bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causative organisms and visual prognosis of endophthalmitis in Cairo University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Bahgat Nermeen M. , Ibrahim Mona K. , Awadein Ahmed , Shokier Gihan M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify the most common causative organisms, treatment modalities, and visual prognosis of cases of endophthalmitis in Cairo University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt.

Patients and methods

This was a prospective study that was carried out on consecutive patients presenting with exogenous endophthalmitis to Cairo University Hospital Casualty Unit, Cairo, Egypt, during the period from June 2021 to February 2022. Demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients were collected and analyzed. Vitreous tap was obtained from all patients and cultured. Treatment modalities were tabulated and analyzed. Factors influencing the final visual outcome were studied.

Results

The study included 31 eyes of 31 patients, with a mean age of 41.8±17.9 years (range=8–69 years). All cases had exogenous endophthalmitis, where 17 were postoperative, 12 posttraumatic, and two postintravitreal injection. Positive vitreous culture was detected in only nine (29%) patients. The most commonly identified organism was Streptococcus pneumoniae (four of nine patients, 44.4%). Cultures were positive for fungi in only two patients. Cultures were positive in 35% of postoperative endophthalmitis and in 25% of posttraumatic endophthalmitis. Treatment modalities included intravitreal antibiotics only (n=15; 48.4%), intravitreal antibiotics and delayed vitrectomy (n=8; 25.8%), immediate vitrectomy (n=7; 22.6%), and evisceration (n=1; 3.2%). The mean follow-up after presentation was 5.1±1.6 months (range=3–9 months). The factors associated with poor visual outcome were older age (P=0.032), history of ocular trauma (P<0.001), early presentation after trauma (P=0.021), and presence of corneal infection (P=0.001). The visual outcome was significantly better in those who had vitrectomy either immediately or after intravitreal injection (P=0.004).

Conclusion

S. pneumoniae was the most commonly identified organism in exogenous endophthalmitis in Cairo University Hospitals. Early vitrectomy and absence of corneal infection were associated with better visual outcome.
Optic nerve head diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient values as measuring tools for papilledema grade in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Alhagaa Ahmed A. , Habib Rehab M.
Published: March 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore if there is a relationship between the grade of papilledema and MRI diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the optic nerve head (ONH) in patients having idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Patients and methods

This is a prospective study that was conducted between March 2020 and June 2022 on 285 patients diagnosed as having IIH, who were subjected to meticulous clinical examination, visual field testing, color vision testing, and orbital MRI done within one week of diagnosis. ONH signal intensity was graded and then compared with papilledema grade, and the results were analyzed.

Results

The study included 285 patients (156 females and 129 males), with a mean age of 30.8±9.6 years, definitely diagnosed as having IIH with lumbar puncture opening pressure ranging from 18 to 58 cmH2O (mean=35.6±9.8 cmH2O). The papilledema grades were grade I (121 patients), grade II (136 patients), grade III (21 patients), and grade IV (seven patients). ADC values of the ONH were found to be gradually decreased with higher papilledema grades among cases. In addition, according to papilledema grading, in grade I, 67% of the patients showed no DWI changes, whereas in grade II, 97% of the patients showed DWI changes in the ONH. In grades III and IV, all patients showed DWI changes.

Conclusion

MRI can be considered as a diagnostic tool for papilledema. In addition, low ADC values and diffusion restriction can be used as indicators for the severity of ONH insult in cases of increased intracranial tension.
Visual acuity changes associated with foveal ischemia detected by optical coherence tomography angiography in type II diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Sallam Moataz A. , Shahin Mohamed E. , Ali Esraa A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Diabetic macular ischemia is a vision-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Early detection of ischemic changes can preserve the vision. The aim of the study was to detect the early macular ischemic changes in patients with no diabetic retinopathy (NDR), using optical coherence tomography angiography, and to correlate these changes with the best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA).

Patients and methods

A case–control study was conducted to compare 30 diabetic eyes with NDR with 30 healthy control eyes. The glycemic control was determined by glycosylated hemoglobin level less than 6.5%. The diabetic group was further subdivided into those with normal BCDVA and those with decreased BCDVA. The outcome measures included BCDVA and optical coherence tomography angiography features.

Results

Compared with controls, the diabetics with decreased BCDVA were found to have significantly thinner central macular thickness (P<0.001), larger foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area (P<0.001) in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses (sFAZ and dFAZ), and lower vascular density (VD) (P<0.05) regarding the central density and the superior, inferior, and temporal quadrants. In addition, they showed significantly larger associated capillary dropout areas in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses and significantly lower foveal and parafoveal VD compared with diabetics with normal BCDVA (P<0.001 and 0.05, respectively). Diabetics with normal BCDVA showed no significant difference from the controls regarding the dFAZ and VD but showed significantly lower sFAZ area (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Diabetic ischemic microvascular changes including decreased VD and enlarged FAZ areas precede clinically visible retinopathy and might be correlated with decreased visual acuity in patients with NDR.
Association of antenatal anxiety with adverse pregnancy outcomes: A prospective hospital-based study
Authors: Dwivedi Arun K. , Sandhu Namrita , Datta Soheli , Gumber Aayushi , Shukla Lovely , Yadav Usha K. , Singh Shreya , Sharma Prachi
Published: March 2023

Background:

Anxiety is common in pregnant women. Many studies have shown association of antenatal anxiety with adverse pregnancy outcomes, though the results are conflicting. Further, there are very limited studies on the subject reported from India, due to which, the data is limited. Hence this study was undertaken.

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred randomly selected consenting registered pregnant women reporting for antenatal follow up during third trimester of pregnancy were included in the study. Hindi version of Perinatal Anxiety Screening scale (PASS) was used to assess anxiety. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression rating Scale (EPDS) was used to assess comorbid depression. These women were followed up in the post-natal period to assess pregnancy outcomes. Chi-square test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and correlation coefficients were calculated.

Results:

Analysis was done for 195 subjects. Most women (48.7%) were between 26 and 30 yrs of age. Primigravidas comprised 11.3 % of total study sample. Mean anxiety score was 23.6 (range 5-80). Adverse pregnancy outcomes were noted in 99 women; however anxiety scores in this group were not different from the group without adverse outcomes. No significant group differences were found with respect to PASS or EPDS scores. None of the women were found to have a syndromal anxiety disorder.

Conclusions:

Antenatal anxiety was not found to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This finding is contrary to the results obtained in earlier studies. More enquiry is needed into this area to replicate the results with clarity in larger samples, in Indian context.
Psychometric properties of Psychosocial Inventory for Caregivers (PIC) scale
Authors: Singh Abhijeet , Ali Arif
Published: March 2023

Background:

There are various psychosocial challenges associated with caregiving in persons with mental illness. So, the present study attempts to develop a 62 itemed Psychosocial Inventory for Caregivers (PIC) scale in order to assess the different psychosocial problems in caregivers of persons with mental illness.

Aim and Objective:

The study aims to develop and test the PIC scale in a population with the objective to assess its reliability and validity.

Methodology:

The present study used a cross-sectional descriptive research design. Caregivers of persons with mental illness were the samples for the present study. Convenient sampling was used to collect 340 samples, based on the item-to-response ratio of 1:4. The study was conducted in the in-patient/out-patient department of LGBRIMH, Tezpur, Assam. Permission to conduct the study was taken from Institutes Ethics Committee (IEC). Proper written consent was taken from the participants after explaining to them the study.

Result:

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed in SPSS version 25.0. The internal consistency of the PIC scale was found to be 0.88. The convergent validity of the PIC scale was acceptable because the average variance extracted (AVE) was above 0.50. The square root of the average variance explained was greater than the inter-factor correlation of the PIC scale, hence, discriminant validity was established.

Conclusion:

With the development of a PIC scale, a comprehensive assessment can be done to know the various factors and consequences related to caregivers of a person with mental illness.
Epidemic of Depression and Anxiety in child and adolescent population during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta analysis of the prevalence of depression and anxiety
Authors: Maggu Gaurav , Verma Vinod , Chaudhury Suprakash , Indla Vishal
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 has caused mayhem in the life of people. It has disrupted the social fabric of life. The children and adolescent population has been particularly affected by its direct and indirect effects. This systematic review aims to find the prevalence of depression and anxiety in children and adolescent age groups. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for finding the prevalence of depression and anxiety. We found the total number of participants to be 71,016. A random effect model was used for conducting meta-analysis. The prevalence of depression was mentioned in 17 studies of 23 and the pooled prevalence was 27% [95% confidence interval: 21%-36%] and heterogeneity (I2 statistics; P <.00001) was 100%. The prevalence of anxiety was found in 20 studies of 23 and the pooled anxiety prevalence was 25% (95% confidence interval: 16%-41%) and heterogeneity (I2 statistics; P < .00001) was found to be 100%. The summary of the findings has been provided. Due to high heterogeneity, moderator analysis was performed separately for depression and anxiety subgroups. The study design consisted of cross-sectional studies and some studies conducted through online surveys. The age range varied considerably from 1 year to 19 years; 5 studies had participants aged more than 19 years, but the mean age of the total sample was less than 18 years. We conclude that indeed there is a mental health epidemic among the child and adolescent population. We recommend early intervention and tailored made strategies should for management. As the pandemic is enduring, rigorous monitoring should be done. This age group is under extra pressure owing to a large uncertainty about their studies as well their future.
Fully Operational FTIR Based Multi-Component Gas Analysis System for Spacecraft Cabin Air Monitoring
Authors: Stuffler Timo , Bittner Hermann , Honne Atle , Johansen Ib-Rune , Abele Hermann , Persaud Krishna , Keding Hans-Jürgen , Tan Gijsbert , Wessels Hendrik
Published: March 2023

An advanced trace gas monitoring system for long duration manned space missions - such as the International Space Station - is discussed. The system proposed is a combination of a Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and a distributed ‘Smart Gas Sensor system (SGS). In a running multi-phase programme [1, 2] the FTIR technology, applying novel analysis methods, has been demonstrated to handle multi-component gas measurements, including identification and quantification of 20 important trace gases in a mixture. In the current phase 3, initiated end of 1997, a fully operational FTIR technology demonstration model will be manufactured and tested. The SGS consists of an array of twenty electrically conductive polymer sensors supplemented with an array of quartz crystal microbalance sensors. The technology has been tested on the Russian MIR space station and is currently miniaturized into a second-generation flight model. Many miniature SGS units with high sensitivity may be distributed in the spacecraft to give very fast detection of any rapid local change in the cabin air quality (‘gas event’). The single FTIR system, with its higher selectivity and stability, can more accurately identify and quantify the polluting contaminants and their development with time in order to determine the needed countermeasures, to check their effect, and to ensure the safety of the crew.
PROACTIVE METHODS FOR ROAD SAFETY ANALYSIS
Authors: Chang Annie , Saunier Nicolas , Laureshyn Aliaksei
Published: March 2023

To date, the universal metric for road safety has been historical crash data, specifically, crash frequency and severity, which are direct measures of safety. However, there are well-recognized shortcomings of the crash-based approach; its greatest drawback being that it is reactive and requires long observational periods. Surrogate measures of safety, which encompass measures of safety that do not rely on crash data, have been proposed as a proactive approach to road safety analysis. This white paper provides an overview of the concept and evolution of surrogate measures of safety, as well as the emerging and future methods and measures. This is followed by the identification of the standards needs in this discipline as well as the scope of SAE’s Surrogate Measures of Safety Committee.
Mediators of arrested development as attractive malaria vector control tools: The Azadirachta indica and azadirachtin routes
Authors: Ugwu Francis Stephen Ogbonna , Oyeagu Uchenna
Published: March 2023

Insecticides are utilized as key components in agriculture and public health tool-kits. Mosquitoes are targeted using out/indoor insecticide sprays and treated bed nets to reduce malaria. These practices are associated with increasing resistance in various species of mosquitoes, multiple insecticide use, environmental pollution, high cost and spread of malaria into regions where they did not exist before. This paper explores the possibility of developing a safer route to mosquito control through the use of plant secondary metabolites. Peer-reviewed literature on safe substances from biological sources with attractive potentials to mediate arrested development on water-based stages of mosquitoes were appraised. Google Scholar search engine was used to locate published works from reputable journals and institutions by feeding its dialogue search box with relevant key words. Insecticide use is bedeviled with lots of impediments which embolden malaria vectors to acquire resistance, destabilize the ecosystem besides causing public health problems. Plants such as Citrullus colocynthi, Azadirachta indica, etc. contain secondary metabolites that are effective in arresting eggs, larva and pupa in water. Azadirachta indica extract is reputed to have the highest activity against insect vectors. Its most active ingredient against vectors is azadirachtin. Its use in mosquito control will be sustainable as it is well endowed with both reduced cost, accessibility and effectiveness in small water bodies around human surroundings. Small- and large-scale production of azadirachtin can be done through plant tissue culture which is boosted with new editing tools in genetic engineering. Use of A. Indica’s azadirachtin is a safe malaria vector control that can be accomplished through imposition of arrested development on immature mosquitoes. Its role in deceiving egg laden mosquitoes deserve further investigations while funding agencies such as World Health Organization (WHO) and governments of Sub Sahara Africa should take advantage of this harmless route to eliminate malaria.
Evaluation of the haemostatic potentials of aqueous extract of Hyptis suaveolens leaves in wistar rats
Authors: Mokwenye Ifeoma , Ikewuchi Catherin Chidinma , Okoye Ngozi Franca
Published: March 2023

Hyptis suaveolens is widely used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of bleeding and wounds amongst a number of other ailments. This study investigated the haemostatic activities as well as the effects of Hyptis suaveolens on some haematological parameters in Wistar rats. Preliminary phytochemical, mineral and trace metal analyses, as well as toxicity studies were carried out on the plant extract. Twenty (20) adult female Wistar rats having an average weight of 152.4 g were divided into four (4) groups comprising five (5) animals per group. Group 1 served as the control and received no treatment. Group 2 received 100 mg/kg bodyweight of extract; Group 3 received 200 mg/kg bodyweight of extract while Group 4 received 400 mg/kg bodyweight of extract. All treatments were administered orally for 21 days. The clotting time (sec), bleeding time (sec), prothrombin time (sec), partial thromboplastin time (sec) and haematological indices of the animals were all investigated and the results were analysed using one-way ANOVA. The extract significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) the clotting and bleeding times at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses of administration compared with control. The extract also significantly increased the red blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) levels at all doses of administration compared with the control. The prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times along with other haematological parameters investigated, showed no significant variations. The significant lowering (p ≤ 0.05) of the bleeding and clotting times of the animals that received 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg dose respectively of the extract compared with control, suggests that the aqueous extract of Hyptis suaveolens possesses haemostatic potentials.
Production of gluconic acid from sweet potato peels using naturally occurring fungi by submerged fermentation
Authors: Ajibo Adeyinka Elizabeth , Said Rukayat Olaitan
Published: March 2023

The oxidation of glucose produces gluconic acid, a significant organic acid. The aim of this study was to produce gluconic acid from sweet potato peels by submerged fermentation. Isolation and identification of fungi were done using standard microbiological methods. Proximate analysis of substrate and screening of fungal isolates for gluconic acid production was done using standard procedures. Gluconic acid yields were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. A standard gluconic acid producer, Aspergillus niger ATCC 10577, was used as control. A sum of six different fungal species were isolated and identified. They included Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillum sp., Cladosporium sp., Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus terreus. Proximate composition of the sweet potato peels showed percentage carbohydrate of 20.81 ± 0.07, percentage moisture of 64.02 ± 0.27. Screening for gluconic acid production showed that Aspergillus niger had the highest zone of clearance and identified as Aspergillus niger UFMGCB 14248. Our data further showed that gluconic acid concentrations (mg/ml) was highest at substrate concentration 50 g/L, carbon source starch, incubation day 7 and pH 6 for both Aspergillus niger UFMGCB 14248 and Aspergillus niger ATCC 10577. The findings showed that the fungal isolates used in this study were good gluconic acid producers
Effects of farmyard manure, sawdust and npk 15-15-15 fertilizer on growth and yield of (cucumis satius l)
Authors: F Owolabi J , Opoola E , A Tiawo M , Unah P
Published: March 2023

A study was carried to determine the effect of inorganic and organic fertilizer for cucumber production. This is to access and establish the type that will produce optimum yield. The fertilizer types evaluated were poultry manure, sawdust NPK 15-15-15.The study was conducted on Alfisol soil at kabba. The experimental design used was Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments. The treatment were poultry manure (25 tons/h), sawdust 25 tons/h, NPK 15.15-15 (400kg/ha), poultry manure (25 tons/ha) + NPK 15-15-15 (400kg/ha) and control (No fertilizer application).All the treatments were replicated four times to give a total of twenty (20) experimental plots. The result of this study showed that the combination of poultry manure and NPK 15-15-15 significantly increased (P<0.05) the Number of leaves, Number of fruits and weight of fruits (fruit yield). The yield performance sequence was in the order poultry manure+ NPK 15-15-15> poultry manure> sawdust> NPK> control.
Estimation of aquifer productivity and groundwater recharge from single - well pumping test
Authors: Akinfemiwa Akanbi Olanrewaju
Published: March 2023

Due to the abrupt variations in lithology and structures associated with crystalline basement terrains of southwestern (SW) Nigeria, reliable evaluations of aquifer properties are essential for the management and protection of groundwater resource. For this purpose, single-well pumping and recovery tests were carried out in wells within the various bedrock terrains of Ibarapa region of SW Nigeria to evaluate the discharge, drawdowns, storage capacity, transmissivity, recovery rate and other well inventory with the aim of evaluating sustainable groundwater yield within the diverse geological terrains of the region of study. From the results, the average (av.) groundwater discharge (in m3/day) for wells in areas underlain by amphibolite was 72.05; 53.45 in gneisses; 68.27 in migmatite and 64.33 in granitic terrains. In the respective order of geological settings, the total drawdowns in wells were 10.70 m, 21.99 m 17.69 m and 15.58 m and transmissivities (in m2/day) were 6.85, 2.57, 0.76, 1.72, while specific capacity values (in m3/d/m) were correspondingly; 7.67, 3.10, 4.00 and 5.54.  The recovery tests showed that wells in granitic terrains were characterized by better water recharge than in other terrains. However, groundwater yield in amphibolite and to a lesser extent in gneisses were quite sustainable and the rates of groundwater recovery though moderate sustained continuous discharge for hours of continuous pumping. It is therefore mandatory to develop a reticulation system in this region so as to cater for water supply in areas underlain by granite and migmatite at the central and north-eastern part of the study area.
Api gravities and geochemical evaluation of crude oils from sapele, niger – delta, nigeria
Authors: Uzoegbu U , J C Madu A , Ugwueze U , Omang O
Published: March 2023

The investigation is to provide information on source organic matter input, depositional conditions and the correlation between crude oils recovered from Sapele oilfield in the Niger Delta. A suite of twenty-five crude oils from the Agbada reservoirs (synsedimentary) of the Tertiary Niger Delta (Southern Nigeria) were analysed based on API gravities and geochemically compared with extracts from source rock of the Akata and Agbada Formations. The Sapele shallow reservoirs occur between the depths of 4000ft and 6000ft, containing heavy crudes with API gravities 20 – 22 degrees. The deep reservoirs lie within 7000ft and 12000ft accumulating the light crudes with API gravities of 24.70-35.60 degrees, and viscocity of 1.64cP. The investigated biomarkers indicated that the Sapele oils were derived from mixed marine and terrigenous organic matter and deposited under suboxic conditions. This has been achieved from normal alkane and acyclic isoprenoids distributions, terpane and sterane biomarkers. These oils were also generated from source rock with a wide range of thermal maturity and ranging from early-mature to peak oil window. Based on molecular indicators of organic source input and depositional environment diagnostic biomarkers, one petroleum system operates in the Niger Delta Region; as observed on the source rocks from the Agbada organic – rich shale sediments. Therefore, the hydrocarbon exploration processes should be concentrating on the Akata and Agbada area of the Tertiary strata for determining the source kitchen.
Trace element geochemical imprints and multi-path health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in soils from the polymetallic area of tashan-jatau, northwestern nigeria
Authors: Omang O , Effiom H , Omeka E , Oko E , Asinya A , Ojikutu T , Kave T
Published: March 2023

The occurrence of Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the soil phase may portend environmental, ecological and health-related risks. Hence, this study has combined high-precision geochemical analyses (X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)), quantitative soil pollution indices and health risk assessment modelling for a holistic and precise assessment of the intrinsic vulnerability of the soil system to contamination. Geochemical analysis showed that the soils are highly enriched with PTEs such as V (mean = 449.5 mg/L), Cr (mean = 529.9 mg/L), Cu (mean = 374.4 mg/L), Sr (mean = 1365.3 mg/L), Zr (mean = 2703 mg/L), Zn (mean = 282.5 mg/L), and Pb (mean = 127.3 mg/L). Quantitative soil pollution assessment (contamination factor and enrichment factor) revealed that besides mining, the distribution and association between trace elements and oxides were from surface environmental conditions (including mobility potential, leaching metal-complexation, weathering and oxidation of parent material). Health risk assessment based on hazard quotient and hazard index revealed that the inhabitants are generally more exposed to risks from toxic elements ingestion than dermal contact and inhalation; the children are vulnerable to risks than adults. The cancer risks from ingestion and dermal contact of As and Cr for both children and adults are relatively higher (> 1.0E−04) than the acceptable range; although the children population seems to be more susceptible to cancer risks due to lower body weight.
Structural lineament mapping using remote sensing in the aures massif (ne algeria)
Authors: Djeffal Rami , Chadi Mohamed , Hadj Youcef Brahim El
Published: March 2023

The Aures massif is located in the eastern part of the Atlasic Domain and formed by Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary rocks. The main objective of this study is to map the structural lineaments and geologically analyze their different geometric aspects, like orientation and distribution, using remote sensing data. Another important aim is to track the extent of lineaments, understand how they integrate into the regional structure and trace the main tectonic events responsible for the Aures' structuration. Both manual and automatic approaches were employed to achieve the study's objectives. More than twelve thousand lineaments were identified, and grouped into four direction families: NW-SE, NE-SW, E-W, and N-S. Two main factors control the orientation: density and distribution of the lineaments, and topographic and geologic factors. A good correspondence was found between literature and techniques employed in this work regarding structural lineament analysis showing that the Aures lineaments result from the succession of Alpine orogeny tectonic phases. Mainly two phases were responsible on its structuration: the major Atlasic event, which occurred during the Lutetitian stage with NW-SE trending, and the Alpine which happened in late Miocene with N-S compression.
СОЦИОЛОГИЈА СТАРЕЊА
Authors: Милошевић Радуловић Лела
Published: March 2023

Уџбеник Социологија старења је резултат мог вишегодишњег предавачког рада на предметима Социологија старења, Социјална инклузија старијих особа и Образовање за треће доба на Департману за социологију, Департману за социјалну политику и социјални рад, Департману за психологију и Департману за педагогију на Филозофском факултету Универзитета у Нишу, као и критичког пропитивања могућности социологије старења. Такође, уџбеник представља резултат мог научноистраживачког рада на пројектима Института за социолошка истраживања Филозофског факултета Универзитета у Нишу и Машинског факултета у Нишу (Катедра за друштвене науке), које је финансирало Министарство просвете, науке и технолошког развоја, као и научноистраживачког рада на пројекту Одбора за проучавање становништва Српске академије наука и уметности – САНУ (Огранак у Нишу). Књига је написана у складу са програмом за наставни предмет Социологија старења на Филозофском факултету Универзитета у Нишу и намењена је, пре свега, студентима социологије, социјалне политке и социјалног рада и психологије. Намењена је и истраживачима из различитих научних дисциплина који трагају за релевантним теоријско-методолошким приступима у проучавању старења и старости, стручњацима који се баве израдом друштвених стратегија и спровођењем практичних акција ради побољшања социјалног положаја и квалитета живота старијих људи, али и другима који се интересују за социолошко објашњење старења и старости у контексту друштвених и демографских промена. Уџбеник Социологија старења представља увођење у социологију старења преко упознавања са њеним предметом проучавања, методом, теоријама и основним проблемима истраживања, а структура књиге, начин интерпретације и објашњења прилагођени су, пре свега, студентима. Идеје, теорије и концепти илустровани су примерима из појединих земаља у свету, Европи, региону и из Србије. Стицање знања о старости као друштвеноисторијској и културолошкој категорији, утицају друштва на положај и улогу старијих људи и утицају старења људи на друштво, значајно је за разумевање животног тока у друштвеном контексту. Поред тога, значајно је и за превазилажење предрасуда и стереотипа о старијим људима, ублажавање страхова повезаних са старењем, за боље разумевање потреба и могућности старијих људи у породици и друштвеном окружењу и пружање доприноса побољшању квалитета живота старијих људи који то сада јесу и свих оних који ће бити старији.
GREENHOUSE MONITORING AND CONTROL USING IOT
Authors: Deivaprasath.A  , Arvind.D  , Sanjay.M  , Sunil Kumar.M  , Muruganandham.J
Published: March 2023

The population of the world has been increasing gradually in recent times. Under excessive climatic conditions, the plants can be grown with the help of Greenhouse. Green houses help to maintain the temperature within a limited range, used for cultivating plants out of season. The greenhouse control system is powered by ESP-WROOM 32 Wi-Fi Microcontroller and it consists of temperature and humidity sensor, soil moisture sensor, PIR sensor and MQ Gas sensor to monitor and the Incandescent Bulb, air blower and water pump to maintain the environmental conditions. Temperature and humidity sensor senses the level of temperature and moisture and send the bit signal to the controller, which controls the operation of the incandescent lamp to and blower. The moisture content in the soil is sensed with the help of Soil Moisture sensor and it controls the operation of water pump. PIR sensor is used to detect the movement of any organisms such as rodents and send the signal to the buzzer. The Air quality is sensed by the MQ2 Gas Sensor. The data sensed by the sensor is sent to the cloud through Wi-Fi and so that it can be monitored and controlled at any location using the laptop.
Ainda sobre princípios e métodos de interpretação constitucional
Authors: Brando Marcelo
Published: March 2023

O trabalho apresenta os resultados de uma investigação empírica de caráter descritivo-exploratório sobre o uso de princípios e métodos de interpretação constitucional pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal tendo como pano de fundo o tratamento do tema pela doutrina brasileira e a crítica teórica feita por Virgílio Afonso da Silva no texto Interpretação constitucional e sincretismo metodológico (2005). Em análise feita após o levantamento de uma amostra de dez manuais ou cursos de Direito Constitucional, sendo alguns deles de autoria de ministros do Supremo Tribunal Federal, observou-se que a crítica teórica de Silva não parece ter sido diretamente enfrentada ou respondida por parte da doutrina constitucional brasileira. No entanto, não foi possível concluir no sentido de que o trabalho de Silva não teve impacto na doutrina constitucional brasileira como um todo, em função da pequena amostra. Além disso, analisando-se um conjunto de 1.109.958 acórdãos e decisões monocráticas proferidas pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal no período de 2010 a 2019, observou-se que em apenas 2.225 (176 decisões colegiadas e 2.049 decisões monocráticas) algum método ou princípio de interpretação constitucional foi explicitamente citado. Após a apresentação dos resultados, discussão e limitações do estudo empírico, esta investigação conclui indicando outras questões que merecem ser investigadas em trabalhos futuros.
utilização de paródias musicais em campanhas de educação e prevenção
Authors: Freire Flavia , De Oliveira Gouvêa Eduardo
Published: March 2023

A presente exposição visa a contribuir com a temática acerca do dever de transparência nas políticas públicas a partir do exame de caso concreto que introduz a reflexão sobre a possibilidade (e os ganhos) da utilização de paródias musicais pela Administração Pública, sob a forma de campanha de educação e prevenção, em prol do interesse público.

Nesse contexto, pretende-se abordar os cânones protetivos dos direitos autorais referentes ao uso de paródias musicais pelo gestor público, sobretudo, no que tange ao entendimento extraído dos debates recentes no Superior Tribunal de Justiça.
crise de legitimidade da democracia representativa brasileira
Authors: Alves de Santana Junior Gilson
Published: March 2023

A democracia representativa brasileira atravessa uma crise de legitimidade sem precedentes. Apesar do movimento crescente de interesse da população por temas políticos, a presença popular nas esferas de poder é reduzida, o que acirra as tensões sociais que a política deveria arrefecer. Por sua vez, o sistema jurídico foi colocado (ou se colocou) como responsável por suplantar aquela crise, apresentando as soluções para as demandas políticas que não mais encontravam respostas em seu ambiente natural. Não obstante, o sistema jurídico não foi capaz de cumprir esse papel suplementar e acabou por se lançar também em uma crise de legitimidade. Assim, o artigo buscará identificar as causas dessas crises de legitimidade e apontar caminhos para a sua superação, a fim de viabilizar uma recuperação da legitimidade desses dois campos sociais para que, atuando de forma ajustada e relacionada, a sociedade possa encontrar as respostas para suas demandas em seus ambientes mais naturais. Com este objetivo, o artigo propõe uma análise dos elementos essenciais de uma democracia saudável em contraste com a realidade política brasileira da última década, ao mesmo tempo em que se serve da teoria ecológica do direito para perceber as relações atuais entre política e direito no país, enquanto causas e consequências da crise de legitimidade referida. Emprega ainda como metodologia a análise qualitativa de dados relevantes sobre o cenário político-eleitoral brasileiro além de abordar trabalhos relevantes para a temática proposta.
Afroconveniência eleitoral no Brasil
Authors: De Santana Módolo Lucas
Published: March 2023

O artigo analisa o fenômeno da afroconveniência na perspectiva do último pleito eleitoral no Brasil (2022). Recentemente, os brasileiros receberam a notícia de que os parlamentos brasileiros se tornaram mais diversos, sobretudo no que diz respeito à representatividade racial entre os candidatos eleitos para a nova legislatura. A novidade, no entanto, tem sido acompanhada com certa desconfiança por parte de representantes do movimento negro brasileiro, que notou o aumento do número de candidatos que mudaram sua declaração racial no ano de vigência das regras para fomentar o aumento de candidaturas negras pelos partidos políticos. O artigo apresenta, primeiramente, o contexto da instituição de ações afirmativas para pessoas negras nas eleições brasileiras e os dados oficiais do Tribunal Superior Eleitoral a respeito do comportamento alarmante de candidatos que promoveram a alteração de sua declaração racial, sendo beneficiados pela medida afirmativa. Ao final, são propostas reflexões sobre os meios para impedir a prática de fraudes raciais nesses ambientes. O estudo defende que os dados oficiais do TSE apontam para uma conjuntura de suspeita de fraude racial na disputa eleitoral e anuncia a necessidade de os órgãos eleitorais instituírem controles antifraude para garantir que as ações afirmativas instituídas recentemente tenham serventia exclusiva às vítimas do racismo no Brasil, assim entendidos aqueles que são socialmente percebidos como negros.
art. 1.015, x, CPC e a decisão denegatória de efeito suspensivo nos embargos à execução
Authors: Kronemberg Hartmann Guilherme , Mascarenhas Lopes Rodolfo
Published: March 2023

O presente artigo aborda a discussão, desenvolvida no âmbito da doutrina e da jurisprudência do Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ), acerca do cabimento do recurso de agravo de instrumento em face da decisão interlocutória que denega atribuição de efeito suspensivo nos embargos à execução, prevista no art. 1.015, X, do Código de Processo Civil (CPC), tendo como pressuposto a natureza jurídica da decisão denegatória, e, em que medida, a análise desta natureza nos faz concluir que a hipótese em comento atrai, a rigor, o disposto no art. 1.015, I, CPC. Pretende-se, a partir desta reflexão, estabelecer parâmetros gerais sobre a espécie recursal do agravo de instrumento dentro do modelo de recorribilidade trazido pelo CPC de 2015; e, a partir disso, refletir em que medida a decisão denegatória de efeito suspensivo requerido pelo executado, embora não contemplada expressamente na hipótese do art. 1.015, X, CPC, possa ser encaixada na norma prevista no inciso I do mesmo dispositivo, em especial no que concerne à tutela jurisdicional de caráter provisório fundada na urgência, sem que, com isso, seja necessário recorrer ao recurso hermenêutico da tese da taxatividade mitigada, fixada pelo STJ quando do julgamento do Recurso Especial nº 1.704.520/MT (Tema nº 988 dos recursos repetitivos).
Inteligência artificial e as decisões administrativas
Authors: Binenbojm Gustavo
Published: March 2023

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The Effect of Rearing System on Plumage Quality and Foot-Pad Dermatitis in Guinea Fowls and Pheasants
Authors: UÇAR Ahmet , BOZ Mehmet Akif , SARICA Musa
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine welfare parameters such as foot-pad dermatitis (FPD) and plumage quality (PQ) scores at different slaughter ages in barn and free-range rearing systems for guinea fowl and pheasants. The birds randomly distributed with half of 200 Pheasant and 200 guinea fowl chicks were reared in both indoor and free-range systems. Game birds were examined for both FPD score and feather score (PQ) at 6, 12, 14, 16 and 18 weeks of age. The litter moisture content was also measured at 14, 16 and 18 weeks of the growing period. In guinea fowls, litter moisture content differed significantly according to the rearing system (P0.05). In terms of FPD, there was no difference in guinea fowl according to the rearing system, gender and slaughter age, but there was a difference in pheasants according to the slaughter age. In guinea fowl, the head PART feather quality was lower than the barn system (P
A Dynamic Model For Poultry Supply Chain In West Java
Authors: Aminuddin Rahmat Ridlo , Okdinawati Liane
Published: March 2023

This paper analyzes the constraints on supply chain processes within the poultry industry in West Java, Indonesia after COVID-19 pandemic. During the upstream process, poultry feed costs fluctuates greatly and lacks of storage which causing feed supply constraint, the  mortality rate of chickens often surpasses 5% due to several factors including stocking density. Another identified problem adversely affecting the upstream process is the inability of small-scale farmers to procure their own Grand Parent Stock (GPS) since they remain dependent upon corporations to supply it, leading to inefficiency and increased production costs. Meanwhile, in downstream processes, the lack of a cold supply chain system and adequate storage capacity presents other challenges with regard to product durability. Consumer awareness regarding the relationship between food safety and health, and shifting in consumer preferences, especially during COVID-19 pandemic is also considered as a constraint in West Java poultry supply chain. To cope with those problems, several solutions such as technology and policy were offered to improve and solve problems in the supply chain process. Technology can be a powerful tool in addressing challenges in the poultry supply chain by providing efficient, accurate, and scalable solutions. While policy play a crucial role in addressing problems in the poultry supply chain by setting standards, promoting best practices, and providing a framework for action, regulate the behavior of the actors, promote transparency and hold actors accountable for their actions. A causal loop diagram is also made to assess the relationship between technology and policy in poultry supply chain process
Challenges of Talent Retention: A Review of Literature
Authors: Mohamad Mazlan Mohd Rafiq , Jambulingam Manimekalai
Published: March 2023

Talented employees are a source of competitive advantage for companies in today’s competitive world. Retaining them has been a challenge for most organisations. The objective of this study is to understand the challenges of retaining talented employees, by reviewing the relevant literature on talent retention. The study identifies that career growth, workplace well-being, competition within the industry, globalisation and the new employment landscape are the challenges of talent retention. This study will help organisations to understand the challenges, which will then guide them in having the right solutions to solving this issue, especially in today’s highly competitive environment and the new employment landscape.
The association between ankle mobility and Achilles tendon, plantar fascia, iliotibial band stiffness and elasticity in athletes
Authors: Usgu Serkan , Biçici Uluşahin Seda , Gönen Tuğba
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The ankle range of motion in the kinetic chain is very important. The joint mobility can affect soft tissue mechanical features and alter athletic performance. This study aimed to determine whether there was a relationship between the stiffness and elasticity of iliotibial band (ITB), Achilles tendon (AT), plantar fascia (PF), and ankle mobility in athletes.

Materials and Methods: Thirty professional athletes (n=10, basketball, n=10, volleyball, n=10, running) participated in this study. ITB-AT-PF- mechanical properties (stiffness and elasticity) were measured bilaterally with a Myoton-Pro. Ankle mobility was measured with an inclinometer during knee to wall lunge test.

Results: Ankle mobility was not correlated with the mechanical properties (p>0.05). AT-stiffness had weak negative correlation with AT-elasticity (r=-0.46), ITB-stiffness had moderate negative correlation with ITB elasticity and weak positive correlation with AT-stiffness on the nondominant side (r=-0.65,0.44). AT-elasticity had moderate and weak negative correlations between AT and PF-stiffness, respectively (r=-0.63,-0.41), ITB-stiffness had weak negative correlation with ITB-elasticity on the dominant side (r=-0.36). Dominant side AT and nondominant side ITB-elasticity of runners and nondominant and dominant side ITB-stiffness of basketball players were significantly higher (p<0.05).

Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between ankle mobility and mechanical properties of the ITB-AT-PF. These findings may be useful in planning rehabilitation or conditioning programs in terms of injury prevention.
Artificial neural networks: a measurement of forecast learnings as potential demand
Authors: Castaneda Sanchez Willy Alex , Polo Escobar Benjamin Roldan , Vega Huincho Fernando
Published: March 2023

Neural networks today have become an essential technological tool due to their contribution to developing problems related to forecasting learning in production planning to meet potential demand. The research aims to apply artificial neural networks to measure a deep understanding of forecasts. The study is quantitative with a pre-experimental design. A test with pre-test and post-test was used for the Visual Net neural network programming language for each type of programmed learning. The results based on the averages regarding the predictive conceptual understanding and the neural network method were substantial. In contrast, automatic and deep learning contributed to the development of the problem. In terms of a deep understanding of the student's behaviors is essential. The results of the application of forecasts helped the changes of the neural network in acquiring the ability to learn more complex functions and concluding that artificial neural networks in deep forecasting learning substantially improve learning in concepts, procedures, and behaviors which leads the company to minimize costs and increase profits for various ideas.
Effects of Social and Community issues in Inter-Ethnic Conflicts on Economic Growth in Muhoroni and Tinderet sub-counties in Kenya
Authors: Chavulimu Jacob , Mathews Godrick
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Inter-ethnic conflicts have had a negative impact on the global economic growth. In Africa, over $ 120 billion has been on spent on the vice thus affecting heragricultural sector consequently subjecting over 198,000,000 people to starvation and food insecurity. The Government efforts in mitigating the vice has bone no fruits as the number of deaths keeps on rising from an estimate of  7, 9 and 13 people in 2012, 2014 and 2016 respectively.The main objective was to assess the social and community effects of inter-ethnic conflicts on economic growth in Kenya.

Methodology: Karl Marx’sConflict theory was adopted. A correlational research design was adopted.A population of 220 was considered. A response rate of 80.7% was realized thus affirming the significance and relevance of the data.The findings revealed that social issues had a negative effect with significant contribution to the economic growth (β=..666, p<.05) while community issues had a slightly weaker significant effect (β=.198,p<.05).Social and community issues of Inter-ethnic Conflicts had an effect on economic growth and accounted for 58.1% significant variance in economic growth (R square =.581, F(2, 217)=261.296, p=.000).

Findings: The study concluded that the inter-ethnic conflicts in Nyando, Muhoroni and Tinderet sub-counties were the root causes of the stagnated economy.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended various approaches namely enactment of legislation that can enforce punitive actions against the perpetrators; adopting multiagency approach in curbing the vice; stakeholder involvement and engagement in finding a lasting solution to inter-ethnic conflicts; the national government, lands commission and the members of the community explores ways to deal with matters land. There are efforts by the national government to foster peace through the administrative units and the county governments so as to avoid ethnicity. Significant progress has also been observed over the government’s commitment to narrow down to perpetrators of violence and hate speech causing fights. Plans that are put in place to oversee execution of justice should be enhanced and effective to ensure persons that become victims receive justice. The findings may aide the economic and peace integration commission stakeholders in advising potential investors as well as the government on promoting peace in the area. Scholars could also benefit by coming up with a model and more information in the area for guiding new researchers.