bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quelle mobilité pour la ville de demain ? Un regard croisé des experts et de la littérature scientifique
Authors: Brueder Pénélope , Lashermes Colin , Taillandier Franck , Curt Corinne
Published: June 2022

Les infrastructures de transport et la mobilité participent à la définition de ce que sera la ville de demain. Elles doivent compter avec l’émergence des nouvelles technologies, la diversification des modalités de transport et l’évolution des pratiques. Une bonne prise en compte de ces aspects peut favoriser et accélérer la transition vers la ville du futur, avec un impact social, environnemental et économique positif, afin de faire face aux évolutions prévisibles du contexte. Cet article propose une analyse exploratoire sur les évolutions de la mobilité et des transports en ville. Pour cela, nous avons étudié, via une approche lexicométrique, la littérature scientifique relative à la mobilité, aux transports et à leurs évolutions. Cette approche a été complétée par une série d’entretiens menés auprès d’experts du domaine des transports et de la mobilité, qui ont donné lieu à une analyse qualitative et lexicométrique. La mise en relation de ces différentes analyses a permis de tracer les points prégnants de l’évolution de la mobilité et des transports, et de traduire la différence de point de vue entre ces deux groupes. Ainsi, la littérature scientifique propose beaucoup de travaux mettant en avant des innovations technologiques, alors que les experts se sont plutôt concentrés sur les évolutions des pratiques et ont discuté la notion de parcimonie dans la mobilité. Ces deux visions sont toutefois complémentaires et conduisent à plusieurs voies pour la mobilité de la ville de demain.
The History of Incarceration of African Americans/Blacks in the United States
Authors: Valandra  , Leslie Tremaine
Published: June 2022

The control, regulation, and policing of African American/Black people is a persistent feature of the history of White supremacist legislation, policies, and practices leading the construction of the era of mass incarceration. The mass incarceration of African American/Black families living in poverty in the United States has had a devastating impact on the lives of families and communities. The goal of this chapter is to examine the historical and contemporary legislative and policing practices resulting in the mass incarceration of African American/Black families. The authors also identify trends in incarceration rates to demonstrate the staggering reality that a significant portion of the African American/Black population in the United States lives locked up behind bars in federal and state prisons, or community supervisory conditions including probation and parole. The authors conclude by offering recommendations to minimize the incarceration of African Americans/Blacks and resources for clinicians to better support the community.
Kilden Performing Arts Centre
Authors: Klakegg Ole Jonny
Published: June 2022

Most texts on project governance and project management portrays the organization as populated by anonymous people in abstract roles like ‘project manager’, ‘sponsor’, ‘team member’. This paper takes the contrasting position that the project organization is developed by individuals with a specter of competences, strong and weak sides and relations to other people and organizations. The storyline presents a case study from a real-life project developing a new culture institution in Norway over a period of 10 years. Data was gathered ex-post by two researchers through interviews and document studies. The paper first defines key concepts and then presents an analytical framework for the purpose of analyzing the roles in this case story. It gives new insight to the roles as project manager and project executive. The story illustrates the importance of continuity and persistence in the role as project executive. These issues are relevant in future projects given the growing size and complexity seen in projects and the focus on stakeholder value that is prominent in project literature.
Measuring Efficiency of Bangladeshi Leasing Firms and Exploring Its Relationship With Profitability
Authors: Rahman Syed Md. Khaled , Faisal Fazle Elahi Md.
Published: June 2022

The objective of the study was to measure the efficiency of Bangladeshi leasing firms through DEA and relate efficiency with profitability. Twenty-two leasing companies were selected according to simple random sampling method. Average aggregate productivity of firms over the period was only 24.17%. Average input and output technical efficiencies were 81.2% and 91.1% respectively. By changing the scale of operation, firms can increase their efficiency level by 20.43% to reach maximum productive scale size. The problem of firms lie in scale and mix efficiencies which implies that firms are yet to achieve economies of scale and scope. The firms are not producing or generating their outputs at appropriate proportions and are weak in innovation & proliferation of new services. Return on asset is significantly associated with scale efficiency EPS is significantly related to most efficiency measures. In most of the cases profitability indicators are weakly positively related with efficiency measures.
Population genetic and phylogeographic relationships of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti inferred from three localities of Sri Lanka
Authors: Nirmani M. D. , Madushani N. W. K. D. , Perera N. S. , Dangalle C. D. , Galhena G. H.
Published: June 2022

Aedes aegypti is the major epidemic vector of dengue outbreaks in the world. Here, a 359 bp region of the mitochondrial NADH hydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) gene was taken as the candidate locus for study purposes from 27 Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae collected from an inland mountain area (Badulla), and two distantly located coastal areas (Hambantota and Trincomalee) in Sri Lanka. Eleven parsimonious informative sites were observed, and 7 haplotypes were identified from the 27 samples. The coastal populations displayed higher genetic diversity compared to those from the inland mountain-contained region. The phylogenetic analyses of Ae. aegypti from Badulla, Hambantota and Trincomalee including published Sri Lankan and global samples (a total of 106 sequences) revealed two separate clades: a basal clade and a derived clade. Eighty percent of the samples found from Badulla, were of the basal haplotype (H1) clustered together with West African (Senegal) samples in close proximity to the outgroup. On the contrary, Hambantota and Trincomalee samples were found dispersed in both the basal and derived clades clustering closely with samples from Mexico, Brazil, Kenya, USA and Myanmar indicating their close genetic relationship to many New World, East African and Asian varieties. Taken together, our study proposes that colonization of Ae aegypti in Sri Lanka occurred through multiple founder events (ancient multiple invasions in coastal sites and a more recent West African invasion to the inland mountain-demarcated Badulla region) and continue to exist in mutational drift equilibrium following the settlement event.
Trajectories of subjective health status among married postmenopausal women based on the ecological system theory: a longitudinal analysis using a latent growth model
Authors: Kim Eun Jin , Nho Ju-Hee
Published: June 2022

Purpose: This study investigated the trajectory of subjective health status in married postmenopausal women and aimed to identify predictive factors affecting subjective health status. Methods: Data were obtained from women who participated in wave 4 (2012) of the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women & Families Longitudinal Study and continued to the latest phase (wave 7, 2018). A latent growth model (LGM) was used to analyze data from 1,719 married postmenopausal women in the framework of the ecological system theory. Results: The mean age of the participants at wave 4 was 56.39±4.71 years, and the average subjective health status was around the midpoint (3.19±0.84). LGM analysis confirmed that subjective health status decreased over time (initial B=3.21, slope B=–0.03). The factors affecting initial subjective health were age, body mass index, frequency of vigorous physical activity (microsystem level), marital satisfaction (mesosystem level), and medical service utilization (macrosystem level). Medical service utilization and the frequency of vigorous physical activity were identified as predictive factors affecting the slope in subjective health status. The model fit was satisfactory (TLI=.92, CFI=.95, and RMSEA=.04). Conclusion: This analysis of the trajectory of subjective health status of married postmenopausal women over time confirmed that subjective health is influenced by overall ecological system factors, including the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to assess physical activity and support policies promoting access to medical services in order to improve the subjective health status of married postmenopausal women.
Evaluation of the microbiological and chemical aspects of autochthonous wild snails in Sardinia
Authors: Coroneo Valentina , Marras Luisa , Giaccone Valerio , Conficoni Daniele , Brignardello Silvana Anna Stefania , Bissacco Elisa , Trapella Claudio , Alogna Andrea , Gentili Valentina , Parisi Antonio , Loi Federica , Cappai Stefano , Pisanu Margherita , Cogoni Maria Paola
Published: June 2022

This study was conducted to acquire knowledge on the epidemiology and ecology of some zoonotic agents in snails. Chemical and microbiological analysis was carried out on 46 samples of snails belonging to the species of Helix aspersa and Helix (Eobania) vermiculata. The association between heavy metals and wild snails, a native consumer product in the Region of Sardinia, was determined. The molecular characterisation of Listeria monocytogenes virulence genes has shown a genetic profile that deserves more attention for the improvement of surveillance and risk prevention. Specimens of H. vermiculata showed higher concentrations of cadmium (M=0.80±0.56 mg/kg) than H. aspersa (M=0.61±0.17 mg /kg). A further objective was to determine whether the samples showed significant differences from the point of view of secretion characterisation, in terms of protein content, and to identify species-specific correlations and possible relationships with the environment. The presence of Salmonella enterica sub.sp houtenae (6,14: z4, z23) and Salmonella enterica subsp diarizonae (47: k: e, n, z15) (1 sample), Listeria monoSnails,cytogenes (2 samples) with Molecular characterization of virulence genes together with the measurement of heavy metals in samples of wild snails has shown a health and hygiene profile that would deserve greater attention for the improvement of the surveillance and prevention of microbiological and chemical risk in such products which currently show a tendency towards increase in consumption.
Diaphragmatic excursion by ultrasound: reference values for the normal population; a cross-sectional study in Egypt
Authors: Kabil Ahmed E. , Sobh Eman , Elsaeed Mahmoud , Hassanin Houssam Eldin , Yousef Ibrahim H. , Eltrawy Heba H. , Ewis Ahmed M. , Aboseif Ahmed , Albalsha AbdAllah M. , Elsawy Sawsan , Ali Abdul Rahman H.
Published: June 2022

Background: Measurement of diaphragmatic motion by ultrasound is being utilized in different aspects of clinical practice. Defining reference values of the diaphragmatic excursion is important to identify those with diaphragmatic motion abnormalities. This study aimed to define the normal range of diaphragmatic motion (reference values) by M-mode ultrasound for the normal population.Methods: Healthy volunteers were included in this study. Those with comorbidities, skeletal deformity, acute or chronic respiratory illness were excluded. Diaphragmatic ultrasound in the supine position was performed using a low frequency probe. The B-mode was applied for diaphragmatic identification, and the M-mode was employed for the recording of the amplitude of diaphragm contraction during quiet breathing, deep breathing and sniffing.Results: The study included 757 healthy subjects [478 men (63.14%) and 279 women (36.86%)] with normal spirometry and negative history of previous or current respiratory illness. Their mean age and BMI were 45.17 ±14.84 years and 29.36±19.68 (kg/m2). The mean right hemidiaphragmatic excursion was 2.32±0.54, 5.54±1.26 and 2.90±0.63 for quiet breathing, deep breathing and sniffing respectively, while the left hemidiaphragmatic excursion was 2.35±0.54, 5.30±1.21 and 2.97±0.56 cm for quiet breathing, deep breathing and sniffing respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between right and left diaphragmatic excursion among all studied subjects. The ratio of right to left diaphragmatic excursion during quiet breathing was (1.009±0.19); maximum 181% and minimum 28%. Only 19 cases showed a right to left ratio of less than 50% (5 men and 14 women). The diaphragmatic excursion was higher in males than females. There was a significant difference in diaphragmatic excursion among age groups. Age, sex and BMI significantly affected the diaphragmatic motion.Conclusions: Diaphragmatic excursion values presented in this study can be used as reference values to detect diaphragmatic dysfunction in clinical practice. Diaphragmatic motion is affected by several factors including age, sex and body mass index.
The practical role of the respiratory therapist in the standard apnea test procedure for declaration of death via neurologic criteria in adults
Authors: Jarquin-Valdivia Adrian , Glasgow Earl B. , Meyer Todd J.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Respiratory therapists (RTs) in the intensive care unit can at times find themselves involved in and assisting during the performance of the apnea test (ApT). The ApT is a clinically complex procedure and is the last part of the clinical declaration of death by neurologic criteria (DNC) protocol and requires close collaboration between the physicians and the RTs. As such, the ApT should be performed with the upmost attention to detail.Context and Aims: The RTs need to be versed on the intricacies of the ApT. Except in very large medical centers, the ApT is not a procedure performed with high enough frequency as to maintain high level of proficiency. For a successful ApT, structured knowledge and preparation is paramount. This publication attempts to fill that gap, for adult hospitalized patients not on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). To generate this report, we make use of the published guidelines, and our personal experience on performing ApTs in large medical centers.Conclusion: We provide a structure by means of a checklist, from the RTs’ perspective, to guide and help them lead on the efficient performance of the ApT.
Comparison of Oral versus Intramuscular Clonidine for the Prolongation of Bupivacaine Spinal Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Lower Abdominal and Lower Limb Surgeries
Authors: Singh Raj Bahadur , Shekhar Saurav , De Ranjeet Rana , Singh Siddharth , Singh Ritu , Singh Akrity
Published: June 2022

Background:

Spinal subarachnoid block (SAB) is the first choice anesthesia in lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. It produces a varying degree of sensory analgesia, motor blockade, and sympathetic blockade depending on the dose, concentration, and volume of the local anesthetic given. This study was undertaken to assess the degree of sensory and motor block with 150 μg of oral versus intramuscular clonidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia.

Aims and Objective:

To compare the efficacy of oral versus intramuscular clonidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for the prolongation of sensory and motor block in patients undergoing lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries under SAB.

Materials and Methods:

After institutional ethical clearance, 90 patients were randomized into three groups scheduled for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries under spinal anesthesia. • Group O: Bupivacaine 0.5% (heavy) 3.0 mL and oral clonidine 150 μg 1 h before spinal anesthesia. • Group I: Bupivacaine 0.5% (heavy) 3.0 mL and intramuscular clonidine 150 μg 1 h before spinal anesthesia. • Group C: Control group – 3 mL bupivacaine 0.5% (heavy) alone.

Result:

The onset of sensory block in Group O was 4.9 ± 0.52 min, whereas in Group I, it was 4.6 ± 0.42 min than Group C (5.1 ± 0.60). Onset of motor block was also significantly lower in Group O and Group I (3.9 ± 0.53 and 3.7 ± 0.42 min) than in Group C (4.4 ± 0.6 min) which was a control group. There was also a significant difference in the duration of the sensory block between Group O (206.4 ± 9.2 min), Group I (219 ± 8.6 min), and Group C (184.3 ± 9.1 min). The duration of motor block was significantly higher in Group O (183.6 ± 8.2 min) and Group I (197.8 ± 9.6 min) when compared to Group C (162.8 ± 8.9 min). The timing of rescue analgesia in Group O was 222.4 ± 11.7 min, whereas in Group I, it was 243.46 ± 10.9.

Conclusion:

On the basis of finding of our study, we conclude that the use of clonidine as a premedication at a dose of 150 μg significantly increased the duration of sensory block, motor block, and duration of analgesia and shortened the time of onset of sensory and motor blockade.
Recent Advances in Transport Medium for Avulsed Tooth
Authors: Venugopal Malini
Published: June 2022

Avulsion is one of the most severe types of traumatic injuries seen during childhood and adolescence. Apart from physical trauma, it also causes psychological trauma to the affected child. Immediate replantation is very essential for the long-term survival of teeth. However, when immediate replantation cannot be accomplished, the medium in which the tooth is stored becomes very important. The life of the avulsed tooth may be extended by the prevention of desiccation of periodontal ligament fibers by the usage of appropriate storage media. The choice of an ideal storage medium is essential for maximum preservation of traumatized periodontal ligament fibers of avulsed teeth; this also decides the success of the replanted tooth and long-term prognosis. A number of natural and synthetic storage mediums have been studied till date. This review discusses some recent additions in storage media for avulsed teeth. It reviews the characteristics of some less discussed storage media, which would help us to increase awareness among the health-care workers and broaden their horizon. This would, in turn, help them in reducing extraoral dry time of the avulsed tooth in case of emergencies. This review mainly focuses on less commonly discussed storage media for avulsed teeth and the effect of different properties of these media on their efficacy.
The Seroconversion Rate of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Test in Psoriatic Patients Receiving Anti-Interleukin-23 Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Huang Yi-Wei , Tsai Tsen-Fang
Published: June 2022

Background:

Biologic therapies have become the gold standard for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, concerns for opportunistic infections exist, especially for tuberculosis (TB) in endemic areas. Previously, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors were reported to carry higher risks of latent TB infection (LTBI) reactivation or new active TB, followed by anti-interleukin (IL)-12/23 and IL-17 agents in Taiwan.

Objectives:

The objective of the study is to provide real-world clinical rate of seroconversion of serial QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube (QFT-GIT) tests, for detection of LTBI and newly-acquired TB, in psoriasis patients while receiving IL-23 inhibitors in an intermediate TB burden country.

Methods:

The local risk management plan required regular monitoring of TB while receiving biologics for psoriasis. This retrospective cohort evaluated consecutive psoriasis patients who received guselkumab or risankizumab between 2015 and 2021 in a tertiary referral center in Taiwan.

Results:

A total of 144 patients were included, with negative baseline QFT-GIT in 88% and positive in 13%. After receiving at least 6 months of anti-IL-23 drugs, persistently seropositive was found in 15 patients (10%), persistently seronegative in 125 patients (87%), seroconversion in 1 patient (0.6%), and seroreversion in 3 patients (1.9%). The seroconversion rate was 1% (1/127) in individuals under anti-IL-23 medications for at least 12 months. No case of LTBI reactivation was identified.

Conclusion:

In psoriasis patients under anti-IL-23 therapy, serial interferon-gamma release assays demonstrated a low seroconversion rate (<1%). Anti-IL-23 agents may be a favorable choice for psoriasis patients with a higher risk of TB infection and LTBI reactivation or those who reside in endemic regions.
Comparative Efficacy of Laser Disinfection Versus Chemical Disinfection in Primary Root Canal – An In vitro Antimicrobial Study
Authors: Khandare Nikhil , Bondarde Prashant , Patil Sudha , Mujawar Shoeb , Vishwakarma Aruna
Published: June 2022

Background:

Conventional chemical root canal disinfection has been around for generations but it has its own drawbacks. Because of this there is a need for a better alternative for intracanal disinfection method. This alternative can be in the form of lasers, especially due to recent advances in laser technology.

Methodology:

The aim of the study is to compare chemical vs laser disinfection in primary root canal. This method has been tested in permanent teeth but not in primary teeth, this study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of laser disinfection compared to chemical disinfection.

Results:

The use of chemical disinfection by 5 ml of 5.25% NaOCl led to 96.7% microbial reduction against diode laser which achieved 97.7% reduction as compared to baseline microbial count and 34.4% reduction after irrigation using normal saline solution.

Conclusion:

Diode laser has similar root canal disinfection efficacy as compared to 5.25% NaOCl in primary canals. Diode lasers can be used as an alternative to chemical disinfection.
COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Vashishtha Chitranshu , Bhardwaj Ankit , Sharma Manoj Kumar
Published: June 2022

Background:

In current COVID-19 pandemic, India had lockdown from 25th March 2020 followed by relaxation in phases from 1st June. The aim of the study was assessment of lockdown impact on metabolic and liver disease status of non-COVID patients of liver diseases.

Materials and Methods:

OPD data of all consecutive patients of liver disease without COVID-19 infection from 1st January 2020 to 31st December was analyzed. The primary objective was to assess lockdown impact on liver stiffness. Fibroscan, BMI and laboratory data was compared before and after implementation of lockdown in three groups (Group1-noncirrhotics, Group2- compensated cirrhotics, Group3- decompensated cirrhotics).

Results:

230 patients (77% M) were analyzed. In all the three groups, there was no significant change in the liver stiffness and fat content by fibroscan, complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests. In Group1, there was significant increase in BMI (25.3 ± 6.0 vs 26.4 ± 6.1, P < 0.01), sugar (mg/dl) fasting (101.5 ± 30.1 vs110.7 ± 31.8, P < 0.01), post prandial (131 ± 31.6 vs 156.5 ± 35.5, P < 0.01), LDL (mg/dl) (111.1 ± 33.1 vs 119.1 ± 26.8, P = 0.036), total lipid/HDL ratio (4.04 ± 1.39 vs 4.58 ± 1.58, P = 0.01) and reduction in HDL (mg/dl) (45.8 ± 12.7 vs 40.4 ± 10.1, P < 0.01). In Group2, significant increase in LDL (97.3 ± 32.5 vs 114.3 ± 29.8, P = 0.01), LDL/HDL ratio (2.36 ± 1.26 vs 2.70 ± 1.03, P = 0.04) and decrease in HDL (45.6 ± 12.1 vs 40.9 ± 11.2, P < 0.01) was seen, with no significant change in BMI, and sugar fasting, post prandial, HbA1c. In Group3, there was no significant change in any of the parameters analysed.

Conclusions:

There was no impact of lockdown due to Covid pandemic on liver disease status. However, lockdown worsened metabolic parameters of non-cirrhotics and compensated cirrhotics.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Combined Ivermectin and Zinc Sulfate versus Combined Hydroxychloroquine, Darunavir/Ritonavir, and Zinc Sulfate among Adult Patients with Asymptomatic or Mild Coronavirus-19 Infection
Authors: Nimitvilai Sireethorn , Suputtamongkol Yupin , Poolvivatchaikarn Ussanee , Rassamekulthana Dechatorn , Rongkiettechakorn Nuttawut , Mungaomklang Anek , Assanasaen Susan , Wongsawat Ekkarat , Boonarkart Chompunuch , Sawaengdee Waritta
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine (HQ), and darunavir/ritonavir are widely prescribed as an oral treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection despite their uncertainty of clinical benefit. The objective is to determine the safety and the efficacies of two treatment regimens against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods:

We conducted an open-labeled, randomized, controlled trial to compare the efficacy between a 3-day course of once-daily high-dose oral ivermectin plus zinc sulfate (Group A) and a combination of HQ, darunavir/ritonavir, and zinc sulfate (HQ + antiretroviral, Group B) for 5 days in asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study period was between December 2020 and April 2021.

Results:

Overall, 113 patients were randomized and analyzed (57 patients in Group A and 56 patients in Group B). The median duration to achieve the virological outcome of either undetected or cycle threshold (Ct) for N gene of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction was 6 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.3–6.7) versus 7 days (95% CI: 5.4–8.6) in Group A and Group B, respectively (P = 0.419) in the modified intention-to-treat population. All patients were discharged from hospital quarantine as planned. Two patients in Group A and one patient in Group B were considered clinically worsening and received 10 days of favipiravir treatment. There was no serious adverse event found in both groups.

Conclusion:

We demonstrated that both treatment regimens were safe, but both treatment regimens had no virological or clinical benefit. Based on this result and current data, there is no supporting evidence for the clinical benefit of ivermectin for coronavirus-19.
Study of Serum Cytokines (Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha) in Acute Leukemias
Authors: Saxena Divita , Dawson Leelavathi , Gera Rani
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to assess the cutoff levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) for predicting acute leukemia with special attention to their correlation with blast counts in leukemia subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia, and mixed phenotypic acute leukemia.

Methods:

This observational cross-sectional case–control study was done from September 2018 to March 2020. A total of 35 newly diagnosed patients of acute leukemia were taken as cases and compared with 140 healthy controls. Complete phenotyping and blood film analysis was done for the cases. The serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels were assessed and compared among cases and controls. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were correlated with blast counts of subtypes of acute leukemia. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Compared to controls, acute leukemia cases had significantly higher levels of IL-6 median interquartile range value (12.39 [8.056–136.894] vs. 8.27 [6.477–10.849]) and TNF-alpha (192.48 ± 633.01 vs. [20.63 ± 8.17]) with P < 0.05. TNF-alpha was found to be the better predictor of acute leukemias at cutoff of >24.906 with sensitivity of 71.43% as compared to IL-6 (Sn of 48.57%). Only TNF-alpha had a significant correlation with absolute blast count in ALL cases (r = 0.579, P = 0.0118).

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that an aberrant increased production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha is shown in the acute leukemia patients as compared to the healthy controls. TNF-alpha is a better marker among both the cytokines for predicting acute leukemia with significant correlation with blast counts in ALL.
A Prospective Study of Outcome Predictors of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors
Authors: Choudhary Ajay , Sharma Rajesh Kumar , Bhaskar Suryanarayanan , Bhardwaj Minakshi , Bano Shahina , Gupta Neetika
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of intramedullary spinal cord tumor (IMSCT) and the predictive factors that affected the outcomes. We also assessed the change in the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of the patient's postsurgery during the follow-up period.

Methods:

This prospective study was done on 57 patients of IMSCT for a period of 3 years. Details regarding demography, clinical symptoms, histopathology grades/types, surgery performed, and the HRQOL (the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire 30) were noted. The outcome measures included mortality, neurological status (McCormick scale), and change in the HRQOL over a period of 6 months of follow-up. The data were entered in MS Excel and analyzed with P < 0.05 as significant.

Results:

Among the 57 patients, 42 (73.68%) had low-grade, 12 (21.05%) had high-grade, and 3 (5.26%) had unclassified metastatic tumors. Postoperatively, outcomes according to McCormick grade were same in 30 (52.63%) patients, worse in 15 (26.32%), and better in 12 (21.05%) patients. One patient died due to recurring seizures after metastasis. Histopathological type and surgical resection showed a significant association with McCormick grade (P < 0.05). The symptoms of paresthesia, motor weakness, and bladder/bowel involvement were significant risk factors for adverse outcomes with an odds ratio of 28.488, 6.077, and 4.035, respectively (P < 0.05). There was a significant improvement in the global quality of life of the patients after the surgery with significant improvement in emotional function, symptoms, and pain scores but a decrease in the physical functions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The outcomes of patients with IMSCT are significantly affected by histology type, preoperative functional grade, and presenting symptoms.
Некоторые классические задачи
геометрической теории приближений в несимметричных пространствах
Authors: Alimov Alexey Rostislavovich , Tsar'kov Igor' Germanovich
Published: June 2022

Устанавливается ряд теорем геометрической теории приближений
для несимметрично нормированных пространств. Изучаются множества
с непрерывной выборкой из оператора почти наилучших приближений,
обсуждаются свойства таких множеств в терминах $\delta$-солнечности
и метрической функции. Исследуется задача о совпадении
классов $\delta$- и $\gamma$-солнц в несимметричных пространствах.
Получен несимметричный аналог критерия Колмогорова элемента
наилучшего приближения для солнц, строгих солнц и $\alpha$-солнц.
Библиография: 22 названия.
О пересечениях некоторых нильпотентных подгрупп
в конечных группах
Authors: Zenkov Viktor Ivanovich
Published: June 2022

Доказано, что в любой конечной группе $G$ с нильпотентными подгруппами $A$
и $B$ и условием $A\cap B^g\unlhd\langle A,B^g\rangle$ для любого $g$ из $G$
подгрупп $\operatorname{Min}_G(A,B)\le F(G)$. Это обобщает теорему автора
о пересечениях абелевых подгрупп в конечной группе, так как справедливо,
например, для гамильтоновых подгрупп $A$ и $B$ из $G$.
Библиография: 7 названий.
Компактификации групп гомеоморфизмов линейно упорядоченных компактов
Authors: Sorin Boris Vladimirovich
Published: June 2022

Исследуются топологические группы преобразований
(их строение и эквивариантные компактификации),
топология поточечной сходимости на которых является
допустимой групповой топологией. Доказано,
что на группе сохраняющих порядок гомеоморфизмов
линейно упорядоченного компакта топология поточечной сходимости
является допустимой групповой топологией и
совпадает с топологией равномерной сходимости. Такие группы описаны
для некоторых лексикографически упорядоченных произведений.
В качестве примеров использования полученных общих утверждений
рассмотрены группы гомеоморфизмов отрезка,
"двух стрелок" Александрова,
лексикографически упорядоченного квадрата и длинного отрезка.
Библиография: 25 названий.
О наследственных сверхрадикальных формациях полной характеристики
Authors: И Сяолан , Xiaolan Yi  , Ван С , Wan X , Каморников Сергей Федорович , Kamornikov Sergey Fedorovich
Published: June 2022

Формация $\mathfrak{F}$ конечных групп называется сверхрадикальной,
если она удовлетворяет следующим требованиям:
$\bullet$ $\mathfrak{F}$ - нормально наследственная формация;
$\bullet$ любая группа $G=AB$, где $A$ и $B$ - $\mathfrak{F}$-субнормальные $\mathfrak{F}$-подгруппы
из $G$, принадлежит $\mathfrak{F}$.
В работе приводится бесконечная серия наследственных сверхрадикальных формаций
полной характеристики, которые не являются разрешимо насыщенными.
Тем самым дополняется отрицательный ответ на вопрос 14.99 (b) из
"Коуровской тетради".
Библиография: 15 названий.
Гамильтонова динамика космического аппарата в метриках Алькубьерре и Гeделя: операторы рекурсии и лежащие в их основе мастер-симметрии
Authors: Hounkonnou Mahouton Norbert , Landalidji Mahougnon Justin , Mitrovic Melanija
Published: June 2022

Изучается гамильтонова динамика космического аппарата на фоне метрик Алькубьерре и Гeделя. Получены гамильтоновы векторные поля, управляющие эволюцией системы, построены и обсуждаются операторы рекурсии, порождающие константы движения. Кроме того, описаны соответствующие мастер-симметрии.
Characterization, classification, and suitability evaluation of soils formed in fluvial deposits within eastern part of Kogi State in Nigeria for rice and maize production
Authors: Ukabiala M.E. , Ezeaku P.I. , Kolo J. , Umeugokwe C.P. , Okenmuo F.C.
Published: June 2022

The impact of rice and maize production on food security in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. The aim of this research was to characterize, classify and evaluate the suitability of soils formed in fluvial deposits within eastern part of Kogi State in Nigeria for rice and maize production. This was supported by the fact that the knowledge of the characteristics and soil groups of fluvial deposits in soils is an integral part in soil suitability evaluation as well as management. Four (4) soil profile pits were sunk within the research area. The pedonswere located within the 19a mapping unit of the soil map of Nigeria which has the fluvial deposits. Pedons were adequately described as soil samples were collected from pedogenic horizons, and preserved in well-labelled polyethylene bags, transported to the Laboratory for analyses. The findings revealed that the soils were characterized by dominant gray (10YR4/1) and dark reddish gray (10R4/1) in the surface soils and dominance of various shades of gray in the subsurface soils. Most of the soil structures were single-grained and subangular blocky at the surface and subsurface soils respectively. The soil texture was sandy clay loam and sandy loam in the A horizons. The soil reaction showed mean values of 6.1 and 5.5 at the surface and subsurface horizons with base saturation highest (91%) at C1 horizon of 19a3 pedon. The pedons were classified as inceptisols, and were currently not suitable (N1) for rice cultivation but marginally suitable (S3) for maize cultivation.
Economic analysis of palm oil processing in Odogbolu Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Sanusi M.M. , Idowu S.D. , Akerele D. , Olabode T.S.
Published: June 2022

The study analyzed economic implication of palm oil processing in Odogbolu Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. A purposive sampling procedure was employed to select 90 respondents for the study with the aid of a questionnaire. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and regression analyses. The majority (81.10%) of the palm oil processors were female, 51.10% had no formal education and most (78.90%) of the processors used the traditional method of processing. The costs and returns analysis indicates that palm oil processing is a profitable venture with an average gross margin of ₦158, 404.00 and net return of ₦125, 301.00 per processing cycle. The profitability index (0.32) revealed that for every one Naira invested in the enterprise, a profit of 32 kobo was obtained. Furthermore, the regression analysis showed that the factors affecting net returns obtained from palm oil processing were processing method (p < 0.10), processing experience (p < 0.01), marital status (p < 0.01), education (p < 0.01) and household size (p < 0.05). It was concluded that palm oil processing is a profitable enterprise in the study area. Thus, the study recommends that processors should be educated on improved/modern methods of processing.
Assembling Community Policing: Peacekeeping and the Ghana Police Service’s Transformation Agenda
Authors: Albrecht Peter
Published: June 2022

This article shows how peacekeeping experiences manifest in the Ghana Police Service’s (GPS) community policing strategies and practices in often inconspicuous and individualized ways. Peacekeeping constitutes an important element of what the article refers to as the community policing assemblage. However, the article emphasises that the shape of the community policing assemblage is conditioned by a wide range of discourses and practices beyond peacekeeping. Global and national policies and strategies relating to policing, including the GPS’s own transformation agenda, local and individual interpretations and translations of peacekeeping experiences and what community policing means, all play into how the assemblage is formed. Thus, the article disentangles the effects of peacekeeping and puts it in the context of broader policing in Ghana, based on in-depth interviews and observations with police officers, mainly from the GPS’s community policing headquarters in Tesano, Accra. It concludes that while several studies have shown how peacekeeping has shaped Ghana’s security institutions and sense of role in the world, it has not been able to chip away at or counteract the deep and deepening control that security institutions in the country are subjected to by politicians. Arguing that the peacekeeping experience may have a profound transformative effect on individual police officers, yet little if any impact in terms of depoliticising the GPS and policing more broadly, is a less sweeping conclusion. However, suggesting that the effects of peacekeeping often are local and individualized, at times deeply embodied experiences, is also a more accurate conclusion empirically.
Addressing Conflicts over Resource Use in Ghana: The case of Operations Vanguard and Cow Leg
Authors: Alhassan Osman , Asante Richard
Published: June 2022

Ghana is endowed with natural resources including forests, minerals, water and grazing lands which have made significant contributions to national development. At the same time, competing demands for these resources have created many conflicts that have proven difficult to manage. This paper seeks to further understand the challenges associated with resource use in Ghana, in particular the nature of conflicts and conflict resolution mechanisms under two joint police-military operations: Operation Cow Leg, which deals with long-running conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers over grazing rights; and Operation Vanguard, which addresses conflicts between the state and those involved in illegal small-scale mining popularly known as galamsey. Drawing on the literature on international peacekeeping, and using data collected via qualitative methods, the paper argues that while joint police-miliary operations such as Cow Leg and Vanguard are necessary, their implementation has failed to involve local people, and paid insufficient attention to the ways that local conflicts follow traditional processes of resolution.
Detection of Fusarium verticillioides in maize sold at some markets in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Adetayo T.O. , Olowe B.M. , Adetola O.O. , Olajide A.A.
Published: June 2022

Fusarium is a prominent fungal genus connected with maize in Africa. In this genus, there are two most common species (F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum) that have many toxigenic features and produce fumonisins. Fumonisins are a collection of economically significant mycotoxins that are widely found in maize-based foods and feeds across the globe. This preliminary study was conducted to detect the occurrence of Fusarium verticilliodes in infected maize collected from four main markets in the Ibadan metropolis. A total of ninety-five (95) maize samples were collected from three major commercial markets in Ibadan. Maize seeds were prepared following standard sterilization procedure after which, ten (10) seeds each were then plated on PDA media in triplicates and incubated at 25 oC for six days. Identification of isolates was performed using conventional cultural and morphological characteristics. Results show that the maize samples obtained from Apata market had the highest occurrence of Fusarium verticilliodes with 28.2% while the least occurrence of 22.3% was found in maize samples obtained from Bodija market. Other species of fungi, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Botryodiplodia Theobroma, were also detected with a negligible count. The study also revealed that there was a significant difference at p = 0.002 in the occurrence of Fusarium verticilliodes between the yellow and white maize seeds studied. These findings call for great concern as it detected that maize and maize-based feed consumed could be infected with Fusarium and fumonisin toxin.
Audit of in-hospital mortality by age and time-of-day among patients presenting to a low-resource Ugandan hospital
Authors: Ikomeko Brian , Mutiibwa George , Nabatanzi Pauline , Lumala Alfred , Kellett John
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Admission to hospital outside of normal working hours is consistently associated with poorer patient outcomes. Our aim was to determine the association of patients’ age and time of presentation to a low-resource Ugandan hospital with admission rate and in-hospital mortality.Method: Prospective observational non-interventional audit in the emergency and outpatient departments of Kitovu Hospital in Uganda, a low-resource sub-Saharan hospital. Data on age, sex, time of admission was collected from all non-pregnant patients during 2020 and 2021, and outcomes analysed.Results: Out of 17,133 patients who presented to the hospital 189 died in hospital (1.1% of all presentations and 7.9% of all admissions); 46 (24.3%) patients died within 24 hours of arrival (0.3% of all presentations and 1.9% of all admissions). Deaths within 24 hours of arrival in hospital were more likely in the very young and the old, and in those who presented at night and on the weekend.Conclusion: As many in-hospital deaths occur shortly after arrival, resuscitation skills are needed even in low-resource settings for as much of the 24-hour day as possible.
Die "Interpreten Europas" und der Kalte Krieg: Zeitdeutungen in den französischen, deutschen und polnischen Geschichts- und Literaturwissenschaften
Authors: Picht Barbara
Published: June 2022

Die Metapher vom Eisernen Vorhang überwinden: Zur Geschichte der europäischen Geistes- und Kulturwissenschaften im Systemkonflikt. Die Metapher vom Eisernen Vorhang beherrscht unsere Wahrnehmung des Kalten Kriegs bis heute. Doch welchen Einfluss hatte die Trennung zwischen Ost und West auf die sozial- und kulturhistorische Selbsterforschung Europas in der zeitgenössischen Geschichts- und Literaturwissenschaft? Barbara Picht macht das Ost-West-Paradigma selbst zum Untersuchungsgegenstand der Wissenschaftsgeschichte, anstatt es zu übernehmen. Sie analysiert signifikante kulturelle Selbstentwürfe im Europa des Kalten Krieges mit einem Schwerpunkt auf Geschichte und Literatur. Am Beispiel des Werkes von Fernand Braudel und Robert Minder (Frankreich), Werner Conze und Ernst Robert Curtius (BRD), Walter Markov und Werner Krauss (DDR) und Oskar Halecki und Czesław Miłosz (Polen bzw. US-amerikanisches Exil) zeigt sie, dass die "Interpreten Europas" der bipolaren Logik der Systemkonfrontation nicht gehorchten. Die "institutionelle Macht" des Kalten Krieges war sehr wohl zu spüren, doch vom beherrschenden Bild des iron curtain muss man sich lösen, geht es um die Geschichte der europäischen Geistes- und Kulturwissenschaften im Systemkonflikt.
The brain drain potential of skilled health workers from sub-Saharan Africa: A case study of pharmacy students in Nigeria
Authors: Amorha Kosisochi , Irobi Chinemerem , Udoh Arit
Published: June 2022

Background: The increasing migration of health workers from low- and middle-income countries is an ongoing public health concern. This study evaluated the brain drain potential of pharmacy students in Nigeria. 
Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of final year pharmacy students from three Nigerian universities. Data collection was done via a 46-item self-administered questionnaire.    
Results: There were 377 respondents. Reasons for potential emigration included better standard of living (n=334, 88.6%), access to advanced technology (n=330, 87.5%) and opportunity for professional development (n=341, 90.5%) in the destination countries. Respondents younger than 25 years were more likely to have a high emigration potential compared to those older (98.6% vs 84.6%, ꭓ2=10.816, p=0.029).    
Conclusion: This study showed high emigration potential for the surveyed final year pharmacy students. This highlights the need for interventions that will promote retention and limit brain drain.
Face Recognition and Automatic Attendance Management System using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: B Sahana Kumari , Gadiyar H. Manoj T. , Gaonkar Rajeshwari S , Nayak Rachana , Kademani Raksha R , Pattar Shreya S
Published: June 2022

An automated attendance management system maintains a record of the attendance of a particular student, whether he/she is present in the class. The most important element of the virtual platform for students is maintaining attendance in an educational institution. When done manually, it wastes a substantial amount of time and effort. Due to a lack of a reliable attendance mechanism, there were also numerous fraudulent attendances. The face is the most significant feature that distinguishes a person. As a result, the focus of this study is on an attendance system that uses a real time face identification method based on the frontal face recognition idea, as well as an efficient Haar cascade algorithm based on an open-source image processing framework as well as the Local Binary Pattern Histogram.
Algunas tesis para descolonizar la historia
Authors: De Sousa Santos Boaventura
Published: June 2022

Este trabajo plantear algunas ideas para descolonizar la historia. Realizar esta tarea requiere concebir el pasado como campo de conflicto entre fuerzas sociales y negar la existencia de una sola historia. Descolonizar es una intervención intelectual que se opone a las interpretaciones de la historia que reproducen la dominación moderna, capitalista, colonialista y patriarcal. Dichas interpretaciones utilizan el concepto de “línea abisal” para separar social y racialmente a los seres humanos, y el concepto de “tiempo lineal” para sostener una temporalidad unidireccional, acumulativa, irreversible y progresiva. Descolonizar la historia significa denunciar la existencia de esa forma dominante de concebirla, y afirmar la construcción de una historia post-abisal y no-lineal que tome en cuenta la irrupción de los oprimidos en los procesos sociales. La “historia de las ausencias” y la “historia de las emergencias” son herramientas para descolonizar la historia ya que muestran que el pasado no está cerrado y exhiben cómo los oprimidos confrontan las formas de dominación utilizadas por los opresores para caracterizar a los vencidos: “epistemicidio”, “kairocidio” y “timécidio”.