bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tıp Fakültesi Öğrencilerinin Sağlıklı Yaşam Biçimi Davranışları ve İlişkili Faktörler
Authors: GÖMLEKSİZ Mehtap , YAKAR Burkay , PİRİNÇCİ Edibe
Published: June 2020

Amaç: Araştırmamızda Tıp Fakültesi öğrencilerinin sağlıklı yaşam davranış düzeylerini ve sağlıklı yaşam davranışlarına etki eden faktörlerin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır.

Yöntemler: Kesitsel ve tanımlayıcı tipte tasarlanan çalışmanın evrenini bir tıp fakültesinde 2017-2018 eğitim yılında öğrenim gören tüm öğrenciler (n=989 kişi) oluşturmuştur. Çalışmada öğrencilerin 711’ine (katılım oranı %71.9) ulaşılmıştır. Çalışma verileri sosyodemografik anket formu ve Sağlıklı Yaşam Biçimi Davranışları Ölçeği II (SYBD) kullanılarak elde edilmiştir. Verilerin analizi SPSS 22.0 paket programı ile t testi ve varyans analizi kullanılarak değerlendirilmiştir ve p
CE2 Tipi Karaciğer Kist Hidatik Lezyonlarının Modifiye Kateterizasyon Yöntemi ile Tedavisinde 8 F ve 14 F Kateterlerin Kullanımının Karşılaştırılması
Authors: TURGUT Bekir
Published: June 2020

Amaç: Bu çalışmada CE2 karaciğer kist hidatik tedavisinde kullanılan modifiye kateterizasyon yönteminde kateter kalınlık seçiminin, etkinlik, rekürrens, komplikasyon ve hastane yatış süresi açısından karşılaştırılması amaçlandı.

Yöntemler: Ocak 2016 ve Ocak 2020 tarihleri arasında kurumda CE2 karaciğer kist hidatik tanılı ve modifiye kateterizasyon tedavisi uygulanmış olan hastaların verileri geriye dönük incelendi. Modifiye kateterizasyon yönteminde 8 F ve 14 F kateter kullanılan hastalar listelendi. Girişimsel radyolog tarafından tedavi öncesinde yapılmış olan USG raporları taranarak kist tipi, kist boyutu ve lokalizasyonu listelendi. Kayıtlı olan perkütan tedavi bilgileri ve raporları değerlendirilerek uygulanan tedavi türü, kullanılan kateter kalınlığı, komplikasyonlar, kateterizasyon süresi, hastanede yatış süresi listelendi. Takip USG raporları değerlendirilerek takip süresi, kistin son kontroldeki boyutu, uzun dönem nüks sonuçları ve nüks tedavi yöntemleri kayıt edildi. Her iki grupta bu listelenen değişkenler istatistik olarak kıyaslandı.

Bulgular: CE2 tipi kist hidatik nedeni ile modifiye kateterizasyon tedavisi uygulanmış 23 hastanın verileri çalışmaya dahil edildi. Ortalama takip süresi 806 (±496.04) gün oldu. Dokuz hasta tedavisinde 8 F kateter, 14 hasta tedavisinde 14 F kateter kullanıldı. Tedavi etkinliği 8 F kateter grubunda % 88.8 , 14 F kateter grubunda % 92.8 olmuştur. Lokal rekürrens her iki grupta da birer adet gelişti. Tedavi etkinliği, komplikasyon ve lokal rekürrens açısından her iki grup arasında anlamlı fark saptanmadı (sırasıyla p=0.742, p=0.668, p=0.640). 8 F ve 14 F kateter kullanılan gruplar arasında hastanede yatış süresi açısından istatiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık saptanmadı ( p=1.000). 8 F ve 14 F kateter kullanılan gruplar arasında kateterizasyon süresi 8 F kateter kullananlarda daha kısa oldu (p=0.046).

Sonuç: CE2 tipi karaciğer kist hidatik tedavisinde modifiye kateterizasyon yönteminde 14 F kateterler gibi 8 F kateterlerin de kullanımı etkin ve güvenlidir.
A Grubu Beta-Hemolitik Streptokok Tanısının Kültür ve Hızlı Antijen Testi ile Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: AVCIOĞLU Fatma , BEHÇET Mustafa , AFŞAR Yusuf
Published: June 2020

Amaç: Streptococcus pyogenes olarak da bilinen Grup A streptokok(GAS ), çocuklarda üst solunum yolu (farenjit) enfeksiyonlarının yaygın bir nedenidir. Streptokoksik ve non-streptokoksik farenjit belirtileri ve semptomları birbirlerine çok benzediği için ayırımında laboratuvar testleri büyük önem taşır. GAS tespitinde kültür ve hızlı antijen testleri(HAT) kullanılmaktadır. Ancak kanlı agar besiyerine ekilen bir boğaz sürüntüsünün kültür yapılarak değerlendirilmesinin en önemli dezavantajı, kültür sonucunun elde edilmesindeki süredir (bir gece veya daha uzun). Streptokok hızlı antijen tespit testleri, doğrudan hastanın boğazından alınan sürüntüden direkt yapıldığı için daha avantajlıdır. Bu çalışmada HAT yöntemini farklı şekillerde yaparak etkinliğini kültür testine göre değerlendirmeyi amaçladık.

Yöntemler: 01.03.2019-01.06.2019 tarihleri arasında faranjit ön tanısıyla mikrobiyoloji laboratuvarına gönderilen 368 boğaz sürüntüsü örneği değerlendirmeye alındı. Çalışma iki basamaklı olarak yürütüldü. Birinci aşamada bütün boğaz sürüntü örneklerine hızlı antijen testi (Ecotest® strep A hızlı test / Wellkang, İngiltere) ve kültür ekimi yapıldı. İkinci aşamada kültürde üreme saptanan beta hemolitik kolonilere hem HAT yapıldı hem de kanlı agar besiyerine tekrar pasajlanarak basitrasin ve trimetoprim-sulfometaksazol(SXT) diskleri yerleştirildi.

Bulgular: İşleme alınan 368 boğaz sürüntüsü örneğinin 61’nde(%17) kültür ile GAS tespit edildi. Birinci aşamada HAT’nin kültüre göre duyarlılığı %52, özgüllüğü %100 olarak bulundu. İkinci aşamadaki HAT’nin kültüre göre duyarlılığı %92, özgüllüğü %100 olarak bulundu.

Sonuç: Kültürde üreyen kolonilere HAT yapılmasının GAS tespitini kolaylaştırdığı bu çalışma ile anlaşılmıştır.
Mide Kanseri ve Beslenme
Authors: KEMEÇ Zeki , IŞIKDOĞAN Abdurrahman
Published: June 2020

Giriş: Ülkemizde Güneydoğu ve Doğu Anadolu bölgelerinde mide kanseri en sık rastlanan kanserler arasında yer almaktadır. Çalışmalarda beslenmenin mide kanser etyolojisinde önemli bir faktör olduğu tanımlanmıştır. Bu çalışmada, mide kanserinde diyet alışkanlıklarının etkisi araştırıldı.

Yöntemler: Çalışma Dicle Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Hastanesi’nde 2004-2005 tarihleri arasında onkoloji departmanında yürütüldü. Vaka-kontrollü çalışmada sırasıyla 81 mide kanserli hasta (MCH) , 40 sağlıklı gönüllü birey (Kontrol-1), 40 diğer kanserli hasta (Kontrol-2), 3 ana grup olarak değerlendirildi. Katılımcılara ‘Mide Kanseri Takip Formu’ (MKTF) ve ‘Beslenme Anket Formu’ (BAF) kullanılarak anket uygulandı. Bu anketlerde katılımcıların demografik ve beslenme özellikleri arasındaki ilişki ’Pearson Chi-Square testi’ kullanılarak değerlendirildi.

Bulgu-Sonuç: Üç ana grubun demografik ve beslenme değişkenleri karşılaştırıldı. Farklı sonuçlar bulundu. Bazı değişkenler mide kanseri ile ilişkiliyken, bazıları ilişkisiz bulundu. İleri yaş, erkek cinsiyet, kırsal yaşam, ev hanımı ve çiftçilik meslekleri, sosyokültürel-sosyoekonomik düzey düşüklüğü, kalabalık ailede yaşam, A kan grubu, sebze-meyveden kısıtlı beslenme, kötü ağız hijyeni ve yetersiz diş fırçalama alışkanlığı MCH’larında anlamlı bulundu. MCH’ları et, tuzlanıp-saklanmış et ürünleri, tuzlu peynir, tuzlanmış salamura zeytin, kahve, kırmızı pul biberi, meyve, salata, kuruyemiş gibi besin ve içecek gruplarını az tükettikleri tespit edildi. MCH’larında tandır fırın (ateşte/közde pişmiş) ekmeği ve katı-sıvı yağ tüketimi oldukça anlamlıydı.
Ortopedik Enfeksiyonların Tedavisinde Sodyum Hipoklorit’in Yeri Var mıdır?
Authors: YİĞİT Şeyhmus , AKAR Mehmet Sait , ÖZBEK Erdal
Published: June 2020

Amaç: Ortopedik cerrahide periprostetik, eklem (septik artrit) ve diabetik yara enfeksiyonlar tedavisi zor ve uzun zaman almaktadır. Bakteriler tarafından artan antibiyotik direnci nedeniyle lokal antiseptikler her geçen gün daha fazla önem kazanmışlardır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, sodyum hipoklorit ve günlük ortopedik pratikte sıkça kullanılan povidin iyot gibi bakterisidal dezenfektanın biofilm oluşturan S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E.coli, P. aeruginosa suşları üzerinde etkinliğini değerlendirmektir.

Yöntemler: Bu çalışmada, dezenfektan olarak %0,08’lik sodyum hipoklorit (HYPNOS, Türkiye), %3,5 povidoniyot (ORBAK Kimya, Türkiye), test edilen mikroorganizmalar ise Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-15442 suşları kullanılmıştır. Dezenfektanların etkinliğini saptamak için Kelsey-Sykes metodu modifiye edilerek kullanılmıştır. Her bir mikroorganizmadan ayrı ayrı bakteri süspansiyonu hazırlanmıştır. Tüpler 35°C’de 48 saat bekletilmiştir. 48 saatlik inkubasyondan sonra tüplerden 0.01 ml özelerle %5 koyun kanlı agar (RTA© İstanbul, TR) besiyerlerine pasaj yapılarak 24 saat 35°C’de inkube edilmiştir. 24 saatin sonunda plaklar üreme yönünden değerlendirilmiştir.

Bulgular: Sodyum hipoklorit (%0,08’) ile 2 dk maruziyet sonucu S. aureus, S.epidermidis, E. coli suşlarındaki bakterilerin tamamı ölürken,P. aeruginosa suşundaki bakterilerin bir kısmı yaşamış ve kültürde yeniden üreme olmuştur. Povidon iyot (%0,35) ile 2 dk maruziyet sonucu S. aureus ve S.epidermidis suşlarındaki bakterilerin tamamı ölürken, E. coli ve P. aeruginosa suşundaki bakterilerin bir kısmı yaşamış ve kültürde yeniden üreme olmuştur. Sodyum hipoklorit (%0,08’) ve Povidon iyot (%0,35) ile 5 dk maruz kalındığında tüm bakteri suşlarının öldüğünü saptadık.

Sonuç: Sodyum hipoklorit güçlü bakterisidal etkiye sahiptir ve çok ilaca dirençli organizmaların eklem dışı yüzeyel veya periprostetik enfeksiyonlarında kullanılabilir. Doku toksitesi için ek çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.
Comparing Family Drawing Test Indices and Behavioral Problems between Iranian and Afghan Emigrant Children, Isfahan Province, Iran
Authors: Davari Mohamad , Haghayegh Sayed Abbas
Published: June 2020

Background: Immigration can be accompanied by many psychological outcomes for emigrant families. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare family drawing test indices and behavioral problems among Iranian and Afghan emigrant children. Methods: The research design was a comparative and cross-sectional study. We included 550 Iranian and Afghan students aged 7 - 11 years in Isfahan Province from April to June 2017. Achenbach Behavioral Problem questionnaire (2001) was sent to their mothers for filling, and Drawing Family Test was conducted. After reducing the number of dropout students, the final sample reached 282 students (including 174 Iranian students and 108 Afghan immigrants)., SPSS-23 software and chi-square tests as well as multivariate analysis of variance were used for analyzing data. Results: The results of the chi-square test showed that there was a significant difference in some of the drawing indices, including size, rhythm, location of drawing, valuation, removal of person, and distances between two groups of Iranian students and Afghan migrants (P < 0.05). Also, the results of multivariate analysis of variance indicated that there was a significant difference among mean scores of behavioral problems and dimensions of somatization, thinking problems and anti-social problems in the two groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in other variables. Conclusions: According to the results, the children of the Afghan refugee group have more both behavioral problems and drawing indices than the Iranian group.
Editor’s Note: When Everyone Became a Teacher
Authors: Verbeten Sharon
Published: June 2020

While I’ve always considered being a children’s librarian as being a teacher, I never expected how much impact the word “teacher” would have in spring 2020. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures, many of us became full-time teachers to our own children. And that didn’t come without its challenges.And while schools and teachers did offer online assistance, many parents—like me!—struggled to keep thoughtful and effective learning going every day.Cooking class? Sure! I can make cupcakes! Science? Buy a tomato plant and watch it grow! Physical education meant a brisk walk around the neighborhood.
Pandemic Publishing: A Selected COVID-19 Bibliography
Authors: Sarles Patricia
Published: June 2020

During a global crisis, it seems everything changes on a daily basis, and that includes publishing. With information about COVID-19 being revised just as rapidly, families have been struggling to educate their children on the virus and the pandemic. Scores of authors and publishers are leading the way, promptly publishing digital children’s books; here is a list of some of those titles (compiled as of May 7, 2020). Quality varies, since many are self-published, but all are available free online unless otherwise noted (https://nycdoe.libguides.com/COVID-19ebooks/free).
How Can ALSC Help You in Uncertain Times?
Authors: McGowan Cecilia
Published: June 2020

Now, more than ever, ALSC is here for you. Our member-driven organization relies on your passion and commitment to children, families, and their caregivers. But you rely on us as well. These are hard times as we adjust to the impact of COVID-19. There is no sugarcoating how hard your lives are working from home if you’re able to, managing if you’re not. How can ALSC serve you through these dark times and sustain you when this crisis is over?
Beyond the Book: Encouraging Emerging Readers
Authors: Kozikowski Marybeth , Williams Kerri
Published: June 2020

Emerging reader books (call them early or easy, that’s a discussion for another article) have come into their own since the Geisel Award was first presented in 2006 and the success of series like Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie.But learning to read independently is a daunting challenge—quality books are just one of the tools librarians across the country are employing to help children master this critical milestone and develop a lifelong love of reading. What are libraries doing, beyond the book, to help?
Everyday Advocacy: Doing What You Do
Authors: Ruscio Erica
Published: June 2020

Earlier this year, ALSC’s Public Awareness Committee published the Championing Children’s Services toolkit to help libraries expand their advocacy efforts. It features eight program ideas, each centered around a different “Because Statement.” For instance, the first Because Statement is, “Because child readers become grown-up leaders.” The corresponding program suggests, “Invite your stakeholders to attend the Summer Reading/Learning Program kick-off. They can simply attend the event or you can give them a more active role.”
Welcoming to All: Latinx Culture and Programming: Notes from Latinx Librarians
Authors: Mitra Cristina E. , Rodarte Edwin , Estrella Maria F. , Terrones Lettycia
Published: June 2020

ALSC prioritizes children’s services and programming to diverse communities. And while ALSC provides guidelines and tangible resources, children’s librarians are still often confronted with not only actualizing library services that support our most vulnerable communities, but also ensuring that our efforts empower our communities and do not result in perpetuating recursive barriers to access.
Storytime, Three Ways: From Razzle-Dazzle to Library Giants
Authors: Raphael Laura
Published: June 2020

Once upon a time, I worked in adult services at my large urban library. I thought about library storytime as most adult services librarians do—which is to say (1) not very often and (2) mostly something done to entertain wiggly kids I rarely interacted with.I had vague notions that storytimes involved children’s librarians as circus ringmasters of sorts, singing and reading stories and doing skits with puppets. In other words, I had a one-dimensional conception of storytime, or what I’m calling Storytime Number One—a razzle-dazzle good time for children that involves songs and reading books. I also vaguely remembered seeing children’s librarians lugging puppets and craft supplies and, once, a tub of animal crackers, into the storytime room.
Jumping Performance of Elite NCAA Division 1 Student-athletes: The Effect of Basketball Shoe Design – Part I
Authors: Luczak Tony , Burch Reuben F. , Smith Brian , Lamberth John , Carruth Daniel
Published: June 2020

Background: Assessment of basketball shoes as personal protection equipment (PPE) at the collegiate level is unique. Objective: The purpose of Part I in this pilot study was to examine the effect of shoe design on jump height in elite male and female National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 basketball student-athletes. Method: Each team selected two pairs of AdidasTM branded shoes. The male student-athletes selected the AdidasTM Harden Vol. 3 and the AdidasTM SM Pro basketball shoes. The female student-athletes selected the AdidasTM Harden Vol. 3 and the AdidasTM Captain Marvel basketball shoes. A total of sixteen basketball student-athletes (six males, ten females) performed an acute series of four styled basketball jumps on two ForceDecksTM Force Platforms while trying to maximize jump height by tapping VertecTM Jump Vanes. Two trials were performed in each shoe and for each type of jump which included a countermovement jump, drop jump from 30cm, step and jump, and a series of plyometric jumps. Results: The results of this pilot study indicated a non-significant effect of basketball shoe design on jump height while performing an acute series of basketball style jumps for either the male or female basketball student-athletes. However, there were significant differences in jump height and peak power between the male and female basketball student-athletes (p = 0.001). Conclusion: In addition to the results, the use of quantitative performance testing on the effectiveness of basketball shoe designs as PPE may assist in the mitigation of non-contact ankle and lower limb injuries.
Difference in Internal and External Workloads between Non-Injured and Injured Groups in Collegiate Female Soccer Players
Authors: Ishida Ai , Beaumont Joshua S
Published: June 2020

Background: Effects of internal and external workloads (IL, EL) on lower limb soft-tissue injuries (LLSTI) risk in male soccer players has been described, the relationships remain unclear in collegiate female (soccer players. Objective: The purpose was to examine the mean difference in IL and EL in LLSTI between non-injured and injured groups (N-IG and IG). Method: 20 collegiate female soccer players (age: 19.2±1.2years; height: 168.2±7.3cm; body mass: 41.0±17.9kg) were included for 14 week competitive season. IL included average heart rate (Avg-HR) and high heart rate zone. EL included total distance, average speed (Avg-Spd), and high-speed running distance. Injuries were counted if (a) they were LLSTI and muscular/ligamentous strains or tears and tendon problems, and (b) the players missed more than one match or training session. Acute (7-day simple average) and chronic (21-day simple average) IL and EL were calculated in the IG while the mean of acute (7-day) and chronic (21-day) IL and EL were computed in the NIG. Acute Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR) was calculated as the ratio of acute and chronic IL and EL. Results: Seven LLSTI occurred over 14 weeks. The acute Avg-HR and ACWR of Avg-Spd were significantly higher in the IG than the N-IG (p=0.001 and 0.024). IL and EL in the IG were placed below or above the mean of the N-IG. Conclusion: LLSTI might occur at high and low workloads in collegiate female soccer players. This may support the use of micro-technology to monitor workload based on individual player’s threshold to reduce LLSTI.
Changes in Heart Rate Variability and Post Exercise Blood Pressure from Manipulating Load Intensities of Resistance-Training
Authors: Alemi Behzad , Kok Lian-Yee , Ler Hui-Yin , Chee Chen-Soon
Published: June 2020

Background: The isolated effect of resistance training (RT) on heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) is crucial when prescribing suitable training programmes for healthy individuals. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare BP and HRV responses in physically active men after an acute RT session with loads of 5-, 10- or 15-repetition maximums (5RM, 10RM and 15RM). Method: Eighty-one men (age: 21.6±1.1yr; body mass: 74.1±5.8 kg; height: 175.3 ±7.1cm) who performed moderate to vigorous physical activities for at least 30 min a day on most days of the week participated in this study. After the of 5RM loads for the bent-over row (BR), bench press (BEP), Dead-lift (DL) and squats (SQ), participants were divided into three training load groups (15RM = GrpL, 10RM = GrpM or 5RM = GrpH). During the experimental session, each group (n=27) performed 3 sets for each of the four exercise, with 2-min rest intervals between sets and exercises with their assigned training load. BP and HRV were measured prior to, immediately after, and at 15-min intervals until two hours post-experiment. Results: All three groups attained improved BP (p = .001) reductions and longer HRV (p = .0001) changes after an acute exercise session but the GrpM (10RM) and and GrpL (15RM) performed better than GrpH (5RM). Conclusion: Strength and conditioning professionals may prescribe exercises with 10-15RM loads if the aim is to obtain an acute reduction in BP after an RT session.
Using K-means Clustering to Create Training Groups for Elite American Football Student-athletes Based on Game Demands
Authors: Shelly Zachary , Burch Reuben F. , Tian Wenmeng , Strawderman Lesley , Piroli Anthony , Bichey Corey
Published: June 2020

Background: American football and the athletes that participate have continually evolved since the sport’s inception. The fluidity of the sport, as well as the growth of the body of knowledge pertaining to American football, requires evolving training techniques. While performance data is being garnered at very high rates by elite level sports organizations, the limiting factor to the value of data can be the limited known uses for the data. Objective: This study introduces a technique that can be used in tandem with data collected from wearable technology to better inform training decisions. Method: The K-means clustering technique was used to group athletes from two seasons worth of data from an NCAA Division 1 American football team that is in the “Power 5.” The data was obtained using Catapult Sports OPTIMEYE S5 TM in games played against only other “Power 5” programs. This data was then used to create average game demands of each student-athlete, which was then used to create training groups based upon individual game demands as previously mentioned. Results: The resultant groupings from the single-season analyses of seasons one and two showed results that were similar to traditional groupings used for training in American football, which worked as validation of the results, while also offering insights on individuals that may need to consider training in a non-traditional group based upon their game demands. Conclusion: This technique can be brought to `athletic training and be useful in any organization that is dealing with training multitudes of athletes.
A Survey of Junior and Senior High School Teachers’ Perceptions and Perceived Skills of ICT Integration in Teaching and Learning of Mathematics
Authors: Atteh Evans , Adams Alfred Kofi , Ayiku Frank , Kpai Henry
Published: June 2020

Aim: The study sought to investigate the mathematics teachers’ perceptions and perceived skills of ICT in the teaching and learning of mathematics in some selected junior and senior high schools in Ghana.

Study Design: This study used descriptive cross-sectional survey research design.

Methodology: The main instrument used for the study was questionnaire. The sample size for the study comprised both JHS and SHS mathematics teachers. In this study, cluster sampling and simple random techniques were used to select one hundred and twenty (120) teachers in junior and senior high schools in the keta municipality of the Volta region of which 76 were males and 29 were females. Out of the one hundred and twenty (120) teachers selected, one hundred and five (105) teachers presented back the questionnaire for analysis, 42 were J.H.S teachers and 63 were S.H.S teachers.

Results: The respondents agreed that using ICT in teaching and learning of mathematics is good, indicating positive perception among teachers. Again, the respondents showed that they possess some level of skills in using ICT in teaching and learning of mathematics.

Conclusions: Most mathematics teachers in the J.H.S and S.H.S have positive perception and skills to support the view that the integration of ICT in the teaching and learning of mathematics is useful and can improve teaching and learning in the mathematics classroom.
Generalized Pell-Padovan Numbers
Authors: Soykan Yüksel
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we investigate the generalized Pell-Padovan sequences and we deal with, in detail, four special cases, namely, Pell-Padovan, Pell-Perrin, third order Fibonacci-Pell and third order Lucas-Pell sequences. We present Binet’s formulas, generating functions, Simson formulas and the summation formulas for these sequences. Moreover, we give some identities and matrices related with these sequences.
Assessment of the Toxicity Potentials of Spent Laptop Battery Wastes on Essential Soil Microbes and Plant Bioindicators
Authors: Uba Bright Obidinma , Okoye Ebele Linda , Chude Charles Onuora , Ogamba Joshua Okwuchukwu
Published: June 2020

Aims: The study was undertaken to assess the toxicity potentials of spent laptop battery wastes on essential soil microbes and plant bio-indicators.

Study Design: Five treatments and the controls designs were set up in triplicates and incubated at 25 ± 2°C for 21 days. The five treatments and controls set ups were designated as 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 100% and CTRL.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli Anambra State, Nigeria during May, 2019 - July, 2019.

Methodology: The microbial growth inhibition was analysed using standard method of spread plate technique while growth indices and percentage seedling emergence were adopted for the seed growth inhibition.

Results: The result revealed that fungal population was the most sensitive followed by bacterial population and then actinomycetes population in terms of toxic responses to the spent laptop battery samples soil contamination. The order of toxicity of the spent battery samples on the growth indices and percentage seedling emergence of P. vulgaris and S. bicolor were: Product B-bean (-18.89%) > Product A-sorghum (-32.22%) > Product A-bean (- 38.63%) > Product B- sorghum (- 45.77%) revealing that both P. vulgaris and S. bicolor are very good bio-monitoring models for spent product A and B battery pollution assessment.

Conclusion: Thus, strict and stringent measures on release of these electronic wastes in the environment are recommended.
Burr X Exponential – G Family of Distributions: Properties and Application
Authors: Sanusi A. A. , Doguwa S. I. S. , Audu I. , Baraya Y. M.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we developed a new class of continuous distributions called Burr X Exponential-G Family. Also, we obtained sub-models of this family of distributions such as Burr X Exponential-Rayleigh (BXE-R) and Burr X Exponential Lomax (BXE-Lx) distributions; by showing their respective densities functions. Some structural properties of the proposed family of distributions were derived such as moment, moment generating function, probability weighted moment, renyi entropy and order statistics. We estimate the parameters of the model by using Maximum Likelihood methods. Finally, the results obtained are validated using two real data sets. The results show that BXE-Lx distribution provides better fit in the data sets than some other well known distributions. However, this new family of distributions will serve as an additional generator for developing new sub models to modeling positive real data sets.
The Out-of-Kilter Algorithm and Its Applications to Network Flow Problems
Authors: Moolman W. H.
Published: June 2020

The out-of-kilter algorithm, which was published by D.R. Fulkerson [1], is an algorithm that computes the solution to the minimum-cost flow problem in a flow network. To begin, the algorithm starts with an initial flow along the arcs and a number for each of the nodes in the network. By making use of Complementary Slackness Optimality Conditions (CSOC) [2], the algorithm searches for out-of-kilter arcs (those that do not satisfy CSOC conditions). If none are found the algorithm is complete. For arcs that do not satisfy the CSOC theorem, the flow needs to be increased or decreased to bring them into kilter. The algorithm will look for a path that either increases or decreases the flow according to the need. This is done until all arcs are in-kilter, at which point the algorithm is complete. If no paths are found to improve the system then there is no feasible flow. The Out-of-Kilter algorithm is applied to find the optimal solution to any problem that involves network flows. This includes problems such as transportation, assignment and shortest path problems. Computer solutions using a Pascal program and Matlab are demonstrated.
Preliminary Evaluation of Different Combinations of Inorganic and Humate Based Fertilizer on Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Malawi
Authors: Masamba Kennedy , Phiri Austin T. , Mwenye Obed , Chiipanthenga Margaret , Chipojola Felix , Mbewe Willard
Published: June 2020

In Malawi the demand of the use of mineral acidifying fertilizer by farmers for sustenance of high crop yields is increasing. The soaring demand is a pointer to the loss of humic substances in the soil and the resultant poor soil health. There is potential however to reduce the amount of mineral fertilizer used by the farmers and retain the applied nutrients within the plants rooting zone for increased use efficiency and productivity. This could be achieved through the combined application of humate based fertilizers with mineral fertilizer. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different rates of NPK and humate based fertilizer (HBF) combinations on potato yield and yield components at Tsangano, Bembeke and Dwale Extension Planning Area (EPA) in the 2016/2017 cropping season. Ten treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Baseline soil data were collected and subjected to standard laboratory analytical procedure. Agronomic data collected in the experiment were analyzed in Genstat Discovery Edition 4 and were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% level of confidence. The means were separated by the least significant difference (LSD0.05). Laboratory analysis showed that soils were strongly acid at the three sites with low amount of N, P, K except for Dwale EPA which had high P and medium content of K. Furthermore, results showed that different NPK and HBF combination significantly influenced potato tuber yield and yield components at the three sites. The recommended fertilizer rate of NPK 8:18:15 + 6S at 250 kg ha-1 + 60 kg N ha-1 produced the highest tuber yield at Tsangano (20,729 kg ha-1) and Bembeke (5,189 kg ha-1). At Dwale EPA, application of NPK 8:18:15 + 6S at 250 kg ha-1 produced the highest yield (13,956 kg ha-1). Nevertheless, different combinations of NPK and HBF fertilizer (Treatments 7, 8, 9 and 10) also gave comparably high yields and high number of big tubers. Therefore, the combined application of mineral fertilizer and humate based fertilizer potentially could increase potato yield in Malawi, sustainably. More studies however are required in order to confirm the results.
Morphological and Genetic Diversity Studies of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from the Cross River, Nigeria, Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Adelieje Chioma , Uyoh Edak Aniedi , Ntui Valentine Otang , Ama-Abasi Daniel
Published: June 2020

Morphometric and genetic diversity studies were carried out on Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus sampled from middle and lower Cross River. The aim was to provide information on variations between these two populations and also augment the limited information currently available on genetic diversity in this species. A total of 79 fish samples were used for the morphometric analysis out of which 30 were used for the genetic study. Genomic DNA was extracted from caudal fin using a modified cetyltrimethylammonium bromide method and amplified using microsatellite markers.Twenty-three morphological features were studied from each fish sample out of which 19 showed significant differences (P<0.05) between the two populations. Principal Component Analysis identified head length, head width, caudal peduncle depth, standard length, preventral distance, snout length and anal fin length as key contributors to variation. Genetic analyses indicated low variability in the populations studied as evidenced by low Shannon`s information index (mean of 0.944 – 1.034), and positive coefficients of inbreeding (FIS) across both populations suggesting the presence of greater homozygosity in this species. Gene flow of 3.507 was observed between the lower and middle Cross River indicating the possibility of free mating between the two populations. The low levels of genetic diversity call for urgent management and conservation strategies to ensure long term survival of the species.
Zoonotic Risks from Domestic Animals in Ghana
Authors: Amissah-Reynolds Papa Kofi
Published: June 2020

Zoonoses are diseases or infections which are naturally transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans and vice versa. These infections account for more than half of human infections worldwide, with most cases reported in developing countries like Ghana. The Government of Ghana recently launched the “Rearing for Food and Jobs Campaign”, an initiative to bridge the glaring deficit in protein supply. This has resulted in increased livestock production nationwide in response to the increasing demand for animal protein. Increase in both human and livestock population in the country have implications for transmission of zoonotic diseases, as it allows for more frequent interactions between the two within a limited space. Multiple animals are kept in various homes at varying levels of confinement. Security concerns, particularly in urban areas, have resulted in an increased reliance on dogs, while financial considerations have mainly driven a rapid increase in livestock production both at commercial and smallholder levels. Taking into account that the pandemics in the past few decades have animal origins, this growing human-animal interconnection is of concern. Albeit an increased household-human-animal ratio, there is a paucity of epidemiological data on domestic animals in Ghana. Several zoonotic diseases have been reported in Ghana, including rabies, toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, Q-fever, hepatitis E and brucellosis. Risk factors such as close contact with animals, poor hand hygiene, poor sanitation, and unvaccinated, free-ranging animals have been linked with zoonotic transmissions. Zoonoses have been recorded in homes, slaughterhouses, and on farms in farm workers, butchers, and vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and HIV patients. A ‘One-Health’ approach, which comprises well-coordinated activities of both health and veterinary services, will facilitate timely diagnosis and effective control of zoonoses in Ghana.
Adaptive Scheme for ANOVA Models
Authors: Biney Gilbert , Okyere Gabriel Asare , Alhassan Abukari
Published: June 2020

This paper deals with the concept of adaptive scheme and with an application to the Oneway ANOVA model under uncorrelated errors. Oneway ANOVA model is sensitive to nonnormality as well as variance heterogeneity. To overcome these problems, an adaptive scheme is proposed. The adaptive test is a two step procedure. The given data is first examined and classified based on measures of skewness and tailweight. Secondly, a selector statistic is used for selecting a test to be conducted. A 10,000 simulations were conducted to compare the performance of the two models from different continuous distributions. Analysis of real data sets on equal and unequal sample sizes were performed to evaluate the efficiency of the two models. The findings showed that our adaptive scheme outperformed the parametric F-test in symmetric or skewed distributions with varying tailweights except for symmetric and medium-tailed distributions.
A Prospective Comparative Study: Stapler Hemorrhoidopexy vs Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty in the Treatment of Hemorrhoids
Authors: Kaushal Anshuman , Aggarwal Aakanksha , Khanna Amanpriya , Agarwal Rajesh , Kundra Dhruv N. , Thusoo T. K.
Published: June 2020

Aims: Stapler hemorrhoidopexy (SH) has evolved over time as a procedure of choice over conventional surgery due to less postoperative pain. Laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LH) is a novel procedure aimed at shrinking the terminal branches of hemorrhoidal arteries with fewer complications. The present study is aimed to compare these procedures (SH and LH).

Study Design: Prospective comparative study.

Place and Duration of Study: Patients operated for hemorrhoids at the Department of General, MI & Bariatric Surgery, Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon from April 2018 to March 2019.

Methodology: 50 patients with grade II-III hemorrhoids were allocated to two groups: Stapler hemorrhoidopexy (SH) and Laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LH) with 25 patients in each group. Results were compared and patients were followed up for minimum period of 3 months.

Results: The mean operative time was 24.6 min (LH) and 28.6 min (SH) (P =.122). The average blood loss was 8.32 ml (LH) and 11.64 ml (SH) (P <.05). The mean hospital stay 21.44 hours (LH) and 32.64 hours (SH) (P <.05). Mean postoperative pain score (VAS) at 12 hours was 2.64 (LH) and 4.76 (SH) (P <.05), at 24 hours was 1.88 (LH) and 3.6 (SH) (P <.05), at 1 week was 0.36 (LH) and 0.88 (SH) (P =.054) and at 3 months 0.04 (LH) and 0.12 (SH) (P =.53). One patient in LH (4%) had postoperative bleeding on 4th postoperative day. In SH group, 2 (8%) had severe postoperative pain with VAS > 8, requiring longer hospital stay, 2 (8%) had bleeding on the same day, 1 (4%) had bleeding on follow up and 1 (4%) had recurrence.

Conclusion: In terms of early postoperative pain and complications, LH offers better results as compared to SH. It was associated with a shorter hospital stay and early return to work. No significant complications were noted in LH compared to SH. LH is an extremely viable alternative to the popular SH for grade II-III hemorrhoids.
Ankyloglossia and Its Management- Need for Standardised Guidelines
Authors: Subrahmanyam Hemanth Kowdley
Published: June 2020

With increasing diagnosis of ankyloglossia, the need for uniformity in diagnostic criteria and treatment decisions like frenotomy or frenuloplasty has come to the fore. Involvement of multidisciplinary healthcare providers who use various non-standardised resources and tools in the assessment and decision making is debatable. Effects of ankyloglossia on breast feeding, speech and sleep are discussed in this article following review of available high quality evidence based literature.
A Procedure for Assessing UHI Intensity in the Central Business District of Accra
Authors: Addo James Gyasi- , Bennadji Amar
Published: June 2020

Aim: The study aims at developing a procedure or method for assessing Urban Heat Island (UHI) in the CBD.

Study Design:  Mobile traverse.

Place and Duration of Study: The Scott Sutherland School, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee road, Aberdeen, between December 2018 and September 2019.

Methodology: It entails a review of various UHI types and the methods for measuring them, thereby considering method(s) that would be highly suitable. Weather data measurements are taken by mobile traverse, with a sensor mounted at a level of 1.5 m above the ground. Reference data were recorded at a monitoring point outside Accra. In the study, the dynamics of the UHI intensities within the various local climate zones are analysed. Various analytical approaches are explored for further investigation into the trends in the climatic variations and possible impact of the morphological changes in the urban fabric.                                                                                                                                                                           

Results: Recordings at: Anyaa-NIC, Kwashieman, Jubilee House, Supreme Court, Ministries, National Theatre, Advantage Place, Ridge Hospital and Electoral Commission showed negative deviations between −1 and −2°C from the city’s long-term average temperature. It was noticed that at Advantage Place, which is in open high-rise (LCZ4) development area, the presence of big trees showed lower UHI intensity in comparison with the intensities observed at Jubilee House and Novotel which both belong to the same local climate zone (LCZ).

Conclusion: This study reveals the presence of UHI in Accra and highlights the importance of using the LCZ classification system. It also highlights the high impact of urbanization on the local climate of the city.
Electron Trembling as a Result of Its Stationary Motion in an Extra Space along Helical Line of the Compton Radius with the Speed of Light (“Zitterbewegung’’ in Multidimensional Space)
Authors: Urusovskii Igor A.
Published: June 2020

Because there is additional space in which the observed three-dimensional Universe expands, it is believed that elementary particles move at the speed of light in full space in a vicinity of a hyper-surface of three-dimensional sphere that is our Universe. Any interpretation of a spin and isotopic spin of electron requires at least three additional spatial dimensions. As applied to six-dimensional space, the simplest interpretation of the Heisenberg’s uncertainties relation, de Broglie waves, Klein-Gordon equation, electron proper magnetic moment, CPT-symmetry, spin, and isotopic spin is consistent with the results of the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. Taking into account the movement of elementary particle (at the speed of light) along a helical line of Compton radius, when the axis of the helix is placed on that hyper-surface, we find a trajectory of the particle.
Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Quality of Boreholes and Evaluation of the Antibacterial Action of Disinfectants Used for the Microbiological Water Treatment
Authors: Bomoi Henry Jacques Matita , Bongo Gédéon Ngiala , Mpiana Pius Tshimankinda , Nsimba Kola , Matiaba Nzau , Bokonda Booto , Mindele Léonard Ukondalemba , Mbadiko Clément Mutunda
Published: June 2020

Water pollution is currently at the top of the environmental agenda. In this study, the main objectives were (i) to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of well and borehole water found in the vicinity of the University of Kinshasa and (ii) to assess the sensitivity of Escherichia coli and Enterococci strains isolated from various selected water points to disinfectants used at the industrial scale (Chlorine and chlorine dioxide) or in the household (Aquatabs) for the microbiological treatment of water. Three sites having wells or boreholes were chosen for sample collection, namely: The University of Kinshasa and its vicinity (Kindele and Kemi districts). The Physico-chemical parameters were determined in situ and then in the laboratory; and concerned the following indicators: pH, conductivity and turbidity. Moreover, the bacteriological quality was assessed by detecting the presence of faecal pollution indicator bacteria (E. coli and Enterococcus sp). The susceptibility of E. coli and Enterococcus sp strains to antimicrobials generally used for the microbiological treatment of drinking water was assessed by the dilution method on agar medium. The physico-chemical analyses showed that: (i) acid pH values in the different water points under study ranging from 6.3-6.5, (ii) conductivity and turbidity values range between 28.5 and 146 NTU. The bacteriological analyses showed that the Kemi district was the only water point which exhibited contamination with fecal pollution indicator bacteria. The strains of Enterococci and E. coli isolated from that well were highly sensitive to chlorine dioxide and Aquatabs and less sensitive to chlorine while the strains of E. coli are highly sensitive to chlorine dioxide and Aquatabs compared to the strains of Enterococci. In conclusion, we can recommend to these populations, the use of these compounds for water treatment precisely Aquatabs for household.
Inhibition of bacterial aminopropyltransferases by S‐adenosyl‐1,8‐diamino‐3‐thiooctane and by dicyclohexylamine
Authors: Pegg Anthony E. , Bitonti Alan J. , McCann Peter P. , Coward James K.
Published: July 2002

Bacterial aminopropyltransferases from Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were strongly inhibited by S‐adenosyl‐1,8‐diamino‐3‐thiooctane (AdoDATO) and by dicyclohexylamine. The sensitivity to these drugs in vitro was comparable to that of mammalian spermidine synthase, but AdoDATO was much less potent in reducing spermidine content in the bacteria than in mammalian cells. Although AdoDATO was a stronger inhibitor than dicyclohexylamine in vitro, dicyclohexylamine was more active in reducing bacterial spermidine levels in vivo, suggesting that it is take up better or is more stable in the cell and is the preferable compound for in vivo studies in microorganisms. The strong inhibition of spermidine synthases by AdoDATO which is a transition state analog supports the concept that these enzymes proceed by a single displacement reaction, rather than by a ping‐pong mechanism.
Zinc‐dependent affinity chromatography of the S100b protein on phenyl—Sepharose
Authors: Baudier Jacques , Holtzscherer Christine , Gerard Dominique
Published: July 2002

A rapid high resolution method of purification of the Trp‐containing S100 proteins (S100a, S100a′) and of the S100b protein has been developed. The principle of this method is based on the fact that S100b protein becomes highly hydrophobic upon Zn2+ binding, whereas S100a and S100a′ are not affected. On an affinity chromatography of phenyl—Sepharose column, S100b is selectively bound in presence of zinc, whereas the Trp‐containing S100 patients are quickly eluted. The S100b protein is further eluted with a buffer containing EDTA.
Globo‐A ‐ a new receptor specificity for attaching Escherichia coli
Authors: Senior D. , Baker N. , Cedergren B. , Falk P. , Larson G. , Lindstedt R. , Edén C.Svanborg
Published: July 2002

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains designated as ONAP, based on their O negative A positive agglutination of human P1 erythrocytes, were shown to prefer the globo‐A glycolipid as a receptor structure. The dependence on both the A terminal and the globoseries chain was confirmed by agglutination of human AP1, but not A or OP1, erythrocytes and by binding to the globo‐A glycolipid on TLC plates. Neither Galαl→Ga1β nor the A trisaccharide GalNAcαl→ 3(Fucαl→2)Galβ alone functioned as receptors. The bacteria thus appeared to recognize an epitope resulting from the combination of the terminal and internal structures.
Kinetics of bimolecular decay of α‐tocopheroxyl free radicals studied by ESR
Authors: Rousseau-Richard C. , Richard C. , Martin R.
Published: July 2002

The kinetics of bimolecular decay of α‐tocopheroxyl free radicals (T.) was studied by ESR mainly in ethanol and heptanol solvents. A second‐order kinetic law was observed during the whole course of reaction (‐d[T.]d t = 2 k[T.]2) and the following rate constants were determined with good accuracy in the temperature range 281–321 K: ethanol: log(2 k) = 8.2 ± 0.5 — (6.6±0.7 kcal/mol)/(2.3 RT) M−1·s−1; heptanol: log(2 k)=6.1±0.4‐(4.3±0.6 kcal/mol)/(2.3 RT) M−1.s−1. The global rate constant clearly increases with solvent polarity.
The carboxy‐terminal domain of the LexA repressor oligomerises essentially as the entire protein
Authors: Schnarr Manfred , Granger-Schnarr Michèle , Hurstel Serge , Pouyet Jean
Published: July 2002

The ability of the isolated carboxy‐terminal domain of the LexA repressor of Escherichia coli to form dimers and tetramers has been investigated by equilibrium ultracentrifugation. This domain, that comprises the amino acids 85–202, is readily purified after self‐cleavage of the LexA repressor at alkaline pH. It turns out that the carboxy‐terminal domain forms dimers and tetramers essentially as the entire LexA repressor. The corresponding association constants were determined after non‐linear least squares fitting of the experimental concentration distribution. A dimer association constant of K
2 = 3 × 104 M−1 and a tetramer association constant of K
4 = 2 × 104 M−1 have been determined. Similar measurements on the entire LexA repressor [(1985) Biochemistry 24, 2812–2818] gave values of K
2 = 2.1 × 104 M−1 and K
4 = 7.7 × 104 M−1. Within experimental error the dimer formation constant of the carboxy‐terminal domain may be considered to be the same as that of the entire repressor whereas the isolated domain forms tetramers slightly less efficiently. It should be stressed that the potential error in K
4 is higher than that in K
2. The overall conclusion is that the two structural domains of LexA have also well‐defined functional roles: the amino‐terminal domain interacts with DNA and the carboxy‐terminal domain is involved in dimerisation reinforcing in this way the binding of the LexA repressor to operator DNA.