bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical Education in Pakistan: Challenges & Way Forward
Authors: Khan J. S. , Strivens J.
Published: February 2022

There have been many conceptual and practical drawbacks in how the medical education has been developed in Pakistan. Though there has been expansion in the medical education sector since the creation of this country, the doctors available for the existing population are not sufficient thus affecting the overall quality of medical care. To understand this particular issue, associated factors are required to be analyzed. Medical education in Pakistan is affected by the growth of the private medical colleges, mal-distribution of resources, traditional curricula that focus on theoretical knowledge more than the practical training and absence of uniform admission processes in the public and the private sectors. To keep pace with socio-economic development and the quality of medical education, there is a need for re-evaluation of every facet at each and every level: creation of strong and efficient accreditation system; promotion of equality in the distribution of resources; curriculum redesigning with stricter implementation of guidelines provided by Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) and improvement in the teaching and assessment methodologies for graduates in the medical profession; thus providing optimum healthcare delivery ensuring competence concomitantly and bringing positive change in the system.
Medical Student’s Perception about Virtual Classroom during Lockdown - a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Udgiri R. S. , Biradar S.
Published: February 2022

Background: In the present scenario due to lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has become more prevalent all over the world. The sudden shift of the educational system from the traditional method of teaching to distance learning is one of the educational trials at present. Therefore it is required to know the student’s perspectives about virtual classrooms. Objectives: To analyze the perception of virtual classrooms among undergraduates and based on responses, necessary modifications are suggested to the university. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study. Institutional ethical clearance was taken before the start of the study. After taking consent from the students, the semi-structured questionnaires were sent to them online. Results: In the present study, the perception of students with regards to the virtual classroom was good because it has many advantages like flexibility, accessibility from anywhere in the country. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the use of virtual classrooms has many advantages and disadvantages. But at the same time, students preferred the traditional method as the best method of teaching.
Immunostimulatory effect of ketogenic diet in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in adult albino rats
Authors: Elsisy Rasha A.K. , Mona Marwa M. , Elkholy Sanad S.
Published: February 2022

Background

The ketogenic diet (KD) is effective to fight obesity and has therapeutic effects on various body systems.

Aim/objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the role of KD in improving immune response against cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression in rats.

Methods

Young adult albino rats (21 male) were divided into three groups: G1 (Cnt), normal control fed on a basal diet; G2 (CTX), injected with CTX and fed on a basal diet; and G3 (Keto), injected with CTX and fed on a ketogenic diet for 4 weeks.

Results

This study revealed that treatment with CTX decreased serum levels of total protein, albumin, globulin. Administration of CTX also resulted in a significant decrease in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the spleen. Histopathological examination revealed that CTX caused lymphocyte depletion in the spleen and thymus. Molecularly, CTX significantly downregulated the expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), while it upregulated interleukin 1 beta (IL1b) in the spleen. Co-administration of the ketogenic diet was able to normalize the antioxidant status and most of the biochemical and immunological parameters.

Conclusion

With these findings, we could conclude that feeding on ketogenic diet could improve the immunity.
Dosimetric Influence of Acuros XB Dose-to-Medium and Dose-to-Water Reporting Modes on Carcinoma Cervix Using Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy and Volumetric RapidArc Technique
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Bhushan Manindra , Kishore Vimal , Chowdhary Rahul Lal , Barik Soumitra , Sharma Anurag , Gairola Munish
Published: February 2022

Aim:

We aimed to evaluate the dosimetric influence of Acuros XB (AXB) dose-to-medium (Dm) and dose-to-water (Dw) reporting mode on carcinoma cervix using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and RapidArc (RA) technique.

Materials and Methods:

A cohort of thirty patients cared for carcinoma cervix was retrospectively selected for the study. Plans were computed using analytical anisotropic algorithm (AAA), AXB-Dm, and AXB-Dw algorithms for dosimetric comparison. A paired t-test and Pitman–Morgan dispersion test were executed to appraise the difference in mean values and the inter-patient variability of the differences.

Results:

The dose–volume parameters were higher for AXB-Dw in contrast to AAA for IMRT and RA plans, excluding D98%, minimum dose to planning target volume (PTV) and rectum mean dose (RA). There was no systematic trend observed in dose–volume parameters for PTV and organs at risk (OARs) between AXB-Dm and AXB-Dw for IMRT and RA plans. The dose–volume parameters for target were higher for AXB-Dm in comparison to AAA in IMRT and RA plans, except D98% and minimum dose to PTV. Analysis envisaged less inter-patient variability while switching from AAA to AXB-Dm in comparison to those switching from AAA to AXB-Dw.

Conclusions:

The present study reveals the important difference between AAA, AXB-Dm, and AXB-Dw computations for cervix carcinoma using IMRT and RA techniques. The inter-patient variability and systematic difference in dose–volume parameters computed using AAA, AXB-Dm, and AXB-Dw algorithms present the possible impact on the dose prescription to PTV and their relative constraints to OARs for IMRT and RA techniques. This may help in the decision-making in clinic while switching from AAA to AXB (Dm or Dw) algorithm for cervix carcinoma using IMRT and RA techniques.
A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ebrahimi Amrollah , Nasre Esfahan Elham , Akuchekian Shahla , Izadi Razieh , Shaneh Elham , Mahaki Behzad
Published: February 2022

Background:

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is one of the newest treatment strategies that has been developed rapidly to improve the treatment of patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of ACT and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) drugs on the severity of depression symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in obsessive–compulsive patients.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized clinical trial with a control group was conducted including 27 patients with OCD. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 criteria for OCD diagnosis, participants were recruited from Tamasha Counseling Center and obsessive–compulsive clinic in the Psychosomatic Research Center in Isfahan, Iran. Selected patients were allocated to two groups (14 in ACT the group and 13 in the drug group with SSRI with a simple random sampling method. ACT group was treated by an ACT therapist in eight 1-h sessions. Data were collected by the World Health Organization QOL Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and Depression subscale of DASS-42 at admission, after the intervention, and 3 months thereafter. Therapists and evaluators were blind to each other's work. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures method using IBM SPSS Statistics software (V 23, IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA).

Results:

Results revealed that both treatments (ACT and SSRIs drug therapy) had significant impacts on reducing depression subscales scores and increasing WHOQOL-BREF scores at posttreatment (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in QOL scores between the two groups after the intervention and follow-up (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, drug therapy presented a significantly greater improvement in depression scores of patients than those resulting from ACT (P = 0.005). The persistence of treatment effects continued after 3 months (follow-up) in both groups.

Conclusion:

ACT is equal to SSRIs drug therapy in terms of improving QOL in patients with OCD. However, SSRIs are more effective in treating depression in obsessive–compulsive patients. It may be presumed that ACT without any chemical side effect is equal to drug and is preferred for patients who either cannot use drugs or prefer not to have a drug treatment.
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with ischemic heart disease
Authors: Derisi Mohamad Mehdi , Nasiri Mohammad Javad , Aryan Alisam , Moosavi Jarrahi Alireza , Amiri Parastoo , Mohseny Maryam
Published: February 2022

Background:

Ischemic heart disease and psychiatric disorders are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Plans for providing basic health services to community members require knowledge of the current state. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among patients with ischemic heart disease.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched to find studies published before June 6, 2021. The systematic review included all original articles on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among patients with ischemic heart disease. Two independent researchers evaluated the quality of studies, using the Joanna Briggs Institute questionnaire. All analyses were performed in Stata/MP version 16. A random-effects model was used for data analysis.

Results:

Of 1672 studies initially identified, 13 studies were included in our meta-analysis, with a total of 2233 participants. The overall prevalence of psychiatric disorders was estimated at 46.85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.08–57.62; I
2 = 100%; P < 0.001 for heterogeneity). The most common disorder was depression (27.80%; 95% CI: 18.27–37.34; I
2 = 99.99%; P < 0.001 for heterogeneity). Based on the results, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders had increased by 25.55% from 2000 to 2021 compared to1984–2000.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of psychiatric diseases in people with ischemic heart disease is high and increases over time. It is recommended that preventive measures be taken worldwide.
Prevalence of nephrocalcinosis in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Madihi Yahya , Mostofizadeh Neda , Shamsipour Dehkordi Hossein , Riahinezhad Maryam , Hovsepian Silva , Rostampour Noushin , Dehkodi Elham Hashemi , Mehrkash Mahryar , Momen Tooba , Hashemipour Mahin
Published: February 2022

Background:

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of nephrocalcinosis (NC) among children with diagnosed congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Our findings would be helpful for earlier diagnosis, management, and prevention of NC-related complications.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, children with CAH, aged <18 years old who were regularly referred for follow-up, were included. The information of the patients was extracted from their medical files, and they underwent renal ultrasonography for evaluation of the presence of NC.

Results:

From 120 studied patients with CAH, four patients (3.3%) had NC. The prevalence of NC was higher in males than females (P = 0.05). Mean age and age of CAH diagnosis had a trend to be lower in CAH patients with NC than those without. Regression analysis indicated significant association between NC and sex (P = 0.027, r = 2.24).

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicated a 3.3% prevalence rate of NC for children with CAH. NC had a trend to be more prevalent in male children with CAH. Though it was not significantly different but given that the mean age and age at diagnosis of CAH in children with CAH and NC was lower that CAH patients without NC, it is suggested that in patients with CAH and NC other factors such as genetic background or unknown disease related factors are associated with hypercalcemia and NC.
Supragastric belching
Authors: Popa Stefan L. , Surdea-Blaga Teodora , David Liliana , Stanculete Mihaela Fadgyas , Picos Alina , Dumitrascu Dan L. , Chiarioni Giuseppe , Ismaiel Abdulrahman , Dumitrascu Dinu I.
Published: February 2022

Belching is defined as an audible escape of air from the esophagus or the stomach into the pharynx. It becomes pathologic if it is excessive and becomes bothersome. According to Rome IV diagnostic criteria, there is a belching disorder when one experiences bothersome belching (severe enough to impact on usual activities) more than 3 days a week. Esophageal impedance can differentiate between gastric and supragastric belching. The aim of this review was to provide data on pathogenesis and diagnosis of supragastric belching and study its relationship with gastroesophageal reflux disease and psychological factors. Treatment options for supragastric belching are also presented.
Horizontal lateral lamella as a risk factor for iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid leak. Clinical retrospective evaluation of 24 cases
Authors: Preti A. , Mozzanica F. , Gera R. , Gallo S. , Zocchi J. , Bandi F. , Guidugli G. , Ambrogi F. , Yakirevitch A. , Schindler A. , Dragonetti A. , Castelnuovo P. , Ottaviani F.
Published: February 2022

Background: Several authors highlighted the limitations of the Keros classification system in predicting intracranial entry risk. Recently, our group proposed a new classification system based on the angle formed between the lateral lamella of the cribriform plate (LLCP) and the continuation of an horizontal plane passing through the cribriform plate (Gera classification). The aim of this study was to analyze whether the risk of iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF-L) was better predicted by Keros or Gera classification. Methodology: The pre-operative CT scans of 24 patients (CSF-L group) who suffered from iatrogenic CSF-L during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) were compared to those obtained from a group of 100 patients who underwent uneventful ESS (control group). The skull base measurements as well as the distribution of Keros and Gera classes in the 2 groups were analyzed. Results: No difference in the distribution of Keros classes or in the depth of the cribriform plate between CSF-L and control group were demonstrated. On the contrary, significant differences in the distribution of Gera classes and in the degree of the angle formed by the LLCP and the continuation of the horizontal plane passing through the cribriform plate were found. In particular, according to Gera classification system, 19 out of 24 patients in the CSF-L group were considered at risk for iatrogenic CSF-L. Conclusions: Gera classification system might be more sensitive to anatomical variations associated with CSF-L than the Keros one, further suggesting the application of the former during the preoperative CT scan evaluation.
From prevention to optimal treatment in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hellings P.W.
Published: February 2022

Prevention of chronic rhinosinusitis remains a true societal challenge, as prevention of this highly prevalent non-communicable disease will significantly reduce socio-economic costs and improve the overall well-being of the large group of affected individuals. In alignment with the health priorities of national governments, prevention and cost-effective health care should be embraced by the Rhinologic community.
Off-Road Self-Propelled Work Machines Operator Enclosure Environment Part 3: Operator Enclosure Pressurization System Test Procedure
Authors:   HFTC6, Operator Accommodation
Published: February 2022

SAE J3078/3 establishes a uniform test procedure for evaluating performance of operator enclosure pressurization systems. This standard is applicable to off-road, self-propelled work machine, as defined in SAE J1116, and includes tractors and machinery for agriculture and forestry as defined in ASABE standard ANSI/ASAE S390.
Mesomorphy and vulnerability indices of Solanum melongena and Corchorus olitorius in Nsukka metropolis
Authors: Eli Ogonna Precious , Ajuzieogu Godswill Chukwunonso
Published: February 2022

Global warming is no longer just a prediction. It is happening. Variability in climate is deeply rooted within the West African society. Understanding the response of plants to increased drought would be desirable in the light of global and regional changes, not only to forecast population dynamics in natural ecosystem, but also to adjust management practices in agriculture. This study evaluated the vulnerability and mesomorphic indices of two woody farm shrubs (Solanum melongena and Corchorus olitorius) from three locations (Odoru, Ogige, Odenigwe) using their anatomical structures. The sectioning of the plant stems was carried out in the anatomy laboratory of the department of Plant science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria Nsukka. The result was significantly different (P <0.05) in the vessel length of the two plants with Corchorus olitorius having longer vessels (0.302 ± 0.012mm). Similarly, the vessel length varied significantly (P < 0.05) across the different locations. The vulnerability and mesomorphy indices observed across the plants from the different locations were <1 indicating the xeromorphic nature of the plants. Therefore, both species can withstand drought conditions, but at different degrees.
Application of microbial synthesized phytohormones in the management of environmental impacts on soils
Authors: Ezeh Chukwuemeka Cornelius , Obi Chinonye Jennifer , Moneke Anene Nwabu
Published: February 2022

With the world's population growing at an exponential rate, pollution of the ecosystem by heavy metals from anthropogenic activities poses a major threat to agricultural and food security worldwide. Phytohormones are biochemical signal molecules that alter plant responses to different biotic and abiotic stresses. Exogenous use of microbially produced phytohormone in heavy metal remediation and stress tolerance induction, has gained popularity due to its environmental friendliness and sustainability. Microbially produced phytohormones have huge biotechnological potentials and have been exploited in phytoremediation assisted removal of heavy metals, and inducing stress tolerance to plants. This paper exhaustively discusses the remedial roles of microbial phytohormones in heavy metal removal and enhancing plant tolerance to stress. However, the exact mechanism of action and the genetic interplay during the process need to be further studied to better understand the specific key pathways involved in the process.
George Padmore: Engaged Pan-African Activist and Theorist
Authors: Worrell Rodney
Published: February 2022

This writer is well aware that ideas and tactics have but a brief shelf-life and what would have been relevant for a particular historical period might not be pertinent for the present moment. Notwithstanding this caveat, this paper seeks to examine whether aspects of George Padmore’s political praxis and his theorization on Pan-Africanism are still relevant. The reader is provided with a brief overview of Padmore’s activities and his achievements, to provide the justification for selecting him above other outstanding Pan-Africanists as a role model for young Pan-Africanists. The article assesses the extent to which his political organizational methods still have validity, lessons to be learnt and pitfalls to evade. It also evaluates Padmore’s theorization on African unification in Pan-Africanism or Communism and his efforts to realize this objective; as well as his conception of Pan-African Socialism as the handmaiden for the United States of Africa. Today, the issue of African unification and socialism are still widely discussed across the African continent and within Pan-African circles outside of Africa, therefore Padmore’s thoughts on these matters merits some interrogation.
A Sociological Perspective on Pidgin's Viability and Usefulness for Development in West Africa
Authors: Time Victoria M. , Pryce Daniel K.
Published: February 2022

This essay examines the viability and usefulness of pidgin for development in West Africa. Pidgin in West Africa has endured as a unifying medium of communication among people who do not share a common language. It has been lauded as a neutral language that facilitates trade, commerce, and everyday dealings among people of all walks of life. Some have proposed supplanting English, which is the official language in most of the West African countries where the use of pidgin is prevalent, with either pidgin or some other indigenous language. Contrarians, however, consider pidgin to be a limiting factor, in that, it is a barrier to speaking, reading, and writing standard English, and thus impedes upward mobility. They argue that projecting pidgin or some other indigenous language may create some political backlash, and strife among the people. Using qualitative analysis, we examine this debate from a sociological perspective.
3-D Printed Radar Absorber with Meta-material Features for X-band Application
Authors: Abdullahi MB , Ali MH
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a structured radar absorber with metamaterial features based on graphite SLS composite. The unit cell of the proposed design was simulated on COMSOL Multiphysics to determine its frequencydependent absorption characteristics and fabricated using low-cost selective laser sintering 3-D printing technology. The measurement and simulation results showed an effective absorption bandwidth of 1.04 GHz and 2.08 GHz respectively. The optimized structure however, revealed broadband absorption in a frequency range between 8.35 to 12.20 GHz (X band) under normal incidence. Besides, the absorption performance under different polarizations and incident angles were investigated. Results indicated that the absorber exhibits polarization indifference and high absorptivity at a wide angle of incidence. The advantages of low cost, ultra-broad operating band, wide-angle feature, and polarization insensitivity made the proposed absorber a promising candidate in military and civilian applications.
Rozporządzenia z mocą ustawy – modele, teoria i praktyka w polskim systemie parlamentarno-gabinetowym w latach 1921–1926 oraz po 1989 r.
Authors: Bień-Kacała Agnieszka , Tarnowska Anna
Published: February 2022

Acts with the Force of Statute – Models, Theory, and Practice in the Polish Parliamentary-Cabinet System in the Years 1921–1926 and after 1989

The centenary of the enactment of the March Constitution in Poland prompts questions about the constituent parts of the achievements of Polish constitutionalism of that period. The authors have found the issue of the sources of law worthy of attention, and among the latter, especially those acts that are situated between the classically conceived competences of the authorities, i.e., acts with the force of statute issued by the organs of executive authority. These acts, formally absent from the system of sources of law of the March Constitution until the enactment of the August amendment of 1926, appeared in the practice of the Second Republic at the time of the budgetary crisis in 1924, in the form of acts issued “by the President of the Republic on the basis of resolutions of the Council of Ministers”. These “special kinds of autonomous regulations” [Z. Cybichowski] provoked intensive discussions regarding both the admissibility of such delegation of legislative power, as well as the legal essence and constitutionality of aforementioned regulations. The authors would like to take a closer look at the institution of legal acts with the force of statutes as sources functioning in the era of democratic constitutional solutions establishing a parliamentary-cabinet system [i.e., in the years 1921–1926 and after 1989], without neglecting the historical and comparative context in which the examined institution evolved.
Projekt zmiany procedury cywilnej w pracach Komitetu Cywilnego Reformy (1814–1815). Edycja źródłowa – część II (postępowanie egzekucyjne)
Authors: Gałędek Michał , Klimaszewska Anna , Pomianowski Piotr Z.
Published: February 2022

A Project of Changes to Civil Procedure in the Works of the Civil Reform Committee (1814–1815). A Source Edition – Part 2 (Enforcement Proceedings) The present source publication is the sixth in a series encompassing the most important documents related to preparations for the replacement of French codes with national codification drafted by the Civil Reform Committee which worked between 1814 and 1815. The publication includes the second part of “The project of the civil judicial procedure in first instance”, which is comprised of enforcement proceedings presented just like the first part (the trial) by Franciszek Grabowski, and the fragments of the minutes reporting the course of the discussion concerning the solutions proposed within the project.
Matematiksel Modellemenin Kültürel Perspektifi: Etnomodelleme
Authors: ARI Ayşe Arzu , DEMİR Barış
Published: February 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı, son yirmi yıldır çeşitli düzeyde yapılan çalışmalarla geliştirilen ve ayrıca yeni çalışmalara da ışık tutacağı düşünülen etnomodellemenin tanım ve gelişim sürecini literatüre kazandırmaktır. Etnomatematik ile son dönemlerde sıklıkla çalışmalara konu olan matematiksel modellemenin felsefi ve metodolojik olarak birleştirilmesi ile ortaya çıkan etnomodelleme tanıtılarak bu bağlamdaki örneklere yer verilmiştir. Matematik tarihini genişleterek ona çok kültürlü ve küresel perspektiften yaklaşırken geleneksel halkların matematiksel düşüncelerinin araştırılmasını ve sunumunu yapan etnomatematik matematiksel düşüncelerin, yöntemlerin ve uygulamaların günlük hayatta nasıl kullanıldığını incelemektedir. Matematiksel modelleme, gerçek yaşamda karşılaşılan bir problem durumunun matematiksel olarak anlamlandırılması, oluşturulan matematiksel modeller yardımıyla çözüme ulaştırılması ve elde edilen çözümün tekrar gerçek yaşama dönüştürülmesini içeren bir süreç olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Matematiksel modelleme çalışmalarına yön veren yaklaşımlardan biri olan sosyo-kritik (eleştirel) modelleme yaklaşımında da öğrencilerin matematiği kullanarak yaşadıkları kültür ve toplumu eleştirel bir bakışla anlama çalışmaları vurgulanmaktadır. Bireye kendi yaşadığı toplum ve kültüre özgü eleştirel düşünme becerisi kazandıran bu bakış açısında gerçek yaşam durumlarındaki kurallar ve kabuller eleştirel bir yaklaşımla ele alınırken ülkenin gelişimde anahtar role sahip matematiksel modeller ortaya konmaktadır.
Managing international projects: The contribution of locally employed staff.
Authors:   , Kneller Michel
Published: February 2022

Purpose/objectives: In an international and globalised world with unlimited boundaries, the field of project management has expanded into a multinational environment. International engineering projects have increasingly become common practice, however, also more challenging due to their international nature. Relevant project management literature has been systematically reviewed and a gap in knowledge has been identified. Whilst the challenges of managing projects in an international environment have been researched extensively, the involvement of local personnel and their specific contributions has not been studied to date. This research will focus on the criticality of involving local personnel when executing international projects in the engineering sector and will identify the contribution of local project team members to the success of such projects. The aim of this research was to explore and identify the contributions of local personnel when managing engineering related projects in an international environment, thereby contributing to knowledge and practice in the field of international project management. Design/methodology/approach: In-depth, semi-structured interviews have been conducted with experienced international project managers as well as local coordinators with a leading role within the local project office. These interviews have been recorded, transcribed and analysed using an inductive approach. Based on the identified categories and the grand themes of international project management identified during the literature review, the findings have been presented. Findings: The findings represent a significant contribution both for knowledge as well as business practice. In-depth interviews and the subsequent analysis have resulted in the clear finding, that the involvement of local personnel is critical to the success of an international engineering project. In addition, numerous specific contributions have been identified by the respondents and have been categorised in order to develop a theoretical framework of contributions. Framework: Based on the findings of this research, a theoretical framework that identifies the contributions of local personnel has been developed. This framework summarises the specific contributions of the local coordinator as well as local engineers. Additionally, potential project organisational structures have been presented to show the possible implementation of the framework and maximise the contribution of local personnel.
Evaluación de pérdidas en la producción del queso Coral en la fábrica “La Vaquita”
Authors: Cordoví-Carmenates Melba , Moreira-Vera David Wilfrido , Matos-Mosqueda Luisa , Zayas-Bazán Yaisbel
Published: February 2022

Los quesos se obtienen mediante coagulación de la proteína de la leche, y separación del suero. El trabajo pretende determinar las mermas en la maduración del Queso Coral en la fábrica "La Vaquita”. Se efectuaron búsquedas en Internet mediante Google, Scholar google con palabras claves: quesos semiduros, proceso de maduración, composición y rendimiento del queso semiduro. Se observó el proceso productivo, se consultaron documentos relacionados con el producto y datos tomados de la industria. Fue empleado el Statgraphics 5.1 como procesador estadístico de la información. Se constató que la leche para queso Coral, cumple con las normas de calidad establecidas para densidad, acidez y grasa, no cumple con el porcentaje de sólidos no grasos, lo que influye negativamente en las mermas del producto. La calidad químico-física del queso arrojó que no se cumplen las especificaciones para el contenido de materia grasa, atribuyéndosele esto a la obsolescencia de los equipos y utensilios en el proceso y a la ausencia de equipamiento para el control del proceso, como equipos medidores de pH, de humedad relativa, de paletas y agitadores, principalmente. El procedimiento permitió calcular las mermas cuyo valor está por encima de lo planificado y analizar los factores incidentes.

Palabras claves: queso semiduro, proceso de maduración, mermas.
Potencialidades de inclusión de Pleurotus ostreatus en alimentos cárnicos
Authors: Álvarez-Serrano Isaris María , Mustelier-Casola Daimara , González-Zambrano José Miguel , Espinosa-Nieto Leticia
Published: February 2022

Las setas comestibles como Pleurotus ostreatus resultan una buena opción para formulaciones cárnicas, dado su contenido de nutrientes; además, posee compuestos bioactivos que le confieren propiedades antioxidantes, antimicrobianas y anticancerígenas, principalmente. El presente trabajo valora las potencialidades del uso de Pleurotus ostreatus en productos cárnicos. El diseño de la investigación fue no experimental. El estudio sostuvo como método la observación no participativa para la recopilación de información, y como técnica al análisis documental para la obtención de datos reales y el fortalecimiento de resultados. Se afirma que la adición de hongos comestibles, específicamente de Pleurotus ostreatus en productos cárnicos mejora la calidad nutricional de estos productos, ha sido empleado de manera satisfactoria en varias formulaciones de alimentos como hamburguesas de pollo, de res, salchichas de cerdo y tipo vienesa, paté de hígado y Nuggets de pollo. Además, el cultivo del hongo en sustratos como mazorcas de cacao, orujos de pera, briquetas de bagazo de caña de azúcar ha demostrado sostenibilidad, al posibilitar resolver problemas medioambientales. En Camagüey se potencia el uso de la cascarilla de arroz dada su disponibilidad, bajo precio, cercanía de las plantas generadoras y contribución a minimizar el impacto ambiental.

Palabras claves: Pleurotus ostreatus, cárnicos, nutrición, sustrato.
DWT based Person Re-Identification using GAN
Authors: Kumar D. R Arun , , A. N Krishna , A. C Anitha
Published: February 2022

The recent development in person re-identification has challenging task for variations in pose, illumination, expression, and also similar appearance between two different persons. In this paper, we propose Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) based person re-identification using Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). The CMU multi-PIE face database with multiple viewpoints and illuminations is considered to test the model. The profile side view face images to be tested are converted into frontal face images using Two-pathway generator adversarial network (TP-GAN). The frontal face images are loaded into the server to create server database. The synthesized TP-GAN images and server database images are pre-processed to convert RGB into grayscale images and also to convert into uniform face image dimensions. The person re-identification is based on feature extraction through DWT, which generates one low frequency LL band and three high frequency bands LH, HL and HH. The LL band coefficients are considered as final features, which are noise-free and compressed number of features. The features of profile side view images and server database images are compared using Normalized Euclidean Distance (NED) and threshold values for person re-identification.
Paths from Spiritual Support to College Self-Efficacy in Southeastern Christian and Southeastern Public University Students
Authors: Carter Mollie Dianne Kaye
Published: February 2022

Using a modified portion of Lent’s (2004) normative model of life satisfaction, this study assessed the role spiritual models play in Southeastern Christian university students’ and Southeastern public university students’ traits of spirituality, mindfulness, forgiveness, and hope, and the associations these traits had with college self-efficacy. Additionally, this study proposed perspective-taking as a moderator of the association between environmental support from spiritual models and spirituality, mindfulness, forgiveness, and hope, such that college students high in perspective-taking would understand and internalize traits of models rather than only imitating the spiritual practices of the model. Participants (n = 384) in this one-time survey study were recruited from a Southeaster Christian university and a Southeastern public university. Results of the paths show spirituality, mindfulness, forgiveness, and hope mediated the association between environmental support from spiritual models and college self-efficacy, but perspective-taking did not moderate associations from environmental support from spiritual models to the mediators. These findings supported the modified portion of Lent’s (2004) normative model of life satisfaction which states that environmental support, including support given by spiritual models, enhanced the development of healthy traits such as spirituality, mindfulness, forgiveness, and hope. In turn, the healthy traits were associated with increased college self-efficacy.
A Ghostly Closure? The Strange History of Brinkley Female College, Nineteenth-Century Spiritualism, and the Terminal Effects of Sensationalist Journalism
Authors: Platt R. Eric , Paris Hannah Holliman
Published: February 2022

In 1871, Brinkley Female College in Memphis, Tennessee, closed due to a ghost story, regional interest in Spiritualism, and sensationalist journalism that harmed the short-lived academy. Spiritualism—a religio-spiritual movement punctuated by medium-guided communications between the living and deceased—was well-followed, though often contested during the nineteenth century. Spiritualism grew in popularity in the American South due to mass deaths resulting from yearly epidemics and the American Civil War. At the same time, sensationalist print media was widespread, and newspaper firms profited from unchecked accounts of Spiritualist seances and supernatural encounters. In the midst of this, higher education had expanded across the state of Tennessee. In the early years of Memphis-based women’s higher education, newspapers stoked interest in the paranormal by publishing unverified events attributed to a local women’s college. Sensationalist, penny-dreadful newspaper accounts influenced public perceptions, caused enrollment decline at Brinkley Female College, and resulted in institutional closure. As such, this case study recounts an unusual catalytic moment within the context of heightened Spiritualistic belief and uncouth journalistic practices. Ultimately, this study seeks to detail the influence of regional religious practices and sensational journalism on institutional termination.
Utilização dos critérios de avaliação ambiental de metais pesados nos sedimentos de fundo da plataforma continental do Amazonas
Authors: De Lima Edgar Alexandre Reis , Siqueira Gilmar Wanzeller , De Lima Waterloo Napoleão
Published: February 2022

Os critérios de avaliação ambiental empregados neste trabalho, além da biodisponibilidade, foram o fator de enriquecimento (ξ) e o índice de geoacumulação (Igeo). A biodisponibilidade dos metais nos sedimentos estudados mostrou, para algumas estações, anomalias, sendo o seu teor muitas vezes superior às concentrações na fração total do sedimento. Isso aconteceu, por exemplo, para o cobre e o manganês que, em certos pontos, excedeu os 40%, que é o limite sugerido na literatura. Constatou-se, também, que apenas o cobalto obteve uma classificação considerada ‘anormal’ para a região (x>1 e Igeo=1), mas ficou caracterizado que os metais estão totalmente associados aos seus respectivos minerais presentes na plataforma.
Comportamento hidrogeoquímico das águas do aqüífero Barreiras nos bairros centrais de Belém, Pará
Authors: Cabral Natalina Maria Tinôco , Lima Lilianne Maia
Published: February 2022

Entre junho de 2000 e março de 2002, foram efetuadas nove campanhas de amostragem de água em poços residenciais, localizados em três bairros de Belém, Pará, Brasil. A partir dessa representativa amostragem e para melhor entender o comportamento hidrogeoquímico dessas águas, foram feitos tratamentos estatísticos dos dados analíticos dos diversos parâmetros químicos considerados nesse estudo. Os resultados mostram que as águas estudadas estão diferenciadas se comparadas ao quimismo regional. Os principais parâmetros que marcaram essa diferenciação foram a condutividade elétrica, cloreto, sódio, pH, amônio e nitrato. Ressalta-se que alguns teores de amônio e nitrato encontrados estão acima ou próximos ao limite de potabilidade vigente e que tais parâmetros são um dos principais indicadores da contaminação das águas por efluentes domésticos. A correlação entre as variáveis apresentou para o nitrato uma correlação positiva com a condutividade elétrica e de forma mais discreta com o cloreto, sódio e cálcio. Para o amônio, observa-se uma correlação positiva com o cloreto e correlação negativa com o cálcio. Esse estudo permitiu indicar a condutividade elétrica, cloreto e cálcio como bons indicadores da contaminação por efluentes domésticos nas águas estudadas. As análises fatoriais confirmam as observações obtidas no estudo de correlações.
Growth of trees and microclimates in a gap dependent forest in Central Amazonia
Authors: Tsuchiya Akio , Tanaka Akira , Higuchi Niro , Lisboa Pedro Braga
Published: February 2022

Forest inventory, stem core sampling, and meteorological observations were carried out in a dense tropical forest in Novo Aripuanã, Amazonas. In the research quadrat (1.9 ha), 210 woody species belonging to over 38 botanical families, and 14 palm species were identified. The aboveground biomass, which was estimated to be 202.72 t/ha, was standard for Amazonia, but the forest was considered to repeat regeneration by tree-fall gaps because early succession species such as Iryanthera ssp. Myristicaceae), Croton sp (Euphorbiaceae), and palms were large in number. The relationship between tree height and percentage of vessel area in stem cross sections in the 2001 and 2002 growth rings had a positive correlation coefficient. The enlargement of vessel area was to improve the efficiency for absorbing sap against gravity, which means that the increase in pore zone leads to weakening the resistance of stems against squalls. From meteorological measurements, it was found that diurnal downward short-wave radiation at forest canopy was a few times to several dozen times as large as that at forest floor, and in consequence, net radiation surpassed 600 w/m2 in the canopy, while it was about 30 w/m2 on the floor. The radiation balance in tree-fall gaps was similar to that of forest canopy, but the gaps were characterized to have a large temperature difference between day and night (12 to 13 oC). Radiative cooling easily condensed humid air when temperatures decreased to 27-28 oC, and the condensation each night amounted to 5-7 g/m3, about double that of closed forests.
Distribuição espaço-temporal da comunidade zooplanctônica de uma lagoa costeira artificial na região amazônica, Bragança, Pará, Brasil
Authors: Martins Adriano Augusto Vilhena , Costa Rauquírio André Marinho da , Pereira Luci Cajueiro Carneiro
Published: February 2022

No presente trabalho foram estudadas a composição e a variação espaço-temporal da comunidade zooplanctônica da lagoa Salina, no estuário do rio Caeté, Pará, Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas em três estações distribuídas ao longo da lagoa, através da filtração de 400 l de água, utilizando uma rede cônico-cilindrica de plâncton com abertura de malha de 75 μm. Dados referentes à precipitação pluviométrica também foram registrados. As espécies identificadas foram Criptocyclops brevifurca (Copepoda), Ceriodaphnia cornuta, Latonopsis australis (Cladocera) e Brachionus sp. (Rotifera). Brachionus sp. foi a espécie mais abundante e C. brevifurca a mais freqüente. As maiores densidades foram registradas durante o período chuvoso, enquanto o menor número de espécies ocorreu nos meses do período seco. A sazonalidade exerceu um importante papel sobre a estrutura da comunidade zooplanctônica estudada.
Osteologia craniana de Cerylinae (Coraciiformes: Alcedinidae)
Authors: Calonge-Méndez Andrés , Höfling Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

A anatomia craniana de oito espécies de martins-pescadores da subfamília Cerylinae (Megaceryle torquata, M. lugubris, M. alcyon, Ceryle rudis, Chloroceryle amazona, C. americana, C. inda e C. aenea) foi comparada com a de outros Alcedinidae e com representantes da maioria das famílias de Coraciiformes (Coraciidae, Leptosomidae, Bucerotidae, Upupidae, Todidae, Momotidae e Meropidae), a fim de verificar o padrão da região temporal e da barra jugal. Esses dados foram comparados também com os disponíveis na literatura referentes aos Ramphastidae, Picidae, Galbulidae, Capitonidae e Cuculidae. A região temporal com duas fossas bem delimitadas, a barra jugal expandida rostrolateralmente e o processo ótico do quadrado com três saliências articulares, entre outros, são caracteres comuns para Cerylinae. Quatro características permitiram separar os gêneros de Cerylinae: expansão dorsal do processo orbital do lacrimal (ausente em Chloroceryle [danificado em Ceryle rudis], presente em Megaceryle); côndilo caudal do quadrado (forma cotilar em Chloroceryle e Ceryle rudis, forma condilar em Megaceryle); cótila lateral e caudal da mandíbula (indistintas em Chloroceryle e Ceryle rudis, distintas em Megaceryle); e parede dorsal da fossa caudal da mandíbula (ausente em Chloroceryle e Ceryle rudis, ausente Megaceryle).
Caracterização histoquímica e ultra-estrutural do estipe de Socratea exorrhiza (Mart.) H. Wendl. (Arecaceae)
Authors: Kikuchi Tatiani Yuriko Pinheiro , Potiguara Raimunda Conceição De Vilhena , Santos Pedro Paulo dos
Published: February 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar as substâncias ergásticas presentes no estipe da palmeira Socratea exorrhiza (Mart.) H. Wendl., do ponto de vista da microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A análise histoquímica foi realizada com material botânico in natura coletado na ilha do Cumbu, Pará. O reagente lugol foi empregado para constatar a presença de grãos de amido, cristais de fenol para identificar sílica e a solução de ácido clorídrico 10% + ácido acético glacial para evidenciar cristais de oxalato de cálcio. Os testes revelaram a presença de grãos de amido, cristais de oxalato de cálcio e sílica, porém, suas formas e tipos estruturais só foram discernidos quando analisados em microscopia eletrônica de varredura.
Licófitas e monilófitas do Bosque Rodrigues Alves Jardim Botânico da Amazônia, município de Belém, estado do Pará, Brasil
Authors: Maciel Sebastião , Souza Maria Goreti Coelho de , Pietrobom Marcio Roberto
Published: February 2022

O presente estudo refere-se ao levantamento das licófitas e monilófitas do Bosque Rodrigues Alves Jardim Botânico da Amazônia (BRAJBA), como parte dos estudos das licófitas e monilófitas (pteridófitas) ocorrentes nos ecossistemas paraenses. A área estudada está localizada na região metropolitana de Belém, estado do Pará, composta por remanescente de floresta ombrófila densa não aluvial, que abrange 15 ha. Visando a contribuir para o conhecimento da flora pteridofítica do estado, onde se observou escassez de coleta, foram realizadas sete excursões, nas quais registraram-se 14 famílias, 27 gêneros e 39 espécies. As famílias mais representativas foram Pteridaceae com dez espécies, Hymenophyllaceae com seis espécies e Polypodiaceae com cinco espécies. Quatro espécies são novas referências para a região Norte (Adiantum tenerum Sw., Dennstaedtia cicutaria (Sw.) T. Moore, Salvinia minima Baker e Selaginella willdenowii (Desv. ex Poir.) Baker). A maioria das espécies (27) apresenta distribuição neotropical, duas destas, Asplenium angustum Sw. e Trichomanes pinnatinervium Jenman, são restritas para o norte da América do Sul e para a Amazônia brasileira.