary of considerations and a plan for further research in the use of the simulation environment to support the decision-making process of the location of storage facilities and the functioning of supply chains.
Uso da Ferramenta Kahoot Transformando a Aula do Ensino Médio em um Game de Conhecimento
Authors: Martins Ernane , Gouveia Luís
Published: November 2019

Este artigo visa apresentar uma atividade elaborada na plataforma digital Kahoot e analisa seu potencial na aprendizagem. O Kahoot foi utilizado para inserir um recurso tecnológico interativo que se apropria de elementos dos jogos (gamificação) buscando engajar os alunos na aprendizagem. Essa atividade foi aplicada para sessenta e oito alunos das disciplinas de programação web e autoria web do curso técnico em informática para Internet. Constatou-se por meio dos relatos dos alunos e observações que esta atividade pode melhorar a aprendizagem.
Estimulando o pensamento computacional em alunos do ensino médio com o uso do Scratch for Arduino
Authors: Silva Alan , Melo Ramásio Ferreira de , Sousa Rogério Pereira de , Nascimento Karoline
Published: November 2019

O pensamento computacional apresenta-se como uma habilidade necessária para a sociedade, dessa forma, este trabalho aborda uma pesquisa-ação com intuito de analisar as contribuições do curso de S4A. Para o desenvolvimento do pensamento computacional dos alunos da 1ª série do ensino médio de uma escola pública. Buscando desenvolver o cognitivo, raciocínio lógico, crescimento individual e coletivo. Nas aulas, os conteúdos foram trabalhos em conformidade aos princípios do pensamento computacional, assim, os resultados se mostram satisfatórios, foi possível torná-los mais criativos, produtivos, inventivos e conhecedores do quão a computação é importantes para vida dos homens.
Strafbefreiende Wirkung der "neuen" Arbeitskampffreiheit?
Authors: Blume Lara
Published: November 2019

As the working environment has changed, labour disputes have also taken on new forms. A strike has long since ceased to be the only permissible means of industrial action. But how does criminal law relate to modern means of industrial action which curtail the rights of an employer more than a strike? Does criminal law contain a limit to the right to strike according to art. 9, para 3 of the German constitution? To answer this question, Blume first examines the evolution of the right to choose the means of industrial action, and then discusses the relationship between fundamental rights and criminal laws in general. On the basis of the results of the general part, Blume then presents the extent of criminal liability for various industrial action measures, such as a flash mob, a blockade and a DDoS attack. Her analysis shows that criminal law does not limit the right to industrial action, but that labour dispute law does influence the interpretation and application of penal laws.
Nietzsche on Language and Logic
Authors: Burgess Steven ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2019

Recent commentators on Nietzsche’s philosophy have paid careful attention to his reflections on truth. While this issue has generated significant dispute, one prominent school of thought is in tacit agreement about the view of language that underlies Nietzschean truth. This view holds that certain linguistic entities can capture precise, distinct units of propositional content and static, rigidly designated conceptual meanings. A closer look at Nietzsche’s various analyses of language and logic reveals not only that he does not subscribe to such a position, but that he offers a sustained critique against the possibility of any form of atomism of language. It was only in the 1880s, after Nietzsche overcame his dualistic commitments to Kant and Schopenhauer and embraced a philosophy of becoming, that the full power of his critique is made manifest.
On Loss and Gain: The Translation of Linguistic Simultaneity in This is How You Lose Her, by Junot Díaz
Authors: Lorraine Cresci Karen
Published: November 2019

Pulitzer-prize winning author Junot Díaz stages culture clashes in his work by dramatizing the linguistic tension between English and Spanish. This strategy, which he calls “linguistic simultaneity” (code-switching), is central in his fiction because it expresses his Latino identity, and it is artistically and politically significant. Translators who wish to recreate his texts for another readership are forced to rethink what translation is and thus to consider new paradigms, since code-switching defies the traditional conception of translation as the transposition from one closed linguistic system to another. Translations into one of the languages that make up the fictional universe of the source text (in this case, Spanish) are especially challenging. Focusing on the extent to which translators transpose the linguistic simultaneity of Díaz’s source texts, this paper explores the possible reader responses to strategies used to maintain or downplay linguistic tension in the target texts. A comparison of two translations into Spanish of Diaz’s short stories “The Sun, The Moon, The Stars” and “Otravida, Otravez” fromThis is How You Lose Her(2012) will illustrate how linguistic simultaneity is recreated.
Entrevista a Telenoika
Authors: Vilà Irma
Published: November 2019

Telenoika es una comunidad de creadores audiovisuales registrada como asociación cultural desde el 2000. Funciona como plataforma de acontecimientos artísticos, sociales y culturales ligados a la experimentación y a la creación con tecnologías audiovisuales. La organización se creó para responder a una carencia de acciones y espacios dedicados a la emergente cultura de la videocreación en directo.
Hospital and Surgical Privileges for Doctors of Podiatric Medicine
Authors: Rogers Lee C. , Stavosky James W.
Published: November 2019

The Board of Directors of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine approved the following position statement regarding hospital and surgical privileges for doctors of podiatric medicine on February 27, 2019. This statement is based on federal law, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Conditions of Participation and Standards of the Joint Commission, and takes into account the current education, training, and experience of podiatrists to recommend best practices for hospital credentialing and privileging.
Differential impact of self and environmental antigens on the ontogeny and maintenance of CD4+ T cell memory
Authors: Hogan Thea , Nowicka Maria , Cownden Daniel , Pearson Claire F , Yates Andrew J , Seddon Benedict
Published: November 2019

Laboratory mice develop populations of circulating memory CD4+ T cells in the absence of overt infection. We have previously shown that these populations are replenished from naive precursors at high levels throughout life (Gossel et al., 2017). However, the nature, relative importance and timing of the forces generating these cells remain unclear. Here, we tracked the generation of memory CD4+ T cell subsets in mice housed in facilities differing in their ‘dirtiness’. We found evidence for sequential naive to central memory to effector memory development, and confirmed that both memory subsets are heterogeneous in their rates of turnover. We also inferred that early exposure to self and environmental antigens establishes persistent memory populations at levels determined largely, although not exclusively, by the dirtiness of the environment. After the first few weeks of life, however, these populations are continuously supplemented by new memory cells at rates that are independent of environment.
The microbiota ofDrosophila suzukiiinfluences the larval development ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Solomon Gabrielle M. , Dodangoda Hiruni , McCarthy-Walker Tylea , Ntim-Gyakari Rita , Newell Peter D.
Published: November 2019

Microorganisms play a central role in the biology of vinegar flies such asDrosophila suzukiiandDrosophila melanogaster: serving as a food source to both adults and larvae, and influencing a range of traits including nutrition, behavior, and development. The niches utilized by the fly species partially overlap, as do the microbiota that sustain them, and interactions among these players may drive the development of crop diseases. To learn more about how the microbiota of one species may affect the other, we isolated and identified microbes from field-caughtD. suzukii, and then characterized their effects onD. melanogasterlarval development time in the laboratory. We found that theD. suzukiimicrobiota consistently included both yeasts and bacteria. It was dominated by yeasts of the genusHanseniaspora, and bacteria from the families Acetobacteraceae and Enterobacteriaceae. RaisingD. melanogasterunder gnotobiotic conditions with each microbial isolate individually, we found that some bacteria promoted larval development relative to axenic conditions, but most did not have a significant effect. In contrast, nearly all the yeasts tested significantly accelerated larval development. The one exception wasStarmerella bacillaris, which had the opposite effect: significantly slowing larval developmental rate. We investigated the basis for this effect by examining whetherS. bacillariscells could sustain larval growth, and measuring the survival ofS. bacillarisand other yeasts in the larval gut. Our results suggestS. bacillarisis not digested byD. melanogasterand therefore cannot serve as a source of nutrition. These findings have interesting implications for possible interactions between the twoDrosophiliaspecies and their microbiota in nature. Overall, we found that microbes isolated fromD. suzukiipromoteD. melanogasterlarval development, which is consistent with the model that infestation of fruit byD. suzukiican open up habitat forD. melanogaster. We propose that the microbiome is an important dimension of the ecological interactions betweenDrosophilaspecies.
On Placement and Removal Events in Ilami Kurdish: A Cognitive-Typological Approach
Authors:   University of Isfahan (Iran), Karimipour Amir , Rezai Vali ,   University of Isfahan (Iran)
Published: November 2019

This paper explores the linguistic characteristics of placement and removal events in Ilami Kurdish and investigates the Goal-over-Source predominance hypothesis in such events. By testing the asymmetry hypothesis in placement vs. removal events, we determined that various predicates are used to encode these events in Ilami Kurdish. Data were collected using a set of video clips including the ‘put and take’ stimuli (Bowerman et al., 2004) with ten Ilami Kurdish speakers, who described the occasions when placement and removal events were required. The results of this first experiment show that there are asymmetric correlations between placement and removal events in terms of verbal predicates. In fact, proportionally more fine-grained types of placement predicates are observed in the descriptions of the Kurdish consultants. Accordingly, it can be concluded that placement events, in comparison with removal events, are cognitively more salient and intricate in the mind of Kurdish speakers, which is directly connected with such linguistic distinctions as properties of the figure, force-dynamic notions, and manner of motion, which are more determinant in placement events than removal events. In the next part of this study, the Goal-over-Source predominance hypothesis was explored in placement and removal events. This hypothesis was tested on the basis of linguistic descriptions as well as a memory task. In the descriptive task, a set of video clips of placement and removal events, including different source and goal paths, was used. Respondents participating in this experiment described each scene after they watched it. In the memory task, participants were asked to watch the scenes of placement and removal events as well as matched events and then judge whether source or goal components can be matched or not. It was found that in these tasks, the goal component was mentioned more often and more accurately matched, respectively. These findings support the Goal-over-Source predominance hypothesis and highlight the cognitive importance of the goal component in placement events compared to the source component in removal events.
La interrelación entre lingüística y filosofía en Sincronía, diacronía e historia de Eugenio Coseriu
Authors:   Universidad de Sevilla (España), López Serena Araceli
Published: November 2019

La obra científica de Eugenio Coseriu se vertebra en torno a dos “obsesiones” fundamentales: la defensa de la indisolubilidad de las dimensiones lingüística y filosófica de la teorización sobre el lenguaje y la obstinación por el establecimiento de diferenciaciones sistemáticas. En relación con ambas fijaciones, este trabajo muestra en qué medida Sincronía, diacronía e historia no es, únicamente, un mero tratado sobre el problema del cambio lingüístico, sino que constituye, más bien, la obra clave para desentrañar los principios epistemológicos que vertebran el edificio filosófico-científico de la teoría lingüística coseriana. A tal fin, se analiza en qué medida el prurito coseriano por la diferenciación hunde sus raíces en la filosofía y se examina qué aspectos del pensamiento lingüístico de Coseriu, qué procedimientos de argumentación y qué categorizaciones y conceptos esenciales de su teorización lingüística tienen su origen en cuestiones de naturaleza filosófica, vinculadas, esencialmente, no con la filosofía del lenguaje, sino con la filosofía de la lingüística
Estimation of Air Temperature and Rainfall Trends in Egypt
Authors: M. Abdel-Maksoud Bahgat
Published: November 2019

This paper aims at estimating the trend of climate change and examining its effect on agriculture in Egypt. The study focused on the changes in air temperature and rainfall. The monthly time series data was obtained from the World Bank Group Climate Change Knowledge Portal on temperature and rainfall for the period of 1991-2015. Time series and regression analysis were applied for data analysis. Seasonal variations in air temperature and rainfall through the study period were examined. The study relied on the previous research and personal interviews with some experts in the field to know the effect of climate change on agriculture in Egypt.

Results showed fluctuations and an increase in the air temperature for all the twelve months of the study period. Seasonal variations and a decline in the rainfall were found particularly in the month of June. The future effect of these changes on the Egyptian agriculture was presented in this study. Also, adaptation and mitigation practices to climate change were described. The role of agricultural extension and the need for effective extension services to reduce the effects of this phenomenon on agriculture in Egypt was emphasized.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Coliforms from Bovine Mastitis Cases among Pastoral Herds in Parts of Kaduna State, Nigeria: Curbing the Environmental Health Risk
Authors: Makolo D. , Suleiman A. B. , Olonitola O. S. , Bello M. , Alfa M. I. , Ahmadu I. , Awulu F. O.
Published: November 2019

Consumption of raw milk from pastoral bovines have been identified as a major source of public and environmental health risk in developing countries. Antimicrobial resistance is a global health challenge threatening the lives of humans and animals. The indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents among the pastoralists on commercial animals, especially for non-therapeutic purposes has been linked to the development of resistant strains of potentially pathogenic bacteria which are being transferred from animals to humans. This study investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of coliform bacteria isolated from mastitis milk of pastoral herds. Out of 147 milk samples collected and screened for subclinical mastitis, 29 (19.7%) were positive. Out of the 29 mastitis positive samples, 13 (8.8%) were positive for coliforms (6 E. coli and 7 K. pneumoniae). All the coliform isolates showed 100% resistance to Penicillin and Tetracycline, and were all 100% susceptible to Imipenem. High multidrug resistance was expressed by all the isolates to Penicillin, Tetracycline and Erythromycin. All the isolates (100%) had Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) of 0.2 and above which is an indication of gross abuse of antibiotics within the studied population. However, antibiotics still effective against the coliform species tested were Imipenem (100%), Ciprofloxacin (92.3%), Gentamycin (92.3%), Chloramphenicol (84.6%), Amoxicillin/ Clavulanic acid (84.6%) and Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (69.2%).
Garden City or Garbage City: The Case of Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Bodo Tombari
Published: November 2019

Port Harcourt acquired the name “Garden City” for its neatness, beauty, organisation of the buildings and well constructed road networks across the entire city; but this once beautiful city has been overtaken by garbage. Hence, the objectives of this study were to find out why the solid waste management strategies employed by the Rivers State Waste Management Agency  and their contractors are not working and provide best solutions in curbing the challenges militating against solid waste management of the city. Purposive sampling technique was used to determine the sample. Because of the time constraint and the wide area of coverage for this study; 10 areas consisting of 10 communities were selected based on their size, popularity and centrality. Oral interviews and field observation were the methods of data collection and the data obtained through oral interviews were analysed through simple coding, groupings, re-writing, transcribing and interpretations. The results revealed that the solid wastes generated are uncontrolled due to overcrowded settlements; an uncultured way of living of the residents; lack of the needed man-power and technology on the part of the solid waste contractors. It was also revealed that the Government do not carry out proper monitoring and uses unskilled and unqualified persons to carry out their jobs. It was concluded that to adequately clean up the city of Port Harcourt, the Government should stand up to their responsibility of keeping the city clean and sensitize the people on the need to package and dispose of their waste properly.
Genotoxicity and Environmental Implications of Crude Oil-related Pollutants in Nigeria
Authors: Ajah Florence O. , Osuji Julian O. , Anoliefo Geoffrey O.
Published: November 2019

This paper reviews the mechanistic and genetic effects of spilt crude oil and associated drill site chemicals on some Nigerian plants. Methods that range from morphological and physical observations, physico-chemical, anatomical, cuticular to cytological and cytogenetic analyses were reviewed. Quality data on various negative consequences of exposure of plants to pollution and contamination by crude oil-related pollutants were x-rayed. Proper legislation, monitoring and enforcement of sound environmental Laws by stakeholders were advised. Government collaboration with research institutions in order to keep abreast with new research findings was suggested as a way to help strengthen, manage and reinforce environmental Laws in order to protect our sources of food.
Effect of Problem-solving Teaching Technique on Students’ Stoichiometry Academic Performance in Senior Secondary School Chemistry in Nigeria
Authors: Sunday Etokeren, Inibehe , Ibemenji Kingdom-Aaron Gloria , Alamina J. I.
Published: November 2019

Aims: This study addressed the effect of problem-solving technique on students’ academic performance in stoichiometry in Senior Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental design specifically pre-test post-test control groups non-randomized design was adopted. 

Place and Duration of Study: Senior Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State located at the South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria and lasted for four weeks.

Methodology: The population comprised of 520 senior secondary 2 chemistry students from private and public schools. 105 SS2 chemistry students representing 61 males and 44 females from intact classes of selected schools formed the sample. The instrument was Stoichiometry Achievement Test developed by the researcher and reliability coefficient calculated to be 0.79.  Three research questions and three hypotheses were used in the study. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while the hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Variance at .05 level of significance.

Results: Findings of the study revealed a significant difference in performance between students taught stoichiometry using problem-solving technique (experimental) and those taught using conventional lecture method (control). Students exposed to problem-solving technique obtained higher score in performance test than those in conventional lecture method. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in students’ performance based on gender (male and female) and school type (private and public). 

Conclusion: The study therefore, concludes that problem-solving technique is more effective and enhance students understanding than traditional lecture method. The study recommended that chemistry teachers should incorporate problem-solving in teaching stoichiometry and related concepts and present curriculum should be reviewed to recommend problem-solving technique.
Attitude and Academic Success in Practical Agriculture: Evidence from Public Single-Sex High School Students in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Otekunrin Olutosin A. , Otekunrin Oluwaseun A. , Oni Leah O.
Published: November 2019

This study examined the attitude and academic performance of public single-sex (Boys’ and Girls’ only) high school students in the teaching and learning of Agricultural Science in the aspect of practical knowledge of Agriculture. We investigated whether there were significant differences in the mean achievement test scores of students in practical Agriculture in the selected schools. We also examined the relationship between their academic performance in practical agriculture and their attitude to the subject. The study was a descriptive survey design carried out at Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. Six public single-sex (Boys’ and Girls’ only) schools were randomly selected from three Local Government Areas (LGAs) within Ibadan Zone comprising eleven LGAs in 2018. Sixty-nine Senior Secondary School (SSS III) students were randomly selected in Boys’ only (3) schools while ninety-seven students were randomly selected in Girls’ only (3) schools giving a total of 166 students that participated in this study. Practical Agricultural Science Students’ Achievement Test (PASSAT) and Students’ Attitude towards Practical Agriculture Questionnaire (SATPAGQ) were used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Multiple Comparison techniques and t-test for equality of means. The ANOVA test was significant (p = .00). Post Hoc (Tukey HSD) test, a multiple comparison technique on the ANOVA showed that PASSAT mean scores obtained by one Girls’ only school was significantly different from one Boys’ only schools another two Girls’ only schools’ mean scores at 5% significant level. It was found that availability of school farm, use of instructional materials  were not enough to bring about significant boost in academic success in PASSAT especially in three of the schools with less than average mean scores of 34.51, 40.23 and 44.07. The study therefore recommended that government and relevant stakeholders (Parents-Teachers Association, Old Boys’ and Girls’ Association among others) should provide human resources and needed infrastructural facilities for effective teaching and learning of Agricultural Science in both single-sex and Co-educational schools for better academic performance.
Financial Liberalization and Nigerian Economic Growth: 1990-2018
Authors: Idowu Omopintem, Jerome , Origin Chukwu, Kenechukwu
Published: November 2019

This study examined the Effect of Financial Liberalization on Nigerian Economic Growth (1990-2018) using secondary data from Statistical bulletin of Central Bank of Nigeria. The research work selected Nigeria as its sample and used the ECM to test the effect of the independent variables (Foreign direct investment, Interest rate, Trade openness, Foreign portfolio investment, Currency exchange rate Aggregate savings) on the dependent variable, economic growth (proxy by Gross Domestic Product). The study found that financial liberalization had negative and insignificant effect on economic growth of Nigeria. The study therefore recommends among others that Government should aim at creating conditions which make private investment attractive, avoid drastic policy reversal and implement appropriate interest rate policies.
A Review on Laboratory Diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ekong Mercy Okon
Published: November 2019

Tuberculosis remains the major public health concern worldwide responsible for about 1.6 million deaths and 0.3 million co-infected with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) annually. Mycobacterium is the causative agent of tuberculosis infection and is transmitted principally through air when an infected person coughs, talks, sneezes etc. This infection can be diagnosed using different Microbiological, Molecular and Immunological techniques including, sputum smear microscopy, sputum culture, nucleic-acid amplification test (NAAT), genotyping assay, tuberculin skin test (TST), interferon-gamma release assay (IGRAs) etc. These techniques vary in sensitivity and specificity as well as the ease with which they are carried out. World Health Organisation (WHO) encourages the use of techniques that are sensitive, patient-friendly, and those which produce accurate results in any clinical setting world-wide. Hence, this review highlights smear microscopy and incorporation of more rapid and sensitive diagnostic techniques such as Gene Xpert, IGRAs and urinary antigen analysis in clinical setting in the detection of Mycobacterium. These techniques show high sensitivity, are less time consuming do not require a repeat for a single result,  some are able to differentiate latent and active TB infections, and have the capacity to be  used to screen people unable to expectorate. This review encourages the incorporation of smear microscopy, GeneXpert, IGRAs, urinary antigen analysis into routine laboratory diagnosis especially in high TB burden countries. It is believed that high level of sensitivity and less time used in producing results display by these techniques will yield reduction in mortality rate, decline in static nature of TB status and possibly zero TB 2020 proposed by WHO.
Deubiquitinating enzyme USP10 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through deubiquitinating and stabilizing Smad4 protein
Authors: Yuan Tao , Chen Zibo , Yan Fangjie , Qian Meijia , Luo Hong , Ye Song , Cao Ji , Ying Meidan , Dai Xiaoyang , Gai Renhua , Yang Bo , He Qiaojun , Zhu Hong
Published: November 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as one of the most prevalent life‐threatening cancers, and the high mortality rate is largely due to the metastasis. The sustained activation of Smad4 and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is closely associated with advanced HCC metastasis. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying the aberrant activation of Smad4 and TGF‐β pathway remains elusive. In this study, using a functional screen of USPs siRNA library, we identified ubiquitin‐specific proteases USP10 as a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) that sustains the protein level of Smad4 and activates TGF‐β signaling. Further analysis showed that USP10 directly interacts with Smad4 and stabilizes it through the cleavage of its proteolytic ubiquitination, thus promoting HCC metastasis. The suppression of USP10 by either shRNAs or catalytic inhibitor Spautin‐1 significantly inhibited the migration of HCC cells, whereas the reconstitution of Smad4 was able to efficiently rescue this defect. Overall, our study not only uncovers the regulatory effect of USP10 on the protein abundance of Smad4, but also indicates that USP10 could be regarded as a potential intervention target for the metastatic HCC in Smad4‐positive patients.
Nitrobenzene – method for the determination of nitrobenzene in workplace air using gas chromatography after thermal desorption [Air monitoring methods, 2019]
Authors: Tschickardt M. , Krämer W. , Schmitt R. , Hebisch R. , Brock T.H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2019

This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of nitrobenzene [
98‐95‐3
] in workplace air in a concentration range of one tenth up to twice the currently valid OEL or MAK value of 0.51 mg/m
3
. With this method simultaneously airborne nitrobenzene in the gaseous state as well as particles are collected. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a quartz fibre filter located in the sampling head GGP‐Mini with an adsorption tube filled with Tenax TA connected downstream using a suitable pump. The flow rate is set to 0.066 L/min with a recommended air sample volume of approx. 4 litres. The collected nitrobenzene is thermally desorbed and then analysed by means of gas chromatography using two detectors, a FID for quantification and a MSD to recognise potential interferences. The quantitative determination is based on a calibration function obtained by means of a multi‐point calibration. The limit of quantification is 0.0085 mg/m
3
based on an air sample of 4 litres.
Addendum to Tetrachloroethylene [BAT value documentation, 2018]
Authors: Bolt H.M. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2019

In 2017, the German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated tetrachloroethylene [
127‐18‐4
], considering tetrachloroethylene in blood to characterize the internal exposure at the workplace. Available publications are described in detail.

The exposure equivalents for carcinogenic substances (EKA) of inhaled tetrachloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene in blood were confirmed and extended by recent data. The evaluation of the BAT value was based on the relationship between tetrachloroethylene uptake by inhalation at the MAK value and the corresponding concentration of tetrachloroethylene in blood. An eight‐hour exposure at the present MAK value of 10 ml tetrachloroethylene/m
3
correlates, 16 hours after exposure, with a mean tetrachloroethylene concentration in blood of approximately 200 µg/l. Hence, a BAT value of 200 µg tetrachloroethylene/l blood was evaluated. Sampling time is 16 hours after exposure.
Addendum zu Molybdän und seine Verbindungen [BAT value documentation in German language, 2019]
Authors: Michalke B. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2019

In 2018, the German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated Molybdenum and its compounds. Available publications are described in detail.

In recent publications since the last evaluation in 2005 some authors investigated Molybdenum concentrations in blood or urine with respect to occupational Molybdenum exposure, however, without a conclusive outcome: The results of the different studies were either contradictory or missed respective exposure data and/or quality control measures. Therefore, no BAT value (biological tolerance value) was derived. However, some studies reported background concentrations in men, women or children, most of them with sufficiently applied quality control. In these studies, it was found that nutrition is the most important contribution to Molybdenum in urine. Several studies with quality control means and with sufficient statistical power revealed similar concentration ranges between 34–50 µg/L urine and/or 95% percentiles around 150 µg/L urine. In conclusion, a BAR of 150 µg Molybdenum/L urine was derived.
Tobacco‐specific nitrosamines – Determination of
N
‐nitrosoanabasine,
N
‐nitrosoanatabine,
N
‐nitrosonornicotine and 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanol in urine by LC‐MS/MS [Biomonitoring methods, 2019]
Authors: Scherer G. , Gilch G. , Köhler D. , Völkel W. , Göen T. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2019

The working group “Analyses in Biological Materials” of the Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area developed and validated the presented biomonitoring method.

This analytical method permits the determination of tobacco‐specific nitrosamines (TSNA) in urine using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The parameters in question are
N
‐nitrosoanabasine (NAB),
N
‐nitrosoanatabine (NAT),
N
‐nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanol (NNAL). NNAL is a metabolite of 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK). Due to its sensitivity, this method is suitable for the detection of the aforementioned analytes in the urine of smokers. NNAL can also be quantified in the urine of passive smokers.

The analytes NAB, NAT, NNN and NNAL are present in urine in both free and glucuronidated forms. For the determination of the total TSNA level in urine, the glucuronides are cleaved by enzymatic hydrolysis and then the analytes are isolated and concentrated using solid phase extraction (SPE). Two sorbent materials are used for sample preparation via SPE, first a material based on molecularly imprinted polymers and then a mixed‐mode cation exchange polymer. Analysis is performed by LC‐MS/MS. Deuterated internal standards are used for calibration. Calibration standards are prepared in pooled urine obtained from non‐smokers and are processed in the same way as the samples to be analysed.
1,4‐Dichlorobenzene [MAK Value Documentation, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2019

The German Commission for the investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated 1,4‐dichlorobenzene [
106‐46‐7
] considering all toxicological endpoints. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail.

In mouse liver, 1,4‐dichlorobenzene causes carcinoma after oral and inhalation exposure and is mitogenic and cytotoxic. In reliable studies it is not genotoxic. As a non‐genotoxic mechanism is of prime importance and genotoxic effects play at most a minor part, provided the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) is observed, 1,4‐dichlororbenzene is now classified in Category 4 for carcinogenic substances.

The chronic local NOAEC of 20 ml/m
3
for changes in the olfactory epithelium of the rat nose would correspond to a MAK value of 10 ml/m
3
. However, the most sensitive toxicological effect is hepatocellular hypertrophy with a LOAEL of 10 mg/kg body weight and day in an oral 52‐week study with dogs. Because of the low severity and incidence of the effect, a NAEL (no adverse effect level) of 5 mg/kg body weight and day is assumed. This NAEL is scaled to a MAK value of 2 ml/m
3
.

Since a systemic effect is critical, Peak Limitation Category II is assigned. As it is not known if the effects are due to the metabolites or 1,4‐dichlorobenzene itself, the default excursion factor of 2 is assigned.

The NOAECs for developmental toxicity in rats and rabbits are 500 and 100 ml/m
3
, respectively, and the differences to the MAK value are sufficient. Therefore, damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is observed and 1,4‐dichlorobenzene is assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group C. Skin contact may contribute significantly to systemic toxicity and 1,4‐dichlorobenzene remains designated with an “H” notation. Sensitization is not expected from the limited data.
Di‐
tert
‐dodecyl pentasulfide /Di‐
tert
‐dodecyl polysulfide [MAK value documentation, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2019

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the work place (MAK value), the Pregnancy Risk Group and the absorption through the skin of di‐
tert
‐dodecyl pentasulfide [
31565‐23‐8
] and di‐
tert
‐dodecyl polysulfide [
68583‐56‐2
;
68425‐15‐0
].

The systemic toxicity is low and the substances are at most minimally irritating to skin and eye. Acidophilic globuli are present in the kidney of male rats in an oral 28‐day study at 50 mg/kg body weight and day, presumably resulting from an α2u‐globulin mediated kidney toxicity which, however, has not actually been proven. Based on this LOAEC the MAK value would be 10 mg/m
3
. However, the substances are poorly water‐soluble liquids and an accumulation in the lung is expected. Most of the di‐
tert
‐dodecyl pentasulfide and di‐
tert
‐dodecyl polysulfide molecule consists of hydrocarbon chains resulting in characteristics similar to severely refined mineral oil, for which a MAK value of 5 mg/m
3
had been set as the respirable fraction (R) based on inhalation studies. Therefore, the MAK‐value for di‐
tert
‐dodecyl pentasulfide and di‐
tert
‐dodecyl polysulfide is also set at 5 mg/m
3
 R. Peak Limitation is designated as well by analogy with severely refined mineral oil with Category II and excursion factor of 4.

New data on developmental toxicity are not available. As the MAK value is lowered, Pregnancy Risk Group C is retained. Skin contact is not expected to contribute significantly to systemic toxicity.