bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the willingness of Australians to export their corneas on death
Authors: Machin Heather M. , Buckland Lisa , Critchley Christine , Wiffen Steven , Sutton Gerard , Baird Paul N.
Published: February 2021

Background

12.7 million people await a corneal transplant, but 53% are without access to corneal tissue. Sharing corneal tissue across nations can provide some access, however the willingness of export populations, like Australians, to export their donation on death, has never been evaluated. Our research samples the Australian population, determining their willingness to export.

Materials and method

We conducted e-surveys. N = 1044 Australians participated. The sample represented the Australian population, based on population demographics. Chi-Square and bivariate correlation coefficients examined associations between categorical variables, with a sample size of N = 1044, power of 0.80, and alpha of p = 0.05. Outcome measures were based on population sampling, by exploring willingness export, through the e-survey method.

Results

38% (n = 397) of respondents said yes to exportation, 23.8% (n = 248) said no, and 38.2% (n = 399) were undecided. We found no relationship between willingness to export and general demographics, though those registered on the Donatelife Register (p = < .001), and those already willing to donate their eyes (p = < .001) were significantly more willing to export.

Discussion

More Australians are willing to export their corneas than not, though a significant portion remain undecided. The Donatelife Register, and donation awareness, are key components of respondent decision making. Therefore, the provision of information about exportation prior to, and at the point-of-donation, is essential for assisting Australian’s to decide to export or not. Further examination and development of consent-for-export systems are necessary before routine exportation is undertaken.
Efficacy of ultrasound-guided forearm nerve block versus forearm intravenous regional anaesthesia in patients undergoing carpal tunnel release: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jalil Hassanin , Polfliet Florence , Nijs Kristof , Bruckers Liesbeth , De Wachter Gerrit , Callebaut Ina , Salimans Lene , Van de Velde Marc , Stessel Björn
Published: February 2021

Background and objectives

Distal upper extremity surgery is commonly performed under regional anaesthesia, including intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA) and ultrasound-guided forearm nerve block. This study aimed to investigate if ultrasound-guided forearm nerve block is superior to forearm IVRA in producing a surgical block in patients undergoing carpal tunnel release.

Methods

In this observer-blinded, randomized controlled superiority trial, 100 patients undergoing carpal tunnel release were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided forearm nerve block (n = 50) or forearm IVRA (n = 50). The primary outcome was anaesthetic efficacy evaluated by classifying the blocks as complete vs incomplete. Complete anaesthesia was defined as total sensory block, incomplete anaesthesia as mild pain requiring more analgesics or need of general anaesthesia. Pain intensity on a numeric rating scale (0–10) was recorded. Surgeon satisfaction with hemostasis, surgical time, and OR stay time were recorded. Patient satisfaction with the quality of the block was assessed at POD 1.

Results

In total, 43 (86%) of the forearm nerve blocks were evaluated as complete, compared to 33 (66%) of the forearm IVRA (p = 0.019). After the forearm nerve block, pain intensity was lower at discharge (-1.76 points lower, 95% CI (-2.92, -0.59), p = 0.0006) compared to patients treated with forearm IVRA. No differences in pain experienced at the start of the surgery, during surgery, and at POD1, nor in surgical time or total OR stay were observed between groups. Surgeon (p = 0.0016) and patient satisfaction (p = 0.0023) were slightly higher after forearm nerve block.

Conclusion

An ultrasound-guided forearm nerve block is superior compared to forearm IVRA in providing a surgical block in patients undergoing carpal tunnel release.

Trial registration

This trial was registered asNCT03411551.
Protective effects of dapagliflozin against oxidative stress-induced cell injury in human proximal tubular cells
Authors: Zaibi Nawel , Li Pengyun , Xu Shang-Zhong
Published: February 2021

Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in type 2 diabetes cause cellular damage in many organs. Recently, the new class of glucose-lowering agents, SGLT-2 inhibitors, have been shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetic complications; however, the mechanisms of such beneficial effect are largely unknown. Here we aimed to investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on cell proliferation and cell death under oxidative stress conditions and explore its underlying mechanisms. Human proximal tubular cells (HK-2) were used. Cell growth and death were monitored by cell counting, water-soluble tetrazolium-1 (WST-1) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, and flow cytometry. The cytosolic and mitochondrial (ROS) production was measured using fluorescent probes (H2DCFDA and MitoSOX) under normal and oxidative stress conditions mimicked by addition of H2O2. Intracellular Ca2+dynamics was monitored by FlexStation 3 using cell-permeable Ca2+dye Fura-PE3/AM. Dapagliflozin (0.1–10 μM) had no effect on HK-2 cell proliferation under normal conditions, but an inhibitory effect was seen at an extreme high concentration (100 μM). However, dapagliflozin at 0.1 to 5 μM showed remarkable protective effects against H2O2-induced cell injury via increasing the viable cell number at phase G0/G1. The elevated cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS under oxidative stress was significantly decreased by dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin increased the basal intracellular [Ca2+]iin proximal tubular cells, but did not affect calcium release from endoplasmic reticulum and store-operated Ca2+entry. The H2O2-sensitive TRPM2 channel seemed to be involved in the Ca2+dynamics regulated by dapagliflozin. However, dapagliflozin had no direct effects on ORAI1, ORAI3, TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels. Our results suggest that dapagliflozin shows anti-oxidative properties by reducing cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS production and altering Ca2+dynamics, and thus exerts its protective effects against cell damage under oxidative stress environment.
Using films to teach Public Health to portuguese medical students
Authors: Gonçalves Guilherme , Carvalho Carlos , Sacco Martha
Published: February 2021

Few published articles addressed the use of films to teach public health. This article describes our experience using films to teach public health to medical students from 2014 to 2017. Students were randomly allocated to groups and specific movies. Each group had three weeks to show and discuss the film in the classroom. Six films were used. After the exam, students were asked to complete a questionnaire. A Likert scale (1 to 5) was used in each question. The course unit was part of the 5th year of the Masters in Medicine curriculum taught at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar. This study reports the answers given by 494 students (94.8%). More than 76% of the students graded the usefulness of the course unit with the highest values of the scale (4-5). That percentage was above 86% and 89% respectively for the items contents and methods. In general, students mentioned that they had learnt a lot on the subject, especially in the films And the Band Played On, Sicko and Super Size Me. Using films to teach public health to medical students appears to be an effective way of imparting the relevant public health knowledge
El cirujano de Al-Ándalus. Aproximación a la vida y obra de Abulcasis de la mano de Antonio Cavanillas de Blas
Authors: Fernández Raigoso Yaiza Fei
Published: February 2021

Actualmente, mucha gente sigue pensando en «ciencias o letras» como dos ramas separadas y completamente distintas a la hora de elegir una carrera o simplemente de hacerse una idea de los intereses de una persona. Sin embargo, cada vez hay más esfuerzos para cambiar este concepto y dar a entender que no son opuestos, sino complementarios. Las letras se nutren de los avances de las ciencias y las ciencias necesitan de las letras para expresarse, avanzar y desarrollarse. Ejemplos claros son los libros que tratan temas médicos o relacionados con la medicina, ya sea desde la óptica del paciente y su entorno o desde la mirada del médico. Estos textos contribuyen a la formación humanística del médico y de los estudiantes de medicina: a cimentar el humanismo médico que debe presidir la relación entre el enfermo y el médico. En este trabajo aportamos una lectura de la relación entre literatura y medicina mediante la narración que Antonio Cavanillas de Blas hace de Abulcasis en su obra El Cirujano de al-Aldalus
The International Research Collaboration, Learning and Promoting Innovation Capability in Indonesia Medical Sectors
Authors: Fizzanty Trina , Kusnandar Kusnandar , Setiawan Sigit , Manalu Radot , Oktaviyanti Dini
Published: February 2021

Research collaboration accross countries is known as a promising strategy to enhance science and technology capacity and is more popular for researchers as it contributes to research productivity. In the context of a developing economy, like Indonesia, the goal of international research collaboration is to increase scientific capacity of researchers  in developing economy, however limited information how the international research collaboration could promote innovation. This paper aims to reveal research results in medical research collaboration between institution in Indonesia and other countries and how the collaboration could promote innovation. Case study of eight international collaboration research projects in medical research were utilized, in which Indonesian researchers worked collaboratively with foresign researchers. The reseach found that international research collaboration has opened opportunities for Indonesian researchers to learn and upgrade their capability and be able to contribute to scientific knowledge. Collaborative research in the medical areana requires long term research and significant funding support. Based on the case studies, none of international research projects reached commercialization stage, because clinical research requires significant funding and the involvement of industry as clinical trials would enhance innovation.

 

Keywords: international research collaboration, innovation capacity, medical innovation, collaboration process, Indonesia.
Eco-Innovation Research in Indonesia: A Systematic Review and Future Directions
Authors: Harsanto Budi
Published: February 2021

Innovation by considering the impact to the ecological environment, known as eco-innovation, continues to receive increasing attention in at least the past two decades. This paper aims to provide an analysis on recent development of eco-innovation research in Indonesia and provide some potential avenues for future research. Analysis is carried out using systematic literature review (SLR) techniques to synthesize knowledge development of a scientific field in a structured, transparent, and reliable manner. The search was conducted on three academic databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, and the local academic database of Garuda (Garba Rujukan Digital). Data analyzed using content analysis. The analysis shows that scholarly publication of eco-innovation research in Indonesia is still rare. The topics discussed can be categorized into several categories such as the driver of eco-innovation, R&D for eco-innvation, eco-innovation performance, which addresses various types of eco-innovation and different level of analysis. Potential research avenues are then identified at the end of the paper. This is the first systematic review on eco-Innovation in Indonesia, and first combining systematic search strategy in the both local and international academic database.
Technology for Development: Ten True Stories Revealing the Complexity of Replicating South Korean Success
Authors: Sharif Nawaz M.
Published: February 2021

This essay comprises ten true stories presented to highlight personally observed problematic encountered by Asian developing country leadership who tried to replicate South Korean success in fostering technology innovation induced sustainable economic growth strategy without paying robust attention to the crucial role of creating an "innovation climate/culture" as necessary foundation for myriad development efforts. It seems to Sharif that the country leadership focused too much on the model mechanics, but did not have rigorous concern for the underlying principles of those models. To reveal validity of this assertion, Sharif presents ten true stories that he personally observed. The stories are: (1) True Story on Suspicion and Disrespect; (2) True Story on Mindset Constraint; (3) True Story on Caring for the Weak; (4) True Story of Super Achievers; (5) True Story on Failure to Follow Through; (6) True Story on "Turn Right" into the River; (7) True Story of Motherly Protection; (8) True Story of Supreme Commitment; (9) True Story of KIST and MOST Mirages; and (10) True Story on Plan Implementation.

Key words: technology for development, technology innovation, technology management
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice with Regard to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea – A Survey among Dental Clinicians
Authors: Ramesh Lakshmi , Rajegowda Nirupama , Rai Pooja
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that often goes undiagnosed. It has been observed that sleep disorders aren’t given adequate importance in dental education. This survey was conducted to access the knowledge, attitude and practice of dental clinicians regarding OSA. METHODS A study was carried out using a 33-item questionnaire that assessed the knowledge of OSA; 2 questions regarding the attitude and practice of OSA amongst dental clinicians along with 1 question on the source of information about OSA. The questions related to knowledge covered OSA-related risk factors, symptoms, complications and treatment of OSA. The survey was passed on via social media. RESULTS 111 subjects participated in the survey. Participants showed poor knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus as a complication (7.2 %), increased age as a predisposing factor (22.5 %), nocturia as a symptom (15.3 %) and alcohol restriction as a line of treatment (34 %) for OSA. Chi-square test suggests that comparison of knowledge with experience for cardiovascular disease (CVS) disorders as complications and age & snoring as predisposing factors shows statistical significance for better knowledge of the experience group of 6 - 10 years. Other knowledge scores were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS The descriptive data suggests that the dental clinicians in this study were informed regarding the knowledge associated with sleep apnoea. The knowledge scores when compared with the years of experience showed that there was statistical significance regarding knowledge of cardiovascular disease as a complication of OSA and age over 45 years & snoring as a predisposing factor for OSA. The chi-square test indicated that the experience group of 6 - 10 years had better knowledge than the other groups. Although there is no statistical significance in comparison with the other knowledge factors when compared to the years of experience, this could be suggestive of lack of awareness of OSA in the dental curriculum as well as lack of resources such as continued dental education and seminars for updating the knowledge on OSA for practicing dentists. KEY WORDS Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Questionnaire, Knowledge, Awareness, Practice, Attitude, Survey
What to know in order to build a chess playing AI
Authors: Ginesi Fabrizio
Published: February 2021

AIs that play chess have become more and more common on sites that before only let players battle against each other online, and their code is often much simpler than it may appear from an external eye. With some understanding of the formal language and experience not only is it possible to understand and recreate one, but even to correct some flaws this AIs have, to make them more engaging for the player
Perturbation of zero surfaces
Authors: Ramm Alexander G.
Published: February 2021

It is proved that if a smooth function \(u(x), x\in R^3\), such that \(\inf_{s\in S}|u_N(s)|>0\), where \(u_N\) is the normal derivative of \(u\) on \(S\), has a closed smooth surface \(S\) of zeros, then the function \(u(x)+\epsilon v(x)\) has also a closed smooth surface \(S_\epsilon\) of zeros. Here \(v\) is a smooth function and \(\epsilon>0\) is a sufficiently small number.
The modeling of extreme stochastic dependence using copulas and extreme value theory: case study from energy prices
Authors: Ã¶nalan Ã¶mer
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we investigate the properties of tail dependence with an approach which is based on the copula models and extreme value theory to obtain a joint distribution function of extreme events and to quantify the dependence between random variables. To achieve this objective, we quantify the large co-movements between the random variables returns which are based on the data set daily quotes of exceeds the threshold value of random variables. In this study, stochastic dependence was modeled by the copulas which it provides a good approach for constructing multivariate probability distributions with flexible marginalâ€™s and different forms of dependence. Choosing the right copula is very important in modeling. The multivariate distributions are easily simulated using the copulas. Finally we can describe the copula family which correctly represents the dependence. To demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed models, we confine our analysis to big price changes of energy commodity spot prices. The empirical findings demonstrated that the copula model which is combined the extreme value theory is a good approach to model the together extreme large changes.
Inverse obstacle scattering with non-over-determined data
Authors: Ramm Alexander G.
Published: February 2021

t is proved that the scattering amplitude \(A(\beta, \alpha_0, k_0)\), known for all \(\beta\in S^2\), where \(S^2\) is the unit sphere in \(\mathbb{R}^3\), and fixed \(\alpha_0\in S^2\) and \(k_0>0\), determines uniquely the surface \(S\) of the obstacleÂ \(D\) and the boundary condition on \(S\). The boundary condition onÂ \(S\) is assumed to be the Dirichlet, or Neumann, or the impedance one. The uniqueness theorem for the solution of multidimensional inverse scattering problems with non-over-determined data was not known for many decades.A detailed proof of such a theorem is given in this paper for inverse scattering by obstacles for the first time. It follows from our results that the scattering solution vanishing on the boundaryÂ \(S\) of the obstacle cannot have closed surfaces of zeros in the exterior of the obstacle different from \(S\). To have a uniqueness theorem for inverse scattering problems with non-over-determined data is of principal interest because these are the minimal scattering data that allow one to uniquely recover the scatterer.
Effects of integrated nutrient management on performance of t. aus rice (BRRI dhan48) in old brahmaputra floodplain soil
Authors: Kaisar Nahid , Zofar Md. Moslehuddin Abu , Mahbubul Alam Tarafder Md. , Sohanur Rahman Md.
Published: February 2021

A field experiment was conducted at Sutiakhali, Mymensingh to see the effect of integrated nutrient management on performance of T. Aus rice (BRRI dhan48) during March to July 2015 following Randomized Complete Block Design with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were T1: RD (N75 P12 K45 S9), T2: STB (N74 P11 K36 S7), T3: INM (N54 P5 K27 S5+ CD @ 5.0 t haâˆ’1), T4: Farmerâ€™s practice (N69 P30 K37), and T5: Control (no fertilizer). The highest values for plant height (97.35 cm), effective tillers hill-1(19.45) panicle length (23.49 cm), filled grains panicle-1 (123.7), 1000-grain weight (25.39 g), grain yield (4.823t ha-1), straw yield (8.462 t ha-1) and biological yield (13.29 t ha-1) were obtained from T3: INM. Lowest values found in T5: Control. The maximum N, P, K and S uptake by grain (35.55, 6.99, 15.20 and 3.38 kg/ha respectively) were obtained from the application of INM. The minimum N, P, K and S uptake by grain (20.08, 3.64, 8.35 and 1.74 kg/ha respectively) were found from T5: Control. Similarly, the maximum N, P, K and S uptake by straw (3.38, 5.43, 99.25 and 7.37 kg/ha respectively) were found from T3: INM. The minimum N, P, K and S uptake by straw (1.74, 2.67, 49.70 and 3.87 kg/ha respectively) were obtained from T5 (Control). Among treatments, T3 produced highest grain and straw of BRRI dhan48. Chemical fertilizers in combination with manure based on INM could be recommended for BRRI dhan48 production in aus season.Â Â Â Â
Yield contributing characters of BRRI dhan49 as influenced by integrated use of banana leaves with inorganic potassium fertilizer
Authors: Abdul Mannan Md. , Abul Hashem Md. , Sohanur Rahman Md. , Uddin Talukder Fakhar , Kamrujjaman Md.
Published: February 2021

A field experiment was carried out at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during aman season of 2014 to study the integrated use of banana leaves with inorganic potassium fertilizer on the growth and yield of BRRI dhan49 following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatments and three replications. The highest plant height (85.55cm), panicle length (21.46cm), number of effective tillers hill-1 (11.54), number of filled grains panicle-1 (149.53), 1000-grain weight (21.85gm), grain yields (5.66 t ha-1) and straw yield (6.81 t ha-1) were obtained in the treatment T3 and the lowest plant height (77.10cm), panicle length (18.85cm), number of effective tillers hill-1 (8.64), number of filled grains panicle-1 (112.11), 1000-grain weight (19.96gm), grain yields (3.50 t ha-1) and straw yield (4.73 t ha-1) were recorded in the control. It can be recommended to integrated use of 50% K from banana leaves+50% K from MoP on growth and yield of BRRI dhan49.Â Â Â
Application of airborne radiometric method in geologic mapping of Malufashi area and Environs, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Stephen Onyejiuwaka Ibe , Charity Nkiru Nwokeabia
Published: February 2021

In this study, the airborne radiometric data over Masufashi Area of Katsina State and Environs, Northwestern Nigeria were acquired, processed and gridded to generate the concentration maps of percentage Potassium, equivalent Thorium and equivalent Uranium in order to carry out the geologic mapping of the area. Additionally, the abundance ratios, U/Th, U/K and Th/K and the ternary images of the three radioactive elements were produced. The images obtained from the radiometric data showed that the study area comprises five major rock types, based on their variation in the concentration of the three radioactive elements. The actual extent, boundary and distribution of the rock units within the study area were defined; hydrothermal alteration zones were mapped. The altered zones were noted to be associated with mineralization in the quartzite rich schist formation. The interpretation also proved valuable in demarcating some rock types with different properties. The delineated geology and hydrothermally altered zones led to the identification of nine zones with the potentials of gold mineralization. The delineated structures aided the design of the geologic map of the study area. This research showed the value added by airborne geophysics in geologic mapping and recommends the analysis of airborne data as a major phase during reconnaissance survey, prior to geologic mapping.Â Â
Precipitation concentration index (PCI) a tool to evaluate the distribution of Rainfall, Barishal, Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Sudip
Published: February 2021

The present research work reveals the mean annual rainfall of Barishal is 2087.34 mm for the investigated period. The maximum annual rainfall was 3390 mm in the year of 1960 and minimum annual rainfall was recorded as 1277 mm in the year of 1964. The annual rainfall is inversely correlated with time. The maximum monthly rainfall is recorded in the month of July. The amount of annual rainfall is strongly significantly positively correlated with the monthly rainfall of May, June, July, August and September. In Barishal, the value of skewness for all rainfall data are positive that indicate the data are skewed to the right. The positive value of kurtosis of the eleven months of the year (except July) means a peaked distribution and a negative value in the month of July reveals the flat distribution with the same mean and standard deviation. The annual PCI value is inversely proportional to the annual rainfall. The analyses of seasonal precipitation concentration index (SPCI) reveals that the rainfall is uniformly distributed in summer monsoon whereas the winter rainfall shows the dominance of strong irregularity in precipitation distribution.Â Â
Syn-collisional pan-African granite in the northern part Birnin Gwari schist belt in NW Nigeria
Authors: Oluyede Kehinde , KlÃ¶tzli Urs
Published: February 2021

Syn-collisional granite in the northern part of the Birnin Gwari schist belt consists dominantly of granite and lesser granodiorite and quartzolite. Petrographic and geÂ¬ochemical data revealed three granite groups: the biotite-hornblende granite (quartzolite - BHG); the biotite granite (BG) and the biotite-muscovite granite (BMG). The rocks generally have calc-alkaline and high-K calc-alkaline affinities, and calc-alkalic to alkali-calcic, peraluminous and ferroan and magnesian geochemistry. They are characterized by LILE enrichment, high LREE fractionation factor [(La/Yb) (6.74 to 45.14] with weak to moderate negative Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0.38 to 0.62) and strong negative Nb, P and Ti anomalies. Variation in the behavior of lithophile elements (Ba, Sr and Rb) revealed diverse granite trend such as â€œhigh and low Ba-Srâ€; â€œnormalâ€, â€œanomalousâ€ â€œstrongly differentiatedâ€ and â€œgranodiorite and quartz dioriteâ€ granite. Their display of similar trace elements and REE patterns suggest they are cogenetic. Major and trace element data indicate differentiation of a mafic magma and partial melting of crustal components inherited from shale-greywacke and quartzose sedimentary protoliths in volcanic arc and post collisional settings. The field and geochemical characteristics of this granite suggest that they are similar to other granites in schist belts in other parts of Nigeria, forming the lateral continuation of the same Pan-African magmatic belt.Â Â Â
The geological setting of arsenic enrichment in groundwater of the shallow aquifers of the Tista Floodplain, Rangpur, Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Sudip , H.M. Selim A. , Kanti Roy Mrinal
Published: February 2021

Arsenic is present in water samples within the studied active floodplain areas of the Tista river, Rangpur Division, Bangladesh. All the water samples contain less arsenic than the WHO prescribed limit of 10 Î¼g/L. 93.33% groundwater samples have higher Mn content than the permissible limit of 0.01 mg/L of WHO. The heavy metal concentrations of water can be expressed as Fe>Mn>Zn>As on the basis of their mean content. The heavy metals are negatively correlated with the well depth which is indicative of the influence of the anthropogenic activities on the concentrations of heavy metals. The arsenic concentration in water samples is higher in the central part of the study area. The coarser grain size, dominance of physical weathering, elevated topography and the effective flushing of groundwater resulted low concentration of arsenic in the groundwater. The EDS study reveals that arsenic occurs as coating materials of the silicate minerals. The river waters also have arsenic content lower than WHOs permissible limit. The factor analysis reveals that the iron and arsenic is released by the chemical weathering of arsenic bearing minerals like pyrite and arsenopyrite. The Fe and Mn derived in the groundwater by the chemical weathering of iron and manganese bearing minerals such as iron rich clay, silicate minerals and iron sulfides.Â Â
Behavior of the clinopyroxenes trace elements in spinel-lherzolite xenoliths from Liri (Kapsiki plateau, Cameroon line)
Authors: Dagwai Nguihdama , Pierre Kamgang , GbambiÃ© Isaac Bertrand Mbowou , Gilles Chazot , IsmaÃ¯la Ngounouno
Published: February 2021

Spinel-lherzolite xenoliths trapped within the alkali basalts flow in the Liri region (Kapsiki Plateau) have a protogranular texture and consist of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and spinel crystals. These xenoliths are residues of partial melting of the primitive mantle, with the low titanium content in clinopyroxene crystals (TiO2 < 0.5 wt.%). The clinopyroxene of the spinel-lherzolite xenoliths from Liri, are divided into two distinct groups according to their trace element characteristics. The variations in the rare earths elements make it possible to classify the different clynopyroxenes in two groups: the first group consisting of the samples of Liri (Liri 1, Liri 02, Liri 3, Liri 05 and Liri 5) rich in light rare earths elements (LREEs), with ratios (Ce/Yb)N normalized which vary between 3.00 and 7.78. It is probably a cryptic metasomatism due to the absence of hydrated minerals (such as amphibole) which caused these enrichments. The second group comprises samples of Liri (Liri 01, Liri 2, Liri 04, Liri 4) depleted in light rare earths elements, with the ratio in (Ce/Yb) N < 1.2. This depletion in rare earths elements results from the extraction of the melting liquid.Â Â Â Â
Assessing groundwater quality using water quality index in semiarid region of Aurangabad district, central India
Authors: R. Aher K. , L. Salve P. , G. Gaikwad S.
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a study on the influence of geochemical parameters on groundwater quality in GV-35 watershed of Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India. Groundwater samples were collected from different locations and their physiochemical quality parameter were analysed. Water quality index (WQI) was determined on the basis of various physical and chemical parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sulphate, chloride, nitrate, sodium, potassium, carbonate, bicarbonate, fluoride and iron. These parameters were determined for the calculation of water quality index (WQI). During pre-monsoon, 4% of groundwater samples were excellent, 65% were good; 26 % were poor; and 4% were unsuitable for domestic suitability, whereas in post-monsoon, 65% of water samples were good; 26% were poor; 4% were very poor and 4% were unsuitable for domestic suitability .Â Â Â Â
Curie depth and heat flow analysis of Ikot Ekpene and environs, Eastern Niger Delta Basin, using airborne magnetic data
Authors: Iduma Uche , Stephen Onyejiuwaka Stephen , Charity Nkiru Nwokeabia
Published: February 2021

Aeromagnetic dataset over Ikot Ekpene and environs, Eastern Niger Delta Basin, was processed to compute the basement depth, Curie isotherm depth, geothermal gradient and heat flow within the area in order to investigate the depth to magnetic sources, geothermal prospect and the hydrocarbon potential of the place. The adopted computational method transformed the spatial data into frequency domain and provided a relationship between radially average power spectrum of the magnetic anomalies and the depths to respective sources.Â  The results of the analysis showed that the depths to centroids and top boundaries range from 7.84 to 13.38 km and 0.233 to 0.459 km respectively. Curie depths within the basin undulate and vary between 15.42 and 26.49 km. The geothermal gradients range between 20.758 and 35.649 â°C/km while the corresponding heat flow is about 51.896 mWmâ»Â² within east of Ikono, north of Mbak and west of Abak Areas and 89.124 mWmâ»Â² within Amawum, Ndoro, Isiala, Ogbuebule and east of Uyo Areas. Based on the computed sedimentary thicknesses, high geothermal gradients and delineated major faults and fractures which could serve as migratory pathway for hydrocarbon or hydrothermal fluid, some parts of the study area have been demarcated for geothermal prospect and detail hydrocarbon exploration.Â Â
Solution of a system of differential equations with constant coefficients using in-verse moments problem techniques
Authors: Pintarelli Dra. MarÃ­a B.
Published: February 2021

It is known that given a system of simultaneous linear differential equations with constant coefficients you can apply the Laplace method to solve it. The Laplace transforms are found and the problem is reduced to the resolution of an algebraic system of equations of the determining functions, and applying the inverse transformation the generating functions are determined, solutions of the given system. This implies the need to know the analytical form of the inverse transform of the function. In this case the initial conditions consist in knowing the value that the generating function and its derivatives takes at zero. A generalization of this method is proposed in this work, which is to define a more general integral operator than the Laplace transform, the initial conditions consist of Cauchy conditions in the contour. And finally, we find a numerical approximation of the inverse transformation of the generating functions, using the techniques of inverse moment problems, without being necessary to know the analytical form of the inverse transform of the function.
A comparison study of NoSQL document-oriented database system
Authors: Suma Sugimiyanto , Alqurashi Fahad
Published: February 2021

By increasing data generation at these day, requirement for a sufficient storage system are strongly needed by stakeholders to store and access huge number of data in efficient way for fast analysis and decision. While RDBMS cannot deal with this challenge, NoSQL has emerged as a solution to address this challenge. There have been plenty of NoSQL database engine with their categories and characteristics, especially for document-oriented database. However, it makes a confusion for the system developer to choose the appropriate NoSQL database for their system. This paper is our preliminary report to provide a comparison of NoSQL databases. The comparison is based on performance of execution time which is measured by building a simple program. This experiment was done in our local cluster by exploiting around 1 million datasets. The result shows that RDB has better performance than CDB in terms of execution time.
Modeling HIV/AIDS co infection with malaria and tuberculosis: the role of treatment and counseling
Authors: O.Okongo Mark
Published: February 2021

HIV/AIDS remains one of the leading causes of death in the world with its effects most devastating in Sub Saharan Africa due to its dual infection with opportunistic infections especially malaria and tuberculosis. This study presents a co infection deterministic model defined by a system of ordinary deferential equations for HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. The HIV/AIDS only model is analyzed to determine the conditions for the stability of the equilibria points and assess the role of treatment and counseling in con-trolling the spread of the infections. This study shows that effective counseling reduces the value of the reproduction number for HIV/AIDS (RH) to less than unity eliminating the HIV/AIDS problem. Numerical simulations show that applying anti-retroviral treatment (ARVâ€™S) without effective counseling increases the value of RH, worsening the HIV/AIDS problem, however ARV treatment coupled with effective counseling reduces the value of RH to a level below one eliminating the disease. The study further shows that when the proportion of those receiving ARV treatment without effective counseling increases, the value of RH also increases to a level above one. However effective counseling maintains the value of RH below unity therefore strategies for the control of HIV/AIDS should emphasize counseling and not only treatment.Â
Orthonormal Bernstein polynomials for Volterra integral equations of the second kind
Authors: Biazar Jafar , Ebrahimi Hamed
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this research is to provide an effective numerical method for solving linear Volterra integral equations of the second kind. The mathematical modeling of many phenomena in various branches of sciences lead into an integral equation. The proposed approach is based on the method of moments (Galerkin- Ritz) using orthonormal Bernstein polynomials. To solve a Volterra integral equation, the ap-proximation for a solution is considered as an expansion in terms of Bernstein orthonormal polynomials. Ultimately, the usefulness and extraordinary accuracy of the proposed approach will be verified by a few examples where the results are plotted in diagrams, Also the re-sults and relative errors are presented in some Tables.Â Â
Parametric Identification Method for an Absorption Air Conditioning Parabolic Trough Collector Solar Plant
Authors: Díaz - Salgado Jorge , García - López Sandra , Galindo - Luna Yuridiana R , Romero R. J.
Published: February 2021

In this work is established a parametric identification method for an absorption air conditioning solar plant. A scaled thermal plant, consisting of a thermal capacitor and a flow line that acts as a capacitor and thermal energy radiator is used. As the mathematical model of the scaled plant is structurally identical to that of the solar plant the first is used to determine the methodology that can be used later for the identification of the PTC solar plant. Parametric identification is a necessary step that allows to determine the unknown parameters of the mathematical model of any solar/thermal plant. This model then can be used to analyze the plant characteristics and design an appropriate control algorithm. Although the system model is nonlinear it can be expressed in the form of a linear regressor in the parameters. This permits to use the least squares method as the identification method. The method is applied to the thermal plant to identify the useful form that the covariance matrix and excitation signals should have to ensure that when applied to the solar plant its unknown parameters can be properly estimated. Once the solar plant parameters are properly estimated model can be used to analyze and simulate the operation of the absorption air conditioning system.
Comparative safety profiles of two enrofloxacin generics after repeated intracrop administration to broilers
Authors: Ehmeza Nasser , Elmajdoub Abdelrazzag , Abusnina Abdurazzag , Bennour Emad , Giuma Elhafi Giuma Elhafi , El-Mahmoudy Abubakr
Published: February 2021

Clinicochemical, haematological and histopathological alterations were demonstrated in broiler chickens following repeated oral bolus administration of two different enrofloxacin generic preparations, formulated as 10% oral solutions, given at a dose regimen of 10 mg/Kg body weight for 5 consecutive days. The two tested preparations were EnrolÂ® (MedmacÂ®, Jordan), referred thereafter as ENRO-A; and SyvaquinolÂ® (SyvaÂ®, Spain), which referred thereafter as ENRO-B. Eighteen broilers chickens, aging 40 days old, divided equally and randomly into three groups, have been used in the present study. ENRO-A or ENRO-B was given via intra-crop route of administration at the above-mentioned dose regimen to birds of the 2nd and the 3rd groups, respectively; where those of the 1st group were given water instead and kept as control. Blood samples were collected from all birds via the wing and metatarsal veins on the 5th day for clinicochemical and haematological examinations. Birds were then humanely sacrificed and liver, kidneys and heart were dissected out for histopathological examination. Results revealed that ENRO-A induced a significant (p<0.05) increase of the activity of alkaline phosphatase compared to ENRO-B as well as control group. Both ENRO-A and ENRO-B caused significant increases in the levels of plasma urea and creatinine concentrations compared to control (p<0.05), with higher significance in case of ENRO-A. Activity of plasma creatine kinase significantly (p<0.05) increased after ENRO-A compared to control and ENRO-B-treated groups. ENRO-A and ENRO-B significantly (p<0.05) increased blood glucose and triglyceride levels compared to that of control. Cholesterol level was increased significantly (p<0.05) only after ENRO-B repeated administration. However, other metabolic parameters showed insignificant changes. Parallel inflammatory and degenerative histopathological changes in the affected organs, except kidneys, have been observed. Nevertheless, administration of either ENRO-A or ENRO-B caused insignificant changes in hematological parameters of the treated chicken groups. Data of the present study may indicate that enrofloxacin may cause organ dysfunction in broilers during the course of therapy based on clinicochemical and histopathological reasons. The data may also indicate that the pharmaceutical technology may be a detrimental factor in safety profiles of generic products based on the differences recorded between the two tested brands.
Comparative study of biogas production from animal wastes by anaerobic digestion
Authors: Soom Solomon , Adebo Adeyinka , Orsaa James , Ishuwa Miriam
Published: February 2021

This study compares biogas production from cattle dung, piggery faeces and poultry wastes under different environmental conditions by anaerobic digestion as a means of managing municipal solid wastes and was conducted in the Department of Biological Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi from 1st August, 2011 to 13th December, 2011. A 6 Kg of each of waste was mixed with four litres of water and loaded into three locally constructed digesters. The biogas produced was measured using water displacement method after every 5 days. The result indicated that piggery feaces gave the highest yield of biogas (1.07 L/kg), followed by cattle dung (0.71 L/kg), with poultry wastes the least (0.42 L/kg) all under direct sunlight. This study shows that piggery droppings are the best substrate for biogas production and the best yield result when the process is carried out under direct sunlight. However, statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the biogas yield of these feed stocks at 5 % level of significance. Anaerobic digestion is recommended to be explored as an environmentally friendly technology for organic waste management.
A comparative analysis in the macro and micro nutrient compositions of locally available polished rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md.Jahirul , Das Jayasree , Absar Nurul , Hasanuzzaman Md.
Published: February 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important food crop of the developing world and the staple food of more than half the global population. An investigation was carried out to identify chemical and minerals composition of twelve varieties of locally produced polished rice namely, Parija, Minikat, Sawrna, Jeerashile, Nurjahan, Pari Shiddho, Paijam, Basmoti, Govindavogh, Katarivogh, Nagirshail and Chinigura. We analyzed Moisture, Ash, Dry Matter, Crude Fibre(CF), Crude Protein(CP),Water soluble protein, Fat, Total Carbohydrate, Metabolizable Energy (ME),Total sugar, Reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, and minerals when the rice varieties are in polished form and obtained comparative data on their chemical composition and nutritive values. The results revealed the presence of nutrient constituent among the twelve varieties comprising Moisture(10.21Â±0.07to13.22Â±0.08%), Ash(0.30Â±0.02 to 0.57Â±0.02%), Dry Matter(86.78Â±0.08 to 89.78Â±0.07%), Crude Fibre(0.15Â±0.02 to 0.63Â±0.02%), Crude Protein(6.31Â±0.01 to 8.31Â±0.01%), Water soluble protein(0.13Â±0.02 to 0.25Â±0.02%),Fat(0.09Â±0.01 to 2.90Â±0.02%), Total Carbohydrate (76.33Â±0.13 to 81.87Â±0.05%), Metabolizable Energy (2834.31 to 3017.27 Kcal/Kg), Total sugar(0.06Â±0.01 to 0.40Â±0.01%), Reducing sugar(0.01Â±0.01 to 0.09Â±0.02%), Non-reducing sugar(0.05Â±0.01 to 0.36Â±0.01%) and minerals such as Sodium (69.07Â±0.13 to 118.87Â±0.39 mg%), Potassium(0.38Â±0.02 to 3.41Â±0.47mg%), Calcium (1.1Â±0.1 to 1.85Â±0.03mg%), Magnesium (0.13Â±0.04 to 0.61Â±0.01mg%), Iron (0.0003Â±0.0005 to 0.0005Â±0.0002mg%), Phosphorus (0.52Â±0.03 to 2.33Â±0.03mg%) respectively.Â
Peopleâ€™s perception on parasitic plants : helping humans, harming plants?
Authors: Rana Santosh Kumar , Rana Hum Kala
Published: February 2021

Parasitic plants have a rich ethnobotanical heritage in Nepal. They are harvested for use in medicine, traded as material and invoked during a variety of rituals by practitioners from the low plains to the high Himalayas. However in spite of their local importance, these plant species have received little attention from ethno-biologists due to their unique, often misunderstood, biology. This study seeks to expand the current ethnobotanical knowledge by not only documenting Nepalâ€™s parasitic flora but by also providing insight into how these plants are used and perceived in Nepalâ€™s biologically and culturally diverse environment. Ethnobotanical data for this research was collected using the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) methods among 52 respondents from different ethnic groups of Nepal (4 districts). A total of 20 plants species from five parasitic families were recorded and identified as ethnobotanical uses. They are 13 species of Mistletoe, 3 species of Dodder with 1 variety, 2 species in Balanophoraceae and 1 species in Orobanchaceae. The perceived knowledge of indigenous people led to the hypothesis Doctrine of Signature. With this information, Nepalâ€™s burgeoning state can begin targeting and managing these plant species through agricultural, community forestry and conservation policy.
Population status and distribution of Hindeâ€™s Babbler (Turdoides hindei) in Meru national park and Ngaya Forest Reserve areas of Meru county, Kenya
Authors: Onyancha Fredrick , Eshiamwata George , Karanja Henry , Njoroge Peter
Published: February 2021

Hindeâ€™s Babbler which is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List with isolated populations confined to some parts of central and eastern Kenya. A survey was conducted between June and December, 2015 to assess and compare population status of Hindeâ€™s Babbler across a gradient of levels of protection. Data was collected at intervals of 100m along predetermined cumulative 19 km transects where playback of Hindeâ€™s Babbler was used to elicit response of individual groups. At each point of detection, total number of adults, offsprings and vegetation phenology was recorded. The entire habitat population was 540 individuals (dry season; Ngaya FR-255, Meru NP-137 and Agricultural landscape- 148), 411 individuals (wet season; Ngaya FR-168, Meru NP-185 and Agricultural landscape- 58) though there was no significant statistical difference between the seasonal datasets. There was significance difference between adults and juveniles in both seasons (Mann Whitney, Dry P= 0.0001 and wet season, P = 0.0002). These results imply that the three sites are vital for the survival, conservation and management of this threatened species and hence continuous monitoring of protected and unprotected sites is necessary for conservation of threatened avian species like Hindeâ€™s Babbler.