bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scientific production of Nutrition courses in Food and Nutrition in Collective Health: contributions to the debate on professional performance
Authors: Flor Taiana Brito Menezes , Noro Luiz Roberto Augusto
Published: November 2021

This study aims to analyze the scientific production of Nutrition courses on knowledge core Food and Nutrition in Collective Health (FNCH) and its associations with institutional characteristics and advisor’s academic degree. A bibliometric study was performed on 195 final projects of five nutrition courses in Rio Grande do Norte state (Brazil) from the year 2013. Information related to higher education institutions and academic degree of advisor were collected. From the reading of sections of final projects, screening was performed on final project involvement with knowledge core FNCH, being collected general methodological characteristics, classification on sub cores of FNCH, and theme approached. Pearson’s chi-square test was used with a significance level at p-value ≤ 0.05 and 95% confidence interval in a univariate and bivariate way. From the total of analyzed final projects, 54 (27.7%) were related to knowledge core FNCH, prevailing final projects with a quantitative approach (61%), presented as scientific articles (57%), and performed in public services (45%). There was an emphasis on the sub-core of Nutritional Epidemiology (63%) [p < 0.001], with the theme Nutritional Assessment (57%) [p < 0.001]. There was no significant association between FNCH final projects proportion and institutional characteristics or advisor’s academic degree. Thinking about nutritionists’ practice, limitations were identified on FNCH scientific production, with an emphasis on nutritional diagnosis researches, with less involvement in public health policies and human and social sciences.
Tracking of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in young shooters, Ituiutaba, MG
Authors: Ferreira Freire Victor Antonio , Silveira Martins Dianndra , Reis Maria Emanuelle de França Antunes , Rosa Thiago Augusto , Izidoro Luiz Fernando Moreira , Rezende Alexandre Azenha Alves de , Calábria Luciana Karen
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to detect early hypertension, diabetes and obesity, as well as their risk factors, in 105 young shooters from Tiro de Guerra 11-002 in the city of Ituiutaba-MG. This is a cross-sectional mixed study. A semi-structured questionnaire that contained questions related to the sociodemographic context, health status, lifestyle, eating habits, and psychosocial variables was applied. Blood pressure, anthropometric indexes, and lipid and glycemic profiles were measured. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation test and Spearman’s coefficient, considering significative value (p < 0.05). The shooters had an average of 18.9 years old, most educated and brown. Anthropometric indices indicated a mainly eutrophic population, and normotensive and desirable lipid and glycemic profiles. However, overweight, high blood pressure, and self-declaration of family history for chronic diseases were identified. In addition, most shooters affirmed to ingest alcoholics beverages, to have insufficient time of physical activity, and to be aware of their levels of stress, pressure and anxiety and a few hours of sleep. Overall, the shooters showed good anthropometric and biochemical indicators of blood. Risk behavior, such as drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking, low level of physical activity and self-perception of stress, anxiety and pressure were also noted.
Automatic Classification of COVID-19 using CT-Scan Images
Authors: Catal Reis Hatice
Published: November 2021

Medicine and engineering sciences have been working in close contact for common purposes. Machine learning algorithms are used in the medical field for early diagnosis prediction. The major aim of this study is to evaluate machine learning algorithms and deep learning algorithms using computed tomography scan (CT-scan) images for automated detection of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. We obtained seven hundred and fifty-seven (757) CT-scan images from a public platform. We applied four automated traditional classification methods to predict COVID-19 using deep learning and machine learning. These algorithms are SVM, AdaBoost, NASNetMobile, and InceptionV3. Comparative analyses are presented among the four models by considering metric performance factors to find the best model. The results show that the InceptionV3 model achieves better performance in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, Cohen’s kappa, F1- score, root mean squared error (RMSE), and receiver operating characteristic- area under the curve (ROC-AUC), in comparison with the other Covid-19 classifiers. Accordingly, the InceptionV3 approach is recommended for the automatic diagnosis of Covid-19 and assessments. This research can present a second point of view to medical experts and it can save time for researchers as the performance of standard machine learning methods in detecting COVID-19 is evaluated.
Predicting Blood Glucose Level in Malaysian Women Based on Glutathione and Anthropometric Parameters
Authors: Basri Nur Rasyidah Hasan , Mohktar Mas Sahidayana , Zaman Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul , Rengasamy Selvam
Published: November 2021

Blood glucose is conventionally determined by the level of sugar present in our blood. Lesser known to the public that antioxidants in our body are also said to influence the level of blood glucose. Glutathione (GSH) as the main antioxidant parameter in our body helps in reducing the production of oxidative stress caused by a high blood glucose level. Particularly in women, high antioxidant activities are reported due to the presence of oestrogen hormone. However, in Malaysia limited study was done on the significance of GSH in influencing the blood glucose level. Thus, this study focuses on finding the significance of GSH and some other health predictors in affecting the blood glucose level of women volunteers. This study was carried out on 118 Malaysian women volunteers and blood samples were collected for GSH analysis and blood glucose. All data were trained and tested for the development of prediction models in classifying the blood glucose into normal and abnormal levels. The model construction is using three different classifiers: namely logistic regression, k-nearest neighbour classifier and decision tree. Five predictors that were used are GSH, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and groups (oral supplementation dosage). Results showed all predictors are significantly correlated with the blood glucose level at p < 0.10. The model with a combination of GSH, BMI, WHR, weight and supplementation dosage (groups) as predictors gave the best performance. The k-nearest neighbour classifier model displays the best accuracy (84.7%) in predicting the normal and abnormal level of blood glucose. This finding shows that by altering the amount of GSH via oral supplementation and other significant predictors in women, there are chances to modify the blood glucose level from abnormal to normal
The Effects of Surface Texturing on Friction Performance under Two-Wheels Vehicle Control Condition
Authors: Hwang Yunn Lin , Adhitya
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of friction on two wheels vehicle control. First, the two wheels vehicle model is presented. Then, the dynamic analysis are performed by studying the dynamic of inverted pendulum. The PID control is used as the control method to control motor for balancing two wheels vehicle. Furthermore, the numerical modeling is created and the friction is given on joint with varying the coefficient of friction in numerical simulation. Moreover, the optimize PID value is presented and then the numerical simulation is performed.
Research on Aeroelasticity Phenomenon of a Flat Copper Alloy Plate
Authors: Hoang Thi Kim Dung , Nguyen Phu Khanh , Tran Ngoc Khanh
Published: November 2021

Aeroelasticity is a science to study interaction between aerodynamic, elastic and inertial forces. Flutter is the most dangerous aeroelasticity phenomena, that is defined as the dynamic instability of an object in an airstream. Following flutter phenomenon, unsteady aerodynamic forces generated from elastic deformations of structure. It can lead to a disastrous structural failure. This paper examined aeroelasticity properties of a flat copper alloy plate by combining simulation methods using ANSYS software and experimental methods with help of subsonic wind tunnel at M = 0.1. At the first stage, elastic properties of this thin plate were carried out by using vibrational experiments and modal method to determine the specific vibration frequencies. Then, these aeroelasticity properties were estimated at three different attack angles of 0o, 5o and 10o. Finally, instability phenomenon of this flat plate was investigated within limited experimental conditions to be able to select objects and experimental solutions to be feasible and effective.
Design of the Surface Powder Removing Device for the Wire Coil Used in the Screw or Nut Manufacturing Process
Authors: Tsai Ping Hsueh , Chu Hsiao Yeh
Published: November 2021

Steel wire coil is the raw material for the screw or nut manufacturing process. It’s common that the surface of the wire is covered with wire drawing powder. Wire drawing powder is necessary and served as the solid lubricant while drawing the wire. However, it’ll be flushed out by the forming oil during the screw or nut manufacturing process. The mixing of the forming oil and the wire drawing powder makes the oil more viscous and generates more sludge. In this paper, we propose a very promising approach to solving the above-mentioned problem. A surface powder removing device with an internal helical brush installed inside to wipe out the wire drawing powder. The performance of this powder removing device was evaluated on the cleanness of the wire surface and the quality of the oil. Results show no damage was observed with the hair diameter equals to 0.08 mm. Almost 100% of the wire surface powder wire surface was removed and the oil quality is 6 times better than that without using this device.
Effect of unacylated ghrelin on peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Ronchi Giulia , Tos Pierluigi , Angelino Elia , Muratori Luisa , Reano Simone , Filigheddu Nicoletta , Graziani Andrea , Geuna Stefano , Raimondo Stefania
Published: November 2021

Ghrelin is a circulating peptide hormone released by enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract as two forms, acylated and unacylated. Acylated ghrelin (AG) binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a), thus stimulating food intake, growth hormone release, and gastrointestinal motility. Conversely, unacylated GHR (UnAG), through binding to a yet unidentified receptor, protects the skeletal muscle from atrophy, stimulates muscle regeneration, and protects cardiomyocytes from ischemic damage. Recently, interest about ghrelin has raised also among neuroscientists because of its effect on the nervous system, especially the stimulation of neurogenesis in spinal cord, brain stem, and hippocampus. However, few information is still available about its effectiveness on peripheral nerve regeneration. To partially fill this gap, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of UnAG on peripheral nerve regeneration after median nerve crush injury and after nerve transection immediately repaired by means of an end-to-end suture. To this end, we exploited FVB1 Myh6/Ghrl transgenic mice in which overexpression of the ghrelin gene (Ghrl) results in selective up-regulation of circulating UnAG levels, but not of AG. Regeneration was assessed by both functional evaluation (grasping test) and morphometrical analysis of regenerated myelinated axons. Results obtained lead to conclude that UnAG could have a role in development of peripheral nerves and during more severe lesions.
Paolo Gava, a professional engineer, who has become a Master athlete, an amateur scientist and a lifelong friend
Authors: Carraro Ugo , Kern Helmut , Albertin Giovanna
Published: November 2021

Paolo Gava, (Conegliano, Treviso, September 1, 1946 – Stra, Venezia, Italy, July 19, 2021) was a sustainable resources engineer, who worked in Italy, France and England, leading research programs well before the current international interest in countering global warming. Passionate about Tango, Paolo kept himself in shape for many decades by running or pedaling or roller-skating, after years of training as a semi-professional athlete, competing and winning Italian and European short distance races in the Master classes. Then, Paolo applied his engineering skills to optimize comparisons between the results of the different Classes of Master Athletes, questioning the rules used by Italian and World Master Sports Associations. Friendly discussing during an after-dinner, he shocked us claiming that, in absence of diseases and trauma (Early Aging), the aging decay is a linear process from 30 to 110 years. Under our friendly pressure he was able to publish his first biomedical article, detailing his mathematical approaches and results in a 2015 issue of Experimental Aging Research, titled: Age-associated power decline from running, jumping and throwing male master world records. To honor his other legacies during his last six years of life, we add here further examples of Paolo's scientific studies and his relationships with senior colleagues and young students of sports and aging sciences.
COPD sleep phenotypes: Genesis of respiratory failure in COPD
Authors: Vaidya Sameer , Gothi Dipti , Patro Mahismita
Published: November 2021

The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients could have respiratory failure during sleep without daytime overt arterial blood gas (ABG) abnormality. We undertook a study first of its kind to attempt in distinguishing the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.  It was a prospective observational study in stable COPD patients. The inclusion criterion was presence of day time PaO2>60 mmHg and PaCO2<45 mmHg. Twenty five out of 110 patients were excluded because of the ABG abnormality. The remaining 85 patients were subjected to overnight pulse oximetry and end-tidal (ET)-CO2 monitoring. The nocturnal oxygen desaturation was defined as per Fletcher’s criteria. The nocturnal hypoventilation was defined as per American academy of sleep medicine (AASM) guidelines. Patients having saw-tooth pattern on pulse oximetry and/or snoring were subjected to polysomnography. 38/85(44.8%) patients had nocturnal gas exchange abnormality in absence of daytime respiratory failure and were identified into 3 different phenotypes: obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), nocturnal hypoventilation and nocturnal oxygen desaturation. The isolated abnormality was seen in 24 patients: 10 patients had OSA, 9 had nocturnal hypoventilation and 5 had nocturnal oxygen desaturation. Overlap of two or more phenotypes was seen in 14 patients. As compared to the nocturnal hypoventilation and desaturation phenotypes, the OSA phenotype had a significantly higher BMI & FEV1. The nocturnal hypoventilation and the desaturation phenotypes did not have significant difference in FEV1 and BMI, but the daytime SpO2 and PaO2 differed significantly.  Such parameters could help in identifying the three distinct COPD-sleep phenotypes (OSA, nocturnal hypoventilation and nocturnal oxygen desaturation). A phenotype based nocturnal management may help in delaying the process of overt respiratory failure in COPD.
Mind your state: Insights into antidepressant nonadherence
Authors: Wolmarans De Wet , Brand Sarel J.
Published: November 2021

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is an insidious disease and affects up to 15% of the global population. Although MDD responds to a wide range of pharmacological treatment options, a number of factors, i.e. not adhering to treatment for at least 4–12 months, contribute to antidepressants not being highly effective. In an attempt to aid clinicians in improving the adherence rates among MDD patients, the current paper will divulge in more detail the possible explanations of why individuals with MDD find it difficult to adhere to prescribed regimens.
Clinical conundrums in primary health care
Authors: Ellis Chris
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Mastering your Fellowship
Authors: Von Pressentin Klaus B. , Naidoo Mergan , Mash Bob
Published: November 2021

The series, “Mastering your Fellowship”, provides examples of the question format encountered in the written examination, Part A of the FCFP (SA) examination. The series is aimed at helping family medicine registrars prepare for this examination. Model answers are available online.
The pharmacotherapy of low back pain
Authors: Greeff Oppel B.W.
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
National Health Insurance (NHI): Funding is an issue!
Authors: Ogunbanjo Gboyega A.
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Active myofascial trigger points in head and neck muscles of patients with chronic tension-type headache in two primary health care units in Tshwane
Authors: Joseph K. , Hitchcock S. A. , Meyer H. P. , Geyser M. M. , Becker P. J.
Published: November 2021

Background: The management of patients presenting with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) can be challenging for primary health care practitioners. As with most chronic pain disorders, a multimodal management approach is frequently required. It has been postulated that myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and its hallmark myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) found in specific muscle tissues may play a role in the chronic pain experienced by patients with CTTH. Little is known about the prevalence of MTrPs in patients with CTTH, in primary health care settings on the African continent. This study therefore aimed to investigate the prevalence of active MTrP’s in specific head and neck muscles/muscle groups in patients with CTTH.Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study was done in two primary health care facilities situated in Tshwane, South Africa. The sample included 97 adult patients with CTTH. Five head and neck muscles/muscle groups were examined bilaterally for active MTrPs. Outcome measures were the prevalence and distribution of active MTrPs in these patients.Results: Active MTrPs were found in 95.9% of the patients, the majority (74.2%) having four or more active MTrPs. The temporalis muscles and suboccipital muscle group exhibited the highest number of active MTrPs (prevalence 87.6% and 80.4% respectively).Conclusion: Our study suggests a strong association between MPS and CTTH in patients, presenting in the primary health care setting. This indicates the importance of a musculoskeletal assessment of neck and pericranial muscles in patients with CTTH. This can assist in determining the most appropriate treatment strategy in these patients.
Rapid Assessment of the Water Chemistry of Public Water Supply in Abeokuta, SouthWest Nigeria
Authors: Odjegba E.E. , Bankole A.O. , Sadiq A.Y. , Busari I.O. , Layi-Adigun B.O.
Published: November 2021

The study examined the water supply situation in Abeokuta, with emphasis on the quality of water distributed by the Ogun State Water Corporation from the treatment plant of the Abeokuta Water Scheme. Water samples were collected from standpipes (taps) across the city randomly selected using the stratified random sampling method and was analysed for physical and chemical parameters: pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, nitrate, bicarbonate, sulphate and chloride. The result of the physical and chemical parameters was subjected to statistical analyses using the multivariate t-test. The result of the treated water was further compared with the result of the analyses of raw water obtained from the source of water used in the treatment plant.
Therapeutic Artemether-Lumefantrine Modulated Monosodium Glutamate-Related Adversity on Rats’ Kidney Histology and Antioxidant Response Bio-Indicators
Authors: Egbuonu A.C.C. , Alaebo P.O. , Uchukwu C.N. , Uwandu D.D.C. , Orji I.M. , Uzoechi J.C. , Nwuke C.P.
Published: November 2021

Co-intake-related interactive-synergistic influence of artemether-lumefantrine, AL and monosodium glutamate, MSG that separately mediated oxidative stress could be significant on the kidney actively involved in xenobiotic detoxification and elimination. Thus, influence of AL on rats’ kidney histomorphology and antioxidant bio-indicators following MSG-challenge was assessed. For 7 days, thirty rats (n = 5) were respectively exposed to vehicle (distilled water), therapeutic AL (TAL), high AL (HAL), MSG, MSG plus TAL or MSG plus HAL. Significant (P<0.05) results comparison showed highest and least (P<0.05) albumin concentration (Mg/dl) in TAL-fed (3.76±0.33) and MSG-fed (1.88±0.70), rats. Total protein concentration (Mg/dl) in MSG-fed (4.04±2.04) and HAL-fed (4.76±1.92), rats lowered markedly. Highest glutathione peroxidase activity (IU/L) in TAL-fed (30.74±12.46) lowered in MSG plus HAL-fed (20.11±6.08) and MSG-fed (20.33±4.85), rats. Catalase activity (IU/L) in control was highest (4.89 ± 0.26) but least (2.58 ± 1.06) in MSG-fed rats. Zinc and Magnesium concentration (Mg/dl) was respectively highest (58.99±5.10) and least (3.48±0.31) in MSG plus HAL-fed but least (18.80±7.77) and highest (4.38±1.67) in MSG-fed, rats. Malondialdehyde concentration (µmol/ml) in MSG plus HAL-fed rats (4.04±0.67) was highest (P<0.05) and least (P<0.05) in HAL-fed rats (1.18±0.11). Differences in superoxide dismutase activity (IU/L) were, however, non-significant (P>0.05).Rats’ kidney photomicrographs (H&E × 400) revealed normal histo-architecture in control but varied degree of fibroplasias (TAL- ,HAL- and MSG plus TAL-fed) and necrosis with infiltrations (MSG plus HAL-and MSG-fed), rats. These demonstrated MSG-related adversity and significant modulation response of TAL, unlike HAL, on the rats’ kidney histology and studied antioxidant response bio-indicators.
Investigation of Heavy Metals Level in selected Boreholes around the Vicinity of some Cemeteries in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Ibhadode C.A.E. , Ilaboya I.R.
Published: November 2021

Groundwater pollution by heavy metals such as lead, copper, nickel and iron is one of the major environmental issues of concern which has developed into a widely studied area. In this study, attempt was made to investigate the level of heavy metals in selected boreholes around the vicinity of cemeteries in Benin City. Seventy-two (72) samples of groundwater were taken from boreholes in 9 stations around the three cemeteries in Benin City on monthly basis. The samples were analysed for 7 heavy metals, in accordance with standard procedures. The heavy metals include; Zinc, Lead Iron, Copper, Cadmium, Nickel and Mercury. From the results of the study, a variation in the mean concentration of zinc was observed. The mean concentration of zinc in site 1 was 0.450mg/l, for site 2, it was 0.140mg/l and for site 3, it was 1.0533mg/l. For iron, mean concentration was 0.072mg/l in site 1. For site 2, mean concentration of iron was 2.140mg/l and for site 3, mean concentration of iron was 0.560mg/l. It was further revealed based on the results that mean value of heavy metals in groundwater around cemeteries in Benin City were generally lower during dry season compared to wet season. In addition, result of computed pollution index (Pi) revealed that the heavy metal with the highest potential to pollute groundwater is Cadmium, with Pi of 0.5333 and 0.400 representing dry season and wet season respectively.
Structure of Plants across Habitat Types in Amurum Forest Reserve, Plateau State Nigeria
Authors: Janfa N. , Francis M.J. , Kambai C. , Chomini M.S. , Popoola S.A. , Ukwadi M. , Ukanyirioha C.J. , Erhabor T.A. , Sadiku Y.E. , Imoh J.A.
Published: November 2021

The Amurum Forest Reserve is one of the nature reserves in Plateau State North central Nigeria. Strict Nature reserve is prominent among the methods for in situ conservation of biodiversity in Nigeria and also the world at large. A study was conducted in the Forest across three habitat types in order to measure tree height and diameter at breast height (dbh) of trees. 50m x 50m plots were marked across the habitat types by simple random sampling technique. Trees and shrubs were identified to species level. Measurement were limited to all woody plants with diameter at breast height (dbh) of ≥ 10cm. Data collected was analyzed in excel. A total of 397 woody species were identified during the study period. 87.7 of the plants were shrubs while 12.3% were trees. The gallery forest had the highest diameter class(30-35cm) followed by the savanna(25-30cm) and lastly the rocky outcrop with the diameter class of 20-25cm.The rocky outcrop had the highest number of trees with the lowest dbh (10-15cm) while the gallery forest had more trees in the highest diameter class (30-35) (Figure 2). The highest mean height distribution in the Gallery forest shows that the plant communities in this habitat type has grown over the years without disturbance since the place is a protected site. Therefore, other surrounding bushes should be protected in order to preserve species from local extinction.
Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Hydrogeological Profiles within Odeda Local Government, Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Olatunde K.A. , Sanni M. , Omodayo A. , Odedeyi D. , Eze J. , Ojo A. , Aje D. , Oyewole O.
Published: November 2021

Groundwater quality can be affected by human activities such as agriculture and improper sewage disposal facilities currently in use by some homeowners within Odeda local government, Ogun State Nigeria. Sixty groundwatersamples collected from hand-dug wellswere analysed for physicochemical and bacteriological parameters using standard procedures. Results were integrated with multivariate and hydrogeochemical analyses to assess groundwater quality and hydrogeologycal facies within the study area. The range of values for the measured parameters include: pH (5.91 – 7.4), EC (101- 1142 μScm-1), TDS (50 - 581 mg L-1), NO3-(3 - 18 mg L-1), Cl- (25 – 234 mg L-1 ), BOD (0.1 – 17.9) and E. Coli (ND - 45×10cfu mL-1). The piper trilinear plot shows that the dominant hydrochemical facies in the study area is the Ca2+– Cl− type. A correlation analysis and a principal component analysis reflect dissolutions from basal rocks and contamination from biological wastes possibly arising from surrounding septic tanks or municipal waste disposal sites. There is need for a continuous monitoring of groundwater by relevant regulatory authorities to safeguard the human health and environment within the study area.
Radiological Risks from Natural Radionuclides in Surface Soil of Agbara Industrial Area, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ademola A.K.
Published: November 2021

Measurement of natural radioactivity in soil samples from the Agbara Industrial area, Nigeria, was measured using gamma-ray spectrometry with NaI (Tl) detector. The concentration of 238U ranged from 10.21±3.50 to 67.41±18.2 Bqkg-1, from 26.43±10.8 to 96.24±18.81 for 232Th and from 298.65±60.70 to 840.52±150.25 Bqkg-1 for 40K. Their means were, respectively, 28.69±11.00, 45.86±10.25, and 481.22±106.17 Bqkg-1 . Annual effective varies from 0.08 to 0.16 mSv y-1 with a mean of 0.11 mSv y-1. The mean contamination factor was 0.87 for 228Ra, 1.02 for 232Th and, 1.15 for 40K.The soil is moderately polluted with 232Th and 40K. The Pollution Level Index indicates a drop in soil quality in about 50% of the areas covered. The mean cancer risk (0.4 x 10-3 ) obtained in this study is above the World Health Organization limit, indicating a high probability for inhabitants to develop lung cancer in the long term when a lifetime is spent in this area under study.
Socio-Environmental, Residential and Health Effects of Waste Dumpsites in Igando- Alimoso area of Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Aliu I.R.
Published: November 2021

Urban planners and scholars have long been concerned about the negative impacts of improper management of waste on the quality of life of urban residents globally. This study therefore examined the socioenvironmental, residential and health impacts of waste dumpsites in Igando-Alimoso area of Lagos Nigeria using a cross sectional design to survey residents around the dumpsite facilities. Results showed that the waste dumpsites/landfill facilities have negative social effects resulting from the discomforting odors that ooze out regularly in the area. There was a perception of the landfills as constituting social nuisance to the community. The residents believed that the landfills were responsible for flooding, groundwater pollution, traffic jams, traffic noise, and residential dissatisfaction in the area. Also, in terms of health, waste landfills at Igando were perceptively linked with many diseases around the area, chief among which are typhoid, malaria, dysentery and cholera. With a Chi-square X2= 72.56, DF=4, p< 0.05, at 95% confidence level, it was established that waste dumpsites were responsible for some illnesses in the study area. This study has strong policy implications for urban planning, real estate and public health in Lagos.
Performance Evaluation of a Single Cylinder Spark Ignition Engine Fuelled by Mixing Ethanol and Gasoline
Authors: Olawore A.S. , Oseni W.I. , Oladosu K.O. , Fadele E.O.
Published: November 2021

The use of ethanol blend as an alternative source of fuel for developing clean and sustainable energy sources has grown considerably. In this study, the performance characteristics of an air-cooled, single-cylinder 4-stroke Spark Ignition (SI) engine (TD201) with a compression ratio of 8.5:1 was determined using gasoline and different blend ratios of ethanol and gasoline (E0, E2, E4, E6, E8, E10, and E12) at a varied engine speed of 2000rpm, 2200rpm, 2400rpm, 2600rpm and 2800rpm. The results revealed that as the ethanol content of the blend increases, the heating value decreases while octane value increases. The experimental results indicated that the brake torque, and power increase as the ethanol content in the blends increases. However, BSFC and exhaust temperature decreases as the ethanol content in the blends increases because of the oxygen enrichment. The emissions of unburned hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide reduce while carbon dioxide and ethanol content increases when compared with the reference fuel (E0).
Effects of Dimethoate Insecticide on Serum Biochemistry of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Juveniles
Authors: Oghale O.O. , Okoboshi A.C. , Chinedu-Ndukwe A.P. , Kanu K.C. , Beka M. , Avoaja D.A.
Published: November 2021

The present study was designed to investigate acute toxicity of  dimethoate on juvenile Clarias gariepinus. Catfish with mean weight and length of 24.01 ± 11.60 g and 13.98 ± 5.66 cm respectively were exposed to sub-lethal levels of dimethoate in static bioassay system for 28 days and mortality data was statistically evaluated using Finney’s Probit analysis. The 96-hour LC50 value for C. gariepinus was estimated as 29.05 mg/l. The value for the LC50 was used in deducing the sub-lethal concentrations (0.01, 0.15and 0.29 mg/l). Biochemical changes in the serum such as glycogen, total protein, cholesterol, urea and creatinine were analyzed after the exposure period (28 days). The glycogenlevel decreased in all sublethal exposures. An increase in cholesterol at lower exposure concentration, followed by slight increase in urea and creatinine among treated groups was recorded. Behavioural changes which includes changes in skin colour, jerking, restlessness, erratic swimming, among others were observed. Based on the result of this study, it was concluded that C. gariepinus juveniles are very sensitive to low concentration of dimethoate. Dimethoate is highly toxic to juvenile catfishes and as such measures must be taken to avoid its run-off into our aquatic environment thus jeopardizing the recruitment of juvenile catfishes into the fishery.
Fuel Wood Exploitation and Sustainable Forest Management
Authors: Abanikannda J.O. , Dantani A.
Published: November 2021

Fuel utilization and cooking, are indispensable parts of human livelihood. Nigeria is a developing nation where the majority depends on cheap and affordable sources of fuel for domestic and commercial cooking. Wood fuel is preferred by most rural people and many urban dwellers during festivals and ceremonies and special preparations. It is mostly preferred because of its cheapness and availability, compared with conventional fuels. The use of wood fuel for cooking has resulted in large scale deforestation, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, climatic problems and natural disasters. There is little awareness on the need for sustainable utilization of these important resources through effective planning and management, effective policies and legislations. This review seeks to bridge the gap between forest sustainability and economic development, and the prospects of harnessing alternative sources of renewable energy into developmental programs, as well as the need for abatement and mitigation against forest degradation and habitat loss. The paper relied mainly on secondary information from both empirical and non-empirical researches.
Chemical Classification of Sediments in JVX -Well, Greater Ughelli Depobelt Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Fregene T.J. , Onyeachonam N.
Published: November 2021

This study evaluate the Chemical classification of sediments in JVX well, Greater Ughelli Depo belt Niger Delta Basin. Samples collected from different intervals were analyzed using geochemical proxies. Agbada Formation was suggested for the sampled intervals due to the presence of shaleand sand intercalations. lithofacies units gotten from sampled intervals are Sand, Shale and Shaly sand facies . The sands are milky in colour, translucent to opaque, medium to coarse grain, subangular to subrounded and are moderately sorted while the shales are Grey in colour,fissile with the presence of lignite streak and calcareous materials.The geochemical studies of the sediments revealed that SiO2 is the dominant oxide followed by Al2O3 and Fe2O3 which constitutes over 90% while others like CaO, K2O, TiO2, Na2O and MgO constitute 10%. The sediments were classified as Fe-shale, Fe-sand and Quartz arenite. Samples that plotted in the quartz arenites region suggests an intense degree of weathering and reworking. The SiO2/Al2O3 ratios for the sediments in the well are appreciably high indicating that the samples have been heavily weathered, evidenced from the enrichment of quartz and depletion of feldspars. Also, the relatively high concentrations of Fe2O3 and TiO2 is an indication of iron-titanium minerals such as haematite and anatase retiles.
Prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminths in Some Birds Kept at Federal University Of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Zoo Park, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Bekeh J.A. , Sam-Wobo Soh , Odiaka I.E. , Adebisi-FagbohungbeGBOHUNGBE, T.A. , Ganiyu O.A. , Oladipupo-AladeDE, E.O. , Haastrup N.O. , Oyedele M.D.
Published: November 2021

Captive-held wild animals are those housed in zoological exhibits, rehabilitation centres, zoos, research stations, sanctuaries, aquaria, circuses, and plantations. However, parasitic diseases constitute one of the major problems causing mortality in these animals while in captivity. The effects range from sub-clinical to death; hence, the study was conducted to assess the gastrointestinal parasite profile of birds kept in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta ZooPark. Freshly voided faecal samples of Psittacus erithacus, Psittacula krameri, Balaerica pavonina, pavo cristatus, Chen caerulescens, Struthio camelus and Anas platyrhynchos were collected before routine cleaning. Samples were collected weekly for 8 weeks between 7am- 9am within the month of October and November, 2019. A total of 56 faecal samples from 7 birds were picked from the ground by utilizing a sterile scoop for each animal species to avoid cross contamination. Each sample was put in a new labelled sterile bottle with the name of each bird from which the faecal sample was collected. Samples were then transported to the laboratory for microscopic analysis which was done within 24 hours. Egg counting was done using the McMaster Egg Counting Technique. Identification of intestinal helminth ova was done by using the keys. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 and Microsoft excel. Prevalence was calculated while the weekly egg counts of intestinal helminthes were presented using descriptive statistics. The distribution of intestinalhelminthes infections among the surveyed birds vary from (Psittacula krameri 100%, pavo cristatus 100%, Psittacus erithacus 66.67%, Balaerica pavonina 66.67%, Chen caerulescens 66.67%, Struthio camelus 66.67%, and Anas platyrhynchos 66.67%). In conclusion, the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes revealed that Ascaridiagalli andStrongyloides spp had the highest prevalence among the birds with 100% while Raillietina spp recorded the lowest prevalence with 28.6%.
Geophysical Investigations and Aquifer Characteristics of the Benin Formation at Agbarho, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ugbe F.C. , Ugbome D.O. , Emmanuel E.D.
Published: November 2021

Groundwater investigations were carried out at Agbarho using geophysical survey method to delineate the aquifer and subsurface lithology. Three (3) vertical electrical sounding were conducted with a maximum current electrode spacing of 300m. The data acquired were subjected to partial curve matching and computer processing. The results delineated five geoelectric layers for the area, which include; topsoil, silty sand, silty clay, fine sand, medium grain sand and coarse sand. The Dar-Zarrouk parameter revealed an aquifer system that has a resistivity values ranging from 503.9-966.9ohm-m, an average hydraulic conductivity of 7.73 m/day, and transmissivity in the range of 156.24-181.44m2/day. The depth to the aquifer range from 13.2-42.7m and the aquifer thickness is between 7-36.7m. Results from seven down-hole logs revealed the presence of silty sand, fine sand and fine-medium grained sand. The transmissivity values from pumping test range from 162.29-286.56m2/day and storativity is from 0.001-0.00838. The aquifer is capable of yielding useful quantity of water to the wells and sustainable groundwater management plan can be develop for the area.
The Change Project Approach: A response for reorienting teacher education to address Education 2030 in southern Africa – The case of Midlands State University, Zimbabwe
Authors: Urenje Shepherd , Chauraya Million , Chikunda Charles
Published: November 2021

The change project approach could be applied to enhance teacher education for the purpose of confronting 21st Century challenges through education (Education 2030). The challenge for teacher education institutions is to prepare future teachers with the socio-ecological knowledge, skills, attitudes and values essential for sustainable living, by reorienting current unsustainable ways of thinking and doing. This can be achieved by integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and in a number of teacher education programmes in southern Africa, teacher educators have begun to do this. This paper discusses the critical role of a change project approach in creating the social transformation processes and actions required to achieve the ambitions of Education 2030. Cases from the Midlands State University in Zimbabwe have demonstrated important efforts to reorient university curricula. The paper investigates and discusses the challenges associated with reimagining teacher education and key considerations that need to be addressed to achieve the goal of Agenda 2030. Keywords: Change project approach; social transformation; Education 2030; Education for Sustainable Development
Combining Morphological and Histogram based Text Line Segmentation in the OCR Context
Authors: Schneider Pit
Published: November 2021

Text line segmentation is one of the pre-stages of modern optical character
recognition systems. The algorithmic approach proposed by this paper has been
designed for this exact purpose. Its main characteristic is the combination of
two different techniques, morphological image operations and horizontal
histogram projections. The method was developed to be applied on a historic
data collection that commonly features quality issues, such as degraded paper,
blurred text, or presence of noise. For that reason, the segmenter in question
could be of particular interest for cultural institutions, that want access to
robust line bounding boxes for a given historic document. Because of the
promising segmentation results that are joined by low computational cost, the
algorithm was incorporated into the OCR pipeline of the National Library of
Luxembourg, in the context of the initiative of reprocessing their historic
newspaper collection. The general contribution of this paper is to outline the
approach and to evaluate the gains in terms of accuracy and speed, comparing it
to the segmentation algorithm bundled with the used open source OCR software.
Optimal Control of Plasticity with Inertia
Authors: Walther Stephan
Published: November 2021

The paper is concerned with an optimal control problem governed by the
equations of elasto plasticity with linear kinematic hardening and the inertia
term at small strain. The objective is to optimize the displacement field and
plastic strain by controlling volume forces. The idea given in [10] is used to
transform the state equation into an evolution variational inequality (EVI)
involving a certain maximal monotone operator. Results from [27] are then used
to analyze the EVI. A regularization is obtained via the Yosida approximation
of the maximal monotone operator, this approximation is smoothed further to
derive optimality conditions for the smoothed optimal control problem.
A Justiça de Transição chega à Câmara: diferentes tempos políticos, diferentes expectativas
Authors: Franco Paula
Published: November 2021

No contexto político brasileiro, a Justiça de Transição é uma ideia concebida como estratégia possível para estabelecer um rompimento com a presença do passado violento da ditadura militar no presente. Trata-se, portanto, de uma ideia que transita entre o campo teórico, da política institucional e dos movimentos sociais. Nessa comunicação, pretende-se revisitar as menções a este termo nos debates parlamentares entre os anos de 2007 a 2020 para refletir sobre os significados evocados a cada registro do termo. Ademais, espera-se explorar as tendências políticas que marcaram o emprego da expressão nos diferentes tempos políticos que se desenrolaram nesse período de pouco mais de uma década.
North Macedonia after the Ohrid Framework Agreement
Authors: Opašinova Šundovska Marijana
Published: November 2021

Independence movements triggered by the end of the Cold War ended in
state collapse and the creation of new states across the European continent.
The decade coloured with violent wars in the Balkan region did not leave
the Republic of Macedonia immune from ethnic conflict, which occurred
in 2001. The outcome in the form of the so‑called Ohrid Framework Agreement (OFA) was the intended improvement of the rights of minorities and
the sharing of power in decision making, both on local and central levels.
The purpose of this paper is to determine whether theoretical approach
patterns to state instability match the causes for the outburst of the Macedonian conflict of 2001. It will also try to detect if the conflict resulted from
minority discrimination, state institutions’ inability to control the territory, poor economic situation, uneven regional development after independence, or it was a combination of factors that – fully or partially – contributed to its emergence. The paper will also seek to confirm if addressing
these factors two decades later decreased the divisions across ethnic lines
in the state.
Revisionism as a characteristic of authoritarian ex‑empires
Authors: Bekić Janko
Published: November 2021

Revisionism is one of the main drivers of international conflict in the 21st
century. Sensing the weakening of US global leadership, countries with regional or great power ambitions, especially former empires, increasingly
resort to threats and the use of force to alter the status quo in their favour.
In some cases, this involves military occupation, and even annexation of
foreign territory. This article takes a closer look at neo‑Ottomanism, Turkey’s revisionist foreign policy, and its gradual transition from a soft‑power
to a hard‑power approach, which eventually led to Ankara’s military incur‑
sion and occupation of parts of neighbouring Syria.
Profilul psihoemoțional al tânărului activ social
Authors: Maria Pleşca
Published: November 2021

The social activity of the young man focuses on two important aspects: personality traits and affective ones. The social activity is considered to be modeled from the natural data and characteristics of the person who were trained and developed during the education, education, training and practical processes. In other words, it shows the quality, the way in which a person refers to the social environment and the way he is able to solve the problems (both his own and his other people's). In order to highlight the psycho-emotional profile and the characteristics of the active adolescents, we conducted research with a definitive character. The analysis of the results of the survey allowed us to determine the quantitative report of the content, the emotional and evaluative characteristics of the representations that compose the image of a person active in the social plane.
Strategii interactive de predare a textului liric
Authors: Gherman Oxana
Published: November 2021

This article contains a series of methodological recommendations for teaching lyrical texts at Romanian language and literature lessons. There are presented in a systematic way different didactic strategies and landmarks for organizing lessons, taking into account the process of learning/ understanding the lyric text in several fundamental stages: pre-reading activities (which ensure the emotional and intellectual preparation of the students for the process of decoding the studying text), various methods of reading poetry at the lesson and postreading activities (analysis, interpretation, evaluation and integration). For each stage of the didactic approach are proposed some interactive methods of working with the lyric text which facilitate the reception of the poetry by the students and stimulate their cognitive, affective and creative involvement in the working process.
Cursuri Masive Online Deschise în dezvoltarea profesională a cadrelor didactice
Authors: Dumbraveanu Roza
Published: November 2021

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) represent one of the opportunities for the professional development of the teachers. The concept of MOOCs is new for teachers, the level of awareness on availability and usage of MOOCs is quite low among them. The paper investigates the challenges related with delivering MOOCs for the professional teacher development.
Этико-педагогические требования к культуре современного учителя
Authors: Bolucencova Anna
Published: November 2021

In modern society, it is important to educate a future teacher with a high professional culture. The process of formation of teacher competencies involves knowledge and following the requirements. The process of establishing a teacher’s culture aims at serious work in accordance with the required model of a master teacher, creator, innovator.
Моделирање во рударството - скрипта
Authors: Аџиски Ванчо , Панов Зоран
Published: November 2021

Анализите направени со помош на симулациското моделирање, стануваат сè попопуларни како посебна техника за подобрување или истражување на перформансите поврзани за кој било процес. Многубројните придобивки што ги нуди овој начин на анализа резултираа во моделирање на симулациски проекти во секој сектор на услуги и производство во кои спаѓа и рударството.