bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing integrated teaching project for argumentative texts in 11th grade philology curriculum
Authors: Trinh Lan Thi , Nguyen Khanh Thi Dieu , Phan Giang Nguyen Tra
Published: March 2021

In the 2018 high school education program, integrated teaching is defined as an approach of developing curriculum, contents and teaching methods. The construction of integrated teaching themes in the Philology curriculum at high schools needs to fulfill the requirements to organize, connect the learning contents towards reality, creating opportunities for students to conduct practical studies, experience and navigate their future careers as well as to improve their overall capacities. This article illustrates ideas and results for designing integrated teaching themes for augmentative texts in the 11th grade Philology curriculum and the tentative plan for implementation of these themes with project-based learning method and portfolio assessment. This paper, meanwhile, handles multiple educational contents in the current 11th Grade Philology textbook and aims to a new lesson plan design in accordance with the 2018 Philology curriculum.
A study on attitude towards English language learning among non-English majored students at Tra Vinh University
Authors: Pham Duy Thi Thuy , Nguyen Trang Huynh
Published: March 2021

Achievement in language learning usually depends on both learners’ ability and attitude. If learners have negative attitude towards language learning, it can lead to some detrimental effects. The objectives of the study are to identify students’ attitude to English language learning, to find out the differences of English attitude by gender and by three specializations, and finally to draw some teaching implications at Tra Vinh university. The participants are 89 respondents from 3 main specializations: Office Administration, Tourism and Medical Physician. The questionnaire has 34 items concerning language attitudes in terms of behavioral, cognitive and emotional aspect of attitude. The results show that the students have average positive attitude towards English and interestingly there are no attitudinal differences by gender. However, the attitudes towards English of the three majors are not similar. Tourism students’ attitude is slightly lower than that of the other two specializations.
ANALYSIS OF THE EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK ON THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Authors:   National Institute for Economic Research, Popa Viorica , Popa Nicolae ,   National Institute for Economic Research
Published: March 2021

In the transition to a circular economy, monitoring key trends and patterns is essential to understand how the various elements of the circular economy develop over time, identify Member States' success factors and to assess whether sufficient action has been taken. Thus, the EU Council, based on the results of the monitoring, must be based on setting new priorities for achieving the long-term goal of the circular economy in the future. The crisis caused by Covid-19 mitigates part of the impact of economic activities on the environment and climate. Thus, the transition to a more circular economy could bring benefits such as reducing pressure on the environment, improving security of supply of raw materials, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs. The authors in this study analyze the European framework on the circular economy.
ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT OF APPAREL PRODUCERS
Authors:   Technical University of Moldova, Gheorghița Maria , Oberșt Ala ,   Technical University of Moldova
Published: March 2021

The sustainability of the enterprise seen in contemporary society is based on the assumption that the economy and the environment must be reconciled and connected through a new and complex approach. In a similar perspective, this article reflects the activity of apparel producers from the Republic of Moldova, mainly oriented towards foreign markets. Thus, the development models of apparel producers must focus on the integration of environmental aspects, based on sustainable growth. In this article, the authors propose to empower producers to adopt the environmental commitment by establishing environmental policy and strategies within an environmental management system. Therefore, these commitments should among the priorities of long-term development business strategies to ensure increased efficiency, nature protection and the achievement of sustainability goals. Environmental actions are essential in creating the image of a responsible producer concerned with the quality of life of future generations.
HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE US: OBAMA VERSUS TRUMP
Authors:   Swiss Technology Association, Băjenescu Titu-Marius I.
Published: March 2021

The article elucidates the history of US law, known as Obamacare. Usually you find out that you are eligible for Medicaid when you fill out a health insurance application on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which passes the information to Medicaid. Because you applied for health insurance on an Obamacare health insurance scholarship, you may be surprised to receive Medicaid instead of a private Obamacare plan. Following the inauguration, Donald Trump signed an order repealing the Affordable Care Act (the Obamacare Act). The decree is symbolic, being the first signed by Donald Trump when he officially took office. This repeal is perceived as a break with the previous government. However, in the face of opposition from the House of Representatives, the text aimed at repealing Obamacare was finally withdrawn on March 24th, 2017, at the request of the new president, who is thus suffering his first major political setback. On May 4th, 2017, the House of Representatives narrowly passed a bill to repeal Obamacare, but the bill was rejected by the Senate on July 28, following a decisive vote by Republican Sen. John McCain, who joined two of the two his fellow Republicans in the vote against repeal. On October 13th, 2017, Donald Trump issued a new decree to circumvent Obamacare. Finally, Donald Trump changed his tactics to repeal the Affordable Care Act, supporting legal initiatives against it, especially in Texas. On the other hand, he made a hobby for the 2020 US presidential election, promising an effective repeal if re-elected, which did not happen.
THE IMPACT OF FOOD WASTE AND WAYS TO MINIMIZE IT
Authors:   Technical University of Moldova, Chirsanova Aurica , Calcatiniuc Dumitru ,   University of Southern Denmark
Published: March 2021

The article addresses the issue of food waste, which presents a global problem that has recently become even more important on the public and political agenda. The importance of this topic will continue to grow, especially given the need to feed a growing world population. At the same time, in the pandemic conditions created by Covid-19, it presents a major challenge at the international level, both from a health and social point of view, enormously affecting the economies and all industrial sectors, including agriculture, food production, and especially food consumption and food waste. Food is a precious commodity, and its production can require significant resources. Current estimations indicate that around one third of food produced worldwide for human consumption is wasted or lost, which generates significant economic and environmental costs. Food waste is a problem that occurs throughout the food chain and therefore measures should target all its components, with potential benefits for all parties involved. Although there are a number of EU policies that can help combat food waste, this potential is not being made the most of and the opportunities offered have not yet been exploited.
Unimed Recife's experience in treating 1,039 patients with Covid-19
Authors: Valença Marcelo Moraes , Fonseca Martha Maria Romeiro Figueiroa F. , Branco Cátia Arcuri , Santos Alex Maurício Garcia , Oliveira Antonio , Nunes Danilo Ferreira , Araújo Ana Carolina Chiappetta Correia de , Cruz Fernando
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveTo describe the features related to patients with Covid-19 admitted to Unimed Recife hospitals, Recife, Brazil, evaluating demographic data, lethality, use of a mechanical ventilator, presence of associated diseases, the need to use the ICU, among other aspects related to the prognosis of these patients.MethodData were collected from the DRG Brazil health management platform, including the period from March 16, 2020, when the first patient with Covid-19 was admitted to the Hospital da Unimed III, until January 31, 2021. All patients admitted to one of the three hospitals of Unimed Recife - Hospital Unimed Recife I, Hospital Unimed Recife III, and Hospital Geral Unimed Recife – were included in the study. In the same period, we evaluated the number of patients with Covid-19 or suspected Covid-19 who were seen in the emergency room at Hospital Unimed Recife III.ResultsOne hundred twenty-six thousand five hundred fifty-three patients were seen in the Emergency Unit of Hospital Unimed Recife III in the period between March 26, 2020, and January 31, 2021; of those 126,553 patients seen in the emergency 39,340 (31.09%) patients were diagnosed with having Covid-19 or suspected of Covid-19. In the 10-month period, 1,039 patients with Covid-19 were hospitalized, 61% with hypertension, 31.1% with SARS, 30.0% with diabetes, and 9.9% were obese. The average hospital stay was 11.2 days. 342/1,039 (32.9%) patients were admitted to the ICU, and 57.9% of them had mechanical ventilation. The overall lethality was 13.76% (143 deaths/1,039 inpatients). An increase in lethality by Covid-19 was associated with increased age. Lethality in the first period of the Covid-19 pandemic was significantly higher when compared to the last 5 months of the pandemic(17.6% versus 9.7%). Obesity significantly increased lethality in patients with Covid-19 [120 deaths/1,016 non-obese patients (11.8%) versus 23 deaths/103 obese patients (22.3%), OR 2.15 (1.30 - 3.50), p = 0.005)].ConclusionWe conclude that Covid-19 is a disease with a poor prognosis, especially in the elderly and obese patients. In the second 5-month period of the Covid-19 pandemic, we noticed a significant reduction in lethality by Covid-19 in hospitalized patients. Covid-19 is a new disease and the mechanism by which the viruses multiply or how the pathophysiological process occurs in the infected organism are still barely understood.
Profilaxia de tromboembolismo venoso para pacientes hospitalizados
Authors: Oliveira Antonio , Valença Marcelo Moraes , Libânia Izabel Albuquerque , Cruz Fernando
Published: March 2021

Introdução O termo tromboembolismo venoso engloba duas condições frequentes, que são a trombose venosa profunda e o tromboembolismo pulmonar.Objetivo Revisar os aspectos relacionados com o diagnóstico e o tratamento do tromboembolismo venoso em pacientes hospitalizados. Comenta-se também sobre fatores de risco, indicações e contraindicações para anticoagulação farmacológica (heparina não fracionada versus heparina de baixo peso molecular), uso de prevenção mecânica e que tipo de prevenção são mais indicadas em situações especiais como em pacientes cirúrgicos.Método Este artigo foi escrito usando como base o Protocolo de Profilaxia de Tromboembolismo Venoso em Pacientes Internados, da Unimed Recife. Um protocolo clínico foi estabelecido no Hospital Unimed Recife III, Recife, Brasil, e incorporado no prontuário eletrônico do paciente internado. Isso obriga ao médico acompanhante, a farmácia clínica e a equipe de enfermagem estabelecer estratégias de prevenção, mecânicas ou farmacológicas, além de uma assistência da fisioterapia contínua, no sentido de diminuir significativamente a possibilidade do paciente desenvolver eventos tromboembólicos.Resultados Após o uso do protocolo clínico em 6.335 pacientes elegíveis internados de janeiro a dezembro de 2020, observou-se uma redução na frequência de trombose venosa profunda para 1,35% e de tromboembolismo pulmonar para 0,14% no Hospital Unimed Recife III.Conclusão O estabelecimento de um protocolo clínico para prevenção de eventos tromboembólicos em pacientes internados é de extrema importância para evitar mortes. A instituição hospitalar tem obrigação de manter uma vigilância constante no sentido de obrigar médicos, farmácia clínica, corpo de enfermagem e fisioterapia em efetivar estratégias de prevenção com medidas que não só vão diminuir a chance de complicações durante o internamento que resultará em menor custo e permanência hospitar.
SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC IN MAJOR HEALTH CENTERS IN JOS NORTH, NIGERIA
Authors: Akubuilo A. S. , Amali O. , Onekutu A.
Published: March 2021

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It is reported that one third of the world’s population is infected with the parasite. T. gondii represents the risk of miscarriages and congenital abnormalities in pregnancy. This study was carried out to ascertain the sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in three major Health Centres in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Three hundred and eight four (384) pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were recruited for the study. Participants were screened for T. gondii specific antibodies using the Chromatographic Immuno-Assay (CIA) test method. Information on risk factors were obtained by the administration of a structured questionnaire. An overall seroprevalence of 11.7% was established. IgG antibodies represented 11.7% seroprevalence and 0.0% seroprevalence recorded for IgM antibodies. The highest seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection was established in women in their second trimester. Seropositivity was found to be significantly associated (p<0.05, 95%CI) with type of drinking water, consumption of raw or fresh vegetables, previous history of miscarriage and older child with congenital deformation.

Akubuilo, A. S. | Department of Zoology, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
ASPECTS OF REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ABUNDANCE OF AFRICAN BONYTONGUE (HETEROTIS NILOTICUS) IN GREAT KWA RIVER, NIGERIA
Authors: Ikot N. U. , Ekanem S. B. , Eyo V. O.
Published: March 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate some aspects of the reproductive biology of the African Bonytongue Heterotis niloticus from the Great Kwa River, Cross River State Nigeria with the view to encourage conservation and rational measures for sustainable management of the species. A total of 62 matured H. niloticus were sampled and their gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), condition factor, fecundity and egg diameter (mm) were studied in other to determine the spawning season of the fish. Gonadosomatic index and hepatosomatic index showed an inverse relationship during spawning seasons. Total length (TL-cm) ranged between 47.1 cm – 76.2 cm and total weight (TW – g) ranged between 4300g - 1169g with sex ratio of 1:1.2 (male: female) revealing a dominant female population. Fecundity ranged from 511 oocytes (48.4cm TL; 1.69 kg wt, 5.9g gonad weight) to 7822 oocytes (69.3cm TL, 3.11kg wt. 14.9g gonad weight). The regression equation derived from the scattered diagram in the relationship between fecundity and total weight, total length gonadosomatic index and length-weight is; F= 6.6231TW0.837, R2= 0.2456; F= 5.1112TL1.6367,  R2= 0.1606; F= 10680GSI0.9276, R2= 0.6567; TW= 0.4072TL2.0987, R2= 0.7533, the relationship were significant (p < 0.05). Fecundity and ovary weight relationship showed a positive correlation coefficient of 1. The highest egg diameter (0.92±0.01) was recorded in May and other months with corresponding high gonadosomatic index performance to confirm spawning period. In view to encourage conservation by investigating measures for sustainable management of the species, this study observed that H. niloticus spawns throughout the year.

Ikot, N. U. | Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, P.M.B.1115 Calabar, Nigeria
ASSESSMENT OF SCHOOL RECORD MANAGEMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY
Authors: Odeniyi O. A. , Adeyanju A. S.
Published: March 2021

The study was carried out with the purpose of assessing school record management in FCT secondary schools. Record management is the area of administrative management that is concerned with achieving economy and efficiency in the creation, maintenance, use and disposal of records of an organization throughout its life cycle. Implementing good record management practices in schools would provide information for educational planners and administrators, serves as historical source for documenting history of the school. School records comprise all existing and accessible records, books, files and other documents containing useful information that relates to what goes on in the school system They are evaluation tools for accessing progress made by schools and also show evidence of compliance with legislative laws. The descriptive research design was used for this study. The population was drawn from ten (10) secondary schools in FCT. The instrument for data collection comprised of questionnaire titled “Assessment of School Record Management in Secondary Schools in FCT” (ASRMSS). A sample size of eighty respondents from schools was used. Simple percentage was adopted in analyzing the research questions while chi-square was adopted in analyzing the hypotheses. Research findings revealed that the various record books used in schools include: log-book, attendance register, lesson plan, syllabus, staff movement book, visitors’ book, admission and withdrawal register, to mention a few. It was also revealed in the findings that most of the records in school are not properly kept. Also, timely supply of school records, availability of funds, teachers’ training and proper back up of records were the solutions proffered by respondents. It was however recommended that stakeholders in the school should make use of the school’s record books for efficiency purposes. Furthermore, stakeholders should ensure timely update of record materials and finally, delegation and follow-up on record procedures should be given adequate attention by school principals.

Odeniyi, O. A. | Department of Education Administration and Planning, National Open University, Abuja, Nigeria
IMPROVING SPATIAL ABILITY SKILLS OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS IN BASIC ENGINEERING DRAWING USING A SOLID PAIR MODEL
Authors: Marwa N. J. , Choji J. , Dalumo B. D.
Published: March 2021

Good spatial ability skills are an important component of an engineer’s ability to create and interpret engineering drawings, which is demanding in thinking, being a problem-solving process. The ability of an engineer to visualize in 3D is a cognitive skill that is attached to success in basic engineering drawing subjects. Engineering and technology education students need good spatial ability skills to understand several topics in basic engineering drawings like orthographic projection, axonometric drawing, sectional view, and hidden details drawings. This study aims at improving spatial ability skills using a solid pair model among first-year technical education students of Kaduna State College of Education Gidan Waya. A Quasi-experimental research design was used for the study, a standards pre and post-test were used to conduct a visualization transformation assessment to measure the students’ level of spatial ability skills. The study shows that after treatment using a solid pair model, the student without prior knowledge in basic engineering performed above average, likewise students with prior knowledge in the control and experimental group performed above average. The results indicate that a solid pair model was effective for improving spatial ability skills among first-year technical education students. This study implies to educators that there is need to appropriately enforce the use of a solid pair model for effective teaching and learning of basic engineering drawing. It is, therefore, affirmed that the use of a solid pair model in teaching basic engineering drawings should be enhanced with other teaching methods.

Marwa, N. J. | Department of Technical Education Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan waya, Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
TEACHERS PERCEPTION OF THE USE OF ICT AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS IN NIGERIA SECONDARY EDUCATION
Authors: Ebire F. A.
Published: March 2021

The lagging performance of students in science and mathematics in West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) points to a serious challenge requiring the intervention of the government, as we know; education is the bedrock of any nation. The application of ICT tools in teaching science and mathematics in Nigeria can be said to have minimally improved student performance in recent times. Though the government of Nigeria has made a laudable effort in these regards; it has little or no impact in teaching science and mathematics in Nigeria secondary education.  Thus, this study aimed at examining the perception of teachers towards the use of ICT as an instructional tool in science and mathematics within Nigeria secondary education. The research employs a quantitative research design in which a sample of sixty-three (63) science and forty (40) mathematics teachers from government secondary schools in Abuja, Nigeria were interviewed.  The instrument for data collection was a semi-structured questionnaire titled “Teacher’s Perception on ICT Use Model (TPIUM)” based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Davis, 1989. Statistical analysis of the data obtained showed that Perceived usefulness (PU) had the strongest impact on Behavioral intention (BI) and Attitude toward use (AT) of ICT tools by teachers. The findings of this study also revealed that outdated government policies to support ICT use in science and mathematics posed a big challenge and more consequential is the inadequate skills of teachers in using ICT tools. The study therefore recommends that the government should endeavor to put in place adequate training and retraining of teachers on how to effectively fuse and use ICT tools in teaching mathematics and other science subjects in Nigeria.

Ebire F. A. | Department of Global ICT Policy, Pusan National University, Busan South Korea.
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus) CULTIVATED THROUGH IRRIGATION, IN MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA
Authors: Bukar P. H. , Onoja M. A.
Published: March 2021

The contamination of the environment with heavy metals is one of the challenges that constitute Nigeria’s environmental problem with urbanization being one of the major causes; due to the unavailability of proper waste dumpsites and landfills for infrastructural development thereby resulting in the polluting rivers and streams. The cultivation of vegetables along channels and rivers that transcend major cities have been a source of concern globally in recent decades due to accumulation of heavy metals and introduction of heavy metals into the food chain. This study therefore assessed the level of concentration of heavy metals namely; Aluminum, Iron, Lanthanum, Manganese, Chromium, Rubidium, Antimony, Scandium, Barium, Samarium and Zinc in Okra (Abelmoschus esclentus) samples obtained on farmlands along the bank of river Ngadda and Alau dam cultivated through irrigation. The samples were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) analytical technique with the aim of assessing their level of accumulation with heavy metals. The objective was to ascertain the food safety status of the vegetable by comparing the values obtained with maximum permissible limit (MPL) recommended by FAO/WHO for vegetables. The study results show that the concentration levels ranged from below detection limit (BDL) for Aluminum, Chromium, and Antimony (843 ± 16 ppm, 1.3 ± 0.2 ppm and 0.26 ± 0.03 ppm respectively) to Barium (7 ± 1.0 to 12 ± 1.0 ppm, Iron 11 ± 0.4 to 303 ± 36 ppm), Lanthanum (0.203± 0.03 to 1.93± 0.05 ppm), Manganese (22.9 ± 0.2 to 40.2 ± 0.2 ppm), Rubidium (7 ± 1 to 13± 1 ppm), Scandium (0.02± 0.00 to 0.05 ± 0.01 ppm), Samarium (0.02 ± 0 to 0.24± 0.01ppm), and Zinc (8± 1.0 to 24±0.1 ppm). This result also indicates that the maximum concentration value of Manganese exceeds the 25.95 ppm value of MPL recommended by FAO/WHO for vegetables therefore the consumption of Okra (Abelmoschus esclentus) cultivated from the study site has a potential health risk due to the presence of Manganese above recommended value.
EVALUATION OF AKPET GT9 GAS CONDENSATE RESERVOIR PERFORMANCE
Authors: Okotie S. , Ogbarode N. O.
Published: March 2021

To effectively evaluate a gas condensate reservoir performance, the reservoir engineer must have a reasonable amount of knowledge about the reservoir to adequately analyze the reservoir performance and predict future production under various modes of operation. Due to the multiphase flow that exists in the reservoir, characterization of gas condensate reservoirs is often a difficult task with the variation of its overall composition in both space and time during production which complicates well deliverability analysis and the sizing of surface facilities. This study is primarily concern with the evaluation of a gas condensate reservoir performance of Akpet GT 9 Reservoir in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria with material balance analysis tool “MBal” without having to run numerical simulations. The result obtained with MBal on the analysis of Akpet GT 9 reservoir gave 23.934 Bscf of gas initially in place which compares favorably with the volume obtained from volumetric techniques. Results also shows that the most likely aquifer model is the Hurst–Van Everdingen - Dake radial aquifer and the reservoir is supported by a combined drive of water influx and fluid expansion.

Okotie, S. | Department of Petroleum Engineering, Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria.
PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION OF SOLUTION GAS OIL RATIO
Authors: Okotie S. , Fasanya A. E.
Published: March 2021

Reservoir fluid properties are very important in reservoir engineering computations such as material balance calculation, well test analysis, reserves estimate and numerical reservoir simulations. Ideally, these properties should be obtained from laboratory pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) analysis. Quite often, however, these measurements are either not available, or very costly to obtain. In such cases, empirically derived correlations are used to estimate the needed properties, all computation therefore, will depend on the accuracy of the correlations used for estimating the fluid properties. Hence in this study, Standing’s correlation for estimating the solution gas-oil ratio was optimized using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to minimize the error associated in estimating solution gas-oil ratio from correlation at various depletion pressure. The optimized correlation was taken as a function of bubble point pressure, API gravity, gas gravity and reservoir temperature. PVT data from differential liberation test was used to validate this study’s correlation and the result obtained shows that the optimized correlation for this study matches closely with the experimental values, also the newly optimized correlation was validated with other models and the results gave the least average relative error of 3.34 and a correlation coefficient of 0.998 after 216th successive iterations by the particle swarm optimization algorithm.

Okotie, S. | Department of Petroleum Engineering, Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria
EVALUATION OF INFLAMMATION AND ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION BIOMARKERS IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) PATIENTS IN SOKOTO, NIGERIA
Authors: Otitolaiye C. A. , Sahabi D. M. , Makusidi A. M. , Saidu Y. , Bilbis L. S.
Published: March 2021

Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction have been known to be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. As such, examining the levels of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction is very critical to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This study aimed to investigate the progression of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction among CKD patients in Sokoto. A total of 67 CKD patients were divided into 5 groups based on the stages of their kidney disease calculated using the MDRD 4-variable equation for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The presence of inflammation was determined by C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha, while endothelial dysfunction was determined by the levels of Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) using ELISA kits. The mean eGFR of the patients was 49.97 ± 4.69 ml/min/1.73m2. There was significant increase (p<0.05) in CRP, TNF-α and ADMA of the CKD patients across the stages as compared to the non-CKD subjects. It was observed that as the CRP, TNF-α and ADMA increase, the eGFR significantly (p<0.05) decreases. Both CRP and TNF-α indicated a significantly positive correlation (p<0.05) with ADMA. The results indicated progressive increase in inflammation and endothelial dysfunction as CKD deteriorates. In addition, increased levels of inflammation could directly affect endothelial dysfunction, thereby aggravating cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among CKD patients in Sokoto.

Otitolaiye, C. A. | Department of Biochemistry, Sokoto State University, Sokoto, Nigeria
EFFECT OF THE CHALLENGES FACING USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY ON INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AMONGST BREWERIES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Odesola O. T. , Akinola O. G.
Published: March 2021

Information and communications technology (ICT) in recent times has become a viable strategic policy option adopted by many businesses in order to compete favorably in a competitive and dynamic ICT driven market. This strategic move by business organizations is being hindered by some challenges which has invariably reduced the benefits accruable from ICT deployment for business operations especially in the inventory management. Primary data formed the methodology of the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data obtained through the administration of structured questionnaire. It was established during the field survey that challenges facing the use of ICT had impacted negatively on the performance of inventory management in the Nigerian brewery industry during the period under study. It was also revealed that the cost of software was a major challenge in the industry and conclude that the identified challenges had significant effect on customers' satisfaction of the firms in the Nigerian brewery industry. It is recommended that management of firms in the Nigerian brewery industry should collaborate with software developers in Nigerian to develop a software that will be a replica of ERP but should be efficient, effective and affordable for inventory management and other operations in the industry.

Odesola, O. T. | Registrar's Office, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN MANAGING SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Igboeli U. H. , Bisallah H. I.
Published: March 2021

Information Communication Technology has generally been acclaimed as an important tool exploited by medium and large-scale enterprises for boosting profitability and enhancing viability. Though Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) constitutes a major percentage of businesses in most countries, their ICT adoption rate is still low. This study examined the role of ICT as a tool that SMEs can deploy for the economic development of Nigeria. A questionnaire was employed and administered to a total of 175 SMEs randomly chosen from five different sectors of the Nigeria economy (educational, micro finance, transport, commerce and hospitality). Chi-square test was used to evaluate the hypothesis and the findings of the research revealed that (1) low awareness level of the benefits of ICT incorporation in the management process of most SMEs has been a major cause of its low adoption; (2) poor media transmission framework,  high cost of ICT hardware, deficient government support and legislation for internet business among other factors have hindered the adoption of ICT in the management process of SMEs; (3) high cost of funds in Nigeria have also made it unprofitable for SMEs to source fund for ICT expansion and implementation. The research recommends among other measures, the investment on infrastructure and adequate incentives to promote the utilization of ICT among SMEs. Investment banks and other specialized institutions should brace up with their responsibilities and promote local industries through affordable credit schemes.
Nd3+ CONCENTRATION DEPENDENT OPTICAL FEATURES OF GADOLINIUM BOROPHOSPHO-TELLURITE GLASSES
Authors: Bulus I. , Sheyin J. K. , Yayock E. , Dalhatu A. S.
Published: March 2021

Improving the optical response of glass host with two or more strong network formers via suitable controlled of rare earth ions is the key issue in the fabrication of optical based glass for solid state lasers and light emitting devices. Hence, we report the Nd3+ concentration dependent on optical parameters such as absorption edge, optical band gap (direct and indirect) and Urbach’s energy of gadolinium borophospho-tellurite glasses with chemical composition of 10Gd2O + 30B2O3 + 20P2O5 + (40-)TeO2 + Nd2O3 (where 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 mol%). The glass samples were synthesized by convectional melt quenching method and characterized through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Ultraviolet Visible Near-Infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) measurements. The amorphous nature of these glasses was confirmed by X-Ray diffraction pattern while the UV-Vis-NIR spectra revealed six absorption peaks corresponding to the transition from ground level 4I9/2 to the various excited state of Nd3+ ions. It was found that the investigated range of Nd3+ doping concentrations has a great influence on aforementioned parameters. The excellent optical features established in the present glass host suggest their potentiality for solid-state lasers and other photonic applications.

Bulus, I. | Department of Physics, School of Sciences, Kaduna State College of Education Gidan waya, Kafanchan, Nigeria
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ADSORPTION AND CORROSION INHIBITIVE PROPERTIES OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF DIALIUM GUINEENSE LEAVES FOR MILD STEEL IN 0.5M HCL
Authors: Adeniji E. S. , Bamigbola A. A.
Published: March 2021

In this study, the adsorption and corrosion inhibitive properties of ethanol extract of Dialium guineense leaves for mild steel in 0.5M HCl was studied using gravimetric method. The results obtained showed that the ethanol extract of Dialium guineense leave is a good adsorption inhibitor of Mild Steel in 0.5M HCl. The inhibition efficiency was found to increase with increase in the concentration of ethanol extract of Dialium guineense leave but decreased as the temperature increases. The inhibition efficiency increases up to a maximum of 92%. The kinetic study was found to follow pseudo first order reaction with high correlation. Thermodynamic consideration reveals that adsorption of ethanol extract of Dialium guineense leaves on mild steel surface is exothermic, spontaneous and fitted the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The value of activation energy and Gibb’s free energy obtained were within the range of limits expected for the mechanism of physical adsorption.

Adeniji, E. S. | Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
PROGRAM BEDAH RUMAH DENGAN MODEL PARTISIPATIF
Authors: Rusli Muhammad , Koko Tahrun , Anggraini Dewi
Published: March 2021

Penelitian   ini   bertujuan   mendeskripsi   program   bedah   rumah   dengan model partisipatoris, yakni mendiskripsi bentuk partisipasi masyarakat dan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi masyarakat terhadap Program Bedah Rumah. Penelitian kualitatif ini dengan informan dipilih secara purposive sampling. Melalui interview dan observasi sebagai alat utama pengumpulan data, penelitian ini menghasilkan beberapa temuan. Dengan model partisipatif, masyarakat desa ini secara maksimal mampu menyum-bangkan pemikiran, tenaga, peralatan yang dimiliki untuk digunakan, dan bahan bangunan yang mereka miliki serta dana sesuai kemampuan masing-masing. Faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi melakukan partisipasi tersebut terutama karena program ini diserahkan kepada mereka mengelola bersama sehingga mereka hampir tak kenal lelah menyumbangkan tenaganya dan yang  memiliki  peralatan  apa  saja  mereka  pinjamkan  peralatannya untuk  digunakan, sebagian berpartisipasi karena memiliki keterampilan pertukangan dan karena memiliki bahan bangunan. Kesempatan yang diberikan untuk terlibat dalam rangkaian program ini menjadi faktor utama dan menjadi social-energy untuk berpartisipasi dimana sekalipun telah membantu bekerja dan meminjamkan peralatan, mereka tetap menyumbang bahan bangunan yang dimiliki serta dana secara sukarela sesuai kemampuannya karena diberikannya kepercayaan dan kesempatan pengelolaan program untuk mereka sendiri. Faktor kemauan yang didasari nilai gotong-royong yang telah tertanam kuat pada masyarakat desa ini merupakan faktor yang juga cukup berpengaruh terhadap partisipasi masyarakat.
Palavras, corpos e cores
Authors: Krüger Cauê
Published: March 2021

O artigo apresenta uma pesquisa etnográfica da companhia brasileira de teatro e dos espetáculos PROJETO bRASIL e PRETO. Estas montagens são vistas como uma clivagem na trajetória do grupo tanto do ponto de vista da forma quanto do conteúdo, e constituem perspectivas privilegiadas para reflexões antropológicas sobre o país, a companhia e sobre os usos sociais das noções de performance e performatividade.
Reconversão torcedora
Authors: Toledo Luiz Henrique de
Published: March 2021

Este artigo trata das formas de torcer (Toledo, 2002) de um ponto de vista ainda pouco observado. Centrado na esfera da pessoa e não propriamente nas estratégias que definem regimes classificatórios de adesão clubísticas, o argumento incide sobre processos de relativização da socialidade fixada em torno dos coletivos que unem times e militância, definindo o torcedor como parte de um todo. O argumento está acomodado na noção de reconversão, isto é, processo tardio em que a pessoa torcedora pode ser retotalizada. Reconversão não é tomada somente como manifestação de crise geracional ou de personalidade, desapego identitário, arrefecimento do interesse pela prática torcedora, mas como processo de extensão do torcer que multiplica as possibilidades da mudança e que pode levar à troca ou experimentações dessa adesão esportiva. Tal processo aparentemente mais raro ou ainda pouco verbalizado contrasta com várias formas de adesão ou abandono da militância clubística, mostrando que o torcer pode ser observado como processo de relativização das convenções inatas ou inertes de justaposição de referentes simbólicos exteriores na fabricação da pessoa torcedora.
Em busca de uma visão, em busca de uma grafia
Authors: Caravita Rodrigo Iamarino
Published: March 2021

Tenho participado de diversos rituais e cerimônias nos quais não é permitido fotografar ou fazer anotações, ou então nos quais o estado vivenciado torna impossível o registro instantâneo (e mesmo após um tempo) em caderno de campo. Este texto é uma tentativa, um experimento de grafia para relatar algumas destas experiências. Trata-se de um texto polifônico no qual estão presentes diversas vozes, momentos e grafias, que busca tecer um conjunto complexo capaz de descrever um cenário igualmente complexo, apreendido, muitas vezes, por meio de sensações, emoções, sonhos e visões. E, sobretudo, corporalmente. Um texto que mescla diversos elementos gráficos com o objetivo de alcançar uma melhor tradução, ou descrição, para uma experiência que, reiteradamente, nos lança para fora de nós mesmos e nos faz perder nossas amarras.
Sujeitos, narrativas e grafias
Authors: Danaga Amanda Cristina
Published: March 2021

As lideranças do movimento indígena no Brasil têm acionado a primeira pessoa do singular em suas narrativas trazendo para a discussão um novo modo de compreensão dos sujeitos. A subjetividade passa a ser compreendida a partir desse “eu” enunciador no movimento indígena, mas não só. As narrativas sobre si não são apenas enunciadas no interior desse movimento, elas estão em toda parte e fazem parte do cotidiano indígena. Os regimes de subjetivação ameríndios e suas políticas e poéticas começam a ganhar notoriedade. Surge uma conexão entre o movimento indígena e as biografias. Esse debate repercute na produção dos textos etnográficos. A subjetividade desponta nos textos etnográficos na medida em que também é parte dos discursos ameríndios. Este texto busca refletir essas questões a partir dos discursos da liderança de uma aldeia no litoral paulista. A ideia reside em analisar sua discursividade na vida cotidiana da aldeia, como suas falas agem nas pessoas provocando efeitos e afetos diversos, como suas palavras fazem e desfazem alianças e relações com todos os tipos de gente e como atuam na produção de pessoas e da própria liderança.
Confessando o estranho
Authors: Alcântara Neto Martiniano Sardeiro de
Published: March 2021

O artigo propõe uma nova leitura dos documentos conhecidos como Confissões da Bahia, produzidos pela Inquisição Portuguesa na América no final do século XVI. Tal reinterpretação tem como recorte principal as chamadas “santidades” ou “heresias indígenas”, movimentos religiosos/sociais da tradição nativo americana surgidos na América Colonial durante o final do século XVI e início do XVII. A nova análise aqui proposta matiza e leva a cabo uma leitura crítica inicial da já clássica interpretação do historiador Ronaldo Vainfas, na obra A Heresia dos Índios. Deste modo, se propõe a noção, ainda não totalmente desenvolvida, de éthos indígena em contraposição à categoria de “disjunção social” proposta pelo último autor na análise da referida massa documental. Essa releitura visa, principalmente, enxergar nos documentos uma agência indígena que não seja apenas de cunho revoltoso ou reativo ao colonialismo.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Lee Kelvin
Published: March 2021

Journal of Biology and Life Science (JBLS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JBLS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 12, Number 1Bonam Srinivasa Reddy, INSERM, FranceBratko Filipic, CIETO, SloveniaBruno Edson-Chaves, USP&UECE, BrazilChandra S Bathula, Louisiana State University, USADamir Suljevic, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaMaciej Jarzębski, Poznan University of Life Sciences, PolandMeltem Sesli, Turkish Biotechnology, TurkeyNatalia Tkachuk, T.H. Shevchenko National University “Chernihiv Colehium”, UkraineRajaa Ahmed Mahmoud, University of Basrah, IraqSridhar Mandali, UCLA, USATayseer Ibrahim Alnaggar, Ain Shams University & Najran University, EgyptXiaohuang Cao, Guangdong Ocean University, ChinaYuliana, Udayana University, Indonesia Kelvin LeeEditorial AssistantJournal of Biology and Life Science-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesTel: 1-702-953-1852 ext.510Fax: 1-702-420-2900E-mail: jbls@macrothink.orgURL: http://jbls.macrothink.org
Application of free-listing in identifying desirable foods and their accessibility in an urban nonprofit supermarket
Authors: Harper Kaitlyn , Lewis Emma , Poirier Lisa , Gunen Bengucan , Trujillo Antonio , Gittelsohn Joel
Published: March 2021

There is a gap in the literature regarding the specific methods used by supermarkets to engage community members in operations and decision-making processes. Free-listing is an engagement method that allows individuals to list all possible items associated with a particular topic or domain. This study explores the application of free-listing as a method to assess the availability and affordability of food items at DMG Foods, a nonprofit super­market in Baltimore, Maryland, to assist with mak­ing stocking decisions and increasing store use. Twenty residents in central northeast Baltimore participated in free-listing desirable foods and frequented supermarkets. All selected participants were over 18 years of age, Black, and regularly shopped in the central northeast region of Balti­more. We calculated the saliency of food items and stores based on an item’s frequency and order of mention in the free-listing. We then conducted store observations of the top salient stores three times at three-week intervals to identify the availa­bility and accessibility of the top salient food items. Fifteen items had saliency scores greater than 0.1 and were retained for observation. Five stores had saliency scores greater than 0.1 and were within a five-mile (8-km) radius from DMG Foods. Larger supermarkets carried the widest variety of salient items, and the prices of items varied between stores, highlighting the importance of community-driven stocking for smaller supermarkets. Free-listing is a simple engagement method that store managers with limited research experience can use to identify foods that are desirable to residents of the community, ultimately leading to improved community food environments and increased store success.
ANÁLISE DA FUNCIONALIDADE DE PACIENTES IDOSOS INTERNADOS EM UM HOSPITAL ESCOLA
Authors: Dos Santos Maitê Silva Vicente , Krause Renata Beckenkamp , Vidal Elisiane , Franz Flavia , Blattner Clarissa Netto
Published: March 2021

Introdução: A pandemia causada por um novo tipo de coronavírus, COVID-19, ameaça os idosos que são mais suscetíveis a desenvolver sintomas graves e cursar com necessidade de hospitalização, que são naturalmente prolongadas e contribuem com a perda de funcionalidade. Objetivo: Avaliar mobilidade e funcionalidade de pacientes internados em um hospital geral até sua alta hospitalar, identificando o tempo e desfecho da internação.  Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectivo, realizado em um hospital em Porto Alegre, entre maio e junho de 2020. Este trabalho obteve a aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul. Um relatório foi gerado através do prontuário eletrônico, onde foram filtradas as hospitalizações em unidade de internação de pacientes com 60 anos ou mais e diagnóstico de COVID-19, com prescrição de fisioterapia. Foram analisados o Escore de Perme do primeiro e último atendimento de fisioterapia, tempo e desfecho da internação. Resultados: O relatório apresentou 15 indivíduos, onde 3 foram excluídos por falta de dados registrados. A média de idade da amostra foi de 69 anos (±60 – 83). A média de tempo de internação foi de 33,5 (±11) e do Escore de Perme na primeira avaliação foi de 9 e na segunda avaliação 8,5 pontos. Quanto ao desfecho, 4 indivíduos receberam alta, 2 foram transferidos e 6 foram a óbito. Conclusão: Concluímos que os idosos desta pesquisa apresentaram uma alta taxa de mortalidade, tempo de internação prolongado e discreta redução de funcionalidade durante período da internação.