bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Logiques autoritaires et transformation démocratique en Tunisie: le cas du président de l’Assemblée des Représentants du Peuple (2014-2019)
Authors: Limam Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Le personnel de l’ancien régime s’est retrouvé avec un rôle important dans le processus de transformation démocratique lancée depuis 2011 en Tunisie. À l’instar de Beji Caied Essebsi, élu président de la République en 2014, son compagnon de route, Mohamed Ennaceur, a lui aussi été élu président de l’Assemblée des représentants du peuple. Or, l’expérience politique comparée montre que, la consolidation démocratique dépend, entre autres, de la disposition des acteurs majeurs représentants l’ancien régime à respecter les règles du jeu démocratique. En partant de ce constat, nous posons que le personnel politique issu du régime autoritaire, lorsqu’il conserve une position clé dans les rouages de l’État, a tendance à s’approprier des nouveaux outils institutionnels pour les utiliser à son profit. Nous formulons l’hypothèse que Mohamed Ennaceur a introduit, avec le président Béji Caïd Essebsi, des pratiques en violation manifeste de la Constitution et des règles organisant le fonctionnement des institutions, tel que défini par la Constitution de 2014. En effet, sa gestion des conflits prouve que sur les dossiers épineux, Mohamed Ennaceur n’a pas su se défaire de son habitus autoritaire.
Les usages de l’alcool à Meknès (Maroc) : entre interdits, censure et autocensure
Authors: Chaudat Philippe
Published: July 2020

Au Maroc, l’alcool est interdit aux musulmans, et pourtant de nombreux commerces (bars, épiceries…) proposent cette marchandise à des consommateurs qui sont des musulmans. Pour pouvoir vendre de l’alcool, les commerçants organisent, selon des modalités qui leur sont propres, leur espace et leurs pratiques pour les rendre invisibles tandis que les clients, de leur côté, masquent leurs achats et leurs usages. Ainsi, les mécanismes d’autocensure que génère l’alcool consistent, non pas à s’en abstenir, mais à masquer la visibilité de sa circulation et de sa consommation. Dès lors, l’appréhension sociale de la transgression porte moins sur le non-respect de l’interdit que sur le non-respect de cette autocensure.
TAPSE/PASP use in heart failure: Implementing the evidence for simplicity
Authors: Guazzi Marco
Published: July 2020

Commentary to: “Assessment of right ventricular-arterial coupling by echocardiography in patients with heart failure with reduced to mid-range ejection fraction: impact on survival” by Rosa et al.
Rising against all odds: An analysis of the leadership experiences of three female clergy in the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mujinga Martin
Published: July 2020

The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ) was established in 1891. In 1977, it was granted autonomy by the British Methodist Church. From 1891, top church leadership has been dominated by male clergy. This article explores three instances of a challenge to this trend. The first occurred in 1994 when there was a leadership crisis in one of the districts, and for the first time, a woman was appointed district chairperson. The second followed the election in August 2004 of a male presiding bishop. However, allegations of moral impropriety were made against him. He approached the secular courts, and it led to his withdrawal from the position. The church appointed a woman to the position of acting presiding bishop. When the time came for the substantive post to be filled in August 2005, she was not confirmed in the position; a man was elected instead. The third relates to the controversial appointment in 2017 of a woman to one of the five vacant positions of district bishops. The aim of the research was to analyse the way in which these three women rose to positions of leadership in a male-dominated church. A qualitative research methodology was followed, with data being collected through open-ended interviews. The study highlighted that to be a female clergy leader in the MCZ entails rising against all odds. The study concluded by encouraging the MCZ to support women on their path to leadership rather than overlooking or, worse still, undermining them.Contribution: In spite of the challenges female clergy face in their quest for leadership roles, this feminist ecclesiological study shows stories of rising against all odds, describing the momentum-gaining progress of the ecclesiastical effort in the MCZ to accommodate female leaders, despite slow-moving processes.
EFFECT OF INORGANIC ALTERNATIVE SCOURING AGENTS ON STRUCTURE OF CELLULOSE/POLYESTER BLEND FABRIC
Authors: Barambu A. U. , Boryo D. E. A. , Adamu H. M , Yahuza K. M , Abdulkadir A.
Published: July 2020

In this research, a structural modification for a cellulose/polyester blend has been carried out using NH4OH, (NH4)2C2O4 and liquid NH3 which are environmentally friendly alternative scouring agents with NaOH as control. The scouring process was carried out on the samples with these alternative agents. Investigation into structural modification of cellulose/polyester blend fabric using NH4OH, (NH4)2C2O4 and liquid NH3 and its structural characterization with X-ray diffraction was carried. The results showed the inferences variation in the crystallinity index of scoured samples from (3.21-65.30%), the crystallite size of scoured samples (1.9-15 nm) in the crystalline region and (7-20 nm) in the amorphous region, inter-planar spacing of the scoured samples (0.340-0.350 nm) of the crystalline region and (0.350-0.340 nm) of the amorphous region and number of crystalline planes of the scoured samples is (3-11) of the cellulose/polyester blend fabric samples via X-ray diffraction studies. Among these alternative agents (NH4)2C2O4 and NH4OH showed better interaction with both amorphous and crystalline regions of the cellulose/polyester blend fabric samples without loss in crystallinity when used as scouring agents, and the possibilities of being a superior alternative with significant effect on the structures of the cellulose/polyester blend, while the other samples showed possibilities of being highly competitive with the conventional agent.
Chemical Compositions of Fermented and Unfermented Seeds of Cissus populnea Obtained from Niger state, Nigeria
Authors: Mathew J. T. , Otori A. A. , Musah M. , Shaba E. Y. , Tsado A. N. , Tanko E.
Published: July 2020

The chemical compositions of fermented (24 and 48 h) and unfermented seeds of Cissus populnea obtained from Niger State, Nigeria were determined using standard analytical methods. The % total essential amino acids ranged from 37.62±0.08 (unfermented) to 40.24±0.04 g/100g protein (fermented for 24 h), % total conditionally essential amino acids ranged from 23.36±0.10 (unfermented) to 25.65±0.05 (fermented for 24 h), while % total non-essential amino acids ranged from 34.10±0.07 (fermented for 24 h)to 39.03±0.12 (unfermented) g/100g protein. The food functional properties like the foaming capacities ranging from 1.82±0.12 (unfermented) to 6.05±0.10 % (fermented for 48 h), oil absorption ranged from 0.65±0.01 (unfermented) to 0.70±0.03 mg/g (fermented for 48 h) and water absorption ranged from 1.89±0.53 (fermented for 24 h) to 2.03±0.11 mg/g (unfermented), bulk densities ranged from 0.39±0.33 (fermented for 48 h) to 0.61±0.11 g/cm3 (unfermented), while swelling capacities ranged from 1.92±0.28 (fermented for 48 h) to 3.50±0.36 % (unfermented) and emulsification capacities ranged from 42.03±0.36 (unfermented) to 54.21±0.52 % (fermented for 48 h). The physicochemical parameters determined were also observed to decrease as the fermentation days increased. Food processing technologies for exploiting the utilisation of C. populnea flours both fermented and unfermented should be promoted.
Implementing Learner-Centered Approach to Teaching Science in Higher Education
Authors: Alqahtani Iman Mesfar
Published: July 2020

This study was to examine the effectiveness of student-centered approach to teaching science in higher education on students’ performance, students’ motivation and students’ social skills. The population in this study was 22 students who were admitted to the single subject credential program. The participants registered in Methods and Materials in Middle School Science Teaching (CI 161). Students’ science achievement was measured by using the pre-test and a post-test achievement test that created by this researcher based on expectancy and goals of the course. Also, this research used two questionnaires were conducted at the end of the academic semester to measure students’ motivation towards science learning and the second one to measure the influence of this approach on students' social skills. The result was implementing student-centered approach to teaching science in higher education has positive influences on students’ performance, students’ motivation and students’ social skills.
Badania teoretyczne i doświadczalne wpływu sztywności sprężyn powrotnych na prędkość suwadła broni z odprowadzeniem gazów
Authors: Kijewski Jacek , Leśnik Grzegorz , Pac Małgorzata
Published: July 2020

W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań teoretycznych i doświadczalnych wpływu sztywności sprężyn powrotnych na napęd suwadła broni automatycznej, działającej na zasadzie odprowadzenia gazów prochowych, z krótkim ruchem tłoka gazowego. Badania doświadczalne zostały przeprowadzone na stanowisku laboratoryjnym przedstawionym w pracy [1]. Wyniki doświadczalne porównano z wynikami z badań symulacyjnych, wykonanych zgodnie z modelem przedstawionym w pracy [2].
VISUAL ART IN APHASIA THERAPY: THE LOST AND FOUND SELF
Authors: Pąchalska Maria , Góral-Półrola Jolanta
Published: July 2020

Recently, the relationship between visual art and brain function and disease has raised considerable interest among neurologists, neuroscientists, and artists themselves. Visual art production involves multiple processes including basic motor skills, such as the coordination of movements, visual-spatial processing, emotional output, a socio-cultural context, as well as obviously creativity. Thus, the relationship between artistic output and brain diseases is particularly complex, and brain disorders may lead to an impairment of artistic production in multiple domains. Understanding the nature of aphasia, which leads to significant changes in human life in the physical, psychological, social and professional sphere, makes us aware of the importance of the individual (objective and subjective) and the social (collective and cultural) self system in the process of creation, especially in artists. Observing the works of artists with aphasia, we notice that each of them perceives the surrounding world differently. One wonders what makes them present reality in one way and not in another. It is true that all works of art show reality in thousands of different ways, and only an unoriginal artist will employ someone else's vision - one already used in a work. It should not be forgotten, however, that the work of artists with aphasia often takes on features resulting from the nature of the problems they face and is initially unoriginal, as they have to overcome fundamental technical difficulties and problems of technique. In this article, we present the possibilities for rehabilitation, of strengthening artists with aphasia, in order for them to find the self lost as a result of illness.
DIFFERENCES OF THE HEALTH- RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS
Authors: Błachnio Aleksandra
Published: July 2020

The aim of the study was to examine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the elderly in Poland. Researcher investigated if differences between gender groups were influenced by other variables such as period of ageing („young-old” vr „old-old”) and place of residence (big city, small town, village).

The study sample comprised 2565 elderly who were at least 60 years of age. The average age for men was 72,76 and for women 72,39. The health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Polish adaptation WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.

Respondents rated both quality of life and general health well. Nevertheless the health-related quality of life domains’ rating decreases with age. Women are commonly less satisfied with the WHOQOL-BREF domains. Men living in little towns declared not only a high level of quality of life, but their estimates in the early and late old age are similar.

The diversity of health-related quality of life needs further investigation along with a number of more subjective indicators of individual experiencing one’s old age (e.g. sense of one’s time of life or the awareness of age-related changes).
SPECIFIC FEATURES OF THE COMPREHENSION OF TEXTS AND STORY PICTURES BY ADOLESCENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISTURBANCES
Authors: Zashchirinskaia Oksana V.
Published: July 2020

The present article addresses the peculiarities of comprehending visual stimuli by adolescents with intellectual disturbances. We have studied the ability of school students to analyse and synthesise the meaning of the text and a series of story pictures, to successively retell their content, and distinguish the main semantic constructs.

We examined 60 adolescents: 20 normatively developing students from secondary school, 20 students with learning disabilities and 20 children with a clinical diagnosis of "intellectual disturbances". The age of the students ranged from 15 to 19 years old (the average age was 16 years 1 month old). The age range was due to the presence of adolescents with intellectual disturbances. The examination involved 25 girls and 35 boys. The main method of research is authorial questionnaire. A small excerpt from the Russian folk tale "The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats" is used as a verbal stimulus, and Bidstrup comic cartoons – as a non-verbal stimulus. The technique of eye-tracking is used as a research method that allows registering the number of fixations, duration of gaze and length of saccades.

The differences in the comprehension of text and picture visual stimuli in students with different levels of intelligence have been determined. In the case of intellectual disturbances, the duration of fixations significantly increases when perceiving the texts. The level of intelligence affects the parameters of the recognition and decoding of the visual information significantly.

It was found that the specifics of understanding texts and subject pictures by adolescents with intellectual disturbances are due to thinking passivity and different formats of information.
DIAGNOSTIC POTENTIAL OF SELECTED SALIVARY PROTEOMICS FOR AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT
Authors: Dobrek Lukasz
Published: July 2020

The clinical assessment of autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning, enabling the diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy present in the course of many diseases, is currently based on performing simple cardiovascular reflexes (Ewing tests), analyzing heart rate variability (HRV) or heart rate turbulence (HRT), examining skin sweating or recording neurophysiological tests (e.g. microneurography). Laboratory assessment of ANS function is very scarce and practically only includes the plasma assessment of noradrenaline as a surrogate for the biochemical indicator of sympathetic activity. Recently, the possibility of evaluation of selected compounds present in saliva as laboratory markers of not only oral diseases but also systemic diseases has been raised. This work focuses on a brief description of the anatomy and physiology of the salivary glands and describes the formation of saliva, its composition and the use of this bodily fluid in laboratory diagnostics. In addition, the paper specifically discusses the possibility of determining selected compounds that are considered to reflect autonomic activity. A review of the literature indicates primarily four proteomics: two neuropeptides (vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) that are co-transmitters in autonomic fibers, chromogranin A, a synaptic vesicle protein and α-amylase, a hydrolytic enzyme pre-digesting carbohydrates in the oral cavity. These are currently the most widely investigated agents for their usefulness as laboratory markers of ANS activity.
FUNCTIONAL NEUROMARKERS OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN VASCULAR DEMENTIA: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Supińska Marzena , Górla-Półrola Jolanta , Cielebąk Ksenia , Herman-Sucharska Izabela , Kropotov Juri D. , Pąchalska Maria
Published: July 2020

Early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression in patients with Vascular Dementia (VaD) have become vital in clinical practice, as disease modifying treatments for VaD become available. The goal of our research was to study cognitive impairment in a patient at an early stage of VaD. We evaluated latencies of the P3 GO and NOGO components of event-related potentials (ERPs), elicited in cued GO/NOGO tasks, as potential neuromarkers of cognitive im- pairment, as suggested by previous research.

The patient, a right-handed, 53-year-old male with a college edu- cation, suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA) in 2011. During this attack, which lasted for a few minutes, he was confused and had trouble speaking, trouble seeing in both eyes, difficulty walking, problems with balance and coordination, and strange behavior. Se - ven years later, in 2018, he was assessed using the HBI methodol- ogy, which consisted of recording (1) a 19-channel EEG in resting state (with eyes open and eyes closed), and (2) a cued GO/NOGO task, and then comparing the results with EEG spectra and Event- Related Potentials (ERPs) data from normative and patient data - bases. The patient died in 2019. Post-mortem studies confirmed cortical microhaemorrhages neuropathological criteria for VaD. We did not found deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau (HPτ) and Aβ, which fulfil the neuropathological criteria for AD.

The parietal-temporal-occipital EEG power was significantly higher in all conditions in this subject in comparison to healthy controls, indicating idling of the corresponding areas. The amplitude and la- tency of the P3 GO wave were found to be intact in the subject, in- dicating normal posterior cortical functioning in the cognitive task. The latency of the P3 GO wave was found to be significantly higher in the subject, indicating impairment of engagement operations.

In a GO/NOGO task, ERPs provide a useful tool for assessment
of brain functioning in clinical settings.
A Meta-Analysis of the Effects and Safety of Pulmonary Surfactants Combined with Budesonide in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: He Bing-Bin , Liu Guo-Sheng , Zhuang Jia-Yong , Ye Bo-Ran
Published: July 2020

Context: The purpose of this analysis was to explore the effects and safety of Pulmonary Surfactants (PS) combined with budesonide in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) by a meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Evidence acquisition: Literature searches were performed in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, the China Knowledge Network, and the Wanfang database to collect data from RCTs. The primary outcomes were BPD incidence and BPD-related mortality, while the secondary outcomes were BPD-related complications. Bias was evaluated by the Cochrane risk assessment tool. The RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis, and the Egger’s test was used for publication bias assessment. Results: A total of 720 subjects were enrolled from six RCTs, including 352 in the experimental group and 368 in the observation group. The BPD incidence (RR = 0. 42, 95% CI [0. 37, 0. 89], P < 0.001) and BPD-related mortality (RR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.38, 0.89], P < 0.05) differed significantly between the two groups. Significant differences were also found in intraventricular hemorrhage, infection/sepsis, Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). There were no significant differences in the incidence of PDA, Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), hyperglycemia, and hypertension. Conclusions: The intratracheal instillation of pulmonary surfactants with budesonide can reduce the incidence of BPD and BPD-related mortality with no increased risk of short-term complications.
Physiological and Behavioral Changes of Water Buffalo in Hot and Cold Systems: Review
Authors: Yáñez-Pizaña Ariadna , Cruz-Cruz Uis   Alberto   de   la , Tarazona-Morales Ariel , Roldan-Santiago Patricia , Ballesteros-Rodea G. , Pineda-Reyes Raym , Orozco-Gregorio Héctor
Published: July 2020

This review's objective is to provide information on the mechanisms that buffaloes express during the thermoregulation process. Generally, the water buffalo is associated with warm and tropical climates. In these systems, the combination of high temperature, relative humidity, and radiation cause different physiological and behavioral changes, particularly during the summer months. Wallowing behavior in water or mud promotes heat dissipation through physical mechanisms, such as conduction, convection, and radiation. Furthermore, the provision of natural or artificial shades contributes to thermoregulation and maintains homeostasis. In production systems in cold climates, the wallowing behavior is inhibited by the water temperature, so it is important to keep the animals protected in stables to avoid the cold winds and rapid drops in temperature, causing increased illness pneumonia and sometimes death. Finally, in cold conditions, the animals require an appropriate diet since the use of energy is distributed mainly for the production of heat. Thus, heat stress and cold stress generates relevant problems in health, welfare, and productivity in water buffaloes. A comprehensive assessment of the severity of the resulting problems associated with thermal stress and specialty in cold stress in water buffaloes is necessary so far, and there's very little information about it in this species.
Quality Evaluation of Sweet Potato - Acha Flour Blend Biscuits
Authors: Ayo J. A. , Agen E.
Published: July 2020

The study investigates the chemical, physical and sensory properties of sweet potato and acha flour based biscuits. The work was aimed at ameliorating the quality of acha-based biscuit with addition of sweet potato flour. Flour blends were produced by substituting sweet potato into acha flour at 20, 40 and 60%. Proximate, physical and sensory properties of the biscuit were analyzed. The carbohydrate, moisture content, fat content, fibre and ash increased from 67.21 to 75.94, 5.69 to 6.74, 13.81 to14.87, 1.4 to 1.68, and 2.48 to 3.45 respectively with an increase in added sweet potato flour (20-60), while the protein decreased from 8.14 to 3.73. The relative decrease could be due to the low inherent protein of sweet potato. Magnesium, phosphorus and potassium increased from 220.33 to 375.22, 0.438 to 0.632 and 218 to 252.33mg/100g respectively with added sweet potato flour. There was an increase in break strength and spread ratio from 1.35 to 2.95 kg 4.80 to 5.13, respectively, with an increase in the level of sweet potato flour substitution. The reverse was observed for thickness and diameter of the biscuit which decreased from 0.70 to 0.60 and 4.28 to 4.13 cm, respectively. The average mean score of texture, colour, taste, flavour and general acceptability ranges from 6.05 to 7.65, 6.55 to 6.40, 5.55 to 6,25, 6.70 to 5.75 and 6.10 to 6.95, respectively. The sample 40:60 sweet potato-acha flour blend biscuit with average means scores of 6.95 was most preferred and acceptable with the corresponding increment of 3.45, 14.87, 8.14, and 1.68 of ash content, fat content, protein and crude fibre, respectively.
Enabling Rural Youth to Generate Extra Income through Scientific Fish Farming under ARYA Project in Motihari District: A Success Story
Authors: Singh Arvind Kumar , Kumari Neelam , Sharma Ram Babu , Kant Shri , Rajput Jitendra , Rai Ashish , Singh Satish Kumar , Gangwar Anshu , Rai Vikas Kumar , Kumar Manish , Kumar Anand
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we have presented a case study, where the benefits of fish farming have been shown. This study also shows how processing and value addition of agricultural commodities can raise the income of the farming community.
Effect of Different Waxing Materials on the Quality and Shelf Life of Mysore Banana Variety
Authors: Kumah P. , Tandoh P. K. , Konadu K. S.
Published: July 2020

Banana is a climacteric fruit with a short shelf life. As a result, huge losses are incurred during handling in the value chain. The need to develop means of extending the shelf life and concomitantly maintaining the quality of the fruit after harvest has become very important. This study was conducted to determine the effects of two different edible waxing materials (beeswax and cassava starch) used as coatings on the quality and shelf life of Mysore banana. The study was conducted in the laboratory at the Department of Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology–Kumasi. The experiment was laid out in a simple completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated three (3) times with three treatments (beeswax, cassava starch and a control). Parameters studied were: fruit weight loss, firmness, peel colour, pulp-to-peel ratio, moisture content (MC), dry matter content (DMC), total titratable acidity (TTA), total soluble solids (TSS), pH, green life and shelf life. The results showed beeswax and cassava starch had no significant effect (P>0.01) on peel colour, fruit firmness, TTA, TSS, DMC, MC and green life. Beeswax, however, kept weight loss minimal, and reduced TSS and the pulp-to-peel ratio of the fruits during storage. We conclude that beeswax was the best treatment in terms of waxing Mysore banana fruits to maintained its quality and ultimately prolonged its shelf life by about four (4) days more than the control.
Control of Sugarcane Smut Disease: Evaluation of the In vitro Fungitoxicity of Three Essential Oils
Authors: Jacques-Edouard Yao Kouadio , Didier Kouamé Konan , Gaston Kouamé Koffi , Jean-Martial Kassi Koffi Fernand , Carine N’guessan Aya , Brahima Camara , Daouda Koné
Published: July 2020

The sugarcane smut disease caused by Sporisorium scitamineum occurs in all production areas. In order to contribute to the management of this disease, a study was carried out in vitro conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal efficacy and to determine the inhibitory concentration of the essentials oils of Ocimum gratissimum, Zingiber officinale and Cymbopogon citratus upon two strains B and Z of Sporisorium scitamineum. These oils were tested on mycelial growth of colonies, spores’ production and teliospores germination. The results showed a variable fungitoxic effect of the oils according to doses. Mycelial growth and spores production were totally inhibited (100%) from 1000 ppm by all the oils. The 90% inhibitory concentrations (IC90) obtained were 880.37 ppm, 847.83 ppm and 805.75 ppm for Ocimum gratissimum, Zingiber officinale and Cymbopogon citratus, respectively. The germination of teliospores was completely reduced by the three essential oils from 500 ppm upwards. Propiconazole had strong inhibitory effects at 400 ppm with a very low IC50 and the IC90 ranged from 305 ppm to 323.36 ppm. Moreover, at the level of the strains, no difference in resistance was observed These oils could provide a good means of controlling sugarcane smut.
Genetic Divergence and Variability Studies for Yield and Quality Traits in Elite Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes
Authors: Devi K. Rukmini , Chandra B. Satish , Hari Y. , Prasad K. Rajendra , Lingaiah N. , Rao P. Jagan Mohan
Published: July 2020

Genetic divergence and variability was assessed among 33 elite germplasm lines which were evaluated in RBD at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal with an objective to classify  and understand the nature and magnitude of genetic diversity and variability  with regard to grain yield, yield components and quality traits using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Genotypes were grouped into eight clusters and cluster I was the largest comprised of 23 genotypes followed by cluster II which consists of 4 genotypes and rest of the clusters from cluster III to cluster VIII contain one genotype each. The maximum cluster distance was found between cluster II and cluster IV (2178.98) followed by cluster III and cluster VIII (2160.16). The minimum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster I and cluster III (540.96). The intra cluster distance was maximum for cluster II (354.1) indicating existence of variability within the cluster. A perusal of results on cluster means revealed that cluster VIII recorded highest cluster mean for yield/plant, panicle length, test weight, plant height, volume expansion ratio, kernel length after cooking, length/breadth ratio, kernel length and kernel width, The most important trait causing maximum divergence was plant height (31.8) which ranked 168 times first followed by alkali spreading value, days to 50% flowering and test weight were responsible for differentiating the genotypes studied. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was slightly higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits. Moderate GCV and PCV estimates were observed for filled seeds/panicle, test weight, alkali spreading value, volume expansion ratio, yield/plant, water uptake and head rice recovery. High heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for test weight (98.5:46.62), filled seeds/panicle (92.6:46.26), alkali spreading value (90.9:43.15), yield/plant (78;35.30), head rice recovery (78.9:27.46) and volume expansion ratio (69.1:37.3). In this study the genotypes WGL 1143, WGL 1150, WGL 1149, Tellahamsa in cluster II and WGL 1062 in cluster IV and WGL 915 in cluster VIII were widely divergent and crosses may be effected among the genotypes of the clusters to get more heterosis and subsequently better recombinants in segregating generations.
Role of Conservation Agriculture for Sustaining Soil Quality and Improving Crop Productivity- A Review
Authors: Ahngar Tanveer Ahmad , Rashid Zahida , Bhat Raies Ahmad , Raja Waseem , Iqbal Sadaf , Mir Mohd Salim , Jan Seerat
Published: July 2020

Intensive agriculture and excessive use of external inputs are leading to degradation of soil and water resources and negatively affecting agricultural production. This review article aims to determine the role of conservation agriculture for sustaining soil quality and improving crop productivity. Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices cause prominent changes in physical, chemical and biological properties of soil compared to conventional agricultural practices. The improved bio-physico-chemical qualities of soil in turn, affect the ecosystem services and sustainability of crop production system through counterbalancing the climate variability with the help of increasing sink for carbon sequestration within the soil. There was significant interaction of tillage and cropping system on mineral nitrogen measured at the beginning of the cropping system. Mineral N contents were higher with manual tillage and no tillage systems compared with conventional tillage in the soybean maize rotation system. Conservation agriculture also helps in improving the crop production in a sustainable way hence there is an intense need of conservation agriculture which will not only meet the present and future demand of ever increasing population, but also seize degradation of environmental quality.
An Assessment of Visual Acuity of Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Makurdi, Benue State, North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Ojabo C. O. , Adeniyi O. S. , Ojo B. A.
Published: July 2020

Aim: This study was designed to investigate the visual acuity and the relationship between visual acuity and rate of road traffic accident (RTAs) among commercial (private and government transport companies) vehicle drivers in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to each driver by face-to-face interview in four major motor parks in Makurdi metropolis. The documented information included driver’s demographic data, duration of driving, history of previous ophthalmic examination, past ophthalmic disease and history of involvement in road traffic accident. Participants were taken through a comprehensive eye examination.

Results: One hundred and twenty-two (122) male commercial vehicle drivers were enrolled for this study with a mean age of 33.8 + 0.81 years. 98.4% (n=120) of the drivers had normal visual acuity in both eyes. Analysis showed that there was no correlation between visual acuity of the drivers and the number of road traffic accident.

Conclusion: The prevalence of visual impairment in this study was low. The result also showed that there is no relationship between visual acuity and road traffic accident. Majority of the drivers in this study never had any eye test done before obtaining their driving license.
Vigor and Viability of Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.) Seeds Subjected to Different Substrates
Authors: Nunes Helber Véras , Barros Daniella Inácio , Santos João Pedro Pereira dos , Oliveira Kaio Rodrigues dos Santos de , Barbosa Bruna Azevedo , Nunes Bruno Henrique di Napoli , Noleto Rayane Ferreira , Costa Ghustavo Higor Alves , Miranda Charles Pires , Vale Kaio Cesar Lima , Oliveira Liomar Borges de
Published: July 2020

Cagaita originates from the Brazilian Cerrado and belongs to the Myrtaceae family. It is a fruit tree and widely disseminated in the Brazilian Cerrado, and can reach up to 10 meters high. To obtain quality seedlings it is necessary to use substrates that have physical and chemical properties suitable for plant development. Also, the quality of the substrate is directly related to the proportions and the material that makes up the mixture. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Federal Institute of Education (IFTO), Science and Technology of Tocantins, Gurupi/TO city, from November 1, 2017, to February 26, 2018. Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.) seeds taken directly from the fruit were used to perform the experiment, which was collected in the urban region of Peixe - To in October 2017. Six types of substrates were used for the installation of the experiment, which was: Washed Sand; Washed Sand + Coconut Shell + Black Soil + Poultry Manure; Black Soil; Pine Bark + Poultry Manure + 25% Commercial Substrate Plantmax®; Earthworm Humus + Black Soil + 25% Commercial Substrate Plantmax®; 25% Commercial Substrate Plantmax® + Poultry Manure + Black soil + washed sand. The substrates of earthworm humus + Black Soil + 25% commercial substrate Plantmax® and 25% Commercial Substrate Plantmax® + Poultry Manure + Black Soil + Washed Sand provided the highest values of viability and vigor in Cagaita seeds.
Antidiabetic Activity of Aerial Parts and Seeds of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) on Diabetic Rats
Authors: Dreny E. G. El-
Published: July 2020

This study has been proposed to study the effect of aerial parts and seeds of purslane on diabetic rats. Chemical composition, phenolic compounds and fatty acids of purslane and seeds powder were determined. A biological experiment was performed using 30 male albino rats. The rats were divided into six groups (five in group) and the duration of experiment was 8 weeks. Normal control (G1) non- diabetic rats fed on the basal diet, diabetic control (G2) diabetic rats fed on the basal diet only, the other groups of diabetic rats fed on basal diet supplemented with purslane (5 and 10%) and  seeds (5 and 10%). The results of biological experiment indicated that adding of purslane and seeds to basal diet for diabetic rats, led to improvement in liver and kidney functions and an increase in body weight and HDL cholesterol and decrease blood glucose, TC, TG, LDL cholesterol, v-LDL cholesterol comparing to those of diabetic rats fed on basal diet only diabetic control. Purslane (5 and 10%) and seeds (5 and 10%) were added to burger as a replacement of fat. The results of sensory evaluation indicated that all sensory properties of the burger prepared with purslane and seeds were acceptable. Through the results of this study, we recommend the possibility of using purslane and seeds to prevent and reduce the symptoms caused by diabetes.
Impact of Pearl Millet Based Supplementary Food on Biochemical and Cognitive Profiles of School Children (5-6 Year Old)
Authors: Arokiamary S. , Senthilkumar R. , Kanchana S.
Published: July 2020

Aims: To study the effect of pearl millet based supplementary food on biochemical and cognitive profiles of school going girl children.

Methodology: Two groups of 30 girl children in the age group of five to six year each were selected. The total number of children participated in the present study was 60. The first group constituted non supplemented (control); the second group of children (experimental) was supplemented 100 g of pearl millet based supplementary food mix in the form of biscuits along with their home diet for a period of 100 days. The biochemical profiles like haemoglobin, serum protein and serum retinol were analyzed and cognitive test also carried out before and after the administration of supplementary food.

Results: The mean increments in biochemical parameters such as haemoglobin, serum protein and serum retinol was higher in experimental group than the control group. At the end of the experiment the mean increment of Raven’s score was 1.07 in control and 1.36 in experimental group. In Weschler’s scale memory score has increased from 72.15 to 72.83 in control and 74.46 to 76.13 in experimental group. Binet Kamat’s test of mental ability was also observed an increase in the score at the end of the study period. The haemoglobin level was positively correlated with cognitive development of the children in both control and experimental group.

Conclusion: Supplementation with pearl millet based supplementary food mix has improved the biochemical and cognitive development of the selected children. Long term feeding trials with supplementary food mix could improve the cognitive development. Incorporation of the green leafy vegetables powder and carrot powder in different type of foods has positive effect on the cognitive development of school children.
Efficacy of Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen (Polygalaceae) against Two Standard Isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Makinia Wekesa Euginia , Ojunga Michaiah , Ayayo Z. Ngalo Otieno-
Published: July 2020

Aim: A study was carried out to determine the in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of root and bark of Securidaca longipedunculata against two standard isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae NO.0296 and WHO- K.

Materials and Methods: Plant materials were collected and dried at room temperature, followed by ethanol extraction using a rotary pump. Antibacterial activity was done on the isolates using agar disc-diffusion method with Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) as a negative control and ceftriaxone as a positive control. Zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters. Minimum bactericidal concentration of the extract was determined using different concentrations of the extract then plated on Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) medium and a standard protocol was used to determine the presence of phytochemical compounds.

Results and Discussion: The results obtained showed that both the root and bark extracts of S. longipedunculata have antibacterial activity against the two bacterial strains with a zone of inhibition of ≥ 10mm and a bactericidal activity at 0.01µg-ml of 10% crude extract. Comparison of susceptibility on tetracycline, penicillin and ciprofloxacin with the root and bark extract showed higher susceptibility to the extracts.  The extracts showed presence of saponins, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenes, alkanoids, phenolics and tanins. The demonstrated antibacterial activity of S. longipedunculata against N. gonorrhoeae provides a scientific basis for the traditional use in treating venereal diseases in western Kenya.

Conclusion: This investigation and further studies will pave the way for use of this plant in antibacterial drug development for alleviating human suffering. We recommend further studies to identify the specific compound(s) responsible for the antibacterial activity.
Playing and Its Importance in the Child Psychoanalytic Therapeutic Process
Authors: Ponciano Daniela , Klinger Ellen Fernanda , Ponciano João Victor , Amorim Thamires Reis , Soares Deusimar Noleto
Published: July 2020

When it comes to playing, there is the impression that this is something recreational and fun; however, for psychology and psychoanalysis, this goes beyond recreational lines. Playing has a significant value in human development. This study sought to show the importance of playing in the child's life and in the therapeutic process from the perspective of the psychoanalyst. For psychoanalysis, playing is used as an instrument of evaluation and intervention, allowing the analyst to monitor the child's emotional development. We understand the child's playful activity as an expression of their desires, traumas and the elaboration of their conflicts.
Discrete Artificial Dragonflies Algorithm in Agent Based Modelling for Exact Boolean kSatisfiability Problem
Authors: Abubakar Hamza , M. Sagir Abdu , Yusuf Surajo , Abdurrahman Yusuf
Published: July 2020

The development of metaheuristics and Boolean Satisfiability representation plays an important part in a neural network (NN) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) communities. In this paper, a new hybrid discrete version of the artificial dragonfly algorithm (DADA) applying a minimum objective function in agent-based modelling (ABM) obeying a specified procedure to optimize the states of neurons, for optimal Boolean Exact Satisfiability representation on NETLOGO as a dynamic platform. We combined the artificial dragonfly algorithm for its random searching ability that encourages diverse solutions and formation of static swarm’s mechanism to stimulus computational problems to converge to the best global optimal search space. The global performance of the proposed DADA was compared with genetic algorithm (GA)  that are available in the literature based on the global minimum ratio (gM), Local Minimum Ratio (yM), Computational time (CPU) and Hamming distance (HD).  The final results showed good agreement between the proposed DADA and discrete version of GA to efficiently optimize the Exact-kSAT problem.  It found that DADA-ABM has high potentiality for optimizing or modelling a network that is very hard or often impossible to capture by exact or traditional optimization modelling techniques such as Boolean satisfiability problem is better than existing methods in the literature.
Perineal Rectosigmoidectomy Associated with Low Colorectal Anastomosis for Complete Rectal Prolapse Correction – Altemeier’s Procedure
Authors: Gutierrez Marcel , Martinez Anne , Boratto Sandra Di Felice
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Rectal prolapse constitutes in rectal protrusion through anal orifice. It’s more frequent in elderly women and the correction is exclusively surgical and fundamental, given the condition’s social relevance. We intend to describe a perineal rectosigmoidectomy (Altemeier) for correction of prolapse in multi-morbidity elder patient.

Case Report: Female patient, 78 years old, evaluated by proctology ward of CHSBC. She Came in with complaint of anal region bulge for past 2 years. Proctological examination showed 15 cm rectal procidentia Rectal prolapse’s diagnosis came from colonoscopy. A perineal rectosigmoidectomy associated with colorectal anastomosis was done (Altemeier’s Procedure). There was appropriate postoperative evolution, discharge with good wound healing and ambulatorial follow up with good general healing.

Discussion: Rectal prolapse is a result of anatomical alterations due to factors such as age and multiparity. Clinical presentation: abdominal discomfort, constipation, feces and gases release. It leads to life quality loss, thus surgical interventions become essential. Corrective surgeries seek to give back fecal continence. Currently, procedures branch out into abdominal and perineal. Altemeier consists in complete rectal removal via perineum. It’s appropriate for high surgical risk elders, since it has the lowest complications rate.
Positioning the Nigerian Construction Industry and Desiderata for Global Competitiveness in the 21st Century
Authors: Okolie K. C. , Ezeokoli F. O. , Fadumo D. O.
Published: July 2020

The research evaluates the drivers toward positioning Nigerian construction industry for global competitiveness in the 21st century. Being a survey research, questionnaires containing information relating to issues and drivers on global competitiveness were administered to selected construction practitioners in Anambra State, Nigeria. Accordingly, a total of 84 questionnaires were administered out of which 80 copies were completed, returned and found useful.  This corresponds to a response rate of 95%. Data collected were analyzed and presented using mean score, percentages, relative importance index (RII) and tables. The study found that the identified twelve (12) drivers of global competitiveness were all significant in the study area. However, the most perceived significant drivers for global competitiveness in the study area is labour market efficiency. Also, the study observed that the Nigerian construction industry operates at the level of factor-driven economy. Therefore, the study concluded by recommending that construction firms must   find appropriate strategies that would help to improve and strengthen their digital innovation, institutional, technological and infrastructural needs. This will place them in good standing for global competitiveness in the future.
Die Attach Process Optimization with Enhanced Epoxy Control on Leadframe Package
Authors: Rodriguez Rennier S. , Graycochea Jr Edwin M. , Seguido Rammil A. , Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: July 2020

The paper presents a practical procedure in selecting the best candidate for die attach epoxy control or anti-epoxy bleed-out (anti-EBO) concentration during the introduction of new leadframe configuration. Three different criteria were implemented to measure the relative impact of the anti-EBO into the different interfaces inside a quad-flat no-leads multi-row (QFN-mr) leadframe unit. Die shear test is performed to measure the shear strength and the compatibility of the anti-EBO to the adhesive material. EBO measurement is performed herewith to study the propagation of epoxy bleed-out on the surface of the leadframe with reference to the different level of anti-EBO concentration. Package reliability is employed study the response of different interfaces directly in-contact with anti-EBO through thermal-cycling scenario. Ultimately, understanding the effect of anti-EBO into different set of tests provided a systematic way of selecting appropriate leadframe parameters for QFN-mr leadframe product.
A Comparative Study of Sustainable Patterns in Iranian Underground Architecture
Authors: Faramarzi Mahsa , Nasab Mohammad Reza Nemati , Mohammadi Amir Reza , Vahedi Reza
Published: July 2020

Iranian native architects created many innovations at different levels of altitude in the past, using various sources and natural clean energies in order to create natural adaptation in different climate climates. Garden Pit and Shawadan are among examples. These underground elements have created a pleasant atmosphere in high temperate and humid environments by utilizing the high thermal capacity of the soil. Time-lapse and inappropriate use of technological advances have led to the neglect of indigenous methods and unlimited use of fossil fuels. Shawadan and Garden Pit are two elements of underground architecture where Shawadan is used in a warm and humid climate and garden pits are used in the warm and dry climate. These architectural elements are often found in Yazd and Kashan cities as desert cities (warm and dry) and Dezful and Shushtar are built on the Gulf coast due to weather conditions. The study aimed to re-read and adapt these elements in terms of functional similarities using analytical-descriptive library method.